It is well before dawn in a fort checkpoint in a warm land. This is in the territory of fire located near the capital city which has been built up as a fortress under a faint red hue in the distant dark sky. Besides the normal guards stationed at the fort; Agni stands in his office and looks through his window looking out with arms crossed as he stares into the distance. Biting his thumb slightly he knows that his plans will not run as smoothly as he prepares for the retaliation that will arise soon from his most favorite group of people.
Agni: Well, they should be coming any moment now…. (He thinks to himself as he paces around the room now looking at the nearby chessboard) well it has been a few hours so. The fun should be happening tomorrow. (As he paces, he can hear the faint troubled sleep of the knocked-out boy in the hall nearby having heard what he guessed to be night terror the whole night. He sighs as he hears his guest and the noise he is making). Well than I guess we won’t be getting that much sleep tonight huh kid. (As Agni looks out his office window, he also hears the sound of heels hitting stone floor with each step. It is a woman with long black wavy hair and orange eyes that appear to have a constant faint glow and bright red lips. Her dress matches the tone of her lips in a slip style to fit her curves tightly under a jacket the covers most of it besides her cleavage. It is the same woman Yami had heard faintly the other day when being taken).
Agni: Ahh Talia you are here. How is our dear guest? I hope he is accommodated to living with us.
Talia: (Has an annoyed sigh as she come in to lean on the desk casually). I almost wished we could have kept him in a quite sleep lord Agni. I can’t sleep with such yelling. It’s almost like he is in pain and panic as he sleeps. I have tried a few things, but he seems to be…. A special case. (Has her own curious expression but still seems very annoyed and at such a troubling, irritating night with their guest).
Agni: (He sighs). Yes, yes, I know I will be checking up on him in a bit so no need to free any longer.
Talia: (Has a small pout with arms crossed). As you wish lord Agni. Then perhaps our beauty sleep will not be interrupted.
Agni: yes, do not worry I shall be meeting with him in a few moments. Currently I’m just putting my thoughts together. But please refrain from thinking more I’ll of our guest, he is only a child. Be patient Talia.
Talia: (Sighs with a nod). Yes, you do need him after all so I will try to be more reasonable for you. I will be on my way as well to collect reports from guards at the wall for now.
Agni: (He smiles at Talia). That will be much appreciated Talia. I will look forward to talking to you again later than.
Talia: (Laughs a little as she goes on her way). Good luck my lord I will put the reports on your desk for later. I have a feeling that boy will be a handful.
Agni: (He waves goodbye to Talia as she leaves). Well alright now let’s get to seeing my guest. (Agni leaves his study and goes to where the loud noises are coming from. As Agni walks through the halls lighted by flickering torches, he hears the boy yelling in a fearful state as he reaches the fort holding cells. he knocks on the entrance door and begins to walk in). Now, now can’t be making so much noise now at this time of night buddy. (As Agni walks in, he sees Yami on the cot where he had been left the rest of the night having been knocked out. It is not a peaceful sleep as in the cell Yami is huddled on the cot where he was left going through a nightmare clearly from his shaking and gritted teeth and hands gripped onto his head though still cuffed. There are also some shocks from the light seal on him that stops him from taking the darkness around him. He sighs). Well maybe this will help you out…hmmm a light seal…they should really work on getting better seal crafting. (He creates his own seal to destroy the light seal)
Yami: (As soon as the light seal is destroyed dark energy starts to flow heavily and powerfully into Yami from how his emotional state is from the nightmare).
Agni: (In a sense of curiosity he begins to watch Yami as the energy is being absorbed). Interesting, very interesting.
Yami: (He continued to take dark energy greatly while shaking from the nightmare. He does this until finally his eyes snap open in a look and state of terror from whatever he saw the energy still swirling around and into him seeming to be able to take in an endless amount from what can be estimated).
Agni: Well good morning sunshine you have been very proactive in your sleep recently… Now I can guess it’s been a recurring nightmare?
Yami: (Instantly sits up not seeming to be in the mind set yet to pay attention to his surrounding as crouched in the corner of the bed from his experiences. He still shakes and has fear in his eyes and gritted teeth but the harsh flow of energy slowly starts to lessen mumbling himself). Please… No….
Agni: (He sighs as he sits down in the nearby chair). I’m not doing anything so don’t be afraid young one.
Yami: (Has heavy breaths as he tries to get his head back into reality glancing at Agni finally seeing him his black and red eyes now showing anger but still the fear behind it as they glow red slightly).
Agni: Now, now it seems you are back to your senses, that is great to see now Yami… What were those nightmares about?
Yami: (Instantly lunges to try and swing at Agni through the bars with both cuffed hands ragefully with a shout). Fuck you! You asshole, I hate you! You ruined everything!
Agni: (He dodges the swing and smirks). Well, its good you still have energy to do that… But after my plans are over you can go free with no strings attached.
Yami: (Tries to reach out to swing again in anger his energy being taken showing that as well). I don’t give a shit about your plans, let me go! I’ll kill you for what you did!
Agni: (He sighs). Yes, yes whatever you say young one, just be ready for tomorrow.
Yami: (Looks at Agni in anger still but breaths heavily his body still recovering from the seal and his mind with the nightmare as he has a tight grip on the cell bars now). Yeah, for what? Whatever it is I’m not doing it, no way in hell!
Agni: (He just shakes his head). Well, it’s only natural you would say something like that, but you didn’t hear the best part about all of this plan young Yami.
Yami: (Grits his teeth in anger looking up at Agni). Yeah, and what’s that?
Agni: (he smiles as Yami has opened up a bit). What would you say if I had an experiment that would fix the problem you are currently having?
Yami: (Can see his eyes widen a little in surprise though he tries to hide it by huffing a bit and turning away to sit with his back against the bars). I’m not gonna take anything from you… Why would you care about that anyway…? None of your dam business. (Looks down and away as he speaks).
Agni: (He smirks). Well, it could help with the problem your blamed for constantly but it’s out of your control… But it could also help your nightmares and be able to sleep again soundly with your sister and the young girl connected to you two.
Yami: (Looks down more as fists clench at first mumbling to himself more). Right… I was knocked out… dammit… I haven’t slept really… In such a long time… I don’t think that can be fixed… Not after…. (His fists tighten as he tries to escape the memories in his nightmares coming back to his thought. He then speaks up more as he gives a strong expression though his eyes still show those nightmares fears). What makes you think you can change that, and it’s not like I’ll agree to anything you say…. Especially after what you’ve done. You made my dad into a monster and ruined everything then…. You did it. (Looks down again as if trying to convince his head of that watching his hand absorb darkness as he whispers it again with different focus).
Agni: true, true… The events with Izumi were… Unfortunate… But I will be honest he came to me for help… He wanted to try and help have a better life… But as you can see… The effects… Were backwards many would say… But I have been working on this for many centuries, but I feel like I got it just right… I just need your help. (He says with sincerity as he feels a sense of a regret he doesn’t normally feel).
Yami: (Looks at Agni still with distrust and hurt anger in his eyes to all that’s happened). Backward? That’s a joke, right? From how much happened…. Just unfortunate? (He looks up at Agni the anger growing in his expression as he snaps). No way in hell I’m helping you! I lost my grandparents and my dad with that! He promised he would come back, and he never did! Every day was a struggle to survive for a while and everyone hated us! They came to my home burning it down! Even lost my brother when he tried to save us! You think you can take away those nightmares and what I did! I didn’t even mean to! No way I’ll ever forgive or help you! Never! (Can see the rage in his expression as he takes darkness grow with each statement and tears form slightly by the time, he mentions his brother).
Agni: (Is taken back a bit not expecting this much of a reaction from Yami). Yes, yes your right my apologies… But look at what you’re doing now… Your emotions blind you in a rage that harm’s others. Now don’t you want that trait to go away? What if I told you… If you help, I’ll make anything you want to happen… All you must do is just follow along to this entire ordeal and it will be solved by tomorrow my promise.
Yami: (Pauses his eyes widening before he looks down at himself and the darkness he takes in. He looks defeated with himself and who he really blames starts to show as he looks down at himself. His hands tighten and shake a little on the cell bars keeping his face down and hidden from view). … D-dammit….
Agni: Well, tell me your answer? If you don’t wish too than you can leave with an armed escort out to the front gate. (He says as he is about to leave the room).
Yami: (Looks down as he thinks over what Agni is saying and how much damage he caused with his ability a small part of him starting to consider what he is saying). … No one would get hurt… Especially the people I was with… I won’t hurt anyone anymore… Right?
Agni: (He smiles as he turns back around towards Yami). No one at all… Not your sister… Or the family you are a part of now… Everyone will be safe.
Yami: (Doesn’t face Agni yet as he sits there still thinking through). Then… I guess I’ll think about it… And give you an answer by the next morning. … But need something first before anything… I’ll give you by the end of today too to think that through too.
Agni: (He bows). Thank you very much for the consideration.
Yami: You haven’t gotten that yet… Need one thing from you to get even close to that… By the end of today I need it to even consider.
Agni: (He raises his eyebrow in curiosity). Well, what do you want then?
Yami: (He then turns so he is looking up directly at Agni in the eye with a deadly serious look). I want the truth. No bullshit and lies. I want to know what happened with my dad… What went wrong… What you were trying to do… What you’re trying to do now… Everything that happened to understand and don’t dare leave anything out… Everything from the beginning.
Agni: (His smile turns to a small frown). Well… That will take some to time to converse fully… But I will tell you everything that happened… I’ll have you escorted to my study later… To learn the truth…. (He looks away). You may not like it though but if you’re prepared than I’ll say it all.
Yami: (Shakes his head seriously). I need to know; I don’t care how bad it is. I need… The truth. I’ll be here waiting for it… Just promise that and I’ll think it over… Got it? (Does not break eye contact with every word, his serious expression unwavering).
Agni: (He walks out with only a shake of his head yes). Well than this shall be interesting… Hopefully.
Yami: (Looks up in thought as he sits there). Sure… Be right here waiting for answers.
The rest of the time is silent and eerie especially in the main capital city where everyone is woken up well before dawn to leave as well. The hopeful energetic smiles are not shown like the day before as a serious aura covers the group to what is going on. No one could sleep much regardless most anxious and Hiki and Kairi looking after Kura who had been silent all the night and the time preparing. They are ready to set out before dawn meeting in the empty cathedral with Kyoda and Chikara with Mizuko with the group for now to see everyone off. They meet with the rest more silent in their greetings and Shizen with Orion in front to speak seriously.
Chikara: (Looks to the group with a sad expression knowing she cannot stop them from going ahead of everyone in this point). I suppose nothing I can say will convince you of not waiting for a larger group to assemble deal with this. It will be hard to give you too much backup right away.
Shizen: (Shakes her head no with a sigh) It would be too noticeable to have a large group to fight in. The fire territory has innocent citizens we want out of harm’s way after all. It is quieter for Orion and I to go at first… Though I know there are a few more that will not be left behind with this as well. (Looks behind her motioning to the group they came here with knowing they feel the same as her about this).
Kyoda: (He sighs in frustration). Alright well it seems I have no real way of convincing you otherwise.
Shizen: (Smiles as reassuring as she can manage at the moment). You know Orion and I are very capable to be on the front lines like this and the young ones with us are just as determined… Besides… Someone very dear to me has gone ahead even further as well…. (Looks down managing a small smile and worried look in her eyes she cannot hide).
Orion: (He sighs knowing Adara would do something like that after giving a sigh of shock and surprise). Knowing her we need to go fast before she gets herself hurt.
Shizen: (Sighs as well saying to herself). She is as stubborn as I am so I should have known she would not listen. (Speaks up again Looking up). We will need move quickly and quietly through. I would hope there is a small boat to use inconspicuously once we reach the shores between your lands and fire.
Mizuko: (Steps forward though she looks down sadly). I ordered a boat prepared away from the docks and city lines. … I am sorry to not journey with you right away, but I will prepare word to what is about to pass right away… Though I had hope not to join such a battle once again.
Orion: No, it is fine Mizu I know you will be there when you can don’t worry. (He says as he pats her head).
Kyoda: The same will be said about the dark and light territory forces. Once we will have the chance to collect everything together at once we will make sure our forces are ready.
Shizen: I know. We want to prevent the calamity that the last war had brought about. I hope that is so but regardless we must prepare… Though Seiji I assume will be on the other side of this battle having a alliance with fire. I would hope one of us can convince him otherwise in this matter especially.
Mizuko: (Nods and bows slightly). I will do my best with Seiji to try and resolve things peacefully… I would hope there is a peaceful solution to all of this.
Chikara: We may hope but it is best to prepare for a battle and make sure civilians’ safety is our top priority.
Mizuko: (She nods still looking down in thoughts and worries to what is to come not wanting it to come pass that they may fight). If the unfortunate comes to pass, I will be there wherever is needed.
Orion: (He smiles as he still Pat’s Mizu but also Chikara because she is nearby). Well than don’t stutter for a second… If there is no option for peace than we’ll make one happen and no one shall fall today. We will make sure. (As he looks towards Shizen with a glimmer of self-doubt but also trying to be hopefully as they both have bad feelings).
Shizen: (Looks to Orion knowing the same feeling and nods understandingly knowing her instincts had not failed her once glancing to Rowen with the serious expression still).
Chikara: I trust your abilities fully with Orion having the most strength and Shizen the same with her instinct and skills in survival to lead you. I will put together a first squad of our forces to follow close behind your trail as well as soon as we can.
Shizen: I see then we will leave the trail as clear-…. (As she looks up, she gets a smile to seeing at first two approach from the capital building with the unmistakable heavy sound of clopping hoofs). I can guess who will be leading your forces then Kyoda?
Kyoda: (He smiles as well hearing the horse). No but I shall be placing the trust in my brother to do that… He’s much better to do combat than I am so I will leave him in charge of our forces.
Shizen: That is a very wise choice then having a master knight to lead and with such a noble steed as well. (Nods her head in a greeting with a smile getting Chief to buck his head up and shake out his mane with a huff as Kishi holds the reins and walks with him).
Kyoda: (He smiles at the thought). Well, that is why I want Kishi to do it… But also, to keep regaining the courage that he lost a long time ago….
Chikara: (Nods her agreement looking down with a small smile). I missed seeing that from my brother.
Shizen: (Nods her understanding looking at Kishi with a small grin). He will continue gaining it back and perhaps take more charge as he had before. I assume Chief saw that then. Did he pass his test like his father before him?
Kyoda: (He looks towards the pair). It would seem so since chief was very defensive for anyone to get near him so it’s surprising and I would assume so.
Shizen: It take a great determination and strength to earn Chief’s respect. I’m glad they have thought about my words then.
Kyoda: Well, it seems it wasn’t easy for him. (He notices the wounds on Kishi’s arm). Well, oh well it might be worth it all in the end.
Shizen: I can tell it was worth that from the prideful grin.
Chikara: (Can’t help but run up and hug Kishi first although forgetful of his arm a bit). … I missed you brother.
Kishi: (He is surprised at first with the sudden hug from her sister). What do you mean? I saw you a few moments ago. (He isn’t understanding fully of what she means but then smiles regardless). I missed you too.
Chikara: It’s just… I missed seeing the big goofy grin of yours… It’s been a really long time. (Holds on tighter once saying this).
Mizuko: (Politely gathers some water that flows to Kishi’s arm with a faint glow where a soothing healing can be felt).
Kishi: (He finally notices the wounds). Oh… Thank you lady Mizuko I didn’t even notice they were there.
Mizuko: (Nods with a smile). It is not a problem. I am happy to.
Shizen: (Nod in greeting with grin a in pride). I take it was a battle well fought and won then? (She then looks at Chief who nudges Kishi on top of his head). And respect well earned?
Kishi: (He laughs a bit to himself). Well, it definitely was exciting to say the least… And I would think so.
Shizen: (Chief nudges Kishi with a small neigh and stomp of his hoof before moving to the side more he is next to the saddle). I have the answer then… I look forward to fighting alongside both of you.
Kishi: (He smiles). Well than we both look forward to it as well to be alongside everyone.
Shizen: I will look to you for our reinforcements then. (Looks over to Chikara next curiously). And who have you assigned for light territory’s first reinforcement commander?
Chikara: (stands straight letting go of Kishi as she coughs lightly before speaking). It was to a little surprise, but I had a volunteer with this before even asking from my officers from one of our force’s offensive sergeants. She insisted on such a task really.
Mizuko: (raises her eyebrows in slight surprise). Really, now that is quite interesting.
Kyoda: (He has an idea on who it is). Well should be one of the people to do just that but hearing the news of the events she should be arriving soon.
Chikara: Yes, Shizuna was supposed to arrive as a key neutral witness with the boy she is contracted to for Yami’s case. (Pauses with a frown as she thinks of the current situation but then looks up seriously). With the news of the situation though she immediately volunteered for the position.
Kairi: (Realizes who they are talking about whispering to herself as she peeks from behind her sister). Maru and Luna….
Orion: (He seems concerned a bit from the encounter the two had). I see… Shizuna will be here… This makes things quite interesting.
Chazz: (He is thinking to himself as he wonders what will happen next though everyone was on good terms, he can’t help but feel uncertain about something).
Chikara: She is one of our fastest commanders so I believe she will make her way to you quickly once you give us word on a location.
Shizen: And what of the boy she is contracted to, Maru. I advise he not follow her since he is not 15 as of yet. Regardless of that I would advise against it anyways.
Mizuko: (Looks to the group behind Shizen, Orion and Rowen with a worried frown seeing the stubborn and serious faces). I could say the same of the handful of little ones with you.
Rowen: (He questions the idea). Well, I don’t feel like that will be an issue really since I trust the people with us to keep proper protection of the little ones and especially since the young mistress here is contracted to Yami that it only makes sense to bring her along.
Shizen: They are strong as well and keep growing in strength each day to go with their stubbornness.
Kura: (Looks down with a low voice as she speaks). And if Yami can go inside Kairi’s mind we can seal him there for a time just to protect him… Like I was supposed to…. (Her voice goes more to herself as she clenches her fist hiding her face downward Tori being closest to her to listen).
Tori: Well should we wait for their arrival to us? Or should we get going now and meet up with them later because we don’t have the privilege of time on our side.
Shizen: (Shakes her head in agreement). Yes, we will need to be on our way now. We will send coded messages with locations when I meet with someone once we make camp in our territory. I hope everyone has packed well with camp equipment and rations for us and the animals then.
Jennifer: (Nods in response adjusting the bag on her back). Yes, we have everything.
Shizen: (Shakes her head in agreement). Yes, we will need to be on our way now. We will send coded messages with locations when I meet with someone once we make camp in the fire territory. I hope everyone has packed well with equipment and rations for us and the animals then.
Jennifer: (Nods in response adjusting the bag on her back). Yes, we have everything.
Tori: We were taking count of everything while you were talking with everyone, so everything is accounted for. So, let’s get ready to get moving.
Rowen: (He smiles). Very well done well seems everything is ready to go.
Shizen: Then we will be on our way so that we may reach the territory and set up camp tonight. We will see you out there at a later time. (Nods a farewell as well as a smile to Kishi and Chief).
Mizuko: (Still has a concerned expression but bows politely). I wish you luck on your travels and will support when it’s needed. (She then looks to Hiki). Hiki please save the vile of water I gave you for when it is most needed. It is from a special spring of pure waters that helps with healing.
Hiki: (She shakes her head yes as she looks towards Mizuko). Of course, I will make sure to save until I need it the most.
Mizuko: (Smiles with a small nod). I will hope it is not needed.
Shizen: If we are ready, we will be on our way then. The boat is located on the dark territory side outside of the city. We made sure it was the more vacant area, so we do not run into many.
Chikara: (Bows as well with everyone else to do a last farewell). I wish all of you safe travels. We will join you soon to bring back our nephew. (Looks to her brothers with a serious yet worried nod).
Kyoda: You have our word that we will be there as soon as possible so let us be off as well… Kishi… Chikara…. (He smiles at Chief). Chief lets go.
Chikara: (Nods to her brothers with a small smile). Yes, we shall. (Chief stomps his hoof with a small huff nudging Kishi and trotting so he is beside him where the saddle is rested on his back).
Chazz: Well, we shall go as well since a very important member is still waiting for us so let’s get going everyone… Time to bring balance.
Jennifer: (Smiles at Chazz with a nod). Well, it is who you are to put it like that.
Kairi: (Has a determined look yet sad as well). Yami belongs with us, we need to bring him home.
Shizen: Well then let’s be on our way… Mizu thank you and we will meet you there at a later date.
Mizuko: (Bows her farewell once more). Please stay safe all of you. Shizen… Orion I will join you as soon as I am able. (She smiles politely with a wave but the next moment her form falls into a puddle on the stone walkway).
Shizen: (Smiles and waves back until Mizuko leaves in such a way leaning to the side to say to Orion beside her with a slight laugh). I swear, it freaks me out every time she does that still.
Orion: (He smiles with a small laugh). Well, it does take a bit to get used to that but oh well. Let’s be off like everyone has been saying, have things to do have people to see.
Shizen: (Nods as they turn to walk on their way. She looks at Orion with his big shaggy dog Spike walk beside him and his tortoise Rocky tucked into his shell carried under his arm to travel, a little amused by this). They still wanted to follow you as well. It looks like you will have your hands full with Rocky there.
Orion: (He sighs). I figured I would have to deal with it as well but… I don’t wish to put them in harm’s way… I wouldn’t be able to deal with it. (As Rocky pokes his head out of his shell to look up at Orion and Spike licks Orion’s hand as he walks beside him).
Shizen: (Sighs sympathetically looking over to Hiki and Tori as well with Silver perched on his shoulder and Orion tucks into her bag with his head poking out). I understand very well… With all these young ones really. … But their very stubborn. It’s hard to ask companions and those dear to us to stay behind. (Looks at Rowen as she walks behind him seeing his bag move. She flips the cover revealing Echo the puppy border collie peeking out cutely). And she just is too attached to stay behind, was she? She fears that abandonment again, it’s hard to force one to stay with that mindset….
Rowen: (He smiles awkwardly). Well, when I tried to leave her with someone in the city… Echo wouldn’t stop weeping and I would terrible to leave her like that though if it becomes too bad I will be leavening her with the animals to watch over her.
Shizen: Orion’s two companions here are very capable of that then. I know both of you will protect them with all your power… I trust you with that but also just like the group as a whole. They will protect each other with all they have. The animals want to be with you for the same supportive reason everyone does. (Watches Echo climb her paws up on the back of Rowen’s head with a little wagging tail. Spike and Rocky look up to Orion as well with their own form of comfort. Silver as well pecks lightly at Tori’s hair as Owlet snuggles into the opening of Hiki’s bag).
Hiki: (She and Tori both smile). That is true… We can’t just leave them here since they want to be with every step of the way as we do for them.
Jennifer: Animals think very similar to us really most of the time they are even more loyal than we can even imagine. (Smiles patting Owlets head as it pokes out of Hiki’s bag doing the same with Silver as well).
Kairi: (Smiles and goes over to pet Spike and pet Rocky’s shell then looking up at Orion reassuringly). Don’t worry it will be ok.
Orion: (He sighs knowing how weak he is to Kairi). Yes, yes, I guess you win they can come along however we will be dropping them at a secure location to make sure they are out of harm’s way.
Kairi: (Looks up brightly with a nod). Alright Orion!
Shizen: (Has a small laugh looking from Orion to Kairi understanding fully). It’s not just the animals we are protective of as well…. (Looks to Jennifer with a small smile to herself then looks down with a worried look in her eyes especially to another that is most dear to her as well). Let us mope the boat to pass through will get us to the territory to the camp location before dark today…
Tori: Aye. (He nods to Kura as a sigh of reassuring as well attempting to cheer anyone up as he thinks to himself).
Kura: (Only nods in acknowledgement but continues looking down as she walks without much said).
The group continues to walk silently on the quite streets reaching an emptier spread out suburb outside the giant city. The area seems odd to most noticing how most of the homes are vacant if not all. The ones unfamiliar with the area can’t help but have their eyes wonder the surroundings curiously.
Jennifer: (Looks around the area curiously next to Chazz and Hiki with a confused expression to the homes and odd surroundings well tree covered area a bit darker with an empty feeling with the trees barer of leaves even to fit the odd yet depressing suburban area. She says quietly taking in the area with a frown). Something doesn’t feel right about this area….
Tori: (He is a bit reluctant to start the idea). Well, it makes sense… This part of town was the origin point of the uncle Izumi incident.
Jennifer: That’s why everything and the homes feel… Deserted…. (Her frown deepens as she places a hand on a dead looking tree where it looks like very old burn marks singed the bark).
Shizen: (Looks around realizing where they had walked instantly regretting it and speaking quietly to Rowen and Orion). Their old home… The riots… We should of took a route around this area…. (Looks to Kura who has her face hidden downward with immediate concern).
Tori: (He is looking down as well as he holds Kura’s hand in an attempt to keep her all together though he isn’t sure).
Hiki: (She is looking around being surprised by the amount of damage in the area… She knew it was bad but not… Not like this).
Kura: (Her hand in Tori’s grips onto his so tight it hurts his hand as her other hand his gripped onto her arm just as tight being as tense as could be possible).
Chazz: (He says with a heavy guilt). Its… A graveyard… Just a graveyard that shows… The past in the worst way possible.
Jennifer: (Puts a hand on Chazz’s shoulder to stop that thought with a shake of her head noticing Kura).
Kura: (Her footsteps slow to a stop making the whole group do the same starting with Tori whose hand she grips even tighter).
Tori: (He follows knowing he can be the only one who can support her right now in this current moment as he begins to feel dread).
Kura: (Walks slowly down the pathways the further they walk the more that looks far too familiar even if warn from time).
Tori: (One of the things he recognizes instantly in a tree with a target with many sword slashes from his and Kuro’s time training together as kids. It is not the same as he remembers it though as the tree in singed, darkened by old flames. The target being barely recognizable as it has fallen to the ground, the only thing that Tori can make out is the rough shape of it. Looking like it is ready to crumble apart into splintered shards of wood with one touch. He sighs as he brings out one of his swords in one hand and as they passed the barely recognizable tree. He slashes into it one last time cause it to crumble to dust as though it was waiting for one last hit).
Kura: (Continues to walk without a word with emotions hidden. She pauses once reaches to stand in front of where there was once a structure but now completely unrecognizable as it is mostly burned up rubble on the foundation of where a home used to stand).
Tori’s: (He looks around the area and recognizes the structure as Kura’s home before… The incident had happened he feels great remorse). It’s here… Well… As much as it can be.
Kura: (Doesn’t answer Tori as she begins to walk towards the house ruins. She steps over the rubble and fallen old wood planks as she enter walking through it as can see what used to be furniture destroyed and scattered about. Some areas look like they were even smashed with weapons as well but any signs of the weapons or anything that could be linked to the damage had rusted and crumbled with time).
Tori: (He follows Kura though he is feeling nostalgic of his surroundings not knowing fully why Kura is looking as remorseful as she does now).
Kura: (She goes right through the house stepping over some more rubble to exit where the back door had been. She then walks into the wooded area behind her home as if she knows fully where she is going. The woods are quiet even a bit eerie as they walk through).
Tori: (He follows Kura even further he feels the sense of dread again though it seems like dark energy is leaking out of the forest entrance causing him to break a sweat and draw out a sword)
Kura: (Does not seem bothered by the energy and simply continues her walk into the woods. It is a few moments before she finally slows in an opening of the trees with a mound indented into the grounds not far from where they are. But right in front of them what trees that are there look completely damaged if not smashed completely with old burns covering the bark and ground making it, so little had grown. Besides that, it looks like an area where obviously an old battle had taken place though it is hard to tell from what at first look but there is still an intense feeling of dread and sorrow looming over the area).
Tori: (He looks around as though he is desperately looking for someone… Yet no one else is around but Kura… Yet he feels like he needs too).
Kura: (Kneels down couple of feet or so away from the small mound in the ground creating a little underneath cover. She looked down at the ground in front of her placing her hand down on it. Brushing some of the leaves away as she looks down with a deep sadness in her expression if one could see).
Tori: (He keeps looking but he stops just behind Kura and wonders what she is doing but then feels even more sadness and sorrow come over him greatly. Getting a small idea on what happened here… As he frowns). Kuro….
Kura: (She doesn’t speak right away and when she does its quite as she looks at her hand on the ground). … This… Is where he fell… Where his shadow lay….
Tori: (He looks down as a shadow cast upon him). I see… I never knew where he was… But I know now.
Kura: (The same shadow is cast on her ever since she started walking here as she nods). I couldn’t help him… I had to leave his shadow behind to fade… To protect Yami I had to hide and run… He pushed us under the mound and cast a barrier over there knocking Yami so we couldn’t get out to help… I guess he knew he was too big to hide with us too…. (She looks down more her hand going into a fist as she had started telling Tori how it all happened).
Tori: (In his sense of sadness and remorse he clenches his fist as well).
Kura: … I saw him fight… He didn’t stop fighting no matter how much damage he took… He held his own really well… No matter how badly he was hurt he used all the strength he had to protect us… He was so strong … But… Eventually the injuries were too much… And he fell here… I could only watch him… And hold Yami back when he woke…. (Her shoulders shake and even though her face is hidden there can be seen tears that fall on the spot she kneels over).
Tori: (He kneels next to Kura and puts one arm on her shoulder to bring her in for a side hug). It’s fine… It’s fine…. (He tears up a bit as well). He did what he always dreamed of being and what he trained to be… A knight… He wanted to protect the two people that mattered the most to him.
Kura: (She can’t help but lean into Tori’s hug and cry into his shoulder). I haven’t been to this spot since… And it still hurts… But he really did put up a great fight… I just miss him… I feel like a big part is missing… I just want us to all be a family again…. (Sobs more into Tori’s shoulder all the sadness she had held in).
Tori: I know… You do Kura… and I want my best friend back…but he wouldn’t want you crying like this over him… He would want you to remember on how he was and the love he gave to you… So don’t be holding yourself down the past… I know I couldn’t for a while… It was hard… But… I got better. (He holds her tight as he rubs her shoulder).
Kura: (Nods her head but still cries into Tori’s shoulder). I know… I just remember how good he was at making the whole family smile and have fun even in hard times… I miss those times… And I guess I wanted to pay my respects here… A part of me still hopes but I know that’s naive… But it’s harder because I promised to protect Yami as I ran from this place… And I couldn’t even do that! (Cries even more into Tori hiding her face in his shoulder more as she does so).
Tori: I know… And I made a promise to help protect the both of you if anything happened to him… But I failed as well… But let’s pay our respects and fulfill his wishes of keeping you two together.
Kura: (Nods again and let’s go of Tori facing the spot Kuro fell again as she wipes her tear-filled eyes). Thank you, Tori… When we get Yami back I want to come here with him to pay our respects together… I want to be a family again… And happy without fears… He’s still so young to deal with all of this and with what he’s been through… I want things to be better for us all… Together… For Kuro….
Tori: (He smiles as he kisses her head). Well, I’ll be here with you guys so rely on me a bit more alright? Got to keep my promise as well
Kura: (Gets a small smile after getting her emotions cleared having not done it in a while). Thank you… You probably didn’t get a chance to say goodbye… And I can’t really bring myself too yet… Not without Yami at least… But if you want to… Maybe it is like saying all you wanted to say…. (Looks down at the spot Kuro lay reaching out to it again).
Tori: No… Not just yet… I will do it when I’m with you two… It would only be fitting to do it all at once you know. (He smiles as he best he can as he cries as well feeling huge amounts of dread fall upon as though sorrow is his best friend).
Kura: (Smiles the same smile as Tori as she gathers some fallen leaves into a makeshift bouquet to place on the spot). Before I ran away with Yami I had enough time to do this on his shadow… But I don’t think I’m ready to say that closing goodbye either… I don’t know why it just doesn’t feel right… But for him… Yami… And everyone… Can come back safely… To be a happy family again… What he wishes most… So, for Kuro…. (Wipes her eyes again Looks down with a feeling that something isn’t right or is missing mixed with that same dread of the area yet a sad hope).
Tori: Yeah… We will come back together… And maybe and Kyoda and them… It would be nice to have everyone say goodbye… To our young knight in training…. (A moment in his speaking he feels someone was listening in on them, but the feeling is gone now).
Kura: (Nods though the heaviness in her heart is still there to stay hugging Tori for that needed comfort). Thank you for coming with me….
Tori: (He shakes his head). No… Thank you for letting me come with..and showing me this… I feel like I’m a bit closer now.
Kura: Well, you are just as close as we are with Kuro… Your best friends… Brothers… Your family too… So, it’s only right that you came here. (Manages to give a small smile to Tori).
Tori: Yeah… But still, I appreciate it… Well, we should get going before Kairi worries more than she already is… Don’t want to make her upset or we won’t hear the end of it.
Kura: (Shakes her head yes as she stands slowly to leave). No, we don’t and I how you two can be with one another so let’s get going. (Turns to leave with a sigh then turns to look at Tori). And let’s bring my little brother home.
Tori: (He smiles with a smirk). Yes of course… Or else I wouldn’t hear the end of it regardless, so I rather avoid that… Let’s go reunite the family one last time.
Kura: (Nods in agreement as she begins to walk back with Tori. She does one more look back before she turns to leave to be on their journey once again with a feeling of hope yet worry still behind it).
The group continues a short walk until they reach a small humble looking boat to sail in subtlety to the fire territory. Most of the boat ride is quiet much different from their journey to the capital neutral city. Most think of their arrival and wear clothing with hoods to hide their faces when it will be needed. As they sail the notice as well the closer, they get the warmer the air feels. The boat ride even seems to take nearly as long as the travel in the water but that may have also been the tension they felt to whatever they will face. The travel does take most of the sunlit day though with nothing eventful in the calm warm waters as the air grows hot like a mid-summers’ day. As the group is enjoying their final moments of relaxation as best, they can while feeling a slight rise in temperature. Chazz is the first one to see land come forward.
Chazz: (He smiles). LAND HOLD! (He thinks to himself on how he always wanted to say that to himself and laughs a bit).
Jennifer: (Laughs a little to Chazz but then looks forward to the land that was spotted). Finally, this boat ride has felt longer than what would of liked.
Kura: (Looks forward slightly and her hands clench together in the same hope and worry).
Shizen: (Looks out as well as she had been sitting with Orion looking over a map as she undoes her braid a bit but still keeps her grey hair away from her face at least). It is a smaller body of water but with it being night last we sailed and with so much curiosity the ride seemed shorter. (Looks to Rowen who is busy steering the boat with sleeves rolled up as he focuses on the waters with Chazz managing the sail). Let’s stay away from any town docks. The less presence we make known in the land the better. We do not want to cause any problems or be too obvious… Let’s try to hide and camp small today.
Rowen: (He nods his head as he steers the ship towards a more isolated piece of land near the coastal port town). Alright I think this area will work just fine for what we need to do though. I do suggest that we have people stay up to watch over the area while taking turns.
Shizen: I will take first watch then… There is a specific location… And something I need to wait for where we camp. (Looks downward for a moment with a small smile but worry in her eyes holding onto the locket always wrapped around her wrist tightly).
Orion: (He is surprised at first). Well than alright if you’re sure Shizen. Well than the rest of us will go around and find information about the capital and find a place to rest for the night.
Shizen: I will bring back some key information while I am out as well. I do know that most is built like a fort though so some things may be a bit trickier.
Kairi: (Looks forward towards the land feeling the hot air from the area already). It’s really hot here, is it always like this?
Shizen: (Shakes her head yes). Yes, and it will only rise in temperature once we reach inward on the land. They have a few volcanoes as well, so it was important to we have brought plenty of water.
Tori: (He looks around and sees the volcanoes in the distance). Oh, your right and seems like some of them are getting ready to erupt soon.
Kairi: (Looks with Tori seeing them as well in wonder). I read about giant fire breathing dragons living in volcanoes in fairy tale books, do they exist?
Shizen: (Pauses to think looking to Orion to help recall). I do not believe there has been sighting like that in a very long time. There are small ones that look similar to a winged bearded dragon though still very rare. In fact, it was studied that those are the same spices as the giant ones you speak of but no one has seen an in-between growth between the small and giant ones to confirm that fully. It’s a bit odd but regardless I would hope not to have our first recorded encounter with a giant one now. (She looks down for a moment as memory pops into her mind but quickly shakes it away).
Chazz: Well, it would be interesting to see one. However, it would be difficult if we had to deal with one with the current situation that we are in.
Jennifer: (Nods in agreement patting Kairi’s head as they approach the shore). I think we will have enough to deal with let alone worrying about a dragon.
The group as they begin to land their boat. They the temperature rising greeting as some sweat begins to develop on some of them. As they land the moment, they touch the ground they are captivated by the forest nearby as it seems to be in a fall like setting in color with the trees and scenery. Nearby they see a town that is more inland nearest the capital being their best chance to getting information without attracting too much attention. But the biggest stands out as they travel through the forest to find a reasonable camping spot to serve as a hideout for now, estimating the distant fort castle is where they believe Yami is being held.
Kura: (Cannot take her eyes off the distant capital as she walks, every part of her wanting to rush there instantly to reach Yami).
Kairi: (Right beside her with the same anxious feeling as everyone else feels).
Rowen: (He and Orion lead the group to a subtle spot that should be able to act as camp spot for the night). Well, this should work for now. Now we must split up to find some information in the nearby town.
Shizen: (Speaks a little quietly as she looks around the spot, Rowen in earshot also noticing a tight grip still on the locket around her wrist). This looks to be about the area….
Rowen: (He sighs as he can guess what Shizen is talking about). Well than Shizen do you want to have watch while we go collect some Information?
Shizen: (Shakes herself out of her thoughts looking at Rowen with a small smile). I believe I will head out alone tonight since I have a very good source of information. There is no need to worry about that but also most of you I encourage to not stray far from the camp and keep your faces out of sight if needed. Do not do anything rash.
Jennifer: (Looks at Shizen in worry). Who are you meeting, will you be in danger? Maybe we should come along to help if something goes wrong?
Shizen: (Gives a small smile and pats Jennifer’s head though keeping most of the details to herself). No need to worry child, I trust this informant with everything I have so there will be no problems. … Let me do this on my own and trust me. (Looks to Orion knowing he knows the whole truth of things to understand more than the younger ones).
Orion: (He nods his head). Alright not a problem. Let’s get going everyone we shouldn’t be out for long, but we got to try and get something.
Chazz: (He and Hiki feel a slight uneasiness begin to rise but decides to trust Shizen).
Shizen: (Nods as she adjusts her bag and quiver on her back as she gets ready to part ways). I will be gone for quite a bit so be sure to listen to Orion well. No going on your own to look yourself and build the camp discreetly and try to stay cool. This is the only forest in this area, and it’s not as covered as many lands with the rest being rocky plains, volcanoes, and deserts.
Kairi: (Nods to Shizen with worry in her eyes wanting to help). We will be ok… Please stay safe.
Shizen: (Laughs a little reassuringly). I will be fine, just listen to Orion and try to practice your barriers around the camp when its set up… But I will be on my way so please behave and keep your animals hydrated as well. (Sighs then looks to Rowen giving him a small reassuring smile but something hidden well behind it that can’t be read in her expression. An instinct of protective worry fills the mind first for him).
Rowen: (He says quietly to himself). Now how could you expect me to leave you alone after that sort of smile…. (He speaks back up). Yes, yes, I will make sure everything is kept together while you are away.
Orion: (Immediately catches on to Rowen thoughts and just smiles a bit).
Shizen: (Nods her farewells to everyone and then starts to head on her way quickly out of the area).
Jennifer: (Looks to Shizen leaving with the grip on her bow tightening then forward to the area they would camp in everyone else doing the same). I guess we should go and start setting up then….
Kairi: (Looks on as well and up at Orion not sure of what to do the worry still in her eyes).
Orion: (He Pat’s her head). Everything will be alright dear just believe in her alright. She’s knows what’s she’s doing.
Jennifer: (Feels a little more reassured but a moment later feels something in her bag move around and a puppy’s whimper. She looks over her shoulder seeing Echo stand on top of her backpack and lick her face when she does. She quickly reaches over to hold and cradle the whimpering puppy with Spike going over panting from the heat sniffing Echo). It’s alright Echo, what are you doing in my bag? I thought Rowen had-…. (Looks behind her having sworn he was walking in back of the group giving a confused look when not seeing him). Rowen?
Orion: (He laughs a little). Well, well it seems he went his own way..but let’s get going everyone… I’m pretty sure Rowen is doing just fine.
Jennifer: (Still has a confused look but nods as she tries to comfort Echo with a smile). It’s alright Echo he will be back, just stay with me then.
The group continues to head towards the place to set up camp leaving Shizen to meet them later. Rowen with his instinct telling him to follow had gone a few minutes behind Shizen left. He is behind enough to not to be detected walking carefully to not make any noise or sudden noticeable movements wanting to know what Shizen is up to. He walks for quite a bit the tree covered area turning dusk. He finally stops seeing Shizen stop noticing a symbol marked into a tree of a lead inside a flame and takes a seat seeming to wait patiently. Rowen hides in the bush covered area far enough he would have to listen carefully is anything was said. From what he can see though she sits on a log looking down at the locket always on her wrist lifting it up to see better. The expression of hiding something or covering up her emotions fall away in her expression and instead he can see one of the biggest genuine smiles he had seen from her.
Rowen: (He smiles as well seeing her like that). Well now… This seems to be worth it just from looking at her from here. (He says to himself quietly).
Shizen: (She waits there for a few moments staring at her open locket until a figure jumps down to the center of the clearing wearing red with a few borders of green. She has a face mask up covering up to her nose but pull her hood down revealing long locks of red hair. The vibrant red hair and the red clothes cause jump of conclusion to think her being a fire spirit but even so Shizen has great smile as she quickly get up and hugs the young lady looking to be in her teens at most).
Rowen: (recognizing the fire spirit he is hesitant to act right away. So, he decides to watch firstly but will jump in if the moments call for it. Though the smile on Shizen’s face still puzzles him greatly).
Shizen: (Hugs the girl tightly and protectively). Never run off like that again… You had me worried sick….
Adara: (Smiles back at the hug hugging back reassuringly). I’m fine, you know I can handle myself.
Shizen: (Laughs a little but until hold on tight). I know but things are changing here, and you can’t run here alone.
Adara: (Still smiles reassuringly behind her mask). Come on mom I had to. Or else you wouldn’t have a trail to follow out here. It was the best solution or else you would lose everything…. I’m fine mom, I know what I’m doing mom…. I’m not a baby… And I’m the only one who could do this at the rushed time anyways… Besides I know he will not harm me.
Shizen: (Looks at Adara sincerely and still with protectiveness just happy to see her pulling away a little to look at her). You’re my baby girl so I have my full right to worry and protect more than anything… Never think that will change…. (Smiles greatly kissing her daughter forehead just happy she is safe more than anything).
Rowen: (He is shocked to hear the girl is Shizen’s daughter, but he can’t help but smile a bit as he decides to head out). Well, it wouldn’t be right if I was still here… I should get going…. (He says to himself quietly. As he is about to leave them for privacy a small branch had caught on his sleeve making s small rustling sound).
Adara: (Is the first to turn back hearing the sound behind her as she narrows her eyes that glow a slight green).
Shizen: (Does the same but also grips onto the bow on her shoulder stepping in front of Adara protectively until she sees who is there, her tone demanding). Whose there… Show yourself.
Rowen: (He sighs as he holds his hands up above his head as he stands up from the bush). Well, well looks like I was caught.
Shizen: (Raises her eyebrows in surprise as she lowers her bow). … Rowen?
Adara: (Looks from her mother and to Rowen in surprise yet interest taking a less defensive stance). Rowen?
Rowen: (He laughs nervously). Yeah…. Yeah, I followed I’m sorry.
Shizen: (Sigh knowing this would happen eventually but begins a rare slight blush and nervous smile). Hello Rowen… I should have known better someone followed… You especially.
Adara: (Gets a small smirk looking between them still. She also pulls down her face mask and Rowen can see her face more seeing how much they look alike clearly as mother and daughter besides the color of hair). So, this is the man that you and Orion kept mentioning in your letters mom?
Rowen: oh I was talked about well..now this is even more embarrassing yet satisfying… but I’m glad to meet you Adara…. (He smiles)
Adara: (Smiles back). Yes, she mentioned you quite a lot the past few letters.
Shizen: (Laughs a bit nervously not being quite ready for this moment yet but knowing it would happen eventually being a bit worried how this would go). Well… Rowen yes… I would like you to meet my daughter….
Adara. (Looks at Adara getting a big proud smile the worry falling away more when she does patting her head).
Rowen: (Well he comes forward towards Adara). Well, it’s glad to meet you. To reintroduce myself my name is Rowen and it’s a great pleasure to meet you. (He bows)
Shizen: (Grins at Rowen and Adara and the big moment). And Adara as you he already said this is Rowen then.
Adara: (Laughs offers Rowen her hand to shake). It’s nice to meet you. You are exactly how my mom described. Uncle Orion talked about you too, but always an emphasis on being proper and formal.
Shizen: (Can’t help but laugh at that). Not very proper though to hide in a bush. (As she reaches out to remove some leaves in Rowen’s hair holding them out to him).
Rowen: (He blushes a bit in a flustered manner but then coughs). Well, I was just curious and concerned for you Shizen. You were acting quite strange.
Shizen: (Cannot help but get a slight blush as well). Well, I am sorry to worry you. I think it would be an inappropriate time to smile but I can’t help it when it comes to seeing my amazing daughter. (Puts an arm around Adara with a big grin).
Adara: (Smiles with a small laugh). Amazing? (Gets a small smirk in amusement as well).
Shizen: (Does a small fake pout patting Adara’s head). Oh, I’m your mother, I have every right to brag.
Rowen: (He can’t help but laugh a bit). Well, that is quite like your mother to boast what she is proud about.
Shizen: (Laughs as well). Yes, and she is my biggest pride so expect me to at the moment but it is not like you do not like to show off when things catch your interest Adara.
Adara: (Smirks with a small laugh as well). I may tend to slightly. (Her expression then changes looking up at Shizen curiously and unsure of how much can be shared Rowen noticing the uncertain look for a second).
Rowen: (He notices it as well). Now, now don’t worry I only know what was shared with me which wasn’t much, but I shall not press further.
Adara: (Still looks to Shizen with uncertainty).
Shizen: (Knows the look and knows it is probably about time things were out in the open as she sighs). No, it’s about time you knew some things anyways… Maybe it’s almost a time where things should be out in the open more as well.
Adara: (Concern grows looking at Shizen still glancing at Rowen with her uncertainties). Mom….
Shizen: (Smiles reassuringly to Adara after inward nervous sigh and nods). It’s alright Adara. I trust him so just be who you are, and I will deal with the explanations later… It’s about time I stopped hiding this… I never should have in the beginning really. (Smiles reassuringly down at her daughter kissing her forehead then turns to look at Rowen again managing a small yet nervous and worried smile for what he will think at the end).
Rowen: (He looks in question towards Shizen as he touches her cheek). Well don’t force yourself Shizen and anything you want to tell me I’ll listen to you with earnest feelings.
Adara: (Looks at Rowen with raised eyebrows in surprise but then looks at her mother with a more sincere smile). No wonder you like him so much.
Shizen: (Sighs and calms down from Rowen’s sincere feelings holding onto his hand). Yes, I do quite a lot. But I will explain all of that after you two talk a bit and then answer those questions alone… But thank you for your patients. For now, though I want you two to know each other. Form your own opinions before and brag on how talented she is. (Laughs a little her hand tightening slightly on Rowen’s).
Adara: (Laughs with her mom). We could be here all night with that topic.
Rowen: (He laughs). That may be true, but we don’t have time for all of that, but I will be happy to have a introductory conversation if that would work for you.
Adara: I think I can sum it up well with just the important parts.
Shizen: The most important parts… Yes, you should know those first. (Nods with a small frown remembering time is not on their side but makes the most of it. Sighs knowing, she should start with the most important first). Well first of all you should know this… Only few know this. Adara is a… Special kind of spirit… There’s only one energy of a spirit like this… It was thought this could not be possible in spirits even.
Adara: (Looks to Shizen knowing instantly what her mom is talking about trusting her with a shake of her head. She silently lifts her right hands first a green glow forming with a plant sprouting from it).
Rowen: (He looks slightly confused at first from the statement but listens to Shizen). Something like the balance spirits if I’m understanding this correctly
Shizen: (Looks at Adara shaking her head to go ahead).
Adara: (Understands lifting her other hand out so that in her left hand a warm flame grows on her palm flickering in shades in-between reds, orange, and yellow brightly).
Rowen: (He waits in anticipation though very surprised from the fire energy from a natures spirits daughter).
Shizen: (Sighs but then smiles to Adara and Rowen). Half of her energy is nature, and the other is fire. It’s a even amount for each element with the potential to master both like Chazz with light and dark… Only it was thought not to be able to exist for a spirit.
Adara: (Looks at both her elements playing with them individually in each hand). I have learned more of my mother’s nature element which is obvious with learning with her firsthand but what I know with fire I needed to acquire advanced books for the most part…. (Pauses on her fire quickly changing the train of thought). I still have much to research and combining them has not been successful, so I still need to improve individual energies.
Rowen: (Seems to understand where this is going but plays along with the conversation). Well than that is quite impressive on its own fret.
Adara: (Seems to be in her own thoughts slightly). I will need to research and experiment with it more after this but to balance an element with one with a natural weakness to the other is a complicated puzzle when pieces are still being collected. (Looks at the flame in pondering to herself seeming to be in her own world almost able to see her mind look through scenarios and hypothesis in her expression. It is clear her intelligence shows with that as she bites her thumb while in thought seeming to be a habit as she rambles her thoughts).
Shizen: (Can’t help but laugh watching Adara then looks to Rowen so she can explain). I should also mention she is quite smart. Even that is quite a big understatement for her.
Rowen: (He laughs as well). Well, it shows quite well…a very interesting lady she is
Shizen: Most of the things I have trouble following but the way her mind works it’s almost like she is calculating every scenario and outcome in that moment. She is even reading expert level book and beyond especially with those complex seals.
Adara: (Breaks out of her thoughts seeming to have her interest caught looking at Rowen in interest). Orion mentioned a seal too I wanted to study now that I am reminded.
Rowen: (He smiles). Well, I see Orion has been in close contact… but that is too be expected really. But what seal would that be? Something related to Agni now?
Adara: (Shakes her head no with a pondering expression). Orion is my uncle so of course I am close to him and…. This one is not related to my… Agni… I will go over those in a moment…. From Orion’s letters and time with him he told me about your contract with him. I’ve never known a permanent seal like that was possible. It’s intriguing if I could study such a seal one day.
Shizen: (Looks at Adara with a curiosity but also a small frown knowing she will explain to him after this visit what Adara had caught herself almost saying). It was a seal Nagi and Shiro created before they passed… But anyways it is up to Rowen at that. I am sure he would mind being studied in your science. Perhaps hold most of that curiosity for later. (Laughs patting Adara’s head).
Adara: (Shakes her head yes). Of course, just studying such a complex seal is such an interesting opportunity, just to see such a seal even.
Rowen: (He seems slightly concerned from the statement). Well, I’ll be glad to help with your research though I’m slightly concerned as I would be.
Adara: (Gives a reassuring smile to Rowen). I only will want to study the seals components and the seal from what was read and studied is irreversible regardless. The obvious theory is that your living energy is connected to Orion’s making it so that as long as that energy exists you are able to take this spirit like existence rather than human. It has been done before but those are a time limit that depended on the spirits skill and amount of energy only to fade like a spirit would in death. But this is a scenario where the energy is shared indefinitely as long as that energy source lives with the help of a seal of such unimaginable level of power to achieve. It’s an amazing feat to achieve such a thing. (Bites her thumb again as her mind works a mile a minute with a few complex ramblings).
Shizen: (Has a nervous smile nudging Adara to break her out of her thoughts). Come on now Adara we don’t want Rowen to be scared away do we now?
Adara: (Looks up at her mother and Rowen with a puzzled expression). What, did I say something wrong?
Shizen: (Still has a nervous expression not liking some of the parts said). Just try not to mention the fade away part please.
Adara: (Gets a confused expression looking up at her mother). But all I said was that it was improbable as long as that specific earth energy is there?
Shizen: (Sighs in defeat a little and an apologetic look to Rowen).
Rowen: (He laughs more Than he should happily as he listens to the bicker). It’s quite alright. (He smiles at Adara). Well, if my seal can help further your own research, I would be glad to help. (He looks towards Shizen nervously yet happy). If I were to fade away now… I would be happy too because I wouldn’t regret a thing after meeting your mother Adara.
Shizen: (Looks at Rowen a bit speechless and a noticeable blush form on her cheeks and love in her eyes). Rowen….
Adara: (Looks between the two with an expression as if saying daw). … I think the research can wait….
Rowen: (he grabs Shizen’s hand). No, no it’s quite alright I will do what I can to help out.
Adara: (Smiles reassuringly). No not a problem at all. I have more projects to set my focus on.
Shizen: (Her hand on Rowen is tight from her feelings smiling up at him). Why not stick to board games when all of this is over. It is a better compromise though fair warning she never loses. (Kisses Rowen’s cheek).
Adara: (Gets a small grin and smirk in her expression). I may be a small fan of chess.
Rowen: Hmm very interesting but at the speed someone had captured him. It was more than likely not a one-person job. Though at the same considering all possibilities there more than likely he’s ok for the moment.
Adara: Good estimations and there was more than one type of fire energy I could sense so you are correct. Most likely they will wait until tomorrow to make that location change and I marked those possibilities on a map for you to strategize your own plans. It would be easier to intersect that change before they get more inland towards their main fort after all).
Shizen: (Nods in agreement). Let us take care of that part then. You have done quite enough, and I am proud of you to bring us this information.
Adara: (Smiles at her mother as she rustles through her bag with a few of her complex research notes spilling out as she gives the map to her mother). It is what is needed and besides I am the one who could blend in easiest out here if I am honest. (Grins playing with a lock of her red hair as she collects her notes again).
Rowen: Well, if you are sure you will be alright. Though if you’re like Shizen than you will go no matter what we say so just follow in what you believe is right. However just make sure to be careful.
Shizen: (Still has a frown in deep worry). That’s true… You get that stubbornness from me… I suppose asking you to come with us will not work either.
Adara: (Has a small smile to Shizen giving her a hug). You know I can’t. I can be most helpful where I am, and I promise I will be carful… I don’t think he will hurt me either but still regardless I will be ok… I learned survival skills from you, didn’t I?
Shizen: (Can’t help but smile and hug her daughter tight though a few tears have formed). I know you have but it doesn’t mean I will stop my worries… It’s a mother’s job after all… I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to my baby girl. So please stay safe and come back when it gets too dangerous alright, or else I will go rushing in for you no matter what. (Pets Adara’s hair and kisses the top of her head).
Adara: (Hugs back reassuringly). I promise mom, I’ll be safe just promise me that you stay safe while doing that too. He seems to have that same goal from how much he seems to care about you…. I’m happy for your mom. (Looks over at Rowen giving a nod in approval as well as a expression as if to say to look after her mom).
Rowen: (he is silent in the exchange, but he just smiles reassuring and nods his head in agreement).
Shizen: (Lets go of Adara but glances at the at the locket on her wrist in thought. She then does a inward sigh as she starts unwraps it from her wrist Rowen remembering her never going without it). Adara… I want you to take this with you while you do this….
Adara: (Looks down at the locket in speechless surprise). Mom… I can’t take that… You don’t need to-.
Shizen: (Shakes her head no). No Adara just take it. If it protects you even a little somehow it is worth you taking so please take it…. (As she reaches around to put the locket chain around Adara’s neck).
Adara: (Still is a little speechless but it is her turn to hug her mom tight). Thank you….
Rowen: (He smiles at the exchange just feeling happiness and love coming from the two).
Adara: (Let’s go a little looking at Rowen bringing Rowen into the hug and saying quickly to him as Shizen wipes her eyes). You seem to make my mom happy, and I can tell you care a lot about her… So, thank you.
Rowen: (He is surprised at first). Well… She does the same for this old man… So, I’m glad that I can make her happy… And in a way that can make you happy as well.
Adara: (Has a surprised expression but then smiles). Good I am glad to hear that… I hope that you keep an open mind to whatever she tells you. Just be patient listen to everything first… It’s hard for her to talk about. (She pulls away with a sincere smile though leaving Shizen slightly confused).
Rowen: (He doesn’t respond but he nods his head in agreement. With Adara knowing he will do just that).
Adara: (Pulls away from a last hug from her mother still smiling). Well… I think must be off. I wish I could stay longer but time is not exactly on my side with this type of tracking.
Shizen: (The worry still is in her eyes but nods her head). Just please be careful Adara and I will be right here if you need anything at all.
Adara: (Has a reassuring expression). I promise but the same goes for you and Uncle Orion. It was nice finally meeting you as well Rowen.
Rowen: (He bows towards Adara). It was wonderful to meet you as well miss… I hope to see you again soon.
Adara: (Bows back to be polite). Yes, but in better circumstances I would hope. (Turns towards her mom). Bye mom, I will see you later.
Shizen: (Nods wiping her eyes). Of course… See you later my little girl.
Adara: (Grins and then waves before running out if the clearing. The last thing Shizen see of her is taking the form of what looks like a large wolf or fox with red fur and green eyes).
Rowen: (He is quite surprised at first but then has a laugh). Well, she is definitely your daughter if she doing things like that.
Shizen: (Pauses Looking the direction Adara had left with her hand still out in a wave with a small smile). Yes… She defiantly is….
Rowen: (He looks towards Shizen with concern but then holds her hand). Shizen… It’s alright… No need to worry… She’s just as stubborn as you.
Shizen: (Sighs and sits on the nearby log she had sat on when she first reached the area. She leans back on a tree in is up against and looks up in thought). Your right about that… She has always been so independent and capable of so much as well…. I worry and she is what I cherish most in life… I couldn’t be prouder really.
Rowen: I know the feeling quite well but regardless just believe in her and everything will be fine.
Shizen: (Laughs a little sitting with Rowen putting her head on his shoulder). She is so smart, so it is hard not to… She even figured out reading and simple seals at 3 years old let alone outsmarting me. And in a board game or strategy she could think so many steps ahead it it’s amazing how her mind works…. I remember Orion showing her chess when she was so small and no matter what he could not win a single game to this day. No one could. (Has a big grin thinking of the memories she can’t help but smile towards).
Rowen: (He smiles as well). Now I understand on how you felt when I was talking about my past wife… It feels like… You’re sharing the love greatly… And it feels quite nice.
Shizen: (Smiles and nods). You have a point… I could go on endlessly saying all the little details about her… And that part of me is glad to share this in return like you had…. It’s a different type but still sharing what’s most precious.
Rowen: (He smiles as he holds her hand tight still). Well just how the feeling is… Just sharing the feelings, you have with someone you care about can someone realize new things but also appreciate the love they have now.
Shizen: Yes… I look forward to those new things… And feelings… Perhaps a few new experiences as well…. This one is a biggest step. I am glad you have met and have met approval from my little girl…. She’s a little wild and stubborn like myself plus a passionate flame…. She truly is amazing, and I am glad you two will get along. (Her hand clenches onto Rowen’s tight as something still seems to be held back especially at the mention of the flame but still smiles sincerely to Rowen).
Rowen: Well, remember… Regardless of the pain you had in the past… I’ll listen to all of them, and I’ll promise to help with them as best I can… Because you’ve have helped in more than one-way Shizen. (He says with a loving smile).
Shizen: (Her hold on his hand is tight though the unsure look in her eyes still is there slightly). I just hope you do not look at me differently after I tell you some things. True they were far in the past… It’s just… I’m just scared that you…. (She pauses looking down at her wrist almost forgetting she gave the locket to Adara hiding her face from Rowen a bit).
Rowen: (He holds tighter than Shizen). No, no never worry about that type of thing… Whatever worries are on your shoulders..I’ll carry them with you
Shizen: (Looks up at Rowen the fear in her eyes but nods to the reassurance). I guess I should stop holding it in… The biggest secret I have kept in really… In a way it feels like a test in order to believe your reassuring words fully…. I have always been scared of those falling. (Looks down a bit of shame in her worry as she seems to struggle getting words out easily unsure of where to start her hands clenched so tightly).
Rowen: (He sighs). Shizen I’m done repeating myself you should know me better than that to just abandon you over something
Shizen: (Nods understandingly sighing to try and calm down). I’m sorry it’s just hard to get something’s around my stubborn brain. (Takes a deep breath getting a small smile). Thank you for your patients with me Rowen… Now where do I begin… It’s a sort of long story after all… True… I have been ashamed of some parts…. But at the same time something most precious to me so I wouldn’t change it even if I could…. So maybe it’s time for me to accept some things about the past… It’s probably myself that needs that most of all to move forward…. (Gives a small smile to Rowen she thinks).
Rowen: (He smiles back being relieved she can get this off her shoulders). Well, I’m glad to hear it than cause the more it haunts the worse it gets.
Shizen: (Sighs looking down with a small smile in her thoughts). I have held it in for so long… So many centuries… That locket… This is the first time I had every taken it off my wrist. I should think like what I had done with it all these years. I used to look at it in sadness and shame…. Then I replaced the picture with something most precious to me…. A picture of my little girl when she was still so small… And now has a entirely new meaning to me. One I’m proud of and never could dream of regretting.
Rowen: (He nods and just listens to Shizen as he remembers the stories, she has told him the past, but never once had she mentioned the great significance about the locket besides right now).
Shizen: (Sighs as she continues). That shame comes from who her father is… Which is also why half Adara’s energy is fire…. I never lied fully saying he was dead… Well, the man I knew died to me at least… But he’s not really dead. (She looks down her hands clenching tightly again).
Rowen: (he is shocked at first from the information but still listens)
Shizen: (Seems to struggle with herself getting something voiced out for a moment. She finally takes a deep breath looking down her grey hair hiding her face a little as she finally gets it out). … It’s Agni….
Rowen: (He looks completely shocked and it’s obvious in his face). Well than… That’s a bit of news I didn’t expect… But it makes the most sense in a way… I was told by Orion that you weren’t on close terms with many fire sprits… So, it only makes sense
Shizen: (Sighs at finally getting words out there). … Back then… I admit it was a brief relationship… And I wanted the true mate so desperately… I realize now it’s not something pushed to find… I think there was another who had that feeling for him, but I had not realized it at the time. But things were different… People were different… I was even more forward than I am now because I wanted to have such a bond so badly and went about it the wrong way…. But still for a brief time it was something to smile about and perhaps was a little naive about.
Rowen: (He holds her hand tight still). Well understandable… I heard you were quite jealous of Nagi and Shiro… So, I understand the feeling or at least have an idea… You wanted love but no one was giving it.
Shizen: (Nods her head feeling better at the comforting hand at least). So, I rushed into something hoping it would lead to that… Before then I will admit I was an afraid of fire… Very much so… and had a bit of attitude towards Agni for that to no fault of his own, only my fear…. Maybe it was just us not understanding each other’s elements, but he was different then…. So, during that brief relationship we learned to have an appreciation for each other’s elements… Even though a mark had not stayed of a true mate I desperately wanted to make it work…. But then he changed… Pushed away and started the hurtful actions he is doing now…. It hurt when he walked away leaving me with a heartbreaking feeling and hurt more each time he made such harmful decisions that until I looked at him with such rage and anger as I do now…. I can never forgive and only see a monster in his place for the damage he caused… Continues causing no matter what those ending goals are he has. (Narrows her eyes at her thoughts as she grits her teeth).
Rowen: (He hangs tight). Well, what about Adara? Didn’t you stay with her as she was growing up? Or were there issues with a council woman having a child like her?
Shizen: (Looks down shaking her head). Not at all, Shiro had 4 after all and… He… doesn’t know about Adara. The day he left… I found out around the same time, but he broke it off harshly before…. Then he started to do so much harm… So, I hid it because I thought it would protect her from such hurt…. He doesn’t know I have a child, not many did…. I told Orion first followed by Mizuko…. They helped most with Adara and Nagi and Shiro found out as well…. Orion is a fantastic uncle and helped so much with her…. It was a difficult time to say the least though… I wonder what would have happened it I had told him but… I was scared to…. Each time I wanted to say…. He took a step down this path he has now.
Rowen: Well… It’s very wonderful to see that you had help you with a very difficult time… But I can’t even imagine how painful it was for you.
Shizen: (Sighs). I know I made my mistakes too in this though. But Adara, she’s truly special… But she always wondered about who her father… So smart… So, she could easily see through my hiding from the subject even when she was so small…. I couldn’t sway her curiosity and she set out to find out who he was when she was a little girl…. She scared me so much and worried me with that independent nature… You can imagine I caused quite some havoc turning over every stone I could to find her…. But she always wanted to know where half of herself came from and explained things much later…. I never can understand what she sees still good in him…. But it’s clear she has seen something… Maybe I will never understand truly since I am not a true mate or related by blood.
Rowen: well, I can understand the need for her curiosity that she would have… But it’s fine Shizen… She may see him differently… But he’s still her father so it’s fine….
Shizen: (Nods in agreement but still has worry in her eyes). True… She’s so sure he will not hurt her even without him knowing though…. I hope with everything I have she is right.
Rowen: (He hugs Shizen) well regardless of how I feel about Agni I’m sure he wouldn’t attack her without reason since she is a fire sprit after all… he cares about his people to my understanding
Shizen: (Nods with a sigh leaning into the much-needed hug). Every leader cares about their peoples wellbeing most of all. I just fear… his goals whatever they are, are blinding that… He needs a wake-up call somehow before it’s too late fully. As well I have always feared when seeing she visits him here. (Shakes her head with a small smile to try and shake off the worst-case scenario in her mind). I am sorry my stories and explanation go a little long… We may be here for a bit if I were to go through all the details….
Rowen: Well, it is fine! (He says with a smile as he holds on Shizen tightens because he knows right now it’s a lot for her to talk about). True we would be here a while but why not take some time to get it off your chest… I don’t want to feel as tormented as you did before.
Shizen: (Sighs in relief at the comfort). I always was worried for being judged by the past… Maybe just out of shame and fears on people’s views so I never shared this part of the story… Thank you for listening and still holding me like this. With that maybe I can accept things inside myself about the past… And if I do tell you the stories perhaps start at the beginning now
Rowen: Well, I’ll be here with you alongside every step you take and no matter what I’ll be here to accept everything about you because I love you Shizen. (He says with a loving smile).
Shizen: (Pauses looking at Rowen and how sincere he is and cannot help but tear up). … I… Love you too…. (She then gives Rowen a kiss and a sincere and more calmed expression as she rests her head on his shoulder. Getting comfortable for her story telling feeling better knowing how he is taking things so supportively). Now how do I begin… Let’s see….
They get comfortable having a little time to talk at least. Rowen lets Shizen get all her thoughts collected for her tales of the past. She reminisces all the way to when things had started so long ago. It was a normal council meeting still early in negotiations between territories and the treaties formed from the last war of spirits. From then on Nagi and Shiro had taken more charge of the meetings to keep balance between the alliances of water, earth, nature and air, fire to help build trust between their people even if only slowly. They all gather for an average annual meeting with a few reports and some more important matters being brought up.
Shizen: (Sighs and sits back at the slow meeting, it seeming to drag on with the mandatory reports of each territory).
Shiro: (As she and Nagi lead the meeting nodding to Seiji who had made a report especially long and detailed sighing a little). Thank you, Seiji for the detailed report. We can always depend on you to record the finest of reports.
Seiji: (He bows as he puts away his long report). You’re welcome and I just live up to the expectations given as a council member.
Shiro: (Bows back to Seiji). Yes, you take the responsibility seriously though do not over work yourself on focus of minor details. We all know how difficult it is to balance responsibilities as leaders. (She directs her attention to the other council members seeming to have finished the main reports and events). I believe those are all of the reports then unless there are other events having been missed.
Mizuko: (Bows politely to the council). No lady Shiro, my waters are as calm and peaceful as normal thankfully.
Nagi: Very well than since all the reports have been reviewed with everyone present. We shall move on to the next order of business. (He says as starts to collect some papers).
Orion: (Looking much different than in present day with a shorter beard he lays back in his chair wanting to get back home soon to finishing forging a sword).
Shizen: (Sighs and stands having wanted to mention something by the end of the reports). There is something I had wanted to propose to the other territories before we close things if you do not mind.
Mizuko: (Gets a surprised expression towards Shizen usually not seeing her to make requests to the entire council often). A proposal?
Shiro: (Raises her eyebrows in surprise). It is quite odd for you to ask the other council members as a whole then. You have my ears at least if everyone else is willing to listen before we close our meetings. (Looks to everyone else).
Agni: (He raises his eyebrows). Oh, I do wonder what it could be Shizen. usually, your just as bored as the rest of us in the needed council meeting.
Nagi: (He sighs ignoring the comment knowing it couldn’t be wrong in some cases). Well than Shizen, go ahead.
Shizen: (Sighs a little). I wanted to propose that animals be brought into other territories. There are some species that do not fit well in my own territory, and I know some climates in your own would fit each ones needs greatly to thrive in.
Mizuko: (Smiles at the idea). I would have no problem with welcoming more aquatic species into my territory. As someone she already asked this of, I and Orion am sure we can give positives review and are happy to welcome more. (Looks to Orion as her eyes filled with a bit of excitement seeming to enjoy the idea quite a lot).
Agni: (He thinks to himself for a bit). Well, I wouldn’t mind though there will be needed assistance in getting proper material to help care for them.
Shizen: I only need a much warmer climate since my territory does not have a volcanic climate, you will do fine finding an area, I hope? Some do need those high temperatures and fires to hatch and thrive in. As for Seiji I have some species that require some flight space which I can send this as a report since I know you are fond of those.
Shiro: (As something is whispered in her ear by Nagi she seems to repeat). You have permission in our territories as long as Nagi can have a noble stead to ride epically. (Glances at her husband after saying this with a sigh as he has a goofy grin).
Agni: Ahh alright well I will find an area I think that will suffice for their needs.
Shizen: (Nods her thanks). Very well and Nagi I will see what I can do about your conditions. (Gets a small grin at the idea).
Shiro: (Sighs shaking her head). A simple horse will do as a compromise, no need to go any further with such ideas once again.
Nagi: (He rubs his hands together as he says to Shiro). Oh, I’m so excited!
Shiro: (Shakes her head as she can’t help but smile). Only if you and Kishi build a stable together and learn how to take care of one.
Mizuko: (Stands politely with a bow). Then I believe we have gone over all our matters of this meeting then?
Shiro: (A thought comes to mind that she had almost forgotten). Ahh right there was a matter mission for us to go over. Nothing too serious but I believe it would be best to have a council member or two to scout and research the area. Agni if you would like to volunteer since your mind is complex to put it simply?
Agni: Ahh alright well I will find an area I think that will suffice for their needs, but we can discuss the details at a later date. (He says truthfully).
Seiji: (He thinks to himself as he looks towards a note he has). Very well… There have been some concerns with citizens wanting more animals around besides the one there already. So, I will accept your request as it would better for my own people.
Shizen: (Nods her thanks to Seiji). They are mostly of aviary species so I hope your people will appreciate them.
Shiro: (Another idea pops into her mind looking at Shizen). Since you are asking this favor from the other territories why not go on the mission as well?
Shizen: (Her train of other thoughts ends with a smile slowly turning into a disapproving). Working together… With Agni? Surly there is someone better suited for him to work with. Fire and nature are not exactly the greatest match by far.
Agni: (He laughs). Haha I would never think lady Shiro would be the one to suggest that… very amusing… I accept the request.
Shizen: (Stands quickly with arms crossed stubbornly). Well, I refuse. Pardon me saying but I do not see why I must go if another gets along better as a team.
Shiro: (Narrows her eyes at Shizen a little shutting down the attitude quickly). I do not see your views. You have the highest survival skills and instincts of us all and that can be used to help aid Agni on this mission and if I am honest, you have always had an attitude towards Agni and his fire. I’m quite tired of it so I expect that to be fixed if you must work together one day. It will be better for the future to keep balance in our worlds territories if we all can get along at least a little better. Let’s make a goal in this mission. (Her tone is a bit strict with Shizen knowing she is serious).
Shizen: (Is surprised by Shiro’s words but reluctantly nods with clenched hands and teeth). Very well….
Agni: (He smiles). Very interesting indeed.
Nagi: (He looks towards the two in a nervous way being unsure of how things will work out for the two).
Shiro: (Sighs at Shizen hoping when they come back, they can at least try to get along as she stands collecting her paper). I believe we are done, Agni, Shizen I will give you details and locations on your mission.
Shizen: (Still holds back her disagreements as she quickly gets ready to real the meeting). Just give him the details, I will work on getting things done quickly with this.
Mizuko: (Looks over to Orion unsure and concerned knowing how stubborn Shizen can be as well as some other things they only know of their sister. Hoping that it does not get in the way of Shiro’s idea for them).
Orion: (He has the same, looking towards Mizuko, hoping it doesn’t cause more issues than it should).
The council parts with Shizen and Agni preparing for their mission. Orion and Mizuko are about to head to their territories as well bidding them good luck.
Mizuko: (As it is Orion’s turn to bid farewell to their little sister, she moves to Agni to politely say farewell to him as well). Please have safe travels. You have permission through my territory as well, so I hope you find whatever you are researching. (Bows sincerely with a blush hidden when she bows).
Agni: (He bows as well to Mizuko). Well thank you very much lady Mizuko. It is a quite generous offer.
Mizuko: (Keeps her head down a little shy and conservatively her dark blue hair still hiding the expression). If so, I will try to keep my waters as calm as possible for you are to take a frozen path if it is too much. Oh, and I can give healing waters if it will helps?
Shizen: (Steps in smiling kindly at Mizuko). Mizu, Orion is ready when you are. He wanted to travel with you since your territory is in-between his own.
Mizuko: (Is a little flustered by Shizen coming up behind her suddenly quickly giving a vile of water to Agni before bowing and moving away. Her form then falls to a watery puddle to form again to catch up with Orion). Farewell!
Shizen: (Pauses at Mizuko’s behavior but waves a little clueless to what that was all about). … Well then… That was odd of her….
Agni: (He Snickers to himself). Well, it was quite cute to see the usual calm and collected lady Mizuko act like that…. (He holds the vial). It was very nice of her.
Shizen: (Eyes Agni still having an annoyed tone and expression but sighs). Yes, let’s get this over with and figure out a plan and try to keep those fires done to if you don’t mind?
Agni: (He says again with a laughter behind it). Yes, yes whatever you say.
They walk a little ways until they come to a disagreement looking at their map. The debating over the large body of water they would need to cross or the frozen icy land they could use to go around.
Shizen: (She and Agni are going over the map to come to an agreement to what route they will take. This does not seem to go as smoothly as some would hope getting an annoyed sigh, they cannot come to a decision they are both happy with). It would be much quicker to ask for a boat from Mizuko to cross her territory. We do not need to go around to an area with freezing temperatures. It will only slow us down in such an environment if we don’t freeze ourselves first.
Agni: (He sighs as well as he brings up a small ball of fire in his hand that wouldn’t be charged). Well, it would also be faster if we cross the ice… And I can keep us warm greatly so no need to worry about freezing… And I’m pretty sure there’s a travelers cabin halfway where we can camp for the night if it’s night fall. Plus isn’t miss Mizuko busy already with what she is doing? Or would you want to interrupt that.
Shizen: (Grits her teeth backing away and picking up her bag. She is about to retort but stops knowing there is a point though she doesn’t want to admit it still being a bit pouty about the whole thing). Fine, we can go your way… And I don’t need your fires to stay warm, I can handle myself just fine. You can save all of that for yourself and if we get stuck in a blizzard your entirely to blame.
Agni: Now, now don’t to act like that but alright I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do however my offer still stands.
Shizen: (Swings her bow and pack over her shoulder). Now let’s get to it. Hopefully getting a few more layers will help the travel and you should hope the weather is kind to us.
Agni: Well, it’ll be just as kind as we see it right now until nighttime is when it starts to get worse. So yes, let’s hurry along than. (He picks up his stuff and begins to lead the journey).
They walk onward to lower temperatures as they take the northern arctic route. The land through their travel become colder with snow covering the land the further they walk. It quickly leads into a frozen tundra; the land mass being completely made of ice and snow as clouds block what would have been a clear sky. That sky starts to turn greyer as snow picks up on their path with a cold wind to follow making so a normal traveler would turn back early for shelter seeing that the weather had picked up early.
Shizen: (Is walking behind Agni rubbing her arms to try to keep warm having put on fur winter coat and other garments to block out the cold. She tries to block the wind with an arm to see better through the snow seeing Agni who never had put on a jacket besides the mages one he always where the cold seeming not to bother him at the least besides the wind. She can’t help but glare a little at him a bit jealously at how unfazed he is, herself being not a big fan of the cold in the slightest). Showoff.
Agni: (He looks behind him and sees Shizen struggling to keep warm). You know Mis Shizen my offer still stands to help keep you warm. It isn’t an attempt to attack you, I just want to make sure nothing happens to you.
Shizen: (Shakes her head no stubbornly). The blizzard was not supposed to come in until nightfall you said and…. (She glows green slightly as she changes to the form a giant grey wolf being more stubborn then for her own good walking in front of Agni now but looking back once to say). I can take care of myself quite well.
Agni: (He sees Shizen shivering as he sighs). Well don’t be acting like this now it isn’t good for your health.
Shizen: (Still puts up a stubborn front and moves forward). Then I will just take the form of an animal with more fur.
Agni: (He sighs). Now stop it seriously I rather not have you deal with hyperthermia while under my watch.
Shizen: Well, the quicker we get to shelter the quicker we can get out of this blizzard… It was certainly not the easiest route that could have been chosen now. (Continues moving forward stubbornly against the blizzard winds. Her wolf form also stands in front of Agni so that he is shielded from the wind as if intentionally though it cannot be sure that she protects her company on purpose with the action).
Agni: (He looks past Shizen and sees the cabin for travelers coming up). Well, the cabin is coming up soon let’s do our best to hurry along.
Shizen: (They push through the wind more though it does not let up as they go against it, Agni having an easier time with her blocking the harsh winds for him to see the cabin better. Agni can swear that over the time and push forward had slow. He then realizes that it is Shizen’s pace ahead of him as she has been slowing from the cold harsh winds this whole time even with her stubbornness claiming she is fine. It is harder to tell for him since she is in her wolf form, but she slowly comes to the stop in front of him).
Agni: (When they finally stop, he touch her fur in concern and feels that’s it on the verge of hypothermia). Shizen change back now! (He begins to make the air around them heated up).
Shizen: (Her form goes out anyways as she begins to fall. Her skin is very pale from the cold once Agni sees her change back her body colder than he had thought. The wind now blows on Agni harshly where he could fall over easily if not prepared, not feeling it so strong realizing she had gone in front of it to protect him she saying once she falls right before passing out). … I’m… Fine….
Agni: (He grits his teeth). Fine… Yes, yes, your fine… You’re going to be anyway… Now we need to hurry…. (He picks her up and heads to the cabin creating warm air around them as best he can without fire appearing).
Shizen: (The warmth helps shield them slightly from the cold but the wind howls at them. She remains unconscious and shivering from the cold in Agni’s arms as he does a final push toward the cabin with a few shuttered mumbles). … T-told y-you t-there w-would… B-be a-a b-blizzard….
Agni: (He grits his teeth as he has had enough of this and creates a walkway of fire to block the wind as he keeps carries Shizen as they finally arrive at the cabin).
Shizen: (He can feel her body tense up from the feel of the flames heat on instinct, much like a reaction of fear even with her body shivering from hypothermia).
Agni: (They finally get into the cabin as Agni lays Shizen down on the floor and setting up the fireplace to help get heat circulating in the cabin).
Shizen: (Lies there shivering harshly as her body had taken such low temperature winds, she shielded him from. With her skin looking very pale with shallow slow breaths from her condition).
Agni: (He starts to panic as he heats up his hands to touch her skin and try and help her body temperature stabilize as he touches her arm and legs and her neck).
Shizen: (She still shivers but the color in her skin is starting to return with a few coughs as she gasps a little to catch her breath from the shallow breaths she had. Even with that he can still feel a fever start to take hold with the state she is in).
Agni: (He remembers the water that Mizuko gave him as he pulls it out and begins to force Shizen to drink as he keeps his warm hold on her).
Shizen: (The water has a slight glow to it, but she does cough a little as it goes down but her breathing eases as well as the fever though slowly. The most helpful is the warm hold as it helps her body temperature rise. She still shivers but opens her eyes slightly and weakly with a mind still fogged. Being very slow to come back into reality).
Agni: (He shows relief seeing her eyes open). Oh, thank goodness you woke up again… I was worried.
Shizen: (Still is catching her breath with her eyes looking at him and her surroundings to figure out where they are). … Now… How could… I let both… Of us take on… such winds, plus a little… Storm like that won’t kill me… That easily. (Takes another deep breath after giving reassuring words to Agni, her body feeling stiff and hard to move still. Her eyes catch a glance at the light in the cabin turning her head towards the fireplace they are next to. Her body can’t help but tense up staring at the flames and a fear in her eyes it’s hard to hide the way she is).
Agni: (He feels her body tense up). Ahh, I see why you never liked me now… It’s because you’re afraid of me… Or more like what I control.
Shizen: (Her eyes widen for a second but the turns away, also turning her head away from the fireplace as she hides her emotions a bit defensively. It is clear she is lying and hiding in her words as well). I’m… I’m not afraid…. (She looks down and away from him with clenched fists).
Agni: (He sighs). Now, now don’t let your pride get the better of you in this situation because even if you dislike what I am. What reason do I have to dislike you, I still care for you?
Shizen: (Looks away still but her expression changing more to one of confusion and guilt but at the same time it is clear that it is hard for her to admit). I guess… I do avoid and push you away… I’m sorry if you took it personally… I thought you would be angry honestly… And I… I guess I am… Scared… And took it out on you… You did nothing wrong at all…. I’m sorry….
Agni: (He sighs). Now only if you were honest with yourself more often… But I’m glad to hear it… And I knew you had a problem with me… But I’m glad it wasn’t personal.
Shizen: (Has a sincere look feeling badly for her behavior). Not personal at all, you’re quite interesting in fact… I just can’t see past the fire… So, I put up barriers… Because of my fear of fire…. (Looks down with clenched fists in a bit of shame admitting her fear took control of her judgment).
Agni: (he laughs as bit as he just smiles) I see… Well, I’m glad you find me interesting… And never be afraid to let your out your feelings… No one will down grade who you are as a person… We all have feelings… And we can’t keep them bottled up forever.
Shizen: I suppose not…. I can’t believe I let fear control my judgment so far… I know I am weak to your fires true… But maybe it’s true that people fear what they do not understand. It makes sense since I was not wanting to get burned… But I will try harder to break that…. Try to understand you better…. (As she struggles to sit up a bit at least though her body still feels too stiff).
Agni: Well, it’s true fire can be destructive… It is very warm and caring… It helps change scenery yet can destroy it… It’s an unknown powerful force… But when it becomes something scared… It’s gentler than even water sometimes.
Shizen: (Looks at Agni sincerely as she does her best to understand). I have always seen the destructive side because of my element’s weakness to it… But I shouldn’t and your right… Fire is another element with its own sentimental ideals…. I want to break that fear and understand the other side… like the calm side of water as you put it… I don’t want to fear you when there’s another side to fire, I was too scared to learn about. Like I said I found you interesting as a person I was just too stubborn and scared to admit it.
Agni: (He laughs as he smiles sincerely helping Shizen sit up properly now). Well, we are probably going to be here for the night so I’ll be glad to help teach you everything I can about the fire element.
Shizen: (Leans her back against the wall with a sigh). Well, I am here now to listen and maybe another day do the same with how much nature means to me. (Looks up at Agni genuinely, not seeing such a kind and sincere smiling expression from her towards him before).
Agni: (He blushes slightly from the sight as he coughs to regain composure). Well, I’m all ears now so let us begin.
Shizen: (Sighs as she thinks back to their last meeting as she does her best starting to open up to him). I have an idea for mine later. But unlike myself I don’t think you fear nature. I guess proposing bringing creatures to you more was my way of sharing it. They thrive better in fire and some even I believe could have those abilities. I guess it’s pretty obvious why I proposed that to you for how I am with fire. I have a feeling you and your people will do quite better than with mine. (Still has a sincere expression but a little hopeful giving him a fuller explanation).
Agni: (He thinks to himself). Well, that may be true but right now I have an idea…. (He opens his palm). What if I show you the sincere warmth of fire? (He creates a small ball of fire that seems to have its flames moving in a very smooth motion).
Shizen: (On instinct she flinches away not able to back up being against the wall. There’s the look of fear in reflex shutting her eyes tightly with gritted teeth having trouble controlling her phobia).
Agni: (He subsides the flame realizing his mistake). Oh, right my apologies I may have skipped a few steps before I could do that… I’m sorry.
Shizen: (Keeps her eyes shut tight trying to take a breath to ease her mind though her body still visibly tense). It’s fine… I just was taken off guard is all.
Agni: (He has an idea as he grabs her hand and holds it tight). Now keep your eyes closed and just focus on my hand.
Shizen: (Her hands jerks away at first but then follows Agni though it is clenched tight onto him showing how much she is struggling with her minds fear. She keeps her eyes shut as tight as possible finding that part quite easy). I won’t have a problem with that part….
Agni: (He smiles as he mildly warms up his hand). How are you feeling.
Shizen: (She is still tense but tries to take another breath to relax. She focuses on the feeling, her hands having been very cold from the climate they are in. She starts feeling a warmth on her hand that somehow helps relaxes it becoming a little less tense). It feels… Warm… it’s quite nice even….
Agni: wonderful… Now just focus on that warmness as it envelops your hand. (He raises the warmness up a bit as they hold longer).
Shizen: (She must breathe deeply to keep relaxed but then focuses on the feeling more to keep her mind away from the fear as much as possible. Agni can see she is putting her best effort in this for him knowing it takes a lot for her to do this). Alright….
Agni: (He takes a second to keep the temperature stable). Now, now it’s fine just relax to this and focus on my voice and the feeling you have right now in your hand.
Shizen: (Nods her response and can tell she is completely focused that part being easy for her skills. She is also being calmed by his reassuring tone and the warmth in his hand finding it comforting).
Agni: I’m going to raise it a bit so be ready Shizen. (He begins to subtly raise it as if she would be feeling a smooth wave of warmness covering her hand).
Shizen: (Her hand tightens a little on Agni but nods again to prepare herself. It isn’t as bad as she thought it would be, in fact still a soothing heat that releases the tension more in her hand. She takes another breath with reassuring words out loud but more to herself). … Not too bad….
Agni: (He smiles as he puts his other hand on tops of hers). Well than I’m glad to hear it… It’s steps forward.
Shizen: (Sighs in relief). I guess I always had the thought of it always burning…. With how this feels… I admit I am wrong to fear…. (Sighs again looking down with eyes shut still while holding onto his hand as she admits it to herself as well to help begin to rid of the fear in her mind at least).
Agni: (He holds tighter). No, no it’s fine… It was only natural to be afraid… It’s not the first-time fire has been pinned on for destruction and such… But it can actually quite warm… Even calm some might say… From just the use of a person… Fire has infinite possibilities.
Shizen: Suppose I should listen more when I hear the positive meanings of fire…. Be more open and less stubborn in my ways…. that last part won’t happen knowing myself. (Laughs a little to herself but the carries on). Fire… Desire, excitement, courage and inspiration… I need listen to that part of your element more to understand you and it… I promise I will…
Agni: (After getting his hands and energy adjusted correctly). Well, if you are ready to face it than open your eyes Shizen… And look at the fire you used to fear.
Shizen: (Has to pause to ready herself, it is taking a lot to build up her courage not knowing what exactly she will see but still prepares for it. She takes one more breath before slowly opening her eyes but once she sees it, she is at a loss of words. She looks in awe instead of fear at a vibrant bright green flame in Agni’s hand. It takes her a bit to come up with even a word to say having trouble at first but finally is able to say one through her awe). … Beautiful….
Agni: (He smiles as the fire is stable). Well, I thought a green flame would be more relaxing than a red one.
Shizen: (Still is a bit speechless as she watches the flame). It’s Amazing…. (Can see the fear is gone from her eyes and replaced with a look of wonder that’s hard for her to explain).
Agni: (He takes his hands off her hands and leaves the fire in her hands to examine). Well, here you go have a closer look.
Shizen: Thank you…. (Watches the flame a little closer still in awe able to put her hand closer to it to hold its warmth. As she examines the flame closely almost cradling it in her hands she then looks up at Agni in a genuine sincere smile once again. An expression Agni still isn’t used to from her at all but greater though hard to explain feeling now that she holds the green flame with more confidence).
Agni: (He looks in awe towards Shizen and in a moment’s notice he kisses her… He isn’t sure himself buts it’s like a passion raised up and reveled itself in that single moment).
Shizen: (Her eyes widen in surprise at first but on instinct she responds back to the kiss. A blush goes over her cheeks as she feels his warm lips on hers, to herself admitting she likes the feeling even though it’s so sudden).
Agni: (The kiss goes on for a few moments before he pulls away). Oh, my apologies… I don’t know what came over me….
Shizen: (Is a little loss of words at first but then goes back to her senses with a small cough. She looks down with a blush). Oh… Um no… It’s quite fine… Warm…. (The last word is more to herself as she touches her fingers to her lips in thought).
Agni: (He snickers to the small comment). Well, yes, I have heard our kisses are quite warm but again my apologies.
Shizen: (Leans back against the wall with a finger still to her lip that get a small smile and laugh). And I thought I was the one known to be the forward here….
Agni: Well… I can be just as passionate as anyone else, so it isn’t surprising. (As he sits up against the wall as well).
Shizen: (Sighs taking her hand away from her lips as she looks at Agni curiously with a faint blush). Very sudden indeed… But please do not apologize… Perhaps I will admit I liked it…. (Looks down as her blush deepens).
Agni: (He looks up towards Shizen with a blush as well). Well… I’m glad… Though if want to learn more… I’ll tell you.
Shizen: (Still has an expression in thought of what to do, not being used to being in this type situation let alone how sudden it was). Well… I may take you up on that as long as it’s even… But mainly… Where do we go from here? (Her blush deepens as her hand inches towards his making it clear what she refers to).
Agni: (He thinks to himself). Well, we have two options… We can continue what we were doing before… Or continue down a different route… Since we will be here all night anyway.
Shizen: (Looks up leaning back against the well as she thinks sincerely). Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to see where things lead… Now that I think about it you are quite attractive and have your own charms… So maybe it’s something to pursue… And ease up on teasing Nagi so much for Shiro…. (Laughs a little then she continues). I am not sure how fire and nature will mix… Or where things will go after tonight… But we do have all night and it was quite a kiss… I am a bit cold again as well…. (Looks at back at Agni with her blush deepening more with a sincere expression as her hand reaches his knowing she’s taking the thoughts seriously).
Agni: (He smirks as he kisses again). Well only the night will tell of what can happen but tonight… Let’s just forget about everything… And just focus on this moment right now.
Shizen: (Smirks and kisses back). I think I would like that…. (She closes into the embrace as they see where the rest of the night goes. They enjoy each other’s company much better then when they started staying quite warm despite the cold outside winds).
The cold night carries on with the inside of the cabin keeping quite warm throughout the night. When morning comes with the two seeming much closer then when they started to say the least. The rest of the mission goes about quite smoothly and quickly with the harsh blizzards passing making their return uneventful as well. They finally have their scheduled arrival with a few anxiously awaiting to know how such a mission had gone. Orion and Mizuko are too who wait for the return greatly as they walk the halls together. They walk the halls together in search of them before the usual council meeting.
Orion: (He stretches out his arms and looks around more). Oh, I do wonder where everyone else is at… Those missions were quite simple generally right Mizuko?
Mizuko: (Seems to be in a little more of a cheery mood than usual with a nod). I hope things went smoothly and Shizen fared well, and I hope Agni found whatever he was researching. (Looks down with a small smile and blush playing with a strand of her dark blue hair).
Orion: (He laughs a bit). Well as always you get like this when talking about Lord Agni, I guess you could say…. He boils your water pot.
Mizuko: (Her blush deepens looking up at Orion a bit flusterdly). D-don’t put it like that! I-it’s not like that at all. I-I mean…. (Lowers her voice and in embarrassment looking down as she stumbles over her words some more).
Orion: (He laughs as he Pat’s her head). No, no it’s fine but it’s just fun to tease you, Mizu.
Mizuko: (Still blushes and can’t help but get a small smile and laugh). Well, I-it’s just that…. (Orion hears her words trail off and so do her steps as she comes to a stop).
Orion: Well regardless it’s fine… Just find a moment to say something to him, at least let your feelings be known alright?
Mizuko: (She gives no response to Orion at all having now realized she had come to a sudden stop in their walk).
Orion: (He looks behind him and sees Mizuko). Hey what’s wrong Mizu? Everything ok? (Worry in his voice).
Mizuko: (She doesn’t say a word only looking forward. The expression she has is something like of being in shock with her cheery mood wiped away. Tears fill the rim of her eyes and Orion can clearly see it is an expression of a heart breaking).
Orion: (He gets more concerned as he keeps looking at Mizuko seeing the tears in her eyes and the pain he can just feel from her as he looks towards the same direction she was looking towards. he looks at the direction she stares in, it becomes clear what is the cause of the heartbreaking pain. On the side of the hallway, they see Shizen and Agni together. Even though they are to the side they both see Agni with his back pressed against the wall as he holds Shizen in a close embrace and passionate kiss. He is more shocked than anything else because the last thing they knew was that the two of them didn’t get along but again looks towards Mizuko and feels a great pain in his heart as well). Oh Mizu….
Mizuko: (Her voice is shaky as she forces a small smile to her lips even with the overwhelming pain in her tear fill eyes. She still stares seeming frozen in that space as she speaks quietly). E-excuse me there was… S-some paperwork I forgot… I-I must go now….
Orion: (He sighs). Mizu… Alright I will talk to you in a bit….
Mizuko: (Does a slight nod before she turns to leave her form turning into water that falls into a puddle she leaves behind).
Orion: (He leaves the area as well not wanting to interrupt but also wants to go comfort Mizuko because right now… She needs it the most).
A little time passes and not many know of the relationship deciding that would be best for now. Mizuko after her shock smiles to Shizen to be happy for her knowing that would be best not wanting to hurt her little sister. The relationship is in a moment of happiness for both Shizen and Agni, their heads mix of infatuation and attraction. It is a time soon after Where Shizen and Agni sit privately together their meeting and a long day of meeting proposals being finalized. They share a meal together enjoying the company though Shizen not quite enjoying Agni’s taste in food.
Shizen: (Quickly is trying to get rid of the taste of the curry on her tongue clearly being too spicy from how she reacts). Agni what did you put in this, it’s like you add liquid fire to everything you bring. (Quickly downs a glass of water and instantly goes to fill the glass again).
Agni: (He smiles a bit with a laugh). Aww come on and that was on mild but alright I will do my best to accommodate your tastes.
Shizen: That was mild? (Has a disbelieving tone as she looks at Agni sticking her tongue out and her eyes watering from the heat).
Agni: (He laughs still). Now, now it’s fine Shizen don’t give me that look.
Shizen: (Quickly drinks another glass of water with ice sighing in relief as it seems to help). If that was mild, I’m scared to find out what you consider spicy or are you immune to that? (Laughs a little with a grin).
Agni: (He shrugs). Meh I just usually go for mild since easier to make really and it’s pretty spicy I will say but I’ll just leave it at that.
Shizen: (Gets a little bit of a pretend pout crossing her arms). You’re just trying to make me feel better about it now, but I have heard your cuisine has quite a spice. It makes sense with how hot you can be. (Laughs a bit more with a faint blush at the cheesy flirtatious comment).
Agni: (Is taken a little off guard by the comment). Oh my, it seems your food is not the only thing heating up.
Shizen: (Smirks flirtatiously). Well let’s just say you have that effect. (She then remembers something with a grin). Oh, I almost forgot to thank you. Having the paperwork finally filled I can now have the creature more suited to your territory escorted there… It means a lot that you agreed to it. (Smiles more sincerely at Agni knowing it meant a lot to her).
Agni: (He smiles). Oh no, no not a problem at all and I’m glad everything is working out than for this Shizen.
Shizen: (Begins to search through her small shoulder bag). I still appreciate it… And I had a few things as a thank you. (Smiles with a faint blush).
Agni: (He raises his eyebrows). Oh, what do you in mind? Though you really didn’t need too.
Shizen: Well, I did learn a thing or two from Orion so I thought I could make something. I had the idea walking through his city. It is a little cheesy though I admit. (Blushes slightly more as she pulls out a small brown leather pouch to give to Agni).
Agni: (He is generally surprised by the gesture but can’t help but smile as he grabs the bag). Aww Shizen this is very sweet.
Shizen: (Gets a nervous laugh). Well just thought it was a good idea I just hope it’s not too silly a thought. (As two identical gold lockets fall into Agni’s hand. They are simple but he can see that care was taken into putting the lockets together. They have a plant floral pattern on the side where the lockets open and the metal is a shiny gold high in quality).
Agni: (He is silent for a second being speechless as he takes one of the lockets). Oh Shizen….
Shizen: (Blushes more in embarrassment as she takes the other matching locket from him. She tries to act like it is not as big a deal but that is clearly not the case from how much effort Agni can see was put into the locket). Sorry if it is too much. It’s just thought it wasn’t a bad idea… I’m sorry if it is too cheesy.
Agni: (He just smiles). Yes, they are a bit cheesy… But I love them very much… Because they came from you.
Shizen: (Perks up hearing Agni likes the locket). Well, I am happy you like it then! I just liked the idea of having it as a memory of each other wherever we are. (She is about to put her own locket around her neck then pauses with a pondering look. She then gets the idea wrapping the gold chain around her wrist a few times to make it a bracelet being satisfied with wearing it that way instead as she smiles at it once on).
Agni: (He looks at her wrist and sees the bracelet and just smiles as he holds her hand). Well, this beautiful trinket and is a part of a very beautiful lady.
Shizen: (Can’t help but blush being taken off guard by the comment). Thank you…. (She then places hand on Agni’s cheek as she places her lips on his in a lingering kiss to show her appreciation).
Agni: (He is taken by surprise but holds her head as they kiss deeper and more passionate).
Shizen: (Enjoys the passionate kiss heavily with her hand gripped into his hair. As their lips part but stay close to catch their breath from the deep kiss. She can’t help but laugh a little at loosing track of their actions nearly once again).
Agni: (He does the same as they sit back down on the chairs with the dishes just sitting there). Well then… Very unexpected.
Shizen: (Can’t help but laugh more as she gains back her composure and catches her breath). It usually is… But not something I would complain about honestly.
Agni: (His smile continues). Well neither would I really… Wouldn’t mind if it keeps going.
Shizen: (Gets a smirk as she fixes her hair). Well, I wouldn’t mind either but maybe in a more private place later if we are able to wait.
Agni: (He smirks). Well, we should relocate than probably soon.
Shizen: (Her smirk grows). I may take you up on that. (She then remembers something getting a grin). But I did have something else important for you first if we can wait for such… passions. (Still has a slight smirk at her thoughts on that word but also something sincere in her eyes similar to when giving him the locket).
Agni: (He laughs). Well, I’m pretty if I didn’t agree with you. You would more than likely have it happen anyway because I know on how you get when it involves animals.
Shizen: Well, I guess it is in a way pay back for helping me understand fire. Plus, this one is very important specifically… So, I needed you to take it directly. (Looks down at the bag she cradles carefully in her hands with a smile as if what the bag contains is very fragile).
Agni: Oh, I do wonder very much. Whatever could be the gift that you’re giving me?
Shizen: Well, it’s something you will find curious at least. I have a feeling it is something most valuable to fire. (She starts to carefully open up the bag being slow careful to take out its contents. The bag is stuffed with warm blankets as a cushion and Agni sees a glint of shiny red scales on something in a round or oval shape about a foot long).
Agni: (He can only think of one creature in the land that has such scales). Oh Shizen… Did you find me a fire dragon baby… Cause the scales are quite remarkable though one hasn’t been seen in a while.
Shizen: Well not quite a baby to be exact. I would think you are more of an expert on this. I have heard they were thought to have been extinct when looking into it. I remember it being a very fierce creature though its odd because I do not recall seeing one growing from a small to large one. I can’t be sure if they are the same but if this is one or a type I think it’s best you find out since your element would handle it best. (She sighs as she reveals what is under the blankets not being a dragon, but a large egg plated with shiny red scales. She still holds the egg carefully with the blanket being quite hot to hold otherwise).
Agni: (He looks at the egg in close inspection). Well, well… Though it isn’t a dragon egg… The scales are quite impressive overall.
Shizen: (Gives the egg to Agni so he may inspect it better). I was sure it was one or perhaps a new breed of one? We have tried to incubate it, but we have difficulty. It only responds or budges to intense heat so none of my nature spirits can help it hatch.
Agni: Well, I will definitely do my best to give proper incubation and we can only see what’s in the egg after some time has passed.
Shizen: (Smiles sincerely at Agni). I am sure you will take great care of it and give me word of when it hatches… Thank you. (Gives Agni another kiss but this one softer).
It is a few weeks’ time after Agni takes the egg keeping a watchful eye on it through the time. He keeps the large egg at his desk on a makeshift nest kept hot by flames. There is not much activity from the egg besides a few nudges from time to time until one day Agni is at his desk with his feet up comfortably. He is contemplating complex research that had been plaguing his mind recently.
Agni: (He is currently debating on how to proceed with his research when suddenly he feels that his table shaking a little, so he begins to look around and see the reason why)
As Agni sits up, he does not see the source of his desk shaking at first things seeming to be all where it should. It takes a moment before he sees the source of the shaking, but he soon realizes it is the egg that wobbles and moves in its nest.
Agni: (He begins to get excited greatly seeing the egg move around like this). Oh, this quite exciting! I do wonder if it would be a dragon. Or if it is, what type of dragon?
The egg begins to wobble a bit more and a crack starts to form that slowly grows. Agni can tell whatever is inside the egg is working hard to hatch and at one point he sees the egg is tilting and can see it falling off the desk.
Agni: (in a desperate moment he lunges forward catching the egg just before it hatches open completely as Agni slowly opens his eyes to see the creature).
When Agni opens his eyes, he sees a some of the eggshells still on the creature but still visible. It is a reptilian looking creature about a foot long. It is lizard like with four legs and shape similar to a larger bearded dragon but with shiny red and orange scales and grey shiny claws and spikes on its edges. Its eyes are big with shades of red, orange and yellow in it with a piece of egg shell still on the top of his head. Most noticeable different from a standard lizard is the wings folded on its back seeming useless for now.
Agni: (He smirks greatly picking up the creature gently than setting it down on the table). Well, well… Aren’t you just a fascinating one… You look like a dragon yet not fully… Very interesting indeed though still a baby… Still intriguing.
The dragon like creature looks around curiously though it’s body still too weak from hatching to move far. It nips at a chest piece on the table near him with a high-pitched squeak as it explores what’s in the area. He then looks up at Agni with another squeak and its head tilted rather cutely.
Agni: (He is a little speechless towards the small creature with a great sense of aww over whelming him). Well, aren’t you…? Just so precious.
There is a small squeak again only to assume that it is his attempt at a rawr sound with what can only be described as a proud expression. Along with that squeak there is a small puff of smoke that comes from its mouth with a hiccup.
Agni: (He laughs a little to himself). Now, now you don’t need to rush it little one. Just take it at your own pace.
The dragon is a bit wobbly as it crawls up closer to Agni sniffing his hand with a few light nips and nudges.
Agni: (He just watches the dragon with small snickers as he continues to be very intrigued by the creature). Now, now… I feel like you need to have a name but what could it be… hmm….
The dragon simple tries to do another rawring sound that’s more of a high-pitched squeak that turns into a tired yawn, seeming to take a lot of work for its actions as well as hatching.
Agni: (he smiles as he comes up with an idea). Well, I’ll just going to name you Dragon… Yeah that’s sounds about right.
Dragon as a response just tries to climb onto Agni and make his way up his shoulder. He does not make it far though still being a weak newborn, so he only makes it to curling up in Agni’s hands finding it warm there to rest.
Agni: (He tilts his head with a smile as he brings up dragon to his shoulder). Well than you can rest here too.
Dragon simply yawns and gets comfortable on Agni’s shoulder with a few light huffs that is similar to snores.
A little time passes with Agni being busier than ever with his research and dragon. Shizen is the same with her territory, so time together becomes less. The last few times they were able to spend time it has been more distant. Shizen can tell Agni has his many things on his mind just unsure of what seeming to hide it whenever questioned. She does know that he spends much more time in his study then usual which is already often. It is a night Agni was finally able to visit her territory for a few days. She is sleeping with him in her bed after their night together when she does not feel his warm presence as close. He is instead sitting at the end of the bed with his hands over his face as if he is struggling with something in his mind.
Agni: (After a few moments of sitting up he begins to get dressed from the night adventures).
Shizen: (Agni feels her hand slide to hold him from behind around his shoulder as he is getting dressed a bit sleepily still. She has sat up a little holding a blanket up to cover herself with a comforting embrace at his back).
Agni: (He smiles towards Shizen as he puts his hand on hers). Oh, I’m sorry to wake you dear.
Shizen: (Rubs her eyes from sleep being late in the night). It’s awfully late, isn’t it? Are you coming back to bed Agni?
Agni: (His smile slowly drops). I will be soon… It’s just that I need to head back to the lab. Something is bothering me with my research… And you know how I get when my mind is very into it.
Shizen: (Gets a frown being a little disappointed they would not be cuddling up after their night together but sighs). I know… Just try not to be too late alright. It gets quite cold in the bed otherwise. (She gives Agni a kiss on the cheek before laying back down).
Agni: (He kisses her forehead). No need to worry, I will only be gone for an hour. I’ll be back as soon as I can to heat up your sleep again.
Shizen: (Smiles with a sigh in relief for now as she tucks back in to rest comfortable still being quite tired). I will be right here waiting. Maybe it will help that big mind of yours relax as well.
Agni: (He looks away as he gets up). Hopefully Shizen… Hopefully…. (As he begins to walk out the door of the bedroom).
It is a few days later with Agni having not returned as soon as promised. Shizen has let it slide knowing how he gets even though in the back of her mind she senses something is off. She lets it slide having other matters that had grabbed her concern today, something that she is quite happy about making her anxious for when Agni finally comes back.
Shizen: (She is in the bathroom that morning staring at herself in the mirror in thought with a small smile forming on her lips finding it exciting). … I need to tell him….
Agni: (He is working diligently in his lab playing with small pockets of different energies). Well, well that is an interesting reaction… I do wonder if it could stabilize on its own…. (He hears a knock on his door from his assistant telling him he has a guest).
Shizen: (Is waiting at Agni’s homes door to be let in being nervous yet excited about this visit in particular. She hopes it is not a bad time having arrived unexpectedly, but she felt that she needed to).
Agni: (He looks down knowing he broke his promise but then looks back up towards her). Well come in, come in… I’m about to take a break and I would rather share it with a wonderful lady… and I’m glad to see you.
Shizen: Yes, I am as well with you. It was needed today… And I felt it couldn’t wait. (She gives Agni a kiss then walks in seeming exited and grinning more than usual as well).
Agni: (He smiles at the gesture as he leads her towards his relax area where it has a couch and just a fireplace). Man, I always like to sit around here… Makes my stress go away.
Shizen: (Can’t help but laugh as she takes a seat on the couch patting Dragon on the head who has crawled up to Agni’s shoulder). I think I have an idea how you like to relieve stress as well honestly. (Gets a small smirk remembering a few nights before laughing again knowing it’s what led her here today).
Agni: (He smiles as he pets dragon as well). yes, yes this also little dragons favorite spot to relax so might as well make it my own. It helps me focus on my work.
Shizen: I am glad Dragon is doing well, you are taking very good care of him. I am happy you are so focused on you work as well; I hope you will still have time for me in-between though… especially from now on. (She looks down with a faint blush).
Agni: Oh, I will do my best to be around more… Though my research is keeping me very busy… I do wonder if I can even have a family at this point. (He looks down). If only but right now, it’s impossible… I must finish what I need to do.
Shizen: (Has an expression of shock and eyes showing hurt to Agni’s words having to repeat it let it fully sink in). … Do… you not… Want a family…? (Her eyes show that hurt more and it’s clear it’s something very meaningful to her to have).
Agni: (He looks back up in a hurry). No, no it isn’t that I don’t want that… It’s just right now I can’t have the responsibility to have that happen.
Shizen: (She looks down still obviously hurt). When would be a good time…? I mean I understand your research is important, but would it take priority always… Could you one day take time away from that for that future especially if it’s dangerous…? Recently even more so… And even a few days ago when you promised you wouldn’t be long it felt distant… Like us means less than your research… It can’t be like that from now on it…. (Clenches her fist on her lap having trouble and fearing getting the words out there now).
Agni: (Before he can speak up about his opinion his assistant brings to his attention that he is needed in the lab because an emergency has come up). Well, well… I’m sorry I need to go… I will make up for this I promise… I’m just… I’m sorry. (He looks back towards Shizen then leaves).
Shizen: (Before Agni can walk away, he feels a hand stop him by holding his arm). … Please… We need to talk… I know you won’t be right back… And I fear what that says for our future…. Will you just become more distant…? It’s like you’re hiding something…. (She looks down the worry in her eyes clear).
Agni: (He looks down in frustration as he looks towards Shizen than his lab). … In order to help build a better future… For everyone… For you and for me… I must keep going… I sense solution is right there, but I need to find it… I’m not wasting the chance my parents gave me to fall behind…. I must face my destiny… Even if I must walk it alone… I’m sorry Shizen…. It was truly wonderful to be with you… I’ll never regret it… But I’m sorry I must do this to you… But I promise… The future will be made brighter now…. (He shakes off her hand and walks towards his lab again to be alone).
Shizen: (She looks up at Agni in shock with tears coming to her hurt filled eyes). Y-you’re ending it…? Just like that, like I was just a distraction to you…? Just throwing it away for this… Like nothing? (Her voice raises as she goes to try and follow Agni to the door, he is about go through in one last attempt gripping his shoulder tightly her voice raised through her hurt sounding like anger but more through her sadness and heartbreak). Would anything even matter enough for you to change your mind?! AGNI PLEASE I’M-!
Agni: (He shakes her off again as he interrupts her). Trust me in this Shizen… You weren’t a distraction… I don’t want to throw it away… But I will if I must… I’m sorry goodbye…. (He closes the door on Shizen).
Shizen: (Her hands slowly drop as does her head as heartbreak sets in). I see…. (She then feels weak sitting with her back against the door Agni just left and closed with tears spilling from her eyes. She looks down more towards her stomach placing a hand there as well staring at the locket on the same wrist). … What am I going to do….
With that heartbreak it is not until the next meeting that they meet once again but even then, Agni avoids her from the start. Orion and Mizuko take notice as well as Agni starting to make council decisions that would hurt Shizen’s seeing Shizen look away in hurt each time. It is Shizen’s turn to avoid Agni as well after the meeting being to hurt from the last few days and the events of the meeting. Orion decides to look for where Shizen had gone seeing her upset with Mizuko. He tells Mizuko he will go talk to her first both not seeing her and both concerns growing not knowing what had occurred but knowing they had never seen Shizen like this before at all. Remembering how well Orion dealt with Mizuko’s emotions she agrees to Orion going to find her first.
Orion: (He begins to look for Shizen he immediately heads towards her home to talk to her because he cannot let this continue in any sort of way. As he arrives, he knocks on the door). Shizen! Shizen! It’s me Orion let me in, ok? (The door is unlocked as he knocks again but louder which creeks the door open slightly. With the concerns and with her avoiding the meetings he steps in. He hears some noise from her upstairs towards the balcony though the home is mostly dark besides the upstairs. He carefully makes his way through the house as he heads towards the balcony as he calls out to Shizen). Shizen… Is everything ok? Mizu and I are worried?
Shizen: (As Orion approaches the open balcony, he can see it is dark out from the late evening with the outside lights on. She is leaned over the railing a bit hunched over like she had just been sick recently and still nauseous from it. Other than that, her head down in a deep saddened state as she looks at the locket around her wrist).
Orion: (He walks up next to her as he rubs her back). Shizen… What’s going on here… You would never be this sad.
Shizen: (Lifts her head a little from resting it on her arms. She looks to her side to see Orion and he can see she is a mess with unkempt grey hair and appearance. Her hair blocks her face mostly as she wipes her eyes then mouth. She turns to look forward out into the scenery her balcony overlooks). … I should have known you or Mizu would come looking for me after missing our meetings… Sorry to worry you… I’ll be… Fine…. (The way she pauses looking down saying this and her appearance clearly shows the obvious lie).
Orion: (He is silent for a second) … I see… This is why you’re avoiding everyone… and everything… What did he do…?
Shizen: (Continues to look away but it is clear the topic hits hard). … He just… chose a different path… I guess it shows in his recent council decisions…. (She looks down in hurt as she keeps the explanation short). … I’m sorry I just… Didn’t want anyone to see me like this….
Orion: (He creates a gauntlet of Earth in his fist). I see… I may need to solve a very personal issue I have with him than… But Shizen… Your stronger than this… You shouldn’t be like this
Shizen: I thought I was as well but… I just…. (Leans onto the railing a little more looking a little sick and down wiping her eyes). Even strong people have weak moments….
Orion: (He sighs as he releases the earth). I hear you on that one… But even so… You wouldn’t be taking this standing down… Or in this case over a railing.
Shizen: (Can’t help but get a small laugh). No, I wouldn’t would I? I would stand independent and strong as ever… But… This one I guess broke that…. (Looks back down as she goes through her own thoughts).
Orion: Well even so… A child should help motivate you to not wait here for the destruction of your territory… You should defend it to make a home for it.
Shizen: (Has to pause to think on Orion’s words in surprise. She slowly turns to look at him being a bit speechless). … You know…?
Orion: (He leans on the railing as well). Yeah… One of my own… But I’ll save the details for later but right now… I’m more worried about you.
Shizen: (She then looks down placing a hand on her stomach). I didn’t get the chance to tell him… He turned away before…. I always have been so excited at the thought of having that family… But…. (She then shows a fear in her eyes and it is clear that it is of doing this alone).
Orion: Well even so… You can have a family still… But with the best uncle right here and Mizu being that aunt that acts like a mom you know? Everything will be fine… Because we will be there with you.
Shizen: (She must think for a moment but after that she gains a small smile feeling a little less alone). We were there for you so I suppose it is only fair you will do the same… And I know you will make a great uncle and same with Mizu being an aunt. You’re just great at those types of things…. Maybe it’s silly to fear doing this alone….
Orion: Well than you shouldn’t feel afraid anymore because we will be there with you along the way no matter what.
Shizen: (Looks down at her stomach as she looks in thought with a gentle hand on it). I always trust my instincts and I am not sure what Agni’s path is, but I know it is not a good one… So, if that is so I will protect her from that by any means necessary… Even if it comes to him never knowing…. I will protect her from anything and that harm with all my power… But on another thought in the meantime to lighten things up… I suppose it is about time mother nature truly became a mother herself…. (Her smile grows as she thinks of the life that grows that happy excited feeling returning fully once again).
Orion: (He smiles as he lets her head). Now’s there the Shizen that I know and love… Just don’t hold your feelings in like this again me and Mizu will be here for any step you take because we believe in our little sister.
Shizen: (She can’t help but feel reassured by Orion’s words and sincere smile wiping her eyes). Thank you, Orion…. (Gives Orion a hug as her well known grin returns to her). And I know you will make the best uncle a little girl could ask for….
Orion: (He smiles). Well, I’m glad you accept this whole thing… But wait why a daughter or do you already know?
Shizen: (Has to laugh a little shaking her head). Of course, I accept being a mom. That part I have wanted for a long time more than anything…. As for the other part as mother nature I can only bear a daughter. Regardless I know she will be my little baby girl I will cherish with everything I have… More than anything…. (She smiles down at her stomach once again, this time more sincere with what can only be described as a motherly instinct).
Orion: Well than I’m glad to hear you say that than… I’m really glad to see you smiling like this again… It’s been a good before I lost saw this.
Shizen: (Looks up at Orion sincerely and nods). I guess it has but the same could be said for you ever since Sa…. (She quickly changes the subject with a sigh being a difficult one for her and especially Orion smiling at him after a pause). I know you will be just as great an uncle being your giant goofy self-Orion…. That I can count on.
Orion: (He looks down than back up). Yeah… Sarah did leave that type of impact of my life… But I’ll make sure to be the best uncle I can ever be for your daughter… Or my own will be yelling at till I can’t hear the end of it.
Shizen: Thank you Orion and she will be lucky having such a giant goofy grinning protector. I know I have. (Gives a comforting hug and smile for both of them as they walk inside).
Some time passes as the pregnancy goes along. Agni’s path becomes clearer with each meeting making it harder to tell him with that hurt that slowly turns to anger as some decisions hurt her people. It is when her pregnancy begins to show she takes leave to keep this private with very few knowing mainly being Orion and Mizuko. They both walk together deep in the nature territory’s forest where it feels very secluded the further, they walk to meet Shizen where they were directed.
Mizuko: (Holds onto a green gem given to here by Shizen to help guide them to the secret location. It has been some time since they had seen their little sister and they both had been looking forward to it anxiously. She looks around the dense forest area curiously with Orion knowing that without guidance they would have quickly become lost never having been this far into these forests). We must be getting close now… I hope we are not in the wrong area at least though.
Mizuko: (Cannot help but have worry in her expression). Her power is drained for now, so it does give concern… I just hope changing to this location is not too cautious on her part. (She then must stop seeing a small wooden cabin in a small opening of trees. She wonders if they had arrived also glancing at the stone, she holds with its glow brightening).
Orion: (He sighs as he looks towards the cabin). Well, I’m sure whatever she has right now. Is be reserved for anything that could happen… But let’s not worry too much, let’s get to Shizen since she is waiting for us.
Mizuko: (Nods in agreement stay close to Orion as they make their way to the cabin. The cabin is quaint and simple with wooden panels and some sturdy stone brick walls. She stands beside Orion as he knocks on the door and waits for an answer). Shizen…? It’s us if you could let us in? (The door then is unlatched creeks open to have someone peer out).
Shizen: (Peeks out of the door having the door still cover most of her body from view keeping it partly open for now. She grins at the two with a nod as greeting). I was wondering when you two would finally arrive.
Orion: (He smiles seeing his sister he has missed very much). Well, it’s not like you made it easy to really be guided here plus you know how I get with directions so… But I’m glad to see you again.
Shizen: (Smiles with a small laugh looking down). It has been quite a long time hasn’t it… I’ve missed you as well.
Mizuko: (Has a frown in concern). I as well but what is this about? Why are we out here you made it sound urgent?
Shizen: (Gets a sheepish look with a small nervous laugh). … Well… I guess I am asking for your help….
Mizuko: (Looks at Shizen with confusion). You’re asking for help? You never do that unless it is urgent, what do you-. (She stops herself as she realizes how long it had been). … Shizen… How far are you along?
Shizen: (Her sheepish smile grows with a faint blush still hiding her figure behind the door). Well… That’s what this is about….
Orion: (He waits behind Mizu because she would be of more help in this currently but is very interested on the development that is happening). Well come out and tell us already… Or did something happen?
Shizen: (Blushes more her smile growing). No… Not yet anyways…. (She opens the door more to reveal her figure. Her stomach is very large as she holds it looking to be very far along and can have the child at any time with a long green dress to cover. She can’t help but have a grin now looking down at herself and then both of their surprised faces).
Mizuko: (Is a little speechless at first then she says quietly to herself but loud enough to hear as she understands). … Any day now….
Orion: (He is taken off guard greatly at first). Well, well… Time for me to be an uncle soon….
Shizen: (Nods in agreement being a little nervous as well). Yes… I suppose so….
Mizuko: (A smile forms stepping forward as she understands what Shizen is asking giving her a hug in comfort). We are here for you Shizen. We will make sure you are not alone for this… We can take turns staying with you… so you will not be alone. (Looks up at Orion knowing he will agree).
Shizen: (Takes a sigh in relief being nervous and hoping that would be said looking to Orion next as well needing both of their comfort).
Orion: (He smiles). Now what type of brother would I be if I wasn’t there for my little sister so yes… I’ll be with you when you need me and when its time you won’t be alone.
Shizen: (Her sense of relief grows with another sigh that she is not alone). Thank you… I really needed to hear that. (She then stares down at her stomach laughing a little when she feels a warm kick being nervous yet excited for when the time comes).
Mizuko and Orion from that point on take turns going to the forest cabin. Still having their territories to run they make a schedule to manage all their territories while the other takes care of Shizen. This happens a few times with the baby seeming to take her time. It is one evening though where Mizuko had left with Orion’s turn to travel. With her luck he seems to be running late and with the perfect timing as she paces the cabin impatiently holding her stomach.
Shizen: (Is frantic and nervous in her pacing knowing this is the worse time for Orion to happen to run late traveling here. She stops her pacing as she sits on the bed grabbing her stomach as another contraction hit sighing as she looks down at it). You are not going to wait are you then…? (She winces again seeming to give her the answer with a sigh looking out of the window as she thinks then back at her stomach rubbing it a little with another sigh and small smile through her nerves and fear). I suppose not then… I just hope that you know how well your timing is then….
Meanwhile a little later when Orion is traveling through the forest knowing he is late on the agreed upon time. He gets an unexplained urgent feeling that he should hurry his pace but is unsure of what this feeling is or why it is occurring in his mind just knowing that it is something to do with Shizen.
Orion: (As his bad feeling begins to rise, he begins to worry and hurry along). Oh no… I need to hurry.
Deeper in the forest where the cabin lies Shizen lies in bed tired from her labor. She has a few tears and frown at first to going through the ordeal alone but when she looks at what is in her arms and have a great smile nothing else seeming to matter. It takes Orion a little more time before he reaches the cabins location deep in the forest. He feels a quietness in the air he cannot explain as well as darker being later in the day. The cabin lights are turned on though everything appearing normal in the surroundings.
Orion hurries along faster but then stops his pacing as approaches the cabin area in the empty small field he feels peace in the air around him. Once he approaches the door and is about to knock something stops him in his tracks, something that takes him completely by speechless surprise. It is the cry of a newborn inside the cabin with Shizen voice soothing to help calm the cries.
Shizen: Shh… It’s alright… Mommy’s right here… There’s no need to cry… I’m right here….
Orion: (He smiles as he hears the words). Well, well… It seems I missed the main event then Shizen…. (He knocks on the door and opens it slightly).
Shizen: (As Orion opens the door, he sees Shizen lying in bed under the covers and looking tired still from her labor but a proud grin and caring way she holds a green blanket. Her robe is undone leaving her a little uncovered but what is most noticeable is a tiny newborn on her chest being calmed and resting as she holds her close with care). Hello Orion… You’re late…. (Has to laugh a little looking down at her baby her smile softening).
Orion: (He rubs his head). Well, my meeting took much longer than it should’ve I’m sorry about that… But at least it seems everything went alright.
Shizen: It is fine… I managed after all… But Orion would you like to say hello to your niece… Adara. (She uncovers the newborn girl resting in her arms more so that he can see her better. Adara has her eyes closed as she sleeps on her mother and what stands out most is the uniquely vibrant red hair she has).
Orion: (He slowly walks closer to her and picks up Adara as he misses the feeling of holding a baby). Hey there beautiful… I see you already drove your mom crazy… I’m glad to hear it.
Shizen: (Can’t help but smile seeing Orion, not seeing that type of look on him in a long time as she leans back to rest). Now there’s the type of smile from you I missed seeing…. (As Orion holds Adara she begins to wake and look up at him after a yawn. He sees she looks just like her mother besides the red hair with her deep green eyes making it even clearer as she looks up at Orion in wonder).
Orion: (He smiles as he plays with the new baby girl letting her grab his finger). Well, I could say the same for you with the smiling my dear sister.
Shizen: (Laughs with a sigh). well, it is hard not to… There is something special about her… But even so… I can’t explain such a feeling I have right now… But she’s so precious to me the anything else… She’s beautiful… Just…. (Her words trail off finding it hard to put into words. She looks at her daughter having a sense of pride from someone so small knowing she will care and protect her with everything she has. She watches her daughter as she is tucked into the blanket being so small in Orion’s hand as she makes small noises reaching up to try and grab his beard seeming to be a very curious baby).
Orion: Well, she is very beautiful and yes… That feeling… It’s quite a good one, so good… You don’t want to let go of it really… But regardless you won’t be alone cause you’ll have me and Mizu with you at every step.
Shizen: (Smiles at Orion being brought to tears slightly but good ones she wipes away). Thank you, Orion… And I understand that feeling fully now… I will do everything in my power to protect her… And I know I will not be alone in that… I know she will grow to do amazing things… I just am not sure what they are… but I will be there every step she needs me… I know you and Mizu will be right there to… Thank you… (She takes Adara back into her arms and smiles at her with care brushing a strand of her red hair away from her sleepy face and kissing her forehead).
Once Shizen had recovered she travels back to her home with often visits from Mizuko and Orion to help with baby Adara. They also cover for her in her many meeting absences making excuses where they can though it becomes harder each time with Nagi and Shiro getting impatient with the obvious excuses and feeling that Shizen may be neglecting her duties by the less often council attendance. Meanwhile it was Mizuko’s turn visiting as they had tucked Adara in for a nap being a bit older looking to be about a small toddler in age and have a casual chat with Shizen sitting on the side of Adara’s bed and Mizuko on a chair facing them politely).
Shizen: (Looks down at Adara with a sweet smile as she sleeps petting her hair thinking how cute she looks). She looks so cute when she sleeps….
Mizuko: (Nods in agreement smiling at Adara). She is… Though anything she does is cute…. It feels like she is growing so fast….
Shizen: (Laughs a little). With any child no matter how slow they age it always feels fast… I still can’t help but feel there is something special… Amazing even about her….
Mizuko: It is normal to feel that way as a mother, I am sure.
Shizen: (Shakes her head). Very true but even so… It’s something more. (Smiles more at her daughter sitting at the end of her bed).
Mizuko: (Tilts her head in confusion). How so…?
Shizen: Do you remember that coloring set you and Orion gave her as a gift?
Mizuko: (Shakes her head being very recent). Why yes, she seemed to like it along with the books we gave her.
Shizen: Yes, there’s something with what she enjoys about them. (She gets up and walks to a small wooden child size desk in the room and rustles through the shelves of papers).
Mizuko: (Gives an even more curious look not sure of where Shizen is going with this).
Shizen: (She comes back to sitting at the end of the bed with a few papers and books in her hands). She’s very smart… Well, I suppose that would be an understatement with what I have seen she is up to. (She flips over some of the coloring papers making sure they are organized).
Mizuko: Is she already learning how to write? she did say her first words quite quickly. Even walking she figured out well beyond usual.
Shizen: (Shakes her head no). It is not just that… She writes well though… Very well… But even more so. (She then shows Mizuko the drawings in crayon).
Mizuko: (Takes the offered papers to look them over. She starts to look them over her eyes widening in surprise to what she sees. Instead of the drawings she expected to see she sees seals written in crayons and colored pencils. They are simple beginner seals, but she would expect this type of work from a child about age 10 at earliest. Even though it is in crayon the basic seals are almost perfect to function normally the way they are practice). This is… Remarkable…. She really did these?
Shizen: (Shakes her head yes). She wandered into my bookshelf while I wasn’t looking and took books well beyond child books. It’s like… she is teaching herself this…. I remember wanting to read her a bedtime story to her. She wanted to read it herself and after didn’t find them as fun. That’s when I noticed the more difficult books… and seals… She’s so intelligent and I can’t explain how she is learning all of this….
Mizuko: (Pauses in thought looking at the books and seals and listening to Shizen’s words coming to a conclusion though too early to say for sure). She’s still so young… But you and I both know there’s only one person who analyzes things this way… And only one with such vibrant red hair….
Shizen: (Sees where Mizuko is going and sigh knowing she has a point looking down at the locket around her wrist. Her expression is hurt at first but sighs again to push it away not bothering to open the locket having not done so since that day). You have a point… It’s most likely inherited….
Mizuko: (Takes notice of the hurt expression Shizen has placing a hand on Shizen’s wrist where the locket is in comfort). I know it still hurts… And what he is doing with meetings increases that hurt…. (Looks down with her hurt showing more looking down being at more meetings to hear more of the news of Agni’s recent behavior).
Shizen: (Takes notice of the expression remembering a talk with Orion that she had recently making her feel regret with Mizuko for not taking notice of how she felt). I had a talk with Orion recently Mizu… He let something slip about before all this about your feelings… I should have noticed… It must have hurt so much smiling for me like that… I should of never…. (She clenches her fist as her words trail off).
Mizuko: (Looks away at first most of all not liking seeing her little sister with that regret). I told Orion to keep that hidden because I didn’t want you to feel that way… I didn’t blame you and you were happy, so I didn’t want you to worry about me and get in the way….
Shizen: (Shakes her head no some tears falling). I’m so sorry though I did that to you… I didn’t know… And maybe I did ignore signs he wasn’t a true mate for me… But maybe you….
Mizuko: (Cuts her sister off that thought grabbing her hands but still looking down). True… I did feel that way back then… But that’s in the past and can’t be undone… True were both hurt in our own ways… But it’s in the past… And there is someone that could not imagine regretting through this…. (Looks at Adara saying the last part sincerely).
Shizen: (Realizes what Mizuko is saying looking at Adara when she does). Your right… and I know I wasn’t thinking back then… But it is in the past and because of that… Adara is here… And she is so brilliant to think of a being without…. (Her eyes then widen as a idea hits her feeling silly). I was being a little blind back then… Even now I am looking at things the wrong way….
Mizuko: (Gets a confused expression to where Shizen is going with this).
Shizen: (She then looks from Adara to her locket. She opens it finally seeing the picture of her and Agni frowning at it once feeling the hurt seeing it. She brushes it away as she removes the picture then looks back at Adara who sleeps cutely petting her hair with a smile). It’s time this locket had a new meaning….
Mizuko: (Smiles at Shizen as she couldn’t agree more). It’s a good start… Let’s move forward… For her….
Shizen: (Their talk then calms down as they sit together feeling happier spending time together with everything out in the open. As they talk, they suddenly hear loud knocking on the door seeming very demanding or urgent sounding. She stands up in surprise and worry that is might wake Adara).
Mizuko: (Stands as well with a worried expression). I thought I was careful enough not to be followed here…
Meanwhile outside of the house someone knocks at the door with a demanding sound. It turns out to be Nagi and Shiro with their oldest son Kishi being an older boy at the time at the time tagging along having doing so with Nagi more recently as he had started training having a practice sword on his back. He and Nagi have some concern for Shiro not being calm at all after tracking down Shizen after missing so many meetings.
Shiro: (Where Nagi is calm and laidback about the situation she is quite fired up as she knocks on the door demandingly). Shizen open up now! You have missed more than 10 meetings recently. I demand a valid excuse or else consequences will have to be given!
Nagi: (He puts his hand on her shoulder). I’m sure everything is fine Shiro just calm down and wait for her alright?
Shiro: (Sighs with a reluctant nod). I just want to know what is getting in the way of our meetings. She should let us know what is going on first. I just hope it is not reflecting on her duties here… It must be a good explanation. (Shakes her head looking back at Nagi then Kishi seeing he’s concerned knowing how she gets giving him a reassuring smile). Sorry for that Kishi, I promise after this stop you can go back to training with your father like you wanted.
Kishi: (He has been mostly silent but nods his head as he plays around with the wooden sword in his hold).
Nagi: Now, now I understand your worried but let’s wait here a bit than… If she doesn’t answer, we can just try again tomorrow since don’t want to cause a scene in her territory.
Shiro: (Sighs once again looking down). You have a point I just don’t want whatever is going on to affect her position as council woman. First to ask for answers to understand her situation, it’s odd she doesn’t open up about whatever this is. (She looks up again and before she knocks again but with less force the door opens. She sees Shizen open the door with Mizuko right behind her seeming a bit panicked).
Shizen: (Looks out of the door in surprise). Nagi… Shiro…?
Nagi: (He is surprised at first from her reaction to seeing them at her door). Oh yes hello Shizen… Shiro and I were wondering why you haven’t been at the latest council meetings. Though we did bring notes from the latest meetings we just want to make sure everything is alright… miss Mizuko what seems to be the matter? You seemed panicked to see us?
Mizuko: (Looks surprised and a bit frazzled behind Shizen playing with a strand of her hair). I-It’s nothing, just not expected.
Shizen: (Sighs at Mizuko knowing how bad at lies she is shaking her head though slightly amused). She was just having a visit. Thank you for the notes and I am sorry for not showing up for meetings, it’s just that things have come up recently that have kept me away.
Shiro: (Raises an eyebrow feeling like something is being hidden from them). What has kept you away now? It’s not like you used to miss those meetings often. It is important we attend regularly so territories are kept in balance or at least let us know a situation so we may work around it.
Shizen: (Sighs looking down). It is a little complicated to explain all at once… I know I should have come to you sooner though.
Shiro: (Her composer softens to concern as well as her expression looking at Shizen). Shizen… Are you in some sort of trouble?
Shizen: (Shakes her head no as a hand is places on her shoulder by Mizuko having a hard time coming up with the words to the explanation). Well….
Kishi: (He looks around and sees a baby blanket in the background of Mizuko). A baby blanket….
Nagi: (He takes notice and looks as well and smiles as he nods his head). Well now I understand why.
Shizen: (She stubbles over her explanations trying to find a good way to start).
Shiro: (Does not notice the blanket right away more focusing on what Shizen is trying to say. It catches her attention only when something red catches her eye. She must tilt her head in a stunned pause seeing a little girl walk in the background inside of the house over to pick up the green blanket. The girl has much resemblance to Shizen looking at her face briefly and especially how green her eyes are but one thing that stands out is the color of her hair being a vibrant red she wouldn’t expect from a nature spirit at all. Getting a good look inside the house at the little girl she then looks over to Nagi with eyebrows raised hoping he just had seen what she had).
Nagi: (He nods his head yes). Yes, I’ve seen her. Now we can understand why everything has been like this so let’s get to it right?
Shiro: (Nods her head in agreement). And she should have told us such news to begin with.
Shizen: (Tilts her head in confusion catching what Shiro had said). What news do you-. (She then stops herself in her word feeling a small tug on her skirt and voice of her little girl).
Mizuko: (Jumps a little in surprise looking down having not noticed Adara sneak up on them).
Adara: … Mama? (She holds onto her mom’s skirt hiding behind it a bit while holding her green blanket in the other hand tightly. Her red hair is a bit unkempt having just woken from a nap, but her green eyes are filled with curiosity and wonder looking up at the new people in front of her).
Shizen: (She looks down at Adara with a smile and sigh understanding what they took notice of). I see then… What is it Adara? … Did I wake you from your nap baby girl, I’m sorry. (Pats Adara’s head who seems more distracted by seeing new people at the door as she stares up at them curious and cutely).
Kishi: (He waves hi towards the small girl being just as surprised as everyone else). Hello there.
Nagi: (He smiles as he laughs a bit). Haha well this is quite fascinating indeed… now, now Shizen about those meeting notes.
Adara: (Waves hi at Kishi with the blanket in her hand though still hides behind her mom peeking out at Kishi).
Shizen: (Gets a nervous laugh). Yes, I suppose that explains it enough now….
Shiro: (Laughs shaking her head looking at the cute little girl having some questions, but some answered as well). I can see how you have been busy then. I should have had an idea of what had been going on having five myself to juggle with meetings.
Shizen: (Bursts out in laughter with a questioning look). Five then? Now I thought you were at four last I checked.
Shiro: (Laughs just as much being back to how they would normally talk with their understanding as she pats Nagi and Kishi’s heads). Well, one’s a little big but still a big child, nonetheless.
Nagi: (He puts his arms together in a type of grumble and pout). Gosh don’t need to say it like that now.
Kishi: (he laughs hearing his mom and dad bicker like that to himself).
Shiro: (Sighs and calms down from her laughs kissing Nagi as an apology. She then turns her attention to Shizen and her daughter noting the hair color. She has some things she ponders but sighs with a smile). Kishi why don’t you go over to those trees and do some of your combat practice. We won’t be long alright; the adults just want to talk for a little bit? (Pats Kishi’s hair with a smile and motions to the numerous forest trees nearby).
Shizen: (Shakes her head no with a small laugh). There is no need really, we can go inside and talk. It would be nice for Adara to have some others around.
Nagi: (He nods towards the statement). Well, if you insist but we must not stay here long for we have duties to finish though I would invite you over for dinner.
Kishi: (He waves again to Adara liking her wild red hair).
Adara: (Giggles at Kishi hiding a little less).
Mizuko: (Perks up from behind Shizen with a polite bow before going to the kitchen). I can make us some tea at least since you traveled all the way here.
Shizen: Thank you and I will hope we can do that some time. I know there are some questions needed to be answered at least this visit.
Shiro: You could say there are quite a few but you could have told us sooner so we could understand the situation better. (As she pats Kishi’s back to encourage him to go and play with Adara for a little bit).
Kishi: (He moves forward awkwardly). Oh umm… Want to go play… Adara? (He doesn’t understand fully why but he feels very tense asking).
Nagi: That sounds wonderful thank you Mizuko and yes something’s need to be said but first off. (He taps Kishi’s back to cheer up and be confident and not shy).
Kishi: (He takes his father’s moment of encouragement and smiles at him in thanks).
Adara: (Just nods, reaching to grab onto Kishi’s sleeve tightly and bring him to the play area though there are more books then would be expected).
Shiro: (Watches Adara pull Kishi over with an odd and amused expression). Defiantly your little girl if she’s that forward already.
Shizen: (Laughs watching Kishi get pulled away as well). You have a point.
Nagi: Well than we shall sit down for a few minutes since seems Adara really wants a play date right now so let us talk. Right Shizen?
Shizen: (Lets both Nagi and Shiro in so they may sit). Yes come in… There is a lot to explain after all.
Shiro: (Has a small smile as she takes the offered seat with Nagi). Well, we are here to listen, but I wish you had told us much sooner.
Shizen: (Sighs and looks down). I know I should have… I am sorry for that.
Nagi: (He sighs). Well even so it would have been nice to know sooner instead of worrying like crazy like my wife over here.
Shiro: (Laughs shaking her head). I had the feeling you had gotten into trouble, but this news is much brighter and exciting. It will be nice having another mother in the council. Maybe I will not have to worry about teasing my husband so much.
Shizen: (Gets an amused grin). I admit I have been a bit busy to really think of such things so you will not have to worry for a while.
Mizuko: (Brings in some tea for everyone setting it out but glancing to Shizen in worry about the topic soon to come).
Shizen: (Shakes her head no to Mizuko silently as a way to say she wants to handle it herself).
Mizuko: (Understands and goes over to watch the kids with a bow).
Shiro: (Takes a sip of the tea after a thank you then turns to Shizen curiously looking over to Adara as well). Adara was it? It’s a beautiful name and she is a very cute little girl.
Shizen: (Laughs smiling at her daughter). Yes, her name is Adara and thank you… I couldn’t agree more.
Nagi: (He sits back and relax as he sips some tea). Very cute indeed but now I can tease Kishi about knowing another girl besides his sister. (He laughs mostly to himself about the idea). Very humorous indeed.
Shizen: (Laughs as well looking at the two). He defiantly is growing into having your good looks. I doubt that type of thing will happen but it’s a funny thought at least.
Shiro: (Is in her own thoughts as she looks at Adara with a puzzled expression Nagi picks up on).
Nagi: (He looks puzzled towards his wife). What is it dear? Something the Matter?
Shiro: (Still looks at Adara with a curious expression). I do not think I have ever seen a nature spirit quite like her… Not just the hair… There’s something special about her…. (Gets a small smile Nagi can understand knowing her so well and how good she is at sensing these types of things).
Shizen: (Gets a nervous laugh bit nods). Well, you are not wrong there….
Nagi: (He just sighs). Well, you might as well tell us on how she is different… Because I’m pretty sure we don’t want to find out the hard way.
Shizen: (Looks down and away from them with a faint embarrassed blush).
Shiro: (Her expression becomes more patient and calmer to help Shizen with whatever she is struggling to say thinking it through one piece at a time). Shizen… I do not recall of you having a relationship recently… You never were open with that I am guessing… But who is her father then?
Shizen: (Her blush deepens as she looks away with a frown). Well, it is about that….
Nagi: (He think for a second as he thinks about the hair). It’s Agni, isn’t it? It only makes sense by the very vibrant red hair.
Shizen: (Pauses in surprise looking at Nagi but then looks down with a nod). Yes… Its Agni.
Shiro: (Has a look of shock for a moment having many questions). Agni really? How… When…. (Remembers a certain meeting in the past as well as a mission she ordered leaning over to Nagi to say something once coming to a realization). They had gotten along better than I had thought on that mission we set up then….
Nagi: (He sighs). Really, it’s kind of easy to figure out from just looking at the hair and seeing how you two were acting before you disappeared suddenly… It only makes sense, but my main question is… Why isn’t he here… And making those decisions that hurt your territory.
Shizen: (Sighs, her fists clenching as the topic still hurts with some anger as well in defense of her territory). He broke it off… Chose a different path that hurts more than anything… I just don’t know why but I want Adara as far as possible so she will not get hurt… I will do everything in my power to make sure of that….
Shiro: (Ponders what is said carefully with a greatly disapproving expression). So, he left you and his daughter just for his research?
Shizen: No… He doesn’t know of her… And if he continues taking this hurtful path, I will keep it that way…. (Looks at Adara with her worries clearly showing).
Nagi: (He nods his head). I see… But why the sudden change in behavior for you… It wouldn’t be like you to hide away from your feelings.
Shizen: I just had found it difficult to show up to your meetings with him there. I didn’t want to say or take actions on something I would end up regretting… Especially with his council decisions… You know how I can get. (Gets a small laugh knowing her own stubbornness and attitude).
Shiro: (Sighs but cannot help but agree). You have a point, but I would like it is that had not become hiding from us and our meetings. I do not mind that you avoid each other but please don’t avoid everyone else. Yes, your teasing can get a little…. Much, but you are still our friend so do not feel like you are alone.
Shizen: (Sighs then looks up at both Nagi and Shiro with a small smile). I promise things will go back to normal. Thank you I would have thought you would have had a little more anger or sternness towards me today.
Shiro: (Laughs then looks at Adara with a sincere smile). With news like her I cannot help but feel some excitement now, so all is forgiven.
Nagi: (He smiles as well towards her). Yes, so it understandable why you wanted to hide… But you know that you can depend on us Shizen.
Shizen: (Nods in agreement). I know I can just like with Mizuko and Orion. I just became caught up in everything being so hectic, but I will do better reaching out from now on… Thank you for understanding. (Sighs with a more at ease smile as she watches her daughter play with Kishi with Mizuko watching them).
Shiro: (Still looks at Adara with a curiosity that grows. Nagi still notices the expression and can tell she sees something more about Adara that stands out though she cannot put her finger on it completely as she says more to herself). Fire and Nature… Hmm
Nagi: (He smiles noticing Adara as well). Well, it’s a new different kind of balance in a way, though it isn’t normally seen so it is happening is quite surprising in its own way. Since it spirits usually stay within their own element.
Shiro: (Still has an expression of thought). I only thought a human could hold two elements evenly… She could prove that wrong….
Shizen: (Looks at both Nagi and Shiro in confusion). What do you mean exactly?
Shiro: (Laughs shaking her head). You will understand in time and when her elements begin to show… I have a feeling she is just very special to put it simply for now….
Shizen: (Still is a little lost but smiles know one thing to be true for now). Well, she is very special… I can agree with that at the least…. (Goes back to watching Adara play, enjoying watching her, being not too concerned with whatever Shiro foresees for now).
With Shizen having her visit with Nagi and Shiro she from then on is less closed away attending her council duties more often. She still avoids a certain member of the council on her travels out but always returns quickly to her daughter. It is another time where she had had responsibilities to attend to for her nature city. Adara is still too young to be alone during those times being about 6 or 7 at this time even though her independent nature shows greatly. It is Orion who had volunteered to watch his little niece at this time. He doesn’t mind at all missing having felt like a father figure and with that spoils Adara greatly the times he has her. During the visit with him he decides to take her to somewhere she may like knowing Adara’s interest in books and learning already being so smart. They are close to Adara’s surprise as they walk through the Earth city streets. She wears a deep green dress with a darker green sash that ties at the back with a bow. Her red hair is longer now and untamed and wild a bit like her mothers.
Adara: (Walks beside Orion reaching up to hold his hand having a habit of wandering off with her curiosity as she looks around in wonder at the stone city streets).
Orion: (He smiles as he grabs her hand). Now, now no wondering around alright?
Adara: (Looks up at Orion curiously as she skips along to keep up with him). Where going?
Orion: (He thinks to himself for a few seconds as he passes by a very certain building in the city). Well, how about a library? I think you would like that place the most.
Adara: (Looks up at the big stone building they stop at reading the sign engraved above with a look of wonder). A library?
Orion: (He smiles as he walks up the stairs with Adara). Well, I know how much you like to learn so the library is the best place for that.
Adara: (Hops up the stairs eagerly now as it can but clearly seen that her interest had been peaked. She gets to the big door first but struggles to pull it open being heavy for her still being quite small).
Orion: (He laughs a bit as he helps move the door for Adara). Now let me help you dear…. (As the door opens up). Welcome to the library in the earth city my dear.
Adara: (Stumbles in the door and once she gets into her eyes go wide. It is clear from her expression amazement she had never seen so many books in one place having to stare up at the many floors of filled bookshelves a bit overwhelmed having to take a few moments to take it all in). Whoa….
Orion: (He smiles as he looks towards Adara’s expressions). Well, where do you want to start now than dear?
Adara: (Still looks up in awe at all the books. For her it is like every book in the world all in one place). There’s so much… Can I read them all?
Orion: (He nods his head as he gets a card for Adara to use at the library). Yes, you can but you gotta use this card in order to take them home, it’s a library card alright?
Adara: (Holds the card looking at it and all the books with a sparkle in her eyes). Really? (She starts to walk being too excited, not being able to wait to look around in amazement).
Orion: (He smiles). Yes, you can but be careful around the library alright… I’ll be with you in a second dear don’t run away just yet.
Adara: (Already is ready to wander the aisles, looking at all the sections making it hard to know where to start. One section in particular stop her in her tracks as she looks up at it. It reads as books on seals and magic. All the easier beginner books seem to be on the lower shelves which she takes less interest. What does catch her attention are the high up shelves with much more complex of books. They are books well beyond what she would be expected to read at her age let alone being able to read well but even so her curiosity is peaked. She tries to jump to reach the big books, but they are well above her little height making it a struggle for her to reach such complex books).
Orion: (He follows his niece and shakes his head). Now first you must start at the bottom there dear however…. Hmm…. I’ll practice the next level with you if you can do the first level…. How does that sound?
Adara: (Makes a pout shaking her head as she still points at the top shelves going on her tip toes). But simple….
Orion: I know but there are rules to follow dear… So, be patient alright?
Adara: (pouts up at Orion cutely not understanding. She looks at the bottom levels including the first beginner one and shakes her head. She looks back up at Orion with a more determined expression). Can do those….
Orion: (He sighs). Your mother showed you on how to make seals didn’t she? I swear Shizen.
Adara: (Shakes her head no). No, read in books. (Starts to reach up for one of the more intermediate books placing it on the ground to sit and flip through it better).
Orion: (He shakes his head as he picks up the book and takes it to a nearby table). Well, if you already know than you can read it, but I need you to practice it as well.
Adara: (Her expression brightens as she skips to the table to sit with the book). That’s the best part. (As she starts to flip through to find a seal or magic she likes).
Orion: (He smiles). Well, I’m glad you’re taking great interest so why not.
Adara: (Seems to be enjoying herself as she chooses a seal to try. It is one that someone would expect an older teen to study as she begins to examine it and Orion catches notices slightly of the focused and analyzing expression as she works through it).
Orion: (He looks towards the seal and tries to help Adara crate it correctly). No, you place this line right there to get it right.
Adara: (Shakes her head no and changes it back). But this improves it. This part wrong. (She points to a line in the book indicating this about the book and then starts to adjust her own seal to solve the problems with it she sees. It is almost like her mind makes up her own experiments to try and improve it and make the seal more complex already in her own little mind).
Orion: (He is surprised at first but then watches Adara keep going while it does solve the original issue… It seems to be unstable in energy, so Orion grabs her hand as the seal begins to glow more). Stop adara! Before you get hurt!
Adara: (Looks up at Orion surprised but also scared she had done something wrong which causes her to start tearing up and get upset. What is noticed though just before her hand was taken away is that the seal flickers green but what he does catch is a flicker of red as well before it fades).
Orion: (He sighs in relief seeing his niece isn’t hurt from the seal). look… I’m sorry about that… It’s just I got worried since the seal was about to backfire on you…. (He wipes her tears away as he kisses her head). I’m sorry kiddo.
Adara: (Still rubs her eyes from tears and nods only silently hiding her face on Orion in a hug to feel better).
Orion: (He pets her head). Again, I’m sorry but stop the tears now, everything is alright.
Adara: (Nods as she pulls away from the hug rubbing her eyes with a few sniffles as she calms down). I want to go. (Pushes the book away for now having upset her uncle with it clearly needing to go somewhere else as a distraction).
Orion: (He sighs). No, you don’t need to go anywhere dear… But alright let’s see what there is too do. I will check out the book for you so you can look at it later alright.
Adara: (Nods as she hops out of the chair to look for another area. Her curiosity is caught by an area with a sign saying puzzles and games which she then points too being one of her favorite things). There!
Orion: (He smiles as he sighs in relief). Well alright than let’s get going then dear.
Adara: (Hops off the chair and starts to walk over to the area.
Orion: (When Orion starts to get up to follow after her, he swears he sees the seal left on the table do one spark in energy and he can swear it is similar to a flame red, but it is too quick to know for sure when he turns. He wonders to himself as the thought crosses his mind of something important, but he leaves it to the side for now as he follows Adara). Now let me catch up with you Adara.
Adara: (Skips to the game room with eyes going wide at all the different games and puzzles. One catches her eye though being set up on a table she walks towards. She goes on her toes to try and look over the table. She sees a board with black and white squares in a checkered pattern with marble pieces on each side one side being a darker stone and the other being lighter. She looks at how the game is set up curiously and different figures on the play pieces picking up one to inspect it liking how it has the shape of a horse head carved into it).
Orion: (He smiles as he sees Adara’s curiosity is peaked). Well, I see you found an empty chess table.
Adara: (Looks up at Orion as she holds the chess piece with her cute curious stare). Chess?
Orion: (He smiles). Well, it is a game to put wits against wits and it’s a good game to play do you want to learn?
Adara: (Her interest grows nodding her head quickly and excitedly as she begins to climb up into one of the chairs being a little tall for her).
Orion: (He laughs in excitement). Well than I shall teach you the ways of chess.
Adara: (Once she is done climbing the chair, she stands on it to see better. She holds the piece in her hand holding it up to Orion being anxious to learn about it. It is the black marble horse head that matches her side of the pieces). What’s this one!
Orion: (He smiles again as he usually does with his niece around because it just fills a special void in his heart). Well, my dear. (He holds her hand with the piece in it). That is the knight, the protector of the field.
Adara: (Looks at the piece in her hand getting a big smile at it). This one best. (She puts the knight back in its spot). What does it do?
Orion: Well, the knight can move across the border in certain spaces he helps creates open movement for his comrades. (He places the knight piece on the board).
Adara: (Pretends to move the piece across the board to get a better idea). Like this. (Her expression is focused as she listens carefully then pointing to the next piece that looks like a castle). And this?
Orion: (He goes through explaining every piece and doing a example game to show how they work. The last is the most important of pieces being the queen and key to winning either side of the board).
Adara: (Holds the queen in her hand with curiosity then smiles as she places it in its spot). So, like Mama? Because she leads and is strong?
Orion: (He smiles more). Well in a way yes that is true because she is like a queen in a way.
Adara: (Nods and gives a determined look now that she seems to understand how the game plays). And you need to protect the queen so she can lead. If there’s no queen, then the other pieces are too sad to fight.
Orion: (He smiles). Yes, that’s exactly right, you make sure to protect it, but it can also be your most powerful ally.
Adara: (Giggles being excited about the game so far and learning all the rules wanting to start playing as soon as possible having focused on the rules carefully). I get it… And king would be too sad to so need to protect her too then fight when needed. I like this game, let’s play!
Orion: (He sits down). Well, that’s one thing… The king must be protected in order to keep the game going you can’t let him get cornered or else the game is over.
Adara: (Nods understanding as she looks at all the pieces in thought). Ok…. (Looks from her marble black pieces to his white marble ones being anxious to get started). Your pieces start right? Let’s play!
Orion: Well than alright than let’s get started. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of how the game plays in due time.
Adara: (Only does a nod as she stares at the game board seeming to study all off the pieces as pawns start to move from each side).
Orion: (He begins to make the first move going at the game as a beginner’s level since he feels like Adara will like the game a lot but starts by moving his first pawn). Well, your move dear.
Adara: (Does her move with a pawn more in the middle sitting on her legs to get a boost in the chair to see better seeming very interested and focused on the board with each move).
Orion: (They play as the game goes on it’s clear Orion is winning but Adara is getting the hang of it all).
Adara: (Frowns as she study’s the pieces movements and with each different piece moved, she understands how it is played. Most of her pawns have been used with way leaving her other pieces to now advance. She obviously seems more careful with these pieces with her focus set seeming to form a strategy with the information she had gathered).
Orion: (He seems to be playing more carefully as well). Well then… I must be more careful now since it seems you have it now.
Adara: (Doesn’t say anything as she stares at the board. One by one she moves pieces forward though but with her bishop too far ahead being a target for Orion’s queen where she places it).
Orion: (The game progress it is clear Adara is putting him into a corner as it is very clear Orion has run out of moves that would shift the tide). Well… I concede… Very well done there dear.
Adara: (Stops and looks at Orion oddly then the board. He must have seen the strategy with the knight in place to take his queen when the bishop would be taken and the one behind to make a move as well. She looks up at Orion in confusion tilting her head to the side cutely). I won? Why give up?
Orion: (He has a nervous laugh to losing to her in her first match). Well, you just put me in such a corner that I could not recover.
Adara: (Giggles as she likes the game quite a lot now that she knows the rules and how to make a strategy for them finding those types of games more fun). Can we play again?
Orion: (He sighs as he rearranges the pieces). Well, I’m sure you will not take no for an answer so we can play a few more games, why not.
Adara: (Giggles excitedly jumping in her seat a little reaching over to help reset the chess pieces). Yay more games, I like chess a lot!
Orion: (He grins). Well than I’m glad to hear it dear… Sorry I will not be much of a challenge, but I will be happy to play.
Adara: (Still giggles happily as she finishes resetting the board). It’s ok, you’re still a super strong uncle.
Orion: (He Grins more to the comment). Well then, I can be happy with that to protect you, so it is a fair trade.
Adara: (Nods her head with a big smile as she sits up to start another game. She quiets down to stare at the board already anxious to make up a new strategy to start with now that she understands the game from the start).
Orion: (He sighs as he sits back down and starts to play the game). Well, here we go again. (They play a few more games after that with the result being the same but quicker the more they play. The more they play the game the more it seems Adara is enjoying herself).
Adara: (As they play yet another game Orion notices something about her. When in deep thought or focus she has a little habit. When she is analyzing the board, she bites her thumb doing that usually when as she thinks but Orion just noticing it now).
Orion: (He makes note of it he says out loud by accident). Just like Agni…. (He sighs).
Adara: (Perks up from staring at the board breaking her focus of the game. She looks up at Orion having caught what he had said tilting her head in curiosity). Agni…?
Orion: (He catches himself mid thought). Darn it… Didn’t mean to let that slip….
Adara: (Still looks at Orion with even more curiosity). … Who is that?
Orion: (He clicks his tongue as he realizes he messed up). Well, you see… Its someone your mother and I know… That has a very close habit to yours.
Adara: (Tilts her head more in curiosity wanting to know more resulting in even more questions). What are they like? How do you know them?
Orion: (He sighs as he gives up). Well, he is an interesting character that’s for sure… He has a heavy interest in magic and the capabilities of that… But he is another council member like me and your mother.
Adara: (Looks down as she takes in what Orion says). A council member like you, Aunty Mizu and mama… And magic? (Looks back up at Orion obviously wanting to know more).
Orion: Well… Umm… I don’t think I can talk about this fully… Because I don’t know much more then that dear, I’m sorry.
Adara: (Looks at Orion able to tell he is not telling the truth fully but that makes her more curious with even more questions. It’s obvious she will not be distracted from this being as stubborn as her mother). Why not? Can I meet him? What does he look like?
Orion: it’s just because of reasons dear… And maybe one day you can. (He sighs). He normally wears a type of red robe but has short very red hair and I’m not sure on how to describe it more really.
Adara: (She pauses in thought again looking down. It’s hard to figure out what is on her mind only doing a small nod as she does this).
Orion: Well…. (He looks at a nearby clock). It is time to head back and meet up with your mom. come on now, we need to go.
Adara: (Says nothing still as she hops out of the chair to walk beside Orion holding his hand, so she does not get lost or wonder as usual. What Orion does notice as they walk out of the library and onto the earth city streets is that her mind is focused on something other than where she walks. She is playing with a lock of her own long red hair as she stares at it in her own thoughts besides two words, she says out loud to herself). Red hair….
More time passes and, in that time, Adara’s questions had not faded. She is about 8 to 10 when she decides to finally act to find those answers having gathered what she would need and read what would be helpful her mind having grown so much in the time. She studied seals and experimented on improving them when she would make sure she was alone. It is a night she thinks she is ready having prepared for, for a long time. In the house Shizen had just said goodnight t her with Orion sitting with her in her office in a visit. Shizen has a glass of wine offering one to Orion as they take it easy from the long day.
Shizen: (Sighs and shakes her head looking up the stairs where she had just sent Adara to go to bed). She really is growing quite a bit. No matter what it feels like time passes to quickly. (She smiles with a small laugh as she takes a sip from her glass).
Orion: (He takes a glass from Shizen as she offered). Well, if you insist, I’ll have some… And yes, time go by too fast… whether we like it or not.
Shizen: Even for a spirit it feels like that for a parent no matter what I suppose…. She still is young, but she has so much of an independent nature like I had…. Part of me wishes she was just a little more dependent on me at times but then again, she’s just as stubborn. (Has a smaller smile as she looks down at her glass of wine).
Orion: (He taps Shizen’s shoulder). Well even if she is like that, she knows she can depend on you when she needs to you… You’ll always be there so don’t feel like that.
Shizen: (Looks at Orion feeling reassured). You are right Orion. Seeing her grow gives me a sense of pride as well on the other hand. Even if she outsmarts us a bit often. (Gets another small laugh with a sigh).
Orion: (He smiles). Well, I’m glad that your happy again because you don’t need to be put in a down mood.
Shizen: (Looks down with a small smile still, shaking her head in agreement). To be honest something has concerned me recently I’m not sure how to handle or explain….
Orion: (He looks confused by what Shizen means). What is it Shizen?
Shizen: (Looks up the stairway again). She has started developing her energy more recently since she is around that age.
Orion: (He nods his head in understanding). I see… I saw some of the potential in her when we went to the library together and she made a seal for the first time… Or supposed first time.
Shizen: (Laughs shaking her head no). No, it was not her first time at all. I have suspected for a while now that she hides her little more advanced practice seals and magic somewhere well for a while now.
Orion: (He nods his head). True she told me she didn’t need to do the basics and moved up to the next level. However, what was strange about the whole ordeal was that she tried changing the way it was made.
Shizen: (Looks at Orion surprised and questioningly). You mean she was trying to develop a seal? Even back then?
Orion: (He nods his head). Yes, that is correct… It was like she was modifying it to become better, but it was unstable.
Shizen: (Her smile grows a bit). Well, I have always known she was smart far beyond her years. It’s another thing to be that makes her quite unique and proud of. I just want her to stay safe with her mind’s great curiosity along with it.
Orion: I understand I understand… Seeing a child grow up is a wonderful thing… Yet very bitter at the same time… My apologies if I brought down the mood but I’m sure Adara will be fine because she has you and me and Mizu.
Shizen: Honestly watching her grow I’m more pride filled of then bitter if I think about it. Training her in nature has been quite enjoyable. She picks up the abilities quite well and takes after me quite well in instinct and nature ability. We should make a day for her to show off what she’s learned so far to you and Mizu with plants and animals. She even has taken a liking of a wolf form just like her mother… Though the fur is red, so it reminds me more of a fox. (Laughs as she thinks of the recent events getting a big grin when doing do).
Orion: (He smiles but then thinks for a second). Wait Shizen…. Shouldn’t she be using fire energy as well… I’m pretty sure she knows and wants to learn more….
Shizen: (Sighs but keeps a smile). Yes, she has fire as well… I saw her trying to grow a flame in her hands when she thought she was alone… I think she has the same amount of fire energy as nature… She is both elements with such strong energy with each… I didn’t think that was possible for a spirit… It’s quite amazing. (Looks at Orion again keeping her smile).
Orion: (He sighs). But you don’t want to accept that side of her as well don’t you… Because it reminds you of him, doesn’t it?
Shizen: (Looks down with her smile fading). It’s not like I can teach her that element like I can with nature so well…. I don’t think she has ever even seen a fire spirit In fact…. She asks questions more and more I don’t know how to answer…. She knows she’s different, her hair was the first give away and asking about her father… There’s only one person with such vibrant red hair… And fire… I admit I’m scared of her pursuing it more… I don’t want her to get hurt by him or the fire she has such curiosity and yearning for. Fire is nature’s weakness as well… I’m scared if something goes wrong for those elements inside her… I’m scared for her…. (Looks at Orion once again but now sincere worry and concern in her expression).
Orion: (He sighs as he holds her hands). Shizen… It’ll be alright… She’s a big girl… It wouldn’t hurt for her to at least try to learn her other element… It’ll be alright now dear… Don’t worry.
Shizen: (Sighs and shakes her head to the reassuring words). Maybe I am letting my own weakness with fire cloud my judgment. It is half her being so I know she will eventually act on discovering that part of her… Maybe she will control it like a rare human with their balance… Maybe the unknowing is scaring me too… But I can’t keep her from that side for much longer anyways so one day soon perhaps I should start thinking of telling her the truth of it…. It’s just hard to bring myself to know how to go about it. (She looks down at the gold locket on her wrist opening it to look at the picture with a small smile forming).
Orion: (He sits back down across from her as he takes another sip of his drink). I can understand your concern with it, but I can’t force you do anything but just know no matter what happens she will still be your daughter no matter who is her father.
Shizen: (Looks at Orion knowing he is right and nods). Your right… No matter what she will always be my little baby girl… I know she is curious to that side of her though so I will find some way to tell her at least a little… Then more when she is older. She’s a smart girl so I hope she will understand. (Puts down the locket taking a sip of her wine then looks at the bottom drawer of her desk she had not opened for many years).
Orion: (He glances at Shizen). Why the shift in sights to your desk Shizen? What’s in there?
Shizen: (Her gaze is unmoving from the desk drawer as she goes closer to it). A photo I have not and could not bring myself to look at for a very long time. The same one I replaced inside the locket with something that has much greater meaning.
Orion: (He tries to say something but then backs off because he can take a guess of who the photo is). Well… One day you can look at it again at least in a better way but right now just focus on Adara alright?
Shizen: (She is about to open the drawer but stops with a sigh not able to yet). I want to use that as something for Adara one day to get a better idea of who he is… Was. (Backs away from the drawer and stands with a smile brushing away the sad emotions). I am going to Check on Adara so one moment. Sometimes I catch her reading or practicing her elements magic after bedtime. (Has a light laugh being a little amused at those times as she starts to leave).
Orion: (He nods his head). As you wish Shizen, I’ll wait down here for you to come back down then.
Shizen: Yes, help yourself to some more wine. I will be back shortly. (Leaves Orion to head upstairs to check on her daughter).
Orion: (He sighs heavily as Shizen leaves). Well, I just hope she is going to be ok… I’m worried that she won’t be able to keep together…I hope something changes soon. (He looks towards the draw). Well let’s enjoy the night. (It is a moment of Orion sitting quietly on his own in Shizen’s home office. Something feels too quiet at first but not for long once he hears some sort of commotion upstairs at first not to loud but then sounding urgent and panicked from Shizen).
Shizen: (At first her tone is mumbled and questioning but then next time Orion can hear it clearly as an alarmed scream). Adara…? ADARA!?!?
Orion: (He immediately jumps up and puts his wine down as he rushes upstairs to Shizen). WHAT IS IT SHIZEN!
Shizen: (When Orion reaches Adara’s room he finds only her there in a very frantic and panicked state. The blankets are tossed on the ground and Adara is nowhere to be seen. She looks everywhere in the room and upstairs she can think of with no success in a rushed matter). Adara! Baby girl please answer! If you’re hiding it is not fun anymore!
Orion: (He begins to search around the house frantically as well). Where… Where are you dear!
Shizen: (She starts to look in the closets again becoming more frantic the more she cannot find Adara). Adara! Baby girl! I can’t find her! (Shizen rushes from every place she can think of, but something catches Orion’s eye in the middle of his search. Under Adara’s bed he catches the hint of a faint red glow).
Orion: (He stops Shizen in her panic and points Shizen’s towards the glow). Hold up Shizen it seems there something under the bed that’s glowing.
Shizen: (Looks in the direction Orion point and nods lifting the bed and tossing it to the side, so it is standing against the wall. The red glow is stronger with some green on the edges, but she can clearly see what the complex sealing symbol is being shocked as she backs up). A… A gate seal?
Orion: (He is surprised by her statement). B-but how? It’s an advanced seal to be able to create one and keep it stable after the initial trip… But the main question is… Where does it go.
Shizen: (Still is in shock). An expert level sealing magic… Where did she… How…! (She then is snapped out of her shocked state as the seal starts to go dim and turn off quickly reaching to the ground but being too late and hitting the floor in frustration). Wait! No!
Orion: (He is shocked from the sudden outburst). What is it Shizen! what’s wrong?
Shizen: (Does not respond to Orion staying in that spot as she thinks carefully mumbling a few words in though). A red gate seal… She can’t be…. How would she…. (She then gets a thought as she instantly looks at the stairs then rushes to run down to where she had sat with Orion).
Orion: (He quickly follows behind her as he starting to put the dots together as well). Oh, damnit Adara!
Shizen: (When Orion catches up to her he sees her on her knees looking into the bottom drawer of her desk with a heavy hearted expression). … It’s not here….
Orion: (He sighs as he slides his hands behind his hair as he breathes heavily). Damnit… I want to raise an alarm… But I know we shouldn’t… Damnit.
Shizen: (Looks down with fists clenched). I should have known she would go out to discover that side of her one day… She’s so smart after all…. She probably came to her own ideas long before. (She then stands with her head down as she grabs her things getting ready to leave).
Orion: (He sighs). Should we go to get her… Or should we leave her alone?
Shizen: (Has a determined and motherly protective expression as she swings her bow and quiver on her shoulder). True she is quite good at nature’s skill and instinct to survive but there is no way I will let her stay out there alone. I don’t know where that gate led to but if I must look in every corner of this world I will as many times as it takes… I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to her…. (She then goes to leave the home nothing able to convince her to do otherwise in her worried state. That is increased especially when it comes to Adara and not knowing whether she is safe or not motivating her to rush out faster).
Meanwhile in another part of the world a little girl hops through a small gate seal in the shadows of the fire cities market. She had been planning with for so long and for her seal finally to work was a big moment stepping through. She even had subtly collected red clothing thinking that would fit in better as well as always wanting to wear red but never being able too.
Once she has had hopped through her small gate but her landing, she stumbles and falls out in the market ally rubbing her head from it before getting the chance to look around. Once she opens her eyes to look around, she sees at the opening of the market she looks amazed never seeing so many warm colors as well as the hot air of the climate. The city market seems so busy and the surroundings so different as she looks around amazed. Before she steps out of the ally, she hesitates then shuffles through a leather satchel she had brought along. She finds what she had being looking for and it’s the picture she had found in her mother’s desk drawer. She knows she will have to apologize greatly to her for taking this, but she had done so some time ago. She looks at the man standing next to her mom in the photo studying it being her biggest clue to what she is looking for. She looks at a lock of her hair and out to the people again noting that their hair color is not as vibrant a red from what she observes but there are many people using fire quite casually, something she had been scolded for many times when caught being in awe watching them. She then looks back at the photo again to get back to focus on the task at home then looking at her mom getting a smile. She notices something she had not considered about her other characteristics. She had not considered that her similarities to her mom may cause many problems knowing being recognized could be a possibility. She folds the photo carefully so that only the half showing the man in red with her mom is shown then looks for something to hide her face just in case even if she is over thinking she wants to be careful. After all she does not know anything about where she had ended up but the fire and city appearance being a good sign she is in the right place. She carefully steps out of the ally more and something catches her eye that would work perfectly. Something about it makes her eyes sparkle as it is a red scarf hanging on the side of a market stand full of clothes. She did not bring much money wise and would feel bad just to take its she places all that she had brought with her on the table subtly and takes the scarf and shirt to cover up the green that is left moving away quickly. She had not been noticed being so small thankfully it then carefully wraps the scarf around the bottom part of her face. It covers up to over the top her nose keeping her vibrant red hair in its wild style outside of it. Being hidden enough by the soft scarf she begins to wonder the market in amazement taking in the sights and almost forgetting what she had come there for. After a few moments she shakes out of her wonder and curiosity and starts to look for where she could find the man in the photo. She doesn’t know where to start but knows she should ask someone but just who. She has trouble getting anyone’s attention being a little girl which becomes rather frustrating. She finally decides to be speak up more seeing a man browsing the market vendors to try and ask.
Adara: (Tugs on the man’s cloak to try and get his attention seeing he has short brownish bed hair and a friendly face which encouraged her to try and get his attention). Excuse me… Sir?
????: (The man doesn’t pay attention at first to the comment but then hears a little girl’s voice call to him, so he looks towards her and kneels down). Yes, young one how can I help you?
Adara: (Stands in front of the man with a nod). Can you help me? Where are we mister?
????: (He nods in question as though it isn’t normal for someone to not know). Well, this is the fire city capital of the land.
Adara: (Smiles though it is hidden by the scarf looking around a moment to take in the sights in awe again before asking more). Fire… Thank you, there was someone I was looking for too… I don’t know if they’re here though…. (Looks down in her uncertainty).
????: (He smiles being able to tell that she smiled too). Well, what can I do to help you find them?
Adara: (Tries to think of the best way to describe the man in her photo). Well, he is really red…. (Looks around and sees everyone else wears red too now finding it silly to start with that taking a second to rethink her statement). Umm… Oh! (She then goes through her bag again knowing a much better way to describe the man).
????: (He looks even more surprised that is Lord Agni on the picture). Well, I’m not sure why you wouldn’t know him but that’s Lord Agni. The man that represents the fire element in the council.
Adara: (She turns the photo back to her to stare at it in wonder, her needing to know becoming more). Agni…. (She then looks up at the man anxiously, jumping a little from it as the questions become many). Can I meet him! Where is he! Oh, what’s he like!
????: (He points towards the capital castle in the middle of town). That’s where he resides. It’s for council members to live but also, he takes audiences whenever he has time at least. He does come into town sometimes from what I have heard.
Adara: (Looks over to where the man points seeing the building and how similar the structures look to a fort and nods). Thank you, sir. (With that and after a bow she starts to walk in that direction leaving the man to stand at the market giving a thought of how odd her eye color seemed. It also comes to mind why she was wandering alone being too late to realize this in concern for a young girl to be alone).
Adara walks on her way determined to the building pointed too not being noticed very much because of her height. As she walks there becomes less people leaving the market and shop district with more guards on street openings doing a daily patrol. Most pay no attention to her but when she walks closer to the fort like council building, she is blocked and sent the way she came being told Agni has no time for visitors in this time there. She is frustrated by not being able to convince them but one thing they do tell her that makes her more determined to get in is that Again is indeed in the building at that time. She moves away from the heavily guarded streets to a smaller darker one with much less people and lit with torches. She looks at the flames for a second being amazed by them whenever she sees one and then looks at the large fort above carefully analyzing the structure in focus for a way in. She then gets a smile seeing many of the windows dark and closed but one bright and looking like a probable way in. It is one of the tallest windows, but her determination pushes her to go to the side of the wall, staying away from the guards being surprised how some can be so unobservant. She looks both ways once the guards move away making her eyes glow green as she looks up to the very far up window being many stories high. It takes a moment but her lessons with her mother pay off as a thin vine grows up holding onto it carefully. She slowly lifts herself up covering a giggle, so no one hears her making sure she is on the shadowed part of the wall. She finally makes it to the window climbing in and catching her breath before she can look at where she had ended up. Once she is able to look around her eyes go wide to find she is in a well-lit study with many shelves of books covering the walls. It is like an office and a library room combined making Adara’s excitement and wonder get the better of her. She looks at the desk with a chess set being curious of the notes first that lay scattered on it. She probably should not go through someone’s things, but her curiosity guides her to amazement seeing seals she could have never imagined seeing. The notes and calculations on the seals she cannot help but study being so in awe of such precise and complex work. She starts to work on the equations to understand them and make her own calculations to the ones unsolved and slightly miss solved being amazed how challenging they feel. She then looks to the bookshelves in more awe never seeing such books at the libraries back home. The books are beyond what she has read and rare with concepts beyond the few expert level ones she could even get her hands on let alone hide from her mother. She starts to take out ones and hold them like she would at a library browsing through them to study all she can. She then spots one out of her reach but being too interesting to walk away from having a symbol for fire on the binding. She does all that she can to reach up and grab it, but her height is a clear disadvantage to her goal. She goes on her toes to try reaching up again being to determined and focused to pass it up not noticing the study door opening behind her.
Agni: (He is walking towards his study nearby he notices a little girl stretching up to reach a book. He sighs as goes towards the little girl and helps her by grabbing the book for her). Here you go young one… If you need help, make sure to ask the staff around here alright?
Adara: (Is at first startled by him but then turns around and seems to be in speechless awe looking up at him oddly. It can also seem like being star struck finally meeting him. Now Agni gets a good look at the girl now staring up at him. The lower half of her face is covered by a red scarf wrapped around her and her eyes oddly deep green for a fire spirit. Her hair though is a bit wild and long but as vibrant red as the rest of her cloths being red as well as she already is holding quite a few complex books that she is not focused on as she was a second ago). … Whoa….
Agni: (He is mostly surprised by the look of amazement on the girls face and seems to become more intrigued as well as though he has seen those eyes somewhere before). Well … Why are you here by yourself and wearing the scarf like that? I do believe it isn’t that cold in here for that type of clothing. Where are your parents?
Adara: (Holds the scarf onto her face protectively so it’s not taken off once she snaps out of her awe slightly). No, my scarf. (Shakes her head no a bit stubbornly as well).
Agni: (He sighs as he pulls his robe back so he can sit down in a nearby chair). Now, now I wouldn’t take it, but you really shouldn’t be here by yourself young one.
Adara: (Places the books on desk finding and taking a seat on the other side of the desk swing her legs a bit since they do not reach the floor). No, it’s ok. (Agni still can see she is looking at Agni closely in wonder then glancing down not seeing the photo she glances at from her bag).
Agni: (He tilts his head trying to see what’s inside the bag but gives up on it as he pays attention to the young girl paying very close attention to him). Well can I help you miss? You have been staring at me quite intensely, it makes me wonder if there something on my face? (He says with a small laughter and smirk).
Adara: (Becomes embarrassed and looks down saying quietly). I just heard about Agni from my books, so I came here…. (The look of wonder and curiosity returns looking at Agni).
Agni: (He smiles slightly from the comment). Well right now I am here. What can I do for you?
Adara: (Brightens up a bit having a little more confidence to her statement). Well, I heard that you are the grand master of fire and magic and were a super genius. You developed so many seals and magic’s in your books and I ran out of those, I want to know more! I’m never allowed to read the books though and wanted to know most about… Fire…. (As she was in the middle of her excited rant, she realized she had stood in her chair being so into what she was saying. She quickly quiets and sits down with a blush but also realizing if she had talked further, she would have given away the biggest reason why she is there).
Agni: (He just starts laughing uncontrollably as he pets her head). Now no need to be embarrassed, it’s understandable why you would be excited… But I’ll be happy to tell you as much as I can about the wonders of fire magic… Though I think you would know some already being born in fire area?
Adara: (With that last statement she looks down with a small shake of her head no). Only read it in book. (She opens her palm to concentrate on it. There are a few sparks before the flame forms but seeming a bit unstable how it flickers as if it could be blown out by a breeze).
Agni: (He smiles at the attempt). Well, I will gladly help teach you some things in the library, but I must know who you are little one?
Adara: (Looks up at Agni in surprise but that also puts out the flame. She has trouble thinking of a reasonable answer so instead bluntly blurts out the first thing she thinks of and relating to words around her that she instantly regrets). … Ahh… Umm… An assassin! (After blurting it out seeing a book on the shelf with that word she covers her mouth instantly. She looks down on herself for saying such a silly answer hoping it does not cause her any trouble being deeply embarrassed now).
Agni: (He pauses at the original statement but then starts to snicker a bit). Well, well an assassin than… Well, you had quite a way of introducing yourself than my little assassin.
Adara: (Pouts a little crossing her arms). I could be, they have cool outfits too… I just don’t feel like it because you have really cool books and fire stuff.
Agni: (He still smiles from the thought). Well, well an assassin that doesn’t want to be an assassin. That’s quite exciting in a way.
Adara: (Is not sure of what to say so just grins and nods. Something does catch her eye climbing up from the back of Agni’s chair to the top of it by Agni’s shoulder. the creature seems to be a small red dragon that Adara can’t help but giggle too it seeming to have a goofy attitude from what she can hear from it).
Agni: (He smiles again). Well, well I guess you met my little friend dragon here. How does he look to you?
Adara: (Looks at Agni questioningly then giggles more). You named a dragon Dragon? (Waves hi to the dragon who straightens and stretches its small still useless wings proudly despite his small size breathing out a puff of smoke as well).
Agni: Well, yes, I did because it just didn’t seem right to name him something else, so I went with it. And now Dragon, don’t show off now. (He says while petting Dragon).
Adara: (Giggles able to tell what Dragon’s responses are seeing him curl up onto Agni’s shoulder comfortably to be pet). He’s a small dragon that acts like a proud giant fire dragon like in the stories.
Agni: (He sighs). He has always done this because he feels that powerful though that doesn’t change the fact he is still so cute. (As he pets dragon).
Adara: (Giggles once again as Dragon climbs down to the end of the desk to inspect her. She pets his head Dragon seeming to like her quite quickly, especially with the compliments). Hello Dragon, it’s nice to meet you to. You’re a very handsome dragon too. (Dragon rolls over to have its belly rubbed making Adara giggle more as she pets him).
Agni: (He smiles as he sees Dragon act like this). Well, well this is the first time I’ve seen dragon act like this with anyone. This is quite special indeed.
Adara: (Is busy playing with dragon laughing as it does a small breath of fire to show off. As Agni watches them his eyes go down to his seal and calculation work on his desk. Something is off about it as it seems someone has written into his work).
Agni: (He sighs). Well, I’m sorry little one… But I must be going now… I have work to do… Research and development needs to be done. Come on dragon time to get to work.
Adara: (Has a frown as it seems Dragon has the same in protest. She looks around not wanting to leave quite yet, wanting to know more. Especially about him and that side of herself. Her eyes fall upon a chessboard beside them gaining a small smile). You like chess too?
Agni: (He looks at the chess set). Well, I could play a few games, why not. It can wait a few minutes.
Adara: (Her smile grows with her eyes light up as she moves over in her seat to sit by the chess set). Are you good at playing?
Agni: (He snickers a little as he rubs his nose). Well, well I can just say I know my way around a chessboard.
Adara: (Has a small smirk hidden by the scarf). I guess I’m ok at playing too… But if I win you have to spend more time with me, and I can visit you whenever I want to learn about fire and magic.
Agni: hmm… I do wonder indeed though I do guess that you would still come by anyways… But alright sure let’s play a few games.
Adara: (Just smiles as she starts the game off each one moving piece by piece. It seems Agni has the upper hand with that game having more pieces on the board as the game continues. Her pieces seem surrounded as she bites her thumb moving the rook forward seeming very outnumbered. The room becomes in the direct path of Agni’s queen though to be taken).
Agni: (He smiles as though he seems to be winning but Adara manages to turn the game around greatly and very suddenly). Well, well I guess I lost this one aye? Well let me try to repay you in full little one!
Adara: (Giggles finally having not been as vocal of her skills in the game able to tell now that she’s smirking under the scarf as she first had captured Agni’s queen with a knight. Then after that her strategy had become clear to late as she captures the king with her queen in the first game Agni had lost that he can remember and finding it a challenge actually making it quite exciting for both of them). Checkmate!
Agni: (He is taken a bit back still). This is quite interesting for sure.
Adara: (Still smirks from the victory a bit of sarcasm along with it). I guess I win? (The books to the side Adara had collected makes Agni pause being expert level books as well, something someone Adara’s age should not even be close to understanding).
Agni: (He smiles as he picks up a book and examines it closely). Such high stuff for a young one as yourself.
Adara: (Smiles seeing the book in Agni’s hand with her great interest showing clearly). I never knew books this high in level existed. I always had to make up seals changing up the simple ones just to figure out the new improved seals. It really is fun and with endless possibilities!
Agni: Well, I can appreciate the time you put towards that than because creating seals from normally used ones is quite a feat not to laugh at.
Adara: (Looks at Agni slightly lost but does a small nod). There’s just so many things you can put together in a seal. There so limitless and yet with needed precision to function properly. It’s amazing! (He can tell there is an excitement and passion she has in the subject starting to draw a seal out as she explains herself).
Agni: (He hands the book back to Adara). Well than let me help teach you everything you could know or at least attempt to gain a better understanding of it all.
Adara: (Nods her head eagerly as she holds the book close to her). Whoa really?… Can we play more games like chess too?
Agni: (He thinks for a second). Well, why not but we will see when I can teach you. Right now, I must be going after this next game.
Adara: (She starts to reset the chess pieces). Yay another game. This is the first time I met someone who is a good challenge. (Giggles a little with a small smirk).
Agni: (He smirks). Well then don’t get upset when you lose little one! (He gets the board ready for another game on his side).
Adara: (Starts the game having won the first one as both go into a focused and analyzing mind set. They both take the game seriously with Agni having the upper hand this game both thinking many moves ahead of their current turn making it a fair match).
Agni: (As the game goes on it appears to be even but then it begins to go into Agni’s favor again). Well, it would seem your queen is coming down from her throne now little one.
Adara: (As her queen is taken by a knight she must pause saying as she is forced to move her king). That’s check then…. (Something breaks her out of her concentration as she had been biting her thumb being her habit when in deep thought or focus. She looks over at Agni closely noticing he has been doing the exact same habit as she does. She looks down at her thumb in thought then picks up a strand of her vibrant red hair looking to Agni’s hair as well. She sees his hair red is just as vibrant as hers though having some slight grey from his age. She always had felt so different with how her hair stands out or how her mind seems to analyze things weirdly to others. She thinks on this more taking focus off the game and looking down as she says very quietly to herself). He really is my….
Agni: (He doesn’t hear the young one fully). Wait what was that miss? Did you say something?
Adara: (Looks at Agni but it seems her emotions are getting the most of her as tears form slightly at the edges of her eyes. It looks like she is struggling to say something to him but at the same time cannot bring herself to say it).
Agni: (He stops what’s he’s doing). Miss are you alright? (He says with heavy concern). Do you need me to get something for you…?
Adara: (Is about to say what she really wants and feels she needs to in her emotional state). Da-. (But she stops as someone knocks on the study door loudly to interrupt).
Agni: (He sighs). One moment young Mis… It will only be a moment I promise.
Adara: (Only looks down with her hands clenched in her lap as Agni answers his door to one of his guards).
Guard: (Respectfully salutes as the door opens). Sir we have a report from the council that may be urgent, but we do not have much information as of yet.
Agni: (He sighs). Really now of all times. I was just in the middle of a good game of chess.
Guard: My apologies lord Agni but all the council members are being notified of a possible rampage caused by the nature council woman on her own. Our territory seems to be in that path.
Adara: (Ducks her head sheepishly overhearing the guard saying quietly to herself). Oops….
Agni: (He sighs greatly now). Great here we go again… Alert the cities to move out of the way knowing how she is. She’s upset over something.
Adara: (As Agni is talking with the guard, she starts to gather her things to leave quietly so she is not noticed. She does make time to write a small note standing it on the knight chess piece on his side of the board).
Agni: (He sighs as he keeps talking to the guard trying to figure things out). Alright lass let me- oh she’s gone now… Hmm I’ll probably be seeing her again. (Dragon looks out the window like someone had rushed out that way. The only trace she had been there was a note left on the chess pieces saying, “I look forward to another game to break our tie”. He smiles a bit towards the note). It seems that this tie will last quite a while…. (He laughs A bit as he goes to sit back in his chair).
Adara looks out to the fort from a tree branch as she had reflected on the past as well. She looks down with a frown obviously wishing things had turned out differently… And that she had been able to tell him so many times… Maybe it would have changed the outcome today even. She stares at the locket her mother had given to her around her neck, holding it carefully knowing how much it means to her.
Adara: (She sighs shaking her head brushing away the sad feelings and a few tears for now hoping the next few turns do not turn out how her instincts tell her). Please let things work out… And maybe even change a little… For the better….
Meanwhile Shizen has sat next to Rowen telling him all that she knows of her past and Agni and what Adara had told her from her own side of things. She sighs having finished the story looking down unsure of Rowen’s reactions to it.
Shizen: … And I believe that is all of it… All I struggle to tell of my past as well…. (She sighs once again feeling some weight off her now that she has told everything. She wipes her eyes and now looks to Rowen though still downwards who has held her hand throughout hearing the story, staying silent until she had finished).
Rowen: (He breathes in and out heavily as he brings his thoughts together). Well… That was quite a lot to take in all at once… Something I didn’t expect to hear… But I still will stand by you and that will not ever change.
Shizen: (She looks up at Rowen more with surprise as tears form once again but more in relief in her heart now hearing Rowen as her hand tightens on his). Really…? Even after telling you all this… You’re not mad… Or upset… About any of it…?
Rowen: (He shakes his head no). Well, I couldn’t say that… It makes me slightly upset still… But my love for you and respect for you overpowers any negative feelings.
Shizen: (Looks at Rowen becoming a little overwhelmed as tears start to spill looking down again as her emotions get the best of her having to take a moment to let it all out).
Rowen: (He pats her head). There, there it’s alright to let it all out my dear. Just never forget that I love you always.
Shizen: (Still has many tears as she tries to wipe her eyes. She looks at Rowen with a great smile as her emotional state seems more out of a relief and happiness when letting it out). It’s funny… I was the one who probably wanted that love feeling the most but never could find it… Maybe I was too desperate in my search for that feeling… But when I let go of that and faced that past… And shame and let go… I guess that’s when I found it then… That great feeling… That love I wanted so badly….
Rowen: (He smiles as he keeps holding her hand tightly). Well, I was like that as well maybe when I lost my late wife… So many things were different when she was gone… I was ignorant of love itself… But now… Being able to experience it again is exciting.
Shizen: Two different ways of loss of hope in that but still finding it somehow. Looking back, I know I pushed to have that feeling too hard… I know now that never works… I should have known when that mark as a mate never stayed…. (She reaches to pull on Rowen’s shirt collar a little then looking at Rowen with a genuinely loving smile). And now it seems to stay… My true mate.
Rowen: (He kisses her gently). Well, you are mine as well… So, we will make the moments last as best we can.
Shizen: (Kisses back just the same with a sincerity in the gentle love filled kiss). It took me quite a long time to learn that but those experiences are what helped me so I could make these moments with you now… And make sure there are many more to experience.
Rowen: Well even if these moments do not last, I will keep loving you and appreciate the moments but for now I don’t want this moment to ever end.
Shizen: Things will get hard with such events… It’s all we can do is savor these moments and bonds… This love… I just wish those young ones were not involved in this so deeply but that is too much to ask… We’ll make sure those young ones have more memories to have and a better future… We will do everything in our power for that… Not let their moments end either…. (Her hand on Rowen’s holds more reassuring for both of them as she puts her head on his shoulder the worry still in her mind since this started).
Rowen: (He kisses her head). Well, we do not want them to be put in danger but at least they are growing and becoming stronger but let’s head back…. I love you my dear Shizen.
Shizen: It’s funny… Becoming a mother that becomes the most important thing in your world to protect with all the power you have… But at the same time your proud when you raise them to stand up strong yet are there is they ever fall still… It’s a sense of pride seeing them grow you can’t help but grin at… I hope one day you can understand that fully too but also know that there is a part of you that already does now with these young ones… The child and your little butler apprentice… It’s a great feeling seeing any of them grow… But yes, let’s head back to them… I love you too Rowen. (Gives Rowen a kiss as they leave the area hand in hand).
Shizen heads back to their temporary camp for the night with some weight lifted from her mind at least. It is starting to grow dark as night approaches leaving only a red glow in the otherwise dark sky from a distant volcano. It is in the fort that Yami is kept that it has been quiet most of the afternoon but a tension in the air with that. Agni stands in one of his smaller studies staring out the window. He is waiting but also gathering his thoughts for what he will say knowing there are some things for Yami that will be hard for him to hear. He has a hard time with it himself even, finding it hard to admit his own failures and this being his biggest still not facing it fully out of a pride and the goals that drive him. He does not know how long he had been staring out like this but as the sun had set, he waits for his guards to bring Yami to him. He hears the door behind him open with one of the guards announcing their presence.
Guard: (Knocks and salutes Agni before entering with another guard and his apprentice Talia in back of them all. Yami is in front of him looking away as he sees Agni now). Sir we have brought the prisoner you wanted to see. However, he continues breaking out of the handcuffs and the door had been unlocked by him without escape attempts when we retrieved him. Should we take extra measures to prevent this from this one?
Agni: (He sighs as he hears the news). It’s fine no need for the extra work but still… Young Yami you shouldn’t be like that you know?
Yami: (Before Agni knows it Yami swings up with his fist to hit him in the jaw and cheek in anger but is restrained harshly by his assistant Talia before he realizes or reacts to it).
Talia: (Her head is down in shadows as she holds Yami’s arm behind his back harshly to make sure it hurts). Do that again and I am not sure you will be able to perform what lord Agni requires of you….
Yami: (Growls slightly but it stops feeling something sharp against his back making him stiffen knowing the whispered threat is no joke).
Agni: (He sighs as he signals for Talia to stop as he rubs his cheek). It is fine stop now Talia… We shall keep a close eye on him, but it is alright for now.
Talia: (Looks to Agni her expression softening). Yes, my lord…. (She twists Yami’s arm a bit harshly before letting go and leaving). Shall the guards keep at the doors for more attempts then? I would advise not being alone with this one now. (Glares a cold stare at Yami).
Yami: (The cold stare makes him go on edge more as he scratches his back and stretches his arm out). … He deserved it.
Agni: (He signals for the guards to leave as one of them helps them up). Yes, that shall be fine but Talia, I want you to check on the results of the latest test. I want to make sure we are still on schedule.
Talia: Yes, lord Agni. (Bows respectfully before leaving with the guards giving one last warning glare to Yami).
Yami: (Still has a off feeling about Talia seeing her leave as he finishes stretching out his arms from the sudden detainment). What’s her problem?
Agni: (He looks back to his notes). Well, she is very dedicated to her craft… Sometimes a bit more dedicated than she should be.
Yami: (Raises an eyebrow to the statement). Seemed more obsessed about you but whatever. (Shrugs as he leans against the wall near the window with his arms crossed. His expression turns into a glare staring at Agni, the clenched fists and gritted teeth showing he’s trying to control himself from giving out another punch).
Agni: (He sighs as he notices the expression). I need you to calm down now. No need to be so hostile.
Yami: (His tone is still unchanged). Haven’t given me a reason not to be so what do you expect?
Agni: (He sighs as he sits back to his desk). True but well enough that you know why I took you and the master plan of mine. (He says with air quotes). Yet your still here.
Yami: (He looks up with a frown). Said I wanted answers, didn’t I? What would be the point of leaving when you promised that? You owe that at the least after everything you’ve done?
Agni: (He nods his head as organizes his notes). True I did but I’m just surprised you believed me. Regardless of if your still here then we shall proceed as plan.
Yami: (Looks at Agni more irritated). Never said I would help with whatever your stupid plan is… Would need to trust you for that and we’re far from that.
Agni: Whether you trust me or not now would be the only chance you have left to get away from this. I warn you… It would be the last chance you having a normal life.
Yami: Normal huh…? (He then looks down at his hand as he absorbs a little darkness into his palm with some sadness showing in his eyes he forgets to hide briefly). I’m not sure what that is exactly….
Agni: (He smiles as he gains an opening). Well, there’s only one way to find out because… With my research and your abilities, you would no longer need to sustain an outside energy or even someone else’s… It would sustain by itself.
Yami: By itself…? (The moment showing weakness fades as he goes back to a cold glare at Agni). And how could I trust you can actually do something like that. Look what happened to my dad… Because of you he became a monster… And we were hunted like one too! What makes you think I can just forget that! Chances at normal are a joke because of that! (His fists are now clenched tightly and goes into a more fighting stance with anger out of the pasts pain in his expression directed fully at Agni as he takes more darkness from his surroundings).
Agni: (He sighs). Alright now calm down… I know what I did in the past and the results it had on you and your family… I know everything… But your father also volunteered to do it remember… He wanted to help his family… But the tests were too much and the results… Well, the results I regret so you have right to be angry. But I would say I can fix the mistake today.
Yami: (Pauses in a more confused manner, clearly not knowing any of what Agni is saying but it’s clear how much it troubles him). What do you mean… Everything…? I don’t understand… Any of it… Why is this happening… Why did he… Why…. (Grits his teeth as he looks down in his struggle trying to make sense of it through his own hurt).
Agni: (He sighs as he sees the confusion in his expression). It’s fine if you don’t understand now… You will understand when I show you everything we will accomplish today.
Yami: (Gets a more frustrated impatient expression). That’s not telling me anything. I told you I wanted to know everything! … Everything that happened. What went bad… He never came home… He promised… I want to know what happened… Why… I need to know…. So stop jumping around it and just tell me! I don’t give a shit about what you’re doing until then! (Looks at Agni with a expression showing how greatly he needs to hear these thing).
Agni: (He hands Agni some notes he has written down). Well look over these notes… And it will help some clarification at Least… It will give you a sense on how your father was trying to help my research.
Yami: (Hesitantly takes the notes into his hands and looks down at them. He is quite as he stares down at the notes, but it seems as if he is struggling with something his hands clenching on the papers).
Agni: (He seems confused at first). Wait… Can you not read Yami?
Yami: (Looks at Agni seeming to get defensive and lie quite obviously). H-hey I can!
Agni: (He sighs as he takes back the notes). Fine let me see it. I will read it to you so you can understand everything.
Yami: (Crosses his arms looking away with a grumpy expression as he mumbles). Fine… Didn’t feel like it anyways.
Agni: (He laughs a bit towards the stubborn expression). Yes, whatever you say Yami.
Yami: (Still has a stubborn expression for a moment but it fades as his curiosity of the notes grows. He looks at Agni to say something from them, needing to know).
Agni clears his throat with a cough then sighs as he begins to recall one of his most regrettable mistakes. It takes him back to when he had first approached Izumi. It was the anniversary of his wife, Hitomi’s death where the family as well as others had gathered to honor her memory and mourn her loss. Izumi stays in the area of memorial and grave with her name written in the stone sending their three children home with Nagi and Shiro to watch them as offered. He needed this time to himself to grieve the biggest loss in his heart still feeling as painful as the day it had happened. He is kneeled by the grave with his head down in sorrow, not sure of how he can keep doing this without her and staying strong for their children most of all. His mind is closed to the surrounding in his day of mourning but if he had he would have known a presence was beside him not speaking up quite yet in the quiet out of respect.
Izumi: (For the few moments before he takes notice of the person talking all he feels around him is darkness and despair as though he has lost his own life just before his very eyes. He doesn’t know how to feel even though his children are safe and healthy…. He doesn’t know how to feel or act but just grieve. He hears a voice again and again as though it is getting louder in his ears just ringing as he brings up his head up and see’s Agni behind him as he is holding an umbrella to help cover Izumi from the rain that he had not notice). Oh… Lord Agni… My apologies for not noticing you… I swear I had seen the sun begin to dim… Time just passed me by… Again, my apologies…. (He looks back to the grave).
Agni: (He is silent for a few moments as he sees a broken man before… Who has almost given up on everything just because of who he had just lost…? Not that he could blame him).
Izumi: (After a few more moments of time passing with silence and the sound of rain all around them). What brings you here lord Agni? I didn’t think you would know about me or my wife… Well past wife anyways. (He turns back to the grave when he says this).
Agni: (He unsure how to answer fully but he brings up something). I had heard about your wife through Nagi… And though you have my deepest sympathies I wanted to bring an idea towards you… And it seemed like the better time to tell you now before you surround yourself in darkness or despair… But there’s a chance to come home again… The full home.
Izumi: (He is silent keeping his head down). How is now the best time? (He says with a bit of anger in rebellion because of the loss of his wife) … With all due respect lord Agni… But now would be the worst time for this… Please… If you only came to do that than please leave… I would rather be alone right now….
Agni: (He sighs as he sees dark energy gather around Izumi). No… No this would be the best time because… It would stop you from falling down deeper in a darker hole… Please just hear me out…. I want to help bring your wife back…plea-.
Izumi: (He stands up and suddenly strikes down with his weapon next to him stopping Agni mid-sentence). NOT NOW! There is no way to bring her back nor is there a way to replace her…. I don’t want to hear your crazy ideas! That’s enough Agni!
Agni: (He wants to snap back as well but he knows he shouldn’t right now… It would only bring negative results). no… It’s never enough… It will never be enough because it could lead you back to her…. Listen to the anthem in your heart… You want to believe in my words! I know you do! So, believe in me when I say I know the feeling of everything crashing around you! just listen to me… Please… I only want to help.
Izumi: (He is silent for a few moments, but he knows Agni is right… He wants Hitomi back more than anything else…. His heart is aching, and he just wants to see her again at least one last time…. He feels broken but not broken enough to not at least try) … Fine… But only for a few moments.
Agni is able to get Izumi’s attention long enough for him to explain the details of his plan of trying to help spirits become more sufficient in sustaining themselves and not become reliant on humans anymore. He wants them to be able to give them independence and not have that shackle that they have dealt with. He wants them to be free and live strongly. Not be missused and abused from a “contracts” to survive in the human world. He also states that Yami could be able survive on his own without being a danger to anyone else allowing him to live a normal life…. As well as harness an energy of one to gather from its faded state once again possibly. Izumi clinging to the hope he hears readily agrees not just for the possibility to see his wife but also for his youngest son to have the normal life he wants for him…. This results in many long hours and days away from his three children Kuro, Kura and Yami making sure that he does everything possible to be a whole family once again. It is the day before they will do the final test they had prepared for. The same night Kuro had comforted him about his going away mysteriously with Kura and Yami at their big brother’s side. Yami starts to remember something clearly having anger toward the memory before but now recalls it now as Agni goes over his side of the events. His last words and actions to his father before he had left their home then for the last time.
As it is the middle of the night Izumi takes a hooded cloak and looks like he is about to go somewhere not telling anyone but as he has everything, he needs he is heading for the door when he notices a 3-year-old Yami in a bedtime black onesie and holding a red blanket standing on the side watching him as he rubs his eyes.
Izumi: (He kneels). Yami… Why are you awake? I thought you were sleeping in your bed with Kura and Kuro.
Yami: No sleep…. (As he is absorbing dark energy into him keeping him awake as he looks up at Izumi wondering where he is going). Where going? I go with.
Izumi: I’m going to meet up with a friend of mine to talk to him about some things and no you can’t come with. I should be back in an hour or so. Go lay down with your brother and sister alright?
Yami: (Goes over to the door grabbing his little jacket on the side of it being stubborn). No go with dada.
Izumi: (He smiles but sighs). No, no Yami… I promise to do something special for you tomorrow… Anything you want alright?
Yami: (Looks up at Izumi with a upset expression taking a bit more darkness from around him as he gives Izumi his red blanket and starts to head to his room) … Come back.
Izumi: (He smiles and gives Yami a quick hug). I promise I will. Don’t have to worry about that. Now goodnight Yami.
Izumi leaves the house after sending Yami off to bed again meeting with Agni in the directed location. Plans seems to be going smoothly and that hope drives him more every moment he help Agni until this day which should of been the day they would accomplished their greatest goals. Izumi readily steps into the large seal on the ground waiting for it to start but first looks down at Yami’s favorite red blanket gripped tightly in his hand.
Agni: (He sighs as he sees Izumi). Are you sure we are not getting into this step to fast? We could take small steps to say the least….
Izumi: (He doesn’t respond at first but steps onto the seal wanting his wife back or at least allow his children to live normal lives). No Agni… It’s fine, let’s get on with it… I’m ready to deal with any problem that will arise… As you said before I’m listening… But this time to the melody in my heart. (The seal seems ready to activate as Izumi approaches the middle. It awaits to be awakened by Agni who stands right outside of it).
Agni: (He is silent though he appreciates his resolve before he completes the seal finally, he says one thing to Izumi who has helped him the best he can). Thank you, Izumi, for everything… I’m sorry if things don’t work… But again, thank you for trying and to help the spirit world…. (As the seal is finished it starts to activate taking a moment before it seems to be working as planned and Izumi can feel his dark energy go into the seal and mix into it).
Izumi: (The process seems to be going correct he can feel the energy mix correctly. It goes through many different colors and variations but then suddenly the energy seems to be taking shape around Izumi as though it’s fighting him). Ag… ni… It’s not working… It’s going against me….
Agni: (immediately hearing that he begins other seals to seal off Izumi’s energy. He wants to save him…. How could he handle saving the spirit world if he couldn’t save one of his friends…? But the more he tries… The more it seems to be ineffective). HOLD ON IZUMI, IM GONNA KEEP TRYING… JUST HOLD OUT! (He keeps doing everything he can even trying to burn the seal away. Agni finds that he cannot go through the seal now as though a barrier had formed around that area keeping them separated).
Izumi: (As this is happening Izumi starts to feel a slight pain that grows starting at his feet. Looking down he can see darkness cover and swirl that area and start to go up his legs along with that increasing pain. He begins to feel the pain boiling up and as the dark energy climbs up his body, he holds tightly on the blanket but then covers it in his own energy in order to preserve it). … Agni… I’m not going to make it…. Make sure this blanket gets back to my son…. He needs it to sleep… I don’t want to bother Kura any more than I have…. Please make sure… Tell Kuro… I’m sorry I won’t be there when he gets older… Tell them I love them… I’m sorry….
Agni: NO! YOU CAN TELL THEM YOURSELF! COME ON NOW DONT GIVE UP! (He starts slamming on the barrier with his own energy to destroy it but it’s only breaking slowly but it’s clear it won’t be fast enough).
Izumi: (The dark energy continues to swirl and cover Izumi’s body the pain becoming more intense along with it reaching a server limit. It becomes unbearable as most of him is covered with the dark energy the last to be seen is his face and his hand that grips onto the blanket. The blanket slips from his hand’s grip when covered in the energy and the last thing he can see through the pain is the blanket flying away in the energy’s wind…. The blanket floating away from him along with his promise to Yami).
Agni: (More and more he hits the barrier as it finally gives out as he sees a smile on Izumi with a small tear…. He falls to his knees in sadness and frustration as he failed to save a father only trying to help his family) ….
Izumi: (The energy covers Izumi fully after a scream and a few seconds’ pass. That is when then energy starts to violently lash out mixing with Izumi’s own energy. All that remains to be seen of Izumi is his form covered in the darkness with glowing red eyes changed to anger and rage as he starts to absorb the darkness around him greatly as it takes control of him. The violent energy had turned its direction on the everything surrounding it and grows quickly).
Agni: (He doesn’t sense the complete danger from the energy beast in front of him, but he doesn’t care about this because it isn’t the results he wanted and at the cost of it. He pulls out his scythe and provokes the beast to fight him). Come at me… I’m not letting you leave….
Izumi: (No matter what Agni does fighting the energy covering his form it always seems to reform and become stronger the more darkness it absorbs. It is then realized that he cannot contain this for long by himself or even defend himself against it… And how dangerous and destructive this energy is seeming as there seems to be no slow in its growth, in fact it accelerates… Begging the question how big this energy could really grow… How much could it destroy if it is an endless power being pulled into one spot is not stopped… Could it result in an explosion…? Or destroy everything he tried to improve)?
Agni: (In his fits of rage and unable to control his emotions he blazes out with his flames and attacks with as he feels all his work crumbling before him. The flames only make the energy worse as they spread throughout the land. He finally looks around to see the damage being caused he then sees other energies clash the energy covering Izumi as he sees the other council members first rush in to try and stabilize the matter not realizing it had spread to send alarm that quickly… Then again, he cannot recall how long he had been fighting but knows it had been long enough that he had lost a large amount of his energy and some wounds in his rage. As the area turns into a full war like battlefield around him before he knows it. He watches destruction happened before his eyes and he still can shake off losing Izumi and then all of this…. All of his is destroyed before his very eyes as he just falls to knees from built up exhaustion as screams out in frustration…. He didn’t want this…. He only wanted to help build a better future…. Not see it burn before him).
The fight continues as he falls from his exhaustion. He can remember watching the destruction and some yells as others are forced back and wounded especially from Izumi’s brothers. He also remembers waves of water trying to save the land and a painful scream from the woman controlling it as the waters seems to have dried, not that he recalls seeing it…. Only recalling it now after his rage…. Only hearing it echoes in his mind each one being another regret…. The last thing he remembers through his exhaustion is a great darkness and light that covers his blurred sight in a flash before blacking out again now knowing it was Nagi and Shiro’s final acts. Once he comes to, the battle had ended though wounded still are being laid out to tend to where he wakes and others mourning great losses. He hears of Nagi and Shiro’s loss from others only adding to his greatest regrets. He also hears of another critically injured council member…. It’s Mizuko catching a glimpse of her being heavily bandaged and unconscious but unable to look for long out of deep regret…. Especially hearing it was his fiery rage that caused this… That burned her. He walks through the city as he struggles holding himself up because of the sheer exhaustion. Still in his body moves forward as just looks at the destruction he caused…. He cannot bear to even look at the citizens that adore him…. He feels cold and full of despair at the sight of the destruction he caused. He is unsure of where he walks but then realizes it is towards the center of the devastation caused… Where Izumi had met his end. It’s hard to look at the area now being in rubble but notices a faint red sticking out under some of the ruins nearby. Upon arriving he breaks himself out of his trance of despair and sees the faint red. He then heads towards that red hoping it is something comforting. As he gets closer, he sees that it is red fabric of some sort. It is stuck under some heavy rubble though but a memory of something Izumi said and what he was holding comes back to him. He remembers the blanket that Izumi used the last of his energy to protect as he grabs it and takes it back with him.
The past fades as Agni had told his side of the story to Yami…. His deepest regrets and how everything had gone wrong. Yami had through all this time that Agni was a monster who meant to destroy everything he had known… But no… It was an accident…. He doesn’t know what to think looking as at Agni but stares having a big feeling that he is telling the truth… With a pain twisting in his chest.
Yami: (Stares at Agni still with an expression of being in shock, not able to say a word for a good few moments at least once Agni had quieted. In His shocked state though through processing he does have tears that flow down his face becoming heavier with each second. He is only able to mumble out one word through his emotionally shocked and pained state). … D-dad….
Agni: (He begins to tear up as well as his hand covers his eyes but can’t see that recalling this entire thing has been a pain). Everything that had happened I do blame myself… And maybe I could have done things better especially in my act, but I didn’t want to involve others… I became someone to others I didn’t want to be, but I saw no choice. I was given hope by your father, and I still have a promise to keep. (He opens a drawer in his desk and Yami sees a glass case with a red blanket inside of it with scratches and burn marks on it but still mostly intact). I still must give this back to you.
Yami: (He looks down at the blanket in shock. His hands very hesitant and shaky as he takes it into his hold. The shock finally turns into even more tears as a breakdown starts. He slides to sit against the wall holding the blanket to his face as he cries heavily into it).
Agni: (He smiles as Yami has gotten the blanket back finally. He stands up and starts to leave the room). Come find me later and we can discuss more…. (He leaves the room and signals everyone outside to not go inside and to leave Yami alone).
Yami: (Now alone he is clutching the blanket tightly in his arms as it finally hits him fully grabbing his head and letting out a yell of emotions crumbling to the ground realizing the hate he had for his father and what he had done was not really how he had thought it was. As he breaks down curled up against the wall on the ground as he says in loud cries now blaming himself more than ever). Dad… I’m so sorry… I hated you for so long because of that… Thought you were a monster that abandoned us this whole time… Not trying to help us… Me… If it wasn’t for me everything would… I’m so, so sorry… I didn’t know… I’m sorry… I’M SORRY!
?????: (In the distance of the room Yami hears a voice that’s familiar yet comforting). Yami… Yami my dear son… It’s ok… It’s ok… No need to be sorry.
Yami: (He lifts his head to the voice looking around but not seeing anyone… He recognizes the voice so well though as tears still flow heavily from his eyes). … D-dad…?
?????: (Dark energy orbs begin to flow around the room) yes Yami…. I should be apologizing a lot…but I know there isn’t alot of things I did right…. but I still loved you
Yami: (Cries out looking up at the dark energy as he lets out his emotions…). No, it’s my fault! … You wouldn’t have done that if it wasn’t for me… You would have been happy! I took mom away from you! I was just a burden to everyone around to exist! … Because…. (He looks down at his hand haven’t not noticed all of the energy he greatly absorbed then clenching his fist and gritting his teeth). I was all because of me all this happened….
?????: No, no my child… Your mother wanted you no matter the risk because she wanted you to live happily and have a nice family… But in my blindness, I didn’t know what to think… That is my fault… I’m sorry I couldn’t help you like that family dream that you wanted… But I’m sure you have a new family now… I would hope so because you’re a good boy Yami… Just stop blaming yourself and live happily for me and your mother.
Yami: (Still cries heavily but looks down wiping his eyes). How…? I just don’t want to keep hurting people… I never can control it… I don’t know what to do… I keep fighting and trying… And it always happens… I can’t stop it… It hurts… I don’t want to hurt them anymore… I caused so much already. (Grabs onto his chest feeling an emotional hurt and pain there).
?????: (The dark orbs begin to give off a warm and soft light slightly comforting Yami as though he is embraced from a familiar figure). No, it’s… Alright Yami…. You only want to live happily, and you can do that… I believe in you… Just believe in yourself and stop having that self-doubt that plagues your heart.
Yami: (Leans into something that is similar to feeling like a comforting hug, needing that most of all as he cries into its shoulder. His eyes are squeezed shut so he does not see that nothing is there so he can focus on the feeling). … It’s hard… I just want things to be better… I don’t know what’s the right way to do that without someone getting hurt again… I want things to work out and go to that happily living stuff… I miss it… I miss being a family… I wish I got to know what mom was like too….
?????: Your mother… She was true wonder… She was everything to me. She was wonderful… She was kind and very pretty… I’m sure Kura looks just like her…. I bet she’s very pretty just like her mother… But don’t be afraid anymore… It’s ok… Do what you think is right for the family you have now… For the people the matter the most to you… Do what you think is right.
Yami: I want to protect them too like they try to… Maybe one day stop fighting and struggling just to try and have all that stuff… And mom sounds like she was really beautiful… Kura sometimes changes her hair and eyes blue to look like her… If she is anything like how Kura tells, then she must be amazing and beautiful…. I wish I could have gotten to know and see her like everyone talks about…To… Have all… All the family… Moments… There fun… Missed those most with you… And Kuro too…. (His eyes squeezed shut relax though still stay shut as he starts to relax. He is surprised to feel a presence at his back. Feeling it like a mother would cradle her child to calm him down from his cries and sleep as he feels himself get sleepy from it, hearing a woman’s voice humming a lullaby). That… Songs nice…
?????: (The orbs begin to fade slowly but as the warm feeling still lingers strongly). Well, it’s the same song your mother sang every few nights to help you sleep while she was carrying you… But right now, it’s time to relax Yami… Just believe in yourself and your new family.
Yami: (For the first time he feels himself drifting off to sleep, not with a night terror but a calming presence cradling him… Not feeling this feeling since his mother first held and calmed him… The only time he ever really was able to sleep peacefully… Even if it is not long that feeling helps him rest for at least tonight).
Agni hearing a quietness finally peaks into the room seeing Yami where he had sat crying now laying on the ground with the blanket clutched tightly in his hands and wrapped around him like a young child holding a stuffed animal to calm him in order to have a peaceful sleep seeing that in his sleeping face too.
Agni: (He decides to go check on Yami since it seems things had calmed down. Upon opening the door and entering his study again he sees Yami asleep soundly for probably the first time in quite a while). Well, it’s finally time to catch some sleep young Yami… But let’s hope you have decided to do what you wish.