Disclaimer: I don't own the Ronin's, though I really wish I do. Don't think Sage would like it though… he he he.
Sage: /*glares/*
I tend to beat… er… torture him. I'm sorry, I should be working on "The Others" But I really got into writing this, and it's a lot of fun. Sorry for any mistakes that spell check didn't catch and neither did I. I read over it, but I may have missed something. Anyways, thank you for even coming here, and I hope you enjoy!
The Mage's Tale
Chapter 1- Fight Against
Time
"Suffice to say, it's a stupid stereotype! Not all Elves are archers! For your information, I am an elf with a sword! SWORD!!" Sage growled.
"It was just a thought!" Sage mumbled incoherently as he pulled out his sword to emphasis his words.
"Hey, Look at it this way. At least you have the green outfit down." Sage ignored the words of the other.
"If I didn't over pity you because of your curse." Sage muttered as he turned once more to his friend.
"Rowen, why were you cursed anyways? What did you do?" Rowen shrugged.
"That's on a need to know basis." Rowen retorted, flapping his wings slightly.
"You are pretty pathetic for a unicorn. I mean Pegasus. I mean, well, you know what I mean. You can't fly." Rowen glared at Sage, well, the best a boy cursed with the form of a unicorn could.
"Well sorry to disappoint you." Sage shrugged.
"Well, Sorry. I just thought that if you got the wings, you could use them."
"Nope. Sorry. Can't. Oh well. Maybe one day I'll figure it out. Though I can't wait to be human again." He rubbed up against Sage.
"Because then…." Sage laughed.
"In another life time horsey boy. Harness your hormones if you catch my drift. No pun intended."
" But…. But… but… Aww." Sage chuckled softly. He and Rowen may argue all the time, but deep down he'd do anything to help rid his friend of the curse that plagued him.
"Come on Rowen, we have to find a sage, or something like that."
"Sage said sage, he he he. Well, anyways, what is a sage going to do for me? I don't need to be healed, I need to be cured of this curse." Sage shrugged.
"Hey, I'm getting kinda desperate. Curses put on you by the strongest black Mage in the world are not that easy to get off." Rowen shrugged.
"Hey, I can't help what happened."
"Well, maybe you could. You never told me how this came upon you." Rowen glared at him.
"Need to know basis. I already told you that." Sage sighed.
"Well, the closest town to here is I believe Dercren. We can go there and get a place to sleep."
"News flash. I am a horse. Unicorn."
"Pegasus."
"Shut up!" Rowen growled as Sage laughed.
"Yes, I am well aware that you are a Pegasus/ Unicorn. So?"
"I cannot fit in a hotel room." Sage grinned.
"Hmm, I guess you get to go in a stable."
"NO! Not the stable." Rowen whimpered.
"The stables are evil. They're Cold, and smelly, and… Eww!" Sage sighed.
"You know that you're just trying to get me to stay out in the cold with you, right? And you know that is plain evil, right?" Rowen grinned.
"I know." Rowen stated with a smile forming on his lips.
"It is very creepy that you are a Winged Unicorn and you can give me that evil grin." Rowen grinned again, as Sage shuddered.
"You are pure evil!"
"Actually…" Rowen's voice trailed off.
"Ok, fine Rowen, you win. We'll sleep outside today. Just like every other day. Under those stars that I am beginning to hate. They keep me up at night, and…"
"For an Elf, you sure are whinny."
"Why are there so many stereotypes of elves? What did we do?" Rowen laughed.
"Well, I'm not really sure. Is anybody?" Sage shrugged.
"Probably not." The two walked in silence for about an hour, until they arrived at Dercren.
"So, this is the town of the elders." Rowen glanced around and snickered.
"I can tell." Sage hit Rowen's side.
"The wisest men in the world live here. I believe that maybe one will know of the curse set upon you." Rowen's eyes lit up.
"Someone here might actually know about it? That is good, very very good." Sage nodded.
"My mother took me here when I was little. I got to meet the head elder. He was the one who told my mother that even though I was an elf, I had high flows of magic in me, and that she should train me. That's why I know some sorcery." Rowen nodded.
"That would explain how you were able to break my holdings when Talpa had me." Sage nodded.
" Yes, I used magic. It was the first thing that I thought of, so I did it." Rowen smiled.
"Hey, I'm not complaining. You saved my horse hide for nothing." Sage laughed.
"I wouldn't say nothing. I got a best friend in the bargain, didn't I?" Rowen nodded rapidly, head bobbing up and down. Sage smiled softly, not prone to grin like Rowen did, as he led Rowen off to the town hall.
~~~***~~~
"I'm not a witch! Get that fire away from me! Mum!" Cye Mouri turned towards his mother desperately, but all he got in response was a sympathetic look.
"Mum!" Cye exclaimed as he backed away from the group of people in front of him. Suddenly, he bolted, pumping his feet and straining his muscles to go faster. He wasn't a witch. It was all an accident. He had read up on a book of spells that he had gotten from the elder of his town, and when he had hurt his leg, he tried to heal it. How was he supposed to know that it would work? Well, not actually work, but it would go in a bizarre way, and end up summoning a demon? A demon that he had hid in his room hoping that no one would find out about. And a demon that stupidly went out in public.
"Master, you can't leave me. I'm going to follow you if you try!" the demon laughed.
"Just, go away! All you've done is cause me trouble. I'm being run out of my town on accusation that I am a witch!"
"Dude, have you ever stopped to think about the fact that maybe you ARE a witch?"
"I most certainly am not! My mother is not a witch! She makes pottery."
"And your dad?"
"Well…" Cye's voice trailed off.
"He died when I was a lad. I've lived with my mother ever since."
"Maybe he was a witch."
"My mother would have told me."
"Maybe she didn't know." Cye rolled his eyes.
"Just please, be quiet! All you're doing in ruining my life, thank you very much. I should never have read that book. I didn't think I had any magic, or whatever it is that you need to do what was in that book."
"Yeah, magic would be right, man."
"Stop with that vulgar slang! Where did you learn it anyways?"
"Hey! I am a demon! I say weird things."
"I've noticed." Cye muttered as Ryo glared at him.
" Anyways, Master, if you really want to get away, I can use some magic. It's black, he he he. Just a little time spell, it wont hurt them, and it will wear off in about 2 hours." Cye looked on oddly at Ryo.
"Can you actually do that?" Ryo grinned as he nodded. Cye watched as Ryo outstretched his arm, opening his arm and revealing his palm. He muttered some words that Cye couldn't understand, obviously a different language, as the people behind them froze.
"Well, they're taken care of. So, who says we get out of here?" Cye nodded rapidly as the two took off in a run again.
~~~***~~~
"Elder Talmar, is there any way to help him?" the elder listened carefully as Rowen explained what the curse was, and who had done it to him.
"The great Talpa has bestowed this curse on you? Why?"
"That is something that I wish not to tell you." Slowly, the older man nodded.
"I understand. Well, with the fact that this spell was cast upon you by the strongest black mage this world has ever seen or known, I doubt that any magic but the white Mage's himself, the one destined to battle Talpa, can rid you of the curse." Rowen cursed silently to himself.
"Sir, do you have any idea of who the White Mage is? My mother told me the story of the White and Black Mage when I was but a child, but I do remember that the White mage lost, and that he was destroyed, and that the new white Mage is supposed to be resurrected in a prince. Do you know who the prince is?" Elder Talmar nodded.
"The prince of Escaldia. His name I do not know. He is supposed to take on the powers this year, at the day of his 16th." Sage nodded, and then bowed.
"Thank you for your help sir. I will tell my mother of your help. She will greatly appreciate it." The elder smiled at the boy before him.
"You were always such a good child." Sage blushed at the compliment.
"I had a good teacher."
"Yes, your mother is a great woman. Not even your birth stopped her from her teachings. I remember how she took you to her classes. All the children loved you, the little elf baby." He laughed softly.
"I can't believe that your father would just…" He sighed.
"I understand sir." Sage murmured.
"I can't wait to go home and see my mother again. Rowen, I think her students would find you to their liking. Some of them as young as 6 years of age, would love the "Giant horsey." Rowen glared at Sage.
"You are not taking me to a school with a bunch of little kids."
"Actually, she has only one class with children. The others are teenagers older then us." Rowen smiled at that idea.
"I think I would like to meet your mother. She sounds like a great woman."
"She is. She even is the one who fights with a sword. She taught me everything." Rowen grinned. So, the elf- boy had learned how to fight from his mommy.
"Well, your mother seems to be wise. Maybe she can help with the curse." Sage smiled.
"I never thought of that. Maybe she could." Rowen again smiled. He liked the idea of more help in his problem. He needed to get his real body back by his 16th birthday. He just had to.
"Well, I lived in Helkta. We can visit there next. Again, thank you sir for helping us." Elder Talmar smiled.
"It was my pleasure." Sage bowed slowly, and on a second thought, Rowen attempted to do the same.
"Well, come on Rowen. It is late, let up go rest, and tomorrow I can go home." Rowen nodded, as Sage led them from the building.
~~~***~~~
"Duo Maxwell! Get in your seat, now!"
"Aww, but Miss Date, me 'an Heero were just having a little fun!" the other boy glared at the bouncy brunette, as Miss Date sighed.
"I think that if you want to phrase that better, it would be I was having a little fun. I think the last thing Heero was doing was enjoying himself."
"Yeah Duo, listen to the teacher."
"Hilde, be quiet!" Hilde laughed at her braided friend.
"Hey, I'm not the one getting in trouble. It was ALL you." Duo glared at the girl who laughed again.
"Ok class, calm down and get seated. Today we're learning healing spells, Ok? And Duo, please say you remembered your notebook today."
"Umm… Oops." Miss Date sighed, as she handed the boy a clean notebook.
"This is the last one I'm giving you. No wonder you keep failing your tests." She muttered as the class began to laugh.
"Hey! I resent that remark Ma'am! I have passed one!"
"Oh, I'm sorry Duo. It was my mistake." She rolled her eyes as Duo grinned. It was then that the door opened and two figures appeared in the doorway. Miss Date looked up at the tall elf entered the room, a winged unicorn at his side.
"Sage?" She asked slightly as a big smile formed on the elf's face.
"So, this is your mom. She's pretty." Sage nodded as his mother, ignoring her students, bolted over to the new entrant, pulling him into a hug.
"I can't believe you're actually home." She whispered as he smiled.
"I need your help. When do you finish all your classes? Rowen and I'll talk to you after then." She turned to the horse.
"So, this is Rowen, I presume." Sage nodded.
"It's nice to meet you milady." The unicorn bowed slightly. Miss Date looked on with wide eyes.
"You… talk!" he nodded.
"I'm cursed. We need your help."
"Hey Miss Date! Who are those people? Err… elf and winged thing."
"Duo, I am talking to my son and his friend. Can't you be quiet for once on your life?"
"The elves your son? Cool!" The others in the class nodded in agreement.
"Yes, he is my son. I ran up and hugged a 15 year old because I am a child molester." She rolled her eyes at the brunette, once again speaking out of turn.
"Wait. Your son is an elf. Miss Date slept with an elf! Ha ha ha!" Hilde pointed out with a laugh.
"Now Hilde, be nice. Miss Date's personal life is not of our concern, right Heero?" the boy blinked slightly as he turned to the blonde girl.
"Yeah Relena, whatever." Relena smiled triumphantly.
"See? Heero agrees with me."
"No, Heero agrees with you because he wants you to shut up. There is a difference." Relena glared at the blue haired girl, who grinned.
"Aww, is Relena scared of the truth?" Relena said nothing and turned her attention back to the odd pair that had just entered.
"Mom, you better go back to your class. We'll just wait back here." She nodded slightly as she walked back to the front of the class.
"Ok, where was I? Umm, healing spells. Right, yeah, got it. OK, well, healing spells are ones where, unless you are a strong magician, you wont be able to do without something to act as the healing implement." She continued on as Sage and Rowen settled on the floor in the back of the room.
"Wow, your mom seems real nice. Seems to enjoy fooling around with that one braided kid, but other then that, still seems nice." Sage laughed.
"She told me about him before. He's a lot of fun to be around, but he's not very good with magic." Rowen laughed.
"Sage?" Sage glanced up at his mother's words.
"Yes?"
"Can you show the class a healing spell?"
"What do I heal?"
"Catherine has a broken leg." He nodded as he rose to his feet. He walked over to the girl who was obviously Catherine, and took her foot in his hands. She winced slightly, but said nothing. He closed his eyes and focused on the hurt limb, as he began to glow.
"Exus de nae lesnoe e kareme." He said softly, low enough that most kids in the class couldn't hear. Suddenly his eyes opened and he helped Catherine to her feet. She immediately stepped forward and grinned.
"It's healed!" She exclaimed as she hugged the bewildered Sage.
"That would be what a healing spell does." He stated as he walked back to the back of the room and again took his seat against Rowen. They sat and waited for the class to finish, Sage being called to the front to demonstrate another spell. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to the pair, the class came to an end, and they got to speak with Sage's mom. Or so they thought. Unbeknownst to them, she had yet another class to attend.
"Oh man." Sage muttered as Rowen nodded. Sage watched the students file into the class. Her 6th year students. Ones that were getting good, and also good enough to cast pranks on campus. They were the seniors of the academy, or where she taught. If it was large enough to be an academy, he really didn't know.
"Ok, sixth years. I know you don't want to learn, and just as well because I really don't want to teach, especially with the fact that my son is here, but it's my job, and I have to." Miss Date stated as she quickly pulled back her long black hair with a blue ribbon.
"Ok, pull out your notebooks to section 4, black magic." The kids grinned, and there was a chorus of murmurs.
"Yes, black magic. You were bound to learn it sometime, I just held it off because, well, black magic is BAD." Sage rolled his eyes. His mother really knew how to over exaggerate on everything.
"Come on Miss Date, you know that Black magic is so much cooler then White magic!" One of the students, Dais, exclaimed from the back of the classroom.
"Dais! That is not true! The healing powers of White magic are far more important then inflicting damage on another human!" Dais rolled his eyes, but silenced.
"Miss Date, do we get to blow things up?"
"For the last time Dorothy, no. You've been asking that since your first year here."
"Well, it is a real question. I mean, I am here to learn magic to fight in the army. I need fighting spells, not healing."
"Actually, you need both. What are you to do if your men get hurt? You can't take on the entire army yourself." Dorothy held her arms over her chest as she glared at the one who had spoken. A quiet boy that sat in the back of the class, who was obviously the best spell caster in the class. Chang Wufei.
"Actually Dorothy, Wufei is right. All his points are true." Dorothy said nothing and began scribbling in her notebook.
"You'll pay, Chang." She muttered to the other boy, who shrugged.
"Doesn't really matter, I can out do you in any spells." Dorothy grumbled, as the other students laughed.
"So, Ma'am, since no one else is smart enough to ask, who is the guy and the horse in the back?" Kayura asked as she pointed to the sleeping figure, curled up against the pale blue horse. Sage's eyes fluttered open as he sat up and yawned, stretching his limbs.
"Oh my gosh! He's got pointy ears!" She pointed out as Sekhmet grinned to her.
"That, milady, is an elf."
"Well, what is he doing in our classroom?"
"And what is the horse thingy doing too for that matter?"
"For your information. The "elf" Is my son, and the "Horse thingy" is his cursed friend Rowen." The kids gave her awkward looks.
"Cursed? What kind of curse?" Miss Date shrugged.
"I will find out tonight, after you all are back in your dorms."
"Aww…." The kids complained.
"Come on, we have to get back to work." With a groan, the class began to work diligently once more.
"Sally, what's the answer to number seven?" Dais whispered as the female glared at him. Suddenly he was struck with a pain up his side.
"No cheating." Miss Date warned as Dais whimpered. Finally the pain dulled, and he got back to work, leaving Sally alone. After the class had finished, and the students had left, Miss Date turned to her son.
"Tea. I know that you love it. Why don't we have a cup of it? And we can discuss everything, ok?" Sage nodded towards his mother.
"Come on Rowen, you get to see my home." Rowen grinned.
"That would be great. Can I actually sleep inside?" Miss Date grinned.
"Of course! Do you mean to tell me that you boys have been sleeping in the cold at night? Well, we can't have that! You have to sleep inside at least today. You could get sick Sage, and you know that is his condition Rowen can't heal you." Sage sighed.
"Mom, I'll be fine. Now about that tea…" He trailed off as his mother grinned.
"Let's go home." She stated as she led the two away.
~~~***~~~
"Ok Ryo, you got us into this mess, you figure out where we sleep tonight." Ryo sat on the forest floor.
"Night master." He muttered as he curled up.
"Hey! I am not sleeping here!" Ryo's left eye cracked open.
"And why not?" Ryo asked, as he sat up.
"Because it is filthy, and wet, and chilling to the bone, and I will not sleep here!"
"Suit yourself." Ryo shrugged as he closed his eyes again.
"Hey! Are you listening to me? Where am I going to sleep?" Cye demanded at the boy ignored him. Cye glared at the body, trying to mentally hit the boy.
"What I'd give for a soft bed." He muttered as he sat against a tree trunk. He shivered as he wrapped his arms around himself, trying to warm up his frigid body. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, thinking of warm, happier thoughts. Suddenly, he felt a heavy weight on his chest and body, as his eyes flew open. He turned towards the source of the extra weight, eyes landing on the wing of his companion, who was now curled up against the auburn boy. Cye smiled, and snuggled closer to the demon's warmth. Maybe Ryo wasn't as bad as he had thought.
"There Master. No yelling at me. I kept you warm." Cye glared at the boy. And maybe he wasn't.
~~~***~~~
Miss Date sipped diligently at her tea, before speaking again.
"So it was Talpa who did this to you?" Rowen nodded. She glanced at the boy.
"My magic is not strong enough to rid you of this curse, but I can tell you the spell needed. Its called "Harseos de Fringioues" and it will change you back to what you once were." Rowen nodded.
"Do you know of anyone powerful enough to remove it?" She sighed.
" That I don't. I apologize greatly. I only hope that my hospitality will help you. And my son." Rowen turned to Sage.
"I think your son has already helped me, plenty." Sage smiled faintly, a soft blush across his cheeks.
"Wow, Rowen, I am truly amazed! You got him to blush, and you didn't even try. Not even I can do that." Rowen laughed as Sage's face flushed even more.
"See? He's bright red!" she exclaimed. At these words, Sage turned away to regain his composure.
"Sorry honey, it was just amusing." She patted Sage's shoulder lightly.
"Well, why don't you to get to bed? You have an early day in front of you." The two boys nodded as Sage led them to his room.
"Rowen, I'm sorry about the lack of a horse resting place. I can get some blankets to soften the ground." Rowen shrugged.
"Its OK. I'm getting used to the hard floor." Sage sighed as he crawled into his bed. He tossed in his bed, for some reason not being able to sleep.
"Sage, will you stop being so antsy or whatever? Your lack of the ability to sleep is causing me not to sleep."
"Sorry." Sage muttered. Again he tossed in his sleep, as Rowen sighed.
"Sage…" He warned. Sage muttered something incoherently as he refrained from moving.
"Thanks."
"Anyways, since when did my tossing bother you? I've always tossed, and before I was using you as a pillow."
"I dunno. I just can't sleep. And since I can't sleep, it's annoying me."
"Well, again, sorry." Unbeknownst to Sage, Rowen shrugged, telling him that is was OK.
"Sage, I want to thank you for all your help. I just have to tell you something. I have to become myself by October 10th, OK?" Sage shrugged.
" I don't know if I can do that. We can try, but…"
"No! I have to!"
"OK, We will. Somehow. Its in 14 days, right?" Rowen nodded.
"Then we'll go to Miranela, and we'll ask if the Mage that lives there can lift the curse. I would go to Escaldia to see the prince, but it is too far away."
"Again Sage, thank you. And that would be great by the way." Sage grinned.
"Then that is what we shall do."
~~~***~~~
Sage knocked slowly on the door of Cale, one of the strongest Mages known, having just arrived in Miranela moments before. Slowly the door creaked open, and to the two travelers bewilderment, no one was there opening it.
"Come in! I've been expecting you." Sage gave Rowen an odd glance as the two followed the voice into the building. The room was dark and humid, and Sage could have sworn that a rat ran by as they entered.
"Umm… Mage Cale? We have come to request your assistance." Sage called out as the room flew to light. Sage winced and covered his eyes, as they adjusted to the new surroundings. Suddenly a man appeared out of nowhere, silken garbs of Midnight blue billowing around him. He grinned at the elf, recognizing who it was.
"Ahh, it's the son of Siris. What a great lady she is. She's got nothing on my magic abilities, but still." Sage smiled faintly.
" I see that you know my mother. She has sent us, well, sort of."
"Yes, I know your mother." Cale began, ignoring Sage's words.
" She was the one who bedded an elf. Had the half-breed child. Yes, we all know her." Sage gulped slightly.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know that you felt that way to her. I came for your help, though I am her son, the half-breed."
"And why should I help someone, someone who disgraced our town until we ran you and your mother out."
"I… I was born here?" Sage asked softly, violet eyes wide with wonder.
"Sir, with all due respect, Sage isn't here for your help, I am. I am cursed by the black mage Talpa. You are one of the strongest mages alive, and I wish for your help in removing it. Please, Sage has nothing to do with this. He's just a… half-breed elf that I had take me here, for my lack of knowledge on Miranela's location. All he is good for is to be stared at." Sage looked at Rowen in horror.
"What?" Rowen ignored the blonde.
"Sir, you must help me. I must have this curse removed! I just must!" Cale looked over the unicorn, then back at the elf.
"And you have no true connection to that… thing, correct?" Rowen nodded as Sage stood aghast at what the boy had said.
"He is useless to me."
"Then I will help. Come here later, tomorrow, without the elf, and then I can see about the curse." Rowen bowed as he had done before, hooves to the front of his body.
"Thank you sir. I will do that. Come on, half-breed." Numbly Sage followed the other out of the home.
~~~***~~~
"How dare you say that about me! I'd hit you if it weren't animal abuse! I thought you were my friend! I thought that what I was didn't bother you. You aren't exactly Mr. Wonderful yourself! You're blue and have a horn and wings!" Sage let out a strangled sob.
"I… I…" He failed to finish his sentence as he turned away from the winged Unicorn. With a deep, ragged breath, Sage began to walk away from Rowen.
"Sage, I don't mean those things! But I am well aware that I have to be dirty to get him to help me! I have to side with him and get on his good side. And, well, he hates you." Sage froze, mid-step, as he turned to face Rowen.
"You think that gives you an excuse to insult my very being? You think that gives you a reason to insult what I am? You think that gives you a reason to get away with calling me a miserable half-breed? It doesn't!" Sage brushed the tears away from his cheeks. He hung his head, long ears hanging sadly.
"I'm leaving. You're on your own Rowen. I hope you feel good about what you did." Sage's head rose.
"Good bye. It was nice to have a friend while it lasted." And with those bitter words, Sage turned to leave.
"Sage…" Rowen muttered as he watched the blonde walk away.
"Don't worry friend, I'll come for you once I get my body back. Don't you worry, I will." And with that vow, Rowen left in search of a place to spend the night.
~~~***~~~
Sage walked slowly to the gate of Miranela, head hung, eyes fixed on the floor. It was then that he ran head on with another person.
"Sorry." He muttered, as he continued walking.
"Master! He has pointy ears! What does that make him?"
"I'm a damn, half-breed elf."
"Well, you don't sound very happy." Sage sighed and lifted his head to have his eyes meet a set of sea green ones.
"Well, you guessed right." He stated.
"Hey, Master, what's the matter with him? Why is he hanging his head?"
"Because he's sad Ryo."
"Sad?" Ryo asked in confusion as Cye sighed.
"Unhappy." Cye stated as Ryo nodded.
"I get it! Wait, why are you sad then?" He turned awkwardly to the elfin boy.
"Because my best friend just called me a half breed that was only serving him the use of a tour guide, and that I meant nothing to him." Cye winced.
"Well, that isn't very nice. If it makes you feel better, my life is in shambles at the moment as well. I was just chased out of my home on an accusation of witchcraft. I accidentally summoned HIM." Cye pointed to Ryo, who smiled innocently.
"And he wont go home." Cye added, as Ryo grinned.
"Aww, admit it, you like the company Master." Cye sighed.
"If it will shut you up, then yes."
"Yeah!" Ryo hugged Cye.
"Master loves me! And Master cares about me!" He laughed as he released Cye. Sage watched with a saddened smile on his face, as Ryo hovered above Cye, still teasing him. This was friendship. Then where did he and Rowen stand, if Rowen was willing to insult him and with the way things were going, do anything to him, as long as it served a purpose to the azure boy? Sage forced back the tears that threatened to break through again. Cye turned to the boy again, concern written on his face.
"Well, I'm Cye Mouri, and this is Ryo, uh, he doesn't have a last name. Anyways, you look like you could use some company."
"Well, actually, I was going to leave and…"
"Nonsense! You are going to stay with us. By the way, what is your name?"
"Sage. Sage Date." Cye grinned.
"Well, its nice to meet you Sage. We'll see if we can help you with your problem. That's what friends are for."
"Friends?" He questioned softly.
"You've got it!" Cye laughed along with Ryo.
"Come on, we're going to go find a hotel to stay in." Cye grabbed Sage's arm and dragged the boy towards the inn, Ryo flying above them.
~~~***~~~
Rowen slowly trekked over to the building he and Sage had been in the day before. He sighed at the loss of his friend. He had tried to keep track of Sage so that after he was human again, he could go and apologize to the other boy. But after Sage had left with the other two people, one a demon, he hadn't been able to find the boy. So, with an annoyed sigh, he'd have to try very hard and ask around to locate the boy. He knocked slowly on the door, waiting for it to open as it had the day before. But it didn't. With a bit of confusion, he slowly kicked opened the rickety door, wincing as it squealed open. He glanced into to darkness nervously, as he entered. The door slammed shut behind him as he jumped, jerking around to see the wooden thing that had just shut. With a shiver of slight fear, he tread forward, knocking into a chair. He cursed slightly under his breath, as the room came to life, Lights flashing on.
"Cale?" He asked, heading no response.
"Sir?" He asked again, his voice trembling.
"I came. And alone as you requested." He stated as he waited once more. It was then the wizard appeared, as Rowen gasped in surprise.
"Cale, can you help me?" Rowen asked slowly.
"Of course I can help you, Prince Touma. To your death! Talpa will be pleased!" Rowen screamed and leapt back as Cale reached out with his hand, a glowing black power forming at his fingertips.
"SAGE!!!!" Rowen screamed when he realized he couldn't move. And then, Cale let go.
~~~***~~~
"Rowen!" Sage yelped as he bolted to his feet and towards the building that belonged to Cale. He had known that there was something wrong with the mage when they had first met, but Rowen had upset him too much to warn the other boy. And now there was a price to pay. Rowen's life.
"Master, why did he just leap to his feet and run out to nowhere?" Cye rose to his feet.
"That scream. It was his friend, the one that called him a half-breed. He's in trouble, and Sage is going to try to help him. Come on!" Cye exclaimed as he grabbed Ryo's wrist and dragged the demon behind him.
~~~***~~~
"NO!!!!!!!!!" Sage screamed as he closed his eyes, reaching out his hand towards Rowen and Cale. He couldn't watch. He wasn't strong enough. His magic couldn't stop Cale's. Rowen was going to die, all because of the fact that Sage couldn't except that what Rowen had said was the truth. He was a half-breed. His eyes shot open as rays of golden light, virgin and pure shot from his hands. He watched as they entwined with the darkness of Cale's powers, Cale's pushing them closer and closer to the immobilized horse.
"ROWEN!!!!!!" He yelled as the beams hit the blue boy, and the room burst into light, hurdling anyone standing to the ground. Sage moaned and struggled to get up, to see if Rowen was still alive. And what he saw shocked him.
To be continued……….