Chapter 11 Part I: Calm Before the Storm

Taranee was dreaming, this she was certain.

Looking around, Taranee didn't recognized the room. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the floors lined up with lacquered floorboards and tatami mats. Before her lies a square-shaped sunken hearth filled with kindling and ashes. In the center of the pit emitted a faint glow of a quiet, smoldering ember. From the ceiling above was an adjustable pothook with an iron kettle dangling on the end. There were sitting cushions for four on all sides.

Before Taranee could ponder more of the setting, the sliding screen door to her right opened. She bristled and turned to see the newcomer dressed all in black, from kimono to hakama. The only bits of white were the two embroidered symbols on his haori jacket and parts of his mask, crafted to hide the top half of his face. Noticing her, he smiled before giving her a bow.

"Welcome, Guardian," his voice gentle as a feather. "Please take a seat by the irori. I was just about to put on a pot of tea."

Within a blink of an eye, Taranee found herself already sitting down on a cushion and the figure in black sitting comfortably opposite her. Waving his hand, darkness wrapped itself around the whistling kettle and Taranee watched in amazement as it poured them tea.

"Thank you," Taranee nodded, accepted her cup. She took a tentative sip and watched the mysterious figure drank his own.

As if noticing he was being starred at, the figure looked up and gave her a smile. "How was the tea?"

"Huh? Oh, um…it's good," Taranee blurted quickly.

"I'm glad," he replied, setting down his cup. "I am Yami-no-Oji, but you may call me Yami as you friends had."

Taranee nodded. "I'm Taranee Cook, the Guardian of Fire. You can call me Taranee or just Tara for short."

Yami smiled. With a wave of his hand, a pot of soup hovered over their heads, latching itself onto the suspending pothook over the hearth. Taranee watched as her host stirred the soup without touching the utensil. Shadowy hands moved about, adding in tiny ingredients and stirring the pot until it was ready. When he appeared to have trouble turning up the heat, she held out a palm and blew fire into the kindling. Yami gave an appreciative laugh, one that warmed Taranee's core and she couldn't help but smile.

"Arigato gozaimasu," Yami said as he handed her a bowl.

"You're welcome," Taranee replied. The miso soup was delicious which made her grinned ever wider.

Glancing up at Yami, she realized that any descriptions her friends gave of him were vague at best. Sure, they noted his endless patience, how helpful he was, and the mystery surrounding him. What surprised her the most was the gentle and warm aura he exudes, despite the surrounding darkness. She studied him as she ate, taking note of how dignified his movements were. From what little she could see, Yami was indeed quite young (then again, he could be ageless); the mask not only gave him a mysterious air, but they also masked his wisdoms and secrets.

He's dark but also good and honorable, she thought.

Taranee blinked as the realization came to her. Placing her bowl down, she straightened her back and with a calm voice, she said, "You're the Prince of Darkness, aren't you?"

Yami stopped eating and studied her for a moment before placing his own bowl down. "What brings you to this conclusion?" he asked curiously.

"Aside from the fact that you're a mysterious figure in black with power over darkness who's been visiting us in our dreams, giving us sage-liked advices like you're the Oracle. Not to mention said advices are conveniently tied to what our ordeals would be to defeat a group of corrupted demigods bent on universal domination?" Taranee was curtained Yami was blinking behind his mask after that long winded observation. "And you also told me yourself," Taranee added. "Look, my Japanese is really limited, most of my knowledge of it are based on Kimi's daily phrases, and what my friend, Hay Lin, showed us with her anime clips, but I'm pretty sure that Yami-no-Oji means 'Prince of Darkness', right?"

Taranee held her breath. If she was wrong, then she had just made a complete fool of herself. It wouldn't be the first time since math class earlier, that's for sure. To her relief, Yami smiled.

"Very clever and observant, Taranee-san," he said. "Even Kandrakar's wisest pondered on my identity, and yet you've managed to figure it out by having a keen observation."

Taranee felt relieved, but then it turned to annoyance.

"I am the Prince of Darkness." He held up a finger to his lips and added, "As to my real identity, well, I'm afraid I cannot tell you. Only the Guardians of Darkness are ever privy to that knowledge throughout the millennia."

"Why didn't you tell my friends sooner?" Taranee huffed indignantly. Why do these people always insist on being so mysterious? Then again, the Gemini Council Elders did say that he's such a complete enigma, not even the Oracle or the Dream Seer are aware of his true identity. Is he as mysterious and elusive as darkness?

"I did when I first met your friend, Will-san," Yami chuckled softly. "I apologize, Taranee-san. It was never my intention to mislead you."

Taranee wanted to roll her eyes. Of course, Will wouldn't have recognized 'Yami-no-Oji' as a title when she first heard it and shortened it out of necessity, not realizing she would mislead her friends when recounting her dream.

"Okay, I get it," Taranee sighed.

A lightbulb flickered in her mind. They had been told the Prince was the only one powerful enough to stop the Celestial Warriors, and their only link to finding him, Kyochi, had been kidnapped! Taranee knew she must seize this moment and help turn the tide of the battle. She could start by finding out where he is and if she's really lucky, maybe see the real face under that mask.

"If you're really the Prince of Darkness, then you can help us!" Taranee said, unable to hide her excitement. "They say you're powerful enough to stop the Celestial Warriors! With your help, we can finally put an end to those crazy demigods! We can bring balance back into the universe, and more importantly, we can finally save Kyochi and bring the twins back together!"

The thought of Kimi reuniting with her brother encouraged her. After what happened with Zhu Que, Kimi really needed some good news when it comes to finding her brother.

The smile slid off Yami's face like ice from a roof, and he silently dropped his gaze down to his lap. "I'm sorry, Taranee-san. I cannot help you, at least not in the way you'd think."

Taranee blinked. "What do you mean? Are you lost somewhere? Or trapped? Just tell me where you are and I can tell my friends when I wake up! We're Guardians. We can find you!"

Yami shook his head sadly. "Even if I tell you, it would do you no good. I am sorry."

Anger flared in Taranee's chest. "Don't you know what's been happening? The entire universe is out of whack because you're not here! Kyochi's been kidnapped because of his connection to you! His sister has been worried sick for months! We've been nearly killed several times trying to do your job!"

Yami's grip on his cup tightened, but he remained calm and collected. "I am aware of the events since my absence, as well as of your tribulations. Yet, I cannot help you."

Taranee stood and huffed angrily. She really wanted to rip that mask off his face and strangle him. "Why?"

He glanced back up at her. "Because I am unable to leave this realm." The fire flickered brighter, casting a haunting glow upon his mask. "This is the Dream World, Taranee-san. It is where my Heart resides."

Frustration gave way to confusion, Taranee sank back onto her seat. "I don't understand."

Yami waved his hand and their shadows casted by the fire began to dance on the walls like marionettes. Taranee watched as they morphed into silhouettes, some vague while others familiar.

"Do you know why they call me the Prince of Darkness?"

Taranee pondered the question thoughtfully. "Because you are the most powerful shadow-wielder?" she offered.

"Because I walk the path of dawn, of dusk, and of twilight all at once without sinking into void."

Taranee suppressed the urge not to moan. Just what she needed, another Oracle going all mystic on her. She was beginning to understand why Irma make jokes at the Elders of Kandrakar and their endless pontifications. Not wanting to sound like her sardonic friend, she framed her question differently. "I'm afraid I don't understand. What do you mean by that?"

"Why do you think people are afraid of the Darkness?"

A rhetorical question. "Many things, I supposed," she answered. "It's scary. It's the representation of the unknown. It can hide things that could be a danger to one's self. And for many, they see it as malevolent." Taranee paused, then added, "You know, on my planet, the title 'Prince of Darkness' usually refers to characters like Count Dracula or Satan himself because both are the embodiments of evil."

"Whether on Earth or Lusteria, humans have never been known to be the most welcoming of species," Yami's voice grew soft like a gentle hand caressing one's face. "Those who are different, with their imperfection or abnormalities, are shunned without regard, especially by those who considered themselves to be in the Light. Their feelings are of no interest to those who designated them as evil at worse and inferior at best. Their only intent is to destroy or banish them with their light until there is nothing left."

His words stung her, making her think of Kohaku, the twins' father, who embraced his inner darkness out of a misguided desire to protect his family from the cruelties of his in-laws. She thought of Seiji, a boy who wanted to help his people by becoming a chancellor yet was tragically taken by the darkness before his dream could come to fruition. And what of Kyochi? A beautiful and kind boy she'd never met but felt a desire to be near him? Had he not been taken by the enemy, would his darkness shy away from the light of her burning flame?

All these people, even those of Shinrinkage village, their destinies are so tragic. What cosmic force decided they must suffer because they have an affinity with the shadows?

Taranee turned away from the shadow puppets dancing on the walls to glance at Yami who remained so serene and calm. Is it really the fault of the universe? Or is it the Light? To be segregated by what you look like was bad enough, this she knew personally. Being a person of color, Taranee occasionally ran into a few people who threw racial slurs at her on the streets. But to be segregated based on your ability and magic would certainly leave a scar.

"In their attempt to escape such torment, shadow-wielders tended to become aloof, withdrawn, and indifferent. They stopped caring for others' emotion to focus solely on their own. These are the lost. Some chooses to retain their hearts and pressed forward, even though it is hard."

Taranee blinked. "What about you? Are you lost or a survivor?"

Yami gave her a mirthful smile. "I am both and neither, Taranee-san. As I've said, I walk the path of dawn, of dusk, and of twilight all at once." He offered to refill her cup of tea, to which she accepted. "Make no mistake, Darkness is the element often misunderstood and feared. Despite all the bigotry against it, it remains powerful and even seductive. Embracing it without having your soul ripped apart or going mad is a huge feat."

Taranee sipped her tea tentatively as she watched the shadows on the wall showing figures being corrupted by their darkness. Other figures, she recognized as Guardians of Darkness throughout the age, overcoming it.

"Very few shadow-wielders are able to achieve this as they age. Those who do are said to be strong of heart, yet even the strongest can be worn down and weakened." He paused to place a hand gently over his own heart. "It takes a kind heart to allow itself to be touched entirely by the Darkness without succumbing to the void. In dark times, that kind heart is tested, but after all the endless suffering and pain it endured and must still endures, the heart never allowed itself to be tainted." Yami glanced back up at her. "Thatis what makes it pure and its owner Yami-no-Oji."

The shadows coalesce around him, swirling and spreading throughout all corners of the room, silent and swift. Taranee gasped when it swallowed the light from the fire without snuffing it out. Instinctively, she summoned a fireball, but its light was immediately absorbed, much to her shock. She could feel the heat on her hand, but the fire was emitting no light! Yami released his hold, allowing light back into the place. Taranee blinked and snuffed her fireball, eyeing Yami's shadow behind him warily. She was certain it had winked mischievously at her. She drew her attention back on Yami who only gave her a gentle smile. A warm tingle ran up Taranee's spine. This was but a small and playful demonstration of his powers. She thought Kyochi's power was impressive from Kimi's memory, but Yami's might be a bit more terrifying.

Taranee's eyes widen and she let out a breath in wonder. So, his heart is the ultimate source of dark power itself! Taranee realized. Darkness in its purest form: The Heart of Darkness!

"Is your Heart the same as the Heart of Kandrakar?" she asked.

Yami shook his head. "Your talismans do carry a bit of your magical essence, but they are not born from your hearts. Thus, a Keeper can survive when the Heart is passed on to the next generation. The same should it be lost or stolen by an adversary." Yami gazed down at both his hands as if to see if he was still whole. "I, however, cannot."

Taranee frowned. His tone allowed fear to creep up behind her like a shadow. "Are…are you saying that you're dead?" she asked hesitantly.

"My connection to Kyochi is—very personal—whatever happened to him reflects my own state of being," Yami said grimly. "I am not dead, Taranee Cook, but my Heart has been separated from my body. My physical form is somewhere on Lusteria while my Heart has taken refuge here in the Dream World and it sits before you now."

The color drained from Taranee's face as she pressed her hands to her mouth. "That's why you've been missing!" A horrifying thought occurred to her. "Oh, God! That's why the Celestial Warriors took Kyochi!"

Yami said nothing, but his silence was enough confirmation.

"How could any of this have happened? As if the thought of fighting two more Deadly Sins wasn't bad enough! Not to mention the theory of the real culprit!"

This caught Yami's attention as he tilted his head. "Pardon?"

Taranee's attention snapped back to him. "Sorry, I'm just rambling."

Yami didn't seemed convince as he poured himself and Taranee more miso soup. "I believe you are too intelligent to just be 'rambling' on nothing. Please elaborate."

Taranee sighed but took another spoonful of her soup. It must be magic itself because its light texture seemed to have a calming effect. That or just being around Yami. She smiled a bit at this, and with a clear mind told him what she could remember.

Yami didn't react beyond taking a few sips of his own soup, but Taranee could sense his face furrowing with worry. She told him what Kimi had told them through meeting the mysterious and cheerful man and his strange story about running into 'someone' at the Gate of Oblivion. She told him about her theory that this 'someone' being the real culprit and probably the mastermind behind the corrupted demigods unleashing their Deadly Sins into the universe. She also told him how and why she thinks this very same culprit still has the last two remaining Sins: Envy and Pride.

Yami's grip on his bowl tightened. "Curse him…to think he would go that far just…"

Alarm bells went off in Taranee's mind as she placed her bowl down. "What are you talking about?" Yami turned away, refusing to meet her eyes. "Wait…you know who it is? You know who's been behind all of this mess?"

After what seemed like an eternity, Yami nodded solemnly.

Taranee could feel herself shaking with excitement, but the dark aura the Prince was giving off gave her pause. But she needed answers and Yami has it.

"Who is he actually? And how do you know him?"

Yami opened his mouth to answer, but he didn't get far. "His name is—"

Taranee blinked. "I'm sorry?"

"I said his name is—" Yami voice continued to move, but the rest of his words were broken off in an unnatural way. It was like listening to static from a radio. Yami's hand flew to his throat. He tried to say the name again. Once more, it just sounded like garbled static to her.

"You can't say his name?" she gasped. "How is that even possible?"

Yami's hand fell to his lap. "I've been spellbound," he replied, dead-toned. "Sealed. Forbidden to utter his name to anyone for help." He shook his head in disbelief. "I should have known he would resort to such a thing. He wouldn't leave anything to chances."

"But you're the Prince of Darkness! How was the culprit at the Gate of Oblivion able to pull a stunt like this?"

"Because he discovered my true identity." Taranee held her tongue, too stun to say anything else. Yami lowered his head in disgrace. "He followed Kyochi's connection to me and discovered my real persona. There has never been anyone other than past Guardians of Darkness to have achieved this goal, and for that, I am at fault and ashamed of my failure."

"You are not a failure! You've helped three of my friends before and that's despite being stuck here!" When Yami did not looked convinced, she added, "Why don't you tell me what you can? I get the feeling whatever you want to tell me is going to be a lot to process."

The Prince looked at her for a long moment, as if to see if she could handle a truth laden with the burden of the world—no, the entire universe. Taranee held his gaze, unfaltering and without fear. "If I can handle the stress of mid-term exams, I think I can handle a few more dark revelations."

Sensing her courage, Yami nodded and refilled both their cups with soothing tea. "You are courageous and wise for one so young," he commended. Taranee blushed a bit.

After a few tranquil sips, he radiated calmness once more. "Until he decides to revoke the binding on me, I cannot tell you the culprit's real name. But this much I can tell you, it has always been one and the same person. The culprit responsible for all your recent troubles as well as Kyochi's disappearance is one and the same."

Taranee's eyes widen. "But why? What is his motive?"

Yami sighed, shaking his head sadly. "In his eyes, he saw the decline of the world. Lusteria has become too twisted and corrupted, lost in its own delusion of grandeur, which led to the suffering of others, especially to those closest to him. Their justifications at the behest of the Light, order, and honor sickened him. Worse, he couldn't forgive Kandrakar for choosing to do little to change it and eventually believed it was his right to take matters in his own hands."

This is starting to sound familiar, Taranee thought.

Yami's right hand flew to his heart instinctively, fingers gently clutching the black fabric of his kimono. "In his quest for power, he learned of my Heart and its immense power and began to covet it for himself."

"But you're not exactly an easy person to find," Taranee noted.

Yami chuckled slightly at this and shook his head. "No. I and my predecessors only converse with the Guardians of Darkness. It has been that way since Kazuhiko's time as a Guardian."

At this, Taranee was intrigued. So Yami really is as young as he appeared? Does this mean that there is a secret line of Princes of Darkness passed down from one generation to the next like the Guardians of Kandrakar? Before she could ask, Yami continued his story and the thought faded into the back of her mind.

"Knowing this, he befriended Kyochi, hoping he'll lead him to his prize. He offered the boy his knowledge of the outside worlds, his friendship, and…much more to gain his trust," Yami paused, his smile faded. "He nearly succeeded in his ploy, but when Kyochi discovered his true intention, he refused to help him. This infuriated our culprit and he challenged Kyochi to a battle, hoping to win and force the boy to lead him to me. But during the battle, he somehow discovered my identity through Kyochi's connection and believed himself to have won. He underestimated his opponent, mistaking the Guardian's gentle nature for weakness.

"Their duel was evenly matched and fiercely fought, but in the end, Kyochi emerged victorious. The culprit vowed vengeance and promised he'll return to bring pain and suffering onto him, his loved ones, his world, and the universe unlike none has ever seen." Yami sighed sadly. "In his grand scheme to change Lusteria, he'll render Kyochi incapacitated, this he promised with great conviction. Kyochi disregarded his threat and spirited him far away, hoping to never see him again. But it wasn't long until the culprit made good on his words. Unbeknownst to anyone, including myself, the culprit discovered a way to unleash the Deadly Sins at the Gate of Oblivion. Using five of them, he corrupted the Celestial Warriors, and with their help, ambushed Kyochi while on his way to meet me in the Dark Forest. Overpowered, Kyochi made one last effort to foil all of their plans, even at the cost of his own safety."

Taranee held her breath, despite knowing what would follow.

"With the last of his strength, he sealed away his Mirror, Moonlight Reflection, within himself to prevent it from falling into the Celestial Warriors' hands. I knew there was little I could do. Given our strong connection, whatever happened to him reflects my state of being. To prevent himfrom claiming my Heart, I separated it from my mortal body and sent it through a sealed portal into the Dream World, far beyond our culprit's reach." Yami glanced at Taranee. "And here I stayed ever since, visiting your dreams in hope it would help you face your ordeals, all the while waiting until I am finally whole again."

Silence befell them once more, save for the small crackling of the fire. Taranee's gaze fell to her hands. They were shaking. Her entire body was trembling. She wished desperately that she could do more. After hearing Yami's story, she wanted to help him. But what could she do? She doesn't know where his body is. They could barely help Kyochi as they are now!

No, the only way to save everyone was to continue their missions.

"So, the only way that you'll become whole again is for us to defeat Seiryuu and Hwang-Ryong and save Kyochi?" Yami nodded. Tired, Taranee let out another sigh. She didn't think dreaming could be so exhausting.

"You'll need all seven Guardians to come out victorious in the end," Yami said softly.

"Yeah, so far it's been me and my four friends against the Celestial Warriors. But after they're gone, we still gotta worry about the last two Deadly Sins. Kimi will either be paired with one or the other, but that means we still need Kyochi to counter the last one." Taranee muttered something that almost sounded liked a curse which got a smile from Yami. She ran a hand through her hair as she processed all this in. "If all goes according to plan, this means we can finally free you from this place. And you'll be able to help us stop whoever's behind all this mess from the start."

"You must have realized by now that as Guardians, rarely things ever go as plan."

Taranee gave him an exasperated look. "You sound almost like Kimi just now."

Yami tilted his head. "How so?"

"She said that as Guardians, our lives are never simple. And isn't that an understatement of the century?"

Yami gave her a small smile of amusement.

Taranee shifted in her seat, bringing her knees together and rested her chin on top of them with her arms wrapped around for comfort. Yami was silent as he observed her forlorn expression.

"There is something else on your mind, other than what we've been discussing."

At this, Taranee starred at Yami. He wasn't guessing. It was a simple and truthful statement based on his empathy.

"It's about my ex-boyfriend, Nigel," she began, fighting to suppress the croaking in her voice. "I ran into him the other day and…well, we fought and the experience rattled me."

"Did this boy hurt you?"

Taranee winced but nodded all the same. "Yes…and no. It's really complicated."

"We have until morning."

"Right," Taranee sighed and began to tell him the entire story of her relationship with Nigel. Yami listened patiently and guarded his reaction well.

"I wanted to hate Nigel for what he did. What he asked of me. But he's also right: I left him and it left him bitter and broken! Deep down, he probably hates me, and I don't blame him for it. The experience rattled me and it's affecting my concentration at school and my performances." She couldn't hold it in anymore. Her voice quivered and her hands shaking and tears threatening to pour from her eyes . "I'm a horrible person, aren't I?"

Yami got up and went over to her side. Reaching into his robes, he pulled out a black silken cloth and handed it to her. Gratefully, she accepted it and dried her tears.

After waiting for her to calm down, he said gently, "You're being too hard on yourself. I think you are a kind and considerate person, Taranee-san. With a heart as great and untamable as the sun."

"How can you say that?" she asked incredulously. "I've hurt him! I treated Nigel so horribly!"

"Yes, but so did he," he insisted, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "But it's clear that you did not enjoy the pain you've inflicted upon him. Having feelings of remorse is evidence of having a caring heart."

Taranee turned away. "You don't know that!"

"If you are as cold and heartless as you think you are, you wouldn't have opened your heart so willingly to his suffering and be wracked with guilt right now."

Taranee was speechless. She wanted Yami to confirm her doubt and fear, to tell her that she is horrible for hurting Nigel. To admonished her like Peter did. Instead, this stranger who was as mysterious and elusive as the shadows and intangible as a dream, had shown her kindness and sincerity. His words comforted her, bringing her a small sense of ease, even though she doesn't think she deserves it.

"I don't think getting back together is such a good idea. I don't—" Taranee's voice trailed off sadly. "I don't feel for him the same as I used to."

"No one expects you to and doing so would be cruel and unfair for you both."

"Then what should I do to make it right?"

Yami slowly rose to his feet with her following suit. "Taranee-san, this is a matter of your heart, not mine. I will offer some insight, but if you are searching for guidance, you must be the one to decide what path to take. Tell me, what does your heart say?"

Taranee thought for a moment but all she could hear are pain and frustration. "I don't know! I'm still so very confused!"

"If you let things remain as they are, the pain will not go away, and your mind will not focus on what lies ahead."

"So what? I should just find Nigel and talk to him again?"

"Talking would be a difficult but necessary step," Yami answered calmly. "Before Kyochi disappeared, he also attempted to talk to his sister after their fight."

And not listening to him to settle things between them still haunts Kimi to this day! Taranee thought miserably. A hand flew to her chest as if to steady her pounding heart. She knew Yami was right, but the very idea of talking to Nigel again scared her. "But what if I make a mistake? I don't want us both to be hurt again!"

"You're a fire-wielder, aren't you?" Taranee nodded. "Tell me, as the Guardian of Fire, what do you understand about your own element?"

"What does that have to do with my problem with Nigel?"

"Fire is one of the elements tied closely to one's emotions," Yami noted. "You know of its dangerous potentials. How do you keep it from going out of control?"

The answer came too easily for her and she lowered her head in understanding. "By being careful so that I don't harm others unintentionally," she answered. "You're right. I need to talk to Nigel again and help us both move forward. He had meant something special to me before and I still care enough for him to want him to be happy, even though I can't be his girlfriend anymore."

Her pounding heart softened to a steady rhythm and Taranee could feel a gentle glow burning from within. She let out a sigh, feeling better and less afraid. "Thanks for listening. I'm sorry for troubling you all night."

Yami laughed and shook his head. "You and your friends are never a burden, Taranee-san. I promise that whatever ails you, whether it's from the heart or the spirit, I am always here, ready to lend you a shoulder to cry on or a willing ear."

The fire in the irori died, but a soft light was seeping into the room from behind the sliding screen door.

"Dawn approaches," said the Prince of Darkness, gazing at her.

She looked down and saw her body fading away like smoke. "Wait! There's still so much to ask you! I still need to know more about my ordeal! What if I fail? What if I can't find my Virtue and what if you're stuck here forever?" She was fading quick as sunlight came.

The Prince gave her an encouraging smile. "Do not forget that when all else fails, love is all you have," Yami said. "Love is the most powerful emotion, hence why it's the most dangerous. It thrives in our hearts," he pointed to his chest as well as hers, "and from here, we can either extend it as a bridge to let others in or brandish it as a weapon to inflict harm. Master it as you would master fire."

"Wait—"

"It is time to wake up, Taranee-san."

For the first time in Taranee's life, school felt long and grueling. At least she managed enough focus to survive all her classes' revisions for the mid-term exams. Some of her teachers noticed her glancing constantly at the clock as if willing it to go faster. This seemed odd to them considering her bookish and scholarly nature.

Taranee had meant to tell the others of her dream as soon as she saw them at the school's gate, but then decided against it at the last moment. With their mid-term exams coming up, she thought it best to waited until Friday to tell them what she had learned.

Waiting four more days was going to be torture on her part. Taranee noticed her friends glancing her way whenever she got too fidgety in class or too engrossed in her own thoughts for their liking. Thankfully, Taranee had the convenient excuse of stress from school and her upcoming show to deflect all their prying.

Taranee had another good reason to wait. From what she had heard from Kimi, Orube had been returning late from her reconnaissance missions between here, Kandrakar, and Lusteria. So far, there had been little news of their mentor's whereabouts and tensions had been mounting on the front line against Seiryuu's forces. But Kimi wasn't as concerned with that as she was with her brother's whereabouts. She knew he was safe for now, but the long disconnection from her twin was starting to heave its tow on her. She missed Kyochi's companionship dearly and while she does her best to hide it, Taranee sensed her depression and loneliness as the holiday drew closer.

Taranee felt a twinge of guilt. Christmas was about spending time with friends and loved ones, and while Kimi does consider the six of them to be her friends and family of a sort, there was no denying the fact that the one person she loved most wasn't going to be here to experience it with her. A thought occurred in Taranee's mind as she tapped her pencil against her notebooks. Opening her telepathic channel, she sent Irma and Hay Lin her question from across the classroom.

Hey, girls, I was thinking maybe we could hold our own private Christmas party at the headquarters. We could really show Kimi, and even Orube, a taste of our holiday magic?

Irma and Hay Lin silently perked up. That's a great idea, Tara! With everything that's been going on, a Christmas party is just what we need! Irma grinned.

Can we invite our boyfriends? Hay Lin asked, then immediately regretted it. Sorry, Tara. I didn't mean—

It's okay, Hay Lin. I'm fine, and yeah. I don't mind if you guys invite your boyfriends. Besides, this would give Will a chance to get Matt back in a good mood.

Irma snorted, which earned a raised eyebrow from the computer teacher. Yeah, let's just hope he and Kimi will hold a ceasefire long enough for that to happen.

Not if she's distracted with her own date. Maybe we suggest that she invites a certain someone special—like Koji—to come? Hay Lin giggled.

Now that's a great plan!

Let's hope their first date goes well enough that we could suggest it to her, Hay Lin noted.

I'm sure it's going to be fine, Irma insisted. Those two are meant for each other.

Taranee rolled her eyes. Since when are you a matchmaker?

Irma mentally laughed. A much better one than you and Cornelia! Remember when you tried to hook me up with Cornelia's old friend? Hugh something? Yeah, he was cute, but such a bore! Seriously! He doesn't laugh at my jokes and tried to lecture me on eating like a rabbit!

Taranee cringed. A little more than a year ago, Irma had gotten into a misunderstand with Martin because of what her Astral Drop did. Seeing this, Taranee and Cornelia had attempted to play matchmaker by setting Irma up on a date with an old friend of Cornelia, a cute blonde boy named Hugh Jones. He was their first and only attempt to launch their little Cook-Hale Dating Agency as the feedback from Irma wasn't stellar.

Knowing Kimi, I think it's safe to just let her decide who she wants to date, Taranee suggested. Unless you want to wake up with body aches and bruises, curtesy from the captain of our school's Martial Arts Club?

At this, Irma turned to give Irma a sarcastic smirk. You always ruin my fun. Fine, whatever. Let's contact the others and ask them what they think of the party.

Taranee smiled. Opening her telepathic channel, she contacted Will and Cornelia and asked them for their input, all the while taking care not to tip Kimi off to their little surprise for now.

Matt Olsen was in a foul mood, moping around under his own dark clouds since that stuck-up Kimi humiliated him. He had been avoiding Will these last two days. Matt sighed, cursing the truth. The last thing he wanted to do was get worked up over what had happened.

You're a coward, Matt Olsen, he thought to himself. You couldn't even put up with Kimi's condescension for one day for Will's sake?

Matt seethed through his teeth, hating himself for being so pathetic. It's not like he didn't put in the effort, but Kimi just attacked him as often as she could, going so far as to make her point in proving how useless he was through that virtual simulation.

You've faced worse enemies before! Are you really going to let Kimi constantly push you down? You're not as useless as she claims you are! Perhaps you're not strong enough to face a Celestial Warrior in a fight, but that doesn't mean you don't have any other valuable asset to offer!

His mind lit up like a firecracker. Of course! He can gather much needed information to help the Guardians before their next battle. From what he has heard, Orube had been commuting between here and Lusteria for days, but most of her reconnaissance missions had borne little fruit. If he could get to Lusteria unseen and find something useful for the girls, something that could help them turn the tide against the Celestial Warriors, he could finally prove his worth and Kimi will have to acknowledge him! The idea of Kimi apologizing sweetly on his mind. Better yet, he could finally get her to stop call him names!

Grinning to himself, Matt waited for the final school bell and made his way towards the Jade Dragon's home. He had taken great care to avoid the Guardians on his way off school campus. The last thing he needed was to have Kimi get a whiff of his aura and try to stop him.

All was quiet when Matt arrived at the Jade Dragon's home. The place was brimming with powerful magic, which wasn't surprising. This place was intended as a haven for the Guardians and their allies to meet and reside if necessary. Naturally, Ngọc Long would have placed barriers around its premises, allowing only those with magic and good intentions in. Non-magical beings would have had a hard time finding this place, but it seemed the spell does allow some flexibility for them, should one of the Guardians decided to invite a friend or family of hers here for any reason.

The front door sensed Matt's familiar presence and allowed him in without protest.

"Hello? Orube?" he called out. "It's me, Matt Olsen."

No answer. He took a quick sweep around the house to find it empty. Good. He didn't want Orube to know what he was up to. As much as he like her as a friend, the Basiliadian warrior was close to the Guardians and would undoubtedly inform them what he was up to.

He was going to do this alone. He had to prove to the Guardians as well as himself that he was capable. He loathed to admit it, but Kimi was right when she pointed out his past failures. Whenever he had tried to help the Guardians in his own ways, he had been too irrational and was caught. Whether it was before he gained magic or after, the result was the same. Not this time. He would be discreet and use all the necessary skills he had acquired from his time in Kandrakar to the fullest for this solo mission.

Time to find that portal. From what Irma said, Ngọc Long seemed to have a strange sense of humor, often placing them in the most unexpected places around the house. One had been in the Japanese bathtub upstairs and Irma had found one in the fridge once! Despite their strange placements, they would always take you to wherever you want on Lusteria and Matt already has a destination in mind.

It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for. The portal was located inside a mirror in the hallway. Matt nearly mistook it for a landscape painting until he strode past it. Doubling back, he saw it was reflection his image, but not the wall behind him. Upon closer inspection, he could see image of a city coming to life! The tiny people were moving and the flower petals of the trees in the foreground were fluttering ever so slightly! He knew he was staring at the city of Edo, Nihon. Placing his hand on its smooth surface, it glowed and hummed as if beckoning him through. Thrill of excitement tingled his bone and Matt couldn't help but smile.

Take me to Edo, Nihon, he thought and dove in.

"Have any of you seen Matt?" Will asked.

Members of Matt's rock band, Cobalt Blue, shook their heads.

"Sorry, Will, Haven't seen him since lunch," the bass player shook his head.

"But we did receive a text message from him not too long ago," said the drummer. "Said he had to rush to the city library to do some last-minute cramming for his last exam tomorrow."

Will seemed crestfallen at this. "Oh…right. Thanks."

They apologized and she left to rejoin the others.

"Well?" Cornelia asked.

"He left without me! I've been trying to talk to him all day, but it's like he's trying to avoid me!" Will huffed. Glaring at Kimi, she added, "And don't say it."

Kimi raised an eyebrow. "Say what?"

"Don't make it any worse by telling me that I'm dating a child because he's still moping!"

"I won't since you've just did it for me."

"Okay, enough you two!" Taranee got in between them, placing a hand to stop Will from throttling Kimi on the spot. "We're all very tired and stressed from exams. The holidays are coming soon, and part of Christmas means learning how to get along and putting aside our differences." Turning to Kimi, she put on her best calm and mature mannerism, "Kimi, would it be so hard if you could just try to be nice to Matt for Will's sake?"

Kimi said nothing but she did give Will and long and hard look. Will winced, sensing her aura being read. To their surprise, Kimi sighed and nodded. "In observation of your holiday, I will make an effort to refrain my tongue-lashing whenever Matt-boy is around."

Will blinked but managed to mumble a thank you.

Satisfied, Taranee let out an exhausted sigh. "Good, at least we have a little progress. Now, let's over to the headquarters and finish our reviews. We still have three more days of mid-term exams."

The others moaned. "Can we at least get a small break first? I think I bombed the math test last period."

"You thought that was hard? I'm dreading the written portion of the British literature exam tomorrow!" Cornelia added.

"Maybe Orube could help us when she gets back?" Hay Lin suggested. "She used to work for her university's newspaper, remember?"

"Yeah, let's go. I just hope she'll have some news on our mentor and Lusteria this time."

Matt couldn't believe his luck! The portal dropped him on the roof of the imperial palace in Edo of all places. The first hour of sneaking around and eavesdropping had yielded little valuable information. But then Matt spotted a boy around his age who seemed a little too suspicious for his liking. The Lusterians he had seen so far, from stiff and stoic samurai warriors to lowly and skittish handmaidens, had been on edge. This was natural, given the looming threat of Seiryuu's army and the inevitable death of their emperor. But this boy seemed all too calm and pleased with himself, as if he somehow had a hand in all the tensions that was going on, and that brought up red flags in Matt's mind. The boy was dark haired and tall, his features pleasant to look at enough. His clothes and the way he carried himself indicated a noble status for one so young. He has something to hide and Matt was going to find out what it was.

Swiftly and silently, Matt trailed his target, and they entered a room where the only other occupant is a young man in his late twenties dressed even more finely than anyone he had seen thus far.

"Master Kenji of the Kinomoto clan is here, Your Highness," said a guard.

Kenji? Matt blinked at the name. He glanced back at his intended target. So, this must be Kimi's conniving cousin!

After exchanging formality, Prince Katsura dismissed his guards and attendants, believing himself to be alone with his guest.

"I expect your presence here to bode good news, Kinomoto-san," said the prince darkly. "I grew tired of waiting. My father has been on his death beds for days! And still, he draws breath. It's as if the gods are mocking me!"

"Of course not, Your Grace! I promise you; it won't be that much longer. After a long-fought battle against cancer, his body is finally breaking down and on its last leg. He'll die within the next few hours. There is no hope left for him. Once they announced his passing, you must immediately state your claim for the throne!"

Prince Katsura scoffed. "And what of my half-sister? That girl has been a thorn in my side since the day she was born!" The shogun got up to pace, his robes billowing gracefully as he flicked his bamboo fan in dark contemplation. "My father loved my mother and would have made her his empress and I his heir had he his way! But no, she was merely a daughter of a lowly minister! Too modest and common to be an empress, let alone the mother of a crown prince! My grandfather insisted that he takes a woman from the Watsuki clan, but my father was adamant at first. Yet, one look of the bride-to-be and his heart immediately swelled with affection. My mother and I were tossed to the side. As if to make up for it, my father designated me shogun after his brother's passing. As if some high-ranking title could make up for his treachery!" He glared back at Kenji and pointed his fan at him. "I decided to trust you with this coup because you understood my plight!"

Kenji nodded. "Indeed, for we both have been denied of our destinies. Talented and competent, yes, but luckless in the gene pool while the blessed are given everything that was rightfully ours. But fate hasn't completely abandoned you, Your Highness. Princess Kazu was born with a heart complication. Whispers are spreading throughout the court. Despite my father's best attempt to curb any lingering doubts, I'm afraid there are those who took her illness as a bad omen and are willing to back you as their future emperor."

"But their approvals are not what truly matters!" the shogun retorted. "Have you forgotten that I need recognition from the Sacred Talismans? Curse the Guardians and their Kandrakar masters."

"My cousins may not be your most loyal subjects, but even their Talismans cannot deny your destiny if you are the only heir left alive," Kenji affirmed. "Rest assured, I've placed your men discreetly within reach of the princess during her surgery. Tragic turns of event happen all the time during these things. We'll just have to make sure your sister dies on the operating table." A sickening cruel smile twisted on Prince Katsura's lips. "With such a heavy loss and a war against Seiryuu right on our doorsteps, this kingdom and all its subjects will have no one but you to turn to."

At this, Matt raised an eyebrow. The shogun and Kenji are planning a regicide?

"What of your cousins? The Guardian of Light?" the shogun questioned. "Last I've heard, she has new allies—foreign Guardians from an uncouth world."

Kenji laughed as if they are of little concerns. "Oh, I'm certain they'll be too busy battling Seiryuu to worry about you."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, let's just say that Princess Kazu's 'accident' wasn't the only thing I planned for," Kenji smiled slyly. "The Dark Forest is full of yokai, demons and dark spirits."

Katsura nodded. "I've heard your cousin, Kyochi, was taken by the Celestial Warriors there."

"Indeed. And if the most powerful of the Guardians was so easily taken by the Celestial Warriors, what chances would seven little girls have?"

"You do have a point. Tell me, what do you have in mind for the Guardians once they've been dispatched into the Dark Forest?"

Kenji gave him a sly smile. "Pardon me, Your Highness, but you do not need to concern yourself with the details of their eventual demise. If there's one thing I've learned from my father in the art of strategy is that you don't reveal your entire hands."

Katsura huffed indignantly. "Keep your machination to yourself! As vexing as your little games are, I will admit that it has its uses. Once I'm installed as the new emperor and your father is no longer Chancellor, I'll be needing your expertise in ministering the affairs of my reign." He sat, flexing his fans. "Whatever plans you have for the Guardians' end; I do hope it will be quite violent."

Kenji looked up at him, and with a cold smile, said, "Trust me, Your Highness. It will be heinous and gut-wrenching."

Will! Matt though hurriedly.

Matt had heard enough. It was obvious that Kenji's heart was as black and bottomless as the abyss. Whatever his true motives were, he was willing to cast his own family aside for it. His father, his cousin, his clan and his world meant nothing to him, and that contempt and hatred made him dangerous.

Gotta get back to Heatherfield! Matt thought as he quietly made his way out of the chamber without being noticed. From what he learned, the Guardians will have to venture into the Dark Forest to face Seiryuu, but Kenji had already set a trap for them. The bastard planned everything! With the Guardians distracted, the shogun could carry out his coup and take over the kingdom!

As much as he despised Kimi, Matt knew he had to help her stop all this madness. If he could just get back to Heatherfield, he could tell them everything!

There was one problem. By the time Matt made his way back to where he had come in, it was gone. The portal was no longer here! Where could it be?

From his position on the roof, he scanned the complex. It wasn't here anymore. It must have moved when Orube left for Heatherfield! If she had left from Nihon, it must still be within the city. Straining his eyes, Matt scanned the city for any sign of wavering light distortion. To his relief, he didn't have to look far. A faint glimmering swirl of energy and light could be seen in the distance. The portal had moved to the outskirt of town near the border between the city and the forest.

"Two and a half kilometers," Matt whispered. A bit of a walk but within reach.

Matt jumped and skidded from roof to roof, landing smoothly on his feet outside of the imperial court and quickly made his way towards the border. By the time Matt made it, he quickened his pace. "Almost there!" he breathed.

A strong gust of wind blew his way, forcing him to stop. Quickly, he planted his feet into the ground and braced himself, waiting for the gale to subside. "What was that?" he gasped, but there was no one. Looking about, he saw dark clouds blowing in from the mountain, rustling the leaves of a nearby tree. Matt felt his spine chilled and sniffed.

Still nothing but the wind and the frosty air.

"Just a storm," he thought, turning to the portal. "As if it wasn't cold enough back home."

He didn't get far as he felt a light tap on his shoulder, followed by a cold voice in his ear.

"Want to know a secret?"

Matt tried to recoil back, but he wasn't fast enough as a blast of freezing water mowed him down from behind.

"I knew you've been eavesdropping me during my audience with the shogun. If that was seriously your best attempt, then your best is just plain pathetic!"

Drenched and chilled to the bones, Matt attempted to give Kenji a defiant look which earned him a kick in the face.

"It was foolish of you to come here alone, Earthling," Kenji smirked. "Did my cousin sent you? I would have thought having a lapdog was beneath her station. I supposed life on Earth has tainted her beyond recognition."

"I am no one's lackey!" Matt spat, wiping the blood off his face.

Kenji seemed amused. "No, but you are most certainly going to be someone's bitch."

Matt blinked and turned. A mistake as an ear splitting shrill blasted him back several yards. The sonic attack slammed him hard against the tree and it was an effort for him to stay conscious afterward. He winced as a fresh trickle of blood ran down his head, threatening to blind one of his eyes. Before him stood a woman so eerily beautiful, ageless, and heavenly, it seemed as if she had stepped out of a Chinese silk painting. Her hair was jet black, coifed gracefully up with a headpiece, and held together by silver hair sticks. The style complimented her purple robes and knee-high trousers, trimmed and cut for acrobatic movements during a battle. Not even her wooden clogs would have stopped her from dealing out painful kicks if she so desired. In one hand, he could see her holding a pair of silver metallic fans. He had no doubt they were more than just decorations, their sharp edges threatening to cut down any opponent and would most certainly make 'death-by-a-thousand-cuts' a real medieval torture.

Unlike other Lusterian, she oozes powerful magic. Really powerful, ancient, and dangerous magic. Immediately, he knew who she is. The Celestial Warrior of Air and the Lady of Lust.

"S-Seiryuu!" he gasped.

She gave him a playful, sadistic smile. "Well, well—Look what we have here!" she said delightfully. "An Earthling! And not a bad looking one either! It's been so long since I've last had a lover this handsome!"

Matt struggle to sit up but winced as pain exploded up his arms. This amused her as she strode towards him. Matt turned and tried to crawl towards the portal. It was only three feet away!

Got to get back! he thought. Got to warn the girls!

To his horror, the portal flickered erratically, as if it could sense Seiryuu's approach. His finger barely brushed its edge when it gave a whirling hum and disappeared, leaving him at the mercy of his captors.

"Hmph!" Kenji tsked. "Looks like you've been abandoned by Kandrakar."

Matt swore. He was right. With the Veil in place, any portal would close in on itself to prevent a Celestial Warrior from escaping Lusteria.

"Oh, poor thing. Looks like your arm has been dislocated," Seiryuu cooed bending down and grabbing him by the chin. "Well, looks like I'm going to have to bring you back to my palace and patch you up! Then, you can tell me all about yourself and your little Guardian friends!" Studying him a bit more, she laughed. "You are certainly feistier than Kyochi! I swear, all that boy does is sleep! With you, I am going to have a lot of fun!"

"Wouldn't it be better than to just kill him, my lady?" Kenji suggested.

Seiryuu shot him a dangerous look before giving him a sly smile. "Where's the fun in that, my dear accomplice? I have a special thing in mind for my new favorite guest. You just worry about getting everything in place for our plans to work."

"I assured you, everything is almost complete," Kenji huffed. "Even the shogun believed himself victorious." Turning to Matt, he smiled, and a wicked glint shimmered in his eyes. "You might as well know since you'll die eventually, but my goal wasn't to help Prince Katsura steal this kingdom." He glanced at Seiryuu. "It's to help the Celestial Warriors bring down Kandrakar and the entire universe to their knees. And once that dream comes true, my dream will be realized! With my cousins and their friends dead and gone, I will be the Sole Guardian, wielding all seven elements!"

Matt gasped and tried to wriggle free from Seiryuu's grasp, but her grip was too strong, her nails digging into his flesh. "NO!" he cried. "You don't deserve any of it! It's wasted on you!"

Kenji glared venomously at him. "Trust me, the only thing that's a waste was your pathetic attempt to play hero and spy." Turning to Seiryuu, he said, "He's all yours, my lady."

Matt looked up to see Seiryuu grinning, her free hand stroking and caressing him in a very suggestive manner.

"No!" Matt cried. He tried to push her away, but she was so powerful.

"Don't be like that, boy," she cooed, whispering into his ears. "Just relax and enjoy my touch. Let the Lady of Lust show you a thing or two about having fun."

A powerful gust of wind blew across the field as they both disappeared, and Matt's scream fell on deaf ears.

Author's note: Another chapter done! I'm trying to push myself so that I can get more chapters out this year. I'm hoping that this story will be done before the end of its 10th year anniversary. Thanks for sticking around since! I promise, it will be worth the wait!

At last, Taranee has discovered some important revelation! Yami is actually the elusive and mysterious Prince of Darkness! As to who he really is under that mask…well…just wait until after the Guardians defeat Hwang-Ryong, the last of the Celestial Warriors. Everything is coming together…And Matt's totally screwed. If he had just listened to Kimi, he probably wouldn't have been captured by Seiryuu in the first place.

Cultural notes:

An irori is a Japanese sunken hearth.

Hugh Jones – This happened in the W.I.T.C.H. comic issue #38 when Taranee and Cornelia attempted to play matchmaker and cheer Irma up. They tried to set Irma up with High Jones and…well, if you read the comics, Irma found him a complete bore and a health freak.