Destiny

*Disclaimer*

I DON'T OWN DIGIMON.

Author's Note:

Gomen, minna-san! *Clasped hand together* I'm really sorry for taking so long with this chapter! I know I have said that I would post sooner, but this turn out longer than I had expected. I hope my readers will forgive me for this! I'm truly sorry!

Sorry also, if the thing between Takeru and Iori seemed a little OOC. I need to make it that way for something planned later. And also, if there are any 'mushy' stuff between Hikari and Wallace/Daisuke, I assure my readers that it will only goes as far as a friendship relation. Nothing serious. So, rest assures everyone.

Sorry again for the wait I've caused!

By the way, thank you to all those who had reviewed! I really appreciate that! So, keep sending them in!

To an author named 'WhiteSpectre':

I don't quite get what you meant by the e-mail in your bio page was not yours. But that's okay. I'll put the answer to your question here, to ensure that you receive it. Anyway, the 'Basic Statistic' section was thought up by me as I have always loved Role Playing Games (RPG) ever since I got my first CD console. But I guess the main reason is that I just love putting every game or story that I've thought up in a chart form (This started ever since I was in grade three). Hope this answered your question. Just ask if you have any confusions.

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Destiny – Chapter Three : The Conspiracy

1008 A.D., tenth day of the fifth month…

Yuurei Obaake, Master of Phantasm, and also one of the fourteen Dark Warriors, trudged down the dark and gloomy hall of the Evil Castle, Kyofu no Shiro, with a sour expression. The recent event had made his master lost faith in him. And because of that, his so-called comrades, laughed at his failure. Being a prideful person, he hated being laughed at. Slowly, with the mind of a cunning man, he tried to form a plan worthy to regain his pride as a servant of the Evil.

Tried though he might, none came to his distracted mind.

As he continued down the dark stone hall that was trailed by sculptures of mean looking gargoyle, a figure appeared ahead and barred his path. It was a man, with a pair of demonic wings attached to his back. The man's shoulder-length blonde hair wavered and reflected part of the light that illuminated the hall. Though wearing plain long sleeve tunic and looked harmless, Yuurei knew better than to get into a fight with him.

He was the Shadow Animator, Kuroi Kage.

Yuurei grumbled and asked acidly, "What do you want Kage? Have you come to laugh at me like the rest of them?"

"No. Not really," came the simple reply. "Instead, I wanted to tell you something that might interest you."

"Oh?"

Seeing that the Master of Phantasm was giving his full interest, the man went on, "The continent you were assigned to… there is a portal which could be open."

Yuurei perked up at the mention of portal; his favorite reading subject. He asked, "What kind of portal?"

"A portal that can draws out the servants of Hell. That portal has been sealed for over a thousand years already, the same time when the Age of Darkness ended." Kage spread his wings and folded it back before he went on, "With your knowledge in them, I'm sure you can open it."

Having said what he had wanted, Kage started to retreat into the darkness. But before he could do so, Yuurei stopped him by gripping his shoulder and asked, "How do I know if you're not lying? Even if it's true, why are you helping me? There's nothing that would benefit you." Yuurei's tone grew more suspicious,  "Or are you hiding something?"

Kage brushed off the hand and answered, "I've come to tell you that as a friend. If you choose not to believe, that would be up to you." He continued down the hall and said without looking back, "Besides, I have a bigger fish to fry."

Kage's feature blurred and disappeared into shadows, leaving Yuurei alone in the hallway. Hurriedly, the Master of Phantasm's mind ran over the suggestion given to him. Having no other plans, his mind was made up quickly. With a grin, he opened up a portal and walked through it…

*******

1008 A.D., 21st day of the sixth month…

Daisuke was sat atop the clean bed of the inn. Yesterday night event had shaken him up pretty badly and at the same time, gave him a whole new experience. But as of now, his face showed of no emotion except for a very confused one. The blank look he held plastered to his feature since yesterday was as if he was a walking undead.

Quite suddenly, someone pulled at his earlobe and shouted loud enough to shake the inn.

Daisuke's eyes widened in surprise and uncontrollable, he fell to the floor with a loud crash. Painfully, he righted himself into a sitting position and the person who had shouted, stood at his side with hands on the hip. The person, who had blue hair, asked, "How long are you going to sit there and sulk?"

Daisuke climbed back up the bed and sat in his previous position again. "You're so cruel, Jen. At the very least, you could have understood my feelings."

Lee face grew troubled. "I know it was not right to kill a person. But he's one of the Evil's minions, and time is running out, even as we talk now. We need to look for the other Warriors." Lee shook his head and went on, "Try to think of it this way, 'The killing was necessary to protect others.'"

Daisuke sighed and told his friend, "I've already tried that and it's not working."

Lee grunted. He was at the edge of giving up. "How about Vajira, the ox man that we fought in Heaven's Peak? We've killed him."

"That's different."

"In what sense is it different?"

"Well-"

At that moment, Suzaku's voice interrupted, Daisuke, I know how you feel right now since we're bonded, but you need to get over it. I thought that I had told you about the danger and bloodshed you'd be facing.

"No, you only tell me how fun this journey would be," Daisuke pouted.

Really? I didn't? I must be getting old then.

For some reason, Daisuke laughed at that. "Do you know? You're horrible when you attempted in humor, Suzaku. It just doesn't fit you." Finally coming to his old self again, Daisuke said, "The two of you shouldn't be worry about me. I know what I must do now to make myself feel better."

"And what is that?" Lee asked.

Daisuke's eyes brightened as he said it, "Stuff myself with food!"

Lee sweat-dropped as someone knocked on their room's door. He turned around and opened it, revealing their guests; Hikari and the boy who hadn't introduced himself yesterday. After a brief exchange of greetings, Lee stepped aside to let them in.

Hikari sat in front of Daisuke, on another bed, and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Better."

"That's great." She turned to look at her friend as she remembered something. "Oh, I haven't introduced my friend to you yet." She walked to her friend's side and began, "This is Wallace. Wallace de Winter. He's from this continent. And his guardian-"

Someone interrupted, I'm Yousei! Please to meet you!

"He's also one of the Warriors?" exclaimed Daisuke.

Hikari nodded and said, "Yesterday night, you're not in the condition to talk. That's why; we weren't able to talk with you except your friend there, Lee. We've told him as much as we know already."

Wallace chipped in then, "Now, with that out of the way, we might as well get on with business."

"What business?" Daisuke asked.

"Did you fall on your head or something?" Lee inquired. "We need to get our reward from the lord of this place."

"Oh yeah. But I thought we can't go in the Castle?"

"This is special," Wallace answered. "We'll be able to enter with no problem, once we've explained to the Castle's Gate guards of our intention for going there."

Daisuke beamed. "Well then, let's collect some nice shiny gold and get it over with." He's stomach grumbled right then. Daisuke rubbed the back of his head as he laughed and said, "But before that, I think I need some food first."

The other three in the room sweat-dropped and following that, Lee gave an exasperated sigh and said, "Why me?"

*******

Once Daisuke had eaten, which had caused them a fortune; the four of them had made it to the Castle's gate. The Castle, Hikari noted, was very beautiful. There were a lot of spiral shaped towers and its blue cone-roofs synchronize with it nicely. She guessed that the interior would be nicer, and would like to see it IF Wallace got through the guards. She glanced at her friend and Lee, who were hot in argument.

"What do you mean we can't enter?" Wallace asked in an annoyed tone.

"That's exactly what we've meant," one of the three guards who stood barring the gate, answered. "We've been given strict permission that no one would be allow to enter the Castle unless it is of urgent matter."

"But we're here to collect our reward," Lee reasoned. He took out a sheet of paper and said, "We even have the proof of us getting it."

Another guards said to the blue hair boy, "I'm sorry, that would have to wait till the order change. We can't bypass a rule."

"But-"

Wallace pulled Lee away, joining Hikari and Daisuke who stood quite a distance away. Once they are within earshot, Hikari asked, "Any luck?"

Wallace shook his head in defeat and answered, "No. Those stupid pawns who only know how to obey orders wouldn't let us enter no matter what."

"What are we gonna do then?" Daisuke asked.

Lee sighed and said the thing he dreaded most, "I think we have to let go of our reward. Time is not on our side in this journey of ours."

Wallace said right then, "No, I wouldn't let it be that way. We needed that money in our travel." He frowned, but went on, "And beside, I have a last resort to get us in."

Before anyone could ask what he's up to, Wallace had walked back towards the guards. Another guards, who was wearing a plate mail, asked, "I thought we've made it clear that no one would be allow to enter the Castle."

Wallace ignored that and said authoritatively, "Tell the lord that his nephew, Wallace de Winter would be visiting him."

The three guards laughed and one of them said, "Yeah right. Do we look like an idiot to you? Like we will believe you're the nephew of our lord."

"Does this look familiar to you?"

Wallace held up something. It was a golden medallion, which was embedded by crystals and Wallace's name was written on it. The guards' eyes widened and one of them hurriedly entered the small side door at the base of the huge oak one. Within minutes, the huge oak door opened and the guards leaded him in. One of them ran ahead to inform the lord.

Wallace turned around and motioned for his friends to follow him. Without a word, they hurried after him with a surprise look plastered on their faces. Once caught up, Hikari asked her friend, "What did you do to make them change their mind?"

Wallace shrugged and said, "Nothing much. I just told them who I am and showed them some evidences."

"What did you tell them?" Lee inquired.

Seeing that they need of a longer explanation, Wallace explained, "The Lord of this continent, Lord Kheva de Winter, is an uncle of mine."

"Nani?" exclaimed Daisuke. He practically had his mouth opened in an oval shape.

Lee closed Daisuke's mouth by pushing at his lower jaw. As he did so, a thought occurred to him, "A Lord controls a whole continent. So, does that make you sort of royalty?"

"In a sense, yes," came the simple reply. He frowned and went on, "But the last time I saw him, it was five years ago. I hope he still remember me." He sighed and said, "In any case though, I still have proof if things goes otherwise."

Hikari asked then, "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I've thought of surprising you all when the opportunity arises. But these troublesome guards just had to spoil my fun." Wallace showed a grin and added, "Then again, the look on your face just now was satisfying enough. I guess all is not spoilt"

As Hikari had expected, the inner part of the Castle was as beautiful as she had imagined. There were flowers and trees that surrounded the courtyard. Far to the east, a small spring trickled its water into a made pond. There were also a lot of dogs running around the courtyard.

"My uncles have a thing or two for dogs," explained Wallace.

They enter another smaller oak door, into a torch lit hallway. Golden framed portrays of the Winter descendants were hung along the passage to enhance its beauty. There were also stands that were decorated by different bouquets of flowers on each side.

Further along the path, eight guards stood at attention.

At that sight, Wallace grew suspicious. Before he could warn the others, the guards have surrounded them. The four teens looked around in panic and also in surprise. The guards raised their spears and pointed it at Wallace's group. One of them, who wore a different uniform; a golden lined chain mail and a blue loincloth with gleaming silver boots, stood forward and said, "Wallace de Winter. With the order from the Lord, I hereby sentence you and your companions to the prison."

*******

1008 A.D., 12th day of the sixth month…

The Castle City of Thaedan was one would say breathtaking.

Not only that this secluded port city was filled with artistic buildings; it also inherited the beauty of Mother Nature. Houses here had pointy red-thatched roofs and plants that bloom, creep, and every type one can name, on their gardens, balconies, windows and whatever else suitable for the plants. As a mark of territory, ionic columns fenced these houses.

Like all Castle City, the street of Mincht was always crowded by Gaean of all age. There would be couples that held each other hands, children who ran ahead of their parents in search for anything interesting, and other as well. Its avenues were seldom empty and the benches that lined the street were often occupied.

For Ichijozi Ken and Inoue Miyako, who hadn't been to a Castle City, the beauty of Mincht was multiplied in their eyes. The sea breeze that came from the ocean, from the direction of the seaports, somehow brought a homesick feeling to Ken. The soft air reminded him of his own home and his family that was now a few hundred leagues away. He also misses his best friend, Ryou, who he had no choice but to leave without saying goodbye.

As they walked into the bazaar, Miyako, who had always liked to buy things, back in the days when she was still young, resisted the urge to jump into all the shop houses and have a touch on everything that was decorated on neat shelves. However, she managed to hold herself smartly and was able to keep her hands at her sides.  To divert her thoughts, Miyako asked Ken, even though they were not in the best of terms, "Any idea where the library will be?"

Ken frowned. "If you didn't know, this is my first time here. So I wouldn't possibly know of the location." He glanced around and went on, "But to start off, we might as well as the locals."

Ken stopped one of the Thaedains, a tall, lanky boy with a know-it-all face, and asked, "Excuse me, young sir. Could you be so kind and divert us to the library?"

The boy took a look at Ken and said, "I take it. This was your first time here."

"Yes, my friend and I are on a journey. But certain reasons brought us here to this city of Mincht. In truth though, we are in dire need to go to one of the libraries here. One of the best, if you may."

The boy pointed to the northern end of the lane they were on and told Ken, "Follow this lane to the end and turned right twice and then left once. There will be a lot of dome-roofed buildings there. The best library was the largest building."

"My thanks, kind sir." Ken thanked the boy.

"It was a pleasure."

With the direction in mind, the two travelers made their way to the library. When they saw the dome-roofed buildings, Ken was astonished to find that each and every one of them was a library. To him, this place was a sacred haven for he loved to read.

Recovering from his slight shock, Miyako and him, looked and went into the largest building there. As they pushed open the double door, they moved into a softly lit room. The librarian seated at the renting counter saw them and greeted. Being polite, the two of them greeted back. Only then, Ken inquired about the things he was looking for, "Could you tell me where to find books on 'The Age of Darkness' or any ancient records related to it?"

"Just go to the top floor using the stairs."

"Thank you."

Slowly, they climbed up the spiral staircase to the top most floors. Unlike the floors that they had passed, this section was void of any people. It seemed that this section doesn't attract any readers. After a brief look around, the two split up and tried to look for any books that might help them.

Though Miyako never liked reading, she knew this was important, so she does her part seriously. The lavender hair girl scrolled down the shelves and picked one book that read, 'Greed and Wars'. She flipped through the pages and found that it was of not much help.

She moved along and looked for the next one. Silently, she speak to her Guardian, 'Genbu, if you can hear me, help me out with this.'

The wise voice replied, Don't worry Miyako. Just as soon as I see anything important, I'll tell you. But keep in mind that I can't stay too long.

Ken was reading one book that he thought might be useful when Seiryu voice came to him, If you need any help Ken, just ask.

Being too absorbed in his reading, Ken just nodded and Seiryu just chuckled at that.

After hours of searching, Miyako finally gave up and sat at one of the chairs that surrounded a round table. She crossed her arm on the table and laid her head on it. This wasn't exactly her choice of fun and hours at it seemed to make her felt sleepy.

Just when she was about to doze off, Ken exclaimed in triumph. Her eyes shot opened abruptly and she sat up straight immediately; startled. The violet eyes boy brought a thick book, which looked worn out due to age, and sat down next to Miyako.

The girl who was about to rest her mind, asked, obviously annoyed, "What was it that you found that got you so hype up?"

Ken laid the book down and flipped through the pages until he reached the one he wanted. What was on the page however, got Miyako's eyes as wide as saucer. She gripped and pulled the book closer. Being in a dark room and a person who wore glasses doesn't help her much.

What got the girl so surprised was; the lettering of the book was written in ancient runes language. Miyako read through the lines quickly till she reached the part where the Inochi no Ishi was mentioned. Slowly, she reads out the passage for the two of them to hear.

"As darkness flooded the world spun by the Gods, mankind raged war against each other. Slowly, they gnawed away at the land that gave life and brought despair to all. When the time where the moon shone the brightest came, the stone, which held LIFE, came to the aid of the East Haven King. And thus will end the fifty years war of darkness.

"However… alone, the King of East Haven would not triumph. And as predicted, the Absolute Evil was only sealed away. With my dying breath, I now write down the vision that the Gods had showed me in words:

When a thousand years come to pass, the bringer of chaos from the 'Age of Darkness' will rise from the dead, bringing fear and destruction to all. It will once again be the 'Age of Darkness', where people will live in hunger and despair, and also hiding from death. But when the time is right, seven warriors will rise from seven different worlds, wielding weapons of magic and stones with power. Together, the seven of them, and only the seven of them, will once again cleanse the world from evil…

Miyako stopped reading and passed the book back to Ken. She sat there, absorbing everything she could and throwing anything she couldn't. The fact that her life was destined to be a Holy Warrior before she was even born made her felt small, even unsecured.

Ken, who felt the same way, hid his feelings. Instead, he turned to the next page and saw what would most probably save their time in looking for the rest of the Holy Warrior. On that page, there was a seven-points star. At the highest point, there was the word 'Hika'. Following it, in a clockwise manner, were, Kaze, Mizu, Tsuchi, Shizen, Honou, and lastly, Kaminari.

Below that diagram, there was another star diagram. The only different is that this had fourteen points. At the very center, the word 'Inochi' was written. The seven earlier were still written in the same space. Except this time, there were something related at each opposition. Opposite from Hika was Kousen, Kaze – Naosu, Mizu – Hyouga, Tsuchi – Tate, Shizen – Hana, Honou – Kajii, Kaminari – Chikara.

The next page were sketches of weapons of some kind. Ken took one glance and immediately recognized two of them. It was his Ensui, a rapier-like sword, and Miyako's Jimen, a bracelet. The rest was unknown to him. However, Seiryu's voice pointed out to him, That funny shaped naginata is the Tengoku. The rest, even I have no idea what they were. But it was painfully obvious that they belong to the other guardians.

"Why is it that you don't know the other, Seiryu?" Ken asked.

These weapons were forged only after we were sealed. They were sent to us later, and in turn, we send it out for trustable warrior or fighter to accumulate their experience.

Ken left it at that. He continued to skirmish down the book till he noticed Miyako's expression. Though he knew he was not in terms with her, that doesn't stop him from asking, "Are you all right?"

The girl glared at him. "Do I look all right?" she snapped at him. "My whole life was already planned when I'm still in my mother's womb! How can I be all right; knowing that my whole life is in the mercy of some stupid prophecy?"

Do calm down, Miyako. Genbu said.

"You stay out of this, Genbu!" she threatened. "How can I be calm when I suddenly find the whole world rest on my shoulders!"

I thought I've made it clear to you already, when I bonded with you.

"You knew! You knew all along that I was the one prophesied!" Miyako accused her guardian

Genbu answered calmly, Partly, yes

Miyako seemed to ignore that and went on raving, "And I thought that I was being lucky! I thought that I was a special one among many!"

You are a special one, Miyako, the Earth Guardian told her. That is why you have no choice but to accept this burden without protests.

The girl seemed to calm down a little. Quietly, she said, "I know that…. But it doesn't mean I couldn't complain about it, can't I?"

I understand.

Ken felt sorry for the girl even though he himself felt nearly the same way as she does. Absently, he laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. Somehow, Miyako found that irritating. She had half her mind, set to smack it away, but she didn't. That was because, she also felt a calm feeling washed over her when Ken placed his hand on her. So instead, she sat there quietly and let everything sank in.

Right then however, two strangers came into the room. Ken looked at the two but paid little attention to them. He was more worried about his mourning friend. But then, Seiryu voice rang out loudly, Ken! That brown hair boy over there is the Holy Warrior of the Thunder Guardian!

"What?" He stood up very suddenly.

Even Miyako, who wasn't feeling very sensible at the moment, perked up. And apparently, the voice of Seiryu also caught the two strangers' attentions. They stopped at their tracks and stared at the two near the table where a candle was lit.

A voice said, Isn't this our lucky day? We found one more Warrior and the time wasn't at hand yet.

"You mean he's also one of the Warriors, Byakko?" the brown hair boy asked no one.

I'm sure you had heard the voice just now, Iori, the boy's guardian, Byakko, told him. And if my memory is still intact, that must be my old friend, Seiryu, the Blue Dragon.

You have changed, Byakko, Seiryu pointed out.

More or less.

And I'm surprise that you actually pick up a sense of humor after a thousand years, Genbu commented on the White Tiger.

So Genbu is here as well. That means that the girl is also a Warrior. The White Tiger smiled as best a tiger could. This is really a small world after all.

The two newcomers walked towards Ken and Miyako. Ken, still standing, introduced himself, "My name is Ichijozi Ken, from the Snow Continent, Erathia." Ken realized that Miyako was not in the mood to talk. So he took the trouble and introduced her, "And this is Inoue Miyako." Ken smiled and said for his and Miyako's side, "We're very please to meet you."

Iori looked indifferent. Ken realized almost immediately that he's not a talking type. However, the one who introduced them was complete the opposite. "My name is Takaishi Takeru. And my companion here is Hida Iori. We're both from this continent."

Genbu then asked suspiciously, Byakko, why do you bring along a non-Warrior? You should have known that this task should be kept a secret.

Pardon me, my two-headed friend, said Byakko. But he's also one of the Warriors. In fact, his Guardian is Tenshi. I'm sure you know why he's without a Guardian now.

Perfectly, Seiryu answered and left it at that. So, now that we've four Warriors already, we should begin the next step.

Byakko asked in disbelief, So fast?

Yes, we must make haste, came the feeble reply. We could look for the rest of the Warriors as we go on with our second phase that was planned a thousand years ago.

"What plan?" Ken asked.

Though we haven't discover the locations of the rest of the Warriors, we could still retrieve the other seven Holy Stone, except for Tenshi's one.

Iori, who had not said anything earlier, asked, "I thought that the other Holy Stones are used also as a locking mechanism. If taken away, wouldn't it release the Evil from its shackles?"

No, it wouldn't. With six Guardians unsealed already, the other seven Holy Stones would not be able to hold on much longer, Seiryu explained. And I'm sure that the next step of the minions of the Evil would be destroying those Stones. We must not let them.

"If that is the case, where do we start?" asked Takeru. "Like the sealing place of the Guardian, we wouldn't know where it would be."

Genbu decided to took over the discussion, Unlike our sealing place, the location of the other Holy Stones are inscribed on a tablet. These tablets are placed in each Castle City for safety purposes.

"So, we'd have to go to each Castle City and find the locations, is that it?" Miyako asked softly, still a little disheartened by her discovery.

It wouldn't be that easy, said Genbu. To enter a Castle, you need to have a good reason or you're on business, the Earth Guardian explained. At the moment, we've neither. That would leave us with the only conclusion, which is to get a special pass from the King of Gaea in Serenegade.

With everything settled and explained, Iori said, "Okay then. We'll go to Serenegade as of now."

Ken threw a nervous glance at Miyako. Without knowing it, he had suggested, "No, I think we should get some rest in an inn and we'll depart tomorrow at the first sign of dawn." After pausing for a moment, he said his reasons, or part of it, "I'm sure that the two of you, who had traveled from a long way, would be tired. And I'm also sure that the whole world can wait. If we were to be in a fatigue condition, it wouldn't do us any good."

Only Seiryu knew the true reason of Ken's suggestion. However, he didn't blurt out anything. Instead, he said, I think Ken's right. You all ought to get some rest. He paused and went on, And in any case thought, it would be time for us to cut the conversation. I can't hold this way much longer.

With that said, the three Warriors who already had a Guardian, immediately felt the presence of their Guardians vanished. Ken picked up the book that he'd been reading and replaced it back where he took it. There was no longer any need to read it.

Once Ken returned from the back of the library, Takeru said, "I guess we should ask around and look for a suitable inn to bunker for the night."

*******

1008 A.D., 21st day of the sixth month…

"Great! Now we're stuck in this dang dungeon!" complained Daisuke. He turned to Wallace, who's only a faint outline in the darkness, and said with pure rage, "I thought you said that the Lord is your uncle. How come he would lock us in a dungeon?"

Wallace countered back, just as angry, "How the heck would I know? Why don't you shout and ask one of the guards who might be standing guard out there!"

Before anything serious could go on, Hikari screamed at the top of her lung, "Would you two stop!" Everyone in the room threw her a surprised look, at least where they thought she were. Hikari, being a kind and gentle girl, wouldn't have shouted. Her raised voice had quickly shut them up.

In a much calmer voice, the brown hair girl said, "The situation now is already bad. And if we are to fight and argue with each other, it would turn even worse." She closed her eyes and went on, "I think, what we should do now is stay calm and think of a way out of this."

Lee, who had kept quiet, agreed, "Hikari's right. We shouldn't pick among ourselves right now." He placed his hand under his chin, deep in thought. "But what troubled me most, was why the Lord send us to the dungeon. We hadn't done anything that was against the rules. And to think that Wallace's uncle was the one who'd send us here, things are even more suspicious."

"Now that you mention it, it is really weird," Wallace agreed. "My uncle's not the type of person who charge someone unfairly. Something weird must be going on."

They'd cut their conversation right then; having no other things to say. The four teens that were sitting on the hay, shifted uncomfortably. The dungeon, and its cells, was dark and gloomy. No light was visible down here as there are no burning torches. The musty smell of the air made them wrinkled their nose. And often, the eerie silence of the dungeon, was constantly broken by the squeaked of rats that could be heard somewhere from the dark.

After some time, the sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance. They waited in the dark to see who it was. After a few second, there was light coming from the far end. As it came closer, it was revealed that their 'visitor' was a girl of their age, with long blonde hair and cyan colour eyes, like Wallace.

Wallace stood up immediately and went to the bar that kept them in. He gripped the bars tightly, and asked, "Cousin, what are you doing down here?"

"Cousin?" Daisuke asked.

Wallace turned his head to face Daisuke and introduced, "She's my cousin, Catherine de Winter. Though I haven't met her for five years, I still remember her because of her long blonde hair." Wallace then averted his gaze back to his cousin and asked again, "What are you doing here?"

Without a word, Catherine fished out a jumble of keys. After identifying the one that she wanted with the torch she's holding, she slipped it into the lock and twisted. There was a creak of metal against rusty keyhole and quickly followed by a 'click'. The cell door slide opened and she stood aside, letting them out.

Once they were out, Wallace asked, "Why are you freeing us?"

The girl smiled at him and answered, "I'll tell you about it once we're safely in my room, cousin."

*******

1008 A.D., 21st day of the sixth month…

Catherine's room was neatly arranged and magnificently decorated. A four-poster bed, hung with silk curtain, filled the most part of the room. Others, antique closets, flowery pots, and a few more priceless trinkets, littered the room.

As the last of them entered, another person, a young man with long hair tied to his back, entered as well and locked the door. He wore silver plated armor and his black cloak trailed along as he walked over and stood next to Catherine in a protective way.

The blonde hair girl, who had been looking out of the window in her room when she had entered, turned around. She saw that her guests was tensed at the young man at her side, so she told them, "This is Brados, my personal bodyguard." She looked at the man who is one head taller than her and smiled longingly. "He's also one of my closest companions and the only friend I've trusted."

She motioned for them to have a sit, which Daisuke already had, and went on, "I'm sure my father's order to arrest you have disturbed you greatly, cousin."

"Very," Wallace agreed.

Lee knew it wasn't his business, but he asked anyway, "Have something that's strange been happening around lately? According to Wallace, your father is definitely on the strange side."

Catherine sighed sadly and nodded. "I'm afraid there is. Quite recently, father is not the same person he was. All of a sudden, he had turned suspicious of all the person around him, even me. Following that, he had issued orders such as forbidding anyone who is not a Castle worker or personnel from entering." She sat down at her bed and went on, "And now, he even went as far as imprisoning you. I really don't know what had happened already."

The girl looked like she was on the verge of crying. But Hikari had moved to her side and had tried to comfort her. Wallace felt grateful at that. He had always hated to see a girl cry in front of him.

After giving a few moments for Catherine to recompose herself, Wallace asked everyone in the room, "Is there anything we could do?"

Strangely, it was Daisuke who had answered, "What else? We should go straight to him and smack some answer out."

Lee threw his friend a look that have a raised eyebrow and said, "You know what Dai? Though your suggestion sounded impolite, but it is the only thing we could do now." With a snickered, he commented, "And I always thought that only foods swim in your mind."

Daisuke's eyebrow twitched as his clenched fist shook angrily. "Jen! Couldn't you at least do not embarrass me in front of girls?"

Lee only laughed at that. But it quickly died down and his face was serious again. He turned to Catherine and asked her, "Can you bring us to your father without getting any attentions from the Castle's inhabitants? Right now, we're sort of fugitives."

Catherine looked at her bodyguard questioningly and Brador nodded. She turned back to him and answered, "Yes."

Brador took over from there, his voice was surprisingly soft for one such as him, "There are various secret passages in the Castle that only the Lord's descendant and a selected few palace guards, including us bodyguards, know of. Cath-" Brador coughed very suddenly and he went on, "Her ladyship and I would be able to lead you to the throne room, where his Lordship always lounged nowadays."

"Brilliant," Wallace remarked. "Then lead us there now."

Brador moved towards a painting on the far side of Catherine's room and pulled at an unseen panel. There was some rumbling and Brador retreated as the huge oil painting swung opened. Catherine stood up together with Hikari and they both followed after the man who had disappeared into the dark path. Shortly, the three boys tagged along as well after having a short conversation.

Inside the passage, there was no light at all. It was as dark as the dungeon but not as foul smelling. The disturbed cobwebs clearly showed that it was used recently. As they move cautiously, huddling close together, Wallace asked Brador, "Don't you need a light through this way?"

"I knew it like the back of my hand already."

And that finalize the question.

They continue down without stopping. But when it came to an end, Brador halted and there was a click of something. Light filtered in as a passage was being formed. All of them exited into a huge chamber with ceiling as tall as forty feet. Red drapes with two-crossed sword as its emblem, which signaled the banner of Mescaria, were hung on all corners. There were also armors and weapons on display on each side of the room.

Above a raised platform that had steps as it walkway, was the throne. And atop that throne, was the somber face Lord of Mescaria, Kheva de Winter. He wore a plain white tunic with a simple blue hose, not exactly fitting for a lord. His head turned as the sound of the secret passage opening alerted him. And what he saw brought veins popping up on his forehead.

But he managed to keep himself regal as the small audience bowed towards him. With a wave of his arm, they rose and only then did he ask, "Whom have you brought along, my dear daughter?"

Catherine answered respectfully, "Father, surely your age had not clouded your memories of your own nephew, your older brother's son, Wallace?"

"But as I recall, I had send him and his companions to the dungeon for safety reasons." He paused before he pointed out, "I haven't even given the order for their release. Why have you done so and disobey me?"

"But father, don't you see?" Catherine asked exasperatedly. "He's my cousin! Your nephew! Not one who would harm you!"

Wallace took that moment to interrupt. He knew that if this progress even further, Catherine would have gotten herself into a lot of trouble. He approached the throne warily and asked, "Uncle, what have I done to make you sent me and my friends to the dungeon? Surely, there is a reasonable explanation to this."

However, the Lord did not reply. Instead, his wicked snickering broke the silence in the chamber. "I'd never thought that we would meet again."

"I'm sorry, uncle. But I don't understand."

They was a suppressed grin as the Lord said, "My, my, silly boy. Have you forgotten about me already?" The looked that Wallace showed clearly stated that he was confused. "Since you don't remember, I'll take the privilege to refresh your memory."

The Lord stood up and as he did so, a dark mist claimed him. Shrouding him from head to toe with impenetrable darkness. Catherine yelped in surprise at what had happened, but the Warriors sensed trouble and immediately stood at ready to battle.

As the mist cleared, a very familiar figure stood there. Wallace eyes widened and he shouted, "It's you! You're one of the Dark Warriors, Yuurei Obaake!"

Immediately, all their eyes widened at the mention of 'Dark Warrior'. Yuurei laughed a cold laugh and said, "I'm glad that you've not forgotten me. I'm tired of going into the introduction phase again."

Hikari cut in and asked, "What have you done to the real Lord and what on earth are you doing here?"

"If you worried about that dog-fanatic, he's locked-up somewhere in this Castle." He crossed his arms and snickered, "And my duty here, is to destroy the Holy Stone that is kept somewhere on this continent."

Catherine cringed a little at what Yuurei had said. But she made no attempt to show what had made her did so. Instead, Lee asked suspiciously, "Why are you telling us this? Obviously, you're not that stupid to let such secret slipped out your mouth."

Yuurei snickered again and answered, "That's because… all of you here will not leave this chamber alive!"

Yuurei leaped from the raised platform and shouted as he finished writing down a short sentence in runes characters, "MIRURORU SHARUDO!"

Tiny, glistening, speckles appeared in the air just below Yuurei. They spread out at a shocking pace, and when it was positioned, as he had wanted, Yuurei mouthed a silent command. The speckles that numbered more than hundred, rained down upon them.

The Warriors leap away in time and only then did they realized that those tiny speckles are actually sharp, jagged broken mirror pieces. Lee had taken Catherine off a far distance before the battle started and she was now under the care of Brados.

When he was sure that she would be safe, Lee rejoined his friends, particularly, at Daisuke's side and said, "We would have no chance if we cluster around and fight him! We must spread out!"

The four, presently fighting, nodded and leaped and glided away at different directions. But there was one thing the Warriors did the same, which was, calling upon their weapons. The odd gauntlet, Kuuki, materialized and fastened itself on Hikari's left arm. Daisuke's Okaji did likewise. Wallace had opened his palm and his trident, Kadaan, reverted to its full size and into his awaiting palm.

Hikari had stopped at the furthest corner of the chamber and immediately started her spell. The Kaze orb in her weapon glowed as she finishes writing. "UINDO KUTSUTERU!"

Twelve or so miniature version of spinning tornados, which was formed by the air molecules, emerged around her. Hikari swung her arm and pointed a finger at Yuurei. As if acknowledging her, the miniature tornados flew toward Yuurei at a blinding speed.

However, before the wind energies could reach him, an invisible layer of wall blocked them all. It was not a very strong barrier, the Warriors realized, because with each impact, a crack appeared. And as the last one collided, it had broken into a hundred shards.

Taihu told his Warrior that was preparing another spell, Hikari, this Dark Warrior who called himself Yuurei, holds the Obaake Stone, literally translated, the Phantom Stone. He specializes in manipulating mirrors and I could sense that he had no Evil Diviner.

Hikari nodded and once again, she uses her spell, Wind Cutter.

As the miniature tornados once again broke the mirror barrier that was shielding Yuurei, Daisuke and Lee reeled in their clenched fists and leaped toward the Dark Warrior almost simultaneously. The blue hair boy, who was faster, launched his technique, 'Tsumujikaze'.

Lee swung a roundhouse kick at Yuurei but it was blocked off. And as the blue hair boy continues with a sweeping kick, Yuurei caught the boy's foot and with a heave, he threw the boy at Daisuke, who was advancing. That sent the two gliding on the tiled floor of the chamber.

Fortunately, the floor was smooth and thus resulting in minimal damage.

However, Wallace also took that moment to attack. He jumped into the air, intending to use a technique that he had learned. But before he could do so, he collided with the invisible mirror barrier that was called up again, without he knowing it.

Yuurei grinned and leaped toward Wallace who was still in midair. The boy who was temporary stunned, was caught by the throat. During that moment, Yuurei whispered something to the struggling boy, "I'll kill you painfully for the shame you have cost me."

Yuurei reeled his fist, intending to land a blow on Wallace's head. But the boy had swung his trident at that very moment. So the Dark Warrior had no choice but to release him and parried the slash. They both landed on their feet. But Wallace however, didn't stop there. Moving his finger as fast as he could, he wrote the spell he wanted to use in the air and shouted, "REAFU DENSE!"

With the orb glowing, Wallace moved his trident from left to right. But as Kadaan glided along the invisible air, leafs of all kinds materialized. The leafs, which were sharp and steely looking, spun where they were for a moment before they bombarded the Dark Warrior. But like Hikari's spell, they only broke the invisible barrier.

Yuurei laughed at his futile attempt. But the laughed disappeared as quickly as it had appeared when he held his left hand, which had a bulged gauntlet, up. The orb, which was inserted into the gauntlet's slot, glowed and shimmered with a violet colour.

In accordance to that, the ground shook and a six-tipped star outlined the whole chamber's floor. The Warriors and non-Warriors, braced themselves and tried to steady their footing. But as they were struggling, creatures that had bodies of glass and shields that had mirrors rose from the ground, surrounding Yuurei. There was about three-dozen of the creatures standing protectively around Yuurei when the ground stopped shaking.

Having outnumbered all of a sudden made Daisuke, Lee and Wallace in a state of panic. Hikari however, remained calm and focusing. She tried to size up her opponents to try and come up with any visible weakness or strength.

But tried though she might, she could only discovered one flaw in them. To prove it, she used her spell, Wind Cutter, and launched the miniature tornados at the nearest mirror creature. When the energies were about to collide, the aimed creature held up its shield and the spell was reflected. Damaging the wall of the chamber.

Yuurei laughed and said, "Spells have no use against my Kagami troops. Their shields provided them with the ability to reflect any spells that aimed at them."

Without wasting time, Yuurei mouthed an unheard order. They knew it was an order because right then, the creatures sprang into life. They broke into groups of nine and attacked each of the Warriors. Hikari, now knew that spells were ineffective, made the Claw of Wind appeared at the tip of her gauntlet. She leveled it up as the Kagamis drew near. To her amazement, the mirror creatures shape shifted into a figure that very much resembled her and also had the Kuuki.

As her weapon locked with the one nearest to her, she struggled and tried to gain the upper hand. But suddenly, another one appeared at her side, with its left hand raised, ready to slice at her. Immediately, Hikari used the first mirror creatures as a stepping platform and leaped high up into the air. She adjusted her momentum, so that when she was about to land, she destroyed two mirror creatures with two quick swipes. Each of the two mirror creatures was broke into three parts before shattering.

Daisuke and Lee, who is back-to-back, facing replica of themselves, nodded to each other in agreement and understanding. Both of them rushed forward together, Daisuke raising his fists that was fastened with the Okaji and Lee ready to attack. When within striking distance, Daisuke delivered a punch that shattered the nearest mirror creatures. Lee jumped slightly and kicked at the mirror creature's chest, also shattering it.

Immediately, both boys got in front of the mirror creatures. Getting hold of two mirror creatures each, they pushed them and ran towards each other. The four Kagamis were broken into pieces as the force of the push and the collision met. With that done, the two boys leaped away, searching for other targets.

Wallace stuck his trident into the creature that was about to do the same to him. His sharp eyes then caught the movement of the mirror creature at his back. Before the Kagami that was just destroyed fell, Wallace pulled his trident out, hard, using the base of its handle to jut the Kagami behind. Then, he whirled around and finished it off.

As the mirror creatures began to surround him, Wallace smirked at this and held his Kadan with both hand. Then, "HITENRYUBU!" Wallace jabbed his trident to his left and leaped up, stabbing another one in the midair before landing at the back of another creature. Once again, he used the base of his trident and plunged into the creature's head, without shattering it. He then moved and immediately stroked at the one next to him. Once that done, he swung his trident into a ready posture and following that, the four Kagamis that he just attacked, shattered.

Catherine and Brador stood in awed at this. But their attentions were shifted when Yuurei's voice said, "It seems that my 'daughter' is having too much leisure." Brador stood in front of Catherine protectively and Yuurei went on, "Perhaps I should entertain you two before finishing the rest off."

"Don't you dare touch her, you vile creature!" Brador roared.

"What if I do?" Yuurei teased and started to advance.

Brador unsheathed his broadsword and held it with both hands. He then rushed forward and swung the huge sword at Yuurei. But the Master of Phantasm parried easily and countered with a punch to the bodyguard's stomach. Brador grunted, but did not retreated. Instead, he kept on slashing and thrusting his weapon at Yuurei. But as expected, each was evaded.

But then, a lucky strike provided Yuurei with a clean slash wound on his arm. Yuurei was greatly angered by this. 'How can this worthless man wounded me?' he thought. With a burst of violet aura, Brador was pushed back and he staggered. That gave Yuurei an opening and immediately, he used, "MIRURORU SHARUDO!"

The Warriors' gaze shifted in time to see the mirror pieces pierced deep into the body of the bodyguard, as if Brador's armor was nothing but a tunic. The young man let out a surprised yelp as he fell to the floor. Catherine gasped and started for Brador even as the tears flowed out of her eyes. She knelt down at her side and held the young man's head in her arm. She then choked out her words between tears, "Brador… speak to me!"

This amused Yuurei, so he stood there, waiting for the 'scene' to continue.

"My lady… I was not able to… fulfill… my job," Brador lapsed into a coughing feat. Blood came out along as he did so.

"Please," Catherine pleaded, "Don't talk anymore. Please."

But Brador seemed to ignore her as he raised his weak arm and cupped her face. With a passionate smile, he struggled out his words even if tit cost him pain, "I have… always… protected and also… love you… Cathy…

Catherine held the hand at her face, and said, "I always lo-"

But she wasn't able to finish because right then, Brador's eyes closed and as time seemed to slow, his hand fell limply at his side, smearing Catherine's face with his blood. Catherine's eyes widened and she cried the bodyguard's name out loud. Her cry was full of vanity and an unspoken love.

Yuurei laughed, amused at this.

At the corner where Hikari stood however, her rage broke out all of a sudden. The wind around the chamber flared and the turmoil destroyed all the Kagamis that were still alive. The ceiling above her gave way, as a tornado surrounded her. Daisuke, Lee and Wallace ran for cover as rocks and bricks started to crumble. Catherine stayed where she was, not moving even as rocks fell around her. Yuurei shaded his eyes from the roaring wind and his mirror barrier shielded him from the falling objects.

When the tornado died down, Hikari was seen, sitting on Taihu, the Legendary Griffin's back. Like the speed of rushing storms, Taihu, with Hikari, rushed forward with rage the same as his Warrior. The barrier that surrounded Yuurei gave way as the griffin collided with it. The barrier was cracked first, and then shattered, as it was too much for it to hold. Yuurei, surprised at the appearance of Taihu, didn't get away when Hikari leaped off Taihu and stabbed at his chest with her energy claws.

Hikari then pushed out her weapon, causing blood to spray on her, soaking her traveling dress. Daisuke and the rest were astounded at that. And what's more, Hikari didn't even flinch. Where else, Yuurei stared dumbly at his wounds and made no move to attack. With Hikari back at his side, Taihu focused in his power as Hikari wrote in runes and shouted, "AERO KURIESU!"

Taihu spread his wings and the wings glowed with greenish color. The concentrated energies were released and they rushed at Yuurei in the form of feathers. The feathers' quills plunged into Yuurei's flesh and following that, they exploded. Soon after, Yuurei's feature was covered and hidden by the light of the explosion.

When the flow of energies stopped, a maimed figure, which was beyond recognition, laid on the ground. Taihu and Hikari did not continue their assault because they knew their intention was finished. As if to proof it, Yuurei's body started to break into pieces, starting from the legs. The fragmented pieces drifted out through the opening in the ceiling till every bits of Yuurei had disappeared.

Daisuke, Wallace and Lee stood there. They are surprised at both the appearance of Taihu and also at what Hikari had just done. It was not the usual Hikari they were seeing. This girl that was standing there with blood dripping down her energy claws was clouded by her rage. Else, she would not have maimed the Master of Phantasm beyond recognition.

The tension in the room was broken when Hikari's eyes closed. She fainted just as Taihu was vanishing. Wallace had rushed forward in time to keep her from hurting herself from the mirror pieces on the ground. Daisuke moved closer to them and at the same time, Lee took in the surrounding. The blue hair boy said what was in everyone's mind, "What a mess."

*******

1008 A.D., 21st day of the sixth month…

A violet star inside the Star of Destiny, a spherical vision that was conjured, disappeared.

The Absolute Evil raised an eyebrow at this surprising incident. But after a moment, it was followed by a chuckled of amusement instead of those of regrets. Silently, he said to no one in an amused tone, "This is going to be interesting."

*******

1008 A.D., the sixth month…

Hikari woke up and found herself on a grand bed that was probably meant for royalty or those of high rank. She shifted her weak body and sat up unwillingly. Her body seemed to protest at that, but she knew she needed to move her aching body as it felt crammed.

Then, the door opened and Wallace walked in. The cyan-eyed boy was surprised at this as he sat down on a stool next to her bed and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Sore," Hikari told him. She asked after a moment of silent, "What happened anyway? And what day is it?"

"It's the 26th of the sixth month," replied Wallace, carefully avoiding telling her what had happened.

"I've been in bed five days?" Wallace nodded. "No wonder I felt so sore." She waved it off and went on, "No matter, you still haven't answer my other question."

Wallace sighed in defeat and asked, "You don't remember anything?"

"All I remember is seeing Yuurei murdered Brados."

Wallace sighed again. "After Yuurei killed Brados, you summoned Taihu in your rage. And I guess… you could pick up from there."

Hikari was silent. Suddenly, the bed sheet that she was holding to, felt so interesting. She tried not to think that she had yet again, killed another living person. A sudden emptiness filled her right then. And Hikari, being strong, did not let the tears flow. And like always, she reminded herself it was the right thing to do, the only thing to do. But this time, it doesn't seem to help. So, she asked another question, changing the subject, "How's Catherine doing?"

"She seemed to have gotten control of her emotion. Her tears had dried out, but now, she had turned very quiet," Wallace told Hikari.

"I think I'll have a talk with her later." Hikari pressed on, "Any other news?"

"We found my uncle, in a secret chamber in the Castle. And apparently, in a hidden section of the same room, which happens to be found by Daisuke by chance, there was this tablet that told us the location of another Holy Stone." Wallace paused before he went on; "Yousei told us there are also such tablet in other Castle City. However, we still don't know what this one says though, it's all in cryptic. And my uncle is still unconscious. The only one we can ask right now is Catherine. But as I told you, she refused to talk to anyone."

"I think I can handle this." Hikari started to get out of the bed and found that her old traveling dress was replaced with a newer one. However, this one was grander than her previous one, with golden sewing that outlined it. Once she finished admiring, she said to Wallace, "Take me to Catherine's room."

*******

1008 A.D., 26th day of the sixth month…

Hikari gave a polite knock before she entered Catherine's room. Wallace had stayed outside at Hikari's advice, as she said this was girl's business. When Hikari got a good look at Catherine, who was sat on her bed with her eyes staring into blank space, she shook her head. The brown hair girl then moved to take a seat next to her. Along the way, Hikari grabbed a comb from Catherine's dresser. When she was next to her, Hikari slowly combed Catherine's long blonde hair that was in mess.

That seems to get Catherine's attention and she asked, "You're out of bed already?"

"Yeah, I needed a walk or something like that." Hikari then said, "Besides, I need to talk to you too anyway."

"About Brados?"

Hikari nodded. And at the answer, Catherine clung onto the girl next to her and let her tears renew. Between her wailing, she let out her feelings, "Oh, Hikari! I didn't get to tell him… I didn't… even as his life slowly slipped away! I was so afraid… so very afraid right then! I didn't know what to do! What to do to make him felt… better! Why? Why this must happen… to me?"

Hikari got hold of the crying girl's shoulder and said to her, "Catherine, listen to me, he told you that he loved you, even before death. And I can hear his voice clearly when he said that. It was filled with every love he has for you even though he knew loving you was forbidden, as he was just a bodyguard. And if he is true to what he had said, I'm also sure that he wouldn't want you to gloat over his sacrifice. His sacrifice for you."

Catherine, who was still in tears, told Hikari, "I know that…. But it was just too painful… too sudden… he was there one moment… and he was gone in another…"

"I understand," Hikari whispered, remembering the time when her grandfather had passed away. "But they will always live. If not in this world, then in our hearts; at least in my opinion." Hikari made the crying girl faced her and she said as she looked straight into Catherine's cyan eyes, "So, we must carry memories of him, so long as we live. And never forget what wonderful moments you have with him. Cherished every moment you have with him. But remember Catherine, though it would painful, life has to go on."

Catherine seemed to understand finally as her tears stopped. Her hand moved to get the handkerchief in her pockets and she dapped it at her eyes. She then thanked Hikari, "Thanks Hikari, for putting things into perspective for me. I think I would continue to moan if you hadn't talked me to my sense."

"You're welcome." She then turned her gaze to the door, "And to those three boys out there, you all can stop eavesdropping and come in."

As if in response, the three boys, Wallace, Daisuke and Lee, stumbled into the room. Lee, who was pinned on the floor, complained at how heavy the two boys who were on top of him as he struggled to get upright. When the boys had plucked themselves up, Hikari told them, "I would appreciate it if you guys wouldn't pry into a girl's conversation again. Less, like my friend Sora, who's back in my village, I would pulled at the ears of each of you."

"Uh… Hikari, we were just… uh," stammered Daisuke.

"Yes?" came the question in a very cold tone.

Wallace shuddered at that and decided to interrupt then, "Okay, I'm really sorry for this. But I'm really worried at my cousin and I couldn't help but listened to what you had said. Daisuke and Lee here had joined me without even me knowing it."

Daisuke and Lee both rubbed the back of their heads at the same time and Catherine and Hikari laughed at that, which got their faces even redder. Once the laughter died down, Catherine said, "I think we'll let it slip this time Hikari."

Hikari nodded in agreement.

After another short giggle, Lee said, "Then ah… I guess we should ask about what the tablet had said."

"The tablet?" Catherine asked. "You found it?"

"Yeah. But we still doesn't know what it meant though"

"I'm sorry, but Wallace haven't told me what it says," Hikari said.

"Oh! Sorry," Wallace apologized. "It goes like this: 'The Magic Stones which held power will be close to one of the Warriors who read this, as close as one can be. Seek this person out for this person holds the answer to this tablet'," Wallace completed. "But it still doesn't make any sense though."

Catherine giggled and said, "That's simple." She moved to her closet and she opened it. Inside, in a secret compartment, she took out a round stone that doesn't seem to hold any magical properties that a Holy Stone had. "I don't know what is it, but this round thing had been handed down for generations in our family. For years, we have been protecting it. It might be the answer of that tablet."

As she passed the stone to Wallace, the boy's Kadaan materialized suddenly. Upon that, the gray stone shimmered and its outer layer broke, revealing a greenish orb. The word in runes 'Hana' was seen in its depth. Slowly, it inserted itself into the base of the three-pointed weapon. With its new upgrade, the handle of the trident changed into a yellow-green colour. Around the Shizen stone, long metal leaves grew and twirled on the upper part of the handle.

Once Kadaan vanished, Wallace stared in awed at the empty space where his trident was supposed to be. And needless to say, everyone was surprised at that too. However, the silence was then broken by Yousei's cheerful voice, Yeah! You found the Hana Stone, Wallace!

I'm sure you know what it is capable of Wallace, Suzaku said and the boy nodded in response. But its true power have not been release yet. Right now, you can only draw part of its power.

To remove its seal, that, you need to ask Tenshi, Taihu supplied.

But no matter, at least we found another Holy Stone! Cheered Yousei. And one that is mine as well!

Yes, that's right, Suzaku agreed. But our time is short; we must retire to our dimension soon.

But before that, Taihu said. Hikari, do not exhaust yourself too much. Summoning me had drained your strength, as like the last time. I suggest you gave rest another thought before you all set out to find the rest of the Warriors and also these secondary Holy Stones, which we will reveal in time.

Once the Guardian's presence disappeared. A knock came from the direction of the door and the Castle advisor, who is an old man at his late sixties, broke in. He gasped as he brought the news to them, "My lady, the Lord has awakened."

*******

1008 A.D., 3rd day of the seventh month…

"Take care now, Catherine," Wallace said to his cousin.

The blonde hair girl did not reply. Instead, she hugged her cousin, who now wore a pale purple linen tunic with olive trouser and knee-high boots, and wept into his shoulder openly. Wallace felt his cheeks got red of embarrassment. However, he did not make any move to get away as he was afraid that it would hurt Catherine's feeling.

Daisuke, who noticed this, couldn't help but snickered. The maroon hair boy wore similar trouser and boots. The difference was, he wore an orange short sleeve cloth and a matching vest over it. And as expected, his goggle was perched on his head like his best friend.

Wallace made a mental note to get even with Daisuke as he caught him snickering. But as if understanding him, Lee had moved to the back of the maroon hair boy and smacked his head as 'gentle' as he could. Daisuke then rubbed his head and scowled at Lee who now had on a simple blue tunic and the also the same trouser and boots. Though, the blue hair boy had on a cape that can hood him when needed.

Hikari giggled politely at this, with her hand covering her lips. The girl was perfectly fitted in a white traveling dress that, like the one she had on before, it had golden trimmings that outlined it. Other than that, she had on a red cloak that was given to her by Catherine.

Kheva, the Lord of Mescaria, said regretfully to his nephew, "I hope I could do more than this to help."

Wallace answered as best as he could since Catherine still clung to him, "I think what you did was more than enough uncle. The gold you provided us, food rations, and even these fine horses." Wallace indicated the black mare at his side. "And besides, you even provided us a pass into Ovelia. That's more than we could ask for, uncle. And certainly, we couldn't thank you enough."

"Yet…." Kheva shook his head and said; "I guess I shouldn't delay you all any further. I understand your journey is of utmost importance and time is running short. I'll do what I can to talk with the other lords. I just hope they'll listen, considering the situation that we're in now."

"Thanks, uncle."

Catherine finally unhooked herself from Wallace and stepped back. She took out her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes as she said her farewell, "Goodbye, Lee Daisuke, Hikari. It's really a pleasure meeting you all here. And especially you Hikari, thank you for everything."

"You're welcome," Hikari accepted the gratitude.

"I guess we should be off then!" Daisuke moved next to his brown mare and saddled in.

Lee raised an eyebrow as he noticed that Daisuke got it right this time. The Winters and Hikari had already spent quite some time, teaching Daisuke and himself how to ride a horse as they never ridden one in their entire life. Fortunately, Lee proved to be a quick learner. But it took quite a lot of attempts for Daisuke successfully got the whole concepts of horse riding.

The other three got on their respective animal and they faced Kheva and Catherine. After a final bid of farewell, the four of them started out in a canter, moving along the tile streets of Barole, and leaving the Castle's gate behind. As there were carriages using the streets as well, the four riders don't seemed to obvious.

As they moved along, Daisuke asked, "So, what do we do in Ovelia again?"

Lee sighed and answered his best friend, "We'd ask the King for passes that would permit us entry into any Castle City. Only then, do we decide what's next."

"But this is stupid. Couldn't our Guardians tell us what's written in each and every tablets?" Daisuke complained.

"Unfortunately, Daisuke, Taihu had told us before that the contents change every time. They wouldn't possibly stay the same," Hikari supplied. "And now, after a thousand years, the contents must have changed millions of times already."

"Isn't this convenience?" Daisuke muttered sarcastically.

Wallace laughed and said, "Hey, look on the bright side! At least we'd get to go around the world and sees lots and lots of new things."

They finally reached the gate that provided entrance to the city. They left the Castle City protected wall and into an endless grassland. With the wind blowing their way, the four teenagers nodded at each other in agreement. In a flash, they were out and galloping towards the largest continent of Gaea, Serenegade.

Stand by me nagareru rajio wo mune ni daku
Bokutachi wa doko mademo tooku tooku yukeru hazu
Mada daremo shiranai basho ima mezashi hashirihajimeru

With the sound of the radio playing "Stand By Me" in our hearts
We should be able to go anywhere, no matter how far, far away
Aiming for a place no one knows of yet, we start to run

Taiyou no hikari ni kirameku harappa nukete
Kiteki no oto takaku boku no mune mo takanaru dokidoki

Escaping the empty lot shining in the sun's light
With the loud noise of the train whistle my heart throbs excitedly

Madogoshi ni kawaru keshiki ga yume e to tsuzuite iku

The changing scenery through the window continues on to a dream

Stand by me nagareru rajio wo mune ni daki
Bokutachi wa dokomademo tooku tooku yukerun da
Yume ni made mita bouken ima mezashi ugokihajimeru

With the sound of the radio playing "Stand By Me" in our hearts
We'll go anywhere, no matter how far, far away
Aiming for the adventure we saw in our dreams, we begin to move

Tonneru wo nukereba otona ni natta kibun
Hoho wo naderu kaze ni boku no kimochi takamaru wakuwaku

Breaking through the tunnel, we feel like we've grown up
The wind on my cheeks, my excitement builds

Itsuka mita eiga no you ni senro wa tsuzuite yuku

Just like in a movie, the tracks continue on forever

Stand by me nagareru rajio wo mune ni daki
Bokutachi wa doko mademo tooku tooku yukeru yo ne
Mada daremo shiranai chizu ima hiroge egakihajimeru

With the sound of the radio playing "Stand By Me" in our hearts
We can go anywhere, no matter how far, far away
Unfolding an unknown map, we begin to draw it out

Stand by me nagareru rajio ni omoiyose
Bokutachi wa doko mademo tooku tooku yume wo miru
Yukisaki no nai kippu wo ima mune ni boku wa tabidatsu

With the sound of the radio playing "Stand By Me" in our hearts
No matter where we are we dream far, far away dreams
With a ticket to an unknown destination in my heart, I set off on a journey

***********************************************************************************************

Basic Statistics:

*This section is the first time ever being used in fanfiction.net. Therefore, it belongs to me. If any authors who wanted to use this concept in their own story, please inform me and ask my permission first before doing so. Thank you!!

*Those numbers in brackets belongs to the characters' respective guardian.

Main characters:

Takaishi Takeru (None)

Level: 14

Hp: 804

Sp: 67

Mp: N/A

Strength: 27

Magic: N/A

Defense: 21

Mag. Defense: 19

Speed: 35

Luck: 100

Skills learned:

- Kabutowari (6 Sp)

- Sazanka (8 Sp)

Magics learned:

- N/A

Yagami Hikari (Taihu)

Level: 18 (24)

Hp: 715

Sp: 48

Mp: 122

Strength: 16 (39)

Magic: 46 (37)

Defense: 17 (33)

Mag. Defense: 37 (31)

Speed: 31

Luck: 120

Skills learned:

- Kamaitachi (10 Sp)

- Uzumaku no Kaze (20 Sp)

Magics learned:

- Wind Cutter (8 Mp)

- Air Slash (12 Mp)

- Cyclone (16 Mp)

- Aero Cries (28 Mp)

- Tornado (32 Mp)

- *Summoning _ Taihu* (100 Mp)

Ichijozi Ken (Seiryu)

Level: 12 (20)

Hp: 587

Sp: 44

Mp: 67

Strength: 17 (36)

Magic: 26 (30)

Defense: 14 (24)

Mag. Defense: 30 (27)

Speed: 20

Luck: 130

Skills learned:

- Wareme ga Atama (23 Sp)

Magics learned:

- Spread (9 Mp)

- Ice Wall (15 Mp)

- Hail Storm (28 Mp)

Inoue Miyako (Genbu)

Level: 11 (18)

Hp: 576

Sp: 46

Mp: 42

Strength: 19 (36)

Magic: 16 (22)

Defense: 26 (43)

Mag. Defense: 12 (17)

Speed: 13

Luck: 80

Skills learned:

- Kanazuchi (7 Sp)

- Kami o-sage (7 Sp)

- Oogama (9Sp)

Magics learned:

- Stone Wall (10 Mp)

- Rock Break (17 Mp)

Motomiya Daisuke (Suzaku)

Level: 14 (18)

Hp: 857

Sp: 70

Mp: 45

Strength: 36 (32)

Magic: 17 (25)

Defense: 30 (23)

Mag. Defense: 13 (18)

Speed: 22

Luck: 40

Skills learned:

- Tenga _ Hien Ren Kyaku (6 Sp)

- Tenga _ Rengadan (10 Sp)

- Tenga _ Hachi Yourenga (12 Sp)

- Tenga _ Shishi Senkou (24 Sp)

- Tenga _ Majin Hien Kyaku (28 Sp)

Magics learned:

- Fireball (9 Mp)

- Flame Wall (11 Mp)

Hida Iori (Byakko)

Level: 11 (14)

Hp: 710

Sp: 65

Mp: 34

Strength: 22 (24)

Magic: 15 (18)

Defense: 18 (18)

Mag. Defense: 12 (17)

Speed: 15

Luck: 70

Skills learned:

- Majin Ken (5 Sp)

- Raijin Ken (12 Sp)

- Tatsuumaki, Kougeki suru (17 Sp)

Magics learned:

- None

Wallace de Winter (Yousei)

Level: 14 (19)

Hp: 995

Sp: 59

Mp: 48

Strength: 24 (30)

Magic: 20 (36)

Defense: 21 (27)

Mag. Defense: 20 (25)

Speed: 21

Luck: 60

Skills learned:

- Yousou Shuugeki (15 Sp)

- Hitenryubu (26 Sp)

Magics learned:

- Leaf Dance (14 Mp)

- Vicious Vine (21 Mp)

Misc. Characters:

Lee Jenrya

Level: 12

Hp: 679

Sp: 65

Mp: N/A

Strength: 26

Magic: N/A

Defense: 24

Mag. Defense: 13

Speed: 18

Luck: 90

Skills learned:

- Tenga _ Tsumujikaze (7 Sp)

- Tenga _ Gariuukuuha (13 Sp)

- Tenga _ Hien Ren Ten Kyaku (33 Sp)

Magics learned:

- N/A

*Note that Takeru, Ken, Miyako and Iori's stats had increased by one level each. Let's just says that they'd encountered random battles along the way to Serenegade.

***********************************************************************************************

Translations:

Magic:

Miruroru Sharudo – Mirror Shard

Uindo Kutsuteru – Wind Cutter

Reafu Dense – Leaf Dance

Aero Kuriesu – Aero Cries

Miscellaneous:

Kousen – Ray

Naosu – Cure/Heal/Remedy

Hyouga – Glacier

Tate – Shield

Hana – Flower/Bloom

Kajii – Blaze

Chikara – Force

Author's Note:

With one Evil Warrior out of the way, things would seem easier. But, don't get so happy cause the thirteen other Evil Warriors that are to come, will be a thousand times more powerful than Yuurei.

Anyway, I'll take some time with the next chapter, as it'll be quite long and a lot of important stuffs in it. Also, as a sneak preview, the first frontier character will be in next chapter. Guess who it is and place it in your review (Just for the fun of it). One tries only though.

The song above is 'Stand By Me ~Hito Natsu no Bouken~'. This song could be heard in Digimon Adventure 02 movie, 'Digimon Adventure 02 : Supreme Evolution! The Golden Digimentals!'

With that, wait for the next chapter, 'Ovelia, the Capital of Serenegade'.