Chapter 9: Borderless Friendship
- Kenjiiiii, are we there yet??
Kage rolled his eyes. - Goddess damn it, shrimp. Are you not done bitching yet?
Hikari shook his head, amused by how quickly the two had started arguing again. It had only been 10 days since when they had left the town of Usashi, but the air of the group had already turned into something that he found very similar to the school he used to teach at. As big and grown up as Kage was, he still had the playfulness and stubbornness of a kid, making him an even match to Shion when it came to arguments. The only difference was in their passions. One loved food, the other loved women.
- So what if I'm not!? - Growled Shion, stomping his feet. - I'm tired of walking! Tired! Tired! Tireeeeeeeeeed! And I'm hungry, too.
- Hold on, Shion. - The white mage turned to him with a gentle look. - We'll soon be to the next town.
- Can I ride RedCrystal till we're there? - He moaned back.
Kage stretched his arms. - Jeez, what an artless baby.
- Repeat it, if you dare!
- Artless baaaaaaaaaabyyyyyyyyy~~!
- Kenjiiiii, Kage is mocking me!
- Enough of this bickering! - Yelled Kenjii, watching the two over his shoulder. - I'm sick and tired of you two! Everyday it's always the same argument! Shion, stop complaining. You can't ride RedCrystal: it's all we have to bring our stuff. Kage, SHUT THE HELL UP!
- But SweetCream is on his back… so why not me!?
- YOUR WEIGHT IS NOT FIFTY POUNDS!
Kage and Shion looked at each other, pouting. There was no chance to win an argument with Master Kenjii.
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- Come on, Hana… Why are you still rejecting me?
The girl frowned as the young man approached her even further. Her shopping bag fell over, and some of the supplies her mother had asked her to buy that day rolled out.
- I told you I'm not interested, Ruka. Leave me be!
One of Ruka's friends grabbed her right arm, holding her firmly. - You aren't very nice to him, you know? What if you get hurt?
- It would be a pity, with the cute face you got. - Said Ruka with a grin, placing a hand under her chin and approached further.
- Stop it…! - Screamed the hume girl, before her rude suitor was pushed away from her by a sudden flying kick. - Huh!?
She looked up at her rescuer. It was a tall elvaan with thick black hair, and a light vest showing his sinewy chest.
- Oh, look. It's just some snotty kid. - He said, placing a foot on Ruka's face while he was still laying on the ground. - Hey brat, is there an inn around here? Do you know the word 'I-N-N'?
Hana blinked in stupor at him, eyeing the big spear on his back. - Eh…?
- Who the fuck are you bastard? - Ruka's friend finally let her arm go, and pulled out a knife, growling. - If you try and get in our way…Ngh!
The boy fell to the ground next to his friend, after receiving a solid red staff on his head. Hana looked at the elvaan kid who was handling it.
- Aha! This thing is awesome! - He said with a big smile, admiring his weapon.
- Kage! Shion! - Called a hume wearing shinobi clothes. He was slightly behind them, next to a young man in a white cloak. - I thought I told you to not be conspicuous!
- Your accent is conspicuous too, Kenjii. - Pointed out the white mage, scratching his blond hair.
"Who are these people!?" Hana watched the black-haired elvaan bent down to pick up her bag and supplies and offered it to her.
- Hey, haven't we met before? - He asked with a wink.
She blushed. - Uh… I… I don't…
The ninja snatched the staff the kid's hands and hit the elvaan man without any softness. - Will you stop it!?
- Are you out of your mind, you fucking midget!? That hurts! - Yelled back the elvaan, turning to him.
Hana welt the urge to run away from those people, but the white mage approached her in the middle of the confusion and gave her a polite smile. - We're travelers. Would you mind to show us an Inn with a stable for our chocobo? Oh, and that allows pets inside, if possible.
- Ah… - She shook her head, and smiled back, trying to regain some confidence. - I guess you could come to my Inn.
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- Oh, damn you Kage! - Shion glared daggers at the samurai, pointing at the empty plate at the center of the table with his chopsticks. - I had left that yellow curry bun to eat as last!
Kage smirked at him, swallowing the bun noisily. - I preferred to eat it rather than watching you eating it in your disgusting way! Why don't you go outside to graze some grass?
- How do you like that soup of broth, Kenjii?
- It's tasty… I've never ate something like this in Quon. What's its name again?
- It's a Zesty Zoni. We make it with fish and ziz meat. I used to eat it often when I was a teacher.
The two humes were eating calmly, ignoring the fight of the two younger members. The red haired girl that had brought them there was looking at them from a chair near the kitchen, watching them in shock and confusion.
- YOU SHOULD HAVE NOT SAID THAT, YOU STUPID BEANPOLE!
- REPEAT IT IF YOU DARE, SHRIMP!
Kenjii's eye twitched and he quickly stood up, hitting the heads of the two with a swift punch. - EAT IN SILENCE! SILENCE!
- Excuse me, may I have some other tea? - Hikari called towards the kitchen cheerfully, ignoring the two elvaans falling off their chairs.
Hana laughed softly. "They are so strange…!"
Her mother walked out of the kitchen with a cup of tea on her tray. - Dear clients! You have saved my daughter from those thugs. I'll be happy to serve you however you wish. - She said, placing it in front of Hikari.
The white mage nodded, fixing his glasses on his nose. - Thank you truly.
- No need to thank me. - The woman looked at all of them, while Kage and Shion took back their seats, glaring warily at Kenjii. - So, you came from the west, am I right?
- You are. - Answered Kenjii, drinking some of his tea.
- Amazing! You are really strong as I thought! - Exclaimed Hana, blinking. - The valley to the west is very dangerous! Not many come from that direction nowadays.
- We have been through worse. - Grinned Kage, but his smirk quickly faded at the sudden pain coming from his shin. He glared at Kenjii, and the ninja just ignored him.
The two women seemed to have not noticed the kick under the table, and simply nodded smiling.
- Speaking of danger, can I ask what's the situation with the Tengu in this town? - Asked the midlander to Hana's mother.
Hana felt a grip to her stomach, while her mother started talking. - There isn't much to say… They are stationed somewhere in the woods around our small town, waiting to assault whoever goes outside. - Said the woman. - Nobody wants to go outside anymore now. Especially with those rumors about Aht Urhgan…
Shion frowned. - What about Aht Urhgan?
His group turned to him, but stayed in silence. The woman explained him with a sad tone.
- They said that Aht Urhgan made a pact with the Tengu to destroy us from the inside recently… Last month, a group of Tengu entered town at night and killed almost everyone in the streets. Among the survivors there's several people that swore they heard the Tengu screaming 'Long Life to the Empress'…
The ninja and the white mage looked at each other in silence, and Shion opened his mouth for another question, but he was interrupted by the sudden cry of Hana.
- I hate Aht Urhgan!!
Her mother turned to her with a shocked face. - Hana!
- They use the corpses of dead people to fight us! They are BEASTS! - She cried, hugging the tray against her chest in pain. - It's unthinkable that our empire and Aht Urhgan will ever coexist in peace! Everybody in town says it!
- Hana! - Hana's mother faced her, holding her arms firmly, and the girl started crying in her chest.
She turned to look at her clients. - Forgive her. That night, the Tengu killed her father…
The four looked at each other in concern, except for Kenjii who just kept staring at his empty plate.
- Anyway, Thank you for the dinner. - Hikari placed down his chopsticks. - Are you the cook of these delicacies, miss Hana?
- Y-Yes… - Replied the girl, finally getting away from her mother and wiping off her tears.
- Really?
Shion stood up from his chair with everyone's surprise, slamming hands on the table. His eyes were serious and full of determination, firm on the girl. Kage and Hikari looked at him warily, as if expecting an improper burst from the kid.
- It was a long time… - He said, and his serious face brightened into an excited smile. - …since I ate something so good! Thank you!!
Hana blushed, surprised at such an heartfelt compliment. - T-Thank you too…
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- Looks like I rolled another 11, my bad.
- Ugh!! - Kage plopped on his bed with his face buried in his hands, at the sight of his beloved dice betraying him once again in favor of the kind hume. - I can't believe I haven't managed to beat you once yet!!
Shion, on his bed next to him, had been watching the game going with a big grin of amusement. - Why don't you just face the facts and admit Hikari is better than you at this?
- I never face the facts, kiddo. - Muffled the samurai through his hands. - Or else I'd never get up in the morning.
Hikari smiled softly and stood up from his bed to get some tea from the pot on the room's table, handing the dice to Shion. After filling his cup, he looked at Kenjii.
The ninja was sitting by the window facing the courtyard of the Inn. He seemed lost in thought, looking at the box containing the Phoenix Down that he was keeping with his hands on his legs crossed.
Hikari filled another cup of tea and approached the young man, offering it to him. - Is something wrong, Kenjii?
The ninja blinked and looked up at him emotionless, and then accepted the tea. - Just what that girl said…
Hikari turned to look at Shion over his shoulder for a moment, and after making sure he was too busy playing with Kage, he spoke back to the ninja. - About Aht Urhgan?
Kenjii drank some of the tea and nodded. - I'm not convinced about it. My suspicion is that those guys told the Tengu to say those things to fool the people. If they really wanted, they could've left no survivors here.
- I see what you mean. - Hikari sighed, looking outside. - This is probably a way to lead the people in supporting the Snowstorm's ideals, the day they will attack the Empire.
Kenjii placed an elbow on the windowsill, resting his chin on the hand. - They sure aren't doing this without thinking. The Tengu that attacked you a couple weeks ago probably were with them, too.
He turned to look at Hikari, who gave him a questioning frown. - So…
- I'm saying that they probably know we have this now. And the Mikado guy knows they do, too.
The white mage looked down at the box. - You mean he returned this to you with the purpose to lure them on us?
Kenjii nodded. - More than likely. They want us to get this done rather quickly.
- What do you suggest we do now, then?
- We could be attacked any moment.. We should leave as soon as possible, before these people get involved.
- But what about the Tengu around this town? We can't leave them here… - Hikari looked outside with a frown. - I will not..
- I know. We'll see if we can find them tomorrow in the early morning. If not, we'll think of something. - Kenjii heard the loud call of his chocobo, and looked down at her. She was staring intently at him, demanding attention. - What do you want now?
- Chirp! - She turned on herself and chirped again, excitedly.
- I think she wants to go to take a walk outside. - Said Hikari, with a chuckle. - You really should take her out at least once a day, you know?
- Hmph, - Kenjii crossed his arms and looked back outside. - I have no time to waste like that.
- It's not healthy to keep a chocobo locked inside. They will grow spoiled, and fat. If you don't take her to a walk periodically, she will not develop the necessary strength to cross long distances, or be ridden.
Kenjii turned to stare at the white mage, but Hikari reflected the intimidation pretty well.
- She is growing fast, Kenjii. RedCrystal won't be able to transport her on his back forever.
- Okay, okay! I got it. Stop torturing me now. - The ninja stood up and gave a nod to the chocobo. - Come on, HeftyTorment.
- Stop giving her those horrible names! - Cried Shion, standing up from Kage's bed. - You're going outside? I'm coming too!
The samurai grabbed Shion's hair. - Where the hell are you going, you idiot!? Weren't you the one asking for one more game?
Kenjii sighed at the two and walked outside, closing the door behind the chocobo and himself. The three looked at it for a few seconds, in silence.
- That freak is so cold… - Groaned Kage. - He never looks behind his back, does he?
- I think he's wiser than most. One should never look behind his back. - Replied the white mage, taking the treasure box and putting it back in Kenjii's gobbiebag next to his bed.
Shion blinked at his words. - Why?
The white mage gave him a sincere smile. - Because there could be someone angry at you.
Kage and the kid looked at each other grimacing, their minds sharing the same thought.
"Hikari is so creepy."
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Kenjii walked down the main street of the small town, his hands on his gi's belt. He was quiet, watching the chocobo with a bored look, while she was happily running from a stand to another like some little excited girl at her first shopping day.
"What a pain in the ass…" He thought, looking aside.
After embarking for that crazy mission, he was feeling as if spending a day doing something as normal such as watching over an animal was out of place for him. The days had passed fast, and the chocobo born from Avina's egg was now over one month old. Yet, his attachment for her was still faint.
Kenjii had never been the pet person, but there was something in that bird that made him feel terribly uneasy. She was his last reminder of Avina, and looking at her would always give him an annoying sense of guilt and maybe… nostalgia?
He looked away from the stand of katanas he had spotted, searching for the chocobo, only to find out she was already thirty yalms away from him.
- Hey!! - He ran after her, and she looked up at him with an happy expression, before dashing away again.
No… The truth is she's just the most annoying egocentric little beast I've ever dealt with.
The chocobo… or…?
His eye twitched. "I see how it is… If you want war, I'll give you war."
- Hey YOU! - He called loudly, and the bird turned to him again, looking with interest.
He put a hand in a small pouch at his belt, and pulled out a piece of his sushi portion that he always carried around for emergency hunger. - Look at what I have here. - He said, an evil grin forming on his face.
The chocobo jumped up, and quickly ran back to him, her eyes firm on the sushi. Kenjii for a moment thought he could see her little hint of a tail swinging in excitement.
- Ohh what is it? You're hungry? - The hume quickly pulled up his hand, as the bird tried to take the fly to reach it. - Then come and get it! I'm going to make you run so much you'll never ask for a walk again.
After saying that, he looked around and spotted a large hill, far away outside of the town's outskirts.
- That looks like a good place to start. Come on MangyBeast!
He then dashed forward, chased by the bird calling out for him joyfully. Many confused looks from the townsfolk followed them on their way out of town.
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The sun was setting over hill, when Kenjii finally reached the top. He stopped for a minute, wiping the sweat off his forehead, while watching the city under him. The orange shades of twilight were reflecting on the houses, making them look like on fire.
- Chirp! - He turned around to look at the chocobo. She was proceeding towards him at a very slow pace, almost powerless.
- Well? Are you tired now?
She replied with a weak chirp, almost an hiss, and stopped, looking up at him sadly.
Kenjii snorted, glaring at her head-on. - Well, too bad. We're not arrived yet. Come on.
He turned to run again up the slope, but after only a few yalms, he stopped at the sound of a soft thud. He looked back at the passed out bird on the road.
"Did I kill her?" He approached her carefully, and knelt down to examine the chick. She was still breathing, but didn't look quite well.
- Hey, get up. You better not feel sick now. Hikari's gonna have my head if he sees you like this. - He poked her slightly, and the bird gave a tired puff, trying to flap her wings. - Damn it…
He picked her up in his arms and looked around. He didn't really want to go back in town and show Hikari what he had done. Maybe she just needed some rest…
Kenjii ran up to the top of the hill, to find a little grove. After entering the woods, he finally found a small pluvial lake. He then approached the shore, and helped the bird drink some water very slowly.
"What a screw-up…" He tried to give her some of his food, but the bird seemed too exhausted to eat. He picked her up again and placed her at the base of a tree, sitting next to her.
- I'm not going to transport you all the way back to town, so you better recover your energy and fast. - He muttered, resting his head against the trunk. His muscles were all aching, and he felt a sharp pain at the shoulder, but was too tired to pay it attention.
Little by little, his nerves relaxed, and the pain subsided to heavy weariness. After a few minutes, he felt the chocobo crawling on his lap, but didn't bother moving her away. His eyelids getting heavier and heavier…
Kenjii and the chocobo fell into slumber, as the sun disappeared behind the mountains and let the moon take the stage. The star of Avina was now watching over them, on the purple sky above the lush branches.
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- Yogurt cake…
- Women…
- Yayla Corbasi…
- Sake…
- Yahata-style carp sushi…
- WOMEN!
- WIZARD COOKIES!!
Hikari looked up from his book with a tolerant smile. - Here we have two perfect samples of slaves of materiality.
Shion and Kage were laying on their beds, a dark cloud of boredom and hunger looming over their heads.
- Where's Kenjiiiii…. - Whined Shion, rolling left and right and flailing arms.
Kage sighed heavily. - Yeah dude… It's getting dark outside… I bet he lost that chocobo and is now looking after it around town.
- I don't think so… - Hikari looked out of the window. - The weather seems rather nice outside… Maybe he's just enjoying the evening.
- Well what do we do? - Asked the samurai. - I don't want to go after him.
- What if he went out of town and was attacked by the Tengu?? - The boy sat up, with a worried look. - He'd be alone!
Hikari shook his head. - His chocobo is still too young and untrained to go that far. I'm sure he's close… Relax and take some sleep, Shion.
- Mmmmmkay…! - Shion plopped back on the futon and immediately dozed off, under Kage's shocked look.
- Did you see him!? He just turned off like some creepy automaton!
- Kids are like that. - Hikari placed a blanket over Shion's body up to the shoulders. - You should get some sleep too. I'll stay up another hour to see if Kenjii comes back.
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Kenjii slowly opened his eyes in the ethereal purple hue of the woods at night. How much time had passed? His senses were still dormant and slow. After standing up and stretching, he noticed his chocobo was gone.
"Where…?" He thought, and his thought reached his ears as if he had spoke up.
He looked around, in surprise, but his mind shortly focused back on the chocobo. How to find it? He didn't even have a name to call her.
Without any other resort, he brought two fingers to his mouth and whistled loudly. He then waited in silence for a minute, two, three… He was about to whistle again when the echo of a chirp reached his ears from his left.
He turned and ran as fast as he could, and the distance seemed to never end. The trees around him looked all the same… He didn't remember that grove to be so big.
It was only a few minutes of running that he started to hear a voice… a song in the distance.
Hush, child
The darkness will rise from the deep
And carry you down into sleep
Child, the darkness will rise from the deep
And carry you down into sleep…*
It was a terribly dark lullaby, one Kenjii had never heard before, but the voice sounded terribly familiar in his heart…
The reminiscence of a voice that still lived somewhere in his heart, beyond his most far memory.
He stopped and listened to it more closely.
Guileless son,
I'll shape your belief
And you'll always know that your father's a thief
And you won't understand the cause of your grief
But you'll always follow the voices beneath…
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty, loyalty…
Kenjii moved towards the voice, and the chirp of his chocobo reached his ears, closer behind him. He didn't turn around.
"Mother…"
He started to run towards the voice with all his strength.
Kenjii!
That was Shion's voice, but again the hume didn't turn around. He kept running and running, until the trees thinned out, and Kenjii arrived to the pluvial lake he had fallen asleep at. He didn't wonder how did he get that far from it in his sleep.
His eyes were firm on the singing figure at the center of the pond, standing on its surface.
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty only to me.
- Mother! - He called her, and the song ended.
The woman turned around to look at him in her green silk vest, and smiled warmly.
- Don't cry, Janus.
Then a lightning lit up the sky with a roar, and a deep red bloodstain formed on the woman's chest, as she fell on the surface of the water without any cry.
- NO!! - Kenjii ran to her, and with his surprise the water supported his weight. He arrived to the frail body of his mother, and carefully lifted her head on his knee. - Mother! Please don't die!!
Sephirya Asgard didn't reply, her eyes shut in a serene and eternal peace.
- MOTHER!! - Kenjii raised his eyes, noticed a figure standing at the shore of the lake, the opposite side he came from. It was a man in blue robes, with short black hair.
- …Cire?
The man didn't move nor talk, but the moonlight intensified, revealing his facial traits.
- CIRE! What are you doing here!? WHO DID THIS!?
His friend didn't reply. He simply kept staring at him emotionless.
- Wait… - Kenjii looked at Cire's robe again, and then down at his mother. - You're a summoner… Please! Please bring her back to life! You can do it with Phoenix, right!?
He looked back up at his friend, and Cire smirked slightly.
- I know you can do it! Please come with me, I'll take you to its feather! Please!!
Cire looked up, and Kenjii followed his eyes. Above the lake, the moon was growing greater and greater, as if approaching to the earth at incredible speed. The ninja looked down at the water surface, as the moon's reflection started to cover all of it. But its image on the water blurred, and changed into a summoning circle, while an echoing howl filled the night.
Kenjii stared at the wolfish figure taking form in front of him, clenching teeth. - Why, Cire!? I thought you were my friend!!
Fenrir attacked him, and Kenjii's right hand quickly went to his katana, while the other was still holding Sephirya's shoulders. He parried the Great Beast's fangs with his weapon, and the weight of the attack pained his old wound.
He narrowed his eyes from the strain, keeping them into Fenrir's. He had the impression the wolf was grinning in amusement. It then spoke, but its voice was nowhere like the one he had heard from it at the Full Moon Fountain. It was a deep hissing tune.
- You no longer have your blade to protect you now, you pathetic human.
Kenjii widened his eyes in shock, as the fangs of the animal changed form into a darksteel blade, and the wolf's shape became the one of the general demon Shadowfang.
- What good can a little ninja do against a demon?
The hume screamed in rage, pain, and sorrow, and pushed the blade away with his katana, then moving into a swing aiming at the demon's head. The fiend disappeared in a great light before the weapon could touch it.
Kenjii fell back on his knee, still holding his mother's corpse, and looked up. A single, red and large feather floated in front of him, landing on the water's surface and then slowly sinking. The lake's color changed into a blood red shade.
- No… - Kenjii was panting, holding back his tears. He let go his katana, and reached over the woman's face. Slowly and gently, he moved the hair from her eyes.
But the face behind them was no longer Sephirya's… It was the face of Avina.
She was staring at him coldly, and Kenjii's heart skipped a beat when she repeated the very same words he had told her the day they were separated.
- Stop dreaming.
She slapped his face hard and painfully.
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Kenjii's eyes opened in the darkness, and for a moment he thought his nightmare was just resuming. He looked down on his lap, and found his chocobo sleeping peacefully in it. What time was it?
He sighed in relief and looked up, at the sky thought the branches. The star of Avina was still there, shining and powerful.
But he noticed something else sparkling above his head, reflecting that very star's light. And it wasn't something in the sky…
Kenjii grabbed the chocobo and rolled away from the tree just in time before the great katana blade slashed the trunk he was leaning on with a loud crack.
- Chirp!? - The chocobo woke up and looked around in surprise, scared. Kenjii pushed her away from him, and then dodged another attack coming from his assailant.
He saw the blade coming for him again, and dodged it. Without the time to reach for his katanas at his belt, Kenjii hit the arm of the enemy with the side of his right hand and the knee, disarming them.
The opponent was staggered, and stumbled forward. Kenjii grabbed one of their arms and pushed him face-to-ground, sitting on their back. - You scum!
The assailant freed their arm quickly, and turned to hit Kenjii's face with a clawed hand. The ninja backed away standing, and finally recognized the form of a Yagudo.
The beastman dashed forward to attack him again, but Kenjii pushed it back down with a kick. - You're disgustingly weak.
- I'll kill you bast…!! - The Tengu interrupted its threat as Kenjii's katana finally reached its throat, stopping at one inch from it.
- Were you saying?
- Kyah! - The Tengu glared at him in anger.
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - Who sent you here? Tell me everything you know about the Snowstorm! You have ten seconds to speak.
- Ngh…
- You're taking too long!! - Kenjii pushed the katana's blade against the birdman's throat even further, with pulsing veins on his forehead.
- It hasn't even been two seconds yet! - Whined the Yagudo, in fear. - I don't know anything about it! All I do is to obey to Lord Ame!
"Ame?" Kenjii didn't recall that name. What did that person have to do with the Snowstorm? Perhaps there were more enemies than he thought…
The Tengu seemed amused by Kenjii's confusion, and spoke with a taunting tone. - You think you can just stay there and relax, smoothskin?
- What?
- You weren't the only one we paid a visit to. - The Tengu looked towards the woods. - I'm afraid that by now your friends…
Kenjii didn't show any intimidation. - And so? Sorry, but I don't really care.
- You're wise, child.
Kenjii tried to spun around at the sudden new voice behind his back, but he felt stuck. He felt incredibly cold, and looking down he realized that a freezing spell had been casted upon him, prisoning him in ice chains. The Tengu caught the moment of surprise and stood up, hitting him at the stomach. Kenjii fell on his knees, and the ice quickly captured his hands too. - Ugh…! A black mage…!?
The owner of the voice walked past him, looking down at the hume. It was a Tengu with a white mask coverings its face, and by the sound of the voice Kenjii could tell it was a female.
- Why worry about others, when you're about to die? - She said, amused. Looking up at her, Kenjii noticed she was holding something under her arm. The body of a person.
It was Hana, the daughter of the innkeeper. Kenjii looked at her sides, and thought he could notice the movement of breathing lungs.
"An hostage…"
- Yes, as you can see, you better stop resisting. That is, if you care about this girl's fate. - The female Tengu had noticed his look.
Kenjii stared at her. - Stop this at once, before I kill you.
- Your journey ends here, Midlander. Yours, and the one of your friends!
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- What can you expect from a day that you start by getting up? - Complained Kage, stretching his arms tiredly.
Hikari fixed his robe, and pulled his glasses up his nose, looking down at the corpse of the Tengu at his feet. - It's a demonstration of great discourtesy to attack a sleeping person.
The samurai picked his red headband and wore it. - Is that jerk back yet?
Hikari looked at Kenjii's bed. - Doesn't look like it… I'm afraid Shion's fear is revealing to be rightfully founded…
- DON'T MOVE A FINGER, KYAH! - Croaked a voice behind them. The two turned around, and stared in horror at the Tengu over Shion's bed.
The kid was still asleep, and the beastman's sharp knife was over his throat, ready to strike. - One movement, and this brat is as good as de…
Hikari and Kage looked startled as Shion grabbed the foe's neck and slammed him against the wall, knocking him out.
- Good one, shrimp! - Exclaimed the elvaan man, nodding enthusiastically.
Shion rubbed his eyes. - Uhhh…. What's going on? Is it time for breakfast already? - He asked thickly.
- Not yet, I'm sorry ^^; - Replied Hikari, while Kage next to him staggered to the floor.
- Damn you brat! You mean you attacked that Tengu in your fucking sleep!?
Shion blinked. - What Tengu?
- THAT Tengu! - Kage reached over to the bird and shook him awake. - Hey you! Tell us what the heck is going on! Who sent you here!
The Tengu moaned in pain, shaking his head. He tried to mumble something, but Shion quickly jumped up and approached them.
- Tell me!! Why do you keep saying you're with Aht Urhgan!? Lying is a BAD thing!
The Tengu spoke with a very confused voice, trying to recover his senses. - Lord Ame's orders… Retrieve the phoenix spoils… Blame Aht Urhgan… Kill the midlander's party!
- I don't understand a damn thing!! - Shion shook the beastman back and forth, but that only caused him to hit his head even harder and completely pass out.
- Lord Ame…? - Hikari gasped when Kage's spear stabbed the Tengu to death, without any warning. He looked up at him with a questioning look.
The samurai was all serious all of a sudden, a frown on his face.
- What the hell was that for!? We didn't get any information! - Said Shion angrily.
Hikari shook his head. - Kage, you know who Lord Ame is?
- Yes… But I'll tell you later. Now I think we better go find our fearless leader.
Shion seemed to notice just now that Kenjii was still gone. - Where is he!?
- I don't know… - Hikari watched the room's door opening and immediately took a defensive stance, sensing another attack incoming.
With their surprise though, it wasn't any enemy. The old innkeeper was there, covered in blood and almost crawling. - Help my daughter… - She whispered.
She then passed out to the floor, and Hikari immediately tended to her wounds, while outside the cries of RedCrystal were getting louder and louder.
*********************************************
The Tengu punched Kenjii's face another time. The hume leaned on himself, tasting the blood in his mouth. Never in his life he had been hit so often by a beastman, and the thought made him feel even worse. Where was all the improvement he had been after for so long? Was he really a shame for the samurai? No, he wasn't a samurai anymore…
He looked at the ice blocking his arts, in disgust. If only he could get rid of it… But no one was there to help him.
His eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for his chocobo. The little beast was nowhere to be found.
"At least she's all right…" Kenjii had barely the time to think that, before receiving yet another hit on his head.
- Enough. - Said the female Tengu, looking at him. The other birdman obeyed and stopped, regretfully. He let Kenjii's head go and the ninja almost fell down with his face to the ground, dazed.
- Hehe… - The black mage approached him with an amused tone, and he looked up at her with anger. - You have pretty eyes. Too pretty for a hume.
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - Why are you keeping me alive? I don't have the treasure with me.
- Oh, I know. - The Tengu shook her head with vanity. - But I expect your friends to resist my subordinates in town… I'll keep you alive until they take me the box. If I killed you before then, there's a chance they could get angry and try an useless attack and I want to avoid that.
- Heh… - Kenjii spitted some blood on the ground, before smirking. - I'm afraid they don't know where I am. You will have to wait for a while.
- This is why we have her. - The female Tengu passed the girl to its subordinate. - While you were asleep we had all the time to find you and then go to take this hume, leaving a message to her mother saying that we'd bring her here. If your friends are still alive, they will come here for her. And when they'll see you stuck like this, they'll know to not be hazardous.
Kenjii rolled his eyes. - You speak as if killing us was so easy…
- Isn't it? - The black mage faced him, and grabbed his chin with her clawed hand. - And after you are dead, I'm going to cook you for good and use your eye bulbs for my potions… Quawk!?
She backed away in surprise, when a sharp eastern spear hissed through the air and stabbed the ice holding Kenjii's left arm, shattering it.
- I'd let him go, if I were you.
The Tengu turned around with angry sounds. The group of the midlander had arrived.
Kenjii grabbed Kage's spear and broke the rest of the ice, standing back up. He then looked over at the group. They seemed all safe, and Shion was holding in his arms a very tired looking baby chocobo.
- Yeah. - Said the kid. - I would too. He's hard and stringy.
- A hardly digestible man, boiled or fried. - Agreed Hikari with his usual tolerant smile.
- Mind your own business. - Snapped Kenjii, walking up to them and tossing Kage his spear. - Don't expect me to thank you.
- Oh, I wasn't hoping for it. - The samurai shrugged. - But you will return the favor, right…?
Kenjii unsheathed his katanas and turned to the Tengu, taking a fighting stance. - No doubt on that.
- Tsk, damn you smoothskins… - Muttered the black mage Tengu, narrowing her eyes.
- Kyah, what's all this effrontery!? - The other Tengu pointed its claws to Kenjii and Kage, in triumph. - As long as we have this hostage, your hands are tied!
- Then would you mind to return her to us? - Asked a calm voice behind him.
The birdman realized that only three of the opponents were still in front of him too late, and Hikari drawn him to the ground with the same speed he had sneaked behind him.
- Now that we have freed the hostage, you have lost your advantage. - Hikari picked Hana up, still unconscious in his arms, and looked at the female Tengu. - To play at the same level is much more interesting, do you disagree?
- Ngh! - The beastwoman croaked loudly, and several other Tengu appeared from behind the trees around the lake. - KILL THEM, MY SERVANTS!!
- YOU KIND OF IDIOTS! To take such a skilled chef hostage! - Yelled Shion in rage, preparing his staff to strike. - You couldn't do anything worse!
Kage and Kenjii looked at him disgusted and spoke in a chorus. - You're not some wild animal taking food from people… -.-
The two groups started fighting in the night. Kage and Shion were very skilled at facing multiple enemies with their combined attacks prepared in their previous fights for the past weeks, and Hikari would keep them and Hana from any harm with his magic and chi blasts. RedCrystal watched the fight from behind a tree, while watching over the little chocobo that had already fallen asleep.
The female Tengu quickly realized that the outcome of the battle was going to be unfavorable for her. All her subordinates were falling one after the other. - I'm surrounded by incompetents, kyah!
A solid punch reached over the side of her face, and she fell to the ground. With an angry hiss, she looked up at the ninja that had sneaked up to her to pay back some hit.
- This is my thanks for earlier. - Said Kenjii, looking down at her impassible. - Still missing the rest…
- Do not underestimate me, child. - She said, before emitting another croak. One Kenjii had never heard before.
The water at the center of the pond started to boil, and a black stain formed on it, spreading all over the lake's surface.
The group turned to watch in horror, as the gigantic corpse of a black eruca came out from the shore. Its skin was gangrenous and decaying, and a bad-smelling purple smoke was coming out of its mouth.
- An undead creature… - Whispered Hikari in shock.
Shion grimaced. - Ugh! What an unappetizing look…!
- Oh, how do I envy your simple mental circuit. - Replied Kage, giving him an annoyed look.
The foul beast gave the group no time to react, and immediately attacked them with a jet of sticky thread, slowing their movements.
- Ugh..! - Shion tried to rip the threads with his hands, with the only result of gluing them to himself even more. - I can't break this stuff!!
- It's silk, shrimp! - Kenjii was frustrated to be stuck by something again, and even more to have his hair getting dirty. - It's one of the strongest natural substances you can find!
Meanwhile, in Hikari's arms, the hume girl was slowly regaining consciousness.
**********************************************
Hana opened her eyes and gasped, finding herself between the firm arms of the blond white mage she had been hosting at her mother's Inn.
He looked down at her. - Oh! I see you've recovered your senses! - He smiled, almost enthusiastically. - Please forgive us for involving you in this business.
- Huh?
- Please have some patience. - The white mage turned away from her and shoot a blast of energy towards some white threads in the air.
Hana noticed only then that she was full of that substance over her clothes as well, and scanned the darkness to try and find its source.
That was when she saw the undead eruca.
She screamed loudly, as hard as her lungs could let her, her eyes widened in shock and fear. Her legs gave away, and she fell sitting to the ground. Her eyes dashed to the four men fighting around her, each of them busy in getting rid of the sticky substance.
What's going on?
Why was I in this man's arms?
Who is everyone fighting against…?
The memories slowly came back to her. The Tengu breaking in the Inn, her mother shielding her with her own body to protect her, and the beastmen hurting her. Their words were…
"For the Empress."
AHT URHGAN!!
- NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She brought her hands to her head, screaming again.
- NO…! I HATE THEM! I HATE AHT URHGAN! I WISH… I WISH THEY WOULD ALL DIE!!
The two elvaans and the white mage turned to look at her, in concern, but she didn't notice it. All Hana could feel was anger, sadness and fear.
- Katon: Ni! - The ninja threw something at the decaying caterpillar, and a flame bursted in its mouth. The silky threads burned and loosened, freed from their origin.
Free again, Hana stood up, and prey to mad anger she charged the monster bare-handed, determined to hit it as if that could somehow kill it.
- Miss Hana! - Called the white mage, trying to stop her, but she was faster.
Hana had almost reached the eruca, when it irradiated a stinking miasma that pushed her back. She stumbled, coughing, and fell on her back. She looked up startled, the beast now looming over her.
Father…!
The eruca prepared its next attack, and Hana brought her arms in front of herself in an helpless attempt to cover, but the strike never arrived.
The girl opened her eyes and looked up. The young elvaan monk had somehow jumped between her and the monster just in time, and was now pushing away the fiend's head with his staff with all his strength.
- Mister… Mister Shion? - She stammered, impressed by the kid's bravery and power.
The kid finally managed to force the enemy to back away and wiped the blood off its forehead. - Can we stop this!? This girl has nothing to do with us!
- You…! - The Tengu with the white mask behind the eruca pointed a claw at the monk. - Why did you choose to protect this weak and insignificant hume!? Kyah! And yet, you're from Aht Urhgan, and enemy for them! Just like us!
Hana's gaze blanked at those words. The words of the beastman and her memories of Mister Shion smiling and joking with his friends at the Inn overlapped, confusing her…
Is Mister Shion really from Aht Urhgan, like the people who ordered to kidnap me, and killed my father?"
This is… a lie, isn't it?
- SHUT UP!
The cry of the kid brought her back to reality. She looked up at him, and saw he was talking back to the Tengu.
- Far East! Aht Urhgan! I don't give a crap about these insignificant details! - He screamed. - All I know is that the food I ate was awesome! NOTHING MORE!
*********************************
- A mode of expression worthy of Shion, isn't it?
Kenjii facepalmed at Hikari's comment. - He's moved by pure animal instinct. -.-
- FOOL SMOOTHSKINS! - The black mage moved her staff forward, and the Eruca went back to the assault. - I WILL KILL ALL OF YOU!
- Jubaku: Ichi! - Golden ethereal chains surrounded the animal, blocking its movements if only for a little. Kenjii turned to the group. - Let's end this now.
Kage raised an eyebrow. - You got a plan? That thing is thick.
The ninja placed his katanas back to the sides of his belt. - Hikari, I entrust you the girl. Do your best to keep Shion and Kage up for the final strike. You two, give your best shot at it after me.
Shion nodded. - And what will you do?
Kenjii concentrated, and raised a hand in front of his face in a ninjutsu movement. His body enveloped in a crimson aura. - I will break through its cocoon.
The three then charged the enemy, Kenjii on the front.
Hikari casted a spell on Kage to speed up his movements and then looked down at Hana next to him with a smile.
She frowned. - Who are you really?
- I can't go into details, but Aht Urhgan has nothing to do with the Tengu attacks within our country. - Replied the white mage, lookikg back up at the fight. - So please, never forget… that there must not be borders between the races of Altana.
- MIJIN GAKURE!! - Kenjii tackled the eruca with his good shoulder, and a large explosion arose from the impact, uncovering the enemy's putrid flesh from its thick cocoon.
The two elvaans then charged in, while the ninja passed out with no energy left in him.
- MEIKYO SHISUI!
- HUNDRED FISTS!
***************************************
Kenjii slowly opened his eyes, and found himself in the bedroom of the Inn. From the window, the sunlight was filling the room completely.
He checked his chest and then his hands. Nothing seemed to be missing, with his surprise.
"I must've improved then… Last time I used this in Norg, I was weakened for days…" He sat up and almost gasped realizing that Shion was sitting cross-legged next to his futon, looking at him with big, shiny eyes.
- That was sooooooooooooooooooooo cooooo-…! - Kenjii interrupted the kid by throwing his pillow at his face.
- This is the second time I wake up and find you looming over me, stupid shrimp! Stop creeping me out!!
Shion took the pillow off his face and totally ignored the ninja's protest. - But it was REALLY cool! How did you do that!? Can you teach me??
- As much as I would be delighted to see you blowing up, I'm afraid this is something a monk can't do. Especially not a brat monk.
- Stop calling me brat! - Growled Shion, turning deep red. - I'm growing up! I'm tired of being treated like a child!
Kenjii stared at him in silence, while the kid just kept looking at his feet, embarrassed and mad. The ninja then sighed. - I really envy you.
Shion looked up. - Eh?
- The way you see life. How you talked last night… I wish I was like you at your age.
He looked straight into the kid's eyes, and the other blushed shaking his head. - Kage said it was a stupid talk that only a brat could ever come up with.
- Maybe so. But maybe a brat is the only one that could still look at the world as it truly is, unblinded by the veil of cynicism. - Kenjii sighed turning to look at the window. - I remember that… I was five… They told me childhood was the best period of anyone's whole life.
Shion's ears perked up. - And what did you do?
- Hmph, - Kenjii smirked slightly at the memory. - I cried inconsolably, wished to die and wondered how would I endure the boredom of the years ahead of me.
He looked back at Shion, who was staring at him with a puzzled expression. Kenjii had almost the impression to see many questioning marks coming out of his head.
- I'm saying that you shouldn't hurry to grow up… Enjoy your time as a brat, shrimp. -.-
- Ah!…That makes more sense.^^ - The monk smiled, and then turned around to watch the door opening. - Hey Hikari! Kenjii just woke up!
The white mage greeted them with a nod, followed by Kage. - Good day, Kenjii. It's good to see your secret technique didn't cause any major damage to your inner system.
- I had already gotten my hopes up to never see you again! - Grinned Kage.
Kenjii gave him a glare, but turned back to Hikari. - What happened to those Tengu?
- It looks like we got rid of all of them. That black necromancer had gathered all of them to fight us. - Hikari took the medical pack containing doctor Shigure's special medicine and prepared it to medicate Kenjii's shoulder, kneeling next to him. - It was a close call.
The ninja shrugged, and then noticed his chocobo. The little chick was asleep, curled up in a blanket next to his pillow. He looked at her with a frown.
Hikari noticed his gaze and spoke in a serious tone. - She's very sick.
- What? - Kenjii turned to look at him.
- She walked all the way back from that hill to the Inn to find us. When we came out of here to find you, she was passed out next to RedCrystal's box. Her legs are sore and she caught a cold. - Explained the white mage, glancing at the poor bird. - We tried to bring her inside, but she refused to stay here. We had to bring her back to the hill to make sure she wouldn't try to follow us by herself.
Kenjii looked back at the chocobo, and the whole room fell in silence.
Hikari started to medicate his shoulder. - It was really irresponsible and rash of you to take her that far on her first walk, Kenjii.
- Spare me the predicament. Will she recover? - Asked the ninja without looking away from the animal.
- She will, but you will have to not strain her for some time.
Again the silence claimed over the young group. Kenjii thought many things to say, but his pride didn't allow him to give anything similar to an apologize. - Give her some of this medicine.
- It's unnecessary, Kenjii. - Replied Hikari, finishing his medicament. - We already gave her the necessary food to recover.
- I said give this to her.
- This medicine is for you, not for chocobos. Our supply is limited, and we'll have no chances to go back and get some during our journey. If you…
- JUST GIVE HER THE DAMN THING! - Yelled Kenjii, causing Shion and Kage to gasp. - It's MY medicine, so I decide what to do with it! If I want to feed it to Shion, you give it to Shion! If I want you to medicate the stupid bird with it, you do so! And if you don't, I'll do it myself! Okay!?
Hikari blinked in surprise, but then smiled. - As you wish.
Shion and Kage looked at each other with a grin, and the samurai brought his hands behind his head. - Aww, our leader is such a softie~
He had barely the chance to finish the sentence, before a sharp shuriken flied one inch from his left ear. - Hey!! Chill down, jeez…
Hikari chuckled and then looked at Kenjii. - Why don't you go take a shower now? We're almost ready to leave. I'm sure you'll appreciate the innkeeper's gift for us when you'll see it.
*****************************************
- Time to go?
Kage placed the last bag on the wooden open wagon. - Yeah, I think we've disturbed you enough already!
The innkeeper smiled warmly. - It was nothing. Do you think this old cart will help you?
- Definetly. - Hikari checked RedCrystal's harness one more time. - I really don't know how to thank you for this. It will make our journey a lot easier.
Shion was already sitting in it with Kenjii. - Are you sure you don't need this?
- I sold our chocobo when my husband died to be able to keep the inn open. I'm sure you will find it more useful than I will.
Kenjii placed the little chocobo next to himself and sat down, watching her looking around excitedly. - Why are you doing this for a group including an Aht Urhganian?
Shion turned to glare daggers at him, but the innkeeper shook her head. - My husband had a friend from the Empire. It was his best friend. Besides… Something tells me that you are traveling to do something very important for our country. That's how I feel when looking at you.
Hikari climbed up the front part of the wagon next to Kenjii and took the reins, while Kage took place behind with Shion. They were about to depart when Hana walked out of the inn.
Her mother turned to look at her. - Hana..!
The girl blushed and ran to the side of the cart, handing Shion a box wrapped in a cloth.
- I… I made you some lunch boxes…!! - She said, flustered. - I mean… I thought… That you could eat them together…
- Oh, thank you!! - Shion accepted the gift with a big smile, and nodded to the others. It was time to go.
***********************************
The wagon disappeared in the dust of the road leading out of town. Hana and her mother watched it until the blurred shape of the group was gone in the distance.
- I should've apologized… I said so many cruel things… - Hana felt tears coming down her cheeks and sulked, trying to wipe them.
Her mother gently placed a hand over her shoulder. - Hana, your apologize and your thanks were all in that lunch box. I'm sure they know it.
************************************
Hikari looked up at the sky with a tired sigh. - So after all, it was like you said. They are after us…
- The revival of Phoenix… And now this person called Lord Ame, too… There are too many dark parts in this matter. - Kenjii shook his head, lost in thought.
- This story is growing bigger and bigger, don't you think?
- You're right… But before anything else… - Kenjii's eye twitched. - Can't we do anything about these two animals on the back?
- I told you that's MY Urchin Sushi!!
- You wretched pervert! Don't eat all the meat!!
- What the fuck are you talking about!? You've almost ate all of it! Shrimp! Shrimp! Shrimp! Shrimp!
- Pervert! Pervert! Pervert! Pervert!
- Yeah, maybe we should, Kenjii…
- ENOUGH! CONFISCATED!!
- Kenjii, my taco!!
- Kenjii, you bastard! Don't you dare to eat it!
- Oh, what a chef-d'oeuvre is this salad!^^
*The song Kenjii hears in his dream is Mordred's Lullaby
Here's a link to listen to it:
Morder's Lullaby with Lyrics
Who's your favorite character? 5 votes
last edited 752 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
Chapter 10: The Mark of a Traitor
Kenjii slowly opened his eyes, and sat up.
The sky above him was of a soft blue shade, and a cool breeze was blowing against the small mountain he and his group had been crossing since the previous day. Hana and her town were now behind them, far away out of sight.
The hume stood up and stretched quietly, looking at the remaining of the campfire they had used to eat last night. He then checked his fellows. Shion was snoring loudly inside the wagon, scratching his belly with one hand in his sleep. Next to Kenjii's sleeping spot by the campfire, the blond hume was resting quietly. His red chocobo was awake, eating some wild grass silently by the cart.
Kage was nowhere to be found.
"Nice watch, stupid dhalmel…" Kenjii shook his head and promised himself to never allow Kage to take the last shift of watch duty in the future.
He walked to the little creek next to their camp and knelt down to wash his face. After looking at his blurred reflection on the running water for a minute, he poured his hands in it and threw it above his head on a spare attempt to clean his hair.
The chilling feeling made him shiver slightly, and he ran his fingers through his hair to dry them as much as he could. When he grabbed its ends to squeeze the water away, he realized it had grown a bit.
How much time had passed since his last hair cut? Kenjii couldn't remember… He thought it was at some point before he left Bastok, months before.
A little chirp woke him from his thoughts, and he looked down to his left. His chocobo was next to him, watching curiously.
Kenjii squinted at her for a minute before relaxing and finally speaking. - Good morning.
She flapped her wings and chirped back cheerfully, before sneezing hard.
The ninja sighed and sat down cross-legged. - Well, it's good to see you can walk again without any problem, but I don't think that cold is going to disappear in only two days…Hey!
But it was too late, the little bird had already jumped in his lap, and was now finding a comfortable position to take another nap. He looked head-on at her, raising an eyebrow. In return, the chocobo snuggled her head against his hand.
- Stop that! I… - Kenjii felt a grip to his stomach at that sight, and looked away with an heavy sigh. - …I'm sorry. I know it was my fault.
He looked back at the chocobo, and she seemed to have already fallen asleep again. Her little body was moving slightly with her breathing, wincing slightly each time she would sniff.
Running gently his hand between her feathers, Kenjii noticed the ones behind her head were growing with a slight blue hue.
- So you're going to be a blue chocobo… - He muttered, his mind distant. He was trying to remember all what Avina had told him about chocobos, but he had the impression he had never really listened to her in those moments. What kind of chocobo had a blue color? A Jennet? Or maybe a Destrier? Or was it a Courser?
Kenjii looked up at the sky above him, to the star he had given to Avina. Even then, the memories of her words were too vague and difficult to remember. And slowly, his thoughts shifted to another subject.
A blue jewel…
He remembered the most beautiful blue thing he had ever seen. It was a sapphire in the goldsmithing guild. It was so shining and precious… A gem of the highest quality… What was its name?
Sparkling like a thousand stars…
- Star Sapphire.
- Chirp? - The chocobo opened her eyes and turned her head to look up at him, with full attention.
He blinked in a moment, realizing just then that he had spoke out loud. - What? You like that? Star Sapphire?
The chocobo chirped again, without taking her eyes off him.
- Fine, if that makes you happy. - Kenjii caressed her one more time, as a smile reached his lips. - StarSapphire it is.
- Wow, you are REALLY smiling…
Kenjii froze, and turned his head slowly to the right. Kage was there, bent on his knees next to him with a stupidly amazed look.
Nowhere as amazed as the look he had after Kenjii grabbed his vest and threw him in the little creek without a word.
- WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT FOR!? - He yelled, resurfacing all soaked.
- For spying on me without any warning! - Kenjii stood up and pointed a finger at him. - And if you even try to bring this up with anyone, I'm going to give you the worst day of your whole life, got it!?
The samurai watched the hume turning around and walk back to the camp. His little chocobo chirped at Kage with eyes narrowed, and then followed her master, walking boldly.
- Priceless… - Kage groaned and walked out of the water, squeezing his vest tiredly before returning to the camp.
**************************************
- I'm hungry… - Shion glared at the bags containing the group's food supplies, in a corner of the wagon next to Kenjii who had decided to sit in the back with him that day.
Hikari turned his head to look at him over his shoulder. - But Shion, we just finished having breakfast before leaving…
The young elvaan stretched his arms and rested them on the side of the wagon, looking down at the wheel running along the dusty road. - But I'm bored…
- Stupid shrimp, you can't make us run out of supplies every trip just because you're bored. Find yourself something to do. - Said Kage with an heavy sigh. He was sitting at the opposite corner of Shion, with an elbow resting on the side of the wagon. His eyes were gazing the view around them, as they were approaching the feet of the mountain.
The monk clapped his hands and then opened them to Kenjii's chocobo, that perked up from her master's lap and walked to him, fighting the unbalancing movements of the wagon. After caressing her a couple times, Shion looked up at Hikari.
- Why do you think no Tengu attacked us tonight?
- You sound like that upset you. - Kenjii put his arms behind his head, leaning on his back.
- I'm not upset! I'm just wondering.
- I'm sorry, Shion. - Hikari looked at some map next to him, placing down the reins and letting RedCrystal follow the road by himself. - We can't guess their plans easily. I would say our last conflict with them convinced them to try another strategy.
- In any case you should be glad that they didn't attack us tonight. - The ninja glared at the samurai. - Since Mr. Pervert didn't bother remaining in place today on his watch turn.
That seemed to snap Kage out of his trance, and he turned to Kenjii. - Enough of your sermon! I got it! Besides, I left for like, what? Twenty minutes at most.
- I don't know, you tell me. - Kenjii didn't let go. - Where were you?
- Hmph, - Kage shrugged and looked back at the road. - None of your damn business, stupid dandy ninja.
- What a wonderful day. - Commented Hikari with a smile and a tone far from being sarcastic.
Shion looked at Kage with a frown, but the samurai didn't look back. His eyes were staring blankly again, as if he was lost in some deep thought.
- Fine, I don't care about your secrets. - Kenjii crossed his arms. - But there's something else that you should tell us instead…
- You mean about StarSapphire? - Kage rolled his eyes, and then covered his face in fear as Kenjii stood up on the wagon, raising a fist in threat. - I'm KIDDING, DAMN IT! Didn't your parents teach you the word KIDDING when you were a brat!?
- Kenjii, please sit down. It's dangerous to stand on a moving cart like that. - Said Hikari without looking up from his map.
The ninja and the samurai glared daggers at each other, and then Kenjii listened to the white mage.
Kage went back to his position too. - Man, loosen up some. Even though you said my birth was a disgrace, I'm sure my death would be a pain for you.
- Your birth was a disgrace indeed, and your very life is a pain for me. Your death would only be a problem. - Kenjii saw the samurai moving to stand up and hit him but anticipated him. - What I was talking about is this 'Ame' the Tengu spoke about. Hikari told me you knew something.
Kage stopped, and blinked with an angry frown before letting himself fall back on his pillow. The cart swayed slightly. - Yes, I know Ame…
The ninja raised his head to him. - As in, personally?
- No. Nothing like that. But I've heard from him.
- From who?
- It doesn't matter! Now stop interrupting me. All you need to know is that it's from a reliable source. - Snapped Kage, and the ninja shut up. He inhaled deeply. - Ame Kaminari is a member of the Snowstorm clan.
Hikari looked away from the map and pushed his glasses up. - Kaminari? You mean he's…
- The son of Kuro Kaminari, yes. - The samurai nodded. - He's a powerful summoner. Probably the strongest one the Far East has ever seen in centuries now.
- A summoner? - Kenjii raised an eyebrow. - And what do summoners here summon? Most of the celestial avatars are sleeping in the Middle Lands.
Kage frowned in thought. - I think he was trained in your country when he was a kid… He came back here around two years ago.
- At least we won't have to deal with Fenrir.
- It's the terrestrial avatar you helped to revive, right? - Hikari tilted his head. - The way you talk about him suggests that he is a malevolent being.
Kenjii looked up at the sky. - I don't think he's a bad guardian god… But he doesn't hold himself when he's testing someone. And I would never want to have him as an enemy. During the Crystal War in Mindartia, he has vanquished a whole army of the Shadow Lord by himself. - He shook his head, lowering his head. - But I know all he wants is the sake of Vana'diel.
- You seem to know him well. - Kage raised an eyebrow.
- It's his whisper.
- Whisper? - Kage and Hikari asked in a chorus, then the white mage continued. - What whisper…?
- The whisper of Fenrir. I had it in my head since after fighting him. - Kenjii tapped his left temple. - It's with it that summoners are able to make a pact with an avatar. Or that's how my friend explained it…
The two looked at him in silence, blinking. Kenjii felt horribly pressured by those glares, and a sweatdrop ran down his head. - I'm not crazy.
- Yet you have a guardian god talking into your head. - Kage laughed heatedly. - Here something like that is totally crazy.
Hikari smiled embarrassed, but decided to not support the samurai in his bashing. Kenjii seemed already irritated enough for the day. - So you can make a pact with Fenrir and summon him? If he's half as strong as you said, he would be quite a valuable asset for us.
- It's not that easy. You need to know how to use summoning magic to do so, and I don't. I can't even understand what the whisper tells me. - Kenjii shrugged. - Also, the avatars summoners call are nothing but a shard of a prime avatar's real strength. And that shard's power depends strongly on the summoner's magic energy and power. I have none of that. If I could, I would get rid of the whisper any minute now.
- A pity. - Hikari grabbed the reins again and took a path away from the main one that they were following. - So we now have a summoner within our enemy's ranks too now. Lord Ame… Things seem to be getting more and more complicated for us. What a misfortune…
- There's no limit to how complicated things can get, because one thing always leads to another.
- I was really missing your pessimistic aphorisms, softie.
- Call me that just one more time, and I swear you are dead.
- Hmph. - Kage went back to watch the scenery.
The silence fell on the wagon, and Kenjii turned to watch Shion. The kid had been listening in silence for all that time, staring at him with an inquisitive look.
- What's wrong now?
- Who's Star Sapphire? - He asked curiously.
Kenjii staggered. - You mean you haven't listened to anything the others have said…?
- No. So who's Star Sapphire?
- Don't ask.
Kage grinned. - Oh I know who it is~
The kid quickly moved next to him, letting Kenjii's chocobo go. - Then tell me! I want to know!
- Kage, if you tell him..
- Yeah yeah! I know the rigmarole. Go back at your place shrimp. You're making the wagon lean to my side.
- I WANT TO KNOW!
- SHION, GO TO YOUR PLACE NOW!
- DON'T YELL AT ME!! KAGE, TELL ME WHO IS STAR SAPPHIRE!
- Fine, it's the chocobo. Softie decided her name at last.
- THAT'S IT YOU'RE DEAD!
- BRING IT ON, DANDY NINJA!
- Kenjii, Kage, Shion! Don't stand while the cart is moving! We're on a bridge!!
But Hikari's warning came too late. The wagon swayed violently, and the three fell off it and the bridge, ending up in the small calm river under it.
Hikari stopped RedCrystal in the middle of the stone bridge, and the bird turned to look at him.
The white mage sighed and looked down the bridge, with Star Sapphire chirping loudly next to him. - Who was that famous writer that said 'Misfortunes never come alone, as a solitary vanguard, but as whole legions'?*
Shion and Kage were the first to resurface.
- Ughh!!! It's so cold!
- Damn it, this is the second time I end up soaked today! Stupid shrimp, this is all your damn fault!
- Why do you say that!? If it's someone's fault, that's yours!
- DIE!! - Yelled Kenjii, resurfacing between them and pushing their heads underwater. - You don't deserve anything but this!
- Ah ah ah ah ah ah!
A crystalline laugh interrupted the fight, and Kenjii's grip on the hair of the elvaans loosened, allowing them to breath again. The four young men looked at the shore on the side Hikari was planning to reach before the mishap.
The laughing figure was an elvaan girl with an ebon ponytail on the back of her head. She was wearing an ordinary dress with an apron, and high leather boots.
- Ah…! Please forgive me… - She said, trying to hold the laughter. - …But seeing your group having so much fun, I couldn't help it…!
- Please don't refer to me as a part of this group. - Said Kenjii, letting the two go and proceeding to walk out of the water.
Kage shook his head in disbelief. - Kuria…!?
The girl's expression suddenly turned into a copy of the samurai's face. - Kage!! Is it really you?
The group turned to look at the samurai, who nodded with a big smile. - It's been a very long time! I thought you no longer lived around here… Your house was not on the mountain anymore.
- Yes, I moved to live with my aunt not too far from here. - Said the girl, blushing slightly.
- So that's what you went to check this morning. - Pointed out the monk.
Kenjii facepalmed. - I should've known it was about a woman.
Meanwhile Hikari had reached the side the girl was at with the wagon. - Are you guys okay?
- Yeah… But all our clothes are soaked now. And I'm still hungry! - Complained the kid, never failing to bring up his stomach into the discussion.
- Oh! If you want to dry your clothes, why don't you come to my house? - Offered Kuria smiling warmly. - Allow me to offer you some tea as an apology for laughing at you.
**********************************************
- Here's your Jujitsu Gi, Kenjii. - Shion pulled the white garment out of the gobbiebag and passed it to the hume.
Kenjii grabbed it and started wearing it, checking the rest of his spare clothes. - At least these aren't wet.
- I hope you guys aren't planning to dive in every river we pass by on our journey. - Kage was still wearing his clothes, except he had taken the vest off. - I don't have any other stuff with me to wear!
Shion was looking at the Onoko Yukata Kenjii had let him use along with a pair of large sitabaki. - Your fault for not thinking you'd need some in this trip.
Kage smacked him on the head. - Look who's talking! You're wearing stuff that isn't even yours!
- But I never had other clothes to begin with! Did you forget that I'm not from this country?! Ouch!
The kid turned to Kenjii, who was glaring angrily at him.
- Why are you hitting my head too, huh!?
The ninja narrowed his eyes. - Watch your mouth! - He hissed through his teeth, and nodded towards the door that was opening.
The elvaan girl came in, with a bundle of cloths in her arms. - Here, I brought some towels for your hair!
- My, thank you very much, miss Kuria. - Hikari took the white towels from her arms and passed one each to his group.
The girl then approached Kage and offered him the rest of the bundle. It was a purple pair of gi and hakama. - This is… - She stammered, blushing wildly.
The samurai looked at the clothes with a frown, and took them in his hands. - There were his…?
Kuria nodded frantically and rushed outside. - Lunch is almost ready!! Make yourself at home. - She said before slamming the door shut behind herself.
Shion and the two humes stared at the door confused, and then looked at Kage dressing up in silence. He was handling the clothes carefully, as if following some sort of important ritual.
Hikari was the first to break the silence. - Kage, who is this person?
The elvaan looked up and raised an eyebrow at the white mage. - Just an old girlfriend… She's the fiancee of a friend of mine.
- So those are his clothes… - Hikari looked towards the door. - But where is he?
Kage didn't reply.
- Yeah! There's just Kuria and that evil witch of her aunt here… - Muttered Shion.
The white mage shook his head. - Shion, don't be rude. You don't even know her…
- But she hates us! Did you see the look she had when she saw us coming in? - The kid pulled his lower eyelids down with the index fingers in an horrid grimy expression. - She didn't even want us to come inside! And when that kind girl convinced her, she stormed upstairs in her room…. What's her problem?
- Another one of your secrets? - Asked Kenjii.
Kage waved him off. - Who cares?! Let's eat now, all this male attention is giving me stomach cramps.
- Kage… - Hikari and Kenjii looked at the man walking out of the bathroom, followed by a forever starved Shion, and then exchanged a glance.
Kuria was waiting for them in the dining room. Next to her, Shion was scanning the whole table with shining eyes, while the samurai had already settled himself on a pillow and was looking at the kid with an amused grin.
- Ohhh! This looks so tempting! - Was exclaiming Shion. - Are you sure this is all for us?
- Thank you, and yes. - The girl smiled with a blush. - Sadly I was going to do groceries when I ran into you, so there isn't much at home. I only had a lot of mushrooms… I cooked them in every possible way, hoping at least one of these meets your tastes.
- Woah! Stew, soup, risotto, even roasted mushrooms kabob! You must be an awesome chef! What is this?
Kuria raised her eyes to Kenjii and Hikari and invited them to sit with a nod. - Some Witch Nougat my aunt made yesterday.
- Oh! Then she really is a wi… - Kenjii slapped Shion behind his head before he could finish the sentence.
- Start using that mouth for what it's good at, shrimp!
- Everyone is hitting me so much today…! I was hoping I'd start gaining some respect in this group! ;.;
Hikari chuckled. - Those who expect much should expect little.
- You pick on me just because I'm the youngest here!
- You're on your own. - Kenjii turned his head towards the door to the entrance, hearing something scratching the door.
Kuria looked as well, confused. - What…?
- Oh, I'm afraid it's our little chocobo. - Explained Hikari, scratching his hair in shame. - This is the first time we force her to stay outside. She isn't used to be without Kenjii.
- Poor StarSapphire, her softie daddy isn't with…! - Kage shut his mouth and looked at Kenjii, twitching in fear, when he picked a large knife from the table.
The ninja glared coldly at him and then proceeded to cut some bread from the loaf next to him, slowly.
Kuria shook her head sadly. - I'm sorry my aunt didn't let it in… She's intolerant to chocobos…
- Maybe we should kick Kage outside too, then. - Suggested Kenjii, placing the knife down.
- Oh Kenjii, I love you not for who you are, but what I feel to be when I'm with you. A piece of crap.
- If not two.
- Ugh..!
- Now, now, don't fight…! - Hikari raised his hands slightly, trying to calm them down. - Why don't you take example from Shion and have a taste of Miss Kuria's cuisine now?
The two glared at him, horrified at the idea of taking any kind of example from the voracious brat.
- This is awesome!! - The kid was completely ignoring the conversation, emptying the dishes in front of him at great speed.
Kuria nodded happily and ruffled Shion's hair before picking up a chest with the group's washed clothes. - I'll go dry these outside and keep your chocobos some company. Have a good lunch!
************************************************************
- That was so good…! - Shion let himself lay on his back, massaging his belly.
Hikari drank some tea and glanced at him. - Shion, it's impolite to not stay composed on your seat when in front of people that are still eating. Have you never been told that if you lie down immediately after lunch you will turn into a karakul?
Kage shook his head, smirking at the kid. - How can you even taste food at the speed you eat with?
- I dunno, it must be because Kuria's food was really awesome!
- I'll give you that, she's an awesome chef. She used to work in a tavern when I met her. - Kage imitated Shion and leaned with his back to the floor as well.
Once again, Hikari and Kenjii looked at each other, one looking yelding amused, the second just bluntly annoyed by the company.
Shion opened his arms wide, letting them rest to the floor. - When I become engaged, I want my fiancee to cook just like this! It's not easy to make so many things with so few ingredients!
- Good luck with that, kiddo. It took me many many days of restless wooing to get her to date with me for a month!
- And then?
- And then my friend took her from me! - Kage laughed heartedly at the memory.
Shion raised himself on his side, placing his head on a hand. - Why are you laughing? I don't think I would be happy if my friend had stolen my girlfriend, or my sushi.
*THUNK*
- Kenjii, are you all right? - Hikari looked down at the ninja next to him.
Kenjii lifted his head from the wooden table, massaging his sore forehead. - Yes… I was caught off guard…
- Nice headdesk, leader. - Kage giggled, and then looked back at Shion. - I wouldn't have been happy either normally, but it was fair in that case.
- How so? - Shion blinked in confusion.
- We were challenging on who would manage to have her. I won at first, but he didn't give up.
The monk staggered. - You really like weird challenges!
- Hey, I'm a gambler with a gift, kid. So why not use it? If I wanted to challenge you guys on something like that, I'd kick your asses any day!
- If Hikari is as good at lovemaking as he is at gambling, he would be the winner! - Shion laughed when he saw the overwhelmed glare Kage gave to the ceiling in reaction to his words.
Hikari cleaned his mouth with a napkin. - I'll pass, but thank you for your trust.
- Yeah, wise choice Hikari! I would make you cry!
- If you're so good at it, why don't you teach me?
Kage sat up and looked at Shion, blinking. - Are you serious? I didn't think you were already interested in women!
Shion shrugged. - I'm not. But weren't you the one telling me to find something to do?
- Uhhhh…. - Kage looked at Hikari with a perplexed frown, and the white mage shrugged in return. - Fine, I guess.
- All right! And you'll teach Kenjii too, so he and I can challenge like you and your friend! - Shion sat back up and stretched with a grin to the ninja.
Kenjii shook his head slowly. - Find yourself another playfellow, shrimp. I don't care about that stuff.
- Awww, you partypooper!
Kage gave Kenjii a friendly tap with a fist on his left shoulder. - Are you sure? I think I have lots of good advice for a grumpy face like you. You've got potential… I know lots of women that have a thing for foreign shady men.
- It's always wrong to give advice, but to give good advice is fatal. - Replied Kenjii, taking Kage's hand and moving it away from him.
The samurai grinned and shrugged. - Fine, don't be jealous when I turn your baby brother into a true Casanova.
- What kind of food is that? - Shion's eyes were sparkling again.
The other elvaan facepalmed. - You've got a long way to go, shrimp. Well, this sure will make the journey to the East more interesting!
- So that's where you're going.
The four turned around at the sound of the new voice coming from the foot of the stairs. Kuria's aunt Antowanetto was there, staring at them coldly. She had long silver hair, gathered in a strict bun. She was wearing a long red kimono, with golden lotus flowers drawn on the sleeves.
- I was afraid you'd decide to stop here for the night, like Kuria suggested.
Kage snorted with a smile. - Sadly, the current circumstances are forcing us to move fast.
- You're going to finally join Masaki in the ranks of the Snowstorm? And who are they? More traitors coming with you?
Kage stood up quickly, hitting the table with one knee and shaking it violently. - Watch your mouth, woman! Just because Masaki isn't here anymore…!
- It's your fault if he isn't here anymore. - The woman's words seemed to strike Kage's hard. The samurai shut up, staring at her with clenched fists.
Kenjii, Shion and Hikari looked at each other, and then the white mage spoke. - Excuse me… May you tell us how do you know about the Snowstorm?
- You should ask this criminal, if you really want to know. - Antowanetto narrowed her eyes in rage at Kage. - You're hiding your dirty past to your friends too now, traitor?
- Shut up.
- IF IT WASN'T FOR YOU, MASAKI WOULD STILL BE HERE!!
- SHUT UP!!
- NO! I won't shut up! - The woman walked up to Kage, pointing a finger at him. - They were happy! He loved Kuria and wanted to marry her! And YOU! You ruined her life forever!! What can you say to that, traitor!?
- Ugh…! - Kage was growling at her, but before he could reply anything to the old elvaan, a soft thud made everyone turn towards the entrance.
The black-haired girl had entered home in the middle of the fight, and hearing her aunt's words had shocked her to the point that the chest had slipped out of her hands, hitting the floor.
Antowanetto frowned, saddened. - Kuria…
Her niece didn't want to hear any word, and stormed upstairs with a soft cry. After a few seconds, Kage ran after her.
The three guys and the old woman stayed in silence for a few minutes, looking at each other intimidated.
- I'm sorry we're disturbing you. - Said Hikari clearing his throat. - Soon as Kage comes back down, we'll take our leave.
- Hmph, I wish you would. - Snapped Antowanetto, glaring at him head-on. - But I'm afraid that is against Kuria's wishes. She has already prepared your beds in Masaki's bedroom. Sleep here for the night and then get out. And never come back.
The three watched her closing the door at the entrance and then walk away in another room, out of their sight.
***********************************************************
- I'm sorry Kage… she shouldn't have said those terrible things…
The samurai looked around the room. - Don't worry about it, Kuria. I deserve it…
- No, you don't! - Kuria turned away from the window, her face deep red. - It was Masaki's choice to leave… I don't blame you. So don't say that!
- Okay. - Kage shrugged, and then looked down at his clothes. - You know… I was surprised to see that you still have his stuff.
The girl frowned slightly, looking down at her hands. A silver band was shining on her ring finger. - Yes, I… Even after leaving our house… I never stopped believing that he'll come back, one day. I prepared a room for him, and keep it tidy everyday… And wash his clothes… Because I… I… still…
She stopped talking, and the two looked down at the floor in silence for several minutes.
Kage approached the window next to her, and looked outside at the two chocobos playing together. - I'll find him, Kuria.
Kuria released an exclamation of surprise, inhaling loudly. - What…?
- I'll find him and get him out of the crap I put him into. And then… - Kage winked at her. - I'll smack his face with the strongest punch ever, and bring that lousy bastard back to you.
The girl was staring at him with widen eyes, as if she had heard words of salvation from the Goddess herself. - Kage…
- Unless you changed your mind and decided that I'm more charming than him!
- Kage! - Kuria blushed violently and giggled. - You really never change… Yes, you are more charming than him, but still… He is a good man.
The samurai mocked a hurt face. - And I'm not!?
- Of course you are. - Kuria shook her head, making her ponytail swing over her shoulders. - But he… he is special. He loved the children, and cared about you so much… He adored the village more than anyone else. Because of your challenges at your workplace in the woods, he'd always come back home full of dirt, but I always loved to wash his clothes. And yet now…
Kage turned his head to her with a questioning look.
- I feel as if it was all nothing but a distant dream…. - She stammered, her hands against her chest. - I don't know why he decided to never come back to see me, but… I consider it a punishment for falling in love for a man marked as a traitor…
The samurai shook his head. - If you think the word 'traitor' doesn't matter… Then wait for him.
- You don't have to tell me!! I believe in him more than anyone else!! - Kuria yelled, holding her tears. - I wash clothes that no one will use… I clean an empty room… Because… This is all I can do!! Now and in the future!
- Forgive me. I made you upset… - Kage watched her sitting on her bed. - But you see… I am the true traitor, Kuria.
- What?! - She looked startled.
- Believe me, if I had to lie to you, I would've picked something better to say. For a reason or another, I did what Masaki blamed himself for. I betrayed the village. - Kage kneeled down in front of her, and took her hands in his. - Look at me. Are you afraid?
She blushed slightly and smiled. - No… Not at all.
Kage smiled back and widened his arms with open hands. - Don't you think that the fact that I'm a traitor is not really making any difference in how I truly am? So, without worrying for this futility, Kuria… Just keep washing his clothes.
Kuria nodded slowly again, and then lowered her face to hide her eyes under her fringe while tears were starting to run free.
- And don't cry! - Kage placed a hand on her left shoulder. - It's unfair when a pretty woman cries.
- W-why…? - She asked between her sobs.
- Because it makes me want to seduce her, what else? - Kage winked at the girl when she looked up at him in surprise. - Don't worry, I don't touch brides.
- You are so strange! - Kuria wiped the tears off her face. - Thank you, Kage…
***********************************************************
- Kage is taking a while… - Shion was looking out of the window, resting his chin tiredly on his crossed arms placed on the sill. - What's taking him so long?
- Don't ask, I don't want to even think about what could that pervert be possibly doing with that girl in her room. - Replied Kenjii, checking a chart.
Hikari was sitting next to him on the oak bed. - I don't think this would be the case, Kenjii. He seems to treat her differently from the other girls we've met before.
- Whatever, we shouldn't have stopped here in the first place. This is not a school trip.
- Aha ha ha… ^^; - Hikari turned the page, but before he could keep reading, Shion questioned him.
- Hikari, do you know who is this Masaki guy? I'm tired of waiting for Kage to ask him. And you have lived with him for a few weeks, haven't you?
The white mage blinked and then shook his head slowly. - I'm afraid I don't have the answers you seek. Kage has never mentioned him to me. I have a feeling that person is a very delicate subject for him.
- But this traitor story is so weird! I know that you two are worried too!
- Of course we are, we'll wait for him to tell us. I'm sure he will. - Hikari tilted his head embarrassed.
Kenjii closed the chart and stretched his neck. - I say we beat him up until he speaks up.
- Hey hey now! Who is that you want to beat, huh? - The samurai opened the door of the bedroom and walked in, scratching his head. - Hello, Mr. 80%-Of-Life-Is-A-Disaster.
- Nice try, beanpole. But I would say 90%… If you're lucky.
Shion turned to look at the elvaan. - Hey, Kage…
- Ugh! What is this!? - Kage looked at the small room, and at the tree futon placed right at the feet of the only oak bed. - Oh, man… This is gonna suck.
Hikari followed his look and nodded. - Yes, this might be a problem indeed. Three futon and this one bed, that seems to mean 'This is a special spot'.
The samurai sighed, scratching his head. - Oh well, guess it's better than sleeping without a roof.
- Yeah, but who gets the bed? - Asked Shion.
- No way that I'm going to sleep at the feet of someone. - Kenjii's eyes narrowed.
Shion glared at him. - Hey! You're not the only one that has been sleeping out for two days straight! I want the bed too!
- I'll never sleep on the ground side by side with men. - Kage crossed his arms. - And this is my friend's room!
- Please, let's not fight because of this…! I'm sure the futon are just as comfortable. - Hikari tried to calm down the situation, but the three ignored him.
- I know what to do! - Kage pulled out his dice from his pocket. - Let's gamble for it!
Kenjii and Shion looked at each other and then nodded to him, their eyes full of determination.
- I'll go first! - Shion took the dice and threw them. - HAH! An 8! I rolled an 8! Victory is mine!
- Psh, don't get too cocky now. - Kage took the dice from him and rolled them with a big grin. - 10. What do you say now?!
- Awww, man!! this is so unfair! - The kid pouted at him.
Kenjii took the dice from Kage and threw them too. - 10…
The samurai and the ninja glared daggers at each other.
- We'll roll again, softie.
- Be my guest, jerk. Shion, give me the dice back.
Shion blinked. - I don't have them.
The two looked at him and spoke in a chorus. - Then who…?
The soft noise of dice rolling filled the room, and Kenjii turned around with the two elvaans to look at Hikari. The white mage's hand was still open to the floor, near the dice that had just stopped moving.
- Oh, it's a 11. - Said the blond, with a shy grin. - Looks like I win! ^^;
- …
- …
- …
- NOOOO! - Shion jumped on the bed, hugging it as tight as he could. - I want to sleep here!!
- Oh, you little bastard! - Kage jumped on it too, almost pushing Kenjii off of it, and grabbed the kid to pull him down. - Don't act like a snotty brat now!
- Ouch, ouch, ouch! Kage, you're crushing me!
- It was a mistake to choose to gamble in the first place! - Yelled Kenjii, trying to push the two down. - It was obvious that Hikari was gonna win!!
- It's not my fault! - Yelled back Kage.
- Sorry for the wait! - Kuria walked in that moment, with a chest in her arms. - Your clothes are dry now…!!??
She froze on the spot, at the sight of Kenjii, Kage and Shion on Masaki's oak bed. The kid was on his back, pinned to the matress by the samurai who was all for on him, with the ninja behind him in the process of pulling his gi off him. The three turned to look at her, still stopped in their ambiguous positions.
- I'm sor… Ah!! - Kuria stormed outside and slammed the door shut. - I'm sorry!! I'll leave them there! I didn't see anything!! Enjoy your stay!
- … - The four looked at each other, and then everyone slowly moved away from the bed.
- I have the impression we have been misunderstood…!
- Eh? What? Why?
- Stay away from me or I swear I'll kill you here and now.
Hikari sat on the bed. - I guess this is mine then.
- Kage… - Shion sat on the middle futon, looking at the samurai. - Can you tell us about Masaki…?
The elvaan approached the door. - Going to the bathroom!
- DON'T RUN AWAY! - The kid grabbed one of his ankles, and Kage turned to look down at him. - I mean… I have no secrets for you guys, while you do! Isn't that a bit unfair!?
Kenjii was on the futon to the left of Shion's. - Brat.
- EXCUSE ME IF I AM!
- Fine! - Kage pouted and then kicked Shion's arm gently, going to sit on his futon. He sat there quiet for some minutes, gathering his memories, deciding where to start from, and then inhaled deeply. - Let's see…
The samurai crossed his arms, and looked up to the ceiling. - I met Masaki when I was still a kid. We used to live in a village not too far from here, where the clan of the Soaring Wind was stationed. We immediately got along, bound by our passion for challenges and risk. We'd compete on everything, and even though he was older than me, I'd often beat him.
Kage grinned, and looked at Kenjii. - You remind me a lot of him. He was one cocky bastard, albeit much funnier than you.
- Hmph, focus on your story please. - Replied the ninja, crossing arms behind his head before laying down.
- It's not a big story. Our lives were nice and normal, and we had lots of fun. One year ago, we met Kuria and after the part you already know they became engaged. They would've married that spring, but then… - Kage's eyes grew darker, and he frowned.
Hikari looked at him from over the bed. - Do you need to take a break?
Kage shook his head. - One night, while I was accompanying him on the way home… Our clan was attacked by the Snowstorm.
The kid gasped. - The Tengu!?
- No. - Kage's expression saddened slightly. - They weren't allied with the Tengu yet back then, and I never understood why they did that to us until now that the Prefect told us that crap about Phoenix and all… Even then though, they used the stratagem of pretending to be with Aht Urhgan. It was a group of men and women dressing imperial clothes.
Shion cringed, biting his lip. - Those ugly…!
- What did you do? - Asked Kenjii, staring at the ceiling, listening.
- After helping rescuing some of the inhabitants, we ran into a man of our village. A fanatic of the war against Aht Urhgan. He had… found and trapped one of the Snowstorm, and wanted to kill her.
- Her? - Asked the white mage with a frown.
Kage nodded. - It was a young mithra girl with with big blue eyes. She was begging him to spare her life, saying that she only followed the orders. She… She was pregnant.
Hikari and Shion gasped in surprise, and then the kid gulped, already about to start sobbing. - Did she…?
- No. I killed… our fellow countryman. - Kage clenched his fists. - Even though she may have been responsible of the death of my family and my whole clan, I…. I couldn't bear to watch her die. And the man refused to listen to me. I betrayed my clan to save who was believed to be a woman of Aht Urhgan.
He looked at his companions, who were just looking down at their hands in silence. Kenjii's eyes were still firm on the ceiling, but Kage could tell from his short and tense breathing that the hume was just as shocked as the other two.
Kage sighed and finished his story. - And that's when Masaki told me to run away… He ordered me to go hide at his house and warn Kuria, while he ran away with the mithra. Some people of our clan saw him with her and the voice of his betrayal soon spread across the region. I told everything to Kuria and then moved to the town where you met me. She and her aunt are the only ones to know the truth. This is it.
- Kage, I'm so sorry. - Said Hikari, placing a hand on the samurai's shoulder. - I don't know how to say this without sounding bad but… I think I would've done the same.
Shion hugged his pillow with a bummed expression. - I shouldn't have asked… Now I see why you didn't want to tell us.
- Don't worry about it. - Kage ruffled the kid's hair, and winked at him when Shion looked up. - It would've come up eventually. And admittedly, I feel much better now that I have this burden off my stomach!
At that word, a loud grumble soared from the belly of the monk. - Ooooh I'm so hungry. Do you think Kuria is making dinner yet?
- Jeez, you're really hopeless! And I was being so serious too!
- But I can't help it!
- I know! I know! Let's go downstairs and see if she's willing to prepare a snack for you, okay? - Kage looked at the ninja past Shion's shoulder. - Does the midlander baby want his snack, too?
- Don't worry about me. It's not my duty to judge you. - Kenjii turned on the other side. - If someone wakes me up they are dead, so get the fuck out.
Hikari nodded. - I'll go give the chocobos their food then.
*************************************************
The next morning, Kuria walked outside to go do groceries like she had promised to her aunt. She looked down at her empty basket, gripping it tightly.
If I think back at that conversation with Kage, I feel so embarrassed… But I must listen to his advice. I have to be strong.
She greeted the two chocobos in the field in front of her house, and offered the little one a treat. Kuria stood up and was ready to head towards the nearby town, when she noticed the man down the road following her with his eyes.
She stopped, feeling her heart beating fiercely in her chest, and saw him approaching. Something in her mind was telling her to run back inside, but the man was plainly dressed and appeared unarmed.
The hume stopped in front of her, with a confident smile on his face, but he didn't speak.
- May I help you? - She stammered, glancing behind herself for a moment.
- Miss Kuria, am I right? - The hume's voice was calm and deep.
- Yes… - Kuria felt slightly relieved, and fear subsided to curiosity. - How do you know my name? I'm sorry, but I can't remember your face.
- I have a message for you, and we have never met before.
The girl tilted her head. - A messenger?
The man nodded. - Don't be afraid when I say this, but I am a member of the Snowstorm.
Kuria's eyes widened, and she stepped back. - The Snowstorm Clan!? Who… What do you want from me!?
The man raised his hands to the level of his chest, showing palms. - I come in peace. To be precise, I am a former member. I ran away from the clan with a group of fellows. We… we're tired of being forced to kill people by the Empire.
The girl shook her head frantically, narrowing her eyes. - What do you want from me!? There are four strong warriors with me! If you just try to lay a finger on me, I swear I'll scream!!
- I bring a message for you from Masaki. - Answered the hume, glancing at her house for an instant.
The basket slipped out of Kuria's hands at those words. - Ma…saki? You know Masaki…?
He nodded. - Masaki is the leader of our group of rebels. It's only thanks to him if we managed to escape. But… to save us he… he got injured and can't move now.
- What!? Masaki is hurt? - Kuria clasped her hands against her chest, as if her heart could jump out of it any minute. - Is he ok!? Where is he!?
- He's in a safe place in the woods, but we don't know for how much longer we'll be able to stay there.. the Snowstorm Clan is chasing us. - The man reached out for her. - He really wants to see you… Please come with me now.
- I… - Kuria looked back at her house for a moment. - I'll go warn my aunt first… She'll worry.
- No. - The hume grabbed her arm tightly. - Please, we don't have much time. If you don't come with me now, you may never see him again.
**********************************************
A few hours later, the group was still absorbed in its bombproof sleep. Shion had never been a calm sleeper, and in the night he had moved around so much that he was now lying sideways, with his head on Kenjii's chest and his feet on Kage's face.
Kenjii's sleep was restless, his face showing that the weight on his chest was clearly disturbing him in his dreams.
- So heavy… - He mumbled in his sleep, before his futon was turned upside down over his body.
- COME ON! GET UP! HEY!! - Antowanetto grabbed Kenjii's pillow and started hitting the heads of the three men on the ground with all her strength.
Shion sat up, rubbing his eyes while Kage spitted one of the kid's feet out of his mouth. - Mrs Auntie… what's up? It's only 6:00A.M.!
- This is not time to sleep!! - Growled the elvaan woman, shaking in fear. - Have you seen Kuria!?
Kage's face straightened quickly. - What happened?
- I can't find her! She went outside to do the groceries and hasn't returned yet! - Antowanetto showed him the wicker basket that belonged to Kuria. - And I found this in front of the house…!
- Damnit…! - The samurai turned to the white mage. - Hikari!?
Hikari put his glasses on. - I'll prepare RedCrystal.
- Ok, I'll help you with the cart!
- And what do I do? - Asked Shion.
Kage looked the reversed futon next to the kid and nodded. - You dig softie out of there. We'll need him.
- Screw you, Kage! - Said Kenjii's angry voice, muffled by the cloth on his face.
***************************************
The cart shook violently, hitting another rock, and Kage grabbed the side of it to not fall off.
- Can't you go faster than this?! - He asked, dodging a low branch.
Hikari shook his head, his hands firm on the reins. - RedCrystal is too focused on following her scent… He's completely ignoring my commands. But even so, I think the wagon would shatter in pieces if we ran any faster through these woods.
- Damn it. - The samurai looked around. - I hope she's ok…
- Kenjii, what's that face?
The ninja shook his head at the young monk. - Nothing, I'm just keeping an eye out. You should too.
- Gotcha!
I'm afraid she might've gotten involved in our problems…
RedCrystal stopped the cart, looking around in confusion. Hikari hopped down and patted its back.
- It's okay, Red.
Kage jumped down too. - What's wrong now?
Hikari looked around warily. - It looks like RedCrystal lost her tracks.
- Let's split. - Kenjii pointed to his left. - Kage, Hikari. You two will go that way. Shion and I will go the other way.
- Fine. - Kage nodded and started walking.
The white mage patted his chocobo one last time. - Red, stay here with StarSapphire. You will be our landmark.
- Kweh! - The chocobo looked at the little chick, and she replied with a chirp that turned into a loud sneeze.
And so the group split, each of its members calling out loud for the girl.
- Kuria!!
- Where are you, Kuria!?
- Kuria…!! I'm hung..Ouch! But Kenjii…! :(
- Shut your stomach for a minute! Kuria!
*********************************
Kuria… Now that I think about it, since that day… I could never stand watching a woman crying.
It reminds me of that mithra…
She cried because she was worried for her child… not herself.
All I wanted to do was to stop those tears.
…Masaki…
- I think I should apologize, Kage.
- Eh? - The samurai woke up from his reminiscence and turned to look at the hume.
Hikari shook his head in shame. - Now that I know your story, I understand why you decided to take care of me when you found me… And how painful it must've been for you.
- Ah! It doesn't matter. - Kage shrugged, and started walking again. - You were just lucky being in my way home.
- Shion was really upset. - Hikari ran up to his side and tried to keep his pace. - He really hates secrets.
- Tsk! What a snooper. - The samurai rolled his eyes, calling for Kuria again. - As if he was the type to worry about others! Right?
The hume stopped, and his tone got suddenly cold. - That's not something nice to say. Someone could get mad.
- Yeah, Shion would. He's just a brat! - The elvaan chuckled.
- No.
Surprised, Kage turned to look at Hikari. The blond was staring at him sternly, his green eyes almost glowing under his hood. For the first time since they had met, Kage was actually fearing his friend.
- I would be the one getting mad. - Continued Hikari. - Because I am a brat, too. Do you think there's something bad about it?
- No no no…! -.-
Kage ran a hand through his hair, embarrassed.
Here's me trying to strike an attitude… And end up sounding more brat than anybody else.
A sudden scream echoed in the forest, and the two gasped, turning around. Kage's heart skipped a beat.
- That was Kuria's voice!
- It came from the direction we left the wagon at! - Exclaimed Hikari, starting to run.
***************************************
- You sure are giving us a hard time.
Kuria yelped as she was pushed against a tree, and fell on her knees. She looked up at her kidnappers in terror.
- Finally tired of running, long-legged bitch? - The galka cracked his knuckles, but the hume that had lured her in those woods stopped him with a hand on his arm.
- Hold yourself. Master Kuro's orders were to not harm her.
- Then what should we do with her until the midlander's group doesn't show up?
The elvaan next to them grinned mischievously. - I have a couple ideas, hehe!
The hume shook his head. - Jeez, you're truly disgusting.
But his fellow ignored him and grabbed Kuria's left arm, pulling her to himself.
The girl cringed. - No…!
- KURIA!! - Two voices screamed in a chorus, coming from opposite directions.
The girl opened her eyes, to see Kage and Shion running in from the sides of the elvaan, both jumping and hitting his head with a flying kick. Their faces quickly changed from determined to surprised.
She watched them falling to the ground with her assailant, in a loud thud.
- Nice cross-counter, guys! - Exclaimed the white mage clapping his hands with a smile.
The ninja knelt down to Kuria and helped her stand up, looking at the two elvaans in disgust. - What the hell was that?
Kage and Shion were still to the ground, each of them holding his leg in pain.
- Fucking shrimp! Next time WATCH before jumping! Ughhh!!!
- You're not in the position to criticize! - Yelled back the kid, his eyes nearly crying.
The galka and the humes were staring at them startled.
- Where the hell did you guys come from!?
- Yeah! And how the hell did you do that!!
Kenjii looked at the three men and talked to Kuria. - Your boyfriend is not one of them, is he?
The girl just shook her head, still shaking. - You… You don't know Masaki, do you!? Where is he!? Why did you lie to me!?
The hume crossed his arms. - We do know him, but he's not with us. We needed you to lure the midlander's group out!
- We don't need to tell her everything, you idiot! - Snapped the elvaan, standing up and massaging his head. - They are here now. Let's kill them and retrieve the treasure!!
- So you passed to the assassins now… Ran out of Tengu or what? Like this will make any difference. - Kenjii realized in surprise that Kuria had fainted, and grabbed her before she'd hit the ground.
- It's ok, it's all normal. - Said Hikari, after checking her. - Her tension loosened up… Not to mention all the running she must've done.
The galka and the hume unsheathed their weapons. - Stop worrying about the bitch! You'll die here and NOW!
- Mehhh… I'm not in the mood to kill people today. - Kage waved off. - Go home, kids. We're too hungry to play with you. Right, Shion?
- Damn right!!
- I wouldn't get too cocky, traitor.
Kage's eyes widened and slowly moved towards the assassins. It had been the elvaan to speak. On his face there was a big grin, slightly afraid, but still confident.
- What did you just say…? - Hissed Kage, narrowing his eyes.
The grin of the elvaan grew bigger. - Oh, I did recognize you. You betrayed your clan to save one of us long ago… Right after we destroyed your village. So tell me, traitor: why are you fighting us? Stop acting like a hero… your hands are just as dirty as ours.
Kage grabbed his spear in silence.
The elvaan took a guarding stance. - What do you say to that, scum?
The samurai started to charge the elvaan in rage, but he had barely the time to make two steps before stopping at the sight of his friends moving faster than him. Each of them holding one opponent's throat.
- You know…In my country… - Said Kenjii, pushing his katana against the galka's neck. - They say 'To talk too much leads to trouble'.
Hikari was the one holding the elvaan, and brought the other hand to the foe's mouth. - If you wish to finish your talk, I'm afraid you may have to do that in Hell. - He said, a flash of holy light flowing from the palm, ready to feed the throat of the assassin.
- F-Forgive us…! - Stammered the hume, looking at Shion in terror as the kid lifted him from the ground with a cold glare. - Help…!
The three looked at each other and then simultaneously let the Snowstorm men go, glaring at them as they fell on their butts.
- If you have to end up saying 'sorry', you should just avoid putting yourself in conditions like this, you garbage.
The assassins ran away stumbling on each other, screaming in fear. Kage's expression was still flabbergasted when his friends turned to look at him.
He shook his head and laughed heartedly. - You guys are really crazy!
I always felt guilty for Masaki.
My best friend, that left to save me…
I meant to find him and tell him I was sorry, but…
I changed my mind.
What I want to show him is not gratitude, nor grief.
All I want to show him, with pride, is that I'm alive now.
****************************************************
Like Kenjii had done the previous day, Kuria opened her eyes and sat up. She held her head in pain, stunned by the sudden movement. - Where am I…?
I was in that forest… And the others saved me… And then?
- Oh! You woke up!
The girl turned her head to the door of her bedroom, hearing the familiar voice. - Auntie! Where are Kage and his friends…?
The woman approached her with a frown. - They… They just left. I did ask them to wait for you to wake up but…
Why?
Kuria moved her feet to the side of the bed, and tried to stand up. Antowanetto was faster than her, and put her hands on her shoulders firmly.
- You must not stand up yet!
- I… I have to thank them, Auntie! - Exclaimed Kuria. - After all the nuisance I caused…!
- Nuisance? Those men didn't seem to see you as such at all. - Her aunt caressed her gently. - And also, they asked me to tell you one thing.
'Aht Urhgan is not involved with the Snowstorm clan, and we are traveling to stop their plan that is causing so many deaths in our country. So very soon.. Masaki will come back.'
Kuria brought her hands to her mouth, her face getting red as tears started to run down her cheeks. She shook her head with a sob and quickly wiped them with one sleeve.
Antowanetto frowned. - Kuria..?
Her niece shook her head with a smile and looked outside at the sun setting. - Kage told me that pretty women must not cry.
****************************************
- So now the Snowstorm started to send hitmen on us rather than beastmen. - Shion stretched, enjoying the calm pace of the cart. StarSapphire curled next to him, snuggling in pleasure of having her company again.
Kage sighed, crossing his arms and looking up at the sky. - Man… It's really hard to find free women nowadays…!
Hikari laughed softly. - There's two tragedies in life. One is to not obtain what you desire. The other is to obtain it~
The ninja rolled his eyes. - Stupid pervert, can't you really think about anything else for a change?
Kage narrowed his eyes, walked on all fours up to Kenjii's back, who was sitting on the driver's seat next to Hikari, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
- Listen up, you. The fact that you have absolutely no interest in women is a sign that you are diseased. DISEASED! - He nearly yelled in the ninja's ear, looking at him suspiciously. - Or else you are gay…?
Kenjii grabbed a katana. - Can I kill him?
- I'm afraid one stab wouldn't be enough! ^^; - Replied Hikari.
- Kenjii is not gay, he's engaged! - Exclaimed Shion, raising a finger.
Kage turned to him. - Ohhh? Who is it?
Kenjii turned his head as well, his eyes narrowed. - Yeah, Shion. Who are you talking about?
- Avina, of course!
- You're so dead…
- Kenjii, you're walking on the cart while moving again…
- Who is Avina!? Tell me softie! Tell me!
- Not until this fucking shrimp stops breathing!!
- Kage, help me! He's choking me!!
- Let the shrimp go, and tell me who's Avina!
- STOP SAYING HER NAME!
- Oh, so it IS a she!
- Are you still alive, monkey!?
- Monkey…?
- I mean… DAMN YOU, SHRIMP!
- Ahhhh! Hikari, Kenjii is hurting me!
- Tell me who's Avinaaaaaa~
- Get off me, you pervert!
- Guys, please stop fighting! We're crossing a bridge….
*SPLASH*
- Chirp!
- Yes, I know StarSapphire, I said it too late again.
*Hikari is so cultured! The quote he mentions is from Hamlet (William Shakespeare)
Special Theme for Chapter 10: Kage
Kenjii slowly opened his eyes, and sat up.
The sky above him was of a soft blue shade, and a cool breeze was blowing against the small mountain he and his group had been crossing since the previous day. Hana and her town were now behind them, far away out of sight.
The hume stood up and stretched quietly, looking at the remaining of the campfire they had used to eat last night. He then checked his fellows. Shion was snoring loudly inside the wagon, scratching his belly with one hand in his sleep. Next to Kenjii's sleeping spot by the campfire, the blond hume was resting quietly. His red chocobo was awake, eating some wild grass silently by the cart.
Kage was nowhere to be found.
"Nice watch, stupid dhalmel…" Kenjii shook his head and promised himself to never allow Kage to take the last shift of watch duty in the future.
He walked to the little creek next to their camp and knelt down to wash his face. After looking at his blurred reflection on the running water for a minute, he poured his hands in it and threw it above his head on a spare attempt to clean his hair.
The chilling feeling made him shiver slightly, and he ran his fingers through his hair to dry them as much as he could. When he grabbed its ends to squeeze the water away, he realized it had grown a bit.
How much time had passed since his last hair cut? Kenjii couldn't remember… He thought it was at some point before he left Bastok, months before.
A little chirp woke him from his thoughts, and he looked down to his left. His chocobo was next to him, watching curiously.
Kenjii squinted at her for a minute before relaxing and finally speaking. - Good morning.
She flapped her wings and chirped back cheerfully, before sneezing hard.
The ninja sighed and sat down cross-legged. - Well, it's good to see you can walk again without any problem, but I don't think that cold is going to disappear in only two days…Hey!
But it was too late, the little bird had already jumped in his lap, and was now finding a comfortable position to take another nap. He looked head-on at her, raising an eyebrow. In return, the chocobo snuggled her head against his hand.
- Stop that! I… - Kenjii felt a grip to his stomach at that sight, and looked away with an heavy sigh. - …I'm sorry. I know it was my fault.
He looked back at the chocobo, and she seemed to have already fallen asleep again. Her little body was moving slightly with her breathing, wincing slightly each time she would sniff.
Running gently his hand between her feathers, Kenjii noticed the ones behind her head were growing with a slight blue hue.
- So you're going to be a blue chocobo… - He muttered, his mind distant. He was trying to remember all what Avina had told him about chocobos, but he had the impression he had never really listened to her in those moments. What kind of chocobo had a blue color? A Jennet? Or maybe a Destrier? Or was it a Courser?
Kenjii looked up at the sky above him, to the star he had given to Avina. Even then, the memories of her words were too vague and difficult to remember. And slowly, his thoughts shifted to another subject.
A blue jewel…
He remembered the most beautiful blue thing he had ever seen. It was a sapphire in the goldsmithing guild. It was so shining and precious… A gem of the highest quality… What was its name?
Sparkling like a thousand stars…
- Star Sapphire.
- Chirp? - The chocobo opened her eyes and turned her head to look up at him, with full attention.
He blinked in a moment, realizing just then that he had spoke out loud. - What? You like that? Star Sapphire?
The chocobo chirped again, without taking her eyes off him.
- Fine, if that makes you happy. - Kenjii caressed her one more time, as a smile reached his lips. - StarSapphire it is.
- Wow, you are REALLY smiling…
Kenjii froze, and turned his head slowly to the right. Kage was there, bent on his knees next to him with a stupidly amazed look.
Nowhere as amazed as the look he had after Kenjii grabbed his vest and threw him in the little creek without a word.
- WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT FOR!? - He yelled, resurfacing all soaked.
- For spying on me without any warning! - Kenjii stood up and pointed a finger at him. - And if you even try to bring this up with anyone, I'm going to give you the worst day of your whole life, got it!?
The samurai watched the hume turning around and walk back to the camp. His little chocobo chirped at Kage with eyes narrowed, and then followed her master, walking boldly.
- Priceless… - Kage groaned and walked out of the water, squeezing his vest tiredly before returning to the camp.
**************************************
- I'm hungry… - Shion glared at the bags containing the group's food supplies, in a corner of the wagon next to Kenjii who had decided to sit in the back with him that day.
Hikari turned his head to look at him over his shoulder. - But Shion, we just finished having breakfast before leaving…
The young elvaan stretched his arms and rested them on the side of the wagon, looking down at the wheel running along the dusty road. - But I'm bored…
- Stupid shrimp, you can't make us run out of supplies every trip just because you're bored. Find yourself something to do. - Said Kage with an heavy sigh. He was sitting at the opposite corner of Shion, with an elbow resting on the side of the wagon. His eyes were gazing the view around them, as they were approaching the feet of the mountain.
The monk clapped his hands and then opened them to Kenjii's chocobo, that perked up from her master's lap and walked to him, fighting the unbalancing movements of the wagon. After caressing her a couple times, Shion looked up at Hikari.
- Why do you think no Tengu attacked us tonight?
- You sound like that upset you. - Kenjii put his arms behind his head, leaning on his back.
- I'm not upset! I'm just wondering.
- I'm sorry, Shion. - Hikari looked at some map next to him, placing down the reins and letting RedCrystal follow the road by himself. - We can't guess their plans easily. I would say our last conflict with them convinced them to try another strategy.
- In any case you should be glad that they didn't attack us tonight. - The ninja glared at the samurai. - Since Mr. Pervert didn't bother remaining in place today on his watch turn.
That seemed to snap Kage out of his trance, and he turned to Kenjii. - Enough of your sermon! I got it! Besides, I left for like, what? Twenty minutes at most.
- I don't know, you tell me. - Kenjii didn't let go. - Where were you?
- Hmph, - Kage shrugged and looked back at the road. - None of your damn business, stupid dandy ninja.
- What a wonderful day. - Commented Hikari with a smile and a tone far from being sarcastic.
Shion looked at Kage with a frown, but the samurai didn't look back. His eyes were staring blankly again, as if he was lost in some deep thought.
- Fine, I don't care about your secrets. - Kenjii crossed his arms. - But there's something else that you should tell us instead…
- You mean about StarSapphire? - Kage rolled his eyes, and then covered his face in fear as Kenjii stood up on the wagon, raising a fist in threat. - I'm KIDDING, DAMN IT! Didn't your parents teach you the word KIDDING when you were a brat!?
- Kenjii, please sit down. It's dangerous to stand on a moving cart like that. - Said Hikari without looking up from his map.
The ninja and the samurai glared daggers at each other, and then Kenjii listened to the white mage.
Kage went back to his position too. - Man, loosen up some. Even though you said my birth was a disgrace, I'm sure my death would be a pain for you.
- Your birth was a disgrace indeed, and your very life is a pain for me. Your death would only be a problem. - Kenjii saw the samurai moving to stand up and hit him but anticipated him. - What I was talking about is this 'Ame' the Tengu spoke about. Hikari told me you knew something.
Kage stopped, and blinked with an angry frown before letting himself fall back on his pillow. The cart swayed slightly. - Yes, I know Ame…
The ninja raised his head to him. - As in, personally?
- No. Nothing like that. But I've heard from him.
- From who?
- It doesn't matter! Now stop interrupting me. All you need to know is that it's from a reliable source. - Snapped Kage, and the ninja shut up. He inhaled deeply. - Ame Kaminari is a member of the Snowstorm clan.
Hikari looked away from the map and pushed his glasses up. - Kaminari? You mean he's…
- The son of Kuro Kaminari, yes. - The samurai nodded. - He's a powerful summoner. Probably the strongest one the Far East has ever seen in centuries now.
- A summoner? - Kenjii raised an eyebrow. - And what do summoners here summon? Most of the celestial avatars are sleeping in the Middle Lands.
Kage frowned in thought. - I think he was trained in your country when he was a kid… He came back here around two years ago.
- At least we won't have to deal with Fenrir.
- It's the terrestrial avatar you helped to revive, right? - Hikari tilted his head. - The way you talk about him suggests that he is a malevolent being.
Kenjii looked up at the sky. - I don't think he's a bad guardian god… But he doesn't hold himself when he's testing someone. And I would never want to have him as an enemy. During the Crystal War in Mindartia, he has vanquished a whole army of the Shadow Lord by himself. - He shook his head, lowering his head. - But I know all he wants is the sake of Vana'diel.
- You seem to know him well. - Kage raised an eyebrow.
- It's his whisper.
- Whisper? - Kage and Hikari asked in a chorus, then the white mage continued. - What whisper…?
- The whisper of Fenrir. I had it in my head since after fighting him. - Kenjii tapped his left temple. - It's with it that summoners are able to make a pact with an avatar. Or that's how my friend explained it…
The two looked at him in silence, blinking. Kenjii felt horribly pressured by those glares, and a sweatdrop ran down his head. - I'm not crazy.
- Yet you have a guardian god talking into your head. - Kage laughed heatedly. - Here something like that is totally crazy.
Hikari smiled embarrassed, but decided to not support the samurai in his bashing. Kenjii seemed already irritated enough for the day. - So you can make a pact with Fenrir and summon him? If he's half as strong as you said, he would be quite a valuable asset for us.
- It's not that easy. You need to know how to use summoning magic to do so, and I don't. I can't even understand what the whisper tells me. - Kenjii shrugged. - Also, the avatars summoners call are nothing but a shard of a prime avatar's real strength. And that shard's power depends strongly on the summoner's magic energy and power. I have none of that. If I could, I would get rid of the whisper any minute now.
- A pity. - Hikari grabbed the reins again and took a path away from the main one that they were following. - So we now have a summoner within our enemy's ranks too now. Lord Ame… Things seem to be getting more and more complicated for us. What a misfortune…
- There's no limit to how complicated things can get, because one thing always leads to another.
- I was really missing your pessimistic aphorisms, softie.
- Call me that just one more time, and I swear you are dead.
- Hmph. - Kage went back to watch the scenery.
The silence fell on the wagon, and Kenjii turned to watch Shion. The kid had been listening in silence for all that time, staring at him with an inquisitive look.
- What's wrong now?
- Who's Star Sapphire? - He asked curiously.
Kenjii staggered. - You mean you haven't listened to anything the others have said…?
- No. So who's Star Sapphire?
- Don't ask.
Kage grinned. - Oh I know who it is~
The kid quickly moved next to him, letting Kenjii's chocobo go. - Then tell me! I want to know!
- Kage, if you tell him..
- Yeah yeah! I know the rigmarole. Go back at your place shrimp. You're making the wagon lean to my side.
- I WANT TO KNOW!
- SHION, GO TO YOUR PLACE NOW!
- DON'T YELL AT ME!! KAGE, TELL ME WHO IS STAR SAPPHIRE!
- Fine, it's the chocobo. Softie decided her name at last.
- THAT'S IT YOU'RE DEAD!
- BRING IT ON, DANDY NINJA!
- Kenjii, Kage, Shion! Don't stand while the cart is moving! We're on a bridge!!
But Hikari's warning came too late. The wagon swayed violently, and the three fell off it and the bridge, ending up in the small calm river under it.
Hikari stopped RedCrystal in the middle of the stone bridge, and the bird turned to look at him.
The white mage sighed and looked down the bridge, with Star Sapphire chirping loudly next to him. - Who was that famous writer that said 'Misfortunes never come alone, as a solitary vanguard, but as whole legions'?*
Shion and Kage were the first to resurface.
- Ughh!!! It's so cold!
- Damn it, this is the second time I end up soaked today! Stupid shrimp, this is all your damn fault!
- Why do you say that!? If it's someone's fault, that's yours!
- DIE!! - Yelled Kenjii, resurfacing between them and pushing their heads underwater. - You don't deserve anything but this!
- Ah ah ah ah ah ah!
A crystalline laugh interrupted the fight, and Kenjii's grip on the hair of the elvaans loosened, allowing them to breath again. The four young men looked at the shore on the side Hikari was planning to reach before the mishap.
The laughing figure was an elvaan girl with an ebon ponytail on the back of her head. She was wearing an ordinary dress with an apron, and high leather boots.
- Ah…! Please forgive me… - She said, trying to hold the laughter. - …But seeing your group having so much fun, I couldn't help it…!
- Please don't refer to me as a part of this group. - Said Kenjii, letting the two go and proceeding to walk out of the water.
Kage shook his head in disbelief. - Kuria…!?
The girl's expression suddenly turned into a copy of the samurai's face. - Kage!! Is it really you?
The group turned to look at the samurai, who nodded with a big smile. - It's been a very long time! I thought you no longer lived around here… Your house was not on the mountain anymore.
- Yes, I moved to live with my aunt not too far from here. - Said the girl, blushing slightly.
- So that's what you went to check this morning. - Pointed out the monk.
Kenjii facepalmed. - I should've known it was about a woman.
Meanwhile Hikari had reached the side the girl was at with the wagon. - Are you guys okay?
- Yeah… But all our clothes are soaked now. And I'm still hungry! - Complained the kid, never failing to bring up his stomach into the discussion.
- Oh! If you want to dry your clothes, why don't you come to my house? - Offered Kuria smiling warmly. - Allow me to offer you some tea as an apology for laughing at you.
**********************************************
- Here's your Jujitsu Gi, Kenjii. - Shion pulled the white garment out of the gobbiebag and passed it to the hume.
Kenjii grabbed it and started wearing it, checking the rest of his spare clothes. - At least these aren't wet.
- I hope you guys aren't planning to dive in every river we pass by on our journey. - Kage was still wearing his clothes, except he had taken the vest off. - I don't have any other stuff with me to wear!
Shion was looking at the Onoko Yukata Kenjii had let him use along with a pair of large sitabaki. - Your fault for not thinking you'd need some in this trip.
Kage smacked him on the head. - Look who's talking! You're wearing stuff that isn't even yours!
- But I never had other clothes to begin with! Did you forget that I'm not from this country?! Ouch!
The kid turned to Kenjii, who was glaring angrily at him.
- Why are you hitting my head too, huh!?
The ninja narrowed his eyes. - Watch your mouth! - He hissed through his teeth, and nodded towards the door that was opening.
The elvaan girl came in, with a bundle of cloths in her arms. - Here, I brought some towels for your hair!
- My, thank you very much, miss Kuria. - Hikari took the white towels from her arms and passed one each to his group.
The girl then approached Kage and offered him the rest of the bundle. It was a purple pair of gi and hakama. - This is… - She stammered, blushing wildly.
The samurai looked at the clothes with a frown, and took them in his hands. - There were his…?
Kuria nodded frantically and rushed outside. - Lunch is almost ready!! Make yourself at home. - She said before slamming the door shut behind herself.
Shion and the two humes stared at the door confused, and then looked at Kage dressing up in silence. He was handling the clothes carefully, as if following some sort of important ritual.
Hikari was the first to break the silence. - Kage, who is this person?
The elvaan looked up and raised an eyebrow at the white mage. - Just an old girlfriend… She's the fiancee of a friend of mine.
- So those are his clothes… - Hikari looked towards the door. - But where is he?
Kage didn't reply.
- Yeah! There's just Kuria and that evil witch of her aunt here… - Muttered Shion.
The white mage shook his head. - Shion, don't be rude. You don't even know her…
- But she hates us! Did you see the look she had when she saw us coming in? - The kid pulled his lower eyelids down with the index fingers in an horrid grimy expression. - She didn't even want us to come inside! And when that kind girl convinced her, she stormed upstairs in her room…. What's her problem?
- Another one of your secrets? - Asked Kenjii.
Kage waved him off. - Who cares?! Let's eat now, all this male attention is giving me stomach cramps.
- Kage… - Hikari and Kenjii looked at the man walking out of the bathroom, followed by a forever starved Shion, and then exchanged a glance.
Kuria was waiting for them in the dining room. Next to her, Shion was scanning the whole table with shining eyes, while the samurai had already settled himself on a pillow and was looking at the kid with an amused grin.
- Ohhh! This looks so tempting! - Was exclaiming Shion. - Are you sure this is all for us?
- Thank you, and yes. - The girl smiled with a blush. - Sadly I was going to do groceries when I ran into you, so there isn't much at home. I only had a lot of mushrooms… I cooked them in every possible way, hoping at least one of these meets your tastes.
- Woah! Stew, soup, risotto, even roasted mushrooms kabob! You must be an awesome chef! What is this?
Kuria raised her eyes to Kenjii and Hikari and invited them to sit with a nod. - Some Witch Nougat my aunt made yesterday.
- Oh! Then she really is a wi… - Kenjii slapped Shion behind his head before he could finish the sentence.
- Start using that mouth for what it's good at, shrimp!
- Everyone is hitting me so much today…! I was hoping I'd start gaining some respect in this group! ;.;
Hikari chuckled. - Those who expect much should expect little.
- You pick on me just because I'm the youngest here!
- You're on your own. - Kenjii turned his head towards the door to the entrance, hearing something scratching the door.
Kuria looked as well, confused. - What…?
- Oh, I'm afraid it's our little chocobo. - Explained Hikari, scratching his hair in shame. - This is the first time we force her to stay outside. She isn't used to be without Kenjii.
- Poor StarSapphire, her softie daddy isn't with…! - Kage shut his mouth and looked at Kenjii, twitching in fear, when he picked a large knife from the table.
The ninja glared coldly at him and then proceeded to cut some bread from the loaf next to him, slowly.
Kuria shook her head sadly. - I'm sorry my aunt didn't let it in… She's intolerant to chocobos…
- Maybe we should kick Kage outside too, then. - Suggested Kenjii, placing the knife down.
- Oh Kenjii, I love you not for who you are, but what I feel to be when I'm with you. A piece of crap.
- If not two.
- Ugh..!
- Now, now, don't fight…! - Hikari raised his hands slightly, trying to calm them down. - Why don't you take example from Shion and have a taste of Miss Kuria's cuisine now?
The two glared at him, horrified at the idea of taking any kind of example from the voracious brat.
- This is awesome!! - The kid was completely ignoring the conversation, emptying the dishes in front of him at great speed.
Kuria nodded happily and ruffled Shion's hair before picking up a chest with the group's washed clothes. - I'll go dry these outside and keep your chocobos some company. Have a good lunch!
************************************************************
- That was so good…! - Shion let himself lay on his back, massaging his belly.
Hikari drank some tea and glanced at him. - Shion, it's impolite to not stay composed on your seat when in front of people that are still eating. Have you never been told that if you lie down immediately after lunch you will turn into a karakul?
Kage shook his head, smirking at the kid. - How can you even taste food at the speed you eat with?
- I dunno, it must be because Kuria's food was really awesome!
- I'll give you that, she's an awesome chef. She used to work in a tavern when I met her. - Kage imitated Shion and leaned with his back to the floor as well.
Once again, Hikari and Kenjii looked at each other, one looking yelding amused, the second just bluntly annoyed by the company.
Shion opened his arms wide, letting them rest to the floor. - When I become engaged, I want my fiancee to cook just like this! It's not easy to make so many things with so few ingredients!
- Good luck with that, kiddo. It took me many many days of restless wooing to get her to date with me for a month!
- And then?
- And then my friend took her from me! - Kage laughed heartedly at the memory.
Shion raised himself on his side, placing his head on a hand. - Why are you laughing? I don't think I would be happy if my friend had stolen my girlfriend, or my sushi.
*THUNK*
- Kenjii, are you all right? - Hikari looked down at the ninja next to him.
Kenjii lifted his head from the wooden table, massaging his sore forehead. - Yes… I was caught off guard…
- Nice headdesk, leader. - Kage giggled, and then looked back at Shion. - I wouldn't have been happy either normally, but it was fair in that case.
- How so? - Shion blinked in confusion.
- We were challenging on who would manage to have her. I won at first, but he didn't give up.
The monk staggered. - You really like weird challenges!
- Hey, I'm a gambler with a gift, kid. So why not use it? If I wanted to challenge you guys on something like that, I'd kick your asses any day!
- If Hikari is as good at lovemaking as he is at gambling, he would be the winner! - Shion laughed when he saw the overwhelmed glare Kage gave to the ceiling in reaction to his words.
Hikari cleaned his mouth with a napkin. - I'll pass, but thank you for your trust.
- Yeah, wise choice Hikari! I would make you cry!
- If you're so good at it, why don't you teach me?
Kage sat up and looked at Shion, blinking. - Are you serious? I didn't think you were already interested in women!
Shion shrugged. - I'm not. But weren't you the one telling me to find something to do?
- Uhhhh…. - Kage looked at Hikari with a perplexed frown, and the white mage shrugged in return. - Fine, I guess.
- All right! And you'll teach Kenjii too, so he and I can challenge like you and your friend! - Shion sat back up and stretched with a grin to the ninja.
Kenjii shook his head slowly. - Find yourself another playfellow, shrimp. I don't care about that stuff.
- Awww, you partypooper!
Kage gave Kenjii a friendly tap with a fist on his left shoulder. - Are you sure? I think I have lots of good advice for a grumpy face like you. You've got potential… I know lots of women that have a thing for foreign shady men.
- It's always wrong to give advice, but to give good advice is fatal. - Replied Kenjii, taking Kage's hand and moving it away from him.
The samurai grinned and shrugged. - Fine, don't be jealous when I turn your baby brother into a true Casanova.
- What kind of food is that? - Shion's eyes were sparkling again.
The other elvaan facepalmed. - You've got a long way to go, shrimp. Well, this sure will make the journey to the East more interesting!
- So that's where you're going.
The four turned around at the sound of the new voice coming from the foot of the stairs. Kuria's aunt Antowanetto was there, staring at them coldly. She had long silver hair, gathered in a strict bun. She was wearing a long red kimono, with golden lotus flowers drawn on the sleeves.
- I was afraid you'd decide to stop here for the night, like Kuria suggested.
Kage snorted with a smile. - Sadly, the current circumstances are forcing us to move fast.
- You're going to finally join Masaki in the ranks of the Snowstorm? And who are they? More traitors coming with you?
Kage stood up quickly, hitting the table with one knee and shaking it violently. - Watch your mouth, woman! Just because Masaki isn't here anymore…!
- It's your fault if he isn't here anymore. - The woman's words seemed to strike Kage's hard. The samurai shut up, staring at her with clenched fists.
Kenjii, Shion and Hikari looked at each other, and then the white mage spoke. - Excuse me… May you tell us how do you know about the Snowstorm?
- You should ask this criminal, if you really want to know. - Antowanetto narrowed her eyes in rage at Kage. - You're hiding your dirty past to your friends too now, traitor?
- Shut up.
- IF IT WASN'T FOR YOU, MASAKI WOULD STILL BE HERE!!
- SHUT UP!!
- NO! I won't shut up! - The woman walked up to Kage, pointing a finger at him. - They were happy! He loved Kuria and wanted to marry her! And YOU! You ruined her life forever!! What can you say to that, traitor!?
- Ugh…! - Kage was growling at her, but before he could reply anything to the old elvaan, a soft thud made everyone turn towards the entrance.
The black-haired girl had entered home in the middle of the fight, and hearing her aunt's words had shocked her to the point that the chest had slipped out of her hands, hitting the floor.
Antowanetto frowned, saddened. - Kuria…
Her niece didn't want to hear any word, and stormed upstairs with a soft cry. After a few seconds, Kage ran after her.
The three guys and the old woman stayed in silence for a few minutes, looking at each other intimidated.
- I'm sorry we're disturbing you. - Said Hikari clearing his throat. - Soon as Kage comes back down, we'll take our leave.
- Hmph, I wish you would. - Snapped Antowanetto, glaring at him head-on. - But I'm afraid that is against Kuria's wishes. She has already prepared your beds in Masaki's bedroom. Sleep here for the night and then get out. And never come back.
The three watched her closing the door at the entrance and then walk away in another room, out of their sight.
***********************************************************
- I'm sorry Kage… she shouldn't have said those terrible things…
The samurai looked around the room. - Don't worry about it, Kuria. I deserve it…
- No, you don't! - Kuria turned away from the window, her face deep red. - It was Masaki's choice to leave… I don't blame you. So don't say that!
- Okay. - Kage shrugged, and then looked down at his clothes. - You know… I was surprised to see that you still have his stuff.
The girl frowned slightly, looking down at her hands. A silver band was shining on her ring finger. - Yes, I… Even after leaving our house… I never stopped believing that he'll come back, one day. I prepared a room for him, and keep it tidy everyday… And wash his clothes… Because I… I… still…
She stopped talking, and the two looked down at the floor in silence for several minutes.
Kage approached the window next to her, and looked outside at the two chocobos playing together. - I'll find him, Kuria.
Kuria released an exclamation of surprise, inhaling loudly. - What…?
- I'll find him and get him out of the crap I put him into. And then… - Kage winked at her. - I'll smack his face with the strongest punch ever, and bring that lousy bastard back to you.
The girl was staring at him with widen eyes, as if she had heard words of salvation from the Goddess herself. - Kage…
- Unless you changed your mind and decided that I'm more charming than him!
- Kage! - Kuria blushed violently and giggled. - You really never change… Yes, you are more charming than him, but still… He is a good man.
The samurai mocked a hurt face. - And I'm not!?
- Of course you are. - Kuria shook her head, making her ponytail swing over her shoulders. - But he… he is special. He loved the children, and cared about you so much… He adored the village more than anyone else. Because of your challenges at your workplace in the woods, he'd always come back home full of dirt, but I always loved to wash his clothes. And yet now…
Kage turned his head to her with a questioning look.
- I feel as if it was all nothing but a distant dream…. - She stammered, her hands against her chest. - I don't know why he decided to never come back to see me, but… I consider it a punishment for falling in love for a man marked as a traitor…
The samurai shook his head. - If you think the word 'traitor' doesn't matter… Then wait for him.
- You don't have to tell me!! I believe in him more than anyone else!! - Kuria yelled, holding her tears. - I wash clothes that no one will use… I clean an empty room… Because… This is all I can do!! Now and in the future!
- Forgive me. I made you upset… - Kage watched her sitting on her bed. - But you see… I am the true traitor, Kuria.
- What?! - She looked startled.
- Believe me, if I had to lie to you, I would've picked something better to say. For a reason or another, I did what Masaki blamed himself for. I betrayed the village. - Kage kneeled down in front of her, and took her hands in his. - Look at me. Are you afraid?
She blushed slightly and smiled. - No… Not at all.
Kage smiled back and widened his arms with open hands. - Don't you think that the fact that I'm a traitor is not really making any difference in how I truly am? So, without worrying for this futility, Kuria… Just keep washing his clothes.
Kuria nodded slowly again, and then lowered her face to hide her eyes under her fringe while tears were starting to run free.
- And don't cry! - Kage placed a hand on her left shoulder. - It's unfair when a pretty woman cries.
- W-why…? - She asked between her sobs.
- Because it makes me want to seduce her, what else? - Kage winked at the girl when she looked up at him in surprise. - Don't worry, I don't touch brides.
- You are so strange! - Kuria wiped the tears off her face. - Thank you, Kage…
***********************************************************
- Kage is taking a while… - Shion was looking out of the window, resting his chin tiredly on his crossed arms placed on the sill. - What's taking him so long?
- Don't ask, I don't want to even think about what could that pervert be possibly doing with that girl in her room. - Replied Kenjii, checking a chart.
Hikari was sitting next to him on the oak bed. - I don't think this would be the case, Kenjii. He seems to treat her differently from the other girls we've met before.
- Whatever, we shouldn't have stopped here in the first place. This is not a school trip.
- Aha ha ha… ^^; - Hikari turned the page, but before he could keep reading, Shion questioned him.
- Hikari, do you know who is this Masaki guy? I'm tired of waiting for Kage to ask him. And you have lived with him for a few weeks, haven't you?
The white mage blinked and then shook his head slowly. - I'm afraid I don't have the answers you seek. Kage has never mentioned him to me. I have a feeling that person is a very delicate subject for him.
- But this traitor story is so weird! I know that you two are worried too!
- Of course we are, we'll wait for him to tell us. I'm sure he will. - Hikari tilted his head embarrassed.
Kenjii closed the chart and stretched his neck. - I say we beat him up until he speaks up.
- Hey hey now! Who is that you want to beat, huh? - The samurai opened the door of the bedroom and walked in, scratching his head. - Hello, Mr. 80%-Of-Life-Is-A-Disaster.
- Nice try, beanpole. But I would say 90%… If you're lucky.
Shion turned to look at the elvaan. - Hey, Kage…
- Ugh! What is this!? - Kage looked at the small room, and at the tree futon placed right at the feet of the only oak bed. - Oh, man… This is gonna suck.
Hikari followed his look and nodded. - Yes, this might be a problem indeed. Three futon and this one bed, that seems to mean 'This is a special spot'.
The samurai sighed, scratching his head. - Oh well, guess it's better than sleeping without a roof.
- Yeah, but who gets the bed? - Asked Shion.
- No way that I'm going to sleep at the feet of someone. - Kenjii's eyes narrowed.
Shion glared at him. - Hey! You're not the only one that has been sleeping out for two days straight! I want the bed too!
- I'll never sleep on the ground side by side with men. - Kage crossed his arms. - And this is my friend's room!
- Please, let's not fight because of this…! I'm sure the futon are just as comfortable. - Hikari tried to calm down the situation, but the three ignored him.
- I know what to do! - Kage pulled out his dice from his pocket. - Let's gamble for it!
Kenjii and Shion looked at each other and then nodded to him, their eyes full of determination.
- I'll go first! - Shion took the dice and threw them. - HAH! An 8! I rolled an 8! Victory is mine!
- Psh, don't get too cocky now. - Kage took the dice from him and rolled them with a big grin. - 10. What do you say now?!
- Awww, man!! this is so unfair! - The kid pouted at him.
Kenjii took the dice from Kage and threw them too. - 10…
The samurai and the ninja glared daggers at each other.
- We'll roll again, softie.
- Be my guest, jerk. Shion, give me the dice back.
Shion blinked. - I don't have them.
The two looked at him and spoke in a chorus. - Then who…?
The soft noise of dice rolling filled the room, and Kenjii turned around with the two elvaans to look at Hikari. The white mage's hand was still open to the floor, near the dice that had just stopped moving.
- Oh, it's a 11. - Said the blond, with a shy grin. - Looks like I win! ^^;
- …
- …
- …
- NOOOO! - Shion jumped on the bed, hugging it as tight as he could. - I want to sleep here!!
- Oh, you little bastard! - Kage jumped on it too, almost pushing Kenjii off of it, and grabbed the kid to pull him down. - Don't act like a snotty brat now!
- Ouch, ouch, ouch! Kage, you're crushing me!
- It was a mistake to choose to gamble in the first place! - Yelled Kenjii, trying to push the two down. - It was obvious that Hikari was gonna win!!
- It's not my fault! - Yelled back Kage.
- Sorry for the wait! - Kuria walked in that moment, with a chest in her arms. - Your clothes are dry now…!!??
She froze on the spot, at the sight of Kenjii, Kage and Shion on Masaki's oak bed. The kid was on his back, pinned to the matress by the samurai who was all for on him, with the ninja behind him in the process of pulling his gi off him. The three turned to look at her, still stopped in their ambiguous positions.
- I'm sor… Ah!! - Kuria stormed outside and slammed the door shut. - I'm sorry!! I'll leave them there! I didn't see anything!! Enjoy your stay!
- … - The four looked at each other, and then everyone slowly moved away from the bed.
- I have the impression we have been misunderstood…!
- Eh? What? Why?
- Stay away from me or I swear I'll kill you here and now.
Hikari sat on the bed. - I guess this is mine then.
- Kage… - Shion sat on the middle futon, looking at the samurai. - Can you tell us about Masaki…?
The elvaan approached the door. - Going to the bathroom!
- DON'T RUN AWAY! - The kid grabbed one of his ankles, and Kage turned to look down at him. - I mean… I have no secrets for you guys, while you do! Isn't that a bit unfair!?
Kenjii was on the futon to the left of Shion's. - Brat.
- EXCUSE ME IF I AM!
- Fine! - Kage pouted and then kicked Shion's arm gently, going to sit on his futon. He sat there quiet for some minutes, gathering his memories, deciding where to start from, and then inhaled deeply. - Let's see…
The samurai crossed his arms, and looked up to the ceiling. - I met Masaki when I was still a kid. We used to live in a village not too far from here, where the clan of the Soaring Wind was stationed. We immediately got along, bound by our passion for challenges and risk. We'd compete on everything, and even though he was older than me, I'd often beat him.
Kage grinned, and looked at Kenjii. - You remind me a lot of him. He was one cocky bastard, albeit much funnier than you.
- Hmph, focus on your story please. - Replied the ninja, crossing arms behind his head before laying down.
- It's not a big story. Our lives were nice and normal, and we had lots of fun. One year ago, we met Kuria and after the part you already know they became engaged. They would've married that spring, but then… - Kage's eyes grew darker, and he frowned.
Hikari looked at him from over the bed. - Do you need to take a break?
Kage shook his head. - One night, while I was accompanying him on the way home… Our clan was attacked by the Snowstorm.
The kid gasped. - The Tengu!?
- No. - Kage's expression saddened slightly. - They weren't allied with the Tengu yet back then, and I never understood why they did that to us until now that the Prefect told us that crap about Phoenix and all… Even then though, they used the stratagem of pretending to be with Aht Urhgan. It was a group of men and women dressing imperial clothes.
Shion cringed, biting his lip. - Those ugly…!
- What did you do? - Asked Kenjii, staring at the ceiling, listening.
- After helping rescuing some of the inhabitants, we ran into a man of our village. A fanatic of the war against Aht Urhgan. He had… found and trapped one of the Snowstorm, and wanted to kill her.
- Her? - Asked the white mage with a frown.
Kage nodded. - It was a young mithra girl with with big blue eyes. She was begging him to spare her life, saying that she only followed the orders. She… She was pregnant.
Hikari and Shion gasped in surprise, and then the kid gulped, already about to start sobbing. - Did she…?
- No. I killed… our fellow countryman. - Kage clenched his fists. - Even though she may have been responsible of the death of my family and my whole clan, I…. I couldn't bear to watch her die. And the man refused to listen to me. I betrayed my clan to save who was believed to be a woman of Aht Urhgan.
He looked at his companions, who were just looking down at their hands in silence. Kenjii's eyes were still firm on the ceiling, but Kage could tell from his short and tense breathing that the hume was just as shocked as the other two.
Kage sighed and finished his story. - And that's when Masaki told me to run away… He ordered me to go hide at his house and warn Kuria, while he ran away with the mithra. Some people of our clan saw him with her and the voice of his betrayal soon spread across the region. I told everything to Kuria and then moved to the town where you met me. She and her aunt are the only ones to know the truth. This is it.
- Kage, I'm so sorry. - Said Hikari, placing a hand on the samurai's shoulder. - I don't know how to say this without sounding bad but… I think I would've done the same.
Shion hugged his pillow with a bummed expression. - I shouldn't have asked… Now I see why you didn't want to tell us.
- Don't worry about it. - Kage ruffled the kid's hair, and winked at him when Shion looked up. - It would've come up eventually. And admittedly, I feel much better now that I have this burden off my stomach!
At that word, a loud grumble soared from the belly of the monk. - Ooooh I'm so hungry. Do you think Kuria is making dinner yet?
- Jeez, you're really hopeless! And I was being so serious too!
- But I can't help it!
- I know! I know! Let's go downstairs and see if she's willing to prepare a snack for you, okay? - Kage looked at the ninja past Shion's shoulder. - Does the midlander baby want his snack, too?
- Don't worry about me. It's not my duty to judge you. - Kenjii turned on the other side. - If someone wakes me up they are dead, so get the fuck out.
Hikari nodded. - I'll go give the chocobos their food then.
*************************************************
The next morning, Kuria walked outside to go do groceries like she had promised to her aunt. She looked down at her empty basket, gripping it tightly.
If I think back at that conversation with Kage, I feel so embarrassed… But I must listen to his advice. I have to be strong.
She greeted the two chocobos in the field in front of her house, and offered the little one a treat. Kuria stood up and was ready to head towards the nearby town, when she noticed the man down the road following her with his eyes.
She stopped, feeling her heart beating fiercely in her chest, and saw him approaching. Something in her mind was telling her to run back inside, but the man was plainly dressed and appeared unarmed.
The hume stopped in front of her, with a confident smile on his face, but he didn't speak.
- May I help you? - She stammered, glancing behind herself for a moment.
- Miss Kuria, am I right? - The hume's voice was calm and deep.
- Yes… - Kuria felt slightly relieved, and fear subsided to curiosity. - How do you know my name? I'm sorry, but I can't remember your face.
- I have a message for you, and we have never met before.
The girl tilted her head. - A messenger?
The man nodded. - Don't be afraid when I say this, but I am a member of the Snowstorm.
Kuria's eyes widened, and she stepped back. - The Snowstorm Clan!? Who… What do you want from me!?
The man raised his hands to the level of his chest, showing palms. - I come in peace. To be precise, I am a former member. I ran away from the clan with a group of fellows. We… we're tired of being forced to kill people by the Empire.
The girl shook her head frantically, narrowing her eyes. - What do you want from me!? There are four strong warriors with me! If you just try to lay a finger on me, I swear I'll scream!!
- I bring a message for you from Masaki. - Answered the hume, glancing at her house for an instant.
The basket slipped out of Kuria's hands at those words. - Ma…saki? You know Masaki…?
He nodded. - Masaki is the leader of our group of rebels. It's only thanks to him if we managed to escape. But… to save us he… he got injured and can't move now.
- What!? Masaki is hurt? - Kuria clasped her hands against her chest, as if her heart could jump out of it any minute. - Is he ok!? Where is he!?
- He's in a safe place in the woods, but we don't know for how much longer we'll be able to stay there.. the Snowstorm Clan is chasing us. - The man reached out for her. - He really wants to see you… Please come with me now.
- I… - Kuria looked back at her house for a moment. - I'll go warn my aunt first… She'll worry.
- No. - The hume grabbed her arm tightly. - Please, we don't have much time. If you don't come with me now, you may never see him again.
**********************************************
A few hours later, the group was still absorbed in its bombproof sleep. Shion had never been a calm sleeper, and in the night he had moved around so much that he was now lying sideways, with his head on Kenjii's chest and his feet on Kage's face.
Kenjii's sleep was restless, his face showing that the weight on his chest was clearly disturbing him in his dreams.
- So heavy… - He mumbled in his sleep, before his futon was turned upside down over his body.
- COME ON! GET UP! HEY!! - Antowanetto grabbed Kenjii's pillow and started hitting the heads of the three men on the ground with all her strength.
Shion sat up, rubbing his eyes while Kage spitted one of the kid's feet out of his mouth. - Mrs Auntie… what's up? It's only 6:00A.M.!
- This is not time to sleep!! - Growled the elvaan woman, shaking in fear. - Have you seen Kuria!?
Kage's face straightened quickly. - What happened?
- I can't find her! She went outside to do the groceries and hasn't returned yet! - Antowanetto showed him the wicker basket that belonged to Kuria. - And I found this in front of the house…!
- Damnit…! - The samurai turned to the white mage. - Hikari!?
Hikari put his glasses on. - I'll prepare RedCrystal.
- Ok, I'll help you with the cart!
- And what do I do? - Asked Shion.
Kage looked the reversed futon next to the kid and nodded. - You dig softie out of there. We'll need him.
- Screw you, Kage! - Said Kenjii's angry voice, muffled by the cloth on his face.
***************************************
The cart shook violently, hitting another rock, and Kage grabbed the side of it to not fall off.
- Can't you go faster than this?! - He asked, dodging a low branch.
Hikari shook his head, his hands firm on the reins. - RedCrystal is too focused on following her scent… He's completely ignoring my commands. But even so, I think the wagon would shatter in pieces if we ran any faster through these woods.
- Damn it. - The samurai looked around. - I hope she's ok…
- Kenjii, what's that face?
The ninja shook his head at the young monk. - Nothing, I'm just keeping an eye out. You should too.
- Gotcha!
I'm afraid she might've gotten involved in our problems…
RedCrystal stopped the cart, looking around in confusion. Hikari hopped down and patted its back.
- It's okay, Red.
Kage jumped down too. - What's wrong now?
Hikari looked around warily. - It looks like RedCrystal lost her tracks.
- Let's split. - Kenjii pointed to his left. - Kage, Hikari. You two will go that way. Shion and I will go the other way.
- Fine. - Kage nodded and started walking.
The white mage patted his chocobo one last time. - Red, stay here with StarSapphire. You will be our landmark.
- Kweh! - The chocobo looked at the little chick, and she replied with a chirp that turned into a loud sneeze.
And so the group split, each of its members calling out loud for the girl.
- Kuria!!
- Where are you, Kuria!?
- Kuria…!! I'm hung..Ouch! But Kenjii…! :(
- Shut your stomach for a minute! Kuria!
*********************************
Kuria… Now that I think about it, since that day… I could never stand watching a woman crying.
It reminds me of that mithra…
She cried because she was worried for her child… not herself.
All I wanted to do was to stop those tears.
…Masaki…
- I think I should apologize, Kage.
- Eh? - The samurai woke up from his reminiscence and turned to look at the hume.
Hikari shook his head in shame. - Now that I know your story, I understand why you decided to take care of me when you found me… And how painful it must've been for you.
- Ah! It doesn't matter. - Kage shrugged, and started walking again. - You were just lucky being in my way home.
- Shion was really upset. - Hikari ran up to his side and tried to keep his pace. - He really hates secrets.
- Tsk! What a snooper. - The samurai rolled his eyes, calling for Kuria again. - As if he was the type to worry about others! Right?
The hume stopped, and his tone got suddenly cold. - That's not something nice to say. Someone could get mad.
- Yeah, Shion would. He's just a brat! - The elvaan chuckled.
- No.
Surprised, Kage turned to look at Hikari. The blond was staring at him sternly, his green eyes almost glowing under his hood. For the first time since they had met, Kage was actually fearing his friend.
- I would be the one getting mad. - Continued Hikari. - Because I am a brat, too. Do you think there's something bad about it?
- No no no…! -.-
Kage ran a hand through his hair, embarrassed.
Here's me trying to strike an attitude… And end up sounding more brat than anybody else.
A sudden scream echoed in the forest, and the two gasped, turning around. Kage's heart skipped a beat.
- That was Kuria's voice!
- It came from the direction we left the wagon at! - Exclaimed Hikari, starting to run.
***************************************
- You sure are giving us a hard time.
Kuria yelped as she was pushed against a tree, and fell on her knees. She looked up at her kidnappers in terror.
- Finally tired of running, long-legged bitch? - The galka cracked his knuckles, but the hume that had lured her in those woods stopped him with a hand on his arm.
- Hold yourself. Master Kuro's orders were to not harm her.
- Then what should we do with her until the midlander's group doesn't show up?
The elvaan next to them grinned mischievously. - I have a couple ideas, hehe!
The hume shook his head. - Jeez, you're truly disgusting.
But his fellow ignored him and grabbed Kuria's left arm, pulling her to himself.
The girl cringed. - No…!
- KURIA!! - Two voices screamed in a chorus, coming from opposite directions.
The girl opened her eyes, to see Kage and Shion running in from the sides of the elvaan, both jumping and hitting his head with a flying kick. Their faces quickly changed from determined to surprised.
She watched them falling to the ground with her assailant, in a loud thud.
- Nice cross-counter, guys! - Exclaimed the white mage clapping his hands with a smile.
The ninja knelt down to Kuria and helped her stand up, looking at the two elvaans in disgust. - What the hell was that?
Kage and Shion were still to the ground, each of them holding his leg in pain.
- Fucking shrimp! Next time WATCH before jumping! Ughhh!!!
- You're not in the position to criticize! - Yelled back the kid, his eyes nearly crying.
The galka and the humes were staring at them startled.
- Where the hell did you guys come from!?
- Yeah! And how the hell did you do that!!
Kenjii looked at the three men and talked to Kuria. - Your boyfriend is not one of them, is he?
The girl just shook her head, still shaking. - You… You don't know Masaki, do you!? Where is he!? Why did you lie to me!?
The hume crossed his arms. - We do know him, but he's not with us. We needed you to lure the midlander's group out!
- We don't need to tell her everything, you idiot! - Snapped the elvaan, standing up and massaging his head. - They are here now. Let's kill them and retrieve the treasure!!
- So you passed to the assassins now… Ran out of Tengu or what? Like this will make any difference. - Kenjii realized in surprise that Kuria had fainted, and grabbed her before she'd hit the ground.
- It's ok, it's all normal. - Said Hikari, after checking her. - Her tension loosened up… Not to mention all the running she must've done.
The galka and the hume unsheathed their weapons. - Stop worrying about the bitch! You'll die here and NOW!
- Mehhh… I'm not in the mood to kill people today. - Kage waved off. - Go home, kids. We're too hungry to play with you. Right, Shion?
- Damn right!!
- I wouldn't get too cocky, traitor.
Kage's eyes widened and slowly moved towards the assassins. It had been the elvaan to speak. On his face there was a big grin, slightly afraid, but still confident.
- What did you just say…? - Hissed Kage, narrowing his eyes.
The grin of the elvaan grew bigger. - Oh, I did recognize you. You betrayed your clan to save one of us long ago… Right after we destroyed your village. So tell me, traitor: why are you fighting us? Stop acting like a hero… your hands are just as dirty as ours.
Kage grabbed his spear in silence.
The elvaan took a guarding stance. - What do you say to that, scum?
The samurai started to charge the elvaan in rage, but he had barely the time to make two steps before stopping at the sight of his friends moving faster than him. Each of them holding one opponent's throat.
- You know…In my country… - Said Kenjii, pushing his katana against the galka's neck. - They say 'To talk too much leads to trouble'.
Hikari was the one holding the elvaan, and brought the other hand to the foe's mouth. - If you wish to finish your talk, I'm afraid you may have to do that in Hell. - He said, a flash of holy light flowing from the palm, ready to feed the throat of the assassin.
- F-Forgive us…! - Stammered the hume, looking at Shion in terror as the kid lifted him from the ground with a cold glare. - Help…!
The three looked at each other and then simultaneously let the Snowstorm men go, glaring at them as they fell on their butts.
- If you have to end up saying 'sorry', you should just avoid putting yourself in conditions like this, you garbage.
The assassins ran away stumbling on each other, screaming in fear. Kage's expression was still flabbergasted when his friends turned to look at him.
He shook his head and laughed heartedly. - You guys are really crazy!
I always felt guilty for Masaki.
My best friend, that left to save me…
I meant to find him and tell him I was sorry, but…
I changed my mind.
What I want to show him is not gratitude, nor grief.
All I want to show him, with pride, is that I'm alive now.
****************************************************
Like Kenjii had done the previous day, Kuria opened her eyes and sat up. She held her head in pain, stunned by the sudden movement. - Where am I…?
I was in that forest… And the others saved me… And then?
- Oh! You woke up!
The girl turned her head to the door of her bedroom, hearing the familiar voice. - Auntie! Where are Kage and his friends…?
The woman approached her with a frown. - They… They just left. I did ask them to wait for you to wake up but…
Why?
Kuria moved her feet to the side of the bed, and tried to stand up. Antowanetto was faster than her, and put her hands on her shoulders firmly.
- You must not stand up yet!
- I… I have to thank them, Auntie! - Exclaimed Kuria. - After all the nuisance I caused…!
- Nuisance? Those men didn't seem to see you as such at all. - Her aunt caressed her gently. - And also, they asked me to tell you one thing.
'Aht Urhgan is not involved with the Snowstorm clan, and we are traveling to stop their plan that is causing so many deaths in our country. So very soon.. Masaki will come back.'
Kuria brought her hands to her mouth, her face getting red as tears started to run down her cheeks. She shook her head with a sob and quickly wiped them with one sleeve.
Antowanetto frowned. - Kuria..?
Her niece shook her head with a smile and looked outside at the sun setting. - Kage told me that pretty women must not cry.
****************************************
- So now the Snowstorm started to send hitmen on us rather than beastmen. - Shion stretched, enjoying the calm pace of the cart. StarSapphire curled next to him, snuggling in pleasure of having her company again.
Kage sighed, crossing his arms and looking up at the sky. - Man… It's really hard to find free women nowadays…!
Hikari laughed softly. - There's two tragedies in life. One is to not obtain what you desire. The other is to obtain it~
The ninja rolled his eyes. - Stupid pervert, can't you really think about anything else for a change?
Kage narrowed his eyes, walked on all fours up to Kenjii's back, who was sitting on the driver's seat next to Hikari, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
- Listen up, you. The fact that you have absolutely no interest in women is a sign that you are diseased. DISEASED! - He nearly yelled in the ninja's ear, looking at him suspiciously. - Or else you are gay…?
Kenjii grabbed a katana. - Can I kill him?
- I'm afraid one stab wouldn't be enough! ^^; - Replied Hikari.
- Kenjii is not gay, he's engaged! - Exclaimed Shion, raising a finger.
Kage turned to him. - Ohhh? Who is it?
Kenjii turned his head as well, his eyes narrowed. - Yeah, Shion. Who are you talking about?
- Avina, of course!
- You're so dead…
- Kenjii, you're walking on the cart while moving again…
- Who is Avina!? Tell me softie! Tell me!
- Not until this fucking shrimp stops breathing!!
- Kage, help me! He's choking me!!
- Let the shrimp go, and tell me who's Avina!
- STOP SAYING HER NAME!
- Oh, so it IS a she!
- Are you still alive, monkey!?
- Monkey…?
- I mean… DAMN YOU, SHRIMP!
- Ahhhh! Hikari, Kenjii is hurting me!
- Tell me who's Avinaaaaaa~
- Get off me, you pervert!
- Guys, please stop fighting! We're crossing a bridge….
*SPLASH*
- Chirp!
- Yes, I know StarSapphire, I said it too late again.
*Hikari is so cultured! The quote he mentions is from Hamlet (William Shakespeare)
Special Theme for Chapter 10: Kage
last edited 752 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
Chapter 11: First Encounter
- The group of the midlander is moving towards North-East, and is currently in a region about 62 malms* from here. - Masaki was reporting detachedly, his face almost emotionless. His eyes had an empty gaze, ignoring the young summoner marching nervously in front of him back and forth across the tent. - They have reached that place quickly, as they have now acquired a cart that is making them move about twice as fast as before.
Ame stopped, keeping his hands clasped behind his back. - What are my father's orders?
- To deploy more assassins. But frankly I doubt it's gonna work.
- It's obvious! - The hume hit the wooden pillar next to him violently, shaking the whole tent. - How many more hitmen must lose their life uselessly? How can he not understand that this is not a matter of numerical superiority!?
- Calm down Mr 'High Summoner'. - Called him the warrior, crossing his arms with a soft smile. - We gathered here to find a new strategy, no?
Ame frowned, looking up at him. - Why aren't you mad for what they did two weeks ago? If only I had known my father suggested to make use of your girlfriend, I would've never allowed it!
- I am mad. - Masaki shook his head, looking away. - But Kuria is safe. That's all I need to know. Your father probably wouldn't be alive if she got hurt.
- … - The summoner looked at him with a frown. - I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to that. If you accepted to be marked as a traitor by your clan, it wouldn't probably be a big deal for you to betray your lord now.
Masaki looked at him firmly. - I am not loyal to your father, Ame. I am loyal to you. That will never change.
- Masaki…
An heavy, fulsome sigh interrupted the young lord. - You lack of determination, brother!
Ame turned to look at his sister, a young 16 year old hume girl with clear blue eyes.
- All what should be done is to go there ourselves to beat those guys down! - She moaned loudly, toying with her lamia garland over her head. - I'm so bored all my muscles are getting sore anyway!
"I know." Thought her brother, looking at her in thought. "I know perfectly that the only way to resuscitate my mother is to fight."
But who am I fighting for, really…?
- Ame… - Masaki approached his lord, with a serious look. - Are you sure you have no misgivings about you father's plan to fight Aht Urhgan…?
- ! - Ame looked up at the blond elvaan, his eyes nearly on fire. - I have no misgivings at all!
- Lord Ame!
The two humes and Masaki turned to look at the lancer mithra. She was knelt down on the green carpet of the tent, in a deep reverence addressed to the High Summoner.
Ame frowned. - Sayu?
- I ask that you send me. - She said, raising her torso to sit on her knees. - It is impossible to eliminate the group of the midlander with a head-on fight as we tried so far. I'll take care of them.
- No, it's too dangerous. - He replied, turning his back to her.
- Why not? I want to do what I can to help you… - Insisted the mithra. - …To return the benevolence that you showed me that day.
- But…!
- Also, don't forget that I am your alchemist, Lord Ame. My knowledge in medicines allows me to juggle with poisons and explosives.
Kuro Kaminari's son looked back at her, frowning. Maybe it wasn't that bad of a plan after all…
Sayu recognized the doubt in his face and smiled. - Please leave it to me.
Ame sighed heavily, giving up. - Do as you wish. -.-
- Brother, when it comes to women you lose the bite…! - Giggled the child, sticking her tongue out at her big brother.
He shook his head and ignored her, focusing on the mithra. - Please remember that it's hard to anticipate the behavior of the midlander's group. They act without any premeditation and it's impossible to know what will their next move be. Do not take any unnecessary risks.
- Yes, Lord Ame.
******************************************
- I'm hungry…
Hikari turned to look at the ninja. - Kenjii, that was a sublime imitation of Shion. You're an artist!
- Spare me for today. - Groaned the hume, rolling his eyes and then looking around the big street the group was crossing. - This is the first town we run into in weeks, and we still haven't found a damn tavern! I'm tired of soft fruits and half-cooked meat. Can't we check around faster than this?
- I'm sorry, but as I told you it would be dangerous to explore the city while driving the cart. - Reminded him the white mage, who was leading the red chocobo by walking next to it with the reins in his hands. - Why don't you distract yourself like Kage and Shion? They seem to be having fun.^^
The humes turned to look at their elvaan friends. The two were slightly ahead of them, Shion watching at Kage dashing from a woman to another and shooting all the improbable 'coupling techniques' he had claimed to know that morning.
- Oh, I've never seen such a fine lady working at an armor stand! May I have a look at that hara-ate? Oh my! Is that a new model? Can you show me how to wear it?
- Stay away from my wife, sleazy boy!
He quickly moved away from the stand, approaching a hume woman.
- Excuse me Miss, I need some information. I'm looking for an excuse to start talking with you… Do you have any suggestions?
She looked at the mithra she was walking with, exchanging a blink. - Uhm… No…?
- Milady, do you know Kage?
- I don't think so…
- Would you like to know him? - The samurai reached out to the confused mithra, that walked away laughing nervously to her friend.
Kage immediately turned around to another. - Excuse me! I'm writing a map of the city. Can I know your address?
- Kage is really full of resources. - Exclaimed Shion, when Kenjii and Hikari arrived next to him. - But I'm too hungry to memorize all this stuff!
- Don't remind me I'm hungry, shrimp. -.-
- I don't have the impression his techniques are really working… - Commented Hikari, scratching his hair.
Shion suddenly stopped. - Hey! I see a tavern over there!
- Don't run away on your own! - Growled Kenjii, watching him dash off.
Hikari shrugged embarrassed. - I'll follow him and park the cart outside. We'll wait you there. - He said, nodding towards Kage that was still at work.
The ninja looked at him go and sulked. Down to his feet was StarSapphire, now a grown teen chocobo. She glared up at him and tried to emit a kweh, that came out as a squeaked chirp.
- You're still too young for that, but nice try. - Said Kenjii raising an eyebrow at her. She shook her head almost with disdain, ruffling the blue feathers of her growing tail.
The hume inhaled deeply and walked up to try and wake up Kage from his luxurious fever. - Kage…
- Baby, you turn me on like crazy.
- Kage.
- Can you tell me what day it is? Oh, that's the sexiest way to browsing an agenda that I have ever seen!
- Kage!
- Wanna go for a walk sweetie?
- KAGE!
- Sorry, I think I have a pressure drop and am not feeling too well… Would you accompany me to that tavern and drink some Vampire Juice together?
- IF YOU HAVE SEEN THE TAVERN THEN COME WITH US NOW, YOU STUPID BEANPOLE! - Kenjii grabbed Kage's arm firmly, and pulled him away from the elvaan he had approached. In that process though he happened to stumble into yet another woman, a hume in a blue kimono that looked at the two in surprise.
Kenjii looked back at her with almost the same expression, and Kage passed an arm around his neck with a big grin. - Forgive my friend for dabbing you, but I think the vision of your sexy nape made him lose control.
The girl stared at him and then at Kenjii, her expression of surprise subsiding to a mischievous grin. - I see~
- You know, he's from the Middle Lands!
- Oooooh…! - The grin of the girl grew larger, and Kenjii winced when he noticed she had started checking him closely.
He turned to Kage, taking his arm off him. - What the hell are you doing!? Hurry up and follow me!
- Awww, fine. - Kage shook his head with a smile. - Sorry miss, looks like he is too starving to focus on your beauty now.
- Okay~ See you nice booty!
Kenjii watched the girl walk away, shocked.
Kage nodded ruefully. - Mhm, that tight buttocks is screaming 'spank me'!
The ninja's left eye twitched, and he suddenly stomped on Kage's foot before walking away towards the tavern. - Let's go, Star.
- Ughhh, you bastard!! I was trying to HELP!
************************************************
This is the only tavern on their route. It's virtually certain that they will stop by.
Sayu Meloh inhaled deeply, picking up another tray of drinks. The apron the bartender had given her was itchy, and she wanted to get rid of that camouflage as soon as possible… But she had to endure. For her Lord.
Now that I have infiltrated as a waitress… All I'll have to do will be to poison their food.
- Hey, miss!! I'll have some salad for my second course!
- Another Tengu Drink down here, please!
- Sayu, when you're done there, take these to the fourth table, okay?
- Y-Yes! - Stammered the girl, trying to hurry and follow the instructions in order to keep her facade going. "Why do I have to work so much!? >_< "
She approached a table and started to set down the drinks to her costumers, looking at the tavern's door warily. The group of the midlander would've entered any minute now and…
- EEEEEEP!! - She winced at the smack hitting her hips while she wasn't paying attention. She turned to the costumer at the table she was serving, her face deep red. - What are you doing…!?
- Oh come on. It's not like I'm gonna take it off you, eh? - The guy was visibly drunk. His bad breath reached Sayu's nose, making her want to run away. - We should become friends!
- Let me go, you boorish…! - The mithra gasped as her costumer suddenly let her go and fell off his chair, hit by a salt-shaker that had flied straight on his head from somewhere.
"Who threw that…?" She turned around, looking at the various tables. No one seemed to be looking at her… Who was her rescuer?
But before she could find out, her eyes found something else that caught all her attention.
The group of the midlander was sitting at the third table on the left. They seemed all focused on checking the menu, talking with each other, not noticing her.
"It's them. I have no doubt… It's the group of the Midlander!" She thought, holding the tray against her chest nervously, while the drunkard was still trying to stand up, cursing at whoever had decided to throw the salt-shaker at him.
She bit her lip, trying to sort her mind and decide her move when the younger member of the group looked at her.
- Heeeey! - He said, waving energetically at her. - Miss, we would like to order!!
Sayu perked up, realizing she was still a waitress to his eyes. - Oh! Yes!!
She approached the group, writing down on her tab the long list of dishes the four were ordering. They seemed to have been unable to eat anything for days, judging by the insane amount of food requested.
My mission is to eliminate these men… I must focus.
- Is that all, or do you wish anything else? - She asked with a cheerful smile, tilting her head.
- Oh yes. - Said the black haired elvaan with the red hairband. - A salt-shaker, please.
The mithra's eyes widened, and she looked down at the table. The salt-shaker was actually missing…
"So they were the ones to help me, earlier…?"
She bowed quickly and walked to the kitchen with the order, frowning in anxiety.
I must not think about this. There must be no mercy for the enemy.
Lord Ame, you are the man I owe my life to…
… I'll eliminate this group at the cost of my very life!
************************************************
- So, what do you think about this?
Kage looked up from the chopsticks he was playing with his left hand, as the other was currently busy supporting his tired head, and looked at the ninja. - What do we think about what?
- With today, it's officially been a month since when we left Usashi. - Said Kenjii, looking at his companions one by one. - We have already defeated countless Tengu and assassins. Even though Lord Ame's the son of the leader of the Clan, I still wonder how is it possible how can these guys be so loyal to him to the point of dying for him.
The samurai straightened up and stretched his arms. - It's been a while since our last fight… We should expect a new attack pretty soon.
- We are still at the starting point. - Commented Hikari, placing the napkin on his legs carefully. - We still don't know where Lord Ame is, nor how to stop Kuro Kaminari…
- Excuse me… - The mithra waitress had arrived with three trays full of plates. - Here's the dishes you have ordered!
- HOORAY! FELLOWS MONTH-VERSARY!! - Exclaimed Shion, raising his fists to the air at the sigh, and completely ignoring his three companions staggering almost in a collective headdesk.
- Man we were sounding so serious, and you… - Kage shook his head with a smirk. - I suppose we can't face a war with an empty stomach, can we?
- Life is snack or famine, they say. - Commented the white mage, looking at the waitress placing the dishes on the table.
***********************************************
I have poisoned the food personally.
There's no way out for them.
Sayu stepped away slightly, watching the group anxiously as they prepared to eat.
- What is it, Kenjii? - Ashed the blond hume. The ninja in front of him was looking at his dish with a frown.
He shook his head. - I guess no matter what I order in a tavern, what the others order will always look more appealing to me.
- Oh come on, grumpy face! Here, I'll let you have some of my pebble soup.
- I don't want your pebble soup. Stop treating me like a kid, you jerk.
- I'm being NICE! Shion, you tell him too!
The kid joyfully grabbed his chopsticks and picked up some of the stew from his dish. - Bon appetite!
- EEEP!!
The group lowered their chopsticks, to look at Sayu in concern. She didn't want to scream, but once again she was so focused on her mission, she hadn't noticed the drunk hume approaching her to strike back.
- Don't be so coy! - He whined with a giggle. - Let's drink something together, little beauty!
- You again…! Let me go! - Sayu winced, trying to free her arm.
To think that I could get rid of this idiot with one strike if I wanted! But I can't reveal myself just yet…
- Ah…! You really suck with women, you dirty old man.
The drunken turned to the black-haired elvaan, narrowing his empty eyes. - What did you just say, you snotty brat!? Out of my business!
The samurai grinned, and pointed at his forehead. - Want another salt-shaker?
- SO IT WAS YOU, BASTARD! - Yelled the man, letting Sayu go to face the elvaan. - GWAAHH!!
Sayu's hands reached over her mouth, in shock, when the man kicked the group's table and reversed it. All the food fell to the floor, still untouched. - Why did you do that!?
- YOU BASTARD!!!!!!
Sayu gasped at the sight of the young monk jumping up with a deep red aura surrounding him. Did that kid just recognize her for who she was?
Apparently not, as Shion (if she remembered his name right) pointed the finger at the drunk man, in rage. - YOU REALLY SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT!! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!!!!
It was only a matter of a few minutes, before the little fight between the five turned into a massive brawl involving the whole tavern.
Only the two humes were still sitting on their chairs, looking at the chaos ensuing.
- I would understand if we were fighting the Snowstorm, but these are just common citizens… - Sighed the ninja, rolling his eyes.
The blond white mage laughed softly. - They are so lively…!^^;
Ignored by everyone, the poor Sayu let herself fall on her knees, afflicted by her depressing failure.
"Lord Ame did warn me that it would've been hard to foresee the behavior of the midlander's group… I have to admit this is true…" She thought, nearly sobbing. "These people… They are surely different from anyone else!"
The bartender grabbed the shoulder of the drunken weakly. - Please, Mr. Noy! If you keep at this, you will destroy my tavern!
- Shuddup!
- If you want to solve this matter, why don't you use the usual method?^^;
The brawl stopped instantly, everyone staring at the little group with curiosity.
- What's the usual method? - Asked the samurai, looking around.
- Mpf! - Mr. Noy approached the counter, picking a bottle of sake and slamming it on the longest table of the tavern. - What else could there be as a challenge between true men? A CHALLENGE TO THE LAST GLASS!
The group glared at him with shocked, disgusted faces.
He raised an eyebrow with a stupid grin. - Why are you making those ugly faces?
- No… It's just… -.-
- How to say… ^^;
- Mpf! Moreover, there isn't even competition. I understand. - He interrupted them shrugging, full of confidence. - In your ranks you have a little brat, and a weakling looking ninja boy…
Sayu looked at the midlander warily. His left eye was twitching visibly.
- Boss! - He called in a little growl.
The bartender yelped. - Y-Yes?
The midlander pulled out a purse of gil, and tossed it to his hands. - Bring all the sake you got! Don't let a single drop out.
- O-Okay!! - The bartender rushed away, intimidated, and started filling a table with as many bottles as he could.
The black haired elvaan blinked in shock. - I thought he didn't like to drink sake…
- His eyes are already empty before he even starts drinking… ^^; - The white mage laughed nervously.
The minor elvaan next to him had already forgotten all the rage for losing his food, and was now flailing arms excitedly. - Woot! Sake! Sake!
- All right! We'll challenge on 4 versus 4! - Exclaimed the drunken, nodding to some friends of his. - The party that loses all its men is the loser, got it?
- Yes!!
"I don't know how, but things just took a turn for the worse…!" Thought the mithra, trying to hold her tears because of the stress. "Lord Ame…! What do I do!?"
- Let us begin!!
************************************************
Hikari, Kenjii and Kage drank another glass of sake togher. At the other side of the table, the man was staring at them with glazed eyes.
- Looks like yours weren't just words! - He barked, almost delighted.
Kage grinned, leaning back against his chair. - And we aren't even started yet! Right, Shion?
The reply was a loud snore. The elvaan turned to the kid, and staggered seeing him sleeping soundly with the head on the table, next to the only one glass he had managed to empty before passing out.
He grabbed Shion's head and started to bang it against the wooden surface. - WA-KE-UP! Stupid Shrimp!
The little elvaan didn't seem to avert the pain. - I have already washed yesterday..! - He mumbled in his dreams.
- Uh uh uh! The brat is already gone!
Kage let Shion go and turned to face Mr. Noy again. - Look who's talking. You're the only one left standing in your party!
- My bad… - He replied drinking another glass. - I'm popular in town for never losing a challenge to the last glass!
Hikari placed his glass down and turned to the bartender, with a smile as sober and clear as ever. - In this case… Would you please bring us a stronger sake, if you please?
The drunken staggered, shocked at how on the white mage's face there wasn't even the slightest hint of redness.
Kage and Kenjii were looking the blond too, visibly perplexed. Hikari had drank just as much sake as them, and yet he seemed perfectly normal.
- Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen him drunk… - Muttered the samurai.
Kenjii's head had a sweatdrop. - Not a trivial matter indeed…!
Hikari ignored all the amazed looks and smiled warmly at the mithra, when she approached to give him what he hard ordered. - Don't worry, - He whispered to her. - I will probably be the winner here.
The looked at him, blinking in confusion. - Huh…?
The white mage's smile grew even more sincere. - It is just for the molesters to not be left unpunished, right?
****************************************************
- Hey, you! Stop.
The elvaan stopped, and pulled Sayu's chains violently to force her to do as well. He turned around with a perplexed look, at the sigh of the young hume approaching him. - Lord Ame!?
The summoner looked at Sayu briefly, and then turned to the elvaan again. - Where are you taking this woman?
- Oh! She's just a medicines vendor… You have probably heard about the mithra that left our clan because of her pregnancy, and that came back here only thanks to a man who betrayed his clan to save her life. - Explained the elvaan, glaring at Sayu in disgust. - Your father wanted to punish her for being such a burden for us, but this girl here is her sister, and offered her own life for the mithra to be spared. Your father decided to make her his new concubine.
The summoner looked at her again, and Sayu lowered her face in shame, feeling the tears starting to fill her eyes again.
- I like this woman. I'll take her.
Both Sayu and her gaoler gasped at those words, and the elvaan shook his head. - But Lord Ame…!
- I'll talk with my father. Now give me her chains. This is an order. - The summoner waited for the elvaan to obey him and then escorted the mithra to his apartments.
He didn't speak a single word for the whole way to his rooms. Only after closing the doors, he turned to her. - My father treats his women as if they were mere toys. And once he is tired of them, he kills them.
Sayu looked up at him shyly, unsure on what to say.
- Don't get me wrong. I did not save you. - Said Ame anticipating her, starting to walk to another room. - From now on you will work for me as an alchemist.
- Yes, Lord Ame…
**********************************************************
Yes… From that day, my life belonged to him.
…So I must complete my mission.
Why am I hesitating? These people are enemies of Lord Ame!
…They are my enemies!!
*****************************************************
- Hey, what's wrong shino-boy?
The drunken was staring intently at the midlander in front him. The hume's eyes were shaded, his hand going lower and lower, but he was fighting the sake bravely.
- Already at your limit? Your hands are shaking! - Mr. Noy laughed loudly. - The fact that you have such a low resistance to alcohol fits your feminine face!!
- You fool…! - The midlander's mouth opened in an evil, fatigued grin, as he spoke in a frightening hiss. - You sure have a lot of guts to make fun of me!
Hikari looked warily at the ninja, watching his aura growing darker and darker. - Kenjii..?
The midlander jumped up. - MIJIN….!
- Don't use that technique against simple citizens!! - Exclaimed the white mage, reaching over him quickly and tapping the ninja's mouth to interrupt his attack. He laughed nervously at the confused audience.
The drunken shook his friends violently and woke them up, and they stood up from the table. - Slow and boring challenges get on my nerves! This is enough! We'll crush you with our strength, brats!
- That's what I wanted, dirty old man! - Exclaimed Kage, jumping up showing the middle finger. - I won't step back from it!
The white mage was still holding Kenjii. - Now, now! Calm down, please!
- What the fuck is this fog!?
The white mage looked up after hearing the man's scream. The room had started filling with a thin white smoke all of sudden.
Kage winced, holding his forehead. - Damn it! My head…
Still in Hikari's arms, the ninja was falling on his knees. - My vision… is blurring…!
"This smell… it's a medicine!" Hikari quickly brought a sleeve over his mouth and nose, looking around. - Do not breathe these fumes!! Kage! Kenjii!
But it was too late. Everyone around him started falling to the ground one after another.
Of course! They are drunk, the effect on them must have been immediate.
He walked to Kage, and started to shake him. - Kage…! Be strong! Come on, Kage!!
Hikari stopped shaking the samurai and looked at his face, examining him closely to try and guess his conditions. - The breathing is regular! So this is….?
- Yes, you can stop worrying. It's just a somniferous substance. - Said a female voice behind him. - I didn't want to risk involving the common people.
The blond slowly turned around to look at the speaking figure. It was the mithra waitress… She had taken her dress apron off, and was now wearing a white vest. In her left hands was a kamayari spear.
- Is this… your work?
********************************************
The mithra's tail twisted. - You have not inhaled the smoke, have you?
I don't know why… But this man is the last person that I would've wanted to stay awake.
The white mage stood up slowly, without taking his eyes off her. - Who are you?
Sayu ran forward, hoping to catch him off guard, and swung her spear swiftly. The man dodged barely in time, receiving a little cut at the side of his face. - You are one of Ame's assassins, aren't you?
- Standing in front of me is Hikari of the midlander's group, right? My name is Sayu Meloh. - Said the alchemist, assuming her fighting stance. - For my master Lord Ame.. In this place, at my hand… You shall perish!
Yes… This is all for Lord Ame!
- GO!!
- Wait a min..! - Hikari parried the mithra's attack with his arms when she charged him again, and the impact pushed him against the door of the tavern, that fell off its frame.
The man back flipped to recover his standing stance outside of the tavern. Luckily for him, no one seemed to be out in the streets at that time. The challenge in the tavern had probably lured whoever was around the district inside.
Sayu Meloh jumped out of the tavern, her spear ready to strike again. Hikari blinded her with a flashing spell and quickly grabbed the rod of the weapon, bringing himself behind her.
The mithra tried to free her weapon, but the white mage's strength was surprisingly superior to hers, and he managed to take the spear off her, and push her away. Sayu fell on her knees, and spun around to glare at him.
- Can we end this? - He asked, looking down at her with a saddened frown.
Sayu yelped in shock at the words, and quickly pulled out some of her explosives from her pockets, throwing them at the man. - PLEASE, DIE!
The aim was perfect and flawless, and she was certain that this time she would've been able to seriously damage him. At her surprise though, a green magical barrier shielded the white mage from any harm, and the grenades exploded in the air.
"A protective shell!?"
- I ask politely that you desist, please! - Said Hikari, as an earth barrier formed around himself.
***********************************************
- Nh…. - Shion's eyes opened, and he sat up with a loud yawn. - Eh? What happened…? Everyone's on the ground….
He looked to the left, and found his friends laying down on the floor. - Hey, Kenjii! Wake up, Kage!!
The two slowly started to regain consciousness, holding their heads in pain. - Ughh…. It hurts so much! - Moaned Kage, taking his hairband off.
Kenjii blinked slowly, massaing his eyes temples with one hand. - What's going on…?
- !! Hey! Why… - Kage was looking out of the window, his eyes widened in shock. - Why is Hikari fighting!?
*********************************************
- Ngh…! - Sayu winced, and brought one hand to her sore shoulder. - In this case, I think I'll have to use my last resort…
Hikari stood there, watching the brown-haired mithra pull out something from a pocket of her vest.
- Miss Sayu, what…?
- It was my intention to limit damages as much as possible, but I have no choice. - She interrupted him. - I have installed a powerful charge of explosives in the tavern.
The white mage's eyes widened in surprise. He made a few steps to approach, but Sayu anticipated him.
- And with this remote control, I'll… - She activated the mechanism with closed eyes, and lowered her ears against the head, waiting for the bang clenching teeth.
But there was nothing but silence.
- Eh? - Sayu pushed the button twice, her head sweatdropping.
- Ah, uhm… You were referring to this, am I correct?
The mithra raised her eyes to Hikari and gasped at the sight of the explosives in the hume's hand. - Eeeh?
- I'm sorry, I found this when I went to the bathroom… - He replied, scratching his head embarrassed. - …And thinking it might be dangerous I decided to remove it from the mechanism of power. Professional bias… ^^;
A complete failure!
"I was a fool!" Sayu fell on her knees, her face deep red in shame. "I didn't know what it meant to fight and who my enemy was!"
- Listen… I apologize… - Said Hikari, kneeling down in front of her with a saddened look. - …For reacting and respond to your attack. Are you hurt?
He reached out to her and Sayu annihilated, slapping his hand with violence. - DON'T TOUCH ME!
The man didn't try again, but didn't move from where he was. - Miss Sayu…
- I was not only defeated, but the enemy feels pity for me even! - She exclaimed between sobs, unable to hold tears. - I no longer deserve to return to Lord Ame!
She pulled out a knife from the sheath on her left side and stood up, stepping away from the shocked mage with golden hair, and brought it to her throat. - My life doesn't have any meaning anymore!!
- Wait…!! - Hikari stood up, but Sayu stepped back even more.
- Do not come any further!!
The rest of Kenjii's group was coming out, but the alchemist didn't care anymore.
Farewell, Lord Ame… Forgive me for not helping you to the very end…
She stretched her arms in front of herself, with the blade turned to her neck. Behind her she could hear Shion, the young monk.
- DON'T DO IT…!!
***********************************************
I decided to keep living to save people's lives and redeem my sins…
I will not let an innocent die in front of me ever again!!
Images of Hikari's dear ones dying flashed through his mind. His students, his family, his friends…
His mithra girlfriend…
- STOP!! - He dashed towards Sayu, praying that he could be fast enough, hoping that his legs would beat her hands, but deep inside knowing that it would be impossible.
The cold, sharp blade of the knife had almost reached the mithra's neck when a sudden Tornado hit the ground between her and Hikari with extreme violence.
Hikari was pushed back, the sand lifted by the fierce wind scratching his skin like a thousand katanas. He winced, but ignored the wounds. His eyes were scanning through the sand and air, looking for the girl.
A feminine scream came from above his head. - KYAAAAH!
- MISS SAYU!! - Hikari spelled a baraera enchantment and the wind finally dispersed, allowing him to see the figure flying over his head.
It was a green and white creature, with woman-like features and covered in feathers. She was holding Sayu in her clawed hands, looking down at the white mage with deep red eyes.
- T-That's…!? - Exclaimed Kage, as he and the rest of the group ran next to Hikari, everyone's eyes firm on the ethereal creature.
Kenjii frowned. - It's Garuda…!
The avatar moved her head violently to the side, whipping her long hair braid and causing a little blow of wind to hit the group, pushing it back. She then flied up to the tavern, and landed on its roof, where a human figure was waiting.
Sayu opened her eyes when she was put down on her feet, and looked at the summoner in shock. - Lord Ame!
Ame!?
The group's eyes shifted to the blond young hume, who was looking down at them. He spoke with a cold, clear voice.
- The midlander's group, am I right?
Shion gulped. - So this person is…?
- I am here only to retrieve my subordinate. - Said the summoner, without looking at Sayu. - I don't want anything else from you. But I'm sure that one day we will meet again so… until then… try to not get killed.
He turned away to leave, but the elvaan kid stepped further, and yelled out loud. - Wait!!
Kenjii turned to the boy. - Shion…!?
- Since you are here now, why don't you stop playing dumb… - Shion grabbed his staff and charged the summoner, jumping high reaching the roof. - And have some fun with us!?
Ame turned quickly and opened one hand towards Shion, right when the monk was only half a yalm away from hitting him, and spoke a single word.
- Awake.
A roaring flame burst from the palm of the hume and swallowed Shion with force. The kid was pushed down the roof, screaming in pain.
- Shion!! - Hikari immediately ran to him to tend to his wounds.
- You jerk…! - Kage ran forward too, and threw his spear to the summoner with all his strength.
He staggered as Ame stopped the weapon by simply waving his hand in front of himself in a slap motion, forming a wind blade that cut the spear's handle in two parts. - A new kids toy?
- Now, now…! - Muttered Kage, wincing in disbelief. - Let's not exaggerate…!
Ame's expression didn't change one bit, emotionless. - I think it's my turn now.
He started to murmur a summoning enchanting, and Hikari reacted as fast as he could, raising a barrier on the group. The impact with the summoner's spell was powerful and long, forcing the white mage to keep the magic shell up with both his hands in concentration.
- Game over.
Ame stopped his spell, as the cold feeling of a blade reached his neck. He slightly turned his head, looking at the katana over his shoulder and then at his owner behind him.
- You were good at climbing up here unnoticed.
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - Yes, although my clothes are all dirty now. Thank you for the kind welcome.
Ame nodded. - You can't kill me with that.
- Try me if you want. I have a few questions for you, mister 'Lord'.
- Sorry, but I think we should postpone this to another time. Fighting here we run the risk of involving innocents. I apologize for the disturb caused by my subordinate, but… - The lord of the Snowstorm clan turned to stare at Kenjii, completely ignoring the katana's blade still against his neck. - As long as you persist in hindering our project… I will not drop the intent to eliminate you, that is certain.
Kenjii and Ame stared at each other for a minute, in silence, and then the ninja put his weapon back. - You know, I'm not really good at having company. So if you have to kill us, you better be quick.
Ame walked to the mithra, that had been watching the whole scene in silence next to him, and grabbed her arm. - I don't like to wait myself.
The two warped away without any other word.
This is the first time that I sense a murderous intention with no evil purpose…
While Kenjii was jumping off the roof, Hikari looked down at young monk. - Are you all right, Shion?
The kid's eyes were shadowed, and at first Hikari thought he would be crying in fear, or maybe severely hurt, until he spoke in a mumble. - That guy… is strong!
- Eh?
- No, he's SUPER STRONG! - Exclaimed Shion jumping up with a fist clenched. - This is gonna be so damn fun!!
Kenjii facepalmed, a vein pulsing on his temple. - That expression…
- He looks like a kid who just found a new toy! - Agreed Kage, slightly disgusted and yet amused.
- I guess it's a good sign, if he seems to be having fun.^^;
- I, too… - The samurai picked up the pieces of his weapon, shaking his head. - After this pitiful performance of mine, am hoping to have the chance to recuperate. Also, that guy left without giving out any useful information…!
The white mage shook his head and looked in the distance. - No, I think I understood something. The reason why Ame is such a charismatic figure for his clan…
- Ugh! Kenjii, repair my spear! You hate broken things, no?
- I do, but I can't work on weapons like that one. You'll have to pay a smith.
- Awww, it's really true that toast always falls on the buttered side.
- Is that the best you can do, Kage? -.-
- Unlike you, I'm an optimist! I'm not good with pessimistic comments.
- An optimist is just someone who lacks experience.
- Jee… You're terrible.
***********************************************
- You are not hurt, are you?
Sayu shook her head. Even though she was okay, when the two had arrived in the isolated valley the summoner had warped them to, she had fallen on her knees. The weight of her failure was still overwhelming her heart, and the fact that Lord Ame himself had come to save had only caused even more guilt.
- Ah… No. I'm fine. - She bit her lip hard, feeling tears incoming again, and bowed her head to the ground. - I am mortified, Lord Ame!! Not only I have failed the mission, but I even needed your help! I beg you to allow me to pay with my life for my incompetence!!
- Don't be stupid!
She widened her eyes and looked up in surprise at the angry tone of her lord. He was glaring down at her with a serious frown.
- I didn't think I could have between my subordinates someone so fool to the point of throwing her life away. - He snapped, clenching fists. - Are you saying you will not keep your promise to follow me wherever my road would take me?
Yes… My life…
- No.
…is with the kindness and loneliness of this person.
Sayu smiled warmly, shaking her head. - I will always be by your side… Lord Ame.
************************************************
Hikari opened the window of his room, and looked outside in the night. The pale moon was shining proudly over the town, and in the paddock next to the Inn he could see the figures of RedCrystal and StarSapphire sleeping under a little canopy. The little chocobo was now growing rather quickly, and Hikari was glad to see that her owner had started to take her raising seriously enough. StarSapphire would no longer complain for being left outside, nor try to jump on someone's lap while on the cart. A few times they had even let her walk along the wagon while moving, and she had seemed to be able to endure the journey.
But that was not what he was thinking about when he had decided to look outside, unable to sleep… The image of the young Sayu Meloh about to suicide was still in front of his eyes. Was she all right? Would he see her again?
- It's cold tonight.
The white mage slightly jumped up in surprise, and looked behind. - Kenjii. I'm sorry, did the breeze wake you up?
The ninja shrugged and stopped next to him, leaning with his back against the window frame. Hikari waited, but the midlander didn't speak a single word.
- A month together… Can you believe it, Kenjii?
- I'm surprised it has been just a month. To me it seems an eternity. - The ninja rolled his eyes with a loud sigh.
The white mage chuckled. - Maybe you're right. You know, some things came back to my mind today… Not like I've forgotten them, of course.
- Hikari.
The blond turned to look at the midlander. Shion had told him the importance of Kenjii using someone's name, and realized how rarely he had used his.
- If you still wish to put an end to your torment regarding that day through revenge… - Said Kenjii, his eyes still on the room's floor. - Do not feel forced to continue this journey. You are free to follow the path you have chosen.
Hikari waited a couple minutes before replying. He was surprised at how quickly the hume had seen through him, and even less he had expected that he would be concerned about someone else. - What you have said is true, but… if I'm here now it's because it is my will to do so.
- You really talk like her.
- Hm…?
Kenjii turned around, and looked up to the stars above. - My former party leader.
The white mage tilted his head. - Is that who Avina is?
The ninja almost looked at him, but turned away again, replying with simple nod.
- Why don't you tell me about her?
He smiled when Kenjii turned to him with an almost scared frown, trying to give him confidence.
- Well… - The dark-haired hume inhaled, shaking his head. - She's…
*SLAM*
- I WANT TO SLEEP IN THIS ROOM!
The two spun around in surprise, blinking at the young elvaan who had stormed in with a deep red face, followed by Kage.
- WHILE I WAS SLEEPING, THIS GUY DECIDED TO DRAW ON MY FEET SOLES!!
- WELL, I HAD TO FIND SOMETHING TO DO, SINCE YOU'D KEEP ME AWAKE WITH YOUR SNORING!!
- I ABSOLUTELY DON'T WANT TO SLEEP IN THE SAME ROOM WITH KAGE!
- I AM THE ONE THAT DOESN'T WANT TO SLEEP WITH YOU, SHRIMP!
- STOP CALLING ME SHRIMP!
- THEN HOW SHOULD I CALL YOU, STUPID!? YEAH, STUPID!
- SHUT UP!! - Yelled Kenjii, pulling out some shurikens with a pulsating vein of rage. - YOUR BICKERING IS RUMBLING IN MY HEAD, AND I'M ALREADY IN PAIN BECAUSE OF THE HANGOVER! DO YOU WANT ME TO SHUT YOUR TRAPS, YOU IDIOTS!?
- Waah! Don't kill us! - Yelped the two, hugging each other like scared puppies.
- I'm also staying because to raise two kids, you may need the help of a 'uncle', don't you think… Mr. 'Guardian'? - Asked Hikari softly, with a little wink at the ninja.
Kenjii was holding his head in pain. - I guess you are right… -.-
****************************************
(Meanwhile in Usashi)
- What does it mean, 'we need more money'!? - The old tarutaru was glaring at the letter while shaking in rage in his light blue night gown, his eyes glowing red as if they were about to shoot flames. - WHAT!? SPENT ALL FOR SAKE!?
The moogle that had completed the delivery was trembling in fear. - I'm sorry, Doctor Shigure… ^^;
*Distances within Vana'diel are measured in terms of units of distance called "Yalms" (roughly analogous to yards). The large-scale unit of measure used in Vana'diel is known as "Malms", which are roughly analogous to miles.
Smaller scale units of measure found in Vana'diel are "Ilms" (analogous to inches) and "Fulms" (analogous to feet).
- The group of the midlander is moving towards North-East, and is currently in a region about 62 malms* from here. - Masaki was reporting detachedly, his face almost emotionless. His eyes had an empty gaze, ignoring the young summoner marching nervously in front of him back and forth across the tent. - They have reached that place quickly, as they have now acquired a cart that is making them move about twice as fast as before.
Ame stopped, keeping his hands clasped behind his back. - What are my father's orders?
- To deploy more assassins. But frankly I doubt it's gonna work.
- It's obvious! - The hume hit the wooden pillar next to him violently, shaking the whole tent. - How many more hitmen must lose their life uselessly? How can he not understand that this is not a matter of numerical superiority!?
- Calm down Mr 'High Summoner'. - Called him the warrior, crossing his arms with a soft smile. - We gathered here to find a new strategy, no?
Ame frowned, looking up at him. - Why aren't you mad for what they did two weeks ago? If only I had known my father suggested to make use of your girlfriend, I would've never allowed it!
- I am mad. - Masaki shook his head, looking away. - But Kuria is safe. That's all I need to know. Your father probably wouldn't be alive if she got hurt.
- … - The summoner looked at him with a frown. - I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to that. If you accepted to be marked as a traitor by your clan, it wouldn't probably be a big deal for you to betray your lord now.
Masaki looked at him firmly. - I am not loyal to your father, Ame. I am loyal to you. That will never change.
- Masaki…
An heavy, fulsome sigh interrupted the young lord. - You lack of determination, brother!
Ame turned to look at his sister, a young 16 year old hume girl with clear blue eyes.
- All what should be done is to go there ourselves to beat those guys down! - She moaned loudly, toying with her lamia garland over her head. - I'm so bored all my muscles are getting sore anyway!
"I know." Thought her brother, looking at her in thought. "I know perfectly that the only way to resuscitate my mother is to fight."
But who am I fighting for, really…?
- Ame… - Masaki approached his lord, with a serious look. - Are you sure you have no misgivings about you father's plan to fight Aht Urhgan…?
- ! - Ame looked up at the blond elvaan, his eyes nearly on fire. - I have no misgivings at all!
- Lord Ame!
The two humes and Masaki turned to look at the lancer mithra. She was knelt down on the green carpet of the tent, in a deep reverence addressed to the High Summoner.
Ame frowned. - Sayu?
- I ask that you send me. - She said, raising her torso to sit on her knees. - It is impossible to eliminate the group of the midlander with a head-on fight as we tried so far. I'll take care of them.
- No, it's too dangerous. - He replied, turning his back to her.
- Why not? I want to do what I can to help you… - Insisted the mithra. - …To return the benevolence that you showed me that day.
- But…!
- Also, don't forget that I am your alchemist, Lord Ame. My knowledge in medicines allows me to juggle with poisons and explosives.
Kuro Kaminari's son looked back at her, frowning. Maybe it wasn't that bad of a plan after all…
Sayu recognized the doubt in his face and smiled. - Please leave it to me.
Ame sighed heavily, giving up. - Do as you wish. -.-
- Brother, when it comes to women you lose the bite…! - Giggled the child, sticking her tongue out at her big brother.
He shook his head and ignored her, focusing on the mithra. - Please remember that it's hard to anticipate the behavior of the midlander's group. They act without any premeditation and it's impossible to know what will their next move be. Do not take any unnecessary risks.
- Yes, Lord Ame.
******************************************
- I'm hungry…
Hikari turned to look at the ninja. - Kenjii, that was a sublime imitation of Shion. You're an artist!
- Spare me for today. - Groaned the hume, rolling his eyes and then looking around the big street the group was crossing. - This is the first town we run into in weeks, and we still haven't found a damn tavern! I'm tired of soft fruits and half-cooked meat. Can't we check around faster than this?
- I'm sorry, but as I told you it would be dangerous to explore the city while driving the cart. - Reminded him the white mage, who was leading the red chocobo by walking next to it with the reins in his hands. - Why don't you distract yourself like Kage and Shion? They seem to be having fun.^^
The humes turned to look at their elvaan friends. The two were slightly ahead of them, Shion watching at Kage dashing from a woman to another and shooting all the improbable 'coupling techniques' he had claimed to know that morning.
- Oh, I've never seen such a fine lady working at an armor stand! May I have a look at that hara-ate? Oh my! Is that a new model? Can you show me how to wear it?
- Stay away from my wife, sleazy boy!
He quickly moved away from the stand, approaching a hume woman.
- Excuse me Miss, I need some information. I'm looking for an excuse to start talking with you… Do you have any suggestions?
She looked at the mithra she was walking with, exchanging a blink. - Uhm… No…?
- Milady, do you know Kage?
- I don't think so…
- Would you like to know him? - The samurai reached out to the confused mithra, that walked away laughing nervously to her friend.
Kage immediately turned around to another. - Excuse me! I'm writing a map of the city. Can I know your address?
- Kage is really full of resources. - Exclaimed Shion, when Kenjii and Hikari arrived next to him. - But I'm too hungry to memorize all this stuff!
- Don't remind me I'm hungry, shrimp. -.-
- I don't have the impression his techniques are really working… - Commented Hikari, scratching his hair.
Shion suddenly stopped. - Hey! I see a tavern over there!
- Don't run away on your own! - Growled Kenjii, watching him dash off.
Hikari shrugged embarrassed. - I'll follow him and park the cart outside. We'll wait you there. - He said, nodding towards Kage that was still at work.
The ninja looked at him go and sulked. Down to his feet was StarSapphire, now a grown teen chocobo. She glared up at him and tried to emit a kweh, that came out as a squeaked chirp.
- You're still too young for that, but nice try. - Said Kenjii raising an eyebrow at her. She shook her head almost with disdain, ruffling the blue feathers of her growing tail.
The hume inhaled deeply and walked up to try and wake up Kage from his luxurious fever. - Kage…
- Baby, you turn me on like crazy.
- Kage.
- Can you tell me what day it is? Oh, that's the sexiest way to browsing an agenda that I have ever seen!
- Kage!
- Wanna go for a walk sweetie?
- KAGE!
- Sorry, I think I have a pressure drop and am not feeling too well… Would you accompany me to that tavern and drink some Vampire Juice together?
- IF YOU HAVE SEEN THE TAVERN THEN COME WITH US NOW, YOU STUPID BEANPOLE! - Kenjii grabbed Kage's arm firmly, and pulled him away from the elvaan he had approached. In that process though he happened to stumble into yet another woman, a hume in a blue kimono that looked at the two in surprise.
Kenjii looked back at her with almost the same expression, and Kage passed an arm around his neck with a big grin. - Forgive my friend for dabbing you, but I think the vision of your sexy nape made him lose control.
The girl stared at him and then at Kenjii, her expression of surprise subsiding to a mischievous grin. - I see~
- You know, he's from the Middle Lands!
- Oooooh…! - The grin of the girl grew larger, and Kenjii winced when he noticed she had started checking him closely.
He turned to Kage, taking his arm off him. - What the hell are you doing!? Hurry up and follow me!
- Awww, fine. - Kage shook his head with a smile. - Sorry miss, looks like he is too starving to focus on your beauty now.
- Okay~ See you nice booty!
Kenjii watched the girl walk away, shocked.
Kage nodded ruefully. - Mhm, that tight buttocks is screaming 'spank me'!
The ninja's left eye twitched, and he suddenly stomped on Kage's foot before walking away towards the tavern. - Let's go, Star.
- Ughhh, you bastard!! I was trying to HELP!
************************************************
This is the only tavern on their route. It's virtually certain that they will stop by.
Sayu Meloh inhaled deeply, picking up another tray of drinks. The apron the bartender had given her was itchy, and she wanted to get rid of that camouflage as soon as possible… But she had to endure. For her Lord.
Now that I have infiltrated as a waitress… All I'll have to do will be to poison their food.
- Hey, miss!! I'll have some salad for my second course!
- Another Tengu Drink down here, please!
- Sayu, when you're done there, take these to the fourth table, okay?
- Y-Yes! - Stammered the girl, trying to hurry and follow the instructions in order to keep her facade going. "Why do I have to work so much!? >_< "
She approached a table and started to set down the drinks to her costumers, looking at the tavern's door warily. The group of the midlander would've entered any minute now and…
- EEEEEEP!! - She winced at the smack hitting her hips while she wasn't paying attention. She turned to the costumer at the table she was serving, her face deep red. - What are you doing…!?
- Oh come on. It's not like I'm gonna take it off you, eh? - The guy was visibly drunk. His bad breath reached Sayu's nose, making her want to run away. - We should become friends!
- Let me go, you boorish…! - The mithra gasped as her costumer suddenly let her go and fell off his chair, hit by a salt-shaker that had flied straight on his head from somewhere.
"Who threw that…?" She turned around, looking at the various tables. No one seemed to be looking at her… Who was her rescuer?
But before she could find out, her eyes found something else that caught all her attention.
The group of the midlander was sitting at the third table on the left. They seemed all focused on checking the menu, talking with each other, not noticing her.
"It's them. I have no doubt… It's the group of the Midlander!" She thought, holding the tray against her chest nervously, while the drunkard was still trying to stand up, cursing at whoever had decided to throw the salt-shaker at him.
She bit her lip, trying to sort her mind and decide her move when the younger member of the group looked at her.
- Heeeey! - He said, waving energetically at her. - Miss, we would like to order!!
Sayu perked up, realizing she was still a waitress to his eyes. - Oh! Yes!!
She approached the group, writing down on her tab the long list of dishes the four were ordering. They seemed to have been unable to eat anything for days, judging by the insane amount of food requested.
My mission is to eliminate these men… I must focus.
- Is that all, or do you wish anything else? - She asked with a cheerful smile, tilting her head.
- Oh yes. - Said the black haired elvaan with the red hairband. - A salt-shaker, please.
The mithra's eyes widened, and she looked down at the table. The salt-shaker was actually missing…
"So they were the ones to help me, earlier…?"
She bowed quickly and walked to the kitchen with the order, frowning in anxiety.
I must not think about this. There must be no mercy for the enemy.
Lord Ame, you are the man I owe my life to…
… I'll eliminate this group at the cost of my very life!
************************************************
- So, what do you think about this?
Kage looked up from the chopsticks he was playing with his left hand, as the other was currently busy supporting his tired head, and looked at the ninja. - What do we think about what?
- With today, it's officially been a month since when we left Usashi. - Said Kenjii, looking at his companions one by one. - We have already defeated countless Tengu and assassins. Even though Lord Ame's the son of the leader of the Clan, I still wonder how is it possible how can these guys be so loyal to him to the point of dying for him.
The samurai straightened up and stretched his arms. - It's been a while since our last fight… We should expect a new attack pretty soon.
- We are still at the starting point. - Commented Hikari, placing the napkin on his legs carefully. - We still don't know where Lord Ame is, nor how to stop Kuro Kaminari…
- Excuse me… - The mithra waitress had arrived with three trays full of plates. - Here's the dishes you have ordered!
- HOORAY! FELLOWS MONTH-VERSARY!! - Exclaimed Shion, raising his fists to the air at the sigh, and completely ignoring his three companions staggering almost in a collective headdesk.
- Man we were sounding so serious, and you… - Kage shook his head with a smirk. - I suppose we can't face a war with an empty stomach, can we?
- Life is snack or famine, they say. - Commented the white mage, looking at the waitress placing the dishes on the table.
***********************************************
I have poisoned the food personally.
There's no way out for them.
Sayu stepped away slightly, watching the group anxiously as they prepared to eat.
- What is it, Kenjii? - Ashed the blond hume. The ninja in front of him was looking at his dish with a frown.
He shook his head. - I guess no matter what I order in a tavern, what the others order will always look more appealing to me.
- Oh come on, grumpy face! Here, I'll let you have some of my pebble soup.
- I don't want your pebble soup. Stop treating me like a kid, you jerk.
- I'm being NICE! Shion, you tell him too!
The kid joyfully grabbed his chopsticks and picked up some of the stew from his dish. - Bon appetite!
- EEEP!!
The group lowered their chopsticks, to look at Sayu in concern. She didn't want to scream, but once again she was so focused on her mission, she hadn't noticed the drunk hume approaching her to strike back.
- Don't be so coy! - He whined with a giggle. - Let's drink something together, little beauty!
- You again…! Let me go! - Sayu winced, trying to free her arm.
To think that I could get rid of this idiot with one strike if I wanted! But I can't reveal myself just yet…
- Ah…! You really suck with women, you dirty old man.
The drunken turned to the black-haired elvaan, narrowing his empty eyes. - What did you just say, you snotty brat!? Out of my business!
The samurai grinned, and pointed at his forehead. - Want another salt-shaker?
- SO IT WAS YOU, BASTARD! - Yelled the man, letting Sayu go to face the elvaan. - GWAAHH!!
Sayu's hands reached over her mouth, in shock, when the man kicked the group's table and reversed it. All the food fell to the floor, still untouched. - Why did you do that!?
- YOU BASTARD!!!!!!
Sayu gasped at the sight of the young monk jumping up with a deep red aura surrounding him. Did that kid just recognize her for who she was?
Apparently not, as Shion (if she remembered his name right) pointed the finger at the drunk man, in rage. - YOU REALLY SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT!! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!!!!
It was only a matter of a few minutes, before the little fight between the five turned into a massive brawl involving the whole tavern.
Only the two humes were still sitting on their chairs, looking at the chaos ensuing.
- I would understand if we were fighting the Snowstorm, but these are just common citizens… - Sighed the ninja, rolling his eyes.
The blond white mage laughed softly. - They are so lively…!^^;
Ignored by everyone, the poor Sayu let herself fall on her knees, afflicted by her depressing failure.
"Lord Ame did warn me that it would've been hard to foresee the behavior of the midlander's group… I have to admit this is true…" She thought, nearly sobbing. "These people… They are surely different from anyone else!"
The bartender grabbed the shoulder of the drunken weakly. - Please, Mr. Noy! If you keep at this, you will destroy my tavern!
- Shuddup!
- If you want to solve this matter, why don't you use the usual method?^^;
The brawl stopped instantly, everyone staring at the little group with curiosity.
- What's the usual method? - Asked the samurai, looking around.
- Mpf! - Mr. Noy approached the counter, picking a bottle of sake and slamming it on the longest table of the tavern. - What else could there be as a challenge between true men? A CHALLENGE TO THE LAST GLASS!
The group glared at him with shocked, disgusted faces.
He raised an eyebrow with a stupid grin. - Why are you making those ugly faces?
- No… It's just… -.-
- How to say… ^^;
- Mpf! Moreover, there isn't even competition. I understand. - He interrupted them shrugging, full of confidence. - In your ranks you have a little brat, and a weakling looking ninja boy…
Sayu looked at the midlander warily. His left eye was twitching visibly.
- Boss! - He called in a little growl.
The bartender yelped. - Y-Yes?
The midlander pulled out a purse of gil, and tossed it to his hands. - Bring all the sake you got! Don't let a single drop out.
- O-Okay!! - The bartender rushed away, intimidated, and started filling a table with as many bottles as he could.
The black haired elvaan blinked in shock. - I thought he didn't like to drink sake…
- His eyes are already empty before he even starts drinking… ^^; - The white mage laughed nervously.
The minor elvaan next to him had already forgotten all the rage for losing his food, and was now flailing arms excitedly. - Woot! Sake! Sake!
- All right! We'll challenge on 4 versus 4! - Exclaimed the drunken, nodding to some friends of his. - The party that loses all its men is the loser, got it?
- Yes!!
"I don't know how, but things just took a turn for the worse…!" Thought the mithra, trying to hold her tears because of the stress. "Lord Ame…! What do I do!?"
- Let us begin!!
************************************************
Hikari, Kenjii and Kage drank another glass of sake togher. At the other side of the table, the man was staring at them with glazed eyes.
- Looks like yours weren't just words! - He barked, almost delighted.
Kage grinned, leaning back against his chair. - And we aren't even started yet! Right, Shion?
The reply was a loud snore. The elvaan turned to the kid, and staggered seeing him sleeping soundly with the head on the table, next to the only one glass he had managed to empty before passing out.
He grabbed Shion's head and started to bang it against the wooden surface. - WA-KE-UP! Stupid Shrimp!
The little elvaan didn't seem to avert the pain. - I have already washed yesterday..! - He mumbled in his dreams.
- Uh uh uh! The brat is already gone!
Kage let Shion go and turned to face Mr. Noy again. - Look who's talking. You're the only one left standing in your party!
- My bad… - He replied drinking another glass. - I'm popular in town for never losing a challenge to the last glass!
Hikari placed his glass down and turned to the bartender, with a smile as sober and clear as ever. - In this case… Would you please bring us a stronger sake, if you please?
The drunken staggered, shocked at how on the white mage's face there wasn't even the slightest hint of redness.
Kage and Kenjii were looking the blond too, visibly perplexed. Hikari had drank just as much sake as them, and yet he seemed perfectly normal.
- Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen him drunk… - Muttered the samurai.
Kenjii's head had a sweatdrop. - Not a trivial matter indeed…!
Hikari ignored all the amazed looks and smiled warmly at the mithra, when she approached to give him what he hard ordered. - Don't worry, - He whispered to her. - I will probably be the winner here.
The looked at him, blinking in confusion. - Huh…?
The white mage's smile grew even more sincere. - It is just for the molesters to not be left unpunished, right?
****************************************************
- Hey, you! Stop.
The elvaan stopped, and pulled Sayu's chains violently to force her to do as well. He turned around with a perplexed look, at the sigh of the young hume approaching him. - Lord Ame!?
The summoner looked at Sayu briefly, and then turned to the elvaan again. - Where are you taking this woman?
- Oh! She's just a medicines vendor… You have probably heard about the mithra that left our clan because of her pregnancy, and that came back here only thanks to a man who betrayed his clan to save her life. - Explained the elvaan, glaring at Sayu in disgust. - Your father wanted to punish her for being such a burden for us, but this girl here is her sister, and offered her own life for the mithra to be spared. Your father decided to make her his new concubine.
The summoner looked at her again, and Sayu lowered her face in shame, feeling the tears starting to fill her eyes again.
- I like this woman. I'll take her.
Both Sayu and her gaoler gasped at those words, and the elvaan shook his head. - But Lord Ame…!
- I'll talk with my father. Now give me her chains. This is an order. - The summoner waited for the elvaan to obey him and then escorted the mithra to his apartments.
He didn't speak a single word for the whole way to his rooms. Only after closing the doors, he turned to her. - My father treats his women as if they were mere toys. And once he is tired of them, he kills them.
Sayu looked up at him shyly, unsure on what to say.
- Don't get me wrong. I did not save you. - Said Ame anticipating her, starting to walk to another room. - From now on you will work for me as an alchemist.
- Yes, Lord Ame…
**********************************************************
Yes… From that day, my life belonged to him.
…So I must complete my mission.
Why am I hesitating? These people are enemies of Lord Ame!
…They are my enemies!!
*****************************************************
- Hey, what's wrong shino-boy?
The drunken was staring intently at the midlander in front him. The hume's eyes were shaded, his hand going lower and lower, but he was fighting the sake bravely.
- Already at your limit? Your hands are shaking! - Mr. Noy laughed loudly. - The fact that you have such a low resistance to alcohol fits your feminine face!!
- You fool…! - The midlander's mouth opened in an evil, fatigued grin, as he spoke in a frightening hiss. - You sure have a lot of guts to make fun of me!
Hikari looked warily at the ninja, watching his aura growing darker and darker. - Kenjii..?
The midlander jumped up. - MIJIN….!
- Don't use that technique against simple citizens!! - Exclaimed the white mage, reaching over him quickly and tapping the ninja's mouth to interrupt his attack. He laughed nervously at the confused audience.
The drunken shook his friends violently and woke them up, and they stood up from the table. - Slow and boring challenges get on my nerves! This is enough! We'll crush you with our strength, brats!
- That's what I wanted, dirty old man! - Exclaimed Kage, jumping up showing the middle finger. - I won't step back from it!
The white mage was still holding Kenjii. - Now, now! Calm down, please!
- What the fuck is this fog!?
The white mage looked up after hearing the man's scream. The room had started filling with a thin white smoke all of sudden.
Kage winced, holding his forehead. - Damn it! My head…
Still in Hikari's arms, the ninja was falling on his knees. - My vision… is blurring…!
"This smell… it's a medicine!" Hikari quickly brought a sleeve over his mouth and nose, looking around. - Do not breathe these fumes!! Kage! Kenjii!
But it was too late. Everyone around him started falling to the ground one after another.
Of course! They are drunk, the effect on them must have been immediate.
He walked to Kage, and started to shake him. - Kage…! Be strong! Come on, Kage!!
Hikari stopped shaking the samurai and looked at his face, examining him closely to try and guess his conditions. - The breathing is regular! So this is….?
- Yes, you can stop worrying. It's just a somniferous substance. - Said a female voice behind him. - I didn't want to risk involving the common people.
The blond slowly turned around to look at the speaking figure. It was the mithra waitress… She had taken her dress apron off, and was now wearing a white vest. In her left hands was a kamayari spear.
- Is this… your work?
********************************************
The mithra's tail twisted. - You have not inhaled the smoke, have you?
I don't know why… But this man is the last person that I would've wanted to stay awake.
The white mage stood up slowly, without taking his eyes off her. - Who are you?
Sayu ran forward, hoping to catch him off guard, and swung her spear swiftly. The man dodged barely in time, receiving a little cut at the side of his face. - You are one of Ame's assassins, aren't you?
- Standing in front of me is Hikari of the midlander's group, right? My name is Sayu Meloh. - Said the alchemist, assuming her fighting stance. - For my master Lord Ame.. In this place, at my hand… You shall perish!
Yes… This is all for Lord Ame!
- GO!!
- Wait a min..! - Hikari parried the mithra's attack with his arms when she charged him again, and the impact pushed him against the door of the tavern, that fell off its frame.
The man back flipped to recover his standing stance outside of the tavern. Luckily for him, no one seemed to be out in the streets at that time. The challenge in the tavern had probably lured whoever was around the district inside.
Sayu Meloh jumped out of the tavern, her spear ready to strike again. Hikari blinded her with a flashing spell and quickly grabbed the rod of the weapon, bringing himself behind her.
The mithra tried to free her weapon, but the white mage's strength was surprisingly superior to hers, and he managed to take the spear off her, and push her away. Sayu fell on her knees, and spun around to glare at him.
- Can we end this? - He asked, looking down at her with a saddened frown.
Sayu yelped in shock at the words, and quickly pulled out some of her explosives from her pockets, throwing them at the man. - PLEASE, DIE!
The aim was perfect and flawless, and she was certain that this time she would've been able to seriously damage him. At her surprise though, a green magical barrier shielded the white mage from any harm, and the grenades exploded in the air.
"A protective shell!?"
- I ask politely that you desist, please! - Said Hikari, as an earth barrier formed around himself.
***********************************************
- Nh…. - Shion's eyes opened, and he sat up with a loud yawn. - Eh? What happened…? Everyone's on the ground….
He looked to the left, and found his friends laying down on the floor. - Hey, Kenjii! Wake up, Kage!!
The two slowly started to regain consciousness, holding their heads in pain. - Ughh…. It hurts so much! - Moaned Kage, taking his hairband off.
Kenjii blinked slowly, massaing his eyes temples with one hand. - What's going on…?
- !! Hey! Why… - Kage was looking out of the window, his eyes widened in shock. - Why is Hikari fighting!?
*********************************************
- Ngh…! - Sayu winced, and brought one hand to her sore shoulder. - In this case, I think I'll have to use my last resort…
Hikari stood there, watching the brown-haired mithra pull out something from a pocket of her vest.
- Miss Sayu, what…?
- It was my intention to limit damages as much as possible, but I have no choice. - She interrupted him. - I have installed a powerful charge of explosives in the tavern.
The white mage's eyes widened in surprise. He made a few steps to approach, but Sayu anticipated him.
- And with this remote control, I'll… - She activated the mechanism with closed eyes, and lowered her ears against the head, waiting for the bang clenching teeth.
But there was nothing but silence.
- Eh? - Sayu pushed the button twice, her head sweatdropping.
- Ah, uhm… You were referring to this, am I correct?
The mithra raised her eyes to Hikari and gasped at the sight of the explosives in the hume's hand. - Eeeh?
- I'm sorry, I found this when I went to the bathroom… - He replied, scratching his head embarrassed. - …And thinking it might be dangerous I decided to remove it from the mechanism of power. Professional bias… ^^;
A complete failure!
"I was a fool!" Sayu fell on her knees, her face deep red in shame. "I didn't know what it meant to fight and who my enemy was!"
- Listen… I apologize… - Said Hikari, kneeling down in front of her with a saddened look. - …For reacting and respond to your attack. Are you hurt?
He reached out to her and Sayu annihilated, slapping his hand with violence. - DON'T TOUCH ME!
The man didn't try again, but didn't move from where he was. - Miss Sayu…
- I was not only defeated, but the enemy feels pity for me even! - She exclaimed between sobs, unable to hold tears. - I no longer deserve to return to Lord Ame!
She pulled out a knife from the sheath on her left side and stood up, stepping away from the shocked mage with golden hair, and brought it to her throat. - My life doesn't have any meaning anymore!!
- Wait…!! - Hikari stood up, but Sayu stepped back even more.
- Do not come any further!!
The rest of Kenjii's group was coming out, but the alchemist didn't care anymore.
Farewell, Lord Ame… Forgive me for not helping you to the very end…
She stretched her arms in front of herself, with the blade turned to her neck. Behind her she could hear Shion, the young monk.
- DON'T DO IT…!!
***********************************************
I decided to keep living to save people's lives and redeem my sins…
I will not let an innocent die in front of me ever again!!
Images of Hikari's dear ones dying flashed through his mind. His students, his family, his friends…
His mithra girlfriend…
- STOP!! - He dashed towards Sayu, praying that he could be fast enough, hoping that his legs would beat her hands, but deep inside knowing that it would be impossible.
The cold, sharp blade of the knife had almost reached the mithra's neck when a sudden Tornado hit the ground between her and Hikari with extreme violence.
Hikari was pushed back, the sand lifted by the fierce wind scratching his skin like a thousand katanas. He winced, but ignored the wounds. His eyes were scanning through the sand and air, looking for the girl.
A feminine scream came from above his head. - KYAAAAH!
- MISS SAYU!! - Hikari spelled a baraera enchantment and the wind finally dispersed, allowing him to see the figure flying over his head.
It was a green and white creature, with woman-like features and covered in feathers. She was holding Sayu in her clawed hands, looking down at the white mage with deep red eyes.
- T-That's…!? - Exclaimed Kage, as he and the rest of the group ran next to Hikari, everyone's eyes firm on the ethereal creature.
Kenjii frowned. - It's Garuda…!
The avatar moved her head violently to the side, whipping her long hair braid and causing a little blow of wind to hit the group, pushing it back. She then flied up to the tavern, and landed on its roof, where a human figure was waiting.
Sayu opened her eyes when she was put down on her feet, and looked at the summoner in shock. - Lord Ame!
Ame!?
The group's eyes shifted to the blond young hume, who was looking down at them. He spoke with a cold, clear voice.
- The midlander's group, am I right?
Shion gulped. - So this person is…?
- I am here only to retrieve my subordinate. - Said the summoner, without looking at Sayu. - I don't want anything else from you. But I'm sure that one day we will meet again so… until then… try to not get killed.
He turned away to leave, but the elvaan kid stepped further, and yelled out loud. - Wait!!
Kenjii turned to the boy. - Shion…!?
- Since you are here now, why don't you stop playing dumb… - Shion grabbed his staff and charged the summoner, jumping high reaching the roof. - And have some fun with us!?
Ame turned quickly and opened one hand towards Shion, right when the monk was only half a yalm away from hitting him, and spoke a single word.
- Awake.
A roaring flame burst from the palm of the hume and swallowed Shion with force. The kid was pushed down the roof, screaming in pain.
- Shion!! - Hikari immediately ran to him to tend to his wounds.
- You jerk…! - Kage ran forward too, and threw his spear to the summoner with all his strength.
He staggered as Ame stopped the weapon by simply waving his hand in front of himself in a slap motion, forming a wind blade that cut the spear's handle in two parts. - A new kids toy?
- Now, now…! - Muttered Kage, wincing in disbelief. - Let's not exaggerate…!
Ame's expression didn't change one bit, emotionless. - I think it's my turn now.
He started to murmur a summoning enchanting, and Hikari reacted as fast as he could, raising a barrier on the group. The impact with the summoner's spell was powerful and long, forcing the white mage to keep the magic shell up with both his hands in concentration.
- Game over.
Ame stopped his spell, as the cold feeling of a blade reached his neck. He slightly turned his head, looking at the katana over his shoulder and then at his owner behind him.
- You were good at climbing up here unnoticed.
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - Yes, although my clothes are all dirty now. Thank you for the kind welcome.
Ame nodded. - You can't kill me with that.
- Try me if you want. I have a few questions for you, mister 'Lord'.
- Sorry, but I think we should postpone this to another time. Fighting here we run the risk of involving innocents. I apologize for the disturb caused by my subordinate, but… - The lord of the Snowstorm clan turned to stare at Kenjii, completely ignoring the katana's blade still against his neck. - As long as you persist in hindering our project… I will not drop the intent to eliminate you, that is certain.
Kenjii and Ame stared at each other for a minute, in silence, and then the ninja put his weapon back. - You know, I'm not really good at having company. So if you have to kill us, you better be quick.
Ame walked to the mithra, that had been watching the whole scene in silence next to him, and grabbed her arm. - I don't like to wait myself.
The two warped away without any other word.
This is the first time that I sense a murderous intention with no evil purpose…
While Kenjii was jumping off the roof, Hikari looked down at young monk. - Are you all right, Shion?
The kid's eyes were shadowed, and at first Hikari thought he would be crying in fear, or maybe severely hurt, until he spoke in a mumble. - That guy… is strong!
- Eh?
- No, he's SUPER STRONG! - Exclaimed Shion jumping up with a fist clenched. - This is gonna be so damn fun!!
Kenjii facepalmed, a vein pulsing on his temple. - That expression…
- He looks like a kid who just found a new toy! - Agreed Kage, slightly disgusted and yet amused.
- I guess it's a good sign, if he seems to be having fun.^^;
- I, too… - The samurai picked up the pieces of his weapon, shaking his head. - After this pitiful performance of mine, am hoping to have the chance to recuperate. Also, that guy left without giving out any useful information…!
The white mage shook his head and looked in the distance. - No, I think I understood something. The reason why Ame is such a charismatic figure for his clan…
- Ugh! Kenjii, repair my spear! You hate broken things, no?
- I do, but I can't work on weapons like that one. You'll have to pay a smith.
- Awww, it's really true that toast always falls on the buttered side.
- Is that the best you can do, Kage? -.-
- Unlike you, I'm an optimist! I'm not good with pessimistic comments.
- An optimist is just someone who lacks experience.
- Jee… You're terrible.
***********************************************
- You are not hurt, are you?
Sayu shook her head. Even though she was okay, when the two had arrived in the isolated valley the summoner had warped them to, she had fallen on her knees. The weight of her failure was still overwhelming her heart, and the fact that Lord Ame himself had come to save had only caused even more guilt.
- Ah… No. I'm fine. - She bit her lip hard, feeling tears incoming again, and bowed her head to the ground. - I am mortified, Lord Ame!! Not only I have failed the mission, but I even needed your help! I beg you to allow me to pay with my life for my incompetence!!
- Don't be stupid!
She widened her eyes and looked up in surprise at the angry tone of her lord. He was glaring down at her with a serious frown.
- I didn't think I could have between my subordinates someone so fool to the point of throwing her life away. - He snapped, clenching fists. - Are you saying you will not keep your promise to follow me wherever my road would take me?
Yes… My life…
- No.
…is with the kindness and loneliness of this person.
Sayu smiled warmly, shaking her head. - I will always be by your side… Lord Ame.
************************************************
Hikari opened the window of his room, and looked outside in the night. The pale moon was shining proudly over the town, and in the paddock next to the Inn he could see the figures of RedCrystal and StarSapphire sleeping under a little canopy. The little chocobo was now growing rather quickly, and Hikari was glad to see that her owner had started to take her raising seriously enough. StarSapphire would no longer complain for being left outside, nor try to jump on someone's lap while on the cart. A few times they had even let her walk along the wagon while moving, and she had seemed to be able to endure the journey.
But that was not what he was thinking about when he had decided to look outside, unable to sleep… The image of the young Sayu Meloh about to suicide was still in front of his eyes. Was she all right? Would he see her again?
- It's cold tonight.
The white mage slightly jumped up in surprise, and looked behind. - Kenjii. I'm sorry, did the breeze wake you up?
The ninja shrugged and stopped next to him, leaning with his back against the window frame. Hikari waited, but the midlander didn't speak a single word.
- A month together… Can you believe it, Kenjii?
- I'm surprised it has been just a month. To me it seems an eternity. - The ninja rolled his eyes with a loud sigh.
The white mage chuckled. - Maybe you're right. You know, some things came back to my mind today… Not like I've forgotten them, of course.
- Hikari.
The blond turned to look at the midlander. Shion had told him the importance of Kenjii using someone's name, and realized how rarely he had used his.
- If you still wish to put an end to your torment regarding that day through revenge… - Said Kenjii, his eyes still on the room's floor. - Do not feel forced to continue this journey. You are free to follow the path you have chosen.
Hikari waited a couple minutes before replying. He was surprised at how quickly the hume had seen through him, and even less he had expected that he would be concerned about someone else. - What you have said is true, but… if I'm here now it's because it is my will to do so.
- You really talk like her.
- Hm…?
Kenjii turned around, and looked up to the stars above. - My former party leader.
The white mage tilted his head. - Is that who Avina is?
The ninja almost looked at him, but turned away again, replying with simple nod.
- Why don't you tell me about her?
He smiled when Kenjii turned to him with an almost scared frown, trying to give him confidence.
- Well… - The dark-haired hume inhaled, shaking his head. - She's…
*SLAM*
- I WANT TO SLEEP IN THIS ROOM!
The two spun around in surprise, blinking at the young elvaan who had stormed in with a deep red face, followed by Kage.
- WHILE I WAS SLEEPING, THIS GUY DECIDED TO DRAW ON MY FEET SOLES!!
- WELL, I HAD TO FIND SOMETHING TO DO, SINCE YOU'D KEEP ME AWAKE WITH YOUR SNORING!!
- I ABSOLUTELY DON'T WANT TO SLEEP IN THE SAME ROOM WITH KAGE!
- I AM THE ONE THAT DOESN'T WANT TO SLEEP WITH YOU, SHRIMP!
- STOP CALLING ME SHRIMP!
- THEN HOW SHOULD I CALL YOU, STUPID!? YEAH, STUPID!
- SHUT UP!! - Yelled Kenjii, pulling out some shurikens with a pulsating vein of rage. - YOUR BICKERING IS RUMBLING IN MY HEAD, AND I'M ALREADY IN PAIN BECAUSE OF THE HANGOVER! DO YOU WANT ME TO SHUT YOUR TRAPS, YOU IDIOTS!?
- Waah! Don't kill us! - Yelped the two, hugging each other like scared puppies.
- I'm also staying because to raise two kids, you may need the help of a 'uncle', don't you think… Mr. 'Guardian'? - Asked Hikari softly, with a little wink at the ninja.
Kenjii was holding his head in pain. - I guess you are right… -.-
****************************************
(Meanwhile in Usashi)
- What does it mean, 'we need more money'!? - The old tarutaru was glaring at the letter while shaking in rage in his light blue night gown, his eyes glowing red as if they were about to shoot flames. - WHAT!? SPENT ALL FOR SAKE!?
The moogle that had completed the delivery was trembling in fear. - I'm sorry, Doctor Shigure… ^^;
*Distances within Vana'diel are measured in terms of units of distance called "Yalms" (roughly analogous to yards). The large-scale unit of measure used in Vana'diel is known as "Malms", which are roughly analogous to miles.
Smaller scale units of measure found in Vana'diel are "Ilms" (analogous to inches) and "Fulms" (analogous to feet).
last edited 752 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
Chapter 12: Shukukiri, the Queen of Puppets
Kage opened the door and walked in, still rubbing his hair with the towel. - I'm here.
- Welcome back. - Hikari looked up from his book, and an inquisitive frown formed on his face. - Where's Shion?
- Hmmm? - The samurai placed the towel on his shoulders and looked around. - He wasn't in the bathroom with me. I thought he was already here sleeping.
- I see… - The white mage looked towards the window, lost in thought.
The storm outside was still roaring, and Kage sighed slightly in relief, thanking that the Inn they had found had a stable and a shelter to put the cart in.
He watched Hikari standing up. - You're going to find him?
- I don't need to, he's probably in Kenjii's room again… But I want to go check on him to see if he's okay.
- Tsk, - Kage shook his head and walked to his bed, sitting on it. - We should lock his room, people injured like that shouldn't be disturbed every five minutes.
- You are right.. But I think Shion feels guilty. - Said Hikari, turning to him. - If Kenjii hadn't shielded him against that assassin today… I don't know what could've happened to that boy. He's a skilled fighter, but his recklessness often gets him to reveal his weak sides in battle.
Kage nodded. - I think I should teach him the Seigan stance one of these days. Not sure how a monk can handle it, but it's better than having that dandy ninja cover him every two minutes, especially when he has no shadow images protecting him.
- Today's fight was a close one for Kenjii. Kuro Kaminari is sending more serious assassins lately, it seems… Or I wonder if it was Ame…
- Who knows. - The samurai laid down on his back, crossing arms behind his head. - Either way we have been extremely lucky to reach this town and find a free Inn at this late hour. If we had to camp outside with Kenjii injured like that, and this damn storm, I don't know what would've been of us. Bring Shion here, and if Kenjii has regained consciousness cast Repose on him and force him down.
Hikari nodded and opened the door to go out. - Sleep well, Kage.
- 'Night.
******************************************
Another lighting shun in the night. Shion always liked lightnings… He remembered that when he was a kid, he would often go out to the dock in Al Zahbi to watch them fall on the ocean in the distance, as if they were trying to fight the water itself, like magical spears coming from the sky.
But that night he didn't even turn to look at the window. His eyes were firm on Kenjii, sleeping in his bed. He was turned towards the window, lying on his left shoulder and giving his back to Shion. The very same position Hikari and Kage had laid him on. Shion had spent a long time in the room now, waiting for the hume to move even one bit.
But Kenjii hadn't moved at all. His breathing was regular and relaxed, and he seemed in deep sleep. Shion was wondering what face could he have right then, but he didn't want to risk hurting him to check. For some reason, he always liked watching the ninja sleep. The expression he had during his rest was so different… So peaceful it would make him feel tranquil as well just by looking at it.
And yet this time, Shion was horribly afraid that if he had seen Kenjii's face, the expression on it would've been of anger and pain.
'I'm sick of having to protect you every time you put yourself in trouble, stupid shrimp!'
Those were the hume's last words before passing out because of the fatigue.
It was all his fault…
- As I thought, you are here…
Shion hadn't realized the door behind him had opened, but didn't turn around to look at Hikari. He kept sitting there, cross-legged on the floor.
- I think that Kenjii will not wake up until next morning. - Continued the white mage after hearing no answer from the boy. - How about something to eat, Shion?
- No.. I don't want to. - Muttered the elvaan, clenching his fists on his legs. - I'll stay here.
- Shion… - Hikari sighed softly and walked up to Kenjii's bed, sitting next to the red-haired boy and looking at him. - What's bothering you…?
- I… do nothing but get help from Kenjii. - Said Shion softly, looking down at his hands. - Instead, I… I can't do anything for him.
- Well… if you want to do something for someone… - Replied the white mage after a minute of thought. - I think that the first thing you should do is meeting that person's expectations.
Shion looked at Hikari with a questioning frown, surprised and confused.
- For example, if there is someone that has faith in me… I try and defend myself with all my strength. - Hikari tilted his head slightly, trying to explain as best as he could. - And, if I have faith in that person, too… I wouldn't allow myself to be fooled in front of them.
- But Kenjii doesn't have faith in me… - Shion shook his head, grimacing at the pain of his own words. - He said he doesn't want to protect me…
- It's not that, Shion. You can feel it, right? Kenjii has lost many people in his life. People he couldn't protect. - The white mage placed an hand on Shion's shoulder. - Maybe what he really meant is that he wants someone… that he doesn't have to protect. If he just didn't want you around, Shion… Why did he cover you today?
- … - Shion looked back at Kenjii, as if expecting an answer from him.
- Friendship is a precious caress nobody can do without, and Kenjii knows it too. Because when you are in pain and there are friends who will share it, your mind can overcome much suffering. - Hikari smiled warmly at the boy when he looked at him again. - So what we need to do is to make sure we don't disappoint him… and have so much strength to make him proud.
For myself… At least in front of them…
- You're right. - Shion clapped his hands to the face a couple times, a trick he had learned to prevent tears from falling, and stood up. - I'll become stronger!
I will not die and look shameful to Kenjii.
****************************************
- Hmmm? - Hikari looked up as the kid ran to the door.
- I'm hungry! Going to ask if we can use the inn's kitchen!!
"He brightened up all of a sudden…!" Hikari chuckled slightly hearing Shion's steps down the stairs, and stood up slowly.
He looked at Kenjii for a minute. He knew the hume was awake, he had been since the moment Hikari had walked in the room. The white mage wasn't too surprised that Kenjii had decided to pretend to be sleeping rather than embarrass Shion by letting him know he had heard his cries.
Yet, he hadn't expected that the hume would still pretend to be sleeping even in front of him alone.
- You are the only person able to demoralize Shion so much.
Kenjii still didn't move, but Hikari noticed that his breathing had slightly changed.
- Anyway, try and avoid demeanors that could cause old wounds to open again. - Continued the white mage, walking to the door and opening it, before turning to look at the bed one last time. - Because I don't want to see other people suffering.
***********************************************
(Meanwhile, at the Snowstorm Clan Headquarters…)
- What's wrong with you? I thought I told you to kill the midlander's group. - Kuro Kaminari sat on his throne at the end of the large conference room, crossing legs. - Can I know why are you letting yourself to be fooled by those four bugs? You've got a real nerve to come back here, Ame.
- … - The young summoner looked away from the bearded man, with an irritated frown. He had never liked to be scolded nor criticized, especially by a man who had even less merits than he had.
- And you think you can control the Fiery Bird? I can hardly recognize my blood in you, son. - The leader of the Snowstorm clan rested his head on the left hand, closed in a fist, the elbow placed on the arm of the throne. - Stop wasting my time and eliminate those people who are hindering us.
- When the Phoenix will be resurrected… Will Mother really come back to life? - Asked the summoner, turning his back to leave.
- What a mama's boy… She will, stop being such a nuisance. - His father waved his other hand annoyed, with a mocking tone. - She'll come back just like all the other people who have been sacrificed to the Goddess of Resurrection. Now, go.
Ame left the conference room, and started walking through the many corridors of the palace at a quick step, wishing to get out of that cursed place as soon as possible.
Four bugs… Well spoken!
Of course, if I got serious, it wouldn't be impossible to me to defeat those guys.
But when I fought them for the first time, I realized for the first time…
…That they are way different than me.
Does it mean that I am hesitating?
Me?
Yes, the truth is that I am aware… of the futility of this war.
Even if I defeat that mob, nothing would change.
This country will be swallowed in the nothingness…
…And according to my father's desires, Aht Urhgan will be with it.
But even so, Mother… I just want to save you.
- Ah! Lord Ame!
Kuro Kaminari's son awakened from his thoughts, and looked ahead at the brown-haired mithra running to him from the main hall. - What is it, Sayu?
The girl had a seriously worried look in her face, she was panting from all the running. - I can't find Lady Lamia!
- The usual… She's probably wandering around the castle. - Replied Ame, looking around with a slight sigh.
- Not this time. - Sayu shook her head frantically, swinging her pigtails. - I haven't seen her since yesterday in the evening. Even the maids have been helping me to find her, but…
- It looks like one of the coursers for long journeys is gone. - The two turned to look at Masaki, that was coming from the stables. - Lamia could've stolen it.
- So she went in a far away place, but where…? - Ame's eyes widened suddenly, as the answer came to his mind. - It can't be!! That foolish…!
- Eh? - His subordinates blinked in confusion, intimidated by his angered expression.
********************************************************
(A few days later)
Lamia looked down at the large city in the valley ahead, stretching and yawning loudly. - Ame will be mad… But I really can't stand to stay trapped in that gloomy palace. Plus, I love to play some trick to my brother every now and then!
She turned to look at the chocobo she had stolen from the clan's stables. The creature was looking at her with a wary look, as if it knew what was running through her head.
- You want me to tell you where we're going next? - She giggled, and caressed the bird with a wink, before mounting back up. She looked down the cliff the two were at. - To beat up all the bad guys! This way my brother will be happy!!
*********************************************
- Wow! There's so many shops here! - Shion looked at the busy street with an amazed look, excited and pumped to explore the new city.
- We haven't been in such a big city in a long time! - Agreed Kage, stretching his arms. - I'm glad we can finally chill around, now what Mr. 'If-Something-Can-Go-Bad-It-Will' is able to walk again.
Kenjii turned to look at the samurai over his shoulder. - Nobody asked you to stay at my bedside.
- Tsk, - Kage returned him a big grin. - You know why am I a good friend? Because I know you and yet I still love you. So why don't you stop keeping that cold mask of yours and accept that we'll get along eventually?
- I try to be optimist and think you're wrong.
Kage's eye twitched and then he crossed his arms, looking away. - … This is gonna be an horrible day, Hikari. This guy is getting worse. -.-
Kenjii imitated the elvaan's motion. - Everyday is an horrible day, so things can't get worse.
- See!?!
- Now, now… Don't fight… Let's enjoy this beautiful place for a change. ^^;
- Kenjii!! I want to eat those! - Shion pulled slightly the ninja's gi, while flailing an arm to point at a stand roasting some meat.
The hume didn't even look at it. - Forget it.
- But WHY!? You CATTY SHINOBI!!
- I'm not listening.
Hikari patted Shion's head, looking at Kenjii with an embarrassed smile. - Come on, why not please him? It's just some meat…
- One spoiled animal is enough. - Muttered the ninja in return, glaring at StarSapphire that was jumping slightly next to him, trying to reach the pocket where he kept his sushi.
- You're turning into the perfect housewife~
- Do you want to die, Kage? - Kenjii turned to glare at the samurai as usual, but Shion quickly stole his attention again, this time almost literally hanging by his left arm. - Shrimp! You're hurting my shoulder!
- Kenjii, PLEASE!
The hume looked down at him in irritation. - If I buy that food, will you take care of feeding our chocobos on my shift this week?
- Ehhh?? But I'm too young to accept such a great responsibility! - Shion's ears lowered in shame.
- Too young, eh? Then I guess you're too young to stay up as late as Kage and accompany him at the tavern every night.
- I'm old enough to go to sleep at two in the morning!
- You are contradicting!
- I'm not!
- Yes you are!
- Not it!
- Excuse me, young ones~
The group stopped talking, at the sound of the new thin, hoarse feminine voice that had called them.
They turned around to see the talking figure. It was a tarutaru woman with long, silver hair collected in a tight braid that was resting on both her shoulders like a loose collar. She was wearing a black yukata with silver flowers on the chest, and sitting behind a simple stand with a strange brand on the front, similar to a tribal sun. Her eyes were slightly opened, revealing two white, blind pupils.
- You are travelers, are you not? I, Shukukiri, will foretell you what you will find on the path to your destination. - She said softly, in a nearly hissing voice.
The four stared at her for a few seconds, before Kenjii turned to walk away.
- Sorry, I don't believe to fortunetellers. - Kage was turning to follow the ninja. - I suggest you find a better way to spend the few time left in you, granny.
- Skeptics, aren't we? Well, I'll tell you anyway. A shadow is lengthening over you. - The old woman grinned slightly. - Hee hee hee… Scary, isn't it? You live very close to Death, right? I can feel it…
The group turned to look at her again, a veil of shock and intimidation in the faces of Shion and Kage.
- Especially… you! - She extended a thin, wrinkly finger to point at Hikari, who jumped up slightly in surprise. - You deceive others with that hypocritical face, but your eyes are those of a traitor. You will betray your friends because of the terrible fault that cannot be served.
- WHO THE HELL ARE YOU, BITCH!? - Yelled Shion, slamming his hands on the woman's table. Several cards and gems fell to the floor. - ARE YOU LOOKING FOR TROUBLE!?
The woman sat back against her chair, and reached over an automaton with a red turban that was standing idle next to her. The machine moved only one arm, and picked one of the cards that had fallen at Hikari's feet, passing it to its master.
- You are free to not believe me, but… - The blind tarutaru lifted the card in front of the group, revealing the image a hume falling in a deep black chasm. - Sorrow is with you.
- WHAT THE…!? - Shion went to cuss out at the old woman again, but a sudden burst of screams echoed throughout the streets, followed by a loud crash.
- GYAAAH!
- WAAAH! A MONSTER!!!
- W-What's that…?! - Kage's voice died in his throat, when he saw the gigantic form of a bird entering the main square from a sideway, charging against a stand and destroying it.
Pieces of wood and dust were flying all around, people running away and screaming.
Kenjii clenched his teeth. - It's a Roc monster!
- I have never seen one running in town like this, though! Why do you think it's here?
- How the hell am I supposed to know!?
Hikari pointed at the beast. - Look, on its head!
On the forehead of the huge bird the white mage had seen a black tattoo, a tribal sun… The same tribal sun that…
He turned to look at the old tarutaru woman, but her stand was now empty. Both her and the automaton were nowhere to be seen.
Who was that woman…?
****************************************************
Kage jumped up as the demonic bird had turned its head to them and started running in their direction, slightly stumbling on the people running away.
- Don't tell me that thing is one of Kaminari's assassins, too!?
- I don't know, but the brand on its head is the same of that woman… - Kenjii glanced at Hikari for a moment. - She could be.
- We must do something! It's going to destroy the city!! - Shion grabbed his kinkobo, taking a fighting stance.
The samurai nodded and pulled out his spear, charging the Roc that was now but a few yalms away. - Don't get too cock-y!
He hit one of the monster's legs, that reflected the blade and pushed it back with a loud clanging noise.
Kage stepped back and withdrawn by the group. - What the fuck…!? Metal? This chick is kinda beefy!
- It must be an automaton. - Suggested Hikari, and his expression quickly shifted from anxiety to fear, at the sight of the bird hitting another building. - Move!! It's dangerous!
Shion and Kage looked up just in time to see the big rubble falling on them, and dodge it by jumping sideways.
- T-That was close…! - Shion placed one hand on his chest, trying to calm down. - Man I thought I was dead…
- Bet that gave you an hard on, eh kid?
- Your ability at shooting vulgarities is amazing -.-
- Kenjii! - Hikari caught the ninja's attention. - Do you think you have the strength to use the Mijin Gakure…?
The midlander nodded. - I was thinking about it. It may be our only chance to defeat it. - He turned to the boy. - Shion! Keep it busy!
- All right! - Shion lifted the kinkobo to his side and charged the machine with a scream. - I'll be your opponent, you stodgy chicken!!
A loud, strange chirp reached Shion's ears, and he looked down in surprise, watching StarSapphire passing him at a fast pace on a brave charge towards the enemy.
- Star, NO!
He tried to reach over the little chocobo, but she was too fast. StarSapphire arrived in front of the big metal Roc and chirped menacingly at it, fearless. The monster looked down at her and opened its sharp beak, ready to strike!
- STOP!!
The whole group looked up at the sound of the new voice, and stared in surprise at the thin, fast figure that had jumped from a roof to the machine's head, hitting it with an incredibly strong kick.
The bird-like automaton fell on its back, and shook violently for a few seconds, radiating electric discharges and then stopping.
Shion was reached by his friends. - Wh…
- What happened…? - Kage completed the kid's sentence.
StarSapphire was still staring at the machine with narrowed eyes, and then perked up, snorting proud of what she apparently thought she had done to the threatening foe. She then blinked in surprise when her unknown rescuer picked her up gently.
- That was a close one, eh sweety? - Said the hume girl, smiling warmly at the chocobo.
Kenjii and his companions were still stunned, glaring at the young hume girl in that showy purple suit, while she was playing with the chocobo, tickling her and giggling.
- Ooooh! You're soooo cute!
- It's a… a little girl…? - Stammered Kage, under his breath.
Hikari seemed just as confused. - Who is she…?
- She looks like a lamia, but has no tail! - Shion's eyes were big and widened in curiosity.
At his words, the girl looked away from StarSapphire, and let her go. - AH!! - She jumped up, pointing at them with her a stretched arm. - Midlander's group, FOUND IT!
- Eh? - Asked the group in a chorus.
The girl whirled on herself in a sort of introducing dance, and shook her head, making her garland jingle.
- I'm Lamia!! - She introduced herself, placing clenched fists on her hips. - And I came here to kick yours butts for my brother Ame!
The group stepped back, surprised.
- With 'brother' she means…
- It can't be.. ^^;
- …
- Ame's little sister is a LAMIA!? - Yelled Shion, pointing a finger at her. Kenjii slapped the kid's head in disgust.
Lamia raised her index finger with a wink. - That's right. So be good and die, 'kay?
****************************************************
Ame let out an irritated sigh, shaking his head at the sight of the poor chocobo tied to a tree. They had found it in a forest outside of the nearby town. - She left it here…
- I think she is around here, but… - Sayu looked around, one hand closed and almost touching her lips in anxiety. - It would probably be best to just follow the tracks of Kenjii's party, no?
The high summoner raised one hand to his temples, holding his forehead. - Look at this! She is putting us all in trouble!
- Oho, listen to this guy here! - Masaki approached Ame with an amused grin, and placed one hand on his shoulder. - The truth is you're worried about her, isn't that so, 'brother'~?
- Shut up! -.-
The hume moved aside to free himself, looking away with an embarrassed frown. - Stop acting like you're my big brother! What do you know about me?
- You're right, I don't have a brother, nor a sister. But I think I understand a little. - Masaki crossed his arms in his green hachiman armor, and looked up at the sky between the green leaves. - But I had Kage.
Ame turned to look at him in silence. Sayu was listening too, keeping her head down to the floor with a sad look on her face.
- He was always so bold and arrogant… but to me, he was nothing less than a gracious little brother. - The warrior shook his head, slightly embarrassed. - Every time I look at you, I remember about him.
- Sorry… I spoke out of turn. - Said the hume, lowering his gaze to Masaki's feet.
- Don't worry! - The elvaan let out a hearted laughter and approached him, ruffling his hair. He always knew that irritated the summoner. - Besides, Ame… What I feel for you is not pity. It is a decision I made.
The summoner looked up again, while trying to fix his hair back with his hands. - Decision?
- One year ago, I came here without any warning to save Sayu's sister. Your father and the whole clan wanted to kill me because they were afraid I'd reveal everyone your plans… And yet, you spared my life and took me with you. From that day I decided that I would devote my life to protect you. - Masaki placed both his hands on Ame's shoulder, with a proud smile. - So Ame, live your life however you wish. Whatever path you will choose, we will follow you always. Right Sayu?
- Mhm!^^
- Masaki… Sayu…
************************************************
- What…? By yourself?
- That's right! - Lamia's index finger was still pointing at the group. - So bring it on, attack me from whatever side you want!
Kenjii's party and the little girl stared at each other in a long, awkward silence. Kage had the impression of hearing crickets in the distance.
- From whatever side…?
Hikari looked at him. - What should we do?
Ame's sister placed both her hands on her hips, bending forward with narrowed eyes. - I have the impression you are underestimating me because I'm young! Fine, then I will bring it on!
She let out a loud warcry and charged them. Hikari and Shion quickly moved away, but Kage was slower, and managed to not get hit only thanks to his third eye that had opened barely in time. After moving aside, he stared in horror at the cracked wall the girl had hit in his stead.
- Ugh! A monk…! - The samurai turned to Shion with a panicked expression. - Shrimp, you take care of her! You have the same fighting styles, and she's of your size too!
- Why me!? - Shion yelped in terror, watching Lamia cracking her knuckles. - Hikari is the one good at handling kids, no!?
- If you want to put it that way, when it's about a woman I should subside to Kage, am I wrong?
- That one is not a woman!
- Gyaaah!! - Ame's sister boosted her strength, cracking the ground at her feet, and then charged Shion.
- W-Wait a minute!!!
- NOT IT! - She said with a grin, about to hit him. - Bad guys must die!
Shion crossed his forearms in front of his face, ready to guard the attack, but it never arrived. When he lowered his arms, he noticed in stupor that the girl has been stopped by Kenjii.
The ninja had quickly moved behind Lamia, grabbing her vest and lifting her from the ground like a kitten. - Arrest completed.
- What!? What!! - Lamia looked up at him, growling and flailing arms. - Put me down! You boiled fish-eyed punk! STUPID!!
Kenjii's eye twitched, glaring at Shion. - I have already heard that one before…
- Good job, Kenjii! - Kage was amazed at the speed at which the hume had stopped what he considered the worst threat they had ever faced.
Hikari nodded, clapping his hands enthusiastically. - You're getting pretty good with pets.
Shion looked at him. - What do you mean with 'pets'? -.-
- I've lost my patience with you, shinobi!! - Was screaming the villain. - I WILL NEVER FORGI–
- Want a steak? - Interrupted her Kenjii, handing her one of the meat steaks Shion had begged him for earlier.
- WOOT! - Lamia's girl shun brightly and she grabbed the food, immediately starting to chew on it.
Kage staggered to the ground. - Look at that…!
- He tamed her! ^^
- Why wouldn't he buy me one but to her…? :(
A familiar voice came from above, as a striking lightning. - That's enough!
The group looked around the desolated street, and then up to a roof, where three figures were standing.
- I see we meet again! - Said the one in the center. - I came to retrieve my sister.
- AME!!
- Why does he always enter the scene from upper floors? -.- - Asked Kage, still in the process of standing up.
- Listen well, Ame! - Shion pointed at Lamia, still eating next to Kenjii, who had given up on holding her. - Do not treat us as if we were some kidnappers! She came by herself! ALONE!
- Yeah, how the hell was she educated anyway!? - Kage's voice joined Shion's.
Hikari had something to say, too. - You should be careful, Lord Ame! She's just like a female version of Shion!
Sayu frowned with a worried look. - I have the impression we're not collecting their sympathy… ^^;
- Nothing to reply to them, Ame? - Asked Masaki, looking at the High Summoner. Ame's eyes were shadowed in anger.
Lamia looked up and waved her arm open. - Hihi, brother!!
- 'Hihi' my ass, you foolish little brat! - Growled back Ame, his face deep red.
- He had a more polite speech last time… - Commented the white mage to the group.
Kenjii glared at Lamia. - Sounds like someone made him mad.
- Hee hee… ^^; - The little girl finished her steak and looked at the group embarrassed.
- Hey, Ame!
The summoner looked down at the young monk, who was glaring at him with proud eyes.
- Don't tell me that once you have your sister back you're planning to go on the sly, eh? - Shion rotated his kinkobo and brought it behind himself in a fighting stance. - Let's finish what we have started last time!
- Hmph, why not? While we're at it… - Ame brought one hand behind his back, grabbing the fire staff he was carrying. - You think you can win on a four versus four match… when you had troubles fighting me alone?
- Weee! I'm fighting too! - Lamia jumped up and inadvertently attacked Kenjii with a rotating kick. - This is my revenge for earlier!!
The ninja parried the attack with one arm, but winced slightly in pain because of his recent wound. - I'm not here to take care of your weaning, you beast!
**********************************************
The two started fighting, and Hikari watched Kenjii worriedly. He was about to cast an Haste enchantment when he heard soft steps from behind.
He turned around to look at the mithra that was approaching him. - You…
Sayu Meloh bowed profusely. - I apologize for my shameful demeanor last time…
- I'm glad to see you again…! - Hikari imitated her, embarrassed.
The alchemist picked up the kamayari lance from her back slowly. - May I ask that you fight me again, Mr. Hikari? - She asked politely. - Now… I'm convinced that I can help that person only if I stay alive.
Hikari smiled warmly and nodded. - That's a wise choice.
*********************************************
- Awww, man… Hikari already got the girl… - Kage scratched his head with a loud sigh, watching the white mage dealing with Ame's alchemist.
A familiar voice reached his ears. - Guess I'll have to take care of this snotty brat, then.
Kage's eyes widened, and he looked back up at the roof Ame had come from. The sunlight was behind the talking figure, not allowing him to see its face, but the voice…
The man jumped down from the roof and faced him, unsheathing an Organics sword. It was a blond elvaan man in a green armor.
- Yo.
- Is this some joke…!? - Kage shook his head. - Masaki!?
The elvaan nodded, with a big grin. - I see you're still alive. Thought you'd be lost without me, Kage.
- Why!? Why are you turning up now!? I thought you were an hostage now…!
Masaki tilted his head. - Maybe I should introduce myself again. I am a direct subordinate of Lord Ame. Masaki, to friends.
He ran to Kage and attacked him with a fast swing, that the samurai dodged barely, still shocked at the unexpected turnout.
- Meh… This is how it is. - Masaki shrugged, with a soft smile. - I'm sorry, but I have no intentions to give up the way of life that I have chosen for me. Forgive me.
Wow, look at him! The expression on his face is… wonderful.
Kage let out a soft chuckle, that turned out in an hearted laughter after a few seconds. He shook his head and readied his spear.
- Same here, Masaki. - He said, grinning back at his old rival, and dear friend. - I see we're still in a perfect tune. Let's do this!
*************************************************
Ifrit threw another meteor strike, hitting the wall of a house and cracking it. Ame looked around nervously from his spot on a nearby roof.
- I'm here, Ame!! - Called him the monk.
Ame turned in his direction and Ifrit with him. - This little fox won't stop jumping left and right! - He moved one arm, and the avatar charged an assault again.
The summoner casted a fire spell to assist his partner, and then scanned through the flames, looking for the figure of the boy. "Where is he…?"
A sudden, sharp pain burst from his jaw. Shion hadn't given Ame even the time to look down at him and realize that the boy had jumped in front of him to strike with an uppercut.
- What…?! - Ame fell on his back, and had barely the time to look at Shion, before the elvaan charged him again, without even waiting for him to stand up. The hume's chest was hit by a sequence of rapid fists that pushed him even more backwards.
There is no doubt… Compared to the last time this boy has become much stronger!
Ame made a back-flip and stood up, taking a defensive stance with his staff just in time to parry the kinkobo of his fierce opponent.
Mother! To save my mother!
- I can't… lose… - Ame pushed Shion backwards with all the strength he had in his adult body, staggering him. - …against people who have nothing to protect!!!
Ifrit reached the kid from behind and hit him violently at his back, and Shion was slammed against the wall of the house in the front.
Ame felt only then that something warm and salted was coming down a corner of his mouth. He raised one hand and wiped the blood off his face, looking at the red patch on the glove. - Tsk…
He jumped down, and walked up to Ifrit, that was still keeping Shion pinned against the wall. The kid was slightly wounded too, with a trickle of blood running down the side of his face. His eyes though were as alive as ever.
Ame arrived next to Ifrit, and the beast let Shion go. The young elvaan slided down slowly, without a lament.
The hume glared down at him. - What do you have? Who do you fight for? For what did you manage to become so strong!?
- I don't understand anything of that crap! - Shion stood up, and charged him again with the staff that he had never let go during the whole assault of the astral beast.
Ifrit moved a swing to counter the kid, but he dodged it, and reached Ame. The summoner parried his attack with his own fire staff, clenching teeth.
- Who do I fight for? - Shion looked in Ame's eyes from that close distance, and the summoner thought he had never seen so much fire in anyone's glare before. No, it wasn't just flames… The boy's eyes had the Sun in them. - I FIGHT FOR MYSELF, OF COURSE!!
Is that it…?
Ame's eyes widened in surprise, and his grip on the staff loosened, but he didn't even notice.
Just for that?
He fell on his back again, and he saw Ifrit disappearing in a swirl of fire. Sayu and Masaki's voices reached his ears.
- Ame!
- Lord Ame!!
That 'something' that I perceived and lack!
Freedom, self-confidence, ego…
…It's only this that makes them so strong…!
The absolute power.
The fire of pride…
The strength to stand up and reborn from your ashes…
…Just like the Phoenix.
Ame slowly stood up, panting. His cold icy eyes were firm on the boy, no, the young man in front of him, and they were burning as they never had before.
- Lord Ame!
- Stay away! - Ame didn't turn to Sayu, but his open hand towards her was enough of a warning. The mithra stopped her run, looking at him warily. - I'm his opponent.
Shion watched him standing up without a word. He didn't seem to be feeling any fear nor amusement at that moment, and yet Ame couldn't really call his expression 'emotionless'. What he seemed to be perceiving from the elvaan was mainly genuine curiosity.
- That last blow you've hit me with was the sixth, right…? - Asked the summoner, touching his shoulder slightly. - I will return you twice that amount!!
Shion nodded, taking a guarding stance. - This is how it's done!
******************************************************
- You will regret this, shrimp!
- I was gonna say that!!
The young lord and the little monk started to fight again, this time with even greater passion. Shukukiri had been listening to the whole fight intently, with an amused smile on her old and slightly wrinkly face. Next to her was her automaton, looking down at the commotion… her silent eye.
- Hee hee! - She giggled lively. - They sure sound like they are having fun.
She put one hand in the large left sleeve of her yukata, and pulled out a black animator from it slowly. - And since this is a party, we must make it even more amusing than now.
She moved the animator in front of herself, in a few small yet firm maneuvers. - What would you say if I lend you a hand… Hikari?
To you, with love.
***********************************************
- Why won't you stop looking away from me, huh!? - Lamia attacked Kenjii with a shoulder tackle, but the hume dodged it easily. She wasn't a threatening foe, and the midlander knew it. All he was doing was keeping her busy while keeping an eye on Shion.
Kenjii was actually impressed by how well the boy had managed to handle the summoner and his avatar. Maybe Ame wasn't that big of a threat after all? Or perhaps Shion had really become stronger…? The words he had told Hikari that night in his room were still clear in Kenjii's memory. That kid sure was full of surprises.
One day, he may even become an hero…
- Ugh! - He recovered his attention just in time to parry a kick of the girl that was aiming at his face. - Stop bugging me, brat!
- Never! - Lamia changed stance. - Now prepare for my Thousand Fists Of Fu… Hey!!
Kenjii noticed that the girl was suddenly looking past him, with a confused look. - If you think you can trick me so easily…
But the girl wasn't bluffing. A loud rustle reached Kenjii's ears, and he turned around in surprise, watching the mechanic bird stand up in a chorus of squeaks and clanging noises and turn to its target with great speed.
Kenjii had barely the time to shout a warning. - SHION!! BEHIND YOU!
- Eh? - Shion and Ame turned to look up at the noisy creature. - What the…?
The Roc puppet opened a wing and hit them with a side swept, causing both the summoner and the kid to fall backwards, against some rubble.
- Shion!!
- Lord Ame!! - Sayu Meloh tried to approach her lord, but Hikari stopped her with one arm.
Shion sat up, feeling a bit dizzy. He looked at Ame, who was still holding his injured forehead with one hand. - Hey…
The summoner ignored him, and looked back up at the bird. - Here it comes!
The machine's attack was too fast and unexpected to be dodged by the two already strained fighters. He would've hit them, maybe fatally, if Kage hadn't jumped in between parrying its huge beak with his spear.
Ame and Shion looked at the back of the samurai, in surprise. The kid coughed. - Kage…!?
- Move, hurry! - Yelled Kage, looking at the two over his shoulder. - I won't resist much longer!
The summoner looked to the left, spotting an incoming attack. - The wing!!
- Eh? - The black-haired elvaan looked at the incoming arm in surprise, undecided on what to do to parry it without letting the head go. But there wasn't enough time to think, he was going to get hit…!
- ! - He gasped seeing the metallic limb falling to the ground, cut by the quick blade of Masaki who had ran next to him. He winced in embarrassment. - Sorry… I'll repay for that.
- No need to do that. - Masaki nodded to Ame and then back to his old friend. - This is only a momentary truce.
Lamia pouted, leaning against Kenjii with one shoulder, her arms crossed in disappointment. - And here I thought I had defeated that thing!
- Don't treat me like a wall! -.-
- Kenjii! Are you okay? - Hikari and the mithra walked up to the ninja and Ame's sister, and the ninja nodded, albeit motioning irritatedly at the young girl.
Sayu looked up at the Roc, that was still being holded by the two older elvaans. - A puppet…!? This must be Shukukiri's work…!
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - So that woman is with you! You sent her against us, didn't you?
- No…! I mean… I don't know…. - The alchemist looked down, confused. - Lord Kuro Kaminari had specifically ordered his son to take care of your group, but…
Lamia crossed her arms behind her head. - Maybe daddy got sick of waiting… He scolded Ame because he said he was taking too long to get rid of these guys.
- Stop talking as if we were the nuisance, here. -.- - Growled Kenjii, glaring at the girl.
- I understand, Lady Lamia, but… To send Shukukiri seems so hazardous even for your Father.
The white mage frowned, looking at Sayu. - What do you mean?
She looked around, cautiously. - Shukukiri is not exactly our most loyal member… She has betrayed our clan several times. Last I knew, she was in our prisons… I really don't know why would our Lord wish to use her services.
- What has she done, if I might ask? - Asked Kenjii, shaking his head.
Sayu looked away from him, intimidated. - She… She tried to take Lord Ame's life. She wanted to take his place as the Chosen One.
- The Chosen One…?
- SHUKUKIRI!
The four turned to look back at the monster and the four men dealing with it. Ame had stood up and was now looking around the street, calling out loud.
- I know this is your doing! Come out at once, this is an ORDER! - The summoner's voice was a mad, deep growl. His voice roared throughout the district with the strength of a thunder.
- Hee hee hee hee! - The hissing, creepy voice of the old tarutaru woman echoed back in reply, coming from nowhere and yet from every direction. - Lord Ame, what a surprise! How is My Lord doing today?
The young blond hume slapped the air sideways, in an angry gesture. - Stop making fun of me! Why did you attack us!?
- Ooh? But my attack wasn't directed at you…! I am barely following the orders of your father, Chosen One. - Shukukiri giggled again from her unknown hiding place. - I didn't mean to hurt you, My Lord… But you will forgive this blind old woman for not seeing you in the battlefield! Hee hee hee hee!
- My father sent you here!? This is nonsense!
- Less nonsense than you may think. You, My Lord, weren't even in charge to come here today. In fact, I think that you shouldn't be here either~
Ame clenched his fists, stopping and looking at the monster that was still attacking the elvaans. - Kenjii's group is MY enemy, Shukukiri! You STAY AWAY from this!
The woman's voice grew louder. - I am afraid that I'll have to decline, My Lord. What better chance to get rid of Kuro Kaminari's enemy and the Chosen Summoner of Phoenix at the same time?
What did she just say…!?
**********************************************
Shion looked up at Ame, eyes widened in disbelief. - Chosen Summoner of… Phoenix?
- … - The hume glared at him for an instant. - Mind your own business…
- Wait! - The monk walked up to him, forcing him to turn around to face him with one arm. - So you are the one that will summon Phoenix!? And control it to destroy Aht Urhgan!?
- Let me go. - Ame pushed him away angrily. - Nobody allowed you to give me such confidence. We are enemies.
Shukukiri's voice echoed in the street again. - Awww, don't give up on such a potential friendship, you two… After all, to be young means to keep open the porthole of Hope, even when the sea is raging and the sky got tired of being blue.
- Shut up, you dissected mummy! - Yelled Ame, turning around.
- Hmph, after all you will no longer be at this world soon, and I will become the true master of the Phoenix! Why to fight the astral forces to control a goddess when you can just turn it into a puppet and manipulate it at wish with a short movement of your fingers?
- Just wait for me to report this to my father, Shukukiri. YOU WILL DIE THIS TIME!
- Assuming that you can get away from here with your own legs… Hee hee hee! - Shukukiri laughed harder, and Shion shivered at that sound. He had never heard an old person laughing so much. - I already have an idea about my report. I found Kenjii's group in town, fighting Lord Ame who had come all the way here without a warning to retrieve his sister on the loose. Sadly, it was too late for me to save Kuro Kaminari's son and his party~
- You bitch… - Hissed Ame, and then turned around at the sound of the two elvaans screaming. Masaki and Kage were pushed back by the gigantic puppet, falling one on each other.
Hikari and Sayu ran up to the two, making sure they weren't too hurt. - Kage!
- Masaki!
- Ouch! - The black-haired man was holding his head, in pain. - Our attack didn't make it even flinch!
- It's useless to seize a wing or two! - Said Kenjii, looking up at the machine. - We must destroy it with a single strike, or this is never gonna end!
- LORD AME!! - The summoner watched the mithra running to him, in shock, and jump above him to parry an unexpected assault from the Roc, who had charged Ame right after getting rid of the elvaans. The metallic beak of the creature hit the mithra on the back, throwing her far away past the group.
- NO!!!
- Miss Sayu! - Called Hikari, approaching the alchemist's unconscious body.
Ame ran up to them too, and lifted Sayu up, holding her behind her shoulders. He looked at her face full of scratches and blood, and his eyes narrowed in rage.
He looked at Hikari, and the two blond men nodded to each other. - Take care of her for me, please.
The summoner passed Sayu to Hikari, stood up and then walked up with a determined and quick pace. He stopped next to the monk, his eyes firm on the artificial monster.
- Shion! Would you be able to stop that puppet's movements?
- Eh? - The kid frowned, but didn't seem afraid.
- If we gain time, I could be able to summon the full power of my avatar's Astral Flow. There is no other way to defeat it. - Ame picked up his staff and stabbed it in the ground in front of himself. - Block his movements, even just for one instant, and I will be able to destroy it in one shot!
The boy looked at the Roc and then at him a couple times before nodding with a thumb up. - All right! I'll take care of it!
- And Shion… - Ame looked away from him, and closed his eyes in concentration, preparing his summoning. - Don't hurt yourself too much.
- Pfft, just make sure you don't miss it, okay?
- SHUT UP AND MOVE!! -.-
Kenjii facepalmed. - Do those two realize that they are enemies…?
- You know, it's the same thing for you two, too… - Pointed out Kage, nodding to Lamia who was still clinging to the ninja's arm.
- Shut up and die, Kage.
- I want to participate tooooooooo!
- Then leave me alone and go, brat! -.-
The samurai shook his head, watching the scene. - Don't worry, lil girl. Just leave it to your brother.
***********************************************
Awaken…
Sleeping bodies of the Astral Reign…
I pray you…
This is a call.
**********************************************
- Oh my! It looks like you have less friends than expected, yet more than you knew… - Shikukiri shook her head, as Ame called forth the avatar of the proud Ifrit to his side once again. - Well, I hope you appreciated the entertainment. It's a pity to lose such an elaborated puppet, but hopefully the one I choose to claim for my collection will be just as amusing.
She moved her left hand slightly, and the automaton next to her started to cast a teleport spell on her.
- Enjoy yourself as much as you can, Hikari! - She said softly, smiling mischievously. - The more precious things you have… the more pain you will feel to see them destroyed by your own hands.
*************************************************
Ame finished his incantation, and opened his eyes. He grabbed his staff tightly, pulling it out of the ground, and pointed it towards the Roc. - UNLEASH YOUR ASTRAL FLOW, IFRIT! SHION, DODGE THE ATTACK!
- Ame!? - The boy turned around and yelped at the sight of Ifrit rushing past him, enveloped in flames. He ran away past the summoner, towards the others who had found repair behind some big blocks of rubble.
- INFERNO!!
*****************************************************
- You know… I hate having to rely on others. - Kuro Kaminari looked away from the big wall in front of him, displaying the figure of an ethereal bird with a long, luxuriant tail of feathers.
It was carved in the stone of the ritual room he was at, and part of the carves were filled of a shining red light. Several parts of the picture though were still dark and cold, lacking energy… There were still many sacrifices to be made.
- Watching people expecting too much without realizing their powerlessness… I lose my sense of humor and get nervous.
- Not to be rude, Lord Kaminari… - The mithran sorceress approached him slowly, blowing out the smoke of her long wooden pipe. - But there aren't many people that have the chance to destroy a whole continent, like you.
The leader of the Snowstorm clan looked at her. - Aahhh… Are you maybe flattering me, Morugana?
- Of course. - She replied, running one hand through her long, wavy blond hair. - But I think there's something that might please you even more, My Lord.
- What is it?
- The midlander… - Morugana walked up the wall of Phoenix and touched the carvings. Instantly, the red glowing light along the picture's veins started to flow toward the woman's hand, attracted from it. She retracted her hand one second before the light would touch her fingers, and watched the light slowly run back to its place in the carvings. - He has a whisper with him.
Kuro Kaminari frowned. - A whisper…?
- I'm not going to annoy you with our tedious summoners talk… - Giggled the mithra. - All you need to know is that we should take it from him, and thus posses the power of Fenrir, the mighty guardian of the Moon.
- Fenrir, you say… - The general walked slowly to his chair, one hand on his chin. - The Great Beast said to have vanquished the hordes of the Dark Lord in the Middle Lands many years ago?
- That's right. A power like that would speed up the revivification process, I believe. In the hands of a great summoner, it could collect the sacrificial blood of a whole town much faster than any Tengu army.
- And how would you take it from him? We haven't even been able to retrieve the holy Feather so far. - Commented the man.
- I have my tricks. In fact, I have sent someone after them already… - Said Morugana, sitting playfully on the general's legs.
He glared at her. - You mean Shukukiri?
- Oh! How do you know already?
- A traitor can't escape my prisons and expect me to not know. - Was Kuro's reply. - I know she is after Phoenix herself. I will not allow her to turn my weapon into a puppet of hers.
- Of course we won't. - The mithra smiled maliciously, running a finger under the man's chin. - Don't worry about the old doll-maniac… I will dispose of her soon as she even tries to keep the Feather for herself. Besides, I think she fell in love for a new toy right now. That white mage…
Kuro Kaminari grabbed the woman's wrist, blocking her hand. - Do not disappoint me too, Morugana.
- I will not~ - The blond summoner inhaled from her pipe and slowly blown the smoke on his face, before standing up. - The real question is…. Who will keep the puppy? Me, or your lovely son…?
- Hmph, Ame is just a tool in all of this. - Was the general's reply. - Finders keepers. You can have your new avatar, if you wish. But remember that Ame must not die. He is an important element for the resurrection.
- Everything you wish, my beloved Lord~
*********************************************************
Shion coughed again, walking out of his hiding place with his friends. - Did we make it…?
The dust settled down to show nothing but a burned expanse, no sight of the Roc puppet, nor of its remains.
- Looks like it. - Replied Kage, fixing his headband and looking towards Ame.
The summoner was standing up, as he had fallen on his knees because of the burst of energy coming from his powerful attack. Using his staff as a support, he looked at Masaki, who was next to him with Sayu in his arms. Even the young Lamia had reached his brother, concerned about his conditions.
Ame nodded to the three, and they turned to leave in silence without even looking at Kenjii's party.
- Ame! - Called Shion, with a slightly concerned tone.
The summoner stopped. - Please allow us to retreat. Our fight has been quite disturbed. - He said, looking at the kid over his shoulder. - Also, I think I should apologize for one thing.
He turned around and his eyes met Kenjii's. The midlander had the impression to see sadness in those of the summoner, but also great pride.
- I had doubts about the path I have chosen… and I think it was a discourtesy in your regards to challenge you despite such hesitations. - Explained the blond. - But something precious is preventing me to distinguish good from evil. Next time I'll defeat you, risking all for all.
He then looked at Shion. - For myself.
The boy blinked in surprise, but then the confusion on his face subsided to a confident grin. - Pshhh… What about your 'I'll return double that amount', huh? You're still not even close!
- Put it on my tab. - Replied the summoner. - I'll pay it all back. And one more thing… Take care with Shukukiri. She is not an ordinary puppetmaster… She can…
- Kenjii~! I had lots of fun today!! - Interrupted him Lamia, jumping on place overjoyed. - I'll be back, so we can play together again!
- I don't have any fun playing with you, brat! - The midlander's eye twitched. - Don't you dare to show your face again!
Kage laughed heartedly, looking at Masaki. - Bring me a souvenir from the Snowstorm next time, okay?
- Look who's talking. You haven't even offered me some sake…!
Sayu, still in Masaki's arms, nodded gently to Hikari. - Thank you for tending to my wounds… Please be safe.
- You too. - Replied the white mage with a warm smile, watching the party warping away.
**************************************
- Ha ha ha ha! Did they really tell us 'be safe'? - Shion stretched, with an amused grin on his face.
Kage nodded slightly, with about the same expression. - They sure are difficult enemies to fight with.
- They are probably nothing but pawns, manipulated by the true mind of this plan… Kuro Kaminari. - Kenjii looked around the devastated district, where common people had just started to come out. - He is our true enemy. Either way, we should leave this town as soon as possible.
- Yeah, before some other piece of rubble tries to kill us..
- Oho, is that a pessimistic comment?
- I'm not pessimistic, softie. But I firmly believe in the total depravity of inanimate objects…. The elusiveness of soap, the knottiness of laces, the transient nature of buttons, the tendency of clothes to twist and of hooks to leave their eyelets…. - Kage looked around, realizing he was alone. - Hey are you listenin…!?
- Kweh! - StarSapphire was next to him, looking up with curiosity.
- Welcome back from wherever you've been hiding… -.-
Kenjii, Hikari and Shion were already walking towards the inn, quietly. They could feel the oppressing looks of the citizens accompanying them on the way.
- You've improved a lot.
Shion's mouth opened in surprise when he realized that those words hadn't come from Hikari, but the ninja next to him. He turned to look at him. - Eh?
Kenjii looked away. - I'm just saying that you're getting better with that thing. Hopefully I'm done getting hurt for you.
- I'm sorry…
- Don't be. I didn't do it for you.
The kid frowned. - What do you mean…? You covered me…
- It's hard to explain… - Kenjii shook his head. In his mind, the memories of all those people that he had seen dying to protect him and the others were flashing at great speed, almost making him feel sick. - I was just… following the shadow of a nightmare that haunts me.
- You're using difficult words again!
- Bah, I forget that you're stupid sometimes. - Kenjii pushed Shion away with one hand, almost playfully. - What I'm trying to say is that I'll never sacrifice myself for someone.
- Why not?
- Because I know the pain of the survivor.
- Always so cryptic… eh, Hikari? Hikari? - Shion looked at the white mage, frowning. - What's wrong? You're so quiet…
- It's nothing. Sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry… Maybe I'm just a little tired. ^^; - Replied the hume, shaking his head frantically.
Kenjii looked at him for a few seconds, and then back to the front of the road.
Shukukiri… Who is she, truly?
Special Theme for Chapter 12: Ame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=097cwlSGeNo
Kage opened the door and walked in, still rubbing his hair with the towel. - I'm here.
- Welcome back. - Hikari looked up from his book, and an inquisitive frown formed on his face. - Where's Shion?
- Hmmm? - The samurai placed the towel on his shoulders and looked around. - He wasn't in the bathroom with me. I thought he was already here sleeping.
- I see… - The white mage looked towards the window, lost in thought.
The storm outside was still roaring, and Kage sighed slightly in relief, thanking that the Inn they had found had a stable and a shelter to put the cart in.
He watched Hikari standing up. - You're going to find him?
- I don't need to, he's probably in Kenjii's room again… But I want to go check on him to see if he's okay.
- Tsk, - Kage shook his head and walked to his bed, sitting on it. - We should lock his room, people injured like that shouldn't be disturbed every five minutes.
- You are right.. But I think Shion feels guilty. - Said Hikari, turning to him. - If Kenjii hadn't shielded him against that assassin today… I don't know what could've happened to that boy. He's a skilled fighter, but his recklessness often gets him to reveal his weak sides in battle.
Kage nodded. - I think I should teach him the Seigan stance one of these days. Not sure how a monk can handle it, but it's better than having that dandy ninja cover him every two minutes, especially when he has no shadow images protecting him.
- Today's fight was a close one for Kenjii. Kuro Kaminari is sending more serious assassins lately, it seems… Or I wonder if it was Ame…
- Who knows. - The samurai laid down on his back, crossing arms behind his head. - Either way we have been extremely lucky to reach this town and find a free Inn at this late hour. If we had to camp outside with Kenjii injured like that, and this damn storm, I don't know what would've been of us. Bring Shion here, and if Kenjii has regained consciousness cast Repose on him and force him down.
Hikari nodded and opened the door to go out. - Sleep well, Kage.
- 'Night.
******************************************
Another lighting shun in the night. Shion always liked lightnings… He remembered that when he was a kid, he would often go out to the dock in Al Zahbi to watch them fall on the ocean in the distance, as if they were trying to fight the water itself, like magical spears coming from the sky.
But that night he didn't even turn to look at the window. His eyes were firm on Kenjii, sleeping in his bed. He was turned towards the window, lying on his left shoulder and giving his back to Shion. The very same position Hikari and Kage had laid him on. Shion had spent a long time in the room now, waiting for the hume to move even one bit.
But Kenjii hadn't moved at all. His breathing was regular and relaxed, and he seemed in deep sleep. Shion was wondering what face could he have right then, but he didn't want to risk hurting him to check. For some reason, he always liked watching the ninja sleep. The expression he had during his rest was so different… So peaceful it would make him feel tranquil as well just by looking at it.
And yet this time, Shion was horribly afraid that if he had seen Kenjii's face, the expression on it would've been of anger and pain.
'I'm sick of having to protect you every time you put yourself in trouble, stupid shrimp!'
Those were the hume's last words before passing out because of the fatigue.
It was all his fault…
- As I thought, you are here…
Shion hadn't realized the door behind him had opened, but didn't turn around to look at Hikari. He kept sitting there, cross-legged on the floor.
- I think that Kenjii will not wake up until next morning. - Continued the white mage after hearing no answer from the boy. - How about something to eat, Shion?
- No.. I don't want to. - Muttered the elvaan, clenching his fists on his legs. - I'll stay here.
- Shion… - Hikari sighed softly and walked up to Kenjii's bed, sitting next to the red-haired boy and looking at him. - What's bothering you…?
- I… do nothing but get help from Kenjii. - Said Shion softly, looking down at his hands. - Instead, I… I can't do anything for him.
- Well… if you want to do something for someone… - Replied the white mage after a minute of thought. - I think that the first thing you should do is meeting that person's expectations.
Shion looked at Hikari with a questioning frown, surprised and confused.
- For example, if there is someone that has faith in me… I try and defend myself with all my strength. - Hikari tilted his head slightly, trying to explain as best as he could. - And, if I have faith in that person, too… I wouldn't allow myself to be fooled in front of them.
- But Kenjii doesn't have faith in me… - Shion shook his head, grimacing at the pain of his own words. - He said he doesn't want to protect me…
- It's not that, Shion. You can feel it, right? Kenjii has lost many people in his life. People he couldn't protect. - The white mage placed an hand on Shion's shoulder. - Maybe what he really meant is that he wants someone… that he doesn't have to protect. If he just didn't want you around, Shion… Why did he cover you today?
- … - Shion looked back at Kenjii, as if expecting an answer from him.
- Friendship is a precious caress nobody can do without, and Kenjii knows it too. Because when you are in pain and there are friends who will share it, your mind can overcome much suffering. - Hikari smiled warmly at the boy when he looked at him again. - So what we need to do is to make sure we don't disappoint him… and have so much strength to make him proud.
For myself… At least in front of them…
- You're right. - Shion clapped his hands to the face a couple times, a trick he had learned to prevent tears from falling, and stood up. - I'll become stronger!
I will not die and look shameful to Kenjii.
****************************************
- Hmmm? - Hikari looked up as the kid ran to the door.
- I'm hungry! Going to ask if we can use the inn's kitchen!!
"He brightened up all of a sudden…!" Hikari chuckled slightly hearing Shion's steps down the stairs, and stood up slowly.
He looked at Kenjii for a minute. He knew the hume was awake, he had been since the moment Hikari had walked in the room. The white mage wasn't too surprised that Kenjii had decided to pretend to be sleeping rather than embarrass Shion by letting him know he had heard his cries.
Yet, he hadn't expected that the hume would still pretend to be sleeping even in front of him alone.
- You are the only person able to demoralize Shion so much.
Kenjii still didn't move, but Hikari noticed that his breathing had slightly changed.
- Anyway, try and avoid demeanors that could cause old wounds to open again. - Continued the white mage, walking to the door and opening it, before turning to look at the bed one last time. - Because I don't want to see other people suffering.
***********************************************
(Meanwhile, at the Snowstorm Clan Headquarters…)
- What's wrong with you? I thought I told you to kill the midlander's group. - Kuro Kaminari sat on his throne at the end of the large conference room, crossing legs. - Can I know why are you letting yourself to be fooled by those four bugs? You've got a real nerve to come back here, Ame.
- … - The young summoner looked away from the bearded man, with an irritated frown. He had never liked to be scolded nor criticized, especially by a man who had even less merits than he had.
- And you think you can control the Fiery Bird? I can hardly recognize my blood in you, son. - The leader of the Snowstorm clan rested his head on the left hand, closed in a fist, the elbow placed on the arm of the throne. - Stop wasting my time and eliminate those people who are hindering us.
- When the Phoenix will be resurrected… Will Mother really come back to life? - Asked the summoner, turning his back to leave.
- What a mama's boy… She will, stop being such a nuisance. - His father waved his other hand annoyed, with a mocking tone. - She'll come back just like all the other people who have been sacrificed to the Goddess of Resurrection. Now, go.
Ame left the conference room, and started walking through the many corridors of the palace at a quick step, wishing to get out of that cursed place as soon as possible.
Four bugs… Well spoken!
Of course, if I got serious, it wouldn't be impossible to me to defeat those guys.
But when I fought them for the first time, I realized for the first time…
…That they are way different than me.
Does it mean that I am hesitating?
Me?
Yes, the truth is that I am aware… of the futility of this war.
Even if I defeat that mob, nothing would change.
This country will be swallowed in the nothingness…
…And according to my father's desires, Aht Urhgan will be with it.
But even so, Mother… I just want to save you.
- Ah! Lord Ame!
Kuro Kaminari's son awakened from his thoughts, and looked ahead at the brown-haired mithra running to him from the main hall. - What is it, Sayu?
The girl had a seriously worried look in her face, she was panting from all the running. - I can't find Lady Lamia!
- The usual… She's probably wandering around the castle. - Replied Ame, looking around with a slight sigh.
- Not this time. - Sayu shook her head frantically, swinging her pigtails. - I haven't seen her since yesterday in the evening. Even the maids have been helping me to find her, but…
- It looks like one of the coursers for long journeys is gone. - The two turned to look at Masaki, that was coming from the stables. - Lamia could've stolen it.
- So she went in a far away place, but where…? - Ame's eyes widened suddenly, as the answer came to his mind. - It can't be!! That foolish…!
- Eh? - His subordinates blinked in confusion, intimidated by his angered expression.
********************************************************
(A few days later)
Lamia looked down at the large city in the valley ahead, stretching and yawning loudly. - Ame will be mad… But I really can't stand to stay trapped in that gloomy palace. Plus, I love to play some trick to my brother every now and then!
She turned to look at the chocobo she had stolen from the clan's stables. The creature was looking at her with a wary look, as if it knew what was running through her head.
- You want me to tell you where we're going next? - She giggled, and caressed the bird with a wink, before mounting back up. She looked down the cliff the two were at. - To beat up all the bad guys! This way my brother will be happy!!
*********************************************
- Wow! There's so many shops here! - Shion looked at the busy street with an amazed look, excited and pumped to explore the new city.
- We haven't been in such a big city in a long time! - Agreed Kage, stretching his arms. - I'm glad we can finally chill around, now what Mr. 'If-Something-Can-Go-Bad-It-Will' is able to walk again.
Kenjii turned to look at the samurai over his shoulder. - Nobody asked you to stay at my bedside.
- Tsk, - Kage returned him a big grin. - You know why am I a good friend? Because I know you and yet I still love you. So why don't you stop keeping that cold mask of yours and accept that we'll get along eventually?
- I try to be optimist and think you're wrong.
Kage's eye twitched and then he crossed his arms, looking away. - … This is gonna be an horrible day, Hikari. This guy is getting worse. -.-
Kenjii imitated the elvaan's motion. - Everyday is an horrible day, so things can't get worse.
- See!?!
- Now, now… Don't fight… Let's enjoy this beautiful place for a change. ^^;
- Kenjii!! I want to eat those! - Shion pulled slightly the ninja's gi, while flailing an arm to point at a stand roasting some meat.
The hume didn't even look at it. - Forget it.
- But WHY!? You CATTY SHINOBI!!
- I'm not listening.
Hikari patted Shion's head, looking at Kenjii with an embarrassed smile. - Come on, why not please him? It's just some meat…
- One spoiled animal is enough. - Muttered the ninja in return, glaring at StarSapphire that was jumping slightly next to him, trying to reach the pocket where he kept his sushi.
- You're turning into the perfect housewife~
- Do you want to die, Kage? - Kenjii turned to glare at the samurai as usual, but Shion quickly stole his attention again, this time almost literally hanging by his left arm. - Shrimp! You're hurting my shoulder!
- Kenjii, PLEASE!
The hume looked down at him in irritation. - If I buy that food, will you take care of feeding our chocobos on my shift this week?
- Ehhh?? But I'm too young to accept such a great responsibility! - Shion's ears lowered in shame.
- Too young, eh? Then I guess you're too young to stay up as late as Kage and accompany him at the tavern every night.
- I'm old enough to go to sleep at two in the morning!
- You are contradicting!
- I'm not!
- Yes you are!
- Not it!
- Excuse me, young ones~
The group stopped talking, at the sound of the new thin, hoarse feminine voice that had called them.
They turned around to see the talking figure. It was a tarutaru woman with long, silver hair collected in a tight braid that was resting on both her shoulders like a loose collar. She was wearing a black yukata with silver flowers on the chest, and sitting behind a simple stand with a strange brand on the front, similar to a tribal sun. Her eyes were slightly opened, revealing two white, blind pupils.
- You are travelers, are you not? I, Shukukiri, will foretell you what you will find on the path to your destination. - She said softly, in a nearly hissing voice.
The four stared at her for a few seconds, before Kenjii turned to walk away.
- Sorry, I don't believe to fortunetellers. - Kage was turning to follow the ninja. - I suggest you find a better way to spend the few time left in you, granny.
- Skeptics, aren't we? Well, I'll tell you anyway. A shadow is lengthening over you. - The old woman grinned slightly. - Hee hee hee… Scary, isn't it? You live very close to Death, right? I can feel it…
The group turned to look at her again, a veil of shock and intimidation in the faces of Shion and Kage.
- Especially… you! - She extended a thin, wrinkly finger to point at Hikari, who jumped up slightly in surprise. - You deceive others with that hypocritical face, but your eyes are those of a traitor. You will betray your friends because of the terrible fault that cannot be served.
- WHO THE HELL ARE YOU, BITCH!? - Yelled Shion, slamming his hands on the woman's table. Several cards and gems fell to the floor. - ARE YOU LOOKING FOR TROUBLE!?
The woman sat back against her chair, and reached over an automaton with a red turban that was standing idle next to her. The machine moved only one arm, and picked one of the cards that had fallen at Hikari's feet, passing it to its master.
- You are free to not believe me, but… - The blind tarutaru lifted the card in front of the group, revealing the image a hume falling in a deep black chasm. - Sorrow is with you.
- WHAT THE…!? - Shion went to cuss out at the old woman again, but a sudden burst of screams echoed throughout the streets, followed by a loud crash.
- GYAAAH!
- WAAAH! A MONSTER!!!
- W-What's that…?! - Kage's voice died in his throat, when he saw the gigantic form of a bird entering the main square from a sideway, charging against a stand and destroying it.
Pieces of wood and dust were flying all around, people running away and screaming.
Kenjii clenched his teeth. - It's a Roc monster!
- I have never seen one running in town like this, though! Why do you think it's here?
- How the hell am I supposed to know!?
Hikari pointed at the beast. - Look, on its head!
On the forehead of the huge bird the white mage had seen a black tattoo, a tribal sun… The same tribal sun that…
He turned to look at the old tarutaru woman, but her stand was now empty. Both her and the automaton were nowhere to be seen.
Who was that woman…?
****************************************************
Kage jumped up as the demonic bird had turned its head to them and started running in their direction, slightly stumbling on the people running away.
- Don't tell me that thing is one of Kaminari's assassins, too!?
- I don't know, but the brand on its head is the same of that woman… - Kenjii glanced at Hikari for a moment. - She could be.
- We must do something! It's going to destroy the city!! - Shion grabbed his kinkobo, taking a fighting stance.
The samurai nodded and pulled out his spear, charging the Roc that was now but a few yalms away. - Don't get too cock-y!
He hit one of the monster's legs, that reflected the blade and pushed it back with a loud clanging noise.
Kage stepped back and withdrawn by the group. - What the fuck…!? Metal? This chick is kinda beefy!
- It must be an automaton. - Suggested Hikari, and his expression quickly shifted from anxiety to fear, at the sight of the bird hitting another building. - Move!! It's dangerous!
Shion and Kage looked up just in time to see the big rubble falling on them, and dodge it by jumping sideways.
- T-That was close…! - Shion placed one hand on his chest, trying to calm down. - Man I thought I was dead…
- Bet that gave you an hard on, eh kid?
- Your ability at shooting vulgarities is amazing -.-
- Kenjii! - Hikari caught the ninja's attention. - Do you think you have the strength to use the Mijin Gakure…?
The midlander nodded. - I was thinking about it. It may be our only chance to defeat it. - He turned to the boy. - Shion! Keep it busy!
- All right! - Shion lifted the kinkobo to his side and charged the machine with a scream. - I'll be your opponent, you stodgy chicken!!
A loud, strange chirp reached Shion's ears, and he looked down in surprise, watching StarSapphire passing him at a fast pace on a brave charge towards the enemy.
- Star, NO!
He tried to reach over the little chocobo, but she was too fast. StarSapphire arrived in front of the big metal Roc and chirped menacingly at it, fearless. The monster looked down at her and opened its sharp beak, ready to strike!
- STOP!!
The whole group looked up at the sound of the new voice, and stared in surprise at the thin, fast figure that had jumped from a roof to the machine's head, hitting it with an incredibly strong kick.
The bird-like automaton fell on its back, and shook violently for a few seconds, radiating electric discharges and then stopping.
Shion was reached by his friends. - Wh…
- What happened…? - Kage completed the kid's sentence.
StarSapphire was still staring at the machine with narrowed eyes, and then perked up, snorting proud of what she apparently thought she had done to the threatening foe. She then blinked in surprise when her unknown rescuer picked her up gently.
- That was a close one, eh sweety? - Said the hume girl, smiling warmly at the chocobo.
Kenjii and his companions were still stunned, glaring at the young hume girl in that showy purple suit, while she was playing with the chocobo, tickling her and giggling.
- Ooooh! You're soooo cute!
- It's a… a little girl…? - Stammered Kage, under his breath.
Hikari seemed just as confused. - Who is she…?
- She looks like a lamia, but has no tail! - Shion's eyes were big and widened in curiosity.
At his words, the girl looked away from StarSapphire, and let her go. - AH!! - She jumped up, pointing at them with her a stretched arm. - Midlander's group, FOUND IT!
- Eh? - Asked the group in a chorus.
The girl whirled on herself in a sort of introducing dance, and shook her head, making her garland jingle.
- I'm Lamia!! - She introduced herself, placing clenched fists on her hips. - And I came here to kick yours butts for my brother Ame!
The group stepped back, surprised.
- With 'brother' she means…
- It can't be.. ^^;
- …
- Ame's little sister is a LAMIA!? - Yelled Shion, pointing a finger at her. Kenjii slapped the kid's head in disgust.
Lamia raised her index finger with a wink. - That's right. So be good and die, 'kay?
****************************************************
Ame let out an irritated sigh, shaking his head at the sight of the poor chocobo tied to a tree. They had found it in a forest outside of the nearby town. - She left it here…
- I think she is around here, but… - Sayu looked around, one hand closed and almost touching her lips in anxiety. - It would probably be best to just follow the tracks of Kenjii's party, no?
The high summoner raised one hand to his temples, holding his forehead. - Look at this! She is putting us all in trouble!
- Oho, listen to this guy here! - Masaki approached Ame with an amused grin, and placed one hand on his shoulder. - The truth is you're worried about her, isn't that so, 'brother'~?
- Shut up! -.-
The hume moved aside to free himself, looking away with an embarrassed frown. - Stop acting like you're my big brother! What do you know about me?
- You're right, I don't have a brother, nor a sister. But I think I understand a little. - Masaki crossed his arms in his green hachiman armor, and looked up at the sky between the green leaves. - But I had Kage.
Ame turned to look at him in silence. Sayu was listening too, keeping her head down to the floor with a sad look on her face.
- He was always so bold and arrogant… but to me, he was nothing less than a gracious little brother. - The warrior shook his head, slightly embarrassed. - Every time I look at you, I remember about him.
- Sorry… I spoke out of turn. - Said the hume, lowering his gaze to Masaki's feet.
- Don't worry! - The elvaan let out a hearted laughter and approached him, ruffling his hair. He always knew that irritated the summoner. - Besides, Ame… What I feel for you is not pity. It is a decision I made.
The summoner looked up again, while trying to fix his hair back with his hands. - Decision?
- One year ago, I came here without any warning to save Sayu's sister. Your father and the whole clan wanted to kill me because they were afraid I'd reveal everyone your plans… And yet, you spared my life and took me with you. From that day I decided that I would devote my life to protect you. - Masaki placed both his hands on Ame's shoulder, with a proud smile. - So Ame, live your life however you wish. Whatever path you will choose, we will follow you always. Right Sayu?
- Mhm!^^
- Masaki… Sayu…
************************************************
- What…? By yourself?
- That's right! - Lamia's index finger was still pointing at the group. - So bring it on, attack me from whatever side you want!
Kenjii's party and the little girl stared at each other in a long, awkward silence. Kage had the impression of hearing crickets in the distance.
- From whatever side…?
Hikari looked at him. - What should we do?
Ame's sister placed both her hands on her hips, bending forward with narrowed eyes. - I have the impression you are underestimating me because I'm young! Fine, then I will bring it on!
She let out a loud warcry and charged them. Hikari and Shion quickly moved away, but Kage was slower, and managed to not get hit only thanks to his third eye that had opened barely in time. After moving aside, he stared in horror at the cracked wall the girl had hit in his stead.
- Ugh! A monk…! - The samurai turned to Shion with a panicked expression. - Shrimp, you take care of her! You have the same fighting styles, and she's of your size too!
- Why me!? - Shion yelped in terror, watching Lamia cracking her knuckles. - Hikari is the one good at handling kids, no!?
- If you want to put it that way, when it's about a woman I should subside to Kage, am I wrong?
- That one is not a woman!
- Gyaaah!! - Ame's sister boosted her strength, cracking the ground at her feet, and then charged Shion.
- W-Wait a minute!!!
- NOT IT! - She said with a grin, about to hit him. - Bad guys must die!
Shion crossed his forearms in front of his face, ready to guard the attack, but it never arrived. When he lowered his arms, he noticed in stupor that the girl has been stopped by Kenjii.
The ninja had quickly moved behind Lamia, grabbing her vest and lifting her from the ground like a kitten. - Arrest completed.
- What!? What!! - Lamia looked up at him, growling and flailing arms. - Put me down! You boiled fish-eyed punk! STUPID!!
Kenjii's eye twitched, glaring at Shion. - I have already heard that one before…
- Good job, Kenjii! - Kage was amazed at the speed at which the hume had stopped what he considered the worst threat they had ever faced.
Hikari nodded, clapping his hands enthusiastically. - You're getting pretty good with pets.
Shion looked at him. - What do you mean with 'pets'? -.-
- I've lost my patience with you, shinobi!! - Was screaming the villain. - I WILL NEVER FORGI–
- Want a steak? - Interrupted her Kenjii, handing her one of the meat steaks Shion had begged him for earlier.
- WOOT! - Lamia's girl shun brightly and she grabbed the food, immediately starting to chew on it.
Kage staggered to the ground. - Look at that…!
- He tamed her! ^^
- Why wouldn't he buy me one but to her…? :(
A familiar voice came from above, as a striking lightning. - That's enough!
The group looked around the desolated street, and then up to a roof, where three figures were standing.
- I see we meet again! - Said the one in the center. - I came to retrieve my sister.
- AME!!
- Why does he always enter the scene from upper floors? -.- - Asked Kage, still in the process of standing up.
- Listen well, Ame! - Shion pointed at Lamia, still eating next to Kenjii, who had given up on holding her. - Do not treat us as if we were some kidnappers! She came by herself! ALONE!
- Yeah, how the hell was she educated anyway!? - Kage's voice joined Shion's.
Hikari had something to say, too. - You should be careful, Lord Ame! She's just like a female version of Shion!
Sayu frowned with a worried look. - I have the impression we're not collecting their sympathy… ^^;
- Nothing to reply to them, Ame? - Asked Masaki, looking at the High Summoner. Ame's eyes were shadowed in anger.
Lamia looked up and waved her arm open. - Hihi, brother!!
- 'Hihi' my ass, you foolish little brat! - Growled back Ame, his face deep red.
- He had a more polite speech last time… - Commented the white mage to the group.
Kenjii glared at Lamia. - Sounds like someone made him mad.
- Hee hee… ^^; - The little girl finished her steak and looked at the group embarrassed.
- Hey, Ame!
The summoner looked down at the young monk, who was glaring at him with proud eyes.
- Don't tell me that once you have your sister back you're planning to go on the sly, eh? - Shion rotated his kinkobo and brought it behind himself in a fighting stance. - Let's finish what we have started last time!
- Hmph, why not? While we're at it… - Ame brought one hand behind his back, grabbing the fire staff he was carrying. - You think you can win on a four versus four match… when you had troubles fighting me alone?
- Weee! I'm fighting too! - Lamia jumped up and inadvertently attacked Kenjii with a rotating kick. - This is my revenge for earlier!!
The ninja parried the attack with one arm, but winced slightly in pain because of his recent wound. - I'm not here to take care of your weaning, you beast!
**********************************************
The two started fighting, and Hikari watched Kenjii worriedly. He was about to cast an Haste enchantment when he heard soft steps from behind.
He turned around to look at the mithra that was approaching him. - You…
Sayu Meloh bowed profusely. - I apologize for my shameful demeanor last time…
- I'm glad to see you again…! - Hikari imitated her, embarrassed.
The alchemist picked up the kamayari lance from her back slowly. - May I ask that you fight me again, Mr. Hikari? - She asked politely. - Now… I'm convinced that I can help that person only if I stay alive.
Hikari smiled warmly and nodded. - That's a wise choice.
*********************************************
- Awww, man… Hikari already got the girl… - Kage scratched his head with a loud sigh, watching the white mage dealing with Ame's alchemist.
A familiar voice reached his ears. - Guess I'll have to take care of this snotty brat, then.
Kage's eyes widened, and he looked back up at the roof Ame had come from. The sunlight was behind the talking figure, not allowing him to see its face, but the voice…
The man jumped down from the roof and faced him, unsheathing an Organics sword. It was a blond elvaan man in a green armor.
- Yo.
- Is this some joke…!? - Kage shook his head. - Masaki!?
The elvaan nodded, with a big grin. - I see you're still alive. Thought you'd be lost without me, Kage.
- Why!? Why are you turning up now!? I thought you were an hostage now…!
Masaki tilted his head. - Maybe I should introduce myself again. I am a direct subordinate of Lord Ame. Masaki, to friends.
He ran to Kage and attacked him with a fast swing, that the samurai dodged barely, still shocked at the unexpected turnout.
- Meh… This is how it is. - Masaki shrugged, with a soft smile. - I'm sorry, but I have no intentions to give up the way of life that I have chosen for me. Forgive me.
Wow, look at him! The expression on his face is… wonderful.
Kage let out a soft chuckle, that turned out in an hearted laughter after a few seconds. He shook his head and readied his spear.
- Same here, Masaki. - He said, grinning back at his old rival, and dear friend. - I see we're still in a perfect tune. Let's do this!
*************************************************
Ifrit threw another meteor strike, hitting the wall of a house and cracking it. Ame looked around nervously from his spot on a nearby roof.
- I'm here, Ame!! - Called him the monk.
Ame turned in his direction and Ifrit with him. - This little fox won't stop jumping left and right! - He moved one arm, and the avatar charged an assault again.
The summoner casted a fire spell to assist his partner, and then scanned through the flames, looking for the figure of the boy. "Where is he…?"
A sudden, sharp pain burst from his jaw. Shion hadn't given Ame even the time to look down at him and realize that the boy had jumped in front of him to strike with an uppercut.
- What…?! - Ame fell on his back, and had barely the time to look at Shion, before the elvaan charged him again, without even waiting for him to stand up. The hume's chest was hit by a sequence of rapid fists that pushed him even more backwards.
There is no doubt… Compared to the last time this boy has become much stronger!
Ame made a back-flip and stood up, taking a defensive stance with his staff just in time to parry the kinkobo of his fierce opponent.
Mother! To save my mother!
- I can't… lose… - Ame pushed Shion backwards with all the strength he had in his adult body, staggering him. - …against people who have nothing to protect!!!
Ifrit reached the kid from behind and hit him violently at his back, and Shion was slammed against the wall of the house in the front.
Ame felt only then that something warm and salted was coming down a corner of his mouth. He raised one hand and wiped the blood off his face, looking at the red patch on the glove. - Tsk…
He jumped down, and walked up to Ifrit, that was still keeping Shion pinned against the wall. The kid was slightly wounded too, with a trickle of blood running down the side of his face. His eyes though were as alive as ever.
Ame arrived next to Ifrit, and the beast let Shion go. The young elvaan slided down slowly, without a lament.
The hume glared down at him. - What do you have? Who do you fight for? For what did you manage to become so strong!?
- I don't understand anything of that crap! - Shion stood up, and charged him again with the staff that he had never let go during the whole assault of the astral beast.
Ifrit moved a swing to counter the kid, but he dodged it, and reached Ame. The summoner parried his attack with his own fire staff, clenching teeth.
- Who do I fight for? - Shion looked in Ame's eyes from that close distance, and the summoner thought he had never seen so much fire in anyone's glare before. No, it wasn't just flames… The boy's eyes had the Sun in them. - I FIGHT FOR MYSELF, OF COURSE!!
Is that it…?
Ame's eyes widened in surprise, and his grip on the staff loosened, but he didn't even notice.
Just for that?
He fell on his back again, and he saw Ifrit disappearing in a swirl of fire. Sayu and Masaki's voices reached his ears.
- Ame!
- Lord Ame!!
That 'something' that I perceived and lack!
Freedom, self-confidence, ego…
…It's only this that makes them so strong…!
The absolute power.
The fire of pride…
The strength to stand up and reborn from your ashes…
…Just like the Phoenix.
Ame slowly stood up, panting. His cold icy eyes were firm on the boy, no, the young man in front of him, and they were burning as they never had before.
- Lord Ame!
- Stay away! - Ame didn't turn to Sayu, but his open hand towards her was enough of a warning. The mithra stopped her run, looking at him warily. - I'm his opponent.
Shion watched him standing up without a word. He didn't seem to be feeling any fear nor amusement at that moment, and yet Ame couldn't really call his expression 'emotionless'. What he seemed to be perceiving from the elvaan was mainly genuine curiosity.
- That last blow you've hit me with was the sixth, right…? - Asked the summoner, touching his shoulder slightly. - I will return you twice that amount!!
Shion nodded, taking a guarding stance. - This is how it's done!
******************************************************
- You will regret this, shrimp!
- I was gonna say that!!
The young lord and the little monk started to fight again, this time with even greater passion. Shukukiri had been listening to the whole fight intently, with an amused smile on her old and slightly wrinkly face. Next to her was her automaton, looking down at the commotion… her silent eye.
- Hee hee! - She giggled lively. - They sure sound like they are having fun.
She put one hand in the large left sleeve of her yukata, and pulled out a black animator from it slowly. - And since this is a party, we must make it even more amusing than now.
She moved the animator in front of herself, in a few small yet firm maneuvers. - What would you say if I lend you a hand… Hikari?
To you, with love.
***********************************************
- Why won't you stop looking away from me, huh!? - Lamia attacked Kenjii with a shoulder tackle, but the hume dodged it easily. She wasn't a threatening foe, and the midlander knew it. All he was doing was keeping her busy while keeping an eye on Shion.
Kenjii was actually impressed by how well the boy had managed to handle the summoner and his avatar. Maybe Ame wasn't that big of a threat after all? Or perhaps Shion had really become stronger…? The words he had told Hikari that night in his room were still clear in Kenjii's memory. That kid sure was full of surprises.
One day, he may even become an hero…
- Ugh! - He recovered his attention just in time to parry a kick of the girl that was aiming at his face. - Stop bugging me, brat!
- Never! - Lamia changed stance. - Now prepare for my Thousand Fists Of Fu… Hey!!
Kenjii noticed that the girl was suddenly looking past him, with a confused look. - If you think you can trick me so easily…
But the girl wasn't bluffing. A loud rustle reached Kenjii's ears, and he turned around in surprise, watching the mechanic bird stand up in a chorus of squeaks and clanging noises and turn to its target with great speed.
Kenjii had barely the time to shout a warning. - SHION!! BEHIND YOU!
- Eh? - Shion and Ame turned to look up at the noisy creature. - What the…?
The Roc puppet opened a wing and hit them with a side swept, causing both the summoner and the kid to fall backwards, against some rubble.
- Shion!!
- Lord Ame!! - Sayu Meloh tried to approach her lord, but Hikari stopped her with one arm.
Shion sat up, feeling a bit dizzy. He looked at Ame, who was still holding his injured forehead with one hand. - Hey…
The summoner ignored him, and looked back up at the bird. - Here it comes!
The machine's attack was too fast and unexpected to be dodged by the two already strained fighters. He would've hit them, maybe fatally, if Kage hadn't jumped in between parrying its huge beak with his spear.
Ame and Shion looked at the back of the samurai, in surprise. The kid coughed. - Kage…!?
- Move, hurry! - Yelled Kage, looking at the two over his shoulder. - I won't resist much longer!
The summoner looked to the left, spotting an incoming attack. - The wing!!
- Eh? - The black-haired elvaan looked at the incoming arm in surprise, undecided on what to do to parry it without letting the head go. But there wasn't enough time to think, he was going to get hit…!
- ! - He gasped seeing the metallic limb falling to the ground, cut by the quick blade of Masaki who had ran next to him. He winced in embarrassment. - Sorry… I'll repay for that.
- No need to do that. - Masaki nodded to Ame and then back to his old friend. - This is only a momentary truce.
Lamia pouted, leaning against Kenjii with one shoulder, her arms crossed in disappointment. - And here I thought I had defeated that thing!
- Don't treat me like a wall! -.-
- Kenjii! Are you okay? - Hikari and the mithra walked up to the ninja and Ame's sister, and the ninja nodded, albeit motioning irritatedly at the young girl.
Sayu looked up at the Roc, that was still being holded by the two older elvaans. - A puppet…!? This must be Shukukiri's work…!
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - So that woman is with you! You sent her against us, didn't you?
- No…! I mean… I don't know…. - The alchemist looked down, confused. - Lord Kuro Kaminari had specifically ordered his son to take care of your group, but…
Lamia crossed her arms behind her head. - Maybe daddy got sick of waiting… He scolded Ame because he said he was taking too long to get rid of these guys.
- Stop talking as if we were the nuisance, here. -.- - Growled Kenjii, glaring at the girl.
- I understand, Lady Lamia, but… To send Shukukiri seems so hazardous even for your Father.
The white mage frowned, looking at Sayu. - What do you mean?
She looked around, cautiously. - Shukukiri is not exactly our most loyal member… She has betrayed our clan several times. Last I knew, she was in our prisons… I really don't know why would our Lord wish to use her services.
- What has she done, if I might ask? - Asked Kenjii, shaking his head.
Sayu looked away from him, intimidated. - She… She tried to take Lord Ame's life. She wanted to take his place as the Chosen One.
- The Chosen One…?
- SHUKUKIRI!
The four turned to look back at the monster and the four men dealing with it. Ame had stood up and was now looking around the street, calling out loud.
- I know this is your doing! Come out at once, this is an ORDER! - The summoner's voice was a mad, deep growl. His voice roared throughout the district with the strength of a thunder.
- Hee hee hee hee! - The hissing, creepy voice of the old tarutaru woman echoed back in reply, coming from nowhere and yet from every direction. - Lord Ame, what a surprise! How is My Lord doing today?
The young blond hume slapped the air sideways, in an angry gesture. - Stop making fun of me! Why did you attack us!?
- Ooh? But my attack wasn't directed at you…! I am barely following the orders of your father, Chosen One. - Shukukiri giggled again from her unknown hiding place. - I didn't mean to hurt you, My Lord… But you will forgive this blind old woman for not seeing you in the battlefield! Hee hee hee hee!
- My father sent you here!? This is nonsense!
- Less nonsense than you may think. You, My Lord, weren't even in charge to come here today. In fact, I think that you shouldn't be here either~
Ame clenched his fists, stopping and looking at the monster that was still attacking the elvaans. - Kenjii's group is MY enemy, Shukukiri! You STAY AWAY from this!
The woman's voice grew louder. - I am afraid that I'll have to decline, My Lord. What better chance to get rid of Kuro Kaminari's enemy and the Chosen Summoner of Phoenix at the same time?
What did she just say…!?
**********************************************
Shion looked up at Ame, eyes widened in disbelief. - Chosen Summoner of… Phoenix?
- … - The hume glared at him for an instant. - Mind your own business…
- Wait! - The monk walked up to him, forcing him to turn around to face him with one arm. - So you are the one that will summon Phoenix!? And control it to destroy Aht Urhgan!?
- Let me go. - Ame pushed him away angrily. - Nobody allowed you to give me such confidence. We are enemies.
Shukukiri's voice echoed in the street again. - Awww, don't give up on such a potential friendship, you two… After all, to be young means to keep open the porthole of Hope, even when the sea is raging and the sky got tired of being blue.
- Shut up, you dissected mummy! - Yelled Ame, turning around.
- Hmph, after all you will no longer be at this world soon, and I will become the true master of the Phoenix! Why to fight the astral forces to control a goddess when you can just turn it into a puppet and manipulate it at wish with a short movement of your fingers?
- Just wait for me to report this to my father, Shukukiri. YOU WILL DIE THIS TIME!
- Assuming that you can get away from here with your own legs… Hee hee hee! - Shukukiri laughed harder, and Shion shivered at that sound. He had never heard an old person laughing so much. - I already have an idea about my report. I found Kenjii's group in town, fighting Lord Ame who had come all the way here without a warning to retrieve his sister on the loose. Sadly, it was too late for me to save Kuro Kaminari's son and his party~
- You bitch… - Hissed Ame, and then turned around at the sound of the two elvaans screaming. Masaki and Kage were pushed back by the gigantic puppet, falling one on each other.
Hikari and Sayu ran up to the two, making sure they weren't too hurt. - Kage!
- Masaki!
- Ouch! - The black-haired man was holding his head, in pain. - Our attack didn't make it even flinch!
- It's useless to seize a wing or two! - Said Kenjii, looking up at the machine. - We must destroy it with a single strike, or this is never gonna end!
- LORD AME!! - The summoner watched the mithra running to him, in shock, and jump above him to parry an unexpected assault from the Roc, who had charged Ame right after getting rid of the elvaans. The metallic beak of the creature hit the mithra on the back, throwing her far away past the group.
- NO!!!
- Miss Sayu! - Called Hikari, approaching the alchemist's unconscious body.
Ame ran up to them too, and lifted Sayu up, holding her behind her shoulders. He looked at her face full of scratches and blood, and his eyes narrowed in rage.
He looked at Hikari, and the two blond men nodded to each other. - Take care of her for me, please.
The summoner passed Sayu to Hikari, stood up and then walked up with a determined and quick pace. He stopped next to the monk, his eyes firm on the artificial monster.
- Shion! Would you be able to stop that puppet's movements?
- Eh? - The kid frowned, but didn't seem afraid.
- If we gain time, I could be able to summon the full power of my avatar's Astral Flow. There is no other way to defeat it. - Ame picked up his staff and stabbed it in the ground in front of himself. - Block his movements, even just for one instant, and I will be able to destroy it in one shot!
The boy looked at the Roc and then at him a couple times before nodding with a thumb up. - All right! I'll take care of it!
- And Shion… - Ame looked away from him, and closed his eyes in concentration, preparing his summoning. - Don't hurt yourself too much.
- Pfft, just make sure you don't miss it, okay?
- SHUT UP AND MOVE!! -.-
Kenjii facepalmed. - Do those two realize that they are enemies…?
- You know, it's the same thing for you two, too… - Pointed out Kage, nodding to Lamia who was still clinging to the ninja's arm.
- Shut up and die, Kage.
- I want to participate tooooooooo!
- Then leave me alone and go, brat! -.-
The samurai shook his head, watching the scene. - Don't worry, lil girl. Just leave it to your brother.
***********************************************
Awaken…
Sleeping bodies of the Astral Reign…
I pray you…
This is a call.
**********************************************
- Oh my! It looks like you have less friends than expected, yet more than you knew… - Shikukiri shook her head, as Ame called forth the avatar of the proud Ifrit to his side once again. - Well, I hope you appreciated the entertainment. It's a pity to lose such an elaborated puppet, but hopefully the one I choose to claim for my collection will be just as amusing.
She moved her left hand slightly, and the automaton next to her started to cast a teleport spell on her.
- Enjoy yourself as much as you can, Hikari! - She said softly, smiling mischievously. - The more precious things you have… the more pain you will feel to see them destroyed by your own hands.
*************************************************
Ame finished his incantation, and opened his eyes. He grabbed his staff tightly, pulling it out of the ground, and pointed it towards the Roc. - UNLEASH YOUR ASTRAL FLOW, IFRIT! SHION, DODGE THE ATTACK!
- Ame!? - The boy turned around and yelped at the sight of Ifrit rushing past him, enveloped in flames. He ran away past the summoner, towards the others who had found repair behind some big blocks of rubble.
- INFERNO!!
*****************************************************
- You know… I hate having to rely on others. - Kuro Kaminari looked away from the big wall in front of him, displaying the figure of an ethereal bird with a long, luxuriant tail of feathers.
It was carved in the stone of the ritual room he was at, and part of the carves were filled of a shining red light. Several parts of the picture though were still dark and cold, lacking energy… There were still many sacrifices to be made.
- Watching people expecting too much without realizing their powerlessness… I lose my sense of humor and get nervous.
- Not to be rude, Lord Kaminari… - The mithran sorceress approached him slowly, blowing out the smoke of her long wooden pipe. - But there aren't many people that have the chance to destroy a whole continent, like you.
The leader of the Snowstorm clan looked at her. - Aahhh… Are you maybe flattering me, Morugana?
- Of course. - She replied, running one hand through her long, wavy blond hair. - But I think there's something that might please you even more, My Lord.
- What is it?
- The midlander… - Morugana walked up the wall of Phoenix and touched the carvings. Instantly, the red glowing light along the picture's veins started to flow toward the woman's hand, attracted from it. She retracted her hand one second before the light would touch her fingers, and watched the light slowly run back to its place in the carvings. - He has a whisper with him.
Kuro Kaminari frowned. - A whisper…?
- I'm not going to annoy you with our tedious summoners talk… - Giggled the mithra. - All you need to know is that we should take it from him, and thus posses the power of Fenrir, the mighty guardian of the Moon.
- Fenrir, you say… - The general walked slowly to his chair, one hand on his chin. - The Great Beast said to have vanquished the hordes of the Dark Lord in the Middle Lands many years ago?
- That's right. A power like that would speed up the revivification process, I believe. In the hands of a great summoner, it could collect the sacrificial blood of a whole town much faster than any Tengu army.
- And how would you take it from him? We haven't even been able to retrieve the holy Feather so far. - Commented the man.
- I have my tricks. In fact, I have sent someone after them already… - Said Morugana, sitting playfully on the general's legs.
He glared at her. - You mean Shukukiri?
- Oh! How do you know already?
- A traitor can't escape my prisons and expect me to not know. - Was Kuro's reply. - I know she is after Phoenix herself. I will not allow her to turn my weapon into a puppet of hers.
- Of course we won't. - The mithra smiled maliciously, running a finger under the man's chin. - Don't worry about the old doll-maniac… I will dispose of her soon as she even tries to keep the Feather for herself. Besides, I think she fell in love for a new toy right now. That white mage…
Kuro Kaminari grabbed the woman's wrist, blocking her hand. - Do not disappoint me too, Morugana.
- I will not~ - The blond summoner inhaled from her pipe and slowly blown the smoke on his face, before standing up. - The real question is…. Who will keep the puppy? Me, or your lovely son…?
- Hmph, Ame is just a tool in all of this. - Was the general's reply. - Finders keepers. You can have your new avatar, if you wish. But remember that Ame must not die. He is an important element for the resurrection.
- Everything you wish, my beloved Lord~
*********************************************************
Shion coughed again, walking out of his hiding place with his friends. - Did we make it…?
The dust settled down to show nothing but a burned expanse, no sight of the Roc puppet, nor of its remains.
- Looks like it. - Replied Kage, fixing his headband and looking towards Ame.
The summoner was standing up, as he had fallen on his knees because of the burst of energy coming from his powerful attack. Using his staff as a support, he looked at Masaki, who was next to him with Sayu in his arms. Even the young Lamia had reached his brother, concerned about his conditions.
Ame nodded to the three, and they turned to leave in silence without even looking at Kenjii's party.
- Ame! - Called Shion, with a slightly concerned tone.
The summoner stopped. - Please allow us to retreat. Our fight has been quite disturbed. - He said, looking at the kid over his shoulder. - Also, I think I should apologize for one thing.
He turned around and his eyes met Kenjii's. The midlander had the impression to see sadness in those of the summoner, but also great pride.
- I had doubts about the path I have chosen… and I think it was a discourtesy in your regards to challenge you despite such hesitations. - Explained the blond. - But something precious is preventing me to distinguish good from evil. Next time I'll defeat you, risking all for all.
He then looked at Shion. - For myself.
The boy blinked in surprise, but then the confusion on his face subsided to a confident grin. - Pshhh… What about your 'I'll return double that amount', huh? You're still not even close!
- Put it on my tab. - Replied the summoner. - I'll pay it all back. And one more thing… Take care with Shukukiri. She is not an ordinary puppetmaster… She can…
- Kenjii~! I had lots of fun today!! - Interrupted him Lamia, jumping on place overjoyed. - I'll be back, so we can play together again!
- I don't have any fun playing with you, brat! - The midlander's eye twitched. - Don't you dare to show your face again!
Kage laughed heartedly, looking at Masaki. - Bring me a souvenir from the Snowstorm next time, okay?
- Look who's talking. You haven't even offered me some sake…!
Sayu, still in Masaki's arms, nodded gently to Hikari. - Thank you for tending to my wounds… Please be safe.
- You too. - Replied the white mage with a warm smile, watching the party warping away.
**************************************
- Ha ha ha ha! Did they really tell us 'be safe'? - Shion stretched, with an amused grin on his face.
Kage nodded slightly, with about the same expression. - They sure are difficult enemies to fight with.
- They are probably nothing but pawns, manipulated by the true mind of this plan… Kuro Kaminari. - Kenjii looked around the devastated district, where common people had just started to come out. - He is our true enemy. Either way, we should leave this town as soon as possible.
- Yeah, before some other piece of rubble tries to kill us..
- Oho, is that a pessimistic comment?
- I'm not pessimistic, softie. But I firmly believe in the total depravity of inanimate objects…. The elusiveness of soap, the knottiness of laces, the transient nature of buttons, the tendency of clothes to twist and of hooks to leave their eyelets…. - Kage looked around, realizing he was alone. - Hey are you listenin…!?
- Kweh! - StarSapphire was next to him, looking up with curiosity.
- Welcome back from wherever you've been hiding… -.-
Kenjii, Hikari and Shion were already walking towards the inn, quietly. They could feel the oppressing looks of the citizens accompanying them on the way.
- You've improved a lot.
Shion's mouth opened in surprise when he realized that those words hadn't come from Hikari, but the ninja next to him. He turned to look at him. - Eh?
Kenjii looked away. - I'm just saying that you're getting better with that thing. Hopefully I'm done getting hurt for you.
- I'm sorry…
- Don't be. I didn't do it for you.
The kid frowned. - What do you mean…? You covered me…
- It's hard to explain… - Kenjii shook his head. In his mind, the memories of all those people that he had seen dying to protect him and the others were flashing at great speed, almost making him feel sick. - I was just… following the shadow of a nightmare that haunts me.
- You're using difficult words again!
- Bah, I forget that you're stupid sometimes. - Kenjii pushed Shion away with one hand, almost playfully. - What I'm trying to say is that I'll never sacrifice myself for someone.
- Why not?
- Because I know the pain of the survivor.
- Always so cryptic… eh, Hikari? Hikari? - Shion looked at the white mage, frowning. - What's wrong? You're so quiet…
- It's nothing. Sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry… Maybe I'm just a little tired. ^^; - Replied the hume, shaking his head frantically.
Kenjii looked at him for a few seconds, and then back to the front of the road.
Shukukiri… Who is she, truly?
Special Theme for Chapter 12: Ame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=097cwlSGeNo
last edited 752 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
Chapter 13: The Shadow of Betrayal
'No other kind of love has as much respect for the freedom of others as friendship, Hikari!'
'My mother always told me that marriage is an eternal fight against a monster that devours everything: the Habit… but Hikari, I am ready to fight it by your side. My answer is yes.'
'Son, the real Paradise lies in the first love kiss… or a good fishing day!'
'It's like you said, Professor Hikari! Every landscape can be a state of mind.'
'Always remember what your mother says, Hikari: Every day is one more day to love, one more day to dream, one more day to live.'
'My love, when Life gives you a thousand reasons to cry, show everyone that you have a thousand and one reasons to smile.'
'So please…'
'Look away from all this blood on my body…'
'And smile, forever.'
- Ah…! - Hikari awakened and sat up, panting. He was covered in sweat, and had to use all his self-control to hold the urge of screaming. The images of his dear ones dying in front of his eyes were still fresh in his mind.
A dream…! How many times has this happened now…?
He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes as the tension started to loosen in his muscles, and leaned with his back against the wagon's wheel behind him.
In that dream I… lose them continuously.
- Are you okay?
The white mage opened his eyes to look at Kenjii. He had completely forgotten that they were camping that night, and the ninja was on his shift for watch duty.
- Kenjii… It's nothing. I just didn't sleep well. - Said Hikari, nodding quietly, while looking at Kage and Shion asleep to the other side of the campfire. - I'll go take a walk.
Kenjii nodded and went back to reading the book Hikari had let him borrow for the night. - Be careful.
- I will.
Hikari walked inside the calm forest they had stopped in. The trees were dense and covered with lush branches, and the green moon of that night was reflecting its light on their leaves, giving the surrounding an ethereal atmosphere.
To think that up to this day… I've always acted like if nothing had happened…
The promise of eternal love that I couldn't keep…
The many lives that I allowed to be lost…
The happiness I couldn't save!
He shook his head, running one hand in his golden hair, and then took off his glasses. There was a little creek nearby, and Hikari approached it. He knelt down, and poured his hands in the water to bring it to his face.
He looked down at his blurred reflection. Had his eyes always been like this? No, he was sure that his expression had changed since that day. No matter how hard he would smile and always look cheerful, the grief of the past was still alive in his eyes. An incessant re-run of the deaths of his dear ones…
If only I could bring you all back to this world…
- You know, people that think too much are said to die early.
The white mage jumped up, spinning around to look at Kage. The elvaan was behind him, looking at the hume with a tired look.
- You… You scared me!
- I should be the one saying that! - Replied the samurai, stepping next to him and sitting down to look at the water. - It's inconceivable that I was able to catch you from behind so easily.
- … - Hikari sighed dejectedly and then sat back down next to his friend, looking at him with a little smile. - So what were you saying about thoughtful people dying early?
Kage shrugged. - It's an old saying that belonged to my clan. They would always tell me that I act without thinking, so I think I'm probably going to live a long life… like a cockroach!
- Ah ah ah! - Hikari shook his head. - And do you plan to be just as much prolific?
- Why are we talking about this now…?!
- Did I wake you up perhaps? When I left…?
- Well, more than that… - Kage looked away from him, back to the water. His expression was calm, almost over-relaxed. His voice didn't seem to betray any sort of real emotion. - … It was the desire to find out why do you have that face like a funeral, Hikari.
Hikari turned to look at him, but the elvaan didn't look back. He was there, staring tiredly at the water, in silence. The white mage lowered his head slightly, trying to sort his mind. To find the words…
- Can I ask you one question…?
- What is it?
Hikari looked away from him, up to the sky. - If you had the power to do so, would you bring back those who have died in your clan… at the cost of the lives of other people?
Kage was quiet, and let the white mage wait for a reply for a couple minutes. - I don't talk to people asking me questions like that.
- As I thought. - Hikari chuckled in nervous embarrassment.
Kage stood up, stretching. - Well, try to not think about it too much… If you won't die early, you may still lose your hair!
The hume imitated him, and crossed his arms with a sweatdrop. - Ah, that sure wouldn't be nice!
- I know, right? - Kage pointed at his forehead. - Kenjii hides it, but right here at the hairline…
His words died in his throat, as the noise of rustling bushes reached their ears. The two looked behind, from the way they came. It was not too long before an automaton in standard Harlequin features walked out of some bushes, stopping in front of them.
- HellO!
- W-What's this thing..? - Kage walked slightly backwards, in surprise. - Another one of those automatons?
The machine tilted its head in an almost cartoonish way, and then stopped on Hikari. - HellO, HikarI thE betrayER!
******************************************************
Kage looked at Hikari. The white mage's face was pale, his eyes widened in a shocked expression, unable to move away from the automaton.
He turned back to look at it, with a growl. - If you know his name… you must be that old granny again, eh? What do you want from him!?
- I am herE just tO opEN thE eyES of thIS young mAN, whilE hE still cAN. - Squeaked the machine, shifting on its metallic feet. - And allOW hIM tO awakE hIS truE naturE.
- My… true… nature? - Hikari tilted his head, perplexed. - What do you mean?
- YoU arE a traitOR, HikarI. YoU havE always beEn onE, and tonight, yoU will bE onE agaIN.
The white mage shook his head violently, his teeth clenched in anger. - Never! I would prefer to fool myself about my friends, rather than fooling them.
The soft laughter of the woman echoed through the automaton's speaker, with a distorted sound, almost like a dying animal. - YoUR friends? NO, HikarI. WhO yoU foOL everydAY IS nO onE bUT yourself!
Kage raised an eyebrow, placing his hands on his hips in an irritated stance. - What the fuck are you talking about? Fooling himself?
- Why dID yoU joIN thIS groUP IN theIR journEY, huME? - The machine stepped further, towards Hikari, and stopped about a yalm from him. - TO saVE thE peopLE OF Aht UrhgAN, and thE FAR East? Is thAT yoUR truE reasON?
Hikari blinked in confusion, visibly intimidated. - I…
- TherE IT IS. - Interrupted him Shukukiri's voice immediately. - ThAT loOK IN yoUR eyES… YoU thought IT agaIN.
'If the Phoenix will be revived, perhaps my dear ones will come back to life…'
The two gasped, and Kage turned to look at the hume. - What!?
- I didn't say it! - The white mage shook his head frantically, looking up at his friend.
- But that was your voice! I heard it coming from you…!
- I didn't even open my mouth! - Hikari looked back the machine. - It… It used my voice. I would never think about…
- YoU would nOT? - Asked the automaton.
The white mage fell quiet, looking down at his feet, trying to find an answer… the true answer in his heart. - What have you done to me…!? How could you use my voice…?
- ThE 'Doubt' IS AN amazing maneuvER. - The creaking laughter of the automaton resounded in the small clearing again. - IT wAS easy tO find yoUR triggER. YES, yoU will bE AN amazing puppET.
- A puppet…?
- Why dO yoU keEP fooling yourself, helping thesE peoplE to makE IT sO thAT yoUR family and friends will nevER comE back tO lifE? GivE mE thE feathER, and all yoUR griEF, yoUR paIN, will bE gonE.
- SHUT UP! - Kage hit the automaton with a powerful kick, that made the machine fly for a few yalms away, to then hit the ground with a loud thud. - Hikari, don't listen to her! She's trying to open a breach in your mind to control you!
The automaton shook briefly, and then slowly stood up. - Thank you. It seems your kick was able to fix my speaker.
- If you want something from me, why don't you come out and talk face to face? - Asked the white mage, clenching his fists.
- Hikari! - Kage grabbed his friend's arm, pulling him away from the machine. - This is not safe! Let's go back to the others before…!
- Not so fast.
An energy beam shun from the automaton, and hit the elvaan's chest with incredible violence. Kage fell to the ground with a groan.
- KAGE!!! - Hikari ran to the samurai, kneeling to grab his shoulders.
- Hee hee… That is my revenge. - Giggled Shukukiri's voice.
Kage winced, bringing one hand to his torso and looking at the blood spilling out of the wound. - What the…?
- Hikari! - The white mage looked up to see Kenjii and Shion coming out of the woods. - What happened!?
The white mage was visibly anxious. - Kage was…
- UGH!! - Before Hikari could even finish talking, Kage's body froze stiffened, and then started to shake in violent spasms.
Hikari stood up in fear, watching at his friend in horror. Kenjii and Shion walked next to him, looking down at the samurai.
- Eh…!? - Shion frowned. - W-What does this mean…!?
Kage brought his hands to his temples, in strong pain, and let out a terrifying scream that echoed throughout the forest. - Damnit! There's… There's something… Something's moving through my veins…!!
- What's wrong..!?
- Kage!
Hikari shook his head, trying to think straight in all that ensuing chaos. - Did she… inject something with that attack…!?
- It's just a chip.
The three turned around to look at the automaton, that had been watching at the whole scene for all that time.
- I grafted it into his body. It has the function to install astral wires throughout his veins and muscles.
- T-That automaton is…!? - Shion stared at the machine in disgust.
Hikari nodded, his face was pale and sweating. - It's Shukukiri's puppet.
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - Damnit…
- Come on! What are you waiting for? If you don't hurry your friend will become my newest puppet! - Squeaked the machine, opening its thin arms wide. - Or perhaps that's what you really want? After all, it looks like you could use some entertainment! Oh, maybe you should know that I grafted the chip right next to his heart!
- What's your plan, you evil witch…? - Growled the ninja.
- Hee hee hee hee! HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE! - The automaton shook violently, as if unable to hold the overwhelming energy of its master's furore. - This is so fun! So entertaining! Oh Hikari, if only you would already be mine, you would be feeling this pleasure, too! This is…
Kenjii didn't let the woman continue his hysterical talk, and assaulted the automaton with his katanas in both hands. The machine fell to the ground instantly, shattered in pieces.
*******************************************************
- Kenjii…!
So this is how it must be.
- That freak sure has some childish hobby. - Kenjii rotated his kunai in the right hand, and turned to look down at Kage. - Shion! Grab his arms and keep him still.
- Eh…? - The kid looked up at him, but immediately obeyed afraid by the angered expression on Kenjii's face. - Y…Yes!
- Are you satisfied, Shukukiri!? IS THIS WHAT YOU WERE AIMING FOR!? - Growled Kenjii, kneeling next to Kage, his kunai pointing down, ready to strike the samurai's chest.
Shion and Hikari gasped in shock, speaking in a chorus. - KENJII!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING…!?
The white mage ran up to Kenjii, grabbing his left shoulder. - Wait up, think about it! This is a very dangerous move! It's too close to his heart!
- Heal his wound soon as I pull the blade out, Hikari. - Kenjii shook his shoulder to get free. - Shion, hold him still with all your strength.
Shion grimaced, but didn't let Kage's arms go. - I can't believe you are serious…
- I never miss my target. - Kenjii's eyes were firm on the wound, and the grip on his weapon was tight. - If he dies, you will have to blame the weakness of his heart.
- The nerves with you..!! - Hissed Kage through his clenched teeth, his eyes almost closed in pain. - I will NOT die, you hear me!?
- Shut your trap, if you don't want to bite your tongue! - Kenjii struck the man's chest with his kunai as fast as he could.
The blade found its way through Kage's flesh immediately, sticking into the minuscule chip but an inch from the man's heart. At that feeling, Kenjii immediately retracted the weapon out of Kage's chest. - HIKARI!
The white mage did not need to be told twice, and immediately bent down on his friend, both his hands pressed on the samurai's chest. The white light of his magic shun bright into the wound, regening the flesh and skin in an instant.
Kenjii stood up, and Shion let Kage go, allowing himself to fall on his back and finally breathe again.
Hikari looked at Kage's chest one last time, and then placed the back of his right hand on the man's forehead. His palms were still covered in blood. - The wound has healed. He passed out, but the pulse on his neck is regular.
- MY heart still hasn't recovered! - Exclaimed Shion, letting out a sigh of relief.
Hikari turned his back to the group, staring down at his red palms. - This is my fault…
- Hikari?
- It's obvious that I am Shukukiri's target now.
- Stop it. - Interrupted him Kenjii, approaching the white mage with a cold glare.
- But… Kenjii!
- SHUT UP! - Kenjii grabbed Hikari's cloak, pulling the hume's face to his. - If you let yourself get caught up from nervousness, you will just play her game, CAN'T YOU GET IT!?
Hikari's eyes widened in surprise at those words, but before he could give any reply he fainted, falling backwards.
- Hey!! - Kenjii quickly brought one arm behind the white mage's back to not let him fall down, and looked at him. - Shion, hurry! Go find some water!
The kid dashed away immediately, running towards the camp. - Right away!
"Nothing surprising.. He has been unable to sleep well for the past few days. I can't really blame him." Thought Kenjii, placing Hikari down.
He looked down at him and then at Kage, sleeping where they had left him. At the sight of the two Far Eastern men in those conditions, Kenjii felt a boiling rage growing in his body, and hit a tree nearby in anger with the side of his left fist. - Damnit!
Everything went according to Shukukiri's plan. She manipulated us properly!
He looked at the blade still in his right hand, the chip stabbed by the tip of the kunai shun slightly, reflecting the moonlight.
Even grafting this right next to Kage's heart was willful. She wanted me to stab him in front of Hikari…
She wants to destroy his psyche to control him…
************************************************************
- Oh! Here you are!
RedCrystal raised its head from the grass, looking at Shion approaching the cart.
The kid jumped on the wagon and started to rustle in the bags, under the curious look of the two chocobos. - With all these trees around you lose sense of direction! Let's see now, where's the canteen? The canteen… Oh here it is!
From his current position, Shion couldn't see the small figure sitting on a tree branch, looking down at him with a malicious grin.
*************************************************
Kenjii was feeding RedCrystal with its rations of food when Hikari regained consciousness. The white mage looked around in the dark, small cave the wagon had been moved in. There was no fire to light the inside, but from the outside there was a soft light that was enough to look around clearly.
The cavern was opened on a small clearing, not too far from the silent trees. From his lying position Hikari was unable to see the sky, but the air coming from the outside had a watery smell.
He brought one hand to his face. The palms had been cleaned from the blood.
Kenjii noticed the movement and walked back inside, approaching Hikari. - You're awake. It sure made a bad impression of you to faint right after saving someone's life.
- … - Hikari looked around again, trying to see the others. Kage and Shion were nowhere to be seen. - Where are we?
- Half a day has passed. We're still in the forest. - Replied the ninja, handing Hikari his glasses and then sitting down to the other side of the cave, to look at a map.
Hikari put his glasses on. - I see. I'm sorry about this…
- There is a thick fog. We can't move either way.
- Kage…?
- Still alive, unfortunately. - Kenjii shrugged, without looking away from the map. - At the moment though he's outside, that madcap. He is the living proof that the only thing that has truly no limits is stupidity. Either way, you should stop worrying about the others, and think about yourself for a change.
Hikari frowned slightly. - What do you mean?
- I'm talking about that woman. Even though she is an assassin sent by the Snowstorm clan, she is different from those we have fought before. She wants to turn you into her new puppet. - Kenjii looked at him, with a stern glare. - And yet you only worried about Kage, saying it was your fault. You need to straighten up and calm down, Hikari. Stop being so too nice.
- Jeez, is that the best you can do to comfort someone?
Kenjii looked at the person walking in the cave, and Hikari sat up. - Kage!
The elvaan nodded to the white mage, opening his vest slightly to show the tight bandages around his chest, and then looked at Kenjii, shaking his head. - Nothing to do with all this fog. I looked for him around here, but with no results.
- You… looked for him? What do you… - Hikari's eyes widened, soon as he realized what were the two talking about. - Where is Shion? What happened to Shion!?
- You didn't tell him?
- Shut up. -.- - Kenjii turned to look at Hikari. - After you lost consciousness, he went to take some water… and disappeared… along with Star.
Hikari's frown grown more and more concerned, and he looked down at his lap, with his hands gripping tightly on the blanket. Then, he moved with a groan, trying to stand up as fast as he could, in a fit of rage.
- You will NOT get out of here now! - Exclaimed Kage, approaching him fast and pushing Hikari's head down to keep him sitting. - You are that granny's target, remember?
- How can I stay here while others are getting hurt because of me!?
- What good do you think you can do in those conditions? - Snapped Kenjii, standing up and walking out of the cave. - Rest, and get back in shape. I don't need a dead weight.
Kage and Hikari looked at him walking outside, and the samurai shrugged. - I think that was his way to say 'Don't make me worry, please'.
Hikari buried his face in his hands. - He is right… Damn it!
*********************************************
Kenjii was out of the cave, leaning against the gray rocks of the cliff above them, when Kage walked outside to stop next to him. - Well?
The samurai raised an eyebrow. - He's sleeping.
- What's that face?
- Nah, nothing. - Kage leaned against the wall too, crossing his arms behind his head with a slight wince because of his wound. - I am jealous that you are able to hide your concern for Shion so well. If I didn't know you better, I could never guess that you are sick worried for him right now!
- Say it one more time and you are dead.
- I think you would be quite a good dad. Just like you do, a wise father should let their sons to make mistakes. It's good that every now and then they get fingers burnt. - Kage smirked amusedly when Kenjii gave him his usual cold glare, but then his face was back to a serious expression. - So what do we do now?
- What do you mean?
- The shrimp, the shrimp!
- … - Kenjii looked up at the gray sky. - We've lost his tracks, and the fog is thicker and thicker. We're at a deadlock.
- I feel like a pawn on the chess-board of that granny. - The elvaan shivered at the thought. - It creeps me out…
The hume nodded. - If we lose even just one more of us, she's gonna win.
- Hah, well I'm not going to die, that's for sure. I can't stand losing. - Replied Kage. - So… we're going to kill the assassin now? And turn in assassins ourselves? Not like she would be the first, but… It would be the first woman we kill. And the first tarutaru, too.
- It doesn't matter. You turned into an assassin the moment you killed the first person. Killing some more doesn't change your nature.
- Well, aren't you sensitive. - Kage raised an eyebrow. - And what about those guys of the Snowstorm? What does killing thousands of people turn you into?
- A conqueror.
- And killing everyone?
- A God.
**********************************************
Far away from the cavern, in the eerie fog surrounding the deep forest, was a steep crevasse. With such a reduced visual it would've been nearly impossible to notice it and not fall into it. Especially not for a kid busy running away from a threatening foe.
- Gh…! Ouch…! - Shion moved shook his head slowly, and waited for his eyes to be able to see again. His sight was still blackened by the sudden his from landing to the bottom of the crevasse, and his body was hurting all over. He thought it was a good sign… Whatever was hurting couldn't have been broken.
He looked around for a moment, making sure that his pursuer wasn't on the way, and then proceeded to move first his left hand and then his right. They both moved, confirming they were still functioning. He then moved the arms, then the shoulders. Everything seemed to be fine.
- Ah, damn it! - He sat up and leaned against one of the two big rock walls that were forming the crevasse, looming over him like giant judges. On that movement, a sharp pain climbed from his knee up to his head. He looked at his leg… The ankle didn't move when he tried to rotate it.
He was still panting from all the running. - How could I be so stupid to not see this thing? I'm hurting all over! And as if this wasn't enough, I think my left leg is broken… That sure wasn't the best of landing…
A sharp ache from his sore throat warned him that he was talking out loud. He swallowed and it hurt even more.
"Well… I suppose I have been lucky to only break that, after such a fly!" He thought, listening to his breath finally slowing down. "I wonder about the others… Will they be looking for me?"
That damned Shukukiri! She attacked me from behind. I was able to barely dodge her… but she chased me like a snake. I didn't know where to run and I slipped…
And here I am… Even though thanks to this she wasn't able to catch me.
She is really dangerous… This is the first time my instinct tells me to run away with all my strength without even trying to fight back.
"I wonder what does she really want to do with Hikari…" The kid brought one hand to his face, wiping some blood from his most recent wound that had reopened. The sweat coming down from his hairline was making it hurt like crazy. "Why has she attacked Kage and then me only…?"
- Kweeeh! Kweh!
- STAR! - Shion blinked in surprise, at the sight of the little chocobo coming down from the top of the crevasse, using her legs to slow her fall and not get hurt, while flapping her small wings frantically. - You followed me!?
The bird nodded lively, with a little chirp, while looking up at him with her big curious eyes.
- Awww, you're SO CUTE! - Exclaimed the boy, hugging StarSapphire with even too much impulse, snuggling against her. - I would NEVER eat you! Even if I was starving!
The chocobo accepted that sincere gesture of affection happily, and then slipped out of the elvaan's arms. She looked up and chirped, jumping slightly while flapping her wings. She did this a couple times before stopping to look back at the monk.
- Star… You are right! - Shion gave her a tired, sad smile. - I can't wait for someone to save me! Like Kenjii would say, 'I would give up, but I don't have time for that'!
He slowly stood up, wincing at the pain coming from his leg again. - There's no other way… We've got to climb. Star, hop on my shoulders!
***************************************************
- Nh? - Kage turned to look at the fog between the trees.
Kenjii did the same. The two had heard something coming from it. It was fast, light steps running through the forest.
The samurai narrowed his eyes to sharpen his sightseeing. - Hey! But…!
- Ah! There you are! - Exclaimed the figure finally coming out of the fog.
- Shion!
The kid approached them with a big smile. - I thought you guys had left without me!
- What the hell were you thinking!? - Exclaimed the black-haired elvaan, blocking Shion's head against his chest with one arm and ruffling his red hair with the other hand in a playful yet painful way.
- Ouch ouch ouch! - Shion tried to pull himself away from Kage. - I went to take some water, but then I got lost in the way!
- Stupid shrimp!
Kenjii looked at the two with a slight frown. - So you weren't attacked by Shukukiri?
- Shion! - Hikari came out of the cavern with a fast pace, and immediately reached to the boy. The white mage placed his hands on Shion's shoulder, looking in his eyes and then sighing in relief. - Thank goodness!
Kenjii kept staring at the two talking, in silence. There was something wrong in all of that. Something bad and dangerous… He didn't know what it was, but the feeling he had felt deep within his body whenever he'd look at Shion wasn't there this time. The hume had never realized that the kid of Aht Urhgan could cause him to feel in any different way than usual (except of course when he'd make him mad. That shrimp was such a nuisance), and he would probably have never noticed before that moment.
In a normal situation, seeing Shion returning by himself all safe and smiling would've irritated Kenjii like crazy, but this time Kenjii didn't feel anger.
He felt fear. The fear of something unknown.
- Please, don't make me worry like this ever again! - Was begging Hikari, still looking at Shion with sad, yet relieved eyes. The guilt of the kid's disappearance was still in him.
Shion scratched his head, smiling embarrassedly. - Yes! I'm sorry.
- …Hey. - Kenjii waited for Shion to turn his head to look at him. - Where is StarSapphire?
- Eh? I'm sorry, but I've lost her sight on the way. - Shion shook his head, looking at the trees for a second. He then walked towards Kenjii, heading past him, to the cavern. - But don't worry, we'll find her soon as this fog fades away. Anyway, let's leave this forest, it's so gloomy!
The kid walked past Kenjii, and after a couple steps, the ninja spoke again. - Shion.
The elvaan stopped and turned to look at the midlander, and his eyes widened in terror at the sight of the sharp, shining katana pointing to his throat.
- But what…?
- It's not you. - Interrupted Kenjii, narrowing his eyes coldly. - You are not the stupid shrimp I have called.
Kage and Hikari were looking at the scene in shock, and the samurai made one step forward. - What's wrong with you, Kenjii!? Enough with your jokes!
- Kenjii, it's me! - Cried the elvaan, with a trembling voice.
- Don't you dare. - Kenjii moved his armed hand backwards, preparing to strike. - Don't you dare to say my name with so much confidence… Only Shion can do that!!!
The ninja's aim was flawless as always, and struck Shion's neck fiercely. The skin that was not skin teared off slowly, a substance similar to cloth, rubber, or maybe some other material unknown to the midlander. But no blood spilled out of it. Instead, a shattered metallic chip fell to the ground next to the now powerless artificial body of Shion.
- An automaton… in human form…? - Hikari's eyes were shocked and full of fear at that sight.
Kenjii immediately looked away from the fake form of the young monk. Even if fake, it had taken him a lot of mental effort to hit it.
The samurai snorted in irritation, and turned to look at the woods with a growl. - Come out, Shukukiri! Softie here is quite nervy!
- Hee hee hee!
The trio turned to its left, to look at a new figure hiding in the fog.
- Fantastic! I had underestimated you. - The old woman was sitting on a low branch, looking down at them with an amused smile. - Good day!
The group didn't reply, and so the woman looked at her lastly introduced doll with a fake sigh.
- And yet I thought my doll was made pretty well! How did you realize?
- You should have studied us better. - Replied Kenjii coldly, unsheathing his other katana from his right side and taking a fight stance. - His first words are always 'I'm hungry'!
- Ahhh… - Shukukiri tilted her head, resting it on one hand. - That one was difficult.
********************************************
- AAAAHHH! I'M SO HUNGRY!! DAMN IT!
- Kweh!
- Just one more yalm, Star! Hold on tight!
'No other kind of love has as much respect for the freedom of others as friendship, Hikari!'
'My mother always told me that marriage is an eternal fight against a monster that devours everything: the Habit… but Hikari, I am ready to fight it by your side. My answer is yes.'
'Son, the real Paradise lies in the first love kiss… or a good fishing day!'
'It's like you said, Professor Hikari! Every landscape can be a state of mind.'
'Always remember what your mother says, Hikari: Every day is one more day to love, one more day to dream, one more day to live.'
'My love, when Life gives you a thousand reasons to cry, show everyone that you have a thousand and one reasons to smile.'
'So please…'
'Look away from all this blood on my body…'
'And smile, forever.'
- Ah…! - Hikari awakened and sat up, panting. He was covered in sweat, and had to use all his self-control to hold the urge of screaming. The images of his dear ones dying in front of his eyes were still fresh in his mind.
A dream…! How many times has this happened now…?
He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes as the tension started to loosen in his muscles, and leaned with his back against the wagon's wheel behind him.
In that dream I… lose them continuously.
- Are you okay?
The white mage opened his eyes to look at Kenjii. He had completely forgotten that they were camping that night, and the ninja was on his shift for watch duty.
- Kenjii… It's nothing. I just didn't sleep well. - Said Hikari, nodding quietly, while looking at Kage and Shion asleep to the other side of the campfire. - I'll go take a walk.
Kenjii nodded and went back to reading the book Hikari had let him borrow for the night. - Be careful.
- I will.
Hikari walked inside the calm forest they had stopped in. The trees were dense and covered with lush branches, and the green moon of that night was reflecting its light on their leaves, giving the surrounding an ethereal atmosphere.
To think that up to this day… I've always acted like if nothing had happened…
The promise of eternal love that I couldn't keep…
The many lives that I allowed to be lost…
The happiness I couldn't save!
He shook his head, running one hand in his golden hair, and then took off his glasses. There was a little creek nearby, and Hikari approached it. He knelt down, and poured his hands in the water to bring it to his face.
He looked down at his blurred reflection. Had his eyes always been like this? No, he was sure that his expression had changed since that day. No matter how hard he would smile and always look cheerful, the grief of the past was still alive in his eyes. An incessant re-run of the deaths of his dear ones…
If only I could bring you all back to this world…
- You know, people that think too much are said to die early.
The white mage jumped up, spinning around to look at Kage. The elvaan was behind him, looking at the hume with a tired look.
- You… You scared me!
- I should be the one saying that! - Replied the samurai, stepping next to him and sitting down to look at the water. - It's inconceivable that I was able to catch you from behind so easily.
- … - Hikari sighed dejectedly and then sat back down next to his friend, looking at him with a little smile. - So what were you saying about thoughtful people dying early?
Kage shrugged. - It's an old saying that belonged to my clan. They would always tell me that I act without thinking, so I think I'm probably going to live a long life… like a cockroach!
- Ah ah ah! - Hikari shook his head. - And do you plan to be just as much prolific?
- Why are we talking about this now…?!
- Did I wake you up perhaps? When I left…?
- Well, more than that… - Kage looked away from him, back to the water. His expression was calm, almost over-relaxed. His voice didn't seem to betray any sort of real emotion. - … It was the desire to find out why do you have that face like a funeral, Hikari.
Hikari turned to look at him, but the elvaan didn't look back. He was there, staring tiredly at the water, in silence. The white mage lowered his head slightly, trying to sort his mind. To find the words…
- Can I ask you one question…?
- What is it?
Hikari looked away from him, up to the sky. - If you had the power to do so, would you bring back those who have died in your clan… at the cost of the lives of other people?
Kage was quiet, and let the white mage wait for a reply for a couple minutes. - I don't talk to people asking me questions like that.
- As I thought. - Hikari chuckled in nervous embarrassment.
Kage stood up, stretching. - Well, try to not think about it too much… If you won't die early, you may still lose your hair!
The hume imitated him, and crossed his arms with a sweatdrop. - Ah, that sure wouldn't be nice!
- I know, right? - Kage pointed at his forehead. - Kenjii hides it, but right here at the hairline…
His words died in his throat, as the noise of rustling bushes reached their ears. The two looked behind, from the way they came. It was not too long before an automaton in standard Harlequin features walked out of some bushes, stopping in front of them.
- HellO!
- W-What's this thing..? - Kage walked slightly backwards, in surprise. - Another one of those automatons?
The machine tilted its head in an almost cartoonish way, and then stopped on Hikari. - HellO, HikarI thE betrayER!
******************************************************
Kage looked at Hikari. The white mage's face was pale, his eyes widened in a shocked expression, unable to move away from the automaton.
He turned back to look at it, with a growl. - If you know his name… you must be that old granny again, eh? What do you want from him!?
- I am herE just tO opEN thE eyES of thIS young mAN, whilE hE still cAN. - Squeaked the machine, shifting on its metallic feet. - And allOW hIM tO awakE hIS truE naturE.
- My… true… nature? - Hikari tilted his head, perplexed. - What do you mean?
- YoU arE a traitOR, HikarI. YoU havE always beEn onE, and tonight, yoU will bE onE agaIN.
The white mage shook his head violently, his teeth clenched in anger. - Never! I would prefer to fool myself about my friends, rather than fooling them.
The soft laughter of the woman echoed through the automaton's speaker, with a distorted sound, almost like a dying animal. - YoUR friends? NO, HikarI. WhO yoU foOL everydAY IS nO onE bUT yourself!
Kage raised an eyebrow, placing his hands on his hips in an irritated stance. - What the fuck are you talking about? Fooling himself?
- Why dID yoU joIN thIS groUP IN theIR journEY, huME? - The machine stepped further, towards Hikari, and stopped about a yalm from him. - TO saVE thE peopLE OF Aht UrhgAN, and thE FAR East? Is thAT yoUR truE reasON?
Hikari blinked in confusion, visibly intimidated. - I…
- TherE IT IS. - Interrupted him Shukukiri's voice immediately. - ThAT loOK IN yoUR eyES… YoU thought IT agaIN.
'If the Phoenix will be revived, perhaps my dear ones will come back to life…'
The two gasped, and Kage turned to look at the hume. - What!?
- I didn't say it! - The white mage shook his head frantically, looking up at his friend.
- But that was your voice! I heard it coming from you…!
- I didn't even open my mouth! - Hikari looked back the machine. - It… It used my voice. I would never think about…
- YoU would nOT? - Asked the automaton.
The white mage fell quiet, looking down at his feet, trying to find an answer… the true answer in his heart. - What have you done to me…!? How could you use my voice…?
- ThE 'Doubt' IS AN amazing maneuvER. - The creaking laughter of the automaton resounded in the small clearing again. - IT wAS easy tO find yoUR triggER. YES, yoU will bE AN amazing puppET.
- A puppet…?
- Why dO yoU keEP fooling yourself, helping thesE peoplE to makE IT sO thAT yoUR family and friends will nevER comE back tO lifE? GivE mE thE feathER, and all yoUR griEF, yoUR paIN, will bE gonE.
- SHUT UP! - Kage hit the automaton with a powerful kick, that made the machine fly for a few yalms away, to then hit the ground with a loud thud. - Hikari, don't listen to her! She's trying to open a breach in your mind to control you!
The automaton shook briefly, and then slowly stood up. - Thank you. It seems your kick was able to fix my speaker.
- If you want something from me, why don't you come out and talk face to face? - Asked the white mage, clenching his fists.
- Hikari! - Kage grabbed his friend's arm, pulling him away from the machine. - This is not safe! Let's go back to the others before…!
- Not so fast.
An energy beam shun from the automaton, and hit the elvaan's chest with incredible violence. Kage fell to the ground with a groan.
- KAGE!!! - Hikari ran to the samurai, kneeling to grab his shoulders.
- Hee hee… That is my revenge. - Giggled Shukukiri's voice.
Kage winced, bringing one hand to his torso and looking at the blood spilling out of the wound. - What the…?
- Hikari! - The white mage looked up to see Kenjii and Shion coming out of the woods. - What happened!?
The white mage was visibly anxious. - Kage was…
- UGH!! - Before Hikari could even finish talking, Kage's body froze stiffened, and then started to shake in violent spasms.
Hikari stood up in fear, watching at his friend in horror. Kenjii and Shion walked next to him, looking down at the samurai.
- Eh…!? - Shion frowned. - W-What does this mean…!?
Kage brought his hands to his temples, in strong pain, and let out a terrifying scream that echoed throughout the forest. - Damnit! There's… There's something… Something's moving through my veins…!!
- What's wrong..!?
- Kage!
Hikari shook his head, trying to think straight in all that ensuing chaos. - Did she… inject something with that attack…!?
- It's just a chip.
The three turned around to look at the automaton, that had been watching at the whole scene for all that time.
- I grafted it into his body. It has the function to install astral wires throughout his veins and muscles.
- T-That automaton is…!? - Shion stared at the machine in disgust.
Hikari nodded, his face was pale and sweating. - It's Shukukiri's puppet.
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - Damnit…
- Come on! What are you waiting for? If you don't hurry your friend will become my newest puppet! - Squeaked the machine, opening its thin arms wide. - Or perhaps that's what you really want? After all, it looks like you could use some entertainment! Oh, maybe you should know that I grafted the chip right next to his heart!
- What's your plan, you evil witch…? - Growled the ninja.
- Hee hee hee hee! HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE! - The automaton shook violently, as if unable to hold the overwhelming energy of its master's furore. - This is so fun! So entertaining! Oh Hikari, if only you would already be mine, you would be feeling this pleasure, too! This is…
Kenjii didn't let the woman continue his hysterical talk, and assaulted the automaton with his katanas in both hands. The machine fell to the ground instantly, shattered in pieces.
*******************************************************
- Kenjii…!
So this is how it must be.
- That freak sure has some childish hobby. - Kenjii rotated his kunai in the right hand, and turned to look down at Kage. - Shion! Grab his arms and keep him still.
- Eh…? - The kid looked up at him, but immediately obeyed afraid by the angered expression on Kenjii's face. - Y…Yes!
- Are you satisfied, Shukukiri!? IS THIS WHAT YOU WERE AIMING FOR!? - Growled Kenjii, kneeling next to Kage, his kunai pointing down, ready to strike the samurai's chest.
Shion and Hikari gasped in shock, speaking in a chorus. - KENJII!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING…!?
The white mage ran up to Kenjii, grabbing his left shoulder. - Wait up, think about it! This is a very dangerous move! It's too close to his heart!
- Heal his wound soon as I pull the blade out, Hikari. - Kenjii shook his shoulder to get free. - Shion, hold him still with all your strength.
Shion grimaced, but didn't let Kage's arms go. - I can't believe you are serious…
- I never miss my target. - Kenjii's eyes were firm on the wound, and the grip on his weapon was tight. - If he dies, you will have to blame the weakness of his heart.
- The nerves with you..!! - Hissed Kage through his clenched teeth, his eyes almost closed in pain. - I will NOT die, you hear me!?
- Shut your trap, if you don't want to bite your tongue! - Kenjii struck the man's chest with his kunai as fast as he could.
The blade found its way through Kage's flesh immediately, sticking into the minuscule chip but an inch from the man's heart. At that feeling, Kenjii immediately retracted the weapon out of Kage's chest. - HIKARI!
The white mage did not need to be told twice, and immediately bent down on his friend, both his hands pressed on the samurai's chest. The white light of his magic shun bright into the wound, regening the flesh and skin in an instant.
Kenjii stood up, and Shion let Kage go, allowing himself to fall on his back and finally breathe again.
Hikari looked at Kage's chest one last time, and then placed the back of his right hand on the man's forehead. His palms were still covered in blood. - The wound has healed. He passed out, but the pulse on his neck is regular.
- MY heart still hasn't recovered! - Exclaimed Shion, letting out a sigh of relief.
Hikari turned his back to the group, staring down at his red palms. - This is my fault…
- Hikari?
- It's obvious that I am Shukukiri's target now.
- Stop it. - Interrupted him Kenjii, approaching the white mage with a cold glare.
- But… Kenjii!
- SHUT UP! - Kenjii grabbed Hikari's cloak, pulling the hume's face to his. - If you let yourself get caught up from nervousness, you will just play her game, CAN'T YOU GET IT!?
Hikari's eyes widened in surprise at those words, but before he could give any reply he fainted, falling backwards.
- Hey!! - Kenjii quickly brought one arm behind the white mage's back to not let him fall down, and looked at him. - Shion, hurry! Go find some water!
The kid dashed away immediately, running towards the camp. - Right away!
"Nothing surprising.. He has been unable to sleep well for the past few days. I can't really blame him." Thought Kenjii, placing Hikari down.
He looked down at him and then at Kage, sleeping where they had left him. At the sight of the two Far Eastern men in those conditions, Kenjii felt a boiling rage growing in his body, and hit a tree nearby in anger with the side of his left fist. - Damnit!
Everything went according to Shukukiri's plan. She manipulated us properly!
He looked at the blade still in his right hand, the chip stabbed by the tip of the kunai shun slightly, reflecting the moonlight.
Even grafting this right next to Kage's heart was willful. She wanted me to stab him in front of Hikari…
She wants to destroy his psyche to control him…
************************************************************
- Oh! Here you are!
RedCrystal raised its head from the grass, looking at Shion approaching the cart.
The kid jumped on the wagon and started to rustle in the bags, under the curious look of the two chocobos. - With all these trees around you lose sense of direction! Let's see now, where's the canteen? The canteen… Oh here it is!
From his current position, Shion couldn't see the small figure sitting on a tree branch, looking down at him with a malicious grin.
*************************************************
Kenjii was feeding RedCrystal with its rations of food when Hikari regained consciousness. The white mage looked around in the dark, small cave the wagon had been moved in. There was no fire to light the inside, but from the outside there was a soft light that was enough to look around clearly.
The cavern was opened on a small clearing, not too far from the silent trees. From his lying position Hikari was unable to see the sky, but the air coming from the outside had a watery smell.
He brought one hand to his face. The palms had been cleaned from the blood.
Kenjii noticed the movement and walked back inside, approaching Hikari. - You're awake. It sure made a bad impression of you to faint right after saving someone's life.
- … - Hikari looked around again, trying to see the others. Kage and Shion were nowhere to be seen. - Where are we?
- Half a day has passed. We're still in the forest. - Replied the ninja, handing Hikari his glasses and then sitting down to the other side of the cave, to look at a map.
Hikari put his glasses on. - I see. I'm sorry about this…
- There is a thick fog. We can't move either way.
- Kage…?
- Still alive, unfortunately. - Kenjii shrugged, without looking away from the map. - At the moment though he's outside, that madcap. He is the living proof that the only thing that has truly no limits is stupidity. Either way, you should stop worrying about the others, and think about yourself for a change.
Hikari frowned slightly. - What do you mean?
- I'm talking about that woman. Even though she is an assassin sent by the Snowstorm clan, she is different from those we have fought before. She wants to turn you into her new puppet. - Kenjii looked at him, with a stern glare. - And yet you only worried about Kage, saying it was your fault. You need to straighten up and calm down, Hikari. Stop being so too nice.
- Jeez, is that the best you can do to comfort someone?
Kenjii looked at the person walking in the cave, and Hikari sat up. - Kage!
The elvaan nodded to the white mage, opening his vest slightly to show the tight bandages around his chest, and then looked at Kenjii, shaking his head. - Nothing to do with all this fog. I looked for him around here, but with no results.
- You… looked for him? What do you… - Hikari's eyes widened, soon as he realized what were the two talking about. - Where is Shion? What happened to Shion!?
- You didn't tell him?
- Shut up. -.- - Kenjii turned to look at Hikari. - After you lost consciousness, he went to take some water… and disappeared… along with Star.
Hikari's frown grown more and more concerned, and he looked down at his lap, with his hands gripping tightly on the blanket. Then, he moved with a groan, trying to stand up as fast as he could, in a fit of rage.
- You will NOT get out of here now! - Exclaimed Kage, approaching him fast and pushing Hikari's head down to keep him sitting. - You are that granny's target, remember?
- How can I stay here while others are getting hurt because of me!?
- What good do you think you can do in those conditions? - Snapped Kenjii, standing up and walking out of the cave. - Rest, and get back in shape. I don't need a dead weight.
Kage and Hikari looked at him walking outside, and the samurai shrugged. - I think that was his way to say 'Don't make me worry, please'.
Hikari buried his face in his hands. - He is right… Damn it!
*********************************************
Kenjii was out of the cave, leaning against the gray rocks of the cliff above them, when Kage walked outside to stop next to him. - Well?
The samurai raised an eyebrow. - He's sleeping.
- What's that face?
- Nah, nothing. - Kage leaned against the wall too, crossing his arms behind his head with a slight wince because of his wound. - I am jealous that you are able to hide your concern for Shion so well. If I didn't know you better, I could never guess that you are sick worried for him right now!
- Say it one more time and you are dead.
- I think you would be quite a good dad. Just like you do, a wise father should let their sons to make mistakes. It's good that every now and then they get fingers burnt. - Kage smirked amusedly when Kenjii gave him his usual cold glare, but then his face was back to a serious expression. - So what do we do now?
- What do you mean?
- The shrimp, the shrimp!
- … - Kenjii looked up at the gray sky. - We've lost his tracks, and the fog is thicker and thicker. We're at a deadlock.
- I feel like a pawn on the chess-board of that granny. - The elvaan shivered at the thought. - It creeps me out…
The hume nodded. - If we lose even just one more of us, she's gonna win.
- Hah, well I'm not going to die, that's for sure. I can't stand losing. - Replied Kage. - So… we're going to kill the assassin now? And turn in assassins ourselves? Not like she would be the first, but… It would be the first woman we kill. And the first tarutaru, too.
- It doesn't matter. You turned into an assassin the moment you killed the first person. Killing some more doesn't change your nature.
- Well, aren't you sensitive. - Kage raised an eyebrow. - And what about those guys of the Snowstorm? What does killing thousands of people turn you into?
- A conqueror.
- And killing everyone?
- A God.
**********************************************
Far away from the cavern, in the eerie fog surrounding the deep forest, was a steep crevasse. With such a reduced visual it would've been nearly impossible to notice it and not fall into it. Especially not for a kid busy running away from a threatening foe.
- Gh…! Ouch…! - Shion moved shook his head slowly, and waited for his eyes to be able to see again. His sight was still blackened by the sudden his from landing to the bottom of the crevasse, and his body was hurting all over. He thought it was a good sign… Whatever was hurting couldn't have been broken.
He looked around for a moment, making sure that his pursuer wasn't on the way, and then proceeded to move first his left hand and then his right. They both moved, confirming they were still functioning. He then moved the arms, then the shoulders. Everything seemed to be fine.
- Ah, damn it! - He sat up and leaned against one of the two big rock walls that were forming the crevasse, looming over him like giant judges. On that movement, a sharp pain climbed from his knee up to his head. He looked at his leg… The ankle didn't move when he tried to rotate it.
He was still panting from all the running. - How could I be so stupid to not see this thing? I'm hurting all over! And as if this wasn't enough, I think my left leg is broken… That sure wasn't the best of landing…
A sharp ache from his sore throat warned him that he was talking out loud. He swallowed and it hurt even more.
"Well… I suppose I have been lucky to only break that, after such a fly!" He thought, listening to his breath finally slowing down. "I wonder about the others… Will they be looking for me?"
That damned Shukukiri! She attacked me from behind. I was able to barely dodge her… but she chased me like a snake. I didn't know where to run and I slipped…
And here I am… Even though thanks to this she wasn't able to catch me.
She is really dangerous… This is the first time my instinct tells me to run away with all my strength without even trying to fight back.
"I wonder what does she really want to do with Hikari…" The kid brought one hand to his face, wiping some blood from his most recent wound that had reopened. The sweat coming down from his hairline was making it hurt like crazy. "Why has she attacked Kage and then me only…?"
- Kweeeh! Kweh!
- STAR! - Shion blinked in surprise, at the sight of the little chocobo coming down from the top of the crevasse, using her legs to slow her fall and not get hurt, while flapping her small wings frantically. - You followed me!?
The bird nodded lively, with a little chirp, while looking up at him with her big curious eyes.
- Awww, you're SO CUTE! - Exclaimed the boy, hugging StarSapphire with even too much impulse, snuggling against her. - I would NEVER eat you! Even if I was starving!
The chocobo accepted that sincere gesture of affection happily, and then slipped out of the elvaan's arms. She looked up and chirped, jumping slightly while flapping her wings. She did this a couple times before stopping to look back at the monk.
- Star… You are right! - Shion gave her a tired, sad smile. - I can't wait for someone to save me! Like Kenjii would say, 'I would give up, but I don't have time for that'!
He slowly stood up, wincing at the pain coming from his leg again. - There's no other way… We've got to climb. Star, hop on my shoulders!
***************************************************
- Nh? - Kage turned to look at the fog between the trees.
Kenjii did the same. The two had heard something coming from it. It was fast, light steps running through the forest.
The samurai narrowed his eyes to sharpen his sightseeing. - Hey! But…!
- Ah! There you are! - Exclaimed the figure finally coming out of the fog.
- Shion!
The kid approached them with a big smile. - I thought you guys had left without me!
- What the hell were you thinking!? - Exclaimed the black-haired elvaan, blocking Shion's head against his chest with one arm and ruffling his red hair with the other hand in a playful yet painful way.
- Ouch ouch ouch! - Shion tried to pull himself away from Kage. - I went to take some water, but then I got lost in the way!
- Stupid shrimp!
Kenjii looked at the two with a slight frown. - So you weren't attacked by Shukukiri?
- Shion! - Hikari came out of the cavern with a fast pace, and immediately reached to the boy. The white mage placed his hands on Shion's shoulder, looking in his eyes and then sighing in relief. - Thank goodness!
Kenjii kept staring at the two talking, in silence. There was something wrong in all of that. Something bad and dangerous… He didn't know what it was, but the feeling he had felt deep within his body whenever he'd look at Shion wasn't there this time. The hume had never realized that the kid of Aht Urhgan could cause him to feel in any different way than usual (except of course when he'd make him mad. That shrimp was such a nuisance), and he would probably have never noticed before that moment.
In a normal situation, seeing Shion returning by himself all safe and smiling would've irritated Kenjii like crazy, but this time Kenjii didn't feel anger.
He felt fear. The fear of something unknown.
- Please, don't make me worry like this ever again! - Was begging Hikari, still looking at Shion with sad, yet relieved eyes. The guilt of the kid's disappearance was still in him.
Shion scratched his head, smiling embarrassedly. - Yes! I'm sorry.
- …Hey. - Kenjii waited for Shion to turn his head to look at him. - Where is StarSapphire?
- Eh? I'm sorry, but I've lost her sight on the way. - Shion shook his head, looking at the trees for a second. He then walked towards Kenjii, heading past him, to the cavern. - But don't worry, we'll find her soon as this fog fades away. Anyway, let's leave this forest, it's so gloomy!
The kid walked past Kenjii, and after a couple steps, the ninja spoke again. - Shion.
The elvaan stopped and turned to look at the midlander, and his eyes widened in terror at the sight of the sharp, shining katana pointing to his throat.
- But what…?
- It's not you. - Interrupted Kenjii, narrowing his eyes coldly. - You are not the stupid shrimp I have called.
Kage and Hikari were looking at the scene in shock, and the samurai made one step forward. - What's wrong with you, Kenjii!? Enough with your jokes!
- Kenjii, it's me! - Cried the elvaan, with a trembling voice.
- Don't you dare. - Kenjii moved his armed hand backwards, preparing to strike. - Don't you dare to say my name with so much confidence… Only Shion can do that!!!
The ninja's aim was flawless as always, and struck Shion's neck fiercely. The skin that was not skin teared off slowly, a substance similar to cloth, rubber, or maybe some other material unknown to the midlander. But no blood spilled out of it. Instead, a shattered metallic chip fell to the ground next to the now powerless artificial body of Shion.
- An automaton… in human form…? - Hikari's eyes were shocked and full of fear at that sight.
Kenjii immediately looked away from the fake form of the young monk. Even if fake, it had taken him a lot of mental effort to hit it.
The samurai snorted in irritation, and turned to look at the woods with a growl. - Come out, Shukukiri! Softie here is quite nervy!
- Hee hee hee!
The trio turned to its left, to look at a new figure hiding in the fog.
- Fantastic! I had underestimated you. - The old woman was sitting on a low branch, looking down at them with an amused smile. - Good day!
The group didn't reply, and so the woman looked at her lastly introduced doll with a fake sigh.
- And yet I thought my doll was made pretty well! How did you realize?
- You should have studied us better. - Replied Kenjii coldly, unsheathing his other katana from his right side and taking a fight stance. - His first words are always 'I'm hungry'!
- Ahhh… - Shukukiri tilted her head, resting it on one hand. - That one was difficult.
********************************************
- AAAAHHH! I'M SO HUNGRY!! DAMN IT!
- Kweh!
- Just one more yalm, Star! Hold on tight!
last edited 739 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
Special Theme for Chapter 13/14: Hikari
Chapter 14: The Burden of the Past
Kenjii's shuriken hissed through the air and stabbed the wood of the branch Shukukiri was sitting on, but a few inches from her legs, but the old blind woman didn't move slightly.
- Where is Shion? - Asked Kenjii, picking up another shuriken from the case hanging on his belt. - Next one will score.
- Let's see… What could have been of him? - Said the puppetmaster, tilting her head from side to side slowly, her grin getting wider and wider on her wrinkled face. - Has he gotten lost in this fog, or… turned into monster food?
She dashed way with apparently no movements of her body, and landed gently on her feet in front of the group right one second before the branch fell to the ground, cracked in two parts by the second shuriken that had hit it.
- Hee hee hee… What a snorty type! - Shukukiri raised one handing, holding an animator, and swung it slightly. - Do you suffer from lack of calcium…?
A loud hiss echoed in the fog, introducing the arrival of two black, giant serpent-like creatures. Their eye sockets were empty, shining with electric sparkles. The two automatons quickly crawled from the sides of their master to surround the group, letting out loud, distorted snake sounds.
- Ugh…! Automaton snakes…!? - Kage picked his spear quickly, following the monsters' movements with his eyes.
- Amazing how many kinds of dolls one can control, isn't it? - Asked Shukukiri with a sincere smile. - I am quite proud of my skills. Although, the beauty of these creatures is humble compared to the one of a living puppet. I'm sure Hikari will be the best component of my collection.
The samurai grimaced, as one of the snakes turned its head in his direction, showing sharp serrated teeth. - There's nothing beautiful in this crap!
- Beauty lies in the minds of he who contemplates it. - The old tarutaru shrugged slightly, tilting her head to one side.
- Why… - Hikari spoke softly at first, fatigued by the fear and stress of that situation, but then raised his voice. - Why are you doing all this!? If it's me that you want, please leave Shion, Kenjii and Kage be! They are just… Ugh!
The white mage fell to his knees when one snake attacked him from behind with a swift bite to one of his sides. The hume fell first on his knees and then to the ground with a grunt. Kage moved to help him, but the other snake quickly moved between him and Hikari, hissing fiercely.
Kenjii instead stood where he was. His hands were gripping on the katanas tightly, his head was lowered and his eyes firmly shut. His mouth was tight, and he could feel his throat getting sore. His furrowed eyebrows were twitching slightly at every sound the snakes would make. The fear of an old childhood trauma had paralyzed his whole body, and he was now sweating, trying to not panic.
- Oh, why am I doing this? For several reasons actually. It would've been easier if you had let my fake Shion to take the Feather, but… This will only make my job more amusing. You see, in order to control a living being and turn it into a puppet, I must first destroy its conscious self. This is why some puppetmasters prefer to control machines or mere dead bodies… But I am not a pathetic necromancer. I am too old to play little games. I prefer challenges. This is why I must destroy your mind. - Shukukiri approached Hikari with a giggle, while the first snake that had attacked him was slowly wrapping his body in its spires.
- Always pretending to be worrying about others, eh Hikari? Hee hee hee… After all, every man is an actor and the whole world's a stage. - She said softly, pushing the hume's face up to look at her with one hand on his chin. - Is this perhaps an attempt of redemption for all your past mistakes and sins? Do not misunderstand me, I do not mind your commendable hypocrisy after all. Your stupid behavior fills my heart.
- Do not say another word! - Kenjii's voice filled the area like a thunder. The woman turned her head to look at the ninja with a vaguely surprised frown. - You are really starting to get on my nerves!
Kenjii's eyes were still closed, but he was no longer trembling now. His expression seemed in focused meditation.
- I want to reveal you two of the three things that I hate most in the world.
- Oh? - Shukukiri smiled. - I am really curious to know this.
- Exalted people and snakes! - Kenjii threw his katanas in the air and pulled out two eggshells that he tossed at the eyes of the two automatons. - Kurayami: Ichi, Ni!
The eggshells exploded at the contact with their targets, letting out a black cloud of teargas. The watery substance filled the eye sockets of the creatures, that started to shake in short-circuit. Kage's spear danced through the smokes, cutting the foes bodies in multiple pieces with surgical precision. The last swing was directed at Shukukiri, but the woman moved away just in time to not lose her head. A small lock of hair fell to the ground.
- Man! It's been a very long time since I last attacked a woman! - Exclaimed the samurai, looking down at her after the smoke cleared. - You are really amazing, granny! Normally, I'm quite a gentle guy!
Kenjii had opened his eyes again, and was now knelt down next to Hikari, helping him stand up. - Are you all right, Hikari?
- Hi… Hikari…? - Muttered the white mage. His eyes were staring blankly, as if he was in a sort of shocked trance.
- Hey! Stay sharp! - Kage turned to the white mage and grabbed his shoulders, shaking him. - You are Hikari, got it!? Don't let her take over your conscious self!
- Ah… I… - The white mage blinked, staring into the elvaan's eyes, and then shook his head. - I'm fine… Sorry.
- KAGE! LOOK OUT!
The samurai wouldn't have dodged the attack of Shukukiri, a sharp blade coming out of her wide sleeve, if the very instant he turned around something wouldn't have interrupted the amazing aim of the woman. StarSapphire ran out of the bushed, charging the old tarutaru fiercely. The arm of the blind puppetmaster was deflected to another direction, and the sharp weapon darted off, hitting the rock of the cavern.
Kenjii, Hikari and Kage looked at the chocobo in disbelief. - Star?
- Tsk! - Shukukiri pushed StarSapphire away with her arm angrily, an irritated frown forming under her wrinkles.
- Are you all right, guys!?
Once again the group turned to look at the fog. Right there, leaning on a tree was Shion, looking at them while panting heavily. Even though he seemed very fatigued, on his face was a relieved smiled.
- Shion!
- I'm sorry for making you wait!
Kenjii stared at the young elvaan, and felt something strange at the bottom of his stomach, as if there had been a grip on it that had finally loosened. Was it relief? Incredibility? Or maybe… happiness?
- You… - Kage approached the boy, and after staring down at him for a few seconds, he kicked his butt multiple times. - …YOU'RE LATE, YOU IMBECILE!
- Ouch! I couldn't help it! I have a broken leg!! - Cried Shion, letting himself sit at the feet of a tree, holding his grumbling stomach. - And I'm starving! Things got worse before even getting worse!
- Yeah, this is him. No doubt. -.- - Commented Kage, with a loud sigh.
At that sight, Hikari smiled for the first time that day. - Yes, this can be no one else but our Shion.
- Shion?
The monk looked at Kenjii approaching him with an emotionless face, and he stood up to greet him. - Eh?
- … - There were so many things Kenjii could've said at that time, and even more things he could've done. But his pride was still having control, and all the ninja allowed himself was to slap the boy's nape hard. - STUPID SHRIMP!
- OUUH! - Shion's hands immediately went to massage his head in pain. - WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?
Kenjii turned his back at him and walked back to the group. - Very well.
- 'VERY WELL' WHAT!? YOU STUPID VIOLENT SHINOBI! HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT GOOD MANNERS!?
- I know good manners and I approve them, but I follow the bad ones.
Kage brought one hand to his chin, assisting at the scene in amusement. - Aww, he can't express his relief with mere words.
- So… Would you please quit your conversation here?
The four guys looked at Shukukiri. The woman had been listening to them from above another branch. She was no longer smiling, and her eyes were slightly opened, revealing two silver pupils.
- I thought I told you to not say another word. - Hissed Kenjii, glaring up at her. His left hand reached over his shuriken case.
- Do you not understand that those things cannot kill me, Midlander? You are alive only because I can't kill you just yet.
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - What are you talking about?
- As sad as I am to admit it, I can't simply take the Feather off you to make Phoenix my puppet. I need the help of a summoner to first revive it… But she won't help me for nothing. I must bring her what you have. - Shukukiri shook her head in dismay. - Young ones are so impudent nowadays.
- She said 'she'… - Hikari looked away for a second, lost in thought. - So it's not Ame… There is another summoner that wants to revive the Phoenix?
- Hee hee hee… Ame… He has no strings attached, and yet he's nothing more but a puppet just like the ones you have destroyed about now. - Giggled the old woman, recovering a smirk on her face.
Kage's eye twitched, he really didn't like that laughter. - How nice of you to tell us all of the Snowstorm's plots.
- You will die here anyway. Die, or lose your conscious self.
- And what is it that this summoner wants from me, that doesn't require my conscious self? - Asked Kenjii coldly.
The woman shrugged slightly. - I do not know. All I want is my promised prize. And while I'm at it, I will make that cute white mage my new toy, too. His mind is almost ready to accept my will…
- … - Hikari clenched his teeth slightly, intimidated.
Shion slapped the air with one hand in rage. - You are disgusting!
- That is the most pleasing compliment to me! - Shukukiri waved her left arm, followed by the right one. Two sharp knives were shot from her sleeves, stabbing the ground at the feet of Kage and Shion. The two elvaans backed off quickly. - Very well. I had already a lot of fun with the black-haired boy and the child with golden eyes. With the next attack…
The third knife hissed through the air, pointing at Kenjii's shoulder. The ninja quickly stopped the blade between his left hand's fingers with a swift movement.
- … I will destroy your consciousness.
Kenjii threw the knife away, his blue eyes were firm on the small figure, shining like a storming ocean. - Try if you dare.
******************************************************
- Hey you! You foul nasty wight! - Growled Shion, barely standing on his feet. His teeth were clenched in pain, but his eyes were burning like a raging fire. - If you try to do anything to Kenjii, I swear I'll make you regret it!
- Ooh, hear, hear! I must admit that your mascot is truly loyal indeed! - Shukukiri threw yet another knife directed towards Shion, and the boy dodged it, but fell to the ground groaning as his leg couldn't bear the weight anymore. - He barks even too much.
- Ugh!!
- Shion!
- You sure have a lot of guts to act so cocky, when you can barely stand on your feet. - Said Shukukiri, shaking her head in amusement.
Kenjii looked down at Shion. - So it's true that your leg is broken.
- I've been telling you since when I arrived!
- Eww… it's unusually crooked. - Commented Kage, who had knelt down to examine the kid's ankle.
- Kenjii? - Hikari approached the ninja, almost whispering behind his ear, his eyes glued on Shukukiri. - I suggest that we separate.
"Even Kage, after last night's attack, is not in the best shape." Kenjii looked at the two elvaans. "And Shion is in this state… So…"
- Okay. How is your side doing?
- It's only a superficial wound.
- Very well.
Kenjii moved quickly, throwing a shuriken at the branch Shukukiri was standing on. Like before, the wood shattered, and the puppetmaster jumped down. - You missed me. Are you trying to build some time?
- KATON! - A fire explosion invested the woman, and she dodged it again, jumping backwards, but Kenjii didn't stop his attack. - SUITON! RAITON! DOTON! HUTON! HYOTON!
Each attack burst into an elemental force, forcing Shukukiri to dodge it by moving farer and farer from the group after each cast. At the end of the wheel, Hikari summoned an holy spell that followed the tarutaru in the fog, exploding at the impact after a few seconds. Soon as the noise of the explosion reached the group's ears, Hikari and Kenjii ran off in the forest.
- After her, Hikari!
- Kage! Take care of Shion!
- AH!? - Exclaimed the two elvaans in chorus, looking at them vanishing in the fog.
Kage growled. - Damn those two! They left us here on purpose!
- What!? Are they crazy!?
- That Shukukiri is not an easy opponent! - The samurai stood up, and quickly lifted his spear from the ground. - Let's follow them, shrimp!
- Okay! - Shion followed Kage as best as he could, but after a few steps the samurai stopped, wincing in pain. - Huh? Kage?
Kage bent down on one knee, without a reply. He was staring at the floor in anger, trying to gather his strength to stand up again to no avail.
- Your wound from yesterday… It's still hurting, isn't it? - Asked Shion softly.
- …
- So you're completely useless, too. There, we lost them!
- How DARE you to tell me these things, stupid broken shrimp!
- DON'T CALL ME SHRIMP, YOU STUPID BEANPOLE!
- Kweh!
The two turned to look at StarSapphire. The chocobo was at the entrance of the cavern, next to RedCrystal. The two birds looked at each other and then at the elvaans. The elvaans did the same thing.
****************************************************
Kenjii and Hikari were running through the forest as fast as they could. They were unable to see Shukukiri, but as they passed between trees they could notice quick shadows moving between the branches at incredible speed. Every now and then, little knives would dart out of the darkness, pointing at their legs.
- Of course, you did this to take me away from the other two! - Shukukiri's voice echoed through the fog. - Hee hee hee… Works for me! This stupidity of yours will be your doom!
- SHUT YOUR TRAP! - Yelled Kenjii, looking up at nowhere in particular. - How about you try to actually hit your target, instead!?
The fog was finally clearing when the two stopped, panting heavily. There hadn't been any attack or movement on the trees for several minutes now.
- We lost her! - Kenjii leaned with his back against a tree, looking around in every direction.
Hikari looked behind from the way they came. - This is not good. I hope Kage and Shion are safe… If something happens to them now…
- No… She's still around here. - The ninja let his head rest against the trunk too. - Her goal now is to make me suffer in front of your eyes… To destroy your mind.
Hikari leaned against the same tree, on the opposite side of Kenjii. - Yes, you are right…
His head perked up at the sound of a groan coming from Kenjii. The white mage moved his head slightly to look at him. The shinobi was wincing in pain, one hand on his right shoulder, massaging it slightly.
- It's hurting more lately, isn't it? - He asked.
- Yes, there's a lot of crap making me nervous going on.
- Am I perceiving a subtle irony…?
- I'm glad there are still such discerning individuals at this world.
Silence again. Hikari thought that it was quite unusual for a forest to be so quiet. So eerie and ethereal… Almost as if enchanted. Even now is was possible to find magical things in such normal places…
- Kenjii?
- What? - Kenjii let his shoulder go, scanning the horizon in search of some suspicious movement. - One stupid question and I swear I'll hit you.
- Ah, then maybe I should stay quiet.
- Don't tease me. -.-
Hikari took off his glasses, looking down at them with a sad smile. - I was wondering… If it's good for me to stay… If I end up wishing for Phoenix to be revived… I…
- That is a stupid question. Don't ask it ever again. - Interrupted him Kenjii. Hikari opened his mouth to reply, but the ninja anticipated him with an apparently emotionless tone. - You will not betray me, right?
Hikari's eyes widened in surprise. Once again, Kenjii had been able to read through his thoughts so easily… Was his mind so easy to understand? Was he so blatant? No…
Maybe it was just that deep inside, Kenjii and him were very similar.
- You must admit that this is quite dishonest on your part.
If you ask it like this… I could never betray you.
****************************************************
- HEEEEY! WILL YOU PUT ME DOWN ALREADY!? - Shion tried to push himself off Kage's back again. - I CAN WALK BY MYSELF!
- Stop making a fuss, shrimp! - The samurai tightened his elbows around Shion's leg even more, to make sure the kid couldn't slip out. - Can't you see that you can barely stand on your feet with that leg?!
- We should've used RedCrystal!
- We needed someone to watch over the Feather! We can't take him near that demonic witch!
- But you are pushing yourself beyond your limits!
- If you think I am, then stay still and make it easier for me to carry you! - Kage stopped, resting against a tree with one hand.
Shion shook his head, letting out a grunt of disapproval. - Fine! Anyway… Where the hell did Kenjii and Hikari go? - The kid flailed his fists in the air wildly, unable to contain his rage. - AND THAT GRANNY!? WHAT THE HECK IS SHE!?
- Calm down…! - Kage started to walk again. - I'm more worried about Hikari than anything… Or I should say, about his mental state.
- There is no reason to worry about him.
- Eh? - Kage was surprised at how confident and quick the young elvaan's answer had come.
- He was the one to tell me that… As long as there are people that believe in us, we will find the strength to survive at all costs. - Explained Shion, nodding. - Because we don't want to be ashamed. This is why I'm sure… that he is all right.
- … - Kage smirked, amused by those words. Shion was really growing up indeed. Maybe even more than him.
He had to catch up.
- HEY!! - Shion almost fell, caught in surprise as Kage dashed ahead at a running pace.
- Gonna quicken! Make sure you don't fall off my back, stupid shrimp!
- Don't call me like that, you pervert!
*******************************************************
- It's too quiet.
Hikari looked in direction of Kenjii's voice, past the tree they were still leaning on. - Yes, this is strange.
Then… a rustling sound.
- ABOVE US!
Hikari ran around the tree and grabbed Kenjii's gi tightly, moving him away from the tree one instant before many knives fell from the fronds, stabbing the ground they had been standing on.
Kenjii blinked in disbelief. - How did she…?
- Hee hee hee… So, was I able to surprise you? - Shukukiri was sitting on a branch. Her left arm was bleeding, but she didn't seem to mind. She jumped down. - Your pathetic chatter was quite touching, but so foolish in deep… Have you never heard that it's better to stay quiet and look stupid, rather than speak up and remove all doubts?
- Whatever thing you might say in my regards does not matter to me! I do not know why was I born, nor how, nor what the world truly is, and not even what I truly am, but… - Hikari stepped before the ninja, his arms wide open to shield him. - I will not let you lay a single finger on Kenjii.
Shukukiri spoke with a mockingly saddened tone. - Oh, but if I don't play with him a little, your mind will not be ready to turn you into my puppet. And if that doesn't happen, how will Phoenix be revived? Your dear ones will never come back…
- Hmph, I don't think so.
- What…? - The woman frowned, surprised by the sudden change of tone in Hikari's voice. It was sharp, arrogant, and overly confident.
- You were right, Shukukiri. I can see it all now, my nature. - Said the white mage, pushing his glasses up on his nose. - I am a traitor, yes. Deep inside, I've always wanted to see my dear ones to return to life. And maybe that is why I've truly embarked into this mission.
Kenjii's eyes widened in stupor, and his eyebrows furrowed. - Hikari…?
- I'm sorry, Kenjii. I'm really sorry. - Hikari shook his head, with a smirk. - I accept you as my new master, Shukukiri. If this is the way I'll help Phoenix to be restored, by all means…
- Oh? - The old tarutaru crossed her arms, tilting her head to one side in confusion. - Is that so?
- Yes, it is.
- Hikari! What are you saying!?
- Hmmm… It's strange. What you've told me a minute ago seemed to imply that you wouldn't have allowed me to get my way with the ninja. Where is the trick?
- No trick at all. What I have said is still valid. You will not touch Kenjii with one finger. - Hikari's grin grew larger. - I don't need you to get whatever you may want from him in order to revive the Phoenix.
Shukukiri's voice was now but an angry hiss. - So how do you think you will save him once I have you in my hands, you pathetic little brat?
The hume's eyes shone in the soft light of the forest, and he spun around to Kenjii, pinning him to the ground with extreme violence. Surprised by the unexpected attack, Kenjii couldn't dodge the white mage, and found himself pinned before he even knew it.
- Assuming you can manage to take me before I kill him! - Exclaimed Hikari, tightening his hands around Kenjii's neck.
- Ugh…! - Kenjii tried to spell Hikari's name, a spell to stop him, anything, but it was useless. The thumbs of the white mage were pressing his vocal cords too hard. All he could do was to grab the hume's forearms with both his hands, but the strength to push him away was already too weak.
For the first time that day, Shukukiri had lost control of the situation. - What do you think you are doing…? I know you can't kill your friend. You are nothing but a frail living being. - She said coldly, but the surprise and anger was palpable in her voice. - Stop it at once.
- No… I will not!!! - Hikari's eyes were firm in Kenjii's, as firm as his grip around his neck.
- You can't kill your friend! You are a white mage! - The old woman's voice grew louder. She wanted to stop him, but the thought of hurting his favorite doll was refraining him from shooting her knives. And she was also out of puppets…
Kenjii's body spasmed violently, and he pulled his head back, hitting the ground. His eyes were shut, his mind focused on grabbing as much air as he could, but none was coming in his lungs. - Agh…!
- …! - Hikari shook his head at that sight, but didn't stop strangling him.
- You are not evil enough to kill the Midlander! You don't have that strength!
- SHUT UP! - Screamed the white mage. - I will not let you do what you want with him! Kenjii doesn't deserve this!!!
Shukiri moved to Hikari fast, too fast for a woman of her age, and placed a hand on his shoulder, almost gently. At the feeling of that contact, a sharp cold pain reached Hikari's head, striking his mind like a thunder.
The puppetmaster was trying to take control over his body.
- It's really hurting you to do this, isn't it? - She asked softly. - Look at his face, Hikari.
The white mage looked at Kenjii. He was coughing violently for air.
- Surrender to me, and all this pain will be over for you. I will take you with me and help you see your dear ones once again. What would they think if they knew you killed this man?
- I am already an assassin.
- You have been, it's true. - The spiritual grip of Shukukiri's soul grew stronger on Hikari, and his hands loosened slightly. - You know, I have never worried about the consequences of my actions before. This is the first time I actually care for someone… For you.
- PLEASE, ENOUGH!
- If you kill him, you will suffer like you never had. I don't want to see your beautiful face contorted by suffering.
- No…
- I don't want to hear your voice cracking with grief…
- I WILL NOT LET YOU DO THIS TO US!!
- You will destroy yourself and lose all you have left…! - Shukukiri interrupted, and her hand winced, retracting from Hikari. Surprised, the white mage turned to look at her. Her eyes were firm on Kenjii's right hand.
He looked at it too, and then back at the ninja's face.
Kenjii's body wasn't moving anymore.
- Ken… jii…? - Hikari sat there, still over Kenjii's body, staring at him. The friend he said he wouldn't have betrayed.
This was the only way…
He did it. He had killed Kenjii. He had wanted to… right? It was the only way to stop Shukukiri, and yet… His mind couldn't bear it.
Hikari grabbed his head, pulling his hair with strength, hating himself, and letting a loud cry out of his lungs. The echo of the scream ran across the whole forest.
*************************************************
- As I thought, in the end your mind collapsed by itself. - Shukukiri frowned slightly. - It's what I wanted… But now that I can't bring the whisper to Morugana, this is a problem.
Hikari didn't even try to question her. He wasn't listening to the tarutaru. His eyes were blank, gazing the nothingness of his soul. An empty body with no reason to live.
Footsteps noises reached them from south. - Oh! It looks like your friends are here. - The blind puppetmaster looked at Hikari with a sad smile. - You lost even the strength to move by yourself? Here, I will help you.
She placed one hand on Hikari's shoulder again. - Come on, it's time to fight and retrieve the Feather. I will take care of the rest with that woman.
The white mage slowly stood up.
- Ah, here they are! - Exclaimed Shion, jumping off the samurai's back as they arrived within eyesight.
- Hey, Hikari, are you all…? - Kage's words died in his throat at the sight of the ninja laying on the floor. - Kenjii!?
The young elvaan's eyes widened in shock. Shion immediately ran to Kenjii, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. - Kenjii! KENJII!!! WHAT HAPPENED?
- I… I killed him!
- Eh? - Shion started to turn around, still incredulous, unable to believe that the voice that had just spoken was the one he recognized to be Hikari's. But before his golden eyes could meet the green ones of the white mage, his head was hit by a strong, sudden punch that send him a couple yalms away from Kenjii's body.
- Hikari…!? - Kage stared in horror at the hume. Hikari's arm was still lifted, his gaze blank and empty, as if he had hit the kid in his sleep.
- It's useless. - Said Shukukiri. The woman was standing behind the white mage, an animator in her hand. She moved it down and Hikari's arm lowered. - He's just a puppet in my hands now. See?
She moved it again, and Hikari raised both his hands, that immediately sparkled of a strong holy light. The white mage prepared the attack towards Shion.
Kage dashed to protect Shion, but he knew he would've never made it in time, and so he screamed his lungs. - HIKARI, STOP!!!
But Hikari's spell completed, and the Holy light beamed from his hands as he spun around. He shot it straight to the blind tarutaru's body, striking her with all his power.
- What the…!? - The woman didn't manage to dodge the magic attack. She was pushed backwards for several yalms, and the Holy light burned her sleeves, destroying her knife-shooting machines. With a trickle of blood coming down from a corner of her mouth, she looked up at Hikari. Her white eyes were opened, yet narrowed in fury. - You… You were always conscious?
A cold painful feeling ran across Shukukiri's back, as the sharp blade of a katana slain it from behind. The woman fell on all fours, trembling in fear and shock at the voice reaching her ears from there.
- You shouldn't have underestimated us, bitch!
- Kenjii! - Shion's expression was flabbergasted. - Damn it! You mean it was all a facade!?
Kage shook his head, bringing one hand to his temples. - I had the suspect it was a trick from the beginning.
- Shut your traps! - Snapped Kenjii, his face slightly red in embarrassment.
- Ah ah ah, I'm sorry if we made you worry! - Hikari scratched his head nervously.
Shukukiri slowly stood up, shaking in anger. - So, it was all nothing else but a foolish play…!
- Yes, there wasn't much strength in his fingers. - Kenjii shrugged, looking at Hikari. - Sometimes I have the feeling that the whole world is against me, but deep inside I know it's not true. Hikari would rather to kill himself before strangling me.
- You were very good at it, Kenjii! I thought I had actually killed you at first.
- Someday I will beat you. -.-
- So… I was never able to control your mind, no matter how torn it was… You are dreadfully twisted.
- Some things are so confusing at this world, that if investigated may leave you afraid of your own ignorance, you know? - Hikari cleaned his hands on his cloak slightly. - Lady Shukukiri, be ready… Because you will die here.
- I must admit it… - Whispered the woman, falling back on her knees, watching the white mage preparing his final attack. - You've really… disappointed me.
The hume smiled warmly. - Thank you for the compliment.
- I thought you would've provided me a final moment of entertainment…
- Unfortunately, I have grown sick and tired of acting like a victim as of late… - Replied Hikari. - …and in this, to be honest, I have been influenced by the people who are traveling with me. It doesn't matter what we do and how… Blood can always be washed away from your hands. I have lost many people, but I'm working to save just as many. This is how we live.
- Hee hee… So this is the end. - A big, sincere, maybe even happy smile opened in the little face full of wrinkles of the puppetmaster, as she looked up at Hikari one last time. - I hate you with my whole heart, Hikari. Hypocrite young one.
- The feeling is mutual. Holy!
I could've never accepted your offer to forget my past, Lady Shukukiri. It's better to have a past, and be someone with a story to tell.
***************************************************
- Hey, you pervert! What are you doing to my leg!? Stop it already!!
Hikari finished to tie RedCrystal's harness, and looked back at his three companions sitting under a tree of the forest they were about to leave. The sunlight had swallowed the mysterious hue of that place, transforming its appearance. It was now a forest like any other.
Kage put away his pen and looked at the cast around Shion's leg with a proud grin. - Tee-hee…. you look so cute!
- OH WHAT..!? YOU WROTE 'STUPID SHRIMP' ON IT!! YOU DAMNED!
- Oh come on, I know you like it!
Shion shook his fists at the samurai. - Stop saying nonsense!
- You two are TEDIOUS! -.-x - Exclaimed Kenjii, who was trying to eat some sushi. StarSapphire, next to him, immediately pecked the food out of his hand soon as he looked up to scold the two elvaans. Her master glared at her with fury.
- That was hilarious! - Kage walked up to Hikari.
The white mage smiled warmly at him. - What a cheerful air! Looking at you, I wouldn't even think that you are injured.
- I have temper and balls for sale…! - Replied the samurai, climbing up on the cart's driver seat and sitting next to him. - And you? You look like you have just been exorcised.
Hikari's eyes widened slightly, and he looked at him. - Perhaps you are right! In a way, she forced me to face a side of me that I didn't want to admit to be existing.
Kage tilted his head. - So you don't wish for your dear ones to come back to life anymore?
- If it was possible, I think I would. - Hikari looked up at the sky, inhaling deeply. - But I will not accept them to be revived at the cost of someone else's life. I don't think they would be happy about it either.
- That's right. Let's just go and kick Kaminari's ass once for all.
- You sure don't like to stop and think, Kage!^^
- Well… I did once. - Replied the elvaan, looking at Kenjii and Shion discussing animatedly. The kid was suggesting that maybe his bones would've fixed faster if he could eat some roast mutton. - One day when I was really desperate, I sat down to think. After a few I felt one hand on my shoulder, and Masaki's comforting voice saying: 'Smile, things could get worse than this'.
He and Hikari looked at each other and the white mage smiled warmly again. His usual, almost motherly smile. - And then?
- Then I smiled. And obviously, things did get worse.
Chapter 14: The Burden of the Past
Kenjii's shuriken hissed through the air and stabbed the wood of the branch Shukukiri was sitting on, but a few inches from her legs, but the old blind woman didn't move slightly.
- Where is Shion? - Asked Kenjii, picking up another shuriken from the case hanging on his belt. - Next one will score.
- Let's see… What could have been of him? - Said the puppetmaster, tilting her head from side to side slowly, her grin getting wider and wider on her wrinkled face. - Has he gotten lost in this fog, or… turned into monster food?
She dashed way with apparently no movements of her body, and landed gently on her feet in front of the group right one second before the branch fell to the ground, cracked in two parts by the second shuriken that had hit it.
- Hee hee hee… What a snorty type! - Shukukiri raised one handing, holding an animator, and swung it slightly. - Do you suffer from lack of calcium…?
A loud hiss echoed in the fog, introducing the arrival of two black, giant serpent-like creatures. Their eye sockets were empty, shining with electric sparkles. The two automatons quickly crawled from the sides of their master to surround the group, letting out loud, distorted snake sounds.
- Ugh…! Automaton snakes…!? - Kage picked his spear quickly, following the monsters' movements with his eyes.
- Amazing how many kinds of dolls one can control, isn't it? - Asked Shukukiri with a sincere smile. - I am quite proud of my skills. Although, the beauty of these creatures is humble compared to the one of a living puppet. I'm sure Hikari will be the best component of my collection.
The samurai grimaced, as one of the snakes turned its head in his direction, showing sharp serrated teeth. - There's nothing beautiful in this crap!
- Beauty lies in the minds of he who contemplates it. - The old tarutaru shrugged slightly, tilting her head to one side.
- Why… - Hikari spoke softly at first, fatigued by the fear and stress of that situation, but then raised his voice. - Why are you doing all this!? If it's me that you want, please leave Shion, Kenjii and Kage be! They are just… Ugh!
The white mage fell to his knees when one snake attacked him from behind with a swift bite to one of his sides. The hume fell first on his knees and then to the ground with a grunt. Kage moved to help him, but the other snake quickly moved between him and Hikari, hissing fiercely.
Kenjii instead stood where he was. His hands were gripping on the katanas tightly, his head was lowered and his eyes firmly shut. His mouth was tight, and he could feel his throat getting sore. His furrowed eyebrows were twitching slightly at every sound the snakes would make. The fear of an old childhood trauma had paralyzed his whole body, and he was now sweating, trying to not panic.
- Oh, why am I doing this? For several reasons actually. It would've been easier if you had let my fake Shion to take the Feather, but… This will only make my job more amusing. You see, in order to control a living being and turn it into a puppet, I must first destroy its conscious self. This is why some puppetmasters prefer to control machines or mere dead bodies… But I am not a pathetic necromancer. I am too old to play little games. I prefer challenges. This is why I must destroy your mind. - Shukukiri approached Hikari with a giggle, while the first snake that had attacked him was slowly wrapping his body in its spires.
- Always pretending to be worrying about others, eh Hikari? Hee hee hee… After all, every man is an actor and the whole world's a stage. - She said softly, pushing the hume's face up to look at her with one hand on his chin. - Is this perhaps an attempt of redemption for all your past mistakes and sins? Do not misunderstand me, I do not mind your commendable hypocrisy after all. Your stupid behavior fills my heart.
- Do not say another word! - Kenjii's voice filled the area like a thunder. The woman turned her head to look at the ninja with a vaguely surprised frown. - You are really starting to get on my nerves!
Kenjii's eyes were still closed, but he was no longer trembling now. His expression seemed in focused meditation.
- I want to reveal you two of the three things that I hate most in the world.
- Oh? - Shukukiri smiled. - I am really curious to know this.
- Exalted people and snakes! - Kenjii threw his katanas in the air and pulled out two eggshells that he tossed at the eyes of the two automatons. - Kurayami: Ichi, Ni!
The eggshells exploded at the contact with their targets, letting out a black cloud of teargas. The watery substance filled the eye sockets of the creatures, that started to shake in short-circuit. Kage's spear danced through the smokes, cutting the foes bodies in multiple pieces with surgical precision. The last swing was directed at Shukukiri, but the woman moved away just in time to not lose her head. A small lock of hair fell to the ground.
- Man! It's been a very long time since I last attacked a woman! - Exclaimed the samurai, looking down at her after the smoke cleared. - You are really amazing, granny! Normally, I'm quite a gentle guy!
Kenjii had opened his eyes again, and was now knelt down next to Hikari, helping him stand up. - Are you all right, Hikari?
- Hi… Hikari…? - Muttered the white mage. His eyes were staring blankly, as if he was in a sort of shocked trance.
- Hey! Stay sharp! - Kage turned to the white mage and grabbed his shoulders, shaking him. - You are Hikari, got it!? Don't let her take over your conscious self!
- Ah… I… - The white mage blinked, staring into the elvaan's eyes, and then shook his head. - I'm fine… Sorry.
- KAGE! LOOK OUT!
The samurai wouldn't have dodged the attack of Shukukiri, a sharp blade coming out of her wide sleeve, if the very instant he turned around something wouldn't have interrupted the amazing aim of the woman. StarSapphire ran out of the bushed, charging the old tarutaru fiercely. The arm of the blind puppetmaster was deflected to another direction, and the sharp weapon darted off, hitting the rock of the cavern.
Kenjii, Hikari and Kage looked at the chocobo in disbelief. - Star?
- Tsk! - Shukukiri pushed StarSapphire away with her arm angrily, an irritated frown forming under her wrinkles.
- Are you all right, guys!?
Once again the group turned to look at the fog. Right there, leaning on a tree was Shion, looking at them while panting heavily. Even though he seemed very fatigued, on his face was a relieved smiled.
- Shion!
- I'm sorry for making you wait!
Kenjii stared at the young elvaan, and felt something strange at the bottom of his stomach, as if there had been a grip on it that had finally loosened. Was it relief? Incredibility? Or maybe… happiness?
- You… - Kage approached the boy, and after staring down at him for a few seconds, he kicked his butt multiple times. - …YOU'RE LATE, YOU IMBECILE!
- Ouch! I couldn't help it! I have a broken leg!! - Cried Shion, letting himself sit at the feet of a tree, holding his grumbling stomach. - And I'm starving! Things got worse before even getting worse!
- Yeah, this is him. No doubt. -.- - Commented Kage, with a loud sigh.
At that sight, Hikari smiled for the first time that day. - Yes, this can be no one else but our Shion.
- Shion?
The monk looked at Kenjii approaching him with an emotionless face, and he stood up to greet him. - Eh?
- … - There were so many things Kenjii could've said at that time, and even more things he could've done. But his pride was still having control, and all the ninja allowed himself was to slap the boy's nape hard. - STUPID SHRIMP!
- OUUH! - Shion's hands immediately went to massage his head in pain. - WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?
Kenjii turned his back at him and walked back to the group. - Very well.
- 'VERY WELL' WHAT!? YOU STUPID VIOLENT SHINOBI! HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT GOOD MANNERS!?
- I know good manners and I approve them, but I follow the bad ones.
Kage brought one hand to his chin, assisting at the scene in amusement. - Aww, he can't express his relief with mere words.
- So… Would you please quit your conversation here?
The four guys looked at Shukukiri. The woman had been listening to them from above another branch. She was no longer smiling, and her eyes were slightly opened, revealing two silver pupils.
- I thought I told you to not say another word. - Hissed Kenjii, glaring up at her. His left hand reached over his shuriken case.
- Do you not understand that those things cannot kill me, Midlander? You are alive only because I can't kill you just yet.
Kenjii's eyes narrowed. - What are you talking about?
- As sad as I am to admit it, I can't simply take the Feather off you to make Phoenix my puppet. I need the help of a summoner to first revive it… But she won't help me for nothing. I must bring her what you have. - Shukukiri shook her head in dismay. - Young ones are so impudent nowadays.
- She said 'she'… - Hikari looked away for a second, lost in thought. - So it's not Ame… There is another summoner that wants to revive the Phoenix?
- Hee hee hee… Ame… He has no strings attached, and yet he's nothing more but a puppet just like the ones you have destroyed about now. - Giggled the old woman, recovering a smirk on her face.
Kage's eye twitched, he really didn't like that laughter. - How nice of you to tell us all of the Snowstorm's plots.
- You will die here anyway. Die, or lose your conscious self.
- And what is it that this summoner wants from me, that doesn't require my conscious self? - Asked Kenjii coldly.
The woman shrugged slightly. - I do not know. All I want is my promised prize. And while I'm at it, I will make that cute white mage my new toy, too. His mind is almost ready to accept my will…
- … - Hikari clenched his teeth slightly, intimidated.
Shion slapped the air with one hand in rage. - You are disgusting!
- That is the most pleasing compliment to me! - Shukukiri waved her left arm, followed by the right one. Two sharp knives were shot from her sleeves, stabbing the ground at the feet of Kage and Shion. The two elvaans backed off quickly. - Very well. I had already a lot of fun with the black-haired boy and the child with golden eyes. With the next attack…
The third knife hissed through the air, pointing at Kenjii's shoulder. The ninja quickly stopped the blade between his left hand's fingers with a swift movement.
- … I will destroy your consciousness.
Kenjii threw the knife away, his blue eyes were firm on the small figure, shining like a storming ocean. - Try if you dare.
******************************************************
- Hey you! You foul nasty wight! - Growled Shion, barely standing on his feet. His teeth were clenched in pain, but his eyes were burning like a raging fire. - If you try to do anything to Kenjii, I swear I'll make you regret it!
- Ooh, hear, hear! I must admit that your mascot is truly loyal indeed! - Shukukiri threw yet another knife directed towards Shion, and the boy dodged it, but fell to the ground groaning as his leg couldn't bear the weight anymore. - He barks even too much.
- Ugh!!
- Shion!
- You sure have a lot of guts to act so cocky, when you can barely stand on your feet. - Said Shukukiri, shaking her head in amusement.
Kenjii looked down at Shion. - So it's true that your leg is broken.
- I've been telling you since when I arrived!
- Eww… it's unusually crooked. - Commented Kage, who had knelt down to examine the kid's ankle.
- Kenjii? - Hikari approached the ninja, almost whispering behind his ear, his eyes glued on Shukukiri. - I suggest that we separate.
"Even Kage, after last night's attack, is not in the best shape." Kenjii looked at the two elvaans. "And Shion is in this state… So…"
- Okay. How is your side doing?
- It's only a superficial wound.
- Very well.
Kenjii moved quickly, throwing a shuriken at the branch Shukukiri was standing on. Like before, the wood shattered, and the puppetmaster jumped down. - You missed me. Are you trying to build some time?
- KATON! - A fire explosion invested the woman, and she dodged it again, jumping backwards, but Kenjii didn't stop his attack. - SUITON! RAITON! DOTON! HUTON! HYOTON!
Each attack burst into an elemental force, forcing Shukukiri to dodge it by moving farer and farer from the group after each cast. At the end of the wheel, Hikari summoned an holy spell that followed the tarutaru in the fog, exploding at the impact after a few seconds. Soon as the noise of the explosion reached the group's ears, Hikari and Kenjii ran off in the forest.
- After her, Hikari!
- Kage! Take care of Shion!
- AH!? - Exclaimed the two elvaans in chorus, looking at them vanishing in the fog.
Kage growled. - Damn those two! They left us here on purpose!
- What!? Are they crazy!?
- That Shukukiri is not an easy opponent! - The samurai stood up, and quickly lifted his spear from the ground. - Let's follow them, shrimp!
- Okay! - Shion followed Kage as best as he could, but after a few steps the samurai stopped, wincing in pain. - Huh? Kage?
Kage bent down on one knee, without a reply. He was staring at the floor in anger, trying to gather his strength to stand up again to no avail.
- Your wound from yesterday… It's still hurting, isn't it? - Asked Shion softly.
- …
- So you're completely useless, too. There, we lost them!
- How DARE you to tell me these things, stupid broken shrimp!
- DON'T CALL ME SHRIMP, YOU STUPID BEANPOLE!
- Kweh!
The two turned to look at StarSapphire. The chocobo was at the entrance of the cavern, next to RedCrystal. The two birds looked at each other and then at the elvaans. The elvaans did the same thing.
****************************************************
Kenjii and Hikari were running through the forest as fast as they could. They were unable to see Shukukiri, but as they passed between trees they could notice quick shadows moving between the branches at incredible speed. Every now and then, little knives would dart out of the darkness, pointing at their legs.
- Of course, you did this to take me away from the other two! - Shukukiri's voice echoed through the fog. - Hee hee hee… Works for me! This stupidity of yours will be your doom!
- SHUT YOUR TRAP! - Yelled Kenjii, looking up at nowhere in particular. - How about you try to actually hit your target, instead!?
The fog was finally clearing when the two stopped, panting heavily. There hadn't been any attack or movement on the trees for several minutes now.
- We lost her! - Kenjii leaned with his back against a tree, looking around in every direction.
Hikari looked behind from the way they came. - This is not good. I hope Kage and Shion are safe… If something happens to them now…
- No… She's still around here. - The ninja let his head rest against the trunk too. - Her goal now is to make me suffer in front of your eyes… To destroy your mind.
Hikari leaned against the same tree, on the opposite side of Kenjii. - Yes, you are right…
His head perked up at the sound of a groan coming from Kenjii. The white mage moved his head slightly to look at him. The shinobi was wincing in pain, one hand on his right shoulder, massaging it slightly.
- It's hurting more lately, isn't it? - He asked.
- Yes, there's a lot of crap making me nervous going on.
- Am I perceiving a subtle irony…?
- I'm glad there are still such discerning individuals at this world.
Silence again. Hikari thought that it was quite unusual for a forest to be so quiet. So eerie and ethereal… Almost as if enchanted. Even now is was possible to find magical things in such normal places…
- Kenjii?
- What? - Kenjii let his shoulder go, scanning the horizon in search of some suspicious movement. - One stupid question and I swear I'll hit you.
- Ah, then maybe I should stay quiet.
- Don't tease me. -.-
Hikari took off his glasses, looking down at them with a sad smile. - I was wondering… If it's good for me to stay… If I end up wishing for Phoenix to be revived… I…
- That is a stupid question. Don't ask it ever again. - Interrupted him Kenjii. Hikari opened his mouth to reply, but the ninja anticipated him with an apparently emotionless tone. - You will not betray me, right?
Hikari's eyes widened in surprise. Once again, Kenjii had been able to read through his thoughts so easily… Was his mind so easy to understand? Was he so blatant? No…
Maybe it was just that deep inside, Kenjii and him were very similar.
- You must admit that this is quite dishonest on your part.
If you ask it like this… I could never betray you.
****************************************************
- HEEEEY! WILL YOU PUT ME DOWN ALREADY!? - Shion tried to push himself off Kage's back again. - I CAN WALK BY MYSELF!
- Stop making a fuss, shrimp! - The samurai tightened his elbows around Shion's leg even more, to make sure the kid couldn't slip out. - Can't you see that you can barely stand on your feet with that leg?!
- We should've used RedCrystal!
- We needed someone to watch over the Feather! We can't take him near that demonic witch!
- But you are pushing yourself beyond your limits!
- If you think I am, then stay still and make it easier for me to carry you! - Kage stopped, resting against a tree with one hand.
Shion shook his head, letting out a grunt of disapproval. - Fine! Anyway… Where the hell did Kenjii and Hikari go? - The kid flailed his fists in the air wildly, unable to contain his rage. - AND THAT GRANNY!? WHAT THE HECK IS SHE!?
- Calm down…! - Kage started to walk again. - I'm more worried about Hikari than anything… Or I should say, about his mental state.
- There is no reason to worry about him.
- Eh? - Kage was surprised at how confident and quick the young elvaan's answer had come.
- He was the one to tell me that… As long as there are people that believe in us, we will find the strength to survive at all costs. - Explained Shion, nodding. - Because we don't want to be ashamed. This is why I'm sure… that he is all right.
- … - Kage smirked, amused by those words. Shion was really growing up indeed. Maybe even more than him.
He had to catch up.
- HEY!! - Shion almost fell, caught in surprise as Kage dashed ahead at a running pace.
- Gonna quicken! Make sure you don't fall off my back, stupid shrimp!
- Don't call me like that, you pervert!
*******************************************************
- It's too quiet.
Hikari looked in direction of Kenjii's voice, past the tree they were still leaning on. - Yes, this is strange.
Then… a rustling sound.
- ABOVE US!
Hikari ran around the tree and grabbed Kenjii's gi tightly, moving him away from the tree one instant before many knives fell from the fronds, stabbing the ground they had been standing on.
Kenjii blinked in disbelief. - How did she…?
- Hee hee hee… So, was I able to surprise you? - Shukukiri was sitting on a branch. Her left arm was bleeding, but she didn't seem to mind. She jumped down. - Your pathetic chatter was quite touching, but so foolish in deep… Have you never heard that it's better to stay quiet and look stupid, rather than speak up and remove all doubts?
- Whatever thing you might say in my regards does not matter to me! I do not know why was I born, nor how, nor what the world truly is, and not even what I truly am, but… - Hikari stepped before the ninja, his arms wide open to shield him. - I will not let you lay a single finger on Kenjii.
Shukukiri spoke with a mockingly saddened tone. - Oh, but if I don't play with him a little, your mind will not be ready to turn you into my puppet. And if that doesn't happen, how will Phoenix be revived? Your dear ones will never come back…
- Hmph, I don't think so.
- What…? - The woman frowned, surprised by the sudden change of tone in Hikari's voice. It was sharp, arrogant, and overly confident.
- You were right, Shukukiri. I can see it all now, my nature. - Said the white mage, pushing his glasses up on his nose. - I am a traitor, yes. Deep inside, I've always wanted to see my dear ones to return to life. And maybe that is why I've truly embarked into this mission.
Kenjii's eyes widened in stupor, and his eyebrows furrowed. - Hikari…?
- I'm sorry, Kenjii. I'm really sorry. - Hikari shook his head, with a smirk. - I accept you as my new master, Shukukiri. If this is the way I'll help Phoenix to be restored, by all means…
- Oh? - The old tarutaru crossed her arms, tilting her head to one side in confusion. - Is that so?
- Yes, it is.
- Hikari! What are you saying!?
- Hmmm… It's strange. What you've told me a minute ago seemed to imply that you wouldn't have allowed me to get my way with the ninja. Where is the trick?
- No trick at all. What I have said is still valid. You will not touch Kenjii with one finger. - Hikari's grin grew larger. - I don't need you to get whatever you may want from him in order to revive the Phoenix.
Shukukiri's voice was now but an angry hiss. - So how do you think you will save him once I have you in my hands, you pathetic little brat?
The hume's eyes shone in the soft light of the forest, and he spun around to Kenjii, pinning him to the ground with extreme violence. Surprised by the unexpected attack, Kenjii couldn't dodge the white mage, and found himself pinned before he even knew it.
- Assuming you can manage to take me before I kill him! - Exclaimed Hikari, tightening his hands around Kenjii's neck.
- Ugh…! - Kenjii tried to spell Hikari's name, a spell to stop him, anything, but it was useless. The thumbs of the white mage were pressing his vocal cords too hard. All he could do was to grab the hume's forearms with both his hands, but the strength to push him away was already too weak.
For the first time that day, Shukukiri had lost control of the situation. - What do you think you are doing…? I know you can't kill your friend. You are nothing but a frail living being. - She said coldly, but the surprise and anger was palpable in her voice. - Stop it at once.
- No… I will not!!! - Hikari's eyes were firm in Kenjii's, as firm as his grip around his neck.
- You can't kill your friend! You are a white mage! - The old woman's voice grew louder. She wanted to stop him, but the thought of hurting his favorite doll was refraining him from shooting her knives. And she was also out of puppets…
Kenjii's body spasmed violently, and he pulled his head back, hitting the ground. His eyes were shut, his mind focused on grabbing as much air as he could, but none was coming in his lungs. - Agh…!
- …! - Hikari shook his head at that sight, but didn't stop strangling him.
- You are not evil enough to kill the Midlander! You don't have that strength!
- SHUT UP! - Screamed the white mage. - I will not let you do what you want with him! Kenjii doesn't deserve this!!!
Shukiri moved to Hikari fast, too fast for a woman of her age, and placed a hand on his shoulder, almost gently. At the feeling of that contact, a sharp cold pain reached Hikari's head, striking his mind like a thunder.
The puppetmaster was trying to take control over his body.
- It's really hurting you to do this, isn't it? - She asked softly. - Look at his face, Hikari.
The white mage looked at Kenjii. He was coughing violently for air.
- Surrender to me, and all this pain will be over for you. I will take you with me and help you see your dear ones once again. What would they think if they knew you killed this man?
- I am already an assassin.
- You have been, it's true. - The spiritual grip of Shukukiri's soul grew stronger on Hikari, and his hands loosened slightly. - You know, I have never worried about the consequences of my actions before. This is the first time I actually care for someone… For you.
- PLEASE, ENOUGH!
- If you kill him, you will suffer like you never had. I don't want to see your beautiful face contorted by suffering.
- No…
- I don't want to hear your voice cracking with grief…
- I WILL NOT LET YOU DO THIS TO US!!
- You will destroy yourself and lose all you have left…! - Shukukiri interrupted, and her hand winced, retracting from Hikari. Surprised, the white mage turned to look at her. Her eyes were firm on Kenjii's right hand.
He looked at it too, and then back at the ninja's face.
Kenjii's body wasn't moving anymore.
- Ken… jii…? - Hikari sat there, still over Kenjii's body, staring at him. The friend he said he wouldn't have betrayed.
This was the only way…
He did it. He had killed Kenjii. He had wanted to… right? It was the only way to stop Shukukiri, and yet… His mind couldn't bear it.
Hikari grabbed his head, pulling his hair with strength, hating himself, and letting a loud cry out of his lungs. The echo of the scream ran across the whole forest.
*************************************************
- As I thought, in the end your mind collapsed by itself. - Shukukiri frowned slightly. - It's what I wanted… But now that I can't bring the whisper to Morugana, this is a problem.
Hikari didn't even try to question her. He wasn't listening to the tarutaru. His eyes were blank, gazing the nothingness of his soul. An empty body with no reason to live.
Footsteps noises reached them from south. - Oh! It looks like your friends are here. - The blind puppetmaster looked at Hikari with a sad smile. - You lost even the strength to move by yourself? Here, I will help you.
She placed one hand on Hikari's shoulder again. - Come on, it's time to fight and retrieve the Feather. I will take care of the rest with that woman.
The white mage slowly stood up.
- Ah, here they are! - Exclaimed Shion, jumping off the samurai's back as they arrived within eyesight.
- Hey, Hikari, are you all…? - Kage's words died in his throat at the sight of the ninja laying on the floor. - Kenjii!?
The young elvaan's eyes widened in shock. Shion immediately ran to Kenjii, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. - Kenjii! KENJII!!! WHAT HAPPENED?
- I… I killed him!
- Eh? - Shion started to turn around, still incredulous, unable to believe that the voice that had just spoken was the one he recognized to be Hikari's. But before his golden eyes could meet the green ones of the white mage, his head was hit by a strong, sudden punch that send him a couple yalms away from Kenjii's body.
- Hikari…!? - Kage stared in horror at the hume. Hikari's arm was still lifted, his gaze blank and empty, as if he had hit the kid in his sleep.
- It's useless. - Said Shukukiri. The woman was standing behind the white mage, an animator in her hand. She moved it down and Hikari's arm lowered. - He's just a puppet in my hands now. See?
She moved it again, and Hikari raised both his hands, that immediately sparkled of a strong holy light. The white mage prepared the attack towards Shion.
Kage dashed to protect Shion, but he knew he would've never made it in time, and so he screamed his lungs. - HIKARI, STOP!!!
But Hikari's spell completed, and the Holy light beamed from his hands as he spun around. He shot it straight to the blind tarutaru's body, striking her with all his power.
- What the…!? - The woman didn't manage to dodge the magic attack. She was pushed backwards for several yalms, and the Holy light burned her sleeves, destroying her knife-shooting machines. With a trickle of blood coming down from a corner of her mouth, she looked up at Hikari. Her white eyes were opened, yet narrowed in fury. - You… You were always conscious?
A cold painful feeling ran across Shukukiri's back, as the sharp blade of a katana slain it from behind. The woman fell on all fours, trembling in fear and shock at the voice reaching her ears from there.
- You shouldn't have underestimated us, bitch!
- Kenjii! - Shion's expression was flabbergasted. - Damn it! You mean it was all a facade!?
Kage shook his head, bringing one hand to his temples. - I had the suspect it was a trick from the beginning.
- Shut your traps! - Snapped Kenjii, his face slightly red in embarrassment.
- Ah ah ah, I'm sorry if we made you worry! - Hikari scratched his head nervously.
Shukukiri slowly stood up, shaking in anger. - So, it was all nothing else but a foolish play…!
- Yes, there wasn't much strength in his fingers. - Kenjii shrugged, looking at Hikari. - Sometimes I have the feeling that the whole world is against me, but deep inside I know it's not true. Hikari would rather to kill himself before strangling me.
- You were very good at it, Kenjii! I thought I had actually killed you at first.
- Someday I will beat you. -.-
- So… I was never able to control your mind, no matter how torn it was… You are dreadfully twisted.
- Some things are so confusing at this world, that if investigated may leave you afraid of your own ignorance, you know? - Hikari cleaned his hands on his cloak slightly. - Lady Shukukiri, be ready… Because you will die here.
- I must admit it… - Whispered the woman, falling back on her knees, watching the white mage preparing his final attack. - You've really… disappointed me.
The hume smiled warmly. - Thank you for the compliment.
- I thought you would've provided me a final moment of entertainment…
- Unfortunately, I have grown sick and tired of acting like a victim as of late… - Replied Hikari. - …and in this, to be honest, I have been influenced by the people who are traveling with me. It doesn't matter what we do and how… Blood can always be washed away from your hands. I have lost many people, but I'm working to save just as many. This is how we live.
- Hee hee… So this is the end. - A big, sincere, maybe even happy smile opened in the little face full of wrinkles of the puppetmaster, as she looked up at Hikari one last time. - I hate you with my whole heart, Hikari. Hypocrite young one.
- The feeling is mutual. Holy!
I could've never accepted your offer to forget my past, Lady Shukukiri. It's better to have a past, and be someone with a story to tell.
***************************************************
- Hey, you pervert! What are you doing to my leg!? Stop it already!!
Hikari finished to tie RedCrystal's harness, and looked back at his three companions sitting under a tree of the forest they were about to leave. The sunlight had swallowed the mysterious hue of that place, transforming its appearance. It was now a forest like any other.
Kage put away his pen and looked at the cast around Shion's leg with a proud grin. - Tee-hee…. you look so cute!
- OH WHAT..!? YOU WROTE 'STUPID SHRIMP' ON IT!! YOU DAMNED!
- Oh come on, I know you like it!
Shion shook his fists at the samurai. - Stop saying nonsense!
- You two are TEDIOUS! -.-x - Exclaimed Kenjii, who was trying to eat some sushi. StarSapphire, next to him, immediately pecked the food out of his hand soon as he looked up to scold the two elvaans. Her master glared at her with fury.
- That was hilarious! - Kage walked up to Hikari.
The white mage smiled warmly at him. - What a cheerful air! Looking at you, I wouldn't even think that you are injured.
- I have temper and balls for sale…! - Replied the samurai, climbing up on the cart's driver seat and sitting next to him. - And you? You look like you have just been exorcised.
Hikari's eyes widened slightly, and he looked at him. - Perhaps you are right! In a way, she forced me to face a side of me that I didn't want to admit to be existing.
Kage tilted his head. - So you don't wish for your dear ones to come back to life anymore?
- If it was possible, I think I would. - Hikari looked up at the sky, inhaling deeply. - But I will not accept them to be revived at the cost of someone else's life. I don't think they would be happy about it either.
- That's right. Let's just go and kick Kaminari's ass once for all.
- You sure don't like to stop and think, Kage!^^
- Well… I did once. - Replied the elvaan, looking at Kenjii and Shion discussing animatedly. The kid was suggesting that maybe his bones would've fixed faster if he could eat some roast mutton. - One day when I was really desperate, I sat down to think. After a few I felt one hand on my shoulder, and Masaki's comforting voice saying: 'Smile, things could get worse than this'.
He and Hikari looked at each other and the white mage smiled warmly again. His usual, almost motherly smile. - And then?
- Then I smiled. And obviously, things did get worse.
last edited 739 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
Chapter 15: The Duo From The West
- WHAT DOES THIS MEAN!?
Ame had never raised his voice against his father like that before. He was simply furious. Kuro Kaminari had let him in the throne room well aware of his son's mood, and was now listening to him with a detached, almost annoyed look.
- You said that I would've taken care of Kenjii and his companions! - Continued Ame, stepping forward with clenched teeth. His white frock swayed slightly in the air because of the fast pace of his owner. - Why did you send that crazy traitor of a witch without even consulting me!?
- Oh…! - His father crossed his arms, looking down at Ame. - You ran away from them with your tail between your legs, and yet you feel entitled to make such complaints?
- Shukukiri is a traitor. She even tried to attack me!
Kuro Kaminari's eyebrows furrowed in irritation. - You should have not been there to begin with. Either way, you should not worry about that old woman anymore. She is dead.
- And yet you are sending even more assassins on them!? - Screamed Ame, shaking in rage. He stopped but a few steps from his father's throne. - Why… Why are you condemning your own people to certain death!?
- That is not how I see it. - Kaminari stood up slowly, and walked down the steps in front of his throne, passing past Ame. - I think it's best to die uselessly, rather than live uselessly, do you disagree? And also…
The leader of the Snowstorm clan walked to the side of the room, to a glass window occupying the whole wall. - …The situation has changed a little. The experiments for the resurrection of the Phoenix have entered a new phase.
Ame frowned, and walked up to the window, next to his father. He looked through it, and saw it was facing on that sort of strange laboratory/ritual room Kuro Kaminari had shown him a couple times in the past. Ame scanned the whole room slowly, and his eyes widened at the sight of the giant carvings on the wall on the opposite side.
The red light had spread to cover the drawing of Phoenix almost completely…!
I should feel relieved, but… It's still a terrifying vision.
- Isn't it beautiful, my son?
- Once that red light fills the wall completely, Phoenix will be revived?
- Impatient, aren't we? - Kuro Kaminari looked at Ame and smiled warmly, for the first time in a very long while. His son didn't even have the time to think about how he had missed that smile, before it subsided to a serious frown again. - Unfortunately this is not enough. We need the Living Flames of the Phoenix. A mere sacrifice will not do.
- The Living Flames… You mean a part of her spirit…
Kuro Kaminari nodded. - This is why we need that Feather at all costs.
- But Father… How do we know that Feather is not just another fake… Like the many others we have found in the past?
- Our spies in the Mikado seem to be positive about its nature. - Replied Kaminari, turning away from the window. - But I know what you're thinking. Perhaps my trust is misplaced. This is why I have for you a new task.
- A new task…?
- I am aware that this Feather was not the only one shipped to this continent. I want you to go and find the others. Take them off the dead hands of the Mikado if necessary.
Ame's eyes widened in surprise. What was all that, all of a sudden? More Feathers? Fight the Mikado? What was his father thinking…?
Kaminari looked at him from over his shoulder. - Do you have any objection?
- … If I do this, Mother will come back to life, won't she? - Was all Ame could ask, his eyes shadowed. He lifted his head in surprise at the noise of Kaminari's footsteps walking towards the exit.
- I will answer that question once your task will be completed. - Replied his father, opening the door. - Oh, and one more thing. I would appreciate if you made sure that your sister does not run off from this palace again. I don't want my dear precious daughter to get hurt.
**********************************************
- He removed the assignment to eliminate Kenjii's group from us? - Sayu looked up from the tea she was serving to Ame, with a perplexed and worried expression.
Masaki, sitting to the other side of the table, slammed one fist on the wood angrily. - Is this some kind of joke!?
- My new task is to find more potential remains of Phoenix's soul. - Ame looked down at his tea, not feeling thirsty at all. - And I'm ready to fulfill it… if it can stop all these sacrifices as soon as possible.
Masaki ran one hand on his blond hair, trying to think straight, to find a solution. - But this way you're putting yourself under the wishes of that deviated man again, Ame.
- Do not misunderstand me. - Ame sipped some of the tea, but quickly put the cup back down. - Even if the assignment of retrieving Kenjii's feather stayed to us, we would be unable to prevent other useless murders. Sayu!
- Y-Yes?
- You will stay here with Lamia.
The mithra tilted her head slightly, looking at Ame's sister. She was sleeping on a couch to the other side of the room. - With Lamia?
- I don't have a good feeling. - Said Ame. - Do not get away from her, not even for a single instant.
- Ame…
The summoner looked at Masaki again. The expression on the warrior's face was irritated, but mostly worried. Could he have seen what was happening? What Ame's real fear was?
- Are you really planning to give up on eliminating Kenjii and his companions?
- At least officially. - Ame stared into space with a disgusted expression. - Do you really think those four are that easy to defeat? They will not die even if we let them be for some time, you'll see.
Sayu Meloh smiled nervously. - Yes, but…^^;
Ame was serious again, and looked at the mithra. His eyes were full of determination and confidence. - One day, it will be us and no one else… to annihilate Kenjii's group.
********************************************************
Another shot rang through the valley, with the force of a thunderclap, and the last lifeless body of a Tengu fell to the ground with a deaf thud.
- I-Incredible…! - Gasped the elvaan leader of the militia. He and his troop had been sent outside of town that morning, alerted by the townsfolk about a small army of Tengu approaching. Never would they have imagined such a great power and strategy coming from those beastmen. He was even more surprised that they were fighting in the name of the Empire of Aht Urhgan, exactly as the rumors had been saying around lately.
But no stupor or surprise in those facts could surpass the shock of seeing he and his men being saved from two mere fighters.
- Well done, John. I think that was the last of them. - Said the hume woman, putting her jambiyas back in their sheaths. She had long silky ebony hair, tied in a high ponytail.
The galka in strange native clothes turned to look at her, and then lowered his big Culverin gun, opening it and slowly starting to fill it with more cannon shells. He did this without looking away from the weapon for a single instant, as if the dead corpses spread all over his surroundings didn't concern him.
The woman nodded with a smile and turned towards the general, who was still staring at her, while on all fours. She walked up to him and tilted her head.
- I'm sorry for the trouble. Are you hurt? - The general didn't understand a word of what the woman had said in her foreign language, but the seducing smile she had given him melted him from inside in a mere second.
She was beautiful, almost too much to be real. Was it maybe because of her strange clothes? She was wearing a red casaque full of golden jewelry and frilly details, under her crimson skirt, a pair of black, almost transparent tights were covering her lithe legs. Her feet were in elegant toe shoes with pronounced heel that hadn't seemed to cause trouble at the woman at all during her dancing combat.
The general opened his mouth to try and speak, to tell her that he couldn't understand, but that he was grateful for what she and her companion had done, but a sudden cry coming from behind him interrupted his attempt.
He and the woman turned around to look at the militia troop's survivors. A hume with short black hair was crying in despair, while holding the body of another boy. The general frowned, recognizing the face of the hume's older sibling.
- Brother! Brother! Please say something! DON'T DIE! - Was crying the hume, shaking him. The eyes of the man didn't open.
An elvaan woman with a long dark braid on her left shoulder approached him, and placed one hand on the hume's neck. It was the troop's medic, and it didn't took her much to sense that there was no longer any pulse. - I'm sorry, it's too late…
- NooOOOOOooooOOOO! - The black haired hume lowered his head against the brother's chest, crying inconsolably. At that sight, the general looked away, to his hands. He had been unable to protect his men from that devastating assault. There had been many in the past few days, but that was the first one he had to face. Maybe he should've left the militia, and become a fisherman like his father, maybe…
He hadn't even realized that the woman with that strange accent had already moved away from him, and was now bent on the hume and his brother.
- It's all right, don't worry. - She said, speaking again in that strange language. The young militia hume looked up at her, his eyes still full of tears. The woman smiled warmly at him in that same seducing way she had used with the general before, and stepped back slightly.
She straightened up, feet together, and opened her arms slightly to her sides, the palms facing upwards. She whispered something, and then moved gracefully in a series of elegant, awesome steps that the nobody in that troop had seen before. White and blue lights surrounded her body, glowing orbs of energy flying around her arts, raising from the ground and disappearing in the air above her head. When that sort of strange waltz had finished, she knelt down on the dead corpse of the hume and placed one hand on his chest.
- Come on, wake up.
The hume's eyes slowly opened.
*****************************************************
- Oof! How boring…!
Kenjii rolled his eyes. - Stop repeating always the same things over and over, Shion! -.-x
- Sorry, but lately we do nothing other than sitting in this cart. - Snapped the boy, crossing his arms. - Even the bad guys stopped showing up.
- He's got a point. We're becoming quite popular as the 'Tengu Slayers' of late…. But we ran out of word games and whatnot too. - Said Kage, drinking some water from a canteen. - Besides, it's normal to run out of topics when traveling with the same people for so long.
Hikari chuckled. - Come on, guys. After all, calm demonstrates that peace is taking over this land again. - He said with a smile. - If you don't stop complaining, you will be punished from Heaven. Am I right, Star?
- Kweh! - The chocobo replied cheerfully. She was off the cart, following RedCrystal with a proud pace. The chocobo had stopped traveling in the wagon a couple weeks before, a few days after Shukukiri's death. Since then, she had been able to keep up with the long travels between towns with ease, encouraged by Shion's compliments and rewarded by Kenjii's unwitting food treats.
- Well, if my punishment had a perfect body and a nice hard butt, I would be glad to receive it!
- Then I hope to be punished with some whitefish stew and white bread poured in a dish of spaghetti vongole rosso!
- In those cases it would be 'obscenity', not 'punishment'.
- Kenjii, you are so wise!
Shion sighed slightly, listening to its grumbling stomach. - Hey Hikari, how close are we to the next town? I'm hungry!
- It should be right past this hill, Shion. Be patient.
The kid scratched his head, and then sighed again. - First I'm bored, then I'm hungry… Life is just a misfortune after another!
Kenjii looked up at the sky from the driver's seat next to Hikari. - It's not.
Kage, Shion and Hikari turned to look at him in shock. An optimistic comment from Kenjii was the last thing they would've expected to ever see in that perilous journey.
The ninja ignored their flabbergasted expressions and stared into space with an annoyed look. - It's all the same, big, whole disgrace.
- Ah! ^^;
- For a moment I thought Kenjii was sick…
- He'll never change -.-
- What are you three talking about? I'm just saying that we should hurry. There is a storm incoming.
*******************************************************
- What? - Kuro Kaminari turned away from the carvings of the Phoenix to look at the mithra. - Is it true, Morugana?
- Oh, you don't believe me? - The blond summoner flapped her eyelashes, mocking an hurt expression. - Have I ever lied to you?
- So is that why you asked me to keep Ame busy somewhere else, away from the Midlander's party?
She nodded slowly. - Kenjii's group is too focused on us right now, and will counter any attack coming from the Snowstorm clan without failure. This is why, we should let the dirty work to someone who is not one of us. Someone like her.
The man frowned slightly. - You said that she is after the Feather though…
- If she takes it from them, it will be only easier for us to take it from her. She is not stronger than the Midlander.
- You are so intriguingly twisted. - Commented the man with a grin. - So shall we try and rely on her?
Morugana nodded, and raised her glass to his. - To the Western Angel.
*****************************************************
- Hey! Hurry! Come on! - Shion ran ahead of the group, looking behind at his friends. - We'll think about finding an Inn later! Let's go eat first!
Kage, Kenjii and Hikari were walking next to RedCrystal, conducting the cart through the busy main road of the city they had just reached. They watched the kid running around excitedly, stopping every now and then to look at the various shops and taverns surrounding them.
- Look at how he's… happy! - Said Kage, almost disgusted.
- Look at how he's hungry! - Echoed him Hikari.
Kenjii simply facepalmed in irritation, and the samurai patted him on the shoulder with a laughter.
- Who was the one bitching about being bored, eh?
- I have to admit that it has been a long time since when we last came to such a big city. - Agreed Hikari, looking around at the various stands. Above them, the clouds were getting darker and darker.
**************************************************
- Hey, but… - Shion was still running, ignoring the people he was passing by. - …All the taverns seem to be packed.
He stopped suddenly, feeling a strong blow of wind coming from behind, probably a gust due to the current coming from the storm. He looked up at the clouds and that's when he saw a flower in the air. It was not just a flower, but a golden tiara with a crimson rose embedded in it. The wind seemed to have teared it off the hair of someone he had just passed, and was now carrying it away. Driven by simple instinct, Shion jumped and caught it steadily. - Hop!
He landed gracefully, and smiled to himself realizing how fast his leg had healed in those weeks. He stood up and looked at the tiara in his hands, before turning around. A woman with a black ponytail was staring intently at him, and by her clothes Shion could easily guess that she was the owner of the flower. He approached her without hesitation.
- Here. - He said with a big smile, handing her the tiara. - It's yours, right?
The woman reached out for the item with a graceful, slender hand with a golden bangle wrapping its wrist. She grabbed the tiara gently and bowed to him in a way he had never seen before, grabbing her short red skirt and putting one foot behind the other, before slightly flexing on her knee.
- Very devoted. - She said in a very strange accent Shion had never heard. It was even stranger than Kenjii's and yet… similar to his.
She turned her back to him and nodded to a galka who was waiting for her. His clothes were strange too, maybe even more than hers. They seemed made out of skin and feathers.
- Very devoted…? - Mumbled Shion, watching the two disappear in a secondary street. - What does that mean…? OUCH!
He turned to look at Kenjii with angry eyes, holding his nape in pain.
- Really! What do you think you're doing!? - Growled the hume, looking down at him irritated. - How many times have I told you to not wander around by yourself as you please!?
- THAT HURTS!! It's just… All the taverns are pa…
- Now, now. - Hikari raised his hands slightly, trying to calm down the fight. - Instead, let's hurry and find somewhere…
- UGH! - Interrupted him Kage. The samurai had sensed a wet tear falling on his left ear, and looked up at the sky right as an heavy rain started to fall down on the town. The main street quickly emptied.
The four started to run in the rain, followed by their chocobos.
- THERE! SEE!? NOW IT'S RAINING, TOO!
- HOW IS THAT MY FAULT, KAGE!?
- Whatever! Let's find an accommodation and fast!
******************************************************
- … Dhemetra, is that them…?
- I don't know. - The woman looked at the four men running away across the main street with their cart, rushing to find a shelter from the rain. It was easy to follow their movements from the roof she and her partner had climbed on right after their encounter with Shion. - But they surely aren't common people.
John, knelt next to her was following the young men with his gray eyes like an eagle, completely ignoring the rain falling on his body.
Dhemetra adjusted the tiara on her head. - Either way, let's keep an eye on them for some time.
- But first… It would be best if we found accommodations.
- Why did you not think of that before?
******************************************************
A lightning slain the sky like the sharp blade of a divine knight, filling the room with light. Shion looked away from the Tetra Master game he and Kage were playing, to look at the window next to Kenjii's bed.
- Oh, damn! That flash!
- Raining heavily, isn't it? - Hikari was looking too. - With this bad weather, we have been very lucky to not have to camp outside.
- What's the difference? We're completely wet already. - Complained Kage, putting down another card. - Combo!
- Hey! What a minute!!
- Sorry~ Maybe you're too SMALL for this game!
- Some of the smallest countries are neutrals!
- What the heck is that supposed to mean!?
- It's a metaphor!
- When did you learn that word!?
Kenjii was looking outside, yet he wasn't really seeing the storm. His attention was somewhere else, far away… Beyond the storm, beyond the ocean, back to the Middle Lands, his home… back to her.
Monkey… No… Avina. What are you doing now? Are you all right?
Were you able to go on your crazy adventures even without me getting you out of troubles?
Do you still think that it was a mistake for me to leave?
Have you forgotten me already?
Should I just forget you too…?
- If a man is not willing to face some risk for his ideals, either his ideals or him are unworthy.
Kenjii blinked in surprise and turned away from the window, looking at Hikari looming over him, standing next to his bed. After a moment of bewilderment, the ninja's eyebrows furrowed. - And what do you know?
- Nothing. You just had the expression of someone who is questioning his own decisions. - Said the white mage, shaking his head slowly. - Think you could fill me in?
- It's nothing you could help with.
- I think I could surprise you.
- Not so much. - Kenjii let himself plop on the pillow, and crossed his arms behind his head. - There will always be Sandorians ready to dictate rules about how should people in Rabao behave during the hot weather.
- Is the dandy ninja talking in riddles too, now? - Asked Kage, inspecting his left ear with a pinkie.
Hikari laughed softly and then looked at the two elvaans. - I think he's saying that people are always up to give advices on topics they don't know much about. It's another metaphor.
- Of course! - Exclaimed Shion, nodding frantically.
Kage ruffled the kid's hair. - I bet you didn't understand a word, right?
- What!? Because you understood all of it, huh!?
- It's obvious! Don't compare me to some shrimp face!
- I'VE ALREADY TOLD YOU TO NOT CALL ME SHRIMP! - Shion and Kage engaged a fight, starting to pull each other's hair, pinching each other's skin, stomping on each other's feet. - STUPID PERVERT! STUPID COCKROACH! STUPID STUPID!
- MIDGET SHRIMP! STUPID SHRIMP! MICROBE SHRIMP!
- STOP IT AT ONCE!!! - Kenjii threw two shurikens at the same time, that hissed about one inch each from the two elvaan heads. - STOP THROWING WORDS TO THE WIND AND SLEEP!
The two gasped in fear at the sight of the angered hume, and hugged each other. - We'll sleep! We'll sleep at once! We'll sleep without a word!
- YOU TWO ARE PISSING ME OFF TO NO END LATELY!!
- Okay, okay… We got it. But you should try and go to sleep soon too, Kenjii!
- Very well then, I'll turn off the lamp. - Said Hikari. - Let's hope that tomorrow the rain will have stopped.
- Ouch! I bumped into the chair!
The light of the room turned off, and the whole Inn fell into slumber, merging into the darkness of the rainy night.
Nobody noticed the beastmen figures walking down the road that entered the town's western side.
*******************************************************
Another thunder crossed the sky, lighting the room of Kenjii's group for a second. Everything was silent, asleep and lulled by the sound of the storm. In an instant, the darkness took over the inside of the inn again.
Then a sudden noise of breaking glass boomed in the room, and the group of Tengu jumped inside with the same speed of the lightning that had anticipated them.
- Midlander and companions, prepare yourself, kyah!
The birdmen found the four beds in the darkness of the room without any problem, and assaulted them, stabbing them with their blades. Feathers and cloth flew all over the room.
- Kyahahahaha! You let your guard down! - Croaked the leader of the group, watching the other Tengu still piercing the beds in a mad furore. - I would've never thought it would've been this easy to eliminate the gang of Kenjii. To think it was considered the strongest party around!
- Ah. Well, this is good to hear. - Said a voice at the door of the room.
The Tengu immediately stopped and looked in direction of the entrance, narrowing their eyes. Then the sky rumbled, and the light of a new thunder shun in the room. The midlander's group was all there, in front of the opened door, awake and alive. They had been waiting for them behind the door for all that time?
- Quawk!?
- Okay… - Said the midlander, stepping forward. His eyes of the color of water firm on those of the leader of the Tengu squad. - Is that all you had to tell us?
- The… The midlander's party…! - Exclaimed one of the other birdmen.
The ninja shook his head. - You are a bit low in conversation.
- I guess you were convinced that you could hide your presence and noises behind this storm. - Suggested the white mage, putting his glasses on.
The two elvaans at their sides ran in, and started attacking the Tengu while screaming in chorus. - IT'S NO USE!
The leader of the Tengu squad watched his fellows falling in combat one after the other, in horror and powerless. In a fit of rage, he opened one arm wide. - Curse these smoothskins! At this point, let's try to at least retrieve the treasure!
- Hey, looks like this time Kaminari's gang hired some serious killers! - Scoffed Kage, grabbing the Tengu's shoulders from behind and smashing him to the floor. He then placed one foot on his head, holding him still.
- Ugh…!
- Look at that! All the rain is coming in because you broke our window! - Cried Shion, poking him with his pole. - How do you plan to fix it now, huh? HUH!?
- Pfh! You think this is the time to make fun of us? - Croaked the birdman from under Kage's sune-ate. - You shame your race!
Kage's eyes narrowed. - What are you…?
- AAAAHHH! - The scream of a woman echoed in the darkness of the street their window was facing.
- What the…!? - Shion and Kage immediately walked across the room, ignoring the corpses of the Tengu around them, and looked outside. The few things they could see in the spare light of the storm were horrifying.
An army of Tengu was out there, running in the streets. One by one, they were entering all the houses around, chasing the people outside with murderous intentions. Screams and cries could be heard throughout the district. In a corner, two childs of hume race were hugging each other, trembling in fear, their blank eyes staring in horror at the corpses of their parents in front of them.
The group stared at the scene in shock. Hikari stammered. - But this…?
- Pfh pfh…! I did warn you. It seems that you have worried only about yourselves. - Said the Tengu pinned to the floor. - You thought you were our only target? The sacrifices to the Phoenix still continue. It's certain that as champions of justice you are indeed a shame! Kyahahahahahahah…!?
- Die. - Kenjii's katana stabbed the beastman to the heart with the speed of a rain drop, killing forever that horrible laughter.
For a short time, the four young men stayed there, looking at each other in silence. A looming sense of sadness, guilt, anger and shame was overwhelming them.
Then a man screamed, waking them up from their trance. - AAAH! H-Help meee!
- Quawk! Long Life to the Empress!
- Damnit! - Shion stepped over the sill and jumped in the direction of the man, trying to be as fast as he could to save his life. But right as he was a couple yalms from the hume, the Tengu chasing him slain his body from behind with a sharp great katana.
Shion watched in shock the man falling dead in front of his eyes, one of his hands still reaching over him. Some blood fell on his face, but was immediately wiped away from the rain.
The kid let himself sink in the fear and sadness of death only for one instant, before a wild rage overcame him. He gripped on his kinkobo tightly, and turned to look at the Tengu. - YOU..!!!!
His feet slightly slipped on wet sandy road of the main street and he charged the beastman, with a loud warcry. He would have killed that Tengu. He wanted to. There were emotions that Shion hated to feel, and desire to kill was one of them. But sometimes, there were no other options.
He reached the Tengu and stopped in front of him, about to strike. His pole was almost ready to fall on the beastman's head, when a slender figure jumped in between him and the Tengu from above.
Shion managed to stop his attack and looked at the newcomer with widen eyes. The figure moved one, two, three steps on the beastman, and then hit it with a solid flying kick that sent the bird to the other side of the road. Red frilly garments fluttered in the air like dancing rose petals, accompanied by the harmonious jingle of golden jewels.
- But… who are you? - Murmured the monk, while his companions reached him from the inn's entrance. When the unexpected rescuer turned to look at him, Shion's mouth opened wide. - Hey! You're the lady I met today!
The woman with black hair smiled warmly and gave to him the same strange bow she had that day. - Grandma.
- Grandma…? - Shion blinked in confusion.
The stranger noticed his expression and tilted her head. She then spoke in a language Shion didn't recognize. - Isn't that how they say 'good evening' here…? Maybe I said it wrong…
- Shion, do you know her…? - Asked Kage slightly perplexed at the scene.
- Kyah! Look at that fancy dress she wears! - Exclaimed one of the Tengu. The beastmen were quickly surrounding them. - Who are you, woman!?
The woman brushed one lock of hair out of her face and her smile faded slightly. - Making such a fuss at this late… How boorish. - She said. - You do not deserve me to reveal my name.
She then turned around to look at the Tengu, and Shion gasped, falling on his back, at the sight of an massive Galka stepping in front of him, right behind the woman. The gigantic man looked at the beastmen coldly, making them step back slightly.
Kage was barely able to hold himself from falling in surprise as well. - Who the hell…!?
- That galka is enormous…! - Said Hikari, staring in shock at him.
The Tengu looked at each other, shaking their heads nervously. Yet, they still drawn their weapons at the two strangers. - Kyah! Whoever you are, we will kill you at this very instant!
- Hmph! - The woman unsheathed two jambiyas from the sides of her green belt, and after swirling them in an elegant movement, she pointed one blade towards the beastmen, speaking one word. - Go.
The galka attacked.
- Wh… - The Tengu in front of them didn't even have the time to say anything more. Three powerful gunshots roared in the air, so powerful and loud to shame the storm's nearest thunders.
The culverin of the galka was big and heavy, and yet its master was moving it without any difficulty, swapping from shooting to loading stances in fast and flawless movements. Its cannonshells never missed a target. One by one, the Tengu in the street fell to the ground, the sound of the rain along with the shots were their only requiem.
- H-How fast! - Exclaimed Shion. He, as the rest of his group, was unable to take his eyes off the imposing gunner.
Kage was plugging his ears with hands, wincing at every shot. - What the heck is that monstrous gun!?
- It's so incredibly precise, too! - Hikari was observing too, keeping one hand above his nose to not get his glasses wet.
The galka suddenly turned towards them and shot in their direction. Kage and Shion moved away from the middle with an exclamation of surprise, and watched the Tengu that had almost attacked them from behind fall over dead with a cannonshell tearing its throat apart.
- IT'S AMAZING!!! - Shion was gripping his pole convulsively, scared and yet excited. - Incredible… It's incredible! That guy is super strong!
- You really don't scruple much, eh? -.- - Asked Kage, watching the kid disgustingly.
- Ha ha! - The woman walked in the middle of the Tengu corpses, looking down at them with a rather amused smile, and then fixed her tiara slightly. - John, look at this successful fishing. Leave it here would be a shame.
Under the petrified look of Kenjii's party, the woman started to move around the bodies of the dying Tengus in a sort of ritual dance, finishing off the enemies with gracious movements. At the eyes of someone that wouldn't know the ability of a dancer, it would have seemed that with her steps she was taking away the souls of the beastmen from their corpses, purifying them with her dance.
Kenjii was following her movements with an almost hypnotized gaze, observing her carefully. He had met a few dancers in his past, and the way that woman was dancing was rather familiar. An emerald aura was surrounding her body, and at each single swing of her blade, he could see faint crimson orbs of energy flowing from the Tengu to her, disappearing on her skin.
What kind of dance is that…?
Maybe Kenjii would've recognized that dance if he would've ever shown some interest in others during his time in Avina's party. On the other hand, the reminiscence of Asina nearly killing him had convinced him that dancers were best to be avoided in general.
Shion screamed in the storm, right as a thunder struck the sky covering his voice. - WATCH OUT!
The woman didn't even turn to look at the Tengu attacking her, and for a moment Kenjii considered the option of moving forward to cover her. But unlike his mother, that dancer seemed to have a trustworthy guardian. The galka dashed between her and the assaulted, parrying the strike with his own body. The weapon of the Tengu hit him in the chest.
- Kyahahahah! - The beastman laughed in triumph. - That will teach…
But before it could finish the sentence, the galka's potent arm reached its neck and hold it tight. Without even glancing at his own wound, the gunner pointed the gun at the Tengu's face with his other hand and shot. The death was instantaneous.
At that point, Shion, Kage, Kenjii and Hikari were nearly out of breath for the surprise. That Tengu was the last in the district.
Those two strangers had saved the city by themselves.
As the storm started to move away and leave place to a calm dawn, only Shion's whispered sounded in the street. - Who the hell are they…?
- WHAT DOES THIS MEAN!?
Ame had never raised his voice against his father like that before. He was simply furious. Kuro Kaminari had let him in the throne room well aware of his son's mood, and was now listening to him with a detached, almost annoyed look.
- You said that I would've taken care of Kenjii and his companions! - Continued Ame, stepping forward with clenched teeth. His white frock swayed slightly in the air because of the fast pace of his owner. - Why did you send that crazy traitor of a witch without even consulting me!?
- Oh…! - His father crossed his arms, looking down at Ame. - You ran away from them with your tail between your legs, and yet you feel entitled to make such complaints?
- Shukukiri is a traitor. She even tried to attack me!
Kuro Kaminari's eyebrows furrowed in irritation. - You should have not been there to begin with. Either way, you should not worry about that old woman anymore. She is dead.
- And yet you are sending even more assassins on them!? - Screamed Ame, shaking in rage. He stopped but a few steps from his father's throne. - Why… Why are you condemning your own people to certain death!?
- That is not how I see it. - Kaminari stood up slowly, and walked down the steps in front of his throne, passing past Ame. - I think it's best to die uselessly, rather than live uselessly, do you disagree? And also…
The leader of the Snowstorm clan walked to the side of the room, to a glass window occupying the whole wall. - …The situation has changed a little. The experiments for the resurrection of the Phoenix have entered a new phase.
Ame frowned, and walked up to the window, next to his father. He looked through it, and saw it was facing on that sort of strange laboratory/ritual room Kuro Kaminari had shown him a couple times in the past. Ame scanned the whole room slowly, and his eyes widened at the sight of the giant carvings on the wall on the opposite side.
The red light had spread to cover the drawing of Phoenix almost completely…!
I should feel relieved, but… It's still a terrifying vision.
- Isn't it beautiful, my son?
- Once that red light fills the wall completely, Phoenix will be revived?
- Impatient, aren't we? - Kuro Kaminari looked at Ame and smiled warmly, for the first time in a very long while. His son didn't even have the time to think about how he had missed that smile, before it subsided to a serious frown again. - Unfortunately this is not enough. We need the Living Flames of the Phoenix. A mere sacrifice will not do.
- The Living Flames… You mean a part of her spirit…
Kuro Kaminari nodded. - This is why we need that Feather at all costs.
- But Father… How do we know that Feather is not just another fake… Like the many others we have found in the past?
- Our spies in the Mikado seem to be positive about its nature. - Replied Kaminari, turning away from the window. - But I know what you're thinking. Perhaps my trust is misplaced. This is why I have for you a new task.
- A new task…?
- I am aware that this Feather was not the only one shipped to this continent. I want you to go and find the others. Take them off the dead hands of the Mikado if necessary.
Ame's eyes widened in surprise. What was all that, all of a sudden? More Feathers? Fight the Mikado? What was his father thinking…?
Kaminari looked at him from over his shoulder. - Do you have any objection?
- … If I do this, Mother will come back to life, won't she? - Was all Ame could ask, his eyes shadowed. He lifted his head in surprise at the noise of Kaminari's footsteps walking towards the exit.
- I will answer that question once your task will be completed. - Replied his father, opening the door. - Oh, and one more thing. I would appreciate if you made sure that your sister does not run off from this palace again. I don't want my dear precious daughter to get hurt.
**********************************************
- He removed the assignment to eliminate Kenjii's group from us? - Sayu looked up from the tea she was serving to Ame, with a perplexed and worried expression.
Masaki, sitting to the other side of the table, slammed one fist on the wood angrily. - Is this some kind of joke!?
- My new task is to find more potential remains of Phoenix's soul. - Ame looked down at his tea, not feeling thirsty at all. - And I'm ready to fulfill it… if it can stop all these sacrifices as soon as possible.
Masaki ran one hand on his blond hair, trying to think straight, to find a solution. - But this way you're putting yourself under the wishes of that deviated man again, Ame.
- Do not misunderstand me. - Ame sipped some of the tea, but quickly put the cup back down. - Even if the assignment of retrieving Kenjii's feather stayed to us, we would be unable to prevent other useless murders. Sayu!
- Y-Yes?
- You will stay here with Lamia.
The mithra tilted her head slightly, looking at Ame's sister. She was sleeping on a couch to the other side of the room. - With Lamia?
- I don't have a good feeling. - Said Ame. - Do not get away from her, not even for a single instant.
- Ame…
The summoner looked at Masaki again. The expression on the warrior's face was irritated, but mostly worried. Could he have seen what was happening? What Ame's real fear was?
- Are you really planning to give up on eliminating Kenjii and his companions?
- At least officially. - Ame stared into space with a disgusted expression. - Do you really think those four are that easy to defeat? They will not die even if we let them be for some time, you'll see.
Sayu Meloh smiled nervously. - Yes, but…^^;
Ame was serious again, and looked at the mithra. His eyes were full of determination and confidence. - One day, it will be us and no one else… to annihilate Kenjii's group.
********************************************************
Another shot rang through the valley, with the force of a thunderclap, and the last lifeless body of a Tengu fell to the ground with a deaf thud.
- I-Incredible…! - Gasped the elvaan leader of the militia. He and his troop had been sent outside of town that morning, alerted by the townsfolk about a small army of Tengu approaching. Never would they have imagined such a great power and strategy coming from those beastmen. He was even more surprised that they were fighting in the name of the Empire of Aht Urhgan, exactly as the rumors had been saying around lately.
But no stupor or surprise in those facts could surpass the shock of seeing he and his men being saved from two mere fighters.
- Well done, John. I think that was the last of them. - Said the hume woman, putting her jambiyas back in their sheaths. She had long silky ebony hair, tied in a high ponytail.
The galka in strange native clothes turned to look at her, and then lowered his big Culverin gun, opening it and slowly starting to fill it with more cannon shells. He did this without looking away from the weapon for a single instant, as if the dead corpses spread all over his surroundings didn't concern him.
The woman nodded with a smile and turned towards the general, who was still staring at her, while on all fours. She walked up to him and tilted her head.
- I'm sorry for the trouble. Are you hurt? - The general didn't understand a word of what the woman had said in her foreign language, but the seducing smile she had given him melted him from inside in a mere second.
She was beautiful, almost too much to be real. Was it maybe because of her strange clothes? She was wearing a red casaque full of golden jewelry and frilly details, under her crimson skirt, a pair of black, almost transparent tights were covering her lithe legs. Her feet were in elegant toe shoes with pronounced heel that hadn't seemed to cause trouble at the woman at all during her dancing combat.
The general opened his mouth to try and speak, to tell her that he couldn't understand, but that he was grateful for what she and her companion had done, but a sudden cry coming from behind him interrupted his attempt.
He and the woman turned around to look at the militia troop's survivors. A hume with short black hair was crying in despair, while holding the body of another boy. The general frowned, recognizing the face of the hume's older sibling.
- Brother! Brother! Please say something! DON'T DIE! - Was crying the hume, shaking him. The eyes of the man didn't open.
An elvaan woman with a long dark braid on her left shoulder approached him, and placed one hand on the hume's neck. It was the troop's medic, and it didn't took her much to sense that there was no longer any pulse. - I'm sorry, it's too late…
- NooOOOOOooooOOOO! - The black haired hume lowered his head against the brother's chest, crying inconsolably. At that sight, the general looked away, to his hands. He had been unable to protect his men from that devastating assault. There had been many in the past few days, but that was the first one he had to face. Maybe he should've left the militia, and become a fisherman like his father, maybe…
He hadn't even realized that the woman with that strange accent had already moved away from him, and was now bent on the hume and his brother.
- It's all right, don't worry. - She said, speaking again in that strange language. The young militia hume looked up at her, his eyes still full of tears. The woman smiled warmly at him in that same seducing way she had used with the general before, and stepped back slightly.
She straightened up, feet together, and opened her arms slightly to her sides, the palms facing upwards. She whispered something, and then moved gracefully in a series of elegant, awesome steps that the nobody in that troop had seen before. White and blue lights surrounded her body, glowing orbs of energy flying around her arts, raising from the ground and disappearing in the air above her head. When that sort of strange waltz had finished, she knelt down on the dead corpse of the hume and placed one hand on his chest.
- Come on, wake up.
The hume's eyes slowly opened.
*****************************************************
- Oof! How boring…!
Kenjii rolled his eyes. - Stop repeating always the same things over and over, Shion! -.-x
- Sorry, but lately we do nothing other than sitting in this cart. - Snapped the boy, crossing his arms. - Even the bad guys stopped showing up.
- He's got a point. We're becoming quite popular as the 'Tengu Slayers' of late…. But we ran out of word games and whatnot too. - Said Kage, drinking some water from a canteen. - Besides, it's normal to run out of topics when traveling with the same people for so long.
Hikari chuckled. - Come on, guys. After all, calm demonstrates that peace is taking over this land again. - He said with a smile. - If you don't stop complaining, you will be punished from Heaven. Am I right, Star?
- Kweh! - The chocobo replied cheerfully. She was off the cart, following RedCrystal with a proud pace. The chocobo had stopped traveling in the wagon a couple weeks before, a few days after Shukukiri's death. Since then, she had been able to keep up with the long travels between towns with ease, encouraged by Shion's compliments and rewarded by Kenjii's unwitting food treats.
- Well, if my punishment had a perfect body and a nice hard butt, I would be glad to receive it!
- Then I hope to be punished with some whitefish stew and white bread poured in a dish of spaghetti vongole rosso!
- In those cases it would be 'obscenity', not 'punishment'.
- Kenjii, you are so wise!
Shion sighed slightly, listening to its grumbling stomach. - Hey Hikari, how close are we to the next town? I'm hungry!
- It should be right past this hill, Shion. Be patient.
The kid scratched his head, and then sighed again. - First I'm bored, then I'm hungry… Life is just a misfortune after another!
Kenjii looked up at the sky from the driver's seat next to Hikari. - It's not.
Kage, Shion and Hikari turned to look at him in shock. An optimistic comment from Kenjii was the last thing they would've expected to ever see in that perilous journey.
The ninja ignored their flabbergasted expressions and stared into space with an annoyed look. - It's all the same, big, whole disgrace.
- Ah! ^^;
- For a moment I thought Kenjii was sick…
- He'll never change -.-
- What are you three talking about? I'm just saying that we should hurry. There is a storm incoming.
*******************************************************
- What? - Kuro Kaminari turned away from the carvings of the Phoenix to look at the mithra. - Is it true, Morugana?
- Oh, you don't believe me? - The blond summoner flapped her eyelashes, mocking an hurt expression. - Have I ever lied to you?
- So is that why you asked me to keep Ame busy somewhere else, away from the Midlander's party?
She nodded slowly. - Kenjii's group is too focused on us right now, and will counter any attack coming from the Snowstorm clan without failure. This is why, we should let the dirty work to someone who is not one of us. Someone like her.
The man frowned slightly. - You said that she is after the Feather though…
- If she takes it from them, it will be only easier for us to take it from her. She is not stronger than the Midlander.
- You are so intriguingly twisted. - Commented the man with a grin. - So shall we try and rely on her?
Morugana nodded, and raised her glass to his. - To the Western Angel.
*****************************************************
- Hey! Hurry! Come on! - Shion ran ahead of the group, looking behind at his friends. - We'll think about finding an Inn later! Let's go eat first!
Kage, Kenjii and Hikari were walking next to RedCrystal, conducting the cart through the busy main road of the city they had just reached. They watched the kid running around excitedly, stopping every now and then to look at the various shops and taverns surrounding them.
- Look at how he's… happy! - Said Kage, almost disgusted.
- Look at how he's hungry! - Echoed him Hikari.
Kenjii simply facepalmed in irritation, and the samurai patted him on the shoulder with a laughter.
- Who was the one bitching about being bored, eh?
- I have to admit that it has been a long time since when we last came to such a big city. - Agreed Hikari, looking around at the various stands. Above them, the clouds were getting darker and darker.
**************************************************
- Hey, but… - Shion was still running, ignoring the people he was passing by. - …All the taverns seem to be packed.
He stopped suddenly, feeling a strong blow of wind coming from behind, probably a gust due to the current coming from the storm. He looked up at the clouds and that's when he saw a flower in the air. It was not just a flower, but a golden tiara with a crimson rose embedded in it. The wind seemed to have teared it off the hair of someone he had just passed, and was now carrying it away. Driven by simple instinct, Shion jumped and caught it steadily. - Hop!
He landed gracefully, and smiled to himself realizing how fast his leg had healed in those weeks. He stood up and looked at the tiara in his hands, before turning around. A woman with a black ponytail was staring intently at him, and by her clothes Shion could easily guess that she was the owner of the flower. He approached her without hesitation.
- Here. - He said with a big smile, handing her the tiara. - It's yours, right?
The woman reached out for the item with a graceful, slender hand with a golden bangle wrapping its wrist. She grabbed the tiara gently and bowed to him in a way he had never seen before, grabbing her short red skirt and putting one foot behind the other, before slightly flexing on her knee.
- Very devoted. - She said in a very strange accent Shion had never heard. It was even stranger than Kenjii's and yet… similar to his.
She turned her back to him and nodded to a galka who was waiting for her. His clothes were strange too, maybe even more than hers. They seemed made out of skin and feathers.
- Very devoted…? - Mumbled Shion, watching the two disappear in a secondary street. - What does that mean…? OUCH!
He turned to look at Kenjii with angry eyes, holding his nape in pain.
- Really! What do you think you're doing!? - Growled the hume, looking down at him irritated. - How many times have I told you to not wander around by yourself as you please!?
- THAT HURTS!! It's just… All the taverns are pa…
- Now, now. - Hikari raised his hands slightly, trying to calm down the fight. - Instead, let's hurry and find somewhere…
- UGH! - Interrupted him Kage. The samurai had sensed a wet tear falling on his left ear, and looked up at the sky right as an heavy rain started to fall down on the town. The main street quickly emptied.
The four started to run in the rain, followed by their chocobos.
- THERE! SEE!? NOW IT'S RAINING, TOO!
- HOW IS THAT MY FAULT, KAGE!?
- Whatever! Let's find an accommodation and fast!
******************************************************
- … Dhemetra, is that them…?
- I don't know. - The woman looked at the four men running away across the main street with their cart, rushing to find a shelter from the rain. It was easy to follow their movements from the roof she and her partner had climbed on right after their encounter with Shion. - But they surely aren't common people.
John, knelt next to her was following the young men with his gray eyes like an eagle, completely ignoring the rain falling on his body.
Dhemetra adjusted the tiara on her head. - Either way, let's keep an eye on them for some time.
- But first… It would be best if we found accommodations.
- Why did you not think of that before?
******************************************************
A lightning slain the sky like the sharp blade of a divine knight, filling the room with light. Shion looked away from the Tetra Master game he and Kage were playing, to look at the window next to Kenjii's bed.
- Oh, damn! That flash!
- Raining heavily, isn't it? - Hikari was looking too. - With this bad weather, we have been very lucky to not have to camp outside.
- What's the difference? We're completely wet already. - Complained Kage, putting down another card. - Combo!
- Hey! What a minute!!
- Sorry~ Maybe you're too SMALL for this game!
- Some of the smallest countries are neutrals!
- What the heck is that supposed to mean!?
- It's a metaphor!
- When did you learn that word!?
Kenjii was looking outside, yet he wasn't really seeing the storm. His attention was somewhere else, far away… Beyond the storm, beyond the ocean, back to the Middle Lands, his home… back to her.
Monkey… No… Avina. What are you doing now? Are you all right?
Were you able to go on your crazy adventures even without me getting you out of troubles?
Do you still think that it was a mistake for me to leave?
Have you forgotten me already?
Should I just forget you too…?
- If a man is not willing to face some risk for his ideals, either his ideals or him are unworthy.
Kenjii blinked in surprise and turned away from the window, looking at Hikari looming over him, standing next to his bed. After a moment of bewilderment, the ninja's eyebrows furrowed. - And what do you know?
- Nothing. You just had the expression of someone who is questioning his own decisions. - Said the white mage, shaking his head slowly. - Think you could fill me in?
- It's nothing you could help with.
- I think I could surprise you.
- Not so much. - Kenjii let himself plop on the pillow, and crossed his arms behind his head. - There will always be Sandorians ready to dictate rules about how should people in Rabao behave during the hot weather.
- Is the dandy ninja talking in riddles too, now? - Asked Kage, inspecting his left ear with a pinkie.
Hikari laughed softly and then looked at the two elvaans. - I think he's saying that people are always up to give advices on topics they don't know much about. It's another metaphor.
- Of course! - Exclaimed Shion, nodding frantically.
Kage ruffled the kid's hair. - I bet you didn't understand a word, right?
- What!? Because you understood all of it, huh!?
- It's obvious! Don't compare me to some shrimp face!
- I'VE ALREADY TOLD YOU TO NOT CALL ME SHRIMP! - Shion and Kage engaged a fight, starting to pull each other's hair, pinching each other's skin, stomping on each other's feet. - STUPID PERVERT! STUPID COCKROACH! STUPID STUPID!
- MIDGET SHRIMP! STUPID SHRIMP! MICROBE SHRIMP!
- STOP IT AT ONCE!!! - Kenjii threw two shurikens at the same time, that hissed about one inch each from the two elvaan heads. - STOP THROWING WORDS TO THE WIND AND SLEEP!
The two gasped in fear at the sight of the angered hume, and hugged each other. - We'll sleep! We'll sleep at once! We'll sleep without a word!
- YOU TWO ARE PISSING ME OFF TO NO END LATELY!!
- Okay, okay… We got it. But you should try and go to sleep soon too, Kenjii!
- Very well then, I'll turn off the lamp. - Said Hikari. - Let's hope that tomorrow the rain will have stopped.
- Ouch! I bumped into the chair!
The light of the room turned off, and the whole Inn fell into slumber, merging into the darkness of the rainy night.
Nobody noticed the beastmen figures walking down the road that entered the town's western side.
*******************************************************
Another thunder crossed the sky, lighting the room of Kenjii's group for a second. Everything was silent, asleep and lulled by the sound of the storm. In an instant, the darkness took over the inside of the inn again.
Then a sudden noise of breaking glass boomed in the room, and the group of Tengu jumped inside with the same speed of the lightning that had anticipated them.
- Midlander and companions, prepare yourself, kyah!
The birdmen found the four beds in the darkness of the room without any problem, and assaulted them, stabbing them with their blades. Feathers and cloth flew all over the room.
- Kyahahahaha! You let your guard down! - Croaked the leader of the group, watching the other Tengu still piercing the beds in a mad furore. - I would've never thought it would've been this easy to eliminate the gang of Kenjii. To think it was considered the strongest party around!
- Ah. Well, this is good to hear. - Said a voice at the door of the room.
The Tengu immediately stopped and looked in direction of the entrance, narrowing their eyes. Then the sky rumbled, and the light of a new thunder shun in the room. The midlander's group was all there, in front of the opened door, awake and alive. They had been waiting for them behind the door for all that time?
- Quawk!?
- Okay… - Said the midlander, stepping forward. His eyes of the color of water firm on those of the leader of the Tengu squad. - Is that all you had to tell us?
- The… The midlander's party…! - Exclaimed one of the other birdmen.
The ninja shook his head. - You are a bit low in conversation.
- I guess you were convinced that you could hide your presence and noises behind this storm. - Suggested the white mage, putting his glasses on.
The two elvaans at their sides ran in, and started attacking the Tengu while screaming in chorus. - IT'S NO USE!
The leader of the Tengu squad watched his fellows falling in combat one after the other, in horror and powerless. In a fit of rage, he opened one arm wide. - Curse these smoothskins! At this point, let's try to at least retrieve the treasure!
- Hey, looks like this time Kaminari's gang hired some serious killers! - Scoffed Kage, grabbing the Tengu's shoulders from behind and smashing him to the floor. He then placed one foot on his head, holding him still.
- Ugh…!
- Look at that! All the rain is coming in because you broke our window! - Cried Shion, poking him with his pole. - How do you plan to fix it now, huh? HUH!?
- Pfh! You think this is the time to make fun of us? - Croaked the birdman from under Kage's sune-ate. - You shame your race!
Kage's eyes narrowed. - What are you…?
- AAAAHHH! - The scream of a woman echoed in the darkness of the street their window was facing.
- What the…!? - Shion and Kage immediately walked across the room, ignoring the corpses of the Tengu around them, and looked outside. The few things they could see in the spare light of the storm were horrifying.
An army of Tengu was out there, running in the streets. One by one, they were entering all the houses around, chasing the people outside with murderous intentions. Screams and cries could be heard throughout the district. In a corner, two childs of hume race were hugging each other, trembling in fear, their blank eyes staring in horror at the corpses of their parents in front of them.
The group stared at the scene in shock. Hikari stammered. - But this…?
- Pfh pfh…! I did warn you. It seems that you have worried only about yourselves. - Said the Tengu pinned to the floor. - You thought you were our only target? The sacrifices to the Phoenix still continue. It's certain that as champions of justice you are indeed a shame! Kyahahahahahahah…!?
- Die. - Kenjii's katana stabbed the beastman to the heart with the speed of a rain drop, killing forever that horrible laughter.
For a short time, the four young men stayed there, looking at each other in silence. A looming sense of sadness, guilt, anger and shame was overwhelming them.
Then a man screamed, waking them up from their trance. - AAAH! H-Help meee!
- Quawk! Long Life to the Empress!
- Damnit! - Shion stepped over the sill and jumped in the direction of the man, trying to be as fast as he could to save his life. But right as he was a couple yalms from the hume, the Tengu chasing him slain his body from behind with a sharp great katana.
Shion watched in shock the man falling dead in front of his eyes, one of his hands still reaching over him. Some blood fell on his face, but was immediately wiped away from the rain.
The kid let himself sink in the fear and sadness of death only for one instant, before a wild rage overcame him. He gripped on his kinkobo tightly, and turned to look at the Tengu. - YOU..!!!!
His feet slightly slipped on wet sandy road of the main street and he charged the beastman, with a loud warcry. He would have killed that Tengu. He wanted to. There were emotions that Shion hated to feel, and desire to kill was one of them. But sometimes, there were no other options.
He reached the Tengu and stopped in front of him, about to strike. His pole was almost ready to fall on the beastman's head, when a slender figure jumped in between him and the Tengu from above.
Shion managed to stop his attack and looked at the newcomer with widen eyes. The figure moved one, two, three steps on the beastman, and then hit it with a solid flying kick that sent the bird to the other side of the road. Red frilly garments fluttered in the air like dancing rose petals, accompanied by the harmonious jingle of golden jewels.
- But… who are you? - Murmured the monk, while his companions reached him from the inn's entrance. When the unexpected rescuer turned to look at him, Shion's mouth opened wide. - Hey! You're the lady I met today!
The woman with black hair smiled warmly and gave to him the same strange bow she had that day. - Grandma.
- Grandma…? - Shion blinked in confusion.
The stranger noticed his expression and tilted her head. She then spoke in a language Shion didn't recognize. - Isn't that how they say 'good evening' here…? Maybe I said it wrong…
- Shion, do you know her…? - Asked Kage slightly perplexed at the scene.
- Kyah! Look at that fancy dress she wears! - Exclaimed one of the Tengu. The beastmen were quickly surrounding them. - Who are you, woman!?
The woman brushed one lock of hair out of her face and her smile faded slightly. - Making such a fuss at this late… How boorish. - She said. - You do not deserve me to reveal my name.
She then turned around to look at the Tengu, and Shion gasped, falling on his back, at the sight of an massive Galka stepping in front of him, right behind the woman. The gigantic man looked at the beastmen coldly, making them step back slightly.
Kage was barely able to hold himself from falling in surprise as well. - Who the hell…!?
- That galka is enormous…! - Said Hikari, staring in shock at him.
The Tengu looked at each other, shaking their heads nervously. Yet, they still drawn their weapons at the two strangers. - Kyah! Whoever you are, we will kill you at this very instant!
- Hmph! - The woman unsheathed two jambiyas from the sides of her green belt, and after swirling them in an elegant movement, she pointed one blade towards the beastmen, speaking one word. - Go.
The galka attacked.
- Wh… - The Tengu in front of them didn't even have the time to say anything more. Three powerful gunshots roared in the air, so powerful and loud to shame the storm's nearest thunders.
The culverin of the galka was big and heavy, and yet its master was moving it without any difficulty, swapping from shooting to loading stances in fast and flawless movements. Its cannonshells never missed a target. One by one, the Tengu in the street fell to the ground, the sound of the rain along with the shots were their only requiem.
- H-How fast! - Exclaimed Shion. He, as the rest of his group, was unable to take his eyes off the imposing gunner.
Kage was plugging his ears with hands, wincing at every shot. - What the heck is that monstrous gun!?
- It's so incredibly precise, too! - Hikari was observing too, keeping one hand above his nose to not get his glasses wet.
The galka suddenly turned towards them and shot in their direction. Kage and Shion moved away from the middle with an exclamation of surprise, and watched the Tengu that had almost attacked them from behind fall over dead with a cannonshell tearing its throat apart.
- IT'S AMAZING!!! - Shion was gripping his pole convulsively, scared and yet excited. - Incredible… It's incredible! That guy is super strong!
- You really don't scruple much, eh? -.- - Asked Kage, watching the kid disgustingly.
- Ha ha! - The woman walked in the middle of the Tengu corpses, looking down at them with a rather amused smile, and then fixed her tiara slightly. - John, look at this successful fishing. Leave it here would be a shame.
Under the petrified look of Kenjii's party, the woman started to move around the bodies of the dying Tengus in a sort of ritual dance, finishing off the enemies with gracious movements. At the eyes of someone that wouldn't know the ability of a dancer, it would have seemed that with her steps she was taking away the souls of the beastmen from their corpses, purifying them with her dance.
Kenjii was following her movements with an almost hypnotized gaze, observing her carefully. He had met a few dancers in his past, and the way that woman was dancing was rather familiar. An emerald aura was surrounding her body, and at each single swing of her blade, he could see faint crimson orbs of energy flowing from the Tengu to her, disappearing on her skin.
What kind of dance is that…?
Maybe Kenjii would've recognized that dance if he would've ever shown some interest in others during his time in Avina's party. On the other hand, the reminiscence of Asina nearly killing him had convinced him that dancers were best to be avoided in general.
Shion screamed in the storm, right as a thunder struck the sky covering his voice. - WATCH OUT!
The woman didn't even turn to look at the Tengu attacking her, and for a moment Kenjii considered the option of moving forward to cover her. But unlike his mother, that dancer seemed to have a trustworthy guardian. The galka dashed between her and the assaulted, parrying the strike with his own body. The weapon of the Tengu hit him in the chest.
- Kyahahahah! - The beastman laughed in triumph. - That will teach…
But before it could finish the sentence, the galka's potent arm reached its neck and hold it tight. Without even glancing at his own wound, the gunner pointed the gun at the Tengu's face with his other hand and shot. The death was instantaneous.
At that point, Shion, Kage, Kenjii and Hikari were nearly out of breath for the surprise. That Tengu was the last in the district.
Those two strangers had saved the city by themselves.
As the storm started to move away and leave place to a calm dawn, only Shion's whispered sounded in the street. - Who the hell are they…?
last edited 739 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
Chapter 16: Chasing the Power of Resurrection
The dancer performed a courtly waltz and her the body of the galka shun of azure light, healing his wound. After an elegant swirl, the woman landed gracefully on her feet and looked around, placing one hand on her left hip.
- I'd say we took care of almost all of them.
Kage opened his mouth to speak, to break that silence of disbelief that had fallen on him and his companions from the very moment that hume girl with icy eyes had started dancing. He was interrupted before he could even think what to ask first by the crying burst of a baby.
As if some unknown sorcery had just gone from that place, the four men finally realized that the place was not in silence at all. The district was in chaos. Everywhere, injured people were screaming for help. The survivors had come out in the streets and were now looking for their dear ones. Who wasn't busy shouting for someone to show up, was kneeling over a body in tears.
- Oh, yeah… The residents! - Shion looked around nervously, trying to decide who to help first.
Kage ran over to help the crying baby. - Hey! Are you all right!?
- Waaaah!! It hurts so muuuuuuuuuch!!!
Hikari knelt down next to them. - Step aside, Kage! - He said, immediately covering the baby's wound with one hand flashing of healing light. - Guys, bring all the injured to me! But try to move them carefully!
- Okay!
The dancer brushed her wet hair off her face, looking up at the cloudy sky. - Pffft…. It's really horrible… what the Empire of Aht Urhgan orders the Tengu to do.
She looked at Kenjii with her eyebrows slightly arched, almost if looking for an agreement, but the ninja said nothing. He was staring at her with a stern glare, his mouth slightly opened in a question that wouldn't come out.
- Kenjii! - Called him Shion, who was knelt down on a man with both legs covered in blood. - Come to help m…
- DADDY!
The monk turned around to look at the girl whose voice had echoed throughout the street with the force of an explosion. It was a very young girl with chestnut flowing hair and a green vest. She was bent down on the body of a man, holding his shoulders tightly, shaking him. On the man's chest was a deep red patch of blood.
- DADDY… NO! - She cried, hugging his head against her chest. - Please, open your eyes… NOOOOO! DADDY!
- Hikari! - Shouted Shion, turning to look at the white mage.
The hume didn't even look up from the wound he was healing. - I'm sorry Shion… If I don't take care of the most serious wounds first, more people will die…
- But!
Kenjii walked next to Shion, and pushed his shoulder slightly to force the kid to regain his focus. - It's too late.
- Ugh… - Shion looked away from the crying girl, and started to help Kenjii lift the injured man at his feet.
Him and the ninja barely noticed the dancer walking past them, like a breeze. She moved so quickly and harmoniously that for a moment the kid had the impression she was floating on the ground instead of stepping.
She reached the girl and knelt next to her, placing one hand on her left shoulder and smiling warmly. - Don't cry anymore.
- Huh…?
Then the black-haired hume stood up and opened her arms wide to her sides, before starting to dance. She danced around the girl and her dead father, her body enveloped in a radiant while light. After some steps the boy had never seen, the stopped, and raised one hand to the sky, right as the clouds above them were starting to clear.
In that very instant, the dawn at the horizon started to arise, almost as if the sun itself wanted to assist to the dancer's miraculous performance.
The wound on the man's chest had completely healed, and the man slowly sat up, under the warm look of his rescuer, and the shocked one of his daughter.
- It's not… It's not true… - Stammered Shion, his eyes big and wide in surprise. - He was revived with no magic…
- WHAT!? - Exclaimed Kage. He and Hikari were just as in disbelief as him.
The dancer nodded satisfied to the two humes reunited and turned to look at Kenjii again with her compelling smile. At that, Kenjii replied only with a slight frown, and so the woman looked down at Hikari.
- You, with glasses… - Her voice was confident and firmly polite, almost as if she had known the white mage for a long time. - Since you are able to heal them, I'll leave the wounded to you.
Hikari blinked surprised, and stammered slightly before managing to say something. - O-Of course… Forgive me, but…
The dancer didn't let him finish, and nodded slowly. - I will take care… of all those who didn't make it.
********************************************************
- Holy Dancer!
- Thank you so much, Holy Dancer!
The words of the people cheering, and their happy, adoring looks forwards the woman who had vanquished the Tengu's attempt to sacrifice the town to Phoenix were still fresh in Kenjii's mind.
After rescuing the people injured by the slaughter, his group had retired back in a new room of the inn without a word. It was the first time they hadn't been on the center of the people's attention after saving a city or a village from an attack of the Snowstorm. Kenjii was aware of how popular he and his group had become in the past weeks, and that was why he couldn't explain himself how could two strangers shadow them so easily.
That being said, he didn't care about fame at all.
- 'Tonight we witnessed the birth of a hero.' - Recited Kage, looking outside of the window. - Wasn't there some guy's song that started like that?
Hikari shook his head. - It was a poet. The one that would always tell about instinct overcoming logic in the hardest times to take people to the conquest.
- Yeah, meh… Not my kind of stuff.
- Why not?
Kage shrugged and looked back at the white mage. - I don't have a thing for poets that are driven simply by instinct; they are incomplete. It's impossible for a poet to not have a critic inside himself too.
- You're the one to talk! - Hikari laughed weakly, bringing one hand to his forehead.
Shion walked to his bed and sat on it, looking down at the white mage. - Hikari, are you all right? You're sweating…
- Yes… of course. - Replied the blond, moving the wet cloth off his head slightly. - I'm sorry, guys.
- Figures… - Said Kenjii, crossing his arms. - To use your energy you stayed up all morning while completely wet. What were you thinking?
- Yeah, you strained yourself too much. - Agreed Kage. - But I guess this is why some white mages are called 'martyrs' huh?
- Ha ha ha! Besides… - Hikari smiled embarrassedly at the three looming over him. - It was a task entrusted to me personally.
The samurai rolled his eyes. - You really don't like to step back, eh?
- Yeah, well… - Shion looked up at Kage with an happy smile. - I don't really know what happened, but everybody is safe and alive! Isn't it fantastic?
- That's the real point. - Kage raised an eyebrow at him. - Or better yet, the point is that chick. Who the hell…
A door knocking sound interrupted the elvaan, and the four turned to look at the entrance of their room. After a few seconds in silence, it opened.
- With permission. - The woman opened the door completely, followed by her galkan companion. He was so tall that from behind the door, the group could not see his face above the level of the nose.
- I just wanted to compliment with you for the nice job. - The woman's hair were not tied in a ponytail anymore. She was keeping them down on her shoulders, and looked like she just had a nice shower. Instead of her red casaque she was now wearing a simple white silk vest.
Her sincere smile faded slowly at the sight of Hikari lying in his bed, and the three looking at her with mixed glares of irritation, caution and perplexity. Her expression of polite joy subsided to a frown of concern.
- Oh… It seems that I have entrusted you with a task beyond your possibilities… - She said, bringing one hand to her heart and bowing her head slightly. - I humbly apologize.
Shion blinked at Kage. - 'Humbly'?
- Don't look at me. -.-
- No, I'm fine. - Said Hikari, sitting up. - I'll be back in shape soon.
The girl nodded and then gazed upon everyone, stopping on Kenjii. She approached him, staring intently at his whole appearance with a focused look.
Kenjii could bear that treatment for no more than twenty seconds. - What is it…?
- Nothing. I was just observing your clothes. - The serious expression of the dancer changed again, and she gave him an excited and yet respectful smile, tilting her head to one side. - Are you a ninja, by chance? And this must be the so called 'shinobi attire', right? How nice! It's so exotic!
The ninja staggered in surprise at such sincere admiration from a person with that amazing power he had never seen before, and looked away holding the urge to blush. - Truth to be said, I should be the one asking questions here.
- Yeah! He's got a point! - Exclaimed Kage, crossing his arms in irritation. - Who the heck are you two!?
Hikari nodded. - Your accent suggests that you are coming from another continent, am I right?
- Hey! That reviving dance you used before was amazing! - Followed Shion. - How did you do that!?
- … - The galka listened to the three rambling with an emotionless face.
- Ha ha ha! - The girl placed her hands on her hips, arching an eyebrow. - I can't answer all these questions at the same time!
- What is your goal? - Asked Kenjii. His tone was cold and almost intimidating. Everyone in the room stared at him in silence for a few seconds.
- That is a simple question. - The dancer looked back at him with an almost seducing smile. - We come from the far continent to the west of the world, Ulbuka… To save the lives of those fallen victims to the Tengu at the service of the Empire of Aht Urhgan.
She looked at the expressions of the men's faces. They were still staring at her, as if expecting her story to continue. The woman looked at the galka and then back at them with a slight shrug. - That is all.
Kage whistled loudly. - How commendable…!
- Maybe we should take example from them. What do you guys say..? - Asked him Hikari, arching an eyebrow.
Kenjii glared at the white mage. - Shut your trap. -.-
- So all people in Allbaka have the ability to revive the fallen without white magic? - Asked Shion.
Kage smacked him behind the nape. - It's Ulbuka, you imbecile.
The dancer chuckled. - No no, of course not. That is one personal invention of mine. - She said waving her left hand. - And to be honest it's not even true that I don't use magic, although I'm not really a mage… It's rather… a trade.
- A trade…?
- I use the mana coming from the bodies of the Tengu I kill… and use it to cast the Raise spell on the dying people.
- Woooah! Incredible! - Exclaimed the young monk, staring at her with big shining eyes. - And you can bring back to life whoever you want!? Even this chicken bone!?
Kage staggered. - What purpose would it have to bring back to life such a thing…? -.-
The dancer laughed again and shook her head. - Just as a white mage, I cannot bring back to life those whose life has passed away for over one hour.
- So that's what it was… Aspir Samba. - Once again, Kenjii's voice brought the silence in the room. - Isn't that how you dancers call it? You drain the mana energy from the Tengu to use white magic… Right?
The woman looked at Kenjii with a curious expression, almost as if she was intrigued and amused by his words. - I didn't think I would've met someone knowing the Kriegstanz in this far away continent. I am impressed.
Kage, Shion and Hikari looked at each other in confusion, but the dancer from Ulbuka and the midlander didn't give any explanation about those words.
- We live in this town, albeit for a short time. I am guessing that you are not ready to leave yet, right? - She brushed her hair behind the left shoulder, and then smiled warmly at the ninja with a little shrug. - My name is Dhemetra. Dhemetra McRael.
- … - He didn't move from where he was, leaning against the wall. Not even a nod in response, but few words. - I am Kenjii Asgard.
Dhemetra's smile regained confidence and she nodded again, tilting her head before turning to the door. - Well then, Kenjii. Until next time.
When the door closed, Shion let out a loud exclamation, almost a scream.
- What's wrong with you? - Asked Kage, twitching.
- That giant… His body was perfectly fine! - Screamed the kid, waving his arms wildly. - I forgot to ask her how did she heal his wounds soooooo freaking fast! It's awesome!
- If she's able to bring people back to life, I'm guessing that for her to heal a wound like that is but a trivial task. The Kriegstanz… - Mumbled Hikari. - Kenjii…?
- Hmph. - The midlander turned to look at the door. - A dancer from Ulbuka…
************************************************
- Dhemetra.
- What is it?
- Maybe those four are not evil. - The galka looked at the door of the room they had just left from above his shoulder. - They don't look like individuals that would be able to commit…
The dancer raised her right hand closed in a fist and slammed it against the man's chest with the speed of a bullet, without even turning to look at him. The punch wasn't strong enough to hurt the sinewy body of the galka, but he knew what it meant. He immediately stopped talking and looked down at her.
- You are not allowed to judge, John. - She said coldly, slowly turning her head to look up at him, while opening her hand to run her fingers between the fringes of the galka's jacket. - Your job is just to protect me.
- Yes. I know. - Replied John, looking away.
Dhemetra smiled and started to walk along the hallway again. - It doesn't matter how they are. After all… A target is a target. Let's see how good are they.
******************************************************
- Hey, Shrimp!
Shion looked up from the stand he was examining, giving Kage a curious glare.
The samurai, Shion and Kenjii were walking through the commercial district of the town, looking for supplies. The people around seemed normal, even happy, as if the memories of that night had already been forgotten. In the distance, the sun was slowly preparing to set behind the mountains.
- What I saw this afternoon when I came to wake you up in your room was a nightmare. You better do some tidying before you go to bed tonight, you know! - Said the elvaan, pushing Shion's head down with one hand playfully. - Or do you want Mr. Softie to yell at you?
Shion blinked and looked past Kage, at the ninja. Kenjii didn't show any kind of reaction to the samurai's words. His gaze was blank, staring into space. Shion had seen that expression in his friend's eyes often lately… Something was bothering Kenjii, he knew it. But he also knew that to ask would've probably only made him angry. An absent Kenjii was better than an irritated one… Right?
Kage looked at Kenjii too and then shrugged at Shion. I tried. Was what the kid read in his eyes.
- I can't clean my room, I have too much to study.
The elvaan frowned. - Study? Since when do you study? What do you study even?
Shion opened his bag and pulled out a book. - This! Hikari let me borrow it.
- What is it? - Asked Kage, snatching the book off Shion's hands and examining its cover. - 'Story of a Soldier in Ulbuka'…?
- It's a story about the adventures of a soldier named Thomas who lives in that western continent that Dhemetra chick comes from. It's really exciting! - Shion watched the elvaan opening the book from the last page. - What are you doing?
- I'm reading the ending.
- But that's CHEATING!
- Has nobody taught you to always read the last page of a book before you start reading it? What if you die without knowing how it ends? - Kage closed the book with a little smirk and tossed it back to Shion. - That's an interesting ending.
Shion struggled to catch the book without letting it fall, and then put it back in his bag, glaring at Kage. - You are really strange.
The samurai arched an eyebrow. - Because I'm provident?
- No… - The boy shook his head, crossing the arms behind it. - But that lady is very pretty, and you are… How comes you haven't tried to flirt with her yet?
- Pshh…. What are you thinking? She's hot all right, but I am picky when it comes to women, you know! - Kage chuckled, running one hand in his hair. - I'm…
- You're afraid of galkas.
Kage gasped and then turned to look at Kenjii, squinting at him. - What did you just say?
- You're afraid of galkas. - Repeated the ninja, unstressed. His gaze in the empty space was still there. - I saw the way you were looking at him, so there is no point in denying. You aren't hitting on her because you're afraid that someone taller and bigger than you could punch your head just enough to make you even shorter than the shrimp.
Kage's ears twitched, and he blushed wildly. - Yeah well, I saw how you were looking at her, too. - He snorted, looking away. - So you can have her for all I care!
That seemed to finally snap Kenjii out of his trance. He winced, and looked at Kage with burning eyes. Although angry, Shion could see a shade of red on his face.
- Stop calling us a couple! - He exclaimed. - We're just…
Kenjii's voice quickly faded away, and he frowned, blinking in confusion at his own words.
- I have never called you a co…
- Just leave me alone. - The hume shook his head and walked ahead, quickening his pace. - One more word about that dancer and I'll kill you. She's just a charlatan anyway.
- Charlatan? - Shion looked up at the samurai, blinking in confusion.
Kage pouted slightly, annoyed for making Kenjii angry again. - I think he's talking about that dance of hers.
Shion's expression didn't change. - What about it?
- Were you not there when she said it? She uses that strange dance to hide her white magic. She doesn't really raise the dead with dancing. - Kage rubbed the bottom of his nose with a finger, and then used the same hand to cover a big yawn. - She has the support abilities of a white mage, just like Hikari has the ones of a monk.
- And why do you think she hides it?
The samurai shrugged. - No idea. But I don't like it…
The boy took his arms behind his head, showing a big grin. - And you don't like galkas either, eh? What a pansy!
Kage stared at him with a shocked face. - When did you even learn that wo…
- OOOOH LOOK! - Shion had already forgotten about him, and stopped in front of a stand where a shirtless galka was preparing some pickled herrings. - Hey guys! Maybe Hikari can eat this too! Let's get him some!
Kenjii turned to look at him and Kage, who had reached Shion and was now pulling him back and forth from his kenpogi.
- Who the fuck taught you that word, HUH!? If you think I'm gonna let you go after calling me a pansy, you are hopeless, you stupid stupid stupid sorry excuse for a shrimp!
- LET ME GO! I'm sorry, okay!? Besides, I heard it from YOU! You called Kenjii like that, back that time when…! - Shion pulled himself away, fixing his kenpogi that had almost completely slipped off his body. - Let's get some food for Hikari!
- Fine, fine. After all if he doesn't get back in shape we can't leave, right?
- Right. - Shion nodded to him and Kenjii and turned to the galka, who had watched the whole scene with a grim look. - Mister, can we have thirty of those!?
Kenjii and Kage looked at the boy with a sweatdrop. - I'm guessing they are not just for Hikari, right?
- Let's hurry with groceries and go back to the tavern as soon as possible. - The ninja shook his head slowly and looked back in direction of where they had parked the cart, some blocks away. - Even though the worst seems to have passed, we cannot guarantee there will not be more attacks from the Tengu.
Shion and Kage turned to look at him, and the boy shook his head. - Come on, don't worry!
- Yeah, we can detect their presence easily anyway. And soon as we will… - The samurai didn't have the time to finish talking, when a colossal kitchen knife swung in front of his face, missing his nose by a few inches. - AAAH!?
Shion backed away, and Kage fell on his back for the shock. The three looked at the owner of the knife. The very same galka they had just finished ordering some food from walked out from behind his stance, gripping on his knife tightly, looking down at Shion with burning eyes.
- That was close…! - Stammered Kage, slightly shaking.
Shion's expression was more confused than scared. He spoke to the galka with a feeble voice. - M-Mister…?
- Urhgan… - Muttered the galka, narrowing his eyes. - …Aht Urhgan. AHT URHGAN!!
Kenjii looked at Shion. - Damn it, Shion! YOUR KENPOGI!
- AH!? - The kid looked at his shoulder. He hadn't fixed his clothes well enough to cover it, and the brand of Zahak was now revealed in front of everyone. He quickly moved to hide it, but…
- SHION! BEHIND YOU!
- Eh!? - The boy moved just in time to dodge an hard wooden staff, that slammed to the floor. The bulky hume that was wielding it looked at him with clenched teeth.
- Uh oh…! - Shion, Kage and Kenjii walked backwards till they were almost back-to-back, watching in different directions. The whole crowd was surrounding them, and the men were all grabbing something nearby to hit them with.
- These are not hitmen nor Tengu… - Shion looked at Kenjii, with a worried frown. - What do we do!?
The ninja shook his head, trying to think. - Is it normal that they get angry like this whenever they see Aht Urhgan? I've met monsters with less murderous intentions…
- No.. This is not human… - Kage looked at the ninja as well. - You think it's a targeted attack?
- No but… - Kenjii looked one by one at the men and women that were walking around them, trying to find the proper moment to attack him and his companions. - I wonder if what happened yesterday is connected…
*************************************************
Hikari coughed four more times, and decided it wasn't the case to try and stand up. He leaned his head back on the pillow, holding a wet cloth on his forehead with one hand. His glasses were on the commode next to him, he had took them off to be more comfortable in bed. They were useless at that moment anyway, as his sight was blurred with or without glasses.
Someone knocked at the door, and Hikari winced slightly because of his headache. He turned to look at the door and spoke weakly. - Yes?
- Good day. - The girl with long chestnut hair walked in, bringing a tray. She had changed since that morning, when the woman of Ulbuka had revived his father, and was now wearing a bright pink yukata. - I have brought you some water.
- Oh… - Hikari called upon all his willpower and sat up, taking off the cloth to look at her. - I'm sorry for disturbing…
- Do not worry. After all, you, along with Lady Dhemetra, have saved us all! You can stay for as long as you wish. - Replied the girl, placing the tray on the commode and tilting her head at him with a warm smile.
The blond put his glasses on to look at her. - Now that I think about it… That night, you father too…
- Yes. My father recovered thanks to the power of the holy dancer Dhemetra… - She replied, looking at the window with a dreamy look. - Sometimes miracles really do happen, don't you think?
- Have you noticed anything strange since after that? - Asked the white mage. - Like… some ailment, for example.
The girl brought one hand to her cheek, deep in thought. - No, not that I've noticed. He's in such a great shape that you would say what happened last night didn't even take place.
- I see. I'm glad to hear that.
- If there is anything you need, please let me know. - The girl walked back to the door, and stopped before closing it behind her. - Wait a minute… Actually there is something different… Yesterday when someone mentioned Aht Urhgan, my dad got really angry all of a sudden. He used to be a calm person before… But he's perfectly normal if I don't mention the Empire. I guess it's not important.
Hikari watched the door closing, with a frown. He looked down at his hands resting on his lap.
Aht Urhgan… The Tengu used the name of the Empire again, just as planned by the Snowstorm. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised they hate them now. But didn't that girl say her father was a calm person before his resurrection? Couldn't it be…?
- Ugh… - Hikari's sight faded for a moment, and he plopped back on the pillow, holding his head. - Perhaps Kage was right… I overdid it.
He turned on his right side, and closed his eyes to sleep. It was not too long before the door opened again slowly, with a creak.
Hikari coughed, and started to turn around. - Have you forgotten something here?
The white mage's eyes opened wide in shock at the sight of the girl's father, the innkeeper, looming over him with a ferocious glare, an axe in his hands was raised over his head, ready to fall down on the bed.
- Die, friend of Aht Urhgan.
The man attacked him and the axe fell down on the bed, landing on the cloth where Hikari would've died instantly, had he not rolled out of it just in time to dodge the strike.
The white mage coughed and grabbed the pillow to parry the next incoming attack. The man shook the ax with rage, tucked inside the pillow.
- What's wrong, sir? - Asked Hikari, stepping back. - Please calm down!
- You are with them… - Muttered the man, looking at him again with narrowed eyes. - You are with those that killed me once.
**************************************************
- WOAH! - Shion jumped back, dodging the attacks of two men coming from the sides. The two nearly stumbled into each other, and then looked at him. Their eyes reminded him of the dangerous glares of the trolls of Halvung. - Damn, these guys really want me dead and fried!
Kage stepped behind Shion and pushed away an elvaan, using his spear. He was careful enough to not harm the assaulter. - Stop it at once or I'm done going easy on you guys!
The elvaan stood up to charge him again, but another one, much younger than Shion, ran to him and grabbed his arms tightly, looking up at the adult. - Dad, what's wrong with you!? We must run away! What are you doing…? Answer me!!
- Wait a minute… I think I saw these people somewhere before… - Said Kage, looking around. - Aren't these… all the people who have died yesterday?
Now I get it.
- Guys, back to the Inn! - Called Kenjii, trying to find a way out in the angry crowd.
- What!?
- Stupid ninja, can't you see the kind of situation we're at!?
**********************************************
- Sir… - Hikari coughed, and shook his head weakly. His energies were still not restored and he was barely able to stand up. The man in front of him was armed, and in perfect shape. - Please… Control yourself.
- I'm not going to listen to the orders of you imperial dogs! - The man swung his weapon again, and Hikari fell on all four to dodge it.
It's no use… He's blinded by rage.
- Please forgive me! - The white mage threw the blanket of the bed on the man's head, and then charged him with a fist to the stomach. The innkeeper fell backwards, out of the room. With his few left energies, Hikari ran forward and closed the door, panting.
"Is he possessed…?" He thought, resting against the door with his back, trying to catch some breath. "They aren't aiming at Kenjii's group specifically, but at Aht Urhgan… So… It's not the Snowstorm, right? Oh no… My head is spinning so hard…"
The wood next to his head cracked loudly, and shards of the door flew all over the floor at his feet. Hikari jumped sideways and looked at the ax's blade retracting from the crack, probably to strike again.
From the hole in the door he could hear multiple voices.
- WE KNOW YOU ARE THERE, AHT URHGAN DOG!
- THERE'S NO ESCAPE!
- COME OUT!
- YOU WILL NOT THREATEN MY FAMILY AGAIN!
- YOU CAN'T STOP US, IMPERIAL SCUM!
Hikari stumbled slightly and grabbed the table to the other side of the room, moving it in front of the door to block it. After pushing the table against it, he looked up at the hole again. The furious eye of the innkeeper was staring at him from the crack.
- Aht Urhgan must be destroyed.
They are going to break in!
There was no time to think. Hikari looked around, looking for his things. Thankfully, everyone had brought their bags with them to go do the groceries, and Hikari knew they had prepared the cart to use it. He quickly grabbed all his things, without looking at the door that was shattering in pieces swing after swing.
He then wrapped his cloak around his right hand and hit the window with a strong punch, breaking it.
Without allowing himself to look down, Hikari jumped out of it.
The dancer performed a courtly waltz and her the body of the galka shun of azure light, healing his wound. After an elegant swirl, the woman landed gracefully on her feet and looked around, placing one hand on her left hip.
- I'd say we took care of almost all of them.
Kage opened his mouth to speak, to break that silence of disbelief that had fallen on him and his companions from the very moment that hume girl with icy eyes had started dancing. He was interrupted before he could even think what to ask first by the crying burst of a baby.
As if some unknown sorcery had just gone from that place, the four men finally realized that the place was not in silence at all. The district was in chaos. Everywhere, injured people were screaming for help. The survivors had come out in the streets and were now looking for their dear ones. Who wasn't busy shouting for someone to show up, was kneeling over a body in tears.
- Oh, yeah… The residents! - Shion looked around nervously, trying to decide who to help first.
Kage ran over to help the crying baby. - Hey! Are you all right!?
- Waaaah!! It hurts so muuuuuuuuuch!!!
Hikari knelt down next to them. - Step aside, Kage! - He said, immediately covering the baby's wound with one hand flashing of healing light. - Guys, bring all the injured to me! But try to move them carefully!
- Okay!
The dancer brushed her wet hair off her face, looking up at the cloudy sky. - Pffft…. It's really horrible… what the Empire of Aht Urhgan orders the Tengu to do.
She looked at Kenjii with her eyebrows slightly arched, almost if looking for an agreement, but the ninja said nothing. He was staring at her with a stern glare, his mouth slightly opened in a question that wouldn't come out.
- Kenjii! - Called him Shion, who was knelt down on a man with both legs covered in blood. - Come to help m…
- DADDY!
The monk turned around to look at the girl whose voice had echoed throughout the street with the force of an explosion. It was a very young girl with chestnut flowing hair and a green vest. She was bent down on the body of a man, holding his shoulders tightly, shaking him. On the man's chest was a deep red patch of blood.
- DADDY… NO! - She cried, hugging his head against her chest. - Please, open your eyes… NOOOOO! DADDY!
- Hikari! - Shouted Shion, turning to look at the white mage.
The hume didn't even look up from the wound he was healing. - I'm sorry Shion… If I don't take care of the most serious wounds first, more people will die…
- But!
Kenjii walked next to Shion, and pushed his shoulder slightly to force the kid to regain his focus. - It's too late.
- Ugh… - Shion looked away from the crying girl, and started to help Kenjii lift the injured man at his feet.
Him and the ninja barely noticed the dancer walking past them, like a breeze. She moved so quickly and harmoniously that for a moment the kid had the impression she was floating on the ground instead of stepping.
She reached the girl and knelt next to her, placing one hand on her left shoulder and smiling warmly. - Don't cry anymore.
- Huh…?
Then the black-haired hume stood up and opened her arms wide to her sides, before starting to dance. She danced around the girl and her dead father, her body enveloped in a radiant while light. After some steps the boy had never seen, the stopped, and raised one hand to the sky, right as the clouds above them were starting to clear.
In that very instant, the dawn at the horizon started to arise, almost as if the sun itself wanted to assist to the dancer's miraculous performance.
The wound on the man's chest had completely healed, and the man slowly sat up, under the warm look of his rescuer, and the shocked one of his daughter.
- It's not… It's not true… - Stammered Shion, his eyes big and wide in surprise. - He was revived with no magic…
- WHAT!? - Exclaimed Kage. He and Hikari were just as in disbelief as him.
The dancer nodded satisfied to the two humes reunited and turned to look at Kenjii again with her compelling smile. At that, Kenjii replied only with a slight frown, and so the woman looked down at Hikari.
- You, with glasses… - Her voice was confident and firmly polite, almost as if she had known the white mage for a long time. - Since you are able to heal them, I'll leave the wounded to you.
Hikari blinked surprised, and stammered slightly before managing to say something. - O-Of course… Forgive me, but…
The dancer didn't let him finish, and nodded slowly. - I will take care… of all those who didn't make it.
********************************************************
- Holy Dancer!
- Thank you so much, Holy Dancer!
The words of the people cheering, and their happy, adoring looks forwards the woman who had vanquished the Tengu's attempt to sacrifice the town to Phoenix were still fresh in Kenjii's mind.
After rescuing the people injured by the slaughter, his group had retired back in a new room of the inn without a word. It was the first time they hadn't been on the center of the people's attention after saving a city or a village from an attack of the Snowstorm. Kenjii was aware of how popular he and his group had become in the past weeks, and that was why he couldn't explain himself how could two strangers shadow them so easily.
That being said, he didn't care about fame at all.
- 'Tonight we witnessed the birth of a hero.' - Recited Kage, looking outside of the window. - Wasn't there some guy's song that started like that?
Hikari shook his head. - It was a poet. The one that would always tell about instinct overcoming logic in the hardest times to take people to the conquest.
- Yeah, meh… Not my kind of stuff.
- Why not?
Kage shrugged and looked back at the white mage. - I don't have a thing for poets that are driven simply by instinct; they are incomplete. It's impossible for a poet to not have a critic inside himself too.
- You're the one to talk! - Hikari laughed weakly, bringing one hand to his forehead.
Shion walked to his bed and sat on it, looking down at the white mage. - Hikari, are you all right? You're sweating…
- Yes… of course. - Replied the blond, moving the wet cloth off his head slightly. - I'm sorry, guys.
- Figures… - Said Kenjii, crossing his arms. - To use your energy you stayed up all morning while completely wet. What were you thinking?
- Yeah, you strained yourself too much. - Agreed Kage. - But I guess this is why some white mages are called 'martyrs' huh?
- Ha ha ha! Besides… - Hikari smiled embarrassedly at the three looming over him. - It was a task entrusted to me personally.
The samurai rolled his eyes. - You really don't like to step back, eh?
- Yeah, well… - Shion looked up at Kage with an happy smile. - I don't really know what happened, but everybody is safe and alive! Isn't it fantastic?
- That's the real point. - Kage raised an eyebrow at him. - Or better yet, the point is that chick. Who the hell…
A door knocking sound interrupted the elvaan, and the four turned to look at the entrance of their room. After a few seconds in silence, it opened.
- With permission. - The woman opened the door completely, followed by her galkan companion. He was so tall that from behind the door, the group could not see his face above the level of the nose.
- I just wanted to compliment with you for the nice job. - The woman's hair were not tied in a ponytail anymore. She was keeping them down on her shoulders, and looked like she just had a nice shower. Instead of her red casaque she was now wearing a simple white silk vest.
Her sincere smile faded slowly at the sight of Hikari lying in his bed, and the three looking at her with mixed glares of irritation, caution and perplexity. Her expression of polite joy subsided to a frown of concern.
- Oh… It seems that I have entrusted you with a task beyond your possibilities… - She said, bringing one hand to her heart and bowing her head slightly. - I humbly apologize.
Shion blinked at Kage. - 'Humbly'?
- Don't look at me. -.-
- No, I'm fine. - Said Hikari, sitting up. - I'll be back in shape soon.
The girl nodded and then gazed upon everyone, stopping on Kenjii. She approached him, staring intently at his whole appearance with a focused look.
Kenjii could bear that treatment for no more than twenty seconds. - What is it…?
- Nothing. I was just observing your clothes. - The serious expression of the dancer changed again, and she gave him an excited and yet respectful smile, tilting her head to one side. - Are you a ninja, by chance? And this must be the so called 'shinobi attire', right? How nice! It's so exotic!
The ninja staggered in surprise at such sincere admiration from a person with that amazing power he had never seen before, and looked away holding the urge to blush. - Truth to be said, I should be the one asking questions here.
- Yeah! He's got a point! - Exclaimed Kage, crossing his arms in irritation. - Who the heck are you two!?
Hikari nodded. - Your accent suggests that you are coming from another continent, am I right?
- Hey! That reviving dance you used before was amazing! - Followed Shion. - How did you do that!?
- … - The galka listened to the three rambling with an emotionless face.
- Ha ha ha! - The girl placed her hands on her hips, arching an eyebrow. - I can't answer all these questions at the same time!
- What is your goal? - Asked Kenjii. His tone was cold and almost intimidating. Everyone in the room stared at him in silence for a few seconds.
- That is a simple question. - The dancer looked back at him with an almost seducing smile. - We come from the far continent to the west of the world, Ulbuka… To save the lives of those fallen victims to the Tengu at the service of the Empire of Aht Urhgan.
She looked at the expressions of the men's faces. They were still staring at her, as if expecting her story to continue. The woman looked at the galka and then back at them with a slight shrug. - That is all.
Kage whistled loudly. - How commendable…!
- Maybe we should take example from them. What do you guys say..? - Asked him Hikari, arching an eyebrow.
Kenjii glared at the white mage. - Shut your trap. -.-
- So all people in Allbaka have the ability to revive the fallen without white magic? - Asked Shion.
Kage smacked him behind the nape. - It's Ulbuka, you imbecile.
The dancer chuckled. - No no, of course not. That is one personal invention of mine. - She said waving her left hand. - And to be honest it's not even true that I don't use magic, although I'm not really a mage… It's rather… a trade.
- A trade…?
- I use the mana coming from the bodies of the Tengu I kill… and use it to cast the Raise spell on the dying people.
- Woooah! Incredible! - Exclaimed the young monk, staring at her with big shining eyes. - And you can bring back to life whoever you want!? Even this chicken bone!?
Kage staggered. - What purpose would it have to bring back to life such a thing…? -.-
The dancer laughed again and shook her head. - Just as a white mage, I cannot bring back to life those whose life has passed away for over one hour.
- So that's what it was… Aspir Samba. - Once again, Kenjii's voice brought the silence in the room. - Isn't that how you dancers call it? You drain the mana energy from the Tengu to use white magic… Right?
The woman looked at Kenjii with a curious expression, almost as if she was intrigued and amused by his words. - I didn't think I would've met someone knowing the Kriegstanz in this far away continent. I am impressed.
Kage, Shion and Hikari looked at each other in confusion, but the dancer from Ulbuka and the midlander didn't give any explanation about those words.
- We live in this town, albeit for a short time. I am guessing that you are not ready to leave yet, right? - She brushed her hair behind the left shoulder, and then smiled warmly at the ninja with a little shrug. - My name is Dhemetra. Dhemetra McRael.
- … - He didn't move from where he was, leaning against the wall. Not even a nod in response, but few words. - I am Kenjii Asgard.
Dhemetra's smile regained confidence and she nodded again, tilting her head before turning to the door. - Well then, Kenjii. Until next time.
When the door closed, Shion let out a loud exclamation, almost a scream.
- What's wrong with you? - Asked Kage, twitching.
- That giant… His body was perfectly fine! - Screamed the kid, waving his arms wildly. - I forgot to ask her how did she heal his wounds soooooo freaking fast! It's awesome!
- If she's able to bring people back to life, I'm guessing that for her to heal a wound like that is but a trivial task. The Kriegstanz… - Mumbled Hikari. - Kenjii…?
- Hmph. - The midlander turned to look at the door. - A dancer from Ulbuka…
************************************************
- Dhemetra.
- What is it?
- Maybe those four are not evil. - The galka looked at the door of the room they had just left from above his shoulder. - They don't look like individuals that would be able to commit…
The dancer raised her right hand closed in a fist and slammed it against the man's chest with the speed of a bullet, without even turning to look at him. The punch wasn't strong enough to hurt the sinewy body of the galka, but he knew what it meant. He immediately stopped talking and looked down at her.
- You are not allowed to judge, John. - She said coldly, slowly turning her head to look up at him, while opening her hand to run her fingers between the fringes of the galka's jacket. - Your job is just to protect me.
- Yes. I know. - Replied John, looking away.
Dhemetra smiled and started to walk along the hallway again. - It doesn't matter how they are. After all… A target is a target. Let's see how good are they.
******************************************************
- Hey, Shrimp!
Shion looked up from the stand he was examining, giving Kage a curious glare.
The samurai, Shion and Kenjii were walking through the commercial district of the town, looking for supplies. The people around seemed normal, even happy, as if the memories of that night had already been forgotten. In the distance, the sun was slowly preparing to set behind the mountains.
- What I saw this afternoon when I came to wake you up in your room was a nightmare. You better do some tidying before you go to bed tonight, you know! - Said the elvaan, pushing Shion's head down with one hand playfully. - Or do you want Mr. Softie to yell at you?
Shion blinked and looked past Kage, at the ninja. Kenjii didn't show any kind of reaction to the samurai's words. His gaze was blank, staring into space. Shion had seen that expression in his friend's eyes often lately… Something was bothering Kenjii, he knew it. But he also knew that to ask would've probably only made him angry. An absent Kenjii was better than an irritated one… Right?
Kage looked at Kenjii too and then shrugged at Shion. I tried. Was what the kid read in his eyes.
- I can't clean my room, I have too much to study.
The elvaan frowned. - Study? Since when do you study? What do you study even?
Shion opened his bag and pulled out a book. - This! Hikari let me borrow it.
- What is it? - Asked Kage, snatching the book off Shion's hands and examining its cover. - 'Story of a Soldier in Ulbuka'…?
- It's a story about the adventures of a soldier named Thomas who lives in that western continent that Dhemetra chick comes from. It's really exciting! - Shion watched the elvaan opening the book from the last page. - What are you doing?
- I'm reading the ending.
- But that's CHEATING!
- Has nobody taught you to always read the last page of a book before you start reading it? What if you die without knowing how it ends? - Kage closed the book with a little smirk and tossed it back to Shion. - That's an interesting ending.
Shion struggled to catch the book without letting it fall, and then put it back in his bag, glaring at Kage. - You are really strange.
The samurai arched an eyebrow. - Because I'm provident?
- No… - The boy shook his head, crossing the arms behind it. - But that lady is very pretty, and you are… How comes you haven't tried to flirt with her yet?
- Pshh…. What are you thinking? She's hot all right, but I am picky when it comes to women, you know! - Kage chuckled, running one hand in his hair. - I'm…
- You're afraid of galkas.
Kage gasped and then turned to look at Kenjii, squinting at him. - What did you just say?
- You're afraid of galkas. - Repeated the ninja, unstressed. His gaze in the empty space was still there. - I saw the way you were looking at him, so there is no point in denying. You aren't hitting on her because you're afraid that someone taller and bigger than you could punch your head just enough to make you even shorter than the shrimp.
Kage's ears twitched, and he blushed wildly. - Yeah well, I saw how you were looking at her, too. - He snorted, looking away. - So you can have her for all I care!
That seemed to finally snap Kenjii out of his trance. He winced, and looked at Kage with burning eyes. Although angry, Shion could see a shade of red on his face.
- Stop calling us a couple! - He exclaimed. - We're just…
Kenjii's voice quickly faded away, and he frowned, blinking in confusion at his own words.
- I have never called you a co…
- Just leave me alone. - The hume shook his head and walked ahead, quickening his pace. - One more word about that dancer and I'll kill you. She's just a charlatan anyway.
- Charlatan? - Shion looked up at the samurai, blinking in confusion.
Kage pouted slightly, annoyed for making Kenjii angry again. - I think he's talking about that dance of hers.
Shion's expression didn't change. - What about it?
- Were you not there when she said it? She uses that strange dance to hide her white magic. She doesn't really raise the dead with dancing. - Kage rubbed the bottom of his nose with a finger, and then used the same hand to cover a big yawn. - She has the support abilities of a white mage, just like Hikari has the ones of a monk.
- And why do you think she hides it?
The samurai shrugged. - No idea. But I don't like it…
The boy took his arms behind his head, showing a big grin. - And you don't like galkas either, eh? What a pansy!
Kage stared at him with a shocked face. - When did you even learn that wo…
- OOOOH LOOK! - Shion had already forgotten about him, and stopped in front of a stand where a shirtless galka was preparing some pickled herrings. - Hey guys! Maybe Hikari can eat this too! Let's get him some!
Kenjii turned to look at him and Kage, who had reached Shion and was now pulling him back and forth from his kenpogi.
- Who the fuck taught you that word, HUH!? If you think I'm gonna let you go after calling me a pansy, you are hopeless, you stupid stupid stupid sorry excuse for a shrimp!
- LET ME GO! I'm sorry, okay!? Besides, I heard it from YOU! You called Kenjii like that, back that time when…! - Shion pulled himself away, fixing his kenpogi that had almost completely slipped off his body. - Let's get some food for Hikari!
- Fine, fine. After all if he doesn't get back in shape we can't leave, right?
- Right. - Shion nodded to him and Kenjii and turned to the galka, who had watched the whole scene with a grim look. - Mister, can we have thirty of those!?
Kenjii and Kage looked at the boy with a sweatdrop. - I'm guessing they are not just for Hikari, right?
- Let's hurry with groceries and go back to the tavern as soon as possible. - The ninja shook his head slowly and looked back in direction of where they had parked the cart, some blocks away. - Even though the worst seems to have passed, we cannot guarantee there will not be more attacks from the Tengu.
Shion and Kage turned to look at him, and the boy shook his head. - Come on, don't worry!
- Yeah, we can detect their presence easily anyway. And soon as we will… - The samurai didn't have the time to finish talking, when a colossal kitchen knife swung in front of his face, missing his nose by a few inches. - AAAH!?
Shion backed away, and Kage fell on his back for the shock. The three looked at the owner of the knife. The very same galka they had just finished ordering some food from walked out from behind his stance, gripping on his knife tightly, looking down at Shion with burning eyes.
- That was close…! - Stammered Kage, slightly shaking.
Shion's expression was more confused than scared. He spoke to the galka with a feeble voice. - M-Mister…?
- Urhgan… - Muttered the galka, narrowing his eyes. - …Aht Urhgan. AHT URHGAN!!
Kenjii looked at Shion. - Damn it, Shion! YOUR KENPOGI!
- AH!? - The kid looked at his shoulder. He hadn't fixed his clothes well enough to cover it, and the brand of Zahak was now revealed in front of everyone. He quickly moved to hide it, but…
- SHION! BEHIND YOU!
- Eh!? - The boy moved just in time to dodge an hard wooden staff, that slammed to the floor. The bulky hume that was wielding it looked at him with clenched teeth.
- Uh oh…! - Shion, Kage and Kenjii walked backwards till they were almost back-to-back, watching in different directions. The whole crowd was surrounding them, and the men were all grabbing something nearby to hit them with.
- These are not hitmen nor Tengu… - Shion looked at Kenjii, with a worried frown. - What do we do!?
The ninja shook his head, trying to think. - Is it normal that they get angry like this whenever they see Aht Urhgan? I've met monsters with less murderous intentions…
- No.. This is not human… - Kage looked at the ninja as well. - You think it's a targeted attack?
- No but… - Kenjii looked one by one at the men and women that were walking around them, trying to find the proper moment to attack him and his companions. - I wonder if what happened yesterday is connected…
*************************************************
Hikari coughed four more times, and decided it wasn't the case to try and stand up. He leaned his head back on the pillow, holding a wet cloth on his forehead with one hand. His glasses were on the commode next to him, he had took them off to be more comfortable in bed. They were useless at that moment anyway, as his sight was blurred with or without glasses.
Someone knocked at the door, and Hikari winced slightly because of his headache. He turned to look at the door and spoke weakly. - Yes?
- Good day. - The girl with long chestnut hair walked in, bringing a tray. She had changed since that morning, when the woman of Ulbuka had revived his father, and was now wearing a bright pink yukata. - I have brought you some water.
- Oh… - Hikari called upon all his willpower and sat up, taking off the cloth to look at her. - I'm sorry for disturbing…
- Do not worry. After all, you, along with Lady Dhemetra, have saved us all! You can stay for as long as you wish. - Replied the girl, placing the tray on the commode and tilting her head at him with a warm smile.
The blond put his glasses on to look at her. - Now that I think about it… That night, you father too…
- Yes. My father recovered thanks to the power of the holy dancer Dhemetra… - She replied, looking at the window with a dreamy look. - Sometimes miracles really do happen, don't you think?
- Have you noticed anything strange since after that? - Asked the white mage. - Like… some ailment, for example.
The girl brought one hand to her cheek, deep in thought. - No, not that I've noticed. He's in such a great shape that you would say what happened last night didn't even take place.
- I see. I'm glad to hear that.
- If there is anything you need, please let me know. - The girl walked back to the door, and stopped before closing it behind her. - Wait a minute… Actually there is something different… Yesterday when someone mentioned Aht Urhgan, my dad got really angry all of a sudden. He used to be a calm person before… But he's perfectly normal if I don't mention the Empire. I guess it's not important.
Hikari watched the door closing, with a frown. He looked down at his hands resting on his lap.
Aht Urhgan… The Tengu used the name of the Empire again, just as planned by the Snowstorm. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised they hate them now. But didn't that girl say her father was a calm person before his resurrection? Couldn't it be…?
- Ugh… - Hikari's sight faded for a moment, and he plopped back on the pillow, holding his head. - Perhaps Kage was right… I overdid it.
He turned on his right side, and closed his eyes to sleep. It was not too long before the door opened again slowly, with a creak.
Hikari coughed, and started to turn around. - Have you forgotten something here?
The white mage's eyes opened wide in shock at the sight of the girl's father, the innkeeper, looming over him with a ferocious glare, an axe in his hands was raised over his head, ready to fall down on the bed.
- Die, friend of Aht Urhgan.
The man attacked him and the axe fell down on the bed, landing on the cloth where Hikari would've died instantly, had he not rolled out of it just in time to dodge the strike.
The white mage coughed and grabbed the pillow to parry the next incoming attack. The man shook the ax with rage, tucked inside the pillow.
- What's wrong, sir? - Asked Hikari, stepping back. - Please calm down!
- You are with them… - Muttered the man, looking at him again with narrowed eyes. - You are with those that killed me once.
**************************************************
- WOAH! - Shion jumped back, dodging the attacks of two men coming from the sides. The two nearly stumbled into each other, and then looked at him. Their eyes reminded him of the dangerous glares of the trolls of Halvung. - Damn, these guys really want me dead and fried!
Kage stepped behind Shion and pushed away an elvaan, using his spear. He was careful enough to not harm the assaulter. - Stop it at once or I'm done going easy on you guys!
The elvaan stood up to charge him again, but another one, much younger than Shion, ran to him and grabbed his arms tightly, looking up at the adult. - Dad, what's wrong with you!? We must run away! What are you doing…? Answer me!!
- Wait a minute… I think I saw these people somewhere before… - Said Kage, looking around. - Aren't these… all the people who have died yesterday?
Now I get it.
- Guys, back to the Inn! - Called Kenjii, trying to find a way out in the angry crowd.
- What!?
- Stupid ninja, can't you see the kind of situation we're at!?
**********************************************
- Sir… - Hikari coughed, and shook his head weakly. His energies were still not restored and he was barely able to stand up. The man in front of him was armed, and in perfect shape. - Please… Control yourself.
- I'm not going to listen to the orders of you imperial dogs! - The man swung his weapon again, and Hikari fell on all four to dodge it.
It's no use… He's blinded by rage.
- Please forgive me! - The white mage threw the blanket of the bed on the man's head, and then charged him with a fist to the stomach. The innkeeper fell backwards, out of the room. With his few left energies, Hikari ran forward and closed the door, panting.
"Is he possessed…?" He thought, resting against the door with his back, trying to catch some breath. "They aren't aiming at Kenjii's group specifically, but at Aht Urhgan… So… It's not the Snowstorm, right? Oh no… My head is spinning so hard…"
The wood next to his head cracked loudly, and shards of the door flew all over the floor at his feet. Hikari jumped sideways and looked at the ax's blade retracting from the crack, probably to strike again.
From the hole in the door he could hear multiple voices.
- WE KNOW YOU ARE THERE, AHT URHGAN DOG!
- THERE'S NO ESCAPE!
- COME OUT!
- YOU WILL NOT THREATEN MY FAMILY AGAIN!
- YOU CAN'T STOP US, IMPERIAL SCUM!
Hikari stumbled slightly and grabbed the table to the other side of the room, moving it in front of the door to block it. After pushing the table against it, he looked up at the hole again. The furious eye of the innkeeper was staring at him from the crack.
- Aht Urhgan must be destroyed.
They are going to break in!
There was no time to think. Hikari looked around, looking for his things. Thankfully, everyone had brought their bags with them to go do the groceries, and Hikari knew they had prepared the cart to use it. He quickly grabbed all his things, without looking at the door that was shattering in pieces swing after swing.
He then wrapped his cloak around his right hand and hit the window with a strong punch, breaking it.
Without allowing himself to look down, Hikari jumped out of it.
last edited 739 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
Chapter 17: Kenjii in the Eye of the Panther.
- Go ahead.
********************************************
To Hikari's surprise, the impact with the ground of the street was soft and safe. It took the white mage a few seconds to realize that he had landed on a bunch of leather bags loaded on a cart.
- Kweh!
The hume turned his head to look at the chocobo attached to the wagon. - Red… A great timing as always. Thank you, you have saved me.
- You will not run away!
Hikari perked his head up and stared in terror at the people surrounding the cart. One of them tried to climb in, but Kenjii's chocobo stopped him by jumping on the wagon, making it sway dangerously. The men and women backed away slightly to not get hit.
The white mage heard his chocobo call louder, and realized other men were climbing on the cart by the driver's side. Unfortunately, there wasn't much he could do from that position.
He felt hands grabbing his shoulders from behind. - Let me go! Hey!
It was then that Shion appeared, jumping on the cart with the same violence StarSapphire did, and grabbing Hikari's assailant to push him down the wagon. - Hikari, are you okay!?
The white mage nodded and dragged himself to the driver's seat, grabbing the reins. He heard some thuds and exclamations and looked back to see Kenjii and Kage running towards the cart, pushing and kicking the citizens standing in the way.
- Guys! Get in here, quick!
Kenjii jumped on a galka's back and landed on the seat next to Hikari, looking around. - I think that these people…
- Yes, I think so too. - Anticipated him Hikari, commanding RedCrystal to run away from the city soon as Kage had climbed on the wagon.
- It's really annoying to not be able to counter! - Exclaimed the samurai, hitting a man's hand on the cart with his foot to make him let go.
- The way on the left is open, Hikari! - Suggested Shion, still looking at the townsfolk chasing them.
- KILL THEM!
- DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE!
- What do we do? - Asked the black-haired elvaan.
- For now, all we can do is run away from this city. - Replied Kenjii, looking back at him.
Shion pointed forward. - Hikari, look out!
The white mage saw the water barrels rolling on the road they were going thru just in time to pull the reins. RedCrystal stopped its run, braking violently. Kage and Shion fell from the wagon, while the people chasing them caught up and stopped a few yalms from it.
- Ouch! - Kage looked at his hands, in pain. - My hands are peeled, damn it!
Hikari looked at the citizens approaching. - It seems they have absolutely no intention to let us go…
- Kill them…
- Kill the dogs of Aht Urhgan!
- Before they kill US again!
- Kill kill kill! - Kage anticipated the attack of a hume and hit him with a kick. - Enough already!
The whole crowd assaulted the group. Shion, Kage and Hikari could do nothing but defend themselves, pushing the attackers back. But they just kept coming.
- At this pace we won't get anywhere. - Commented Kenjii, sitting on the cart with legs crossed and a bored look. StarSapphire, still on the cart next to him, was nodding frantically in agreement.
- You could lend us a hand, stupid ninja good at nothing! -.-x
- These people just came back to life, we can't kill them! - Exclaimed Shion, parrying the attack of a rusty fork with his pole. - They are just normal people!
- Dad!?
Behind the angry mob was the innkeeper's daughter, still in her pink yukata. She was staring at the whole scene with shocked big eyes, gripping one hand convulsively on the cloth covering her chest. - What does this mean!? What are you doing!?
She ran to her father, who was standing up after receiving a kick from Kage. - Please stop, dad! You can't fight!
The innkeeper pushed her away with violence, and the girl screamed. - Shut up, Risa! I'm doing this for you, too!
He stood up and raised his ax again, charging the monk.
Kage was busy pushing back a galka, and looked at the scene from above his shoulder. - Shion!!
Shion parried the attack, and blocked the ax in front of his face with his bare palms. The man started to sway left and right, trying to free his weapon from the grip.
Kenjii's voice reached the boy's ears. - Shion… Beat him down!
Shion turned his head slightly and saw Kenjii jumping off the cart. As he realized what was about to happen, a strong, sharp pain reached his stomach. He didn't want to watch… He didn't want to hear…
He looked away from Kenjii, back in the eyes of the innkeeper in front of him. The noise on an unsheathed blade came from behind the boy.
Shion looked at the innekeeper's daughter for an instant. She was already seeing Kenjii behind Shion, and knew what he was going to do. The terror in her eyes filled the monk's mind like a crashing wave.
- NOOOOO!!! - He screamed with all the air left in his lungs. He just wanted to run away from there. - WE CAN'T!!!!
But there was no way to run. If he had let that ax go, he would've died. All he could do was stay there, and let Kenjii's shuriken storm through the air, with the speed and precision of a lightning, to stab the innkeeper's head.
The man's dead body fell to the ground with a soft thud, under the shocked faces of everyone in that street. His death seemed to have casted a silencing spell on the whole city.
After a few seconds, fast footsteps started to echo through the street. First one girl, then a man, then other two… One by one, all Shion's assailants ran away, screaming in panic.
Only Risa stayed. The girl quietly walked to her father's corpse, with a blank gaze, and knelt down, trembling in shock.
Hikari looked at her and then at the ninja. - Kenjii…
- That's right. - Whispered the girl, caressing her dad's hair in trance. - All I have to do is go call the Holy Dancer Dhemetra… and ask her to bring him back to life again.
She slowly stood up and started to walk away, stumbling slightly on her feet. Her shock was so strong, she wasn't even crying nor sobbing. A walking zombie in an empty street.
- Hey…! - Shion chased her, and grabbed her hand. - Wait a minute…!
The girl spun around and glared at the boy with a ferocious look full of hatred. In surprise, Shion let her hand go, and the innkeeper's daughter turned back and walked away.
- Ugh! - Hikari felt faint, and almost fell face to the ground, if Kage hadn't grabbed him in time, keeping him standing.
- Hey, are you all right?
- Can you tell me what's the meaning of all of this? - Erupted Shion, clenching his fists, turning to look at Kenjii. His voice was filled with anger, sadness and fear at the same time. - What was the whole point in reviving them then!?
Kenjii looked at his victim one last time before walking back to the cart. He ordered StarSapphire to dismount off it with a simple motion of his hand and then climbed on the driver's seat.
- Let's go, hurry.
- Kenjii…! - Insisted Shion.
The midlander didn't look at him. - For these people we are nothing but dangerous bugs.
*************************************************
- There, did you see?
John looked away from the cart disappearing in the distance, and turned to look at Dhemetra, without replying.
- It ended like this because of Aht Urhgan. - Continued the dancer, observing the scene from the corner behind the tavern with crossed arms. Her hazel eyes were still firm on the body of the man the midlander had killed with one strike. - They are worth less than insects. They are trash.
- Lady Dhemetra…! Lady Dhemetra, where are you!?
The dancer looked in the direction Risa was shouting from, and then back at John. It was over, it was time to move on.
Without any other word, the duo from the west walked out of town, while the girl in the pink yukata was still running across the streets calling for the dancer's name.
- PLEASE, HAVE MERCY!!
*****************************************************
The bell of the church started to play their ten chimes in the night of the town. For some reason, at that very moment, that sound was scaring Dhemetra to death.
She was running in the empty dark streets of her hometown, and those chimes echoing every five of her fast steps sounded like an incoming sentence on her.
- Mother… - She called with her young teen voice, looking around in the darkness. - WHERE ARE YOU, MOTHER!?
The tenth chime came, and Dhemetra knew she had to run faster. Against her own will, she looked back and saw the shadow looming over her.
Dark, clawed hands moved forward to the sides of her face.
*************************************
- Ugh! - The dancer of the west sat up, covered in sweat. Her right hand was gripping on the blanket covering her chest. Her night gown was wet on the back, and she felt the urge to remove it as soon as possible. But the paralyzing memory of her nightmare was preventing her from moving a finger. She stood there, panting, slowly calming down.
- Are you all right?
She turned to look at John. The galka was sitting on a chair next to the window, giving his back at her. He was looking at the sky outside. The dawn had yet to come, but the blue shade was not so dark anymore. Dhemetra guessed it was about four in the morning.
- You were absolutely delirious. - Continued the gunner.
Dhemetra ran one hand on her neck, trying to wipe the sweat off it. - You could have woke me up… you sadist! - She exclaimed with a playful smirk.
- Next time, I will. - John heard the woman standing up from bed and turned to watch her walk to the label next to the room's door. - Dhemetra…?
- I can't manage to sleep again now. - She said, taking off her gown while giving her back at him, and poured her hands in the water to start washing herself. - Get ready, we're leaving soon.
- But it's still night…
- What is it? Have you not slept enough? - She asked, brushing her hair swiftly.
- You know that I don't sleep when you do. - Replied John, impassive.
Dhemetra laughed heartedly. - Then what's the problem?
- Where are we headed?
The woman closed the water flow and smiled to herself, tying her hair in her high ponytail and then turning to look at him. She didn't seem to be showing any embarrassment for her naked chest in front of the man.
- Well… - She asked, placing hands on her hips. - …Which direction shall we take?
*********************************************
Hikari bent down and placed the wildgrass on the ground. After watching the two chocobos starting to eat it with hungry enthusiasm, he patted RedCrystal on the wing and then pulled out his towel from the gobbiebag.
He arrived to the little creek nearby the campfire and found Shion washing his face. He was surprised to find him awake so early in the morning, especially after such an animated day.
- Good morning, Shion.
At the greeting, the kid spun on his knees and looked up at him. He then looked away again and wiped his face clean with his own towel, with an empty and apparently relaxed gaze.
- 'Morning.
- Nh… - Kage arrived from behind Hikari, stretching his arms and yawning loudly. He looked down at the young elvaan. - Oooh what an early bird you are, today.
- You're the one to talk! - Exclaimed Shion, clenching teeth and glaring at the samurai. - You were the one to wake me up with the kick you gave me!
- Oh you mean on the cart? Aaahh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! - Kage grinned and placed his hands on the hips. - You know, unlike some little beast, I've got long legs.
- 'Some little beast'!? Who's the little beast!?
- Why, do you see any other little beast around here!?
Hikari shook his head with a smile of relief and turned around to see Kenjii. The midlander was knelt down on the shore, brushing teeth. His gaze was even emptier than Shion, betraying no expression. To the eyes of the white mage, it looked like he had absolutely nothing going through his mind.
- Hey Kenjii… - He said, approaching him. - …Good morning.
- … - Kenjii didn't reply, and just kept brushing with that mechanical movement of his left hand. It took him half a minute to come back to reality and realize. He stopped brushing and turned to look up at Hikari with absent eyes. - Nh?
"He must have low blood pressure…" Hikari looked at the ninja with a sweatdrop and greeted him again. - Good morning.
Kenjii nodded in reply and filled his mouth with water from the canteen in his right hand. He spat it in the creek and then washed toothbrush. - Feeling better now?
- Everything is all right, thank you. I rested well, tonight. - The white mage nodded. - Even though since we have left that town at the sunset we have been forced to camp outside.
- … - Kenjii filled his canteen slowly, staring at the water almost as if hypnotized. - We are used to it, aren't we?
Hikari chuckled politely. - I'd say so.
********************************************
- I call this… sad. - Kage looked down at the poor vegetable soup in his hands.
So rushed had their escape from town been, the group had been forced to pull out all the leftovers of their previous meals to afford a sufficient breakfast. The food was so scarce, they weren't even able to all eat the same things together.
- If you don't like it, you can stop eating. - Snapped Kenjii, munching on his gruel of vegetables and rice tiredly, while sitting on the same trunk as Kage, his feet resting on the opposite side of the elvaan.
Shion swallowed the last portion of vermillion jelly and looked at Kenjii with a shade of tears in his eyes. - But this is not enough for me!
- Not enough, eh? - Asked the samurai, looking down at the four dishes that only a couple minutes before were their portions of jelly for the whole group.
- Now, now… - Hikari patted Shion's shoulder, trying to calm him down. - You should be happy. At least we managed to find some vegetables around here to boil with the rice.
Shion sighed loudly. - Aaahh, I knew yesterday I should've taken fourty portions of pickled herr…
The kid's voice faded, as the memories of the previous day started to flow in his mind because of his own words, carried by a train of horrible visions.
The galka nearly cutting Kage's head off, the angry faces of the citizens, staring at him as if he was some ferocious beast, the horror in the eyes of the young Risa… and the body of her father falling down in front of him, with one of Kenjii's shurikens stabbed in the forehead.
The train of thoughts suddenly stopped when Kage, sitting next to him, pushed him off the trunk with a kick to the head.
- Some expressions of yours really drive me nuts! Stop it already!
Shion stood up, clenching fists. - What the heck is wrong with you!?
- Shion.
The monk winced and looked at the ninja. The samurai had finished eating and was now fixing a loosen tabi.
- Ignore it. - He said, without looking at the boy. - Worrying about it will only be a waste your time.
- … - Shion stared at the hume for a few seconds, and then threw what was left in his cup down his throat, handling it to the white mage. - Hikari, can I have something more?
Kenjii and Kage stood up, and Hikari followed them, tilting his head at Shion with a smile. - Gladly, Shion… But I'm afraid you'll have to wait.
Shion followed everyone's look up the cliff under which they had set their camp. About twenty Tengu were perched over it, looking at them from above with confident smirks.
********************************************************
- Kyahahahahahahahahah! We found you… Midlander's group, sorry excuse for a gang of vagabonds! - Laughed a Tengu with a big metal spiked club, pointing down at them. - We're here not only to take your treasure, but your lives as well!
- What an hassle… already in the early morning. - Muttered Kage, scratching his hair.
Shion stood up with fiery eyes, and threw his cup in the air without looking away from the Tengu that had just spoke. - You know that if I don't eat decently in the morning…
The samurai rolled his eyes. - Here we go again, watch him using one of his absurd expressions.
- … I can't calm down, don't you!? - Shion finshed his sentence with a flying kick that hit the cup falling back down, and shot it straight in the face of the party leader of the Tengu.
The beastman fell backwards with a blackened gaze, losing immediately consciousness, and his companions looked down at him with surprise and anger, before jumping down on the group. - CHAAAAAAARGE!!!!
Even thought angry, Shion's strength was weakened by the lack of food just like everybody else's. Although pushed back, the Tengu kept standing back up and charge again, challenging Hikari's barely recovered energies to keep the group alive. To no avail were Kenjii's fast attacks and Kage's powerful spear swings.
It took them about half a hour to take down half of the Tengu, but they didn't seem intimidated. The beastmen were able to sense their weakness growing.
- Don't stop, quawk! - Ordered one of them. - Attack them contemporaneously until they have no energies left!
Hikari looked around and threw a spell on Kenjii to heal his temporary blindness. - They want to jump on us together.
- Hmph! - Kenjii unsheathed two shurikens and crossed his arms in front of his chest to prepare his throw against a couple of foes in front of him. - Make me work in the early morning… How nice of them.
But before he could finish extending his arms and throw the weapons, a big iron cannonshell flew thru the air but a few inches from Kenjii's left cheek, followed by a second. The two Tengu the ninja had aimed at fell to the ground, gravely wounded.
More shots echoed in the small camp between the woods, and the party looked around with exclamations of surprise, while three more Tengu were hit by the monstrous bullets.
- Despite the early hour, you all seem very happy.
Hikari and Kenjii looked up at the cliff the Tengu had appeared from again, and their eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Dhemetra and John. The woman was back in her red outfit, and the galka's weapon was still smoking from the previous shots.
She bowed politely, tilting her head with that unique smile of hers. - Hello. Good weather, is it not?
- Oh… Good day. - Stammered Hikari, so astonished his glasses almost fell from his nose.
- Nh? - Shion turned to look up as well, and gasped, pointing at the duo. - Wait, you are… those two!
Kage's eye twitched slightly at the sight of John's weapon. - What are you doing here!?
- For that matter, don't you think it would be best to postpone it for now? - Asked the woman, pointing behind the group.
Kage and Shion turned around just in time to see another Tengu charging them with fury in its eyes.
- I don't need you to tell me. - Said the two elvaans in chorus, hitting the Yagudo and pushing it backwards with a combined attack. - I KNOW IT!
- Ha ha! It's nice to get along. - Dhemetra looked up at the galka for a moment, then back at the battlefield. - John… go!
The galka moved incredibly fast and jumped down the cliff, landing between seven Tengu who had regained consciousness after Shion and Kenjii's attacks and were ready to strike again. One by one, he shot them all down, turning swiftly and dodging every attack aimed at himself. The culverin in his hand didn't miss once.
Shion's jaw dropped in awe. - I wasn't wrong. That guy is really strong!
- Isn't he? - Dhemetra jumped down the cliff as well and pulled out her daggers. - Then leave this to us.
- Eh!? These are our enemies, sweety! - Exclaimed Kage, with a grin. - We don't need help.
Dhemetra looked at him with with an arched eyebrow and a smile that was the shadow of a grin. - Oh, are you serious? I could have sworn… you were in trouble.
Those words seemed to strike a chord in the elvaans pride. Kage and Shion petrified on the spot, and after looking at each other with a twitch, they simultaneously turned around.
- Kenjii.
- Hey Kenjii, come here please.
The ninja, who had been standing with crossed arms and just watch from the first minute John had jumped in the fight, looked at the two with a bored and vaguely irritated look, as if he could smell trouble and stupidity incoming from the few yalms that were separating him from them.
Seeing that he wasn't planning to approach, Kage and Shion quickly dashed to Kenjii's face with clenched fists.
- Let's let them taste your Mijin Gakure. - Whispered Kage, pointing at John and Dhemetra with a thumb and a vicious grin.
Shion next to him was nodding slowly like a fairy tale villain. - Yeah! A great big boom!
Kenjii's left eye twitched. - What are you exactly, like a couple of kids?!
- Oh come on, really…!
Kage pointed again at the two fighting, this time with his whole arm. - You think we should just stay quiet after what she told us!?
Kenjii looked at Dhemetra moving swiftly from a Tengu to another and then shrugged. - If she wishes to take care of it by herself, why not let her? Why do you even care? It's not like we're losing anything!
Dhemetra chuckled, overhearing the conversation. - I'm serious, Kenjii. Don't strain yourself too much.
Hearing his name, Kenjii looked back at her. Blue and hazel eyes met and the magnetic feeling in her gaze was so strong, the midlander had almost the impression she could see within his very soul.
- It would be a problem if you got hurt, wouldn't it? Just stay hidden behind your three friends.
That whole, magical moment faded in one instant after those words. Kenjii's heart skipped a beat, and he petrified just like Shion and Kage had earlier. Kenjii may have not been an elvaan, but his pride was just the same as theirs.
He jumped up and kicked Kage's back, making him fall face to the ground.
The samurai shook his head and turned to look at him, holding his back. - You fucking…! What the hell are you…
But Kenjii was no more behind him. Kage, Hikari and Shion watched the ninja dash past the samurai's body and charge the last four Tengu left standing with a warcry.
- MIJIN GAKUREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
- Oh my, he seriously did it! - Exclaimed Hikari, covering his eyes with one arm from the explosion that followed.
- AND NOW TELL ME WHO'S THE KID!? HUH!? - Yelled Kage, pointing at Kenjii like an offended brat… before a flying piece of wood hit him in the already pained face making him fall on his yet hurting back.
********************************************
"He's really… strong. Incredibly strong." Thought Dhemetra, watching Kenjii fall on all fours, dead Tengu surrounding him. She couldn't help but smile while looking at him. Not one of her usual fake smiles that had allowed her to obtain many of her goals achieved, but a real smile. It was strange…
But that smile faded at the sight of the red light sparkling from the ninja's back the moment the white mage casted a raise spell on him.
It was there…
A target is a target.
Kage and Shion looked around with a proud and satisfied expression, both with their hands on their hips.
- Well, is that all?
- That was a cakewalk.
Kenjii looked at them with anger. - Why the heck are you two taking the credit!?
Dhemetra shook her thoughts out of her head and walked to Kenjii, clapping her hands slowly. - Bravo! I'm absolutely impressed…!
She stopped next to the ninja and smiled at him. - The power of the fire that destroys its enemies, and revives the Phoenix from its ashes. That is exactly what I wanted to see.
- …? - The midlander frowned slightly at those words, but didn't move his eyes off her. Dhemetra knew she had caught his interest, and that was all she needed.
- Very well. - She said, putting her jambiyas back in their sheaths. - Past this forest there is a town. Would you like to come lunch together?
Kenjii's frown grew deeper and he looked at his companions, whether he was surprised or doubtful was still unknown to Dhemetra, and so she spoke again.
- On us.
- Hey hey! - Kage crossed his arms. - Why should we accept lunch from you?
- Well, because if you keep feed yourselves with stuff like that… - Dhemetra looked down at the rests of the dishes left on the floor by the group, arching an eyebrow. - …You are going to damage your health.
- We don't always eat that kind of stuff, you know? -.-x
***********************************************
- Despite your objections, I see that you aren't lacking appetite.
Kage swallowed the big bite of white bread he had just taken off a generous loaf and turned to reply to Dhemetra's comment, with a smirk. - Well, today I'm not the one paying. So…
- More baked cookies, please…! - Called Shion, turning towards the kitchen hoping for a waiter to hear him out.
Kenjii had barely ate anything, even though in his dish was a delicious whitefish stew of the highest quality. From the moment they had sat at that table, he had been unable to stop glancing at the woman of Ulbuka.
There was something in that dancer that was incredibly enigmatic and magnetic. Like a locked coffer from which he had been able to see a precious sparkle. He didn't know what she was hiding, all he knew was that it was incredibly important for him.
That thought made him realize that maybe that was how Shion had felt for the box of the Phoenix Feather all along. Then again, comparing a woman to a box seemed inappropriate.
All that ramble in his head was making him feel sick, and that was why he felt secretly grateful towards Kage for snapping him out of his thoughts with that stupid statement, forcing Kenjii back to his usual self.
He looked up from his dish and glared at Kage in disgust. - But if you have never paid for anything in your whole life…!
- Kenjii-Kenjii, you should never hate who you love. It'd be a hate full of love. - Chuckled the samurai, reaching over him to try and pinch his cheek.
The ninja stopped him slapping his hand away. - You just try, and I kill you here and now!
- Okay okay! Man, not gonna try. It would suck to die now that things are getting interesting!
- That's a strange complaint coming from someone that had to live with your face for all this time.
Kage looked at Kenjii and pouted childishly, provoking Dhemetra's crystalline laughter. At that sound, Kenjii felt the urge to go back staring at his food without a word.
The samurai stared at him with an arched eyebrow and then turned back to talk to Dhemetra. - Changing the subject, weren't you coming from this direction? Why are you going backwards now?
The dancer put down the silver fork she had personally pulled out from a small pocket to eat without the chopsticks on her dish of vongole rosso, and cleaned her mouth with a napkin.
- As I've told you before… our goal is to defeat the Aht Urhgan threat. - She said calmly, sipping from her glass briefly. - Also, I seemed to understand that you are chased from the Tengu hired by the Empire itself… So I thought that maybe if we joined forces, I could've had a chance to take down a greater number of them.
Hikari, who had finished his vegetable broth pretty quickly and was now listening intently with crossed arms, nodded frantically. - Of course. I would have a question too, with permission.
- About what? - Dhemetra turned to look at him at her left, placing her hands clapsed on her lap.
- Regarding the people who have been revived with your powers. - Said the white mage.
His three companions turned to look at him with serious faces. They knew that, despite the serene and sincerely curious expression of their friend, Hikari was really worried about that matter.
- I was wondering if there were any side effects to the revivification.
The dancer frowned slightly, but with apparent innocence. Hikari's words seemed to be sincerely perplexing to her. - Why, has something happened to arouse your suspicions?
- No, not really. I'm merely curious as a white mage. This is the first time I get to see someone raising the fallen without the direct use of white magic. - The man didn't let his face betray the lie. - The revived didn't seem to show any difference, so I told myself 'Reviving without being a mage is really possible…!'.
The dancer's thin eyebrows drawn closer, and she seemed in deep thought. - Let's see… I don't think there is any side effect… It's just…
Kage leaned against his chair, and pressed on. - It's just…?
- The people that come back to life with my help were victims of Aht Urhgan, so… - Dhemetra sighed, and her tone seemed really concerned. - With their life, I also revive the hate and fear that they felt for their murderers. The flaw of my power is this inability to surpass this limit that white magic normally would.
She looked up from her lap, and her eyes met with Kenjii once again. Blue and hazel eyes gazing into each other. The magnetic attraction for what was inside those eyes hit the ninja without any hesitation, like a bullet following the straight way in the barrel of its gun.
And all of a sudden, Kenjii found himself wondering if there was anything he could do for that woman. He realized it and that revelation intimidated him like nothing had in a long time.
She was dangerous.
*************************************************
- Hey!
The galka looked down at Shion with his emotionless eyes. Hikari, Kenjii and especially Kage had tried their best to ignore John's presence. But how could Shion manage to, when even for an adult it was such an hard task?
He had been standing behind Dhemetra's chair for the duration of the whole lunch, without moving even one muscle. The silent living statue hadn't even spoke once.
Hikari at first thought he had been not sitting with them to show Dhemetra's guests a special treatment. But the way the galka was taken aback by Shion's words seemed to prove him wrong. John was really used to keep that stance at lunch all the time.
- This food is delicious. Why don't you have some too?
- No… I…
- Don't mind John. - Intervened Dhemetra, looking at her companion behind her out of the corner of the eye, with a warm smile.
- Is it possible to subdue a man with the power of revivification?
Hikari and the others turned to look at Kenjii with petrified expressions. Kage even let his chopsticks slip off his hand and fall to the floor because of the surprise.
What was Kenjii's problem all of a sudden? Their group had like mutually decided to keep that polite facade to get to investigate closely on that strange woman, and coming out with such an accusatory question sure was out of the expected script.
To their surprise, Dhemetra didn't seem minimally upset by the insinuation. Much less her colossal friend.
- John has always been my travel companion. - Replied the dancer, looking at Kenjii with a calm smile, her hands clasped under her chin. - He has lost his life before. But seen his reckless style of combat, he would never have enough lives. In any case, he has always bent over backwards for me. He's a precious assistant.
Kage resurfaced from under the table with his chopsticks in hand and looked at John with a loud whistle of awe. - In poor words, he's not only irritating, but also an immortal bodyguard.
- I guess you are right. - Said Dhemetra with a chuckle, looking at John. - At least as long as he is with me.
John looked at her and nodded quietly, to then go back at staring the empty space as usual. Kage had called that his "gargoyle face".
- Anyway, guys… Why are you traveling, instead?
- Us? Umm… - The samurai crossed his arms and looked away with an embarrassed, yet audacious grin. - …Well, how to say… just because.
Dhemetra tilted her head. - You sure don't look like a party of friends on a martial arts training journey.
- They are not friends. They are servants. - Replied Kenjii, with such a disgusted and irritated gaze, one would've said he was being sincere.
Kage and Shion glared at the midlander with eyes full of hate, while Hikari patted the kid's shoulder carefully, like he would do with an angered chocobo.
- Ha ha! That is more believable. - The dancer smiled with a nod. - I'm sure with that superb technique, you can get rid of any threat by yourself in no time. It's no wonder that those Tengu want you dead. You sure don't keep yourself hidden from the battle.
- Even your style seems to not be trifles. - Replied Kenjii, looking at her with furrowed eyebrows. - Especially with such a striking tiara.
- Ah… You noticed it, haven't you? - Dhemetra gently took the tiara with the crimson rose off her head and looked down at it in her hands with a smile.
Shion stood up from his chair and bent forward to look at it closely. - It sure has an unusual appearance compared to what I have seen so far. It looks so frail.
- It's my most precious weapon.
The kid looked at the woman with arched eyebrows. - This flower?
- I use this flower as a sort of channeler to collect the mana from the Tengu I attack. Its beauty enhances my dance greatly and allows me to drain magic power for a longer time than I normally would.
- The… beauty? I didn't think beauty had a power… - Shion was totally in awe, hanging on every word from the woman of Ulbuka like a devoted pupil.
She nodded, pleased by the attention. - Beauty is one of the strongest powers in our world. Without it, life itself would cease existing. And we dancers are its paladins.
- Paladins of Love…! - Exclaimed Shion to himself, with widen eyes. - I wonder if beauty is stronger than my fists…
- Just because you are a monk, it doesn't mean you aren't using the power of Beauty to fight as well. - Continued Dhemetra, glancing at Kenjii. - It's a strength that hides even in the most unexpected beings.
Kenjii looked away to drink some water.
Shion instead was still ecstatic. - Ooooh…!
- And here I thought dancers would just doll up to look more cute. - Said Hikari, shaking his head in amusement.
- How funny! And what about you then? - Dhemetra's polite, soft laughter filled the room again, but there was something in her gaze on Hikari that was cold, and threatening. As if she was daring him to counter. An icy shadow behind her hazel eyes. - Don't you think that your luxurious glasses make you more attractive?
Hikari tilted his head slightly, without letting his discomfort transpire. - Why, thank you…
**************************************************
- Excuse me… - A tarutaru man had approached their table quietly, followed by other men and women that had been observing the group from the counter for the whole lunch. The expressions on her faces were shy, and extremely concerned.
Kenjii turned to look down at him. - What is it?
- I apologize for disturbing you during your lunch, but… - The taru gasped slightly and looked at his companions, who nodded to him with anxious and worried faces. - Aren't you by chance the famous…
Midlander's group? Tengu Slayers? Warriors of Light? What stupid nickname have we been branded with this time?
Kenjii had gotten used to the popularity he and his traveling companions had gained throughout their journey. Surely an activity such as theirs couldn't be hidden easily to the eyes of most, especially if every two stops there was a city to save from the Tengu.
But even though he had given up on trying to stay in the shadow (how ironic for a ninja!) with the exception of his group's real goal to travel, he still had issues accepting the various names people would give him and that would quickly spread between the villages.
The taru finished his sentence, and what came out of his mouth surprised him more than any other name he had been called with in the past.
- Are you by chance the famous group of the Holy Dancer?
Kenjii had to grip to his chair tightly to not fall down like Kage did. Shion instead hit the table with his forehead with a loud stagger. Hikari limited his show of surprise with a mere sweatdrop.
- Oh? - Dhemetra turned to look at the tarutaru. - Tell me, what happened?
The small crowd immediately gathered around the woman's chair, ignoring the rest of the table. Kenjii found himself suddenly surrounded by his 'servants', who were whispering animatedly like thieves who had just found a flaw in their superbly elaborated raid plan.
- Kenjii…! - Kage was the more worried of the three. His face was a mix of twitches, and he wouldn't stop glaring daggers at the woman. - There is something really really wrong here!
- What…? -.-x
- My head! This table is so damn hard…!
- My, my… It's almost as if they had stolen our fame! ^^;
The tarutaru fell on his knees, joining his hands in plea. - Please, Holy Dancer. We have a favor to ask you! Save us…
- Save this town! - Followed a hume, imitating him.
- What…? - Shion looked at the people in surprise, still massaging his head.
Dhemetra looked at John for a second and then turned back to the villagers, crossing arms. - Let's hear it. Please tell me everything.
- Go ahead.
********************************************
To Hikari's surprise, the impact with the ground of the street was soft and safe. It took the white mage a few seconds to realize that he had landed on a bunch of leather bags loaded on a cart.
- Kweh!
The hume turned his head to look at the chocobo attached to the wagon. - Red… A great timing as always. Thank you, you have saved me.
- You will not run away!
Hikari perked his head up and stared in terror at the people surrounding the cart. One of them tried to climb in, but Kenjii's chocobo stopped him by jumping on the wagon, making it sway dangerously. The men and women backed away slightly to not get hit.
The white mage heard his chocobo call louder, and realized other men were climbing on the cart by the driver's side. Unfortunately, there wasn't much he could do from that position.
He felt hands grabbing his shoulders from behind. - Let me go! Hey!
It was then that Shion appeared, jumping on the cart with the same violence StarSapphire did, and grabbing Hikari's assailant to push him down the wagon. - Hikari, are you okay!?
The white mage nodded and dragged himself to the driver's seat, grabbing the reins. He heard some thuds and exclamations and looked back to see Kenjii and Kage running towards the cart, pushing and kicking the citizens standing in the way.
- Guys! Get in here, quick!
Kenjii jumped on a galka's back and landed on the seat next to Hikari, looking around. - I think that these people…
- Yes, I think so too. - Anticipated him Hikari, commanding RedCrystal to run away from the city soon as Kage had climbed on the wagon.
- It's really annoying to not be able to counter! - Exclaimed the samurai, hitting a man's hand on the cart with his foot to make him let go.
- The way on the left is open, Hikari! - Suggested Shion, still looking at the townsfolk chasing them.
- KILL THEM!
- DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE!
- What do we do? - Asked the black-haired elvaan.
- For now, all we can do is run away from this city. - Replied Kenjii, looking back at him.
Shion pointed forward. - Hikari, look out!
The white mage saw the water barrels rolling on the road they were going thru just in time to pull the reins. RedCrystal stopped its run, braking violently. Kage and Shion fell from the wagon, while the people chasing them caught up and stopped a few yalms from it.
- Ouch! - Kage looked at his hands, in pain. - My hands are peeled, damn it!
Hikari looked at the citizens approaching. - It seems they have absolutely no intention to let us go…
- Kill them…
- Kill the dogs of Aht Urhgan!
- Before they kill US again!
- Kill kill kill! - Kage anticipated the attack of a hume and hit him with a kick. - Enough already!
The whole crowd assaulted the group. Shion, Kage and Hikari could do nothing but defend themselves, pushing the attackers back. But they just kept coming.
- At this pace we won't get anywhere. - Commented Kenjii, sitting on the cart with legs crossed and a bored look. StarSapphire, still on the cart next to him, was nodding frantically in agreement.
- You could lend us a hand, stupid ninja good at nothing! -.-x
- These people just came back to life, we can't kill them! - Exclaimed Shion, parrying the attack of a rusty fork with his pole. - They are just normal people!
- Dad!?
Behind the angry mob was the innkeeper's daughter, still in her pink yukata. She was staring at the whole scene with shocked big eyes, gripping one hand convulsively on the cloth covering her chest. - What does this mean!? What are you doing!?
She ran to her father, who was standing up after receiving a kick from Kage. - Please stop, dad! You can't fight!
The innkeeper pushed her away with violence, and the girl screamed. - Shut up, Risa! I'm doing this for you, too!
He stood up and raised his ax again, charging the monk.
Kage was busy pushing back a galka, and looked at the scene from above his shoulder. - Shion!!
Shion parried the attack, and blocked the ax in front of his face with his bare palms. The man started to sway left and right, trying to free his weapon from the grip.
Kenjii's voice reached the boy's ears. - Shion… Beat him down!
Shion turned his head slightly and saw Kenjii jumping off the cart. As he realized what was about to happen, a strong, sharp pain reached his stomach. He didn't want to watch… He didn't want to hear…
He looked away from Kenjii, back in the eyes of the innkeeper in front of him. The noise on an unsheathed blade came from behind the boy.
Shion looked at the innekeeper's daughter for an instant. She was already seeing Kenjii behind Shion, and knew what he was going to do. The terror in her eyes filled the monk's mind like a crashing wave.
- NOOOOO!!! - He screamed with all the air left in his lungs. He just wanted to run away from there. - WE CAN'T!!!!
But there was no way to run. If he had let that ax go, he would've died. All he could do was stay there, and let Kenjii's shuriken storm through the air, with the speed and precision of a lightning, to stab the innkeeper's head.
The man's dead body fell to the ground with a soft thud, under the shocked faces of everyone in that street. His death seemed to have casted a silencing spell on the whole city.
After a few seconds, fast footsteps started to echo through the street. First one girl, then a man, then other two… One by one, all Shion's assailants ran away, screaming in panic.
Only Risa stayed. The girl quietly walked to her father's corpse, with a blank gaze, and knelt down, trembling in shock.
Hikari looked at her and then at the ninja. - Kenjii…
- That's right. - Whispered the girl, caressing her dad's hair in trance. - All I have to do is go call the Holy Dancer Dhemetra… and ask her to bring him back to life again.
She slowly stood up and started to walk away, stumbling slightly on her feet. Her shock was so strong, she wasn't even crying nor sobbing. A walking zombie in an empty street.
- Hey…! - Shion chased her, and grabbed her hand. - Wait a minute…!
The girl spun around and glared at the boy with a ferocious look full of hatred. In surprise, Shion let her hand go, and the innkeeper's daughter turned back and walked away.
- Ugh! - Hikari felt faint, and almost fell face to the ground, if Kage hadn't grabbed him in time, keeping him standing.
- Hey, are you all right?
- Can you tell me what's the meaning of all of this? - Erupted Shion, clenching his fists, turning to look at Kenjii. His voice was filled with anger, sadness and fear at the same time. - What was the whole point in reviving them then!?
Kenjii looked at his victim one last time before walking back to the cart. He ordered StarSapphire to dismount off it with a simple motion of his hand and then climbed on the driver's seat.
- Let's go, hurry.
- Kenjii…! - Insisted Shion.
The midlander didn't look at him. - For these people we are nothing but dangerous bugs.
*************************************************
- There, did you see?
John looked away from the cart disappearing in the distance, and turned to look at Dhemetra, without replying.
- It ended like this because of Aht Urhgan. - Continued the dancer, observing the scene from the corner behind the tavern with crossed arms. Her hazel eyes were still firm on the body of the man the midlander had killed with one strike. - They are worth less than insects. They are trash.
- Lady Dhemetra…! Lady Dhemetra, where are you!?
The dancer looked in the direction Risa was shouting from, and then back at John. It was over, it was time to move on.
Without any other word, the duo from the west walked out of town, while the girl in the pink yukata was still running across the streets calling for the dancer's name.
- PLEASE, HAVE MERCY!!
*****************************************************
The bell of the church started to play their ten chimes in the night of the town. For some reason, at that very moment, that sound was scaring Dhemetra to death.
She was running in the empty dark streets of her hometown, and those chimes echoing every five of her fast steps sounded like an incoming sentence on her.
- Mother… - She called with her young teen voice, looking around in the darkness. - WHERE ARE YOU, MOTHER!?
The tenth chime came, and Dhemetra knew she had to run faster. Against her own will, she looked back and saw the shadow looming over her.
Dark, clawed hands moved forward to the sides of her face.
*************************************
- Ugh! - The dancer of the west sat up, covered in sweat. Her right hand was gripping on the blanket covering her chest. Her night gown was wet on the back, and she felt the urge to remove it as soon as possible. But the paralyzing memory of her nightmare was preventing her from moving a finger. She stood there, panting, slowly calming down.
- Are you all right?
She turned to look at John. The galka was sitting on a chair next to the window, giving his back at her. He was looking at the sky outside. The dawn had yet to come, but the blue shade was not so dark anymore. Dhemetra guessed it was about four in the morning.
- You were absolutely delirious. - Continued the gunner.
Dhemetra ran one hand on her neck, trying to wipe the sweat off it. - You could have woke me up… you sadist! - She exclaimed with a playful smirk.
- Next time, I will. - John heard the woman standing up from bed and turned to watch her walk to the label next to the room's door. - Dhemetra…?
- I can't manage to sleep again now. - She said, taking off her gown while giving her back at him, and poured her hands in the water to start washing herself. - Get ready, we're leaving soon.
- But it's still night…
- What is it? Have you not slept enough? - She asked, brushing her hair swiftly.
- You know that I don't sleep when you do. - Replied John, impassive.
Dhemetra laughed heartedly. - Then what's the problem?
- Where are we headed?
The woman closed the water flow and smiled to herself, tying her hair in her high ponytail and then turning to look at him. She didn't seem to be showing any embarrassment for her naked chest in front of the man.
- Well… - She asked, placing hands on her hips. - …Which direction shall we take?
*********************************************
Hikari bent down and placed the wildgrass on the ground. After watching the two chocobos starting to eat it with hungry enthusiasm, he patted RedCrystal on the wing and then pulled out his towel from the gobbiebag.
He arrived to the little creek nearby the campfire and found Shion washing his face. He was surprised to find him awake so early in the morning, especially after such an animated day.
- Good morning, Shion.
At the greeting, the kid spun on his knees and looked up at him. He then looked away again and wiped his face clean with his own towel, with an empty and apparently relaxed gaze.
- 'Morning.
- Nh… - Kage arrived from behind Hikari, stretching his arms and yawning loudly. He looked down at the young elvaan. - Oooh what an early bird you are, today.
- You're the one to talk! - Exclaimed Shion, clenching teeth and glaring at the samurai. - You were the one to wake me up with the kick you gave me!
- Oh you mean on the cart? Aaahh! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! - Kage grinned and placed his hands on the hips. - You know, unlike some little beast, I've got long legs.
- 'Some little beast'!? Who's the little beast!?
- Why, do you see any other little beast around here!?
Hikari shook his head with a smile of relief and turned around to see Kenjii. The midlander was knelt down on the shore, brushing teeth. His gaze was even emptier than Shion, betraying no expression. To the eyes of the white mage, it looked like he had absolutely nothing going through his mind.
- Hey Kenjii… - He said, approaching him. - …Good morning.
- … - Kenjii didn't reply, and just kept brushing with that mechanical movement of his left hand. It took him half a minute to come back to reality and realize. He stopped brushing and turned to look up at Hikari with absent eyes. - Nh?
"He must have low blood pressure…" Hikari looked at the ninja with a sweatdrop and greeted him again. - Good morning.
Kenjii nodded in reply and filled his mouth with water from the canteen in his right hand. He spat it in the creek and then washed toothbrush. - Feeling better now?
- Everything is all right, thank you. I rested well, tonight. - The white mage nodded. - Even though since we have left that town at the sunset we have been forced to camp outside.
- … - Kenjii filled his canteen slowly, staring at the water almost as if hypnotized. - We are used to it, aren't we?
Hikari chuckled politely. - I'd say so.
********************************************
- I call this… sad. - Kage looked down at the poor vegetable soup in his hands.
So rushed had their escape from town been, the group had been forced to pull out all the leftovers of their previous meals to afford a sufficient breakfast. The food was so scarce, they weren't even able to all eat the same things together.
- If you don't like it, you can stop eating. - Snapped Kenjii, munching on his gruel of vegetables and rice tiredly, while sitting on the same trunk as Kage, his feet resting on the opposite side of the elvaan.
Shion swallowed the last portion of vermillion jelly and looked at Kenjii with a shade of tears in his eyes. - But this is not enough for me!
- Not enough, eh? - Asked the samurai, looking down at the four dishes that only a couple minutes before were their portions of jelly for the whole group.
- Now, now… - Hikari patted Shion's shoulder, trying to calm him down. - You should be happy. At least we managed to find some vegetables around here to boil with the rice.
Shion sighed loudly. - Aaahh, I knew yesterday I should've taken fourty portions of pickled herr…
The kid's voice faded, as the memories of the previous day started to flow in his mind because of his own words, carried by a train of horrible visions.
The galka nearly cutting Kage's head off, the angry faces of the citizens, staring at him as if he was some ferocious beast, the horror in the eyes of the young Risa… and the body of her father falling down in front of him, with one of Kenjii's shurikens stabbed in the forehead.
The train of thoughts suddenly stopped when Kage, sitting next to him, pushed him off the trunk with a kick to the head.
- Some expressions of yours really drive me nuts! Stop it already!
Shion stood up, clenching fists. - What the heck is wrong with you!?
- Shion.
The monk winced and looked at the ninja. The samurai had finished eating and was now fixing a loosen tabi.
- Ignore it. - He said, without looking at the boy. - Worrying about it will only be a waste your time.
- … - Shion stared at the hume for a few seconds, and then threw what was left in his cup down his throat, handling it to the white mage. - Hikari, can I have something more?
Kenjii and Kage stood up, and Hikari followed them, tilting his head at Shion with a smile. - Gladly, Shion… But I'm afraid you'll have to wait.
Shion followed everyone's look up the cliff under which they had set their camp. About twenty Tengu were perched over it, looking at them from above with confident smirks.
********************************************************
- Kyahahahahahahahahah! We found you… Midlander's group, sorry excuse for a gang of vagabonds! - Laughed a Tengu with a big metal spiked club, pointing down at them. - We're here not only to take your treasure, but your lives as well!
- What an hassle… already in the early morning. - Muttered Kage, scratching his hair.
Shion stood up with fiery eyes, and threw his cup in the air without looking away from the Tengu that had just spoke. - You know that if I don't eat decently in the morning…
The samurai rolled his eyes. - Here we go again, watch him using one of his absurd expressions.
- … I can't calm down, don't you!? - Shion finshed his sentence with a flying kick that hit the cup falling back down, and shot it straight in the face of the party leader of the Tengu.
The beastman fell backwards with a blackened gaze, losing immediately consciousness, and his companions looked down at him with surprise and anger, before jumping down on the group. - CHAAAAAAARGE!!!!
Even thought angry, Shion's strength was weakened by the lack of food just like everybody else's. Although pushed back, the Tengu kept standing back up and charge again, challenging Hikari's barely recovered energies to keep the group alive. To no avail were Kenjii's fast attacks and Kage's powerful spear swings.
It took them about half a hour to take down half of the Tengu, but they didn't seem intimidated. The beastmen were able to sense their weakness growing.
- Don't stop, quawk! - Ordered one of them. - Attack them contemporaneously until they have no energies left!
Hikari looked around and threw a spell on Kenjii to heal his temporary blindness. - They want to jump on us together.
- Hmph! - Kenjii unsheathed two shurikens and crossed his arms in front of his chest to prepare his throw against a couple of foes in front of him. - Make me work in the early morning… How nice of them.
But before he could finish extending his arms and throw the weapons, a big iron cannonshell flew thru the air but a few inches from Kenjii's left cheek, followed by a second. The two Tengu the ninja had aimed at fell to the ground, gravely wounded.
More shots echoed in the small camp between the woods, and the party looked around with exclamations of surprise, while three more Tengu were hit by the monstrous bullets.
- Despite the early hour, you all seem very happy.
Hikari and Kenjii looked up at the cliff the Tengu had appeared from again, and their eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Dhemetra and John. The woman was back in her red outfit, and the galka's weapon was still smoking from the previous shots.
She bowed politely, tilting her head with that unique smile of hers. - Hello. Good weather, is it not?
- Oh… Good day. - Stammered Hikari, so astonished his glasses almost fell from his nose.
- Nh? - Shion turned to look up as well, and gasped, pointing at the duo. - Wait, you are… those two!
Kage's eye twitched slightly at the sight of John's weapon. - What are you doing here!?
- For that matter, don't you think it would be best to postpone it for now? - Asked the woman, pointing behind the group.
Kage and Shion turned around just in time to see another Tengu charging them with fury in its eyes.
- I don't need you to tell me. - Said the two elvaans in chorus, hitting the Yagudo and pushing it backwards with a combined attack. - I KNOW IT!
- Ha ha! It's nice to get along. - Dhemetra looked up at the galka for a moment, then back at the battlefield. - John… go!
The galka moved incredibly fast and jumped down the cliff, landing between seven Tengu who had regained consciousness after Shion and Kenjii's attacks and were ready to strike again. One by one, he shot them all down, turning swiftly and dodging every attack aimed at himself. The culverin in his hand didn't miss once.
Shion's jaw dropped in awe. - I wasn't wrong. That guy is really strong!
- Isn't he? - Dhemetra jumped down the cliff as well and pulled out her daggers. - Then leave this to us.
- Eh!? These are our enemies, sweety! - Exclaimed Kage, with a grin. - We don't need help.
Dhemetra looked at him with with an arched eyebrow and a smile that was the shadow of a grin. - Oh, are you serious? I could have sworn… you were in trouble.
Those words seemed to strike a chord in the elvaans pride. Kage and Shion petrified on the spot, and after looking at each other with a twitch, they simultaneously turned around.
- Kenjii.
- Hey Kenjii, come here please.
The ninja, who had been standing with crossed arms and just watch from the first minute John had jumped in the fight, looked at the two with a bored and vaguely irritated look, as if he could smell trouble and stupidity incoming from the few yalms that were separating him from them.
Seeing that he wasn't planning to approach, Kage and Shion quickly dashed to Kenjii's face with clenched fists.
- Let's let them taste your Mijin Gakure. - Whispered Kage, pointing at John and Dhemetra with a thumb and a vicious grin.
Shion next to him was nodding slowly like a fairy tale villain. - Yeah! A great big boom!
Kenjii's left eye twitched. - What are you exactly, like a couple of kids?!
- Oh come on, really…!
Kage pointed again at the two fighting, this time with his whole arm. - You think we should just stay quiet after what she told us!?
Kenjii looked at Dhemetra moving swiftly from a Tengu to another and then shrugged. - If she wishes to take care of it by herself, why not let her? Why do you even care? It's not like we're losing anything!
Dhemetra chuckled, overhearing the conversation. - I'm serious, Kenjii. Don't strain yourself too much.
Hearing his name, Kenjii looked back at her. Blue and hazel eyes met and the magnetic feeling in her gaze was so strong, the midlander had almost the impression she could see within his very soul.
- It would be a problem if you got hurt, wouldn't it? Just stay hidden behind your three friends.
That whole, magical moment faded in one instant after those words. Kenjii's heart skipped a beat, and he petrified just like Shion and Kage had earlier. Kenjii may have not been an elvaan, but his pride was just the same as theirs.
He jumped up and kicked Kage's back, making him fall face to the ground.
The samurai shook his head and turned to look at him, holding his back. - You fucking…! What the hell are you…
But Kenjii was no more behind him. Kage, Hikari and Shion watched the ninja dash past the samurai's body and charge the last four Tengu left standing with a warcry.
- MIJIN GAKUREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
- Oh my, he seriously did it! - Exclaimed Hikari, covering his eyes with one arm from the explosion that followed.
- AND NOW TELL ME WHO'S THE KID!? HUH!? - Yelled Kage, pointing at Kenjii like an offended brat… before a flying piece of wood hit him in the already pained face making him fall on his yet hurting back.
********************************************
"He's really… strong. Incredibly strong." Thought Dhemetra, watching Kenjii fall on all fours, dead Tengu surrounding him. She couldn't help but smile while looking at him. Not one of her usual fake smiles that had allowed her to obtain many of her goals achieved, but a real smile. It was strange…
But that smile faded at the sight of the red light sparkling from the ninja's back the moment the white mage casted a raise spell on him.
It was there…
A target is a target.
Kage and Shion looked around with a proud and satisfied expression, both with their hands on their hips.
- Well, is that all?
- That was a cakewalk.
Kenjii looked at them with anger. - Why the heck are you two taking the credit!?
Dhemetra shook her thoughts out of her head and walked to Kenjii, clapping her hands slowly. - Bravo! I'm absolutely impressed…!
She stopped next to the ninja and smiled at him. - The power of the fire that destroys its enemies, and revives the Phoenix from its ashes. That is exactly what I wanted to see.
- …? - The midlander frowned slightly at those words, but didn't move his eyes off her. Dhemetra knew she had caught his interest, and that was all she needed.
- Very well. - She said, putting her jambiyas back in their sheaths. - Past this forest there is a town. Would you like to come lunch together?
Kenjii's frown grew deeper and he looked at his companions, whether he was surprised or doubtful was still unknown to Dhemetra, and so she spoke again.
- On us.
- Hey hey! - Kage crossed his arms. - Why should we accept lunch from you?
- Well, because if you keep feed yourselves with stuff like that… - Dhemetra looked down at the rests of the dishes left on the floor by the group, arching an eyebrow. - …You are going to damage your health.
- We don't always eat that kind of stuff, you know? -.-x
***********************************************
- Despite your objections, I see that you aren't lacking appetite.
Kage swallowed the big bite of white bread he had just taken off a generous loaf and turned to reply to Dhemetra's comment, with a smirk. - Well, today I'm not the one paying. So…
- More baked cookies, please…! - Called Shion, turning towards the kitchen hoping for a waiter to hear him out.
Kenjii had barely ate anything, even though in his dish was a delicious whitefish stew of the highest quality. From the moment they had sat at that table, he had been unable to stop glancing at the woman of Ulbuka.
There was something in that dancer that was incredibly enigmatic and magnetic. Like a locked coffer from which he had been able to see a precious sparkle. He didn't know what she was hiding, all he knew was that it was incredibly important for him.
That thought made him realize that maybe that was how Shion had felt for the box of the Phoenix Feather all along. Then again, comparing a woman to a box seemed inappropriate.
All that ramble in his head was making him feel sick, and that was why he felt secretly grateful towards Kage for snapping him out of his thoughts with that stupid statement, forcing Kenjii back to his usual self.
He looked up from his dish and glared at Kage in disgust. - But if you have never paid for anything in your whole life…!
- Kenjii-Kenjii, you should never hate who you love. It'd be a hate full of love. - Chuckled the samurai, reaching over him to try and pinch his cheek.
The ninja stopped him slapping his hand away. - You just try, and I kill you here and now!
- Okay okay! Man, not gonna try. It would suck to die now that things are getting interesting!
- That's a strange complaint coming from someone that had to live with your face for all this time.
Kage looked at Kenjii and pouted childishly, provoking Dhemetra's crystalline laughter. At that sound, Kenjii felt the urge to go back staring at his food without a word.
The samurai stared at him with an arched eyebrow and then turned back to talk to Dhemetra. - Changing the subject, weren't you coming from this direction? Why are you going backwards now?
The dancer put down the silver fork she had personally pulled out from a small pocket to eat without the chopsticks on her dish of vongole rosso, and cleaned her mouth with a napkin.
- As I've told you before… our goal is to defeat the Aht Urhgan threat. - She said calmly, sipping from her glass briefly. - Also, I seemed to understand that you are chased from the Tengu hired by the Empire itself… So I thought that maybe if we joined forces, I could've had a chance to take down a greater number of them.
Hikari, who had finished his vegetable broth pretty quickly and was now listening intently with crossed arms, nodded frantically. - Of course. I would have a question too, with permission.
- About what? - Dhemetra turned to look at him at her left, placing her hands clapsed on her lap.
- Regarding the people who have been revived with your powers. - Said the white mage.
His three companions turned to look at him with serious faces. They knew that, despite the serene and sincerely curious expression of their friend, Hikari was really worried about that matter.
- I was wondering if there were any side effects to the revivification.
The dancer frowned slightly, but with apparent innocence. Hikari's words seemed to be sincerely perplexing to her. - Why, has something happened to arouse your suspicions?
- No, not really. I'm merely curious as a white mage. This is the first time I get to see someone raising the fallen without the direct use of white magic. - The man didn't let his face betray the lie. - The revived didn't seem to show any difference, so I told myself 'Reviving without being a mage is really possible…!'.
The dancer's thin eyebrows drawn closer, and she seemed in deep thought. - Let's see… I don't think there is any side effect… It's just…
Kage leaned against his chair, and pressed on. - It's just…?
- The people that come back to life with my help were victims of Aht Urhgan, so… - Dhemetra sighed, and her tone seemed really concerned. - With their life, I also revive the hate and fear that they felt for their murderers. The flaw of my power is this inability to surpass this limit that white magic normally would.
She looked up from her lap, and her eyes met with Kenjii once again. Blue and hazel eyes gazing into each other. The magnetic attraction for what was inside those eyes hit the ninja without any hesitation, like a bullet following the straight way in the barrel of its gun.
And all of a sudden, Kenjii found himself wondering if there was anything he could do for that woman. He realized it and that revelation intimidated him like nothing had in a long time.
She was dangerous.
*************************************************
- Hey!
The galka looked down at Shion with his emotionless eyes. Hikari, Kenjii and especially Kage had tried their best to ignore John's presence. But how could Shion manage to, when even for an adult it was such an hard task?
He had been standing behind Dhemetra's chair for the duration of the whole lunch, without moving even one muscle. The silent living statue hadn't even spoke once.
Hikari at first thought he had been not sitting with them to show Dhemetra's guests a special treatment. But the way the galka was taken aback by Shion's words seemed to prove him wrong. John was really used to keep that stance at lunch all the time.
- This food is delicious. Why don't you have some too?
- No… I…
- Don't mind John. - Intervened Dhemetra, looking at her companion behind her out of the corner of the eye, with a warm smile.
- Is it possible to subdue a man with the power of revivification?
Hikari and the others turned to look at Kenjii with petrified expressions. Kage even let his chopsticks slip off his hand and fall to the floor because of the surprise.
What was Kenjii's problem all of a sudden? Their group had like mutually decided to keep that polite facade to get to investigate closely on that strange woman, and coming out with such an accusatory question sure was out of the expected script.
To their surprise, Dhemetra didn't seem minimally upset by the insinuation. Much less her colossal friend.
- John has always been my travel companion. - Replied the dancer, looking at Kenjii with a calm smile, her hands clasped under her chin. - He has lost his life before. But seen his reckless style of combat, he would never have enough lives. In any case, he has always bent over backwards for me. He's a precious assistant.
Kage resurfaced from under the table with his chopsticks in hand and looked at John with a loud whistle of awe. - In poor words, he's not only irritating, but also an immortal bodyguard.
- I guess you are right. - Said Dhemetra with a chuckle, looking at John. - At least as long as he is with me.
John looked at her and nodded quietly, to then go back at staring the empty space as usual. Kage had called that his "gargoyle face".
- Anyway, guys… Why are you traveling, instead?
- Us? Umm… - The samurai crossed his arms and looked away with an embarrassed, yet audacious grin. - …Well, how to say… just because.
Dhemetra tilted her head. - You sure don't look like a party of friends on a martial arts training journey.
- They are not friends. They are servants. - Replied Kenjii, with such a disgusted and irritated gaze, one would've said he was being sincere.
Kage and Shion glared at the midlander with eyes full of hate, while Hikari patted the kid's shoulder carefully, like he would do with an angered chocobo.
- Ha ha! That is more believable. - The dancer smiled with a nod. - I'm sure with that superb technique, you can get rid of any threat by yourself in no time. It's no wonder that those Tengu want you dead. You sure don't keep yourself hidden from the battle.
- Even your style seems to not be trifles. - Replied Kenjii, looking at her with furrowed eyebrows. - Especially with such a striking tiara.
- Ah… You noticed it, haven't you? - Dhemetra gently took the tiara with the crimson rose off her head and looked down at it in her hands with a smile.
Shion stood up from his chair and bent forward to look at it closely. - It sure has an unusual appearance compared to what I have seen so far. It looks so frail.
- It's my most precious weapon.
The kid looked at the woman with arched eyebrows. - This flower?
- I use this flower as a sort of channeler to collect the mana from the Tengu I attack. Its beauty enhances my dance greatly and allows me to drain magic power for a longer time than I normally would.
- The… beauty? I didn't think beauty had a power… - Shion was totally in awe, hanging on every word from the woman of Ulbuka like a devoted pupil.
She nodded, pleased by the attention. - Beauty is one of the strongest powers in our world. Without it, life itself would cease existing. And we dancers are its paladins.
- Paladins of Love…! - Exclaimed Shion to himself, with widen eyes. - I wonder if beauty is stronger than my fists…
- Just because you are a monk, it doesn't mean you aren't using the power of Beauty to fight as well. - Continued Dhemetra, glancing at Kenjii. - It's a strength that hides even in the most unexpected beings.
Kenjii looked away to drink some water.
Shion instead was still ecstatic. - Ooooh…!
- And here I thought dancers would just doll up to look more cute. - Said Hikari, shaking his head in amusement.
- How funny! And what about you then? - Dhemetra's polite, soft laughter filled the room again, but there was something in her gaze on Hikari that was cold, and threatening. As if she was daring him to counter. An icy shadow behind her hazel eyes. - Don't you think that your luxurious glasses make you more attractive?
Hikari tilted his head slightly, without letting his discomfort transpire. - Why, thank you…
**************************************************
- Excuse me… - A tarutaru man had approached their table quietly, followed by other men and women that had been observing the group from the counter for the whole lunch. The expressions on her faces were shy, and extremely concerned.
Kenjii turned to look down at him. - What is it?
- I apologize for disturbing you during your lunch, but… - The taru gasped slightly and looked at his companions, who nodded to him with anxious and worried faces. - Aren't you by chance the famous…
Midlander's group? Tengu Slayers? Warriors of Light? What stupid nickname have we been branded with this time?
Kenjii had gotten used to the popularity he and his traveling companions had gained throughout their journey. Surely an activity such as theirs couldn't be hidden easily to the eyes of most, especially if every two stops there was a city to save from the Tengu.
But even though he had given up on trying to stay in the shadow (how ironic for a ninja!) with the exception of his group's real goal to travel, he still had issues accepting the various names people would give him and that would quickly spread between the villages.
The taru finished his sentence, and what came out of his mouth surprised him more than any other name he had been called with in the past.
- Are you by chance the famous group of the Holy Dancer?
Kenjii had to grip to his chair tightly to not fall down like Kage did. Shion instead hit the table with his forehead with a loud stagger. Hikari limited his show of surprise with a mere sweatdrop.
- Oh? - Dhemetra turned to look at the tarutaru. - Tell me, what happened?
The small crowd immediately gathered around the woman's chair, ignoring the rest of the table. Kenjii found himself suddenly surrounded by his 'servants', who were whispering animatedly like thieves who had just found a flaw in their superbly elaborated raid plan.
- Kenjii…! - Kage was the more worried of the three. His face was a mix of twitches, and he wouldn't stop glaring daggers at the woman. - There is something really really wrong here!
- What…? -.-x
- My head! This table is so damn hard…!
- My, my… It's almost as if they had stolen our fame! ^^;
The tarutaru fell on his knees, joining his hands in plea. - Please, Holy Dancer. We have a favor to ask you! Save us…
- Save this town! - Followed a hume, imitating him.
- What…? - Shion looked at the people in surprise, still massaging his head.
Dhemetra looked at John for a second and then turned back to the villagers, crossing arms. - Let's hear it. Please tell me everything.
last edited 732 weeks ago by Blue KJ
To be an interesting, intriguing, well-written character, there needs to be something to allow the audience to relate to them. That is what the problem is with who wants their character to be "perfect". Perfect characters will never be strong, and strong characters will never be perfect, because WE (those who read, who watch, who RP) are not perfect.
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
"What makes a strong character is how they deal with their flaws, their fears, their turmoils, their troubles that get in the way. That's what makes them relatable." – Doug Walker
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Blue KJ Admin replied
758 weeks ago