Kaito sits in the warm and soothing bathwater. His body may feel relaxed, yet his mind could not be more on edge. Behind him sits one of the bathhouse girls he had met earlier that week. The other bathhouse girl fills the large bath with water and healing liquid while humming some sort of melody to herself. On the left side of the bath sits Tearan, who watches uncomfortably as the bathhouse girl scrubs Kaito down with the healing gel, trying to cover each cut and dent made in his body. The bathhouse girl has an exceptionally strong grip on the young man's shoulders, which only causes Kaito to become more uncomfortable. To the right of Kaito sits Abi, who watches angrily as the bathhouse girls take care of his injuries. From the moment they had arrived, the girls had taken Kaito in and insisted on healing him themselves. Abi's mood was made even more sour when they turned down her request to help them in Kaito's healing, the two girls saying that they could "Work better without the extra help". One of the bathhouse girls, who scrubs Kaito, argues back and forth with him as she tries to get him to stop squirming.
Selia: Come on Sir Kaito, I'm trying to help you!
Kaito struggles against her scrubbing. Not only does the healing sting, but he feels as if he is being violated to some degree.
Kaito: I can handle it myself! Why do you have to do it?
Selia: Because! If I don't cover every wound, your cuts will become infected, then you might become sick, and we don't want that now do we?
Kaito: I'll be fine!
Kaito squirms some more and moves away from Selia's grip. The elf girl looks down at Kaito and plants her feet in the water next to him. She then proceeds to squeeze Kaito's head with her thighs, keeping him in place. Once Kaito is trapped, Selia speaks to him in an almost menacing tone.
Selia: Now… if you don't stop squirming, there's going to be problems… got it?
Kaito simply whimpers and nods, barely being able to say "Yes ma'am" as the pressure from the elf girl's thighs crushes against his head. The elf girl then lets go of Kaito's head and smiles.
Selia: See? That wasn't so hard, was it?
Abi: Crush my war angel's skull, and I'll crush yours…
Abi snaps at Selia in an angry tone. One could say that she has visible traces of steam coming from her head.
Selia: Oh, Lady Abi, I'm simply trying to help Sir Kaito recover, no need to worry!
Selia rubs down hard on Kaito's shoulder, trying to get rid of a cut on top of it. Kaito yells out in pain, causing him to squirm again. As he continues to squirm, the bathhouse girl fights to keep him still.
Abi: Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just so you know, he doesn't squirm as much when I heal him.
Klia, who sits down at the other side of the bath, speaks.
Klia: Now, Selia, no need to hurt the young man, he is here to heal after all. We've dealt with squirmers before, you can handle this.
Selia: Yes, but none like him…
Kaito looks up at Selia, but then quickly looks back down at the water, his face now a deep shade of red. Kaito gets a full view of her bosom, clothed obviously, but the one-second glance was enough to cause him to become flushed.
Kaito: You know, Abi, maybe the inn might have been the less… intrusive option.
Abi nods and speaks in a sarcastic tone.
Abi: Yeah… ya think?
Selia: Oh come on now, you know you enjoy our company…
Selia pulls Kaito close to her, and he feels her two pillows push against his head. His blush is now a deeper and darker red. The young man once again tries to squirm away, but the elf girl does her best to keep him still. While this is all happening, Tearan washes himself down. The shackles around his wrist were now gone, allowing him to clean the dirt that had built up under them. He lets his arms soak in the healing water. The skin around his wrists were red from the cold and rough metal that had constricted them.
Abi then turns her attention towards Kaito and tries her best to ignore the pushy and perverted elf girl behind him as she speaks.
Abi: Hey, Kaito, what did you and Evis do? Was it some new kind of training routine?
Kaito turns his gaze away from the elf girl behind him and looks at Abi, before speaking up to answer her two questions.
Kaito: No, this was an actual mission. We walked through the forest for a while, then came upon a raider camp. We snuck our way through the camp until we reached the main hut. It was there that we found the camp's leader, some guy by the name of Wayno.
The bath girl farthest from the group stops in her task before thinking to herself. She knows she has heard that name before.
Kaito: We fought our way towards him, but he escaped into the tunnel near the large rocks behind the camp. We then found a way to follow him and ended up at some big stone door with a bunch of carvings. We got through the door and were met with a large weird-looking tree with lots of bright blue pools of water around it.
Klia then speaks and prods Kaito with a question of her own.
Klia: You guys went to the life tree then?
Kaito: Yep, or at least the closest one…
Klia: And you said it was guarded by those creatures? They had a camp around it?
Kaito nods and moves forward as Selia scrubs him down.
Kaito: Yeah, but we took them all out, so it might be some time before more show up.
Klia: You said Wayno was at the tree? What was he doing?
Kaito: Not sure… Evis and I fought him, then took him out. Evis was hurt during the battle, so I set her in one of the pools to heal. That's when we met him.
Kaito then points to Tearan, who stops scrubbing himself down before looking at everyone frantically. The young elf boy is confused about why everyone's attention is now on him.
Kaito: Which begs the question. Tearan, what was Wayno and the other guy trying to do with the tree?
Tearan: What were they trying to do? They were trying to steal its power, to drain it of its energy…
Klia: By the heavens…
Kaito: But me and Tearan didn't have much time to talk, the other creatures that were in the camp were blasting through the large stone door to get to us, and we had to fight them off.
Abi then speaks before Kaito can tell any more of his story.
Abi: You said Evis was hurt, and if she was healed, she was probably out of it after that. Did that mean you fought them all on your own?
Kaito looks at Abi, knowing his answer would anger her. He then looks down into the water with no words in response to Abi's question.
Abi: Kaito, did you fight them alone?
Kaito: I did, but If I didn't—
Abi then angrily gets out of the water, the only thing covering her being patches of suds and steam within the bath. Her expression was one of both anger and concern for Kaito's life.
Abi: Kaito! I told you not to fight alone!
Kaito: Everything turned out fine! I don't know why you are so worried about me.
Abi: Because it's my job to watch over you! To keep you alive! And I can't do that when you run off on suicide missions.
Kaito looks at Tearan, who makes a gesture of not wanting to be caught up in the middle of their argument. The young man retreats to himself and sinks into the bathwater, with half of his head still above its surface. Kaito then turns his attention back to Abi and sits up before speaking to her again.
Kaito: If I didn't fight, we would have died. We were backed into a corner. Evis was out of it, and Tearan here wouldn't be with us if I didn't help!
Abi is stopped in her anger and looks at Tearan. The young man is quiet as his eyes dart between the two angels. The angel girl then lets out a sigh and sits back down in the water, which causes ripples to flow along its surface.
Abi: I suppose you're right… but the next time you go off to another training session, OR mission, I'm coming with you, got it?
Kaito: Got it… I'm sorry that I made you worry.
There is a moment of awkward silence within the room. The two bathhouse sisters look at the group, then towards each other. After the awkward moment of silence, Kaito speaks towards Abi, who looks down at the water with a persistent look of concern for her war angel.
Kaito: I did finally get that amplified strength thing down.
Abi looks up from the water towards Kaito and smiles.
Abi: About time you did. I just wish it wasn't during something so dangerous.
Kaito: Yeah, but in the end, it helped a lot. Not only that, but we got an idea of who's causing all of this, and how to track them.
Abi: Do you have a plan?
Kaito: Yeah, but I need to talk to Elder Keizan. I'm also going to need Tearan with me as well.
Tearan looks over at Kaito and speaks in a worried, high-pitch voice.
Tearan: Why me?! I'm just a kid, it's not like I could contribute much…
Kaito: That's not true. I'm gonna need you to explain your people's current situation and tell us who this Kain guy is. Once Elder Keizan hears about it, maybe we can come up with a plan to stop him.
Kaito again looks at Abi, who moves her gaze from the young elf boy to the war angel.
Kaito: Think you could come with me to meet Elder Keizan? You've talked back and forth with him over the past few days, right?
Abi nods at Kaito's question.
Abi: Yeah, but most of it has been in regards to relations with the Angel's Accord. The Elder keeps asking for assistance, I keep trying to tell him that we're all he's going to get for a while.
Kaito then gives Abi a confused look.
Kaito: Wait, there aren't any more angels coming to Foritia? Why?
Abi: Well, the war with the Scourge has spread us pretty thin, including the defense of our home realm. As far as the Angel's Accord is concerned, you and I ARE the reinforcements to Foritia.
Kaito puts his hand to his chin while he thinks to himself. His thinking is, however, interrupted when he hears Selia behind him speak up.
Selia: Well, from what I've heard so far, you guys might just be enough to deal with whatever's attacking us. Sir Kaito here can take on a whole camp alone! Quite the strong one if you ask me…
Selia then pulls at Kaito's ear to tease him. This causes Kaito to yell out and try to get away from the bath girl, but it is of no use as he is held firmly in place by her grip. Selia yells at him as he squirms, telling him that she is almost done cleaning him up. The many wounds that once covered his body are almost completely gone now.
Abi: Well, we can handle ourselves, but that Kain guy Kaito told me about? He sounds like he's on a whole other level.
Once Abi finishes her sentence, Tearan speaks.
Tearan: Like I was telling Kaito, he took out each one of our strongest fighters with ease. He never even broke a sweat while fighting them.
Selia soon finishes up and sets the wash rag next to her on the edge of the large bath.
Selia: Ugh… finally done. You feel better now, Sir Kaito?
Kaito jumps up and looks over his now healed body. The only thing that covers his waist is a long rag that acts as a makeshift undergarment.
Kaito: Yep! Thank you, Selia.
Selia looks him over, then smiles.
Selia: Anytime…
Kaito looks back towards Tearan and Abi and speaks with an air of resolve in his voice.
Kaito: Alright, so the plan is to rest up, talk with Elder Keizan in the morning, then figure out our next move.
Both Abi and Tearan nod, their faces now red from the sight in front of them. Tearan quickly looks away, with Abi looking down in the water before she starts laughing to herself. Kaito looks at both of them with a confused look at their behavior.
Kaito: What? What's so funny?!
Abi takes a glance at Kaito, before quickly looking back down at the water.
Abi: Kaito… you might want to sit back down…
Kaito then hears Selia speak up from behind him once again. The other bath girl at the far side of the pool starts to burst out in laughter and covers her eyes with her hands. As Selia speaks, Kaito tilts his head to look over his shoulder.
Selia: Ahh… so the warrior's sword shows!
Kaito looks at her in confusion, then looks down at his waist and sees the obvious bulge in the cloth that covers him. He then blushes and quickly slumps back into the water, the only thought on his mind being "Kill me" from the embarrassing situation. Abi and Klia continue to laugh to themselves, while Tearan tries his best to cover his eyes. Kaito's body is now slumped down low in the water with his head halfway buried within it.
Selia: What? I thought it was a great plan!
Kaito (Muffled): Shut it!
The girls continue to laugh at the situation, finding his embarrassment to be quite enjoyable.
After their time at the bathhouse, Kaito, Abi, and Tearan retreat to the inn room. With Tearan not having a place to stay, Kaito had offered up his room and opted to sleep on the couch while Tearan uses his bed. Tearan, of course, declined the sleeping arrangements at first, but Kaito wouldn't let him have a say in it. Kaito replied to Tearan's argument by saying "You are a guest here; you should have the better bed!" before promptly taking to the couch and setting a pillow down on one side. Kaito takes his now broken gear and sets it on the chair next to his bedroom, then takes his torn-up clothes and puts them in a pile near the kitchen for use as wash rags. Kaito had lost his bow and dagger in the fight, but the young man wasn't too concerned with it. He had lost his previous weapons, but now he had a spear. The spear itself sits next to Kaito's gear. The crystal within its blade has gone dark since the fight and now is coated in a black and grey color, rather than the bright red glow from before. The group now prepares to rest for the night. Kaito and Tearan say goodnight to Abi as she slowly walks back into her bedroom and shuts the door. Only the dim light from an energy crystal can be seen through the cracks between the door and the doorframe. Kaito sits upright on the couch and goes over his gear checklist in his head, before eventually lying down on the couch and looking up at the ceiling. Kaito's eyes study the dark woodgrain ceiling above him as he tries to fall asleep.
His attention is then drawn to his bedroom door, which opens slowly with Tearan's head peeking out from the dark doorway to look at Kaito.
Tearan: Umm… Mr. Kaito? Can I ask you something?
The kid's face is red with embarrassment, with his voice sounding as timid as usual. Kaito looks over at Tearan, then speaks with a comforting tone in his voice.
Kaito: Sure, what did you want to ask?
Tearan: Uhh, I'm having trouble falling asleep, can you um… tell me a story?
Kaito's expression goes from a concerned look to a smile. The war angel then gives Tearan a nod, before getting up from the couch.
Kaito: A story huh? Of course. Let's get ya to bed first.
Kaito follows Tearan into his room and grabs a chair near the wall before sitting down next to the bed. Tearan then climbs into the bed and pulls the covers over himself. Kaito takes a second to relax and leans back in the chair with his leg folded and resting on the other.
Kaito: A story… a story… let me think. Ah! Got one.
Tearan looks at Kaito and studies his expression, but it is hard to see the war angel clearly as it is almost pitch black in the room. The only features that Tearan can make out are his face, hair, and the glow of his gentle green eyes. The elf boy now has all of his attention focused on Kaito and is eager to hear his tale.
Kaito: Alright, this story is about heroes.
Tearan: Heroes?
Kaito: Yep! A group of them, each with a unique background and special powers. Now, these heroes were in a special group, and fought evil together to stop the world from being destroyed. Kind of like the town leaders in Foritia!
Tearan: Special powers? What kind?
Kaito: Hmm… well, one was really strong, and another used his smarts to be triumphant in battle. Another had the power of the gods, and was able to shoot lightning from his weapon.
Tearan's expression forms into a smile as he listens to Kaito.
Kaito: In fact, one time they had to fight a god in this massive large-scale battle on Earth!
Tearan: On Earth? What's that?
Kaito: Earth? It's where I come from. Let's just say it's… my home realm.
Tearan: Oh, OK. Did these heroes live in your realm?
Kaito thinks to himself for a second, before answering the young elf boy's question.
Kaito: Uhh… yeah, in a manner of speaking, they did.
Tearan's expression then turns from a smile to a saddened look.
Tearan: You said they are like our town leaders in Foritia. Did they ever fight each other? Like we do?
Kaito: Did they ever fight each other? Well yeah actually, they did, but it was never permanent. They eventually got along with each other.
Tearan: Do you ever think it'll be like that here? Every town has been at odds with each other for so long. I wish everyone would just settle their differences already.
Kaito thinks hard on Tearan's statement. He is not sure how to answer his question at first, but then he speaks.
Kaito: I know where I'm from, it usually takes a bigger conflict to stop people from fighting one another. It takes a common goal that everyone has to work towards. And since we're fighting against the Scourge, that teamwork might happen sooner than you think.
Tearan then looks at Kaito with a hopeful look.
Tearan: You think so?
Kaito: Yeah, I do…
Tearan gives Kaito a smile, then closes his eyes.
Kaito: And don't you worry, we'll do our best to stop this evil that has laid its eyes on Foritia. The people here don't deserve to suffer… and no one deserves what that Kain guy is putting them through—
Kaito is then cut off from his monologue as he looks down to see Tearan now sound asleep. Kaito smiles, then gets up from Tearan's bedside before picking up the chair and setting it in the corner of the room. He then quietly steps out of the room and looks back at Tearan to say "Goodnight, kid", before closing the bedroom door. Kaito walks over to the couch and slumps down into it, before lying face up to stare once again at the ceiling. The fireplace and light crystals have all been put out, leaving the room darkened in a shade of black and blue. Before Kaito knows it, he passes out. In his mind, there is nothing but darkness, before he suddenly wakes to be greeted by the morning light.
The young warrior gasps out, before sitting up and looking around himself. The room is now blazed in white and yellow as the sun's rays peek through the windows. Kaito listens for anyone else to hear if they are awake, but doesn't hear anyone stirring. The only thing he does hear is the sound of Abi snoring in the other room. The war angel takes a moment to wake, then stands up and stretches while yawning. Once he gathers himself, Kaito grabs a pair of clothes by the couch and walks to the balcony. It looks like it is going to be a usual morning routine for him. Once outside, Kaito looks into the valley at the familiar scene of rivers and trees that cover the landscape for miles. To the left of his view is the towering snow-capped mountains, which looms over the land with a mysterious and dominating presence. Kaito finds it hard to believe that under those mountains lies the largest life tree of them all. The war angel leans over the railing and takes in the view, with only the sound of his breathing and the wind filling his ears. His moment of solitude is then broken once he hears the sliding door open behind him. He then turns around to see Abi stepping outside onto the balcony. The angel girl yawns and stretches at first, before speaking to him in a warm and gentle voice.
Abi: Good morning.
Kaito: Morning, how'd ya sleep?
Abi: I slept pretty well… you?
Abi walks up beside Kaito to look at the view as well before he answers her question.
Kaito: I slept fine, although my neck is a little stiff. It must have been from the way I slept.
Abi looks at Kaito, then slowly walks up to him before her hands start to glow over his neck. Kaito feels a warm sensation on his skin, then the stiffness in his neck disappears. Once she is done healing him, she steps to his side and leans on the balcony railing.
Abi: There… better?
Kaito: Yeah actually, thank you.
Abi: No problem… are you ready to get started?
Kaito: The usual exercises?
Abi nods in response to his question.
Abi: Yep! But stretching first, remember?
Kaito: Of course. But I gotta warn ya, I'm gonna make it a rough one today since you were lazy yesterday.
Abi grins with excitement at his challenge.
Abi: Oh, I'll have you know I haven't been lazy. Show me what ya got!
Kaito smiles at her enthusiasm, and the two start with their stretching. After getting warmed up, they move onto their morning workout. Kaito focuses on their endurance and sees how long they can both last at a continuous pace. He also experiments with using energy while exercising and asks Abi questions every now and then to see if it all sounds like it might work. The two are just about done with their workout in the living room when they see Kaito's bedroom door open. Standing in the doorway is a tired-looking elf boy, who wears a blanket as a cape around his body for warmth. The elf boy rubs his eyes and looks at the two angels in confusion. Kaito and Abi lay on the ground and are about to do some sit-ups. Both of them are sweaty and look beat. The elf boy takes a double-take at the two angels, then speaks.
Tearan: Uhh… are you two OK?
Kaito breathes heavily and responds in a weak voice. Both him and Abi are almost at their limit and are completely exhausted.
Kaito: Yeah, we're fine. How about you? How'd ya sleep?
Tearan: Me? I slept great. First time I've slept that well in a long time.
Kaito: Well good. If you want any food, there's some on the counter, help yourself.
Tearan: Alright, thank you!
Tearan slowly walks into the kitchen and grabs some fruit that sits in a large basket. As he walks through the living room, the blanket he had brought with him drags at his feet. The elf boy climbs into a seat near the kitchen island and watches as the two angels do sit-ups until they fail from exhaustion. Abi soon gives up and lets out a sound of frustration as she falls to the floor. Kaito is able to push out a few more sit-ups, but soon gives up as well. Both of them breathe rapidly as they lie on the floor and look up at the ceiling.
Tearan: You two gonna be alright?
Kaito: Yeah… just tired… is all.
Kaito then looks at Abi.
Kaito: That was… really good… we'll get more next time…
Abi turns to Kaito and nods before swallowing, her throat now dry from all the breathing.
Abi: Yeah… for sure! Ughh!!! My tummy hurts…
Abi grabs at her abs and rubs them while whimpering in pain. Kaito chuckles at her display of discomfort, then gets up off the floor. Having rested some, he walks over to where Tearan is and grabs a few kitchen utensils before starting to make breakfast for them. Tearan looks at Kaito as he cooks and studies his bare upper body, noticing that all the cuts and bruises from yesterday were completely gone now.
Tearan: Those bath ladies were weird, but they healed you up pretty good, Kaito.
Kaito looks over towards Tearan, then looks down at his own torso to find that his skin is barren of any cuts or bruises.
Kaito: Yeah, I guess their weirdness is the price to pay for a quick recovery…
Abi soon gets up from the floor and walks into the kitchen. She grabs a piece of fruit from the basket in the center of the kitchen counter, then looks at Tearan.
Abi: So, Tearan, how ya feeling?
Tearan: How am I feeling? Uhhh… better for sure, still worried though.
Abi smiles, then speaks in a gentle tone.
Abi: Ahh, don't be! Kaito and I won't let anything happen to you today. You're here to help, and mean no harm to Arbor!
Kaito continues to cook and clean while he speaks to the young elf boy.
Kaito: Yeah, and if they do, I'll kick their butts for ya!
Tearan looks over at Kaito and smiles. He is worried, but at the same time he is glad to have the two angels there with him. The three had been busy that morning eating and cleaning themselves up, before they got dressed for the day. Kaito himself wears the clothes he had on when he was resurrected, as they were the only pair of clothes he had left at this point.
After getting ready, the group finds themselves on the path towards the town's church. The church itself was about half a mile away from town. The path they took, however, was quite a beautiful one, so the time spent walking only felt like a couple of minutes rather than the thirty minutes it took to walk there. At first, the path seemed like a dead end, but the knight who guided them showed them a hidden entrance through some thick bushes and briars. Eventually, the group ends up on a stone covered pathway to a small building with a steeple. The knight stops in front of the wooden door of the small building and knocks twice. The small slot in the door opens up, and the group is met with a pair of eyes that scans over them for confirmation. The slot in the wooden door then closes, and the door opens to reveal the interior of the small church. When the door opens, a ray of blue, green, and pink light flows out onto the wooden steps. The knight then motions for the group to follow him into the building. Kaito and Abi walk into the church without hesitation, while Tearan lags behind at a cautious pace.
At first, it looks like a normal church, with rows of pews covering the left and right sides of the small building's interior. The lighting inside the church is that of the same blue, green, and pink light that the group had seen earlier. This light, however, was emanating from a large multicolored crystal that floated above the church's chancel, near a large stained-glass window. At the end of the nave, behind a podium, stood Elder Keizan. His robe's hood was down, revealing his long white hair and fair complexion. Next to The Elder's right stood Pricil, the spunky and heroic knight that Kaito had fought alongside during his first battle in Arbor.
To The Elder's left stood a person that Kaito did not recognize, but he knew that he had seen those robes before. It was the white-robed mage that had also fought alongside Elder Keizan in the attack on Arbor. The knight guiding the group stops before getting too close to The Elder and lets the group walk past him. Kaito, Abi, and Tearan step up into the chancel and close to the podium, where The Elder stood. Kaito looks to his left and exchanges looks with Pricil, who quickly waves at him. Kaito gives her a smile and waves back before his friendly gesture is soon cut short from the calm and collected voice of The Elder.
Elder Keizan: It's good to see you again, Lady Abital. I see that you have brought others with you this time…
Kaito looks around the church to see who The Elder is speaking to, then watches as Abi steps forward and speaks up.
Abi: Yes sir. This is my war angel, Kaito, the human who has made a name for himself in the past week. And this is Tearan, a survivor from the town of Neeran who has information on the threat that plagues Foritia.
As Abi speaks, she points a hand towards Kaito, then a hand towards Tearan. Kaito, however, is still shocked at the reveal of Abi's full name. The young man finds the name to be odd and funny, from which he feels an elbow to his ribs as Abi tries to get him to stop laughing.
The Elder looks towards Kaito and Tearan, then nods.
Elder Keizan: I see… It's good to meet you both.
Kaito then looks at The Elder and responds in a polite manner.
Kaito: Likewise, sir.
Elder Keizan: Please, take a seat on one of the pews.
The group nods at The Elder's request and looks behind themselves, choosing to sit down on the nearest pew. Once seated, the knights within the church shuffle around the whole building. Two knights stand near The Elder, while two other knights stand near the church's entrance. The last remaining knight is Pricil, who takes her spot next to the group of young warriors sitting in the pew. The Elder waits for the knights to get into their new positions, before speaking again.
Elder Keizan: Now Kaito… Lady Evis has told me about what you two found near our life tree, but she cannot recall what happened after she had been injured. You, on the other hand, were conscious, and even got everyone out alive. I want to know what happened, what you saw, and how you made it out in one piece.
Kaito looks up towards The Elder, his presence giving the war angel a weird sense of safety and even hope. Kaito thinks about how to word his answer, then speaks.
Kaito: Well, first we came upon a camp controlled by those same creatures that were attacking the town a week ago. We saw that the camp was posted against a large cluster of rocks, which looked odd and out of place in the forest. I was unaware of what the place was at the time, but Evis seemed determined that we get inside the camp. We snuck our way through the camp and ended up in the main hut. That's when we encountered Wayno, who from what Tearan says, is one of his town's leaders. Wayno looked as if he had been transformed like the other creatures, but to a lesser degree. We then chased him, but the bastard retreated into the life tree's room. We followed him into the room and before we engaged him, he was speaking with someone near the tree.
Elder Keizan: Speaking with someone?
Kaito: Yeah, it was someone for sure, but I couldn't make out who. The figure was covered in a dark red cloud of energy, but I could see burning red eyes. Their stare alone was enough to send shivers down my spine. The figure, however, never attacked us. It simply looked at Evis and me as we entered the room, then disappeared, leaving Wayno to fight us on his own.
Elder Keizan: Hmm… What happened after that?
Kaito: Well… we fought Wayno. During the fight, Evis was injured. That monster was gonna kill her, but thankfully he turned his attention to me. The fight was hard, but in the end, I was able to finish him off.
Elder Keizan: I suppose this is where she became unconscious?
Kaito nods at The Elder's question.
Kaito: Yeah… she was badly injured, and I rushed over to her to try and heal her, but it was of no use. That's when I met Tearan.
Kaito looks over at Tearan, who looks back at Kaito with a worried expression.
Kaito: He told me to set her down in the pool near the life tree to heal her. Since I was not able to heal her, it was my only option. The waters began to heal her injuries, fixing what I assumed to be a few broken ribs and damaged back. Evis stayed in the water for a while and I talked to Tearan to find out who he was.
Elder Keizan: Speaking of which, tell us about yourself, young man.
Elder Keizan turns his attention towards Tearan, who looks around frantically at the people in the room, before meeting eyes with Kaito and Abi. The two angels give him a smile and simply nod. Kaito gives him a thumbs-up, which fills the young elf boy with the small bit of courage he needed to speak up in front of The Elder. Tearan looks at Elder Keizan, then speaks in his usual shy tone of voice.
Tearan: Uhh… well… I'm from the uhh… town of Neeran.
Tearan notices The Elder's expression change from curiosity to a focused look as his eyes study Tearan's features closely. Tearan starts to panic but does his best to continue speaking. The young elf boy takes great care in choosing the right words to say, while also trying his best to be calm on the outside.
Tearan: But my town was destroyed…
Elder Keizan: Destroyed? In what way? My scouts report to me that it is still intact.
Tearan freezes up for a moment as The Elder's sudden remark scares the young elf boy.
Tearan: Well, yes… it is still there, but all of the people have either been transformed, killed, or carted off for labor.
Elder Keizan: Transformed? Labor you say… hmm.
Tearan nods and speaks to continue his explanation.
Tearan: Yes sir. The monsters your people have been fighting were once my friends and neighbors until that man arrived in our town…
Tearan looks down onto the floor as a sad expression fills his face. There is a moment of silence, before The Elder speaks to break it.
Elder Keizan: Who is this man you speak of?
Tearan then looks at The Elder with a concerned look.
Tearan: The man's name is Kain. He's the one who has caused all of the pain that we've had to endure. He transformed my people, killed those that refused his offer of power, then used the ones too weak to fight as manual labor.
The Elder thinks on this information, then asks Tearan another question.
Elder Keizan: Do you know what this Kain looks like?
Tearan shakes his head, before giving his response.
Tearan: Not really… I've only ever seen him at a distance, and only for a moment or two before I was shoved into a gated cart for transport. Although the one feature I know he has, is that he is human, like Sir Kaito.
Tearan, along with the rest of the room, looks at Kaito, who looks back at them with a "What?" kind of expression. Once they all look at Kaito, the elf in the white robe beside Elder Keizan leans over, then whispers something into his ear. The Elder nods at whatever the white-robed elf had said, then looks at Kaito before speaking again.
Elder Keizan: Sir Kaito… would you happen to know anything about this individual? He is human after all…
Kaito turns his attention to The Elder's voice, then sits back in the pew to think on if he even knows who Kain is. He knows that he has heard that name before, but he still can't figure out where he has heard it from.
Kaito: No sir, I've never even met a Kain before, not in this life or the previous one.
Elder Keizan gives Kaito a nod, before turning his attention back towards Tearan.
Elder Keizan: Now, young man, where were you and the rest of your people being carted off to?
Tearan: I, along with everyone else, was to be sent to the base of the mountains. For what reason, I don't know…
Elder Keizan thinks on this new information, then nods before addressing everyone present in the room.
Elder Keizan: Thank you Tearan and Sir Kaito for bringing us this information. It is vital to the rest of the towns that we learn more about what is going on with this human, Kain, and how he is able to transform our people into these horrible creatures. If this human continues, our realm will not survive. We need to find out why he is using the power of the Great Tree. Where this new foe came from and how he is doing this is our primary task. We need more information. Young Tearan, I must ask, are you sure there is no one left alive in your town?
Tearan looks at Elder Keizan, then speaks in a cold and tiny voice.
Tearan: I don't know if everyone is dead or not, but I know most of them were carted off to the mountains. If they were unwilling to serve or are simply of no use, they would have probably been executed in the following days.
Elder Keizan: I see, I'm sorry to hear that, but their suffering won't be for much longer.
Everyone keeps their gaze on The Elder and listens carefully to every word he says.
Elder Keizan: We'll need some scouts to deal with gathering intel, and we'll need to get a better layout for the town of Neeran. The enemy has most likely made that their base for now, with plenty of housing and resources. We will need some men to head towards the mountains and see what activity is going on there, and how fortified their operations are. I would imagine it will be well guarded. We need to know which location Kain is using for his headquarters. Once we've got intel on the situation, then we can better formulate a plan of attack. Until then, I want everyone to keep a lookout, and if you see any human other than Sir Kaito here, report it to me immediately, do not engage.
After his speech, Pricil steps up to the podium and addresses the other knights in the room.
Pricil: Any squads left without tasks need to report to me later this evening for further instruction. Those of you on guard duty, make sure you have a partner with you. We don't want anyone to be alone while on patrol, understood?
Remaining knights: Yes ma'am!
Pricil: Good, you may all take your leave.
Pricil walks down to the front of the church and passes Kaito's group on her way out the door. She walks past a few knights, who then follow her out of the church. This leaves only Kaito's group, The Elder, and the white-robed elf in the building. Kaito looks around at everyone as they leave, then turns his attention towards The Elder.
Kaito: Uh… sir? What do you want us to do?
Elder Keizan: Hmm? Oh, well from what Lady Abital here has told me, you're still in training, aren't you?
Kaito nods respectfully at his question.
Kaito: Yes sir. I'm still trying to get the whole energy controlling thing down, but I'm learning a lot of new things every day.
Elder Keizan: Good, then I want you to continue your training with Lady Abital and Lady Evis. The more experience gathered, means the more you can handle yourself when the fighting begins. However, with Lady Abital here, we must discuss something first.
The Elder then turns his attention towards Abi, who is looking at a statue over in the corner, admiring its many glowing gems. Abi's attention is then quickly snapped towards The Elder once she hears her name being called.
Abi: Sir!
Elder Keizan: I know we had discussed this the other day, but are you sure that you and Kaito are all that the Angel's Accord can spare right now? We could certainly use more help.
Abi nods her head in response.
Abi: Yes sir, the Accord cannot expend any more angels throughout the realms. Like I said before, this isn't a domestic issue within Foritia. The conflict is happening in many realms. I do wonder if this Kain guy is linked to that somehow. He sounds a lot more powerful than your average bad guy within a realm, plus he's a human. The only other human I've ever met in my life is Kaito.
Elder Keizan: Hmm, very well. We will have to hope for the best. Foritia has been through hard times before and has been victorious. The Scourge are powerful, and they have many followers. But if we play our cards right, we should be able to defeat this foe of ours.
There is a long pause of silence while The Elder looks down at a book on his podium. He then turns his attention back towards the group sitting in front of him.
Elder Keizan: You three should get going. I'll send word for your audience again once we have more information. Until then, train hard, and with heart!
The group sitting on the pew all nod, then get up and walk out of the church. Kaito looks over his shoulder at The Elder and his white-robed friend, who whisper back and forth to each other as the group walks away from them. Kaito then turns and heads for the door, walking outside with Abi and Tearan next to him. The group finds themselves yet again on the small dirt path, only this time they head back to Arbor instead of away from it. They all walk back in silence as they each think quietly to themselves. The angel girl turns towards Kaito and smiles before speaking, breaking the silence between them.
Abi: You know, we need to go shopping, you and me.
Kaito: Shopping? For what?
Abi: Clothes, silly! You only have one pair left. You gotta stop messing them up.
Kaito: Pfff… it's not like I actively TRY to mess my clothes up, it just happens.
Abi: Well regardless, you need some new clothes, so shopping it is.
Kaito: But I never said if I wanted to go or not.
Abi: Doesn't matter, call it part of your training. Unless you just want to start training in your underwear.
Kaito looks at her and sticks out his tongue, which prompts her to do the same towards him. Kaito had never been too keen on shopping. In his old life, he would go with his mother every time she went clothes shopping to help her pick out clothes for himself and his brother Khan. He thinks back on having to stand in clothing shops for hours as she checked each rack more than three times for the best deal she could get. Fond memories, but not the most desirable moments for a young man. Just then, the trio hears a voice, which sounds like it comes from a group of trees to their right.
Girl's voice: I wouldn't mind that…
The group turns their attention towards a cluster of trees beside the small dirt path. There, sitting on one of the branches, is Scarlett, who twirls a knife in her hand and looks at the group with a smug expression. Abi mumbles quietly to herself, hoping that Kaito is not able to hear her.
Abi: Ah… her again… how great…
Kaito: Huh?
Abi looks at Kaito and shakes her head.
Abi: Oh uh… nothing! Hey Scarlett!
Abi waves at Scarlett, who smiles and jumps down next to the group.
Scarlett: Hey gang! Heard you guys have been up to no good without me… especially you.
Scarlett points at Kaito, who points back towards himself.
Kaito: Me? What did I do?
Scarlett walks up to Kaito and gets right up into his face.
Scarlett: Oh, I dunno… sounds like you've been getting pretty close with my big sis recently…
Kaito starts to back away slowly from Scarlett, trying to put some distance between them.
Kaito: Wha? What do you mean? We went on a mission! To get intel!
Scarlett: Oh you got your intel alright… and it's rubbed off on her now.
Kaito: Say what now?
Scarlett: Yeah… never seen her so emotionally messed up before, kind of funny! Of course, who can blame her? You are a cutie!
Scarlett pulls on Kaito's ear, and he responds by tugging away and yelling out in pain as he does. This causes Scarlett to laugh as she watches him struggle.
Kaito: Don't call me that!
Abi then walks up to Scarlett and takes her hand off of Kaito.
Abi: Scarlett… I would appreciate it if you wouldn't do that to him. He is mine to look after, and if he is uncomfortable, it could interfere with his training…
Scarlett: Oh Abi, you don't have to be so serious all of the time. Relax a little!
Scarlett's advice causes Abi to mumble to herself again.
Abi: No one can, around you…
Scarlett then looks down at Tearan, who hides behind Abi and Kaito. The young elf boy is nervous and quite thrown off by this brash young elf girl.
Scarlett: Speaking of cuties… who is this fella?
Tearan continues to hide behind Kaito while shyly looking at Scarlett.
Kaito: That's Tearan, he's the young boy your sister and I rescued while on our mission.
Scarlett: Ohhh… you must be the elf boy the guards were talking about. Well, it's nice to meet you, I'm Scarlett!
Scarlett holds out her hand for a handshake. Tearan hesitates for a moment, but then slowly reaches out and timidly shakes hands with her. Scarlett smiles at Tearan, then looks up at Kaito.
Scarlett: So… what are you guys doing today? I'm guessing you just had a meeting with the boss?
Kaito: Yeah, battle plans and stuff, but now we have a free day to rest and train. Speaking of which, I wanted to thank you.
Scarlett looks at Kaito with a confused expression.
Scarlett: Thank me? For what?
Kaito: If you hadn't taught me the fade skill, I might not be standing here right now. I might not have been able to save both Tearan, or your sister. So in a way, you saved us.
Scarlett is taken aback by Kaito's words. Not only has she never had anyone outside of Evis acknowledge her skills, but she is thrown off by his kindness. She has never really heard genuine thanks from anyone but her family before.
Scarlett: Oh uh… you're welcome, and to be honest, I sort of owe ya one for saving my sis.
Kaito looks at her and smiles.
Kaito: Nah, don't worry about it.
Scarlett then steps away from the group and speaks in a commanding tone.
Scarlett: No! I must pay you back! Now, what is it that guys like again? My sister has talked about certain favors that guys like—
Abi then stands in between Scarlett and Kaito and puts her arms up between them.
Abi: Nope! None of that! We've got some shopping to do, and there's a kid here. So, if you'll excuse us, we need to go before the market closes.
Scarlett smirks at Abi's intervention, then simply nods before stepping to the side of the group.
Scarlett: Alright then, you guys be careful!
Kaito: You don't want to come with us?
Abi glares at Kaito and tries her best to suppress an angered look.
Scarlett: Nah, public places aren't really my thing, you guys have fun. I'll see you around!
Scarlett jumps back up into the cluster of trees and grabs onto a branch above her once she is in the tree's canopy.
Kaito: Oh OK, well, see ya later!
Scarlett nods, but just before she leaves, she turns back to look at Kaito.
Scarlett: Again, Kaito, thank you for saving her. If there's anything I can ever do for you, just let me know.
Kaito is caught off guard at first by her behavior, but simply smiles and gives her a thumbs-up in response.
Kaito: Next time we train, I might pick your brain for some more tricks, if that's alright.
Scarlett smiles back at him, before nodding in agreement to his proposal.
Scarlett: Sure thing, I'll be looking forward to it. You guys take care.
Kaito and the others: See ya!
Scarlett jumps off into the dense forest, leaving the group to once again walk along the small dirt path towards the damaged town. The group eventually reaches the town's center. Abi pulls both of them by the hands, dragging them towards the streets where the vendors are setup and selling their wares to the townsfolk. Abi is hopping from one shop to the next which Kaito finds to be quite comedic. Abi doesn't shop like his mother at all. The girl is meticulous about it, but she seems to have a keen eye on what she is looking for, and when she finds it, she immediately snatches it up and gives it to Kaito. Abi picks out some clothes for Tearan as well, as the young elf boy is not really sure about what to get. Kaito realizes that he has no money to pay for these items and apologizes to Abi, insisting that they put the clothes back since he can't pay for them. Abi simply shakes her head and pulls out a large coin purse from her satchel that looks to be made from a variety of different leathers. The coin purse itself is very expensive. Abi then sticks her hand into the coin purse and casually drops a couple of gold pieces into the store owner's hand. Once the clothes have been paid for, the group takes a break from their shopping and looks for a place to eat. All three of them have grown hungry over the course of the shopping spree, especially Abi.
Abi: Well, I'm not exactly sure what I want to eat, but at this point, I could go for anything, I'm starving!
Kaito: Well, it doesn't matter what we pick, 'cause you could probably afford to buy the whole restaurant.
Abi: Kaito! I told you I'm not rich! Angel money just holds more value than Foritian dollars.
Kaito: Well you sure have a lot of angel money! Might have to start calling you a rich girl…
Kaito smirks, seeing how much he can mess with Abi before she really gets onto him.
Abi: Ughhh, c'mon, Kaito! Don't start calling me that! With the way you say it, people will get a bad impression of me!
Kaito laughs at her plea.
Kaito: OK, OK, I won't. But you gotta stop flashing your money around.
Abi: I'm not flashing money around!!
Kaito laughs again. Their back-and-forth banter is enough to cause even Tearan to crack up. The group walks a little further into town, then something catches Kaito's eye. There's a small tavern to the left of the main road in a small shopping outlet. The smell of grilled food comes from inside the building and almost smells like hibachi-style food. The scent reminds Kaito of home, and thus he turns towards the others to ask them a question.
Kaito: Hey guys, mind if we eat there?
The group stops and looks at the tavern. The outside is fairly bland looking, with only the name of the place to decorate the front of the restaurant. Abi then looks at Kaito with a smile and nods. The angel girl finds his choice of restaurant to be weird at first, but then understands why he would want to eat here out of all the places they had passed.
Abi: Sure! Tearan, is this place alright with you?
Tearan looks at Abi and nods, saying "Yep, smells good to me."
The tavern's interior is a simple design, similar to the other buildings around town, with dark wood and stone, a few windows, and a hardwood floor. Another plus to this place is that it is mostly intact and unharmed from the battle earlier that week, as most buildings in the area were only partially operational. At the far end of the tavern is a wooden bar, with plenty of people, huddled together, drinking their mead. The noise level wasn't terribly loud, but was busy with the sound of conversations throughout the restaurant. The group is met by a greeter who welcomes them in and tells them to find a seat anywhere. Abi takes the lead and chooses a table near one of the windows that faces an open section of the forest. Once they are seated, a waitress comes up to the group and takes the order for their drinks. The group sits in silence for a few minutes. Tearan browses through the cloth bags and admires the new clothes Abi had purchased for him. He had never owned new clothes before, as he had always worn second-hand clothing back in his village. Abi stares out the window at the forest. From what Kaito could tell, she was thinking hard about something. Soon the waitress returns and hands them their drinks.
Waitress: Alright, here you go!
She sets the drinks down on the table, spilling some of the liquid onto its wooden surface. Then, she fumbles through her apron for a notepad and pencil.
Waitress: Alright, is everyone ready to order? Or do we need a few more minutes?
Abi starts to give the waitress her order when a voice is heard speaking from behind the waitress. It was Javan, one of the knights that Kaito had fought alongside during the attack on Arbor.
Javan: We'll need a few more minutes!
Waitress: A few more minutes? Alright, I'll be back soon! Can I get you something to drink sir?
Javan: I'll have whatever they are drinking.
Waitress: Okay, be back in a few minutes, and I would appreciate it if everyone is ready with their meal order when I return. I don't have all day to wait just on this one table!
The waitress then walks off from the table. Abi's face turns to one of disappointment and anguish as the waitress disappears into the back of the restaurant. Kaito speaks when he sees Javan and is happy to see that the young knight is well.
Kaito: Javan! What's up?
Javan: Not much, you guys mind if I sit with you?
Kaito looks at Abi, who gives him no answer because she is still mad about being interrupted in ordering her food. Tearan sits quietly, afraid to talk in front of the knight.
Kaito: Not at all! Take the seat next to mine.
Kaito scoots his chair over, allowing Javan plenty of room at the table. Javan is not wearing his armor, which is a strange sight to Kaito. This was the first time Kaito had seen any of the knights in casual clothing. To Kaito, the knights had always seemed ready for battle.
Javan: I'm glad I found you guys. Just so happens that the day you guys aren't up to any trouble, is the day that I'm off duty, imagine that!
Kaito: I was wondering what was up with the casual get up, but now it makes sense.
Javan looks at his clothes as soon as Kaito mentions it, then looks back at the human and laughs at his comment.
Javan: Yeah, I like to live comfortably when I can. Beats having to wear a heavy set of armor all the time. I just got back to the barracks when I heard some of the guys say that you were in town. They told me where you were and so I thought I would stop by and catch up.
Kaito: Well, since you are not on duty, would you like to eat with us?
Javan: Sure! If it's OK with everyone else.
Javan and Kaito look at the other two people across the table. Tearan looks back and simply nods without speaking a single word. Abi, who is still visibly annoyed, speaks up to give her answer.
Abi: Sure, doesn't matter to me!
Kaito: Well, there ya go. Now, where have you been, Javan? I haven't even seen you around town at all.
Javan: Me? Ahhh… I was patrolling the woods not too far from here, part of my squad's weekly routine. What about you guys? I've heard Lady Abi here has been pretty busy, and so have you, Kaito.
Abi looks at Javan and narrows her attention towards him.
Abi: Yeah, I've been talking to your Elder about what to do with this mess you guys have been dealing with for the past few months.
Javan: Ahh, I see, some pretty important stuff huh?
Abi nods and studies Javan with a cautious look. Javan then turns his head to Kaito and speaks.
Javan: And you, Kaito. I heard you were on a mission with Lady Evis, that's tough work for your first week here. How'd it go?
Kaito: What, the mission? It went fine. I'm just glad we all got out alive.
Javan gives a nod in agreement towards Kaito's comment, then speaks once again to probe the war angel with another question.
Javan: Now, you gotta tell me, what was it like? The life tree's room I mean. Was it huge, or small?
Kaito: Uhh, I'd say it was a pretty big room, considering it had a huge live tree growing in it. It was heavily guarded and that's when we came up on Wayno. Evis seemed to know him but he was too strong for her to fight. I guess I got lucky and eventually took him down. He was a mean bastard!
Javan: You're talking about Wayno? Yeah… probably wasn't an easy fight that one. I'll tell you what, rumors spread through the chain of command here like wildfire. Wasn't but a few hours after you and Evis came back that we heard the news. Good work you two did.
Abi: Just a few hours afterwards, huh?
Abi's words are laced with a demeaning attitude, and Kaito notices that she is very unlike herself in the amount of rudeness she is displaying. Javan turns his head towards Abi, then gives her a respectful nod.
Javan: Huh? Oh uh, yeah. I was on guard duty yesterday. It was only a few hours after you guys got back that the information reached me through some of the guards who were in the medical bay with Lady Evis.
Abi: A little odd. I didn't think information slipped around here like that.
Javan leans back in a calm manner and chuckles.
Javan: You'd be surprised.
Kaito: Speaking of which, how is Evis?
Javan then turns his head to Kaito.
Javan: Lady Evis? She's doing well. Just went out on a scouting mission earlier this morning. I guess she finally found time to work since she wasn't training you today. You must be a handful for her!
Javan laughs at his own comment while looking around the tavern at the other people.
Kaito: Oh, well that's good to hear. Speaking about the training part, can I ask you something, Javan?
The waitress then comes back to their table and cuts into their conversation. She slams Javan's drink down in front of him.
Waitress: Alright, is everyone ready to order?
The waitress turns her full attention to Javan, who smiles and nods his head.
Javan: I'll take the grilled venison steak platter with a side of garden salad, extra ranch please.
The waitress nods, then turns her attention to Kaito, who quickly looks down at his menu. Because of the conversation with Javan, he had neglected to look at the options. Since he had no idea what to get, he simply orders the same thing as Javan, only without ranch or any dressing on his salad.
Waitress: No dressing? Are you sure?
Kaito: Yes ma'am, no dressing.
The waitress writes down his order into her notepad, then turns her attention towards Tearan.
Waitress: And for you, dear?
Tearan: Uh… I'll just take the grilled chicken strips with a side of fried potatoes, please. And could I have a container of mustard with that?
Waitress: Alright, and for you, miss?
Abi turns her attention towards the waitress and smiles.
Abi: I'll take the grilled chicken and steak bowl with a side of greens. Oh, and an extra order of chicken please!
Waitress: Quite the appetite! I'll get these orders to the kitchen. Should only take about ten to fifteen minutes.
The group thanked the waitress, who then promptly walks off with their orders. Javan then turns his attention towards Kaito and follows up on what they were talking about before the waitress had interrupted the conversation.
Javan: What did ya wanna ask me?
Kaito turns his attention to Javan and thinks for a bit, before speaking to him.
Kaito: Oh! Whenever you have the time, would you mind showing me how to apply energy onto a sword? I haven't mastered the skill yet.
Javan is at first caught off guard by his question, but then answers the young warrior after giving him a nod.
Javan: Sure! I'm flattered that you'd want me as your teacher. I'll do my best to help you, when I have time that is!
Kaito then turns his attention towards Abi.
Kaito: Isn't this great?! Now I've got someone to teach me how to use my energy on a sword! And a proper master for the technique at that!
Abi doesn't look too amused by Kaito's agreement with Javan, and shrugs off his words while looking off into the forest.
Javan: Whoa! I'm not a master of anything, but I might be able to teach you a few helpful tricks.
Kaito: Hey, whatever you can teach me, I'm sure it'll come in handy.
Kaito then focuses his attention towards Abi. Her mood is not a usual one for her, but then he shrugs it off as she is probably just irritable from hunger. Soon the group gets their food and chows down. They finish their meal rather quickly, leaving Tearan as the last one to finish his plate. The young elf boy feels guilty about not finishing with the others, but Kaito and Abi reassure him that it's okay if he takes his time. It had been a long time since Tearan had a good meal of meat and potatoes. Once the group is finished with their meal, the waitress comes back with the bill.
Kaito: Damn. I don't have any money to pay for the meal! I sorta feel like an ass for not paying for anything.
Javan turns his attention towards Kaito and reaches into his pants pocket, before pulling out a leather wallet. He then flips some paper bills down onto the table and folds his wallet back into his pants pocket. Kaito looks at the paper bills on the table, then shakes his head.
Kaito: C'mon, man, you don't have to do that!
Javan: Don't worry about it. Think of it as payback for saving the town earlier. Now we're even!
Kaito nods and thanks Javan for his generosity. Abi watches this and does her best to conceal her anger as she puts away the coins she was going to use to pay their bill. She had not planned on paying for Javan's.
Javan: Ahh shoot, I gotta go! Got some buddies of mine who are expecting me to be at their place soon. Thank you for letting me eat with you guys. Hopefully we can catch up and do this again sometime?
Kaito: Yeah, that'd be great! And thanks again for paying for the meal.
Javan stands up from the table and starts to walk off before turning around and waving goodbye.
Javan: No problem! And I'll let ya know when we can train alright?
Kaito gives him a thumbs up, before Javan walks out of the restaurant and onto the street. Kaito stares at the restaurant's entrance for a moment, then turns his attention towards Abi, who speaks first before Kaito can say anything.
Abi: He seems fishy to me, Kaito.
Kaito: Fishy? What do you mean?
Abi: I mean he seems to be putting on a facade.
Kaito: Javan? I fought alongside him to save the town.
Abi: Kaito listen. I know you wanna make friends in a new place like this, and it's good that you are, but I'd just be a bit more careful with it, okay?
Kaito: I am! Don't worry, and this doesn't mean more time away from you if you're worried about that.
Abi blushes at his comment, then retorts.
Abi: I'm not worried about the time; I'm just worried about you!
Kaito: Uh-huh. Sure ya are.
Abi: I am! Honestly!
Kaito chuckles at her reaction, stretching as he stands up from the table.
Kaito: I know you're worried about me, but don't be. I don't want you stressing over me all the time, alright?
Abi lets out a sigh, then stands up before grabbing the bags of clothes next to her.
Abi: Alright, I'll try, but no promises. Let's go, Tearan.
Tearan quickly gets up from the table and grabs his belongings. The group heads back towards the inn. As they walk down the town's main path to the inn, they take in the many different sights and sounds of the townsfolk going about their day. The inn is quiet and there are only a few passersby on the street as they enter the front door. They walk into the lobby and up to their room, where Kaito unlocks the door and steps inside. The room has been cleaned and tidied up by the staff, and with plenty of time to kill, the group spends the rest of their day relaxing. Abi teaches Kaito some more skills in healing and pathfinding, while Tearan reads a book that he had picked up from one of the stores in the market. The day had turned to dusk, and the town of Arbor now grows quiet.
Kaito: Alright, I think I'm finally getting the hang of healing, at least the energy placement part. I think I'm doing pretty well with forming the light orbs, but I've never used them to find someone before.
Abi: Well, for example. First, I create a light orb in my hand.
Abi sticks out her hand, an orb of light appears in her palm. She then takes the orb of light and eats it whole.
Abi: Now, you don't have to eat it. You can stick it in your pocket, throw it, or absorb it. But with this we'll be able to track each other. All you gotta do is create one and think about how my energy feels.
Kaito: How your energy feels?
Abi nods and smiles as she gives her explanation.
Abi: Yep! Just tell me how you feel when you're around me. What kind of energy do I give off?
Kaito looks at Abi and thinks on how to word his feelings without sounding like a creep.
Kaito: OK, well let's see… uhh, warm?
Kaito cringes at his own words, knowing that he must already seem weird to her, and not wanting her to know his true feelings about her.
Abi: OK, flattering. So you feel warm, anything else?
Kaito: Uh… protected? Cared for, I guess? After all, you are my guardian angel. Let's see… hmm.
Abi leans in closer and waits for the one word she wants to hear.
Abi: Mhm! Go on!
Kaito: L… Looked after?
Abi does her best not to show the disappointment in his words. She then does her best to put on a smile and nods at his answer.
Abi: Uh, OK. So basically, you feel safe, protected. I guess that means I'm doing my job well enough. Now, take that feeling and the thought of the person it stems from, then make a small orb of light and hold onto it.
Kaito does as she says. An orb of light appears in his hand. Then he takes it, and like her, puts it in his mouth. Since he is still unsure of how this really works, he simply mimics what he had seen her do.
Abi: Pfff… you didn't have to eat it, weirdo!
Kaito: Well that's what you did!
Abi laughs loudly at Kaito's reaction. Tearan looks over towards the two angels, annoyed by the disturbance, then turns his attention back towards his book.
Abi: Fair enough, but now all you gotta do is take that emotion and find it. If you do, you'll be able to follow the energy within it and find me, or vice versa. And see, this way, if you're ever in trouble, I can come to your aid. I don't want you putting yourself in danger, all alone, with no one to help you!
Kaito: Ugh, yes, Mom!
Kaito springs up off the floor before stretching and looking outside. The sun's light now barely covers the land. The evening is colored by a muted orange hue, with pink and blue painting the horizon over the valley, causing dark shadows to fall across the landscape. Abi gets up off the floor as well, then wipes off her skirt before speaking.
Abi: Hey, you're the one who wanted to know.
Abi then walks over to Tearan and stands next to him, until his attention is drawn from the book and towards her.
Abi: Hey, Tearan, sorry to bother ya while you read. I just want to know if you wanted me to fix up your new bed?
Tearan looks at Abi, then gives her a nod in response.
Tearan: Sure, I'm pretty tired to be honest, might go to sleep early tonight.
Tearan places a leather bookmark decorated with forest animals on the page he was reading, closes his book, and gets up from his seat. He then walks into Abi's room, where a small bed is set up just for him to sleep on. Abi watches Tearan leave the sitting room, then tilts her head to face Kaito.
Abi: I'm gonna go help him with his bed. Let me know if you need anything, alright?
Kaito: Alright. Don't get too mad and break the bed, those sheets are a little small for it.
Abi: Trust me. I've got this!
Kaito watches her walk away into the bedroom and close the door. He then hears a faint tapping on the balcony's sliding glass door. Kaito slowly approaches the balcony to see someone standing on the other side of the glass. He prepares to attack them, just in case they are hostile. As he gets closer, he recognizes the familiar dark leather clothes, dark hair, and the outline of a bow behind the figure's back. Kaito quickly unlocks the sliding door and opens it. He is then forcefully pulled outside by Evis, who quickly shuts the door behind them. Kaito stumbles a bit before finding his balance and turning to face Evis.
Kaito: Evis! What are you doing here? Are you well?
Evis looks him over, then responds.
Evis: I'm doing fine, and yourself?
Kaito: Me? I'm doing great! I'm just glad you're alright, well that, and the kid as well. Course we—
Kaito then feels a punch to his gut and crumples to the balcony floor. He was not prepared for the hit to his stomach. He holds his stomach in pain, then looks up at Evis.
Kaito: What the hell was that for?!
Evis: THAT was for taking such a risky move.
Evis then crouches down next to him and promptly plants a kiss to his cheek. Kaito, still confused by Evis' attack, pulls away at first, but then allows Evis to finish planting the kiss on his cheek. He stares at her in confusion, his face now a bright shade of red.
Kaito: And that?
Evis: That was for saving me…
They both stand up, Kaito stumbling a bit and still rubbing his stomach from the punch Evis gave him.
Kaito: Gah. But was the punch really necessary? You could have chewed me out or something!
Evis looks out over the balcony before hopping up onto its railing, looking down below before she questions Kaito.
Evis: You arrived here, what, a week ago now?
Kaito looks up at Evis, somewhat confused by her behavior, but responds to her question.
Kaito: Yeah, I guess it's been about a week, why?
Evis: Well, as I'm sure you've been told, this conflict has been going on for about three months, maybe even a little longer than that for the people in Neeran. During that time, I have lost family. My parents were both killed as my house was burned down from the first wave of those creatures. My brother was killed in the second wave. He was still a rookie knight and had little combat experience. He didn't stand a chance against those monsters. In fact, he was only fourteen when he was murdered.
There is a short pause of silence while Evis looks over the valley below her. As she stares over the landscape, her dark hair whips around her face from the breeze blowing in from the North. Kaito studies the elf girl and waits for her to continue with her story, intent on listening to every word she has to say. Her hood is pulled down and her expression is solemn.
Evis: The only one I have left in my life is Scarlett and I promised myself that I was going to protect her, that I would rise up and be strong for her. Her life hasn't been the easiest. People are quick to judge her simply for the way she looks. They assume that an elf born from an imp is of the devil's making, an inferior being, and one to be feared. The people here have even tried to get her executed. This is why you only see her near the training grounds, it's why she never comes into town. I promised myself that I would protect her, and so far, things have been fine. As you might imagine, making friends is a bit troublesome for her. I soon came to feel nothing but anger and hatred in my heart, and wanted nothing more than to kill these creatures, which have taken so much from me and my people.
Evis turns back to look at Kaito, who is standing completely still. He is mesmerized by the intensity of her story and gives her is complete and undivided attention.
Evis: About three weeks ago, the angel girl shows up. Everyone in the town was so thrilled that a being from the Angel's Accord would want to help us with our cause. Our people haven't seen one in over a hundred years. But then again, there has not been this kind of conflict in a long, long time. Our people have stayed faithful and have enjoyed a peaceful existence. When the angel girl arrived, she met with myself, The Elder, and some of the knights, telling us of her plan to help Foritia. She told us that she would go to a suitable Soul Stream and find a candidate to be her war angel, to find someone who would help us and many others from all this pain and suffering. Of course, at first, I was skeptical, who wouldn't be? I asked her why not just send a squad of angels here and be done with it; but she explained that the situation was not just our conflict but was affecting many realms, and the Angel's Accord was fighting as best they could.
Kaito watches Evis. Her body is steady, even though she is crouched down on the railing of the balcony. Her demeanor has a calming effect on him.
Evis: After she had spoken with us, the angel girl left, and around that time, we were attacked again. We barely held off the horde of raiders. A lot of innocent people died in that battle. We had no knowledge of when the angel girl would come back with help and the creatures kept attacking us. We had almost given up hope. On the day our town was about to be defeated, you two showed up. The angel girl had fulfilled her promise. Both you and Abi helped our town defeat the monsters, and saved my people from certain destruction. In that fight, I watched you, a stranger to all of us, risk your life to save us. But what I find to be very odd is that you are human. I didn't know what to make of it, that the love species of both God and the Devil was here to assist us in fighting for our home? It just sounded wrong.
Kaito is confused by her statement and speaks up to ask her a question.
Kaito: Love species of God and the Devil? What does that mean?
Evis: It doesn't matter, just let me finish.
Kaito respectfully stays quiet and walks up to the railing, leaning against it while looking up at Evis. The young warrior wonders if this conversation is simply a way for Evis to sort things out in her head. He can only imagine that the last three months have taken a toll on her well-being.
Evis: You can imagine my reaction when the angel girl came to me and The Elder and asked for my assistance in your training. I thought it was an insult or a joke at first, but The Elder didn't hesitate. He ordered me to personally train you, and I hated that. But once I began training you, I saw who you were. My first mistake was thinking that you would be an arrogant champion, who might boast and makes light of the suffering around them, but you weren't like that at all.
I was worried when Scarlett wanted to assist me in your training. Like I said before, she has always been judged by her looks and heritage, making her a little desperate to make a new friend. That day you met us and trained with us, you made a great effort to talk with her, and she wouldn't shut up about how excited she was to train you. She was so happy about how well you treated her. I personally had never seen that before, not out of anyone. And so, I want to apologize to you. I… just like how people judged her, I judged you for how you looked, for what you are, rather than for who you are. I'm sorry.
Evis takes a moment to gather her words, then takes a deep breath in and out before speaking again.
Evis: This is also where you proved to me that I wasn't invincible, that I couldn't rely on aggression and anger in battle like I had before. You defeated me every day in hand-to-hand combat, but didn't look down on me. Instead, you taught me what I could do to fix it. Sure, I am good with a bow, but you helped me discover a weakness in myself, you helped me overcome that weakness and grow stronger as a warrior. That is why I chose you for that mission. Your bravery in battle, and your unwillingness to give up. You want to help others succeed. It let me know that we'd be okay if we went into that hut, if we went into the life tree's room, we would make it out somehow. You have proved yourself again and again. You saved me and Tearan. You have given your all to us and without expecting any reward in return.
Evis then hops down from the balcony's railing and faces Kaito. She gets close and looks him in his eyes, studying him. Kaito does the same, trying to figure out where this might be leading.
Evis: Out of all the people I have met, out of all the pain and sorrow I have felt in the last few months, you're the only one who has lifted my spirit and has made me a better person.
Evis then bends down and bows her head.
Evis: For this, I cannot thank you enough. I don't even know how to repay you, Kaito.
Evis then feels a hand on her shoulder, which causes her to lift her head. She looks up at Kaito, who smiles and speaks to her with a warm and hopeful tone in his voice.
Kaito: Evis, it is you that has helped me. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have the fighting skills I do now, and couldn't use those skills to help people. You have helped me defend myself and others. You saved my life! You don't owe me anything. You and Scarlett have trained me well and I look forward to more in the future.
Evis listens to Kaito's words in awe. A small tear draws a line down her cheek. She is filled with gratitude and devotion for this young human warrior. She wipes the tear away from her cheek as Kaito does his best to reassure her.
Kaito: You know, it's funny… where I come from, it isn't really any different. People go through their life while keeping the pain and hurt inside them. They feel as if they are unable to express how they are feeling until the lid pops off the top. They either take it out on themselves or on others around them. They are unsure on how to process their emotions. Evis, don't ever think you are weak because you are feeling broken. You can come to me any time you need to talk things out, I'm here for you.
Evis looks at Kaito with a gentle smile, something that Kaito never thought he would see from this elf girl.
Evis: Thank you, Kaito.
Kaito: Anytime. I'd say we're a solid team, right? We gotta help each other, especially if we want to defeat the Scourge.
Evis nods at his words. She reaches behind to the weapon she is carrying on her back, removes it, and holds the bow out in front of her to Kaito in a presenting fashion.
Evis: Oh, I almost forgot. I brought this for you.
Kaito looks at the bow with a surprised expression, then takes the weapon from her hands. The bow is made of a dark, rich oak wood, with streaks of white energy pulsating through its surface. The string is strong and taunt, and made from a material that is almost iridescent, glowing with a life of its own. A small sight sits on the left side of the bow, along with a place for energy infusion within its grip. This allows the archer to strengthen the arrows and control the flow of their energy throughout the weapon.
Kaito looks at the bow in his hands, then smiles.
Kaito: Wow… Evis, you didn't have to do this!
Evis: Well, I figured you'd be useless in your training if you didn't have a bow.
Kaito: Hmm… I guess you're right, can't train without one, huh?
Evis shakes her head, then smiles.
Evis: Nope, and speaking of which, our lessons pick up again tomorrow.
Evis walks over to the edge of the balcony railing before hopping up onto its narrow surface once again. Kaito looks at the bow in his hands, then turns his gaze towards Evis.
Kaito: Sounds good to me.
Evis: Good, 'cause I gotta figure out how to beat the snot out of you WITHOUT being taken down.
Kaito smiles and laughs at her comment.
Kaito: I'll be looking forward to it!
Evis is about to jump down from the balcony, but then she turns her head to look at Kaito once more. Her clothes and hair continue to flow in the wind as dusk is turning to night. The land is now visible only by the pale moonlight, giving the two warriors an almost silhouetted view of each other.
Evis: And Kaito? Let's talk again sometime, I like this…
Kaito continues to smile at her and nods in agreement to her proposal.
Kaito: Me too.
Upon hearing Kaito's answer, the elf girl jumps down into the trees below the balcony and quickly disappears into the shadows surrounding the inn. Kaito now stands alone on top of the balcony, studying the bow in his hands with a smile. He then looks up from the bow, to stare at the darkened view of the valley in front of him. The pale moon now sits above the mountain range and dominates the star-filled sky. Kaito then walks to the sliding door of the balcony and opens it, stepping inside. Once he enters the room, Abi looks up from the dishes she had been cleaning and smiles.
Abi: You have a good talk?
Kaito looks at her, then answers her question with another question.
Kaito: Were you eavesdropping on us?
Abi laughs and looks down at the plates that she is cleaning.
Abi: Maybe a little. I didn't hear all of it, just what I needed to hear.
Kaito: Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want. I'm the one with a fancy new bow!
Kaito then walks into his bedroom and shuts the door behind himself.
Abi watches him as he closes the bedroom door, then smiles.
Abi: Guess I picked a good one after all… I can't wait to see you grow, Kaito.
To be continued in Volume 2-