Mages and Knights
Summery: AU Takuya is the son of a poor farmer and on one day discovers he is an Elemental. Powerful people are out to get him so he travels to a School were he meets a lot of interesting people. And maybe fall in love with one of the strangest. Kouji/Takuya
Warnings: Digimon crossover, Cursing, Yoai, T rating for later chapters
Chapter name: The Journey
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon cries
Author Notes: Thank you all reviewers, you make me so happy and don't worry Moon Kouichi will appear soon enough. He has a big role to play after all but enough about that its chapter reading time! So read!
Takuya looked through the window of his room, looking at the night sky. The black sky was dotted with pinpoints of soft yellow light, creating the shapes and figures of the constellations. The wind blew softly through the window ruffling Takuya's hair. He shivered slightly and wrapped himself tighter in his quilt.
Takuya glanced around his room thinking this might be the last time for a long while that he might look at it again. Tomorrow he was leaving for Calvis with Tanshin and Kouji. Maybe he had made the wrong choice, maybe he should have declined and stayed home, Takuya shook off the idea. No to protect his family he had to go and, to tell the truth, he really wanted to go. He was excited about going to Calvis; it was a whole new world for him. He has been poor ever since he was boor and all the children at the School had been rich ever since they were born. If they were anything like Junpei Takuya wouldn't make many friends there. But, hey, what did he know? He didn't even know how noble kids acted so he shouldn't judge them without even knowing how they are like.
As Takuya was contemplating this he heard the door of his room open. He looked around and saw his parents walking towards him. Yuriko had a shaky smile and was carrying a small bundle of leather and a bag filled with clothes. Hiroaki had a proud look as he walked beside his wife. They stopped at the foot of the bed and Yuriko sat down.
"How are you feeling Takuya?" she asked gently. Takuya felt at complete ease with her.
"Nervous," he admitted. "But I'm exited to go. I want to learn magic." He would never admit being nervous to anyone else.
"You will be fine, boy. I know you will make us proud," Hiroaki said ruffling Takuya's brown hair. Takuya smiled at him.
"We will probably not see you in a long time," Yuriko said sadly her eyes beginning to water. Takuya leaned forward and hugged her not wanting to see his mother sad and Hiroaki put his hand on her shoulder even though he was starting to cry too. Takuya felt his eyes start to sting and he desperately pushed to tears back. He didn't like to cry, it made him feel vulnerable.
Takuya's mother took a deep breath and wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry. This is a big thing for you and I'm crying," she gave a watery chuckle.
Takuya shook his head. "It's not your fault mother."
"Thanks Takuya. But we have something we want to give you. We were planning to give it to you on your sixteenth birthday but now is as good time as ever," Yuriko said. She grabbed the pile of leather and gave it to Takuya. He took it with open curiosity. He looked at his mother. She nodded to open it.
Takuya took apart the leather and gazed what was at the inside. It was a piece of sturdy leather about an inch and a half wide with a small pendant attached to an edge of the leather. The pendant was about the size of a bronze coin but it was silver. On it was what looked like a carving of a small sun. Takuya was speechless. It was plain but to Takuya's eyes it was the most beautiful thing he had ever gotten.
"Thank you," he managed to croak out. Yuriko smiled at his reaction and gently took it from Takuya.
"We had it made from an Enchanter who visited a few years ago. He said the rune that he carved was the courage rune and it will protect you in the darkness," Yuriko explained and leaned forward. She put the piece of leather on Takuya's throat and brought the ends together, encircling his neck. The ends melted together and she let go.
Takuya stood up and went to the mirror. He looked at the black choker and fingered the pendant. He loved it.
"If you want to take it off you just have to pull it off, it was charmed like that," Hiroaki said looking at his son.
Takuya ran to his parents and grabbed them in a bear hug. "I'll never take it off until I see you again," he promised. He had never loved his parents more than at this moment. They hugged him back. The family stayed like that until Takuya though of something. He broke away.
"What will you say to Shinya?" he asked thinking about his little brother.
"We will have to say we moved you to a boarding school. I would be too easy for Shinya to tell if he knew the truth," Hiroaki said reluctantly. Tanshin and his parents agreed to keep the truth about Takuya being an Elemental a secret. It would be disastrous if the Black Oracle found out were Takuya was. Takuya nodded hating to trick his bother but needing to for his safety. Shinya was at a friend's house for the night. Takuya wouldn't even get to say goodbye.
"I'm sorry Takuya but it's for the best," Yuriko said. Takuya sighed resigned. She kissed Takuya on the head and Hiroaki repeated her actions. "Tomorrow is a big day for all of us. Time for you to go to sleep now," with that said his parents retreated from the room.
Takuya stood there for a few moments then walked over to his bed and got in. It would be hard for him to leave Izumai but he had to be strong. I'm going to a new school, Takuya though excitedly thinking he would never fall asleep but he somehow did.
Takuya woke to an excited feeling and wondered for a minute what was so exciting. Then he remembered today was the day he would travel to the School. He bounded out of bed and rushed over to his wardrobe with a huge smile on his face. He grabbed the pair of clothes his mother put in yesterday.
He threw the shirt on the ground and proceeded to put on his pants. He tries to put in both of his legs in at the same time while jumping up and down. All this causes Takuya to slip and fall right on his face.
"Aaaggg! I hit my nose!" He sat up and rubbed his abused nose. Then he finished buttoning up his sturdy dark brown pants. Takuya reached for his light green shirt and put it on. Takuya was in such a rush that he didn't notice he was trying to stuff his head through a sleeve. When he finally had all his clothes properly put on he picked up the bag that his mother brought him last night.
He looked inside. All there was inside was some changes of clothes, some rope (Takuya had no idea what the rope was for), and a compass. Takuya didn't even know they had a compass in the house. He shrugged and, taking the bag with him, ran out of his room into the kitchen.
Both of his parents were up and ready. This mother was pulling out all the stops and cooking a big breakfast. Takuya grinned and sat down. Then he proceeded to shovel food down his throat. Oh Gods, his mother's food was the best. He wished he had about two more mouths to eat from. His mother had cooked a lot of food and there was no way he could finish all but sure as hell he could try!
"Takuya slow down! Breakfast isn't going anywhere," Yuriko scolded lightly with a smile on her face. Takuya smiled and slowed down.
"You got everything Takuya?" Hiroaki asked. He nodded stuffing a piece of bread in his mouth.
"Good. will be here in ten minutes," Yuriko's voice held a trace of sadness amid her otherwise cheerful voice.
Takuya smiled at her and continued eating. But before he could get halfway thru there was a knock at the door. Yuriko shot towards the door out of the kitchen. Takuya quickly finished swallowing whatever he shoved in his mouth and, remembering the bag, followed his mother outside.
He stepped into the sunlight and blinked trying to get his eyes to adjust to the change in light. When he could properly see he glanced at the people in front of him. Tanshin was talking quietly to his mother. He was wearing the same clothes but with a black cloak and his hair was tied in a low ponytail. Takuya looked over to Kouji and nearly had a heart attack. Kouji was wearing dark green pants, a white long-sleeve undershirt, and a dark blue over shirt with the same black cape as Tanshin. He looked….. good. But what Takuya found so startling was the two creatures next to him.
Horses.
Takuya had a bad experience when he was five. He was running around chasing a ball that he got for his birthday and it happened to roll by a stray cat. Takuya, being the little toddler he was, reached out to pet him. The cat bit Takuya and he ran indoors crying to his parents. It turned out the cat was a stray daemon that got lose from a Wizard's spell. Takuya got a really high fever that took weeks to cool off. Ever since, Takuya had gone out of his way to avoid animals. They hated him (Takuya never really liked the little buggers anyway.)
Takuya's eyes were nearly bulging out of their sockets. There was no way in hell he was going to ride one of those monsters!
"Takuya." He turned around and saw his mother embracing him. He returned it momentarily forgetting the horses. "I love you," Yuriko whispered in his ear.
"I love you too," Takuya answered. Yuriko broke the hug and fingered the pendant on Takuya's throat.
"Take care of yourself and remember that we will always support you," Yuriko said and moved back for Hiroaki to say his goodbyes. He put his hand and Takuya's shoulder.
"Make me proud, son," Hiroaki said. Takuya nodded.
"I promise I'll become the best Elemental ever," Takuya said and felt tears behind his eyes and quickly blinked them away. He was leaving for a whole new life but he would cherish all the memories of the people who made him who he is.
"I know you will," came his father's whisper.
"Well Mr. and Mrs. Kanabara we will take our leave now and I promise that Takuya will come to no harm," Tanshin said with a smile. Gee, that guy always had a smile on it was kind of creepy.
They both nodded. "Right then," Tanshin said. "Takuya hop on." He gestured towards the light brown horse. It hit Takuya like a thunder clap.
Takuya gulped. "Why don't you ride him instead? I'll walk," Takuya said trying not to sound too desperate. Horses were so scary and big and strong and, well, scary.
"Thank you for the offer Takuya but my ride is just outside Izumai. I will walk until then," Tanshin said. He seemed confused and who wouldn't. Takuya had never told anybody about his problem with animals. Takuya took a step back.
"I'll just walk then," he smiled shakily. Kouji snorted, handed the reins of the horses to Tanshin, and walked up to Takuya. Takuya took another step back. What was Kouji going to do…
"You aren't scared are you?" Kouji asks with a smirk. Scared. Scared! Takuya was not scared just a little apprehensive that's all.
"I'm not scared!" Takuya said hotly. "I just don't want to ride that thing." He pointed at the 'thing'. Kouji huffed exasperatedly and suddenly disappeared in a blur. Before Takuya could even blink he felt hands on his hips and they lifted him.
"What the! Let me down jerk! NOW or I'll … I'll…do something horrible," Takuya yelled as the adults watched on, amused. Kouji just smirked that smirk of his and walked over to the horse and deposited Takuya over the horse. Kouji let go and left Takuya no choice, it was either hang on to the saddle and get on or let go and have a really painful drop. Takuya grabbed the saddle and, against his better judgment, got into the saddle. The horse sidestepped impatiently making Takuya gasp and grab the horn of the saddle.
"The horse was given to us by a Wizard so just ask the horse were you want to go and it will take you there," Kouji said cool as ice as he jumped on his own black horse with ease. Stupid Knight strength.
"Wizard," Takuya gasped. "It's a daemon!" Memories flashed through his mind with his previous encounter with a daemon. Takuya still had the crescent bite mark on the back of his hand.
Kouji looked startled at the semi-scared Takuya. "No, it's a normal horse. His name is Awai. Didn't you know certain Wizards can talk with animals?" Takuya relaxed and shook his head. Thank Gods, the horse was normal. It looked like there was a lot for him to learn about magic and the Users.
"Goodbye Takuya!" Takuya looked back and saw both his parents crying as both horses moved forward on the path to Izumai. Takuya waved sadly and tapped his chocker letting them know he was not going to forget them. With the chocker on he felt as if a piece of his family will stay with him forever.
Awai walked next to Kouji's horse with Tanshin walking on the other side of Kouji. I wonder what kind of ride Tanshin has he wondered. Mages were so weird then again Tanshin was the only Mage other than the one who checked him when he was four. So maybe it was normal. He shrugged and looked at Awai. Hmmm, maybe animals weren't so bad.
The sky was beginning to brighten. The wind moved in taking the clouds on their wings. It made Takuya think how much he was like the clouds. They were being taken on something that would not let them go. The only way the clouds would go back home was if a different wind would blow them back. But Takuya would fly in the windless sky one day to return to his home. The sun was on the end of the sunrise flashing gold colors on the ground making pictures. The grass looked like golden threads gently swaying in the wing as if saying goodbye to Takuya wishing him well on his journey.
The hooves of the horses clopped on the streets of Izumai. The few villagers awake stared at Takuya and a few waved. Takuya was really going to miss this even though not many people like him. What! Mimi! Takuya have to say goodbye to Mimi. How could he have forgotten?
"Hey, Tanshin, can I go and say goodbye to a friend of mine?" Takuya asked quickly.
"Of course," was Tanshin's easy reply. Takuya smiled thanks and nudged the horse to the right. He heard Kouji complain behind him and he grinned even more. The square was empty so it was easy to find the Tachikawa Bakery. Once in front Takuya quickly got down having difficulties because of his height problem but he managed it. He knocked on the door to the bakery and it opened to reveal a sleepy Mimi.
"Takuya what are you doing so early in the morning?" she asked rubbing her eyes. Takuya walked inside and Mimi shut the door.
"Okay Mimi, look I don't have much time. I came to say goodbye," Takuya said looking sadly at Mimi.
"Goodbye?" she asked waking up completely. She knew Takuya would never lie to her. "Why? Where are you going?"
"I am going to Calvis, Mimi," he explained as Mimi's eyes widened "Mimi you must promise me that you will tell no one what I am about to tell you." Mimi looked at Takuya's serious expression and nodded ,resolute.
"Mimi, I am an Elemental, the first sixth User in over a hundred years. The Black Oracle wants me as a weapon to over throw the King. To be safe and learn to control my magic I have to go to Calvis," Takuya explained as quickly as he could. Mimi, believing Takuya without hesitation, started crying. His heart twisted in seeing his friend so sad. He grabbed her in a hug and she hugged back fiercely.
"You better come back to see me Kanabara," she whispered in his ear. He nodded once again feeling tears pushing to come out. "Be careful Takuya remember I will always be your friend."
"Thank you," Takuya croaked. He meant everything. For being his first true friend, to stand at his side through out his temper flashes, and for all the support she has given him. Mimi understood the meaning behind those two words and kissed him on the cheek. They broke apart and Takuya started reluctantly towards the door.
"Oh Takuya" Takuya looked back at Mimi. She stood with a smirk and said, "Good luck with Kouji." She winked and shooed Takuya out the door. He looked at her confused and she smiled. He shook it off and tried to climb back on Awai. Key word here is 'tried'. Mimi had to give him a leg up. When he was on the horse, Mimi leaned over and put a piece of paper in his hand.
"Good luck," she yelled and waved at the moving travelers. Takuya waved back and nudged the horse to move faster otherwise he might just burst into tears.
When Mimi faded from his view he looked at the paper Mimi gave him. It was a black and white sketch. Mimi was the best artist in Izumai. Mimi was standing next to Takuya with one arm on Takuya's shoulders and the other arm waving at the artist. Both had big grins on their faces. Takuya smiled at the priceless treasure. Mimi must have drawn this by memory. Takuya marveled at the charcoal lines, how some lines were lighter than others. Just by looking he could see how much time and effort Mimi put into the drawing. He really was going to miss her. He carefully folded it as flat as he could. He put one finger in between his chocker and his neck and slightly pulled leaving a space. He quickly put the folded sketch against his neck and let go off his chocker. He made sure the paper couldn't be seen. It felt sort of uncomfortable having a crinkly piece of paper scratching your neck but he ignored it. He wanted the drawing to stay with him where ever he went like a good luck charm.
"Takuya you might want to look back," Kouji suddenly said startling Takuya into looking back. He saw Izumai for what might be the last time. He was leaving all he knew, all the people he lived, all he had ever known. Suddenly he felt exposed as if he was stepping into something for more dangerous than he ever though before. The threat of the Black Oracle loomed over him. Who knows what the future might hold, danger or safety?
"Don't worry," Kouji said, somehow knowing Takuya's nervousness. "I'll protect you." Takuya stared surprised at Kouji, whose face was once again expressionless. He will protect Takuya? Takuya didn't know why but he believed Kouji and he felt the anxiousness melt away as if it was never there. It unsettled him greatly.
Then Tanshin suddenly said, "Time to call for Rappa." Takuya blinked. Who is Rappa? Tanshin put two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Loudly. Takuya winced while Kouji just sighed. He must not like Rappa. There was a thundering of hooves and both horses neighed nervously. Takuya quickly grabbed the horn of the saddle again. He did not trust these animals. No not at all. Stupid horses.
Then Rappa appeared out of the Eternal Star Forest and Takuya was stupefied. It turns out Rappa was a huge, magnificent male deer. It had a great pair of antlers each side with at least twelve horns. It had a rich coat of chestnut brown fur and soft but stern gold eyes. Rappa looked so full of wisdom or something, decided Takuya.
Rappa walked over to Tanshin and nuzzled his hand. Tanshin chuckled and rubbed Rappa's nose affectionately. They must be really close. Rappa suddenly looked toward Takuya and he was caught in a golden gaze. Rappa walked over to Takuya. Awai shielded away slightly but stopped when Rappa barked (Deer bark?). It looked like even animals respect the deer. Rappa was about a head taller than Takuya on Awai. Takuya reached out a hesitant hand and let it hang in mid-air. The deer looked at the hand and curiously sniffed it. Then (Takuya could have sworn there was a smile on the deer's face even though deer can't smile.) Rappa nuzzled it like he did Tanshin and Takuya patted it softly on the head. Takuya was happy that such a magnificent creature accepted him.
"It looks like Rappa has taken a liking to you," Tanshin said smiling and Rappa trotted back to him. Takuya noticed there was a leather saddle on Rappa and Tanshin swung on it.
"More than the stupid deer likes me," he heard Kouji mumble under his breath and Takuya grinned as Rappa snorted, hearing the Knight's statement. And all three of then and their mounts strode forward.
They have been traveling down a road called the Green Way for hours. The Green Way is a path that starts at the end of the Eternal Star Forest and continues thru another bigger forest called Opal Forest. It was a not a well known path so they seldom saw more than a few travelers at a time. It was a little past mid-day and the sun was directly overhead but Takuya didn't feel too hot. Maybe Tanshin put a spell or something…
Takuya was amazed at the Opal Forest which was on both sides of the path. Most of the trees were skinny and short with a lot of leaves. Takuya could see deeper past the trees were the trees were much thicker and taller. The forest was well named thought Takuya. Some of the trees had beautiful shades of green while others were red, orange, and yellow. Some trees didn't even have any leaves on. It seemed as if all the seasons rested in this forest showing themselves in the delicate color of the leaves. The Opal Forest made Takuya marvel at small he seemed compared to even the smallest of the trees. A fair wind blew taking lose leaves down to the ground, decorating the path ahead of them. Takuya had never before seen past the gates of Izumai so he was awed at the unfamiliar sight around him.
The scenery was really nice but after seeing the forest for about three hours it could get old. Takuya was bored and a bored Takuya was not a happy Takuya. The hooves of the animals made a delicate crunching noise as they stepped on the discarded leaves. The wind grew slightly colder and Takuya drew his cloak tighter around him. Gods, this was boring!
"Hey, Tanshin, where did you get Rappa?" Takuya asked could not take the silence any longer. Tanshin looked up and thought for a moment while brushing Rappa's fur.
"Well, I might as well start teaching you now. You'll need all the help you can get to catch up to the others," Tanshin mused. Takuya huffed, insulted. "Don't take that the wrong way." Takuya nodded reluctantly. He knew that Tanshin said the truth.
"Ok then we will start with Mages. Mages are the most common of Users. They use the magic and energy inside them to perform spells outside their body," Tanshin said. It was clear that Tanshin had said this many times before. "Mages can also borrow the energy from other beings like people or animals but never daemons or demons. With me so far?" Takuya nodded, fascinated. "But in order to borrow that energy the Mage would need to have a mental link with the animal or person. There are two ways for the link to be formed: natural or artificially. If it is natural, the bond was formed from birth with the person who is called soul mate or the animal which is called a familiar." So Rappa must be Tanshin's familiar. It made sense in a way; Rappa looked just as kind and wise as Tanshin. They were really meant for each other.
"How does a Mage find his soul mate or familiar?" Takuya asked.
"The link between them brings them together. The second way, artificially, was banned years ago. There would be ceremony between the Mage and the bonded. I won't bother you with the gory details I'll just say it involves blood." Takuya swallowed. Ok that was not what he had in mind. "Some of the dark Mages would bond people against their will so it was banned."
"Why do Mages want to borrow energy if they already have it?" Takuya said not seeing sense. Mages have their own energy so why borrow?
"Well you see a person's body functions with energy to keep all the vital organs moving. If a Mage uses too much of his energy for spell casting his body will die. Not having enough energy to maintain itself. But the same thing can happen tom the bonded if the Mage uses too much of the bonded's energy. That's why," Tanshin explained looking towards Takuya. Wow, there was much more to magic than he thought.
Takuya looked over to Kouji who looked bored. Gee, he had that face on for the last couple of hours. Didn't that guy do something fun once in a while? Kouji hadn't talked for a long time. What's his problem? thought Takuya. Kouji turned his head and caught Takuya staring at him. Takuya felt a blush coming on as blue eyes looked at him and he quickly turned away. That guy has some serious issues. But why was Takuya staring at him in the first place? It was as if he wanted to look at the dark haired Knight. Takuya mentally kicked himself. What was he thinking? He must be as stupid as Mimi constantly states. Mimi… He sighed, great he was barely one day out of Izumai and he was homesick. He shaked it off. He was not going to blow this once in a lifetime opportunity for something as trivial as homesickness.
"You alright?" He question from Kouji startles Takuya. He grins and rubbed the back of his neck bashfully.
"Yeah, just a little homesick," he tells Kouji surprising himself. If someone asked him that he would just shake it off and say something like "Totally! Hey is that a rock?" He didn't trust Kouji did he? He only met the guy yesterday for heaven's sakes!
Kouji just "hn"ed and looked back to the road. Takuya's eyebrow twitched. This guy comes and asks if he's alright and Takuya tells him the truth which he normally would have hid and all he gets is an "hn." Really, what a jerk.
"Don't mind Kouji, Takuya," Tanshin says, Rappa trotting faster to catch up with Awai. "Kouji just isn't very social." Well, that's the understatement of the year. Takuya saw Kouji rub the horse's neck affectionately.
"Where did Kouji get the horse?" Takuya asked amazed Kouji could show any form of affection.
"Well, did you know that we got the horses from Wizards?" Takuya nodded remembering what Kouji told him earlier. "We got the horses from different Wizards and the Wizard who gave Kouji Raikou (the horse) is a good friend of Kouji's that he got for his twelfth birthday." Oh, Takuya coked his head. Kouji had friends? Well, obviously, every body had friends even ice blocks like Kouji. Hmm, Kouji probably had more friends than him.
"I'm sure Kouji will warm up to you eventually," Tanshin gave Takuya a encouraging smile and nudged Rappa to go faster so they were in front of the group while Kouji slowed down to take the back leaving Takuya in the middle. Okay, that was odd. It's not like Takuya needed to be protected but hey what the heck. The travelers settled into a comfortable silence.
Well some more comfortable than others. Takuya had this weird feeling in the pit of his stomach as if something bad was going on. And it didn't help that Takuya felt he was being watched. The horses and Rappa were also skittish, neighing and barking at the slightest unfamiliar noise which put the human on edge. Kouji had his hand inside his cloak and his eyes watched everyone and everything. Tanshin was in the same state as Kouji, watching the trees and shadows. Both of them steered their mounts closer to Takuya so that there was less than a foot in between horse and deer. It made Takuya feel a tiny bit safer but not much. Takuya felt fear creep down his spine and his eyes moved from side to side nervously. Something was really wrong here….
He had no idea how right he was.
Two horses with riders exploded from either side of the paths and Kouji and Tanshin didn't even hesitate and launched themselves on the figures. Rappa reared with his antlers ready to attack and Tanshin's hand glowed with an unnatural blue glow. The glow turned into a lightning bolt and shot forward to the nearest black rider. The rider had on black armor and helmet so that you couldn't see his face. The only thing that wasn't black on the rider was a simple circle painted into the left side of his armor plate. The horse moved to the side avoiding the thunderbolt and strode forward. The rider drew out a sword and slashed at Tanshin. There was a flash of light and Tanshin had a strong hardwood staff in his hand in which he used to deflect the sword. Rappa roared at the horse and the horse screamed back.
Kouji meanwhile wasted no time to attack his rider. The pushed Raikou forward drew out a knife from under his cloak and threw it aiming for the head. The rider moved his head sideways a little, letting the knife pass him untouched, and drew his own sword and brought it straight down. Kouji let go of the reins and brought his hands together catching the sword.
"Run Takuya!" Kouji yelled pushing the sword back in to his owner's face leaving a scratch. The rider laughed harshly.
Takuya was frozen. He couldn't move, fear was all he could feel. Fortunately Awai was not as immobilized and, hearing Kouji's command, bolted into the Opal Forest. Awai tore thru the forest as if all daemons from hell were after them which wasn't far from the truth. Takuya was leaning low on the saddle clinging for dear life. Branches and paper-thin leaves whipped and scratched him in he face. A particularly sharp twig cut his cheek making him feel blood seep from it. Takuya was more scared than he had ever been in his life. Takuya heard a distant crashing noise and looked back momentarily. At first he could see nothing but endless green then a flash of black. Oh holy Gods! He was being followed. But there was only two riders so either one rider got free and killed someone or there was a third rider waiting for him. Hopefully it was the latter.
Awai turned sharply making Takuya yell and clutch the saddle horn. Perfect now the rider knows were I am, Takuya thought cursing all horses to hell. Takuya couldn't see properly, he had to shut his eyes or risk getting his eyeballs scratched out. And the next thing he knew he was flying, floating in the air. For that moment he felt just…free as if no one could touch him. Then the ground brought his flight of freedom short and collided painfully on his shoulder. Instinct told Takuya to roll left and he did just to see Awai fall in the spot he occupied a few seconds ago. If he hadn't rolled out of the way he would have been squashed flat. It seemed like Awai tripped.
Awai neighed scared and quickly got on his feet and charged thru the forest leaving Takuya behind. Takuya laid there bewildered until common sense kicked in. He quickly got up and yelled, "Get back here you stupi-" Takuya stopped when he heard someone crashing behind him. Takuya started to panic. He needed to hide now but where?
He looked around desperately and saw a tree whose roots were uprooted creating a little cave-like hole. Takuya immediately dashed into it barely fitting. Just in time because a second later the hooves of a horse come to Takuya's view and his heart nearly failed when the horse stopped directly in front of his hiding spot. Takuya tried to move deeper into the hole without making any noise. Then he froze when black boots come into view. He unconsciously held his breath. The boots moved towards the spot were Takuya and Awai fell and the figure knelt. He saw fingers lightly brush the space.
"The horse fell here," the figure had a surprisingly soft voice. "The boy fell here." The fingers brushed the space where Takuya fell. This dude was a good tracker, Takuya had to respect that. "The boy and horse ran thru there," the rider said walking back to the horse and got on. The horse moved forward and followed the trail that Awai left. For a minute Takuya was really thankful for that horse.
The silence was unnerving. Takuya wanted to get out and run away as far as possible from this forest, his life, and everybody in it. But Tanshin, Kouji, were they Ok? Had the riders hurt them? Was Kouji laying in a ditch somewhere dead? The thought made his blood run cold but he didn't move too scared that the rider was going to come back. Takuya was angry at himself. He was acting like a terrified little kid! He remembered the promise he made to his parents.
"I promise I'll become the best Elemental ever."
Takuya took those words and braced himself. He slowly but surely crawled out of his little hiding place and looked around. No one, it was empty. Takuya sighed in relief and stood up. His shoulder hurt like crazy and he clutched it. Maybe he broke it. The silence was suffocating and Takuya started walking back towards the path but then stopped.
He was lost.
Perfect just perfect, though Takuya angrily. There where two options: walk in a direction and hope it would lead him to the Green Way or wait. If he waited the rider could come back and kidnap him or something and if he walked around he could bump into another rider. Takuya was frustrated. Either way a black rider could find him. As Takuya contemplated what to do he heard a voice.
"Takuya!" It was Tanshin! Takuya started towards the direction of the voice hopefully then stopped. Maybe it was a trap. After all Takuya didn't know if one of the riders was a Mage and could imitate voices.
"Takuya where are you?" He was sorely tempted to rush forward but then decided to slowly crawl towards it. He crawled slowly and tried his best to stay hidden in the under bush. Takuya could hear the voice clearer now meaning he was getting closer. Takuya felt a glimmer of hope but restrained it.
Takuya caustically poked his head from behind a tree. The Green Way! And standing there were Tanshin and Kouji both unharmed. The riders were no where to be seen. Rappa snorted as Takuya stood up and slowly walked into the clearing still holding his shoulder. Tanshin immediately rushed over to Takuya.
"Takuya! Thank all the Gods in the heavens you're fine! Are you all right?" Takuya had to smile at Tanshin's worried comments. He sounded like his mother.
"Yeah but I hurt my shoulder," Takuya said as Tanshin's brows furrowed and he took a look at Takuya's shoulder.
"Looks like you dislocated it," Tanshin said then laid his hand on Takuya's shoulder and closed his eyes. Takuya gasped as heat entered his sore muscles and felt his bones move to reconnect again. There was a 'pop' and Tanshin removed his hand. Takuya felt no pain at all as he moved his shoulder.
"Healing spell," explained Tanshin.
"Oh, thanks. Who were they?" Takuya asked as Kouji and the animals moved closer. Kouji looked fine but his cloak was torn to pieces. It looked like the riders escaped.
Kouji answered the dreaded question that left Takuya speechless.
"The Black Oracle."
Well how about it! Hmmm, well looks like Takuya and Kouji will get to the school next chapter and actually go to classes the one after that. Folks, I will be going to Mexico for vacation from July 18 to August 15 so don't expect any new chapters at that time but I will get on it as soon as I can. Review, people, Review!