Chapter 7-The Azure Escort's Battle
Duran knocked on the door to Sarah's house, half expecting surprise from her, and half expecting a long scolding. Therefore, they were surprised when a small girl answered the door. Her expression was that of happiness and excitement to see the group, though she did not know them at all. Her hair was a dark brown, and she had eyes as blue as the sky, and she looked at the Force with pure joy in them.
"Mommy, mommy!" she cried excitedly, turning to her mother, who lie in bed, "We have guests."
"Let them in then." said Sarah, her voice clear and happy, "Don't let them stand in the cold."
"You can come in now." said the girl, as she hopped up and down excitedly.
The troupe entered, Duran and Orin still holding Keith. He was still asleep, and not looking to be in good shape, though the rest he was getting might help.
"Oh!" cried Sarah, as she looked at a badly battered Keith, and the rest of the bruised Force, "Are you all alright!?"
"We were attacked by devils in the fields, and we couldn't hold them off." replied Ikara, who rubbed her heavily bandaged thigh.
"Yeah, but Slade saved us. He was even kind enough to build us a camp and bandage our wounds." added Orin, who was winded from carrying Keith for so long.
"My god, and he didn't come with you, did he?" Sarah asked in an angry voice, "He could have at least tried to make sure his work had paid off by assuring you a safe trip here."
"No, that's not what----" Orin winced in pain, and almost dropped Keith, but held fast, and his knees began to buckle under the weight.
"Don't speak, tell me later!" cried Sarah, who was getting out of bed, but also winced in pain at her own wounds, and fell back onto her bed. She held her side for a moment, but opened her mouth to speak. "Kasha, get-----get your father, quickly!" she said in a pained voice, that Orin could hardly hear.
"Mommy!" said Kasha, as she began to cry.
"KASHA! Get you father now!!" she yelled, her voice still pained, but angry at her daughters worry for her. "If you want to help mommy and your guests, then get your father."
Kasha, still crying, ran to a door nearby, that lead into the forest behind the house. She returned shortly after, a man following behind her, walking briskly. A boy ran in right behind him, only slightly younger than Orin. The man was dressed in azure robes and carried an emerald green cane that gleamed at the sun coming from the windows. He had shoulder length brown hair, that was very unkempt, and his eyes were brown as well. The boy, who resembled his father by his pale face and thin, slender nose, had the same brown eyes, but his hair was black, and he did not carry a cane, but instead a rod that held a cross on the top.
"Sarah! Are you alright?" cried the man, as he rushed to Sarah's side.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine…help them, they seem much more serious." said, Sarah, as she pulled herself back into bed.
"Are you------," the man stopped in mid-sentence when he seen the look on his wife's face, and nodded.
He turned to the Force, and his eyes widened at the sight of them.
"Orin!?" he said, a look of pure surprise and curiosity on his face.
He rushed to them and dropped his cane. He grabbed Keith and through him over his shoulder, and then moved toward a small bed, which Orin suspected was Kasha's. Orin fell backward out of exhaustion, and sat against the wall, breathing heavily. Duran fell back next to him, and turned to face Orin.
"Finally we get to rest a bit…I'm so tired." said Duran.
The man turned to the boy, and said something to him that Orin could not hear. The boy walked toward Keith, and raised his rod. The tip of the rod's crucifix began to glow brightly, almost a pure white began to engulf the cross. The boy then tapped the rod to Keith's chest, and the light crawled from the crucifix to Keith's body. It swallowed him and began to grow even brighter, and then, very suddenly, the light evaporated from him, and was no more. Sarah smiled brightly at the her son, and even began to chuckle out of happiness and pride at her son's ability to heal. Keith's one eye, that wasn't covered by bandages, opened wide and he looked around the room, apparently puzzled about his surroundings.
"Ah, good Vahn, you training has paid off." said Sarah, smiling brightly with pride.
"Yes it has." said Vahn, as a small smile grew on his face.
"Kazin, help up Orin so he can be healed as well." said Sarah, whose look of worry had returned at the sight of a fatigued Orin.
Kazin walked to Orin, and put his arm over his shoulder. Orin hardly stood, his body almost limp from carrying Keith. Duran was now sleeping heavily, his face red from the workout. Ikara was now sitting by Keith, quietly telling him what had happened and why he was there. Vahn walked toward Orin, his rod raised high in the air. It began to grow bright as it had before, and Vahn's face grew determined, as if he was straining to keep the light alive. He whipped it suddenly at Orin, almost bashing him in the head with the rod, but the crucifix was held only inches from his sweaty face. Orin did not flinch at this because he was growing sleepier by the second. The light shot from the rod and engulfed Orin's body, making him glow brightly, as if he were the sun itself. The light grew brighter than before, and brighter still, making both Kazin and Vahn back away from the blinding rays. Sarah watched the spectacle, her eyes wide with wonder and awe at such a sight. It seemed as if the light was a part of Orin, and from his pure spirit, grew intense and blazed from his body. Then, the light dissipated in a glorious flash. Orin looked at them curiously examining their stunned faces.
They all shook off the spells strange effect, and began to lift up Duran's sleeping body and heal him. Ikara was then healed and Orin sat with Sarah, watching the sky outside as the clouds soared overhead. Orin explained his reasons for coming to see her and what had happened to Slade in the forest. Sarah was quiet during the whole story, but when Orin had finished, the sky had darkened, and everyone had fallen asleep, Sarah spoke in a voice soft and soothing, as she tried to comprehend what Orin had told her.
"This should not have happened." she said, as she looked up to the dim sealing of her home. "How could this be true. How could Bowie fall to that which he spent his youth battling."
Sarah's eyes filled with tears as she spoke, her voice growing more quiet and her words seemingly slipping farther from Orin.
"It could not be helped." said Orin, as his own eyes grew damp with sadness. "And I will help him to overcome these demons and devils. I will find him."
The determination in Orin's voice grew, and he stood. Tears streamed from his eyes, but his face was full of anger, and he spoke to Sarah with an undying resolve to find his father.
"He will not be punished for things he has done to help every innocent being and this damned desolate wasteland we must live in." said Orin, his voice raising as he spoke. "I can hardly live with the burdens I must carry normally, but these devils taking my father from me has worn my patients down to nothing. If it must be so that my life is taken from me in such a struggle, then so be it. I will have saved one life from torture and death."
Orin's face was red with anger, and he had been holding the hilt of his sword as if to be preparing for battle. The tears were still running slowly down his face, and he had begun to sweat profusely. When he noticed he was beginning to shout and saw the half frightened and half saddened look on Sarah's face, he sat down on his stool, and wiped away his tears.
"I…you are right Orin," said Sarah, as she too wiped away a tear, "your father does not deserve such a punishment, and neither does Slade. They fought for a life better than most people had, and these devils have begun to take back what the Shining Force had given. I would love to have helped you, but I am in no condition to do so. Even so, Kazin and Vahn might be able to accompany you as a far as you will go. Kasha is old enough to take care of my wounds, and you are in so much need of assistants in your fight."
"Thank you very much priestess." said Orin, raising again from his stool, "We will leave in the morning then."
"Yes, get some sleep now." said Sarah, as she smiled at him in her bed, her face still red from her tears.
Orin awoke early the next morning, having hardly slept at all. The thought of his father's whereabouts were beginning to frighten him. He got up and dressed quickly, despite his feeling of sleepiness, and looked around. Sarah still lie asleep in bed, as did Keith and Ikara, but Duran, Vahn, and Kazin were nowhere in sight. Orin turned to see Kasha at a small cupboard. She was pouring a large bucket of water into a large bottle, which she placed carefully into the cupboard.
"Were is everyone?" Orin asked, as he looked out the front window.
"In the back. Daddy's training Vahn and your friend is looking for wood." answered Kasha, as she began to walk to the front door. "I've got to put back the bucket, so maybe you should go watch daddy."
"It should prove interesting." said Orin as he walked to his sword that was propped against the wall. "I'd have always wondered how the Great Azure Sorcerer worked his summoning magic."
Orin went outside, as he strapped on his belt and sword, and their stood Vahn, his brown hair was waving in the spring breeze, and sweat made his hair wet and heavy looking. He stood in a defensive stance as Kazin charged him continuously at him. Vahn blocked the cane several times, and when he saw an opening, struck Kazin in the stomach. Kazin jumped backward, and chuckled at the attack.
"Amazing, you are doing much better." said Kazin, as he picked up the cane he had dropped. "Your defense against a physical attack has increased, but can you evade magic?"
With this, Vahn's face tightened angrily, and he held up his rod. Kazin shot out a small ball of light, which hit the ground fast, and cause a small crack to appear in the soil. The crack spread bigger, creating a chasm, and from its depths sprang a man. Not a normal man, but one that resembled a genie, with green robes and dark skin. Kazin smirked at the figure that had erupted from the ground, and called out to him commandingly.
"Dao, attack this boy who is your enemy!" cried Kazin, as he raised his cane to the sky.
Dao roared as though he were a demon, and rocks began to raise from the ground. Dao then made a motion with his hand, and the rocks turned abruptly toward Vahn, whose eyes widened at such a strange attack. The rocks jetted at Vahn extremely fast, and he did not even seem to notice anything had happened, until he was hit from all sides by shards of boulders.
"AHHHH!" cried Vahn as the rocks smashed into him, and crushed his body.
He then fell to the ground unconscious, his face covered in dirt and sweat. Dao disappeared, as did the chasm, and Kazin ran to Vahn's side.
"Are you ok??" he said, with a bit of worry in his voice.
Kazin spotted Orin, who had watched the entire event, and called for him to help.
"I thought he would be a bit more familiar with such attacks." said Kazin, as he began to look through his satchel. "Lift him up so I may apply some medical herbs."
Kazin pulled a small plant from his satchel, and with a flick of his wrist, it lit on fire, and became ashes. He held open Vahn's mouth and put the ashes in. Vahn coughed a bit, but became well almost instantly after eating them.
"Wow! I've never seen you do that!" said Vahn, excited and curious about his father's strength. "Were did you learn that!?"
"You acquire talents when you travel for a long time." replied Kazin, as he picked up he cane and proceeded to the back door.
Orin and Vahn followed him in. Everyone was awake now, and Kasha was boiling some water on the fire.
"I guess I never really introduced myself." said Vahn as he sat on a stool next to Orin. "My name is Vahn, and I am a priest like my mother."
"I am Orin. I'm from Granseal, and I'm searching for my father." said Orin, smiling brightly at Vahn. "My friends and I have been looking for him ever since he was kidnapped."
"And my father and I are going to help you." said Vahn. "Mother told me that you need us to help, and with father's strength as a sorcerer, the journey will be much simpler."
"Yes, but the problem is, I have no leads on my father's whereabouts." said Orin, just realizing this truth as he spoke of it. "That is why I have come here."
Suddenly, Sarah turned to Orin, and began to tell him about where he might be.
"The devils may have regrouped on the mainland." she said, as she remembered her travels to that area. "Many strong devils fled there after we defeated Zeon. They may have brought together their forces, and kidnapped Bowie because they were seeking revenge."
"And how will we get to the mainland?" asked Ikara. "We do not have a boat, and Granseal has no ships remaining after devils attacked the docks."
"Go to the ruins to the north." said Sarah. "A hermit lives there, and he knows this area better then Slade. He may be able to direct you to a port city on Grans Island."
"Then we will have to find him." said Keith as he got out of bed. "I have no reason to lie idle here. I think we should go now."
"As do I." added Ikara.
"Ok, but we must have a meal first." said Orin. "We must be well fed and strong for any attacking devils."
Keith nodded and began to get dressed. Ikara stood and went to the large oven nearby, and lit it with the tip of her staff. Kasha and Ikara prepared a great meal, and the entire household ate until they were content. When they were finished, the force waited outside, as Kazin and Vahn made final preparations and bid the rest of their family farewell. The started toward the small town they had come through just the day before, the town Sarah had told them was called Yeel. Not a single devil was sighted on the eight mile walk to Yeel, but there were often sounds of angry bellows and high pitched screeches in the forests on the way there. The Force was not worried, though they felt slightly less confident in themselves because of their loss the day before. They reassured themselves that nothing would happen, and, because of Kazin and Vahn's company, they felt safe and secure.
The sun was blazing on them as they walked to the town, and every time they reached a forest, they felt relived that the sun's harsh raze were not beating on their strength. Finally, they reached Yeel, and were happy to see the priest of the town chapel waiting for them. He greeted them happily and offered his chapel to them as a place of rest and sanctuary, as he had done a few days previous. It was still early and the group was well rested, so they thanked the priest for his offer, though they refused it, and proceeded to the entrance of the town. Kazin and Vahn both walked far ahead of the rest of the group, talking amongst themselves and seemingly paying no heed to Orin, or anyone else for that matter. Orin was not upset with them though, because he understood that, as family members, they had the most things to converse about. Duran and Keith, who stood at the back, walking slowly, conversed as well, but they had other, more childish, things to talk about. Such as the funny ways they could belch or how many bottles of spirits they could steal from a nearby pub. Ikara did not speak to Orin, and Orin did not mind this or even notice it, for they seldom talked when they were outside of the schooling environment. They walk on, through the long fields toward the northern ruins, talking less in order to become more aware of any approaching devils.
The road to the north was fairly long and rest was not acceptable until the evening because a respite during the day would cause an unneeded delay in travels. The sun was just about to reach the horizon, making the sky brightly colored with shades of red, yellow, and orange, and making the walk toward the ruins more relaxing and making the air cooler. Kazin and Vahn still walked far ahead, talking of things Orin could not make out, and Ikara had only spoken to him about how tired she was. Everyone, besides Kazin and Vahn, seemed utterly exhausted and fatigued, but they hardly complained, and considering the setting of the sun and the slight drop in temperature, they looked much more comfortable and happy.
The ruins were visible ahead of them, coming into sight only moments after the sun had disappeared behind some distant western mountains. The terrain was smooth, covered in thick grass and very few trees, making it hard for the group to spot a location for camping. However, Kazin found a place in a cluster of trees and shrubs near the mountains to the west. There had once been a large forest there, but during the construction of new Granseal, they were destroyed and the lumber used for houses and the castle. Kazin conjured a small flame and lit a fire, making the now cold night much more cool and snug. Vahn set up some cots and thin blankets that Duran had been carrying on his back, and put a large pot of water over the now roaring campfire. The crickets were active that night, and the group could barely sleep, though they were in great need of rest from their long walk. They conversed very little before they lye down to sleep, making the night a bit more calm and inactive then they all wished it to be.
Orin lay awake, as the others slowly drifted into their dreams, and he thought of what was to come. His mind was racing fearfully of what possible ways he could find his father, and he thought truthfully to himself. Even with Kazin's intelligence and powerful magic, could they really get to the mainland safely, and if so, would they even find Bowie or Slade? He thought for what seemed like the entire night, and finally he came to a conclusion. This journey might be entirely hopeless. There was hardly any chance in his own mind that he could complete such an unbelievable and paramount task as this, and that he should not have set out on something so dangerous. Then he remembered. He remembered how he had fought through a great deal of devils that no average man could even look at and how his life was saved by Slade. If his life was meant to end so suddenly in the fields outside of Yeel, then it would have been so, but his life was spared by the will of the Gods, and that life would not be wholly wasted on discontinuing his quest.
Orin believed in fate, and fate had kept him alive. Orin tossed the thought from his mind, and he promised himself that, if the Gods did willed it, he would find his father, even if he rescued him from a powerful force with his last breath of life. His mind was calm now, that is, until a sound rushed through his brain, disrupting his thoughts. He sat up abruptly and looked around to find the sound's source. No one had moved in the camp, but the sound of a horn in the distance sparked his curiosity. He stood from his cot and walked out from the small wall of tress that surrounded his camp. The horn like sound was low, and was almost like it was over the eastern sea, far away. It echoed over the vast plains, making Orin listen intently to it, almost fascinated my a sound so beautiful and serene. The sound made his mind clear and tranquil, and he closed his eyes and sat on the ground, straining to listen, as he wanted all the sound for himself. Then, abruptly and to Orin's great surprise, it stopped, and Orin opened his eyes, trying to hear the sound again. It did not come, so he stood and walked toward the east, looking at the ocean, the silver moon light dimly reflecting its radiance off the waves of the high tide. Orin now yearned for the beautiful music that came from the water, and even though the ocean was almost a half a mile away, he was willing to run to it if that sound would pierce his ears again. It did not, so he sprinted toward the ocean, growing angry for reasons he did not know, but his face turned red with frustration. As he got closer to the beautifully lit bay, he began to hear the sound again, though it was almost not there at all, Orin could still hear it, and as he got closer, the sound grew and he began to grow content and peaceful again. Finally, after running for more than ten minutes, he reached the bay, and he felt the coarse wet sand beneath his feet. He walked into the water, the sound now echoing into his ears, causing him to close his eyes again and listen to it.
"Don't get to comfortable there Orin." said a voice from behind. "You don't want her to find you my friend. Trust me on that."
Orin turned quickly around, his eyes wide with surprise at the sudden interruption of the beautiful song. There stood Kazin, a small grin on his face as he had his eyes to the moon, his face seemingly fixated on the distant serenade. Orin grew mush less tense, and he calmed himself at the sight of Kazin.
"Did you follow me here?" asked Orin, his face still red and he swallow his heart, which had jumped into his throat.
"Yes, I was awake as well, and this song captivated me just as it did you." he said, not taking his eyes from the moon. "But I think you should get out of the water, she has a powerful nose and will find you fairly quickly."
"W-what?" asked Orin, puzzled at what Kazin had said. "Who is she? We are the only ones here."
"Ah, you are not familiar with the Sirens?" said Kazin, now looking at Orin, the grin on his face widening. "Heh, Gyan seems to be behind on his teachings. A Siren makes this song, and here voice draws unknowing men into the depths of the ocean. As long as you stay out of the water and resist the urge to follow the sound, she will not finds you, and you can enjoy her riveting song."
Orin quickly got out of the water and looked to the ocean. There was water as far as the eye could see, except for a tiny rock on the horizon. Something shined brightly from it that Orin had not noticed before. There, on the rock, sat a beautiful mermaid, who was singing loudly and exuberantly.
"Do not be fooled by her appearance, Orin." said Kazin, his face now more serious. "She isn't a mermaid or beautiful, she is only a shape shifter, and her appearance and song lure sailors and tainted men to her. She turns into her natural form and feasts on their bodies as they enjoy her song even while she is ripping into their flesh."
"Well…" said Orin, slightly disgusted and horrified at the sound of the Siren and her intentions, through the song was more amazing than before.
"And just so you know, there are no mermaids. The Sirens only transform into this because of the spreading myths about how kind mermaids are." said Kazin. "It is said that a Siren that transformed to appear as a human spread this myth."
"Then why do the Sirens stay in water when they can walk and feast amongst humans?" asked Orin, now intrigued by Kazin's story.
"Because a Sirens life is ended only a few hours after her feet touch dry land. She would die long before she could fulfill her hunger." he answer calmly as the distant sound ended, and the Siren dived into the water. "Now we must go back to camp, I feel that I have left everyone unprotected by coming here."
"Right" said Orin, as he followed to keep up with Kazin's brisk pace.
Orin, now free from the Siren's song that had clouded his mind, realized how very cold it was out. He did not talk to Kazin on the way back, but Kazin looked back at him many times as they walked, and they reached the camp in only about 15 minutes. They lay down again to sleep, Orin remembering the calming song of the Siren. Once again, Orin's sleep was interrupted by a sound, but this time, it was like a whisper. It came from all around, and it terrified Orin, because he had heard the sound before. It was the sound of a devil, and a devil that had possessed Slade and Bowie, and it was near, nearer than Orin wished it to be. He sat up in his cot, his forehead sweating, and he grabbed his sword and its sheath and stood up. This creature would not get past him this time, for he was still full of energy, and not weak as he was the night before when the force of the spirit held him down. He would resist, and hopefully be able to fight the spirit off. Kazin was standing as well, and his face was angry and nervous.
"Something is coming Orin, and I don't believe that I nor you will be able to fight back." said Kazin, who was sweating nervously. "Lay down and it will not harm you!"
Kazin's voice rose only slightly above a whisper, but he had authority in his voice, and Orin lye down obediently, straining to keep his eyes tightly shut. The noise of whispering had gotten louder, and Keith, who was closest to Orin, stirred in his sleep, trying to block out that noise that was beginning to wake him. Orin, whose eyes were still closed, heard Kazin's footsteps as he ran from the camp, trying to draw the spirits from the rest of them. Orin lye quiet for a few minutes, hearing nothing but Duran's loud snoring and the crackle of the fire. He thought to himself that he should at least try to help Kazin, no matter how little he could do to aid him. He stood and grabbed his sword again, and ran after Kazin. When he reach the edge of the small cluster of trees, he spotted Kazin, several yards away from him in the field. He stood there, his eyes wide as he gripped his cane tightly, seemingly preparing to attack. Suddenly, a gray ball of mist flew quickly toward Kazin, who jump out of the way to evade the attack. The spirit like creature missed, but turn abruptly, almost catching Kazin, but he dodged again, he reflexes still fast because of his training. Orin drew his sword, confident that he could aid Kazin at least a little. He charged forward aggressively, his sword trailed behind him from his speed, and he reached Kazin's side within moments.
"ORIN!" cried Kazin, "This is NOT the time to be a hero! Go back to camp before you're hurt!"
"I will not!" responded Orin, as the spirit turned and prepared to charge again. "I've let too many people fall to this thing, and it will not happen on my watch again. No matter how little I can help you, I will do my best!"
Kazin gave in to Orin and nodded to him, surprised at his disobedience toward him.
"Thank you." said Kazin, he face growing touched for a moment at Orin's care for his friends.
The spirit charged again, this time at Orin, and Orin jumped to the side on brought down his sword to meet the spirit's body. The sword flew clear through its body, but it did not explode. Instead, it continued into the ground below it, creating a deep hole in the ground. Kazin and Orin both looked surprised at the attack.
"It is invincible to physical blows!" cried Orin, as he struggled to draw his Sword from the ground.
"Then there is no way you can help me Orin. Now I'll tell you again, flee now before I become possessed by this creature and attack you!" yelled Kazin, as he turned to face the spirit.
"NO, I've already----" Orin was cut off as the spirit rammed hard into Orin, and began to become one with his body.
"ORIN! Damn it, get OUT!" Kazin charged toward the spirit, its body still half exposed.
He was stopped and knocked back by a field of energy around the two. He jumped quickly from the ground, and watched as the spirit's body began to disappear into Orin's body. Then, very quickly, Orin's body grew white, and the spirit shot clear across the field, and exploded on contact with the ground.
"My god." said Kazin as he walked to Orin's limp, unconscious body.
He stopped suddenly, as he spotted a second spirit appearing from the air, and another appeared on his left and one on his right. Before he could fight back, they forced him to the ground, and one crashed into him, and they became one.
"Orin…take good care of Vahn…" said Kazin, his words becoming seemingly distant, and in Orin's subconscious, he would remember these words. When Kazin had run away, growling with the rage of the spirit of evil deep within him, in his mind, Orin promised Kazin that his son would be safe.
Duran knocked on the door to Sarah's house, half expecting surprise from her, and half expecting a long scolding. Therefore, they were surprised when a small girl answered the door. Her expression was that of happiness and excitement to see the group, though she did not know them at all. Her hair was a dark brown, and she had eyes as blue as the sky, and she looked at the Force with pure joy in them.
"Mommy, mommy!" she cried excitedly, turning to her mother, who lie in bed, "We have guests."
"Let them in then." said Sarah, her voice clear and happy, "Don't let them stand in the cold."
"You can come in now." said the girl, as she hopped up and down excitedly.
The troupe entered, Duran and Orin still holding Keith. He was still asleep, and not looking to be in good shape, though the rest he was getting might help.
"Oh!" cried Sarah, as she looked at a badly battered Keith, and the rest of the bruised Force, "Are you all alright!?"
"We were attacked by devils in the fields, and we couldn't hold them off." replied Ikara, who rubbed her heavily bandaged thigh.
"Yeah, but Slade saved us. He was even kind enough to build us a camp and bandage our wounds." added Orin, who was winded from carrying Keith for so long.
"My god, and he didn't come with you, did he?" Sarah asked in an angry voice, "He could have at least tried to make sure his work had paid off by assuring you a safe trip here."
"No, that's not what----" Orin winced in pain, and almost dropped Keith, but held fast, and his knees began to buckle under the weight.
"Don't speak, tell me later!" cried Sarah, who was getting out of bed, but also winced in pain at her own wounds, and fell back onto her bed. She held her side for a moment, but opened her mouth to speak. "Kasha, get-----get your father, quickly!" she said in a pained voice, that Orin could hardly hear.
"Mommy!" said Kasha, as she began to cry.
"KASHA! Get you father now!!" she yelled, her voice still pained, but angry at her daughters worry for her. "If you want to help mommy and your guests, then get your father."
Kasha, still crying, ran to a door nearby, that lead into the forest behind the house. She returned shortly after, a man following behind her, walking briskly. A boy ran in right behind him, only slightly younger than Orin. The man was dressed in azure robes and carried an emerald green cane that gleamed at the sun coming from the windows. He had shoulder length brown hair, that was very unkempt, and his eyes were brown as well. The boy, who resembled his father by his pale face and thin, slender nose, had the same brown eyes, but his hair was black, and he did not carry a cane, but instead a rod that held a cross on the top.
"Sarah! Are you alright?" cried the man, as he rushed to Sarah's side.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine…help them, they seem much more serious." said, Sarah, as she pulled herself back into bed.
"Are you------," the man stopped in mid-sentence when he seen the look on his wife's face, and nodded.
He turned to the Force, and his eyes widened at the sight of them.
"Orin!?" he said, a look of pure surprise and curiosity on his face.
He rushed to them and dropped his cane. He grabbed Keith and through him over his shoulder, and then moved toward a small bed, which Orin suspected was Kasha's. Orin fell backward out of exhaustion, and sat against the wall, breathing heavily. Duran fell back next to him, and turned to face Orin.
"Finally we get to rest a bit…I'm so tired." said Duran.
The man turned to the boy, and said something to him that Orin could not hear. The boy walked toward Keith, and raised his rod. The tip of the rod's crucifix began to glow brightly, almost a pure white began to engulf the cross. The boy then tapped the rod to Keith's chest, and the light crawled from the crucifix to Keith's body. It swallowed him and began to grow even brighter, and then, very suddenly, the light evaporated from him, and was no more. Sarah smiled brightly at the her son, and even began to chuckle out of happiness and pride at her son's ability to heal. Keith's one eye, that wasn't covered by bandages, opened wide and he looked around the room, apparently puzzled about his surroundings.
"Ah, good Vahn, you training has paid off." said Sarah, smiling brightly with pride.
"Yes it has." said Vahn, as a small smile grew on his face.
"Kazin, help up Orin so he can be healed as well." said Sarah, whose look of worry had returned at the sight of a fatigued Orin.
Kazin walked to Orin, and put his arm over his shoulder. Orin hardly stood, his body almost limp from carrying Keith. Duran was now sleeping heavily, his face red from the workout. Ikara was now sitting by Keith, quietly telling him what had happened and why he was there. Vahn walked toward Orin, his rod raised high in the air. It began to grow bright as it had before, and Vahn's face grew determined, as if he was straining to keep the light alive. He whipped it suddenly at Orin, almost bashing him in the head with the rod, but the crucifix was held only inches from his sweaty face. Orin did not flinch at this because he was growing sleepier by the second. The light shot from the rod and engulfed Orin's body, making him glow brightly, as if he were the sun itself. The light grew brighter than before, and brighter still, making both Kazin and Vahn back away from the blinding rays. Sarah watched the spectacle, her eyes wide with wonder and awe at such a sight. It seemed as if the light was a part of Orin, and from his pure spirit, grew intense and blazed from his body. Then, the light dissipated in a glorious flash. Orin looked at them curiously examining their stunned faces.
They all shook off the spells strange effect, and began to lift up Duran's sleeping body and heal him. Ikara was then healed and Orin sat with Sarah, watching the sky outside as the clouds soared overhead. Orin explained his reasons for coming to see her and what had happened to Slade in the forest. Sarah was quiet during the whole story, but when Orin had finished, the sky had darkened, and everyone had fallen asleep, Sarah spoke in a voice soft and soothing, as she tried to comprehend what Orin had told her.
"This should not have happened." she said, as she looked up to the dim sealing of her home. "How could this be true. How could Bowie fall to that which he spent his youth battling."
Sarah's eyes filled with tears as she spoke, her voice growing more quiet and her words seemingly slipping farther from Orin.
"It could not be helped." said Orin, as his own eyes grew damp with sadness. "And I will help him to overcome these demons and devils. I will find him."
The determination in Orin's voice grew, and he stood. Tears streamed from his eyes, but his face was full of anger, and he spoke to Sarah with an undying resolve to find his father.
"He will not be punished for things he has done to help every innocent being and this damned desolate wasteland we must live in." said Orin, his voice raising as he spoke. "I can hardly live with the burdens I must carry normally, but these devils taking my father from me has worn my patients down to nothing. If it must be so that my life is taken from me in such a struggle, then so be it. I will have saved one life from torture and death."
Orin's face was red with anger, and he had been holding the hilt of his sword as if to be preparing for battle. The tears were still running slowly down his face, and he had begun to sweat profusely. When he noticed he was beginning to shout and saw the half frightened and half saddened look on Sarah's face, he sat down on his stool, and wiped away his tears.
"I…you are right Orin," said Sarah, as she too wiped away a tear, "your father does not deserve such a punishment, and neither does Slade. They fought for a life better than most people had, and these devils have begun to take back what the Shining Force had given. I would love to have helped you, but I am in no condition to do so. Even so, Kazin and Vahn might be able to accompany you as a far as you will go. Kasha is old enough to take care of my wounds, and you are in so much need of assistants in your fight."
"Thank you very much priestess." said Orin, raising again from his stool, "We will leave in the morning then."
"Yes, get some sleep now." said Sarah, as she smiled at him in her bed, her face still red from her tears.
Orin awoke early the next morning, having hardly slept at all. The thought of his father's whereabouts were beginning to frighten him. He got up and dressed quickly, despite his feeling of sleepiness, and looked around. Sarah still lie asleep in bed, as did Keith and Ikara, but Duran, Vahn, and Kazin were nowhere in sight. Orin turned to see Kasha at a small cupboard. She was pouring a large bucket of water into a large bottle, which she placed carefully into the cupboard.
"Were is everyone?" Orin asked, as he looked out the front window.
"In the back. Daddy's training Vahn and your friend is looking for wood." answered Kasha, as she began to walk to the front door. "I've got to put back the bucket, so maybe you should go watch daddy."
"It should prove interesting." said Orin as he walked to his sword that was propped against the wall. "I'd have always wondered how the Great Azure Sorcerer worked his summoning magic."
Orin went outside, as he strapped on his belt and sword, and their stood Vahn, his brown hair was waving in the spring breeze, and sweat made his hair wet and heavy looking. He stood in a defensive stance as Kazin charged him continuously at him. Vahn blocked the cane several times, and when he saw an opening, struck Kazin in the stomach. Kazin jumped backward, and chuckled at the attack.
"Amazing, you are doing much better." said Kazin, as he picked up the cane he had dropped. "Your defense against a physical attack has increased, but can you evade magic?"
With this, Vahn's face tightened angrily, and he held up his rod. Kazin shot out a small ball of light, which hit the ground fast, and cause a small crack to appear in the soil. The crack spread bigger, creating a chasm, and from its depths sprang a man. Not a normal man, but one that resembled a genie, with green robes and dark skin. Kazin smirked at the figure that had erupted from the ground, and called out to him commandingly.
"Dao, attack this boy who is your enemy!" cried Kazin, as he raised his cane to the sky.
Dao roared as though he were a demon, and rocks began to raise from the ground. Dao then made a motion with his hand, and the rocks turned abruptly toward Vahn, whose eyes widened at such a strange attack. The rocks jetted at Vahn extremely fast, and he did not even seem to notice anything had happened, until he was hit from all sides by shards of boulders.
"AHHHH!" cried Vahn as the rocks smashed into him, and crushed his body.
He then fell to the ground unconscious, his face covered in dirt and sweat. Dao disappeared, as did the chasm, and Kazin ran to Vahn's side.
"Are you ok??" he said, with a bit of worry in his voice.
Kazin spotted Orin, who had watched the entire event, and called for him to help.
"I thought he would be a bit more familiar with such attacks." said Kazin, as he began to look through his satchel. "Lift him up so I may apply some medical herbs."
Kazin pulled a small plant from his satchel, and with a flick of his wrist, it lit on fire, and became ashes. He held open Vahn's mouth and put the ashes in. Vahn coughed a bit, but became well almost instantly after eating them.
"Wow! I've never seen you do that!" said Vahn, excited and curious about his father's strength. "Were did you learn that!?"
"You acquire talents when you travel for a long time." replied Kazin, as he picked up he cane and proceeded to the back door.
Orin and Vahn followed him in. Everyone was awake now, and Kasha was boiling some water on the fire.
"I guess I never really introduced myself." said Vahn as he sat on a stool next to Orin. "My name is Vahn, and I am a priest like my mother."
"I am Orin. I'm from Granseal, and I'm searching for my father." said Orin, smiling brightly at Vahn. "My friends and I have been looking for him ever since he was kidnapped."
"And my father and I are going to help you." said Vahn. "Mother told me that you need us to help, and with father's strength as a sorcerer, the journey will be much simpler."
"Yes, but the problem is, I have no leads on my father's whereabouts." said Orin, just realizing this truth as he spoke of it. "That is why I have come here."
Suddenly, Sarah turned to Orin, and began to tell him about where he might be.
"The devils may have regrouped on the mainland." she said, as she remembered her travels to that area. "Many strong devils fled there after we defeated Zeon. They may have brought together their forces, and kidnapped Bowie because they were seeking revenge."
"And how will we get to the mainland?" asked Ikara. "We do not have a boat, and Granseal has no ships remaining after devils attacked the docks."
"Go to the ruins to the north." said Sarah. "A hermit lives there, and he knows this area better then Slade. He may be able to direct you to a port city on Grans Island."
"Then we will have to find him." said Keith as he got out of bed. "I have no reason to lie idle here. I think we should go now."
"As do I." added Ikara.
"Ok, but we must have a meal first." said Orin. "We must be well fed and strong for any attacking devils."
Keith nodded and began to get dressed. Ikara stood and went to the large oven nearby, and lit it with the tip of her staff. Kasha and Ikara prepared a great meal, and the entire household ate until they were content. When they were finished, the force waited outside, as Kazin and Vahn made final preparations and bid the rest of their family farewell. The started toward the small town they had come through just the day before, the town Sarah had told them was called Yeel. Not a single devil was sighted on the eight mile walk to Yeel, but there were often sounds of angry bellows and high pitched screeches in the forests on the way there. The Force was not worried, though they felt slightly less confident in themselves because of their loss the day before. They reassured themselves that nothing would happen, and, because of Kazin and Vahn's company, they felt safe and secure.
The sun was blazing on them as they walked to the town, and every time they reached a forest, they felt relived that the sun's harsh raze were not beating on their strength. Finally, they reached Yeel, and were happy to see the priest of the town chapel waiting for them. He greeted them happily and offered his chapel to them as a place of rest and sanctuary, as he had done a few days previous. It was still early and the group was well rested, so they thanked the priest for his offer, though they refused it, and proceeded to the entrance of the town. Kazin and Vahn both walked far ahead of the rest of the group, talking amongst themselves and seemingly paying no heed to Orin, or anyone else for that matter. Orin was not upset with them though, because he understood that, as family members, they had the most things to converse about. Duran and Keith, who stood at the back, walking slowly, conversed as well, but they had other, more childish, things to talk about. Such as the funny ways they could belch or how many bottles of spirits they could steal from a nearby pub. Ikara did not speak to Orin, and Orin did not mind this or even notice it, for they seldom talked when they were outside of the schooling environment. They walk on, through the long fields toward the northern ruins, talking less in order to become more aware of any approaching devils.
The road to the north was fairly long and rest was not acceptable until the evening because a respite during the day would cause an unneeded delay in travels. The sun was just about to reach the horizon, making the sky brightly colored with shades of red, yellow, and orange, and making the walk toward the ruins more relaxing and making the air cooler. Kazin and Vahn still walked far ahead, talking of things Orin could not make out, and Ikara had only spoken to him about how tired she was. Everyone, besides Kazin and Vahn, seemed utterly exhausted and fatigued, but they hardly complained, and considering the setting of the sun and the slight drop in temperature, they looked much more comfortable and happy.
The ruins were visible ahead of them, coming into sight only moments after the sun had disappeared behind some distant western mountains. The terrain was smooth, covered in thick grass and very few trees, making it hard for the group to spot a location for camping. However, Kazin found a place in a cluster of trees and shrubs near the mountains to the west. There had once been a large forest there, but during the construction of new Granseal, they were destroyed and the lumber used for houses and the castle. Kazin conjured a small flame and lit a fire, making the now cold night much more cool and snug. Vahn set up some cots and thin blankets that Duran had been carrying on his back, and put a large pot of water over the now roaring campfire. The crickets were active that night, and the group could barely sleep, though they were in great need of rest from their long walk. They conversed very little before they lye down to sleep, making the night a bit more calm and inactive then they all wished it to be.
Orin lay awake, as the others slowly drifted into their dreams, and he thought of what was to come. His mind was racing fearfully of what possible ways he could find his father, and he thought truthfully to himself. Even with Kazin's intelligence and powerful magic, could they really get to the mainland safely, and if so, would they even find Bowie or Slade? He thought for what seemed like the entire night, and finally he came to a conclusion. This journey might be entirely hopeless. There was hardly any chance in his own mind that he could complete such an unbelievable and paramount task as this, and that he should not have set out on something so dangerous. Then he remembered. He remembered how he had fought through a great deal of devils that no average man could even look at and how his life was saved by Slade. If his life was meant to end so suddenly in the fields outside of Yeel, then it would have been so, but his life was spared by the will of the Gods, and that life would not be wholly wasted on discontinuing his quest.
Orin believed in fate, and fate had kept him alive. Orin tossed the thought from his mind, and he promised himself that, if the Gods did willed it, he would find his father, even if he rescued him from a powerful force with his last breath of life. His mind was calm now, that is, until a sound rushed through his brain, disrupting his thoughts. He sat up abruptly and looked around to find the sound's source. No one had moved in the camp, but the sound of a horn in the distance sparked his curiosity. He stood from his cot and walked out from the small wall of tress that surrounded his camp. The horn like sound was low, and was almost like it was over the eastern sea, far away. It echoed over the vast plains, making Orin listen intently to it, almost fascinated my a sound so beautiful and serene. The sound made his mind clear and tranquil, and he closed his eyes and sat on the ground, straining to listen, as he wanted all the sound for himself. Then, abruptly and to Orin's great surprise, it stopped, and Orin opened his eyes, trying to hear the sound again. It did not come, so he stood and walked toward the east, looking at the ocean, the silver moon light dimly reflecting its radiance off the waves of the high tide. Orin now yearned for the beautiful music that came from the water, and even though the ocean was almost a half a mile away, he was willing to run to it if that sound would pierce his ears again. It did not, so he sprinted toward the ocean, growing angry for reasons he did not know, but his face turned red with frustration. As he got closer to the beautifully lit bay, he began to hear the sound again, though it was almost not there at all, Orin could still hear it, and as he got closer, the sound grew and he began to grow content and peaceful again. Finally, after running for more than ten minutes, he reached the bay, and he felt the coarse wet sand beneath his feet. He walked into the water, the sound now echoing into his ears, causing him to close his eyes again and listen to it.
"Don't get to comfortable there Orin." said a voice from behind. "You don't want her to find you my friend. Trust me on that."
Orin turned quickly around, his eyes wide with surprise at the sudden interruption of the beautiful song. There stood Kazin, a small grin on his face as he had his eyes to the moon, his face seemingly fixated on the distant serenade. Orin grew mush less tense, and he calmed himself at the sight of Kazin.
"Did you follow me here?" asked Orin, his face still red and he swallow his heart, which had jumped into his throat.
"Yes, I was awake as well, and this song captivated me just as it did you." he said, not taking his eyes from the moon. "But I think you should get out of the water, she has a powerful nose and will find you fairly quickly."
"W-what?" asked Orin, puzzled at what Kazin had said. "Who is she? We are the only ones here."
"Ah, you are not familiar with the Sirens?" said Kazin, now looking at Orin, the grin on his face widening. "Heh, Gyan seems to be behind on his teachings. A Siren makes this song, and here voice draws unknowing men into the depths of the ocean. As long as you stay out of the water and resist the urge to follow the sound, she will not finds you, and you can enjoy her riveting song."
Orin quickly got out of the water and looked to the ocean. There was water as far as the eye could see, except for a tiny rock on the horizon. Something shined brightly from it that Orin had not noticed before. There, on the rock, sat a beautiful mermaid, who was singing loudly and exuberantly.
"Do not be fooled by her appearance, Orin." said Kazin, his face now more serious. "She isn't a mermaid or beautiful, she is only a shape shifter, and her appearance and song lure sailors and tainted men to her. She turns into her natural form and feasts on their bodies as they enjoy her song even while she is ripping into their flesh."
"Well…" said Orin, slightly disgusted and horrified at the sound of the Siren and her intentions, through the song was more amazing than before.
"And just so you know, there are no mermaids. The Sirens only transform into this because of the spreading myths about how kind mermaids are." said Kazin. "It is said that a Siren that transformed to appear as a human spread this myth."
"Then why do the Sirens stay in water when they can walk and feast amongst humans?" asked Orin, now intrigued by Kazin's story.
"Because a Sirens life is ended only a few hours after her feet touch dry land. She would die long before she could fulfill her hunger." he answer calmly as the distant sound ended, and the Siren dived into the water. "Now we must go back to camp, I feel that I have left everyone unprotected by coming here."
"Right" said Orin, as he followed to keep up with Kazin's brisk pace.
Orin, now free from the Siren's song that had clouded his mind, realized how very cold it was out. He did not talk to Kazin on the way back, but Kazin looked back at him many times as they walked, and they reached the camp in only about 15 minutes. They lay down again to sleep, Orin remembering the calming song of the Siren. Once again, Orin's sleep was interrupted by a sound, but this time, it was like a whisper. It came from all around, and it terrified Orin, because he had heard the sound before. It was the sound of a devil, and a devil that had possessed Slade and Bowie, and it was near, nearer than Orin wished it to be. He sat up in his cot, his forehead sweating, and he grabbed his sword and its sheath and stood up. This creature would not get past him this time, for he was still full of energy, and not weak as he was the night before when the force of the spirit held him down. He would resist, and hopefully be able to fight the spirit off. Kazin was standing as well, and his face was angry and nervous.
"Something is coming Orin, and I don't believe that I nor you will be able to fight back." said Kazin, who was sweating nervously. "Lay down and it will not harm you!"
Kazin's voice rose only slightly above a whisper, but he had authority in his voice, and Orin lye down obediently, straining to keep his eyes tightly shut. The noise of whispering had gotten louder, and Keith, who was closest to Orin, stirred in his sleep, trying to block out that noise that was beginning to wake him. Orin, whose eyes were still closed, heard Kazin's footsteps as he ran from the camp, trying to draw the spirits from the rest of them. Orin lye quiet for a few minutes, hearing nothing but Duran's loud snoring and the crackle of the fire. He thought to himself that he should at least try to help Kazin, no matter how little he could do to aid him. He stood and grabbed his sword again, and ran after Kazin. When he reach the edge of the small cluster of trees, he spotted Kazin, several yards away from him in the field. He stood there, his eyes wide as he gripped his cane tightly, seemingly preparing to attack. Suddenly, a gray ball of mist flew quickly toward Kazin, who jump out of the way to evade the attack. The spirit like creature missed, but turn abruptly, almost catching Kazin, but he dodged again, he reflexes still fast because of his training. Orin drew his sword, confident that he could aid Kazin at least a little. He charged forward aggressively, his sword trailed behind him from his speed, and he reached Kazin's side within moments.
"ORIN!" cried Kazin, "This is NOT the time to be a hero! Go back to camp before you're hurt!"
"I will not!" responded Orin, as the spirit turned and prepared to charge again. "I've let too many people fall to this thing, and it will not happen on my watch again. No matter how little I can help you, I will do my best!"
Kazin gave in to Orin and nodded to him, surprised at his disobedience toward him.
"Thank you." said Kazin, he face growing touched for a moment at Orin's care for his friends.
The spirit charged again, this time at Orin, and Orin jumped to the side on brought down his sword to meet the spirit's body. The sword flew clear through its body, but it did not explode. Instead, it continued into the ground below it, creating a deep hole in the ground. Kazin and Orin both looked surprised at the attack.
"It is invincible to physical blows!" cried Orin, as he struggled to draw his Sword from the ground.
"Then there is no way you can help me Orin. Now I'll tell you again, flee now before I become possessed by this creature and attack you!" yelled Kazin, as he turned to face the spirit.
"NO, I've already----" Orin was cut off as the spirit rammed hard into Orin, and began to become one with his body.
"ORIN! Damn it, get OUT!" Kazin charged toward the spirit, its body still half exposed.
He was stopped and knocked back by a field of energy around the two. He jumped quickly from the ground, and watched as the spirit's body began to disappear into Orin's body. Then, very quickly, Orin's body grew white, and the spirit shot clear across the field, and exploded on contact with the ground.
"My god." said Kazin as he walked to Orin's limp, unconscious body.
He stopped suddenly, as he spotted a second spirit appearing from the air, and another appeared on his left and one on his right. Before he could fight back, they forced him to the ground, and one crashed into him, and they became one.
"Orin…take good care of Vahn…" said Kazin, his words becoming seemingly distant, and in Orin's subconscious, he would remember these words. When Kazin had run away, growling with the rage of the spirit of evil deep within him, in his mind, Orin promised Kazin that his son would be safe.