Chapter Five: The Will of Lutz
After the Black Wave incident five years ago, Espers were bold enough to brave the tundra and explore the rest of Dezoris. Though some Dezorians were still hostile towards them, there were some willing to share their beliefs with those who were open-minded. The Espers had made Meese their second home and the inhabitants had welcomed them, saying it was the least they could do for their saviors.
Kyra Tierney was one of them.
She had gained a lot of popularity among the citizens of Meese and among her fellow Espers, as well, ever since she returned from Garuberk Tower, crediting her of healing them of their illness when in fact it was Chaz and his friends that had helped her. But her reputation still continued to grow after her return from Motavia. She was still an apprentice at the Mansion, but she was already the best disciple. Her healing skills were unsurpassed and soon people began to call her Master Healer.
After all, wasn't she the one that cured the illness?
No, she thought as she turned and looked out the frost-crusted window. The sky was surprisingly clear with the sun shining softly in the distance. There was Chaz, Rika, Wren, and...
Rune.
She crossed both hands over her heart that had begun to flutter in her chest at the thought of his name. Why does my heart pound so at the mere thought of him?, she wondered and at the back of her mind she already knew the answer.
Because you're worried for him.
It had been a month since his return to the Mansion, since they had breakfast together, since they had that talk in the graveyard, since...
Since she had last seen of him.
She then thought back to the time they had talked in that graveyard.
She recalled the sadness she had seen in his eyes as he spoke in a reticent tone. Could see the turmoil in his heart. She did not need to read his mind to see that. The talk of weddings had troubled him and when he had stated that being Lutz was a lonely existence, she knew then that Rune Walsh did not want that kind of life. She had wanted to comfort him then, wanted to comfort him now...
But she could not find the right words.
She shook her head as she sighed, cursing herself silently for her lack of courage. Why was she so afraid? She had faced a forest of carnivorous trees despite the danger and yet, she could not face her friend. Why was it so hard to do a simple task as to talk to a friend? And why was she thinking more about Rune this past month than she did these past five years? It was as if he had placed her under his spell.
"What have you done to me, Rune Walsh?" she whispered.
There were too many questions---questions that need answering. But where to begin? Where to search?
She was then glad for the knock on her door that came at that moment. "Master Healer?" a voice called. "Kyra? May I come in?"
Knowing who it was, Kyra bid the knocker entry. She smiled as a familiar male Esper slowly entered the room, closing the door softly behind. "Is there something I can do for you, Keziah?" she asked him.
The Esper was about the same age as Kyra---perhaps a few years older---with short green locks and intense gray eyes. Like all male Espers studying at the Mansion, he wore a gray tunic with matching pants, a sash of dark green going about his waist, and about his shoulders, a cape of white where it was clasped at his left shoulder by a pin in the shape of a tri-blade; three blades connected together that represented the three planets of the Algo solar system. One pointed to the south and the other two pointed to the northwest and northeast respectively.
Keziah approached her as he replied, "No, not really. I just came to see if you are well."
"Thank you for your concern, Keziah, but I assure you that I am fine," Kyra returned.
Keziah raised an inquisitive brow. "Are you really?"
Kyra's smile faltered, hearing the note of doubt in her friend's voice. Does he know?
It was Keziah's turn to smile then, which further puzzled Kyra. He joined her at the window as he remarked, "Lovely day, isn't it? There are not many days where you can see the sky and the sun."
"Yes," she agreed, turning again to the window.
Silence ensued afterwards. This worried Keziah. He had known Kyra since they were children. They grew up together under the watchful eyes of their parents. She had always been a lively person, always smiling even when times were rough. But when she was upset, she would act before she thinks. Her impulsive nature had gotten her into trouble more times than he could count and he would always be there to help her out.
The incident at Meese included.
Both were quite adept at the healing arts and, as such, they were sent to help those ill at Meese five years ago. He remembered the determination and anger he had seen flaring in her eyes as she marched to the Carnivorous Forest. He had tried to stop her but to no avail. Knowing that she was no match for the carnivorous trees that grew in the forest, he had gone back for help.
Fortunately, four strangers had answered his call.
He had pulled her out of trouble once again. Strangely enough, that was the last time he had saved her. Kyra seemed to have calmed down a bit since then, but still as cheerful as ever.
But for the past month, he had noticed a change in his friend. She's been reclusive as of late, always staring with a wistful expression as she was now.
"Would you like to talk about it, Kyra?" he asked as he turned to face her.
"What?" Kyra blinked in surprise, the question catching her off guard.
"I asked if you would like to talk about it," Keziah repeated, his voice full of concern.
"A-About what?" the Master Healer stuttered nervously, involuntarily backing away from Keziah.
"About why you've been acting strange lately," Keziah stated. "You hardly visit the medical ward, as is your duty as Master Healer, always staying here in your room. What's wrong, Kyra? This isn't like you."
"How would you know?" Kyra retorted angrily. "How would you know how I feel?"
Her outburst shocked Keziah. Did he say something wrong? He was just worried for her and wanted to help her in some way. "I-I just wanted to help you, Kyra," he told her in a hushed voice. "I'm worried for you. Ever since we were kids, I always looked after you as if you were my little sister. But since you don't need my help," he began heading for the door, "I'll leave. Sorry to have bothered you."
He was about to place his hand on the knob when he felt Kyra grasp his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Keziah," she apologized when he turned. She then shook her head as she said, "I'm just so confused right now."
Keziah smiled faintly as he placed his hands on his friend's shoulders. "And I'm willing to listen. Would you care to tell me?"
Kyra nodded wearily, as she let Keziah lead her to a round table set at the corner of her room near the window. She was then led into one of the chairs where she sat, nodding absentmindedly when Keziah excused himself to get some hot tea. When he left, Kyra stared sulkily out the window.
The weather seemed to match her mood, going from bright and cheery to dark and gloomy. Gray clouds covered the sky once more as snow began to fall, lightly at first until a snowstorm howled outside.
Kyra sighed, the storm a perfect representation of her emotions raging within her heart. Why was she feeling this way? Was it because of...him?
Rune is only a friend!, she insisted silently. And he's Lutz! He does not have time to deal with the infatuation of a confused Esper woman!
Is that how you see me, Kyra? As Lutz? Even though you know the truth?
"This is so confusing!" she cried out as she clutched her head. "I don't know what to think!"
"Sometimes it's better for the heart to do the thinking instead of the mind."
Kyra quickly looked up and saw Keziah standing in front of her, two steaming cups of hot tea in his hands. "H-How long have you been standing there?!" she asked mortified.
Keziah smiled jovially, placing a cup in front of her as he replied, "Long enough to see what's been troubling you." He then took a seat across from her, taking a small sip of his tea before continuing, "So, who is he?"
"He's---" Kyra began then quickly fell silent. How could she tell Keziah that the man she has begun to have feelings for was none other than their spiritual leader, Lutz?
But that does not make me Lutz. His memories are separate from mine. We are two different people.
Two different people...
"Rune," she finally declared, "Rune Walsh."
"Rune Walsh," Keziah repeated thoughtfully as he leaned back against his chair. "Sounds the charismatic-type."
Feeling a blush suffuse her cheeks, Kyra quickly raised her cup to her lips, slowly sipping the tea as she hid behind the vessel. She suppose Rune was charming in his own 'insensitive' way, but she doubt that's the reason why she had begun to have feelings for him.
Keziah's voice once again broke through her thoughts. "Are you not going to tell him?"
Kyra was appalled at the thought! How could she tell Rune her feelings when she wasn't even sure of them herself? And what about his feelings? She shook her head. There were too many questions, too many possibilities. Most may lead to disastrous results if she were not careful.
"Think on it," Keziah advised, seeing her at a lost, before standing up. "You don't want to wait too long, you know."
By the way, Miss Tierney, are you planning to bond with someone soon? You don't want to wait too long, you know, Jayson's voice echoed in her mind.
"You may never know when that person will be gone," Keziah finished. He patted Kyra's shoulder encouragingly before leaving the room.
Kyra stared at the door for a moment before returning her gaze back to the window. The storm continued to wail unabated outside.
And it seems her feelings would too...
The windows of the Esper Mansion rattled as the blizzard that had begun some time during the day, blew across the plateau. The hour was well past midnight. The Mansion slept soundly, Espers all tucked warm in their beds.
A lone figure sat alone in the library under the soft glow of candlelight. Rune was hunched over a volume, reading its words carefully, searching, endlessly searching for clues...
Clues on how to permanently seal Kane's powers instead of killing him as Gene had instructed for, like his predecessor, he could not kill a fellow Esper in cold blood. If he could find out how he had revived his powers, perhaps he could prevent him from restoring them after he would seal Kane's power once more. He then looked up when he heard someone enter the library.
Jayson came carrying a tray of tea and biscuits. "I thought I would bring you a midnight snack, reverent one," he explained as he placed the tray down.
Rune nodded his thanks before going back to his reading. "Found what you are looking for?" the old Esper asked and Rune shook his head.
"No," he sighed. "I've been at this for a month and still nothing." He closed the book and rose from his seat, returning the tome to a nearby shelf.
"Excuse me, reverent one," Jayson dared to venture as Rune scanned the bookshelf for another book, "but exactly what are you looking for? Ever since you've returned, you seem troubled." He then smirked, the same mischievous grin he wore during their breakfast a month ago, as he asked, "Is it because of a certain young Esper?" in a playful tone.
He did not get the reaction he was hoping for as Rune retrieved a book and resumed his search, eyes roving over page after page, his expression unwavering. Jayson frowned in worry, wondering what could have Rune so preoccupied that he didn't even stumble at the cryptic mention of Kyra.
Has he forgotten about her already?, he thought, observing Rune closely.
The Esper Lord didn't even look up, his attention focused at the book in front of him. Jayson hasn't seen him this studious since his training with the previous Lutz. He walked behind Rune and looked over his shoulder, hoping to find what the reverent fifth one was reading.
But Rune suddenly slammed the tome shut, gritting his teeth in frustration. "Nothing!" he fumed as he quickly rose from his seat, the chair toppling to the marbled floor.
Jayson jumped back, as agile as his age allowed him, the chair barely clipping his toes. He watched as Rune marched towards a nearby window where he pounded the sill, muttering, "How? How did he escape? It's impossible!" At this, he pounded the sill again.
"Who?" Jayson ventured to ask, afraid for the young Esper Lord. He had never seen Rune so angry and troubled.
"Kane Magnus."
The name immediately sent a chill down the Elder's spine. "The Black Esper…" he whispered in fear.
Everyone in Esper Mansion knew of the Black Esper, the only Esper to have defied Esper Law. His name was always spoken in fear and in awe. His legacy has been passed down the generations, reminding Espers that to go down the path of darkness is to go down the path of destruction.
Now to learn that the Black Esper has awakened sent another chill down Jayson's spine.
Before Gene Landen had decided to relinquish his power to someone younger, he had warned him that he might return. He had been afraid that the seal may not be strong enough to hold him for long, that someday it may weaken and that Kane would break free.
It seemed that the reverent fourth's fear had come to pass.
"Yes," Rune muttered as he stared at his reflection on the window and saw—not himself—but that of his predecessor and the banishment that had taken place in the Hall of Worship. "The Black Esper…" He sighed and shook his head, dispelling the image. "Esper Mansion is in danger once again."
"If you believe the Espers are in danger, then you must know this," Jayson said and Rune turned to regard him. "Ever since the Black Wave incident five years ago, Espers have been living in Meese and there are those who visit the town once in a while. As Rune, you'll have a hard time persuading them to return home, but perhaps as Lutz…" He shrugged.
"I understand that, Jayson," Rune assured the Elder. He then again turned towards the window, adding, "And that is what I am afraid of."
Jayson heard him sigh and he wondered if it was in frustration or in resignation. He slowly walked towards him, and in the dim moonlight, saw the regret written across the Esper Lord's features. He now knew how Gene had felt when he had passed on the title of Lutz to Rune. To be Lutz was to lose being Rune Walsh.
"I'm sorry, Rune," he whispered in sympathy, calling him by his name as his friend, not as the Elder.
Rune straightened from the window. "I must do what I must." He then looked over his shoulder at Jayson as he added, "Even if it means losing myself…"
In the corridors of the Mansion, sleepy Espers stirred as another day dawned on Dezoris. The snowstorm had finally ended, but not without any consequential results. Snow was piled high around the walls, making it difficult to open the main doors of the Mansion. There was also the possibility of an avalanche occurring from the nearby mountains. Fortunately, these things were trivial to the Espers who were long accustomed to such weather conditions.
Kyra woke surprisingly refreshed. She stretched, yawning, then sat up, aware that she felt quite relaxed despite the upcoming journey she would undertake. She pushed back the sheets and rose, looking out the window afterwards. It looked to be a beautiful day, the new snow glistening on the ground as the sun slowly rose to its steely domain in the sky.
The sight bolstered her already cheery mood as she dressed for the day. Instead of her formal robe, she donned her traveling clothes for today she was to travel to Meese. As Master Healer, and 'healer of the sickness', it was her responsibility to visit the Parmanian town once a month to see how the residents---Espers included---were faring. In light of the recent storm, she had a feeling that her visit was due.
As she was placing her tiara on her head, there came a knock on her door. "In a minute!" she called out. She took one last look at herself in the mirror, straightening a small wrinkle on her blouse, before answering the door, expecting to see a smiling Keziah.
Instead, she found one of the Esper guards that guarded the entrance to the Inner Sanctum at her door. "Is something the matter?" she asked, wondering what had prompted this surprise visit.
"The Reverent Lutz requires that all Espers meet at the Hall of Worship."
Before Kyra could question him any further, the guard left in a hurry, telling his message as he passed other Espers strolling in the corridor. She stared after him, wondering what brought this turn of events. Then remembering that it has been a month since Rune returned, she thought it to be some sort of welcoming gathering.
With this in mind, she turned to follow fellow Espers in the corridor when a voice shouted, "Kyra!"
She turned to see Keziah running towards her, his face smiling in excited anticipation. Kyra could not blame him for feeling that way. Like him, all the other Espers felt thrilled to finally see Lutz again as they hurriedly went to the Hall.
"Isn't this great?!" the green-haired Esper asked Kyra as he finally caught up. "The Reverent Lutz has finally returned in our midst!"
He's been amongst our midst all this time, was what Kyra wanted to say, but kept silent as she and Keziah, along with other Espers, walked down the hall. She could hear their excited voices and see their eager faces, but she did not share in their revelry.
It did not go unnoticed.
"Why aren't you thrilled?" Keziah asked. "Whenever Lutz appeared, you were always eager to see him. You were always among the first ones to reach the Hall."
Kyra shrugged. "Times changed."
"If you're talking about us Espers exploring the world, then I guess you're right. But I don't see how that answers my question," he added with a frown.
Kyra smiled softly, as she reflected on the adventure she had with Chaz and his friends, how she had learned about Lutz's true identity, how she had helped save Algo. She had been an impulsive person then, always rushing into things without thinking about the repercussions that would happen later. Her thoughts then turned to the past month and the feelings she thought she never had. She suddenly realized something.
"I've changed," she whispered.
"What was that?" Keziah questioned, too caught up in the excitement as a fellow Esper briefly spoke with him before moving ahead in the crowd. "I didn't hear you."
Kyra sighed. "Never mind…"
Keziah looked at her strangely, perplexed at her pensive behavior. Normally she wasn't really thoughtful, but looking at her now made him wonder. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him as his confused frown turned into a wide grin. "Won't we see Rune Walsh there? I bet you're more eager to see him than Lutz!"
He did not get the reaction he was hoping for when he saw Kyra smile sadly. "If only you knew…" he heard her whisper before disappearing in the crowd.
Keziah just stood in the middle of the hallway, staring after her in stunned silence, wondering what had just happened.
Jayson paced the Inner Sanctum, waiting anxiously for Rune, who had disappeared into the Sanctuary where the Telepathy Ball resided. It has been a while since the summons was made for fellow Espers to gather at the Hall of Worship since Rune has left him.
He suddenly paused in his pacing as a soft glow began to emanate from the stairwell leading down to the Sanctuary. With deep regret, the Elder knew that Rune was losing himself when he turned into the Espers' spiritual leader.
The Telepathy Ball held all the past memories of the previous Lutzes and it was from that crystal ball where the glow originated.
Jayson knew that Rune did not wish to return to being that figure of leadership, of worship. To be Lutz was to lose being Rune.
Being Lutz was a lonesome existence…
But the Elder wondered, shifting his gaze to the sofa and chairs where he, Kyra, and Rune had breakfast together a month ago.
He smiled fondly at the memory. Perhaps being Lutz shouldn't have to be such a lonesome existence. Perhaps it's time for change, to rewrite the traditions of old.
The Elder then turned to the stairwell as Rune slowly emerged, but it wasn't the same arrogant Esper that he knew as his friend when he looked into his blue eyes. It was the spirit of Lutz that inhabited those orbs now and again that pang of regret struck his heart.
"It is time," Rune—Lutz—spoke with gentle authority.
Jayson could only nod and reply, "Yes, it is. Welcome, reverent one."
The Hall was abuzz with excitement as Espers conversed in hush tones, waiting anxiously for their leader to appear and address them.
Kyra sighed as she stood amid the crowd, eyes turned inward as if she was holding a conversation within herself.
Those who knew her to be an avid follower of Lutz looked at her strangely, and when they asked if anything was wrong, she would only shake her head and smile, but that smile didn't reach her eyes. The Espers would then turn to Keziah, who stood next to her, and question him. The only answer he could supply them was the same answer that Kyra had given him: Times changed. He then would shrug and explain he didn't know what it meant, but that's all he had to explain Kyra's strange behavior.
The Espers seemed to accept this as they nodded and turned away, continuing on with their own conversations.
Keziah sighed in relief then turned to Kyra. "Honestly, what's wrong with you?" he asked, frustrated. "I swear, you're the only one in this whole Mansion that looks like they're attending a funeral instead of a gathering!"
"You wouldn't understand," she whispered in reply.
Keziah was about to answer when there came a shout at the entryway of the Hall.
"Hail the reverent one!" the Elder cried out into the Hall as he walked down the room. Espers moved to the side, creating an aisle in the middle of the Hall, looking anxiously at the entryway, waiting for Lutz to appear.
The two guards that had announced his coming followed the Elder.
And then Lutz appeared.
As he strolled down the aisle, Espers bowed as they whispered in hushed awe, "Reverent Lutz!"
Keziah was among those that greeted their leader, but Kyra only stood and stared at the cowl-covered figure.
As if sensing her gaze, he slightly turned his head, and in that brief moment, their eyes met.
Kyra gasped. Those weren't the eyes of Rune Walsh, but of another person.
Those were the eyes of Lutz.
Is this what happens when Rune becomes Lutz?, she wondered as he turned away and continued walking down the aisle. Is this what Rune was talking about when he said about being two different people?
She was further saddened by this truth and sympathized with Rune for living such a lonely life.
When Lutz reached the statue of the Heroine, he turned and began addressing his people:
"My people, the reason I have called you here is not because of my welcoming, but to warn you of danger."
There was a collective gasp of surprise and whisperings began to hum throughout the Hall.
Lutz raised his hands, and when the Espers quieted, he continued:
"A month ago, while I was meditating, I sensed the awakening of one who had been banished from the Mansion three-hundred-years ago. Yes, my people," he nodded as cries of alarm rang throughout, "the Black Esper has awakened."
"I thought the Black Esper was a story to scare children!" a young Esper exclaimed.
"I assure you, he is very real," Lutz replied, "and will be paying the Mansion a visit in the near future."
"What should we do?" another Esper asked.
"I ask you to remain here in Esper Mansion and to not venture beyond these walls. The Black Esper is only after our people. I do not want to endanger the other inhabitants of Dezoris."
"What about those living in Meese?" another cried out.
"I will send a messenger to tell them to return home. They will return to Meese when the Black Esper is subdued."
"And how long will that be?" a third Esper asked.
Lutz gazed at them grimly as he replied in a grave tone: "As long as it takes."
It took a week for the exodus of the Espers from Meese to complete. Kyra oversaw the journey as the people of Meese said goodbye to the Espers, thanking them for watching over them. They understood the danger they were facing and wished them a safe journey and a safe return, if ever there shall be one.
Kyra prayed for all of this to be over as soon as possible, as she watched the last of the Espers walk through the doors of the Mansion. She felt someone approaching and she turned to see Rune—Lutz—standing besides her. "That's the last," she told him and he nodded.
"Thank you, Master Healer."
Kyra flinched at the sound of his cool voice. That wasn't the voice of the arrogant Rune Walsh that she had come to know, and perhaps, love. But she wasn't the type to admit that even to herself.
Lutz turned to the two guards standing by each door and nodded.
Both guards began to push the portals close. With a resounding boom, the doors to Esper Mansion shut, separating it from the outside world once more.
Lutz murmured arcane words as he waved a hand in front of the doors. There was a click and the doors took a faint blue glow. He then sighed:
"It is done."