Destiny
*Disclaimer*
I DON'T OWN DIGIMON OR EVEN FLAME OF RECCA.
Author's Note:
Once again, I'm waaaaay late to past a new chapter. I just hope dracotk would not hunt for me soon… *glances left and right for any sign of him*. Well, in any case, I wouldn't comment much! Just go ahead and enjoy this chapter!
Just one thing… SORRY EVERYONE FOR THE LATENESS!!
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Destiny – Chapter Seven: The Stone of Glacier
1008 A.D., 8th day of the eight month…
Tracking trough the dense pine forest, a boy with golden blonde hair thought absently to himself. His brilliant blue eyes remained focused as he recounted the experiences for the past few months. Indeed, becoming a Holy Warrior himself, Takaishi Takeru was quite shocked at how his life had turned out to be. Never would he thought that a simple shinobi boy can ever be an individual with such power – though not a full fledge Holy Warrior yet.
True, everything had been so hectic and there was bloodshed every step ahead… yet… amongst all the chaos, the boy found joy in them – meeting the rest of the Holy Warriors for one. They were a friendly bunch, and the boy loved all of them as if they were his own family. But for a certain young brown hair girl, the boy found that he felt for her differently. Not only that he cared for her safety, there's this feeling in him that made him want to be by her side for eternity.
As he pondered on, a girl – the same brown hair girl that was in Takeru's mind – came to his side. Takeru took notice of Yagami Hikari, and smiled at her warmly. The girl returned the smile and asked, "Thinking hard about something?"
Takeru shook his head and answered, "No… not really."
There was a short silence in which, made the two Holy Warriors felt odd. The 'incident' that happened just the day before had been a shocking one. Though their friends intruded upon it, Hikari was quite glad it turned out that way. She wouldn't want Takeru to think that she was taking advantage of him or something even worse than that. Hikari was almost sure that the voice of Yagami Taichi – her brother – was nagging from somewhere in her head.
Finally finding her voice, Hikari told Takeru at almost a whisper, "Um… Takeru… the thing that happened to us yesterday… you know… that 'event'," Takeru nodded in affirmative, as he knew exactly what the girl was referring to. Unsure of her words, Hikari continued forcefully, "I wasn't tak-"
Takeru interrupted right then and said, "I know what are you trying to say – you thought you were manipulating my feelings."
Hikari nodded and kept silent – nervous.
Takeru gave a light giggle then, loosening the tense situation, "You don't need to worry about it. I know what exactly is my… what exactly is our feelings right then. You did not do anything wrong. In fact, I was… really happy that…"
Takeru did not finish his sentence – some words were best left unsaid, but instead, it would be better if it were shown affectively. So, Takeru laced his fingers around Hikari's, shyly but passionately. Immediately, the girl could feel that a large burden had been lifted off her shoulders. Now, feeling assured and happy, she snuggled closer to the boy, as they continued down the steep hill.
Somewhere behind the two happy couple, Inoue Miyako snickered and said to herself, "Isn't this interesting…"
"What is?"
The sudden question resulted in a shocked cried from Miyako. The girl turned and glared at the violet hair boy that had somehow came to her side, unnoticed. Angered, the girl said, "Ichijouji Ken, this is none of your business, so just shoo! Buzz off!"
Miyako indicated it with a few shooing waves.
Ken shrugged and joined Meredy and Chariot who is further behind them. At first, he just walked alongside the quiet siblings with nothing in mind, but then; feeling perturbed, he asked Meredy, "Where is this place that you spoke off anyway?"
Meredy just smiles and said, "You'll see."
However, the simple answer made Ken felt uneasy of the place that they are headed. He just knew that something bad would happen there. Something is extremely wrong with the two newcomers. And something just didn't feel right…
*******
1008 A.D., 13th day of the ninth month…
As the ground continued to shake, and as the volcano prepared to erupt, all seemed helpless for the four boys who were still far from the exit. When they reached the cavern where a large hole was, lava gushed out from the ground. The boys stared helplessly at the approaching magma that could have burned them alive. However, Daisuke was suddenly enveloped in a red light, his body flared with searing flames.
With the unexpected event, the ground shook even harder, and unknown to the boys, the sky outside had turned into a bright orange colour. Fire and magma alike gushed out from the unseen holes and the black veil above parted as the flame pierced through it. Then, the fire around Daisuke spread, covering the other three boys as well. The other Warriors thought that the fire was sure to consume and burn them alive, but yet, there weren't any signs of pain.
From the village, the villagers watched in despair as lava came flowing down like flood from the peak of the volcano. There was no point in running – they knew it was already too late for that. But then light shone out from the peak, and the back of a large bird like creature emerged from it. The volcano's peak broke apart as the flaming bird spread its wing and flew high up into the sky. As it did so, the flaming bird left sparkled of glittering dusts in its wake.
Suzaku flew in circle around the volcano, creating a barrier of some sort. The villagers began to fall on their knees, face cupped within their palms. In silent prayers, the villagers prayed to the Holy Guardian for the safety of the village. And as an answer, there was a bright flash of light. The soft ray flooded everything within 50 kilometers radius. When the light died, the sky was once again its sky blue. The ground seemed untouched despite the heavy quake, and the scene was how it used to be…
"Ah!" Motomiya Daisuke stretched as he inhaled lungful of sea air. "Kirei na!"
The Castle City of Flamberge, Chambard, was probably the most populated city in the world of Gaea. As this city was a port city, people of all races can be seen running around. Traders can be seen busying their mouths with other traders. Ship workers would be seen loading and unloading spices and goods from their masters' ship. And children, though still young, could be seen selling the goods their parents brought, in shops or booths that had been pitched up. With its multiracial community, Flamberge can be considered the most popular Castle City.
The maroon hair boy, Motomiya Daisuke ran from shops to shops in hope to buy something that might catch his attention. Lee Jenrya, Daisuke's best friend, tried his best to stop the boy from burning the traders' store when Daisuke failed to obtain his desired price. Wallace de Winter, a boy who grew up in a city, was accustomed to such commotion, but the situation was a total opposite for the samurai boy, Hida Iori. Iori, who had spent his entire childhood life in a village, was awed at the amount of people here. However, he found that it was very annoying, as every once in a while; people were bound to bump onto him.
"Dai, it's time to go!" Jenrya pulled at Daisuke's ear, as he dragged the reluctant boy towards the spot where Jenrya had told the other two Holy Warriors to meet. "We've no time to waste as the ship bound for Gwarthen will leave soon!"
"Wait, Jen! I still have three more shops to go!"
Despite the boy's protests, Jenrya ignored Daisuke, who's cursing in a lot of different ways, and continued to drag him off. Even though this comical scene caught the attentions of the crowds, Jenrya didn't seem to mind, as he was already used to people gawking towards him and Daisuke. Sometimes he even thought that others were just jealous of their close friendship. But in any case, the blue hair boy continued to tow Daisuke towards the port.
The port of the Castle City Chambard was a beautiful sight to behold. Other than the stunning scenery the rows of different ships atop the calm ocean were something that was worth seeing. Each and every ship that was docked had their own designs and sizes, furthermore the lowered sails; bear the insignia of the ships' owner. The insignia actually represent the class and the origin of that particular trader family. Those who have no insignia on their ships are considered as normal sailors or traders who had lost their status.
Both Iori and Wallace were already waiting at the port impatiently. When Jenrya and Daisuke arrived, they could see that Wallace had his arms crossed and his feet were thumping on the floor loud enough for them to hear. Iori however, remained cool and said or showed nothing, however he did acknowledge their arrival by walking towards the ship that was headed for Gwarthen.
Just a few days before, Jenrya and the rest had actually struck a deal with a trader family that was about to depart for Gwarthen for business purposes. It was sheer chance that the Warriors had actually bumped into this family, less they wouldn't even know how to reach Gwarthen, as there were not many ships that went to the Dry Continent. The reason it being so was because there were no other cities except for the Capital City in Gwarthen. The rest of the living habitats were only villages or small towns.
In actual, the Warriors did not even go into the Castle of the Chambard, as they saw no point in doing so. Back in Daisuke and Jenrya's hometown, they had already discovered the second Holy Stone for Daisuke, which is called 'Stone of Blaze' as explained by Suzaku. Therefore, the obvious destination right at the moment would be Gwarthen, where another Holy Stone awaits them.
"Are you ready to depart?" Daj, one of the children of the trader family they were following, asked when the Warriors approached the ship.
The trader family, whom they were following, was named the Kalaria family. The Kalaria family owned a huge ship that could easily fit more than a hundred people or even more. This family, of course, had a head named Kol, who had three wives and at least eighteen children. Of course, both his parents were also part of the members of the ship. At first, it shocked Jenrya and his friends that the Kalaria was such a big family. But later, they found out that it was very normal for a trader family to have such numbers.
"Yeah, we're ready," Jenrya, confirmed even though his hand was still "plugged" onto Daisuke's ear. The maroon hair boy was still struggling to escape.
"Okay," Daj replied. The brown skin girl then led the Warriors up the ship by a ramp. Once they were safely aboard the ship, she shouted as loud as bell ringing by the ears, "All aboard!"
Somewhere above the tallest mast where a circular platform was, a boy echoed Daj's words. At the front of the ship, two sailors began wheeling the anchor up and some others were lowering the ship's sail. Some giddy younger children of the family ran out from the cabin to taste the salty air. And as all of these were happening, Jenrya and the Warriors were led to their cabins, except for Wallace who wished to get some fresh air.
After a few minutes the ship began to set sail for Gwarthen…
*******
1008 A.D., 8th day of the eight month…
The entrance of the Water Temple was only a small hole in the ground. To the eyes of the four Warriors – Takeru, Hikari, Ken and Miyako, there was nothing that could be seen. The hole seemed to lead to an endless drop to the abyss where complete darkness swallowed a person. Needless to say, they were confused. Therefore, Ken turned around and asked Meredy with a raised eyebrow, "Are you sure you've brought us to the right place?"
"Positive," Meredy replied confidently. "I knew this area like the back of my hand. That hole will bring you to the place where the Holy Stone, Hyouga, was sealed."
Miyako hesitated, "I don't know… that hole looks scary…"
"I'll go first if it bothers you," Chariot offered while waving his spear cheerfully.
However, the spiky hair boy did not wait for a reply from the others. Almost immediately, he stepped over the space and let himself fell into it. Miyako nearly fainted at what Chariot just did. Never in her mind had she thought that the boy would really jump in. She thought Chariot had only meant it as a joke to assure her or something like that.
"Well now, shall we?" Meredy asked and followed her brother's lead.
The Warriors traded looks, unsure if this was a trick. But then, knowing that they standing there without any action were wasting their time, Takeru shrugged and jumped in. After a few second of thinking, Hikari followed as well. When Ken looked at Miyako, he saw that every single expression from the girl showed that she would rather stay behind. Regardless of what she might say later, Ken grabbed Miyako's hand and pulled her along with him.
The drop was a very long one. For Miyako, who screamed all the way, it felt like an eternal nightmare. The two males however, were handling it just fine. Ken especially, was finding a lot of fun in this. Takeru himself was nonetheless thrilled as well. For the Wind Warrior, Hikari, it was a good thing that she knew how to manipulate the air and allow her to float down slowly instead of a fast drop.
As they fell deeper, the width and diameter of the hole grew. Along the way, they skimmed over roots and some creepy crawlers. But what caught the eyes of the alert Warriors was the glowing speck of green lights around them. The lights seemed to be produced by fireflies, but it was not likely as there was no solid form within the light. At one point, Hikari reached out for the lights, but they broke into smaller parts. Fascinated, Hikari smiled.
Miyako began to fear that the long drop would kill them, but just as she thought so, she felt her body plunged into water. Subsequently, her hand that was locked onto Ken's was released. Immediately, Miyako opened her closed eyes and swam frantically to the surface. However, there did not seem to be one – all around her, it was just clear water and walls. Then, she thought of the hole that she had fallen through, she knew she would get some air there. Panicking, she began to swim left and right, up and down – directionless.
But then, something else began to envelope her body – something that had no substance. Through her eyes, it was as if a spherical shape bubble had surrounded her. Yet that was not the only surprising thing, the bubble was somehow filtering the water out of the barrier and was providing oxygen for her. Catching in lungful of it, Miyako's heartbeats began to slow down. Following that, she began to search for her friend, but it seemed pointless as they, surrounded by bubbles as well, were coming towards her.
When they swam closer to each other, the bubbles that surrounded the four Warriors seemed to merge, forming into a larger one. Instantly, Miyako reached for Ken's shirt and pulled him towards her. Threateningly, she warned him, "Don't you ever dare do that to me again!"
"Ah… I got the message," Ken sweat-dropped. Then more seriously she told the rest as Miyako released him, "I think we'll be safe in the bubble that Ensui had created. We just need to look for Chariot and Meredy now."
But then, the two siblings suddenly came into the protection of the bubble as well. Gratefully, Chariot said, "Thankfully you have this ability, for a second I thought I'm going to die of suffocation."
"Wait, do you mean that you never knew there are water here!" Miyako screamed.
Chariot backed away and answered, "Ah… I just know that it's safe to jump in here. And beside… my sister and I only know the way till the entrance – which is the hole above."
Hikari, knowing that this would turn ugly, immediately said, "Well, in any case, we better search for the Water Temple instead."
Letting it go, Miyako turned away.
All of them started to move in unison towards one route. The water-filled cavern that they fell into seemed to have only a single tunnel. All the while, their search was filled by two things, which were a complaining Miyako and a cheerful Chariot. Takeru actually found the noise very amusing as he had hoped that the search would be an eventful one.
When they reached the end of the tunnel, a large blue door seemed to bar their path. Chariot and the rest of the guys tried their best to open it. But tried as they did, the door wouldn't even creak. Just when they were giving up and tried to look for another exit, Ken's Ensui, which was in his pocket, shone brightly. Even through the fabric, the light was blinding towards the eye. However, the door seemed to response to it as it inched open little by little.
Finally, the opening was big enough for them to enter.
Just as the Warriors stepped through the door, their protective bubble vanished. Miyako was about to screamed as she feared that the water would envelope her again but she felt air instead. Looking behind her, there were as if a barrier separating the water outside from the room inside. Fascinated, she reached out, feeling her hand in the water.
Takeru looked around him. Everywhere, all the things were in blue. The tall pillar that held the ceiling, the enormous vases that decorated every corner and the blue carpet that led to a single gigantic door, everything were in blue. Even the wild flowers and grasses that somehow found a way to grow in there were of the same colour. But yet, the most captivating thing that caught most of their sight was the statue of a blue dragon, which was protruding out from the wall above the gigantic door ahead. Every single carving of the statue showed that it was an excellent work of art, a masterpiece. However, it was not the statue that spelled them to the floor, it was the fact that the statue almost looked alive and somehow… vaguely familiar…
"Ken… doesn't that looked like Seiryu?" Takeru asked his friend who was also staring at the statue of the blue dragon.
Ken pondered on the question a bit before he answered, "I don't know… you can say it does."
Of course it does! This is the sunken temple that was built long ago to worship me!
The sudden mind-speaking that came from Seiryu surprised everyone to say the least, even Meredy who seemed to know a lot of the history of Guardians. Miyako actually fell on her back for fear that it was a ghost of some kind that haunted this place had appeared. Chariot also had the same sort of reaction as Miyako; only, he fell back because mainly of the fact that a Holy Guardian had actually made an attempt to speak to them through wherever the Guardians resided in.
"You sly old dragon! Don't scare us like that!" Miyako shouted waving her clenched fist around.
Seiryu laughed in response and told her, Well, I can't blame you. It has been awhile since any of the Guardians speak to you. It isn't our fault anyway; these sorts of communications drain us a lot. In a more jokingly manner, Seiryu added And might I say, we Guardians also have our own holidays you know. We're not to watch over you every single minute.
Oscar nudged at Takeru and whispered into his ear, "Is it just me or the Guardian has a sense of humour?"
Well, back to business, Seiryu indicated it with a 'ahem'. This place as you might already know is the Aoi Ryu no Reihaido. I thing you all called it Water Temple. But never mind that… as I said earlier this place was built to worship me but after so many hundred years, it has already become what it is now – sunken below the lake which it was built upon. Well, enough history and allow me to tell you about the Holy Stone that you are searching for. There was another 'ahem' as Seiryu began, The Holy Stone Hyouga, is a stone that is related to the Holy Stone that Ken – my favourite Warrior since he holds my stone – has. That is why it will most likely be in here. However, how it gets in here when it was not here a few hundred years ago and how the two of the 'Warrior of the Beginning' found out about it is beyond my knowledge.
"Wait a minute! Those information aren't much help!" Miyako protested almost accusingly.
Seiryu laughed again and said, In the first moment young lady, I don't intend to give any information that will help you all out since I don't have any. And beside, my communication with you now is due to the purpose of flattering myself.
With another laugh, the mind speaking was disconnected.
Almost immediately after Seiryu's departure, Miyako swore savagely and said to no one, "That sly old dragon is getting on my nerve!"
"Actually, I kinda like him," Chariot admitted.
However, Miyako – who was feeling crossed – retorted back at Chariot with some insulting comments and the two immediately started to bicker. Takeru, Hikari and Ken, looked at each other and shrugged. Feeling that they are wasting more time than they already should, the three Warriors walked ahead of the rest. Just as before, when they were about to reach the gigantic door, Ensui seemed to shine again. Following so, the gigantic door slide inwardly itself.
Miyako and Chariot, who didn't seem to notice any of it, were still arguing. Meredy had already joined the three and moved ahead. This time, they stepped into another cavernous blue chamber that has the same layout as the room before. The only difference between these two rooms was: this new one had a large pool that was filled with crystal clear-water in the middle of it. Behind the pool, there seemed to be steps leading to a higher ground. As Ken looked above the steps, there was no doubt that there was another door. But in front of that door, there was some sort of crystal-alike pedestal hovering above the ground. To him, it was no doubt that the pedestal was placed there recently.
"There's no point standing here. Let's go and have a look," Takeru said after he saw the pedestal as well. Turning his head towards where the other two Warriors were, he said, "Miyako! Chariot! We're moving ahead without you!"
Hikari giggled sweetly and remarked, " I think the two of them are too busy to take notice of your statement."
Takeru shrugged as Ken said, "Ki ni shinaide."
Somewhere ahead, Meredy commented with a smile plastered on her face, "All of you are really fun to be with… just like my previous companions."
As they continued on, the ground seemed to shake, though no one notice it except for Takeru, as it was a small one. Stopping on his pace, he looked around to search for any abnormalities. He found nothing, but when he looked towards the ceiling above, the blond hair boy noticed that there seemed to be small fragments of the ceiling falling into the pool. Therefore, his attention was now diverted towards the pool, which seemed to have bubble bubbling out in the center of it. Takeru's eyes widened in recognition but he was too late to give a warning.
A long and thick tentacle shot out from the pool and slammed at the three Warriors ahead. Meredy, who was further ahead, was spared, but Hikari and Ken were thrown onto the wall. The force of the tentacle was so strong that the wall cracked when the two warriors were struck onto it. However, the attack was not finish; another tentacle shot out and slammed the gigantic door shut. This action disconnected Miyako and Chariot, who had finally stopped bickering, from them.
Even so, Takeru wasted no time. As he ran forward towards Hikari and Ken, his golden naginata appeared on his outstretched hand.
A third tentacle appeared and tried to strike at the two Warriors who hadn't recovered from their shock. Just when it was about to reached them, Takeru had whizzed in and carried the two of them away at an astounding speed. The tentacle hit the wall instead and destroyed part of it. Therefore, water began to seep in because of the crack.
Fluttering her wings, Meredy rose high up towards the ceiling. She then fetched for her flute that was hidden behind her back and played a short tune. And as she did so, her mind thought of a single word, 'Fugue!'
The necklace that Meredy wore shone brightly as she called upon the power of her Stone of Beginning, Senritsu. Then, out of nowhere, spiraling energy missiles were launched and streamed towards the visible tentacles. One of the three tentacles was fortunate to escape the brunt of Meredy attack, however, the other two were blasted into smithereens, leaving not a single trace. But the Warriors did not rejoice over it as the destroyed tentacles immediately grew back at an alarming rate.
Following the blow, there was a high-pitched screeching sound that caused the whole room to shake. This caused the shattered wall to emit more water from the outside. And suddenly, from the middle of the pool, the creature that was attacking them rose out. The huge creature has a humanoid shape, and it has a grotesque head with a mouth filled with rolls and rolls of teeth. The source of the tentacles was actually the fingers of this creature. Therefore, it has a total of ten tentacles. The lower half of its body remained unnoticed, as the creature was still half submerged.
"A Kraken!" Meredy gasped from above.
But the half-sprite was forced to push aside her shock for the moment as three tentacles were headed her way. Meredy dodged them as best as she could, and thanks to the size of the chamber, she was able to do so without much difficulties.
At one of the corner of the chamber, Takeru had placed both Hikari and Ken on their feet. However, the shinobi boy did not moved from his spot as his friends were still in a state of shock. Instead, he stood his ground and fended off the incoming tentacles with the best he could muster. But due to the size of it, Takeru had a hard time in doing so.
Ken was the first to recover from his shocked condition. He fished out the hilt of his Ensui and focused. The Holy Stone, Mizu, at the base of the hilt shone as the blade of Ensui that was made of water appeared. Immediately standing on his own two feet, he stood next to Takeru and helped the blonde hair boy.
Hikari, though a little groggy, called for her Kuuki. Letting her thoughts flowed free and pushing the carnage in the room aside, she concentrated. She felt the little air in the chamber blew through her hair and she heard their calls, pleading her to shape them and use them. Raising her left hand that had her Kuuki, Hikari shouted her spell, "Aero Kuriesu!"
Without her Holy Guardian, Taihu, the wind magic that Hikari used, appeared in a different manner than the time she used to defeat Obaake Yuurei, the Master of Phantasm. At first, the air molecule started to gather in a few random places in front of Takeru and Ken. When they were big enough, airs, which were shaped into a spear, shot out and stabbed at the Kraken. Most of the spears were deflected but the wriggling tentacles, but some got through and plunged itself into the body of the creature.
Yet, all this only delayed the inevitable, which was defeat.
Ken was beginning to feel tired of defending. Instead, he leaped to another part of the room and started writing out words in Runes. He then stabbed his sword into the ground, focusing his thought onto the pool. The words that he had written began to shimmer as some of the water of the pool and the water that came in from the outside changed into a few large spiraling shurikens. When Ken shouted, "Akua Edeji!" the spinning water projectiles slashed at its target.
Just as it had blocked Hikari's, the Kraken used its tentacle to deflect Ken's water magic. But Instead of repelling the projectiles, the tentacles were sliced neatly. And as the still wriggling tentacles fell to the ground, they changed back into a liquid form – flowing back into the pool. However, the spell did not have the same effect when it reached the Kraken's body. The shurikens merely dissolved as it connected and returned back into being normal water.
Once again, the Kraken regenerated its tentacles. This time, the Kraken tried a different method. Instead of trying to destroy the Warriors, the tentacles reached for them instead. Both Hikari and Meredy were the unfortunate ones who got wrapped by the tentacles first. The two girls screamed in pain as more force was applied by the Kraken in an attempt to crush them in half.
"Hikari!" Takeru shouted as he ran towards the person he cared for.
Hikari managed to open one of her eye that was closed tightly in pain because of the strength of the tentacle that had caught her. But what she saw caused her to widen both of them. Immediately, she shouted, "Takeru! Behind you!"
The blond hair boy did not even have the time to dodge because it was already too late when he realized Hikari's warning. The tentacle grabbed hold of him and raised him high above. With a grin, which seemed impossible, the Kraken raised the tentacle that caught Takeru and slammed the boy down. Takeru gritted his teeth as the ground rushed towards him. But when he hit the floor, the air from his lung came out at an instance and the pain that he felt was so immense that it paralyzed his senses temporary.
Ken also tried to help his captured friends, but in no time, he was caught as well. And now, the four Warriors were in the mercy of the Kraken. The situation seemed hopeless and it became even bleaker as the Kraken applied even more force onto its victims. As the Warriors screamed in pain, the Kraken seemed to absorb their pain and formed it into satisfaction.
But then, the door that separated Miyako and Chariot from the rest started to shatter as if there was someone trying to break it down. Yet, it was the truth, because on the other side, Chariot had raised his spear and stabbed the door as hard as he could, countless times. When a desired hole was formed, Chariot stepped aside as Miyako let her lavender hair grew and inserted it into the hole. When Miyako focused, all of her hair became as hard as steel. With all her might, Miyako tore opened the door that tried to stop her from rescuing her friends and shouted, "Damn this stinking door!"
Though it seemed unimaginable, Miyako lifting the collapsed door and threw it towards the Kraken. The force of it caused the Kraken to loosen its grip on the four captured Warriors, thus, providing the four Warriors a chance to slide off and an opportunity to escape to different directions. Chariot however, did not yield just yet, and as fast as his feet could manage, he rushed in and deliver four quick strikes with his spear, shouting, "Goumashou!"
But just as before, the severed tentacle dissolved and changed back into liquid. The "fingers" thus regenerated anew. Chariot cursed and landed next to Takeru who had already got on his feet. "It's no use! It was as if the Kraken itself is water!" Takeru muttered between breathe.
"I know," Chariot agreed.
Though Takeru's tone was as soft as whisper, but Ken had heard it perfectly. Pondering over a possibility, the violet hair boy looked up – towards the direction of the floating pedestal. And after many thoughts, Ken decided to chance with his luck and ran up the flight of stairs. The Kraken saw it and aimed three of its tentacle towards him. But the tentacles were stopped – Chariot, who had somehow appeared on the other side, caught one of the tentacles with his bare hands, and using his incredible strength, he slammed it towards the ground. Following that, another one of the tentacle was severed neatly by Takeru's Tengoku. And the last one, which was about to reach Ken, was caught and cut into pieces but Miyako's sharp hair.
Finally, after what seemed like eternity, Ken came face to face with the crystal pedestal that held a normal looking stone. Even though his breathing was laboured and sweat poured down his face and back like pipe water, Ken crossed his fingers and hoped for the best. Shrugging for assurance, he reached out for it with a trembling hand.
A bright pearly blue light immediately flooded the room.
The small distraction made everyone – including the Kraken – to freeze at whatever they were trying to do. Hikari and Meredy, who were in the midst of casting their spells, broke off deliberately by the disturbance. Miyako, whose hair was trying to strike at a designated spot, soften her hair and let it fell to the ground. Takeru and Chariot, were frozen somewhere along the stairs to the pedestal. Amidst all of these commotions, only Ken's head moved in awed as the newly revived Holy Stone sank itself into Ken's Ensui in the space between the hilt and the watery blade.
The moment the blue light faded, and everything seemed as it had been a while ago, activities sprang anew. The Kraken was the first to recover from the trance and now it had raised its hand, aiming its tentacles towards Ken. The violet hair boy wasted his energy by cutting off two of the five advancing tentacles. But the result was the same as before. However, Ken did not stopped there, the moment Ken's new Holy Stone inserted itself into his Rune Weapon, he was very clear of what to do with this foe.
When he raised his Ensui a second time to disengage the tentacle from the palm, Takeru's could have sworn that he saw there was blue dust trailing the movement of Ensui's blade.
And just as expected, the tentacles were severed. But strangely enough, there was no sign of the Kraken trying to regenerate them. But if the Warriors were surprised at this small discovery, the Kraken itself was ten times more surprised. Because, at the part where Ken had slashed, there was sign showing that it had frozen. Takeru, who knew immediately the trick, glanced at the blade of Ensui, which was now that of ice instead of water.
"Of course!" the boy exclaimed in understanding. "If water are frozen, it will be made possible to cut!"
Miyako also realized it, though later than the Shinobi, "So that's what he's planning! I wonder how did he figured out that idea?"
"Screw that!" Chariot retorted towards Miyako's statement. "Who cares where he got it just as long as we can get rid of this thing as soon as we can!"
The two looked as if to start another argument right then and there, but knowing the situation, they immediately put it to rest. Right now, they knew just what to do. The five Warriors below started to move in and distract the Kraken in any way they could muster. Ken, catching their plan, waited for the right time to move in for the kill.
He didn't need to wait long because the opportunity came almost instantly. One of the Kraken's arms had collided with the staircase that Ken was on, and immediately seizing the golden chance, Ken jumped up on the Kraken's arm and started running at full speed along its length till he reached the shoulder. Raising his frozen Ensui viciously, Ken let the cold feeling swept past him, changing his eyeballs colour to cold blue ones, thus striping himself from any emotion.
And with a shout, "Zettai Reido!" Ken delivered two quick slashes that were faster than any eyes could see to tear open the neck of the Kraken like a huge 'X' had been carved into it. Of course, even though the artery was severed, blood did not gushed out as Ken's blade had frozen the wound. And finally bringing his sword up high over his head, blade aimed, Ken plunged it in for the final kill.
A small gasped somehow managed to escape from the mouth of the Kraken, which was filled with teeth. It was followed by a choking sound that seemed to say, "Help". But no more sound came out as the Ensui had done what Ken had purposed. The whole Kraken started to freeze, starting from the neck where Ken still had his blade in its throat. The process was fast and soon, the whole Kraken looked as if it was a sculpture of ice. But that was not the finale as everyone thought it was. Due to the amazingly low temperature of Ken's Rune Weapon, the Kraken started to 'crack'. Pieces of its body fell apart slowly but surely, and when the whole thing looked as if it was about to collapse, Ken leaped off the Kraken's shoulder and landed next to Miyako.
The lavender hair girl wanted to close in and congratulated him for their newly gained victory, but remembering that she was suppose to loath him, she stopped in her track instead. But seeing as the boy staggered and started to fall backward, Miyako lunged forward, using her body as a cushion for Ken. The moment he landed on Miyako's stomach, the blade of Ensui cracked just as the Kraken did and its hilt clattered to the floor.
The other Warriors had started to rush closer in an attempt to see if the unconscious Ken was all right. But the sight of Ken lying on Miyako was too much that Chariot couldn't help but laughed loudly. Miyako as expected, swore loudly and lunged for Chariot the best she could without moving from where she was. But as the boy was too far for her to reach, she had sent her hair after him instead. And for some reason, Hikari and Takeru, who were holding each other's hand, were giggling at Miyako and Ken as well. The lavender hair girl gave them a withering look that made them clear if they had anything to say, it was best stored within them.
Meredy knelt down and took Ken's palm into hers, and after a moment, she said, "He's fine, just exhausted that's all. I'm sure he will be fine once we get out of here and give him a good rest back at our cabin." She looked around and stated truthfully, "But first… we need to find a way out."
*******
1008 A.D., 13th day of the ninth month… two hours after the departure of Jenrya's entourage…
"Ughhh!"
"Are you okay?" Jenrya asked worriedly.
Daisuke, who looked awfully pale, had his head bent over the ship's railing – throwing up. Riding on a ship was definitely not the favourite thing for the maroon hair boy. But he wouldn't have known it until recently, which was two hours back. When the ship first took off, the maroon hair boy was perfectly fine but when they got further to the Outer Seas, where the ocean waves churned hard and strong, Daisuke started throwing up in the cabin that he shared with Jenrya.
As Daisuke continued to sulk at his condition, Wallace suddenly laughed from behind them and said in a very friendly manner, "At least we will have some peace and quiet till we reach Gwarthen. Daisuke wouldn't be able to ring us up with his hyperactive self early in the morning or stealing most of our meals."
Daisuke glared at him and retorted, "I swear I'll strangle you, once I can move from here..."
The boy's face expression immediately changed into that of a suffocating one and threw up again. Wallace laughed again, louder, and said, "If you got the energy to get angry, then you must be fine." He moved closer to the railing and leaned his back on it. "I love the feeling of the wind slapping against my face. Somehow it felt very cooling and reassuring."
"Ha! Maybe for you only!" Daisuke gasped out angrily.
Ignoring his best friend, Jenrya said, "I think you're right Wallace, it does feel refreshing." He paused and thought over something in his mind. "I've never been on a boat before, let alone a ship. I never knew how it feel to be on one before since our village is right in the middle of Prolgu."
Iori came over and joined the three boys, but as usual, he kept his words to himself unless he was being asked or felt overwhelmingly curious.
"I've been on ships a few times before," Wallace remarked. "My father always have businesses with nobles, traders or merchants from other countries. Sometimes, he would bring us – the whole family, to follow him. But those times weren't much fun anyway, considering that he was always on formal business. So we didn't really get to run around the ship like I do right now."
Jenrya and Wallace continued to chat on old times while Daisuke continued to endure the torture of seasick. Iori however, found peace by looking at the blue sky above. The small boy found the serene space very captivating and lost his mind in them. However, his eyes were diverted to a bunch of black clouds further ahead the direction they were heading. "I think we should retreat to our cabin," Iori spoke softly. "A thunderstorm will fall over us soon."
Daisuke grunted loudly. A thunderstorm would result in an uncomfortable ride. An uncomfortable ride would mean that he would get an even worse headache he had now.
Jenrya looked overhead and agreed with Iori, "I think you're right, we should head in for shelter soon. Besides, it's almost lunch. We shouldn't keep the host waiting for us even though we are their guests on this ship."
Jenrya and the Warriors walked towards their cabin. However, Daisuke, who was still a little groggy, needed help from Jenrya to steady himself. But midway through, Iori stopped and looked at the clouds once more. The clouds looked natural but then, his eyes narrowed, as suspicious filled his mind. Unknown to he himself, the boy muttered quietly, "Those are not normal clouds…" Silently, in his mind, he added, 'I hope I'm wrong though…'
Iori retreated as well into the cabin where they were supposed to be having lunch. And as he entered, he was surprised – though he hid it with his usual ease – to see that there was tonnes of food lay on the huge rectangular oak table by the maids of the ship. Even though it was only the meal of midday, Iori had not expected to see this much of food. The only time he ever saw the equal amount of it was during the traditional celebration back in his village. And back then; the whole village was attending it.
Pushing his shock aside, Iori's eyes searched for Jenrya and the other two boys – who were already seated at the seats, which was reserved for guests. The three apparently had got into another feat of discussion on table manners, and of course, the main focus was Daisuke, as the maroon hair boy refused to use the cutleries placed for him. Even though he was proven a challenge for Jenrya and Wallace's words to sink in, but Daisuke didn't seem to be on the winning side since he needed to pause a few times to stop himself from throwing up.
Iori simply sank on a sit next to Wallace, and took no notice of what was taking place.
When the host came in with his family, the argument stopped immediately. All the maids in the room bowed and retreated to every corners of the room. Kol strode in like a king, followed by his parents, wives and then his children. This was as if a daily procedure, in which, everyone took his or her respectful seats. Kol had a special seat for himself at the head of the table, since he was the head of the house.
The man, who seemed to be in his fifties, had black hair striped with white at the side. His hair was long enough for him to tie a tail and his beard that was kept long, held a nice contrast to his dark skin. Even though he was dressed plainly, yet there was no doubt that he held absolute power on this ship.
Jenrya noticed that Kol gave a soft cough before the man opened his mouth and said, "Today, we've a few guests in which will join us in our ride to Gwarthen. I'm sure you all know them already since they turn up a few days back. Now, Master Jenrya and his friends are very unfamiliar with our customs, therefore I hope each and every one of us will show them how friendly traders are." Jenrya blushed deeply at the title 'Master' and catching it at the side of his eyes, Daisuke nudged his best friend with an ugly smirk plastered on his face. Kol notice it with a smile and went on, "And now, without further delay, let's feast."
At that very command, everyone started to dig in.
A few times, Kol actually strived a few conversations with Jenrya and the Warriors, who were seated parallel to the head's seat. They actually got along pretty well and at one point Jenrya told Kol about their journey, but of course, he skipped any parts involving the Holy Guardians. However, most of the talking was done only by Wallace and Jenrya, as Daisuke was busy stuffing himself with foods and Iori was keeping things to himself.
When the meal ended, and the Warriors had retreated to Daisuke and Jenrya's room, they decided to sit down and planned for their next step in their journey. When they reached the dark cabin, a few oil lamps were already lit, since the dark clouds, which already covered the sky overhead, were hardly letting any sunlight in. When they were comfortably seated, the discussion began almost immediately. Iori as usual, kept quiet. The small boy glanced outside and couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Soon, Iori let his heavy eyelid fell down, amidst the noisy debate in the room.
But then, he was jerked up very suddenly due to the heavy shaking of the ship. The small boy was thrown around the cabin, as were the others. Apparently, the storm overhead had come down and the sea was churning strongly now. But as guessed by Iori earlier, it was not a normal thunderstorm. Rain pelted down mercilessly and thunder rang loudly, followed by lightning that struck at the ship as if someone commanded them. The ship's masts immediately caught fire as the sailors ran wild in an attempt to stop it.
However, their efforts were futile as the storm worsened and the cabin itself caught fire. Jenrya and the Warriors tried to get up, but the force of the rocking threw them back down. Daisuke, who was feeling bad earlier because of his seasick, was feeling worse now. And somehow, something fell out from the shelves and knocked Wallace unconscious.
Seconds later, a lightning struck the side of the ship where the Warriors' cabin was situated. A hole was formed there in which, the Warriors were thrown out into the air. Jenrya screamed at the sudden motion, but his voice was immediately drowned when he was submerged into the salty water. Frantically, he swam for the surface, and burst out with a gasp. Turning his head every, he searched for his friends and yelled out their names.
He was beginning to worry that they did not make it when three heads emerged. Wallace, who was still unconscious, was leaned onto Daisuke. Jenrya also noticed that Iori had caught a fresh cut at his forehead. Blood were seeping out from it, but Iori did not show any sign of pain.
Jenrya looked up at the ship and immediately knew that there was no hope in saving it. The entire ship had already caught on fire and most of the parts were already destroyed. Grabbing a few flotsams, Jenrya swam towards his friends and told them to hold on to it. Joining arms, they held onto each other and waited. In this dangerous thunderstorm and vast sea, there's nothing that they could do. Closing his eyes, as exhaustion took over him, Jenrya prayed that they would reach dry land soon…
Or worse…
**************************************************************************************************************************
Basic Statistics:
*This section is introduced by me and therefore it is own by 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: 28
Hp: 1607
Sp: 133
Mp: N/A
Strength: 53
Magic: N/A
Defense: 42
Mag. Defense: 38
Speed: 69
Luck: 100
Skills learned:
- Kabutowari (6 Sp)
- Sazanka (8 Sp)
- Senkuuretpa (14 Sp)
Magics learned:
- N/A
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Kin no Naginata _ Tengoku
Holy Stone (Primary): None
Holy Stone (Secondary): None
Accessory: Holy Pendant
Yagami Hikari (Taihu)
Level: 25 (27)
Hp: 993
Sp: 67
Mp: 169
Strength: 23 (44)
Magic: 64 (42)
Defense: 24 (37)
Mag. Defense: 52 (35)
Speed: 43
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)
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Kaze no Tsume _ Kuuki
Holy Stone (Primary): Orb of Wind _ Kaze
Holy Stone (Secondary): None
Accessory: Angel Hairpin
Ichijozi Ken (Seiryu)
Level: 23 (26)
Hp: 1125
Sp: 84
Mp: 129
Strength: 33 (47)
Magic: 50 (39)
Defense: 26 (32)
Mag. Defense: 57 (35)
Speed: 39
Luck: 130
Skills learned:
- Kogarenzan (10 Sp)
- Hisame (21 Sp)
- Wareme ga Atama (23 Sp)
- Zettai Reido (45 Sp)
Magics learned:
- Spread (9 Mp)
- Ice Wall (15 Mp)
- Aqua Edge (17 Mp)
- Hail Storm (28 Mp)
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Mizu no Tsurugi _ Ensui
Holy Stone (Primary): Orb of Water _ Mizu
Holy Stone (Secondary): Orb of Glacier _ Hyouga
Accessory: None
Inoue Miyako (Genbu)
Level: 21 (26)
Hp: 1100
Sp: 89
Mp: 80
Strength: 36 (52)
Magic: 30 (32)
Defense: 49 (62)
Mag. Defense: 22 (25)
Speed: 26
Luck: 80
Skills learned:
- Kanazuchi (7 Sp)
- Kami o-sage (7 Sp)
- Oogama (9Sp)
- Motsure (15 Sp)
- Akisazame (17 Sp)
Magics learned:
- Stone Wall (10 Mp)
- Rock Break (17 Mp)
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Tochi no Buresuretto _ Jimen
Holy Stone (Primary): Orb of Earth _ Tsuchi
Holy Stone (Secondary): None
Accessory: Family's Amulet
Motomiya Daisuke (Suzaku)
Level: 27 (28)
Hp: 1652
Sp: 135
Mp: 86
Strength: 69 (49)
Magic: 33 (39)
Defense: 57 (36)
Mag. Defense: 25 (28)
Speed: 42
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)
- *Summoning _ Suzaku* (100 Mp)
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Furea no Nagatebukuro _ Okaji
Holy Stone (Primary): Orb of Fire _ Honou
Holy Stone (Secondary): Orb of Blaze _ Kajii
Accessory: Trademark Goggle
Hida Iori (Byakko)
Level: 24 (25)
Hp: 1548
Sp: 142
Mp: 73
Strength: 49 (42)
Magic: 32 (33)
Defense: 39 (33)
Mag. Defense: 26 (31)
Speed: 32
Luck: 70
Skills learned:
- Majin Ken (5 Sp)
- Raijin Ken (12 Sp)
- Tatsuumaki, Kougeki suru (17 Sp)
- Raikouha (28 Sp)
Magics learned:
- Thunder Bolt (11 Mp)
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Inazuma no Katana _ Ikazuchi
Holy Stone (Primary): Orb of Thunder _ Kaminari
Holy Stone (Secondary): None
Accessory: Kouseisa no Kodachi _ Arataka
Wallace de Winter (Yousei)
Level: 24 (26)
Hp: 1721
Sp: 101
Mp: 83
Strength: 42 (41)
Magic: 34 (49)
Defense: 36 (37)
Mag. Defense: 34 (34)
Speed: 36
Luck: 80
Skills learned:
- Yousou Shuugeki (15 Sp)
- Souhazan (17 Sp)
- Hitenryubu (26 Sp)
Magics learned:
- Leaf Dance (14 Mp)
- Vicious Vine (21 Mp)
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Midori no Yari _ Kadaan
Holy Stone (Primary): Orb of Nature _ Shizen
Holy Stone (Secondary): Orb of Blossom _ Hana
Accessory: None
Misc. Characters:
Lee Jenrya (None)
Level: 26
Hp: 1472
Sp: 141
Mp: N/A
Strength: 56
Magic: N/A
Defense: 52
Mag. Defense: 29
Speed: 40
Luck: 90
Skills learned:
- Tenga _ Tsumujikaze (7 Sp)
- Tenga _ Gariuukuuha (13 Sp)
- Tenga _ Shishi Senkou (24 Sp)
- Tenga _ Hien Ren Ten Kyaku (33 Sp)
Magics learned:
- N/A
Equipments:
Weapon: Leather Gloves
Accessory: Charm of Luck
Meredy Oscar (Siren)
Level: 43 (45)
Hp: 1961
Sp: 138
Mp: 258
Strength: 48 (54)
Magic: 84 (81)
Defense: 43 (50)
Mag. Defense: 89 (70)
Speed: 97
Luck: 230
Skills learned:
- Fugue (12 Sp)
Magics learned:
- None yet
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Ten no Furuto _ Gakufu
Stone of Beginning: Orb of Melody _ Senritsu
Accessory: None
Chariot Oscar (Kyojin)
Level: 41 (42)
Hp: 4100
Sp: 287
Mp: 50
Strength: 148 (155)
Magic: 30 (37)
Defense: 72 (63)
Mag. Defense: 46 (38)
Speed: 62
Luck: 50
Skills learned:
- Goumashou (10 Sp)
Magics learned:
- None yet
Equipments:
Rune Weapon: Yume no Sasu _ Toride
Orb of Beginning: Orb of Knight _ Naito
Accessory: None
**************************************************************************************************************************
Translations:
Magic:
Aero Kuriesu – Aero Cries
Akua Edeji – Aqua Edge
Miscellaneous:
Kirei na! – It's beautiful (In Daisuke's language: "This is marvelous!")
Aoi Ryu no Reihaido – Blue Dragon Shrine
Ki ni shinaide – Never mind! (It makes no difference)
Author's Note:
As usual… please tell me what you think! I would love it, if all of you press that small button below that have 'Submit review' shown! Give me some feedback at least! Please!
Anyway, just as a reminder again, to people who wants me to inform them whenever a new chapter is out, kindly leave your e-mail and I'll alert you whenever I post it. Subsequently, those who wants off my mailing list, tell me as well and I'll remove you. (^_^)
Well, till next time! Ja ne!
With that, wait for the next chapter, 'Stone of Shielding'.
