Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone for all the great reviews and the support. I'm sorry this is so far behind from my other web page. I'm goint to try to get my account more up to date to make it easier for those who want to leave feedback right when the newer chapters come out. Also, I'd like to invite you to a new Ronin Message board that has sprung up. We're trying to get what is left of our dying fandom together to see who's still out there. Please at least check out the link on my profile page. Thanks much to everyone! .
Guardian Souls
By: Ghost of the Dawn
Chapter Six: All Hail the Queen
Miniko stumbled in her new robes for the third time as they made their way down the hall. She was really starting to hate the way these people dressed. How did they move in these?
The robes given to the priestesses somewhat resembled Japanese kimonos. Only these seemed a lot heavier and had several more layers. The top layer was white which several multicolored layers below. Myune was dressed the same and was having less problems than her–obviously having had time to practice wearing them. Mia was in a simpler pink and purple gown which was less ornate and looked gorgeous on her. Robyn had actually been the smart one that time, having been used to dealing with her smaller frame. Miniko had noticed the redhead deftly remove some of the extra layers while getting dressed. The new Priestess of Strata was now wishing she had followed suit.
Kalia, the head handmaiden had been with them the entire time and was now leading them down another set of corridors. This hallway was far larger and fancier than the others with red carpet showing the way to the large double doors. The doors and the archway were heavily embroidered, suggesting some grander destination inside. There were four armored guards posted in front of them and it took two men each to open the doors once Kalia had announced who was going to enter.
Once the doors were opened, Kalia bowed and apologized for she could not accompany them any further. She, a mere servant woman, was not permitted in the grand courtroom of Her Majesty the Queen. Only the highest lords and nobles were allowed to stand in the magnificence of that room.
For magnificent it truly was. More so than any other room Mia had seen. This place was a historian's dream. With all the symbols and the tapestries, the paintings and the stain glass windows, it was like a plethora of all the world's ancient cultures mixed together. Every corner of every room was a fascination in itself to her. Mia couldn't wait to ask her questions and learn about this world's history.
The red carpet from the corridor led all the way inside to the far end of the royal courtroom where it ended right before a raised throne of gold and red velvet. The throne, at that time, was empty. As was most of the rest of the place. The silence in such a spacious environment was deafening. There were a few guards here and there and then the four Ronins who had entered the room only minutes previous to the four women.
The two groups saw each other around the same time. As the women got closer, Myune bowed to the four of them.
"My Lords," she addressed.
The Ronins looked taken aback. Perhaps they had not been informed of the protocol in this world. Miniko, though a bit hesitant, was about to do the same when Robyn saw what her friends were wearing and could not hide the amused chuckle which quickly turned into a louder giggle.
"Hey," Kento demanded of the one laughing at his appearance. He strolled up to Robyn, hands on hips, and looked her in the face. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing, nothing," Robyn struggled to get herself under control. But the mere glance of them just made her want to smile. "It's just that you guys look so cute like that."
The four of them looked a bit self-conscious at being accused of such a thing. Mia voiced her agreement when she laughed softly as well. Kento huffed.
"Men are not 'cute'," he insisted.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it," Robyn laughed. Then she forced herself to sober up as she informed them. "You look like the Color Kids from Rainbow Brite."
This got a snort from Cye, who quickly covered it up. Myune was not looking amused at all. Neither was Kento. The Orange Color Kid looked like some French chick, and some French chick he was not.
"Oh yeah," Kento defended. "Well you look like a wedding cake."
Robyn just laughed again, hardly offended. She supposed she did look like one.
"Ah, my Lords and Ladies, you are all here," Shinsetsu greeted as he came from another, regular sized door at the back corner of the throne area. "I have not yet introduced myself to the Priestesses. I am the high mage of the kingdom of Falnan and right hand of Her Majesty."
Mia smiled. So that was who this old man was.
"Honored One," she bowed, remembering what to do. "May I ask what we are doing here? I assumed this was a meeting of the royal court, but no one is here."
The old man smiled. "Ah, you are learning our customs quickly, my dear. May I get your title, please?"
"There is no title, Honored One," Myune answered for her. "This is Lady Mia. She is here as a personal guest of our Lords. She knows the history of the armors from the other world. I would imagine you two would have much to converse about."
The old man's eyes, even though Mia could see right away he lacked sight, lit up with intrigue. "Indeed I would, Lady Mia. I would very much like to know what has been going on in your world."
Mia grinned and bowed again, happy for this opportunity. "I would like that very much as well, Honored One."
"And may I present, Honored One," Myune then said. "Miniko, Priestess of the East and Robyn, Priestess of the South."
Robyn's head shot up. Though she was unfamiliar with this new title she was just addressed as, the point was that she was addressed with A TITLE. That meant Myune did indeed know which armor she belonged to.
The Ronins caught this as well and were looking at her in accusation that she knew something they didn't. But Robyn was only able to shrug. She still had no clue what was going on. She was about to ask, however, when a thin man with a large staff entered the room. Hit the butt of his staff on the floor five times and it echoed heavily in the chamber. Had the room been full of people, this action would have been used to get everyone's attention. Here, it just seemed to be more protocol for the place was pretty quiet all ready.
"Now presenting," the thin man with the staff announced. "The Beloved Matriarch of Falnan Her Royal Highness, Queen Laelia."
Around the back of the throne room, a gold door opened and out stepped...a young girl. No more than thirteen years old. Robyn, Mia, and Miniko were surprised to see the queen's age, but not as surprised as the Ronins themselves.
"Hey, it's that girl we saw with Rowen," Ryo whispered. "She's the queen?"
"I guess so," Sage said with a nonchalant shrug. "Perhaps in this crazy place people age backwards."
Cye looked unconvinced. Somehow he doubted that.
Nevertheless, it was a young girl who proceeded around the raised throne. It reminded a few of the new visitors of the arrival of a judge stepping into her courtroom. She marched up to her throne and stood before it, facing the rest of the room. Shinsetsu got to his knees and bowed; as did Myune. The others quickly followed. The Queen saw that all her subjects before her were knelt in humble submission before she seated herself. Her feet didn't even touch the floor.
"You may rise," She announced in a child's voice which befitted her age.
Everyone stood and the Queen of Falnan looked at the old man.
"Shinsetsu," she said. "Thank you for gathering everyone together on time."
The old man bowed.
"I'm pretty sure you are all wondering why you're here in this empty room," the queen went on. "It's just protocol, I'm afraid. In Falnan this is how the royalty must introduce ourselves whether there is a large audience or not. This will happen once again, only this place will be full of members of my court, when the ceremony is performed. In the meantime, I'm sure most of you have met my high mage. He will be here to help you with everything he can until the last Guardian is found."
There was silence in the court of the young queen. All her new subjects were staring at her blankly and with no respect at all. This did not make her happy one bit.
"Is there a problem?" Queen Laelia asked.
Everyone looked at everyone else. How wasn't there a problem? They were stuck in a castle in what was supposed to be a different world than the one they knew. They were brought there for a reason of which they didn't know. The Ronins had female partners, for what, they couldn't say. They were to fight an evil which had yet to be explained to them. And to top it all off, they had to wear goofy clothes and Robyn was so beside herself with uncertainty, she didn't care whom she offended any more.
"Excuse me, your Highness," she spoke up. "I'm sorry if we're offending you, but we're all still very confused about what's going on. No one's really explained anything to us yet. We don't know why we're here or even where here is. Heck, I just found out about all this Priestess and Guardian stuff this morning. I don't know what I'm supposed to do for that. I don't even know which armor I'm Priestess of!"
Robyn wasn't sure if she said that last sentence too loud or what, but most everyone was staring at her when she was done. Myune's expression was the most incredulous of all.
"How can you...not know?" she demanded, wide eyed. "I assumed as soon as you found out, it would have come to you."
"What would have?" Robyn wondered, suddenly feeling very stupid for all that she just admitted to.
"You mean you can't feel it? Feel which armor you're connected to?" Robyn was trying to look anywhere else but Myune's judgmental face. "Uh...no.." She closed her eyes and sighed as she repeated. "I just--"
"I know," Myune cut her off with fading tolerance. "You just found out this morning."
Robyn looked down at her feet. She hadn't felt this stupid in quite a while.
"So what am I?" she asked, looking a bit flustered herself.
"You are the Priestess of the South." This time it was the young queen herself that spoke. Robyn looked up as the child looked down upon her from her throne. "That means you are to be sealed with the armor of Hardrock, of course."
Robyn felt her heart jump in her throat. Just like that, it was that easy. Now she knew.
"Alright Robyn!" Kento cheered. "Right on, you and me!"
He held out his hand for Robyn to give him five. She did so as if in a trance. Cye watched, folding his arms with an unreadable expression on his face. Sage had looked away. It was hard to tell what many were thinking at that moment. Everyone was looking a bit bewildered.
"I'm...the Guardian of Hardrock?" Robyn spoke in a small voice. "But that means...I'm to GUARD Kento?"
Kento stopped. He hadn't thought of it that way. The two stared at each other and then both suddenly burst out laughing. Shinsetsu jumped at the sudden sound. Myune looked mortified at the display. Queen Laelia did not look amused at all.
"I beg your pardon," she demanded, not getting what was so funny.
"Me, hee hee, protect Kento! Ha ha!" Robyn laughed.
"Oh Robyn, save me!" Kento cried, throwing his arms around her. "You're my hero! Take me away!"
"Ouch, stop! Oh, my sides! Ha ha! Can't breathe!"
"My Lord and Lady, please," Shinsetsu begged. "We're still in the Royal Court."
Kento and Robyn did their best to stop their laughter. Robyn was wiping the tears from her eyes as Queen Laelia tapped her fingers impatiently.
"Well, I'm glad you found that so amusing," the girl admonished as if she were much older. "But since you weren't aware of that, you also probably haven't been told that you two have the duty of retrieving the last priestess, the Guardian of Torrent."
That sobered Robyn and Kento up quite quickly.
"Us?" Kento demanded. "Why not have Cye do it? She's his priestess."
"Hey!" Cye retorted."I didn't ask for your help in the first place!"
"No," Shinsetsu spoke quiet, but stern. "Only the two Hardrocks are capable of retrieving the Guardian of Torrent from where she currently resides."
Robyn furrowed her brows. Somehow, she didn't like the sound of that.
"Your Highness," Shinsetsu called. "I suggest a dismissal from court now. Everything has happened so quickly, we did not even take time to assess how much about their duties and our history they knew. Please allow me time to teach them and I will also personally oversee the retrieval of the fourth priestess."
"As you wish," Queen Laelia nodded. "I leave this matter in your hands. You may go now."
Shinsetsu bowed and once again, the others quickly followed. They stayed low as the child queen got up and marched back out the way she had come. Once she had left, the man with the staff announce that the queen has left. Thus, Shinsetsu then led the party out of the royal court room.
Once in the large, quiet halls, everyone seemed to keep their thoughts to themselves. All that happened was still very bewildering. No one knew where to even begin to start asking questions–except one.
Kento looked down when Robyn, who had been walking next to him, grabbed his sleeve.
"How's Rowen?" she asked in a hushed whisper.
"Just fine," Kento replied with a smile. "The old man took us to see him earlier. He'll be in bed for a few days, but he'll be alright."
"Thank goodness," Robyn sighed.
"This way into my study room," Shinsetsu announced as he gestured to one doorway. "Please come in and have a seat and I'll start answering a few of your questions."
Eager to get on with that part, everyone filed in as quickly as they could. The aged man's study room was the smallest of all the rooms they had seen, but still quite cosy. The carpet was a deep red with blue and gold curtains. Everywhere were books and scrolls and other odds and ends one would typically expect to find in the room of such a man.
There were, however, very few seats. The Ronins all sat on the floor, giving up the chairs to most of the women. Robyn had no problem sitting on the floor with them.. She stayed right next to Kento. It seemed safe that way. After all, they were now supposed to help each other or be partners or something. It was now the one certain thing she could cling to in all this craziness.
"Now," Shinsetsu began as he sat himself down in his own chair. "I must apologize for how slow we've been giving information to you. It certainly isn't going to stop here, either. I've been afraid that if too much information is given to you all at once, you would be too overwhelmed. We learned when Myune came to us that it's best to give a little at a time to let those from the other world adjust slowly to ours."
From her chair, Myune's posture seemed to stiffen a bit, but she nodded.
The old man leaned back and stroked his beard. "I suppose right now would be a good time to explain about the Priestesses and their history and why exactly the Hardrocks are now needed to retrieve the Priestess bound to Torrent."
Robyn sat up; she was all ears. She desperately hoped this story made more sense than the one Mia and Miniko told her back at the hotel. Though she hated to admit it, Robyn knew she was the most confused out of all of them at this point. But she wouldn't let it stay that way if she could help it.
"Before there was a binding spell on any of the armors," Shinsetsu began, carefully choosing his words. "There were already four Priestesses. They were chosen by the heavens from the four corners of the kingdom to represent each direction and come together in the middle in the Temple of the Sun."
That's why I was called Priestess of the South, Robyn thought. Yes! I'm following so far!
"These four women were brought together to communicate with the gods and to bring peace to all the kingdom. The duty of the Priestesses were sacred–so much that the people considered them deities themselves for they did indeed carry their power. Both Priestesses and Armor Bearers existed separately for decades before they were brought together.
"Many years ago, a time of great wickedness struck the land. The bearers of the armors had become corrupt over the great power they had. The people of the kingdom suffered greatly at their hands. Many were killed under direct power of the armors or from poverty or starvation. The people began to flee to the gates of the Sun Temple and prayed and pleaded for the Priestesses to deliver them from the Bearer's tyranny."
The old man paused, breathing out heavily as if remembering it all himself. Who knew, may he had been there? The air was tense with curiosity, pushing the mage on.
"It was those four who put the sealing spell on the armor. No one else could have. Only the power of the gods could do such a thing. They prayed that there would be a way to stop corrupt men from abusing the power of the holy armors. The sealing spell was their answer. And thus, the four Priestesses were sealed to four of the armors for the rest of eternity, keeping such tragedies from ever occurring again."
"So," Ryo spoke up, pressing a question that had been grating on him for some time. "The armor of Wildfire doesn't have a Priestess sealed to it then?"
"No," Shinsetsu replied. "With Wildfire also carrying the armor of Inferno, none of the Priestesses were ever strong enough to be sealed to it."
Ryo took a minute to contemplate that. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. Mostly because he could feel his friends glaring at him for not having to go through what they were. He had a feeling he might get jumped by the proverbial "flagpole" later for this. Even though, for the record, none of this was his fault.
"Shinsetsu," Sage then spoke. "What exactly is the purpose of the sealed Priestess to the armor?"
Yes! What? Robyn screamed on the inside. She was dying to know this. Good 'ol Sage. He always knew how to ask the right questions.
"The Priestesses are there to help the Bearers any way they see fit," Shinsetsu replied. "In the past they have joined in battles as well as helped in political matters. Though the Priestesses are often in service of the Armor Bearers, their true loyalty is to the people of Falnan. Their greatest responsibility is to make sure the Bearers are always worthy of their positions. If a Priestess ever finds that the one she is sealed to is abusing their power or letting darkness enter their hearts, she has the right and the power to remove the mantle from that person and find another who is worthy. The title of "Guardian" refers directly to the armor itself and not the bearer. The Priestesses guard the armor and make sure they are always in righteous hands."
Robyn was taken aback. Did she hear right? Did he just say she could take away Kento's armor if she wanted to? She glanced over at Kento who turned to her, wide eyed. Apparently, he heard the same thing she did. How weird was that?
Cye didn't know what he thought about that. Sage didn't like the idea too much either. Their whole battle with Talpa was about keeping their armor. Now the old man was saying that this Myune girl whom he had only known existed for a few hours could remove him of Halo without even trying? Sage admitted that he could see the reason after Shinsetsu's story; and he had no doubt that his friends were all worthy of their armors. Still, something about that bothered him. This was a situation that he was not in control of and Sage was more comfortable when he was in control of his situation.
"Uh, Sir? Honored One?" Robyn spoke up. "What about the Priestess of Torrent? Where is she? WHO is she?"
Cye looked over at her and Robyn gave him an assuring smile. She knew he was worried about this girl he was going to get stuck with. But it couldn't be helped. She would eventually come; and when she did, Robyn was sure it would turn out okay. She would see to that. Besides, she had a hunch she had been churning in her head for a while. It had to be right. Natalia was one of them. That's why Robyn had met her. That was why she had been kidnaped. And Kento and Robyn were the only ones who could get her back. Robyn would certainly be up for that. Shinsetsu frowned a bit at the question. "We had a small problem with her. Before we could bring her here, she slipped out of the world of the living."
Robyn instantly paled. NO!
"You mean she died?" Kento blurted, obviously not following Robyn's thought patterns.
"Yes," the old man nodded saddly. "Two years ago she died in your world. She would be Lady Halo's age if she were alive."
Robyn furrowed her brows. If it was two years ago, then it couldn't have been Natalia. Then what was going on?
"Then what's going to happen?" Cye asked. "Will I get another?"
"No," Shinsetsu replied. "The original Priestess will be retrieved, it will just take some time."
Everyone stared at him blankly. Even though the old man was blind, he could still feel those stares burning into him.
"Let me explain how," he said with his ever present patience. "You see, each Priestess is also blessed with a special gift that is theirs alone. The Priestess of the South was given access to the realm of the spirits. With the added power of the Armor of Hardrock, she may even enter it."
Shinsetsu quickly addressed Robyn and Kento before they could ask. "Yes, you two will go to the realm of the dead and retrieve her. Ever since we found out about her death, I have been working on a reincarnation spell. With enough power, I believe we can give her spirit back a physical body at least long enough to finish the task at hand."
It was quiet for a moment.
"Like, now?" Kento blurted out again, not looking like he believed the whole story.
Shinsetsu chuckled. "I admire the charisma, but no, not yet. The process will take quite a bit out of you. Each of you should be rested before you attempt it. Tomorrow we will give it a try."
"If you don't mind me asking," Cye spoke up. "Exactly how do you know what happened to the Priestess?"
"The same way we found you," Myune spoke up. "As the Priestess of the North, my special power is the ability to receive visions of what is and what was. Unfortunately, I cannot see what is to be. Without future sight, I could only see what happened to the Guardian of Torrent, I could not do anything to prevent it."
There was another span of contemplative silence.
"I think that is enough for today." Shinsetsu announced. "For now, our focus will be on retrieving the last Priestess. When she is with us, I will explain more. That way," He added with a chuckle. "I won't have to repeat myself.
"Now, if you will all excuse me, I have other matters of the kingdom to attend to. There will be servants to help you find your way around the castle and each of you will be provided chambers for tonight."
"Honored One, please one more question." Robyn begged. "My friend was kidnaped last night by the same guys Myune helped us fight today. Why was she taken? Where is she?"
The old mage looked VERY surprised at Robyn's outburst.
"Your friend?" he repeated.
"Yes. These men broke into our place and took her and I was left behind. Wouldn't they want me if I was a Priestess?"
"Indeed," Shinsetsu agreed with concern. "There are enemies who were trying to reach the Priestesses before us. But they have powers of sight, too and would know who you are. I haven't any idea why your friend would be taken."
"A hostage maybe?" Sage offered. "For a negotiation?"
"Possibly." The old man stroked his beard some more. This predicament had him stumped.
"Would it be safe to assume that she was brought to this world as well?" Mia asked.
"Very likely," Shinsetsu agreed. "I am sorry this happened Lady Hardrock. I don't know why, but I will do everything in my power to find out."
"Thank you," Robyn bowed. She kept her head down, feeling very frustrated. She didn't care about this world's history. She wanted to know what happened to Natalia.. Why couldn't anyone give her answers for that?
With that meeting over, the group was escorted back out into the hall. Kalia, the head handmaiden was back with a few other servant girls to help guide their guests to where ever they wanted to go now.
"It might be a good idea to have something to eat," Cye announced. "We pretty much missed breakfast."
"I second that," Kento agreed. Even he had momentarily forgotten how hungry he was.
Everyone else seemed to agree. Only Robyn lagged behind.
"What is wrong, My Lady?" Kalia asked while one of the other girls was about to lead them to the dining area.
"May I go see Ro–I mean, Lord Strata?" she asked at bit sadly.
Kalia looked a bit worried. Robyn needed to eat and Strata certainly wasn't her armor. Plus, the infirmary wasn't exactly a public place for people to come and go as they pleased.
Ryo, even though he was quite hungry himself, was about to offer to go with Robyn. Cye held out his arm, cutting Ryo of.
"Let her," he told Kalia. "And if it's okay, have some food brought down to her."
"Yes, My Lord," Kalia bowed. "It will be done."
Robyn threw Cye a thankful, tired smile as she was led off down the hall by one of the girls. The sandy haired young man watched her go, his heart feeling heavy. She looked so sad and there was nothing he could do for her. Even harder to bear, it seemed there was nothing she wanted from him. In her time of hardship, Robyn was craving the company of another; and not even someone who was conscious. Was it that specific company she wanted or did she just want to be somewhere quiet where she wasn't quite alone, yet no one would talk to her? It was hard to say.
Robyn was lead to the infirmary where she was given a seat at Rowen's beside. After being left alone, she took a moment to study Strata's current state. He was sleeping peacefully; seeming to not be in any pain. His fever had broken as well. All in all, it looked like he was being well taken care of. Robyn allowed herself a small smile of relief on her friend's behalf. It made her feel a bit more at ease that he was okay. A few minutes later, a servant girl came in with a plate of food which looked normal enough. Robyn ate it with surprising calmness as if it were any other meal she had partaken of.
In the stillness of the almost empty room, Robyn let her thoughts wander back to Cye's expression before she left. She read it easily. Cye was so quick to jump to conclusions. Didn't he know that Robyn would have wanted to be here no matter which one of them was sick in that bed? It was the fact that one of them was missing that unnerved Robyn. It didn't feel right when the five of them were apart. And even though she knew there was nothing she could do by being here, it still felt like she was helping the situation somehow.
She wanted Rowen to wake up very badly. Nothing made sense in this crazy place. All the explanations just confused and frightened her more. If Rowen were awake, maybe he could explain it to her better, or at least make a joke about it so everyone wasn't taking it so seriously. It was so strange in this place. Everything felt like a dream, and yet, hard reality at the same time.
For a fleeting moment, Robyn suddenly felt overwhelmed with it all and sucked in the air deeply. She noisily let it out as she ran her fingers through her hair. Quite a masculine gesture, but she did it all the same.
"Man, Rowen," she whispered. "What have we all gotten into here?"
Even if Rowen had the ability to reply, he would have been cut off as a door, other than the main entrance, opened in the back of the room. Robyn looked up as a young girl came in. She was a bit surprised to see the girl there, as was the girl of her.
"You're Magesty," Robyn stumbled at the young queen.
Queen Laelia wasn't dressed quite as extravagant as she was before. It took Robyn a minute to realize who she was. Why was she coming in the back door?
The royal youth, for her part, just stared at Robyn, not looking to happy. Robyn suddenly had a feeling that neither was the queen pleased to see her, nor was she now welcome in this room.
"You're supposed to stand when royalty enters the room," Queen Laelia said flatly.
Robyn's eyes went wide. She had forgotten already! She quickly jumped to her feet, spilling her plate in the process and looking even more startled. But instead of bending to pick it up, she continued to stand at attention, afraid to move from that spot.
Queen Laelia looked at her like she was born with an extra appendage.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded.
Robyn fumbled for an answer.
"You aren't the Guardian of Strata," the young Queen continued to accuse. "You have no right to be here."
"I–I just wanted to make sure he was okay," Robyn said timidly.
The queen huffed and made to her way to the other side of the bed and looked down at the sleeping ronin.
"You have my leave to go," she said.
Robyn raised an eyebrow at her, getting some of her courage back. This girl was giving her PERMISSION to leave? But she didn't want to leave! In fact, she was there first! Here, this little pre teen was making her feel like she was doing something wrong by looking after her wounded friend. That wasn't right!
"Are you deaf?" Laelia continued, glaring at Robyn.
When the older redhead looked blankly at her, Laelia marched over to where she was standing.
"You know, I was always told that the Priestesses were the most beautiful and graceful in all the kingdom. So how did you manage to become one?"
Robyn was shocked speechless. She was just standing there while this, this KID insulted her. Royalty or not, Robyn wasn't going to take this from someone half her size and promptly slapped the Queen of Falnan across the face.
Now, it was Laelia's turn to stand in shock. She placed a hand in her stinging cheek while Robyn angrily stood over her, her hand still trembling. Robyn felt very ashamed right now for letting this uppity little girl see the tears in her eyes she could not hide.
"You're a horrible child!" Robyn announced before turning and fleeing the room.
Robyn didn't look back as she ran down the large corridors. Adrenaline pumped through her, making her muscles feel as if it were electricity jolting through them. Tears blurred her vision. What did she just do? How could she have lost it like that? What was wrong with her? Why did she suddenly feel the unquenchable need to flee this place and be far from it?
'How do I get out of this damn castle?' she thought as she ran frantically. She was sure there were people who were looking at her funny as she ran. They probably weren't used to seeing a holy priestess dashing about in such a state. But Robyn was far too frustrated to care at this time. 'I can't even see any windows! I feel like a prisoner!'
Another burst of energy surged through her as a sudden wave of claustrophobia in the impossibly large hallways caused her to panic. A pair of arms suddenly clasped around her and she almost took the body they belonged to with her at the speed she was going. Robyn gasped as she felt herself being grabbed. She heard a grunt from the body that was putting all its strength into putting a stop to her flight. Robyn blinked up at the person who caught her.
"Robyn, what happened?" Ryo asked in urgency.
Robyn realized she must have looked terrified. Ryo was looked down at her, very much alarmed at her state. Feeling even more stupid now and not wanting to worry him, Robyn stood back, scrubbing the tears from her eyes with her large sleeve.
"Sorry," she said as she fought to steady her voice. "I kind of freaked out for a bit. This place was making me nervous. I can't even see out of here. It feels kind of ... like I'm trapped, I guess."
Ryo wasn't quite sure what to do. He had been wandering the castle alone since after dinner when he just happened to see her racing towards him. Now that he got her to stop, Ryo noticed there were a few servants around watching them and whispering to each other. Somehow he didn't really get a strong feeling of approval from them.
"Come on," he said quietly to her, leading her off with a hand at the small of her back.
Robyn allowed herself to be led without a word, but inside she was marveling at the situation. Ryo was being so gentle and she felt so safe with him now. She didn't deserve him treating her like this–being so kind. She had said things that were so cruel. How grand of it was him to forgive her so easily now. How amazing he truly was.
"Here, I found this earlier," Ryo announced, leading them onto a balcony that led outside.
Robyn happily ran to the edge, deeply taking in the fresh air. Ah, outside. That felt better.
"Wow, we really are in a whole new place," she marveled as she looked at the scenery below her. She could see the base of the castle and its gates. Beyond that was the town and people. Just like a scene from a fantasy movie. Beyond the town were fields and forests that went on forever. "It's so weird, Ryo. Everyone said we were no longer in our own world, but it didn't really hit home until I saw this."
"No kidding," Ryo agreed. "We're not in the States or Japan. I don't know if we can even call this place on Earth. I had the same feeling when Rowen and I went into the Netherworld to find the others and fight Talpa."
Robyn looked back at him. "Cye, Kento, and Sage?" she asked. The scenery was no longer as interesting. "They got stuck there?"
"Captured," Ryo clarified. "By the Warlords. They were held prisoners in Talpa's castle for several days before we could get to them."
"Really?" Robyn asked with wide eyes. "I never knew that. Every time you guys mention this, I find out something new. I guess you could tell me about it a thousand times and I still couldn't get the whole story. Sometimes, I wish I could have been there so I could understand."
Ryo shrugged as he leaned against the rock edge of the balcony. "None of us really talk about it much. Those three had a hard time while they were there. But we all had our own demons and trials to face." He suddenly had a far away look in his eye. "For me, it was the hardest thing I had ever done."
Robyn looked down at her hands, suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable. She really felt bad. Hearing what happened to them, knowing she had been oblivious to it made her feel like she had abandoned them somehow. Even though she knew it was ridiculous. She didn't even know four out of five of them existed until after it had happened. Still, she knew she would always wish she could have been there and there wasn't anything she could do to change that feeling.
Ryo was watching her fiddling out of the corner of his eye as he faced the clouds floating past.
"Robyn, why did you leave Japan?"
Robyn looked at him, surprised at the unexpected question.
"I mean, we were all moving out for college anyway. Why did you have to move so far?"
Robyn didn't look up from her fidgeting hands. "It was selfish of me, wasn't it? I came to you guys until my problem was gone and then left again. You must have thought I was very ungrateful."
Ryo made no move to agree or disagree with that statement.
"I think I understand a bit why you did," he then said. "But even so, we–"
"I couldn't help it," Robyn cut him off. "Yes, I said there were other reasons; that I was doing it for you guys, but I don't know if that was completely true." She finally looked up at him. "Since leaving my family in Japan, I had never lived anywhere as long as I had stayed with the Mouri's. I feel uneasy, restless when I stay in one place too long."
She let out a breath, glancing back at the spacious countryside below her.
"I got so used to running. There was always something at my back, forcing me to keep going. I could always feel a darkness following me for as long as I could remember. But I was so happy in Japan. I had never known that kind of peace before. Something in my head started screaming that it wouldn't last. I had to run again."
"What do you mean?" Ryo asked. "Is that same thing still there?"
Robyn looked over at him thoughtfully. "I think Kortez was right when he said there was a darkness that would always be with me. I could feel it and I was afraid of it. But, after meeting you guys, it doesn't seem so bad. Darkness doesn't always have to equal evil, does it?"
"Of course not," came another voice. Cye was leaning against the wall behind them. "You're many things, Robyn, but evil isn't one of them."
Robyn turned and smile at him.
"Clumsy, yes," Cye continued. "Or clueless, or loud, but never evil."
"Hey now," Robyn warned with a light punch to his shoulder. "Let's be nice."
"Hey, friends are there to keep you humble," Cye joked back. "Remember that."
He was about to catch her in a headlock when a servant girl approached them and bowed.
"My Lords and Lady," she said. "There are now rooms prepared for you. Would you like me to show you where they are?"
"Castle rooms?" Robyn asked. "Sweet!"
"That would be a 'yes'," Cye translated for the servant.
"Very good," she nodded. "This way, please."
"Wow Cye, you're getting the hang of this already," Robyn complimented as they followed the girl.
"Yeah, whatever, Robyn," Cye waved it off. "I'm just surprised you haven't gotten yourself into trouble yet."
Robyn bit her lower lip. She didn't really care to tell him she just slapped the only person in this world that might have the power to send her to death.
Cye raised an eyebrow at her. "I don't like that silence," he informed her.
Robyn blanched. "Oh, I was just thinking," she laughed nervously. "You never told me you were held prisoner in the Nether Realm. That was so weird."
Cye blinked at her, and then glared at Ryo.
"Sorry, man," Ryo waved it off nervously. "It just came out, I swear!"
"It's not his fault," Robyn defended. "You never tell me about what happened–none of you do."
Cye looked to the ceiling and took a deep breath. "Yeah, maybe," He agreed with reluctance. "But now really isn't the time to discuss this."
"No," Robyn had to concur. "But maybe...some other time?"
Cye gave half a smile. It was then Robyn fully noticed that he had gotten a little taller and his shoulders were a bit broader than before she had left. He seemed calmer and more content with himself and his surroundings as well. Overall, Cye felt a bit more grown up than she remembered. Robyn hoped she felt a bit more grown up to them as well.
Miniko almost tripped on her robe again as she and Mia wandered the castle halls. Once more, she wondered how Mia could glide around as easily as she did. Both their robes were the same length. How was it that Mia was never getting hers underfoot? This question boggled Miniko's mind as she stepped on her white robe once more. She was embarrassed to note that the ends were starting to turn a little bit grey because of this.
"Thanks for coming with us, Mia," Miniko said to her out of the blue.
Mia swung her head in Miniko's direction, a bit surprised at the sudden comment.
"You seem to be the only one on my side," Miniko continued to explain. "Thank you for being so nice to me and helping me through this."
Mia gave her a thoughtful, almost sad smile. "I was thinking a bit that I shouldn't have come," she admitted. "I can't help in any battles, but when we were fighting Talpa, I was able to help the Ronins with the research my grandfather and I had. I had a purpose. Here, I don't know anything. I'm feeling very useless. They can't look to me for advice any more. They've grown up; they don't need me here."
"But I need you!" Miniko insisted. "I don't have a single friend in this place. Please support me, okay?"
Mia blinked at her for a second and then smiled. "Alright. I'll do what I can."
"Thank you," Miniko said again.
"Miniko," Mia then said. "Were you really traveling around with Anubis before you found us?"
The younger woman raised an eyebrow at her. "If you're talking about the former Warlord of Cruelty Anubis, then yes. I would still have friends and be able to go home if it wasn't for him haunting my every waking hour. Sometimes he would even bug me in my dreams. Always blabbing about Ronins this and that and telling me to go find them. He's such a pain."
Mia's mouth ticked up into a small smile at Miniko's complaint. How funny that was to picture Anubis, who used to be a figure of such fear, pestering this poor girl.
"Have you seen him around lately?" Mia then wondered.
Miniko stopped in her tracks. "No, come to think of it. I haven't seen his pale face around since we got here." She glanced over at Mia. "You think he got left behind?"
"I don't know. Myune, said he would come here if we wished it."
Miniko then smirked at the expression on Mia's face. "And did you wish it?"
The older brunette's face instantly grew a pink hue.
"I see," Miniko grinned.
"No, it's not like that, really," Mia insisted. "We hardly knew each other. I just..."
"Uh, huh," came the reply, not sounding too convinced.
Miniko was grinning knowingly when she started walking again–only to finally trip for good on her priestess robes. She gasped as she lost her balance and was unable to right herself. There was that sickening feeling of free falling and Miniko readied to meet the hard, unforgiving floor. She, instead, met a very solid arm as it caught her in the mid section. Miniko looked up at her savior. Her gaze was met by intense, stormy blue eyes.
A gorgeous face gazed down at her and Miniko found herself unable to speak. Her mind stumbled over herself to start functioning normally, but the blood rushing to her face was preventing that.
"Be careful, My Lady," the man said. He was dressed in a kind of armor with a long flowing cape. Dark hair hung over his sharp eyes.
Before Miniko could even managed to spit out a thank you, the proud, tall figure was already making his way down the hall. Miniko couldn't help but stare after him as he went.
"Who do you think that is?" she wondered in a quiet voice.
"Not sure," Mia responded. "He looks important."
"He looks hot!"
"He does," Mia had to agree with a laugh. "Now aren't you glad you came?"
This time, Miniko had to laugh, too.
Sage opened an eye as he heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," he said calmly.
The massive and intricately decorated door slid open with a heavy squeak and Kento poked his head in.
"Yup, same as mine," he announced as he stepped inside.
After dinner, everyone had split up a bit; each needing a moment to be alone and think about what had happened. Kento and Sage had been found a bit later by one of the servant girls and were asked if they would like to see the rooms they would be using while guests in Falnan.
As soon as Sage was left alone in his, he sat himself right down in the middle of the large room, cross legged and began to meditate. He sure had a lot to think about. This was where Kento found him a few minutes later.
Sage popped open one eye at his friend. It was obvious with Kento's presence he would get no further in tonight's meditation. He re-crossed his legs into a more relaxed position and leaned his hands on his knees, elbows out. Kento, for his part, wandered to the middle of the room and stood with his hands on his hips.
"Man, how do they live in rooms this big?" Kento wondered. "I could fit my whole house in here."
"And your point?" Sage sighed, though he already knew what Hardrock was getting at.
"Well," Kento fumbled, trying to find the right words. "It's just...too much. No one needs a room this big. Especially just for one person."
Sage nodded in agreement. "It is a bit too much."
"You can't even see in the furthest corners," Kento continued. "Man, anyone could be hiding back there, just waiting for you to turn out the lights and–"
"I get it, Kento," Sage insisted as he stood up. "You're going to start creeping me out."
"Sorry," Kento grinned. "Living with my family, I've just gotten used to limited space. Now dealing with sometime like this makes me feel a bit out of it." He then turned and looked at his blonde friend. "So how about you, Sage? You never say anything. What do you think of all this?"
Sage turned his head and sighed once more. He showed he was a bit uncomfortable with the sudden topic as he ran his fingers through his hair. He sat himself on his very large, satin bed and looked down at his hands.
"Come on Sage, spit it out," Kento said.
Sage bit his lip, indicating something was indeed eating at his thoughts.
"What?" Kento demanded.
"Do we really need these girls?" Sage suddenly spat out. "I don't see why we're supposed to just accept them. Why can't we take care of this by ourselves and just be done with it?"
Kento cocked an eyebrow at him. "What are you talking about Sage? This Guardian thing ain't so bad."
"Sure, not for you," Sage argued. "Look who you got paired with."
The comment didn't help Kento change his confused expression.
"Huh? About Robyn? Do you mean to say you wish she–"
"It's that girl, Myune," Sage interrupted. "I don't trust her. Every time she looks at me I get a bad feeling."
"Good grief, Sage," Kento said as he rolled his eyes, earning a glare from the blonde. "Why do you have to make everything so hard? You don't even know her yet. You need to learn to trust people once in a while. She's on our side; it's not like she came from the Dynasty or anything."
That was sure a rare occasion; Hardrock scolding Halo. Sage hung his head and let out a heavy breath.
"How did you not know, anyway?" Halo then asked.
"Not know what?" Kento replied.
"That you and Robyn were linked by your armor. The second I met Myune I knew deep down what she was; whether I wanted to accept it or not."
Kento thoughtfully rolled his tongue over his teeth as he slid down to sit on the floor, leaning against Sage's bed.
"I dunno," he offered simply. "Though the more I think about it, the more I realize that I wasn't that surprised when they said Robyn was the Priestess to Hardrock. She and I clicked since day one. There wasn't a time when we just knew each other. We were friends instantly. I didn't even become friends with Cye that fast. And when Robyn was attacked in her apartment, I just knew there was something wrong and no one could tell me different." He paused and looked up at Sage. "Do you think two people can be connected to one armor that way? I mean, we connected to our own armors and then kind of to each other through them. Will it go even farther now with these Guardian girls? Just how close are we supposed to get with them?"
Sage shrugged; a gesture he didn't do often. Very rare were times when Halo did not have an answer for everything. This, however, was one of them.
There was a span of silence before a knock on the door scattered the thoughts of both Halo and Hardrock.
"Hello!" Ryo sang as he popped his head in. "We found you."
Sage gave no invitation to come inside, but Ryo did anyway, followed by Cye and Robyn.
"Have you guys gotten lost in your rooms yet?" Ryo then joked.
"I know," Kento agreed. "We could easily fit all of us in here and still have room for comfort. Except you, Robyn. No girls allowed."
Robyn replied by sticking her tongue out at him.
"So, where do we go from here?" Cye wondered as he and the others sat down, joining them all in a little circle next to Sage's bed.
"There isn't much else to do for today besides getting some sleep," Sage replied, now having some answers.
"Yeah, except for tomorrow, Robyn and I both have tickets nonstop to Zombieville tomorrow," Kento stated.
"What are you talking about, Kento?" Cye demanded.
"You heard the old man. We're supposed to go into the land of the dead or something to get that Torrent chick out. What if she comes back with only one eyeball and all her flesh rotting off her?"
Sage rolled his eyes and made no move to hide it.
"I don't think it's like that, Kento," Robyn spoke up. "Zombies are reanimated corpses. I doubt what we're doing has anything to do with raising what's left of her body from her grave. I imagine we're going to go to some type of spiritual limbo and then through us, Shinsetsu will call back her soul to this world. And, I would guess, he has some kind of spell that turns spiritual energy into a temporary solid body. Or he'll have the spirit possess someone. I don't know how else he'd keep her here."
The room was silent as they all stared at Robyn.
"What?" she demanded. "I say something insightful and you guys act like I've never said anything intelligent before?"
"Welcome to my world," Kento said, arms out in greeting.
More silence from the rest.
"Screw you guys, then." Robyn announced as she stood up. "I'm going to bed."
"I'll walk you," Cye offered as he hurried to his feet.
"See you guys tomorrow," Robyn called as they left.
Kento waved as it seemed the comment was mostly directed at him. For it was obvious that he, above all others, would definitely be seeing her the next day.
Cye shut the massive door behind him and he and Robyn continued down the hallways to where Robyn's new room. It was a bit further away; on the opposite side of the wing, separating the women's sleeping quarters from the men's.
"Think you're up for this thing tomorrow?" Cye asked as they walked. "I'm still not sure I like the idea of it."
"I think it will be okay," Robyn confided. "When I think about doing it, I'm not very worried. In fact, I start to get the feeling that after all I've been through in my life, it's kind of prepared me for this. I always felt I lived a bit closer to the other side than most. Perhaps this is the reason why."
They stopped outside Robyn's door and she smirked at her friend.
"I know it will be hard Cye, but don't worry about it. This thing will go down tomorrow without a problem. Trust me."
She gave him a look that told she knew all too well what the virtue of his armor was and right now she was expecting it. In response, Cye smiled.
"Okay," he agreed. "I have faith that you and Kento will do this. I know you can do it."
"That's right!" Robyn agreed. "Thanks for walking me, Cye. Good night."
"Good night, Robyn."