The trio entered the throne room, the doors closing behind them with a resounding thud. As they made their way to the front, Sky couldn't help but notice the disapproving and disdainful looks from the gathered nobles. He was relieved that more of the looks were directed at him than at Yumeko.
"Father," Yumeko said, bowing respectfully.
"Yumeko," Kaze responded, his voice conveying happiness at his daughter's safe return.
"My daughter, welcome back. I trust all was well," Kaze said, standing up and walking over. He pulled her into a hug, a rare smile gracing his features, ignoring the disapproval of his wife and son Kira.
"I missed you," Yumeko said, embracing him tightly.
"Me too," he replied, his voice filled with emotion.
"Now come, my daughter, tell me of the mission," Kaze said as he returned to the throne.
"We found out the source of the energy. The Disciples of Darkness were behind it, but their goal was to find and obtain the Relics," Yumeko started to explain.
"Relics? Which relics?" Kaze asked, confused, as Layla stepped up.
"The Relics that were used by my great-grandfather and the other founding kings, or in our case, the Excalibur," Layla said.
"Why would they need that sword?" Kaze questioned.
"To release their goddess, Yami," Yumeko answered.
"Release her? Why would they want to do that?" Kaze asked.
"They have some sort of weird obsession with her, Lord Kaze," Sky said. As soon as he spoke, the nobles were outraged that this commoner, the son of two powerless people, and a boy lucky to have aura, would dare speak to their wind god.
"Silence!" Kaze boomed, his wind aura flaring as everyone went silent.
"You were saying, Sky?" Kaze asked.
"We fought against Kuro Kage, their high priest, and the Blackstar Knight showed up, killing him. Then he left us to go to the temple where we confronted the remaining priests of the Disciples of Darkness and found this out. I kinda... I kinda lost it and well, my rage unleashed a power I didn't know I had, red wind aura. This power defied the laws of the void and was strong enough to cut through a barrier created by the void itself," Sky said.
"Lies!" Kira yelled. "This son of powerless lies. He's making up some awesome, cool power to make himself seem important."
"Kira, quiet, let them speak," Kaze commanded.
"Thank you, Dad. It's the truth. Even Layla can confirm it. I saw it with my own eyes; it was amazing, terrifying, but amazing," Yumeko said.
"Impossible," Kira mumbled.
"Layla Skyward, is this true?" Kaze asked.
"Yes, sir, it's true. Sky used a power that shouldn't be possible," Layla said, leaving Yumeko's father and brother shocked.
"This is serious," Kaze muttered. "Not just the power, but this cult trying to get the relics. What happened to the Excalibur?"
"We left it there; we couldn't draw it. Like in the legend, only Grandpa could," Layla said, not knowing Noboru had drawn it and gotten the relic, and the excalibur had been taken.
"What do we do, Father?" Yumeko asked.
"First, we need to send an envoy to the other kingdoms. Actually, forget that. I, myself, along with you three, will go," Kaze said, scared if this order, which the three sentinels described, can not only use prayers to create weapons and objects capable of harnessing higher void energy and are also after the relics, he feared for the worse.
"But Father," Kira complained.
"Kaze, Dear, are you sure about taking the bastard and the son of powerless with you?" Kira's mother questioned.
"Yes, Kira and my love," Kaze said, not liking his wife's attitude. He hated the fact she always insulted his daughter. "And that's final. Don't question this. This is for the fate of not just our kingdom but all kingdoms, for God's sake."
"Of course," the two said in unison, although their displeasure was clear.
"Very good. Now, Yumeko and Sky, you are dismissed, and I expect you both to pack because we are leaving tomorrow morning. Make sure you bring your best attire and your most trusted weapons. We don't know what we will encounter, and we have to be ready for anything," Kaze said.
"Yes, Father," Yumeko replied.
"Good. I will see you tomorrow, and I expect you both to be at the carriage on time,"
Kaze said. "And you, Layla, please let your family know about this."
"Of course, sir," Layla agreed.
"Well then, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of preparations to make. Yumeko, Sky, Layla, I will see you at 9 am sharp tomorrow," Kaze said before leaving.
"Well, I better get going," Yumeko said.
"Yes, I need to pack as well," Layla said.
"Let's go together, Yumeko. I mean, it would be silly to go back alone," Sky suggested.
"Good idea," Yumeko agreed, smiling.
"Well, I have my own packing to do, so I will leave you two to it," Layla said, winking. "Have fun, but not too much that Wind God Kaze kills you for defiling his daughter."
Yumeko's face flushed a deep shade of red as Sky grinned.
"Don't worry, nothing like that will happen," Sky assured her.
"Yeah, yeah, just go, the both of you," Layla teased, grinning.
"Well, let's go," Sky said, leading the way out of the throne room.
As they exited the palace, they were met with a mix of looks, some approving, others disapproving.
"Ignore them," Sky whispered, gently squeezing her hand.
"I know. It's just hard sometimes," Yumeko said, smiling despite the mixed reactions.
"You know, I always thought that the nobility was stuck-up and pretentious. But after being in their presence, I realized that they are just jealous. Jealous that you are a talented, beautiful, and caring woman, while they are shallow, selfish, and self-absorbed," Sky said.
"Really?" Yumeko asked, surprised by his words.
"Yes, really," Sky said, smiling. "You are the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I am proud to call you my friend," Sky said but secretly hoping for more than friends.
"Thank you, Sky," Yumeko said, feeling lighter.
"You're welcome, Yumeko," he replied, smiling.
The rest of the walk back to the carriage was spent in comfortable silence, with the occasional comment on the scenery.