User blog:Akasha1908/Fall of the White Lotus: COMPLETE ARC

PART 1
             A loud banging jolted Yokkun out of his sleep. He flew out of the bed, ready to fight until he realized the sound was someone knocking on his bedroom door.

             “I’m coming!”   Yokkun grumbled.

             Yawning widely, he took a few seconds to stretch his muscles. They’d ridden for nearly a day straight, and his back and legs were still stiff. He wore only a pair of pajama pants he’d found laid out on his bed last night, and as he stretched, they slipped lower on his narrow hips. He wandered sleepily towards the door, making a failed attempt to straighten his bed hair.

               Yokkun and Kazu had arrived at the headquarters of the White Lotus just after nightfall yesterday. Fera had handed off the two cat siths to a male dressed in white and silver armor, before escorting them to their temporary rooms. He’d given them a solemn goodbye, then disappeared down the long dark hall. As for Master Daze, he’d been nowhere in sight when they’d arrived, and Yokkun wondered if perhaps it was him knocking.

             He opened the door, surprised to find a woman dressed in an impeccable white and silver military uniform. She was nearly as tall as him, the tailored lines of her outfit gently hugging her supple curves. Her black hair was cut as short as his, but the soft feminine waves complimented her oval shaped face and striking lavender eyes.

             Her gaze travelled leisurely down his body, then slowly back up again. A small half smile played on her full pink lips, the expression making her mouth pout in the most attractive way. Yokkun pulled the door open wider, giving her a better look at his tanned and muscular form. He leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms over his broad chest. He smiled back, deliberately taking his time examining her lush body.

             “What can I do for you beautiful?”   Yokkun asked, his deep voice still laced with sleep.

             “Seriously?”   Kazu asked, appearing from behind the strange woman. “That’s the best line you could think of?”   He shoved past Yokkun and into the room. “And pull your damn pants up! Any lower and you’re going to flash us both.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What the hell, Ka?!”   Yokkun exclaimed, yanking his pants up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu swept into the room like a tiny tornado, throwing open curtains and rummaging through drawers. Yokkun squinted, the bright sunlight flooding the room. He turned back to the woman in the doorway.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What’s going on?”   He asked impatiently. “Is this some kind of joke?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             She held out her hand, her vibrant smile completely disarming him. The sudden irritation he felt melted away, and he found himself falling into her exotic eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I’m Captain Eponine. It’s nice to finally meet the castle’s newest stars. Everyone’s been talking about you and your brother since your arrival last night. Having seen you both now, I can see why. You two are very handsome.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Thank you.”   Yokkun replied dizzily, unable to keep the smile from his lips.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He shook her hand, feeling the hard callouses on her palms. Obviously she trained in swordplay, and by her stance and the blade at her hip, she was well-practiced. The thought of her being able to wield a sword made her even more enticing, and Yokkun was struck with the sudden urge to do shocking and highly inappropriate things to her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I apologize for waking you and your brother up so early in the morning.”   She continued. “But Lady Joruri requested the two of you be examined as soon as possible.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Examined?”   Yokkun asked. “For what?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s what I’d like to know.”   Kazu interjected. “But sergeant sassy pants over there won’t say. Come on Nii-san, you need to get dressed or she’s going to go all crazy on you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I don’t think I’d entirely mind that.”   Yokkun replied, staring at her as he backed up towards his brother.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It’s all fun and games until she pulls that sword out.”   Kazu replied in warning. “She nearly took my head off when I told her I wouldn’t get out of bed. Now turn around, I need to see which one of these will fit you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu had laid out several combinations of white pants and shirts on the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Where did those come from?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Don’t you remember? After dinner last night that Akasha girl said there were clean clothes in drawers for us.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I was too tired to pay attention to anything last night except a hot bath and warm bed.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu spread Yokkun’s arms, holding up shirt after shirt, and pants after pants to figure out which combination would look best. This was their normal routine every time new clothes were involved. Though he was embarrassed about being watched by the tall beauty at the door, Yokkun knew arguing with Kazu about such things was like climbing a 100 ft wall without hooks or rope.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “These two should work.”   Kazu said, laying them back on the bed. He quickly folded the rest, placing them back in the bottom drawer. “They’re not exactly the most glamorous clothes.”   He continued, plucking at his own white linen shirt and pants. “But they’ll do for now. Hurry up and get dressed. There should be clean underwear in the top drawer and everything you need to shave in the bathroom.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu walked to the door, stopping in front of Captain Eponine.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Out please.”   He said, waving her from the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">She threw Yokkun one more appreciative glance before exiting with Kazu.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun was ready in no time, and soon the three of them were making their way through the halls. The Castle seemed full of activity, especially when they reached the main entry way. People appeared and disappeared at random, no one actually using the door to come in or out. They all seemed to be in a hurry, but the moment they caught sight of Yokkun and Kazu, they would stop and whisper before going on about their business.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I told you.”   Captain Eponine said, smiling over her shoulder. “You two have caused quite the stir.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Why is that?”   Yokkun asked, immediately on edge.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Word got out about you two not having magic. Everyone’s naturally curious.”   She replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Already? How did they find out?”   Kazu asked in shock. “It’s not exactly something we advertise.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And we haven’t even been here for a full 24 hours.”   Yokkun added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Captain Eponine shrugged her shoulders. “News travels fast. Especially the juicy stuff.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Two men chatting animatedly walked directly into Yokkun’s path; the three of them colliding.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “So sorry.”   One of them said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Are you alright?”   The other asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Fine, thanks.”   Yokkun replied apologetically

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The two continued on, picking up their conversation where it left off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Is it always this busy here?”   Yokkun asked exasperatedly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It’s usually worse. Since this is our primary headquarters, it serves as a focal point for our entire organization. Some come to consult with the Seers. Others come to report incidents or the results of missions to the Council.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What about Lady Joruri?”   Kazu asked, looking around. “Where is she?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Lady Joruri usually splits her time between here and the Eastern Palace with Empress Sol. She oversees everything, but day to day operations are left to our commander Lord Fera, and the Council.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Commander?”   Yokkun asked. “Fera?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Don’t sound so surprised. Lady Joruri may control the forces of the White Lotus, but Lord Fera commands them. He is the force behind her will.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What about the Council?”   Kazu asked. “Fera mentioned it a few times, but he never really explained what it was.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Boy, you two sure are full of questions.”   She said, winking at Yokkun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Sorry.”   He replied, his cheeks flushing. “This is all new to us. We’re just trying to understand everything.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Of course you are.”   She replied. “I suppose I would want to know everything, too. Okay, so, we have close to 50 subsidiary units throughout the world. It is the Council’s job to maintain situational awareness of each one and report any events of interest to Lady Joruri. It consists up of six members, two from each level of the magic hierarchy, and is headed by Lord Fera. They also provide support and advice to Lady Joruri on administrative and operational decisions.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What about the Seers?”   Kazu asked. “Are they a part of the Council too?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No, the Seers work independently of the Council. They do assist them from time to time, but the Seers usually report directly to Lady Joruri or Lord Fera in her stead. The commanding sorcerers of our subordinate units do consult with them occasionally, but most of what the Seers do is for Lady Joruri’s eyes and ears only.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">She led them down a flight of stairs into the belly of the castle. There was practically no one in this part of the structure, and the people they did meet were all soldiers. Each time they passed by, they would salute Captain Eponine. She would nod once in response, but that was it. Clearly, the woman before them held a high rank within the White Lotus. They continued through the windings halls, the sparsely lit candles fighting desperately to keep the darkness at bay.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What about Master Daze?”   Yokkun asked. “Where does he fit in here?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yeah.”   Kazu added. “Since he’s no longer the one in charge, what exactly does he do?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “After relinquishing command, it’s customary for the previous leader to provide their guidance and expertise to the current one.”   Captain Eponine smiled secretively. “But Master Daze usually spends his time nicking sweets from the kitchens.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Ha! Definitely sounds like the old man.”   Kazu said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             They walked for several more minutes through the twisting corridors, and Yokkun was finally starting to realize just how big the castle was. And if what Captain Eponine said was true, the mission of this secret organization was far larger than he’d originally imagined.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I have to be honest.”   Yokkun began. “To function so efficiently and still maintain your anonymity is very impressive.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“As it should be.”   Captain Eponine replied with great pride. “The White Lotus is extremely selective about who is chosen to serve. And only those with the highest integrity are even considered. We all recognize the significance of what we do and the importance of our discretion.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“So what do you do?”   Yokkun asked. “Fera said you work to maintain balance in the world, but I don’t understand how.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Captain Eponine pulled opend a set of wide double doors, gesturing for them to walk through. She waited until she caught up with them to answer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Most of what we’re involved in is on a broad scale; political alliances, trade and commerce, etc. We find that the best way to enact change, and maintain it, is to work from the top down. This is why the majority of our members serve as advisors or mentors to leaders all over the world. Our job is to guide these leaders down the right path and keep them there. If there is one truth in this world, it’s that power corrupts. And when a ruler is cruel, it is the people who suffer. The White Lotus works to ensure that doesn’t happen. We prefer peaceful resolutions, so it’s rare for us have to resort to drastic or violent measures. But if a situation with a specific leader begins to spiral out of control, we will not hesitate to take whatever actions are necessary to prevent human suffering.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Wow.”   Kazu breathed. “No wonder things are so busy here. You all are juggling the fate of nations across the globe.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Are there a lot of you?”   Yokkun asked. “Members, I mean? And who decides who goes where and what they do?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Only Lady Joruri, Lord Fera and the Council know our exact numbers and where our agents are assigned.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“And to think no one knows you still exist.”   Kazu said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Well, that’s not entirely true. There are certain people, not within our ranks, who are aware of our existence.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Like us?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Yes.”   She said with a strange smile. “But usually we only reveal ourselves when there is an operational advantage. An example would be the reigning Empress of the East. Every Grand Sorcerer or Sorceress since the rise of the Eastern Empire has served the royal family. Now that Lady Joruri holds the title, she serves Empress Sol in a neutral and limited capacity. It gives the people the impression that she is ‘under control.’”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What do you mean by under control?”   Yokkun asked, slightly bewildered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It’s a frightening thought for one person to hold as much power as a Grand Sorceress, so to put the people’s mind at ease, Lady Joruri plays the role of loyal and obedient advisor to the most powerful monarch in the world. Although Lady Joruri is forced to bow and scrape before the Empress, it creates the illusion that her power is controlled by the Eastern Empire. It seems unfair to Lady Joruri sometimes, but it’s a small price to pay in order to maintain her non-threatening appearance. Her position also provides a guise to conceal the wealth and estates of the White Lotus. As far as anyone on the outside is concerned, this caste belongs to the royal advisor to Empress Sol. And the wealth used to maintain it, is compensation for Lady Joruri’s services.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It’s kind of brilliant when you think about it.”   Yokkun said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “How so?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Because they need each other.”   Yokkun continued. “Lady Joruri needs Empress Sol to keep the White Lotus a secret and help her maintain her image. And Empress Sol needs Lady Joruri’s power on her side. The Eastern Empire may be the most powerful nation right now, but there is still Emperor Light in the North, Emperor Dark in the South, and Empress Idol in the West. Should they pose a threat, all the East would have to do is remind them they have a Grand Sorceress backing them. Of course, the bluff would only work if none of them know the White Lotus still exists. Which I’d bet a great deal of money they don’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Captain Eponine stopped, staring at Yokkun in astonishment. “You have a good mind for strategy.”   Her voice full of praise.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu rolled his eyes. “More like manipulation.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Whatever you want to call it.”   Captain Eponine retorted. “You are absolutely correct, Yokkun. The other three monarchs have their suspicions, but neither can confirm the White Lotus still exists. Whispers and hearsay aren’t enough. They need physical proof if they want to out us to the public. Besides, all four empires are at peace right now. None of them want to be the one to start a war.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “There’s one thing I don’t understand though.”   Yokkun said. “Why not just make Empress Sol a member of the White Lotus. Wouldn’t it be easier to manage such a precarious relationship?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Not in this case.”   Captain Eponine replied. “It can be difficult for the leader of an entire nation to submit to another. Empress Sol is one of those leaders. She prefers to play pretend with Lady Joruri, rather than accept the fact that she has no real power in their relationship.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It all sounds so complicated.”   Yokkun said, shaking his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It makes my head hurt just thinking about it.”   Kazu added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It wasn’t always like this.”   Captain Eponine said sadly. “The birth of the Black Lotus muddied the waters, and changed the way we operate. Rei and his followers want to disrupt the balance of this world; force the White Lotus into the open in the hopes they will be able to defeat us. I fear our days are numbered. We were not designed to fight in such vicious and brutal ways. We will have to reveal our existence soon, and when we do, it will be a full on war.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Between who?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Everyone.”   She replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Silence fell over the group, Captain Eponine’s words resonating in the air like a bad omen.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Here we are.”   She said suddenly, stopping in front of a massive, heavy wooden door. “Sorry to make you walk so far, but we had to move the lab to the far side of the castle after the accident last month.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Accident?!”   Kazu asked, his tone instantly suspicious. “What kind accident?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It’s nothing you should worry about. Just a tiny explosion. No one was hurt and it barely caused any damage. It was more like a mishap really. Better yet, a small miscalculation.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“A miscalculation that involved explosives?!”   Kazu slowly started inching his way behind Yokkun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It sounds worse than it really was, but Lord Fera thought it best to move or chief alchemist down here, just in case.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“And the guy who had this accident, that’s not an accident, but a miscalculation... He’s the one who’s going to examine us?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Yes. But I promise he does much better with human subjects.”   She tried to sound reassuring, but it definitely wasn’t working.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Human subjects!”   Kazu squeaked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Yokkun held up his arm as if trying to shield his little brother from whatever was behind the door. “When you say ‘examine,’ what exactly do you mean?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It’s nothing major.”   She replied confidently. “Tobi’s just going to run a few tests.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“T-t-tests?”   Kazu’s voice was shrill and high-pitched.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Captain Eponine opened her mouth to speak, but whatever she was about to say, was drowned out by a scream and meow mixed together. It was followed by hissing and a flurry of curse words.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“That’s not what you think.”   Captain Eponine said quickly. “We’re not far from the dungeons,and some of my men are interrogating the two cat siths.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">   “Nii-san, I don’t want to go in.”   Kazu begged. “Don’t make me go in!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Everything will be fine.”   Captain Eponine said. “You trust me, right, Yokkun?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Don’t believe her, Nii-san. She’s trying to use her womanly ways to trick you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You swear it’s just a few tests?”   Yokkun asked, shushing his brother.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I swear.”   She replied innocently.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Nothing dangerous?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I promise.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“And no explosives?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Definitely no explosives.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Alright then. We’ll do it.”   Yokkun declared, with more courage than he felt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kazu whimpered softly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Captain Eponine started to open the door, but stopped.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Before we go in, I feel I should warn you.”   She started. “Tobi can be a bit…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Oh god!”   Kazu cried frantically. “He’s going to kill us isn’t he?!”   Kazu latched onto Yokkun’s arm. “I’m too handsome to die, Nii-san! Don’t let him take me!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“No one is going to kill you!”   She groaned, rolling her eyes. “Geez, is he always like this?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“All the time.”   Yokkun replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“All I was going to say is that he’s easily excited. He sometimes comes off a bit…   Well, I’ll just let you find out for yourselves.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">She pushed the door open, revealing a massive lab. Despite being beneath the castle, the entire room was flooded with strange bright lights attached to the ceiling. To their left was a huge desk, covered in scrolls and documents with strange drawings on them. And next to that, were several diagrams of the human body in various states of dissection, posted on the wall. To their right was a table covered with peculiar tools and bizarre contractions; the metal glistening in the light. Above it was a map of the entire known world, marked and labeled with several notes and stick pins. Directly in front of them, was a massive shelved wall, lined with hundreds of bottles, all filled with strange powders and liquids. There was also a another door leading into a darkened room, but Yokkun could quite make out what was inside.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Is that a human skull over there?”   Kazu whispered in Yokkun’s ear. “Oh god, it is!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Maybe this was a bad idea.”   Yokkun whispered back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Tobi!”   Captain Eponine called out, gently nudging Yokkun and Kazu further into the room. “We’re here.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Out of nowhere a tall skinny man appeared in front of them. He wore a long white coat over what looked like pajamas. He had on tall rubber boots and gloves, and on his face was some sort of goggle-glasses combination that made his brown eyes look enormous. His dark blond hair was wild and unkempt, as if he was far too busy to stop and run a comb through it. He blinked a few times, tilting his head like a bird eyeing its prey.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“This is Yokkun, and this is Kazu.”   Captain Eponine said, pointing to each brother respectively. “Lady Joruri requests a full examination on both of them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Tobi pulled the goggles up, resting them on his forehead. He replaced them with a pair of huge black rimmed glasses he pulled from his coat pocket. He grabbed each of the brothers’ hands, shaking them so hard he made their teeth rattled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It so nice to meet you!”   Tobi exclaimed, speaking so fast it was hard to keep up. “I can’t believe I get to examine you both! This is the opportunity of lifetime! I couldn’t believe it when they told me you were born without magic! It’s amazing! I mean, not being able to use magic probably sucks, so that part’s not amazing, but just the fact that you two exist is what makes you so incredible! You two are alchemistic anomalies! A dream come true for an academic like myself! Did you know there’s only one other account of someone like you two ever being born? ONE! And that was centuries ago, so we didn’t have the right tools to crack ‘em open and take a look inside! But here we are! History has given us a second chance! We finally get to see what makes you tick! Don’t you two worry about a single thing. I promise to take really good care of you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“O-kay.”   Yokkun replied, taking a step back from the man. Yokkun looked at Captain Eponine. “Are you sure this is necessary?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Her face became deadly serious, her eyes narrowing on him. “I thought you said you trusted me!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I do!”   Yokkun said, raising his hands in surrender.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“See, I told you she had a crazy streak.”   Kazu whispered, clutching desperately to Yokkun’s arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Noted.”   Yokkun whispered back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I’ll leave them to you, Tobi.”   Captain Eponine said. “If they cause any trouble, you know where to find me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Yes, thank you Epo.”   Tobi said, his head bobbing up and down in thanks. “I’ll send for you when we’re done.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“And if we’re still alive.”   Kazu added in a terrified whisper.

<p style="text-align: center;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You’re late.”   Commander Sya said. She was lounging in her chair, cleaning the dirt from under her nails with a knife.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I was detained.”   Z replied, dropping to one knee before her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Detained doing what? It’s not like the mission was hard. All you had to do was take the collar to Chi and come straight back.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “He was resistant.”   Z replied tightly. “He wanted to back out of our arrangement.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And why was that?”   Sya asked, shoving the blade back in her boot.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             She eyed Z carefully with her one good eye. The other was covered with a black eye patch she removed only when necessary. Her silver hair was pulled back in a tight bun, making the lines of her face appear angled and sharp. She wore a leather corset, with tight leather pants and high-heeled boots.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Chikooi received confirmation that Joruri will be travelling to the Western Empire.”   Z replied. “As you predicted, she sought out his aid. I don’t think he believed she would, and now that she has, he was having second thoughts.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And?”   Sya asked, prompting him to continue.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And he no longer has second thoughts.”   Z answered simply.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “How did you convince him?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Z looked up at Sya, his eyes vacant of any emotion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Nevermind.”   She said with a knowing smile. She stood, sweeping past him towards the door. “Come with me. I have a gift for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Z stood, following Sya obediently out the door. Silently, they made their way towards the back of the Black Lotus’ new headquarters. With their primary location compromised, Master Rei had arranged for all operations to be moved to their alternate facility.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Though Z was curious to know where they were going, he would never question Commander Sya. She had a terrible temper, one he’d been on the receiving end of since they were children. His older sister had a twisted way of showing she cared. But now that he served as Master Rei’s right hand, he was no longer a slave to her every violent whim. His master had saved him from him from a certain and untimely death at his sister’s hands. For that, Z would be forever in his debt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You’ve met Lord Dich, correct?”   Sya asked over her shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “A few times.”   Z replied, with feigned interest. “Master Rei speaks of him often. I believe he’s working on some sort of experiment for him.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “He was, but now he’s finished.”   She said. “And just in time for our Master’s next move.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Sya opened the door to a large balcony facing the back courtyard of the castle. The sound hit Z before he saw what was making it. Below were thousands of screeching, blood red creatures.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What the fuck are those?”   Z asked in horrified amazement.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I call them devils.”   Z recognized the thin, wheezy voice of Lord Dich. He turned, dropping into a deep bow before the elder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Lord Dich’s arrival always gave Z chills. Something was off about the old man, but Z couldn’t quite figure out what it was. His gaunt features were shadowed by the hooded cloak he wore. In his right hand he carried an ornate staff, topped with the golden starburst insignia of some secret and ancient clan he belonged to long ago. The man looked like death walking, but he was one the most powerful high-level sorcerers within the Black Lotus’ ranks, and he deserved Z’s utmost respect.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What are they for?”   Z asked looking down at the organized chaos below.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “At your Master’s request, I created them specifically to serve the Black Lotus in the upcoming battle. They are an expendable army, so to speak. One that can be replaced as needed. They are trained to obey whoever I tell them to, and although they are easily killed, when they attack in large numbers, they can cause a great deal of damage.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Here watch this.”   Sya said. She whistled to one close by, beckoning it to where they stood. The creature climbed up the wall, using the three long claws attached to each of it's feet. When it was close enough, it leapt to the balcony.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The tiny devil perched on the rail, its claws digging into the stone. It was no larger than small child, and it sat completely still, staring at them as if trying to determine whether or not they were friends or foes. A tiny forked tongue slipped through a gap in its sharp teeth, and its long barbed tail wagged back and forth in the air.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Go ahead.”   Sya said to Z.   “Touch it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Z reached his hand towards the creature. When he was inches away, it bared its teeth threateningly, its tail standing on end with the sharp tip pointing directly at him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Be still little one.”   Lord Dich cooed. “He is not your enemy.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The devil immediately calmed down, dropping its head so Z could pet it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Extraordinary.”   Z whispered, cautiously touching the top of the creature’s head. Its skin was smooth and incredibly hot to the touch.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I know, right?”   Sya said excitedly. “They’re hideous and adorable at the same time. And wait till you see them in action. They’re vicious little things.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Behold.”   Lord Dich said, resting a withered hand on Z’s shoulder. “Before you is the army we will use to take the down the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal">

PART 2
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You’re not going.”   Fera insisted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You seem to be under the impression I’m asking for permission.”   Joruri replied, pulling on her riding boots. “I’m not.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Then I’m going with you.”   He replied matter-of-factly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No, you’re not.”   She replied, checking her travel bag once more to make sure she had everything she needed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Does Master Daze know you’re planning this?”   Fera asked, snatching the bag from her hands.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yes!”   She answered, snatching the bag back. “He was resistant at first, too, but even he sees the necessity of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And when were you planning to tell me?! I had to hear about if from one of the bloody servants for God’s sakes!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You would’ve have known days ago, if you’d bothered to come see me when you returned!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I was…”   Fera stopped mid-shout.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You were what?”   Joruri asked, her tone full of fake sympathy. “Mourning the loss of your beloved Kuroki.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Jo, that’s not fair.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Not fair?! NOT FAIR!”   Joruri launched the bag in her hand at Fera. “You want to know what’s not fair?! Watching you pine after that heartless bitch all these years! Having to listen to you call out her name in your sleep. Having to endure the pitiful way you look at me and our children, because I’m not Kuro and you didn’t have them with her!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s not true, Jo! You know I love my children!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Right.”   She said. “Just not me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I didn’t mean…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I know what you meant.”   Her response emotionless. “And I don’t care anymore. Right now I have a war to stop.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You keep talking about a war? What is going on?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri pulled a folded piece of paper from her pocket, handing it to Fera.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What’s this?”   He asked, unfolding the document.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “When was the last time you talked to Epo?”   Joruri asked in disbelief. “Are you so heartbroken you didn’t even be bother to check in with the captain of our forces?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Fera quickly scanned the document. His eyes widening in shock.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Epo gave you this?”   He asked. “She should have reported this directly to me!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “She would have, but you weren’t here. It was just before you and Daze got back from saving the brothers. She and her men were returning from a mission, and happened to stumble upon a courier from the Black Lotus. He was carrying that message to Empress Idol in the West.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “This can’t be true.”   Fera said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s Sol’s handwriting, and that’s her royal seal.”   Joruri said, tucking her tear drop necklace into her shirt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">It was a gift from Fera. He’d given it to her the day they’d been married. No matter how much she hated him at the moment, she couldn’t bear the thought of taking it off. He’d put a part of his magic inside of it; a sign of his unwavering devotion to her and the White Lotus. And if she couldn’t have his love, then she would have his loyalty.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “But why would she declare war on the West?”   Fera asked. “What possible reason could she have to justify it?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I don’t know.”   Joruri replied, rubbing her eyes with her thumb and index finger. “Which is why I’m going to see her.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Well, when was the last time you talked to her? Did you notice anything different? Was she acting strange?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It was two weeks ago, and if I’d thought something was different or strange, I would have told you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Do you realize the implications of this?”    Fera asked, pacing the short length of the room. “Epo found this in the hands of a Black Lotus messenger! This means Sol is…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I know what it bloody means, Fera! You don’t have to spell it out!”   Jo took a deep breath, clenching and unclenching her small fists. “I sent Daze to see Sol shortly after he returned.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Master Daze? Why didn’t you go yourself?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Because Kuro was dead and I thought you might need me here!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">               Fera was caught off guard, unsure of what to say.“Jo, I…”   Fera stepped forward, reaching out to her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Don’t.”   Joruri slapped his hand away, backing up. “Just don’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             He wanted to say something to comfort her, but he was at a loss. Instead, Fera decided to focus on the task at hand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What did Master Daze find out?”   He asked cautiously.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Nothing.”   She replied, crossing her arms across her chest. “She refused to have an audience with him. He stayed a few days, trying to see what he could find out, but no one in the palace would speak to him. However, he did notice the Eastern armies where mobilizing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">               “So that’s where he’s been.”   Fera muttered under his breath.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “He returned an hour or so ago. He’s with the boys right now. I’m supposed to be joining them.”   Joruri picked up her bag from the floor, sliding it over her head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “What do you want to do? Should I prepare our army to retaliate?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No! We risk the chance of revealing ourselves if we do. That will have to be our last resort.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Then I’ll put them on standby.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri nodded in agreement, refusing to look him in the eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Jo, I really think you going alone is a bad idea.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I can take care of myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I know you can. But you may end up facing the entire Eastern army! What if it's true and Sol has aligned herself with the Black Lotus? There could be some of Rei’s agents there as we speak! You could be walking into a trap?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Have you forgotten who I am?!”   Her tone forceful and commanding. “You think I fear that silly little girl, or her toy army for that matter?! I could crush them all with a single thought! Demolish her entire empire with a wave of my hand! Let her set a trap. I will burn her whole world to the ground.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Fera took a few step away from Joruri, the hair on the back of his neck standing up, as the air around them hummed with her magic. He could see the rage burning in her eyes. She felt betrayed, not just by him, but by the Empress Sol as well. His wife had gone to great lengths to pacify the young and willful empress. Sol was not only ruthlessly ambitious, but she also lacked the basic ability to discern right from wrong. The young empress had taken the throne at age 11, and Joruri had spent countless hours trying to teach the girl how to be a competent and compassionate ruler. Now age 18, it seemed Sol’s greed had only grown. To be honest, Fera had expected the girl to pull a stunt like this. Just not so soon and not in cahoots with the Rei and the Black Lotus.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Unlike him, Joruri had hope for the girl. She truly believed Empress Sol would be a great leader one day, given the right guidance and training. This had to be on hell of a blow for Joruri. But as hurt and betrayed as she felt, Fera knew he needed to find a way to calm her down; make her see reason. Otherwise the consequences of her rage would be catastrophic…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             As she tried to reach for her sword, Fera grabbed her arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Do you hear yourself right now?”   He asked. “You can’t use your power to scare this woman into doing your bidding! If you do, you’re no better than she is!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri’s eye widened, her slight body shaking anger.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Do you have an idea how serious this situation is?!”   Joruri shrieked, snatching her arm from Fera’s grasp. “Rei wants to destroy this world and remake it in his own image! Do you want to know the fastest way to do that?! Pit the two most powerful empires in the world against each other and give them a reason to fight! They will tear this world apart and Rei won’t have to lift a finger. And while the world is entrenched in chaos, he will begin his campaign of terror. He’ll preach his ideals to the people and they will believe him because they’re too scared to believe anything else! War breeds fear! Rei will use that to his advantage and fool them all into believing he is bringing order back into the world. They will see him as their savior and they will love him for it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Jo, I understand. Believe me I do. But the power you wield is not meant to hurt or frighten others. You represent all the White Lotus stands for! You have to be the voice of reason amongst this chaos. If you do this, you will never be able to turn back. This is not who you are.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I will become whoever I need to if it means stopping this war. If we are forced to face this kind of evil, then we must put aside this peace-loving mindset and fight fire with fire!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Fera stared at Joruri for a moment, her words leaving him completely speechless. The woman before him was not the sweet and innocent girl he’d married so long ago. Before him stood a leader prepared to sacrifice herself and her ideals no matter the cost.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What else do you need from me?”   Fera asked, unable to think of a way to stop her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I need you to stay here and protect the box.”   Joruri replied. “Knowing Rei, he hasn’t given up on obtaining the power locked within it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Which means the boys are at risk as well.”   Fera deduced.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I’ve taken the necessary precautions to keep them safe. Entrance into the castle has been restricted to mission essential persons only. There not allowed to leave these walls, and they have a guard with them at all times.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And where’s the box?”   Fera asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Daze said he’d tell you the next time he saw. He hid it somewhere in the castle. Since we likely have a spy in our midst, we thought is best if you two were the only one who knew its location.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Good idea.”   Fera nodded. “Then I shall ensure the box and the boys remain safe.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Good.”   Joruri replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">She looked exhausted, the dark circles under eyes proof she hadn’t been sleeping. Fera felt a pang of guilt in his chest. It was most likely his fault she was sleep deprived. The moment he’d returned, he’d locked himself in his office, unable to face his wife while his heart mourned the loss of another woman. If Akasha hadn’t told him Joruri was preparing to leave, she would have left without saying a word to him. ''What was he doing? ''He’d left Joruri to protect the entire world all by herself, and now she refused to confide in him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Are you leaving now?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No, I need to speak to the boys first. Daze and I decided it was time we told them the truth.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Everything?”   Fera asked in surprise.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “We have no choice. With the situation deteriorating by the second, we thought it best to prepare them now. Their role to play in all this might come sooner rather than later. I had Tobi examine them both and try to figure out which is the one. He should have the results back soon. I told him to report to you if I haven’t returned by then. ”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Understood.”   Fera said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri adjusted the strap on her bag so it would fit more comfortably, then grabbed the sword she’d had custom made to fit her petite frame. She belted it around waist, tightening it so it was snug on her hips.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Fera took a minute to examine her choice of clothing. “You look as if you plan to ride all the way to the Eastern Empire. Do you plan to travel by horseback the entire way?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Not the whole way, but it would appear Sol has placed a magical barrier around her territory. I tried to teleport directly into the palace earlier and was blocked.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “So what’s your plan?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I sent word to Chikooi. He will meet me at the edge of the barrier and escort me to the palace. I should be able to manipulate the barrier and break through, but I need direct contact with it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Wait? You reached out to Chi?”   Fera asked, his expression showing his disapproval. “I thought you two didn’t communicate any longer.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “We don’t.”   Joruri replied quickly. “But I need someone who knows the territory and he is the best candidate. I’ve only ever teleported into the palace, so I need some who can get me there on horseback. According to the map, it’ll be about a 2 day ride. 1 ½ if we don’t stop to rest.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I know the territory.”   Fera replied, unable to keep the anger out of his voice. “I could easily guide you to the palace.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Please, don’t start this, Fera. The decision is already made. He is awaiting my arrival as we speak.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I don’t trust him.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Well I do.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Fine. But if something goes wrong, I want you to get a message to me as quickly as possible.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Like I said. I can take care of myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I know, but for my peace of mind, will you promise to send for me if you need help? Otherwise, what else is the purpose of us being bonded?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “If it’ll shut you up, then fine.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri walked out the door without another word. As Fera followed her down the hall, he wished they could resume their conversation. Though he understood the dire circumstances they were in, he disagreed with the way she wanted to handle it. Joruri was always level-headed and calm, so he never needed to question her decisions until now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Fera trusted Joruri’s judgment, but somewhere deep down he had a feeling the path she’d chosen was wrong. Unfortunately, he hadn’t the slightest idea of how to stop her. And even if he could, what right did he have? Whatever love she’d had for him was long gone now. And trust? That was non-existent. The value of his opinion meant nothing to her anymore.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He watched as Joruri marched down the hall; her head held high, each footstep unwavering. She was the strongest person he’d ever known, and if she thought this was their best chance, then perhaps he should give her the benefit of the doubt. And if and when things did fall apart, he would, at the very least, fulfill his final duty and give his life to save hers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Five days!”   Yokkun cried. “Five days and still no word from that good for nothing son of a…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Language!”   Kazu yelped, cutting Yokkun off. “I told you, Akasha said he’s on a special mission for Lady Joruri. Very top secret.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Who the hell is Akasha?”   Yokkun asked in irritation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Are you serious?”   Kazu stared in open astonishment at Yokkun. “Pale girl, short hair wearing a white dress that looks like a night gown.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun shrugged his shoulders. He tried to think of someone who fit the description, but no one came to mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You are the worst, you know that?!"  Kazu said, rolling his eyes.   "She’s the one who’s been taking care of us since we got here! She’s the reason you have fresh sheets and clean clothes. And, oh by the way, she’s the one who serves us breakfast, lunch and dinner!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I think I vaguely remember her.”   Yokkun replied honestly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu shook his head in disappointment. “What is with you lately? You’re missing all details these days.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It’s this place.”   Yokkun replied, running his hand through his hair. “It’s too big and too crowded. Too many faces, too many entrances and too many places to hide. I’m not used to so many people and having all this space.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “We shouldn’t complain too much.”   Kazu said. “They gave us our own rooms, we get free food and new clothes. As long as we don’t have to go see that creepy doctor guy again, I say we sit back and enjoy it while we can.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s the problem! I can’t sit back! I want out of this place. I want to get back to our lives and back to our work. We’ve missed two jobs since we’ve been here. Do you have any idea how bad that is for our reputation? No one will ever want to hire us again!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “As usual, you are completely overacting.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Am I?!”   Yokkun ask, the hysteria he felt coming out in his voice. “They won’t let us leave the castle, not even to get some fresh air! Not to mention, we can’t go anywhere without that stupid guard watching our every move! How long are they going to keep us here before someone gives us some answers?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You got a point about the going outside thing, but I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for it.”   Kazu replied. “And I don’t mind the guard so much. He’s hot and does pretty much whatever we want. Besides, he’s not in here now, so technically he's not watching our every move.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“That’s because he’s standing outside the door making sure we can’t escape! Listen to me, Ka. Something is wrong with this situation. Haven’t you notice how busy it’s gotten here lately?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Captain Eponine said it’s normal, remember?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yes, but these people look like soldiers! And they all speak in hushed voices when we walk past. Geez, the tension is so thick around here you could cut it with a knife! And what about Master Daze?! He’s on a mission for Lady Joruri. A top secret mission he went on right after he returns from killing his own daughter! He didn’t even stop to mourn! What could possibly be so important that he had to leave without a word to anyone?! I’m trying to tell you something is wrong!”   Yokkun shouted, grabbing his brother and shaking him. “There’s something these people aren’t telling us. How can you not see that?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I see it!”   Kazu shouted back, breaking free of Yokkun’s grasp. “I’m not stupid, Nii-san! In case you haven’t realized, we aren’t exactly in the best position to demand answers! And unlike you, I still trust Master Daze! He sent us here because this is the only place he thinks we’re safe! We may not know the exact reason why, but I think we should trust our master and wait for his return. Please, Nii-san, let’s not do something stupid here. Let’s just wait until Master Daze gets back.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun’s frustration started to fade as he stared into Kazu’s pleading eyes. The reason Yokkun was so distraught over their current situation was because he was worried about his little brother. Yokkun was afraid he might not be able to protect Kazu from whatever sinister plot was currently unfolding. And that terrified him…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             There was a soft knock at the door, bringing an end to their conversation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Come in.”   Kazu called.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             A slender female, with short brown hair entered the room, bowing to both of them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Hello, Akasha.”   Kazu said. “What can we do for you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I apologize for interrupting, but Master Daze has returned. He wishes to speak with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">            Akasha and the guard escorted Yokkun and Kazu to a large office, directing them to sit at the small circular table in the middle of the room. Along the entire back wall of the office were built in bookcases filled with hundreds of volumes of books. The room was spacious and ornately furnished, with dark woods dominating the space. It was decorated in a mixture of blues, with the occasional slash of cream and silver throughout, giving the room a masculine yet elegant feel. Master Daze walked in, giving both boys a gentle and apologetic smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It’s good to see you both well.”   He said. “Have you settled in ok?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Yokkun remained silent, afraid of what he might say if he open his mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Everyone’s been very kind to us.”   Kazu said, eyeing Yokkun with a worried expression on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Good.”   Master Daze replied, grunting as he fell into a seat at the table. “So, you probably have questions.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“That’s the understatement of the century.”   Yokkun mumbled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Master Daze ignored his comment and continued. “Where would you like to start?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Why are we here? Who are you really? And when the hell were you going to tell us you had a daugther, and that you used to run a secret organization?!”   The questions burst from Yokkun's mouth before he could stop them. “And don’t lie or leave anything out. I don’t care if you’re sworn to secrecy. You owe us truth.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Master Daze shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “What have you learned so far?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“We know little bit about the White Lotus; your history, why you exist and what you fight for.”   Kazu glared at Yokkun, hoping he’d get the point and chill out. “We also know a little about the Black Lotus and its leader.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Hmm, I guess we can skip that part then.”   Master Daze said, twisting the end of his beard around his finger. “But I’m not sure where I should start. It’s all so complicated.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“The beginning is always a good place.”   Kazu suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“The beginning…   It’s a long story.”   Master Daze warned.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Then I suggest you get to explaining.”   Yokkun replied. “Since we can’t leave this God awful place, we have all time in the world.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">   “I’m going to need some wine.”   Master Daze said, signaling for Akasha to pour him a glass.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Akasha poured the glass, accidentally spilling a little as she set it in front of him. She quickly apologized, cleaning it up in a rush. She returned to her post at the door, her face flushed with embarrassment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Master Daze took a long sip of the wine, closing his eyes as he savored the taste. When he opened them again, they were slightly glazed, a dark sadness slowly swirling within.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“A long time ago, when I first became leader of the White Lotus, I had a wife. To be more specific, she was my consort.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“A consort?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Each leader of the White Lotus has a consort; a male or female chosen to walk beside them throughout the duration of their life. To understand the role of a consort, you must first understand how much power a Grand Sorcerer has. The temptation to misuse this power can sometimes be overwhelming. It is very easy to lose sight of the correct path when in your hands you hold unlimited power. That’s where a consort comes in. The bond that develops between the two is supposed to provide balance. It is the consort’s job to keep the leader he or she serves from turning down a path of self-destruction.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Talk about a lot of responsibility.”   Kazu said in awe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You have no idea. These individuals give up a great deal in order to fulfill this duty. Their lives are decided the moment the next Grand Sorcerer or Sorceress is born.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Are they chosen at random?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“No, certainly not. The Seer predicts the birth of our next leader, but it’s not until the child is finally born that the bond with the consort is formed. It’s automatic and instantaneous.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“So how do you find the consort?”   Kazu asked in confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It’s hard to describe. The child sort of sets of a silent beacon, as if something inside them awakens the moment their master is born. Our Seers are able to pick up on this signal and locate the child. From there, the child and its family are brought here, to our main headquarters, to await the day the two can be joined in marriage.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“And you just believe them?”   Yokkun asked incredulously. “Someone chooses the person for you to marry and you just accept they’re your soul mate.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“If only it were that simple.”   Master Daze replied, taking another sip of wine. “When I first met my wife, we were children. We laughed and played together completely oblivious to the responsibilities and duties we would have to fulfill. As she grew older and finally learned what she would have to give up, she resented me. She felt trapped in this life and blamed me for everything. And when the day came for her to marry me, she couldn’t even look me in the eyes.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Poor woman.”   Kazu whispered. “Poor you.”   He added sadly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You needn’t feel sorry for me. I loved her. I’d probably loved her since the moment I first understood what love was. In fact, I loved her so much I almost let her go.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Why didn’t you?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Because I was selfish. Because it hurt too much to live a life without her. Even if she despised me, at least I could see her beautiful face every day. Hear her lovely voice. It was enough.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What happened?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“We grew up.”   Master Daze replied. “We experienced out first real challenge leading the White Lotus, and together we overcame it. We realized then that if we wanted to continue to bring peace and justice to this world, we had to work together. We needed to become one instead of trying to exist separately as two parts of a whole.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“So you finally learned to love each other.”   Kazu said. “That’s wonderful.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Master Daze laughed softly. “What I felt for my wife and what she felt for me was more than love. What we had could never be explained in words. To trust someone completely and absolutely. To have another person understand you in ways you couldn’t even begin to comprehend yourself. That is what it means to have a soul mate. That is the power of the bond that exists between a consort and their chosen.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I envy you.”   Kazu said, his voice was full of wonder and amazement. “It all sounds so incredible.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It was. And I wish we’d realized sooner, because she died two years later giving birth to our daughter.”   Master Daze finished off his first glass of wine.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I’m so sorry, Master.”   Yokkun said, feeling guilty for being so angry at him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Me too.”   Kazu added, crying softly. “So heartbreaking.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“At least she left me Kuro.”   Master Daze continued. “She was the spitting image of her mother and the most perfect thing I’d ever seen in my life. Sometimes I wonder if Kuro would have turned out differently if my wife was still alive.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“We shouldn’t dwell on the things we can’t change.”   Kazu said. “You taught us that, Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Did I?”   Master Daze asked, his eyes full of unshed tears. “I give pretty good advice.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">They all laughed nervously, some of the tension in the room easing. As silence fell over the room. Akasha took the opportunity to re-fill Master Daze’s glass.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“There’s one thing I don’t understand.”   Yokkun said hesitantly. “If Kuro was your daughter and born with the power of a Grand Sorceress, why wasn’t she chosen to lead the White Lotus?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You don’t miss a thing, do you Yokkun?”   Master Daze replied with a sad smile. “The birth of the next Grand Sorceress was already foretold. And as predicted, she was born to a farmer and his wife here in Mao Tome. Her name was Joruri and she and my daughter were born at the exact same time. It was an unbelievable coincidence. Especially since Kuro was born almost a month earlier than she was supposed to be.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“And none of the Seers predicted the two would be born at the same time?”   Yokkun asked. “It sounds like someone wasn’t doing their job.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I agree, but the Seer’s claimed one birth overshadowed the other, making it impossible to foresee both.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Sounds like a convenient excuse.”   Yokkun replied suspiciously.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I suppose you could see it that way, but I’m not entirely sure what the Seers would’ve gained from keeping such a thing secret. It wasn’t exactly good news.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Why is that?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Because there can be only one leader of the White Lotus.”   Yokkun answered for Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It was quite the dilemma.”   Master Daze said, confirming Yokkun’s assumption. “At first we were optimistic. The three of them got a long like they were siblings, so there was hope everything would work itself out.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Three of them?”   Kazu asked in confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Fera.”   Again, Yokkun answered for Master Daze. “Fera was the chosen consort.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Two women, one man.”   Kazu replied. “Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Disaster is right. Especially since it was obvious from the beginning which of the two Fera loved. Even when they were children, he naturally gravitated towards my daughter. She had her mother’s unearthly beauty and a passion for life that was overwhelming and addicting all the same time. Kuro wanted all life had to offer and would stop at nothing to indulge her desires. Fera never stood a chance.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I don’t think any man would.”   Yokkun said sympathetically. “She was mesmerizing, and that was from only meeting her once.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Too bad she was bat shit crazy.”   Kazu added absently.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Kazu!”   Yokkun snapped. “Apologize!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“No, it’s ok. Kazu’s right. I loved my daughter very much, but she had a darkness inside of her; something evil and twisted. It drove her crazy and destroyed her and everything she touched.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Was she always like that?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“No, not at first. She always had a wild streak. A part of her that enjoyed the power she held a little too much. I thought she would grow out of it, but it only got worse as the three of them grew up. Their fragile relationship reached its breaking point when Jo confessed her love to Fera. We all knew how she felt about him. It was obvious from the way she stared at him with open adoration. But never in a hundred years did we suspect she would actually tell him.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What did Fera do?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What could he do?”   Master Daze replied. “He is a consort. Though he loved Kuro, he could never say the words aloud. At least not until she was chosen to lead the White Lotus. And it wasn’t as though he didn’t care for Joruri, but if I had to label it, I would say he saw her more like a little sister than anything else. So he did what any man would do in his situation. He told Jo that he cared for deeply, but they would have to wait until the next leader was officially announced.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Oh.”   Kazu said. “I bet that didn’t go over well with a woman like Kuro.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Not at all. Even though it was obvious Fera loved her, the idea of him caring for Joruri in any way drove Kuro mad with jealousy. She believed he should have told Jo the truth about their love; his duty and honor be damned.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I kind of feel bad for Fera in all this.”   Yokkun said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Fera?”   Kazu exclaimed. “What about Lady Joruri? She was the one getting the short end of the stick.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Master Daze smiled warmly. “You needn’t worry about Joruri, she’s stronger than she looks. And even though she was young and naïve back then, she wasn’t stupid. The friendship they once shared was no more. She loved Fera, but he would never return her feelings. And she loved Kuro like a sister, but as long as Fera stood between them they could never be friends. To avoid any more unnecessary suffering, Jo decided to distance herself from them both and focus on her next move. Since Kuro was my daughter and held the rank of a Grand Sorceress, Jo believed the title of leader would go to her. Once that happened, she would no longer be welcome here.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“But Lady Joruri is the leader of the White Lotus, so obviously something changed.”   Yokkun said. “What was it?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Joruri was preparing to leave for her new position. She planned to take over our western headquarters and I knew she would do outstanding work there. She was calm and steadfast, and she knew what it meant to sacrifice personal desires in order to serve a higher purpose. She was meant to lead; meant to do great things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">And then there was Kuro…   Selfish and power hungry. A ticking time bomb, ready to explode the minute the reigns of the most powerful organization in the world was handed over to her. I loved my daughter, but I couldn’t let her destroy what so many had died to build and protect.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“So you chose Lady Joruri.”   Kazu said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I had no choice.”   Master Daze replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You made the right decision.”   Yokkun said comfortingly. “The right to lead must be earned, and it sounds like Lady Kuroki didn’t understand that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“So is that why she left?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Yes, but there were other reasons as well.”    Master Daze said, drinking nearly all the wine in his glass in one swallow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Fera.”   Yokkun and Kazu said in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Yes, I’m afraid so. After the announcement of Joruri’s succession, Kuro immediately went to Fera. She begged him to give up his role as Jo’s consort and leave with her. He refused.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Why?!”   Kazu asked in disbelief.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Fera has a strong sense of duty and responsibility. He’d been chosen to serve as consort to the next Grand Sorceress of the White Lotus, the second highest position in our organization. He had a divine obligation to fulfill, one of the utmost importance. He was to serve as Joruri’s right hand; guide and protect her. How could he betray his entire life’s purpose for something as impulsive and unpredictable as love?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What difficult decision it must have been?”   Yokkun said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“A terrible situation all around.”   Kazu added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">   “It was.”   Master Daze said, nodding in agreement. “Especially for Joruri who was trapped in the middle of everything. She cared dearly for Kuro, even though my daughter didn’t feel the same. And she loved Fera just as much and Kuro did. She was desperate not to hurt either and tried to have her and Fera’s arranged marriage called off. I think the council might have agreed if not for Fera’s insistence.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Such honor and dedication.”   Kazu said, using a napkin to dab his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“And so he and Joruri were married.”   Master Daze continued. “Kuro left to join the Black Lotus and everything that’s happened since has led up to the inevitable ending you witnessed five days ago.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">No one spoke for several minutes, each lost in their own thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Master?”   Yokkun said, breaking the silence. “Why did Fera request our assistance in getting the box back?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I sent him to you.”   Master Daze, shame clouding his eyes. “There were only three of us in the White Lotus who knew the box was missing. Joruri, Fera and myself. The moment we realized it was taken, we knew Kuro was the culprit. We believe someone from within our walls helped her get through our defenses, but only Kuro knew of its existence and exact location.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">If the council found out the box was missing and that Kuro was the one responsible, her offense would be deemed unforgivable and all hope of bringing her back to our side would be lost. She would be marked an enemy of the empire and hunted down by our finest soldiers. For my sake, Fera and Joruri offered an alternate solution. If we could get the box back before anyone else noticed it was missing, we would be able to keep Kuro’s involvement a secret. But it all depended on the White Lotus not getting involved. I thought for sure you and Kazu could get the box without any problems, but I was wrong. I underestimated Kuro and just how dangerous she was. She was beyond saving, and I should have recognized that a long time ago. I’m so sorry. I put your lives at risk and you almost die because of my selfishness.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Why didn’t you tell us any of this?”   Yokkun asked, his anger from earlier now replaced with disappointment. “We’re supposed to be family. And family’s not supposed to lie or keep secrets from one another.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I was trying to protect you.”   Master Daze said. “I thought the less you knew, the safer you would be. I was wrong. I should have been honest with you from the beginning. I won’t make the same mistake again.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“That goes for the rest of us.”   A woman’s voice said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Lady Joruri.”   Master Daze stood bowing at her entrance. “You honor us with you presence.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Yokkun and Kazu stood, mimicking Master Daze’s actions. Lady Joruri stepped into the room, Fera close on her heels. She was dressed head to toe in white, wearing a pair of snug riding pants and a tight long sleeved shirt. Over it, she wore a long, vest, belted tightly around her slender waist. Her hair was parted down the middle, each side braided tightly against her scalp before joining into one long braid down her back. She wore riding gloves and knee-high soft leather riding boots. It was obvious she was preparing to travel. Add the fact she was armed with several blades, and it was clear wherever she was going would be dangerous.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Please have a seat.”   She said gesturing to the chairs. We have a lot to discuss. Starting with what’s in the box and why you’re the only ones who can open it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal">

PART 3
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">            “What do you know about the God’s Stone?”   Joruri sat on the edge of the table, looking from Yokkun to Kazu.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “The what?”   Kazu replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s just a myth.”   Yokkun said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “How do you know what it is?”   Kazu asked in surprise.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Mom used to tell us the story, back when we were still… never mind. You were probably too young to remember anyway. I don’t recall most of the story, but I do know the stone is thought to be a gift from the old gods. It’s supposed to be the source of all the magic in the world.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “According to the legend.”   Master Daze began. “The god, Byak, looked down on humanity and saw how deprived and primitive we were. Taking pity on us, he pried the jewel stone from his ring and placed a part of his magic inside. He cast the stone from the heavens, and when it collided with the earth, it released a portion of the magic held inside; thereby introducing magic into the world.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”   Kazu muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It does sound a bit silly, but even the most ridiculous legends are rooted in truth.”   Joruri exchanged a look with Master Daze before continuing. “Whether the stone was given to us by the gods remains unknown. And to be completely honest the limits of it have never been tested. The only accounts we have are from centuries old documents written by members of the White Lotus when it was still in its infancy. But if what is written is true, then it’s quite possible this stone is indeed the source of all magic.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Wait.”   Yokkun said, sitting up in his chair. “Are you saying the God’s Stone is real?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yes.”   Joruri replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun shook his head in disbelief.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s what’s in the box, isn’t it?”   Kazu asked. “That’s what Rei wants so badly.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Well, where did it come from? How did you get it?”   Yokkun asked, looking from Joruri to Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “The White Lotus obtained it during the final battle of the Great War.”   Joruri answered, standing and pacing the length of the table. “The first Grand Sorcerer to ever walk this earth was a man called Valek. During his lifetime, there was famine and disease, and only those with great power had access to food and healers. When Valek saw the people of this world dying before his eyes, he realized he needed to use his tremendous power to put an end to the suffering around him. So he created the White Lotus, and began preparations to take down the man behind it all. Ryuu Wolfskar.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">By all accounts, Ryuu was nothing more than a mid-level sorcerer. There was no logical explanation for how he could wield so much magic. But because he did, he was able to rise to power. He proclaimed himself Emperor of this world, and for nearly 20 years he ruled unchallenged. It wasn’t until later the White Lotus realized the source of his power. He’d found the God’s Stone and was using it to supplement his magic.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Where did he get?”   Yokkun asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“We don’t know?”   Joruri replied. “And the White Lotus never got the chance to ask the question.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“How is it possible for one person to rule the entire world? Unchallenged for that matter?!”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Fear.”   Master Daze replied, his eyelids drooping a little as he leaned back in his chair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “But why didn’t the people have fight back?”   Yokkun countered. “Surely they didn’t just accept their subjugation.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “They didn’t, not at first.”   Joruri replied. “Tell me, did Master Daze ever teach you about the country of Atlantis during your lessons?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Atlantis? There is no such country.”   Yokkun replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Oh, but there was.”   Joruri said with a heavy sigh. “It was the wealthiest and strongest country at the time, and it was the first to openly defy Ryuu. He destroyed it in one blow. He killed every man, woman and child, and sank the entire country into the depths of the ocean.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Impossible.”   Kazu whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I wish it was, but it happened, and we have the geographical evidence and skeletal remains to prove it. Ryuu murdered over 20 million people in a matter of seconds. After that, every ruler in the world surrendered to him.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Well, that certainly puts things in perspective.”   Kazu said, glancing wide-eyed at Yokkun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It was a terrible time.”   Joruri said. “Under Ryuu’s reign, the people starved; all their money and food taxed to the point there was nothing left. Men fought in the streets over worm invested bread just to feed their families. And mothers drowned their babies, unable to provide for them. They believed it was more merciful then having to watch their children starve to death in their arms.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu gasped, covering his mouth with both hands.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “But despite the fear and hopelessness.”   Joruri continued. “There were those who still had the courage to fight. And they joined Valek in order to find a way to take Ryuu down. Slowly and strategically, the White Lotus began rebelling against Ryuu’s regime. But no matter what they did, Ryuu could not be defeated. He was too powerful and no one could get close enough to deliver the final blow. Until…”   Joruri paused, looking at Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Until he came.”   Master Daze said, picking up where Joruri left off. “A man without magic and one who could not be touched by it. His name was Aldo, and he was the key to winning the war against Ryuu. During the last battle of the Great War, Aldo delivered the final blow, killing Ryuu and cutting the stone from around his neck. It remained in Aldo’s possession until the day he died. Since he had no magic, leaving the stone with him posed no threat. He kept it safe and hidden. And in the years to follow, the White Lotus fought to subdue the remainder of Ryuu’s forces and bring peace to the world.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “According to our records.”   Joruri added. “Aldo lived a long life. Even outliving Valek. But when the time came, and Aldo lay on his death bed, the new leader of the White Lotus had to find a way to keep the stone out of magical hands. He could not, in good conscious, allow this to happen again. So he created the box to lock the stone away. A box that could only be opened by someone without magic. It was the perfect fail safe to keep the stone out of enemy hands. The odds of another person like Aldo ever being born again were slim to none. And even if such a person did come into the world, surely they, above all others, would understand the importance of keeping the stone’s power locked away.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And you all have had it ever since?”   Kazu asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yes, until Kuro tried to steal it.”   Joruri replied stiffly. “We don’t know how the Black Lotus managed to find out the key to opening it. That information is sealed and only privy to the eyes of myself, the Council and the Seers.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Master Daze said something about there being a spy within your walls.”   Kazu said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “There is.”   Fera answered harshly. “I just haven’t been able to locate them yet.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I get you’re trying to keep us safe, and you have our thanks for that.”   Yokkun said gripping the edge of the table; sweat beading on his forehead. “But it seems like too much of a coincidence for my brother and I to end up wards of the former leader of the White Lotus. Of all the billions of people who could’ve taken us in, Master Daze just happened to be the one.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s because it wasn’t a coincidence.”   Master Daze began, his voice hesitant and uncertain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             A wave of nausea and dizziness hit Yokkun as a sense of foreboding, dark and suffocating, descended upon him. He could feel the blood draining from his face. His chest tightened, each breath becoming more and more painful. He placed one hand over his heart, which was beating so fast he feared it would explode. With the other, he reached out for Kazu, suddenly struck with the need to make sure his little brother was still there.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Nii-san!”   Kazu shouted, jumping from his seat and catching Yokkun just before he crashed to the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Water, Akasha!”   Fera snapped, helping to get Yokkun back into his chair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Akasha rushed to pour a glass, handing it quickly to Kazu. He put the glass in Yokkun’s hands, but they were shaking so badly Kazu had to hold them still and help raise the cup to his lips.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “There you go, Nii-san.”   Kazu whispered softly. “Slow sips, ok?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun tried to sip the water, but soon his whole body was shaking violently; his eyes rolling to the back of his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What’s happening?!”   Kazu cried.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Master Daze raced to his desk, frantically searching the drawers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Get him on the table!”   Joruri commanded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Fera picked Yokkun up, laying him on the tabletop. Suddenly, Yokkun stopped shaking, every muscle in his body becoming completely rigid. His back arched off the table, his mouth locked in a silent scream. He stayed like that for several seconds, before whatever it was released him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No!”   Kazu screamed, grabbing Yokkun’s limp body and shaking it frantically. “Wake up, Nii-san. Wake up!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Fera snatched Kazu back, locking his arms around him. Kazu screamed and fought to get back to Yokkun, clawing and biting at his captor’s arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri ripped Yokkun's shirt open, placing her ear to his chest. “Daze, there’s no heart beat!”   She yelled, her voice panicked. “Akasha, bring Tobi here now!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Akasha flew from the room, the sound of her footsteps fading as she raced down the hall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Looks like we’re going to have to do this the hard way.”   Pushing her sleeves up, Joruri climbed on top of Yokkun, straddling his waist.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What are you doing?! Get off of him!”   Kazu shrieked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “She’s trying to save him!”   Fera hissed. “Now be still or your brother is going to die!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu’s body went limp at Fera’s words, his uncontrollable sobs turning into soft whimpers. As he slid to the floor, Fera was forced to kneel with him; his arms still holding him tightly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri placed her hands, one on top of the other, over Yokkun’s heart. She started pressing down repeatedly on Yokkun’s chest, counting softly under her breath. She paused, dropping her head down to see if his heart had started beating again, then went right back to doing the chest compressions.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Hurry up, Daze!”   She yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I’m trying!”   His voice desperate. “But I can’t find it! Of all the times…. Wait! Here it is!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Master Daze raced back to the table. As Joruri continued to try and get Yokkun’s heart beating, he filled a large needle with some sort of strange fluid from the tiny vial in his hand. He turned Yokkun’s head to the side, plunging the needle deep into his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Come on, boy, open your eyes!”   Master Daze pleaded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri stopped the compressions, sitting back on her heels.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Is that going to work?”   She asked anxiously.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I don’t know.”   Master Daze replied fearfully. “But since magic won’t work on him, this is the only option we have!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The silence in the room was deafening, all eyes focused on Yokkun. The next second, Tobi burst into the room, Akasha right behind him. Both were laden with bags they set down on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I’ll take it from here.”   Tobi said, helping Joruri off the table. “What’s happened?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “We don’t know! We were talking and all the sudden he collapsed.”   Joruri said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Using one of his strange devices, he placed the end over Yokkun’s heart and the other to his ear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “There’s a heartbeat, but it’s faint.”   Tobi pulled off his coat, gesturing for his bags to be brought over. He was searching through them when Yokkun suddenly sat up on the table. His eyes glowed white and when he spoke, the voice was not his own.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">I am the sword and he is the shield 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">A sacrifice made, for the strength to wield 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">A life for a life? A price to be weighed ''

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Know, to bring balance, the debt must be paid 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun fell to the table, the color flooding back to his face. Though he appeared to be breathing normally again, his eyes remained shut and his body completely still. Fera released Kazu who scrambled from the floor, over to Yokkun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What the hell just happened?”   Joruri said in a hushed voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I don’t know.”   Master Daze replied. “Did you get all that?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I’ll never forget it.”   Joruri said

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Me neither.”   Master Daze added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “We need to find out what it means.”   Fera interjected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I’ll go consult the Seers.”   Joruri said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No!”   Master Daze held up his hand. “I’ll speak with them. You need to go see Sol.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri closed her eyes, her body slumping over as if the weight she had to bear was suddenly too much.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Jo, maybe I should go with you.”   Fera said, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You can’t.”   She said, moving out of his grasp. “Especially now.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I agree with Jo.”   Master daze said to Fera. “With what just happened here, we need to be smart about our next move. Jo can handle Sol. You and I need to find out what those words mean.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Then I’ll leave this to you.”   Joruri said, addressing both Fera and Master Daze. “I should be gone no longer than 3 days. If I can’t get Sol to drop the barrier, then that’s 3 days we’ll all be completely cut off. Try not to make any moves until I return, but if anything goes wrong, Fera’s in charge.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Everyone in the room, with the exception of Yokkun and Kazu, bowed to Joruri. She nodded once, then disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Master Daze.”   Fera said, spouting out orders. “I need you to go to the Seers and tell them what we've just heard. This is their top priority. I want answers before my wife returns.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What about you?”   Master Daze asked. “Aren’t you coming with me?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No, I need to check in with Epo first. I’m going to make sure the entire castle is locked down until Jo returns.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Master Daze nodded, then disappeared as well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Tobi.”   Fera said, turning to the doctor. “Take Yokkun to his room. Akasha and Kazu will help you. Whatever you need to find out what just happened, let me know, I’ll get it to you immediately.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yes, sir.”   Tobi replied with a bow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Fera turned to leave the room, but Tobi stopped him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Lord Fera, before you go. I think you should hear the results of the examinations first.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal">

PART 4
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Joruri lounged against a large rock she’d found near the spot she and Chi had set to meet. It was close enough she could see his approach, but provided the cover she needed while waiting. He was late, but she didn’t know why.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The area was heavily wooded; a part of the massive forest surrounding the Northeastern portion of Empress Sol’s capital city. It wasn’t the safest place to meet, but since it was obvious Sol was trying to keep Joruri out, entering the massive walled city would require a considerable amount of stealth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Joruri heard Chi’s approach before she saw it. He was wearing a dark cloak, the hood hiding his face. Even without being able to see him clearly, she knew it was him by the slight limp in his walk. It was a lingering ailment from a wound he’d received from Fera when they were all younger. Chi, like every other man in the castle, had set his sights on Kuro. But unlike the others, Chi had dared to speak to her. According to Kuro, Chi had forced himself on her during one fateful encounter. Of course, Fera had gone ballistic on the man, and as a result, used his magic to permanently injure him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Chi had maintained his innocence until the end, swearing he’d never laid a hand on Kuro, but Fera refused to believe him and never forgave the man. Naturally, both men were severely punished; Fera for using his magic to intentionally hurt another, and Chi for allegedly assaulting the daughter of the Grand Sorcerer. Since there was no physical evidence or witnesses, it was impossible to determine if the incident really happened. But, to avoid any more unpleasantries, Chi was forced to leave the main headquarters.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">To this day, Joruri believed Chi was innocent. Something about the smug look on Kuro’s face when Chi’s punishment was handed down gave her away. If Joruri had to guess, Kuro had targeted Chi because he was one the few people in the castle who supported Joruri becoming the next leader. Not just because Chi believed Joruri was the better choice, but because if she was chosen, Fera would have to marry her; leaving Kuro free for him. Despite his almost purely selfish intentions, Chi and Joruri had become close friends, bonding over their mutual unrequited loves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Joruri had tried on numerous occasions to bring Chi back to the main headquarters, but Fera and the Council had blocked her at every turn. On the last rebuttal from the Council, Fera made Joruri swear to cut ties with Chi completely. Regrettably, she’d acquiesced, and it’d been 3 years since she’d last seen or talked to Chi. The shame she felt having to face him now made her stomach flutter anxiously. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and if there was anyone she trusted to get her to the Eastern Palace undetected, it was Chi.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Joruri ran towards him, embracing him tightly. The cowl of his cloak fell back revealing his long auburn hair and hazel eyes. He smiled down at her, but the look in his eyes was unreadable.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“It’s good to see you.”   She said, trying to make her tone light and welcoming. “How are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">   “Good.”   He replied   “And you?”   Though his voice was somber and reserved, it also held a hint of sincerity.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“I’ve been better.”   Joruri laughed humorlessly, taking the reins of one of the horses he’d brought with him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">He stared at her for several seconds, refusing to let go of the reins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“Chi?”   She asked worriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“S-sorry.”   He replied, releasing the straps. “It’s just been so long since I’ve seen you. I just can’t believe how much you’ve change.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“Ha! I look the same as I did all those years ago.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“No.”   He replied softly, cupping her cheek. “You have grown into a strong woman and leader. The fearlessly determined look in your eyes proves it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Joruri leaned into his palm, placing her hand over his. “I don’t feel strong right now. I feel like things are spiraling out of my control.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Chi pulled his hand away, suddenly unable to meet her gaze. “If anyone will be able to survive this, it will be you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">He mounted his horse, gesturing for her to do the same.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“Thank you.”   Joruri replied, sensing a change in his demeanor. She started to ask if something was wrong, but stopped herself. Of course he would be distant. She’d reached out to him after 3 years of no contact, and now she was asking him to risk his life to sneak her into the palace. She had no right to ask such a question. Instead, Joruri mounted her horse, silently following him deeper into the woods.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">They travelled for several hours, alternating between walk and riding. But as the sun started to set, exhaustion began to take its toll on Joruri. She hadn’t been sleeping recently, for obviously reasons, and staying awake was starting to become a challenge.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“We should stop.”   Chi said, nudging her gently. “You’re falling asleep in your saddle.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“Perhaps we should.”   Joruri replied with a yawn.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“There’s a good place to camp just over that ridge. It’ll provide good cover for the night and there’s a stream nearby you can wash up in. Do you think you can make it?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“Yes, I think so.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Sure enough they reached the spot within a few minutes. Chi pointed the direction towards the stream, promising to have a fire going and dinner started when she returned. There was just enough moonlight to make out the fast-moving water and Joruri didn’t hesitate. Kneeling down, she took a quick sip of the refreshingly cool water. Removing her weapons and pack, she stripped her vest and shirt off. Unbraiding her hair, she systematically began washing the dirt from her hands and face. Reaching into her bag, she took out a small bowl, which she used to rinse the dirt and sweat from her hair. She was wringing the excess water from strands when she heard footsteps approaching.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“Chi, is that you?”   She glanced over her shoulder, looking for the origin of the sound.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“Yes, I was getting worried since you were taking so long.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Joruri breathed a sigh of relief. Turning back towards the rushing water.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“I’ll be done in a second.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">She combed through her hair, tying it into a knot atop of her head. She casually re-dressed and started to strap her weapons back into place. She stood, brushing the dirt and leaves from her pants, then turned back to walk back to the camp. She let out a small shriek when she came face to face with Chi. Before she could speak, he snapped some sort of collar around her neck. Joruri’s hands shot up, pushing him away before trying to take off the collar.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“What is this, Chi?!”    Joruri cried out in panic. “Take it off!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“I-I can’t.”   Chi replied frightfully. ‘I’m so sorry, Jo. I had no choice.”   His voice broke off into sobs as he dropped to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Joruri grabbed his shoulders, shaking him and forcing him to look at her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“What is going on, Chi?!”   She asked frantically. “Answer me!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“T-the B-black Lotus.”   He whispered through his tears. “They’re coming.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Joruri backed away from Chi, shaking her head in disbelief. Closing her eyes, she called forth her magic…   Or at least she tried to. Though she could feel her magic gathering, she couldn’t tap into it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;tab-stops:center 3.5in; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">“Oh god…”   She whispered. “What have you done?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;tab-stops:center 3.5in; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">“I’m so sorry.”   Chi wailed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;tab-stops:center 3.5in; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">There were several voices growing closer and closer; the sound of branches snapping underfoot.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;tab-stops:center 3.5in; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">“Jo!”   Chi grabbed her hand, his teary eyes desperate and full of fear. “Please, forgive me!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;tab-stops:center 3.5in; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">“How could you…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;tab-stops:center 3.5in; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">He stood, placing his hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. He pulled her towards him, putting his forehead to hers for a few moments, before placing a chaste kiss on her brow. He looked at her, his eyes full of firm resolve.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;tab-stops:center 3.5in; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">“Run.”   He whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">Fear and panic fought to keep Joruri rooted in place, but the need to survive and escape beat them down. She took a few steps back, then vaulted over the stream. As soon as her feet hit the other side, she was running. She took a mental inventory of her weapons; her sword and two knives. Not being able to use her magic made her vulnerable, and if she couldn’t out run them, she’d be forced to fight the old fashioned way.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">It wasn’t long before the sound of pursuit reached Joruri’s ears. They were so close she could hear their heavy footsteps and labored breathing. Her muscles screamed in agony as she tore through woods, weaving through the thick mass of trees. She was jumping and ducking through the terrain, but just as she cleared a fallen tree, her foot caught on a branch. She tumbled forwarded, skidding across the ground. Her slight body slammed into a tree, her head striking a root jutting up from the ground. Her vision burst into tiny white spots, and the sharp pain in her side was no doubt the result of a few broken ribs. A hand closed in her hair, pulling her to her feet. She moaned in agony, sure other parts of her body were injured as well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “Release her!”   A dark haired man yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             The loss of support caused Joruri to stumble back into the tree. She held her side, keeping her body still, though the lack of movement did nothing to stifle the pain. Blood trickled into her eye. She wiped it away with the back of her hand, flinching when she came across the gash on her forehead. The dark haired man soon appeared before her, a sneer on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “Did you actually think you’d get away?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             Her vision swam, but she refused to be taken so easily. Her leg came up, shoving him back with as much force as she could muster. She slipped around the tree, stumbling backwards but somehow managing to keep her balance. Joruri unsheathed her sword, adjusting her grip. She took in her surroundings, realizing she was encircled by seven men.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “Remember.”   The dark haired man said. “No magic. She needs to be alive.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             The men grunted in reply, eyeing Joruri carefully and inching slowly closer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “Well, come on then!”   She shouted, twirling the sword in her hand. “Let’s get this over with!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             Laughter erupted from the men, but Joruri held her ground. She burned with rage, gripping the hilt of her sword so tightly her hand went numb.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">“If you think it’s that easy, come and take me!”   She challenged.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             Two rushed forward in unison, both with swords raised. She took a deep breath, before lunging towards her attackers. She dropped to her knees, sliding under the first strike and simultaneously smashing the man’s knee with the hilt of her sword. The second man tried to take her head off while she was still on her knees, but she fell backwards, catching the blade with her own. Joruri twisted around using her blade and the force of the man’s blow to rip the sword from his hand. She hopped to her feet, striking him in the head with the hilt of his own sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “Is that all you’ve got!”   She yelled mockingly, tossing the man’s sword to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             Chaos ensued after that, and when it was all over, Joruri was somehow still on her feet. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for her would-be captors. Three were unconscious, two were dead and the one with the crushed knee was trying to drag himself to safety. The only one left was the dark haired male. He was breathing heavily, and his eyes were alight with excitement.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “You’re nothing like he said you’d be. You’re strong. Fearless.”   He said, circling her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “Is that a compliment?”   She replied breathlessly. She swayed gently, but it wasn’t from exhaustion or pain. Something was wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “I suppose it is. Who would have thought such a tiny little thing had so much fight in her?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “That’s what you get for underestimating me.”   Her words slurred and she soon lost her grip on the blade.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             The dark haired man smiled triumphantly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             It felt like her body was shutting down. Her limbs wouldn’t respond and her eyes refused to stay open.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">             “W-what did you do?”   She managed to get out before falling forward.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">               Jorurilanded in his arms, her body limp and numb, but her mind still relatively alert. He lifted her up, throwing her haphazardly over his shoulder. They walked for hours, or maybe only minutes, but at some point she was transferred the back of someone’s horse. Fear gripped her. Was he giving her over to the Black Lotus? She was injured, clearly drugged and now in the hands of her worst enemies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN">She closed her eyes, trying to see if she could reach Fera through their bond, but without her magic, there was only silence. Tears seeped from Joruri’s eyes, but not because of the inevitably brutal death she faced. It was because she failed. There would be war, and without her to protect the stone, it would surely fall into Rei’s hands. It was over. The Black Lotus would win and the White Lotus would surely fall…

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Fera had finished giving his instructions to Epo when he felt his bond with Joruri disappear. It didn’t break or sever, it simply vanished. He was moving before he knew what he was doing, racing down the hall towards the Seers’ quarters. He burst into the room, coming face to face with Master Daze and Ana, the head Seer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Fera, what on earth?!”   Master Daze cried.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It’s Jo! Something’s wrong!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Akasha made her way down the hall with single-minded determination. She was on the North side of the castle, at the furthest end. And right in front of her was the charm she needed to break in order to complete the second half of her assigned mission…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The castle of the White Lotus was surrounded by several levels of defensive spells; most of them sustained by Lady Joruri; others by Master Daze. But the last and most powerful layer of defense was the physical charms placed in the four corners of the castle. They were originally created hundreds of years ago; their strength only increasing with the flow of time. No one knew their exact location except for the leader and previous leaders of the White Lotus. Or so they thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             After spending her entire life in this castle, Akasha had learned a great deal of information about the White Lotus. As a servant you were always there, but never noticed; disappearing into the surroundings. It was amazing the things people said when they thought they were alone

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Though the rest of the staff was blindly loyal to the White Lotus, Akasha was not. She’d been loyal to only one person and that was Lady Kuroki. As far as she was concerned, the White Lotus was the one who’d pushed her mistress away, making her leave the only home she’d ever known. Akasha had been forced to watch the whole thing, desperate to help, but unable to do anything except comfort her heartbroken mistress.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">When Lady Kuroki finally found solace with Master Rei and the Black Lotus, Akasha had wanted to leave and join her immediately. But Lady Kuroki said she needed Akasha to stay with the White Lotus. She was supposed to pretend to be loyal, while gathering any and all details from within the castle walls. It broke her heart to be away from Lady Kuroki, but if it meant she could be of assistance, Akasha was willing to do it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">But then, five days ago, whispers erupted throughout the castle; rumors of Lady Kuroki’s death at the hands of White Lotus agents. Akasha had spent that entire day wondering if it was true, trying to learn whatever details she could. And, when the castle had finally gone to sleep, she went straight to see Master Rei. Part of her wanted to believe it was a mistake, but when she saw Lady Kuroki’s dead body lying on the table in Master Rei’s room, her whole world fell apart. Thankfully, Master Rei was there to comfort her; giving her life new purpose. Akasha could only hope that by continuing to aid the Black Lotus she would be able to avenge her mistress’ death.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Akasha pulled a small book out of her pocket. It belonged to Lady Joruri and contained several important details regarding certain secrets of the White Lotus. She’d retrieved the book from Lady Joruri’s private office. It was hidden in the top left drawer of her desk, in a small compartment in the wooden bottom. She noticed it by chance while serving tea to Lady Joruri one morning. Akasha had snatched a glimpse of her putting it away right as she walked in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The page Akasha was particularly interested in, provided details about the four powerful charms. It described them as being a ‘living’ part of the castle. Akasha hadn’t understood what that meant until she was standing in front of it…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In secret room, behind a hidden wall in the North side of the castle, was the charm. It was heavily guarded, but the book provided details on how to get past all the traps. Having known what to expect, by-passing the security was relatively simple. But as she stared at the charm in front of her, realizing what she would have to do, her stomach turned upside down.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">There, encased in the stone, was what appeared to be a woman, her slender frame protruding from the wall. Her hair and skin appeared to be the same color and texture of the material enfolding her, but when Akasha gently touched her shoulder, it was as warm and soft as human flesh. The woman looked like a stone carving, except for the fact her chest rose and fell as if she were breathing. Akasha stared at her, leaning in closer for a better look. She gasped, jumping back when the eyes fluttered open.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You’ve finally come.”   When the woman spoke, her voiced sounded hollow and faraway.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You can speak!”   Akasha whispered in awe. “W-what are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The woman tilted her head, her hair flowing beneath the stone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I am the first.”   The woman replied. “The rock. The anchor. The fortress. And though they call me many things, I am nameless.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I don’t understand.”   Akasha said in a hushed voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You do not need to.”   The woman answered. “You did not come here to seek understanding.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“How do you know what I’m here for?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Because I’ve been waiting for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Y-you what?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You must not hesitate. Take the blade from pocket and do what you came here to do.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I-I can’t.”   Akasha said, moving further back. “Not now!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“But you must. My time here is over, and it is you who must put it to an end.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“But…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Take out your knife.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Akasha’s hand slipped into her pocket, pulling out the blade. She shook her head, unsure of how the knife got into her hand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Place the tip to my chest.”   The woman said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Akasha once again did as she was told, her body moving against her will. She turned her head, squeezing her eyes shut as the blade slowly pierced the center of the woman’s chest. The woman breathed out a long sigh, the warm air causing the tips of Akasha’s hair to tickle her cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whatever had forced Akasha to stab the woman released her, and she stumbled back falling to the floor. The woman’s chin dropped to her chest, and slowly the wall pulled her in until she disappeared and knife clattered to the floor. A cold emptiness filled the room; a suffocating darkness swooping in greedily. The floor beneath her began to shake and the walls shuddered. Akasha scrambled to her feet, fleeing from the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Bracing herself against the wall outside, Akasha tried to calm her racing heart. She took a few deep breaths before teleporting to Rei’s office. He was sitting behind his desk, standing when she appeared in the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It’s done.”   She whispered, her voice shaking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Excellent.”   He said, taking her lovingly into his arms. “You’ve done well, my darling.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">She opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was the blood sputtering from her lips. She staggered backwards; looking down at the blade plunged deep into her chest. She looked up at Rei in confusion. Her vision blurred, and the only sound she could hear was the ringing in her ears. There was a brief moment she felt like she was falling and then there was only darkness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Tell your brother it’s time.”   Rei said to Sya, who was standing quietly in the doorframe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             She bowed, then disappeared in wisp of black smoke.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal">

PART 5
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Our bond! It’s gone!”   Fera shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Gone?!”   Master Daze asked in bewilderment. “What do you mean gone?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Please tell me it’s not broken!”   Ana cried, her usually calm demeanor shattering. “That would mean she’s…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “No, I would know if she was dead.”   Fera replied with more confidence than he felt. “This is different. It just disappeared. It was there and then there was nothing!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “The she must be cut off from her magic somehow.”   Master Daze said, tugging his beard in thought. “Perhaps through a spell or device of some sort.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Is that even possible?”   Fera asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Yes, but Joruri is a Grand Sorceress. To be able to contain her magic over a long period of time would be close to impossible. Whoever has her won’t keep her alive for too long. At least not if they're smart.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Ana’s eyes widened, sharing a frightened look with both men. She picked up her skirts and rushed to a set of double doors in the back of her quarters. She threw them open, rushing to the center of the room. Fera was close on her heels, but before he crossed the threshold, Master Daze pulled him back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “You and I can’t go in there.”   The elder said, shaking his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Why not?!”   Fera shrieked in anger.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Silence!”   Ana cried.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              She fell to her knees in the center of the circular room. On the stone altar in front of her was a wooden bowl, a small vial and knife. Without hesitation, Ana picked up the knife and sliced open her palm. She squeezed her hand into a fist over the bowl, her blood trickling into it. Picking up the vial, she sprinkled a tiny bit of the crushed powder into the bowl as well. She braced her hands on the table, blood still oozing from the gash across her palm. Her eyes glowed blue; the mixture in the bowl catching fire.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Whatever you hear.”   Ana said, focusing on the flames. “Don’t open the door.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “What…”   Fera’s question was cut off by the doors slamming in his face; the latch locking into place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Come.”   Master Daze said, pulling Fera away from the door. “It’s best we leave her to locate Joruri.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Can she?”   Fera asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Yes, but it will take time. Since she cannot track Jo’s magic, Ana is going to have to… try another way.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “How long is it going to take?”   Fera asked, wringing his hands

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Well, that depends.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “On what?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “How willing She is to cooperate.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Who is…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Not important.”   Master Daze replied with a wave of his hand. “Right now we need to start rebuilding our defenses. Joruri sustains nearly all of them, and with her magic compromised, we are extremely vulnerable right now. It will take a great deal of time, but…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Epo appeared in the room. “We have a problem!”   She said, tossing the body of some sort of red creature on the floor at their feet. “Three scouts on the Northern border reported movement. I sent them to investigate. Only one returned and he was carrying this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “What is it?”   Fera whispered, dropping to one knee and turning the creature onto it’s back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Most likely Rei’s handy work.”   Master Daze said, nudging the creature with his foot. “Only he would create such a monstrosity. Are there more?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Not sure, but I’d stake my life on it.”   Epo replied. “According to the surviving scout, there is movement all across the border. There have been a few more reports from the Western and Southern borders as well, but it’s too dark to make out how many there might be. We can light the fires, and try to see what we’re dealing with.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “No.”   Fera replied. “Pull the scout teams back in. It’s best to hunker down until we can get a handle on what’s going on here.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Master Daze walked to a nearby chair, carefully lowing himself into the seat. “This is all connected.”   He said, slumping over and rubbing his temples. “Jo leaving the castle, her sudden loss of magic, these creatures showing up on our doorstep…   This is Rei and the Black Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “I can’t believe I let her go alone.”   Fera said, running his hand down his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “I don’t understand.”   Epo said. “What’s going on?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Master Daze continued, seemingly oblivious to her question. Saying it all out loud was helping him slide the pieces into place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman""> “Epo just happened to stumble across a Black Lotus messenger carrying a declaration of war from Sol. Rei must have known Jo would go to see her immediately."

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “But she didn’t go, she sent you instead.”   Fera replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Which is where Sol comes in.”   Master Daze said. “She denied an audience with me; no doubt on Rei’s command. I didn’t want to believe it, but now I’m sure Sol has aligned herself with the Black Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “So Rei had Sol turn you away.”   Fera said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “In order to draw Joruri out.”   Master Daze finished. “She’s more vulnerable in the open. It was a trap, and by the looks of it, it worked.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “And the barrier?”   Fera asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “A way to force her to travel on foot.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “What about Chi?”   Fera interjected. “He’s with Jo, so maybe…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “If Jo has no magic then Chi was either in on it or he’s dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “God help him if he’s in on this.”   Fera gritted out. “I’ll kill him.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “It doesn’t matter now.”   Master Daze said. “Rei got what he wanted. Jo is in his possession and cut off from her magic, meaning the defenses she was sustaining are now gone.”   His eyes fell on the creature lying lifelessly of the floor. “And I bet he sent those to try and breach our walls.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “But you said you could rebuild our defenses.”   Fera said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “There’s not enough time.”   Master Daze replied. “Just to transfer them to Joruri took 4 days. To rebuild them will take twice as long. And if there is truly an army of these creatures outside our gates, then our situation may be far worse than we originally thought.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Wait a minute.”   Epo said, looking from Fera to Master Daze. “Are you telling me there is nothing protecting the castle right now? That there is nothing to keep these filthy little beasts out?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “No.”   Master Daze replied. “I still maintain the inner defense, and as long as the 4 seals remain in place, we should be able to hold this position until Fera brings Lady Joruri back.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Master Daze gave Fera a meaningful look.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “I’ll leave as soon as we find out where she’s being held.”   Fera stood to his feet. “Epo, you’ll have command.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Epo saluted to Fera. “I’ll see it done.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Fera.”   Master Daze said cautiously. “You realize you will have to use your magic.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Yes.”   He replied solemnly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “And not just for teleporting. You may be forced to…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “I said I know. I’m prepared to do whatever is necessary to save my wife.”   Fera’s voice was firm and controlled. Despite the uncertainty of their present situation, he knew one thing for sure. He would get Joruri back alive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Master Daze nodded once sharply. “Alright.”   He said. “Epo, I trust you know what to do?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Yes, Master Daze.”   Epo replied, disappearing from the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “I will secure the box.”   Master Daze continued. “Once you have Jo in hand, you can’t, under any circumstances, bring her back here. Take her to the safe house in the South. We'll decide when it's safe to bring her back.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Good idea."  Fera said.  "She won't like it, but I won't give her a choice.”   He nodded towards the double doors. “How much longer do you…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              There was a scream from the room Ana was in. The locked doors rattled as if something on the other side was trying to get out. Fera rushed forward.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Stop!”   Master Daze shouted. “Stay away.”   He finished in a whisper.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “But...”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Ana will be fine. She can handle it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              There was another scream, followed by indiscernible shouting. There was the sound of things crashing against the wall, one final shriek, and then the doors flew open.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Ana burst out of the room, her expression a mixture of fear and rage. Her dark hair was wild atop her hair, and from her grey eyes fell tears—tears of blood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “What...”   Fera began.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Ana! What’s happened? What did She say?!”   Master Daze asked frantically.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Ana gripped the door, her knuckles whitening under the strain. She tried to speak, but stuttered over her words.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Ana!”   Master Daze cried, grabbing her and steadying her on her feet. “What’s wrong?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">               “Th-the seal.”   She replied in a hushed voice. “It’s…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              The room shook violently, causing Ana to fall into his arms. She sobbed uncontrollably, sinking to her hands and knees on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “She’s gone.”   Ana whispered, she looked up at Master Daze, then to Fera. “The First Seal is gone.”

<p style="text-align: center;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun opened his eyes, a heaviness on his chest. For a moment, he thought it was happening again, but when he looked down he saw Kazu lying across him. His little brother was sound asleep, tears tracks dried on his pale face. He looked over to find Tobi sitting next to the bed, his head resting against the back of the chair and snoring softly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun closed his eyes again. His head throbbed and his body felt like he been beaten half to death. His dreams had been dark, and his mind was fuzzy and confused as it tried to sort out the details. He grunted softly, gently lifting Kazu off him. Yokkun eased himself up onto his elbows, looking around the dark room. Nothing moved, and there was no sound except Tobi’s soft snoring and Kazu’s deep breathing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              He swung his feet over the edge of the bed and tried to stand. A bad idea, especially when the floor lurched up to meet him. As Yokkun lay sprawled on the cold ground, he realized it was he who had the problem, not the floor. He tried to stand again, but his legs felt like limp noodles. He grabbed the edge of the bed to pull himself up, and came to face the Kazu’s sleepy face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Nii-san.”   Kazu said with relief and concern. “Why didn’t you wake me? I would’ve helped you. You shouldn’t be up and trying to move on your own. Tobi says…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Tobi says you need to lie down and get some more rest.”   Tobi finished Kazu’s statement, looping his arms under Yokkun’s and pulling him up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Yokkun let Tobi situate him on the edge of the bed. Kazu slipped from under the sheets pouring Yokkun a glass of water. When he tried to take the glass from his little brother, he realized his hands were shaking too badly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Here.”   Kazu said softly. “Let me help you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Kazu held the glass to Yokkun’s lips, smiling when Yokkun sucked his teeth in irritation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Why do I feel so weak?”   Yokkun asked Tobi.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “You mean, other than the fact that you had a full blown seizure? And the fact your heart stopped requiring you to be resuscitated by Lady Joruri herself?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Don’t forget the whole “prophecy” thing.”   Kazu added, trying to wipe the water from Yokkun’s lips and chin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Yokkun snatched the napkin from Kazu’s hand. “The what?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Kazu looked at Tobi, his mouth opening and closing several times before turning wordlessly back towards the water pitcher. Yokkun watched Kazu’s retreating back, before pinning Tobi with a questioning gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “What did I…”   Yokkun didn’t have time to finish his question before his head exploded in pain. Hundreds of images flooded his mind. Yokkun mentally tried to stop the onslaught or at least slow it down, but his efforts only seemed to make it worse.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Stop!”   He screamed. And, just like that, the images were gone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Nii-san?”   Kazu asked quietly, reaching out to Yokkun. “Are you okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Yokkun looked at his little brother, the look of terror and worry written all over his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Ka, we’re leaving.”   Yokkun was on his feet. As wobbly as was, he refused to let it stop him from getting him and his brother out of there.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Yokkun gripped the edge of the chair as he lowered himself into it. He took slow deep breaths, fighting the waves of nausea washing or him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “I think we should wait until you’re better.”   Kazu said, throwing pleading glances towards Tobi.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Tobi nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I think that’s a good idea. Especially since I’m not entirely sure what’s wrong with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Tobi motioned for Yokkun to come back to the bed, but he remained in the chair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Get ready, Ka. We’re leaving.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “But, Nii-san…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Now! Don’t argue with me. I don’t want to hear another word about it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Kazu gave one more frightened look to Tobi before moving to put on his boots and gather their things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              “Yokkun, listen to me.”   Tobi tried to keep his voice calm and rational, but Yokkun could see the franticness in his eyes. “You are in no condition to travel. Not to mention it’s the middle of the night. You need to rest. We can talk about all this in the morning.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Tobi rested his hand on Yokkun’s shoulder, his smile warm and genuine. It did nothing to change Yokkun’s mind. He met Tobi’s gaze, his determination unwavering.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Me and my brother are leaving, and no one in this bloody castle is going to stop us.”  Tobi took a step back at Yokkun's words, somehow sensing his unbridled rage

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Kazu brought a shirt over to Yokkun, helping him pull it over his head. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he remained silent. They would have to stop by their small cottage in town to pick up a few things, but after that, Yokkun was going to take his brother as far away from this place as possible.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “What about the guard, Nii-san?”   Kazu asked, helping lift Yokkun from the chair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “If he doesn’t let us go, then I’ll kill him.”   He replied matter-of-factly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “No need for that.”   Tobi said, his voice completely defeated. “I’ll take care of him.”   He smiled sadly then walked out the door. There was a soft exchange of voices, and then quiet footsteps leading away from the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Yokkun sighed deeply, exhaustion eating away at him. He allowed Kazu to help steady him on his feet and lead him slowly to the door.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Are you sure we should be leaving?”   Kazu asked, grunting under the weight of Yokkun’s muscular frame.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “I’ve never been more sure in my life.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Yokkun stared at his brother, ruffling his hair. Instead of pulling away and immediately fixing it, Kazu let him mess up the dark strands.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Let’s go.”   Yokkun said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              They made their way slowly towards the entryway. The halls were eerily quiet, but Yokkun was only focused on getting his brother out of the castle. As they continued to walk, Yokkun regained a bit of his strength. Each step was more and more determined the closer they got to the door. They would get out of this place and his little brother would be safe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Just as they reached the main entryway, the ground beneath them shook violently. Kazu was unable to keep Yokkun upright and they both tumbled to the floor. Yokkun pulled Kazu to him, scanning both ends of the corridor. The candles flickered, while dust and flakes of stone fell from the walls.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “You’re squishing me, Nii-san.”   Kazu said through gasps of breath.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Yokkun grabbed Kazu’s face, forcing him to look him in the eyes as they lie tangled on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Whatever happens.”   He said in a hushed voice. “Do not leave my side.”

<p style="text-align: center;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              The First Seal had been broken. Master Daze still couldn’t believe it. He’d managed to calm Ana down as best he could, before giving her directions to gather the Council and the other Seers, and begin preparations to evacuate to their alternate facility. The Council and the Seers would see to getting any and all important records and documents, while burning the rest. There were certain secrets the White Lotus protected, and if they got out, the consequences would be catastrophic. He would burn the castle to the ground before he let those secrets fall into Rei's hands.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Both he and Fera managed to get Joruri’s location from Ana as well. She was currently being held in the Eastern Palace under Sol’s careful watch. She was alive, but for how much longer, they didn’t know. Before leaving on his mission, Fera had gone to see Epo. They would sound the alarm, and get as many of their people to safety while the soldiers fought to keep out whatever waited in the darkness. With the First Seal destroyed, their most powerful defense was gone, and the inner defense would do very little to keep out their enemies. They were unprotected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Master Daze teleported himself to the main throne room, moving to where he’d hidden the box. He’d put it out in the open, the one place no one would look since it would be too obvious. He was about to summon the box forth, when a voice broke through the silence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Hello Daze.”   The voice was smug and condescending; a voice forever etched into Master Daze’s memory.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              He turned, facing the throne atop the dais only a few feet away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Rei.”   Master Daze couldn’t keep the bitterness and malice from his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “The one and only.”   Rei rose from the throne, striding arrogantly down the steps. “You know, this whole plan was so much easier than I thought it would be. I can still Kuroki warning me against it, convinced you would figure it all out. Too bad she’s not here to see our glorious triumph. I still can’t believe you murdered her. Your own daughter.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              The comment was meant to break his focus; weaken his resolve. Master daze refused to let it. His back straightened, and he gathered his magic in preparation for battle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Oh, I wouldn’t do that.”   Rei said with a wink. “As a matter of fact, stop. Don’t move.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Rei gave the commands in the old language. A dialect long dead and only used when casting the most ancient of spells. The moment the commands were given, Master Daze froze in place, his magic retreating to somewhere deep within in him. He tried to call if forth again, but it would not respond to him. He couldn’t even get his body to move. He looked up, meeting Rei’s dark gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Rei sighed heavily, an evil grin spreading across his face. “Do you remember the Blood Spells, Daze?”   Rei asked lazily, drawing closer and closer to him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Master Daze’s eyes widened. The Blood Spells…   They were outlawed shortly after the Great Wars. Nearly all accounts and records of them were completely destroyed, and the only documents that survived were all maintained in the underground archives of the White Lotus. Even those accounts didn’t contain the actual spells, only a description of what each one inflicted upon the victim. There shouldn’t be a person alive who knew the actual spells.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “I bet you’re wondering how I know such spells existed. The truth is I didn’t. Not until a certain gentleman came into my recent employment. He knows things. Things from hundreds of years ago that you and your predecessors tried to bury. An example being what you’re experiencing right now. It’s called the Morsa della Morte, or Grip of Death. But I’m sure you already knew that. This is only a fraction of what I’ve learned from my new friend, and I will use it all to destroy you and the White Lotus. I will burn this world to the ground and rebuild it the way it should be. The way it should’ve been all these centuries.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Quit trying to sound so noble.”   Master Daze said through clenched teeth. “All you want to do is rule this world and enslave its people. Let me remind you, the last man who tried, died at the hands of the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Rei smiled again, so close to Master Daze, he could see the insanity swirling in his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “How will anyone of you kill me, if all of you are dead?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              There was a chorus of shrill cries; thousands of them, loud and high-pitched enough to make Master Daze’s ears bleed. The thudding and scrapping of claws on the stone, made him cringe. But it wasn’t until the first scream of terror reached his ears that the gravity of what was happening hit him. Tears gathered in his eyes as he listened to the sound of men and women dying in the halls just outside. Rei let out a deep, rich laugh. His eyes alight with excitement.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “How?”   Master Daze asked in a strangled voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              In order to successfully cast a Blood Spell, the victim had to physically ingest a portion of the caster’s blood. Master Daze wanted know how Rei had managed such a feat. Rei stopped mid-laugh, tilting his head and staring at him with serious eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “Do you really not know? Is that the only piece of the puzzle you haven’t managed to figure out? Ask yourself, Daze.”   Rei leaned in, whispering the last part in Master Daze’s ear. “What was in the wine?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">               “Akasha…”   Master Daze said, dumbfounded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              It was so obvious, everything suddenly making sense. They’d wasted so much time trying to locate the spy within in the Council, amongst the Seers, and finally amongst the ranks of the soldiers. And all along she was right in front of them. The thought had crossed his mind once or twice, but Akasha had seemed so loyal; so completely devoted. But then again, she’d been one of Kuro’s servants; young and easily influenced. God only knows what his daughter convinced the poor girl to do. Despite the betrayal, Master Daze had to give Akasha credit, she’d put on quite a convincing act. One to fool even Fera.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “You should never trust the help.”   Rei said with a mocking smile. “Now, on to more important matters. Where’s the box?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              Master Daze said nothing, unflinchingly meeting Rei’s gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">              “So brave.”   Rei said with a contrived pout on his lips. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, burning a fiery red. “Fortunately, there are other ways to get the answer.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:.5in 115.55pt">

PART 6
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Rei left Master Daze lying on the floor of the throne room. He was light-headed, his vision slightly blurred. Each step became heavier and heavier, the ache in his body going all the way to his bones. Slowly, Rei climbed the steps of the dais, practically falling into the throne. His breathing was labor and his head was pounding. Beads of sweat poured from his brow and down the back of his neck, making his shirt cling to his body.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Dich had warned him about the physical consequences involved with casting Blood Spells. It was not just the victim who suffered, but the caster as well. Trying to subdue someone as powerful as Master Daze proved to be more of a challenge than originally expected. He was right to target him instead of Joruri. But the pain and exhaustion he felt now were completely worth it, because in his hand he held the box…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             There was a pop, followed by a tiny puff of smoke. Pochi appeared right above Master Daze, her expression going from relief, to shock, to horror in less than 5 seconds. She opened her mouth to speak, but Master Daze shook his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Get help.”   He whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Pochi saluted once, then disappeared.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun was practically dragging Kazu through the winding corridors. Shortly after the violent shaking stopped, thousands of tiny red creatures flooded the castle. They were led by a young man, his silver hair and eyes making him appear older and more serious than he actually was. He’d barked out orders, the creatures immediately obeying.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             It was chaos. White Lotus soldiers swarmed to stop the onslaught, but the sheer number of the creatures was too much. So much death and destruction…   The floors were slick with blood. The dead, human and creature alike, lined the ground. To his credit, Kazu did exactly as his brother said. He stayed latched to Yokkun’s arm, maneuvering the chaos in silent terror.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             They would stop from time to time, taking shelter in the corners throughout the castle when groups of creatures dashed by. The temptation to hide and wait it out was overwhelming, but Yokkun knew better than to get him and his brother trapped in a place without protection and with no escape. And with the main exit now blocked, they had to find another way out. There was movement out of the corner of Yokkun’s eye. He saw Tobi bent over and trying to drag someone into the throne room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Tobi.”   Yokkun whispered loudly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi spun around, a knife in his hand. He was poised to strike, the look in his eyes one of pure determination and fearlessness. Yokkun suddenly had a new found respect for the seemingly weak man.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi eased out of his defensive position when he saw it was Yokkun and Kazu.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I thought you two were gone already!”   He said, his voice frantic, but relieved at the same time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “We tried to leave.”   Yokkun replied. “But the main entrance is blocked by those…things. Is there another way out?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi pointed towards the South end of the castle, starting to explain the route they need to take. The movement allowed Yokkun to see the person he was trying to drag to safety. It was Epo. A gruesome wound on her leg and arm. There was so much blood. Yokkun’s stomach lurched, the need to get Kazu to safety and save Epo suddenly conflicting in his mind. He looked at Kazu who was staring worriedly at the unconscious woman.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Nii-san.”   Kazu started, staring wide-eyed at Yokkun. “We can’t just leave them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I know.”   Yokkun whispered in defeat. “Tobi, we’ll help you get Captain Eponine somewhere safe.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi stopped in the middle of his directions, looking from Yokkun to Kazu. His eyes glazed with tears, and he gave them a thankful smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Help me get her into the throne room.”   Tobi said, turning back to Epo. “Lady Joruri’s private office is back there. It has physical wards in place and it’s probably the safest place in the castle right now.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Alright.”   Yokkun said. “I’ll get her legs.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No!”   Tobi shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The brothers looked questioningly at Tobi.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You can’t grab her legs.”   Tobi continued, pointing to her left leg.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun looked where Tobi was pointing and realized what he meant. Epo’s leg was practically severed just below the knee. The doctor had managed to haphazardly secure the bottom part of the leg using a strap of cloth tied just above the knee.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Oh god…”   Kazu pressed his hand to his mouth, looking as if he might vomit any second.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “There’s a chance I can save the leg, but I need to get her somewhere safe. I’ve slowed the bleeding, but she doesn’t have much longer. Her arm is in worse shape.”   Yokkun glanced at her right arm, the entire limb shredded to a pulp.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What do you want us to do?”   Yokkun asked, swallowing hard.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You need to lift her up.”   Tobi began. “I’ll place her arm across her chest and Kazu can hold her leg in place.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Ok.”   Yokkun said in a firm voice. “Let’s do this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             They managed to secure Epo in Yokkun’s arms, Kazu holding her injured leg in place. His brother’s face turned a sickly green, but it was better than Epo’s colorless complexion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi opened the doors, all of them creeping quietly inside. For a moment, Yokkun thought they were safe. He thought they could make it to Lady Joruri’s office and hold up until help arrived. But when he saw the red-headed man sitting on the throne, the silver-haired boy at his side, he knew it was all over. The man before him was Rei. He knew it with resounding certainty, for he’d seen the man in a vision...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It seems fate is in our favor.”   Rei said. His voice sounded strained, but the sight of them entering the room had brought out a crazed excitement to his eyes. Yokkun turned to flee the room, but he felt the sharp point of a weapon at his back. Glancing over his shoulder, he groaned. Ren-kun stood there, unmoving. The point of his spear lodged between Yokkun’s shoulder blades.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Hello.”   Ren-kun said, a slow smile spreading across his lips. “Did you miss me?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             His clothes were torn and bloody, and the top part of his right ear was missing. Rin-chan appeared from behind her brother, making her way to the where Rei was seated. She was badly injured, blood oozing from several places on her body. When she was a few feet away from Rei, she transformed into a large cat, then laid quietly at his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You see what you humans did to my sister?!”   Ren-kun roared. “She’s practically dead no thanks to those overzealous soldiers.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Ren-kun was about to thrust his spear through Yokkun’s back, but stopped when Rei called out to him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Stop, Ren-kun!”   Rei glanced at the silver-haired man. “Z, if you please.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The man called Z stepped forward. He drew an arrow, nocking it in one fluid motion. “Put her down.”   He said, his voice commanding, yet strangely empty and cold.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Do as he says.”   Tobi whispered, sensing Yokkun’s hesitation. “I’ll do what I can for her right here.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun placed Epo gently on the ground, Kazu moving in coordination with him. Tobi knelt down next to Epo, immediately reciting incantations to start the healing process.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu and Yokkun stood in front of them, an attempt to keep the man called Z from shooting them with his arrow. Ren-kun walked towards the throne as well, sitting next to his sister and gently pulling her into his lap. He softly stroked her blood-matted fur, whispering comforting words in her ear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Step forward.”   Z commanded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun shook his head slowly, putting up his hand and trying to move Kazu behind him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You needn’t worry.”   Rei said. “I have no desire to harm anyone here. But only as long as you do as I say.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">           "Where have I heard that before." Kazu mumbled under his breath.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Rei stood, the black box in his hands. He carefully set it down in the seat he’d just vacated, gesturing for the brothers to step forward.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Come.”   Rei said, a fake smile pasted on his face. “Open the box and I will put an end to all this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Both Yokkun and Kazu stayed rooted in place..

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Z.”   Rei said, all semblance of cooperation fading.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Arrow pointed straight at Kazu, Z walked forward. Yokkun tried to pull Kazu back, but Z released the arrow. It struck the ground at Yokkun’s feet, making him jump back. Z used the opening to grab Kazu, forcing him to his knees in front of him. Another arrow nocked, he pointed it directly at Kazu’s head, eyeing Yokkun challengingly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Now.”   Rei continued, addressing Yokkun. “Open the box.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No.”   The voice was weak and barely audible. Yokkun turned, finally noticing Master Daze, dragging himself across the floor towards them. “You can’t let him have the stone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Silence old man!”   Rei sent a blast of magic at Master Daze, throwing him across the room and into the wall on the opposite side. He slid down the wall, collapsing into an unmoving heap on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Master Daze!”   Kazu screamed. Z shoved Kazu, jamming the arrow into his cheek until it pierced the skin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No! Stop!”   Yokkun held up his hands. “I’ll do it. But you have to promise not to hurt anyone else.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You have my word.”   Rei said with a bow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And you have to call off your army and leave here immediately.”   Yokkun added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “As you wish.”   Rei said with a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun stepped forward his fists clenched tightly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Nii-san, don’t!”   Kazu cried. This time Z kicked Kazu in the stomach, causing him to double over in pain on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You said you wouldn’t hurt anyone!”   Yokkun yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Z.”   Rei said, holding up his hand to stop the man.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Z nodded once, pointing the arrow back at Kazu’s head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “My apologies.”   Rei said. “Please, continue.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun reached for the box, lifting the latch and setting off a series of mechanisms. The lid lifted on its own, making a hissing sound as the air trapped within was released. Inside was an amber jewel, radiating a soft yellow light. It was shaped like a starburst, slightly larger than the palm of his hand, and it seemed to pulse with the energy it contained.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Rei reached for the stone, but Yokkun grabbed it first. He ran down the steps, barreling towards Z. When Z pointed the arrow at Yokkun, he screamed for Kazu to run. Z released the arrow, but Yokkun dodged it, slamming into him with full force. They tumbled to the ground. It didn’t take much to subdue the archer; Yokkun knocked him out with the third blow. He rolled off Z, the exertion more than his body could take. Kazu appeared, pulling him up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I told you to run!”   He shrieked at his brother.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “As if I would leave you!”   Kazu yelled back, settling Yokkun on his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “We need to go!”   He shouted, trying to pull Kazu towards the exit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “But we can’t just leave Tobi and Epo!”   Kazu cried hysterically. “And what about Master Daze?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I need to get you out of here first. I promise I’ll come back for them, but I have to get you to safety!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Stop it!”   Kazu said, snatching his arm from Yokkun’s grasp. “I don’t need you to protect me! We need to…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Time seemed to stop. Yokkun shook his head in disbelief, staring in muted horror at the spear tip protruding from Kazu’s chest…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">            Yokkun had seen several variations of this encounter with Rei, all of them ending with Kazu’s death. But in every image, Kazu was killed by an arrow, not a spear. He’d taken down the archer. This wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t a part of his visions!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “NO!”   Yokkun screamed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu blinked several times, looking down at the spear. He grabbed at it weakly, his hands becoming slick from his own blood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Nii-san…”   He breathed out, falling forward into Yokkun’s arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun dropped the stone on the floor, catching and cradling Kazu’s body to his. Ren-kun sauntered forward, picking up the God’s Stone, then brutally wrenching the spear from Kazu’s exposed back. The Cat Sith laughed wickedly, wiping Kazu’s blood from his weapon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Stupid human.”   He muttered, taking the stone to Rei.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi was suddenly by Kazu’s side, staunching the blood flow with his jacket. He was screaming something, but Yokkun couldn’t understand a word. Yokkun looked up. Rei, Z and the two Cat Sith’s were nowhere to be found. He looked back down at his brother, his mind unable to process what was happening. So much blood…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “YOKKUN!”   Tobi’s voice shattered the thick fog surrounding Yokkun’s mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “W-what?”   He stuttered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Press and hold this here!”   Tobi instructed. “We have to stop the bleeding somehow! I’ll be right back!”   Tobi was gone the next second.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun did as he was told, all the while watching the blood continue to drain from Kazu’s face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It’s ok, Ka, I’m here. Everything is going to be fine. I promise.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu nodded weakly, softly coughing up blood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I-I…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No, don’t speak.” Yokkun said. “Just wait until Tobi gets back. He’s going to fix you up right as rain.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Kazu shook his head, lifting his bloody hand to brush Yokkun’s cheek. Kazu smiled up at him, his eyes telling him everything he needed to know:   That he loved him, that he would miss him, and that none of this was his fault.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun grabbed Kazu’s hand, pressing the bloody palm to his cheek. “No! Don't you dare give up! Just hold on a little bit longer.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tears leaked out of the corner of Kazu’s eyes, his smile fading as the light disappeared from his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Kazu!”   Yokkun screamed, shaking him gently. “No, Kazu! NO!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi reappeared, dropping several bags at his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Tobi, you have to do something!”   Yokkun cried.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi knelt down next to Kazu, searching his pale and lifeless face. He pressed two fingers to Kazu’s wrist for several seconds, then closed his eyes and bowed his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yokkun.”   Tobi whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No, no, no, no…”   Yokkun repeated the word over and over. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Kazu’s. He let the grief wash over him. Let the tears flow freely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi rested his hand on Yokkun’s shoulder. “There was nothing I could do. He lost too much blood. And since magic doesn’t work on you two, I couldn’t use it to save him. I’m so sorry.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             The sound that came from Yokkun’s mouth wasn’t human. It was a mixture of pain and sorrow and pure agony. It was guttural; bestial. The sound the soul makes the moment before it dies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yokkun…”   Tobi started.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Leave us.”   Yokkun replied, his voice hollow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I know you’re upset.”   Tobi continued carefully. “But it’s not safe here. It sounds like those creatures are still in the castle. We have to go.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I said leave us!”   Yokkun bellowed, pulling Kazu closer and rocking him gently. “All of you.”   He continued in a broken voice. “Just leave us alone.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-END-

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">