Chapter 8: Ikenie

"I need to sit down." Clara said as she let herself sit down heavily on the edge of her bed as a concerned Cye sat down by her side to keep her from falling off the bed. It was then the others noticed that the kanji engraved on the necklace also lit up on her forehead with a bright silver light that made Clara look deadly pale in comparison.

"What is that?" Kayla asked as she reached forward and gently touched the kanji and immediately pulled her hand back, "Ow! It's hot!! I just burned hand."

"What you see now is Clara's birthmark and guiding virtue. How ironic it is that the Phoenix's symbol is kibou – hope and that you are the only hope for your people." Tiakall said calmly as she turned to face the group and sat down.

"What do you mean only?" Rowen asked with some scrutiny in his voice.

"There are others like her. At the time when Chiclaria was sent to earth, it was believed that she was the last surviving guardian. However as fate would have it, a few new guardians were born shortly after the princess and her court were sent to earth. Kayla Rodchester, being guarded by the virtue of friendship, is one of them. But I cannot stay here for much longer, lest I endanger your existence."

"It's too late for that." Growled a low sinister voice as a huge cat like being with wings stepped out of the shadows. "I am Discord, messenger of the great Lord Chaos. My master has sent me here with a message."

The guys quickly stepped in front of Clara, protecting her as Clara spoke calmly, "Very well, I'm listening."

"Since the recent death of our king, our world has been thrown into chaos."

"Liar!" Rowen shot venomously, "Your world is always in chaos."

"Our world is in chaos and Lord Chaos was hoping that a temporary conquest of earth would bring peace to his people."

"Tell Lord Chaos that I deeply regret that I must refuse his offer. I could never allow earth to be taken over like that." Clara said in a firm even tone.

"Before I go, my lord offers a gift in the case that this would happen." As Discord spoke, a huge dagger appeared behind Clara.

"Clara look out!!" Rowen yelled as he leapt in its path and knocked Clara out of harm's way.

"No Rowen!" Clara cried out as Rowen's body fell to the floor and held his hand. "Rowen why would you do such a thing?" she asked in a shaky voice as tears streamed down her face and Ryo, Sage, Cye, and Kento transformed and began launching attacks.

"It is my sworn duty to protect the woman I love. Even at the cost of my own life…" Rowen said in a pained voice. "I love you Clara…remember that…" here his voice trailed off as his grip on her hand loosened and his hand fell to the floor.

"Rowen don't leave me!" Clara cried as she began sobbing hysterically. "I…I love you." She whispered softly, then slowly turned around and stood up to face Discord. "You killed him…you will pay. Here is my gift!" she cried as she threw her hand out in front of her and a silver energy beam shot out and hit the demon just above his heart.

"You missed." Discord hissed with a smirk.

"I meant to. Now go tell my message to your master." Here she held her hand up and threw an enormous energy beam towards the sky. "Now STEP OFF!!" she screamed as Discord hastily made his retreat out the window.