Author's note:
fellow reviewers thank you for the nice reviews..It's been days, I can't upload the new chapters 14 and 15!.. sorry!.. the site maybe down.
I took me sometime to decide how to write the very detail and description of the story, I thought I was carried away with it. Anyway I have a few chapters left to type down. But long ones.
S_ming - ^_^; I was really surprised there's a movie??? o_O !! OMG! Pls. I need the info of it!
By the way this is the site you were asking for. I don't want to spoil every detail. You see there is more to that, you'll be surprised check it on www. raine-fall. net/ lan / mina. htm
So much for that, now.. On with the story..
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Chapter 14
With that promised, The two ladies took off by dawn, Xianghua wasn't able to borrow money from them, since it might give the men suspicion that they would run off, and they did!
Instead she took a small pouch bag while they were sleeping, and they disappeared into the night heading to the next city, across the boundary of Pollux plains.
" thirty five pieces of silver!" Mina examined the small pouch along the way
"That will have to do.we can't go back to camp.Unless you change your mind" Xianghua insisted
"No. This plan will not come to me without the prompting of my decision, to prove myself, What about you?. We cannot rely on them" she said
"Who says we will rely on them, they make us inferior!" xianghua remarked
That night it took them miles to get to the city before the crack of dawn, as the moon went down behind the mountains, they have manage to buy a horse in a cheap bargain near the city in exchange for 4 silver pieces, lucky for them they bought it from a kind old farmer who didn't mind to be bothered at home, by two wandering girls, Xianghua was good enough to please him, so he can't resist two poor girls traveling without a mode of transportation.
They were given guides to their next destination, a city in the northern hills a small strait can take them to Cyprus, faster by water than cross country, it maybe a bit far from their next stop, Mina and xianghua was given extra food rations by the old farmer.
They were thankful, as they race against the crack of dawn tireless until they stopped in a vast countryside. Mina and Chai sat down under a tree, Both of their eyes were heavy, from traveling throughout the night. The sun peaked in the glowing sky.
Mina could see the sunrise as she opened her eyes, from a few minute nap under the tree. She saw a cloaked stranger , but she was too sleepy to move while watching him took their horse and reeled it at the wooden wagon next to another horse he was traveling with was a , there was nothing she can do, too weakened and sleepy, she saw the stranger carry the sleeping body of Xianghua and placed it behind the wooden wagon , along with their things.
"Who. are you????" she uttered but she was still sleepy and dozes off. The stranger carried her to the wagon. As the wagon began to move. After a few minutes She opened again her heavy eyes and saw they were both was wrapped in a thick blanket, Mina turned on her other side she saw two oriental swords placed behind a small casket in the wagon.
*A wandering warrior?* she thought, Mina looked above her while lying on the wagon she saw the stranger , was a woman, her hair flickered against the air as she sat in front of the wagon.
" Get some rest..your companion is tired too " She said steadily pursuing their next course of destination, Mina somehow felt secure with the stranger , she curled back in her blanket
Memories of her home Haunted her thoughts *Is this your true wish mina?,even yet, to go back to your own country? What else do I seek, something I must attain back from my home.? All this time still days are consuming in longing to travel back home.*
she thought, about her homeland ,and her father, even the memories of her deceased mother and brother made her eyes teary, even the ounce of that memory when she was still a child. It was very hard for her, but since her father took in this young boy in their house, those old times made her feel secure, Hwang was always have given back the a smile on her father's face, he was full of strong determination and hardwork. They grew up together, but he took off more of Mina's place as a daughter, that's all she thought, until that night her father arranged them to be together.
*Why am I, affected by this? * She was beginning to cry again, Xianghua woke up and saw her friend sobbing beneath the sheets, as they were currently traveling.
" Mina. don't cry..What's wrong?" Xianghua wiped the tears in her eyes
"Both of you two are awake." The woman said and she stopped the wagon and looked at them
"What is wrong?" She asked, Xianghua was a bit surprised, "Who are you? Where are you taking us?!" she sat back
"Chai, she was kind enough to take us along the ride" Mina said
"Hmph.. If you don't like you two can walk on your own feet." The woman smirked and went back on riding
"I know where you two were heading"
Xianghua looked at her questioningly. "You knew all along?"
"Why don't you want to trust a stranger like me? " she said
"thank you.." Mina said instead, she thought it would be nice if they thanked her and bringing them along the way.
"This is Xianghua, I'm mina... now we're not strangers to you anymore"
"Taki...Call me.. huntress. I kept my name anonymous for now.But I trust you both, I just took this wagon, for and sell it at the port so we can get there. You two can rest till we get to the port" Having ended their conversation, the huntress turned abruptly, thy bottled settled back in their sheets, at least they can regain rest.
The travel took about hours from miles across, It was a humid morning, the sky was cloudy, good thing they can still sleep under the cloudy sky, it was a cold season, since the next few moths , it will snow.. the breeze of air was chilly, Mina and Chai remained nestled in the warm cloth
"She's very kind" Xianghua whispered
"I know she has a good heart, she didn't rob us.. even she's a huntress"mina said
"I still question her sincerity towards us.. but, she was honest.. And like us she's in search for the soulblade as well" Xianghua grinned but mina remained stiff, she wasn't paying attention to her.
"Mina, you know.I didn't surprised me at all, when I found out you and Hwang were engage.."
Mina still remained quiet and looked away. Xianghua obviously can sense she misses him so much.
"I think this is his.." She reached for her pack and took out a small journal and gave it to mina
Mina was surprised "You tooked it ?what are you thinking."
"Hey, we were leaving, I thought it wasyours, since I found the earings clipped in between the pages.I didn't read it.. but I think you can have a peak" She said
".. What do you think of me. he only keeps important notes in these during his trainings" she hanaded back the journal, Xianghua handed it back to her
"Mina, believe me. if it's not important why would he keep your earrings between the pages. well, I'll just atke a nap, read it if you like" Xianghua smiled at her and turned to the opposite side as she yawns.
Mina took the journal and turned to the other side, she opened the pages.. only navigation scribbles and notes from his duties written in there. Mina notice a folded page in between from the first part of the journal
*+*+*+*+*+*
/Do I know yet what to do,I have not? Shall I pay my master and his
house, I can't possibly leave them behind, now my heart is part of
that home. Since I've lost so easily my family, hence I've earned it
in the house of Master Han Myong/
* Hwang was happy. hmph he loved my father, but I never know how he feels, when he leaves * She tought. Mina continued to scan the pages.. and I between her eyes. She felt her heart stopped as she read between the lines from the folded page
/Here inside me, the memories of the Master's daughter, she filled my
spirit.since the each days created, it inspired my strength Mina and I
were supposed to be a brother and sister, but whenever I watch her
train with her during the days after her household chores, I watched
her with amazement, she has a pure soul, I've never thought of her to
have a brave heart. Even watching her from every night she sneak out
of her room and train in the garden, I remained cold with her, so she
can't trace the attention I usually give to her, But she was making me
weak, her face, her outermost beauty, the girl I grew up with,
somehow is teasing my interest, she's beautiful, too much I can't deny
it with, that's why I maintain the distance between us..her beauty was
very tempting for me.Only I decided to work hard till the day comes
when I ask her hand.. From her father.. Her smile wipes my sorrow away
and strengthen me. since then,, I realize she's not only a sister to
me. her memories now keep me strong and eager to see her again.I need
to see her again/
Mina closed the journal and kept it closer against the feel of her pounding heart, as if it will soar out of her chest, all these time, Hwang didn't thought of her as a child or a sister..it was him, hiding his emotions.. He was falling in love with her.
She closed her eyes trying to recall instances. She did remembered one important detail, it was some time it was raining outside, Master Han Myong went to the village chief, they were left alone, She was at the kitchen preparing supper, just when Hwang arrived with a bag of rice.
He was soaking wet from the rain, Mina went to the other room Hwang followed, she took out a dry cloth ,and Hwang took it from her hand- still holding her hand- she took it away *Yes. that time his eyes.. were staring at me.. I looked away and went back in the kitchen* she thought
And another particular instance the time Hwang caught her sleeping outside the garden* he carried me into my room, to get to sleep , and by the morning I was surprised he did my chores in his place, be cause I was too tired that day * she giggled , and the thought of it, made her realize, she miss him more, she needs to see him. the desire to see him again, now she knew the lines of his written confessions. Mina sighed and smiled.
"Its getting dark, must be rain.. girls. We have to settle here for a while won't you agree?" taki insisted
"Look!." Xianghua was referring to a small cottage far across the other side of the bridge.
"We can stay there?" she said
"Nope, it's risky. The reign of war is high Here in the eastern lands.. Rummage of executions of foreign travelers are taken in custody, we are strangers on this soil." Taki said
"It's just a small cottage." Xianghua said
"Chai, we have to be cautios, taki is right.." Mina got up and looked over the small cottage they were talking about.
"Taki.. do you think folks there, would welcome us.We're Asians travelers we'll get into trouble?"
"I don't know. we have to do something" Taki felt a droplet of rain over her face, then it poured
"We have to go now! It's raining already, let's find another route" She turned the lash of the horse and the wagon turned, heading to the other direction as the rode off.
"WAIT!" a man called coming out from the cottage
"Whoah! Stop!" taki pulled over the side of the road as the boy run towards them
"WAIT!..don't go! We saw you heading to the bridge, my wife asked you to stay indoors" the boy said as took a deep breath after running to the muddy road.
The Three ladies looked at him questioningly and looked at each other, "So?" Xianghua asked Taki, who seems know what to decide
"Please, I beg you, my wife begs you please..and you can hide your wagon on the small cave behind our cottage" he said
"Why hide it?" Taki asked me suspiciously
"I will explain it inside. trust us please, I have my word on that" The man pleased them politely, since he was honest with his words, the three ladies followed him unto his home, they hid the wooden wagon in a cave behind the man's cottage.
They went inside the small cottage, "Thank yu for coming in our home" The Man's wife served them hot tea and a loaf of bread.
"Thank you that is most kind of you.." Mina smiled at them , and they were seated by the table.
She looked around the small house, the man has three children and a small infant the wife carries. "They are kind folks.. taki" Mina said at her.
"Why are you both nice to us?!" Taki asked the man straightly. He just looked at his wife, and seemingly worried to answer.
"Taki. please..one at a time." Xianghua calmed her down "Please, we really need to know. forgive us.. we are just cautious in this part of lands.."
"We know. we. Need your help.. please.." The wife pleaded. Taki crossed her arms and looked at them questioningly , but she began to listen, as the man began to speak
"the city Persephone, a couple of miles from here.Is underseige.we thought you were heading that way, since there is no other city beyond then".
"What does that concerns you peple. Yes we are. but we take precautions in our travels." Taki shot back.
"Taki please..they meant no harm or any other wrong intention, look at them. they have three innocent children."mina said to her then she began to speak on Taki's behalf.
"We are foreign travelers. Sir, may I have your word to keep our meeting unknown.. "
"Yes. we will "
"Very well, what can we do for help?"
"Well as I said, the city of Persephone is undersiege by the roman and Persian empire, weeks ago.it was under a pirate's rule. most of the villagers and merchants were taken under custody , the whole city's money and trade has been taken out , those pirate's were filthy with greed.."
"who is the pirate you speak of who is responsible for this?' taki asked
"He is a fierce looking man, he is evil, it reveals to his physical appearance, his greed claimed the whole city for his own .. there were rumors that he was conquering every ship and port town looking for a certain treasure"
"De leon.. Cervantes ,that could be him." Taki said
Mina looked at taki.. she remembered that name. It was when she sailed for china, when she first encountered Maxi, the ship was under attack by that pirate, one of Maxi's comrades shouted that name.."You know him?" she asked
"De leon Cervantes. Hmph. That man is no man at all..He is a demon. he never age since, he has took the evil power."Taki paused, she didn't want the commoners to hear about the power of the soul edge
"However, the port ship is open since they allow in and out travels. The pirates only hold an expensive fee for each passenger, the villagers remained in the city, but we wish to leave this place and cross to the Nile. Egypt if far across the other continent, we only have no choice but travel where you came from , since can't travel by sea, we have children.."
"So what are you saying?"
The man took out the three small pouch , it contains gold coind maybe about 56 pices of gold each pouch "We wish to buy the horse and wagon with you.. sowe can leave here I beg you" .
They were desperate. The three ladies doesn't know hat to say.. instead taki said "how much are you offering us. this will not give us much expense, we are traveling we need more than that.."
The man's wife went back to the corner of the room and took out another small pouch. It contained a large emerald stone.
"Please, this is all we have.. This gem and 3 pouch of gold coins are the only possession we have.. My husband received as a reward from the governor way before, but we can't let the pirates took ths, we want you to have this in exchange to our transport.. We can't let our children suffer here in this place.."
The Man and his wife were really sincere about it. Taki then agreed to the bargain. Mina and Xianghua were glad she has agreed, in exchange for 60 gold pieces and a gem. Is fair enough to take them to Crete.
The couple was happy they served dinner for the three heroines and they spend the night in the old shack. By dawn they helped the man and his wife pack as they decided leave by that night, taking the wooden wagon.
"Mina let's give them our rations. they were kind to us.."Xianghua insisted, mina didn't mind, she didn't took back her pack "wait" she went back in the back of the wagon and took back the slate and the journal with her same as her scarlet thunder.
The ladies claim there weapons back. "God bless you all" the wife said and she hugged each of them. They left that night, as well as Mina and the others abandoned the old shack. They must leave as soon as possible.
A few hours passed, they traveled by foot. "You know De Leon Cervantes.." Mina asked
"Yes I do, he tried to conquer Japan .. It was a menace, I was summoned to destroy the soul edge, Cervantes, used to have it.. He became a demon,. evil has taken over his whole being. but his hold over the possession of the blade ceased, he lost it and the rumors spread all over the continent.. he want's it back.. that's why each land were became the graveyards of the bloodshed, every battle ground try to conquer every land, and every city."Taki looked so displeased when telling the details of her quest.
"Each of us, has the very same purpose.to be ashame.. it's like our path meets together for one goal" Mina smiled at her as they traveled to Persephone
They arrived in the city walls. The man and his wife were riht, the town was heavily guarded by De Leon's men, the three ladies disguised themselves, taking a few clothes hung around a small alley as a laundry, as they dressed in dark cloaked Arabian garments and covering their faces with a silk material and shawl.
"l'll do the talking I can speak Arabic.Let's keep our guards down okay.. for know we must find an inn.. this building must have rooms, let's leave our weapons here for the mean time" taki warned them
"Alright, but for one night. com'n Xianghua lets' go" mina remarked
The three ladies casually made they way into the crowded inn as they came inside. It was also a tavern of different Pirates and merchants. The town they went in was an open city.. Taki went to find for the inn keeper to get a room for them and left them by the hall.
"Mina this is scary" Xianghua whispered
"Shhhh. Let's talk later" Mina ignored her as she looked away from the crowded tavern and looking for Taki, Xianghua's attention caught a sight of two familiar fellow.
"Mina!.. look!" Xianghua pulled her by her sleeve,she was pointing over the distant counter far across from them
"MAXI!" Mina Gasped. and she began to look for Hwang as well. Maxi wore different clothes, watching some dancers on the stage and drinking
"Those guys.. They are here, if Maxi is here too!.They finally found their way here, and they knew foreign travelers were very dangerous here, having themselves disguised.
Mina felt fear and eagerness at the same time, she was hoping to see Hwang after all, Xianghua looked at her.
"Don't even think about going to meet Hwang.. not this time, this is not the place." Xianghua whispered
"Looking for who?" Taki went up to them, Mina pinched xianghua from her side signaling for her to shut up. "Let's go? Where are we going to stay then?" she asked, Taki went upstairs and the two followed. And Taki opened their room with a key as they went in.. Mina paused by the door and she looked at the staircase to the tavern downstairs
* Hwang. where are you? * hoping to see him again, she wonders where could he be. Mina went inside her room to gets some rest.
"What are you thinking.?" Taki looked at her questioningly
"nothing." Mina sighed and sat down beside her. Taki looked at xianghua wondering what is wrong with Mina, but she just smiled
"We have to stay alert here.What ever you're thinking, think it someother time" Taki exclaimed as she looked out the window.
"here." She threw mina the pouch "I don't want the two of you to get a bad impression of me." Taki said
"It's not that..We trust you." Mina said
"I know. Just incase , we get separated.. both of you have something to spend" Taki exclaimed
"You're kind Taki" Xianghua smiled at her, but taki remained cold in her expression
"I'm not kind. I just remained fair." Taki took her cloak back "I'm going to check the ship, we should depart earlier stay here." she covered her face with the sheer material over her face and wrapped back the veil over her head and went outside.
(Gasp). Taki paused just when Maxi went upstairs and caught the sight of her.. She slowly removed her attention from him, as he was looking at her questioningly, he notice her eyes.. it wonders him. * She seems like an Asian with those eyes* Maxi wondered he didn't moved away as he observes how she moved went downstairs. Taki remained calmed and ignored the fact how that man looked at her, she didn't looked back or it will bring suspicion. Then she went outside. Maxi felt uneasy about the veiled woman, * she's not from here.* he thought. And went to his own room separating four doors in between from the ladies
"Maxi.. you have a good time?" Kilik mumbled , while having a quick nap on the bed.
"Mind your own business kid." Maxi sat beside by his bed, he seemed confused.
Hwang was outside the balcony of the room sitting on the edge, he was having his own spare time to drink, with a bottle of liquor on his hand.
"Where have you been, Hwang has been enjoying his time drinking." Kilik mumbled
"We have to leave tonight.. Pull yourself together, don't get drunk outhere, you might fall off" Maxi said
"I'm fine..(sigh)What are you thinking now?" he asked Maxi
"Nothing.. It's just that .. That woman. she seemed to be suspicious. Maybe she's not from here"
"Maybe you shouldn't go chasing any. women here just smiles at you and give you their service just pay them.. they are all whores!" kilik mumbled
"Wait!!. She's not from here! Maxi got up something caught his interest
'What is it this time, we should be leaving by tonight to go to Crete!" Hwang looked at him sternly
"For once you're right Kilik. Every prostitute would smile at you and approach, But she looked at me coldly and avoided me in such a hurry!" Maxi quickly took back his coat and went outside as he yanked the door closed
"What was that about!" Kilik wondered and looked at hwang but he was just staring at the moonlight outside the window.
"You're thinking about her have you?... I don't blame you. You're always there to protect her" Kilik said, but He didn't reply still looking at the night sky.
"By the way. I'm sorry. I was in you're way. I don't blame you, Mina is beautiful inside and out, she has a beautiful spirit" he said and yawned as he went back to sleep.
"I know." Hwang said
*+*+*+*+*+*+*
"Hey close the window!" Xianghua whispered "No it's hot in here!.. just get some sleep I'll be waiting for Taki" Mina said.
Xianghua removed her disguise and removed her upper blouse and shoes ,lie down on the bed "Yeah it's hot (YAWNS) we need the rest we can get" she sighed lying on her back staring at the ceiling, and rolled on her stomach, she looked at mina she was holding Hwang's journal closed to her chest.
"You ,miss him do you?" Xianghua smiled
"Chai! Mind your own life!" Mina yelled at her
"Shhhh. I just can't understand you, you hate him, you miss him. and you've read his own journal! .. Oooohhh that's not nice!" Xianghua teased
"Hey. It only contains some his notes fromhis duties, navigation routes and codes.. nothing in particular" She shot back
"It's okay if you don't admit it. but with that look on your face.. you've read something. very well (YAWNS) I'll get some sleep.." Xianghua put out the small lamp and it darkened the whole room, only the moonlight brightness the detail of the scenery..
"Yeah. she's right.. I Wonder what is he doing?.." Mina opened the window wider
"Oh.. It is hot here. Well it's okay. I can change , since it is dark, but I can see here"
*+*+*+*+*+*
Hwang recline at the balcony watching the stars, he waited for Maxi to return sober his mind was floating and yet his eyes were heavy, still trying to stay awake, Across the empty street below a sound of a lyre broke off floating against the hush of the night breeze, it whistled in his ears, and reminded him about Mina, How they fight the last time back from the temple. Her words stammered in his mind. Hwang felt uneasy as he took another gulp from his bottle.
"Where could she be?' he whispered his worry over her, ignored the memory of their fight the day before .he was very much worried about Mina, maybe the fact, he misses her so much.
He took out the yellow scarf from his pocket, it was Mina's,she left it when she ran away to China, he love the very scent of her scarf, that every moment he had cherished to be so close to her.
"Be mindful ofyour thoughts Hwang.." he said to himself. But memories of her haunted his mind.. The very desire inflicted him everytime she was near. Many times at home in Korea, the last time she was a stowaway from the ship as he stayed with her in one cabin, trying to resist the very tempting thoughts, and the very thought of her, when he elusively kissed her blindfolded.
It was all now a pigment of his imagination. The feeling was mutual, til he realized how it inflicted his urge, now he desires her more than what he thinks "What more if I see her.. I don't know"
A silk veil flow across his face
* Must have been from the window across* hwang sat up and looked behind him.
His vision was blurry it was dark all he can see is a shadow.. Wait. it was a woman undressing. Hwang looked away It didn't interest him, for he knew he has only one interest, as he walks in inside the room, the most peculiar thing , the scent of the veil was familiar to him.
He sniffed, it was as sweet as Jasmine with that soft scent , it remind him of Mina, but it was actually like hers
"Huh?" he wondered "I'm just drunk. now I'm even catching her scent" Hwang looked back outside, and watched the woman behind the dark shade of light and wondered.
She was naked, but the contour and curves of the naked woman remind him of Mina, it was oddly familiar to him since he watched the same shadow of mina getting undressed in front of him. He didn't want to look but somehow part of him was telling that's her, as he watched carefully
*+*+*+*+*
Mina removed her top and hung her clothes at the balcony, she was half naked, but it refreshed her, she sat by the window and took the sheer clothe to cover her bare chest, she wore nothing beneath it.
" It's really hot. " Mina felt a bit uneasy being half naked by he window , since it was dark it didn't bothered her. The flickering breeze was so cold it blew across her hair as she untangled her braids swaying against the wind.
She looked below the balcony it was empty * I feel I've been watched * she wondered
But she looked far across to the other balcony, she gasped there was a man outside, She quickly got off from her seat, but since it was dark onlight the moonlight shine above the sky, she can't picture it clearly who was it.
*+*+*+*+*
Hwang moved away he notice she was startled by his sight seeing, the woman took a step back, he took the veil in his hand and decided to climb across from the three balconies separating tem, but he was sober. The woman went inside her room, it was too late for that now.
*+*+*+*+*+
"Chai.. Wakeup!" Mina shook her shoulder
"Huh what?." Xianghua said rubbing her eyes from sleep.
"Get dressed,. I'm a bit restless here. people might notice us already.. I'm worried Taki Hasn't been back yet" Mina said as she opened the lamp and got dressed
"Huh? She's not back?" Quickly Xianghua slipped on her shoes and put back on her clothes and veil, the two girls went outside to find Taki.
The night was still young.. they went to find her in every part of the port , avoiding every crowded places , almost all corners of the city were secured by Pirates.
They saw the merchant ship. Across the distant port hold. Mina and Xianghua wentb to check if she was there.
"pssst!" Taki appeared behind them
"Why haven't you returned?' Mina whispered, Taki pulled the two girls behind to a dark corner.
"What are you doing here.. I'm supposed to go back in the inn" Taki sighed
"Well, it's better you followed me here" She added
"What happened?" Xianghua asked
"Someone has been following me.I've ran into another foreign wanderer, he's a pirate I can tell.. Anyway I took our weapons and took a cabin on the boat, were leaving tonight!"
"Now!"
"Yes now! We can't go back. hurry before someone else sees us.." The three board the ship, and went inside the cabin.
"Oh no taki!.. where's the slate?!" Mina was shocked
"Huh.i. I didn't have it brought here!" Taki said
" Oh no! I saw it in the Inn, I forgot!.. I'll get it back!" Xianghua said
"No.. I'll do it..!" Taki said
(BOOOM!)
a Large explosion echoed it came from the other ship. Taki, mina and Xianghua looked at the cabin's window
"DAMN"T IT"S CERVANTES' SHIP! MUST BE THAT STALKER.. HE WAS FOLLOWING ME. HE'S MUST BE SEEKING THE SAME THING WE'RE AFTER. HE WENT AT CERVANTES'!" Taki took her cloak back as she head back the door
"Mina.Xianghua. If I'm not back and this ship sails tonight don't try to get me back. or both of you will get caught, remain silent as for now, go to Crete and please look for Lady Alexandria, an old comrade of mine , tell her Huntress has sent you, so she can welcome you there." Taki hugged Mina and Xianghua.
"No don't go!" Mina said but Taki left quickly. There was nothing the two can do about it. They just watched her as she fled back into the Inn.
*+*+*+*+*+*
"Kilik get up! The city is alarmed" Hwang threw Kilik's rod at his face as soon as he woke up
"Huh What happened?!"
" There are guards all over the place, Damn't Maxi.. he ran into trouble!" Hwang took his blue thunder. Then Maxi appeared by the window
"Hurry we must leave!.!" He said
"What did you do now?!" Kilik yelled at him
"Cervantes recognized me. I was tracking the womani said, Cervantes was outside his ship, he saw me when the wind blew off my cloak. His men is now after us.The whole city is already getting barricade!" Kilik and Hwang went by the balcony there was no way they can use the front entrance
"HEY YOU!" maxi notice taki as she took something from the room and jumped across to another building, as she threw out her cloak, making her flee faster and lighter
"I KNEW IT! She's A Ninja! LET"S GO AFTER HER!" Maxi and the jumped off from the Cabin, But Taki was quick.
*+*+*+*+*+*
"DAMN"T! They're found me!" The elusive huntress climbed down the building she jumped into and run into thedark alley and made her way up to the wall and leaped over it
She gasped there were hundreds of pirates behind her, *No! * Taki cluthched the Slate map in her arms , * I'm not going to loose this! *
With the rage of a strong fiery aura Taki gave out a strong punch blow unto the ground
"YAAAAHH!!"
a huge explosin impacted on the ground and her oppenent flew out of her way.
With a speed of light ,Taki jumped across the pavement, and with all might, ne by one faster than the naked eye she drew her blades out as she dashed in a light speed, slashing each torso of every pirate standing on her way.
An arrow almost caught her, taki took her aim against at the archer on Cervantes ship, she swoop dramatically in the air and dive striking an plunge of her blade against her opponent, leaving the trail of her butchering attack. Taki was a fearless huntress.
"You desire the soul edge have you!. Give that slate to me woman!" a hollow voice came from the immortal villain himself. As Taki heard his voice and the clasping of his swords came from behind her. His words enveloped the presence of fiery rage inside her. The Huntress and another Hunter of the soul edge.
"Cervantes..." she called with the prime of her hate.
*+*+*+*+*+*
Sorry It's too long...
I just love Taki. just added her in the scene..
For the meantime R/R.
Firestarr
fellow reviewers thank you for the nice reviews..It's been days, I can't upload the new chapters 14 and 15!.. sorry!.. the site maybe down.
I took me sometime to decide how to write the very detail and description of the story, I thought I was carried away with it. Anyway I have a few chapters left to type down. But long ones.
S_ming - ^_^; I was really surprised there's a movie??? o_O !! OMG! Pls. I need the info of it!
By the way this is the site you were asking for. I don't want to spoil every detail. You see there is more to that, you'll be surprised check it on www. raine-fall. net/ lan / mina. htm
So much for that, now.. On with the story..
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Chapter 14
With that promised, The two ladies took off by dawn, Xianghua wasn't able to borrow money from them, since it might give the men suspicion that they would run off, and they did!
Instead she took a small pouch bag while they were sleeping, and they disappeared into the night heading to the next city, across the boundary of Pollux plains.
" thirty five pieces of silver!" Mina examined the small pouch along the way
"That will have to do.we can't go back to camp.Unless you change your mind" Xianghua insisted
"No. This plan will not come to me without the prompting of my decision, to prove myself, What about you?. We cannot rely on them" she said
"Who says we will rely on them, they make us inferior!" xianghua remarked
That night it took them miles to get to the city before the crack of dawn, as the moon went down behind the mountains, they have manage to buy a horse in a cheap bargain near the city in exchange for 4 silver pieces, lucky for them they bought it from a kind old farmer who didn't mind to be bothered at home, by two wandering girls, Xianghua was good enough to please him, so he can't resist two poor girls traveling without a mode of transportation.
They were given guides to their next destination, a city in the northern hills a small strait can take them to Cyprus, faster by water than cross country, it maybe a bit far from their next stop, Mina and xianghua was given extra food rations by the old farmer.
They were thankful, as they race against the crack of dawn tireless until they stopped in a vast countryside. Mina and Chai sat down under a tree, Both of their eyes were heavy, from traveling throughout the night. The sun peaked in the glowing sky.
Mina could see the sunrise as she opened her eyes, from a few minute nap under the tree. She saw a cloaked stranger , but she was too sleepy to move while watching him took their horse and reeled it at the wooden wagon next to another horse he was traveling with was a , there was nothing she can do, too weakened and sleepy, she saw the stranger carry the sleeping body of Xianghua and placed it behind the wooden wagon , along with their things.
"Who. are you????" she uttered but she was still sleepy and dozes off. The stranger carried her to the wagon. As the wagon began to move. After a few minutes She opened again her heavy eyes and saw they were both was wrapped in a thick blanket, Mina turned on her other side she saw two oriental swords placed behind a small casket in the wagon.
*A wandering warrior?* she thought, Mina looked above her while lying on the wagon she saw the stranger , was a woman, her hair flickered against the air as she sat in front of the wagon.
" Get some rest..your companion is tired too " She said steadily pursuing their next course of destination, Mina somehow felt secure with the stranger , she curled back in her blanket
Memories of her home Haunted her thoughts *Is this your true wish mina?,even yet, to go back to your own country? What else do I seek, something I must attain back from my home.? All this time still days are consuming in longing to travel back home.*
she thought, about her homeland ,and her father, even the memories of her deceased mother and brother made her eyes teary, even the ounce of that memory when she was still a child. It was very hard for her, but since her father took in this young boy in their house, those old times made her feel secure, Hwang was always have given back the a smile on her father's face, he was full of strong determination and hardwork. They grew up together, but he took off more of Mina's place as a daughter, that's all she thought, until that night her father arranged them to be together.
*Why am I, affected by this? * She was beginning to cry again, Xianghua woke up and saw her friend sobbing beneath the sheets, as they were currently traveling.
" Mina. don't cry..What's wrong?" Xianghua wiped the tears in her eyes
"Both of you two are awake." The woman said and she stopped the wagon and looked at them
"What is wrong?" She asked, Xianghua was a bit surprised, "Who are you? Where are you taking us?!" she sat back
"Chai, she was kind enough to take us along the ride" Mina said
"Hmph.. If you don't like you two can walk on your own feet." The woman smirked and went back on riding
"I know where you two were heading"
Xianghua looked at her questioningly. "You knew all along?"
"Why don't you want to trust a stranger like me? " she said
"thank you.." Mina said instead, she thought it would be nice if they thanked her and bringing them along the way.
"This is Xianghua, I'm mina... now we're not strangers to you anymore"
"Taki...Call me.. huntress. I kept my name anonymous for now.But I trust you both, I just took this wagon, for and sell it at the port so we can get there. You two can rest till we get to the port" Having ended their conversation, the huntress turned abruptly, thy bottled settled back in their sheets, at least they can regain rest.
The travel took about hours from miles across, It was a humid morning, the sky was cloudy, good thing they can still sleep under the cloudy sky, it was a cold season, since the next few moths , it will snow.. the breeze of air was chilly, Mina and Chai remained nestled in the warm cloth
"She's very kind" Xianghua whispered
"I know she has a good heart, she didn't rob us.. even she's a huntress"mina said
"I still question her sincerity towards us.. but, she was honest.. And like us she's in search for the soulblade as well" Xianghua grinned but mina remained stiff, she wasn't paying attention to her.
"Mina, you know.I didn't surprised me at all, when I found out you and Hwang were engage.."
Mina still remained quiet and looked away. Xianghua obviously can sense she misses him so much.
"I think this is his.." She reached for her pack and took out a small journal and gave it to mina
Mina was surprised "You tooked it ?what are you thinking."
"Hey, we were leaving, I thought it wasyours, since I found the earings clipped in between the pages.I didn't read it.. but I think you can have a peak" She said
".. What do you think of me. he only keeps important notes in these during his trainings" she hanaded back the journal, Xianghua handed it back to her
"Mina, believe me. if it's not important why would he keep your earrings between the pages. well, I'll just atke a nap, read it if you like" Xianghua smiled at her and turned to the opposite side as she yawns.
Mina took the journal and turned to the other side, she opened the pages.. only navigation scribbles and notes from his duties written in there. Mina notice a folded page in between from the first part of the journal
*+*+*+*+*+*
/Do I know yet what to do,I have not? Shall I pay my master and his
house, I can't possibly leave them behind, now my heart is part of
that home. Since I've lost so easily my family, hence I've earned it
in the house of Master Han Myong/
* Hwang was happy. hmph he loved my father, but I never know how he feels, when he leaves * She tought. Mina continued to scan the pages.. and I between her eyes. She felt her heart stopped as she read between the lines from the folded page
/Here inside me, the memories of the Master's daughter, she filled my
spirit.since the each days created, it inspired my strength Mina and I
were supposed to be a brother and sister, but whenever I watch her
train with her during the days after her household chores, I watched
her with amazement, she has a pure soul, I've never thought of her to
have a brave heart. Even watching her from every night she sneak out
of her room and train in the garden, I remained cold with her, so she
can't trace the attention I usually give to her, But she was making me
weak, her face, her outermost beauty, the girl I grew up with,
somehow is teasing my interest, she's beautiful, too much I can't deny
it with, that's why I maintain the distance between us..her beauty was
very tempting for me.Only I decided to work hard till the day comes
when I ask her hand.. From her father.. Her smile wipes my sorrow away
and strengthen me. since then,, I realize she's not only a sister to
me. her memories now keep me strong and eager to see her again.I need
to see her again/
Mina closed the journal and kept it closer against the feel of her pounding heart, as if it will soar out of her chest, all these time, Hwang didn't thought of her as a child or a sister..it was him, hiding his emotions.. He was falling in love with her.
She closed her eyes trying to recall instances. She did remembered one important detail, it was some time it was raining outside, Master Han Myong went to the village chief, they were left alone, She was at the kitchen preparing supper, just when Hwang arrived with a bag of rice.
He was soaking wet from the rain, Mina went to the other room Hwang followed, she took out a dry cloth ,and Hwang took it from her hand- still holding her hand- she took it away *Yes. that time his eyes.. were staring at me.. I looked away and went back in the kitchen* she thought
And another particular instance the time Hwang caught her sleeping outside the garden* he carried me into my room, to get to sleep , and by the morning I was surprised he did my chores in his place, be cause I was too tired that day * she giggled , and the thought of it, made her realize, she miss him more, she needs to see him. the desire to see him again, now she knew the lines of his written confessions. Mina sighed and smiled.
"Its getting dark, must be rain.. girls. We have to settle here for a while won't you agree?" taki insisted
"Look!." Xianghua was referring to a small cottage far across the other side of the bridge.
"We can stay there?" she said
"Nope, it's risky. The reign of war is high Here in the eastern lands.. Rummage of executions of foreign travelers are taken in custody, we are strangers on this soil." Taki said
"It's just a small cottage." Xianghua said
"Chai, we have to be cautios, taki is right.." Mina got up and looked over the small cottage they were talking about.
"Taki.. do you think folks there, would welcome us.We're Asians travelers we'll get into trouble?"
"I don't know. we have to do something" Taki felt a droplet of rain over her face, then it poured
"We have to go now! It's raining already, let's find another route" She turned the lash of the horse and the wagon turned, heading to the other direction as the rode off.
"WAIT!" a man called coming out from the cottage
"Whoah! Stop!" taki pulled over the side of the road as the boy run towards them
"WAIT!..don't go! We saw you heading to the bridge, my wife asked you to stay indoors" the boy said as took a deep breath after running to the muddy road.
The Three ladies looked at him questioningly and looked at each other, "So?" Xianghua asked Taki, who seems know what to decide
"Please, I beg you, my wife begs you please..and you can hide your wagon on the small cave behind our cottage" he said
"Why hide it?" Taki asked me suspiciously
"I will explain it inside. trust us please, I have my word on that" The man pleased them politely, since he was honest with his words, the three ladies followed him unto his home, they hid the wooden wagon in a cave behind the man's cottage.
They went inside the small cottage, "Thank yu for coming in our home" The Man's wife served them hot tea and a loaf of bread.
"Thank you that is most kind of you.." Mina smiled at them , and they were seated by the table.
She looked around the small house, the man has three children and a small infant the wife carries. "They are kind folks.. taki" Mina said at her.
"Why are you both nice to us?!" Taki asked the man straightly. He just looked at his wife, and seemingly worried to answer.
"Taki. please..one at a time." Xianghua calmed her down "Please, we really need to know. forgive us.. we are just cautious in this part of lands.."
"We know. we. Need your help.. please.." The wife pleaded. Taki crossed her arms and looked at them questioningly , but she began to listen, as the man began to speak
"the city Persephone, a couple of miles from here.Is underseige.we thought you were heading that way, since there is no other city beyond then".
"What does that concerns you peple. Yes we are. but we take precautions in our travels." Taki shot back.
"Taki please..they meant no harm or any other wrong intention, look at them. they have three innocent children."mina said to her then she began to speak on Taki's behalf.
"We are foreign travelers. Sir, may I have your word to keep our meeting unknown.. "
"Yes. we will "
"Very well, what can we do for help?"
"Well as I said, the city of Persephone is undersiege by the roman and Persian empire, weeks ago.it was under a pirate's rule. most of the villagers and merchants were taken under custody , the whole city's money and trade has been taken out , those pirate's were filthy with greed.."
"who is the pirate you speak of who is responsible for this?' taki asked
"He is a fierce looking man, he is evil, it reveals to his physical appearance, his greed claimed the whole city for his own .. there were rumors that he was conquering every ship and port town looking for a certain treasure"
"De leon.. Cervantes ,that could be him." Taki said
Mina looked at taki.. she remembered that name. It was when she sailed for china, when she first encountered Maxi, the ship was under attack by that pirate, one of Maxi's comrades shouted that name.."You know him?" she asked
"De leon Cervantes. Hmph. That man is no man at all..He is a demon. he never age since, he has took the evil power."Taki paused, she didn't want the commoners to hear about the power of the soul edge
"However, the port ship is open since they allow in and out travels. The pirates only hold an expensive fee for each passenger, the villagers remained in the city, but we wish to leave this place and cross to the Nile. Egypt if far across the other continent, we only have no choice but travel where you came from , since can't travel by sea, we have children.."
"So what are you saying?"
The man took out the three small pouch , it contains gold coind maybe about 56 pices of gold each pouch "We wish to buy the horse and wagon with you.. sowe can leave here I beg you" .
They were desperate. The three ladies doesn't know hat to say.. instead taki said "how much are you offering us. this will not give us much expense, we are traveling we need more than that.."
The man's wife went back to the corner of the room and took out another small pouch. It contained a large emerald stone.
"Please, this is all we have.. This gem and 3 pouch of gold coins are the only possession we have.. My husband received as a reward from the governor way before, but we can't let the pirates took ths, we want you to have this in exchange to our transport.. We can't let our children suffer here in this place.."
The Man and his wife were really sincere about it. Taki then agreed to the bargain. Mina and Xianghua were glad she has agreed, in exchange for 60 gold pieces and a gem. Is fair enough to take them to Crete.
The couple was happy they served dinner for the three heroines and they spend the night in the old shack. By dawn they helped the man and his wife pack as they decided leave by that night, taking the wooden wagon.
"Mina let's give them our rations. they were kind to us.."Xianghua insisted, mina didn't mind, she didn't took back her pack "wait" she went back in the back of the wagon and took back the slate and the journal with her same as her scarlet thunder.
The ladies claim there weapons back. "God bless you all" the wife said and she hugged each of them. They left that night, as well as Mina and the others abandoned the old shack. They must leave as soon as possible.
A few hours passed, they traveled by foot. "You know De Leon Cervantes.." Mina asked
"Yes I do, he tried to conquer Japan .. It was a menace, I was summoned to destroy the soul edge, Cervantes, used to have it.. He became a demon,. evil has taken over his whole being. but his hold over the possession of the blade ceased, he lost it and the rumors spread all over the continent.. he want's it back.. that's why each land were became the graveyards of the bloodshed, every battle ground try to conquer every land, and every city."Taki looked so displeased when telling the details of her quest.
"Each of us, has the very same purpose.to be ashame.. it's like our path meets together for one goal" Mina smiled at her as they traveled to Persephone
They arrived in the city walls. The man and his wife were riht, the town was heavily guarded by De Leon's men, the three ladies disguised themselves, taking a few clothes hung around a small alley as a laundry, as they dressed in dark cloaked Arabian garments and covering their faces with a silk material and shawl.
"l'll do the talking I can speak Arabic.Let's keep our guards down okay.. for know we must find an inn.. this building must have rooms, let's leave our weapons here for the mean time" taki warned them
"Alright, but for one night. com'n Xianghua lets' go" mina remarked
The three ladies casually made they way into the crowded inn as they came inside. It was also a tavern of different Pirates and merchants. The town they went in was an open city.. Taki went to find for the inn keeper to get a room for them and left them by the hall.
"Mina this is scary" Xianghua whispered
"Shhhh. Let's talk later" Mina ignored her as she looked away from the crowded tavern and looking for Taki, Xianghua's attention caught a sight of two familiar fellow.
"Mina!.. look!" Xianghua pulled her by her sleeve,she was pointing over the distant counter far across from them
"MAXI!" Mina Gasped. and she began to look for Hwang as well. Maxi wore different clothes, watching some dancers on the stage and drinking
"Those guys.. They are here, if Maxi is here too!.They finally found their way here, and they knew foreign travelers were very dangerous here, having themselves disguised.
Mina felt fear and eagerness at the same time, she was hoping to see Hwang after all, Xianghua looked at her.
"Don't even think about going to meet Hwang.. not this time, this is not the place." Xianghua whispered
"Looking for who?" Taki went up to them, Mina pinched xianghua from her side signaling for her to shut up. "Let's go? Where are we going to stay then?" she asked, Taki went upstairs and the two followed. And Taki opened their room with a key as they went in.. Mina paused by the door and she looked at the staircase to the tavern downstairs
* Hwang. where are you? * hoping to see him again, she wonders where could he be. Mina went inside her room to gets some rest.
"What are you thinking.?" Taki looked at her questioningly
"nothing." Mina sighed and sat down beside her. Taki looked at xianghua wondering what is wrong with Mina, but she just smiled
"We have to stay alert here.What ever you're thinking, think it someother time" Taki exclaimed as she looked out the window.
"here." She threw mina the pouch "I don't want the two of you to get a bad impression of me." Taki said
"It's not that..We trust you." Mina said
"I know. Just incase , we get separated.. both of you have something to spend" Taki exclaimed
"You're kind Taki" Xianghua smiled at her, but taki remained cold in her expression
"I'm not kind. I just remained fair." Taki took her cloak back "I'm going to check the ship, we should depart earlier stay here." she covered her face with the sheer material over her face and wrapped back the veil over her head and went outside.
(Gasp). Taki paused just when Maxi went upstairs and caught the sight of her.. She slowly removed her attention from him, as he was looking at her questioningly, he notice her eyes.. it wonders him. * She seems like an Asian with those eyes* Maxi wondered he didn't moved away as he observes how she moved went downstairs. Taki remained calmed and ignored the fact how that man looked at her, she didn't looked back or it will bring suspicion. Then she went outside. Maxi felt uneasy about the veiled woman, * she's not from here.* he thought. And went to his own room separating four doors in between from the ladies
"Maxi.. you have a good time?" Kilik mumbled , while having a quick nap on the bed.
"Mind your own business kid." Maxi sat beside by his bed, he seemed confused.
Hwang was outside the balcony of the room sitting on the edge, he was having his own spare time to drink, with a bottle of liquor on his hand.
"Where have you been, Hwang has been enjoying his time drinking." Kilik mumbled
"We have to leave tonight.. Pull yourself together, don't get drunk outhere, you might fall off" Maxi said
"I'm fine..(sigh)What are you thinking now?" he asked Maxi
"Nothing.. It's just that .. That woman. she seemed to be suspicious. Maybe she's not from here"
"Maybe you shouldn't go chasing any. women here just smiles at you and give you their service just pay them.. they are all whores!" kilik mumbled
"Wait!!. She's not from here! Maxi got up something caught his interest
'What is it this time, we should be leaving by tonight to go to Crete!" Hwang looked at him sternly
"For once you're right Kilik. Every prostitute would smile at you and approach, But she looked at me coldly and avoided me in such a hurry!" Maxi quickly took back his coat and went outside as he yanked the door closed
"What was that about!" Kilik wondered and looked at hwang but he was just staring at the moonlight outside the window.
"You're thinking about her have you?... I don't blame you. You're always there to protect her" Kilik said, but He didn't reply still looking at the night sky.
"By the way. I'm sorry. I was in you're way. I don't blame you, Mina is beautiful inside and out, she has a beautiful spirit" he said and yawned as he went back to sleep.
"I know." Hwang said
*+*+*+*+*+*+*
"Hey close the window!" Xianghua whispered "No it's hot in here!.. just get some sleep I'll be waiting for Taki" Mina said.
Xianghua removed her disguise and removed her upper blouse and shoes ,lie down on the bed "Yeah it's hot (YAWNS) we need the rest we can get" she sighed lying on her back staring at the ceiling, and rolled on her stomach, she looked at mina she was holding Hwang's journal closed to her chest.
"You ,miss him do you?" Xianghua smiled
"Chai! Mind your own life!" Mina yelled at her
"Shhhh. I just can't understand you, you hate him, you miss him. and you've read his own journal! .. Oooohhh that's not nice!" Xianghua teased
"Hey. It only contains some his notes fromhis duties, navigation routes and codes.. nothing in particular" She shot back
"It's okay if you don't admit it. but with that look on your face.. you've read something. very well (YAWNS) I'll get some sleep.." Xianghua put out the small lamp and it darkened the whole room, only the moonlight brightness the detail of the scenery..
"Yeah. she's right.. I Wonder what is he doing?.." Mina opened the window wider
"Oh.. It is hot here. Well it's okay. I can change , since it is dark, but I can see here"
*+*+*+*+*+*
Hwang recline at the balcony watching the stars, he waited for Maxi to return sober his mind was floating and yet his eyes were heavy, still trying to stay awake, Across the empty street below a sound of a lyre broke off floating against the hush of the night breeze, it whistled in his ears, and reminded him about Mina, How they fight the last time back from the temple. Her words stammered in his mind. Hwang felt uneasy as he took another gulp from his bottle.
"Where could she be?' he whispered his worry over her, ignored the memory of their fight the day before .he was very much worried about Mina, maybe the fact, he misses her so much.
He took out the yellow scarf from his pocket, it was Mina's,she left it when she ran away to China, he love the very scent of her scarf, that every moment he had cherished to be so close to her.
"Be mindful ofyour thoughts Hwang.." he said to himself. But memories of her haunted his mind.. The very desire inflicted him everytime she was near. Many times at home in Korea, the last time she was a stowaway from the ship as he stayed with her in one cabin, trying to resist the very tempting thoughts, and the very thought of her, when he elusively kissed her blindfolded.
It was all now a pigment of his imagination. The feeling was mutual, til he realized how it inflicted his urge, now he desires her more than what he thinks "What more if I see her.. I don't know"
A silk veil flow across his face
* Must have been from the window across* hwang sat up and looked behind him.
His vision was blurry it was dark all he can see is a shadow.. Wait. it was a woman undressing. Hwang looked away It didn't interest him, for he knew he has only one interest, as he walks in inside the room, the most peculiar thing , the scent of the veil was familiar to him.
He sniffed, it was as sweet as Jasmine with that soft scent , it remind him of Mina, but it was actually like hers
"Huh?" he wondered "I'm just drunk. now I'm even catching her scent" Hwang looked back outside, and watched the woman behind the dark shade of light and wondered.
She was naked, but the contour and curves of the naked woman remind him of Mina, it was oddly familiar to him since he watched the same shadow of mina getting undressed in front of him. He didn't want to look but somehow part of him was telling that's her, as he watched carefully
*+*+*+*+*
Mina removed her top and hung her clothes at the balcony, she was half naked, but it refreshed her, she sat by the window and took the sheer clothe to cover her bare chest, she wore nothing beneath it.
" It's really hot. " Mina felt a bit uneasy being half naked by he window , since it was dark it didn't bothered her. The flickering breeze was so cold it blew across her hair as she untangled her braids swaying against the wind.
She looked below the balcony it was empty * I feel I've been watched * she wondered
But she looked far across to the other balcony, she gasped there was a man outside, She quickly got off from her seat, but since it was dark onlight the moonlight shine above the sky, she can't picture it clearly who was it.
*+*+*+*+*
Hwang moved away he notice she was startled by his sight seeing, the woman took a step back, he took the veil in his hand and decided to climb across from the three balconies separating tem, but he was sober. The woman went inside her room, it was too late for that now.
*+*+*+*+*+
"Chai.. Wakeup!" Mina shook her shoulder
"Huh what?." Xianghua said rubbing her eyes from sleep.
"Get dressed,. I'm a bit restless here. people might notice us already.. I'm worried Taki Hasn't been back yet" Mina said as she opened the lamp and got dressed
"Huh? She's not back?" Quickly Xianghua slipped on her shoes and put back on her clothes and veil, the two girls went outside to find Taki.
The night was still young.. they went to find her in every part of the port , avoiding every crowded places , almost all corners of the city were secured by Pirates.
They saw the merchant ship. Across the distant port hold. Mina and Xianghua wentb to check if she was there.
"pssst!" Taki appeared behind them
"Why haven't you returned?' Mina whispered, Taki pulled the two girls behind to a dark corner.
"What are you doing here.. I'm supposed to go back in the inn" Taki sighed
"Well, it's better you followed me here" She added
"What happened?" Xianghua asked
"Someone has been following me.I've ran into another foreign wanderer, he's a pirate I can tell.. Anyway I took our weapons and took a cabin on the boat, were leaving tonight!"
"Now!"
"Yes now! We can't go back. hurry before someone else sees us.." The three board the ship, and went inside the cabin.
"Oh no taki!.. where's the slate?!" Mina was shocked
"Huh.i. I didn't have it brought here!" Taki said
" Oh no! I saw it in the Inn, I forgot!.. I'll get it back!" Xianghua said
"No.. I'll do it..!" Taki said
(BOOOM!)
a Large explosion echoed it came from the other ship. Taki, mina and Xianghua looked at the cabin's window
"DAMN"T IT"S CERVANTES' SHIP! MUST BE THAT STALKER.. HE WAS FOLLOWING ME. HE'S MUST BE SEEKING THE SAME THING WE'RE AFTER. HE WENT AT CERVANTES'!" Taki took her cloak back as she head back the door
"Mina.Xianghua. If I'm not back and this ship sails tonight don't try to get me back. or both of you will get caught, remain silent as for now, go to Crete and please look for Lady Alexandria, an old comrade of mine , tell her Huntress has sent you, so she can welcome you there." Taki hugged Mina and Xianghua.
"No don't go!" Mina said but Taki left quickly. There was nothing the two can do about it. They just watched her as she fled back into the Inn.
*+*+*+*+*+*
"Kilik get up! The city is alarmed" Hwang threw Kilik's rod at his face as soon as he woke up
"Huh What happened?!"
" There are guards all over the place, Damn't Maxi.. he ran into trouble!" Hwang took his blue thunder. Then Maxi appeared by the window
"Hurry we must leave!.!" He said
"What did you do now?!" Kilik yelled at him
"Cervantes recognized me. I was tracking the womani said, Cervantes was outside his ship, he saw me when the wind blew off my cloak. His men is now after us.The whole city is already getting barricade!" Kilik and Hwang went by the balcony there was no way they can use the front entrance
"HEY YOU!" maxi notice taki as she took something from the room and jumped across to another building, as she threw out her cloak, making her flee faster and lighter
"I KNEW IT! She's A Ninja! LET"S GO AFTER HER!" Maxi and the jumped off from the Cabin, But Taki was quick.
*+*+*+*+*+*
"DAMN"T! They're found me!" The elusive huntress climbed down the building she jumped into and run into thedark alley and made her way up to the wall and leaped over it
She gasped there were hundreds of pirates behind her, *No! * Taki cluthched the Slate map in her arms , * I'm not going to loose this! *
With the rage of a strong fiery aura Taki gave out a strong punch blow unto the ground
"YAAAAHH!!"
a huge explosin impacted on the ground and her oppenent flew out of her way.
With a speed of light ,Taki jumped across the pavement, and with all might, ne by one faster than the naked eye she drew her blades out as she dashed in a light speed, slashing each torso of every pirate standing on her way.
An arrow almost caught her, taki took her aim against at the archer on Cervantes ship, she swoop dramatically in the air and dive striking an plunge of her blade against her opponent, leaving the trail of her butchering attack. Taki was a fearless huntress.
"You desire the soul edge have you!. Give that slate to me woman!" a hollow voice came from the immortal villain himself. As Taki heard his voice and the clasping of his swords came from behind her. His words enveloped the presence of fiery rage inside her. The Huntress and another Hunter of the soul edge.
"Cervantes..." she called with the prime of her hate.
*+*+*+*+*+*
Sorry It's too long...
I just love Taki. just added her in the scene..
For the meantime R/R.
Firestarr