CHAPTER 18
PAST
"The Priestess of Byakko slept soundly as the mysterious pain started to fade off."
Freyja woke up and found a note on the side table of her room. She picked it up and slowly opened it. "What is this?" Freyja couldn't understand Chinese characters. Although the letter itself made her feel very nervous, as if something bad just happened, she chose to stay calm. After a quick change, she walked out of the room for breakfast. However, much to her surprise, she saw the Byakko seven, headed by Karasuki, all together. "Um… what's going on?" She asked walking close to them. They could only look at her with depressed eyes. "Hey, What's the matter?" She started to feel nervous again. "Karasuki! What's wrong?" She asked, while holding his sleeves.
"His highness is nowhere to be found… again."
Freyja felt her heart skip a beat. Then, she pulled the letter out and immediately handed it over to Karasuki. "Here, I found this in my table… tell me, what does it say!" She started to panic. Karasuki quietly read the letter.
"What does it say?" She asked impatiently. Karasuki put on a sad face as he handed it to Amefuuri, who read the letter next.
"I am afraid you already know who is it from…" Karasuki said with a sigh. "Kirin?"
Amefuuri read the letter aloud.
"Freyja, I am going to attend some important matters. Don't come looking for me. Just wait patiently. In a week. –Kirin."
"So it's just it." Zam sighed. "I thought he was kidnapped or something…"
"He does this all the time…" Amefuuri explained.
"I wonder what kinds of matters he's attending to, I mean, to leave without a word?" Tatara asked his brother. "Hm… you're right Tatara. It must be that important that he has to leave immediately." Tokaki cupped his chin.
"Yes, and he didn't even inform anyone in the palace." Tokaki and Tatara's words gave her the idea that something is indeed wrong.
"He scared us…" Toroki laughed. Subaru nodded.
It was quite a relief that he went away on purpose. But, for some weird reason, Freyja felt very nervous… so nervous and anxious that it feels like Kirin is going to be in some danger. Freyja shook her head and smiled. "I believe in him. Kirin will definitely come back." She convinced herself knowing that Kirin is indeed strong. "He will…."
Days passed by and the Byakko seven tried their best to keep the priestess occupied. Tokaki, like his usual noisy self, would always bug herm challenge her in all sorts of contests, eating contest, running, etc. Tatara, noticing that Freyja often space out, played his ocarina to cheer her up. "Freyja-chan, His Highness will come back soon…" He would always remind her with a smile. And then, Freyja would nod with a smile. "He will."
The afternoon lessons continued. Amefuuri taught the priestess in Kirin's place. Although he knows that Freyja is worried, he can't help but to admire her concentration when it comes to fighting. However, he could also, see the difference of her performance. Amefuuri sighed, and with his usual serious face, he approached the priestess. "Freyja…" He stared at her for quite a while. "Um… is there something wrong ame?" She can't help but to feel a bit scared. Then, amefuuri patted her head. "You are worrying too much." He scolded. "B-but…."
"Kirin is an assassin, he didn't survive all these years for nothing did he?" Amefuuri's words made sense.
"Of course!" She cheerfully replied.
"He'll be here again in no time and show that arrogant face of his. By then, we should show him that we aren't slacking off." Amefuuri faced the girl with a gentle smile. "So, shall we continue?"
Freyja realized that everyone is doing their best to cheer her up. And hearing Amefuuri's reassuring words, she stood up, filled with her usual energy. "Let's go then!"
Toroki also took Freyja on a hunting trip. Toroki, like the others said the same thing. Knowing that the priestess is biothered by the prince' disappearance. Subaru, as quiet as he is, could only conjure flowers for the priestess. "Ahw, Subaru is so boring!" Tokaki clumsily commented noticing that Subaru prefers to read books instead of going out. "Im a sorcerer, what do you expect?" He plainly replied, going back to the book that he is reading.
"Anyway, to make yourself useful, go and conjure something to eat!" Tokaki bluffed. "Big idiot!" Subaru closed the book and immediately conjured thorny vines, which ran after Tokaki. "YAhhh! Get that thing away from me!" Subaru sat quietly, and continued reading. "Ah… peace…" He calmly said while Tokaki is being chased by his crazy plants.
"They look fine, don't they?" Karasuki emerged from behind the priestess, who was watching Subaru and Tokaki all along. "K-Karasuki!"
"Im relieved to see you alright…" He said with his usual gentle smile.
"Um, Karasuki…" Freyja and Karasuki were taking a walk in the palace corridors. "Hm?"
"How can you stay calm most of the time?" Freyja innocently asked, noticing the calm and gentle attitude of the celestial warrior. Karasuki chuckled. "Well, I am not really calm most of the time. In fact, I worry often and I also get very emotional." He replied.
"EH! Not true!" She asked, surprised.
"You see, I was raised as a soldier by the late general of Sairou. And, he always say that 'to be calm is the first thing to do to achieve victory.'" He explained.
"Wow! My Aniki would always say that to me. 'Freyja, clear your mind!'" She mimicked him, "But I couldn't do it like you do!"
"No, in fact I think you do it well."
"Eh?"
"Uh huh. Freyja is noisy and like a child most of the time. She speaks what is on her mind and can get very emotional. But, in times of need, she is very serious and smart." Karasuki winked and she blushed.
"Uhm… do I really look like a child that much?" She pouted while scratching her head. Karasuki nodded.
"Yeah. But, I love that Freyja. And, you are great as you are. No matter what, just be yourself." Freyja was moved by Karasuki's words.
Just then, the serious moment was interrupted by a bunch of girls. "Kyah! Its Lord Karasuki!" They heard one girl scream. "Karasuki-sama, you're still single right!" Another one shouted.
"Oh shoot." He sweatdropped. "Run Freyja!" He grabbed her hand and they quickly ran away from them. "Karasuki fans club? Since when did Karasuki's rabid fangirls able to enter the palace!" She was somewhat annoyed. "They are in the Emperor's harem." He explained while running. "Karasuki surely is popular, I can't blame them…" She thought with a grin, knowing that she had a crush on Karasuki before.
"I'm sorry ladies." Karasuki suddenly stopped running. And Freyja, looked back at him while running, slammed against a post. "O-ouch…"
"Karasuki-sama?"
"But, I already have one girl in my heart…" He immediately pulled Freyja close to her. "My Freyja…" He whispered. And with the surprised girl on his arms, he jumped off the rails.
"Ahw! Lord Karasuki so manlyl!" The girls cried in a daze.
Meanwhile, Karasuki apologized for saying such sudden things. "I'm sorry Freyja… are you hurt?"
"I'm fine! You really thought of a great excuse Karasuki!" She explained. "Oops…" She suddenly remembered his confession not too long ago. "How could I forget about such a thing!" She thought.
Karasuki swiftly kissed her forehead. "It's not an excuse." He whispered while turning his back, hiding his blush. He didn't know why he did such thing, but he was troubled seeing the priestess depressed because of Kirin's absence.
"I know you are waiting for him. You don't have to hide it. I know I could never be like him, I'm sorry." Just as when he was about to leave, Freyja felt guilt overflowing from her heart. She rushed to him and stopped him with an unintentional embrace. "No! Karasuki!"
"Please don't say such things." She felt guilty for making Karasuki feel sad. "But I am really worried about Kirin right now. He didn't say a single word to me, and that really disturbed me." She explained.
Just then, without a single word, the usually gentle Karasuki roughly pulled her.
"Karasuki! What are you doing?" She felt uneasiness in him. "Hey, Karasuki!"
After a few turns, Karasuki threw Freyja into his bed and pinned her down. "What are you doing! Let me go!" She panicked. "No! I won't. You will surely chase after him!" He said in an unusually raised tone. "Why is it… that it has to be him all the time!" He exclaimed. Freyja was surprised, for Karasuki is acting out of character. Just then, he roughly kissed her, in spite of Freyja resisting. "I won't let you go!" He exclaimed. Freyja didn't know what to do, for she also didn't want Karasuki to be sad. However, just as when he was about to kiss her once more, the door slammed open.
"Amefuuri!" Freyja was surprised to see him barge in.
"General, just what do you think you're doing to Freyja?" He asked with piercing eyes. Karasuki knew that Amefuuri would not hesitate to beat him up if he continues. Regaining his senses, he let go of her and sighed. "I'm sorry Freyja… you see, my emotions got over me." He apologized. Freyja nodded, with her face blazing red.
"Let's go." Amefuuri quickly marched to her and pulled her hand.
"Thank you Amefuuri." She thanked him while walking through the corridors. Amefuuri didn't reply and instead, gave her a pat. "Go to rest. I advice to stay away from that pervert for a while." He sounded annoyed. "But I'm sure that Karasuki must have a reason." She murmured. "Really, he is gentle and chivalrous, but he also gets twisted by his emotions. So, if you don't plan on returning his feelings, better stay away for a while." Amefuuri patted her head once more before leaving. However, the priestess would just think more about Kirin, for in times like these, he was the one she usually confides to.
Even though she tried her best to hide it, she would always, by night, come to the place where she and Kirin would always meet. There, she laid down the grass and she would always look up at the constellations of the sky. "Please take care of Kirin…." She prayed hard.
Six days have passed already and Kirin still hasn't come back. The feeling of fear started to envelop the priestess. And, on that night, her celestial warrior, Kokie, or Zam, came to her.
"Idiot." She hit her head hard. "Heey!"
"You are hiding something from us… aren't you?" She noticed her weird behavior. "Spill it Freyja, go on!"
" Kirin is in danger…. He is…." Freyja spoke of the truth. "There is a feeling inside of me, that says that I must go to him!"
"Freyja…"
"But I also believe in Kirin. I believe that he will come back… but still…"
"There is a story about a boy holding an egg. He held the egg to tight and it broke. And when he loosed his grip, it fell." Zam said and Freyja carefully listened. "If you hold on too tight, it might break and if you let go it will fall. But, what's important is that you should know when to hold on and when to let go."
"…"
"Freyja, have more faith in your brain. Okay? You are able to fight against teachers, excel in numerous things… so I know that this is a piece of cake for you… well not really. Anyway!" Zam stood up. "We'll always be behind you. Okay?"
Zam left an enlightened Girl. Freyja knew that they were all right. She has to go on and believe in Kirin. But. Just like the story Zam told her, she has to know when to hold on and when to let go.
"Kirin is totally uninterested in Sairou politics, so, the reason of his leaving must be connected to 'that' pain. It surely is." Freyja stood up, looked at the stars with her decided eyes. "This time, I'll chase after him.
CHAPTER 19
FAMILY
For six long days, she patiently waited, always sitting by the tree where they used to meet. Freyja's anxiety grew stronger and stronger day by day and even up to now, Kirin still hasn't come back. Freyja knew that something is wrong. After a quick preparation, she rushed to Toroki's quarters. "Toroki!"
She found him and his falcon. "Yes Freyja?"
"Toroki… I have a favor to ask of you… and only you can help me…" She seriously begged.
"Anything! What can I do?" He was more than willing to help her. "Tell me."
"Toroki, can you accompany me to Taitskun once more? Just the two of us. "
"To Taitskun? Why?"
"Kirin hasn't returned yet, and I can sense danger… The truth is, before he left, we were feeling the same kind of pain. It was mysterious. And, I believe that it is connected to that. I know this is selfish… but, I really wanted to know where he is. And Taitskun is the only one who can tell us!"
Toroki fell silent. "Karasuki won't allow you for sure…." He warned.
"I know…." Freyja felt disappointed, feeling that Toroki won't agree either.
"But, I will help you, with all that I can. If Freyja wants to go, then we will. Right Seidan?" He smiled and made a thumbs up.
"Kyeahhh!" Seidan made a sound, as if agreeing with what Toroki just said.
With this, Freyja smiled. "Really! Thank you!"
"My loyalty is more of to Freyja. So I will help you with everything that I could."
Freyja was touched by his words. "Toroki… Seidan…"
"Let's head to Taitskun by night. We will sneak out of the palace. By then, we have to make the necessary preparations." Toroki suggested and Freyja nodded. "Got it."
Time passed by quickly, and Freyja secretly prepared for their journey. She packed Food, water, medicine and weapons with her best stealth. She also took her sword with her and hung in on her back. Toroki did the same. And, in the middle of the night, Freyja and Toroki secretly met on the palace gardens.
"Let's go Freyja." Tokaki and Freyja looked at each other and nodded. Seidan grew to an enormous size once more before the two jumped onto him. "To Taitskun…" Toroki whispered and Seidan immediately understood his master's orders.
"On that night, The celestial warrior Toroki and The priestess of Byakko journeyed to the land of Konan, to seek the aid of the oracle Taitskun."
"What!" Toroki almost fell off Seidan upon hearing Freyja's story.
"Yes, and actually, it is only you who knows about this except for Kirin and me. SO…" Freyja decided to tell Toroki about Kirin's secret.
"So you mean that Byakko himself is inside Kirin, so, there are two Byakkos? Argh! I'm confused!" He exclaimed.
"The Byakko inside Kirin was the original Byakko. But, when he chose to abdicate the throne, he was reborn as Kirin, and some other celestial being took his place as Byakko. But, for some reason, the new Byakko couldn't obtain the full powers of the old Byakko. And that is why he couldn't protect Sairou just like how the other gods protects their empires." Freyja clarified her explanations and Toroki understood.
"I see, so that is it… Freyja, could it be that Kirin realized the reason behind that mysterious pain and left without you because he knew that it would be dangerous?" Toroki's words made sense.
"It is like him indeed. But, the more reason why I must go and look for him."
Toroki looked at her and smiled. "You really care so much about him… even when I first saw you and him, you were always acting roughly when it comes to Kirin."
Freyja fell silent, unable to deny his claims.
"Like them, I was also an orphan. In fact, I grew without parents at all." Toroki began to tell his story. Freyja listened carefully.
"A group of rangers living in the mountains of the north raised me, and, just like them, I grew up to be a ranger. I don't have such experiences such as His Highness or Karasuki's or Amefuuri's or even Tatara and Tokaki's. In fact, I happily grew with the animals in the mountains. Seidan was still a chick when I found him, and, since I couldn't find his mother, I decided to take care of him. Because I thought that he was just like me."
"Toroki." Freyja smiled.
"Whenever I fell in trouble, this character on my left leg would always shine brightly and then I could feel the rush of power inside me. And because of this, I realized that I was a celestial warrior. That, I was taken from the stars to guard the Priestess of Byakko. One day, Hokkan forces infiltrated the mountains and burnt the forests and our fortress. Many died, and they told me to escape. Seidan and I were able to escape. And, whenever there is trouble, we always survived because we could run away fast." He laughed. "But you know Freyja, until I met you, I realized that all I did was to escape. And so..."
"I came back because I want to protect Sairou!"
Toroki remembered the first time that they met. "I said that it would be great if I would fight too. And, just like how I picked Seidan up, when he was still a chick, I felt that Freyja also picked me up and took me to a place where I can call home." He smiled warmly at her. Freyja's heart thumped, feeling happy of what he just said.
"Isn't it that much of a coincidence that the Byakko seven are orphans? I mean, excluding Zam. But still, It feels kind of awkward…" She replied with a sad face.
Toroki gently held her face. "No it isn't. They said that the Byakko seven were stars that were taken from the heavens and were sent here to aid the priestess. It means that we are born for you. And our purpose is to protect you with all of our lives. It is an honor, that above all the souls out there, we were the ones blessed with the mark and the opportunity to stay by your side."
Freyja sincerely smiled. "Toroki…"
"And… we are a family. We might not be like the usual ones, but we are. And, if you're going to ask me, I prefer to be the Toroki now, than to be a normal boy with a normal family. They don't have a Freyja for a priestess!" He joked and Freyja chuckled. "I'm glad that you smiled again." Toroki grinned. Freyja smiled and nodded, feeling a lot better. "We will reach Taitskun by tomorrow, so for now, we have to sleep. Seidan slowly landed and there, they all slept on the cold ground. However, Freyja didn't mind it at all, for she was relieved that she had great friends with her after all.
"Good night…" Toroki said.
"Good night!" She replied. But, Toroki suddenly stood up.
"Huh?"
All of a sudden, he leaned to her and gave her a peck on her cheek before lying down again. Freyja blinked twice, unable to comprehend why Toroki did such thing.
"Morning came, and Seidan began to fly once more. Since Seidan is already familiar with the paths, it only took them a day to reach mount Taikyouku, the dwelling of the Taitskun in Konan."
"Priestess of Byakko… what brings you here?" Taitskun asked with her usual tone.
"I have an important favor to make Taitskun…. You see, we need to know where Kirin is. He left without a trace and he still haven't come back." Freyja explained.
"By any chance… did you feel that splitting feeling a few days ago?"
"Yes, it was so painful that I almost fainted."
"And Kirin, having the remnants of Byakko inside of him, surely felt about it too."
"And that's why I have to know where he is. Kirin's reason for leaving should be connected to that. "
To make things easier to explain, let us ask his whereabouts.
"Freyja, that's…" Toroki somewhat recognized the surroundings. "Hokkan!"
"Three days ago, he has left for a jourey to hokkan."
The giant TV started to show Kirin walking. Then, he stealthily snuck into the palace of Hokkan. Being the famous assassin that he is, he did it without breaking a single sweat. He carefully browsed the palace halls and rooms, moving like the shadow in each step. The guards were vigilant, but not enough to notice the assassin. Kirin could feel pulses of the pain. He used it as a signal to find the room where Freyja;s brother is in. Finally, he got the right room. There, he saw a man, wearing eye glasses, pants and shirt just like Freyja's. Slowly, he looked at him.
"You must be Freyja's brother." He calmly approached him. Mikhail suspiciously glared at him. "Come with me, I will take you to Freyja." He extended his hand to him. But, Mikhail didn't accept. "You must be Kirin." Kirin was surprised about how he knew him. "Yes. Right now Freyja is in have to hurry."
Freyja, while looking at the mirror, exclaimed. "That is ANIKI!"
However, even before Kirin could finish, guards suddenly rushed inside. "So you are a traitor Mikhail!" The guards rushed to Mikhail and chained him. Kirin was able to evade the attacks, but he was threatened.
"If you want him dead, then struggle."
Kirin cursed. He couldn't let him die. Carefully, he approached the guards and allowed them to tie his hands. Shortly after, they were thrown to the dungeons.
"Were you forced by the power of Genbu to this word?" Kirin asked while they were both in prison.
"Yes. All of a sudden, a green light enveloped me and took me here." Mikhail lied. He couldn't even face the prince while talking.
"Hokkan must have a plan. You have to come with us, they will only use you to threaten Freyja." Kirin was oblivious about his lie. Mikhail didn't reply. But, he can clearly remember the description in the book that he read. The man in front of him was the reason why Freyja chose to go inside the book, and the only way for her to go back is to eradicate the reason why she came back to Sairou.
Kirin looked around, unaware of Mikhail's thoughts. But then, he found an opening upon noticing a crack on the wall. "Follow me. We'll escape…" Kirin stood up off guard, as he examined the cracked wall.
Mikhail stood up and little by little he approached Kirin. He slowly pulled a syringe out from his pocket. Just as when he was about to pierce Kirin, the assassin sensed the blade and immediately jumped back. However, even with his reflexes, his arm was wounded a little. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" He glared at Mikhail.
Freyja's eyes bulged, but then, the giant crystal ball suddenly went blank.
"Hey! What happened!" She rushed to touch it herself. "Show Kirin!" She exclaimed.
"The power of Genbu blocked it…." Taitskun sighed. "Calm down Freyja."
Freyja couldn't calm down after watching that. Her hands trembled. "Toroki…" She ordered with a shaky voice. "I am going to Hokkan!"
"STOP!" Taitskun stopped her. "Calm down Freyja, and think! You can't come to Hokkan like that! Do you really think you can help Kirin with pure rash actions!" Taitskun scolded her. Freyja snapped out of her rage. She just realized that Taitskun was right. With one deep breath, she faced her once more.
"I can set up a communication between you and the palace. This will be hard, but by combining our powers, I can teleport you the northern border of Hokkan in no time. For now, you can ask your celestial warriors to go with you." Taitskun's suggestion made sense.
"Freyja, I will go with you…" Toroki seriously stated. "I will go." Freyja smiled. "Toroki."
Taitskun snapped her fingers and the 'Yan Yan' servants came once more. She ordered to bring her the 'mirror of lands' and they immediately obeyed. After a while, Freyja, Tokaki and Taitskun sat in front of a huge mirror.
"Freyja, focus your energy and call one of your celestial warriors from the palace." With this order, Freyja nodded. Taitskun closed her eyes and put her palms together. After chanting a few spells, Freyja did the same.
"Amefuuri… can you hear me? Amefuuri!"
Little by little, the mirror started to show Amefuuri. "You can relax now priestess." Taitskun said. Freyja opened her eyes and saw Amefuuri in front of her. "Amefuuri!" She rushed closer.
"Freyja! Where are you? Why did you disappear like that! And Toroki?" He asked.
"I'm fine, we're in Taitskun's place. Listen, Toroki and I will go to the Hokkan empire. I have to save Kirin he is in grave danger!" She briefly explained.
"Take me with you then!" Amefuuri exclaimed. "Wether you like it or not, I will protect you!"
"Amefuurii…" Freyja felt her heart throb. She smiled. "You will?"
"Of course! I'll make sure that you're not harmed. SO allow me to…" Amefuuri was serious. Freyja nodded. "Thanks a lot."
"I will go and pick you up Amefuuri. We have to make preparations too." Toroki interrupted with a thumbs up. "It would be faster to ride Seidan. Let's meet in the town in the border of Konan and Sairou. I'll be there by night."
"Alright, I will."
"And," Freyja spoke, "Make sure that Karasuki and the others wouldn't know about this." Freyja didn't want Karasuki to know because they would surely stop her. Subaru will also say the same. Zam is not used to wars and Tatara is still a kid and needs Tokaki with him. He couldn't afford to risk them. But Amefuuri was also like a brother to her and above all her celestial warriors, she was able to confide with Amefuuri and Toroki more.
The spell stopped and the mirror returned to normal. "I must waste no time then…" Toroki stood up. "I'll go and pick him up. Freyja, please wait here and rest while you can, alright?" Toroki smiled as he rushed outside. "Seidan!"
Freyja watched him jump onto Seidan and quickly fled away.
"You have good friends." Taitskun complemented. "Yes , And, we will go to Hokkan not to rescue Kirin the Prince, or Kirin the other side of Byakko, but Kirin, our friend." Taitskun held her hand. They will arrive tomorrow so rest all you can.
Freyja fell deeply asleep for quite a long time. Taitskun's Yan-Yan's brought her food and robes and they washed her clothes clean. Freyja was still tense, knowing that Kirin and her brother are in danger. She didn't want to think that her brother is planning something against Kirin, at least that what she believed. A day have passed and Taitskun went to her room with an unusual serious face.
"There is still one more thing that I would like to show you and to you alone. This is a good chance." Taitskun looked so serious. "Okay, what's that Taitskun?" Freyja wondered.
"The priestess of Byakko sat in front of the giant crystal ball once more. She carefully watched as the crystal ball started to lit up."
"Kirin!" Her eyes bulged, recognizing the little boy that the crystal ball is showing her,
"This is Kirin… from twelve years ago…." Taitskun's words confirmed her thoughts.
CHAPTER 20
ASSASSIN's LIFE
Freyja quietly stared at the giant crystal ball as it began to show an eight year old boy with sparkling silver hair and emerald eyes. There was young Kirin, looking so innocent and fragile, however, that image was immediately shattered as he started to approach a bearded middle age man. The angelic looking boy stealthily approached him from behind. The bearded man was wearing nobles' clothes and ornaments and Freyja deduced that he must be a man of importance.
"You!" The man couldn't even finish his words when Kirin plunged the sword deep in his heart. This scene made the sitting Freyja stand up and her eyes bulged. The young Kirin twisted the sword that finished the man off before pulling it out once again. The man's blood splashed to Kirin's pale face. Acting like an adult, the eight year old Kirin immediately fled with his remarkable speed.
"That was the first time that he took a life." Taitskun explained and Freyja fell onto her knees.
They saw the young Kirin enter a huge fortress, owned by his late uncle. He boy was his prized possession, and that is also why Kirin has undergone severe tortures every single day.
"Wahhh!" The boy couldn't help but to scream whenever he is whipped by his uncle's men. Ever since he was little, he was always thrown to the river to make him learn how to swim fast. Whipping and beating is also a part of the everyday routine. They made sure that Kirin gains a tolerance to severe pain. He was also made to take poison to develop an immunity. Kirin was treated like an animal, but, he never experienced the life of a child, let alone a prince, so he never had a comparison, and he believed that it was what he is supposed to do.
The next scene showed an older Kirin, and most of the scenes, were showing how he brutally kills his opponents. He would rip their organs off, cut their heads off, tears his opponents limb to limb. Freyja wanted to close her eyes, but she endured. Kirin's pale hands and body were indeed covered with the blood of those he killed.
As Kirin grew, there was not much of a change. He was still killing thousands of men, which made him so famous as a ruthless assassin. He didn't have emotions, feelings, nothing. He didn't even understood the concept of a 'family.' Or of 'friends.' That's why he was able to kill without feeling a single drop of compassion.
However, the scenes also showed a Kirin, with lonely eyes. He would always stay up a tree by himself and stare at the night sky. For some reason, Freyja could feel his pain while watching the young Kirin's lonesome emerald eyes. Freyja held her chest as tears started to fall from her eyes.
"Orion… Taurus…." The young Kirin were counting the visible constellations. "The priestess of Byakko."
During one of Kirin's assassination missions, he had heard the legend of the priestess of Byakko. Although he doesn't believe in that legend, Kirin inwardly felt that it was amazing. "The priestess of Byakko is not true. She will never be true." In spite of his rash words, he still stared at the constellations most of his free time. And, one night, Kirin fell deeply asleep while up a tree. And on his dream, he saw a little girl.
In Kirin's dream, he saw a little girl's smile. She wears different clothes, but she was smiling and looks so carefree. Although she is not aware of who she might be, Kirin felt comfort for once, even if its only a dream.
"That was…." Freyja recognized the girl. The girl in Kirin's dreams was her. Taitskun nodded. "It is you Freyja. It may be Byakko's memories seeping to Kirin's…" She explained.
But as Freyja watched closer, she recognized that it was not a mere memory of Byakko. And by looking at this scene, she remembered that a long time ago, she used to dream a lot about a lonely silver haired boy. Freyja's tears rolled to her cheeks as she watched their young selves talk in a dream.
"Don't be sad, okay?" The young Freyja grinned and wiped his tears off. "Your eyes are like gemstones… they are so pretty!" She innocently complemented.
The young Kirin couldn't understand much, but he felt a lot better.
"My Aniki scolded me again, and no one is on my side…." The crystal ball flashed another version of Kirin's dream, but this time, it was Freyja who is crying. "They won't believe me, I didn't do it…." She mumbled with tears. The young Kirin didn't even face her. But, In spite of his cold appearance, he spoke of warm words. "I believe you…"
"I believe you…"
Freyja's heart skipped a beat. She held her chest once again upon watching the scene. Now, everything was clear. The person in the dreams that she had is indeed Kirin. They had a special connection, even from back then. She knew that it may be also by the power of Byakko, but whatever connection it may be, she was glad that they had it.
The next scene showed Kirin from four years ago, killing his uncle. Freyja wanted to throw up, but she held it in. Kirin slowly pulled his heart off making him scream in outmost pain. Then, he brutally pierced his dead body several times with his blade, while wearing a mad smile on his face. Kirin looked ecstatic while torturing him. This scared Freyja for a moment.
After the death of his uncle, Kirin wandered off on faraway lands, living as a mercenary. Until the time that he discovered that he was a prince. Kirin knew that he was hated. That's the reason why he chose to continue wandering instead of staying in a palace… until he met Freyja. Then, the crystal ball turned blank.
Freyja wiped her tears and she looked at Taitskun.
"That is the real Kirin. He may be Byakko's another self, but that is the 'Kirin' that you cherish. Lady Freyja, you love him don't you?"
"Taitskun, I was afraid for a moment, that Kirin was once a brutal assassin. However, even if he is an assassin or not, no matter how many lives he took, no matter how dark his past is… I cannot bring myself to hate him. In fact, that made my feelings a lot stronger. Those eyes were similar to mine. When I was little, and I had no one on my side, and my friend Byakko disappeared, leaving me a necklace, I would just sleep and I would find comfort in sleeping. The dream that Kirin had, was the same as mine, and even before we met, Kirin has always been by my side. .."
Taitskun could feel her heart's pain.
"Looking at Kirin like that, I admired him so much. Because he was able to endure those, even if its painful. That's why I also endured my Physics and Math lessons even though they were very hard that I almost want to give up. And, that's why I am also enduring the threats to my life as the priestess of Byakko. I admired Kirin so much. That's why I felt an impression of a big brother within him. I was confused… but now, my feelings were clear. Kirin is the one most important to me. I love him, as a friend, as a brother and as Kirin…"
"Those feelings were very strong… But, I admire you for choosing those feelings knowing the consequence that it will have in the near future."
Freyja smiled. "Yes, Taitskun… for one last time… allow me to act against my ideals. Allow me to be swayed by my emotions." Taitskun started to understand what she is saying.
"You will—" Taitskun's sentence was interrupted when Toroki suddenly came rushing in. "Freyja!" Toroki rushed to Freyja the moment he arrived. "I have brought them." He said with a smile.
"Hm?"
Amefuuri and Tokaki stepped in. "Yo! Freyja!" Tokaki cheerfully greeted. And Amefuuri just stood there with crossed arms.
"Tokaki… Amefuuri!"
"Listen, I won't get left out again, got it? SO this time I'll show you how strong Tokaki is!" He was his usual energetic self.
"I can't let my troublesome lady priestess go by herself could I?" Amefuuri smirked.
"Freyja, we will be your shield and your sword so don't hesitate."
Freyja's heart was filled with joy. Then she nodded. "Shall we go, then?" With one last smile, she turned to Taitskun. "We are ready Taitskun."
Taitskun led them to a room full of mirrors. "Here, I will transport you to the nearest place to Hokkan that my powers can do. Gather around this giant mirror and focus your energy. Freyja, with my signal, release the power of Byakko and imagine portal from below. Freyja nodded.
As Taitskun casted some spells, The warriors looked down ,and concentrated their energies to their feet.
"Now Freyja!"
With taitskun's signal, Freyja put her palms together, and quickly released the power of Byakko. Freyja and her warriors did an excellent job. In no time, there was now a portal beneath them
"Lady priestess… before you leave, I would like to ask you one more thing…" Tatskun slowly floated her way to the girl. Freyja nodded.
"Are you aware of your destiny?" She asked with an unusual serious tone. Freyja took a deep breath, and looked at her with a smile.
"Yes. But it's not that clear at all. My future is like blurred portrait only giving me hints and warnings so that I may prepare. Even when I was still a child, I have always seen a different vision of myself whenever I look at the heavens. And those visions made me dream…" Freyja clenched her fists as she looked down with dark eyes. The portal is slowly sucking them in. "For one last time… allow me to act selfishly, and to be swayed by my emotions. Allow me to think nothing but of what my heart tells me to do. Allow me to risk everything for the one most important to me… Kirin…for the last time… Taitskun…" Freyja slowly looked at her with a smile. "The moment I sat my foot outside mount Taikyoku, I can feel that we won't be able to see each other for quite a long time… so, let me take this opportunity to thank you… for everything that you've done." Freyja bowed politely.
"It has been a pleasure… and an honor to be able to meet you and aid you the best ways that I can, Freyja." Taitskun bowed her head too, and smiled. "Until we meet again… someday."
Freyja nodded. "Someday." With those final words, Freyja closed her eyes and the portal totally engulfed them.
"You will face a perilous path, you will have to fight against the worlds… Lives will be lost, hearts will be broken, tears will be shed… full of suffering and pain, and in the end, you shall stand alone... all by yourself. Freyja, you have to endure it… you have to." Taitskun couldn't stop her tears from falling upon having the visions about the girl herself. By just looking at them makes her cry, yet, unimaginable as it may seem, the priestess chose the path that will lead to her suffering. "Oh, heavens, I pray that you protect that girl…." Was all the Taitskun could say.
