Ch 4- A Human Heart
"How long has the Hero Brade lived for anyway?" That thought had been nagging at Buguese the whole time as he listened.
"A long time, I guess," replied Aqune. Though she had been curled up on the floor with Buguese, she started to inch away, as a certain thought crossed her mind.
"Aqune, is something the matter?" Buguese asked.
"Actually, there's something I should tell you," she said, a streak of red across her face. "The Hero Brade also used to flirt with me."
"What?!" Buguese clenched his fists, though he was probably more shocked than angry. A little of both, really. It was truly not something he expected to hear. "That's inexcusable!"
"Umm… I never returned his feelings," replied Aqune. "But I never objected either. I mean… it's sort of strange to think back on. But I just wanted you to know."
"If I ever see him again-" Buguese stopped himself. He obviously knew Aqune wouldn't approve of what he wanted to do to the man. The man who was a ghost, and thus couldn't be killed again anyway.
Aqune started giggling. She would never condone cruelty, but Buguese was adorable when he was jealous. Buguese was relieved to see she wasn't angry at least, but still wasn't sure how to respond.
"Well, I'll definitely let Magma read this journal too. He'll love it."
"This is a novel, not a mere journal," Buguese replied. "I did not expect or ask for a history lesson on how Hunter Steele's grandfather bonded with a spider."
Aqune gave him a sympathetic glance.
"It's kind of interesting, though. I never knew what it was like for a Rider and spider to become partners. After all, I was always with Portia for as long as I remembered."
"Yes," Buguese said. "When I found you in the forest, you were holding your manacle. Yet, I don't recall seeing it on you when we met in the village. Perhaps… no, certainly, you were specially chosen by Spirit Oracle. After all, you and your sister may have been the only two to survive that crash. When I entered the forest that day, I saw many bodies before finding you. Not only did you survive despite impossible odds, but you were also given a manacle."
"You're right, Buguese," she said. "I am grateful to be alive. And I'm grateful that you found me that day."
Before Buguese could say anything, she handed the book to him.
"Here, why don't you skip ahead a little? I can go back and read it more thoroughly later. But we should get to the important parts."
"I'm glad you agree," said Buguese.
"Besides, I'd like you to read to me for a little while." She smiled, and wrapped her arm around his.
Like usual, Aura watched him train. Yes, the thought dawned on her that she didn't have to. She wasn't even sure that she had to stay around anymore. The circumstances were already quite different than they were in Mantid's days, when there was no such thing as Spider Riders. Trigger, however, was part of a team with five others. The Riders now accepted him. Or, they did for the most part. She still found the dynamic between Trigger and Prince Arachna VIII a perplexing one.
Arachna VIII was of course Trigger's sparring partner again today. The two were vigorously exchanging blows in a traditional fight of swords. No transformations or special powers this time, to her relief. Granted, Trigger only tried that once. But it still upset Aura a little. He was serious about fighting, about becoming a worthy champion. Well, wasn't that exactly what she told him to do? That was a Spider Rider's purpose. Yet, Aura was already second guessing herself. What if she'd taken a different approach from the get-go? Were a champion to defend the innocent and a fighter one in the same?
There were also problems in knowing a lot more than she was willing to talk about. If anything, perhaps she could have talked to Trigger. He knew exactly who she was. But the more serious the secret, the more likely it was to spread, even to places it shouldn't. It wasn't just the Spider Riders Aura had to worry about, but every living being in the Inner World. Most of which were just civilians. They didn't need to be involved in grave matters. Despite the many powers Aura possessed, seeing the future wasn't one of them. Truthfully, it was too uncertain to be seen. And the more variables that came into play, the more uncertain it would become.
Of the secrets she knew, one which remained on her mind was a certain technique Brade had been shaping for a very long time. A special sword art, which was designed to break one's evil will. The catch was that she'd not seen him attempt to use it. Not for a long time. It was a flawed technique, of course. Incredible in theory, but somewhat unreliable in practice. But still, she wondered why Brade seemed to have stopped trying to perfect it. As her gaze now focused on Trigger, on the intensity in his face while he fought, she wondered. What if he could master such a move?
Aura stood up, and turned away from the two Riders.
'Where is Brade anyway?' she wondered to herself. She honestly hadn't spoken to him much since her time living in the castle. It was a mix of his habit to come and go, and how uncomfortable talking to him actually was. But maybe it was a good idea to talk more. Now, she was probably staying here solely for Trigger. But he wasn't the only Rider.
Aura walked inside the castle, probably without Trigger or Arachna VIII even noticing she left. She cupped her hands over her mouth in shock when waiting right by the doorway was Brade himself.
"Well, Miss Aura, it sure is a surprise to see you leave your post."
"My post?" Aura asked in confusion, and not just due to the surprise of being addressed so quickly.
"Watching the young Earthen," Brade replied. "The way you're always so fixated on him is rather endearing." He laughed to himself.
"I must," Aura replied, but flinched back after speaking. "Or, perhaps it isn't necessary."
"It may not be necessary," Brade said. "But there's no harm in it either."
"Hero Brade, I have a question for you," Aura replied. She had wanted to talk to him about one matter alone. Not about Trigger. Besides, it was a subject that made more sense to her, hence a more comfortable one to discuss.
"I imagine you would have many," Brade replied. "Whether I can answer them or not depends on the question. And whether you understand my answer or not depends on you."
"Understand?" Aura questioned. "I… I'm asking because I'd like to understand."
"And an answer isn't guaranteed to come with understanding," said Brade. "Let me ask you a question first. Those two boys…" he pointed towards the window, where Trigger and Arachna VIII persisted in their sparring match. "Why do they both fight so hard?"
"Huh?" It was an odd question to her, but she didn't mind answering. "Duty," she began. "Prince Arachna must have a strong sense of it. He's the heir to Arachna Kingdom. And in the war against the Insectors, his younger brother, a Rider as well, was a casualty already. He must be strong and disciplined, as one who can lead and protect. As for Trigger… he may not come from this world, but I could see from the beginning, he was taken by it. He also has the will to fight for and protect it. Can't you see that as well, Brade?"
"You aren't wrong at all," Brade answered. "But think harder. Why do they fight so hard now against each other?"
"That's…" But she paused. That was precisely something she'd wondered about herself. Aura couldn't answer.
"It surprises me how little perception you have about the human heart. Even though you have one right now, don't you?"
"I… Of course I have one," she answered. This bothered her a little. "I am a human right here and now. Can't you see?"
"That is a strange way for a human to talk," Brade replied. "But I can see it. Right now, you are a human. Even if you are a bit uncouth."
"I am!" she insisted. "Umm… Hero Brade…"
"Yes?"
"Please… won't you tell me the reason? You can answer that question at least, can't you?"
"Hmm…" He paused, as if debating to himself. Then, he quickly smiled at the girl. "Yes, I suppose I can."
Aura gave him a puzzled glance. She still hadn't gotten to ask Brade her initial question, and at this point she wasn't sure if she'd ever get the chance. But for now, she was content to just listen.
"So, where to begin…" Brade started. "That's right. Prince Arachna. It's true that his duty, and the loss of his little brother are what motivates him. But on those grounds, do you think it would please him for another Rider to arrive… one with the natural talent your Trigger has?"
"Yes," Aura replied. Though at the same time, she felt it was some sort of trick question.
"Yes… and no," answered Brade. "Having a new ally is a blessing. Certainly when this ally is so reliable. I think we all feel that way. But there is also the feelings of negativity that can bring. That is, what good can you do when someone better comes around? This someone even came from another world. Such a strange, unknown factor. And not to speak of the lovely girl who favors him… well, that may not matter too much to him. The point is, even a prince is not immune to feeling inferior."
"Inferior?" Aura wondered. Hearing those words from Brade, it did make sense to her. But yet, she truly never had noticed. Would she have ever noticed? "Then… what about Trigger? Does he also feel inferior?"
"I'd rather you figure that out for yourself," Brade replied. "But just this once, I will do you a favor. What do you think motivates him, more than duty alone?"
"To stay in this world?" That was the first answer that came to mind.
"Correct," Brade answered. "This world already means so much to him. Trigger absolutely wants to prove himself to the prince. He wants to be accepted in this world. Not just by the prince, though he may be the largest obstacle. But by all his friends and comrades. And that includes the first person he met. He wants to remain right here with you. I suppose it's only fair to give him the first chance. I've had years of opportunity myself."
"Thank you for answering my question," Aura replied. She felt unable to say anything else. She wasn't sure why. But she was very content with the answer Brade had given her.
"Hero Brade! There you are!"
Aura wouldn't have the chance to say more anyway. For Therma had rushed up to the two, looking nervous.
"What happened?" Brade asked.
"I just got news from Flowerl Village. They're under attack."
"How tiring," Brade replied. "Well, we'd better do something about it, now shouldn't we? Aura, will you tell the boys, and send them out there? It may even be a good idea for you to go out with them."
"Yes," she said. "I'll take care of it." She was surprised to be asked this, but it didn't bother her. She would normally go where Trigger went anyway.
Once the news was passed to them, the two Riders made their way to Flowerl village as quickly as possible. That, of course, was on spider back. Aura ended up riding there atop Darkness, not having a mount of her own, and still not being willing to simply "poof" herself there as Trigger had put it.
Throughout the ride there, it looked to Aura that the two Spider Riders seemed particularly excited. She couldn't deduce why, of course, and decided to say nothing about it. Maybe it was true, what Brade told her. That she couldn't exactly grasp the human heart.
When they arrived, indeed, the village was under attack. Places full of greenery were common targets for Insector strikes. So a village like this, known for its diverse and beautiful flowers, would be in particular danger.
"Are you ready?" Arachna shot Trigger a challenging glance.
"Do you even have to ask?" was Trigger's reply.
"Well, I didn't see you write a note for yourself," he answered.
"Even my Rider isn't that forgetful," Darkness added, seemingly his way of defending his partner.
"What is this about?" Aura asked, immediately wondering if she was intruding in something she shouldn't.
"Easy," Trigger answered. "We're going to see who can take down the most Insectors. Now watch out!"
"But-" Before she could say another word, Trigger and Darkness leapt out. The young Rider's Full Air technique plowed down a group of five unsuspecting Insectors.
"The Spider Riders!" Another Insector, who was away from the blast called out. It was a warning to all the others.
The villagers of Flowerl who were at the scene of course heard this warning as well. From them, there were cries of excitement.
Trying her best not to let Trigger and Arachna's competition bother her, Aura turned her attention to the villagers instead. She ran closer to where some were congregated.
"Everyone, please get away!" she called. "You'll be safe this way."
She pointed ahead, in the direction where she and the boys came from. The last thing she wanted was anyone innocent being caught up in the battle.
"Looks like I'm ahead of you now!" Arachna shouted. "That's six down!" He landed on the ground in a triumphant leap. Next to him came his white spider, Basalt.
"Not for long!" Trigger declared.
Trigger hopped off Darkness' back. There were still at least three more Insectors ahead, who were attempting to flee. Of course, taking them all out would not only bring him ahead, but also prevent Arachna from tying with him.
"You're not getting away!" Trigger called. "Full Air!"
"Trigger, look out!" Just as Aura turned back towards him, she saw an Insector coming up to Trigger from the side. His sword slashed down right where Trigger was standing. He did hear her call just soon enough to turn his head. But not soon enough to dodge. The blade cut deep into his abdomen. Trigger screamed out in pain. He doubled over and fell to the ground, blood spilling from his wound. A very nasty wound.
"How dare you?!" Darkness shouted, clearly angered. He shot out a web, trapping the Insector and knocking him down in the process. Arachna took this opportunity to deal the finishing blow. He'd lost to Trigger, 7 to 8. But his score had nothing to do with why he didn't appear triumphant.
"Trigger!" The prince knelt down by his side. But he could do nothing more than look in horror at his wound.
"No…" Aura too was terrified.
"What's happening?!" a villager shouted out.
"Will he be okay?"
"Yes," she answered. "Please… stay calm." She wasn't completely certain if that advice was directed to the villagers or herself, however. Yet she was confident in her answer to them. Trigger would be fine. After all, she was more than Aura, the human. She was Spirit Oracle.
"What can I…" Arachna stumbled over words.
"Prince!" Aura called. "There's no need to worry. I can help him."
"But how?" He looked at her with doubt. The wound was definitely fatal.
It didn't matter at this moment that she wanted to keep her identity a secret. Aura ran to Trigger's side. She also knelt down next to him.
"What are you doing?" Darkness asked.
She didn't answer, though. She concentrated. Soon, she was covered by a radiant glow. It was so bright even Arachna got up and backed away. She held her hands over Trigger. Faster than the human eye could see, his wound, blood and all, were gone. It was as if they were never there in the first place.
"What did you do?" Arachna asked. "Even a handmaiden doesn't have such powerful healing abilities."
"I didn't heal him," Aura replied. To Arachna's surprise, and even to her own, tears were flowing from her eyes when she looked to the prince. "Wh-what I did… made it so that he was never inured in the first place. I changed reality."
Trigger appeared dazed, but he was beginning to regain consciousness.
"Aura…" he mumbled. "What happened?"
Aura rubbed the tears from her eyes. She was unable to answer yet.
"She saved you!" Arachna exclaimed.
"Yes," Aura said, smiling in relief.
"You used your powers?" Trigger asked, sounding concerned.
"You knew about them?" Arachna wondered. "Actually… forget it. I'm not surprised."
Relieved as she was, something still bothered Aura. There was rejoicing now, as one of the Spider Riders, the one she'd hand chosen, survived a battle he shouldn't have. The village was safe. The menace responsible for attacking was defeated. But as she looked down at that "menace", particularly the defeated soldier who lay just feet away from Trigger, she couldn't hold back any more.
"Trigger, Prince Arachna, please listen to me. These powers I have must be used for all people of the Inner World. Human and Insector. The Insectors may have been wrong today. No, not just today. If not for what they've done, there would never have been a need for Spider Riders to begin with. But we must not return cruelty with more cruelty. I never want to see you treat battles against them like a game again."
"But…" Trigger stopped himself before saying anything more.
"I understand our behavior may have been unprofessional. But enemies are enemies. I'm not sure I grasp what you mean."
"Then please trust me, just for now."
She went over to the Insector, and released her light over him. His wounds weren't fatal. She didn't need to undo them completely. But healing was the least she could do. The two Riders watched in confusion as she continued healing each of the Insectors there.
"Why?" Arachna looked to Trigger.
"That's the sort of woman she is," Trigger said. "I'm not sure what she told you, but the truth is, she's some kind of goddess. That's why she has all these powers. But she doesn't want everyone to know, so try to keep it a secret, okay? On second thought, I wrote all that in my journal a long time ago. I probably shouldn't have done that."
"No way!" Arachna exclaimed.
"That is the truth," Aura replied.
She turned her head. Just then, Aura thought she'd heard something. But what? The Insectors were all still unconscious. In the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a figure on the rooftop of a nearby building. The figure leapt away, before she could tell who or what she saw. But she got the feeling this was trouble.