The Rouge (part 2)

Everyone is surprised however I know the real meaning behind what she's saying. I tense up to the point I make my back sting with a dull pain; swallowing hard I open my mouth to speak. However before I can even say what it is Dust speaks,

" it's not that you can't but…even if you come with us Eronai there's still the problem of a guide. We don't even know anyone who would be willing or even able to take us all through."

"Actually if I accompany you all…that would kill two birds with one stone. As custom to arranged marriages between the tribes the bride must learn the specific skill of her husbands' tribe. In other words I myself would be willing and quite able to help you through."

"You had to learn how to get through the viper storm?! Sound like it would involve a lot of work…" Fidget says,

"And sand!" Teal adds on.

"Technically…the bride isn't supposed to learn until after the wedding…" I say loud enough for them to hear,

"yes…well the chief and his father felt that I should learn as soon as possible so that our next leader- our child…would be born with the best qualities of both parents…" her eyes close as a look of disgust covers Eranai's face.

"and let me guess they don't plan on following the three month grace period…"

"…must I answer that?" she asks knowingly

"no. I think I already know the answer to that."

"then I guess that's all the more reason for her to come with us back to the Evergreen."

"You mean that…Thank you Dust…I can't tell you how relieved to hear that…!"

"Just a moment lady Eranai…" Soren speaks quieting everyone,

"I believe Hama has something else that she would like to say." Arah says.

Am I THAT obvious to read? Usually I'm a whiz at hiding what I'm thinking…

"You are against my coming with you?" She asks me. it takes me a bit of effort and I have to shoo Dust away lightly but I manage to get to my feet so I can look her in the eyes.

"Eranai…you and I both know what it is I'm thinking right now…right? You have to be VERY sure… you want to do this…you can't have any doubt what so ever. the second you leave with us you'll be considered an outcast almost the exact same as me. Hamazim… and there's the fact that you're here as a barter chip for a peace treaty. you and I both know better than anyone that Banrahk and the elder will dissolve the treaty and wage all out war against your tribe. You'll be considered a rouge to both your tribe and the Gintaka. When you cross that barrier you won't be able to think about regret at all because the damage will have been more than done."

"Ah…Hama, not trying to steal your thunder or anything but should we really be trying to stop most likely the only warmblood willing to help us outa here?"

"I'm not trying to stop her Teal…I'm just trying to make sure that she's absolutely certain about what she's trying to do. I know what it's like first hand to live as Hamazim…and I hate it…"

"Hama…"

"I thank you for your concern Hama." Eranai interrupts Dust from speaking, "However I am more than determined to do this…and my father already knows about this…the entire village of Arai know's what I'm about to do. Before I left my father told me to escape the first chance I could. for you I suppose…he didn't want me staying in such a hateful place nor did the others in my tribe; and although we are healers, we of the Arai are more than capable of fighting and we have strong ties to the other tribes. If my father were to explain what has happened they would be more than willing to aid us. and as far as my being a traitor I do not consider it that way if anything it is the Gintaka that are the traitors. I will go with you."

"I think she has you beat Hama." Dust says slightly amused. I let out a sigh before sitting down again. "then that just leaves us finding a way out of this village…they'll have guards posted outside the limits right?"

"Yes but they have shifts at dawn. It takes about 20 minutes for all the guards to switch out. They start with the north side and rotate clockwise."

She's really done her homework…well I guess anyone would want out of place like this…

We talk for a little longer only to iron out some of the finer details before Eranai departs. We split the food among ourselves and eat quietly. Torin waits patiently to eat after us so I try to get up and do so. Luckily it doesn't look as though they tampered with anything strapped to him including his food. I manage to get to my knees but my sore back is giving me trouble. Dust offers to feed Torin instead, but of course I have to be stubborn. I'm so used to doing things on my own; I'm having to learn how to let others help. After he sternly insists, Dust forces me to sit down before lightly tossing a blanket in my face,

"Now sit there and don't move. Otherwise I'll have to find a way to strap you down…" I only blink dazed at the firm order he just gave. Fidget and Teal find it slightly amusing but after I narrow my eyes at them…they giggle even louder than the first time around. It's only then that I notice the burning in my cheek: I'm embarrassed.

"I'm not a child ya know…" I say wrapping the blanket around me. With a slight thud, Dust places a filled bowl of feed down in front of Torin, who lets of a satisfied snort as he begins to eat.

"Well if you weren't so stubborn I wouldn't have to treat you like one."

"Sorry…I'm still not used to this whole…brothers in arms thing…"

"it's fine…I'm not too sure myself if I'm fully aware of it either." He sits a few feet away. "How do we even use it?"

"Do I look like a talking sword that knows everything?" I smirk looking at the two weapons placed neatly close by for us to grab. "So one of you want to answer that question?"

"The bond you two share is not something that can taught or learned. As you two deepen your bond, it will become stronger and you will learn how to wield it accordingly." Ahrah explains.

"Thank you for that informative explanation…" I say. Torin finished eating comes rest next to us. using him as a pillow I lean on him still sitting up avoiding any contact with my back.

"Hama…are you sure you'll be ok?" Dust asks, "I know Eranai treated your wounds but still if you need to rest…"

"I'm fine…her treatment is working pretty well. It's not as bad as it was at first. It's still sore but I think I'll be able to manage by tomorrow." With that I close my eyes. I hear Dust move before Torin grunts a bit indicating Dust moved closer.

He's much more of a worrier than he lets on…heh…

With that I settle down and fall asleep.

the wind howling outside is what stirs me the heavy atmosphere is what wakes me completely. I know for a fact it's not the guards. Even over Teals loud snoring I can sense something is amiss. I'm about to reach over and wake Dust when he lifts his satgat from over his face and places it correctly on his head. We make eye contact for a second before reaching for Ahrah and Soren. Thankfully, even with my quick movements my back doesn't protest loudly as before.

"Ahrah, what's out there?"

"I'm not quite sure…I sense a great evil but the life force is unusual…"

"Yes…very peculiar…it is almost as if it is not even alive but at the same time it is…" Soren continues.

"Alive but not alive…? how can that be?" I ask. There's a small snort as if it was interrupted,

"huh…Hama…what are you guys doing…?" Teal asks still half asleep. Fidget rubbing an eye, flies over to rest on Dust's shoulder.

"get up you lazy halfwit; it should be obvious that something is amiss." Teals fur pickles at that comment,

"You….No one asked you you-mhg!" Taking the spinx in my hand I close his mouth,

"Zip your howling screamer would you!" I whisper angrily, "something is out there…the last thing we need is to cause an uproar and give ourselves away." at the he nods and I place him on my shoulder. Teal immediately hides using my hair as cover. I cringe slightly at where he's dug his claws in, "Hey- be careful back there, those welts are still healing…!"

"sorry.." he whispers. Dust grabs my attention silently as he waits at the tents opening. We each a side and gently open the tent flap. Everything is quiet and empty, the guards on duty watching us are sleeping near by. at least on the surface everything seems normal. after briefly looking outside we close the flaps,

"Well?" I ask,

"I don't know…I remember seeing Gaius' soldiers used cloaking devices at one point in time but you could at least catch a glimpse of their movement; I don't see anything out there."

"How far from us is it?" I ask the swords,

"Close…and closing in on this very location." Ahrah says. There's a rustle behind us as the en topes from the other side. Eranai starts at our raised weapons,

"What on earth are you two doing? Put those down it's just me."

"Eranai did you see anyone out there?" Dust asks,

"No…only the guards. They've already started their rotations. If we head for the west exit we should-"

"Wait!" Soren silences us. "Be silent…" we listen to the still air, it's so quiet there aren't even any morning creatures. The air suddenly fills with electricity.

"Get down!" Dust pulls on my arm before tossing us into Eranai. Not but a second later a shrill, high pitched ringing shatters the silence outside as a blinding light flashes. Thunder soon follows after along with the roar of flames. When I look again orange light glows all around us. we get to our feet and make our way outside the tent. Homes burn with angry dancing flames as villagers run about. some try to put out the fire, others exit their homes still burning to the ground and some try to look for loved ones. Eranai immediately goes to tend to a wounded hunter helping them to their feet. Another blinding flash of light blinds us before the roar of thunder ushers in a new set of flames to another section of the village.

"Dust!" I point my sword in a direction, "Help the villagers over there; I'll see what I can do over here!" he nods before running off and I do the same. The flames crawl over to other homes catching them on fire. Screams suddenly sound from one home in particular indicating that someone is trapped inside. Digging Soren into the sand I swipe the sword with all my might sending a wave of sand over the entire house. The sand chokes out the fire and the family of three is able to exit safely.

"Thank you…!" the husband takes another look at me, "you…?"

"yeah me- look worry about who saved you later; just get your family somewhere safe!" with that I run off. Another flash of lightning rains down on the village a few feet in front of me and the force knocks me back. Looking back the impact bystanders lay on the ground still and unmoving, but someone stands over them. they're clothed in a dark garb of black and a small black cape. A wrap loosely tied around their face keeps their identity hidden as well as a satgat much like Dusts, only theirs seems to be decorated with arrowheads dangling from the rim.

"Hama are you-?!" I clap a hand over Teal's mouth. when he realizes what I'm staring at Teal immediately hides again but not before the stranger turns to spot me. in an instant I'm standing holding Soren at the ready.

"… … …" they make no move to attack instead…they walk off calmly as if nothing was even happening. I'm stumped as to what just happened.

"Hama we must pursue him; he is the source of energy Ahrah and I felt moments ago; and I fear that that energy now carries a great hate and maice they plan on unleashing even further." On Sorens' suggestion I chase after them. along the way other fires eat away at other homes. I try making quick work of the fires putting them out as best I can. I come to one in particular where a male warmblood is standing outside his home calling for someone. I know I have to chase after that man but…

"Who's trapped inside?!"

"you…Hamaz-!"

"WHO?!"

"My…my son..!" with that I don't wait for him to continue explaining and cut my way into the burning tent. It's made of several smaller tents making it larger than the others.

"Hey! Anyone in here?!" smoke and burning fabric fall in front of me along with support beams and I cover my nose and mouth as best I can. "Come on kid…! Answer me!" running through the smoke and fire I try to listen as close as I can. Soon I can make out sobs in a near by room, "Hey kid! Come one answer me!"

"Help…Papa!" when I confirm where he is my legs carry at full speed into the room to the left. there I find the kid crying in a corner. A crash sounds behind me as flaming support beams come crashing down the way I came in. leaving that for a moment later in the near future I look around quickly but find nothing to use to cover the child and a large jar of water. So I use what wrappings I still have around my arms to cover him as best I can. It provides only a small layer of protection for his head but it's better than nothing. With that out of the way I use the water to drench the child as much as possible before picking him up in one arm.

"Just hold onto me ok!" without any hesitation he does so. Looking back the firey pathway the only thing I can do is jump for it. the heat of the fire burns at my back but I manage to get through. With that out of the way I make my way to the front to get out only to find it engulfed in flames. There's no way I can break through there with endangering either one of us. more of the roof falls and I use myself as a shield to keep the child safe. Looking around I desperately try to find a way out.

Someone…ANYONE…! Help…Dust…Help!

"Hama!"

!...Dust…? OVER HERE! I'm here!

a sudden swirling vortex of wind blows through the entire home choking out all the flames. When it dies down I find Dust at the opening that was covered in flames only a few moments ago. I dash out still holding the child and make it outside just seconds before the rest of the house comes down. the father immediately runs up to us and I let go of the kid. The latch onto each other as the father picks up the child. Dust helps me up,

"Thanks how did you know I was there?"

"…I heard you calling." I want to ask him what he meant but I remember the stranger,

"We got bigger problems. The stranger we spotted outside our camp I think he's here. I think they're the one who caused this mess in the village."

"where did they go?"

"It looked like they were heading for the chiefs' home."

" 'scuse me…" I look down and find the son I just saved pulling on my arm, "Thank you."

"Yes thank you for saving my son…"

"Don't worry about it. just get your son somewhere safe."

"Eranai is already gathering them outside the village to the east you should head there." Dust says.

"Teal you go with them, if you find any other survivors take them with you."

"O-ok…if you say so Hama…" timidly teal flies out from his hiding spot,

"Fidget you go to. I don't thik anything will happen but just in case you might be able to use your projectiles to help."

"Ok." they fly off leading the father and son in the direction to safety. Dust and I look off in the direction back towards Banrahks' place.

"Let's go." Dust being a bit faster heads off first but I'm right behind him as we make our way through he burning village. It doesn't take us long when he hear clanging metal and angry shouts off in the distance and we soon come upon the scene of the chief fighting against the stranger. However it's easy to see that Banrahk is outmatched in every way and it's clear to see why. The elder lies on the floor wounded and most likely dying. Most likely the stranger struck him down in an attempt to get a reaction out of Banrahk and he got just what he wanted. Banrahk blinded by his anger aimlessly swings his spear and dagger at them. the stranger merely stands there swinging a weapon I can't make out at the moment and easily blocks every attack. If I didn't know any better I would say that they were enjoying this reaction. As Banrahk raises his spear they twirl the weapon in their hand for a second before cutting through the spear with ease. As that moment I catch a glimpse of the weapon: a double bladed sword as he holds it in the center where he can't be harmed by it. a second later the blade cuts across the chiefs chest.

"the stupid lunk head's going to get himself killed!" I snap as I race forward. I make it just in time to stop the finishing blow and a metallic ring sound out. Dust tries an attack from above swinging Ahrah down. however the stranger seems to catch wind of what he's up to and moves out of the way in time. Dust and I stand together protecting the chief.

"you…!?"

"Yeah me…"

"Get out of the way Hamazim…he is mine!"

"is that you or your pride talking?" I ask.

"Don't you talk to me about-"

"Banrahk take the elder and run; Eranai might still be able to save him." Dust cuts him off,

"No if my father dies I will die an honorable death too avenging him."

"You idiot for once stop thinking about yourself and think about the people you're supposed to protect! Stop letting your hurt feelings get in the way!" I snap. However instead of some sort of witty loudmouthed comeback the chief remains silent, "There are survivors waiting for you outside the village. Your father isn't dead yet right? He will die if you stay here wasting time here and if you die who's to guide them! why waste your time with a battle you know deep down you can't win. For once swallow your pride and think things through!" my eyes never leave the stranger as he tilts his head to the side. The metal arrow heads jingling slightly.

"go Banrahk. Get the elder to safety; Hama and I will take care of this fight." Dust says readjusting his grip on Ahrah before taking a stance,

"But…"

"GO!" with that last order from Dust the chief picks himself up for his father and runs.

"… … …" the stranger still only stares at us as he looks at us from under the satgat. After a moment of contemplation he takes a fighting stand showing us his weapon. My eyes widen as my body tenses at what I see. It's indeed a double bladed sword however what has my attention are the yellow glowing markings. They're similar to the markings on Soren and Ahrah.

"Dust…"

"…I see it." the stranger sways, shifting his weight from one foot to the other almost as if they're drunk. I almost don't see him move at he charges forward; however dust and I both move to the side avoiding the attack as the blade comes down. I take the moment of opportunity and spin. Gaining momentum I swing my blade with my body aiming for their head. Instead their sword clangs with mine and the impact sends me sliding back. Dust swings Ahrah taking advantage of the opening I made for him to attack however, despite the way they move, he's a pushover. their moves are more unreadable than your average fighter, as he maintains his drunken like movement from before and swings their weapon erratically. Dust barely manages to black and swing as the stranger fights back. Dashing around I try to attack them from behind swinging my sword. They give no indication that they notice me until they move out of the way an my sword clangs against Dust'. I sense movement behind me and without warning I grab Dust by the arm. Swinging him around Dust swings his sword and this time we manage to knock back the stranger sending him on his back. My eyes never leave the stranger on the ground although he continues to stay there.

"Hama can you hear me?" I tense slight hearing his voice in my head again but manage to keep control.

Yeah I hear you.

"The way this guy fights…any ideas how we can find a pattern?"

no idea…his movements are so erratic I can only pick up what he's about to do at the last second.

"same here. it's like he doesn't even know what he's going to do until the last second." But that can't be the case, if he didn't know, then how is it that he's able to fight like this?

the stranger picks himself up his arms dragging on the ground as he skulks to his feet. He stands there staring at us almost as if his upper body is too heavy for him to hold up right so he leans to the side a bit. Even though his eyes remain covered, his lips spread into the creepiest of smiles. A second later he's moving fast charging straight at us. there's no doubt about what he's getting ready to do; his movements are filled with energy as stranger swings his sword across. The battle suddenly takes a turn becoming very one sided. He somehow manages to take on he both of us like it's nothing and it takes everything I have to keep up with his movements. It suddenly comes to a stalemate when all three of our weapons clash: our weapons against his. It takes the both of us to push him back, sending him sliding against the sand.

Damn it! I can't get a good read on this guy!

"neither of us can…! Just what is he? I've never faced anyone like him before." I focus noticing the stranger attacking again. he swings down causing Dust to bring Ahrah up to block; however the stranger's moves suddenly change midway through as he aims lower. Dust notices too late. Wind spirals around Soren as the energy gathers around it,

DUST! JUMP! Listening he leaps into the air leaving the opponent wide open. With the swing of my sword the crestent energy goes flying. He stands there taking the flying projectiles as best he can. Dust still leaping over him, swings his body around and using Ahrah catches the guy by the back before swinging him down to impact on the ground before he he goes skidding on the ground. I remember something from earlier and calling on the same attack I send another wave of energy this time aiming for Dust,

Dust! He sees what I'm doing and sets Ahrah spinning wildly in his hand. The wind picks up just like last time when the fires were put out only this time, the energy that collides with the his sword shatters into thousands of needle like particles. Dust shifts the direction of the storm sending the wave of attack straight for the stranger. The stranger has only just picked himself up when he notices the barrage of energy heading for him. it over powers him in an instant sending him crashing into a down building.

"Dust…!" I stop next to him, "You ok?"

"Yes…that was some quick thinking…how did you know?"

"Lucky guess…fortunately I made a right call that time." There's a crash as something comes from the building that was just damaged even more; when it lands, the stranger stands there. Dust and I ready ourselves again for the next attack but the guy makes no move. Instead the creepy smile returns to his face and he giggles only adding to his unsettling demeanor.

"Interesting…it would seem that there is more to the two of you than first thought. How fun! Much better than that spoilt child you stopped me from killing earlier."

"Spare us your words of gratitude. Why did you attack this village?" Dust demands,

"Why? why do you want to know?" he turns his gaze on me, "you of all people know don't you?" I don't answer him only keep Soren at the ready to attack again, "hee hee…you look just like him. especially in the eyes…" that comment however sways me slightly. I don't even know who this person is yet all of a sudden he's acting as if he knows who I am. "Well considering the events that have happened I guess I don't need to take this any further today." he places his sword on his back.

"Who are you? " I ask.

"hm…they really didn't tell you anything did they?"

"why don't you start making sense. Just who the hell are you and why did you attack this village?!" his smile fades,

"…why because these people have blood on their hands…innocent blood…and the only way for them to pay for it is with their own deaths. Can't you see that? I'm sure you have…that bloody excuse of a chief and elder…they are the ones who really deserve to die. The others here just followed their example but still they're to blame to…so I set out to purge this world of them…it's that simple. Even if it wasn't something that needed to be done I would have done it myself anyway…"

"What do you mean they have innocent blood on their hands? What do you mean their deaths were necessary? Just who are you?!" Dust asks trying to get something meaningful out of him,

"My my aren't we curious. However I don't think I need to answer those stupid questions right now…I have somewhere I have to be…the other's are probably wondering where I am right about now…" Others?! there are others like this guy? He takes his sword in his hands again and holds it up above him, "don't worry I have a feeling we'll see each other again soon." There's a blinding flash of light before thunder rings out again. when we look back all that's left is the scorch marks.

"Who in Erza's name was that?" I finally say after a long silence.

"No idea but he was…disturbing." Dust looks down at Ahrah in his hands, "Ahrah…that weapon- that blade…is it…?"

"no Dust, that is not one of our brethren…no blade of Elysium would chose a soul such as foul and twisted as a master."

"Then why did look like you and Soren- I mean the markings they were the same weren't they? That power too, just what was all that?"

"I'm afraid neither of us know Hama…" Soren says, "this magic…this evil is unfamiliar to me."

"Then perhaps we should enlist the help of someone who may know." Ahrah says, "I believe Elder Gray Eyes, might have some inkling as to what sorcery is at play here."

"I'm sorry…Elder who now?" I ask raising an eyebrow,

"Elder Gray Eyes, he's the leader of the Moonbloods." Dust explains, "he's been around for a long time so he might know something about this…he's on the other side of the Viper Storm however in the Evergreen."

"I see…we can worry about that later though. right now we should go check on the survivors hopefully Eranai was able to help them."

"right."