Nemesis: Forgotten Anathema

by Cheetara

[Complete] Some doors should never be opened. Some secrets should remain as they are, buried in the dark soil of the past. But the past always holds the key to the future and the children must bear the consequences of the sin of their forefathers.

26. Chapter 23

Chapter 22:

" He is here."

"Who?"

"Him .The Black Warrior."

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"What?"Hotohori's eyes narrowed .His head instinctively swiveled in the direction of the narrow trail that led up the mountain.

"There is indeed a very strong ki ahead."Chulivey said quietly "Is it him Menesku?"

"Yes."Menesku said through gritted teeth "It is him all right."

Hotohori looked around worriedly .The fog was thickening and the light was also decreasing. Very soon it would be gone as well .He looked at their position. They were standing in a very narrow trail where only two persons could stand side by side, with a steep rock face on one side and a plummeting fall on the other side.

' We cannot wait here.' He gritted his teeth ' we are very vulnerable here. A single rock strategically rolled down could undo us .The only way up is that narrow trail, but if we follow that way we will have to go up one at a time..Not good .Not good at all.'

"What now Hotohori?"It was Lee .Her voice shook a little and he could sense her fear.

He felt a little angry .He did not like the idea of Lee being frightened or sad.

' She is scared .The stupid handmaidens I gave her must have filled her mind with useless stories about the Black warrior.' He frowned.

"Lee "He addressed her quietly "Everything will be all right. Trust me."

Lee nodded .She trusted Hotohori. But she couldn't get rid of the tendrils of fear that gripped her heart. She felt a small squeeze on her hand .It was Faraco .He was also looking as somber as the others.

"Trust him Lee "His voice was quiet and reassuring "Trust us. Trust me .We...I will not let anybody touch a hair on your head."His brown eyes held a silent appeal "Just trust me."

"Faraco "Lee whispered, "Why are you such a fool?"Her lips trembled "I am not worried about myself. I am worried about you ...all of you."She turned away in a huff towards where Hotohori was standing.

' She..Is worried about Me.'A warm glow seemed to envelop Faraco's heart and felt renewed strength in his limbs .He felt he could take on anybody, inclusive of the black warrior. ' Do not worry Lee .I will let no one hurt you.' He swore, fondly looking at the girl that held his heart in the palm of her hands.

Hotohori and Menesku were standing a little apart discussing with lowered voices. Chulivey had joined them.

"The enemy has the higher ground."Hotohori said quietly "But we cannot stay here .We have to risk going up, into even, if not higher level than them."

"He is flaring his ki on purpose."Chulivey's voice was calm, but her eyes betrayed her anxiety "He wants us to face him .He has probably set a trap for us."

"Probably."Hotohori chuckled "He is most definitely setting a trap for us. But he is strongly mistaken if he thinks that we are easy prey."

"So, shall we fight then?"Menesku's lips curved into a small predatory smile.

"Oh, we most definitely shall."Hotohori grinned. Then he glanced worriedly in Lee's direction "I and Menesku shall lead the primary assault .You and Faraco will have the most important task. Protect Lee."

"Do not fear my Lord."Chulivey said grimly "I will protect her with my life if need be."

"Do not be so pessimistic Chulivey. With any luck, we won't be the ones to loose our lives."

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They proceeded cautiously up the trail. But strangely enough the only obstruction they had was from the weather.

"I don't like this."Hotohori hissed .He too could feel the faint ki that seemed to remain mockingly out of reach "It is so damn quiet."

The trail ended abruptly in a flat stretch of land .It nested comfortably between a steep mountain face and a foggy nadir. A shimmering cascade rushed down the rock face and passed through the land before jumping into the bottomless nadir below .By some quirk of nature the dying rays of the sun illuminated this rock face through the translucent cover of the fog .The light of the spring shimmered in the golden glow. Under different circumstances the sheer beauty of the place would have enchanted them. But a cold mocking voice seemed to break the spell that Nature wove around them.

"Your Highness, I have been expecting you."It was him .His dark cloak fluttered a little in the mountain wind and his helmet gleamed a little in the sun.

"So, you are the Black Warrior."Hotohori's voice was dangerously low as he instinctively took battle stance.

"So you call me."His voice had a low mocking undertone.

"Do you have a name warrior?"Hotohori's eyes flashed "I would like to call you by your name when I run my sword through your heart."

"You really shouldn't count your chickens before they hatch my Lord."His voice was smooth as silk "Besides what's in a name?"

He lifted his fingers towards the sky. Hotohori felt the wind picking up .He could see the air circle around the black warrior, waiting as if it were a pet beast awaiting its master's orders.

He heard a twang at the same time the Black warrior lowered his hand. Something streaked past his ear .He realized that Menesku had fired an arrow from his great war bow .The arrow struck a shimmering force-field around the Black Warrior and disintegrated into ashes .He heard Menesku swear.

"Damn."

The black warrior chuckled "I have missed you Menesku."The wind that circled around him froze for an instant forming itself into round discs."I am very pleased with the way you have greeted me. And now."His voice took a sinister undertone "Allow me to greet you."

The thousand shimmering discs rushed at them. Instantly Chulivey was in front holding her staff up. A scarlet sphere enveloped them .The discs crashed on it fruitlessly unable to penetrate the scarlet shield. Still the recoil was affecting Chulivey as she felt herself being pushed back as her shield shimmered and flickered under the constant assault.

And then suddenly it stopped. Chulivey felt her legs collapse under her as she clung to her staff panting.

"I see that you have recovered Sorceress."

"Suraco."Menesku hissed.

"Oh Hello Menesku."Suraco smirked as he allowed the illusion of invisibility that he had put around himself melt away."You look strained. I am glad to see that I keep you worried."

"Bastard."Menesku spat.

Chulivey felt her heart thump loudly. It was him .The one with the green eyes. So, this was Suraco.

' Seriously what was I expecting?' She wondered ' was I expecting my green eyed knight to be someone else? '

' No. Nobody else would have eyes like that.' The treacherous side of her mind whispered. She had heard that Suraco was a golden haired green -eyed devil .Now she knew that all those rumors were true .He was the devil, tempting her heart with the unobtainable .He was filling her mind with forbidden thoughts, unwanted, unwelcome, yet so deliciously sinful.

She felt a warm blush heat her cheeks.' When did I become so weak minded?' She felt disgusted with herself ' Concentrate Chulivey. This is war..and he..He is the enemy.'

"You are a useful addition to their group."The Black warrior voice was thoughtful "But in your weakened state you will hardly make a difference."

Chulivey's eyes flashed with anger "We will see for you are yet to break my shield."

"Brave words."He chuckled "We hope you will not regret them."

Chulivey's eyes widened a little as she saw a sheet of sharp icicles form behind the Black warrior .The air suddenly seemed to grow colder. There was an infinitesimal pause and then the icicles rushed at them each as sharp as a knife. Chulivey felt her shield shudder and break .She braced her for the sensation of having a thousand knives cut through her flesh.

But none came. Tentatively she opened her eye to find Hotohori shielding her .The sword moved like water in his hand and very soon chipped fragments of ice were all that were left.

Hotohori felt his arm a little numb when the attack finally ceased. But he let nothing of his fatigue show .A faint red aura swirled around him.

"Is that all you can offer?"His voice was mocking .Red flecks danced like flickering flames in his usually black eyes."I am disappointed."

Inside the dragon mask Keeah's eyes widened a little. Her lips curved upwards into a small smirk. Not even Menesku had managed to deflect her attack so efficiently.

' So he isn't only eye candy.' She frowned ' I think that those rumors about him being an unparalleled swordsman may have some merit after all.'

"Why so silent all of a sudden?"Hotohori's voice was heavily laced with sarcasm."No snappy retorts or sarcastic comebacks."

Keeah smirked "Actually I was thinking of taking our relationship to the next level."

She concentrated, a flaming semicircle formed in front of her as she swung her hand in a wide arc.

"Come, my Prince "She chuckled "Lets dance."

Hotohori's eyes widened a little as he saw the flaming arc rush towards him .He deftly jumped aside, but the arc seemed to widen and gain momentum as it approached and it singed Hotohori's arms. Hotohori gritted his teeth against the pain and swung his sword. Five parallel streaks of light cut through the ground rushing towards Keeah.

Keeah gritted her teeth and concentrated .The two opposing forces collided creating a powerful ripple of air that pushed Keeah back. The force field she had put up shimmered and then disappeared.

' That was impressive.' There was a gleam of admiration in Keeah's eyes ' He is a good swordsman.' The smirk on her face deepened ' It is time I get serious.'

"You are right "Hotohori grinned, the red gleam in his eyes seemed to intensify "It is time we take our friendship to the next level."

With a battle cry he charged towards Keeah.

Keeah smirked ' Finally.'

Menesku saw Hotohori rush forward."I am going ahead as well."He turned towards Chulivey "Chulivey, Faraco, protect Lady Lee."

They nodded.

He rushed ahead. Suddenly the world darkened around him .He was still on the plateau but all alone. The sky was an angry red and the stream was a river of molten lava that gave of noxious fumes.

He gritted his teeth "Suraco, do not think that your petty illusions scare me."

"Are you sure this is an illusion Menesku?" Suraco was standing on the other side of the lava flow, the embers cast a red sinister glow on his face "Are you sure that they are illusions?"

Menesku looked around. Angry red eyes stared at him from the darkness .He could feel a circle closing in on around him, an occasionally he saw the flash of cruel vicious teeth. Menesku felt a tiny twinge of dread creep down his spine. Even after dealing with Suraco's illusions for a long time he hadn't really gotten used to it.

Suraco sensed Menesku's indecision, the predatory smile on his firm sensuous lips deepened "You are late Menesku. We already met with Taiskun."His voice was casual "And you see this. This..Is my seishi power? They are real."

' He is messing with my head.' Menesku's eyes flashed, "I do not believe you Suraco."

Suraco chuckled "Believe what you will my dear Menesku."He turned to go "I will miss you Menesku, thing is my pets are very hungry .I cannot keep them waiting."He seemed to melt away in the darkness.

Menesku had hardly the time to retort before the shadowy forms closed in on him. He had a vague sensation of blurred red eyes and vicious canines .The naked steel in his hand flashed like liquid lighting cutting into the throng that closed around him.

' Something is not right.' He thought as he viciously gutted one of the beasts that rushed at him, his sword was slick with blood.' Suraco is lying .I know it.' He kicked one of the creatures away from him, feeling another one jumping on his neck sinking its teeth into his shoulder.

Menesku growled ripping the beast off his shoulder ' This has gone on far enough.'

He sat on the ground concentrating .The sign on his neck glowed scarlet and a ripple of scarlet light spread from him cutting through the darkness like sharp deadly knives. He concentrated .A knife of scarlet light formed in his hand.

' So there you are Suraco.' He let the knife fly and smirked to hear the satisfying ripping sound as the blade grazed Suraco's smooth skin.

The darkness around him melted away. He could see Suraco standing not far from him holding his ripped sleeve. Dark blood oozed through his fingers and stained his tunic.

"Took you long enough Menesku."Suraco smirked "I was beginning to think that you had lost your touch."

Menesku's pursed his lips and charged towards Suraco.

Chulivey looked at the battle that raged on in front of her. Menesku and Suraco were fighting viciously trading blows for blows, kicks for kicks, both their forms battered and bruised. And though Suraco was almost as agile as Menesku it was clear that Menesku was the superior warrior. She turned to look at the black warrior and Hotohori.

If the Black warrior were not her enemy she would have been struck by the sheer magnificence of his form. A faint blue aura seemed to pulsate around his form .It was not as pronounced as the scarlet aura around Hotohori and she could feel the pulsating ripples when their ki met and battled for dominance.

"Chu..Chulivey ."

She turned towards Lee .Lee's face was ashen "I ..am..worried .Please tell me everything will be okay."

Chulivey looked at their lengthening shadows and the darkening sky . Very soon it would be night and that could put them at a disadvantage .She squashed her anxiety and smiled "Have faith in the skill of your seishi ."

"Chulivey .Perhaps I should attack the Black warrior from behind ."Faraco growled impatiently ,he was itching to join the battle .Standing idly aside was making him feel useless .

"No ."Chulivey understood what was going through his head ,but that was no reason to take a detour from a perfectly sound strategy ."You will stay and protect Lady Lee ."

Faraco ran a hand through his unruly hair "Don't you see Chulivey .The bastards are stalling for time. Very soon this meager light will be gone .What if they are planning something then ?"

It was a viable suggestion. Chulivey bit her lips .That thought had occurred to her as well . It was clear that even though both Prince Hotohori and Menesku were pulling no stops ,for some reason Suraco and the Black warrior seemed to be holding back . If the black warrior was indeed the one who had obliterated that creature at the inn ,then he had not revealed even one-fourth of his actual power .

"You know that I am correct ."Faraco growled "Look the Black warrior is busy deflecting Lord Hotohori . This is my chance ."

"Faraco .."Chulivey protested ,but he was already gone .

"Faraco ."Lee whispered "Be careful ."

Keeah gritted her teeth as she blocked one of Hotohori's more vicious attacks with her flame sword . But her arm ached with the effort of stopping his attacks . She could feel the tiny cuts all over her arm , souvenirs of the time Hotohori's sword had darted in through her defense and stung her like a wasp . He however was not unaffected ,she noted with a satisfied smile .His tunic was singed and she saw scorch marks on his ordinarily flawless skin ,marks of where her sword had gotten through his iron defense .

Suddenly all her senses screamed her to be aware .She only half turned to see the black panther leap at her .She deftly avoided its teeth but the sharp claws cut into her shoulders . She felt pain explode throughout her body .She saw red .

"How dare you ."Her voice was vicious as her fingers curled around an enormous ball of sizzling lightning .

The panther jumped again .She aimed the ball directly for its stomach where it collided with a sickening thud propelling it backward into the cliff face . The panther transformed into a golden hair boy who collapsed at the foot of the mountain bleeding from multiple wounds .The boy tried to get up but the static charge from her spell held him immobilized .

' Faraco ,you idiot .' That was the thought that crossed Hotohori's mind when he saw Faraco jump at the Black warrior . But his daring attack had succeeded in diverting the black warrior's attention from him .It gave him a moment to gather his energy .

The sign on his forehead blazed a violent scarlet as he swung his sword in a arc .The Black warrior turned to see the blazing scarlet arc ,but ,he was too late to avoid it .The scarlet light collided with him ,enveloping his being ,the very force of the collision sending him over the edge of the cliff .

Menesku smirked when he saw the Black warrior go over the edge .He turned his cold gray gaze at Suraco "It seems that your Black Warrior has been terminated ."

There was only a flash of anxiety in Suraco's green eyes ,he chuckled "Yes Menesku .Keep telling you that ."

Both of them were heavily wounded .Their tunics had been ripped and a dull flow of blood oozed from their wounds .Suraco was on his knees ,panting .This ..tussle had reopened the gash in his stomach and blood from the wound wet the linen cloth that was wrapped over it . Menesku was in a somewhat marginally better state ,but there was an ugly gash on his forehead. The blood from this wound seeped into his eyes affecting his vision . Hotohori was recovering ,that attack he pulled had momentarily weakened him .Farce was still held immobile by the residual static of the spell .

Menesku staggered up .Suraco was weak now ,he would not be able to withstand his attacks for long , especially if Lord Hotohori would come to assist him . Suddenly the sky darkened and wind picked up violently . Menesku stiffened , instinctively looking at the sky .' Damn it .Why won't the fiend die ?'

' Careful my Lord .' His mind screamed ' He is not gone yet .'

Hotohori looked up as he something flash past him . His eyes widened a little as he saw the black warrior floating above him ,his silhouette defined in a darker shade than the sky behind him .His tattered black cloak whipped in the wind behind him making him appear like a huge malevolent bird of prey .Hotohori sensed that he was angry ,that anger reflected in nature around them . Something hot fell on his face .With a detached feeling he inspected the drop .It was blood .His blood .

He smirked .So ,the attack had wounded him after all .But it was too dark to tell how much he was wounded .He braced himself smirking .Apparently he had succeeded in royally pissing off the Black warrior .

The Black warrior chuckled ." I am most impressed your Highness .That attack will most definitely leave a mark ."He paused "Since I will bear your mark ,it is only fair that you wear mine ."

He spread his hands .Behind him several columns of lightning rushed down from the sky to meet with the ground .The black warrior chuckled again .It was as if an eye opened in each of the columns releasing several balls of lightning that rushed out like frenzied demons .

Hotohori's eyes widened a little as he held up the sword of Suzaku to form some sort of a barrier . The lightning ball collided heavily with the sword ,searing his skin . He felt himself being lifted off his feet with the mere force of the collision and propelled backwards where he landed heavily on his back with an audible crack of his ribs breaking .

Menesku watched Suraco smirk and bound out of the way when the Black warrior addressed Hotohori. He had never seen the Black warrior perform spells of that kind ,but he realized that after that he would become weak and easy to target .And then he realized why Suraco had moved away .That attack wasn't meant only for Hotohori .It was meant for everyone in the field .His first thoughts were of Lee . But he remembered that Chulivey would protect Lee .

He braced himself . Concentrating he let a log narrow scarlet sword form in his hand .He swung it around till it was nothing but a scarlet blur in front of him . He felt the white hot ball connect with his blade barrier ,scorching his skin .Vaguely he felt himself being hurled into a rock face dislodging a few pebbles as collapsed beside Faraco .

"Hello Menesku ."Faraco greeted him weakly .

Menesku grunted trying to get up .An excruciating pain ran through his body as he felt the static holding him back .His gray eyes widened a bit as he saw a lightning ball hurl into the rock face above them with an explosive force dislodging several large boulders that rushed down towards them.

Chulivey held up her staff desperately ,sweat forming pearly droplets on her smooth brow .She could feel Lee crouching behind her as the light seemed to rush past them singing her in recoil . She collapsed holding her staff .The Black Warrior's reputation was an unstoppable elemental mage was indeed well deserved .

"Faraco ."She heard Lee's anguished scream .She turned in the direction Lee was facing and saw the boulders racing down towards Faraco and Menesku .

"Help them Chulivey ."Lee yelled desparately .

"Hold on to my staff ."Chulivey handed the staff to Lee "It will keep this shield around you intact . Do not let it go no matter what ."

Menesku gritted his teeth against the pain desperately trying to move ."Can you move ?"He asked Faraco .

Faraco's eyes were fixed on the boulders "No ."His lips were blue with pain "I think I broke my leg ."

Menesku bit his lips waiting for the bone crunching collision .But nothing happened .Chulivey had apparated between them .Her hands glowed a faint scarlet as she stopped the boulders midway .Her face was very white as she levitated the boulders over them depositing them at a side .

"Thank you ."Faraco smiled at a pale Chulivey "I was too young to die ."

Chulivey giggled .She normally did not giggle but somehow this stress had unplugged something inside her .

"Chulivey !" She heard Menesku's warning .She whipped around to see mesmerizing green eyes and a devilish smile before her world went dark .

"Suraco ,you bastard ."Menesku hissed as he watched Chulivey whirl and fall , a dark bruise forming on her head .

"I love you too Menesku "Suraco smirked .

Lee saw Suraco wavering over Faraco and Menesku .She saw Chulivey whirl and fall .She turned towards Hotohori .The Black warrior chuckled .

"It seemed the tables have turned ."

"A leopard is not dead till it is skinned "Hotohori staggered to his feet and poised the sword in the front of him ."Let us see what you have got ."

The scarlet aura around him seemed to swirl in circles. His hair whipped violently in the invisible wind caused by the energy that danced around him .His eyes had turned scarlet and his lips were curved into a small mocking smile .

' What the hell ..' Keeah's eyes widened a little ' I didn't think that he would be able to move after that attack ,let alone retaliate .I believe I had underestimated him .A folly which I will not repeat again .'

"As you said before ."Hotohori smirked "Lets dance ."

He swung his sword powerfully ,the force of the swing creating a vortex of swirling red hot scarlet wind which rushed at the Black warrior with a deafening roar .

Keeah gritted her teeth and absently put up a shield around herself and Suraco bracing herself for the unavoidable attack . She felt the roaring wind cut through her shield as if it were made of butter .She dug her flame sword into the ground and hung on for dear life .It was almost as if a thousand demons were upon her ,clawing at her with sharp claws ,raking her skin with their teeth ,their breath burning her skin . And for the first time she had taken up arms her legs gave away under her and she collapsed on the ground slick with her own blood .She felt faint .She realized that Suraco had fallen , his golden hairs spilled around him mixing with dirt and blood.She also realized that because Hotohori was wounded he had been unable to deliver this attack at full force .

She chuckled bitterly ,a low harsh sound ,so low that none but she could hear it She saw Hotohori sway a little but she did not miss the small triumphant smile on his face .

' So I see that you make the same mistake as me .You consider the leopard dead before it is skinned ' She gritted her teeth as points of pain flashed behind her eyes .' This war is not over yet my Warrior Prince .'

Lee was stunned by the force of Hotohori's attack .It was so powerful and terrifying that it gave her goose bumps only to think about it .She saw the Black warrior and the other golden haired man , Suraco , become enveloped by the swirling mass of air .When the dust finally cleared Suraco was unconscious .The Black Warrior was on his knees ,his hand clenched tightly on the hilt of his flame sword .The tattered black cloak was spread around him stained with blood .

' Is he dead ?' Lee looked at the unmoving figure .The sky was still an angry shade of gray .She looked around .Menesku seemed relieved .He was still struggling to get up but he did not look as strained as before .' So ,the danger is past .' Relief spread through her being .

' Yeah ' The voice in her head seemed to let out a huge sigh of relief ' that was some stunt Hotohori pulled.'

Lee saw Hotohori sway . He looked very pale and his tunic was drenched with sweat and his salty blood. They had fought so bravely ,her seishi . They were wounded and needed her help .

' Finally those first-aid lessons I took are going to pay off .' Lee sighed, gently laying down Chulivey's staff .The shield around her vanished .She moved forward to help Hotohori who seemed to be having trouble standing on his feet.

Hotohori looked tiredly at the prone figure in front of him .He had done it . He was the last one standing . But his injuries finally decided to make themselves known .The last attack had drained him completely and his vision was getting blurred .Vaguely he saw Lee move towards him .His eyes softened .

' She is coming ..To Me..' He felt happy .But he was too tired to show it .

Suddenly he felt the hairs at the nape of his neck rise .Before he could place his ominous feeling he felt something flash past him and heard Lee's strangled squeak along with Faraco's enraged howl .

' No .Damn it !' Hotohori's eyes flashed red .

Faraco watched Lee move towards Hotohori .He felt something twist in his gut . Again he had the insane desire to strangle Hotohori . He turned to look at the unmoving crumpled form of the Black Warrior .At least Hotohori took care of that problem . But he wished that it had been him instead of Hotohori to defeat the Black Warrior .Then Lee would come to him . But he knew he was being unreasonable .He had a broken leg .Hotohori on the other hand was covered with cuts and bruises .His elegant riding tunic hung from his form in tatters and his sleek black hair had fallen over his battered face caked with dirt and mud and dried blood. Faraco understood that Hotohori had spent every ounce of strength in his body to fight the Dark fiend and now he needed help even to stay on his own feet .

It was then that he noticed the barest movement in the Black warrior's frame .Before he could shout a warning the Black warrior had floated up in the sky throwing out a whip of light that snagged Lee around her slim waist and pulled her up in front of him . Even he did not realize the howl that rose from his throat .

Rage exploded throughout Hotohori's very veins .He saw a sizzling whip of light hold Lee immobile in front of the Black Warrior . He heard the Black Warrior chuckle .

"It seems that you do not listen to your own advice my Prince .You should not have rested till you held my beating heart in your hands ."

"That can be arranged ."Hotohori's words were strained .He could sense fear roll off Lee in waves , something that send his anger skyrocketing .

"Really ? I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover ."His voice was mocking .

"Coward .Have you no sense of honor ?"Hotohori's voice was rigid with anger "I thought you were a warrior and yet you stoop so low to use a defenseless girl as a shield .Where is the honor in that ?"

"Alas my Prince ."The Black Warrior's voice was quiet "I do not play for honor .I play to win ."

Lee felt faint .She could not move . The cords that held her did not hurt her ,it only seemed to immobilize her ,completely at the mercy of the Black Warrior .

' Well over twenty feet over the ground .' The voice in her head reminded her .She looked down and immediately regretted it . She could see her legs dangling in mid-air . There was an unplesant sensation in her stomach .She felt sick .

' Don't puke all over the Black Warrior .' The voice in her head panicked ' He might drop you and then ..splat! All we will have left is one Lee pancake .'

Lee shivered .' Fool ' The voice in her head groaned ' don't let him sense your fear .Act brave .Say something cutting .He won't kill you. He needs you to make his getaway .'

"You should release me ."She spoke in what she hoped a cold detached manner "Maybe Hotohori will show you some mercy ."

She sensed him move closer "You talk too much Miko ."His voice was cold and forbidding sending shivers down her spine and leaving her bereft of speech .

"Coward ."She could sense the frustration in Hotohori's voice " What do you want ? Just let Lee go and I swear upon my honor that I will give it to you ."

"Do not make promises you cannot keep my Prince "The Black Warrior's voice was disdainful "It is a pity ,is it not ,that your so called strength is your greatest weakness . For the moment ,I will be obliged if you kindly drop your sword ."His voice was cuttingly polite .

Frustrated Hotohori dropped the sword . ' Did he mean to attack Hotohori now that he was unarmed?' Lee panicked .She opened her mouth to shout .

"Not a word from you my lady ."Somehow that voice once again held her paralyzed . She gulped her face paling .Why the hell did this fiend manage to scare her so ? She felt weak and helpless .

That Hotohori felt angered and frustrated was an understatement . For a while he had actually thought that he had successfully defeated the Black Warrior .He cursed himself .He should have been more careful .He looked at Lee .Never before had he felt so helpless .

It was only her insane desire to win that kept Keeah conscious .Even as she held Lee she realized that the last ounces of energy she had tapped into was fast running out . She desperately tried to keep her voice even "And now ,do not move ."

She could sense hatred and rage rolling off Hotohori in waves .But he nodded stiffly .He saw Sotisku come out of his hiding place and pour a restorative in Suraco's mouth .She saw Suraco groan and hobble up aided by Sotisku .Drawing from her last reserves she formed a circle ,a portal .She watched gratefully as Suraco and Sotisku went through the portal .Now it was time to draw the curtains on this play.

Hotohori heard his command "And now ,do not move ."He wanted to rip him to pieces but instead he nodded .He watched a cloaked form hurry out from the shadows and pour something into the golden haired boy's mouth .So, that must have been the third member .

He saw a shimmering circle appear .A portal .His heartbeat sped up. Did the Black warrior meant to kidnap Lee from right under his nose ? He clinched his fist .' Damn it .'

"You were a good boy ."The Black Warrior's voice was slightly mocking "You listened to everything I said .Therefore ,I will keep my end of the bargain . I will release your miko ."

Hotohori's eyes widened a little as the coils of light that curled around Lee like a silver serpent disappeared plummeting her towards the ground .He reacted in an instant ,jumping up to catch her . He caught Lee in his arms just before her small body hit the hard ground .

A silky laughter diverted him for a while "Good bye My Prince ."The Black Warrior's voice was smooth "I am sure we will meet again .By the way Lady Keeah sends you her regards Prince of Konon." He gave a low mocking bow "Until then ."With a swish of cloaks he was gone .

The portal closed .For a tiny moment he had almost rushed after the fiend but the shivering body in his hands demanded his attention .He turned towards Lee who was pale and shaking as he lowered her on the ground .

"Hotohori "Lee's voice shook .

Hotohori tried to smile ,but the world suddenly seemed to go out of focus .' You are safe ' He tried to lift his hands to touch her face but none of his limbs seemed to have any strength left in them . And then the world went black .

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