.The Light.
'Was it a vision? Or was a real? A tall young woman standing upon the edge of a cliff, dressed in only silks of white and the pale moonlit--shimmering upon her long silver hair flowing elegantly around her. She seems to watch every detail of the sky like it told her everything she needed to know. She is beautiful, I can see it, even from behind. Her skin glows just like the moon, something unearthly. I don't know what I'm doing either, just standing and watching behind a tree. My heart's racing, I can feel it. I'm drawn to her and I don't even know why. God, I don't know what I'm gonna do! I make up my mind.
'I step out from behind the tree and slowly approach her, watching. Perhaps she'll disappear on me, she seems so unreal and so distant, like a ghost or something. I try to stay silent as I can, but I know if she can't hear my footsteps, then she can hear my heart. It's pounding! I'm scared of her and I'm not. I can't explain it, not even to myself. I'm afraid of what she'll say. Or maybe I'm afraid of what she won't. What if she ignores me? Out of everything I've faced I don't think I can face that.
'I reach my hand out and gently touch her shoulder. My sub armor covers me completely, but I can feel her smooth skin beneath as though it was gone. Her silks wrap around my arm and my body, drawing me closer with its own unquenched passion. It whispers to me that she's been waiting. Waiting for who, I ask it. She's been waiting for me is the only reply it gives. A gentle hand reaches over and rests upon my own and a shocking feeling rushes through it.
''Welcome Sage of the Halo,' she greets me with an amused chuckle. She knows my name even though I never told her. Then, I feel that she knows more of me then just my name and I place my other hand over her own.
''I'm glad to be here,' I reply to her softly and sincerely. 'I've been lookin' for you. I didn't think I'd find you.'
'She only grips my lower hand and twists to face me so elegantly and so precise. It seems that we have practiced this movement over and over again. Her free hand, the left, reaches upwards and rests upon my cheek--diving beneath my hair and flicking it away from my eye. 'Remember, my dearest Sage, I will always be here for you, no matter what happens. I was made for you and you were made for me. It is a bond we cannot break--or are unwilling to break.'
'With a chuckle, I bend down and brush my lips against her forehead--the same place I have kissed so many years before and it is the exact same. No aging. As the same for me. I straighten slowly and run my eyes over her face. Eighteen years old, she seemed and even I knew she was far older then that. 'I feared that with me gone for so long--'
'She interrupts my excuse with her thumb sliding over my lips. A sparkle is within her light blue eyes as a warm grin crosses her cream lips. 'Worry not about that, Sage. I will wait as long as I must as I know you would do the same. We have all eternity if we choose. Remember that, my love.' She suddenly stops and her features suddenly sadden at a moment of thought. 'But first, you must learn to trust me. I would never lead you into danger and if I did, my life would I give for you over, and over again.'
'I wrap my arms around her and pull her close to me. I rest my chin on the top of her head and close my own eyes. A sigh departs from me and I know what she means. I've felt it long ago and I thought the feelings were gone. Perhaps they are and perhaps they aren't. But I trust her with my heart. 'I don't give myself so willingly, you know that. I'm never gonna leave you and you know I can't. I love you. I always will.''
Hidden behind a swift waterfall within the darkness of a small crevice, Sage Date awakens from his meditations with a shock. His eyes blink over and over and his head shakes vigorously. His mind reflects the images he just saw, not understanding it, and honestly not wishing too. After all, how great is it to become conscious while dreaming about being practically -married- to someone you don't even know?
"What the Hell?" he grumbles loudly and runs his right hand through his wild tresses. 'No more pizza. Never."
He twists to stretch his spine, glancing around the crevice nonchalantly. It was the same place he has visited many times before and luckily nothing else strange has happened tonight after the incident with the deer and wolves. Suddenly he pauses as a figure seems to glide from the trees upon his right, glowing brighter then the moon.
Kamaree sigh softly as she slowly steps up to the stream, watching it as the smooth water swims down past her, its birth a waterfall toward her left. She watches the cascading spray of water, her eyes narrowing as the scent of a human being wafts toward her. She stares still, catching a glint of steel. Yet seeing nothing else and the scent being drowned, she relaxes.
"You're working too hard, girlly,' she mutters as she lowers herself onto the bank. Her bare palm spreads over the cool surface and the tiny knife-like fish bob up to greet it. She giggles at their antics, crying out that food is what they desire and not to tease them with merely an extremity!
"Oh, my apologies, my dear friends. I didn't realize I was offending you. I promise I'll bring something back from camp when we leave.' The fish suddenly dart toward the rocks in their fits of pouting. "I promise!" she laughs. The fish drift up toward the surface once more and then spread out in search for present food.
She watches them, settling back onto her heels and sighing once more. She closes her eyes and tilts back her head, spreading her arms out wide in a stretch. She then relaxes and watches the waves, content to watch the water.
Sage watches, unsure what to expect. Could this be another enemy sent to destroy both him and his friends? His eyes narrow as he crawls toward the pouring water to get a better look. Anything that can tell them who this is. He completely forgets about his vision, instead focusing his mind on what is to be done. In his worry, he accidentally knocks a stone and it plummets toward the water, bouncing off of rocks. 'Damn!'
Instantly, Kamaree snaps her attention toward the sound. She wastes no time, not waiting to find out who is hiding within, she leaps upward and vanishes, twisting her form into an owl. In the middle of the air, fast enough to where hopefully the other cannot see, feathers adapt to her body and her skeleton merges into that of the bird. Her arms, now wings, flare open and catch the wind--flapping hard to propel her further into the sky. She swoops around the canopy of near trees and settles upon a branch, graciously hidden by the thick foliage.
The young man quickly slides out of the tiny cave and dashes down the creek, careful not to slip on the rocks. With a leap he lands upon the right bank, searching the trees quickly and thoroughly. 'Come out!' he demands and is greeted by only eerie silence. No creature stirs within the night and the only sounds he can hear is his heartbeat and the creek.
Caution plays within him, even as he calls upon his armor. "Armor of the Halo, Dao Chi!" he yells and a blinding light surrounds him, illuminating the very meandering stream valley. His words are muffled from the changing properties--emerald metal attaching itself onto him with the flow of glimmering light.
It fades slowly, leaving the young man within his Mystical armor and the no-dachi cradled upon his shoulders. He twists to face the area where he last saw the glowing figure, searching for her through the trees.
Yet the lady remains hidden, unable to see him as he cannot see her. She focuses to transform herself back into her human form. The feathers melt and return to her flesh--it glowing from the Maree formation. Swiftly her conformation adapts a human. Kneeling over, she yanks her daggers from its sheathes and the twin blade grow to matching swords. Her bare thumbs rub over the ivory surface, gripping it with ease and comfort. Many time she has called upon these swords and never have they failed her.
"C'mon out and fight, you coward!" shouts Sage. He swings his dachi forward, pointing the tip toward the trees. "Face me!"
Silent she remains, focusing upon his position with her sense, increased to the fullest possible. His scent lingers within her nostrils, it too human to be an enemy. Perhaps a fool who does not know of her. In fact, it was a familiar one as well, stored in her memory. But then, she could hear his heartbeat, it pounding hard against his chest as well as the adrenaline pumping through his veins. She could hear it, smell it, almost taste it. She scared him, oh fear lingered on him as well, but not as great as the majority has she faced. No, his fear is clouded by pride and by determination. This was certainly not a Cralon soldier. Perhaps, then, she'll only teach him a mild lesson.
His eyes watch the forest around him, trying to sense her presence. Though not sure what he was looking for, his attempts end up in failure. He edges back, unaware of what he has challenged, but knowing if perhaps this world's survival is at stake, then it must be done. Then it happens.
A silver streaks swoops down from the closest oak, landing on top of him. He stumbles back, nearly losing his balance. His sword drops from his hand right as the Kamaree leaps off of him and vanishes behind him. He regains his weapon instantly and gyrates to face her. He swings the no-dachi toward her, nearly ready to call out his Surekill Instead, she traps it with her twin swords and twists the tip toward the earth, digging it within. She then releases her weapons and back-flips easily away from him.
"What?' he exclaims and tries to rip his weapon from the earth. Yet without his might, he can't even budge it not even and inch. "How?"
"You wanted to fight me, now fight!" cries out Kamaree. "I doubt you'd be all talk and no walk, so step up, pretty boy, and accept your punishment!"
She stands upon the same rock he feel from. She kicks a long branch toward him, its width and composition perfect for a boa. She smirks softly and reaches outward toward her swords. "Ru cha!" she demands. A single weapon quivers and yanks itself free of the topography. It zips toward her, handle outstretched, and forms into her palm. She twists it around in a single circle and it transforms instantly into nearly the twin boa of Halo's.
He watches her, curious of the game she's playing. He then glances at his boa and grips it tightly. The wood seems to mold to his exact contour--the weight perfect for him. "What are you?"
"The Lady Kamaree!" she cries in response and leaps from the titanic boulder. She drops toward Sage--her legs clamped tightly to her rear. Suddenly she stretches her arms forward and the middle of her weapon meets with his own cracking into the night.
They trade blows and yet as Halo always prepares for the perfect strike, she easily avoids it, leaving him to steady himself and try again. She pushes him away with her heels planted against the earth, leaping backwards as he regains his composure. He twirls the stick above him and races toward her. Expecting at least a descent strike, he slides onto his legs and swirls the boa toward her ankles.
Instantly she lunges upward, almost in slow motion. The tip of her instrument is plunged into the earth and she swings around on it and slams her right heel against his cheek. She ricochets instantly and lands upon her palms to flip back onto her feet. She yanks free her boa right at his counter attack, tripping her to the ground. Kamaree falls with a yelp and fetches her boa, instantly blocking her throat from her opponent's weapon.
Drops of blood drip onto her own cheek, dribbling from the slash upon Sage's left cheek. Not wanting the chance of her escaping, he doesn't wipe it off and lets it fall. "You're good," he growls, "But it seems that I won."
Kamaree only laughs softly, tilting her head and watching his slash ooze. "You may think you have, my dear Sage of Halo, but you're far from exceeding your expectations. You're lucky to get this far. But I must say, if you wanted to be on top, why didn't you ask?"
He blinks and stares at her, his brow furrowing. "What?"
With a smirk, she flips him over onto his back. She follows, landing on him and holding his weapon to his throat. She grins playfully and watches the boy with interest. "I'm sorry, child, but I've always preferred being the up one. You must forgive me--habits of old. But now that I have you under me, you will stop this and listen."
"Who are you?" he only demands, regardless of her words. "-What- are you?"
Ice blue eyes glance up at the heavens and then close with her head shaking afterwards. She then captures his countenance in her sight and laughs. "I will tell you everything you need to know if you promise to stop this. I only agreed to fight because I knew it'd please your testosterone rush greatly. Promise?"
Sage glares at her and snorts, "Do I have a choice?"
"You have many choices in life. You just happened to find a very horrible one. It is unwise to fight with a Maree of the 3rd level. You're lucky I took it easy on you. Though I must admit, you're quicker and stronger then you look. Perhaps there's more to that skinny body then just looks. And to answer your question, you do know me. You see me every time you close your eyes," she releases her hold on him and slides off his abdomen to kneel beside him. "As I see you. You've have known me for perhaps three or four years now and have known of my figure for at least one."
Slowly Sage sits up and stares at her. He did know her, but the last time he seen her face to face, her appearance was different. It was more advance, if that made sense. 'I do know her! She's the one in my images and in my dreams! I should have known!' "You're Kamaree, aren't you?"
She nods once though her interest lie upon the scratch across his cheek. "That I am and you're also hurt. Remove your helmet, please."
"And why should I do that?"
"Because if you don't I'll be sure to remove it myself and when that happens, other important parts of males seem to vanish, now remove it, Sage Date."
The jade helmet is pulled from his crown with sweat drenched hair seeming to cling to it. He runs a hand through the moist and wild mess, trying to straighten it best possible. "I guess that's good enough of a reason," he admits impassively. He then runs the side of his hand across the bloody gash. He pulls his hand back and stares at the crimson stained armor. "How did you manage that?"
"Easily. Now hold still before I have to think of another threat.' She reaches forward slowly and her bare right thumb slides directly over the wound. She leans forward suddenly and gasps. 'Out of practice, girlly. Out of practice.' She nearly collides with his chin right when she seems to regain her consciousness, sitting up and opening her glittering azure eyes. "There, finished."
"What'd you do?" he demands and examines the place she had been. Only a tingling feeling remains within the skin and nothing else. He glances at his fingers, clean from any fresh blood. He frowns and shifts his sight onto Kamaree. "Did you heal me?"
"I did." She stares up at the heavens with her eyes closing slowly. "I had to correct the wrong I did. You were only defending yourself and your friends. But I am not your enemy, Sage. I am your protector." Kamaree faces him, her eyes meeting his own. "I am the Ronin Warriors' silent protector. I have been with you since you gained your mystical armor and I have there to help you with every step of your journey. I was there when you defeated Lord Talpa and I was there to help you all regain your health afterwards. I know your names, you birth dates, and perhaps your deepest secrets and desires. I know what you fear and what you wish. Since you were of the age of fifteen I have been watching you and your friends. We have much to talk about, my dear friend, but this must wait until all five of you are together."
Sage searches the ground as he tries to find a retort. The information is so startling. No one can know his history, his past, his desires! No one! Not even Rowen, his best friend, realizes half of them. He shakes his head slowly and rakes his fingers through his tresses right as he leans forward, almost curling into an upright fetal position.
"Impossible. You're lying. Tell me one of my secrets."
"If you so wish," she replies with a sigh. "Though if it must come down to this. I would rather not tell you what I know. It is a breech of privacy that the Maree must inroad to protect you and your friends."
"The Maree. Tell me before I'll believe anything else you say!"
"The most obvious. You are afraid of girls, the females of your kind. You were teased and taunted as a child by your sister--dressed as their personal living doll. They told you things which only made you run from fear. You can't believe that any woman will not harm you as your sisters have. Though they love you, you are they're brother, they were being as cruel as all children are. Yet their cruelty has warped your mind in believing all are the same. From any woman who finds interest, you flee from her with excuses forged from your fear. I do not find you one so easily frightened, but this vice nearly strips you of your intrepidness. You will not willingly release your fear into the open, yet already it has caused harm from your peers. Rowen Hashiba of the Strata has been your friend for years, and yet you both are thought of as a homosexual couple, are you not? Alas, despite other's misconceptions, Rowen has found himself a girl and you try your search regardless of your fear. And because if it, you attempt to give the illusion of being a "lady's man" even though you are far from. Indeed, you have lost your virginity many times over, but not one woman you have been with thus far has satisfied you. Anything else while we're talking about your personal life?"
The Warrior remains in silence while letting her words seep in. Content to watch the ground still, his breaths have become shallow. It was too much information she knows. Too much and all private and something that no one should know. Especially a stranger he has only seen once except for in his visions. But his visions are only that and nothing else.
"H-How do you know all this?"
Kamaree sighs and reaches her right hand forward and cups his chin with her fingers. She turns his head to meet his eyes, meeting neither resistance or words. "You've told me," she tries to explain as she releases him. "You've whispered them in your dreams night after night. You have a heart, Halo, beating in that chest of yours and it's not completely frozen. Quite the opposite, actually. You appear so cold and so distant--nonchalant and impassive. No emotion seems to seep from any of your pours. Yet inside you are full of turmoil--and one of these days it will bust out. Understand?"
He nods slightly, demanding gently, "What about the others?"
"The others," she strands up suddenly and reaches out her hand. "Come with me, Sage."
Like a child in the presence of a glorious being, he takes her hand and she helps him to his feet. Once she releases him, he merges back into his sub armor. He watches her closely, unable to explain the sudden feelings boiling within. Never before have they bothered him. Never.
Kamaree takes his hand once more, leading him away from their battle place. She clicks her tongue twice and her weapons, the boa strewn to the earth, and the other sword, vanish and replace themselves within their sheaths. She then begins to stroll along the bank of the creek.
"The others reveal their emotions more then you do, Sage Date. They don't have the types of fears you do and yet they don't have the same type of wisdom. It's true that Rowen Hashiba is the smartest of the five, but you carry something different and I can feel it. I am more drawn to you perhaps because of that. Also I pledged myself to help you five no matter the cost. No one needs as much help as you."
"What about Rowen? Sometimes--"
"His father mistreats him, yes, I know--"
Sage snatches his hand from her grasp and twists her to face him. Rage glows within his lavender irises and his strong grip holds her in place. "You mean you knew that Rowen's abused and you didn't do a damn thing about it?"
She tilts her head forward with a sigh. "There are only so many things I can do--"
"Bullshit!" he growls. "Rowen's well-being is more important then my own problems! You could have helped him and saved him from all of that shit and instead you're worried about me!? I think you have your priorities wrong."
"Do you know how many laws I have broken as is, Sage of the Halo, just to save him from what I could!? I don't bid by the same rules you do. Nearly I have ripped his father's throat out for it and in return he was healed and allowed to return to his duties. I've healed Rowen the best I can many times over without looking like he's withstanding such beatings, for I know it would only result in more! Neither do you understand the insanity his father is in right now and he does not honestly mean to hurt his own child. He can not help, but it is not a proper excuse either! Do not judge another before you know their circumstances, Sage. Rowen is as safe as I can get him and now even more so. I am on the same island as he is and I am the one who will keep away from that man," she retorts fiercely with her palms on his own shoulders, ready to push him away.
"That's crap and I know better! Why should I believe you!?"
"Because if you don't, you will end up the same way. I already have Rowen protected from it but I don't have you yet. You're trying your best not to hurt me as we speak and I can see it in your eyes. You know I do not lie but you cannot accept it as the truth either. I have lived much longer then you have, child. I have seen more things then any human can in a lifetime!"
Sage eases his grip upon her shoulders with his whole entirety seeming to relax. The anger subdues enough that he demands, "Then teach me what I need to know."
'Was it a vision? Or was a real? A tall young woman standing upon the edge of a cliff, dressed in only silks of white and the pale moonlit--shimmering upon her long silver hair flowing elegantly around her. She seems to watch every detail of the sky like it told her everything she needed to know. She is beautiful, I can see it, even from behind. Her skin glows just like the moon, something unearthly. I don't know what I'm doing either, just standing and watching behind a tree. My heart's racing, I can feel it. I'm drawn to her and I don't even know why. God, I don't know what I'm gonna do! I make up my mind.
'I step out from behind the tree and slowly approach her, watching. Perhaps she'll disappear on me, she seems so unreal and so distant, like a ghost or something. I try to stay silent as I can, but I know if she can't hear my footsteps, then she can hear my heart. It's pounding! I'm scared of her and I'm not. I can't explain it, not even to myself. I'm afraid of what she'll say. Or maybe I'm afraid of what she won't. What if she ignores me? Out of everything I've faced I don't think I can face that.
'I reach my hand out and gently touch her shoulder. My sub armor covers me completely, but I can feel her smooth skin beneath as though it was gone. Her silks wrap around my arm and my body, drawing me closer with its own unquenched passion. It whispers to me that she's been waiting. Waiting for who, I ask it. She's been waiting for me is the only reply it gives. A gentle hand reaches over and rests upon my own and a shocking feeling rushes through it.
''Welcome Sage of the Halo,' she greets me with an amused chuckle. She knows my name even though I never told her. Then, I feel that she knows more of me then just my name and I place my other hand over her own.
''I'm glad to be here,' I reply to her softly and sincerely. 'I've been lookin' for you. I didn't think I'd find you.'
'She only grips my lower hand and twists to face me so elegantly and so precise. It seems that we have practiced this movement over and over again. Her free hand, the left, reaches upwards and rests upon my cheek--diving beneath my hair and flicking it away from my eye. 'Remember, my dearest Sage, I will always be here for you, no matter what happens. I was made for you and you were made for me. It is a bond we cannot break--or are unwilling to break.'
'With a chuckle, I bend down and brush my lips against her forehead--the same place I have kissed so many years before and it is the exact same. No aging. As the same for me. I straighten slowly and run my eyes over her face. Eighteen years old, she seemed and even I knew she was far older then that. 'I feared that with me gone for so long--'
'She interrupts my excuse with her thumb sliding over my lips. A sparkle is within her light blue eyes as a warm grin crosses her cream lips. 'Worry not about that, Sage. I will wait as long as I must as I know you would do the same. We have all eternity if we choose. Remember that, my love.' She suddenly stops and her features suddenly sadden at a moment of thought. 'But first, you must learn to trust me. I would never lead you into danger and if I did, my life would I give for you over, and over again.'
'I wrap my arms around her and pull her close to me. I rest my chin on the top of her head and close my own eyes. A sigh departs from me and I know what she means. I've felt it long ago and I thought the feelings were gone. Perhaps they are and perhaps they aren't. But I trust her with my heart. 'I don't give myself so willingly, you know that. I'm never gonna leave you and you know I can't. I love you. I always will.''
Hidden behind a swift waterfall within the darkness of a small crevice, Sage Date awakens from his meditations with a shock. His eyes blink over and over and his head shakes vigorously. His mind reflects the images he just saw, not understanding it, and honestly not wishing too. After all, how great is it to become conscious while dreaming about being practically -married- to someone you don't even know?
"What the Hell?" he grumbles loudly and runs his right hand through his wild tresses. 'No more pizza. Never."
He twists to stretch his spine, glancing around the crevice nonchalantly. It was the same place he has visited many times before and luckily nothing else strange has happened tonight after the incident with the deer and wolves. Suddenly he pauses as a figure seems to glide from the trees upon his right, glowing brighter then the moon.
Kamaree sigh softly as she slowly steps up to the stream, watching it as the smooth water swims down past her, its birth a waterfall toward her left. She watches the cascading spray of water, her eyes narrowing as the scent of a human being wafts toward her. She stares still, catching a glint of steel. Yet seeing nothing else and the scent being drowned, she relaxes.
"You're working too hard, girlly,' she mutters as she lowers herself onto the bank. Her bare palm spreads over the cool surface and the tiny knife-like fish bob up to greet it. She giggles at their antics, crying out that food is what they desire and not to tease them with merely an extremity!
"Oh, my apologies, my dear friends. I didn't realize I was offending you. I promise I'll bring something back from camp when we leave.' The fish suddenly dart toward the rocks in their fits of pouting. "I promise!" she laughs. The fish drift up toward the surface once more and then spread out in search for present food.
She watches them, settling back onto her heels and sighing once more. She closes her eyes and tilts back her head, spreading her arms out wide in a stretch. She then relaxes and watches the waves, content to watch the water.
Sage watches, unsure what to expect. Could this be another enemy sent to destroy both him and his friends? His eyes narrow as he crawls toward the pouring water to get a better look. Anything that can tell them who this is. He completely forgets about his vision, instead focusing his mind on what is to be done. In his worry, he accidentally knocks a stone and it plummets toward the water, bouncing off of rocks. 'Damn!'
Instantly, Kamaree snaps her attention toward the sound. She wastes no time, not waiting to find out who is hiding within, she leaps upward and vanishes, twisting her form into an owl. In the middle of the air, fast enough to where hopefully the other cannot see, feathers adapt to her body and her skeleton merges into that of the bird. Her arms, now wings, flare open and catch the wind--flapping hard to propel her further into the sky. She swoops around the canopy of near trees and settles upon a branch, graciously hidden by the thick foliage.
The young man quickly slides out of the tiny cave and dashes down the creek, careful not to slip on the rocks. With a leap he lands upon the right bank, searching the trees quickly and thoroughly. 'Come out!' he demands and is greeted by only eerie silence. No creature stirs within the night and the only sounds he can hear is his heartbeat and the creek.
Caution plays within him, even as he calls upon his armor. "Armor of the Halo, Dao Chi!" he yells and a blinding light surrounds him, illuminating the very meandering stream valley. His words are muffled from the changing properties--emerald metal attaching itself onto him with the flow of glimmering light.
It fades slowly, leaving the young man within his Mystical armor and the no-dachi cradled upon his shoulders. He twists to face the area where he last saw the glowing figure, searching for her through the trees.
Yet the lady remains hidden, unable to see him as he cannot see her. She focuses to transform herself back into her human form. The feathers melt and return to her flesh--it glowing from the Maree formation. Swiftly her conformation adapts a human. Kneeling over, she yanks her daggers from its sheathes and the twin blade grow to matching swords. Her bare thumbs rub over the ivory surface, gripping it with ease and comfort. Many time she has called upon these swords and never have they failed her.
"C'mon out and fight, you coward!" shouts Sage. He swings his dachi forward, pointing the tip toward the trees. "Face me!"
Silent she remains, focusing upon his position with her sense, increased to the fullest possible. His scent lingers within her nostrils, it too human to be an enemy. Perhaps a fool who does not know of her. In fact, it was a familiar one as well, stored in her memory. But then, she could hear his heartbeat, it pounding hard against his chest as well as the adrenaline pumping through his veins. She could hear it, smell it, almost taste it. She scared him, oh fear lingered on him as well, but not as great as the majority has she faced. No, his fear is clouded by pride and by determination. This was certainly not a Cralon soldier. Perhaps, then, she'll only teach him a mild lesson.
His eyes watch the forest around him, trying to sense her presence. Though not sure what he was looking for, his attempts end up in failure. He edges back, unaware of what he has challenged, but knowing if perhaps this world's survival is at stake, then it must be done. Then it happens.
A silver streaks swoops down from the closest oak, landing on top of him. He stumbles back, nearly losing his balance. His sword drops from his hand right as the Kamaree leaps off of him and vanishes behind him. He regains his weapon instantly and gyrates to face her. He swings the no-dachi toward her, nearly ready to call out his Surekill Instead, she traps it with her twin swords and twists the tip toward the earth, digging it within. She then releases her weapons and back-flips easily away from him.
"What?' he exclaims and tries to rip his weapon from the earth. Yet without his might, he can't even budge it not even and inch. "How?"
"You wanted to fight me, now fight!" cries out Kamaree. "I doubt you'd be all talk and no walk, so step up, pretty boy, and accept your punishment!"
She stands upon the same rock he feel from. She kicks a long branch toward him, its width and composition perfect for a boa. She smirks softly and reaches outward toward her swords. "Ru cha!" she demands. A single weapon quivers and yanks itself free of the topography. It zips toward her, handle outstretched, and forms into her palm. She twists it around in a single circle and it transforms instantly into nearly the twin boa of Halo's.
He watches her, curious of the game she's playing. He then glances at his boa and grips it tightly. The wood seems to mold to his exact contour--the weight perfect for him. "What are you?"
"The Lady Kamaree!" she cries in response and leaps from the titanic boulder. She drops toward Sage--her legs clamped tightly to her rear. Suddenly she stretches her arms forward and the middle of her weapon meets with his own cracking into the night.
They trade blows and yet as Halo always prepares for the perfect strike, she easily avoids it, leaving him to steady himself and try again. She pushes him away with her heels planted against the earth, leaping backwards as he regains his composure. He twirls the stick above him and races toward her. Expecting at least a descent strike, he slides onto his legs and swirls the boa toward her ankles.
Instantly she lunges upward, almost in slow motion. The tip of her instrument is plunged into the earth and she swings around on it and slams her right heel against his cheek. She ricochets instantly and lands upon her palms to flip back onto her feet. She yanks free her boa right at his counter attack, tripping her to the ground. Kamaree falls with a yelp and fetches her boa, instantly blocking her throat from her opponent's weapon.
Drops of blood drip onto her own cheek, dribbling from the slash upon Sage's left cheek. Not wanting the chance of her escaping, he doesn't wipe it off and lets it fall. "You're good," he growls, "But it seems that I won."
Kamaree only laughs softly, tilting her head and watching his slash ooze. "You may think you have, my dear Sage of Halo, but you're far from exceeding your expectations. You're lucky to get this far. But I must say, if you wanted to be on top, why didn't you ask?"
He blinks and stares at her, his brow furrowing. "What?"
With a smirk, she flips him over onto his back. She follows, landing on him and holding his weapon to his throat. She grins playfully and watches the boy with interest. "I'm sorry, child, but I've always preferred being the up one. You must forgive me--habits of old. But now that I have you under me, you will stop this and listen."
"Who are you?" he only demands, regardless of her words. "-What- are you?"
Ice blue eyes glance up at the heavens and then close with her head shaking afterwards. She then captures his countenance in her sight and laughs. "I will tell you everything you need to know if you promise to stop this. I only agreed to fight because I knew it'd please your testosterone rush greatly. Promise?"
Sage glares at her and snorts, "Do I have a choice?"
"You have many choices in life. You just happened to find a very horrible one. It is unwise to fight with a Maree of the 3rd level. You're lucky I took it easy on you. Though I must admit, you're quicker and stronger then you look. Perhaps there's more to that skinny body then just looks. And to answer your question, you do know me. You see me every time you close your eyes," she releases her hold on him and slides off his abdomen to kneel beside him. "As I see you. You've have known me for perhaps three or four years now and have known of my figure for at least one."
Slowly Sage sits up and stares at her. He did know her, but the last time he seen her face to face, her appearance was different. It was more advance, if that made sense. 'I do know her! She's the one in my images and in my dreams! I should have known!' "You're Kamaree, aren't you?"
She nods once though her interest lie upon the scratch across his cheek. "That I am and you're also hurt. Remove your helmet, please."
"And why should I do that?"
"Because if you don't I'll be sure to remove it myself and when that happens, other important parts of males seem to vanish, now remove it, Sage Date."
The jade helmet is pulled from his crown with sweat drenched hair seeming to cling to it. He runs a hand through the moist and wild mess, trying to straighten it best possible. "I guess that's good enough of a reason," he admits impassively. He then runs the side of his hand across the bloody gash. He pulls his hand back and stares at the crimson stained armor. "How did you manage that?"
"Easily. Now hold still before I have to think of another threat.' She reaches forward slowly and her bare right thumb slides directly over the wound. She leans forward suddenly and gasps. 'Out of practice, girlly. Out of practice.' She nearly collides with his chin right when she seems to regain her consciousness, sitting up and opening her glittering azure eyes. "There, finished."
"What'd you do?" he demands and examines the place she had been. Only a tingling feeling remains within the skin and nothing else. He glances at his fingers, clean from any fresh blood. He frowns and shifts his sight onto Kamaree. "Did you heal me?"
"I did." She stares up at the heavens with her eyes closing slowly. "I had to correct the wrong I did. You were only defending yourself and your friends. But I am not your enemy, Sage. I am your protector." Kamaree faces him, her eyes meeting his own. "I am the Ronin Warriors' silent protector. I have been with you since you gained your mystical armor and I have there to help you with every step of your journey. I was there when you defeated Lord Talpa and I was there to help you all regain your health afterwards. I know your names, you birth dates, and perhaps your deepest secrets and desires. I know what you fear and what you wish. Since you were of the age of fifteen I have been watching you and your friends. We have much to talk about, my dear friend, but this must wait until all five of you are together."
Sage searches the ground as he tries to find a retort. The information is so startling. No one can know his history, his past, his desires! No one! Not even Rowen, his best friend, realizes half of them. He shakes his head slowly and rakes his fingers through his tresses right as he leans forward, almost curling into an upright fetal position.
"Impossible. You're lying. Tell me one of my secrets."
"If you so wish," she replies with a sigh. "Though if it must come down to this. I would rather not tell you what I know. It is a breech of privacy that the Maree must inroad to protect you and your friends."
"The Maree. Tell me before I'll believe anything else you say!"
"The most obvious. You are afraid of girls, the females of your kind. You were teased and taunted as a child by your sister--dressed as their personal living doll. They told you things which only made you run from fear. You can't believe that any woman will not harm you as your sisters have. Though they love you, you are they're brother, they were being as cruel as all children are. Yet their cruelty has warped your mind in believing all are the same. From any woman who finds interest, you flee from her with excuses forged from your fear. I do not find you one so easily frightened, but this vice nearly strips you of your intrepidness. You will not willingly release your fear into the open, yet already it has caused harm from your peers. Rowen Hashiba of the Strata has been your friend for years, and yet you both are thought of as a homosexual couple, are you not? Alas, despite other's misconceptions, Rowen has found himself a girl and you try your search regardless of your fear. And because if it, you attempt to give the illusion of being a "lady's man" even though you are far from. Indeed, you have lost your virginity many times over, but not one woman you have been with thus far has satisfied you. Anything else while we're talking about your personal life?"
The Warrior remains in silence while letting her words seep in. Content to watch the ground still, his breaths have become shallow. It was too much information she knows. Too much and all private and something that no one should know. Especially a stranger he has only seen once except for in his visions. But his visions are only that and nothing else.
"H-How do you know all this?"
Kamaree sighs and reaches her right hand forward and cups his chin with her fingers. She turns his head to meet his eyes, meeting neither resistance or words. "You've told me," she tries to explain as she releases him. "You've whispered them in your dreams night after night. You have a heart, Halo, beating in that chest of yours and it's not completely frozen. Quite the opposite, actually. You appear so cold and so distant--nonchalant and impassive. No emotion seems to seep from any of your pours. Yet inside you are full of turmoil--and one of these days it will bust out. Understand?"
He nods slightly, demanding gently, "What about the others?"
"The others," she strands up suddenly and reaches out her hand. "Come with me, Sage."
Like a child in the presence of a glorious being, he takes her hand and she helps him to his feet. Once she releases him, he merges back into his sub armor. He watches her closely, unable to explain the sudden feelings boiling within. Never before have they bothered him. Never.
Kamaree takes his hand once more, leading him away from their battle place. She clicks her tongue twice and her weapons, the boa strewn to the earth, and the other sword, vanish and replace themselves within their sheaths. She then begins to stroll along the bank of the creek.
"The others reveal their emotions more then you do, Sage Date. They don't have the types of fears you do and yet they don't have the same type of wisdom. It's true that Rowen Hashiba is the smartest of the five, but you carry something different and I can feel it. I am more drawn to you perhaps because of that. Also I pledged myself to help you five no matter the cost. No one needs as much help as you."
"What about Rowen? Sometimes--"
"His father mistreats him, yes, I know--"
Sage snatches his hand from her grasp and twists her to face him. Rage glows within his lavender irises and his strong grip holds her in place. "You mean you knew that Rowen's abused and you didn't do a damn thing about it?"
She tilts her head forward with a sigh. "There are only so many things I can do--"
"Bullshit!" he growls. "Rowen's well-being is more important then my own problems! You could have helped him and saved him from all of that shit and instead you're worried about me!? I think you have your priorities wrong."
"Do you know how many laws I have broken as is, Sage of the Halo, just to save him from what I could!? I don't bid by the same rules you do. Nearly I have ripped his father's throat out for it and in return he was healed and allowed to return to his duties. I've healed Rowen the best I can many times over without looking like he's withstanding such beatings, for I know it would only result in more! Neither do you understand the insanity his father is in right now and he does not honestly mean to hurt his own child. He can not help, but it is not a proper excuse either! Do not judge another before you know their circumstances, Sage. Rowen is as safe as I can get him and now even more so. I am on the same island as he is and I am the one who will keep away from that man," she retorts fiercely with her palms on his own shoulders, ready to push him away.
"That's crap and I know better! Why should I believe you!?"
"Because if you don't, you will end up the same way. I already have Rowen protected from it but I don't have you yet. You're trying your best not to hurt me as we speak and I can see it in your eyes. You know I do not lie but you cannot accept it as the truth either. I have lived much longer then you have, child. I have seen more things then any human can in a lifetime!"
Sage eases his grip upon her shoulders with his whole entirety seeming to relax. The anger subdues enough that he demands, "Then teach me what I need to know."