Chapter Four: Lessons Learned, Lessons Shared
Kongol was true to his word; when Tohan awoke the next morning beside Kamuy and Martel he caught sight of the Giganto sitting on a nearby rock, sharpening a very unique-looking axe.
Odd, I must not have noticed that he was carrying a weapon, but then again I really didn't have time to pay that close of attention, Tohan sighted inwardly.
Kongol noticed Tohan had stirred and looked up from the managing of his axe. "Good. Tohan awake now. Now he and Kongol go to the field to cut more straw."
Tohan blinked."You're going to help me finish the tree house?"
Kongol nodded."Sooner house built, the sooner Kongol can begin Tohan's training."
Tohan stared at him blankly. How many times did he have to protest that he was no Giganto? Tohan sighed and shook his head. "I thank you for saving my life and for your willingness to help, but again, I am no Giganto."
Kongol nodded."Not Giganto, but of Giganto blood."
Tohan frowned. "Not even that."
Kongol grinned broadly.
"What? What are you grinning for Kongol?" Tohan asked in a worried tone.
Kongol openly laughed."Young Tohan is different and he know it. He not able to explain why he do impossible things."
Tohan just gawked stupidly with no words to say and continued to shake his head in denial.
Kongol remained persistent."Fine. How about Kongol and Tohan make deal?" He suggested.
"A deal?" Tohan repeated.
Kongol nodded."Kongol give Tohan a test to see if Tohan of Giganto blood. If Tohan is descendant of Gigantos, Tohan will train with Kongol. If Tohan fail and not a Giganto, Kongol will help finish tree house and then leave," the giant suggested.
Tohan rubbed his chin in consideration and then obliged. What could it hurt, and after all, he had nothing to lose."Okay, fine. What is your test?" Tohan asked curiously
"No doubt Tohan already know what magic do to Gigantos. About what even small one, like mist spell, does."
Tohan nodded."Yes. Gigantos don't have a high resistance to magic. It was a deficiency in the blood's ability to correctly channel destructive manas. It is partially due to their abnormal strength. I learned that in my schooling sessions."
Kongol nodded again."Yes, and so mist not even damage a human. Call girl here."
Tohan obliged and went to wake Martel. He surfaced with her moments later from the shack. This time, Martel did not shy away in fear of Kongol, but she didn't leave Tohan's side either.
"Yes?" she asked uncertainly to Kongol when he beckoned her over to him.
Kongol removed a small, shiny crystal from a pouch at his waist and blew softly onto the glimmering stone. A light white mist embedded with many tiny snowflakes came out of the prism's end. As the icy breeze drifted across Martel's hand she giggled.
"Oh that tickles," she squealed. Other than laughter, she showed no signs of abnormalities or effects caused by the mist.
Kongol then turned the crystal, so that its projecting point targeted his own hand. Blowing lightly on it, the same mist encircled his hand and quickly began to coat the tips of his fingers with ice.
Kongol extended his arm so Tohan could get a better look at it."Kongol's hand frozen. Human girl's is not. Crystal will tell Tohan who he is," Kongol explained as he clenched his fist and in so doing crushed the ice around his fingers.
Tohan then extended his hand to Kongol with uncertainty wandering through his mind. If he was part Giganto that would explain a lot, but still, that would just serve to make him even more different from anyone else.
Kongol blew on the crystal for the third time, and again the mist issued forth. Tohan felt a slight chill as the mist passed onto his skin, but nothing happened. Moments passed by and still nothing happened until at last Tohan identified himself as completely human. Tohan opened his mouth to speak, but was silenced when he felt a tightening sensation around his fingers and a strange icy numbness. He glanced down at his hand and found that his fingers had turned a slight blue hue and were beginning to crystallize, however not to the severe degree that Kongol's fingers had. Kongol peered at Tohan's frosted hand, but did not say a word.
"I . . .I can't . . .it's not possible . . .I mean . . .I just," than sighed in defeat. "You tried it on Martel and you explained my strength. I . . .I believe you now Kongol," he stuttered at last.
Kongol put the crystal back into his belt pouch."Good. Kongol know it hard for Tohan to believe, but Kongol will teach Tohan many things impossible to humans. As for bloodline, Gigantos believe every 7th generation a strong warrior emerge. Kongol such a warrior and last of Gigantos," he explained.
"Yeah, Gigantos are supposed to be extinct. How did you--" Tohan trailed off, noticing that Kongol looked away.
"Kongol saved by Emperor Doel when Kongol still small. Kongol admired Doel. Doel had strong power and good intention. Doel not the man most remember until the end of his life," Kongol said in reverence.
"I'm sorry Kongol, I didn't mean to pry. I remember reading something about Emperor Doel . . . He was the leader of Imperial Sandora that opposed King Albert and the Kingdom of Basil. He died nearly thirty years ago. So he was your friend? I'm sorry." Tohan said in earnest, deciding to stop there, afraid of offending his gargantuan companion. Tohan shouldered his axe and walked ahead. Kongol broke out of his reverie and followed him to the field in silence.
The entire day consisted of Tohan and Kongol cutting prairie grass, weaving hemp rope, and making thatch tiles for the roof. Within the next three days the house had been completely finished and was an impressive splendor to see. Both Tohan and Kongol themselves were surprised how well the building had taken shape. All in all, the building housed four separate rooms: a large, roomy den, a small pantry-like room, and two decently-sized bedrooms. That night, Tohan, Kamuy, Martel and Kongol finally had a warmer, safer dwelling to sleep in. Martel had immediately claimed a bedroom for her own and Tohan and Kamuy occupied the other. Kongol used the bare pantry as his temporary room.
The next morning Tohan awoke to find Kongol waiting in the doorframe."Good grief Kongol! What time do you get up anyway?" the teenager muttered sleepily.
Kongol clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Tohan need to get up earlier, it the tenth hour already. Dawn at sixth hour. Four hour training time wasted," he said sternly.
Tohan grimaced as he got to his feet. "I agreed to training, not boot camp!" he protested grumpily.
"Bring axe, today we practice swiping technique," Kongol instructed.
Tohan grabbed his axe, and followed Kongol out into the forest after checking in on Martel and Kamuy.
Over the next couple of hours Tohan had mastered two new techniques, one called 'Pursuit' and the other, 'Inferno'. All the while, he practiced on fallen trees that steadily he pre-chopped for furniture. By the end of the day, Tohan had prepared blocks of wood suitable for a table, chairs, bed-frames and a bookcase.
The next day, Kongol made Tohan review all he had learned the previous day and then taught him numerous axe blocks. Day by day Kongol and Tohan trained until at last Tohan's weaponry skills rivaled Kongol's. The next day, they began working on hand-to-hand techniques.
Tohan ducked as Kongol punched in at him with the force of a small tornado. He was suddenly aware of an ache in his gut as he landed hard of the ground. "Ow! Jeez! What did you do that for!?!" the teenager demanded harshly.
Kongol shook his head and helped his young sparring partner up. "Tohan have good reflexes, but only aware of single attack. Enemies will use many attacks," the Giganto explained.
Tohan growled as he rubbed his stomach. "I don't even see why we're doing this. I fight just fine with my axe," he protested.
Kongol sighed. "Kongol learned long ago always be prepared to have back-up plan. Unless Tohan attach his axe, Kongol guarantee he will not always have it when he need it. Beside, Tohan might run across enemy that know how to disarm. Tohan want to use axe? Go ahead?" Kongol offered.
Tohan looked at him questioningly. "Are you sure about that Kongol?"
The Giganto nodded . The two resumed a fighting stance and began to spar. Tohan managed to block four various types of punches before a sudden crescent kick sent his axe hurling through the air and a Giganto fist became level with his eyes.
"See? Though you do better at first, you lost axe and become venerable to Kongol's attack," Kongol explained.
Tohan groaned."I know."
Over the next few days the teenager's teachings intensified. And each time Kongol began to strike harder and harder until finally he was forced to use Giganto strength. It was not uncommon for Tohan to retire to his bedroom at night sore and beaten. It seemed to him that he would never be able to master the techniques Kongol was trying to teach him, he simply wasn't strong enough. It was days like these that he was really beginning to have doubts about this whole Giganto thing. However, one day in the second grueling week of training, he finally managed to grasp hold of his own strength and manage an effective counter-attack against Kongol, which knocked him backwards and out of breath.
Tohan's eyes widened in shock as he ran over to his large friend."Soa! Are you alright Kongol? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to--"
The Giganto held up one large hand to silence him. The last of the Gigantos grinned as he picked himself up."No, Tohan do well. Now Tohan get it. Do it again," he encouraged.
With Kongol's insistence and several more sparring sessions it seemed that Tohan had at last grasped at least a decent understanding of Kongol's fighting style. Now when night fell, Kongol would also return to his room with bruises. After a few more days of review and Kongol's time with them began to near the one month mark, Kongol began to teach Tohan some of the more subtle aspects of Giganto culture, such as how to track, how to distinguish medicinal herbs from harmful ones, and how Gigantos would use their connection to the land to calm wild beasts.. Among the many Giganto skills, Kongol also taught Tohan many old Giganto traditions, such as how to hold you weapon when a figure of authority was present and the proper burial rights for a worthy adversary or a friend. But Tohan's favorite topics of all were Giganto legends and lore.
Of all the many legends that Kongol told to him, Tohan liked the story of the Giganto, Belzac, the best. Belzac had been a Giganto that fought alongside humans in the war against Wingly domination over eleven millennia ago. His courage inspired Tohan and his strength awed him. According to Kongol, Belzac had also been one of seven dragoons that lead humans to victory. He fought originally for the protection of innocence and the preservation of equality among all races. Kongol admired him too for the same reasons, and yet Tohan had a feeling there was more to the story than what Kongol was telling him.
"Mr. Kongol, why do you seem to know so much about Belzac? You seem to know more about him than all the others," Martel asked curiously as they sat in the tree house listening to one of his stories.
Kongol's face reflected a sense of deep respect as he gazed at the blonde-haired child."Kongol know, because Kongol see. Belzac first earth dragoon, so Kongol sees and feels as he did through dragoon spirit," he answered as he removed a glowing orange stone from his chest buckle and held it out for Martel to see. The orange radiance refracted in her eyes, making them seem to glow as well.
"Ooo. Shiny. That pebble is really pretty Mr. Kongol," she said in fixation as she stared at it.
"Can I hold it?" she asked with pleading blue eyes.
Kongol was hesitant at first, but then extended it to her.
Tohan watched closely."Are you sure that's such a good idea Kongol? I mean--"
`Kongol nodded. "It fine. Girl cannot damage or lose it," the Giganto assured.
Martel's eyes welled with tears as she held the now glassy orange stone in her hands.
"Why isn't it glowing anymore?" she asked sadly as the light faded out
"Golden Dragoon Spirit only glow in the hand of those who can use its power, or when other dragoon nearby," Kongol said softly, trying to prevent Martel from crying.
"Yeah Martel, see I bet if I hold it too, it won't glow for me either," Tohan comforted.
"Okay," Martel sniffed, "You hold it Mr. Tohan." She handed it out for Tohan.
Tohan looked to Kongol, whom gave a nod of permission. Tohan gingerly clasped his fingers around the burnt-orange orb and carefully placed it in his hand. To him, it seemed the object should be so delicate that it could break any moment, because it was so precious. He definitely did not want to damage something so priceless if it was indeed what Kongol said it was.
Holding the Golden Dragoon Spirit was a strange experience for Tohan. He had never felt anything like the warm, soothing, and yet powerful sensation that permeated from his hand throughout the rest of his body. He felt his bruises fade and his fatigue vanish. He was for a moment, totally at peace and felt 1,000 times stronger than he ever had. He closed his eyes as he began to truly relax for the first time since he left Furni, but snapped them wide open when Martel began to cry.
"The stone doesn't like me," she whined and ran into her room.
Kamuy gave a sympathetic whine as he gazed after her, before turning to look at Tohan. It was then Tohan realized that Kongol was also staring at him oddly and that the whole room had been illuminated by a burnt orange glow. He gazed down into his hand at the source of the light. The teenager's mind raced as he hurriedly shoved the resonating ball back into his Giganto friend's hand. Kongol merely put the dragoon spirit back into its proper place, making the glow fade, all the while staring at Tohan in contemplation.
"Kongol, I'm sorry, I have no idea what happened," the teenage boy apologized quickly.
The Giganto shook his head."Tohan do nothing wrong. Kongol not angry, just confused. Kongol sleep now and train again tomorrow," the large man assured and then walked into his room, gently closing the delicate door behind him.
Days passed quickly after that. By day Tohan would perfect his battle skills and by night he would he learned lore and tales. However, even with everything that transpired and all the time they spent together, Tohan's companion didn't even once mention the incident that happened that night. It was like he had forgotten about it completely, when for some reason Tohan couldn't manage to stop thinking about it. Kongol's silence was becoming unbearable. Tohan wished at least once he would say something else about what had happened and why, but Kongol said nothing of the matter and Tohan felt too uncomfortable to bring the subject up.
Perhaps stranger yet was an event that occurred that very night when Tohan and Kongol decided to retire. It had to be at least midnight while Tohan lie awake thinking, when he heard a soft groan, followed by a subtle rattle of the tree house. Knowing that the tree house had been built to be sturdy, Tohan decided to find the source of the small earthquakes. He opened his door, walked in to the makeshift hall and slowly cracked Martel's door open to peer inside The small, blonde child lay upon her side on the straw mattress that was her bed contently sleeping. Tohan smiled when he saw her, she looked so innocent and peaceful, and she was smiling like she must have been having a pleasant dream. At least one of them could sleep.
The teenager closed Martel's door softly and ventured to Kongol's door as another quiver went through the house. Upon looking in through the doorframe, he found that Kongol was rolling around troublingly in his sleep, causing the whole house to rattle as he did so. The Giganto was gritting his teeth, with tense muscles and a scowl on his face. Another toss shook the entire house due to his immense weight.
Tohan frowned. His friend was undoubtedly having a nightmare and Tohan could sympathize. He decided to save Kongol, and the foundations of the house, the grief so he walked over to his large friend and knelt down to take him by the shoulders. Kongol snapped wide awake at the feel of Tohan's touch and blindly swung a massive fist. It was a good thing Tohan had some Giganto strength, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to deflect the blow. Tohan grinned inwardly. That was the first time he had used Kongol's training and been grateful for the result.
Kongol's angered expression soon faded and his breathing slowed as he locked eyes with the teenager that had caught the middle of his fist in the palm of his hand with no small effort. Tohan released Kongol's hand.
"You must have been having a pretty bad nightmare. Are you okay?" the teenage boy asked in concern.
Kongol sat up and rubbed his head."Kongol want to talk to Tohan," he said, breathing heavily and letting out a sigh.
Tohan nodded in understanding and took a seat on the floor next to him.
Kongol went straight to the point. "Kongol want to ask Tohan what Tohan intend to do with his new strength."
Tohan sighed. "I guess I'm going to use it to help the people in my hometown rebuild. I told you about the attack. I can't image the debris and wreckage the city must be in."
Kongol nodded. "Go on."
"Well, I'd say I'd use my abilities in general to help make the world a better place, but that is unrealistic. No one person can change the world. I really would try to advocate equality for all species, all people. I just want to help, in any way I can," Tohan said quietly.
Kongol looked at Tohan in curiosity."And does Tohan believe that he is alone in his wish?"
Tohan shook his head. "I believe that there are others, but like I said, what kind of power does one person alone have? I didn't even have the power to save my own town, much less the whole world," Tohan said in anger with himself.
Kongol shook his head."It not too late. Tohan can still save town. Kongol learn anyone, no matter how big or small can save world. Anyone can strive for equal species. They must only have intention," Kongol said strongly.
Tohan put his head in his hands."Even with my Giganto strength I couldn't possible stop one of those tree-things! Not one! And there were many of them!" Tohan said in despair.
Kongol was deep in consideration."And will Tohan yet go home? Even if it means he must wage war and face tree enemies again?"
Tohan nodded as he sighed in frustration and ran his fingers through his auburn hair."I have to. I have a duty to help to my home and return to my family. I think with everything you've taught me, I might could face that elf I was telling you about again, but I definitely cannot overtake something as powerful as one of those trees!"
Kongol looked at the distraught boy seriously for a moment then grinned. "Kongol learn that if enemy more powerful than Kongol, Kongol must get stronger to win."
"But how am I gonna get more powerful than I already am?" Tohan groaned.
Kongol took his dragoon spirit in hand and it began to glow again. "Kongol did not mean that Tohan not powerful. Tohan learn all that Kongol can teach. Sometime to win, higher, stronger power must be given. Kongol has the strength of Kongol's brother, Indora, and he hero of Gigantos. Kongol have all the strength he need. Therefore, Kongol wants to give you strength, but first Kongol asks a favor. Kongol has had vision-dreams again. Kongol's good friend Haschel and Kongol's home is in trouble. Kongol must be there as soon as Kongol can, and to do that, Kongol wants girl to wish him back to Rogue."
"I don't understand, can't you fly? Rogue . . .Soa that's a long way from here," Tohan said in confusion.
Kongol shook his head in reply."Kongol no fly anymore."
"Why not?" Tohan asked in bewilderment.
Kongol extended the hand holding the gleaming dragoon spirit to the teenager."Because it Tohan's turn. Take it," he said powerfully.
Tohan's mouth fell wide open."You're going to just give it to me? Just like that? Why? Kongol, I can't except something this precious!" he stuttered in disbelief.
Kongol urged him."Kongol giving you gift. Gift of strength. Kongol already has strong power. Tohan remind Kongol of himself when Kongol small. Kongol wanted power to change world, to help. Dragoon helped Kongol, now dragoon help Tohan. Dragon have power to defeat tree monster, to save Tohan's town."
"But didn't you say that only certain people can use its power? What if I can't?" Tohan asked, still not convinced that he wasn't dreaming.
"Tohan can use power. Gold dragon recognizes Tohan because dragoon spirit glows in his hand."
Tohan opened his mouth to protest, but before he could utter a single word some unknown, unseen force vacuumed the spirit into his hands. Once again Tohan felt a familiar warmth flow through his limbs along with incomprehensible power.
"It is done," Kongol said simply with a nod.
Tohan stared at him."How did you do that!?! I, I just can't! This is too much . . .I don't even know how to use it," Tohan said meekly in protest.
"Knowledge come to you when you need it. Kongol did nothing. Dragoon spirit come to you of its own free will. Dragoon spirit will always choose new warrior when it come time. Kongol think this mean there more to attack on Furni than Tohan or Kongol know. Kongol believe something big starting soon and Furni just beginning. If nothing else, dragoon spirit will protect Tohan, girl, and wolf now while Kongol away."
Tohan glanced into Kongol's grave face, still clutching his priceless gift. Kongol nodded to him once more, reassuringly as a knock sounded on the door.
"Mr. Kongol, Mr. Tohan?" Martel asked more loudly than was necessary. There was also a light scratching on the door, indicating that Kamuy was also there with her.
"I'll ask Martel now. If she says no, please take the dragoon spirit back so you can get back to your home. I know the feeling of seeing a home destroyed . . . ." Tohan said turning to Kongol. "It's alright Martel, you can come in," Tohan said through the door.
The little blonde girl stick her head in the door, followed soon after by a gigantic white wolf's head above hers. "Mr. Tohan, we can go home today! Mr. Tohan! Mr. Tohan! My necklace is all tingly again! Let's go, let's go! We can take Mr. Kongol back too!" she squeaked in excitement and joy. She was so giddy that she ran into the middle of the room and began dancing in a ring around Tohan. She stopped however, when she noticed Tohan's almost sorry look. "What's wrong Mr. Tohan?" she asked in as much concern as a six year-old could contain.
Tohan knelt down to Martel's eye level. "Martel, I really need to ask you a favor," Tohan began gently.
Martel giggled in glee. "Okay Mr. Tohan! Unless it's picking more bramble berries! I'm getting bored of eating them!" the small girl insisted.
Tohan managed a brief half-smile in response."Martel," he said softly, " do you remember what happened to our home about two months ago?" he asked seriously.
Martel's' happy smile faded and her pigtails drooped, making Tohan feel terrible. Martel was always happy, and it felt just wrong not to see her smiling. "My house caught on fire, I lost my mommy when a bunch of mean people ran by, and we almost got eaten by a tree," she whispered as tears formed in her eyes. This made Tohan feel even worse if it was possible, but he knew she had to understand what he was asking.
"Martel, please don't cry," he pleaded desperately. "Martel, Kongol can't fly anymore and he needs to get home quickly, or he'll lose his home too. The quickest way to get him there is to wish him there," Tohan said suggestively as Martel hugged his knees.
She looked up sadly at him."B. . .but Mr. Tohan . . .if I wish Mr. Kongol home we'll still be here! I, I wanna go home!" she cried.
"Martel, if you don't wish Kongol back he might not have a home to go back to. He'll be all alone. We can stay here a little longer because we know our families will be there when we go back," he said comfortingly, although in truth he had no idea if Martel's or even his own parents were still alive.
Martel hung her head.
"You're right Mr. Tohan. I don't want Mr. Kongol to be lonely. Besides, it's fun being here with you and Kamuy!" Martel glanced up to Kongol, at least semi-joyful once again. "Okay Mr. Kongol, where is your home?"
" Kongol's home is village of Rogue. But one last thing before Kongol go. He want to give new friends gifts first," the Giganto insisted as he pulled three hand-crafted items out from under his cot. "First gift for Martel," Kongol said as he handed her a small doll made of woven field grass with small black stones shaped perfectly like eyes and a mouth. Martel squealed with glee and hugged Kongol's massive leg. The Giganto smiled and handed Tohan his gift. It was a large axe with a blade of stone. Tohan touched the edge and felt the sharpness of the honed blade.
"Thank you Kongol, you've already given me so much! You're going to have to teach me how to work with stone when I see you next," Tohan said in earnest.
"Kongol gladly teach you when he return," he offered kindly, before tossing Kamuy a ball made of solid wood, but with an interior of stone. 'Finally a ball Kamuy wouldn't be able to break' Tohan thought to himself. After this, with thanks and farewells being said and Kongol promising to find them again as soon as he could, Martel wished the Giganto home in a flash of blinding silver light.