Uruha was unsure of how to respond when Kai yelled out that name. Following his line of vision, Uruha landed his eyes on Tora. It was unmistakably him. He looked considerably different from when he was with Shou and the others for some reason though. His shoulder had a strange blue flowery fabric wrapped around it. A girl with short hair and curious eyes sat beside him. Uruha couldn't help but wonder where Shou was. He was in no mood to meet him. He didn't want Kai to meet him either. He'd feel the same disappointment and hurt Uruha had felt.
Tora's mouth fell open in surprise. Kai was here? He felt his hands tighten their grip on the drink he was holding. Is he hallucinating from loss of blood or something?
"A friend of yours?" the girl Rika asked, inquisitively staring at Kai.
Tora was unable to answer that question, and he didn't know how to react to Kai. He didn't know what his relationship to Kai would be in this world. Uruha stood behind Kai, a look of shock and uncertainty on his face. He seemed to be mulling on whether or not to stop Kai as he began to make his way towards Tora and Rika.
At Kai's little outburst, Kiera swiveled back to see him head towards one of the corners. What was he doing? Kiera frowned. Kai seemed to be heading towards a couple seated in the corner. Her gaze first landed on the girl then slid over to the man beside her. Kiera's hand automatically went to the hilt of her swords. She recognized that face. The messily bandaged shoulder only confirmed it. One of the rebels!
The rebel had yet to notice her. His eyes were fixed on Kai. Taking the opportunity she sprinted towards them. Before any of them could move, Kiera had her blade held across the pale throat of the rebel.
"Kiera, no! What are you doing!" Kai yelled, without thinking. He made to grab her arm away but Kiera shot him a deathly glare effectively stopping him.
Kai was stunned. Why was Kiera so intent on hurting Tora? His first thought was maybe Tora was her ex then realized how stupid that sounded. Tora was nice guy, he would never hurt a girl bad enough that she would want to murder him. Besides that, Tora wasn't even from this world...wait...What was he even doing here! Before he could ask, Kiera's other sword was pointing to the girl beside Tora. Kai gulped uneasily.
"One move and I will not hesitate to kill you both." Kiera threatened. She was definitely not happy to see Tora.
Tora winced, the tip of the Marshal's sword only a hair's breadth away from his neck. He couldn't even swallow. He was still too surprised with Kai's presence to do anything sensible. Kai looked honestly concerned for Tora's well-being. He must be just as clueless as Uruha but right now, Uruha seemed well up to speed with what's happening. He had a similar expression with Kiera and somehow it pained Tora to see him lose trust.
"Th-this could be a misunderstanding," it was Rika who spoke. She nervously inched backwards from the sword, not making eye contact with the Marshal. "Perhaps it would be better to firstly discuss this more rationally."
Uruha looked from Kiera to Tora to Kai. This is an awkward situation. In any case, he didn't want Kai to see Tora get hurt. He knows nothing about Shou and the rebels and Kiera's involvement either. The short-haired girl beside Tora was suggesting a peaceful discussion and frankly Uruha was also very curious about why Tora was here without his companions.
"I agree with her, we should talk first," Uruha voiced out, cautiously placing a hand on Kiera's shoulder, "There's just two of them and we also have Reita with us. I think it's alright."
"Uruha is right. I'm curious why he's here without Shou." Reita said. Kiera had to admit he was right. She had assumed the rebel before her had died but seeing as how he was still alive, so to speak, raised many questions in her head. Kiera lowered her swords. Uruha's hand was still on her shoulder as though he had forgotten it was there.
"Very well. But first," Kiera turned her glare at the girl with the shifty eyes, "Who are you? You have a suspicious look about you."
Rika felt her heart pounding in her chest. This woman was a Marshal. It would be a severely bad situation if the woman found out her real profession. How many things has she stolen from the kingdom? It was literally uncountable. Also, there's that ring she recently got. What if that was also some kind of royal heirloom?
"My apologies, Marshal," she said as innocently as possible, "It seems you have misinterpreted our relationship. You and this man look to be acquaintances, while I only met him recently and have absolutely no business whatsoever with him. So... I think it'd be best for me to go now and leave you to discuss your personal matters." She quickly moved away from them, feeling slightly guilty as Toshi, or Tora now apparently, stared at her with a strange look of betrayal.
Kiera didn't even need to stop her, Reita did it in her stead. He swiftly stepped in front of the girl, blocking her path.
"I don't think so, sweetheart." Reita said. Placing his hands on the girl's shoulders, he pushed her back into her seat. Kiera sent a malevolent smile at her.
"Something tells me I should have you locked in a cell. I ask you again, who are you? Do not test my patience."
"I would tell her if I were you. She has quite a temper." Reita told her solemnly. Takeru had appeared between the rebel and the girl, staring intently at the girl as though she was the most fascinating creature.
Rika sighed in defeat, slumping back on the chair feebly. At least they have retrieved their weapons. She should probably tell them the truth. It wouldn't be wise to cross anyone working for the kingdom. Besides the man that just sat her down looked incredibly handsome and powerful. She doesn't want to be on his bad side. Also, the demon staring at her was making her uncomfortable. His eyes were of different colours and they were burning into her brain like an interrogation device.
"My name is Rika," she started, "I'm... a thief. I stole something from a traveller in this very town and left shortly afterwards. On my journey, I came across a wounded man in the forest and he was bleeding. If I hadn't bandaged his injury and brought him back here, he would have died."
Rika stole a quick glance at Tora who is also hearing the truth from her for the first time. She'd lied to him telling him she grew up in this town and all kinds of nonsense just for fun.
"And what did you steal from the traveller?" the man with the Marshal asked, his face showing that he wasn't at all surprised by her answer.
Sighing, Rika reached into her pocket to produce the jewelled ring she had nicked earlier. Silence surrounded them for a while before it was interrupted by a muffled snicker. It was Tora. He then began laughing, all thoughts of fear and awkwardness forgotten. It was even a genuine laugh. She didn't understand what was so funny though, and judging from everyone else who gawked at Tora, they didn't understand either.
Kai was shaken awake from his reverie by Tora's sudden inappropriate laughter. He briefly wondered if coming here and getting nearly killed hasn't messed with his friend's brains. He hoped not. He had already lost Miyavi to insanity, he doesn't want to lose Tora too.
"Erm Tora...I don't think there's anything funny about the situation." Kai said cautiously.
Tora tried to control his laughter but this was just... hilarious. The irony of it all! Great Shou, entrusted with a very important artefact, couldn't afford to be hindered on his journey so he had to kick Tora out of the group. There was no other way. After all, Tora was nothing to him. As long as he had that ring, nobody else mattered anyways. Who would have thought he'd have it stolen by some random girl and with a strange twist of fate, that same girl would meet the very man Shou had thrown away? It seems the Fates had a sense of humor too.
"S-sorry," Tora managed, breathing heavily from his outburst. He had his emotions bottled up for so long. He'll be honest. He had grown to hate Shou over the days. Shou was broken with power and had changed too much from the kind and friendly person he had known so well. Tora had felt bitter for what he did to him and he won't be lying to say he'd considered some form of revenge against Shou. In exchange for Tora's suffering, the Fates has led Rika and the Marshal Kiera right to him. Literally.
"Marshal Kiera," he said, with renewed vigor and a smile, "I think we should make a deal."
Kiera glanced at the ring, lying innocently on the table. Takeru had switched from staring at Rika to the ring. Kiera refocused her attention back on the rebel. She itched to put her sword back where it was previously; his throat.
"Whatever for? I can easily kill you right now." It was true. The man was weak enough that she doubted he could even give her a proper resistance. Besides, Kiera didn't need him to have information on the rebels' whereabouts.
Tora smirked knowingly. Of course, Marshal Kiera had her guard down. Why would she worry about the rebels? She's got their leader locked up in a safe prison...
"I know a lot of secrets that will be useful for you," Tora said.
Kiera does not look convinced, raising her eyebrows at him. Tora sighed. He supposed he could tell them one piece of information to get her to believe him.
"Did you know you have the wrong man?" Tora asked and laughed again, "Nao's just a pawn. The real leader is Shou."
Kiera narrowed her eyes at the rebel. Was he telling the truth? If he was then the King needs to be warned. The rebels could be harnessing their forces this moment and she, the Marshal, was not there to assemble a defence. Her thoughts were abruptly cut off by Kai.
"Shou is not the leader. Everyone knows Nao is the leader of Alice Nine." Kai went on, "I mean, come on, Tora. I know Kiera looks like she means business and all but don't you think it's kinda stupid to tell obvious lies."
Uruha can't believe he's being the mature sensible person in this world but right now he has no choice but to be. Kai is going to confuse everybody here. He gently put a hand on Kai's arm and said softly, "Things are different here, Kai. Just um... let them talk it out first, ok?"
Uruha felt like he's coaxing a little kid. It has always been Kai who talked to them that way and it was very awkward to be in the reverse situation.
Kiera was slightly impressed by the sudden display of sensibility from Uruha. She averted her gaze back to the rebel. For reasons beyond her comprehension, she was inclined to believe that he was telling the truth. Judging by how Uruha had interfered, perhaps he had already acquired that knowledge. That raised up questions of their own, for now she would keep it at the back of her mind.
"Takeru." She called. The little demon looked up from the jewel. Kiera did not need to speak out what she required of him. Takeru turned his big eyes towards the rebel who pointedly ignored him.
"He speaks true." The little demon announced.
Tora smiled, knowing that the Marshal would have no choice but to take his offer. He did have a lot of information to give her that she doesn't know yet. She can't afford to give up on it.
"So Marshal," asked Tora, "Do we have a deal?" He extended his hand, waiting for her to accept.
Kiera did not like working with rebels. This could be a trick. Somehow, her instincts say otherwise. She began to wonder the reason behind his proposition. Kiera planned to find out. Kiera placed her hand in his. Vaguely noting how callused his fingers were. She starred into his eyes hoping she had not let the kingdom fall to it's doom.
"Very well. What do you wish in return for your favours?" She asked, sheathing her blades, "And what do I call you?"
Tora shot Rika a little glance, having lied his name to her. But well, she's been dishonest to him after all.
"I'm Tora," he answered honestly this time. Excitement ran through him, at the thought of betraying Shou. Back in his world, Tora would never have done that. With a sad smile, he realized he has changed a lot too.
Kiera caught the flare of excitement on Tora's face. It weighted heavy on her mind why he was ever so willing to betray the rebels. Takeru's attention was back on the jewelled ring. Kiera had the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. If the little demon was showing such interest on a trinket, she doubted it was any ordinary trinket. She was suddenly aware of the people around her. This was no way to discuss important matters of the kingdom. As if on cue, Joseph made his appearance.
"Lady Marshal, the rooms are ready." He said, he gave Tora and Rika a suspicious look.
"Lord Rei, I will need to speak with Tora in private. I must ask that you keep her with you until I can deal with her." she told him. Reita nodded, extending his arm to Rika as though inviting her to a dance.
Next, Kiera turned to the Uruha and Kai, "For the time being, I would like you stay with Lord Rei. We will discuss further arrangements of the rooms once I am done with Tora."
Uruha eyed Kiera suspiciously as she and Tora entered the room secretively. He doesn't know what the code for that is in this world, but in his world, a man and a woman entering a hotel room discreetly all by themselves is definitely not an innocent gesture.
Uruha made to follow them warily, perhaps if they weren't up to anything suspicious they'd let him into the room and he can make sure nothing INAPPROPRIATE takes place... not that he cares...
"Uruha," Reita's voice jolted him from his thoughts, "Where are you going? Don't disturb them."
"Wh-what are they going to do?" Uruha asked.
"Just talk, you dirty minded idiot," Reita laughed before making him go into his room.
Takeru had followed behind Tora quietly. The ring clutched in his hand. As soon as Kiera locked the door behind her, the little demon climbed up settling comfortably on the bed then proceeded to fix Tora with an unwavering stare. Kiera felt a little comforted by the being's presence. Before the day ends, she would have to send him to the King with whatever information she obtained for Tora.
Kiera seated herself on one of the chairs near the fireplace, indicating that Tora does the same. He had the look of arrogance about him that she found greatly aggravating but chose to ignore it. If it weren't for the injury on his shoulder he would probably stand tall, towering above her. Strange how even though Uruha was more or less the same height as Tora, he did not seem to command such a presence. Kiera would never admit she rather preferred Uruha.
"I am assuming your betrayal of the rebels is not solely out of the goodness of your heart. No doubt, you want something in return." Kiera said.
Tora looked at the Marshal seriously. She's not going to trust him easily. In her eyes, he'll always be a traitor.
"Of course," Tora replied, "When you get to Shou... what do you plan to do with him?"
He didn't need to ask that to know the answer though. Kiera also stared at him pointedly, knowing this question needed no response.
"I just want to be there when you give him what he deserves," said Tora maliciously, not sure whether he liked this dark side of him that was emerging ever so quickly.
Kiera considered it. Light was dawning on her question. She recognized the malicious glint in his eyes. A thirst for revenge. His request was not unattainable. Kiera did not care whose blade did the deed. Beyond that, Tora's fate was in the King's hands. He did not need to know that just yet though.
"I can give you that much." Kiera agreed. "Tell me of the ring. I suspect it is not as innocent as it seems."
With the demon there, Tora had to be cautious. He can't blatantly lie to Kiera about the ring. He honestly didnt know anything about it, but if he seemed that way to the Marshal, he wouldn't be of use to her. He wasn't going to lie to her plainly. Perhaps just by omission or by indirect phrasings. That would appear to be truthful in the demon's eyes too.
"You're right, Marshal," said Tora, "The jewel isn't innocent. It has been in Shou's care for a while now and it holds great power." He was telling the truth. That much, he knows about the ring.
"I can't tell you about what it is," continued Tora, "Or why Shou wants it. You have to keep up your side of the deal first before I decide whether or not to tell you." This wasn't a lie. He CAN'T tell her, because he doesn't know and he WILL be deciding on the thought of telling her he knows nothing about the jewel later. It was quite despicable but from the context of the situation, she has no choice but to make assumptions of his knowledge.
Just to entice her to keep him around, Tora decided he can add a precious piece of truth though. "That jewel isn't the only thing Shou wants. He wants something else that might even be of greater importance," Tora said, looking deep into the Marshal's eyes to show his honesty, "It's Uruha."
Kai had his ear pressed against the wooden wall that separated their room from the one Kiera had gone into. Finding Tora out of the blue in this world had given him quite a shock but like everything else, Kai had come to terms with it. This world just doesn't seem to work as back home. Anything could happen. Kai heard Uruha click his tongue in annoyance. Kai shared his feeling, the walls were either too thick or they were talking too quietly on the other side. He couldn't hear anything.
As soon as they had entered the room with Reita and the girl Rika in the lead, Kai and Uruha had occupied themselves by trying to find ways to eavesdrop. Behind them Reita cleared his throat. When that didn't work to distract them, he called loudly.
"Have you two gone nuts? You look like two idiots stuck on the wall."
"But seriously, what the hell are they discussing in there?" Uruha replied, pouting, "I'm sure they've talked enough. And whatever it is they have to talk about, they can talk about in front of us right?"
Reita just stared at him disbelievingly. Uruha suddenly remembered that Reita can read minds. He's standing too far from him! What if he knows about how Uruha feels about Kiera? Wait.. how DOES he feel about her...
His legs apparently way ahead of his brain, Uruha had dashed near Reita, standing just a breath away from him. It didn't help that they accidentally began to stare at each other for a while. Yes it's awkward, but Uruha can't let Reita read his mind under any circumstances!
"What... are you doing?" Reita asked slowly, his face showing slight fear for some reason. Uruha's eyes drifted to the girl Rika who had a confused but zealous smile on her face. Clearing his throat, Uruha stepped away from Reita a little bit, but still quite close to him. He chose to ignore Reita's question, much to his incredulous bewilderment, and nonchalantly talked to Kai, "So Kai, you must be pretty shocked to see Tora here."
Kai didn't think he needed to hide his thoughts at the moment. He wasn't thinking anything weird or evil to Reita so he should be fine. He threw himself on one of the chairs in the room.
"Well, I was at first." He shrugged, "Now I guess, I got used to it. Oh you guys said something about Nao and Shou. Are they here too?"
Kai's eyes strayed to Rika. She was giving Uruha and Reita a very interested look over. He was suddenly reminded of the crazy yaoi loving fan girls back home. He really hoped she wasn't one of them. That was just creepy.
Reita and Uruha shared a look. It seems they both have the same idea of not wanting poor innocent Kai to be hurt and disappointed like them. If he knew Shou had turned into what he is now, he'd be so sad.
"Yeah, Shou and Nao are here too," said Uruha as casually as possible, "But I think they're in the same situation as you and me."
Kai looked like he believed him and Uruha let out a sigh of relief.
"Pardon me," the girl suddenly spoke up, "I'm very sorry to be intruding on your conversation but ... If I may repeat myself... I am a thief yes, and I stole this important jewel from someone that seems to relate to everything else here... but that is the end of it for me. I don't have any other reason to be here. So... wouldn't it be better if I just went my own way and you just went your own way?" She looked hopeful.
Uruha glanced at Reita who had a big grin on his face. The Reita in their world wouldn't do this but he has somehow come to be more accustomed to the Reita in this world. And this Reita wouldn't smile nicely with good intentions. He's obviously going to refuse her.
"Do you honestly think that I would let you go free after you have confessed yourself a thief?" came Kiera's voice. Kai jumped at the sudden appearance. He hadn't heard her come in. Kiera strode into the room all grace and pride, Tora following closely behind.
Kai stood up from his chair, thoughtfully offering it to Tora who was obviously injured. Tora gave him a grateful smile as he sat.
Rika inwardly scowled at the Marshal, but she knew better than to display displeasure in her face. She tried to look as genuine as possible. "I truly apologize for stealing. It's just... I don't have money or a family to help me through my problems. Without stealing, I won't be able to survive." Perhaps she can gain some sympathy. The Marshal's stoic face showed no signs of it though.
Uruha sympathized with her, she truly looked pitiable, although appearances can be deceiving. "What will you do with her, Kiera?" Uruha asked.
Uruha was giving Kiera that look. All pretty eyes and questioning expression. Kiera refused to let it affect her judgment. Kiera did not trust Rika no matter how much Uruha seem to want to sympathize with her.
"The King will have to hold judgment over a fitting punishment for you. Until then, you shall be a part of our company."
"Something is definitely up with Tora and Kiera, don't you think Kai?" Uruha protested, staring at the ceiling and lying on his bed. Why are they in the same room again? It was fishy. Fishy fishy fishy. And he didn't like it one bit.
He didn't even give time for Kai to respond. He just continued, "I mean, they've already talked a lot! What else are they doing? Whatever it is, it can't be a good thing. Plus, they're man and woman. It's highly inappropriate. Reita's here too! He should be perfectly capable of taking care of Tora. Why does Kiera have to be the one stuck with him? Tell me that!" he turned childishly to Kai who looked absolutely lost.
The two of them had been given their own room, while Rika was given in Reita's charge and Tora with Kiera. Kai had thought it was a reasonable choice. He had momentarily wondered where Takeru had disappeared to but soon forgot about him all together when Uruha continued to complain about Kiera's choice to room with Tora.
"They're probably just sleeping, Uruha." Kai tried to soothe his friend, "Tora is hurt, I don't think he can do anything."
"Anything? Do anything?" Uruha suddenly sat up on his bed, "What are you implying Kai? What would Tora do? He's wounded, sure, but it's not like he's on his deathbed! He can walk and talk fine. He should be fine with other things too right? Huh?"
Uruha realized he may be scaring his friend who was inching away from him with every angry whine that came out of his mouth. But Uruha couldn't help it. He didn't even understand why he was so riled up about something like this.
Kai wanted to bang his head for his stupidity. He had said it only to comfort Uruha but apparently it only made the whole thing worse.
"Ehhh...I mean...ya know-" then Kai decided he could employ another method. "Do you really think Kiera would do what you think they're doing? You know how she is. She'll probably rip his head off if Tora tries anything."
Unfortunately his tongue didn't want to stop there so he added, "She only lets you touch her because you sorta jump at her randomly."
Before Uruha could respond to Kai, the demon Takeru just popped out of nowhere. In his shock, Uruha fell from the bed with a surprised yelp that was quite loud actually. He blushed, hoping Kiera and the others hadn't heard it because it sounded more like a small animal being beaten rather than a manly and totally macho scream.
"Would you please stop showing up at random without any warning?" Uruha yelled at the demon who was also taken by surprise at both the animalistic yelp and the sudden anger. Uruha really wasn't in the mood right now.
"My apologies," Takeru replied, mustering an innocent expression, "I was merely looking for a place to rest for the night."
Kai tried not to snicker at Uruha's total fail. He too had been surprised at the sudden appearance but thankfully had not fallen in a ridiculous looking heap on the floor.
"I thought you would be staying with Kiera. Aren't you like her pet or something?" Kai asked. Right after the words left his mouth, Kai realized that sounded a little insulting. In Kai's defence, Takeru did act a lot like Kiera's pet.
"She wouldn't want me there tonight." Takeru replied, grinning ear to ear. Somehow Kai just knew the demon was toying with Uruha. If only Uruha had the same perception as Kai.
Uruha threw Takeru a worried look. The demon is knowledgeable about a lot of things and he's been with Kiera for a long time. He had the urge to ask him the reason why he wouldn't be wanted in that room but Uruha decided he didn't want to know the answer.
Besides, it's been a long day. They should get to sleeping. the next morning, Uruha planned to interrogate Kiera as casually as possible
" Takeru!" Uruha said, suddenly remembering something, "Where... exactly is east? I sort of forgot where I should put my hands and feet for Reita to not see my dreams."
Takeru seemed to make a small choke, although Uruha didn't understand why. He cleared his throat, and motioned to the head of the bed, "That should be east. Unfortunately, you won't be able to sleep on the bed properly. May I suggest the floor."
"What! That's not going to be comfortable at all! It's hard and hurts my back," Uruha complained.
Takeru shrugged, wearing a forlorn expression. "I do not see that you have a choice. If the posture is not properly executed... I'm afraid Lord Rei will see your dreams in perfect detail."
Uruha sighed. "Fine," he grumbled and began pulling the sheets off of his bed onto the floor.
The light shone so brightly it hurt Uruha's eyes. He squinted, trying to figure out where he was right now. Gradually, his surroundings because clearer. He realized he was lying on a hard floor, but he was no longer in the inn. The bright glare was coming from a spotlight directly above his head. Uruha stood up, his heart thumping fast. This... can't be real... He remembered this very well... but he can't be in this place!
The only light in this place was the light he was standing in as Uruha turned to see a vast span of indistinct but unmistakable seats underneath him. He had stood at this very spot so many times, staring at the exact spectacle, although he was never alone. There were so many... so many people.
The empty concert hall made him feel a sense of crashing isolation, coupled with the disappointment Uruha felt in his understanding of the situation. He wasn't back in Japan... wasn't back in the beloved stage he and his friends performed at. This was a dream.
As if to confirm it, Uruha saw the vague silhouette of someone familiar standing in the middle row of the seats, slowly approaching him. Her long black hair swayed gently as she walked in the darkness towards the light. Her pale skin gradually coming into view. Uruha swallowed, nervousness rising in the pit of his stomach.
Even if this was a dream, it can't be a regular dream. That was how he felt as the figure of Ieros Victoria stepped into the light in front of him in all her glory and beauty with a faint smile on her face.
"This place...I can sense the joy and happiness people have left behind. Where your confidence lies, is a truly wonderous place." Victoria said softly. She approached the anxiety stricken man standing above the raised platform.
"Come. We have much to discuss." She gracefully sank to the floor, comfortably seating herself.
Setting aside his worry, Uruha followed Victoria's lead and sat himself down in front of her. "What is there to discuss?" he asked, his voice echoing in the empty hall.
Victoria couldn't help scrutinizing the man. He was not at all like any she had ever seen. Though he came from the same world as Lord Rei, he did not carry himself the same way. Victoria wondered why this particular man was chosen. He seemed almost delicate in his beauty. She laid her doubts aside; instead focussing on the purpose she had invaded his dream.
"First, I must warn you not to speak of this to another soul. Neither Lord Rei nor Kiera must know of what we do here."
Uruha nodded, even though he was beginning to wonder what Victoria's true intentions were. After all, she was the one who asked him to go for the Oracle. There was also that teenage girl who made Kiera agree to go with him on the journey. He was starting to feel like a lot of things revolved around him.
"Alright," Uruha said, "I promise." He was a good secret-keeper... He supposed. "But why?" he couldn't help his curiosity.
Victoria gave him a tolerant smile. "It is a delicate situation. Though they bear no ill will, their knowledge might...present hinderences. Now-"
She was rudely cut off by Uruha.
"Wait wait," Uruha said hurriedly in panic, "Reita can see my dreams! I know I'm supposed to sleep with my legs facing east and my hands facing west and my head stationary or something like that, which I did... but I move around when I sleep... I can't help it if I'm in a different position than before!" Uruha panted afterwards, having said the entire thing in one breath. Ieros Victoria looked lost though.
Getting over the shock of being interrupted, none has ever dared to that, Victoria fixed Uruha with a chiding look.
"Young man, none but the Nerieh possess the power to see another's dream. It is a rare gift even among us. Lord Rei, powerful as he is possesses no such skills. Ease your mind of that doubt." His expression fell. Victoria continued before he could speak again.
"You hold a great power within you, Uruha; one that surpass that of Lord Rei. The duty of teaching you to wield that power has been entrusted to me. Will you accept me as your mentor?"
Victoria waited patiently for his answer. His jaw hung open, a look of disbelief painted across his features.
Once again, the topic of him being some kind of 'chosen one' in a classic fantasy story has come up. Uruha found the notion incredibly ridiculous. He has never excelled at fighting or any kind of physical bravery, which is why he had no choice but to turn to artistic activities like playing guitar. The only power he can ever wield should be something related to music!
Uruha began to giggle but seeing Victoria's dead serious face, he stopped, clearing his throat to hide his previous inappropriate laughter. Well, he could say he's relieved Reita can't see into his dream. Maybe with whatever 'power' Victoria is going to teach him now, he can use it to put Takeru's head on a stick for screwing with him.
"W-with all due respect, Ieros Victoria," Uruha said, "I honestly don't believe I have any kind of power... It must be a misunderstanding. I am good at guitar-playing though! If that's the kind of power you mean..."
Victoria dispelling any traces of curiosity at the alien words he mentioned. Now was not the time. Victoria took one of his hands, facing the palm up to the heavens. She let go, doing the same action with her own hand.
"Concentrate your mind on someone you hold dear to your heart. Someone that gives you peace. Create on your palm a gift for them. This is a simple task it shan't be difficult for you."
Closing her eyes, Victoria relaxed herself completely. The surge of power came easily to her like a pet well used to its master. In her mind, she thought of a glittering diamond diadem, intricately twined with roses. A gasp from the man before her, made her smile. Her palm was laden with the weight of the diadem she had pictured.
Victoria opened her eyes to see Uruha's gaping at her. She closed her palm, as she did the diadem disappeared. Victoria indicated for him to try.
"Oh my God that is AWESOME," Uruha gasped at Victoria, staring in utter amazement at the diamond crown that had just appeared out of thin air.
He couldn't wait to try it, although he had a lot of doubts about whether he'd be able to do it. Alright... first he needs to think of someone he holds dear...Uruha closed his eyes.
For some reason, Kiera's face just appeared randomly inside his head. That was weird, he had so many people he held dear. Why was she the one he's seeing now? He tried to think of someone else. The Gazette members popped up one by one but in the end, his mind still ended up being preoccupied with Kiera. Giving up, he just decided to focus on her, trying to ignore the implications of such a fixation on Kiera.
A gift for Kiera... A rose came into his mind. Of course, a beautiful red rose would suit her. Uruha focused on it and began to feel a weird sensation running through his body. It was like a thrilling electric shock that gushed into his veins and spread like a rapid current. The feeling increased, getting more and more powerful by the second.
Uruha tried to focus on his palm, but for some reason his thoughts were not collected. He began to wonder what if this fails... what if the rose ended up being a wilting pathetic excuse of a flower? What if it's too small? Giving a tiny bud of a rose to someone is just ridiculous. The flower should be daringly elegant and in full bloom.
Suddenly all the sensations he'd felt disappeared. In the next second, without warning, Uruha felt a large object crash on him. He opened his eyes with a shocked cry to see that he has managed to summon the object in his mind. But, his rose was a gigantic catastrophe - literally. The immense flower weighed down on him, the thorns nearly cutting into his flesh. It was probably the size of an elephant.
"Ieros Victoria!" Uruha gasped, afraid that if he moved, the thorns would puncture a hole in his skull, "A little help please?"
It was difficult not to be amused at Uruha's mishap. Victoria managed to hide her smile. With a wave of her hand the enormous rose faded into thin air.
"You have accomplished the task. For one without a hint of knowledge of your own powers, you have done well." As she spoke a stirring in the atmosphere caught her attention. He was awakening. "This is where we part, Uruha. I suspect someone awaits you. I would suggest that you practice, till we might meet again."
Victoria got up, "Remember...Not a word. Farewell."
She closed her eyes, her soul drifted back to where her body laid in her own chamber. With a sigh of satisfaction, Victoria fell into her own dreams. All the pieces were steadily falling into place.
The view of the stage slowly faded in front of him into blackness and it's replaced by a strange tremor. Uruha felt his shoulders being shaken by a strong pair of hands.
Steadily, Uruha's eyes opened, his vision adjusting to the view of Kiera, her hair let down and her beautiful face uncomfortably close to his. He blushed severely, feeling the heat rise up to every inch of his face. But being awakened by Kiera was something so exciting and blissful for him, he kind of didn't want to get up and pretend to still be drowsy so that she would keep touching him. It was a stupid despicable thought, but he couldn't help it.
He realized he and Kiera weren't the only people in the room. Everyone else was there, waiting for him to wake up, apparently.
In horror, Uruha realized that if Reita read his perverse thoughts and tells Kiera, his life would all be over. He sat up with renewed vigour, surprising Kiera. Curtly, he pushed her away from beside his bed with an aching heart before dashing straight to Reita who backed away into the wall, completely shocked. "G-good morning, Reita," Uruha said, trying to account for his sudden inexplicable actions.
It would be a lie if she said she wasn't a little hurt by his sudden rejection. Kiera had entered Uruha and Kai's room some time ago with the intention of waking them however, seeing the two sleeping so peaceful on the floor and takeru curled up on one of the beds, she decided it could do no harm to let them a little more time. Hence, she had dragged Tora along in search of horses for the two newly acquired companions. And after the kindness she had shown, Uruha dares to reject her? Kiera shrugged it off irritably instead putting her mind to other matters at hand. In the midst of her thoughts, she forgot the little incident.
"It is high time we take leave of this place." She said, adjusting her swords. Kiera frowned. Reita had a strange look of fear on his face. She could not fathom what could have possibly caused Reita to be afraid. Was there something in the room then only Reita could see? She caressed the hilt of her sword. Reita's eyes were on Uruha. Why would he be afraid of Uruha? Something was not right...
Her thoughts were intruded by none other than Kai. Kai cleared his throat, "Is something wrong, Kiera?"
Kai seemed worried. Kiera brought her hands away from the sword, forcing herself to relax. Kiera managed to smile brightly at Kai, hoping to reassure him.
"None to speak of." Sparing a last lingering look at Uruha and Reita, she left the room. She would have to question Reita while they rode.