Guardian Souls
By: Ghost of the Dawn
Chapter Thirteen: Stories From Ancient Times
Mia raced down the castle's myriad of hallways and corridors. Her blood was pounding in her ears, her heart clenching tighter with each step. Half of her was so afraid of what she would see and half of her just had to know. It was a horrible battle inside her chest; though each side forgot what they were arguing about when she saw the two figures standing ahead of her.
"Rowen! Kento!" she called as she ran up to them.
The two young men waited as she stopped before them, panting to get her breath.
"I heard...what happened," she managed to get out. "With Robyn. And did Sage really lose the armor of Halo?"
"Afraid you heard right," Rowen said seriously.
"A temporary problem," Kento assured her, looking determined. "We're going to get it back, soon."
It was then Mia really got a good look at Hardrock's face.
"Kento, are you feeling alright? You look so pale."
Kento chuckled sheepishly as he was caught. His usual tan face was a few shades lighter.
"One of the setbacks of this armor link thing. Any time I get within twenty feet of her I feel like I'm either going to puke or pass out. It's so not cool, Mia."
She gave him a sympathetic look. "How is Robyn doing?"
"She's still alive," Rowen replied in a somber tone. Mia had not heard him use that tone for some years now. "Cye and Ryo are in there with the doctors. There's not much else we can do right now but..." He trailed off for a moment and Mia looked at him curiously. "We were wondering Mia, if you could talk to Sage for us."
Mia blinked. "Talk to Sage?"
Rowen looked away, obviously not happy. Mia looked to Kento for answers.
"See Mia, the thing is, Sage is having a leeetle bit of an emotional break down right now. He was a bit weak from losing his armor, but when he got his strength back, he started freaking out and yelling at all of us to stay away from him."
Mia stared at him. That didn't sound like a 'little bit'.
"So you want ME to try to talk to him?"
"If you could," Rowen added, there was silent pleading in his eyes. "Neither one of us are good at this stuff. Maybe if it's you..."
She gave a quick sigh. "Maybe I could tr--"
"That a girl," Kento urged, taking her arm and leading her down the hall.
Mia allowed herself to be led quietly. They walked past the door of Robyn's room. She could momentarily hear voices coming from the other side, but couldn't make out what they were saying. Near by, there was a man Mia had never seen before. He had fair, white hair and dark skin, strangely, with lighter patches of skin colored stripes on his arms. He leaned casually against the wall as they passed. When she neared, he looked up at her; smiled and waved as if he knew who she was. Mia stared blankly at him as she was led on past him and further down the hall. She glanced behind her, wondering who that man was and why he felt familiar.
"Who..?"
"We'll explain later, Mia," Kento cut her off. "Right now, that needs your attention more."
He pointed down the hall where a blonde figure was slumped on a bench, head hanging down. Mia was in shock. Even from where she was, she could see this was not the Sage she was used to.
"Be patient with him, okay?" Kento whispered in her ear. "He's had a tough morning."
Before she could respond, she was gently urged forward and her two Ronin escorts suddenly extricated themselves from the area. She was alone with the unmoving figure.
Mia stood there for what seemed like several minutes, unsure of what to do. Sage had made no motion, no movement at all, that showed he acknowledged her presence; or was even awake. He was so still, Mia thought he might be sleeping. She took a few careful steps forward. As she drew near, she began to notice there was blood all over his clothes and on his hands. Even closer, she could see it on his face and in his hair. Further inspection showed that Sage also was not sleeping. Though his body was slumped and lifeless, his eyes were open wide; staring frantically at nothing in particular.
The brunette woman let out a breath to steel her nerves as she knelt down in front of him. Was this really Sage? His calm confidence and that unearthly glow he always carried with him were gone. Mia had once thought of him as almost something more than human, something untouchable. Impervious to any real hardships of the world. But now, she saw something quite different. She could see what he really was. A young man, confused and hurt.
Gently, she cupped her small hands around his large, shaky ones.
"Sage?" she asked softly. "Sage, are you okay?"
Sage didn't move. His eyes continued to stare. It was like he hadn't heard her at all. They remained like that, silent and unmoving for some time. Mia was beginning to think Sage was never going to respond.
"She smiled at me," Sage rasped.
Mia jerked her head up, surprised at the coarse sound of his voice.
"She smiled at me and said she was okay." He clenched his jaw. "What kind of idiot--"
His shaking hands moved from hers and went up to touch his face and then clutch at his hair. Mia could then see how the blood had gotten all over him like it had. Robyn's blood. Stains he was refusing to wash off.
"What did I let happen? Why couldn't I--" His voice sounded strained.
Mia could tell he was fighting the urge to cry.
"Sage, it wasn't your fault. I'm sure you did the best you could. It will be okay."
"No!" He insisted, yelling at her. "You don't understand! I was the only one who COULD do anything and I didn't! I'm supposed to be stronger--better than that!"
He looked like he was going to add more, but paused. It was then Mia noticed a presence had approached. She glanced behind her and saw Cye standing there. The bearer of Torrent looked tired and heart sick but...also strong. He was gazing down at Sage who stared at him and Mia was surprised to see fear in the blonde's face. He looked as if he was afraid of what Cye would do to him.
"Cye..." Sage began. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say. I should have--I should have gotten there faster. I should have done more. I--"
Cye sat himself on the bench next to his distraught friend. Then he grabbed Sage's head and pulled him into a one sided hug. Sage sat there stiffly, his eyes still wide.
"Don't beat yourself up over this," Cye's voice told him softly. "She's going to live, okay? The doctors said it was thanks to you. If you hadn't started healing her when you did, she might not have made it. You did everything you could. It's all going to be okay."
Sage let out a loud, shaky breath, but otherwise did not reply. He stayed there in Cye's embrace, not moving.
As she watched, Mia could see the agitation and frustration slowly seep out of him. She got up and sat on the bench next to Cye, sighing sadly to herself. Apparently, she wasn't useful in helping Sage. What good was she here, anyway? When Talpa attacked, she had the information about the armor's history. Here, she had nothing. Other than meeting Anubis again, what was the point of her coming here?
A hand on her shoulder made her raise her head. Cye had an arm around her shoulders as well now, looking at her with an encouraging grin.
"If we all stick together," he told her. "We'll all be okay. We'll get through this."
Mia couldn't help but stare into his face. When did he get so...mature? So strong? Even though Cye was the oldest of the Ronins, Mia always thought of him as the little brother of the group. His facial features looked so young and the others always teased him and watched over him. But now, it was as if he was looking after all of them. When did this sudden change happen?
She smiled at his handsome face and nodded. Leaning her head on his shoulder, she felt very much protected and that everything would be okay.
Ryo stepped out of Robyn's room, closing the door behind him and letting out a heavy breath. After they had found out Robyn was going to live, the doctors had kicked everyone out of her room while they tried to sew up the hole running all the way through her body. Ryo had wanted to stay. He even put up more of a fight than Cye. One of the doctors insisted he could come back when they were done, but he had to leave. Now. Ryo was practically pushed towards the door and he finally took the hint.
Once outside the room, Wildfire wasn't sure what to do with himself. He knew the others would get after him for thinking it, but he felt like it was somehow his fault. Like there was something he could have done to prevent it. Or he should have at least seen it coming. Why had he allowed himself to be lulled into that false sense of security? Why did he think keeping Robyn locked in her room all by herself would keep her safe? Why didn't he act sooner? Why–
He stopped and blinked.
That guy was still there.
"Hey," Hariel greeted, leaning against the opposite wall. Ryo had a feeling this guy had been waiting for him. "You don't look so great. Why don't you sit down?"
He motioned for Ryo to sit on the bench next to him. Ryo did so, not taking his eyes off the taller, white haired man as they sat down together. There was so much Ryo wanted to ask the stranger, but he was at a loss as where to even start with the questions. He was still having trouble believing this guy was his White Blaze. His silent partner he always talked to–told everything to. The one friend who never had a reply to him now had the ability to speak. Now he was sitting next to him with a voice, able to look him right in the face.
It was unnerving to Ryo. This being, if he really was White Blaze, knew him inside and out. All his thoughts, all his doings since he was five years old. What would a person like that have to say to a person like him?
"So," Hariel began. "You and Robyn, huh?"
Ryo almost fell off the bench in surprise.
"Wh–what does that have to do with anything?" he demanded, his face turning red.
Hariel shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing. I'm just glad you finally got the guts to tell her how you felt. At the rate you were going, I thought you'd never do it. You've had a crush on her for how long now?"
"No, I didn't–what makes you think–how did you–"
"I was there, remember?" Hariel reminded, folding his hands behind his head. "You always told White Blaze everything. I could tell you had a thing for her before you even knew it yourself. And I'm proud you finally said it. Though that kiss–I don't know how smart that was."
Ryo's face was about as red as his armor. So much blood was rushing to his head, it was hard to think. There wasn't a time he could recall in his entire life when he was this embarrassed.
Hariel looked over at his expression and his mouth broke into a wide grin. He suddenly turned on Ryo, grabbing his face in both hands.
"You are SO adorable!" He exclaimed at the flabbergasted Ronin. He then pulled Ryo into a crushing embrace. "After all these years, my little Ryo is all grown up!"
Ryo squeaked and struggled in the crushing hug, but he was no match for Hariel's strength. He stopped when two shadows fell upon him. Kento and Rowen were standing there, watching with curious expressions.
'Help me,' Ryo mouthed to them.
"Hey guys," Cye's voice called.
Hariel finally let Ryo go to look up at him. Sage was standing behind Torrent, looking extremely tired, but in better mental health than he had been earlier.
"We're heading to the bath to clean Sage up," Cye informed them. "And I'm sure we all could use one after such a hectic morning. Hariel, you can join us. I'm sure there's much you can tell us."
"Sure thing!" Hariel agreed, jumping to his feet.
"Hariel?" gasped Mia, who was also near by. That was certainly a name she was familiar with. In her world and also in this one.
"At least, that's what everyone says he is," Kento whispered to her. "But he also says he's White Blaze. So we're not sure about either one." At the same time, he made a twirling gesture around his ear, making the coo-coo motion.
"Come on guys," Cye called. He had a hand on Sage's shoulder and was already leading him off. The others moved to follow.
Hariel fell a bit behind, walking up to the still confused Mia. She blinked at the tall handsome man, trying to fit him and the White Blaze she knew in the same category. It just didn't work somehow. She was a bit surprised when he reached out and took her hands in his.
"Mia," he told her. "Your cooking is the BEST I have ever had, ever. And believe me, I have been around. Oh! And that one time when your doughnut was missing and you blamed Kento, that was me. I'm really sorry, I felt bad afterwards. But it was so good and I really, really love maple. Do you forgive me?"
Mia blinked at him for a moment. His hands were warm on hers, but he still felt a bit surreal. It was hard to take it all in.
"..yeah..." she managed to say. "It's fine. D-don't worry."
Hariel flashed her an extremely charming smile.
"Thanks Mia! I can always count on you. You're the awesome!"
Then he ran off to catch up to the Ronins.
For a while after she was left alone, Mia just stared, wondering if she had just dreamed it all up.
Did the first prince of an ancient, fantasy dimension who is half tiger just tell me I was 'the awesome'?
"Mia, over this way."
Mia blinked and looked around, wondering where that voice was coming from? She turned her head to see Anubis' spirit waving to her from down the hall.
"Come, I've found something."
Mia jogged over to him as best she could in her robes. She was happy to see him again. Even though no one else could see or hear him, it made Mia feel safer and more in control when he was around.
"I was wondering where you went. You'll never believe what I just found out!"
Anubis smiled. "Funny, I was thinking the same thing. Come, I'll show you." He motioned with his head to follow him down the hall as Mia filled him in on her new discovery as well.
In the large bath house reserved for the armor bearers, the five of them all sat and soaked in the tub with the mark of Strata, being it was the nearest one. By now, the young boys running the bath house had gotten used to how these new armor bearers were. They didn't even stop to notice there was an extra body in there. In fact, they were hardly around at all.
"Ah..." Hariel sighed as he got into the bath and leaned against the side. "It has been SO long since I've done this. I had forgotten how good hot water feels on furless skin."
"Hey, have you guys noticed there haven't been many people around us lately?" Kento asked.
"More specifically, there haven't been any people around HIM," Rowen responded, looking pointedly at Hariel.
"Yeah," Kento agreed. "Not even her royal preteen pain has showed up since this guy walked into the castle. The captain neither. Why is that?"
They all looked to Hariel who appeared about ready to melt completely and happily into the hot water.
"They probably have no idea what to do or how to speak to me," Hariel replied, his eyes blissfully closed. "I haven't been around since almost the beginning of this world's history. I doubt they were ever expecting to see me again so there is no protocol written on how I am to be addressed or treated. They probably think it best to leave me alone until I call for them."
"Damn, too bad we don't get THOSE kind of perks," Kento retorted, leaning against the opposite side of the large tub. "I'm getting sick of those guy always poking their noses in our business. They want us to tell them everything. But from them, we get jack."
"Hey Sage? How you feeling?" Rowen then asked.
Sage was sitting next to him, a blank stare on his face.
"Hey!" Rowen snapped his fingers in Sage's face, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Huh? Sorry, I'm still kind of out of it, I guess."
Everyone looked at him for a while, waiting for a further response.
"You...wanna talk about it?" Ryo offered.
Sage let out a heavy breath. "I don't know...I just..." He looked down at his hands. They were starting to shake again. He could still picture the stains on them, the patterns they made; how the liquid felt as it dried to his skin.
"It's just that...there was so much blood. I've never seen anyone bleed like that. I–I should have been able to stop it. I thought I could–"
He was cut off by a very loud, very unimpressed cough from Cye who leaned back, placing a hand over his face in a gesture of fatigue.
"Rowen," he said, not looking up. "Could you please?"
"Certainly," Rowen grinned. He placed his hand on top of Sage's head and promptly shoved it under the water.
Sage came up sputtering.
"ROWEN!" he yelled at his ex best friend. "What the heck where you trying to do?"
"Just trying to get you over yourself is all," Rowen replied, arms folded over his bare chest. "None of this was your fault so stop blaming yourself like an idiot."
"You'd think with as many times you've told me," Ryo put in. "It wouldn't be a problem for you."
Sage closed his eyes, letting his shoulders fall. He slumped deeper into the water in defeat with a heavy sigh.
"You're right," he surrendered. "Thanks guys."
"No problem!" Kento put in with his usual gusto. "Who better to tell when you're being an idiot than your idiot friends? Takes one to know one right?"
Sage smirked at him. "This is true."
"So then," Rowen nodded, happy with the results."What are we going to do about him now?"
He looked over at Hariel who was now up to his eye balls in hot water. All five Ronins just watched him in silence. Finally, after getting a feeling he was being stared at, Hariel opened one eye. He lifted his head a little to get his mouth above water level.
"Yes?"
The Ronins were quiet. They didn't even know where to start with the questions.
"Dude," Kento spoke up. "Are you REALLY White Blaze? Don't go messing with us now. If you really ARE White Blaze, you're supposed to be on our side."
Hariel sat up a bit. "I am White Blaze and I'm not. Let see...how do I put this?" He rubbed his chin in thought. "You see, what you guys have always seen was a real tiger. His name is Byakuen. Or, White Blaze, as Ryo named him when he was, what, five or six, Ryo?"
Ryo shrugged. He didn't remember.
"At any rate, Byakuen or White Blaze was originally my tiger when I lived here in Falnan as its first prince. There was once an...altercation of sorts. I was forced to merge my spirit with his, creating the tiger you all know. The White Blaze you are used to is still just a tiger. Despite my consciousness being a part of him, he thinks like a tiger and acts like a tiger. Though, you've probably noticed he's a bit more intelligent than your average jungle cat."
The five Ronins nodded. They were getting the story so far.
"This is because of my presence locked away in a corner of his mind," Hariel continued. "As White Blaze, I'm aware of all of you, but the cat is in control. The two of us share bodies and I've actually been more than happy to stay a tiger for thousands of years. This saves me energy and makes the time go by a LOT faster, believe me. Though today, I had no choice but to switch forms. White Blaze and I are two different souls, but we have to share one physical body. In this form, I'm mostly human, but as you can see," He motioned to the lighter skin toned stripes on his arms. "There's a bit of cat in me as well. In fact, I'm surprised there was this much left of me at all. I have been out of my own form so long, if it weren't for today, I may have just become all tiger in another few hundred years."
"Yeah, about that," Ryo spoke up. "How DID you beat that guy? I don't know if Talpa was even that strong. I thought I was a goner for sure. How could you beat someone who is a god in this world unless--"
"Unless I was a god also?" Hariel finished with a knowing smile.
"DUDE! No WAY!" Kento sputtered. "You used to chew on my sweaty sneakers! You can't be a god!"
"Yes way, Kento," Hariel grinned back. "Although, it's not the same any more. I used to be exactly like him as far as godly status. Not any more though..." he trailed off, looking at his arm stripes again.
"But you still beat him right?" Cye asked, looking a bit insistent. "I mean, you beat him today, you could do it again? You could defeat him if you had to."
Hariel frowned at him. "Defeat? You're asking if I have the power to kill him, aren't you Cye?"
The other Ronins glanced at him, a bit surprised. Cye nodded solemnly.
Hariel let out a breath and slumped into the water a bit further. "I cannot," he admitted. "Yanushi is a god. More specifically, he is THE god of this world. There is no way to physically hurt him. Let alone kill him. Ryo can attest to that. He saw it with his own eyes. I ran him through with a Soul Sword and he wasn't even worse for wear."
Ryo nodded. The lack of damage Yanushi had sustained from Hariel's attack had worried him.
"But--" Cye pressed, looking anxious. "He told me--he said he was going to destroy this world. He said that was why we were brought here, to fight him because he wanted to end it all."
The other four Ronins looked at him with wide eyes.
"No way..." Rowen breathed.
"Then there's got to be some way to stop him," Ryo said. "Right? We can't just let him do that! We promised we would help. There has to be a way."
Hariel smiled at Ryo and shook his head. "Boy Ryo, you never fail to disappoint me. As head strong as ever. But all heroics aside, you fight with Yanushi, you will not beat him. In fact, you'll be lucky if he lets you live. Our only hope would be to somehow persuade him to change his mind."
"How would we do that?" Sage asked. "Ryo didn't exactly give out a best first impression with him."
Ryo glared at Sage.
"True," Hariel agreed. "But that doesn't really mean anything. To understand what I'm talking about, you have to think like a god. Gods cannot be hurt, therefore, they bear no grudge after an attack. Yanushi was probably grateful Ryo was there to liven up his otherwise dull and repetitive existence. He probably finds Ryo amusing. That's why he keeps visiting him."
Ryo's shoulders visibly sank at that revelation.
"Gods are also true to their words. When they say they're going to do something, it's for real. But time is also irrelevant to them. They don't ever age or change. So when Yanushi says he's going to destroy this world, he means it. But that doesn't mean he's going to do it tomorrow. Or a year from now or even 10 or 100 years." Hariel rubbed his chin in thought. "More than likely he's waiting for something to happen. Something in the mortal world that he has either little or no control over. The trick is finding out what it is and why. Then maybe we'll have some leverage to bargain with him."
"Great," Rowen huffed, running a hand through his hair. "And how do we find that out?"
Hariel shrugged. "Ask him, I guess. You never know, he might answer. He wouldn't feel a need to keep it a secret. After all, no one can stop him."
"Yeah," Kento teased. "I'm sure Ryo has him on speed dial by now. We'll just have him call the guy up!"
Ryo was about to tell his friend what for when Kento suddenly went extra pale and grabbed his side, almost falling into the water.
"Whoa! Kento!"
Cye and Rowen, who were on either side of him, hurried to catch him before he drowned.
"You okay?" Rowen asked.
Kento's voice was hoarse and his face started to perspire from strain. He smiled weakly through his clenched jaw. "Feels like I've just been stabbed," he admitted.
Just then, their entire world began to shift. The walls around them shuddered as an earthquake rocked the foundations of the castle. All the Ronins stopped and looked at each other. They knew instantly where the source of that was coming from.
As the Ronins hurried to dry and dress themselves, the walls continued to quake in unusual spasms. It was as if someone were trying to rip the castle right off its foundation. They raced down the halls, passing servant girls who were on the floor, clinging to anything stable. They were almost to Robyn's room when Kento lurched, clutching his side.
"Kento, you okay?" Sage asked as he steadied his friend.
"Ugh, too close, I guess," Kento grunted with an assuring smile. "Just go you guys, I'll be fine out here."
"I'll stay here," Hariel volunteered.
Cye nodded and led the charge to Robyn's room, flinging open her door.
"What's going on?" he demanded.
Around Robyn's bed were three men--doctors- trying to pin and tie down her thrashing body. Upon hearing Cye's voice, one of the distraught doctors turned to the group of Ronins filing in.
"My Lords," he said apologetically, sweat beading his brow. "Lady Hardrock's fever has risen extremely high. She's still unconscious and seems to be stuck in some fever-induced night mare."
Cye hardly heard a word the man said. All he noticed was that the other two doctor's were tightening thick ropes, binding Robyn's struggling body to her bed. He could only hear her voice crying out in pain and he ran to her.
"My Lord," the doctor continued, following him over. "Pay no attention to the ropes. Her powers are too strong for us. We have to tie her down so she will not harm herself or any of us. I assure you we-- this does not harm her in any way. My Lord?"
Cye was still ignoring him as he went over to the other side of the bed.
Sage took the initiative to approach the worrying man, letting the doctor know it was fine and they knew he was doing his best. For his part, Rowen looked over at Robyn, then at Ryo who was losing the color in his face fast. He grabbed his friend's shoulder to steady him just in case.
By Robyn's bed, Cye knelt down, trying to keep his balance as the whole place was still shaking. Robyn's hands were tied along with ropes tied around her torso, strapping her snugly to the bed. Her eyes were closed and her forehead beaded in sweat as she shook her head from side to side. It was a hard sight to take in.
"No..." Robyn moaned as she thrashed her head. "No...don't...don't do it!" She screamed, almost bucking off the bed if she hadn't been tied down.
Cye put a hand on hers and another on her forehead, talking to her softly, trying to calm her through her nightmare.
"Sh-h-h...it's okay. It's okay Robyn, I'm here. It will be okay."
But his voice couldn't reach her. She continued to moan and fight with her bindings.
"What could she be dreaming about?" Rowen wondered as Ryo knelt on the other side of the bed, looking lost and a bit scared himself.
Cye looked up at him, his eyes tearing up a little. "I think she might be reliving something from her childhood. I gotta snap her out of this. She needs to wake up! This is killing me! I--"
"No!" Robyn cried out. "Don't use those armors!"
All four Ronins stared at her with wide, alarmed eyes.
"I'm here! Move!"
Rowen and Sage didn't notice the new voice until they were split apart as a smaller body forced their way between them. It was Diana. She seemed a bit out of character shoving them aside. She did the same with Ryo, pushing his kneeling form away with a not-so apologetic "I'm sorry, Wildfire." and then took his place kneeling at the other side of Robyn.
Cye looked at her, still startled, as she placed her hands not over Robyn's wound, but over her heart. Then she looked up to meet Cye's gaze.
"I'll need your help, Lord Torrent," She told him. "You with me?"
There was no reaction from Cye. He seemed frozen.
"Lord Torrent? CYE!"
Cye snapped out of his stupor at the mention of his name and blinked at her.
"I want you," Diana instructed. "To keep your hands where they are and close your eyes."
Cye opened his mouth to ask.
"Do it!" she told him sternly.
Cye obeyed.
"Now, help me. Calm her soul. Can you feel it?" Diana's voice was low and calm amidst the chaos. It radiated through Cye's thoughts. "Don't think of anything else, but the waves of the sea. Gentle, flowing. Think of her spirit like the ocean. There is a storm there now; waves crashing; crushing everything. Calm the storm, feel the natural flow, like water. Can you feel it?"
Through his closed eyes, Cye tried to feel it. He tried to block out everything else, even Robyn, just to listen to Diana's voice. There, in his mind, he could hear waves crashing as his world turned to water. He could feel the force of a hurricane whipping the waves around. He could feel the crashing of the soul next to him. Within his armor, he felt the power to calm the water; calm the soul. Beside him, he could feel further calm and a healing power. Cye opened his eyes to notice the earthquakes had stopped and Robyn was laying peaceful in bed, still asleep.
The other three Ronins looked at each other in relief. Diana sat back on her heels, looking a bit winded.
"Did you--Did you heal her?" Cye asked.
"No," Diana shook her head regretfully. "I cannot physically heal her body, but I can give some temporary peace to her soul. She should sleep just fine until tomorrow."
"What's going on in here?" A shrill, young voice demanded. "Is she now trying to tear apart my castle as well?"
It was Queen Laelia. And she did not look too happy as she stomped into the room.
Diana looked at her and smiled sweetly. "It's okay now, Your Highness. There should be no more problems. But if it pleases you, I will stay with her a bit longer to make sure."
"That's fine," she said moodily. "Do as you see fit."
Diana nodded and set about finding herself a chair to sit next to Robyn's bedside.
"I'm sure Captain Darris would like to see the rest of you sometime," Laelia continued. "Falnan is still under attack, remember?" She looked up at Rowen and blushed a little. His hair was still wet and hanging in front of his eyes. She looked down at her hands, most of her anger leaving her. "I could...escort you if you wish..."
Rowen rolled his eyes and looked to the ceiling. Why didn't girls his own age ever go after him?
"I'm...going to stay here a bit, too," Cye announced weakly, rubbing his face with his sleeve. "Apologize for me to the Captain. I'll join you later."
"That's fine," Sage decided for all of them. "We'll update you later." He waved to Cye and grabbed the back of Ryo's collar as he went, pulling Wildfire out with him.
Laelia happily grabbed Rowen's arm, escorting the unenthused Strata out as well and closed the door behind them. Once in the hall, she was met by a tall figure standing in her way.
"Hey Laelia, how's it going?" the tall man in the white hair waved down at her. The bearer of Hardrock was behind him.
Laelia's face actually lost color, Rowen noticed. She gave a little squeak as she stepped back, releasing Rowen's arm and hiding a bit behind him.
"Well, I'm sure you can all find your way around the castle by now," she said in a nervous voice. "If you'll please excuse me, I have other things to attend to."
She started off at a brisk pace, faster and faster with each step until she was practically running by the time she turned the corner.
Hariel watched the whole thing with much amusement on his face.
"She's cute, isn't she?" he asked with a grin.
"Hardly," Rowen frowned. "Her and everyone else has just been giving us the run around since we got here."
"Having you around is actually the first real break we've had," Sage put in. "Are they all really that afraid of you?"
Hariel motioned for them to start for the war room as he responded. "I dunno. I think maybe Her Little Highness might be worried I came back to take her kingdom away from her and rule instead."
Ryo looked at him as they followed. "Are you?"
Hariel shrugged lazily. "Nah. Once is enough for me. Tiger body or not, I'd rather hang around you guys instead. And eat Mia's dinners. It's too bad Robyn got hurt, huh? I would have liked to talk to her, too. I really like her."
Rowen frowned at him. "Yeah, that's because all she does is compliment and praise you."
In reply, Hariel just grinned.
Ryo suddenly stopped walking when he noticed another member of their group was missing. Eventually, everyone stopped and looked behind them. The one farthest back was Kento. He stood in the middle of the hall, clenching his fists and looking at the floor.
"Kento?" Ryo said.
"What is it, buddy," Rowen asked. He could feel there was something wrong.
The only one who didn't look worried was Hariel.
"Guys," Kento spoke slowly. "I can't go with you."
"What? What are you talking about?" Sage demanded. "We're going to go plan for a FIGHT. You've been itching to do this since we got here."
"I know, I know," Kento replied, clenching his fists tighter. "But there's something else I gotta do first. I gotta leave for a bit."
"Leave?" Ryo wondered. "Where? Why?" He suddenly wished Cye was with them to talk some sense into the stubborn Hardrock.
Kento finally looked up at their dumbfounded faces. "I have to go finish what Robyn started. I have to go where she was planning on going."
"Whoa, whoa! Time out!" Rowen announced, making a T with his hands. "What exactly WAS Robyn trying to do?"
"She told me before she passed out," Kento explained. "That Yanushi guy, he told her where she could find that friend of hers. He told Robyn she was at the castle of that other guy we're supposed to be fighting and that if one of the Hardrocks--she or I went there-- nothing would happen to us. That's why she tried to leave the castle. And that's why I'm going there now, to finish what she started."
"By yourself? You're insane!" Sage accused. "I'm going to get Cye."
"No you're not," Kento shot back. He grabbed Sage's arm to prevent him from leaving. "Cye is NOT going to change my mind and neither are any of you. Robyn and I are partners. It's my responsibility to finish anything she can't. You guys aren't going to stop me and you're not coming with me."
The other three Ronins were taken aback at that statement. They all knew they really couldn't physically make Kento do anything he didn't want to.
"Hariel?" Ryo asked, looking for some back up.
The taller man shrugged. "It's fine with me, let him go," he said, earning wide eyes from Ryo, Sage, and Rowen. "If Yanushi says neither of the Hardrocks will get hurt if they go, he's telling the truth. I don't think Kento is in any danger. And besides," he walked up to Kento and put his hands on the Ronin's shoulders. "Maybe Robyn wasn't meant to leave. Maybe this journey was meant for you instead."
Kento raised an eyebrow at him. His talk with Robyn a few days previous about how 'everything happens for a reason' was now playing through his head. In response, however, Kento just smiled crookedly and shrugged off Hariel's hands.
"Dude, you're weird."
And with that, Kento started to back away from them. "Cover for me, okay guys? I'll be back soon, I promise. You won't even know I'm gone." And then he turned around and ran off.
Sage frowned in the direction Kento had gone. "I don't like the idea of us splitting up," he said. Then he turned to Hariel. "You BETTER be on our side."
Hariel, at first, looked insulted. Then opened his arms out wide to the blonde man. "Hey," he insisted. "It's me, okay?
The room fell quiet and Diana settled in her chair. Waiting, watching. Robyn looked peaceful now. Her face was still sickly pale and beaded with sweat, but she no longer looked internally troubled. She seemed to be sleeping soundly amidst her wound and the fever. Diana leaned back a bit and readied herself to be there a while. She wanted to make certain what she had done would stick and Robyn would no longer need what little healing powers she could offer.
Across the bed, at the other side of the body, was Cye. Diana let her gaze wander from Robyn's face over to his. He was looking down at Robyn as well, his elbows resting on the bed, his hands holding one of her bandaged ones between them, fingers inter laced. He pressed his mouth to them. His eyes were looking down at Robyn, but his gaze seemed far away and his brows furrowed as if he were in deep thought.
"You care about her a lot, don't you?" Diana's voice broke the silence.
For a moment, Cye didn't move.
"There was a time when I was all she had," he finally spoke. "We're not related, but she's always felt like family to me." His gaze softened for a moment. "She doesn't look it, but my Robyn is a fighter. She's used to hard situations. This place isn't going to beat her. She always tries her best. I'm very proud of her."
Cye looked up to see Diana smiling at him.
"I think if I had met you back in your world, Lord Torrent, I would have liked you very much," she told him.
"Can you please just call me Cye?"
"As you wish," she replied, tilting her head at him. "You really are so different than what we have expected here. All of you."
Cye just shrugged. Not much he could do about that.
"Could I ask you something, Diana? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"Sure," Diana smiled. "Go ahead."
"Your last life, you were in our world like Robyn and Miniko, right? How did you die?"
Diana leaned further into her chair, closing her eyes as the memories suddenly washed over her at the question..
"I'm sorry," Cye continued. "I shouldn't have asked."
"No, it's fine," Diana assured him with a wave of her hand. "It's nothing bad. As a priestess, I have died several times--some of natural causes, some from battle, but this..." She trailed off for a moment, as if searching for words. "This last life I experienced was something quite unique to any of us. Not withstanding that it was the first time the Priestesses had been reborn in a different world, but there was something else. Something I never thought I'd experience and yet I did." She looked up at him. "This world tries hard to keep my mind off them--but looking at you Lord Torrent--Cye-- forces me to think back upon those memories."
Cye furrowed his brows at her. "Is that...bad?"
Diana laughed softly. "Not at all. It's just life."
She got up from her chair and began to wander around the room.
"You know, Cye, each time we priestesses are reborn, we don't immediately remember who we are. Our memories of our past lives or of the promises we made usually don't come to us until we are ready to take them on again. Sometimes that age is 14 or 15. Sometimes it can be in our twenties, but--" She suddenly twirled around, her robes flying in the open space. "When I was reborn in your world, I lived and died without any recollection of who I was. For once, my entire life was my own."
She stopped spinning and looked at him. Her face was all but glowing and Cye thought she looked even more beautiful than before.
Diana looked away from him, towards the ceiling, her gaze staring off to a part unknown.
"I was going to be a dancer," she said dreamily. "I loved the stage, the sound of the audience. I wanted to entertain until my toes bled. That was my dream when I didn't know who I really was."
She looked back at Cye and plopped herself on the other side of the bed, looking more human than she ever had. Her eyes were sparkling as if she had a wild secret she just had to get out.
"You want to know how I died? Isn't it so funny? I don't remember my parent's names, where I lived, who my friends were, but I remember this so clearly. It was about five in the afternoon." She chuckled. "I was going to meet this guy. He was tall with thick, black hair and gorgeous eyes. He was so sweet and charming and my world was so bright when he smiled at me." She laughed. "I know, a Priestess having a stupid crush on a GUY! I was 19 years old--about your age now, and I was excited. I couldn't wait to see him and I wasn't paying attention. I died in a traffic accident. I can still hear the sound of the crash in my head."
"Oh, Diana, I'm so sorry," Cye sympathized. "That's such a--"
"Drag?" Diana cut him off with a grin. "I know. And what's worse, for the first time of all my many lives, I regretted when I died. I thought 'Not now.. please let me live. I want one more chance.' I had never thought that before." Diana leaned back on her hands, showing most of her back to Cye. "Isn't it so funny? That was the shortest lifetime I had ever led. It was so normal."
She paused for a moment and then looked up at the ceiling dreamily. "But I think it was the most brilliant."
Cye wasn't sure, but he thought he saw a lone tear run down her cheek. Yet, she never stopped smiling.
"This is why, I told you not to interfere when I died," Diana continued, still not looking at him. "That experience made me realize how tired I am. My souls is weary, Cye. I have lived so many life times; so many countless years. I want to end it. When all is finished here, Anubis' soul will go to it's final destiny. I have promised myself I am going with him. The only problem is, I have no idea how to break the reincarnation cycle. But I think..."
She looked down at Robyn's sleeping form and the alarms began to go off in Cye's head. He looked at the Torrent priestess with wide eyes.
"You can't possibly think that Robyn could break it!"
"I want to believe so," Diana replied. "If anyone could do it, it is the Priestess of the Dead. I want her to be the one to kill me."
Cye stood up. "You can't ask that of her! You have no right! Robyn could never handle that emotional responsibility!"
"I thought you said she was a fighter," Diana shot back gently. "Besides, Myune doesn't believe she's the only one in that body. If Minami has indeed come back from the dead somehow, she will do it. I trust her to do this for me."
Cye felt his body go numb. It was the first time he had heard anyone mention that name like that. Not as if they were afraid this entity would return, but as if they were counting on it. Possibly, as if they already knew it--she--was there.
"What do you know about this Minami?" Cye asked. His mouth going dry. "Please tell me. If she has any power in this world, will she come back? And could she harm Robyn?"
Diana regarded him calmly, a cryptic smile on her face. Cye was becoming used to her face expressions. Each one was a smile, but each smile meant something different.
"You know, I have a secret about Minami only I know," Diana said, as if she were relaying a fairy tale to a child. "Minami and I were friends. Best friends. Whenever our lives ended, we promised each other find the other soon. And that we would face everything together. Because we were Hardrock and Torrent, right? Best friends forever."
Cye fell back down in his chair, the steam and anxiety suddenly gone out of him. "Yeah..." he said, a bit bewildered. "Best friends."
"Only..." Diana's smile suddenly left her face completely. "That last time she lived, I couldn't help her. There was nothing I could do. Even though she told me it wasn't for me to do anything, I still wanted to. And I want her to come back." She looked up at Cye, her face serious. "We have a promise. Minami WILL come back here. She has to find me. I wait for her return to find out what she knows. Her secret to breaking the cycle; her secret to coming back without reincarnation. I want to know and then I want our souls to go together and never come back here."
Cye just stared at her, he was lost in her deep, dark, serious eyes. They were like the very depths of the deepest ocean: full of secrets and wonders. He could not look away.
"I will promise you this, Cye," Diana then said. "I will not let Minami harm Robyn when she comes. But in return, I want you to make a promise as well. When this is all over, you will take her and all your friends and go back home. You will leave this gods forsaken place and you will live a life that is also brilliant. Do you understand me?"
He swallowed, trying to find his voice. Cye's body was shaking from the intensity of the conversation and the intensity of her gaze on him. Finally, he was able to speak.
"I will," he promised.
Mia had been following Anubis for quite a while. She was slowly getting a greater appreciation for how big the castle really was and how easily Anubis maneuvered it in his spirit form. Anubis was also feeling the full reality of this fact. Being a spirit like he was, he was not forced to make his way through the conventional methods of a living body. This made it easier for him to explore the castle, but quite another task entirely to find a path that would take Mia to the place he wanted her to see.
"Okay," he announced. "I think this one is the right tunnel down. Sorry about that. I didn't mean to lead you all around the castle."
Mia smiled kindly. "Not at all. I could use the exercise and I enjoy seeing this place. But this is it?"
Anubis half nodded. "I think so. I'm pretty sure it's going to take us down to the right tunnel."
"Well then," Mia replied with gusto. "Let's give it a try."
No sooner had those words escaped her mouth, then the whole castle began to tremble.
"Wait Mia! Don't go in!" Anubis warned.
Mia nodded as she leaned against the wall to catch her balance. There was no way she was going into a tunnel in the middle of an earthquake.
"What's going on?"
"I sense the Hardrock power behind this," Anubis told her. "Possibly the priestess. I will go check."
He disappeared in front of Mia's eyes and she could not do anything else but cling to the wall. Several aggravating minutes passed before the place settled down and Anubis appeared.
"Is everything okay?" Mia asked, thankful to be able to stand again.
"It was Lady Hardrock," Anubis confirmed. "She has caught a fever from her wounds, but she is doing better now under the care of both Torrents. There is nothing to worry about."
Mia sighed and nodded. "Poor Robyn. I'm starting to realize how lucky Yulie and I both were back then. We could have been injured or killed just like that. Though, we never really gave it much thought while it was going on. Too young, I guess."
Anubis nodded. "Yes, very lucky. Though I'm sure the Ronins realized this. I can imagine their frustration in trying to keep the two of you out of their battles so something like that wouldn't happen to you."
Mia grinned sheepishly. "I'll have to apologize to them later."
"Maybe. But as for now, let's go."
He floated down the tunnel and Mia followed down the stairs into the dark caverns below the castle.
"I've been down one of these before," Mia admitted as they descended. "Myune showed us the history of the priestesses. It was painted all over the walls." Mia paused to wonder what had happened to Myune. What was she doing now? Was she still on the castle grounds somewhere? Or had she fled after what she had done?
"Indeed," Anubis agreed. "There are a myriad of tunnels below the castle, all full of paintings depicting different parts of this world's history. But there was one collection of pictures I found that I thought you would be most interested in."
The stairs ended and before them was a long hallway. Mia grabbed the torch at the entrance so she could see in the darkness. She padded down the dusty halls, glancing at the pictures on the walls as she passed. Most of which, she had no idea what they were depicting.
"Over this way," Anubis pointed to the left when the tunnel forked.
She followed him down a shorter hallway until he stopped at a particular group of paintings near the end.
"Look, there," Anubis pointed out again where Mia should aim the firelight.
She lifted the torch to reveal a painting that seemed to be telling a story about four particular figures.
"They look familiar to you?" Anubis asked with a smile.
"They kind of look like the four warlord armors," Mia marveled. "So those were also created here."
"It would appear so," Anubis nodded. "And look at what's painted around the four figures."
Mia squinted at the painting. At the top was a figure resembling Anubis' armor of Cruelty. Tiny buds were sprouting around it. Down to the right was what looked like it could be the armor of Illusion with thick green plant life all around. Lower was the armor of Venom with the foliage slowly wilting in its presence. And completing the circle was the armor of Corruption with thick, white snow surrounding it.
"Curious," Mia commented.
"I have been studying this painting and those similar for a while," Anubis explained. "As near as I can tell, while these four mantles did exist in this world, no one ever wore them here. I believe they were, instead, placed on special alters around this kingdom and each alter represented a different season. See? Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter."
Mia looked at the painting thoughtfully. "How interesting. So...the warlord armors, in this world, represented the circle of life?"
"Indeed," said a new, deep voice. "You've got it spot on, young lady."
Both spirit and woman whipped around to see the large person standing behind them. He had white hair and icy blue eyes and he smiled with the knowledge of countless hundreds of years. Mia had never seen him in person before, but she knew who he was.
"It's you!" she gasped, dropping her torch.
The flame of the torch went out as it clattered to the floor. In one terrifying instant, Mia was plunged into absolute darkness with Anubis' spirit and a man that easily took on two Ronin Warriors.
There was a snapping sound and suddenly, torches that had been sitting dormant along the walls came to life, lighting the entire tunnel. The tall, intimidating figure was still standing there.
"Well, aren't you two an interesting pair," Yanushi smiled at them. "Neither one of you are armor bearer or priestess. So why did you come to my world?"
Mia took a step back. Something in his piercing eyes frightened her. Anubis stepped in between them protectively. It was a chivalric gesture, but it was lost on Yanushi who had already noted that while Anubis wasn't all that transparent, he still was unable to physically touch any one.
"Well?" Yanushi asked, looking at the ghost.
"I once wielded an armor," Anubis told him levelly.
Yanushi looked part surprised and part intrigued. "Oh really? Which one?"
The former warlord pointed to the top most figure on the painting. "That one."
Yanushi, who had been previously folding his arms, dropped them to the side in surprise.
"...Really..."
The god and the ghost looked at each other for a moment.
"Come," Yanushi motioned, walking off. "See this one."
Mia and Anubis looked at each other before following to peer at another painting further down the tunnel. It was similar to the first one they had been looking at, only the four alters were empty--the circle broken. The entire painting was drenched in green and at the top was another figure.
"Recognize him?" Yanushi asked of the only figure in the painting.
Mia squinted at it. The figure was at the top and the painting was old and faded so it was hard to get a good look at it. The armor the figure wore was unfamiliar, but the head piece...Mia gasped as she recognised the face.
"Talpa," Anubis spat out.
"So you met him. As I thought," Yanushi replied, looking pleased with his assumption. "And I'm assuming he is the one that gave you the Spring Mantle?"
"Yes," Anubis nodded. "I got my armor from Talpa; as did three others. Though we never knew they were associated with the seasons."
Yanushi's expression sobered a bit. "After Talpa stole them from their alters, I heard a rumor that he reconfigured and renamed them to better suit his purposes."
Anubis nodded. "I was the unfortunate bearer of the Armor of Cruelty. With it was also the Armors of Illusion, Venom, and Corruption."
Yanushi raised his brows, impressed. "Sinister titles, to be sure."
"But how is it that Talpa changed these four and left the other five the way they were?" The question popped out of Mia's mouth before she realised she said it. Her heart picked up when she remembered who her company was.
Yanushi didn't seem to notice her anxiety.
"Those four were easy to manipulate and change because they had no previous bearer. In fact, Talpa was one of the few in this world who knew they had any power at all. Before he stole them, the mantles of the seasons were not armors, but head dresses and costumes. They were no more than idles to the people. Tribes would gather around them and perform traditional dances that were said to welcome and bring forth the next coming season. What the people failed to realize at that time was that those mantles DID carry quite a bit of power and they really DID bring forth the seasons. One summer, when Talpa stole them from their alters, all time stopped in Falnan. From then, the seasons never changed and no one grew any older. Falnan's little queen stayed little forever."
A drab look spread over the god's features. "It's really been quite boring." He turned to face Anubis. "Tell me, those who origianlly recieved the season mantles, beside yourself, are they all still alive?"
"They are."
"I thought as much," Yanushi nodded. "It's too much of a pain to recruit new followers every time the previous ones start getting old. It's more conveinent just to let them live forever. And with those mantles of the seasons, Talpa would very well have the power to stop time for them."
Gathering up a bit more courage, Mia stepped forward. "Excuse me, but why are you telling us all this? Why are you here? Aren't we enemies?"
Yanushi just shrugged. "I do not wish to make any enemies, though some are trying to make enemies of me. I am here because I am curious as to what became of Talpa and what he did with all that power. I thought the two of you could tell me."
He raised his eyebrows at them expectantly.
Mia and Anubis looked at each other.
"A trade of information then?" Anubis ventured.
"If you'd like," Yanushi replied lightly. "Answering any of your questions will not hinder me in the least. So tell me, what became of Talpa when he left Falnan?"
Anubis nodded. He didn't see any harm either in telling this being about his past.
"Tell me what you know about him and I will fill in the rest."
Yanushi planted himself on a dusty bench near by, though the dirt hardly managed to soil his clothes. He leaned back against the wall, looking up as he tried to recall his long ago memories.
"I remember Talpa first, took the Mantles of the Seasons from their alters. Soon after, he went after the five armor bearers. As I recall, his timing was perfect. One by one, he easily picked them off for they were not united. In fact, there were in quite a bit of turmoil with their Hardrock Bearer dead and its priestess running amok around the countryside. When both of them were gone, there was no one to claim the Hardrock title, so Talpa took it by force for himself. Then, the other four were easier to take over. He killed them all and then...he left. That was the last time I heard of him. He took his entire army and just disappeared from this world."
The deity looked over at Anubis. "So...?"
Anubis cleared his throat.
"From what I understand, Talpa remained in limbo between your world and ours for many years, creating a world of his own with his powers--powers he gathered from the armors. He call this world the Nether Realm. It was built entirely for him and his army and generals--Sun Devil, Lord Saberstrike, Saranbo-- that I now understand came from Falnan."
Yanushi nodded. "All creations from this world.–they all disappeared without a trace. And once out of this world, I could no longer see their destinies."
"When the Nether Realm was finished," Anubis continued. "He went into our world, seeking to destroy it. But as he opened the gates to invade our world, he was met by a man who used his powers and wisdom to temporarily defeat Talpa and send his spirit back to the Nether Realm."
"No doubt this man had a large, white tiger with him," Yanushi muttered under his breath.
Anubis kept going. "His armor, however, remained stuck in our world--the armor he had made from all the nine "mantles" as so many have called them, combined. The Ancient one took this armor and split them back again into nine. Though I doubt he realized they were originally nine to begin with. Once split, the Ancient scattered them in hopes that Talpa would never find them again. Apparently, he discovered the armors of the seasons very easily and quickly set about finding those he could persuade to wear them until he could get all nine gathered again. That is where he found myself and the three others.
"It was 500 years later before Talpa discovered where the other five armors were hidden. By then, the armors had chosen those warriors to wield them and those "Ronin Warriors" rose up against him in order to stop Talpa from taking over their world. In the beginning, myself and the other three warlords fought against them. But in the final battle, we eventually all saw how Talpa was using us and turned to help them defeat our former master."
"I'm assuming that's how you died," Yanushi put in.
"It is," Anubis replied. "There is another who bears my armor now."
Yanushi nodded. "Interesting. I never would have thought the great Talpa would have fallen like that. He was a pretty powerful being. Not a god, but certainly not a man. Too bad his ambitions were so off course."
Mia furrowed her brows at the white haired man. "Why DID Talpa leave this place to conquer another world? Why did he go through the trouble to move is entire army to our world? Why didn't he stay here and take over Falnan?"
Yanushi stood and stretched. "That's a good question. You're a smart one." He winked at her and then looked back up at the painting.
"The reason Talpa left, was that he knew the future of this world. The word "Falnan" itself means "Finite" in the language of the gods. Not only the kingdom of Falnan, but all this world was created with an ending in mind. And that ending is near at hand. Talpa knew this. He knew if he conquered this world, he would only control it for a certain amount of time and then it would be over."
Mia gasped. "The world is ending?"
Yanushi nodded. "As was always intended. This place was meant to be only an experiment. Now, I am just waiting for a few more results and then I will end it."
"YOU'RE ending it!" Mia squeaked.
Yanushi seemed unaffected by her reaction. "Of course I am ending it. It is MY world after all. Not only is it my right, it is my duty to see this world to its final days."
Mia didn't enjoy hearing that bit of information one bit and took a few steps back. An icy coldness was sinking in her chest, making it hard to breathe. The whole world–all its people–was soon to be ended by this man? This person who was standing right in front of her had THAT kind of power?
Anubis, however, seemed less intimidated by his presence.
"And just when do you plan on ending it?" The former Warlord pressed. "What exactly are these "results" you are waiting for?"
Yanushi looked at the stern spirit as if he had just found someone who finally understood how he thought. A whimsical expression fell over the deity's face. He held up his index finger in front of Anubis.
"One," Yanushi said simply. "One question remains that only one being can answer. When they come and I get my reply, then it will all change."
Mia opened her mouth to speak when an unnatural gust of wind filled the enclosed tunnel. All the torches along the wall were snuffed out and Mia found herself in pitch darkness again. Once again she panicked for a second. How would she find a way out of this place–even with Anubis–if she didn't have any light?
A single torch sparked to life down the hall, towards the way she had come. Mia made her way over to it, wondering what she should do from there with her new found knowledge.
Getting a horse and leaving the castle was cake, Kento found out. No one could say no to him as an armor bearer. The servants in the kitchen and storage areas hardly put up a fight as he asked for rations to be packed. Nor did anyone look twice when he asked for a fast, healthy horse. All those about the castle were happy to help him any way they could. It was refreshing compared to how little his family helped him when attempting to do all the crazy stunts he did back home.
This stunt, Kento had to admit, easily fit into the foolhardy category.
He had slightly passed the village around the castle when he came to a fork in the road. One led southward, the other, the direction Akuma's kingdom was said to be. There, standing right at the split of the roads, was a familiar woman. Kento had seen her many times about the castle. She was standing next to an ice blue dragon about twice the size of his horse.
Kento stopped his horse and looked curiously at the servant woman. "Caska...right?"
"My Lord," Caska bowed deeply. "I brought something that will help you on your journey." She motioned to the large dragon sitting obediently at her side.
Kento stared dubiously at the creature. The dragon was already wearing a curious halter and saddle that seemed to be designed for his species.
"I dunno about that one..." he trailed off.
"Trust me, My Lord," Caska insisted. "Dragons can run faster and farther than any horse. You will get there in half the time and by then, he will have grown out of his saddle and you can fly him back in a day."
A sick looking expression plastered Kento's face at the thought of flying on the creature.
"Above all, he will keep you safe, My Lord."
Signing heavily, Kento dismounted. There was no arguing with that logic. He would need whatever help he could get. Caska showed him how to properly mount the animal and how to use the reigns. He tested it, letting Seiji walk around in a small circle. Kento couldn't help but notice how the dragon was far lighter of foot than a horse.
Once satisfied, Caska helped load Kento's supplies on his new saddle and then climbed up on the abandoned horse. She was about to ride off when Kento turned and called to her.
"Hey, do I even want to know how you knew I was leaving?"
Caska stopped her horse and looked over her shoulder. The expression on her face suggested maybe he didn't. Kento also couldn't help but notice she was not aiming for the castle, but the other road that led south.
"You're not going back there, are you?"
Caska turned her horse around so she could see him better.
"No, I am not. I have done all for My Lady that I can. The rest is up to her. I will be banished from the castle anyway, if they found out where my true loyalties lie."
Kento just stared at her. Questions were written all over his face.
"I am going back to my country now–the southern end of the kingdom," Caska continued to explain. "We are a different people there. It was our job to dance around the Mantle of Winter to bring the snow–to kill all life for a time. A Dance of Silence to hush the world until spring. This dance was said to be the most beautiful of the four dances and even, if used correctly, the most deadly. And no one's dance was more beautiful or more deadly than that of Minami's previous incarnation."
Kento raised an eye brow at her. He had no idea what she was talking about.
Caska turned her horse to go again, but stopped to call over her shoulder.
"We wait for her return, you know. The people of the South do. Despite what others say, we believe she died for something more profound than we can understand. We also believe when she comes back, she will tip this world with her justice. She will bring balance and progression and this world will no longer stagnate, but thrive." She paused and looked to the sky. "Her return will be great and terrible, but through her vengeance, it is possible this world may not be ended."
She then looked back at Kento. "I supposed we shall see."
Kento cocked his head at her, his grin a bit crooked. "I guess we will."
Caska nodded and then kicked her horse into full gallop towards the south.
Kento watched her go before gazing in the opposite direction. There was a darkness at the edge of the horizon. That was his destination.
"Okay boy," he spoke to the dragon. "Looks like it's just you and me so let's–Gyah!"
Kento almost bit his tongue in surprise. Seiji took off so quick and sudden, he almost fell off altogether. The Bearer of Hardrock soon found it was better just to cling to the dragon's neck than hold the reigns. Caska sure wasn't exaggerating about the speed of this creature.
This was a good thing, Kento told himself. The sooner he got there the sooner he would be able to return to his friends and help end this thing once and for all.
The castle at his back slowly began to shrink and disappear in the distance. Within it, something stirred. It was something the Bearer of Hardrock would have been able to sense–had he been there.