Disclaimer:
"Arc the Lad" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. © 1995-2002 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Published by Working Designs under license by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. English Translation © Working Designs 2002.
Undesired Secrets
Walking through the dark alleys of the ruins of Millmana, Shania, Roan and Diekbeck searched for ways to restore their broken city. Day by day, people have grown hopeful as they saw the slow reconstruction of the Headquarters. With more people arriving into the region through the Millmana Skyport, Shania was eager to get all the help she could find. Diekbeck clanged around in his miniature body form, also assisting the people around with the construction. Roan looked at Shania, who with some of the citizens started slowly laying foundations together. Sheepishly walking over, Roan coughed to clear his throat. Watching her work day and night simply did not seem fit for Roan, since she was still royalty to him. Roan also watched day and night the works of the two strangers Prince Clive left behind for them. He was not certain whether their actions could be trusted. He grew more suspicious of them and tried every chance to tell his findings to Shania.
"Um…your highness…"
"Roan, how many times must I tell you, you can address me by my name now?"
"Oh yes, of course. Shania, I've got some disturbing news to offer you."
"What is it, Roan?" Shania didn't turn around, as she was still working with her own hands to truly restore what was left of her family's home. Looking down, Roan seemed to roll his last thoughts together to properly express himself. "Well, I've been watching the steady actions of our two new guests from Prince Clive, and I've found something strange about their behavior. Daily they stand outside of the city, fending off Chimeras that draw towards the city."
"They are well trained soldiers. They protect the people from being attacked by the remaining Chimeras around the world. As much as I wish I didn't have to say this, I'm glad that Clive—I mean, Prince Clive offered to help us through them."
"Oh yes, but…Though they fend off the creatures, they do not kill them…"
"What do you mean? You mean they let them escape?"
"Actually, your highness---Oh! I mean, Shania! They don't let them run off either. Instead, they cap-capture them." Shania turned around to stare at him in confusion. She stopped her work, as she walked closer to Roan. "Capture them? What for? What would they want with such vicious creatures?"
"It is beyond me to comprehend their actions, Shania. Yet, I feel with the deepest certainty that they are up to no good…"
"They do seem like suspicious characters, I will admit. I will see where they take those creatures. Roan, stay here with Diekbeck."
"Oh no! Your majesty, it's much too dangerous for you alone!" With this Roan blocked her path, as Shania seemed a little irritated by his sudden objection to her actions. Yet Diekbeck also trotted over and stood next to Roan. "Shania, I will go with you. I can be of assistance, in case, anything happens."
Shania stood in thought, as she pondered what would be the best course of action. Roan hastily added to Diekbeck's suggestion, "Yes, Yes! Take Diekbeck! He can certainly help you!"
She nodded towards Diekbeck as she said, "Let us all go there right now then."
"Yes, your high-I mean, Shania." Roan scratched his head for he was still fearful of what is to come. Shania simply grabbed her belongings, following after Diekbeck, who walked ahead of them. Arriving near Ajarl, where they resided for some time, Shania examined the entrance to see whether the two red cloaked strangers were there. Diekbeck also began to search around. Roan coughed uncomfortably, attaining their attention. "It appears they are not here, Shania."
"Do you know where they could be, Roan?" She said, still looking about the area.
"Well, I did follow them to some extent. Yet afraid of being discovered, I've stopped my search and returned to Ajarl." Roan took his glasses off, nervously wiping the lenses.
"How far did they go?"
"They were headed towards the Razen Pond. It's was covered with so much fog that I could not even see what was before me." He put his glasses back on, covering his timid eyes.
"Not to worry, I will be able to scan the area. My scope of vision will be able to prevent us from walking on dangerous grounds." Diekbeck confidently responded, already heading towards the Razen Pond.
"Let us hope so. Come on, Roan." Shania followed after Diekbeck's lead, as Roan apprehensively followed behind. Walking along a swampy path on the left side of Ajarl city, Shania held onto Roan, who did the same for fear of falling. Drawing near the mountains, the air about them thickened, clouding their view. The moisture in the air seemed to gather together, causing the humidity to rise in the area. Shania did not enjoy trudging through the damp path, and it appeared they seemed to arrive past the Razen Pond. Shania stopped and gathered her hair, tying it up so that it would not fall unto her face. There were no signs of Chimeras anywhere, and through his visual scopes, Diekbeck didn't find anything suspicious around them.
"This is a little troublesome. There seems to be no other way around here without falling unto the deeper side of the waters." Diekbeck turned around to face Shania and Roan, who were right behind him. Shania looked concerned and a bit disappointed, as she turned towards Roan, "Roooaaan…are you sure they came this way!"
"I-I-I was certain they did." Shania crossed her arms, as she skeptically looked at Roan, who flustered and panicked. Shania was ready to speak her mind, but stopped when Diekbeck became alert. Suddenly from the corner of her eyes, she saw a shade of red within the fog, hearing a deep voice say, "Be kind to your friend, princess. He speaks the truth."
Shania whirled around to face them. The fog began to clear, as the two strangers they've been searching for stood before them. Shania and Roan looked around them, noticing the fog faintly covering the line of more men that slowly approached them. The waters below them reflected the crimson color of their coat, as though they stood above a pool of blood. The fog carried the scarlet color of their clothing in the air. As they softly came towards them, their appearance grew clearer, letting the fog trail behind them. A startling coldness took hold of Shania, as she could not find one man's feet touching the water. Instead their large cloaks and bodies therein hovered over the misty pond. With their dark faces hidden behind the massive cloth, Shania felt her breath stop and a disturbing apprehension trail down her back. Or was it the humid environment that seemed to trick her into feeling her sweat dry cold? Shania could not tell, for she was fearful of what these men were capable of. Holding large chains in their hands, they ominously glided towards them without rippling the water. The long metallic chains trailed in the waters below them, traveling across the waters. Diekbeck stood his ground, as Roan timidly hid behind Shania. Shania reached for her cards. "Hand over the machine, your highness, and we shall see that you are escorted safely back to Ajarl. We take no pleasure in hurting those weaker than us."
"How dare you mock us! Where have you taken the Chimeras, what are you planning to do with them!"
"Why so quick to walk into your doom? But if you so wish to meet the chimeras…then chimeras you will meet." Suddenly the men raised their chains from the water, revealing the large venom flies they were keeping under control within the water. They unlocked the chains, letting the venom flies run free, hungrily dashing towards Shania, Roan, and Diekbeck. Shania quickly flung her cards towards them, hitting the two that flew towards them. The other three flies trailed behind them. Shania dodged their incoming sting attack, as Diekbeck used Power Unit No. 08: Tornado. The fog and the winds collectively gathered together near the center, causing the water to churn. The flies were caught up in the storm and ultimately crashed unto the trees rooted in the waters. Shania turned towards the men, as she boldly declared, "You won't get your hands on Diekbeck so easily!"
"Hmph. We always did crave a good challenge." The man motioned towards the others who flung their chains towards Shania. Opening her mouth to gasp, Shania jumped back to avoid the set of chains that flew towards her. Nevertheless, one wrapped around her leg. He pulled in, as Shania gave a little scream before she plummeted into the murky red waters. Diekbeck quickly moved towards the area where she fell, "Shania!"
"Your Highness!" Roan squealed in horror. The rest of the men surrounded Roan and Diekbeck. Roan glanced around nervously, as he tried to pick up a stiff branch to defend himself. Diekbeck rushed to Roan's side, strongly pushing away the men with his metallic arms. Diekbeck charged himself, glowing red and riskily increasing his temperature. Shania gasped, as she rose to the surface with the chain still tied to her foot. The man forced her to fall back under the surface, as he dangerously yanked the chain. The man grinned as he saw the blurry image of her body falling deeper into the water. He hauled the chain once more to finish his tasks. Yet he was shocked as the chain simply flung out of the water without the victim. Angrily tossing the chain away, he looked below him, as suddenly Shania's hand grabbed his afloat foot. He struggled to keep himself afloat, but she threw her other hand out of the water, with all her cards critically positioned in her hands, shouting, "Shuffle Shot!"
All the cards seemed to multiply on its own, as thousands of cards cut through the man's ghastly crimson cape. The man fell into the water while Shania quickly turned back to see Diekbeck and Roan's state. Hearing their comrade fall, the others in red headed to attack Shania. Realizing their defeat was soon to happen, she shouted, "Diekbeck, take Roan and get away from here now!"
"But-!" Diekbeck, however, knew more than Shania that their chances at escaping all together were close to nothing. Shania jumped unto stable ground and got her cards ready. Her opponents positioned themselves around her and one plunged to kick her. Finding a breakthrough, Diekbeck complied with her request. He grabbed Roan and dashed away from the scarlet panorama. Roan was stunned and angry at Diekbeck for actually leaving Shania behind. "Are you crazy? No- Nuh-uh! We're not leaving without Shania!"
"We must! It is the only way!" Diekbeck increased his speed so quickly that Roan couldn't catch up, only let his legs feel the ground once in a while to attempt to run on their own.
"You mad machine! Let me go at once!" Yet they were farther away from the scenery than the others expected. Though the men started their pursuit, they eventually stopped, realizing that if they weren't careful, they could get lost in the fog. Fortunately for Diekbeck, he has already scanned the area once and thus, knew exactly where to turn and run. Seeing that Diekbeck and Roan has escaped safely, Shania stopped attacking. Breathing heavily, she let her defenses down. The men stopped their attacks as well, as the man harshly spoke again, "Brave but foolish. Do you truly think your toy can escape our grasp? We will find it at one point or another." Looking to his side and speaking to the others, "Return to the city!"
"What of the princess?" One of them inquired.
"Take her away. Since she so wished to investigate about the Chimeras, why don't we show her the way to them." With this, a group of several men joined together and rushed away towards the city to find Diekbeck and Roan. He and the others pushed Shania towards the opposite direction, but she whirled around to face the city with a worried expression, praying deep inside that much good can result from this madness. She acutely looked to them and said, "Do not push me! I can walk on my own…"
Walking in between the two men, they gave her the personal space she needed. Away from the hazy view of the Razen Pond and Millmana, Kukuru finally arrives on the land of Seirya. Drawing near the hidden mountain paths between the Sabatico Shrine and the Palencia Castle, she drew near a path within the forest. Walking along the grassy earth and going the opposite direction from Touvil, she softly began to hear the faint familiar sound of water. It seemed so long since she's been back at her home. Being once contained inside the Sabatico Shrine, she had no chances to walk back into her village. Arriving at the entrance to her village, which was guarded by large wooden posts that were embedded with colorful stones, she stopped and examined the place. The once large wooden wall that surrounded and protected her village was torn apart, obviously due to the storms and perhaps other form of nature. The mosaic murals woven together by the women of the village that hung across the doors of the warm homes were upon the floor damp and disintegrating. Some houses seemed to not even exist any longer, as wooden planks were overturned and fallen trees lay upon standing homes. The once lush green homeland she remembered faded completely before her with one blink of her eyes. Broken and walking towards the center of the village, stopping near the village well, she stood over the small opening in the earth. She watched the reflection of the gray skies above her wrinkle in the water. She turned around, facing reality once more as the view seemed to reel about her. Few men cleared away the debris near the entrance and obviously near the well. Women dressed in light robes similar to what Kukuru was wearing but with different shades of yellow and red, looked after the children. Kukuru turned away and kept walking through the village, past the homes that belonged to her childhood friends, merchant stores, gardens that once held so much life.
"Why…if it isn't Kukuru!" Kukuru turned back, hearing a familiar voice from her past. The familiar villagers approached her while she couldn't help but put her head down in shame and sorrow. Nonetheless, her presence seemed to bring so much joy to the children and the mothers, who knew Kukuru since childhood. Holding her hands, they smiled at her. "You have finally come back! We've missed you so…"
"Yes…so did I…" Kukuru faintly returned them the smile and looked down at their warm hands. Yet, she stopped for she noticed their hands strangely marked with large dark spots around the fingers and near the wrists. The woman noticed Kukuru, who eyed her hands in shock, thus she quickly let go and hid her hands behind the apron across her waist. Kukuru looked at everyone else's hands, finding the strange marks not only on their hands but even on faces, on arms, on legs, on practically all parts of their bodies. "What…what is going on? What has happened!"
They nervously glanced at one another, coughing uncomfortably and muttering words Kukuru could not decipher. Yet she stared into their faces, grabbing their arms and examining the deathly marks upon their bodies. All sort of fearful thoughts overtook her. She deeply stared into their faces, but they all avoided her earnest seeking. She grew impatient. Violently pushing them out of her way, she headed towards her home. She ran to the end of the village, towards the large pale house surrounded by a faint clear stream. Walking through the bridge that was crumbling on its side, she entered the gates to her home, seeing that the two large stony doors lay broken beneath her. Hearing her own steps upon the marble-like floor, she rushed over to her father's room. Several men and women who recognized her called out her name, but she ignored their cries. Her turquoise shawls trailed behind her as did her long lavender hair. She recognized her small home, though it was now laid to rest by the Great Disaster and the once ornate clothes that hung on the walls were lifeless upon the floor. The large candles that brightened the halls were along the floor near the walls. Opening the door to her father's room, she held her breath, finding the room ominously dark. Her eyes began to focus in the darkness, seeing one small candle lit in the corner. She could recall the fragrance of her father's room, but today every aspect of the room took her back to the day her mother passed away. Everything seemed to almost repeat before her, the way she ran through the green village at the young age of eight, ran across the bridge, open the stony doors, turn through the halls, and stand before the door of her father's room. Opening the door, she remembered the strange candle lit in the center, above her father's bed, and approaching the bed to only find her own mother's lifeless body still. The sudden memory slowly faded in front of her eyes, for she returned to the present, back in her original place before the room. Walking slowly in the darkness, she grew anxious, fearful, and unstable in her thoughts, as she held out her hand to grab hold someone. Her breathing became short and inconsistent as she could not feel anything, could not see anything even with the small light in the corner. She wished she could crumble unto the floor and let the numbness die away, yet a coarse voice was heard before her. "Kukuru…"
Kukuru felt as though her heart stop but with anticipation she followed the voice over to the bedside, recognizing it belonged to her father, Spirae. She could barely see his form, but his weak tone seemed to reveal his physical state all too well. She held his arm, reaching for his hand. He turned his head slightly, his stern face rough with some facial hair near his chin. "Father, what happened?"
"You saw the village…its condition…the people…" He spoke slowly with his usual strong voice now weakened to a hoarse whisper. "The plague has…struck every home…even children…The Great Disaster…let loose…the Dark One's evil dominion over this world…even for a moment…but even so, we did not back down. We used all of our powers gifted by the Guardians to impede the Dark One's attack over Seirya. We knew we couldn't protect the world, but we wanted to at least hold Seirya together. Yet…it was no use, the Dark One immediately attacked us and struck us with his powers of darkness, striking us with this plague that is utterly incurable…"
"No…it can't be. You don't mean, you…too…?" Kukuru grabbed the candle closer as she gasped, seeing the pallid spots cover her father's entire arm and neck. She dropped herself unto the floor and buried her head in the large blankets that covered the bed, as she moaned in anguish. She felt her heart tear up inside. She clutched her hands into a fist and angrily hit the floor. Spirae looked at his daughter, defeated and bitterly covering her face in self blame. His cold eyes began to soften, as he felt her pain reach his heart. Spirae was a headstrong man, but well respected in the village for his solid leadership. He rarely revealed his emotions before people. He has been known for his cold stares ever since his youth, and thus people have already learned to fear him and follow his authority. His strong sense of justice and connection to the guardians kept him always too busy for his daughter, as she began to grow up stubborn and even tomboyish. Yet he let her maidservants take care of her as well as his very own assistant, Seon, to look after her needs. He has never been the father that Kukuru needed for emotional support. She was much like him, rarely expressing her affections for the people she loved and admired. Thus, Spirae began to understand just how crushed her heart was before him. "Kukuru…Look at me…"
Gradually turning her face towards her father, Spirae examined her closely with an emotionless face. Though it was quite dark around her, perhaps it was a parent's intuition that revealed to Spirae her face has grown paler and held a look of much hurt and torment. Kukuru held his aged hands. She traced her hand through his arm, and even looking unto the scars that dangerously reached his face. Her father solemnly began to speak, not revealing to her his worry about her strange change in spirit, "Clive…has returned…to the throne…"
Kukuru's eyes grew wide, as she withdrew her warm hands from his, "Clive? He was…alive?"
"The alliance between Palencia and the Sacred White Clan grows weak…His men have occasionally come by…yet, we are at a grave disadvantage…with the number of our people decreased...we will find no way to restore our position again without their help…yet…their sudden coldness..."
Her father looked away towards the ceiling, as he closed his eyes. He breathed heavily in and out. Kukuru began to realize just how burdened her father was. With her entire village powerless next to a rising kingdom, she understood where her father's worries sprung from. Palencia and the Sacred White Clan have always stood on stable grounds in their negotiations, yet they are now put into a place where they could be wiped out completely. Kukuru did not want to lose her people, the land they lived upon, nor their culture and values, and especially their continual trust with Palencia. She felt as though all her mistakes have piled upon her, as though all of the consequences have burdened not her directly but all those she cared for. Perhaps the time has come for Kukuru to take up the role that she was born to take. Too much was at stake for her people to worry about her own happiness, for her own plans. "Rest, father…and think of this matter no more..."
Kukuru got up and walked out of the room. With a steadfast face, she crossed the bridge. She stopped, however, when she heard the flow of water that surrounded her house. She followed the stream, as it trailed all the way back behind her humble home and unto a separate part of the village. The stream was connected to a small waterfall that sprung from the mountains that stood defensively behind the village a distance away. She stood in thought, recalling her days in the village when she was fifteen years old. She was being taught by her maidservants the principles and traditions of her village. Sitting upon a large rock, close to the waterfalls, the young Kukuru yawned as all the words seemed to pass her mind from one ear to the next. Her long lavender hair was braided and upon her left shoulder with a scarlet ribbon. As her maidservants read aloud from the books held in their hands, Kukuru peered into the waters. She smiled as she saw the clear stream mirror the stunning colors of the pebbles that surrounded the premise.
"Kukuru-sama! (A term for respect.)" Kukuru almost jumped as she turned to face them. Their eyes glared at their little stubborn priestess, as they boldly stated, "You must be attentive to the teachings. We can't delay this any further! We've already been here for hours!"
At the entrance of the village, two horsemen approached the area. The villagers lifted their heads and tried to recognize the strangers. Seon, the village commander and Spirae's close friend, recognized them immediately and approached them, respectfully bowing. "Prince Clive, Prime Minister Andel, what brings you to the Sacred White Clan at this early hour?"
Prime Minister Andel looked about the village, smoothing his youthful black beard. "I've only accompanied young Prince Clive. Being already eighteen years old, it seems he's quite interested in taking up his role as the heir to the throne."
"My my, that is wise of you, my prince. The chief would be most pleased. Come, I shall escort you." Seon walked towards the streams with Prince Clive upon his horse, as Andel waited inside the village, for it was appropriate for only royalty to meet the leader of the village. Prince Clive peered at Seon and spoke, "I've heard the young priestess grows to be fairer with every year."
Seon looked back at Clive, as he smiled, "Yes, her beauty truly resembles her mother very much." Suddenly a sweet laughter from the behind the house caught both of their attention. Seon smiled and spoke again, "She seems to be in the middle of morning lessons at this point."
The young Clive mischievously grinned, as he jerked his horse away from the path and headed towards the streams. Seon, confused, followed after Clive but was surprised to see that Clive headed to see Kukuru. Quickly approaching Clive's side, he inquired, "Do you intend on meeting her? That can't be so. Do you not know that it is the tradition of both Palencia and the Sacred White Clan to not meet until the appointed day when Kukuru is officially the priestess of the village, and you're—"
"—Officially enthroned? I always thought some traditions were meant to be broken. Let us say, it's our little secret." He chuckled and quickly headed off. Seon looked somewhat worried, watching Clive turn and disappear around the corner. In the meantime, Kukuru splashed the clear waters upon her maidservants, as they playfully laughed and rushed away from the cold spray. The ladies stopped to catch their breath as Kukuru proudly folded her arms together, replaying all the lessons she learned this morning in words. Her maidservants were stunned with their mouths open while Kukuru continued with perfect accuracy, remembering every word spoken to her. She finally stopped, smugly putting her hands on each side of her body, "So there, is that good enough for you?"
"Well said indeed..." Kukuru and the maidservants turned around and yelped from the sudden appearance of Clive. Kukuru eyed him suspiciously for she did not recognize him from anywhere, yet her maidservants, who were much older than she, recognized him immediately. They rushed forward and stood in front of Kukuru, who returned their nervous glances with stares of confusion. They looked up at Clive and bowed with respect, except for Kukuru, who looked a little irritated for not clearly knowing the situation. "Pri-Prince Clive…it is a surprise to see you here…"
"Prince? Prince Clive?" Kukuru did not recognize the name or the status. Her face still held a contemplative but equally unpleasant stare, as she was impatiently waiting for an explanation. Prince Clive confidently grinned and tried to ride closer to stand next to her side, wanting to speak with her on a personal level, but her maidservants instantly stood before his horse, in between him and Kukuru. Clive eyed them with clear annoyance, "What is it?"
"Young prince, you should know that it is not fit for you to meet Kukuru-sama until the appointed time and place. We ask you to leave."
"Stand aside." Kukuru firmly spoke. Her maidservants turned around with a troubled look, as they tried to object, but Kukuru walked before them. She stood in front of Clive, who seemed quite pleased. "It seems we share the same thought. So we finally meet. As rumors say, you are…beautiful."
"Is that why you've come, to see if such rumors are true?" Kukuru looked with clear displeasure at him, for she was rarely attracted to people with such confidence and smug grin. Clive chuckled, finding Kukuru's fiery attitude to be quite amusing. "Well, it simply proves we have more in common than I expected. After all, we live in entirely different provinces, you in this small village, and I in a silver palace."
"For a future ruler of a kingdom, I did not expect you to be so shallow." Kukuru raised an eyebrow at him. Her maidservants gasped, witnessing her rude behavior. Clive seemed completely unaffected by her harsh words, as he merely drew his horse closer to the waters for it to drink. She had to admit, however, he was handsome, at least more attractive than the men she normally meets. His thin silver bangs, brought out the color of his golden eyes. His short spiky hair glistened as the sun shimmered upon the clear streams. By the looks of his clothing, he appeared to be a hunter, perhaps even well trained with a sword, seeing that he had one fastened upon his belt. Clive grinned when he noticed Kukuru eyeing him. He patted the horse's neck and looked towards Kukuru, who blushed from being caught and quickly turned away. "And for a future priestess, I did not expect you to be so outspoken. Do not take it unkindly, I find it quite charming…"
Kukuru bit her under lip, finding his flirtatious ways uncomfortable to handle, "Are you mocking me?"
"Actually, I'm telling you the truth," he smiled. He turned his horse around and headed back towards the village, "Well then, till we meet again and hopefully, in a more joyous occasion…"
He trotted away, as Kukuru's maidservants sighed with relief that he has finally left the scene. Kukuru stared at him, while he was leaving. She abruptly turned towards her maidservants, who grabbed their belongings to return to the village, "What does he mean by joyous occasion?"
Her maidservants looked with alarm as they did not know how to answer her without completely disturbing the young girl, "Well, you see…it is the tradition of the clan for the Priestess to wed the Crown Prince of Palencia on the day he is ready to be enthroned…you see, we were going to announce it when you were more emotionally prepared—"
"You mean—we're engaged? Do you think I can marry such a pompous—"
"Kukuru-sama, you must not say such things! It is unfit. You must understand, this has been a tradition for many years. And besides, we're most certain you would be emotionally ready on that day. Prince Clive is a charming young man and a capable ruler..." The maidservants scolded her for her disrespect, but Kukuru seemed quite saddened and officially horrified of the news. She never had to argue about the petty issues of authority and of her role as the Priestess to protect the Fire on Mount Cion, but she started to gravely despise her own position in the matter concerning this marriage. She wished she could agree with her maidservants, who seemed to be more like her aunts and older siblings. She knew Prince Clive was attractive and quite competent to rule, but she could not shake the sudden aversion she felt towards him, as though she was able to take a glimpse within the bottom of his heart, only to find nothing to her liking. Kukuru took a deep breath as she opened her eyes, staring back at the waterfall, which did not flow as clearly as it had in her youth. She stopped recalling the strange events of her past and walked away from the area.
In Millmana, under the swampy facade of the Razen Pond, the Blood Okami, traveling from East Aldia, returned to their underground base. Hidden behind the mountain paths and underneath the mud and water, a large facility was built. The secret biolab contained cells of diverse chimeras, almost two of each kind from different regions across the world. As Shu and Shante passed them by, they looked with curiosity at the large machines that were positioned near the center, connected to every cell. Members of the Blood Okami, wearing their tradition red capes and hiding their own faces, quickly began to haul the monsters away from the crates. Their discipline was surprising, but frightening all the more. Shu and Shante's hands were fastened by a boxlike device and soon, they were thrown into a cell. Shu glared back towards them while Kramer stepped into the cell, looking at their sad state. "Once our job here is finished, we will head back to Seirya. Till then you could enjoy some quality time with your friend."
Shu spoke, "Kramer, what is Clive planning to do? If we are as good as dead, there is no harm in letting us know now, is there?"
"Hmph, do you know where this is, Shu? We are under the Razen Pond of Millmana. Of all the Chimera Labs found in this world, this one is probably the smallest and the most useful because it holds a new breed of monsters. Notice anything different about them?" Suddenly a Ghoul rushes in and stands before Shu, ready to attack. Shu did not expect this and tries to avoid it, as Shante gasps. "Shu!"
Yet before the Ghoul attacked, Kramer held his hand up. "Stop." The Ghoul turned around and looked back at Kramer, who simply nodded, "That's enough. Leave."
Shu and Shante looked with surprise and confusion for the chimera obeyed Kramer's commands without hesitation. Kramer looked happily towards them. "I see that you are quite pleased with the results."
Shu returned his reply, "A similar plan has already been done before. Your success will not last for long. Chimeras will eventually back fire and destroy you and all those involved."
"It doesn't matter. We do not intend on keeping them for long term…only for one session of massacre."
"M-Massacre!" Shu and Shante were alarmed, as they did not want to imagine what he meant by the word. Kramer turned and closed the door on them. Shu rushed towards the door, "Kramer! What do you mean by massacre! Exactly where?"
"I think I've shared enough secrets for one day." Kramer walked away as the door was locked before them. Shu turned away, unhappy with what Kramer has revealed to them. Shante got up as well with the device still holding her hands firmly together. She looked around the ceiling, hoping to find their way of escape, yet she could not find any, the walls about them were completely covered with no openings except for the door that had a barred window. Feeling discouraged, she sat back down on the floor, "There's no way out of here…"
Sitting beside Shante and leaning against the wall, Shu sighed, "We have little time, if we don't stop their plans here…we won't know what to expect."
On the surface, Roan and Diekbeck were running as fast as their feet could allow them. Diekbeck, being a machine, was much swifter. Roan stopped and wheezed to catch his breath. Diekbeck turned around and saw that the Blood Okami members were right on their tail. He grabbed Roan again and rushed away, turning the corners of broken buildings in Ajarl. Roan's eyes grew wide, however, when Diekbeck stopped abruptly, causing him to fall upon Diekbeck's hard metal back. Rubbing his chest from the minor pain, he angrily looked at Diekbeck. "Why did you stop?"
Roan looked to the side, seeing Diekbeck stare at the direction, and yelped for there were more men rushing towards them and behind them. Diekbeck ran through the thin corridor besides them as Roan furiously followed. Roan screamed slightly, hearing some misfired bullets hitting the walls besides them. Running through the corridors, the members of Blood Okami came to a stop for they were before a dead end. They lost tracks of them only for a moment. The others soon rushed the other way. Diekbeck abruptly stopped again, close to the entrance, causing Roan to almost fall upon Diekbeck again. "NOW why did you stop?"
"Get out of here, Roan. It's not you they want, it's me…"
"Wh-What? And leave you here?"
"At one point or another, we will both get caught."
"No-No! We won't get caught! We can go back to the headquarters and hide-"
"Roan, you must find Arc and the others. Find them and tell them everything! Quickly!" Diekbeck began to head towards the city, but Roan hesitated and grabbed unto Diekbeck. "No, Diekebeck! You can't go!"
"Roan! Stay calm," Roan let go of Diekbeck and nervously wiped the sweat off his forehead. Diekbeck continued, "Whether they get their hands on me or not, one thing is for certain…they have Shania. The others must be warned that something strange is going on…again. By this time, I calculate they be at Seirya."
Roan composed himself, as he took a deep breath in and out. Diekbeck cautiously looked about him and turned towards Roan. Roan nodded, "All right, Diekbeck. I won't let Shania down. I will find Arc!"
"Good luck, Roan. Be careful."
"You too…" Diekbeck rushed towards Ajarl as Roan headed towards the skyport. In the corner of the broken city, Diekbeck tried to find some means around the debris. Diekbeck scanned the area, but he stopped. He looked above him, his beady eyes shining a faint red color. Seeing the members of Blood Okami jumping from the roofs and landing on the floor beside him, it became alert. They sneered at the machine, which was already cornered. "Hmm…alone? Well, no matter. We have no interest with the clumsy fool. Grab the machine. Let's go."
Lieza and Paundit began their trip through Razen Pond in search of the members of Blood Okami, who held Mother Claire captive. Paundit panted, discontent with the humidity and the foggy mist before them. Lieza slowly walked about, watching out for spots that will cause her to slip. The fog prevented her from seeing anything in front of them. Paundit stayed faithfully by her side, leading her through the swamp. She stopped, "Strange, I was certain they came this way."
Paundit sniffed about, yet the watery atmosphere confused his senses. He suddenly jolted away, as Lieza promptly followed. Curiously, she looked about and noticed three members of the Blood Okami, walking through the fog. She grinned as she decided to follow them to their base. Making sure they could not spot them, she let Paundit move ahead of her. Stepping through some rigid floors, she noticed they began to sink into deeper waters. After they have completely disappeared, Paundit rushed over and slightly growled. Lieza walked over, examining the area where the men have disappeared. She realized that within the waters, there was a well-hidden stairway. Though the waters were shallow, the darkness of the water makes the pathway hard to see. She walked into the water and slowly stepping down the stairs, as Paundit diffidently followed. Right as her body was halfway in the water, suddenly the platform underneath them opened, causing both of them to drop into the abyss. As the platform immediately closed above them, they fell through a large tunnel. Lieza grabbed unto her large dog like friend, who landed on the floor safely. Lifting her head, she feared that they would be caught again; yet, she noticed the room was empty. Next to the tunnel she fell from, there was a lift, which she assumed would lead them back to the surface. Within the room, there was a stairway, leading to the floor underneath them. She chose to not look on the floor under but rather, examine the floor she was presently on first. Walking to the door, she opened it cautiously and peered around. Paundit sniffed around to sense if any other people were close by. Lieza stepped out and quickly ran down the large hallways. Seeing no one around, Paundit and Lieza continued to run forward, entering a room. Lieza examined the surroundings, noticing that the room held all main control flow of energy. Paundit's hair straightened up, as he ferociously growled. Lieza turned around and saw that the door has opened and three men in red cloaks entered. Alert, they immediately took out their small guns. "It's an intruder!"
"Here we go again…" Lieza took out her whip. Paundit immediately jumped and grabbed the intruder's arm with his jaws. As the other two were alarmed, Lieza thrust her whip and slapped away their handgun. The men immediately grabbed some shurikens and threw them at her. Lieza ducked away and turned towards them, but was shocked to see another man in red standing behind her enemies. The stranger suddenly knocked out her enemies with one large tackle. Lieza looked at their struggle with bewilderment, as the other one struggling with Paundit, pushed the animal away and tried to run out of the room. Yet the stranger, dressed as one of the Blood Okami, rushed in and gave a firm punch, knocking him out cold. He grunted and cracked his knuckles. Paundit stood next to Lieza and slightly whimpered, to assure her that it was safe. Paundit rushed next to the stranger, who petted Paundit with his large dark hands. Undoing his hood, he looked up at Lieza and gave a wide grin. Lieza, in turn smiled back at him, "Gruga!"
"It's been a while, Lieza, Paundit." Gruga walked towards her, as she hooked her whip back to her sash. The large man now clothed in a black robe and wearing the same crimson cloak of the Blood Okami, crossed his arms together. Lieza began to ask, "How did you come here? And why?"
"Hmph. Strange things were happening in Clenia." Slightly pushing over one of the members with his leg, he continued, "These men were appearing everywhere in the country, capturing wild chimeras. Thus, I followed them here and on my way, saw that Shania was taken captive."
"Shania is captured? Mother Claire is here as well…"
"We must find a way to free them both. Let us go and look for them."
"You may be able to blend in among them, but Paundit and I will look suspicious around you."
"Do not worry, I have an idea…"
Moments later, Shania woke up. Sitting in a large chair, she felt her hands bound by strange mechanisms around the chair arms. Struggling for a moment, she realized a strange contraption was upon her head as well. She frantically looked around. Men in red cloaks were setting up some machinery together around her. She nervously glanced away and turned towards the door as it opened up. Kramer boldly walked in and smiled at her, bowing respectfully. "You've awaken, I see."
"What are you planning to do with me?"
"Well, my dear, does the White House sound familiar to you? It was a place where orphans were taken for special research, a research that resulted in human experimentation. This machine here is a basic prototype of the technology used in the White House."
Shania narrowed her eyes and glared back at Kramer. "You're planning to turn me into a Chimera?"
"I thought it'd be entertaining to see you fight your own friends and dying by their hands. And of course, to see their reaction when they know what you've become after your death."
"I'd gladly die by their hands than to be used in your foul plans."
"Hmph, well, might I also mention your toy is being safely transported to our master. But then again, that won't be too important to you once this experiment is over."
"…Diekbeck…Roan…" Shania bitterly looked away from Kramer. Kramer simply smirked and motioned for the men to start the experiment. He turned around and walked away from the scene. As he left the room, Gruga and Lieza peered over the corner to avoid being caught. Shania struggled and nervously glanced around. The machine began to roar, as the experiment started to happen. Shania tightly shut her eyes, fearing for what would happen next. When Kramer was completely out of their sight, Gruga and Lieza appeared before the door. Two guards stood before them and halted their progress. "Where are you going?"
Gruga, holding a pistol against Lieza's back, forced her forward. "I found this person sneaking around the entrance. She was acting a little suspicious so I decided to bring her in."
"Hmph. Good timing. The Chimera experiment will be starting soon."
"The-the Chimera experiment…but on whom?" Gruga spoke. Lieza recognized that it was the experiment that affected Elc's life and all of those he loved and remembered in his childhood. She gripped her hands into a fist, as she felt bitter anger brewing within.
"The little princess of Millmana. After he spoke with her, Commander has just left the room." Gruga and Lieza's eyes grew wide with shock. Gruga and Lieza looked at one another and nodded. Immediately Lieza thrust her whip out and slashed the faces of the two men in front of her. As the men were thrown back by surprise, Gruga quickly punched them, one on his face and the other on his stomach. They fell upon the floor and Lieza turned to Gruga, "Hurry! We must stop it before it's too late!"
"Let me handle what's happening inside! Lieza—the Main Control room!"
"All right!" As Lieza turned the corner to head back to the control room, Gruga opened the door, calmly walking in. Gruga gasped as he saw Shania screaming and struggling to get free from the contraption. He rushed forward, throwing away the red coat that disguised him as the others. The men in the room stopped their process in shock. "What in the world? Who are you?"
"Out of my way!" The men began to hustle before him, but Gruga tackled one and started to make his way through the crowd. Lieza rushed into the control room, as Paundit immediately got up. Since he was a chimera, he was asked to stay behind in the room. Lieza looked about frantically, locking the door behind her. She rushed forward towards the controls. Gruga was kicked down by two of the men. The rest of the men took out their guns to shoot at Gruga. Suddenly the lights above them flickered and the flow of power was slipping away from the room. In their confusion, Gruga spun and punched the men before him. With a loud roar, he kicked away the pistols and slammed them against the machines. The room grew dim and the contraption lights went out. Lieza, on the other hand, sighed as she shut down the entire power system of the lab. She ran past Paundit, opening the door, "Come on, Paundit!"
Shu and Shante stood up, as they saw the lights above them reacting strangely to the loss of power. Suddenly, as it grew completely grew dim above them, the machine that bound their hands snapped opened and fell upon the floor. Shu held his wrist in surprise, as Shante looked towards the door, hearing a strange click sound. Shante asked, "What is going on?"
Shu narrowed his eyes and looked through the bar window on the door. Slowly, he pushed the door open. Shante and Shu looked at one another in surprise. Shu nodded at her, "Looks like freedom has come to us."
"And we gladly accept." Shante and Shu walked out, looking side to side. Taking their chances, they quickly ran down the long hallway. They stopped, however, as the members of the Blood Okami turned the corner. Holding a determined face, they got ready for the battle to ensue.
Gruga glanced around with caution, seeing that all the guards were out cold upon the floor. He ran towards Shania, who was faint. The entrapment on her hands was loose, so Gruga took off the contraption on her head. He shook her gently, "Shania! Shania, pull yourself together!"
"…Gr-Gruga…" Shania slowly got herself up, while Gruga helped her. She shook her head to clear the headache infused in her mind, "Ugh…Gruga, how did you…"
"It's quite a story actually. Are you all right? Can you walk?"
"Heh. Of course, I can…Something like that can't keep me down." Shania struggled to get on her feet, as Gruga smirked. "Stubborn as usual."
"And you haven't changed during the past month. It's good to see you again." Shania smiled back at him, as he helped her out of the door. Lieza and Paundit met them there. Shania was quite surprised to see her. "Lieza…Paundit…you were here as well? This is all so sudden…"
"Makes you think we're here for a reunion, doesn't it?" Lieza laughed. Gruga, looked side to side, as the area around them was darker than usual. Due to the loss of energy, the entire lab seemed to be unstable. Gruga figured there would be more chaos amidst this confusion for the members of the Blood Okami. "Anyway, let us find Mother Claire quickly, before they spot us."
Not too far from them, Shante grabbed the punch that flew towards her face, and kneed his stomach. She kicked the heel, causing the man to fall. Holding his hood, she slammed his head upon the floor, causing him to get unconscious. Shu, in turn, was blocking the impeding attacks, and used his stealthy dash to get around the enemy to hold his arms down. Slamming unto the wall, Shu harshly questioned, "Where is Kramer?"
The enemy struggled to get free, not answering the question. Shante deeply sighed, watching the remaining men unconscious upon the floor. She turned towards Shu, who simply pinned the man harder towards the wall. The man grimaced, and steadily raised his glance towards the room on the way end of the corridor. "He's in there..."
Shu slammed his head upon the wall, knocking him out. He slid on the wall, till he reached the floor. Shante and Shu headed towards the large metal door, yet they suddenly stopped. Hearing a woman's horrified scream, they both stopped and whirled around. Shante and Shu ran back down the hall, trying to find the source. Shante glanced at Shu, "You don't think they've got someone else besides us, do you?"
"Considering their ruthless ways, it's quite possible." Both of them stopped, as they saw an old woman cowering in the corner with three members in red, reaching out to grab her. They began to drag her away, as it appeared she was attempting to escape. Shu and Shante jumped into the scene. Shu kicked the man who was holding the lady. Shante rushed to her side and turned towards her, "Are you all right?"
The elder faintly nodded and sighed. The others rushed towards Shante, but Shu got in the front and stopped their advance. Meanwhile, Gruga, Shania, Lieza and Paundit searched frantically through every cell they passed through. They drew near a larger metal door. As they were about to open it, they were suddenly thrown unto the floor. The earth beneath them uncontrollably trembled. Paundit growled, as he tried to keep his paws steady upon the floor. Lieza got on her knees, trying to use the wall to get herself back on her feet. Gruga held unto Shania, as they steadily rose to their feet. Dust started to gather around and float about, as stones clattered upon the floor. The trembling began to settle down. They all sighed with relief. The unsteady atmosphere, however, made Paundit anxious. He started to sigh and pant as he grabbed unto Lieza's skirt and pull. Shania and Gruga exchanged a confused glance towards Paundit's behavior. "Hmm…An earthquake? Hmm? What's wrong with Paundit?"
Lieza's eyes grew wide, as she turned towards her companions. "The water-!" Yet before she could finish speaking, from within the seams on the wall, water started to rapidly pour in. They gasped, as they whirled around to see the floor began to rise with water from the Razen Pond. On the other hand, Shu and Shante looked around with unease. The men before them looked with shock as they quickly retreated towards the main control room. The elderly woman held unto Shante, "This water…it's from the Razen Pond. Because of the shortage of energy, the pressure beneath the water is severed."
With the lights flickering off and on, they could only guess how long they had till the entire place would be flooded. They all began to head down the hall together. Shante looked at the lady, "Why are you here? What did they want with you?"
"I am Mother Claire. I'm a beasttalker. They've kidnapped me so that they can use my skills to experiment on the creatures that they have captured from various countries."
"A beasttalker…just like Lieza…" Shante spoke with surprise, as Shu looked about, trying his hardest to find an exit. Shu added, "That explains why the creature was able to be controlled by Kramer."
"Lieza? You know Lieza?" The elder asked. Shante and Shu both turned to her to speak, yet a loud noise caught them by surprise, as the lights upon the corridors before them lit up one by one and all the way past them. The rumbling ceased for a moment, but the water was already reaching right below their knee. Mother Claire spoke, "The power is back on, but this water…"
"It still rises! How…Ugh!" Shu grabbed unto the wall, as did Shante and Mother Claire. The shaking began again, and this time the doors to the cells flung open, with water pouring out. Shante gasped, as there seemed to be no way past the sudden flood, coming at them in an unimaginable speed. Shu groaned, "This is just great…Come on!"
They quickly trudged through the waters, trying their hardest to avoid the massive wave within the walkway. Meanwhile, Lieza, Paundit, Shania, and Gruga ran into the room with the large metal door. Slamming it shut behind them, they quickly examined the room. The water began to seep in underneath the door, and in various places the ceiling above them was leaking. Lieza looked with utter remorse, as it was not the room which held Mother Claire captive. Gruga and Shania waited near the door, yet a sudden loud shout drew their attention towards a small crevice between their present room and the room next door. Paundit growled, but Lieza quickly hushed him, as she walked forward. Gruga and Shania stood closely against the wall, overhearing the strange voices that were arguing within the room. Though the sounds were muffled, Shania recognized the coarse voice of Kramer from within the room. Lieza also listened in, as Kramer spoke, "What is going on! How did the power turn off?"
"Sir, an intruder has freed Princess Shania from the experiment…and during that process, another intruder must have—"
"Damn it! How fast is the water coming in?"
"We've got less than an hour to escape..."
"Less than an hour, huh? Hehe…" Kramer lowered his voice, as he growled, "Set free the Chimeras. Our job here is complete. We have no need for this base now."
"What of the intruders…and prisoners…?"
"Knowing them, they're probably finding a way to escape right now…but…I've got a good feeling where they are headed…We've got the chimeras and the machine is being transported to Prince Clive at this point. We've got the cards to play the final game, with the use of the chimeras and the machines, sacrificing an entire kingdom would suffice to harness the power of the Dark One again." Shania and Gruga opened their mouth in a silent gasp, as Lieza shook her head in disbelief. "Arc would be there…and many others who follow him. It'll be the perfect set, once Prince Clive sets the seal of demolition upon Palencia. The blood of those within the range of the seal will once again revitalize the strength of the Dark One and open the gates to which he can pass through into this realm in a different form...Hehe…"
"Sir?"
"Come, we've got some prisoners to recapture." Kramer opened the door and walked forward. The large room was empty, however, and he stopped for a moment, examining the floor now filling up with water. Another in the same red cloak who stood by his side, questioned, "Is there anything the matter, sir?"
"Strange…it almost feels as though someone else was in this place…"
Though his words spoke true, Kramer was too late to notice that they have already left the scene. Lieza, Gruga, Shania, and Paundit quickly rushed down the hall, with the water rising and seeping through the doors. Still searching the area, they ran through each cell door to find Mother Claire. They began to fear for Arc and the others in Seirya. Lieza and the others knew they could not leave Mother Claire behind, yet they couldn't help but wonder what would hold for the Arc's future. Gruga grunted in distress, "I wouldn't have imagined they set up such a scheme…"
"If we don't get out of here, we won't ever have the chance to warn Arc…" Shania replied with the same tone of voice as Gruga. As they kept running through the water, on the floor below them, Shante, Mother Claire, and Shu were swept up by the waters. Floating along, they held unto the air pipes on the roof of the corridors. Shu looked back at them, "We're almost there…"
They slowly headed back to their own entrance to the Chimera lab. Shu was certain they would find their escape route there. Entering the room, they saw the large staircase that led them to the next level above. "Here it is…"
They began to hold unto the railings, pulling themselves up onto the area of the stairs. Finally, they entered into a room with a lift that would lead them to surface. They sighed with relief and quickly walked towards it, as the water level was only up to their ankles now. As Shu approached the lift, the door besides them slammed open as members of the Blood Okami rushed in. Holding the usual pistols within their hands, they aimed it towards Shu, Shante, and Mother Claire, who stood still with prudence. A soft chuckle was heard behind the men in red, and Shu grimaced with resentment. Kramer passed through the entrance and looked at them with amusement. "You've always been good with directions, Shu."
"Hmph…I'm surprised to see you're still here, Kramer. You've always been the first to run away from imminent danger." Kramer gave Shu an annoyed glance and grabbed him, holding his large red scarf. Kramer stared into Shu's fearless eyes, as Shu was unwilling to hide any anger and bitterness he felt towards him. Kramer merely grinned and pushed him aside, motioning for the others to get them. Shu and Shante got ready to fight their enemies once more, determined to not get recaptured. As though their request has been answered from above, the room was thrown in great tremor. Kramer looked with alarm, as the ceiling started to cave in above them. Shu kicked away the men before them, as he rushed to the lift. Turning towards Shante, he yelled, "Hurry, to the lift!"
Unfortunately, as they opened the door to the lift, it has been flooded already, and water gushed out, unto them. With a look of pure disappointment, Shu looked towards them. "Ugh…There's no way out through here."
Shante held Mother Claire aside, while Shu looked towards Kramer and his men. Kramer grew impatient, as they were about to head towards them. Though the place was still unstable and the shaking did not cease, a loud roar behind them halt their actions. Gruga rushed in with Paundit, throwing aside the men that Kramer brought with him. Kramer and the others opened their mouth in shock. "What in the--!"
Shante could scarcely believe her eyes. "It's Gruga!" Lieza and Shania jumped past Gruga and Paundit. Lieza thrust her whip out, and slashed the remaining men, as Shania held a large spear like pole, swiped the area clear of enemies. Shu, in turn, added, "Lieza! Shania!"
Kramer, covered his face with his large cloak, as the water started splattering across the room. He jumped unto a large crate that was till above the waters, as the others did as well. Kramer looked with earnest, but his men remained unconscious afloat in the water. Shu and the others returned him a most unpleasant look. Kramer shook his head in disbelief. "Damn it all…"
Lieza smiled at Shante, who was holding Mother Claire close to her. Lieza was relieved to find Mother Claire safe. Shante also glanced at Gruga, who stood next to Shu, cautious of what is to come. Shania smirked and stared at Kramer, "It seems you are out numbered."
"Give up, Kramer…you can't defeat all of us." Shu told his old nemesis the blunt assumption for the outcome of their battle. Kramer grunted, as he took of his hood, revealing his pale complexion and hair accented by his indigo gaze. "True, I can not defeat you all together, but it is not me you are fighting anymore, old friend."
The others looked at one another with questioning intentions, yet their present situation became clear to them as the ceiling that was caving in suddenly ruptured as water poured in with a great force. Kramer laughed and whirled around from where he stood, wrapping his coat around him. Shu gasped, as he realized what Kramer was planning. Shu jumped unto crates after crates to reach him, but before he could grab unto Kramer, Kramer has completely vanished like a shadow. Shu hit the crate with his fist in anger, realizing Kramer has used a secret technique to teleport himself out of here. The force of the water caused them to fall off the crates they held unto, as they screamed. The water continually poured in, rising to the surface and filling the entire base. Every door seemed to flung open on its own, as the water quickly encompassed any available space. They struggled within the water, unable to fight the force of the revolving waves about them.
The sky grew dark within the cloudy covering over Seirya. By the looks of the city of Palencia, it was amazing to find the massive improvements. Though the fortress and all its surroundings were ruins before, the quick reconstruction of Seirya took even the foreigners by surprise. Before all other countries and kingdoms, Palencia was the first to truly reestablish their strongholds. Tall buildings stood as though a Great Disaster was an ancient myth, and the people's happy smiles and comfortable lives faded all memories of the devastating attack of the Dark One. Trading merchants have opened up their stores once more, as transportation flowed freely among the citizens just the way it has in the past. Prince Clive sat within his well built palace, appearing even more powerful than it has in the beginning of Arc's journey. From behind the curtains that were behind the large royal throne, a spruce servant walked next to Clive. "Your majesty…"
"What is it?"
"The priestess of the Sacred White Clan has arrived." Hearing this, Clive got up from his seat, as his silver cape fell aside his right arm, covering partially the right side of his body. His servant nodded and walked back within the curtains, away from the throne of power. A satisfied grin formed upon Clive's face. He walked across the sturdy red carpet before him, as the two tall doors adorned with carvings of two large soldiers holding the sun opened up, revealing Kukuru in her pastel priestess robe. She calmly walked forward. Clive welcomed her presence, as the door behind her steadily shut.
"It's been three years…and you still look fair as you have before." Clive stood in front of her, as she returned a nonchalant look to his remarks. Kukuru noticed the great improvement of the city and even Clive's own appearance was as handsome as she remembered, even with his eyes behind the glasses. She sighed and walked towards the throne, looking upwards at the chair where the fallen King once sat. "I'm impressed at how quickly you've revived Palencia. It's almost unreal."
"Of course, it was not my efforts alone." Clive walked besides her, as he gave her his hand, "Come, why don't we speak elsewhere- in a more pleasant place?"
"Clive-um…Prince Clive…" Kukuru muttered her last words with discomfort, which simply drew an amused look on Clive's face. He withdrew his hand, "Yes, Kukuru?"
"I did not come to hold a simple conversation. I've come on behalf of my people." Kukuru softly spoke. Clive warmly smiled and drew closer to her, staring into her plum eyes.
"You're worried for their wellbeing..." He faintly spoke the obvious. Kukuru nodded. "You probably knew before me, our forces are weakening. We ask the people of Palencia to lend a helping hand towards our people in rebuilding our village…"
Clive leered, as he glanced away from her for a moment, "A lending hand, you say? Hmm…the last I remembered, the alliance between Palencia and the Sacred White Clan was nonexistent."
Kukuru opened her mouth in a silent gasp, "What-what do you mean? We-we did not break our alliance…"
"Yes…you and I have not…but," Clive walked a few steps away before turning towards her again, "Perhaps you did not know, before my father passed away, he has planned a secret meeting with your father to sever the alliance between Palencia and the Sacred White Clan. With the traditions broken between our kingdoms, he believed that there was nothing that tied our two forces together."
"But--"
"The Great Disaster has swept away our past, and all of it. We are in a new era, a time of restoration…" Kukuru silently put her head down, feeling discouraged about the future of her people. Clive simply continued, "…but…I am not my father, and what does the plans of the dead matter…"
Kukuru raised a confused glance towards Clive, who gave her a striking grin. "I never planned on breaking our alliance and…I hoped you would feel the same."
"Clive…you mean," Kukuru felt hopeful, as she contemplatively looked upon the floor, "Do you mean you will help us?"
"Hehe…Perhaps...This is a negotiation after all." Clive gave her a playful smirk, as Kukuru sighed with in brief relief. Kukuru looked back at Clive, who stared at her with the same strange confidence and handsome demeanor. He walked towards her, standing before her, "We still do have a chance is reforming the lost alliance."
"A chance to reform?"
"Yes. Do you not recall? The marital tradition has always been used to renew and complete an alliance." Kukuru stepped back, quite taken aback by the request. She stared back in a defiant manner, as she lowered her voice, "You mean…the marriage between the crown prince of Palencia…and…"
"The priestess of the Sacred White Clan. It is no secret to any of us, I'm sure." Clive spoke, with an unexplainable look of composure. Nonetheless, Kukuru did not receive this matter with the same calmness. She turned away, "That- That is not possible."
"Oh? You refuse…?" Clive seemed unhindered in his plans, as he raised the usual look of poise towards her.
"Yes. I can not agree to this negotiation..." Kukuru began to head towards the door. Yet she stopped before the door, breathing heavily. She held a troubled look, as she couldn't find the courage to open the door and leave Clive's presence, to walk away from the only chance that can hold her people together. Holding the handle of the door tightly, she felt her heart drop by the overwhelming realization of her own responsibilities.
"And yet, you can't walk out of this very room, because you know there is no other way for your people…no other path…" Clive walked up to her back, as she still did not turn to face him. She solemnly whispered, "…I can decide for my people…"
"Yes, you can decide for your people. You can take this chance to lead them to a path of stability. The burden you feel is not yours alone," Clive grabbed her arm and turned her towards him, as they stood dangerously close to one another, "It is also mine to bear…if you but come to me…"
Staring into his golden eyes, Kukuru felt herself being strangely drawn towards him. The feeling was unfamiliar and intimidating, yet oddly welcoming. In the short moment, she almost wanted to stay and accept his offer. She shook her head, shocked that her abhorrent feelings towards him seemed to have mysteriously vanished, as though another force has been controlling her thoughts all the while. She felt her heart beat in a strange way, and the familiar pain began to rise. Kukuru shoved him away, "I will not come to you." Clive, however, did not stop his advance, as he forcefully grabbed her hand, "Yet you've already come here…and you know you can not leave…"
"Watch me." Kukuru ripped his grip away from her hand, as she boldly grabbed the handle, prepared to push and open the door, until Clive's words held her captive once more, "I seemed to have forgotten to say, I know a cure for the plague that attacked your village."
After a sudden pause between them, Kukuru irritably looked at him, "…You lie…there is no cure."
"There are many secrets to the Dark One and his ways. I know the cure…and I can offer it to you…"
"Hah…You're trying to blackmail me now?" Kukuru looked flabbergasted and almost found Clive's words beyond belief, "Do you think I will fall for such a ploy!" With anger boiling her blood inside, she turned away from him. Yet Clive steadily walked up to her, "Even if it was a ploy, are you willing to take the risk?"
Kukuru felt him drawing closer and she gripped the handle harder, showing the whiteness of her knuckles. From anger, her expression became unsettled. Her bitter thoughts tainted her mind and heart. He was right. She knew she couldn't take the risk of leaving behind a cure. Feeling utterly helpless within Clive's grasp and his intentions on marrying her, Kukuru sighed. Clive leaned his head close to her ear and whispered, "I will give you a day to think it over…but I'm sure you wouldn't need that much time to decide…"
Leaning forward, he pushed the door open for her. Kukuru slowly walked out of the throne room, not facing him. Clive smirked, watching her hopes fade and her expectations crumbling. The guards closed the door before him, as Kukuru effortlessly walked forward, down the steps that led to the throne room, and through the palace entrance. She felt a large emptiness cover up her heart, as she her own breath was heavy. She walked on towards her village, but her steps were unsteady. An irrepressible grief has overtaken her mind, for she could not find any other means to avoid this ordeal. As though she was chasing nothing within this dreary moment, she felt the darkness numb her heart, which once dearly believed there was still hope.
To the readers/ reviewers: Thank you for continually reading my story. I pray that you enjoyed this chapter and anticipate for the next. I'm open to suggestions towards my writing, and I hope I can only improve as time goes on. Apparently, there is some ambiguity regarding Shania's name, also known as Sania. She is referred to as both names in many different websites, so I'm planning to just stick with this Shania. Please read and review to your hearts' content. God bless you!