Chapter 21:

It was as if nature was weeping.The rain fell in torrents from the dark sky and the trees groaned in the wind. Lightning forked like the naked steel of a warrior's blade and thunder rolled like the distant drumbeat of an oncoming war.

In a small cave three travellers sat quietly around the flickering fire. Water from the rain gushed down the slope and formed a muddy cascading curtain in front of the cave. A blue shimmering force field kept the raging force of nature outside. Though the cave was small ,it was warm and dry.

"Okay .Say it."One of the travellers, a black haired girl snapped irritatibly.

One of the other travellers who were nursing a rather injured arm spoke "What were you thinking Princess?"His voice was angry "We could have died!"

"Are you afraid of death Suraco?"Keeah's eyes flashed.

"No. But I do not believe in taking foolish risks either."

"You think I took a rash decision?"

"Yes .She was the enemy .We let her live. Isn't that enough? There was no need to risk our lives to save hers."

Keeah stared into the fire "There was a need Suraco.."

"Really?"

"It was a choice between two evils "Sotisku cut in calmly "Would you have let that..Thing live instead?"

Suraco clenched his fists "No."

Then he turned towards Keeah "But that was not why Princess spared the seishi. Will you tell us now why you did it?"

Keeah stared into the fire "Ukano "

"Ah."

The three of them were quiet for sometime staring into the flickering flames. Then Keeah spoke "You, me, Sotisku, we all grew up before our time. I wanted Ukano to remain a child, if only for a little longer."She sighed "But enough of that now. We must try to locate Taiskun as soon as possible."

"What happened last night?"Sotisku spoke quietly "You have been awfully quiet about it."

Keeah closed her eyes, shuddering a little "I do not know. I know why I fought .I don't know what I fought .He was there again you know."

"Who?"Suraco's voice was sharp.

"Him .The hooded ..creature we met in the ruins of the former capital of Kutou ..That very same person."

"What?"

" I don't understand Suraco. That creature which attacked Chulivey..somehow seemed under the control of the hooded guy ."

"What are you saying?"Sotisku's voice was incredulous "I knew that guy was trouble. But how did you know that ..you know ..He controlled the creature ?"

Keeah paled "None of my attacks were working against the creature .I was pinned to the floor..basically I thought that I was a goner .Then ..I sensed him .He kept harping about 'darkness' in my blood and how excellent friends we ..Could be..and the frightening part was ..I was responding to him! He was messing with my head .I knew it..and I fought back .. "

She was quiet for a while before continuing "And then I felt something inside me .It was like power ran in my veins ..and then ..Well you woke me up. When I saw your face I knew we had won."

She raked a hand through her messy hair "I am not easily frightened Sotisku. But he scares me. My sensei used to say that fear is necessary, without fear one will never know true courage. But right now I don't know what I am afraid of."

"Seiryuu, my life was so simple."She groaned "I had a very simple mission in life. Release Seiryuu. Defeat Konon .Now I don't know what to think. It is not important what attacked Chulivey. What is more important is why she was attacked."

"We all saw that she was no match for the creature."Suraco said thoughtfully "Neither were any of us, except you perhaps."

"It was a fluke Suraco "Keeah cut in tiredly.

"Whatever."Suraco shrugged "The point in the story is why would something so absurdly strong want to kill the female, unless she was a potential threat .How?"

"Knowledge "Sotisku said thoughtfully "A single secret can cause the fall of the mightiest of warriors.She could be in possession of some sort of secret.."

"Enough .I don't need these complications in my life "Keeah declared hotly "To hell with the Hoody and his minions .I am reverting to my original agenda. Find Taiskun. Release Seiryuu. Defeat Konon. "

Just as Keeah felt silent a soft piping voice seemed to fill the cave..

Ahoy travellers tired and weak,

Is this really the path you seek?

Can a God bring peace to a dying land?

Can peace come through another's hand?

Will you walk the path so many before you have taken?

Or will you walk the path others have forsaken?

The voice melted away like the morning mist .For a while they sat as if in a stupor. Then Keeah rushed outside her naked steel in her hands .The rain had calmed down .A dull moon shone through the tattered clouds .The cold mountain breeze caressed her cheeks and lifted her wayward strands.

"Who ..What was it?"Sotisku was pale "The voice..It was so enchanting and unearthly."

Suraco peered around in the darkness "Who in their right minds goes sprouting poems in the middle of nowhere?"

Keeah's mouth was pursed into a thin line "It was meant for us."

"I know."

"I sensed no one."Suraco peered into the darkness.

"Another complication to add to our list then "Sotisku sighed.

"Perhaps."Keeah's voice was moody "Look."

They turned towards the direction Keeah pointed .The Holy Mountain was painted across the dark night sky with shades of silver and ink.

"Taiskun's abode."Sotisku's tone was awed.

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He was walking, hand lightly on the hilt of his sword .He realized he was walking through a vast battlefield .He saw mutilated corpses lying all around, the smell of putrid flesh greeted his nose. He saw red eyes haunting the dark fields gnawing at the bones of the dead and the near dead. Still, he kept walking.

The sky was dark and the horizon was deep crimson red .It was as if he was walking through perpetual twilight .The mud that splattered on his boot was red, as the ground was drunk with the blood of thousands .The long mornful cry of the carrion birds announced the arrival oof Death .He could still hear isolated clashes in the fields ,sometimes he sawa bloody blade flashdefiantly, as if mocking Death. Still, he kept walking through the carnage .He did not know where he was going. Something kept pulling him.

Then he saw them the two warriors locked in battle like raging Titans, their plumed helmet gleamed in the faint light .All around them a fire burnt, hot like the fires of hell, its dark crimson flames licked the very heavens .Its smoke blinded him .He could not see the faces under the helmets.

"You will never defeat me!" One of the warriors growled, his tattered crimson cloak flying behind him as he crossed blades with the other warrior.

"I know "The other warrior's voice was calm resigned "But I will stop you today."

"Really?" The crimson-cloaked warrior's voice was mocking "Hah! "

Both warriors rushed at each other, their swords met in a deadly kiss ...

' Your Highness..'

"Your Highness '

Hotohori sat up with a start "Menesku..."

"Are you all right my Lord?"

"Yes "Hotohori lied, rubbing his eyes "I am sorry .I ..fell asleep ."

' What a weird dream.'

Menesku did not look convinced "It is morning my Lord."

"Oh yes .Let us depart at once."

"Very well then .I will inform the others."

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"Seiryuu..Are we there yet?"Sotisku groaned as they trudged up the narrow trail that led up the mountain. The sun was up and beating down on them. "Could we please take a break now ? I swear my legs are feeling like lead."

They came upon a stretch of the trail that was a little flat. Keeah stopped."Fine .We will rest for a while here."

"Thank you!"Sotisku panted leaning on a rock to ease his legs for a while.

Suraco looked around. They seemed to be surrounded by mountains on all sides, their sun kissed peaks were girdled by misty clouds .He peered down. All he could see was a foggy nadir. Despite of the glaring sun it was a bit cold up here and it was actually quite chilly in the shades.

"Are we going in the right direction?"

Keeah scrunched her face and looked around "Actually, I am not sure."

Both Suraco and Sotisku looked at her surprised "What?"

"Well we found the Holy Mountain."Keeah said defensively "We will find Taiskun as well..I hope."

"Or may be I will find you."

"Gah!" All three of them jumped up startled.

"You..Are Taiskun?"Sotisku stared.

"So I am."The figure responded .It was a rather wrinkled old lady in billowing robes who looked rather cranky .She was floating in the air in the lotus position.

"Suraco, I swear this is one of your worst illusions."

"Are you trying to say I am ugly?" Taiskun fixed Sotisku with a rather evil glare.

"No, no "Sotisku gulped "I was expecting... somebody..umm..more etheral .."

Taiskun magically produced a humungous fan and walloped Sotisku on the head "I float .What more do you want brat ?"

Suraco moved forward and helped a rather dazed Sotisku to his feet .

"Wow that hurt ."Sotisku was still a bit disoriented "For a mean old Lady she sure hits hard ."

Suraco groaned ' Yeah right Sotisku .Open mouth .Insert foot.'

"Pardon my companion's lack of tact "Keeah cut in smoothly before Sotisku could say anything more hazardous to his health for Taiskun looked as if she had every intention of producing a bigger fan and walloping him yet again .She executed a prim bow " I am honored to have met you Lady Taiskun .I am Keeah ."

Taiskun zoomed in on Keeah staring at her intently . Keeah kept her cool and remained unfazed by the close scrutiny .

"Keeah "Taiskun's voice had a odd brassy quality that somehow reinforced her cranky old woman image "I was expecting you ."

If Keeah was surprised she did not show it . "Indeed ."Her voice was cool "Then you will also know why I am here ."

"I know why you are here ."Taiskun's eyes held a cryptic gleam "But do you know why you are here ?"

"Yes ."Her voice was cold and confident .

Taiskun floated over towards her and peered into her face " I see you have the same arrogance as your forefathers ."

' Naturally ' Keeah's face was placid "Will you help us then ?"

Taiskun floated away ,her face contorted in deep thought .Then she turned towards them .

"Very well ."She smirked "Let me offer you my hospitality first .Then we will talk ."

She zoomed away .The chunk of earth on which they were standing dislodged and floated after her through the misty clouds .

Sotisku moved closer towards Keeah "I hope she is not planning to dump us in midair ."

Keeah's lips twitched with suppressed laughter "Sotisku ,control your tongue ."

"By Seiryuu I am trying to ..but all this stress has made it a tad hard to control ."

"Forget him .Look !"Suraco pointed ahead .

There at the highest peak of the holy mountains ,floating in a sea of golden clouds was a palace .

"Beautiful "Keeah was awed "Simply beautiful ."

The chunk of earth which had carried them so far alighted on the ornamented doorway of the wooden palace .They alighted .Even though they could feel the ground under their feet ,it seemed as if they were walking on the very clouds .But the clouds were elusive and if they extended their hands to touch them ,all they could feel was a moist touch on their fingers .

Various small child-like creatures sped out to help them . They bounced around them offering them fresh garments and refreshment .

"Allow the Nyan-Nyan to freshen you up ."Taiskun said "Then we shall speak ."

After they were refreshed ,they were sitting in a soacious room awaiting Taiskun's arrival .It was a hall with large ornamented windows through which the sea of clouds could be seen .Wonderful tapestries covered the walls each telling a tale of an unknown time .

Keeah was standing in front of one such tapestry .It was woven with shimmering silk threads and showed a garden in a sea of stars .Inside the garden there were two celestial beings ,one a shimmering white ,the other a pulsating black .They seemed to be playing with each other in the mystical garden .

' It is just like my vision . I saw a black and a white dragon play in harmony in a sea of stars ..Could that mean anything ? Does Taiskun know something ?what a stupid question .Of course she does !"

"I see that you are admiring my tapestries ."

Keeah turned around and bowed ."I couldn't help myself .They are very beautiful ."

"I know ."Taiskun agreed "They all depict parts of some ancient legends ."She turned towards Keeah "Take a seat Princess ."

Keeah took a seat beside Sotisku and Suraco .Taiskun floated to the head of the hall where she settled on an ornamented chair that was kept there especially for her .

"What you ask from me today will determine your destiny ."Taiskun's wrinkled face held a cryptic gleam "You have many questions .However ,I am old and tire easily .I will answer only one question . So ,choose wisely ."

"This is so unfair "Sotisku muttered in a low undertone "We busted our ass to come here and she won't even answer all our questions "

Taiskun glared "I heard that brat . "

"Humph ."

"Sotisku "Keeah's voice held a faint warning .She turned towards Taiskun "Very well ."

She took a deep breath "I want to know where the scroll that Seiryuu was imprisoned in is hidden ."

"Are you sure that that is what you want ?"

' No .There are so many questions I want to ask .But its not like you would give me that chance .'

"Absolutely ."Keeah's face was placid .

"Very well ." There was an odd gleam in Taiskun's eyes "It is hidden in the catacombs under the monastery situated on the Island Of Time ."

"The mythical Island Of Time ?"Keeah was surprised .

"The very same .But it is no myth ,that much I assure you ."

Keeah was deep in thought .Then she looked up ."Thank you . I humbly seek the permission to take our leave now ."

"Certainly .The Nyan-Nyans will see you out ."

Keeah got up and bowed again .She turned to go .

"Keeah "Taiskun called out .She turned back .Taiskun's face was spilt into a rather mysterious but toothless smile.

"We will meet again Princess ."

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It was afternoon .A thick fog was blanketing the mountains making visibility rather low ,and the trek up the mountain rather long and hazardous . Menesku was more on the edge than usual .He was muttering something about convenient weather and ambushes .He was ready to attack anything that moved inclusive of his shadow .

Hotohori was in the front of the mismatched trail of travellers .Hotohori wasn't too pleased to leave Lee under the objectionable care of Faraco ,but he had to agree that since he and Menesku were the two most able fighters in the group ,they should make the first line of defense . Faraco was ecstatic . Chulivey made up the rear mainly because she was still weak and unable to keep up with the rest of them .Menesku traveled with her to secure their rear end ,something about the black warrior being a sneaky bastard figuring largely in his gamelan .

Hotohori looked back .He could sense Faraco and Lee's ki not far behind him .The treacherous fog was making it difficult for him to see .He had to agree with Menesku .This was a perfect weather for walking straight into an ambush .He concentrated .He could hear the faint gurgle of a stream ahead of him .

Suddenly at this point the fog thinned a bit . He could see a small river in front of him .The river was not very deep .He figured that it would wet only the foot of his shoes .But there were small rocks that could easily be used as a makeshift bridge to cross the river .He suddenly had an inspiring idea ,one that made him excessively happy .He thanked the Gods that conveniently put that river there .Very soon Faraco and Lee would arrive to the river as well .Then he would undertake the happy task of carrying Lee across the river ..bridal style .

He frowned .Lee had been occupying his thoughts a lot lately .He liked her a lot but the problem was he had never courted a lady before . All the women he met could never see beyond his gleaming scepter and crown ,and frankly he had never felt the need to reveal the real Hotohori to them .The real person behind the crown .The boy who wished that he did not have to act so perfect all the time ,the boy who could loose his temper once in a while and use vile language ,the boy who could swear fluently or curse or just enter into a brawl without a second thought .He sighed .

He stiffened .He could hear footsteps approaching him from the other side .His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword .He heard a soft curse .

"Damn you fog !"

It was a female voice ,soft and alluring .He sensed the other person stop .He remembered that one of the three travellers in the inn was a girl .He frowned tightening his hold on the hilt .Suddenly ,the thick fog melted away . It was as if a veil was lifted from in front of his eyes .

Across the small capricious stream anarrow lonely trail led upwards before disappearing around the bend .Midway along the trail a girl stood ,her long raven-black hair whipping slightly in the mountain breeze . Her dress was simple with sakura patterns on her shoulder and sleeves .A royal blue sash clinched her narrow waistwhich held a small jeweled dagger .

Their eyes met .Hotohori had never seen anybody with eyes like hers ,so dark and fathomless.Eyes that were capable of revealing and hiding at the same time .Her face was vaguely familiar and yet Hotohori could not remember where he had seen her .He could sense her eyes on his face and he saw the faint indecision before a glimmer of realization dawned in them .He saw her soft pink lips curve upwards in a small mocking smile .

"Your highness "She inclined her head a little and though he could see an appreciative sparkle under her heavy lashes ,her voice was slightly mocking ."I am honored to have finally met you ."

Hotohori looked at her schooling his face to an indifferent expression ,but inwardly he was startled . What are the chances of meeting a girl half way up the Holy Mountain who recognizes him as the Prince ? All his senses screamed at him to be wary .

"Pardon me my Lady ."He looked at the girl "But do I know you ?"

The girl smiled .Somehow it managed to deepen the mysterious lure of her eyes "You wound me deeply my Prince .And here I was ,laboring under the misapprehension that you thought of me everyday ."Her smirk deepened "For you, my Prince are never far from my thoughts ."

Her voice had a dangerously alluring quality ,but somehow Hotohori did not feel very flattered to be the object to this particular girl's fancy .He could sense a dual meaning in her words , her real purpose hidden in her honeyed words .

She half-turned and tossed her hair over her shoulders .

"Do not worry my Prince ."Her voice was heavy with sarcasm ."After today ,you will never forget me."

It was as if Nature had decided that this conversation had gone on for too long for she once again cast the heavy veil of fog over the lands blocking Hotohori's view before he could say anything .He sensed her move away from the river ,possibly up the narrow trail .He had an insane urge to restrain her and ask her who she was .But that would mean following her through the fog .And that was not advisable. The girl in front of her reminded him of a panther .Beautiful ,enigmatic and ..dangerous .

He could hear heavy footsteps behind him .He sensed Menesku's ki rapidly approaching him . Moments later Menesku was by his side panting heavily ,his sword drawn . His face was flushed ,his sharp gray eyes desperately tried to see through the fog .Behind him Faraco and Lee came up .Both were looking extremely confused .

"Are you all right my Lord ?"Menesku questioned tersely .

"Yes ."Hotohori saw Chulivey hobble up "What have got you so worked up ?"

"He is here ."Menesku's voice was tense .

"Who ?"

"Him .The Black Warrior ."

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Moonchildcnb 13 : Thanks for the review .

Ryuu :I am glad you liked it

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