RW Universe: The Mortal Realm Chapter 34: UC: The Followup Report, a ronin warriors fanfic

Unforeseen Circumstance

The Follow-up Report

(Day 15)

By: Little Ucchan

Blink. Blink. The little imp cocked its body to the side, seeing the demon-girl Yume approach the castle gates, like she had done so only a few hours ago. How strange. She was done with her mission already?

Staring up at the flying spherical creature staring back at her, she found it a bit unsettling to be able to see her image reflecting off its iris. Weird floating eyeball. Well, she shouldn't exactly criticize. Many demons thought her to be stranger than the /optibs/.

It blinked again, the closing of its eyelid being actually audible considering it was the size of a volleyball. State your business.

She nodded, saluting the sentry standing guard. "I'm here to give my report."

The demon flapped its tiny wings, that being the only other organ it had at it's disposal, this class of imps being the simplest of all.

Entry… Granted. It moved aside, allowing Yume to pass. Proceed.

She bowed slightly, walking through the main castle gates into the lobby room. There, another /optib/ greeted her. This one had better communication skills. Who must you see?

"Either the Demon Lord Tajhinn or General Kayeda, please."

It nodded, or bobbed its… eye in acknowledgement. This way. The Demon Lord is waiting for you in the audience hall.

***

It squinted its eye, the /optib/ hovering a few inches forward at the fast approaching boy heading its way. It's eyeball flickered yellow, the lid acting as a camera shutter, blinking once to create a photo snap shot of the unidentified figure in its mind's eye. The mini-demon analyzed the image, the picture becoming more clear within the depths of its pupil.

Identification complete… Maki Mihokita. Authorization at entrance… Granted.

It stood aside as a sign of clearance to pass. Proceed.

Maki smirked, giving a quick victory sign in thanks before running by the /optib/. He skidded to a halt in the main lobby, finding the normal 'desk' imp, as he would call it, not present. He frowned. Shoot. It must be walking Yume to the audience hall.

If he ran now, he could beat them to Lord Tajhinn. But if I barge in and the Boss is in a meeting… Oh that would just be the 'perfect' end to an already 'perfect' day. C'mon!! Think!!

He suddenly snapped his fingers, an idea coming to mind. That might just work. Maki grinned, sprinting down the opposite hallway, descending a staircase to one of the castle's lower levels. He simultaneously touched two of the brick panels lining the inner wall as he went, both easily sliding back at the pressure, activating a hidden passageway to open up at the base of the staircase. He just better not give me any lip for doing this, Maki grumbled as he ran down the new flight of stairs, the entrance instantly sealing itself once he had safely passed through.

***

Tajhinn frowned at the news the /optib/ had delivered him. Yume? Back already? He was almost certain that she had left the castle less than an hour ago. This didn't bode well.

"What do you think happened, Kayeda?" the Demon Lord asked once the imp had flown out of the room, leaving the two of them alone in the middle of the vast open space of the grand hall.

The veteran demon took a moment to reply, gathering his thoughts. "To be frank with you, My Lord, I do not believe she was even able to battle."

"So, you're of the same opinion."

He nodded. "I'm sorry that I had not told you beforehand, but I had instructed her to come back if there was a problem, regardless if she was able to complete the mission or not."

"Hmph." He smirked. "You're quite protective of her."

"Of course." Kayeda closed his eyes. "But… so are you, My Lord."

Tajhinn allowed himself to smile. "Yume is a special case. Although I wonder…" He placed a clawed hand underneath his chin. "What could have made her come back?" The demon-girl's loyalty to him was without question. Not to mention Yume's vigorous nature and stubbornness would not have allowed her to back out of a fight. Not this quickly.

Kayeda was in agreement. "Something is not right. But we should wait for her report before passing judgment on the matter."

Lord Tajhinn nodded, a sudden, playful grin crossing his face. "Kayeda, sometimes I think you should be sitting on this throne instead of I."

His grin widened at the slight discomfort his general had shown. "My Lord. I am honored that you think I am worthy of your position. However, I cannot lead the people to victory as you can."

He raised an eyebrow at that response. Oh really? With that, the demon-dragon sat up, motioning with his hand for the captain of the BlackGuard to sit. "Want to try?"

This time, he got a better reaction.

"M-My Lord!! You cannot be serious!!"

"C'mon," he urged good-naturedly. "Just for the day."

Kayeda crossed his arms, looking sternly at the Demon Lord. "My Lord, this is not the time to be taking things lightly! The future of our people depends on your leadership. You cannot act so… so…"

"Flippant," Tajhinn suggested.

"Yes. That's the word," he nodded. "It is very dangerous to act as such. Especially during a crucial time like this!"

He smiled lightly. "Yes I know."

Kayeda sighed, frustrated at his leader's actions. "I don't understand you sometimes, My Lord. If you knew that, why did you suddenly---"

"A leader is only as good as his followers." Lord Tajhinn smiled again at the general's confused expression to his roundabout way of answering his question. He sat back down, flapping the wings on his back to get comfortable. "Think nothing of it Kayeda."

After a moment, he reluctantly bowed as a sign of withdrawal. He knew better than to pry any further, not that it would have gotten him anywhere if he tried. The Lord had a knack for answering a question without really answering it.

The front door to the chamber creaked open, the same /optib/ from before entering the room. Lord Tajhinn. General Kayeda. Miss Yume has arrived.

The demon-dragon nodded, about to speak when he stopped short, both he and Kayeda stiffening at the energy signal that just snapped through their minds. He looked at the general sharply, who also sported a look of concern on his face. Someone was in the Gates System.

The /optib/ blinked, flapping its wings in discomfort when neither of them had answered. Should I send her in?

"No." Tajhinn stood up, Kayeda already making his way to the back of the hall. "Ask her to wait until we get back."

It bowed in compliance. Yes, My Lord.

Lord Tajhinn lingered for a moment, waiting until the messenger had departed the room before following Kayeda, who was standing patiently in attendance, his hand already wrapped around the curved base of the wall lantern by his side. He readjusted his grip on the large pole-ax in his left hand. "Should I place the BlackGuard on alert?"

"Where is the energy signal?"

"Inside the main chamber, My Lord."

Tajhinn lowered his eyes in contemplation. The main chamber was at the heart of the castle. To get there that fast…

He shook his head. "No. We'll handle this ourselves."

Kayeda blinked, opening his mouth for a moment before closing it again at a loss of words. He didn't deem it necessary to place the BlackGuard on alert? That was a very odd move, to say the least. Travel within the Gates System was strictly prohibited, free access only being permitted during the most extreme cases of emergency. And aside from the Demon Lord, Kayeda was the only person allowed to traverse the network freely. So to find a demon inside, one that Lord Tajhinn wasn't aware about, and not be concerned…

The general narrowed his eyes, his forehead creasing with wrinkles. "You know who it is, don't you."

The demon-dragon looked at him for a moment before redirecting his gaze, sensing the irritation in Kayeda's sharp accusation. "…Yes."

"Honestly, My Lord," the veteran sighed, pulling down on the lantern and pushing in two marble stones, the combination sliding open a hidden doorway at the back of the audience hall. "Must you continuously keep secrets from me?"

"Must you keep them from me?" he retorted coldly, walking briskly into the passage without waiting for a response.

"My Lord!"

No answer was given, his voice echoing down the hallway, the shadows of Tajhinn's form no longer in sight.

Kayeda sighed, standing uncertainly in front of the entrance, troubled by his lord's sudden change in mood. He shook his head sadly. "I do not understand you, My Lord. …You are much different from your predecessor."

***

The taxi cab pulled away from the curb, having had dropped off its passengers at their destination, Kou Seika Medical Hospital. Laura watched the yellow car drive down the street, absently staring at the backlights before it passed out of view. She was vaguely aware of Sammy's excited chatter and Kei's soft giggles. But nothing more. Gazing up towards the sky, the autumn weather blowing a chilly wind against her face, her mind was completely lost. Everything was moving so fast. None of it was registering. …Did it all really happen?

She looked down at herself, her sullied clothes and torn winter coat, and closed her eyes, all the memories of the past two weeks flooding her mind, trying to sort through the jumbled images to find some sort of order to them. But she found that she couldn't, the shock of today too much for her right now. Too much happened. Too much had changed… for her to be able to grasp anything at all.

"Oneesan!!"

Sammy had grabbed hold of her sleeve and started pulling, trying to bring her elder sister out of the cold and into the warm atmosphere of the hospital. "Oneesan! Come inside!!"

Laura allowed herself to be dragged through the front entrance where Kei was, quietly walking around the lobby, looking at her new surroundings. "It's… big," she gawked, craning her neck up at the very high ceiling that seemed miles and miles above her head.

One of the desk nurses, a young lady possibly right out of medical school, was watching the little girl with amusement. She was smiling charmingly at her before her gaze fell on Laura. Her mouth dropped open in shock.

"Miss! Are you alright?!"

The teenager blinked, confused when the nurse left her desk and rushed over towards her. She took her face in her hands, taking a good look at the young girl. "Dear God, what happened to you?"

Laura blanked. "I, uh…"

"Ishida-san!!" the woman suddenly called, not giving her enough time to come up with a proper response. Spotting another nurse pass by, the young lady called out to her. "Cassy!! Call Ishida-san over right away!"

The other woman, also seeing Laura's state, nodded quickly and hurried down the hall. The girl cocked an eyebrow. Did she really looked as bad as everyone was leading on? She actually felt a lot better compared to before. But then again, taking another look at her attire, she did look pretty beaten up. And for a girl her age to walk into a hospital in that sort of state at night with two kids… well no wonder they were making a fuss over her!! People must be imagining the worst!

Oh well. She didn't pay it any mind. Although she did wonder, assuming that this was the same nurse that must have seen Ryo and Sage walk in, how their entrance impacted the hospital. Laura almost smiled at the thought of Ryo walking in with his armor, but she knew he was too smart to have done that.

Ryo…

Sage…

God, she hoped they were okay.

A quiet sigh had interrupted her thoughts, snapping to attention when an older woman, around her early forties, was standing at the doorway to an empty patient's room. Laura look a moment to look around her, not even remembering being guided into the room to begin with.

I must really be out of it… Wait, where's Sammy and Kei? A quick glance outside had reassured her, the two girls talking with the nurse from earlier who, she guessed, had just left the room when this other woman had come in.

She shook her head, almost in a sad, yet amused way as she walked further into the room, slightly closing the door behind her. "That Rhana." The nurse shook her head again, an apologetic smile coming to her lips. "I keep telling her not to get overzealous in her work, but what can I do? She's young, and very passionate, so please excuse her for overreacting."

It took Laura a moment to realize that Rhana was the young nurse that had made such a fuss over her in the lobby. "Oh, it's okay. I understand. Besides, I must have scared her with the way I walked in."

She nodded, moving to stand across from the teenager, folding her arms and doing a quick mental examination with her eyes. "You look as if you've had it rough. But you don't have any major injuries, do you?"

Laura shook her head. "No, I don't."

"Any internal pain?"

Another negative.

"How about light headedness?"

"No. I only have cuts and bruises. Maybe a few sore muscles. But that's something time and sleep can easily cure."

For reasons unknown to her, the woman laughed. "That's true. But let's tend to your injuries anyway. I want to fully examine your condition just to make sure nothing else is wrong." The nurse opened one of the cabinet doors, taking out some bandages, gauze, and rubbing alcohol to name a few. "By the way, I'm Hanako Ishida, the nurse in charge of this floor."

"Laura Kinoku," she greeted back, taking off her coat jacket and seating herself more comfortably at the edge of the bed. "Ishida-san, you don't have to do this. I'm sure you have patients that need your help more than I do." Besides, she wanted to be alone. Or rather, she wanted to find Ryo. Find out what happened to Sage. Just be in the presence of one of them, so maybe the world would stop spinning.

Nurse Ishida shook her head in that same amused fashion, unaware of the inner turmoil within the young girl's heart. "You sound just like my last patient," she commented, taking the girl's arm and starting to clean her wounds. "He came in bleeding profusely from his shoulder, and yet all he worried about was that his friend got attended to as quickly as possible." Nurse Ishida didn't notice Laura's eyes widen as she was telling her story. "He wouldn't let any of the doctors sew up his shoulder. Instead, he insisted that they watch over his friend and not worry about him. I finally managed to bandage his shoulder and place his arm in a sling, but that's all he'd let me do. Stubborn young man, if I've ever seen one. But God bless his heart."

"Where is he?"

Nurse Ishida stopped her work, looking at the girl in amazement. "You know him?"

She nodded, almost in urgency. "Do you know where he is? Is he still here?"

"As far as I know, he didn't leave the hospital. But---hey!! Wait!" By the time Nurse Ishida had stepped outside, Laura was already down the hall and out of her sight.

The woman sighed, shaking her head. "Teenagers."

***

He was concentrating hard, his hand grasp firmly around his armor orb hidden away in his slack pocket. This was the best he could do after all. Sage was still in intensive care. And calling the guys over here would take too much time, not to mention risky considering that Ryo didn't know where the armor orbs were, if Laura had them on her right at this moment or not. Unfortunately, once he had set foot inside the hospital, there was no time to set in motion the alternative plan he was hoping would work. Sage was in critical condition. And Ryo just had to believe that his power alone was strong enough to support him.

He pushed himself even harder, feeling the warmth of his kanji on his forehead, sending his energy to Sage and his armor, knowing that his link to Halo was still strong, despite the blonde's weakened state.

Ryo grimaced slightly, feeling the wound on his shoulder open up again, the bandages beginning to turn red with blood. He sighed, momentarily releasing his grasp on his orb and gingerly touching his shoulder. The wound won't heal right away if I keep using my energy like this. Not that that was going to stop him.

Taking hold of his armor orb again with his free hand, Ryo continued to concentrate. The wound would have to wait, feeling Sage's aura in his mind just beyond the automatic swinging doors. He needed Ryo's support. And he wasn't going to deny him that when he needed him the most. Hang in there, Sage.

"Ryo!!"

He turned around when he heard his name called, a bit confused, but then delighted when he discovered who it was. "Laura! You got here safely." He couldn't help the smile, watching as the girl took a moment to catch her breath. "I'm glad. I was starting to worry."

She nodded, already looking him over, her medical habits kicking in. Ryo's wound was dressed properly, but the blood was starting to soak through the bandages. They'd have to be changed again, but at least that wouldn't be a serious hassle. Ryo had the foresight to leave his injured arm exposed, having had unbuttoned his shirt halfway down and taken out his arm from the sleeve. He had also draped his school jacket around his shoulders for warmth. It got fairly cold in the hospital. Finally, Laura looked into his face, seeing the worry and slight fatigue. But nothing to be overly concerned about. His aura was coming out strong, the mix of energies that she had identified as Ryo's unique combination a comforting feeling to her troubled mind. He's just fine. He'll be okay.

"What's wrong?"

"Hmm?" Laura didn't realize that she had been staring at him for a long time now. "Oh, it's nothing. So how's Sage?"

Frowning slightly, he decided to let that slide, turning his attention to down the hall, past the double doors where, somewhere, his friend was lying unconscious. "I don't know." He had pulled the armor orb out of his pocket, and now was fiddling with it absently. "I only know his mental state through the armor link, and if I judge by that…"

A slender hand had closed around his. Laura lifted his arm, sliding her palm under the back of his hand, both looking worriedly at the bright red marble that was their only way of possibly helping Sage. She then, silently, placed her other hand over Ryo's, gently closing his fingers around their only beacon of hope. "Don't." She shook her head. "Don't think of that. Just…"

"…Believe." He finished for her.

She nodded, biting back on her bottom lip. Ryo sighed, lifting his arm up and placing it around her, bringing her close to him as a way of comfort.

She didn't protest.

He half smiled when he felt her arm quietly go around his waist. He watched her lean her head against his shoulder, surprised at how gentle she was. This was right. He didn't know how he knew it, but it felt natural… the way she was now. You're changing, Laura. Back to… the way you were before? Your childhood? He smiled at the thought, reflecting on the events of today. Maybe this was what you really needed…

Friends by your side.

"Laura?"

There was no reply, but he knew she was listening.

Ryo sighed, pausing for a moment. It was now or never.

"I'm sorry… about Saturday."

She lowered her head, fiddling with one of the belt loops on the hem of his pants. She didn't answer. He didn't know if his words had any affect, her unresponsiveness making him nervous. Maybe, she really hasn't forgiven him.

He was about to speak again, to try one more time, when Laura clasped her hand over his. "I know… " She gave it a small squeeze, absently running her thumb against his skin. "…So am I."

***

"Phew!" Maki wiped the sweat from his brow, leaning against the stone wall of the cylinder room. "Made it."

He straightened himself up, running his fingers a few times through his hair to rid it of its disheveled state. Navigating through the Gates System, with its numerous crisscrosses and false passages, was not an easy feat. And he was sweating from the effort.

But… He smiled, already feeling the Demon Lord's presence steadily coming his way. This was the most effective way to reach him. And he was glad that it worked. Maki was certain that Lord Tajhinn would want to know of his discoveries before meeting with Yume.

Maki saluted the demon-dragon once he had fully entered the chamber, waiting till he inclined his head towards him before standing at ease. "Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."

"Actually, I was about to meet with Yume," he replied, pulling out a chair and seating himself at the round table situated in the middle of the room. "But I'm sure you were well aware of that."

He shrugged his shoulders apologetically. "Just thought I'd do you a favor."

"Yes, well next time, be more discreet with your approach. I almost had the entire BlackGuard out for your hide."

Maki smirked. "I could have taken them on."

"Enough of your arrogance, Maki," Tajhinn snapped. "Try to refrain from using such tactics again. Dire consequences may follow your actions."

The teenager was taken aback by his tone. My, ain't he a bit peevish today. He glanced at the Demon Lord, recognizing the look of irritation on his face. Geez. What set him off?

"My Lord." Kayeda had just entered the small room, committed to apologizing for his earlier comment when he saw the 'intruder' that had been using the Gates System. The larger demon immediately did a double take. "Maki!?"

Kayeda!? He almost chocked on his own spit at the sudden entrance of the general. Oh shit!! He was the last person that needed to know that he was in here!

He was the one who--- The veteran fighter seemed to have fallen into a bad state of shock upon seeing the boy, not being able to speak or move for quite a lengthy period of time. But once he had gotten over it, Kayeda was fuming in anger. That boy… His grip on the shaft of his pole-ax tightened. He does not know his place among us!! What right does he have to summon the Lord himself?!

"Settle down, Kayeda," Tajhinn ordered, breaking the tension that was building up in the tiny room. "I gave him permission to call on me if needed."

"Oh. I see." He nodded towards them, his previous anger slowly quelling down, but not by much. He showed signs of discomfort at the idea of the teenaged ruffian knowing about the hidden passageways that lied within the walls of the castle. The Gates System was the castle's strongest asset, as well as their most dangerous weakness. And to have Maki wandering, unattended, around the castle within the very network that could lead assassins or worse straight into the Lord's throne room… Argh!! It made his blood boil. How could the Lord trust such an irresponsible---

Kayeda stopped himself, retracting his previous thought upon remembering how fast Maki had reached the main chamber, the deepest and hardest part of the Gates System to reach. It was if the lad knew it as well as he did, meaning that he must have traveled through it many times before. But why wasn't he aware of this?

"Honestly, My Lord. Must you continuously keep secrets from me?"

Secrets.

It was possible that the young soldier had been employed under the Demon Lord's services for much longer than he had first thought. That piece of information, obviously, was not supposed to be known to him. But knowing it now made him feel at ease. So Maki, you have earned the Lord's trust. He smiled at the irony of a boy such as him actually being the reliable type. Well… you have mine as well.

Kayeda nodded again, this time with more normalcy. "My Lord. If you wish, I shall leave so you and young Mihokita can converse in private."

Tajhinn smiled at his change of opinion. "That won't be necessary, Kayeda. What Maki has to say I'm sure you'll want to hear as well." He then turned to address the boy. "Am I right? You wouldn't have taken such extreme measures, otherwise."

He nodded, crossing his arms over his chest and acting more comfortable than before, now that Tajhinn was no longer irritated and Kayeda seemed to have reconciled their differences. "Sorry I had to do this, but Yume came back early because I was the one who had told her to withdraw."

Tajhinn blinked. He…

Kayeda was furious. "You what?!"

Maki gulped. Oh boy.

"For what reason?" the demon-dragon quickly asked, lest the fragile peace that they had established within the room shatter.

"There were too many unknown factors," Maki said, breathing a silent sigh of relief at the Lord's intervention. "Two other warriors were fighting on the demon hunter's side. Yume wouldn't have been able to handle them on her own."

To that, Kayeda had to agree, forgetting the boy's previous offense. "Two other warriors…" he mused, looking towards the Demon Lord. "What does this mean, My Lord? The rune bearer has new allies?"

"Apparently," was his reply. However, that bit of information wasn't what he was concerned with. "What else?"

Maki blinked. "What do you mean?"

"If there was just an increase in enemies, you would have joined the fight instead of retreating. That was the initial reason as to why I told you to follow her, so she could rely on your help." Tajhinn laced his clawed fingers together, resting his elbows on the table counter in a thoughtful manner. "But you revoked my order to Yume because of another reason. What was it?"

Maki nodded, acknowledging that what he said was true. His countenance had changed when he began to report the 'meat' of his findings, all joking aside as the seriousness of the matter had brought out a profound somber air about him. "There was another demon present on the battlefield. And he attempted to kill the demon hunter."

***

"Outrageous!!" That was the only word Kayeda had managed to cry out, his anger stalking to a point where it was difficult to even speak what he wanted to say.

The general's current state had alarmed Maki. The boy was very well acquainted with his fits of anger, Kayeda usually being either extremely ticked off that he'd lash out in a very strong verbal argument or seething quietly in anger if it wasn't his place to do so. Never both. And that was how he seemed to be reacting right now.

The boy glanced over at his lord, taking note of the demon-dragon's impassive look. Lord Tajhinn had yet to speak, but that did not mean that Maki's words hadn't had an impact on him.

"To try and kill…" The general's voice was shaking with rage, each word uttered out of his mouth having had been forced through clenched teeth. "To try and kill the rune bearer… is to murder the entire demon race!! What demon in their right mind would wish for his own kind's destruction!?!?"

"Not one of our own."

Kayeda had stopped his tirade, that one sentence blowing away any anger he might have had the instance it reached his ears. "Not one of…" He turned towards the Demon Lord, still seated calmly in his chair with his chin resting on top of his folded hands. "My Lord."

Tajhinn did not answer, instead keeping his gaze riveted on Maki, waiting for confirmation.

The boy nodded.

"That's what I thought. He looked like a /dhalvian/, but he was too strong to be a member of that class. He also had a few weapon modifications built into his body."

"Weapon modifications?" Kayeda echoed. "Of what sort?"

Tajhinn shot a questioning glance towards the general, catching the surprise in his voice. Maki had noticed it too, but answered the general's question. "Cast-iron horns on the shoulders acting in the same fashion as how the /dhalvians/ would use the spiked extensions on their arms. The demon also had a large arm guard used to shoot out volleys of energy darts."

Kayeda crossed his arms over his chest, his brows knitting together. Weapon modifications? He shook his head in disbelief. Impossible… That ability was lost to our race long ago.

"He could telepathically speak too," Maki added as an afterthought.

Speak? Lord Tajhinn didn't like the sound of that. Telepathic communication, especially on the level where thoughts can be substituted for regular speech, was a talent usually reserved for the more advanced classes. /Dhalvians/ have trouble voicing thought-syllables. There was no way this demon learned to thought-speak by normal means. He quickly stole a glance towards Kayeda, concluding that the veteran had reached the same conclusion. But his eyes betrayed his worry over the new development. What Maki had revealed meant more to the demon than it should.

Tajhinn frowned, wishing he knew what exactly was troubling him. It will have to wait. "Anything else?" he inquired when it seemed as if Maki was done with his report.

The boy crossed his arms, his head leaning back to gaze at the elevated high ceiling of the circular room. "Well, he had this tattoo…"

Kayeda stiffened.

Maki's features creased as he averted his attention to the floor patterns beneath him, shifting his weight as he thought about the mark on the demon's left bicep. "It's weird. I know I've seen it before, but vaguely."

"Go on," Tajhinn urged, half of his attention being diverted to the general's rising anxiety. "Describe it to me."

"Well…" He held up his hand in front of his face, trying to trace it out in the air. "It had two lines running parallel to each other. Starting from the bottom, it curved sharply in a hook… then shot up, and dipped down in an almost half circle before---"

Crack!!

Maki stopped, his finger hanging suspended in the middle of his air-drawing when he and Lord Tajhinn heard part of the floor chip. His eyes momentarily widened when he caught sight of the base of Kayeda's pole arm digging into one of the slate panels, numerous other cracks splintering like little rivulets from its epicenter.

"K-Kayeda?"

The demon gave a start, surprised to find both Maki and Lord Tajhinn staring at him. "I…" He slowly pulled up the shaft of his weapon, leaving a circular indentation of the base of his pole arm imbedded into the stone plate. "I am sorry… My Lord. I don't know what came over me."

Tajhinn caught the odd glint Kayeda had in his eyes, visibly shaken by his own strength and lack of control. A very passionate individual, it would only seem natural for the elder general to get worked up like this. But for he himself to be worried about his own actions, almost scared of it…

"Maki, will you excuse us?"

The boy stuttered for a moment, the sudden request catching him off guard. "Uh… sure thing, Boss," he nodded, saluting. "I'll be around if ya need me."

Tajhinn nodded back, sitting in silence even long after Maki had left the two of them alone. Kayeda was still in a state of shock, and the demon-dragon did not know exactly how to begin. But after a few more minutes, the silence was broken.

With a disheartened sigh, Kayeda wiped the sweat from his brow. "Again, my deepest apologies, My Lord. I should have had more control."

He waved it away with his hand. "There's no need for that. I already know how deeply moved you sometimes get."

"Still," he began to protest. "That's not an excuse for my---"

"Kayeda, how long have I known you?"

He didn't answer, not needing to in order to get his point.

Tajhinn smiled. "You don't have to apologize… for having emotions."

After a short pause, he nodded. "Yes, My Lord."

"Good. Now that that's settled… Tell me, Kayeda. What is the history behind the tattoo that Maki described?"

The veteran looked down at his lord from where he stood by his side. The kindness was gone, Tajhinn's usual stoic demeanor returning once again. Maki was right. Unknown factors did not mix well with the Demon Lord, this one especially if it could warrant such a reaction from his own general. Their next move on this grand scheme depended now on what information Kayeda could give him on the identity of that one demon.

He hesitated in speaking, and Tajhinn had noticed.

"I don't think I have to explain to you how important this is."

"No, My Lord. This is just a difficult topic for me to discuss."

"Oh?" He raised an inquisitive brow. "It has to do with the War of Two Races then."

A pause. "…Yes." The period of silence that immediately followed was imminent.

Lord Tajhinn unfolded his hands, sitting back in his chair. "Is he…" He didn't know how to word this, the very concept being impossible.

"…A warrior from the revolution?" Kayeda had similar thoughts. "I am not certain, My Lord. It's possible… but very unlikely."

"What do you propose then?" The demon-dragon looked up to his side, the conviction he heard in Kayeda's response prompting him to ask what he thought of the situation.

Kayeda took a moment to gather his thoughts as well as his strength, what he was thinking not brewing well with their current situation. "My Lord, let me take a minute to explain what the symbol means, since you have not seen it before." Tajhinn didn't protest, so he continued. "The tattoo the demon wore was called the Flame of Revolution, created back during the olden days to identify members of the revolt."

He then loosened the lone scale-layered metal armguard on his left forearm, revealing to the young lord a scar that had fit Mihokita's description, except it very much resembled an old war wound, the skin tracing it faded lighter and more tender than the rest. But the mark was very well defined, Tajhinn being able to make out the two lines that ran alongside each other in an intricate dance of fire.

Kayeda pulled back after a moment, rearming himself as he spoke. "The lines represent two opposing forces, the outer, thicker pattern being the oppressor; the inner, the rebels." He smiled ruefully, reminiscing. "It was… a symbol of strength for the underdog, for it would seem like the outer design was overshadowing the inner… But as you moved up, the tables turn, and in the end it was the inner line that came out on top as the conqueror instead of the conquered."

"So…" Lord Tajhinn made sure to choose his words carefully. "You are saying, then, that the tattoo is a sign of defiance against a ruling power. And therefore, when applied to our own situation, a sign of revolt against me."

"I do not wish to believe it as such." Kayeda was shaking his head, infuriated by the very thought. "It was a sign of hope and freedom for our kind. I do not wish to believe that this sacred symbol of our history be used in such a mocking tone against that which we have worked so hard to achieve!"

"Well, someone seems to think that the flame is a fitting icon for their little game."

Kayeda couldn't help but growl, shocked by the audacity this unknown demon had to go against the new regime. "I will find out exactly who is moving against you, My Lord."

"You will do no such thing."

"My Lord?"

Tajhinn shook his head. "Keep your eyes open, that is all. It isn't wise to move this early in the game, lest the demon that Maki reported was not the only one bearing that mark." He shut his eyes, already thinking of what moves he could make on this giant chessboard of war. "We'll play ignorant for a while longer. Perhaps then will the mastermind reveal himself."

***

[5:22 PM]

Ring…!

Ring… Click!