《The Legend of Fanaura : Journey》


 Chapter 1 : Mork Forest

    The hills that lied friendly in the day were darkly ominous by night. The paths that were illuminated just hours before becoming lost in the blackness that even moonlight cannot help. The trees that were towering them before, giving them some shade out from the piercing sunlight now has become as if molded with the darkness and you could only hear them whispering and moving because of the winter wind caressing them.


    The heat of the campfire struggled to penetrate the wintry air. Yurika sat as close as she dared to feel the radiating warmth, holding out her numbed hands. Sparks flew into the cold night air only to die mid-flight and fall unnoticed as a blackened charcoal speck.


    Her wary eyes glanced at the people around her, the night brought such silence that the crackle of the campfire was all that could be heard. The flames that licked at the wood and the red spark that danced like an exotic dancer. No one started the conversation, not like Yurika wished or even knew how to break the icy cold atmosphere; colder than the snowy night itself.


    As they started their journey together this morning, a heavy silence settled over them, thicker than the uneasy tension in the atmosphere. Unsettled eyes glanced unceremoniously around and tried to avoid catching the other side of the party as they rode their mounts. They hardly said anything by much, talking to their own team most of the time. Jace as the lead of the party only gave short orders to both sides but never really made any effort to lighten the atmosphere.


    ¡°Will we be okay?¡± Yurika mumbled to herself.


    ¡°I know what you mean,¡± said Wen who was sitting next to her, ¡°to save the world, with these kinds of people is like working together with your enemies. No one knows when we will be stricken in our sleep.¡±


    ¡°W-Wen don¡¯t say that out loud. They can hear you,¡± Yurika tried to remind her.


    ¡°Why? It¡¯s the truth and pretty sure they have similar thoughts too,¡± Wen glared the people who gathered around the campfire, ¡°I don¡¯t trust them and I am sure the feeling is mutual.¡±


    Yurika glanced around anxiously. She could feel the cold air became denser.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand out of the people the Goddess could pick, they had to pick them,¡± she continued on without fear.


    ¡°Anyway, where¡¯s Lucia?¡± Yurika obviously trying to divert the conversation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, she said she needs to check on something and will return in the morning,¡± Wen shrugged, ¡°I hope they don¡¯t do anything while she is away. Not that I can¡¯t beat them.¡±


    ¡°Oh really now?¡° a velvety voice came from their back, made them jump in surprise. Scry stood not far behind them with a mocking smile, ¡°I still remember someone was so blue that she needed the Zanj help to get the antidote. Little witch, don¡¯t you forget that.¡±


    Wen scrambled up from her seat and faced Scry in challenging stance, ¡°You were using poison! That¡¯s not a gentleman way to fight! Oh wait, you can¡¯t, because you¡¯re not a man from the start!¡±


    ¡°Wen!¡± Yurika warned her, but Wenona was too flared up to care.


    Scry howled at Wen response, then suddenly he stood in front of her. His right hand was around her neck. With a loud thump, Wen''s back hit a tree behind her. Scry pinned her there as his right hand tighten its clutch.


    ¡°Oh, I am a man alright. Should I gladly proof that to you?¡± He whispered menacingly on Wen¡¯s ear. His breath was all over her face and his amber eyes sparked with eerie ecstasy. He lowered his head, blew at her ear then bit her earlobe hard enough that blood started to trickle.


    Wen winced on the pain. She struggled to push him away. With Scry hand on her throat, it was almost impossible to breath more over to cast any conjuring spell. She had to think fast. Her hand scrambling out something from her right pocket, but before she managed to use it an astral arrow hit the tree behind her just a couple inches away from her face.


    ¡°Let her go or I will shoot you!¡± Yurika shouted a warning, her shaking hand was stretching an astral bow with a bright arrow ready to launch. Her fuschia eyes glowing with ferocity.


    ¡°Scry!¡± Zeke shouted, surprised at how thing escalated so fast.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°Scry, let that girl go,¡± Jace ordered him assertively.


    ¡°Come on Scry, aren¡¯t we supposed to be The Goddess savior group,¡± Lyall trying to appease Scry.


    ¡°Scry, let her go, she¡¯s just young and careless,¡± Amierra added in.


    "Let her go," Marc materialized next to Scry, his hand was already on Scry''s right wrist. His dark eyes glinted threat at Scry.


    Scry chuckled eerily, he tilted his head as if he was thinking, but then he finally let the girl go. Wen fell down on her knees coughing, but it didn''t stop her to glare at Scry.


    ¡°Tsk, I didn¡¯t know you guys already so set to be friends now? I was just joking. You know that right? If I wasn¡¯t¡­,¡± Scry paused as his wicked smile grew wider, ¡°she would be dead already.¡±


    Then he winked at Yurika innocently, ¡°No need to be so agitated now, chosen one,¡± and he strolled away as if nothing had happened.


    Yurika quickly dropped her bow and ran to check up her friend. Before the bow and arrow landed to the ground, it dispersed back to Fetuu La Rossa pendant.


    ¡°Are you okay Wen?¡± asked Yurika. She could still vividly feel the tension in her body. She was scared not just for Wenona''s life, but also Eireen''s traumatic memories of Scry made her feel vulnerable.


    ¡°I am, don¡¯t worry,¡± said Wen. She coughed some more, rubbed her sore neck and touch her earlobe unconsciously; the blood has stopped.


    ¡°If only I have Zanj with me,¡± Wen grumbled quietly, but then she realized that there was that young man stood next to her. She quickly glanced at Marc, making sure that he didn''t hear what she said. Marc was staring at her with the same look he had before when they were in the meeting room in Adventure guild.


    "What are you staring at?!" Wen growled.


    "Wen! He just saved you," protested Yurika while apologetically smiled at Marc.


    "Fine..., thanks," grumbled Wen and she averted her gazed toward random space.


    Marc said nothing in response. He just nodded at Yurika and walked away.


    Then Jace stood up and walked toward Yurika and Wenona. The moment Yurika saw it, she quickly put up a defensive stance. Jace stopped and stared at her with the same expression. His face looked flat and cold, but at the same time, there was a slight curiosity that Yurika accidentally captured.


    ¡°We might have started from the wrong foot,¡± Jace finally said in a formal tone, ¡° we need to work as a team, despite our difference and obvious dislike. Good teamwork is needed to keep everyone alive and also to get the job done.¡±


    He then offered his hand out, ¡°Let¡¯s start over, I am Jace Ursa and I will be the leader of this mission and party.¡±


    Yurika slowly dropped her defense and cautiously accepted Jace stretched hand. It was a short handshake but it was good enough considering how it was before.


    ¡°I know that Lucia told me to treat you and your friend as equal and I am the man of my words, so I will keep my promise,¡± Jace added on in matter factly tone, ¡°but in the real battle and dire situation I expect you understand the need to listen to orders and respect it.¡±


    Yurika and Wen were quiet, but they understood what Jace was implying.


    ¡°Anyway that¡¯s all for now, you should rest and maybe tend your friend,¡± Jace gave a formal nod and walked away.


    ¡°Scry, you are in charge of tonight watch,¡± ordered Jace.


    Scry looked annoyed. He then bowed and answered in mockery tone, ¡°sure my liege, your order is my command.¡±


    Jace glared at him but decided to ignore his attitude.


    Yurika offered her hand to Wen to help her stand up. As they walked back to their tent Wenona inspected Yurika curiously.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Her blue eyes gleaming with excitement, ¡°I don¡¯t know that you can just create a weapon out of thin air like that, shiny one too.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t create any weapon, I think that¡¯s just shaped like one but it¡¯s basically nothing but energy,¡± answered Yurika while entering their tent, ¡°I thought u realize that since the first arrow that was on the tree disappeared already.¡±


    ¡°Oh I didn¡¯t pay attention, I was well... you know...,¡± Wen¡¯s face flushed with anger but she quickly shook it off, ¡° anyway could you do that thing anytime you want?¡±


    ¡°Thing? Oh, you mean that? Nah, not really I am still learning. It¡¯s not easy, to be honest," Yurika face looked thoughtful, ¡° I started to see how important in learning all class ability.¡±


    She had managed to pull the image of a bow and an arrow just because she imprint the image of Amierra when she held her bow in her mind. The power as a Fanaura didn¡¯t fail her in the speed of learning and copying. But if she was ended to actually fight Scry, she knew it well enough that the chance of her winning it using hunter ability was zero. Because it was nothing but an empty threat, she hasn¡¯t really learned any of the hunter skill. She could just randomly shoot arrows at him. But it won¡¯t be as useful as it would with real skills.


    ¡°Uhm?? What did u say?¡± asked Wen.


    ¡°Oh nothing, I was just talking to myself,¡± Yurika shook her head but then she looked at Wenona with a really serious face, ¡°actually, Wen, could you promise me one thing?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Depends.¡±


    ¡°Could you stay clear from Scry?¡± Yurika looked directly to her blue eyes, ¡°he is not someone you should¡­ taunt in any way.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Who is taunting who?!¡± Wen protested.


    ¡°I know, just stay away from him, please? He is dangerous.¡±


    Wen scrutinized Yurika suspiciously, ¡°for some reason you gave me the vibe like you have known them before.¡±


    ¡°No, is not like that,¡± Yurika stuttered trying to cover it, ¡°he had hurt you with poison before remember? I just don¡¯t want you to get hurt like that again.¡±


    Wen didn¡¯t seem to buy her reasoning, her brows gathered and met in the middle of her forehead. Then she decided to not peruse any further.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try, but I can¡¯t promise you anything,¡± she finally answered, ¡°I am not going to stay quiet and rising any white flag if he started anything. You know me well enough to know that right.¡±


    Yurika nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Okay we should sleep now, so we can go early tomorrow,¡± Wen said, ¡° I am worried for everyone, even Moira. If only I could just use my skill and created another kite to fly there. But that would mean revealing myself, urgh~~"


    ¡°Was it much better than Camelous?¡±


    ¡°YEP! Well, I can¡¯t compete against teleport scrolls that you guys use before. It¡¯s a crazy expensive tool from the start. I wonder how rich is Lucia from selling those kinds of tools. Anyway that kite is second best compared to it, but it is much faster than riding a mount passing through the jungle and mountains,¡± Wen said with a sour look, ¡°but since I am now a part of this broken group, I can¡¯t just do that without raising questions.¡±


    "Wait, Lucia? What do you mean by she becomes rich?"


    Wen glanced at Yurika''s confused face, "that teleport scroll is made and sold by the adventure guild. You didn''t know that?"


    "No, but if that''s true. Why do we ride mounts instead of using that?"


    Wenona shrugged, "How would I know? But to be honest it has been a while since I saw it on Adventure Guild shop. Z is sure lucky to have one. Not even that turnip king has it, I think."


    "Oh my goddess Wen," Yurika couldn''t help herself chuckling, "you know his name already."


    Wen giggled, "I don''t care. For me, he is a turnip."


    "Just don''t do it in front of him."


    "No, promises," said Wen while sticking her tongue out, "anyway let''s hit the sack. We have a long day tomorrow."


    She then lied down followed by Yurika that pulled up the blanket covering both of them. Night time in the Mork forest, especially in winter, could be painfully chilly.

 Chapter 2 - Short Cut

    "So did anything happen while I was away?" Lucia asked. Lucia had returned before the sun peeped on the horizon. The first thing she did when she arrived was tapping at Yurika''s tent. Wen was a heavy sleeper so she didn''t even stir. The sky was still dark and everyone was still sleeping when Yurika came out from her tent. She didn''t see Scry on the watcher post and that made her wonder if that guy had decided to bail on his duty. The moment she laid her eyes on Lucia, Yurika was quite surprised to see her appearance. Lucia was looking quite dishevelled. There were tiny branches all over her usual silky black hair, her clothes and boots carried patches of dried mud.


    Yurika scanned her from top to bottom, "where have you been?"


    "I was just doing some research," said the Zanj, while brushing off some of the dirt away, "any way you haven''t answered my question."


    Yurika awkwardly averted her eyes away from her silver foxy eyes, "Well..., Kind of."


    "Kind of? What do you mean kind of?" her silver eyes probed Yurika, "Was it Jace? Did he fail to keep his promise?"


    "No, not him," Yurika quickly responded, "it''s Wen and Scry. Well, she was kind of speaking without any filter again. It agitated their team, especially Scry. I can''t really blame purely on Wen, I didn''t really stop her from saying those things."


    "Tsk, that girl is too vulgar sometimes. I should have a talk with her soon. Anyway, let me clean up. Meanwhile, you should try waking everyone up," Lucia yawned and scratched her head.


    "Me?! Waking everyone up? I can wake Wen just fine, but everyone?" She stammered.


    Lucia raised her eyebrow, "you know, for someone who actually put a Katar on Jace''s neck and almost destroying the whole world, you sure acting awfully timid. Don''t you think that will raise suspicion?"


    "Raise suspicion? What do you mean?"


    "Oh I don''t know, maybe... they will start to wonder if you have known them from the past?" Lucia shrugged indifferently, "when people started to wonder, it will poke on their curiosity and who knows what will they find o--"


    "I-I''ll wake them up!" Yurika exclaimed, "I will make them breakfast too if I must!"


    Yurika stomping out towards the food ingredients bag, while Lucia shrugging, sticking out her tongue cheekily and walking toward the closest river.


    "It is a good idea if you make breakfast first before waking them up." She added in without even glancing at the blonde, "delicious smell always works every time."


    ---


    It didn''t take her long to make a quick potato soup. Tasting it made her decide to cut some bread and tossed it over the pan while sprinkling a bit of garlic and salt. Toasting it until it was nice and crispy. It was not a meal for the king, but it was decent enough and quite filling. It should keep them full until lunchtime. Happy with the result, Yurika placed the food near the fire and was about to wake everyone up. She turned her body and almost crashed to someone who was standing behind her. She was startled and automatically took a hastened step back but she lost her footing and slipped, falling backwards unto the boiling pot of soup.


    She opened her eyes in shock. The world rushed by in a blur. Her perception of time was distorted, everything slowed down. It went fast yet slow, almost suspended. She saw nothing, only her, the sky above and the boiling pot behind her. Her hand reached out, grasping the endless crevasse of blue. She closed her eyes and prepared for the impact when someone caught her hands and pulled her back up just in time. Her face landed softly on a broad chest while the person''s left hand was warping around her waist, keeping her safe.


    After a short couple seconds of shock, Yurika finally looked up to her saviour. Piercing cold blue eyes were staring back at her. A flash of memory suddenly stroke Yurika''s mind, the moment she saw it was Jace who was holding her. She didn''t really understand what she saw the only thing she could tell was the jolt of horror that overwhelms all her senses. It caused her body to react before her mind did, she frantically pushed the man.


    "Let go of me!" she shrieked in fear. Her mind had stopped working, she didn''t remember about the bubbling pot behind her that she was just saved from a couple of seconds ago. She blindly pushed and hit the man with all her might.


    "What are you doing woman!" shouted Jace as he was trying to keep her in his embrace and not fall back toward the pot. It caused him to lose his balance and he could see how their body started to collapse into the fire with the girl''s back as the first that would make contact with. Jace made a quick decision and swiftly swirled his body. His left foot dropped directly into the flaming wood and kicked the hot pot as he tried to keep his balance. The pot flew a couple of meters away, rolling while spilling the food on its way. He then thrust Yurika toward the ground and quickly put off the fire on his lower pants.


    "Argh, are you stupid!" He groaned in pain while checking on his burnt left foot. His eyes glared at the shocked girl who was sitting on the ground with a shocked pale face. Her round purple eyes were so wide that they could have jumped out from their socket if that possible. Her expression nudging Jace''s heartstrings, there was something familiar about the girl that he hated to admit. After seeing her defensive stance more than a week ago, he couldn''t help being reminded of one specific girl. The one who has been haunting him all of these years. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Yurika sudden hysteria died down as fast as it came and she realized what had she done. Her eyes went toward his scalded left foot, the redness on its skin looked hot and painful.


    "A-are you o-oka--"


    "Jace!" Amierra suddenly appeared behind Yurika, she rushed toward Jace and checked on his burns, "what happened?"


    Amierra quickly chants healing magic, she managed to glare at Yurika fiercely while taking care of Jace''s wounds. Yurika gulped at how her glare reminded her the moment when Amierra saw Jace had kissed Eireen. She scrambled up and quickly bow down deeply.


    "I am sorry. It was my fault, I''ll go find some Acemannan leaf to lesser the scalding," she added in and without waiting for any answers from the couple she turned her heels. Walked as fast as she could toward the river. Even with healing magic, the wound won''t heal one hundred percent directly. Healing magics especially those that under a subclass'' skill only work as first aid. He would still need some ointment or potion to be completely healed.


    Yurika walked pass Lucia who just finished cleaning herself.


    "Hey, is the breakfast do--," Lucia had to stop herself when she saw Yurika strange expression. She grabbed her arm to stop her, "What''s going on? What happened?"


    Yurika just shook her head fast, "Nothing, can you let me go? I need to find something."


    Her voice was trembling as if she was on the verge of crying, she didn''t really know what made her like that. Was it the shock of Jace getting hurt to save her, or the way Ammierra glared at her, or it was more of the unclear glimpses of flashback that carried an unexplainable immense horror to her mind and heart.


    Lucia refused to let her go, "It didn''t look like ''nothing''. I am not letting you go until you have calmed down."


    Yurika suddenly dropped down on the ground, her whole body shook hard and her face was so white. She hugged herself as if she was trying to stop it from falling apart.


    "Hey, are you okay?! Yurika? Get a hold of yourself!" Lucia kneeled down next to the pale girl. Yurika didn''t really hear her, her mind was full with questions on what images that flashed by before. What were those mean and what actually happened between Eireen and Jace?


    ''Eireen..., what had happened to you? Did Jace do something terrible to you?''


    ***


    Yurika didn''t remember how long she was sitting on the ground while hugging herself. Lucia stayed with her even without saying anything. Her senses came back slowly when Wen''s voice came to her ears.


    "Yuu, are you okay?"


    Yurika finally moved her head and faced Wen, her pale face slowly to have color, she reached out and pulled Wenona into her hug.


    "I am okay..." she mumbled while holding her friend tight, "now you are here, I am okay."


    "I saw the mess to what was supposed to be our breakfast. Did that turnip man do something to you?" Wen growled as she stood up and seemed ready to march to find Jace.


    "No, no, he didn''t do anything to me. He actually saved me from falling to a boiling pot," Yurika quickly stopped her, "oh, how did you know it was Jace?"


    "Saw him walked out from the crime scene with that girl tailing him. She sure was persistent even after that turnip scolded her and told her to go away," explained Wen.


    "Scold? Why would he scold her?"


    Wen shrugged, "how would I know, I didn''t hear their argument. I left the moment Lucia telepath me. I came rushing here to find you and to be honest..., I don''t really care."


    "So if Jace saved you, why are you so pale?" asked Lucia, "is there something you haven''t been telling us."


    Yurika glanced at Lucia with a look that Lucia finally caught on, "I-I think I was just too shocked because of the ''almost'' accident. I almost burn myself because of my clumsiness."


    "I see, I hope you are feeling better now," said Lucia while clearing her throat, "I guess no breakfast for today. We really should get going. I have found a shortcut to Marama."


    Wen glanced around between Yurika and Lucia, she suspected that they had hidden something from her. But the moment Lucia mentioned Marama, the plan to interrogate Yurika and Lucia disappeared; forgotten.


    "Shortcut?"


    "Yep, it will cut the time to almost a day sooner," said Lucia, but then she looked thoughtful, "that if we managed to find the way out of it."


    "What!?" Wen exclaimed, "what do you mean by if we managed to find the way out of it? What short cut are you proposing?"


    "Poroiwi cave, at the northwest edge this forest. I''ve heard some stories from the guild member about a labyrinth cave that lead to Marama and Stilla ar --"


    "However, that cave was quite famous for the high-level monsters and how a lot of adventurers didn''t make it through it," cut Wen anxiously, "Are you sure we should go through it? I really like the idea if we can reach Marama sooner, but I don''t know... It felt too risky."


    A chuckle came from Lucia, surprising Yurika and Wen, "seriously, it is funny to hear that from someone who for some reason likes the idea of risk and been nothing but a risk-taker from what I have seen and heard ever since I had the chance of knowing her.."


    "Are you saying I am careless?" retorted Wen.


    "Well, that''s exactly what I am saying, my dear princess," Lucia winked teasingly at Wen.


    Wen was ready to argue back, but Lucia quickly stopped her, "I have found the way out of it last night. It wasn''t that hard for me with my speed. But since I can''t be the only one who reached Marama, I went back to get you guys. So everything should be fine."


    "You could have said that from the beginning!" protested Wenona.


    "Well, I have said it just now, right?" said Lucia, her silver foxy eyes glowed mischievously.


    "Urghh, you sure are annoying for a Zanj!" Wenona snarled. She then grabbed Yurika and dragged her away, "Let''s go, we need to tidy the tent and preparing for the journey. She can do the explanation to that turnip''s party."


    "Eh, wait I still need to find Acemannan leaf for Jace''s foot," said Yurika.


    Wen stared at her friend in annoyance, "I have it in my bag. No need to search for it. You can just throw it to him later or whatever. I don''t care."


    Then Wenona stomped all the way to her tent with Yurika following behind her, trying to calm her down.


    Meanwhile, Lucia was chuckling at Wenona reaction.


    "I really like teasing you, princess" muttered Lucia while watching the purple-haired girl, "you are just too cute."

 Chapter 3 - Poroiwi Cave

    "I think that''s the cave," Ammierra pointed at a gaping void on a hill that''s half covered by vines and ivy a couple of yards northwest from where they were. It was reasonably easy to find the place. A manmade trail obscured by bushes, fallen rocks leading towards the jagged opening.


    "Lucia," Yurika nudged the Zanj. She was sleeping on her mount. Before they embarked toward the cave Lucia had requested Ammierra to charm her mount. The charm would make the mount to automatically follow Ammierra and her mount without the need of anyone steering it. So the Zanj could take a couple of hours nap, she hadn''t had the chance of sleeping last night. Running around inside the labyrinth trying to find ways out while marking it was not an easy job and it took a toll on the Zanj.


    "Lucia, I think we have arrived, wake up please," Yurika nudged her once more. This time the raven-haired girl stirred. Her foxy eyes blinked a couple of times before she finally pushed herself up.


    "Urgh okay nap time is over," she said while stretching and yawning loudly. She bobbed her head towards the cave.


    "Yep, that''s the place. You can break the charm now, Ammierra Llana. Thank you," Lucia grabbed the rein and looked at the others, "let''s go we don''t have all day."


    With that said, the moment Ammierra broke the charm, Lucia prodded her mount and advanced toward the cave followed by the others.


    The cave mouth was broad and the sunlight reached inside almost a few meters deep. Going deeper the light started to dim, chilling blackness started to grab every corner. The absence of light brought the absence of warm touch of the sun.


    "Okay, starting this point we need to walk while leading our mount. It will be too much for our Camelous to carry us and find footing. They will end up as a burden if they slip and broke their legs," said Lucia as she leaped off from the mount, "We will need them still to reach Marama, so better safe than sorry."


    The noise of those disturbed rocks echoed off the wall of the cave as everyone got off from their mount. The temperature dropped as they entered the massive underground chamber, sending a violent chill down their spine. Marc chanted light magic and created a light of cloud above their head. The light was sufficient enough for around a meter ahead of them but that was the limit The brightness of the cloud reached neither the wall nor ceiling, confining their vision to a small circle of the flickering orange cast.


    "So you said you have marked the way," Jace''s voice echoed involuntarily, "what kind of sign we need to pay attention to? So we can all pay more attention to our surrounding."


    "You will see it. It is as obvious as the sun," Lucia chuckled and winked at Jace.


    As they explored further to the cave, they arrived at a place with a few passages. They tunneled like giant snakes curling and twisting deep inside the hills.


    "I guess this place lived up to its name," Lyall whistled while his navy eyes tried their best to track into the passages, "So which way?"


    Yurika glanced around the passage and her eyes stumbled upon a glowing yellowish streak on one of the stones near one of the passages.


    "I think that''s the one," she pointed out.


    "When she said it will be as obvious as the sun, she literary meant it," Lyall whooped, his laughter vibrated the passage and echoed back, "I wonder what kind of paint you used. It actually glowed in the dark."


    Lucia grinned, "That''s a crafter secret. Anyway from here on, please keep your voice as low as possible. We don''t want to wake the cave dwel--."The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Lucia words were cut by a strange noise. It was almost like birds chirping but combined by scratching noise.  It was faint but enough to make them tense.


    "What was that?" Wen''s eyes widen in an alert.


    Lucia rolled her eyes, "too late, they know we are here. Let''s move faster before they catch us. No more talking. If u need to say anything, please use the telepathy."


    They moved faster as they ushered their mount along. The strange noises for some reason disappear, leaving them with frigid silence that interspersed with the echoes of their footsteps. Crushing the stones and whatever in their ways as they went deeper, moving passage by passage in silence.


    ''Wen,'' Yurika called her friend. The silence made her more anxious, her ears strained to any unusual noise around her. Her shoulders hitched almost imperceptibly at every sound.


    ''Yuu, this is bad, seriously bad,'' Wen replied, her inner voice sounded panic, ''I can''t believe I actually forgot what this place called beside Poroiwi.''


    The next passage was quite narrow, so they had to walk one by one and slower.


    ''What do you mean?''


    ''This place also called as the deathly ant hills.''


    Yurika could almost hear herself gulping in fear.


    ''Rufas monsters live in this cave, not only they are quite dangerous as one. They also work as a group. No wonder no one lives to tell what''s inside this cave labyrinth.''


    The tunnel felt longer and dizzying, every turn grew more and more confusing, and Yurika could almost sure that they had walked in circles several times before discovering Lucia''s mark that led to another passage. She had tried to keep a record of the path, but it was impossible.


    ''Wen, do you think the noises before... were from them?'' asked Yurika, as she tried her best to walk around the rocky path. She didn''t really want to look down, after a couple of time her eyes captured not only stone, dirt and mud they have been stepping on. Bones and dead bodies were also scattered on their path. The deeper they went the damper the place also the more signs of death all around them.


    Suddenly her leg got caught on something, she tried to pull it, shake it to no avail. She pulled harder but whatever caught her right leg was sure clung on her tightly. Nervously her fuchsia eyes glanced down, staring down to what held her. The dim light revealed a hand was clinging on her leg. It didn''t clutch strongly on her but it moved as if trying to pull her.


    Panicked, Yurika started to kick and shake her captured leg. Anything to unhook it. But instead of managing to escape from the clutch, her body flail and with a loud thump she fell.


    The whole place vibrated once more, everyone froze. Waiting and listening to any strange movement or noises. A second pass, two seconds, three seconds.... everyone held their breath in anticipation. But there was nothing... so they started to relax their tense shoulders.


    Yurika was still on the ground, she was also frozen in fear. She could sense the stabbing glared from Jace and the others. Silent angry whispers waves of thoughts for her clumsiness. She carefully tried to scramble back up. As she finally up, her eyes fell on one of the holes on the wall. Two round large eyes, high in the dark of one of the holes were staring back at her, and then a massive form lumbered out of the dark with a complaining growl that strangely sounded like hundreds ... no thousands chirping noise. Then she realized there wasn''t just one it was actually hundreds of them peeking through the porous wall.


    "RUFAS!" Wen shrieked, she quickly slapped her mouth shut, but it was too late. More and more creatures thronged out from the wall.


    Yurika stunned, her eyes couldn''t move away from the dark compound eyes. She felt like she was hypnotized by them. Then someone hand grabbed hold of her hand and pulled her away at the nick of time. Just a second away right before a gush of acid was spewed at her face.


    "RUN!" Ordered Jace, and everyone took off at a dead run. To fight off one Rufas wouldn''t be so bad, but a hundred of them... would be suicidal. Rock splintered and cracked behind them as the beasts gave chase, and the group tore through the tunnels, not really paying attention to where they were going and didn''t really care about their mounts who were running as panic as their rider. They were lucky to manage to stay in a group even though they were running without paying any direction. But when they arrived in a wide dome area, they knew that they had strayed away from their actual course.


    "Oh no, it''s the queen chamber," dreaded Lucia as her silver eyes bore on the center of the dome.


    A giant Rufas, with powerful mandibles, hard, armour-like exoskeleton perforated with spiracles for gaseous exchange, large compound eyes of hundreds of lenses working together to form a single image. It''s elbowed antennae moved as it detecting their presence.

 Chapter 4 - Run!!

    This room was nothing like they had seen before, it was truly massive. It was wide enough to fit a street of houses but just high enough in the center that you could fit a grand temple and its spire. In the center of the room laid the queen. The normal Rufas at a glance were as large as their mounts but the queen was at least 10 times larger with hundreds of eggs behind her being carried off by smaller Rufas.


    "They are coming," Wen pointed at their chaser. The warrior Rufas that had been chasing until they stumbled into the Queen''s chamber were advancing fast.


    "What to do? Jace?!" Amierra glancing between the Queen and the advancing beast.


    "Stop them! Close the passage!" Jace shouted.


    Without waiting for another order, Wenona threw her thunderbolt bombs toward the ceiling of the passage they just came through.


    A loud boom followed by the sound of crumbling stone filled the room. Wenona had just managed in the closing of the passage; blocking their pursuers.


    "Head''s up, that just gives us the attention we don''t really want¡± remarked Zeke.


    The queen of Rufas slowly turned its head to face the group, with the gnashing of her mandibles a fine mist sprayed up out of her back into one of the many tunnels on the pourous wall. These tunnels were off in all sizes and condition, some were around the edges, there were a few in the ceiling and even a few could be seen in the floor. The mist that the queen sprayed up was actually her way in calling her troops. Thousands of glittering eyes peered out of the tunnels reflecting the little light they bought with them.


    ¡°Ok, think think think, what do we know, what can we do?¡± exclaimed Lyall, panic.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much, but the ground dwellers are usually sensitive to sounds and lights¡± retorted Wenona. Lucia smiled in approval.


    ¡°They probably don¡¯t even need to see us, to find us¡± Amierra chiming in.


    A line of Rufas now stood stationary in front of the queen obviously to protect her in her chamber.


    ¡°This is bad, they think we are threatening their queen," Yurika blurts out, "We need to get out fast, before it''s too late."


    ¡°Good idea, Lucia, can you find the way out for us once more? We are obviously ran to the wrong passage when we try to outrun the previous Rufas¡± Jace explains, ¡°we¡¯ll try to pull their attention to us and defend as much as we can, until that time.¡±


    "Okay, leave it to me!" In a flash, Lucia bolts off. Her speed was faster than their blinking eyes. She stopped at the first tunnel and waits for her draught to fall still, nothing.


    ¡°Come on, where is it?¡± She mutters to herself then bolts off to the next one.


    The first rufas ant approached the group. With the limited light, it was almost impossible for anyone to do ranged attack. Amierra immediately cast a charming skill at the beast and ordered it to attack the next one approaching, while Jace was throwing fireballs at the tunnel above the queen. His plan was to make the get the attention of the queen. It resulted chunks of the edges of the tunnels blew and dropped on top of the queen. But the queen looked unfazed by this move. Marc who has been illuminating the area as best he can, noticed something. A Rufas in a tunnel right above the group.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± as he shouted the Rufas sent an acid spray from above,


    Both Wenona and Scry had to dive out of the way of the splash. In retaliation, Wenona causes an explosion in the tunnel above them crushing the Rufas and stopping any more aerial acid attacks.


    Two more Rufas approached the group and Amierra charmed them to fight another two which were near them. Rufas being none the wiser viciously fight the charmed beasts.


    Another six approach, three on the left of the group and three on the right. Amierra charmed the far left and right to fight its closest kin. Leaving two that they would have to fight.


    ¡°Nope, not this one,¡± mutters Lucia, she started to sound desperate. She grunted annoyingly before racing off to the next tunnel. This one has Rufas coming out of it to join the queen.


    Startled by the sudden approaching face to face with a Rufas, Lucia grunted, ¡°You''re in my way.¡± This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The ant immediately tried for her head with its mandibles. Lucia swiftly dodged to the side and pulled out her dagger and sliced its left eye and its left antenna clean off. The ant dazed and unbalanced started leaning to the right and charges off gnashing at the air.


    Lucia sighed, "Not this one either! urgh!¡±


    Eeeeeecchcrech


    One of the Rufas shrieked as Zeke drove his sword through its head. The other lunged at Yurika, she quickly dove to the side and sliced off one of its six legs with her conjured sword. As she stood up the beast turned to face her, but before it could do anything she swung her sword which cleaved its head in half.


    Jace on the other hand still hurling fireballs to hit the earth above the queen. He wanted the ceiling of the dome to fall on the Queen, maybe. If the queen died, the chance for the other Rufas to scatter and back away might exist. But he started to see that it wasn''t making much progress. He then decided to throw one at the body of the queen in frustration. The fire explodes on its back, but it didn''t do anything but making the edges of its armored exoskeleton glow a dark red.


    The queen gnashes and released another dose of pheromones into the air, the Rufas who were waiting in the tunnels behind her started to pour out, grab her eggs and take them away.


    ¡°What are they doing? Make sure every ant comes through every tunnel, so I will have a hard time to check it?¡± Lucia complains to herself. She races off to the next tunnel which is massive in comparison to the others, big enough for the queen to go through.


    ¡°There are a couple of tunnels off the side of this tunnels, I¡¯ll quickly check them,¡± Lucia bound to the first offshoot tunnel, ¡°bingo!¡±


    Crunch


    One of the charmed Rufas spat acid at its once friend now foe and chomped into it. Another pile of rufas started to approach the group. Amierra once again charmed a couple and preoccupy three of them. Leaving five approaching the group.


    ¡°We can''t stay like this forever. There''s too many of them! ¡± Lyall said out loud.


    Suddenly the Rufas that stood face to face with Yurika flew to the side with a loud boom. One of its legs broke and glided off in the opposite direction. It almost hit Scry''s face, but he managed to evade it swiftly.


    "Hey! Watch it!" he complained.


    Meanwhile, Lucia who was the one sending that Rufas away already stood in front of the group.


    ¡°Good news, found a way out, let''s quickly deal with these ones¡±.


    Lyall and Scry team up to take one of the rufas down. As it went on one the other would close in to do damage while the other dodged. Jace swiftly downed one by blasting a fiery punch into its face so hard it flew back. Yurika cuts another one down and the last one just explodes into little kibbly bits.


    Everyone glanced at Wenona, as the girl just shrugged innocently, "I hate bugs, okay."


    ¡°Ok while we have a chance mount up and let''s go, follow me¡± Lucia shouted to the group.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to hide our movements,¡± Marc said and stood at the back of the group. As everyone mounted up, he conjured a sandstorm with a path through the tunnel Lucia pointed to, at his back. The sandstorm worked as their shield as they moved toward the path.


    As the group moved the sound of this unnatural sandstorm was amplified by all the tunnels almost to the point deafening. The visibility started to reduce and the queen decided to move towards them.


    ¡°Let''s go,¡± screamed Lucia, competing with all the noises. They all rode off toward the passage while fending off the Rufas that stood in the way, as fast as their mounts would allow them. As they race forward, one Rufas managed to jump over the storm directly unto Lucia who was in front of the group. They didn''t see it coming.


    Just a second before the Rufas was about to spit acid at Lucia, a massive boulder flew out from the side of the sandstorm, collected and took it into the other side of the sandstorm.


    Everyone stared at the whole incident with widening eyes.


    "Thanks, Marc, didn''t saw that coming," shouted Lucia to the young man who was still at the back of the group, slowly backing away and moved to the exit passage.


    "No problem," he replied while still focusing on the sandstorm he conjured.


    The group was almost at the tunnel entrance and out of nowhere, these massive mandibles click just above the entire groups head. As a reaction, Jace threw a fireball to where he thought he saw the movement. When the fireball hit they could see a silhouette of the queen''s head in this sandstorm illuminated by fire. At a full speed they rode toward the tunnel Lucia found. This tunnel was large enough to ride in by far but too small for the queen.


    "Faster! The faster we are in that tunnel, the lesser chance they will chase us!" Jace prodded his mount harshly toward the passage, "Marc, get on your mount already!"


    The brown-haired man cast flame wall before him and finally jumped on his mount who was waiting for him anxiously. He spurred his mount and unsheathed a katana from his staff. Charging through the passage while fending off the Rufas that jump out from the Sandstrom wall on his left and right. His blade swung so fast that no one could see how it swished around and cut through the heads of Rufas.


    Jace was the first who managed to get inside of that tunnel, followed by Lucia, Lyall, Amierra, Scry, and Wenona. Yurika who was behind Wenona couldn''t help to keep checking on Marc worriedly.


    "Yuu! Come on! What are you waiting for?!" Wenona shouted, fear for her friend who for some reason slowing down her mount not too far from the mouth of the tunnel.


    Then Yurika saw it, the queen''s mandible swung straight at Marc''s back. She jumped out from her mount and with her mind, she conjured a fireball like what Jace did before.


    "Marc, duck!!" She shouted at the young man as her fireball whirled toward the giant mandible. Marc ducked just a second before the fireball shot passed his head and hit the queen''s mandible. It didn''t really harm it but it was enough to push it back a little. Marc gave her a nod of gratitude. Then suddenly his brown eyes widen in shock as he saw a Rufas jump from the left sandstorm wall and went straight to Yurika without she noticed. He lunged his hand and sent a thunderbolt that hit the Rufas just right before it could touch her.


    The thunderbolt sent it flying to the mouth of the passage where the others were waiting. The ceiling exploded, sending down a shower of rocks and closed their only way out.


    "YUU!!" Wenona cry out as someone quickly pulled her away before the rocks fell on her and crushed her with it.

 Chapter 5 - Trapped

    "Let me go!" Wenona screamed as she struggled to free herself from Lucia''s hold. She was the one who grabbed her away from the falling rocks.


    "We need to get back there! Yuu -- Yurika is stuck with those monsters!"


    "Wen, calm down!" Lucia yelled at her. She pushed the girl down on the ground and stared straight at her eyes.


    Never Wen noticed how time was so much like water; that it could pass slowly, a drop at a time, even freeze, or rush by in a blink. In this slow-time bubble Lucia''s voice was louder, the hardness of the ground felt colder, and the darkness that surrounded them felt suffocating. Suddenly, her body wracked with raw sobs and she shook like a leaf. All the worst thing she could imagine happened to Yurika flashing on her mind. She didn''t want to lose her best friend like when she lost her parents.


    "We need to save her," she begged between her sobs, "Yuu, she hates the dark. Lucia... please save her."


    Lucia''s foxy eyes gently gazed at the girl. She''d never seen Wenona like that, so deflated. Her loose shoulders shook, her hands were on her face, trying to conceal her tears as it dripped away between her fingers. She pulled Wen up from the ground and hugged her.


    "Such a silly girl," Scry smirked.


    Wenona whipped her face at the purple haired man, her eyes glared with the intensity that could kill. Despite her reddened face and disheveled hair, she looked ready to bark at the guy.


    "She is the chosen one that almost destroyed our world," Scry leered at the girl. A looped smile decorating his mocking face, "do you think she will just die because of those bugs? I was expecting her to just ram through that Rufas queen before and didn''t waste our time. But I guess she is that weak, so she should die and give that legendary gem to someone more worthy."


    Wenona pushed herself out from Lucia''s hug and stood up. All of her fear, grief, and worry over Yurika''s safety had changed to anger, directed to the man who mockingly leered at her.


    "Yurika is not weak! She won''t die! No one else worthy of that Fetuu La Rossa more than her!" Wenona stood in front of Scry in a challenging way.


    "Then why are you crying like she''s dead already?"


    "I am not crying!" Wen quickly whipped her tears away, "It''s dust! This place is so dusty, they got into my eyes!"


    "Yeah, sure~ blame the dust," mocked Scry once more.


    "Shut up you two!" roared Jace, quickly quieting the bickering, "she isn''t alone there. Marc is with her and I trust his ability to at least survive and keep her safe until we find a way to help them."


    "We can try digging out the rocks," suggested Lyall.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Yes we should dig it out now," Wen rushed back to the closed opening but before she started to dig the rocks out suddenly her body froze and the color of her face drained in a snap. She darted her face toward the tunnel.


    "What''s wrong?" Lucia realized her strange attitude.


    "Marama.. is under attack," Wenona''s lips trembled, "Rii..., she screamed, calling my name."


    "Oh no!" Ammierra gasped.


    "We don''t have time to stick around but we need to help Marc and Yurika too," muttered Jace.


    "Everyone should go to Marama now," decided Lucia, "I''ll stay and try to find another way out to reach Yurika and Marc. It is faster if I work alone."


    "Okay, let''s do that." Jace nodded at Lucia, "all we need to do just to follow this tunnel right?"


    "Yes, it should lead you directly to the outskirt of Marama border," said Lucia while straightening her clothing and stretching her body, "Wen, go with them. I promise you I will help Yurika and joined you in no time."


    "... and Marc," Ammierra''s added. She sounded a bit miffed on the fact that Lucia didn''t mention his name, "you need to save him too."


    Lucia turned her attention toward the icy princess, "of course. I will never leave anyone behind. I will save them both."


    Wenona bored her blue eyes at Lucia, she looked hesitated but then with a heavy sigh, she took her bags and checking on her mount before finally sat on the saddle.


    "I will wait for you at Marama," said Wenona finally, "keep your promise and... don''t die in the process."


    "Absolutely princess," Lucia smiled reassuringly, "though I wonder..."


    "About?"


    "Will you cry if I died?" Lucia winked.


    "Shut up!" Wenona retorted, her eye glared at the Zanj, "I won''t cry, but I definitely will hate you if you dare. You have promises to keep. Not just about saving Yuu, but also teaching me so I can upgrade my skill. So don''t you ever dare!"


    Lucia chuckled, "Understood, okay see you soon, my princess!"


    With that said Wen prodded her mount and followed Jace''s group that already went ahead.


    ***


    "Watch out!" Marc warned Yurika about the falling rocks as he jumped out from his mount. Trying to reach the girl as fast he could.


    Yurika''s eyes opened in shock as she saw a big rock fell straight at her. The world rushed by in a blur and she knew the pain was coming. She closed her eyes automatically, waiting for the impact.


    "Move!!" Marc shouted again. His hand grabbed Yurika arms and pulled her into his hug as they dropped into the ground and rolled away from the giant rock. But that''s not the only falling rocks. It was a shower.


    Marc quickly pulled himself up while dragging Yurika along, even the Rufas that were on his tail before decided to back away. As they move away from the area, Yurika looked at the direction of the Rufas queen by instinct. That''s when she saw it, the queen''s head passed through the sand storm wall. She tilted her head as if thinking while her hundred lenses eyes were blinking, then she disappeared back to the sandstorm. Yurika was going to exhale gladly thinking that the monstrous beast decided to let them go, but she chocked halfway when the queen showed up again while carrying a massive boulder. Then in the split-second, it hurled the boulder at them at high speed.


    "Marc!" she screamed while pushing the man away, she clutched her pendant desperately and raised her hand toward the flying boulder.


    ''Please, Fetuu La Rossa lend me your power'' she shouted inside her mind while trying to dig Eireen''s memories. Anything that could be used against that imminent danger.


    Then she felt a surge of power started to fill her, her eyes were glowing as a strange confident doused her body. She was actually smiling when a blast of fire came out from her hand to encounter the massive boulder. The moment they collided the boulder exploded to pieces.


    Yurika then fell on her knees, all of her energy had been drained by that last attack. Losing all of her strength, she couldn''t move away from the rock shower. She was half unconscious when she felt someone caught her limp body as her whole world spinning and darkened.

 Chapter 6- Trust

    Yurika couldn''t have been out of it longer than a few minutes, but her head throbbed with pain that was crashing against her skull like waves. She groaned, pushing her body with her arms, blinking away the blur to her vision.


    "Are you okay?" Marc asked.


    "Where are we?" Yurika mumbled. At first, the darkness of the place confused her. For a minute or two she couldn''t make out anything at all but the dark lump of rocks and the mass of sand and dust all around her. She could smell musty damp air. When her eyes started to get used to the blackness, she found herself inside of a dead-end passage with a large wall of stone was blocking the only way out.


    "Still inside of Poroiwi. I just promptly pulled you in one of the tunnels. I didn''t have enough time to check if it''s a dead-end or not," Marc mumbled, "and the boulder''s fragments just trapped us in here in the end, sorry."


    "No, don''t be sorry. You did what you think best at that time. I was the one who fainted and became a burden."


    "You are not a burden," Marc refuted, he then made a shuffling move noise and groaned a bit.


    "Are you okay?"


    "I am fine."


    "You don''t sound like you are fine though," Yurika tried to move closer to the man. Making her way carefully with her touch. She stumbled a few times before she reached him.


    "It would be better if you could conjure some light magic," Yurika suggested.


    "I would have done that, if I could, ouch--," Marc grunted when Yurika accidentally touched his shoulder, "I have lost my staff and... my glasses somewhere around this place. I am pretty much blind without it."


    "You are hurt!" Yurika panicked, "I should try to find them for you. I can''t really help with your wound in the dark." She started to feel the ground around her to find either his glasses or staff.


    "Why don''t you conjure light magic?"


    Yurika stopped and turn herself facing him, "I don''t know how. I haven''t learned the mage skill."


    "With the way you destroy that boulder? That fire spear is a no joke," said Marc incredulously, "you were using some fireballs too before it."


    Yurika sighed, "would you believe me if I said that fire spear isn''t really my power?"


    "You are confusing me."


    Yurika sighed once more, she decided to stop searching for his staff and sat down.


    "I don''t know how are you going to interpret this... if I got to make it simple I think the easiest way to describe it to you is that Fetuu La Rossa isn''t just a power gem," Yurika explained as best as she could. She was fiddling with her finger as she continued, "it has a soul and it was the one who conjured that fire spear."


    Marc didn''t say anything back for a couple of seconds, "I think you are probably right. I still remember when the Goddess first brought it at the election day. She did say that Fetuu La Rossa has its own soul."


    Yurika face went sour, remembering that part of Eireen''s life. She then recalled the mysterious whisper Eireen heard at that time. She wondered if that was the Goddess'' voice or the Legendary Gem.


    "Anyway, so Fetuu La Rossa also behind the fireball?" asked Marc breaking Yurika train of thought.


    "No, that one was on me."


    "I thought you said that you don''t know any mage skill?"


    "I don''t, I was just mirroring what I have seen," she pouted.


    "Mirroring?"


    "Urgh... it''s complicated. I am still learning with this whole ''chosen one'' power. But essentially I can copy any skill I have seen," she explained.


    "That''s some power you''ve got there," Marc said in amazement.


    "However, it is just a shell. If I don''t know the core or essence of the class, the skill I copy is just an empty shell," Yurika continued, "looks the same but not even 10% of its true power."


    "I see," Marc nodded, but he grunted after it. It seemed that any movement he made caused him pain. Yurika wondered how badly injured he was.


    "Anyway, I should go back to what I am doing," Yurika mumbled as she returned to carefully inch by inch feeling the ground."This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "Well, it will be easier if you mirror my light magic," Marc said matter of factly, "you did see it at least once."


    Yurika stopped, as it dawned on her that she did saw him do the skill before. She then giggled sheepishly, "Oh my Goddess, I can be an air-headed at times."


    Marc was chuckling a bit but he quickly had to hold himself as he groaned once more, "well, at least I am here to remind you."


    "Thank you, then?" Yurika said between her giggle. She found herself feeling more comfortable talking to him. Compared to the others, Marc was the only one so far in Eireen memory that didn''t really make her shudder or gave her a bitter taste in her tongue. She then wondered if Eireen ever seen this side of Marc before, he always seemed so quiet and reserved in her memories, even when he tried to comfort Eireen back then.


    She shook off her thought, there were more important things to do right now. She then pulled out the image of the cloud of light that Marc did before in her mind. She held her hand out with her eyes closed. She felt her fingers tip tingling with a warm sensation and a calming wave envelop her.


    ''Is this light magic? It felt different compared to the fire magic,'' she thought to herself. Then her closed eyes sensed the change in the atmosphere. A soft light caressed her eyelids as she slowly opened her eyes. The cloud of light was just as big as her palm but it was good enough to illuminate her surroundings.


    "It''s so small," complained the girl, "it is not as big as yours before."


    She turned her attention to the direction of where Marc''s voice came before and her eyes widened at his condition.


    "Oh no! There''s so much blood!!" She rushed toward him to get a better look. As she got closer she quickly did an examination on him


    "Do I look that bad? Pretty sure, I wasn''t hurt that bad," he sucked his breath between his gritted teeth, "I think one of the rocks hit my head and my right shoulder when I was dragging you here."


    "I''m so--," she stopped herself. ''Stop saying, sorry!'' Lucia''s voice rang in her head.


    "T-thank you, for not leaving me out there," she finally said.


    "No problem," he smiled and his brown eyes looked gentle, without his glasses he looked much younger than he really was.


    "I think your shoulder might be broken,"  Yurika disclosed her quick examination as she touched his right shoulder carefully and checked on his bleeding temple. "there''s a cut here, but the blood seems already stopped."


    She cast healing magic to give him first aid, then she untied her ribbon. Her wavy ivory hair fell down, bouncing softly on her shoulder, the strands cascaded down her back. As she leaned forward to put the ribbon as Marc''s arm sling, her hair moved with her, hiding her face until she straightened and flicked it back over her cloak.


    "Okay, that should help a bit, but you will need proper treatment," she reassured, "now let me try finding your glasses and staff."


    "Thank you, hmm... how should I call you?" Marc mumbled, "I am not really used to call anyone I just know by their first name..."


    "Just call me Yuu. I don''t really remember my family name anyway," answered Yurika while scanning the surrounding ground with the miniature light cloud hovering on top of her head, the light was not as bright as the original but it was much better than the total darkness. It didn''t take her long before she found his staff stuck between the rocks and his glasses that were already crushed near the wall of stones. She took the glasses or what''s left of it and brought it to him.


    "Your glasses..."


    He made a dejected smile as he felt on the remains of his glasses, "how about my staff?"


    "It is stuck between the rocks. Let me go check it," she went back to where his staff was and took a closer look at it. Despite being pinned between the rocks it looked fine, not a single crack or even fracture on it.


    "Your staff looked perfectly fine but it is stuck between the rocks. I hope the part under the rocks is okay too."


    "Well, it''s a family heirloom. I expect it to be able to sustain it at least," his face glowed with pride, "is there any way for you to pull it out?"


    Yurika carefully held the staff and tried to pull it out, but after a couple of tries, she had to give up. The staff didn''t even move.


    "No, sorry ...," she muttered, "now what? Should we wait for the others to come and help us out?"


    "They had already left--"


    "What?!" Yurika blurted out.


    "Marama is under attack. They had to leave us," Marc calmly explained, "including your friend had to go there. Lucia stayed behind though. She is trying to find another way out from that tunnel to the main dome and to us."


    "Oh no! We need to get out fast!"


    "The feeling is mutual, but we can''t really do much for now," he sighed.


    Yurika moved toward him and sat next to him, "by the way how did you know all of that? Did someone send you telepathy messages?"


    "Yeah, Jace did."


    Yurika raised her eyebrow in surprise, "Are you saying that he has your True Name? and... did you just call him by his name directly?"


    "Yes, I had given him my true name since long time ago and we haven''t been using the mannerism for a while now," he carefully leaned his head on the wall behind him, "ever since he lost the kingdom..."


    "Why?


    "What do you mean by why? Why did I give him my true name ? or about dropping the manner?" Marc tilted his head toward her.


    "Why did you give him your true name?" Yurika then remembered when she was with Zeke at Fractured hill dungeon. Where Zeke also got some telepathy messages from Jace.


    "Wait the minute, don''t tell me that he has all of your true names?!"


    "I am not sure about Scry, but pretty much yes he has our true names," Marc tapped his left cheek, "for the why... I guess for myself, it''s because I trust and respect him. I don''t know about the others."


    "Trust and respect?" Yurika muttered, she couldn''t see any reasons to respect especially trust Jace with something as crucial as a True Name. Prominently because of Eireen''s memory about him. But she didn''t really want to question Marc further, worried that it might spark curiosity in the man''s mind.


    "Anyway, I am thinking, that maybe we should make an opening through that stones of the wall," Marc said breaking the subtle silence, "even if Lucia knew where we are, I don''t think she is strong enough to break through the wall."


    "But... you are hurt and I can''t break the block with my strength," Yurika put her hand over her pendant, "I am not sure if I could invoke Fetuu La Rossa again. Even if I could, how would I know if I am not going to destroy everything and bury us alive instead of getting us out of this place? I might even eradicate your staff in the process too."


    "That''s why, I am going to teach you the basic of Mage class," Marc countered.


    "Ehh! Here?! Now?!" Yurika exclaimed.


    "Yep," Marc grinned confidently.

 Chapter 7 - The Elemental Spirits

    There was a long pause. Yurika''s face washed blank with confusion like her brain cogs couldn''t turn fast enough to take in the information from what her ears received. Her face scrunched up to a scowl as she stared at Marc''s grinning face.


    "That''s impossible, this is not the place to train the mage skill," she opened her arm wide, "we are stuck here and we don''t know for how long. We need to reserve our air and also energy, especially with your condition. You are not really in the condition to teach me."


    "On the contrary, this is actually the best place to teach you the real magic," his soft lips still stretched confidently. It was mixed with a strained expression. In the dim light, she couldn''t really see his face color but judging by his shallow breathing, Yurika was pretty sure he was enduring a lot of pain.


    "No, you need to save your energy," she shook her head, "stay and don''t move too much. I am sure you are enduring a lot even just for breathing. I''ll try to figure another way out."


    She then stood up and was going to make her way again toward the closed opening, when suddenly Marc''s left hand grabbed on her hand, stopping her. His sudden move made him groaned in pain.


    "Hey, I told you to not mov-"


    "Listen to me," Marc''s smile had vanished, replaced by a scowl, and his breathing was laboured "I don''t really need to move if I want to teach you"


    He then had a short cough fit that made Yurika really worried. She quickly bent over to check him, "stop talking, please. You really need to stay still and save your energy. I don''t know how bad your condition really is."


    ''Then I will speak this way,'' His dark eyes glanced directly to Yurika, ''I''ll stay still and talk through our mind. Would you listen to me now?''


    Yurika blinked a couple of times while staring back at the man. She didn''t expect him to be the stubborn type. She couldn''t help to yield as she sighed and sat back next to him before finally nodding at him.


    ''Good, now let''s get to it. For now, you should sit in the most comfortable way you can,'' he then closed his eyes before continued, ''if I could ask you, how did you copy the skill usually?''


    Yurika leaned her back to the wall as she pulled her legs, gathering them close to her chest.


    ''I just drew back the image of the skill I see and ... well, I guess Fetuu did all the rest.''


    ''I see. Actually, I think the magic affinity classes would be the easiest for you to grasp the essence than the non-magic one,''


    Yurika glanced at the man who looked like he was sleeping with his thick brows gathered as if he had some kind of nightmares.


    ''Explain please?''


    ''Let''s start from the basic,'' he opened his eyes and carefully turned his face toward the girl that sat next to her, ''do you know the world elements?''


    "Yes, they are fire, earth, water and air. My subclass is a priest, so I learned some basics on the elements," she fixed the loose strand of her blonde hair that fell on her face when she nodded.


    ''Good, so have you ever thought about how those element created?''


    Yurika shook her head as the answer, "well besides the fact we can create fire by burning something like woods and other flammable things or how rain created, but yeah I never really know how those basic elements exist from the start. Besides the fact that they are already there at the same time as this world been created by Eiocha the Divine God."


    ''You are quite smart, I like that. True that they exist ever since this world had been created. They were created to support another element --''


    "Another element?!" Yurika gasped. She didn''t expect to hear about it from another person beside Wen and Lucia. She thought that only the Zanj, Goddesess and people from Pononga knew about the existent of Aether element. Those people who chased the Pononga only knew about their ability in conjuring things out of thin air but not really knew the source of it.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "What do you mean?" She pretended to be curious. She started to wonder who is this young man in front of her.


    ''In reality, this world has five elements. Besides those four elements, there is one more. It is called Aether. Aether is the source of everything in this world and...'' He paused for a few seconds, ''only the goddess had the power to manipulate it.''


    "Okay, so how should I connect this with the base of magic class? I don''t think even as the chosen one I could actually tap in with Aether element."


    ''Interesting on how you said ''tap in'', because that''s what I am planning to make you do.''


    "Ehh?!"


    Marc leaned his head on the wall and stared at the ceiling, ''everything in this world is connected to Aether. The soul of the deads, the soul of newborns, the animals, the plants, and even the four elements. Aether is the source of life, which came to my understanding that even the elements are living beings. They are just in a different form.''


    "Wow, that''s a major theory you got there. So if you think that the elements are living beings in what form are they?"


    ''Spirits.'' Marc''s eyes were gazing back at the girl. Yurika almost could see a gleam of excitement in them.


    "Okay, so it is impossible to see them with our bare eyes then?"


    ''Yes, but doesn''t mean we couldn''t feel their presence. Look all around us, we are surrounded by their footprints. We just need to open our mind on their existent as living beings, not just some elements, and let them acknowledge us.''


    Yurika stared at the young man, half amazed and half doubting his theory, "is that how you learn your mage skill? Could you really see them? Did you get this whole theory on your own?"


    ''Well, I don''t really see them. I sensed them...,'' again there''s another pause came from him, as if he needed to find the right word to say. Almost like he was being careful with his statement, ''an old friend had taught me about it a long time ago. But I actually understand it just recently. The long periods of waiting for your arrival actually gave me time to think it through and try the theory.''


    "An old friend?"


    His expression looked gloomy for a short period before it was back to his normal straight face, ''he has long gone, anyway, let''s get back to the topic. So the reason I brought this theory up is that I want you to try to sense their presence.''


    "Sense their presence?! How in the world I do that?"


    ''We should start with the elements that surround us the most now, the air and earth,'' His eyes glanced around his surrounding, ''close your eyes, just like when you tried to copy my cloud of light skill.''


    Yurika looked hesitated but she decided to follow his instruction and closed her eyes.


    ''I need you to relax, don''t think, it is even better if you just let your mind empty.''


    ''Is he trying to make me fall asleep?'' She thought to herself.


    ''Air is gentle and playful but can be unpredictable, he is the joker of elements. Earth is strict but kind and nurturing, she is the mother figure of the elements,'' he shuffled a bit and with his free arm, he reached for Yurika''s hand. She startled by the sudden touch and automatically pulled out her hands as she opened her eyes.


    "Relax, I just want you to put your hands on the ground," he hissed between his gritted teeth as his shallow breath made his voice hoarse.


    "Alright," Yurika placed her palms on the ground surface, "you could just tell me. Try to move as little as you can okay?"


    ''Okay. Please close your eyes again and feel the hum of the earth and the whisper of the air.''


    ''This is all so strange, as I recalled in Eireen''s memory, Marc''s way of teaching is so different compared to what he is doing right now. Well, I guess it is better than not doing anything.''


    Yurika shrugged in her mind as she closed her eyes back. Marc didn''t say anything anymore, so she tried her best to focus her mind on her surroundings. Five minutes became ten, then fifteen and as the time moved ever so slowly Yurika starting to doubt this whole theory about the elements as spirits, but she obediently continued the process.


    The silence caressed her skin like a cool summer breeze, smoothing her soul, taking away her jagged edges. It had been one hell of a rough day. How she started the morning with her incident with Jace. Followed by the part where they were chased by the Rufas, got left behind and almost got killed by a giant boulder. She drew in a lung full of the air as her mind softly drifted away in the calming quietness. She started to forget the ticking time and she found herself frozen in a dark space. She never loved the darkness but it was a different type of blackness. A soft warm tingling feeling started from her fingertips moving steadily touching and enveloping her whole body. She felt like being hugged protectively by a mother. Then that''s when she heard it, a soft sound a mix of whistles, bells and children''s giggled. Her body reacted, tilted her head towards the sound. The voice was all around her, sometimes it came from her back, sometimes it came from her side, it came and went like soft waves.


    She would have freaked out by the situation if the warm sensation that covered her body didn''t make her feel like she was in the safest place in the world. Then the soft noises for some reason gave her the urge to open her eyes. It didn''t say words any human would understand, it was more of a soft tug in her mind. So she decided to open her eyes carefully.


    She gasped at what she saw, the tunnel that was pretty dark before now bright with lines and lines of glittering green colors that moved, almost like dancing in the air. Her eyes were diverted toward the ground and there she also saw the glittery lines in a mahogany color. They tangled, spread all around the ground almost like blood vane while beaming softly like a heart beat.


    "Oh, my goddess! Marc!!" she squealed excitedly, "the air and earth elements, I can see them!"

 Chapter 8- Exit

    "You could see them?!" Marc exclaimed but then coughed hard as a result.


    "I told you to stay still! But I guess if I were you I would get excited as well," said Yurika worriedly as she checked on the young man once more, "you have a slight fever, we really need to get out of here, fast. If only Riddele is here."


    "Riddele?" he hissed, his face grimaced in pain.


    "Wen''s sister, she is an amazing priestess. I have never seen anyone who can heal as fast as --," Yurika had to cut herself. She suddenly remembered on the fact of Pononga legacy runs in Riddele blood too. It made her wonder if she actually infused the skill of a priestess with her special talent. Like what Wenona did with her skill.


    Marc gazed at her curiously.


    "I mean she is the best healer I have ever known. But then again, I didn''t really have many people to compared her with," Yurika quietly tried to shrug her thought away, "anyway please continue the teaching? Like you said the quicker I understand the essence of mage skill, the higher chance we can leave this place."


    ''Yes we should continue. But you can see them? I wonder if that''s also the power of that legendary gem.''


    "Probably," she shrugged while her eyes admiring the glittering lines, "they are gorgeous. I can''t imagine those people who used them for bad stuff. Thinking that they are some tool instead of a living being."


    Marc sighed softly, ''I am one of them..., I have done stuff that I wish I could take back.''


    Yurika went quiet, she didn''t mean to criticize anyone. Especially not the young man that had just saved her life twice today, "sorry, I didn''t mean to --"


    ''No, it''s okay. It is something in the past, at least now I know that they are living beings and that taught me to be wiser on asking their strength to help me. I will never say ''use them'' anymore.... it feels so wrong.''


    "Yeah, I agree," Yurika nodded, "okay, now, how to ask their help?"


    ''Well, I could have just taught you the elemental magic like I had been taught back then. But the truth is when you let them teach you, it will be so much powerful and diverse,'' he paused, ''...unlimited.''


    "Unlimited? Woah! That sound''s... dangerous, don''t you think?" Yurika gazed deeply at the young man eyes, "have you ever taught anyone else about the theory beside me?"


    ''No, you are the first one.''


    "Wow, you trust me that much?!"


    ''Not really, I didn''t know you that well to trust you actually,'' said Marc frankly.


    Yurika made a nervous laugh. She was flustered and awkward, "Yeah you are right, what am I thinking? Don''t mind me, I can be a little stu--"


    ''But,'' Marc cut her sentence midway, ''since the goddess trust you with the legendary gem and also the role as the saviour of the world. I think you are not someone who will use the knowledge that I''ve just shared you, imprudently.''


    Yurika smiled gratefully in response, "okay let''s do this. What should I do to let them teach me?"


    ''Communicate with them.''


    "Talk to them? Err, I don''t think they speak our language though?"


    ''We are the one who didn''t speak their language, but they do. They have the ability to make us understand them. Listen, not with your ears but with your heart and let them show you.''


    Marc''s hazel eyes bore straight at Yurika''s, a soft smile was on his lips and he made a gentle gesture with his head as if telling her to go ahead and try. Yurika inhaled deeply before she nodded.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Then her attention returned to the glittering lines, her mind wondering on how should she ask the elemental spirits in teaching her the mage skill. Then she decided to close her eyes again, to help her concentrate.


    She let her mind drifted back to the previous feelings she got before. How the earth element cuddled her with warm and safe feelings while the soft noise of the air element danced in her ears. She felt her body and mind retired back to the previous dark but warm and safe cocoon. And as she let herself float and drifted in the sensation, she started to feel a pull and suddenly the cocoon broke.


    There''s a bright light all around her. Even with her eyes closed she just knew that she wasn''t in a dark place anymore. The first thing she noticed was the air. There was a change in the air, it didn''t smell stale like before. There was a gentle sweetness lingering. Yurika sucked in the air instinctively as if nothing had ever been so sweet. The fragrance of summer grasses and meadow flowers filled her nose. Her mind started to question her sanity, she was sure that she hasn''t left the tunnel.


    ''open... eyes'' a child-like voice touched her ears.


    Her head whipped toward the source of the voice, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.


    ''see... us''  the voice came back from another direction. Yurika then decided to  slowly open her eyes.


    The view that was uncovered before her eyes made her gasped in amazement. She was standing on a hill. It was like a patchwork of green with a rainbow of dotted flowers, made even more varied by the shadows of passing clouds. They were every hue from new spring grass to deep forest pools. Some are more shallow than others, but most have steep paths that took her to one side of the summit and then down to the next valley below. The grass was rustling gently in the breeze that for once she could really see. The wind has its own color, glittering, dancing around the trees, and kissing the flowers as they bounced all around playfully.


    Yurika chocked as she held in a sob, she couldn''t help to feel so emotional. The whole scene was too beautiful to be described in words.


    ''Do you acknowledge us?'' A gentle voice echoed, the voice came from the hill. It was benevolent at the same time authoritative.


    At first, Yurika was speechless, clueless on how to response the question. Her body shivered and she fell on her knees. She knew that she was facing ancient spirits that were as old as the world itself and to stay standing would be an ignorant act.


    ''Do you acknowledge our existent, little one?'' asked the voice once more.


    "I do," finally she managed to say something.


    ''and how are you going to use the knowledge?''


    "Use? No, that''s not what I am planning on," Yurika stuttered, blurting incoherent sentences, "I mean, it is a great honour for the ancient spirits to actually acknowledge a mere human like me. Allowing me to see and even talk to me like now."


    ''Are you calling us old?'' a child-like voice protested as a glittery line swirled in front of her eyes, ''we are not that old you know!''


    "Oh, no no I didn''t mean to call you old, I--," Yurika was flustered didn''t know what to say to fix it.


    ''We are just by a couple of billions of years of human life, tee hee.''


    ''Don''t mind air, he was just teasing. And young girl, we both know that you are not a mere human.''


    The air spirit suddenly circled Yurika, ''Oh, oh?! She the one? Is she the one mother Earth?''


    ''The time of the prophecy has finally come as it has been told. We will lend you our strength because that''s what our promise to Eichoa the Divine God. But let me remind you, child, you still have to prove your worth to  fully wield the true power of the elements.''


    "Prophecy? Promise? Prove my worth?"


    ''In time you will find out, but now you need to focus on what''s the crucial thing to do. Time will never wait for anyone.''


    Yurika mind flew to Marc, Wen, Riddele and of course Marama. She really didn''t have time to idle, she needed to get out from the dead-end tunnel.


    ''Tell me what you need child?''


    "What I need...," she muttered. Her fuchsia eyes glanced down toward her hands. As she slowly closed them in determination, she rose her head and stared at the fast hills in front of her.


    ***


    Marc watched the girl who was sitting next to him. She has been silent for a long time, almost as if she had frozen in time. He didn''t even know if she was breathing. But he waited, he had experienced something too back then when he first acknowledged the elemental spirits. Maybe as the chosen one, she had something more amazing compared to him.


    Suddenly he saw movement from her.


    Yurika had stood with her eyes closed. She then walked toward the pile of stones that covered their only way out. Putting her hand on the surface carefully as she opened her eyes. They were glowing, but it was not the same glow as when she destroyed the massive boulder before. Then stone started to crackle, the rocks were crumbling to the ground. Then the crack grew larger, spawned like lightning of fractures in every direction. The sound of grinding rock filled the space as chunks of larger rocks coming out, turning to lumps of pulverized rock. The whole pile of rocks started to shake hard almost like a quake while the grinding sound became louder and louder. Then all of a sudden, all the rocks that were blocking the way separated, cracked, and exploded to dust. The exit is now unobstructed.

 Chapter 9 - Moving out!

    A dust storm shook inside the tunnel, a blast of rocks and pebbles flew and scattered like a rain of bullets. Yet Yurika stood there, unruffled by the dashing sharp pellets. Her loose long hair fluttered, tousled by the wind, and gave her a wild look, like her soul was untamed.


    Brown and gray dust drifted across the passage, a vortex into the stagnant air. The ray from the miniature light of cloud reflected in the dusty particles made it look glittering. Like pixie dust rather than a dull grey sheen over the jagged wall.


    Yurika then bent over to gather Marc''s staff. She carefully inspected it, making sure that it was in good condition. A relieved smile grew on her lips as she turned her face to Marc.


    "Your staff, it''s in a perfect condition," she said while waving the staff on the air. She then walked toward the young man and gave him back the staff.


    ''Thank you,'' he took the staff with his left hand and gently brushed away the dust, ''what was that magic? I''ve never seen anything like that. Even with my Magnitude Blast, I won''t be able to eradicate the blockage as you did.''


    Yurika was kneeling next to his right side, her face looked serious as she carefully put both of her hands over his shoulder. His shoulders were broad, she could feel the muscle despite him being slender. His slim body was taunt and lean but not bulky.


    ''What are you doing?''


    "Shushhh, let me concentrate," Yurika hushed him. Then her eyes glowed once more, there''s a soft whistling noise came from nowhere. It was really soft and only because they were in complete silence they could faintly hear it. Then Marc felt it, a warm gust of air circling his right side, it was gentle almost to the point of soothing.


    ''Air healing magic...?'' his eyes widened.


    "No, it''s just helping me to check your real condition, since I am not really well-trained in this type of injuries," Yurika moved away her hands from his shoulder and carefully took out his right arm that was in sling, "thankfully it''s not as worse as I thought it would be. Just a fracture. Let me see if I can make you feel a bit better."


    Marc groaned slightly because of the movement but he didn''t protest. Yurika using her left hand kept his arm close to his body with his hand raised higher than his elbow while her right palm was on the ground. She closed her eyes and mumbling something incoherently.


    Then from the ground, the earth gathered on her right hand, almost like a slithering dark brown snake, circling her right arm and moved passed her shoulder towards her left hand that was holding on Marc''s arm. Then it found it''s way to Marc''s arm and started to cover his right arm and shoulder. It was cold to his skin but comforting for his feverish body. When it was finished in covering his right shoulder and arm, in mere seconds it hardened and secured his arm in the position. Yurika put back the sling on his arm to add extra safety.


    "Are you comfortable? How are you feeling?" Yurika asked, "could you move your body better now?"


    Marc looked at his arm, then rose carefully and slowly. Worried if any sudden move would inflict great pain to his body. But it didn''t take him too long before he was already standing on his feet and looking more at ease.


    "What did you do? I can still feel the pain, but it is lighter and I can actually move," Marc asked; amazed.


    "Well, I just put some cast on your shoulder. It won''t really heal your directly but it will help you to move," Yurika stood and faced the opening. Her brows gathered in the middle of her forehead, looked annoyed, "because we need to start to move now and find Lucia. That blast I made before is inviting those Rufas back."


    "I think if we can create a distraction and leave quietly, we should be fine," Marc tried to move his staff with his left hand awkwardly, "the question is where to?" You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "... think I can lead us to the way out, as well as where is Lucia," she said under her breath, "let''s just create the distraction and get out of this dead-end tunnel."


    "What did you say?"


    "I said, let''s create the distraction and ---"


    "No, before that, I think you said something," Marc gazed at her curiously, "something about... you know the way out?"


    "Urgh... yeah I guess," she bit her inner cheek nervously, "I''ll explain while we are on the move. Any idea on what should we do to create a distraction? They are coming in very fast and we need to decide now."


    His dark eyes were on the girl for a few seconds before finally said, "I am sorry, without my glasses I can''t really see well. But if you don''t mind in being my eyes in the dark, I think I have an idea on how to create the distraction."


    A sudden touch on Marc''s left arm startled him, Yurika had carefully wrapped her hand on it. Her hand was shaking gently as it held on his arm and he could feel the caution feeling from her touch. With her eyes avoiding direct contact with the man next to him, she tugged him to follow her.


    "W-what do you need?" she cleared her throat


    "N-need?" his mind was still focused on her hand. It was soft and delicate on his skin.


    "Marc?" Yurika dared herself to glance at the boy and she saw how his pointy ears were red with his dark eyes were staring at her hand that was on his arm. She quickly let go of her hand and laughed nervously, "so-- sorry, I thought that''s the only way to help you move in the dark. I won''t do that if you don''t like it. Tell me what you need to create the distraction, we are running out of time."


    "O-oh yeah, could you tell me the direction you are planning to go and also the direction of the Rufas," he cleared his throat, "I am going to blow up one of the holes, since I think they don''t really see with their eyes, more to the sound and vibration."


    Yurika closed her eyes for a few seconds and when she opened her eyes, there''s a green glint on them, "we need to go to northeast from our place, the Rufas are coming from the west, and I think we are safe to blow up one of the holes in the northwest."


    "Okay, how far is the farthest pit on the north-west?"


    "Around five hundred feet more or less," Yurika looked unsure.


    "That''s pretty far... I am not sure if my fireballs will reach that far," Marc rubbed the tip of his staff on his chin.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll help, You just need to focus, aim and shoot it."


    Marc glanced at the girl who stood next to him, her face was blurry and the dim light made it even worse. He then unsurely nudged the girl with his staff, "Could you... uhm help me aim?"


    It took a second for Yurika to actually put her hand on his left hand and aimed it toward the pit she mentioned, "there, let''s do it fast they are really close now."


    With her hands clasped around his, Marc blinked once then twice trying to refocus to the important. He then channels his elements and whispers the spell. It didn''t take long for the flickery balls of flame to form in the tip of the staff and he didn''t wait to shoot it at the area.


    Noises of flying hot balls cut through the quiet air, there was silence before Marc sense a push of air from behind him. It didn''t really push him forward, as if it was purposely avoided him and just touched him lightly.


    Then there were a few enormous explosions. It was as though the fists of orange flames had decided to punch the wall. It shook and vibrated, along with the loud noise of stones and rocks rainfall.


    ''Did it work?'' Marc asked.


    ''Yes, they''ve changed their direction. Let''s move now before they notice us.'' Yurika while still holding his hand started to pull him towards northeast area of the dome.


    The light from the miniature cloud of lights flicker, casting an ominous glow throughout the tunnel. Yurika dragged Marc behind her while her other hand shuffled through the wall, picking up dust and grime. She then yanked Marc towards one of the pits on her right.


    ''Ouch, could you please slow down a bit,'' protested Marc.


    Yurika stopped and turned her head towards Marc, ''sorry, I was just trying to catch up with Lucia, she moves too fast.''  She then picked up the pace again, but this time a bit slower than the previous.


    ''Lucia? Does she have your True Name? How did you know where is she?''


    Wind streamed through the tunnel they just got in, it wasn''t as high as the previous passage they had been before. But it was like a great grey snake, curving under the masses, and it was difficult to measure how far away they need to walk.


    ''No, the air spirit is the one telling me... everything.''


    Their steps echoed like a ghostly cry ahead and behind. Yurika halted when she felt there something stuck on her right foot, she had learned her lesson to not rush and be careless like before. She was about to bow down to take whatever thing that stuck on her feet, when from up ahead came an unnatural blitz of white light, moving at the speed no normal human would ever able to do.

 Chapter 10 - Monster Tag

    ''Watch out!''


    Marc moved in a blink of an eye, he stepped in front of Yurika and pulled her in with only one hand, he wrapped her closer protectively with his back facing the incoming light. In his embrace, the world stopped on its axis. There was no time, no wind, nothing, Yurika''s mind was blank, and she was frozen inside his protective hug.


    "What are you guys doing?" Lucia''s voice came to their ears, she tilted her head while standing next to Yurika and Marc, a teasing chuckle slipped from her lips, "am I interrupting something? I can leave and let you have --"


    "Nothing!! You are not interrupting anything!" Yurika exclaimed while at the same time pushing Marc away. She pushed him hard enough till he fell on the ground and grunted in pain. Yurika face was hot and red as a beet. Marc brushed out the dust on him while keeping his face as poker as he could manage, but his ears were super red.


    Lucia snickered teasingly, "nothing, eh? Sure~~ if you say so."


    "I did not know that was you, Lucia," he cleared his throat awkwardly, "I just saw a blurry light moved at a fast pace, so I--"


    "Jump in to protect our Yurika?" Lucia continued mocking them, "my, I don''t know you two have become so close, saving each other so many times."


    "She is my comrade, so it is normal to protect her and I am sure she would do the same for me too," Marc started to lose his composure, the redness on his ears spread wider toward his face.


    "Uh-huh, yep! Comrade is just the starting point, then it can grow more to--"


    "LUCIA!" Yurika yelled at the Zanj, startling everyone, "we don''t have time for this. Let''s go to Marama, now!"


    Lucia blinked and then pouted, "Pooey Yuu, boring~~, why can''t I have a little fun for once."


    Yurika glared at her without saying anything back. The raven-haired girl sighed, "Sorry, the way out just this way."


    She pointed at the tunnel in front of them, "it is a little far, but I think we can leave this place in less than 1 hour if nothing jumps at us."


    "Might need longer, since I don''t have my glasses, I need to walk slower and I will be depending on you guys," said Marc.


    Lucia widened her eyes and her lips formed an ''O'', "That is why I feel there''s something different with you. You look more adorable without it."


    "Eh?!" Marc face became red again, "adorable?"


    "Yep, and I think I am in love!" exclaimed Lucia as she jumped at Marc, planning on hugging him. But her movement was stopped by Yurika who was pulling Lucia by her ear.


    "Ouw ouch, be gentle," complained the Zanj as she tapped on Yurika hand asking for release.


    Giving a death glare, Yurika let go the Zanj''s ear


    Lucia pouted and rubbed her redden ears  "okay, let''s go. I think we need to camp later. Since by the time we left this place, it should be sundown."


    "No! We need to go to Marama as soon as possible," protested Yurika.


    Lucia faced Yurika with a serious look, "I know you are worried, but I am sorry. It is best for us to not go in the dark. Especially not tonight."


    "What''s wrong with tonight?"


    "There are a few reasons why we shouldn''t. One, Marc doesn''t have his glasses, to force ourselves in walking passing the dark valley ahead is risky and unwise," Lucia signalled them to move.


    Yurika offered her hand to Marc, but he hesitated. She then grabbed his other end of the staff and softly nudge him to follow her.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Second, you both don''t have your mount anymore and my mount won''t be strong enough to carry all of us," Lucia then sighed heavily, "and third..., tonight is the full moon."


    "What''s wrong with the full moon?" Marc asked.


    "It''s the time of the month for me. Lughna''s time..."


    Yurika then remembered Lucia''s explanation at the adventure guild a few days ago, about how she could have her old body once a month.


    "Please do remind me, what is Lughna''s time?" Marc uttered.


    "Well, for now, the most important thing is for us to leave this tunnel before sundown," replied Lucia, there''s a hint of urgency in her tone, "because trust me, you won''t like the idea of being inside this place when it happened."


    "Understood, less talking more walking," Marc nodded.


    "Fine, but once we are out. You have some explaining to do."


    Yurika then hastened her pace but it didn''t last very long. The closer they reached the opening the slower their steps became. As the ground became wetter than the previous and the stones were more slippery. The sloshing sound became louder, and soon they were not only walking on a damp wet soil anymore. It started to form a small creek that ran inside the cave. The smell of salt was stagnant in the air.


    "Why do I smell the sea?"


    Lucia glanced at the girl, "because this exit is leading us to the west border of Stilla region."


    "You''ve got to be joking! Isn''t that put us further from Marama?"


    "Well not necessarily, we should be closer to the northwest of Marama. Which means it is closer to your hometown but we are definitely further away from our group. Since they will be on the east side of Marama."


    "Wen...," mumbled Yurika worriedly


    "Look at the bright side," Marc blurted out, "you could save your friends faster."


    "On that part, I agree, but I am worried about Wen."


    "You don''t have too, she is with Jace and the others."


    "That is what I am worried about. Her being with Jace and especially... Scry," a scowl formed on her face.


    "Don''t worry, there''s also Z and Lyall. Z will keep her save and Lyall... well pretty sure he kind of like that little ball of fire," assured Lucia, "for now let''s just focus on getting out of here. The exit just right there."


    ''Zeke, how did I forget about him? I should message him as soon as I leave this place,'' with that in her mind, Yurika trudged as fast she could while dragging Marc.


    The young man felt the pull and he tried his best to follow. Which was not an easy job for him, with only one capable hand that was holding the very thing that helped him to walk in the dark. The slippery and wet creek under his feet required his balance and it was hard to stay in balance with one hand being dragged and the other being in a sling.


    Then he lost his footing and started to slide forward


    "No no no!'' he cried out and tried to catch himself from tumbling down to no avail. Someone caught him before he actually kissed the ground and hurt himself more.


    "I am sorry," Yurika had saved him at the nick of time, "it''s my fault for rushing. Are you okay?"


    "Don''t worry," Marc just shook his head, "thanks, you''ve saved me again."


    Yurika looked remorseful, she bowed her head a bit, and then grabbed Marc left arm, "I think this way is better than holding the tip of your staff. I am more conscious of your well-being this way."


    "Okay...," he mumbled and they walked hand in hand toward the exit that wasn''t that far anymore. Meanwhile, Lucia was standing at the mouth of the opening and stared at them.


    The orange-gold ray stretched far and wide, the color of fire hearths and tangerines lapped the exit. As they were finally at the surface, the slippery rocks started to be replaced by the gentle hue of golden sand. The air was gentle despite the fact it was the early start of the winter season.


    Yurika watched the sea, lost in the rhythmic percussion of waves on sand. Her eyes were steady to the horizon, her face was glowing with the orange rays, and for the first few minutes she had forgotten things that had made her worried; lost in the beauty of the sunset


    "Hate to bother your moment of bliss. But we don''t really have time, we need to set up a camp quick," Lucia nudged her, she then pointed on a random spot onshore not too far away from their place, "Marc can just sit there for now."


    Yurika helped him to find the spot and she went to Lucia who had called out her mount.


    "You haven''t explained to us why we need to worry about your time of the month," asked Yurika as she was helping the Zanj setting up the tent.


    "Monsters," Lucia shrugged as she secured the rope and stared directly at Yurika eyes, "do you still remember why Queen Aine decided to change my appearance to what I am now?"


    "Yes, hiding you away from Cailea."


    "Yep, that''s because Cailea had cursed me the moment she knew Gentar''s death and I am the cause of it," Lucia then started to make the campfire with the woods they''ve gathered from around the beach.


    The sun had set for a while, the wind was starting to bite with its icy tongue.


    "Curse?"


    The heat from the campfire seemed to be sucked into the frigid air before ever reaching their frozen hands. Lucia added more wood and poked it with a long stick. The fire licked the new logs like a nervous kitten and sent feeble sparks to die in the air. However, it didn''t require that long time before it finally found its confidence and grew until the heat warmed them. The light cast by the flames danced and reflected on Lucia''s silver eyes.


    "In a few hours from now," Lucia grimly spoke up, "when I turned to my old self. You will not only meet the real Lughna the master of craft Zanj... but also a monster beacon."


    "Monster beacon?" Yurika gasped.


    "Like fire to moths, I will attract monsters and beasts whether I like it or not."

 Chapter 11 - Incoming

    The cold onshore breeze blew right through Yurika''s cloak. Wintry air swirled around her taking every lick of warmth it could. The dampness of the sand was making its way through her leather trousers. Her breathing was now visible under the lit of campfire.


    Her hair fell loose on her face, tousled, tangled by the wind. Her face had become as pale as her hair the moment she heard what Lucia just said.


    "Monster beacon?!" she repeated the word, trying to swallow the meaning. Even after Lucia explanation, her brain was still having a hard time to digest it, "but isn''t that mean..."


    "Yes, that''s mean I won''t be sleeping again tonight," Lucia said with a sour face, but she still managed to pull her lips to a tight smile, "don''t worry I won''t drag you two in... for one full day at least."


    "What?!"


    "I just need you to fight for me for a couple of hours, I--"


    "You do know that the one who will fight for you would just be me, right?!" Yurika blurted, she then pointed at Marc, "he can''t really do much with only one capable hand, also not without his glasses and-- and I can''t protect all of us alone, not even for a couple of hours!"


    "You are not alone," Lucia firmly replied, "you know that already."


    "What do you mean?" Yurika complained.


    "The elemental spirits," Lucia''s eyes pierced through Yurika''s, "I was actually quite surprised when the air element notified me about your whereabout. Didn''t expect you will acknowledge their presence at this early stage. You really are something, aren''t you Yurika?"


    "You... you can see them too? I mean you know about the elements are not just things but living beings too?" Yurika was taken aback.


    Lucia nodded and she stared at the girl curiously, "the question is how did you know about that facts?"


    ''Don''t tell her!''  Marc voice abruptly entered Yurika''s mind, stopping her plan in mentioning his name. She could sense the intensity of the glare he gave burning at the back of her head. Lucia was watching her, waiting for an answer, but she didn''t know what to say.


    "Yurika?" Lucia called out, but then she clicked her tongue unhappily, "you know what, let''s save it until later. I don''t really have time for this now. Please do like what I said, protect me for a couple of hours. I promise you it will be worth it."


    Lucia then stood and moved toward where Marc was sitting. She then drew something on the sand around him, her lips mumbled a chant and the scribble on the sand glowed.


    "This is just a simple barrier. It will hide you from the monsters. Stay put no matter what. I can''t promise your safety if you don''t," the Zanj then turned her attention to Yurika, "there, it should lessen your burden a bit. They won''t attack Marc, so you can focus on keeping me alive for the next couple hours."


    "Why don''t you use that barrier on yourself and me too?"


    Lucia huffed loudly, "my curse isn''t that light my dear. You will be saved of course because what they want is me. Also, I am more than capable of fighting them off by myself if it is needed, but I am requesting your help. Would you do it or not?"


    Regret washed over her like the long slow waves on the beach. She knew that she had said something that sounded selfish. It was impossible to retract what she had said before.


    "Of course I''ll help you," Yurika responded, then she murmured, "Sorry if I sounded selfish before. I didn''t mean to."


    Lucia smiled gently, "don''t worry, you are just tired and no one would like the idea of fighting alone. I will try to be quick so you won''t have to face them all alone for a long time."


    "Okay, I should get prepared and you too," Lucia then sauntered, heading towards the tent before Yurika''s question stopped her.


    "Prepare for?"


    "Well, do you really want to see a naked body of a male Zanj in a ripped girls clothes?" teased Lucia, "my, my, you are a naughty girl."Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Waaah! What no! GO! I don''t want to see any of that!" she babbled with a face that looked like a ripe tomato.


    "Are you sure~~?" Lucia started to undress. In a slow manner, she unbuttoned her top, starting from her cloak, then goes to her dress shirt, while eyeing Yurika with mocking eyes.


    "Stop!! what are you doing!!" Yurika shouted in terror while trying to put Lucia''s cloak back to the Zanj''s shoulder which was easily thrown back out.


    TACK!


    A random branch flew and hit Lucia in her head.


    "Ouch! Who--?" complained to Lucia as she looked at Marc who just gazed at her with a straight face.


    "Do we have the time to fool around?" Marc said coldly.


    "You sure can aim for someone who said he was blind without his glasses," Lucia grumbled, "both of you like to extort violence. Treat me more gently please, after all, I am the last of my kind."


    "It''s easy to aim when you two make such a commotion," Marc pointed up the obvious, "stop teasing the poor girl and go on with whatever you need to do."


    "Fine," Lucia moped then dragged her cloak and drifted toward the tent.


    "Thanks," Yurika bowed gratefully to Marc.


    ''No worries, I don''t want to see naked guy body either. No matter how blurry it is,'' Marc shook his head with an irked face, ''besides I am the one who needs to say thank you.''


    ''For?''


    ''For not telling Lucia that I was the one who taught you about the elemental spirits.''


    ''Oh..., why don''t you want her to know?''


    ''I have my reason.''


    Then silence slowly entered between them, like a mist that fell in the cold morning. Nothing but the sound of waves and the sea wind filling the void of voice.


    The reflection of the flames danced and leaped in Yurika''s eyes, reaching hungrily for anything that they could consume to fuel their wrath.


    ''You should use the waiting time to gain fire and water spirit trust too,'' Marc breaking the silence.


    ''Do we have enough time for that?''


    ''Well, we''ll never know. However, it''s better to try than doing nothing. You''ll need more power like it or not. Especially if what Lucia said is true. I am basically useless and can''t help you much.''


    ''You are not useless,''  Yurika gazed on the man who was squinting at the sky, ''besides, your condition right now was also because of saving me. So don''t say you are useless.''


    Marc then faced Yurika, the corners of his lips lift up to a smile. There was something about his smile that she couldn''t really point out. There''s a glint of gratitude but also sadness in his eyes. His smile died faster than wisps of smoke dissipated after a candle being snuffed out. His face returned to the same poker and straight face.


    ''Don''t waste time, you should do it now. I will try to alert you in case the monsters showed up.''


    Yurika nodded and started to concentrate on her surrounding. The sound of the waves, the flickers of fire. Slowly she drifted into the semi-consciousness, her breathing gradually synchronized with the lullaby of the waves. Unaware of her own heart beating or the rise and fall of her chest, her soul wandered to the land of the spirits.


    It all started the same way as the previous, she felt like floating in a dark giant cocoon, the gentle hug of the Earth spirit. She also could hear the soft tingling voice of the air spirit buzzing around her, trying to say something that she barely could understand.


    ''Back so soon my child?''  The soothing hum from Earth spirit nudged her awake, ''What are you seeking for?''


    The floating sensation gently shifted and there she was standing at the same valley as before.


    "I am seeking the chance to have an audience with the Fire spirit and Water spirit," she said clearly.


    ''Fire spirit? Are you not afraid?'' The air spirit swirled around her, playing with her loose hair, ''even me... I am scared of him. My brother is very fierce and too serious. I can''t play with him.''


    "But I need his help..."


    ''I am afraid you are not ready to meet Fire, my child. Go back to the land of human and came back when you are ready,'' Earth spirit beamed with authority.


    "Please, at least let me meet Water spirit?'' begged Yurika.


    ''My child, she has been waiting for you to acknowledge her presence.''


    Then abruptly the scenery around her changed. She wasn''t standing on top of the hill anymore. Scrunching her toes, she felt the softness of the sand, damped by the retreating tide. The sand blurs out in a blissful trance, the shore fading into liquid gold, vivid in the brilliant light.


    Yurika gazed to the far off horizon, the sun hues melting into the sky and ocean like a divine painting. The lacy waves came, transient yet loyal. Then she saw it, above the waves that rising and falling, there were tiny shapes of humanoids riding the waves. They were dancing with the sun as their lighting. Sparkling like jewels on top of a frilly dress.


    "Are you water spirit?"


    There was a soft singing voice, almost like a sigh. It came and went like the sound of the waves.


    ''I am the artist of the elements, I am the Water Spirit and I will bestow my strength to you, the chosen one.''


    ---


    There was stillness in the air, only the waves sound and the crackling of the campfire filling the air. Lucia was still inside the tent and Marc sat feeling uneasy. He focused on his surroundings while watching the girl next to him. If he could see, even with one hand he won''t have trouble to help in protecting Lucia and even protecting her. To depend on everything to such a young girl didn''t make him feel comfortable at all.


    Then he sensed it, a sharp tingling that made his body shiver. If hatred was paintable he would have seen the air in scarlet color. Even with his lack of vision, he knew that the beast and monster were gathering, circling them, and he gulped at the intensity of the air.


    ''Yuu! They are coming!''

 Chapter 12- Restless Wenona

    Night had fallen fast upon the land. It has been more than 6 hours of non-stop riding since they left Poroiwi cave. No more than an hour ago the sky was painted with hues of red and orange, but all color had faded leaving only a black canvas with no stars to spot on. They needed to rest, their mounts were at the brink of dying because of exhaustion, and yet they haven''t stopped. Not even for a fifteen minutes break.


    The darkness was thick and the torches they carried in their hands hardly lit their path. The chilly wind blows through their cloaks. Licking every exposed skin, sipping into their blood and veins, and stinging every part of their bones.


    "Jace," Amierra called out, "let''s stop for 5 minutes. The mounts are going to collapse at any moment."


    "No! We can''t stop now!" Wenona shouted from the back of the group. She glared at the icy blue-haired princess'' back, "I need to save my family in the orphanage!"


    Jace who was leading the pack decreasing the speed of his Camelous, which quickly followed by the others. When he finally at a complete stop, he shifted his body towards his back. "Let''s stop for now. If the mounts die before we reach Marama, we would have to walk there."


    "No no no! are you crazy?! Didn''t you hear me before?" Wenona kicked her Camelous forward to get closer to Jace, "we can''t stop now, every second''s count!"


    Jace ignored the protesting girl, he mounted off and checked on his mount condition. Taking his water bottle, he poured it on his hand and offered it to his mount that quickly gulped every drop of it gingerly. He repeated his action a couple more times until the big bird''s satiety fulfilled.


    "Let''s make that fifteen minutes. They barely able to stand anymore," he gently brushed the gentle earthy colored feather bird''s head. It made a flute-like noise that showed it was happy and bent its head closer asking more affection. A smile peeped out at his corner lips but it only lasts for a few seconds before it faded.


    "Hey! I am talking to you!" Wenona decided to mount off too and stomped toward Jace, "I said --"


    "I heard you well enough, Alstairs," his blue eyes pierced through Wen''s. They stabbed through like a dagger and made Wen almost wilted under it. "I also said that if they die before we reach Marama, it would mean we have to walk there. Is that not clear enough?"


    "But!!"


    "Honestly, I don''t care if you decided to run off and ignored my order," Jace coldly added.


    "Wen, we are just a few hours away from Marama," Zeke tried to calm her down, "if we lost the mounts before we reach Marama, that few hours could become more than another twelve hours to a day of walking. Neither of us wants that to happen."


    Wen groaned loudly and rolled her eyes, but she didn''t say anything anymore. She strode back to her Camelous and pulled the reign toward the back of the pack. Distancing herself away from the others, she took time in caring for her mount. But after around five minutes grooming her Camelous, her facial expression changed and the scowl on it dissipated.


    "Z!"  Zeke''s shoulder that was covered by fur cloak jolted when Wenona''s telepathy unceremoniously entered his mind. He whirled his body to find her blue eyes were staring at him in deep expectant.


    "We need to talk!" Wen spoke eagerly on his mind, "can we somehow find a place away from that turnip man?"


    "What do you want, Wen? I thought you don''t want to talk to me anymore?" He gazed at her suspiciously, "something about... you don''t trust me? Remember?"Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    A sheepish grin formed on her lips and she made an apologetic gesture, "Hey, sorry about that. I was very worried about Yurika at that time and you didn''t tell me anything about her as the chosen one. Moreover, about you were training her for it. Can''t I get a second chance?"


    Zeke''s right brow rose up. Something inside his mind warned him that Wen might have some hidden intention. However, he decided to attend to her request and listen to what she wanted to say. "Fine, let''s talk."


    "Jace, I am going to get some water. I run out mine," he called out the man in purple Gambeson, "I think we passed a stream just before."


    "Oh, can you fill mine too?" Lyall quipped and without warning, he threw his flask at Zeke, which he caught it easily.


    "Move faster Z, we will leave in less than ten minutes," Jace was leaning on one of the trees with his eyes closed.


    "I will."


    Zeke shifted his attention to Wen and gave her a signal to follow him. The girl pretended to fix her boots while making sure no one paying attention to her before she dashed behind Zeke. Less she knew, someone had been watching her movements from the corner of their eyes.


    ---


    Down the path on the corner side of the road they had been passing, there was a stream. Slow-flowing, languid in pace and lax by nature. Boulders rose out of the water like the bows of a sunken fleet, the scent of moss and lichen be-fowls the air. Zeke crouched down and started to fill his flask.


    "So what do you want to talk about?"


    "I''ll cut the chase and tell you straight," Wenona was standing behind him. Her hands were inside her yellow medium length linen surcoat. "Lend me that thing."


    "What thing?" Tightening the cap of his water bottle, Zeke continued on by filling Lyall''s.


    "Don''t act dumb, you know what I mean," she puffed, "the thing you use to take Yurika to Ursa."


    "The mount?"


    Frustration radiating from Wenona''s face. "No! The scroll! I know from Yurika that you use a teleport scroll. Don''t you dare lie to me."


    Zeke''s back tensed at her words, but he acted calmly as he stood up and turned his body to face the agitated girl. An aloof smile played on his lips as he tilted his head, "sorry, I left it back at the Adventure guild. It wasn''t mine from the start. It belonged to Lucia."


    "Wait, what??!"


    "You hear me, I don''t have it anymore," he shrugged.


    Cold air licked her reddening face, crept through her tunic, and spread across her skin. Her last hope had disappeared and she was speechless. She wrapped her hands over her own body trying to hold herself from exploding.


    "You are not lying right?" Wenona hissed. Her eyes probing at Zeke''s expression, trying to find any sign of deception. However, his visage was telling her nothing.


    "We should go back now if we want to reach Marama as soon as we can," Zeke walked off. After a couple of steps away from her, he stopped and shifted his feet. "I am not lying. You could check my bag if you want," he added without looking back at the girl.


    "I am going to fill my water bottle too," Wenona said as she opened her satchel bag and rummaged into it, "you should go first, I''ll join you as soon as I filling it up."


    Zeke side glanced her before he shrugged once more and strode away, "be quick, Jace is not someone you would expect to wait."


    Wenona didn''t response him, as she kept herself busy with her bag. The cold wintry wind ruffled the trees. The moon decided to show herself, its light touched lightly on the surface of the water, created a soft spark. The sound of wind and flowing water smoothly filled the air. Wenona raised her eyes carefully, she tilted her head trying to capture any sound that was not the nature from her surrounding. She wanted to make sure that she was alone and safe to do whatever she had planned in her mind.


    ''I guess, it should be okay now. Z is far away enough,'' she thought to herself, ''let''s do this.''


    She moved toward the darkest area the place, raising her right arm with her palm opened, and then she whispered "foliga mai, vaai!"


    The moment she finished chanting the words, lights started to gather. It moved, blinked like fireflies and formed a two-dimension diamond. The intensity of the light grew brighter as more light gathered until suddenly it dispersed. Leaving a giant kite that magically hovered slightly above the ground.


    "Hello my baby, I''ve missed you sooo much," Wenona skipped happily and gave it a little kiss. She put her hand on its smooth surface, softly caressed it as if it was her beloved pet. Then she pulled herself onto it and directed it toward the open space just above the stream.


    "I''ll save you Riddele, even if that''s mean I have to go alone," she said to herself. The kite started to hover higher when suddenly it shifted to the right slightly. Wen realized the change and whirled her head toward the back. There she saw someone she never would expect, smiling meaningfully at her.

 Chapter 13 - A Pet (Wenona)

    <u>CW : Sexual assault</u>


    Her blue eyes widened, breaths were ragged and harsh. Her hands trembled at her sides, she curled her fingers to a fist. She could feel the sweat-drenched on her temple, snaking down from her face down to her throat.


    "Hi there, little witch," Scry sat cross-legged on top of the kite, an evil smirk rose on his lips, "cool ride you have here."


    "Did he see what I did? Did he see me conjuring this kite?" Wenona''s mind was in chaos.


    "Why are you so quiet?" his smirk changed to a sneer. He leaned closer to Wen, as the girl backing away instinctively, "did a ca-- nah a snake catch your tongue?"


    Wen gulped hard, her mind was in a frenzy. One part she tried to find a way out on how to outrun this man, on the other she was freaking out with the fact he might have known her deepest secret. Her right hand carefully slipped into her bag, trying to find something that might help her to getaway.


    However, before she managed to take anything out, his body was suddenly looming on top of her. His hand grabbed and tightened on her right wrist, white-knuckled; strongly securing it from the ability to move. Wenona tried to fight back, pull her hand as forceful as she could, while her left hand was hitting and pushing him with the idea of hurting him. He grabbed on her left hand too and with one hand he pinned her down harder.


    "LET ME GO!" Wenona shouted at his mind as she kept squirming and kicking him. The kite bopping on top of the stream and shifting to left and right because of their struggle. An idea flashed in her mind to let them fall to the stream, but somehow Scry read her mind. He put his Bagh Nakh just an inch away from her throat and he leered close.


    "Don''t even think on doing that," he whispered menacingly in her ear, "unless you wish to taste my bite again."


    The girl froze, her blue eyes stared at the glinting Bagh Nakh under the light of the moon. Fear traveled in her veins but never made it to her facial muscles. She hardened her jaw and hissed through her mind once more,


    "L E T M E G O!"


    "What''s with the telepathy?" he snickered, "Have you gone mute? You should just scream out. I am sure Z or Lyall will come to rescue you. Heh, even my dear cousin also that so-called future husband of her would try too at least."


    Instead of answering his mock, Wenona carved a stony glare into the man skull, fury blurred her sight. A grin spread over Scry''s face, wide and open; showing his perfect teeth. At that moment it was obvious that he enjoyed the torment he was inflicting on her.


    "Aw tut tut tut, I guess my little kitten is scared...," he blinked teasingly, "scared to have her secret exposed."


    "YOU--!" she opened her lips for the first time but before she managed to finish her sentence, Scry pressed his lips against her. She hardly had a moment to react, he pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips and forced its way in. She struggled once more without caring for the poisonous weapon just above her neck. But, just like how it happened, he pulled away in an instance. He licked his lips -looked satisfied- as he backed away; completely letting the girl go.


    "Wh-wha --" Wenona blinked; confused and flushed.


    "Well, my dear that is called a leash," he fixed his blue silk shirt and smiled at Wen, "I have found a rare species. Of course, you don''t expect me to let you go that easily, do you?"


    "Rare speci--?!"


    "A Pononga, who would have guessed?" He put his hands under his chin and smiled, "I found you and now you are mine."


    "I am not yours!" She blanched, she could almost feel the white in her cheeks. Blood drained from her face.


    "You are mine, dear. I have made sure that you properly took that poison," his amber eyes looked deeply into hers, "it should be rooted and spread in five seconds. The only way you survive is to keep me by your side."The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "...you! I am so going to kill you! Give me the antidote!!!"


    "Sure, but for now you should do what you plan on before I interrupted you earlier," Scry was playing with his nails and dusting his expensive leather pants, "Z and the others will come soon. So let''s go now unless you want to announce to the world that you are a Pononga."


    Frustration built on her expression, she took a deep breath trying to hold down the desire to shout and throw him off the kite. She then turned to the direction of Marama. Her eyes glowed against the moonlight as the kite levitated higher from the ground.


    "I promised you, I will kill you someday!" She hissed.


    "Sure, I can''t wait to see how you do it." Scry chuckled.


    The kite dashed in high speed and left the stream area. From so high up the frosty leaves lie like a carpet. The green of trees and white of snow shining like silvery stems on a frosted morning. The clouds moved in a breeze that they couldn''t feel through their jacket and cape as they flew against the wind.


    ---


    Scry hung out of the kite, his eyes even wider than his mouth as he took in the aerial view. The stream snaked and curved like the blue veins of the earth. A woven tapestry of forest and mountains, far closer than he ever knew. It is a world without frontiers from above, land, water, and cloud.


    "Give me the antidote!" Wen''s voice broke his amusement.


    "I know what you are thinking," Scry returned to his cross-legged position, "you are going to throw me to my death after you got the antidote, right?"


    Wenona locked her lips and didn''t answer.


    "I''ll give you a part of it," he handed out a yellow glossy pill out, "I need the other part so you won''t kill me."


    The girl shifted her body a little bit so she could see the man who sat behind her. She glared at him from his face to the suspicious pill in his palm. Her body language screamed distrust.


    "My hand is getting tired. If you don''t want it I can just throw this, " the amber-eyed man pretended to shake his hand. It made the glossy pill jiggle around dangerously on his palm. Wen took the risk and her hand swooped it just at last minute before it fell down.


    "How do I know I could trust you?"


    "You don''t," he shrugged, "but pretty sure I am not planning to poison you to death, while we are on air. Your death would be mine too. So, it is up to you to take that antidote or not."


    Wenona''s eyes squinted, the fire of hatred was smoldering in them as she weighed down the pros and cons of her situation. Her gaze moved from the pill to the man a few times. She then took a couple of deep breaths before finally putting the glossy like gem pill at the tip of her lips. Her blue eyes glanced at Scry one last time. She wanted to see if there''s anything change in his poker face. But. he didn''t even pay attention to her anymore, like a little boy he was enjoying the cold night breeze. Closing his eyes and opened his arms wide.


    Wenona touched the antidote with her tip of the tongue. A taste of soft sweetness spread gently to her taste buds. Finally, with a deep breath, she gulped down the pill.


    "Good girl," Scry smiled gingerly, "I knew you would drink that."


    "What do you mean?!"


    "Nothing, it just means that the leash is tightened now," he chuckled, "as long as you want to stay alive, you will have to stay by my side, my little pet."


    "YOU!" Wen exploded, "What did you just give me!!"


    "Pakiaka seed, the only seed in this world that could live and grow inside of a human body. It will root in your veins and drink your blood as its nutrition," Scry put his hands behind his head and laid back on top of the kite, "I might give you the antidote when we arrive at our destination. As long as you be my good pet, I won''t let you die."


    Wen put her finger inside her throat in an attempt to make her puke out the seed. But, no matter how much she coughed and retched, nothing came out. Her face paled and her breathing was labored.


    "Eww, you are gross," Scry scrunched up his nose in disgust, "it is already in your bloodstream, no way you can puke it out. Just be a good pet and I will give you the antidote... maybe."


    "Why are you doing this? What do you want?!" She balked, her voice was hoarse, "Do you want to be rich?! Do you want me to conjure some gold and precious stone--"


    "Bah, I don''t need any of those. I am rich enough," he looked bored.


    "Then why are you doing this to me?!"


    "Because, you are not boring," he shrugged, "the others just bored me to death. Ugh, especially that girl; so easy. But, you on the other hand... you have been entertaining. Trust me my dear I will keep you alive as long as you don''t bore me down."


    Wenona was speechless for a few long seconds, she couldn''t believe her ears. This man was not normal, for him, people''s life was nothing but a plaything. Something that was only useful as long it entertained him.


    "That''s why I am coming with you to Marama to help you save your sister," he winked and the grin on his lips grew wickedly, "two people would have a higher chance than one. I am  a good master, ain''t I?"


    "... you are sick," she murmured in horror.


    "Oh, that makes me wonder. Is your sister also a Pononga? Are you two blood-related?"


    The fear sat on her like a pillow over her mouth and nose. Enough air got by it, allowing her body to keep functioning, but it''s crippling all the same. Her mind was screaming dread but she set her face to ''casual indifference''. Her only way out to keep Riddele away from the claw of this mad man.


    "No, we are not blood-related."

 Chapter 14 - Monster Horde

    The moon weaving in and out of ribbons of black clouds, scudding across the sky. Monsters were clawing their way out of the shadows of the trees and the blackness of their surroundings. The wind died, the leaves ceased to rustle, even the rumble of sea waves was muted.


    Yurika stood with an astral long sword on her right hand and water shield on her left. Her fuchsia eyes fleeted from the tent where Lucia went, the monsters and Marc that sat not too far away from the tent.


    "Don''t worry about me. I can take care of myself," Marc''s calm voice entered her mind.


    "But--"


    "I am not that blind. I am a samurai after all. I''ve been trained to fight in the dark."


    "You are just saying that to calm me down. You didn''t even know where to go last time at cave,"  protested Yurika.


    "That''s a different case. My instinct can only work if I sense their killing intent aimed at me." Marc paused, "other than that I am blind as a bat."


    Yurika almost could hear a chuckle in his words and she couldn''t help to roll her eyes, "fine, I believe in you. But, in case--"


    "Just focused on what you need to do," Marc cut her words, "protect Lucia."


    With that said, Yurika looked up at the first flood of monsters. A few at the front let out gargling roars. She prepared herself as she moved forward carefully with her back facing the tent.


    A monster; a Felierd - a large hybrid feline monster that could be found in secluded forests-. Its greyish-yellow fur made it as the best hunter at night. It has a double midline on the back and was marked with a small irregular cloud-like pattern on the shoulders. It barred its long canine teeth as it was prowling down the cliffside followed by its pack.


    It made strange noises that were almost similar to a thunder clapping as it rolled forward with its claws raised. Yurika didn''t wait any longer, she lifted her long sword to met its claw and pushed it back. The beast roared obviously unhappy for her to stand on its way. The Felierd crouched and snarled at her as its pack started to gather and surround her.


    "Yep, it''s me you guys want. Nothing in that tent would taste as good as me," Yurika hissed, "come and get me!"


    She jumped forward at the same time as the alpha of Felierd leapt. They met head-on, the sound of her sword and its sharp gigantic claws cracked the stillness. She tried her best to dodge and counter each attack thrown at her. One of the  Felierd swung its sharp double tail down and she leapt back to avoid it, then with both of her hands on the handle of her sword, she drove it through the beast''s back. It shrieked and dropped motionlessly. The stench of blood agitated the other beasts even more.


    Yurika backed away a few steps as the astral sword reformed on her hand. Her eyes glowed against the moonbeam that peeped through the clouds. Suddenly a wall made from sand and gravel rose up around the tent to protect it against any attack.


    "That should help me focusing better," she said to herself.


    Another beast came roaring from her left side. She threw her left hand facing the incoming beast and a gush of water shot out from it. Sending the beast backwards a few yards away. Another beast came from her right. It got too close and she had to throw herself rolling on the ground to avoid its attack. The beast roared in outrage but Yurika sank her sword into its neck. Silenced it for good.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Her last attack made the pack backed away a bit. They sensed that her ferocity was not something to underestimate. Yurika pushed the dead Felierd from her sword and stood up from her kneeling position. Her face was covered by the beast blood. She glared intimidatingly at the pack when suddenly she heard a faint, sharp whistle from her back. She had to spin to the right to avoid the incoming attack. A Windscrech -an enormous, fey, bird-like beast-. Its dark mahogany feather fluttered as it failed to swoop an attack at her. It returned to its flock that had round up in the sky.


    Yurika struggled to get back on her feet when one of the beasts flung at her. Its claw tip scratched her shoulder. Not deep enough but it drew blood nonetheless. She took the chance to slash the gut of the monster open as another swoop of attack from the Windsrech came from her rear.


    "Ugh!" she grunted in annoyance as she ducked. It was hard enough to fight the horde without having to dodge the aerial attack.


    "Is that a Windsrech?" Marc''s telepathic interrupted her.


    "Yes!!" she shouted at him.


    "Use wind attack to drop them before they blow you up with their air bomb."


    "Easy to say when all he needs to do is sit in that circle," muttered Yurika under her breath.


    She dodged another attack from the twin-tailed beast while slicing its neck. Then she jumped and used the dying beast''s head as her footstep. She raised up her right hand. Aiming at the flock of the bird beasts. Her eyes glowed green for a few seconds and a wall of air formed around the Winscreches. It caged the birds in one and slowly closing in. The moment Yurika closed her palm the wall of air totally enclosed the birds and as she dropped her hand the air cage exploded in the sky. The birds'' dead bodies fell from the sky like rain.


    "I am sorry," Yurika whispered, feeling guilty for some reason. She hated useless killing but she had to do it for survival.


    Another horde of monsters came. This time a Rachserpt -a towering arachnid beast that could spit acid and poison-. It came in a large mob. Yurika braced herself for the incoming attack. The Rachserpt multiple eyes blinked as they came closer. They were judging her as their opponent.


    "I should attack their legs, Rachserpts are weak if they couldn''t stand on their feet," she mumbled to herself, "need to avoid their poisonous acid too."


    She then transformed her long sword to astral Katars as she ran toward the pack. Her left arm raised aiming at their feet, this time her eyes glowed blue before another gush of water came out from her left hand. The water ran between the legs of Rachserpt. The beasts were confused at first with the puddles under their skinny feet.


    "Freeze!" shouted Yurika. As she whipped her left hand, the puddles hardened in mere seconds. It was too late for them to avoid. Only a few of them managed to jump away at last seconds, but a lot more got trapped in the icy trap. Yurika took the chance to slide down in between their captured legs and with her Katar she cut them down. The beasts shrieked as they fell down to their unavoidable doom. She then finished them off with a rain of ice spear that fell on top of the feet-less beasts.


    The rest of Rachserpt took a large step away from Yurika. They knew this girl wasn''t a weak opponent. Yurika stood facing them, her breathing was heaving and her platinum hair was matted on her skull discoloured by the blood of the monsters. No matter how she seemed to have the upper hand against them, she has her limit. Her strength was depleting fast and she knew she couldn''t do this much longer.


    The sound of a clashing sword surprised Yurika. She whipped her head toward the source of the noise. There she saw under the moonlight, Marc was fighting off the monsters that came from the sea. Her eyes glanced at what was supposed to be his circle of protection. The marking that was made on the sand was smeared by the blood of a dead Windscrech. Guilt grew on her mind as she turned her heels to go to him.


    "Don''t come! I can handle this!" Marc shouted as he whirled his Katana, slicing through the hard shells of Brachcrost -an eight-foot-tall sea monster that could walk on land with their six sharp feet. It has a projectile abdomen that usually hidden under the thorax, ready to shoot ice magic anytime the opponent off guard. Their dangerous pair of pincers also something that best not to take frivolously.


    Yurika still stubbornly rushed to him, especially when she saw a Brachcrost jumped out from the sea and aimed its deathly pincers at him. She forgot about her own opponents that have been waiting for her to be off guard. She created a wall of seawater, that came down upon the new Brachcost pack and dragged them back to the sea. Everything moved slower, the sea waves, the wind, the beasts even Marc, when suddenly she heard...


    "Yurika, behind you!" a deep voice shouted at her.


    It was too late for her to avoid what happened next.

 Chapter 15 - The Silver Haired Man

    Her eyes widened as she whipped around, just in time to feel a painful sting on her back as one of Rachserpt shot its poisonous acid at her. The acid ate through her cloak and back clothes in mere seconds and lastly her bare skin. She screamed in pain as the pain drove through her back. She couldn''t think anything but the burning pain that licked up her back like a scorching fire. She fell down and rolled around the ground, trying to scrap the acid away from her body. Leaving trails of smoke as she went.


    "Stop rolling around!! You are spreading the acid wider on your back," a man with long silver hair glistening in the moonlight came rushing to her. He rode a strange three-wheeled vehicle. Zooming around the monsters at high speed.


    "It''s hurt!! Please make it stop!" She cried out while trying her best to keep her body stay still.


    The man got off from his vehicle and quickly turned her back to face him. A form of blue magic circle glowing on his palm as he chanted healing magic. It soothed the pain on Yurika back and she stopped writhing in pain. She blinked her eyes open to clear up the leftover tears from the corner of her eyes. The man then came into her vision. He had the kind of face that stopped you in your track. Well defined face with a sharp jaw and angular cheekbones. His fair skin complexion went well with his raven-feather eye color. His silver long hair flowed down, framing his face while he looked down at her.


    "Who--?"


    "We don''t have time for introduction," He stood up, took off his red leather long jerkin and gave it to her as the horde of monsters closing in, "can you still fight?"


    "I-I can still fight," Yurika forced herself up, winced on the process and she took the jerkin. The pain on her back still existed, but it was not as strong as at first. She wore the jerkin and rolled her shoulders, measuring on how much movement she could do without causing friction to her wounded back.


    "Good, because they sure can''t wait to eat us!" the man grinned excitedly as he prepared himself for the incoming attack. He glanced at Marc through his shoulders, "Marc, could you come closer? Can you find your way to us?"


    "Who is that guy? Do you know him, Yurika?" Marc asked Yurika, instead of replying the man.


    "I don''t know. But, he knew us and helped me too. So, for now, maybe we can trust him," Yurika said back to Marc as she ducked the beast poisonous spit. She slid herself under the  Rachserpt. With her Katar, she ripped the beast abdomen into two and rolled out before the beast carcass fell on her.


    "What are you waiting for? Can you or can''t you come closer?" shouted the man again, as he dodged another attack from a Raschrept. He launched at the beast with his hammer raised high. A loud crunching sound came the moment an impact made of his hammer and the head of the beast. The beast crumpled to its doom and its blood splattered all around his face. The satisfied grin that rose upon his lips made Yurika shuddered. For some reason, it reminded her of Scry.


    "Hey, say something will you unless you want to fight till you die of exhaustion?!" The silver-haired man called out Marc once more impatiently.


    "I am coming," Marc shouted back finally.


    "Argh too slow! Stay there, we are coming!" the mysterious man grabbed Yurika''s hand after with his left hand he shot a fire spear at the closing in beasts. He pulled the girl toward his strange vehicle.


    "Could you do something to stall them?" asked the man to Yurika as he jumped on his ride.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "Stall them?"


    "Something like Marc did in the cave before. Creating a sand wall or something," the man annoyed by Yurika''s question, "do I have to guide you through everything? They are getting close. Do something!"


    "Who is this man think he is?! He kept on ordering me and Marc as he pleased," Yurika scowled at the man angrily for a few seconds before finally turning her attention toward the incoming wave of the monster horde. With both hands raised, she focused her mind to the power of the elemental spirits. As they answered her plea, she felt the rapid energy filling her whole body. Her eyes glistened once more under the peeping full moon.


    Then the air started to change, the wind howled, the ground shook and the sea wave grew wild. The wind then tore the beasts one by one off the beach. Sending them flying to the blackness of the sky. Next, the sands on the beach suddenly fell down as if there was a massive hole underneath it, sending the monsters inside the sandy trap. Yurika then lifted her right hands and a wall of medium-sized tornado stood just after the sand trap. Keeping the next wave of monsters from coming closer.


    Yurika then faced the young man with a triumph look, "Is that good enough?"


    "Okay that''s good enough." said the mysterious man while patting on one of the back seats of his strange vehicle, "now climb in, let''s pick up Marc."


    Yurika stared at the seat he appointed and glanced back at the man, "Not until you tell me who are you."


    "Arrgh!! We really don''t have time for this," the man grumbled and rolled his eyes, "Look, we need to --"


    He didn''t finish his sentences as his finger pointed at Yurika''s back, "Look out!!"


    Yurika automatically whirled her body, ready to engage any beast that came to her. However, what happened next was not something she was prepared for. Something struck her head from behind. Her face paled as if she''d been painted with white-wash and her eyesight blurred. Everything became fuzzy; then she saw nothing at all as her body swung backward before crumpled like a puppet suddenly released of their string.


    Behind her, the silver-haired man looked at her with an apologetic look and shrugged, "sorry, but we are in a hurry."


    He then carried her body to the vehicle and laid her on one of the seats. He climbed on the driver seat, put his palm on top of a big crystal gem that settled on the steering wheel, and concentrated on it. The crystal started to glow, blinking a few times before it shined brighter than the stars. The vehicle started to hover slightly above the ground and without hesitation, the man drove his strange vehicle towards Marc.


    ---


    Her consciousness was floating through empty space, swaying like driftwood on ocean waves. Yurika didn''t know how long has she been unconscious. When she came to, she woke up in a jolt as if there was an emergency. Her heart beat fast, there was a buzzing in her brain and a dull pain throbbing on the back of her head. It took her a moment to shed the blurriness of her eyes and to be aware of her position and surroundings.


    She was on the strange vehicle with Marc right to her. The strange man was driving in front of them. She blinked and realized that they were moving away from their original spot. Actually, they had been so far away from it that she didn''t even know anymore where was the tent where Lucia went to before. Her eyes widened in shock and she gripped on the silver-haired man shoulders; pulling him backward. The pull made the vehicle swirled to the right, almost lost its balance, and toppled over. Luckily the mysterious man managed to handle the vehicle and stopped it before it actually happened.


    "WHAT IN THE WORLD!" He shouted at Yurika, "are you trying to get us killed, young lady?!"


    "Where are you taking us?! Where''s Lucia?! You are leaving Lucia behind!! We must go back, she needs my help to keep her safe!" Yurika bombarded the man in a frenzy. Then she turned her attention toward Marc that for some reason already have a pair of glasses on his face.


    "How could you let that happen?! Why did you let him take you-- us just like that?! How about Luc--"


    A burst of loud laughter exploded from the silver-haired man. He howled, slapping his hand up and down almost involuntarily and could barely breathe. Marc also started to chuckle no matter how much he tried to hold himself, but his shoulders were shaking with silent laughter. Yurika looked at the two men; confused.


    "Why are you two laughing?! This is not funny!"


    Marc was doubled over and pointed feebly with a shaky finger at the silver-haired man. "Lucia," that''s all he could manage to say before returning to his silent laughter.


    "I am so grateful that you really concerned about me, Yuu," the silver-haired man winked at Yurika, "I am Lucia... well Lughna at least for a few more hours."


    Yurika''s eyes and mouth were frozen, wide open in a stunned expression. The moment she realized who was the man she was at a loss of words. Her fuchsia eyes were so wide as she stared at Lugh

 Chapter 16 - Hot Spring

    The first orange hued rays of sunrise kissed the sky. Its hue ambitiously illuminated each crevice of the land. The trees shone as if they were wearing golden crowns. The tides on the sea were racing among each other to reach the horizon. Yurika took a deep breath in, the morning breeze that should have filled with the new day''s fresh air was tainted with the stench of beast''s blood that was covering them. Yurika scrunched her nose, regretting that she took that deep breath in. She watched the sunrise quietly as they were moving at a high speed toward Marama.


    Marc who was sitting next to the girl looked exhausted. His eyelids drooped every now and then, there was a slight lolling to his head, drunk with fatigue after last night session of cave crawling and monsters rampage. His head suddenly jolted upward, surprising Yurika. He blinked, widened his eyes, and shook his head; trying to send away his drowsiness.


    Yurika in other hands wasn''t that sleepy despite she had the same rough night. She wondered was it due to the fact that she had been unconscious for a few hours, or because of Lughna presence. His original form made her feel a little disoriented. It wasn''t his good-looking that caused her befuddled. Every Zanj was known to be perfectly moulded by the Goddesses. They were created like arts, beautiful and flawless. So it wasn''t that surprising to see a very good looking Lughna. It was more of how she was used to his other appearance, the little girl; Lucia.


    Another abrupt jolt from Marc made Yurika''s turned her head worriedly.  They must stop somewhere to take a quick rest. Especially Lughna, that hasn''t got his proper sleep for the past two days. To have someone that hasn''t been sleeping for two days in the steering wheel of their uncanny mount wasn''t the brightest thing to do.


    "We should take a quick stop," suggested Yurika finally breaking the silence, "you and Marc required the sleep and I need to wash myself of this ... gruesomeness."


    Lughna''s dark eyes glanced at her over his shoulder, "that might be a good idea. Marama is still six hours away. We also probably need the strength to face whatever that''s attacking it."


    "How about the monsters?" Marc asked while rubbing his eyes, "stopping somewhere at this point, would drag us to the same situation as last night. I don''t think we have the energy to face that kind of plight again."


    "Simple, I will rest on top of my ''Dreirada the first''. The barrier should keep my curse from attracting the beasts," Lughna tapped the vehicle proudly, "one of the best creation I ever made, I even managed to make a special glasses for Marc."


    Yurika scowled at the bragging tone, "yeah-yeah, now find us a spot to take a break."


    "Why do I sense hostility?" The man in front of Yurika glanced at her, "don''t tell me you are still angry at me about that?"


    "I am not angry!" Yurika riled. She averted her gaze to the sea. Her cheeks were puffed and red.


    Lughna chortled at Yurika expression, "how many time should I say sorry for hitting your head?"


    "I said I am not angry!"


    "You are such a kid," teased Lughan, without even glancing at the girl behind him.


    "So what! You could have just told me that you are Lucia, but no~ you have to resort on violence," Yurika exploded, "you- you- narcissistic Zanj!"


    Lughna''s laughter exploded. It was a brief outburst that quickly brought under control. He glanced over at the girl once more. His lips quivered, fighting the urge to laugh at her angry face.


    He decided to say nothing back and focused on finding a resting spot. They continued their journey in another silent atmosphere. After around fifteen minutes ride, they started to leave the beach area and entering a forest.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Its canopy was so dense despite it was the start of winter. The leaves were still pretty thick, decorated with silvery-white of snow. It was eerily quiet, bird-song and roaming animals were nowhere to be seen or heard. The forest was lulled by the cold weather. Lughna decreased the speed of their mount, due to the compactness of the trees. He tilted his head to a side before he suddenly made a quick turn.


    "Wha-- what happened?" Marc alerted.


    "Nothing to worry about. Just finding a good spot to take a break," The silver-haired guy shrugged, "a place that might make the sulky girl feel better."


    Yurika was ready to protest. Her mouth gaped open with the desire to squabble and snarl at the Zanj. But, on last seconds she decided to not. A loud annoying snort was the only thing she gave.


    After another twenty minutes zooming between the trees, they started to see a small clearing. The air became cooler the further they went. A thin layer of fog blanketed the small forest path. Lughna took another left turn before they came to a large border of grey and black rocks. It circled a natural emerald pool with steam rose from the water, mixing with the cool air. Its almost ethereal haze settled around the unoccupied spring. The water beckoned to them, bubbling its comforting promises.


    The Zanj decreased the mount speed to a full stop near one of the largest boulder. He then turned his body to the back facing Yurika and Marc. Another proud smile decorated his beautiful face.


    "Isn''t this a great place to rest?"


    Yurika didn''t reply. She nodded slightly, mounted off the ride and walked closer to the hot spring. Marc smiled gratefully at Lughna and followed her lead.


    "I am going to take a dip, no peeking please," Yurika finally spoke up. Her tone of voice couldn''t hide her excitement.


    Lughna snorted softly, "such a child... Can''t believe the world''s fate lies on her tiny shoulders."


    "Sure, take your time. Meanwhile, I''ll sleep, I think it''s pretty safe here," The silver-haired man moved toward the passenger seat and laid himself comfortably, "Marc, you should relax too. Take a dip or something. I''ll warn you guys if I sense any danger."


    "I''ll just wash up."


    "Suit yourself," Lughna yawned. It didn''t take long for him to fall asleep.


    ---


    The early midday sun shone above Yurika. She had found a secluded place with thick bushes that were covered by a thin layer of snow. Standing in front of the water, she removed her boots, the leather pants were sticky with blood and grime. She undid the clasp and wiggled her hips out of them. Next, her finger grasped at the button of Lughna''s red jerkin''s buttons. Popping them off one by one. Shrugging it off from her shoulders. She carefully laid it on one of the rocks. She took a deep breath and took off her tattered cloak and tunic.


    "I can''t wear this anymore," she thought, looking at the massive hole. She tossed the rag.


    Inhaling a shaky breath, she stepped into the hot pool. Wincing at the heat and the tenderness of her back, she trod carefully as she went deeper. She scrubbed off the dirt, dried blood on her body, touching her wounded shoulder carefully and finally she dipped her whole head under the bubbling water. The water around her started to change colors as the dried blood untangling from her platinum hair. By the time she rose her head out from the water, a satisfied smile plastered on her face. Leaning back against the solid wall, she relaxed for the first time after a hectic couple of days.


    "Think, this is the right time to make contact with Zeke. I hope everyone is okay."


    Yurika closed her eyes and concentrated on Zeke''s image. The weight of his true name settled on her mind as the link coiling and intertwining in the space of souls. It was her first time using True Name connections as Yurika. She felt like she was slipping through a long dark tunnel. It felt almost forever before she finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel. The first feelings that hit her when she embraced the light was ''anger, worry and panic''.


    "Zeke?"


    "Yurika?!!"  His voice was so loud that her mind was ringing. She yelped at the severity, her face scrunched in pain.


    "Oh, my Goddess! It''s you! Finally you reached out. I was worry sick! Is everyone okay?" He bombarded her with questions, "Do you manage to meet with Lucia?"


    "Everyone is okay, I am with Lucia and Marc. How about on your side? Have you reached Marama? Is Wen okay?"


    There was a long pause from Zeke and dread crept over her like an icy rope. Strangling her mind, numbing it despite the warmth of the hot spring enveloping her like a mother to her child. She shivered. And she immediately knew even without  Zeke saying anything, that something had happened to Wenona, something that tasted bitter and poisonous called ''Scry''.

 Chapter 17 - To Marama

    "Say something...." She could hear her inner voice trembling. "ZEKE!"


    Yurika¡¯s whole body grew tenser with each second that passed. Despite the high temperature of the hot spring, all she could feel was ice-cold dread spreading through every part of her mind and body. An image of Scry flashed in her head, laughing with sinister intent. Planning something cold and cruel. The next thing she knew, she was on the forest floor, dirty and bruised.


    "Mom!" a voice that wasn''t hers called out desperately. She wasn''t even sure if it was directed to her either.


    The image then distorted and suddenly herself visage was replaced with Eireen''s teary face staring at something Yurika couldn''t see. Despair was written all over her face and it was clawing its way to Yurika like a contagious sickness. The notion of hope became meaningless as it drained away from her.


    "No..., no, NO!" Yurika¡¯s trembling lips mumbled the words. She shook her head furiously as the desperation and anger grew. What happened next was something beyond her control. Her mind, like a bony paw, reached out for Zeke''s soul. Its claws wrapped around his essence and she could literally hear Zeke desperately trying to break free.


    "Yu-Yurika?! Wha-What are you doing?! S-ST-STOP!!"


    The claw slowly clenched around Zeke as he writhed in pain. Her desire to push through and break the last defence in his mind was so strong. She wanted to know the truth so much that she almost didn''t care if she hurt her best friend. But, at the last second, she stopped. Her mind throbbed with a sharp pain as she struggled with her desire and common sense. What she was about to do to her best friend was something that would not only damage their friendship, but also her own values. Her whole body shook as she tried her best to take hold of herself. To use his True Name and betray his trust was something she would regret for the rest of her life. So she stopped.


    "Then answer me! say something...," a harsh, breathy and cracked voice came from the claw. She couldn''t believe that was her mind talking. It sounded ancient and fragile at the same time.


    "Is... is she dead?" Her desperation trickled out like tears on her cheeks as her mind slowly let go of Zeke''s soul. She prepared her heart for the worst.


    "We don''t know."


    "What do you mean you don''t know?!"


    "She vanished with Scry last night and ... to be honest, with their history I can''t help thinking the worst." Zeke sounded so gloomy, "I am sorry, Yuu. I should have protected her. I am so--"


    "Wait, so... no blood, no dead body, nothing?"


    "No, nothing."


    Like a ray of light in the darkness, Zeke''s words pulled her out from her well of despair. She didn''t care if he didn''t even realize it. Confidence bloomed inside of her. Knowing Wen¡¯s determined character gave her hope. Wen would never let him go unscathed if she had to go down in any way. So no blood and no dead body were good signs for Yurika.


    "She''s alive! She''s definitely still alive."


    "Are you sure?"Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Yurika''s eyebrow instinctively raised at the strange tone of his question. It was almost as if he wasn''t thrilled to hear that Wen might still be alive. But..., why would he not be happy about it?


    "I am sure. I can feel it in my gut." She didn''t ask the question. She knew that Zeke and Wen weren''t on the best of terms, and Wen strongly questioned Zeke¡¯s trustworthiness. But, she still couldn''t think of any reason for Zeke to want something bad to happen to her best friend.


    "If she is still alive... where is she?"


    "I don''t know. The only thing I am sure of is that she would use any means to get herself to Marama. When her family needs her, Wen is not someone who will ignore that."


    "I hope your gut is right, Yuu," Zeke finally said after a few seconds of silence. "How far are you from Marama? Our party will arrive around sunset. We would have arrived sooner if Wen and Scry hadn¡¯t disappeared."


    "We¡¯ll probably arrive around sunset too. But, from the other side of Marama. I don''t think we can meet up by the end of today."


    "Okay, let''s talk again when we are in Marama."


    "Zeke...," Yurika took a deep breath, "I am sorry for what I almost did."


    Zeke didn''t respond for a while, "Be safe, Yuu. I''ll see you soon."


    "He is angry. I guess that''s a given. I''ll apologize again later when we are face to face." thought Yurika.


    "You too. Stay safe!" with that Yurika cut her connection with Zeke. Her eyes slowly opened and she was back at the hot spring. All of her senses returned one by one. The noon sun lazily seeped between the trees. It was quite bright for her fuchsia eyes as if she had been in a dark place way too long. The heat of the bubbling water started to overwhelm her. She must have been inside longer than she realized. Her mind went to Wenona, "No time to waste, we must go now. Wen, wait for us. We will save you and everyone else!"


    Yurika rushed to get out from the hot spring. She grabbed the pants and the red jerkin and walked out of her safe hideout. Her mind was full of many possibilities regarding Wen¡¯s disappearance. Knowing how impatient Wen could be, Yurika thought it was likely she created that magical mount to speed her to Marama. However, Yurika couldn¡¯t imagine Scry¡¯s participation in any positive way. She struggled with these thoughts as she kept on walking, paying no attention to where her feet were taking her.


    "Yurika!"


    She heard someone calling her name. She looked up to see the reddest face ever. Marc stood there frozen stiff with his face like an over boiled crab. His mouth gaped open, and he struggled to form words. His finger rose pointing shakily at her. Yurika tilted her head to the right, confused. Her mind still felt like a mess after that soul linking with Zeke and with the whole scenario about Wen and Scry. She blinked and stared at Marc. As she was about to ask what was going on, Marc violently ripped his cape off and threw it at her.


    "WEAR SOME CLOTHES!! WHAT ARE YOU?!! A NUDIST?" That was the first time she heard Marc shouting so loud. He whirled his body and walked away with huge steps.


    Yurika finally realized that she had only grabbed her clothes, but was not actually wearing them. Her face was now as red as Marc¡¯s. She took the cape and ran back to the bushes, cursing her stupidity repeatedly.


    ---


    "So..., is she sexy?" Lughna glanced curiously at Marc that huddling down near the mount.


    "Shut up!" Marc scowled. His face was still red. He had been trying to arrange types of monsters and their weakness in alphabetical order but to no avail. Her image was so strong in his head and he couldn''t seem to make it go away, no matter what.


    "She is flat, I see... that''s why you look so disappoi--"


    "She is not!" He cut the Zanj off but quickly regretted it as the image grew stronger. "Shut it! I don''t want to talk about it!"


    "Aww come on.... share~" teased the Zanj.


    A ball of rags flew at Lughna¡¯s face. It landed perfectly and stopped him from continuing his teasing. Yurika stood there fully clothed and with her hands on her hips. Her face was still like a ripe tomato.


    "If you¡¯re fully rested, we should go to Marama and meet with the others now."


    "Aw... now?" Lughna made a disappointed face.


    "Yes now. Wen is missing and what makes this worse is that Scry also can''t be found."


    Yurika''s news almost made Lughna jump from his mount. "Are you sure? Did they both vanish at the same time?"


    A nod from Yurika settled a bile taste on his tongue. All his playfulness was gone, replaced by rage that escalated with every second that passed. His face grew dark as he placed himself back in the driver¡¯s seat.


    "If he touches her, even just a small scratch... I promise he will regret ever been born." The Zanj hissed and his black eyes glowed vindictively.