Six: Rush of Light
(Recap)
Then a voice spoke, a voice neither male nor female, living nor dead, old nor young; a voice that thrummed with power and resonated in his mind.
Hello, young one. I am Gyvenimas. You may call me Veni. I assume you are my new companion?
(End Recap)
Saralegui was stunned. Assuming that the voice was coming from the sword, an inanimate object was talking to him. Such a thing should not be possible.
Yes, I am talking to you. Don't be so close-minded.
Okay, so it really was talking to him and not his own imagination running wild after an overdose of power.
Hmm… The voice seemed to hum contemplatively. You're half Shinzoku and human, eh? Well, that's the usual… Oh!
The young king, startled by the exclamation, instinctively thought, What happened?
So much power… so much untapped power… dear child, what have you been doing? Has no one taught you how to use… The voice trailed off, and Saralegui felt a vague intrusiveness in his mind, as though the sword – Veni – was exploring other, less conscious parts of it. Ah. I see. You have had no appropriate mentor.
Did you go through my memories? Saralegui demanded, indignant. You shouldn't invade others' privacy without warning! I never gave you license to peer at my past!
Picky, picky, sang Veni, sounding almost amused. Wouldn't you want to know more about the person who will be your long-time companion, partner, comrade? That's all I did. Count yourself privileged that I deign to teach you. I'm not used to getting greenlings.
If you're so fussy, go talk to my mother then, retorted the blonde, feeling rather ticked off. She'll be more than happy, and she's much more experienced than I am.
Oh, but she's a pureblood, Veni pointed out. I make it a point not to respond to purebloods. I like to be exclusive. Half-bloods are so much harder to come by. I can't let people take me for granted, now can I?
Saralegui was starting to think that the sword had been in disuse for so long that it had forgotten its lofty purpose.
No, I've been like this since time immemorial, replied the sword. Take it or leave it; I'm not going to change anytime soon. By the way, I'd like you to know that I can teach you to use your houryoku in ways far beyond what you can imagine, but with you I cannot revive Seisakoku.
That was, to say the least, a crushing blow. Why not? cried the young king. I am half-blooded, you say I am powerful… why can't you –
I am naught but a glorified catalyst for power, said Veni. Its voice held a tinge of regret. Your power is based in light, heat, sound and thought. I could create three suns from nothing but your power. I could erase the minds and memories of a million people with nothing but your power. But I cannot make the soil fertile or make dry rivers flow with your power. For that, I need one whose power is based in the earth, in the water.
An image surfaced in Saralegui's mind – one of lashing rain and churning earth, of blinding lightning and heaving stones, of fallen flags and fleeing men. I know someone with that power.
Hmm… yes, whoever did that would certainly be appropriate, replied the sword. Find this person and persuade him or her to help.
Does that mean I will have to surrender you? The blonde was not particularly happy with the idea.
No, it does not. You woke me; you need me. Besides, you interest me. Unless it is an emergency, I will communicate with none but you. Only my companions know I am conscious.
Saralegui decided not to comment on Veni's way of thinking. It sounded uncannily like the way he thought about Yuuri.
That's partly why you interest me. You're not one of those many idealists that I've come across through the ages. You're calculative and scheming. You've faced life-changing calamities and carry immense burdens. You're different. It'll be interesting to see what we'll go through from here on.
Distantly, the young king could hear someone calling his name. I should go back, he told the sword reluctantly.
Veni chuckled. You haven't gone anywhere. I'm the one who's come here. You can't get rid of me as long as I'm within five feet of you. Open your eyes, child; I won't go away.
Obeying, Saralegui saw his mother standing before him, illuminated by a bright gold light that he seemed to be emitting. Upon closer inspection, he realized that it came from the sword, not himself. The entire hall was lit up with Veni's brilliance.
This is your power – light. I only amplify it, said the sword.
Thanks. Keep it that way, he replied.
"Saralegui?" Alazon was watching him with eyes that held curiosity and perhaps even a little awe. Then, composing herself, she asked, "Have you awakened the Holy Sword?"
Although it was rather obvious and the question was redundant, the blonde answered, "Yes, I have."
The queen smiled. It was rather strange, as though she wasn't used to smiling. "That is wonderful. Thank you so much, my son." She stepped forward, extending her arms as though to hug him.
Saralegui considered stepping away, then relented and allowed her to envelop him in her arms. Her robes were cool to the touch and slippery-smooth. I feel no closeness to her… why? I thought I wanted a mother, just like Yuuri.
The grass on the other side is always greener, commented Veni philosophically.
I thought mothers were supposed to be warm and comforting. She isn't, argued Saralegui.
The sword sent him the mental equivalent of a shrug. She does seem to be trying. From what I can tell, she hasn't hugged anyone in a good few decades.
That may be true, agreed the young king.
She held him for a few brief seconds before releasing him. "Now, I am sure you can fulfill my request to return life to Seisakoku."
For some reason, Saralegui had an odd sinking feeling. "My greatest apologies, but that I cannot do."
Alazon frowned. "Why not?"
"My power is not appropriate for this purpose," he explained. "The sword can only use one whose power is base in water and land to revive Seisakoku – my power is based in light, heat, sound and thought."
"So, you cannot do what I ask of you?" Her tone was neutral, as was her expression – she was waiting for a sign of which way to react.
Saralegui shook his head. "I cannot, but –" Before he could finish his sentence, he was flat on the floor, the left side of his face numb.
Looking up, he saw his mother standing over him. Her face had changed completely from the perfect, emotionless cast it had had before. It was now crumpled into a mask of anger, hate and frustration.
"Useless child," she gritted. Even her voice was harsher. "I birthed you for this purpose. I carried you in my womb for nine tortuous months; I brought you into this world without care for the pain; I married a human man, all for this! And you dare tell me that your power is unsuitable? Had I known, I would never have gone through all that suffering!"
Something struck his backbone, and he rolled on the ground. Pain was starting to set into his face now – the slap had had enough force to make him fall. Again, something hit him; he struggled to get up, but failed as pain shot through his back and legs.
Above him, something was moving; by some miracle, he managed to focus on it. It was a hand, descending at a speed that made it impossible to dodge. Just before it hit, though, it stopped sharply.
"Alazon, what are you doing?!" The voice was Berias'. "He is your son! This is not his fault!"
"It is his fault!" screamed the enraged queen. "I have slaved for half my life for this day, for this purpose! Everything was in place! Everything would have gone right – if not for his useless powers! Why couldn't you have had power based in water rather than light; in earth rather than sound?! Useless!!" Her foot came down, hard enough to make him cough up blood.
"Control yourself, Alazon!"
"As though I can! You did not suffer by my side! You did not give up everything you had! You have no right to get in the way of my anger!"
"I gave you up, Alazon, and I can see that you've given up your mind! You've lost your humanity since I last saw you!"
"How dare you – Get out! Get out of my sight! I never want to see you or this worthless son of mine again! Go!"
Keeping his eyes open was getting too difficult; his whole body was aflame with pain. Lost in a sea of houryoku, shock and pain, Saralegui felt someone – probably Berias – picking him up, as if from a great distance. Then he lost consciousness altogether.
The last thing he heard before blacking out was Veni's voice. This is certainly very entertaining.
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When he returned to consciousness, they were in a forest, and Berias was healing him. The cool numbness of the healing was soothing the innumerable aches throughout his body."Berias…"
The guard did not reply; sweat was beading along his forehead and dripping down the sides of his face as he concentrated on healing. Deciding not to bother him, Saralegui turned his focus inwards. Veni?
Yes, child, I'm here. I told you I wouldn't go away. Let me just say that that is one interesting mother you have.
You're not the one getting beaten up, retorted the blonde. I'm quite surprised she let me take you along, actually.
That man picked me up, and I used your power to teleport us all, answered Veni. I can teach you how to do it some other time, when you're up to it.
You teleported us out? repeated Saralegui. What's teleport?
Well, it is a complex thing that requires bending of space and time, explained the sword. I forgot to mention, you have some control of time as well. It is very rare – like I said, you are interesting.
That's not what I meant, though I don't mind that you told me that, said the young king. I meant, what exactly is a teleport?
Oh, it is an instantaneous transport from one place to another. In other words, you disappear from the place where you started and reappear in the place where you want to go. I warn you though, it is very costly in terms of power. In fact, doing it without me would be suicidal – you'd use up a good bit of your life-force to sustain your houryoku.
Saralegui felt a little disappointed. Well, as long as I have you around, it shouldn't be a problem… right? Besides, are there so many others like me that you know how to do this kind of thing so well?
We both have limits, so don't try it too often. Also, I already said that the ability to control time is very rare, clarified Veni. You are unique, child. The last time I met someone with power anything like yours was a good four thousand years ago. They called him the Great Sage.
Great Sage? The image of Yuuri's soukoku friend appeared in his mind. They call him the Great Sage too.
That's definitely not him. The Great Sage I knew was an adult, and as I mentioned, he lived four thousand years ago. I must say that there are plenty of similarities between the two of you, though, once I think about it.
But he's a Mazoku, Saralegui pointed out. Maryoku and houryoku can't be similar.
You'd be surprised – they are, Veni informed him. More similar than you'd like to believe. The most distinct difference is the race of those who use them and the common power bases. Maryoku is limited to air, earth, water and fire, and one person generally has power over only one element. Furthermore, humans cannot control it. Houryoku, on the other hand, has a very diverse range of bases – yours is a good example – and can be controlled by humans to a certain extent. I can use the power of both maryoku and houryoku.
That's good, because the person I had in mind is a half-Mazoku, commented the blonde.
Would this person be the Yuuri you are always thinking about? inquired the sword.
He is Yuuri, but I do not think about him all the time.
If you say so. Veni did not sound convinced.
Realizing that the healing was over, Saralegui opened his eyes. "Berias?"
"Saralegui." The man's voice was hoarse; he was clearly exhausted. "I did not expect her to react in such a way. I apologize for asking you to meet her and thereby cause you much injury."
"Don't worry. I wanted to meet her myself, and anyway you've healed me," reassured the young king. "Besides, now I have the Holy Sword. Yuuri can save Seisakoku; I'm going to try to persuade him to do so." At the same time, maybe I'll kill Alazon.
Is that how you treat the one who united you with me? Veni sounded vaguely surprised. Just make her yield the throne to you. That should be enough punishment for her.
I'll think about it when I get hold of her. Aloud, he said, "I already have an invitation from him to visit Shin Makoku. It will not be difficult."
"Sir." Berias bowed his head slightly in agreement.
"By the way, this Holy Sword's name is Gyvenimas," added the blonde. "I'll be referring to it by that name, and I'd like it if you did too."
Berias' eyebrows crinkled. "How do you know its name?"
"It's carved into the hilt," answered Saralegui, lying through his teeth. "I realized it earlier."
"I see." Berias rarely questioned his words. "Your Majesty, we should find a place to lodge tonight. Once again, I apologize – I neglected to bring along our horses."
"That is not a problem," replied the young king. "We will sleep in the palace tonight." Veni, do you mind teleporting us again? We really have no means of transport, and I'm injured…
Just promise that you'll rest well once we're there, said the sword, sounding resigned. I'll need a clear picture of the place you want to go to.
Saralegui quickly conjured up an image of his palace bedroom. There.
Well then, here we go
.Before he could even brace himself, the world dissolved into a multitude of meaningless colors. His body felt as though it had been dispersed into a million particles that were everywhere and yet nowhere. Time spun, spreading and collapsing upon itself, trapped in a whirlwind of power. Saralegui had no idea how he knew this; he concluded that it must be due to a partial melding of consciousness with Veni, which was controlling the whole thing.
Then all his particles were pulling together, drawn by an irresistible force, forming once more into their original pattern. The whirlwind disappeared, and time flowed again.
Saralegui opened his eyes to see the canopy of his bed. Turning his head, he saw Berias lying next to him, looking disoriented and confused beyond measure. Whoops.
Rest, commanded Veni, in a tone that brooked no opposition.
"Berias, we're home," said the young king conversationally.
Beside him, the guard leapt to his feet, bowing deeply. "I apologize for –"
"It's alright," Saralegui cut him off. "Now go. Inform the palace that I am back. I will rest now – do not let anyone disturb me."
The man bowed again. "Sir."
As the door closed, Saralegui could feel the beginnings of exhaustion creeping up on him. With the last dregs of his energy, he put aside the sword and pulled the sheets over himself. Within seconds, he was fast asleep.
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They stayed in the palace for almost a week, in which Saralegui had to appease his court with a long, detailed and completely fictional account of his journey to Dai Shimaron as well as deal with administration work that had piled up since the Mazoku's visit. Once all that was sorted out, he began planning his trip to Shin Makoku.
As before, he had to convene the Council before he could leave. This was of especial importance because he had no idea how long this trip would take. He would much have preferred to leave without giving them any notification, but if the ruler of Shou Shimaron vanished for more than a week, they'd start looking for successors. That was not an idea Saralegui liked.
This time, argument was much more straightforward – he actually had plenty of good reasons to go. "It is for the good of Shou Shimaron," Saralegui repeated, spreading his hands on the table and looking at his nobles earnestly. "An alliance with Shin Makoku would encourage trade with them and their other allies; Dai Shimaron can do nothing in the face of the Maou."
"But Your Majesty, we will not be invulnerable to Dai Shimaron," Lord Imran pointed out. "Even though we acknowledge that the Mazoku and their Maou will be a great deterrence to King Lanzhil, it is unwise to believe he will restrain himself from attacking us once he knows we have allied ourselves with his enemy."
"Geographically, we are much closer to Dai Shimaron than to Shin Makoku," added Lady Quinne. "Although they may pledge to come to our rescue, Shou Shimaron will be razed to the ground by the time they arrive with their troops."
"I do not deny these possibilities," replied the young king. "However, the crux of the matter is whether or not we forge an alliance with Shin Makoku. I feel it to be of crucial import. That trade will increase dramatically is undeniable. As for military security, I will be able to negotiate with the Mazoku once I am there."
Murmurs rippled through the hall as the Council deliberated. Another noble, Duke Reben, spoke up. "What of the security of Shou Shimaron in Your Majesty's absence?"
"I judge that our full military strength, inclusive of all border lords and wielders of war houryoku, is enough to hold Dai Shimaron at bay for at least a week. In that time, I will be able to return from Shin Makoku with additional Mazoku forces," answered Saralegui. "King Lanzhil is unlikely to deploy his full military forces on such a small country as us."
Once again, the court dissolved into quiet discussion. Above the indistinct mutterings, the blonde declared, "I ask only that you, my court, will stand by me in this venture. If we work together, it will definitely be accomplished. Shou Shimaron will no longer have to be in fear of the might of Dai Shimaron."
He could see that most of the nobles were beginning to agree with him; some were nodding approvingly, others shrugging with a 'wait and see' kind of expression. Saralegui sat back in his throne with a smile. "Let us take a vote. Those in favor, kindly raise your hands."
Slowly at first, then faster, people all along the table began raising their hands. Many of them, seeing their companions raising their hands, shrugged and followed suit. Soon, it was a clear majority.
"Thank you for your approval," said the young king graciously. "This meeting is now adjourned." Standing, he left the room quickly, heading for his rooms at an unnaturally fast speed. As he walked, he told Berias, "Send a missive to the Maou to inform him of my impending arrival. Prepare our fastest ship; don't bother bringing guards. We should reach Shin Makoku within five days."
"Sir." Berias nodded, turning sharply to head in another direction.
Eager, aren't we? commented Veni's now-familiar voice as Saralegui continued on his way.
You should be, too. We're going to see the person who's going to use you to revive Seisakoku, the blonde answered.
Why should I be eager to meet him? He is just another user. He is not my companion;. you are. Besides, I can tell you're excited. I'm in your mind. It's no use denying anything to me.
Saralegui ignored that last comment. I think a month would be long enough to work on him. Actually, he should be pretty easy to persuade. I just need to look pathetic and he'll be falling over himself to –
Oh, even better. You sound like you're going to seduce him, not become his ally.
He's my friend! protested the young king. I wasn't intending along those lines at all!
Like I just said, you can't deny anything to me. I see everything in here. Tell me, do you think you know what is friendship?
That made Saralegui pause. Because he really didn't.
I thought not. Tell me then, do you think you know what is love?
Yes, I do. Love is feeling good with someone else, replied the blonde, pleased that he could answer this at least.
The voice that rang in his head was sad. I know your experiences, child, and you do not know love in any form except your parents' love. Why did you give yourself away so often, to so many? Do you not recognize the sanctity of your own body?
Now you're preaching, said Saralegui, not particularly wanting to listen any further. It was starting to make him feel rather uncomfortable. Shut up and let me pack, or else talk about something else.
Child, I pity you. I only hope that this Yuuri is the one who can give you the love you so yearn for.
I do not yearn for love. That is such weakness, retorted the young king. I don't need love.
Veni was silent.
Entering his room, Saralegui went to his closet and started pulling out clothes. He couldn't wait to set off.
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A/N: Whoa, that was fast! ^^ What with the camp, I actually wrote this in like three days. And it's pretty long. Whee~
About the chapter title – I've run out of shades of violet, so from now on (as the story gets less connected to the canon), the chappies will be named after songs by the J-pop group KAT-TUN. I'm just lazy to come up with chapter titles XD and I think the song titles are often very appropriate for ficcies.
I hope I'm not going too fast with the whole concept of a conscious, 'talking' sword. I really had fun with Veni and everything, but if you think I'm spending too much time on it and not on the story itself, do let me know. I did use it to slip in some SaraYuu at the end, anyways (for those who are complaining about the sad lack of SaraYuu in a supposedly SaraYuu ficcy). Also, I think I might have rushed the part about Alazon a bit… :-X
Please Review!! I need the inspiration XD hoping to get most of this ficcy done by the end of June, and reviews really help!
Reviews~~