Celestial Hearts

Chapter 11

The Beginning of the Real Quest

The next morning…

Eragold was once again bathed in pleasant midsummer sunshine. It being Saturday the streets were packed to capacity with eager shoppers amid were those taking advantage of the fine weather. And Mushra was one of them. Thankfully no one gave him a second glance (unlike yesterday) thinking him to be just another sun worshipper.

Mushra had risen early only to find the penthouse deserted. He was slightly surprised yet relieved that the samurai was nowhere to be seen nor (thankfully) was his agent. Mushra hadn't seen Miss White since their unfortunate run-in and hoped that he would never have the pleasure of her company again.

Wandering through the streets it became painfully clear to him that Eragold was a lot bigger than what he had originally thought. Small alleys led off into large shopping malls whereas huge stores and offices fought for space on the main boulevards. Small parks seemed to spring up of their own volition.

Mushra meandered down a narrow boulevard called the Crimson Fallow District also known locally as the Café district. In the centre was another of the giant sculptures only this time it was of a large red deer a rare species nearly brought to extinction during the Cedrian wars seven years previous. Hundreds of caffeine lovers lounged about the shop fronts whereas day-trippers hurried through off to see something at the other side of Eragold.

He wanted very badly to see his friends again but he hadn't seen hide nor hair of them all morning. Although Mushrambo had eventually spilled about recent events he still was no nearer to finding them. The Blue Lagoon Casino was his only lead but before he could've asked directions the samurai had gone awol. And there didn't seem to be any point asking around for directions because no one seemed to know where it might be. So Mushra wandered whilst keeping an eye on the sign posts.

Noon came and went. By now he felt he had walked well in excess of twenty miles, his feet were howling so he called it quits for lunch. Mushra didn't like accepting charity but he had to eat. Taking the wallet Mushrambo had given him the night before he paid for some soup and rolls. Staring at his food he couldn't help feeling a tad bit frustrated. It felt like nothing had changed. Mushrambo was still fishing him out of awkward situations, he was still playing catch up with his friends and as for Yakumo well what could be said. Breathing a deep sigh he attacked his food with gusto.

What happened next was so unexpected that Mushra almost choked himself.

Can it be?

Through the window onto the packed street he had seen a flash of blue, a very familiar flash of blue. Getting quickly to his feet Mushra burst from the café onto the already overcrowded street. Climbing up on a nearby bench to get a better view he spied what he had been looking for.

I'd recognise that mullet anywhere! But where's he going?

Trying to keep up with the water enterran he knew was futile particularly in the overflowing boulevard. He still didn't have much faith in his new powers (especially after losing to Mushrambo) so he just ran in what he hoped was the right direction. It wasn't long before he lost him. Now as you can imagine this didn't help his mood one bit.

Dammit! Now what?

Thinking of nothing better to do he kept going. Surprisingly (and annoyingly) he found a lot of people heading in the same direction. Soon he was out of the Crimson Fallow District and into what he could descry from a signpost as the Lake District.

There's a lake here!? Nothing would surprise me anymore.

Crossing over one of the many bridges (the Lake District was situated on an island in the middle of the lake) he found what he had been searching for. The Blue Lagoon Casino stood higher than any other building in the Lake District emerald water cascading down its front. Hundreds upon hundreds flocked through its doors. He couldn't work out why it was so busy, so early in the afternoon. Then it dawned on him. They were all here for the tournament! The prize of one million terrs how could he have forgotten! Grinning he sidled up to the revolving doors. Maybe he could kill two chabins (an enterran bird with an aggressive temperament) with the one fireball (Mushra's version of the saying to kill two birds with the one stone).

Inside it was wall to wall action with roulette wheels, black jack tables and of course poker. How much money was being won or lost was anyone's guess but everyone seemed to be having a good time. Mushra craned his neck trying to get a better view of proceedings. He could make out several familiar faces hanging out by the stage. Fighting his way through the room he came to the stage and stood silently by unsure of how to reintroduce himself after all the lost time. Thankfully Sago glanced over and immediately recognised his childhood friend. Seconds later with the others, Kutal and Binka, he rushed over. Mushra thought he would nearly suffocate beneath all the hugs, pat-on-the-backs (mostly Kutal's doing: he was so enthusiastic about the enterran's return he nearly shoved Mushra through the stage floor) and kisses (all Binka's doing: even though she had fought endlessly with him during their travels together she had really missed him never the less).

Sago caught Mushra's shoulder and began steering him around the complex introducing him to people as they went. At least I am not the only one to have changed he thought. Kutal hadn't really changed much; he still looked as though he really enjoyed his food but his clothes were a great deal smarter. Binka had changed a lot; she had grown into a woman in the time he had been away but what struck him most was her demeanour: she was calmer than what she used to be and seemed to have given up carrying the bazooka. Yet it was Sago who seemed to have changed the most. He no longer wore his helmet (which when Mushra thought about it was a very funny episode: he wouldn't take it off or let anyone else do so either). He was dressed more smartly than Mushra had ever seen him and he stood taller than he remembered. Even though he felt a bit sombre with the whole thing he knew change was inevitable, and somehow he found he was becoming more used to it.

"So seriously how've you been?"

Mushra was startled out of his philosophical trance.

"I've been…"

He was tempted to say he was fine, put on a brave face but why would he lie to his friend.

"I'm in trouble Sa."

"Hey you've been in trouble before and everything worked out."

"Not like this. I'm in it up to my neck. I only have a month in which to make a miracle."

"Maybe you should start from the beginning eh?"

"I'm in trouble with the Celestial Council."

"I think this needs more privacy don't you?"

So with Sago leading they headed off up a staircase and into a private corridor. Mushra made to speak but Sago shushed him waving him to an office down the hall.

"Don't you know that walls have ears?"

"Huh?!"

"Oh never mind."

Making sure that the door was firmly closed Sago sat down behind the large oak desk gesturing for Mushra to do likewise.

"What was that you were saying about walls having ears?"

"Think about it for a moment. If it gets known that there's a Celestial Guardian in town don't you agree that people are liable to go spare."

"I didn't think."

"Now what about the council?"

"I've sort of kinda annoyed them."

"In what kind of way have you sort of kinda annoyed them?"

"Well I've disturbed the peace whilst stoned out of my mind. I've crash landed in several houses and on their occupants. I've…" Mushra held up his fingers and began ticking them off. "I've gotten into several fights. I ignored the duties I was given. I slept through a lecture on how to be a good and faithful guardian. Umm…"

Then to Sago's dismay he lifted up his other hand and began ticking more fingers off. After several minutes and about six more charges there emerged what he felt had to be the icing on a real crap cake.

"Umm. I've insulted the council members in particular Lady Silverstone. She's a real bag ya know. And oh yeah I put one in the hospital wing. He's a right little toe rag though."

"You finished?"

"Uh yeah I think."

"You really are up to your neck in it aren't you. So what are you looking at? A return to the mortal realm, you know there's a job for you here if you need it."

"Thanks but I don't think I'll be needing it."

"Might I ask why?"

"Cas if I fail I won't be seeing the light of day for a very, very long time."

"Just what can they do to you?"

"The same thing they did to Lanancuras before he emerged as a threat to the galaxy."

"That's a bit harsh. Surely there's something you can do?"

"Yeah there is but I'm all out to sea. I've to prove to a bunch of old asses that I'm… just like my Dad." He trailed off in a whisper.

Sago's eyes grew large at the mention of Mushra's father.

"You've never spoken about your parents before. Are they alive?"

A wave of emotions clashed inside Mushra making him feel slightly queasy.

"No."

"I'm sorry I should have left it alone."

"No it's alright. They died along time ago. Besides I kinda need to talk about them ya know."

Sago watched him unsure of what to say next.

"You know you don't need to tiptoe around me." Mushra said glaring at the water enterran. "I'm not going to shatter besides I really do need to talk to someone."

"Ok so why exactly are you here? I've already got the gist that this isn't a social call."

"I wish I knew. When I got the choice to come back it was easy now that I'm here it's a different story." Scratching his head he continued. " I've been given a task to perform well more like two but one is more urgent cas its to do with whether or not I get what my parents left me not to mention keeping me out of Fell Gaia."

"Fell Gaia?"

"It's a dead planet full of astro junk and Hell knows what else."

"Is there any way I can help?"

"I don't know. It's sort of like I have to prove myself. I have to find the reason why I should get my inheritance."

"But it's yours!"

"It's not that easy. I thought so too but the more I think about it..."

"I never thought that you of all people would become a quitter. You've fought for those you cared for even giving your life. You've stood up to every bully you've met and never backed down and now you're telling me just because the stakes have been raised you're going to quit and wait for judgement. With an attitude like that I have to say I agree with you. You don't deserve it."

"That's not what I said. I just don't know what to do." Mushra finished weakly.

Sago leaned back in his chair, his arms folded tightly to his chest.

"Look I still don't know what this task you've been asked to perform is so let's start there."

"Any chance of entering the tournament? One million terrs you must be loaded."

"Don't change the subject Mushra." Sago started angrily. "I want to help you but if won't tell me what's wrong it seriously curtails my options."

"Come on for old time's sake eh?"

"With your history you'd lose everything you have and more. When we were kids I always beat you but that wasn't saying much. People used to comment you know on how you didn't seem to feel the cold even in the dead of winter."

"Heh…amm…mmph…Yeah well I…" Mushra minced, turning more scarlet with every word.

"As I said I will help you and so will others probably but if you don't tell us there isn't much we can do." Sago said getting to his feet.

Opening the door he continued.

"You can stay as long as you like but no gambling."

"Thanks Sago." And with that he strode out of the office.

Quickly shutting the door Sago resumed his stance behind the desk.

"I take it you heard all that."

A pair of red eyes appeared to the left of the door. Then slowly the form of Mushrambo came into view.

"You were right he is in serious trouble though what we can do to help him I don't know."

"We must be ready to help him if he needs it nothing more yet I think this is one of those things that must be done by ones own self and no one else."

"You're right." Sago conceded. "Yet Fell Gaia of all the places."

Down in the green room…

"So where's Binka?"

"She had to leave something about exams being next week. So what about you? Are you thinking about university?" Kutal inquired politely.

"No way I hate school!" Mushra replied.

"The Kittens are attending Eragold Tech. Next year it'll be Eragold High."

"So they're enjoying it then? Hey Sago said something about you opening your own chain of pizzerias. How's that going?"

"They're all doing splendid thanks for asking. Estee in particular will be sorry she missed you."

"Mind if we cut in?" Sago had just burst from the crowd followed closely by Mushrambo whom Mushra wasn't happy at all to see.

After a few more rounds of friendly banter Sago caught Kutal by the shoulder (or as close as he could get for the feline enterran was a great deal taller than he was) and began steering him towards a quiet corner. Now Mushra obviously not wanting to be left alone with Mushrambo tried to follow them but was knocked back by Sago.

"No offence Mushra but this is business."

So there he was with only the samurai for company. Tossing a checking glance over his shoulder he headed for one of the tables. Yet when he tried to place a bet he found that Sago had spread the word: no one was to give him chips.

"Sorry Sir but the boss's say is final." A tall blonde girl replied when he questioned as to why he wasn't being served.

Thinking at least to try and turn this to his advantage Mushra began paying her compliments.

"Well can I say you're doing one hell of a job Miss…?"

"Well thank you it's nice to be appreciated and I'm Miss Fleur. Majesty Fleur to be exact."

"A real pretty name for a real pretty girl if you don't mind me saying so."

Majesty was blushing now.

"You're just trying to butter me up."

"No honestly I'm not. So what are you doing after work?"

"Umm…To be honest I'm not too sure." She purred.

"Wanna grab a pizza maybe a movie?"

"I don't know. It's not exactly a night for pizza."

"Its not…" Mushra blurted. "Well what about a movie then."

"Silly me I just remembered…My boyfriend Dennis is taking me to dinner." Then she turned from him and began serving others waiting at the table.

"Oh." Mushra replied feeling a little crestfallen.

She let go through all this and she was already seeing someone!

And with that Mushra left the table and somehow walked straight into Mushrambo.

To his surprise and dismay Mushrambo seemed to be in a rare talking mood.

"So what was that all about?" He asked.

"You know. Boy asks girl out. They start a relationship. Few years down the line they get married simple right!" Mushra snarled still stung by his recent rejection.

"Are you feeling alright?"

"…"

"Well are you?" Mushrambo asked again trying to stay calm.

"Fucking peachy!"

Before he had even realised it he was outside. Whilst catching his breath a thought occurred to him.

"There's a girl ah Rose she works in the Highlife Café. Anyway she's a big fan of yours so would you send her an autograph?"

When he got no response he turned and for the first time ever in his life he witnessed the red eyed enterran struck dumb. It brought another one of those fragments of Mushrambo's memories to the forefront of his mind.

Mushrambo's teenage memory…

Late so very late I'll be lucky if I don't get in trouble.

Up a flight a stairs then another flight down a corridor through a door and into a lift.

As the lift doors clang shut a reflection of a tall purple haired boy can be seen. This is the fifteen year old Mushrambo. He's wearing an anxious look on his young face. He is dressed in a simple black uniform accompanied by black shoes. A sword of average girth hangs off his shoulder.

The doors open. He's reached his destination. Stepping out into the light he's momentarily blinded but things quickly come back into focus. Several other teenagers in the same black uniform are seated in the stands. He recognises some of them Rusiphine, Ryuma and a strange girl known as Kest. About fifty guards look on their fingers itching on the trigger.

It's his turn. All he waited for now was his cue.

N.O 579 you must enter the arena!

And there it is.

Striding forward he is about to enter the enclosure when the girl Kest shouts down at him. Ever since he met her he'd a slight crush. Turning hopefully to look up at her he receives a shock. She kisses one of the other boys in plain sight and then laughs down at him. She'd always been a bit wild and could even be cruel but still for some strange reason he liked her.

Now his blood boiled. They were all laughing at his bemused expression. He was going to make them stop laughing.

N.O 579 you must enter the arena now!"

Just as he enters the arena a grille opens at the other side. A strange reptilian creature lumbers out.

Another experiment no doubt.

Then everything fades to black for a few moments.

When the memory resumes the young Mushrambo is clearly the victor. The stadium itself is dishevelled and the creature is nowhere to be seen.

Mushrambo then shouts up at the panel huddled behind the blacked out glass.

Is that good enough for you? Huh is it?

End of memory…

The present day Mushrambo was resuming his usual composure though as Mushra saw he did bear a striking resemblance to his fifteen year old self right at that minute when that girl Kest put him on the spot.

"Here I won't be needing this." Mushra said as he handed the wallet over to him.

Mushrambo hesitantly took the wallet.

"So will you send the autograph?"

"Why do I get the feeling there's something you're not telling me."

"Well?"

"Sure why not."

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell the others I'm leaving."

"Where are you going?"

"Don't know all I know is that I expected to find answers here and they're not so I must leave to find them."

"So basically you have no idea of anything let alone where you're going?"

"Yeah that's about the size of it."

"Hmmm."

Without another word the samurai turned and headed back inside the casino leaving Mushra alone. The poker tournament was in full swing as he walked in silence over the bridge. No forgotten memory or words of wisdom could he find to lead him in the right direction. Two days of the precious twenty eight were spent and he was no nearer to finding an answer. Then as he was about to go spare he felt a burning close to his right thigh. Fearing his powers were acting up again he looked himself up and down. Nothing could he see yet the burning remained now nearer to his waist. Cautiously putting his hand into his pocket he pulled out one of the strange smooth stones that Zinde had given him. He had completely forgotten about them (a good thing too because he might have traded them for food). The stone he held had the symbol of the moon embedded onto it. Radiant silvery-gold light pierced the gathering gloom brighter than any of Eragold's lamps could. Without warning its light trailed off into a single beam and Mushra needing no prompt knew he had found at least one answer to his current predicament.