Disclaimer: Ronin Warriors belong to the people who created them. I am just some fan who wrote a story. Any original characters do belong to me, however. I doubt that anyone would want to use them, but if so, please let me know.

Note: This story centers around Sage. It takes place one year or so after the defeat of Talpa. This was my first fanfic I had written. Please tell me if I should continue.

Eternal Light

By: Cat Paws

~~~~ Chapter 1~~~~

            There was a gray haze over the land. It was cold and seemed to coat everything with its gloom. It was the perfect feel for the scene that was left in its wake.

            The remains of a great battle scattered themselves across the terrain. Pieces of wood stuck out ajar, this way and that. Bodies of those who would make this their final resting place lay scattered about showing how they died. The occasional tattered fabric, once a decorative flag, would move in the slight breeze.

            There seemed to be no living thing in this place of death and destruction. All the life had been sucked up by the cold, gray haze. Yet out of this, there stood a figure, the only survivor. It moved around its dead comrades as though pulled by some unseen force.

            He stumbled, caught his balance, and only then noticed that he, too, was as war torn as the battle field. His armor was cracked and stand with blood, some not his own. He looked at his hands. They shook and were a pale white. He felt out of place, as though he did not belong. He had no recollection of being in a fight, yet every part of his body told him he had taken part in this battle.

            He continued on, wondering about not really paying attention to were he was going. He switched himself to auto-pilot, allowing his mind to wonder free. What happened here? What caused this battle? What does it have to do with me? There's something here, something familiar. What is it? He pondered these questions, not coming to any conclusion.

            Slowly, he brought his attention back to walking. His foot hurt, giving him a limp he hadn't notice earlier. His body began to ache, begging him to stop and rest and give into death. It gnawed at him, making his progress sluggish. A few times, he almost gave in, stopping with the intention of sitting, but continuing on instead.

            Something was calling him, forcing him to move on, taking him to its final destination. This force was moving him so well that he, once more, disconnected himself from his body. His mind started to float about on aimless things. Where is my weapon? I must have lost it somewhere. I wonder why I had not gone to find it. Interesting. He looked around, hoping that maybe it would be near. His eyes searched for the glistening light that always emanated from his blade. Its familiar presence was not there.

            Suddenly, he stopped. His eyes focused on the massive structure before him. The outline of a large palace was there. The haze that concealed the details of the structure slid away to give him a complete view. He could not believe his eyes.

            There, before him, was the palace of a once hated enemy; an enemy that had nearly destroyed him and the world that he was to protect. This enemy had almost consumed the Mortal World, with the intention of molding it to suit its twisted vision. What had brought him here?

            He stood outside the dark monument. He had come here before, yet it was different. There was something missing, something important. What was it? He did not notice that he had begun to walk again. He had let his mind ponder those things instead of paying attention.

            He was now in a chamber, a huge, decorative chamber. The walls were covered with multicolored banners and tapestries, each telling a story. The floor was made of glittering tiles. The pillars were intricately carved with writing long forgotten. To see such a room in broad daylight would dazzle any spectator.

            But, this chamber's beauty was concealed by shadows. The only sources of light were two candles that seemed to burn an ode green. The flames danced about, at times, threatening to blow out.

             An uneasy feeling was now forming in the warrior. He wanted to run away from this chamber. To just turn around and run. Run, to put as much distance between him and this place as possible, now!

            Then it hit him. That was what was missing earlier, an uneasy feeling. This feeling released him from the trance like state that held him in the chamber. Get away from here, NOW!!

************

Sage bolted awake. His heart was beating hard and fast. His breath came in desperate gasps, his body covered in a cold sweat. He looked around the room trying to figure out were he was. His eyes were having difficulty focusing. He managed to make out a sleeping figure in the bed next to him. A closer examination confirmed that it was his friend, Rowen.

            Now that he was out of bed, Sage walked out onto the balcony. The cool morning air draped its dew on him, adding to the coolness of his body. He hardly noticed, though. He was trying to remember. This had been the third night that he woke up like this. When he and his friends had come to the lakeside mansion, he had hoped it would be a chance to have some peace. His life had been getting a little hectic as of late. So, when Mia invited him, along with the other Ronins, to stay at her place for a month or so during summer vacation, he gladly accepted the invitation.

            A tense and uneasy feeling made him grip the railing and glare at the scene before him. No matter how hard he tried, he could never remember anything. Once awake, the dream would disappear, but would leave its feeling to cling to him. He racked his brain, but could not remember the stupid dream, if it was a dream. Maybe there was something more to it.

            It was near dawn, the sun's rays being the only indication. They painted the sky yellow with flicks of orange. Sage normally got up about this time and so saw little point in trying to go back to sleep, as if he would be able to in the first place. His dream disturbed him more then it had before.

            Getting frustrated with having so many questions and not enough answers, Sage pushed aside those thoughts and prepared for the day. It was " Fend For Yourself Friday", meaning they would have to scrounge up their own meals. Cereal is starting to sound good right now, thought Sage as he made his bed. No wonder the guys hate Fridays. They all can't cook! Not that I'm any better, oh well. Laughing to himself, he headed to the shower.

            He stepped into the shower and proceeded to turn on the water. Hmmmm. One advantage to getting up early is that there is always plenty of hot water, he thought happily. I wonder how Rowen feels when he takes an ice cold shower. Maybe he's use to it.  

            Sage was beginning to feel pretty good, almost completely forgetting what happened earlier. He went downstairs, grabbed something quick to eat, and went outside. Morning was his favorite time; the beginning of a new day and the rejuvenation of life.

            He wandered through the forest, letting the sun, now slightly above the horizon, to warm him. Its rays seemed to be absorbed into him, making him stronger. He found a spot under a tree where the sun was not in his eyes but its rays could still reach him.

            He closed his eyes and quieted himself, clearing every thought out of his head. He let himself float about in the emptiness; it was so quiet and peaceful. He then wondered into another plane.

            This plane was filled with crystalline structures. He had been here before. He liked it here. The plants themselves were made of crystal! They seemed to move to a rhythm of their own in tune to that of the whole.

            Light came from everywhere, yet was not blinding to the eye. When the light hit the surface of an object it would cast rainbows across everything, intermixing with other rainbows creating new colors and wonderment.

            There was a faint sound mixing itself in with the sound of tinkling bells. The soft sound was not a part of the plane, but rather it came for something foreign. There was another being there, somewhere. He found himself focusing on the source of this sound, letting it guided him to its player.

            She swayed to the rhythm of the music, lost in her own world, her fingers moving gracefully across a flute. Suddenly, she stopped. She sensed a presence. Someone new was there, how exciting!

            She scanned the area. Where was it? There! A single figure stood amongst the trees. He was fairly tall and seemed to fit right in with the light, as though made of it.

            He stepped out from the cover of the trees seeing that she had spotted him. She rose and ran to him in one swift motion. Brother! I have found you; or rather you have found me.

            Who... She held him in a warm embrace. Surprise, joy, recognition, and understanding washed over him as they made contact.

            I've been looking for you! Now it will be complete!

            What are you talking about?

            I'm so happy.

            How…?

            Slowly, the surroundings began to dissolve, blending together. Sage opened his eyes. He was back in his body under the tree. The sun was now fairly high in the sky. He stood and slowly began his way back to the house.

            He wandered around a little thinking about what had happened. He had met someone, someone close to him. It was strange. The scene that had taken place was so unreal, yet there she was. There was something about her. Why did she run to him and call him brother? Then she touched him and.... nothing. Was there something more? He couldn't remember. There were a few minutes of silence before he came back to this world. What happened then?

            Sage looked around and realized that he had made it back to the house without even knowing it. I must have some kind of homing beacon that brings me back, he thought sarcastically.

            He came in the same way he had left, through the sliding glass door near the kitchen. He glanced in the kitchen and stopped short. Kento was busily piling leftovers together to make a rather unpleasant mess, though this did not seem to bother him.

            "Mornin' Sage," said Kento, a wide smile on his face.

            "Good morning. What are you doing?" asked Sage, with a disgusted look.

            "Breakfast. Want some?"

            "No thanks. I already ate."

            "Your loss." He shrugged and went back to what he was doing.

            "Right." He continued on his way, shaking his head. That guy will eat anything. "Blahhhh."

            He went to he living room and found Cye, Mia, and Ryo. Mia was primped and ready for the day, along with Cye. Ryo had on gray sweat pants and tank top. "Hey, Sage. You're just in time to help us convince Mia what a good idea it is if we teach her some martial arts moves," said Ryo, glancing at Mia. She gave him a fake smile.

            "That's not a bad idea," said Sage, thoughtfully.

            "Oh, great! Now there's three of you." She put her head in her hands, exasperated.

            "If you wait long enough, there'll be five," retorted Sage.

            "Very funny."

            "Come on, Mia. It wont be so bad," said Cye, cheerfully.

            "I guess..." thought Mia.

            "Then you'll be able to defend yourself against all those bozos who try and mess with you," added Ryo.

            "Like you guys?"

            "Hey!!" They said in unison.

            "Just kidding," said Mia, laughing.

            "Oh yeah? Just for that, training starts today," said Ryo, crossing his arms.

            "Sounds good. I could use the workout," said Sage.

            "What?! Now?!" claimed Mia, her eyes getting big.

            "Why not?" asked Cye. Just then, Rowen walked past the door looking less then alive.

            "Rowen!" He backtracked and glanced in.

            "Hmmm?"

            "Training this afternoon."

            "Hmkay," he stated halfheartedly then turned to head to the kitchen.

            "I wouldn't go in there just yet," warned Sage.

            "Why?"

            "At least wait until Kento comes out."

            "Talkin' about me?" Kento popped into the room an inquisitive look on his face.

            "Never mind."

            "Okay?" said Rowen, raising an eyebrow and continuing on.