"FOOLS!"
Bera stood still, watching Jevax rage with what seemed to be indifference. She didn't move, merely watching as Jevax vented his anger on a wall that was quickly becoming a heap of rubble. However, if one looked closely enough, one could see she was shivering. She was terrified out of her wits.
"How DARE they!?! How did they…they cheat! They must have! The Knight was too powerful…too strong…"
With a muted sob, he struck the wall again, causing shards to crash to the ground. He followed, falling to his knees. "It was too weak…like me…I've failed you, father…"
Bera was there in an instant, cradling him, shushing him. The wizard sobbed weakly. "I failed…"
"No, you didn't! You haven't failed, this is exactly how things were supposed to go!"
Jevax stared up at her quizzically, tears streaming down his face. She smiled back. "This was supposed to be a test, remember? How can we learn about them, without trial and error?"
The wizard regarded her silently, his emotions calming. "You're right. A test. Yes, that's it."
She beamed at him. "See? No need to worry about it."
Jevax stood, nodding. "You're right. With what we've learned about them…"
"We can defeat them."
A familiar sneer found itself on the face of the wizard. "Yes, I see. Well…there is one thing I have learned that will spell the end of them."
"What's that?"
Jevax slowly shook his head, still smiling. "My original plan backfired. I thought that they would waste their time fighting each other when they were forced to work together. That has not been the case. They rely on each other. Strange…you would think they would be mortal enemies, like their fathers. Still…if they rely on each other now, they may be less powerful separated."
"Yes! And two monsters-"
"No, that won't work. Look at the Knight and his Squires. They are still powerful apart. I do not talk of fighting skills when I say they rely on each other."
"Huh?"
Jevax waved a hand. "Simple. They are alone, save each other. They take confidence from each other. Separate them…and they are less sure of themselves."
Bera looked at him, starting to shake her head, but Jevax cut her off. "If they have to face something more abstract…more personal…and don't have each other for reinforcements…they may crumble."
"But what could you send against them to make them fall like that? What could you use-"
Jevax laughed. "The truth."
The wide eyes of Kiara, frozen within white crystal, watched in terror as the shadow-form of Jevax stalked forth.
******
(Where am I?)
"Kiara, love…"
The girl opened her eyes weakly, and a slow smile found its way on to her face as she looked upon the face of Seron, who was gazing at her with love in his eyes. The wizard reached a hand out to her, and she took it, stepping closer to him. His smile grew, and he placed his hands on her shoulders, cementing the contact between their eyes.
"Now, my love, we only need one more thing, and then we can be together forever."
She smiled back at him numbly, her mind suddenly foggy. It didn't matter. She was with Seron, he would protect her. She could trust him.
"What is it, dear?"
If possible, he grew even more handsome as he beamed at her. He gave her a slow nod, his eyes never leaving hers. She could not look away from him, but distantly she wondered why she would ever want to.
"Now, love, we just require the Dark Crystal. With that, we shall never need anything again."
Dark Crystal? She started to open her mouth, but forced it shut. This wasn't right. From what she had been told, the Dark Crystal was inherently evil. How could that thing have anything to do with happiness?
When he saw the recognition in her eyes, Seron brightened. "Please, love…with that, we can finally have peace. We will never have to be separated again."
Her eyes narrowed as her mind cleared. Seron would never want anything to do with that thing; it corrupted anyone that touched it. It was, after all, pure evil.
"Kiara…it is for the best."
The girl shook her head. This was wrong. "Are you Sertane about that?"
When Seron gave her a blank look at the reference she had just made, Kiara nodded with satisfaction. Just as she had thought. If he didn't recognize the alias he had used when they had first met, the source of many of their arguments and jokes, then something wasn't right. It was a trap.
"You're not Seron."
The wizard seemed to waver, and for an instant the soft brown eyes she had been staring into hardened. When she saw the snarl on his face, she was certain. Lightning caught the fake Seron in an instant, and he screamed in an inhuman voice as he disappeared.
Just as Kiara began to look around, reality trembled. Her mind felt as if it were trying to rip itself apart, and everything went black.
"Kiara, wake up!"
Kiara shook her head, trying in vain to remember what had just happened, and found herself looking into the face of Seron. She blinked at the look of rage she found there. She started to open her mouth to speak, but a slap cut her off.
"Don't speak! I don't want to hear it!"
She glared at the wizard, and rubbed her sore cheek. "What-"
Slap!
Slap!
The woman snarled at the wizard, both of her cheeks red, but one of his matching. The wizard matched her expression, fire in his eyes.
"Tell me where the Dark Crystal is, and I won't hurt you!"
Dark Crystal? She stared at him blankly, before narrowing her eyes. Her father had mentioned it, on a couple of occasions. He had also told her how dangerous it was.
"I don't think you need to know that."
Seron roared, raising a hand. She was faster. Lightning lanced forth, cutting into the wizard.
"You're not Seron."
For a second, Seron waved. Reality shifted. For a second, Seron was gone, and another man was in his place. And then it was gone, and forgotten.
Kiara wobbled on her feet, clutching her head. ("What just happened? Where am I?")
"Kiara…please help me…"
She looked down, gasping in shock. Seron lay at her feet, bleeding from many grievous wounds. His chest was slashed and torn, his face a bloody mess. He looked up to her weakly, pleading.
"The Dark Crystal…tell me where it is…it is the only thing that can save me…"
Kiara frowned, then raised a hand. "You lie. No good can come from that thing. You aren't Seron."
The fake Seron screamed as lightning finished him. Reality wavered, and everything vanished. Kiara stumbled, crying out from waves of lancing pain in her head. (No!)
Kiara screamed, lightning flying from her hands, cascading in every direction. She heard a vague grunt, and suddenly the pain stopped. She felt to her knees, panting for breath. Her hands clenched and released as she heard soft footsteps approaching her.
Why do you have to be so blasted difficult?
Kiara glowered at the wizard, trying to rise to her feet. (Masquerading as Seron? You'll never be half the man he is, Jevax.)
The man frowned down at her. Funny. The same was said about my father and Krite, by that accursed High Council. Now, I shall prove you and them both wrong.
When Kiara looked at him in confusion, Jevax shook his head, and continued. That does not concern you. All that matters now is that you tell me the location of the Dark Crystal.
Kiara laughed harshly at him as she tried to stand. (I'll never tell you that. Not that you could survive using it, anyways.)
Jevax glowered at her. Not only do you know the location of the Crystal, you seem to have some knowledge of the Theories of Light and Darkness too. Remarkable. Who was your father, or was it someone else that taught you all this? How did he know this?
Kiara didn't answer, merely staring at him. He turned away, stroking his chin. She listened as he began to mumble to himself, lost in thought. "And only the creators of those Crystals, equal as they must be, can use them, or those to whom the power is passed. Those heirs must too be equal, lest the balance be broken, and havoc rein." Jevax shook his head. Such a shame all copies of the Theories are lost to me. Unless…
He whirled, facing her. Tell me, girl, have you ever heard what I have just quoted?
When she shook her head, lost, he grimaced. Figures. Copies of that tome were rare in Alteria, and as far as I know only two existed in Hyrule at any point. I believe my father once said that only 3 copies had ever been printed. One must still lie in the hands of the High Council, those cursed fools…another was used by Krite in the creation of the Dark Crystal, and the last was in Hylian hands when the Light Crystal was made. Curses! One utterly unattainable, one lost in the rubble of the fort, and the last probably destroyed by Ganon. I shall never know the secrets of the Crystal, until I hold it!
Kiara remained silent, but averted her eyes. Jevax did not face her, but saw from the corner of his eye, and smiled slowly. He turned, walking towards her. Now, let's make this simple. You know something I want to know. I know some things that you might find…interesting…about Seron. How about we trade?
The girl shook her head. (I have no interest in your lies.)
Jevax regarded her, then cackled. Lies? I don't bother with lies. The truth, my dear, is bad enough.
She raised a hand at him, her face twisted in fury, but he was faster. Before she could unleash her lightning, Jevax had trapped her head between his hands. Fear the truth.
Kiara didn't even have time to scream.
******
"So, Krite, how goes it?"
Krite sighed. Not that cursed fool again.
"I don't have time for you now, Devain."
The wiry wizard shrugged. "I know; you're a busy man." But, he didn't leave.
Krite spared a look at the man. His…subordinate…was a scrawny man, taller than he had a right to be, but lacking anything resembling muscle. His brown hair lay flat on his head, his bangs threatening to fall over his shrewd eyes. Krite never felt comfortable when that gaze fell on him; it was the gaze of the High Council himself, since the man was little more than a spy for the weak-minded fools that thought they ruled Alteria. The man constantly wore a smirk, one that seemed unshakable. That expression alone had nearly driven Krite into rages in the past, but he had better control over his temper than that.
"Get OUT!"
Devain bowed, just far enough to keep from infuriating Krite further, and moved towards the door, the smirk not changing in the least. Just as his hand found the handle, he turned. "Oh, yes! I came to inform you that the last scouting expedition came back. With captives, no less."
The dark wizard nodded, rubbing his temples. "I will need the report from the scouts, of course. If they endangered our presence here, I will personally see to it that they will be the first test of the Dark Crystal. And…I suppose I can trust you to see to the captives."
Devain smiled slightly. Krite had to struggle to keep from shivering; if the smirk was annoying, that sadistic smile was terrifying. "Of course."
Krite grimaced as the other man left. He had no pity for Hylian scum, but some things were too cruel for anyone. Devain's…fun…was definitely in that list. He shook his head, banishing the unpleasant thoughts. No time for that now.
He returned his gaze to the book he had been reading before Devain had intruded. "'And only the creators of those Crystals, equal as they must be, can use them, or those to whom the power is passed. Those heirs must too be equal, lest the balance be broken, and havoc rein.' Heirs? Well, that much is obvious. But useless; once I have the power of the Dark Crystal, I won't have to worry about losing it. Still…I suppose there was indeed good reason for bringing the boy along; Aganhim was right in that. No, my worry is with my 'equal'. I wonder, does he have an heir? Hmm…I'm so close to finishing this, but the Theories say that the two must be completed at exactly the same moment. How am I to know…?"
A shy knock echoed among the chambers. Krite slammed his fist onto his desk, furious at another interruption. "ENTER!"
The door swung open slowly, and the boy stepped in, eyes held on the floor. He held a mop in one hand and a bucket in the other. Krite grimaced, closing the book he had been engrossed in, and slipped it into his desk. He placed a hand onto the door of the shelf he put it in, and closed his eyes briefly, muttering under his breath. When he opened them again, the door glowed slightly, proving his ward had been successfully placed. Only then did he look back up to the boy.
"Did you clean the North Hall like I told you to, boy?" Krite grumbled, his eyes peering intently at the child over tented fingers.
The black-haired boy shook his head weakly. "I was going to, sir, but I had to finish the-"
Krite stood, livid, and slammed his palms onto his desk. "Silence! I have no time for excuses! Just once I wish you would prove yourself to be worth something!"
The boy glanced up at him, meeting his eyes. For just one fleeting instant, so quick Krite wasn't sure it had happened, defiance burned hot in the boy's eyes. Just as it appeared, it was gone. Krite sat back in his seat, stunned. 'So, perhaps he does have a spine after all. I knew that woman was a bad influence on him. Well, perhaps that last bit of will will be useful one day.'
Suddenly, a globe on a pedestal next to his desk began to flash. Krite's eyes grew at the sight of it. "It's finished? So soon? I must be falling far behind schedule!"
"Come, now. No time for worrying about your chores. We have much more important things to see to." Krite stood and walked to the door. He watched impatiently as the boy carried the mob and bucket out of the office and sat them down in a corner nearby. With a fierce grumble, he closed the door to his office, and marched down the halls of the fort, the boy following behind.
Krite marched downward into the depths of the fort, the first Alterian stronghold in Hyrule. He knew the path by heart; how many times had he made this walk to do useless work? After all, what was done here did not matter; the Dark Crystal was what was important!
Finally, the pair reached the bottommost regions of the fort. Krite noticed the boy stopped for a moment behind him, wiping an arm hastily across his forehead. He had grown accustomed to the oppressive heat in this chamber, due to his continuous exposure. He sneered at the amount of time the project had made him waste; this thing was Devain's toy, not his. No, his ways were far less gradual. Instead of a slow destruction, he chose overwhelming power. Devain was far more wasteful in his…fun.
He strode across the narrow bridge that spanned the lava-filled crater that was at the base of the chamber. He did not glance at the massive amount of space surrounding him; it was immaterial. He wanted to complete this task, and be back to his studies of the Crystal. THAT was the reason for the Alterian occupation of Hyrule, not some accursed dragon!
He did not slow until he reached his destination. A group of mages, all master students from the Academy, stood in front of what appeared to be a gargantuan carcass. Krite knew better. The dragon had not been killed…it was waiting to be brought to life.
Devain stood at the front of the mages that had followed his instructions to create what was to be the lead-up blow in Hyrule's destruction. If possible, the smirk grew when he noticed Krite. He absent-mindedly scrubbed at a spot of red on his cheek; it seemed the call to come to the completion of his project had interrupted his tasks as well. "Welcome, to the beginning of the end for our eternal enemies!"
Krite sighed. "Yes, yes, yes, blood and destruction and death to the Hylians, we win, on and on. Celebrate later. Shall we?"
Devain frowned at Krite, annoyed at having his speech ended. He muttered vehemently under his breath, and then nodded. "Very well. Shall we?"
It was Krite's turn to smirk. "I think the first magics should come from someone who will see the most of the results." He jerked his head to indicate behind him.
Devain studied him, then the boy. He frowned, but soon another of the bone-chilling smiles began to grow. "Very well! Most ingenious indeed!"
Krite whirled, glowering down at the boy. "Now, like you have been taught. Just unleash your power into it. Don't embarrass me!"
The boy paled, then timidly stepped forward. He raised his arms slowly, brow furrowed in concentration. Just when Krite was about to yank him back, certain the lightning would never come, a flash of light blinded him and everyone else in the chamber.
When he could see again, he could not believe his eyes. Dark lightning writhed over the dragon's body. He spared a quick glance at the boy, who seemed unfazed by the enormous amount of power he was unleashing. He looked back to the dragon, and stepped back in fear. The body trembled. The eyes opened. He froze when he looked into those eyes. Still held by the glossy darkness of death, flashes of unholy light began to bring life to them. The head slowly lifted, muscles moving on their own for the first time. Time stood still, and the Verr roared.
Krite could feel the shock on his face at that first roar. He glanced to the side, and saw only raw determination on the boy's face as he continued his channeling. In the eyes of the mages, he saw unadulterated fear. And Devain…Devain's face was lit by pure awe.
"Ha ha ha HA! The Verr is born!" Devain screamed. Krite smiled, nodding. The beginning…
Around him, the others began to cast, aiding the boy. As he began his own spells, granting the Verr its life and purpose, Krite laughed. The boy's power was truly impressive. He could certainly use that!
'Perhaps one day, the name of Seron shall be as feared as my own shall be!'
******
So, do you see? Do you understand now? He is a corrupted seed from an evil tree. Do you really know this man?
Kiara frowned, tapping her chin. (You know, I do agree with you about the tree and the seed.) She smiled sweetly at Jevax. (Just not about Seron.)
Jevax glared at her, his upper lip twitching violently. Do…you…STILL…defend him?
Kiara planted her fists on her hips. (There's nothing to defend! So he did some bad things! So he ended up hurting a few people! We all make mistakes!)
Jevax stared at her, incredulous. FOOL! Ah, he hurt a few people, did some bad things, who cares, let's all be kissy-kissy! You make me sick!
Now, it was Kiara who was furious. (Why…you…!) she spluttered indignantly, lightning sparkling from her clenched fists.
Jevax loomed over her. Her fury cooled when she saw a mirror image of the sadistic smile she had seen moments before on an all-too-similar face. 'Bad things'? Shall I show you just how evil he really was, my dear?
(Don't you listen? I don't care! I don't care about his past, I just care about-)
I think I shall change your mind.
******
Six heroes glanced nervously about as they entered the abandoned Temple. They could feel the evil looming over the place, but they would face their fears; they had to stop the evil wizard Icarnos. Wynn led the group, standing protectively in front of his friends. After all they had been through to go as far as they were, it was untelling what they would face at the heart of the temple.
To their surprise, instead of a monster, a man stood in the center of the massive chamber. Wynn gasped, not believing his eyes, as the man turned to face them. "Seron!"
The man nodded at him, a small smile on his mouth. The light from the torches behind him shaded his face, hiding his eyes. "Wynn, Fami. Hello. How's life been treating you, Wynn?" The smile grew.
"Great, just great. Say…why are you here?" Wynn scratched his head, and his hand dropped slowly to the hilt of his sword.
Seron seemed on the verge of laughter as he raised his right hand so the palm faced Wynn. "Well, that is because my master, Icarnos, ordered me to stop you." Lightning burst forth, and Wynn cried out in pain as it found his chest.
******
"Take Fami someplace else, if you would. I need to…talk to her friends."
"Yes sir."
"And, Murce-"
"Merce!"
"Whatever. She isn't to be harmed." Seron met the man's eye, and glared fiercely. "If she is, it will be your blood I shall use to paint the walls of this ranch."
The man grimaced, then nodded. He escorted the struggling girl away from the pole her two friends were tied to, and out of sight.
Seron watched her go with a smile, then whirled, the smile becoming something darker. He stepped forward slowly, his back set straight. He stopped in front of the bound Jier, who was glaring at him venomously. Seron smirked at him, catching the dark man's chin in his hand. "Not so superior now, are we, Mr. Shiekah? After all you did in the Shadow Temple…I nearly died because of you."
Jier smirked back at him. "The only shame is that it is just 'nearly'."
Jier groaned as his head rebounded against the pole, his eye squeezed shut as he winced in pain. Seron looked coldly down at him, massaging a sore fist. "You'll regret that."
"Coward! If you let us out of these ropes, we would show you how powerful you really are! You weakling! You have to tie someone up to beat them!"
Seron glanced over to the fuming Shezarah. "Oh, don't worry. You'll have your turn. I just want you to be able to see your little boyfriend after Deihawk gets through with him. Jier here, I will let go first."
"We'll see how strong you are when Wynn gets here!" Jier yelled, thrashing at his bindings.
Seron's eyes widened in fury, and another punch ended Jier's movements. Seron absently sucked at a bloody knuckle as he looked down at Jier. "I really, REALLY don't want to hear that name right now. But, since you insist…shall we give Wynn a reason to hurry?"
And then the pain really began.
******
"You're a fool! I'll kill you!"
"I'll make you pay for what you did to the Cucco Lady!"
Seron snarled at his opponent, his magic carelessly spreading through the underground tomb that was quickly becoming a battlefield. The Sheikah leapt over the blast, his foot landing on Seron's chest. Seron was sent flying back, rolling across the floor. He stopped himself, murder in his eyes as he looked at his foe. He rose, lightning pouring from his hands before he was completely up. Jier charged, ignoring the pain of a bolt that passed through his pants and burnt his leg. He slashed wildly with his dagger, but missed, and his momentum carried him past Seron.
The wizard laughed, confident. A punch to the jaw ended that. Seron growled indignantly, his hand ready to release more of his magic. Jier was just fast enough to avoid Seron's blasts, but as time went on he slowed, and knew he was losing. He charged, dagger ready to plunge into Seron's chest.
Seron laughed as his lightning burnt its way into Jier's heart, ending the man's life.
******
Now do you believe?
Kiara shook her head, eyes held shut. (No…no…no…)
Jevax grinned. The truth hurts.
Kiara screamed, and the sound was a match to Jevax's laughter. The wizard's eyes grew as an image began to grow in his head. What is this?
A man gave what he feared might be a final hug to his wife. She held to him, begging him not to go. He shook his head, motioning to the book he held. "The Hylians…they can use this to stop Krite! It is our only hope! It is her only hope! I must take it to the Royals!" The woman looked to the girl he was pointing at. The child, a young girl with blonde hair, laid in bed, pretending to be asleep. The woman stared at the girl, her eyes tortured. When she looked back to her husband, he was gone.
So…that book…the THEORIES?!? Could it be? Jevax erupted in laughter. Thank you, Kiara! You do not know how much you have helped me! Thank you!
Kiara did not hear him. She was trapped in her own nightmare.
Seron, leading his Tekititon armies to victory after horrible victory…
Seron, standing beside the marauder Deihawk as they pillaged the land…
(No…this can't be…)
Seron, enemy of those sworn to protect good…
Seron, the terror of Hyrule…
(This isn't the truth…how could he…? NO! Nooooooooo!)
"I'm not…Sertane…"
(Nooooooooooooooooooooo!)
Ha ha ha ha ha…
******
"Don't do it, Baro."
The Hylian wizard paused, taking a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. He had known this would happen the instant he had set his mind on this course of action, but it hardly made this talk with his old partner and mentor any easier. Giving his head a minute shake, he turned.
"It's the only way."
Icarnos stared at him through narrowed eyes. "The only way? Sounds more like the easy way out to me. That, or suicide. Or…perhaps an old vendetta? A bit of revenge?"
Baro sighed. "You know this is becoming necessary. If we don't keep them back until we can cement the seal, and they break free…"
"You think I don't know that? I still bear the scars from the battles during the Great War, Baro. I know what they are capable of."
"I have my scars too, Icarnos," Baro mumbled, his voice nearly low enough to escape the hearing of the other wizard, but not enough. Seeing his partner raise an eyebrow as he glanced over his shoulder, Baro continued. "Anyways, a surprise assault will save a lot of lives and isn't even that great of a risk."
"Unless Aganhim decides to pay a visit."
Baro whirled, his face red with rage. "DON'T! I do not wish to hear about that man! I hope he has died in the years since the war!"
"Rather slim chance of that, Baro. He's too powerful. His whole family is; you know that all too well."
"Yes, well, Krite wasn't, now was he?"
"You know I have my theories about that."
"And you know I don't particularly care for them."
Icarnos shrugged. "Nevertheless, this is a hasty move, and I've always known you to be a cautious man, save the one time. You were this reckless at the fort, and we know how that turned out, don't we."
Baro turned back, hiding shaking fists. He had never even imagined striking Icarnos, no matter how sharp the man's tongue, but this was a far more personal matter, and too important for comments of the like the wizard was using. He closed his eyes, quickly counting to ten, and then faced the wizard.
"I'm going now."
Icarnos shook his head wearily. "I can't stop you. I just hope you come back safely, Baro. I'm an old man, and nowhere as strong as you, even without the full powers of the Light Crystal. If you die on that mountain, then all is at risk. I doubt even Wynn is strong enough to defeat the Alterian forces, without your guidance."
Baro shook his head, shouldering his pack. "Wynn is stronger than I ever was, even when I fought Krite. He's more than a match for any Alterian. And, if he brings around young Seron…well, Aganhim can't take both sides, now can he?" The grin on Baro's face was so dark it made shivers run down Icarnos' spine. "That would be a fitting irony, wouldn't it?"
Icarnos closed his eyes in thought. When he opened them again, Baro was gone.
"Good luck, old friend. Time to see whether your family's magic is truly growing over the generations…or if Aganhim is far stronger than we had ever imagined."
******
"I'll never eat fish again."
Wynn didn't answer his partners comment; he merely slumped back onto the sandy beach of the lake with a groan. He draped an arm over his eyes, blocking the harsh sunlight, and tried to fall into unconsciousness. A thud nearby told him his partner was doing the same.
"Chirp!"
Seron shook his head, brushing sand from his face with an arm. "You did not just do what I think you did."
Chirp looked back at him, eye widening. He pointed, panicked, at Tweet, who pointed back at him with a mirrored expression.
"What, are your creations beginning to bug you, Seron?" quipped Wynn, who was cushioning his head with his arms, already half-asleep.
Seron glared at the man, who could not see through his closed eyes, but smiled sardonically anyway. A moment later, Wynn sat up, spluttering and brushing away the sand Seron had dumped onto his face. It was then Seron's turn to smile.
Chirp and Tweet ran off, probably going to explore the beach or go swimming or taunt big fish, Seron concluded. He and Wynn had been relieved to find them, unharmed, on the beach after the battle with the Deepwater Knight. However, he had been quite annoyed to find that, instead of trying to come and rescue them, the pair had decided to build a sandcastle. Chirp had said that he knew that he and Wynn could handle it. Seron had come to the conclusion to Tekitons were just chickens.
"Well, aren't you two comfortable?"
Seron sighed dramatically. "I really don't want to see you right now."
"Well, talking to pond scum like you isn't the highlight of my day either."
Wynn laid back down, sighed as he stretched. He opened one eye lazily. "Well, to be honest, there are people I'd rather see than either of you. Shall we get this over with?"
Bera smirked down at him. "I wouldn't be so relaxed if I were you. You never know what Jevax might decide to do with your friends after you meet your gruesome and most certainly painful ends."
Seron gave her a cold stare. "We'll just have to make sure that doesn't happen then, won't we?"
Bera shrugged, smiling. "Whatever. Come to Death Mountain when you're ready to die. Take your time, I want to make sure I have a comfortable seat for your executions."
"Well, Nerah-oh, excuse me, you two look so much alike-I think I'm going to take a nap now. All of these bland threats are getting kind of boring, and I've had a rough day, so if you don't mind…"
Wynn cut off with a splutter as Bera kicked sand onto his face. With a huff, the Zora stepped into a portal and was gone. Wynn rose with a wordless roar of frustration as Seron tried very hard, though in vain, not to laugh.
Moments later, they stood, dusted themselves off, and started walking northward, the Tekitons following close behind. Far in the distance, a single mountain loomed as certainly as the doom it had brought to so many. Death waited.
******
Bera was frowning as she stepped from her portal into the subterranean room that they used as a base of operations, but once she saw Jevax, she calmed her expression. The wizard stood with his back to her, but it was something in his stance that caused her unease. He stood tense, taking deep breaths. She paused, uncertain whether or not to interrupt whatever it was he was doing.
"They have it." Bera stepped back, surprised at both his acknowledgement of her presence and the hilarity in his voice. "They have the Theories! After all this time, thinking it was destroyed…" He turned, beaming. "Those fool Hylians have had it all along."
Bera blinked, confused. Theories? "So…what are you going to do?"
Jevax smiled at her, and she could see blood and destruction in his eyes. "What do you think?"
******
"I don't think this is such a good idea."
"Trust me."
Seron raised an eyebrow at that statement from his partner. "Oh, yeah, I've heard that one before!"
Wynn smirked slightly, shrugging slightly. "We need to rest up, and here is probably safer than in Kakariko. We're in no shape to face whatever Jevax and Bera have for us. Whether you like it or not, we're spending the night here." Without watching to see if Seron followed, he moved through the gates of Lon Lon Ranch, whistling confidently. The wizard watched him go, sighing inconsolably. He felt even more wretched as he felt the clawed hands of the Tekitons pat him consolingly on the back. "They're going to try to kill me. You know that, don't you?"
Tweet scratched her head, confused. Chirp, however, shrugged in a manner comparable to Wynn. Seron growled at him. "Traitor. They think you're too cute to kill."
Chirp nodded enthusiastically, to which Seron groaned. "Next time I make a monster, it'll be hideous. Ferocious. And perhaps a little more concerned with my well-being!"
Seron paused as he mentally translated Chirp's response. "What do you mean, that's what I said last time?!?"
Chirp answered by pointing at the other Tekiton, who, having lost interest in their conversation, was kneeling down on the grass and playing with flowers. Seron sobbed in despair.
"Coming, Seron?" came an overly cheerful voice from within the ranch.
The wizard looked towards the ranch with panic, and then back to Chirp. The Tekiton was standing proudly, fists on hips, chest puffed out. Seron snarled at him, then smiled, waving his arm in a gentlemanly manner for the Tekiton to go first. Chirp proceeded past him, but didn't notice the foot that suddenly found itself in his path. Seron strolled into the ranch, whistling innocently, as Chirp found its face buried in the dirt.
Chirp growled in its most threatening manner, which was closer to a drawn out squeak, and tried to push himself up. He stopped as he heard the chittering laughter behind him. He whirled, glaring at his companion. Tweet smirked back. Imitating Seron, he waved his arm for the lady to go first. She complied, walking past him, neatly stepping over the foot he extended. Sighing in defeat, Chirp followed behind her.
********
"Are you sure about him, Wynn?"
"Of course I am, Malon. I've told you that before. He's no danger, unless someone tries to fight him."
"Or tries to stick a pitchfork in me." Seron mumbled, trying to camouflage the comment with a cough. Malon frowned at him, then looked back to her childhood friend. "Well, Wynn, if you trust him, so will I. All of us will. Right, Father? Ingo?"
The bear-like owner of the ranch coughed behind a hand, looking away. The ranch hand turned his back, finding the wall suddenly entrancing.
"Right?"
Giving up, Talon sighed in defeat. "Right, my daughter. He is welcome to stay here as long…as he likes…"
Malon nodded, satisfied, even though the words had sounded like they had been drug out by the scruff of the neck. She turned her glare on Ingo, who started sweating when he felt her gaze on him. "Ingo? Ingo?"
The lean ranch hand chuckled weakly, tugging at his collar. "Yes, Ma'am." Still, seeing Seron's smirk, he hefted his pitchfork the second Malon turned away.
Malon looked at the dark wizard. "See? You have nothing to fear from us."
"From you three, yes. From me…" came a low voice from the head of the stairs. All five turned to look, not surprised to see a scowling Kesler. The young commander of the Survivors stalked down the stairs, hand resting comfortably on the hilt of the sword at his side. Wynn stared at Kesler, having fought alongside the man many times, and the Hylian refused to meet his eyes. He had no such choice, however, when it came to his beloved.
"Are you threatening a guest in our home, dear?"
Suddenly noticing the venom in Malon's voice, Kesler turned to look at the red-haired woman he loved. "Malon, he's-"
"An honored guest."
"Not while I-"
"You don't have any say in it."
"I don't care what Wynn says, we can't trust-"
"I trust Wynn. You should too."
"But…" Kesler started, his voice turned from ire to pleading.
"But nothing. He stays. If you have any problems with that-"
Kesler raised his hands, waving them. "O.K., O.K., I get your point!"
Seron's jaw dropped, and he turned to his partner. "Wow. I guess what they say about red-heads is-"
He was cut off as Wynn clamped a hand over his mouth. "Now isn't the time, my friend."
Seron nodded, seeing the wisdom in Wynn's words. It was a shame Talon didn't hear them. The older man chuckled, clapping a befuddled Kesler on the back. "You'll learn, my boy, that a woman's tongue is sharper than any sword, and just as deadly."
"What was that, Father?"
Seeing Malon's face turn to match her hair, Talon gulped loudly. "I just remembered, I have a thing…something…something very important…right now…Bye!"
Ingo followed in Talon's tracks, and they both darted out of the ranch house, dashing away as soon as they were out of sight. Malon watched them go, then turned back to Kesler, but the man had just broken one of the Survivors' cardinal rules: never retreat.
Malon turned back to Seron, now the perfect image of a smiling hostess. "I'm afraid we don't have much in the way of lodgings, but you can feel free to sleep in the hayloft."
Seron nodded, smiling. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"Well, if you will excuse me, I must see to dinner. I'm sure you two can find something to entertain yourselves with?"
Wynn laughed. "Sure, Malon. I wouldn't want to put off your cooking any longer. It'd be a shame to miss one of your great meals!"
The two warriors stepped out of the ranch house. Wynn looked over to Seron, who was breathing deep with relief. "Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?"
Seron glared at him, and started to reply, but Wynn had already walked away.
********
Greer, High General of the Hylian Army of Defense, grimaced as he walked down the halls of Hyrule Castle. He knew he should count himself lucky. At least time it wasn't something as major as marauders raiding Hyrule, or monsters at the walls, or wizards raining down magic, that troubled Greer this day. No, instead, it was something much more mundane that troubled the grizzled man. He was bored out of his mind.
"Sir!"
Greer glanced at the two men guarding the end of the hall. Both were in spotless armor, and held their pikes in precise angles as they stood, facing each other across the hall, eyes never shifting. He almost allowed himself a grin as he looked at one of the men, one who he judged to be standing a miniscule amount straighter, with armor that covered his scarred body just closer to perfect. He was impressed with the man; he had come a long way.
"So, soldier, what do you think of this day?" Greer asked nonchalantly, glancing at the other man.
This man relaxed a bit, and a smile grew large under the bushy mustache. The man had known Greer for years; he had been a long-time member of the Survivors until he had been promoted to the castle guard, and was a fierce and talented fighter. Out of combat, however, he was quite cordial, and more relaxed around his superiors than most, although not to the point of insubordinance. "Not a very exciting day, sir. That's how I like 'em, though."
One side of Greer's lips inclined slightly. "My feelings are quite the contrary, Arco." The man gave Greer a knowing smile, and resumed his position when Greer looked over to the other guard. "How about you, Agno?"
"Nothing of interest to report, sir. I have not observed anything that could pose any danger to this post." If Arco had relaxed briefly, Agno showed no sign of it. The man was new to his position among the guards, and showed it. His past was particularly shadowed; once a mercenary that had done a job for Icarnos while he was still possessed by Ganon, then a marauder in Deihawk's band. After nearly dying at Lon Lon Ranch during the Tekititon invasion, he had sworn whole-heartedly to become a member of the Hylian guard. He knew that he owed his life to a man he had fought against several times, the hero Wynn, and had figured the best way to repay that debt would be to join the men that often fought beside the hero. Greer had to note the man was among the most zealous of the guards, and knew he would give his life before any harm came to the Princess Zelda, or his commanders, including Greer.
Greer sighed tiredly. "Just I had figured. As you were, men." He took a step on down the hall. At least he wasn't the only bored one.
The irritated general stopped as he heard an explosion coming from around a bend in the hall. His eyes grew wide as a guard was flung into the wall of the bend, and slumped to the ground nervelessly. A shout rang out, but was quickly clipped off. Greer almost laughed out loud. So much for boredom.
Suddenly, a man blurred around the corner, coming straight down the hall towards them. Agno and Arco stepped past Greer protectively, bringing pikes to bear. As the man came closer, Greer noted several things. One, the man had rather spiked brown hair, and wore black with red stripes down the sides of his arms and legs. Second, he wore a look of intense hatred and rage. Lastly, Greer noticed that the man did not walk towards them; he glided a foot above the ground.
"Men, -" Greer started, but he didn't have time to issue orders. Agno roared as he darted down the hall, pike aimed to impale the man. The man slowed and, as Agno neared him, swung the staff he held. The soldier grunted as the blow knocked his weapon from his hands. Agno fell to one knee, and the man raised the staff to finish him, but the soldier wasn't defeated yet. His sword sang as it flew free of his scabbard, knocking the blow aside and darting toward the wizard's side. The man twisted aside, and the soldier's momentum carried him past the man. The staff swung high as Agno ran past, catching him on the right side of his head and throwing him into the wall. His head slammed against the stone, and he fell still.
"Get back, General!" Arco shouted, stepping between the attacker and Greer. The man paused, hovering in the air, and smiled darkly. Arco leveled his pike in preparation for a charge, to buy Greer time, but he wasn't fast enough. The wizard was upon him instantly, and while Arco was more skilled and disciplined than Agno had been, he found himself without a weapon quickly enough.
"You won't get past me!" Arco shouted, drawing his blade. "Survivors!" He was more talented with a sword than he was with a pike, and his quick slices pushed the man back a pace, but the whirling staff blocked every attack. The man caught one overhead attack on the center of the staff, and grinned at Arco as the soldier tried to press his sword down, to force the staff down far enough to cut the wizard. Arco grunted as the wizard drove his foot into the soldier's stomach, and that moment of weakness was his last in the fight. Seconds later, he slumped down against the wall, unconscious like Agno.
Greer drew his broadsword slowly, watching the wizard impassionately. "You're strong," he observed.
The wizard didn't say a word, instead shrugging mockingly. The general met the man's eyes, and smiled. "But, against Hyrule's finest, not strong enough!" The wizard grunted as the sword slammed into the staff jarringly, and the two began the dance Greer knew so well.
Greer knew that he had once been held as one of Hyrule's greatest swordsmen, before his promotions took him from the heat of the battle. He had long ago lost count of how many men he had defeated in duels, and in battles. Still, this fight took every reserve of skill he had left. The wizard was strengthened by his unholy magic, and didn't tire. Greer could not say the same; he had aged much over the years. His eyes narrowed as he considered the fight. Time for gambling, he decided.
He allowed one of the wizard's attacks to slip past his defenses, and sunk to the ground, groaning loudly. "Hyrule's finest?" the wizard demanded cockily, raising his weapon. "Pitiful."
Greer smirked up at the man, and his blade scythed upwards, knocking the staff and the hand holding it against the wall. Greer reversed his strike, and the wizard darted back, without his weapon, just quick enough. The man's eyes widened as he saw the tip of Greer's sword pass right in front of his nose. Greer charged, pressing the man back, but the wizard quickly re-gathered his wits. The aging general grunted loudly as he was thrown back as the floor in front of him exploded into a cloud of flames and stone chips. He scrabbled for his sword, but another, smaller, explosion sent it sliding away.
"Nice trick, old man." The wizard drifted through the smoke, and Greer heart sank at the chilling smile the man wore. He raised a hand to point at Greer. "Too bad for you it didn't work."
"Survivors!" Greer bellowed, throwing himself at the wizard, arms held back as he prepared to try to pummel his opponent. The wizard laughed, and darkness burst from his hands.
As the darkness took Greer, he contemplated kicking himself for being bored. He never got the chance, as he was gone before he hit the floor.
******
Jevax smirked down at the crumpled figure of the old warrior he had defeated. At least that one had put up a fight. Sad that the only resistance the Hylians had posed had been a grizzled geezer. He shook his head in bemusement. Pathetic.
He opened his mouth to laugh. Instead, his breath erupted from his mouth in a gasp as he was struck from his side. He lie against the wall, his vision swirling with red and black specks, as he tried to make his mind figure out what had happened, fighting the pain from his side and head that muddled his thoughts. He didn't get the chance, and screamed as blindingly bright lightning danced over his body.
"Boy, you shouldn't have come here. I have no qualms with squashing you, or any of your kind. I would have figured your foul breed would have learned not to interfere with Icarnos."
Jevax writhed on the ground, his muscles twitching in agony. He forced an eye open, and though his vision swam he could make out a bearded man, hair white as snow, standing at the end of the hall. The old man frowned as he looked down at the crumpled figure of the soldiers, gingerly picking his way over Greer and the cratered floor. He stopped in front of the man, looking down with a disapproving grimace. "Now, what to do with you?"
"Die!" Jevax screamed, leaping at the man. He groaned as his face slammed into an invisible wall, and another bolt threw him back. He lay panting on the ground, glaring at the other wizard with hatred. "Do you know who you are messing with?!?" he demanded.
"No, I most certainly do…wait. You look like…" the old man looked at him, puzzled. As realization dawned on his face, so did shock. "Devain!"
Jevax smirked. "Close."
Suddenly, the dark wizard disappeared. Icarnos searched for his opponent, but cried out as a staff landed between his shoulders. He fell to his knees, eyes wide in pain. He looked behind him, shocked. The younger man stood over him, his sneer gloating. "Call me Jevax."
Icarnos whirled, lightning flying from his fingertips. Jevax vanished, appearing behind the older mage. Icarnos turned, raising his arms, as Jevax charged at him. The young man grunted as a wave of air hit him, forcing him back. Seeing white lightning fly at him, he teleported away, coming at the other wizard from the side. Icarnos ducked under a swipe from the staff held by Jevax, then lashed out with his magic. Jevax flipped back, landing in a crouch.
"Not bad, old man."
Icarnos gave him a cold smile. "You're almost as good as you're father." He gave a short, derisive laugh. "That's not saying much, since your father wasn't that good to begin with."
Jevax's eyes bulged as he froze. He took one trembling step forward, his mouth curling up in a snarl. He raised his staff above his head, screaming viscously. Icarnos stepped back as the wizard charged at him, roaring the whole while. Lightning bridged the rapidly narrowing gap between them, but Jevax ran unfazed. Desperate, Icarnos sent a wave of air towards the enraged young man, flinging him against the wall. The collision barely stunned Jevax, but as he started to rise Icarnos attacked again. Jevax didn't bother to shield himself, but he was not the target of the older wizard. Jevax's eyes, lit by rage, stared at Icarnos unblinkingly as the rocks freed from the ceiling fell onto him.
Icarnos coughed weakly, turning away from the pile of stones and the hand that protruded from under them, limp. "Amazing. He was almost as insane as his father, it seems." He leaned against a wall, breathing raggedly. "And just as hard to kill."
He closed his eyes as he leaned against the wall, feeling exhaustion tug at him. His eyes shot open as he heard the rocks behind him shift. Cautiously, he turned back, looking at the evil wizard's cairn. He was relieved to see the stones still lay where they had fallen. Suddenly, he noticed one important, and fatal, detail. The hand was-
Jevax smiled down at the prone body of Icarnos. "Old man," he murmured, "Be thankful I have a task to complete. Otherwise, I would ascertain exactly what you know of my father, and you would not find my methods pleasant. Be thankful you escape with your life." With that, Jevax turned, and walked away. The Theories awaited him.
********
Concealed in darkness, the wizard drew his sword. He glanced at the moonlight reflected off the blade, then raised it to the guard position. Without a sound, he attacked, slashing and spinning in an intricate dance. Intricate, however, didn't mean graceful: the movements were choppy and obviously foreign to the man.
Seron raised his sword, slashing forcefully to the left, then moved to bring his sword back to the right in a reserved strike. The wizard grunted as his movements threw him off balance, and he stumbled forward. Frowning, he glared at the curved sword he held. It was frustrating; he had fought with a sword before, but had quickly learned he possessed little innate skill for it. However, it hadn't really bothered him, since he could just rely on his magic. Now, however, he needed all the advantages he could get.
"Having a little trouble, friend?"
Seron whirled. He had not known he had had a spectator to his nighttime practice. "You could say that." He commented bitterly.
Wynn stepped into the moonlight, out of the shadows that had concealed him from Seron's eyes. "It'd be good if you were used to that thing. I could teach you…" The hero's eyes flitted to the side, looking into another patch of deep shadows. "But someone used to training people for swordplay would be a better teacher. Isn't that right, Kesler?"
Seron whirled again. I must be getting soft, thought he. "What is this, spy on Seron night?"
The soldier stepped forward as Wynn had done. He smirked at the hero wryly. "I'm impressed. I didn't have any idea you were there, but you picked me out without even trying."
Wynn shook his head modestly, then looked at Kesler seriously. "Will you?"
"Will I what? Train him to use a sword? You can't be serious!"
"I am."
"Pardon me if I don't want to train a blade that will likely turn against me."
"It's a good thing Greer didn't feel the same."
Kesler's face darkened, then he grimaced. "Anyone ever told you that heroes are supposed to only hit above the belt?"
"That's one thing I'll miss about being a villain," Seron commented. "The only thing."
The soldier turned to face him, appraising him silently. He met Seron's eye, and held his gaze for several seconds. Finally, satisfied, he stepped forward. "Fine, I'll do it. But if this comes back to haunt me, Wynn…"
Wynn shrugged. "Then you won't have me to yell at."
The soldier nodded grimly. "So be it."
Seron stared at his new teacher uncertainly. "So, how do we start?"
Kesler frowned, tapping his chin. "Well, let's see…I guess the best way would be…" He trailed off in mumbles.
"What's that?" Seron asked, stepping closer.
"I guess way to start would be…Ha!"
Seron yelped and jumped back as Kesler drew his sword and charged. He barely brought up his own blade in time, desperately fending off the attack. His hand stung from the shock of the collision of blades, and he nearly dropped his sword. Kesler didn't relent, however, his sword sweeping around in another strike. Seron blocked this, too, but coming closer to missing. Kesler jumped back, then struck from another angle, desperately fended off just in time.
The two fought for a stretch of time that passed slower than eternity for Seron. Each time, he just barely managed to block Kesler's slashes. Some times, he completely missed, mistakes that should have been fatal. As the fight waged on, however, he began to understand. This wasn't a real battle; this was a test. Kesler was probing him, checking his strengths and weaknesses. It just seemed real, so he would fight with all his power.
Seron smirked. Now, with this knowledge, he could feel free to take a chance. He stepped back, bringing in his stomach to avoid one of Kesler's swings, then lunged. His first strike was blocked, but Seron reversed his direction, spinning completely around. Kesler, surprised that Seron was making such a risky maneuver and not wanting to fatally injure the wizard, failed to take his chance to strike. It would have been fatal for Seron, because the maneuver left him wide open to any attack. Kesler easily blocked the sweeping blow, then added one of his own. Seron swatted it away, his blade coming up to block, then back down in an attack.
The fighters paused, both surprised. Kesler slowly raised his free hand to his face. He looked down at it, at the redness coating his fingers. His hand began to tremble it as he lowered it, and raised his sword.
Seron swallowed visibly. "Listen, I didn't mean to-"
"Argh!"
Seron yelped as the young warrior took a swing at him, dropping to the ground to avoid the slash that would have removed his head at neck level. He desperately scrambled backwards, while Kesler came on, unrelenting. "I really didn't mean to-" Seron started, but Kesler raised his sword over his head, and Seron decided that it would be a good time to run for cover. He dashed to the side, then turned, facing the other man. "Kesler, don't make me do this!" he warned.
Kesler's response was a wordless yell, and Seron desperately fended off his attack, and his next. The blows kept coming, and Seron had no time for anything but defending. Kesler did not slow, however.
Finally, Kesler raised his sword above his head, and brought it down with full force towards Seron's head. The curved blade met it, and the two paused, meeting each other in a test of sheer strength. Kesler tired to press Seron's sword down, while Seron tried to knock the other man's blade away. For a moment, Seron felt a surge of pride at being able to fend off the more experienced warrior.
Then Kesler's boot buried itself in his stomach. Seron's breath rushed out in a loud 'Woof!", and the wizard fell onto his rear, the sword falling from his hand. He shook his head to try to clear away the bright lights he saw, and his hand scrambled for his lost weapon. He froze as he felt the lethally sharp point of Kesler's sword come to rest at his throat.
"I can end it all. No more destruction, no more hurting. I can make up for everything you've done and everyone you've harmed." The soldier's eyes didn't move from Seron's, and the blade did not waver. Neither man shifted in the least.
"No, you can't," came the other voice from a distance away. Kesler didn't turn, but instead tensed, the blade's tip moving in minute, shaky circles. "Only he can."
"Wynn, I can't forgive him for what he's done. Malon could have died because of him. I very nearly did. The entire world was almost destroyed because of-"
"CHIRP!" Thwack!
"TWEET!" Crack!
The three turned, their attention drawn to the fierce battle that had erupted a short distance away. There, two monsters fought in a duel to the death, weapons whistling through the air as the parried and danced, trying to find a weakness in the other's defenses. Both snarled in rage as the lunged and slashed, their full fearsome strength at its limits.
Actually, the truth of the matter was a bit different. While that was how the two monsters perceived the fight, in actuality the duel was more humorous than harrowing, funny rather than fierce. The Tekitons faced off, both clutching rather un-intimidating sticks, which they proceeded to swing about with over-exaggerated slashes. The resulting pantomime of the battle that had just taken place was enough to give the spectators cause to clutch their foreheads in exasperation.
The two rushed each other, bashing their 'swords' against the others. Tweet fell back, then slashed at Chirp's side. The red Tekiton dodged, then stabbed for Tweet's middle. She spun to the side gracefully…or perhaps not. With a shrill shriek, she tripped over her own feet, and planted her face in the dirt.
With a triumphant chitter, Chirp charged, stick raised above his head. Once he had almost reached Tweet, the blue Tekiton lashed out at the only part of her foe that she could reach: his feet. Seeing this, Chirp saw no way to move aside, so he followed his first instinct: jump. However, his momentum carried him over Tweet, and his surprised shriek ended as he landed face-down on the ground. Shaking her head, Tweet rose, and dashed toward him. Her charge was met as Chirp rose, and neatly blocked her strike with a loud 'CRACK!'
The two backed away from each other, then raised their weapons to the guard position. However, they both soon noticed one important detail: Chirp's 'sword' had broken cleanly in half.
The male Tekiton lowered his arm, and his shoulders slumped in defeat as Tweet began to point and laugh at him. He turned away, shaking his head, but her laughter didn't cease. Fuming, he turned, and threw what remained of his stick at her. The shard bounced right off her head, and she fell back, stunned.
Chirp smirked, pointing down at her triumphantly. Tweet placed her clawed hands where her hips would be on a normal person, and scowled at him. When Chirp began to mime her fall, she had had enough. Snarling, she threw herself at the other, tackling him to the ground. Chirp yelped in surprise, and then began to wrestle back, and the two rolled across the ground.
For the three men watching, this strange wrestling match was more than enough to break their silence. At first it was snickers and chuckles, but soon enough all three erupted into full-blown guffaws. All tenseness from moments before was forgotten as they laughed, and the Tekitons stopped their fight, looking at the three humans with anger.
Once they finally calmed down, and pried the furious Tekitons off them, the men remembered where they were and what had passed before. Seron rose quickly, dusting himself off. Kesler made no move, merely staring at him coldly. Seron looked at him timidly, not knowing what to say.
"Your sword, Seron?" Wynn pointed out.
Seron glanced at him, then stuck out his hand. The sword flew from the ground, landing in his palm. Seron looked back to Kesler, who suddenly had a surprised and considering look in his eyes.
"I think I've made my point with that," Wynn announced. "The fight would have gone quite differently, had he have used his magic. I would even say that your positions might have been reversed." The light in Wynn's eyes went cold. "Quite the destructive wizard, eh?"
Kesler frowned. He saw Wynn's point. The fight would have indeed been much different, had Seron had fought like he would have expected him to.
Seron chuckled weakly, looking down at the ground. "You're pretty good," he said lamely.
Kesler turned to him, confused. Finally, he nodded. "You're not bad yourself. You've got a lot of room for improvement, though. For starters…"
Wynn smiled as he walked away. His task was done. Now, both men could understand each other a little better. A step at a time, Wynn reminded himself. A step at a time, until everyone could see in Seron what he saw.
