Land of Iniquity

By Derek Ebersviller

With the frigid land of Siramsa behind them, Masato and his companions looked forward to a brief reprieve. Unfortunately for them, the Lawbringers had no such intentions. Immediately drawn into the heart of enemy territory, they'll have to hone their abilities even further and forge new alliances if they want to make it through alive.

With conflict all around them, as well as within, their mettle will be put to the test like never before. New developments continue to unfold one after another in the thrilling second installment of the Halcyon Rhapsody trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Derek Ebersviller
• Release date: Nov 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9780984601448

Book preview

Land of Iniquity

Derek Ebersviller

Copyright 2011 by Derek Ebersviller

Smashwords Edition

The Halcyon Rhapsody Trilogy

Book 1: The Outcasts’ Journey

Book 2: Land of Iniquity

Book 3: The Mirage Empire

Copyright © 2010 by Derek Ebersviller. All rights reserved.

Halcyon Rhapsody Trilogy logos designed by Derek Ebersviller

Cover Art by Fernanda de Oliveira

ISBN: 978-0-9846014-4-8

I would like to extend a special thanks to Fernanda de Oliveira, the amazing artist who created this book’s cover art, and to Thressa Johnson, the brilliant English major who helped me edit.

By Derek Ebersviller

Chapter 15

Ultimatum

Two hyena burgers please, Dao requested.

Your total comes to †1800, the cashier announced. Dao was in the middle ring of Edrek, purchasing dinner for himself and Tessa at a Mame food shop. The two had arrived two days ago and begun to settle in. Anticipating the potential longevity of their mission, they had secured an apartment in the residential district. Money was a non-issue, as Sensu had provided them with far more than they would likely need. He had also provided them with identification stolen from registered citizens of Shirana so that they could rent their apartment and go about other activities.

Dao dug out the necessary tirthika and paid the cashier before heading back with their food. As he walked into the glimmering sunlight, he thought back to his life before becoming a member of Sensu’s Lothorian society. It was a different time, which part of him still missed. He didn’t regret arriving at his current position, though. Sensu offered a simple paradise for those who desired it. The price was freedom, but for many that was an acceptable cost. He disagreed on that point, but worked around it. In time, everything changed, and that may include Sensu’s stranglehold on his nation.

Towering over all other buildings in Edrek was the central tower where Gehenna resided. It seemed so close. He felt as if he could execute the mission so easily, but in his heart he knew that wasn’t true. The leader of the Lawbringers could easily kill either one of them in a fair fight. Even if they worked together, the results would be questionable. They would have to wait it out; eventually he would be vulnerable.

Thought you could just sneak up on me, you little punk? Dao tensed up as a cloud of panic engulfed him. He reached for the twin handles protruding from his scabbard. Suddenly he relaxed himself. It was just a bunch of kids arguing. He sighed in irritation. Had his time in Aeonar made him this sensitive to unexpected outbursts?

Dao pulled himself together and resumed walking to their apartment. In their short time in the Southlands, they had already set about making themselves look like natural citizens. Doing so was a crucial element in their plot. To do so, the two of them quickly found alternate clothing. Fortunately for them, anything besides the Lothorian clothes they wore before sufficed. He had donned a loose light brown shirt. Its sleeves ran to just above his elbows, and the shirt fell several centimeters over his pants. It was pinned down by a dark brown belt designed for carrying a scabbard. The belt itself was only about two centimeters thick, but it was sturdy enough to support his large curved scabbard attached on the left side. It housed the two broadswords with which Dao was an exceptional combatant.

His pants were of a darker brown and ran down into his boots. These were black and designed differently than standard boots. Dao’s were extremely flexible, allowing him as much combat fluidity as caligae but with better protection. They had astounded Dao when he found them. Another effect of living in Aeonar was his increased shock when he saw something unfamiliar. Over his brown shirt he bore a lightweight gray flak jacket. It had wide straps and covered his entire upper body except for the areas around his neck and arms. On both of his hands he wore hand guards of the same color that wrapped around his wrists and protected the backsides of his hands.

His bodily appearance was exactly what it had always been. He was fairly tall, even for someone of his age, nineteen. Although Dao’s skin was very tan, it was more dark bronze than black. Matching the majority of his outfit, he had shaggy brown hair that naturally formed into a vague miniature afro. A stark contrast to the bland coloration of his outfit and body were his blue eyes, which always appeared to be troubled by thought.

Finally, he arrived at their apartment and reached to open the door. To his surprise, it was locked. He retrieved his key and let himself in, closing the door behind him. As he took out his burger, he pondered where Tessa might have gone. She had no prior experience in Edrek. Eventually he resolved not to worry about her; she was fully capable of handling herself.

About a half-hour passed before Tessa walked into the apartment with two bags of supplies in her arms. Hey, Dao, she greeted cheerfully.

Hey, he replied inattentively while he read a book. She stood there for a few seconds until he noticed that she was waiting. He looked up at her and discovered why. Your hair’s blue...

Yeah, she squealed quietly. I went out to get some groceries and on the way I saw this place that does all sorts of crazy stuff with your hair so I decided to try it. Apparently they just recently developed this coloring thing so I’m one of the first to use it.

I thought the idea was to not stick out, Dao laughed lightly.

Think about it, Dao. Gehenna would never expect his assassins to do something so flaunting as dying their hair blue. If anything, it helps keep our mission even more secret, she pointed out. I wanted to get a lighter blue, but they said that light colors don’t work well with brown hair.

I was just kidding, Tessa. I think it’s great that you’re branching out. It’s healthy. Beyond that, Dao was relieved that she was experiencing life outside of Lothor. He hoped that as she was reminded of alternative lifestyles, her blind faith in Sensu and his phony god would wane. So, how do you like Edrek so far? he inquired.

It’s amazing! she replied. I’ve never seen a city larger than Aeonar. There’s so much to take in, and it’s a beautiful place. Still, that makes it an even bigger shame, she lamented.

Shame? Dao asked curiously.

All of these unique blissful souls and none of them know Aeon’s grace. It’s sad to think about how all of them could perish during the Conflagration. We can only hope that the Prophet can lead Lothor to prosperity quickly so that we can convert them to the true path, she fantasized.

Dao’s heart stung as he listened to her blind prattle. Freeing her of Sensu’s grasp would be a far more difficult challenge than he had anticipated. Even removing her from Lothor seemed to have little effect. Tessa, why do you hang on every word that the Prophet preaches? The Conflagration is merely a fabricated apocalypse that he created because he knows fear is a great way to create followers, he lectured.

Tessa’s concerned expression shifted to an almost angry one. Please don’t speak such heresy about the Prophet, Dao. My ardent faith is a precaution. If we followers of Aeon let even a sliver of doubt enter our hearts, that weakness could be exploited and destroy our faith. I hope you do realize that it pains me, too, she added on.

What does?

This difference in beliefs we have. I realize you don’t believe in Aeon. I also realize that you are genuinely sad for me because you think I’m signing away my freedom to some false religion. I get that, and your concern for me is reassuring, but I’m in even more pain than you are. You can’t fathom the pangs I feel every time you denounce Aeon or the Prophet. Whenever I think about your lack of faith, I have to think about you being incinerated by the Conflagration. It’s so painful that I can barely hold myself together, she explained, tears forming in her eyes. You’ve been my best friend for so long, Dao. I don’t want to see you suffer.

Dao sat silently in his chair, his book cast aside, mulling over what she had said. Why did this have to happen to her? At moments like this, Dao almost wanted to turn against Sensu. Was this charade of a religion really validated by the sanctuary he created?

He stood up and walked over to Tessa, who had leaned against the wall to support herself. Next he placed his hands on her shoulders and looked down at her. The top of her head was only level with his neck. Listen to me, Tessa. I don’t want you worrying about me. Even if Aeon and the Conflagration are real and I do get incinerated, don’t let it concern you. I’m okay with that fate. Do you understand?

She nodded grimly to reassure him. They were both lying. Dao wanted to reassure her, but his words were hollow. He couldn’t mean what he said if he was completely unconvinced about Aeon’s existence. Likewise, with her infallible faith in Aeon, she couldn’t help but worry about her friend. The two comrades struggled in their opposing plights. How could Dao shake someone from her religion, which encompasses so much of her life? How could Tessa convince an unbeliever of something that could not be proven?

So, Tessa began, what have you learned about Bulwark’s defenses? Right now she couldn’t deal with the emotional turmoil of their religious discrepancies.

Not much, Dao explained as he headed back towards his chair. Not that we could have expected to learn much from public resources. Gehenna is far too intelligent for that. I’d like to do some scouting soon. We need to find its weaknesses so that we can get inside soon and keep surveillance on him earlier rather than later.

Alright, we’ll need to wait until peak traveling hours, she noted. We want to optimize inconspicuousness, after all.

Exactly. We’ll scope it out later today. Until then, I was going to keep reading this book about Edrek’s history. It doesn’t seem to have any material relevant to us, but you never know what random piece of information will help, he observed.

Sounds like a plan, Tessa agreed. I’m going to go walk around the city a bit. I’ll be back in a little while.

Okay, I’ll see you then. I’m glad you’re enjoying Edrek while we’re here, he added.

Yeah, she added solemnly as she slipped out. Me too. Tessa walked several blocks over and sat down beside a canal. She slipped off her thong sandals, which consisted of a straw soles and a light blue rubber lining. Once she had done so, she dipped her feet into the refreshing canal water and basked in the warming rays of the sun.

Since shedding her Lothorian apparel, Tessa had sported a more inventive set of clothing. She wore a small light blue tunic that reached just past her waist. Unlike most shirts, hers had no sleeve over the left arm, but a full-length sleeve on the right arm going down to her wrist. Overtop she wore a sleeveless light gray top with straps about two centimeters thick. The sides of the top only went halfway down her upper body.

As for her lower body, she wore dark gray shorts that clung tight against her skin and extended to just above her knees. They had no pockets, and only one strap. It was located on the outer side of her right leg and contained her dual iron war fans. Connecting the two fans was a chain that hung alongside her right leg. Like her upper body, her legs had a double covering. She bore a large blue skirt that reached halfway down her lower legs. Of course, as an assassin, her clothes needed to permit her a certain degree of mobility, and so the skirt was slit almost all the way up to the top. This allowed her gray shorts to be partially visible from the sides.

Her formerly light brown hair, now cobalt blue, reached partway down her neck, and in front was cut so that her bangs were just barely out of her eyes. Her hairstyle was very short and simple, befitting of her time in Lothor, a city which did not stimulate appeals to vanity. Tessa’s eyes were a faint green, and her entire face seemed to accentuate her naïveté, which was seventeen years in the making. All in all, she was a humble variety of pretty, whose image embodied the essence of innocence.

As she sat calmly in the radiant sunlight, she closed her eyes in prayer to her god. After several moments, she opened her eyes with a smile appearing on her face. Of course, I must not give up hope on Dao. Even he may be redeemed by the divine influence of Aeon, she beamed.

◊◊◊

What a pain in the ass, Megiddo grunted. How am I supposed to find those runts out here? They’re probably halfway across the world right now, and I’m stuck combing the woods for them. He was in the northeastern region of the Wildgrowth, where the sun had nearly set. The Lawbringers had designated him to locate the Anahata, Svadisthana, and their friends once again. After returning to Bulwark, their leader had quickly dispatched him back to the Wildgrowth. Although his search had only been going on for the past few hours, he was already dreadfully bored with it.

As he wandered aimlessly, he thought over the other members of the Lawbringers. Neither Uriah nor Anathema were particularly busy, yet neither of them had to go searching. Uriah had a mission to complete after his defeat to the Empyreans, but was finished with that. Anathema had been spearheading the financial tracking operation, but there hadn’t been any alerts of that since his last encounter with the group. Most likely they had figured it out. Nonetheless, the next time they fought he would destroy them. The only reason they defeated him last time was because that third Empyrean, Cipher, had intervened.

Screw this, he groaned as he drove Ravager into a log and collapsed against a tree for some relaxation. If I’m going to track them, I need a bigger lead than ‘the Wildgrowth.’ It’s been a week since the last time I fought them. They could be down in Mame by now. Something caught his eye on the horizon, but he didn’t feel like looking into it. As it continued to draw nearer, he eventually focused his gaze in an attempt to identify it. Several minutes passed until it became distinguishable: it was a flock of some sort of large bird flying in his direction over the Azure Steppes.

What the heck, he muttered to himself, I’ve never seen birds that large before, especially near the coastline. He continued staring at the beasts until his eyes widened. Somebody was riding the beasts. After a few more moments, the riders became distinguishable. Hot damn, Megiddo chuckled when he realized who it was. I guess I was right. Complaining really does make stuff go faster. This is gonna be fun!

◊◊◊

Alright, the coastline! Asuka cheered as it came into sight. Finally we’re free of the frigid wasteland and can enjoy the tropical jungle again.

Now all we have to deal with is murderous swarms of mosquitoes and poisonous plants, Masato grumbled.

Oh come on, honey. It’s the lesser of two evils, she giggled.

The use of a pet-name threw Masato off. Since when did we start using pet-names? he called back.

I just thought I’d try it out. That one doesn’t seem to fit, though, it sounds too... she began.

Edible! Kyusho concluded for her.

Yeah, that. I’ll keep thinking about it, though, she promised, a tad to Masato’s chagrin. Despite his feelings for Asuka, the concept of a pet-name was less than desirable to him.

Wait a minute, Syka interrupted. Someone’s standing in the water over there, by the coast. They all focused their gaze upon the shady figure as it gradually came into focus. A horrifying sensation haunted them all as it became identifiable as Megiddo.

How did he know where to find us? Anna gasped in astonishment.

Looks like we may get the chance to ask him, Masato noted as Megiddo began to move. The Lawbringer spun Ravager around vertically, cutting into the water as he did so. Finally he released it straight at Masato’s Icewing. His blow was fatal and managed to completely sever one of the wings. Masato leaped off of his eagle before it crashed, uneasily splashing down into the shallow water.

Above him, the other four scrambled off of their Icewings so that Megiddo did not have the opportunity to massacre them. Thank you, Icewings, Anna called back as they scattered into the sky. She broke her fall with a fading downward thrust. Syka formed her astral falcon and averted to the side of the fray. Asuka drew water up from the ocean and surrounded her lower body to connect it to the sea itself, halting her descent. Kyusho plunged his hands through the shallow water to the rocks below and thrust himself over onto his feet before taking a defensive pose.

How did you find us? Syka shouted down at their adversary.

Megiddo snorted happily. A hunter never reveals his methods for finding his prey. Now then, who’s ready to get butchered?

Asuka froze the pillar of water suspending her and extended it along a narrow path until it bound Megiddo in his place. Anna swooped in and delivered a close range air bullet, which promptly pounded his face. She was elated to notice that she couldn’t feel any sort of pain in her shoulders as she did so.

Kyusho swooped in and delivered a series of blows to the Lawbringer. Sixty Needles of Evisceration! Megiddo seemed to go limp with his upper body paralyzed and his lower body frozen over. It seemed as if he was completely immobilized for once.

Masato charged forward with his katana firmly in hand to deliver a devastating slash across Megiddo’s chest when the Lawbringer pulled a fast one. He pulled open his shirt and grabbed a packet with his teeth. As he pulled it out, it ripped open and a powder fell over the ice that constricted him. The mysterious powder somehow melted straight through the ice, weakening it enough for Megiddo to bust himself free.

The Lawbringer rolled onto his back and clasped Ravager in between his boots, twirling it around and slamming it into the water. By blinding Masato temporarily, he afforded himself just enough time to retrieve a syringe from his shirt as well. They all knew what his next action was. He plunged it into his arms and injected it.

Syka was already upon him, though, snatching relentlessly at him with the falcon’s talons. Megiddo tossed the chain to Ravager to his mouth and rolled himself upward. With his arms not fully recovered yet, all he could do was leap backwards to evade her onslaught. Finally, as his arms became functional again, he transferred his weapon to his hands and hurtled the pike end toward Syka.

She managed to dodge it and grip the chain in one of her talons, but the Lawbringer pulled it through before she could tighten her grip around it. All of this had given Anna and Asuka enough time to prepare a combined counterattack. Asuka fired a powerful cannon of seawater straight at Megiddo, which Anna simultaneously amplified by channeling her own jet of air on the water. It collided with Megiddo with such a force that he was instantly propelled onto shore until his back collided with a large tree. Before he could recover, Kyusho and Masato were upon him. Kyusho made several jabs at Megiddo, but the Lawbringer almost instinctively dodged them all. The Thunder Jabber relented only to allow Masato an unhindered horizontal slice at their opponent. Megiddo reacted quickly by dropping down below the swing of the katana and following up by pushing himself forward into the swordsman’s gullet.

His headbutt managed to disable Masato momentarily, but the time that it had taken to accomplish the foray allowed Syka to come in once again. Megiddo started to realize that the battle would merely continue like this indefinitely. Whenever he managed to evade one of their attacks, someone else would be prepared to assault him while the others had time to recover and prepare. Meanwhile, he could only cause minor injuries before having to worry about his next opponent. If he didn’t take a few of them out, he would quickly be defeated. As much as he hated to admit it, he didn’t have the skill or the strength to handle all five of them simultaneously. He would have to resort to the alternative plan.

As Syka’s astral falcon came hurtling in with its beak lunging for him, Megiddo leaped to one side and, with a bit of disgust, forfeited. Alright, I give in, he grumbled.

Everyone else practically fell over as they heard the announcement. What the heck do you mean by that?! Masato shouted as he stood himself up. You’re Megiddo. That means you continue to fight us until it’s absolutely hopeless, and that means inane amounts of time, he raged.

Even I know when I’m no match. It sickens me, but I guess I can’t handle five-on-one, he sighed.

Be that as it may, Syka added, You always either ‘kill’ yourself off or run away. You never just give up.

I’ve turned over a new leaf. I no longer wish to follow the path of violence and destruction. Can’t we all just talk this over? he offered.

Maybe if we believed that a word of that was true, Asuka shot snidely.

You kids are no fun, Megiddo laughed. Alright, if you want to be all serious, I’ll get to my point. The real reason I came looking for you this time wasn’t actually to kill you, he began.

And that’s what you were doing for the past minute, huh? Not trying to kill us? Syka added sarcastically.

Look, I said that’s not the reason I was looking for you. If I happen to do that at the same time, no harm done - except to you, that is. Anyway, the real reason I’m here is to offer the lot of you an ultimatum, Megiddo explained.

An ultimatum? Kyusho questioned.

Yeah, that’s right. You little kiddies seem to think you can go gallivanting around the world without consequences to other people. Well, you’re dead wrong. While the five of you were traipsing all over Aeris, my associate Uriah made a little trip of his own over to Scarlet Town, the Lawbringer continued.

Anna began to tremble even before Megiddo could finish. Here’s the deal. Either the Anahata comes to Edrek alone and surrenders herself to us, or her parents get cut up, he heckled.

Why are you dragging them into this? Anna yelped angrily as tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. They aren’t a threat to you in any way, she spat.

Listen, you little brat, Megiddo started. Before he could finish his sentence, Asuka had frozen him in place and was clutching his throat with one of her hands. A look of intense loathing permeated from her eyes, which were fixated on the Lawbringer’s hideous face.

Watch what you say, you worm, she seethed, before releasing her grip on his neck.

"You shouldn’t be so hostile toward me, Svadisthana. We’re being generous here; we didn’t ask for you to come, too. This is a two-for-one trade here. Personally, I’d let those parents of yours go, Anahata, but something tells me you won’t do that. Don’t even think about trying to rescue them without offering yourself, either. The security of Edrek has been notified to be on the lookout for all of your faces, and the Bulwark is the most thoroughly guarded section of the whole city. Besides, all of the Lawbringers will be there. If it takes all of you to manage me, the weakest member, don’t think for a moment you’ll be able to tackle all four of us.

Of course, if the others discover that you’ve killed me, your parents are as good as dead anyway, so you will be letting me go. Now then, Anahata, you’ve been pinned. Will you save yourself, a knight, or throw yourself away to save two lowly pawns? What can I tell my leader?

An irritable silence descended upon them. Everyone stared at her in earnest. They knew what she would say, and they knew it was all that she could say. For now, all she could think about was keeping her parents alive. Sora and Washi were the most vulnerable people at stake right now. Give me one more week. I’ll be there, alone.

Megiddo smiled. Sounds like a plan, then. The sun had set completely. A cold darkness now reigned over them. I suggest you free me now, Svadisthana. I need to deliver my report, after all, he instructed smugly. Asuka reluctantly melted the ice casing that held him. I bid you farewell, he chortled as he dashed off into the dense jungle.

Behind him, the others sat melancholically. I suppose we need to warn the other parents in case they try this with them, too, Anna finally uttered.

Mine abandoned me, Syka explained.

Abandoned, Asuka added.

Dead, Masato put in.

Right. Sorry about that, Anna apologized ashamedly. What about yours, Kyusho?

Well, I happen to have the fortune of unregistered parents. As far as the state is concerned, they don’t exist. Plus, they’d be nearly impossible to connect to me since they live so far away from where I joined you all, he explained.

Right, that’s a relief, Anna replied blandly.

So then, Asuka finally began, What’s our plan?

What do you mean, ‘What’s our plan?’ Anna retorted. I give myself up. They’ve left us with no other choice. It’s impossible for us to do anything without them killing my parents!

We can always attack the Bulwark, Kyusho suggested with a grin on his face.

What?! she gasped. Don’t be insane, Kyusho! We’re strong, but not strong enough to take on the government, not enough to take on Shirana. I won’t let the four of you risk your lives just to protect my own, Anna demanded.

Just shut up, Anna, Masato instructed. She seemed to freeze in shock at the hostile remark. There’s no point in disputing this, he explained. We’re not going to give up on your parents, and we sure as hell aren’t going to give up on you.

Stop it, Anna begged.

And don’t even try sneaking off without us to turn yourself in when we aren’t looking, Anna, we won’t be giving you the chance, Syka tacked on.

Stop it...

It’s settled, then, Asuka concluded. We’re heading for Edrek to save Anna’s parents from the Lawbringers. We can figure out a plan of attack on the way.

I said stop it! Anna shrieked. The outburst was completely uncharacteristic of her, even under such stress. Don’t you guys get it? This is the government we’re dealing with here. These are the Lawbringers! Don’t you remember how Anathema obliterated us? She’s not the strongest one of them, either. Attacking the Bulwark is suicide and nothing else. Don’t you realize that?! she cried as she collapsed to the ground.

Kyusho placed his hand on her shoulder. Of course we do, Anna, but that doesn’t matter. Each of us will gladly face this insurmountable challenge before we sign off on your death. Chances are we’ll all die, but maybe by some miracle we’ll make it out of there. Either way, the result can’t be worse than abandoning you.

Anna looked up at Kyusho. Her tear-strewn face seemed to have finally accepted that she wouldn’t talk them out of it. Kyusho...

Have faith in us, Anna, Syka added. We’ll pull this off.

That’s a promise, Asuka swore. Masato nodded to show his agreement with the others.

Kyusho offered his hand to Anna, who had finally stopped crying. She took it and he helped pull her to her feet. Using her arms, she wiped off her face so that she could see properly. Alright then, let’s do this.

The others smiled happily at their success. Their next objective was set: attack Edrek and rescue Anna’s parents.

Chapter 16

Firefly

One night had passed since the incident with Megiddo. They had made impressive progress in that time. It was only late afternoon and they were already deep into Nico Vera. They had crossed the border from the Wildgrowth late that morning. Perhaps the impending sense of urgency drove them to travel faster. Perhaps it was just being out of the frigid Siramsan weather.

Nico Vera was a prairie region located on the northeastern edge of the Southlands. It was bordered on the north and northwest by the Wildgrowth, on the west by Sky Lel, and on the south by the Sprawling Forest. Since Nico Vera had such a hospitable environment, it was blessed with a large enough population to warrant three major establishments. In the northwest, near the Wildgrowth, lay Glory Town. To the northeast was the larger Rakihi. Finally, about halfway down the length of Nico Vera’s coast, was the major port, Galley City. The entire region was cut roughly in half by the Boa Boa river.

Anna had recovered greatly since the previous night. Her parent’s capture still weighed heavily on her thoughts, but she had calmed down and accepted their plan. As it stood, they intended to reach Rakihi by dusk and stay there overnight before continuing toward Edrek. She walked in front with Kyusho and Syka as they trekked southward. Powerful gusts of wind discouraged them from talking too much, which didn’t help to lighten the mood.

Behind them walked Masato and Asuka. They had been talking to each other earlier, but eventually had to stop as the wind began to rasp their voices. Hey, Anna, I’m guessing you can’t do anything about the wind, right? Masato called up curiously.

Not really, she confessed. It’s different from Asuka clearing a path from the snow. To do that, she just moves it and then forgets about it. If I move the air, then I’m just creating more wind, unless I counter it perfectly, which is just too much work to do for extended periods of time. Sorry, she tacked on.

No worries, he reassured her.

Despite their serene surroundings, the unrelenting wind, coupled with their predicament, kept them in a somber state. As the day wore on, the wind wound down and they began to cheer up slightly. How far away is Rakihi? Masato asked whoever would answer him.

We’ll be there in about fifteen minutes, Syka explained. Tomorrow we should be able to make it out of Nico Vera and up a ways onto the Celestial Tyr, she hypothesized.

Alright, he responded wearily. Are we gonna get a hotel room tonight?

We don’t have an infinite supply of money, Masato, Asuka noted. It wouldn’t hurt if we start rationing our resources.

What? You’re starting to sound like Syka, Masato moaned.

That doesn’t change the fact that I’m right, Masa Masa.

Masa Masa? Masato repeated questioningly.

It’s my latest pet-name idea. I chopped the ‘to’ after your name and repeated the remainder to make sound cuter. Plus, you sound like you’re a river now, she summed up. Don’t like it?

It’s better than ‘honey,’ he had to admit. You can use it if you don’t think of anything better.

Alright, she smiled back at him.

Actually, Asuka may be wrong about this, Kyusho interrupted.

You don’t like Masa Masa? Anna inquired.

No, not that. I mean now is probably the safest time to get more money out of your account. The Lawbringers are expecting us anyway, and won’t be attacking until we get to Edrek. It’s completely irrelevant if we let them know where we are right now. If anything, we should make sure to get enough to last us awhile, he elaborated.

That’s a good point, Syka put in. Until we get to Edrek, all we really need to worry about is Harmony, but they shouldn’t be able to find us nearly as easily now.

Don’t forget Cipher, Masato added. Somehow he was able to find us twice. Still, at least we know we can handle him.

I don’t get how his mind works, Asuka thought aloud. He’s attacking us because he views our existence as a threat to his own, but to say that’s true is such a stretch. If anything, as fellow Empyreans, we would increase his survivability. That is, if he hadn’t decided to make us his enemies.

If there’s one thing I’ve picked up on lately, Syka began, It’s that you’re better off not even trying to understand how some people think.

Like how capturing and killing seven people will give an evil organization more control over the world? Masato scoffed. Seriously, Harmony has some messed up psychology.

As if by fate, a small, animated clump of dirt ran in front of them. They all stopped and observed it. Isn’t that… Anna began.

A drasilian, Kyusho completed. Trent must be nearby. The little sprite stopped and turned to either side, as if it were scouting, though nobody really knew if that’s what it was doing. Scouting didn’t seem feasible considering it had no eyes or ears. They breathed a sigh of relief when it turned back in its original direction and kept on running. We should use this opportunity, Kyusho pointed out. We know that Trent is nearby, and it seems he hasn’t figured out that we’re here. Furthermore, we can guess that his location is in the direction that the drasilian came from. In other words, he’s west of us.

Still, we don’t know his exact location, Syka countered. What if he found us while we were trying to locate him? It would be safer to just continue toward Rakihi while keeping a close watch for any drasilians or Trent.

So the question is, should we evade him completely or gamble on gaining the advantage and removing him as a threat, Masato summarized. I for one am with Kyusho on this matter. I have a feeling Trent would find us eventually, anyway.

I have to vote against this one, Anna put in. If we’re gonna attack the Lawbringers in a few days, we shouldn’t be taking risks like this right now.

It’ll only take a few minutes, Asuka argued. And if we do this right, he won’t have a chance to even injure us. I’m with Kyusho and Masato.

She felt guilty for thinking it, but Syka couldn’t help but feel that Asuka was biased by her relationship with Masato. Regardless, it was obvious what they were going to do. Alright, that’s three for doing this and two against. Looks like we’re gonna attack Trent.

Anna reluctantly agreed as well. So how are we going to go about this?

We show him where we are, Kyusho suggested.

I thought the point was to get the first strike, Syka chided him.

We will, Kyusho snickered.

◊◊◊

Trent yawned in boredom. He was settled against a tree in the middle of the prairie, waiting for his drasilians to give him any news about his targets’ whereabouts. I bet this will go faster if I’m asleep, he mused to himself. The Harmony member closed his eyes in a vain attempt to induce a nap. Meh, going to sleep takes too much effort, he complained.

He stood up and bent backwards until he was on all fours with his back against the ground. Randomly, he kicked off against the ground in an attempt to do a flip, but failed to apply enough force and collapsed awkwardly onto the ground. I should probably train sometime, too, he lamented, But that’s too bothersome. I don’t see what’s wrong with just hanging out here until my drasilians get back. Trent resumed staring at the sky, making no effort to rectify his current positioning.

Cloud after cloud whisked gently across the sky for several minutes. Finally, Trent caught sight of a large white bird flying overhead. Weird, birds aren’t usually that big, he noted to himself. Maybe it’s made up of a bunch of smaller birds… The large bird slowly descended into a patch of trees, vanishing from sight.

About a minute passed before he scratched his head. Wait a minute, something about that bird was off… Trent went into a state of deep thought. Maybe it has some food! he drooled. He pulled himself up and ran off in the direction of the bird.

A short while later, he arrived at the forested patch where he had traced the white bird to. The tree-laden area was a rare occurrence in the Nico Vera landscape. As he snuck into the vibrant foliage, he greatly slowed his movement so as to avoid startling the large creature. When he dragged his second foot into the bush, he felt his legs being seized. Attempting to react, he soon found that his arms had become bound as well. All around him, a crystalline ice barrier surrounded the thriving oasis. In front of him, Kyusho leaped to deliver an assault of Thunder Jabs. Seventy-Five Needles of Devastation! he announced before delivering his foray.

As the barrage of fingers plunged toward him, Trent made no effort to dodge them. They realized instantly that their efforts had been in vain. Syka and Anna rolled out of the bushes that they had been using for shelter, releasing the legs of what they had assumed to be Trent. Kyusho kicked backward away from the body while Masato sliced it into several pieces. The drasilian structure collapsed and they hastily began searching for the real Trent.

Suddenly he dropped down, hanging upside-down from the branch of a tree with his legs. I’d have thought you guys would figure out the whole doppelganger thing by now, he giggled.

So you knew we were planning to ambush you? Syka interrogated.

Actually, I was just coming to see if that giant bird had any food, he explained. I had no idea you all were waiting for me.

Then why create a clone of drasilians? Kyusho inquired.

"Are you crazy, man? Big birds can be dangerous. I wasn’t about