Chapter 19
"It's time to wake up, hero." Although the context was soothing, the inflection on the words was harsh, sarcastic, meant to pain.
Max opened his eyes. He wished he hadn't. Everything around him was totally black, with no features to distinguish it in any way. From what he saw, he didn't appear to be standing on solid ground at all, instead just floating in this realm of nothingness. He was attired in his usual travelling clothes, complete with sword. There, standing a few meters in front of him, was a vaguely familiar figure. While the top half of his body appeared to be human, the rest, instead of continuing down into a pair of legs, appeared to be shaped like a horse. Max ignored this, and continued to stare at the man's face, trying to match it…
Max abruptly got it, and stared, in shock. "No. This can't be. You're dead…"
"Oh yes, I'm dead," Varios said, smiling, but not in a friendly way. At first glance, it appeared to be the Varios that Max had known, and respected, except for the fact that a long, bloody cut ran across his body, from left shoulder to waist. Max stared at the wound, and Varios noticed.
"Yes, Kane's sword went here," Varios said, gesturing to his shoulder, "and ran to here. Very painful. Very deadly. Oh, and very preventable. How does it feel knowing that you repaid me with death for all the attention I gave to you?"
"That isn't true," Max said in denial, shaking his head. "I tried to stop Kane."
"I suppose you didn't try very hard," a new voice said, in contempt.
Max glanced at the intrusion, and began to shiver. "No…"
"Oh, yes," Kane said, with contempt. Kane appeared just as he had before, with the exception of some severe signs of burns across his entire body. "You couldn't do anything to help me, either. I died because of your incompetence."
"I couldn't do anything in time…" Max whispered, shaken.
"So, Max," Kane said casually. "Why is it that everyone who associates with you ends up dead? Varios here was like a father to you, and look how he turned out. I try to save you, and I end up face up in some coffin somewhere as well. So who's next, hmm?"
"Shut up," said Max, grimacing. "You're not real. You can't be, you're both dead."
"We all know why that is," Kane said, grinning. I'm guessing we'll be joined in the afterlife soon? Maybe that lovely Anri? Or young Serena? Perhaps Lowe, or Mae? It's bound to happen.
"No. Shut up, shut up, shut up. I won't let it happen, not again," Max said, angrily.
"Face it Max…you're like the avatar of Death himself," Kane said, smirking. "Everything around you expires, whether it's friends, or just soldiers on the other side. You're a killer, Max, and you know it."
"NO!" Max shouted. He drew his sword, and charged toward Kane. Kane laughed mockingly, and rose to meet him…
*
Max opened his eyes. He wished he hadn't. Everything around him was totally black, with no features to distinguish it in any way.
"Am I dead?" Max asked. He shifted around, and found that he was lying in something soft, and comfortable. He hesitantly reached down, and touched the ground. It was springy to the touch.
"Strange," thought Max. "This isn't what I imagined it would be like. Though, of course, it's not like I've heard otherwise."
Max tilted his head down, and around. The same darkness was still there.
"Shouldn't I at least be able to see my own body? Unless…"
Max reached up to his eyes, and felt. There seemed to be something tied to his head, covering his eyes. He removed the obstruction, and brilliant sunlight flooded his sight. Max blinked, adjusting to the rapid change, and looked around.
Max saw what seemed to be a comfortable suite. He was currently lying in a four-poster bed, in a corner of the room. Sunlight flooded in through the large window, and Max looked outside, spotting the crystal-clear view of the lake…Lake Guardiana…
Max's grogginess vanished in a snap, as his memories came back to him. His and Anri's escape from the mad ritual planned by Aoshe…their desperate journey back to Guardiana…their secret intrusion of the castle…
Max frowned. He remembered seeing the shock on everyone's faces as he had come into view, but he couldn't remember anything after that. He was still in Guardiana in any case; the sight of the lake proved it. So what was his next step going to be?
Max pondered his future, and the more he thought about it, the more his heart sank. He recalled his dream, nightmare, premonition, whatever, a few minutes ago. Kane was right; everything around him tended to perish, as if he were projecting an aura of death. Not even by Max's own hand, either. He couldn't stay. He needed to leave, to help save the friends he cared about.
"That's not all, is it?" a voice said inside of him. "You're just running away, aren't you?"
"Shut up, voice," thought Max. "I don't need this right now." He stealthily opened the door and glanced out. No one in sight. Judging from what he remembered of the architecture, the west Wall of the castle would be in that direction. If he climbed out a window in the room opposite of him, he should be able to creep along the edge, making sure to keep out of the sight if guards, and be out of here before anyone knew it.
Max glanced over at the door across the hall, and listened at the doorway. No sounds within. He opened the door a crack, and seeing no one, slipped inside. He made his way over to the window in the room, and opened it. Max glanced outside, and saw no one there. Climbing to the edge, he braced himself, and jumped the three-meter distance to the ground below, and landed in a crouch.
"Why, look what dropped out of the sky," a voice said behind him.
Max spun around, and saw Lowe cheerfully waving to him, framed by a window. Max thought back to his stealth training. What would the procedure be if discovered?
"Silence me before I can give off an alarm," Lowe answered his silent question. "Or make sure you're not captured by the enemy…alive. I was in the same class as you, so I know all this spy stuff too. Seeing as you haven't spilled your own guts on the floor yet, I presume you have chosen not to take the second option. Also, you can't silence me. I'm your dearest, bestest buddy in the whole word. You could never take me, anyway."
"As if," Max snorted. "It seems like you've eliminated all my options. Whatever am I to do?"
"I present you with an alternative choice," Lowe said, smiling.
"Which is?" Max said, raising an eyebrow.
"You climb in here, and have a cup of coffee with me," Lowe said, pointing to the pot he was holding. "We'll have a little chat while we're at it."
Max rolled his eyes. Unfortunately, Lowe was correct; there really were no options left to him at this point. He climbed in through the window.
"Incidentally," said Lowe casually, "I'll have to teach you about using these magical devices. They're called doors, and stairs. You'll get the hang of it one day, I'm sure." He poured some coffee into a cup, and handed it to Max.
Max took a sip. Black and piping hot, just the way both he and Lowe liked it. He made an appreciative sound. "Nice. By the way, how'd you know I was going to come down from that particular window?"
"I didn't," Lowe said, straight faced. "The rest of the windows are also being watched. As well, we've hid every cloak, guard uniform, and dress we could find, so you couldn't just disguise yourself and walk out of here."
Max smirked. "Why didn't you just throw attach an iron ball to my leg while you were at it?"
"We didn't have your size."
"Nice to know I'm so unique," Max said, shrugging. "How did I wind up in that bed, anyway? Last thing I remembered, I had just walked into that conference room with Anr…I mean, Queen Anri."
Lowe took a sip from his cup, and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, after the rest of us were trying to get over your apparent resurrection, you just simply keeled over, and collapsed on the floor. No convulsions, gasping, drawn-out speeches…you just fell flat on your face. No sense of theatrics, obviously."
Max blinked. "I collapsed? Why?"
Lowe laughed. "Max, you seemed to have lost several liters of blood. I'm surprised you made it this far, alive and conscious, at that. Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any long-term effects. No brain damage, not to the parts you use anyway. Perhaps the majority portion.
"It looked pretty bad at first, but I guess you're used to taking your knocks by now, hmm? You had the best of medical care and attention during your recovery anyway. Serena and Anri were in here almost day and night. Quite worried about you. They couldn't even lure Anri back to those committee meetings she loves so.
Max didn't even bother to respond to the banter; he sat back in his chair, deep in reflection. Lowe looked at him thoughtfully. "Now that I've satisfied your curiosity about things, perhaps you'd do me the courtesy of answering some of my questions?"
Max looked up. "Like what?"
"A very simple question, I assure you: Why?"
Max looked at Lowe blankly. "Why what?"
"Why were you sneaking off? Why were you just about to sneak off, and vanish again? Why were you just about to abandon us again, a second time? Break our hearts again? Huh?" Lowe's voice was filled with anger. Max had never seen the good-humoured, wise cracking Lowe like this.
Max stared at the ground, mulling his answer over. He looked up. "So many have been hurt, around me, Lowe. I've killed hundreds in battle-"
"Monsters, demons," Lowe said, in dismissal.
"Some, yes. But some were just soldiers fighting for their hometowns. Or just doing their job, like General Elliot. It's not only the deaths I've caused…It's the deaths I've let happen."
"You mean Lord Varios?" said Lowe. He looked at Max sympathetically.
"Varios…Kane. I almost had a whole village slaughtered as well, you know that?"
"Serena told us about that. How you saved her, and her friend. There was nothing in that; it was the right thing to do."
"Yes, I know. The thing is though…for some reason, I, don't know, I feel like I attract evil and death in some way."
"That's ridiculous."
"No, listen. I grew up with Varios, I loved him as a father…then he dies, in a death I couldn't prevent. I help turn Kane from his brainwashing, and he dies, to save my life. A village is almost slaughtered because of my blood-letting…and I had a whole bunch of people hurt, and Queen Anri kidnapped, just to get at me. By the way, how many casualties at the Stadium? When I was kidnapped?"
"Several dozen," Lowe said grimly. "A few children as well. Khris and I did our part, but we couldn't get to everyone in time. Our side tried to be careful in our actions, but the enemy had no such restraints. This Aoshe has a lot to answer for."
"You see? Everywhere I go, people get hurt. Mostly because of me…if I stay here any longer, I'm just going to bring danger to everyone. I have to leave." Max said this final
part decisively, and stood up.
Lowe watched him. "What are you going to do in the future?"
"I don't know…I can't remain around people. I'll just bring pain wherever I go. Maybe I'll just wander for a bit, or perhaps set out, and explore the unknown…good-bye, Lowe.
"Max, you're my best friend and all, but I hope you'll understand when I say that you're being a blazing idiot."
"What?" Max looked up in surprise. Lowe's eyes were burning angrily.
"Shut up, sit down, and listen," Lowe said, gesturing. Max slowly resumed his seat.
"I'm your friend, right?" Lowe asked.
"Of course," Max said, puzzled.
"I'm going to ask you to believe something I tell you, as a friend, which I hope you can accept," Lowe said.
"Which is what?"
"I want you to believe, that you are wrong."
"No."
Lowe's face set itself in a hard line. "Then you don't treat me as a friend. You don't believe that my opinion has any value."
"Sure I do. I just know myself better, that's all."
Lowe shook his head. "Right now, you know yourself as a shamed person with blood on his hands. You have a twisted view of your own self-worth. Now, I just want you to listen. As leader of the Shining Force, you saved thousands of lives-"
Max shook his head, "No, I took thousands of lives…"
"Shut up, and listen. Max, by doing what you did, you saved thousands of lives, heck, you saved the world! Without you, this world would have been ground to dust under Dark Dragon's little pinky. Without you, we were all dead. Me. Anri. Serena. Mae. Everyone. If you had to protect your family by killing a robber, you would do that, wouldn't you? It's the exact same thing."
Max shook his head, but continued to listen.
"Another thing. This ridiculous idea of you hurting us with your presence. Don't you realize that if you leave like this, you're killing us, as well?"
"WHAT?" Max looked up, his eyes challenging Lowe angrily.
Lowe met his gaze unflinchingly. "Do you have any idea how we felt when you vanished with the Castle? Do you? It was like being torn in two. Anri was inconsolable for months. Mae was in shock, and you know what it takes to ruffle Mae. After you vanished, Serena was worried sick. She exhausted herself day after day searching for you, wearing out her mental reserves. Now we find out you're alive, just so you can leave and stab us in the heart again?"
Max couldn't meet Lowe's gaze; his eyes were full of anger, and accusation. He looked at the ground, at his cup, anywhere but Lowe's scrutiny.
"One last thing," Lowe said with contempt. "Varios raised you like a son, and died for you. Kane traded his life for yours, as well, repaying his debt. It seems a poor way to acknowledge their sacrifice like this…they didn't die for you to run away." Lowe got up, and left the room.
Max covered his face with his hand. He felt his eyes, burning and placed his hand to them. He felt tears under them.
*
Lowe closed the door, and began a brisk walk, not particularly caring about the direction. His eyes were brimming with tears. That had been the hardest thing he had ever done in his life; a live war zone seemed like nothing compared like this. But it had to be said. Someone had to get Max to forgive himself, and start to live again. He wouldn't let Max disappear from his life a second time.
*
Serena lay on her back, staring at the ceiling. She was hungry, having not eaten anything the entire day, but at the moment, she was thinking about more important things than fulfilling her appetite.
"If there really is a Goddess," Serena mused, "then she must have a perverse sense of humour."
As had been the trend over the last few days, she thought about Pereg…Max; she had to think of him as Max from now on. Not as her close friend, but as the legendary, all-powerful hero.
Serena had paid attention to stories of Max. More than anything, she had paid attention to him. She heard about his orphan upbringing, and the death of the one who was the closest he had to a father. She listened to tales of his exploits, leading a band of heroes to liberate the world from evil. Finally, she had cried as she heard about his noble self-sacrifice, the only way to make sure of the safety of humanity. In her mind, Max was the most heroic, brave, and worthy person in the world, the greatest person ever. Everyone she had met afterwards had seemed pale, weak in comparison. Who could ever measure up in her mind to this great hero?
That had changed when she had met Peregrin. At first, from his tired manners, and his reluctance to bear arms, she had thought him weak, cowardly. Then he saved her life, Ginny's life, from a horrible end…and from there, she started discovering more things about him. His quiet nobility and bravery. The horror he had at taking a life, even as he wielded his sword with deadly grace. The distant pain she could see in his eyes, eyes that had seen things that no one as young as he had should have seen. The secrecy he used to hide his own shame and self-disgust. All these qualities had made Peregrin, in Serena's mind, a hero like Max, but in a different way.
How ironic that the heroic figure that she had admired and honoured, and the man that she had grown to love, were one and the same. Finally, now, she could understand the self-loathing he felt for himself, his shame and desire for privacy. Now, everything came together in her mind about the person that was Max, and Peregrin, and she loved him even more for it.
Serena rolled over onto her stomach, and groaned. She was getting way too sentimental for her own liking, and cursed her silliness. She got up, and headed outside. She intended to check on Max's condition again, then maybe head out and get something to eat. Now that she realized it, she was starved, and it was noon already.
Serena opened herself up to the Sight. Her progress had become outstanding over the last few weeks. She could now pick out the individual movements of any person in range of the city. She could almost instantly locate any person she wanted to, within seconds. She took this time to look for Max…and frowned. She couldn't detect his unique signature anywhere. Wait…what if he was gone? What if he had somehow been kidnapped again? She had to do something fast!
Serena charged over to the nearest quarters, intending to seek help, which happened to be Lowe's. She barged in quickly. "Lowe, come quick! Max is…" Serena stuttered to a halt. There, sitting in a chair, with a cold cup of coffee in front of him, was Max. He was staring at her in surprise.
"Jeez, Serena!" said Max. "Shock the rest of my life out of me, will ya?"
"Oh, um, sorry," Serena mumbled. She hadn't expected to see him this soon, and all the carefully phrased things she had wanted to say to him, were suddenly vanishing into thin air. "My apologies, Pe, uh, sir." She bowed her head, and turned to leave the room.
Max reached out a hand, and stopped her. "Please, sit down, Serena. It'd be nice to brood with a little company." Max managed a faint smile.
Serena sat down in the other chair in the room, avoiding his eyes. "Yes, sir."
"You know, you've never called me sir, in my life," Max said, smiling. "Have you forgotten my name already?"
Serena looked up. "Perhaps it's a matter of just not knowing what to call you."
Max's face fell. "I suppose you're angry with me for lying to you…"
Serena was annoyed with herself. She had wanted to comfort Max, not to further drive him to despair. She held up a hand. "No, Max, that's not it at all. In fact, I'm not angry with you whatsoever. I'm very…relieved that you're safe and sound. I just find it strange calling you Max after all this time."
Max smiled. "I'm glad. I suppose I can understand the strangeness."
Serena smiled as well. "I suppose I feel kind of ridiculous right now. I remember when we first met, and how I had brought Max up…I wonder how you felt then?"
Max grinned. "Faintly amused." "Listen, Serena," Max said, his face growing serious. "About what I did, about why I acted as I did, well…"
Serena held up a hand to stop him. "Stop. It's alright. I understand. You don't have to explain a thing."
Max looked at her in relief. "So, you forgive me?"
Serena grinned. "There's nothing to forgive. I wonder how I'm going to explain this to my parents though, and everyone back home."
Max laughed as well, remembering the past. Serena coughed, gently. "I'm really starving right now, haven't eaten at all today. Perhaps you would like to join me?"
Max shook his head. "Not right now, thanks. No appetite at all, right now. But go ahead, get something to eat, you look famished."
Serena stood up, and turned as if to leave, but then hesitated. She turned back towards Max. "One question, though," she said, puzzled. "How was I unable to detect you with The Sight?"
"Ah, yes," Max said. "Perhaps you're unaware that I also have a particular talent in that area as well?"
"WHAT?" Serena said, surprised beyond belief. "You never said anything about this before."
Max shrugged. "Nova and I decided it was best that way, allowing me to secretly monitor your progress. You have been doing superbly, by the way. You've been learning at a tremendous pace, faster than when I was studying."
"Thanks," said Serena. "That still doesn't explain how you could hide from me."
"Well, with The Sight, one has the ability to modify one's aura, or signature, to suit whatever need will arise. I can make myself seem as bright as the sun to a person also blessed with the gift, or invisible. It's something you learn in the final years of training. This, along with Egress, is probably the most useful things you'll ever learn."
"Egress?" Serena said, confused. "What's that?"
"You'll find out later," Max said, smiling.
"You're no fun," said Serena, pouting.
"Max, the legendary Hero doesn't have fun," Max said, smiling. "He's fully dedicated to the Art of War. He also lives on human flesh, and takes his opponent's heads as trophies. All the stories say so."
Serena smiled, and turned to leave.
"One more thing, Serena," Max said.
Serena turned around.
"Thanks."
Serena smiled, and left, with a lighter heart than she had entered with. She started to make a way to a restaurant she had grown fond of in her stay here…
*
Aoshe took a look around Guardiana, and decided that he really didn't enjoy the urban feel at all. It felt too constricted, too crowded. Nothing at all like the dark, mysterious underground he had grown up in, with its endless tunnels of beauty. There, one could wander for hours in the tunnels without meeting another soul. Here, one couldn't take one bold step forward without bumping into someone.
Aoshe was dressed in normal, civilian clothing, normal for life in Guardiana, abandoning his usual outfit. The clothes felt strange, and loose on his body, and oddly comfortable. These clothes wouldn't last a minute in battle, however; where was the thick padding, to limit the cut of a sword sliding into your body? Where was the rough, durable, and fire-resistant material, to prevent your catching on fire from a wide-area Blaze spell? These clothes were designed with creature comforts in mind, which felt peculiar to Aoshe, who had lived his whole life with few, if any, comforts. They did feel nice, though. Mishaela, however, would scorn him for appreciating such a trivial thing.
Mishaela…Aoshe really did miss her. Twelve years ago, his village, along with everyone in it, had become a battleground in one of Runefaust's early grabs for conquest. Many of the villagers managed to flee the area in time, but there had been some left behind, like Aoshe. An orphan, Aoshe had no one that had particularly cared for his welfare, so he was quickly forgotten in the panic. In the ensuing battle, Aoshe's home village had been utterly razed to the ground, and the survivors were quickly rounded up, and carted off for "indoctrination," or sent to camps to become "volunteer labour." A five-year old Aoshe had been one of the children rounded up. Most of the children had perished, too weak to survive the long journey, but Aoshe alone had survived. Aoshe could still remember that fateful day, when Mishaela had first appeared to him. He thought back to the cold, hungry, and scared thoughts of that young self of his…
"What about this one?" a guard asked. The rest of the prisoners had already been divided up, and sent along to their respective destinations. "Too small to be of any use in labour."
His captain shrugged. "He is of no use to us. Perhaps we should just dispose of him…"
Aoshe whimpered, cold, and frightened. The guards were still discussing the possible actions concerning him when a tall, elegant lady stepped into the room.
"Lady Mishaela," the captain said, genuflecting.
"Have the prisoners been sent off yet?" Mishaela said, impatient.
"Yes, milady, as of just a few moments ago," said the captain, in a respectful tone.
"What about this one?" Mishaela said, gesturing to Aoshe.
"Ah, we're not sure what exactly to do with that one, milady," said the captain. "He is too young to serve in any useful form of labour, and he will not survive the journey to the…place of education."
Mishaela glanced at Aoshe thoughtfully. "Why is it that he is the only child here?"
"Milady, the rest of the children did not survive the journey here," the captain said. There wasn't a tone of sorrow in his voice.
Mishaela stared at Aoshe, her eyes gazing directly into his. She held his stare for a while, and then turned away. "There is something strange about this one…I think I will keep this one. You are dismissed."
"Yes, milady." The guards departed.
Mishaela picked up Aoshe, and started walking. Although Aoshe didn't know this at the time, Mishaela had taken him to her quarters. Aoshe looked around, forgetting his fear for a moment. The room was lavishly decorated, with thick, wall-to-wall carpets lining the floor, a four-poster bed with sheets that looked to be made of silk, and a large, marble desk, with ancient-looking, dusty books on top of it, and flasks filled with strange looking liquids.
Mishaela set down Aoshe on the bed, and walked over to the desk. Picking up one of the flasks, she gave it to Aoshe. "Drink," she commanded.
Aoshe complied. He had nothing to lose, in any case. He gulped the flask down, and was surprised at how much better he felt.
"An energy drink," said Mishaela, smiling. Although her smile was meant to convey friendliness, to Aoshe, it just appeared to make her look somewhat sinister. "Fills all biological needs, as well as including a slight stimulant. When you're conquering the world, you have no time for such trivial things as food and sleep.
"What does 'conquering' mean?" Aoshe asked, curiously.
"It doesn't matter," Mishaela said, shaking her head. "Now, then, boy, do you know why I had you brought here? What's your name, by the way?"
Aoshe shook his head. "My name is Aoshe. I can't think of any reasons."
"Perhaps it was out of the generosity of my own heart?" suggested Mishaela.
Aoshe shook his head again. "That doesn't seem right, sorry."
"Insightful. In any case, I want you to look at this," Mishaela said, holding out a hand. A crystal-clear, ball of ice appeared out of nowhere, and levitated a few inches above her palm. Aoshe's eyes widened.
"This is magic," said Mishaela, in a matter-of-fact tone. "Only a certain number of beings possess the potential, and even fewer have enough potential to do something like this as easily as I can."
"Wow," said Aoshe, staring at the sparkling ball, which was rotating slowly.
"Indeed," said Mishaela. "With this sensitivity to the magicks of the world, comes the ability to sense the sensitivity of others as well. You have this gift within you."
"You mean…I can do something like that?" Aoshe said, pointing.
"Possibly," Mishaela said. "The odds are low…but there's something strange about you, that I can't put my finger on. The fact that you managed to survive this long, compared to the others, shows something unique about you. How'd you like to learn?"
"I'd like that," Aoshe said, determined.
"You must agree to serve me as master. Only with your complete and utter devotion, can I possibly unravel the gift you have inside you. Do you agree?"
Aoshe didn't want to be locked up in a cage again, so the decision was easy. "Yes."
The training was very hard. Mishaela drove Aoshe hard, urging him to greater and greater heights, relentless. Mishaela's expectations to his potential were quickly surpassed. However, his abilities were not to be revealed to the world, as of yet…
"But, why can't the others know?" asked Aoshe. "I could be of some use, I think."
"This is just going to be our secret, Aoshe," Mishaela said. "You'll be of great use to me once this war is over."
"Why is that?" Aoshe said, puzzled.
"Because, my ignorant apprentice, after this, everyone is going to be making a major play for power," Mishaela grinned. "Myself included."
"Master, you would turn on your own allies?" said Aoshe, shocked.
"Have you learnt anything? Everyone in here is extremely ambitious; you can see that. One doesn't rise to power here by lying down as a doormat. If you don't make your own grab, you'll find yourself with a knife in your back."
"I suppose you're right…" said Aoshe, puzzled. "Won't people wonder why I spend so much time with you, though?"
"Let them wonder. I bet most of them just consider you my personal boy-toy, in any case."
"A what?"
"You are so hopelessly naïve. In any case, you're going to be the concealed weapon that no one knows about. With your help, Balbazak, Elliott, even Kane will be no match for me."
"What about Lord Darksol?"
"Lord Darksol is the absolute ruler," Mishaela said, dreamily. "I wouldn't dare try to supplant him."
"Master, are you sure I'm really that useful?"
"You're one of the strongest magicians in the world. Maybe you'll become as good as I am, one day. Nah."
Aoshe didn't think it likely, considering he had no real basis of comparison, besides Mishaela. He did wonder about Mishaela's attitude regarding her allies. Would he be regarded as a rival for power one day as well? He felt comfortable in that regard, anyway. No matter what Mishaela might boast, his powers were usually a match for her own in raw power. He lacked the finesse that Misheala's experience had given her, but made up for it in a large diversity of skills, including telekinesis, as well as some natural skill in armed combat."
Aoshe remembered the last time he had seen her, almost two years ago. He had been placed in command of a large segment of Mishaela's forces, and been told to guard a site.
"This underground cavern is very important," said Mishaela. "It is one of the major nexuses of magicks in the world. It is vital to our cause. Guard it well, my apprentice."
"I will," Aoshe said, solemnly. "Master, where are you going?"
"Certain events have risen up that require me to take a more personal approach. We've been having some problems with a small band of forces, led by a most unusual character. Anyway, I expect to wrap this up shortly."
"Good luck," said Aoshe. "Good bye, master. I will do my best."
"I expect nothing else," said Mishaela, solemnly. "Good bye, my apprentice."
That had been the last he had heard of her. He heard rumors, a few weeks later, that she had been slain by this ragtag band. He found it hard to believe, however. Mishaela believed in having her options open; she wouldn't have let herself perish so easily.
Aoshe had had full run of the cavern, with its extensive underground systems. He had found it pleasant being able to exert himself for once, but did find administration hopelessly dull. Devoting most of his resources to research, his mages had come up with a new, revolutionary way to disguise oneself in battle. His forces grew day by day, as survivors, having nowhere else to turn to, found their way underground. Then, when everything seemed just right, his advisors had bidden him to strike, and his rebellion against the world had begun…
Now, Aoshe found himself standing in the middle of a country he was going to conquer one day. The reason he was here was that he had a message to deliver to Max. However, instead of just getting it over with, he found himself here, wandering down memory lane. Aoshe inwardly chastised himself for straying from the target, and proceeded to set off for the castle.
One thing he noticed though was that everyone here seemed, well, happy. Underground, his people were restless, angry, seething with rage, and hatred. It was a strange thing to get used to, being in a land where people smiled, or laughed out loud.
In the middle of his musings, Aoshe accidentally bumped into someone. He stepped to one side, and proceeded to walk onward.
"Hey, you, kid! Come back here!"
Aoshe continued forward, not paying attention, until a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. He turned around slowly. A large man, decorated with tattoos, and armed to the teeth, loomed over him. He was flanked by several others.
"Yes?" Aoshe asked?
"You think you can just hit me, and wander off?" the man said, growling. "How about an apology?"
"You want me…to apologize?" Aoshe hadn't done this in a while. For the last few years, he had been ruler, and as such, people apologized for being in his way instead of him ever having to open his mouth.
"Yes. Now." A crowd was starting to gather, and Aoshe cursed silently. The last thing he needed was to draw attention to him.
Aoshe gave a deep bow, as he had been trained. "My most humble apologies, sir," Aoshe said.
The man, instead of being pleased, shoved him. "You runt! I don't need your sarcasm." Another man shoved him from behind.
Aoshe was exasperated. "What do you want, then?"
"Nothing much, now, except for you to shut up. I punch. You suffer. Got it?" the man cracked his knuckles, and he and his friends started to move in.
Aoshe was getting angry. He considered just killing them all, right then and there, attention be damned. Someone shoved Aoshe from behind again, knocking him to the ground.
Aoshe was now downright pissed. "Knock me down to the ground?" he thought angrily. "You'll soon be joining me on this very ground, and you'll be dead five times over before you hit it." He began to prepare himself…
"Pathetic," said a new voice, loudly. The voice was young, female, and taunting.
The man who had started this whole thing looked up. "What?"
"So many of you to take out one boy? Sad. However do you manage? Perhaps if two of you kept him busy, while the rest ran for reinforcements, you might have a chance."
"So, you want some of what he's going to get?" the man said. Aoshe couldn't see his smirk, but he knew it was there. "Be my guest." He stood up, and started to move toward the unknown figure. He stopped when he heard the rasp of a sword being drawn from its sheath.
"We can do this the easy way, or the hard way…"
Aoshe heard the man yell, and heard metal being drawn from leather, the usual sound when a hidden knife is revealed. He heard the man's footsteps as he charged. He heard the sound of metal meeting flesh, heard the man groan, and collapse. Not dead, however. It sounded like the dull sound of a flat hitting; not the tearing sound that results from a sharp edge cutting through.
The other men surrounding Aoshe backed away, slowly. They carefully walked over to their fallen friend, picked him up, and ran off. The crowd laughed, and began to disperse. He heard the female sheath her sword.
Someone laid a hand on his shoulder. It was a strange sensation to Aoshe, being touched like this. Besides the dim memories he had of being comforted by his mother, before she had died, no one ever since had touched him reassuringly like now. Even Mishaela, the person Aoshe felt closest to, had never approached him like this.
"Are you alright?" the voice asked gently.
Aoshe finally looked up. A young girl, perhaps a few years older than him, gazed down at him sympathetically.
Aoshe shrugged. "Nothing's hurt but my pride."
The girl smiled. "You have to be careful. The city's a dangerous place, y'know."
"You're telling me," Aoshe said. "Thank you, in any case."
The girl nodded, and began to walk off. "Wait!" Aoshe said, on sudden impulse. "Are you hungry?"
"Actually, yes," the girl said. "I was just on my way now, to get something to eat."
"Perhaps you'd allow me to accompany you? The least I can do is treat you."
The girl looked at him oddly, then smiled. "Are you asking me out on a date?"
Aoshe blushed. When had been the last time he had actually felt embarrassment? "Nothing like that…just lunch…place to chat…show gratitude," he mumbled, and wondered why he was being such a fool.
"Never mind," she said. She reached up, and took his arm, linking it with hers. "I'd be happy to accept."
"Thank you," Aoshe muttered out. "You know, you saved me and all, and I don't even your name…?"
"Draco, Serena Draco."
*****
Author's note: Yes, it has taken a very long time for this to come out, a ridiculous amount of time, in fact. T_T That's what no access to a computer for a summer will do to you. My deepest apologies as to the delay. =(
Aoshe's character has been somewhat frustrating for me. At first, I wanted to make him a cheerful villain, and so it was, last chapter. Now, thinking back, I'd like to change my mind and make him a stiff, formal type character, but it's kinda too late for that now. Character inconsistencies galore are in this chapter…T_T
In any case, shame on you people who decided that I'd leave it finished at the last chapter. ^_^ It's so completely unresolved that it couldn't possibly be an ending. But this story is nearing it's end though…
I'm planning on writing a sequel to this, which will focus more on a grand war type of thing. Massive battles, described in detail, with your favourite Shining Force characters duking it out. Not sure whether I'll do it or not though, but I'm leaning toward it. ^_^
I've been playing Bahamut Lagoon recently, which has also been a main reason why this chapter's taken so long to come out. Very cool, the Formation aspect lends a lot of depth to it. If you're a Shining Force fan, you'll like this game.
Once again, all feedback can be sent to strider_yoshi@tekken.cc. Praises, flames, phone numbers of cute girls, I'm open to everything. ^_^
Cheers!
"It's time to wake up, hero." Although the context was soothing, the inflection on the words was harsh, sarcastic, meant to pain.
Max opened his eyes. He wished he hadn't. Everything around him was totally black, with no features to distinguish it in any way. From what he saw, he didn't appear to be standing on solid ground at all, instead just floating in this realm of nothingness. He was attired in his usual travelling clothes, complete with sword. There, standing a few meters in front of him, was a vaguely familiar figure. While the top half of his body appeared to be human, the rest, instead of continuing down into a pair of legs, appeared to be shaped like a horse. Max ignored this, and continued to stare at the man's face, trying to match it…
Max abruptly got it, and stared, in shock. "No. This can't be. You're dead…"
"Oh yes, I'm dead," Varios said, smiling, but not in a friendly way. At first glance, it appeared to be the Varios that Max had known, and respected, except for the fact that a long, bloody cut ran across his body, from left shoulder to waist. Max stared at the wound, and Varios noticed.
"Yes, Kane's sword went here," Varios said, gesturing to his shoulder, "and ran to here. Very painful. Very deadly. Oh, and very preventable. How does it feel knowing that you repaid me with death for all the attention I gave to you?"
"That isn't true," Max said in denial, shaking his head. "I tried to stop Kane."
"I suppose you didn't try very hard," a new voice said, in contempt.
Max glanced at the intrusion, and began to shiver. "No…"
"Oh, yes," Kane said, with contempt. Kane appeared just as he had before, with the exception of some severe signs of burns across his entire body. "You couldn't do anything to help me, either. I died because of your incompetence."
"I couldn't do anything in time…" Max whispered, shaken.
"So, Max," Kane said casually. "Why is it that everyone who associates with you ends up dead? Varios here was like a father to you, and look how he turned out. I try to save you, and I end up face up in some coffin somewhere as well. So who's next, hmm?"
"Shut up," said Max, grimacing. "You're not real. You can't be, you're both dead."
"We all know why that is," Kane said, grinning. I'm guessing we'll be joined in the afterlife soon? Maybe that lovely Anri? Or young Serena? Perhaps Lowe, or Mae? It's bound to happen.
"No. Shut up, shut up, shut up. I won't let it happen, not again," Max said, angrily.
"Face it Max…you're like the avatar of Death himself," Kane said, smirking. "Everything around you expires, whether it's friends, or just soldiers on the other side. You're a killer, Max, and you know it."
"NO!" Max shouted. He drew his sword, and charged toward Kane. Kane laughed mockingly, and rose to meet him…
*
Max opened his eyes. He wished he hadn't. Everything around him was totally black, with no features to distinguish it in any way.
"Am I dead?" Max asked. He shifted around, and found that he was lying in something soft, and comfortable. He hesitantly reached down, and touched the ground. It was springy to the touch.
"Strange," thought Max. "This isn't what I imagined it would be like. Though, of course, it's not like I've heard otherwise."
Max tilted his head down, and around. The same darkness was still there.
"Shouldn't I at least be able to see my own body? Unless…"
Max reached up to his eyes, and felt. There seemed to be something tied to his head, covering his eyes. He removed the obstruction, and brilliant sunlight flooded his sight. Max blinked, adjusting to the rapid change, and looked around.
Max saw what seemed to be a comfortable suite. He was currently lying in a four-poster bed, in a corner of the room. Sunlight flooded in through the large window, and Max looked outside, spotting the crystal-clear view of the lake…Lake Guardiana…
Max's grogginess vanished in a snap, as his memories came back to him. His and Anri's escape from the mad ritual planned by Aoshe…their desperate journey back to Guardiana…their secret intrusion of the castle…
Max frowned. He remembered seeing the shock on everyone's faces as he had come into view, but he couldn't remember anything after that. He was still in Guardiana in any case; the sight of the lake proved it. So what was his next step going to be?
Max pondered his future, and the more he thought about it, the more his heart sank. He recalled his dream, nightmare, premonition, whatever, a few minutes ago. Kane was right; everything around him tended to perish, as if he were projecting an aura of death. Not even by Max's own hand, either. He couldn't stay. He needed to leave, to help save the friends he cared about.
"That's not all, is it?" a voice said inside of him. "You're just running away, aren't you?"
"Shut up, voice," thought Max. "I don't need this right now." He stealthily opened the door and glanced out. No one in sight. Judging from what he remembered of the architecture, the west Wall of the castle would be in that direction. If he climbed out a window in the room opposite of him, he should be able to creep along the edge, making sure to keep out of the sight if guards, and be out of here before anyone knew it.
Max glanced over at the door across the hall, and listened at the doorway. No sounds within. He opened the door a crack, and seeing no one, slipped inside. He made his way over to the window in the room, and opened it. Max glanced outside, and saw no one there. Climbing to the edge, he braced himself, and jumped the three-meter distance to the ground below, and landed in a crouch.
"Why, look what dropped out of the sky," a voice said behind him.
Max spun around, and saw Lowe cheerfully waving to him, framed by a window. Max thought back to his stealth training. What would the procedure be if discovered?
"Silence me before I can give off an alarm," Lowe answered his silent question. "Or make sure you're not captured by the enemy…alive. I was in the same class as you, so I know all this spy stuff too. Seeing as you haven't spilled your own guts on the floor yet, I presume you have chosen not to take the second option. Also, you can't silence me. I'm your dearest, bestest buddy in the whole word. You could never take me, anyway."
"As if," Max snorted. "It seems like you've eliminated all my options. Whatever am I to do?"
"I present you with an alternative choice," Lowe said, smiling.
"Which is?" Max said, raising an eyebrow.
"You climb in here, and have a cup of coffee with me," Lowe said, pointing to the pot he was holding. "We'll have a little chat while we're at it."
Max rolled his eyes. Unfortunately, Lowe was correct; there really were no options left to him at this point. He climbed in through the window.
"Incidentally," said Lowe casually, "I'll have to teach you about using these magical devices. They're called doors, and stairs. You'll get the hang of it one day, I'm sure." He poured some coffee into a cup, and handed it to Max.
Max took a sip. Black and piping hot, just the way both he and Lowe liked it. He made an appreciative sound. "Nice. By the way, how'd you know I was going to come down from that particular window?"
"I didn't," Lowe said, straight faced. "The rest of the windows are also being watched. As well, we've hid every cloak, guard uniform, and dress we could find, so you couldn't just disguise yourself and walk out of here."
Max smirked. "Why didn't you just throw attach an iron ball to my leg while you were at it?"
"We didn't have your size."
"Nice to know I'm so unique," Max said, shrugging. "How did I wind up in that bed, anyway? Last thing I remembered, I had just walked into that conference room with Anr…I mean, Queen Anri."
Lowe took a sip from his cup, and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, after the rest of us were trying to get over your apparent resurrection, you just simply keeled over, and collapsed on the floor. No convulsions, gasping, drawn-out speeches…you just fell flat on your face. No sense of theatrics, obviously."
Max blinked. "I collapsed? Why?"
Lowe laughed. "Max, you seemed to have lost several liters of blood. I'm surprised you made it this far, alive and conscious, at that. Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any long-term effects. No brain damage, not to the parts you use anyway. Perhaps the majority portion.
"It looked pretty bad at first, but I guess you're used to taking your knocks by now, hmm? You had the best of medical care and attention during your recovery anyway. Serena and Anri were in here almost day and night. Quite worried about you. They couldn't even lure Anri back to those committee meetings she loves so.
Max didn't even bother to respond to the banter; he sat back in his chair, deep in reflection. Lowe looked at him thoughtfully. "Now that I've satisfied your curiosity about things, perhaps you'd do me the courtesy of answering some of my questions?"
Max looked up. "Like what?"
"A very simple question, I assure you: Why?"
Max looked at Lowe blankly. "Why what?"
"Why were you sneaking off? Why were you just about to sneak off, and vanish again? Why were you just about to abandon us again, a second time? Break our hearts again? Huh?" Lowe's voice was filled with anger. Max had never seen the good-humoured, wise cracking Lowe like this.
Max stared at the ground, mulling his answer over. He looked up. "So many have been hurt, around me, Lowe. I've killed hundreds in battle-"
"Monsters, demons," Lowe said, in dismissal.
"Some, yes. But some were just soldiers fighting for their hometowns. Or just doing their job, like General Elliot. It's not only the deaths I've caused…It's the deaths I've let happen."
"You mean Lord Varios?" said Lowe. He looked at Max sympathetically.
"Varios…Kane. I almost had a whole village slaughtered as well, you know that?"
"Serena told us about that. How you saved her, and her friend. There was nothing in that; it was the right thing to do."
"Yes, I know. The thing is though…for some reason, I, don't know, I feel like I attract evil and death in some way."
"That's ridiculous."
"No, listen. I grew up with Varios, I loved him as a father…then he dies, in a death I couldn't prevent. I help turn Kane from his brainwashing, and he dies, to save my life. A village is almost slaughtered because of my blood-letting…and I had a whole bunch of people hurt, and Queen Anri kidnapped, just to get at me. By the way, how many casualties at the Stadium? When I was kidnapped?"
"Several dozen," Lowe said grimly. "A few children as well. Khris and I did our part, but we couldn't get to everyone in time. Our side tried to be careful in our actions, but the enemy had no such restraints. This Aoshe has a lot to answer for."
"You see? Everywhere I go, people get hurt. Mostly because of me…if I stay here any longer, I'm just going to bring danger to everyone. I have to leave." Max said this final
part decisively, and stood up.
Lowe watched him. "What are you going to do in the future?"
"I don't know…I can't remain around people. I'll just bring pain wherever I go. Maybe I'll just wander for a bit, or perhaps set out, and explore the unknown…good-bye, Lowe.
"Max, you're my best friend and all, but I hope you'll understand when I say that you're being a blazing idiot."
"What?" Max looked up in surprise. Lowe's eyes were burning angrily.
"Shut up, sit down, and listen," Lowe said, gesturing. Max slowly resumed his seat.
"I'm your friend, right?" Lowe asked.
"Of course," Max said, puzzled.
"I'm going to ask you to believe something I tell you, as a friend, which I hope you can accept," Lowe said.
"Which is what?"
"I want you to believe, that you are wrong."
"No."
Lowe's face set itself in a hard line. "Then you don't treat me as a friend. You don't believe that my opinion has any value."
"Sure I do. I just know myself better, that's all."
Lowe shook his head. "Right now, you know yourself as a shamed person with blood on his hands. You have a twisted view of your own self-worth. Now, I just want you to listen. As leader of the Shining Force, you saved thousands of lives-"
Max shook his head, "No, I took thousands of lives…"
"Shut up, and listen. Max, by doing what you did, you saved thousands of lives, heck, you saved the world! Without you, this world would have been ground to dust under Dark Dragon's little pinky. Without you, we were all dead. Me. Anri. Serena. Mae. Everyone. If you had to protect your family by killing a robber, you would do that, wouldn't you? It's the exact same thing."
Max shook his head, but continued to listen.
"Another thing. This ridiculous idea of you hurting us with your presence. Don't you realize that if you leave like this, you're killing us, as well?"
"WHAT?" Max looked up, his eyes challenging Lowe angrily.
Lowe met his gaze unflinchingly. "Do you have any idea how we felt when you vanished with the Castle? Do you? It was like being torn in two. Anri was inconsolable for months. Mae was in shock, and you know what it takes to ruffle Mae. After you vanished, Serena was worried sick. She exhausted herself day after day searching for you, wearing out her mental reserves. Now we find out you're alive, just so you can leave and stab us in the heart again?"
Max couldn't meet Lowe's gaze; his eyes were full of anger, and accusation. He looked at the ground, at his cup, anywhere but Lowe's scrutiny.
"One last thing," Lowe said with contempt. "Varios raised you like a son, and died for you. Kane traded his life for yours, as well, repaying his debt. It seems a poor way to acknowledge their sacrifice like this…they didn't die for you to run away." Lowe got up, and left the room.
Max covered his face with his hand. He felt his eyes, burning and placed his hand to them. He felt tears under them.
*
Lowe closed the door, and began a brisk walk, not particularly caring about the direction. His eyes were brimming with tears. That had been the hardest thing he had ever done in his life; a live war zone seemed like nothing compared like this. But it had to be said. Someone had to get Max to forgive himself, and start to live again. He wouldn't let Max disappear from his life a second time.
*
Serena lay on her back, staring at the ceiling. She was hungry, having not eaten anything the entire day, but at the moment, she was thinking about more important things than fulfilling her appetite.
"If there really is a Goddess," Serena mused, "then she must have a perverse sense of humour."
As had been the trend over the last few days, she thought about Pereg…Max; she had to think of him as Max from now on. Not as her close friend, but as the legendary, all-powerful hero.
Serena had paid attention to stories of Max. More than anything, she had paid attention to him. She heard about his orphan upbringing, and the death of the one who was the closest he had to a father. She listened to tales of his exploits, leading a band of heroes to liberate the world from evil. Finally, she had cried as she heard about his noble self-sacrifice, the only way to make sure of the safety of humanity. In her mind, Max was the most heroic, brave, and worthy person in the world, the greatest person ever. Everyone she had met afterwards had seemed pale, weak in comparison. Who could ever measure up in her mind to this great hero?
That had changed when she had met Peregrin. At first, from his tired manners, and his reluctance to bear arms, she had thought him weak, cowardly. Then he saved her life, Ginny's life, from a horrible end…and from there, she started discovering more things about him. His quiet nobility and bravery. The horror he had at taking a life, even as he wielded his sword with deadly grace. The distant pain she could see in his eyes, eyes that had seen things that no one as young as he had should have seen. The secrecy he used to hide his own shame and self-disgust. All these qualities had made Peregrin, in Serena's mind, a hero like Max, but in a different way.
How ironic that the heroic figure that she had admired and honoured, and the man that she had grown to love, were one and the same. Finally, now, she could understand the self-loathing he felt for himself, his shame and desire for privacy. Now, everything came together in her mind about the person that was Max, and Peregrin, and she loved him even more for it.
Serena rolled over onto her stomach, and groaned. She was getting way too sentimental for her own liking, and cursed her silliness. She got up, and headed outside. She intended to check on Max's condition again, then maybe head out and get something to eat. Now that she realized it, she was starved, and it was noon already.
Serena opened herself up to the Sight. Her progress had become outstanding over the last few weeks. She could now pick out the individual movements of any person in range of the city. She could almost instantly locate any person she wanted to, within seconds. She took this time to look for Max…and frowned. She couldn't detect his unique signature anywhere. Wait…what if he was gone? What if he had somehow been kidnapped again? She had to do something fast!
Serena charged over to the nearest quarters, intending to seek help, which happened to be Lowe's. She barged in quickly. "Lowe, come quick! Max is…" Serena stuttered to a halt. There, sitting in a chair, with a cold cup of coffee in front of him, was Max. He was staring at her in surprise.
"Jeez, Serena!" said Max. "Shock the rest of my life out of me, will ya?"
"Oh, um, sorry," Serena mumbled. She hadn't expected to see him this soon, and all the carefully phrased things she had wanted to say to him, were suddenly vanishing into thin air. "My apologies, Pe, uh, sir." She bowed her head, and turned to leave the room.
Max reached out a hand, and stopped her. "Please, sit down, Serena. It'd be nice to brood with a little company." Max managed a faint smile.
Serena sat down in the other chair in the room, avoiding his eyes. "Yes, sir."
"You know, you've never called me sir, in my life," Max said, smiling. "Have you forgotten my name already?"
Serena looked up. "Perhaps it's a matter of just not knowing what to call you."
Max's face fell. "I suppose you're angry with me for lying to you…"
Serena was annoyed with herself. She had wanted to comfort Max, not to further drive him to despair. She held up a hand. "No, Max, that's not it at all. In fact, I'm not angry with you whatsoever. I'm very…relieved that you're safe and sound. I just find it strange calling you Max after all this time."
Max smiled. "I'm glad. I suppose I can understand the strangeness."
Serena smiled as well. "I suppose I feel kind of ridiculous right now. I remember when we first met, and how I had brought Max up…I wonder how you felt then?"
Max grinned. "Faintly amused." "Listen, Serena," Max said, his face growing serious. "About what I did, about why I acted as I did, well…"
Serena held up a hand to stop him. "Stop. It's alright. I understand. You don't have to explain a thing."
Max looked at her in relief. "So, you forgive me?"
Serena grinned. "There's nothing to forgive. I wonder how I'm going to explain this to my parents though, and everyone back home."
Max laughed as well, remembering the past. Serena coughed, gently. "I'm really starving right now, haven't eaten at all today. Perhaps you would like to join me?"
Max shook his head. "Not right now, thanks. No appetite at all, right now. But go ahead, get something to eat, you look famished."
Serena stood up, and turned as if to leave, but then hesitated. She turned back towards Max. "One question, though," she said, puzzled. "How was I unable to detect you with The Sight?"
"Ah, yes," Max said. "Perhaps you're unaware that I also have a particular talent in that area as well?"
"WHAT?" Serena said, surprised beyond belief. "You never said anything about this before."
Max shrugged. "Nova and I decided it was best that way, allowing me to secretly monitor your progress. You have been doing superbly, by the way. You've been learning at a tremendous pace, faster than when I was studying."
"Thanks," said Serena. "That still doesn't explain how you could hide from me."
"Well, with The Sight, one has the ability to modify one's aura, or signature, to suit whatever need will arise. I can make myself seem as bright as the sun to a person also blessed with the gift, or invisible. It's something you learn in the final years of training. This, along with Egress, is probably the most useful things you'll ever learn."
"Egress?" Serena said, confused. "What's that?"
"You'll find out later," Max said, smiling.
"You're no fun," said Serena, pouting.
"Max, the legendary Hero doesn't have fun," Max said, smiling. "He's fully dedicated to the Art of War. He also lives on human flesh, and takes his opponent's heads as trophies. All the stories say so."
Serena smiled, and turned to leave.
"One more thing, Serena," Max said.
Serena turned around.
"Thanks."
Serena smiled, and left, with a lighter heart than she had entered with. She started to make a way to a restaurant she had grown fond of in her stay here…
*
Aoshe took a look around Guardiana, and decided that he really didn't enjoy the urban feel at all. It felt too constricted, too crowded. Nothing at all like the dark, mysterious underground he had grown up in, with its endless tunnels of beauty. There, one could wander for hours in the tunnels without meeting another soul. Here, one couldn't take one bold step forward without bumping into someone.
Aoshe was dressed in normal, civilian clothing, normal for life in Guardiana, abandoning his usual outfit. The clothes felt strange, and loose on his body, and oddly comfortable. These clothes wouldn't last a minute in battle, however; where was the thick padding, to limit the cut of a sword sliding into your body? Where was the rough, durable, and fire-resistant material, to prevent your catching on fire from a wide-area Blaze spell? These clothes were designed with creature comforts in mind, which felt peculiar to Aoshe, who had lived his whole life with few, if any, comforts. They did feel nice, though. Mishaela, however, would scorn him for appreciating such a trivial thing.
Mishaela…Aoshe really did miss her. Twelve years ago, his village, along with everyone in it, had become a battleground in one of Runefaust's early grabs for conquest. Many of the villagers managed to flee the area in time, but there had been some left behind, like Aoshe. An orphan, Aoshe had no one that had particularly cared for his welfare, so he was quickly forgotten in the panic. In the ensuing battle, Aoshe's home village had been utterly razed to the ground, and the survivors were quickly rounded up, and carted off for "indoctrination," or sent to camps to become "volunteer labour." A five-year old Aoshe had been one of the children rounded up. Most of the children had perished, too weak to survive the long journey, but Aoshe alone had survived. Aoshe could still remember that fateful day, when Mishaela had first appeared to him. He thought back to the cold, hungry, and scared thoughts of that young self of his…
"What about this one?" a guard asked. The rest of the prisoners had already been divided up, and sent along to their respective destinations. "Too small to be of any use in labour."
His captain shrugged. "He is of no use to us. Perhaps we should just dispose of him…"
Aoshe whimpered, cold, and frightened. The guards were still discussing the possible actions concerning him when a tall, elegant lady stepped into the room.
"Lady Mishaela," the captain said, genuflecting.
"Have the prisoners been sent off yet?" Mishaela said, impatient.
"Yes, milady, as of just a few moments ago," said the captain, in a respectful tone.
"What about this one?" Mishaela said, gesturing to Aoshe.
"Ah, we're not sure what exactly to do with that one, milady," said the captain. "He is too young to serve in any useful form of labour, and he will not survive the journey to the…place of education."
Mishaela glanced at Aoshe thoughtfully. "Why is it that he is the only child here?"
"Milady, the rest of the children did not survive the journey here," the captain said. There wasn't a tone of sorrow in his voice.
Mishaela stared at Aoshe, her eyes gazing directly into his. She held his stare for a while, and then turned away. "There is something strange about this one…I think I will keep this one. You are dismissed."
"Yes, milady." The guards departed.
Mishaela picked up Aoshe, and started walking. Although Aoshe didn't know this at the time, Mishaela had taken him to her quarters. Aoshe looked around, forgetting his fear for a moment. The room was lavishly decorated, with thick, wall-to-wall carpets lining the floor, a four-poster bed with sheets that looked to be made of silk, and a large, marble desk, with ancient-looking, dusty books on top of it, and flasks filled with strange looking liquids.
Mishaela set down Aoshe on the bed, and walked over to the desk. Picking up one of the flasks, she gave it to Aoshe. "Drink," she commanded.
Aoshe complied. He had nothing to lose, in any case. He gulped the flask down, and was surprised at how much better he felt.
"An energy drink," said Mishaela, smiling. Although her smile was meant to convey friendliness, to Aoshe, it just appeared to make her look somewhat sinister. "Fills all biological needs, as well as including a slight stimulant. When you're conquering the world, you have no time for such trivial things as food and sleep.
"What does 'conquering' mean?" Aoshe asked, curiously.
"It doesn't matter," Mishaela said, shaking her head. "Now, then, boy, do you know why I had you brought here? What's your name, by the way?"
Aoshe shook his head. "My name is Aoshe. I can't think of any reasons."
"Perhaps it was out of the generosity of my own heart?" suggested Mishaela.
Aoshe shook his head again. "That doesn't seem right, sorry."
"Insightful. In any case, I want you to look at this," Mishaela said, holding out a hand. A crystal-clear, ball of ice appeared out of nowhere, and levitated a few inches above her palm. Aoshe's eyes widened.
"This is magic," said Mishaela, in a matter-of-fact tone. "Only a certain number of beings possess the potential, and even fewer have enough potential to do something like this as easily as I can."
"Wow," said Aoshe, staring at the sparkling ball, which was rotating slowly.
"Indeed," said Mishaela. "With this sensitivity to the magicks of the world, comes the ability to sense the sensitivity of others as well. You have this gift within you."
"You mean…I can do something like that?" Aoshe said, pointing.
"Possibly," Mishaela said. "The odds are low…but there's something strange about you, that I can't put my finger on. The fact that you managed to survive this long, compared to the others, shows something unique about you. How'd you like to learn?"
"I'd like that," Aoshe said, determined.
"You must agree to serve me as master. Only with your complete and utter devotion, can I possibly unravel the gift you have inside you. Do you agree?"
Aoshe didn't want to be locked up in a cage again, so the decision was easy. "Yes."
The training was very hard. Mishaela drove Aoshe hard, urging him to greater and greater heights, relentless. Mishaela's expectations to his potential were quickly surpassed. However, his abilities were not to be revealed to the world, as of yet…
"But, why can't the others know?" asked Aoshe. "I could be of some use, I think."
"This is just going to be our secret, Aoshe," Mishaela said. "You'll be of great use to me once this war is over."
"Why is that?" Aoshe said, puzzled.
"Because, my ignorant apprentice, after this, everyone is going to be making a major play for power," Mishaela grinned. "Myself included."
"Master, you would turn on your own allies?" said Aoshe, shocked.
"Have you learnt anything? Everyone in here is extremely ambitious; you can see that. One doesn't rise to power here by lying down as a doormat. If you don't make your own grab, you'll find yourself with a knife in your back."
"I suppose you're right…" said Aoshe, puzzled. "Won't people wonder why I spend so much time with you, though?"
"Let them wonder. I bet most of them just consider you my personal boy-toy, in any case."
"A what?"
"You are so hopelessly naïve. In any case, you're going to be the concealed weapon that no one knows about. With your help, Balbazak, Elliott, even Kane will be no match for me."
"What about Lord Darksol?"
"Lord Darksol is the absolute ruler," Mishaela said, dreamily. "I wouldn't dare try to supplant him."
"Master, are you sure I'm really that useful?"
"You're one of the strongest magicians in the world. Maybe you'll become as good as I am, one day. Nah."
Aoshe didn't think it likely, considering he had no real basis of comparison, besides Mishaela. He did wonder about Mishaela's attitude regarding her allies. Would he be regarded as a rival for power one day as well? He felt comfortable in that regard, anyway. No matter what Mishaela might boast, his powers were usually a match for her own in raw power. He lacked the finesse that Misheala's experience had given her, but made up for it in a large diversity of skills, including telekinesis, as well as some natural skill in armed combat."
Aoshe remembered the last time he had seen her, almost two years ago. He had been placed in command of a large segment of Mishaela's forces, and been told to guard a site.
"This underground cavern is very important," said Mishaela. "It is one of the major nexuses of magicks in the world. It is vital to our cause. Guard it well, my apprentice."
"I will," Aoshe said, solemnly. "Master, where are you going?"
"Certain events have risen up that require me to take a more personal approach. We've been having some problems with a small band of forces, led by a most unusual character. Anyway, I expect to wrap this up shortly."
"Good luck," said Aoshe. "Good bye, master. I will do my best."
"I expect nothing else," said Mishaela, solemnly. "Good bye, my apprentice."
That had been the last he had heard of her. He heard rumors, a few weeks later, that she had been slain by this ragtag band. He found it hard to believe, however. Mishaela believed in having her options open; she wouldn't have let herself perish so easily.
Aoshe had had full run of the cavern, with its extensive underground systems. He had found it pleasant being able to exert himself for once, but did find administration hopelessly dull. Devoting most of his resources to research, his mages had come up with a new, revolutionary way to disguise oneself in battle. His forces grew day by day, as survivors, having nowhere else to turn to, found their way underground. Then, when everything seemed just right, his advisors had bidden him to strike, and his rebellion against the world had begun…
Now, Aoshe found himself standing in the middle of a country he was going to conquer one day. The reason he was here was that he had a message to deliver to Max. However, instead of just getting it over with, he found himself here, wandering down memory lane. Aoshe inwardly chastised himself for straying from the target, and proceeded to set off for the castle.
One thing he noticed though was that everyone here seemed, well, happy. Underground, his people were restless, angry, seething with rage, and hatred. It was a strange thing to get used to, being in a land where people smiled, or laughed out loud.
In the middle of his musings, Aoshe accidentally bumped into someone. He stepped to one side, and proceeded to walk onward.
"Hey, you, kid! Come back here!"
Aoshe continued forward, not paying attention, until a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. He turned around slowly. A large man, decorated with tattoos, and armed to the teeth, loomed over him. He was flanked by several others.
"Yes?" Aoshe asked?
"You think you can just hit me, and wander off?" the man said, growling. "How about an apology?"
"You want me…to apologize?" Aoshe hadn't done this in a while. For the last few years, he had been ruler, and as such, people apologized for being in his way instead of him ever having to open his mouth.
"Yes. Now." A crowd was starting to gather, and Aoshe cursed silently. The last thing he needed was to draw attention to him.
Aoshe gave a deep bow, as he had been trained. "My most humble apologies, sir," Aoshe said.
The man, instead of being pleased, shoved him. "You runt! I don't need your sarcasm." Another man shoved him from behind.
Aoshe was exasperated. "What do you want, then?"
"Nothing much, now, except for you to shut up. I punch. You suffer. Got it?" the man cracked his knuckles, and he and his friends started to move in.
Aoshe was getting angry. He considered just killing them all, right then and there, attention be damned. Someone shoved Aoshe from behind again, knocking him to the ground.
Aoshe was now downright pissed. "Knock me down to the ground?" he thought angrily. "You'll soon be joining me on this very ground, and you'll be dead five times over before you hit it." He began to prepare himself…
"Pathetic," said a new voice, loudly. The voice was young, female, and taunting.
The man who had started this whole thing looked up. "What?"
"So many of you to take out one boy? Sad. However do you manage? Perhaps if two of you kept him busy, while the rest ran for reinforcements, you might have a chance."
"So, you want some of what he's going to get?" the man said. Aoshe couldn't see his smirk, but he knew it was there. "Be my guest." He stood up, and started to move toward the unknown figure. He stopped when he heard the rasp of a sword being drawn from its sheath.
"We can do this the easy way, or the hard way…"
Aoshe heard the man yell, and heard metal being drawn from leather, the usual sound when a hidden knife is revealed. He heard the man's footsteps as he charged. He heard the sound of metal meeting flesh, heard the man groan, and collapse. Not dead, however. It sounded like the dull sound of a flat hitting; not the tearing sound that results from a sharp edge cutting through.
The other men surrounding Aoshe backed away, slowly. They carefully walked over to their fallen friend, picked him up, and ran off. The crowd laughed, and began to disperse. He heard the female sheath her sword.
Someone laid a hand on his shoulder. It was a strange sensation to Aoshe, being touched like this. Besides the dim memories he had of being comforted by his mother, before she had died, no one ever since had touched him reassuringly like now. Even Mishaela, the person Aoshe felt closest to, had never approached him like this.
"Are you alright?" the voice asked gently.
Aoshe finally looked up. A young girl, perhaps a few years older than him, gazed down at him sympathetically.
Aoshe shrugged. "Nothing's hurt but my pride."
The girl smiled. "You have to be careful. The city's a dangerous place, y'know."
"You're telling me," Aoshe said. "Thank you, in any case."
The girl nodded, and began to walk off. "Wait!" Aoshe said, on sudden impulse. "Are you hungry?"
"Actually, yes," the girl said. "I was just on my way now, to get something to eat."
"Perhaps you'd allow me to accompany you? The least I can do is treat you."
The girl looked at him oddly, then smiled. "Are you asking me out on a date?"
Aoshe blushed. When had been the last time he had actually felt embarrassment? "Nothing like that…just lunch…place to chat…show gratitude," he mumbled, and wondered why he was being such a fool.
"Never mind," she said. She reached up, and took his arm, linking it with hers. "I'd be happy to accept."
"Thank you," Aoshe muttered out. "You know, you saved me and all, and I don't even your name…?"
"Draco, Serena Draco."
*****
Author's note: Yes, it has taken a very long time for this to come out, a ridiculous amount of time, in fact. T_T That's what no access to a computer for a summer will do to you. My deepest apologies as to the delay. =(
Aoshe's character has been somewhat frustrating for me. At first, I wanted to make him a cheerful villain, and so it was, last chapter. Now, thinking back, I'd like to change my mind and make him a stiff, formal type character, but it's kinda too late for that now. Character inconsistencies galore are in this chapter…T_T
In any case, shame on you people who decided that I'd leave it finished at the last chapter. ^_^ It's so completely unresolved that it couldn't possibly be an ending. But this story is nearing it's end though…
I'm planning on writing a sequel to this, which will focus more on a grand war type of thing. Massive battles, described in detail, with your favourite Shining Force characters duking it out. Not sure whether I'll do it or not though, but I'm leaning toward it. ^_^
I've been playing Bahamut Lagoon recently, which has also been a main reason why this chapter's taken so long to come out. Very cool, the Formation aspect lends a lot of depth to it. If you're a Shining Force fan, you'll like this game.
Once again, all feedback can be sent to strider_yoshi@tekken.cc. Praises, flames, phone numbers of cute girls, I'm open to everything. ^_^
Cheers!
