- Created By Ryo or Demon
BAHD Chapter 10: Apocalyptic Angels
Blah...I hate and love this chaoter at the same time. I hope it's ok... Ryo-san ______________________________________________________ Apocalyptic Angels Chapter 10 Leo stared blankly at the ceiling. Sleep wouldn...Chapter 8: Head of the Razada House
As usual, sorry for being so slow...
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The Head of the Razada House
Kaira held the small baby dragon close to her, gently rubbing it's stomach. It purred and squeaked happily as she did. Ryo smiled, watching Kaira have fun with her new pet. Steel glanced at Ryo, then at Kaira.
"You know what'll happen to her if Kain finds out," Steel said lowly to Ryo. Ryo's face fell.
"I know...hey Leo..."
"Yeah?" Leo asked, looking at Ryo.
"When we get to the Razada House, pretend like Kaira's your daughter, okay?" Ryo asked. Leo gave him a slightly surprised look, but understood.
"Yeah, okay." Ryo turned to Kaira. Taj and Kyo walked on either side of her. Taj occasionally glared at Kyo, but Kyo ignored him.
"Kaira...listen to me," Ryo said seriously. "When we get to the Razada House, you can't call me 'Dad', all right? You need to pretend like Leo is your father."
Kaira's eyes looked sad when she looked up at him. "Why?"
"Because..." Ryo said, feeling slightly like a jerk, "This place is a lot different than Hollow. There's this man, Kain, he's in charge of it...just pretend you and Davis are brother and sister, okay?"
Kaira nodded. "Okay, but...what's wrong with Kain? Isn't he like my Great-Grandfather or something?"
Ryo lowered his eyebrows. "I wouldn't say that..."
The path sloped upward more and more the higher they went. The climate was different higher up. The wind blew harder and was much colder.
"Once we get past this hill..." Steel yelled back at the group. "There'll be a valley, a big one. In the center of the valley is the Razada House..."
"Well finally!" Dimi said loudly, "I can't wait to sleep on an actual bed!"
"Who said anything about you even getting a bed?" Kalon said harshly, breathing hard. Traveling upwards was the hardest for him, due to his smoking habits and his lungs. He stopped to rest again, letting the group get further and further ahead of him. He leaned over, resting his hands on his knees breathing hard. Dimi looked back at Kalon with sympathy. He walked back and offered Kalon his hand.
"What do you want...?" Kalon asked angrily.
"To help you, you're falling behind," Dimi said simply. Kalon gave a soft laugh. He stood up straight and walked past Dimi.
"I don't need your help Water Sprite..." he said in a cold voice. Ryo saw the sad look on Dimi's face. He couldn't understand why Kalon couldn't get along with Dimi, even when Dimi was sincerely trying to help Kalon. After Kalon refused Dimi's help, he fell behind again, breathing hard. Ryo sighed and walked back to him.
"Here..." Ryo said, extending his hand to Kalon. Kalon looked at Ryo's hand, then lowered his head.
"Why does everyone think I need help?" Kalon said.
"Because you do. Dimi's right, you're falling behind." Ryo said. He grabbed Kalon's hand and helped him up. "The least you could do is accept help when you need it."
Kalon's eyes widened slightly at Ryo's action, but went right back to his cold , hard face. "Fine..." Kalon muttered beneath his breath. "Just don't tell him you helped me. I don't need that damn Water User thinking I'm gonna accept him or anything."
Steel stopped walking when he reached the top of the hill. The wind was calmer here, and the cold wasn't as severe. Slowly the group reassembled around Steel, looking at the valley between the Mountains. Kalon and Ryo reached the spot last.
"This is where you guys were born?!" Dimi exclaimed to Leo.
"Yeah..." Leo said quietly. He didn't want to be here. The valley was green with forests of trees with hills and fields of grass. A small lake was in the center of the valley, fed by small streams running down from the higher mountains. On the far side of the valley they could see where the pass continued to the other side of the mountains. Ryo stared at the valley in slight amazement. He'd never seen the valley from high up like this. He almost thought the view was beautiful, until he saw the Razada House near the lake. It reminded him of everything that had ever happened there, and it stole the very beauty from the grand valley.
"After living in Hollow, it's hard to believe a place like this thrives just across the Dead Lands..." Davis said quietly. "Are there other places people live outside of Hollow? Besides this valley?"
"Of course there is..." Steel said, he sounded almost too calm. "Hollow's just a filthy, low-life country, hardly worth existing. The entire country isn't worth as much as this small valley..." No one liked what Steel said about Hollow, but no one said anything against it either. Steel watched the calm valley a second longer, than slowly started walking downhill, towards the path that led to the House. Everyone followed suit, but Ryo hung back, hesitant. Every part of his being wanted to wait for Steel to simply come back with Roxanne. Kaira stopped, and looked back at her father, noticing he wasn't moving with everyone else.
"Dad...?" Kaira asked. "Are you okay?" Ryo snapped back, realizing Kaira was talking to him.
"What...yeah, I'm fine," he said. He gave Ryo the Dragon a small pet before walking on.
"How come you don't like it here? It's so beautiful," Kaira said.
"It's not the valley..." Ryo said.
"I know you don't like Steel, but he is your father...don't you like him for that?"
Ryo scoffed. "No, I hate him..."
"Then why are we all following him?"
"I don't know...I really don't." Kaira looked down at the sleeping dragon in her arms.
"How come Steel always calls you 'Demon'? I hear him call Uncle Leo 'Lion' sometimes too..."
Ryo tried thinking of a way to explain it to her. "Well...those are our birthnames...Ryo and Leo are just our nicknames. We used them as our real names when we left a long time ago..."
"Oh..." Kaira said slowly. "But why would you leave? What's wrong with this place?" Ryo didn't answer her. He knew she would find out on her own eventually.
"Welcome to the Razada House travelers. It's good to see you back Steel," a maid said formally when they reached the gate. She took a look around at the tired, dirty people, and smiled. "You will all be offered meals, as well as rooms and baths if you wish. The Razada House doesn't receive visitors often, but we will work hard to make your stay comfortable!"
Steel smirked at the attention he was receiving. He took off his overcoat, revealing his white shirt beneath it. He also removed his gloves, fully revealing his metallic right arm. He gave them to a servant, who quickly left to return them to Steel's room.
"Show our guests their rooms," Steel ordered the maid in a suave, but demanding way. "Tell Master Kain we have arrived, and I have brought the Twins with me."
"Yes sir," The maid said, bowing slightly.
"Demon, Lion, you come with me..." Steel said over his shoulder. "We need to get ready for our audience with Master Kain."
"How come you can't come with us?" Caza asked, surprising everyone that he talked.
"Because...we probably still have our own rooms..." Leo said, following Steel and Ryo into the House. "We'll probably see you later..." Leo left them alone with the maid.
"If you'll follow me, I'll lead you to your rooms," she said kindly. She led the group into the House. The house was definitely old. The floors were all made from wood and the walls were white. Lanterns hung from the ceiling, lighting the dark hallways in the twilight of the setting sun. She led them past a hallway that had all of it's windows and doors open to the garden that was full of flowers and blossoming plants. Koi swan lazily in the small pond.
"This place looks expensive...." Ken commented quietly to the group.
"No kidding...it's not as fancy as the palace in Hollow, but it has an air of nobility to it," Jim said. The maid led them up a steep flight of stairs then to the left. The hallway ended there with five rooms.
"You may all stay in these rooms," the maid said politely, bowing to them. "You may decide among yourselves who will stay in what room. Each room has two beds, a sink, towels and robes, a desk, and a lovely view of the garden. The bathhouse is just downstairs and down the hallway to the right. How long will you all be staying here with us?"
Everyone gave each other a questioning look. Steel had ordered them all not to speak a word to anyone about where they were going or what they were doing. He had told them to only trust a maid named Roxanne.
"Are you Roxanne?" Jim askd politely.
"You're looking for our Roxanne?" the maid said, surprised. "She's busy attending other matters, but I'll be happy to fetch anything you need."
"Oh no, thanks," Jim said, giving her a smile. Caza lowered his eyes at his son. He didn't know where he learned all of his manners from. The maid gave them one last bow before leaving them alone in the hallway. Everyone looked at the five room. They had to split them among the nine of them, which ment only one person got to have a rom alone.
"I think Kaira should get her own soom since she's the only woman." Kyo said. Kaira flushed sligtly at being called a 'woman'. Everyone nodded, with no real objections.
"Thanks Kyo," Kaira said as she went into the room closest to her.
"Me and Kyo will have this room then," Taj said taking the room next to Kaira's. He wasn't going to let Kyo out of his sight since Kaira was staying by herself. Kyo shot Taj a bad look, but said nothing. He wasn't going to leave Taj alone either.
"We can share this room Dad," Jim said, taking the next room. Caza's face remained emotionless as always as he entered the room with Jim.
"Me and Davis will take this one then," Ken said, taking the second to last room. This left Kalon and Dimi alone in the hallway with one room left.
"I've gotta room with Dimi?! This is bullshit!" Kalon yelled.
"Aww, come on Kalon!" Dimi said happily, putting his arm over Kalon's shoulder. "It'll be like back at the orphanage, only this time we have actual beds!"
"Shut up! And get off me!" Kalon yelled, shoving Dimi away. "I'll trade roommates with anyone!" Kalon yelled at the different rooms. No one answered back.
"It won’t be that bad Kalon! Look, we have our own separate beds!" Dimi said, opening the door and looking into the room.
Kalon growled, pulling out a cigarette and putting it in his mouth. He shoved past Dimi into the room, setting his bag on the bed farthest from the window. He lit his cigarette angrily, taking in a deep inhale of it.
"Come look at the garden Kalon! It's huge!" Dimi said, leaning out of the window. Kalon had half the mind to shove Dimi clean out the window. Dimi drew his head back in, and frowned at Kalon's cigarette. "You shouldn't smoke Kalon! You should find some other way to relieve stress."
"Shut up Dimi! You're the reason I have stress!" Kalon yelled, taking another puff of his nicotine and laying back on his bed.
Dimi collapsed on his bed the same, staring up at the ceiling. He sat quietly, trying to think of something for him and Kalon to do. "You wanna go down to the bathhouse?" Dimi asked, turning his head towards Kalon's bed. Kalon sighed. He wanted to, but not with Dimi. But he figured they find one of the others down there, and he could shake Dimi off on one of them.
"Sure why not?" Kalon said halfheartedly. They left the room and headed down the stairs to the left the way the maid had told them. They entered the men's side and exchanged their clothes for towels before heading into the showers. Dimi played and manipulated the water like a child before following Kalon out to the sauna rock pool.
Caza, Jim, Ken, and Kyo were already in the rock pool. Kyo was the farthest away at the far end of the pool sitting alone with his eyes closed.
"This place is awesome!" Dimi said looking around at the pool before slipping and falling in. Kalon ignored Dimi.
"You should learn to be more quiet in calm places like this, Dimi." Caza said quietly, not opening his eyes. Dimi submerged himself up to his nose and blew bubbles.
"Why would Leo and Ryo leave a life like this behind?" Ken said, relaxing back against the edge of the pool.
"Who knows?" Kalon said. He rested his head on his crossed arms on the side of the pool. "They were probably snobby rich kids or something who wanted a taste of a real life."
Taj and Davis entered the pool area. Kyo opened one eye to see them walk in. "Oh great...it's the gay brigade..." he said under his breath. Taj spotted Kyo off in his own section of the pool, and walked over to enter the pool by him. When Taj got in the water, Kyo stood up, grabbing his towel. "Damn it, I knew you were pissy, but I had no idea you were gay too!" Kyo said, getting out of the pool.
"In your dreams!" Taj yelled back, furious. "Even if I was gay I wouldn't go after an asshole like you!"
Kaira sat alone on the girl's side of the pool, leaning against the tall wooden wall that separated the men's side from the girl's. On the other side she could hear the men arguing with one another, especially Dimi and Taj. "Why do they have to be so noisy...?" she said softly to herself, looking up at the stars.
"The Master will see you all now in his throne room, and he wishes to meet you all and introduce yourself." the maid said after everyone had gone back to their rooms. "If you'll follow me I'll lead you." The group followed.
"When do we get to eat?" Dimi asked.
"Your dinners will be delivered to your rooms while you meet with the Master," the maid said. She led them down the stairs to the far end of the house. She opened the door to a large room and motioned for them to enter. A throne of marble and gold stood empty at the far end of the room, with Steel standing in it's shadow, his arms crossed. Steel wore a long, white robe lined in dark maroon that completely hid his metal arm. There were eleven mats on the floor near the door where the maid motioned for thm to sit. They carefully knelt on the mats given to them and waited in silence, the way they were ordered to by Steel that morning before entering the Razada House.
"Where's Leo? And Ryo?" Dimi asked out loud, receiving bad looks from everyone.
"They'll be here," Steel said sternly, his eyes telling everyone to remain silent.
The door behind them opened and everyone turned to see who it was. In the doorway stood an older man with long gray hair and slight facial hair. His robe was identical to Steel's, but had red and gold linings. His face was slightly wrinkles and his eyes were a fierce red. He walked slowly past his guests, hardly taking notice of them. Behind him were two people. One was a man with longer, white and black spiked hair and light red eyes, wearing a simple white shirt and pants. The other was a woman with long brown hair that reached the back of her knees and red amber eyes.
The older man turned to his guests once he reached his throne. "These are the people you've brought with you Steel...?" he said in a deep, strangely unsettling voice.
"Yes Father," Steel replied. Everyone in the room gaped at Steel. They'd never heard Steel talk to someone like that before, and none of them ever imagined Steel with a father. Kaira and Davis stared up at their great grandfather nervously. A smile slowly worked it's way across the old man's face. But it wasn't a nice, welcoming smile, it had a darker meaning to it.
"Welcome..." he said in his unsettling voice. "To the Razada House. I am the Head of the House, Master Kain. You’ve meet Steel, as well as Lion..." Kain's eyes scanned the room, not seeing his heir. "I thought you said you had Lion with you Steel..." his voice was almost threatening.
"They're both here," Steel reassured him. "They'll be along shortly." Kain made a hmph sound then approached the one closest to him: Dimi. Dimi started sweating with Kain so close to him. kain sikply stood, looking down at the blue-haired man.
"Well....introduce yourself!" Kain said loudly, sounding ominous.
"I'm Dimi! A Water User!" Dimi said quickly. Kain said nothing to Dimi and looked at the one next to Dimi: Taj.
"I'm Taj...Dimi's son..." Taj said in a low voice. One by one all them introduced themselves and their ties. Kaira remembered to pretend that Davis was her older brother and Leo was her father. Kain listened to them, hardly paying attention until they were all finished.
"This...." Kain said, motioning for the man with black and white hair to come foreward. "Is Nayota, the oldest son of Steel. Nayota nodded his head at them. "And she is May, Steel's only daughter." May gave a small curtsy from her place against the wall. Everyone was surprised. Leo and Ryo had never mentioned having an older brother and sister.
A knock on the door echoed throughout the room. Kain smiled, showing his teeth. He looked young to be a grandfather, but he had an air of power about him thta took the warmth from people's heart.
"Come in..." Kain said loudly to the door. "Lion...and Demon." He turned and walked to his throne and sat down. The door opened to reveal Ryo and Leo, standing side by side. Their appearance surprised everyone. Leo wore a white shirt missing the left sleeve, revealing his left arm tattoo, and white pants, all lined in red. Ryo's outfit was identical, but black with green lining. His shirt was missing the right sleeve, revealing his right arm tattoo. They both walked and knelt on the ground, ahead of the rest of the group, closer to Kain's throne.
"Hello Grandfather..." they said in unison. He looked down upon them. Kain stood back up and slowly approached the twin in red and white.
"Lion...you've been gone a long time. Stand up." Kain said in a tone that sounded almost kind. Leo did as he was told and stood up. Ryo remained kneeling, his head bowed, looking at the floor. Leo stood perfectly still as Kain slowly circled him. Everyone else watched in pure silence, not daring to speak.
"You've grown into a fine young man Lion...just as I imagined. I knew one day you'd come back to us." Kain said, sounding satisfied with what he saw.
"Thank you Grandfather," Leo said in monotone.
"It's a shame..." Kain said, sighing. "We sent Bella home when you two failed to get married at eighteen. You broke her heart."
"I'm sorry to hear it." Everyone in the room sat rigid. The aura given off by Kain made them all nervous, and on guard. Kain then turned his attention to Ryo, still kneeling.
"Demon! I thought I'd never see your unholy being back in this House," Kain laughed.
"I'm sorry Grandfather," Ryo said, doing his best to sound monotone and keep the hatred out of his voice.
"Look at your little brothers! They've grown up quite a bit haven't they?!" Kain said to May and Nayota. Neither said nothing. Kain's voice sounded mocking. "Imagine my surprise Demon..." Kain went on. "When my son came home, missing an arm...and my heir was missing." From the midst of his robes, Kain drew a long sturdy bamboo shoot. Kaira gasped. It was the kind used to beat people with.
"Fetch Roxanne," Kain said to May. May gave a small bow then left the room. The Head of the Razada House continued to circle Ryo, fingering his cane. "You always were the trouble child, Demon...always looking at things you shouldn't...look at me."
Ryo remained kneeling, frozen. He did not lift his head. Kain gave off a cold, mocking laugh.
"I see you remember your place..."
Everyone in the room, watched Kain in disbelief. They now understood the aura they each felt coming off Kain. It was cold, and cruel, like a dark abyss. There was no real compassion or sympathy in his heart. The door behind them opened, and May walked in. She was followed by another woman, slightly younger than Ryo. She wore the gray maid's outfit, and had blonde hair and green eyes.
"Come here Roxanne...kneel with Demon," Kain said, tapping the floor next to Ryo with his cane. Roxanne quickly went next to Ryo and knelt next to him. She smiled at Ryo, but he ignored him. "Say hello Demon, Roxanne's been waiting a long time for you," Kain mocked, smiling.
Ryo turned his head slightly to Roxanne, but didn't look at her. "Hello..." he forced himself to say.
"Hello Ryo..." Roxanne said quietly, sounding happy. Kain took amusement from Ryo's humiliation in front of everyone. He raised the cane, and brought it down upon Ryo's back swiftly. Everyone in the room flinched from the crack emitted from the cane striking Ryo's back. Ryo flinched from the pain, but remained kneeling. Kaira had her mouth covered to stop herself from screaming. No one in the party could hardly believe they'd just seen Ryo get struck by his own grandfather.
"Where have you been Demon?!" Kain demanded raising his hand again.
"Hollow," Ryo answered, flinching from getting struck in the back again.
"Why did you take Lion with you?!" Kain raised his weapon again.
"He came with me," Ryo said, getting struck again, this time, the cane cut through his shirt, and his back started bleeding slightly. Kain raised his hand again.
"Kain." Steel said stepping forward. Kain gave Steel a sharp look, but slowly lowered his hand, looking at his guests, all staring at him with fear and hatred.
"You have my leave to go..." Kain said to them, turning back his throne. "Roxanne, return them to their rooms..." Roxanne quickly stood up and ushered everyone out of the room. Steel took the cane from his father.
"I will beat him," he said, and slowly approached Ryo, still kneeling on the floor with clenched teeth. Leo remained where he stood, looking down at his brother with pity. Nayota and May stared on, not saying a word on protest. Neither of them had sympathy for Ryo anymore. Their love for their youngest brother had died when they turned eighteen.
Steel stood behind Ryo, cane in hand. "I will beat you hard..." Steel said quietly, so only Ryo and Leo would hear. "So he will not beat you harder..."
Busy Busy Busy
I'm sorry that I'd been so busy lately. I've been doing 10 hour days at work for the past few weeks and haven't finished ANY of the many sketches I started.
but now I only have two more weeks left at work, and I'm back to a normal schedule!! ^^ Hopefully I'll get some work done around here!
Sorry for being so slow and unresponsive. I haven't abandoned the site, I've just been busy T_T
BAHD 7: Foot of the Mountains
I've been busy lately, so little time for updating and responding ^^"" Also I'm working on a massive meme that takes up a lot of time.
As usual, sorry if this is hard to understand!!
(Ending portion is probably my favorite)
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The Foot of the Mountains
Chapter 7
Taj walked with Kaira ahead of Kyo, fuming. He always knew Kaira was just a nice person, but why him of all people?
"Why'd you bring him with us?" Taj asked Kaira.
"He's all alone out here, I don't want him being alone..." Kaira said, looking back at Kyo. He stared back with blue eyes. Kaira blinked and looked away. She could have sworn his eyes were silver before.
Everyone looked up in surprise when they saw Taj and Kaira return with a stranger.
"Who's that?" Davis asked Taj when he angrily sat next to him.
"I don't know! It was Kaira's idea to bring him with us!" Taj said angrily.
"This is Kyo!" Kaira announced happily, pulling Kyo along with her to Steel. "He's all by himself, so I thought he could come with us."
Steel looked Kyo over once, disapproval on his face. "We're not bringing anyone with us who'll slow us down." Kyo looked towards Taj, who was still glaring.
"What Element does he use?" Kyo asked, mentioning Taj.
"Taj? He's a Water User," Kaira said.
"I'm a Water User too..." Kyo said, smiling, he turned back to Steel. "How about you test me against him? If I win, I'll come with you, and if I lose, I'll leave." Everyone stared at Steel expectantly. Taj couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"If it suits you," Steel said lowly. "Have at him."
Kyo smirked, instantly summoning the power of Water. Before Taj had a chance to move a geyser spouted beneath him, throwing Taj into the air. Kyo focused harder on the Water once Taj was suspended in midair above everyone else. The water surrounded Taj and trapped in a giant sphere of water, hovering above everyone's head. Everyone was surprised that Kyo was able to dominate so easily against Taj. Dimi stood watching his son, eating his pot sticker.
"Aren't you worried for your son at all Dimi?" Leo asked.
"No, I'm not worried about him. I taught him how to hold his breath!" Dimi said almost too proudly.
"Hold his breath?! For how long?" Dimi stopped and thought for a moment.
"Last time I checked it was only about five seconds."
"Five seconds?! What kind of father-figure are you?!"
Dimi took a proud stance. "The thin kind, with blue hair! And I look damn good in these clothes too!"
Kyo summoned another geyser beneath him. The geyser erupted in water, sending Kyo flying gracefully through the air. He unsheathed his sword, and drew the blade across Taj's prison water sphere. The sphere broke apart and Taj fell through the air, hitting branches of trees as he did. Kyo landed gracefully in a tree. He flipped out of the tree and landed effortlessly back in front of Steel before Taj could hit the ground.
"I like him," Ken said, smiling at Kyo.
Steel gave off a small, deep chuckle. He's arrogant, Steel thought, But he's definitely skilled in what he does. He could prove useful to me...
Kalon laughed at the sight of Dimi's only son defeated. "Who needs cigarettes? This is awesome!" he laughed. "I think he should come with us!"
"He is," Steel said.
Taj slowly sat up drenched and feeling humiliated. His forehead was still trickling a small stream of blood. Dimi slowly walked over and looked down on his son.
"I can't believe I let a guy like him beat me so easily..." Taj muttered to his father.
"Don't worry Son! You'll always be a champion in my eyes!" Dimi said with his trademark smile. Taj looked up at him with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"Really?"
Dimi snorted a laugh. "No! I was just trying to make you feel better!"
"Dad! How about a little emotional support!"
"What was I supposed to say?!" Dimi asked. " 'Great job coming in last Son'? 'I'm proud of you and your kicked ass'? 'Keep on losing'?" Taj looked down in shame. He hoped Kaira wasn't as disappointed in him as he was.
The next day Steel had them all moving at dawn. He led them into the forest where they found a small grassy trail that led further upward into the mountains. Ryo walked slowly, Kaira holding onto his arm with Kyo on her other side. She always seemed to happy and full of life, Ryo wasn't used to it. Taj walked slower than anyone, falling behind at the back of the group. He walked alone and stared at the ground, grumbling to himself.
"Demon," Steel called back. It took Ryo a moment to remember Steel was referring him, and he looked up. "Walk with me." Ryo gave Steel a hard look, but joined him at the head of the line.
"Your father can use all of the Elements?" Kyo asked Kaira, mildly surprised.
"Yeah, as far as we know, he's the only one," Kaira said, watching her father join Steel. She looked up at Kyo and noticed his eyes were a deep violet color.
"What?" Kyo asked when he noticed Kaira staring at him.
"Your eyes are violet," she said. "But...first they were silver, then blue, now they're violet..."
"Oh...it's nothing. They change colors all the time."
Kaira looked back at Taj at the very back of the group. No one was walking with him, not even his best friend Davis was talking to him. Kyo noticed her concern. "I'll go..." he said, and slowed down to meet Kyo. Taj gave him a bad look.
"What do you want?" Taj asked in a cold voice.
"I'm sorry to burst your bubble back there," Kyo said. Taj didn't appreciate the pun. "And I didn't mean to immaculate you in front of your girlfriend." Taj glanced ahead at Kaira, walking with her cousin Davis.
"You mean Kaira?! It's not like that!" Taj said quickly.
"Really?" Kyo asked lightly, looking ahead at Kaira as well. Taj saw a spark of interest in Kyo's eyes when he looked at Kaira. Kaira saw them staring at her and smiled, walking back to join them.
"Are you both better now?" she asked Kyo. Taj grew more furious at Kyo's interest in Kaira, and threw a punch at him. Kyo barely dodged Taj's fist, and caught it with his own. Kyo gripped Taj's fist, looking slightly surprised. Taj's confidence fell.
"Oh shit I lost the element of surprise! Go get someone quick!" Taj yelled at Kaira. She quickly ran ahead to get Ken and Davis, while Kyo punched Taj across the jaw. Taj fell to the ground, with Kyo on top of him, holding him up by his cuffs.
"What's the matter with you?!" Kyo demanded. Taj punched Kyo in the jaw and rolled over and forced Kyo down.
"You know why! You have no right--" Ken tackled Taj off of Kyo, and slammed him into the ground. Kyo got up and joined Ken in hitting Taj.
"Get off him!" Davis said, grabbing Ken from behind and dragging him away. "We're all traveling together! You could at least act like adults and try to get along!" Ken shoved Davis off before walking away calmly, like nothing had happened. Kyo stood up by himself, casually dusting his clothes off.
"You shouldn't be such a pissy little bitch," Kyo said to Taj before walking away. Taj glared at Kyo with pure hatred, rubbing his chin with the back of his hand. Davis offered his hand to help Taj up.
"You know, you did start it..." Davis said bluntly, helping Taj.
"Shut up," Taj said. "It wasn't my fault..."
At the head of the group, Ryo looked back and briefly saw the end of the fight. He wondered if Kaira ever suspected anything.
"We need to talk about Kain, Demon," Steel said, not looking at Ryo or Leo. Both of his sons walked on either side of him.
"What about him?" Ryo said.
"When we get to the Razada House, we're all going to have to face him."
"I'm not going back there," Ryo said. "Are you Leo?"
Leo looked down in thought. "I don't want to," he said simply. Steel smiled his wicked smile.
"All of us are going to have to meet him. And I need you two to help if we want to get the Lightning User." Steel said, smiling. Ryo gave him a curious look.
"Who's the Lightning User..." Ryo asked slowly.
"Oh, come one Demon. You must know who I'm talking about." Leo's eyes grew slightly.
"You're not talking about Roxanne, are you?" he asked.
"Roxanne?" Ryo said. "Roxanne is our Lightning User?"
Steel smirked. "Correct. We need to convince Kain to release her from service to accompany us."
"But why Roxanne? Isn't there someone better than her?" Ryo asked.
"I thought you liked Roxanne?" Leo asked curiously. Steel remained silent.
"Well...I do, just, not like that!" Ryo said, angry Steel wouldn't answer his question. "But why her?"
"Because...." Steel continued. "She was the best. And our job required the best in every Element."
"What are we even doing Steel?" Leo asked. "We've been walking for days, and none of us even know what we're doing following you!" Steel considered this for a moment, his dark maroon eyes wandering.
"I'll explain more after we get Roxanne," he said. "But for now, I need both of you to cooperate to get Kain to release Roxanne."
"What would we have to do?" Ryo asked, miserable.
"Both of you will have to face Kain. Lion will ask for Roxanne to join us, and Demon..." Steel looked into Ryo's green eyes. "You'll have to do whatever Kain tells you to." Ryo didn't say anything. He wanted Roxanne to be released, but he wasn't thrilled about working for Kain once again.
"What excuse can I use to convince him?" Leo said.
"I told him I was collecting seven of you to bring to Camaria before I left," Steel said. "You won’t have to say much. His mind is deteriorating at his old age." Ryo and Leo both gave Steel a sideways glance. Steel didn't appear to be much older than them, but they both knew he was much older.
"How old are you Steel..." Ryo asked cautiously.
Steel looked at Ryo, his eyes were dark and menacing. "That's nothing for you to be concerned about Demon."
Steel stopped walking and looked to his right. Everyone stopped and stared at him.
"What is it?" Jim asked, looking to the right as well.
"There's a dragon," Steel said quietly. "Just there..." A deep growl came out of the forest to their right. The ground started to shake, gently at first, but grew into a violent quake. The earth exploded just right of the path, scattering the party in different directions. A great serpent slithered from the hole made in the explosion. It was huge, with a snake-like body covered in sapphire scales. The head was shaped like a dragon with a snout and horns growing from its head. It looked around at the humans around it and growled deep.
Kalon let out a laugh. "This just keeps getting better!" he yelled, pulling on his leather gloves.
"Father, no!" Ken screamed, but it was too late. Kalon ran at the dragon's hide, his fists glowing with the energy of Earth. He punched the dragon in the side, his fist digging deep into the dragon's scales, and making the body shift in his place from the impact. The dragon roared, and took in a breath. It exhales deeply, fire erupting from its mouth. Kalon dove behind boulder, the flames barely missing him.
"Idiot!" Ken yelled at his father.
"Shut up!" Kalon yelled back, still dodging the flames.
Kyo saw an opening in the Dragon's neck, and pulled out his silver sword. He leaped on the dragons back, and ran towards the neck. At the right moment, Kyo summoned Water eneryg to his sword and gorged it between the dragon's scales on the back of its neck. The sword sunk slightly in between the scales, but not deep enough. The scales shifted from the dragon's movements, and the pressure cracked Kyo's blade down the middle. Kyo cursed before flipping off the dragon's back. The dragon roared again loudly, tossing its head trying to dislodge the shattered blade in its neck.
Steel stood a distance away, gazing at the magnificent beast his army was battling. It was an Elemental Dragon of the Mountains. Extremely rare, but of no use. They could not be tamed, and only reaped havoc upon humans.
Ryo focused on summoning the Element of Fire. He focused the red energy into a beam of power that he fired at the Dragon. The energy beam struck the dragon's back, but did not wound it. The Elemental energy reflected off the dragon's scales and was sent flying in scattered directions.
Kalon punched both fists into the ground bidding the Earth to form spikes that moved along the ground towards the Dragon's back. Dimi summoned a violent torrent of water, and sent it flying towards the Dragon's left side. Caza muttered a small incantation, and a whirlwind of blades was summoned, and swiftly headed towards the dragon's right side. Leo muttered his own incantation, and a great tornado of fire was sent at the dragon's front. All four attacks struck the dragon from different sides at one. The Earth spiked shattered against the dragon's scales, the flames failed to scorch, the windstorm broke apart once it hit the dragon, and the water splashed against the dragon's scales, and trickled down.
"It's immune to everything!" Kaira said hopelessly.
The dragon roared and thrashed its tail, attempting to hit one of its attackers. Kyo watched in, his mind searching for some sort of clue to it's weakness. He saw the dragon open its mouth, preparing to breathe fire again. He saw a glimpse of the inside of the dragon's mouth. It was fleshy, without scales. Kyo saw its ultimate weakness, and ran around to be in front of it.
The dragon spotted Kyo with its black eyes, and inhaled, preparing another breath of fire. Kyo stood still, holding his ground, timing his attack. The dragon exhaled its fiery breath, and Kyo leaped in the air over the flames. To everyone's amazement, Kyo hovered in midair. Water Users couldn't fly.
Kyo summoned a stream of water, and sent it down the dragon's throat, extinguishing the flames. He focused a bit harder, and summoned Lightning, sending a surge of Electricity to travel down the stream of Water into the Dragon's mouth. The Dragon attempted to roar, and started jerking its head violently, the electrified water burning and destroying its insides. It slowly started to sway, then finally crashed into the ground, smoke and dying flames emitting from its open mouth.
The entire party stared at the giant dead dragon for a minute, unsure if it was really dead. Then they all turned their attention to Kyo, who was standing distantly, looking slightly disappointed.
"You can use more than just Water?!" Jim asked. Kyo looked away.
"Yeah..."
"What else can you use?" Steel asked, interested. Ryo stood at the back of the group, staring at Kyo.
"Well...all of them," Kyo answered, still looking down. "But I can only use Water, Ice, and Lightning efficiently..."
"You can use all of them...?" Kaira said softly. "You're just like Dad! He can use them all too! Isn't that awesome?!" She looked at Ryo happily. He didn't say anything. He always thought he was the only one. He wondered where this Kyo grew up, and how he learned to use all six Elements.
Kaira saw her father's thoughts and decided to leave him alone. She wandered closer to the dead dragon. She gently reached out and rubbed its sapphire scales. She felt a little sad that it was dead. A small glimmer caught her eye. It came from the hole the Dragon had slithered out of. She walked a little closer and knelt by the hole. On the edge of the hole, half buried in the dirt was an emerald stone. Kaira's heart sank, and she carefully dug up the emerald stone.
"What is it?" Ryo asked, walking up behind her.
"It was a mom dragon..." Kaira said sadly. "It was trying to protect its egg..." She held a slightly large emerald egg that resembled a stone.
"That's an egg?" Ken asked, kneeling down next to Kaira and inspecting the egg. "I think we should leave it. We don't want another one of those things..."
"It's just an egg! It'll be a baby when it hatches!" Kaira said, holding the egg close to her. She looked up at Ryo. "I can keep it can't I?"
"I don't see any reason why not..." Ryo muttered, not wanting the attention. Steel sneered at the egg, but said nothing. Kaira smiled happily and gently rubbed the egg. At her gently rub, the egg shuttered, making Kaira gasp. Dimi shoved past Ken and Kalon and knelt next to Kaira and the egg. Kaira held the egg close, and carefully rubbed the egg again. The second time, the egg shook violently, then a single crack emerged from the side. Kaira squealed happily and rubbed faster.
"It's hatching!" Dimi said happily and joined Kaira in rubbing the egg. Everyone except Steel crowded around the hatching egg. The crack slowly grew across the outer shell, inspired by Kaira and Dimi's rubbing. The egg gave one last violent shake, then a piece of emerald eggshell fell off. A small, chubby, dark green tail popped out of the hole and wriggled.
"It's so cute!" Kaira exclaimed happily. Ryo couldn't help but smile at her happiness. The small, short tail wriggled, stuck in the hole. Kaira carefully started pulling more pieces of shell off the egg. The emerald shell of the egg collapsed, revealing a small creature. It was short and stout, without legs and arms of any kind. It had no horns, and a short round snout. The small dragon wriggled helplessly in Kaira's arms until it was resting on its stomach. It produced a small squeak and started sniffing Kaira's shirt. It sniffed up towards her face, where it opened it's small black beady eyes. It stared up at Kaira, instantly accepting her as its mother. It made another squeak, and started wriggling again.
"Aww, I want it!" Dimi whined. "I’ll trade you anything you want for it!"
"Shut up!" Kalon said, grabbing the scruff of Dimi's shirt and dragging him away.
"What are you going to name him?" Kyo asked, kneeling and rubbing the dragon's head.
Kaira raised her head, thinking for a moment. "Ryo," she said. "It's the same color as Dad's eyes."
~
"Demon, you're wanted at the gate," a maid said hastily to Demon. She left him as soon as she said her message. Demon looked up from his work, scrubbing the floors of Kain's patio view of the garden. He decided he was finished with his work for the day and put his supplies away. His hair was messy and dirty, and he wore a simple gray outfit all of the maids and servants wore. The outfit was missing the right sleeve, clearly showing his black tattoo around his right arm.
He left into the hallway, slowly making his way toward the entrance. He wondered what he could be needed for at the front gate. He prayed he didn't have to work anymore. It was nightfall, and he was tired, and only wished to find something to eat, then sleep. As Demon passed the stairs he saw Lion descending them, looking just as tired,
"Hey Lion," Demon said, slightly happier. "I didn't see you yesterday, happy birthday."
"Yeah, you too, " Lion said joining his brother. They were both eight years old. Lion had his own bedroom to himself while Demon now occupied a room in the servants’ quarter. Demon spent everyday cleaning floor, and doing random tasks for the older maids and servants. Lion spent everyday with one of his three tutors, studying, sparring, or learning rites and manners.
"I stole this for you," Lion said, handing Demon a sandwich. Demon took it quickly and started to eat. Since he was seven, he had been denied food. The only way Kain allowed for him to survive was if Demon could manage to steal food without getting caught. And every time he got caught he was punished severely. Lion stole food for him often, but Demon was on his own for the most part. Lion was given almost anything he could desire. Being the prodigy of the Razada House, Kain favored him.
"Do you know what we're wanted for?" Demon asked with a mouthful of food.
"I saw a carriage when I looked out my window," Lion said. "But I didn't see much else..."
They reached the front door and Demon wrapped the sandwich back up and placed in his front pocket for after. Demon opened the door for Lion and let him pass through first. A carriage was pulled up near the door, and Steel stood next to it, his arms crossed. Demon was careful to keep his head lowered in his presence.
"About time," Steel said coldly.
"We're sorry..." Lion said softly.
"Shut up!" Steel snapped. He opened the carriage door, and a girl stepped out. She had dark brown hair that was tied back in a tight bun. Her eyes were a light strawberry color, and she wore a fancy white dress with gloves. She gave them a smile.
"This is Bella, she's your fiancée, Lion," Steel said, nudging Bella closer to Lion. Lion's eyes widened in shock
"Fiancée?! But I'm only eight!"
"You'll get married when you turn eighteen. You have ten years to learn to like each other," Steel said coldly. Bella gave Lion a smile, but he didn't smile back. "Bring her to the second spare bedroom, that's where she'll be staying. You’ll be required to spend one day a week with her."
Bella continued to smile blankly. Lion sighed, and slowly left, leading Bella into the house. Demon watched them go, afraid there was another girl in the carriage for him. Night had fallen, leaving Demon and Steel standing outside in the cold. It began snowing lightly, with the only light source coming from inside the house.
Steel reached into the carriage and roughly dragged out a second girl. She was crying, with one arm covering her eyes. Her hair was long and blonde, looking like it hadn't been combed in awhile. She wore a messy and torn black dress. She appeared to be a few years younger than Demon. Steel shoved her towards Demon, making him catch her from falling.
"She's yours," Steel said. "She'll be sharing a room with you, and helping you with your chores from now on." Without another word or glance, Steel left them and went inside. The girl kept sniffling and crying, hiding her face. Demon didn't know what to do for her.
"Um...do you wanna see our room?" Demon asked.
"No!" the girl sobbed. "I wanna see my mom!" Demon felt sorry for her. Considering she was now at the Razada House, working as a servant, he knew something must have happened to her mother, causing her to be orphaned and taken in.
"Well...come on." Demon said awkwardly, taking her hand and leading her inside. She walked slow, still crying, but followed him. He led her to the servant’s quarters section of the house.
"This is both of our bedrooms," Demon said opening his room's door. There were two beds on either wall, two nightstands, and a bay window that opened to a small ledge. "You can have the left bed..." She slowly walked to the bed and sat down. Demon tried to think of something he could do to make her stop crying already.
"What's your name?" Demon asked sitting on his bed across from her. She slowly looked up at him.
"Roxanne..." she said, her sobs slowly dying down.
"Roxanne..." Demon repeated. "You can call me Demon..."
"Why....?"
"Because, that's what they call me..." Roxanne finally removed both hands away from her face, her tears finally stopping. She had light green eyes.
"I don't think you're a demon..." she said softly. Demon was surprised.
"Roxanne, do you hate green eyes?"
"No...why?"
"Nothing," Demon said, looking down. "Are you hungry?" Roxanne nodded. "Well, from now on, we have to steal food, and not get caught, or else we get in trouble."
"Why?"
"Because, Kain hates us. Here." Demon pulled out the sandwich Lion had given him earlier. He thought she might need it more than him. She took it and slowly started eating it.
"I like you..." she said finally. "You're the first nice person I've met since they took me away from my mom at the hospital."
"Well you haven't met my brothers. Or my sister. she's really nice, you'll like them." Roxanne gave him a concerned look.
"Do we have to get married?" she asked.
"I guess so..." Demon said shyly. "Everything we do here is controlled by Kain..."
"I wont mind..." Roxanne said. She gave Demon the first smile he'd seen from her. "I don't mind staying here as long as you're around."
Chapter 6: Across the Dead Lands
Once again, I've changed minor parts about the characters past, but for the most part, they're still the same. SORRY IF IT'S HARD TO UNDERSTAND! ><
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Across the Dead Lands
"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" Ryo yelled, jumping on his twin brother's bed. Leo slowly sat up, and rubbed his eyes.
"I'm up..." he said softly to his twin.
"Come on!" Ryo whined, trying to pull Leo out of bed. "May said she's gonna have a surprise for us! Hurry!"
Leo sat in bed lazily blinking. They were twins, but he wasn't as energetic as Ryo. Ryo continued to jump around the room they shared happily. He didn't know what day of the year it was, he only knew that it was his fifth birthday and May had a surprise for them. Leo looked at his upper left arm. The day before he and Ryo had both received tattoos on their upper arms. Leo's was on his left arm while Ryo's was on his right. The tattoo didn't hurt, but Leo wasn't used to it. Steel had offered no explanation as to why they each had to get one the day before they turned five.
"Come OOOOON!" Ryo begged, pulling on Leo's hand.
"Okay..." Leo said quietly, letting Ryo drag him out of bed. Ryo pulled Leo across the floor to their closet, having fun by dragging his twin. Leo slowly got dressed in his normal white and red outfit, while Ryo waited, already dressed in his black and green identical outfit. They left their room together, and made their way towards their older sister's bedroom. It was still early morning and most of the servants in the Razada House were still asleep or in the process of waking up.
"Let's walk outside past the garden!" Ryo said, pushing open one of the sliding doors that led outside. Leo said nothing and followed, still rubbing his eyes. The garden was large, with snow blanketing everything. It was midwinter, and all the trees and plants were dead. The small pond was frozen over as well as the various fountains around the garden. Ryo quickly ran across the garden, leaving a trail of footprints where he went. It was cold out, but they could still quickly walk across the garden to the other side without freezing. Leo followed closely behind, shivering.
Ryo closed the sliding door behind Leo. "How come you're not excited?" Ryo asked.
"I am...." Leo said in a low voice. "I just don't feel good..."
"Why?"
"I just don't feel very good..." Leo said. He gave his brother a sad look. "I just feel like something bad's gonna happen..."
"Nothing bad will happen!" Ryo said. They were finally at May's room, and Ryo knocked on the door. Nayota opened the door slightly, peeking out.
"Just a minute!" Nayota said. His eyes were still light red, and his hair was black and white spiked. Ryo and Leo both smiled while they waited. May and Nayota were always busy studying and working, yet they always seemed to have time for their younger brothers.
Finally Nayota opened the door. May was sitting on her bed, holding a small homemade cake with chocolate frosting and five lit candles. "Happy Birthday!" May said happily, holding out their cake to them. Ryo stared at their cake in amazement. Leo just stared.
"I thought we weren't allowed at eat cake for breakfast," Leo said, looking up at his older brother.
"I wont tell if you wont tell," Nayota said, nudging Leo and Ryo closer to the cake. "Hurry, we need to eat this before we go see Father and Grandfather..." Ryo and Leo both quickly blew out their candles and ate their cake. The whole time Ryo was happy and excited, Leo sat quietly, hardly picking at his slice of cake.
"What's wrong?" May asked in a concerned voice.
"He feels like something bad will happen..." Ryo answered.
May and Nayota exchanged quick, but nervous glances that Leo saw. "What? Will something bad happen?"
"No, just get ready, we're gonna go see Father and Grandfather now..." May said quickly. Nayota and May escorted Ryo and Leo to the audience hall of the Razada House in silence. Once outside, May turned to her little brothers, and attempted to fix their hair.
"It's just gonna get messy again!" Ryo whined.
"Just remember, Leo is Lion in Grandfather's presence. And Ryo--"
"Is Demon," Leo finished.
Nayota opened the door, and May led Ryo and Leo inside. The room was in a rectangular shape, with sliding doors to on the right wall that opened up to the garden. On the far side of the room was a throne. It was made from various metals and stones, mainly marble and gold. The floor was made from mats made from straw and grass, soft enough to kneel on for long periods of time. There were six people in the room waiting for them. Three men stood against the left wall, all wearing proper robes. They stood in silence, and they all stared at Leo in silence when he entered. A maid stood separate from the three men, looking worried. In the shadows of the brilliant throne stood Steel. His arms were held behind his back, and he stood completely still. His dark maroon eyes pierced the darkness he stood in and gazed upon his youngest sons. His look was of hatred, and it was cold. It sent shivers down both Leo and Ryo's spine. Neither of them ever spent much time with their father, but they knew they didn't like him.
Sitting on the throne was their grandfather, Head of the Razada House, Kain. He looked about the same age as Steel, but he was much older. His face was slightly wrinkled, and his eyes were red, but they were closed in thought. His clothes were completely white, complimented by his long gray hair that fell past his shoulders. He sat on the throne, with one elbow on the armrest, and his head resting on his hand. He looked old, and almost weak. But no one in the House dared object to anything he said. Alera had been the only person able to get her ways from him, but she was gone. Now it was Steel who was closest to Kain. But even he loathed his father. Kain's eyes flashed open, revealing his red eyes, as Leo and Ryo entered the room. His face remain emotionless, as they were positioned in the center of the room, standing side by side facing Kain on his throne.
Kain remained sitting, observing his two youngest grandsons. Both of their outfits revealed the black tattoos on their upper arms. Kain saw the twin with the tattoo on the left arm, and knew it was Lion. The Twin with the Red Eyes. The other was Demon. The Twin with the Green Eyes. Kain sneered at Demon. He remembered his beloved daughter-in-law, Alera, and the way she bad begged for his life. Kain closed his eyes again. If it hadn't been for his love for Alera, he would have had Demon killed at birth. May the Gods damn him for his sin.
Ryo stood close to his brother. May and Nayota had left and were standing next to the door at their respectable places. Ryo stared at the floor the way he had been told to. He was forbidden to look at his father or grandfather directly in the eyes, because of his green ones.
Kain stood up slowly, and walked towards the two children before him. Lion stood close to his brother perfectly still, staring up at his grandfather. Kain stopped in front of Lion and knelt down closer to his height.
"Let me see your eyes," Kain demanded more than asked. Lion lifted his head more and looked into Kain's eyes. Kain grabbed Lion by the chin and turned his head to the left and right slowly, observing Lion's fiery red eyes. A wicked toothy smile spread across his face, sending fear into Leo's heart. Kain stood and slowly started circling Leo, completely shoving Demon out of his way as he passed.
"This one's eyes..." Kain said loud enough for everyone to hear, "are the same color as mine. They have the same fire...and elegance. Alera was right in her prediction for this one. The Blood of Angels runs strong in his veins..." Kain stopped in front of Leo once again, this time he remained standing, looking down at Leo. Leo stared back with a confused look on his face. Next to him, Ryo remained silent, ignoring the pain in his shoulder where Kain had shoved him.
"This one..." Kain continued, gripping Leo by the shoulders and walking him towards the three men, "will take Nayota's place as my heir. You will study, learn manners, and practice your sword with these men from now on." Leo looked at the three men in fear. Kain released his shoulder and swiftly turned away, letting the three men take Leo by the shoulders and rush him from the room. Ryo watched as Leo left. They exchanged one last look before the door closed, leaving him alone with Kain, Steel, Nayota, May, and the maid.
Kain turned his attention to Ryo, his smile gone. His eyes were cold and heartless. "Look at me."
Ryo slowly and hesitantly raised his head and looked at his grandfather. The instant his green eyes met Kain's, a sharp pain inflicted the left side of his face, jerking his head to the right. Ryo made a small noise in pain before Kain's hand gripped his hair and tugged it back, forcing him to look up at his grandfather.
"You should have known better," Kain said with no sympathy, his eyes still cold, but furious. "You're no longer a part of this family. Never...look into the eyes of a Razada again." Kain threw Ryo by his hair onto the floor in front of the maid. "Give him his work."
The maid quickly swooped down and picked up Ryo. Ryo held his head where Kain had grabbed his hair sniffling. "Don't cry now," the maid cooed, leaving the room with him, "You'll be working with me now, just do as I say and he wont hurt you again, all right?"
She brought him to a section of a hallway. At the end was a bucket and washrag. She placed Ryo next to the bucket and put the washrag in his hand. "You have to clean now, okay? Just run up and down this hallway leaning on that rag and wash it. It'll be hard at first, but you'll get used to it. Do this and find me for another task, all right?" Then without another word, she turned away and left Ryo alone in the hallway.
Ryo stood for a long time looking after her, his hand rubbing his left cheek. He looked at the long hallway, wondering how he was supposed to clean the whole thing. He knelt down and rested his hands on the washrag the way she had instructed, and tried running to the other side of the hall. He fell numerous times, and finally made it.
~
Steel ordered Davis to burn the table he had carved the map onto before they left. Ryo didn't want to follow Steel north, but he left quietly anyway. He wanted to at least see Mel before he left again, but Steel had other plans. Steel led them out of the Hollow Palace and into the maze of streets. He looked back at his small army. There was eleven of them in all, he just needed two more to complete the group, and begin the real task.
"Where are we going?" Kaira asked Steel politely. Steel ignored her.
"To the lab," Kalon answered in a miserable, almost angry tone.
"Why there?"
"You'll see..."
Steel led them to a desolate part of the city, and to a great white house. The house was two stories high with a dark green roof and broad windows with steps leading up to the entrance. It looked expensive compared to the surrounding buildings. At the foot of the stairs stood a boy near Taj and Davis' age. He had straight black hair that hung over his eyes and gray eyes similar to Kalon's. He wore a white button up shirt with white pants and shoes Ryo looked at Ken with slight surprise. He had never thought of Kalon as being much of a father, or even Caza for that matter.
Ken saw them coming and walked out to meet him. "The professor is inside," Ken said in a very formal tone.
"Yeah, yeah, we know..." Kalon said, passing his son and up the stairs inside. Ken gave his father a bad look, but followed him inside with everyone else.
The inside of the building was darker than Ryo expected it to be. There were sheets covering all of the windows and only few other lights. But the house didn't appear to be a house at all. The whole first floor appeared to be nothing but a library.
"They're all here!" Ken yelled into a door that led to the basement. From somewhere in the basement Ryo heard an odd voice answer something back.
"Professor Bob's an expert on technology lost in the Great War," Ken explained, looking slightly embarrassed, waiting by the basement door. "Steel's asked us to show you some things we've found before we left."
"Why?" Leo asked, looking at Steel, who was still by the door standing in the darkest shadows. "When are we gonna need to know about these things?"
"As I said before I'll explain after we get the Ice and Lightning Users, now stop asking!" Steel snapped.
From the door emerged an old man with untamed white hair and a bushy mustache. He wore square glasses that enlarged his eyes to look twice their size and he wore a white lab coat. "What?!" he asked in a loud, obnoxious voice. Something told Ryo he wouldn't like him.
"They're here," Ken said softer, motioning to the rest of the people in the house. Prof. Bob looked around, and singled out Kalon, at the back of the group, smoking.
"Kalon! Is that a cigarette I see in your mouth?! I told you my studies have proven the harmful effects of smoking tobacco! Even in this ancient book are records of a thing called lung cancer! You'll die from it!"
"See?! See?! I told you it was bad Kalon! Even this dude thinks so!" Dimi bursted out, looking at Kalon and pointing at Prof. Bob. The mad professor looked Dimi over next.
"Why, you must be the Dimi I've heard Kalon complain about so much! Now Kalon! Put out that cigarette at once!" Kalon glared at his adoptive father, before taking one last drag of his cigarette and putting it out.
Professor Bob gave his adoptive son a look of approval, then looked around at everyone. There was a long awkward silence. Ryo could tell no one in the room wanted to get singled out by this assumed brilliant scientist. "Well introduce yourselves!" Prof. Bon said, waving his arms in the air.
Kaira took a brave step forward and offered her hand to him. "I'm Kaira...." she said shyly. The professor grabbed Kaira's hand, and to everyone's surprise, shock, and Ryo's horror, pulled her in for a hug. Kaira let out a small scream but was released right after, looking terrified. Professor Bob gave her a warm, yet creepy, smile and looked around at everyone else.
"Well? Who's next?" Everyone took a step back and Kaira retreated behind Taj and Davis.
"Can't we skip introductions already?!" Kalon yelled out, storming past the group and disappearing into the basement. "Let's just get this over with!"
"Don't mind him," Professor Bob whispered to the rest of the group as he led them behind Kalon. "He's just angry because his body isn't receiving the nicotine it's grown addicted to. That and I suspect he's just an angry person."
"What's nicotine?" Ryo asked Leo.
"A drug that's addicting. I guess it's in cigarettes..."
Kalon flipped on the lights and revealed the basement. There were tables all across the large room, all of them holding random lab equipment or objects covered with white sheets.
"All right! This one is one you'll most defiantly encounter on your travels! It's called..." Prof. Bob pulled a sheet off a large object, revealing it. "An automobile!"
Ryo wasn't impressed. It looked like a piece of bent metal with places to sit inside. "I'm not quite finished with this one. BUT! When it's fully operational, it will be able to move by itself! And people can ride in it and control where the automobile takes them! Isn't that exciting!"
"Impossible..." Taj commented quietly, but Ken heard him.
"Nothing Grandfather says is a lie. It's all true," Ken said, sounding annoyed. Taj scoffed, ignoring him.
"And over here!" the Professor said, bounding to the other side of the room, "Is another thing to show you that is very important! It's a--Kalon! Pay attention!--a weapon used very commonly before the Great War! Shame they turned this ingenious invention against each other..." he revealed a small piece of metal, with a barrel and handle. "People used this to fire small pieces of metal, like this, and it would fly at incredible speeds! It could pierce human flesh, and they used it against each other in the Great War...."
Ryo decided he didn't like it. The Professor was incredibly odd, more so than even Dimi, but Ryo didn't mind too much. He had given Ryo an actual lesson, even if it was brief.
"Now, onto something more exciting! I know you're on a busy schedule!" he waved his finger at Kalon, who gritted his teeth. Professor Bob went to the far wall where there was a small storage closet. "Steel asked me several years ago to create weapons that would specialize in one Element. So that makes one of each of you--wait. He counted the adults and stared at Steel in confusion. "I thought there would be seven Steel! There's only five!"
"We'll bring the others their weapons," Steel said quietly. "Just give them their weapons and we'll be on our way."
"Hmm. Very well..." Professor Bob opened the storage closet and fished out two thin short swords. Both had dark blue velvet sheaths, with the sign for water on the hilt.
"DIBS!" Dimi called out, shoving Jim and Caza out of his way, diving for the swords. Professor Bob raised his hairy eyebrows.
"They were for the Water User among you, so no need to worry!" He handed the twin swords to Dimi, who took them happily, and turned back to the closet. "Well, let's see who's next! Who here is the Wind User?" Caza took a small step forward, but remained silent. "There are for you! Specialty for Wind Users! They'll always come back to you if you will them to!"
Professor Bob presented Caza with a pair of metal chakrams. Both were the size of Caza's forearms with grasps in the middle. They were made from a bright metal that almost appeared to make it's own light. They were both circular with ten spikes. In the center where Caza gripped it was the sign of Wind. Caza raised his eyebrows slightly at his given weapon, as though surprised, but took them without saying a word.
"The Fire User? Who is that?" Professor Bob asked, looking idly around. Leo took a cautious step forward. "Oh you! You must be Leo! Come here, let me hug you..." Professor made a move toward Leo, but Leo jumped back out of reach.
"Well fine!" the professor said, not noticing snickers coming from Taj and Davis. "Here's your weapons Steel required I make for you." He handed Leo a bag. From the bag Leo drew a dagger made from black metal with a red carvings all along the blade. On the handle was the sign for Fire. "Those are your weapons. You can throw them at enemies, and if you wish, you can cause them to explode! Just try not to lose all of them, there's only about fifty or so, I forgot to count...." Leo muttered a thanks.
Ryo looked between him and Kalon, the only two left. He wondered to himself what their weapons were.
"Ice User? Oh Ice User!" the professor called out.
"Give it to Leo, he'll take it to out Ice User," Steel said, sounding annoyed and impatient. "Give Ryo the Lightning User's weapon as well."
"Oh, all right!" Bob said, handing Leo a bow made from light blue wood and arrows, while throwing a small pouch at Ryo. "Now! All that's left if for the Earth User's weapon! That's you Kalon!"
Kalon glared at the professor, his gray eyes piercing through him. "No thanks. I don't need anything..."
"I suggest you take them father," Ken said in a cold voice that held no respect. "You could use them." Ryo looked at Kalon and Ken, wondering why neither of them seemed to have any respect for each other.
"You'll like it Kalon! Here! Look! Gloves!" The professor held up a pair of leather gloves that were identical to the ones Kalon wore regularly. "I modeled them after your dirty old gloves, but I made them more efficient for an Earth User! Look! It has the Earth symbol on the back part here!" Kalon's expression looked slightly surprised, almost pleased for a second, as he took the gloves from the professor.
"Let's get going!" Steel ordered, speaking lousily. "We've wasted enough time here."
"Don't I get something?" Ryo asked.
"You?" The professor looked surprised, big oversized eyes scanning Ryo. " What's your Element?"
Ryo thought a second before answering. "Uh...well...all of them..."
"Oh you already have your special weapon!" the professor laughed. "You have the sword the Steward Eliazar gave you don't you?"
Ryo looked down. It was tied to his waist.
"That sword has the symbols for all six Elements, and is very capable with any Element you summon! The late Steward asked me to make it for him, when he was just a young lad..."
A felt a sharp pain in his mind at the mentioning of Eliazar, but shrugged it off. "Oh...okay..." he said, before turning to leave with the others, who were already gone.
"Oh my god, it's so hot out here!" Dimi whined.
"It doesn't bother me..." Ryo said. "But I've been living out here for half my life, I'm probably just used to it. Just summon some more water and dump it on yourself."
The party had been walking for hours nonstop for several days in a row, only stopping at night in the Dead Lands. Steel led them on with no sympathy or compassion. They all walked behind Steel in pairs, making a caravan. Leo and Davis walked directly behind Steel, followed by Taj and Kaira, with Ryo and Dimi following them, Ken and Jim following them, and Kalon and Caza bringing up the rear. Everyone walked on miserably, but Dimi was the only one complaining. He summoned a sphere of water, then let it rain over himself and Ryo. "I'll just have to do it again in a little while..." Dimi said sadly, shaking water out of his long blue hair.
"Hey Water Sprite! Rain some water over me now!" Kalon said catching up to walk next to Dimi and Ryo.
"Not you too..." Dimi whined, but summoned water and rained it over Kalon. Kalon faced up and let it rain over his face.
"Good to know you're worth something Water Sprite."
"Hey, I'm not worthless! And stop calling me Water Sprite!" Ryo sighed and fell behind to walk next to Caza. Caza said nothing to Ryo and kept walking with his expressionless face. He had never been one to talk much, but Ryo decided he had nothing better to do than try.
"Are you doing all right?" Caza glanced at Ryo, then returned to staring ahead, but nodded. Ryo tried thinking of something else. He saw Ken and Jim ahead of them.
"I never knew you had a son...where's his mother?" he asked, hoping his question was all right. Caza didn't answer. He kept staring ahead with his expressionless face. His golden eyes seeming empty. Ryo sighed, deciding to give up, when Dimi suddenly appeared between him and Caza.
"Hello Caza! Didn't you hear Ryo?" Dimi asked, leaning close to Caza. "He was trying to ask you a question. Hello? Don't you hear me Caza?!" Ryo saw Caza's eyebrows lower slightly but he kept walking in silence. Dimi didn't give up and kept asking. "Hello? Caza? Don't you hear me? Echo! Dimi to Caza!" Caza kept walking, ignoring Dimi's annoying questions. Ryo had half the mind to stop Dimi, but was curious as to how Dimi's pestering would end. Jim looked behind at his father with concerned eyes.
"Dimi to Caza! I know you hear me!" Dimi sighed, and started mocking. "Well, there's no intelligent life on Planet Caza! Might as well go home Ryo--"
"WHAT?!" Caza snapped at Dimi, making him and Ryo stop. Kalon, Ken, and Jim even looked back, surprised at Caza's outburst. Dimi jumped back from Caza and pointed at him.
"OH MY GOD IT SPEAKS!" Dimi said in a loud, surprised voice. Caza closed his eyes in annoyance and stalked ahead to walk with Kalon. "She's dead, all right?" he said as he left. Dimi gave Caza one last surprised look, then put his hands behind his head. "I didn't mean to hurt the guy's nonexistent feelings..."
Ryo sighed. He knew Dimi always had good intentions. His methods just weren't always the right ones. He opened his eyes and saw Kaira running back towards him.
"Dad! Look!" Kaira yelled pointing ahead. "Taj and Davis spotted the mountains!" Ryo looked past and through the heat haze, saw mountains rise out of the sand, hidden behind the mirages of water. The mountains rose from the sand suddenly on the horizon, with snow on the peaks and green vegetation at the bases. Between the two mountains directly ahead of them was a narrow, but traversable pass through the mountains.
"If we run we'll make it there before nightfall!" Kalon said, talking to no one in particular. He dropped his bag and took off running towards the mountains.
"Kalon! Wait for me! I wanna race too!" Dimi yelled ahead, dropping his bag and swords and running after Kalon ahead of the group. Caza stared idly ahead, then kicked off the ground into the air, flying ahead of both Kalon and Dimi towards the mountains. Jim stared after his father for a second, then followed him.
"Dimi!" Ryo yelled hopelessly after his friend. He bent over and picked up Kalon and Dimi's bags. He saw Ken standing near him, staring after his father and Dimi. "Do you wanna carry your dad's bag?" Ryo asked Ken, holding out Kalon's bag to him. Ken stared at his father's bag with disgust, but took it from Ryo.
"That idiot..." Ken said under his breath, but so Ryo could hear. "If he doesn't want to lose his stuff he shouldn't drop them."
Ryo gave Ken a strange look. He still didn't understand why Ken loathed Kalon. Everyone seemed happier now that the mountains were in sight. Steel's face was serious. He stared at the mountains, his eyes looking past the mountains. Ryo saw this and wondered what Steel was planning for all of them. Kaira was happy, hugging her cousin and Taj, congratulating them for seeing the mountains first. Ryo could have sworn he saw Taj's face reddening.
Ryo looked towards the mountains, a part of him seeing the Razada House just beyond the frozen peaks. He also saw Dimi tackle Kalon from behind in an effort to get ahead in their 'race'.
Night was falling fast by the time Ryo and the rest of the party reached the edge of the forest at the foot of the mountains. Caza was leaning against a tree with Jim next to him, looking bored waiting. Kalon and Dimi were both on the ground panting.
"Ha...I...totally...beat your ass..." Kalon panted, smiling to himself at his success.
"No....no you didn't...I was this....this much ahead...of you...." Dimi moaned, holding his side with one hand and putting his fingers close together with his other.
"Shut...shut up....Dimi," Kalon panted, reaching for Dimi's neck, but found that he was too far to strangle, and gave up.
Steel dropped his heafty bag on the ground next to a tree. "Someone go out and find something to eat," he said to no one in his demanding voice.
"I'll go..." Leo said, sounding tired. "Come on Davis..." Davis set down his bag then followed his father into the forest. Everyone else sat down, relieved to be out of the Dead Lands and that night had arrived. Kaira sat next to Ryo happily, with Taj on her other side. Ryo gave her a sideways glance. Ever since they had left Hollow, she had slept right next to him every night. And every night she asked him every question she could come up with, trying to get to know her father better. But Ryo had never asked her anything. Taj was always at her side.
"Jim?" Ryo asked leaning away from Kaira and towards Jim. "How old is Kaira anyway?" Jim looked slightly surprised.
"Kaira? I think she turned seventeen not too long ago..." he answered politely. Ryo thanked him, and turned back to Kaira. She was seventeen. That meant nearly twelve years had passed since Ryo had left to the Dead Lands a second time.
Ken sat next to Taj, watching his father and Dimi wrestle in the dirt over who won the race. "Your father's an idiot Taj," he commented.
"He's not an idiot!" Taj said defensivly. "He just doesn't pay attention to details."
"Which means he's an idiot. My father clearly won that race."
"Why does it even matter you don't even like Kalon!"
"Liking has nothing to do with it."
Taj clenched his teeth, and balled his fists, ready to start a fight. Ken saw this and lowered his eyes. "Don't start something you can't finish," Ken mocked. Taj raised his fist, when Kaira gently grabbed his arm.
"Please don't fight Taj, not now. We all have to travel together..." Kaira said, looking up at him with soft eyes. Taj hesitated, then slowly lowered his fist. He was still furious.
"Goddamn it..." he muttered, getting up and walking away into the forest. Kaira looked after Taj and got up to follow him, giving Ken an apologetic look.
"Shouldn't we stop our kids?" Ryo asked as Dimi collapsed next to him, defeated by Kalon. Dimi looked after his son, then shook his head.
"I don't worry about him. He's eighteen, he can take care of himself."
Taj walked briskly into the forest, hardly paying attention to where he was going. Kaira followed him trying to think of something to say to help him calm down. He exited the forest furthur down the tree line away from where the rest were setting up camp. Taj stamped his foot and let out an agitated yell. Kaira stood a ways away, watching her friend with compassion.
"That dick..." Taj muttered, looking down. A rock the size of his fist caught his eye. He was already pissed. He saw no reason why he shouldn't throw a rock. He picked up the rock and tossed it up and down a few times. Then he gripped the rock tightly and with all his might, he threw it into the forest. Taj stood watching his rock fly gracefully into a tree. To his and Kaita's surprise, there was the clank as the rock hit the tree, sending the rock flying back towards Taj, striking him in the forehead. Taj let out a yell, and fell backwards, holding his forehead. Kaira let out a small scream and knelt to help Taj up.
"Are you all right?" Kaira asked, sounding concerned.
"Son of a bitch!" Taj hissed, holding his head where a small trickle of blood started flowing. He stood up and ran towards the tree. "What the hell?! Who's up there?!" Kaira ran to where Taj stood below the tree and looked up.
Sitting on a tree branch high up in the tree sat a man. He sat on the branch and leaned against the trunk of the tree. He appeared to be near Taj's age, wearing black cotton pants and a short-sleeve black shirt with a studded belt. A silver cross hung around his neck, and a black trenchcoat hung on a branch next to him. His head was tilted slightly downward, letting his slightly longer black hair cover his eyes. In his hand he held a silver sword he was examining for dents.
"Hey asshole! What the hell was that for?!" Taj yelled up angrily.
"You threw a rock at me," the man said simply in his deep voice.
"I wasn't aiming for you!"
"The rock was heading towards me. It's natural instinct for someone to protect themselves..."
Taj growled in anger, and turned to leave. "Whatever Monkeyboy! Jackass like you...come on Kaira!" She remained where she was, looking up at the mysterious man.
"I'm Kaira!" she yelled up. "What's your name?"
"Kaira, don't waste your breath on him, come on..." Taj said, gently tugging on her hand. Kaira pulled her hand away, waiting for an answer. The man turned his head slightly towards Kaira.
"Kyo..." he said.
"Kyo..." Kaira repeated. She wondered where he lived. "Do you live here?"
"Kaira..." Taj said, glaring up at Kyo.
"This is where I stay, yes..." Kyo answered.
"I turned seventeen last month, how old are you?" Kaira asked.
"Don't give this guy all of your info!" Taj said, pulling on her arm again. "Let's get out of here, the guy's a freak."
Kyo lifted his head and looked at Kaira. She saw his sharp silver eyes for the first time. "I'm almost eighteen..." he said looking at her.
"Do you wanna come with us through the mountains? I'm sure you'd be welcome to come," Kaira said.
"Kaira!" Taj said in disbelief. "He's not coming with us!" Kyo stared at Kaira a moment, considering her offer. He sheathed his sword and grabbed his trenchcoat before gracefully and flawlessly leaping down out of the tree directly in front of Kaira.
"I might..." Kyo answered Kaira. Taj glared at Kyo, who ignored him.
