Disclaimer: I own none of the characters.

Omg, I'm actually writing again. And in the KaRe Wave no less. I'm hoping this is the jump I need in to finishing my fics.

So here's my first entry into the KaRe Wave. Enjoy this overly long chapter. And I apologize if the plot moves a bit quickly, but I wanted to jump in and use the background info. in the story as it comes up.

Enjoy!

"Bring those bags over here!"

"No! Over here!"

"You've all had your fill! We haven't had our portions yet!"

Similar cries echoed through the crumbling city. What had once been a proud illustrious creation of grandeur was now scarred from the affects of plague and famine that had coerced itself the city like an angry storm. A city that once stood out against the lush forestry that occupied the land with its temples, buildings, columns, and statues now blended in with the decaying scenery that devastated the land. The city had taken on a blanket of smoke that dulled everything and took the life and energy out of its citizens.

The proud capital Sasin of Achisa and home of the god of the land now went through its days striving to get through. Although the god's main temple of worship resided in this city he was trying to preserve his realm from the plague and famine that pushed through the lands by the god Taevilor. Taevilor had always been restless and demanding. Famine and plague were his two hands. All the gods of the realms had similar abilities, but they each had a preferred "art". The god of Achisa preferred the arts which was or had been stated by his magnificent city that he had planted into his people's minds as well as the magnificent treasures that came out of this land.

The god was not always present and had instilled royal families throughout his land and intervened with them periodically. Order had been maintained for centuries, but not even kings can stop the strong forces of famine and plague when they themselves were victims. One by one the royal families lost stability creating a strain on the god to preserve his land and people.

"Why does our god not help us anymore? Are we not his favourite?"

"Just because his temple is here does not make us his favourite, my child. Looking down upon others like that is not our way."

"We should call the god for more assistance or guidance at the least. Our guilds' supplies are diminishing. Our king is dead; there is little connection with the other cities. Soon we'll have nothing and perish."

The citizens grew restless and tired as the days has quickly turned into weeks and then into months of disease and death. Corpses had been collected daily and burned outside the city repelling even the scavengers that lingered in the wild. The dead ranged from every corner of the city and even children were not spared by the plague. Inside, the city faired no differently. Lining the streets were people trudging wearily around the bodies that slumped against the walls of the buildings. Supplies were handed out in scarce amounts. Children cried as their small stomachs ached through the grumbling pulsations.

"Mommy…I'm hungry."

"I know. We're trying to get food."

"You said that yesterday."

"Yes, I did but--"

"Here." A hand extended out from behind the crouched figure of the weary mother. She turned her head, charcoal knotted locks following her movements. Her hands were covered in dirt and the thin dress she wore was tearing at the edges. She looked up at the figure behind her with her coal coloured eyes hands still placed on her child who was similar in appearance gripping the edges of his ragged attire.

In front of her was a slim youth with long ebony locks that were tied with a simple piece of crimson ribbon. Long bangs framed his face which was gentle with amber eyes that were emphasized against soot-streaked skin. A compassionate smile was painted across his face with the smallest hint of a fang that half of the citizens possessed. He was dressed in simple attire that consisted of a slightly loose grey tunic which sleeves were rolled up to the elbows. A mahogany frayed sash was tied around his waist while faded black leggings wrapped around his legs diving down under calf-high laced soft-soled boots that were beginning to show signs of weathering.

His arm was outstretched; the skin marked with dirt and grime, but in his hand was a loaf of bread that looked like a piece of heaven. The woman stared at the food before her eyes flashed up to meet his.

"Rei, where did you get this?" She asked pulling her small son to her chest as she stared shocked at the neko-jin. A small laugh escaped from him.

"I was in the castle. There's quite a bit of food in the storage. A few of us were looking for supplies since it's pretty much vacant now. I found a few slices of smoked meat and managed to trade it for some loaves of bread. There wasn't a lot, but enough for a while, but here. Take it." Rei explained. The woman looked down at her son before closing her eyes. She sighed.

"Rei, thank you. You're always too kind. I only hope you are not starving yourself for our benefit." She said. Rei shook his head and she hesitantly accepted the offering tearing off a small portion for the child who hungrily accepted it.

"Don't worry Maorie. I had my fill earlier. Besides he's not sick and needs his strength. So do you too for that matter." Rei said straightening up as Maorie stood up as well a good few inches taller then Rei. She smiled graciously, age beginning to show itself in her face.

"Still you need to take care of yourself once in a while." She said putting a hand on Rei's shoulder.

"I know and I will. Don't worry." The ebony-haired one said as he turned around, waving farewell to the pair before he moved down the street. He weaved through the people in the streets making his way towards the inner-city no plan in his destination. Everywhere he looked he saw devastation, even in the animals that struggled to have a share of food. He awoke this morning in his makeshift bed in a loft above one of the temples to the sounds of others gathering supplies and talking loudly. From there he had been dragged across the city to the palace to help scavenge for food. Locating food was not hard since Rei had explored the castle many times before when the famine began. The prospect of finding food was great, but when the amount of food added up to what used to be a family's daily portion then the ideal decreased. But food was food and there would be no argument. Besides Rei didn't have a family at home to feed, so gathering for himself was not as bad as some of the others in the city.

Sighing he turned down another street stopping to let a cart of food go by, as people waited to see if any pieces would fall. Rei had been on the streets long enough to know tricks to getting food and how to survive with the bare minimum at hand. He remembered when everything started eight years ago. For eight years he had seen the city struggle and then fall. He was now nineteen and things were no better. The city was starting to become hostile with the lack of equality and order that had held for so long. Scratching the side of his head, he turned another corner before he stopped.

Up ahead people were starting to gather around. Rei knew that the city's most centered square was up ahead. Les citoyennes triomphé (1) was what it was called by the god as he had dubbed it due to the citizens' winnings and freedom.

Rei stood on his toes to try to see, but failed. Huffing at being unable to see around the bodies that stood in front of the entrance to the street, Rei gracefully pushed his way through the crowd till he was at the edge of the opening lingering close to a building's wall. In an opening in the center of the square he saw a figure which everyone of the city—or land for that matter recognized. He stood humble yet powerful in his spot next to the fountain of a powerful alabaster unicorn that was in a stance of victory.

"My lord, you must be aware of how bad it is here."

"Mon ami.…I can feel this land's pain as if it were my own. You mustn't give up yet. I am doing my best to help you and protect this city, but my entire realm is suffering." The chartreuse coloured hair stood out amongst the crowd. He was the picture of the quiet divine; Peaceful, gentle, merciful, but with the ability to be condemning. He stood shorter then most of the citizens, and where the citizen were dressed in dirty garments, his seemed to repel dirt of any kind letting the true whiteness and colour of his clothes shine. He was dressed in pearl white breeches that were tucked into boots that were soft and had golden intricate designs around the edges. His collared tunic was made of silk and had silver and golden clasps, followed by a long, eloquent white robe that bore the design of his heavenly pet, the same unicorn portrayed as the fountain.

Despite the amount of times Rei had seen the god Olivier he was always in awe of his presence. Scanning the crowd silently he watched as the god tried to calm down the people as they came forward to argue and plea.

"If it hurts you, is there not a way to fix this? We're losing more and more everyday."

"Why is Taevilor angry? We have never done anything to interfere with him. Why is he upset?"

Olivier smiled sadly as his people asked questions that even he didn't know. Taevilor was on his own reign. Rumour was that he was trying to build a divine empire. There was power in the lands and Olivier knew that Taevilor thought that he was weak. Olivier couldn't interfere with how mortal lives played out, but he could try to give them advice, news, or insight into how they should act. His power was more to the forces of the divine world. That is where his powers laid. This mortal realm was a world handed to him to look after and share his gifts with.

"Taevilor is filled with greed, that which is unmatched by any mortal. He doesn't care what lives he loses even if they are under his watch." Olivier sighed turning to look around the crowd surveying the weary faces. Signs of malnutrition were beginning to show. It pained him to see his people in such a state.

"I can not do anything while he's coercing his battailloninto this realm. All my efforts are being put into salvaging what I can. He knows I cannot contact any of the other gods as long as I am stuck here. I would not be surprised if the other gods were not aware of our situation. I am sorry." Olivier explained as he glanced at a pair of sobbing women in despair. This is not what he wanted. He wanted to help his people, but there was little he could actually do. Sighing mentally, he realized that these people wanted action now. There would be no rest until something was done. He had an option for the people, but he was not sure how well it would work. Looking around the crowd he straightened himself and went forth.

"Forgive me at releasing this thought from my mind now. I'm not sure how successful this may be and I do not want to force my own responsibilities on my own people." He started unsure of the reaction he would receive. Clearing his throat he continued. "Since I cannot leave, my only suggestion would be to send one of you."

Voices flowed through the crowd. Questions and words of doubt began to reach Olivier. He held up a porcelain-like hand silencing the crowd.

"I would be more than willing to help you here. I would give you safe passage to the borders and under cover from Taevilor's eyes. It may not be much, but if you have a ray of hope in your hearts then this is your option. A risky and challenging one I'm afraid." Olivier said. The crowd began to whisper until it became shouting as questions surrounded the chartreuse haired god.

"What would we have to do?"

"Where would we go?"

"Who do we send?"

"Please!" Olivier called out, his soft voice echoing through the streets. The crowd began to quiet down again as the god demanded their attention. Rei was surprised at the outburst. His god never looked so desperate let alone raised his voice. It certainly had the right reaction. Rei looked around the crowd as men, women, and, children waited for him to continue. Across from Rei, from what he saw was what was left of the senate, their voices together were loud and the ones asking most of the questions. Rei sighed as he realized this suggestion had stir conflict in their minds. Olivier looked around before he started again.

"Please, listen. I do not know who you will choose to send. That is your choice. Secondly, the best way to inform the other gods would be to contact the god of Cryanie. If there is one god who would take another realm under his care or persuade the others without involving Taevilor, it is him." Olivier explained. The crowd was silent as they listened as if his words were written law. There were sounds of movement behind him. Turning around he noticed the senate whispering back and forth. He patiently waited for them to finish their discussion. They nodded before they began. Turning to Olivier the addressed him.

"My lord, how soon would you require us to choose someone?" One of the men asked.

"My hope would be two days at the most. I cannot stay here long." Olivier responded, the pull of his spirit demanding to go to another city to help. The men talked for another minute before nodding and turning back to Olivier.

"Two days will be sufficient. We will have a person chosen by then. If there is any information you can offer later it will be appreciated in helping us achieve this."

Olivier smiled and nodded in their decision. Slowly the crowd began to break up and disperse. Olivier's amethyst eyes watched his people turn and walk back to their homes. A sad smile etched its way onto his face. A few of the citizens approached him, bowing and kissing his hands in appreciation and honour. He humbly told them there was no need and that he was only looking after his people whom he loved. He did not doubt the hope in these people, just their reasoning.

'They need someone of courage, skill, and patience to accomplish even just a fraction, not one of brute strength and endurance.' He thought to himself, instinct telling him what type of person they would chose in the end. Sighing he turned around to meet golden eyes.

"You smile is sad my lord." The ebony haired neko-jin announced. Olivier knew this face. He let out a small laugh.

"So it seems that not even a god is immune to the sadness that streaks this city." Olivier replied. The young one nodded as he looked around.

"True. They seem to despair more and more everyday." Rei said observantly as he watched the god nod in agreement.

"Walk with me?" Olivier asked for formality. He knew Rei would not refuse him.

"Certainly." The neko-jin responded as they both turned around and continued down a street that was lined with ionic columns and arches that towered over them.

"My hope is that someone will be able to get out and notify the others. I have already lost a few cities in the west. The pain pulls at my heartstrings. I do not wish to lose another, but Taevilor is a vicious tyrant of a god."

"Well maybe your heart will be lighter with someone being sent. My heart definitely flutters at this hope." Rei replied calmly, a smile on his face. Olivier studied the man next to him before shaking his head.

"I am glad that they are so eager to help, but I fear that their restlessness to achieve such a goal will cloud their judgment. Their choice is not one I would pick." Olivier said expressing his concerns. Rei stopped and stared at the god with wide eyes. The god stopped as well to face him.

"Then why would you--"

"It's not my position to make their decisions. Their mind is their own."

"But –"

"What led you to talk to me today?" Olivier asked catching Rei off guard. The neko-jin opened his mouth to say something, but closed it quickly. A look of concentration came over his face as he tried to remember what pushed him to move forward. A look of dawning crossed over Olivier's face.

"Maybe it seems that fate has a say in this decision." Olivier said calmly voicing his idea. Rei looked at Olivier with a confused look before realization struck. His eyes widen before he shook his head. He looked around frantically incase anyone was watching his outburst only to realize that people were frozen in their movements. He only just realized the silence that had settled over the area. Turning his attention back to Olivier he saw that the god was staring at him intuitively. Somewhere in Rei's discovery Olivier had stopped time in the surrounding area. A small feat, but one that could only go for a small while lest it be taken advantage of if noticed. Rei sighed desperately.

"I'm not made for this. I barely have any experience. I'm not what is needed for this." Rei said frantically. This morning he had been happy enough just to find that there was still food in the castle's cellars. If life revolved around happy discoveries like that he could live with it.

"Experience maybe not, but knowledge you have. Given the chance ten minutes ago I would have chosen you, and I'm sure there are others who would agree. You love your city, and you would do what you could to help it." Olivier said urging Rei to understand.

"Why suggest this anyways? I'm not who they're going to chose, even if I go and explain my reasoning." Rei argued about to continue when he saw the sad look that passed over Olivier's face. Rei didn't like the feeling that came over him with this look. Deciding to be quiet he let Olivier speak.

"I know that whoever they chose will not make it. Rei…" Oliver paused until the other looked at him. "…If you cherish the lives of these people then you'll help."

Rei looked dejectedly at the god before sighing and closing his eyes. Five minutes ago he was managing with his existence in his place that he had been set.

"The others won't —"

"They won't know. Leave now with me, while they are busy deciding. There is no need to bring anything. Food you can gather as you need it. I'll follow through with my promised help to you as I will the other." Olivier said hurriedly as he watched Rei fight with himself. It was easy to read the fright and doubt that swam through Rei's mind. Olivier smiled in his mind. If there was the courage he knew then Rei would in the end agree.

Rei didn't know what to do. Everything felt unreal at this moment. He was being asked to travel out of his own land to another land that he had only read about and heard stories. He had no idea what he had to face. He was unnerved of going into a situation he had no idea of and what was going to happening. His parents…He sighed gripping his hair in aggravation. His parents would tell him to do what he thought was best, and damn his heart for telling him this was the best choice for everyone. Focusing back he cursed slightly realizing the god was not going to let him throw away this chance.

"….I…fine, but whoever they chose will die…right?" Rei said quietly the impact of what his choice involved. Olivier nodded his head staring at Rei with clear eyes.

"I can't save everyone." He said simply. Rei stared back, tears lining his eyes. He closed his eyes to stop the tears, nodding slowly as he turned his head to the side. Olivier reached out and placed a comforting hand on the other's arm.

"Rei…don't let one chance destroy the lives of thousands." Rei was silent for a minute before he nodded opening his eyes. Olivier smiled slightly at the look of determination that peaked out from the corner of the amber eyes.

"Alright." Rei said simply, his voice thick. Olivier nodded pulling Rei's arm causing the other to follow him down another street and out the east gate of the city before the people in the city became reanimated and noise filled the area once again.

Glancing back over his shoulder Rei looked back at the gate and saw a sentry's head turn away from him as he crossed a path with Olivier. Looking back to Olivier he focused on how the god kept his eyes forward, focused on the task of taking Rei to the borders. Tears threatened to fall from his eyes, but he bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself. It would do no good for him now he told himself. Moving away from the thoughts that swirled in his mind he focused his attention on his surroundings.

"Ah…Lord Olivier, you can let go. I won't try to run away." Rei said as he ducked a branch that stuck out into the road. A small laugh was heard.

"It's no so much you running away, but this is the only way that you'll get there without anything noticing. I wasn't lying when I said that Taevilor has eyes. He uses them in many forms. A few of them have gotten passed my guard I'm afraid." Olivier explained and he turned pulling Rei deeper into the forest foliage.

Rei's brow knitted. They were already here?

"Finally." Olivier said, ten minutes later as they came to a stop. Rei stopped quickly avoiding bumping into the other. Peering over the smaller one's shoulder his eyes widened.

A neigh sounded throughout the area as the sound of hooves echoed throughout the trees.

"That's…." Rei said, unable to continue. Olivier smiled proudly.

"Unicorion." (2) Olivier stated, confirming Rei's thoughts. The unicorn slowed down until it stopped in front of his master. Nudging Olivier's raised hand it moved to nudge Rei's head. Rei looked up at the majestic creature. The statues in the city did not give justice to the real thing. His coat was brighter then any white Rei had seen.

"Fastest and safest way to travel without me accompanying you." Rei opened his mouth to protest, but Olivier stopped him. "I said I would give you safe passage to the border. This is it. I can't waste time taking you to the border myself, but with Unicorion you will have the exact same protection. He'll get you there safely." Olivier explained.

"What do I do when I get there?" Rei asked nervously not liking his situation even more than before.

"When you reach the border, you need to continue in the same direction until you hit the sea. From there you'll need to find passage across. There are quite a few ships willing to take on passengers for a price. Your best chance is to get to a city called Renormi. I have a friend there who will help you get to Cryanie. He goes by the name Enrique there, I believe. He may not help you though with that name, so if you come across him and he ignores you, then use 'Giancarlo'. He'll know it'll be important." Olivier finished, as Rei only stared back at him.

"Rei….this is not something that is going to be accomplished easily." Olivier said as Rei rubbed his head.

"I know… I realize that…but…"

"If there is anybody who stands a chance it's you." Olivier said supportively but firmly.

"I don't want to do this alone." Rei whispered lowering is head.

"And you won't be. Now, get up on Unicorion. I don't want you to waste any more time." Rei sighed before pulling himself up to sit on the unicorn's back. Olivier let go of his arm and stepped back. Looking up at Rei he smiled at the uncomfortable look on the neko-jin's face.

"He won't let you fall or get lost. He knows the way."

(1) – My French has gone down in quality so I'm not exactly sure that I got this right, but pretend I guess.

(2) – The info. Page in the forum said it was spelled this way. I remember it as Unicolyon, but either way I think we know which one I'm talking about.

So that's it for now.

Please review.