Author's notes : Damn it was time I did this so here it goes. Thanks for all reviews so far and in case some of you are wondering if I'm dead, I don't plan on checking in anytime soon I've just been busy lately to explain the update delays. By the way I don't know if it's too late to avoid being sued but I don't own Chrono Cross nor most of the characters in this story, Square does. I be just the one who pulls the string behind the curtain.
Chapter 12 : Crossroads
The sea of El Nido, another world, 1020 A.D.
The night had fallen over the quiet sea of El Nido and Korcha's boat was pushed by the wind as the teenager was paddling as fast as he could to bring the humour in time. Completely exhausted from their ordeal in the marshes, Serge and Guile were silent, their backs slouched over, barely able to keep their heads from falling down. Leena's body was still resting on the bottom of the craft. Serge's head slowly rose and turned to Korcha as he came to realize something.
…Just, how the hell did he…?
"Hey, Korcha, can I ask you something?" Korcha was focused on paddling but he looked at Serge nonetheless.
"Sure. What'CHA want?"
"Just, how did you manage to reach us, I mean you didn't have…" Serge found himself unable to speak another word as his realized his shirt pocket was empty.
"…This amulet?" Korcha produced Kid's amulet from the inside of his jacket.
"Yeah, I-I must have lost it but…"
"I actually found it in the sand of Opassa beach."
"Then it means I must have dropped it just before I crossed dimensions. Luckily you found it in the first place, but why were you there anyway?"
"You see, I usually don't travel to the south of the main island, but then I heard that CHA guys were from Arni, so I decided to check out the place for myself. CHA cannot imagine my reaction when I saw it glimmering in the sand. Here have it back…" Korcha extended his hand to give Serge the amulet.
Serge wanted to seize the artefact, but he was so tired he was barely able to get his hand up. Seeing this, Korcha placed his paddle on the boat and went to Serge to place the amulet around his back.
"Here, now CHA won't drop it again."
"Uh, thanks, dude." And Serge's head fell again.
Viper manor, another world, 1020 A.D.
Harle was alone in her room, lying on her stomach on the red velvet couch. She was resting her elbows against the soft tissue to keep her head up peering at a crystal orb. Her slender legs were curled up and all her mind was set on the reflection of a blue haired teenager.
…Oh, my poor Serge… You are exzausted… But, alas pad d'oreiller pour te reposer…
Harle touched the orb with the tip of her fingers and lightly stroked it as she would have done with Serge's hair.
…Comme je voudrais… come to you, Serge, je pourrais… provide you with some rest… come to me, Serge, rest your head against my chest, mon Serge…
All was so quiet around her and Harle was really enjoying the closest she could get from a night alone with Serge. Her only company were the dancing flames provided by the torches that were playfully casting random shadows against the objects of the room. The harlequin then heard a loud noise coming from the outside.
"Who darez interrupt? Je vais leur montrer."
Harle headed for the door and opened it only to find four completely drunk dragoons, all roaming the hallways trying to remember where their room was. She saw that one of them had dropped an empty bottle of whisky. Luckily for him, the glass hadn't shattered and the bottle was lying on the carpeted floor.
"You-you idiot, you will get us in-in trouble." One of them yelled against the visage of the clumsy dragoon.
"Hey, dude, don't push me or I'll-I'll be angry and-and you know what I do when-when I'm angry…" The other dragoon's mind was totally unable to incarnate anger at the moment.
"Yo, don't n-need this…remember, we-we are brothers, right?" A third one said, placing a hand on both comrades' shoulder.
"Uh, right, no anger, okay, we-we all go to sleep- sleep together, right…?"
With this all was forgiven and the four merrily turned the corner.
"Get in trouble, oui?" Harle picked the bottle from the floor and shattered it against the wall.
The four dragoons turned around as fast as their affected minds could, but only to see a door closing. From the inside of her cozy room, Harle soon heard the heavy footsteps of Karsh.
"So, what do we have here? A bunch of fucking boozers who shame the Viper name. You're really going to get it, drunk-asses." Karsh grabbed two of them by the shirt and dragged them to a room known as the purgatory.
"Shit, man, we really are-are in trouble, I think." One the dragoons sheepishly following said.
"Shut up, you two, and don't you dare try to run or you'll be taking my boot up the ass." Karsh yelled, his face crimson with rage.
Back in the comfort of her room Harle went back to her lonely illusions. But Serge's visage of kindness had become a chaotic swirl of purple and black. Another image was forming. Menacing glowing eyes appeared around a young girl with blonde hair. Her frail body was filled with dread as six massive beholders were discussing her fate in a language that she was completely unacquainted with.
…Non , pleaze, pas cela, not again…
Harle's eyes were filled with sadness as she turned her gaze away from the orb.
She had no idea what they were or even less what real power they held, but their burning breathes on her was enough to convince her that they would be deciding if she was to meet with the dark angel soon. She couldn't understand a word of what they were saying but it seemed as if they were quarrelling. Loud, sudden and aggressive grunts were emitted by one and another would reply with a head butt or by showing powerful fangs.
The girl was helpless and to her not much mattered at this moment. She was trapped, nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, she was at the mercy of these strange beings. She cursed herself for getting in such a terrible situation, but her memory couldn't provide her with an explanation of how she had managed to find herself here.
How much time had passed since her heart had given serious warnings of bursting? Seconds, minutes, hours? It didn't matter much, these barbaric beings were surely arguing over which one of them would be devouring her flesh. Then the only one who hadn't produced a sound yet took a step forward. It appeared that the silent creature was the leader as all other ceased to fight the moment it moved. They all stepped away from the girl as the massive head went down on her.
Glowing red eyes were meeting with bright blue eyes. The smaller eyes instinctively closed and she turned away to run as fast as her slim legs could carry her. But how futile of her to try to run. She was crushed against the ground by an inhuman strength. The massive head was closing on her again. It was over, her body would be torn to pieces by them razor-sharp fangs if not crushed to dust. The head was moving ever so slowly, the creature was savouring the moment, the fear of her last grunts and moan of terror.
Now mere inches from her, the large jaws spread to reveal her fate. Her eyes were shut tightly and her teeth were gritted, preparing her body for the sudden short jolt of intense pain that would follow. The doors to hell were open and the smell of sulphur was everywhere. They pierced through the flesh of her arm. Blood was gushing from the wounds. Soon the pain would disappear and it would all be over…
But the brutal pain was insisting, it refused to let go of her tortured body. The creature refused to take her life, preferring the scent of fear and pain. Its fangs were dug in her flesh, somehow it didn't want her die. Her arm was numb, the numbness was spreading through her body. All of a sudden the rush adrenaline was over and her body was taken over by fatigue. She had to resist, she had to live, but her own weight was too much to bear and she collapsed. The jaws then reopened and the monster left the child to die…or survive to hell.
"Non! Assez!" Harle brutally slapped the orb so it would fall off the couch, but the soft carpet that covered the floor prevented it from shattering.
Harle took one last look at the crystal ball to see the shadows disappearing and the object becoming transparent again. She turned to lie on her side so she was facing the back of the couch and curled in a ball. She dreaded was sleep would bring but her mind and body were too tired to stay awake so she drifted in a slumber haunted by nightmares.
Here she was again, the nightmare was continuing exactly as it had started in the orb's shadows, like it happened ten year ago. Her body was impaled on a wooden pole. Her blood was leaving her, she wanted to escape, but the slightest movement would cause her flesh to tear some more and make the excruciating pain even stronger.
Those that had failed, those who hadn't been able to survive hell were around her, their dead bodies impaled next to her. Vanquished by pain, they shrouded the nightmare with hopelessness.
"Come, come and join us, give up, life is over, abandon and the pain shall end…" But Harle's body refused to obey, preferring pain.
The grotesque servants of hell were roaming around her tortured soul, disfigured demons reshaping their visage every moment to taunt her. Those that had chosen eternal darkness were dancing around her spirit which would soon be theirs to feast on. Unlike the impaled ones they weren't being tortured, but they would never be more than a tool to be used at will. She would never have joined their ranks and they weren't offering her a place among them, despising one another. They wanted nothing else than preying on her. One of them stopped in front of her and grimaced at her in the most devilish way, his mouth moving to replace its eyes, growing a hand in the middle of its face to grasp at her.
Beyond them stood infinite flames of red and green that formed an endless wall to prevent anyone from fleeing. Consuming the bodies once the souls had been taken care of by the tainted ones they were sputtering ever on like a grand chorus.
…You belong to us now, you shall not be different, nothing more than another sacrifice for the sake of blood and loyalty…
…Will you seriously try to run…? You can't hope to cross the frontiers of hell, we extend to the infinity…
"Aahhh!" She was awake again.
Her clothes were soaked in perspiration and she was resting against the soft couch, breathing with difficulty. It was merely a dream, but the pain was ever so real. There would be no rest for her that night. Her heart was pounding against her chest as she got up to reach the only place where she really felt protected.
The halls were empty and she had no trouble reaching the roof. Once outside she sat down and looked up. The sky was filled with stars here, unlike in Porre, where the light of the stars was completely washed away by that produced by the city day and night. But most of the time, the city was clouded in smog produced by the numerous facilities destined to provide the city with enough gun power to conquer the world.
Her eyes wandered for a moment, searching for the red orb. It was so small and dark compared to the white moon, but for a reason she couldn't explain, Harle felt as if this body was shining only for her, only to protect her. She lied on her side once more, resting her head against her left forearm and waited for the morning.
Guldove, another world, 1020 A.D.
Serge awoke rather late as usual the next morning. His whole body was aching but the curtains couldn't protect him from the sunlight anymore. Groggily, he pushed himself up so he was sitting in bed supporting his weight with his hands placed behind his body. He managed to force his eyelids open and let out a grunt of tiredness before swinging his feet over the edge and on the ground.
Once standing he looked at himself and realized he was only wearing briefs. Strangely enough, he couldn't remember taking off his clothes before going to sleep but his tired mind convinced him that it didn't matter that much upon seeing fresh ones hanging from a clothesline. They weren't exactly to his liking, but since it was this or wandering the village in briefs, he took the opportunity of putting on a pair of bright green shorts first. Once fully clothed, Serge went out to look for his friends.
He soon spotted Guile who was staring at the sea. Blinded by the sunlight, the boy's eyelids narrowed as he walked toward the magician.
"Nice outfit." Guile remarked.
"Same goes for you, dude…" They both chuckled.
"…but, do you have any idea of what happened to our real clothes, you know, it's not that I have something against tropical-flavoured shower curtains but I sorta like those I had when I first came here.
"Oh, you know Leena, once she woke up she couldn't resist the urge to rip us of them."
"Wonder why I don't believe this."
"Hmm, perspicacious this morning, must be the Guldovian rainbow…" Serge kept looking at Guile, expressing his will to really know what happened to his clothes.
"Alright, alright, Macha said she wouldn't feel good about herself at all if we continued to wear mud-covered clothing. You're not too disappointed?"
"I'll probably survive, but what happened with Kid?"
"I don't know, the doctor took the humour last night and said he would be back with news in the morning. Guess it shouldn't be long now."
As they were speaking Doc came walking toward them. He stopped in front of them and Serge looked at him as if he had committed the worst of sins when he took off his toque to wipe some sweat off of his forehead before speaking to them.
"So, how is she?"
"The patient is still a bit weak, but she's cured, dudes. She'd like to speak with you, Sergei-boy." Doc said casually, replacing his headgear.
Serge immediately headed for the hospital.
"Go for it, my knight in his shining armor." Guile shouted from behind.
Serge kept running as fast as he could on the wooden planks but came to a sudden halt when he met the white curtain that separated him from Kid. What exactly was he going to tell her? What would she be telling him? Only it was too late since his mind had already managed to make his right pull the curtain, so he stepped inside. He found her seating in bed against a pillow, hands resting on her head, her eyes gazing at chimes made from denadorite shards that hungs from the ceiling. The wind was clanking the shards together, producing mind-soothing noises.
Her beautiful face didn't hoist that ill-looking white halo so typical to undeads, but was shining with energy. Serge knew he should have been using his mind to find something suitable to say, but he'd rather take the opportunity to just stare at her. However, Kid's enthusiastic voice called him back to reality.
"Oi, mate, c'mon I'm not gonna eat you." She outlined a bright smile, reminding Serge of her natural cheerful mood and plopped the bed with her right hand.
Serge timidly stepped inside and sat on the bed, facing away from her.
"So, uh, how are you feeling?" He managed to say, turning his head to look at her.
"Oi, never felt so good. I could swim all the way to the mainland. Ya didn't really think that this little bee sting would take me out? I bet I'd have been okay even without that humour."
"Uh, yeah, probably…" Serge's gaze went to the floor as he remembered all the trouble he went through to get his hands on the precious fluid. He was actually expecting a little more gratitude.
Kid's smile slowly vanished as she saw this.
"…I mean, sorry, the nurse told me how you got the humour, and I appreciate it, y' know, it's just that, well, I'm really not used to have people care and show concern for me. In a way, I guess I never learned to say thanks, if you know what I mean, but since you deserve it, here it comes, don't be too hard on me, okay?" Kid took a deep breath before continuing.
"Thanks, mate…So, uh, how was it?"
"Alright, no problem." Serge couldn't help but chuckle at Kid's attempt.
Kid renewed her smile, pushed the white sheets aside and got up.
"Oi, now that we're done with the outpourings, it's time ta get dressed again, not gonna spend the rest of my days in this gown." She grabbed her clothes from the clothesline and placed them on a stool.
She grabbed the back of the gown's collar with both hands and began pulling it upwards, revealing slender tanned legs. Serge's eyes flew to the sight and his heart began pounding against his chest. His cheeks had turned a bright red. A few more inches would reveal her panties.
…she isn't really going to…?
Serge's mind was screaming that this was definitely not alright but his hormones had taken over. But they left cursing as Kid stopped the motion. His mind was relieved, but his heart was still racing and his forehead was covered in sweat.
Kid slowly turned around and found the boy staring at her like he would at a juicy piece of meat. Her eyes quickly took a look to the side and went back to Serge. She smiled seductively and brought her pony-tail in front of her shoulder so she could caress it with one hand. She languorously walked to him and looked straight in his eyes. Serge was convinced his heart would come out of his ribs when she bent and extended her other hand to reach his. However, he was caught literally off-guard when Kid brutally pulled him up and her smile changed to one of playful disdain.
"Oi, ya weren't seriously thinking about it, mate?" Serge was only able to stammer a few words as Kid pushed him to the exit.
"Ya know, mate, all males truly are pervs." She said in a fake angry tone and pushed him outside.
Serge struggled to maintain balance and gasped for air as he grabbed the wooden handrail. He cursed himself mentally for having completely lost control over his hormones and his breathing slowly went back to normal. But his knew his ordeal wasn't over when he saw Guile coming over to him. The magician placed his forearms on the handrail and looked ahead.
"So, how is she?" He said, without looking at her.
"Well, she kicked me out so I wouldn't see her change."
Serge wanted to slash his own tongue, having absolutely no idea what made him say that. Guile remained silent for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"She did what?" He turned to the boy, in a way hoping that the teenager was serious about it.
"You heard me."
"Aw, forget it." Serge was pissed at himself for having been unable to control his big mouth and pushed Guile away from him.
Guile remained silent with a serious look on his face for a moment so Serge would believe he understands the teenager had no interest in making this conversation continue. Eventually Serge let his guard down and Guile slowly approached him.
"Don't worry, boy, I'm sure you'll have another chance when she bathes in a river with Leena." Guile playfully patted Serge on the Serge and burst in laughter again.
"Don't push your luck, man." But Guile knew Serge's words held no real threat so he raised a taunting eyebrow which Serge simply shrugged off.
"Alright, Conan, now that you've spared me, have you decided what you were going to do now?"
"Try to find one hell of a good excuse so I can approach Kid again without having her yell I'm a perv to the world." Serge was convinced Guile wasn't done with him yet.
"No, you silly." Guile jerked his head backward in exasperation.
"I was talking about what the prophet told you back in Viper manor."
"Uh?" Serge's mind tried to go back in time to remember the old sage's words.
"Don't tell me you've already forgotten."
"Oh, you mean that I'm some sort of missing piece to a puzzle drawn here by a strange force? Sounds like bullshit to me."
"…Yeah, I have to admit it seems completely unrealistic at first sight…" Something in Guile's tone hinted he wasn't so convinced about the prophet's words being nothing but raving.
"You don't seem to agree with me, uh, is there something I should know…?" Serge looked at Guile inquiringly.
"Well, at one point of my life I was also shocked to learn that the world actually extends beyond what your eyes can see."
"What's this supposed to mean?" Serge was at a complete loss for understanding.
"I'll leave it up to you to figure out. I think you should take the rest of the day to reflect on this and make your own decision. Meanwhile I'll be at the element shop, I heard they've just had an arrival of rare elements." Guile turned around and walked away from Serge.
Serge stood there grimacing, his brain putting every effort it could muster to find a signification to Guile's words. After several minutes of pondering having produced no result at all he decided he would take a walk around the village.
Serge's feet carried him on the creaking planks heated by the sun. Around him people were all minding their own business, carrying on their eventless routine, going through the same day over and over again. He knew very well what it was like to live resting assured life was limited to your little town.
…But I traveled to this world, came back to mine and now back here with an amulet…
Someone or something wanted him to be more than that. So many times he had dreamed of heading out seeking adventure and danger, however it didn't seem so appealing right now. He was a bit angry at this being that was dragging him away from a cozy life, but could he afford to refuse. Refusing to follow Karsh a few days earlier he had barely been able to escape death. That thing detained a lot of power, both spiritual and physical and was determined to get something from him…but what?
And then there were the others. Kid had traveled with him to Viper manor claiming she had business there. And strangely enough she had already met with that Lynx. That demi-human who seemed to know more about him that he did. There was that unusual harlequin who seemed to have a thing for him but couldn't stand Kid. General Viper, the lord of El Nido who represented power and safety for all within the archipelago seemed to have sided with the demi-human…why? There was Leena, two Leenas in fact, one the real, one a fake, both real, both fake, so different yet so alike. Did the Leena from this world really wanted him to be the friend of her childhood. Did he really want to know? And there was Guile. So knowledgeable it appeared but there was something about him, about his past maybe Serge really didn't know if he wanted to find out. Why was he helping them, did he know something important, could Guile's will be to have him go after the answers?
These questions and the prophet's word were dancing in his mind like mocking spirits taunting him, teasing him. His mind was going haywire and he had to stop it. Serge forcefully brought his hands to his face to press his palms against his eyes, his last resort was to wake up from this nightmare. When he removed his hands he was seeing colourful dots dancing in front of him. They eventually disappeared to reveal a familiar shape.
"Serge? Are you alright? You sure seem preoccupied."
"Uh, Leena…Sorry, I was just thinking about something."
"Well, that something seems to have the capacity to tear your head apart, you sure you don't want to talk about it?" Leena gave the impression she really did want to know what was troubling Serge.
Serge considered her for a moment. Should he confide to her. Was there any point to it? Could her opinion corrupt his decision? Could she be able to help him figure out this odd puzzle? Serge shook his head, pushing all further questions away, he needed to get some weight off his mind.
"You remember the prophet's word?" Serge's assertion caught Leena off guard.
"I, what?"
"You remember the old man in Viper manor and all the things he said about me being a lost piece of a puzzle and thus creating two parallel worlds?"
"Oh, yeah, that sure was some strange talk, but then again I can't deny what happened in my mind when I saw you, as if I had seen a ghost." Leena giggled, a little ashamed of her explosive reaction that day.
"Yeah, well, there are two worlds, and there is me. But what's the point of all this? Why was I brought here after so many years that I lived peacefully in my world? One thing is sure there's at least one person somewhere who wants me to find out or at least get something from me."
Leena looked aside for a moment, puzzled by Serge's talk. So far Serge had been satisfied in following someone else. He went to Viper manor with Kid and was led to the marsh by Guile, but now he was telling her he would be assuming the leader role and was asking her for counselling.
"Uh, and what is Guile saying about all this? You know it's not that I'm saying he will lead us to the promised land, but so far he was able to get us out of serious messes. "
Just as he had thought. Leena wasn't eager to provide him with advice, preferring to send him to Guile.
"I already asked him, or rather he asked with what I would be doing, saying this is my decision and he isn't gonna decide for me this time."
"Oh, I see…"
"So I'm asking you… You said you weren't sure if I was the friend you've once known… You still want to find out?" Serge looked down, dreading the answer to his question.
"…Yes, yes, I still want to know." Leena nodded.
Serge looked up to her face, having expected this answer but uncertain to like it.
"You know, I'm only a girl from a small village and I hold no knowledge on parallel worlds and wormholes, but I liked that boy, and if there was a chance that I could see him again…" Serge didn't need her to finish that sentence to know what she meant.
"Serge, I really don't know where you'll have to look for answers, but wherever you're going I'm going too." Leena displayed a determined smile.
"You're, what? I, but…"
"Hey, are you saying I won't be able to handle this? I think I've proved I can take care of myself…even if I don't have much experience in adventuring like Guile or Kid."
"Uh, sorry, I, it's not what I meant, I mean if you really consider this maybe I'm not that boy and then you'd have gone through a lot for no reason and…"
"I know, but it's too late now. You see, the more I get to know you, the more I think you could have been that boy, so I can't turn back now.
"…"
"And what about Kid? What is she planning to do now? I'm not sure exactly what she was after in Viper manor but it seems she hasn't gotten her hands on it, so…"
Serge was afraid of the direction this conversation was taking and immediately made a move to redirect it as he had absolutely no desire to relate the earlier events that involved Kid and him.
"Yeah, well, I saw her and she told me that I should be keeping her amulet." Serge took the amulet from his pocket so hoping Leena would get message.
"I see, so I guess it means she thinks you should go after whatever that thing that summoned you here is."
Serge nodded and replaced the relic in his garment.
"Well, Serge, I'm afraid I won't be of much more help than Guile since all I can really tell you is that in the end it will your decision. I wish to know if you were that friend I once had, but I won't insist anymore, so it's up to you now. I'm going to go help Macha with tonight's feast."
"Feast…?"
"Oh, nobody told you, the village leader said we would be having a feast tonight to celebrate Kid's healing."
Leena waited no further and walked past Serge, leaving him alone with the burden of the decision on his shoulders once more.
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The night had fallen and a large bonfire had been lit in the center of a special islet reserved for celebrations near Guldove. All guldovians, human or demi-human, were gathered around a large table that encircled the fire. Cheerful noises were coming from everywhere and the fire was warming the hearts with sparkles that aimed for the stars without ever succeeding. People were beginning to seat at the table as large silver plates containing exquisite food were brought. Soon all were seated and silent as the village leader stood, indicating she would be making a speech.
She remained silent for a moment, turning her head from side to side, her old eyes shining with wisdom connected with that of all but one guest. A warm smile was spread on her wrinkle-covered visage.
"My friends, we are gathered around this table tonight to celebrate life. When life is threatened it is only normal for the brave and bold to put theirs at stake to preserve that precious gift. Over the last few days many of you put every ounce of energy you had so life would continue for someone. Death is cruel and its mercilessness is sometimes unavoidable and eventually mandatory for all, but I only deem fair that the young will remain on this planet as long as it takes to surpass the old. Tonight we aren't celebrating the avoidance of a certain event, but rather the knowledge that the necessity to take full advantage of the present moment is what truly makes life worth living and risking. And now, let's rejoice and eat."
All willingly grabbed utensils and began stuffing their mouths with as much as they could. Laugh echoed far in the night sky as stomachs were happily filled.
Serge finally raised his eyes from his plate to look at the leader but only saw a large wooden chair decorated with a cozy crimson fur. He returned his eyes to his plate once more. He hadn't eaten since the morning but had to force himself to swallow a piece of fried fish. All around him were celebrating, even Kid, Guile and Leena. He would truly be facing this decision alone. Nobody seemed to care, probably a normal reaction since none was concerned by this matter more than he was. Serge stabbed his fork in another piece of fish but replaced it in his plate, realizing he wouldn't be able to eat it. Suddenly he felt salvation coming to him. He felt a hand on his shoulder, soft and light, without a doubt the hand of a woman.
Serge turned his head to get a sight of the hand's owner and saw a tall woman with long white hair the reached a few inches below her shoulders. She was dressed in a simple silk white gown on which a blue piece of tissue was embroidered. A large emerald hung from a thin golden chain that looped around the back of her frail neck. Her shoulders were covered by a long black cape that reached her sandals. Serge stared in her light brown eyes and found her rather attractive though he was totally unable to place a number on her age.
"Who…who are you?"
"I am Steena, I am a shaman versed in the arcane magic. I feel a very heavy load resting on your shoulders. I know of someone who can provide some of your interrogations with answers."
She walked away and Serge quickly followed her seized with the idea of an encounter with someone who could lighten the weight on his shoulders.
The shaman stopped before a tall ladder that led to a large tent that stood above all others.
"Here, she is expecting you." She gestured for Serge to climb the ladder.
Serge grabbed the wooden poles and looked at the shaman one last time. She didn't flinch, signalling he would be going alone. Having climbed the seventy-seven bars of the ladder Serge let out a sight and looked below, relieved it was over as it was already late and he was getting tired. He noticed the shaman was gone but shrugged it off as he had more pressing matters on his mind. He needed to make a decision and the only person rumoured to be able to help him was in the large red tent that stood in front of him.
He carefully took a peek before entering. A warm air was coming from the building made of heckran leather. Serge could hear someone mumble words in a language that was unknown to him. He stepped inside and saw to large pillars topped by a large metal basket filled with burning pieces of charcoal from which emanated fumes that twirled toward an opening to the sky. Behind a strange altar sat an old woman. She appeared to be in some sort of trance and her face was serene. Not wanting to disturb her Serge decided to take a look around and his jaw dropped as he spotted the shaman standing behind him.
…What the… They've got to be twins or something…
The shaman didn't react to Serge expression of surprise and simply walked past him to the meditating woman.
"Priestess, he is here." The old woman slowly opened her eyes and looked at the shaman and then at Serge.
She got up and walked to the altar but seated behind it, closed her eyes once more and waited. Serge looked around him, assuming someone else would indicate him what to do. There was nobody else and Serge decided to carefully approach the altar and sat facing the priestess.
"Mmmh, your skills in telepathy could use some honing young man."
"Uh?" Serge was taken aback by the woman's words.
"Oh, yes, but you aren't here for this, now, are you? I am high priestess Direa, heir to the legacy of Vexus and spiritual leader of Guldove. Words have reached my old ears that you carry a heavy burden on your shoulders and are looking for answers. My knowledge may be very limited no matter what the appearances might tell you but I might be able to guide you, so why not let me hear your story." Direa's voice radiated an infinite kindness and calm.
It took Serge an hour to tell his story. Sometimes it seemed the priestess had simply fallen asleep as she would never speak a word but every time Serge stopped assuming she wasn't listening to him she nodded, indicating she was still focused on the teenager's words. Once Serge was done she remained silent for a moment.
"Is that it?" She simply asked, definitely not in a hurry.
"Well, pretty much, so, what do you think I should do?"
"Now, young man, I have to say this is one of the most interesting tales I've heard…But as for giving you advice, this is most complicated. You see, this whole mess doesn't concern only you, does it? Those three people you've told me of are bind to you by an inviolable chain. They also seek answers and seem to need you to help them clear some fog.
"But I…"
"Yes, yes, I know, and what's more, a lot of this story is speculation, stories derived from various legends. That astral amulet and the wormhole you've told me however clearly indicate that there is something about you. Few can claim to have crossed dimensions and even less to have been able to make it back to their original world. And as for the cause of your presence here, I'm afraid I have no clue as to what it could be? However, it is clear that it is the result of will and not simply a random event."
"But how can you be sure of this?"
"Someone stole the dragon tear of hate."
"I, what does this have to do with my story" For a moment Serge was tempted to believe the priestess was making fun of him.
"I do not know who stole it, but this ancient relic is believed to have the power to re-activate Fort Dragonia. I do not know of the full potential of this place either. Some say this building was nothing more than a military fortress, some say the six great dragon gods sleep deep within the ground underneath the fort, some would claim it hides the legendary treasure known as the frozen flame and some would remind you that this is all rubbish to excite children and make them dream at night. But the facts remains that there is someone out there who knows how to use the tear and needs you to proceed with the scheme."
Serge was at a complete loss of words. Most of this didn't make much sense to him since there was still nothing indicating that the thief wanted something with him.
"Do not worry, young one, I hear the thirst for answer of your spirit. You see, this amulet, you bear contains some of the metal that was used to carve the original dragon tear, the one that was split to form the emblem of love and that of hate. I searched all of my life for the missing part, but now I see why I couldn't find it anywhere: all this time the tear of love was in your world."
Serge stood in awe at the priestess' deductions.
"Once reunited these three represent a key. What door does it open? I cannot tell, but someone or something wants to open Pandora's box. I have no clue as to the consequences of such an act, but one thing is certain, if you decide to follow the call of that being, the key will be assembled and the door shall be opened."
"And as for the advice" Serge was getting rather impatient as the woman's blabbering seemed to be meaningless to him.
"My advice is a follows: whenever the compass of your mind messes up, remember that the wind knows the way through the maze of existence." With that the priestess turned her back to him and went back to her meditation.
Serge remained seated, desperately hoping he would be getting a real piece of advice after going through that, but the shaman went to him, signalling it was time for him to leave. As he was about to exit the tent, he heard the old woman's voice again and sharply turned his head to her.
"Oh, and I'd be extremely careful around the one you call Harle. She may appear like an omniscient ally, but her spirit is the product of chaos."
Serge was escorted outside and left to himself once more. The fresh air of the night was a relief after the scorching heat of the priestess' shrine. But more than ever it seemed that no one could help him.
"Follow the wind… Yeah, right, there's not the slightest breeze here." He said, extending his arms to the sides and letting them fall back to his body in despair.
Completely exhausted Serge yawned and stretched before going down the ladder.
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Guile had been rather quiet since during the banquet. After all, even though he wasn't the center of the mess he had gotten involved in he most certainly needed to make a decision. He was still unsure of what he would be doing. He would likely be making his final choice upon hearing Serge's decision but he needed to carve an option for every possibility involved as to Serge's decision.
It was undeniable that he had gotten familiar with these people but he also had his own purpose, his own way to go. Secretly he wished that it wouldn't be parting with Serge's, but no one could predict what was going on in the boy's head right now. He silently cursed himself for letting his ego dictate his move earlier that day when he refused to advice Serge.
He had been pacing up and down a few meters away from the dancers for a good hour and suddenly felt fatigue spread through his body. He rubbed his face with his left hand and looked at those whose minds were free, those whose life was limited to the small victories each day brought. Depriving himself from letting go of his worries when the night comes to let body and mind rest sure had taken a toll on him. Sometimes he wondered how old he really was, sometimes he felt he was as old as the world and sometimes he simply couldn't remember.
It felt odd that the next person he caught sight of was, in his mind, the one he should take as a model if he wanted to have any hope of taking freedom up again. There she was, completely exhausted from having spent every ounce of energy on those exotic dances. Her face was red from the effort and her body was covered in sweat that was quickly evaporating in the fresh air of the night. She had gone to a large table to get something refreshing to drink. Yet something was suspicious. The girl quickly jerked her head from side to side as if she feared someone would see what she was going to do. This immediately brought a smile to Guile's lips.
…Oi, great, no one around, here I'll spice up this sissy drink…
She reached inside her jacket and produced a small metal bottle. She didn't loose a second pouring it in the large glass bowl and got rid of the incriminating container. Just when she was sure she'd be getting away with it she felt something poking in her back.
"And here you don't seem to be enjoying the food, putting your oar in pretty much everything you see."
Kid carefully turned around and was rather irritated to see the magician pointing his rod at her like he would at a disobedient child.
"Oi, can't you mind your own frickin' business once in a while, don't ya have ta take a bunny out of yer hat or something, 'sides I didn't do anything wrong, just wanted ta fuel up this party a bit."
Absolutely not satisfied with Kid's answer Guile proceeded to pour himself a glass of the new beverage and downed the drink in one, his wand still aimed at Kid.
"Pouring alcohol in the punch, I wasn't expecting any lower from you." He said, refusing to lower his wand.
"…But I wonder… which of these nice country folks agreed to give this to an underage." Guile pressed his wand against Kid's abdomen a little.
Reluctant to tell the truth Kid eventually gave in to Guile's accusing stare and pointed at a young woman standing a couple of feet away from them. Guile turned his head to get a sight of the provider and suddenly wondered if it was the drink he just had but for a reason he couldn't explain he felt like doing something that would have appeared literally reckless.
Guile confidently walked to a blonde young woman standing just on the edge of the pontoon. Her hair was tied in two pigtails that reached her shoulders. The magician couldn't help but look at her slim but muscular legs revealed but her short skirt.
"Strange, I used to think one shouldn't be going around providing those underage with alcohol."
The woman instantly reacted to Guile's statement by turning around and placing her left hand on her hip. She found herself face to face with Guile.
"Well, well, well, caring for those younger and more vulnerable than you… how charming in a man…" The woman took a step to the side and without giving Guile time to realize what she up to they had traded places.
The woman brought a finger to Guile's chest and slowly traced a line on his exposed skin while smiling in a seductive way. Realizing she was easier than he had believed Guile decided to take a step back to add a bit of distance between them but…
…Oh, damn it…
The woman's palm connected with his chest and her arm extended. Guile fell in the water with a loud splashing noise. He struggled a bit to get his head out of the water and looked upward. He then caught sight of the last person he wanted to hear about now.
"Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum, matey! Aye cap'n, man overboard, should we make him walk the plank so he can swim with the sharks?" Kid was sitting on the wooden structure and swinging her legs above him.
Guile had never wished his arm was only a few inches longer so he could get a hold on Kid's foot.
"And here's to the sailor of lousy-loving, cheers!" Kid said, raising her glass to Guile's misfortune.
Guile slowly swam to a small boat, climbed in it and walked back on the red planks. He walked nonchalantly to Kid, pretending his ego wasn't hurt, simply busying himself wringing his ample soaked clothes.
"Oi, cap'n lover-boy, the sea's choppy, isn't it?" Kid was standing against the massive handrail and raised her glass to him once more bursting in laughter.
Guile pretended not to have heard her and smiled while raising his wand. In a flash he threw the staff at the thief. Her reflexes diminished by the alcohol, Kid didn't have time to dodge and expected to feel pain but then realized that Guile had missed.
"Oi, ya sure need practice, Guile of hearts." But the handrail suddenly gave under Kid's weight and she met the same fate as Guile.
Guile walked to the edge to admire the work the two sharp swords his staff had turned into right before the impact and then looked down at Kid.
"Gee, girl, you sure rock the boat." Guile was about to turn around, but returned his eyes to Kid once last time.
"Oh, one last thing, just make sure Sergei-boy doesn't sees you like this; his young head could explode even before the morning comes."
With this Guile walked back to his tent, feeling the fatigue spread in his body.
…Gee, I must make sure I don't spend another ten years without talking to a woman…
Viper manor, another world, 1020 A.D.
Lynx was alone in the vast library of the manor. He had been researching books for the whole day. An average human, an average demi-human an well, would have called it a day, their poor mind exhausted, discouragement having spread through it. But Lynx wasn't exactly not an average human nor an average demi-human. For years now he had his eyes set on one goal and he wouldn't give up now. He was so close yet his time was running out.
He was sitting behind a desk covered with piles of books. His sharp black irises had been running over all of them without succeeding in finding what he was looking for. He suddenly stopped to take a look around him and realized the night had fallen. Lynx closed the book and placed it on the desk with the others. He pressed his thumb and index against the corner of his eyes to alleviate the pain in the small muscles.
Feet crossed under the wooden piece of furniture he stretched nonchalantly and turned his gaze to a small glowing orb that rested among the old books. He crossed his arms on the desk and bent over to gaze into it.
…This is most fascinating… I knew he was no ordinary geezer, possessing such a device…
Lynx observed light blue clouds that danced in the sphere for a moment and brought a calloused hand on it. The device then proceeded to grant him his wish. The clouds turned into a view from the sky of the manor. The demi-human was flying above the structure like a tyrannical dragon, raging against the moons that defied him, glowing in the far away space. Below the mere humans were living another day, simply following the orders given to them.
None of them dared to question life and its meaning, after all they were soldiers, all trained to never ask questions. Swooping toward the tallest tower in caught a glimpse of someone he wasn't expecting to see after the darkness had engulfed the land for the night. His eyes immediately focused on that person and his wings straightened as he prepared to land.
Riddel softly closed the door behind her and locked it with the key she had grabbed from the vault. She took a moment to look around and once she was sure she was alone she climbed the stairs to the second floor and took another key from her pocket. She inserted it in the matching lock of a wooden drawer. She slid the drawer open and picked a small book with a green cover. Riddel then pulled two chairs, sat on one and placed her delicate feet on the other.
She couldn't remember how many times she had been scolded by her father and nurse about this behind absolutely unladylike but she was alone now and certainly old enough to decide how to live her life, at least how to sit comfortably to read. She opened the book, placed it against her palm and began reading. Riddel was absorbed in the book to the point that she was completely unaware of the other person in the room. Suddenly a shadow was cast on the paper. The young woman frowned, angered at this candle that had given up on her during one of those rare moments she could devote to herself.
She raised her eyes and was shocked to see that this sudden darkening had nothing to do with a blown candle. She gasped and quickly got up at the sight of the feline demi-human who merely raising his eyebrows as if wondering what she had to fear from him. Her eyes rapidly went to the book that she had accidentally dropped in her haste.
Lynx's eyes showed no threat…for the moment but with every step he took toward her Riddel instinctively took a step back. Soon Riddel's book was lying by the demi-human's feet. He slowly bent to pick it up and read the title aloud.
"A History of Lust and Vengeance… This is most inappropriate for such a young and impressionable lady as you." Lynx's yellow eyes returned to Riddel.
"What I read in privacy is none of your business, sir Lynx."
"Oh, is that so? But what about your father? I'm no tattler but something tells me he could be interested in knowing that his precious daughter is reading books placed in a locked drawer."
Lynx had taken several steps forward and Riddel several steps backward. She was now stuck between the wall and the demi-human, once more.
"Oh, but I suppose it is not of his business either… You know, this strange ability to engulf oneself in an illusion where one had full control over his own life, then on other people's lives, then on the rest of the world… How foolish, how pathetic, how… human."
"But you, you are half-human, aren't you?" Riddel's earlier courage had faded in the shadow of the demi-human. He was tall, way too tall for her to stand his shadow.
The demi-human brought his face down so it was inches from that of Riddel.
"Yes, indeed, half of me is human, that we both know for sure, but what about the other half? By simple curiosity, what do you understand about it, what knowledge do you really possess about me? Go ahead, only a few minutes ago you would have probably challenged me in a duel, why don't you show this courage again. But beware, your weakness to always brag about your own knowledge to impress others might turn to your disadvantage this time." The demi-human was delighted with this instant. She was his now, and there would be no one to interfere this time.
"You, I know what you want. It's the frozen flame that you desire, isn't it?" Riddel's body was trembling and she struggled to stand the demi-human's gaze.
"Absolutely right, my dear lady, and what are you going to do about it?"
"You have corrupted my father, but you'll never taint me, monster." Riddel had to draw deep from within her inner strength to find the courage to make this statement.
For a second she was scared the demi-human would plunge his sharp fangs in her neck and murder her but he closed his eyes, smiled, lowered his chin and eventually chuckled.
"My dear lady, you are but a spoiled brat." He whispered in her ear.
"One day you will rule this archipelago and when this time comes I sincerely hope you have learned this very important lesson that all leaders should know."
"Life is not about what you want to do, it is about what you can do and what you cannot do. If your father agreed to lend me his power to seek the frozen flame, it is simply because I made him see that it would be a grave mistake to refuse. Now do not get me wrong, I did not threaten him or anybody else, it would have simply resulted in my immediate death. I only persuaded him that it was the best thing for him to do and now he will follow any advice I give him as long as he can get his hands on the treasure of the dragons."
Riddel continued to look in the eyes of the demi-human in silence.
"Now you know what my other half is about, but why would I care about you knowing my secret, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. An isolated man is nothing, my dear. With this I now wish you a good night and will leave you to pursue my goal." Lynx's voice was booming with confidence as he knew Riddel represented no threat to him anymore.
Lynx calmly left the room and closed the door behind him, leaving his victim panting and struggling for her own sanity like a vampire would leave a corpse dried of its blood behind itself.
Soon after, a second guest showed up. Riddel didn't know if she had the strength to face anyone else but was relieved when she saw the familiar face of the scholar who preferred to be referred as the prophet of time.
"Are you alright, my lady, what happened?" The old man' eyes showed much care and concern for her.
"I, yes, I was only reading…"
"A most disturbing reading session. Are you sure you do not wish to retire to your room?"
"No, I, I will be alright."
"I warned you to take it lightly. I allowed you to read this book even if the elite would never consider it appropriate for a young woman, but now I'm worried…"
"No, no, it's okay, I'm fine." Riddel cut him off hoping to reassure the prophet.
"Well, then, if you say so, I will be going to the third floor to continue my studies." The prophet walked to the ladder and climbed to the upper-most floor.
Riddel took the book from the desk and squeezed it to the point where her whole body was trembling. She surely was an educated and refined young woman but anger was too strong of an emotion to contain for her.
Guldove, Another world, 1020 A.D.
Serge was sitting alone on a wooden crate in a small tent. He was barely able to sleep at all that night but for the first time since he had been drawn into that wormhole he felt refreshed and his mind appeared clear. He had come to a decision and even though there were still many problems to solve for him and many questions remaining answerless the fact that he had finally managed to chose the path he would be following seemed to have lightened the burden resting on his shoulders a lot. The others were supposed to be meeting him shortly so he would be exposing them his idea. Serge placed his hands behind his head, closed his eyes and rested his head against another crate.
Soon he heard someone pull tissue to enter. Serge had not yet forgotten yesterday's incident and felt a bit uneasy being alone in a tent with Kid again. The thief only needed a brief look at Serge to notice that something was wrong with him.
"Oi, mate, something's wrong? Don't tell me you're still upset 'cuz of that little mind-game I played on ya yesterday."
Serge felt a bit ashamed of himself having been totally unable to handle the situation.
"Well, uh, you sorta took me by surprise…"
"Oh, I see, ya thought I was too much of a lady to do that kind of stuff, didn't ya mate?"
Serge felt rather angry at himself for letting Kid turn the discussion to her advantage again. Kid soon remembered that she was here to hear something important from Serge along with the others and decided it was probably not the best time to tease him.
"Oi, alright, mate, I'm sorry, but ya know, chicks will be playing this kind of trick on you for the rest of your life, so ya just need to relax a bit and show yur not impressed, that's all."
"Uh, okay, I'll try…" Serge rubbed the back of his head still ashamed that it was Kid who was teaching him how to deal with this.
Both Kid and Serge sharply turned their heads to the entrance as they heard another person coming in. Guile soon shown an ear-to-ear smile.
"Are we interrupting something? Because we don't mind coming back later to give you two time together alone."
"Oi, get your arse here, magiboy! Serge was about ta tell us something important, so you'd better shut yer big trap for once and listen." Kid really didn't appreciate Guile's remark and she wasn't going to bother telling him in a polite way.
"Have I ever said confessing one's feelings wasn't something important?" Guile said, walking to stand next to Kid who didn't lose a second in ramming the nut of her dagger against the magician's shin.
"Oww!" Guile simply laughed the pain off and went to stand facing his three friends.
"Well, mate, we're all here and I promise magiboy will not open his big mouth and let you speak." Kid said, giving Guile a threatening look in case he was ever tempted to let out another of his trusty comments.
Guile simply smiled in reply to Kid's threat and raised a hand while lowering his head, signalling he wouldn't be speaking before Serge was done with his announcement.
"Alright, guys, I've decided I've come too far to turn back, so I'm going that, uh whatever, it is that wanted me to come here. I don't know where it'll take me or if I'll survive this, but I'm going and whoever will want to follow me will be welcome." Serge was glad it was over and looked nervously at his pals expecting an answer.
"Well, you already know what I would be doing." Was Leena's shy answer.
Serge nodded in thanks and then looked at Kid.
"Oi, are you kidding, last time I followed you I almost ended up drowned so no way I'll be turning down an offer like that, I'm coming with ya, mate." Kid's answer had succeeded in bringing an early look of disappointment on Serge's face but it was quickly replaced with a smile.
The three then turned their heads to Guile who was staring at the floor, arms crossed over his chest, pretending to be pondering the matter.
Kid's lips instantly pursed in anger upon seeing Guile's grin once more.
"Obviously none of you could manage to survive such an ordeal without me around, so I guess I have but the option of watching over the three of you… Count me in." It was clear that none of the teenagers enjoyed Guile's remark but considering they had no idea what awaited them they all shrugged it off.
"Now, the first thing to do will be to actually decide where to search." They were all glad that Guile had agreed to put aside his legendary sense of humor for a while.
"I know who I'll look for: Lynx. I don't know exactly what he wants with me but he knows things about me that even I don't know so I'm going after him. He won't have to put up much of a fight to get to me 'cause I'm coming to him." Guile nodded seriously.
"In this case we'll all have to be extremely careful. Not only did this demi-human radiate a very strong field of dark energy when we first met him but he also appears to have the whole Acacia army to back him up if the need be."
"Oi, gimme a break, that bastard is no threat. He's just some motherfucker I'll give a ride on my very own merry-go-round once I've caught him by da tail."
"Look, Kid, I really don't doubt of your potential to swing cats around, but yesterday when I was talking to the priestess…"
Kid was frustrated at Serge for not taking her seriously and couldn't help but retalitate.
"So, you've followed that shaman to her tent, didn't ya? Don't you think she's a little old for you?" But the fire burning in her was soon put out by the look the others gave her.
"…Oi, alright, alright, sorry, just go on." Kid crossed her arms, still refusing to believe the demi-human could survive her lust for vengeance.
"Well, she told me she knew of someone who could help me. He knows a lot about Lynx and could give us some hints as to what to expect from him. He lives alone on a small island northeast of here and goes by the name of Radius."
"You mean the ex-deva?" Leena asked.
"Yeah, the ex-deva, apparently that he fought in the war against Porre in which Lynx was also involved."
"Well, it seems that we have found our first destination. I suggest we take the rest of the day to prepare for the trip and rest. I have a feeling this will be no easy journey."
They all got up, agreeing to Guile's suggestion and headed out. Kid waited for Serge and Leena to be out before approaching Guile.
"You are definitely gonna be swimming with the sharks again, magiboy."
"Anytime you want." The magician replied.
"Uh, what do mean?" Serge asked, wondering what Kid meant.
"Oi, I just managed to have our friend magiboy take a force midnight bath yesterday night." Kid said, expressing her pride in the look she gave Guile.
"Yes, and unlike me our young lady here didn't hesitate for a moment before joining me." Guile's smile only succeeded in further irritating the girl.
Serge's jaw dropped, completely lost at the meaning of these statements.