User blog:Akasha1908/Requiem of Retribution: CHAPTERS 1 - 8

INTRODUCTION
I am the sword and he is the shield 

A sacrifice made, for the strength to wield 

''A life for a life? A price to be weighed ''

Know, to bring balance, the debt must be paid 

***  

<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">The White Lotus has fallen. Their leader, Lady Joruri, captured by the enemy.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">Rei, leader of the Black Lotus, and sworn enemy of the White Lotus, is now in possession of the God’s Stone; a jewel capable of unimaginable power.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN">War is on the horizon, and the balance of the world is shifting. With the White Lotus scattered, who will stand against 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"">

PART 1
<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 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.

<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’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.

<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 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.

<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 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.

<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 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.

<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 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?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Open the door, Ikkun.”   Sol said, her eyes never leaving Joruri.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 sure her magic is contained?”   Sol asked, addressing the leather clad 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"">             “Yes, empress. If it wasn’t, I’m sure we’d all be dead 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"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Without hesitation, Sol walked up and slapped Joruri across the face. Joruri winced in pain, cutting Sol a nasty look.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 I do bow to you, your highness.”   Jo replied, trying to sound as meek 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"">             Sol slapped Joruri again, this time her nails catching her skin and ripping into the soft flesh of her cheek.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Sol grabbed Joruri’s chin, squeezing it painfully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Sol snatched her hand away, turning her back on Joruri.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 released her grip on Joruri, a dark smile spreading across her 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"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 spit in Sya’s face. “Never!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, my sweet, are in for a world of pain.”

<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"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 locked the doors leading into the throne room, hoping it would be enough to keep those creatures out. Then he 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 severed spinal cord, punctured lung, six broken ribs, and a shattered femur…   How are you still alive?”   Tobi muttered to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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!”

<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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 smiled brightly. “Help is on the way!”   She said with a salute.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 is?”   Tobi asked, hope reigniting within him. “Who?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 fairies!”   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"">             “Fairies?”   Tobi’s hope faded away 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"">             “Oh yes! Just wait and see!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 fairies are going to be much help against the creatures outside those doors.”   Tobi replied in dismay.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 frowned and placed her hands on her hips. “Then you don’t know fairies very 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"">             “I do actually. I studied your kind when I was in university. Trust me, you all are not match for…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 in the world?!”   He exclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 smiled, all her tiny white teeth showing. “Fairies!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 am Oberon, king of the fairies.”   He proclaimed. “We have come to render assitance to Lady Joruri and the White 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"">             “Umm, thanks.”   Tobi said, not quite sure what else to 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"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Elementals!”   Oberon shouted, his voice shockingly loud. “Report!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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!”   The fairies 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"">             “Fire, you and your team are responsible for getting Master Daze and the others here to safety. Start preparing for departure.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 walls can be rebuilt.”   Oberon replied. “It's the lives we care about.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Wind remained silent, simply nodding in response. She and Earth saluted and returned to their teams.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   King Oberon said, his voice grim. “You and your team will have the most dangerous mission of all.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 black-haired beauty straightened her back and waited for King Oberon to give his orders.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 all will have to retrieve the seals.”   He continued. “Do you know their locations?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, your majesty. I was one of the original fairies who helped place them in the four corners of the castle.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 you know what to 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"">             “Aye, your majesty.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   He replied. “Do not wait for the rest of us. The minute you have all the seals, leave 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"">             “As you command.”   Water saluted him and returned to her team.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 is your name?”   The king 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"">             “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"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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-why are you doing this?”   Tobi 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"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   Tobi 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"">             “No need for that, my boy.”   The king replied, patting Tobi’s nose. “Let’s 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"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Ready?”   Earth 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"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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="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"">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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Fire’s team was burning their way to the closest exit, and the smell of burning flesh was making Tobi nauseous. 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “B-b-b-b-b-but…”   Tobi 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"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 are we going?”   Tobi asked a nearby fairy.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 Frost said it’s the safest place 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"">             “That name sounds familiar. Who is 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"">             “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" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 he is advisor to Empress Idol?”   Tobi 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.”   The little fairy replied. “You should get some rest now. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

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

PART 2
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 smell of something sweet and delicious roused Master Daze from his dreamless sleep. He wanted to sit up, but his body felt stiff. He would have opened his eyes, too, but the lids felt so darn heavy. He made several attempts to speak before any sound actually came out. Finally, after soft clearing his throat, he spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 should like to have a piece of that cake.”   His voice was soft and raspy, barely above a whisper. “It’s lemon, I think. Perhaps some of tea 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"">             There was familiar laugh from somewhere to his right, and Master Daze couldn’t help but smile. It was Master Frost.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 about we start with some water first?”   His old friend 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"">             Master Daze slowly forced his eyes open. He turned his head, ever so gently, towards the direction of 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"">             “What happened?”   Master Daze asked in bewilderment. “Where am I and why are you 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"">             “There will be plenty of time for questions. Let’s sit you up and get you some water.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 tried to sit up on his own, but Frost 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"">             “Just one second, 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"">             He leaned over the bed, scooping something that had been tucked close to Master Daze’s side. Pochi. She was fast asleep, only squirming softly as Frost gently placed her sleeping form in the chair he’d vacated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 hasn’t left your side since you all arrived.”   Frost continued. “She’s quite attached to 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"">             Master Daze smiled lovingly at the tiny little fairly curled up on the 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"">             “Yes.”   He replied 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"">             “Here.”   Frost said, leaning over the bed. He slipped his arm behind Master Daze and pulled him up. He held him there for a few seconds, shoving a bunch of pillows behind him. Master Daze fell softly back, groaning from the exertion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, now let’s get you that water.”

<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"">Frost poured a tall glass, and brought it over to Master Daze. He hadn’t realized how thirsty he was until the cool liquid hit his dry throat. It took a combined effort, but he managed to drink the entire thing, plus one more.

<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"">“Shall I pour another glass?”   Frost 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, that’s enough.”   He replied, wiping his mouth. “Could you bring Pochi here please?”

<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"">“Of course.”

<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"">Frost laid the sleeping fairy in Master Daze’s lap, then took a seat on the edge of the bed. Master Daze grinned down at Pochi, adjusting her slightly. Then he straightened, the pinned Frost with a serious look.

<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? Tell me everything.”

<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"">Frost sighed heavily, running a hand through his grey hair.

<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"">“To be entirely honest, I don’t know. A personal messenger from King Oberon suddenly arrived, demanding an audience with Empress Idol and myself. He said it was urgent and that the fate of the White Lotus was at stake. Naturally, we met with him immediately. I nearly died of shock when he said King Oberon himself was leading an army of fairies to take back the White Lotus castle.”

<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"">“Pochi must have gone straight to Oberon.”   Master Daze said, tugging his beard. “Not what I expected, but not a bad 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"">“It was brilliant actually.”   Frost replied. “Before she’d gone to her king, she got a look at the enemy and where they were within the walls. As a result, Oberon was well prepared to take them down. He assembled over 500,000 fairies within the hour. They stormed the bloody castle from the inside out. I wouldn’t have believed it unless I saw it with my own 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"">Master Daze shrugged and smiled solemnly. “Oberon had ensured his people will be able to survive no matter what enemy they are forced to face. He will not let them fall to the brink of extinction as they did during the Great Wars.”

<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"">Frost nodded. “That was more than obvious. They worked as one coordinated team, clearing out the castle completely. It was an incredible sight. My troops and I arrived shortly after. The empress sent 10,000 of our best soldiers with me. We were able to kill most of the creatures, but there were a few that got away. King Oberon sent a team of fairies after them to see if we can root them out there hiding place.”

<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 remember a thing.”   Master Daze said, rubbing his temples.

<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 been unconscious for quite some time, old friend. Oberon and his men managed to get you and most of the survivors to safety. Those who were gravely injured are in one of our safe houses, while the rest of you were brought to the Western Palace.”

<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’s jaw dropped. “We are in the Western Empire?! Dear God, Frost, how long have I been out for? Where’s Jo? Are we at war yet?”

<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"">“Calm down.”   Frost pushed Master Daze back against the pillows, keeping him restrained. “You are not entirely well. Your injuries were pretty severe according to Tobi. Let me go and get him so he can give you a once over. The empress wishes to see you as well. We’ve all been waiting for you to wake up.”

<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"">Frost removed his hands from Master Daze, still holding them up in case he decided to try and get up 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"">“Stay here.”   Frost instructed. “I mean it, Daze. Do not get out of that bed.”

<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 nodded, refusing to speak out of irritation. But the moment the door shut behind Frost, he moved Pochi to the side of the bed and threw back the covers. He may be old, but he wasn’t dead. If Joruri was still unaccounted for, then that meant Fera was as well. And what about the box and the impending war? A better question; where were Yokkun and Kazu? No, now was certainly not the time to be resting.

<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 managed to wriggle out of bed, regretting it the instant he was on his feet. He leaned against the headboard, trying to calm his racing heart. The simple act of getting out of bed left him breathless, and the thought of moving about to get dressed made his knees shake.

<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 no you don’t!”   The feminine voice was delicate, yet forceful. “You get back in that bed this instant, or I will put you back myself!”

<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"">Empress Idol stood just inside the doorway, hands on her slender hips. She wore a simple, yet beautiful pale blue gown. Her midnight hair was undone, falling in loose curls just past her shoulders. She pointed to the bed; the look in her honey-brown eyes more than a little intimidating.

<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, the 22 year-old girl didn’t appear at all threatening. She was barely taller than Joruri, though her frame was a bit fuller in certain places. She had a lovely heart-shaped face, with high cheekbones and almond shaped eyes. Her smile could light up a room, but right now her lips were pursed, and those almond shaped eyes were narrowed menacingly. One of her dark eyebrows arched, and Master Daze had no choice but to obediently climb back into bed. Pochi sighed softly and rolled over, still completely knocked out.

<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"">“Thank you.”   Idol said, a radiant smile appearing on her 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"">She rushed forward, sitting on the other side of the bed, so she wouldn’t interrupt the tiny fairy that was now snoring softly. She threw her arms around him, squeezing him tightly and causing him to grunt.

<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, sorry!”   She said, releasing him immediately. “How are you feeling? Are you hungry? I hope so. I had cook make something special just for you.”   She winked, her smile making him 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"">“I am a bit hungry.”   Master Daze replied honestly. “And I think I smelled lemon cake earlier. I wouldn’t mind having a piece, or two.”

<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"">Idol laughed, the sound vibrant and full. “Your nose is truly amazing! But you’ll have to wait for cake. We need to get some real food into your system. Tobi should be here shortly to check your condition. I sent Frost to fetch 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"">Master Daze reluctantly settled back under the sheets, the thought of lemon cake somehow taking away a bit of his urgency.

<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"">“Empress…”   Master Daze began.

<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 don’t call me that Daze. It’s bad enough I can’t get Frost to stop will the silly honorifics. Just call me Idol as you did when I was a child.”

<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 are no longer a child.”   He chastised. “You are an empress now and you must act like one.”

<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!”   She replied angrily. “Most days.”   She added with a pout.

<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 frowned. Idol was kind-hearted and very approachable; both good qualities for a ruler. But she was too trusting and sometimes over friendly. Add the fact she had no sense of fear, and one could only imagine the trouble she managed to get herself into. She even had a tendency to leave the Western Palace all by herself. She claimed she needed to walk amongst her people, so she could see how they live and find out what they need. Of course, taking an escort with her was out of the question, for who would dare approach the empress when she was surrounded by 20 or so guards.

<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 commendable of her, but very dangerous. Idol would risk her life without hesitation to save another, and considering she was still unmarried and without an heir, her death would be a catastrophic blow to the Western Empire. But, despite continuous warnings from Master Frost and Lady Joruri herself, Idol would not be deterred. Frost often said it was because the girl lacked the ‘self-preservation’ gene. Master Daze fought the urge to reprimand her, and decided to ask her a few question instead.

<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"">“Idol, there is much I need to know. Where are Yokkun and Kazu? Are they here too? And what about Sol and her declaration of war? Are you prepared? Have you convened your war council yet? And what of Joruri? Has there been any word from Fera about her?”

<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"">“One question at a time.”   Frost reprimanded, escorting Tobi into the room. “There will be time for that once you’ve regained some of your strength.”

<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, Master Daze.”   Tobi replied, walking to the bed. “Let’s have a look at 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"">Master Daze looked Tobi, examining his face closely. His features were gaunt and he looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

<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’re the one who needs to rest.”   Master snapped. Goodness Tobi, what’s happened to you?! You look terrible!”

<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 are many wounded.”   Tobi replied softly. “I’ve been assisting the palace healers.”

<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"">“Leading them actually.”   Idol said with a wide smile. “He’s been teaching my staff all sorts of new techniques. He’s very talented.”

<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 blushed, then pushed his glasses up. “I am happy to be of help. Now, Master Daze, let’s check you 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"">             As Tobi examined him, food was brought in by one of the servants. It smelled delicious and the moment it was placed in front of him, Master Daze devoured it like a man starved. He immediately started to feel better, but when he finished his tea and lemon cake, a wave of exhaustion swept over him. Master Daze desperately tried to keep his eyes open as Frost and Idol spoke to him, but when the servant cleared his tray, he could no longer stay awake. He sank deeper into the sheets, curling up next to Pochi.

<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"">             Tobi sighed, a wave of guilt washing over him. At Empress Idol’s command, he’d given Master Daze a dose of sleep tonic. He knew it was necessary, but he hated lying to the poor 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"">             “Thank you, Tobi.”   Idol said with a sad sigh. “I’m afraid if he knew the true state of things, he would kill himself trying to help. You should have seen him when I came in. He nearly collapsed.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 no trouble, your majesty.”   Tobi replied with a tired smile. “Though all his injuries are healed, it takes time for the body to recover from such a shock. He’ll be back to his old self in a few days, 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"">             “That’s good to hear.”   Idol said, her eyes full of unshed tears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 certainly is.”   Frost added, tucking the covers tightly around Master Daze. He picked Pochi up and placed her on the pillow next to Master Daze’s head. “We should let them 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"">             “Yes.”   Idol said, squaring her shoulders. “And there is much we need to discuss.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 all exited the room and Tobi shut the door behind them. He turned to face Frost and the empress.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 go check on Yokkun.”   He 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 is he?”   Idol asked with concern.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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’s…”   Tobi didn’t know how to respond.

<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’d arrived at the Western Palace late in the afternoon. It was obvious the empress was excepting their arrival, and she had gone to great lengths to prepare. Healers, with the assistance of several guards, helped unload the wounded and carry them into the palace. Things had gone smoothly, until they tried to take Kazu’s body out of the cart. Tobi shuddered as he remembered the terrible ordeal...

<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 had screamed and raged, threatening to kill the next person who attempted to touch his brother. He’d nearly followed through on the threat, taking down 6 of the 10 guards before anyone managed to restrain 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"">He’d screamed himself hoarse as he watched the men carry Kazu away. Over and over he yelled his brother’s name, his cries of anger turning into heart-wrenching pleads for them to bring his little brother back. It took three guards to keep him pinned to the ground. But then, just like that, Yokkun stopped fighting. The guards released him, but he remained lying on the ground, his face half buried in the dirt.

<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"">Once all the unloading was finished, Tobi quickly sent everyone away. He took a seat on the ground slightly away from Yokkun, keeping watch over him, while still trying to give him some semblance of privacy. Yokkun lay completely still in the middle of the dirt road, his faint sobs barely reaching Tobi’s ears. As much as he wanted to comfort the broken man, something told him Yokkun needed to be alone for a while.

<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 close to evening before Yokkun was finally able to pick himself up off the ground. Tobi had helped him to his temporary chambers, where a bath was prepared and food was laid out. Yokkun managed to undress himself and bathe, but when Tobi returned to check on him, the food was untouched. It remained like ever since. Yokkun refused to eat; refused to move from the bed except to relieve himself. Even when it came time for Kazu’s funeral, Tobi couldn’t coax him from his 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"">Yokkun was wasting away, and he wouldn’t survive much longer. Not with his body practically starved for food and his mind deprived of any stimulation. Day after day, Tobi was forced to watch the horrific display. And day after day, he was forced to face the realization that there was nothing he could do. Yokkun’s soul died the minute his brother did, and his body would soon follow.

<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 no change in his condition, your majesty.”   Tobi replied. “If anything, it’s gotten worse. Every day he pulls deeper and deeper within in himself. Wherever his mind is, I can’t reach 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"">“There must be something else you can try!”   Idol exclaimed.

<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’ve already tried everything!”    Tobi shouted in frustration. “I can barely keep him hydrated! And what little food I can get him to eat doesn’t stay down for long! He’s dying and there’s nothing I can do to stop 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"">Frost reached out and placed a hand on Tobi’s shoulder. “You should sleep for a bit. I’ll see to it that Yokkun is taken care of while you rest.”

<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…”   Tobi started.

<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, buts!”   Idol said, cutting him off. “Go on now, or I will have Frost drag you to your bed chamber and lock you 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"">Tobi sighed in defeat. He bowed awkwardly to them both, them staggered tiredly to his room.

<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"">             Idol pulled Frost down the opposite side of the hall, leaning in close as she spoke.

<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 what Ana says is true, Yokkun is our only hope of defeating Rei and winning this war. He cannot die.”   Idol said matter-of-factly. “I will not let 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"">             “What do you intend to do?”   Frost asked, slightly wary of her determined tone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 plan to give him a reason to fight. We have been trying to nurse his symptoms, when it’s the cause we need to cure.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 what is 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"">             “Rei and the Black Lotus. They are the reason Kazu is dead, and if we are going to breathe life back into Yokkun’s soul, we need to give him the means to exact his revenge.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 boy has no magic. He is no match for Rei, especially since he has 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"">             “That’s not what Ana says.”   Idol replied, stroking her chin. “The goddess told her that Yokkun is the key to defeating our enemy. All we have to do is figure out how!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 make it sound easy.”   Frost replied, still unconvinced.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Nothing is ever easy.”   She said, with far more wisdom than someone her age should have. “But Ana and I believe the clues are in Yokkun’s prophecy. We just need to find out what all it means.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Makes me wish Master Daze was well enough to help.”   Frost said with a sigh.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 too.”   Idol agreed. “But until then, we have no choice but to press 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"">             “Perhaps Fera will return with Lady Joruri before things truly spiral out of control.”   Frost suggested, his tone not quite convinced.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Idol closed her eyes, sending up a quick prayer for Joruri’s safe return.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 would be the answer to all our prayers.”   She said. “But we can’t rely on that. We need to prepare for the worst.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 until reached a set of heavily wooden doors. Idol straightened her back and took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 everyone assembled?”   She 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 empress, they are awaiting your arrival.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, then 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"">             “Before we go in, you should put this on.”

<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"">Frost held out a small circular crown. It was a simple design. Nothing more than a gold circle, surrounded by a delicate vine of ivy made from rose gold. Idol rarely wore her crown. She had several, but this was the only one she ever used. It had been a gift from her mother and it was precious to her. She took the crown from Frost’s hands, looking at it for a few moments, before gingerly placing atop her head. Frost nodded in approval, pushing open the door.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 stood when Idol entered, bowing respectfully. So many people, she thought, swallowing hard. But every face smiled reassuringly, and it gave her courage. In the center of the room was a massive circular, with chairs lined up on either side to accommodate the extra people.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 Western Palace had quickly become a makeshift headquarters for the White Lotus. Not only was Idol’s war council present, but the White Lotus Council and its Seers were also there. Idol walked to her chair at the table. It was actually more like a throne, much larger than the rest. And although it made her feel silly sitting in it, she wouldn’t let it show. Her people needed an empress, and, for once, she would act like 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"">             Frost pulled her chair out so she could sit. When she was comfortable, she gestured for everyone else to be seated. Frost sat at her right, while Ana took a seat to her left. For a moment, Idol froze. Close to a hundred eyes were focused on her, and she was suddenly unsure of what to say. But then Frost squeezed her hand encouragingly, and she knew she would be able to get through 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"">             “Ladies and gentleman. We are convened here for one simple reason. We are at war. As we speak, Empress Sol’s army draws closer to our gates. She has but one purpose, and that is to take the Western Empire for her own. I cannot allow that. I will not allow it! As many of you know, she is now aligned with Rei and the Black Lotus. But what you don’t know is that Rei is in possession of a very powerful weapon. One capable of destroying us all.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 were several startled gasps and whispers, but Idol pressed 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"">             “We cannot be deterred. It is our duty to protect the people of this great nation, and right now, we are the only thing that stands between them, and utter destruction. We cannot let Empress Sol and the Black Lotus take what is not theirs. Our ancestors bled and died to build this empire. Our home. And I will not let it be destroyed. So I ask you now. Will you stand 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"">             There was a brief silence just before the room erupted in an earthshattering battle cry. Idol breathed a long sigh of relief, her hands no longer trembling. This was it, she thought. They were going to war. And they would win.

<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"">             Fera was tired. The kind of tired you felt in your bones. He wanted to stop and rest, but that was a dangerous idea. If he stopped, sleep would catch him, and right now every second counted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 currently awaiting entry into the massive capital city of the Eastern Empire. The journey there had been long, but relatively easy. Twice he’d come across armed patrols, and both times he’d left no witnesses of his passage through the East. In fact, the hardest part had been getting through the barrier Sol had placed around the city. It took nearly a full day to find a weak point and break through. Though he was a high-level sorcerer, the process had left him drained and weak. It was the only time he’d been forced to rest and recover. It was a waste of time, but he was afraid of what would happen if he had to face an enemy in such a vulnerable state.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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’d hoped, no, prayed, he would run into Chi somewhere along the way. The urge to take a detour to his home and kill the man was almost more than Fera could bear. But with Joruri’s life at stake, he’d have to wait.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 tried his best to remain calm as he waited for his turn to be inspected. There were only a few guards at the main gate, a sure sign Sol had sent most of her troops to war. The thought made Fera even more antsy. He needed to rescue Joruri before things really got out of control.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 it was finally his turn, the guard eyed him suspiciously, demanding Fera relinquish his sword and state his business. Fera made up an excuse to which the guard raised a crooked eyebrow. He could see soldier wanted to question him further, but to avoid any more delays, Fera slipped a bag of coins in the man’s coat pocket. The guard smiled greedily, handing Fera back his sword and bidding him good day.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 pushed through the throng of people. It was a market day, with merchants and their patrons littering the streets. He sent up a prayer of thanks for his luck. Getting to the palace unnoticed amongst such chaos would be easy. It was getting into palace that would be 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"">             He loitered at the palace entrance, waiting for a good target. Each second meant life or death for Joruri, and he was quickly losing hope and patience. If he didn’t find a victim soon, he would be forced try his luck without a disguise. The moment Fera was about to give up, two palace guards walked lazily down the stairs and straight for him. Trying to act as suspiciously as possible, he drew them back into a corner. They never knew what hit 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"">             He stripped one guard of his armor and clothing, then hid the bodies out of site. The disguise wasn’t perfect, fitting a bit tight around the chest and upper arms, but it would work. He raced up the stairs and slipped through the heavy palace doors.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 only been in the palace twice before. Usually, Joruri came to visit Sol alone or with Master Daze. He met a few guards in passing, and casually asked if there’d been any new prisoners brought in. The first two didn’t know anything, but the third one; his eyes widen in terror at the question. Fera searched the corridor, then dragged the man into a door way. It took very little to get the man to talk, and he’d been close to tears by the time Fera finished interrogating him. He was loyal to his empress, but even he saw the danger of keeping a Grand Sorceress captive. He released the man. The guard couldn’t be more than 18 years old, and the thought of killing one so young pained Fera. Instead, he knocked the boy out and left him tucked inside 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"">             Using the directions he gotten from the guard, Fera made his way down to the dungeons. It was damp and dark and strangely quiet. There were two rows of cells, and Fera made his way down each, carefully checking every one as he passed. He found her in the last cell on the left.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 long he stood there, he didn’t know. Bile rose in his throat as he fought the urge to empty his stomach. Joruri was covered nearly head to toe in her own blood, and her face was so swollen, that if it hadn’t been for the clothes she wore, he might not have recognized her. Thankfully she was still alive. He could tell from her soft whimpers of pain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   He whispered, using a bit of his magic to unlock the cell door.

<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 lifted her head, but with her eyes swollen shut, there was no way she could see him approach. She mumbled something that might have been his name, but he was sure her jaw was broken.

<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, it’s me, my love.”   His voice broke. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the pain she was in. “I’m going to get you out of 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"">He cut the ropes holding her to the wooden cross starting with her ankles first. She let out a soft cry of pain as they were released. He realized there was no way she would be able to walk; her right ankle was crushed.

<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"">“Hey! What do you think…”

<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 spun around, picking up the dark-haired man who entered the cell and slamming him into the wall.”

<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"">“Who are you?”   Fera hissed. “I-Ikkun, my lord. I’m just here to check to see if she’s 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"">Fera slammed him into the wall again, the back of Ikkun’s head cracking against 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"">“Who did this to my wife?! 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"">“N-no.”   Ikkun replied, his head swaying as the blood from the back of his head dripped down his neck and onto his shirt. I-It was my mistress, L-lady Sya.”

<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"">“Sya.”   Fera repeated the name, scorching it to memory.

<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"">Without another word, Fera spun Ikkun around and snapped his neck. Tossing the man to the floor, Fera returned to Joruri. Supporting the weight of her body with his, he cut her hips free. She held her own weight for the few seconds it took to him to cut the ropes from her arms, then collapsed. He caught her just before she hit the damp stone 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"">             “I’m going to put you on my back.”   He whispered, moving the blood matted strands hair from her face. “I know you’re in pain, but I need you to stay as quiet as possible, okay?”

<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 nodded once, clenching her teeth as he positioned her onto his back. They needed to move quickly or risk being discovered. Moving to the cell door, Fera peaked out. The corridor remained clear, so he moved silently towards the exit. He needed to get to the royal stables and secure them a horse. But at the moment, he had no idea how he was going to pull it off without being seen.

<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 reached the dungeon exit, a familiar face popped into view. It was the guard who’d told him where to find Joruri. Fera raised a fist to strike him again, this time to knock him out for good.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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! Don’t hit me! I’m here to help you. I…”   His voice trailed off when he saw Joruri’s condition. “Is she alive?”   He asked in a low whisper.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 anxiously shifted Joruri’s weight on his back. “She’s alive, but barely. If you’re going to help, then get me to the stables!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, of course, follow 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"">With the man guarding his back, they raced the distance to the stables.

<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 your man?”   Fera asked as he watched the young man saddle a horse for 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"">“Sin, my lord.”

<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"">“Thank you, Sin. I will remember what you’ve done for us.”

<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 no need for that, my lord. The Lady Joruri was always kind to me. She’s kind to all of us. I couldn’t believe it when I saw them bring her in as a prisoner. I hope you can save her.”

<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.”

<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"">Fear wasn’t an emotion Fera was accustomed to, but right now, it’s bitter taste filled his mouth. He set Joruri down, trying to get an idea of her injuries, but there was too much blood; old and fresh. She looked as if she’d been beaten repeatedly for days.

<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 need to hurry.”   Sin said when the horse was ready. “They don’t leave her alone for long. It’s only a matter of time before they realize she’s gone.”

<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 nodded, removing his stolen armor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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’m going to put you up on the horse. I need you to hold onto the reigns until I get up behind 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"">With Sin’s help, Fera was able to get Joruri into the saddle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, take my cloak.”   Sin said. “Yours is covered in 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"">             Sliding behind Arianna, Fera accepted the cloak, throwing it over her and tucking in between them. She cringed, moaning softly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Sin climbed bareback onto another horse. “There’s a gate just south of here.”   He said. “It’s only used if the city needs to evacuate, so it’s rarely opened and there are no guards. I’ll take you as far 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"">             Fera nodded, then followed the man out the back of the stable and to the gate. They reined in their horses, and Sin hopped of his stead to open the gate. Fera brought his horse forward, stopping before he exited.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, again.”   He said to the young man. “I will see that this debt is repaid.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Just save Lady Joruri, that’s all the payment I need.”    He pointed off into the distance. “Go South about 3 miles, then head West. You’ll come to a small cottage. There you will find help. I must go before I’m missed.”   Just as Sin closed the gate behind them, the alarm was sounded. Fera eased the horse into a walk, trying not jostle Joruri 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"">             “Don’t you die on me, Jo.”   He whispered 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"">             She mumbled something softly, before she fell back against him, completely unconscious. Fera urged the horse to a trot, then a full gallop, heading in the direction Sin had pointed. He knew exactly where the young soldier’s directions would lead, and Fera couldn’t wait to get there.

<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"">             Joruri was close to death. Fera could smell the putrid scent clinging to her infected wounds, and the amount of blood she’d lost was staggering. The woman in his arms had a will to be reckoned with, but even she could not last much longer. There were lacerations all over her body most of which had reopened; his blood soaked shirt and trousers the evidence. Every part of her body was black and blue, and with all the swelling and bleeding Fera had no way of knowing what else was wrong.

<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’s breathing slowed and he knew death was coming to claim her. Silent tears rolled down his face as he tried to accept the inevitable. His wife. The mother of his children. The leader of the White Lotus, and the woman he’d sworn his life to protect, was going to die. There was so much he wanted to tell her. So many things he needed to explain. And now he would never get the 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 love you.”   He whispered in her ear. “It’s always been you. I was a fool not to realize it sooner. Please don’t leave 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"">So deep in his thoughts, Fera didn’t even notice the dim lights in the distance. It wasn’t until he heard the sound of someone approaching that he finally realized he wasn’t alone. There was no way he could fight, not while holding his dying wife in his arms. And he refused to let her go even if she was going to die anyway. He had no choice. Moving to dismount, he kept one hand holding up Joruri’s limp body. Before he could swing his leg over, a man’s voice rang out in the darkness.

<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 are you doing? Stay on your horse and ride as fast as you can towards the lights! Don’t worry about her feeling any pain. She’s beyond that 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"">“Chi? Is that you?”   Fera called out uncertainly.

<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"">“Do as I say!”

<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 kicked the horse forward, racing towards the lights. Fera came to a halt in front of Chi’s home. It was so dark he hadn’t even realized he was this close to the man’s house. Chi was waiting outside, running to Fera’s horse as soon as he 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"">“How did you get back here so fast?!”   Fera exclaimed, looking back to where he’d ridden from.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I felt your approach.”   Chi replied exasperatedly. “I have several magical alarms set around the cottage. When one is set off, my magic alerts me. As far as what you saw back there, that was nothing more than a projection of my subconscious. Now hand her to me!”   He said quickly, holding his arms out to take her.

<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 hesitated, unsure if he should trust 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"">“We don’t have time for this! If you want to kill me, you can do it after we save her!”

<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 gently handed Joruri to Chi. Without a backward glance, Chi raced into the house, leaving Fera to tie up his horse. By the time he got into the house, Chi already had Joruri laid on a small bed in one of the rooms. He flew past Fera and out of the door, only to return with an arm full with boxes and bandages.

<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 is hot water on the fire. Bring it here.”   He directed.

<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"">Sweeping past him, Chi unloaded the content of his arms onto a long bedside table. After sorting the various items, he removed the cloak covering Joruri. He gasped, his face contorting in a look of horror and disgust.

<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 are you waiting for?”   He shouted at Fera. “Get the bloody water!”

<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 turned and did as he was asked. When he returned, Chi was cutting the clothing from Joruri’s body.

<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"">“Set it there.”   Chi said, pointing to the empty spot on the table. “You can remain in the room, but stay quiet and keep out of the way.”

<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 are you doing?”   Fera snapped. “You were trained as a healer, why aren’t you using 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"">“Didn’t I just tell you to stay quiet?”   He whispered loudly. “Speak again and I will throw you out of this 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"">“Move and I will do it myself!”   Fera grabbed Chi’s arm, but the man twisted out of his grasp and shoved him away.

<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"">“Magic won’t work on her! Not with that collar on! Unless you know how to take it off, which I doubt you do, I need to use an alternative method. Now shut up or get out!”

<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"">Reluctantly, Fera backed away. For the next few hours, he watched as Chi cleaned Joruri’s wounds. Several cuts required stitching and in addition to her broken ankle, her left arm required setting. After setting and wrapping Arianna’s broken jaw, Chi motioned for Fera to help roll her over.

<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 some point, Joruri must have been taken off her wooden cross and whip mercilessly. Fera had noticed the injuries while in the dungeons, but in the bright candle light, the lacerations on her back looked even worse. The skin was shredded so badly the only thing Chi could do was clean the wounds and try and piece the skin back together as best as possible.

<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 the time Chi finished, Joruri was bandaged head to toe. He’d given her two injections; one he said was to help her heal, the other to take away the pain and keep her asleep. She’d been so still throughout the entire ordeal, Fera believed her dead. To ease his mind, he placed his hand underneath her nose to see if she was still breathing. Though faint, he could feel the warm air as she exhaled.

<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"">“Whether she will live, I don’t know.”   Chi said, cleaning up all the bloody cloths and reorganizing all his materials. “Come, we need to let her rest.”

<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 you sure we should leave her alone?”   Fera asked, afraid to leave her side.

<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 is nothing more we can do. Whether she lives or dies is up to her. For now, she needs to rest and heal.”

<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 followed Chi into a cozy living area. He pointed to a wooden dining table, gesturing for Fera to have a seat, then disappeared into another room. Fera remained standing, his hand on his sword. He still wanted to kill Chi, but if Joruri took a turn for the worst, he would need the man’s expertise.

<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"">Chi came back into the room holding a steaming bowl and a mug of water. He handed them both to Fera who hesitated a moment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 not poisoned.”   Chi said. “Here, I’ll take a bite first if you’re that worry about 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"">             Fera pulled back, placing the food and drink on the table. He kept his sword on, and his eyes locked on Chi. He sat down slowly, inhaling the heavenly scent of the food. He was starving. He hadn’t realized it until that moment. He dug in greedily, accepting the second and third bowls offered to him. When he finished, Chi cleared the dishes, then took a seat across the table from 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"">             “I’m sorry.”   Chi began, holding up his hand before Fera could interrupt. “What I did was unforgivable. I was not without my reasons, but at the time, I didn’t realize how petty and foolish they were. When Rei approached me with his plan to bring down the White Lotus, I jumped at the chance. I hated you all and everything you did to me. I was falsely accused and forced to leave my home. And then, the person I held as my closest and dearest friend, wrote to me saying we had to cut ties. At first I was hurt, but then my feelings of isolation and abandonment turned into bitterness and rage. I thought this was my chance at revenge; to finally see you all pay for what you did to me…   I was a fool.

<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 the time I realized the gravity of my betrayal, it was too late. It is my fault she was captured. My fault she is so perilously close to death. If only I’d had the courage to say something; to tell her the terrible truth the moment I saw her there in the woods. I could’ve spared her such pain.”   Chi looked up at Fera with tormented eyes. “I will let you kill me for this. But please, let me stay alive long enough to treat Joruri. I swear I will do everything I can to save her life.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 leaned back, examining the man before him. He didn’t question Chi’s sincerity. No doubt seeing Joruri in such a state made him feel the full weight of his treachery. But nothing in the man’s story did anything to curb Fera’s rage. Chi was weak and petty. By allowing his anger and hate to control him, he’d proven why he was no longer worthy to serve the White Lotus. By jeopardizing the life of their Grand Sorceress and leader, he’d committed a sin that could never be forgiven. Fera would kill the man in front of him, it was just a matter of when.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 let you live until Joruri’s life is no longer in danger.”   Fera said, in a tight and controlled voice. “After that, I will kill you. I warn now, do not rely on the mercy of my wife. Should she wake up and wish me to spare your life, it will be for but a while. I will return to execute for your crimes against her and the White Lotus. Should you run, I will hunt you down like the beast you are. Do you understand?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Chi bowed his head to Fera, but when he lifted it, his expression was calm and accepting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 accept your sentence and will await your punishment.”   Chi stood, then gestured for Fera to follow him. “You look tired. I will show you where you can sleep.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 what will you do?”   Fera asked, rising to 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"">             “I will look after Joruri and find a way to get that collar off.”

<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"">             Kazu opened his eyes, unsure of what exactly woke him up. His body felt heavy; the fog surrounding his mind making him feel groggy and detached. He closed his eyes again, wishing he could return to the peaceful sleep he’d been enjoying only moments before. He’d tried to think of something pleasant, something that would help him relax and drift 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"">             Yokkun’s face popped into his mind. Kazu smiled at the image, a feeling of warmth and protection washing over him. He reached out his arms to Yokkun, but stopped when the welcoming expression on his brother’s face, twisted into one of shock and horror. Something was wrong. He followed Yokkun’s line of sight, dropping his gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 spear tip jutting from his chest, the metal tip coated thickly in blood. His blood. Kazu’s memories flooded back. The pain he’d felt; the fear. He clearly remembered the moment before he died. The slowing of his heart, the last breath he exhaled. In those final moments, he’d wanted to tell Yokkun how much he loved him, how glad he was that they were brothers. But most of all, he wanted thank him for always taking care of him; always being there no matter 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"">“So I’m dead.”   Kazu whispered to the silence.

<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 wave of sadness crashed into Kazu as he realized he would never see Yokkun again. His heart broke at what his brother must be going through at that very moment. He knew Yokkun better than anyone; living or dead. Without a doubt, his brother would blame himself for his death.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             From the moment their parents abandoned them, Yokkun had dedicated himself to taking care of Kazu. It was too much responsibility for an 8 year old, but there was no other choice. Kazu was only 5 at the time; completely unable to process what was going on. For months, Kazu cried for their parents, begging his big brother to bring them home. Each time, Yokkun would hold and rock Kazu, whispering to him that everything would okay, and that no matter what happened, they would always be together. Those were the words Kazu needed to hear the most, especially when he realized their parents were never coming 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"">             They’d been able to stay in their house for nearly a year after their parents left them, but when a new family came, they were forced out. From then on, they lived on the streets, finding shelter and sleeping where they could. The only reason they survived for so long was because of Yokkun. His brother would do anything to keep them alive. He had lied, cheated and stole just to keep them both fed and clothed. And when there wasn’t enough to go around, he went without, always making sure Kazu had a fully belly and clothes on his 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"">For years they lived in a world of constant fear and uncertainty. The thought of being separated so terrifying, that they clung to each nearly every second of the day. Yokkun would even stay up for days straight; afraid to sleep for fear they would be captured by slave traders, or imprisoned by the city guards. Only when he knew his little brother was safe, did he let his guard down and rest.

<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 their fate changed the Spring Kazu turned nine. It was the year Master Daze found them. One day the old man was buying them bread to eat, and the next he was whisking them away to live him in his great big house. At first it was hard for them to accept their new life. They suddenly had a roof over their heads, food when they wanted it, and clothes that actually fit. For the first time, in a very long time, they felt safe.

<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 took a great deal of effort on Master Daze’s part to get them to open up, but his patience paid off. Unfortunately, no amount of love and affection would ever erase what they’d been forced to suffer in those four long years. Yokkun and Kazu had an indestructible bond; one forged in fear and absolute despair. Not even death would break 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"">Kazu wanted to cry, even tried to, but no tears fell.

<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"">“Spirits can’t cry.”

<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 turned toward the sound of the voice. It was feminine and beautiful, and it had a soft musical lilt to it. The woman before him was stunning, her black hair falling softly around her face and past her shoulders. She was draped in silks and jewels, and her large brown eyes were staring at him curiously.

<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 you and angel?”   Kazu asked, unsure of what make of the woman.

<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 sat up, briefly examining his surroundings. The walls were draped with rich fabrics of every color, and matching silk cushions littered the floor. It was a simple and beautiful room, filled with the warm glow of hundreds of candles.

<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"">“Do I look like an angel?”   She asked, gracefully rising and walking to the small bed of pillows he sat on.

<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 shifted uncomfortably as she sat down next to him. Power radiated from her. The kind of power that made you want to drop to your knees and worship her. This was a new feeling for Kazu, especially since there wasn’t a woman in the world he would do that 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"">“I don’t know.”   Kazu replied uncertainly. “I’ve never seen an angel before. But since I’m dead, and you’re here, what else could you 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"">She laughed softly, the sound as hypotonic as the scent wafting from the candles. “If my brother Susano heard you say that, he would never let me live it 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"">“So, you’re not angel?”   Kazu asked, his brow furrowing 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"">Her face expression became suddenly serious, a deep sadness filling her eyes. “No, my dear one.”   She answered, gently stroking his cheek. I am no angel. I am the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, and I am here to make a request. One I pray you do not refuse.”

<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;mso-margin-bottom-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 request?”   Kazu repeated 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"">             “Yes.”   Amaterasu replied. “Here, why don’t we take a walk?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Amaterasu stood, holding out her hand for him. Kazu slipped his hand into hers. She smiled gently, pulling him up and looping their arms. She waved her hand once, and their surroundings changed. Suddenly they were in a beautiful garden, filled with plants and flowers Kazu had never seen before. The sky was filled with bright sunlight, yet there was no sun, and they stood on a cobblestone path that seemed to stretch for miles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 do that?”   Kazu asked in wonder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 mean, how? I am a goddess dear boy, manipulating the laws of time and space are nothing to me. What you see before you is merely an illusion I created. It’s a bit disconcerting to see this place for what it really is. I’ve created this scene to provide you a level of comfort and familiarity. It is something your consciousness will recognize; something it can understand.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 mean?”   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"">             She waved her hand again and their surroundings changed once more. Kazu gasped, throwing his arms around Amaterasu.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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-where are w-we?”   Kazu stuttered. “W-what is this p-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"">             “Nowhere.”   She replied. “And nothing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 looked down and hugged the goddess even tighter when he realized they were standing on… nothing. They were surrounded by nothing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   She continued, gesturing to the empty space around them. “Is the plane that exists between the earth and the heavens. It is darkness and emptiness, and it is not the place where souls are supposed to go when they leave their mortal bodies.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 why am I here?”   Kazu asked. “And if you don’t mind.”   He added. “Can we go back to the garden illusion?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 waved her hand once more and they returned to the garden and the cobblestone path. Kazu released her, whispering an apology.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, dear one.”   Amaterasu said, looping their arms together again. “Are here because fate ordained 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"">             “Fate?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Amaterasu nodded. “You and your brother were chosen to change the entire fate of this world. Everything that’s happened from the moment you and Yokkun were born has been leading up to the moment you two would rest the balance.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 mean, everything?”   Kazu asked suspiciously.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 two being born without magic.”   Amaterasu began. “Your parents abandoning you as children. The bond you and your brother made as you fought to survive. Master Daze finding you; taking you in, and providing you a connection to the White Lotus. All those things were to prepare you and Yokkun for this moment.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 trying to tell me that my whole life, that my brother’s whole life, was somehow preordained?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 wouldn’t say preordained.”   She replied. “More like, guided or steered in the right directions. And it wasn’t just your lives, but the lives of those around you as well. For example, Kuroki being born as a Grand Sorceress. The deterioration of her relationship with Joruri and Fera. The box being stolen. Master Daze’s idea for you and Yokkun to retrieve it. All these external forces were pulling and pushing you and your brother; keeping you on the path that would lead to your death and his rise as a broken hero.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 said, snatching his arm from hers. “Do you really expect me to believe such a ridiculous thing as fate?! To do so would imply no one has control over their own lives! That free will doesn’t exist!”

<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"">Amaterasu facial expression softened. “Perhaps we should sit down for a moment.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 stone seat appeared along the edge of the path. She grabbed Kazu’s hand pulling him to sit next 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"">             “Unfortunately, it is very possible.”   She began, her voice calm as she gently stroked his hand. “Around the time humanity was created, a great tragedy occurred. One that changed the course of your race's entire destiny. It took away your free will by giving you access to power you were never meant to 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"">             “I don’t understand what you’re talking about?”   Kazu said, pulling his hand free from hers and standing to his feet.

<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 began to pace. Something he’d only watched others do in the course of his short life. Amaterasu watched him, her eyes full of pain and sadness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Let me start from the beginning.”   Amaterasu replied, her tone serious and thoughtful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   Kazu said, his anger and curiosity at war within him. “Lets.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">              Amaterasu sighed heavily, the look in her eyes now a mixture of determination and apprehension.

<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 now you know what the God’s Stone is, correct?”   She asked softly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   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"">             “The story you human’s tell about the stone is true. It did come from the gods.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “From the god, Byak.”   Kazu said, the story Lady Joruri told him surfacing in his 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"">             “That is correct.”   Amaterasu replied, her gaze dropping to her lap. “Byak’s intentions were good. He sought to help humanity by improving your way of life. He believed giving you all the gift of magic would do this, so he plucked a jewel from one of his rings, and placed a portion of his magic within it. He tossed the jewel to the earth, and the moment it touch the surface, magic entered the mortal 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"">             “And that’s a bad thing?”   Kazu asked. “The great tragedy you spoke of earlier?”

<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, looking up at him. “By giving humans the God Stone, Byak broke our most sacred law:   To never directly interfere in the human world. By giving humanity a portion of his magic, he severely altered the course of your growth and development as a civilization. Basically, he dictated the course your future, taking away humanity’s chance to build a world with its own 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"">             “I still don’t understand?”   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"">             “He took away your free will.”   Amaterasu replied, her tone deadly serious. “He gave you the power of the gods! The power to alter your lives, and the lives of others, through magic. Power that one person could use to re-write the past, and change the future of billions of people. Don’t you see?”   She cried frantically. “If one person has that ability, then all the choices you make in life mean nothing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Amaterasu took a deep breath, steadying herself.

<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 gods are meant to watch over the humans. Whatever guidance we offer is given with great care. We seek to guide you, not direct you. Your race was born into a world without magic and that’s the way it should have remained. What Byak did was unthinkable; unforgivable! It’s not right or natural! Humanity was never meant to have magic; never meant to wield it. This was not the future you all were supposed to 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"">             “Ok, I get it.”   Kazu said. “But if all this was so terrible, why didn’t you just come and take the stone back? Surely all this could have been avoided.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 afraid it’s not that simple.”   Amaterasu replied. “As I said, we cannot directly interfere. The course Byak set you all on, cannot be undone by the gods without breaking the sacred law once more. If the balance of this world is to be reset, then it must be done by humanity.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 how do my brother and I fit into all this?”   Kazu asked. “You manipulated our lives for what? To use us as pawns to fix the mistake of a god?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   The goddess replied with simple finality. “That’s exactly what I did. I had to find a way to keep you two on the right path; to make sure you ended up here and your brother remained alive and on earth.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 fair!”   Kazu roared. “Is this what you call being indirect?! Do you think using us like chess pieces is any better than what Byak did?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 was I supposed to do?!”   Amaterasu yelled, jumping to her feet. “I was ordered to help the humans right this wrong! No one told me how, only that I must follow the rules of the gods!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 Byak?”   Kazu shouted back. “Why isn’t he here to take responsibility for his actions? If he was the one who caused all this, why can’t he be the one to fix 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"">             Amaterasu turned her back 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"">             “Byak is dead.”   She replied softly. “I was ordered to kill 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"">             Kazu was speechless for a moment, the dark sadness in her voice causing some of his anger to dissipate.

<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"">“Ordered by who?”   He 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"">             “Even we gods must answer to someone.”   Amaterasu replied. She walked slowly down the path, forcing Kazu to follow after 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"">             “As Byak’s executer."  She continued.  "I was given the task of fixing his mistake; of finding a way to help the humans destroy the stone without getting myself directly involved. It’s much harder than it sounds, and frankly, I’m not very good at it.”   Amaterasu sighed heavily. “You see, I tried this once before, and failed miserably.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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?”   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"">   “I chose a man.”   She replied. “One I believed to be honorable and just. Through a serious of clues and twists of fate, I led him to the stone in the hopes that he would destroy it. I did not anticipate that he would turn on 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"">             “Ryuu!”   Kazu exclaimed, jogging to catch-up. “He was the one you chose!”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 overestimated him. I believed he would be able to withstand the temptation of power. But when he realized what the stone was capable of, he took it and used it for his own gain.”   Amaterasu clenched and unclenched her hands. “How I wanted to unleash my fury upon him. Strike him down for his betrayal. But the law...”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 did you 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"">             “Well, first things first, I had to find a way to combat Ryuu’s growing evil without striking him myself. After all, it was I who made the situation worse by revealing the existence of the stone to Ryuu. But, as fate would have it, I barely had to lift a finger. A man of extraordinary power took it upon himself to destroy Ryuu.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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. And in his wisdom, he created the White Lotus.”   Amaterasu smiled warmly. “Even now I can’t believe it. It’s as if the world created Valek and the White Lotus in an attempt to balance itself. Unfortunately, Valek couldn’t do it all by himself.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Let me guess.”   Kazu replied sarcastically. “You were there to help.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 goddess laughed softy. “Yes, but not in the way you might think. I simply brought Valek what he needed most.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 what was 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"">             “A boy.”   She replied. “One without magic, and unable to be touched by it. There was no amount of magic capable of harming the boy, making him Ryuu’s one weakness. The boy was the only one capable of getting close enough to destroy Ryuu and 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"">             “So what happened?”   Kazu asked. “Obviously, the stone wasn’t destroyed. The boy may have successfully killed Ryuu, but he failed to destroy the stone and reset your precious balance.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 not through fault of his own. What I realized too late was that he would never be able to destroy the stone. At least not with a mortal 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"">             “So how do you destroy 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"">             Amaterasu sighed again, an instant sign that Kazu was not going to like what she was about to 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"">             “With a soul.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 soul.”   Kazu repeated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   Amaterasu 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"">             “Yeah, you’re going to have to explain that one to me.”   Kazu said, crossing his 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"">             “A human soul is the most powerful weapon ever created."  Amaterasu said.   "It is pure energy; pure force of will. It is the source of life, and once created, it can never be destroyed. In other words, it is the immortal essence of a human.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Okay, but how do you make a soul into a 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"">             “By first creating the perfect weapon, and then placing the soul within.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Sounds pretty straight-forward. And since people die every day, there are any number of souls you can use to forge this weapon. Should be pretty easy, right?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 afraid not.”   Amaterasu said, wringing her hands together. “Not when it comes to destroying the God 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"">             “Ok, do you care to explain how?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Simply put, you cannot use a magic to destroy magic. For the weapon to work, the soul placed within it must be pure and untouched by magic. Do you understand what that means?”

<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 stopped mid-stride. His mouth was moving, but nothing came out.

<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 had no magic in life.”   Amaterasu continued. “And you have none now in death.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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"">             “You are the soul I need. You will be the weapon your brother will wield against the God Stone and its new owner.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, no.”   Kazu said, taking a step back. “I may be untouched by magic, but pure? I think 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"">             She laughed softly. “You, my dear one, are about as pure as they come. You love without restraint and fight for the sake of those you care about. You do not judge others; merely accept everyone as they are no matter their faults or inabilities. You see the beauty in everything, no matter how horrible the truth is. And despite all you’ve been through, and all the terrible things you’ve done and seen, your soul remains uncorrupted.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 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"">             “Think about it.”   She said, cupping his cheek in her hand. “The moment before you died, your only thought was protecting the ones around you. You totally ignored the danger you faced, and were completely prepared to give your life to save theirs.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 just did what I thought was right!”   Kazu exclaimed. “It was nothing special!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 it was.”   She replied. “You proved in that moment you were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 wrong!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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?”   She asked knowingly. “You knew didn’t you? You knew why your brother was so frantic to protect you after his vision; after he spoke the prophecy. You knew exactly what his words meant and what the sacrifice would be.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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"">             “You knew you would die.”   She continued. “You could see it in the way he looked at you. And despite your knowing, you still refused to run.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 dropped to his knees in the middle of the stone path. She was right. Somewhere deep down he knew. The moment Yokkun spoke the words; he knew his time was coming to an end. But even with that nagging truth in the back of his mind, he refused to turn his back on Yokkun and Tobi; Master Daze and Epo. Deep down he knew he was supposed to save them all. But it wasn’t until this moment that he realized how.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 I have to do?”   He asked, looking up at Amaterasu.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 must become his sword.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 am the sword.”   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"">             “All your life, your brother protected you.”   Amaterasu said. “Shielded you from the harsh truths of this world. He is the reason your soul remained untainted.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 is the shield.”   Kazu whispered 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"">             “Everything Yokkun did, albeit unknowingly, was to prepare your soul for this moment. For you to become his sword and give him the strength to destroy the stone and the evil it has brought into your 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"">             “A sacrifice made for the strength to wield.”   Kazu finished in a broken 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’m so sorry, child.”   Amaterasu said, kneeling in front of him and tucking a strand of his hair behind 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"">             “It was you, wasn’t it?”   Kazu asked. “It was you who sent me that message. Somehow I knew it was for me. That whoever or whatever made Yokkun say those words was speaking 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"">             “I was trying to prepare you.”   Amaterasu replied. “I thought I had more time, but Rei and the Black Lotus moved faster than I anticipated. I may be goddess.”   She added with a humorless laugh. “But I am not omnipotent.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Clearly.”   Kazu said, unable to stop his burst of laughter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 laugh, but I thought for sure my carefully laid plans were ruined. I was so afraid you would both be killed. But luckily, one of the White Lotus Seers sought my guidance. And, in the last moment, I was able to warn 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"">             “Isn’t that against your law?”   Kazu asked with a snicker.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “More like bending it.”   Amaterasu replied with a half 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"">             Kazu laughed again. “Only I would find all this amusing enough to laugh.”   He stood, helping the goddess to her feet as well. “So what’s next? How do I become Nii-san’s sword?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 take you to Hephaestus.”   She replied. “He has forged the sword capable of destroying the stone. It’s just missing one thing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 soul.”   Kazu said 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"">             “Yes.”   She replied sadly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 let’s get this show on the road.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Okay.”   Amaterasu said carefully. “But, before we go, there is one thing I must warn you about. Something that may change your 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"">             “Of course there is.”   Kazu said, placing his hands on his hips. “Alright, give it to me straight.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, once you join with the sword, and it crosses into the human realm, you will forever be tied to it. In this world, you will be the sword and the sword will be you; from now and for all eternity.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Eternity.”   Kazu said, swallowing hard. “That’s a long 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"">             “It is. Which means your soul will never again be free in this world. The ones you love will die, and you will never be able to join them in the afterlife. You will never be able to see them 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"">             “Not even Yokkun?”   Kazu asked, his voice breaking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   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"">             “Will he at least know my soul is in the sword?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   She replied, shaking her head. “You will be alone. Forever and always; locked within the sword.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 took a deep breath. The reality of the sacrifice he was about to make washing over 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"">             “If I do this, and the world is reset, what will happen?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 not know?!”   Kazu exclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   Amaterasu replied. “I’m not omnipotent. I serve a higher power and only He knows what will happen.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, do you at least know what will happen if I refuse?”   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, that much I do know.”   Amaterasu replied. “We will leave this place and I will take you to spend an eternity in paradise. Once there, you will not remember me or this conversation. Your soul will know only peace and tranquility as you wait to be reunited in the afterlife with your brother and all those you love.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 probably won’t be for long if Rei has the stone.”   Kazu deduced. “He’ll kill them all won’t he? Yokkun, Master Daze, Lady Joruri and Fera. All 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"">             “Yes.” Amaterasu replied. “Along with countless other men, women and children. And like the Great Wars, they will all die in agony and fear.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   Kazu whispered, wishing with all his might spirits could cry.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 is my request.”   Amaterasu said formally. “Will you become the sword? Will you help your brother rest the balance, and save humanity from the cycle of evil the God Stone has set into motion?”

<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 stared off into the distance, still trying to process all that had happened and all that he’d learned. It all seemed so complicated; so much bigger than him and his brother. Such a difficult decision... But then, Kazu thought about what his brother would do if the roles were reversed. He thought about what Yokkun would do if it meant saving the world. His brother wouldn’t hesitate, and neither would he. In that instant, Kazu made up his mind.

<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.”   He said, looking into the goddess’ hopeful brown eyes. “I will do as you ask. Take me to Hephaestus. I will become the sword.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

PART 5
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“This is boring.”   Sol said, idly twirling her jewel encrusted scepter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The empress sat in her war tent, Lord Dich standing at the table in front of her. She had her throne brought with her for the journey, and she was currently lounging it. She kicked off her shoes. Hiking up her skirts, she threw her legs over one of the arm rests.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“My dear empress.”   Lord Dich said, walking slowly around the table. “An empire is not conquered in a day. All this,”   He continued, gesturing to the replica of the Western Empire on the table. “Will be yours in time. But we must have patience. It takes time to march an army halfway across the world. And since most of your troops lack the magic to teleport, we must travel on foot. If we want them to be rested and prepared to launch a siege on the Western Palace, then we must stop and allow them to rest and regain their strength. When Master Rei returns, will explain our plans in more detail.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Where is he?”   She snapped, her irritation obvious. “You keep saying he’ll return soon, but I have yet to see any sign of him. She propped her elbow on the other arm rest, and dropped her chin into her palm. “I’m tired of waiting.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Lord Dich’s right eye twitched, his hand clenching at his side. He’d been forced to deal with the petulant child since the beginning of this war campaign and his patience was running thin. With Sya taking care of Joruri, and Z with Rei, he’d been the one left to handle the young empress. She was proving to more challenging than he expected and he had to constantly fight the urge to smash her delicate face in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Empress.”   Lord Dich replied, a smile fixed firmly on his face. “Master Rei had important business he needed to take care of in the South. You know that as well as I do. He will be here as soon as he is able. Until then, we will maintain our current position.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But I hate waiting.”   She pouted. “Besides, the longer we wait here, the more time we give Idol to prepare.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Lord Dich took a deep and calming breath. “There is no amount of planning in the world that will prepare Idol for the power we are about to unleash upon her. You needn’t worry, empress, we will destroy will conquer the Western Empire. It’s just a matter of when.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Fine, fine.”   She muttered, signaling for a servant to bring her a glass of wine. “I will wait. For now. But if he doesn’t arrive soon, well will continue our march West.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“As you wish, empress.” Lord Dich replied with a bow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He turned back to the table, gripping the edges tightly. How he hated the girl. Her constant whining and complaining had him on the brink of slitting her throat in her sleep. Master Rei had left clear instructions. Do not move until I return. But the spoiled empress had ideas of her own. Sol wanted the power that came with ruling the West, and she wanted it right now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In order to get the young girl to join them, Master Rei had been required to make several promises. Even going as far as seducing the naïve child into his bed. Unfortunately, Sol now had an inflated sense of self; her power going straight to her pretty little head. She was under the impression that Rei and the Black Lotus answered to her. She was in for a rude awakening. Sol was simply a means to an end, and once she’d served her purpose, Rei would get rid of her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Lord Dich went back to studying the layout on the table. He’d organized the troop formation in accordance with Master Rei’s instructions. Just based on the numbers, they outnumbered Empress Idol’s troops 2 to 1. Not to mention they had twice the number of combat sorcerers. Their victory would be swift, and the West would fall to the Black Lotus.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He turned to find Sya, a wild look in her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What’s happened?!”   He exclaimed. “Why are you here? You’re supposed to be interrogating Joruri.”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I don’t know for sure, but I have my suspicions. Only one man is capable of making it all the way into the capital city and into the castle walls.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Fera, you say?!”   Sol said, jumping to her feet. “I thought you said that Z fellow was going to take care of him! He’s supposed to be dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sya glanced at the empress, then back at Lord Dich. “What should we do? I wasn’t able to get the information Master Rei wanted. Without it, we won’t be able to destroy the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Wait a minute!”   Sol interjected, stomping over to Lord Dich. “I demand you tell me what’s going on!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Both Sya and Lord Dich glared at Sol, but she refused to back down. He rolled his eyes, wishing he could kill her now and be done with it. He looked up at Sya. She shook her head as if reading his mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Empress.”   He began, his voice cool and detached. “This is nothing you should worry about. Once Master Rei arrives, he will…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t patronize me, Dich! You will tell me now or I will have you beaten for insubordination.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Lord Dich stiffened as the guards in the tent reached for their swords.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“That will not be necessary.”   He replied, trying to remain calm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In truth, he could kill everyone in the tent without breaking a sweat, but he needed to play along until his master arrived.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Lord Dich.”   Sya said through clenched teeth. “I do not think Master Rei would approve of disclosing this information to her.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It’s fine.”   Lord Dich replied. “Might as well tell her. I don’t see the harm.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sya bowed mockingly at the empress, then went to pour herself a drink.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“In order to take down the headquarters of the White Lotus, he needed to get Joruri out of the picture. Cut her off from her power.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, yes, I know that much. What I want to know is what information you needed from Joruri that was so important.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We needed the location of the remaining White Lotus cells.”   Lord Dich replied. “There are several operating throughout the world. We need to know where they are so we can systematically take them out. According Kuroki, such information is only known by the leader of the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I tried several methods of extracting the information from her.”   Sya added. “But she refused to break. I was forced to stop when it was obvious she would die if we continued.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Why didn’t you just use magic to get the information?”   Sol asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Because the collar she wears works both ways.”   Dich answered. “It contains her magic while at the same time making her immune to outside magic. This is why we were forced to use a more… direct approach.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “And what about Fera?”   Sol asked. “Why is he still alive?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I don’t know.”   Sya said, meeting Dich’s eyes. “It makes me wonder if they were really able to down the headquarters.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">All eyes turned to find Rei sitting in Empress Sol’s throne, Z at his side. Both Lord Dich and Sya bowed deeply.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Where have you been?!”   Sol shouted, placing her hands on her hips.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rei stood to his feet, sauntering over to Sol. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Did you miss me?”   He whispered against her temple.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“N-no.”   She replied breathlessly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“That’s not what your body tells me.”   He whispered, nibbling on her ear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sol leaned into Rei, gripping his arms tightly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Later you can show just how much you missed me.”   Rei said, kissing her forehead. “But right now, I need to talk to Dich and Sya alone.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I will explain everything to you tonight.”   Rei said firmly, cutting her off. “Now.”   He said leading her over to the throne and sitting her down. “I want you to go and prepare a bath for me in your sleeping tent.”   He slipped her shoes back on her dainty feet, kissing each one of her tiny ankles. “Can you do that for me?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Y-yes.”   She replied, her eyes glazed and faced flushed. “You won’t be long, will you?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course not, darling.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rei helped Sol stand and walked her to the exit. He signaled for her guards to follow. They hesitated for a moment, but followed the young empress out of the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“How can you stand her?”   Lord Dich asked, rubbing his temples. “Her constant complaining is driving me insane.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“To be honest, we don’t do much talking when we’re together.”   Rei replied with a sheepish smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Thank you for that grotesque image.”   Sya said, her face twisting in mock disgust.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What? I enjoy her innocence and naivety.”   Rei continued. “It’s refreshing.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I will never understand your tastes.”   Sya added.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Nor I yours.”   Rei countered

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei walked over to the table Dich stood at, nodding quietly as he surveyed the formations.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Master, we have small problem. One which makes me wonder if the White Lotus Headquarters was really destroyed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Explain.”   Rei said, moving a few of the wooden pieces on the table around.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Sya.”   Dich said, gesturing for the woman to speak.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Sya swallowed, dropping her eyes to the ground. “Master, I have failed you. Joruri has escaped. I believe her consort Fera infiltrated the Eastern Palace and was able to rescue her. There is no trace of either of them, and all those who might have been witnesses are dead. What’s worse is I was unable to get the information you requested. Forgive me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei remained silent for several minutes, his expression unreadable. Dich waited a few moments, waiting to see if Rei would speak.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Master.”   Dich began. “This begs the question, how is Fera alive? If the headquarters has fallen, then he, along with Master Daze, should be dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It doesn’t matter at this point.”   Rei said finally. “I have the stone. Even if Fera managed to save Joruri and get the collar off of her, she is no match for me now. No one is.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             A sudden thought occurred to Dich, one that made his stomach turn.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What of the boys?”   Dich asked frantically. “Did you kill them?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “One is dead.”   Rei replied. “The other was no doubt killed by your army of devils.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Are you sure, Master?!”   Dich moved closer, his voice urgent. “It’s extremely important that both of them are dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “There is no way anyone survived that attack.”   Z said, speaking for the first time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Z is right.”   Rei added. “By the time we left our victory was assured.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But that’s the problem, you don’t know for sure!”   Dich insisted. “I told you in the beginning, you must be sure!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What does it matter?”   Rei shouted. “I have the stone. There is nothing that can stop me. Just ask the Emperor of the North.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Z chuckled softly. “What’s left of him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What do you mean?”   Sya asked suriously.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It would appear Empress Idol reached out to both Emperor Light and Emperor Dark for aid.”   Rei replied. “According to my scouts, Light refused. But Dark, a longtime friend of Idol, was leading his army here from the South. It took us a few days to locate them, but I found them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“And destroyed them all.”   Z added with a hint of pride in his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I wish I could’ve been there to see it.”   Sya said in a whisper. “I bet it was amazing.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It was incredible.”   Rei said. “To wield such power…   Never could I have imagined such a thing. You needn’t worry Dich, I am invincible.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Master, you don’t understand.”   Dich said, his tone deadly serious. “We must confirm if both boys are dead! Otherwise…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Enough!”   Rei shouted. “So long as I have the stone, nothing I will stop me. Now stop worrying. The boys are dead and Joruri is no threat, so stop worrying.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Lord Dich backed down, a sense of foreboding settling deep within him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Is this war even necessary anymore, Master?”   Sya asked. “This was merely a contingency plan in case we couldn’t secure the stone. With one blow of your power, we could be done with this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “War was always in the cards, Sya. Be it now or later.”   Rei replied. “Our goal is not to destroy the people of this world, but to show them the error of their ways. Think about it. If we simply exterminate all those who challenge us, there will be nothing left to rule. If we want to rebuild this world, we must first destroy the hope of its people. Take away their will to fight. Only then will their minds truly be opened. True understanding comes from absolute despair. They must be broken if we are to conquer them, and the easiest way to do that is to let them destroy each other. And when they are at their lowest. When they are wallowing in misery and utter desolation, we will be there to guide them to the path enlightenment.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rei stood to his feet, walking to the exit of the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “With your permission, Master, I would like to go and verify both boys are in fact dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I doubt there will be anything left for you to identify.”   Z snickered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Please, Master.”   Dich pleaded. “Surely there’s no harm in checking.”

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I said no!”   Rei yelled, his voice echoing through the tent. “The White Lotus is no longer a threat. Nor is one magicless boy. This conversation is over. We continue our march on the Western Empire tomorrow morning. Be ready!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             A tiny sliver of blood drained from Rei’s nose, dropping onto his collar.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Master.”   Z said in a hushed voice, holding his hand to his own nose.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Before anyone could ask is he was okay, Rei wiped his nose and quickly left the tent. Lord Dich grabbed Z’s arm before he too could leave the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What was that just now?”   Dich asked, his voice tight with concern.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Nothing you need to worry about.”   Z said snatching his arm from Dich. He glanced over at his sister before he too left.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It was probably nothing.”   Sya said. “Just over excitement.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 empress sat in her war tent, Lord Dich standing at the table in front of her. She had her throne brought with her for the journey, and she was currently lounging it. She kicked off her shoes, hiked up her skirts, and threw her legs over one of the arm rests.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 you wish, empress.” Lord Dich replied with a bow.

<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"">He turned back to the table, gripping the edges tightly. How he hated the girl. Her constant whining and complaining had him on the brink of slitting her throat in her sleep. Master Rei had left clear instructions. Do not move until I return. But the spoiled empress had ideas of her own. Sol wanted the power that came with ruling the west, and she wanted it right now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 order to secure the young girl’s cooperation, Master Rei had been required to make several promises. Even going as far as seducing the naïve child into his bed. Unfortunately, Sol now had an inflated sense of self; her power going straight to her pretty little head. She was under the impression that Rei and the Black Lotus now answered to her. She was in for a rude awakening. Sol was simply a means to an end, and once she’d served her purpose, Rei would get rid of her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 went back to studying the layout on the table. He’d organized the troop formation in accordance with Master Rei’s instructions. Based on his calculations, they outnumbered Empress Idol’s troops 2 to 1. Not to mention they had twice the number of combat sorcerers. Their victory would be swift, and the west would fall to the Black Lotus.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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!”

<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"">He turned to find Sya, a wild look in her eyes.

<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"">“What’s happened?!”   He exclaimed. “Why are you here? You’re supposed to be interrogating Joruri.”

<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"">“She’s escaped!”

<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"">Dich blinked several times, the information taking several seconds to process in his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">“How?!”   He shouted.

<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"">“I don’t know for sure, but I have my suspicions.”   She replied through gritted teeth. “Only one man is capable of making it all the way into the capital city and into the castle walls.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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.”   He breathed.

<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"">“Fera, you say?!”   Sol jumped to her feet, her glass of wine crashing to the floor. “I thought you said that Z fellow was going to take care of him!”   She shrieked. “He’s supposed to be dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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"">Sya glanced at the empress, then back at Lord Dich. “What should we do? I wasn’t able to get the information Master Rei wanted. Without it, we won’t be able to completely destroy the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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"">“Wait a minute!”   Sol interjected, stomping over to Lord Dich. “I demand you tell me what’s going on!”

<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"">Both Sya and Lord Dich glared at Sol, but she refused to back down. He rolled his eyes, wishing he could kill her now and be done with it. He looked up at Sya. She shook her head as if reading his mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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"">“Empress.”   He began, his voice cool and detached. “This is nothing you should worry about. Once Master Rei arrives, he will…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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"">“Don’t patronize me, Dich! You will tell me now or I will have you beaten for insubordination.”

<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"">Lord Dich stiffened as the guards in the tent reached for their swords.

<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"">“That will not be necessary.”   He replied, trying to remain calm.

<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"">In truth, he could kill everyone in the tent without breaking a sweat, but he needed to play along until his master arrived.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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.”   Sya said through clenched teeth. “I do not think Master Rei would approve of disclosing this information to her.”

<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"">“It’s fine.”   Lord Dich replied. “Might as well tell her. I don’t see the harm.”

<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"">Sya bowed mockingly at the empress, then went to pour herself a drink.

<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"">“In order to take down the headquarters of the White Lotus, he needed to get Joruri out of the picture. Cut her off from her power.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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, yes, I know that much. What I want to know is what information you needed from Joruri that was so important.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 needed the location of the remaining White Lotus cells.”   Lord Dich replied. “There are several operating throughout the world. We need to know where they are so we can systematically take them out. According Kuroki, such information is only known by the leader of the White Lotus.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “I tried several methods of extracting the information from her.”   Sya added. “But she refused to break. I was forced to stop when it was obvious she would die if we continued.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 just use magic to get the information?”   Sol 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"">             “Because the collar she wears works both ways.”   Dich answered. “It contains her magic while at the same time making her immune to outside magic. This is why we were forced to use a more… direct approach.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 what about Fera?”   Sol asked. “Why is he still alive?”

<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"">“I don’t know.”   Sya said, meeting Dich’s eyes. “It makes me wonder if they were really able to down the headquarters.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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"">“Do you doubt my words?”

<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"">All eyes turned to find Rei sitting in Empress Sol’s throne, Z at his side. Both Lord Dich and Sya bowed deeply.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 have you been?!”   Sol shouted, placing her hands on her hips.

<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"">Rei stood to his feet, sauntering over to Sol. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

<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"">“Did you miss me?”   He whispered against her temple.

<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"">“N-no.”   She replied breathlessly.

<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"">“That’s not what your body tells me.”   He whispered, nibbling on her ear.

<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"">Sol leaned into Rei, gripping his arms tightly.

<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"">“Later you can show just how much you missed me.”   Rei said, kissing her forehead. “But right now, I need to talk to Dich and Sya alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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="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 will explain everything to you tonight.”   Rei said firmly, cutting her off. “Now.”   He said leading her over to the throne and sitting her down. “I want you to go and prepare a bath for me in your sleeping tent.”   He slipped her shoes back on her dainty feet, kissing both of her tiny ankles. “Can you do that for me?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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-yes.”   She replied, her eyes glazed and faced flushed. “You won’t be long, will you?”

<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"">“Of course not, darling.”

<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"">Rei helped Sol stand and walked her to the exit. He signaled for her guards to follow. They hesitated for a moment, but followed the young empress out of the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 can you stand her?”   Lord Dich asked, rubbing his temples. “Her constant complaining is driving me insane.”

<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"">“To be honest, we don’t do much talking when we’re together.”   Rei replied with a sheepish smile.

<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"">“Thank you for that grotesque image.”   Sya said, her face twisting in disgust.

<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?”   Rei asked, winking at Sya. “I enjoy her innocence and naivety. It’s refreshing.”

<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 never understand your tastes.”   Sya added.

<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"">             “Nor I yours.”   Rei countered.

<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"">             “Touché.”   She snickered.

<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"">             Rei walked over to the table Dich stood at, nodding quietly as he surveyed the formations.

<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, we have small problem. One which makes me wonder if the White Lotus Headquarters was really destroyed.”

<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"">             “Explain.”   Rei said, moving a few of the wooden pieces on the table around.

<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"">             “Sya.”   Dich said, gesturing for the woman to speak.

<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"">             Sya swallowed, dropping her eyes to the ground. “Master, I have failed you. Joruri has escaped. I believe her consort Fera infiltrated the Eastern Palace and was able to rescue her. There is no trace of either of them, and all those who might have been witnesses are dead. What’s worse, I was unable to get the information you requested. Forgive me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Rei remained silent for several minutes, his expression unreadable. Dich waited a few moments, waiting to see if Rei would speak.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Master.”   Dich began. “How is Fera alive? If the headquarters has fallen, then he, along with Master Daze, should be dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 at this point.”   Rei said finally. “I have the stone. Even if Fera managed to save Joruri and get the collar off of her, she is no match for me now. No one is.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             A sudden thought occurred to Dich, one that made his stomach turn.

<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 of the boys?”   Dich asked frantically. “Did you kill them?”

<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"">             “One is dead.”   Rei replied. “The other was no doubt killed by your army of devils.”

<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"">             “Are you sure, Master?!”   Dich moved closer, his voice urgent. “It’s extremely important that both of them are 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"">             “There is no way anyone survived that attack.”   Z said, speaking for the first time.

<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"">             “Z is right.”   Rei added. “By the time we left, our victory was assured.”

<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 that’s the problem, you don’t know for sure!”   Lord Dich insisted. “I told you in the beginning, you must be sure! You must kill the boys!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What does it matter?”   Rei asked nonchalantly. “I have the stone. There is nothing that can stop me. Just ask the Emperor of the North.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Z chuckled softly. “What’s left of 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"">             “What do you mean?”   Sya asked seriously.

<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 would appear Empress Idol reached out to both Emperor Light and Emperor Dark for aid.”   Rei replied. “According to my scouts, Light refused. But Dark, a longtime friend of Idol, was leading his army here from the South. It took us a few days to locate them, but I found them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 destroyed them all.”   Z added with a hint of pride in his voice.

<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 wish I could’ve been there to see it.”   Sya said in an excited whisper. “I bet it was amazing.”

<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 was incredible.”   Rei said. “To wield such power. Never could I have imagined such a thing.”

<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, you don’t understand.”   Dich said, his tone deadly serious. “We must confirm if both boys are dead! Otherwise…”

<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"">             “Enough!”   Rei shouted. “So long as I have the stone, I am invincible. Now stop worrying. The boys are dead and Joruri is no threat.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Lord Dich backed down, a sense of foreboding settling in the pit of his stomach. He had a sinking feeling that history would repeat itself…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Is this war even necessary anymore, Master?”   Sya asked. “This was merely a contingency plan in case we couldn’t secure the stone. With one blow of your power, we could be done with this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “War was always in the cards, Sya. Be it now or later.”   Rei replied. “Our goal is not to destroy the people of this world, but to show them the error of their ways. Think about it. If we simply exterminate all those who challenge us, there will be no one left to rule. If we want to rebuild this world, we must first destroy the hope of its people. We must take away their will to fight. Only then will their minds truly be opened. True understanding comes from absolute despair. They must be broken if we are to conquer them, and the easiest way to do that is to let them destroy themselves. And then, when they are at their lowest. When they are wallowing in misery and utter desolation, we will be there to guide them to the path of enlightenment. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ve had a long journey and I need to rest.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Rei stood to his feet, walking to the exit of the tent.

<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"">“With your permission, Master, I would like to go and verify both boys are in fact 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"">             “I doubt there will be anything left for you to identify.”   Z 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"">             “Please, Master.”   Dich pleaded. “Surely there’s no harm in checking.”

<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.”   Rei replied. “I need you here. You too Sya.”

<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 Master…”

<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 no, Dich!”   Rei yelled, his voice echoing through the tent. “The White Lotus is no longer a threat, nor is one magicless boy. This conversation is over. We continue our march on the Western Empire tomorrow morning. Be ready!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             A tiny sliver of blood drained from Rei’s nose, dropping onto his collar.

<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.”   Z said in a hushed voice, holding his hand to his own nose.

<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"">             Before anyone could ask if he was okay, Rei wiped his nose and quickly left the tent. Lord Dich grabbed Z’s arm before he too could leave the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “What was that just now?”   Dich asked, his voice tight with concern.

<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"">             “Nothing you need to worry about.”   Z said snatching his arm from Dich. He glanced over at his sister before he too left.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It was probably nothing.”   Sya said. “Just over excitement.”

<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"">             “Perhaps.”   Dich replied. “Or perhaps not.”

<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 lay on his side, staring at the wall. He was so tired. Tired of the silence. Tired of the quiet. It made him feel vulnerable and exposed, yet trapped and confined at the same time. Before this, he never realized how painfully loud silence could be. He missed Kazu; his laughter, his crying, even his incessant whining and constant complaining.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 was his whole life and had been since they were children. There wasn’t a single moment, not since the second his baby brother came squalling into the world, that Yokkun hadn’t watched over him; hadn’t protected him. And he let him die.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             His brother was everything and now that he was gone, Yokkun had no one left; nothing worth living for. He wanted to get out of the bed, find the nearest cliff, and throw himself off. Maybe then he could see Kazu again; hear his voice. But he was so tired. So very very tired.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Yokkun heard voices outside of his room, the noise somewhat comforting. Tobi would be here soon, he thought. Although he couldn’t find the energy to talk back or truly listen to what the man said, he liked the sound of his voice. Anything to keep the silence at bay.

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

<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 voice was barely above a whisper, but he recognized it immediately. ''Kazu. ''He sat up in the bed, listening intently to the silence. He looked around the room, searching the darkness for any sign that someone else was in the room.

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

<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 almost hurt to speak. He hadn’t done it in so long that the sound of his own voice startled him.

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

<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 was on his feet, holding onto the edge of the bed for support. Yokkun took a few tentative steps forward, grabbing a hold of the bed post when he reached the foot of the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Kazu, is that you?”   He whispered into the darkness. “Where are 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"">             “Just follow the sound of my voice.”

<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"">             “B-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"">             ''“Trust me, 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"">             <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Yokkun stood up straight and let go of the post. Gathering all the strength he could muster, he walked to the door and opened it.

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

<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="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Tobi made his way down the hall towards Yokkun’s room. He was in high spirits. Last night he’d been able to get Yokkun to eat nearly an entire bowl of soup and two small slices of bread. Even after he’d forced him to drink a glass of water, Yokkun had been able to keep it all down. The boy still wasn’t speaking, nor did he acknowledge Tobi’s presence, but the fact he was showing signs of life again was more than Tobi could hope for.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             In his hands, Tobi carried a silver tray laden with various types of foods that would be easy for Yokkun to digest. He hoped Yokkun still had his rediscovered appetite and would find something he liked. As he neared Yokkun’s room, he saw Epo walking towards him from the opposite side of the hall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 was finally allowed to move about the palace. Her injuries had been severe, and when she’d first arrived, the healers weren’t sure if she’d make a full recovery. The soldier had proved them all wrong. Not only had Epo made a full recovery, but it was weeks ahead of when the healers anticipated. She smiled broadly, waving to him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Good morning!”   Epo said brightly, her lavender eyes twinkling with excitement. “Can you believe they finally let me out of the hospital ward? I thought I was going to die of boredom in there!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Good morning to you, too!”   Tobi replied happily. “It’s wonderful to see up and about.”

<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 heard I have you to thank for that.”   Epo said, her expression filled with gratitude. “If it hadn’t been for you, I’d have died in back at headquarters. Thank you, Tobi. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “No need to thank me.”   Tobi replied humbly. “If it hadn’t been for Yokkun and Kazu…”

<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’s voice trailed off, the memory of Kazu’s death flashing in his mind. His gaze dropped to the tray in his hands, his eyes clouding with tears. He tried not to think about it; tried to wipe it from his memory. But it was impossible.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “That’s why I’m here.”   Epo said, her voice filled with sadness. “I wanted to thank Yokkun for what he did back there. I plan on visiting Kazu’s grave to thank him as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “He should be awake.”   Tobi said, clearing his voice. “I’m sure he’ll be to see you. He hasn’t had many visitors, and I’m afraid I’m not very good company.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Nonsense.”   Epo said. “I heard you’ve been doing everything you can to help him recover after Kazu’s death. If it wasn’t for you…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Epo stopped midsentence when the bedroom door opened. Yokkun stepped out, barefoot and shirtless. His hair was a mess and a beard had grown in. His eyes were red and puffy and there were black circles underneath them. Though he was still relatively muscular, it was obvious he’d lost weight; his cheeks were sunken in and you could see the impression of his ribs through his pale skin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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?”   Tobi asked in confusion.

<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"">             Perhaps it was the shock of seeing Yokkun on his feet, but when he walked passed him and Epo, Tobi was unable to move.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Tobi.”   Epo whispered. “Where is he going?”

<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-I don’t know.”   Tobi stammered.

<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’s like he doesn’t see us at all.”   Epo said. “Should we follow 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"">             “Yes, let me just put this tray down.”

<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"">             Before Tobi could make another move or say another word, Yokkun took off running down the hall. Tobi dropped the tray and raced after him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Yokkun!”   Tobi screamed after 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"">             Epo was close on his heels, but he could hear her breathing start to falter. She wasn’t ready for such physical exertion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Epo, I’ll take care of Yokkun!”   Tobi shouted over his shoulder. “Go and get help!”

<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 where is he going?”   Epo shouted back. “And in such a hurry?”

<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 be sure, but I think I have an idea! The first place you should check is Kazu’s grave!”

<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"">             Idol stood in her dressing room, the armorer fitting her with a set of newly made armor. Frost sat across from her, pouring over a missive they received from one of their scouts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “According to this.”   He said. “Sol and her army will be here in two to three weeks’ time. Maybe sooner.”

<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 Dark?”   Idol asked. “Any word on where his army 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"">             “None yet, empress, but there is still time. If we’re lucky, Emperor Dark will be able to intercept them before they cross our borders. If we are to keep the death toll as low as possible, the key will be to stop them from crossing. If we cannot hold them there, then the number of civilian lives lost will be catastrophic.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Thank you for pointing out the obvious.”   Idol replied, running both hands through her hair.

<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 don’t move yer majesty.”   The armorer grunted.

<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 really wish you’d hurry this up.”   Idol snapped. “I have a war to plan.”

<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"">             “Take it easy.”   Frost said. “This isn’t his fault.”

<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’re right.”   Idol replied, her eyes narrowing. “It’s probably yours. Who the bloody hell ordered such ridiculously fancy armor?! This is war, not some extravagant ball!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You are an empress.”   Frost said, folding the piece of paper in his hands. “You must look the part. If you are to lead men into battle, you must inspire them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “And golden armor is going to inspire them?”   Idol asked sarcastically. “I’ll be lucky if I don’t blind them all when the sun strikes this bloody thing!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You’ll look magnificent, your majesty.”   The armorer interjected. “This armor is merely gold-plated. Underneath is iron, light-weight but strong. It’ll protect you well.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Thank you, Azrad.”    Idol replied, her tone warm and kind as she addressed the armorer. “I’m sure it will. I just wasn’t expecting something so… gaudy.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “It’s not gaudy.”   Frost replied. “It’s more than appropriate for you status. Now enough complaining. Hold still so Azrad can finish fitting you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Idol opened her mouth to speak, but the door burst open cutting off her next rant. Master Daze stood in the entrance, dressed in a white sleeping gown.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You conniving, sneaky little bastards!”   The old man was out of breath, his face flushed in anger. “How dare you?! Drugging me! Keeping me sedated when there is a war coming!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Master Daze!”   Frost exclaimed, standing slowly and holding up his hands. “What are you doing out of bed? You should be resting!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You!”   Master Daze shouted, pointing to Frost. “Sit down and shut 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"">             Frost dropped back into his chair, instantly silent.

<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 you.”   He said, pointing at the armorer. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave now.”

<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"">             Azrad placed the piece of armor he had in his hands on the ground. He bowed to Idol, then scurried from the room. Master Daze waved his hand, the door slamming shut behind him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Master Daze.”   Idol said, rushing to remove the armor she wore. “Please, calm down. I know you’re upset, but I assure you, we did it with your best interest at heart.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Silence!”   He shouted. “We are on the brink of a war, and you decide the best thing to do is drug me!”   Master Daze’s eyes glowed white, the air crackling with his power. “I am one of your most powerful allies and you keep me bedridden and ignorant!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Daze please.”   Idol begged, walking towards him. “Just calm down and let me explain.”

<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"">             “Where are Yokkun and Kazu?!”   He yelled. “Why isn’t Joruri here helping you plan? Why isn’t Fera preparing your troops?! Why will none of you tell me what’s going on?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Daze…”   Idol pleaded, her eyes watering.

<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"">             “Tell me!”   He roared.

<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"">             Idol stumbled back. Frost jumped from his chair and pulled her back. He stood between her and Master Daze, trying his best to shield her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Suddenly, there was a loud pop and a tiny puff of smoke. Pochi appeared, completely frazzled.

<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!”   She cried, buzzing in front of him. “Stop this right now! I know you’re angry, but this is not nice!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Master Daze stiffened, but he didn’t back down.

<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 until they answer my questions!”

<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"">             Pochi turned to face Idol.

<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"">             “Pochi is sorry, Miss Idol! Master didn’t eat the cookies you sent! Then he started asking questions. The ones you told Pochi not to answer. He got mad and trapped Pochi under a teacup.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 Pochi.”   Idol said, peaking from behind Frost.

<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’s not okay!”   Master Daze roared. “Where are my boys?! Where are Joruri and Fera? Someone tell me what happened right not, or I swear!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Idol pushed Frost out of the way. He tried to stop her but she held her hand up. Squaring her shoulders, she walked towards Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 Headquarters has fallen, but thanks to the combined efforts of King Oberon’s army and a small task force from my own, we were able to bring the survivors here safely. The Western Palace has become the temporary headquarters of the White Lotus, with all subordinate cells reporting to Ana and the council.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Sol’s declaration of war was indeed real. As we speak, her army marches towards us. From what my scouts tell me, Rei is with her and he has his own army of Black Lotus agents. We’ve sent requests for aid to both the Northern and Southern Empires, but only Dark has agreed to send help. I’ve evacuated as many of the border towns as possible. Those who could not fit within the walls have taken refuge in the towns surrounding the capital city. My army is ready and all the surviving White Lotus soldiers are here and ready to fight. As you can see, Daze, everything is under control.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Master Daze’s eyes faded to their ice blue color, his breathing slowly returning to normal. Idol swallowed, taking a few tentative steps closer to Master Daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “We have yet to receive word from Joruri or Fera.”   Idol continued. “Yokkun is here in the palace, and I have Tobi treating him personally.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Why? What happened?!”   Master Daze asked frantically. “Is he 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"">             “Yes.”   She replied hesitantly. “As well as anyone would in his current condition.”

<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"">             Idol was now close enough to Master Daze that she could take his hand in hers. With the other she moved a strand of his white hair from of his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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, Daze.”   She whispered. “Kazu… He didn’t make it. One of the Cat Siths killed him.”   She gently squeezed his wrinkled hand. “We lost Kazu and the stone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 said in a hushed voice. He backed away from Idol, looking from her to Frost.

<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"">             “That’s impossible.”   He whispered, shaking his head. “Kazu can’t be 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"">             “Why don’t you sit down Master Daze?”   Frost said gently. “This is a lot to take in.”

<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.”   Master Dazed breathed. “I-I need to see Yokkun.”

<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 need to sit down, Daze.”   Idol begged.

<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 stone.”   Daze murmured. “I-I need to get the stone from Rei.”

<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, please.”   Pochi’s voice shook with fear. “Do as Miss Idol 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"">             Idol reached for Master Daze, but he pulled back, grabbing a hold of Frost.

<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"">             “We need to find Jo!”   Master Daze shouted, shaking Frost. “Has anyone reached out to Fera?! Gone after him? Retraced his steps?! And how long before war is upon us?! We have to…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Master Daze stopped mid-sentence, clutching his chest. He grunted in pain, releasing Frost’s shirt and sinking to the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Daze!”   Idol screamed, catching him before he hit the ground. “Frost, bring one of the healers here now!”

<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"">             Frost teleported from the room instantly. Pochi landed on top of Master Daze, tears streaming down her tiny cheeks.

<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, no!”   The fairy cried. “Miss Idol, do something! Help 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’s ok, Pochi.”   Idol said reassuringly. “Help is coming.”

<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 door burst open and Epo appeared.

<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"">             “Empress, it’s Yokkun, he’s…   Oh my god! What’s happened?!”

<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 know.”   Idol was crying now, unable to stay calm. “He just collapsed! Where is Tobi? Can you bring him 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"">             “He’s with Yokkun.”   Epo replied, dropping to her knees beside Master Daze. “Something happened. Something that made Yokkun get up and leave his room.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “You’re kidding?”   Idol cried, wiping her tears on her sleeve.

<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, empress, I saw it myself.”

<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"">             Idol’s hand covered her mouth, a tiny flicker of hope sparking in her chest. She grabbed Epo’s arm, pulling her closer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Go to Ana. Take her to wherever Yokkun and Tobi are.”

<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"">             “No buts! I’ll stay with Master Daze.”

<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-are you sure, empress?”

<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! Nothing is more important than that boy. Now do as I say!”

<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 nodded, teleporting 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"">             Idol wiped the sweat from Master Daze’s brow. Pressing her forehead his, she listened to Pochi sob quietly while she waited for help to arrive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="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 leave me, Daze.”   Idol whispered. “I can’t do this alone. I need you alive and well. Please, don’t leave me to fight this war alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">

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"">           Yokkun raced out of the palace, drawing stares from every guard, healer and servant he ran past. If they were shocked to see a half-naked man running barefoot down the hall, they were even more surprised to see the skinny doctor chasing after him and screaming his name.

<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"">But Yokkun didn’t care. He’d heard Kazu’s voice. He was somehow still here, and he was calling to him; leading him to wherever he was. Yokkun flew out of the entrance of the palace, fighting off the guards who tried to hold him back.

<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"">“It’s ok!”   He heard Tobi yell. “I’ll take care of him!”

<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"">Yokkun raced down the road, turning right and running towards the north end of the palace. He entered an open field, the moist ground sinking underneath his feet. Joy and anticipation flooded his veins. He was going to see his little brother one more. Yokkun slowed as he approached a huge cemetery, stumbling to a stop just inside the entrance.

<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"">“This isn’t right.”   He whispered.

<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"">“What’s not right?”   Tobi asked, his breathing labored.

<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"">The doctor was next to him, his hands on his knees and sweat pouring from his brow. Yokkun ignored him, walking towards the direction Kazu was leading him.

<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"">“Yokkun!” Tobi called, jogging after him. “Where are you going?”

<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"">“Kazu is calling me.”   Yokkun replied absently.

<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"">“But Kazu is…”

<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"">“There.”   Yokkun said in a hushed voice, pointing to an above ground tomb. “He’s there.”

<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"">“That is Kazu’s grave.”   Tobi said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “But it’s impossible for him to be calling to you. He’s no longer with us, you know that. Now, why don’t we go back inside? There’s a storm coming.”

<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"">The moment the words were out of Tobi’s mouth, there was a flash of lighting.

<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"">“Yokkun, please.”   Tobi begged. “It’s not safe here.”

<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"">Tobi tried to lead him back to the palace, but Yokkun couldn’t take his eyes off of the massive stone tomb. Is that where his brother was?

<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"">Yokkun searched the graveyard, looking for any trace of Kazu. There was a strong gust of wind, the dead leaves on the ground swirling in the air. Yokkun took a step forward, a clash of thunder booming loudly.

<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"">“This isn’t safe, Yokkun!”   Tobi yelled over the rushing wind. “We need to get inside!”

<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"">Yokkun could hear Tobi calling his name, but something was screaming even louder in his head.

<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"">“Kazu?”   Yokkun whispered into the wind.

<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"">There was another flash of lighting, followed by another fierce rumble of thunder. Tobi pulled at his arm, but Yokkun snatched it free. He raced straight towards the tomb, reaching it just as the skies opened and sheets of rain poured to the ground.

<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"">Yokkun ran his hands over the top of the tomb, then placed his ear to the cold wet stone. He closed his eyes, trying to listen for any sounds within. He heard it. His name whispered so softly that he could barely hear it over the sound of the splashing rain. It was all he needed…

<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"">Yokkun placed both hands on the edge of the stone top, pushing with all his strength. It didn’t move an inch. He took a deep breath, then tried pushing again and again.

<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"">“Kazu!!!”   Yokkun screamed. “I’m coming!”

<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"">“Yokkun stop!”   Tobi cried, trying to pull him away.

<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"">“No!”

<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"">“Listen to me!”   Tobi pleaded. “Your brother is dead! And we will be too if we stay out here!”

<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"">“Then leave!”   Yokkun shouted shoving Tobi to the ground.

<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"">Again, Yokkun tried to push the stone top off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal;tab-stops:153.2pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">“Tobi!”

<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"">Yokkun recognized the woman’s voice. It was Epo. He paused for a moment, realizing now that she had survived their ordeal back at the headquarters. But he only hesitated for a second.

<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"">“What is he doing?!”   Epo shouted over the storm.

<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"">“I think he believes Kazu’s alive and trapped inside that stone coffin!”

<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"">“What makes him think that?”   Ana asked loudly, staring intently at Yokkun.

<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"">“He says he hears him!”   Tobi replied. “Inside!”

<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"">“But that’s impossible!”   Epo shouted.

<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"">“I know!”   Tobi replied.

<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"">Yokkun was angry and frustrated. He was too weak. Too weak to save Kazu back in the throne room and too weak to save him now…   That’s when an idea occurred to him. Yokkun grabbed Tobi’s shirt, shaking him roughly.

<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"">“Open it!”   He screamed.

<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"">“What?!”   Tobi cried. “No!”

<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"">“Now!”   Yokkun shrieked.

<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"">“Yokkun, listen to me!”   Tobi shouted. “Kazu is gone! There’s nothing in there except his dead body!”

<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"">“Please!”   Yokkun begged. “He’s calling me! He’s in there and he needs me!”

<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"">“He’s not calling to you!”   Tobi exclaimed. The effort it was taking him to keep calm was obvious. “Let’s just go inside, we can talk about this once we’re out of this weather!”

<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"">Yokkun was about to punch Tobi in his face, but Ana stopped his hand. She calmly walked to the stone tomb, placing her hand on it. Her eyes glowed blue as she lifted the top completely off. The massive structure crashed to the ground, cracking in half. Yokkun rushed to the tomb, climbing over the edge and inside.

<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"">His hope evaporated in an instant as he stared down at Kazu’s lifeless body. His brother’s flesh was starting to rot of the bone, the stench burning the inside of his nose. Yokkun’s vision blurred, the tears pooling in his eyes.

<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"">“This isn’t possible.”   Yokkun said, shaking his head. “I heard him. He called my name.”

<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"">“Yokkun, let me help you out.”   Tobi shouted, holding out his hand. “This storm is only going to get worse.”

<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"">“I’m so sorry.”   Ana shouted, moving to stand next to Tobi. “I thought maybe…”

<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"">Ana stopped midsentence, staring into the Kazu’s coffin. She grabbed the edge and stood on her tip toes.

<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"">“What’s that in his hands?!”   Ana asked.

<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"">“It’s a sword.”   Tobi replied, looking in as well.

<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"">“Yes, I can see that.”   Ana replied. “But Kazu wasn’t buried with a sword.”

<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"">“Are you sure?”   Epo asked.

<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"">“Now that you mention it.”   Tobi shouted, over the growing storm. “I don’t think he was.”

<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"">“I know he wasn’t.”   Ana shouted back. She reached for the sword, but Yokkun grabbed her hand.

<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"">“Don’t touch it.”   Yokkun said. “Leave.”

<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"">“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”   Tobi said, looking over at Ana.

<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"">“Me neither.”   Epo added. “We can’t just leave you here.”

<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"">Yokkun grabbed the sword, pointing it at the three of them.

<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"">“Leave now, or I swear!”

<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"">“Yokkun…”   Ana began.

<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"">“NOW!”

<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"">A bolt of lightning flashed, illuminating the enter sky. Yokkun could see they wanted to argue, especially Tobi. But when the doctor opened his mouth to speak, thunder roared, shaking the ground beneath them.

<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"">“Leave.”   Yokkun repeated. “I won’t tell you again.”

<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="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?”

<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 he heard his name whispered, but his eyelids felt too heavy to lift.

<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?”

<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"">             His name was spoken a bit louder, and he felt someone nudge his shoulder.

<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 mumbled, refusing to open his eyes.

<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 I found something.”

<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"">             Chi’s voice sounded grim, but urgent. Fera sat up in the chair he’d dragged into Joruri’s room, stretching his stiff muscles. He’d been keeping watch over her nearly all day every day, often spending the night in the uncomfortable wooden chair he currently sat in.

<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 asked groggily.

<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 into the living room and I’ll show 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"">             Fera stumbled after Chi, yawning widely. He glanced back at Joruri’s sleeping form lying completely still on the bed. If only she’d move, open her eyes, something!

<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"">They entered the living area, the table, chairs and floor all covered with books and scrolls. Chi was desperately searching for a way to remove the metal collar from around Joruri’s neck. He barely slept, barely ate; his desperation bordering on madness.

<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"">Fera walked to the window, slightly pulling back the curtains. He quickly scanned the clearing behind the house for intruders. Twice in the short time since he and Joruri arrived, soldiers from the Eastern Palace had come to search Chi’s home. Fera had been forced to bundle Joruri in his arms and hide in Chi’s underground cellar. Luckily, they’d gone undetected both times.

<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"">   Chi gestured for Fera sit at the table, clearing a space for him. There were dark circles underneath the man’s eyes, and his skin was drawn and pale. He ran a hand down his face, then spread a scroll out in front of Fera.

<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"">“I think this is the spell Rei cast on the collar.”   Chi said, pointing to an incantation written in language Fera had never seen before.

<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"">“What does this say?”   Fera asked, looking up at Chi.

<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"">“It’s an ancient spell used to bind a sorcerer’s power.”   Chi replied, clearing a seat for himself. “It’s an excruciatingly painful process for the person whose powers are being bound. Not to mention it’s an extremely complicated incantation. It would take an exceptionally powerful sorcerer to cast 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"">             “Well, Rei is a powerful sorcerer, I’m sure he could…”

<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, not even Rei could cast a spell like this. Perhaps Jo, maybe even Master Daze, but certainly not Rei or anyone else in his employ. We’re talking heavy duty stuff here, Fera.”

<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 if it wasn’t Rei, who was 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"">             “I don’t know.”   Chi answered, leaning back in his chair. “But whoever it is, he’s packing some serious power. What makes it even more amazing is that he, or she, cast it on an object, not a person.”

<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"">“And that makes a difference?”   Fera asked.

<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"">“Yes.”   Chi said, rummaging through the books on the table.

<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"">He huffed in frustration before standing to his feet. Chi searched the floor for a few seconds, then reached down to pick up an old leather bound book. He flipped through it, and when he found the page he was looking for, he placed it in front of Fera.

<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"">“Here.”   Chi said, pointing to a specific spot on the page.

<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"">“Cursed objects.”   Fera read. “An object imbued with external magic. These items are particularly dangerous because once they are filled with magic, the magic cannot be removed. They are often given the name “cursed,” because if they are not used for their intended purpose, they can cause irrevocable damage. These items should not be used or tampered with by anyone but the spell caster.”

<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 looked up from the book, squeezing his eyes shut and rubbing his temples.

<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"">             “Are you telling me my wife has a cursed object around her neck?”

<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.”   Chi sighed, dropping back into his seat. “And there is no telling what will happen if we try to take it off of her.”

<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 what the hell are we supposed to do, Chi?!”   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"">             “I don’t know.”   Chi replied utterly defeated. “She’s still alive, but it concerns me that she still hasn’t woken 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"">             “We can’t stay here much longer.”   Fera said, standing and pacing the short length of the room. “They suspect we’re here, it’s why they sent a patrol to investigate more than once. It’s only a matter of time before they come back. We can’t keep hiding.”

<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 know, but you can’t teleport out of here with that collar around her neck, and travelling with Jo in her current condition could kill her.”

<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"">“I know.”   Fera replied, rubbing his scruffy chin. “But I’ve been gone too long. I have no idea what’s going on at headquarters, and Master Daze is probably out of his mind with worry.”

<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"">“You can try contacting Master Daze.”   Chi suggested.

<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"">“And risk the chance of someone sensing my magic.”   Fera replied. “Not a chance. The only reason we’ve remained hidden this long is because I’ve refrained from using my magic. If I don’t use it, then there is nothing for them to pick up on.”

<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"">“Then you can move to a safe location and teleport from there. You know, check in with Master Daze. Let him know you all are ok.”

<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"">“And leave her alone with you?”   Fera scoffed.

<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"">“You still don’t trust me?”   Chi asked. “Come on, Fera. I’ve had ample opportunities to kill you both. If I really wanted you dead, I’d have done it already.”

<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"">“I’m not leaving her, so drop it!”   Fera snapped.

<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"">“Then I don’t know what to tell you!”   Chi shouted, jumping to his feet. “We are out of options Fera!”

<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"">“And whose fault is that?!”   Fera shouted back. “We wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you!”

<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"">“Don’t you think I know that?!”   Chi screamed at the top of his lungs. “Don’t you think I’ve been trying to make it up to her?! To 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"">             Fera grabbed Chi’s shirt, yanking him over the table.

<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"">             “Nothing you do will ever fix this.”   Fera said through clenched teeth. “You are the reason my wife is lying unconscious in that bed. If she dies, it’s on your 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"">             Fera’s rant was cut off by the growing sound of horse’s galloping. Suddenly men were shouting outside, the pounding of footsteps on the ground.

<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"">             “This is impossible!”   Chi whispered loudly, rushing towards the window. He leaned his back against the wall, lifting the curtain away from the frame just enough to peak outside.

<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"">“Eastern soldiers.”   He whispered to Fera.

<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"">“I thought you had this house surrounded by alarms!”   Fera whispered back, flying to Joruri’s room.

<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"">“I do!”   Chi replied, following closely behind. “My magic is supposed to warn me if someone is approaching! I don’t know how this is possible!”

<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"">“We don’t have time to figure out the hows or whys.”   Fera said, lifting Joruri into his arms. “Get the cellar open!”

<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"">Chi raced into the dining room, sliding the table out of the way. Throwing the rug back, he revealed a hidden door underneath. He pulled it open and Fera raced into the darkness below. Fera looked back at Chi for a brief moment.

<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"">“Don’t worry.”   Chi said reassuringly. “I’ll take care of them.”

<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"">Fera nodded as he watched the door shut behind him. Darkness surrounded him and Joruri, but he was still able to hear some of the sounds from above. Instinctively, Fera moved towards the small bed he’d made on the floor for Joruri. He gently laid her down, then took his position between her and the door.

<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"">There was shouting and loud thuds. Fera heard a deep voice demand to search entire the house. Chi started to object, but his protests were cut off with a pain-filled grunt. Fera didn’t hear another word from Chi, but the sounds the guards breaking things and knocking over furniture could be heard loud and clear.

<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"">“Sir, over here!”   A voice shouted from directly above Fera. “It’s a door!”

<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"">“Open it.”   Another voice shouted back.

<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"">Fera braced himself, prepared to fend off whatever was about to come through the door. Light flooded the room, but it didn’t come from above. Instead, it came from behind him. Fera turned to find Joruri standing on her feet. She wore nothing but the simple white shirt Chi had given Fera to dress her in. Her hair flowed eerily around her as if there was a ghostly wind blowing in the small cramped room. Her eyes burned a bright white, and her pale skin glowed in the darkness.

<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"">Joruri stared at Fera, tilting her head to the side. She looked as if she didn’t know him, her brow furrowing as if searching her mind for some shred of recognition. Fera opened his mouth to speak, but when the door above creaked open, Joruri’s head shot towards the direction of the sound.

<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"">“Come out!”   A voice shouted down the steps. “I will only warn you once!”

<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"">Her eyes flashed and the air around her sparked with the power radiating from her. She glided over the floor, her feet never touching the ground. Completely ignoring Fera, Joruri rose up and out of the door. Fera chased after her, putting his hands in the air as the guards all drew their swords.

<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"">“W-what are you doing?”   A bald man, with a large belly shouted. “Stop what you’re doing immediately!”

<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"">Two men raised their hands as if they were about to use magic on Joruri. Fera wanted to tell them to stop, but before he could, all the men in the room froze, including him. Not from fear or shock, they simply stopped moving; at least their limbs did. Their eyes still frantically searched the room around them.

<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"">Joruri slowly floated to the man in front of her; the guard who’d demanded her to stop what she was doing. Again she tilted her head to the side, staring deep into the man eyes. She stayed there for several minutes, then straightened suddenly. The man’s eyes widened in terror, only seconds before the snapping of his neck shattered the silence in the room.

<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"">Systematically, Joruri floated to each man repeating the exact same actions; staring into their eyes as if judging every thought or action they had ever had or committed in life. And, as if deeming them unworthy to live, she killed each and every one of them. By the time she reached Fera, six men lay dead on the floor.

<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"">As she had with all the others, Joruri stared into Fera’s eyes. Her face remained emotionless, but her glowing gaze seemed to burn straight through his soul. It was as if she were flipping through the pages of his life, reviewing every decision he’d ever made; every terrible thing he’d ever done or said. Her eyes narrowed as images of Kuro flashed in his mind; all the stolen moments he’d had with her, the love he’d felt for her, right down to the resentment and regret he’d felt when he decided to marry Joruri instead of Kuro.

<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"">Tears flowed freely from Joruri’s searing white eyes; her face twisting in anger and pain. She opened her mouth and screamed, the sound shattering all the windows in the house. She wrapped her hand around Fera’s neck, leaning in closer until their noses were nearly touching.

<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"">“Die.”   She whispered.

<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"">

PART 7
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 hand tightened around Fera’s throat. He gasped for air, as she slowly crushed his wind pipe. He closed his eyes excepting the inevitable. In his last moments, images of Joruri’s smiling face popped into his mind…

<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 sitting in bed holding their first child. Her face was flushed, her skin covered in a light sheen of sweat, and her damp blonde hair clung to her brow. She was looking down at their son, gently stroking his cubby little cheek. Her green eyes sparkled, filled with wonder and complete adoration for the small bundle in her arms. Until that moment, Fera had never seen her look such a way. Not once. She was always so guarded with him, never letting on to her true feelings. He never knew what she was thinking or feeling, not since they were children. And if he had to guess, this was the first real smile he’d seen from her in years. It was beautiful. She’d looked up at him then, the smile still on her face, but when she realized it was him, her expression transformed into one of fear and uncertainty. It was then Fera realized how much he loved her smile, how desperate he was to see it again, and how much he wanted to be the cause 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"">The scene changed, and Fera was sitting in the garden just outside he and Joruri’s private rooms. His son was sleeping in his arms and he was watching Joruri dance and sing in the sunlight with their two year-old daughter. Both had the same blonde hair, but his daughter managed to inherit his light brown eyes. He loved to hear his wife sing. She swore she had a terrible voice, so it was something she only did in front of him and their children. To be honest, Fera like it that way. It somehow made the act sacred; something Joruri only did with her family. He continued to watch them both, his eyes lingering on Joruri. She was full of so much life, so much joy. If only she was that way with 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"">A final image popped into his mind. Joruri was holding their third and youngest child. She was the spitting image of her mother, and although he loved his children equally, their newest bundle of joy was perhaps the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Joruri was standing in the middle of the room, humming softly and rocking the baby to sleep. Unable to stop himself, he’d walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around them both. He inhaled the scent of Joruri’s freshly washed hair and listened to the soft cooing of their beautiful baby girl. Was there ever a time he’d been happier then that moment? As the last bit of life drained from his body, he realized he would never know… ''

<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.”

<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 whispered his name, her tone tight and pained. She released him and he dropped to the floor. Fera’s hand flew to his neck, as he gasped for air. He scrambled back against the wall, eyeing her warily.

<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?”   Chi’s voice came from Fera’s right. He glanced over, and found the man only a few feet away from Joruri, a chair held over his head. He looked ready to bring it down on her 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"">“Put the chair down, Chi.”   Fera said, climbing to his feet. “I think she’s fine 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"">Joruri’s eyes remained locked on Fera, the bright white fading to the familiar emerald green he knew and loved. In the same moment, the collar around her necked unlocked and fell to the floor.

<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"">“Jo?”   Fera said hesitantly.

<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 remained silent, staring at him with a vacant expression. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, tiny slivers of blood came from her nose. Joruri pressed her finger tips to the blood, then held her hand up to look at the bright red fluid.

<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 was next to her immediately. “Are you okay?”   He asked worriedly. “Chi, bring something to clean the blood.”

<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"">Chi nodded and left the room. While he was gone, Fera began searching every inch of Joruri’s skin for traces of the injuries she’d sustained back in the Eastern Palace. To his surprise, he found nothing. Not even a scar from the horrific wounds on her 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 didn’t mean to do this.”   She whispered, glancing over at the six dead men on the floor. “I’ve been asleep for so long. All I was trying to do was get back to you. I could hear you begging me to wake up, but I was trapped; by that collar and my broken body.”

<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"">Chi returned, handing Joruri a piece of cloth. She dabbed at the blood until the last remnants were gone.

<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 did you do that, Joruri?”   Chi asked. “You’ve were hovering on the brink of death. Then suddenly you wake up, completely healed and wielding a level of magic I didn’t think you capable of.”

<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 know.”   Joruri replied. “I just had this sense that something was wrong. I could feel your panic.”   She said to Fera, placing her hand on his chest. “You were afraid for me. Afraid you couldn’t protect me. I knew I had to wake up, so I did.”

<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 collar?”   Chi asked. “How did you manage to take it off?”

<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 know that either.”   Joruri answered. “I wanted it off, and it came off.”   She pressed hand to her chest. “I’ve never felt that kind of power before. It was amazing and terrifying at the same time. There was such clarity. I could see everything, do anything. I felt limitless.”

<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, you don’t look limitless.”   Fera replied, searching her pale face. “Why don’t you sit down? Chi, can you get her something to eat?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, of course.”   Chi 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"">             “I’m not hungry.”   Joruri said weakly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 haven’t had real food in weeks, Jo. You look like you’re about to collapse, at least try to eat something.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 I’m not hungry!”   As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she tumbled backwards, but Fera caught her before she hit 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"">             “Jo, please.”   He begged.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 lifted her hand and cupped Fera’s cheek lovingly. “I’m fine. I just need to lie down for a bit.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 sure?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Positive.”   Joruri steadied herself on her feet, then stood on her tippy toes and kissed Fera on the cheek. “I’m going to go lie down for a moment, settle my nerves.”   She turned to leave then paused. “Fera, have you tried to reach out to anyone at headquarters since we’ve been 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"">             “No, it was too dangerous before. I’ll do it now while you 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"">             Joruri shook her head. “I’ll do it. You should prepare our things to leave. We can no longer stay 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"">             “Of course.”   Fera replied, slipping his arm around her waist and leading her over to the bedroom.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Let me set the room straight for you, Lady Joruri.”   Chi said, rushing into the room first.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 no need for that.”   Fera said. “I’ll take care 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"">             Joruri placed a hand on Fera’s arm. She smiled up at him walking to where Chi was standing. “It’s alright Fera.”   She said, glancing back and giving him a reassuring smile. “Chi and I need to speak for a moment.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 open his mouth to object, but Joruri 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"">             “Alone.”   She said firmly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 watched the two disappear into the bedroom. He had the urge to follow them and strangle Chi, but he decided to expend his excess energy by getting rid of the bodies on the floor, and righting the furniture in the room. When he finished, he collapsed into one of the chairs and stared at the bedroom door. After about 30 minutes, Chi came out of the room, closing the door behind him. He looked at Fera, then walked towards him and sat in the chair across from 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"">             “Have you made your peace?”   Fera asked, his eyes narrowing on Chi.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 said nothing, just 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"">             “Jo’s right, we can’t stay.”   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"">             “I know.”   Chi replied. “I’ll get some clothes together for 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"">             “What about you?”   Fera asked. “It’s not safe here anymore.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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’ll kill you the next time they come.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 sure you want to stay here?”   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"">             Chi laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re starting to care about 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.”   Fera replied. “But I can’t kill you. Not in front of Jo. And if Sol’s men kill you first, it’ll take away the satisfaction of killing you 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"">             Chi laughed again. “It’s nice to know you care.”   He replied sarcastically. “But you needn’t worry about me. I’ll stay here and do what I can to keep them off your trail.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 shouldn’t be necessary.”   Fera replied. “Jo and I will teleport directly to headquarters. We’ll be safe once we get there. You should worry about 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"">             “Thanks for the advice.”   Chi said with a weak smile. “When do you plan on 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"">             “I’ll let her rest for a while. I figure we have at least another hour before someone starts looking for those guys. Since Jo doesn’t have that collar on anymore, we can get out of here quickly if necessary.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 still can’t believe what she just did.”   Chi said in awe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 heard her explanation.”   Fera replied. “If I had to guess, it was some sort of defense mechanism. She sensed danger and her magic reacted.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 I had no idea she was that powerful.”   Chi said. “I mean, I knew she was powerful, just not that powerful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 a Grand Sorceress.”   Fera said with a shrug.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 she was wearing that collar, Fera. It was designed to contain her magic, and she just blew right through 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"">             “Not without suffering considerably first.”   Fera added stiffly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 know that’s not what I meant.”   Chi replied, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “It’s just amazing she was able to overcome it. Even manage to take it off. It’s unbelievable.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 that you mention it, Master Daze said something about Joruri being too powerful to contain. Maybe this is what he meant.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, regardless.”   Chi said. “That was amazing.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 rubbed his chin. “Yeah, I suppose 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"">             “You do know you can’t let her do that again, right?”   Chi added in a more serious tone.

<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 doesn’t take an idiot to realize that kind of power was never meant to be used.”   Fera answered. “As long as I’m with her, I’ll make sure that never happens again

<p style="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; 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 warm rain continued fall; the sky unleashing it’s fury upon the earth. Yokkun remained completely unfazed, unable to leave his brother’s dead body. Kazu hated thunderstorms; from the time he was a child up into adulthood. During particularly bad storms, Yokkun would wake to find his little brother clinging to him and shaking in terror. Before they’d gone to stay with Master Daze, they’d been forced to endure nights like this on the street; out in the open. Yokkun would have to hold Kazu close, tightly covering his ears and rocking him gently.

<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 stared at Kazu, hoping with the next crash of thunder, he would open his eyes, fly into his arms and start sobbing uncontrollably. But every time there was a flash of lighting, it would reveal Kazu’s decaying form, and another wave of despair would descend upon 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"">He ran a hand down his face. “Are you here?”   Yokkun whispered. “I heard you call my name. I-I feel you, but staring at you now, I…”   Yokkun’s voice broke off, the rain mixing with his tears. “If you’re here. If you can hear me. You have to know how sorry I am. I miss you so much that it hurts to breathe, to think, to do anything. Every time I wake I call your name, but you don’t come. And then I remember you’re not here, and my whole world falls apart again. I knew this was going to happen. I saw it with my own eyes. I should’ve protected you. I should’ve gotten you out of there. You must think I’m a terrible brother, but please… please forgive 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"">Yokkun bowed his head, letting the entirety of his sorrow wash over him. For so long he tried not to feel anything; to keep the pain at bay for as long as possible. But sitting so close to Kazu’s lifeless corpse, and somehow feeling his presence, gave Yokkun an odd sense of comfort. Suddenly, he felt like it was okay to cry; ok to let 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"">How long Yokkun sat there, he didn’t know. But when he realized he was no longer alone, he knew it was time to go. He hated to leave Kazu alone in the storm, so he promised his little brother he would return for him. Yokkun would have his brother’s body burned, so that he could carry his ashes with him when he left this cursed place. And he would leave, never to look 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"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Idol stood at the entrance of the graveyard. She was watching Yokkun; Frost at her back. They’d passed Ana, Tobi and Epo on the way out of the palace, and all three were adamant that Yokkun wanted to be left alone. Unfortunately, Idol couldn’t allow that. War was on the horizon, and with Yokkun finally up, Idol needed to take advantage of this opportunity. She needed to talk to him, get him on her side. He was the key. Yokkun would be the one to end all this. Idol didn’t know how, but she knew she needed Yokkun to fight on their side.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 really need to go back inside your majesty.”   Frost yelled over the wind and rain. “We can wait for him 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"">             “No.”   Idol shouted back. “This needs to happen here and now. You can go back. It might be better if we talk alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 said he’s armed and not exactly in his right mind. There’s no way I’m going to leave you alone with 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"">             “Then stop complaining.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Frost huffed in frustration, but remained quiet. Idol continued to watch Yokkun. He seemed to be talking to someone, but it was difficult to tell with the rain pouring down. She wanted to get closer, but Ana warned her against it. The Seer instructed Idol to at least wait until Yokkun was making his way back to the palace, which was why she was currently huddled under a large tree waiting. She wished he would hurry. She’d been forced to leave Master Daze in the care of one the healers, and she was anxious to get 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"">             Finally, Yokkun stood, climbing out of the stone crypt. He lingered near the grave for a few more moments, then began walking towards them, head down.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 he comes.”   Idol said, pushing her wet hair from her eyes. “Don’t say a word, got it? I don’t want you to scare him 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"">             Yokkun trudged towards them, seemingly unaware of her or Frost. He even walked past them without noticing they were 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"">             “Yokkun!”   Idol shouted, jogging to catch up with 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 turned to look at her, then continued on as if she weren’t 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"">             “Yokkun, please stop!”   Idol grabbed his arm, but he snatched it 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"">             “Now is not a good time.”   Yokkun replied, increasing his pace.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, we’re running out time!”   Idol said, running in front of him and forcing him to stop. “And I’m tired of waiting for you to get it together!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Excuse me?”   Yokkun asked, his voice angry. His hand clenched the sword hilt in his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Frost stepped forward. “Watch yourself, boy. This is Empress Idol with whom you speak.”   He reached for his own sword, but Idol held up her hand and shook 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"">             “Sorry.”   She said. “That came out wrong. I know you’re going through a lot right now, but your feelings; my feelings, aren’t going to matter for much longer. As we speak, Empress Sol of the Eastern Empire is marching her army to annihilate us all.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; 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 personal problem.”   Yokkun said shoving past her, nearly knocking her 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"">             Frost lunged for him, but Idol managed to grab him before he could tackle Yokkun. It took a minute to calm Frost down, and by the time Idol caught up to Yokkun again, he’d just entered the palace. He’d jogged the rest of the way, and since he was significantly taller than her, Idol was forced to run to catch up. By the time she reached him, he was heading to his room, leaving a trail of mud and water 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"">             “Hey!”   She shouted after him. “I’m trying to help 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"">             Yokkun stopped in the middle of the halfway. He slowly turned, his eyes narrowing on her. Despite his scruffy appearance, he was extremely intimidating. Idol shifted on her feet, but stood her 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"">             “I understand you’re angry and heartbroken.”   Idol continued. “But I’m trying to give you a chance to avenge your brother’s death.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Let’s get one thing straight.”   Yokkun replied, his voice eerily calm. “You know nothing about how I feel. You live a palace with servants waiting on you hand and foot, surrounded by family and friends who love and care about you. What would do if one day they were all gone?! All of them dead! And all you can see when you open your eyes is the memory of them be slaughtered over and over! Trust me when I say, you know nothing about how I feel!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Okay, you’re right.”   Idol replied solemnly. “I don’t understand, but believe when I say I want to help 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"">             “Help me?”   Yokkun snickered. “If you want to help me, then leave me alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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’t do that. I think you are the key to surviving this war. The lives of my people are at stake, and if you being here and fighting with us will be the deciding factor of whether we leave or die, then I will do whatever it takes to convince you to help 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"">             “Yeah, good luck with that.”   Yokkun said, turning around and walking 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"">             “Rei is coming.”   Idol shouted after him, her voice echoing through empty corridor. “I have it on good authority that he and members of the Black Lotus are marching alongside Sol and her army. And if I had to guess, the Cat Sith who killed your brother will be with him, 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"">             Yokkun paused for a moment, then continued walking 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"">             “Don’t you want to kill the man responsible for your brother’s death?! Don’t you want to make him pay for the pain he’s caused 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"">             “What I want is for you to leave me alone!”   Yokkun shouted over his 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"">             “Why are you running away?!”   Idol yelled after him. “I thought this would be what you want! Are you afraid or something?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 turned slowly, his expression unreadable.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 all I’ve seen and been through, you think this is because I’m scared? This has nothing to do with fear. I’m tired! Our entire lives, my brother and I have been surrounded by people like you! Magic users who are always looking down upon us. You think your magic makes you better! That the more power you have, the more entitled you are to rule over the lives of everyone you deem unworthy. For years, we made a living catering to the whims of people like you, and look what happened. My brother is dead and I have nothing to show for it! Don’t you see? There is nothing left me here. Nothing worth fighting!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 you’re wrong!”   Idol pleaded. “You can have your revenge!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 think I care about revenge?!”   Yokkun shouted. “Will killing Rei bring my brother back to life?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             Idol searched Yokkun’s eyes. She could see his rage, but it was shadowed by sadness and defeat. He wasn’t ready to step up and be the hero they needed; that he was prophesied to be.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through; the pain, the anger, the loss. I know you won’t believe me when I say this, but you are the only one who can save us. I don’t know why or how, but you are destined to be our savior.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 right. I don’t believe you.”   Yokkun replied, turning 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"">             Idol chased after him, running around him. She put her hands on his chest, stopping him in his tracks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, Yokkun.”   She begged. “Listen to me. Listen and I promise I won’t stop you 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"">             Yokkun didn’t reply, but he didn’t make a move to leave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   Idol whispered in relief. She straightened her shoulders and met his unyielding gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 remember the prophecy you spoke back at the White Lotus headquarters? The one in Master Daze’s office?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 averted his eyes, but remained still. Idol continued.

<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 sword and he is the shield. You were talking about you and your brother! And the sacrifice made, that couldn’t be anything else but the tragic death of your brother. His murder was foretold, and it is supposed to give you the strength to defeat Rei.”

<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 how do you know that?!”   Yokkun asked, his head snapping forward; his eyes burning into Idol’s.

<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 it’s the only thing that makes sense! Think of the final part. ''A life for a life, a price to be weighed. Know, to bring balance, the debt must be paid.''”

<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 stared at her vacantly, Idol sighed in frustration.

<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"">“Rei’s life for Kazu’s.”   Idol said firmly. “If we are to defeat him and stop him from destroying the world, then you must kill him.”   Idol grabbed Yokkun’s arms, shaking him. “Don’t you see? You are the one chosen to stand against this evil, bring peace and balance back to this 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"">Yokkun extracted himself from Idol’s grasp. “I’m afraid you got the wrong man.”

<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…”

<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 all?”   He snapped.

<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"">Idol searched her mind trying to think of another way to convince him, but found nothing.

<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’ll be leaving.”   Yokkun said, moving her out of his way.

<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"">“Leaving?”   She called after him. “You can’t leave?!”

<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"">“Watch 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"">“So you’re just going to let us all die?!”   She shouted after 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"">“Not my problem, sweetheart.”

<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 save us!”   Idol cried. “Won’t you at least try?! For the sake of my people, I’m begging 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"">Yokkun stopped, and for a second, Idol thought he would change his mind. She was wrong…

<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"">“Find yourself another hero.”   Yokkun replied, then disappeared around the corner.

<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"">Idol was about to chase after him, beat him senseless until he agreed to help, but Frost stepped from the shadows and grabbed her before she could.

<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 is not ready to face his destiny.”   Frost said. “Trying to force him will only make him fight it more.”

<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 we don’t have time to wait anymore.”   Idol argued. “Lady Joruri and Lord Fera are missing. Master Daze is dying. If Yokkun leaves, then he takes all hope of survival with him! God, I don’t think I can do this.”   Idol said, sinking to the floor. “I’m going to lead my people into a battle I know they can’t win. They will be slaughtered and there is nothing I can do about 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"">“You don’t know what is going to happen.”   Frost replied, kneeling on the ground and gathering her into his arm. “But regardless, you must remain strong. Our people will look to you for strength and courage. If you lose faith now, then so will they. And if that happens, our deaths are certain.”   Frost gently pushed her away, looking straight into her eyes. “When your father died, I swore to him I would protect you with my life. Guide you down the right path. From the moment you became empress, I knew you had it in you be a great leader. You are smart and compassionate; patient and resourceful. You can lead us to victory, Idol, you just have to believe in yourself.”

<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"">Idol wiped the tears from her eyes, sniffling softly. “You know, that’s the first time you’ve called me by my first name since I took the throne.”

<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"">Frost laughed. “I suppose 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"">“That’s a good sign.”   Idol said with a small 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"">“What 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 just that ever since I took the throne, you keep trying to turn me into this perfect empress; always determined to work for instead of with me. This will probably sound strange, but hearing you address me so informally makes me feel like I’m not alone; trapped on some pedestal without anyone to talk to.”

<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, Idol, it was never my intent to make you feel isolated or alone. I only wished to treat you with the respect and honor you deserve. From now on I will stand beside you, and help you bare this burden.”

<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.”   Idol said, a little bit of her hopelessness fading. “Because we really need to talk about that golden armor.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; 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"">              Master Daze lay on his bed, eyes closed and unable to get up. He’d been drugged again, and he was furious about it. It was some sort of magic inhibitor, no doubt conjured up by the infamous Tobi. The concoction made him lethargic and dulled his senses.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 your own fault.”   He heard Pochi 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"">             Master Daze could picture the little fairy hovering above him, her hands on her hips and a frown on her 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"">             “Do you want Pochi to get you something?”   Her voice was still firm, but a bit more sympathetic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Cookies.”   He 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"">Pochi sighed in frustration. “Fine, but only two. You’ve been eating entirely too many sweets lately.”

<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 heard the tiny pop signaling her departure, and rolled to his side, settling into a comfortable position. He was almost asleep when he heard tiny little footsteps approaching him. He lifted one of his heavy eyelids and found Tyki staring at him intently. Tyki was Fera and Joruri’s eldest son. He had his father’s light brown hair and his mother’s clear green 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"">“Are you dead?”   The little boy 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"">“Do I look dead?”   Master Daze grumbled.

<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"">“Kind of.”   Tyki replied, poking one of Master Daze’s cheeks.

<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"">“Dead people don’t talk.”

<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"">Tyki thought about the statement for a few moments, then nodded his head. “I suppose you’re right.”

<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 huffed, then closed his eyes 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"">“But will you die?”   Tyki asked. “You are really, really, really old.”

<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 opened his eyes again, glaring at the little boy.

<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 not going to die, Tyki. Now if there is nothing else, I need to rest and regain my strength as quickly as possible.”

<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 of the war coming?”   Tyki 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"">“How do you know about the war?”   Master Daze bristled at Tyki’s statement. Even the children knew about bloody war before he did!

<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 heard Ana talking about 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"">“Of course you did.”   Master Daze replied. No doubt Tyki had been sneaking around somewhere he shouldn’t have been, and overheard a discussion he wasn’t supposed to hear.

<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 we going to die?”   Tyki 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 one is going to die.”   Master Daze said firmly. “Not you, and not me, so get that out of your mind.”

<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"">Tyki frowned, but said nothing else on the matter.

<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 should go now.”   Master Daze instructed Tyki. “I need to rest if I’m going to help make sure we all survive this 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"">“There’s no need for that.”   Tyki replied. “Mummy and daddy will be here soon. They’ll protect us.”

<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 sadly. “Tyki, I don’t think your parents will be here in time to help us, which is why I need to rest.”

<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 boy frowned again. “But mummy said she and daddy would be here by nightfall.”

<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 pushed himself up off the bed. “What did you just say?”

<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 said mummy and daddy will be here by nightfall.”

<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 that?”   Master Daze asked urgently

<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 she told me. Duh.”

<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? 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"">“In my 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"">“In your 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"">“Yep. She was afraid when they went to our old house and no one was there. I told her everyone was okay, and that we were here staying with Auntie Idol. She said she and daddy needed to do something, but that they would be here by nightfall.”

<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 you tell anyone else this?”   Master Daze 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, mummy said to tell you. She said you would know what 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"">“Well done, Tyki.”   Master Daze said approvingly. “Can you do me a favor?”

<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"">“Depends.”   The little boy replied with mischievous 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"">“What do you want?”   Master Daze 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 do you got?”   Tyki shot 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"">At that moment, Pochi returned, a plate with two cookies hovering in front of her.

<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! Tyki-kun, what are you doing here?”   She exclaimed, waving her tiny hands and setting the plate on the table next to Master Daze. “You’re supposed to be in your lessons.”

<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.”   Tyki replied. “But I needed to speak to Master Daze real quick.”

<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, he needs to rest, and Pochi doesn’t want you upsetting 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"">“I won’t.”   Tyki said 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"">“Good.”   She smiled, but it faded quickly. “Oh no! Pochi forgot the tea! I’ll be right back!”   With another pop she was gone.

<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"">Tyki looked at the cookies, then back 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"">             It was Master Daze’s turn to frown. “You can have half of one.”   He 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"">             “One and a half.”   Tyki 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"">             “One.”   Master Daze replied. “And that’s my final offer.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Deal.”   Tyki said, holding out his hand and shaking with the old man. “What do you want me to 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"">             “I need you to go and find Ana. Tell her to bring Auntie Idol and Master Frost 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"">             “Got it!”   Tyki grabbed his cookie off the plate, paused then grabbed the other. He smiled, stuck his tongue out, then ran from the 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"">             “Hey! Bring back my cookie!”   Master Daze shouted after him.

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

PART 8
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 found his room, the door still wide open. Sitting on his bed was Epo. She’d changed clothes, but her hair was still damp from the 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"">             “What do you want?”   Yokkun asked. His tone was a bit harsher than he anticipated, but he refused to apologize 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"">             “Relax.”   She replied calmly, standing to her feet. “I just wanted make sure you were okay.”

<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 stepped into the room, looking around to make sure no one else was there. When he looked back at Epo, she’d closed some of the distance between 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"">“You should go.”   Yokkun bit out. He walked swiftly to the large table by the fireplace, trying desperately to avoid her unwavering stare.

<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 not going anywhere until you tell me why you’re leaving.”   Epo 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"">“How 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 overheard you talking to Empress Idol.”   She answered, cutting him off. “So that’s it? You’re just going to leave us here to die?”

<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 placed the sword onto the table. “Whether I stay or not makes no difference.”   He replied. “I am one man, without magic. Against Rei and his army, I would never stand a chance. Besides, you have a Lady Joruri and Master Daze to help you fight. If two Grand Sorcerers can’t save you, then I don’t know what to tell 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"">“But what about the prophecy?!”   Epo continued. “Even you can’t deny there is truth to 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"">“Why? Because Kazu is dead? Because you all believe I’m supposed take Rei’s life as payment for his, and reset the bloody balance?! Geez, will you listen to yourselves?! There is no way in hell I’d ever get close enough to land the final blow on Rei! He’s a sorcerer, Epo! And in case you forgot, he has the God's 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"">“But you can’t be hurt by magic!”   Epo exclaimed. “If any of us has a chance at killing Rei, it’s you! Why can’t you see that? Surely you must realize how important you are?!”

<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"">“Being magic-less in this world isn’t exactly a good thing.”   Yokkun replied bitterly. “And it’s certainly never made me feel important.”

<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"">Epo sighed heavily. She was so close to him now that there was no way he could escape her beautiful lavender eyes. She plucked a strand of wet hair off 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"">“Against you, Rei’s newly gained power is useless. You are the only one who can stop him, Yokkun; you just have to step up. Be the hero I know you’re meant 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"">Yokkun stared at her lovely face, wishing he could be the man she so desperately wanted him to be. Epo, like Idol, believed he was capable of saving them all; facing down Rei and ending this war before it even started. But Yokkun didn’t believe them. He couldn’t. Even if his affliction made him invulnerable to magic, it didn’t make him invincible. He could still be killed. And from his experience, there were several non-magical ways 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"">             Epo cupped Yokkun’s cheek, placing her other hand over his heart. “You were born without magic for a reason.”   She said. “And what you thought was a curse all these years, is quite possibly our one chance at surviving this. Even without magic, you have the power to save us all. Will you walk away and do nothing?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 covered her hands with his, removing them from his cheek and 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"">             “I couldn’t even save Kazu.”   Yokkun replied. “And now you expect me to save the lives of thousands? I’m sorry, Epo, but I will not be responsible for even more lives. Not when I’ve proven myself incapable of protecting one.”   He briefly pressed her knuckles to his lips. “I can’t be you hero.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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’s eyes welled with tears, but to her credit, she didn’t cry. She pulled her hands out of his, and walked to the door. Before she left, she looked back 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"">             “Your brother would be so ashamed.”   She said, then turned and walked from the room.

<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"">             After Epo left, Yokkun requested a bath be brought in, hoping it would help him relax. It didn’t. He stepped out of the porcelain tub, drying himself off and slipping on a pair of sleeping pants. After picking over the food brought in from him, Yokkun walked over to the mirror.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 hair had grown longer than he liked, but instead of cutting it, he slicked it back and out of his eyes. His beard had grown considerably, and the servant who brought in his bath had offered to help him shave. Yokkun had politely declined. There was only one person he trusted to put a blade to his throat…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 grown accustomed to the sharp pain that came with the sudden memory of his brother. Each time, it was like a hot knife being plunged deep into his chest. Yokkun waited for the pain to dissipate. It never really went away, only eased enough for him to carry on with his miserable existence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 lifted the razor to his face, his hand shaking. Yokkun looked at himself in the mirror again, but the man who stared back was a stranger. His face was gaunt; dark circles under his eyes. His beard obscured the lower half of his face, and his lips were cracked and dry. He frowned, shuttering to think what his hair looked like before he’d washed it. The image before him was so disturbing; Yokkun did the only thing he could do. He laughed. He couldn’t help it. He could picture the face Kazu would make if he ever saw him looking like this. He could even hear the words his little brother would say.

<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 feeling of warmth and comfort descended upon Yokkun, and for the first time since his brother died, the pressure in his chest eased. He looked down at his hand and realized it had stopped 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"">“You’re here, aren’t you?”   He whispered to the air in the room. “If it’s you, give me a sign.”

<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 expected, no answer or sign came. Yokkun sighed heavily, then continued shaving. When he finished, he washed his face and dried it with the cloth next to the water basin. He turned to get into the bed, but stopped short; his eyes nearly popping out of his skull.

<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 sword he’d laid on the table stood upright, balancing perfectly on its tip. Yokkun looked around to see if someone else was in the room. Perhaps someone was playing a trick on him, and using magic to hold up the sword. When he found no one else, he slowly walked towards the table. As soon as he got too close, the sword teetered for a few seconds, then collapsed to the floor.

<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 bent down to pick up the blade, but the hilt was scorching hot, and he was forced to drop 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"">“What 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"">Yokkun used the cloth in his other hand to pick up the sword, dropping it onto the table. He pulled up a chair, staring at it and waiting for it to move again. As he waited, the day’s events caught up with him, and drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

<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; 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 opened his eyes, looking around in confusion. He was standing in the middle of the woods, unsure of how or when he gotten there. It appeared to be in the early hours of the morning, the moon still hanging in the sky.

<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"">“Hello?”   Yokkun called.

<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 was the rustling of leaves and the snapping of branches to his right. Yokkun eased towards the sounds, squinting through the foliage. Suddenly, Epo and small group of soldiers, burst through the trees. They were being chased, but by who or what, Yokkun couldn’t see.

<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 first arrow came out of nowhere, catching one of the soldiers in the back of the head. The man ran for a few more seconds, his body not yet realizing that the mind was dead. When he finally collapsed, the soldier behind him, made the mistake of slowing down to check on his fallen comrade. An arrow went straight through his neck before he even had the chance 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"">              Fear blossomed in Yokkun’s chest as he frantically searched for Epo. He heard her muffled screams and ran towards them. He caught sight of her jumping over a fallen log. Four of them remained, including her. She kept looking back, urging her troops on, and telling them they were close to safety and to keep moving. Suddenly, the only other female in the group, cried out in pain. The male behind and to her right, altered his course to help. When he finally reached her, he realized she’d somehow dislocated her knee. Immediately, he pulled her up, trying to get her over his shoulder. The arrow hit them both with such force, it went straight through the male, through the female, and then lodged itself in a tree.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             All that was left was Epo and one other male. Their paths converged, and although the male could clearly out run Epo, he stayed at her side. Yokkun was running right behind them; so close, yet so far. He mentally screamed at his legs to move faster, but it was no use.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 heard the swish of wind by his ear. He knew what is was and reached out to try and grab it. He just missed. The arrow flew straight at Epo’s back. It would have hit her dead center if the male at her side hadn’t shoved her out of the way. He took the arrow in his shoulder, most likely a flesh wound, but it was enough to make him lose his balance. He crashed forward, his head smashing into the trunk of a tree.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 screamed, running over to him. She was about 50 feet away from him when a silver-haired boy appeared in front of her. Yokkun recognized him instantly. It was the archer. The one who’d been with Rei in the throne room the day Kazu was killed. Yokkun ran towards him, ready to take him down, but the closer he got, the farther away he seemed to be. The archer took an arrow from the holder strapped to his back. Before Epo could react, he shoved the arrow deep into her throat and out the back of her neck. Blood bubbled from her mouth, and when he ripped the arrow back out again, she fell to the ground. Yokkun watched her body convulse as she drowned in her own blood. He bellowed with rage, but before his mind could even process his anger and grief, the scene changed and he was standing on a battlefield, the sun high in the sky…

<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 around him soldiers were locked in battle. Some using magic, others using weapons forged from steal. It was utter chaos; the dead and dying littering the field. The earth was soaked with so much blood, that the ground beneath his feet was soft and moist.

<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 around him seemed to move unnaturally slow, and though he could hear people screaming and shouting; metal clashing against metal, the sounds were muffled. Almost as if he was watching the entire thing from inside a glass box. Yokkun moved through the chaos, his presence going completely unnoticed. He was unsure of what to do or where to go, until Tobi and Ana came into view.

<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 strange seeing the doctor with a sword in his hands, but Tobi fought with a skill Yokkun never would have guessed he had. Ana was at his side, her eyes glowing bright blue. She barely lifted a finger, but every enemy would dared approached her died. They were a deadly team, working in perfect unison with one another. At least until Yokkun saw a very familiar spear fly past him and straight into Tobi’s chest.

<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"">Ren-kun emerged from the crowd of fighting soldiers; racing on all fours straight at Ana. The Seer was momentarily distracted as she tried to save Tobi, but when she realized the Cat Sith was coming straight at her; she raised one of her blood covered hands to blast him. She never saw Rin-chan coming…

<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"">Rin-chan’s scythe cleaved Ana’s head right off her shoulders. Ren-kun skidded to a halt, smiling proudly at his sister. Rin-chan smiled back, then pulled the spear out of Tobi’s chest and tossed it to her brother. Without hesitation, she turned and disappeared back into the bloody chaos, Ren-kun close on her heels.

<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, no, no!”   Yokkun cried, dropping to his knees beside Tobi. He was still alive, but the gaping hole in his chest was gushing blood. Such a familiar scene…   “Hold on, Tobi!”   Yokkun shouted.

<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"">Sadly, Tobi couldn’t hear or see him. And as Yokkun searched the bloody nightmare around him, he realized help wasn’t coming. Tobi was going to die in pain and alone. As the last bit of life drained from the doctor’s eyes, the scene around Yokkun changed once more…

<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 front of him was Empress Idol. She was dressed like a common soldier, no armor or crown, but somehow managing to look regal all the same. She was shouting orders to her soldiers, and they followed her lead without hesitation. From what Yokkun could tell, they were trying to protect the main gate.

<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"">Idol was fighting viscously, her sword cleaving life and limb from every enemy soldier who dared step before her. Frost, not 100 feet from her side, was doing the same. Despite the never ending surge of enemy soldiers, Idol and her troops were winning. They’d just managed to fight back a wave of soldiers charging the gate, when there was an explosion in the middle of the battlefield. Bodies flew through the air; dozens of men and women dying instantly. When the dust cleared, a golden-haired beauty stood before them. Empress Sol…   The name was spoken softly, and carried on the wind, but Yokkun heard it loud and clear.

<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’re the notorious empress.”   He whispered to himself.

<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"">Sol was dressed in black from head toe, wearing an outfit similar to the one Rei wore when Yokkun faced him in the White Lotus throne room. If not for the golden crown pinned in her hair, Yokkun would never have guessed she was an empress. In her right hand she held a jeweled scepter, which was currently pointed at Idol.

<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"">Sol released a burst of magic directly at the other empress, but at the last second, it was deflected by another blast. Sol’s fiery gaze narrowed on Frost. He smiled in response, pointing his sword at her in a silent challenge. She bowed mockingly in acceptance, beckoning him towards her.

<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"">Frost ran at her, using a combination of speed and magic to dodge her blasts, but the second before he collided with her, she disappeared. By the grace of the gods, he managed to spin around the moment she reappeared behind him, blocking her scepter before she had the chance to smash his skull in. Sol jumped back, spinning her weapon in hand. She hit some sort of trigger on the handle of the scepter, and two blades shot out from each end. She winked at Frost, then took up a defensive position, preparing for his next attack.

<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 lunged at her again, trading blow for blow. Twice he’d almost killed her, but her mastery of teleportation as a battle technique made her difficult to pin down. It was like she was everywhere at once, anticipating his every move. It was only a matter of time before she got the upper hand. And that she did…   Frost missed calculated her next move and ended up with her blade between his ribcage. He cried out in pain, staggering to the side when she wrenched it out. It was all the opening Sol needed. Spinning her weapon, she sliced open his stomach, then his chest, and finally his throat.

<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"">Idol let out an agonized scream, charging at Sol. Their battle was fierce, and despite the difference in their skills, Idol managed to disarm her opponent. Sol raised her hand to blast Idol, but she hacked it off before Sol could take the shot. She shrieked in pain, clutching at the bloody stump. Idol temporarily sheathed her sword, and removed the knife at her belt. She pulled Sol close to her, whispering something into the woman’s ear before stabbing the knife deep into her chest. Idol released her, but Sol remained standing, wobbling unsteadily. Idol stepped backed, spitting on the ground at her enemy’s feet before returning to her men. If only she hadn’t turned her 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"">“Behind you!”   Yokkun screamed.

<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"">Sol ripped the knife from her own chest, and with the last of her strength, plunged it into the side of Idol’s neck. A bloody smile spread across Sol’s face as both women sank to the ground...

<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"">Once again, the scene around Yokkun changed and he found himself inside the city walls. The last of the western soldiers fought to defend what was left of the capital city. Yokkun searched the streets, trying to re-orient himself. That’s when he saw them; Fera locked in battle with a silver-haired woman.    

<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"">Sya… <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">   The name popped into Yokkun’s mind, but from where, he had no idea. He looked back at the leather-clad woman, noticing she wore a patch over one of her eyes. Fortunately for her, it did little to impede her movements, so she was able to hold her own against Fera.

<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 studied them closely. There was an anger in Fera’s eyes that he’d had never seen before. He fought Sya without mercy, and each blow he dealt was meant to kill her. The woman, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying herself, smiling as she and Fera danced their deadly waltz. It remained like that until she became careless, just barely missing one of Fera’s blows. Sya managed to dodge the blade, but the tip of it sliced deeply into her back. She spun around, her face twisted in rage. Fera raised his sword again, but before he could swing, the woman ripped off her eye patch.

<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 lid of her eye had been cut away, making the eyeball appear to protrude from the socket. The monstrosity was milky white, and where the pupil should have been, there was a swirling red light. Fera froze in place, unable to move or look away from Sya’s gaze. Yokkun looked from Fera to Sya, and then back again. It appeared the eye was a source of magic for the woman, and she was using it to control Fera.

<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"">Sya remained still, the entirety of her energy completely focused on Fera. Though she appeared to have him under her spell, it was clear Fera was fighting back. The woman held her ground, sweat breaking out across her brow from the strain. It was becoming more and more obvious she was no match for Fera. He was too powerful for her to hold, and the longer she tried, the more energy she consumed. It wasn’t long before Fera was breaking free of the force holding him, and easing his way towards her. When he was close enough, Fera lifted the tip of his blade, ready to cut open her chest.

<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 knew the moment her spell was broken. She stumbled backwards as Fera moved in for the kill…   But in the split second it took for Fera to regain his composure and strike, his head was yanked back. A blade opened his throat, the bright red blood spraying Sya in the face. He dropped to his knees, clutching the wound and trying to keep the blood from pouring out.

<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"">Sya fell to the ground, rubbing the spot where Fera’s blade had nearly pierced her. “Took you long enough.”   She said, looking up at her savior.

<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 withered old man stood over her, his face partially obscured by the hood he wore over his head. The bloody knife in his hand transformed into a large staff with a starburst emblem on the top. He reached out one of his skeletal hands and helped her to her feet.

<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 was in complete and utter shock. The hooded-man had come out of nowhere and killed one of the most powerful men Yokkun had ever met. As his mind reeled from what he’d just witnessed, he was once again transported to a different place…

<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 found himself standing in the courtyard of the Western Palace. In front of him stood Lady Joruri; clearly in Grand Sorceress mode. The entirety of her power was so immense that ground beneath her buckled with the force of it. Even though Yokkun was nothing more than an invisible spectator, his self-preservation instinct kicked in, and he took several steps 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"">Yokkun followed her gaze, realizing why Joruri was on edge. Rei stood before her, the God’s Stone around his neck. And if the darkening skies above were any indication, he too was gathering his powers. Rei’s eyes flashed the same amber color as the stone, and his body vibrated with force of the magic he held. He raised one of his hands and the sky opened; fire raining down from the heavens.

<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 response, Joruri formed a massive whirlwind with one hand; the wind consuming the flames and swallowing them completely. With the other, she conjured a series of summoning circles, each one unleashing a flurry of dagger-like beams. Almost simultaneously, Rei countered by creating a shield to block the shards of light.

<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"">Their battle continued for what felt like hours, each sorcerer using every manner of offensive and defensive magic at their disposal. Towards the end, Lady Joruri struggled to maintain her power, her eyes shifting back and forth from white to green. Rei, on the other hand, barely looked out of breath.

<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"">“Let’s not do this, Joruri!”   He shouted to her. “Surely, there’s been enough death and destruction for one day. Surrender your life and I will spare all those here. You have my word.”

<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"">“Your word is meaningless!”   Joruri shouted back. “You know nothing of mercy or the value of life. I will never surrender! I will die before I let you subject these people to your tyranny!”

<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 so be it.”   Rei replied. “But remember, their blood is on your hands.”

<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"">Rei took a deep breath, gathering his power and slamming a fist to the ground. The earth split open, hundreds of cracks racing in every direction. Yokkun could see the panic in Joruri’s eyes as the ground opened, devouring people and structures with frightening speed. Screams of terror filled the air as those who’d taken refuge in the city desperately tried to escape. They would never make it; the fissures were spreading too rapidly. The whole city would be destroyed and no one would survive…

<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; 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 the blink on an eye, Yokkun found himself standing outside his room at the Western Palace. His heart was racing, and he swore he could taste dirt in his mouth. He took a few calming breaths, looking around to make sure he was alone in the hallway.

<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 ran a hand through his hair, debating on whether or not he should open the door in front of him. He couldn’t tell if he was awake or dreaming. If he was still trapped in this horrible vision, then he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to see what was behind the door.

<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"">Making up his mind, he took a deep breath and turned the knob. Yokkun cautiously walked in, slowing scanning the dark room. A fire ignited in the fireplace, bathing the room in a soft golden light. Yokkun froze, his mouth falling open. Before him stood Kazu, dressed in the same clothes he’d been buried in. Though his face was partially hidden by shadows, Yokkun knew it was him immediately. He started to run towards him, but Kazu held up his hand and shook 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"">“Ka, what’s wrong? It’s 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"">Yokkun tried to take a step forward, but no matter what he did, he couldn’t get any closer to 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"">“Ka, what is this? Why can’t I…”

<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 placed a finger to his lips, cutting off Yokkun’s words. Instead of answering, he pointed to the sword on the table. Once again, the sword balanced on its tip, but as Yokkun drew closer, words appeared on the blade.

<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 sword is forged, the sacrifice made 

<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 shield is ready, but remains afraid 

<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 your fear and doubt, you are not 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"">But to save their lives, you must destroy 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"">             By now you know the price for balance is death 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             To remake history, you must breathe your last breath           

<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 finished reading the message, easing into one of the chairs. He ran a hand down his face. “Some kind of hero I am.”   Yokkun mumbled, cursing under his breath. He looked up to find Kazu standing next to him. His little brother smiled down at him, and without opening his mouth, he whispered two 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"">“Wake up.” 

<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 shot up from his seat, the chair clattering to the floor. His eyes immediately moved to the sword lying on the table. The blade glowed red hot, the words he’d just read fading as it cooled. Yokkun rubbed his temples; his head throbbing as images from his vision replayed in his mind.

<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 know, you could’ve just told me what the fuck you needed me to do!”   Yokkun shouted to the empty room. “It would have been a lot easier!”   Yokkun search the drawers, finding a shirt and pulling it over his head. “And the next time you want to take my brother’s form to deliver a message, at least have the decency to get the eye color right! They’re blue, not brown.”

<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 stormed out of the room, his mind buzzing with the implications of his last vision. He wasn’t an idiot, and for the most part he knew what he had to do; starting with staying in this god-forsaken place…

<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"">             Idol practically flew into Lady Joruri’s arms when she walked into war room. When Master Daze explained that Lady Joruri and Lord Fera were not only alive, but en route to the Western Empire, Idol nearly collapsed with relief.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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!”   Idol exclaimed. “Words cannot describe how good it is to see you! And you as well, Lord 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"">             Joruri’s consort nodded his head but said nothing. He was eyeing his wife warily, and although he appeared to be listening, it was his wife who had his full attention. Something must have happened between them, but Idol couldn’t tell if it was good or bad.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 is good to see you as well, Empress Idol.”   Joruri replied. “I’m glad we were able to make it to you all in time.”

<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 embraced Idol tightly once more, then did the same with Master Frost. Fera followed, bowing deeply in gratitude towards Idol, and then clasping hands firmly with Frost. Lady Joruri moved to where Master Daze sat. There was a deep sadness in her eyes, and as she whispered to old man, Idol could see the tears sliding down his wrinkled cheeks. Joruri gently kissed Master Daze on the forehead, then moved to take her seat. Lord Fera also stopped to speak to Master Daze. Although very few words were exchanged, a look of understanding passed between the two men.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 only people in attendance at this particular meeting were Lady Joruri, Lord Fera, Ana, Master Daze (with Pochi), Epo, Tobi, Idol and Frost. Idol had wanted to call a full war council meeting, but it was quite late in the evening, and Lady Joruri insisted they keep the gathering small.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 and I have been brought up to speed on what happened at the White Lotus Headquarters.”   Joruri said, addressing the room. “Ana and Tobi were kind enough to explain what transpired there, and the good doctor was able to explain what has happened since. First, I would like to express mine and Fera’s gratitude to all of you. If it weren’t for your efforts, I fear our losses would have been far worse. Pochi, please pass on my thanks to your king 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"">             “Of course.”   The tiny fairy said with a bow. “King Oberon will be pleased to know you are 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"">             Joruri bowed her head, then continued. “Second, I would like to apologize for not being here sooner. I was… detained in the Eastern Empire, but now that I am here, please know that you have the full weight of the White Lotus at your disposal.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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.”   Idol replied, unable to suppress her smile. She grasped Frost’s hand tightly, the two exchanging looks of relief.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “From what Epo tells me,” Fera cut in. “Every troop under the command of the White Lotus has arrived and is ready for battle. Empress, I’m sure your troops are confused at where these additional reinforcements have come from. Though I doubt anyone will voice complaints, explanation of the White Lotus’ existence should be left until after our enemy is defeated.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Thus far, we have succeeded in keeping the secret of the White Lotus safe.”   Idol replied. “When the announcement of your arrival was made, we referred to Lady Joruri as Empress Sol’s former advisor. Lord Fera, we named you as one of Sol’s former generals. When the full war council is convened, we will tell them that you two defected and have come here to offer your assistance.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 can also circulate a rumor that the White Lotus troops are actually former soldiers of the Eastern Empire.”   Master Daze suggested. “Soldiers loyal to Lady Joruri and their general, Lord Fera.”

<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 a good idea.”   Idol said. “But to be honest, we’re just happy to have the help. I doubt you’ll hear any complaints from anyone.”

<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 should also know we have enlisted the help of Emperor Dark to the South.”   Frost added. “As we speak, he marches his army to aid 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"">             Fera and Joruri exchanged a grave look. “I’m afraid Dark will not be able to help us.”   Joruri replied solemnly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 not?”   Idol asked anxiously. “He sent word of his impending arrival not three days ago.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 he is dead.”   Fera answered, his voice calm and even. “As are his men. All forty thousand 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"">             “Impossible.”   Frost breathed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 afraid it’s true.”   Joruri continued. “Before Fera and I came here. We went to see both Emperors Dark and Light.”

<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"">“Light refused to offer aid.”   Fera interjected. “The coward that he 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 gave Fera a warning look. “Emperor Light is doing what he thinks is best for his people. He wants to keep them alive and safe. There is nothing wrong with 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"">             Master Daze snorted. “He’s a fool if he thinks Sol won’t turn her armies on him when this is all over.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Enough.”   Joruri said. “It doesn’t matter. We are on our own, so we need to make plans to use the resources we have to defeat 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"">             “And let’s not forget Rei and the Black Lotus are with her.”   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"">             “But I don’t understand.”   Epo argued. “How is an entire army wiped 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"">             “Rei.”   Ana said, speaking for the first time. “One of the Seers had a vision of him testing his power. There was fire and death, but since we weren’t sure when and where he would strike, we had no way of stopping it. It’s part of the reason we’ve been trying to keep outside communications secret. We wanted to protect our allies.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, your efforts were in vain.”   Fera replied matter-of-factly. “Rei knew about the Southern Army marching to our aid. He completely demolished them. The only thing left is a smoking crater in the earth.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “All those people gone.”   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"">             “We will mourn their sacrifice when this is all over.”   Joruri said firmly. “Right now we need to work out a plan to defeat Rei and 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"">             “We have a preliminary plan in place.”   Epo replied, speaking mainly to Fera. Now that he was there, he would mostly like take over command.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 gestured for everyone to move towards a massive table with a map of the entire Western Territory carved into 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"">             “This is the Western Palace.”   Epo said, pointing to their location on the map. “From what my scouts tell me, Sol’s army is here.”   She pointed to a spot roughly a hundred or so miles east of the Western border. “We had concerns that Rei would lead a separate army from a different location, but reports confirm he marches with 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"">             “A bit overconfident.”   Fera replied. “Rei must think his power will compensate for any advantage gained by separate attacks.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, at least we have that in our favor.”   Frost 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"">             “And every little bit counts.”   Idol 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"">             Epo nodded, then continued her explanation. “I plan to lead a small group along the northern side of the capital. We’re going to try and slip into their camp and see if we can get the jump on Rei. If we can get the God’s Stone back before this war starts, we can cripple their offense. There is a forest here, we’ll use the trees as cover, and infiltrate the camp at night.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 examined the area Epo indicated, then nodded his approval.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Their goal is obviously the capital.”   Epo said. “The surrounding towns have been evacuated, and those unable to travel, will take refuge within the palace. We’ve established three lines of defense. The first will be about 20 miles from the capital city. Ana and Tobi have agreed to fight in the vanguard. Should the situation change and we fail to defeat them there, they are instructed to report 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"">             “The second line of defense will be at the gate itself. Originally, we planned to have Master Frost and his troops hold it alone, and have the empress hold the third line of defense at the palace itself. But now that you and Lady Joruri are here, I think Empress Idol and Master Frost should hold the gate together, while you two protect the palace and the refugees within.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Agreed.”   Fera replied. “Tobi, should things change at your position, you will report to Idol and Frost. Ana, you will report to Jo and 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"">             Tobi and Ana nodded in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 many troops do we have under our command?”   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"">             “About 60,000.”   Epo replied. “We were counting on Emperor Dark’s army to join us. Without them, we’re out numbered 2 to 1.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 impossible odds.”   Fera said. “We’ll just have to fight smarter than them. Put our magic users at strategically smart locations, and place the bulk of our forces where they will do the most 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"">             “Fera’s right.”   Joruri said. “We can do this. We can beat 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"">             “If winning is part of the agenda, then I suggest you rethink your plan.”   All eyes turned to find Yokkun standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">             “Excuse me?”   Frost said, bearing down on Yokkun. “Like any of us would take advice from a coward like you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Yokkun straightened, his face flushing in anger.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Frost, stop!”   Master Daze ordered, grabbing his friend’s arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;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 here, Yokkun?”   Joruri 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? No hello?”   Yokkun smirked. “It’s the least you can do after abandoning us all 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"">             “Watch it, boy.”   Fera gritted 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"">             “Stand down, Fera.”   Joruri said, stepping towards Yokkun. “I’m so sorry about your brother.”   She continued. “Kazu was a good man and he didn’t deserve to die the way he did. I want you to know that you are absolutely right. I should have been there to stop Rei. Leaving that day was the biggest mistake of my life, and because of my careless actions, lives were lost needlessly. But I tell you now; I will not make that mistake again. I will defend you all until the bitter end.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 and Joruri stared at one another, a silent exchange taking place between 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"">             “That last part I believe.”   Yokkun replied, his tone softening. “What’s done is done.”   He added hastily. “And right now, we have a war to win.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 I thought you were leaving.”   Epo said, her eyes filling with hope.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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, so did I.”   Yokkun replied wearily. “But it seems someone has different plans for 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"">             “What do you mean?”   Master Daze asked worriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 explain everything later, but right now, we need to make some serious adjustments to that plan of yours.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-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 is that?”   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"">             “Because if we don’t, all of you are 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"">