User blog:Akasha1908/Case of the Black Lotus: Part 6

Prologue:
http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/The_Adventures_of_Yokkun_%26_Kazu:_Case_of_the_Black_Lotus

Chapters:

 * Chapter 1 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Case_of_the_Black_Lotus:_Part_1
 * Chapter 2 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Case_of_the_Black_Lotus:_Part_2
 * Chapter 3 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Case_of_the_Black_Lotus:_Part_3
 * Chapter 4 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Case_of_the_Black_Lotus:_Part_4
 * Chapter 5 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Case_of_the_Black_Lotus:_Part_5
 * Chapter 6 - This one.  Released 04 Aug 13

            The eyes…    Now Yokkun understood why they’d looked so familiar.

             “Your what?”   Kazu squeaked.

             “Now’s not the time to discuss this.”   Master Daze replied. “We need to go.”

             “Wait!”   Kazu objected. “You can’t just drop a bomb like that and say, now’s not the time to discuss it!”

             While Kazu continued to gripe at Master Daze, Yokkun watched as Fera tried his best to clean Lady Kuroki’s body:   fixing her hair, wiping the blood from her face, then finally resting her arms across her chest. He gently stroked her cheek, staring at her as if trying to burn her image into his mind.

             “Relax Kazu.”   Yokkun said. “I’m sure Master Daze has an explanation for everything.”

             “We really need to go.”   Master Daze said more forcefully. “It’s only a matter of time before more members of the Black Lotus arrive. I’ve expended too much energy, and I’m in condition to fight them off.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Kazu opened his mouth to object again, but Yokkun stopped him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “We’ll discuss this when we get home, Ka. Right, Master?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Master Daze said nothing, refusing to look either of them in the eyes. Suddenly, Fera swept past the group, heading straight for the two cat siths. Throwing one over each shoulder, he turned to speak to Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “With the barrier gone, you can move freely again. You should go back to headquarters and break the news to Jo.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Don’t you think she’d rather hear it from you?”   Master Daze asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No. Not about this.”   Fera turned, walking towards the gaping hole in the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Pochi, you should head home.”   Master Daze said. “You did well today. I’m very proud of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Pochi was happy to help!”   The little fairy said with a salute. “She will go home and get some of Master’s favorite cookies ready.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There was a loud pop with a tiny puff of smoke and Pochi was gone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “You two need to go with Fera.”   Master Daze said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Why can’t we just go home?”   Yokkun asked. “We can talk when you get back from wherever it is you’re going.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Home is no longer safe for you two.”   Master Daze replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There was fear in his Master’s eyes. Something Yokkun had never seen in his life. What the hell was going on?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I know none of this makes sense.”   Master Daze continued. “But for right now I need you trust me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The old man looked at both boys, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I’ve taken care of you two since you were children. I think of you both as my sons, even if we’re not related by blood. But there are things… things I’ve had to keep from you in order to keep you safe.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What, there’s more?”   Kazu asked in disbelief.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Just go with Fera. He’ll protect you until you reach the safety of our walls. Once you’re there, I’ll explain everything.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Master Daze walked towards the stone pedestal, carefully retrieving the black box and sliding it into the arm of his robe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What about you?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m going to announce your arrival and brief Lady Joruri on what’s happened here. Now that the barrier is gone, I can teleport again.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Who is Lady Joruri?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You’ll meet her soon. Now you better hurry up. You have a lot of stairs to climb.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">With that, Master Daze disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I’m so confused.”   Kazu said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Join the club.”   Yokkun replied, ruffling his hair. “Come on. We’d better catch up to Fera before he leaves us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The two took off, meeting up with Fera on the sixth flight of stairs. He didn’t even acknowledge their arrival, continuing to climb in absolute silence.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Whew! I’m tired already.”   Kazu complained. “How many more flights do we have left?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “A lot.”   Yokkun replied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Will you carry me on your back?”   Kazu asked sweetly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Why not?! You used to do it all the time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yeah, when you were 5!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Please, Nii-san! Just for a couple of flights.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I said no, Ka.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Fine! Never mind the fact that I almost died! The least you could do…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You’re not dead and you were just fine a few minutes ago. Now give it a rest.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Humph!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Yokkun left Kazu pouting, catching up to Fera.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “So.”   Yokkun started hesitantly. “Was Lady Kuroki your wife?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No.”   He replied bluntly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Right, of course not… but you loved her, right? A man doesn’t cry like that over a woman he doesn’t love.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Why don’t you mind your business?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well, I would, but you kind of made this my business when you tried to send me and my brother to our untimely deaths.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I saved you, didn’t I?”   Fera replied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yeah, and I saved you, too! If it wasn’t for me, scar face would’ve chopped your head off back there! I think you owe us at least a few explanations.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes what?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes, I loved her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Yokkun was shocked Fera actually answered. The man wasn’t exactly the most forthcoming person, and truthfully he hadn’t expected an answer.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “So what happened between the two of you?”   Yokkun asked cautiously.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “She asked me to give up everything for her and I couldn’t. I loved her, but I had an obligation to fulfill. She couldn’t understand that, so she left.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Is that why she joined the Black Lotus?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Partly. But I’m afraid her reasons were a bit more complicated than that. What has Master Daze told you about her?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Nothing. He said he would tell us when we were safe within your walls. Wherever that is.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “So he’s truly told you nothing?”   Fera asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Apparently not.”   Yokkun replied irritably.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well, we are sworn to secrecy. No matter how badly we want to tell the one’s we love, to do so would be a betrayal of all we stand for.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Who is this ‘we’ you keep referring to?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Fera was quiet for a moment, then shrugged his shoulders, causing the two cat siths to bounce around a few times.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I suppose telling you won’t make much difference now.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kazu caught up to Fera and Yokkun, getting closer so he could hear better.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Your Master and I belong to an organization called the White Lotus.”   Fera said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “The White Lotus?”   Kazu said questioningly. “Does that have any connection to the Black Lotus?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">               “Yes and no.”   Fera replied. “The White Lotus was here long before the Black Lotus was ever formed. About 15 years ago, there was a high-level sorcerer within our ranks named Rei ***. He believed the White Lotus should reveal itself to the world again, and use its strength and power to create a new world order.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “New world order?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “A frightening thought, isn’t it?”   Fera said. “The world we live in has a very distinct hierarchy of magic, with low-level sorcerers at the bottom, then the mid-level and finally the high-level sorcerers at the top. Rei believed those who are weak should be ruled by those who are strong, and that the weak should be made to serve. Basically, he wants to enslave half the world’s population. He believes it’s the only way to establish true peace. ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “That’s crazy!”   Kazu’s eyes filled with horror.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Which is why the White Lotus decided to excommunicate Rei. To do such a thing would go against everything we stood for. We were created to maintain order and balance within the magical world, not destroy it. We believe all are created equal and that no group or individual should seek to control or suppress another.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “So this Rei person was the one who created the Black Lotus?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes.”   Fera replied. “And he has cultivated quite a large following, even recruited members from the White Lotus. He served on our highest council and was known and respected throughout our entire organization. He’s charming and convincing and completely insane; a dangerous combination. As he seeks ways to bring his ideals to fruition, the White Lotus works desperately to stop him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “So what about the White Lotus?”   Yokkun asked. “Who created them?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We were established by the first Grand Sorcerer born into this world.”   Fera replied. “He wanted to use his power to fight the tyranny that was slowly devouring our world. His sole purpose was to protect the weak, so he rallied others to his cause and fought to establish equality for us all. It took well over a century to fulfill his dream, but it’s because of him that the basic laws governing the use of magic are in place today. He never got the chance to see his dream come to fruition, but we continue to fight in his honor. Protecting the weak and bringing those who seek to abuse their power to justice.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You all are clearly the good guys.”   Yokkun said. “Why do you choose to keep your actions hidden in the shadows?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Once order in our world was finally established, the ruling Grand Sorcerer decided it was best we feign disbanding. We may have been the world’s savior, but it was only a matter of time before it would turn on us. People fear power. Soon they would begin to question the need for the White Lotus, especially when there was finally peace. Suspicion and doubt would be cast upon us, and it wouldn’t be long before we became the enemy.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Smart if you ask me.”   Kazu replied thoughtfully. “You can still fight the bad guys, without being labeled as one, too. There will always be someone trying to seek power through oppressing others. It’s good to know there are people still willing to fight them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You sound like you’ve experience that type of oppression first-hand.”   Fera replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You have no idea.”   Yokkun said, sharing a solemn look with his brother.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I have a question.”   Kazu said, raising his hand. “I thought Grand Sorcerers were extremely rare, but if I heard you correctly, it sounds like there were two within the same generation. And if you add the fact that Master Daze and Lady Kuroki were both one as well, it would seem they are more common than we originally thought.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Fera looked at Kazu in mild surprise. “You’re more intuitive than you let on.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kazu threw up his hands in irritation. “Why does everyone think I’m some kind of idiot?!”   He complained.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Because you are.”   Yokkun said, shoving Kazu playfully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The truth is a Grand Sorcerer or Sorceresses is born once every generation.”   Fera explained. “Our Seers predict when and where the child will be born. Then when he or she reaches a certain age, they are brought to our main headquarters and trained to take command of the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Wow.”   Kazu said. “That seems kind of unfair. It doesn’t sound like they’re given much choice but to lead.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“With great power comes great responsibility.”   Fera replied. “Only a Grand Sorcerer or Sorceress can lead the White Lotus. Only they are powerful enough to maintain control of such a powerful organization.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“On a scale from one to ten, how powerful is a Grand Sorcerer?”   Yokkun asked. “I’ve seen a high-level sorcerer in action, and their powers seem to be virtually limitless.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The gap between the two is exceptionally wide. To put in perspective:   if a high-level sorcerer could destroy a small town with his power, then a Grand Sorcerer could demolish an entire country.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“So the power Master Daze released back there…”   Yokkun began.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Isn’t even a fraction of his true power.”   Fera finished for him. “Such power deserves to be feared and respected, and that is what allows our leader to maintain control of the White Lotus. Very few would be foolish enough to challenge the authority of a Grand Sorcerer.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “So since Master Daze is a Grand Sorcerer, does that make him the leader of the White Lotus?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He’s our former leader.”   Fera replied. “He relinquished command when he felt his body could no longer bear the burden of his power.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I suppose wielding that level of magic for over half a century would take its toll on anyone. So who is the current leader?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Lady Joruri.”   Fera replied, an unreadable expression on his face. “My wife.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Yokkun knew that was the end of the conversation. Like saying her name somehow slammed a door shut inside of Fera…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">When they finally exited Lady Kuroki’s castle, the sun was high in the sky.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“How long were we down there?”   Yokkun asked, shielding his eyes from the sun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“About a day or so.”   Fera said, securing the two cat siths to the back of a massive black horse. He mounted the steed, gesturing for Yokkun and Kazu to get on the light brown horse standing beside his.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yeah, I don’t well with animals.”   Kazu said, stepping back a few feet. “Especially large ones.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Get on the horse, boy.”   Fera said, his eyes narrowing threateningly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Come on, Ka. I’ll ride in front. You can hold onto me so you won’t fall.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Yokkun mounted the horse, reaching out his hand to Kazu. The horse danced around a bit, adjusting to the weight of its rider. Kazu backed away again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yeah, I don’t think that’s going work for me.”   He said, shaking his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Get on the horse!”   Fera shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kazu scrambled forward, grabbing Yokkun’s hand. Yokkun pulled him up and Kazu latched his arms around his waist in a death grip.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Let’s go.”   Fera said, spurring his horse forward.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I swear, Nii-san, if you let me fall off this horse, I will kill you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You won’t fall.”   Yokkun said in amusement. “Just hold on and you’ll be fine.”   He kicked the horse, racing after Fera.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kazu’s terrified scream echoed through the air as the three of them galloped towards the horizon.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">***

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Lady Joruri stood the moment Master Daze walked into the room, greeting him with a warm and genuine smile. She was more pretty than beautiful, appearing almost plain except for her emerald green eyes. She had the palest blond hair, the straight lengths falling just past her waist. And the blunt bangs that softly brushed her eyebrows, made her jewel toned eyes stand out even more. She was small and petite; her frame often fooling strangers into thinking she was sickly or weak. No one would have ever guessed she was a Grand Sorceress, and the current leader of the White Lotus.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Lady Joruri rushed towards Master Daze, stopping when she saw the pained look in his eyes. She cupped his cheek, leaning in and pressing her forehead against his.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I’m so sorry.”   She whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I had no choice.”   He replied, his voice filled with ache he felt in his heart.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Of course you didn’t.”   Lady Joruri said, taking Master Daze into her arms.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You did everything you could to bring her back to the White Lotus.”   She hesitated for a moment. “We all did.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Did I try hard enough? Perhaps I could have done something more.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Lady Joruri took Masters Daze’s face in her hands, forcing him to look into her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You will not do this to yourself, do you hear? I will not let you. You did everything you could save her!”   She took his hands in hers, squeezing them gently. “You were the one who taught me that each person is responsible for the decisions they make in life. Kuro was no different. She made her choice, and the path she chose led to her own destruction. This is not something you should blame yourself for.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Thank you, Joruri.”   He said. “You’re words have given me great comfort.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Master Daze took her arm, looping it with his. Slowly they walked into the conference room the White Lotus used for planning strategies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“How is Fera?”   She asked hesitantly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He’s… he’s….”   Master Daze licked his lips, unsure of where to start. “You know what? I think you should talk to him about this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He does not speak of her. At least not to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He might if you ask.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He wouldn’t, nor could I summon the courage to ask. He loved her in a way that he will never love me. Even though I understand that, it’s still difficult to face the truth of it in his eyes. I think it’s best if you tell me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“This will be painful to hear.”   Master Daze warned.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“More painful than loving a man who doesn’t love you in return? I assure you Master Daze, there is nothing in this world more painful than that. Please, tell me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Master Daze sighed heavily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“He was fine before we arrived. He was even prepared to slay her with his own hands if necessary. But when faced with the reality of her death, he completely broke down. No matter how dark and twisted their past was, his love for her remained pure and intact.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Lady Joruri pressed her hand to her stomach, turning away from Master Daze so he wouldn’t see the tears building in her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “Out of respect, he will try not to mourn her in your presence.”   Master Daze stopped for a moment, turning her to face him. “I’m sorry Jo. Honestly, I don’t think I realized how much she meant to him before now. When she died she took a part of his heart with her. I fear he might never recover from this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Lady Joruri wiped away the tear sliding down her cheek. She tried to speak, but her voice broke with the pain and rejection she felt. A tiny, humorless laugh slipped from her lips.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Who would’ve thought my heart could break any more than it already has.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Jo, you must know that Fera loves you, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, just not as much as he loved her. Which seems silly since I’m his wife and the mother of his children.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Joruri…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t. Please.”   She cleared her throat, squaring her slender shoulders. “The part of his heart she took with her; she can have it. It was never mine to begin with.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I knew telling you was a bad idea.”   Master Daze said, wiping away the tears that were now freely falling from her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“No, it wasn’t. Thank you for your honesty. I needed to hear that. Please don’t hate me for saying this, but for a moment I thought he might finally be mine now that she’s gone. It was silly of me to get my hopes up.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I could never hate you, Jo.”   He said hugging her. “Nor can I imagine all you’ve had to endure because of their love. I wish things were different for you. That you could know what true love and happiness feels like.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Lady Joruri stopped crying, pulling away from Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Please don’t feel sorry for me. Though it may be small and insignificant, there is a part of Fera that loves only me. I hold on to that. It’s enough.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Enough? Jo, believe me when I tell that no one should live a life with just enough happiness, or just enough love?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “Thank you for your concern, but I made this choice fully aware of what it entailed. These are the consequence I must face for stealing a man who was never mine to begin with. So I will take this half-love and this half-happiness, and I will make the best of it, because it’s more than I will ever deserve.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Master Daze took her hands in his, trying to think of a way to explain that what happened between Fera and Kuro wasn’t her fault.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Jo, you can’t keep blaming yourself…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“This conversation is over.”   She said, her command final and absolute.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Master Daze bowed in acquiescence. “Forgive me, my lady. I did not mean to over-step my boundaries.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Lady Joruri nodded once in response, before turning and walking to the massive table in the center of the room. It was covered in maps and books; ink wells and scrolls. She spread her hands on the edge of table, examining a particular document.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Now, back to business.”   She said. “It’s time to start planning our next move against the Black Lotus.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">***

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei felt the moment Kuroki died. They were blood-bonded, and the second her life ended, their bond was broken. The severing of a blood-bond is particularly painful, even for someone like Rei who was used to pain. It had brought him to his knees for several minutes, his body unable to process anything but the agony it felt.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Once he’d recovered, Rei had summoned his most loyal servant. He sent the man to retrieve Kuroki’s body and capture whoever it was responsible for her death. Unfortunately, Z had arrived too late and was unable to find any clues as to who the murderer was.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             As he stared at Kuroki’s lifeless corpse, a rage deep within him slowly awakened. Not only had she had been his most valuable ally and confidant, but in the 7 years since she’d joined the Black Lotus, he’d grown to see her as family. Kuroki had somehow replaced the little sister he’d violently lost so many years ago. But now she too was dead.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Master Rei.”   Z called to him. “Are you alright?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes.”   He replied, clearing his throat. “What were you saying?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Just that I couldn’t find Lady Kuroki’s cat siths. If they were killed, I would have found the bodies. I think whoever killed her, took them as prisoners. Should we be worried about them betraying us?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No. Rin-chan would never betray Kuroki. And I don’t think Ren-kun would either.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But what if he does?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I wouldn’t worry about it.”   Rei replied absently. “Rin-chan would kill him before he had the chance. What of the box?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It’s gone as well. I looked everywhere, but there’s no sign of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei ran his fingers through his fiery red hair, silently cursing himself for letting Kuroki handle this by herself. If he’d been there to back her up, she would still be alive and they would still have the box.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             He moved to where Kuroki’s head lay, placing two fingers on each temple. He was going to attempt to retrieve the last few memories from her mind. An almost feat impossible when the victim was already dead. In the moments before death, the mind sputters to a stop. All the memories a person has, surging forward in last few seconds before the brain dies. It’s similar to the sensation a near death victim experiences when he or she says, “my life flashed before my eyes.”   In short, the current state of Kuroki’s mind would be a jumbled and chaotic mess. It might take some time, but Rei hoped he would be able to at least learn the identity of Kuroki’s murderer.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No one is to interrupt me.”   Rei said to Z.   “Do you understand?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei closed his eyes, releasing a sliver of his magic into Kuroki’s dead mind. Carefully, he tried to establish a connection with the part of her brain that held her memories. The deeper he delved, the more magic he was forced to use.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Kuroki’s body jerked violently as his magic stimulated the parts of her brain that controlled motor functions. Rei was about to give up his search, just before the first few images flashed before his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The first image he saw was of a young blond girl, resting her head on a young man’s shoulder. Along with the image came the remnants of anger and jealousy. Next was the image of an older man who Rei recognized as Kuroki’s father. He had a gentle smile on his face, and his arms were spread wide as if he were about to hug someone. This image held a faint trace of warmth and happiness.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei sorted through image after image, each time experiencing a fraction of the emotion Kuroki felt at the time the memory was made. Some emotions were stronger than others depending on how recent the memory was.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Suddenly, the feelings of anger and betrayal hit him so hard, it knocked the breath out of him. This was it. The image of Kuroki’s murderer…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei released Kuroki immediately, stepping back from her body. He couldn’t believe what he just saw. The person who had killed her was her own father.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I didn’t think that old bastard had it in him.”   Rei whispered to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Master.”   Z called. “We have a visitor.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei turned to find Akasha standing in the doorway, her hands raised in the air, eyeing Z nervously. Z had his bow drawn, an arrow nocked and pointing straight at her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Put the bow down, Z.   Now!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Z loosened his bow, placing the arrow back in its holder. “Apologies, Master. She was trying to interrupt you. I couldn’t get her to stop any other way.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You may go, Z.   Report to Sya for your orders.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “As you wish, Master.”   Z bowed deeply, then disappeared in a wisp of black smoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Akasha, it’s good to see you again. Please, come in.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei gestured for her to have a seat. She walked towards the chair, her eyes glued on Kuroki’s body.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “So it’s true.”   She whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Is this the information you came to report?”   He asked, taking a seat next to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Akasha nodded, her eyes still on Kuroki’s dead body.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well as you can see, I’m already aware of her demise.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Akasha nodded again, suddenly bursting into tears.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The young girl had been Kuroki’s servant during her time with the White Lotus. She was beyond loyal to Kuroki, and had jumped at the chance to serve her again. It was a perfect arrangement, especially since Akasha worked in the main headquarters of the White Lotus. Every tiny bit of information she learned she would filter back to Kuroki, who would in turn tell him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">                  As a matter of fact, Akasha was the one who’d helped Kuroki break in and steal the black box. She was even the one who’d discovered the key to opening it. She’d overheard it while serving Lady Joruri and Master Daze tea one day. It was amazing the things servants learned about their masters. No one ever paid attention to them, or even remembered their faces. They were the perfect spies. But now that Kuroki was dead, would Akasha still work for the Black Lotus?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Akasha, my dear.”   He said, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I know this must be difficult for you, but I need you to focus. Is there anything you heard or saw that I might need to know.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Um, let me think.”   She said, taking a few minutes to calm herself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Don’t worry, my love, take your time.”   Rei replied, taking her hand in his and stroking it gently.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I was the one who greeted Lord Fera when he returned. He had Lady Kuroki’s cat siths tied up as prisoners. They’ll most likely interrogate them the moment they wake.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “We suspected they might have been taken by the person who killed your mistress. Thank you for letting me know.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Wait!”   Akasha exclaimed. “Lord Fera was the one who killed Lady Kuroki?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No, my dear. The one responsible for that would be Master Daze.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Her first reaction was disbelief, followed quickly by anger. Akasha shook with rage, her hands clenching into fists. Rei took her chin, turning her head towards him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I know you’re upset, I am too, but if there’s anything else you need to tell me, now is the time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Akasha relaxed under his reassuring gaze, her body leaning instinctively closer to his.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Actually there is.”   She said. “Two other men arrived with Lord Fera. I’ve never seen them before, but I think they’re related to Master Daze.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Ah!   Rei thought to himself. They have the brothers. The two without magic. And the only ones who could open the box. So the White Lotus now had the box and the brothers…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well played, Daze.”   Rei whispered to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What was that, Master Rei?”   Akasha asked timidly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Nothing, my darling.”   Rei said, lightly brushing his thumb along her bottom lip. “But there is something I need you do for me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Anything.”   She said in a hushed voice. “I’ll do anything.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rei smiled, cupping the back of her neck and drawing her close.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”