User blog:Akasha1908/Requiem of Retribution: Part 5

Requiem of Retribution:
                                                                                                                                                                                             
 * Chapter 1: http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Requiem_of_Retribution:_Part_1
 * Chapter 2: http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Requiem_of_Retribution:_Part_2
 * Chapter 3: http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Requiem_of_Retribution:_Part_3
 * Chapter 4:  http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Requiem_of_Retribution:_Part_4
 * Chapter 5:  This one.  Released 15 Sep 13

   “This is boring.”   Sol said, idly twirling her jewel encrusted scepter.

The empress sat in her war tent, Lord Dich standing at the table in front of her. She had her throne brought with her for the journey, and she was currently lounging it. She kicked off her shoes, hiked up her skirts, and threw her legs over one of the arm rests.

“My dear empress.”   Lord Dich said, walking slowly around the table. “An empire is not conquered in a day. All this,” He continued, gesturing to the replica of the Western Empire on the table. “Will be yours in time, but we must have patience. It takes time to march an army halfway across the world. And since most of your troops lack the magic to teleport, we must travel on foot. If you want your army to be rested and prepared to launch a full scale siege on the Western Empire’s Capital City, then we must stop and allow them to rest and regain their strength. When Master Rei returns, he will explain our plans in more detail.”

“Where is he?”   She snapped, her irritation obvious. “You keep saying he’ll return soon, but I have yet to see any sign of him. She propped her elbow on the other arm rest, and dropped her chin into her palm. “I’m tired of waiting.”

Lord Dich’s right eye twitched, his hand clenching at his side. He’d been forced to deal with the petulant child since the beginning of this war campaign and his patience was running thin. With Sya taking care of Joruri, and Z with Rei, he’d been the one left to handle the young empress. She was proving to more challenging than he expected, and he had to constantly fight the urge to smash her delicate face in.

“Empress.”   Lord Dich replied, a smile fixed firmly on his face. “Master Rei had important business he needed to take care of in the South. You know that as well as I do. He will be here as soon as he is able. Until then, we will maintain our current position.”

“But I hate waiting.”   She pouted. “Besides, the longer we wait here, the more time we give Idol to prepare.”

Lord Dich took a deep and calming breath. “There is no amount of planning in the world that will prepare Idol for the power we are about to unleash upon her. You needn’t worry, empress, we will destroy and conquer the Western Empire. It’s just a matter of when.”

“Fine, fine.”   She muttered, signaling for a servant to bring her a glass of wine. “I will wait. For now. But if he doesn’t arrive soon, well will continue our march west.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“As you wish, empress.” Lord Dich replied with a bow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He turned back to the table, gripping the edges tightly. How he hated the girl. Her constant whining and complaining had him on the brink of slitting her throat in her sleep. Master Rei had left clear instructions. Do not move until I return. But the spoiled empress had ideas of her own. Sol wanted the power that came with ruling the west, and she wanted it right now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In order to secure the young girl’s cooperation, Master Rei had been required to make several promises. Even going as far as seducing the naïve child into his bed. Unfortunately, Sol now had an inflated sense of self; her power going straight to her pretty little head. She was under the impression that Rei and the Black Lotus now answered to her. She was in for a rude awakening. Sol was simply a means to an end, and once she’d served her purpose, Rei would get rid of her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lord Dich went back to studying the layout on the table. He’d organized the troop formation in accordance with Master Rei’s instructions. Based on his calculations, they outnumbered Empress Idol’s troops 2 to 1. Not to mention they had twice the number of combat sorcerers. Their victory would be swift, and the west would fall to the Black Lotus.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Lord Dich!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He turned to find Sya, a wild look in her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“What’s happened?!”   He exclaimed. “Why are you here? You’re supposed to be interrogating Joruri.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“She’s escaped!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Dich blinked several times, the information taking several seconds to process in his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“How?!”   He shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I don’t know for sure, but I have my suspicions.”   She replied through gritted teeth. “Only one man is capable of making it all the way into the capital city and into the castle walls.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Fera.”   He breathed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Fera, you say?!”   Sol jumped to her feet, her glass of wine crashing to the floor. “I thought you said that Z fellow was going to take care of him!”   She shrieked. “He’s supposed to be dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sya glanced at the empress, then back at Lord Dich. “What should we do? I wasn’t able to get the information Master Rei wanted. Without it, we won’t be able to completely destroy the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Wait a minute!”   Sol interjected, stomping over to Lord Dich. “I demand you tell me what’s going on!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Both Sya and Lord Dich glared at Sol, but she refused to back down. He rolled his eyes, wishing he could kill her now and be done with it. He looked up at Sya. She shook her head as if reading his mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Empress.”   He began, his voice cool and detached. “This is nothing you should worry about. Once Master Rei arrives, he will…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Don’t patronize me, Dich! You will tell me now or I will have you beaten for insubordination.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lord Dich stiffened as the guards in the tent reached for their swords.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“That will not be necessary.”   He replied, trying to remain calm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In truth, he could kill everyone in the tent without breaking a sweat, but he needed to play along until his master arrived.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Lord Dich.”   Sya said through clenched teeth. “I do not think Master Rei would approve of disclosing this information to her.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s fine.”   Lord Dich replied. “Might as well tell her. I don’t see the harm.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sya bowed mockingly at the empress, then went to pour herself a drink.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“In order to take down the headquarters of the White Lotus, he needed to get Joruri out of the picture. Cut her off from her power.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Yes, yes, I know that much. What I want to know is what information you needed from Joruri that was so important.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“We needed the location of the remaining White Lotus cells.”   Lord Dich replied. “There are several operating throughout the world. We need to know where they are so we can systematically take them out. According Kuroki, such information is only known by the leader of the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I tried several methods of extracting the information from her.”   Sya added. “But she refused to break. I was forced to stop when it was obvious she would die if we continued.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Why didn’t you just use magic to get the information?”   Sol asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Because the collar she wears works both ways.”   Dich answered. “It contains her magic while at the same time making her immune to outside magic. This is why we were forced to use a more… direct approach.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">   “And what about Fera?”   Sol asked. “Why is he still alive?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I don’t know.”   Sya said, meeting Dich’s eyes. “It makes me wonder if they were really able to down the headquarters.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Do you doubt my words?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">All eyes turned to find Rei sitting in Empress Sol’s throne, Z at his side. Both Lord Dich and Sya bowed deeply.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Where have you been?!”   Sol shouted, placing her hands on her hips.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Rei stood to his feet, sauntering over to Sol. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Did you miss me?”   He whispered against her temple.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“N-no.”   She replied breathlessly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“That’s not what your body tells me.”   He whispered, nibbling on her ear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sol leaned into Rei, gripping his arms tightly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Later you can show just how much you missed me.”   Rei said, kissing her forehead. “But right now, I need to talk to Dich and Sya alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“But…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I will explain everything to you tonight.”   Rei said firmly, cutting her off. “Now.”   He said leading her over to the throne and sitting her down. “I want you to go and prepare a bath for me in your sleeping tent.”   He slipped her shoes back on her dainty feet, kissing both of her tiny ankles. “Can you do that for me?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Y-yes.”   She replied, her eyes glazed and faced flushed. “You won’t be long, will you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Of course not, darling.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Rei helped Sol stand and walked her to the exit. He signaled for her guards to follow. They hesitated for a moment, but followed the young empress out of the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“How can you stand her?”   Lord Dich asked, rubbing his temples. “Her constant complaining is driving me insane.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“To be honest, we don’t do much talking when we’re together.”   Rei replied with a sheepish smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Thank you for that grotesque image.”   Sya said, her face twisting in disgust.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “What?”   Rei asked, winking at Sya. “I enjoy her innocence and naivety. It’s refreshing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I will never understand your tastes.”   Sya added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Nor I yours.”   Rei countered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Touché.”   She snickered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Rei walked over to the table Dich stood at, nodding quietly as he surveyed the formations.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Master, we have small problem. One which makes me wonder if the White Lotus Headquarters was really destroyed.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Explain.”   Rei said, moving a few of the wooden pieces on the table around.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Sya.”   Dich said, gesturing for the woman to speak.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Sya swallowed, dropping her eyes to the ground. “Master, I have failed you. Joruri has escaped. I believe her consort Fera infiltrated the Eastern Palace and was able to rescue her. There is no trace of either of them, and all those who might have been witnesses are dead. What’s worse, I was unable to get the information you requested. Forgive me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Rei remained silent for several minutes, his expression unreadable. Dich waited a few moments, waiting to see if Rei would speak.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Master.”   Dich began. “How is Fera alive? If the headquarters has fallen, then he, along with Master Daze, should be dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It doesn’t matter at this point.”   Rei said finally. “I have the stone. Even if Fera managed to save Joruri and get the collar off of her, she is no match for me now. No one is.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             A sudden thought occurred to Dich, one that made his stomach turn.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “What of the boys?”   Dich asked frantically. “Did you kill them?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “One is dead.”   Rei replied. “The other was no doubt killed by your army of devils.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Are you sure, Master?!”   Dich moved closer, his voice urgent. “It’s extremely important that both of them are dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “There is no way anyone survived that attack.”   Z said, speaking for the first time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Z is right.”   Rei added. “By the time we left, our victory was assured.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “But that’s the problem, you don’t know for sure!”   Lord Dich insisted. “I told you in the beginning, you must be sure! You must kill the boys!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “What does it matter?”   Rei asked nonchalantly. “I have the stone. There is nothing that can stop me. Just ask the Emperor of the North.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Z chuckled softly. “What’s left of him.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “What do you mean?”   Sya asked seriously.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It would appear Empress Idol reached out to both Emperor Light and Emperor Dark for aid.”   Rei replied. “According to my scouts, Light refused. But Dark, a longtime friend of Idol, was leading his army here from the South. It took us a few days to locate them, but I found them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“And destroyed them all.”   Z added with a hint of pride in his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I wish I could’ve been there to see it.”   Sya said in an excited whisper. “I bet it was amazing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It was incredible.”   Rei said. “To wield such power. Never could I have imagined such a thing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Master, you don’t understand.”   Dich said, his tone deadly serious. “We must confirm if both boys are dead! Otherwise…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Enough!”   Rei shouted. “So long as I have the stone, I am invincible. Now stop worrying. The boys are dead and Joruri is no threat.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Lord Dich backed down, a sense of foreboding settling in the pit of his stomach. He had a sinking feeling that history would repeat itself…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Is this war even necessary anymore, Master?”   Sya asked. “This was merely a contingency plan in case we couldn’t secure the stone. With one blow of your power, we could be done with this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “War was always in the cards, Sya. Be it now or later.”   Rei replied. “Our goal is not to destroy the people of this world, but to show them the error of their ways. Think about it. If we simply exterminate all those who challenge us, there will be no one left to rule. If we want to rebuild this world, we must first destroy the hope of its people. We must take away their will to fight. Only then will their minds truly be opened. True understanding comes from absolute despair. They must be broken if we are to conquer them, and the easiest way to do that is to let them destroy themselves. And then, when they are at their lowest. When they are wallowing in misery and utter desolation, we will be there to guide them to the path of enlightenment. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ve had a long journey and I need to rest.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Rei stood to his feet, walking to the exit of the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“With your permission, Master, I would like to go and verify both boys are in fact dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I doubt there will be anything left for you to identify.”   Z said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Please, Master.”   Dich pleaded. “Surely there’s no harm in checking.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “No.”   Rei replied. “I need you here. You too Sya.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “But Master…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I said no, Dich!”   Rei yelled, his voice echoing through the tent. “The White Lotus is no longer a threat, nor is one magicless boy. This conversation is over. We continue our march on the Western Empire tomorrow morning. Be ready!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             A tiny sliver of blood drained from Rei’s nose, dropping onto his collar.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Master.”   Z said in a hushed voice, holding his hand to his own nose.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Before anyone could ask if he was okay, Rei wiped his nose and quickly left the tent. Lord Dich grabbed Z’s arm before he too could leave the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “What was that just now?”   Dich asked, his voice tight with concern.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Nothing you need to worry about.”   Z said snatching his arm from Dich. He glanced over at his sister before he too left.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It was probably nothing.”   Sya said. “Just over excitement.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Perhaps.”   Dich replied. “Or perhaps not.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">***

<span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yokkun lay on his side, staring at the wall. He was so tired. Tired of the silence. Tired of the quiet. It made him feel vulnerable and exposed, yet trapped and confined at the same time. Before this, he never realized how painfully loud silence could be. He missed Kazu; his laughter, his crying, even his incessant whining and constant complaining.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Kazu was his whole life and had been since they were children. There wasn’t a single moment, not since the second his baby brother came squalling into the world, that Yokkun hadn’t watched over him; hadn’t protected him. And he let him die.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             His brother was everything and now that he was gone, Yokkun had no one left; nothing worth living for. He wanted to get out of the bed, find the nearest cliff, and throw himself off. Maybe then he could see Kazu again; hear his voice. But he was so tired. So very very tired.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Yokkun heard voices outside of his room, the noise somewhat comforting. Tobi would be here soon, he thought. Although he couldn’t find the energy to talk back or truly listen to what the man said, he liked the sound of his voice. Anything to keep the silence at bay.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Yokkun.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             The voice was barely above a whisper, but he recognized it immediately. ''Kazu. ''He sat up in the bed, listening intently to the silence. He looked around the room, searching the darkness for any sign that someone else was in the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “K-kazu.”   He whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             It almost hurt to speak. He hadn’t done it in so long that the sound of his own voice startled him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Yokkun.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             He was on his feet, holding onto the edge of the bed for support. Yokkun took a few tentative steps forward, grabbing a hold of the bed post when he reached the foot of the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Kazu, is that you?”   He whispered into the darkness. “Where are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Just follow the sound of my voice.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “B-but…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             ''“Trust me, Nii-san. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yokkun stood up straight and let go of the post. Gathering all the strength he could muster, he walked to the door and opened it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Hurry.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">***

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Tobi made his way down the hall towards Yokkun’s room. He was in high spirits. Last night he’d been able to get Yokkun to eat nearly an entire bowl of soup and two small slices of bread. Even after he’d forced him to drink a glass of water, Yokkun had been able to keep it all down. The boy still wasn’t speaking, nor did he acknowledge Tobi’s presence, but the fact he was showing signs of life again was more than Tobi could hope for.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             In his hands, Tobi carried a silver tray laden with various types of foods that would be easy for Yokkun to digest. He hoped Yokkun still had his rediscovered appetite and would find something he liked. As he neared Yokkun’s room, he saw Epo walking towards him from the opposite side of the hall.

<span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Epo was finally allowed to move about the palace. Her injuries had been severe, and when she’d first arrived, the healers weren’t sure if she’d make a full recovery. The soldier had proved them all wrong. Not only had Epo made a full recovery, but it was weeks ahead of when the healers anticipated. She smiled broadly, waving to him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Good morning!”   Epo said brightly, her lavender eyes twinkling with excitement. “Can you believe they finally let me out of the hospital ward? I thought I was going to die of boredom in there!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Good morning to you, too!”   Tobi replied happily. “It’s wonderful to see up and about.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I heard I have you to thank for that.”   Epo said, her expression filled with gratitude. “If it hadn’t been for you, I’d have died in back at headquarters. Thank you, Tobi. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “No need to thank me.”   Tobi replied humbly. “If it hadn’t been for Yokkun and Kazu…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Tobi’s voice trailed off, the memory of Kazu’s death flashing in his mind. His gaze dropped to the tray in his hands, his eyes clouding with tears. He tried not to think about it; tried to wipe it from his memory. But it was impossible.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “That’s why I’m here.”   Epo said, her voice filled with sadness. “I wanted to thank Yokkun for what he did back there. I plan on visiting Kazu’s grave to thank him as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “He should be awake.”   Tobi said, clearing his voice. “I’m sure he’ll be to see you. He hasn’t had many visitors, and I’m afraid I’m not very good company.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Nonsense.”   Epo said. “I heard you’ve been doing everything you can to help him recover after Kazu’s death. If it wasn’t for you…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Epo stopped midsentence when the bedroom door opened. Yokkun stepped out, barefoot and shirtless. His hair was a mess and a beard had grown in. His eyes were red and puffy and there were black circles underneath them. Though he was still relatively muscular, it was obvious he’d lost weight; his cheeks were sunken in and you could see the impression of his ribs through his pale skin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Yokkun?”   Tobi asked in confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Perhaps it was the shock of seeing Yokkun on his feet, but when he walked passed him and Epo, Tobi was unable to move.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Tobi.”   Epo whispered. “Where is he going?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I-I don’t know.”   Tobi stammered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It’s like he doesn’t see us at all.”   Epo said. “Should we follow him?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Yes, let me just put this tray down.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Before Tobi could make another move or say another word, Yokkun took off running down the hall. Tobi dropped the tray and raced after him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Yokkun!”   Tobi screamed after him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Epo was close on his heels, but he could hear her breathing start to falter. She wasn’t ready for such physical exertion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Epo, I’ll take care of Yokkun!”   Tobi shouted over his shoulder. “Go and get help!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “But where is he going?”   Epo shouted back. “And in such a hurry?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I can’t be sure, but I think I have an idea! The first place you should check is Kazu’s grave!”

<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">***

<span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Idol stood in her dressing room, the armorer fitting her with a set of newly made armor. Frost sat across from her, pouring over a missive they received from one of their scouts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “According to this.”   He said. “Sol and her army will be here in two to three weeks’ time. Maybe sooner.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “What about Dark?”   Idol asked. “Any word on where his army is?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “None yet, empress, but there is still time. If we’re lucky, Emperor Dark will be able to intercept them before they cross our borders. If we are to keep the death toll as low as possible, the key will be to stop them from crossing. If we cannot hold them there, then the number of civilian lives lost will be catastrophic.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Thank you for pointing out the obvious.”   Idol replied, running both hands through her hair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Please don’t move yer majesty.”   The armorer grunted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I really wish you’d hurry this up.”   Idol snapped. “I have a war to plan.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Take it easy.”   Frost said. “This isn’t his fault.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “You’re right.”   Idol replied, her eyes narrowing. “It’s probably yours. Who the bloody hell ordered such ridiculously fancy armor?! This is war, not some extravagant ball!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “You are an empress.”   Frost said, folding the piece of paper in his hands. “You must look the part. If you are to lead men into battle, you must inspire them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “And golden armor is going to inspire them?”   Idol asked sarcastically. “I’ll be lucky if I don’t blind them all when the sun strikes this bloody thing!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “You’ll look magnificent, your majesty.”   The armorer interjected. “This armor is merely gold-plated. Underneath is iron, light-weight but strong. It’ll protect you well.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Thank you, Azrad.”    Idol replied, her tone warm and kind as she addressed the armorer. “I’m sure it will. I just wasn’t expecting something so… gaudy.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It’s not gaudy.”   Frost replied. “It’s more than appropriate for you status. Now enough complaining. Hold still so Azrad can finish fitting you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Idol opened her mouth to speak, but the door burst open cutting off her next rant. Master Daze stood in the entrance, dressed in a white sleeping gown.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “You conniving, sneaky little bastards!”   The old man was out of breath, his face flushed in anger. “How dare you?! Drugging me! Keeping me sedated when there is a war coming!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Master Daze!”   Frost exclaimed, standing slowly and holding up his hands. “What are you doing out of bed? You should be resting!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “You!”   Master Daze shouted, pointing to Frost. “Sit down and shut up!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Frost dropped back into his chair, instantly silent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “And you.”   He said, pointing at the armorer. “If you know what’s go for you, you’ll leave now.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Azrad placed the piece of armor he had in his hands on the ground. He bowed to Idol, then scurried from the room. Master Daze waved his hand, the door slamming shut behind him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Master Daze.”   Idol said, rushing to remove the armor she wore. “Please, calm down. I know you’re upset, but I assure you, we did it with your best interest at heart.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Silence!”   He shouted. “We are on the brink of a war, and you decide the best thing to do is drug me!”   Master Daze’s eyes glowed white, the air crackling with his power. “I am one of your most powerful allies and you keep me bedridden and ignorant!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Daze please.”   Idol begged, walking towards him. “Just calm down and let me explain.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Where are Yokkun and Kazu?!”   He yelled. “Why isn’t Joruri here helping you plan? Why isn’t Fera preparing your troops?! Why will none of you tell me what’s going on?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Daze…”   Idol pleaded, her eyes watering.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Tell me!”   He roared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Idol stumbled back. Frost jumped from his chair and pulled her back. He stood between her and Master Daze, trying his best to shield her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Suddenly, there was a loud pop and a tiny puff of smoke. Pochi appeared, completely frazzled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Master!”   She cried, buzzing in front of him. “Stop this right now! I know you’re angry, but this is not nice!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Master Daze stiffened, but he didn’t back down.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Not until they answer my questions!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Pochi turned to face Idol.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Pochi is sorry, Miss Idol! Master didn’t eat the cookies you sent! Then he started asking questions. The ones you told Pochi not to answer. He got mad and trapped Pochi under a teacup.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It’s ok Pochi.”   Idol said, peaking from behind Frost.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It’s not okay!”   Master Daze roared. “Where are my boys?! Where are Joruri and Fera? Someone tell me what happened right not, or I swear!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Idol pushed Frost out of the way. He tried to stop her but she held her hand up. Squaring her shoulders, she walked towards Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “The White Lotus Headquarters has fallen, but thanks to the combined efforts of King Oberon’s army and a small task force from my own, we were able to bring the survivors here safely. The Western Palace has become the temporary headquarters of the White Lotus, with all subordinate cells reporting to Ana and the council.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Sol’s declaration of war was indeed real. As we speak, her army marches towards us. From what my scouts tell me, Rei is with her and he has his own army of Black Lotus agents. We’ve sent requests for aid to both the Northern and Southern Empires, but only Dark has agreed to send help. I’ve evacuated as many of the border towns as possible. Those who could not fit within the walls have taken refuge in the towns surrounding the capital city. My army is ready and all the surviving White Lotus soldiers are here and ready to fight. As you can see, Daze, everything is under control.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Master Daze’s eyes faded to their ice blue color, his breathing slowly returning to normal. Idol swallowed, taking a few tentative steps closer to Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “We have yet to receive word from Joruri or Fera.”   Idol continued. “Yokkun is here in the palace, and I have Tobi treating him personally.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Why? What happened?!”   Master Daze asked frantically. “Is he okay?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Yes.”   She replied hesitantly. “As well as anyone would in his current condition.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Idol was now close enough to Master Daze that she could take his hand in hers. With the other she moved a strand of his white hair from of his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I’m so sorry, Daze.”   She whispered. “Kazu… He didn’t make it. One of the Cat Siths killed him.”   She gently squeezed his wrinkled hand. “We lost Kazu and the stone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “No!”   Master Daze said in a hushed voice. He backed away from Idol, looking from her to Frost.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “That’s impossible.”   He whispered, shaking his head. “Kazu can’t be dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Why don’t you sit down Master Daze?”   Frost said gently. “This is a lot to take in.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Yokkun.”   Master Dazed breathed. “I-I need to see Yokkun.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “You need to sit down, Daze.”   Idol begged.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “And the stone.”   Daze murmured. “I-I need to get the stone from Rei.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Master, please.”   Pochi’s voice shook with fear. “Do as Miss Idol says.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Idol reached for Master Daze, but he pulled back, grabbing a hold of Frost.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “We need to find Jo!”   Master Daze shouted, shaking Frost. “Has anyone reached out to Fera?! Gone after him? Retraced his steps?! And how long before war is upon us?! We have to…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Master Daze stopped mid-sentence, clutching his chest. He grunted in pain, releasing Frost’s shirt and sinking to the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Daze!”   Idol screamed, catching him before he hit the ground. “Frost, bring one of the healers here now!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Frost teleported from the room instantly. Pochi landed on top of Master Daze, tears streaming down her tiny cheeks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “No, Master, no!”   The fairy cried. “Miss Idol, do something! Help him!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “It’s ok, Pochi.”   Idol said reassuringly. “Help is coming.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             The door burst open and Epo appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Empress, it’s Yokkun, he’s…   Oh my god! What’s happened?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “I don’t know.”   Idol was crying now, unable to stay calm. “He just collapsed! Where is Tobi? Can you bring him here?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “He’s with Yokkun.”   Epo replied, dropping to her knees beside Master Daze. “Something happened. Something that made Yokkun get up and leave his room.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “You’re kidding?”   Idol cried, wiping her tears on her sleeve.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “No, empress, I saw it myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Idol’s hand covered her mouth, a tiny flicker of hope sparking in her chest. She grabbed Epo’s arm, pulling her closer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Go to Ana. Take her to wherever Yokkun and Tobi are.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “But…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “No buts! I’ll stay with Master Daze.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “A-are you sure, empress.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “Yes! Nothing is more important than that boy. Now do as I say!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Epo nodded, teleporting from the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             Idol wiped the sweat from Master Daze’s brow. Pressing her forehead his, she listened to Pochi sob quietly while she waited for help to arrive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">             “You can’t leave me, Daze.”   Idol whispered. “I can’t do this alone. I need you alive and well. Please, don’t leave me to fight this war alone.”