Everything written here – characters, technology, setting, combat system, and so on – are all under the direct ownership of Emerald Sonata…and the GAEA ALTERIUS.
Any non-original subjects will be tagged with '*' next to it and will be given a proper sourcing.

[Inspired by Kamen Rider Ryuki and Kamen Rider Blade.]


「ハロー・パナシア」
HALLOW PANACEA
{/ First Genesis \}

[( 11th Turning of Fate )]

:: SHADE ::
{A Tapestry of Faith}


"Are you alright?" Naiz asked.

The sightless girl softly nodded, cheeks hued pink, "Y-yes…"

Naiz ventured up the hill of the quiet cobblestone road, all the while carrying the girl he had just met across his back. Nervous, the girl was, but nonetheless felt a soothing sensation comforting her while she clung close to the boy. He had offered to carry her, she recalled, making it more convenient for the girl to move about with him. Even though she knew the boy was human, the Vampen felt grateful for his kindness.

"Ah!" The Clove was suddenly hefted up higher across Naiz's back, startling her with a short yelp.

"A-ah-haa…S-sorry about that…I didn't mean to scare you…" the boy sheepishly uttered. The Vampen shrunk her head back across her shoulders, both relieved that it just him and guilty for making such a tender-hearted person worry. She even lacked her own heart to answer him, only able to struggle an anxious shake of her head.

His back was so broad, she noted. Were the backs of all human males this strong…and warm? Being carried by the boy gave her a lovely feeling; the feeling of being protected, being cared for. A sweet smile secretly appeared on her lips and she curled her arms tighter around his neck. Naiz's felt it, his cheeks tingeing pink already.

"U-Uh…A-are you alright, so far?"

"Yes…I am fine …"

The Clove wished that God will never make this feeling go away…

"Ah. Here we are."

The Vampen woke up from her thoughts and looked up – more or less by reflex. There was a church up on the top end of the hill, tall and thin. Naiz had halted a fair distance away, both surveying the structure along with the Vampen. This was where she wanted to go…the place of Sanctuary…

"W…we're here already?" the Clove could not help blinking.

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"…N-nothing…" This time, it was the Vampen's turn to have burning cheeks, "Th…thank you…"

"You're welcome…but, will they let you in?"

"I am…afraid not…" the Vampen looked away with a solemn gaze, "I am a Clove. If I dare to even set foot inside…they would cast me out…or worse…Please forgive me, I should have told you sooner…"

Naiz chuckled and started to lower the Clove down, "No worries. I got an idea…"

The Vampen blinked, "Hmm?"

[******]

Knock-knock-knock-knock!

Saikkuredo preacher Samyul perked his head up from reading his stone-covered Bible, reacting to the frantic knock on the church's large double doors. It had somewhat been quiet days in the church, and it is even more quiet due to the foreign traders coming into the town. Though he had wished for loyal servants of God to enter, to give their praise and daily prayers to the good Lord…this sudden plea for entrance caught him completely off guard.

A second round of knocking finally got him to jump off his seat from the wooden bench and make for the door. He unlatched its bolts and chains before cautiously peeling it back. The sight was stunning.

Standing before him behind the crack of a door was a young man, carrying a young woman across his back – who wore a rather large black fleece jacket on her. The young man was stark-white pale and out of breath, with the woman looking just as transparent while she silently hid her face behind the young man's neck.

"Sanctuary! We ask for sanctuary, please!"

"Wh-what's wrong?" Samyul finally sputtered.

"Men are coming after us! They're going to kill us! Please, we wish to seek sanctuary!"

Samyul glimpsed past the couple, peering at the empty street, "Where are they now?"

"We've lost them, but they were close by…" huffed the young man.

"What have you done to deserve this?"

"Nothing!" cried the young man. He continued in a desperate plea, "My wife and I were on our way to the market, when these bandits appeared to take our effects. They were about to harm her, when I beat their leader in the head with a stick and we were able to escape. I beg of you, let us find safety inside the church from them or they'll…they'll kill my wife." The Saikkuredo was totally caught off guard to see tears bursting out of the young man's eyes, "I love her…I love her dearly…If you won't save me, then I would ask of you to save her…I don't want her to die because of me…"

Samyul was so shaken he failed to see the young woman fidget a little, shyly shrivelling up in size tinier than before.

"C-come! Come in!" urged Samyul, believing every word, "The almighty Creator has sought mercy on you two, for it is His will that have brought you both here. Please, get inside and make yourselves at home within the halls. I will help and keep a look out for these wretched rogues!"

"Oh…Thank the Heavenly Father for your compassion, master Saikkuredo!" With that, the young man quickly carried his wife through the narrow crack of the doors. Samyul slammed it shut, snapping back on the bolts and chains, plus a fresh wooden plank or two. He was not going to let such crimes go unpunished, but first the Saikkuredo must give the couple a safe haven. "Take your rest here…You two look pale, I'll go fetch you some blankets. Stay safe…"

The young man stopped to turn to look over his shoulder, nodding back in gratitude, "Thank you master Saikkuredo!"

With that, Samyul slipped through a curtained entrance to find blankets and some bread. What an unfortunate couple, he sighed. May God bless them both.

つづく


[By: ~Emerald Sonata~]

Unmeito tatakau. Kyuusei kourin.
{"Battle Fate. Advent Salvation"}