(The Mystic Cave)
*September 16th, 1918* *Bialowieza Forest*
*2:00pm*
Kaede and The Peddler walked across the lush and beautiful green forest in which was the Bialowieza Forest as the pair searched for the cave in which held the Legendary Phoenix Sword.
"This forest is very beautiful and are you sure that the sword is in this place? I just feel like we're going backwards instead of forward" Kaede asked while looking around for any clues for their destination.
"I'm sure that we're going the correct way and according to the legends this sword was sealed away right here but may I ask you a question?" The Peddler responded as he looked at Kaede as they continued to walk.
"Sure, ask away!" Kaede simply replied with a smile wondering what he was gonna ask her.
"Are you truly ready to pass the test? Like this Phoenix sword will test your worth and by all means If you're not truly ready to wield the mighty power of this sword then you will die so be honest with yourself" The Peddler asked in a more serious tone as the pair stopped walking.
"I feel like I'm truly ready and I want to save my friends so much no matter the odds so I do feel like I am ready to take on this challenge to get the sword!" Kaede replied in a motivated tone of voice as she looked towards the sunny sky and took a breath of fresh air.
"Are you truly being honest?" The Peddler asked while still maintaining his serious tone.
"I am being serious. It's just I believe that my friends deserve a second chance at life and I won't go into details but.."Kaede said before being cut off by The Peddler.
"I know your reasoning Kaede. You are truly an amazing and remarkable person and you care about your friends so very much and that's why I truly believe that you are worthy of the Phoenix sword" The Peddler added on as he smiled warmly at her direction.
"Thank you. I truly appreciate your words" Kaede replied back as she looked at The Peddler with a warm and gentle smile.
"We should be almost heading towards the cave and it only should take us about 20 more minutes but we can do this" Kaede said as she looked at the map with a smile.
"Well! What are we waiting for?! Let's skedaddle!" The Peddler said with a smile as he and Kaede resumed their journey towards the cave.
*2:30pm*
"We found it!" Kaede cried out in joy as she and The Peddler found the cave in which could lead to the sword.
"It appears so! After days of searching we've finally found it!" The Peddler added on in a joyful tone as he and Kaede ran towards the cave as they stopped in front of the entrance of the cave.
"Wow It looks rather unique in a forest like this" Kaede said as she observed the cave as it had a phoenix bird placed on top of the rocky entrance with a sword in its hand.
"I must agree and I believe this is where I'll be waiting for you so I must say...good luck" The Peddler said with a warm smile on his face.
"Thank you" Kaede simply responded as she turned around to face the cave's entrance.
"Don't worry everyone! I will make it out alive and I will get the sword! Just y'all wait!" Kaede had thought to herself as she took some deep breaths and meditated for a short minute.
"Alright! Here goes nothing!" Kaede said to herself as she started to walk towards the entrance of the cave while prepared for the possible challenges that could come her way.
"Good luck Kaede" The Peddler said to himself as he sat down and waited for Kaede's return.
*Mystic Cave*
Kaede walked across the cave as she looked around the dimly lit areas that surrounded her.
"Okay so where is the sword and I wished there were directions" Kaede muttered to herself as she delved further and further into the cave as she noticed a strange figure standing across from her in the dimly lit corridors.
"Um? Excuse me are you lost?" Kaede asked as she felt a strange sensation ring throughout her body as she stared at this mysterious person from afar as it made her somewhat nervous.
"What is this strange feeling? I feel slightly nervous but at the same time I feel somewhat fine? This cave is already pretty weird" Kaede thought to herself as she took deep breaths and moved closer towards where the mysterious figure was standing at.
"Stop right there!" The Mysterious Figure cried out in a booming voice which made Kaede stop in her tracks on the spot as she fell on the floor.
"W-What do you mean?" Kaede asked as her tone of voice was slightly nervous while getting up in the process.
"State your name and the reasoning for coming into this sacred place" The Mysterious Figure said while remaining in his spot as Kaede still had a surprised look on her face.
"M-My name Is Kaede Lynn Fuyou Gaines! A-and Fuyou comes from my late mother's side while Gaines comes from my father's side a-and my reason is that I want to use the sword to save my friends from harm's way!" Kaede cried out in a nervous like tone as she bowed down and waited for the next part of the conversation.
"I see. You are the one called Kaede correct? Well, follow me!" The Mysterious Figure commanded as he motioned his hand to follow him as he turned around and went the other way.
"Y-Yes sir!" Kaede replied as she followed his orders and followed him along the dark but dim corridors of the cave as Kaede looked around to see many portraits of those who wielded the sword.
"My name is Salaros and I am the keeper of this cave and what you see here is many portraits of those who wielded the sword for either good or evil…" Salaros spoke in a more calm manner as he motioned his hands towards the two sides of the portraits representing good and evil.
"I-It's nice to meet you Salaros and what do you mean by that?" Kaede asked with curiosity.
"The sword only chooses those who are good and worthy however some are turned evil by its power and cause mayhem by conquering many lands with its strength" Salaros answered as he stopped in front of a door.
"That's crazy and that's where the sword is at?" Kaede asked.
"Correct however you must drink the water in which is provided for you however this is as far as I can assist you and I am only can guide fellow travelers towards this point but there will be someone else that will help you from here on out" Salaros answered back as he opened the door for Kaede.
"Thank you so much Salaros and I promise you! I will leave here with the sword!" Kaede said in a thankful tone as she smiled while entering the door as she heard the door being closed behind her.
"So you must be Kaede Lynn Fuyou, daughter of Yui Fuyou and James Gaines" a voice called out as the room illuminated revealing a young woman.
"H-How did you know my name and parents?!" Kaede cried out in shock from the revelation.
"I can look deep into your mind Kaede and you are not from this time period aren't you?" the young woman said in a soft spoken tone of voice.
"W-Who is she…" Kaede muttered in shock as she continued to stare at the mysterious young woman.
