This is the last of the fluff! Phew... never thought I'd get here but... I did it. Okay, after this... well, never mind. R&R please!
Disclaimer: I... don't..... *snore*.... own.... *snore*..... DBZ .... *snore*.....
Ch 9 Moment in Heaven
A month had passed on the Kai planet. The day was still young though Sarinor had left before the dawn. He spoke no word and gave no clue to his intentions, though all save for Zari and Shin -due to their absence- sensed the urgency.
Talme lied on the grass, looking up at the moons, watching.
"Up early today," Junid said in a playful tone as he approached.
"Only if you call lying down being up," she replied in the same manner.
He smiled then sat beside her. "What are you looking at?" he asked as he watched her eyes dart back and forth.
"Can you not sense them?"
"Beg pardon."
"Watch the moons if your senses fail."
Junid turned his face skyward. "What is there to-" His arms flew up on impulse to shield his face as the shock wave hit. His arms lowered as the wind quieted. "Impossible! She can't be that powerful. I thought I taught Shin better than that."
"Easy, he's still going easy on her... I think. But she's had Agi's training, so I think he's doing well."
"Then why aren't you her equal? You too went through Agi's training."
"Zari's different, she received far more intense instruction from her mother before she died. The kind of which we cannot begin to imagine."
Zari's form became a ghost as Shin's blade thrust through her chest. He pulled it out and she became flesh and blood again.
"Why won't you teach me that?" he said laughingly.
"Because you have yet to earn it," she replied blankly.
"What must I do?"
"Draw blood... I care not how."
He lowered his blade and sighed, "I could never strike you."
"So then, you would let me be the key to your demise?! Dammit Shin! Once locked in combat you cannot let up no matter who your opponent is! You're a Kai! Surely you can understand."
His hand opened and his sword vanished, "I won't," he whispered. His head shot up, "I can't!"
"So... if I somehow became your enemy, you could do nothing against me?"
"Yes."
Thin iridescent tongues of flame enshrouded her blade. Her face tilted as her aura blazed. "Then you leave me no choice Kalilo." Her face shot up and tears flew from her eyes. The tears vanished from the air and her eyes narrowed. Expressions turned to stone and once kind loving eyes became icy and menacing. "I must now make clear to your weary eyes, I can become a demon at will."
Talme's eyes grew wide and fearful, "now he's in for a rude awakening."
"That lass is bluffing, she does not possess that kind of power or determination," Junid protested.
A voice spoke from behind, "no Junid."
"Torres," Talme said, somewhat surprised.
"She is far more powerful and skilled than all of us combined," he continued. "Still she conceals her true potential."
"Impossible!" Junid exclaimed. "The lass is but a child!"
"Watch."
"Seems now I must teach you what Junid attempted," she stated bitterly.
Shin trembled at the blaze of her aura and the bitterness in her tone and eyes. ~*She's just making sport of me. That isn't actually her power. It can't be!*~
"You doubt what you see? Believe it, for it is very real."
Everything seemed to shift to slow motion. She charged him. He saw her hand extend and pass behind his head. He looked down and watched her knee plow into his ribs; powerless to react. Blood leapt from his open mouth. His head flew forward as his body bent in half. Her hand clamped over his face and held him out. "Lesson number one, never doubt a warrior's capabilities. Above all.... always have a strategy." Her grip failed and he faltered; hand over his mouth, eyes tightly shut, and arm wrapped around his chest. She snarled, "lesson number two..." she paused as she flipped and slammed her heel in the back of his head. Her words followed him as he plummeted to the ground: "focus on your enemy, pain is nothing!"
Rocks crashed as he made impact. Boulders buried him. He laid in darkness, too pained to move or to open his eyes. ~*How...?*~
Red blaze shown through his eyelids as a collar of fire coiled around his neck. He screamed as the collar yanked him through the layers of rock.
Daylight hit his face and his eyes cracked open. Zari hovered above him, a long glowing whip held taunt in her hands. "Lesson number three, rebound as if hell lusted for your soul."
She flung the whip in the air. Suddenly he realized the collar around his neck was connected. The palms of his hands sizzled as he tried to grab hold.
He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as he was thrown to the ground. Dust exploded as he rocketed into the sky, "that's enough!" he cried. His blade reappeared in his fist as his aura blazed. Fire burned in his eyes.
A sonic boon echoed through the air and space, making the moons tremble, as their swords clashed.
"Oh right! Now you're pissed," Zari hissed.
A scowl spread on his face, "you've made this easier."
"You'll never touch me."
"Don't be so sure about that!"
The gleam of their blades lit up the sky as loud cracks shook everything for miles around.
"Come on!" Zari sneered. "Stop trying to hit me and hit me!"
"He's weakening," Talme stated.
Junid growled, "come now! You're a Kai! She's no match for you!"
Talme sighed, "perhaps you'd like to show us that you can best his attempts. Hmm?" He coughed as a bead of sweat traveled down his forehead. He stood tall and dignified but did not speak. "Didn't think so," she muttered.
Zari shoved Shin off her blade and thrust her hand down at him. He froze as the energy wave formed. "Lesson number four, never cower before an attack!"
He flew backward, down to the ground. The wave followed and felt hot against his face. Zari followed behind the wave. No matter which direction he turned, they were right behind him.
His back slammed into a rock face as he turned and his eyes flashed an icy blue. The wave exploded into thick smoke. He sighed in relief.
"Five!" His head snapped up as Zari burst through the smoke; two blades held in an X in front of her face. One blade pierced his shoulder then the other as she shouted, "never!... stop!" She backed away, empty handed, watching his face twist in pain; her blades pinning him to the wall. She sighed disgustedly then moved in close; her breath soft against his ear. "You see now?" Her arms were stiff at her sides as if restrained. In one swift movement, the metal was pulled from his body and discarded. He felt himself slide down the wall, into her arms. She held him tightly and whispered in a quivering voice. "You see what I could do to you? Do you want that?!" Tears cascaded down her face. Leaning him against the wall, she watched his eyes open slightly.
"I knew long ago... when I saw... saw you fight Agi," he said tersely.
"Shhh... don't speak. Things could have been far worse if I truly wanted you dead, perhaps not as much so if you-" Her words caught in her throat as his hand stroked her cheek. The love in his eyes was soon overtaken by the incisive pain she had inflicted. He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as his arm fell to his side.
Orange light cast shadows on his face. It faded and gave way to the natural light. His senses began to dim soon after he could make out the words: Sarinor has returned. Then, he drifted into dreams.
"Leave him lass, let him rest. I um... pray you will forgive my sharp tongue."
"There is nothing for me to forgive, I only hope Shin will forgive me."
"He will lass, he's not one to hold a grudge, save only for the odd one who inflicted pain to his very soul."
"Who could do such?"
Junid lifted off the ground then paused. "His father for one, but that is another matter. Sarinor expects us at present."
She watched him join his fellow Kais in the sky. Turning back to Shin, "all this same, forgive me I pray you." She kissed his forehead and flew after Junid. "What injury did his father do unto him?"
Torres responded, "his mother was a gentle woman, and at the time was with child, their second. His father was expecting a second son, but something went wrong. Their daughter... was stillborn. Being the worthless bastard... pardon my words... that he was, his father blamed his mother for the child's death. Shin was running with what friends he had near his home when his mother's scream shattered the peace. He abandoned his friends and ran to his home. His mother lie bleeding from delivery, clutching the stillborn child as she coward in the corner. Trying to protect the only being who cared for him, Shin stood in his father's path. He was but a young boy and was no refuge from his father's brutality. Though his father took mercy on him, and merely threw him through the window. Shin couldn't get back in and was forced to watch his father murder his mother.
"His father wept for her, for but a brief moment, then heard Shin curse and chased him to the village miles away. Shin ran until the storm forced him inside and found himself trapped in a tavern. Junid was in the very same location and gained Shin's word to become a Kai as his father stormed in."
"I take it then, that Junid forced the father away."
"And was more than willing to do so lass," Junid stated. "He deserved every mark I left in his flesh."
"I see..." Zari said thoughtfully and sadly. "I'm glad you were there." He nodded firmly.
Sarinor came into view. His stance was grave; head hung. Something filled his arms, a fairly large parcel wrapped in brown cloth. His face lifted then he laid the package on the ground and remained on one knee.
"Sarinor, what is this?" Talme asked as she gestured to the bag. She chuckled meekly, "the way you have it wrapped, it looks like a corpse."
Torres asked as he and Zari landed. "Sarinor?"
Zari stepped up next to Junid then passed Talme and knelt opposite Sarinor. She looked up and he nodded. Fingers peeled the first layers back. A distinct shape took form beneath. ~*Please don't be...*~ "No!" she whispered as the last layer was removed. She bore her teeth and shook her head. She sniffed, "dammit! Why can't I be wrong?!" she cried.
"About what?" Talme asked, unnerved.
"Look," Zari replied solemnly as she stood and walked behind Sarinor.
Horror and remorse twisted Talme's face. She fell to her knees. Sarinor rushed to her side. "Look at me! I loathed Thado and here I am shedding tears for him!"
"How did it happen?" Zari asked somberly, pressing her knuckle to her mouth.
"I don't know," Sarinor replied. "I found him like this." He pulled a long jade cylinder from his sash. "This capsule was in his hand." He handed it to Torres. "What do you make of the inscription?"
Zari whirled around, "what inscription?"
"This..." Torres pointed, "beneath the serpent emblem."
Fire blazed in her eyes then died slightly as she extended her hand. "May I?"
"You know something lass," Junid accused as he watched her take the capsule. "What is it?"
"I know the name of the assassin," rolling the cylinder in her fingers as she read the slithering engravings. "And what this is, merely a capsule of a precious stone, that when cracked... in the right place." Her eyes sparked a deep lavender and the capsule snapped in two, then crumbled to dust.
"Wrong place lass."
"You underestimate my intellect Junid, I know what I'm doing." The dust swirled as a rectangular outline formed. Glittering gusts of green dust billowed as her breath scattered it from her palms. The gusts vigorously plunged into the outline; filling it from top to bottom. The outline wiggled in the breeze like a piece of paper. She snatched it before it blew away.
"What is it?" Sarinor asked.
Zari shook in fury and spoke in a strained tone. "'All those fool hearted to the fullest that dare challenge my master shall forsake their light. Bibi-Dee will deliver none nor grant amnesty. Prepare for eternal nightfall, for the monster is clawing at its cage, and will be set free to terrorize and destroy the lights you fight so gallantly to protect..."
"That all?" Junid asked.
Her eyes blazed again as they ran down the page:
Amethyst... do come for a visit. My master and I await you on Calgon 3. He is quite anxious to meet you. I especially am looking forward to our... interaction...
She growled and the page set itself aflame.
The Kais watched as she sank to the grass like a defeated mage. Sarinor spoke, "what is-"
"It wasn't for you... for someone by the name of 'Amethyst'," knitting her brow as she sat down. She sounded exhausted, "I will leave tomorrow for Calgon 3, surely in that gossip capital I can find a trail. When I do, I will put a stop to this Bibi-Dee's monster."
"Perhaps we should speak to Shin before we decide what must be done, or who will go," Talme said quickly. Junid nodded.
"I am inclined to agree," Torres said.
"No!" Zari snapped. "I did not call for a committee for this decision." She bolted to her feet. "It is made! I leave tomorrow... alone."
"Not alone," Talme protested softly. "I will go with you."
"With all due respect to the West Kaioshin, as for you Talme... does the word 'alone' not register?! I swear, should I hear so much of a whisper that I am being followed, by any of you or another, I'll split you in two. It would be a far better fate then what they would do to you. This decision is final."
"Shin... wake up." Shin didn't stir as his shoulders were shook. Sarinor sighed, "Zari's leaving."
His head snapped up as he grabbed Sarinor's collar. "When?! Where is she going?!"
"Heh, thought that'd wake you up. She's not gone yet but let me explain."
The more Sarinor spoke about Bibi-Dee the more antsy Shin became. He finally stood and began to pace. "Let me get this straight... she's going to stop him alone? Is that what you're telling me?"
"I'm merely repeating what I've heard."
Shin shook his head, "I won't let her go, too many things can go wrong. This Bibi-Dee is the most powerful and satanic wizard in the universe. He will destroy her, or worse... he'll ensnare her mind."
"Then how will you stop her?"
"I'll keep watch over her."
"All night?"
"All night."
Titus glided into its evening position. The moons gleamed like stars as soft pinks, oranges, purples, and greens filled their background.
Shin had retired his torn uniform for a more casual attire. He sat on his bed in the corner in a thoughtful position. ~*I can't let her go, not alone. If anyone must go with... it will be me. But with no entering strategy...*~ He rested his forearm on his knee. ~*What are you thinking? How are you planning to approach? ...*sigh*... Kalila, how do I stop you?*~
The door latch clicked and the door swung open. The trees outside swayed and the grass rolled like waves. The distant sound of the waterfall was made clearer as it rode on the wings of the wind. He smiled as the memory of when the wind first brought her to him surfaced. He let out his breath and bit his lip. ~*Might as well, maybe I can persuade her. Here goes.*~
No answer. "Zari?" He stood before the vine curtain. The command had drawn it back, but the room was vacant. "There's only one place she could be." His eyes widened. ~*What if she's gone?!*~ His breathing became panicked gasps. "The falls!"
Water battered the rocks. The sound pounded in his sensitive ears. His leather shoes were wet and slippery. Fed up with the loss of traction, he bounded up the boulders to the edge of the main fall. Calm pools fed by rough currents surrounded him. He couldn't sense anything. "No... Zari I beg you... Kalila...." Saddened, ashamed, and afraid of the penalties he lowered his head and sat down on the wet stones. His ear twitched. "Hm?"
Faint voices argued and shouted, he couldn't make out but a few words, and a name. ".... I.... let you! It's... responsibility not...!"
"I ...care! .... mind's... up!"
"...! ... least talk... Shin... you go."
The second voice didn't answer in a shout.
"Talme," he whispered. Quickly he locked onto the energy signature and disappeared.
"Zari," Talme said calmly. "I will not let you go, not alone."
"Talme," Zari said in the same tone. "For many millennia you have not been by my side to 'hold my hand' as Agi said, thus far I have managed amply. I do not need you now."
Talme let out an agitated sigh, "very well. As usual it appears I cannot change your mind or make you hesitate or second guess. Though another will."
"I will not cross paths with Shin tonight. Therefor there will be no difficulties with the birth of tomorrow."
Talme clenched the towel around her body. "Will he submit to this? Don't be so certain." she raised herself out of the water and sat on the rim. Zari lowered her shoulders into the water. Silence... which Talme broke as she stood and snatched the dagger from her sash. "Let's get this over with." She appeared behind Zari and pulled the braid taunt. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes," she closed her eyes tightly as she heard the blade slice through her hair.
"I think you'll want this." She tapped Zari's shoulder and handed her the metal band that had once secured her braid.
Zari chuckled, "my head feels lighter now."
Talme smiled, "I bet it does. Held still for a little while, while I finish this."
Minutes passed. Talme vanished as soon as she finished.
Zari climbed out and dried off the best she could with her soaked towel. Often she shot her eyes at the pool and watched the ripples race to the other side. They distorted the image of someone sitting on the boulder on the other side. She held the towel in front of her as she turned to face him. "I was hoping I would not cross paths with you."
"Why?" slowly sliding off the boulder then walked around until he stood but a few feet away. "Seems as though you do not wish to be with me."
She turned on her heel and wrapped the wet towel around her form. "Why would you assume that?" Her fingers trembled and dropped the towel.
Before she could retrieve it, she felt his hands wrap it back around her body as his chin rested on her shoulder. "Merely due to the tension in your frame," he said softly. "If I am making you uneasy I will keep my distance." Silently she sighed as his hands withdrew. He hedl his back to her and said, "but I cannot let you go."
She whirled to face him only to watch him slowly float into the sky. "Don't do this Shin! I must follow my path. And I will do whatever must be done to see that I go freely."
The sky grew dark and the heavens shed their tears upon the planet. Trees rustled in the wind then a sudden gust would make them roar like waves.
Shin sat in a meditative state beneath the stone balcony. He paid no mind to the drops from the vines or the heavy sodden fabric of his clothing.
Zari sat on the edge of her bed humming to herself as she sharpened her blade. Her tune slowed then died completely with an agitated sigh. Putting the stone down she pulled the towel from her shoulder and rubbed the flat of the blade vigorously. As she looked at her reflection she sighed with a slight, uncertain smile. "She did what I asked... 'only one inch.' I had no idea my hair would curl a little. Oh well." Her eyes shifted to the vine curtain, heavy with white blossoms cupping the rain in their petals. ~*Why does he insist on this?*~
The firm expression on his face softened as he felt her presence approach. The vines parted as the command left a sharp tongue. Even so, those sharp words were the sweetest melody that no instrument could match. He opened his eyes, and smiled lovingly at her scowl.
His clothes dried instantly as she snapped her fingers. Immediately she picked up her blade and viciously swiped the stone from the cross guard to the tip. He sat in the corner, watching her face, listening as she tried again to hum. She slapped the towel on her blade and wrapped it around the rough edge to shield her skin and glared at him. He returned her glacial stare with a curious expression. "Why are you doing this?!" she growled sharply.
He cocked his head, "doing what?"
"This!" thrusting her hand at the sound of the pouring rain. "Why are you subjecting yourself to keeping watch over me? I feel as if I'm..." she turned her head away sharply. "As if I'm a prisoner of my own home." Sadness and regret shocked his face. Slowly he stood, each of her words pulling the wound wider. "I know that if I set one foot outside this chamber of stone, there you'll be, hindering me, denying me, jailing me." She shook her head. "I know your feelings for me, and they are what make you my warden." She felt the bed depress beside her. Shifting her eyes to him, she watched his eyes stare at the floor in shame. He hovered over his knees and trembled slightly. She turned away. As soon as she slid the soft sheath from the blade and placed it once again on her shoulder she felt his chest mold to her back and his arms squeezing her shoulders as he tightened his embrace and pulled her into him.
"You are everything to me Kalila, be cautious." Her head turned, eyes wide in surprise. "I will not follow, less something is amiss... I swear." She smiled and turned in his embrace until his lips were within reach. "Yet promise me," he whispered before their lips met. "That you'll contact us if he suspects, or simply disappear from his sight, I care not how." She pulled back and turned her eyes away then squeezed them shut as she felt his arms pull her back in firmly. "Then promise you'll send a signal. Please!"
~*Don't beg dammit!*~ She sighed then nodded. "I will." Before a thought ran through her mind, she felt his hands caress her shoulders then slowly trail down her back. They slid around her waist and trailed down her flat stomach. She reached behind her and locked her hands behind his back. "Little awkward love..."
He pulled back and she turned to face him, straddling his lap. Deep in her eyes he could see the fragile flame burn in hunger. In his, she saw the crystal shield fall.
Her hand cupped his jaw as she indulged him in the fiery passion her lips could bestow. The room suddenly felt steamy against his skin. There was a loud clatter as she pushed the sword off the bed freeing her hands to reacquaint herself with the skin beneath his shirt. He swallowed then sighed as her lips moved down his neck and her hands pushed up the hem of his shirt.
Disclaimer: I... don't..... *snore*.... own.... *snore*..... DBZ .... *snore*.....
Ch 9 Moment in Heaven
A month had passed on the Kai planet. The day was still young though Sarinor had left before the dawn. He spoke no word and gave no clue to his intentions, though all save for Zari and Shin -due to their absence- sensed the urgency.
Talme lied on the grass, looking up at the moons, watching.
"Up early today," Junid said in a playful tone as he approached.
"Only if you call lying down being up," she replied in the same manner.
He smiled then sat beside her. "What are you looking at?" he asked as he watched her eyes dart back and forth.
"Can you not sense them?"
"Beg pardon."
"Watch the moons if your senses fail."
Junid turned his face skyward. "What is there to-" His arms flew up on impulse to shield his face as the shock wave hit. His arms lowered as the wind quieted. "Impossible! She can't be that powerful. I thought I taught Shin better than that."
"Easy, he's still going easy on her... I think. But she's had Agi's training, so I think he's doing well."
"Then why aren't you her equal? You too went through Agi's training."
"Zari's different, she received far more intense instruction from her mother before she died. The kind of which we cannot begin to imagine."
Zari's form became a ghost as Shin's blade thrust through her chest. He pulled it out and she became flesh and blood again.
"Why won't you teach me that?" he said laughingly.
"Because you have yet to earn it," she replied blankly.
"What must I do?"
"Draw blood... I care not how."
He lowered his blade and sighed, "I could never strike you."
"So then, you would let me be the key to your demise?! Dammit Shin! Once locked in combat you cannot let up no matter who your opponent is! You're a Kai! Surely you can understand."
His hand opened and his sword vanished, "I won't," he whispered. His head shot up, "I can't!"
"So... if I somehow became your enemy, you could do nothing against me?"
"Yes."
Thin iridescent tongues of flame enshrouded her blade. Her face tilted as her aura blazed. "Then you leave me no choice Kalilo." Her face shot up and tears flew from her eyes. The tears vanished from the air and her eyes narrowed. Expressions turned to stone and once kind loving eyes became icy and menacing. "I must now make clear to your weary eyes, I can become a demon at will."
Talme's eyes grew wide and fearful, "now he's in for a rude awakening."
"That lass is bluffing, she does not possess that kind of power or determination," Junid protested.
A voice spoke from behind, "no Junid."
"Torres," Talme said, somewhat surprised.
"She is far more powerful and skilled than all of us combined," he continued. "Still she conceals her true potential."
"Impossible!" Junid exclaimed. "The lass is but a child!"
"Watch."
"Seems now I must teach you what Junid attempted," she stated bitterly.
Shin trembled at the blaze of her aura and the bitterness in her tone and eyes. ~*She's just making sport of me. That isn't actually her power. It can't be!*~
"You doubt what you see? Believe it, for it is very real."
Everything seemed to shift to slow motion. She charged him. He saw her hand extend and pass behind his head. He looked down and watched her knee plow into his ribs; powerless to react. Blood leapt from his open mouth. His head flew forward as his body bent in half. Her hand clamped over his face and held him out. "Lesson number one, never doubt a warrior's capabilities. Above all.... always have a strategy." Her grip failed and he faltered; hand over his mouth, eyes tightly shut, and arm wrapped around his chest. She snarled, "lesson number two..." she paused as she flipped and slammed her heel in the back of his head. Her words followed him as he plummeted to the ground: "focus on your enemy, pain is nothing!"
Rocks crashed as he made impact. Boulders buried him. He laid in darkness, too pained to move or to open his eyes. ~*How...?*~
Red blaze shown through his eyelids as a collar of fire coiled around his neck. He screamed as the collar yanked him through the layers of rock.
Daylight hit his face and his eyes cracked open. Zari hovered above him, a long glowing whip held taunt in her hands. "Lesson number three, rebound as if hell lusted for your soul."
She flung the whip in the air. Suddenly he realized the collar around his neck was connected. The palms of his hands sizzled as he tried to grab hold.
He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as he was thrown to the ground. Dust exploded as he rocketed into the sky, "that's enough!" he cried. His blade reappeared in his fist as his aura blazed. Fire burned in his eyes.
A sonic boon echoed through the air and space, making the moons tremble, as their swords clashed.
"Oh right! Now you're pissed," Zari hissed.
A scowl spread on his face, "you've made this easier."
"You'll never touch me."
"Don't be so sure about that!"
The gleam of their blades lit up the sky as loud cracks shook everything for miles around.
"Come on!" Zari sneered. "Stop trying to hit me and hit me!"
"He's weakening," Talme stated.
Junid growled, "come now! You're a Kai! She's no match for you!"
Talme sighed, "perhaps you'd like to show us that you can best his attempts. Hmm?" He coughed as a bead of sweat traveled down his forehead. He stood tall and dignified but did not speak. "Didn't think so," she muttered.
Zari shoved Shin off her blade and thrust her hand down at him. He froze as the energy wave formed. "Lesson number four, never cower before an attack!"
He flew backward, down to the ground. The wave followed and felt hot against his face. Zari followed behind the wave. No matter which direction he turned, they were right behind him.
His back slammed into a rock face as he turned and his eyes flashed an icy blue. The wave exploded into thick smoke. He sighed in relief.
"Five!" His head snapped up as Zari burst through the smoke; two blades held in an X in front of her face. One blade pierced his shoulder then the other as she shouted, "never!... stop!" She backed away, empty handed, watching his face twist in pain; her blades pinning him to the wall. She sighed disgustedly then moved in close; her breath soft against his ear. "You see now?" Her arms were stiff at her sides as if restrained. In one swift movement, the metal was pulled from his body and discarded. He felt himself slide down the wall, into her arms. She held him tightly and whispered in a quivering voice. "You see what I could do to you? Do you want that?!" Tears cascaded down her face. Leaning him against the wall, she watched his eyes open slightly.
"I knew long ago... when I saw... saw you fight Agi," he said tersely.
"Shhh... don't speak. Things could have been far worse if I truly wanted you dead, perhaps not as much so if you-" Her words caught in her throat as his hand stroked her cheek. The love in his eyes was soon overtaken by the incisive pain she had inflicted. He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as his arm fell to his side.
Orange light cast shadows on his face. It faded and gave way to the natural light. His senses began to dim soon after he could make out the words: Sarinor has returned. Then, he drifted into dreams.
"Leave him lass, let him rest. I um... pray you will forgive my sharp tongue."
"There is nothing for me to forgive, I only hope Shin will forgive me."
"He will lass, he's not one to hold a grudge, save only for the odd one who inflicted pain to his very soul."
"Who could do such?"
Junid lifted off the ground then paused. "His father for one, but that is another matter. Sarinor expects us at present."
She watched him join his fellow Kais in the sky. Turning back to Shin, "all this same, forgive me I pray you." She kissed his forehead and flew after Junid. "What injury did his father do unto him?"
Torres responded, "his mother was a gentle woman, and at the time was with child, their second. His father was expecting a second son, but something went wrong. Their daughter... was stillborn. Being the worthless bastard... pardon my words... that he was, his father blamed his mother for the child's death. Shin was running with what friends he had near his home when his mother's scream shattered the peace. He abandoned his friends and ran to his home. His mother lie bleeding from delivery, clutching the stillborn child as she coward in the corner. Trying to protect the only being who cared for him, Shin stood in his father's path. He was but a young boy and was no refuge from his father's brutality. Though his father took mercy on him, and merely threw him through the window. Shin couldn't get back in and was forced to watch his father murder his mother.
"His father wept for her, for but a brief moment, then heard Shin curse and chased him to the village miles away. Shin ran until the storm forced him inside and found himself trapped in a tavern. Junid was in the very same location and gained Shin's word to become a Kai as his father stormed in."
"I take it then, that Junid forced the father away."
"And was more than willing to do so lass," Junid stated. "He deserved every mark I left in his flesh."
"I see..." Zari said thoughtfully and sadly. "I'm glad you were there." He nodded firmly.
Sarinor came into view. His stance was grave; head hung. Something filled his arms, a fairly large parcel wrapped in brown cloth. His face lifted then he laid the package on the ground and remained on one knee.
"Sarinor, what is this?" Talme asked as she gestured to the bag. She chuckled meekly, "the way you have it wrapped, it looks like a corpse."
Torres asked as he and Zari landed. "Sarinor?"
Zari stepped up next to Junid then passed Talme and knelt opposite Sarinor. She looked up and he nodded. Fingers peeled the first layers back. A distinct shape took form beneath. ~*Please don't be...*~ "No!" she whispered as the last layer was removed. She bore her teeth and shook her head. She sniffed, "dammit! Why can't I be wrong?!" she cried.
"About what?" Talme asked, unnerved.
"Look," Zari replied solemnly as she stood and walked behind Sarinor.
Horror and remorse twisted Talme's face. She fell to her knees. Sarinor rushed to her side. "Look at me! I loathed Thado and here I am shedding tears for him!"
"How did it happen?" Zari asked somberly, pressing her knuckle to her mouth.
"I don't know," Sarinor replied. "I found him like this." He pulled a long jade cylinder from his sash. "This capsule was in his hand." He handed it to Torres. "What do you make of the inscription?"
Zari whirled around, "what inscription?"
"This..." Torres pointed, "beneath the serpent emblem."
Fire blazed in her eyes then died slightly as she extended her hand. "May I?"
"You know something lass," Junid accused as he watched her take the capsule. "What is it?"
"I know the name of the assassin," rolling the cylinder in her fingers as she read the slithering engravings. "And what this is, merely a capsule of a precious stone, that when cracked... in the right place." Her eyes sparked a deep lavender and the capsule snapped in two, then crumbled to dust.
"Wrong place lass."
"You underestimate my intellect Junid, I know what I'm doing." The dust swirled as a rectangular outline formed. Glittering gusts of green dust billowed as her breath scattered it from her palms. The gusts vigorously plunged into the outline; filling it from top to bottom. The outline wiggled in the breeze like a piece of paper. She snatched it before it blew away.
"What is it?" Sarinor asked.
Zari shook in fury and spoke in a strained tone. "'All those fool hearted to the fullest that dare challenge my master shall forsake their light. Bibi-Dee will deliver none nor grant amnesty. Prepare for eternal nightfall, for the monster is clawing at its cage, and will be set free to terrorize and destroy the lights you fight so gallantly to protect..."
"That all?" Junid asked.
Her eyes blazed again as they ran down the page:
Amethyst... do come for a visit. My master and I await you on Calgon 3. He is quite anxious to meet you. I especially am looking forward to our... interaction...
She growled and the page set itself aflame.
The Kais watched as she sank to the grass like a defeated mage. Sarinor spoke, "what is-"
"It wasn't for you... for someone by the name of 'Amethyst'," knitting her brow as she sat down. She sounded exhausted, "I will leave tomorrow for Calgon 3, surely in that gossip capital I can find a trail. When I do, I will put a stop to this Bibi-Dee's monster."
"Perhaps we should speak to Shin before we decide what must be done, or who will go," Talme said quickly. Junid nodded.
"I am inclined to agree," Torres said.
"No!" Zari snapped. "I did not call for a committee for this decision." She bolted to her feet. "It is made! I leave tomorrow... alone."
"Not alone," Talme protested softly. "I will go with you."
"With all due respect to the West Kaioshin, as for you Talme... does the word 'alone' not register?! I swear, should I hear so much of a whisper that I am being followed, by any of you or another, I'll split you in two. It would be a far better fate then what they would do to you. This decision is final."
"Shin... wake up." Shin didn't stir as his shoulders were shook. Sarinor sighed, "Zari's leaving."
His head snapped up as he grabbed Sarinor's collar. "When?! Where is she going?!"
"Heh, thought that'd wake you up. She's not gone yet but let me explain."
The more Sarinor spoke about Bibi-Dee the more antsy Shin became. He finally stood and began to pace. "Let me get this straight... she's going to stop him alone? Is that what you're telling me?"
"I'm merely repeating what I've heard."
Shin shook his head, "I won't let her go, too many things can go wrong. This Bibi-Dee is the most powerful and satanic wizard in the universe. He will destroy her, or worse... he'll ensnare her mind."
"Then how will you stop her?"
"I'll keep watch over her."
"All night?"
"All night."
Titus glided into its evening position. The moons gleamed like stars as soft pinks, oranges, purples, and greens filled their background.
Shin had retired his torn uniform for a more casual attire. He sat on his bed in the corner in a thoughtful position. ~*I can't let her go, not alone. If anyone must go with... it will be me. But with no entering strategy...*~ He rested his forearm on his knee. ~*What are you thinking? How are you planning to approach? ...*sigh*... Kalila, how do I stop you?*~
The door latch clicked and the door swung open. The trees outside swayed and the grass rolled like waves. The distant sound of the waterfall was made clearer as it rode on the wings of the wind. He smiled as the memory of when the wind first brought her to him surfaced. He let out his breath and bit his lip. ~*Might as well, maybe I can persuade her. Here goes.*~
No answer. "Zari?" He stood before the vine curtain. The command had drawn it back, but the room was vacant. "There's only one place she could be." His eyes widened. ~*What if she's gone?!*~ His breathing became panicked gasps. "The falls!"
Water battered the rocks. The sound pounded in his sensitive ears. His leather shoes were wet and slippery. Fed up with the loss of traction, he bounded up the boulders to the edge of the main fall. Calm pools fed by rough currents surrounded him. He couldn't sense anything. "No... Zari I beg you... Kalila...." Saddened, ashamed, and afraid of the penalties he lowered his head and sat down on the wet stones. His ear twitched. "Hm?"
Faint voices argued and shouted, he couldn't make out but a few words, and a name. ".... I.... let you! It's... responsibility not...!"
"I ...care! .... mind's... up!"
"...! ... least talk... Shin... you go."
The second voice didn't answer in a shout.
"Talme," he whispered. Quickly he locked onto the energy signature and disappeared.
"Zari," Talme said calmly. "I will not let you go, not alone."
"Talme," Zari said in the same tone. "For many millennia you have not been by my side to 'hold my hand' as Agi said, thus far I have managed amply. I do not need you now."
Talme let out an agitated sigh, "very well. As usual it appears I cannot change your mind or make you hesitate or second guess. Though another will."
"I will not cross paths with Shin tonight. Therefor there will be no difficulties with the birth of tomorrow."
Talme clenched the towel around her body. "Will he submit to this? Don't be so certain." she raised herself out of the water and sat on the rim. Zari lowered her shoulders into the water. Silence... which Talme broke as she stood and snatched the dagger from her sash. "Let's get this over with." She appeared behind Zari and pulled the braid taunt. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes," she closed her eyes tightly as she heard the blade slice through her hair.
"I think you'll want this." She tapped Zari's shoulder and handed her the metal band that had once secured her braid.
Zari chuckled, "my head feels lighter now."
Talme smiled, "I bet it does. Held still for a little while, while I finish this."
Minutes passed. Talme vanished as soon as she finished.
Zari climbed out and dried off the best she could with her soaked towel. Often she shot her eyes at the pool and watched the ripples race to the other side. They distorted the image of someone sitting on the boulder on the other side. She held the towel in front of her as she turned to face him. "I was hoping I would not cross paths with you."
"Why?" slowly sliding off the boulder then walked around until he stood but a few feet away. "Seems as though you do not wish to be with me."
She turned on her heel and wrapped the wet towel around her form. "Why would you assume that?" Her fingers trembled and dropped the towel.
Before she could retrieve it, she felt his hands wrap it back around her body as his chin rested on her shoulder. "Merely due to the tension in your frame," he said softly. "If I am making you uneasy I will keep my distance." Silently she sighed as his hands withdrew. He hedl his back to her and said, "but I cannot let you go."
She whirled to face him only to watch him slowly float into the sky. "Don't do this Shin! I must follow my path. And I will do whatever must be done to see that I go freely."
The sky grew dark and the heavens shed their tears upon the planet. Trees rustled in the wind then a sudden gust would make them roar like waves.
Shin sat in a meditative state beneath the stone balcony. He paid no mind to the drops from the vines or the heavy sodden fabric of his clothing.
Zari sat on the edge of her bed humming to herself as she sharpened her blade. Her tune slowed then died completely with an agitated sigh. Putting the stone down she pulled the towel from her shoulder and rubbed the flat of the blade vigorously. As she looked at her reflection she sighed with a slight, uncertain smile. "She did what I asked... 'only one inch.' I had no idea my hair would curl a little. Oh well." Her eyes shifted to the vine curtain, heavy with white blossoms cupping the rain in their petals. ~*Why does he insist on this?*~
The firm expression on his face softened as he felt her presence approach. The vines parted as the command left a sharp tongue. Even so, those sharp words were the sweetest melody that no instrument could match. He opened his eyes, and smiled lovingly at her scowl.
His clothes dried instantly as she snapped her fingers. Immediately she picked up her blade and viciously swiped the stone from the cross guard to the tip. He sat in the corner, watching her face, listening as she tried again to hum. She slapped the towel on her blade and wrapped it around the rough edge to shield her skin and glared at him. He returned her glacial stare with a curious expression. "Why are you doing this?!" she growled sharply.
He cocked his head, "doing what?"
"This!" thrusting her hand at the sound of the pouring rain. "Why are you subjecting yourself to keeping watch over me? I feel as if I'm..." she turned her head away sharply. "As if I'm a prisoner of my own home." Sadness and regret shocked his face. Slowly he stood, each of her words pulling the wound wider. "I know that if I set one foot outside this chamber of stone, there you'll be, hindering me, denying me, jailing me." She shook her head. "I know your feelings for me, and they are what make you my warden." She felt the bed depress beside her. Shifting her eyes to him, she watched his eyes stare at the floor in shame. He hovered over his knees and trembled slightly. She turned away. As soon as she slid the soft sheath from the blade and placed it once again on her shoulder she felt his chest mold to her back and his arms squeezing her shoulders as he tightened his embrace and pulled her into him.
"You are everything to me Kalila, be cautious." Her head turned, eyes wide in surprise. "I will not follow, less something is amiss... I swear." She smiled and turned in his embrace until his lips were within reach. "Yet promise me," he whispered before their lips met. "That you'll contact us if he suspects, or simply disappear from his sight, I care not how." She pulled back and turned her eyes away then squeezed them shut as she felt his arms pull her back in firmly. "Then promise you'll send a signal. Please!"
~*Don't beg dammit!*~ She sighed then nodded. "I will." Before a thought ran through her mind, she felt his hands caress her shoulders then slowly trail down her back. They slid around her waist and trailed down her flat stomach. She reached behind her and locked her hands behind his back. "Little awkward love..."
He pulled back and she turned to face him, straddling his lap. Deep in her eyes he could see the fragile flame burn in hunger. In his, she saw the crystal shield fall.
Her hand cupped his jaw as she indulged him in the fiery passion her lips could bestow. The room suddenly felt steamy against his skin. There was a loud clatter as she pushed the sword off the bed freeing her hands to reacquaint herself with the skin beneath his shirt. He swallowed then sighed as her lips moved down his neck and her hands pushed up the hem of his shirt.