Guardian Souls
By: Ghost of the Dawn
Chapter Eleven: The Sealing Ceremony
The stranger in Ryo's room turned around.
"Me?" he asked as if just caught admiring the drapes.
"You are who I was just told about," Ryo accused. "You're a god in this world."
The tall, handsome man with the white hair smiled at him. "I am Yanushi and I am what you say," he replied as if it weren't too terribly important. He strolled casually over to the red oak desk in Ryo's room and sat himself down at the chair as if it were his.
"More specifically," Yanushi continued. "I am THE god of this world."
Ryo squinted at him. "What do you mean by that?"
"What I mean is what I said," the grandly dressed man continued. "I am the creator of this world. It's people, it's trees and hills and mountains and all things and all creatures; they all exist because of me."
He looked up in amusement at Ryo's wide eyed expression. "What? Did they fail to mention that to you?" He shifted in his seat. "Typical."
Ryo worked his jaw up and down. He didn't believe what he just heard. "How--how is that possible?" he whispered.
Yanushi raised an eyebrow. "Your world has a god, too, doesn't it? One who created you; who knows your soul and divines all you are destined?"
Ryo blinked. This was a bit to much for him. "I...guess.."
Yanushi nodded in understanding. "Ah, I know. You come from a world of faith. Where your creator never shows himself. Where man creates different religions--all trying to figure out what He wants from them. Where some don't even believe He exists."
Ryo nodded blankly. That sounded close enough.
"I'm not surprised," Yanushi replied, as if suddenly bored with the subject. "That's how it is on most worlds. But here, it is different. Here, there is no need for faith or religion or temples and synagogues built to a higher power. These people--their god walks their world. Religion is built on faith and there is no faith if it is right before your eyes.
"This is how I chose my world to be- how I chose to be. And it is a different world indeed."
Ryo shook his head again. It was hard to make sense of it all.
"So why me?" he finally asked. "Why do you keep showing up? Why would the creator of a world want to keep talking to me?"
"Why not?" Yanushi shrugged, a hint of mischief in his clear blue eyes. "You are not from my world. You are the unknown variable of all my equations. You are also Lord Wildfire. You are the leader and the others will do as you say. Why not talk to you?"
Ryo swallowed. His mouth felt very dry.
"What do you want from me?"
The white haired man finally looked at him seriously. "I want you to question. I want you to look. I want you to hear everything and trust what you feel is correct." He then narrowed his eyes, almost dangerously. "But most importantly," he said in a lower tone. "I want you to stay out of my business."
Ryo's eyes shot open wide. He had heard that threat before. Countless times in his sleep.
"You," he pointed. "Are you the one who keeps giving me those dreams? Are you the one warning me not to interfere?"
Yanushi's face went back to it's usual half-interested expression as he shot up an eyebrow.
"Dreams? My dear boy, why would I bother? As far as I was concerned, you didn't even exist until you entered this world. Besides, gods don't grant dreams. Visions sometimes, but dreams are entirely different. Dreams are a reflection on your own soul. They come from within. Not from anyone like me." Then he grinned; almost in mockery. "What is in your soul, Wildfire?"
For a moment, Ryo stood abashed at the statement. But then he shook himself. After dealing with the Warlords, he knew when someone was trying to play headgames when he heard it. And now was not the time to be distracted. There were other important questions to ask while this being was still around giving answers.
"What about this Akuma guy I was told about? The Captain of the Guard told me that you were seen at the castle of this man who is supposed to be plotting to take over this kingdom."
Yanushi just shrugged at the accusation. "It is true that I can often be found over there. But I am often in this castle as well, as you have probably noticed by now."
"Are you helping him to plot an overthrow of the queen?" Ryo continued to press.
Yanushi furrowed his brow, as if disappointed that his new pupil wasn't learning anything. "Why would I? It serves no purpose for me. His land, the Queen's land, it's all mine anyway. Doesn't matter who takes it over. Notwithstanding the fact that as a god, I don't get into mortal affairs. Man is still in charge of his or her own destiny. I cannot interfere."
"But you are," Ryo challenged. "Whatever you say, I have a feeling you HAVE been doing a bit of meddling. You may not have done it yourself, but I'm sure you saw to it that there was an attack on Sage and Robyn today. Shinsetsu said you were trying to revive the spirit of the previous Hardrock Priestess."
"Ah, yes," Yanushi said as if just remembering this little fact. "It is true that I am interested in the previous Priestess of Hardrock. But I don't believe it is why you think I am."
"Then tell me. What exactly do you want with her? With either of them?"
Yanushi stood up and smiled at the question. A smile that seemed to say he knew the punchline of a joke that Ryo did not.
As he opened his mouth, the doors to Ryo's room burst open and in landed a large, snarling white tiger. Even Yanushi took a step back in susprise as the beast planted himself between him and Ryo, eyes wary and dangerous.
"Oh, it's you," Yanushi's surprise was short lived. "I didn't expect to see you here. I almost didn't recognize you. Still in that form, are you?"
White Blaze just growled, his anger very apparant.
"Fine, fine," Yanushi raised his hands in defense. "I'll not bother your charge any more tonight. But we will meet again. And Wildfire?"
Ryo looked up at being addressed.
"About your dreams, perhaps it is your destiny calling. And your destiny certainly isn't in this world. So don't die here so you may have a chance to meet it."
And with that, the white haired man was gone. Just as he had disappeared the first time Ryo had seen him in the castle corridors.
With the threat now dispersed, White Blaze sat on his haunches and snorted his distaste for the visitor they had. Ryo placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, but his head was still spinning. What did it all mean? What was he supposed to believe when it seemed everyone was just telling him half truths and omissions of others? Who was he supposed to ask for the real answers?
The infirmary was quiet again after everyone left. The discussion had been long and loud. And, Sage noted, Robyn had started the main arguement. But soon, everyone had had enough of it and had went their separate ways to cool off. Only Sage and Robyn, the ones who were injured, were left to finish bandaging themselves.
In the stillness of the now empty room, Sage watched Robyn out of the corner of his eye. She was wrapping her burned arm, her expression far off. She had been uncharactoristically quiet since everyone left. Usually, Sage would have guested she'd be venting from all the people telling her off by now. But she seemed to be keeping it all inside this time. Sage frowned. That wasn't healthy and it wasn't like her.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
Robyn looked up at the sudden voice. First, surprised and then her expression hardened in determination.
"Yeah, there is," she told him, not at all guilty or apologetic that there was something bothering her. Again, it wasn't like her. She usually seemed to feel bad when she had a difference of opinion when it came to him and the other Ronins.
"I don't get this, Sage. I don't get all of it," Robyn went on. "Especially with this Sealing Ceremony we're all supposed to do tomorrow. They keep mentioning it, but no one has yet to tell us what it is or what it's for. We know that the Priestesses and you guys will kind of join powers, but that's all."
Sage riased an eyebrow. "Is there a problem with that?"
"No, I guess not. But it's just..." She trailed off, trying to find the words to define what she felt. "I don't know. Maybe it's just because it's all happening at once. But it feels like they're pushing too hard too fast. It leaves me with an uneasy feeling." She sighed and hung her head. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be such a pain. I know it's probably a big headache for everyone that I keep questioning everything that's going on. I'm just...I guess I'm just afraid of making a mistake."
"There's nothing wrong with that," replied a different voice. Rowen was leaning in the doorway.
"Mistakes are only bad if you don't learn from them."
Robyn raised her head as if to reply, but then she lowered it again and chewed on a nail. Rowen strolled in, looking proud of himself for leaving Robyn speechless for once. It wasn't often any of them said something to her to make her stop and think. He plopped himself on the bed next to her.
Sage eyed them both. Though Rowen seemed happy about it, Sage was a bit troubled that Robyn had suddenly went quiet.
"Robyn?"
She looked up at him.
"There's something...I need to apologize for."
Robyn took her turn in raising an eyebrow. Sage was apologizing for something? She was unaware he had the ability to do anything wrong. Rowen also looked a bit surprised. It wasn't often even he saw his best friend looking as humbled as he did now.
"Earlier, I said something I shouldn't have," Sage began, a bit unsteady. "I said you were weak and that you wouldn't be any help to us. I should have learned my lesson the last time I thought someone was weak, but I didn't. I didn't have any right to say that and I--"
Robyn waved him off. "That's fine, don't worry about it. I'm sure there's plenty of truth to that anyway."
Sage worked his jaw, not sure what he was supposed to say now. "Cye says that there are different ways of being weak and different ways of being strong."
Robyn gave a crooked smile at his mention. "Yeah, he would say something like that. But I guess, the real truth is we will have to wait and see who really is strong when the time comes. Starting tomorrow, I guess, with this ceremony."
Sage and Rowen both nodded.
"Well then, we should at least greet it at our best," Sage announced as he grabbed Robyn's face in his hands.
Her eyes went wide as she realized he was healing her bruised cheek.
"No, Sage, you don't have to worry about it," she objected. "It's nothing."
"It's okay, I don't mind," Sage insisted as he moved to her burned arms. "Neither one of us will be of any good if we stay banged up like this, right?"
Robyn finally relented and Sage noted with a certain annoyance that Rowen was grinning at him the whole time.
Once properly healed, Robyn thanked him and bounded off out of the room. Rowen was still grinning.
"Aww...that was so sweet of you."
"Shut up, Rowen."
"You know, I think your face is turning a little red there."
"I said shut up!"
That night, after everyone had retired to bed, the Ronins all snuck out of their rooms and into Ryo's as was his earlier request.
"So what's up with the pajama party, Ryo?" Kento wanted to know when they had all gathered. "You didn't have anything to say at the table, and now you want to talk?"
"No one had much to say at dinner," Sage corrected.
"Yeah," Cye recalled. "It feels almost like we're about to reach a turning point. Or something's coming."
Ryo nodded. "Maybe it is," he agreed. "There's been some stuff happening that I haven't told anyone about. I've been trying to decide who I should tell. I knew you guys needed to know, but I don't know if anyone else should. And I had to tell you now, especially with that ceremony coming up tomorrow. I have a feeling that there's no turning back after that."
"So what is it Ryo?" Rowen asked. "What happened and why are you being so secretive about it?"
Ryo bit his lip. "Guys, you know when they told us about there being a god walking around in this world? Well, I've met him. Twice now."
"Say what?" Kento exclaimed. Obviously, that was not what he was expecting Ryo to confess. "You say you actually saw this guy? What's he look like? What'd he want?"
"He looks actually...quite normal," Ryo had to admit. "I saw him earlier today and before--on the day Kento and Robyn were in the spirit world. I would have told you guys sooner, but I was confused. The things he said to me--"
"He's probably just playing games with you Ryo," Rowen jumped in. "Trying to mess with your head. You shouldn't listen."
"What exactly DID he say?" Sage asked, the ever present voice of reason.
"He keeps telling me not to believe everything I hear. Not to trust everyone."
"I think that's actually good advice," Sage replied. "I don't know about you guys, but I get the feeling that certain parts of the truth are being held from us. And even though everyone says we'll get it eventually, there are some things they have no intention of telling us. We can listen to everything they say, but in the end, we need to trust our own instincts and listen to only those we know we can trust which is each other."
Ryo nodded in agreement, but there were other things that still bothered him.
"He also said he wasn't the enemy--that he didn't want this kingdom. But then again, he also told me to specifically not interfere with what he was doing."
"Hmm...sounds a little fishy to me," Kento had to comment.
"He also said he was creator of this world and all it's people."
Rowen nodded. "That's what I've heard, too. His name's Yanushi, right?"
All heads swung to the bearer of Strata.
"Rowen, how did you know that?" Cye demanded.
"I asked the servants around the castle," Rowen replied as if it were so simple. "They're happy to tell you anything. And they don't play any games with you like everyone else has been doing. According to them, this Yanushi guys is supposed to be some sort of omnipotent being. Neither good or evil. If that's true, it kind of doesn't make sense. If it's all his world, why would he want to take over one measly kingdom?"
"That's what he told me," Ryo nodded.
"Did this Yanushi threaten you in any way, Ryo?" Cye asked quietly. "Did he want to fight us?"
Ryo shook his head. "No, I didn't really get the feeling he wanted to hurt me, but I do think we need to watch out for him in the future. White Blaze sure didn't seem to like him. I'll let you guys know if he ever shows up again."
The others nodded in agreement.
"I heard a lot about this Sealing Ceremony tomorrow, too," Rowen pipped up leaning back on a pillow and folding his hands behind his head. "If anyone's interested."
He had their attention yet again.
"It seems most of it is more ceremonial than anything. We present ourselves to the court--both us and the priestesses. Each of us and our Guardians are supposed to say some sort of vows, pledging loyalty to each other and also to the people to serve them. Supposedly, this also allows the girls to be able to use our powers when they need to. Then, as our armored couples, I was told we are officially presented to the people of Falnan as their protectors and as a joined union."
"It's almost like getting married," Kento said.
"Yeah, only no honeymoon," Rowen retorted. There was room for innuendo in that comment, but Rowen said it quite seriously. His mind drifted back to the story they were told earlier of the previous Hardrock priestess and her forbidden affair. Something about that story and also the attitude to which everyone referred to it bothered him.
"So is that why we've hardly heard anything about this ceremony?" Kento then broke the silence. "Because it's really no big deal?"
"I guess...we'll find out tomorrow," Cye asked. "We are doing it, right?"
Rowen shrugged. "I guess. Unless I suddenly see something I don't like. Though it would have been nice to get an invitation. They sure expect a lot of us without asking. Then again, we've done a lot of what they told us to without question."
"We HAVE accepted a lot," Cye realised. "I mean, did any of us even stop to think how we felt about these girls? We've never had anything like this before. It's nice to have more allies, but the last time someone used my powers, it wasn't pleasant."
Everyone's minds drifted back to the few times Talpa had gotten a hold of their powers and used it against them.
"I dunno," Kento shrugged. "This isn't so bad. I don't think I really mind."
"That's because you have Robyn," Rowen accused. "She's the only one of these Priestess we can really trust. So I don't think you have room to talk. Anyone else up for banning Kento from the rest of the conversation?"
"Why, are you jealous, Rowen?" Kento challenged back.
Rowen balked and then opened his mouth to argue.
"Guys, not now," Sage said in an annoyed voice. "This isn't helping. Though Rowen does have a good point. Robyn IS the only one of those four that we know without a doubt won't turn on us if we suddenly stop doing what we're told. We need to keep that in mind. The first rule of battle: Know who your enemies are and know who is your ally. So far, we only know one of them for certain. The rest, we'll have to stay alert and see."
"Are we really suggesting that it might be backwards than what we thought?" Cye asked. "That it's possible the Queen is our enemy? That we're right in the midst of them?"
"I'm not suggesting anything, Cye. I'm just saying we need to stop blindly believing anything we're told until we know it to be true ourselves."
"The first time I met him, Yanushi said," Ryo spoke softly, almost to himself. "That we were brought here to make an enemy of him. But then he also said if we doubted him as an enemy, to doubt the Priestesses as allies."
The room went quiet as it was plunged into thought. Too much thought for Kento.
"That's too deep for me," Kento shrugged. "I dunno. What do you guys think?"
"I think we all need sleep, it's getting late," Cye sighed. "I'm tired."
"Yeah," Rowen agreed with a yawn. "I guess we'll pick this up tomorrow."
"If we have time," Sage corrected. "Something tells me we're going to be bombarded with that Ceremony nonsense all day."
"Well, just keep alert guys," Ryo said as he got up to let them out. "And if anyone sees or hears anything, tell the others. I really do want to help fix whatever problems are in this world, but let's just make sure we're fixing the right ones."
Everyone agreed as they shuffled off for bed. Ryo shut the door behind him and breathed in deep, closing his eyes.
Ancient One, if your spirit can reach me out here in this world, please help us help these people...
Robyn tossed and turned in bed, trying to get some sleep; but her mind wouldn't let her. It kept whirring on at a hundred miles an hour with all the things that had happened that day. She was caught in an explosion, told she was supposed to fight some kind of higher being who was after the kingdom and, above all, expected to attend a ceremony the next day in which she had no idea what she was supposed to do or what it was even for. It was all too much.
Robyn rolled to the other side in frustration. She should have asked about it while she had the chance. Though this Sealing Ceremony had hardly come up in conversation, she felt uneasy about it. Why did she forget to ask while everyone was gathered, getting their questions answered? Too much kept happening. Too many other more pressing questions kept popping up that it seemed her worries about this particular subject were unimportant and without consequence.
Was it even really a big deal? Even the other Ronins didn't seem to be bothered much any time it was mentioned. They probably just saw it as another thing they had to do. One more step to get closer to being done; that's all it was. Then, why wasn't it to her? Why was she still questioning and dragging her feet every step of the way?
Robyn flopped onto her back, giving a loud sign of frustration. Whatever was going to happen tomorrow, she probably needed to rest for it. She would be no good for doing anything in the morning if she couldn't get a decent amount of sleep.
There was a tiny knock on the door. Robyn turned her head as it slowly squeaked open and the light from a small torch spilled in. Seiji, who was now about the size of a Saint Bernard, lifted his head from where he was curled up by her bed.
"Is that you, Caska?" Robyn asked as she sat up in bed.
"My Lady, forgive me for coming to you like this," the girl apologized as she slunk in almost guiltily. Her voice was hushed as if fearing she would be discovered. "But I really wanted to talk to you and this seemed to be the only time I could see you alone."
That got Robyn's attention. Ever since Caska pulled her aside and handed her a baby ice dragon, Robyn had a feeling that this servant girl knew a lot more than anyone realized she did. And, for some reason, it was her knowledge and what she had to say that interested her more than anyone else in the castle. Robyn was all ears.
"Please, My Lady," Caska asked humbly. "Can you join me for a moment? There are some things I need to show you?"
"Boy, can I!" Robyn exclaimed as she jumped out of bed.
Caska blinked at how fast Robyn grabbed her robe and slippers and was ready to leave the room.
"I'm ready," she then announced, her expression serious. Something inside Robyn told her this might be the most significant talk she would have yet. Seiji was at her side, eager to be let out, too. Caska recovered from her Lady's surprising eagerness and smiled.
"Please, come with me."
Two young women and one dragon snuck out of the chambers and down the hall. Caska seemed to know all the secrets of the castle. Every time a guard came by, she deftly pulled them down a different hallway or though a secret passage. The further they went, the more Robyn was getting the feeling that Caska was definitely more than a mere handmaiden.
Caska led her to a flight of stairs that were dusty from lack of use that wound down below the castle. Robyn sniffed the cold, dusty air, her heart picking up with anticipation. This was quite a different place they were going than where Robyn would have thought they would go. She wondered how deep under the castle these stairs would take them. And to what.
They hit the last stair and before them wound a dark hallway. There were no lights save one; being held by another personage up ahead. As they got closer, Robyn saw it was an old woman who was waiting for them and she began to recognize her.
"My Lady Hardrock," the old woman greeted.
"Have we met?" Robyn asked curiously.
"Yes, yesterday," the woman replied. "I found you and Lord Wildfire up on a hill beneath a large tree and I invited you to lunch."
Robyn furrowed her brows. It was a bit of a fuzzy memory. She blamed the good clocking she got on her head. But she managed to remember the old woman a bit.
"Yes. I'm glad to see you're safe. I believe we were attacked and we didn't find you afterwards."
"Ah," the woman nodded. "Yes. It will take more than the likes of those to get rid of this old bat!"
Robyn chuckled. She liked the old lady. She was scrappy, a bit like Ryos' grandmother.
"Forgive me for not properly introducing myself then," the old lady went on. "My name is Shinmei, and I have been waiting for you a long time, My Lady Hardrock."
"You have?" Robyn wondered. "Why?"
"I have been wanting to speak with you. You see, I was a servant of the previous Lady Hardrock just as Caska has been serving you. And each of our families originated from the South, the land where the original Lady Hardrock was born as well. Our loyalties are to you, My Lady, above all else."
"Great," Robyn shrugged. "Uh...so what can I do for you then?"
"Come, My Lady," the old woman gestured. "I have much to tell and to show you."
She started down the long hall and Robyn had no choice to follow with Seiji bounding in front of them and Caska bringing up the rear.
"Here on the walls," Shinmei started as they walked. "We keep a record of our history below the castle of all the important events that happened in Falnan. Usually, the halls are well kept as we do not wish to loose our country's heritage. But here..."
"Everything is so dusty," Robyn helped her finish. "And the paintings are fading and peeling. Don't they care about this part?"
"It's more like, they want to forget it," the old woman said, a bit of bitterness in her voice. She stopped between two murals. There was a large, white washed space between them.
"This is the history Falnan wants to forget. They think they can just erase what happened and the world will forget. It can't be so."
"Shinmei?" Robyn asked. "You didn't invite me down here just to see a painting I can no longer see. Is it...is it safe for me to be talking with you?"
Caska bowed her head in shame at the mention that she may be putting her Lady in danger.
"Forgive me," she said softly.
"It's not Caska's fault," Shinmei said. "She's just following orders. She was planted in the castle when she was young for this very purpose."
Robyn swallowed. "What purpose is that?"
"So that we, those who know the truth about the past may pass it on to the next generation without the censorship of the Queen and her council. Beware, My Lady, once I tell you these things, there is no going back. And it may not be a good idea to let anyone you don't trust know that you have been told the truth. It will put you under tight scrutiny in the least. Everyone will watch your actions."
Robyn made a face. As if she didn't feel like she was getting judged for just blowing her nose wrong already. She wasn't planning on telling a soul what the old lady was about to relay to her unless it was absolutely necessary.
She steeled her gaze on Shinmei as something stirred inside her. A foreign feeling--as if it were not her own emotion-- danced with a dreadful excitement.
"Tell me," she said. "There may be many things to fear in this world. But I do not fear the truth and I do not fear the past."
Shinmei smiled. "Well said, my Lady. You even sound a bit like her."
"Like Minami?"
"Yes, like Minami. Let me tell you about her." The old woman placed her torch in a support on the wall. "You see, what was told to you earlier was truth, but not the whole truth. It was true she had a lover and it was true that's what damned her. But it is far more complicated and involved than that."
Robyn shook her head. She still didn't get why it was so horrible in the first place.
"You see," Shinmei went on. "The man Minami fell in love with was none other than that current bearer of the Armor of Hardrock--her partner. And he returned their love and together they kept it secret for many months. But eventually, some of their comrades began to find out about it. They tried to keep it quiet and tried to settle the matter, but there were some who could not over look it."
Robyn bit her lip. She had a guess who that might have been.
"Before the whole royal court, their sins were announced and the people were outraged. They believed it was the fault of the Bearer of Hardrock for bewitching their beloved pure and holy priestess. They demanded he be removed from his mantle, but Minami refused.
And so it went on; the people grew more hateful towards the Bearer of Hardrock, who was a good man, because Minami refused to denounce him. It got to the point where they were sure he was some sort of demon and they demanded not only the removal of his title, but also his life. And through this, Lord Hardrock let the people's hatred and his guilt consume him. One night, he offered himself up to be delivered to the people's justice for what he also believed was a grievous sin."
Robyn's thoughts turned to Kento and clenched her fists at her sides. She wondered if he was like that at all. One who sacrifices himself for the justice of an angry mob which is no justice at all. She suddenly didn't like this story.
"The people killed him," Shinmei went on. "They hung in from a large tree on a hill where he and his lover had carved their names in a few months before."
Robyn's eyes shot open. THAT tree? Was that why she had reacted when she had seen the heart carved in the trunk?
"All this happened without Minami's knowledge. But when she found out, she flew into a violent rage, blinded by her fury and grief. With the power of Hardrock, she tore up the kingdom and demanded revenge on the royal family for letting it all happen. The entire Royal army was sent after her, but to no avail. Her powers were far greater. Anyone who was not crushed or buried under her powers to manipulate the land were personally killed by her blade--all beheaded."
Robyn's hand went instinctively to her neck. What a horrible way to die!
"In legends she is sometimes called Bloody Minami, or Lady Guillotine," Shinmei went on, unaffected by the chills she was giving her listening audience. "Thousands lost their lives to her, including many members of the royal family. It took the combined power of the remaining Armors and Priestesses to finally capture her."
Robyn felt her knees grow weak at the gravity of the story. She never would have imagined all that to be the history of her title. How horrible!
"Is that..." she asked in a raspy voice. "What all those graves are beneath that hill with the tree?"
Shinmei nodded. "All the dead that died by Minami's hands are there."
"And is that why the queen is so young and she had no other family?"
"It is, My Lady."
Robyn tried to swallow, her mouth was getting increasingly dry. "And the reason they never told us this--why they watch me so closely--is it because they're afraid I'll do it, too?"
"After meeting you, I highly doubt you will follow Minami's path of your own free will," Shinmei said matter of factly. "However, they still fear her return. They burned her alive in attempts to send her soul to where it may never return. But as she burned, she laughed at them and said she had a secret which would bring her back and she would make sure justice would be served to all of this world."
"What secret was that?" Robyn asked, suddenly curious how she would do it.
"No one knows," Shinmei shrugged. "She took that secret to her grave and beyond."
Robyn let out a deep breath, rubbing her arm as she looked around. Seiji, who had been sniffing through the corridors earlier, had now returned and sat on his haunches next to her. He looked up at Robyn with clear, large eyes, wondering what worried his mistress so.
"Does it bother you, My Lady?" Caska asked, worried.
"I--I don't know," Robyn admitted. "I guess I'm a bit disappointed. I thought maybe what was being left out in the story was that she was a good person. That maybe she was right. But I guess not, huh?"
"I'm not saying what the people did was right," Shinmei corrected. "Nor am I saying what Minami did was right. I'm just saying that it is how it happened and you should not try to ignore or deny that it did."
Although she nodded, Robyn was still confused about one thing.
"Shinmei, I appreciate you being honest with me, but why did you tell me? What is it you want me to do now?"
The old woman smiled at her and patted her hand.
"What you do with this information is up to you. I owed it to Minami to tell her full story. But this is now your time and your destiny. Only you can decide what to do from now on?"
Robyn raised an eye brow. "Are you referring to the Sealing Ceremony? Are you saying I shouldn't go on with it?"
"Is that what you want me to tell you?" the old woman replied cryptically. "If you are having second thoughts about tomorrow, My Lady, you cannot look to others to help you. That decision needs to be yours alone."
"So you're saying I should do it," Robyn kept trying.
Shinmei made a small sound of frustration.
"I cannot help you child. You need to listen to your own voice and have the courage to stand on your own. Have the strength to fight for your convictions."
Robyn turned away in her own frustration. "But, that's just the problem! I'm not very strong at all. How can I stand for anything here with an entire kingdom against me?" She sucked in a deep breath and then slowly let it out, calming herself a bit.
"If I refuse to do the ceremony...what will happen?"
Silence was her reply.
"Shinmei?" Robyn turned around, but the old woman had vanished.
"What the--"
Caska touched her arm lightly. "Do not be alarmed. That's how she is. She comes and goes as she pleases."
Robyn looked at her. "Just what is she? Is she one of THOSE beings?"
Caska shook her head. "No, she is not a god, but there are indeed other things in this world that aren't easily explained."
Robyn nodded dumbly. An old lady who could disappear into thin air had told her quite a shattering story and wouldn't help her make any decisions at all. This was getting to be too much for her.
"My Lady," Caska tried, breaking her from her trance. "I just want you to know that I believe you are strong; you need to believe it, too. What Shinmei didn't tell you is that there are many of us counting on you. This world's history has been shattered. But there is still hope to piece it back together in the future. Please believe in yourself. I know you can help to make it right."
Robyn's eyebrows rose up. Caska was expecting her to do all that? Fat chance! At least, not alone. Robyn then realized even though she may lack power herself, she still had some powerful friends in her corner. Her friends also desired to do what wass right and would help her if it was the right thing to do. Maybe she shouldn't be worried after all.
"Right," she smiled at Caska. "I guess I'll do my best. Let's go back up and get some sleep. It's going to be a big day tomorrow."
The next day came, as the day always does. Cye, never one to enjoy being fussed over and doted upon, chased out all the servants as fast as he could.
Ridiculous, he thought. I can dress myself, thank you. I'm not a child.
The robes he was giving to wear were far grander than any of the others. Because, of course, this was a more important day than the others--at least, according to all those of the queen's court. To Cye, it was just another day as a Ronin Warrior. Though a strange one, he had to admit. As he looked his new attire over in the mirror, he noticed the tapestry behind him was moving in the reflection. He turned around to see Diana slip out from beneath it.
"Uh, hello," he greeted, a bit uncertain. "How did you get in here?"
Diana smiled, almost like a child. "I know all the secret passages in this castle," she said proudly. "Forgive me, I know we aren't supposed to converse before the Ceremony, but there's something on my mind. I feel it's important to talk to you about it before this Ceremony begins."
"Uh, okay," Cye replied, motioning to a chair for her to sit.
Diana declined.
"I won't be long," she insisted. "It's just that, ever since what happened yesterday, there's been something worrying me. I don't think you quite understand exactly what I am."
Cye looked confused. He also didn't understand what she was talking about.
"Yesterday," Diana clarified. "When we had crawled into that exploded building, a beam almost fell on me. You jumped in front of me to shield me with your own body. And while I appreciate the gesture, it was not necessary. Here."
To Cye's bafflement --not to mention embarrassment-- she began to untie her robe.
"Wait! Wait!" he cried, looking away.
"My Lord," Diana pleaded. "You misunderstand. Please, look at me."
Cye winced a bit, but slowly turned his eyes back to her, his cheeks feeling a bit warm. Diana stood before him, her robe fully held open for him to see. All Cye could do now was stare. He looked, but he still didn't understand what his eyes were seeing. Diana's bare, white skin was covered in strange blue markings. The body itself was about as anatomically correct as a Barbie doll. Cye understood what he was looking at wasn't normal. But that was about the extent of it. He looked at Diana's face for answers.
"You see, My Lord," Diana explained as she closed her robe again. "I am not like you or anyone else here. I was brought back from the dead for this purpose only. I have already lived my life and I am now on borrowed time. When my purpose here is done, I will return back to where my spirit had been to be reborn again when it is so needed."
Her face turned serious as she looked him in the eye. "What I need to you to understand, Lord Torrent, is that even though we will soon be partners, working together against our enemies, I don't want you to attempt anything of what you tried to do yesterday. Do not put your life in danger for me. Likewise, do not mourn or let others mourn if I should happen to die in battle for anyone. Either way, I go to the Valley of the Dead after it is all over. It does not matter to me when I go. Do you understand this, Lord Torrent?"
Cye nodded. He understood the words, but not the whole concept. It seemed terribly unfair to him and he wanted to say so.
"Good," Diana spoke before he could. "I will see you at the Ceremony, My Lord."
And she was gone, back behind the drapes into her secret passageways. Cye was left alone with this new concept that was thrust upon him.
The Ceremony had begun. Behind the tall oak and ivory doors, Myune could hear the announcement of the five Lords to all the members of the Royal Court and her Highness the Queen. There was the sound of clapping as the five Lords, no doubt, were bowing to the court as they had been told to do when they were announced. Soon, it would be the turn of herself and her fellow Priestesses to be announced and enter. Except...
"Lady Hardrock still isn't here," Diana hissed in urgency. "We're about to go in. Where is she?"
Miniko shrugged. She had no idea.
Myune spun around angrily as a scuffle of several people came down the hall. Robyn was in the lead.
"But you guys can't take him out!" Robyn whined to the Captain of the Guard. Several other soldiers were with them, trying to restrain a hyper Seiji who had now grown to almost the size of a horse. "He's been behaving himself! Let him stay for a little while longer. Come on, Darris!"
Miniko frowned at Robyn's lack of formality towards the Captain.
"My Lady, I'm sorry," Darris pleaded against the ridiculous request as his guards struggled to keep hold of the dragon. "He's just too big now. You'll be able to find him in the stables after the Ceremony. And hopefully he won't eat any of the livestock," he added to himself as his guards helped lead the large animal away while it could still fit through the doors.
Robyn sighed as she watched Seiji go.
"Honestly," Myune scolded. "You're just causing trouble everywhere."
"Easy for you to say," Robyn retorted. "No one's trying to kill YOU. I don't mind having a six foot guard dog around under the circumstances."
"I was referring to the Ceremony," Myune corrected. "They're announcing our names now. You almost missed it and embarrassed everyone."
"Tsh! Like I wanted to attend this stupid thing anyway," Robyn grouched. She meant it more for herself, but Myune heard.
In the other room, the Priestesses could hear their names being announced. The large, 20 foot doors were slowly being opened as Myune shoved Robyn into the wall. Diana and Miniko gasped in surprise.
"Look, I've put up with a lot from you," Myune hissed in her ear. "I've let you shirk on everything, but you WILL complete this ceremony or else."
Robyn just gawked as Myune suddenly straightened up and walked passed the other two Priestesses into the room. Miniko followed while Diana threw an apologetic glance at her before going in herself. Robyn swallowed as she hurried to straighten her robe and go in after them. A grand procession played for them as they entered, but Robyn was too busy listening to the sinking feeling in her stomach. Her heart was beating fast as they walked past the rows and rows of people--all members of the Royal Court--and up to a large, circular design at the front on the floor. The five Ronins were already there; each standing at their armors symbols which were also carved in the design.
Past that sat Queen Laelia on a throne positioned above them with Shinsetsu at her side. Robyn felt very small with it all, even when she stood next to Kento as she was earlier told to do.
When all were positioned correctly, Shinsetsu began to announce something or other about the Ceremony, what it represented, and how important it was. All things Robyn wasn't listening to.
"Nervous?" Kento whispered to her. "I know the crowd's big, but it will be okay."
Robyn gave him a weak smile. She was nervous, but not for the reason he was thinking. She was still having second thoughts even though she also knew she was pretty much past the point she was allowed to have them. There was no going back now.
I have to do this. I'm here now. There's no turning back.
Robyn raised her head to catch the last of the speech, but it was already over. Now it was her turn.
One by one, the Priestesses kneeled before each Armor Bearer. White Blaze was there, too, though all he did was sit at Ryo's side. The Priestesses began to recite some pledge that Robyn had been told to say herself, but she couldn't remember it. She knew it was a pledge to serve the people and to always fight for righteousness and other lofty promises. But the words they said got muddled in her ears. It was a good promise. Why didn't she want to do it?
Soon, it was her turn. She was the last to kneel. Robyn took a deep breath, meaning to bend her knees; but they wouldn't. She stood frozen there as a voice practically screamed in her head to stop. Everyone else was looking at her, wondering if she was going to screw up yet again. But it was Kento who got a front row seat to see her face suddenly drain of all color.
"What?" he mouthed to her.
"I-I can't do it?" she whispered back.
"What?" Kento demanded out loud, not sure if he heard correctly.
Robyn saw her friends looking at her. She could see others glaring and she could feel all members of the court wondering what the heck she was doing.
"I CAN'T DO IT!"
The entire courtroom fell into dead silence. The procession stopped. The pledges stopped. It all came to one sickening, deafening silence and time stood still for the breath of a moment.
"What are you talking about?" Kento asked in the stillness.
"I can't," Robyn rasped. "It feels wrong."
A murmur rose up among the crowd of people.
"What do you think you're doing?" Myune demanded. Sage was standing behind her, unsure of what to do. "Are you with us or not? Or are you some kind of traitor to this kingdom? Don't go down the same road your predecessor did!"
At the mention of this, Queen Laelia stood from her throne in alarm. The murmur from the crowd grew louder. Now with protests and arguments. Some of the guards were stepping forward, reaching for their weapons.
"Lady Hardrock," Queen Laelia announced, silencing the crowd. "You WILL complete this ceremony or you will be arrested for treachery to the kingdom of Falnan."
"But--I didn't do anything!" Robyn panicked. Were they going to throw her in jail now? Just because she didn't want to recite some silly pledge in front of a group of old royals?
"Stop this!" she heard Ryo's voice yell somewhere behind her.
Robyn gasped as the royal guards began to close up on her, weapons drawn. She was even more surprised when Kento stepped in front of her.
"You guys want to get to her, you gotta go through me first!" he challenged.
This made the guards hesitate a bit.
"Have you gone mad?" Myune demanded. "Why are you siding with her?"
"Myune, calm down," Diana begged.
"Hold on!" Cye tried himself to keep the peace. "Everyone stop for just a second here."
"I said arrest her!" Queen Laelia cried above them, earning even more gasps and protests from everyone.
"Everyone stop fighting!" Robyn screamed. "STOP IT!"
As she screamed, the entire castle shook as if being hit by an earthquake. From her feet to the edge of the symbol carved in the floor, a large crack split open in the stone.
Robyn gasped and backed away from the crack. Everyone in her vicinity just stared. A few people in the crowd started to panic at the display.
"I--I didn't mean to..." she gasped.
She stared at what she had done, slowly backing up. Which led her right into Ryo who had made is way over to her. She looked up at him, still startled out of her mind. He grabbed her shoulders.
"Robyn, I'm sorry, this is all my fault."
She gawked at him. His fault?
"Dude, what are you talking about?" Kento wanted to know.
Ryo ignored him. "I shouldn't have said those things to you earlier. I should have known better. I screwed everything up! And now you're having all these doubts. Just because of what I told you."
Robyn raised an eyebrow. None of this had anything to do with anything he had EVER said to her. Boy did he have the wrong idea.
"What? What DID you say?" Kento demanded.
And before Robyn knew it, all five Ronins were gathered around her, arguing.
"What does it matter, this isn't about Ryo!"
"No, I told her that I--"
"Well I want to know. Are you filling her head with nonsense?"
"I'm so sure, Ryo. I don't think it's you."
"But I really did, it's just that--"
"This isn't important right now! We need to get back to the ceremony."
"Why don't we let Robyn tell us?"
"I TOLD HER THAT I LIKED HER!"
That last statement felt like it won the world's silence. The remaining four Ronins just stared at the bearer of Wildfire.
"You did what?" Cye demanded.
Ryo shrugged. "I told Robyn I liked her."
"You did?" Kento laughed. "When was this?"
"And I kissed her."
"WHAT!"
That last shriek may have been Rowen's. Robyn couldn't tell. She had covered her face in her hands from embarrassment and was silently wishing the powers of Hardrock come to her now and let the floor swallow her. But they did no such thing.
"Lady Hardrock," Queen Laelia bellowed, pointing an accusing finger at her. "Are you having an affair with Lord Wildfire?"
"What!" Robyn demanded. "No, NO! It's not like that, I swear!"
"Well then," Myune announced, her arms folded. "Tell us exactly what it's like, Lady Hardrock,"
"Your Highness," Ryo moved to speak, but the queen raised her hand to silence him.
"Lord Wildfire, please. I want to hear this from Lady Hardrock. She's the one who is refusing the vows of her title. I want her to tell me in her own words that she will do as she's told and stay loyal to this kingdom. Then, after that, I will probably have a few words with you, Lord Wildfire."
"Ryo," Robyn corrected, her head down, fists at her sides.
Queen Laelia actually paused, almost too stunned to speak at being interrupted.
"I beg your pardon," the young queen demanded, looking quite insulted.
Robyn raised her head, she no longer looked apologetic or embarrassed. She looked angry.
"His name is Ryo," she announced louder this time. "And that's Cye and Kento, Rowen, Sage, and my name is Robyn. Stop talking to me like I'm just some...nameless thing you can order about. I demand you at least address me by my real name."
"My Lady, your title is so those may address you with respect," Shinsetsu tried to calm her.
"That's bullshit!" Robyn cursed, earning a few gasps from the nobles listening. "There isn't a single one of you who have given me even an ounce of respect since I've been here!"
Queen Laelia looked far from amused. "Lady Hardrock," she said in a venomous voice. "You are greatly out of line he--"
"No! You are out of line, YOUR Highness!" Robyn shot back, pointing an accusing finger.
"Robyn, stop it," Kento whispered. He and the rest of the Ronins were all looking a bit worried now. If they didn't do something soon, they might have a real cat fight on their hands. Not to mention, Robyn was becoming dangerously close to being thrown in the dungeon.
Robyn shot them all a hard look.
"No, I AM right on this," she insisted and looked back up at the young queen. "You took me from my home--my life! You did the same thing to them!" She motioned to the other Ronins. "My friend was kidnaped! I have been shot at, threatened, attacked, burned, and almost buried since I got here. You tell me how to act, how to dress, what to be called, how to treat my friends-- all for your own selfish purposes. Not to mention you--all of you--have continuously judged me for something I didn't even do!"
She glared at Myune with that last comment.
"And now," Robyn concluded as she returned her gaze to stare at the queen. "You have the audacity to tell me how to love. That I can't love-- all for this title you have forced upon me."
The nobles in the back all began to murmur. What could be said against that? Even the queen looked a bit tongue tied. Myune, however, was not.
"So you admit it," she accused. "You love the Bearer of Wildfire?"
The room went silent. Even the Ronins all held their breath for that answer. Robyn looked from Myune, to Ryo, then hung her head.
"I...don't know," she said truthfully, in a softer voice. "I've never had anyone say something like that to me before. I don't have a lot of experience with any kind of love. I don't think I really understand it, to tell the truth."
Robyn then raised her head, looking at the queen. "But that doesn't mean I'll dishonor what was said to me and forget it just because some of you aren't comfortable with it."
The murmurs rose again.
Laelia glared back. "This displeases the Royal Court greatly."
"The Royal Court can kiss my ass!" Robyn exclaimed, must to the horror and shock of many. "I denounce my title! Find some other sucker to be your puppet!"
The arguments and shouts from the crowd grew higher as Robyn marched past all the startled Ronins and off the decorative seal on the floor.
"You'll regret this," Myune hissed as Robyn walked past her.
"What are you going to do?" Robyn whispered back, an uncharacteristic smirk on her face. "Burn me at the stake?"
Myune's eyes went wide. How did she know? Who told her that?
Robyn continued moodily over to the main doors and was stopped by the two guards there as they crossed their spears in front of her, denying her passage.
Robyn glared at them. "Don't make me do it again," she threatened.
The two guards actually looked a bit worried. They turned to their captain for guidance on what to do.
"Captain Darris, throw her in the dungeon," Queen Laelia told him.
"Your Highness," The young captain bowed. "If I may, I don't think that's a good idea." He whispered so just the queen could hear. "I think as for right now, the best solution would be to lock her in her chambers until we've had time to discuss this matter."
"Very well," Laelia nodded. By now, she trusted his instincts beyond question. "We will do that. Lock Lady...er, whomever in her room. She is not to leave there until I say so."
The guards nodded and opened the doors to escort Robyn away. The former priestess, for her part, had no problem with that.
Fine by me.
"I don't believe this!' Myune snarled as she paced around one of the smaller rooms in the castle. "How could she do this to all of us?"
"Can she really do that?" Miniko asked from her chair, watching Myune stalk back and forth. "Can she really just leave her title like that?"
"I don't think so." Diana replied. She was seated as well. "No one's ever tried it before, though. But I think we're pretty much born into the job and we don't leave it unless we break the rules. But then...the mantle is still yours until your soul leaves your body..."
"And Robyn--Lady Hardrock--hasn't really broken any rules yet, has she?" Miniko then asked.
"No, but she's close!" Myune shot back.
"Do you think a bit of this was our fault?" Diana asked quietly. "She wasn't entirely wrong back there. We have put a lot of pressure on her and we have kind of been scrutinizing her for the things Minami did. She had no control over that. And she looks so frail. Maybe we pushed just a little too hard and it might have been too much for her."
Myune gave a moody sigh as she glared out the window.
"Anyway," Diana continued. "All five of the armor bearers are in there talking to her right now. They're all her friends. I'm sure they can convince her to change her mind."
"But it doesn't matter!' Myune argued. "The time for the Sealing Ceremony was today! We'll have to wait a whole month to do it again! Plus, the queen and all her court are now embarrassed in front of the whole kingdom for promising the people we would be shown to them. And that didn't happen either."
Diana furrowed her brows. "What's really bothering you, Myune? Even you aren't so stuck on this title that you're worried about the embarrassment of a few nobles."
Myune sighed and turned around, leaning on the window sill. "I don't know, I just don't trust..."
"You don't trust Robyn?" Miniko asked.
"No, it's not that. I know she's not going to ever betray the Lords, at least. But...she knew, Diana."
"Knew what?" The priestess of Torrent questioned.
"She knew more than what we told her. I heard her in the ceremony hall. And there was a moment...Oh, nevermind! I'm going to my room."
And with that, she marched out of the room. Down the halls Myune stalked. She didn't want to say out loud, but she couldn't deny what she saw.
For a second, that girl looked at me back then...and her eyes, her face...she smirked at me. And that look was as if Minami was gloating from beyond the grave...
"So, do you want to explain to me what happened out there?" Cye asked.
Robyn looked up at the young man who was gazing down at her, arms folded. She was sitting on her bed in her room. The other Ronins were there as well; scattered about her quarters as Cye began his grilling.
"Look, I told you," Robyn tried to make him understand. "It didn't feel right, okay? I couldn't go through with it."
Cye made a sound of frustration. "Then what have we been spending all this time here for? For crying out loud, Robyn, we were this close to being done with all this ceremonial stuff! Then we could have moved on, done what we came here to do, and left. We could have all gone home, Robyn! Now we're stuck here longer! Is this what you want?"
Robyn bit her lip. Most of the time when Cye yelled at her, it didn't bother her much. But this was something different. He seemed genuinely disappointed in her and it hurt.
"No, Cye. I'm sorry." She looked down at her hands. "I didn't mean for it to go like this. I'm really sorry--to all of you. I know I screwed things up really bad. I just--"
"Don't worry about it."
Everyone looked over at the chair Sage had taken. He seemed more interested in what was out the window than the conversation at the time; but he was the one who spoke up.
"So you're saying you WANT to keep staying here, Sage?" Cye challenged.
The blonde finally moved his calm gaze over to his friend.
"I'm saying that I don't have a problem with Robyn making her own personal decisions. She had some good points back there in that room. They are asking a lot of every one of us and we all have the right not to accept it if we don't want to. Robyn's decision is understandable."
Robyn sighed inwardly. She appreciated someone agreeing with her, but Sage had it all wrong. He made it sound like she was doing this because she didn't want to risk her life to help these people. That wasn't it. She wanted to help, but that ceremony...
Ryo was nodding in agreement. "I think everyone was just a bit hasty. There was too much pressure and I'm sure a lot of things were said that people are now regretting."
"You were saying a bunch of things, too, weren't you, Ryo?" Kento accused, rasing an eyebrow at Wildfire.
Ryo's eyes suddenly went wide. It didn't hit him until now what he himself had done earlier at the ceremony.
"Yeah, just what was up with that?" Rowen cut in. "What's with the sneaking behind our backs to talk to Robyn?"
Ryo shrugged. "I dunno. It just...came out."
"But, were you serious, dude? Do you really--"
"Oh, is it really that important right now?" Robyn cut Kento off.
The Ronins all stopped glaring at Ryo and looked at her. Ryo looked a little crestfallen at her comment.
"Look, I'm sorry," Robyn continued. "But I can't deal with this kind of thing right now. I might get thrown in prison and you guys are trying to pull a high school drama on me. There's more important things to worry about right now. We can discuss this other stuff when we get home and we have the time. Am I right?"
"That is, if we happen to all live through this," Sage replied.
"Oh, that's nonsense, of course you'll live," Robyn huffed in her chair. "I'm dragging all of you back with me, and that's a promise."
Kento snorted. "What?" she demanded.
"Nothing," he replied with a shake of his head.
"Well that's wonderful that you're so confident we'll all make it okay, Robyn," Cye said cynically. "But we still need to discuss what you just did. Are you really stepping down as the Hardrock Priestess?"
Robyn hung her head. "I...really don't know. I just know I can't keep doing this. At the ceremony, this voice kept screaming in my head not to do it. I had such a bad feeling."
Cye let out a heavy breath in frustration. "Well, what did you think was going to happen? It was just a ceremony. That's it."
Robyn stood. They were almost toe to toe.
"I'm sorry Cye," she said in a smaller voice. "I don't know what would have happened. All I know is that the last time I felt this way, I didn't listen and it cost me. I ended up being strapped to a table in an abandoned warehouse and had that demon's ritual performed on me."
Cye's eyes widened. Even though the bout with Nago was a year ago, it still surprised him to hear Robyn mention it. She hardly talked about it ever.
"If I didn't learn from that mistake, that voice, then I deserve to have it done to me all over again."
She looked at Rowen when she said that, and Rowen fully caught it, remembering what he had said to Robyn the other day.
"So what are you going to do then?" Cye asked, his tone a bit softer now.
Robyn shrugged. "Just stay in room arrest for now, I suppose. I'm not going to stop you guys from doing your job. In fact, I'm sure I'm not guessing too wrong in believing a few of you would prefer I be in here instead of out there anyway. Am I right?"
Cye smiled at her. "Yeah, maybe."
"Alright, so don't worry about it so much. I don't think I can mess up any more than I just have. So you guys go get some sleep, huh? I'll trust you guys to do what's right from here on in and you just let me know if there's anything you want me to do, okay?"
Kento grinned at her as the other Ronins began to get to their feet.
"Sure Robyn, we can do that.":
Robyn waved them off as they all shuffled out. Rowen was the last one to leave and he shut the door behind him. As the door swung shut, it revealed another figure who seemed to have magically appeared behind it. Robyn eyed the man curiously. How had he fit behind that door? She had never seen him in the castle before. Though he did seem like someone who lived in one with his regal looks and fancy silks. Robyn thought for a moment, and then suddenly, she had an idea who this person was.
"You know, it's rude to come into a woman's room unannounced," Robyn said as she turned her back to him to find a chair. "One would think you as some kind of pervert."
"Really..." the handsome man replied, a bit of amusement in his voice. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
"I think I have a pretty good idea." Robyn pulled out the chair and motioned he could sit. "You're the god who roams this world. The one my friends and I are supposed to be fighting."
"Ah, so you have been paying attention," Yanushi grinned as he took the chair. Robyn sat a few paces away, facing him. "I was wondering about you, little Lady Hardrock. This is the first time a spirit not of this world has held the title of priestess. I've been watching you. You've seemed so confused here."
"Yes, well it's hard when no one will tell me the whole truth," Robyn replied calmly. She wasn't sure if she was still in shock over what she had done earlier or what. But for whatever reason, she did not feel intimidated by this being at all.
"I see. And are you hoping I have the answers?"
Robyn narrowed her eyes at him, as if bored. "I doubt even you will give me the whole truth. But I would like to know, if you're really the God of this world, why would you want to take over this kingdom? Isn't it all yours anyway?"
Yanushi still grinned. "Now that is the right question. You definitely are interesting, Priestess of the Other World."
"You're not after this kingdom, are you?" Robyn accused.
The white haired deity just tipped his head and smiled. As if Robyn were some two-year old who had just pointed out something terribly obvious.
"Do you really know all that goes on in this world?" Robyn then asked.
"I do of all that I have created."
"So you don't know anything about me or my friends, do you?"
"No. Which is why I'm watching so closely."
Robyn wasn't sure of what to think of that reply. So she tried again.
"Do you know what happened to my friend? Another girl from my world? Tanned skin, blonde hair. A bit taller than me?"
"Oh yes," Yanushi recalled and Robyn's heart skipped a beat. "I know of that girl."
"You do?" Robyn's mouth went dry. "Where is she?"
"At the castle of Lord Akuma," he replied as if it were common knowledge to all.
The guy who's trying to take over this kingdom, Robyn thought as her mouth went dry.
"Why is she there? Why did he kidnap her? Was it because of me?"
"I think so," Yanushi replied, smiling again. "Lord Akuma was none too pleased with that mix-up."
"They DID think she was the priestess," Robyn said, bowing her head. "It really was because she's prettier than me."
Yanushi sighed wistfully. "Alas, gods can create mortal men, but they cannot teach them to look with more than just their eyes. For they are mortals, after all."
Robyn's head shot back up. "You mean, you can look at me and tell that I'm really supposed to be the priestess? I really have that power?"
His ice blue eyes suddenly went serious as he leaned forward to look her in the face. "Even though you are not mine, I see who and what you really are. And if the rest of the world knew your secret, it would tremble at your presence."
Robyn's brows shot up. That wasn't quite the answer she was looking for. It also wasn't the most pressing matter on her mind.
"Sir?"
"You may call me Yanushi."
"Yanushi, the girl--my friend--is she...okay?"
"She is fine, I assure you that."
Robyn bit her lip. "Is there anyway that I could...get her back?"
Yanushi's whole face lit up. "My dear girl, I've been waiting for you to ask. Lord Akuma will allow you passage into his castle to retrieve her with a personal promise from both himself and me that neither of you will be harmed on your journey either way. Though I bet it's a bit of a problem for you right now to leave, isn't it?" He chuckled. "If you find yourself unable to leave this castle, I'm sure Lord Hardrock will be an acceptable substitute to retrieve her instead. It's up to you."
Robyn was suddenly engrossed in thought. So much so that she didn't even notice Yanushi remove his presence from her room. All her attention was focused on one thing--one problem. She had to get Natalia back. And it had to be on her own. There was no way she could risk, even at the word of a god, the life of any of the Ronins for this. They had an important job to do. She had nothing. This was her task now.
Robyn got up and looked out the window. The servants had told her which direction the castle of Akuma lay. And even from there, it seemed the clouds were darkest in that direction. It would be easy to find. Robyn's mind was set. She was going to sneak out of the castle.