The Path of Salvation

by Calvariam Hedum

We walk in the shadows, and we bask in the moonlight. We are Disciples on a journey to end the Suffering of Man brought on by the Three. We are the followers of the Consumer, who will free us for a better land. We will free him from his prison, no matter the cost, and return him to the Holy Land, so that we may all be Released, and our Suffering shall end. Such is Majora's promise.

4. Guard Duty

"We have some pretty crappy luck, don't we?"

Niklos lazily turned his head to face the guard next to him. "How so?"

"Well," the guard began as he idly rocked his spear back and forth "I could be getting wasted right now, but nooooo. We have to stand here in front of this door all night. It's ridiculous!" he complained.

Niklos sighed and rolled his eyes "I told you two hours ago, the duty allocation was random. The Captain doesn't have a personal vendetta against you, Penin."

"Oh, yes he does!" Penin exclaimed "And he's against you too! Why else do we always have to pull guard duty on the holidays?"

"I'm just doing it for the overtime" Niklos said, glancing at the large double oak doors behind them.

"Yeah, but you don't have anything else to do!" Penin snapped "I have friends! I have a social life!"

"Mmm-hmm" Niklos mumbled as he rested his head against his spear.

"Besides, why would someone burst in here? It's the Picori Festival for crying out loud!"

"Wasn't her Highnesses' ancestor turned to stone during the Picori Festival? Hence the reason we're honoring that other kid?"

"That happened centuries ago! Security has been significantly improved since then!"

Niklos snorted "Oh yes. It improved to the point that any idiot could get past the guys at the gate and lodge himself in that hole in the wall."

Penin frowned "That was one time….

"And weren't you the one on duty at the gate when it happened?"

Penin silently glared at Niklos for a moment. Niklos chuckled.

"You know what, Niklos? Fu- "

A hand shot out from behind Penin and covered his mouth. His eyes widened in shock as another hand shoved his head against the stone wall. Niklos didn't even flinch. "Well, the Consumer bless you. I was getting tired of that inane conversation" he said with a smile.

Ainu dropped the unconscious guard to the floor. "Do you have the key?"

"Of course" Niklos responded, as he took a small silver key off his belt and tossed it to his fellow Disciple. He then knelt down and wrapped his arms underneath Penin's shoulders. "I have to move this idiot to a closet. You have ten minutes until the next shift arrives."

Ainu nodded "We'll be gone in five."

"Then Majora guide you, Sister" Niklos said, as he began dragging Penin down the hallway, grunting with effort.

Ainu waited until he turned a corner, and inserted the key into a lock in the door. She pulled the door open and slipped inside.

A/N: Yeah, this was one was a bit short. I apologize for the long delay.