Secondary Elements

"Brother!" exclaimed Marco, "You're alive! I was so worried after the demons attacked us at the Fallen Sanctuary." He ran up to the four warriors, and gave a hug to his beloved twin. Marco then gave Jacob a hug. Sierra found herself feeling jealous of the bond they shared, but quickly shook it off. After all, she had no need for worrying about another person in addition to herself. Kyoku was enough of a handful, and she kept in the gunwoman's bag at all times, unless asked to get something.

"Let us go back into the house. I've got to warn you about the demons, and their plans. They seem to be after the Teardrop, the sacred gem of the Shamans, and wish to use it to destroy or take over the world," Jacob stated. They then went back to the twins' home, and talked over dinner.

* * *

Marco said, "I get it now. You've all had quite an adventure. I think I can help you. Go south, and head through the forest. You'll come to the Lakeside Sanctuary. There, the four Lesser Elemental Guardians lie. They represent Ice, Thunder, Light, and Dark. I'm sure they'll help you out."

Jacob was shocked. "But Marco, don't you need the Guardians for your ceremony? I mean, you've got to Summon one in order to be fully ordained as a priest. So you don't need to give them to us. At least wait until after you've become the true High Priest before you give them to us."


"No, brother," Marco told him, "You've got to fight against the demons, and can ill afford to wait. Besides, we've got the Odoryuk Medium still in Baskar's shrine. The search for the Elemental Guardians is more along the line of formality, the symbolism of conquering Guardians. I've already used the Life Medium to become a full-fledged priest. Here, take it, I don't need it anymore." With that, Marco put the Life Medium into his brother's hand. Jacob Invoked it, and then they were off to the Lake.

* * *

After combing the forests around Baskar, going south, and traveling through yet another forest, they came to a large shrine next to a boomerang shaped lake. Figuring the name of the Sanctuary fit the description of the area, the group went inside to look around. By this time, Jacob had learned both Lores in Odoryuk, which were First Aid and Turn Undead. He could now help Sasha heal the team.

Soon, they arrived at the shrine area. There, in front of them, were four pillars, with the symbols of Noua Shax of Thunder, Aru Sulato of Ice, Stare Roe of Light, and Celsidue of Darkness. Since both Sasha and Jacob were from Guardian worshipping families, it was decided that the two of them should be the ones to call forth these entities, and petition them to help out the four Silver Wolves.

"Oh Guardians, hear our plea. Demons are coming to destroy this beautiful wold that you have protected for millennia. Please, help us to fight against this evil, and bring peace back to the planet we hold so dear in our hearts," chanted both the princess and priest. The Teardrop began to glow, shining in sync with a glow from the pillars. Suddenly, energy left the pillars, and formed Mediums in the hands of the two youths. Jacob took Nou Shax, Sasha claimed Aru Sulato. Lyle Invoked Stare Roe. And Sierra was given Celsidue. Now, the team was even better equipped to fight the demons.

Kyoku reminded them, "We must go back to Baskar, maybe Marco knows of another shrine or two we can raid. The more Guardians in our pack, the better for us. I don't know about you, but these demons give me the creeps." She shivered a little, and went back into Sierra's pack.

Suddenly, a laugh cut through the air. "Well, well, well, you humans are quite slick. But I don't think you can stand against me." A man jumped down from the top of a pillar on the side. He had pale skin, brown shorts with triangular cuts around the knees. Leather cuffs were on his arms, and there were silver rings around his shoulders and waist. The man had no hair, but a red X on his forehead and red eyes. And he looked to be quite dangerous, with huge muscles and all.

"Who are you?" demanded Sierra, "And what do you want with the four of us?" She drew her Rifle, and prepared to fire. Sierra saw Lyle bring out his sword, and the magicians getting ready to cast a spell or two on the demon man. But he just began to laugh.

"So, you're the one that shot at Kogatana in the cave. Just as he said, you appear to be quite powerful. Your spirit is almost as strong as that of a demon. But you are not one of us, I don't know why you have such powers. No matter, I, Kobushi, will destroy you now," he said.

Lyle stepped out in front of Sierra. He stated, "No matter what, I will not allow you to harm this girl in any way. You will sooner face my blade." The youth decided to try the new skill he had learned from a hint left on a statue in the Lakeside Shrine. Suddenly, the Divide Shock was opened. It was able to cut Kobushi's HP in half, knocking him back. A Lightnin from Jacob and a Spark from Sasha was enough to finish him off. Black, demonic blood flowed from his wounds.

Kobushi laughed. "Humans, you have not defeated me. And you have not fought the worst of us yet. The two strongest members of the Four Knights of Death are still waiting to try their hands. As is Kogatana, he wants to get his revenge. One day, the four of us will join together to destroy you all." Then, the world will be ours." With that, Kobushi teleported off.

* * *

"These demons seem to be getting more bold," Marco deduced, "It appears as if the Guardians are beginning to weaken once again. In the old days, the holy power from the shrine wouldn't allow any wicked souls to even come close. I'm beginning to worry about the High Guardians, they always get turned to stone whenever things like this happen. Please, go to the Divine Shrine and check on them. It is on a continent to the north, in between two rivers, and near the twin towns of Marsala and Narsala."

"Narsala is my hometown, we'll surely be welcome there. But how to cross the river," mused Lyle. Then, he remembered what was waiting for him at Moro's Lab. He told his idea to the gang, and they decided to head on out towards the laboratory, to get help from the scientist.

- - - -

Sky's Corner

Teefa's out of it again, she had a dilemma today. All she wanted to do was save artwork, instead she had to go all around the place to change things to JPG format. Problem saving things to hard drive, don't ask me, I'm no techno wiz. Lufia was fanning her with one of her fanfics, last I saw. Told you so. Oh, and Kobushi means fist in Japanese, Teefa's just a tad obsessive