A/N: I was dragged by stuff but without me explaining it, I guess all of you can guess already. LOL So yeah, this story will still under the HIATUS status though evidently I will update time to time. Thank you for those who had reviewed so far, sorry I couldn't update faster. TT

Title: Los

Disc: Brave Story is an animation copyrighted by Gonzo and a novel written by Miyuki Miyabe

Her boots raped the shiny ceramic in her every step. Its sound echoed along the long hall and worming passed the big pillars. Everything is as white as crystal, just like its name Crystal Palace. Safe guards – from various tribes - were securing every passage and door. Their silver metal look dim compared to the shiny white around them. Each of them carried a weapon - a sword, lance, blade or whatever that you can use to strike your enemies in short range. Defense had been upgraded since the last disaster happened in this castle.

Ignoring the echo from her step, she kept her pace. Another echo was harmonizing with hers. Both of the reverberance depicted the person – person who held their integrity without fail.

Kattsu crossed the hall with Torone loyally accompanied her. The discussion went just as what she had thought – not smooth. It would be hard to convince them since she herself had not any physical prove. Moreover, the suspect had died a while ago. She doubted it was a voluntary suicide. She sighed. She would deal with Crystal's ministers again tomorrow.

Her pace stopped when she had reached outside, waiting for the guards to return their weapon. The castle's entrance platform was designed to be 2 until 3 meters higher than the ground, providing the spectator a beautiful view of the castle garden and city with the vast sky as the background. The sun hung low at the west. She savored the scenery for a short moment before resuming her pace. Well, she could see it again tomorrow. This probably would take longer than she had predicted.

Ignoring the bear soldiers who guarded the gate, she walked into the city. The street was busy since everyone was preparing to return home.

"You may return first Torone. I'm going to visit Meena." She said without even turning or slowing her pace. Torone grunted in response and they separated in the next intersection.

Kattsu walked down the street packed tightly with houses at the side. City had always being crowded. She didn't really like it. She stopped in front of a restaurant, slight smile tugged at her lips. The restaurant's door had always been opened as a welcoming gesture. When Meena had reunited with her father, they built this restaurant together. Took a few months before the business rewarded them with a real profit but they worked hard without pessimism. She had never lost contact with her; they exchange at least a letter each month. This noon the restaurant was pretty quiet. She could see Meena's father as the cashier exactly at the other end of the door. Meena was probably helping in the kitchen. She entered leisurely and soon Meena's father noticed her. He smiled and called Meena through a small hole at his side. The hole was supposed to be the connector window either to hand out ordered food or to hand in the order. Meena rushed out from the side door and grinned. Her laced apron was still on.

"If you're still busy, I'll wait."

Meena waved her head. "No, no, I'm done. Let's sit upstairs."

They climbed the wooden stairs located at the side of the door. The restaurant was divided into 2 rooms. The normal room – which was downstairs – was for those who don't mind eating with others. The smaller rooms at the upstairs were dedicated for small group who wanted some privacy. She brushed off the purple cloth curtain and held it to let Kattsu pass. The sun was casting her last ray of light through the window at the table side. They were just sitting when a cat waitress served them with soup, vegetable sauté, roasted meat, fruits and fresh juice. Kattsu knew this will be Meena's treat again, her friend had never accepted her payment.

Meena seeped her juice before asking how her day was.

Kattsu sighed. "Not very good. The meeting probably would take longer than I had predicted."

Meena sympathized though she didn't even know that the meeting was about. However, she would never ask since she knew, Kattsu often deals with problems that a commoner should not know.

They resumed their eating while exchanging news. Meena looked a bit distracted.

"Is there something bothering you?"

Meena took her time before answering. "I'm not sure… Let me show you something." She walked out and came back in less than a minute. A brown reddish wooden box was held in her hand. She put it on the table, gesturing Kattsu to open it.

"What is this?" Kattsu opened and see a pink pronged horn. The box was too big to only save the horn. The horn was as small as her thumb but there's a hole in the base of the horn where all the three branches connected. She picked it up from its cozy red velvet throne. She turned it in her hand to analyze it. Then she surprised. "Is this…?"

"It's a dragon horn."

"Where did you get this? Nobody ever meet the dragon race again after…"

Meena nodded. "Before the calamity, I and Wataru received it from Jozo. I saved it in behalf of someone." She looked forlorn.

"… This is Wataru's?" She receive another nodding from Meena as answer.

"So… why do you suddenly show it to me?"

"In that box… I don't only store the horn."

Kattsu nodded. She figured as much. The box was too big. And the horn sat the small portion right side of it. There must be something placed at its left, something big and cylindrical – judging from the shape of velvet which have been pressed too long.

"There's a bracelet there. The same one as yours." Meena pointed to Kattsu's slender arm.

Took a second before Kattsu understood. "The Highlander Bracelet? Where is it now?"

Meena waved her head warily. "I just checked this morning and it's gone."

"Stolen?"

She waved her head. "I highly doubt that. Nobody enters my room since I clean it up myself and nobody should know what's inside this box because I hid it." She cast a short glance to the box and clasped her own hand tightly upon her lap.

Kattsu frowned. She was correct. Logically, any thief would have go for the horn. It's price would be super expensive in the black market. Just think of the capability of the horn if you blew it, a group of a dragon would approach you in no doubt. She grimaced. That was if only the thief had known that this was a dragon horn. Normal thief would certainly go for the Highlander bracelet. There were some rare events when they caught Highlander Bracelet was being sold in the market. Those abhorrent scum probably took it from Highlanders who died in battlefield. "Is there anything else stolen?" Kattsu diverted her gaze back to Meena.

She repeated her previous negative gesture. "I don't understand. Is it possible...?" A glimpse of hope sparked in her eyes when she was looking straight to Kattsu. Even her ears were twitching in eagerness.

Kattsu didn't want to disappoint her friend in the end. She was being pessimistic of the possibility. "Don't get your expectancy too high, Meena." Her voice was firm.

Her friend dropped her gaze. "I know..." She looked dejected. Her shoulder slumped.

"But I'll keep my ear open for you. I'll let you know as soon as I heard a rumour about any traveller." Kattsu expression softened.

Meena was alive again. "Really? Thank you Kattsu." She casted a radiant smile.

"But if it's true..." Kattsu didn't continue her word. Instead, both of them looked out through the wooden framed window, staring at the starless night where the moon hung lonely in hte sky.

Mitsuru snapped from his trance. He shook his friend's body powerfully. The glow had ceased but he didn't feel less anxious. If what he had heard was correct, the mark must've spread further. He was about to slap him when his friend finally came into.

Wataru held his dizzy head. Instead of vague and chopped memory of his dream which he usually had, he remembered the previous conversation in clear crystal. He couldn't decide whether it was the falling sensation or Mitsuru's shaking, or both of them, which had made him feel dizzy. Aside from the dizziness, he could feel a small pang of pain in his chest where his mark was burned into his skin.

"Wataru, did the mark really spread??"

Wataru opened his clothes and to their horror, the black spots had spread to his back.

"It really got worse." Angst laded Mitsuru's voice.

"I didn't expect otherwise…" Wataru smiled painfully. They were quiet for some time, averting their gaze to the innocent blanket they sat upon. Then Wataru recalled something important.

"Say, are you the one who tapped into my dream?"

Mitsuru nodded, giving him his full attention.

"How did you that?" Wataru was getting excited. Had his friend gain his power back? Wait a sec. If he had his power back, then shouldn't he gain his memory back either? His excitement tainted with wariness.

Mitsuru waved his head. "I don't know. I just touch you and I was pulled into that black space."

"I see… So, you're not… you're not…" Wataru stammered. He wanted to ask whether Mitsuru had remembered something or not but he didn't have a good indirect way to ask it. He was never good in roundabout conversation. Unlike Mitsuru, most of the times he always fails to understand implicit meaning.

"What are you getting at?" Mitsuru tilted his head patiently. He knew his friend was going to ask something that he didn't want to ask directly. He could see his friend's brain was reeling fast and soon would explode over capacity. In the end, his friend would just ask directly. And in the next second, his prediction was coming true.

"Do you remember anything? Anything related to your childhood or Vision world?" Wataru looked frustrated. Screw indirect questions! He didn't need it that bad.

Mitsuru looked thoughtful. "I don't really know… I didn't grasp the full picture. Things that I saw was just like a bad movie with dreadful editing ability. I didn't understand a single thing."

Wataru's eyes widen. "What did you see?"

Mitsuru failed to notice the tension of his friend. He recounted both of his dreams but left out the part of his strange sensation in his previous walk. At the end of it, Wataru looked pale.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" He looked angry now.

"You didn't ask!" Mitsuru defended.

"Next time when you have this kind of dream, tell me okay?"

"Fine. But that's not our main concern. Your curse is more important!"

"It's of the same importance!" Wataru glared.

Mitsuru put his hands up in defeat, signaling the end of the importance degree discussion. "What do you think we should do now?"

Both of them fell silent. None have any clear idea on their next action.

"I've been thinking... Don't you have any friends that we can contact?" Mitsuru broke the silence. Wataru gave him a short glance before answering.

"I have friends. But I'm clueless on their whereabout. Kattsu is a Highlander, she migrates often, it would be hard to find her. I ever heard Kee Keema telling us about his village, Meni something... I don't really remember... And for Meena... She had been searching for her father, so I assume she didn't even know where her family is. Much less than on her own whereabout."

Mitsuru sighed. "I hate to say this but we are like a refugee floating in wide sea... No map, no direction, no help." Wataru nodded approvingly.

"We need map for sure. Map with writings that we can read." He added after a short thought.

"Let's try to find it in a shop tomorrow. Though I doubt we can find a readable map..." Mitsuru yawned. Wataru nodded. He glanced at his wristwatch, half past 12. No wonder they still felt sleepy.

Then Mitsuru returned to his own bed. He paused before laying down. "Do you think she would come back into our dream?"

Wataru grimaced. "Though this couldn't be counted as a good news, but I never had her coming back in less than 24 hours..." Mitsuru looked relieved.

The next thing they know was the bright sunlight scattered by the thick window above them, creating an impression of big square lamp.

Mitsuru decided to take the first bath again today. The maid sent in their breakfast and clean clothes. The breakfast was again something unfamiliar. It looked like a bowl of orange porridge with green dots spread all over the top. Though the appearance didn't look convincing, the smell proved otherwise. Whatever it was, the fragrant had stimulated his appetite. When Mitsuru was out, Wataru had already prepared with his toothbrush and towel. He looked hungry but didn't really used to eat before brushing his tooth. Inhaling the delicious smell, Mitsuru didn't surprised Wataru finished his bath in a record time, even before he devoured half of his breakfast.

They checked out of the inn after packed in their stuffs. Mitsuru wore the yesterday's cleaned T-shirt and jeans while Wataru wore his swordsman outfit. They were just about to go to the so-called flea market which Mitsuru had seen last night when Wataru saw someone.

"'Ay ay, boy. Goin' to meet your Highlander friend?"

"Morning, El Lagarto-san." Wataru replied politely. The alligator was packing up his simple cart. Unlike Kee Keema's, El Lagarto's cart didn't have a roof to shelter from the heat or rain. He simply wrap the whole cart's stuff using a thick leather blanket. "You're also going somewhere?" Wataru was eyeing the 2 yellow creatures which resemble nothing like pack-horse. The creatures are as high as Wataru, and they only stood on their two bulky hind legs. Their front legs were short, but the paws looked well cut. Their face was longer than normal horse and their expression was something close to boredom, waving their fat tail to chase away flies.

"Aye, boy. To the capital of the Highlanders, Savus." He said while mounting himself up to the front of the cart. Instead of horse, he was using the same animal Keema had used. Pulling the rein of the 2 creatures, he was ready to depart.

Out of curiousity, Wataru decided to ask him. "Say, have you ever heard of Kattsu?"

The crocodile turned his head to him, looking astonished. "Kattsu, one of the Five Highlander General?"

Now it was Wataru's turn who bewildered. "Eh? Erm... I dunno... I only know... simple Kattsu." He glanced at Mitsuru who shrugged back at him. If his friend didn't recognize his own Highlander friend, how was he supposed to know?

"She's a woman with dark color skin. Is Kattsu a common name?"

The crocodile laughed, displaying his white sharp teeth. "No, it's not. I never seen her before. What I know is she was said to be one of the Ilya Kingdom defender when the Black Disaster happened."

"Black Disaster?"

"The one I've told you last night." He retained his feral grin.

Wataru nodded. The Kattsu he was refering to must be the Kattsu he was searching for. "Do you know where is she?"

"Nay, my boy. But the General usually stay at the central city."

"Is it far from here? Savus?"

"A day ride. But in my case, I can reach it before sundown." He looked proudly at his 'horse'. Wataru seemed to consider his choices when the crocodile offered him a ride.

"Will it be ok with me and my friend?" He confirmed again. He was glad of the aid but also worried of how fast they could run before the crocodile decided to snap their neck with his powerful jaw and teeth.

The crocodile seemed to think before answering. "It would be a bit slower due to burden addition, but I don't think it's a big problem."

Wataru looked to Mitsuru for confirmation. His friend looked stoic but approved. It seemed he had also considered a few worst cases they may had. However, this was the fastest way to their destination – if what this crocodile had been saying was not a deceit. He hated to believe in stranger but again, they didn't really have many choices.

"Sorry to trouble you, El Lagarto-san." Wataru smiled. Mitsuru nodded to him.

"El is enough." The crocodile moved aside and gave both of them space at the front along with him.

El jerked the rein and the creatures started to pulled them and paced sluggihly through the crowd. When they reached the city's gate. Wataru had introduced Mitsuru and learned that the creatures was called 'Leman'. El said that they much higher speed compared to Dalbaba.

"You'll witness it's speed in a moment. I suggest you to hold on something." El said to them. He raised his whip and hit the harness connecting the creatures.

The creatures then stood on their four, tail sprout high to the air. Wataru and Mitsuru was surprised when they were thrown back by the Leman advancing force. The wind siphoned El's delighted laughter and they were moving with the speed of a bicycle sliding down a hill.

"How is it?" He glanced at them and grinnned.

"Surprising." Mitsuru answered. Wataru nodded in agreement.

At the middle of the day, they slowed down for the road was uneven and stony. "You can't use that kind of speed in this surface. You'll end up not only losing your wheel, cart and animal, but your life as well." El also explained to them that this was a shortcut. It can cut half the time you need compared to travel on normal route, though obviously you'll need strong pack-animal and sturdy cart.

Mitsuru did ask a question whether El has a map that they could use or buy but El told them that the map was inside his head. He didn't need a written one. He had travelled since he was young, selling his flour to many cities. Yes, his commodity was flour. The flour was loaded into a jug and enclosed with a tight leather. The jug then encased by a wooden box full with straw to reduce the collision impact.

By the end of the day, they had reached the city. This time however, instead of letting them pass directly, the bear guards inquired them and checked the load. One of them request a passing letter from the group and El handed out a piece of old paper. The bear silently read it.

Wataru who had his arms behind his bag, hopped down and decided to greet another guard. The other guard seemed surprised but they clicked their bracelet thrice just like common ritual then they introduce themselves. Mitsuru sat and calmly analyzed the scene around him.

"Which league are you from?" Bruna asked.

"League? What league?"

Bruna frowned deeply. "You don't know the league?"

"I'm sorry. I was absent for a few years so I don't really know the situation... I'm here to meet Kattsu – or Torone if she's not available."

"On what accord if I may know?" Though Bruna highly doubted there would not be any kind of absent which made anyone didn't know about the Highlander league – except if the guy was sleeping for these years without waking up, he proceed with friendly manner.

"I need her help. She would know if you tell her that I'm Wataru."

Bruna was about to query when his fellow guard spoke loudly. "This letter is a year old. You should have renewed it through the Valdininkija. I thought the announcement of renewal was out since 2 weeks ago?" He thrusted the paper back to El Lagarte.

"Eh, I didn't hear about it." El said, puzzled.

"I'm sorry. You're not allowed to pass." Bruna's friend shook his head.

"Eh, we're not?" Wataru surprised. Mitsuru frowned. It wouldn't be benefical for them to spend the night at the open and judging from the setting sun, they wouldn't get anywhere before the moon was high.

"Wait, Tivas. A highlander is with them." Bruna injected and Tivas glance fell on Wataru's wrist. "Are they your friends?" Bruna shifted his gaze on Wataru who nodded. He seemed to consider for a moment before continuing his speech. "Let them pass. He need to see Kattsu-dono."

"But Kattsu-dono..." Tivas trailed.

"Yes, I know. She's not here." Bruna turned to bewildered Wataru who was ready to vomit a new question. "Go to the biggest house in the city. You'll can see another person in charge." He cut in.

The iron gate was opened and they were trapped in a crowded city. It was surprising to see how lively the street while the sun had setting down. People would loitering at the street at night with smile plastered on their face only if the region was secure. Highlanders were abundant, dispersed between the spirited crowd. Even a thief would think twice before commit a robbery.

They swam through the crowd, admiring the light of houses and chatter of people. Some stores were still open, ignoring the sleepy summon of night rest.

"Guess tis where we part. I'm goin' to place my goods. What 're you boys goin' to do?" He turned to them.

Mitsuru and Wataru looked at each other and knew they have one answer. "We're going to see an old friend." Wataru said. El nodded and they bid a short goodbye.

Finding the biggest house wasn't the hardest thing to do, especially when the house was clearly stand out for being the only guarded one. They spoke with the tiger Highlander and they were being led to a room inside the house.

The room was like western style study. Bookshelves were lined neatly at both sides. Identical chairs were placed orderly surrounding a big square wooden table. The table cloth was pure white, contrast to the vase with colourful flowers decorated on top. They stepped on a indigo soft carpet with green identical harmonious pattern sewed all over it.

"Wait here." The tiger told them. They looked at the books displayed on the shelf. Mitsuru took out a familiar thick book and browsed through curly unidentified characters.

"Magical Curses. You have a unique taste."

The voice diverted their attention to a sturdy male stood at the entrance. His black hair demarcated his sharp white features. He was handsome with pointed nose and brown iris. His dark green loose shirt and black trousers didn't reduce his sharp impression, especially when a thin long silver blade was clasped tightly at his leather waistband.

Mitsuru closed the book with a slap. "It's not like I understand." He put it back with a flat expression. "Sorry for touching your collection."

The male strode in with a laugh. "Don't mind it. The book would just sit there and not serving its purpose if no one pick it up."

Wataru stepped forward and they exchanged Highlander greeting. He introduced himself and Mitsuru.

"I'm Laurus, the only one in charge here. Usually Kattsu-dono and me shared duty, but currently she's undergoing a trip."

Wataru looked troubled. "When will she return?"

Laurus waved his head sympathetically. "Depends. It would be next week or at the worst case, next month. May I know what's your business with her? In case I can offer some helps." He smiled kindly, gestured for them to sit down.

Wataru looked hesistant but then he spilt out his whole story. Kattsu's friend should also be his friend, besides, this man was also a Highlander. He needed all the help he can get. Laurus frowned in deep thought after hearing his recount. He was slightly shocked when he knew both of them were travellers.

"I never heard of that tale... nor anything about the frog witch... Though I'm agree, you probably could get something if you ask the water tribe elders. Why don't you go to the Marina city? It's the famous place where most of the Water tribes live."

"We... are having a difficulty of direction and transportation..." Wataru smiled desperately.

"Don't worry. I can arrange to have someone to accompany you. Do you have any water tribe friend?"

Wataru nodded. "Kee Keema. Only him."

Laurus face lighted. "Keema's family? They are famous merchant family."

"Really?" The news was indeed a revelation for Wataru.

"I don't know about the Kee Keema you're talking about, but you can meet Keema's family. They have a main store in Marina."

A slight rock was lifted from Wataru's chest. His optimism of success curse-removal-journey kicked back in. "It's a good news indeed." He grinned.

"Do you have any place to stay? If not, it would be our pleasure to have you as our guest tonight." Laurus stood.

Both of them stood up. "Thank you for your offers, Laurus-dono. We are very grateful." Wataru said.

"Sorry for disturbing your rest, Laurus-dono." Mitsuru injected.

He laughed. "The night is still young. It's just that I have another important matter to attend so I couldn't appropriately server both of you with a banquet."

"You've done much for us, Laurus-dono. Please just tend to your matter now."

Laurus called a cat maid and asked her to show them to their room as well as served them with an appropriate dinner. The time they left the room, a tiger Highlander entered the room.

"I want someone to keep eye on both of them. The last traveller visit didn't bode well for our world. It'll be retarded to repeat the history." Laurus instructed his guardsman with chilly tone.

"Well, who would have guessed? Arrived at this kind of late hour was so not like you Lagarte-san!" The fish shopkeeper welcomed the crocodile.

"Hahaha. Well, I've got my trouble today, pal..." and they chatted together for a few more moments before the shopkeeper took him into his house and dine with his family.

The night wasn't young anymore, the moon was high in the sky and stars were hiding behind the cloud blanket. At the dark small alley behind the house, a dark hooded thin figure was standing aligned with the wall. So subtle its presence until you need to carefully perceive in order to see. A door suddenly open at his side. The figure didn't move, it didn't even surprised as if it was waiting for it to open this whole time. Another figure emerged from the door. He thrusted something to that hooded figure without a word.

"You're late." A male voices whispered softly under the hood.

The other clicked his teeth. "I got trouble. Do ya think an exile can possibly being granted those bloody passing letter?"

The hooded man took a crystal ball from his cloak. He passed it to the other man. "Ura, a week from now. Find a man who sell flours under red roof." Without even waiting for an approval, the hooded figure turned and left the alley. The man clicked close the door and retreated inside.

A/N: I know, this chapter was so anticlimax. I was just emphasizing that now Wataru's friends suspected his return from (what the title was indicating) the loss/disappearance of that particular friend's stuff ('Los' was taken from Old English of 'Loss'). Geh, I still need another anticlimax chapter and events before getting into more action…. ,