Welcome welcome welcome. I am back with the milk. And we have reach over 30 pairs of eyeballs on this story. I'm happy to know I've been entertaining a few people here and there again
Ceridwen Lucius: thank you once again for sticking this far and for hearing my rambles and ideas. I honestly don't think I would've gotten this far without you dear friend
Theallaroundnerd: buddy I'm glad you can listen to whatever I have planned
And hopefully it doesn't take another milk trip for chapter 10. But I can guarantee the end of this story isn't too far neither close. But definitely a bit over halfway
Now unto thine stowy
Kane walked back to the others after his encounter with that mother and child. Their coincidentally familiar looks just messed with his head as he lit his cigarette and takes a puff of it passing through many shops seemingly trying to get his attention
Eventually one did grab it. And of course. It was another candle shop. Taking the cig out of his mouth he ducks under the tent top and goes in
"Welcome Mr. Knight can I interest you in some our special made candles?" said the shopkeeper as Kane looks at some of the more unique designs. He grabs a black candle with a blue moon design upon it.
The other candle he takes is a white candle with a yellow sun design on it
"You like those two? 10 coins" said the keeper as Kane hands her the money "They are Skyline and nightfall scents. Please enjoy" waving him bye as he left the tent and taking another puff of smoke continuing on until he made it back to the library
He tosses the cigarette onto the ground and steps on it. Before going into the library. Passing through a couple people. He eventually sees Amelia seemingly very invested in one book while Sky slept on one of the open books
He carefully approaches them both. Sky wakes up and blinks for a moment and then yawns
"…Hey Amy" said Kane
"Hello" said Amelia nodding to him. This got Sky to fully wake up and see Kane and excitedly jumps at him and lands on his hand
"Good to see you too buddy" said Kane petting Sky
"Poi.. poi poi" said Sky as he relaxes
"…so what have you learned?" said Kane
"All of these Textbooks contain data on the floating isles. I have spent the afternoon gathering and analyzing all of that information" said Amelia
"…floating?" said Kane
"Yes" said Amelia
"Well damn. I bet it's like Cloud City. Or whatever those stupid bespin people call it…. Without the technology" thought Kane
"….will it be hard to get there?" said Kane
"Well. Since where I believe that is where we will go next. It will depend on the energy concentration that keeps the islands afloat" said Amelia "The higher the concentration the higher the island will be. I think thw highest one will contain the wind temple"
"…." Said Kane "…that is fascinating"
"Indeed it is" said Amelia "I do enjoy some tool these things here and are among the most beautiful and mysterious wonders of Esaria"
Amelia them went on to talk more about her fascination with the islands while Kane finds himself zoning out just listening to her talk.
His arm starts to relax and Sky jumps onto his shoulder to keep himself from falling. While Amelia continues rambling Sky then gives Kane a bump to see how awake he is. Kane didn't react as his head was still in space. Sky didn't care as he the began to relax
Eventually. The others came by and then Amelia filled them in on what is needed. Sky was happy to see everyone else and hopped into Leanna's arms
"So has Kane here the whole time?" Said Leanna
"No. But he has been around for a while" said Amelia continually looking into a book. Zack then inspects Kane noticing his unmoving expression
He waves his hand in front of Kane's helmet
"Hey. You awake?" said Zack but got no response "*sigh* of course" and then put his hand on his shoulder and gave him a slight shake making him drop his bag. When it did the ground it was full of candles Kane got over their time together
"!" said Kane coming back to reality and picking up his candles and putting them back in his bag
"Kane"
"…yeah?" said Kane
"You dozed off" said Zack as Kara and Leanna giggle at that
"…Did I?" said Kane
"Wh-Yes you did" said Zack in an annoyed tone
"….did I?" said Kane
"Yes" said Zack in a more annoyed tone
"…did I" said Kane
"Your doing that on purpose aren't you" said Zack. And even though he can't see it. He could tell Kane has a smug face behind his helmet as Kane chuckled and Zack rolls his eyes at Kane
Amelia fills them in on her research and eventually pulls out a map and brings attention to a cluster of islands
"If my calculations are correct. They temple should be up there" said Amelia
"…..so how are we supposed to get there?" said Kane
"Wind Magic would solve that predicament" said Amelia as everyone immediately focused on Leanna knowing that she's the most powerful wind magic user of the group
"Well it is true I can go up there using windows magic. It's impossible for me to manipulate enough energy to float everyone" said Leanna "But besides myself. I think at best I can float 1 other person"
"Obviously it's gonna be him" said Zack with a slight smug tone pointing to Kane
"….but what about the rest of us?" Said Kara
"….keep watch?" said Kane
"We can set up at the first isle and wait fir their return" said Zack
"Welp. Sounds good to me" said Kara
"However there are still some distance to reach the isles. We can cross that distance and split up from there" said Amelia
"Yes. But tomorrow. It's already growing dark so we should rest for the night" Said Zack
"After all. My legs feel super tired after all that" said Leanna as she then blows her hands "And the change in temperature really apparent without the sun"
"If you are cold. Perhaps we should enter the Flushed Mermaid. Their rooms are much more luxurious than the inns we are used to. They do not have fireplaces but rather heat stones to be sufficient" said Amelia "Plus. Their hotsprings are free to all guests"
This made Kara perk up
"Did you say hot springs?" said Kara
"Yes. Its-" said Amelia before her hand was grabbed and is being dragged by Kara
"You had me at hot springs! Let's go" said Kara giddy with excitement" said Kara as the other follow
"Kara we are going the wrong way. It's towards there" said Amelia pointing in another direction making Kara stop
To which Leanna bumps into them. Then Zack did. And Kane deciding it would be amusing, purposely played dumb and walk faster which of course. Nearly knocked them all over
"Kane!" said Leanna as she gives him a punch on the chest that didn't phase him
"….sorry" said Kane with a hint of sarcasm trying to hold in a slight laugh. Zack saw right through this
"Why you!" said Zack as Leanna breaks them apart before Kane and Zack could swing at each other
"STOP THAT YOU TWO!" said Leanna "I swear you two fight like children sometimes…*sigh* T least your both not trying to kill each other" as she face palms "Alright let's just make the reservations"
Later
Zack and Kane are now in a room which is much fancier than the ones they have been sleeping in earlier. Kane looked at the shelves as he's disappointed there are no candles for him to steal. Just lighting crystals
"…Must've been a hefty coin for designs and materials…" said Kane as Sky hops onto a shelf
"Poi poi" said Sky as he hopped closer to one of the crystals. He then put his mouth on it to absorb some of the energy leaving Kane to be amused as Sky jumps off the shelf to investigate other parts of the room
"Curious little thing aren't ya?" thought Kane as Zack grabs a towel
"I'm heading to the hot springs. You two coming?" said Zack
"….." said Kane "…no?"
"Poi" said Sky jumping on Zack's foot
"Actually. Yes you are. You're so pale you could use it" said Zack "Grab a towel. It'll be refreshing"
"….you sure?" said Kane as Zack nods "…..ok" as he reluctantly grabs a towel
Later
The both of them are about to enter the hotsprings. And Zack notices Kane has definitely has more scars on his body compared to him
"Holy s**t dude. You've definitely been through a lot" said Zack
"…eh…" said Kane as examines Zack's scars "You've definitely seen action too"
"Yeah. But clearly not as damaging" said Zack as Kane resisted his urge to give Zack a slight punch as they both entered the hot springs. Kane certainly have never felt this kind of heat before. A great soothing experience
"Poi poi" said Sky as he hops off Kane's shoulder and into the water "Poooiii…"
Kane gives a slight smile seeing that Sky likes being here and seeing him float carefree
"So. When was the last time you ever been to one of these?" said Zack
"….never" said Kane as the hot water easier him more to sink body in
"You serious?" said Zack raising a brow
"Of course I'm serious. I spent more time in that armor than you think." Said Kane as he lowkey had very reduced crave for a cigarette due to the sauna. However. They both didn't notice Sky jumping out of the pool to go over to the otherside
The girls side
"O…K then?" said Zack as Kane began to close his eyes. Such a feeling he would cherish
"…." Said Kane as a few moments past as he notices. Sky is kinda quiet right now but since he seemed seemed to like the sauna maybe he's just napping?"
Kane them looks to see where he is. Obviously he wasn't there
"….Zack… where's Sky?" said Kane
"I don't know" said Zack with his eyes closed
"…don't you ever wonder where he goes?" said Kane
"nope" said Zack making Kane frown and sigh
"…moron" muttered Kane as he gets ups from the hot springs making Zack open one eye out of curiosity
"What are you doing?" said Zack
"Looking for Sky" said Kane
"!" said Zack realizing where Sky most likely would have gone and he gets up "You know. He's always with them 'for science' like Amy says"
"Ok?" said Kane as Zack catches up to him
"W-Well.. we must check…..'for science' " said Zack "Besides we be doing it for Sky. And making sure he's alright. Anything happens isn't our intentions"
"You seem motivated" said Kane before it hits him why Zack is saying "…oh… I see no reason not too" with slight smugness earning a grin from Zack. As the thought of Leanna entered his mind
"C'mon" said Zack as Kane followed as they both hid at a wall peeking around the corners making sure any staff isn't present
"…now help me up. You're taller" said Zack making Kane frown as in a moment Zack stood on Kane's shoulders as he reached the rooftops covered from vision by trees with lots of bushes growing on top. Zack then lowers his hand to pull Kane up
"Well…. I'm surprised I'm actually doing this" muttered Kane as they are now both on top but thankfully they were hidden in the leaves as they quietly got down and slipped into the hot spring
Kane could feel his heart racing. Normally he's not really the one to try. But he found himself not objecting to Zack's antics. Even if he himself felt it as a guilty pleasure
"Poi poi" said Sky from afar as he then noticed something odd from the background
Kane could year the girls talking but couldn't care less as he was really here as before he could leave. Zack stopped Kane and gestured to a swimming motion
"Oh no" they both thought as they hoped Sky wouldn't see them. But sure enough. He did
"Poi?" said Sky as he then gets closer and gets excited "Poi poi!"
"Sky shh!" whispered Zack
"Is anyone over there?" said Kara rhetorically both Kane and Zack turn pale
"….meow?" said Zack trying to impersonate a cat albeit badly as Kane was dumbfounded by his action
"Zack?" said Kara with a wry smile
"Poi poi" said Sky swimming to Kane with a happy face. Kane then lifts him onto his shoulder and Zack goes deeper into the water to hide
"Kane I know you are there with him" qs she goes in to the rocks and could see the both of them "There you both are"
"Poi" said Sky
"So what are you boys up too?" Said Kara smugly as Kane gets a very silly idea
"….I'm not here" said Kane holding back a smile
"Wha-yes you are" said Kara
"…am I?" said Kane
"Yes" said Kara raising a brow
"…..I'm pretty sure I'm on the other side" said Kane as Kara realizes he's messing with her. And a little surprised at his sudden silliness and rolls her eyes and gives him a playful punch as moves past him to look over Zack who had a very nervous smile
Kane watches in amusement as he then remembers than Leanna is behind him
"Eep!" said Leanna as she then wraps herself in lots of towels
"it is quite surprising to see you both here. After all this is the women's side" said Amelia
"….sorry" said Kane turning to apologize to her as he could also see. That where Leanna was. Is a mountain of towels "….huh…"
"You guy can't just set *inaudible mumbles*" said the Leanna as the towels muffled her voice
"Leanna I can't understand you when you are under all those towels" said Kane as he could hear some more mumbles from her "*Sigh* fine. If you want me to leave I'll go" as she then pokes her head out of the mountain
"Th-that's not! I mean-" said Leanna as she stops and takes a deep breath. And removes all other towels except one
"…I don't know why you are so worked up. Your other outfit was more revealing than this" said Kane making her blink and think. And then she laughed
"Y-Yeah… you might be right" said Leanna and Kane did have to admit. Her legs look good. And Leanna did get a good look at Kane. Seeing a lot of the scars he has. She certainly wanted to ask about some of the more noticeable ones
Not to mention. As pale as Kane is. He certainly looks less pale compared to when she first saw him as they all began to relax for a bit as Kane and Zack back to the men's side until their reservations for the springs had run out
A few moments later
"So how was it? You like it?" Said Zack
"…It was ok. But. In an outside setting I don't think I'll see myself doing it often" said Kane putting his armor on
"You know you liked it" said Zack smugly as he puts in his jackets
"You certainly liked seeing Kara" said Kane as he puts his helmet on stunning Zack
"WHA-N-No!" said Zack as Kane puts his hand up
"Stop stuttering. You look like an idiot" said Kane as he left the dressing room to catch up with the others. Upon doing so they all sit at a table
"Poi poi!" said Sky excitedly as he hopped out of Amelia's arms to Kane to give a bright smile as Kane pets him as Zack comes and takes his seat next to Kara
"I ordered something special for us all" said Amelia
Kane looked a bit curious while everyone seemed so excited to hear as a moment passes as a couple servers puts a bowl in front of each of them and puts 3 scoops of ice cream
Kane was curious about what this was as he looked at it as Leanna hands him a spoon
"Ice cream" said Leanna excellent trying to contain herself as she eats a lot of her ice cream
"…ice cream?" said Kane as he looks at his. It looks white compared to her brown. He looks at Leanna who nods to him as he takes off his helmet
"Poi…." Said Sky drooling over it Kane takes off his helmet once again as he tried a bit. It tasted very sweet. Just like the Cinnabon. But different. And cold. And he so recognized the flavor. Vanilla
Kane then uses his spoon to pick off a chunk of one of his scoops and slides it into Sky's mouth who happily enjoys the taste while trying not to shiver
Kane watches in amusement as he continues eating his ice cream
"You like your ice cream?" said Leanna
"Yeah." Said Kane making her smile "But it's not something I've had before" making her eyes bulge out
"Kane I know you haven't tried a lot of things. But surely you tried ice cream" said Leanna
"I know what it is. I just never tried" said Kane as once he enough he began spoonfeeding Sky the rest of his ice cream
"Poi poi" said Sky happily as Kane cups his mouth to stop the ice cream drip from hitting the table
"Thank you so much Amelia" said Leanna
"It is no problem" said Amelia as everyone then started to head back to their rooms
Zack being g super tired goes in his bed and crashes while Kane tucks Sky on the other bed as he falls asleep.
He then goes out to pull out a cigarette and begins to light it. As he could hear a voice above him.
"Aah such a nice night" said the man as Kane looked up to see he's clearly has a box. Which peaked Kane's curiosity
He could hear a match go off. And from what Kane could see. It looks like a candle and gets an idea. He then balances himself on the railing and then
The man then turns around to pour himself a drink as he doesn't see Kane's hand stick out and goes on top of the box and pulls it over
Kane opens the box to see multiple red candles. He reads then that they are spiced apple scented. He then steals 3 and quietly puts the box back
The man turns back around to open his box
"Hmm… funny.. I thought I had more…. Oh well guess I didn't grab enough" said the man as he gets the box and puts it away and while his back is turned Kane's had sticks out again. And feels around to steal one of the man's matchboxes
"Sucker" thought Kane as he pus the matchbox in his bag as he continued smoking for a few moments more before putting out the cigarette to sit on a chair to fall asleep
The next day
Kane woke up to a nice day. Zack an Sky are sleeping in as usual as Kane inspects his baton as he then gets up to go out of the room and heads downstairs. He looks up to see some of the hallways were lit by candles
And thankfully due to his tall stature. He reached up to put out the flames of 3 of them with his fingers and pulling them off and storing them away. Inspecting them first at he noticed they seemed to have just been placed
He a slight smugness look behind his helmet as he sat by the outside door. Debating on whether he should smoke or not
After a little bit of time passes by. Leanna comes over to sit next to him before he would've pulled a cigarette out
"God morning Kane" said Leanna
"Buenos dias Leanna" said Kane "You have a nice rest?"
"You know. I forgot How often do you sleep in your armor?" said Leanna
"…a lot" said Kane
"You know you probably could use more light" said Leanna as Kane rolled his eyes behind his helmet as he looked his cloak for a moment
"tch. Estoy bien" said Kane
"I don't know what that means" said Leanna
"I said that I'm good" said Kane "….But I appreciate your concern" making her smile by the latter common as they sit around a few moments as everyone else began making their way out of their respective rooms all set
Sky then hops onto Kane's hand so he could put him on his shoulder and every vegan to head onto the floating isles
Considering the bright sun in the sky. It certainly felt less chilly than it did earlier. Was it the sun or was it the hotspring?
Kane disregarded the hotspring theory as silly as he could feel the breeze on his cloak as they walk up higher and higher. After a few more hours of walking. They made it
"We made it guys. Look" said Leanna as Kane looks where she is pointing
Hundreds of floating islands all shapes and sizes in the sky. Kane was a bit stunned considering the landscape of this place he is in
He's seen floating islands before. But certainly not ones that seem lush and healthy. Kane squint his eyes behind his helmet a he could make out lots of flowers he has never seen before.
"I've never seen anything like it" said Kara
"Me neither" said Zack
"…." Said Kane looking to Sky
"Poi poi…" said Sky amazed at the sight
"Just as I calculated. The temple should be here" said Amelia
"….where?" said Kane in confusion
"You and Leanna would find the air temple at the highest floating isle" said Amelia as Kane looked up again and could see some of the much higher floating islands
"…..oh" said Kane thinking this would be a pain in the ass
"We'll set up here so you guys can do your thing" said Zack
"Good Luck" said Kara
"Kane" said Amelia "May I request to have Sky with us?"
"Do you want to Sky?" said Kane as Sky jumped happily jumped into her arms
"Alright Kane. You ready?" said Leanna as Kane nodded to her as Kane looked at Amelia and Sky
"I trust you two can babysit them?" said Kane referring to Kara and Zack
"Hey!" said Zack as Kara frowns while Leanna puts her hand over her mouth to hide slight laugh
"Poi poi" said Sky in a 'yes sir' fashion while Amelia innocently nods
"Indeed. We will be able to watch the two of them" said Amelia with a slight sense of holding in a laugh as Kane and Leanna quickly walk away before Kara or Zack could make a rebuttal
"Well Kane. I really didn't take you for a jokester" said Leanna as Kane shrugged
"Only when I see it to be worth it" said Kane as they made their way higher and higher up until they managed to reach the top
Kane takes in the beautiful sight as he then walks closer to the edge. And then looks down to see that it's VERY long drop
"Don't worry Kane. We aren't going in that direction" said Leanna in some what of a joking manner as Kane looks at the closest island
A normal leap of faith wouldn't cut it unless he could hop like a Jedi or float
"Kane. Use your magic to bring yourself a greater distance" said Leanna as Kane inspects his gauntlet and then at her
"…Are you sure?.." said Kane as Leanna nods to him
"I know it's scary. But with your power. If you make sure to channel it you could do it" said Leanna with a reassuring smile
"..But what if I fall?" said Kane with worry
"Do not worry. If you don't get it. I won't let you fall" said Leanna with her hand on his shoulder to reassure him
"I won't let you fall Kane"
Kane imagined he was speaking to Ashley in place of Leanna before snapping back to reality
"…I trust you Leanna" said Kane making her smile as she ran leapt through the air and using her magic she glided gracefully to gently land on the close island. Kane was impressed by her skill
She then gestures for him to do the same. Thinking about whenever he was certain situations with Ashley. He takes a few steps back to before sprinting to the edge to make a leap of faith
He then managed to chancel some energy as he floated just enough to reach the island
However. The same couldn't be said for his landing
"!" said Kane as he hit the island hard and let out an audible groan as Leanna runs to him
"Kane are you alright!?" said Leanna as she helps him up
"Yeah…" said Kane as he stands back up and dusts his cloak off
"You ready for the next one?" said Leanna as he shrugs "Just use the wind as a springboard using your magic. It will probably make it much easier"
"Very well" said Kane as he looks at one of the next islands as he focuses his energy at the much farther island
"To infinity…. And beyond!" said Kane focusing his energy into his manipulator and leaped through the air casting a wind to give him more force
This time it was much better than his first. He felt the wind on him again he felt like maybe some sort of superhero flying through the sky. Surely this what Ashely, other sith, and other Jedi could experience with their unnatural abilities
However. His landing still wasn't that much better
*Pff*
"Ow…" Muttered Kane getting up again but it was much less painful than the first as he gets up again
"That was much better Kane" said Leanna landing gracefully next to him as she seemed pretty excited do this
Her contagious smile made Kane do the same behind his helmet as they look at another island and both ran to do another leap
For Kane. It seemed much easier the third time casting the wind and going through the air
Sure enough his next landing. Was still a bit rough. But he continued on following Leanna as she jumps ahead in a guiding way
For every island Kane hopped from. His landing each time got better and better little by little. Which does come with the ramifications that he may have bruised his body a bit
He felt like he was super free. Even though he certainly didn't seem like it. He really enjoyed the feeling
After further hops from island to island slowly catching up to Leanna eventually stopping at one island where she takes a big stretch. When Kane softest lands next to her. Kane's lungs feel spiked
"You are tired Kane. Let's take a rest" said Leanna with a smile as Kane slowly sits down next to her "Its beautiful here" as Kane nods in agreement as he took off his helmet while catching his breath
The clouds look soft like spun sugar as they glide through the sky. Dappled sunlight glints off of Leanna's white armor. Her hair dances across her face as they both watched the sun dip low behind the clouds
"Could you ever get a sunset like that?" said Kane as Leanna happily shook her head
"Not a chance. It's so nice up here. It makes me happy" said Leanna gaining his attention "I don't feel so weighed down here. It's like I'm free"
Kane smiled at what she said
"Yeah? Like what?" said Kane
"Everything. It's just… I don't know. The looming responsibility of the world weighs me down sometimes" said Leanna as Kane let's out a small chuckle
"The whole world?" said Kane raising a brow
"I-I suppose it's the not the whole world… it's just there's so much expectation from the Mage Guild, from guards and places we visit because of the sigil…" as she then hesitates for a second "And from my family. It all gets so overwhelming"
Upon hearing the latter. Kane immediately had a very good idea of what her family life is. She was raised to be somewhat prestigious like many rich kids or gifted
"…" said Kane as he remembers that this is the first time she really she has mentioned her family rather than referencing. He loses his smile to return to his stoic look "I understand…. Somewhat"
"Somewhat?" said Leanna
"….tell me your stress Leanna" said Kane deflecting making her think for a moment
"..Well… in this world. Lots of women my age are already married and have children. It's something my family wanted for me. Those things.. they aren't bad but it's not something I want to think about right now" said Leanna "I want to explore and see everything I want to be free"
"….I see" said Kane
"Yeah… I love my family but we definitely have different views on things.." said Leanna "Ever since I joined the Mage Guild. I feel like I'm able to breath. I can look at the horizon and know that I can just… go there… but all this doesn't matter. I know I'll have to leave the guild one day and fulfill the expectations… why even bother if it's also fleeting…"
"Leanna…. Even though I may not understand what you go through family politics as I sadly never got hat chance. I know what it feels. When I trained to be among the deathtroopers. I felt like. I had to work and risk harder than what most men can do…" said Kane
Leanna begins to think about what he said
"…For all my life. I was meant to be among the ranks of the perfect soldier battalion… but I obviously wasn't always at my best. Whether it was my fault or not" said Kane as he began to think of the previous 4 people he considered precious to him
Ashley, Stan, Remington, and Arthur(Hyun Woo). Flashes of times whenever he was with them at times he considered precious to him while he still had them around
"However….whenever a moment of freedom comes. Whether it be big or small… I always appreciate it as it has happened…. I feel lucky that I was able to… have fun whenever it came….which left me yearning for more at each end.." said Kane "But they always shape you as a person as memories last forever. Just because you always think how you should live your life. You forget to actually live if you are so preoccupied…."
While withholding certain things he has done prior to coming to this ace
"…I never thought of it like that" said Leanna
"I know it's important to respect your parents and your job… but I think it's also important to respect your own… it's just
"…I see" said Leanna thinking about what he said. However. The last where he referenced his family somewhat stuck out to her. But she decided it's best not to ask him
"You know… traveling with you… with Sky…. And the others… I have never felt so free doing this. For all my life as a soldier. But when we went through the clouds like that. I can only imagine how much my child self would've wanted to do that" said Kane "Life is unpredictable…. I honestly would have never known I would've done a this.. yet here I am.." as a smile returned to his face
Leanna chuckles as her smile return to face… upon thinking about what Kane said from his perspective reassured her
However another thought etched her… but does she dare ask him this? Contemplating on whether she should or not. She decides that maybe now is the best time
"Kane?" said Leanna gaining his attention with her face a bit pink "….do you … have someone to return to?..." Kane immediately knew what she meant
However… if Ashley was still around. This would've been a very difficult to answer.
"…No" said Kane as Leanna looked a bit stunned. Surely someone like him would ve had a girlfriend back at home. Hell when Leanna first met Kane she assumes he was possibly married when she still had the idea he was in his 40s
"Really?" said Leanna as he nodded
"You?..." said Kane
"Honestly. I've never been with anyone" said Leanna with a slight blush
"You sure?" said Kane as she nodded to him as well "I'm more surprised at that… I mean. Someone as pretty, hard working, and talented as you could have had a lot of men that would compete for you"
"You are seriously exaggerating… but thanks" said Leanna as her blush deepens and scratches the back of her head as she then clears her throat "Alright then. You ready?"
Kane then puts his helmet back on and gets up "Si"
They both then get up and Leanna leads the way on a few more island jumps to which some were long jumps and some were short jumps
They both stop at a large ruin
"This must be it" said Leanna as Kane looked at other islands
"….there really isn't much infrastructure at all… yet there's this…" thought Kane as they both looked into the open archway Kane could feel a strong wind there
He began to take steps forward but the wind kept getting stronger the further he got in to the pint where he was pushed back to the entrance
"…well that happened" said Kane as Leanna happily to think
"Must be to keep any visitors out" said Leanna "Well let's try again" as she walks back to get a running start with Kane following her lead
They both run in using their way magic. But were pushed out again
"Ok new plan" said Leanna "I'll slingshot you in"
"Que?" said Kane
"Since you absorb the energy of every temple we've been too. You can try it every and maybe the energy will be lowered enough for me to get through" said Leanna
"…muy bien Leanna" said Kane as even though she didn't throw what he said. She could have a good idea of what context is she hold our her hand for Kane to take it and then using their wind magic once again they dashed inside
As the wind began getting stronger and stronger. Leannna rotates and uses the rest of her wind magic to slingshot Kane further inside
"!" Said Kane as he flew through the gust and tumbled into the temple into a room with crumbling stone and rusted relics
Kane looks over the room to see more items scattered throughout the room. But nothing magic looking though he does see multiple dusty candles which got him a bit excited
"At least I get the best souvenirs here" thought Kane as he takes each candle. "Bien" However. He doesn't know how to scan using his manipulator like Leanna or Amelia
Kane goes further in when suddenly a pair of inverted eyes appear from the top of his vision
"!" said Kane standing back to hear a giggle. Then he realizes who the voice belongs to. The elemental as he then sees her float to him
She encircles him for a few moments curiously studying him
Kane then take off his helmet
"….Hola?" said Kane as she blinks at him and tilts her head as Kane then began to think while his hand on his chin. The elemental then does the same "?" as he then waves his hand at her. She does the same again. She's copying him
Kane then exaggeratedly scratches the back of his head as the elemental then giggles and does the same causing Kane to smile. He then put out his hand to her. And she does the same. Moving closer and closer until their fingertips touched
Kane felt q similar sensation from the previous elemental feeling the tranquility once again. He felt happy to feel it. And through his fingertip he felt a calm tendril of calm ethereal energy, almost like she's testify him
She smirks and suddenly a gale storm erupts in the room. It circles around Kane whipping his hair into his eyes but Kane remained on his feet. After the wind envelops him. It began to channel into his body and he felt a new rush of energy coursing through him
It almost felt like he was in weightless and the more strong and rejuvenated Kane felt. The more the elemental began to fade before she does.. she waves and smiles
"Gracias" said Kane make her smile even more as she disappears. Thinking about every elemental that he's encountered. Of all supernatural things. They seem absolutely delightful. Compared to Vit Orm
He could hear jogging getting closer and closer. It was Leanna
"Hey!" said Leanna "I came as fast as I could when the wind disappeared. Did something happen?"
"I saw the elemental" said Kane as she in response does a scan on him with her manipulator
"Seems that you absorbed the energy as well" said Leanna
"Well.. this time was a little different" said Kane
"Different how?" said Leanna
"She was copying my movements playfully" said Kane
"…you're telling me that you played a mime game with one of the elementals?" said Leanna
"….Si" said Kane as Leanna got a somewhat amused by that
"Well. Let's grab a few artifacts and relics first before we get going. Kara wanted some remember?" said Leanna
"No" said Kane as she frowned at him for a split while at the same time trying to guess since he's joking or not
"*sigh let's just grab stuff" said Leanna as she and Kane proceeded to grab a bunch of old relics and treasures they could find before finally leaving the temple
They both see the dazzling sky ablaze with streaks of caplet and gold. Even the puffs of clouds passing by are painted lavender or orange adding to the portrait of the sky. The colors seemed more vibrant as Kane could never like it any more
"I thought the view was beautiful before" said Leanna "But this is a wonder"
"Scenery like this will last a lifetime in your head" said Kane
"I agree" said Leanna as Kane takes off his helmet again
Golden rays shine brighter in the sky as the sun travels beneath the clouds like one last hurrah before it sets
A few moments go by as they both take in the sights for a moment longer as they look at each other
"….Leanna?" said Kane debating if he should tell her "….I really going on an adventure either you…..I lowkey wish it will never end"
This stunned Leanna when she heard such a thing from him
"Aw Kane…" said Leanna as they both tightly embraced each other "I do too.."
After a few more moments they both let each other go. Kane had to admit. He liked it a lot. Probably more than he would want to admit as he puts his helmet back on and they began making their way back hoping from island to island taking in he dawning sight as they reach closer back to the mountain
However when they reached the mountain. They both heard thunderous cracks if explosions making them both freeze
"…was that-?" said Kane
*boom*
They both could hear blade clashing and spellcasting
"Somethings wrong!" said Leanna as she runs forward and Kane quickly sprints after her to catch you
The closer they got the louder they could hear the fighting as Kane pulls his baton as he sees what's going on
And entire group bandits have surrounded Zack, Kara, and Amelia with half of them sounding Zack
Kane's eyes darted around too look for Sky. To see that he is hiding behind Zack's legs
However. The leader of the group. Standing nearly as tall as Kane at 6'3 notices him and Leanna getting closer and recognizing Leanna as part of the guild
"Brace yourselves men. They have backup from the guild!" said the leader as readied his manipulator
Leanna shoots a gusts of wind at some of the bandits knocking a couple away
"Take care of the soldiers. I take care of the leader" said Kane as Leanna nods
Kane knocks a few bandits out that stood in his way as he scoops up Sky
"Don't worry boy. Just hide for now until it's safe" said Kane giving Sky a reassuring pet before tossing g him in the bush
"Poi poi" said Sky before burying himself in the bush
The bandits leader examines Kane and notices an ominous dark magic in him leading him to smirk
"Fascinating…" said bandit leader as he readied his manipulator "The rest of you tend to the group. The tall ones is mine as he and Kane both charged at each other
Kane then used his wind magic to launch himself at the leader who promptly does the same as they zoomed at each other as they readied for a punch and clashing fists as he then tried to thrust his sword at Kane who blocked with his baton
Leanna as she knocks more bandits put of the way as she sees Kane fighting the leader. She wanted to help him but then she narrowly avoided a slash from another bandit before kicking him out of the way
Kane grabs one of his knives with his free hand as they both lunged at each other once again clashing blades as the bandit managed to slip his knife out of his hand
"!" said Kane as he blocked a strike from the bandits swords as Kane lunched his in the chest knocking him back as Kane used his baton to knock his sword out of his hand as he pulls out a discharge and shoots Kane's baton out of his hand
Before the bandit could shoot him again he grabbed both his wrists and held them up in the air before the bandit leader could fire anything form either
The bandit leader looked into Kane's green visor with interest and could see a slight purple glint behind it as they both head the background fighting
"You are holding back.." said as he smirked "But you have the power.." as he loaded his manipulator with dark power and broke free from Kane's grasp and with his manipulator hand he grabs the front of Kane's helmet
"AAAH!" said Kane as he could he feel the dark magic inside
That's it Kane… take more of it…..
*Fwash*
"Kane stay with me!" said a familiar deathtrooper "We are almost the checkpoint!" qs they both ran outside a metallic structure to avoid massive shelling as they charged with many mud troopers
"Stan?" thought Kane as they he heard a click
*boom*
*Fwash*
Kane finds himself in q familiar room and he sees that has bloody hands and could hear panting as he looks at who it is from among with his cracked helmet right by him
"…Hyun Woo?" said Kane in disbelief as Hyun Woo coughs up blood falling to his knees
"QUICKLY STUN HIM!" yelled a stormtroopeer as the last thing Kane heard was a couple stun lasers
*Fwash*
"Why would you entertain such thought!?" said Kane to another but familiar deathtrooper
"Then LOOK" said the deathtrooper points a certain destruction Kane could only glimpse for a moment
*Fwash*
"YOU'RE DEAD RHYS!" yelled Kane as he used his hand to crack a mandalorian's helmet "AFTER EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED YOUD THINK I'D LET YOU LIVE!?"
The mandalorian then uses his flame thrower to blind Kane to stop him from getting throttled
*Fwash*
"RAH!" said Kane slugging the bandit leader making his glasses crack and aggressive tries to go for another punch only for the bandit to catch his fist as the bandit pulls out a knife and slashed at Kane causing some marks on his armor
Kane pulls out his butterfly knife Spinning it in his hand
"Shiny" said the Bandit leader as they blades again slashing at each other and Kane pulls out his black knife his other hand which he gripped tightly knowing. They are his last two weapon as the leader pulls switchblade
Kane looks at awe at its simplicity…. He wanted it
They both lunge at each other once again both using their wind magic to make themselves go faster trading blows and blades as their armor getting more slashes
However. Kane bashed the regular knife out of the leaders hand drove his knee straight the leader's gut and finishing him off with a punch knocking him away
But before he would join his friend. He would go over grab the switchblade out of the leaders and dangled it in front of his face
"Mine now" said Kane before going to pick up his other stuff and joining the others. The leader took this time to use his magic to disappear after grabbing his discharge with a sinister smile
Back to Kane as he dashes over with his collapsible baton in his hand. He changes over to bandit that were trying to fight Amelia
Kane bonks one it he head as he then whacks another in the face and then used his magic once again to launch himself like a bowling ball knocking over more bandits like bowling pins
"Thanks Kane" said Amelia as she stepped back to take a rest as Kane then joined Leanna using his fire magic to knock away even more
"These guys really aren't that skilled" thought Kane referring to the bandit as he watched Leanna and Zack take out the remaining ones
Everyone looks over at all the knocked out bandits now that the fighting is over. Kane looks over to where the leader is to see he is gone
"Oh…." Thought Kane as he hoped Leanna wouldn't ask. He the scurried over to the bush where Sky should be
"You alright boy?" said Kane
"Poi poi!" said Sky as he excitedly jumped onto his hand
"Bien" said Kane petting him as he then catches up with everyone else Amelia looked exhausted so Kane thought. Maybe handing Sky to her may ease her somewhat so he holds Sky out to her and he jumps into her arms
However. Kane could notice Zack seemed extra mad
Zack then grabs on bandit who is hanging on to consciousness
"..How did you find me?" said Zack menacingly
"Find you?.." muttered Kara
The bandit stayed silent as Zack gets frustrated and tosses him to the ground. Before blasting him. He then grabs another bandit
"Talk. Or the same happens to you" said Zack as the bandit spat on his face
"I have nothing to say to you traitor" said the Bandit making Zack scowl and punches the man across the face. Knocking him out cold
"Traitor?" Muttered Leanna curiously
They hear shallow laughter as they turn to face another bandit clutching his side
"No one joins the Cloaked Brotherhood and leaves. You should already know that, Zack Spade" said the Bandit
"Cloaked brotherhood?" said Kara as her tone is noticeably angry
Zack walks to the bandit and kicks him multiple times until he fell unconscious. Unbeknownst to everyone. Kane a minor amusement in watching
Suddenly Kara marches up to Zack with her dagger drawn
"Kara!" said Leanna as Kane puts his hand in her shoulder to stop her
"You were part of the cloaked brotherhood this entire time!?" said Kara with her voice being harsh and her eyes only contain hostility. Zack holds her gaze and doesn't flinch
"I'm not apart of the cloaked brotherhood" said Zack
"Then why did he call you a traitor? How do they know what your name is? Tell me!" said Kara. Zack steps closer to her blade with his expression being cold and stony
"I already told you I am not a part of them" said Zack as Kara then retracts her blade and but continues her glare "How do you even know who they are?"
Kara's eyes harden into polished jade. Her voice is flat and cold
"Because they destroyed my only home and family" said Kara she sheathed her dagger and begins to walk away. Amy stated silent thus entire time watching the scene unfold. But she tries to stop Kara
"Kara.." said Amelia as Kara stops and gently shrugs out of her grasp
Kane was kind of surprised. He always thought of her more akin to a pathetic thief. But. At the same time. A heavy optimist. Though he felt bad for her considering the man she liked seemingly has ties to the group
"I need some time to think" said Kara as she then disappears into the trees
The air around Zack has been thick if tension, ever since the ambush. Kara still hasn't returned. They set up camp without her. Not really sure what to do
Zack stay secluded from he group and leans against the tree. His hair covering his face.
"…Leanna?" said Kane gaining g her attention "That group they mentioned. The Cloaked Brotherhood. Do you know who they are?" as Leanna shook her head
"I'm not sure. It sounds like a mercenary guild" said Leanna as she looked troubled
"..something wrong?" said Kane
"They called him the Deathslinger" said Leanna as Kane gave her a blank stare
"..And?" said Kane
"He's a mercenary for hire. They say he has a death wish" said Leanna as Kane tilts his head "The Deathslinger would take missions and jobs that seem impossible because of how dangerous they are. Yet he took a lot seemingly regard for his own life"
Kane wasn't phased at all. He had taken plenty of missions and been in lots of life or death situations a normal soldier or mercenary cannot do
Though. Maybe Zack really did had a poi then he said they aren't so different. But Kane doubts that he's done more dangerous than he has. Or most of his own fellow Deathtroopers who have done who knows amount of things
"Of all the dangerous things he has done he managed to survive. At the Mage Guild we were warned of that if we encounter certain individuals. We should avoid engaging with them as much as possible. The deathslinger is on of those people" said Leanna shifting uncomfortably "He has the highest body counts of any mercenary"
"….I bet I have I higher" thought Kane darkly as when he looked at Zack. He could easily tell he genuinely cares about people
Kane. As much as he sees Zack as a frenemy. Still trusts him. Though he wasn't sure if the rest of them could feel the same
"…Leanna. Do you trust him?" said Kane as Leanna hesitates to answer completely unsure what to say. Then Amelia pipes up
"Regardless of his past. It appears his present self is no longer affiliated with the cloaked brotherhood or his persona of the Deathslinger he has also not betrayed us thus far" said Amelia
Leanna nods deep on thought as Kane could see that Amelia definitely trusts him as much as he does likely even more so
They then heard footsteps coming closer. It was Kara. Zack whirls around. Kane couldn't read his expression. Relief? Uncertainty?
Kane then looks at Kara, Her eyes are puffy and pink. It's clear she had been crying for hours. While her expression remains cold returning here. She stops in front of Zack
"Tell me about the cloaked brotherhood" said Kara
"What do you want to know?" said Zack
"How did you get involved with them?" said Kara as Zack pauses. It looked like he wasn't going to answer. But eventually he does
"They gave me a mission to silence a target. It's part of it here initiation" said Zack as Kara inhales
"So you were looking to join them" said Kara as Kane couldn't see her face. But he could definitely still could tell that by her tone she is trying not to cry while being cold and disgusted. Zack nods. Kara's head began to dip lower with a deepened frown.
"But that was before I knew what they were all about, when I went to carry out the mission. That's when I found out the truth" said Zack
"Bulls**t" thought Kane as he doubts Zack was fully unaware of what they were doing. He had to have some level of awareness. Though it makes him wonder if the others will notice
"My target was an ex member. The main rule is. Once a member. Always a member. This man didn't want to kill anymore and ran away. He evaded them for years" said Zack "When they found him he was living a simple life in a small village with a wife and two kids. The mission was to kill him and everyone close. To send a clear message to the rest of the brotherhood, that was my initiation " said Zack
Kara only stated at him in silence for a moment before crossing her arms
"I know my target killed people. Innocent people too since he was part of the brotherhood. But his family was innocent. Their only crime was knowing him" said Zack "I have never killed innocent people then. And I was not going to start"
Kara's arms remains crossed as she continues listening
"When I found him. I warned him of what I was sent to do and told him I'd cover for him and his family to escape. I knew others who would join me would kill me if they knew. So I took them out before they could get me" said Zack "Then. I let my target go free"
Everyone but Kane was shocked at what he said. Kane thought about it and thought of Rhys and his friends. And how much he hated them
"Once the they found out what I did. I knew they'd start hunting me. So I stayed in hiding for as long as I could" said Zack
Upon hearing that Kara let's out a loose sigh. The tension unwinds from her odd as she slumps a little. She believes him. He looks at her directly in the eyes
"But they are very covert. How did you come to find then out?" said Zack
"My dad was one of their targets" said Kara with her voice sounding as thick as tears "He stumbled upon information. He reported to a corrupt treasurer and he sought to silence him. We escaped but our life was never the same. We moved from city to city and never stayed the same place beyond a few days. My dad would be gone for hours or even days. But I knew he'd always come back"
She paused for a moment
"….until one day. He didn't. I don't know what happened to him. But I had no way of finding out. So I spent my life trying to figure that out. Sure enough I did. It was the cloaked brotherhood. But there was not much information I could gather since they cover they tracks" said Kara "I'm not even sure if he's really dead or not. I've tried coming o terms with it"
"…But you want closure" said Zack as she nods. He then surveyed her before speaking
"..I do know where their base may be. They should have a ledger that keeps records of their jobs" said Zack "Even if it's years ago. You could still find your answer there"
Kara's back straightens. And now has a glimmer of hope in her eyes
"But, do you really want to find the truth? It might not be the answer you want to hear" said Zack
"Yes" said Kara as her jaw clenches as here eyes are aflame with determination
Zack nods with his expression softening
"…I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions earlier. I just haven't heard that name in so long and as soon I heard it.." said Kara looking down
"I understand" said Zack
"I won't be able to concentrate knowing there is a lead I can pursue about my dad" said Kara "As much as I don't want to, I'll have leave the group" Zack then grabs her arm
"I'm going with you" said Zack making her eyes widen
"What?" said Kara
"I've been running from my past long enough. But that will end of it. They will never stop searching and the longer I run the more I put others at risk" said Zack as he gestures at the rest of the gang "I don't want to be the one to put all of us in danger. I'd never forgive myself if I let them hurt the ones I care about the most"
He looks into Kara's eyes. Her cheeks flush but a small smile graces her lips
"I guess we are both leaving then" said Kara as they both turn to approach everyone else. Leanna is already standing smiling expectantly
"So where do we go never to take care of the cloaked brotherhood?" said Leanna
Kara freezes with her mouth agape
"You said you guys are going to tale care of that guild right?" said Leanna
"Zack and I are going alone" said Kara as Amelia shakes her head
"If your description of the cloaked brotherhood is accurate. Then this mission will have a greater chance of success with he aid of the entire group" said Amelia
Zack crosses his arms
"Absolutely not. It's too dangerous" said Zack
"I believe my combat abilities as a mage caster has proven on numerous occasions" said Amelia
"And as a mage knight and active duty member of the Mage Guild. I have been trained for dangerous missions such as this" said Leanna
"Poi poi" said Sky in support as he nuzzles Kara's legs. He gives Zack a tentative look who returns his look with a stony glance "P-Poi" mustering up his courage. He scoots over to Zack and nuzzles his leg briefly before racing to the safety of Kane's legs and peering right behind them
Everyone then looked at Kane since he hasn't given his opinion. Which made Leanna a bit worried as she remembered how hostile Kane was to Zack and to an extent Kara
Kane silent approaches Zack casting a slight tension from everyone else. But Zack kept his stony look while he felt a little bit of fear considering its Kane. When the titan stood over him with his menacing appearing appearance Kane thought of what to say
"Listen here. Zack. You are a very sketchy guy" said Kane as there was a tense pause "But…. When you said we aren't much different… maybe you are right… I will excuse this. And assist you"
Zack's expression softens in as he turns to Kara
"However. I trust this won't be a disaster Ms. Kara" said Kane
"But what about your own goals for whatever you are doing?" said Kara as everyone eased
"We are not on a time crunch. So it is acceptable so long as it is done" said Kane as Kara as everyone began to prepare for their next detour
Though as when everyone else began to head over to relax for the night. Kane once again had an ominous purple glint in his eyes again behind his helmet as he takes it off, to light a cigarette to take a couple puffs
"C'mon boy" said Kane as he puts his cigarette in his mouse and holds out his hand for Sky to jump on
"Poi Poi!" said Sky as he puts him on his shoulder before continuing his puffs and opening his journal
To be Continued
Kane's notes 6
Welp. This world has its fascinating magic elements. Hearing that this place has floating islands. Yet it seems to have a similar gravity level to someplace like Naboo. Guess this world may be as it.
In another note. I have never had a better smoke here compared to home. i know what to stock on before I head home. Damn it's too good. I might actually get addicted
But other than that. I have never had the most wonderful time with Leanna. To jump across island to island wind magic? Absolutely majestic. I never wanted to end.
I don't want my adventure with Leanna to end. And thank God was given an easy excuse to spend more time with…. Though… normally I would've liked it better without Zack or Kara. I guess they are growing on me. And watching their lover's spat was amusing. Along with putting them on edge. I know no ally Hyun Woo would do that. But you know. Its no wonder why he does
But Leanna. When this is all done. I want to ask her. Maybe have a new adventures. I already am thinking of such exciting thoughts are in my head. If she says yes
Aside all that. New candles I am excited to light. I can barely contain myself but I need the right place to do it
And a new switchblade from that sucker. However
Whatever he did to me felt similar to the elementals. But rather than tranquility. I felt pain
I'll see what happens I the coming days
Trivia time!
1: This chapter is the debut of 1 character who is going to show up in the prequel story Death Before Life
2: half of this chapter was written while I was high on coffee, man thats good stuff
3: rather than the usual inspirations. Ive been listening to a lot of old old german, Spanish, and polish songs compared to the usually hard rock i go through
"Mury"goes hard even if the Polish is notoriously hard to pronounce (assuming that you speak a latin based language rather than slavic)
4: if there was anything that was super tempting. would be Kane and Zack to fight like children over incredibly stupid things. But writing it as frenemies is probably a better choice
5: I saw Puss in Boots the Last Wish. and not gonna lie. its the most amazing movie Dreamworks has put out in a while. like Spiderverese but a cat. compared to the more crime western approach the first movie did
Next up: The Detour