Disclaimer: Never have, never will

A/N: Thanks for the reviews, they were appreciated. This chap will be kinda boring as it's explaining why they're here and what they must do. Don'tlet thisdiscourage you from reading later chaps.

rilla1989-Well, TK and Katya will possiblylove each other and Kari and Hiroki will possiblylove each other, but at first it's definately not the way that you are thinking right now. The first part of this is in Kari's POV, and much more of the story will be told from her POV after this chap. Oh, and I will update the glossary as I add new fantasy characters or characters in general, or anything else that might be confusing. If you think I need to add something, let me know.

Now, on with the story.

Kari groaned slightly as she came to. She felt so weak that she considered letting herself fall back into unconsciousness, but decided that she needed to at least open her eyes. She cracked them open and found herself looking up at a wooden roof. She was lying on a soft bed with a light blue quilt on top of her.

'Whe-where am I?' she wondered groggily. The last thing she remembered was trying to escape from Shaukaka.

-Flashback-

She and Hiroki had been separated from TK and Katya, and Shaukaka was coming towards them, clearly angry. The two Elementals had tried to out run her, but she was faster, seeing as how she could fly and all. She had landed in front of them, cutting off their escape.

Hiroki had pulled Kari around and they tried to backtrack, but were once again cut off. Hiroki had bravely stepped in front of her, already forming Fire in his hands. He had shot Fire balls at the Shadowlore, but she had knocked them away, laughing.

She then advanced towards Hiroki, as his futile attacks continued. She had picked him up by the neck, dangling him a few feet off the ground, and began squeezing his throat. She had grinned evilly at Kari and promised that she would be next.

Seeing Hiroki struggle and weaken made something inside Hikari snap. She couldn't stand seeing her friends being hurt, and Hiroki was no exception. From somewhere deep inside, power began to rush up. It felt like the power that had come to her when TK was being attacked by Shaukaka. Closing her eyes, she had let it loose, praying that it wouldn't harm Hiroki as well.

She heard Shaukaka cry out and heard a thump. Opening her eyes once again, she saw that Shaukaka was curled on the ground, muttering foreign curses while Hiroki had landed a few feet away. Kari ran over to him, fearing the worse.

It turned out that he only had the air knocked out of him, and was otherwise fine. Kari breathed a sigh of relief as she helped him sit up. But, not ten seconds later, she was seized from behind by a great clawed hand wrapping around her neck.

She clutched at the hand, choking, as she was pulled backwards. Hiroki had cried out in alarm and was trying to reach her, but he couldn't move fast enough. Kari was hoisted off the ground and the claws dug deeper and deeper into her neck until she was certain that she would surely bleed to death if she wasn't strangled.

She still struggled though, clawing at the hand, wishing for somebody, anybody, to come save her. Her vision began to darken around the edges and her attempts to get free became weaker. Just as she was sure that she was going to die, she was dropped.

She landed heavily on her feet and would have collapsed forward, except Hiroki caught her. She looked up at him, but he was looking past her, shock etched on his face. With great effort, she managed to turn around so that she too could see what he was staring at. Her breath caught in her throat.

A very large off-white bird, nearly twice her height, was fighting with the female Shadowlore. And winning. It lunged at Shaukaka, talons first, digging its claws into her shoulder. Shaukaka had hissed and slashed at the creature, drawing some blood of her own.

The bird had released her and reared back, only to dive in again, this time beak first. It had slammed into Shaukaka's stomach, causing the creature to give another horrible scream. Kari had watched, nauseated, as the bird pulled back, some of Shaukaka's flesh in its razor sharp beak.

It dove in again, this time for the kill. But Shaukaka must have seen it coming as she dodged, swiped at the great bird, and headed back for the fortress. As she had flown overhead she had glared at the children, but had made no move to attack them. She had realized that she would have to wait until the bird creature was gone to get the children. But she would get them. Of that, she was positive.

The great bird had then landed in front of the children, or in front of Kari to be more specific. Kari had unconsciously backed away a few steps when the bird spread it's wings and dipped into a bow, head nearly touching the ground.

Fear not, my mistress. I am Whisper and I will protect you until my dying breath.—

"Yo-You talked!" Kari exclaimed, earning a weird look from Hiroki, who had heard nothing.

The bird seemed to chuckle softly. --Yes my mistress-- she replied. --In your mind at least. I can talk aloud, if you wish me to, but it takes a bit more energy to speak the human tongue.--

Why are you calling me 'mistress'?-

Because you are my mistress, mistress. Everything will be explained later. But, you have worn yourself out from fighting that Shadowlore. Sleep now, and all will be revealed later.--

But,- Kari started to protest. Suddenly, her eyelids felt very heavy. "Maybe I could rest, for a little," she said aloud quietly before passing out.

-End Flashback-

As this replayed in Kari's mind, her thoughts suddenly shifted to her three companions. Were they okay? What had happened to them?

She pushed herself up on her elbows and looked around. She was in a cozy cottage. The walls were whitewashed and a large fur rug covered the floor. A small fire burned in a stone fireplace on the other side of the room. She noticed that Hiroki was sitting by it, half asleep.

He looked up at her and smiled. He got up and walked over to the bed.

"About time you woke up," he commented.

"Huh?"

"You've been asleep nearly two days," he paused. "Ummm…I wanted to thank you. You saved my life when you attacked Shaukaka."

Kari smiled at him warmly. "You're my friend, of course I helped you."

Hiroki blushed slightly. "But still…thanks."

Kari smiled at him again before looking around some more. She noticed Katya sitting by another bed on the other side of the cottage. She appeared to be very tired. Kari then realized that she couldn't see TK. She turned to Hiroki.

"Where's TK? Is he up already?" she asked.

Hiroki looked down somewhat guiltily. "No, he's…over there," he replied nodding towards the bed that Katya was sitting by.

Kari looked back to the bed and finally noticed the blonde hair on the pillow. "Hasn't he gotten up yet?" she asked quietly.

Hiroki shook his head. "He used a lot of energy against Isan. It really wiped him out. But don't worry," he added hastily, seeing her semi-panicked look, "Karina says he will wake up real soon."

"Karina?"

"You'll meet her later. But first, eat this," he said, handing her a bowl of soup, "Takeru will wake up soon. Then Karina will talk to all of us."

"Alright," Kari agreed slowly, taking the bowl. She glanced over at TK's still form again, sighing. Picking up the spoon she began to sip at the soup.

/o-o/

Katya wrung out the wet rag again before placing it back on TK's forehead. He hadn't moved since the fight with Isan. The wolf had put TK on its back, despite Katya's protests, and the other wolf had carried her. They had ended up at Karina's house a few hours later.

All four Guardians had been out for the first day, but then both Katya and Hiroki had woken. Then, a day later, Hikari had come to. It had been six hours since then, and the three Guardians were waiting for Takeru to wake. It seemed that he had used the most energy out of all of them. But, Karina said he would be fine, and she knew all about stuff like that.

Katya's mind flashed back to what TK had said about not letting anybody hurt his friends.

'He considers me his friend. And he risked himself to protect me,' she thought. 'But he should have saved himself and left me. I'm sure I don't deserve that great of a friend.'

Her self criticism was cut short as TK finally moved. She looked down anxiously as his blue eyes opened slowly. His vision shifted towards her and he smiled a little.

"Takeru!" she exclaimed, hugging him. "You're awake!"

TK blushed as she hugged him tightly. He gently returned her hug. He looked over her shoulder and saw Kari and Hiroki on the opposite side of the house he was in. They were looking at him, relieved, but snickering at his embarrassment.

After a few more seconds, Katya pulled away, faint blush tinging her cheeks.

"Uh…sorry about that," she stumbled over the words. "It's just…you were asleep for so long and we were all so worried, but especially me 'cause you used your energy to protect me and I would feel just awful if you had been seriously hurt because of it," she finished hurriedly.

TK smiled at her. "No big deal," he replied. "I'm fine."

Katya sighed in relief. "Good. And, thank you. That's twice now you've saved me."

TK shrugged. "Who's counting?"

The foursome stayed in a comfortable silence for a few seconds until a lady walked in. She had flowing white hair, pale skin, and pale grey eyes. She was wearing a long black dress and had a black stone around her neck.

She looked over at TK and Kari kindly. "I'm so glad you two are finally awake," she said. "Now you will be able to begin your destiny."

"What destiny is that?" Kari asked, having not heard Katya's story.

"Patience child," the woman said amusedly. "I will explain everything. But first, let me introduce myself. I am Karina, Fate Mage. And I know who you two are. You are Takeru, son of BlackWolf, and the new Shadow Mage. And you are Hikari, daughter of EvenBreeze and the new Wind Elemental."

"How did you know?" TK asked, astounded that this stranger knew so much about them. "Did they tell you?" he asked, referring to Katya and Hiroki.

Karina smiled. "No Shadow Mage, they did not. I know all about the Guardians; past, present, and future."

"Everyone keeps calling us the 'Guardians'," Kari exclaimed, exasperatedly. "Just what are they talking about?"

Karina's smile stayed in place. "Well, I could go into great detail, but I think the Legend of the Guardians will explain it much more quickly."

"The Legend of the Guardians?" all four children asked at once. Not even Katya and Hiroki knew of this. All they had been told was that they were to find the Shadow Mage and Wind Elemental in order to save the world. Other than that, very little background information had been given. What Katya knew, she had heard from various travelers.

"Yes. Now, listen closely, for this is how the Legend goes:

Behold the four chosen, masters of Shadow, Light, Wind, Fire, the Guardians of Hiata for as long as they may reign.

Bound by oath, blood, honor, and destiny they shall, until their dying breaths, protect Hiata from otherwise inevitable doom no matter what the sacrifice.

Should they fail, evil will take over and chaos will ensue. With their lives they must ensure that this does not happen. That is their sworn duty, and the duty of their descendants for all eternity. So shall it be written, so shall it be fulfilled." She finished in a soft, almost trance-like tone.

The four children looked at her, all silent, thinking over what they had just heard.

"It is said that two of the chosen will be from Hiata, while the other two are from Earth," she continued after a minute. "It is said that they will be children when they first come to save us. And it is said that they will be the most powerful beings in all of the worlds."

"Ummm…no offense," Kari said, unbelievingly "But, I think you've got the wrong girl. I'm pretty sure I'm not a Guardian. Surely there's another 'Wind Elemental' that can help you out."

"No, you are she. I know it," Karina insisted before turning to the others. "And that goes for you three as well. You are the ones. It literally flows in your blood."

"I still don't understand," TK exclaimed, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "What do you mean 'it flows in our blood?'"

Karina sat down on a stool by the fire. She gazed into the fire as she spoke. "I mean that your blood is identical to your ancestors, the past Guardians. You are…for lack of a better word, clones. All of you."

"Clones!" they exclaimed in unison.

Karina nodded. "You see, the four previous Guardians were killed in a battle against Isan. They were able to destroy the Chaos Stone, but they had to pay with their lives to do it. They didn't have the option of defeating Isan afterwards. As they lay dying on the battle field, they called upon the last of their strength to create a type of clone of themselves. BlackWolf and EvenBreeze sent their clones to the wombs of two women on Earth while WhiteLioness and ScorchingFlame kept their clones here on Hiata. It is strange, however, that you are all human seeing as how your 'parents' were…let's just say, different."

"You're kidding, right?" Kari asked, awed.

Hiroki and Katya stared at Karina with more awe than the other two.

"You…you know who our parents are?" Katya asked unbelievingly.

Karina nodded. "Of course," she replied easily, "I told you, I know everything about all of the Guardians."

"Then why didn't you tell us the first time we met!" Hiroki demanded, shooting up.

"I only talked to you for a few minutes that time. Besides, I thought it might…complicate things if you knew before you found the other two Guardians."

Hiroki and Katya stared at the Fate Mage again, speechless and still somewhat angry. TK decided to intervene to prevent an all out fight.

"Umm, Karina? If our…our clones couldn't beat Isan, why do you think we can? I mean, you just said that we're…umm…copies of them, so wouldn't our fight have the same outcome?" he stumbled a bit over certain words, still trying to comprehend what Karina was saying about their origins.

Katya, Hiroki, and Kari looked keenly at Karina, awaiting the answer.

Karina smiled again. "No my child. For the Guardians used their abilities to make sure that their clones would have the potential to harbor more power than they themselves could have ever hoped for."

"Come again?" Hiroki said.

"They used an unknown power to give you potential. With proper training you could become the most powerful beings in history!"

"That's what Isan said," TK interjected quietly. The other three Guardians hung their heads, each remembering Isan's taunting words.

"Now, now dears, don't dwell on Isan just yet," Karina said, trying to lighten the mood. "You have a much more important task to take care of before you even think about facing him in battle."

"Oh? And what task is that?" Kari asked.

"You must awaken your true power."

"Isn't that what that damned ritual did?" TK all but growled.

Hiroki and Kari looked at him strangely.

"What are you talking about?" Hiroki asked. "It wasn't that bad, degrading, but not bad."

"Are you insane?" Katya asked. "It was awful!"

"Calm down," Karina intervened. "You are not talking of the same ritual here. The ritual is different for Mages and Elementals. It just happens that the ritual for Mages, the Dark Creature Ritual, is very painful, whereas the Purification of Mind Ritual for Elementals is not. It is to be expected though, as Mages are part demon."

"Say what!" TK exclaimed. "There's no way I'm part demon! I mean, I've got the Crest of Hope for crying out loud!"

"Not all demons are evil," Karina replied, rebuke in her voice. "Many of the Pure Demons were good. But, enough talk of your pasts, we must now look to the future. Starting with this quest to awaken your true powers, your true potential. Yes, the rituals brought your magic to the surface, but that is all they did. They did not strengthen them, or even allow them to make contact with Shadow Beasts or Spirit Animals. Somehow, Takeru and Hikari were able to do that on their own, but still…" the last sentence was spoken quietly, almost as if Karina was speaking to herself.

'Shadow Beasts? What?' TK thought, 'Wait! She must be talking about the giant wolves that saved us. Rage, that was the name of the pack leader. But…where is he now? Is he gone?' TK wondered, looking around.

He looked back towards Karina, who was mumbling something. "Karina?" he asked, breaking her concentration.

"…hmm? What is it?"

"Where's Rage?"

"Who?"

"Rage, the wolf."

"Oh, is that his name? He wouldn't tell me. Not that I expected him too. Shadow Beasts usually only speak to their Mage master or mistress. The same goes for Spirit Animals and their Elementals. But, to answer your question, he's outside, with that rather large bird."

"Do you mean Whisper? Is she a…Spirit Animal?" Kari asked, glad she hadn't hallucinated the bird.

"Yes. Quite magnificent specimens, aren't they. And they will remain loyal until you die, or they die. Of course, Spirit Beasts can only be killed by Mages or Shadowlores and Spirit Animals can only be killed by Elementals or Shadowlores. That's not to say that they can't be harmed by others though."

"What else can you tell us about these…creatures?" Katya asked.

"Not much, I'm afraid. Most knowledge you must learn on your own. I can tell you that they often wait generations before choosing a master or mistress. They are very picky. Whether or not Katya and Hiroki will have them, I cannot say, but I would imagine so. Not much is known about Shadow Beasts and Spirit Animals, and I can not tell you any more."

They sat quietly for a few seconds until Hiroki broke the silence.

"What quest were you talking about, a while back? You never did tell us."

Karina nodded. "Right, well, no sidetracking this time. This quest, as I said, is to awaken your true potential. Theoretically, you could do that here, with much training, but that would take several years and we don't have that kind of time. So, in order to reach maximum power, you must travel to your origins, where your people come from."

"And that would be…" Kari waited for Karina to fill in the blank.

"For Elementals, it is up North. For Mages, it is down South."

"Ummm…can you be a bit more specific?" Katya asked, "North and South are pretty…general directions."

"Some things you must find out on your own. Do not fret though, let your magic guide you. Because you are doubtful of your duty in this world, think of this as a…final test to prove that you are indeedthe Guardians. Only those who have been to the Vorago or the Pomarius can find the way. Because the previous Guardians had been there, and their blood flows through you, you will have no trouble."

"Oookay," Kari drawled. "So, say we get to these places, then what?"

Karina smiled secretively again. "Some things you must find out on your own," she replied, insistently.

"Well…can you tell us how long this journey will take?" Hiroki asked, starting to lose patience with the woman.

"It depends really. But I would guess…between four and six months to get there."

"Four and six months!" all Guardians exclaimed.

"Yes, 'tis a short time really. You will leave in the morning, Mages heading south, Elementals heading north. With luck, you will all meet back here within a year."

TK stared. A year! He had to be away from his home for at least a year? Away from his family and friends? Looking over at Kari, he could tell that she was thinking the same thing. Then another thought popped into his head. Would they even be able to get home if they succeeded?

"Karina?" he asked quietly.

"Yes? What is it darling?"

"Well…Kari and I…will we…y'know…be able to go back home when all this is over? After we've done our part?"

Karina frowned. "I honestly don't know child. While I know a little of Earth, how to get there and back is a mystery to me. But, I am sure we will find someone who knows someway to get back. But, don't fret over that. You've a long road ahead before you can even consider going home."

"Oh," TK replied, eyes downcast. Was that supposed to make him feel better? If it was, it had failed miserably.

Immediately after she frowned, Karina's smile returned. She almost seemed too happy.

"Time for bed children. You need lots of sleep if you're to leave bright and early. Rest now, boys on that bed, girls on this one," she said, pointing to each bed in turn. "I'll be out for the night, but I'm sure you'll be fine. I'll be back in the morning to wish you farewell. Goodnight, children, sleep well," she said, as she headed out the door.

The children sighed. Hiroki headed for the bed that Karina had indicated. He looked back over his shoulder. "You comin' to bed Takeru?"

TK, looked up quickly, jerked out of his thoughts. "…no, not yet. I'm going for a walk. I'll be back later."

Hiroki shrugged. "Suit yourself. But don't stay out too late, in case you haven't noticed, Hiata's not exactly the safest place."

TK gave him a small reassuring smile before heading out. He walked around to the back of Karina's cottage, keeping a sharp eye out. After he made a full circle he sighed and sat down on a big rock.

'I thought she said Rage was out here.'

/I am./

TK looked up and saw Rage right in front of him. He jumped back, surprised, and landed on his back on the other side of the rock.

/Are you alright master/ Rage asked in what TK perceived to be a concerned tone,

/Yeah, I'm fine. You caught me off guard, that's all. Oh, and just call me Takeru, okay? No Lord, or master, or anything like that./

/As you wish. If I may ask, why were you looking for me? Did you need something/

As TK stood up, he realized that Rage's shoulder was about two inches higher than his head. But Rage had lowered his own head so that it was even with TK's.

/I wanted to thank you/ he said, cautiously reaching out a hand to pet the wolf.

Rage nuzzled against it to show that he didn't mind. /It is my duty to protect you Takeru./

/I know, that's what Karina said. But still…thank you. Tell me, who were the other wolves? Where are they now/ he asked, petting Rage's neck.

/Your pack of Shadow Beasts consists of myself and 9 others. The females are Tempest, Storm, Midnight, Hysteria, and Frenzy. The males are Apocalypse, Poison, Dusk, and Revenge./

TK looked at him oddly. /Why the gloomy names/

/We are born of the Darkness and represent some of its many physical forms. We did not choose these names, we were created with them./

/I see/ TK scratched the giant wolf's neck. /Rage, may I ask you something/

/Of course/

/Will you and your pack come with Katya and me tomorrow, to Vorago/

Rage looked at him, slightly surprised. /Of course Takeru. We now go where ever you go. No matter where that is. We are here to protect you for all eternity./

TK smiled and rested his head on Rage's shoulder. /That's good to know. But…what will happen if…I mean, when I go back to Earth/

/I am not sure Takeru/ Rage replied, lying down. /I imagine that we will stay with you in your mind, if not in physical form./ the great wolf yawned, placing his head on folded paws.

TK sat down and leaned against Rage's warm, black fur. It was very soft and comfortable. As he looked up at the strange stars of Hiata, he slowly drifted off.

Rage placed his tail over TK to keep him from getting a chill. Then he lay his head back on his paws. He was not worried for now. They were in a secure area and he would hear anything well before it would see them. Besides, the nine other members of the pack were positioned around the cottage strategically. No one would get to their master that night.

/o-o/

The next morning TK awoke, still curled in Rage's fur. He blinked and sat up, stretching. He reached a hand over and stroked Rage's head gently. Rage cracked his eyes opened and growled contentedly.

/Karina is looking for you/ he told TK in a lazy tone. /She told me to wake you, but I decided to let you awaken on your own./

TK chuckled. /You don't like taking orders do you/

/We only take orders from you./ he replied simply.

TK stood up and stretched again. /Well, hopefully I won't disappoint you. I should probably go see what Karina wants. I suppose we'll be leaving soon, so don't go too far, please./

Rage nodded. /I will only go as far as the river, less than a quarter mile away. Just call for me when we are about to depart./

TK gave him another pat on the head before heading into the cottage. He saw Karina pacing inside, not looking completely happy. The other three were still asleep.

Karina sighed. "I told him to wake you up over an hour ago."

TK shrugged. "He doesn't want to listen to you. He says that he only listens to me."

Karina ran an annoyed hand through her hair. "Well, you're here now, and we need to talk."

"Shouldn't we wait until the others wake up?"

"No, I mean, we need to talk. As in, the two of us."

"Umm…okay."

"Follow me," Karina ordered, leading him out the back way.

He obeyed. When they were about twenty feet away from the cottage, she began speaking again.

"I feel I should warn you that, as the Shadow Mage, you have the hardest task ahead."

TK didn't respond, he waited for her to continue. She did, several seconds later.

"You see, for as long as the Legend of the Guardians has existed, it has always placed the Shadow Mage as the leader. It has been that way since the first Guardians appeared. And it will continue with you."

"But, why me?" TK asked, confused. "I just arrived on Hiata a few weeks ago, I don't know anything about this place. Why doesn't Hiroki or Katya lead? They've lived here their whole lives."

"No, Shadow Mage, it must be you. You must lead the revolt against Isan and you must make sure it succeeds."

"How?"

Karina smiled down at him. "The answer lies here," she said, putting a slender finger on his chest. "Deep inside. You will know what to do when the time comes. You must trust in yourself though, as the others will trust in you."

TK sighed and looked away. "I had a problem with killing those pixies, I don't think I can lead an all out war."

"You have no choice in the matter," Karina replied sharply, personality drastically changing. "It is your destiny, your duty, whether you want it or not. And you'd better get used to it, because if you fail, this world falls."

'Oh, great,' TK thought sarcastically, 'The fate of yet another world falls on me. Except, this time, she says it as though it is just me. But, the others will have a part too. They'd better, because I seriously doubt I can do this alone.'

As if able to read his thoughts, Karina shook her head and sighed in rebuke. "Continue to doubt yourself and you will cost not only your own life, but the lives of millions of others too, including thousands of children. Is that what you want? To be a murderer simply because you can't get over your self-pity?"

TK glared, who was she to lecture him like that and call him a potential murderer? She had no right. He looked up sharply as Rage appeared by his side.

/Rage? What is it/ he asked, tone calm with the beast.

/I felt that you were upset. Did she upset you/ he asked, indicating Karina in a tone that told TK that Rage wouldn't hesitate to kill her if he so ordered.

TK sighed and placed a hand on the top of Rage's neck /It's…fine. Just leave her be. Let's go back to the others./

/Alright Takeru./ he replied, turning around. He paused to quietly growl threateningly at Karina. The message was simple: Stay away from my Takeru.

Karina frowned more deeply before dismissing it and walking the long way around to the front of the cottage.

When TK reached the cottage, the other three were just getting up. Hiroki turned to him and frowned.

"You didn't come back last night," he said in an almost accusatory tone.

TK smiled slightly at him. "Sorry, I fell asleep outside. But, Rage was with me."

"Rage? Is that him, right there?" Kari asked a little nervously, indicating to the door that Rage was standing outside of.

"Yep. Don't worry, he won't hurt you."

"Alright. Well, I suppose we're leaving soon. Has anyone seen Karina?"

TK frowned, recalling the events of just minutes ago. "Yeah, she'll be here soon," he replied shortly.

The other three raised eyebrows at his tone, but didn't say anything. They all looked towards the door as Karina walked in, pausing to glare at Rage. Rage growled and started to stand up.

/Let her be Rage/ TK said quickly. /She's not worth it./

Rage laid back down. /Yes Takeru./

Karina glided in and sat on a stool, throwing a meaningful look at TK. The other three looked between Karina and TK and back to Karina again, very confused. Karina broke her gaze and looked the other three over, smiling once again.

"Well, are you ready to leave?"

Hiroki shrugged. "Sure, why not? The sooner we leave, the sooner we get back." Katya and Kari nodded their agreement while TK didn't move. He was still somewhat irked at Karina for scolding him. What did she know? And besides, he wasn't sure he trusted her. That rapid personality change made him uneasy.

"Well, then, I suggest you start out now, while it's still early. With luck, each pair of you should get thirty miles or so today."

"And how do you figure that?" Katya asked, "No way we can walk thirty miles in one day."

Karina's smile turned a little more mischievous. "Now, who said you were walking?"

"Huh?" Katya, Kari, and Hiroki asked.

TK caught on quickly. "She means that Katya and I will ride on my wolves while Kari and Hiroki ride on Kari's bird."

"Oh," Kari said, "that makes sense I suppose."

"Very good," Karina praised in a condescending tone. "Now, I would give you food and water, but they would only slow you down. Besides, I'm sure you've all learned the trick with your stone that allows you to seldom eat and drink?" she looked at them expectantly and they nodded. "Well, there's not much else I can say then except, good luck and god-speed." She began to walk outside and the four followed her.

"Your rides are around here, so I will let you call them and be on your way. If you feel the need, you may come back here, you will always be welcome. And Takeru," she said in a softer, but still joyful tone, "Remember what we talked about this morning."

TK sent her another small glare mostly because of her tone. He let out a sigh.

/Rage? We are ready to leave. Karina says we are to ride you wolves, but we won't unless it is alright with you./

/Of course it is alright Takeru. I have carried you before, and you weigh next to nothing./

TK smiled at Rage, who was now walking towards them. /Do you think another wolf would be willing to carry Katya? I don't want to put too much strain on you./

Rage smiled in TK's mind. /It would not strain me, but I believe that my mate will happily carry Katya as she did before./

/And who is your mate? You told me their names, but you never did say. Is it Tempest, Midnight, Storm, Hysteria, or Frenzy/

/Tempest is my mate and my second-in-command. Call her the same way you call me, and she will come./

TK nodded and thought, how exactly was it that he called Rage? He just sensed the wolf's mind and spoke. So, maybe he needed to find Tempest's mind and speak to her. But, how would he know which wolf was Tempest?

/You will know Takeru./

TK looked over at Rage, slightly startled, and smiled at the kind wolf. Letting his senses go, he searched for his wolves, though he really had no idea how he would know if he had found them. Suddenly, he felt…something…several somethings. They were…comforting, secure, yet very powerful. He inwardly smiled. 'These must be my wolves. But, which one is Tempest?'

As he concentrated more, he realized that each wolf had its own unique…feel. As he thought of the name 'Tempest' one wolf's energy seemed to stand out.

/Tempest/ he called out unsurely to that wolf.

/Yes master/ came a feminine voice.

/Just call me Takeru, please. I was wondering if you would come and carry Katya on our journey. If you don't want to, just say so./ he added, for good measure.

/Of course I will Takeru. I will be there shortly./

/Thank you/ TK replied before cutting the mind link. He felt her energy coming closer.

Suddenly, he noticed that a shadow had covered the ground. Looking up, he saw an immense white bird. It glided down and landed in front of Kari. She pet its bowed head and TK figured that she was talking to it like he talked to his wolves. He wondered if she had more than one too.

/No/ Rage answered and TK jumped. /I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you./

/It's alright, no harm done. Now, what were you going to say/

/Mages are the only ones who can control packs of Shadow Beasts, that is why they are often remembered by their packs. Elementals, however, are remembered by their element because they only control one Spirit Animal./

/Oh, I see./

"Takeru, who's that?" Katya asked, a little nervous.

"Who's who?" TK replied turning around. He saw another black wolf coming towards them. She was only slightly smaller than Rage and had blue eyes.

"That's Tempest," TK told Katya. "She carried you from the fight with Isan and she's going to be your ride again. You can pet her, she won't mind."

Katya stepped closer hesitantly. She slowly reached out her hand, a little afraid. "G-good wolf. Tempest, that's your name isn't it? I wanted to..um..thank you for protecting us from Isan."

Tempest nuzzled Katya's hand and the girl visibly relaxed.

"She says you're welcome."

"TK!" Kari called out suddenly from across the clearing.

TK turned to see what the fuss was about and saw Kari coming towards him quickly. When she was close enough, she threw her arms around him.

"Whisper says we need to leave now," she told him, sniffling slightly.

TK looked down at her. "Don't be sad Kari, I'm sure these months will fly right by. We'll see each other again soon enough."

Kari nodded, still hugging him. "I'm going to miss you though."

"Yeah, I'll miss you too."

Hikari, we must go now-

Kari pulled away sadly. "Well, goodbye TK. I hope we get this done soon." She started walking over to Whisper and Hiroki before looking over her shoulder. "And try to stay out of trouble, you won't have me there to protect you," she said teasingly.

"Shouldn't I be saying that to you?" TK replied in the same tone. They smiled at each other again before going to their respective animals.

Rage knelt down as TK came closer and the boy easily swung himself up onto the wolf's back, near his shoulders. Next to him Katya got up onto Tempest. Looking behind him, TK saw the two Elementals climb up onto Whisper's back. The bird bent its legs before gracefully taking to the sky and turning to fly North.

TK turned his attention back to Rage and Tempest.

/Are you two ready/ he asked both of them at the same time.

/Yes Takeru/ they replied simultaneously.

/Then let's go/ he said, adjusting his hold on Rage.

With this order the two wolves began moving, slowly at first, but making their way into a medium running speed. As the wolves dodged the surrounding trees, TK and Katya looked back one last time. They saw a large black speck on the horizon, Whisper. They couldn't see Karina's cottage anymore, but that suited TK just fine. He wouldn't mind if he never saw that woman again.

"Well, this is it, it's just us now," Katya commented to TK.

TK nodded as the wolves continued to run. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he had a feeling it was going to be one hell of an adventure.

A/N: Will become more exciting, I promise! Now,the story format can go one of two ways from here. 1) I could write the two quests in alternating chaps (ex. Ch. 6-TK/Ch.7-Kari/Ch.8-TK...etc.) or2) I can completely post one quest and then completely post the other. It's up to you, makes no difference to me. Just review and let me know. Remember, questions are welcomed in the reviews and will be answered in the next chap.