A.N.: And here I am to start the next episode of Kage, in this year of 2014. Sorry it took me so long to update this one. Partially it was the other story that took some effort to start developing (I admit writing Joker's dialogue is extremely hard but at the same time rewarding, the approaches to that character alone are simply… mind blowing), another was a severe writer block. But now, I can properly start this episode.
Also, Arkhanta and the characters of that story arc of the comic will be used, but won't be the major plot, obviously. I have something planned for Yua, and I thought it would to be nice to present a world that doesn't have a good view of Kandrakar but yet is no immediate threat (similar to tense relations between two countries that may or may not lead to war). But there are some changes, for example Ari (appears right in this chapter) and Yua have a far different relationship than in the comic.
So without further ado, here is the beginning of the current episode.
Betayed by: Zim'sMostLoyalServant
C is for Changes that Corrupt
Part 1
"URGH! This is getting me nowhere!"
In the cave that held a sleeping Miranda on the bed and a snoring Jade on the chair (she was practically hanging off the chair in a delicate equilibrium), a certain shadow was pacing back and forth, grumping to herself.
"Trying to appeal to our more ruthless nature didn't work exactly as I planned. Granted, she's at least more keen in going all out against those bakas, but still, it didn't give me any further influence in the end," the Queen complained, as her shadowed form leaned in a thinking position, arms crossed behind her back.
"Anger and hatred were working their way around, fueling me to the point that I was starting to influence Jade to act more like she should, like me. But now she's guarding herself too well. Why did she listen to Jackie's exercises?" the Queen asked to no one as she remembered the first lessons that Jackie gave to Jade, and to her, in a sense. All so that Jade could learn to control her short temper, which in turn became a leash to her, even before she become the Queen, when she was just… part of Jade.
"I actually miss those days before Jackie, when it was just us against the world, standing against all that tried to put us down. I may not have been sentient back then, but at least I had purpose," the Queen said in an almost mournful tone as her shadowed shoulders slumped a little.
But then the Queen immediately recovered from that sad disposition that almost overtook her. She was not like that, not a sad little girl, unlike Jade, who was deep down. Sadness and pain were a fuel to more worthy emotions like anger, hatred, resentment, cruelty, and desire, and nothing more. That was the true nature of the darkness within. That was all she was to Jade, her darkness that would swallow her in the end.
"And that day is coming sooner than you expect, Jade, mark my words," the Queen proclaimed as she moved towards Jade proclaimed, casting her shadowed form on the young sleeping girl in a threatening way.
But Jade's only response was to smile contently as she continued to sleep soundly.
"Okay, ominous threats do work better when your intended victim is awake," the Queen said in a deadpan tone.
"No! No!"
The Queen turned to the source of those moans, which was Miranda, who was trembling and moaning in her sleep.
"Well, well, well, what have we were?" the Queen asked in interest as she now moved toward the sleeping shapeshifter, her red glowing eyes narrowing as she took in the distress Miranda was exhibiting.
"Anger, pain, resentment, fear, despair. So old, so twisted. Such delicious nectar," the Queen said hungrily. If she had a mouth in this form, she would be salivating.
"You know, I never did thank you and the rest of the Knights for giving me the extra strength that allows me to manifest like this. A pity that it doesn't make me more than an animated shadow, but baby steps, I suppose. Now, let's see what's disturbing your sleep," the Queen said as she moved her hand to touch Miranda's forehead.
As soon as she touched it, her red pupil-less eyes widened dramatically as images started to flash in her mind.
"Burn them! Burn them all!"
"Death to all shapeshifters!"
"Kill the abominations!"
A crowd was gathered around a large wooded scaffold, shouting jeers and insults as people – some human, others Drakes, some even beasts – were being strapped to posts. Their faces clearly showed their fear and desperation, considering the fate that awaited them.
In a nearby alley was a young raven-haired five-year-old girl, huddled against a wall as she watched the pyre and listened to the jeers of the crowd. She didn't understand. Why were they being so mean, so cruel, so… evil? What had she ever done to them? A few minutes passed and she dared to look at the scaffold, and then her eyes widened in fear and terror. Her parents were also strapped on the posts. But why? They weren't lowly shapeshifters like she was.
"Listen, all of you!" yelled a voice full of authority.
The crowd quieted down. An old man climbed up the scaffold, with a small white beard on his face that still didn't hide the scowl that exhaled hatred, which deepened as he watched the abominations in front of him. Yes, that was what shapeshifters were to Kur, nothing more than monsters that would pillage his village, or worse.
"We are all gathered here to witness the extermination of this plague that has long infected not just our fair village, but also to our entire world for generations. Shapeshifters!" Elder Kur yelled, which was followed by more boos and jeers from the crowd.
"Truly disgusting beings, that dare to take the form of humans or on occasion our equals, the Drakes. But in case some of you are still doubting…"
Kur left that in the air as one of his men gave him a flaming torch. He then approached a post that held a little blonde girl, who was crying in fear. Still, that didn't stop him as he pointed the torch at her, the flames getting closer and closer to the girl's face, as she screamed harder and harder until she transformed into a wolf-like being. Only then did the flames back away, and Kur was grinning wickedly at the cowering wolf girl.
"Do you see? Do you see what monstrosity hides in the skin of a child? Can you imagine what she could do with someone that doesn't know her foul nature? She could kill you and all of your family and friends and no one would know!" Kur yelled. Again, more jeers rose from the crowd, louder than before.
"And let's not forget that a shapeshifter is the right hand of the usurper, who has already stolen too much from us, from our food to our own sons to work in their mines and camps. And the shapeshifters, as a whole, are accomplices of Phobos along with the monstrous Lurdens. They have to be stopped!" Kur yelled.
This time came cries and yells of fury directed at Phobos, at Cedric, at the Lurdens, and also at the shapeshifters as well. The raven-haired girl dared to leave the alley, covering herself with a hood in order to avoid being identified as she approached the crowd, walking among them and their hateful cries, and approached the scaffold. She had to see them once more. Miranda had to see her parents, and hope that someone would help them.
"Please, oh Light of Meridian, please come. Please," Miranda mumbled in a prayer, hoping that the prophesied savior that her mother talked about would come and rescue her parents.
Kur now approached the tied up couple, a woman with long raven hair and a man with short brown hair. Compared to the sullen or crying faces of the other captives, they were actually looking defiantly at the Elder.
"My, my, Othis, Zana, if looks killed I would be dead by now," the Elder said in a mocking tone as laughter came from his nearby men. Miranda glared hatefully at the Elder after hearing him.
"Is this what makes you feel big, Kur? Terrorizing young ones?" the woman, Zanna, asked in a hateful tone as she looked at the wailing wolf girl.
"My feelings mean nothing in the end. What really matters is to purge Meridian of all of its impurities," Kur said as he eyed the couple.
"Then you have too much to do, indeed. Don't you see that our world was already diverse in many species even before the reign of the Escanors? We have always been different," said the man, Othis.
"Not all of us come from that time. You know that the shapeshifters only came after the first civil war," Kur said as he looked pointedly at Othis.
"And the human tribe is not even native to this world in their beginning. Doesn't that makes us a plague to Meridian too?" Zanna asked in defiance.
Kur's only response was a slap to her face.
"Don't you dare to soil the name of our kind, which includes you two!" a furious Kur yelled.
Miranda's eyes bulged in fear but also in anger, hatred directed at this awful man. She never did like him; he always eyed her in suspicion, as if expecting that a monster might emerge from her. And to think that to all the people she could have been exposed to, it had to be in front of him.
"Enough of the past. You know what I want, what I am asking of you two, yes? It is you duty to our kind, as humans like me," Kur said.
"Not like you, I hope," Othis said distastefully.
Kur frowned at this, but still he kept his temper in check as he made his proposal.
"Think about it, you two. Along with doing your duty, you are also ensuring your freedom," Kur said in a surprisingly calm and almost appealing tone.
"At the cost of our daughter's life?" Zanna asked acidly.
"You can always have more," Kur answered coldly.
"And what if our next child is a shapeshifter like Miranda? Would you hunt him or her too?" Othis asked in anger.
Kur eyed them with coldness.
"You already know my answer. Perhaps you should avoid having more children in that case? But enough of that, where is the spider abomination?" Kur asked tensely.
"Gone from this wretched village, hopefully. Even if we wanted to tell you, we don't really know. She fled, or don't you remember, stupid?" Zanna asked as she smirked defiantly.
Kur was about to slap her again, when a realization came to his mind. He has been appealing to the wrong person. If the spider was still in the village somehow…
"Are you with us, little spider? Answer us if you can hear me!" Kur yelled as he turned to face the silent crowd.
Miranda was taken by surprise. He was calling her?
"Come out, wherever you are. Come to us. If you do, I promise to release you parents. I only want you, not them," Kur continued.
Miranda actually thought about his proposal. She knew what would happen if she revealed herself – she would take her parents' place in the pyre. But on the other hand, the fear for her own safety was practically insignificant compared to the fear of losing her mother and father. She couldn't let them die like this, not for her sake. In fact, she shouldn't have fled like she did when her mother ordered her to yesterday, when Kur and his men barged in their cottage to capture her.
"What's the matter, little one? Don't you want to save momma and papa? Or perhaps deep down you never cared for them, you little monster? After all, shapeshifters only care for themselves and nothing more!" Kur yelled.
Miranda shook her head. No, she cared for her parents. And they cared for her too. So without fully realizing it, she started to move her hands toward her hood, preparing to reveal herself.
"Enough hide and seek, little spider. If you don't reveal yourself in the next minute, I will burn them along with the others. And I think that not even a lowly shapeshifter such as you would want their deaths on her con…"
"I'm here."
All in the crowd looked at the small figure of a raven-haired five-year-old, her face now fully revealed.
"Grab her!" Kur ordered.
Immediately, two men grabbed Miranda, each holding one arm.
"No Miranda, what have you done?!" Zanna yelled in complete impotence.
"You should have fled!" her father yelled, equally helpless.
"I'm sorry mommy, daddy, but I couldn't leave you. Not like this," Miranda said in a pitiful tone.
"Ah, how sweet and generous of you. You know, I do have to thank you. Hunting you down would be much too strenuous for us," Kur said as he descended from the scaffold and approached the restrained girl.
"You have me now, so please free mommy and daddy. I'm the one you want, right?" Miranda asked as she glared at Kur.
Kur simply looked at her in a strange way, as if he was actually pondering what he would do to her. And when he smiled wickedly at her, Miranda knew that he indeed was sealing her fate.
Her and her parents' fates, to be more precise.
"Listen, everyone! I am putting the fate of these two in your hands. They are humans like me and many of you, but not only did they give birth to a lowly shapeshifter, they dared to raise her like a daughter. And who knows if they will not birth more. So, what is your decision?" Kur asked of the mob.
"Burn them! Burn them all!" several people in the crowd yelled in unison, others immediately following their example, much to Miranda's horror.
"No! You promised!" Miranda yelled in desperation as tears fell down her checks.
"It's no longer in my hands. The will of the people is absolute, something that your master seems to have forgotten," Kur responded.
"I never worked for Phobos!" Miranda yelled as she scowled at him.
"Even if you are telling the truth… well, better safe than sorry. But I will spare you for a few weeks, until what happens today finally sinks in. That their death is your fault and your fault only," Kur said, smiling maliciously as he signaled to his men, who started to light the wooden columns of the scaffold.
"You will pay for this Kur! The Light of Meridian will judge you!" Zanna yelled as she struggled, as trails of black smoke start to rise around her.
"Please come. They need you. We all need you, Light of Meridian. Please!" Miranda thought in a prayer.
"I doubt that the true heir will condemn me for helping in the task that her grandmother started two hundred years ago," Kur said smugly.
"That her daughter stopped. This is not what Wiera wanted!" Othis yelled, as more smoke started to cover the scaffold.
"And look where mercy to shapeshifters got her. I wonder if her daughter will be so kind to them after she knows of their treason," Kur said acidly.
"She will come. And will save us all!" Miranda yelled as she glared at Kur.
But Kur's eyes alighted in amused sadism.
"Yes, she will save us from your kind, because if this is not her will…"
Yells of pain interrupted him as Miranda turned to see the flames alight and grow, starting to consume the scaffold. Screams of pain and suffering filled the night, actually surpassing the jeers and yells of the crowd.
But Miranda could only see a gigantic orange flame and actually hear her parents' intense screams.
"…then why would she let this happen?" finished Kur.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"AHHHHHH!"
THUMP!
"OUCH! My butt!"
Miranda blinked her teary eyes, realizing that she was in the cave, on a bed, covered in sweaty sheets and in a sitting position.
"A little warning next time, would you?"
Miranda turned to the source of the voice at her side. There was Kage, lying on the ground, a fallen chair at her side.
Both girls failed to notice a shadow receding back to its original position, crawling on the ground like a slippery snake.
"Ouch, that is going to leave a mark," Jade mumbled as she rubbed her posterior and got on her feet.
"What… what happened?" Miranda mumbled in an agitated tone.
"I don't know. I was sle… I mean, keeping watch when you started to scream bloody murder. Quite loudly, to be honest. Thanks a lot by the way," Jade answered as she looked at the shapeshifter in annoyance.
Miranda didn't retort, more concerned with that awful dream. No, that was no dream, or nightmare even. It was a memory of her sunken past, one that hadn't plagued her for quite some time. Not that she would ever forget – in fact, out of all of the lies and deception she had to live with, that was the one of the few constants that she kept. She even revealed it to Elyon once… well, partially at least. Like she would ever care about what happened to her parents, especially now that she was the Queen and has so many subjects like Kur. Her Earth upbringing already classified negatively what didn't look human, and adding the events at the coronation…
Jade's frown melted as she realized that the shapeshifter was not responding to her, simply concentrated on wiping the tears that Jade now noticed were on her face.
"Hey… are you okay?" Jade asked in concern.
Miranda's eyes widened in surprise after she heard Kage's question. But immediately after, her eyes narrowed to two slits as she glared at Kage.
"Not a word to the others, you hear me?" Miranda asked in a cold, yet threatening tone.
"Okay, okay. My lips are sealed," Jade replied hastily as she backed away, actually unnerved by Miranda's penetrating glare, even more intense than the usual one.
"Good," Miranda said as she visibly relaxed. She really hated being caught in such a vulnerable position. You should never show weakness, even amongst allies. The weak are always the prey.
"Still, that didn't answer my question," Jade said as she regained her wits, actually standing quite defiantly toward the shapeshifter.
"Why are you asking?" Miranda asked suspiciously as she glared at Kage.
"I don't know, perhaps because you woke up screaming and crying? You were quite upset and disturbed by whatever you dreamed about," Jade said as she glared back at Miranda.
"I wasn't upset!" Miranda shouted.
"Yes you were!" Jade retorted in a yell.
"No I wasn't!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"URGH! Just drop this pointless argument. My affairs are not your concern, got it?" Miranda asked, thoroughly annoyed.
Jade's face adopted a sour expression, yet she replied through her clenched teeth, "Yeah, I got it."
"Good," Miranda said as she changed her attention to see if she had any lasting injuries after that nasty fall. If she ever got that Earth Guardian, she would show her how painful it is to fall from almost a hundred feet. After she cut her wings off first, of course.
Satisfied that her body didn't seem to have any lasting injuries aside from a few sore spots (thank goodness for shapeshifters' resilience and increased healing, she thought), Miranda left the bed so that she could join the other Knights in the common room so that she could eat something. She was truly famished by now.
"Well, aren't you going to say anything?" Jade asked the retreating shapeshifter, who stopped at the question.
"Say what?" Miranda asked in a disinterested tone of voice as she turned to Kage.
"Perhaps a 'thank you', for starters? Who do you think carried you to this cave? And was keeping an eye on you in case your injuries were more severe the whole night?" Jade asked demandingly.
"Some watch, since I caught you sleeping on the job," Miranda answered dryly.
"Hey, I was keeping watch just fine, I just… rested my eyes for a minute. Five, tops," Jade argued, trying to cover for her mistake.
"Sure you did," Miranda replied sarcastically.
Miranda changed to her spider form and was leaving the room again when Jade spoke again.
"Well?"
Miranda didn't turn this time, but said, "I didn't ask you for anything, so I don't have any obligation to you, and that's that."
Then the shapeshifter left Jade alone in the small cave, the latter actually gaping at what Miranda said to her.
"Grrrr! That jerk! That freak! Baka! Bakemono!" Jade yelled, insulting the shapeshifter in both English and Japanese. Also in a fit of fury, she punched the nearest wall, actually cracking the surface with her hand.
"Wow, how did I… oh, right, I forgot, I have super strength now. Well, above human strength at least," Jade said to herself as she gazed at her fist and then at the small hole on the wall. It was no Ox Talisman strength, but she could still pack quite a punch now.
GNARL!
Jade's thoughts quickly stopped as she gazed at her stomach, which rumbled in protest. That's right, she hadn't eaten anything for hours.
"You know what? Forget that ungrateful kumo and her jerkiness attitude. I have more important things to worry about than her anyway. It's like that creep said, it's not my problem that she's such a stick in the mud," Jade grumbled as she also left the room, trying to forget Miranda's ungrateful attitude.
Jade's shadow stretched and again took on the outline of the Queen, red eyes gleaming in satisfaction.
"That bitch kumo really gave me an idea. I have been doing things all wrong, underestimating the part of darkness that is pain and suffering. If I want to overcome Jade, she has to fall – to truly fall – into despair first. And the only way for that to happen is if she can never be with Jackie and the others," the Queen said as dark thoughts started to form in her mind, thoughts of how to bring doubts to Jade about ever finding her family again. And of course, one other thing was on her agenda now as well.
"That pink pendant on that akage fairy must be mine. I have to get that trinket, or more precisely, whatever is inside it."
Miranda reached the center of the caverns, noticing Gargoyle and Sandpit on one side of the cave, while Tracker and his dog Sniffer were on another. She noticed that Frost and his rhino Crimson were not here, nor was Raythor. Curious, she was about to ask where they were when Kage arrived behind her.
"Good morning, everyone. So, what's for breakfast? I'm starving, you know," Jade asked, her tongue licking her lips in a hungry manner.
Tracker pointed at a bag that Miranda went to inspect. She saw that it was full of purple mushrooms that had blue spots on them.
"Purple blooms. Not poisonous," Tracker answered in his hissing voice.
"That's good, we certainly don't want to fall in an eternal sleep, right Miranda?" Jade asked the shapeshifter cockily as she grabbed a mushroom and bit it.
Miranda frowned but didn't reply as she mirrored Kage by eating her own share of the mushrooms. She could tell that the girl was resentful because she hadn't thanked her. What did she expect? That she would do just that? Ridiculous.
Yet, why was it bothering her somehow?
Shaking her head, Miranda then turned to Tracker, since he was the only other that could talk aside from her and Kage, and asked, "Where are Raythor and Frost?"
Jade swallowed a mouthful of mushrooms. She was so hungry and grumpy at the spider jerk that she hadn't fully realized that Raythor and Frost were absent.
"Yeah, she's right, where are they?" Jade asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tracker leaned toward the two girls.
"Out, at the village."
"I still can't believe that we are doing this. Especially looking like this."
It was the twentieth time that Frost had complained since they left the cave early at dawn. It was starting to get on Raythor's nerves.
"Someone had to. And we were the only ones that could, aside from Miranda and Kage. And you know that they couldn't," Raythor, covered in rags from head to toe, replied.
"Humph, you are being soft on them Raythor. They are the infiltrators, not us," Frost, equally covered in rags, complained.
"One that was recovering when we left, the other keeping watch on her. Maybe if you had volunteered, you would be at the cave right now," Raythor said as he looked at Frost in an annoyed manner.
"Fine, I get it. What do you want to know so badly anyway?" Frost asked, actually curious about their current task.
"I want to see the consequences of our actions yesterday," Raythor answered.
"What are you talking about? We aren't in Sonder Hill," Frost stated, confused.
"I'm not talking about the destruction we caused," Raythor said.
"Then what?" Frost asked, starting to get annoyed again.
"You will see," Raythor replied enigmatically.
They had entered the village less than an hour ago, after leaving Frost's rhino in a nearby wood, and yet they were already having difficulty moving around the mass of people that were in their daily affairs. Raythor was noticing that the atmosphere overall was happier than he could remember during Phobos' time, even reminding him of Wiera's reign.
"Hey!" Frost protested as someone bumped into him.
"Sorry, my apologies sir," the young man that had bumped into the disguised Frost apologized.
While the man simply continued on his way, Frost was silently growling, actually considering striking at that peasant for bumping into him, but a hand on his shoulder restrained him.
"Don't even think about it. We have to keep a low profile," whispered Raythor.
Frost grunted but didn't retort, relaxing his stance, even if slightly.
"How I wish to have Crimson here now, riding along this street as the peasants flee from our unstoppable march…"
"…until the Guard comes to arrest you. If it was for that, I would have brought Gargoyle or Sandpit or Tracker," Raythor said sarcastically.
"Okay, I get it, low profile," Frost replied in an annoyed tone.
Both soldiers continued their path, which was now leading to a square where many people had gathered. Hundreds and hundreds of people were concentrating at a wooden platform, one that had some men, most with horn-like trumpets, surrounding a few others, others that both Frost and Raythor recognized – Caleb, Aldarn, Drake, and the other leaders of the Rebellion.
"What the-? What are they doing here?" Frost asked, his eyes narrowing in fury as his teeth clenched at their sight.
"What I expected," Raythor answered cryptically.
Before Frost could question Raythor further, the sound of the trumpets soared through the air, catching the attention of all that were gathered.
"Attention, my fellow Meridianites. I have news that Queen Elyon, our true ruler, wishes for me to communicate to you!" Caleb yelled to the gathered crowd.
Some of the people started to chatter amongst themselves, curious to see what the leader of the Rebellion, and now the Queen's right hand – not officially, but everyone could see that Caleb was the person that called the shots now – had to say.
"First, some good news. The Queen wishes that all of Meridian know that from tomorrow and on, her court will be open to everyone. I don't need to remind you that holding court was not done for over thirteen years. It's high time that the people be heard, and Queen Elyon promises her attention to your problems, whatever they are!" Caleb yelled with eagerness and some smugness as the crowd erupted in loud cheers.
All except Frost and Raythor, the first one's face set in a nasty scowl.
"Pompous brat. So vain of a victory that is not even his," Frost grumbled.
Raythor didn't reply, but he silently agreed with the brute. He could clearly see the proud air that most of rebel leaders wore, aside perhaps Drake for some reason. It was not that surprising, he supposed – the youngest were always the quickest ones to swell in pride. He was a proud man himself, but years of training and control helped him to restraint his pride and not let it soar. The only time that he let his pride get the better of him recently led to his literal fall at the Abyss of Shadows, so he should know how dangerous to oneself unrestrained pride can truly be. Well, that could actually work to their advantage in the future. If they really became so foolishly prideful this fast…
"But not all the news are good. While Phobos and the majority of his accomplices are properly locked away – and believe me, they will remain that way for a very long time – there are some that are still at large," Caleb proclaimed in a now serious tone, his face now grave and stern.
This time, the crowd murmured among themselves, some scared, others expectant as to who Caleb was referring to. Needless to say, the mood had been soured significantly.
"We will show you the seven most dangerous of them in these wanted posters that will be spread to all of Meridian. These minions of the tyrant and sworn enemies of Meridian and its people are calling themselves the Knights of Vengeance. You probably heard of what happened at Sonder Hill, well, let me tell you it is all true," Caleb said.
Seven of the Guards that were surrounding the platform left their posts and put themselves in front of the crowd. They were holding large scrolls that they immediately unfolded, revealing the faces of the Knights to the tense crowd – Raythor, whose image depicted him before he was sent into the Abyss of Shadows; Frost; Tracker; Miranda, in both her human and spider forms; a Gargoyle creature; Sandpit; and finally, the unknown blue girl that many witnessed at the victory parade a few days ago, now identified as Kage.
"Wow, they really took out all the stops on Kage's poster," Frost commented as he gazed at the blood red eyes without any pupils, and her fanged mouth set in a vicious snarl. If she really looked like that, then even he would feel intimidated around her.
Raythor didn't say anything, as his gaze fell to the ground, an amount of guilt actually nesting in his heart. While Kage was with them of her own accord, he could not help but feel that perhaps he should have tried harder to not let her join the Knights. Now she would be hunted for crimes and actions she didn't commit, and considering the display that the rebel scum were giving to the crowd, he could tell that to them she was just like any of Phobos' followers, which was not true. Maybe that was why he felt like this. After all, he also knew what it felt like to be condemned for something that you didn't do. Even from his perspective, he could tell that it was not fair.
"Rest assured, all of you, that we of the New Royal Guard will do everything we can to capture all of them. And capture them we will, I promise you that," Caleb said in determination as he surveyed the crowd. Some clapped at that statement, but compared to their previous reaction, it felt much less enthusiastic. Perhaps they feared that with the Knights still at large it could mean that Phobos may yet return? Well, not on his watch, he could promise them that.
"New Royal Guard?" Frost whispered in confusion.
"Of course. Even if the Guards betrayed our master, do you really think that is enough to all of the rebels to trust them? Obviously, they can't dismantle the Guard without setting off a new conflict, but by starting to put their members amongst them, even replacing the former leadership…"
"…they can keep watch and control them," Frost finished.
"Or actually end the Guard," Raythor added to himself in a sour mood. He didn't like that thought for obvious reasons, even if most of them did betray the Prince.
"But of course, anyone who helps in the capture of the traitors will be rewarded by the crown. The Queen offers a fabulous reward for any information that helps in the capture of the Knights, enough gold to feed you and your families for several years," Caleb continued, watching some eyes gleaning in greed. Normally, he would prefer a more patriotic motivation than using gold, but the urgency in capturing the Knights called for more pragmatic measures. What really mattered was capturing them, after all. Sometimes the end justified the means.
"As of today, other measures will be into effect as well. A curfew after sunset is now put into place, and the patrols will be reinforced in all villages of our world. And things will remain like that until the Knights are all caught. And if anyone who helps the Knights in any way or refuses to help in our efforts will be considered accomplices to them and arrested on sight. That is all. Enjoy your morning," Caleb said in tone that was calm yet felt threatening to the majority of the crowd near the end.
Drake's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at his companions, noticing that the majority of them were actually not that surprised by Caleb's near threat. What had gotten into him? And why were the others not stunned like he was?
Caleb turned his back to the suddenly stunned crowd as he left the platform along with his men and walking back to the palace. The crowd eventually started to disperse as each peasant recovered from their surprise and resumed their daily routine.
Frost and Raythor were also leaving the crowd, the brute also surprised by the rebel leader's last statement.
"That was strange. For a minute I thought I was actually seeing Cedric when he addressed the peasants," Frost said, not disguising his surprise.
"For once, I actually agree with you," Raythor said as they made their way back to Frost's rhino.
"What do you think of Caleb's speech, Elder Kur?"
Kur turned to the young man that was part of his escort, one of the select few that he chose to surround himself with, people that shared his beliefs.
"It was acceptable. At least he kept the focus on what really matters," Kur said in a calm and even tone.
"The capture of the Knights?" asked another.
"Not only them. Raythor's miraculous reappearance finally made some of us gain some sense regarding the Guards. I would prefer them locked up with Phobos, but maybe this way is actually better. We do need them for the moment," Kur mused as he turned and started to head to his residence in the village.
"Still, that doesn't resolve the problem of the abominations," Kur's first escort said in a grumble.
Kur smiled maliciously at this.
"You don't need to worry about that. I have plans, plans that I will start to reveal very soon."
Watching these events within the crowd was Tynar. He was simply walking on the streets of the village before that, enjoying the leave that the Queen conceded to him and Vathek. He was grateful for that to be honest; his previous ordeal left him with some impressions and doubts that he wanted to sort out on his own. Ironically, the walk that he took in order to clear his mind of his troublesome thoughts actually seemed to add a few more to them, especially after hearing Caleb's speech. He frowned at the mention of the New Royal Guard. While he expected that some of the rebels would take command of the Guards, as technically speaking they already commanded them, his instincts were telling him that something else was happening. He was not blind, he noticed the dirty looks that many of the rebels were giving him and his fellow Guards during the time they were reconstructing Sonder Hill. And at the mess hall. And in most encounters between each group. He just hoped that this "New Royal Guard" didn't mean what he thought it did.
And then there was the almost threat at the end. Granted, it was nothing different than what Cedric did in his public announcements, but that was precisely the problem. Supposedly this was to be the start of a new Meridian, not a repeating of old mistakes. He and the Guard didn't betray one tyrant so that another…
Tynar shook his head to clear those thoughts. What was he thinking? No, the new Queen was not like her brother. Even before he switched allegiances he could see that. Surely she would do something in case some people of the new regime stepped beyond their boundaries. And in case she didn't, maybe the Guardians would put some sense in Caleb? To be honest, that last part was difficult to believe to Tynar, and not because of the Earth Guardian having a crush on him (despite now being at odds with each other), but because they had been friends with him and the Rebellion for a long time. And considering what they were capable of doing to help the rebels…
He shook his head again. That revelation yesterday really hit him hard. Still, he wanted to believe that the Guardians would do something in case things did turn sour. Now that he thought about it, when they saved him, Caleb was clearly against it, and that didn't stop them. Yes, the Guardians always did the right thing in the end.
"I must have faith in them, as they had in me. I'm sorry for what happened to you Raythor, but I still owe too much to the Guardians."
With that thought in mind, Tynar walked away from the crowd, with a less troubled mind than he started with. In case problems arose, Meridian could always count on the Guardians to fix them.
"…and that was how we saved Vathek and Tynar, grandma."
Yan Lin considered everything that her granddaughter told her. It seemed that yesterday they were in quite the trouble. Fortunately, they prevailed once more.
"Yeah, we were awesome. You should have seen what Hay Lin and me did to the giant one-eyed stone freak," Irma said confidently.
"Tch, nothing compared to what I did to beat all the Knights, remember?" Cornelia asked smugly.
Of course, she quickly noticed the reason for Cornelia's powers being stronger, something that she admitted never happened to her and her Guardian companions, though they also had their own troubles as their powers manifested one after another. Still, she decided to keep her mouth shut. Let them have their own… experiences.
"I agree, even a certain someone complimented you, right Cornelia?" Taranee said teasingly, making Cornelia huff in annoyance.
"You all did well girls, including you Will, despite the risks that you had to take," Yan Lin praised the girls as they relaxed in the basement of the Silver Dragon after everything that had happened yesterday.
As no response came to her, Yan Lin quickly realized that Will was in deep thought, reflecting on something.
"Will? Will?!" Irma shouted.
"Yes?" Will responded automatically.
"You okay, Will?" Taranee asked in slight concern.
"Of course I'm okay, why wouldn't I be?" Will quickly answered in an embarrassed and evasive way.
The others quickly noticed that something was off with their leader. So Cornelia leaned in Will's direction and said, "Doesn't seem like it. You've been silent since before we got here. What's on your mind?"
At first Will was about to deny everything, but then she quickly realized that was too tired to even to that. So, sighing to herself, she said, "Fine, I've been thinking about what happened during my fight with Kage."
"Oh!" Hay Lin said.
"You shouldn't worry about that Will. That blue weasel cheated in your fight," Irma said in an angry tone.
"It's not that," Will quickly.
"Really? Then what is it?" Taranee asked.
"What's on your mind Will? What happened yesterday?" Yan Lin asked in concern at seeing Will like this. She could swear she saw some guilt on Will's eyes.
"When I stalled Kage so that Blunk could free Vathek and Tynar, we exchanged some words. She was especially upset about something we did a while ago," Will said slowly.
"And that was?" Irma asked.
"Remember when we saved Vathek from being sent to the Abyss of Shadows?" Will asked.
"Yeah, that was like forever ago," Cornelia said as she waved her hand offhandedly.
"And it was your clever idea that allowed that," Hay Lin added.
That made Will lower her head.
"I'm starting to think that it wasn't so clever after all," Will said, sounding almost regretful.
"What do you mean?" Yan Lin asked.
"Kage reproached us for how we saved Vathek, how we made an innocent be sent in his place to the Abyss of Shadows," Will said.
"Raythor was no innocent…"
"He was Cornelia, at least of the reason that he was sent there, you know that," Will said, interrupting Cornelia.
"But we didn't have any other choice. Even if we had simply left with Vathek, the rebels wouldn't have had any other way to spy on Phobos, at least not for a while. Half of what the Rebellion did was thanks to his information," Taranee said, trying to dispel Will's concerns.
"I know that, and I genuinely believed that it was the right course of action back then, but after hearing Kage and how she scorned what we did to him, how angry she seemed about it, I can't stop myself from wondering if she isn't right," Will said.
"Oh, come on Will, she was trying to get under your skin, she doesn't really care for him. They're the bad guys, remember?" Irma asked.
"She could have been pretending. After all, the Mage said that she could be as deceptive as Cedric or Miranda." pointed Taranee.
"Yeah Will, we didn't do anything wrong," Hay Lin said reassuringly.
"I don't know. You're all probably right, but still, part of me can't forget the way she looked at me, how genuine her anger and scorn was because of that. She may be right, we… no, I damned an innocent," Will said thoughtfully.
"'I'?" Irma asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It was my idea in the first place," Will replied.
"One that we all agreed to," Taranee said.
"It doesn't matter, the plan was mine, so the blame should be mine to bear," Will said in determination.
"Look, we're giving this too much importance. It happened a long time ago, so we can't take it back," Cornelia said.
"But it's because of that that Raythor is leading the Knights. It's because of what I did that Vathek almost died yesterday. Maybe there was another way back then…"
"I'm afraid that you didn't have a choice, Will. Raythor is by far a more benign opponent than Cedric, but his loyalty to Phobos is much sturdier. I don't think that any of you could have convinced him to turn against his master at the time," Yan Lin said.
"Grandma is right, Will. He would fight for Phobos along with the other Knights even if we didn't send him to the Abyss. So don't get worried about it," Hay Lin said, surprisingly insightful.
"Hay Lin's right Will, you shouldn't let that get to you," Irma said.
"Maybe you're all right, maybe I'm just worrying over nothing," Will said as some of those doubts left her mind, a genuine smile on her lips this time.
Yan Lin smiled, seeing the other girls trying to cheer Will up. She was actually quite surprised by her doubts and feelings of remorse, but she understood why. To be honest, she would probably do the same that they did, even if she thought it was wrong to frame an innocent. Regardless, these signs suggested that Will was in that aspect far different than… her predecessor. Even now, Nerissa would never admit her own mistakes or guilt, even if she deep down had them wrenching her heart.
"They're right, you shouldn't let that blue dwarf put you down. She's just a twisted monster of Phobos'," Cornelia said confidently.
"ATCHOOOOO!"
The Knights looked in the direction of the sneeze. Kage was rubbing her nose with a finger.
"Sorry," Jade said as she sniffed. Someone was talking about her, as Uncle would always say when he sneezed.
Currently, Jade was busy throwing a stick that Sniffer would fetch and take back to her, so that she would repeat the process again. She would occasionally look around her to see what the others were doing. Tracker was simply sitting with his eyes close, as if resting (it actually surprised her that he didn't stop his dog when it went to her). Both Gargoyle and Sandpit were close to the cave's entrance guarding it, in case someone came other than Raythor, Frost or Nerissa. As for Miranda…
The shapeshifter was lying on the ground, still in her spider form, reflecting on that nightmare and the memories it brought back. Memories that in part she wished to forget, but at the same time she couldn't. She could never forget that, and those that were to blame – Kur for what he did, the rebels for letting it happen since he was already a member back then, Phobos for giving them the "reason", and above all else, Elyon. The Light of Meridian that ultimately failed to save them, despite her pleas.
Jade could feel the sorrow and pain slowly turning to hatred and resentment in the shapeshifter. She guessed that whatever Miranda dreamed about last night was still messing with her somehow. She wondered what she dreamt.
"That's easy. It starts with a fire!" the hissing voice of the Queen said in her head.
"What?" Jade asked out loud.
Miranda stopped her musings and looked at Jade. She narrowed her eyes at the blue girl, to which Jade responded in the same way. However, something nuzzling on her right arm caught Jade's attention. It was Sniffer, who had brought the stick back and was demanding her attention.
"Oh, right. Good boy," Jade said as she patted Sniffer's head, making him whimper in satisfaction.
Miranda silently grunted, annoyed at the scene, even if she was not sure why she was annoyed. Maybe because she still hadn't figured out how the heck she was so friendly with Tracker's dog?
"Go to your master, okay? I have some workouts to do," Jade said to Sniffer as she pulled back her hand. The dog looked at her in curiosity at first, but eventually shrugged and returned to his master, who took some treats from his jacket and gave them to him. While he did that he looked at the blue girl, nodding his head for some reason.
Satisfied by the nostalgia that playing with the dog brought to her, Jade stood up and moved to a more open space, perfect to practice. It had been days since she got a decent workout.
"Okay, breathe deeply. Breathe deeply," Jade said to herself as she closed her eyes and started to move her arms in slow and deliberate motions, calm and fluid. As for her legs, they stayed in their appropriate relaxed stance.
"Free the mind from all thoughts. Focus only on breathing," Jade muttered as her arms and hands continued to move in the prescribed exercise, the same words that Jackie told her countless times.
The others looked on in slight amazement at the motions that Kage was doing, seemingly mesmerized by it. While Miranda could tell that these forms were part of some sort of fighting style, it was not one that she recognized. Yet for some reason, looking at the calm and almost serene look that Kage had on her face made her inner turmoil diminish significantly. She didn't know why, but these movements exhaled… peace for some reason.
"Breathing. Focus. Breathing. Focus." Jade repeated as if it was some mantra, as she remembered the several forms and exercises of Kung Fu that Jackie taught her for more than a year. Currently, she was practicing the last ones they practiced together before… what happened.
"Okay, maybe petting the dog and doing the exercises wasn't a smart move after all," Jade thought, as the nostalgia turned to homesickness and started to disrupt the serenity that her mind had achieved for a moment.
"So, this is what you are reduced to? Using substitutes for the real thing? Pathetic," the Queen said reproachfully.
"No. Playing with Sniffer was just for fun. As for the exercises, they will clear my mind of all thoughts, especially the negative ones," Jade thought as she tried to ignore the Queen and continue her workout
"Tch, like that works in the long term," the Queen muttered in Jade's mind. Jade simply ignored her as she concentrated again on regaining the peace of mind that she once had.
But the Queen was not going to let that happen.
"Still, I suppose that reminders are better than nothing, especially considering the hopelessness of our situation," the Queen said, trying to gain Jade's attention.
She succeeded.
"What that's supposed to mean?" Jade thought, curious and also wary of what her dark alter ego would say.
"I just want to remind you that perhaps you can't return things to the way they were. Even if we're able to get back to San Francisco, what do you think they'll think about… our current appearance? Obviously they'll remember last time, our short reign," the Queen said.
"But I will explain that I am not you. And Jackie will believe it. And so will Uncle and Tohru," Jade retorted as she punched the air, her stance starting to become more aggressive.
"Even so, they will still try to contain you. Just like that blonde Queen and her clueless minions did," the Queen continued.
"Only until they cure me, unlike those bozos that would have left me to rot in those dungeons. If you're trying to put me against my family again, then you're out of luck," Jade thought, getting more furious, punching the air harder and harder.
"I will not retort to that low blow, Jade. Besides, what I'm saying is that our dear family will turn against us after they see you as you are now. More so after they hear about our… adventures in this world," the Queen said, a factual and unbiased tone in her voice.
"They will not!" Jade yelled in her head, hoping to shut the Queen up.
It didn't work.
"But you know what? I think that all of that is secondary, considering that we are not even close to returning to our family," the Queen said, a malicious smirk apparent in her voice. Jade could actually picture it.
"Where are these doubts coming from, anyway? I thought that you wanted me to get home," Jade asked.
"Oh I do, but contrary to you, I'm simply looking at the big picture. And the odds are not that good, despite everything," the Queen said.
"You're wrong. We have a way. Those folds or whatever they're called will send me back home. And when that happens, I'll get cured and you'll be nothing once more," Jade thought as she kicked the air.
"Then what are you waiting for? An engraved invitation? If you want so badly to return home, then what is stopping you from getting Nerissa's staff and using it yourself?" the Queen demanded.
That actually made Jade open her eyes in surprise. And worse, she didn't have any counterargument against that. Mentally, the Queen smiled victoriously at her reaction.
"You know what's stopping you? The arguments that I have been making, those doubts that deep down twist and turn in our mind – you fear the reactions that Jackie and the rest will have to us, their rejection. You fear that they will put us aside, just like Mom and Dad," the Queen concluded in malice and triumph.
Jade simply narrowed her eyes in anger, her eyes glowing red again. With a yell, she jumped.
"AIIIIIIAH!"
The others quickly turned to look at Kage kicking the wall with her right foot, actually shattering the stone. The blue girl landed on her feet, breathing heavily, either in exhaustion or anger, no Knight could tell.
"My, my, not so calm anymore, are you?" Miranda asked, smirking.
"Shut it," Jade said through clenched teeth, glaring at the shapeshifter.
Grumpier than she was before she started, Jade leaned on the wall that she had cracked, trying to calm herself.
"Stupid spider. Stupid Queen. Stupid Guardians and their friends. Enough is enough. Next chance I got I will return to Earth. And no one will stop me. You'll see, Queeny," Jade thought as her fury turned to determination, as her mind tried to dispel the doubts that her stupid alter ego brought to light.
"GRROOOOAAAARRRRR!"
Gargoyle's roar caught the attention of all the Knights, alerting them that someone was coming to the cave. Possibly Raythor and Frost, or Nerissa at least. If it were one of their enemies, he would growl louder and more menacingly instead.
And in a few minutes, Raythor and Frost entered the cave, the latter holding the reins of his rhino, guiding it into the cave.
"Finally, you two are back. You sure took your sweet time," Miranda grumbled as she approached the two.
"Considering that greeting, I will assume that you've healed from your fall," Raythor said dryly.
"So, where did you two go, anyway?" asked a curious Jade, her anger and frustration now forgotten.
Raythor silently sighed to himself and said, "Mostly bad news, I'm afraid. Not that it was that surprising, to be fair. All of you listen to what I have to say."
Raythor's serious face didn't bode well to Jade.
Arkhanta, another world of the Infinite Dimensions. Like Meridian, a world that was in a medieval era, but unlike the former, they didn't have only one ruler… at least, not until six years ago. In the Scarlet Citadel, a magical palace created by Yua, the most powerful of all banshees and also the Heart of Arkhanta, was where resided their one true ruler – Ari, a former farmer and now Lord of Arkhanta, as well as Maqi's father.
Currently, said blue-haired man was sitting on his throne, his son on his lap, and watching the giant crystal ball that Yua had conjured, which depicted a blue girl, one that Yua said would be fundamentally important in the near future.
"Are you sure of what you claim, Yua? No offense, but at first glance I would not see this girl as the one that will end Kandrakar," Ari said as he watched the girl, his eyes analyzing her, trying to see what Yua claimed. It was hardly believable, to be honest; she only seemed twice Maqi's age, at most.
"Trust me on this, Ari, it's like the prophecy says – From another realm, another place, comes a dark child of a long forgotten race; from thrive to trial she will reach her throne; the light of the sky will be darkened by her will alone. It's exactly like Kage predicted," Yua said, reciting the ancient words that she heard long ago, told by her lost friend.
"But she is not her, you know that. You said so yourself that your friend and her kind disappeared ages ago," Ari said.
"More like exterminated ages ago, all because of that witch that they venerate as the first Oracle," Yua said venomously, her eyes narrowing in anger and distaste.
Ari knew of Yua's ancient grudge against Kandrakar, one that she never dared to pursue for fear of what would happen to her sisters, the other banshees, if she ever dared to cross swords with them. Kandrakar may no longer be as ruthless as Yua said they were in N´Ghala's time, a fact that the banshee herself acknowledged, but she still wouldn't dare to risk the safety of her kind in an open war against Kandrakar, especially now, with the reveal of Guardians who were capable of defeating a being as powerful as the Prince of Meridian and his army. But he did understand her in a way; he held a similar grudge against Kandrakar as well, even though his was more directed at Himerish himself. Dark thoughts came to his mind when he thought of that man. What kind of a man lets violence and injustice thrive on one world when he could easily stop it, instead of sealing it as he did with Meridian? What kind of man lets innocents die when he could save them, but refuses to do it? Just like he refused to save his son's live. If not for Yua and her power, Maqi would be…
Something pulled his sleeve, or more precisely someone. Maqi, his 6-year-old son, was looking at him, worry in his eyes as if he sensed his father's troubles. Ari smiled at him, his worries melting from looking at his son's face.
"Don't worry, my son, everything is alright now," Ari said tenderly.
Satisfied by that answer, Maqi relaxed once more, his head resting on his father's chest, as he started lying himself to sleep.
That also got a smile from Yua, as her previous anger and hatred cooled down and she said, "I think that it's time to end this reunion, don't you think so, my Lord? It's past time for Maqi's rest."
Yua's statement caught Ari by surprise, not the sentence itself but what it implied.
"I thought that if she was so important you would ask for her retrieval immediately. With the Veil gone from Meridian, you alone can bring her here easily," Ari said in surprise, wondering what the banshee was planning.
Yua smirked at Ari and said, "There is no rush. If what I drained from the mind of that traitor is truthful, Kandrakar has no clue of her whereabouts, and as long as that remains so, we have no need to worry for her. To be honest, if I hadn't sensed someone using the shadows to enter Meridian a few days ago, I too would have a difficult time finding her."
"But even so, the Guardians are already against her, not to mention practically all of Meridian's inhabitants. And let's not forget that she is now accompanied by some of Phobos' minions. I hardly find that a definition of 'being safe'," Ari said as he raised an eyebrow.
"You are underestimating her. From a simple glimpse, I can see that she is much sturdier and capable than she appears. Besides, I think that she has to stay there for some reason," Yua said, slightly vague at the end as she looked back at the crystal ball.
"What do you mean?" Ari asked, intrigued by Yua's last statement.
"I am not sure myself, but… for some reason, I think that she will first play an integral role on Meridian. And those that call themselves the Knights of Vengeance are also connected with her somehow. Especially her," Yua said as the image on the crystal ball changed to Miranda.
"The shapeshifter? But why?" Ari asked.
"I am no Oracle, but as a fully realized Heart of Arkhanta, even I can clearly see that the moment she arrived on Meridian, something changed. It is small for now, but it is there, and growing. That shapeshifter, for one; her destiny was practically sealed, but now…" Yua said thoughtfully.
"But what you told me of the prophecy doesn't mention anything about Meridian, or her," Ari pointed out.
"Which doesn't mean that it is not important. I already told you that prophecies can play out in different ways, some very surprising and unpredictable. Maybe I am wrong, but my gut tells me that the shapeshifter will be important to her. As will her time on Meridian," Yua said.
"But what if…"
"Let's leave that for tomorrow, if I may, my Lord. Your son needs his rest, and so do all of us, to be fair," Yua said.
Ari looked at his sleeping son, realizing that the banshee was right. Sighing, he said, "Very well, Yua, this is your matter, as long as it doesn't endanger our world. I trust your insight."
"You can count on me, my Lord, you know that everything I do is for the better of our world, for human and banshee alike," Yua said truthfully as she bowed to him.
"I know," Ari said as he rose from the throne, leaving the room with his son in his arms.
As for Yua, she looked back at the ball, which was now showing the image of Nerissa. She smirked maliciously at her.
"Poor former Guardian. Whatever plans you had, I can see that the girl's presence alone is tarnishing them. I can sense it."
"Nothing. Nothing! There is nothing about her!"
With a yell, Nerissa threw away the book she was holding, which impacted on a nearby shelf, actually knocking it and all of its books over. With a movement of her other arm, she knocked over the pile of books that she had already read, furious about their lack of information, glaring at them as they fell to the floor.
"The Mage's library has secrets that only the Royal Library can match, and both are only surpassed by Kandrakar's own, and yet I can't find anything about that girl!" Nerissa yelled as her anger and frustration overwhelmed her mind, making it quite tempting to burn down the whole library.
Eventually, her mind resumed a more calm set, her anger starting to dissipate as the sorceress thought of what this lack of information and records could mean.
"Something is missing, I know it. Even if she belongs to a long forgotten race, there should be more information about her kind. Stories, poems, ballads, legends. Yet, nothing about blue humanoid beings capable of entering shadows. It's ridiculous - even Khor the Destroyer has several mentions despite Kandrakar's efforts in erase them," Nerissa grumbled, as she paced back and forth around the reading table. Yet she paused as she looked at one of the books on the floor. She picked that one up and opened it, until she reached the page she wanted.
"Actually, that is not quite true, there is one story mentioning the Shadow People, creatures that could walk among the shadows. More precisely, they were born from shadows," Nerissa said as she looked at the page, which depicted several images of black creatures, almost like shadows cast on a wall. Some were humanoid, but others resembled more monstrous beings with wings, claws, tentacles… It even showed one with multiple tails; at least, she assumed those were tails.
"Still, this story only gave me their general description and that they existed and disappeared before Kandrakar rose to power. Assuming they did disappear, considering that Kage may be one of them," Nerissa said as she closed the book, resuming her pacing.
"Trying to study her power is also another dead end. Sure, I have more references to shadow magic than Kage's possible kind, but even those are nothing more than stories and fables at most. No spells, no forms, no insight on that magic's nature, nothing. It's like all that was pertinent to that kind of magic was never recorded, or erased somehow," Nerissa grumbled, thinking of the nights lost trying to find whatever source or tidbit of information that would allow her to either replicate Kage's power or a way to take it for herself. All for nothing.
It annoyed her when there were variables that she didn't fully understand. Kage's appearance on Meridian was still a mystery – if not the means, at least where she came from. Where her home world was located was the million-dollar question. Maybe it was one of the uncharted worlds, one that never heard of Kandrakar and vice-versa? Possible, but unlikely.
"But if she came from any of the Known Worlds, I would have found something about her by now. Yet the most likely candidate for her birthplace is Earth, but that is impossible. Sure, magic exists there and some Earthlings can wield it, like the sorcerers and witches of legends and fiction. But other creatures, ones of magical nature, Earth has none," Nerissa said, sighing almost sadly, remembering when she and her friends became the Guardians forty years ago.
Before that, she always had a fascination with magic, fables, and stories of unicorns, fairies, witches, trolls, goblins, cyclopses and other mythical creatures. It was practically an obsession on her part. She dreamed as a child of finding the truth of those legends, and in a way she did when she became the Keeper of the Heart of Kandrakar. Himerish at the time shared with her that despite magic being real, most of the tales and myths on Earth were not accurate, since the creatures described in them were in most cases beings from other worlds. The Gargoyle creatures of Meridian inspired the legend of the cyclops as some wandered on Earth by mistake or chance, for example. Or Passlings, which on Earth were called goblins or dwarves. Or the Banshees of Arkhanta, which were surprisingly more or less accurately referred to in Irish folklore, not to mention inspired the tales of sirens and mermaids. As for dragons, well, she already knew their origin according to Kandrakar, seeing as she was once attached to one of their remains after all. The only magical beings native to Earth were actually humans, and only humans that inspired tales of witches, sorcerers, and wizards. Some were even revered as gods, either their saviors and leaders or simple conquerors and tyrants. She dreaded to think what would have happened if beings like Phobos had landed on Earth in the past. Nothing pleasant, she supposed. In short, when compared to Meridian or many of the Known Worlds, Earth had no fantastical creatures of its own. Either visitors or make believe in some cases, like most Eastern Asian legends, at least according to Kandrakar.
"I always found it odd, that the Heart of Kandrakar's origin was actually tied to the tale of the Four Dragons, and yet the other legends of that side of the world were false. I wonder…" Nerissa mused as she started to actually think of that possibility.
Could Kage actually be from Earth? Indeed, the blue girl did dress like the shinobi of feudal Japan, and if not for her skin color, Nerissa would actually say that she was of Asian ancestry, Chinese to be more exact, which was odd since it clashed with her clothes. But her speech pattern was too modern, no different than the current Guardians and Elyon. Still, the signs were effectively too strong. The sorceress couldn't deny that Kage could be from Earth.
"Kandrakar is not infallible, despite them trying to make others believe that. Could it be that legends like the Eight Immortals of China or the Yōkai of Japan are truthful somehow?" Nerissa wondered, her mind considering the implications of those thoughts. Could it be there was more to Earth's magical history than what was believed?
An idea came to the old sorceress' mind. A risky move, but then again, it could give her the confirmation that she needed. If Kage really was from Earth like Nerissa herself…
"…then I have just the way to be sure of it," Nerissa said, smiling maliciously to herself.
"…and now we have the whole of Meridian against us."
Raythor's statement actually fell heavy on many of the Knights, aside from Kage. To think that not even a week ago they were the ones that were chasing the rebels and all those that opposed Prince Phobos. But the tide had turned – now they were the prey, the prize, the criminals of this world.
"As if they weren't against us before. You know that they always hated us," Miranda remarked in a sour tone. Despite trying to keep her calm demeanor, deep inside she was worried. Part of her actually feared that this day would come, that she would be persecuted again. Just like before.
"Yes, but before they didn't have an army, or other resources to fight against the Prince's hold on our world properly. This time we are the ones at a disadvantage," Raythor said.
"And it's not just the Guard and the rebels. The prize on our heads is indeed high. It will no doubt attract bounty hunters and others greedy enough to try their luck," Frost commentated.
"Lucky for us that the rebels have a very sour relationship with bounty hunters, considering that many sided with our Prince. For now, we need only to contend ourselves with the Guard and the rebels," Raythor said.
"Yeah, but it won't last. If we manage to avoid them for long enough, they'll eventually swallow their pride and prejudice and use bounty hunters against us, either old ones or new. Whether it's Prince Phobos or Queen Elyon in power, it doesn't matter, there will always be bounty hunters as long there is prey to catch," Frost warned.
"Don't tell me that you're afraid of the rebel scum," Miranda said as she turned her four eyes to Frost.
"Of course not. I am simply seeing what we are up against," Frost said as he glared at the shapeshifter.
"And you are right. Which is something that I want you all to consider, the situation that we are all in," Raythor said as he surveyed all the Knights, his eyes resting on Kage.
"He is still concerned for my well being," Jade thought to herself.
"Still, what angers me the most is the fact that we couldn't even enact our vengeance on the traitors," Raythor said, to which the Knights agreed, the mood getting darker, as Jade could feel.
"My, my, this quite the sight."
All the Knights turned towards the entrance, the sky already darkening to night. And basked by moonlight was Nerissa.
"Oh great, the hag is back," Jade thought sourly.
"Nerissa, we weren't expecting you this soon," Raythor said as he bowed slightly. Truth be told, after yesterday's fiasco, he actually didn't expect the old sorceress to give them a new mission this quickly.
"I didn't say anything yesterday because you were… recovering from your ordeal. But now, I think that we can all discuss what happened and determine your next course of action," Nerissa said as she surveyed the Knights.
Most of the Knights narrowed their eyes in anger. Nerissa didn't need to be an empath to see that.
"Look at all of you. Powerful, dangerous, terrifying, yet one defeat turns you into sulking children in your own dark little corner," Nerissa chided them.
This time, Jade frowned along with the other Knights, even if in her case it was for different reasons. She was not sulking, and she was not a child. Who did this old bag of bones thinks she was?
"Vengeance on the traitors Vathek and Tynar was nearly ours," Frost grumbled in anger as he looked to his side, seeing Sandpit assuming his form for some reason.
"And there is no one else that deserves your vengeance?" Nerissa asked in an almost sweet tone.
"I would like to see Elyon suffer," Miranda said in anger and anticipation. How she wished that their next mission would be to go against that little vermin.
"Tch, Elyon this, Elyon that. Talk about obsession," Jade thought as she looked at the shapeshifter, feeling her deep hatred toward the blonde queen. Sure, Jade didn't like that blonde psycho after what she did to her, but still she didn't have as much hatred toward Elyon as Miranda. Not even close.
"Elyon? Ah, if you cannot handle mere Palace Guards, are you really prepared to face their all-powerful Queen?" Nerissa asked as she raised her eyebrow.
"It would be suicide, right Miranda?" Jade asked as she smirked mockingly at Miranda, who narrowed her four eyes at the blue girl.
Nerissa took notice of their seeming distaste to each other. Strange that Kage seemed so worry about Miranda yesterday if they really disliked each other so much. Oh well, that didn't matter in the end.
"If I may, Nerissa, maybe it is too soon to go against any of our enemies. A few days of laying low, and then we can strike at whatever target you have for us on Meridian," Raythor said in his most respectful tone. While he didn't fear her, he clearly wanted to avoid any conflicts with their ally.
Nerissa smirked after hearing Raythor.
"That is all true, Raythor, but the targets that I had in mind are not from Meridian," Nerissa said, catching the Knights by surprise.
"You mean…" Raythor started.
"Yes, Raythor, it is time that you deal with the Guardians, on their own turf where they are the most vulnerable. Besides, is it not because of them that you all became prosecuted in your own homeland? I believe that you should return the favor, don't you agree?" Nerissa asked.
The Knights all looked at each other, considering Nerissa's words.
"It could work, especially because they may not expect a reaction from us this soon," Raythor pondered.
"But it won't be easy. I followed them to Earth to clip their wings, but…" Frost started, ending in midsentence.
"Perhaps your approach lacked subtly," Miranda said as her form started to change, her black fur and limbs receding and one set of eyes closing. In a second, she was in her human form.
"Clipping their wings may be less effective than breaking their spirits. If you let me, Nerissa, I shall make that a reality," Miranda said, volunteering for this mission. It may not be directly getting back at Elyon, but it was the next best thing. It would strike hard at her at the very least if something happened to her dear friends.
Nerissa smirked at this. She was expecting that the shapeshifter would take initiative; all according to plan.
"Yes, you shall go to Earth Miranda, with another that can blend in there," Nerissa said as she surveyed the assembled Knights.
Sandpit was moving and changing its position constantly. Nerissa could tell that the elemental creature wanted to participate in this endeavor. Originally, he was to be her choice, but the doubts around a certain blue girl's nature made her change her mind in that regard. It was risky, but if all went well she could get two birds with one stone.
"Kage," Nerissa said.
That caught all the Knights by surprise, Jade especially, as her eyes widened in shock. Second to her was Sandpit, as he let his sand body fall, as if he was merely lifeless sand.
"What? Me?" Jade thought in surprise.
Miranda's smile crumbled to a frown as she looked at the blue girl. Jade also looked back at her, both glaring at each other.
"Is there a problem, ladies?" Nerissa asked.
"No, not at all. I'm just… honored by being chosen for this important mission. Me and Miranda will do whatever we can to be successful, right Miranda?" Jade asked, forcing a smile.
"Yes, I was about to say the same," Miranda said, equally faking a smile.
Both girls left their positions and stood next to each other, ready to depart. For Miranda, this last development was not what she wanted. She would have even preferred Frost to this strange girl. However, taking down the Guardians was too important to let personal feelings get in the way of that. So, for the sake of vengeance, she would try and stand Kage until their mission was concluded. It was just for a few days at most, anyway.
As for Jade, she could hardly hide her excitement. Finally, after all this time, she was going home. Granted, the company for her return trip could be better, but she could put up with that. Once on Earth, it wouldn't take long until she returned to San Francisco, to Uncle's store. To her home, and to her family.
"Wait for me, Jackie. I'm coming home," Jade thought as she smiled happily, even if she tried to hide it from Nerissa and the Knights.
"We will not fail you. The flies never see the web until it is too late," Miranda said, vowing the end of the Guardians.
Nerissa smirked, and moving her staff, she opened a fold in space, one directed to Heatherfield, on Earth. And for some reason, this particular fold was sucking everything in it. Including the two girls.
"Oh crap, this will be a bumpy ridEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Jade almost yelled in surprise as her form seemed to distort, as if turning into liquid or sand grains, and was sucked into the fold. The same happened to Miranda too.
As the fold closed, Nerissa laughed softly. All the pieces were on the board. Soon, she would either discover Kage's secrets, or at least confirm if Earth was her home world or not. And of course, taking down the Guardians was as important as that. Regardless, this time she would win either way.
Continues in part 2
Note: This is a list of Japanese words translated to English. So far I have been using very little of these words, and most of them are more or less known to anyone who ever watched anime like Naruto, but from now on there may come some that people don't know, so I will list them all with a small description of some of them since they may not have a literal meaning.
Akage – Redhead
Baka – Fool, Idiot
Bakemono – Monster, Ghost, it is actually used in Japanese folklore to classify several Yōkai, in particular the ones capable of shapeshifting to other forms (I think that it fit as an insult to Miranda, right?).
Kage – Shadow
Katana – A type of Japanese sword that were worn mostly by the samurai, another class of Japanese warriors (many times known as a "samurai sword"). It could also be used by ninja as well.
Kumo – Spider
Kunai – A type of bladed tool (not a knife as is commonly believed) that can have several applications. Mostly known as throwing or combat weapons for warriors like ninja.
Ninja – A type of warrior in feudal Japan that acted as covert agents or mercenaries (also known as Shinobi). The female ninjas are called Kunoichi.
Oni – A type of Yōkai that commonly translates to monster, devil, demon, ogre or trolls.
Sama – Japanese honorific that is usually used to people that have a higher rank than oneself (like a noble person or some high dignitary).
Sayonara – Goodbye, Bye
Shinobi Shōzoku – It quite literally means a uniform for the practitioners of ninjutsu. In short, the common uniform for ninjas (shinobi).
Shuriken – Literally means "sword hidden in hand", which could refer to various forms of projectile weapons used by warriors like ninja (one of the most famous are the ninja stars for example).
Tabi – Japanese shocks (with split toe) that resemble boots or other forms of shoes.
Yōkai – Type of Japanese folkloric monster or supernatural creatures that have several types in different classifications. Oni are one type, for example. Many like to consider them as the Japanese version of demons, and considering some like the Oni, perhaps it is not that inaccurate as a definition.
And there you have it. In case I missed something, can any of my readers please send me a message? I hope that those descriptions are more or less accurate, I don't actually talk Japanese in any way, I just know some words and investigated others by the Internet. Also some words can have many meanings, like kumo that can mean cloud for example.