Inside the Forbidden, pt 2: Bare to the Soul
Prologue- Truth of Soul
Charei stared at the ceiling, bored out of her mind, but not wanting to move for fear of waking the house. Everyone was asleep, it seemed. Houta, Tapae, Ryo, Rowen, Kento, Cye, Sage... but why? What had gone on? She rolled the Fire Wing Soul orb around in the bed, thinking hard. As a Descendent, she had a duty to protect the Ronins: It was in her blood. As a Soul Bearer, she had a duty to protect the world: That was in her blood too. If only things weren't so complicated...
The door opened softly. She looked up and saw Rowen.
"Did I wake you?" he asked softly. She shook her head. "Come on."
"Where are we going?" He didn't say anything, but grabbed her hand and pulled her from her room and to the balcony. Then he shut the double doors.
"What the hell is going on?" he asked. Charei grinned.
"I knew someone was gonna ask that," she said. "Alright, look, I don't know what happened in the throne room- I was only half there- but from what I gather, I'm here to make sure Ryo and his armor live through the destruction of Talpa."
"Yeah, I got that," he said. "I meant with orb. Why did it still hurt you, even after you had a piece of it with you?"
"It's the Fire Wing Soul orb," she said. "About the time of the Dynasty's first uprising, six wise ones created the Soul Bearer armors. Legend says they used the blood of six angels: Angel of Spirit, Angel of Courage, Angel of Compassion, Angel of Faith, Angel of Devotion, and Angel of Virtue. But the wise ones were killed before they could find the ones who could wear it. One of my ancestors is a Descendent... the other one of the wise ones. All six have been passed down through my family as pieces of jewelry. When my grandmother gave the set to me, and told me the legend behind them, I vowed to find the other five, since the legend also foretold of Talpa's revival in the last generation. I am the only child in my entire family. My aunt and uncle have no children and my mother died awhile ago, so there can be no more."
"But what about you?" said Rowen. "You're part of the family. If you have kids..." She chuckled and shook her head.
"Trust me, Rowen. I won't live long enough to have children."
Chapter 1 -Legend of Spirit
"Come on, Charei, I know you can do better then that!" yelled Sage. Charei's shoulders heaved as she tried to catch her breath. Training with Sage was tough: her Fire was strong against his Light, but his Light was just as strong against her Fire. "Force of Fire, hear my blight!" she shouted. The ground shook at the intensity of the power she drew into her body. "Flame Eruption!" Sage dodged the liquid fire that shot up from the earth.
"Thunderbolt CUT!" Charei took the full blast and just laid on the ground, her energy gone. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," she muttered, pushing herself up. "Ow. Damn it, Sage." He rested his sword on his shoulders and shook his head.
"Don't blame me," he said. "You're the one that wanted to do this."
"I wasn't blaming you." Some of her fight had returned and she was grinning at him. "Okay, Okay, you're right. I asked you to do this. I wanted to see how strong your armor really was."
"What are you talking about?" She walked over to her backpack silently and pulled out a red orb. It flashed in the sunlight and her eyes glittered. "What the-"
"Only Rowen knows what I'm about to show you," she said. "And I haven't even shown him the full extent of it. Yet. I can't use the full strength of the Fire Wing Soul because I don't have the other five. I will... I will. Ready?"
"I guess, but..." Charei raised the orb over her head and the sky darkened.
"I call upon the savant of Spirit! Give me strength! Fire Wing Soul!" Flames shot from the sphere and Charei let it go. It fell slowly to her chest, but she didn't move. Pain twisted her face, but she kept going. The fire spread around her, forming a thin, but strong armor. Suddenly, she cried out in pain. Two wings burst from her back. The fire finally died. Charei's breath was labored and forced. "Son of a-"
"Charei?" asked Sage hesitantly. She lifted her head. A red headband set with black jewels was wrapped around her head and seemed to generate power. "What in the..."
"This is my power," she said, trying to control her breathing. "But it's not what Talpa was after the first time. He wanted the power of the Descendants. It was only after we had been captured that he found this."
"What are you?" he said.
"Soul Bearer Fire Wing," she said. "It was formed from the blood of the Angel of Spirit, or so the legend says. I don't know how true it is. Wanna try again with the whole fight thing?"
"What? No way. You don't have enough strength."
"You'd be surprised."
"Alright, try this: You don't have a weapon." She looked at her hands, then turned as red as her armor.
"I knew I was missing something. They must've been lost. Damn it. I don't want to find them again."
"Again?"
"When I was first able to use this, I didn't have a weapon. I had to find it. But the thing is, I had to go all the way to the grave of the wise ones to ask their phantoms to forge one. I can't do that again. It almost killed me last time from the process."
"What do you mean?"
"Those weapons are made with my flesh and blood, like the armor is made from the blood of the angels. And if I go now, it'll take at least a year for me to get back and I've still got my duty as a Descendent to fulfill."
"A year? But..." Charei gasped and the armor glowed. It returned to the orb and she hit the ground. "Charei!"
"Ow... I need to work on that..."
"What happened?"
"It's hard to control if I'm not fighting. I'd forgotten that." He helped her up and she picked up the orb. "I need to work on my abilities and handling the power." His armor glowed and disappeared.
"Let's go back," he said. "I'm starving. And you could use a rest."
"I'm fine," she said stubbornly. "But I am a little hungry. And I need to talk to Ryo."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"If I told you the full truth, it wouldn't make any sense," said Charei. She leaned against the door and heard it click shut. "But if you have anything that you need to know, ask now. I can't promise I'll know it, but it'll be easier to understand."
"What did that voice mean? What was that voice anyway?"
"'That voice' was Jusai, my ancestor and the Descendent of Fire. What did she mean by what?"
"That you're here to help me and my armor."
"Oh, that. Yeah. She meant that in battle against the Dynasty, my power is mostly to be used to help you. Heal you, give you extra strength, all that. But Ryo..."
"Charei, I don't want you to do that. I can defeat the Dynasty on my own. Use your power for your fight, not mine." Confusion and surprise crossed her face, but she hid it well.
"Ryo, my duty is to make sure you don't die in battle-"
"But you've got another obligation, don't you?" She raised an eyebrow, then smiled and shook her head.
"Rowen or Sage?"
"Both. They told me because they're worried about you trying to protect me and using your other power at the same time. Sage told me what happened today."
"What happened today was a result of weakness. I've got to find my swords and I can control it, no problem."
"Do you have any idea what happened to them?"
"All I can think of is the stress that went from me to them the whole time we were in the Dynasty severed the connection between the Fire Wing and the weapons. But they still exist. I can feel it."
"Charei! Ryo! Lunch!"
"We'll help you, if you need it," he said as they started to leave the room. "The Dynasty's after all of us and even if we've all got different missions, we need to stay together. No matter what." She nodded.
"I like it better if we fight together," she admitted. "It makes it easier to concentrate on the full goal instead of the smaller ones."
"Everything adds up," he said. "In the end, the smaller goals make the bigger one." They walked into the kitchen. Tapae instantly grabbed Ryo's hand and pulled him onto the balcony, shutting the doors behind her. Charei shook her head.
"So what'd you make?" she asked.
"It's pretty much whatever leftovers we have," said Cye.
"We actually have leftovers?" said Charei in mock astonishment. "I figured between Kento and Tapae, the refrigerator would be empty." Kento laughed, along with Houta, Cye, Sage, and Rowen.
"There were some," said Cye. "And if you're still hungry, there's spaghetti and meatballs."
"Sounds good."
Chapter 2 -Introduction to Forever
"If you carry the four over to the three and add the seven to the previous four, then six to the three and divide by two and half..." Houta tapped her pencil impatiently on the blank notebook. Like any of this got through. Math was like the Dynasty: it had very little point, but at the same time, it existed, and seemed to exist solely to be a pain in the ass.
"Houta," said a voice behind her as the teacher passed out the assignment. Tapae jabbed her between the shoulder blades. "Question: what's the deal with after school? I've heard we're doing a movie and dinner or we're renting movies and staying home all night."
"I don't know," she said. "I didn't hear any of that."
"Yeah. Charei and Sage were gonna surprise everyone with the movie/dinner combo but she's still wasted from when they went training the other day." Houta felt a twinge of jealousy. Charei was her friend... but she knew very well that Houta liked Sage. And yet, they spent a lot of time together.
"I don't care," muttered Houta, turning back to her work. "Let them do whatever they want." Tapae made a small sound.
"Sorry. Forgot that was a touchy subject-"
"It's not a touchy subject," said Houta forcefully. "Just drop it."
"Alright. Whatever you say. Okay, second question: what did Di- what have you found out about... the other two?"
"She doesn't know much about them in this life, but they're names were Hilia and Nicho in the past. Air and Light."
"I'm just thinking... Kento said something about a girl when he first came. Maybe it was one of them."
"It could've been, but why don't they join us? It's make this whole crap simpler."
"Maybe they don't know what going on. That's possible, right?"
"But they brought Kento to us. That's a lotta irony if they don't know what the hell is going on."
"Miss Kaio, Miss Tenoh, work on your assignments please."
"Yes sir," said Houta. She looked at the page, her thoughts turning. It doesn't make sense.... they had to've known about Kento... Charei and Sage... that red thing she had. What was it... bet Sage knows... where are the other two? They've just gotta be around here... Why haven't they helped us if they knew about Kento... My best friend, with the guy I like... it's so confusing... Charei and Kento...??? She jerked, realizing she had been drawing during her train-of-thought-collision. It was a sketch of Dimsera, only she was wearing an armor with wings. Wow. That's screwed. She tore the page off and started to crumble it, then stopped. Quickly, she pulled the paper open. It wasn't Dimsera. It was herself, with Dimsera's mark! I won't ask. This is all Charei's fault. She had to like Sage.
BRRINNGG! Houta gathered her books and walked to her locker. She needed to forget all about Charei and Sage and focus on finding the last two Descendants. And then there was the Dynasty. It wasn't going to be easy finding a way to beat them.
"Hey Houta," came Sage's voice. "So are you coming after school?" She froze, her hand halfway to her science book. Then she shook her head slowly. "Really?"
"I... I've got stuff to do," she lied. "I'm falling behind in my schoolwork. I'll go some other time."
"Okay." And he was gone. Angrily, she grabbed the book and slammed the locker. Damn her emotions! Her loyalty to her friend got the better of her heart. She wanted to be with Sage and Charei had to come along... damn it!
"Class," said the teacher. "We're very honored to have two new students today. This is Kellei Eino and Linara Tuscinoh. They're both transfer students who will be joining us for the remainder of the year. I trust you'll treat them with proper respect. Kellei, why don't you have a seat next to Houta? And Linara, there's an open space over there." The two girls moved to their seat silently. Something about Kellei... they were definitely an intense pair. Linara had a look that said she trusted no one except her friend and Kellei trusted no one, even her friend. They both sat down and glanced at each other, then looked back at the front of the class.
Science dragged, despite the two new girls. Houta's mind kept wandering to other things. The drawing, for one. It had to mean something. Where had she seen that winged armor before? Suddenly the bell rang, breaking her thoughts when she had been close to discovering something. Muttering angrily, she grabbed her books and stalked to her locker. Damn. Things just kept getting worse.
"Alright, new girl, fork it over." She lifted her head. She knew that voice, and that phrase. Helleno, the school bully.
"Excuse me?" came a soft, intense whisper. "What do I have that you want?"
"Money, babe. Whatever money you got, I want."
"I don't think I have enough to satisfy your greed." Wow. Linara was pressing buttons. And loving it too. "I'm sorry. I must get to my next class." She turned to go in the other direction, but he hit her hard from behind. Half a second later, Kellei was standing over her, in a fighting position.
"Don't pick on her," she said coldly. "If she doesn't want to give you her money, she doesn't have too, got it?"
"Oh, I'm afraid," scoffed Helleno. "One weakling and the weakling's cousin."
"Helleno, don't you have a psychiatric appointment or something?" spoke up Houta. "Maybe a flea dip? You could use one..."
"Stay out of this, Kaio. It doesn't concern you," said Kellei.
"It concerns me," said Houta. "Because it's injustice. Helleno, I know you've got better things to do whether then waste your energy here. You're just gonna get your ass kicked."
"By who? You? Ha!" He grabbed a kid's backpack and threw it, the kid still connected to it. Houta leapt back, caught the kid's arm and send the backpack off towards where it had come from. Helleno barely managed to avoid it. "What the-"
"I told you. Don't waste your breath." She dropped the kid and picked up her bag. "I've got a life outside of stopping your insanity." The bell rang, ending it before it could go further. Helleno grumbled something, then went on to his next class. Kellei helped Linara up and glared at Houta. "Look. I shouldn't have gotten in on the whole thing. It was your fight to begin with. But Helleno needs to know that he'll never get through me. It's got nothing to do with you."
"Personal vendettas can sometimes be exactly what's needed," said Linara. "Don't feel bad. We owe you a debt of gratitude. Don't we, Kellei?"
"Let's go," said Kellei darkly. "I don't want to be late." She disappeared into the crowd of people. Linara shook her head.
"Don't mind her. Maybe we'll see you sometime later, Houta. Bye!"
Something seriously bothers me about those two, thought Houta, heading towards the east exit. Huh. I didn't even tell them my name and they knew it. Weird
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Where's Houta?" wondered Charei as they walked through the mall. "You asked her, right Sage?"
"She said she had some work to do," he answered. She frowned.
"That's a load of bull if I've ever heard," she said. "Houta doesn't fall behind... maybe it's just this Dynasty thing. I'm sure she'll be normal in a few days."
"Charei," said Rowen. "You're talking to yourself again."
"I am?" she asked. "Hmm. I guess so. Maybe I should stop." Everyone laughed. "So what are we gonna do?"
"The movie doesn't start for another hour. Let's split up and find some stuff to do," suggested Tapae. "I'm assuming the guys don't want to shop like me and Charei."
"I'm assuming we probably couldn't keep up with you two, Tape," said Ryo. She shot him a look. He had taken to using 'Tape' as a pet name for her and it drove her nuts, but she let him do it because, well, because he was Ryo.
"Ha ha, very funny," she said. "But you're right. You're all probably too slow."
"You two and shopping?" asked Kento. "Yeah. I'll say we're gonna slow you down. Why don't we meet outside the theater in forty-five minutes?"
"Works for me," said Tapae. She grabbed Charei's wrist. "Come on!"
"Heaven help me," murmured Charei. At Tapae's look, she added: "Kidding. Kidding. But I wish Houta was here. Maybe I'll call her and see if she can tear herself away from whatever pressing business is keeping her away. See ya' later!" Tapae dragged her to the other side of the mall, past half the shops she had been hoping to visit. "Is there a reason for this?"
"I wanted to show you the dress I saw yesterday. You've gotta tell me if you... if you think Ryo'll like it."
"Ryo? What? When did this happen?"
"Uh... Sunday, at lunch?" she said.
"Yeah? And what about 'Single and happy'?"
"When did I say that?" she inquired innocently. "See. It's right here." She pulled a short orange dress off the rack and held in front of her in the mirror. "See? I like it."
"As long as your eyes don't go orange again," said Charei. She took down a slightly longer, deep red dress. "Do you think Rowen would like this?"
"Of course he would," said Tapae, still admiring her reflection. "You know, you might want to have a talk with Houta soon. I know why she's not here tonight."
"Why?"
"She likes Sage, but thinks you and he..." Charei burst out laughing.
"Are you sane?" Tapae glared at her.
"'Course not. But I'm serious. She's jealous, won't admit that she's jealous, and it's either gonna drive her nuts or kill your friendship, neither of which I wanna see happen to my two best friends."
"Hmm. I'll talk to her," said Charei. "I think it's ridiculous, but I'll talk to her if it'll mean that much to you, Tapae."
"Okay. Thanks." She stopped admiring the dress and took a step back. "I'm gonna go try this on. Stay here and watch our stuff." Charei nodded and looked through the rest of the rack before deciding she liked the red version of Tapae's dress, only with a fringe of beads at the bottom.
"Hey." She jumped and turned around, then grinned. It was only Rowen.
"Hi," she said. He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her warmly. Charei wasn't used to him being this... assertive. "Rowen?"
"Come on," he said. "Let's go get something to eat."
"Eat? But we're going out for dinner after the movie, remember?"
"Yeah, of course, but can't we get a quick bite now?"
"Rowen," she said firmly, pulling back. "Don't be an idiot. And I'm not even hungry so... just go away. I'm serious. Go away." He opened his mouth to say something, then frowned angrily and walked off. Weird... she thought, walked over to a sales desk. He's not usually like that. I wonder if he thinks I'm with Sage too? No. I know he's got more brains then that. She paid the woman behind the counter and quickly made her way back to the dressing rooms, where Tapae was looking at the full effect of the dress(and loving it too). "It looks great, Tapae."
"I wonder if I can wear it out," she said thoughtfully. "Ryo would like this a lot. I think. What'd you get, Charei?"
"Just a dress to wear later. Hey, Tapae. Has Rowen seemed... strange to you lately?"
"Strange? Compared to what? He's a Ronin, Charei. Maybe he's got the Dynasty on the brain."
"The Dynasty... yeah, you're probably right. I should stop worrying about. Will you hurry up? I've got some other things I want to look at before we meet the guys."
"Alright. Just give me a minute."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rowen took a drink of his pop and looked through the pages of the book he had just bought.
"There they are," said Ryo. "At least I think that's Tapae and Charei." Rowen looked up. He recognized Charei's deep blue ponytail and smile, but it didn't look like her other then that. She had on a red dress that had a short beaded fringe at the bottom and was absolutely gorgeous in it. "Tapae?" asked Ryo when the girls reached them.
"Yes?" she said, grinning. Kento gave a whistle.
"Wow. You girls look great," he said. "How about you two going with me to the movie?" Tapae glanced at Ryo, who was quiet, then nodded.
"Alright, we'll go with you," she said. Ryo and Rowen finally snapped out of their stunned trances as they were walking into the theater, Kento with a girl on each arm.
"What did we miss?" asked Ryo in confusion.
"A lot," said Sage. "While you two were gawking, Kento scored two dates to the movie and with your girls too. You might want to try a different approach next time." Cye just laughed.
Chapter 3 -Disappearance of Water
"Houta! We're back!" said Charei as she walked in the door. She hit the light switch, only to find it didn't want to work. "Damn it. Tapae, wasn't it your turn to change the lightbulbs in the kitchen?"
"Tapae's still in the front yard with Ryo," said Sage. "Where's Houta?"
"Not a clue. Houta?!" No answer. "That's no good. Oh, wait. Tapae did change the bulbs. This morning. I remember because she almost broke her neck standing on the chair. So it must be the fuse box. Be right back." She went back outside and around the side of the house. To her surprise, the wires had been cut. "Uh oh. Guys?!"
"What, Charei?!" yelled Ryo.
"Something's wrong here!" She reconnected the wire and the lights inside the house came on. Sage gave a shout.
Back inside, they all stood and stared at the markings on the wall. Tapae recognized the symbol of water and a few other words, but that was it.
"I knew it," said Charei. "'Water has been taken. In return for her, I require the six souls. All of them brought to me before sunrise on rain's naming day or she will die'. Damn it!"
"What does it mean?" asked Sage. "The six souls... the Soul Bearer armors?"
"Soul Bearer?" asked Cye. "What's that?"
"I don't have a choice. I have to turn them over," she said. "It's not worth Houta's life, even them."
"But Charei-" started Rowen.
"Don't 'but Charei' me, Rowen. I'm still mad at you. And I've got to do it before Sunday."
"Why are you mad at me?"
"What happens on Sunday?" added Ryo.
"Sunday is Houta's birthday, her naming day. Sunrise is at seven that day. But the thing is, where does he/it/she want them brought to?"
"You're honestly gonna give those up," said Sage. "Are you nuts?"
"It's Houta! You're the last person I would expect that from, Sage Date! She's my best friend and I'm not letting her down." Charei's eyes flashed green. "I'm still gonna look for her, starting now." She walked out onto the balcony and climbed up on the railing.
"Charei, you're not gonna..." said Sage hesitantly
"Watch me. I call upon the savant of Spirit! Fire Wing Soul!" The fire erupted from her chest, but she didn't take any notice of the pain. She would find Houta, no matter what.
"Charei! Wait!" said Rowen. She looked back, the green fire focusing its intensity on him. "If you're gonna go, at least be careful, okay?"
"I've said it before, Rowen. I don't need anyone watching over me." She jumped off the edge and the wings caught on the air.
"She's nuts," said Sage. "She's gonna be seen."
"No, she won't," said Tapae, walking back into the house. Her mind was racing. Where had that come from, that armor? Why wasn't she worried about Charei?
Chapter 4 -Earning Wings
Charei clutched the box in her hands and swallowed tears. All of the work and pain she had gone through was going to be useless. It had been for nothing. At least the knowledge of the fact she wouldn't live through this encounter kept her going.
"This is stupid," said Sage. "I can't believe you're actually going through with this."
"I don't have a choice," she snapped. "I can't risk losing Houta." She knelt on the ground and set the box down. Six small orbs glittered in the moon light as Charei added her own orb to them and closed the lid carefully. "I won't let her die because of my pride."
"And you didn't see anything?" he asked. She shook her head.
"I went over the entire area and I even talked to Jusai. She said Dimsera hasn't spoken with Houta in days. I'm worried about her, even if it is Houta.
"You should be afraid," cackled a voice. "I'm here on behalf of Master Talpa to get the six Soul armors. In return, I'll give you Houta, the Descendent of Water."
"I don't trust the word of evil. Give us Houta first, then you'll get the armors," said Sage firmly. The demonic-looking creature sighed in frustration.
"Delays, delays. Fine. Here she is." There was a flash of light and then Houta...
"Oh god," said Charei. "You lying son of a bitch! You said we'd get her back!"
"I didn't say alive, now did I? But stop fretting, pretty one. She's alive. Barely, but she's alive. I know how much her life means to you, despite how miserable and pointless."
"What do you mean?" asked Sage coldly. He walked over to Houta's limp and bleeding form. "Houta, Houta can you hear me?" No answer. "Houta!"
"Damn you!" said Charei. "Deal's off! You went too fa- AHHH!" He dove at her and hit her hard. The box flew from her hand and broke apart on the ground, scattering the orbs all over. "No!"
"Damn!" said Sage. He picked up Houta and leapt back from the demon's attack towards him. "Stop it! Charei, are you alright?!"
"Yeah, I'm fine, but I lost the orbs!" She dove to the ground at the red glow and picked it up. "Wait! I found mine!"
"Don't use it!" said Sage. "You'll kill yourself!"
"Screw this!" she shouted. "Force of Fire, hear my blight! Release the power!" She took in as much as she dared. "Fireball!" A red light formed in her hand and she shot it at the demon. He avoided it easily. "He's too fast!" Sage laid Houta on the ground at the edge of what was now a battle field. He didn't notice the small shimmer in the grass near her.
"Armor of Halo! Dao Chi!"
"I'm still too fast, even with Ronin armor," taunted the demon in a sing song voice. "Still too fast, still too fast-"
"Arrow Shock Wave!" The demon jumped back. "Charei! Sage!"
"Rowen!" said Sage. "How did you..."
"I sensed Fire," said Tapae's voice. She walked into the clearing, a glow surrounding her. Something orange twinkled in the grass. Charei looked from Tapae, to the light, then back.
It's not possible... we were under Houta's nose the entire time she was searching for the Descendants... could it be... The demon had seen the glow too. He made a beeline to it. "Tapae! Call on the full power!"
"I can't-"
"Do it!"
"I call on the full power of Earth!" Just as he reached it, the light exploded. He yelled in pain and pulled back. The Fire Wing Soul orb glowed brightly, as did the other four. Energy flowed into Houta's body and she opened her eyes slowly. What was going on? Where was she? The last thing she remembered was the lights at Tapae's house going out... now she was on the edge of a battlefield and a blue light was shining near her. She reached out her hand and picked it up carefully. Intense power flowed into her, more then even she had taken from the Descendants.
"You think you can defeat me?!" shouted the demon. "I am immortal! Nothing can beat me!"
"I call upon the full force of Air!"
"I call upon the full force of Light!" Two other orbs glowed, then shot off the ground and were caught by shadowy figures. "The Dynasty will not triumph, no matter what happens. You'd be smart to remember that, lackie. Lightening Strike!"
"Wind Divine!" When the dust and light cleared, they were gone, as well as the demon.
"Damn it!" shouted Charei. She ran towards where they had been. "I can't lose those!" Her foot caught on the sixth orb and she fell forward, but shifted her weight and landed on her hands. "Son of a-!"
"Charei, calm down," said Ryo. "I think you had better explain what's going on. Why did you go off on your own?"
"I didn't... want to endanger you. Any of you. And then Sage followed me because he wanted to save Houta. I would've stopped him, but... damn it!" She slammed her fist into the ground. "How could I lose those?!"
"What were they?" asked Cye.
"Air Wind Soul and Light Illume Soul," she said. "Two of the Soul Bearer armors. How could this happen?"
"They... they used the Descendant power," muttered Houta. She pushed herself off the ground and looked at the orb in her hand. "To get to these. They must be the last two."
"Houta, are you okay?" asked Sage. He knelt down by her and she nodded her head.
"I'm fine," she said. Charei ran over to her and fell to her knees.
"Houta! I'm so sorry. This was my fault. If I... if I had just talked to you... can you forgive me?" Houta kept her eyes on the orb. It shone blue for a moment, then died to clear.
"Charei, I wouldn't have listened to you. I was too jealous to think clearly. I'm sorry. Here. You'll want this back." Charei, who had been so intent on the other four that she could see, now saw what her friend held. She held hers near it and there was a flash of quick light.
"No," she said, slipping it back into her pocket. "It's yours. Keep it."
"Mine? What?!" asked Houta. Sage caught her shoulders before she could fall forward in shock. "Un. Real. What about Tapae?"
"Yeah. That's hers too. I can't believe how stupid I am." She laid on the ground and sighed in frustration. "Three down, two gone, and one left."
"One?" asked Ryo.
"Inferno Blade Soul," she said. "The last one..." Her voice died away. "That demon... do you think it got away?"
"Probably not," said Rowen. "Those two hit it pretty hard. I doubt it's alive."
"I hope so," said Tapae. "My head hurts again."
"You should lay off thinking," said Houta jokingly. Tapae frowned, then laughed.
"Funny, Houta. At least we know you're alright. You still have a warped logic."
"Warped logic?"
"Warped logic."
Chapter 5 - Complicated Understanding
"If I had known it was you, I would've given you the things instead of keeping them. I can only use Fire Wing. I can't use Ice Amend or Earth Absolute. Or the other three for that matter." The rain beat on the roof of the barn and soaked into the ground outside the door. As it was, Tapae was lying in the straw, soaking wet and shivering, but still curious. Houta was sitting halfway up the ladder to the loft, chewing on a piece of hay and wringing water out of her hair.
"What I don't get is the irony," she said to Charei, who was balanced on the edge of a stall, carefully taking steps back and forth along the wood. "Or the fact that Tapae has a barn."
"I've had a barn," said Tapae sleepily. "Since we moved in. It's just so far from the house. I never thought my dad kept it clean." She kicked at the bottom of the straw heap. "Or kept fresh hay in here."
"It's great for burning," said Charei. "Maybe he thought it would catch fire one of these days." Tapae laughed.
"Maybe. Okay, so 'nother question: what irony? Charei said that she's part Descendent, part wise one. Maybe it's just one of those things."
"Like how all of us can like a Ronin Warrior?" said Houta, climbing the rest of the way up and sitting in the loft calmly.
"Speak for yourselves," said Charei with a dark chuckle. "I do not like any Ronin... well, not like that, anyway." Tapae bolted in surprise.
"What happened to 'Do you think Rowen will like it'?" she asked. Charei reddened.
"That... was nothing. Just... drop it."
"Uh-uh," said Houta. "No way. You like him still. Otherwise you wouldn't have reacted like that. I'm not stupid. Whatever dumb argument you had, forget it. He misses you, it's obvious."
"He does?" Charei asked hesitantly. Then she shook her head quickly. "No way. It's over. Not that it was ever there." Houta sighed.
"I think you're lying to yourself," she said after a moment. "And trust me, that nevers amounts to anything good."
"Just promise you'll talk to him," added Tapae.
"What is it with you and talking?" asked Charei. She took a jumped step forward on the stall edge and rebalanced her weight. "You think everything can be solved by talking."
"It doesn't hurt," said Tapae, reverting to her half awakeness. "Man, this is nice. I could... fall asleep..."
"Tapae, you could fall asleep in the middle of a hurricane," said Houta. Then she yawned. "But you're right. This is nice..." Charei shook her head again. There wasn't any brains among them. Falling asleep at a time like this... really. She turned on her heel and leapt up to loft window over the door. The best thing they could do was wait the storm out, but that didn't mean they could let their guard down.
"Ryo..." murmured Tapae in her sleep. "Don't call me Tape..." Charei smiled warmly at her friend.
"Force of Fire," she whispered. "Please. If I have a connection with Ryo, let him know we're okay and we'll be back as soon as we can." She leaned against the frame and closed her eyes. I won't let anything happen to them. I am Fire Wing. My duty is to them, to protect them from what they don't know about. I'm sorry I dragged you into this, Houta, Tapae. The last thing I wanted to do was bring you in on this.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * We're okay. We'll be back soon. Ryo jerked and looked around. It sounded like Charei...
"I wonder where they are," said Rowen, looking out the window. "I hope they're not caught in this storm." Ryo smiled gently and settled back on the couch with his book.
"They're fine," he said. Rowen looked at him, confused. "Trust me."
"If you say so..." He leaned on his elbows and looked out the window. "But where are they?"
"Outside in the storm," said Sage, coming into the living room. "Houta went to the lake and Charei and Tapae followed to get her for lunch. Then the rain came up. But they're okay. All else fails, they've got the Descendent of Water with them." Kento and Cye came in behind him, Kento with a ham and cheese sandwich. "Kento, how much more can you eat?"
"It's not my fault I'm hungry," Kento shot back. He sat down on the edge of the couch and balanced the plate on his leg. "I still wanna know about those other two that showed up the other night. Who were they?"
"I don't know, but they knew what they were doing obviously. They got the Air Wind and Light Illume, didn't they?" said Cye. "We could have a problem if they're part of the Dynasty."
"I doubt that," said Rowen. "I'll bet anything they were the ones that left Kento here."
"Then we should find them so I can thank them," said Kento, swallowing some sandwich. "In person."
"Where are they?" repeated Rowen.
"Chill, buddy," said Kento. "It's Charei, Houta, and Tapae. If anyone can take care of them, it's them." He took another bite of his sandwich. "They're fine."
Chapter 6 -First Time for Everything
"Okay. This is the kitchen. You'll usually find- yup. Hey Kento." Kento grinned at Houta, knowing exactly what she had been about to say. "Kento, this is Linara. Linara, meet Kento, the resident food addict."
"Hey," said Kento.
"Hello," said Linara politely. "It's nice to meet you, Kento."
"Same here. Hey Houta, Ryo and the others aren't back yet, but I think it's your turn to make dinner tonight." Houta dropped her head into her hands.
"Thanks for the warning, Kento. Alright, alright, I got it covered. Linara, I'm sorry-"
"It's okay," she said. "Do you want some help?"
"Sure!" said Houta. "Okay, Kento, go occupy yourself or we won't have anything to feed the others and you know it." He laughed.
"Oh, come on, Houta-"
"It's okay, Houta," said Linara. "My brother was the same way. I know exactly what to do. It's better if he helps instead of not having anything to do."
"So what do you want me to do?" asked Kento. Linara opened up the refrigerator and pulled out some carrots.
"You..." she said thoughtfully. "Can do these. Peel them and cut them into cubes."
"Linara, what do you have in mind?" asked Houta.
"How about fried rice with shrimp?" suggested the other girl.
"My fav," said Kento. He reached for a knife. She smiled.
"It was my brother's favorite too. It was one of the first things I taught him how to make. He was a quick learner. I had always had fun..." She shook her head. "But that's all done. My parents split and we got separated. I haven't seen him in a couple of years."
"Sorry," said Houta. "Sounds bad. So what do I do?"
"Start the rice. I'll get the shrimp." They all worked together, talking and laughing. Finally, there was the sound of the garage opening.
"We're back!" came Cye's voice. Linara jerked and looked at her watch.
"Damn it!" she said. "I gotta go. I'm sorry I can't stay, but my mom's working late tonight and I've got dinner there to make. It was nice meeting you, Kento!"
"Bye, Linara!" said Kento as she ran out the other door. "That was sudden."
"Yeah, it was," said Houta, frowning. The others came into the kitchen. "Hey. About time you showed up."
"Wow. Smells good," said Sage. "You and Kento made dinner? And there's enough for all of us?"
"Yeah," said Houta. "My friend Linara was here, but she left before we could eat. Everyone sit down. 'Cept you, Sage. You're turn to set the table."
"Fine, mother, I'll get right on that." She gave him an exasparated look, but he just smiled.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"What makes you think I'm angry at you?" Charei turned away from Rowen and faced the rising sun. "Because I'm not. I'm past angry."
"What'd I do?" he asked, trying to get her to look at him. "Come on, Charei. This is juvenile. What's wrong?"
"Juvenile?" she asked with a laugh. "No. There's nothing juvenile about this. If you don't know why I'm mad at you, then I've got nothing to talk to you about."
"Why won't you give me a straight answer?!" She turned on him.
"You don't have any reason to be yelling at me!" she said angrily. "You're such an idiot, Rowen. Get a clue. It's over." She disappeared into the trees. His thoughts collided with one another at first, but then something got through: the last time she had been alone, she had been kidnapped by the Dynasty and almost died. He wasn't going to let that happen again.
"Charei! Wait!" He caught up to her in the middle of a cherry orchard. Spring was almost over and blossom petals littered the ground, but many were still on the trees "Charei, please, don't go off on your own. You're gonna get hurt if the Dynasty catches you again."
"How many times do I have to tell you?" she said softly. "I can take care of myself." He caught her arm and made her face him. "Rowen..."
"I don't know what the hell is going on," he said fiercely. "But if you won't tell me what's going on, then I don't have any reason to care." She looked at him, her blue eyes darkening to a deep brown. They only did that if she was sad or unhappy.
"Rowen..." she trailed off. "Rowen, don't you remember at all? What happened the other day before the movie, at the department store?"
"Department store?" he said. "I was never at the department store."
"But... you were there... I think..."
The Dynasty... maybe you're right... She slapped her forehead.
"I'm incredibly stupid. Why didn't I see it before? Rowen... I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry. I really screwed up this time." His eyes softened and he still held her arm.
"Charei, next time, talk to me, okay? I was afraid... I don't want to lose you. You're not like anyone I've ever met..." She pulled her arm away and looked at him intensely. Her eyes were blue again, but they were deeper then ever before.
"Rowen," she said quietly. "What are you getting at?" He took her hand in his.
"Charei... can I ask you a question?" She was too lost to answer. Every part of her was shivering in terror and happiness. It was so... confusing. This feeling that shocked her body into over drive. "Is it a problem... if I think I love you?" She closed her eyes and smiled gently.
"We're both in trouble then," she said. "I think I love you too..." He kissed her warmly. Charei's soul threatened to just take over and leave her mind in the dust. Will nothing ever make sense?! she thought. How can I do this to him? I'm not gonna be around... to be with him. I've already said that to him... doesn't he get it?!
Love's blind... whispered a voice in the back of her head. And deaf as well. It doesn't have boundries and if death gets in the way, it'll just have to wait before it can separate two people who truly care for each other. Her mother's words, from the day she...
"How can human's be like this?" sneered a voice. Rowen and Charei broke apart, but he didn't let her go. Instead, his grip on her shoulders tightened. "Together like that... disgusting."
"It didn't die," said Rowen. "The demon is still alive."
'It's after me," said Charei. "Not you."
"I won't leave you to this thing. It's part of the Dynasty and we both fight the Dynasty. Together." She hesitated, then nodded.
"Together." The demon giggled wickedly.
"So cute, they are, and so sickening at the same time. I will end that." A cold wind blew up, sending the flower petals into a storm around them. When that cleared, they were on top of a volcano. Dark smoke billowed from the mouth, blackening out the sky above them. "Hmm. How to get rid of you? So many ways, so many ways-"
"Why don't you just shut up and show yourself?" said Charei. "I'm tired of these games."
"Games? I'm not playing any games, pretty senshi. Yes, that's what you are. The pretty little Ronin senshi of Fire. And then there's the Ronin of Strata. If the pretty little senshi is going to join the Dynasty's side, you'll have to be eliminated, so...Poof! Poof! POOF!" cackled the demon. Energy slammed into his chest
"Rowen!" shouted Charei. She dove for him, but missed. "No!" He fell backwards, into the volcano. "How can you do this?! Fire Wing Soul!" She went after him when her armor was only half formed, but managed to catch him. "Hold on, Row."
"Pretty little Ronin senshi," tsked the demon when they got back to the top. Charei set Rowen down, then collapsed to her knees. "Pretty senshi, what's the matter? Did you're fitful armor take all your power? Or are you relieved that you managed to save your Ronin love? Well, little senshi, who will save you? POOF!" A blast of power hit Charei hard. It knocked her back into the volcano, unconscious and unknowing.
"There is a legend in our family. These six orbs have been passed down among us for many, many generations. There is one for each part of a human essence. Spirit, Courage, Compassion, Faith, Devotion, and Virtue. All of them draw their power from the elements of this planet - Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Light and the life of all creatures is the Soul of Virtue. It is said that when there is the birth of only one child, then the darkness will threaten to take over again. Charei, you are the only grandchild I have. It is your destiny to use these and destroy the Dynasty." Charei opened her eyes slowly and looked around. She had survived the fall into the volcano and her armor was protecting her from its deadly heat. It is your destiny...
"My destiny," she muttered. "First, it was to destroy the Dynasty with the Fire Wing. Then it was to help Ryo and the Wildfire armor destroy the Dynasty. Now I've got two paths and they're colliding to destroy me." The lava bubbled at her feet. If only I had my swords. That demon wouldn't stand a chance.
These swords are connected to you, Charei Teno. You will be able to use them with your Fire Wing and only with the Fire Wing. They can never fall into the hands of evil as long as you stay true to the race of humans. Charei sat on the ground. The right wing of her armor was broken, probably from the fall. She would have to send the whole away so it would be able to reform itself but if she sent it away, then she'd die. The lava bubbled again, only now, a light came out with the air. She recognized it at once. My swords! Here? How? Who cares? She reached out her hand to the hot, molten rock. That demon's gonna be toasted.
The End