Chapter Nine

Chapter 9: Awakenings and Disaster

Toshiro woke up an hour later lying next to the cave where they had fought. He was wrong...he couldn’t bring Amane in. Amane has surpassed everything he expected and his training wasn’t nearly enough to compete with him. Even out - numbering him  didn’t do anything to help either.

Toshiro chuckled lightly and thought to himself, Still underestimating me after all this time. No, I’m still underestimating my enemies, that’s on me. I should have given all I had, but I was trying to gauge his strength. I won’t make that mistake again, he also went easy on me. Toshiro punched the ground hard and launched a frozen spike into the air.

“TOSHIRO!” A female voice yelled out.

“KITANNI, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?” He shouted.

“I came to see if you needed help.” She responded in her normal voice as she walked up to him.

“I’m fine.” Toshiro stated as he stood up from the ground.

“You don’t seem fine.” She replied worriedly.

“Just my pride is bruised.” He responded.

“So you found him?” She asked.

“Yeah and he went easy on me. He’s dangerous.” Toshiro added sternly.

“What’s in your jacket pocket?” She asked confusedly, while she eyed the paper in his pocket.

Toshiro reached into his pocket and pulled out the letter. It had his name written on the cover. “He must have put it in my pocket.”

]

“Are you going to open it?” She asked.

“No.” He replied as he put it back into his pocket. He lifted the broken sword off the ground. Noticing it had burn lines in it, he assumed it was Amane’s first blade. A blade that Fujimoto had given him. Toshiro took the pieces and put them in a sheath of one of his team members. Fujimoto’s blade deserved a proper fixing or burial.

“Here.” She handed him a vial of healing potion.

“Thanks.” He drank it quickly and felt better almost instantly, all but his pride at least.

The two of them headed back to the town and gathered some supplies for their own journey. Toshiro was going after him but needed to prepare first. This was a huge wake up call for the cryomancer. He had to push himself further and further, at the cost of his body, for the cost of his life.

Several hours later, Amane woke up in a strange bed inside a cabin. A beautiful elven woman sitting next to him. Her piercing green eyes drew his attention, she was radiant and he was confused at the emotions he was feeling. He was drawn to her. She was fast, powerful, and gorgeous. She had also saved his life. At that Moment he realized he had nothing on.

Amane blushed vibrantly in embarrassment as his face turned red. “Where are my clothes?” He asked, trying to get dressed.

“Drying over there by the fire. You were soaked in mud so I took a minute and washed them then set them over there to dry.” She responded kindly to his question.

“Thank you. I appreciate all the help you’ve given me.” Amane said with a weak smile as he tried to move slightly to sit up. His body ached from his exertion of power, while wearing the armor. This was something that he hadn’t taken into account during his escape. The armor required him to stay at peak energy but using his abilities constantly was dropping his energy and forcefully raising it, which caused him to burn out.

“As long as you don’t harm the forest or have intent to harm anyone in it; you’re welcome here. I’ve been watching you for some time actually. Keeping an eye on you to see what you were going to do.” She said as a matter of factly.

“Why?” Amane asked quizzically.

“ I think you can help me escape the forest.” She replied.

“Alright.” He shook his head, " I’m Amane.”

“My name is Kyra and I’m Princess of the Elves.” She responded politely.

They smiled at each other awkwardly with slight blush on their cheeks. This was her first friend from outside the forest and this was his second friend, in general. Both Kyra and Amane didn't know how to act with each other, since they were both new to these interactions. Her interactions with outsiders were extremely minimal with no interactions. While interacting with an elf, not to mention, a female elf, when he didn’t have much chance to interact with women in general outside of his mother. They were both highly confused by how they were supposed to act together…especially in his current state.

“Out of curiosity, Princess, how much of me did you see?” Amane asked, turning red and looking away.

“Not as much as you think.” Kyra responded with a playful smirk and a wink, then chuckled softly,"  Seriously though, I covered you up before removing your pants. I wasn’t after a sneak peek or anything like that.”

“Thank you for not taking a gander.” He replied to her with an uncomfortable tone. ”I really appreciate you taking the time to clean the mud off of my clothes.” Amane bowed his head to her in respect.

“Don’t mention it, I was just trying to help.” She answered while nodding her head. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You weren’t coming to harm the forest or her inhabitants. I could feel your presence; you were just trying to escape.”

He sighed heavily, "I’m glad that  I didn’t harm the forest but they might come after you for helping me.”

“Then let them come.” She announced to him as she stood up from her seat,"  There are more than enough elves to remove men like that from our trees.”

Amane backed up just slightly on the bed, "You guys sure are serious about the defense of this forest. I, however, completely understand since you’re effectively protecting your homes.”

“EXACTLY!” She exclaimed. “Though, there has to be more to life than just sitting in the woods playing Princess. I want to see more of the world, I want to blaze my own path and see new things. I don’t want to spend my life just cooped up in the woods. I want more.” Kyra spoke with conviction and joy.

Amane smiled at her and nodded his head. “I understand completely, Kyra.”

The two of them talked for hours about what they wanted to do with their lives. How Kyra wanted to escape the trees. How she didn’t want to be a Princess or take over as a Queen. How tired she felt having to deal with the intricacies of being in the ‘Royal Family’. Her few hopes were to travel and see the world for what it was, not just the Quadrants but the rest of the world. Amane had explained to her what was going on during the civil war with his clan and why he was running away. What happened to his mother and how he couldn’t explain what happened. Most importantly - what his mother said was his destiny.

“What you’re saying, Amane, is that your destiny is to save the quadrants by defeating the Sorcerer who controls that soul vortex?” She asked bluntly but also in a manner that questioned his words.

He shrugged, "According to my mother, yes. She was a psychic and often had visions of the future. Defeating the Sorcerer is my goal.”

“You have quite a destiny ahead of you.” She replied with concern, while being impressed that he was still willing to take on such a heavy burden.

“Yeah, I’ll do what I have to do.”  He quickly changed the subject to not linger on his destiny. “Can I ask you about your people?” Amane asked quietly.

“Of course.” Kyra joyously replied. “What do you want to know?”

“Is it true you live forever?” He asked.

“In a way, since we’re ageless. It’s possible that we can be killed, but natural causes such as old age don’t affect us. I know your people age to around a hundred and pass on. We live much longer than that, passing on by our free will.” Kyra stated. “Arenians tend to live more openly while feeling less consequences from their actions.” She shrugged her shoulders,"  At least how it seems, I know nothing about the outside world.”

Amane sat up interested and confused by it all but it was refreshing to learn something new. He unintentionally blurted out, "How old are you, Princess?”

“Oh, I’m about a hundred ten.” She said smiling while hiding her actual age. This was just her own little joke about how elves aged in general.

“WHAT!? YOU SURE DON’T LOOK A HUNDRED TEN.” Amane shouted in surprise. “No way. You only look like you're twenty tops.”

Kyra chuckled to herself hiding her smile behind her hands. “I was just messing with you, Amane, I’m only nineteen.”

Exhaling his excitement as he shook his head,"  Wait, so you’re my age?”

“Yes I am, so don't get any ideas.” She said, playfully wagging her finger at him.

“Of course not, Princess.” Amane replied, turning red. The only thoughts he was having was how young she looked and knowing that she was his age, it made sense. He couldn’t deny this attraction he felt towards her though.

A voice could be heard outside of the cabin,"  Princess Kyra, It’s time for you to come home. Your parents are worried about you, as am I.”

“Oh shit.” Kyra said hastily.”I’ve gotta go Amane. Can I meet you here tonight so we can talk?”

“Sure, Princess.” He said, followed by a sigh,"  I can’t exactly go anywhere being hunted.”

“Very true.” Kyra nodded,"  I’ll be back here after dark, so get dressed.” She laughed a moment before running out of the door making sure she collected her gear. “What do you want, Uncle Aylan?”

“We’ve been worried about you Kyra. Where have you been?” Aylan demanded to know. He hoped to relieve his worry about why she had disappeared. She missed several training exercises and even Royal events.

“The job; defending the forest. Taking care of people who would be harmful.” She said, talking back to him.

Aylan looked at her with narrowed eyes and spoke sternly, "You’re coming home now and that’s all we’re discussing here.” He grabbed her by the arm and began dragging her back.

“Let me go. I can walk on my own, Uncle.” She said as she yanked her arm out of his hand. “I’m right behind you.”

“Fine, let’s go.” Aylan said, leading her back towards the palace. “What are you doing out here?” He asked her nicely this time. He was trying to keep their relationship as a mentor and bodyguard the visible one instead of his desire for her to be free. Since they were alone now, he switched to his normal persona with her.

“Practicing and watching. I think I just saved someone important. I had an urge that something bad was going to happen so I rushed out here.”Kyra explained to him.

“You haven’t been home in days. You’re the Princess, you just can’t go missing.” Aylan replied with a sigh. “I’m sorry, I was just really worried about you with everything going on. I just wish you’d have told me.”

She looked at him funny, "I wasn’t missing; I was training myself and I won’t be home for even longer if I’m supposed to help defeat the Sorcerer.” She nodded her head to his apology, "Apology accepted, uncle. I just need some breathing space. I’m an adult now so let me do things for myself; It’s my life.” (It’s now or never!)

“You’re right.” He replied agreeing with her. “Kyra, is this the one from your dreams?” He asked bluntly.

Kyra blushed under her hood due to the question. While it was accurate, it sounded romantic. “Yes, he is.”

“After you return home, return to him.” Aylan smiled happily. He was happy for her being able to escape the forest. He would, however, remain worried since she was his niece.“It’s time then.”

“Time for what?” Kyra asked, following behind him with a confused look on her face.

“Your journey.” Aylan stated.

Amane stayed quiet, as his new friend was whisked away from him. He found her extremely easy on the eyes. She was witty, fun, knowledgeable and kind. Best archer he’d ever seen, especially with his blurred vision. He had become enamored with her quickly.

As they left, Amane got dressed into his white gi and began practicing his skills. Feeling the freeing nature of the armor being off for a change, as he was just trying to regain his mobility after being exhausted. He grabbed his sword then walked outside noticing that this cabin wasn’t too far into the woods and was very close to Quadrant Three. At this point, he just wanted to see where the others were, if they had left, or if they were still looking. He walked back out of the cabin and to the edge of the woods. They had been setting up a perimeter as he watched them.

This is it. I can’t return to Quadrant Three anymore. I can’t return to Yama Zengo, I can’t return home. I am and only will be Amane from now on. No home. No clan.

Amane turned away from the perimeter and returned to the cabin as the sky was beginning to darken. His entire life was gone. His parents were deceased. His clan was broken. His father’s sword was broken. His one meaningful connection was destroyed, as his best friend abandoned him. He had two things in his life now: Kyra, the first friend he had made in a long time and his destiny. His destiny of defeating the Sorcerer and bringing an end to the Vortex of Souls and his reign of power. He looked up towards the vortex, "I’ll be there soon.”

The sorcerer had still been watching him and was able to see what he said, "I’ll be waiting.”

Toshiro and Kitanni had finally made it into town with Toshiro’s first stop being the blacksmith. He dropped Fujimoto’s broken sword there and asked for it to be repaired. Since it would take a couple days, he elected to drop it off for the desired time. The timing was amazingly good, as he still needed to gather supplies, then help Kitanni modify her extremely light armor.

After leaving Amane in the cabin on the edge of Quadrant Two, Kyra and Aylan return home to a gathering of people in front of the palace. While looking around they see everyone is frantic but they don’t understand why. Kyra pushed her way through the area seeing the door wide open with her father laying on the floor bleeding.

“FATHER!” Kyra shouted.

“Thank the Dragon Gods that you’re alright, Kyra.” The King responded with a weak smile while holding his side.

“What happened?”She asked.

The King tried to stand up but barely made it to his feet, he leaned on Kyra and took four steps to the stairs then sat down. He whispered through his ragged breathing. “My brother..your Uncle. Akashingo.” He took a breath and winced in pain,"  He took your mother.”

“I’ll find him.” Kyra said getting up from the stairs.

“You will not.” The King replied sternly. “You’ll do no such thing, Kyra.”

“WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO, FATHER?! STICK MY THUMB UP MY ASS AND WAIT? NO. I’LL FIND OUT WHERE THEY WENT NOW.” Kyra shouted at him. Her anger was rising and she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“I agree with your father,"  Aylan replied while coming up from behind her. “You’re going to leave and go back to your cabin. What you do after that: is your choice. I’ll find your mother with the help of our special ops. Highly skilled, highly trained, and highly decorated. We’ll find her.”

“I CAN’T LET YOU DO IT YOURSELF. YOU’RE ALREADY MISSING AN EYE BECAUSE OF HIM!” Kyra exclaimed.

“Kyra, you’re too important and your destiny is waiting.” The King replied while wincing through all of his words. His hand was becoming more covered in blood.

“It was my choice to fight, Kyra and I did it alone. I got upset and threw caution to the wind because he angered me by talking about you. I won’t let him get to me this time; I’ll stay calm. We’ll find your mother.” Aylan responded to her.

“If anything was to happen to you, my daughter, I wouldn’t know what to do. I don’t want my brother touching you or being near you. Stay away from him.” The King added.

“I’ll return to the cabin in the woods and hide out.” Kyra started feeling defeated and like she was unable to help. “Please be careful.” She hugged her father. “Take care of that wound.” She walked to her Uncle and hugged him too,"  Have them watch your blind side, Uncle. Take care of yourselves.”

“Good luck, Kyra. I love you.” Her father said.

“Be safe, yourself.” Aylan added.

“I will and I love you both.”She replied walking away before her adrenaline finally kicked in as she started running faster.

Aylan walked over to his brother and lifted him up then placed his arm under his brother's to carry him headed to the pond. “What was the weapon?”

“The Blood Dagger.”The King replied.

“It’s even stronger than it was, now. The blood of a King should amplify the power immensely.” Aylan stated, obviously upset by the news.

“I know, I didn’t see it until it was too late. Do you think she’ll be okay?” The King asked, worried about his daughter.

“I think she’ll manage since she’s with another Child of Prophecy.” Aylan smiled.

“Do you know who it is?” The King questioned him.

“Based on what I know; he’s a swordsman from Quadrant Three. His name is Amane but if I had to guess, he's a Fuseishutsu,"  Aylan added.

“Seems like keeping tabs on the outside world is more helpful than I thought. I’m sorry, Aylan, I should have listened to you.” The King was full of remorse for not listening to his brother or his daughter. Now his wife was taken and he was trying to figure things out for himself. He felt as if he was being punished.

“Don’t worry about that right now, brother. We’ll figure it out as we go.” He exhaled as he walked. “I’m thankful that he may be of that clan in Quadrant Three. They grow very powerful spiritually and I think that’ll help keep her safe. She’ll be in good hands traveling with him.”

“Then I’ll hope for the best. I’m sure they’ll have to return here some time in the future. Until then, I hope Kyra will stay safe. This prophecy has finally begun.” The King grunted while his brother held him up.

Aylan continued to carry his brother to the Sacred Grove pond..his blood dripping on the saplings as they by. The blood of a sapling dripping onto newly planted saplings. The blood of kings flowing upon the ground as they walked.

Meanwhile, Kyra had begun running as fast as she could, trekking through trees as if she was trying to escape from danger. When all she wanted was to run into it...run into her Uncle..and take his life from him. She wanted him dead for hurting her family. She didn’t know how to respond to it. She hated him with a passion she never felt before. Kyra needed to remove herself from the Quadrant for a while.

She burst in the door of the cabin a day later and slammed it behind her. The adrenaline is still getting to her. She sat down in the chair and took several breaths trying to calm down. She saw him sitting on the ground meditating. Her body was heavily fatigued from being up for three days straight and the adrenaline was beginning to wear off. She pulled a canteen out and drank from it as she melted into the chair that she was sitting in. She didn’t want to bother him but she really needed to talk to someone. “Amane are you busy?” Kyra asked, finally catching her breath.

“Not particularly. Just trying to find my power after passing out from exhaustion earlier. What’s up, Princess?” Amane said, standing up and facing her. He leaned up against the wall with his arms crossed. Immediately, he noticed the shape her body was in and the bags under her eyes. She was fighting, falling asleep and her body was trying to force a shut down. He had a stern look on his face as he looked at her.

“Someone kidnapped my mother.” Kyra said quietly.

“WHAT?!” Amane exclaimed. “Let’s go get her back. I won’t let you lose your mother as I have.” Amane grabbed his swords and prepared to walk out the door.

“I’m not allowed to go.” She said looking away from him, but excited to see his response.

“I don’t care if you’re not allowed to go. We can’t sit here and do nothing can we?” Amane retorted angrily, his emotions now running high along with her’s due to his own mother’s passing. “I’m trying to be mindful that this isn’t my home and there are different rules here. But if your mom is missing, I don’t give a damn about your rules. I’ll find the Queen myself if I have to.”

“It wasn’t my idea, it was my father’s and my Uncle Aylan’s idea.” Kyra replied. “I enjoy your enthusiasm but what they want me to do is leave. Can I join your quest to bring the Sorcerer down?”

Amane paused and sighed, if this is what she really wanted, he wasn’t going to press it. He was definitely excited to have her onboard with his quest. They could get to know each other better and he’d, hopefully, have a friend again. “I welcome you openly to join in. It could be a lonely road if I was alone the entire time.”

“REALLY?!” Kyra exclaimed. “You’ll take me with you?”

“Of course, Princess. From the blurred vision, I could tell you were very skilled. If you need help with your daggers, I can help you there.” Amane replied, trying to make himself more useful to her.

“I’d like that very much and I could use some close quarters help.” She sighed slightly,"  Thanks Amane.”

“You’re welcome, Princess. ”Amane smiled tiredly, as he placed his swords on his hip. ”Guess, we're off to Quadrant One now.”.

“If that is where you want to start your journey at.” Kyra replied. “I guess you wouldn't want to go back to Quadrant Three immediately so that seems like a logical choice.”

“Going to Quadrant One and letting Quadrant Three cool off a bit before I return to it. Guarantee that when I show up in Quadrant Three again, there will be trouble.” Amane stated calmly. 

“I think that's a smart plan. I'll lead the way through the trees.” She added.

“You know what else is a smart plan, Princess?” He said, staring at her in the fatigued state she was in. He set his swords back down against the wall.

“What's that?” She asked in confusion as she watched him.

“You...getting some sleep. You're not going anywhere as exhausted as you are. Having been in that situation recently myself, you need the rest. Please, trust me on that.” Amane said in an attempt to plead with her. “I won't take you out there in such a burned out state. That wouldn't be safe for you or me but I mostly care that it isn't safe for you.”

“I'm fine. I promise.” She said standing up as her knees buckled beneath her from exhaustion. She trips up trying to take a few steps, then catches herself before she falls face first onto the wood flooring, barely catching herself on her hands.  Amane walks over to her and offers her  a hand getting back up. “You're right...” She said in a low tone. “Thanks for trying to look out for me.”

“I'm going to be doing that a lot, if you're coming with me.” Amane replied as she took his hand and he pulled her up to her feet. “There you go.”

“For someone as strong as you, I never expected you to be so gentle.” Kyra said with a blush on her face.

Amane gave her a half smile, "I don't try to get into fights all the time. Before all this started, I was just a normal kid who liked swordsmanship. I didn't plan on ever hurting anyone but that changed one day where I needed to know how to defend myself. During that time, I actually had to kill someone to protect myself and my friend.” He sighed deeply,"  Who I just fought.”

“Great friend.” Kyra said bluntly. “It's over now.”

“Not yet, Princess.” Amane replied. “Please, lay down and get some sleep. We're not in such a hurry to complete my quest. that it would prevent you from resting.”

She nodded,"  I think you're right.” Kyra stated. “Thanks for talking some sense into me.”

“Whatever I can do to help.” He said with a soft tone. “Rest up.”

“I will. Good...it's not night. Good afternoon?” She said questioningly.

“I get what you mean.” Amane said with a chuckle. “Sleep well.”

Kyra walked over to the bed using Amane's strength to get on to it. She laid down and felt her eyes closing immediately while she was still angry, her tiredness took over. She was soon asleep and resting peacefully. Amane sat down in a corner and leaned against the wall. He tried his best to force himself to go to sleep, so they could be on the same schedule for their traveling. It took him a couple of hours to get there but eventually he fell asleep sitting in the corner.

Meanwhile, Ama watched from her Cathedral and looked down upon them from it,"  Reunited once again. The Swordsman and the Princess. A bond that not even time can break.” She smirked. “I can’t wait to see these versions of them together for the first time.”

The Sorcerer watched them from inside the Palace Area, cloaked in darkness,"  You’re bringing them all together. If you make it past my champion, Amane, we’ll see how strong you really are when you’re confronted by him in his newly ‘found’ power.” He looked at Kyra,"  You my dear, Kyra, when you meet your Uncle you’ll meet your end as well.”

There was one other person watching them from a branch in the Sacred Grove,"  Thank goodness he’s not alone any more.” They thought to themselves. “They’ll make each other stronger and together, they’ll be a force of nature. The group is stronger together than they are separately” The figure disappeared as if they were an illusion..or a dream.

Upon waking up from their rest, Kyra and Amane had begun walking through the trees. They had skipped eating and elected to move forward for now.  Amane was taking in the sights of the Quadrant and being stared at by Elves as he passed through with their Princess. He was feeling a bit uncomfortable as if he was about to be attacked.

“Kyra, why are they staring at me like I killed their dogs?” Amane whispered.

Kyra snickered to herself, "They aren’t used to seeing an Arenian in our trees. We haven’t let one in for many decades, so you’re our first, at least to my knowledge.” She laughed a bit loudly, "Are you uncomfortable?”

“I just got out of a civil war...I feel like they’re about to attack me for no reason. It’s got me on edge.” He explained to her, his eyes viewing everything around him and his senses were open entirely to those around them.

“We’ll fix that real quick. We’re coming upon Suisha. ”Kyra said, still smiling about the whole thing.

“What’s in Suisha?” Amane replied with confusion in his voice.

“I can get you a new cloak made of Elven materials to help you blend in better. It’s also more durable and resistant to some elements such as heat and cold. Though, the desert might be too hot.” Kyra explained.

Amane nodded,"That could be useful. Guess we’ll just have to keep going.”

Amane followed behind Kyra as she led the way and he wasn’t complaining about the view, at all. There was something about her he just liked and it wasn’t just her appearance. It was just her. It wasn’t anything he would tell her right now...or possibly ever. He was a warrior first and foremost.  He couldn’t let the distraction hinder the mission.

Kyra felt him ease up as she told him that and followed behind her. She was also feeling something towards him but couldn’t explain. She thought it could be her dreams of him from before or just his being as a whole. They were alike in the way they handled things since she wouldn’t tell him either because of the mission.

They both kind of hoped their feelings would pass with time.

Finally they had  arrived in Suisha with Amane still getting weird looks of confusion and anger. Mostly about how he shouldn’t be there but here he was waltzing through with the Princess. Why was he so special and not killed for being in the forest? There had to be a reason he was with Kyra.

Kyra stopped and pulled his hood over his head while noticing the blush on his face. “Don’t say anything and just follow me.” She was wondering why he was blushing but could only think of one reason and that was: her. Kyra watched his eyes as he looked up when she had gotten closer to him. She had a smile on her face before she stepped away.

“You’re the lead, Princess.” Amane replied with a soft sigh after she stepped back from him.

“Please, don’t call me that here.” Kyra retorted while flipping her own hood up onto her head. “I’ll go in first to get what we need and you just follow behind me.” She turns around smiling while blushing herself. Seems like you enjoy following behind me, Amane. She thought as she began walking.

Amane nodded in agreement and followed her into the store, he held the door open for her as she entered. She was the Princess after all and he wanted to be as polite as he could. He followed behind her as she walked into the store. She immediately saw what she was after and walked over to it. Having his hood on wasn’t helping as his swords were clearly visible and his weapons were obviously used by outside people.

A man came up to her, "You know he shouldn’t be in here right?”

Surprised, Kyra jumped back, " Doran!” She took a breath. “Don’t scare me like that. I’m a little on edge.”

“I know you are, I’ve heard. I have been recruited to the special ops for your mother being kidnapped. I look forward to helping her out since she’s done a lot for me now, as well in my youth. I owe it to her to try.” Doran replied. “Especially after my brother, Balthazar, went missing.”

Kyra nodded, "Thank you. To answer your question though, we’re passing through to Quadrant One. He’s planning to take on the Sorcerer and I’m going with him. This is Amane and he’s from Quadrant Three.”

“I know where he is from.” Doran sighed, "Pleasure to meet you.” He said looking at Amane before returning to Kyra,"   He shouldn’t be here even if you are going with him.” He sighed, "What do you need?”

“I need a larger cloak to hide his swords since he’s feeling uncomfortable and uneasy. I just pulled him out from being hunted by his own clan, I can understand why he’s so uncomfortable.” Kyra explained to him.

“Alright.” Doran walked into the back and plucked out a large cloak for him. He walked back and tossed it to Amane,"  Go try it on, kid. Your secret is safe with me.” He motioned for Amane to come through the door to the back.

“Doran is honorable enough for you to trust, and you have my word.” Kyra added.

Amane nodded and headed through the room. He took the cloak and slipped it on over his armor and his swords, the entire thing covered him. The only reason he had to try it on in private was so that no one else really saw him. Since no one saw him put it on, no one would know who he was. He came back out fully covered and didn’t say anything.

“Good fit,"  Doran said.

“It really is, over his own cloak and swords. Thanks Doran.” Kyra said hugging him real quick, " I appreciate your help with this and with my mother. Please be careful. I still want to hear more stories.”

“I will, Princess, but after you get back I want to hear YOUR stories. Now get out of here.” Doran said, patting her on the back during the hug. He looked over at Amane, " Take care of her.”

Amane nodded to him in agreement. He would do his best to take care of her while they were traveling. He was positive that they would be looking after each other for the long journey. They would be a team and watch each other’s backs while forging a bond of warriors as they fought and traveled together.

“Let’s get back on the road.” Kyra stated as she started walking back towards the door with him in tow. She was the lead of this parade and he was following her, willingly.

Once they were out the doors, Amane began looking around and seeing that no one was stalking him any more. “Thank you.” He said softly.

“You’re welcome. Now that you blend in, you should be able to feel more comfortable.” She stated plainly. “I hope that helps you feel less out of place.”

“It does and I really appreciate it too. I think I would cut someone's hand off if they approached me and put their hands on me.” Amane sighed deeply. “I really don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“I understand the pressure placed upon you. The cloak will keep you safe and allow you to pass as one of us.” Kyra explained. “Just stay behind me.” Amane nodded and continued to follow behind her. A half hour passed by with no one saying anything to him and just letting him pass through their trees without a hint of harassment.

Amane and Kyra spent the day walking; both being able to walk without tiring so easily. Kyra being trained to keep her pace by her uncle for years and Amane being in war and always on the run. They could both walk for hours upon hours on foot before needing to rest. With the unknown coming up in Quadrant One they both knew they had to get some rest. They stopped in Ondo Til, which was the closest town to the desert in Quadrant Two. There Kyra took a room in an old inn that was used infrequently. It was the best thing they could do for now and kept Amane hidden from the rest of the quadrant as they rested another day.

Waking up early enough, Kyra had gone into town and grabbed some food for the morning and their trek into the desert. She returned quickly to see Amane awake already as well. They spent the morning together just eating and taking care of themselves. Finally, they set out again on another six hour walk from Ondo Til  to the desert border. It would be a while before Kyra would return to the forest and even longer for Amane to return to his own home. 

The heat was upon them. The dryness removed the moisture from their faces as they took their first steps into the desert. This was the first step into the journey of a lifetime. Kyra and Amane’s destiny getting closer each step they took into the desert.

“Amane, what do you know about this Quadrant?” She asked.

“Nothing,"  he said bluntly.

“My Uncle explained to me that there was a tavern at the bottom of the desert Quadrant. I’d love to see it and seeing places is also a part of a journey. Let’s make the best of it and see as many sights as we can, as we travel together. If we get separated, we should meet there.” Kyra explained to him.

“You got it. What’s its name?” Amane asked.

“The Desert town of Riverpass. It’s where the rivers intersect each other. It should be easy to find that way.” Kyra replied.

“Meet you at Riverpass should anything happen to us.” He said with a nod of his head.”Let’s do this!” Amane said excitedly.

I hope you all remain safe during my travels. Kyra thought to herself as she looked back one last time. She was leaving her family and home but taking her worry with her.

The two continued their path together towards Riverpass. The journey to defeat the Sorcerer had officially begun with Kyra and Amane pulling together as a team. The Arenian swordsman and the Elven Princess.

With his armor in disrepair, Toshiro had to do something about it before he continued, and knowing how to sew helped in this situation. He was able to line everything he wore with the thinnest and strongest metal to help prevent his own demise. His whole jacket was redone from the inside out but it kept to the style of his clan. He was determined to finish what he started.

Kitanni found her armor quickly, something that suited her body type. She asked Toshiro for help making it sturdier. Together, they fixed it up so she’d be better protected. She packed a bag for both of them containing some provisions and clothes for the desert. Eye coverings and cloaks to bear the sand and wind.

Days had passed as Toshiro and Kitanni made their way to the blacksmith.

“It was harder to put together than I expected.” The smith spoke.

“You fixed it?” Toshiro asked worriedly, he was hoping that it was fixed for Fujimoto’s memory.

“Take a look.”

Toshiro unsheathed the blade and looked at it. The blade looked as good as new. The strain lines were still there but it was in one piece and he had a plan for it.

“That’s Fujimoto’s blade, right?” The smith asked.

“It belonged to his son last.” Toshiro replied confidently.

“I wonder what happened to him.” The smith said.

“He’s on the run having been exiled from here. I’m going after him.” Toshiro exclaimed.

“Good luck, he’s extremely tough.” The black smith added. “I once saw him take on three guards without really doing anything.”

“I’ve heard that story where he just fluidly danced between them as they attacked. Fujimoto showed up after that and put an end to it.” Toshiro said, smirking.

“I was the guard who went to get Fujimoto.” The smith replied.

“It feels like it was forever ago.” Toshiro added.

“I wish you the best, Toshiro. “ The smith stated.

“Thanks for everything.” He replied, as he slipped the sword into his second holster on his jacket. 

Toshiro and Kitanni walked out of the door of the shop and began their crusade to bring Amane back to the Quadrant; to bring him in for his past transgressions. They were finally ready to move forward together. They walked side by side the entire time, both being serious about bringing Amane back. Toshiro is dead serious about having Amane pay up for what he did and bring him to justice. Kitanni was there to help Toshiro, mainly because she had strong feelings for him and wanted to see him succeed.

They marched across Quadrant Three together, blazing a new path set before them. After finishing their preparations, it only took them around twelve hours to reach the border.  Toshiro and Kitanni were at a crossroads of their journey. Do they go through the Palace Area or Quadrant Two? Two places deadly to them.

A voice rang out in Toshiro’s mind. “Cut through the Palace Area. It’ll let you catch up. He’s heading into the desert and you’ll need to catch up with him, quickly.”

Toshiro’s body began putting off icy mist as he became more serious. “We’ll cut through the Palace Area. Stay near me.” He said to Kitanni.

“I will.” She replied, sticking near him.

“It’s a few days walk to where he is, without stopping. He’ll be heading to a town called Riverpass. A desert bar surrounded by rivers with a short supply of buildings. You’ll know it when you see it. You won’t have to rush once you’re in the desert since there aren’t many places he can go.” The voice called out to him.

“How long is it through the Palace Area?” He thought, instead of speaking, so only he and the voice would hear him.

“Twenty-four hours.” The voice spoke.

Kitanni and Toshiro made their way into the Palace Area. They saw leagues of undead warriors and creatures in the area itself. They attempted to claw and scratch at them but the energy with Toshiro stopped them, as well as his own icy barrier. They felt a familiar presence within Toshiro. Kitanni on the other hand was a free meal..or so they thought. Her healing abilities were light based and that was their weakness, even if she didn’t know that. They couldn’t get close to her without her powers healing her with light.

The creatures sneered and watched, as the invaders trekked through their land. They were forbidden from attacking and did nothing but screech in anger at them. Clawing their way through the Palace Area as if they owned the place. Days of walking and camping out in the Palace Area protected against the beasts who lurked there, the two of them had finally made it to the edge of the desert.

“I’M COMING FOR YOU AMANE. YOU’RE GOING DOWN THIS TIME.” Toshiro yelled into the sky.

The Sorcerer snickered to himself as he watched from the top of the palace. “Amane is coming for me. Toshiro is coming for him. I couldn’t ask for a better game. Who’ll make it out alive; the fire or the ice? The stage is set for an epic confrontation between these two old friends.”

Another person watched them both from her own cathedral," Toshiro, you’re making the wrong move going after him but it’ll have to play it out. This could change everything.”

Toshiro began his descent into the sand of Quadrant One with Kitanni at his side. As Amane and Kyra walked towards Riverpass, Toshiro and Kitanni walked towards them. Toshiro’s anger clouded his mind, judging Amane for the past that Amane didn’t even remember. Kitanni followed Toshiro because of her growing feelings for him. All of them were being influenced or manipulated by the Sorcerer, either directly or indirectly. He had his hands in all of what was going on. There was another mastermind who had set them on this path again with her maneuvering of events. Ama waited and watched from her Cathedral, pushing everything in a new direction to save all the quadrants and world, from a force no one was aware of.

Each of their paths clouded by darkness and created by masterful hands; Amane with Kyra and Toshiro with Kitanni. New faces will be revealed as the Desert Town of Riverpass becomes the destination for all of these powers. There was no telling what power would be released from this clash between former and new friends. They will finally meet each other again in Riverpass. Amane versus Toshiro, Fire versus Ice. Nothing left to lose except a new friend.

These two groups will collide in book one of Vortex of Souls; Quadrant One: The Gathering of Power.