Yeah, new update! After so long, I know! :D
But hey, you get to meet a dragon this time, so all good? :D
Enjoy!
Obligatory Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Scales of Gold
Yu stared at the hooded woman with wide eyes, but it was Chie who spoke first, "W-we're going to t-talk to her? To the dragon?!"
"Mhm!" Rhysana replied with a smile, trotting ahead, "After all, its pretty stupid to ignore a dragon when they want to talk to you!"
Everyone else was too busy staring at the dragon to really respond to that.
"T-that's . . . a lot bigger up close . . ." Yosuke murmured.
"A lot bigger . . ." Yu echoed, having to crane his neck just to be able to take Tiruviel's entire form in.
"Come, it's best not to keep her waiting," Nyras said, turning to face the group who stood rooted to the spot.
They were left with no choice but to follow, though often they lagged behind as they turned their heads to stare at the magnificent creature that stood patiently at the edge of town. By now, people had begun to fill the streets, word having spread fast. They clamored to see the dragon for themselves, voices hushed in reverent awe, but all stepped aside to let the four leading them through.
"It's . . . the good dragon, right?" Kanji eventually asked, growing more and more nervous as they approached the road.
"If she was a bad dragon, there wouldn't be a town anymore," Korval put in, grimacing in annoyance as the marshy ground sucked at his boot.
"Tiruviel is a very nice dragon!" Tirin added, hopping from one cobblestone to another like a child splashing through puddles. Then, with a more lascivious smirk, he said, "And pretty easy on the eyes when she's in human form, too!~"
"One would think you'd have learned your lesson the last time you said that," Rhysana commented with a taunting smile.
"That's why I said it now, when we're out of earshot!" Tirin replied.
The other three rolled their eyes, faces a cross between amusement and exasperation. They were taking all of this in incredibly easy stride, a stride he found himself envying. They made it seem so easy to get over everything, no matter what it was. It just rolled off their shoulders like water down a duck's back.
But Yu knew their desensitized reactions had to do with such things being occurrences not unheard of or even uncommon in this world. Even the bad things, as horrible as they were, could happen at the drop of a hat. They'd learned that last night . . .
He honestly wasn't sure if that immunity was something he wanted for himself, however. As nice as it would be, it felt wrong to be able to just . . . ignore a tragedy like that.
His ability to keep his sullenness hidden behind a neutral mask must have been slipping, as someone touched his elbow.
"You okay, man?" Yosuke asked, eyes glimmering with concern, "You look upset."
Yu felt a flicker of surprise that Yosuke was able to look away from the dragon long enough to notice his discomfort, but it quickly changed to a soft flush of gladness.
But as for Yosuke's concerned question, all he could do was shrug, "It's just . . ." he paused, eyes passing over the four in front of them. Then he shook his head, "It's nothing. I'm sorry if I worried you."
Yosuke didn't look convinced, but relented with a nod, "If you say so . . ."
There was no point in bothering him or anyone with his worries, not when those worries were no doubt on everyone else's minds already. It would just be rehashing the trauma they'd all experienced, and do nothing to alleviate the stress. That didn't mean there wouldn't be a time and place to talk about it. But it wasn't here . . .
His eyes traveled back to the dragon as they began to ascend up the hill, the glitter of her scales almost blinding as they drew nearer. Her own gaze had not strayed from them, the weight of her stare prickling against his skin and making him shudder. The power behind those molten eyes . . . she truly must be ancient to have amassed so much.
Then she suddenly vanished.
Yu stopped walking, staring in utter bafflement at the space where the dragon used to be, "What-?"
"What?!" several other voices chorused in unison behind him.
"She's gone. She's gone-where'd she go?!" Chie shouted, mouth hanging open and pointing a shaking finger where the dragon had been.
"It's fine!" Rhysana called out to them, waving them down, "She's still up there, I promise."
"She has simply shifted into a form more suited for discourse," Nyras told them.
"I know I am not an expert when it comes to these supernatural dealings, but is shape-shifting supposed to be so . . . abrupt?" Naoto asked, glancing to Nyras before looking back to the empty space.
"Were you expecting something a bit flashier?" Rhysana asked her, smiling and flicking a stray piece of hair over her shoulder.
"N-not necessarily," Naoto said, only to break off as Rhysana began to laugh.
"Aw, you're precious!" she trilled, smiling.
Naoto blushed a bit, self-consciously pulling her hat down.
"Rhysana . . ." Nyras said warningly.
The woman merely focused her mirthful gaze on her, "You're precious too."
Nyras only rolled her eyes and shook her head.
The hill gave way to flat ground as they approached he road, the marsh-lined causeway deserted save for a single figure standing about twenty feet down the way.
She was beautiful. Long, lustrous black hair tumbled down her shoulders all the way to the floor, the silken locks like whorls of spun ebony. Her skin was fair and as unblemished as freshly fallen snow, yet seemed to glow with a warmth not unlike that of a low-burning fire. She was robed in a dress of sun streaked amber, the skirt rippling and sending shades of gold dancing over the fabric. She turned to them as they approached, golden eyes beholding them with a stare as heavy and enthralling as her dragon form, and Yu had to force himself to keep going. But it felt like an anvil was placed upon his shoulders the closer they came, and when they stood before her, he had to swallow back the lump rising in his throat. He wasn't afraid. Far, far from it. But the power of her presence seemed to enfold the entire road, as heavy as tarp and as warm as a kotatsu, comforting and overwhelming all at once.
And when she spoke, it was with a voice as rich as velvet, chords running deep with wisdom, awe-inspiring and wondrous to listen to as she held her arms up to them, "Hail, Champions. Friends. I hope the road has treated you well."
The four she spoke to bowed in a show of high respect, staying like that four almost ten seconds before rising again to face her. But himself and his friends just stared in slack-jawed amazement. Yu was only half aware of Tiruviel's use of the word 'champions.
Rhysana only smiled, "You'll have to excuse them, a lot of this is pretty new."
Tiruviel merely inclined her head, wearing patience like a cloak as she waited for them to continue.
"You wished to speak with us, Tiruviel?" Nyras questioned, head lifted and shoulders squared like a soldier before her captain.
"I did," Tiruviel replied, nodding. She smiled then, a radiant look that glowed like the shadows of her dress, "To bring you a royal invitation! The Grand Assembly is being held in Arvorod two weeks from today on the eclipse, and Queen Galifreya has asked you to make an appearance."
Yu had no idea what a 'Grand Assembly' was, but at the elated looks on Rhysana's and Tirin's faces, he guessed it was something good.
"The Grand Assembly! I've been keeping my ears open, but I had no idea it was happening so soon!" Rhysana cried, clapping her hands together joyfully. Closing her eyes, she leaned back and sighed, sounding wistful, "I can almost hear the music now!"
"And the dancing! And the food!" Tirin exclaimed, practically hopping in delight. With a sly elbow to Rhysana's side, he added with a devilish smile, "And the lovely company!~"
Rhysana grinned in reply, a devious sparkle appearing in her eyes, "Not to mention all the gossip that will be going around! Hm, I wonder what juicy tidbits we'll hear this year!"
"Same bet like before, Rhys?" Tirin asked her, placing his hands on his hips.
The woman flipped a lock of hair over her shoulder while bracing the other hand against her hip, and Yu could almost say she was posturing, "Always! And this year, I'll win!~"
Tiruviel softly cleared her throat, "The Queen also requests that you comport yourself with a degree of nobility in the presence of the royal dignitaries should you attend."
Rhysana's and Tirin's faces fell.
"Really, the Grand Assembly?" Korval asked, hooking his thumb against his belt, eyebrows slightly raised in quite surprise, "Its happening two weeks from now?"
"Well, we have been in the Underdark for some time now. I'm not surprised we're only just learning this," Nyras told him, idly brushing a folded part of her hood back into place.
"The announcement itself was made three weeks ago," Tiruviel said, "To give the other kingdoms time to prepare their entourages. Now, I expect I can give the Queen an affirmative reply on your behalf?"
"Of course!" Rhysana replied immediately, Tirin nodding firmly beside her.
"I expect the vast majority of the royal houses expect us to be present. Considering that, I don't believe we really have much choice," Nyras said slowly, crossing her arms.
Korval grunted, "Nobles . . ."
"The landed gentry do enjoy their political games," Tiruviel stated amusedly, mirth flashing in her eyes like a radiant star, "But you stand for something above even that, as Endrivan well knows. They won't trouble you overmuch. Now . . ."
The dragon-turned-woman looked to them, and Yu's spine went rigid, "What exact trouble have you stirred up lately?"
"Ah, of course, this meeting would be about more than just an invitation," Nyras said.
"Of course," Tiruviel replied, glancing Nyras' way, "Any would be curious over such a phenomenon. But first . . ." her eyes refocused on them, irises as pure as liquid gold, "Tell me, what are your names children?"
The four before them stepped aside so they were all in full view of the dragon, and for once, Yu didn't know what to do. Do you just . . . say hi to a dragon? Was that acceptable?
"Go on," Rhysana assured them softly, "She won't bite."
Well, she didn't have those giant teeth capable of biting anymore . . . but Yu reckoned that could change in an instant if she so desired. But no time like the present, and best not to keep her waiting.
Clearing his throat, he bowed to her, "Yu Narukami. Its an honor to meet you."
Honor worked, right?
His friends all fell in line as well, politely (and somewhat quickly) giving the great dragon their names.
"Yosuke Hanamura. U-um, nice to meet you," Yosuke stuttered a bit, and he quickly tried to make up for it with a short bow.
"Yukiko Amagi," Yukiko said softly, bowing as well, though her usually graceful movements were hampered by the armor.
Chie swallowed as the dragon's attention switched to her, "C-Chie Satonaka. Nice to met you. Meet you! Uh . . ."
Tiruviel only smiled at her patiently before turning to the next person, who happened to be Kanji. The boy scratched the back of his head until he realized what he was doing and sharply pulled it away, bowing awkwardly, "Kanji Tatsumi," under his breath, he muttered, "God, this is weird . . . "
"Naoto Shirogane," Naoto said, the most composed out of any of them, "And it is an honor."
Rise went next, looking timid under the dragon's gaze, "R-Rise Kujikawa."
And lastly was Teddie, who looked unusually humble as he stepped forward, waving slightly, "And I'm Teddie. It's nice to meet you, Ms. Tiruviel."
The dragon nodded, "A pleasure as well. But so timid you seem. Surely you know you are in no danger."
"Its not that we don't know that," Yu said, finding his voice again, "It's just that where we're from, we . . . don't exactly talk to a lot of dragons."
"You are from another world, I assume," Tiruviel said calmly, and Yu's eyes widened in surprise. How did she . . . ?
Tiruviel noted their shock and patiently explained, "Other worlds apart from our own are not uncommon knowledge here. However, for you to bear so striking a similarity to ones who already exist, that is the truly peculiar thing in this tale. Tell me, how did you come to be here?"
"We . . . don't know," he replied solemnly. His friends faces became downcast as well.
"I found them in the Underdark," Tirin said after a moment, lacing his hands behind his head and leaning his weight on the ball of his right foot.
"And Tirin sensed a great deal of portal magic in the area where he found them. But that's about all we know so far," Rhysana explained after him.
"Portal magic?" Tiruviel echoed. A flare of thought entered her eyes, and she asked, "Was this portal the only one you encountered?"
Nyras' face became grim, "It is not the only portal we've encountered, but it is the only one pertaining to this mystery."
"And what about this other portal?" Tiruviel inquired persistently, much to everyone's growing puzzlement.
Rhysana glanced at Yu and his friends before looking back to Tiruviel, "We . . . encountered one last night. A pair of demons came through. We took care of them, but they did some damage before we could finish them off for good."
Yu heard his friends shuffle their feet where they stood, a despondent cloud descending upon them.
"So that is why there is a shadow over this town . . ." Tiruviel breathed, gazing down to the stone buildings below. Her eyes were tight, lips pressed into a firm line like she'd just tasted something unpleasant, something clearly bothering her. Then, she asked, "Am I right in assuming this portal had no point of origin or any trace of a summoning?"
Shock flitted over everyone's faces. But then Nyras, eyes becoming shadowed with consternation, took the lead, "How did you know?"
Tiruviel's eyes became grim, "Because this is not the first time such an occurrence has happened," she gestured with her chin to the lake, no doubt sensing the shocked stares at her back, "All around the lake, portals have been appearing, as sporadic and random as a memphit. Some lead to the Lower Planes, others to the Elemental, and some still to the Planes above, but nowhere for any of them is there an identifiable cause. As you can imagine, it's starting to draw concern."
"Are you serious? This is happening everywhere?" Korval demanded, fingers curling as if in anticipation of a fight.
"Enough that it has spread the army thin. It is why I have been patrolling the lake more frequently than I usually do," Tiruviel explained, looking back to them, "I can get to places far faster than a regiment, and stop potential threats before than can do serious harm. Queen Galifreya already has people looking into it, but this may be a case where the champions will be needed again."
"If what you say is true and these are not isolated incidents, that may very well be the case," Nyras agreed, placing a curled finger against her chin. She glanced at Yu, "Given the criteria, this phenomenon may also be responsible for your displacement."
"You really think so?" Yosuke asked hopefully.
"Its possible. But we need to look into it further first before we can decide for sure," Nyras replied.
A thoughtful silence fell over them, Yu musing over the possibility. She could very well be right, he realized. But that didn't explain how to go about fixing it and getting back home. And it was worrying that there arrival might be a portent to something worse . . .
Then, a timid voice spoke up, " . . . Are more people gonna get hurt?"
Everyone looked at Teddie, who was staring at his feet with morose and troubled eyes. Yu opened his mouth, only to feel the comforting words he was about to say die in his throat. If this really was happening everywhere . . . then it was very possible more people would. He couldn't bring himself to lie like that. Teddie might be naive and childish at times, but he wasn't stupid.
Everyone else had realized the same, gloomy expressions dominating, and everything seemed to grow darker even though there was not a cloud in sight. He briefly noticed the four look between themselves, but not a one offered up assurances that the people by the lakeside would be safe. They were too realistic for that.
It wasn't until Rhysana spoke out that the silence was broken, "Maybe . . . if these portals are as random as you say they are, then maybe they'd be better off with you, Tiruviel."
Yu's head shot up at that, eyes widening with confusion.
"And why would you say that?" Tiruviel asked, tilting her head slightly to the right.
Nyras seemed to catch on to what Rhysana meant quick, "You can take them to Arvorod. They'll be safer there than anywhere else, even with us."
Korval nodded slowly in agreement, but Tirin pursed his lips, crossing his arms, "Arvorod is a pretty safe city, but they aren't gonna learn anything that way."
Rhysana whispered something to him, sounding terse, and the gloaming sighed. But he said nothing more.
Their discussion was only sensible, Yu knew that. But for some reason, Yu found his heart sinking, and with a start he realized it was because he didn't want to go to Arvorod. It may be safe, and it was true he didn't want to encounter another demon anytime soon (preferably never again), but this world was strange and daunting even with their counterparts. To face it alone seemed . . . overwhelming.
And it soon became apparent that he wasn't the only one, as Yosuke began to protest, "Don't we get a say in this? This is our lives we're talking about!"
"Yeah, we should get a choice!" Chie said as well, eyebrows furrowed together stubbornly.
Nyras sighed as if she were dealing with a petulant child, "I understand it may seem unfair, but we are only trying to-"
"Wait."
Nyras stopped talking as Tiruviel placed a hand on her shoulder, standing so she could look their group over with calm eyes. But there was something else there, too, something probing as she spoke, "Surely, you must understand it would be safer. Why would you choose to stay?"
To everyone's surprise, it was Kanji who spoke first, shoulders tensed in a confrontational way, "Who cares if its safer? Point is, is we ain't just some junk you can toss around wherever you want!"
Yukiko nodded, eyes hardening, "We have a right to decide for ourselves on what to do."
"Besides, we were supposed to start learning from you, right?" Rise put the question to the other four, "So that way we could defend ourselves . . ."
"And who's to say Arvorod will be any safer?" Naoto put in, "You said these portals were random, which means there's just as much of a chance of one appearing in the city as anywhere else."
"I know you mean well, but with all due respect," Yu said, a steely resolve rising in his heart, "This is going to be our decision."
Tiruviel listened to each of their pleas with a calm, placid demeanor, but with every word spoken, a smile grew and grew on her face. When they finished, she nodded as if deciding something with finality before casually brushing a hand over the skirt of her dress, "Well, I think that settles it, then."
Yu blinked, "What?"
Tiruviel's smile grew a touch bigger, "A person who truly wished for the safety of the city would have jumped at the first opportunity. But you have not, and I have seen enough to know when a human's heart desires to remain. A decision that goes against that desire is always met with uncertainty and opposition, however unintentional. And is opposition not what you have just done?"
Yu thought, but he already knew she was right. He hadn't wanted to go to Arvorod. But was the danger of the road truly what he wanted instead? Especially if his friends lives were on the line?
He turned to his friends, and an unspoken agreement passed between them with every gaze he met, the slight nods sent his way sealing their decision in steel. Tiruviel was right, the choice had already been made. They didn't want to go either. And however dangerous the road ahead would be, they'd face it together.
"You're right," Yu finally said, facing the dragon again, "It is settled. Thank you, Tiruviel-sama."
"But-!" Nyras' protests were cut off by Tiruviel's raised hand.
"I know, Arvorod is a secure city, and should they go they would be well looked after. But I cannot change what their hearts have already decided," Tiruviel told her patiently, "Besides, who am I to take budding apprentices away from their masters?"
Nyras sighed, but relented under the dragon's firm stare, "Very well. I hope you don't come to regret this decision."
"And don't expect us to go easy on you! You've chosen to train with us, and that is exactly what you're going to get!" Rhysana trilled with a smile. But she looked much happier than she had a minute ago, and Yu had to wonder if their choice to stay met more to her than he'd realized.
Then, Tirin spoke, "Are you sure 'every' heart is okay with this decision? Because your cub hasn't said anything."
It took him a moment to realize he was talking about Teddie, and when he looked, he realized the bear still looked downcast. He shuffled from foot to foot when everyone's eyes landed on him, twining his fingers together and casting his gaze to the floor.
"Teddie, what's wrong?" Rise asked in concern, taking a step towards him.
He didn't respond immediately, and when he did, he was quiet, "You said . . . you said more portals could happen, right? What if . . . what is one happens and more demons come out? W-what if what happened last night h-happens to you?" he sniffed, tears welling in eyes as his fingers tightened, voice cracking, "W-wouldn't it be better to go somewhere where it won't happen? Where nobody would get hurt?"
Yu winced, realizing too late he hadn't taken in everyone's opinion like he should have. And it didn't surprise him that Teddie was against their choice, and the sympathetic expressions around him told him everyone else knew the same. Last night's attack had affected him the worst, and of course it would shape his decisions! It was stupid to think otherwise, and he shoudl have known better . . .
But before he could speak any sort of reassurances, an elbow suddenly pressed down on bear's head with a light thunk.
"Ah!" Teddie squeaked.
Tirin, who was now leaning on the poor boy, braced his other hand on his hip and said almost nonchalantly, "You do that, then you won't get any stronger you know."
"H-huh?"
"I mean, you can go, no one's gonna stop you," Tirin continued like he hadn't spoken, waving his hand to Tiruviel, "But then what? If something happens in the city, you won't be able to do anything. Do you actually want to be that powerless all the time?"
"N-no, I don't!" Teddie tried to straighten up, but Tirin's elbow kept him down.
Nearby, he heard Rhysana give a low growl, "Tirin."
Before she could storm towards him, however, Korval grabbed her by the shoulder and kept her still, shaking his head. There was something in his eyes . . . something not too dissimilar from understanding.
And maybe . . . Yu understood what Tirin was trying to do too. And that was why he kept his distance.
"Then do something about it!" Tirin said, looking at him pointedly, "Yes, it's scary. And yes, it sucks. But if you don't do something, then who will?"
Peace made, he finally stepped back and let Teddie stand. The bear was quiet again, but this time, it was a thoughtful silence.
There was the soft rustle of silk, and Tiruviel stepped into his line of sight, molten eyes gazing at the young boy with a flare of infinite wisdom, "The most beautiful flowers are those ones that weather the storm and the rain. And though their petals may be tarnished when the clouds finally clear, their color is more rich, their scent more fragrant, than any other flower in the world. Will you take your place among them, child? Or will you come with me?"
Teddie stared at her for a long moment, water still beaded at the corners of his eyes. Then he shook his head rapidly, yelling, "No! I wanna stay with my friends! That's where I wanna be!"
Tiruviel smiled, then leveled her gaze to the rest of them. Holding out her hand, he watched as light blossomed from her cupped palm before receding back to a weak glow that was static yet colorful, like a rainbow caught in a sprinkler's mist. Something tinkled in her hand as her fingers spread open, and Yu's jaw fell when he saw what was resting there; a small horde of radiant gemstones, tiny yet flawless, their faceted surfaces sparkling in the light.
Each one suddenly floated up, with no power to hold them other than the magic Tiruviel was no doubt weaving. One floated to him while the rest floated to the others, and he cupped his hands as the jewel came to rest in his palms. It was a tear-shaped diamond, no bigger than his thumbnail but immaculately pure, its body as clear and beautiful as ice. But it was warm against his skin, a faint, pearly glow outlining its surface, and he realized that what he was holding was in fact a tiny shard of magic.
"To you children, I give you this. If ever you are threatened by those with impure hearts, speak my name unto these stones and the power they hold will serve as your shield," Tiruviel said, letting her hand come to rest by her side.
Yu couldn't even begin to fathom how priceless such a gift must be in this world, and the only thing he could think to do was bow to show his gratitude. The others did likewise, holding the gems they'd received close.
Tiruviel accepted their thanks with a humble nod, then turned away, "Now, I believe it is about time I took my leave. I have the rest of the lake to see to, and I'd rather not keep you any longer than necessary. You still have some ways to go before you reach Arvorod. Have any of you been in touch with the rest?"
"We've sent out runners, but we intend to use more magical means of communication once we reach Bailsborough," Nyras said in reply.
Tiruviel nodded, "I see. Then, I wish you luck! And may next we meet under more sociable circumstances."
"Indeed," Nyras said, bowing respectfully.
Tiruviel began to walk, her head held as high and proud as her dragon form, the four wishing her well as she strode away. It wasn't until she stood about fifteen feet away from them that the woman suddenly vanished and was replaced by a great taloned foot of gold scales and ivory claws. The change was so sudden (and disturbingly silent) that Yu actually jumped back in fright, several of his friends crying out in alarmed surprise. Behind him, he heard someone trip and fall on their backside. The cursing that followed told him it was Yosuke.
Craning his neck up, he just caught sight of a single molten eye staring back down at him, her head so high up that standing there made him feel truly tiny and insignificant.
Then the dragon spoke, her voice as rich and as powerful as it was before, "Remember children, that though the roads ahead seem dark and foreboding, you do not walk them alone. And sooner or later, you will reach the end."
The great dragon spread her glorious wings, the sail-like protrusions casting a shadow over them, the hillside, and part of the village below, the sun a blurry orange orb behind the webbing of her wings, "Farewell friends, and may Bahamut grace you with fair winds and clear skies."
Her wings came down in a powerful flap, the wind so powerful Yu struggled to stay on his feet. With a jump that shook the earth beneath her, Tiruviel took to the skies, wings coming down again and again until she was soaring high, vanishing over the hillside and swooping to the lands beyond.
"W-whoa . . ." Yosuke mumbled after a moment, clambering back to his feet.
"Yeah . . . whoa . . ." Chie agreed slowly, watching where Tiruviel had flown.
"And that was Tiruviel. She's nice, isn't she?" Rhysana asked them, eyes sparkling with mirth.
"Y-yeah . . ." Yu said absentmindedly, staring at the sky. His eyes then fell to his hand, staring at the gem that now rested there.
"They're beautiful . . ." he heard Yukiko breath, staring at the small ruby sitting in her palm, a dot of crimson against her skin.
"Those are very special gifts. Keep them close to you," Nyras said, gesturing to the stones.
Yu nodded, curling his fingers around the gem in his hand. He had no doubt that this gem was special. And the magic imbued within it, the warmth that seeped into his hand . . . it was making him feel safer already.
Behind him, someone spoke, "Hey Ted, you alright?"
He turned around to see that Yosuke had wandered over to the bear's side, waiting for his answer with a furrowed brow. Teddie looked at him, then quickly reached up to wipe at his eyes, nodding, "Uh-huh. I'll be bearific so long as I'm with everyone. But . . ." his voice became more demure, "Can we be careful? Just . . . in case?"
"Of course we'll be careful, Teddie!" Rise said immediately, "We always are."
"Everythin'll be fine, you'll see," Kanji reassured him.
"Yeah, you're worrying too much," Yosuke added, nudging him with an elbow.
"We'll take care of one another, like we always do," Yu said to him, ruffling his hair affectionately, "Promise."
Teddie leaned into it happily, and he smiled this time, taking the words to heart. Seeing him that way made Yu's own spirits lift a little, but still, the dark cloud of anxiety flickered on the edges of his heart. They'd chosen to stay. But had that been the right choice?
Only time would tell.
On the road again next time! What will our heroes encounter?
Stay tuned to find out! ;)
Rate and review, if you feel so inclined!