Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
A/N: This chap has more character development than fighting action, but it is necessary for the story. I suggest you at least skim it in order to understand what's going on if you don't feel like reading all of it.
Also, instead of using >>blah>> for the'Old Tongue'Hiataian language, I'm going to use "blah" because it's easier to use with QuickEdit. I'll go back and fix it in earlier chaps sometime soon.
When they reached the bottom of the hill, the travelers began to slow. In front of them was a large mass of stone ruins, stories high. It didn't seem like much just to look at, but TK and Katya could sense that there was more to it. Much more. They suspected that the broken ruins image was just that, and image.
It would make sense to have such a mirage. How else could Vorago be protected from raiders and such? Still, if this was just an image, how would they get past it? They stepped closer apprehensively, hoping that something, anything, would happen to point them in the right direction. However, they definitely weren't expecting what happened.
As soon as they were exactly halfway across the gravelly surface that led from the hill to the entrance of the ruins, a small earthquake-type thing happened. The stones on the ground jumped and jittered, and the three humans were a little unbalanced. As suddenly as it had started, it stopped. But then, something else happened.
Energy started to swirl in front of them in a tight circle, rising up from the ground. They stared in awe as a figure began to appear within the energy. They couldn't make out much detail at first, all they could see was a shadow, but then, the energy started to dissipate and they found themselves faced with a frightening woman.
No, she wasn't frightening because her physical appearance, she was frightening because of how she carried herself. There was raw determination in her eyes, and energy swirled all around her. She floated slightly above the ground, shoulders thrown back, and looked down at them, eyes narrowed.
Save for the intimidating poise, she was actually quite lovely. She had long blacker-than-black hair that flowed in several braids, and dark golden eyes. Her complexion was pale and her figure was slight, but she had well-developed curves. Black fabric hugged her skin, starting over one shoulder, going under the other, and wrapping down and around until it reached her ankles where it flowed out slightly.
"What business have you here?" she asked, somewhat suspiciously, in a voice commanding respect.
TK swallowed somewhat nervously before speaking. "I am Takeru, Shadow Mage and this is Katya, Light Mage. We have come seeking Vorago so that we might increase our power in order to fulfill our duties. Who are you?"
The woman's suspicious gaze softened slightly. "I am the Gatekeeper, protector of Vorago's sacredness. Who be those with you?" she asked, indicating Akio and the animals.
"Those are our Shadow Beasts," Katya replied, "And this is Akio. He accompanies us."
"I see," the Gatekeeper paused. "You say you wish to see Vorago, yes?"
"Yes," the two answered immediately.
"Hmm. What would you give to go to Vorago?"
"What do you mean?" Katya asked.
"Nobody in any world can gain anything without first giving something of equal value in return. 'Tis the first law of Alchemy. Vorago is the physical form of this law. In order to reach it, you must give something in return."
"What would it have us give?" TK asked quietly, after a moment of silence.
"Blood is the ultimate equalizer, child. A few drops will bring you food, water, weapons, or even something more."
"Such as Vorago?" Katya asked, somewhat warily.
The Gatekeeper let a hint of a smile flicker across her face. "Yes child. Such as Vorago."
"How do we go about making this 'offering?'" TK asked.
"Do you see those slightly raised rocks to your sides? Go to them"
TK and Katya looked. At first, they saw nothing save regular rocks. But then, they noticed that one rock on either side of the pair was raised slightly. TK walked to the one on the left while Katya walked to the one on the right, after placing Akio on the ground. Brushing off the rocks, they noticed strange markings on them. Both had a circle carved into them, and inside the circle were various lines and shapes. Sometimes, parts of these shapes left the circle boundaries, but they always ended back inside.
"Alchemist circles," the Gatekeeper clarified, seeing their confused expressions. "And the keys to opening Vorago."
"What do we do now?" Katya asked, still studying the intricate Alchemist circle on the rock she was kneeling by.
The Gatekeeper flicked her wrist and two hunting knives appeared, one by each of the Mages. "Cut across your hand and place it against the Alchemist circle while willing Vorago to open. If you are deemed worthy and true, it will be revealed to you all."
Picking up the knife and looking from the Gatekeeper to the circle on the rock, TK realized just how scared he was. What if they weren't 'deemed worthy and true?' What then? Will this all have been for nothing? Will Hiata be destroyed? Would he and Kari ever get back to Earth? Hesitantly, he poised the knife on the palm of his hand.
'Continue to doubt yourself and you will cost not only your own life, but the lives of millions of others too…'
TK inwardly jumped as Karina's words echoed through his mind. As much as he hated to admit it, and boy did he hate it, she was right. He couldn't allow doubt to hold him back, especially not after they had come so far. Closing his hand around the knife, he pushed it down and pulled it out of his grip, effectively slicing his palm. He opened his hand and placed his hand against the Alchemist circle on the rock while willing with all of his heart for Vorago to open. Behind him, he could sense Katya mimicking his movements.
At first, nothing happened, but then…the circles on the stones began to glow. TK gasped and almost pulled his hand back, but forced himself to keep his palm planted firmly. For some reason, he felt that he should not break contact just yet. As they watched, dark blue and red energy flowed from the circles towards the door that led into the ruins. This energy grew until it filled the entire opening, swirling around each other, colors still distinct. After a second or two, the circles stopped glowing and emitting energy. Yet, the energy in the doorway remained.
Removing their hands and looking up at the Gatekeeper, the two were surprised to see that she had a real smile on her face and in her eyes.
"You have been judged and found worthy and true. A few drops of your willingly-given blood on either stone will open the gateway to Vorago immediately any time you wish to go in. Now, proceed my Guardians. Go through the gateway and see your true home." She moved to the side, arms spread, to let them through.
"Thank you Gatekeeper," they said unanimously as they walked by, Akio and Shadow Beasts following.
They slowed their pace a bit as they neared the portal, but knew they had nothing to fear. It was simple aprehension and disbelief that they felt. Taking deep breaths, though they didn't know why, they stepped through the barrier.
What greeted them on the other side was a most magnificent sight. A castle made completely of black crystal with jagged rising towers ending in sharp peaks. The main entrance was a large, ebony door across a drawbridge going over a darkwater moat.
The two Mages spun around as the energy-door that they had stepped through disappeared. They ignored that minor fact as they felt a strong tug from within the castle. Stepping quickly, no longer apprehensive, they walked across the moat and pushed on the door. It opened easily enough.
When they were able to fit, they slid inside, taking in all that they could. The inside was just as impressive as the outside. Dark crystal made up the all the walls and floors. The halls went in either direction around a square courtyard in the center. There was a circular blackwater pond in the center of the courtyard surrounded by smooth, shiny dark pebbles.
Before he had any more time to admire, TK felt a strong, insistent tug to his right. Curious, he started to walk down the hall.
"Where are you going Takeru?" Katya asked.
"I feel something," he replied absently, continuing.
Katya frowned. That was strange. She was feeling a tug from the opposite direction. Usually, she and Takeru felt the same pulls. She tried to shrug it off.
"We will meet up later, then," she said, loud enough for him to hear.
"Yes, later," was the seemingly distant reply.
Katya inwardly shrugged again and headed to the left, carrying Akio. Her lionesses followed.
In the opposite hall, TK could feel his wolves following him. None said a word, which was good because he would probably have been too distracted to answer.
Soon, he came to a winding stairway. Placing a hand on the wall, he began to climb. He came to a second story, and debated exploring, but decided agaist it as the feeling inside urged him to continue up the stairs.
When he got to the third story, he felt himself being tugged down the hallway. He walked for a few minutes until he found himself outside another ebony door. The tug was coming from inside. He hesitated.
He turned his head slightly as Rage nudged his back, pushing him towards the door. Smiling a little, TK pushed the door open and slipped inside. The room, like the rest of the castle, was made of black crystal. There was a large open window across from the door that lit the rest of the room.TK could see a few ebony chairs and a table on one side of the room in front of a tapestry. He also noticed that there was an alcove about 7 feet tall, high in the room. Underneath this alcove, he saw a bookcase built into the wall.
Walking over curiously, he scanned the titles. They seemed to be written in a foreign Arabic-looking language, but TK found that his mind could understand the symbols. He found himself muttering the titles out loud in a very smooth sounding language. He had no idea how he knew it, he just did. He was so engrossed in looking at the books that he didn't notice a figure glide down from the alcove and land a couple yards behind him.
One title in particular captured his attention. It was titled The Shadows of Hope. Brows knitted slightly, he pulled the black and gold bound book off the shelf, hand dropping slightly at the unexpected weight. Opening to the first page, he quickly scanned it. It seemed to be a story of sorts.
"Quite a good book, that one. A favorite of mine as well." came a voice from behind him.
TK jumped, dropping the book with a thud, and spun around. He found himself facing a young man of no more than 30. He had great black feathered wings, dark, dirty blonde hair, clouded blue eyes, and small, sharp fangs that were barely noticible. He was wearing a black tunic, black leggings, and black leather boots. He was looking at TK with interest.
TK stared back, confused. He felt as if he knew this man, but from where?
"Wh-who are you?" he asked. "You seem familiar, but…"
The man smiled slightly. "I should hope I seem familiar. We are practically one in the same, after all."
TK looked at him, confused for a second. Then, the answer dawned on him. "B-BlackWolf?" then, tenatively, he added, "Father?"
The man nodded, amused by the stunned look on the younger's face. "It is good to finally be able to talk to you, my son."
"B-but how? I mean, yo-you're dead! Aren't you?"
BlackWolf tilted his head. "Well, yes and no. I'm no longer among the living, but I'm not quite dead, as I still age for one thing. Call me demon-dead, if you like."
"Demon-dead?" TK asked, very confused.
"A term that simply means that I am dead, but retain a form among the living. I can touch and be touched, so I am more than a ghost, but less than a living being. Do you understand?"
TK nodded, still looking at the man in front of him. Had he finally found his 'real' father? The man whose blood flowed through him?
BlackWolf chuckled slightly. "I imagine that this is a large shock to you."
TK nodded. "You could say that."
BlackWolf stepped forward and place a hand on TK's shoulder. "Then perhaps we should start by getting to know each other a bit better. Come sit and we'll talk."
TK nodded and followed his father to the chairs. Sitting in one, he watched as BlackWolf settled himself in the other. His wolves laid in various places in the room, Rage and Tempest lying on eather side of the chair he was in, Tempest resting her head on his lap. Absently, he smoothed her fur while watching BlackWolf. As the elder poured some drink for them, a thought in the back of his mind wondered how Katya and Akio were getting along.
Across the castle, in a different room, Katya stared in awe at the woman in front of her. The woman had dark hair, piercing green eyes, small fangs, and a fair complexion. Large white wings spread from her back, and she was wrapped in a loose black tunic. Black leather boots covered her feet.
Stepping forward, the woman wrapped both her arms and wings around the younger girl. Katya stayed still, unsure what to do. Akio and the lionesses watched from various parts of the room.
"It is good to see you well, my daughter." the woman said in a strange language.
Katya's eyes widened and she replied in the same foreign language. "M-mother! WhiteLioness?"
The woman nodded, slowly releasing her hold and drawing back. "It is a shock for you, I imagine, since you thought I was dead."
Katya nodded, not being able to come up with words.
"Well, the simple explanation is that I still age and have a physical form, but I'm not exactly alive. The exact details are more complicated."
"It's alright, I understand…I think."
WhiteLioness smiled. "Good, now come sit with me, and bring the young one as well. I'm sure we have much to talk about."
Nodding, Katya picked up Akio and followed, mind racing. This was so hard to believe, she was still trying to convince herself that she wasn't dreaming. But…this place seemed real enough, as did WhiteLioness. Besides, if this was a dream, she certainly didn't want to wake up anytime soon.
The two Mages spent much of the day getting to know their respective 'parents', and soon it was very late.
"You look tired, Takeru," BlackWolf noted as he looked across the table at his younger likeness.
TK smiled slightly and yawned. "Yeah, I suppose. I mean, it has been a hectic couple of weeks, what with Isan and all."
BlackWolf frowned slightly, remembering. "I can imagine. Come on, we'll get you settled in another room tomorrow, but for tonight, you shall stay in here."
"Where?" TK asked, seeing no beds.
Before he could register the movement, BlackWolf had risen from the chair, scooped the younger boy in his arms, and glided up towards the alcove. TK saw that there were two beds in this alcove, as well as another pair of chairs and a table. His hands tightened instinctively around BlackWolf's tunic as they landed with a small jolt.
BlackWolf smiled, glad for the easy acceptance, as he placed the boy gently on the bed to the left.
"Sleep well," was all he said before retiring to the other bed.
TK smiled slightly again as he laid down and curled up in the blankets. This bed was incredibly soft. He found himself drifting to sleep quickly.
He woke again hours later, as sunlight shone onto his face from the window. Looking at the sun, he guessed it was about nine in the morning. Sitting up in bed, he stretched and yawned. Looking over at the other bed, he was surprised to find it made, and BlackWolf gone. Rising from his bed, he walked to the edge of the alcove and looked down on the room. He was even more surprised to find it empty.
"BlackWolf?" he called out. "Are you here? BlackWolf? Father?"
No answer.
Frowning, he sat back on his heels. "Great," he muttered. "Now how am I supposed to get down?" Looking around, he suddenly spotted Midnight, the only wolf still in the room.
/Midnight? Can you get me down from here/ he asked.
Midnight looked up and nodded. Crouching low, she jumped up to the alcove. She was able to fit with no problem. TK climbed on her back and she leapt back down, landing gracefully. He slid off of her and headed for the door.
/Thanks. Let's go find my father now./
Nodding her great head, Midnight followed.
Following instinct, TK walked through the third floor corridor, back down the stairs, and out to the courtyard. He spotted Katya, Akio walking into the coutyard as well; BlackWolf and another woman were already there.
"Were you just going to leave me up there?" TK asked, somewhat irritated as he reached BlackWolf.
The older man smiled at him slightly. "You're a bright boy, I knew you'd find a way down sooner or later."
TK frowned a bit. "What if I hadn't?"
BlackWolf shrugged. "I would have come in eventually."
TK rolled his eyes in annoyance. That annoyance disappeared as soon as Katya came up behind him and leaned against his side slightly, holding Akio. The younger boy smiled at the older and reached out. Smiling back, TK took him from the girl.
"I don't think we've all been properly introduced." the woman said. "I am WhiteLioness. You are Takeru, Shadow Mage, are you not?"
TK nodded. "It's nice to meet you."
Then BlackWolf spoke, facing Katya. "And I am BlackWolf. I know that you are Katya, Light Mage, and this little one is Akio, correct?"
Katya nodded.
"Well," WhiteLioness started. "Now that we all know each other, we wish to share with you some of the secrets of Vorago."
"What secrets?" Katya asked, clearly interested.
WhiteLioness tilted her head slightly. "How much do you know about the creation and being of Vorago?"
"Hardly anything," Katya admitted.
"Well, then, I suppose we should start at the beginning. You see, Vorago was created just over two and a half thousand years ago by some very powerful Mages, working together with Alchemists. It was designed to be a safe house for all who were pure."
"Pure?" Katya's brows knitted in confusion. "What does that mean?"
"Pure is simply a word to describe those who are true of heart, and who do what they do for the good of others, not just themselves." BlackWolf answered.
"Oh," Katya replied in understanding. "And, we were found to be pure then?"
WhiteLioness chuckled a little. "You are Guardians, of course you are pure. If you weren't, your gifts would have recognized it and destroyed you in the beginning."
TK and Katya's eyes widened at how casually she said that.
"Anyway," WhiteLioness continued, "Vorago was…is the ultimate stronghold. However, its power is limited to how many Mages are in Hiata as it draws its power from them in its times of need."
"And, how many Mages are there?" TK asked.
BlackWolf shrugged. "Only the Watcher would know, but it is believed that there are only between 30 and 40 remaining. Many of these are weak, but some are formidible opponents."
"Like Tejuku," TK muttered.
BlackWolf frowned. "Yes, like Tejuku. However, I am sure you can defeat him with proper training. Speaking of training, we shall start tomorrow morning. We decided to give you a day to explore and get used to this place first."
"What kind of training?" Katya asked.
"Well," WhiteLioness started, "Mostly like you have studied before. Weapons, powers, as well as physical fitness. But, I can promise you that it will be much more rigorous than you have ever had before."
"Great," Katya muttered, thinking of how hard Isan's training had been when she was first taken.
Ignoring her, BlackWolf spoke again. "Well now, you are free to do as you like. WhiteLioness and I have some…business to take care of, so we will not be able to escort you. However, I'm sure instinct will guide you anywhere you want to go. Feel free to explore, you may find something…worthwhile." Nodding his head in farewell, both he and WhiteLioness propelled themselves into the sky and flew off to an unseen place.
"What now?" Katya asked, turning to TK.
He thought. "Well, I'm not sure what you're going to do, but I saw a very interesting book in my father's room that I'd like to take a look at."
"Now that you mention it, there were some odd objects in my mother's room that I would like to investigate." she paused, pursing her lips slightly. "What shall we do with Akio? I doubt he will find either option entertaining."
"Tempest will watch him, I'm sure. You can go ahead, I'll just drop him off with her. We can meet later tonight."
Katya nodded her agreement before heading off.
"Akio?" TK asked, speaking regular Japanese again. "How would you like to spend the day with Tempest and the other Shadow Beasts? Mama and I have some very boring things to do, and you probably wouldn't have any fun with either of us."
"Yeah," Akio scrunched up his nose. "I don't like books or funny looking things that much."
TK blinked in surprise. "You understood us?"
"O' course I did Papa, you were just speaking normal. Can we go now? I want to play with Tempest!" he grabbed TK's hand and started to tug at it. "Where is she?"
Still slightly surprised, TK's mind automatically found Tempest's location. She wasn't far away. Holding Akio's hand, he walked down the first floor hall a ways before going through a door that led into another courtyard. This one was more friendly looking as it had regular bright green trees and a bubbling stream. Tempest was drinking from the stream. She lifted her head as the two humans walked closer.
/Takeru? Is something wrong/ she asked.
/No, no/ TK shook his head. /I was just wondering how you'd feel about playing 'mother' to Akio for today./
/I don't mind. The pup is easy to watch, especially when I let him play with the males. They entertain each other./
TK chuckled slightly. /Thank you. You know how to find me if you need me./ Patting Tempest on the head fondly, he turned and quickly made the journey to his father's room. Pulling out The Shadows of Hope, he settled himself in a chair and began to read.
"That's it. Good! Keep working," BlackWolf urged TK on as the younger boy went through the difficult motions of one of many sword drills.
TK sighed and shook his head, trying to get his sweat-soaked hair out of his eyes. WhiteLioness hadn't been kidding when she said that it would be rigorous. They worked from sunup to sundown everyday for the few weeks that they. They would start with strength and endurance training, followed by power control, and ending with weapons practice. Even though they had been doing it for weeks, it was still very brutal.
Sighing again, he finished the round of drills he was working on and placed the sword in the ground, leaning on it while breathing heavily. He nearly fell over as BlackWolf patted him on the back heartily.
"I think that's enough work for today. Why don't you go wash up and rest?"
TK nodded, that sounded like an excellent idea. Positive he had more muscle aches than muscles, he headed for the bathing room on the first level with the hotsprings right outside. On the way, he passed the area that Katya was training in. She seemed to be taking a break as well. He smiled at her warmly when she looked up and saw him. Her face seemed to flush even more as she smiled back somewhat shyly, but he figured it was probably from the workout.
Drawing the dagger that he now carried 24-7, he pricked his left palm as he walked into the hotsprings bathing room. Pressing the hand against an Alchemist circle on the wall, he watched as the circle flashed for a split second before hot water from the springs outside began flowing into one of the deep, inground stone tubs. When he pulled his hand back, the blood was gone and the small cut had healed.
Closing the door, he stripped off his clothes and climbed into the comfortably warm water. He laid his head on the side and rested his eyes, enjoying the relaxation. He decided that, when he was done with his bath, he would go to his room and finish the last few pages of The Shadows of Hope. It was a quite intriguing book, and he was anxious to read the end. Until then, however, he was going to sit and relax in the comforts of this steam-filled room.
In the training yard, Katya watched as Takeru walked out of view. She really hoped he hadn't noticed her blush. She seemed to be blushing a lot around him nowadays, and she wasn't quite sure why. Though, she did have a rather good idea.
"Crave him, do you?" WhiteLioness asked, smirking knowingly.
If possible, Katya flushed even more. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered.
WhiteLioness chuckled. "You know you have fallen in love with him, denial will change nothing."
"Denial will change everything," Katya argued. "Reverend Kelmio said that Guardians shouldn't fall in love because it will interfere with their destinies. I won't allow my foolish interest to threaten Hiata."
"It is not foolish daughter," WhiteLioness said with uncharacteristic seriousness. "In fact, it may help you in your quest. Though Reverend Kelmio may have seen it differently, I know that, without the support of my love, I would never have been brave enough to do what I did. Love makes you stronger, not weaker as many believe."
"But…he is from a different world," she protested weakly. "It would never work."
"You won't know that for certain unless you tell him. I'm willing to bet that he loves you back. If you are still afraid of loving him completely because you fear you will lose him, remember, there are many ways to love that may cause less pain in the end. Ways that can be just as satisfying." she gave Katya a knowing look.
Katya shook her head. "But what if he doesn't love me back? I don't think I could stand it."
"Will you be able to stand not knowing?" WhiteLioness replied wisely.
Katya sighed, knowing her mother was right.
"You should tell him," WhiteLioness advised, while taking the spear from Katya. "Go on and clean up, you are done for the day. But I strongly advise you to make a final decision about what to do soon, you may not be able to afford to wait much longer. After all, you will leave Vorago in just a week or two and will be caught up in the conflict of your life. she placed a hand on Katya's shoulder reassuringly. "Do not think that I am telling you what to do, daughter of mine, I am merely advising you. What you do is your choice, and your choice alone. But pray, choose wisely." With that, she was gone.
Katya sighed again, wishing that life wasn't so hard. Wishing that somebody would tell her exactly what to do, so she wouldn't have to make this difficult decision all by herself. Sighing yet again, she walked out of the arena and headed for the bathing room on the opposite side of the castle. Maybe a nice hot bath would help ease and guide her troubled mind. At the very least, it would soothe her aching muscles.
Later that night, Katya was wandering through the halls of Vorago, with no apparent destination. She had put Akio to bed just over an hour ago, and since had been trying to work up the courage to go to Takeru's room. Taking a deep breath, she started up the staircase towards the third floor. She knew that he was probably sleeping, but she also knew that if she didn't do this now, she might chicken out later.
When she reached the third floor, her bare feet padded quietly past BlackWolf's rooms and down another hallway. She stopped in front of a large door. This was where Takeru was staying. Wrapping her silken robe around her body more tightly, she cautiously opened the door and peeked in. As expected, Takeru was sleeping peacefully on the bed. As soon as she walked in, she became aware of ten pairs of eyes all staring at her. She saw the one's nearest her flash pink. Kneeling down, she scratched the wolf's neck.
"It's just me Frenzy," she said quietly. She glanced around. "Would it be alright if I was alone with Takeru?" she asked somewhat timidly.
Frenzy glanced at Rage quickly before bobbing her head and rising, other wolves following suit. They filed out of the room silently, as if they had never been there.
When they were all gone, Katya approached the bed softly. She stood at the side, listening to Takeru's rythmic breathing for a few moments before working up the courage to climb in as well. Trying not to wake him just yet, she crawled to sit next to his form on the bed. Smiling slightly, she ran nervous fingers through his hair gently. Her heart leapt into her throat as he began to stir. She didn't know if she could do this, but she really had no choice now.
"Katya?" he murmured, slightly groggy and reverting to normal tongue. "What are you doing here?"
"I-I needed to talk to you," she stuttered.
Frowning, Takeru sat up. "Why? Is someth-"
He was cut off as Katya leaned forward and pressed her lips against his. He was very surprised, and before he could respond, she had pulled away, slightly flushed. He opened his mouth to speak, but she pressed her fingers against his lips.
"Let me talk now, and please don't interupt or I might not be able to go on. Alright?"
Still shocked, he nodded and she withdrew her fingers. Placing them in her lap and looking down at them, she began speaking.
"Well, you see, when you were nearly killed and we were at Castle Shuuko, Reverend Kelmio told me something about my mother. He said that she was a great person who only made one mistake; falling in love. It turns out that I've made the same mistake she did."
TK's eyes widened at this implied confesion and he was about to respond when he remembered her words. Obeying her wish, he stayed silent. After a few seconds, she continued, choosing her words carefully.
"I know that we can't afford to love each other, and I'm not even sure that you feel the same way I do, but I couldn't keep this to myself any longer. However, if you do feel the same way, there are…other ways to love," as she said this, she semi-consciously scooted closer to him. "I understand if you don't feel the same, I just needed to te-"
This time, she was cut off by a kiss. TK wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss slightly. After a minute or two, he pulled back.
"I've been waiting a long time for you to say that," he whispered before pausing. "But, I understand what you mean when you say that we can't afford to love. After all, we're from different worlds entirely, and besides, our destinies practically guarantee death."
Katya nodded slightly before lightly kissing him again. "But, we can still love in another way." To make sure her point got across, she pressed herself against him more firmly and gently kissed his neck.
He felt his cheeks grow warm, but he doubted that she could tell in the dark room. "Are you-are you sure you want to?" he asked, a voice in the back of his mind screaming that they were too young, but his body screaming that the time was just right.
Katya nodded lifting her head. The rational part of TK was still saying that they were too young, not even thirteen yet, but he couldn't find it in himself to tell Katya this. He simply let his irrational side take over. Leaning forward, he captured her lips in another kiss, hands slowly sliding her robe over her shoulders and down her back. As Katya returned the kiss, deepening it even more, she felt herself shudder at his touch, but in a good way.
As she ran her hands through his hair, softly caressing, all doubts about this left both of them and they simply let instinct guide them for the remainder of a very pleasurable night.
When Katya first awoke, she was surprised to find that she was in the embrace of somebody. Pulling back a little, she smiled fondly as she saw Takeru's face. He was sleeping peacefully, just like a baby.
She felt her cheeks grow slightly warm as remembered what had happened last night. Though painful at first, it was the best time of her life. It actually helped her forget her troubles; forget about training, Isan, and what happened to the Kols; forget about their destiny, even if just for a few moments.
Closing her eyes again, she snuggled back into his arms, resting her head on his chest. She was just about to fall asleep when a voice filled the room.
"Wake up, lovebirds. It's time to start your training."
Katya's eyes flew open and she shot up in bed, hands clutching the blanket against her bare chest. Her face colored immensly when she located the speaker.
"BlackWolf!" she screeched, pulling the blanket more tightly around her. "Get out! Get out, get out, get out!"
Next to her, TK was jolted out of sleep as well. He sat up in bed quickly, trying to see what all the commotion was about. He saw Katya sitting up in bed, naked except for a blanket around her top, screeching at BlackWolf to get out. Wait…BlackWolf was here… now!
"Father!" he cried, pulling Katya against his chest in order to help save her modesty and pride. "Get out!"
By the door, BlackWolf was watching the two with amusement. Kids these days were so picky. It wasn't like he hadn't seen it before, why were they so uptight? Shrugging and turning to leave, he glanced back at them.
"Training starts in 15 minutes, make sure you two are down there and ready to start."
"Alright, alright. We'll be there. Just…get out!" Katya snapped, still blushing.
Chuckling slightly, BlackWolf did as Katya demanded.
"Um…sorry 'bout that," TK said quietly, feeling the need to apologize for his biological father's behavior.
"It's okay," Katya sighed, brushing some hair out of her face. She looked to the floor and saw her robe from the previous night. Stepping out of the bed gracefully, she pulled it on. Turning around, she gave Takeru yet another kiss. "I should go clean up and dress. I'll see you later."
Nodding, TK watched her leave before heading to the showering room attached to his bedroom. As he walked across the room, he noticed the book on the table. He hadn't had time to finish it, he'd have to do that later. But first, he definitely needed to get cleaned up.
After a quick shower and change of clothes, he started down towards the training arena, prepared to begin another long and strenous day. However, something stopped him when he reached the first floor. The training grounds were to the right, but he felt a distinct pull to the left. Figuring he had 10 minutes or so before he was due for training, he decided to check it out.
Not quite sure how he got there, he found himself in a hidden hallway just a minute or so later. Curiousity getting the better of him, he continued down the hall. Suddenly, he heard rustling behind him. Spinning around, he saw that it was only Katya. However, she seemed to have somewhat of a dazed look on her face.
"Do you feel it too?" she asked quietly, staring down the hall.
TK nodded, assuming that she was referring to the strong tugging sensation.
"Come on," he said, taking her hand and starting down the hall again.
After a few minutes of winding passages, they found themselves looking at a wooden door in a stone archway. The tugging feeling was even more powerful, and seemed to be coming from the very depths of their Life Force Crystals. TK recognized that it was similar to the feeling he felt right before he discovered his Sacred Sight; he wondered if they were here to obtain another new power.
Stepping forward, he pushed the door open. They went inside cautiously, yet eargerly at the same time. They couldn't believe their eyes.
The chamber was not very large, only about 5 or so yards on each side, but it had a gigantic well in the middle. This well was filled with pitch-black water, and a dark gray mist rose from the water, creating a perfect translucent column. Inside this column, several ebony spheres floated. They seemed to have no pattern, but they moved as one within the column though, so there had to be some order.
As they walked closer to the well in a trance-like state, TK's 'evil sense' went off. He could feel something powerful, perhaps several somethings, but he could not bring his main thoughts to leave the well. It seemed to have cast a spell on him, and Katya as well.
When they reached the slightly raised mouth of the well, they stepped onto it, not thinking about what could happen if they fell in.
As they watched the ebony spheres float gracefully, TK felt his gaze being drawn to one sphere in particular. No matter how much he tried, he could not tear his gaze from it. Before he knew what he was doing, he reached into the dark gray mist and touched it. As soon as he did, both his Shadow Stone and Life Force Crystal flashed and sent a jolt of pain through his body. His vision dimmed, but he was still very conscious.
He felt himself being lifted up by a strange energy that wrapped all around him.Suddenly, in the hazy landscape of his mind, a figure appeared. At first, all he could tell was that it was a boy. He noted that this boy looked somewhat familiar. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. That boy was himself…but, he looked so…so different.
This TK had feathered ebony wings protruding from his back, very pale skin, and small, sharp fangs. His hair was still blonde, but had several ebony highlights. His blue eyes were sharp and filled with power. He was wearing tight cloth black pants with a black leather tunic over them, and had black leather boots. A dark belt was around his waist, and held a dagger and a few pouches. Two straps criss-crossed his front, supossedly for holding something on his back.
With his dark and powerful appearance, this TK was certainly intimidating. As the regular TK stood, frozen with awe, this new TK approached him. The winged-TK walked behind his human twin, and wrapped his wings and arms around his counterpart. The human TK was still too surprised to move. He gasped as the winged-TK began to glow darkly and pressed against him.
He cried out in pain as he was pulled more tightly against the other TK. He could feel that he was absorbing a large amount of energy, but he didn't know why or how. When he fell to his knees, the other TK did too, still holding him. The regular TK clutched his head in agony as the pain increased.
Suddenly, he saw the other TK begin to disappear into him. The winged-TK's wings and arms were being absorbed into TK. He couldn't see, but he assumed the rest of the strange boy's body was being absorbed too.
He gritted his teeth as a fresh wave of pain engulfed him. This didn't make any sense! What was this? He groaned slightly as he found that thinking only made his head hurt worse. He decided to wait to rationalize this until after it was over. Maybe BlackWolf knew.
His thoughts of BlackWolf were cut short as the pain peaked, nearly sending him over the edge of consciousness. He cried out hoarsly as more peaks of pain came. When another very strong one came, he found that his body had had enough. He fell limp as the form of the winged-TK disappeared completely, leaving him alone in the desolate landscape.
He didn't stir until much later. When he did finally awaken, he found himself in BlackWolf's arms, flying above a landscape. He didn't recognize it.
"Where are we father?" he croaked out, surprised at how feeble he sounded.
BlackWolf looked down, surprised. He had been so intent on flying that he hadn't noticed the boy wake.
"Vorago was attacked, and we had to flee back north."
"Attacked?" he rasped, now somewhat more awake. "Where are the others? Are they alright?"
"Relax." BlackWolf ordered in a parently fashion. "WhiteLioness and Katya are flying beside us, and Tempest has Akio. All the wolves and lionesses are following below."
"Oh, okay," TK replied sighing. He laid his head on BlackWolf's shoulder again. "What happened to me?"
"I'll explain everything shortly. How do you feel?"
"Weak," he answered honestly. "Very weak."
BlackWolf frowned slightly, and glanced over to WhiteLioness before descending to the ground. When they landed, he placed the boy on the ground gently and pulled a canteen from a pouch at his side.
"Drink." he ordered, lifting TK's head slightly and holding the canteen to his lips.
TK obeyed trustingly. He found that the liquid in the canteen wasn't water, as he had originally thought, nor was it the special juice of Hiata. No, this had a different taste. Thick, but not too much so, and sweet yet tart at the same time. It was very delicious. Not only that, but it seemed to make his strength return almost immediately. He drank some more, and was disappointed when BlackWolf put the canteen away.
"That is enough for now," the elder said as TK sat up all the way on his own.
"What was that?"
"A special blood tonic to help Mages recover their strength. I'm glad you could handle it, some Mages cannot."
"What happened to make me so weak?" he asked, looking up into BlackWolf's face.
"You discovered a new power. This particular power saps the energy of its wielder the first time they merge. Don't worry though, it won't do it again."
"New power? What new power?"
"The power to transform into your true form, of course. Don't you remember?"
'True form?' TK wondered, very confused. "Well, I remember this odd looking being that sort of looked like me, only he had wings and fangs, like you. As soon as he touched me, my body started feeling like it was on fire. Now, what do you mean by 'true form?'"
"That being you saw was your true form. A true form is the form that allows you to use your power to the fullest. It requires a little more energy to upkeep, but is well worth it. However, if you wish, you can go between it and your human form."
TK's jaw was hanging open. "You're kidding, right?"
"No, son, I am not. If you don't belive me, simply look over your shoulder."
Not sure what it would prove, TK did. He jumped nearly a foot in the air when he found himself looking at an ebony-black wing. 'This can't be happening,' he thought. 'It's just way too…weird.' He sighed, remembering how many times he had said that to himself while he had been on Hiata. It appeared now that nothing was too weird.
"So…um…how do I, y'know…change back?" he asked, still reeling with shock.
"The same way you use any of your powers now, go to your Life Force Crystal and will it to change you back."
Nodding to show that he understood, TK closed his eyes and descended quickly to his Life Force Cystal. Along the way, he passed through the energy that the blood tonic had given him, and briefly wondered what could be in such a tonic to have this great an effect. He'd have to ask BlackWolf later.
He allowed himself to smile slightly as he reached the comforting power of his Life Force Crystal. It was really quite reassuring, as long as he wasn't spiralling down. He went past the glowing orb marking his Sacred Sight, and saw another orb not more than a foot or two away. This must be what he was looking for.
Not sure what to do, exactly, he simply willed his body to change back. He didn't know if the Crystal would respond to such a method, but he figured it was worth a shot. He smiled again as the Crystal did, in fact, react. He felt a tingling all over his body, and could sense that he was changing.
Rising out of his inner depths, he found that his sense had been right. He no longer had wings or fangs, though he was still dressed in the clothes that his other form wore. Then, he remembered that he was going to ask BlackWolf about the blood tonic. Before he could, however, a sharp shriek filled the air.
Whirling around, TK saw that Katya had discovered her true form as well. It was similar to his, except that she had white wings, and a single white strip in her dark hair. She had on black cloth pants as well, and a grayish tunic over it. She too had a belt holding a dagger and pouches, and a single strap crossed her chest diagonally He could see her fangs as she spoke to WhiteLioness softly.
He watched as she closed her eyes, and figured that she was going to her Life Force Crystal as well. Suddenly, a spiral of white light appeared, circling first her feet, and then the rest of her. At one point, it concealed her completely. When the light died down, she was in her human form again. She stood up, somewhat shakily, and walked over to TK.
"Are you alright?" he asked her in normal tongue.
She nodded. "A little freaked out, but alright." She looked around. "Where are Akio and the Shadow Beasts?"
"They're coming," he replied, trying to soothe her before she became panicked.
As if on cue, the pack of 20 Shadow Beasts appeared over the hill, and raced down to meet them. TK found himself in the middle of all of his wolves. All 10 were nuzzling him and making sure that he was truly unharmed. He then noticed Akio on Tempest's back.
"Papa!" Akio cried, trying to get to him.
TK reached over and picked him up. Akio hugged him around his neck before pulling back, confused. "Where'd your wings go Papa?"
TK smiled at him. "I put them away for a bit."
"Oh, okay," he replied. "Where's Mama?"
"Over there," TK indicated. "Why don't you go see her?"
Akio nodded as he was set down, and he scrambled over into the pack of lionesses. TK turned back to his wolves.
/Are all of you alright/ he asked, mentally checking each one.
Rage nodded. /It was you we were worried about. We felt such pain from you right before the attack./ Worry was evident in his tone.
/I'm alright./ TK told them calmingly. He was about to ask more about the attack when BlackWolf came and put a hand on his shoulder.
"The attack has ended. WhiteLioness and I shall return to Vorago and restore the damage. You shall need to reunite with the other Guardians and fulfill your destiny."
TK looked up at him, wide-eyed. He knew he would have to leave Vorago sooner or later, but it hadn't crossed his mind that he'd be leaving BlackWolf too. "Will I see you again?" he asked quietly.
BlackWolf nodded. "We will be there for you in the final battle, and perhaps some times before. We will find you as soon as we can, but you must promise me that you'll be careful until then."
TK nodded sadly, before something popped into his mind. "What shall I call you the next time we meet? 'BlackWolf' would draw too much attention, and 'father' would too since I won't look like you most of the time."
BlackWolf's expression became thoughtful. "You make a good point. The next time you see me, you may call me Keir. It was my name before BlackWolf."
"Alright," TK replied, smiling slightly. "Keir it is. Well, until we meet again."
"Yes," BlackWolf replied, returning the smile. "Until we meet again. Good-bye now, and good luck."
With that, both he and WhiteLioness took off into the sky, heading back towards Vorago. Katya, TK, Akio, and all the wolves and lionesses watched them go with a bittersweet feeling. While they knew they would meet again, none of them really wanted to wait.
Suddenly, TK remembered something. "Darn! I forgot to ask about the blood tonic."
"Don't worry," Katya replied lightly. "I'm sure you'll be able to ask him real soon. Come on now, we should get moving." She turned and walked up to Star, swinging herself up onto the lioness' back.
TK nodded and, picking up Akio on the way, swung up onto Rage's back. /Let's go/ he urged his wolf.
Rage nodded and he, along with all of the other wolves and lionesses, started back north, back to Karina's house. As they rode, TK had no doubt that they were ready to face whatever trials lay ahead because, if nothing else, they had each other to give themselves courage.
A/N: sorry about the crappy ending, I didn't know how to wrap it up. The story will get more interesting and action filled after the next chap.Anyway, I let the review thing slide with the lastchapter, but if I don't get any reviews for this one, I will not post the next. Even if you only want to ask questions or submit a character you want me to use, just let me know that people are still reading this. If they're not, then there's no point in me continuing it.
