Episode 25- Doubt
"I have to go. I'm heading back to Grandoria to speak with General Mash Aikawa. As I said, I think he'll be good to have on our side. I also have to keep an eye on General Tojo.", says Red Dawn.
"I'll check things out for a bit here, then I'll join you in Grandoria shortly.", says Zero.
After Red Dawn leaves, Zero puts his ulterior motives into action.
"I have some things I need to talk to Rowa Test about. Something isn't adding up.", thinks Zero.
Torgan Mountain- Cave of Rowa Test
Zero enters the cave calmly. he continues down the crystal tunnel, unsure of exactly what he hopes to say. Nonetheless, he knows he cannot ignore the feeling.
Rowa Test rises from her slumber in the center of the cave as Zero walks in. "The rumbles of the mountain monster have ceased. Is that your doing?", asks Rowa.
"Yes, but I have a feeling that I'll see it again.", says Zero, "But I'm here for something else. I guess, there is a connection I don't understand. I don't understand why Ino can befriend a dragon, have her eyesight restored by a dragon, then use her new power to kill them. I was hoping you could help me connect the pieces. There has to be something I don't know.".
Rowa relaxes her shoulders, then looks away from Zero. "I believe you seek her connection to the 'Great Thief'. Her connection to the man you refer to as General Teno runs deep. I know this story from none other than the words of the parents of Ino.The 'Great Thief' needed the parents for the development of the soldiers for the war. They refused to join in the beginning. The 'Great Thief' used his influence and power to threaten them. He devised a plan to do harm to the one thing that could change their mind. He hired bandits to strike fear into a young Ino, which resulted in that fateful night that left her blind forever. The parents knew it was the work of the 'Great Thief'. Until this day, they keep this secret from Ino, and so do I, as I fear what she would do after finding out. She would probably run into her own death by trying to kill the 'Great Thief'. After subjugating the parents, the 'Great Thief' told them of me. They desperately traveled to my home in search of my restorative abilities. They told me of their strife and their story. I declined to help them. That is until Ino stumbled upon me by chance after wandering aimlessly from her parents. Her face was full of misery and pain. She wanted me to end her life. I chose to restore her eyesight in that moment, along with the power to fight back. Today, Ino believes she owes gratitude to the 'great Thief' for directing her parents to me. She has a deep admiration and respect for him that runs as deep as her lifespan. Due to this, I fear your relationship with her has a chance to crumble."
"This is madness. Ino believes she is in debt to the man that caused her to be blind? And it's been going on for so long. She has built her entire life around it.", says Zero.
"I wanted her to live in success and empowerment, and not for the sake of revenge. In doing so, I neglected to tell her the truth.", says Rowa.
"This is good. This gives me a plan. I'll need your help, Rowa Test.", says Zero.
Road to Grandoria
Zero walks on the long road to Grandoria in his full dragon scale armor. Red blood drips from his right hand, revealing the first part of his plan has been executed. He quickly swipes his right hand to the side, making most of the blood slip off of his hand. He walks forward in silence, ready to walk into the trap possibly laid for him at Grandoria.
Someone has been killed. Now phase two of his plan starts.