Izanami, Zane, Kyros, and Zane’s father sat around the fire. Most people had already gone to sleep for the night. Tension and uncertainty filled the encampment. The Elder’s Council had not reached a unanimous vote, something that had never happened before in the history of their particular tribe. The Grand Elder seemed to have been affected badly by the chain of events. And, now, after being idle for over a thousand years and nearly relegated to the status of a fairy tale, the Red Mage Army will fight once more. At the break of dawn, all the Red Mages that were able to fight would march to protect the Kingdom of Crescere.
A conversation flowed around the fire but, to Izanami, it was just mumbled murmurs with no meaning. Her mind was completely preoccupied over the death of Artemis. It still seemed like a horrible nightmare, from which she could not wake up. Izanami was forcing her mind to come to terms with her reality, but it was a fierce struggle. She was in a dangerous place for a Red Mage, even more so for a Warrior of Light. If her mind is not clear, how could she ever focus in the heat of battle? Izanami was taught this many times but, in practice, it seemed nearly impossible to do. Then, something unexpected happened. A woman’s scream vibrated through Izanami’s ears, causing her to draw her sword.
“Izanami, what’s wrong?!” yelled Zane.
“Didn’t you guys hear it? A woman screaming?” replied Izanami frantically.
“So, she has progressed further,” said the Elder of Black Heka. Izanami and Zane looked confused.
“As a Warrior of Light, Izanami has a strong connection to the elements, the Arts, and also to the Flow of Life. The connection to the Flow of Life is more apparent in times of struggle and suffering,” explained Kyros.
“So, what’s that supposed to mean?” asked Zane.
“It means that Izanami can hear the souls that are struggling or suffering. In time, she will learn how to control it… or, she could possibly go mad,” added Euclid.
“Well, that’s comforting,” whined Izanami.
“By the way, since the Grand Elder has been deemed unfit to lead us, who will be the Grand Elder now?” asked Zane.
“There is no one right now, but that doesn’t matter anyway,” answered Euclid.
“What do you mean, father?” questioned Zane.
“It means that when a Warrior of Light emerges, he or she is the one who leads the Great Army,” replied Euclid.
“WHAT?! I know nothing about leading armies!” said Izanami. She began to hyperventilate. Kyros put his arm around her to settle her.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you out. After all, I think I know a little something about leading armies, since I was one of Alexandros’s greatest generals,” said Kyros, humourously.
“Promise?” Izanami said, as her breathing normalized.
“I promise. I’ll be your advisor so that you aren’t overwhelmed,” said Kyros. Izanami felt some relief and rested her head on Kyros’s shoulder. Zane got up, abruptly, and walked away, vanishing into the darkness.
“Zane, where are you going?” cried out Izanami. There was no answer. Izanami got up and vanished into the darkness as well. Finally catching up with Zane, she grabbed his arm. “What’s wrong? Why did you just up and leave?” questioned Izanami.
“Leave me alone, Izanami… I… I need to think,” replied Zane. Izanami let go of his arm and watched him go into his tent.
Returning to the fire, Izanami was questioned by Kyros, “What’s wrong with Zane?”
“I dunno… I guess he just needs some time alone,” replied Izanami.
“I think we all should get some rest now. It will be a long journey ahead, and the path has yet to be fully revealed,” said Euclid.
Dawn arrived swiftly. Men, women, and older teenagers gathered together to begin the march to Alexandros. They were few in numbers, only around a couple hundred. Izanami perched herself on a rock, waiting for everyone to assemble. In her mind, Izanami felt that she was sending these people on their death march because they were so few in number. There was also the Alexandros Army, but would that be enough against Lord Xenon? What, exactly, was Xenon planning? This troubled Izanami. He did not seem to want to overthrow the Burmekian king and take power. Rather, he seemed to be playing the king like a puppet; but in what way, and for what end? She did not have enough information to resolve these questions.
“Are you ready, Izanami?” asked the Elder of Black Heka, who arrived along with the Elder of White Heka.
“Elder… I’m not sure if I can do this,” replied Izanami.
“Izanami, we no longer have any authority over you. You have a responsibility as a Red Mage Warrior, and as a Warrior of Light, to not only protect the innocent, as did our people before us, but also to lead us. It is in your blood, and it is what you were destined to do,” explained Euclid.
“Okay… I’ll try my best to fulfill my responsibility,” replied Izanami.
“And that is all we ask of you. But, Izanami, there is something that I, and the other Elders, wanted you to have,” said Euclid. He handed Izanami a bag, inside of which contained some sort of garments. Izanami pulled out a beautifully crafted chest plate, with the emblem of the Red Mage Warrior, that glistened in the sun; a brown skirt that had a sequence of circular metal plates draped from it; protective plates for the knees and shins that also glistened in the sun; and, finally, a crimson red cape.
As she inspected it more closely, her mind raced with disbelief. Then her heart fluttered with a hint of pride and honour. Izanami instantly recognized that style of battle garb. It was the signature uniform of the Red Mage Army, which they proudly wore in past generations. But this was not the main reason for Izanami’s astonishment. This particular style was slightly different from the common uniform and, lately, she had been seeing it on numerous occasions. It was the exact same style of battle garb as depicted on the unknown Warrior Princess images in Alexandros. The Elder of White Heka assured her that it was not a replica. It was a restoration of the battle garb that a previous Warrior of Light had once worn in battle from ages past. Izanami was beyond words to describe how honoured she was to have been given such a priceless artifact. Even though she did not fully understand why she was being given this, as others must have been just as deserving over time, she accepted it modestly.
“But, why are you giving this to me?” said Izanami.
In reply to Izanami’s question, the Elder of White Heka said, “That is not for me to reveal. This is something that you will have to discover on your own.” What Izanami did understand from the Elder’s response was that she would never be faced with a simple solution. Having to search for resources to find answers on her own would, in turn, force her to progressively develop her abilities as a Red Mage Warrior. Izanami felt that, perhaps, the answers would present themselves to her when she was ready for them.
“Thank you, Elder. I will cherish these and wear them with honour, just like their former owner many centuries ago,” said Izanami. Izanami went to go change. Euclid began to rally up the Red Mage soldiers. He pondered whether or not they would accept such a young, inexperienced leader. He had faith in young Izanami; yet, a shadow of doubt surrounded his decision to put so much faith into someone so young and…innocent. Was he, perhaps, letting his faith in tradition and history influence him into making a reckless decision?
“My friends, today is the day that we all have been preparing for all our lives. A Warrior of Light has emerged that will lead us into the light in these dark times. Do not let your hearts drown in sorrow. Be brave, and follow the Great Warrior to the path of justice and harmony!” exclaimed Euclid. Massive crimson red and gold marching banners were erected into the air by the group of Mages, depicting pride in their heritage and the duty that was expected of them on this day.
Izanami timidly walked up and stood beside Euclid. Knowing she was expected to say something, her eyes scanned the crowd of soldiers. Members ranged from as young as fourteen to the elder, seasoned Mages. Those seasoned Mages may have had years of training and development experien
ce, but none of that would mean anything in this reality. None of the Mages, young or old, had had any real battle experience; only simulated. Izanami could read their hearts well. They could not hide their fear and trepidation. She observed them for a few more moments. Some became suspicious as to why she was at the head, next to Euclid who, at this time, seemed to step in as leader. The crowd’s conversing had subsided. Some seemed bemused, while others whispered amongst each other. They were questioning and speculating as to why Izanami was standing at the head; and, particularly, why was she wearing the traditional battle garb of a Red Mage Warrior. She looked like a character out of a fairy tale. It seemed quite surreal to them, as it did to Izanami as well. Now, in front of the confused and terrified soldiers, she began to speak.
“I know I may not be what you expected for a Warrior of Light, but I’ve accepted the responsibility…,” began Izanami. She was interrupted by many voices of confusion.
“How can this child be a Warrior of Light? Elder, is this some kind of joke?” one voice cried out.
“Please, everyone… please give me a chance. I know I’m young, but that doesn’t mean that I’m incapable of fulfilling my responsibility in this time of peril,” pleaded Izanami. Izanami’s voice was drowned out by a thunderous rush of voices.
The earth suddenly shook, and Amyntas appeared in a flash of brilliance next to Izanami and roared. Instantly, the crowd’s protests were cut short and they stared in shock and disbelief. Amyntas did not say anything. “So, let us begin marching to Alexandros. We don’t have much time to waste,” said Izanami to the awestruck crowd.
Izanami climbed onto Amyntas’s back and he began walking. At her side were Zane and Kyros. There were no others that Izanami would rather have next to her, leading their ragtag army. The Elders followed behind them – all except the Elder of Herbalism and the Grand Elder. Following closely, and solemnly, were the couple hundred Red Mage soldiers.
The path chosen to return to Alexandros was by crossing over Mount Shi. To go around on foot would take too long. However, to ascend Mount Shi was a formidable and dangerous task. High up on its misty tips, horrendous creatures were believed to dwell and lie in wait for unsuspecting trespassers.
The trek to the foot of Mount Shi would be the easiest part of the journey. Not many treacherous creatures dwelled within this forest’s boundaries – especially in the daylight. Once on the mountain, though, they were in potential danger. Even when the sun shone brilliantly, the higher altitudes were perpetually shrouded in thick mist which was so dense that it could mimic the dangers of night. This is where the most deadly of beasts resided, lurking under any rock or around any hidden bend. As the campaign progressed through the forest, and before they reached the base of the mountain, their spirits began to lighten. Their minds and hearts still trembled with fear and uncertainty, but they were feeling hopeful, stirred up by camaraderie and faith in the beliefs they lived by. Izanami hoped they could feed on that mood to get through the dangers of Mount Shi.
Reaching the foot of the mountain, Amyntas stopped and said, “Which way, Izanami?” Izanami pointed upwards at the mountain and Amyntas began to climb the path. Soon enough, the mist surrounded the marchers. It was cold and dense. Everyone was silent. Izanami knew that the soldiers did not want to go this way, but they had to. It was the quickest path. Everyone was highly alert, but they could not rely solely on their senses. It was only possible to see, at most, a few feet ahead. The denseness of the mist and the dangers of the mountain created wild illusions in the marchers’ minds. It was difficult to judge where their footing would take them. The mountainous floor was rough and slippery from the moisture of the mist. Disturbing sounds from unknown wildlife echoed hollowly in the cold air. This frightened the marchers as they made their way. The fact that they could not see the source of these sounds allowed their minds to create the most terrifying possibilities imaginable. However, Izanami concluded that, as frightening as it was to not be able to see the creatures in the mist, the mist also shielded them from the eyes of the creatures.
In the distance, it looked as if something was moving within the concealment of the mist. All Izanami could see was a silhouette. She was not certain if it was a creature that would cause them harm, or not. Nonetheless, Izanami carefully followed the movement of the silhouette. It did not move swiftly, so it was unlikely that it could easily ambush the marchers since Izanami was aware of its presence. She wondered if anyone else sensed and noticed its presence. The silhouette moved a bit sluggishly. Izanami prayed that this creature did not notice the presence of the marchers. Overall, they were trekking lightly, but one slip from a loose rock and the sound could draw unwanted attention. They were trespassing in territory that was both unfamiliar and did not belong to them. As if in response to her fears, Izanami suddenly heard the distressing noise of the shifting mountain – a younger Mage had lost their footing, releasing loose earth beneath them. Izanami quickly tried to locate the silhouette once again after her attention was diverted by the noise. She could feel a slight vibration course through her body.
“SPREAD OUT!” yelled Izanami. The head of a grotesque creature emerged from the mist. Its horns and tusks were sharp enough to completely tear through flesh with ease. Spikes protruded from its chest, and razor-like claws on both the front and hind legs tore up the earth as it charged towards them. Izanami jumped off of Amyntas. She and Zane drew their swords while Kyros aimed his weapon at the creature.
As they kept their stances, waiting for the right moment to strike, the creature suddenly let out a screech of agony as an even larger, dragon-like form appeared from the side and clasped it in its jaws, hurling it in the air. “Elders, lead the army away! There is no point to having all of us try to fight this beast, as we can’t afford to lose our numbers!” ordered Izanami.
She had to somehow distract this monstrous animal so the army could pass unhurt. Izanami picked up a rock and threw it at the dragon’s head. Aggravated, the dragon swung its claws at Izanami and slightly grazed her chest plate. I really need to think things through better, thought Izanami.
Kyros fired his weapon and a grenade exploded on contact with the dragon. However, its thick green scales protected it from damage. It let out an ear-piercing, high-pitched roar and advanced towards Izanami. Amyntas ran towards it and bit into its forearm. The dragon tried to shake him off. Zane took the opportunity to release a massive bolt of lightning from his blade. Just before the bolt hit the dragon, Amyntas let go. Kyros fired another grenade at the stunned and teetering behemoth. Izanami split the ground with her sword, forcing the dragon to fall over on its side.
The dragon was down and not moving. Relieved, Izanami, Kyros, and Zane quickly headed towards the path to catch up to everyone.
“IZANAMI! LOOK OUT!” shouted Kyros. The dragon’s tail swiped across the ground, striking Izanami. Izanami’s body was pushed into a boulder. She was not getting up. Zane tried to run towards her, but the dragon thrashed its tail around violently, making it nearly impossible to get past. “Zane, just leave her – Amyntas is with her. Let’s finish this beast off!” Zane nodded.
The dragon was definitely hurt. It was disorientated, which made it even more dangerous. Zane tried to get behind the beast so that he and Kyros could set up some type of offensive tactic. Massive claws swung towards Zane as he dropped to the ground to avoid being hit. Kyros shot at the dragon to give Zane enough time to get up and reposition himself. In an intensified fit of rage, it pulled itself up and began to charge towards Kyros. Zane plunged his sword into the ground behind the dragon and caused it to split. He kept his tight grip on the handle of his sword and continued focusing his energy on the ground, widening the chasm towards the dragon, forcing it back until it was at the edge of a cliff. Kyros shot at its outstretched wing, causing it to rip open. Zane finished it by hitting the ground once more, causing the monstrous form to fall off the cliff.
“Mountain dragons can’t fly, they can only glide so we should be safe now,?
?? said Kyros. Still holding his sword in the ground, Zane fell over from exhaustion. “If this is heka, it takes quite a punch out of you, doesn’t it?” laughed Kyros as he helped Zane to his feet.
Remembering Izanami, Zane ran over to her. “Amyntas, is she ok?” said Zane.
Amyntas looked devastated. “How could I let this happen… why am I faltering so much as of late…,” Amyntas looked up at the two and said, “I’m so sorry… Izanami still lives, but I’m afraid she might be badly hurt.” He then lowered himself to the ground so Zane could put Izanami on Amyntas’ back. He rode on Amyntas as well to make sure Izanami did not slide off.
The Elders and the rest of the Army waited at the foot of Mount Shi on the other side. Some time had already passed while they waited for the others.
“Euclid, do you think something happened to those kids… maybe we shouldn’t have left them?” said the Elder of Combat.
“Rest easy, my friend. I’m sure they are well on their way,” said Euclid. In his mind, he doubted his own words. A long time had already passed and there was still no sign of them. As Zane’s father, Euclid could not help but worry. He stared at the mountain, awaiting the return of the Warrior of Light and her guardians.
“Look! They made it! They actually made it!” shouted Mori. Though the sun was almost set, movement could still be seen on the descending slope of the mountain.
“Kyros, hold on to my neck,” demanded Amyntas. As soon as Kyros’s grip felt firm, Amyntas opened his wings and flew down to the camp.
Izanami’s hood was up and her head down. She seemed to be lifeless. Amyntas seemed to be having troubling walking. The Elders rushed towards them.
“Zane, are you okay? Are you hurt?” asked Euclid.
“I’m fine,” Zane replied.
“Is the Great Warrior injured?” asked the Elder of White Heka
“I’m… ok…,” said Izanami in a faint voice.
“If this child is the so-called Warrior of Light, and she cannot even handle a mountain dragon, what hope do we have against an army with her leading us?” quipped a spectator from the side.
Euclid led Amyntas and Kyros to a shelter, away from the harsh banter. Amyntas was slowly fading; his connection to the human world was weakening. Beast Guardians could only remain in the human world if they maintained a strong connection to their host – the person they protected. If that connection is compromised, either from the host’s life source being insufficient, or the guardian’s own, then the guardian must return to the Realm, or risk death for both.
Amyntas lowered his body to the ground to let Zane off, but he did not get up. He lowered his head and breathed heavily. Euclid brushed his hand through Amyntas’s mane and said, “Rest easy, great Chimera. Time and fate have been unkind to you. Rest now, so you can finish what began so long ago. It is not time to pass into the eternal sleep just yet.” A soft growl escaped from Amyntas as he returned to the Realm of the Beast Guardians. Izanami had become unconscious once more in Zane’s arms.
When Izanami awoke again, it was night. She stared into the fire. In a hypnotic trance, she listened to it crackle. She tilted her head upward and her eyes met Zane’s. She then buried her head into his chest.
“Hey, sleepy head, don’t tell me you’re going back to sleep,” joked Kyros.
“She should rest, for tomorrow we arrive in Alexandros, do we not?” said Euclid.
“Yes, we will. We are all going to need every ounce of strength we have to prevent Xenon from destroying balance and harmony, and rid us of his evil,” said Kyros.
Chapter 21