Chapter 35:
Part 3:
He laughed, a rich mirthless sound. "You amuse me ... Suraco. I believe you have left your precious comrade with Wadjet. "
Menesku noticed the infinitesimal stiffening of Suraco's shoulders. Apparently, it had not escaped Shizimi's bored eyes.
"You are worried Suraco. You should be. Wadjet is not known for his mercy. "
Suraco paled.
He continued. "Well, let us see whether the fearsome reputation of the Dragon of Kutou holds true. " He stood up casually holding his sword of his shoulders. "However, that can wait. Right now I am hoping that you two can alleviate my boredom. "
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
For a while the adversaries regarded each other, two pairs of defiant eyes meeting the cynical black ones squarely, and even the dancing shadows on the walls seemed to stand still and the cackling flames held their breath in anticipation. Then Menesku lowered his face, brown locks shading his eyes before he started to laugh. The rich mocking chuckles came from deep within his throat and when he raised his face his gray eyes had a deceptively merry twinkle in them.
"So my initial assumption of your true nature was correct. "
Shizimi's lips curved upwards into a smirk. "And what was that Menesku?"
"I thought you were ... as Liang would aptly phrase it ... a fucking asshole. "
Suraco's green eyes widened a little. ' Seiryuu. Menesku swore. He never uses such language. I wonder what he is up to. '
Shizimi chuckled, the bored amusement in his eyes deepened. "And I thought that my time could have been better utilized. "
"I hadn't realized that you'd rather betray somebody else. "
"And I hadn't realized that you would make such an measly attempt to buy time Menesku. "
Shizimi's aura flared and Suraco's eyes widened a little as the ripple of power washed through the semi dark hall, its impact caused them to stagger back as a dark scarlet streak seemed to race at them cutting through the darkness like an arrow. Almost instinctively he braced himself but even before he could properly defend he felt something rush past him digging long steely claws into his unprotected flesh. He saw the scarlet light dance around Menesku as if almost instantaneously drawing blood with every fleeting touch.
A dark chuckle washed over them and looking up Suraco saw that Shizimi had not moved from his original position, his attitude had perhaps a more bored tinge and the thought occurred to Suraco that perhaps he was toying with them.
' Which he is ... He could have killed us before we could blink and yet the wounds he delivered are shallow ... '
The cynical half smile on Shizimi's lips deepened. "Disappointing. " His voice was contemptuous.
"Yes. " The twinkle in Menesku's eyes had not disappeared. "I had expected something other than speed from you. "
Suraco wondered whether Menesku was purposely courting disaster.
Shizimi raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. I had not realized I had made myself so apparent. "
"In fact you were so glaringly apparent that I completely missed it. "
"Is that so?"
Menesku shrugged. "Yes. Just like you cannot see your nose because it's right under your eyes. "
"Ah. "
"What I fail to comprehend is ... why? I understand if Suraco wants to kill me. We are after all enemies, I just cannot figure out where you fit in the equation?"
There was a brooding look in Shizimi's eyes. "Perhaps the question you should ask yourself is: Where do you fit in?"
For a second Menesku seemed to be at a loss of words, but he recovered almost instantaneously. "Yes. I have wondered that myself. Perhaps I should rephrase my question. Me, Suraco, all of us are here because we stand to gain something from this ... mission. The question is ... what will you gain from this Shizimi?"
Shizimi's lips parted into a savage smile and despite himself Suraco felt ripples of apprehension course down his spine.
"Amusement. " There was a steel edge in his eyes. "But when this is over I will demand my money back. "
"If you live. "
Shizimi threw back his head and laughed. "Oh believe me Menesku. I will live."
Once again Suraco felt the familiar ripple of power wash over him as the scarlet streak launched at them. But this time Menesku was ready. He moved like an arrow intercepting Shizimi's attack, his movements so fast that he appeared like a blur to his eyes. He had always known that Menesku was fast but for the first time realized just how fast Menesku truly was.
' He must be using a lot of ki. I hope he doesn't burn himself out. '
OoO
For the first time in his life Menesku was glaringly aware of the inadequacies in his training. True, in his career as a warrior he had faced many opponents, some of them stronger that he, but never had anyone made him feel like this. As he attempted to parry Shizimi's blows he felt that he was being reduced to the rank of an amateur with no skill and no grace. And even as he marveled at Shizimi's fluid movements he knew that Shizimi was toying with them.
' Almost like a cat plays with a half dead mouse ... ' He thought a little bitterly.
He was vaguely aware of Suraco standing at the periphery of there combat, an intent worried look in his green eyes. He saw Shizimi's sword arc towards him meeting his blade in a brutal kiss. There was a sharp rap of splintering steel and Shizimi's blade cut through the steel edge in one savage stroke. Almost instantaneously Shizimi moved away, his foot coming up like lightning catching Menesku hard in the stomach. The impact hurled Menesku into a column with a sickening crunch, the broken blade falling limply from his numb hands.
' Damn.' Blinking away the blood that seeped through the open wound on his forehead he tried to pull himself up. ' This is where those endurance lessons should come handy. '
Suddenly the floor seemed to rumble a little, red fissures appearing in the floor before long slimy tentacles of some unknown creature crept up through them. For a split second they waved in the air as if searching for something before enveloping Shizimi in their cruel embrace. As the coils tightened around Shizimi, Menesku's lips curved into a small smile.
' Hmph. The higher they fly...'
His eyes widened a little as he felt something race out of Suraco's illusion and at the next moment he saw that Shizimi hand curled around Suraco's neck lifting him off the ground as he would a rag doll.
"Seriously, did you think that level of illusion could affect me?"
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Keeah sat in the water, her back to the wall, head bend forward between her knees. Strands of moist hair fell like a curtain around her body and framed her pale face. Presently she raised her face looking at the dark ceiling and listening to the steady drip of water in the silent cavern. Somehow she felt that the emptiness of the place was magnifies by the absence of her comrades. She stretched her senses. All she could feel was their faint aura ...
She groaned and sat up. It would seem that Sotisku's medicine had finally begun to take effect. Light glanced off the empty vial that rested under the shallow waters and looking at it Keeah wondered where her comrades were.
' Damn it.' She swore lightly and pulled herself up. Looking around she could not see exit in the glistening walls of the grotto other than the narrow crack they had originally come through. ' I have to find a way out of this place. But first...' She looked at the forbidding stone door. ' First I shall see what lies beyond that door. '
She walked slowly to the door raising her chin to study the closed door. ' Mehen died defending this door. This must be the library of Fa Sang. ' She took a deep breath. ' Let us see if what we deduced is correct or not. '
She laid her palm on the cold stone. ' What now?' Her eyes widened a little. ' What the...'
Light leaped up from underneath her palm spreading like a forest fire through the cracks in the stone rapidly forming the invisible shape that was etched in it. Keeah steeped back instinctually letting out a sharp breath.
' The crest of Bastet.'
There was a deep rumbling sound, whichseemed to come from the belly of the Earth before the door parted. Light flooded the grottothrough the open door and Keeah instinctively put up her hand to shade her eyes. Slowly her eyes became used to the sudden light and she lowered her hand.
' Well ... I guess this is it.'
Taking a deep breath she stepped inside the room and for a while she almost forgot to breathe. She had no idea that such places could exist outside myths and she was sure that no poet could properly describe its splendor.
The room was lined with crystals that glowed with an ethereal light and rippled like water. It was almost as if she was walking on thin ice while the river of time flowed under her feet and rose like a solid fountain to meet the shimmering ceiling and fell like a waterfall along the walls. A thousand mirrors shimmered like stars in the galaxy hanging like fireflies around her and moving away when she approached. Some old, some new and each holding some untold tale ...
She walked through the mirrors watching shapes swirl in the glassy interiors drawing her into their life and the emotions, their little joys and sorrows, the pride and their ambition, their rise and their fall ...
' Where the hell is that scroll?'
She paused, exparated in front of a large gilded mirror whose tainted glass was lined by coiling golden dragons whose jade eyes held her gaze. The surface of the mirror swirled like the frothy waters of a mountain stream and she could see shadowy images form behind the glass.
' I don't have time for this...'
She turned to go, but her legs seemed to be transfixed and in spite of her decision to move ahead her eyes could not leave the mirror. She saw a battlefield where the sky and the ground wept blood, tattered flags waved from underneath the mounds of the dead and steel flashed like lightning in the red sky.
Etched against the scarlet sky stood two warriors poised in battle. Their dark cloaks fluttered in the wind and blood dripped from the razor edge of their katana and while one of the warriors stood tall and proud the other teetered...
Slowly the first warrior raised his sword with an almost deliberate flourish before bringing it down with a terrible force. The violent dark beam, which shot from the edge of the blade, engulfed the second warrior completely ...
The dust settled and Keeah realized with a surprise that the second warrior was a woman. Her armour hung in tatters from her bruised body and her hair formed a matted curtain around her shoulders. She knelt heavily on her sword, dark blood from her wounds anointing the ground. She saw the warrior struggle up, the broken form exuding defiance.
The first warrior lifted his hand, almost as if he dismissing a puny insect, white-hot energy swirled in his open palm before he unleashed it on the second warrior.
For a while Keeah felt as if the mirror was splattered with blood before turning into that dark glassy surface which reflected only her face.
' That ... was disturbing. ' She moved ahead, more shaken than she would have liked. ' Seiryuu, why does it affect me so? I am no stranger to war and bloodshed, yet...'
She walked ahead, resolutely ignoring the call of the other mirrors, her eyes searching for the scroll, till her legs stilled once more. It was a magnificent mirror, circled by a fiery Phoenix and an icy Dragon, enclosing a rather hazy translucent mirror. The mirror reflected her serious face on its hazy surface and she watched fascinated as the darkness of her eyes melted into chips of blue ice and her black strands lightened into an almost flaxen golden and skin as pale as snow.
It was a man's face. Handsome ...the kind of beautywhich resided in a marble statue, implacable, beautiful, cold ... dead.
' Who ... is he? Somehow I feel that he ... he is related with me somehow... But...'
The image swirled once more and this time melted into the form of a scroll lying tantalizingly just beyond her reach.
' Is that the scroll ... or is it just an image? I mean...' She frowned. ' What the hell... Nothing is ordinary here and it would be just like the batty old ... ahem ... to hide it inside a damned place like this. '
Summoning her courage she put her hand on the mirror. For a while she had a sensation of touching something cold before her hand went through the slightly gooey surface. At once she felt an intense pain shoot up her hand. Her eyes widened a little horrified as she saw the part of her hand inside the mirror seemed to age and wither almost instantaneously morphing into a child's chubby palm.
Horrified she pulled her arm out panting a little.
' Of course. Fa Sang was also called the Island Of Time.' Comprehension dawned on her. ' I suppose that these mirrors are the records in which the history of past ages are stored. Its ... its almost as if time flows in this mirrors ... that would explain...' Her lips pursed into a thin line. ' I have come too far to pull back now. '
Again she plunged her hand in the vortex of time, feeling once more as if her hand was being torn apart, then healed only to be torn apart again. Gritting her teeth she closed her fist over the scroll drawing it out.
Panting she sunk to the floor grasping her precious cargo.
' Finally, the scroll which defined the past of Kutou ... ' She ran a tender hand over the paper feeling her fingertips sizzle with ancient magic. ' Now, you shall write the future of Kutou.'
OoOoOoOoOoO
The red-hot flames that had danced merrily on the thatched rooftops of the dockside settlement had finally cooled down to smoldering red embers, their hunger finally satisfied. Their dull red hue defined two shilloutes standing at the edge of the waters studying the dark and hazy outline of the main island of Fa Sang. The silence that surrounded them was so thick that they could have been easily mistaken for marble statues.
" No fucking way !"
Or not.
"Liang, calm down. "
" Great freaking Suzaku, how the fuck can meself calm down?"
"There. Sit on that rock. "
There was a moment of tense silence.
"Yer joking?"
"No, I am perfectly serious. "
"Yeah, whatever."
Chulivey turned her troubled brown eyes at the dark land that lay just beyond their reach, across the cold waters. The nauseating feeling that gnawed insistently at her bowels kept giving her the unpleasant reminder that their presence was required in the mainland. Yet that very same feeling kept reminding her of several other things.
The first was that neither she, nor Liang were in a condition to fight; not at least yet. Liang despite his bravado was limping quite heavily and blood still seeped sluggishly from his more serious wounds. As for her ... they had won the fight against Butcher, but that battle had spoiled them for the war. After all, wounded warhorses are nothing but a liability in battle. She bit her lip, the battle with Butcher had also left them without a ship. That was what worried her more.
"Chulivey. "
She turned at Liang. "Yes. "
"We're in deep shit aren't we ?"
"That is one way of putting it. "
Liang's eyes danced. "Meself bets that them bastards of Kutou are in deeper shit. "
"If they are here, maybe, yes. " Chulivey's lips twitched. "But that is small comfort. "
"Yeah ..."
Chulivey stiffened. Again she felt it, that lingering presence of evil and ancient magic. Instinctively she turned seeing a vortex of dark energy swirl in the mist of the circle of ashes. Liang's more colorful vocabulary assured her that he sensed it as well.
"Let them fucking bastards show their ugly face once more, I'll ..."
Chulivey put up a hand to silence him. The vortex abruptly parted depositing its contents ingloriously on the ground. The dying embers, which surrounded the figure made his hair, appear as red as the setting sun and presently the boy got up dusting himself.
"Well that was unpleasant. " He turned, blue eyes widened as he slowly became aware that he was not alone and he clutched his staff harder. "Halt ! Come no further. I am armed and extremely dangerous. "
" Are ya threatening me ? "Liang growled.
"Yes. " He seemed to be very pleased to find Liang to be of such ready understanding. "As I was saying... " He paused looking around, color rapidly receding from his face. "Where the hell am I ?"
"Are ya trying to trick us ?"
"What are you talking about ?"
"Soon yer skin is gonna pop and yer gonna turn into an ugly bastard. "
"Sir you are talking nonsense. I recommend that you see a physician ... " He paused striking his forehead. "What the hell am I saying ? This is probably one of those Undead chaps ... "
" Undead ? Me thinks that meself should introduce ya to me tessen. "
"Enough Liang. " Chulivey cut in sharply. The dying embers bathed them in a red glow and even though that feeble light kept them from being plunged into total darkness it was sadly insufficient. She concentrated. The edge of her staff glowed suffusing the surroundings with a soft blue glow.
In this light their visitor's face became apparent. The fair boyishly handsome face was smutted with dirt, but the layers of grime, which covered him failed to hide the signs of struggle, which were apparent on his body. The thing, which instantly caught her attention, was the pendant that hung around his neck.
' A dragon ? Could it be ..?'
"I know you. "The smiling eyes had become serious all of a sudden. "You are the sorceress, Chulivey."
"Ya know the bastard. " Liang looked at Chulivey.
"No. " She shook her head. "But I can make a fair guess. Do I have the pleasure of addressing Sotisku, royal physician of Kutou ?"
Sotisku inclined his head gracefully. "The pleasure is all mine. "
"Yer a fucking bastard from Kuotu. Meself should introduce ya to me tessen. "
"The extent of your lingo is appalling Sir. " His face was a little pale but his blue eyes did not waver. "And besides I don't think we should fight. "
"What ? Ya scared. "
"A little, yes. " He said with an almost self-destructive frankness. "There is no way I could win against your combined forces, after all, I am the weaker warrior. Still, there is no reason to assume that you will come out of this struggle without a fresh bruise. That, is something, you cannot afford. "
For once Liang was silent. Even he had to acknowledge the force behind Sotisku's arguments. At last he spoke.
"So what do ya want ?" He grumbled.
"A partnership. " Sotisku said somberly.
"A what ?"
"A partnership." He repeated. "You need to find your comrades and so do I. We should look together. That way we have a better chance for success. "
"And would you abandon your quest ?" Chulivey's gaze was rather piercing.
To her surprise Sotisku laughed. "Seiryuu will be released Chulivey, you can do little to about that. However, what you decide now could influence what happens after Seiryuu is released. "
"You are awfully sure about success aren't you ?"
"Yes. " Chulivey could see only the barest tinge of worry behind the confidence in his eyes. "But now is not the time to consider my mentality. We should try to reach the mainland. "
"Okay wise guy. "Liang stepped forward. "See that. That is called a sea. How the hell are we gonna cross it ?"
Sotisku squinted his eyes studying the watery expanse. " I am not sure that can be termed sea. "
"Meself don't give a shit. Do ya have any idea on how to cross it ?"
There was a moment of tense silence. Then Sotisku shrugged helplessly. "I have absolutely no idea. "
"He is useless. Lets kill 'im. "
Sotisku rolled his eyes. "Give it a rest, will you ? By the way do you have a name ?"
"Ya better remember me name. It's Liang. If ya think that ya are going to betray us and live, yer mistaken. And when me burns ya with me tessen then remember me words and know who killed ya."
"You know Liang, all I wanted was your name. All that dialogue was unnecessary. Are you a seishi ?"
"That is none of your fucking business. "
"Oh well. " Sotisku shrugged. "First things first. I must heal you. " He looked at Chulivey. "Can you make that thing last ? I require some light. "
"Yes. " Chulivey nodded planting the edge of her staff firmly into the soft sand of the sea shore, its glowing tip casting a soft glow on the surroundings.
"Hmm. " Sotisku knelt on the sand rummaging into his sack. "Lets see. "
Chulivey sat on the soft sand watching the red head bend over the contents of the bag. Despite his apparent unconcern she could see that he was worried for his open blue eyes said much more than he would have liked to convey. There was a kind of restrained urgency in the way he handled his work that clearly showed that he too was just as eager to reach the mainland.
The waves lapped gently on the damp sand and Chulivey saw the white crests of the sea rising and falling like the tossing mane of a white stallion. A cold wind had begun to blow from the direction of the mainland whipping through their hair and she couldn't suppress the tiny shiver that ran through her frame. She bit her lip wondering how Lee and the others were faring. Her heart told her that she was unnecessarily wasting time but her head argued that they needed to heal before they could move on.
She watched Sotisku clean the gaping wound on her feet gritting her teeth as he dabbed it with a fiery liquid that smoked a little when it touched her flesh. Sotisku grinned at her.
"Sorry. " His voice was apologetic. "I know it hurts like hell, but it has to be done. "His hands froze and Chulivey saw his eyes widen a little.
She herself stiffened; the cold wind that blew from the mainland brought with it another thing ...
"What the fuck is that ?" Liang growled amber eyes narrowing.
' Is that a ... battle aura ?' Chulivey felt the hair at the nape of her head rise, raw power sizzled in the air around them. ' Suzaku, aid us.'
"This is just fucking great. " Liang frowned. "The real fun is going on in the mainland and we're stuck 'ere. "
"Yes, that is true. " Sotisku tied the bandage around Chulivey's leg with meticulous neatness. "Are you rested Sorceress ?"
"Yes. " She nodded a little. "I think ..." Her head jerked towards the hazy shoreline of the mainland. "Lee ?"
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Lee bit her lip, painfully swallowing the lump that seemed to be stuck at her throat and her eyes seemed to burn a little with suppressed tears. Under her palm Faraco's chest rose and fell unsteadily and she realized that he was loosing blood fast and that he needed a more expert medical attention than she could provide.
" Faraco ..." Two pearly drops leaked from her eyes and shone like dew drops on the edge of her long lashes.
' Crying won't help him you know.' Her inner voice snapped. ' He needs medical attention. '
" I know." She sighed. " I know ! I'll get help! "
' And who O wise one will look after Faraco while you go soliciting help from the numerous evil creatures that haunt this island. '
Lee's face fell. That part hadn't occurred to her. She couldn't leave Faraco lying here. In his condition he would be easy prey ...
' I don't think your presence makes any difference .' The voice in her head snorted. ' I am not sure that you can put up any other attack than shrieking.'
Lee sniffed unhappily. " You needn't remind me about that."
' Of course if you do nothing then he will bleed to death. '
"I know..." Lee could not keep the tears she had been holding back in check. " What am I going to do?"
' Stop crying for starters. Never could tolerate whiny women, myself. "
Lee sniffed rubbing her nose on the sleeve of her dress.
' Eww. That's disgusting.'
"I am sorry. But crying always gives me a running nose. But... to hell with that. Do you have any pearls of wisdom for me ?"
' Yes. In future never cut all those first aid classes. '
" Is that all ?"
' Yes.'
"Why you ..."
' Hush ... Look over there. '
Lee felt the hairs at the nape of her neck rise. She turned her head slowly. The clear pool in the middle of the clearing had begun to froth again, swirling inwards like a whirlpool, the turquoise blue water stained with a black dye. Lee flung her arms around Faraco protectively even though all her instincts urged her to run away.
" No. I will not abandon Faraco. I will protect him with my life !"
' Yes . We must put up a fight. I am not really sure how, but we must. '
Her eyes widened a little as she saw a clawed hand emerge from the swirling waters searching rather blindly before finding the edge. A shock of brown mane burst through the watery surface, before a tall sinewy figure emerged from the waters.
' Its ... catman !'
For once Lee agreed with her irritating inner voice. The creature that stood in front of her seemed to be a strange hybrid between a panther and a human and she found its speculative gaze rather unnerving. That and the enormous scarlet halberd he held effortlessly in his fist. The creature took a step forward.
"Back !" She declared in throbbing accents. "Don't come any further. "
' Or what ? You are going to poke him with a rubber ducky ?'
Lee ignored her inner voice, her wide terrified eyes fixed on the creature. " Back ..."
The creature cocked its head to one side as if assessing her. For a while its gaze rested on Faraco's prone form. Then it took a step forward ... then another ... then another ...
Lee buried her face into Faraco's chest, shielding him as best as she could with her body, cringing at the sound of every footstep waiting for the blow to fall.
" Maybe it'll be quick."
The footsteps passed by her, yet the blow never came. Slowly she raised her face. The creature had walked past her and was now standing at the edge of the forest. His face was raised upwards as he sampled the air.
' He is ignoring us!'
" Good. " Lee frowned unable to understand why the creature had not attacked them. Though she was relieved, secretly she was a little puzzled and apprehensive. " Maybe, it is waiting for it's ..." She gulped. " Friends. "
The creature turned at her. "What place is this woman ?"
Lee blinked. " Is he asking me what this place is ?" She bit her lips. " What sort of game is this ? Is he trying to trick me again ?"
"Woman, I asked you a question. "
"Look . " Lee's voice rose. "If you want to kill me just do it ! You don't have to..." Her voice broke as tears raced down her cheeks.
' Damn it ! Don't cry. Be defiant ! Show a little backbone. '
The creature knelt in front of her. "Why would I want to kill you ? You have not attacked me. "
Lee sniffed. "Don't try to act all nice. I know that you are just trying to trick me. "
"Trick you ? " He chuckled. "My dear girl if I wanted to kill you, you would be dead. "
' He is right you know. '
" I know." Lee snapped her eyes fixed apprehensively on the creature.
"Do you have a name woman ?"
' Like, why should we tell you that ?'
"Lee. " Her voice quivered a little. "My name is Lee. "
' I don't see why he has to know our name. Probably wants to say something like : Die Lee, just before he kills us. Though I can't see how that signifies. '
His eyes narrowed a little. "Lee. " He seemed to ponder on that " Are you ... The Suzaku no Miko ?"
She gulped, desperately trying to look defiant but failing miserably. " Yes. I am."
' Yeah kill us but be sure; our deaths will be avenged ! You know something that dialogue doesn't make me feel less like cattle under a butcher's knife. God ! If you want to kill us just be done with it. Don't drag the suspense on any more. '
"I am Taasha. "
Lee looked at him, a little confused. " Yeah ... So ?"
Taasha unwavering gaze settled on her profile. "My alpha has mentioned you. "
"A... Alpha ?" Lee's eyes widened. "Your master is responsible for everything !"
Taasha's eyes flashed and a deep threatening growl rose from deep within his chest. "My Alpha does not indulge in such abominations. "
' Talk sensibly Lee. Ask something like : who is your alpha ?'
" Who is your alpha ?"
" Lady Keeah. "
"Lady Keeah ?" Something switched on in Lee's head. "Isn't that the name of the Princess of Kutou ? That means ... that means ... this is one of the bad guys."
' Moron, if he wanted to kill you then he would have already done so. Besides, you are the Miko. You are much more valuable as a hostage.'
" Yes. You can't kill me ! I am the Miko !"
' Smart Lee. Really smart.'
His eyebrow rose a little and she could see the barest trace of amusement in his eyes. His voice however was serious. "Indeed. "
"I mean ... look ... you ... I ..."
' I am sure that he will be greatly impressed with your incoherent blabber. '
"Where is the rest of your pack ?"
"My pack ?" She blinked ." You mean the others. " She hung her head. " I ... don't know. "
Taasha laid a hand on Faraco's chest feeling his pulse. " This young man ... "
"Faraco. He is one of my packs. "
"He needs help. "
She nodded.
' I know... Wait Lee. Ask him for help !'
"Why would he help us ?"
' Like I said before, you are more valuable alive.'
" You know sometimes, you can be disturbing. "
' I am only being logical. Keeah is our enemy, but she will not kill us. Well, at least I think so. Still, I am sure that they will not be as bad as these creatures ... Does that make sense ?'
"Surprisingly, it does. "
' Well then ... talk. '
"You've got to help us !"
' Smart Lee. Really smart. At this time you need help, but you didn't have to spell it out to him. '
The amusement in his eyes deepened. "I can see that. " He pushed Lee's hand off Faraco's chest. "Perhaps you should let go. Clutching him that hard is doing him more harm than good."
Lee frowned. " I ..."
' You can be indignant later. Let the man treat Faraco ... if he can. '
She saw Taasha bend over Faraco's prone form and pour something down his throat. With controlled haste he tore off the edge of his cloak and wrapped it around his wounds. The bandages were crude but she noticed that they were better executed than her.
"That is all we can do for now. " He looked at her much serious now. "How did you come here ?"
"Well, we landed on this island ... "
"You have a ship ?"
"Yes. "
"Hmm. " He hauled Faraco effortlessly over his shoulders. "Come on. Lets go. "
"Where ?"
"To your ship. "
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Suraco felt the long calloused fingers close like iron bands around his neck cruelly cutting off the air. He felt the tips of his toes dangle in mid-air and heard Shizimi's mocking voice.
"Seriously, did you think that level of illusion could affect me ?"
He eyes widened a little as he felt himself hurled into the air. For an agonizing instant he felt himself suspended in air before Shizimi rose to meet him. Suraco felt as if the air around him had come alive, clawing at his flesh with altracity, the long golden flashes raising a new scar on his pale skin and finally deposited him on the ground with a bone-crunching thud.
For a while he felt that he would die from the pain. Through the corner of his eyes he saw Menesku had jumped into the fray again and when he saw the scarlet light dance around the blur that was Menesku he knew that they were fighting a loosing battle. Gritting his teeth he crawled to a side, digging into the pouch that hung from his waist. Slowly he brought out one of the vials and poured its burning contents down his throat. He felt strength return to his limbs and the cloud of agony that fogged his mind recede somewhat.
With a small grimace he looked at the depleted contents of his pouch. He raised an apparently indifferent eye and watched Menesku struggle to achieve a foothold against Shizimi.
' Damn it ! Just how strong is this guy ?'
Suraco was not particularly vain. Yes, he was a little proud of his skill as an illusion master. Very few were able to break out of the web of lies he wove around them. Nobody, till date had seen through the mesmerizing tapestry he flung over their eyes. He knew his skill was not perfect or invincible, but it was not to be disregarded either and the way Shizimi had brushed aside his attack had more than bruised his ego. But like Menesku his heart didn't usually dictate him and his head told him that right now his ego was the least of his concerns.
His eyes narrowed a little. He had always known that Menesku moved liked the wind yet compared to Shizimi his movements appeared graceless and ... slow. Now slow was a property one did not equate with Menesku. Fast, deadly, lethal ... yes ... never slow ... never graceless. Shizimi wavered around Menesku like a careless breeze, his movements so fast that it appeared as if he was teleporting himself around Menesku.
' He is beating the crap out of us and he is not even serious ! ' Suraco's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. 'It is clear that attacking him arbitrarily is not going to work. Pitting our strength headlong against him will not work either. We need a plan. '
He saw Menesku fly through the air and land beside him, the ki- sword in his hands flickering and dying away.
"Hello Menesku. "He smiled weakly at his comrade. "Drink. " He pushed a vial into his hands before putting himself between Shizimi and Menesku. "But I must warn you that we are fast running out of healing potions. "
Menesku made a noncommittal grunt grimacing as he downed the liquid and Suraco knew that even though Menesku was rumored to be made of iron he still needed some time to recover.
Shizimi smiled a little almost lazily leaning on his overlarge sword. "You two look tired. Shall we call for a time off ?"
Suraco bit his lip. Even though Shizimi's lazy mocking voice bit into his skin like a whiplash they really a time off.
' This is an extreme example of irony. We need a time off, I mean we really need it, but we can't take it because it would make us look weak. If only I could make buy some time without making it appear like I am buying time ...'
Suddenly he stiffened as icy cold air seemed to rush through the hall, the torches flickered, their flames buffeted by the sudden wind. Suraco blinked; the walls seemed to melting away, as if eaten by some parasite, the roof seemed to turn into ash and fly away baring the dark velvet of the sky above them. It was almost as if somebody had thrown a bucket full of water on a painting and now the ink was being slowly washed off.
' By Seiryuu, I was right. We were in the middle of a gigantic illusion ! But now its wearing off ... does that mean ...'
They were still standing the hall but it looked different ... more ancient. The tall pillars that had once supported the roof now lay humbled on the ground, which was carpeted, with the dust of a thousand ages. Like Tur the walls bore scorch marks and Suraco could feel the tale of a desperate struggle etched in the chipped walls.
A small chuckle from Shizimi caught his attention. "How very interesting. I had not thought that Wadjet would succumb so easily. But then life can be full of surprises. " He yawned, fixing a bored eye on Suraco. "Shall we continue then ?"
"By all means. " Suraco inclined his head gracefully, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice. "Don't tarry on my account. "
Shizimi chuckled. "How very kind of you. "
Suraco gritted his teeth. Behind him he could feel Menesku trying to get up on his feet.
' There is no way that I could match him in speed. If only I could somehow reduce it a little. '
His eyes narrowed as he felt the scarlet streak cut through the darkness and grinned a little.
' Now.'
OoOoO
Menesku groaned. The medicine Suraco had pushed into his hand seemed to ease the dull throbbing of his wounds a little. His shoulders shook in a silent chuckle.
' This is a certainly interesting situation. Suraco and I have been wanting to kill each other for the longest period of time. Yet now we fight back to back. O' what games Time plays. '
He saw Suraco crouch, muscles tense as he awaited Shizimi. Suraco was one of the few warriors who could match his agility but where Shizimi was concerned Suraco's speed was more like a tortoise ... Even when he sacrificed his ki to heighten his abilities Shizimi appeared no more than a blur to him and to Suraco a scarlet streak. Once again he had the disturbing idea that Shizimi was merely toying with them.
Damn it !'
He tried to struggle up, but his limbs still felt powerless, a circumstance he found singularly disturbing and frustrating. His eyes narrowed a little as he saw the scarlet streak race at Suraco.
' Suzaku ... Dodge that attack Suraco ...Dodge it or you are done for !'
Apparently the call of his heart had reached Suraco for he moved with a speed that Menesku had never seen him employ, his whip coiling like a live beast around him.
' Is it me ... or is Suraco getting stronger ?'
The scarlet blur changed directions almost instantaneously doggedly pursuing his quarry. But Suraco seemed to be expecting this, his whip came down with a dangerous swish. Menesku had been on the receiving end of Suraco's whip many times and knew exactly how those nasty tricks he had up his sleeve, could hurt ...
His eyes widened . ' What the hell is he doing ?'
The green whip whirled around Suraco like a sinuous python, striking out its forked tongue with lethal grace; only he wasn't aiming for the scarlet blur that danced around him but the floor. The whip touched the ground with an earth shattering impact cracking the floor, mutilating the earth. The once smooth floor was now resembled a battleground, the fresh scars churning up the Earth underneath.
Suraco panted a little, sweat shone like pearls on his smooth forehead and Menesku could see his green eyes darting around for a sign of Shizimi as the dust settled.
' Of course. ' Menesku's eyes widened a little. ' While on a smooth terrain speed increases rapidly, a rocky and uneven terrain reduces the speed drastically. That is why horses or chariots are not of much use in mountain warfare. He is trying to reduce Shizimi's speed. '
A mocking chuckle caught his attention. Shizimi crouched on top of a broken pillar and Menesku had the unpleasant thought that he appeared to be molded from the very darkness that surrounded them.
"That ... was an interesting strategy. " His voice held the same bored indifference, which both angered and unnerved Menesku. "Something that has been used against me many times. "
He saw Suraco tense and before he could blink he felt something rush past him cutting through the ground violently, carrying Suraco off his feet in its mad rush and hurling him mercilessly into a broken column.
Suraco crumpled like a sodden paper at the base of the column, his dusty hair falling like a curtain over his bloody face ...
Shizimi stood in the middle of the room, dusting an infinitesimal speck of dust from his spotless tunic.
"I guess I should have told you ... it never worked ."
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Taasha walked through the silent hallways, his footsteps echoing eerily through the deserted expanse. The weight of the young man on his shoulders seemed to get heavier with each passing minute and a nagging suspicion crossed his mind that they were moving in circles. He stole a glance at the girl who was desperately trying to keep up with his long strides, sweat shining on her forehead and grasping her injured arm. Even though she was not as injured as her companion, she was still wounded and she too was slowly weakening as the effect of the medicine he had given her wore off.
' I hope that there are some healers among her people.'
"Umm ... Taasha. "
Taasha looked at Lee. "Yes, my Lady. "
"I wanted to ask you something. "
"Go on. "
Lee paused turning her wide worried eyes at him. "Why are you helping us ?" She bit her lips. "I thought you would be taking us to Keeah, but you ... you are taking us to our ship ... our people ... I don't understand ... "
Taasha raised an eyebrow. By what he had been told the Suzaku no Miko was an extremely important figure in his rival clan. He had concluded that she held a position of great esteem in her clan, a position close to, if not equal to that of the alpha. For one who sat so close to the seat of power his actions should have been as clear as day.
First of all, he found it strange that she had not realized that he had been separated from his clan and had he known where Keeah was he would have taken her to Keeah. But the fact was that he did not know where his pack was and he wanted to enlist the help of the Miko's people to search for them.
"Your clan and mine are rivals. " He said slowly. "But circumstances demand that we put aside our differences and work together. "
"Huh ?" Lee blinked.
' He means to say that if we want to save our butts we must work together. ' Came the answer from the more logical part of her self.
"I am sure that your alpha and mine will understand the force behind this suggestion. " He continued. 'And since I have assisted one so obviously dear to their alpha, he is honor bound to assist me in my quest. '
"I see. " She said at last. "And I understand, though I wanted to ask ... we are not lost are we ?"
Taasha's mind was running on similar lines. For a while he wavered between the truth and the desire not to panic her and finally decided on the truth.
"Yes we are. "
' Oh my God ... I knew it !'
She gulped. "That all right. " She said with an over-bright smile that scared Taasha. "I am sure we will find our way out. "
"Yes. " Taasha gave an uneasy smile before turning his attention to the more pressing problem. He lifted his nose in the air and delicately sampled it.
' This is not right.' He frowned. Something had struck him rather forcefully every time he tested the air. And that was the total absence of smell. Down in the damp caverns a thousand smells, good and bad had assailed his olfactory sensors. Yet here, he sensed nothing but the scent of their own sweat and blood. It was almost as if he was walking in a sterile environment, down a hall where Nature was dead and all her smells non-existent.
He stiffened. For a while a faint whiff passed over his nose, almost like a fleeting messenger. ' Salt ! I ... I smell the sea !'
He picked up his pace. "Come my Lady, I think I have a way. "
He froze as a sudden chill seemed to grip him. He found fear grasp hold of his heart and all his senses urging to run ...
' What ... is that ?' He frowned. ' I hope ...' He turned. "Come Lady Lee. Let us not tarry any longer. " He started to move once more and he found that his legs were moving with great altracity away from what his being considered was a serious threat to his survival. He found his fear singularly unnerving. 'Good grief ... I am a berserker. I should not be afraid of anything '
A strangled cry caught his attention even as the salty air of the open sea caresses his face.
"We are stuck !"
He turned at Lee." I beg your pardon ?"
"There was a road here ... a bridge." Tears swam in Lee's eyes. "It linked this place with that island over there ... But ..."
"I believe that the tide must have come in. "
"Yes... But..." Lee could not hold her tears back any more. "How the hell we going to get there ?"
Taasha slowly lowered Faraco on the soft sand, sharp eyes scanning the blue expanse of water. He frowned a little.
' This certainly poses a problem.'
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Hotohori moved down the serpentine corridor, his boots splashing softly in the puddles of water that had accumulated in the slippery floor. The torches that lined the mossy walls cast a dull yellow light on the path that sloped downwards in a spiral fashion into the yawning darkness, almost as if it were taking him deeper and deeper into the belly of a beast.
Hotohori did not lessen his pace as he proceeded forwards, uncaring of the wounds that covered his body; the sword hung loosely from his fist, blood dripping slowly from its razor edge onto the ground. The air around him seemed to become colder and his breath rose in a mist in front of his face. The darkness that surrounded him seemed to embrace him lovingly in her velvety arms and to any observer he would appear to be very much at home.
He stopped suddenly, mouth curving upwards into a slow smile. "Shadow. " His voice was silken. "Why do you still haunt my footsteps ?"
The was a movement in the fluid darkness behind him and Shadow's sooty form crouched before him, confused red eyes stared at him from the formless face.
"I ... not know. "
"Hmm. " Turning Hotohori moved forwards.
"Stop !" Shadow leaped in front of him barring his way. "You ... not go this way. "
"Really ? " There was a very dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Why not Shadow ? Will it be different from through what you have led me ? If I have survived that, I will surely survive this. "
Shadow cocked his head to one side. " You ... angry ?"
"No. " His voice sounded surprised. "I am not angry. I ... move Shadow. I have work to do. " He moved past Shadow and continued on his path.
"I ... not angry ... I ..." Shadow leapt to the ceiling holding onto it like a giant lizard, quickly crawling over his head and hanging in front of him upside down.
"Live ... Do not go. "
"Why Shadow ? Are you afraid ?"
Shadow dropped in front of him, red eyes widening slowly as comprehension dawned on him. "I afraid." His voice rose. "I ... afraid !"There was a strange joy in his voice as he repeated the phrase over and over again before his voice fell.
Hotohori saw his shoulders sag as he raised his despondent eye at Hotohori. Slowly he raised his smoky arms.
"I ... afraid ..." His voice had that same despairing tone. "I still Shadow. " His voice rose into that long crescendo of pain before he bounded of into the darkness.
Hotohori paused. Shadows cry never failed to chill him to bone and tear at his heartstrings.
' This ... is hell...' He frowned. ' Then why do I feel that I ...' He froze as he felt a sudden cold wind rush through the corridor snuffing out the dull torches in its headlong progress.
' What the hell ...'
All of a sudden the temperature around him seemed to drop and the stagnant aura of evil that he had felt pulsating around him fade away. The air around him appeared cool and sterile. In the darkness his mouth curved into a savage smile.
' I am glad to know that you are alive witch.'
His senses were stretched taut as he moved ahead in the darkness, but as he moved ahead he felt an unfamiliar feeling grip his heart, twisting his innards into painful knots.
' Good grief, why do I feel like this all of a sudden ?' He frowned, curbing all his senses and moving forward though his legs wanted to go in another direction. ' Why do I feel that I should not be here ? That ... I am needed somewhere else ?' His nostrils flared. ' I will not turn back ... I will see the end of this road. '
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
"I am telling you Liang. Lady Lee is on the other side. She probably needs our help or something. " Chulivey's voice sounded frantic.
"I heard ya the first time woman. "Liang snapped. "Me self should've learnt to swim the time me pop threw meself into that goddamn river. "
"You should have Liang and don't you dare call me woman ! Its Chulivey, got it !"
"Oh shut up both of you !"Sotisku cut in. "You are not thinking logically. Even if you do swim to that island you cannot expect them to swim back as well, now can you ?"
"Well O' little ray of sunshine, have you got any ideas ?"
"Damn Chulivey, yer just as good as Menesku at insulting fellah's."
Chulivey glared at him, before turning at the sea once more. ' Lady Lee must be wounded ... This is not good.' Her eyes widened a little. ' What the hell ...'
The temperature around her seemed to plummet drastically, a cold wind that seemed to come from the direction of the mainland rush over them like a maddened beast.
"What the fuck is going on ?"
"Liang must you use that word at every opportunity ?" Chulivey frowned blinking the dust out of her eyes.
"I don't give a shit. Just look around ya !"
Chulivey raised her face, her eyes widening a little. All around her the scenery seemed to be eroding away in the wind, the burning embers fading into the burnt skeletons of ancient huts, dwelling that seemed to have been torched centuries ago and the empty spaces that surrounded the dock filled with the dark outlines of ships, their sails lowered, anchored in the shallow waters. A thin mist swirled lightly around their edges and floated over the ground.
' Ships disappear in the Devil's triangle. Some come back ... but there are never any people on it ...'
She bit her lips. ' So this must be what happened to those ships ...but why hadn't I sensed anything ?'
A small chuckle caught her attention. She turned at Sotisku. The red bangs had fallen over his face and his shoulders shook with a silent laughter before he threw back his head and gave way to mirth.
"That's it." Liang shook his head. "The boy has finally cracked. "
"As Suraco would say, this is brilliant " He wiped his eyes. "Don't you see ? We were in a giant illusion. That Wadjet fellow must have been responsible for it but now ..."
"Who is Wadjet ?" Chulivey was curious.
"Never mind that. " Sotisku pointed at the sea. "Look. "
"By the freaking talons of Suzaku ... the bridge. "Liang limped forward. "It was always 'ere. Why when I get me hands on the bastard..."
Chulivey frowned. ' This was an illusion and I never sensed it.' She looked at the bridge that spanned between the lands.
It hardly resembled she the one remembered. Like the skeletal cottages it appeared only like a dream of its actual self.
Liang gave a low whistle. "So this is the real Fa Sang. Me self can work with this. " His eyes fell on two figures slowly making their way towards them. "Lee .."
The smaller figure picked seemed to pick up pace, the walk slowly turning into a run. He felt a small figure hurled itself at his chest.
"Liang. " Lee sobbed into his chest. "I am so happy to see you. "
Liang flushed, trying to distangle himself. "Yeah, well me too. Glad ...Ya know."
Lee let go of him just as readily flinging herself at Chulivey. "Oh Chulivey."
Chulivey patted her absentmindedly. "Calmn down Lady Lee."
Lee hiccupped, wiping her eyes. "I thought I would never see you again. " Her eyes fell on Sotisku who was bent over Faraco. "Who are you ?" Her voice was surprised.
"No need to fling yourself at me dear girl. I am trying to get some work done here. " Sotisku held up Faraco's hand testing his pulse. "I am Sotisku. "
Lee flushed. "I don't ... I was just happy to see my friends again. "
"Understandable. " Sotisku frowned. "I will fling myself on anybody if I ever get off this rock. " He looked at Taasha. "Taasha do you think that you could get one of these ships to work ?"
Taasha frowned. "Maybe. Some of them appear to be in good order. "
"Very well. " Sotisku got up. "Let's get to work then. "
OoOoO
Lee sat on the other side of the cabin watching miserably as Sotisku dressed Faraco's wounds and drew a thick pelt over him. He looked so pale and lifeless. Taasha had found a ship that was in a fairly serviceable condition. She was a small sturdy vessel built for speed and maneuverability. The trunks they had found below the deck held some thick woolen cloaks in which they were now safely wrapped up. But Lee found it hard to be optimistic. Even though she had found Chulivey and Liang, Hotohori and Menesku were still missing.
"That should do for now. " Sotisku got up.
"Is ... he going to be all right." She asked with a small unhappy sniff.
"Of course he is going to be all right. " Sotisku said kindly. "He is a fine lusty specimen. Now come up to the deck with me. The fresh air will do you good. "
"But Faraco ..."
"He needs to sleep. "
Lee followed Sotisku to the deck. Liang and Chulivey stood at the bulwarks looking towards the island.
"Now that there's a path to the main island, I think we should start looking for the others. " Chulivey turned at Sotisku. "What do you think ?"
"That's an excellent idea. " Sotisku said grimly. "But somebody should stay here ... " He looked Taasha who was bend over the wheel. "And the ship still needs some repairing ..."
"So ya, Lee and the catboy can stay. " Liang turned away. "Meself and Chulivey will go join the fun. "
"But Liang." Lee protested.
' Shut your trap girl.' Her inner voice snapped. ' You can't fight. The least ya can do is help the cat guy to sew up the sails.'
" But ... I can't sew straight. "
' Yeah, so what can you do ?'
" I ... can stay out of their way and help Sotisku.'
' Good idea.'
"Look Lady Lee. " Chulivey began. "You must stay here with Sotisku. "
"That's all right." Lee said meekly. " Just be careful. I was just ... Sotisku and I will get along great, won't we Sotisku ?" She turned at the redhead. "Sotisku ?"
But Sotisku was gripping the bulwarks so hard that his knuckles appeared white, wide blue eyes fixed on the distant horizon. Lee followed his gaze and froze.
' What is going on ?' Her inner voice sounded awed.
A thick belt of thunderclouds seemed to have gathered over the main island, forked white tongues of lightning cut through the darkness like a silvery katana and thunder rolled like the distant drumbeat of an oncoming war. The wind was picking up rapidly and waters of the sea were becoming choppy, its luminescent crests stretching their watery hands into the air.
"I don't believe it. " Chulivey's voice was awed.
"Believe it. " Sotisku's voice was strained.
The clouds whirled overhead bursting forth into a kaleidoscope of colors and for a while it appeared as if they were being showered by the broken stars and then ...
There was a tremendous roar that seemed to shake the very Earth and Heaven, the cry of a mighty Beast-God as the fetters around him fell away ... A stream of white light tore through the darkness as a Blue dragon slowly emerged from the whirling clouds, anointed by the thunder and the lightning, the waters rising up to wash its feet ...
"Seiryuu ..." Sotisku's voice was strained and reverential.
For a while the Dragon stayed thus ...
And then he disappeared in the clouds, which melted away like the morning mist, and for a while it seemed that they had imagined the entire thing.
"What was that ?" Lee's voice shook a little.
Sotisku had sunk to his knees on the dusty deck. Now he raised his face to look at the constellation of Seiryuu shining brightly against the dark veil of Night. His blue eyes flashed proudly.
"That ... my Lady was the heralding of a new era in Kutou. "
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