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…Am I dead…?
Kaito hesitantly cracked open his eyes. He was stunned to find he could only see green. It was as if he was standing in front of an emerald wall that completely enveloped his field of vision. If this was Heaven, he had to admit…he was rather disappointed.
The blue haired man quickly scanned his surroundings, and was shocked to find Mikuo and Len were still here with him. Len was still on the ground, unconscious, and Mikuo was clutching his bleeding leg, eyes scrunched up in pain. The wall extended all around them, acting as a three-sixty degree protective barrier.
So they haven't noticed yet. Kaito felt his eyes beginning to adjust to the strange new light, and saw the barrier walls were slightly transparent. Littered outside, were sticks of different lengths. He noticed the distinctive glimmer of metal, and his eyes widened with disbelief. They were arrows, snapped into pieces and strewn haphazardly around, outside the green walls. In the distance, barely emerging from the trees, were their attackers. The visuals through the green screen were hazy, but he could tell there were a lot of people.
How the hell did we survive? Unless we're all dead already.
He saw one of the men hold up a shaking finger. It seemed to be pointing at him. No, it was pointing to the space a little bit in front of him. Kaito snapped his head to the front and squinted. He could make out a figure, seemingly camouflaged by the green. It seemed human, with arms, legs and slightly messed-up hair. Though what disturbed Kaito most of all was the fact it was only the size of his hand…
…and it had wings.
The figure turned around, revealing pale skin and huge emerald eyes. With a tilt of its head it sent him a small smile.
"Hey, how are you doing?"
And with that, the green shield vanished and Kaito found himself back in the grassy plain, back in familiar territory. Rocks and trees surrounded him, soft grass swayed in the breeze underfoot…Suddenly he saw more glimmers, right by his feet.
What is that?
Bending down, the man pried apart blades of grass to find crystal clear shards.
Glass?
Kaito froze. His suddenly realised his pocket felt lighter. Reaching into it, he felt around for something he had forgotten about the past few days. It wasn't there anymore. The bottle. The small bottle that beautiful woman had given him was gone. He stared at the glass shards on the ground, then at the petite creature floating-no, flying- in front of him, and felt something unwillingly click inside him.
Goddamnit, I knew that woman wasn't normal.
He was convinced by now. Back in that cursed forest, when he left the hot spring diggers to find Len, he had seen her with him. Flowing pink coral hair, soft blue eyes…a being, too beautiful to be human…
They must be angels…
Suddenly, he heard the sound of a million bows dropping to the ground. Their attackers had surrendered. A tall man, who appeared to be their leader, stepped forward. His hair was short and cropped, and he was very, very large. Plain clothes bulged against layers of muscle, and his eyes were grey and cold. Though everyone had already dropped their weapons, this man was definitely powerful, and Kaito was convinced of this when he made an announcement in a strong, booming voice.
"Magicians! We challenge you to a one-on-one battle!"
Yes! They surrender-wait. WHAT?
The situation was not what he had expected. Kaito gazed around hopelessly. Their 'magicians' did not look ready to fight at all. They looked like they should be in a hospital.
The blue-haired man drew a deep breath, steeling himself. He drew his dagger, causing his opponent to raise his eyebrow.
"I'll take you on."
It had been a while since Kaito had been in a fight. He was a powerful force back in the kingdom, and often sparred with the other knights. He always rose on top, however, up until now the blue-haired man had never been in a true one-on-one fight. Yet he knew he was ready. He had to be, this was what all those years of training were for. He knew he lacked experience, but he made up for it in skill and agility. But his opponent looked strong and healthy. The man was many years his senior, and he had the experience that came with being leader of such a large group. He would not be an easy man to beat. Kaito gulped as sweat trickled down his temple. The more he analysed his opponent, the more credible losing seemed.
Kaito's eyes hardened. But there was no choice. Even if he wasn't strong enough, even if his chances of winning were slim, he was going to fight. For the sake of his friends, he absolutely could not lose. A strange look overcame his opponent.
"No, we will no longer fight."
What?
The group were escorted to a large campsite a while away. They had to climb a mountain, and Mikuo had finally fallen unconscious on the way. He and Len were being carried by two gruff-looking but silent males. Kaito walked awkwardly between them, like a prisoner. His pride had dwindled, but he was somewhat glad he did not have to fight the man who led them. He glanced up at grey clouds. They were bruised, just like his ego.
The trip had taken them into the early evening. They stopped when they reached a flat plan, however Kaito noticed the mountain continued higher. It was like a resting spot halfway. There were as many tents as there were rocks here. The injured were taken to a large tent that acted as a hospital. Kaito and the leader, whose name was Big Al, sat right outside. Kaito attempted to keep a nonchalant face on as the little flying creature from the bottle was buzzing about his head like a fly. Even worse, it could talk.
"Hey there. I'm Gumi. I told you this on the way here but you seemed preoccupied, and didn't seem to be listening. Like now. Are you even listening to me? Anyway, Ms Luka has sent me to guard you. But I'm not a guardian angel, I'm a fairy! Pretty cool, huh? By the way, this mountain is so-"
Does she ever shut up?
Kaito ignored her (she seemed too human to be an 'it'), concentrating on Big Al's words.
"We are a tribe of men who oppose magic."
"Why is that?"
"Magic corrupts people. They become so overwhelmed by power they turn on their comrades. Weapons, on the other hand," Big Al held up his wooden bow, polished and gleaming in the sun like a prized possession. "Weapons, they are trustworthy. They will only give as much power as their masters choose to use."
"Hm, but if you guys never use magic, how do you know they are corrupting forces?"
Big Al shot him a glare that sent shivers up his spine. "Do not question our values, stranger. We have good reasons, and will tell you in due time. However," he nodded his head at the medical tent behind them, "Your priority should be your own companions. They are magicians. We saw them use dangerous magic. You were almost killed too."
Kaito flinched. "B-But, that was an accident. Len didn't mean to. Well, I mean, we're not sure-"
"There are many here who would rather kill them right now, while they are weak and vulnerable." Big Al's interruption had shocked Kaito speechless. "They are only alive because of you."
"M-Me?!"
"You show courage, and bravery. And most importantly," Big Al paused dramatically. "You do not use magic."
"What? What's that got to do with anything? I-"
"Be quiet fool. You have no right to speak like that when we hold your comrades' lives in our hands." Kaito swallowed his words with a gulp. Big Al was scary, and seemed even more so against the foreboding backdrop of grey clouds. The taller man continued: "normally, we would kill such magicians with no hesitation." Another gulp. "However, we will make an exception in this case."
Kaito gazed warily. When such things happened, there was usually a condition.
"We will be engaging in battle soon."
"Against magicians, I presume." Big Al gave him a look that told him to shut up for the rest of the conversation or else.
"The opponents are fierce, powerful, and extremely proud."
Something flashed in the distance.
Proud?
"Fighting them will be no small feat. However, you possess courage and bravery."
Again with the courage and bravery crap. Don't they have any guts of their own? How am I any different from them?
Big Al suddenly stood up, glared down at Kaito and extended his hand.
Uh oh, I don't like where this is going.
A dramatic boom of thunder seemed to pierce his ears.
"Young man, for the sake of your comrades, you must join us."
Then the first droplets fell.
Crap.