Max shrugged and ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah...I guess that was Pent’s thing, wasn’t it?”
Keta winced at hearing Pent’s name. He was still not at peace with the way things had gone down between them. He had hoped that the boy would see his way of thinking, but they were just too different.
Xuan picked up on this as well. “I saw him at the battle. I didn’t know he was working alongside you. Pent was my student for a little while, though I’m sure you must have picked up on that by his sword style. Where is my little protege anyways?”
Keta reluctantly retold the events that had unfolded in the Frostclaw village and their partnership resulting, his decision to try and diffuse the situation in Teforia, Pent’s stance on his actions, and the end result that had followed.
Xuan was silent during the whole thing, but he did laugh when Keta mentioned certain things with Pent. After he was done, Xuan shook his head. “Yeah, Pent was always so focused on one thing at a time. It made him a little tough to teach.”
Keta had a hard time believing that it was only ‘a little tough’ teaching that stubborn child. “Anyways, that brings us to the here and now. Pent is off pursuing the Brotherhood on his own.”
“Sounds about right. Are you okay leaving him on his own?” Xuan asked.
This was a valid point. “I can’t really say I am. However, I cannot control how he feels. And right now, his path is different from my own,” Keta concluded, and Xuan nodded in agreement.
“So what are we doing anyways?” Max broke the silence. Keta began to tell them everything that had been happening to him lately and his decision to follow this otherworldly voice. Max was scratching his head after hearing this. “So what you are saying is...we’re following a voice that could be anything? Maybe even a trap?”
When said out loud, it sounded kind of crazy. And yet, Keta knew better. “Trust me, this is a Kitaan thing. I can feel it.”
Xuan leapt to his side and clapped him on the back. “I don’t get it at all, but I’ll trust you on this. What else can I do as your best friend?” he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Max had his arms crossed with his eyes closed, like he was thinking. After a moment, he just shrugged. “I’ve followed you around on your crazy antics so far, might as well go all in. Lead the way!”
***
Tianna opened her eyes, and at once she regretted it. Her body was sore, but she would live. Her suit would inject medical boosters into her body, but it would still take some time to take effect. Xegin weren’t quite machines just yet. The Human parts were still fragile.
She was laying on the bank of a river, her lower half still submerged in the water. Groaning, she slowly pulled herself up and out and collapsed. Where was she?
She struggled to sit up, and took a glance around her. She scanned her surroundings, and began to search through her armor’s database. The schematics matched the environments of the Teforian Human colonies.
Oh great...I’m somewhere behind enemy lines, Tianna thought to herself miserably. How has this come about? She had to remember...how had she been defeated?
And the memory returned to her vividly. The reason she had been bested by the Humans was because one of the generals, the man named Ivaldi, was a Demon.
He had revealed himself to her when she had pressed him, with her strategic approach. On the verge of defeat, he had shed his disguise and revealed himself. And the man matched a description she had heard from Keta.
Her opponent had been the Greater Demon Inferno, the leader of the Brotherhood of Shadows.
She had been unable to do anything to the man. With his mastery of the flames, even her psychokinetic powers were barely a nuisance to Inferno. She had received quite a bit of damage. Only her training as a soldier had prevented her from falling to the man’s blade.
Inferno had shown him her face. Tianna was certain that the man would not want anyone to possess that knowledge and live. She would have certainly been killed if she had not hurled herself into the river.
The waters must have carried her off, and in doing so, saved her life. But she had expended much of her aether in that battle. She would need some time to recharge from her spare aether supply.
Tianna closed her eyes and sat still. It would be a while before she could travel, yet she realized that she had vital information that needed to be brought to both the Xegin and the Humans. It was agonizing.
But not more agonizing than the realization that Keta had been right. And she had betrayed the Kitaan and pushed him away. Tianna’s mind was in chaos. I’m sorry Keta...what would you do right now?
No answer came, and Tianna closed her mind, knowing full well that she was on her own now. She needed to get back to her people and stop this all. The war was exactly what the Brotherhood wanted for some reason. But why? What purpose did a bunch of Demons have to instigate a war in a neutral nation?
It was no use, she could not come up with a logical answer. With no other option to pass the time, she began to meditate, counting down the 222 minutes until her aether was restored and her medical systems would finish their operations.
221, 59. 221, 58, 221, 57. 221, 56...
***
Keta had been following the voice for some time now. It had led him through the forest of trees, coaxing him on. He was transfixed by the sound of it, soothing in contrast to the gruffness he was used to hearing with Abyss.
Max and Xuan had followed behind him obediently. At first, they had tried to question him, but when he zoned out they had become silent.
They had been headed in the opposite direction of the Imperial Gate towards the coast. Unlike the wastelands of the Imperial Plains, these lands were lush and vibrant. It really hammered in the harsh reality of the impact war had on the world.
If the world continues on this path of conflict, will even this be ruined? Keta wondered. So much sadness came from fighting. If the Empire was free to it’s devices, would these lands become desolate as well?
The Brotherhood of Shadows wanted the same as well, a world free from Humans to persecute the Demon clans. And the Xegin had jumped on board the ‘kill all Humans’ bandwagon as well. Everyone was out for someone’s blood these days.
Keta’s thoughts were interrupted when Xuan came up beside him. “Hey Keta, how’s it going?”
“I’m fine. Just trying to figure this all out. There is something here, I can feel it,” Keta muttered, focusing. He continued to follow the sound, but he noticed that Xuan was staying with him, trying to meet his gaze. “What is it?”
Xuan hesitated. When he spoke, he was frowning. “We never really did get a chance to talk back then. I being in the state I was, and you...being you. We never did get to discuss that you and I were the only survivors save for Master Inferno.”
Keta winced. That had been a topic that he had been avoiding for a long time. He had already made peace with the fact that he had survived, and he had mourned his comrades already. But he never spoke of it to anyone else.
When Keta had expressed his decision to continue the work of Sanction, Xuan hadn’t been on board. He was determined to put that life behind him and forge his own path. His friend had tried very hard to convince Keta to leave it as well, but when that failed, he had left.
It had been the last time the two had been together.
Keta tried to shrug it off. “It was a long time ago, Xuan. I try to forget.”
“You were never good at lying, Keta. Don’t start now,” Xuan pointed out. When Keta turned to look at his friend, he saw concerned eyes. “Not when these were people you grew up with. I know you and Ansemaru were close. And your brother…”
“Stop!” Keta said suddenly, and the strength of his emotions surprised both of them. “I’m sorry, but it’s not a topic I like to think about, especially not right now. Not with everything that’s happened recently.”
Xuan looked thoughtful, and he nodded in acceptance. “I’m sorry, buddy. I just thought that, with everything
that’s happened lately, you could use a friendly ear.” And with that, he fell back, letting Keta take the lead once again.
Damn it! Keta cursed inwardly. He knew that Xuan was only trying to help. Any other time, he would have been happy to reminisce with his friend about the good old days.
But the death of Delta still loomed over him. And his mission to combat the Brotherhood of Shadows was faring poorly, especially now that Pent had left. The best he could do now was focus on what was ahead.
After travelling further through the forest (Xuan assured them the fastest way was straight through) the trio had come to a clearing. Keta could feel a new presence, even stronger than before. This place was radiating with spirit energy. There was no doubt that he was in the right area.
“This is it, I can feel it. Whoever is calling to me is here,” Keta said.
“Are you kidding me?” Xuan exclaimed loudly, annoyance in his voice. Keta turned to him, confused. “Everyone knows about this place, Keta. It’s nothing special. This is the place where the immovable sword rests.”
And he pointed to something. In the distance, laying on the ground was a sword. But it was unlike any sword he had ever seen. Keta felt drawn to it, his legs moving on their own. It was glowing, purple like Abyss, but different. Abyss had a darker shade of the color, while this weapon had the lighter.
In the end, he stopped just above it, looking down at the sword. This must have been what the voice was leading him to. “It’s a nice looking sword, I’ll give it that. But why is it just laying here? If everyone knows about it, why has no one ever come to claim it?” Keta asked Xuan. Someone like Pent would have salivated at the chance to acquire such a weapon.
His friend pushed him aside as he walked forward. “This is why.” And the giant Demon bent down and grabbed the hilt of the sword. Keta’s first reaction was indignation and he suppressed the urge to reach out and shove Xuan aside. Why did he feel this way about the sword, yearning to wield it?
But Keta held himself back and allowed Xuan to pick up the sword. Or he would have allowed it. But Xuan just stood there grunting and tugging violently at it. He gripped it with both hands and pulled, but it remained in place.
Max let out a great big laugh. “And here I was thinking you looked strong. But I guess it’s all for show.”
Xuan released his grip and stood back up. He moved to the side and gestured to Max. “Oh, by all means, be my guest.”
Max grinned. “All right, but be warned. I am a Greater Demon. There is no competing with my strength.” And he reached down and pulled. And the same end result occurred. Max seemed like he tried with all his might, but he could not get it to budge.
“How’s that coming along, Mr. Greater Demon?” Xuan asked with a sinister smile.
Max straightened up and dusted his hands off. “Whatever...not like I use swords anyways,” he said dismissively. Keta moved forward until he was hovering over the weapon beside Max.
“Anyways, now do you see, Keta? It’s a neat sword and all, but everyone knows all about it. If it was able to be wielded, it would have been a long time ago. As it is right now, it’s just a decoration in the forest,” Xuan concluded.
And Keta reached down and touched the hilt. It felt warm to him. He gripped it and it rose in his hand, as he held it close to his face to get a better look at it.
“Unbelievable!” Xuan roared, and proceeded to recite curse after curse that the old Master would have definitely scolded him for. Max was simply standing there with a dumbfounded look on his face, apparently at a loss for words.
But Keta could not pay attention to anything afterwards, for his mind faded from the world. Not black, so he was fairly sure he was still conscious. But he was in an area of infinite white, as far as his eye could see and standing before him was a stranger.
Standing over six feet tall, he wore clothes of gold and silver that matched his eye and hair color. This man was a Kitaan, there was no doubt about it. The man was far older than Keta, a look of aged wisdom on his face as he strode towards him.
“Hello, Keta Night. I’ve been anticipating this meeting for some time. It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Kataro Tiansia.”
Keta’s eyes widened. He was in the presence of Kataro Tiansia, one of the greatest heroes known to mankind. The Kitaan hero that both Master Xehemoth and Master Inferno spoke so highly of. A living legend. Wait, living…
Keta found his voice. “Excuse me, but how can you be Kataro Tiansia? He is supposed to be dead.” He remembered Sephiel telling him that a Kitaan - a true Kitaan - can only be born following the death of the current Kitaan.
“Hmm, you are correct. I did die eight years ago. I should have died much earlier, as I spent much of my powers to protect my goddess from death. Regardless, I underestimated my opponent and it led to my demise.”
The Kitaan gestured to himself. “I am nothing more than a spirit. The moment you touched the sword, you became attuned to me, for I reside in this form within the sacred Kitaan blade Reikon.”
Reikon. So that was the name of the weapon he had just found. Kataro Tiansia, the ancient Kitaan. There was too much information for him to take in right now.
He decided to start asking questions so he could make sense of it. “Where are we?” He asked, taking a look around. There was nothing in the distance seemingly.
Kataro smiled. “This is all in your head. Your body is still out there and no doubt garnering looks of concern from your friends, but it cannot be helped. I needed to speak to you urgently, and I figured you would be most willing to trust me if I appeared to you like this.”
“I did feel a strange connection to you when I first heard your voice calling me. Why did you not just tell me what you needed from that?”
“Because I was merely sending the call. You had not been able to hear it due to circumstances beyond my control. No, I needed you here so that I could speak to you face to face. You need to understand how much danger this world is in.”
Keta frowned. “Yes, I’ve been doing what I can to stop the fighting as is,” Keta pointed out.
The spectral Kitaan sighed. “You are missing what is actually going on, Keta. The Brotherhood of Shadows are trying to bring about a new world order. They are planning to open the gates to the Realm of the Heavens and restore the Goddess of Shadows to this world.”
Keta frowned. “I don’t understand. The absence of the gods have been detrimental to the world. If we can return them to the realm, is that not a good thing?”
The Kitaan stared into his eyes. “There are many things you mortals are not aware of, and much I need to inform you of. However, there is something that requires your attention. You have a visitor.”
And just like that, the white vanished and he was back in the forest.
“...and he gets a damn magical sword that nobody else can lift up and waves it in the air like it’s nothing!”
“I told you already. Using weapons is for chumps.”
Xuan and Max were arguing loudly in front of him. He didn’t have time for this. He needed more information from Kataro. He looked down at the sword in his hand, and could feel the power coursing through him. The power of a true Kitaan.
“Hey guys, cut it out,” he said, stepping between them.
“Well, well. Look who snapped out of his trance. I told you not to go picking up any strange things found on the ground. Magic is dangerous, you know,” Xuan said in a warning tone.
“We have to get out of here. Something is…” and then he stopped. His heart sank. Someone had joined them. The Brotherhood of Shadows leader, former master of Keta and Xuan and Max’s uncle.
The Demon known as Inferno.
15
Master Inferno walked through the field, his heavy boots crunching the grass under him. It had been weeks since Keta had last seen the man, not since their duel in the snow outside of Teforia. And it had been no contest. He had been hopelessly outmatched by his mentor.
Xuan had turned around and even
he showed fear on his face. Max stared into his uncle’s eyes, his expression unreadable.
The Demon shook his head. “When Milaryna told me about you being alive, I was overjoyed. However, when she told me you had sided with those who oppose us, my heart was torn asunder. To be betrayed by my own flesh and blood.”
Max turned away, unable to face the man. Keta stepped in front of his allies. “Master, please. You can’t…”
“No!” Inferno interrupted him, his voice booming. “No more words. No more sentiment. I have come too far and the end is so close at hand.”
The Demon continued walking closer, drawing steel in his right hand. “There can be no loose ends, no last minute effort, no miniscule miscalculation. This place will become your grave.”
And he stopped, and his body began to ignite into flame. His eyes full of malice, he raised his left hand.
“Move!”
Keta heard the command, though he was unsure if it had been Max or Xuan who had said it. He had not been expecting his former master to be so aggressive. And so, he very narrowly avoided a jet of flame from engulfing him.
Xuan attacked. The two Demons began a deadly dance of steel as Keta reeled from the revelation of the attack. He turned and saw that the reckless flame had struck the surrounding trees and the fire that was spreading. Had his former master gone insane? He was going to burn the entire forest to the ground.
Max rushed over to help Keta up. “This is bad...I didn’t think he would attack us without even hearing me out,” Max said.
Keta turned to see Xuan and Inferno, both former comrades, engaged in a deadly duel. “He almost killed me the last time I stood against him. It was bound to end like this.”
Xuan was flung backwards, his sword flying from his hand. He hit one of the trees hard and grunted in pain.
“Did you really expect to defeat me with such poor form, Xuan?” Inferno asked, a gleam in his eye.
Xuan lifted his head, a defiant grin on his face. “Come now, Master. I don’t think you can go comparing my form to yours. That’s not really fair, is it?”
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