Dreams of the planet

by ironyoshi

My very own take on the story of Chrono Cross. Novelization. please RR

14. Chapter 14

Author's notes : Yep, I'm back from the dead. Pm me if you wish to know what after-life is like.

Chapter 13 : Know Your Enemy

Viper manor, another world, 1020 A.D.

Riddel was walking alone in the empty hallways of the manor. Of course the manor's hallways were usually rather quiet at this time of the day, but this part of the manor had been deserted for a long time. Nobody dared to enter it fearing to be flooded with those memories. Of all who live under the Viper roof Riddel had to be the one to suffer the most from those memories…but it didn't matter. She continued to walk, she was beginning to feel nostalgic. She could almost hear echoes from the past emanating from those silent walls.

Her long hair now fell over her face and covered her cheeks, her only protection against this horrible feeling, a very illusionary protection, but it managed to keep her going. She still remembered so well that she didn't even need the light of a candle to roam in this forbidden area. Her steps were steady but they stopped abruptly in front two large doors each decorated with a golden snake. She paused for a moment. Maybe she was going too far… no, he had pushed her to this last resort, she had to do something before he'd take what little happiness she had left in this world. She knew some would blame her but she sincerely wished that those for whom she was doing it would understand.

She placed her delicate hands on the knobs and turned them, allowing the doors to be opened. They didn't creak as they revealed the way inside, as if they had never been forgotten in the dust. It was cold inside, death's unforgiving hand still clutching the covered furniture. Riddel respectfully let her feet carry her to a king-sized bed. She sat on it for a moment before letting her body fall backward to look at the ceiling. It was simply too much, the memories had intoxicated her.

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Inside the lively halls of Viper manor a little girl with long black hair was running with a book in her hands. She had to hurry, but certainly not in fear. She stopped in front of a couch, still panting but a wide smile on her lips. The woman on the couch warmly smiled back to her. She was wearing a long silver dress and her long black hair was dressed in an elegant manner to support her diadem. Her face radiated warmth and love and brought to the room as much light as the many torches that hung from the walls.

"So dear, have you picked one?" She asked, gesturing for the girl to come sit next to her.

"Yes." The child answered, quickly taking a seat next to her mother and handing her the book.

The woman laughed heartily upon reading the title.

"Sweetie, I've read you that one four times. Are you sure you want this one again?"

"Yes, I love that one." The girl replied, looking at her mom, eager to hear her favourite story coming alive through her mother's voice.

"Alright then, here we go." The woman opened the book as her daughter hugged her with her little arms that couldn't totally encircle her mother's waist. The black-haired woman passed her arm around her daughter and began reading.

"…And so The great Toma waved his friends good-bye and prepared to set sail toward a new world filled with excitement and adventures…"

Taking a look at her daughter the woman realized that her daughter had fallen asleep. She slowly removed her arm from her shoulder, careful not to wake her up. Then a large, tall man approached them. He stood a good two feet taller than the woman and was clad all in black leather. His brown hair and beard was not yet turning to grey. The woman got up to stand next to him so they could both get a look at the girl. His face illuminated with a smile the man delicately picked the child from the couch and laid her small head against his massive shoulder. Both adults walked to the stairs that led to the upper-most floor.

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There was no way she could forget but now it almost appeared as if most of the people living in Viper manor were denying that these days had existed. They had been taking away so fast, so brutally, so cruelly, separating the very emblem of happiness.

Riddel's eyes opened and the cold ceiling was staring back at her, providing her with nothing but a deathly hush. They all refused to talk about it anymore, trying to shut their mind to free themselves from the pain.

But the guards outside, with their faces as hard and uncompromising as stone, they were once alive, when their heart was not yet governed by the fear of pain. They were also bathing in the garden of life that this building once was. They were standing right by the door, not much for guarding the life of those ruling over the archipelago, but rather to share this life. Sometimes it almost seemed that they were also listening to the stories.

Riddel was now standing by the windows, staring at those grounds which were once her playground, when she didn't have a care in the world. Now they were patrolled by dragoons day and night. Green spotlights were meant to prevent intruders from discovering the secret the leader of El Nido was plotting. This whole place was nothing more than hypocrisy written everywhere. All were denying what was going on, but she knew what dreadful dream haunted their hearts. Of course the general would never let the details of his plan reach the ears of simple privates, but like poisonous fumes it had reached their minds and perverted them.

Then she saw him. One of the few people she hoped would always stay true to himself. But she had been wrong… again. Karsh had just walked through the massive metal gates and was interrogating the guards, his mind as greedy as her father's, desperate to access their dream of power. How could he? He was her friend, he had always understood, he could tell right from wrong, but sometimes when wrong is too obvious, offering too much, it intoxicated him and corrupted him too.

Karsh had suffered, just like she did, but he was a soldier, trained to never show any weakness, and more than ever he was determined to prove his valor. But it had once appeared so simple for him and any soldier to demonstrate their courage. No plotting, no secret, no greed, the simple will to live and protect the archipelago from the Porre. The strong and treacherous currents of the Zenan Strait had always protected them from Porre's fire. However, they had managed to sow the seed of evil in them, with but a simple ambassador.

If that day had never come maybe she would have been able to do something. Riddel knew her mother's warmth could have melted all this ice. If only it had never happened…

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They had gone for a walk in the valley. Just them, no guards, no dragoons, only them walking in the valley. Who would have objected to this back then? Fear was courage and the will to live. She was holding her mother's hand while they stepped on the soft soil. Birds were chirping and the sun tried as hard as it could to pierce through the natural ceiling formed by the foliage of the large trees that grew by the cliffs. Every now and then a strong gust of wind would engulf between the mountain ranges, resulting in an eerie howl. She would grasp her mother's leg in fear and she would gladly reassure her. After a while she had learned that this scary noise in fact posed no threat at all.

Her mother then kneeled in front of a wild flower pack. She took a moment to observe them and smiled at her daughter. Not sure of what to do the girl decided to imitate the grown-up, resulting in a hearty laughter from her mother.

"They're bellflowers, Riddel. Their scent is really sweet, isn't it?" The girl nodded in approval before letting her mother continue.

"You know, when I was your age I also enjoyed walking with my mother in the valley. We usually picked bellflowers from here and then plant them on the balcony so they could grow up in the sun."

The woman then proceeded to pick some flowers. Careful not to hurt the roots she placed them in a basket. The girl tried to imitate her mother but was a little clumsy. Noticing her troubles her mother came to her aid and she managed to get a couple of bellflowers in good condition.

"Are they gonna be happy on the balcony, mom?" The girl asked with concern for the vegetals.

"Why, of course, all flowers enjoy the sunlight. Here they don't get much, but high up on the balcony they'll get plenty."

Satisfied with her mother's explanation the girl smiled and got up.

"Wait, Riddel, I have something for you."

The woman produced a piece a tissue wrapped around a small object. She opened the soft envelope and revealed a bellflower-shaped gem. The girl looked at it in awe.

"My mother gave it to me. It's a symbol of the importance of caring for nature. Now I want you to have it." She carefully placed the gem behind her daughter's ear to it would stand in her hair and got up.

The girl extended her arm so her mother could grasp her small hand and they both headed back to the manor. Dry branches were breaking under their weight as well as a few leaves. Suddenly her mother let out a small gasp. She stopped abruptly and stared emptily forward. Her daughter looked up at her, puzzled by her mother's odd reaction.

The woman slowly inclined her head to look at the ground and saw a small yellow snake sticking its forked tongue at her and letting out threatening hissing sounds. The woman carefully put some distance between her daughter and the deadly reptile with her hand using her body as a shield.

"Quick! Run! Don't look back!"

"…But, mom…" The girl said, still not understanding what was going on.

"Now!"

The girl half-heartedly obeyed and traveled back home as fast as she could. She turned back one last time only to see her mother know struggling to stand on her knees and breathing with difficulty. At this very moment she panicked and ran with her eyes closed all the way back to the manor. Her eyes were filled with fearful tears but there she would get some answers, she would get some help.

The next day she was standing in front of a huge marble statue that resembled her mother with several other people. One of them was rather skinny and wore a long white vest. He was weakly grasping a short staff. On his left was a short but burly man with a thick brown beard. He missed an eye and had both hands placed on a massive maul that rested on the grass. Next to him was a very tall man with long white hair dressed in silver robes. Two large swords hung from his belt. The last of the row was a woman with blond hair tied in a single braid. She had both hands placed on a long spear. In front of them stood three boys of the girl's age. One had short purple hair and the other two had the same short blond hair. Those two siblings definitely looked alike. All of them shared one characteristic on this day, they all stared emptily at the ground.

Right next to the girl was her father whose enormous hand she was grasping with her small one. It seemed that his arm hung by his massive body only so she could hold onto it. The girl kept twisting her head left and right, but she simply couldn't find the one person who would provide her with an explanation as to the meaning of this grim gathering. She raised her head and looked at her father inquiringly but he wouldn't even look back at her. Desperate she looked back at the other individuals but none would utter a word.

…Mommy, where are you…?

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Why this silence? Why this hypocrisy around her? It had started several years ago and only escalated over the time. What exactly did Karsh's silence mean on that day. Riddel kept her eyes on her friend, still trying to read his mind for answers, but his icy features wouldn't let anyone through. Why wouldn't he speak? He was her friend but he wouldn't open himself to her. It had started on that very day.

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Karsh was facing her. He looked nervous and angry. Her father and that beast were standing behind him as if to support him. What could he possibly had to tell her that was so hard to let out he needed them to back him. The silence was killing her, she was anxiously waiting for him to talk but it seemed that the simple thought of those words was flooding his mind and body with an excruciating pain his face was struggling not to show. His lips were finally parting.

"Lady Riddel… I'm sorry… sir Dario… fell on the isle of the damned…" He let out a deep sigh and looked at the ground.

Riddel's mouth slightly opened as she fell to her knee. She looked up to see Karsh's hard features.

"…But why…? What happened…? We were supposed to…" Her voice was barely audible.

Karsh then slowly turned around to walk away followed by the demi-human who placed a hand on the deva's shoulder as if saying you did the right thing, son. Could he really be turning his back to her? Only her father remained, but he didn't even kneeled next to her nor offered his hand to help her back up. She only swallowed hard and forced herself back on her feet. Her father then escorted her back to the manor and didn't even pronounce a word during the trip from the port of Termina.

Once in her room she stopped right next to her bed and let her body fall on it, her face brutally landing against the mattress. She had spent the next three days locked in her room, barely eating and sleeping at all. But what could have going out changed? Outside they all refused to speak. Her fiancé was dead and it seemed that everyone regarded his death as the simple price to pay to achieve greatness. The only person willing to talk about Dario's departure was Glenn, but he couldn't provide with any real answers since he was swimming in the same sea of ignorance she was.

When she would finally leave her room the same gathering that had happened a couple years ago took place. They were all silent and refused to speak, but this time she knew where Dario was, only they refused to tell her why he had left her too.

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How could a single being spread so much anger and greed? He was the source of the deadly aura shrouding her life. He had plagued her life for too long. What she was going to do was absolutely inappropriate but it absolutely didn't matter now. Being ladylike or even staying alive had no importance, it was her only hope to regain some happiness in life. It was her only chance of breaking the seal of paranoia and silence.

She walked to a closed and pulled the doors open. Inside were a diadem placed on a shelf, a small pouch hanging from a peg and a long snake-shaped staff locked to the wood by two hooks. Riddel carefully grabbed the pouch and the staff and walked back to the bed. She poured the content of the tissue bag on the furniture: beads, several white glimmering beads. She placed the staff on her lap and proceeded to socket the beads one by one on the snake's body. She kept looking emptily at the wall through the whole process. It was very late and her body was tired, but it was no time for weakness. Her mind was focused on a single thought.

Once she was done she placed the staff on the bed and went back to the closet. She picked the diadem and placed it on her head where it fit perfectly. She recovered the staff and left the room. She knew where to find him.

She placed the staff's head into the matching socket on the wall and the massive stone structure slowly moved to reveal a secret opening. She stepped inside and saw him, his back turned to her, hands behind it as usual. Upon hearing the noise he lazily turned around.

"My, my, lady Riddel, you should be in bed right now, it is very late, you do not wish to have those nasty rings shade this beautiful face of yours, do you?" Riddel indeed looked very tired.

She rested the staff slightly behind her so her body would cast its shadow to conceal it. Slowly she raised her head and revealed the object.

"Very interesting relics you have there, family heirloom I presume." The demi-human lazily scratched his neck as he spoke.

"Yes, family heirloom." Riddel's voice was trembling.

"And to think that I was in this very vault all the time. You must have great thievery skills to snatch it right under my nose." The mockery only exacerbated Riddel's anger but she managed to contain it…for the moment.

"Then maybe you shouldn't stick your nose into other's treasures." Her face was now trembling too.

"Oh, I'm afraid you are very mistaken as to my intentions. I was only looking… with my eyes that is."

"Enough with your lies." She cut him off.

"I am here to see you leave this place."

The demi-human merely raised an eyebrow before answering.

"Actually, I was planning on leaving in the following days." He added, revealing sharp fangs.

"Now!"

"You wouldn't be threatening me, would you? That would be most unladylike." Lynx was obviously still mocking her.

"Plus, I have already explained that you simply cannot bring yourself to bring death on someone since you fear it yourself."

"Really? Then watch this."

Riddel clenched her teeth and brought the staff in front of her body, holding it with both hands. One of the beads lost its glow and Lynx was hit by a powerful jet of holy particles. He raised an arm to shield himself. Once the effect of the element had worn off the demi-human took a look at his limb only to realise his magically enhanced clothing had been burned to ashes as well as his fur.

"Could it be that I have succeeded in harming you that badly?" He asked to himself, expressing no remorse at all.

"You do not even know the extent of your own evilness." With that she gave the staff another squeeze and Lynx was hit by an even stronger stream of particles.

This time he raised both arms to protect his face. She was indeed aiming to kill. Both arms had been burned quite badly. The cloth was no more and the skin had been affected this time. His limbs were still fuming.

"The hallowed viper relics… They're as powerful as I heard." He managed to articulate through difficult breathing.

"She was the purest and strongest element user I ever knew and you'll pay for insulting and ruining her memory." Riddel's breathing had accelerated and she gave the staff one more squeeze.

A pentagram of pure light formed under the demi-human. He took a step back, realizing what was going on but it was too late for him to react. He was engulfed in light and writhed in pain. Once the light was gone he was kneeling, his whole body aching from the severe burns he had just sustained. Riddel had her eyes fixed on him, not sure what she was waiting for to finish him. Was she simply exhausted or could she still be afraid to die herself?

"Yes, I have managed to push you to the edge, but it is too late, now, I own this place, your life and soon this whole world will bow before me." He said in a low voice, grunting through the pain.

He lowered his gaze and his body turned to a mere shadow before disappearing. He had eluded her grasp. It was her last chance to save what was left and he was gone. No, she had to try one last time, she could still stop what was going on. Riddel lingered with the staff, reluctant to let it go, but she decided to let it rest among her family's treasures before leaving the vault.

She roamed the hallways until she came to a door bearing a silver snake and knocked on it. She had to wait before she could hear a voice coming from the other side.

"…Hmmm, qui peut venir at this hour?"

The jester opened the door to meet her guest with a yawn and considered her for moment dressed in nothing but a nightgown with her blond hair falling on her shoulders.

"Pleaze forgive my impolitesse but it iz a little tard for a pyjama party do not you believe?" Riddel only stared at her for a second before speaking.

"…Yes, I am aware, please forgive my visit so late in the night but I need to settle an important matter and I do not think it can wait for the morning."

Harle's lips formed a small circle as she wondered what could be on the other young woman's mind that was so important.

"Our guest, Lynx, you do know him personally, do you not?"

"Monsieur Lynx…? Oui, je pense, our relationship iz not exactly one of amitié, but… Je le connais better than most people…" It was obvious that the jester would rather conceal any information concerning the demi-human.

"Are you aware of his…schemes?"

The frown on Harle's face indicated that distrust had grown in her mind.

"I would understand if you would consider this request unacceptable but you are my last resort and I…"

"Look… je…"

"Please stop him before it is too late…I'm begging you…"

"…I see… Believe me, zhere iz not one person on ziz world who could wish to stop monsieur Lynx more than moi, but je ne peux pas. Sorry, dame Riddel…" Harle lowered her gaze, signalling appealing once more would be useless.

"…I see." Riddel softly grasped her staff with both hands as she prepared to leave.

Could this really have happened? Could the whole world have sided against her? Of course her mind had considered unleashing more destructive energy on the jester, but what would she have gained from it? She wasn't the one responsible for the poisoning of her world. Riddel sighed in the empty halls of Viper manor, the walls ever silent now spoke of threats of destruction, bearing the marks of the demi-human's rotting curse.

Hermit's hideaway, another world, 1020 A.D.

As Serge stepped foot on solid ground once more he was shocked to see that someone had came here before them and obviously enough their intentions toward the sole permanent resident of the island were clear: Turn him to ashes. The place was still smoking as the tenterhooks continued to emit the threat of another blaze. Most of the trees and plants, however, had been spared, only what had been a shack had been burned to the ground.

"Do you think Lynx did this?" Leena turned to Serge, fearing they would meet the demi-human again.

"No… ze correct answer iz I did it… under monsieur Lynx's order." Harle said, appearing out of this air and bowing before them.

"Oi, you again, jingle bells, yur really gettin' on my nerves, y'know." Kid blurted out as disgust tainted her thoughts and her hand went to her dagger.

Harle's lips pursed in disdain as she looked at the thief but formed a smile as her gaze went back to Serge while slowly floating to stand a few inches from him. She softly placed a hand on the teenager's cheek.

"Serge, pleaze, I do not want to harm you, mon Serge, oublie Lynx. It iz too dangereux, oui?"

But her smile was replaced by an expression of dismay as Serge's featureshardened, his cheek almost cold to the jester's touch.

"Why did you do this?" He whispered, anger in his voice.

"Oui, it iz awful, but ze geezer didn't want to cooperate and I had to protect you, mon Serge…"

"I certainly don't need your protection. I hope for your sake that he's still alive. Where is he?" Serge took a step back. Harle gave him a weak smile, not scared at all but hoping that the boy's anger would be soothed a little by her answer.

"Well, ze geezer waz a stubborn one. I couldn't catch him. He muzt be quelque part on ze island."

"Then, you'll have to excuse us." Said took a step forward to walk past her but stop abruptly as Harle quickly to stand between him and the path that led into the small forest.

Harle was beginning to feel a little helpless facing so much determination. She gave Serge a pleading look saying not a word.

"I need to see him. You will not stop me."

Guile, who had remained silent up to this point, felt that the tension had built up and got his wand ready for any eventuality.

"I see. I really did not want to hurt you, but I guess I cannot eviter cela, non?" Harle landed and took a deck of razor sharp cards from her outfit and got ready to shoot at whoever would advance toward the forest.

"So, not a minute ago you wished to protect me and now you're willing to fight me. Guess I'll never understand women." Serge sighed as he took several steps back to prepare himself for the upcoming battle. The corner of Harle's lips curled slightly in a smile though she found the moment rather inappropriate for such humor.

"You leave moi no choix, Serge. Besides, I couldn't let them harm you, non?"

All three of Serge's companions who had been considered Harle's request completely foolish up to now got her point as three demi-humans jumped from high branches.

…Now that makes more sense… four against one…who did she think she was, a dragon…?

Guile's thoughts had to be cut short as an enormous lion stood on two feet right before him. Standing at least nine feet tall and weighting around five hundred pounds by Guile's estimation this opponent was not to be taken lightly, at least by a normal human.

Getting ready for battle Guile raised both hands in front of himself as his wand came to float beside his left one. His opponent's jaw dropped at the sight as he roared with laughter.

"You call this a weapon? Now this is a weapon, Roddy." The demi-human pounded the ground with all his might causing a slight tremor.

Guile offered no reaction to his opponent's taunt, remaining still, ready to strike. Figuring he'd have no trouble crushing such a small enemy the lion charged forward at full speed, his maul raised to strike. However he was taken by surprise upon coming within striking distance as Guile dodged the brutal attack side-stepping in one swift move. Wasting no time the lion raised his maul once more only to have Guile move out of the way again. Still relying only on pure brute strength the demi-human threw mauled away at Guile but missing every time.

Anger was building within him with every chance he missed to crush his opponent to dust. After many failed attempts the lion took a break to breathe without taking his eyes off his adversary. Taking this opportunity Guile decided to launch his first attack and had his wand travel toward the demi-human, floating slowly and stopping a few feet short of the lion. The demi-human gave Guile a puzzled look as he regained his composure.

The rod then multiplied and in an instant the lion was surrounded by wands directed at him. He lowered his head slowly and the shock on Guile's face was noticeable as he spun around at lightning speed, knocking away all rods with his maul.

"Yeah, you see, I was told you could pull out that sort of trick…" He said, breathing heavily, revealing powerful fangs.

Guile wasn't sure how to react just then. Sure he hadn't used up his arsenal but few had managed to dodge that one so easily. He didn't have much time to ponder the matter as his opponent came charging at him, still using blows strong enough to pulverize a granite boulder but slow so that Guile was able to keep dodging.

"mwah, ha, ha, ants are so much funnier to step on when they run in fear everywhere around.

"You shouldn't underestimate ants. Haven't you heard, they can lift up to six times their bodyweight?" Guile replied, not showing a hint of fear. This behemoth was awfully strong but there was pretty much no chance he could ever land a blow.

"Really? Then that means you could probably lift one of my toe nails. Wow! I'm impressed!"

Guile lowered his gaze for a second, noticing the large claws that extended from the lion's feet. Beginning to feel the tiredness grow in his body Guile decided it was time to put an end to this, after all he couldn't keep dodging these blows endlessly. The magician grasped his rod firmly and a blue bead lost its glow. Huge icicles began forming on the lion's limbs, trapping them.

Letting out a low grunt the lion paused, realizing he couldn't move anymore. Guile smiled, eager to see what reaction he would be getting, betting it would probably be some sort of bestial but helpless roar. The roar came, bestial but not helpless as the crystals shattered under the tremendous strength of the lion's muscles. Guile was once more shocked by the display of one of his opponent's abilities. The beast had unholy strength.

The demi-human just stood there grinning and savouring the look on Guile's face.

"Here, why don't you try to actually lift one of my toe nails?" The demi-human mocked as he raised one his massive furry feet, bending his knee.

The lion then grasped the head piece of his maul one hand and the shaft with the other. Guile frowned, totally lost at what his opponent was trying to achieve. He couldn't possibly be using an element as there were none socketed in the weapon. He heard a clicking sound and the lion then began unscrewing the head.

"What the…?" A few seconds later the lion was left with a large staff.

"You see? Now we both have the same type of weapon… except mine's much bigger."

So that huge ape did have a brain after all. With this new weapon the blows would still be mighty enough to score some serious damage but the blows would be coming much faster and Guile was showing signs of having trouble keeping up with his opponent's speed. The trained demi-human's first three moves targeted Guile's head which he dodged by a few inches each time. Spinning on one foot the lion then took a vicious swipe at Guile's legs which he was barely able to dodge by jumping and bringing both knees to his chest.

Guile was still pretty much unscathed but one of his feet touching an uneven stone instead of the soft sand left him destabilized. As he took a moment to regain his balance the demi-human took the opportunity to ram his huge staff into Guile's stomach forcing him to bend in half under the pain, leaving him open for a brutal punch sending him flying several feet away. The lion was panting from the effort but this successful attempt at swatting the fly his opponent was brought new energy into his aching muscles.

The magician got to his feet as fast as he could and brought a hand to his face to check if something was broken.

…I seem okay… How the hell did I survive that…? Maybe it's time I stop messing around, this one's pretty nasty…

Guile wiped the trail of blood off his face with his sleeve and did something that left his opponent quite shocked. The magician seized his wand and simply threw it away.

"Well, I guess it's not the first time I strike an unarmed bitch." The lion roared as he charged at Guile and quickly forgot about the discarded weapon.

"Maybe you should check again." Guile managed to say as the lion came to an abrupt stop a few feet away from him.

The demi-human could hear a noise that sounded like a sharp object piercing through the air toward him at an incredible speed. He raised his eyes just in time to see a sword plunging into his huge skull, burying itself into his body, reaching his heart. He fell to his knees, coughed as blood gushed from his mouth and collapsed.

Guile carefully walked to his opponent's corpse to have the sword revert to his wand and float back to his hand, still shining and cleansed from all traces of blood.

"I guess those boozers in Termina were right… It's not the size of the tool that matters, it's what you do with it…" The magician whispered to himself, smiling weakly.

Kid's opponent was a tall and lanky demi-human whose scaly blue skin recalled that of a fish. He carried a small flail in each hand and even though he was moving outside of the water he appeared as agile as a cat.

…Oi that cat-fish has the same strengths and weaknesses as I… No protection but nothing to slow him down…

Kid was dancing around her opponent as both were analyzing the other, expecting him to make the first move. It was Kid who finally lunged forward first with a quick thrust to the stomach.

"Oi you might have two weapons but those things can't help you defend against anything, cat-fish."

"Why would I need those to protect myself?" The demi-human replied, side-stepping with amazing speed and swinging one of his flails at Kid who took a step back to avoid the spiked ball.

With this two beads socketed in the demi-human's left flail lost their glimmer. Kid's adversary was swallowed by yellow bubble followed by white bubble both of which soon disappeared but leaving the fish-man with an increased resistance against both elements and steel weapons.

"Don't make me laugh with your pathetic imaginary shields, you seriously think they're gonna keep me from sending yer sorry arse to the moons?"

"Hey, why don't you try your luck?" The demi-human taunted her as he opened his arms, leaving his body open.

Kid didn't need any more invitation and took two rapid slashes at the fish-man, both of which barely left a scratch on the demi-human whose skin was now as thick as that of an alligator. The girl's eyes went wide for a second, amazed at the strength of the element. This lapse of inattention on the part of Kid was more than enough for the fish-man to drive his long foot into Kid's stomach with a powerful front kick which sent the thief several steps back.

Kid was left clutching her stomach and breathing with difficulty from the hit to her solar plexus. She quickly regained her fighting stance and focused all her energy into one of the red beads socketed in her dagger. A melon-sized fireball materialized in front of her and flew right into her opponent who raised his arm in defence.

Kid winced upon seeing that fireball didn't do anymore harm that the two previous slashes she landed. Slowly lowering his arm the demi-human took two rapid steps forward and swung his right flail at Kid in a circular motion. She was able to dodge the blow quite easily but didn't expect the second flail to come at her so soon and she was left destabilized allowing the demi-human to leave a vicious wound on the girl's leg with a third attack.

Kid rapidly moved outside of the chained weapons' range so she could breathe for a second and take a look at the wound. It wasn't very deep but pretty large and blood was trailing down her leg.

"Oi, I gotta admit yur pretty tough for an oversized oyster." She said, gritting her teeth from the pain and re-gripping her dagger.

"Yeah, we're gonna see who'll end up in a frying pan, blondie."

The fish-man took a long stride forward a swung both flails forward at a time following by a fast diagonal swing from left to right and a second diagonal swing in the same direction but with the other flail. Kid, who was now starting to figure out the patterns of these weapons managed to get out the way of all blows while retaining her balance giving her an opportunity to strike.

Since attacking the skin would be useless the girl figured she would have to attack a part that wasn't covered in flesh and immediately went for the left eye, easily bursting the fluid-filled organ. The demi-human screeched in pain and seized Kid's arm with lightning speed, dropping one of the flails and throwing the girl several feet to the right with unexpected strength in arms that were almost as thin as a fishing rod. Kid's body landed hard on the sand but she was able to get back up within seconds to see her opponent still covering his injured eye, blood coming between long blue fingers.

"You…vicious fiend…" He grunted in pain.

"How dare you harm my beautiful eyes…You will pay…"

The demi-human grasped his remaining weapon firmly and a blue bead lost its glow, producing a rain of icicles all aimed at Kid who dove to the ground to avoid being impaled by the cold shards.

She barely had time to get up before the fish-man was on her again swinging his flail in frenzy. The moves were coming so fast Kid's option was to step further back with each swing without any opening for a retaliation.

Taking a look behind Kid saw she was coming toward a large tree and suddenly had an idea.

…Oi, time to fry this fish for good…

Once she was barely a feet from the tree Kid ducked under the demi-human's horizontal swing and then quickly sprung back up and kicked herself against the tree to perform a back-flip above the fish-man's head who swung his flail trying to swat her like a fly but missing by an inch. Upon landing Kid took several steps back to put some distance between her and the demi-human.

She focused her energy into her dagger and another red bead lost its glow. Totally confident in his shield the demi-human didn't even try to stop her from using the element and only stood there waiting for the element to be used before launching another series of furious blows.

A massive molten boulder formed in front of the girl, heating up the air around her. Kid forcefully extended her arm, forcing the element's energy toward her opponent at a great speed. Remaining perfectly still until the boulder was only a few feet from him the fish-man quickly bent his long legs and easily jumped over the boulder so it would crash against the tree.

"Don't tell me that's all you can do. You sure aim like a girl…" The demi-human had remained dangerously calm all the while, visibly focusing solely on his next attack.

"Oi, you sure tuna-dude? Maybe you should check again."

A loud creaking noise was heard and the fish-man's head began moving frantically to locate the source of the worrying noise. His remaining eye quickly spotted a growing shadow at his feet and he immediately looked to the sky in search of a dark cloud but the only cloud he saw was a large, green and leafy one. He spun on his feet only to meet his doom as the enormous trunk crushed all of the demi-human's bones.

Having watched her opponent being crushed to dust Kid slowly walked to the tree and spotted a lanky blue arm emerging from under the trunk, motionless. Chances were no one could ever get the body from under the wooden monster.

…Anyway there wasn't enough meat on that one to get something from frying it…

Noticing the weapon lying on the ground next to the hand Kid picked it up and saw a few remaining beads still glimmering in the sunlight. She examined them and noticed one of them was brighter than any she had seen.

…Photon beam, cure ,ice lance, aqua ball…Oi, I wonder what's that, I don't recall ever seeing one so bright…

Using her dagger Kid proceeded to extract the bead from the flail and took it between her thumb and index to observe it more closely under the sun light. It was much brighter than the elements in her dagger.

…Oi, this one must be bloody powerful, better keep it safely…

She proceeded to remove one of her gloves, revealing a leather bracelet socketed with the elements her small dagger didn't allow her to have at the ready and placed it in a remaining empty hole.

Standing a few feet from Leena was a female demi-human whose scale-covered skin was a bright pink. She wore ninja-style baggy pants that allowed a lot of movement freedom and a matching sleeveless top. Surprisingly enough her head was covered with short silky silver hair. She slowly unsheated two short swords and was followed by Leena who raised her frypan.

"I…Is that a frying pan? You cannot be serious dear." The demi-human's mouth fell to the ground.

"Yes, it is, and you would only be one of the fish I've fried on it." Came Leena's answer, her eyes narrowing in defiance.

A pan was certainly not a real weapon in the demi-human's mind but Leena's comment had set her on fire. She charged at the redhead taking a quick swing with both swords, one after the other but both were deflected by Leena's cooking tool. She then paused for a split second, surprised that someone would block those swings with a simple pan. The next moves were as fast as the first two, the blades slashing through the air only to meet cast iron.

After five unsuccessful attempts the demi-human stopped for a moment to re-analyze her opponent.

"…I have to admit, girl, you know how to use a frying pan…in a kitchen…"

"Then let's get cooking." Leena replied, focusing energy into her leather bracelet, ridding a blue bead of its glow.

Seven sharp icicles flew at the fish woman who simply dodged all of them with unmatched agility and elegance.

"Hey, catfish, think you can move, dodge this one if you can."

Another bead lost its glow and a powerful water stream gushed from Leena's hand toward her opponent. The demi-human side-flipped several timed to get out of range. Just when the jet seemed to have worn out the demi-human looked up only to realize Leena's element hadn't released all of its energy. She was blasted a few feet back a landed on her back but didn't waste a second in regaining her fighting stance.

"Not back, house maid, now admire a real blue innate at work."

A bead from the demi-human's left bracelet became dark and Leena's suddenly felt extremely cold as her body was engulfed in a huge ice block. Imprisoned in the shard, her body's temperature was dropping fast and her skin was turning red, burned by the cold. When the element finally released her she was shaking, barely managing to stand on her knees but refusing to admit defeat.

Leena clenched her fist and was covered in blue light, her body quickly recovering from the wounds and allowing her to stand again, ready to strike.

"I hope you haven't used up all of your precious recipes yet, otherwise I'll be leaving the table starving, dear."

"Don't worry, I haven't even lit the fire yet."

Now convinced that her opponent was a blue innate just like her Leena looked at her right bracelet from which several red beads glimmered. She clenched the matching fist and a volley of fireballs was hurled at the demi-human. The flames were traveling fast but the fish-woman remained very calm, her body remaining still until the last second when she jumped and spun though the air so her body would reach parallel with the ground, allowing her to slip in-between the fireballs, dodging them all with one move.

Bewildered by her opponent's agility Leena lost focus for a second, which was plenty for the demi-human to release one of her swords in an arc, the blade aimed at Leena's chest. Coming to her senses a split second before the impact Leena bent to the right but felt a sharp sting in her left arm as the blade left a deep gash in her frail limb. She grasped her arm and released it to stare at her blood-covered hand.

The demi-human offered her a vicious smile, revealing a sharp row of teeth. Now left with a single bladed-weapon, she transferred it to her right hand, revealing to Leena she was a right-handed. They were now even and Leena could risk attacking her opponent hand-to-hand. She charged at the demi-human and raised her pan.

For a moment she looked at her bracelet and was tempted but decided against using her trump card. A shield would have gotten rid of it too easily, leaving Leena with only weak elements. First she needed to weaken her adversary. Her first swing wasn't aimed at the head or at any vital part, but rather at an unsuspected place.

The vertical arc came toward the demi-human's wrist in an attempt to knock the sword off her hand. But much to Leena's dismay she responded with lightning speed, removing her hand from the pan's trajectory and placing a strong kick in Leena's ribs. Leena certainly felt the pain but regained her stance only to meet her opponent's foot once more. This time her left temple was the target and she was forced several feet back, barely managing to remain standing.

Her head was spinning and she was struggling not to collapse. Leena gritted her teeth and focused hard. She had to get rid of the sword somehow. Another bead lost its glow and a ball of near-frozen water shot through the hot air of the island. Her thunder reflexes indicating the attack wouldn't reach her body, the demi-human remained still but was taken by surprise when she realized Leena wasn't targeting her body, not even one of her limbs.

The demi-human's right shoulder slumped down under the weight of her sword that had turned into a large chunk of ice, now useless as a weapon. A fire element could have easily melted the ice but would have overheated the blade to a point where she wouldn't be able to grasp it without sustaining severe burns.

"You little bitch…" She said, coldly staring at Leena and discarding the weapon.

"I'm gonna bring you down no matter those dirty little tricks of yours." She added, running to Leena.

Quickly responding, Leena's fist clenched and released the energy of another element, producing several ice shards and launching them at her opponent. Taking notice of the attack the fish-woman narrowed her eyes but didn't slow down one bit. She simply jumped in the air and brought her left high up in an arc, reducing all the shards to puddles of water on the water with one furious kick. Reaching Leena within seconds she knocked the pan from the teenager's hand with another kick and forced Leena backwards with a forceful mule kick at the stomach.

Now very much used to fighting slow heavily-armored foes using elements Leena was left rather helpless facing an opponent that moved as fast as a lightning, leaving her no opportunity to use strong elements and simply wiping away the weaker ones with her bare limbs. She needed a good strategy, fast. Leena forced the energy out of another element and the reaction on her opponent's face was a triumphant smile when the fish-woman realized nothing had happened.

She rushed at Leena once more but quickly recoiled when she felt her skin being burned by an invisible force. Grasping her arm and looking where the pain had came from she saw a small fire burning on the sand, all by itself.

"Fire traps, uh, that's wise but do you seriously think this would stop me?"

Taking a break to breathe the demi-human squeezed her fist and a protective sphere formed around her, granted her protection against elements. She then hurled her body at Leena one more time, her presence triggering all of Leena's traps which all shot fireballs blocked by the elemental shield, weakening the barrier with every successful hit.

Meanwhile Leena struggled to avoid the frenzy blows from the fish-woman while the traps were revealed as they were triggered. The shield was fading but the demi-human failed to realize the process, too busy trying to swat Leena like a bug.

The traps had all been triggered and the shield had melted. Both women were panting from the fatigue and staring at the other. Both were now disarmed except for their elements. There was no yellow element left on the demi-human's bracelet, no potential shield.

"Time to fry the fish." Leena said weakly. She met a puzzled look on her opponent's face.

The last element from Leena's right bracelet turned to black and the demi-human suddenly felt her feet sink into the ground. Her first thought was a quicksand but it was a red bead. She then felt an excruciating pain from her lower body as she realized she was sinking in a pool of magma. Her shield now out of the commission she knew the end had come for her. The body sunk in a scream of agony and the ground returned to sand once all of the element's energy had been released, the demi-human forever gone.

Leena fell to her knees, completely exhausted and unable to believe what she had just done. A few days ago she was just an average country girl and now she was killing living beings by drowning them in lava lakes. She vomited at the scent of death and disgust spreading into her young body. She was left panting and felt a hand on her shoulder. Guile was observing her with a concerned look on his face.

"Uh, you gonna be okay?"

"…Yeah, I-I think so." But obviously she would need a bit of time to recover.

Struck by the expression of fear and despair on Leena's face Guile was suddenly transported back in time to face a young boy who had faced this before.

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"Now, boy, you aren't going to cry, are you? Because only girls cry." The green creature taunted him.

"But, but, I'm scared. What's going on? Why did you bring me here?" The blue-haired boy was lightly trembling.

"Don't worry, it is just a little test." The green creature pinched his thumb and index together.

"But, why are you taking Alf, give me my cat back, you, you fat slug." The boy wiped his tears with outside of his forearm, sadness turning into anger.

"Oh, with an attitude like that, you are sure to succeed, boy. However, you don't have to worry for Alf, I'm just taking your precious kitty with me, just so he doesn't get hurt." The green creature smiled evilly, cradling the kitten in one fat hand.

The boy and the mystic stared at each other in silence for a moment. Admitting defeat, the boy looked away and the creature continued.

"Excellent! Now, listen to me, you lazy slobs! Attack! Show no mercy at all!" The mystic yelled at the four heavily-armored henchmen standing behind the boy.

Hearing their leader's call the henchmen raised their maces to the sky before charging at the boy, letting out fearsome warcries.

The boy shut his small eyes and raised his arms in defence. Convinced they would make short work of this vermin the henchmen wasted no second in planning a strategy, not that would have been able to do so anyway. Now within striking distance the henchmen all swung their weapons backwards before bringing them down for a quick kill.

None of them knew what hit them when several huge fireballs shot from the boy's arms and blazed toward them, turning their flesh into ashes. When the roaring stopped the boy carefully lowered his arms to take a look around. The four bodies were now lying crippled before him. They were barely alive and kept emitting muffled groans of agony as their flesh continued to burn.

The foul stench of death and charred skin had filled the air and was making the boy nauseous. Falling to his knees the young one vomited on the ground and got on all four, recovering with difficulty.

Watching in awe was the mystic who took no interest in checking to see if his protégé was alright. Caressing the kitten's golden fur with lust for blood he admired the boy's doing with growing pride and ambition.

"Don't worry, kid, you'll be a wonderful killing machine while I keep you in leading-strings so you won't have to realize how the ground turns into a blood pool in your hands …I'm such a caring master sometimes…" The mystic muttered to himself, satisfied with his plan.

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A tall man was sitting on a throne in a dark room. The blue light of the few magically imbued candles reflected on the white mask that covered his face. His eyes were closed and his body was totally relaxed, almost as if he was asleep, but his mind was racing like it had never done before. Resting against the armrest was a massive scythe, sharp blade topped by a human skull on which runes had been carved to enhance the wielder's abilities with elements.

Behind the throne stood a humungous golden statue representing the prime evil Mephisto, lord of hatred and only idol of the man forcing his mind to become stronger so it could support to wield more anger. The walls made of black stone were ever so silent and the man's breathing could be heard.

Footsteps then broke the anxiety-filled silence. A fat green creature whose skin was as slimy as that of a slug carefully approached the throne. Clearly this being wasn't human at all and yet it was dressed in robes that would have made that of a king look pale. The mystic general waited nervously for the man sitting on the throne to address him.

"Ozzy…Why are you disturbing me? Can't you see I need to meditate?" The man's words were crude but he remained very calm, barely raising his head at all.

"My lord, I, I have some bad news and some good news." The green being grimaced in fear, already anticipating his superior's reaction.

"Then why don't you just begin with the good news?" The man's weapon was well contained within an obscure part of his twisted mind.

"I, of course, my lord. Well, our troops have taken the bridge but they've encountered some resistance and weren't able to penetrate the Guardia continent."

The masked man stared in silence at his general for a moment and proceeded to get up. The green creature dreaded the man's hand would slip and reach for the deadly scythe, but the man slowly traveled to the large door.

"Well, then, if I really have to do everything myself." The man said, walking past the mystic.

The green mystic observed his master leave the room and was soon joined by another man with long limbs and with deep blue skin. The second mystic wore a long sword by his belt and dark baggy clothes that wouldn't restrain him when swinging the sharp blade that made his name.

"Ozzy, you big, fat pile of stupidity. Look what happened because of your irresponsibility. I told you we should have killed him when we had a chance… He's the devil." The green general scratched his chin and smiled wildly, revealing sharp yellow teeth.

"My dear slash, First, he is clearly more evil than the devil, and second I will say…"

"Now you shut up, green slime, look what you did. Now we are the pawns in his hands." The blue mystic furiously seized the other by the collar to pull him to his face.

Ozzy calmly removed the other general's hand from his precious garment and took his time to smooth it before answering.

"Ah, but of course you were never able to tell the difference between strength and power. You see, sitting on the highest chair doesn't mean having the highest rank."

The blue general offered a puzzled look to his green counterpart.

"He is indeed very strong, but let's look at it this way. What is our goal, Slash?"

"…To eliminate those filthy humans, but what's with that ridiculous question?"

"Let me finish, will you? What is our precious leader doing at the moment?"

"Uh, eliminating humans on the battlefield."

"And what are we doing?"

"I'd say, pretty much sitting on our asses."

"Then who do you think is the pawn and who is the king?"

The blue mystic's mouth fell in awe. For so long he had considered his counterpart a fat idiot who would lead them to failure and now he had just demonstrated he had somehow made it so that it was the great Magus who was doing their dirty work.

Ozzy patted the other general on the shoulder before clasping hands in his back and leaving with a satisfied smile on his large lips.

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I guess that mask was never really meant to conceal my identity but rather my rage…For so long I thought I was getting closer but I was only getting angrier and more destructive…

"Pleaze Serge, ziz iz mon dernier avertissement, turn back maintenant." Both stared at each other for a moment and Serge shook his head silently.

"Well, zhen…" Harle inserted a hand in her pocket, took out a deck of throwing cards and proceeded to form a fan with it.

A whole deck of fifty-two cards all marked with a skull wearing a coxcomb on both sides which she used to partly cover her face. Harle slowly brought her other hand up to pick two cards and launched them as fast and viciously as a scorpion. Serge didn't even had a chance to flinch before he felt the weapons cut two injuries in his right arm.

He gritted his teeth and raised his swallow in defence. Chances are that he wouldn't be able to block many projectiles with it but the upper blade would at least cover his face. Harle then fired two sets of two cards. Two struck his left leg and the other two left a gash in his left arm. None of the injuries were really serious but they stung like a swarm of burning needles. The distance separating them being too great Serge would probably be torn to pieces if he attempted to run up to Harle, meaning elements would be his only ally here.

Serge focused on his weapon and a blue bead lost its glow. A massive ice shard was hurled at Harle who calmly raised a hand in defence. A large fireball met with the icicle, turning it into a puddle of water which quickly dried up in the sand. Serge was forced to acknowledge she was quite skilled with elements but he was certainly not going to give up.

Serege focused once more and this time a green bead lost its glow. A wall of brambles formed around Harle but it was soon burned down to ashes as a wave of flame radiated from Harle. The teenager raised his weapon as the wave hit him. Luckily the wave had weakened with the distance but the exposed parts of his skin suffered minor burns.

Serge was getting angry. He was not going to be stopped by a buffoon. He focused once more and this time a powerful water beam was aimed at Harle. The jester then raised both hands and was engulfed in a yellow bubble which deflected the beam.

"Wait… damn, a shield… but what about her other hand…"

A lightning pierced the air and, speeding through the water beam, hit Serge with increased might, violently shaking the teenager's body. His body still fuming Serge was left panting on his knees. He raised his head and saw Harle standing there without a trace of fatigue nor injury.

"Mon Serge, you have zuch determination. Je t'admire for zis, but, pleaze, go back maintenant, oui?"

Serge gritted his teeth and his features hardened, signalling he wasn't giving up. Harle shook her head in exasperation and hurled three more cards which all hit home, landing three cuts in Serge's right forearm. Pain was shooting from everywhere but those injuries weren't serious. Harle wasn't aiming to kill but only to discourage him from going further.

Elements were useless as Harle was much more skilled with them than he was. If he stood there he would be turned into a piece of Swiss cheese. If he tried to charge her she would simply run around while firing at him. Somehow he had to reach her. Lost in his thoughts his body had relaxed, his swallow was lowered and his left unprotected. Harle quickly seized the opportunity and aimed to more cards that struck a cut in each cheek, forcing Serge to jerk his head back in pain.

Blinded by the sunlight he immediately recoiled and shut his eyes to shield them. Serge rapidly raised his swallow again only to sustain to more cuts in his right calf.

"Alright…" he muttered

"Black innate, right..? Let's see how you like the sun's focused energy…"

Serge adjusted his swallow so it would reflect the sun rays right at Harle. Like a vampire Harle turned her head and screeched as she covered her eyes in pain. Serge didn't lose a second and ran as fast as he could. Hearing the rapid footsteps Harle managed to open one of her eyes through severe pain and shot two cards which missed the target, her vision still blurry from the light burns the sun had left in her retinas.

Serge was easily able to land a clean cut in the jester's right arm followed with one on her left shoulder. Harle had recovered from Serge's trick and quickly backed off to be out of range of the swallow.

"So you would lower yourself to zis…? You disappoint moi, Serge…" Harle shook her head as she scolded him but her visage held no trace of real anger.

"Really? Well, look who's talking? The same jester who sneaked up behind my back to wreck havoc here." Serge quickly stepped forward so she wouldn't be able to get away.

"Oui, but it waz to protect you, mon Serge."

"You know, there's an advantage with having friends like you, I sure as hell don't need foes."

Harle shook her head once more, backing away with every attack of Serge as she was unable to hurl any cards from such a short distance.

"You don't realize, mon Serge, ze one you're facing iz trop fort… Turn back, pleaze… Don't die."

"Who the fuck do you think you are to tell me what to do, you damn buffoon?"

"Moi, a buffoon? How nasty." Behind her make-up Harle's face turned red with anger.

Harle pointed a finger at Serge and he was drove into the ground by a very strong gravity element. Serge hardened his features and used all of his might to grasp a handful of sand and threw it tight at Harle's eyes, allowing him to escape the black element and get within striking distance again.

Just as Harle had managed to clear her eyes Serge's weapon traced a deep cut in the jester's frail left arm. Harle grasped her injured limb and backed off further only to have Serge advance on her again. She reached for her pocket and aimed to more cards at the boy. The sharp metal rectangles left two cuts in the forearm of a Serge who was so infuriated he barely felt anything at all.

Serge took a determined step a raised his weapon in an arc to land a cut in Harle's side and then brought the weapon close to his body for a stab at Harle's stomach. The weapon pieced through clothes and flesh and left Harle panting and moaning in pain with Serge standing inches from her still grasping his weapon firmly.

His high having burned out Serge was beginning to feel pain and fatigue again. He was also panting staring straight at Harle's face.

The jester brought a tired hand to her stomach to cover the large blood stain on her flashy clothes and gave Serge a weak but sincere smile. Serge failed to understand her message and offered her but a puzzled expression through difficult breathing.

"Don't worry, Serge, Je…je comprends… Szo much anger in you… Je vais te laisser partir… but still I will not fail to protect…

With this Harle's figure melted in the air leaving Serge holding his swallow aimed at nothing in particular.

"Again…" He muttered.

Serge let himself sink to his knees, the threat finally gone. His body was aching from the many cuts he had sustained from Harle's sharp cards and his muscles would need to relax for a moment before they could carry him any further.

The teenager looked up to see Guile letting out a groan while sitting to face him. It seemed that he wasn't the only one this battle had worned out.

"I suggest we-we rest here for a moment before going out after this hermit."

"Hear." Was Serge's simple answer.

The two young women came to sit close by, all four comparing scars in silence.

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After several minutes of lying down on the sand, Serge opened his eyes to the sky to get an idea of the time of the day. It was already late and they had to get moving if they hoped to get to Lynx before he got his claws on them.

Serge forced himself up, signalling to the others the break was over and they had to get walking again even if their bodies were still arguing they needed additional rest for optimal recovery.

Guile used weak healing elements on each of them to soothe the pain, too exhausted to use more advanced elements.

Serge took a few minutes to gaze at the small forest that grew before him. True it was rather small but it was rather dense. Luckily there was a path leading into the trees, indicating that someone was used to walking through the vegetation.

It appeared that Harle had agreed to leave him alone, at least for now. Serge moved slowly toward the forest. He kept turning his head left and right so he would be warned of any threat. Here he could notice trees that didn't grow on the main island. Guile seemed particularly interested in one whose shape was rather uncommon. Its trunk grew tall and strong but its leaf-covered branches lazily fell toward the ground.

"Such a long time since I've last seen one of these willows…" He muttered, lightly stroking the bark.

"Don't you find this odd?" Leena said, turning to Kid.

"Oi, yeah, gotta admit there's a whole bunch of plants I've never seen before." She said nonchalantly.

"Uh, actually I was referring to those two's behaviour."

"Waddaya mean?"

"It seems as if they had exchanged roles. Somehow Guile is acting a bit lost and simply following, not sure where he's being led and now Serge is walking ahead of us, taking the lead, eyes all around his head to make sure nothing bad happens." Leena giggled along.

Kid took a moment to observe both guys and could only agree with Leena.

"Hey, magiboy, already tired of baby-sitting us?" She yelled, turning to the loafing magician.

"I've just given up on you, that's different." He offered, without much enthusiasm.

"Geez, this island sure has a weird effect on those two. Maybe he was disappointed not to find any hot female islanders who've never heard of clothes before." She said, shrugging.

Serge was indeed doing everything he could to shield his friends from any hazard but he failed in protecting himself when to skinny arms came from bushes and passed a staff above his head to come down to his neck and choke him forcefully.

"Who are you and what do you seek here?" An old but strong voice asked.

The other three gave a start as their friend become hostage. Guile soon regretted allowing Serge to take the lead for a moment. Letting himself be convinced that the island was safe he had decided it would help the teenager build confidence but he had just been proved wrong. He wasn't ready yet. He grasped his wand and rushed to the two girls but didn't dare to try anything.

"arrgll… Serge… looking for… Radius." Serge managed to say, struggling to breathe.

"And what do want with Radius." The voice asked, refusing to lower the pressure on Serge's throat.

"…I'm after…Lynx…" Serge tried to get a look on his assailant but the man was keeping him pinned against his body which was still covered by the bushes.

"Lynx! You're a fool young man. Only a fool would be after the devil." The voice mercilessly scolded.

"It's more… him… who is…after me…" Serge continued to struggle to break free but the man refused to let him go and though he gave the impression having walked this world for way longer than any of the four he appeared to have no difficulty to keep Serge under complete control.

"Well, then, the bad news is… having the devil hot on your heels was never good news, now the good news is that you've found the one you were looking for." Serge was instantly released as the exact replica of his village chief stepped out of the bushes, his trusty staff hanging next to his leg.

"Radius…" He gasped, rubbing his neck with both hands.

"Have we…met before?" The old man asked, raising a lone brow, unable to explain the teenager's reaction upon seeing him.

"I… it's a long story." Serge said, now standing fully erect.

"Well, then I'd rather hear it sipping a good cup of tea." The man turned around to lead them further into the forest."

All four obeyed without question but Guile, still feeling remorse, swore to keep a close eye on the old man and the other on Serge.

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"…So, in your world I am a village chief, chief of Arni that is…?" He mused out loud, rubbing his chin between his thumb and index, feeling some pride at the idea.

Quickly snapping out his reverie the old man turned back to Serge only to gaze straight in the boy's eyes, almost expecting him to create an ending chapter to his unrealistic tale. Serge was taken aback by the request and turned his head to his comrades, desperate to get help from those who had remained silent ever since they had entered the ex-deva's hideout.

"Oi, so geezer, ya're gonna help us get to whiskers or not?" Kid snapped, rash as always.

Radius couldn't help but be shocked by the statement but gave no sign of annoyance as he walked over to Kid.

"You know, young lady, not so long ago we used to pay more respect both to the devil and to one's elders."

"Oi, yeah, when Guardia was still a three-hut village…" Kid bitterly muttered, looking to the side and down.

Radius paid scant attention to Kid's pathetic excuse of an apology and went back to Serge and considered him once more. Serge felt rather uneasy under the old man's penetrating gaze.

"Well, young man, facing the devil is no small task and you'll likely need all the help you can get, so I'll lend you mine. First of all, I do not know what exactly he seeks and even less why he would be after you. You see, after I left the army I became a hermit and established myself on this remote island so I could keep an eye on a few people that were dear to my heart from afar."

"Oi, I understand, no one to tell the story of your venerable life for so long and all…" Kid sarcastically muttered to herself.

Radius paused and gave Kid a look meaning her comments weren't welcome.

"As I was saying, there was a reason for me not to spend the rest of my life enjoying the sun of the beach. By the time I retired, Lynx had already traveled to El Nido. He approached the general as an ambassador from Porre with the mission to retrieve a long lost heirloom, some sort of legendary weapon. Feeling a conflict with a nation whose military power was rapidly increasing wasn't an option the general was quick to show some respect to our guest and even offered him help in his quest."

"So he came from Porre?" Serge asked, trying to gather as much information on his enemy as he could.

"Actually I really do not believe he was born there but rather in hell, however I doubt his birthplace is significant." Radius gave Serge a sarcastic look.

"What is most relevant is the day is offered the general to help him vanquish Porre so El Nido would become the next world power. One who betrays his homeland can never be trusted if you ask me."

"And Viper…trusted him?"

"Well, he didn't exactly trust him whole-heartedly you know. Lynx is the devil and he can almost put you under his control simply by gazing at you, and there was also the general's situation. Porre's threat was putting his authority in jeopardy and several internal conflicts were growing among the army… but that's not the point."

"I see… but how could El Nido ever vanquish Porre? I mean not even Guardia was able to withstand their firepower. I…those guns are pretty nasty you know…"

"You've actually seen those weapons that breathe fire?" Radius asked incredulously.

"Yeah, you see, in my world, Porre vanquished the acacia army a couple of years ago and everybody sees officers from there with guns restricting some accesses on the main island. Just before I left two of them were blocking the path that lead into fossil valley."

Radius' brows raised as he nodded silently.

"So Lynx wasn't of much help, was it?"

"Actually I don't think there was ever any help from Lynx. I've never even heard of him before I came here. To tell you the truth, in my world, the general, the devas and the whole acacia army mysteriously disappeared a few years back. They went on some sort of secret expedition and they never returned. We were left totally unprotected and Porre had no difficulty taking control of the archipelago. Only small groups of rebels still dare face them. I guess the people are just getting used to being oppressed." Serge's sigh clearly indicated he couldn't stand being prisoner in his home.

Radius was silent for a moment before answering.

"I know how you feel, I was once a soldier. I've seen war and I've seen oppression. I was on the zenan continent when Guardia fell. I've felt powerless too. But the interesting part is the disappearing of the army. Have you no idea what could've happened to them?"

"Well, of course there were a lot of rumors and gossip. Most stories spoke of them going to a place called medina to form a new alliance with descendants of strong mages to overthrow Porre or to the dead sea, but then I really don't know what would they be seeking there, in fact I pretty much know nothing about that place. Do you know something about the dead sea?"

"The dead sea, uh? Sorry, boy, this name doesn't ring a bell." Radius shook his head as he made his statement.

"I think people used to call it the sea of Eden but then something happened, I don't know what it was, but everybody started calling it the dead sea, sorta gruesome."

"Well I do know of a place called the sea of Eden. It's located south east of here, right along the great border of coral that encloses the archipelago."

"And what's in that place?" Serge cut Radius off.

"The impatient type, uh? Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I do not have the slightest idea of what might be lurking there. This place is surrounded by deadly corals so far not found anywhere else in this world. No entrance has ever been found. I guess only birds know, and even then I'm not sure they'd venture to this place. I guess mortals will always be denied access to the garden of the gods and their treasure the frozen flame."

"The frozen flame? That's only a legend, isn't it?"

"So far, yes, the flame has remained a legend, but all legends are based on facts, you know."

"It's not a legend." All gave Kid an incredulous look, surprised by her sudden interest in the conversation.

"How do you know?" Serge asked.

"I know, that's all." Kid snapped. Not sure if he wanted to experience Kid's kick to the shin again, Serge decided it would be better not to question her any further.

"Uh, now let's get back to the subject in hands. I first said your story about the general's disappearance was interesting because he is also about to depart in this world too, with the devas, the acacia army and… Lynx."

"Lynx? Where are they going?"

"To fort Dragonia it appears."

"The fort? But there are only ruins there. Why would they be going to that old castle?"

"Actually, this fortress is more than just a fortress and it seems Lynx is convinced there's a very important treasure there."

"The frozen flame?" Radius only shrugged.

"The point is that Lynx is going there for a reason and you have to discover why, it might have a connection with your drawing to this world and the demi-human's interest in you. In other words you must go to fort Dragonia too."

"To fort Dragonia? But that's impossible, it's beyond…beyond mount Pyre, that place is a furnace. Heck, there are active volcanoes around there. And the whole acacia army will be there too, I can't get rid of them all." Serge raised his arms in despair.

"True, but if they can make it, so can you. You will probably call me crazy but there's someone who can help you, and that someone is the water dragon."

"I think I'll by doing as you say." Radius chuckled at Serge's statement.

"Son, there is more to this place than what your eyes can see and your ears can hear. The archipelago isn't called the place where the dragons rest for no reason. The legend speaks of them as the silent protector of El Nido. If one born on these islands seeks their help, they will answer."

Serge stared at the ground rubbing the back of his head and sighed, not sure if he should believe Radius's story, but then again what other option did he have?

"Well, this concludes our conversation. You now know everything I know, besides I've got to get to work if I hope to have this place repaired."

Serge and his friends all got up and prepared to leave with Radius watching them, but as the last guest was about to leave, Radius got a hold of his arm and kept him from leaving until the three teenagers weren't within earshot.

"It appears the conversation isn't over, old man"

"Speak for yourself, traveler. That pendant you're wearing is no ordinary charm, is it?" Radius poked at Guile's pendant with his staff.

"It is indeed no ordinary charm…"

"Look I do not have much knowledge about the civilization that forged those, but it is rumoured that the ones who wear them are highly skilled with elements. I sense that your aura is very strong but you do not appear to emanate any malevolence, so I will not interfere with your going with the boy. In fact, I'll rather ask a favour from you. Do keep an eye on him, after all, he is just a boy, a boy who will soon come face to face with the devil."

"That I will do." Radius let go of Guile's arm and he also went outside to meet with the others.

"Oi, I knew it, that old fossil is completely senile. A water dragon, silent guardian, why not fairies with that, uh?" Kid crossed her arms and shook her head rolling her eyes.

"I'm… not sure I get you there. Didn't you say you were convinced the frozen flame existed?"

"Look, I have the right to believe in the stories that I want, got that, mate?"

Serge raised his hands in defence as Kid advanced toward him, the threat of a kick to the shins suddenly very realistic.

"So, anybody know where this water dragon might be?"

"Oi, how surprising, Magiboy believes in these foolish stories."

"Don't worry, girl, you'll learn soon enough not to believe only in what your eyes can see." Kid sighed and turned to Leena, desperate to hear the opinion of someone sane.

"Well, I think she is right, guys, the only place this dragon could live is the water dragon isle and…" Leena timidly spoke.

Guile and Serge turned to her, waiting for the rest of the explanation and Kid was relieved to hear from Leena.

"…This isle is nothing but a barren wasteland. Toma the explorer spent months there but never found a hint of life there."

"A desert in this archipelago? Now that's something I didn't expect." Leena shrugged apologetically at Guile's statement.

Serge looked at the ground for a moment, a sad expression on his face but he quickly looked up and smiled brightly.

"Of course…The dragon doesn't live on this water dragon isle…" He murmured to himself.

"Oi, what was that mate?"

"I know where the dragon is. In my world the isle looks like a paradisiac rain forest. I've been there once, the dragon is there, I know it's there." With that Serge ran to the shore, unable to wait to find the dragon.

"Oi, get your arse back here mate, there's no way I'm gonna go after that giant cat-fish. Ya hear me?" But she was astounded to see Guile and Leena turning to follow Serge.

She blinked a few times, only standing there and watching them walk away. Coming to realize the group had settled for the water dragon quest, she shook her head in exasperation and began walking angrily toward the boat too, stomping her feet as hard as she could on the ground with every step.

"Freakin' geezer…" She whispered to herself, a few feet from the boat.

Termina, another world, 1020 A.D.

Peppor stood proudly on the deck of a great vessel. The cool breeze of the sea was ruffling his short hair and a triumphant look spread on his face. Loud clanking sounds from the huge chain that held the anchor could be heard as the crew prepared to set sail. He brought his hand inside his pocket and, feeling the round object that would finally bring him justice after so many years of hard work, felt at ease. His days as a common fighter would soon be over. He could picture himself in front of the general as the leader's noble blade was coming toward his shoulder to make him the fourth deva. His iron plate had been traded for the silver armor that was fit for this ceremony, everyone gathered on the Viper grounds, all eyes on him.

"But, Peppor, I totallyly totally don't get it…"

Still lost in his dream Peppor turned around to see where this harassing voice was coming from. Who dared to disturb his most cherished dream with such lousy complaining? He soon saw the crowd separating to allow a tall and lanky figure to come to him. Recognizing the one he held responsible for every setback in his life Peppor prayed to all the dragon gods not to let him any closer, but it appeared they sided against the short dragoon as he was pulled out of his dream and back to reality next to the lanky soldier.

"Didn't the general order us to stay behind to guard the manor against intruders? I may not be the brightestly brightest dragoon, but to me it seems like an important task and…" but he was cut off by a fulminating older brother.

Peppor's head was truly about to explode. He was literally mad at the general as he knew this mission was a way of making sure they wouldn't bring the operations in fort Dragonia to a failure. He had blatantly left them behind, considering them failures and the worst of it was his own brother failed to see the truth.

"Solt…" He said, grasping his brother by the collar.

"We've been renegades… shake it we've been failure until now..." Peppor managed to keep his head from exploding but clearly anger was boiling within him.

"But this is all shaking gonna change in a few days…" Peppor's face was inches from that of his sibling. A devilish smile crossed his lips as he brought the skull pendant to hang between their heads.

Both brothers only stared at each other for several seconds before Solt's features dropped in fear.

"Peppor, I, this is madness…" Solt's voice was weak as his mind was crushed under the intimidation of his brother's.

"shake it I know Peppor, but this is my last resort… and I won't let you screw us up this time, you are coming with me and you had better not chicken out or this family tree will lack a branch very soon." Even though the pressure of madness was driving him crazy Peppor mustered to keep his voice down so no one noticed their conversation.

With that Peppor let go of his sibling calmly and replaced the medallion in his pocket. Solt stood there watching his brother walk away before travelling over to the very edge of the deck and placed both gloved hands on the wooden handrail.

"Why didn't I just ask to take part in that mission on the mainland…?" The dragoon muttered to himself, feeling totally trapped.