The town of Arjuna was a small town as large as that of Orlami or Encia. It was located in a small valley in the very center of the mountain. Several mountain peaks surrounded its vicinity.
There were flame-lit torches located all around the village. There were also geysers in the ground and on the sides of the mountains that spewed steam from the mountain's magma core. The homes were built into the very rock itself. The cave openings were used to make doors, while windows were made by hammering out crevices in which to build them in. Each cave-like house had a chimney built on top of it, in which smoke was always rising. Fire was definitely something that these people needed.
Everyone in Arjuna, men, woman and children, were dressed in very light clothing. There was so much heat around that there was no need for any warm type clothing.
The four heroes walked around the town, as all of the villagers went on with their daily business.
Jesse wiped the perspiration off of his forehead, "Phew…it's boiling in here."
"Yeah, how can these people stand it?" Andre added.
Julie pulled out a white handkerchief and wiped some sweat drops, "You do make a good point."
Anthony, though also feeling the heat, seemed calmed about it all, "These people…have had to adapt to their surroundings."
"Huh…?" Jesse inquired.
"Long ago, the ancestors of these villagers lived on the ground level with the rest of us. However…Sin destroyed their village and the survivors had to seek refuge in the Blazing Mountains where they knew Sin would not approach. They figured that the heat was what kept the beast away," Anthony explained to them as they continued to walk.
Jesse looked around the entire village, and its people as Anthony spoke. He was analyzing everything that he could. He was always open for new experiences.
"It was difficult for them, at first. The heat seemed to be unbearable. But, nevertheless, they were strong and determined to live, no matter what circumstances were placed before them," he continued, "And so…their bodies adapt to their environment, and now the thriving town of Arjuna is known as the Town of Burning Fire."
"Town of Burning Fire?" Jesse asked him, "Why do people call it that?"
"Because the determination and will that the citizens of this town had in the past burned as brightly and as radiantly as the fire of these mountains," Anthony smiled.
Jesse smiled as well, "That's a really nice story."
"You tell it so well," Julie told him.
"It's something I used to love hearing about," Anthony replied, "Will…I suppose it was something that I knew I would need in the future."
"The will to find success," Andre stated.
"The will to fight," Julie added to that.
"The will to hope," Anthony said.
"And…the will to live, right?" Jesse asked them optimistically.
The three of them were silent for a brief moment. For whatever reason, neither of them knew exactly what to say.
Anthony tried to change the disposition of the whole situation, "Yes! That's right! We…should all have the will to live!"
Jesse nodded, "Exactly!"
Julie and Andre looked over to one another and gave each other the most heartrending looks. It seems they knew something that Jesse didn't.
After walking through the aisles of cave-like homes and businesses, they reached the end of the village. To the left, there was a downward path that went to the other side of the Blazing Mountains. However, in front of them was their next destination.
"This is it," Julie stated, "The Temple of Rebirth."
They all looked forward, and upwards at the immense structure.
The Temple of Rebirth was very different from that of the one in Orlami. It's material and texture was completely different that of the jade-stone temple. Just as large as any of the other temples, the Temple of Rebirth was in the shape of a burning flame. It was mixed with colors of dark reds, oranges, yellows. At the bottom-center of the temple, there was an opening where the doorway lied. Just above that was the same symbol that Belgemine had upon her neck: The Mark of Yevon.
This temple glowed like the flames of the mountain. For just behind it, the sun was still setting in the horizon. It was a magnificent sight, one that they never thought they'd witness.
Jesse looked up and examined the entire temple, while seeing the pointed peaks of the mountains that seemed to reach the heavens above. "Amazing…" he sighed in astonishment.
"It has an interesting shape…and it's not made out of stone it seems," Andre stated.
"Well, legend has it…" Anthony began to explain, "When Sin first appeared all of those years, the temples of Yevon began to emerge in different parts of the Earth. According to myth, an upsurge of magma from the core of the Blazing Mountains broke through and formed into the temple we see today. When the people came to these mountains to seek refuge, they named it the Temple of Rebirth, because of Arjuna's rebirth."
"It is quite a sight for sore eyes," Julie said, "Many from all around the world pass through these mountains in order to at least catch a glimpse of this temple."
"I can see why," Jesse agreed.
Andre let out huge sigh of exhaustion, as he leaned up against a large boulder from the mountain.
"Tired I see," Julie said to him.
"Oh, yes, of course!" Anthony spoke, "You all deserve a break. And besides, I would like to take the time to collect myself before I pray to the fayth of this temple. Take all the time you need." He walked over in front of the doorway, and stopped. He held his hands together, eyes closed, and began to focus.
Julie simply stood there, awaiting for the time when they would enter, as Andre continued to take a break.
There was much silence for quite some time at first. Jesse couldn't take it anymore and had to break the silence somehow. He saw his best friend leaning against the rock by himself and decided to go have a chat with him.
"It's been a pretty long day hasn't it?" he said.
"No kidding," Andre sighed, "But, I guess I expected it."
"Yeah, it's hard…" Jesse added, "But we'll pull through."
Andre nodded in agreement, "I think so too."
"Oh, so…Andre?" Jesse asked, "There's been something I've been wanting to ask you."
"Oh yeah?" he wondered.
"You're family moved to a new village, right?" Jesse continued.
Andre's face became a bit serious when Jesse mentioned them.
"I guess…I've been wondering…" he began to say apprehensively, "Why didn't you go with them?"
Andre didn't say anything. He wasn't sure how to answer him, or if he wanted to at all.
"I mean, I know you love them and…" Jesse began to continue.
"Of course I love them!!" Andre shouted.
Jesse was a bit stunned by his friend's outburst.
Andre realized he was bit wrong, "I'm sorry man…I do love my family. But I couldn't go with them. I…have something I need to prove."
"Oh…" Jesse replied.
Andre then turned his head away, "I'm just a bit tired…"
"Yeah, of course. I'll let you rest," Jesse said, a bit worried and concerned for his best friend. But he did as Andre implied and walked away. That was when he saw Julie standing over in the distance by herself. He decided to try his luck with her.
"I see you've chosen me to bother now?" she asked him, before he even said a word.
"Huh…?" Jesse asked, then laughed a bit, "I'm not trying to bother anyone!"
Julie smirked, "I'm sure that is true."
"Hey, it is!" Jesse reassured her.
"Well, if it isn't…" she began. She put out the palm of her hand as a ball of flame combusted using her magic. "…I could just flame you with one of these," she grinned.
"Wow!" he exclaimed, "That's amazing! I never thought any magic like that ever existed!"
"It's nothing special," she replied, extinguishing her fire spell.
"You're being awfully modest," Jesse told her.
"Not even in the slightest," she said, "I only use it to help Anthony. That is all."
"It must be difficult to learn. But, I'm sure you had a great teacher!" Jesse stated, "Who was your teacher anyway?"
Julie looked away, a bit upset when he mentioned that, "No one."
"What?" Jesse asked, "Come on, who taught you?"
"She is no longer my teacher nor my friend," Julie explained to him briefly, "If only she had been…"
Jesse could tell that this was a very touchy subject for her.
Julie shook her head, "Never mind. It doesn't matter anymore."
Jesse walked away and stood a few feet behind Anthony who was still meditating. It seems he struck a nerve with both Julie and Andre. It looked like he couldn't win with anyone today.
Anthony opened his eyes and turned to his friends, "All right. I am ready."
The three Guardians gathered in front of their Summoner, as the four of them entered the temple together.
The inside of the temple looked exactly like that of the one in Orlami. However, instead of a stairway leading upwards at the end of the chamber, there was a round structure in the ground with the Mark of Yevon carved into it. It seemed like it could be an elevator.
As soon as Anthony and his Guardians stepped in, they were stopped by three people.
It was a man with two female warriors at his sides.
The man was a bit taller than Anthony was, and was most definitely of Oriental origin. He had short, jet black hair. He wore ancient Chinese-style robes. He had a long, silk, dark blue Chinese coat that reached just above his ankles. There were Chinese dragons imprinted into the fabric. The coat was buttoned down until his waist, where the rest of the coat simply draped. He had lighter blue, silk pants that had a wide leg. He also wore matching slippers. Wrapped around at the side of his waist was a pair of nun chucks; a weapon in which two handles are tied together with a long stretch of chain. The handles were shaped into that of a dragon.
The woman to his left was much shorter, and also of the same race. However, much of her body could not be seen. She wore a customary black ninja costume. She wore a utility belt that was full of weapons such as daggers, shuriken, and so on. Her face was covered, along with most of her body. Nevertheless, she had wrapped her black hair into a ponytail that came out of the back of the mask.
Finally, the woman to his left looked a bit different. She wore traditional female Chinese clothing. There were several layers on top of the other. The layers were a mix of violet and blue colors. The collar was of a Vi-shape, similar to that of Anthony's. The entire gown draped over her feet and then some. Her sleeves were wide and extremely long for they covered her arms and her hands completely and still had more that dangled. Her hair was wrapped into a bun at the top of her head. She wore white make-up over her face, like that of a concubine, and bright red lipstick along with dark eyeliner.
"I assume that you are Summoner Anthony of Orlami, correct?" the man asked.
Anthony stepped forward and nodded, "I am Summoner Anthony of Orlami."
"What a pleasure it is to meet you, and in company of your loyal Guardians," he spoke. He had a patronizing and sarcastic voice, but hinted a bit of fake kindness as well.
"Who are you?" Andre asked him, as he stepped forward in front of Anthony in protection.
"Do not be hasty. I am just like him," the man told him. He lifted up his left arm sleeve until you could see his bicep. There, the Mark of Yevon was shown.
Everyone was surprised to see another Summoner.
"I am Summoner Shao Jin of Nanjing," he introduced himself, "And these are my Guardians."
Each Guardian stepped forward to introduce themselves.
First the ninja warrior stepped forward, "I am Xu Lin, Master Ninja." Her voice was potent and filled with the utmost confidence.
"And I am Zhang Tao, Mistress of the Tao Magic," the other introduced herself. Her voice was soft and gentle.
"I am Andre, a Lancer," Andre spoke.
"Julie, a Black Mage," Julie bowed a bit to them.
"And I am Jesse, Swordsman," Jesse finished.
"A pleasure," Zhang Tao replied.
"Yes, of course," Xu Lin added.
"We were actually on our way out of this temple. I have already prayed to the fayth and received my Aeon," Shao Jin explained, "I'm on my way to Orlami next."
Anthony wasn't sure if he could trust this man or not. And the fact that he was headed for Orlami made him feel uneasy.
"I wish you good luck fellow Summoner," Shao Jin performed the Yevon prayer.
Anthony did the same, "And I, you, Lord Shao Jin."
The three of them walked past them and headed outside.
"I don't trust them," Andre stated.
"Nor do I," Anthony replied, "I could feel something different within them…"
"Let's just hope we don't cross paths with them again," Jesse said.
"Now, the Chamber of the Fayth awaits you Anthony," Julie told him.
Anthony nodded, "Right."
The four of them headed towards the circular structure in the ground and stepped within it's vicinity. The Yevon symbol glowed as the platform descended into the depths of the temple and the mountain.
Meanwhile, Shao Jin and his Guardians stood outside of the temple. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black sphere. It glowed as he spoke into it, "They're here."
The platform continued to descend through the stone shaft. The four heroes stood there, contemplating to themselves, as they awaited to land at the bottom.
"I feel heat rising up from beneath us," Jesse stated, "Where exactly are we headed?"
"The Chamber of the Fayth is located at the core of the Blazing Mountains," Julie answered him.
"Yeah, that's why you feel the heat. It's from the magma core," Andre added.
"Oh, I see…" Jesse replied. He stopped when he saw Anthony standing by himself a few feet away from the rest of the group. "Anthony, what's the matter?" he asked.
Anthony had his hand underneath his chin as he seemed to pondering about something. "I'm sure it is nothing," he responded.
"It can't be nothing when you're thinking about it the way you are," Andre told them.
Julie walked over to him to make sure everything was all right, "Is something bothering you?"
"It's just…" Anthony began. He trusted each and every one of his Guardians, his friends. He knew he could count on them and their support. "…I can't stop thinking about Lord Shao Jin," he said.
"Lord Shao Jin? Oh, you mean that Summoner we met," Jesse remembered.
"There was something about him…and his intent that really struck me. And I do not mean that in a good way. Not at all," Anthony tried his best to explain his feelings.
"I do agree," Julie nodded, "But, we can't let that feeling bother us."
"That's right," Andre said, "We've got a job to do."
"I know you are right, but…" Anthony began, still unsure.
"The heat is building up," Jesse interrupted. He looked around the platform to see reddish light coming through the crevices.
"We are approaching," Anthony stated.
Soon enough, the elevator stopped at the bottom. In front of them was a golden double door. There was a round slot in the middle of the doorway.
"Looks like we need one of those spheres, right?" Jesse asked.
"Exactly," Julie replied.
"Oh, now that you mention it…" Andre said as he reached into one of his pockets. He pulled out a blue sphere and tossed it over to Jesse. "This is yours," he said.
"Wow…" he sighed in amazement, "Could I…?"
Anthony smiled, "Please do the honors."
Jesse placed his sphere into the slot in the doorway as a blue light ran up and around the lines of the doors.
In that moment the doors opened outward revealing the same round chamber that was in the Temple of Orlami. Just as before, there was a staircase leading up to a door. There lied the Chamber of the Fayth.
The four heroes entered as the doors behind them closed.
"Up there," Andre pointed out, "Are you ready?"
Anthony nodded, "I am." He stepped forward and turned to his Guardians, "Do not worry about me. I will be fine."
"Good luck," Jesse smiled.
"Be careful," Julie told him concernedly.
Anthony smiled back at them all as he began to ascend up the staircase. The minute he reached the door that was engraved with the Yevon symbol, it began to open without even a moment's notice. It already knew who Anthony was and was letting him in.
Anthony was just about to step in when a dark light appeared in front of him.
His Guardians gasped from below when they saw a certain person emerge from the dark light.
Shao Jin stepped out.
"Shao Jin!!" Jesse yelled.
"Lord Shao Jin, how did you…?" Anthony asked, a bit frightened.
Shao Jin grabbed Anthony and held his hands behind his back.
"Anthony!!!" Julie cried, "Let him go!!!"
"I have my orders," Shao Jin told them, without even the slightest bit of remorse.
"Let me…go!!!" Anthony shouted, trying to break free.
Without another word, Shao Jin stepped back and into the doorway. The door closed as he and Anthony entered the Chamber of the Fayth.
"No!!!" Andre yelled. He pulled out his lance and began to run up the stairs to rescue Anthony.
That was when two more dark lights appeared. Xu Lin and Zhang Tao emerged from them, standing at the summit of the staircase. They looked on with the most malevolent grins.
