Chapter 5: Outer storm, inner peace

The sound of thunder was what awakened me immediately. I woke up and felt how the boat was moving and shaking wildly. I glanced outside the window. Great, storm. I jumped of my bed and ran to the door, grabbing my Souba in the meantime. I can hear faint cries above the noise of the storm on the deck. The door to the living room of the ship is opened. Mia rushes inside, soaked.

"Mia!" She notices me "What's going on, looks like we're having a horrible storm out there."

She nods, catching her breath. "The weather is horrible. I came to wake you up."

"Not sure I can help with this storm." I shrugged. She grinned softly.

"No, it's just so you're aware of the situation and can help when needed. Isaac's having trouble keeping the ship straight. Garet is trying together with Ivan to hold all things on their place. Can you help Isaac, please."

"Let's see… You're asking me to go outside in a raging storm with waves high enough to sweep me in the sea and drown me? Sure thing, I'm already gone." She gives me that puzzled look but I ignore it for now and rush outside. In thirty seconds, I'm soaked. Great, if there's anything I just can't stand it's rain and cold. I run towards Isaac who's indeed having trouble with keeping the boat straight.

"Need a hand?" Isaac looked to me from the corner of his eyes for a few seconds, smiled and then nodded.

"Yeah, help me keep this one straight. I can barely hold the wheel, the waves are to strong!" I grabbed the wheel on the other side and together we tried to keep it as straight as possible. The waves became wilder and wilder, until eventually they were so high that they could sweep over the boat. When the first wave washed over us we were more than soaked, but me and the venus adept held on to keep the boat straight, to sail towards land and less dangerous waters.

"This storm is unnatural!" Ivan shouted, his voice sounding very weak in the incredible storm. "It's way too powerful to be just the forces of nature!"

I started to get suspicious, but I needed to keep my attention on the wheel and keeping it straight. Just then, a thunderstrike came down from the skies and hit the with metal covered Dragonhead of our ship. The metal shattered and razor sharp pieces flew everywhere. We had to let go and duck, just as another wave crashed over us. I felt myself being knocked against the railing. Another wave, I grabbed on to something, took my Souba and planted it firmly into the deck, so I could hang on with two things. The ship became a toy of the waves.

"Brother!" I shouted, but nobody heard it "What are you trying to tell me? What are you trying to achieve?" Only the rain, the wind and the sound of thunder answered. Then I saw it: A huge wave twice as high as the ship approaching rapidly. It hit with full force and knocked me hard against the railing, making me groan in pain. But I also heard a scream. Against better knowing, I stood up and looked around. To my horror Ivan was hanging overboard but he held Garet's hand firmly, but they both looked in horror to the light blue spot in the water. Mia had been washed overboard… I made up my mind ran towards the other side of the ship, turned around and before Isaac could stop me, ran back and jumped into the sea.

"Sephiroth, no!" was the last thing I heard before I hit cold water and had to struggle to survive.

"Brother…Why?" I felt my body going softly up and down, probably the waves, but my mind was in the darkness.

"You know I only have the best intentions for you." He smiled. My brother kneeled down next to me, I felt his fingertips on my forehead, but I couldn't open my eyes. "I have to see if you are ready…" He whispered softly "Have you mastered my remnant yet?"

"How can I know that?" I asked, confused.

"You'll soon see. If you have, I can allow your friends to move on. If not, I'm afraid storms like these will keep coming."

"You were behind it after all!" I groaned. I started to feel main in my body. Like I was awakening. "You risked all our lives! What about Mia?! Is she still alive?!"

"My dear little brother." He smiled "I wouldn't do anything that you would not like. And about the girl, well, that's up to you. Goodbye for now, my brother."

"What?" I tried to get up, to move, anything to stop him from going. "Wait brother! I still have questions!"

"You'll do fine, I'm sure of it."

And then I woke up on a beach. The waves softly touched the tips of my boots. I groaned, my body hurt like hell. I felt sand between my fingers. Okay, so it was pretty stupid to jump overboard, but if I hadn't done it, I guess my Brother would have sent a wave to do it. I tried to get up, it took a lot of effort but eventually, I was standing on my two feet again. Immediately I looked if my Souba was still with me, and luckily, it was. I unsheathed the blade and looked around. The beach I was on seemed endless. Yet, I was sure this was an island. The sea was crystal blue and calm. Behind me was a forest of palm- and other trees. In the east I could see some cliffs. But no sign of the Lemurian Ship I've been sailing on these past few days.

"Great… I wonder what my Brother hopes for me to learn here? Ah, might as well go of exploring."

I looked behind me, the forest looked inviting, maybe it would be filled with monsters, but then again, which were not? And, there couldn't be anything very nasty here that could kill me, no way my Brother would allow that…

The forest wasn't very thick, only a few times that I had to cut away some plants in my way. Monsters I did not encounter. I was deeply lost in thoughts. A test to see if I could take a final test? What's up with that? I didn't understand. The island seemed large and yet so empty… I decided to stop thinking and just walk, thinking about nothing but walking. The dried leaves cracked under my feet. While walking, I found some fruits to eat and some clean water to drink. Eventually I came out of the forest again and I just arrived at the other side of the island. Only on this part, there were a lot more rocks and cliffs, some even came out of the sea and reached out high in the sky. I found it interesting. When I glanced right, I could see high cliffs in the very distance. If I was standing on top of those I might be able to see where I am, how large the island is or spot the ship of my companions.

My companions… My heart sank at the thought of Mia, probably lost in the waves, Isaac Garet and Ivan maybe also in the sea, or on there ship far of course, no idea were to find me or with some luck Mia. I had to believe they were all alright. Or else I would, no matter how much I admire him and like him, make my Brother pay for it. They are my friends, you just don't go playing with their lives to test me! Then I rather stay as I am now.

I quit thinking depressive thoughts and continued my walk along the beach. Regularly I would gaze out to the sea in hopes to see any sign of life. Sometimes I could see some dolphins swinging close to shore, a few of them observing me curiously. I smiled at them and they performed some of their typical acrobatics. I didn't applaud, heck, I'm not a kid, but I knew the knew that I liked what they did. Eventually they swam away again and I presumed my journey.

I'm not afraid of being alone, heck, I've been alone for the last few years, ever since she was killed. So when the sun started to sink I could only sigh because I had to bother collecting wood for a fire to keep me warm. Before the sun was fully gone, I caught some fish with a spear-like technique, instead of using a spear I used my Souba, of course. After I ate some roasted fish I laid down next to the campfire, my first night alone again ever since I had arrived in Weyard. I made sure the fire was big enough and would burn long enough so animals with a bit too much interest in me would stay away. I gazed into the dancing flames. I've always enjoyed fire. It's something that calms me so much, I admire it. The dancing shape it has, the relaxing warmth and the pleasant light it gives of are all things that calm me. It's a beautiful wonder of nature. I gazed in the fire until eventually I dozed of and fell asleep.

Not for long, however…

Only a few hours later I was ripped from a deep and pleasant sleep by the screech of a reptile-like creature. I was awake in an instance. The fire had went out, but maybe that was a good thing, at least I would not be seen. Slowly, without making too much noise, I rose to my feet, the Souba ready for anything. I heard the screech again, it sounded like claws scratching metal and was far from pleasant. I looked up, the cloudless sky was pretty clear. I could see the stars with ease. I slowly studied the darkness, until I saw the shadow of a winged serpent descending from the night sky and landing on the beach, not too far from where I was, near some cliffs that reached even as far as the forest. A torch was lit. It was silent for a while, then I heard that screech again, ten times louder. I covered my ears, it was really painful. I waited for the effect of that loud screech. Soon enough, other of these things arrived. They had to be ridden by somebody, because more torches were lit. My curiosity got the upper hand and I sneaked in the forest, staying close to its edge and ran as silent as I could towards the light. Once there, I could use the rocks rising up from the sand to cover me. Now I had to be careful. This was pretty exiting, to say the least. But I kept in mind that this was real and if whoever was riding those things had bad ideas I could say my prayers if they would see me. When I got closer, I could hear voices. I peered from behind my rock. Luckily my clothing and my hair was black, covering me even more. I could see four people, humans apparently. A bit further away, waiting outside the rocks, were their winged serpents. Quite dragon-like, but more sleek, like winged snakes. But unlike snakes, these did have arms and legs. Two or three of them apparently got bored of waiting and went into the water, searching for some fish. Good, if I had to run, at least those would be busy for a while. I turned my attention on the people. They were dressed a bit like pirates and the swords they carried on their belts… Well, they did look sharp. They were studying something that had washed up on the beach. I peered a bit closer to see what it was. It had blue hair… With a shock I realized who it was.

Mia!

"Well, look what cutie washed up this place, mates." The largest one said, smiling broadly.

"Would be a shame if we let this one lay here to rot, that's for sure." The other agreed.

"Might give us a nice few coins." They all glanced at each other, I felt my blood beginning to boil. Saying they were pirates was an understatement. The thought that they were planning to sell Mia was disgusting. I heard the sound of the waves… My heart was beating faster.

"Alright you scum." The largest, apparently the leader, grumbled "Get her to yer serpents. We'll see what she has to offer once we're back." Sickening laughter filled the night. And I realized what 'she had to offer' mend. And that was the drip.

I grabbed the Souba so tightly my knuckles turned white and with one huge jump and I had jumped on the one standing closest to me and stabbed my blade through his side, leaving him falling on the ground, groaning. The sand turned red.

"What the-?" The others were alert immediately. Breathing heavily, I slowly arose. My hair hung in front of my eyes, covering beastly rage.

"Seems like we have company!" one, exclaimed "And hey, he's got Bergan!" Swords were drawn quickly. I glanced at Mia, who appeared to be unconscious. She was still soaked from the see water and her dress had tears in it. It made me even more angry.

"I'll take the girl…" I hissed. "I'll keep her out of your dirty paws!"

"Listen up, kid" the leader hissed "You just killed one of our mates, you're out numbered, you're a little brat who thinks he's cool with his sword and now you'll want to take away our treasure?"

"Your treasure?" I hissed again, a sly grin spreading across my face. With my eyes invisible because of my hair, this gave a creepy impression. Suddenly, there was the moon and it's light shone upon me. "She's my friend. And I'll protect her from scum like you. First raping her and then selling her? Not as long as I live!"

"Then live no longer." Came the reply.

"Fools…" I sneered.

Then I realized the situation. I had failed at protecting a girl who was dear to me before… Would it happen, again…

"No!" my thoughts screamed. "If this is my test, I'll see through it successfully!" And then my mind was filled with this song. And I could remember it, I could hear it again. And then, just like in my first battle, the song was there, for real. It was like the sea whispered it…

Fithos lusec wecos vinosec
Fithos lusec wecos vinosec
Fithos lusec wecos vinosec

My mind was set. I grabbed the Souba and charged at them. They quickly spread out, but I had already chosen my next target. With an unreal high jump I landed if front of the shortest one and swung my blade. Metal hit metal.

Excitate vos e somno, liberi mei
Cunae non sunt

"Amateurs!" I thought, as I grabbed his wrist with my other hand, wrenched it and then struck quickly with my Souba, leaving him falling to the floor. I had killed a man… Again. It felt strange, it didn't really touch me. Because my mind was so filled with disgust of their plans with Mia, of not failing this test and just with the desire to protect her. I couldn't protect her when she was killed, but I could now protect Mia and I would not fail at this!

Excitate vos e somno, liberi fatali
Somnus non eat.

The two others approached at the same time, closing me in, slowly driving me against one of the rocks. I groaned, but I didn't think this changed the situation at all. As they rashly ran towards me, with no technique or special skill, I sprang forward, rolled and sprang up just to put the Souba through yet another victim. My blade tasted human blood. But I just couldn't think of it as a horrible deed. They wouldn't hesitate to kill me, either, or to take Mia with them and sell her somewhere like she was some slave.

Surgite
Inventite hortum veritatis

I spun around, blocked the blade of the other one. There was blind rage in his eyes, probably angry for the fact that I had killed three man with seemingly little to no effort at all. He would soon meet his fate, too. I kicked his legs, but he kept balance. His blade swung through the air, cutting my arm. I completely ignored the wound and attacked him again, a desire driving me, forcing me to press on and ignore whatever injuries I got. With a cry of fury I swung my fist, hitting him straight in the eye. A swift strike of the Souba followed. I turned around to see the last one, the leader charge at me. I clenched my jaw and charged too.

Ardente veritate
Urite mala mundi

This one seemed to be more skilled, however. Our blades hit with a loud clash. My eyes met his. I dropped to the ground and stabbed with the Souba at his legs, he sprang aside but couldn't avoid being hit slightly. He brought his blade down towards me with all his might, I rolled out of the way, sand in my hair. I shook my head, swinging the sand away a bit. Then I jumped unnaturally high again. I landed hard on his shoulders, making him fall. He kicked me off, however.

Ardente veritate
Incendite tenebras mundi

Both of us weren't planning to give up anytime soon. Never before I had felt such desire to fight, to give it my all. Never, since she was murdered. Briefly I wondered why the serpents weren't attacking, but they just circled above us. I understood, the rocks were too sharp, they might get injured. Our blades hit again.

Valete, liberi
Diebus fatalibus

We struck a few times, filling the beach with the sound of our clashing blades. I made a sudden move and kicked him in the chest with both my feet, sending him flying metres away, on to the beach. He slowly got up, groaning in pain. But now he was mad. With a cry of uther fury, that had nothing human any more, he started running towards me.

Fithos lusec wecos vinosec
Fithos lusec wecos vinosec

As I started rushing towards him too, I saw Mia moving out of the corner of my eye. She slowly sat up, shaking her head slowly. She rubbed her eyes, breathing heavily. Then she saw the serpents above her, I could hear her gasp. Then she saw me and the beastly man. She couldn't say anything, only watch. She heard the music, the song. But she could only stare.

Fithos lusec wecos vinosec
Fithos lusec wecos vinosec

We came closer and closer, and when the song reached it's final climax, we passed each other. Only briefly the swung of a katana could be heard. Then the song calmed down and ended, and the last brute fell to the ground, dead.

Only when I had heard him drop, I dared to turn around. The serpents seemed confused, but then just flew away. I stared at the Souba. There was blood on it, indeed. Human blood. I had killed. Not just one man, but five… But… They were planning to kill me too, they were planning to abuse Mia. Who knows who they all killed? They deserved their death. It was quick and without too much pain, they deserved too, but didn't suffer. I cleaned the Souba in the seawater and sheathed it. Then I quickly ran towards Mia.

She was staring in towards me, around her. She felt sick, I could see it in her eyes. I sat down beside her, putting my arm around her.

"Are you okay?"

She looked at me, speechless. Then, after a few moments, she nodded.

"Sephiroth… What… What happened?"

I hugged her tightly, trying to comfort her. She let her head rest on my shoulder.

"Don't worry about that now. First, you need some sleep. Can you stand?"

She slowly got up, wobbling on her legs. I put my arm around her, acting as her support. Then slowly, I walked to camp with her, feeling incredibly relieved.

---

That's chapter five. I found Liberi Fatali, If I could FLy and Those who Fight Further on radioblogclub so check it out if you want to hear the songs. Seems like I cannot give the direct links to the songs. Enjoy the chapter and drop a review please.