User blog:Akasha1908/Requiem of Retribution: Part 1

White Lotus Chapters:

 * Chapter 1 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Fall_of_the_White_Lotus:_Part_1
 * Chapter 2 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Fall_of_the_White_Lotus:_Part_2
 * Chapter 3 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Fall_of_the_White_Lotus:_Part_3
 * Chapter 4 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Fall_of_the_White_Lotus:_Part_4
 * Chapter 5 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Fall_of_the_White_Lotus:_Part_5
 * Chapter 6 - http://ayakashi-ghost-guild.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Akasha1908/Fall_of_the_White_Lotus:_Part_6

Requiem of Retribution:

 * Chapter 1:  This one.  Released 28 Aug 13

Joruri jolted awaked, her head snapping up. She immediately regretted the movement, the sharp pain shooting through her head made her clench her teeth and squeeze her eyes shut. When the pain sub-sided, she peaked one eye open. She tried to move, but quickly realized she was bound tightly to a wooden cross-like structure sticking up from the ground. Her wrists and upper arms were tied securely to the wooden beam, and her ankles were bound together at the base. Joruri tried to wriggle her hips, but they too were bound to the structure. She closed her eye, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. Joruri thought as far back as she could, trying to remember how she’d come to be in her current situation.

She’d been on her way to the Eastern Palace to see Sol. Chi was with her, but he ended up betraying her to agents from the Black Lotus. There’d been a fight, and one of her attackers had drugged her. Probably with some sort of poison on the tip of his blade. She remembered being transported on foot, then by horse, but to where she didn’t know. The pain from her injuries had been too much to bear and she’d passed out.

But now she was here. Wherever here was. With her eyes still closed, Joruri listened to the sounds around her. She could hear the soft dripping of water. It was a slow and steady, and coming from somewhere to her right. There was the scraping of small sets of claws on stone. Rats, she thought, her mouth twisting in disgust.

Joruri inhaled deeply, taking in the scents around her as well. Damp and must, with a slight hint of urine and rotting flesh. She opened her eyes completely, wincing at the small amount of light in the room. She looked around, taking care not to move too quickly. She didn't want to bring on another wave of pain. As suspected, she was in a dungeon.

It was quiet. Too quiet, she thought, her stomach twisting in a knots. Though she felt the weight of the collar still around her neck, Joruri tried to call her magic forth. Again, she felt its presence, and again, she couldn’t tap into it. But despite her failure, she had a rush of hope. The wall between her and her magic was weaker than the last time. Joruri focused her mind, probing the wall, trying to find weaknesses. She pushed herself as hard as she could; searching for the edges. When she finally gave up, she was panting from her efforts. But she would try again. Perhaps later the wall would be weaker still.

She let her head fall back against the wood. She couldn’t believe she’d let herself be taken. Couldn’t believe Chi had betrayed her. This was all a trap, likely set by Rei. Joruri wasn’t even sure if Sol’s declaration of war was actually real, but the mere threat of conflict was enough for Joruri to seek an audience with her. Rei knew that. The barrier was just a way to force her to travel on foot. Get her out in the open. Rei had even had the foresight to seek out one of her trusted allies and turn him against her. It all worked out perfectly. She loathed admitting it, but Rei was a brilliant strategist; patient and cunning. Her being captured was only part of his plan; she knew that with absolute certainty. Which begged the question, what was his ultimate goal?

             Joruri tried to clear her mind of Rei and all his mechanisms. She needed to worry about herself and her current situation. She could not die here. Not now. Not when the White Lotus itself was at stake. The wheels of her mind slowly began to turn, trying to figure out a way for her to get out of this prison and back to the main headquarters. Her thoughts were disturbed when she heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

             She looked up to find Sol standing outside her cell door. She looked as regal and elegant as ever. Her golden tresses were pinned up with ruby encrusted hair pins, with tendrils falling softly around her pale oval face. The crown she wore was elaborate to say the least. It was made entirely from gold, and delicately formed into an intricate lattice design. Two golden chains hung down in front of her ears, and attached to each end were two large diamonds.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             She wore a pale rose gown, the collar frightening low. The sleeves were short and the skirt full. The whole thing was frilly and gaudy, just the way Sol liked it. She stared at Joruri through the cell bars. A second and third set of footsteps approached. A strange woman dressed in black leather and a patch over her eye came into view. And behind her was one of the men who had attacked Joruri in the woods.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Open the door, Ikkun.”   Sol said, her eyes never leaving Joruri.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The dark-haired man unlocked the cell, an excited smile on his face. He slid the door open, allowing the two women to enter. He remained outside, the space barely large enough to hold the three women.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Are you sure her magic is contained?”   Sol asked, addressing the leather clad woman.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes, empress. If it wasn’t, I’m sure we’d all be dead right now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You got that right.”   Joruri croaked. The statement wasn’t nearly as threatening as she’d hoped it would be since her voice was weak and hoarse.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Without hesitation, Sol walked up and slapped Joruri across the face. Joruri winced in pain, cutting Sol a nasty look.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “How does it feel?”   Sol asked, her sneer twisting her lovely face. “Too long I’ve let you lord over me; treating me like a child and telling me what to do! How does it feel to be completely at my mercy?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Joruri eyed Sol warily, her emotions torn between pity and rage. She cared for Sol. Despite the girl’s foul disposition, she had adored her. Watched her grow from a small child into the young woman standing before her now. She had it in her to become a great leader. One even more respected and loved than her mother. But Sol had a weakness. The same weakness that was the downfall of some many others before her. Power.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Power had a way of bringing the worst out of a person. Once they had it, the desire for more was practically irresistible. The more weak-minded the ruler, the more susceptible they were to corruption. But to say Sol was “weak-minded” wasn’t entirely fair. She was simply a victim of youthful ignorance. Sol had taken the throne at a very young age, both of her parents dying before their time. At age 11 she had people bowing and scraping at her feet. Calling her ‘your majesty’ and giving her whatever she desired without question. It’s no surprise she grew up to be selfish and vain. Joruri and Master Daze had done what they could to guide Sol, but clearly all their efforts had been in vain…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You walk around like you’re untouchable!”   Sol continued, her voice becoming more and more shrill. “You think because you’re a Grand Sorceress you’re above me! But it is I who rule the most powerful empire in the world! You should be bowing to me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But I do bow to you, your highness.”   Jo replied, trying to sound as meek as possible.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Sol slapped Joruri again, this time her nails catching her skin and ripping into the soft flesh of her cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “LIAR!”   She shrieked. “All your fake bows and false praises! Even now you mock me with your words!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I would never mock you, Sol.”   Joruri replied desperately. “Never have I thought myself above you. It is my job to guide you throughout your reign. I serve you and your people. I would never seek a status above yours. Surely you must know that!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Sol grabbed Joruri’s chin, squeezing it painfully.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Do I?”   She asked, her eyes narrowing and searching her face. “You seek to keep me in a box. Never letting me realize my true potential. I have the means and capability to rule this entire world, but you are content to keep me on your leash!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Sol snatched her hand away, turning her back on Joruri.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No one person should rule.”   Joruri replied as calmly as she could. “You know that. It is too much responsibility and power for one person to handle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “See.”   The woman in leather interjected. “She doubts you. She thinks you are incapable. Empress, you will do great things. You need only follow Master Rei. With your help, he will conquer this world, and then you will rule as supreme empress.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You’ve got to be joking!”   Joruri couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice. “Rei will never share power! Not with you or anyone else! Once you’ve served your purpose, he will dispose of you. That I can guarantee!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The woman in leather grabbed Joruri by the throat, squeezing it tightly and cutting off her air supply. “You know nothing.”   She said through gritted teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Sya, stop.”   Sol said, eyeing Joruri with a strange look in her eyes. “Rei says he needs the information from her. We can’t kill her. Not yet, anyway.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Sya released her grip on Joruri, a dark smile spreading across her face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I nearly forgot.”   She leaned in closer, bracing her hands on the wooden arms of the cross. “You and I are going to have so much fun.”   She whispered in Joruri’s ear.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Pushing herself off the wooden structure, Sya signaled for Ikkun to come in. The man was giddy with excitement, carrying a small parcel under his arm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I will take my leave.”   Sol said, squeezing past Ikkun. “I don’t want to get blood on my dress.”   With that, Sol glided out of the cell.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             On ground beside Sya, Ikkun unrolled the leather parcel, the sound of metal clinking together as he worked. Joruri’s stomach turned as she watched the dark-haired man neatly arrange all types of crude torture devices.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I think you can guess what’s about to happen.”   Sya said, a wicked gleam in her eyes. “We can do this the hard way, or you can tell me what I want to know. It’s all up to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Joruri spit in Sya’s face. “Never!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Sya wiped her face, laughing softly. It happened so fast, Joruri didn’t even see her move. Sya’s fist came straight across Joruri’s jaw so hard, she heard her it crack. Sya wrapped her long fingers around Joruri’s throat, forcing her to look up. Leaning in, she licked the blood from the corner of Joruri’s mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You, my sweet, are in for a world of pain.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Tobi quietly moved away from Yokkun. He wished there was something he could say or do to comfort him, but it would be useless. Yokkun’s eyes were completely vacant as he silently rocked his brother’s lifeless body in his arms. He was clutching him tightly and whispering something in his ear.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Tobi locked the doors leading into the throne room, hoping it would be enough to keep those creatures out. Then h e quickly checked on Epo. He’d cast two healing spells on her, both still working to repair her wounds. Each limb was surrounded by a shimmering blue light. If one looked close enough, they would be able to see the bone and flesh mending itself at an alarming rate. Tobi silently prayed it would be enough.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             He then rushed over to Master Daze, checking to see if he still had a pulse. To his surprise and huge relief, the old man’s heart was still beating. He did a brief survey of his external injuries, before carefully rolling him onto his back. Tobi place one hand on Master’s Daze’s forehead and the other over his heart. His eyes glowed blue as he focused his magic, allowing it to enter the elder’s body.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Using his magic, he did an examination of the internal injuries. It was a spell he’d developed over the years. His magic would flow through the patient’s body, projecting an image of their internal structure in his mind. From there, he could identify injuries or abnormalities inside the body, without having to cut it open. And, if the affliction wasn’t too grievous, he could fix it on the spot.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “A severed spinal cord, punctured lung, six broken ribs, and a shattered femur…   How are you still alive?”   Tobi muttered to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             He got to work, starting with the severed spinal cord and working his way to the shattered leg. By the time he finished, he was exhausted. Tobi arranged Master Daze as comfortably as he could, then went back to where he’d left the others.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Yokkun now sat unmoving and silent, still holding Kazu in his arms. Epo remained unconscious, her injuries almost completely healed. He checked her pulse, relieved to find it was strong and steady. Tobi sank to the floor, running a hand through his hair. His magic was at its limits. His head ached and he was covered in blood. Since he’d used the majority of his magic to heal his comrades, he didn’t have the strength to transport any of the bodies out of the castle. And truth be told, he wasn’t entirely sure Master Daze or Epo were strong enough to survive teleporting. Not to mention he would have to leave Yokkun. The boy held no magic and couldn’t be affected by it, which meant teleporting him was impossible. Any hopes of getting him out the castle alive were slim to none. Worse yet, the castle was still under siege; the screeching and clawing of those hideous creatures still echoing through the halls. Tobi sighed heavily, wondering if he’d saved his comrades, only for them to be killed by the tiny monsters outside…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             He pulled his knees to his chest, resting his forehead on them. He had no clue what he was going to do. Help wasn’t coming anytime soon, and without it, it was doubtful they would survive much longer. At the moment Tobi lost all hope, there was a loud pop, followed by a tiny puff of smoke.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A tiny shriek rang out. Tobi looked up, squinting at where Master Daze was lying unconscious. He slowly climbed to his feet, inching closer for a better look.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Pochi looked up, then flew straight at Tobi. Her arms were flailing wildly as she asked what happened and if her master was okay.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “He will live.” Tobi reassured the tiny fairy. “But unfortunately we are stuck here. Do you think you can get word to someone outside and let them know we’re here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Pochi smiled brightly. “Help is on the way!”   She said with a salute.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It is?”   Tobi asked, hope reigniting within him. “Who?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Fairies?”   Tobi’s hope faded away again.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I don’t think fairies are going to be much help against the creatures outside those doors.”   Tobi replied in dismay.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Pochi frowned and placed her hands on her hips. “Then you don’t know fairies very well.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I do actually. I studied your kind when I was in university. Trust me, you all are not match for…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Suddenly there was an explosion, or at least it sounded like one, and the entire room was filled with a huge cloud of smoke. Tobi coughed, waving away the smoke around him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What in the world?!”   He exclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Pochi smiled, all her tiny white teeth showing. “Fairies!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             When the smoke cleared, Tobi couldn’t believe his eyes. Hundreds of thousands of fairies hovered in the air. A male fairy flew over to Tobi and Pochi. He was dressed for battle, wearing golden armor and a helmet.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I am Oberon, king of the fairies.”   He proclaimed. “We have come to render assitance to Lady Joruri and the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Umm, thanks.”   Tobi said, not quite sure what else to say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Pochi, my love. I will take it from here.”   Oberon flew back to where the mass of fairies hovered. Tobi realized they were all dressed for battle, their tiny armor gleaming. He looked at Pochi, stunned to see she too was wearing armor, hers in a lovely shade of lilac.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Elementals!”   Oberon shouted, his voice shockingly loud. “Report!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Four fairies flew forward. The first was dressed in red armor, his matching red hair styled in the shape of a flame. The second was a female, her inky black hair flowing loosely over her blue armor. The third was also a female, her spiked hair and armor pure white. And last, but not least, was another male. He was muscular and bulky. He wore dark green armor and a matching helmet that barely covered his thick brown hair. All four saluted King Oberon in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Fire, Water, Wind and Earth, you will take command of your respective troops. Our goal is to locate survivors and get them out. Should you come face to face with the enemy, destroy them.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Fire, you and your team are responsible for getting Master Daze and the others here to safety. Start preparing for departure.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The fairy in red armor saluted and flew back to his squad. Fire’s team separated from the rest of the group, and as he barked orders, King Oberon addressed the remaining three.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Earth, you have the largest and strongest team, so you will be in charge of clearing the castle. Clear all the corridors as best you can.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The green-armored fairy puffed up his massively broad chest. His voice was rich and deep—at least for a fairy. “The castle is made of stone and earth, plenty of material to work with. Although, I can’t attest to how much will still be standing when we’re done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “The walls can be rebuilt.”   Oberon replied. “It's the lives we care about.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Earth nodded. “Then I will see it done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Good.”   The king said. “Wind will follow closely behind you.”   Oberon turned to speak to the white-haired fairy standing next to Earth. “Wind, as Earth clears the area, you and your troops conduct sweeps. Locate the injured and get them out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Wind remained silent, simply nodding in response. She and Earth saluted and returned to their teams.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Water.”   King Oberon said, his voice grim. “You and your team will have the most dangerous mission of all.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The black-haired beauty straightened her back and waited for King Oberon to give his orders.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You all will have to retrieve the seals.”   He continued. “Do you know their locations?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes, your majesty. I was one of the original fairies who helped place them in the four corners of the castle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Then you know what to do?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Good.”   He replied. “Do not wait for the rest of us. The minute you have all the seals, leave immediately.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “As you command.”   Water saluted him and returned to her team.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">              Tobi was still trying to process the situation unfolding in front of him. Never in his studies did he learn that the fairies were capable of such things. They were supposed to be peaceful creatures, rarely involving themselves in the affairs on humans. King Oberon flew back to where Tobi stood.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What is your name?”   The king asked.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well then, Tobi, we should get going. It looks like Fire has already secured everyone except for Master Daze. Pochi and I will see to him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “W-why are you doing this?”   Tobi asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “We owe the White Lotus a great debt. Indeed, it's because of the first Grand Sorcerer that the race of fairies still exists. Long have we waited to repay their sacrifice during the Great Wars. In truth, nothing we do will ever be enough. Even still, we are here now, and we will do whatever we can to help our allies. The White Lotus cannot fall. If it does, the world as we know it is doomed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Thank you.”   Tobi said with a bow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No need for that, my boy.”   The king replied, patting Tobi’s nose. “Let’s go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The team commanded by Fire had secured Epo, Yokkun and Kazu. How Fire had managed to get Yokkun to release Kazu, Tobi didn’t know, but he was thankful for the little fairy’s aid.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">              Four fairies were assigned to each person. Simultaneously, they cast spells wrapping both Epo and Kazu’s body in blue flames. The fire didn’t seem to burn either of them, just encase them in some sort of blue-flamed capsule. It would appear that in death, magic could be used on Kazu. Or perhaps the fairies weren’t using magic on Kazu, just using it around him. Tobi pondered the thought for a moment, deciding he would revisit the idea later.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Working together, the four fairies lifted up Kazu and Epo off the ground, so that they were completed suspended in the air. Yokkun, who was on his feet, kept his eyes locked on Kazu. He too had four fairies circling him, all of them alert and prepared to defend him if necessary.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Tobi turned to see Master Daze’s body floating towards them. He too was suspended in the air, but he was surrounded by a different type of energy. Not flames, but a white opaque light swirling around him. Tobi realized it was King Oberon who’d cast the spell around the old man. To do so alone, meant the monarch held a great deal of power. Again, the concept blew Tobi’s mind. Fairies should not be this powerful. At least that’s what his books said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Surveying the room, Tobi saw that Water and her team were long gone. Earth and his troops waited by the door. Wind and her soldiers close behind.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Both Fire and Wind nodded. Earth threw the doors open. What happened after that would be forever engrained in Tobi’s memory…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Creatures from both ends of the hall swarmed. Earth’s team got to work down the left side of the corridor. The stone floor and walls creaked and groaned. A group of fairies, arms stretched out, began chanting. Huge pieces of earth and stone ripped from the walls and ground. In coordinated unison, the fairies began hurling the massive pieces at the creatures.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The ones they missed were killed by Wind’s team. Hundreds of tiny daggers, made from the air itself, were launched into the fray. Swiftly and steadily they advanced. Wind and a small elite team of fairies, searched the ground slightly ahead of Earth and his team. If they found a wounded White Lotus soldier, they formed an air pocket over them, keeping the stone debris from crushing them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Once Earth and his team moved past, the elite squad would move on as well, leaving the wounded to another group of fairies. These teams were slightly larger. They wrapped the White Lotus soldiers in capsules, much like the fire ones around Epo and Kazu, except these were made of wind. Carrying these wounded, they followed Fire and his team down the right side of the corridor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Fire’s team was burning their way to the closest exit, and the smell of burning flesh was making Tobi nauseous. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He covered his mouth with the collar of his shirt, following after the fairies in front of him. The screams of the dying creatures, made Tobi want stop and cover his ears, but he pressed on. He kept glancing back at Yokkun who was moving like a zombie, eyes still locked on Kazu. He was about to say something to Yokkun, but one of the fairies guarding him, tugged his ear, putting her finger to her lips.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             They reached the exit and burst through the doors. If Tobi had been shocked to see fairies, he was even more surprised to see the scene before him. White Lotus soldiers were everywhere. Reinforcements had finally arrived! Tobi wanted to fall to his knees and shout with joy, but the fairies were herding them towards several massive wooden carts.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Tobi stared wide-eyed, his jaw slack. It wasn’t the carts that had him in shock, but what was pulling them. Ogres. He took a step back ready to bolt in the opposite direction, but Fire flew over, signaling for him to get into the cart.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Don’t worry.”   Fire said with a wink. “They belong to us. Not the brightest creatures in the world, but they are gentle and easy to train.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But you thought they were extinct?”   Fire asked, raising one of his red eyebrows. “Not quite.”   He continued. “We have the White Lotus to thank for that as well. Now come on. Master Frost and his troops won’t be able to hold those things off much longer. We need to get as far away from here as possible. Since half of you are wounded and too weak to teleport or be teleported, we’ll have to travel the old fashioned way. The ogres not only afford a means of transport, but they provide a great deal of protection as well. It takes a lot to bring one these big guys down.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Tobi could only nod, staring at the ogre as he climbed into the cart. Once a cart was full, the ogre was given instructions and it would set off into the woods. Along with the ogres, each cart had a squad of fairies with it. Some were keeping watch, while others were tending to the wounded. Tobi breathed a sigh of relief as the sounds of battle began to fade.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Where are we going?”   Tobi asked a nearby fairy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Those of you who are too badly wounded will be taken to a safe house hidden in the mountains. The rest of you will be taken to the Western Palace.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “The Western Palace!”   Tobi exclaimed. “Why?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Master Frost said it’s the safest place for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “That name sounds familiar. Who is that?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “He is a high level sorcerer and personal advisor to the empress of the west. He is also a member of your White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “So he is advisor to Empress Idol?”   Tobi asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes.”   The little fairy replied. “You should get some rest now. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

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