One palm flat against the wall, SoYa froze.

SoYa was sitting there, just like every other time that TsuYa woke.

His mind faded in and out, carried on waves of restless sleep and nausea. Everything was fuzzy in his vision. Everything was faded and grey in his memory. He knew that time had passed, but he couldn’t tell how long he had been asleep.

This time, TsuYa stayed awake. Though his thoughts were sluggish and hazy, he was able to keep his eyes open. His whole body felt weak. Heavy. Unmoving. Images flickered through his mind, seeming too bizarre to be true.

What happened to me?

SoYa looked as if he was about to doze off. His head propped up on one fist, there were deep circles of unrest and worry under his eyes. His hair was more disheveled than normal. TsuYa couldn’t help but wonder how long his brother remained at his bedside.

Memory flashed.

Himself, hands gripped tightly around the haft of a black-bladed scythe. It was once been his father’s blade. He was dressed in his father’s robes. The point of the weapon was leveled at SoYa’s throat.

Shivering, TsuYa grasped weakly at the edge of the covers. One word resounded sharply through his mind. Though his memory wavered, there was one thing he remembered clearly.

Athrylith…

A mind mage.

SoYa… he’s an…

A mage with the power to rip the mind apart — to use, to control, to destroy other people. They were hated. Hunted. Slain. And his brother had secretly been one of these mages all along.

No, how can this be? All this time, SoYa let us believe he had nothing more than healing powers. That he’d never be strong enough to claim the School. But…

TsuYa gave a ragged breath.

In the end, he was much more powerful than anyone could have imagined. Even more powerful than me.

Which was a strange thought. As they grew up, TsuYa was considered the more talented of the two brothers. It was always secretly whispered that SoYa would never be the one to inherit the School simply because he lacked power and confidence. Now the reason for the cover-up seemed too obvious.

How could we have been so wrong?

His face grew troubled. SoYa was the last person he could believe held such a terrible secret — the last person that should have the power to enslave the mind others around him.

“Why did you never tell me?” TsuYa’s voice was weak and hoarse. He could hardly recognize it.

Almost instantly, SoYa startled awake, his eyes flickering open. The Apprentice stammered, gaze falling on his brother, “Wha-what? Oh… Tsu! I must have dozed off. How long have you been awake?”

“Not… long…”

SoYa leaned forward, “How are you feeling?”

“I don’t know,” TsuYa answered honestly.

“You don’t know?”

“I feel… sorta… strange,” he tilted his head to get a look around the room. “What happened? Where are we?”

“How much do you remember?”

“Not a whole lot. Just little flashes.”

SoYa pursed his lips. It looked like he had something to say, though he seemed to decide against it, “It’s okay. It’s probably better that way.”

Because you don’t want me to know.

TsuYa frowned slightly. He found that his face hurt when he did, “No, it’s not. Tell me what happened.”

“I’m not completely sure myself. You don’t remember anything at all?” he seemed very uncomfortable to approach the topic.

Not that TsuYa blamed him.

“Just… a voice.”

“Voice?” SoYa squinted. “What kind of voice?”

“In Nefol. I first heard it around the time you left,” TsuYa grimaced. “It wanted me to take Father’s place in the School. That’s probably why I thought it was Lord Zemi at first. After the voice came, I don’t remember a whole lot… there’s this big blank spot in my mind.”

“The voice. It must have been Zerom.”

“Zerom?”

“It’s a long story,” SoYa gave a soft sigh. “And I don’t even know if I understand the whole thing. Suffice to say, Lord Zemi told us that you were under the influence of another Arweinydd.”

“What?” he choked. “How can that be?”

“I’m not sure. That’s just what Lord Zemi says,” he spread his hands quietly.

“So, you did get to see him at the Host Gate?” TsuYa asked.

“Well, not exactly…”

“Then how do you know this? How did you speak with him?”

“That’s sorta a long story too,” SoYa scratched the back of his head.

“Does it look like I’m going anywhere?”

“What if…” SoYa leaned forward again, voice lowering. “I told you that Lord Zemi is living right here with us? That you are currently located within what is considered to be Lord Zemi’s city? That he’s taken on a physical Earthian form and that I’ve actually spoken to him face to face?”

“I’d wonder what you’ve been drinking and I’d ask you to order me one,” TsuYa replied with a straight face.

SoYa gave a little smile. It was the first one so far.

“And?” TsuYa pressed.

“Well, it’s true.”

“You want me to believe that?”

“It’s unorthodox, I know,” SoYa waved his hands around quickly. “But you just have no idea. Lord Zemi is nothing like we thought he would be!”

“Sounds like a running theme around here then,” TsuYa muttered softly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Do you really want to ask?”

“I just did.”

TsuYa hesitated.

He was not the hesitating type. But for some reason, at that moment, it was so hard to bring the words to his lips. It wasn’t as if he didn’t already know the answer. It still was just not the sort of thing you said to someone else, especially your own brother.

“You are an Athrylith.”

SoYa’s face grew deathly pale as every inch of his body froze stiff. He looked like he wanted nothing more than to shrivel up and die right there.

“Aren’t you?” TsuYa’s voice was quiet.

He simply wrung his hands, just like he always did when he was too stunned to speak.

“Yes?” he prodded.

“Yes,” SoYa’s voice wavered.

Suddenly TsuYa regretted bringing it up all together. As much as the Athrylith were hated and shunned, his brother’s reaction struck an emotion within him that he didn’t even know was been there. He lifted his hand towards his brother. The motion was very weak, “SoYa… hey…”

SoYa’s gaze was fixed on his lap. Shame and struggle was plainly written across his face. He looked like he was about to fall apart right there.

“SoYa..?”

“I know what you’re going to say…”

“Hold on a sec–”

“I don’t blame you,” he choked. “I wouldn’t want to be in the same room as me either.”

“Now, I didn’t say tha–”

“You’d probably rather talk to Father anyway,” SoYa got to his feet shakily. His eyes were fixed on the floor. “I’ll go get him.”

“SoYa!”

His brother turned without a glance back and made a hurried rush for the door.

“SoYa!” TsuYa’s voice grew more pleading and hoarse, “Don’t leave!”

One palm flat against the wall, SoYa froze.

Seeing that he finally had his attention, TsuYa pressed on, “I wasn’t accusing you of anything!”

“You don’t have to…” the voice was broken and miserable.

“What are you talking about?”

“The whole School knows. They saw me,” SoYa choked. “I took their minds, Tsu. I’ve never done anything like that before, but I did it then.”

Took their minds?

“Who’s minds?”

“The Council that–” he paused. “You don’t remember, do you?”

Faint flickers shifted back to him. He couldn’t grasp the details of the situation, things were far too murky in his mind. The only thing that he could clearly remember was that SoYa was an Athrylith.

“Not much.” A sinking feeling gripped the pit of TsuYa’s stomach, “SoYa, what did you do?”

“They… they… were attacking Aunt SaRa. I wanted to protect her. But I just totally lost it! I lashed out!” he moaned softly. “I just wanted to protect her, I swear! I never meant for it to go that far! I’m nothing but a… a… monster!”

It’s just like SoYa to be regretful over what has to be done to save someone’s life…

“Did you protect her?” TsuYa let out a long breath. The tenseness was slowly draining out of his body.

SoYa fell silent.

“Well?”

“I… guess…” he looked down.

“Were they really going to hurt her?”

“I think so. I really, honestly believed they were.”

“Then you’re not a monster,” TsuYa said softly. “You’re a hero.”

SoYa froze. “Hero? Me? After doing that?”

“Generally if you save someone else’s life, you’re considered a hero, right?”

“But what about the people I hurt? I don’t consider that very heroic,” he argued.

“You didn’t kill them did you?” TsuYa’s eyes began to focus more readily.

“I certainly hope not,” the answer was meek. “I didn’t aim to.”

“Then why are you worried about it?”

“Aren’t you?”

TsuYa paused for a moment, “Actually. No.”

“No?” SoYa turned around slowly, eyes thoroughly puzzled. “Why not?”

“Because I know you,” TsuYa stated quietly. It was the one moment he didn’t want his uncertainty to show through.

Oh Light, SoYa… I hope I know you.

His brother just stood there in silence.

“You’re just not like that,” TsuYa added.

SoYa’s hand slipped down from the wall.

“Okay?” TsuYa held his breath, hoping for a positive answer.

SoYa’s lower lip trembled a bit. His voice was hoarse when he answered, “Okay.”

“Good.”

The two of them watched each other in equal silence. There was a grateful expression on SoYa’s face.

“Now,” TsuYa chided softly. He was beginning to feel a bit more like himself. “Tell me about this place you call Lord Zemi’s city.”

But I can’t just sit here and wait. I want to help SoYa and TsuYa...

“So, tell me boys, what’s the game plan?” Aunt SaRa cornered the two men immediately.

“Game plan?” Zento asked innocently.

“Morh-SaRa, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Kudako added in an evasive tone.

Though Aunt SaRa was dwarfed standing next to the two of them — especially Kudako — it hardly seemed to bother her.

“What do you think I am?”

She crossed her arms with a discontent face.

“Deaf, dumb and blind?”

Her eyes narrowed sharply.

“Born yesterday?”

One finger lifted, waggling back and forth, giving each man a fair dosage of scolding.

“Run by the unwitty male mindset?”

AsaHi winced. Aunt SaRa was generally a calm and gentle person. But she was not one to take slights-of-hand lightly.

“Well…” Zento grimaced.

Kudako looked unaffected.

“All this hurry-scurry to and fro. As if we couldn’t tell that there was some nonsense going on,” the winged woman glanced back over her shoulder, fixing an eye on AsaHi. “Right, child?”

AsaHi straightened, not expecting to become a part of the conversation. Pursing her lips, she did the only thing she could think of that wouldn’t flaw Aunt SaRa’s attack. She nodded silently.

“There now. You see? It’s even obvious to the girl.”

“Women,” Zento huffed. “Most dangerous when they come at you in packs.”

Kudako grunted softly.

“I heard that, ZenToYa!” Aunt SaRa chided.

“Heeeeeh!” he grinned brightly. “You know I love ya, SaRa.”

“I know. That’s why you’re going to tell me what’s going on,” she replied sweetly.

Kudako grinned slightly, “She’s got you pinned, Zento.”

“Why don’t you just encourage her?” he grumbled over his shoulder at the Dragon.

“So?” Aunt SaRa crossed her arms.

Zento flopped himself down haphazardly on the nearest ledge along the wall. “We don’t have anything set in stone–”

“Well, give me a roundabout.”

“I’d get there if you’d let me talk,” Zento grumbled.

Aunt SaRa closed her mouth quickly, lips pressing together. Kudako watched them, mildly amused.

“Zemi says that there’s nothing that he can do within his power to fully heal Tsu of his condition,” the winged man stated gravely.

“What? But I thought Tsu was fully healed?” AsaHi took a sharp breath in. When everyone looked over at her, she covered her mouth with one hand.

“No. Zemi’s done nothing but put a patch over the wound. He says that his energies are far too close to Zerom’s to have a true reversing effect,” Zento observed them with a frown. “In fact, he claims that Zerom’s Marked are not too different in nature than those of us here in the city who have Awakened.”

“I see,” Aunt SaRa gave an almost identical frown. “So what are we looking at, exactly?”

“Tsu’s spirit has been weakened and is susceptible. He must not stray from the borders of this city. Otherwise, he’s fair game for Zerom’s powers to take him again,” Zento explained gravely.

“How can that be?” AsaHi’s fear and frustration were rising. “I mean, isn’t he Zemi Dreigiau? Isn’t he supposed to be able to do anything?”

“Morh-AsaHi,” Kudako’s voice was very low and smooth. “He is very powerful, but even those of his kind have limits. I hope that it always remains that way. Those who have unchallenged power tend to end up the most corrupt. And that would be a dark day for the Earthians indeed.”

AsaHi swallowed. “I… I… guess so.”

“The fact remains, this is how it is. Zemi can’t do much to heal Tsu. And it seems like he’s gotten it into his head to hunt down Zerom…” Zento’s final words trailed off.

“What?” Aunt SaRa lifted her head sharply.

A guilty expression flushed over AsaHi’s face. She did everything she could to keep it hidden.

“Why would he go and do a foolish thing like that? Doesn’t he know that a battle between two Arweinydd here on Earthian grounds could be disastrous?” she pressed on, voice growing in concern.

Kudako’s own face was troubled, “Considering we know absolutely nothing of the nature of this Zerom being, I’d say it would be best to trust Lord Zemi’s judgment on the matter.”

“Oh, sure,” Aunt SaRa rolled her eyes. “And you know what that will be. Zemi’s going to go in there in full-nuke mode, and he won’t even realize what he’s done until its too late.”

“Maybe. But are you going to talk him out of it? He seemed irritated this morning,” Zento pointed out. “Besides, there isn’t a single one of us who can stand up to something like Zerom, except for Zemi. He knows a lot about this that none of us do. I agree with Kudako.”

“That’s a first,” the Dragon noted.

“It happens every now and then,” Zento shrugged.

“Well, if Zemi’s on the warpath, does that mean that you are going with him?” Aunt SaRa coaxed the conversation back on track.

“Actually, no,” Zento shook his head.

“No?” she echoed.

“You heard me. Zemi’s got his own agenda.”

“Then what are you going to do?” she frowned.

“We’re going to look for a cure for Tsu,” Zento answered.

“Cure? Is there such a thing?” AsaHi lifted her head at the thought. Her eyes were glued to the winged man, hoping to read something from his expression.

“I don’t know. But it’s possible.”

“A power to disrupt and undo Arweinydd energies. Where do you plan on seeking this cure?” Aunt SaRa prodded. She didn’t look too convinced.

“The Outterlands,” Kudako offered quickly.

“Outterlands?” AsaHi tilted her head.

“Yes. That is where I came from, the lands beyond the Inner Realm,” the Dragon nodded.

“What makes you think you can find something there?” Aunt SaRa’s face was quizzical and somewhat sad.

“There are things in the Outterlands that go beyond the knowledge of our people. Things that have been there since long before the first people came to be,” Kudako spoke quietly, his golden eyes turned away in a distant gaze. “Mystical things. Powerful thing. Ancient things. Things from the Time Before.”

“Time Before?” AsaHi blinked at him. It all sounded so very important.

“Yes. Like in Lord Zemi’s story. The Time Before the near-death of this world.”

Aunt SaRa’s eyes glimmered slightly, “Maybe artifacts?”

“To use a loose and rather unfitting term, yes,” Kudako replied.

“And you think something out there could hold some sort of cure for Tsu?”

“I have to try, SaRa,” Zento pushed himself to his feet. “Otherwise, he’s bound to spend the rest of his life here in Ceiswyr.”

AsaHi put one finger to her chin.

“I understand,” Aunt SaRa nodded slowly. “I suppose you want me to stay here and watch over him.”

Zento’s eyes flickered up to his sister’s face. “I was hoping that maybe… well… yes? He needs someone here that he’s familiar with. Someone he can trust. There’s not too many people he does.”

“SoYa?”

“No,” the winged man shook his head.

“Why not?” Aunt SaRa asked gently.

“SoYa is coming with me.”

His tone of voice left a sinking sensation in the pit of AsaHi’s stomach. She balled one fist at her side, body quivering as a million thoughts ran through her mind. Only two words managed to squeak their way out between her lips, “He is?”

Zento turned to AsaHi. “Yes. I want him close to me.”

“Is it… it… because of…” she trailed off, not knowing the word to put to the situation.

“Athrylith?” he offered, looking surprised. “You knew about it?”

“No, no… I didn’t know. But since he’s been here in the floating city, I’ve just felt something about him that was…”

“I see,” Zento offered no other words. His face was lost to thought.

“Athrylith,” AsaHi felt suddenly very queasy. Though she didn’t know exactly what the word meant, she did know it wasn’t a good thing to be. “So… that’s… what he is?”

“Yes, child,” Zento’s face grew more gentle.

“No. I… didn’t… know…” her voice wandered weakly. “He never told me.”

“Not too many people did know. It’s not the sort of thing you want to go spreading about yourself,” he told her.

“No, I guess not,” her eyes were fixed on her feet.

“So what do you want to do, AsaHi?” Aunt SaRa’s voice was soft. “He is your Promised, isn’t he?”

“Yes, but… I…” the girl bit down on her lip.

“Hey,” Zento reached out and gently placed a hand on AsaHi’s shoulder. “No one is forcing you to do anything. I’m taking SoYa along so that I can make sure that he gets proper training. No one’s tended to that yet. You’ll have nothing to fear once he gets it all under control. He’s done a fairly well job of that, considering.”

AsaHi remained silent.

“Besides, him going on this trip gives you two a little time apart, yes?” he continued. His eyes were fixed on the girl’s face, watching for some hint of hope. “That way you have a chance to think things through and ge–”

“I’m going with you,” AsaHi’s eyes flashed up.

Zento froze, “Hrm?”

Kudako leaned back against the wall, indicating he was washing his hands of the situation.

“I am. I’m going with you,” she repeated, voice growing more determined.

“Now, AsaHi… I…”

“No!” she answered quickly. “I’m sorry, Master ZenToYa. Maybe it’s disrespectful. But I made it all the way here to the city! I’ve faced a lot of things! I know I don’t have power like the rest of you, but I can’t just sit here and wait. I want to help SoYa and TsuYa!”

Aunt SaRa arched one eyebrow at the girl. Then she turned towards Zento, waiting for his answer.

“I’m not afraid!” AsaHi added, softening her voice a bit, “Please?”

Zento’s face seemed rather choked.

“Zento,” Kudako muttered quietly. “She might do your boy some good. He’s going to need all the support he can get. You know what sort of thing he’s going through.”

The winged man turned to peer at the Dragon in disbelief, “Since when have you ever agreed to let a girl join our party?”

Kudako shrugged offhandedly.

AsaHi looked at him too. Her chin was lifted, face fixed and resolute. When Zento glanced back at her, he must have recognized the expression.

“Very well,” he gave a long sigh. “But only under one condition.”

The girl perked up.

“If you’re coming with us, you are under our protection and bound to my command. Things could get dangerous and we need everyone to stick together,” his eyes grew stern. “You have to give me your word that you will follow my orders, no matter what they are.”

She nodded quickly, still too surprised to speak.

“Good,” Zento grumbled slightly. “Now, you better go get your stuff ready. Chances are, we’ll be leaving at sun up. If you’re not ready, you get left behind.”

AsaHi’s eyes widened in realization. Giving a little gasp, she dashed down the hall towards her room.

The room dripped with silence as their minds struggled to form words from the confusion.

“I don’t understand,” TsuYa’s tone was low with distress.

“I know you don’t,” was Father’s only answer.

“Then why are you leaving? We’ve only just found each other again!” he argued.

“Because sometimes you have to do things in life that really don’t make much sense.”

SoYa bit his lip in silence.

TsuYa’s eyes flashed.

That’s not a good enough explanation…

And Father knew it.

The last touches of twilight color shifted across the white wall from the tall rounded windows. Because TsuYa still was not allowed to leave the confines of his bed, SoYa spent most of the late afternoon sitting with his brother and talking. Despite the strangeness of the situation, that day felt more like old times to TsuYa than it had in many years. However, the cheer was instantly drained from the room upon the arrival of their father and the news he bore.

He’s leaving… he’s leaving me behind… again.

“It’s because of me, isn’t it?” TsuYa asked with a hint of bitterness. One fist balled the blanket between his fingers.

“Now Tsu…”

“It’s because I’m ‘sick’.”

“Tsu, that’s just not true,” Father held up one hand. “I don’t want to hear that out of y–”

“Do you think I don’t know what’s happening to me… the risk of allowing me to stay here?” his eyes grew distant. Darker. Haunted.

“Maybe,” Father approached the conversation from a different angle. His face was stern though his words were gentle, “But that doesn’t mean we’re giving up.”

“Yeah, Tsu,” SoYa finally chimed in. “We’re not about to sit here and do nothing. I mean, if I were the one in trouble, you’d do it for me, wouldn’t you?”

“Well… of course I would… but…”

“We’ll only be gone a little while. You can handle that, right?” Father added quickly. “We’ve got Kudako to help make it a quick journey. He seems pretty certain that we’ll find something in the Outterlands.”

“What if you don’t?” TsuYa frowned.

“We will.”

“But if you don’t?”

“We will,” Father repeated. “I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Not when it’s something for you.”

TsuYa closed his mouth with a click.

“Okay?” the winged man pressed.

“Okay,” he answered grudgingly.

Why so soon? After you’ve been gone so long… I’ve hardly talked to you. And you’re leaving us again.

“I’ll make it all better again, Tsu,” Father reached a hand out, placing it gently on TsuYa’s shoulder. “I give you my word.”

“You don’t have to promise me anything…”

“I just did. So live with it.”

Their eyes met and held. TsuYa struggled to secure the gaze. To not break away. To be strong enough not to flinch. But he couldn’t.

Something about Father is different now, and it’s not just the wings.

ZenToYa was the leader in Ceiswyr, second in command under Zemi Dreigiau. This in itself wasn’t too unusual — Father had been the leader of Nefol after founding both the city and the School. It was by his hand that the people first learned the ways of magic and battle. Days of glory and power graced all who lived under the banner of Nefol back when the city was under Father’s control.

But then, one day, ZenToYa vanished.

TsuYa could remember the day that Aunt SaRa took SoYa and himself aside. He could remember every detail of the room — the way the light capered on the dust motes… the musty, well-used book scent… the peaceful silence that the room always held. It was Father’s favorite room, his library. It was there that she told them that the Council had pronounced their father dead. TsuYa remembered staring at the shimmering dust motes for a very long time afterwards. Things had never been the same since.

No one had a straight story about what happened to Father. Some speculated he died in battle. Some said that he died defending the borders from the Outterlanders. Others said that Lord Zemi had finally called him away to become one of his Dragons. But no matter the story, it was always one of honor and glory. TsuYa never thought to question it. He was young and too overwhelmed with sorrow.

Now, as he peered up at his Father’s altered form, a million questions flickered through his mind. They bubbled in his chest, stinging the inside of his throat. As much as he wanted to speak, his voice was lost.

Why?

Every question started with ‘why’. He just couldn’t make sense of what happened. The purpose behind everything. What was going to happen. And as much as he hated to admit it, the unknown left him afraid.

Father could always sense the hidden things. Maybe it had something to do with what changed him. Or maybe it was just that obvious. But one way or another, the winged man sat down on the stool on the other side of the room. His body was tense as if readying himself for battle.

“Ask,” he offered.

One word that held the power of thousands. Both SoYa and TsuYa’s eyes were upon him. Neither could so much as blink. The room dripped with silence as their minds struggled to form words from the confusion.

“You’re not dead?” SoYa finally spluttered.

Leave it to SoYa to state the obvious…

“No. I’m not.”

At least it’s a start.

“Have you been here in this city all this time?” he continued.

“No. This city has only existed for about twenty passes.”

“Then, what happened? Why did you leave? Where did you go?”

When the questions came, they came all at once.

“Do you want the truth?” Father leaned back slowly. His expression was as serious as it could get.

SoYa nodded slowly. TsuYa joined him.

“I Awakened.”

“Awakened?” TsuYa echoed.

“Yes. You see these wings? The wings that everyone has here? It is the mark of people who have Awakened,” Father explained slowly.

“What does it mean to be Awakened?” SoYa almost whispered.

“It is to become as we should be,” his eyes focused distantly as the words came. “It is to grip the truth of our inner power, of our real potential and to truly become.”

“How?”

“It simply happens. When you are completely ready and Zemi responds to your spirit, you will Awaken.”

“Lord Zemi?” TsuYa breathed. “Is it true that he’s here?”

“Yes, he is. I know you haven’t had a chance to meet him yet. He’s been very busy lately. But it was by his hand that you were protected from the darkness that would have taken you,” Father sounded somewhat apologetic. “Know that just because he isn’t here doesn’t mean you aren’t important to him.”

“I understand. I’m… honored?”

“Then… you… Awakened?” SoYa mused quietly. “And that’s where the wings came from?”

“Yes. Though, the wings are more of an outer extension of what has happened inside.”

“How long ago did you Awaken?” TsuYa’s words sounded almost meek.

“You could pin-point that as well as I can,” Father answered with a frown

“When you ‘died’?” his voice was very somber.

“Yes.”

No one spoke again for a long time. Each of them seemed to be gathering their thoughts.

SoYa was the first to break the silence, “The Council told us you were dead.”

“That is because they did not want anyone to know what really happened,” Father leaned back on the stool.

“What?” TsuYa’s face grew stunned. “You mean they lied to us on purpose?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” SoYa echoed his brother’s shock.

“Because they tried to kill me, and almost succeeded.”

“Kill you! Why?” the younger brother grated, fists balling the blankets again.

“Tsu, what do you think their first reaction was? The Council saw me transform… Awaken… before their very eyes,” Father’s face grew grim. “No one had any idea what was happening to me. No one had ever Awakened before.”

“But still!” TsuYa’s face was contorted. “Kill you?”

“For all they knew, I had transformed into some sort of monster,” he seemed to try to offer what logic he could. Even if the logic was weak.

“But… but… couldn’t they tell?” he spluttered.

“What did they actually do to you?” SoYa seemed to be struggling just as much as his brother was.

“They hunted me down and made it so I could never return to Nefol,” Father’s voice grew sad. “They told everyone that I had died in some glorious manner so that my name would continue to be held in honor for the sake of the School. But in truth, I was on the run from them for years.”

“Did they ever catch you?”

Father gave one of his famous smirks, “Nope.”

“And no one else knew you were still alive?”

“SaRa was the only one.”

“Whaaat? Aunt SaRa knew? Why didn’t she tell us?” TsuYa blinked sharply.

“Because I told her not to,” he admitted.

“Why?”

“It was dangerous enough that she knew what had actually happened. The less people who were aware of the truth, the better,” Father nodded. “If the Council found that SaRa held such knowledge, her life could have been in danger.”

SoYa waved one hand in the air as if trying to find the most delicate way to ask his next question, “But, Aunt SaRa… she’s Awaken too?”

“Yes. She has been for many years.”

“How did she hide it?”

“It was a mind illusion,” Father’s eyes fell upon SoYa heavily. “Of my own making.”

TsuYa grew pale.

Mind illusion?! But that’s the power of…

“Father… you are… an Athrylith, too?” TsuYa’s eyes were wide and unblinking.

The winged man shrugged, “I suppose you could say that. I’ve dabbled a little bit in every sphere, even mind magics. Is that so awful, Tsu?”

SoYa’s mouth had dropped wide open. He obviously never thought there was another Athrylith other than himself.

Neither did I. I never knew that Father could…

“Well, is it?” he prodded, one eyebrow arching.

“Ah… ah… I… don’t know?”

“Do you honestly believe everything everyone else tells you?” Father’s lips pressed into a firm, slender line.

“What do you mean?”

“Because the whole world says that Athrylith are evil, you believe it?”

“Well,” TsuYa peered nervously between the two of them. “Mind magic is dangerous.”

“In the wrong hands maybe,” Father nodded. “But so is any other kind of magic. People just choose to especially dislike mind magic because they think it takes away the one thing that no one else should ever touch — one’s control and logic processes.”

“Yeah. Exactly. Don’t you think that’s dangerous?”

“Is it any more dangerous than someone taking a fifty foot pillar of fire and lighting it under your feet?”

“Er, well…” TsuYa grimaced.

“Not much control in either situation,” Father shrugged. He looked far too cheerful for the conversation at hand. “Besides, mind magic has a lot of good uses, too.”

“Like what?”

“Adept sensitivity of thoughts and emotions, for one. If the power is used correctly they are a people who are truly in touch with the spirit of other people. Just like your brother is,” Father lifted one hand and waved to indicate SoYa.

SoYa didn’t look overly thrilled to be pointed out. Still, there was something behind his eyes that seemed somewhat relieved to know that he was not alone.

“I see,” TsuYa answered thoughtfully.

“So, yes. Your Aunt was concealed under a mind illusion so that she could stay in Nefol and keep an eye on you boys. It was always my plan that she’d bring you two here to Ceiswyr one day, when you were ready,” he frowned softly. “Sadly enough, this was not the way I had wanted it to happen.”

“I’m sorry…”

“It’s not your fault, Tsu. Sometimes things happen that are far beyond our control. This is one of those times.”

“But still, I…”

“No. It happened. Now all we can do is work to find a solution. Yes?”

TsuYa peered down at where one of his hands was tracing the line along the hem of his vest. Then he nodded slowly, “If you say so.”

“I say so,” Father answered softly, words warm and encouraging. “And if I say so, then that’s the final word. Right?”

TsuYa peered up slowly. It was a phrase that he remembered Father always using. A pale smile touched his lips. Placing a hand on both of his sons’ shoulders, ZenToYa gave his own silent half smile.

A hoarse cry ripped from his lungs as one oily claw seized his neck.

It was raining down on the Mainland. SoYa found this fact puzzling because he had not expected it. It hadn’t been raining earlier in Ceiswyr.

Then again, it probably never rains up there. It must be one advantage of living in a city above the clouds.

Coming back to the ground was a strange sensation. He felt somehow more heavy-limbed and uncoordinated. Though he couldn’t understand why, back in the city, his mind had seemed more agile and light. He found himself missing it the moment he stepped foot on the ground.

There’s something about that place. It’s strange at first and takes time to adjust. But once you’ve been there for a while, it’s hard to come back down here.

A big splash of rain fell directly on his nose.

Not hard to understand why. It seems so dreadfully murky in comparison.

Then, it began to pour.

“Hedd-ynad!” the Apprentice jammed his cap down tightly over his ears. “We haven’t even been out here half a day and it’s already started raining on us. Isn’t that a sign of bad luck?”

“Luck is what you make it, SoYa,” Father smiled back over one shoulder. His wings were cupped over his head for protection. The rain slipped easily off the pristine feathers, never touching him.

“Superstition is for the simpleminded,” Kudako added gruffly. The Dragon’s steps were measured, falling softly upon the damp earth. Though he had no protection against the torrent from above, it didn’t bother him in the slightest.

AsaHi half-jogged to keep up with the grueling pace. She was the only one who thought to bring a hooded garment. Her green eyes peered out from under the shadows of the dull brown wool, face plainly speaking similar displeasure at the turn in the weather. SoYa wasn’t sure how the girl ended up traveling with them. Something very strange must have happened for Father and Kudako to both bend on the matter.

A rumble of thunder pealed over the sky, a deep threatening sound from the bellies of the low rolling clouds. Thorneblade balked, throwing back his head with a sharp snort.

“Come on,” SoYa coaxed the rhawn, fingers tightly gripping the halter’s lead. With a little struggling between the two, he managed to get the creature to continue down the rocky hillside. “I know you were never meant to be a packmule, but…”

He didn’t want to leave Thorne behind in the city. And as it turned out, it was much more convenient to bring the rhawn along to tote the supplies. They packed the poor creature with enough for what was expected to journey there and back.

It would have been so much easier if we all just rode.

That was his thought on the matter. But it didn’t happen.

There weren’t enough rhawn for all of them to ride, to start with. And secondly, there wasn’t a rhawn that was large enough for Kudako to mount. Not to mention that he sorely doubted the Dragon would ever let his pride stoop low enough to ride one of the “foul-fettered beasts.” Or so he called them.

It’s a wonder that he and Father get along so well. Everyone knows how much Father loves his rhawns.

It was the one and only thing that SoYa had been able to share with his father. Riding and grooming had been some of the best times that they spent together. TsuYa never had a love for the rhawn.

Tsu…

The Apprentice grimaced, trying to erase the memory of his brother’s pain-stricken face. TsuYa had been deeply hurt at the thought that Father would be leaving on such a sudden a journey, and that he could not join them.

It’s Lord Zemi’s orders, though. The only place Tsu can be protected is up in the city. Anywhere else, he runs the risk of being taken. And we can’t let that happen. I won’t let that happen no matter what.

The good-bye at the Gate that morning had been hard and taxing. SoYa could see that his father was just as reluctant to leave TsuYa. The winged man now held a constant expression of concern etched on his face.

Sometimes it hurt to see the attachment between TsuYa and Father, simply because they seemed to share a secret kind of bond. As much as SoYa was glad that Tsu’s heart was at ease, he couldn’t help wishing that their father might react the same way to himself.

I wonder if he would be doing the same thing… a journey all the way to the Outterlands. Would he be this concerned if it had been me nearly taken by Zerom instead of Tsu?

SoYa fixed his eyes on the gravely ground at his feet. Puddles were forming in the hollows. They were too murky to reflect anything but grey.

I shouldn’t think like that.

His soft green eyes flickered over towards the winged outline that strode purposely before him.

I shouldn’t, but I still do.

Thunder rolled through the valley once again.

Why they had taken a direct path into the hills of the mountains, SoYa couldn’t figure. This ground was much more rough to travel than if they had made a trek back out over the hills towards the plains. It seemed to eat up so much time.

The stones are bad on poor Thorne’s hooves, too.

Still, Kudako was their guide. He came from the Outterlands and knew how to get there. It was because of this that SoYa chose to keep his thoughts to himself. Like it or not, they were climbing through the hills.

Clouds of thick fog shifted down over the land. White ran in streams, lifting from the ground in a strange, hazy fascination. It poured down from the hillsides into the darkness of the hollow that dipped before their feet. Kudako’s ears flatted as their area of vision began to diminish. SoYa could feel Thorne growing restless and flighty under the firm touch of his hand.

“What’s wrong?” AsaHi whispered softly. She shot a nervous look back and forth between Kudako and Father. The silence pressed around them, devouring her words.

The Dragon gave a soft hiss, eyes narrowing into slits. It was obvious that something about the situation left him extremely uneasy. His words were straight and to the point, “We should not go through the ravine.”

Father paused, peering over at his friend. “Something down there that you know about and we don’t?”

“I am not sure. But I do not want to take that chance.”

“What’s the alternative?”

Kudako motioned towards the steep side of the small mountain that rose above their head.

“No way,” SoYa heard himself murmur.

“No way?” the Dragon gave the Apprentice a slow look.

SoYa straightened under the strange yellow-eyed stare. “It’s just that… Thorne… he won’t make it up something so sharp.”

“Which is why we should have left the smelly beast at home,” Kudako frowned.

“And who do you suppose would get to carry all the supplies for this trip, eh?” Father chided quietly. “It would make it much more difficult on us if we had to shoulder it on our backs.”

The warrior gave a low grunt.

“Any other alternative?”

“Not that I see.”

“Then I suppose we have to foot it through the chasm.”

“I do not like this,” Kudako’s voice grew in strength. “Visibility is next to none. It is a perfect setup for an ambush.”

SoYa shivered at the thought.

“Ambush?” the winged man scowled. “Who do you think is going to ambush us?”

“One can never tell, Zento,” the Dragon’s face was grave. “I doubt that the Marked that I fought earlier were the only ones.”

“But that was some days back,” AsaHi peeped.

“It does not matter,” Kudako answered. “Zerom knows that his hold on Tsu has been countered. But if he is smart, he will be expecting us to be doing exactly what we are doing right now. Likely, he has been waiting for us to leave the Ceiswyr all along.”

“You really think so?” SoYa squinted into the rain, his mind making frightening shapes from the scraggly trees in the distance.

“Look now,” Father interrupted quickly. “You’re scaring the kids. It’s not like there’s anything he can send after us that we can’t handle.”

As if on cue, a huge gust of wind flung past them, sending Thorne into a rearing fury. A haunting screech shattered, echoing off the stones from the darkness below. It was met and answered by a chorus of ghostly howls that rose then fell to silence from all around them.

“Spoke too soon,” the Dragon muttered, his weapon seeming to appear from nowhere. “Bringing us foul fortune as usual, Zento?”

“Hey, superstition is for the simpleminded, eh?” the winged man’s face had grown very serious. Pale light shimmered off the edge of his bhinod as he pulled it from his back.

AsaHi gave a frightened sound, clutching instantly at SoYa’s side.

“Wha… wha… what was that?” the Apprentice staggered back. He fought to gain control of the frightened rhawn and juggle AsaHi’s cling all at the same time.

“We are about to find out,” Kudako’s face was sharp and dangerous. He shook out the golden sheened bo-staff. The sections broke away into three pieces of sanbon nunchaku, each bound by heavy black chain.

Though frightened, SoYa reached across the packs on the rhawn’s back to retrieve his own staff. His fingers fumbled at the straps and he silently cursed himself for foolishly packing away his only weapon with the rest of the supplies.

Finally pulling it free, the Apprentice darted forward to the warriors’ side.

“SoYa!” Father’s voice was sharp. “Stay here!”

“But!” SoYa’s face contorted at the order.

“Watch over AsaHi and the supplies,” one finger thrust back to point at where AsaHi stood.

“I could help!” the Apprentice’s voice rose in frustration.

“That is helping,” Father was already making his way towards the crevice. His eyes flicked back over his shoulder once, voice crushing and firm, “And it would help even more if you stopped arguing and said ‘Yes sir’.”

SoYa shut his mouth with a click, “Yes, sir.”

“Good,” without another word, the winged man sprung forward into the shifting strands of haze. Kudako followed only a few leaps behind.

As the two of them vanished, SoYa’s grip on his staff tightened.

He still doesn’t trust me! Or maybe he doesn’t think I can handle it? Am I nothing but a child to him?

His knuckles grew white, hands trembling. He didn’t know if it was from fear or anger.

He might as well have just told me “Shut your mouth and do what you’re told!” I bet he would have let Tsu fight along side with him.

A soft touch brought him out of his dark thoughts. AsaHi’s hand was on his arm. Her fingers were shaking. Her face was pale and pleading. Her eyes round and luminous in the sallow light.

“SoYa,” her voice was hoarse. “Stay with me?”

The Apprentice swallowed. He could feel the resentment draining away almost instantly.

But it’s true… someone has to protect AsaHi. She looks so scared.

His gaze became more resolute as he nodded slowly, “I’m not going anywhere, so don’t worry. Okay?”

It was the first time in a long time that AsaHi looked at him with confidence and trust. The first time she turned to him for support. The first time that things felt just a little like they used to be…

I’ll prove to you that I can protect you, that I’m just as good as the rest of the big-shots around here. Even if you don’t believe in me anymore…

Sounds of battle rang from the darkness down below. He could hear the haunting cries of countless creatures as one after one fell. There was only silence from Kudako and Father — SoYa knew that during serious battle neither of them wasted breath on needless noise.

AsaHi’s expression became more and more horrified as the sounds lingered on, “Master Kudako was right. They were going to ambush us.”

“I don’t know. But, it looks like it,” SoYa’s voice was watery to his ears as he fought to keep the fear from showing on his face.

“Will they be alright?”

“Who? Father and Kudako?”

“Yes?”

“I’m sure. They’ve fought together for years, even before I was born.”

“So you know Master Kudako?” her words wavered. It was as if she was floundering to make conversation simply to push aside the pressing fear.

“Well, more or less,” SoYa frowned, shifting his weight from one foot to another. “He really doesn’t talk to too many other people than Father and Aunt SaRa.”

“I noticed…”

In a fit of tenseness, Thorne shook his mane out and gave a squeal. SoYa grasped the lead line with both hands trying to keep the rhawn from rearing up again. AsaHi stumbled back, not wanting to get in the way.

“Do you think he senses something?” her words were concerned.

“Yeah, the battle. He hears it just as well as we do, probably better.”

Thorne snorted, head jerking back hard on the lead. His squeals became more frantic as the sound of battle shifted in the ravine below. SoYa gritted his teeth, working with all his strength to keep the creature under control.

“Thorne! Now, calm down there, boy! Nothing’s going to–”

A low growl shifted through the air. AsaHi sidestepped straight into SoYa’s chest. The Apprentice startled, stumbling back as the two collided, hands slipping from the rhawn’s halter. With a wild scree, the creature swiveled around and bolted.

SoYa cried in horror, “Thorne, come back!”

AsaHi’s grip around his waist kept him from pursuing. A frightened whimper shivered through her body, her face turned away from the rising hills, “SoYa!”

His gaze darted up.

Three sets of black eyes glared down on them, all attention focused upon himself and AsaHi.

“Marked,” the girl whispered. She began backing away, holding so tightly to the Apprentice that she pulled him back with each shaky step.

These are the creatures Kudako was talking about. This is what Zerom is trying to turn Tsu into…

“I think… they were from Nefol, SoYa,” AsaHi’s face was ghostly white. “Look-see their clothing?”

“How can that be?” he choked.

A terrible sinking feeling rose in his heart as his mind slipped back to memories. Memories of the Council members who had mindlessly ringed TsuYa on the platform in the center of the school. The ones who had come at Aunt SaRa with glassy-eyed obedience.

“I don’t know… I don’t know… but it shouldn’t be this way!”

Anger flushed SoYa’s face.

Zerom…

One name that he had only known for such a short time. The one name that could be pointed to as the source of pain. For himself. For his brother. For the Apprentices that had once been his friends but were now…

“SoYa!” AsaHi’s screech broke through his thoughts.

The nearest creature leapt forward with speed so incredible that his eyes could hardly follow the motion.

“Run!” SoYa ducked back, jostling AsaHi out of the creature’s reach.

He could hear the sound of soft-padded footsteps echoing as the girl broke away at full speed. Terror gripped him as two of the dark shapes sprang from the rocks, darting after her on all fours.

Just as SoYa turned to follow, the weight of the first Marked bore down on him, slamming him on his back. A hoarse cry ripped from his lungs as one oily claw seized his neck. The other claw began tearing at his robe, ripping long shreds of cloth away. Fangs hissed warm, putrid breath into his face. The dead, black eyes reflected an image of SoYa’s horrified expression. The creature’s skin was so brittle and dry that grey patches stripped away as he wrestled to get out from under its weight.

He could distantly hear AsaHi’s scream echo his own.

No! AsaHi!

Desperation swelled within his chest, spreading through SoYa’s entire body with a sharp jolt. The pain was so intense that he nearly crumpled inward on himself. Sparks of light flew before his eyes. His mind contracted, then lashed out in a vast expansion of power. A shaft of pure rage channeled through him. It shattered the air with an enormous impact, ripping through the creature’s mind.

The Marked reeled back with a horrific cry. Its eyes misted over in a cold white color and began to bulge out ward from the building pressure within its head. Both claws left SoYa’s throat instantly. They flung up to rake frantically at its face, shredding patches of oily hair from its skull. Long trails of black ooze began to stream from its nose and ears.

With a firm kick, the Apprentice shoved the writhing creature away. SoYa scrambled backwards on his palms with a choking gasp. His hands shook as a retch heaved through his body. A murky puddle of darkness spread from where the Marked lay, crumpled and contorted. There was no motion left to its body, mirroring the sudden stillness of the mountainsides.

Silence had fallen in the ravine below.

SoYa forced himself to roll over on his stomach. His eyes flung across the distance as his voice rose in a hoarse croak, “AsaHi! Where are you!?”

The sound of a soft whimper drew his attention. Her pale, shimmering form was curled up into a frightened little ball next to the side of a stone outcropping. The two creatures that leapt for her were sprawled out on the ground a few feet away. The only motion was their final convulsions of death.

Their eyes were also cloudy white.

SoYa’s breath whistled between his dry lips. A terrible fear began to churn within his stomach. Pressing realization drew around him.

I… I did that… didn’t I?

“SoYa... what’s an Athrylith?”

They found a cave to take shelter in for the night. Though it was surprisingly warm inside once the fire was lit, their clothes were already soaked from the biting rain. It left AsaHi with a deep, bone-chilling coldness that even a fresh change of clothes couldn’t mend.

The girl couldn’t help but think that it was a good thing Kudako was such a skilled tracker. After the attack in the hills, she was sure that they lost all of their supplies on the frightened rhawn. Somehow, the Dragon had no trouble finding the creature and all of their packs in a matter of hours. Unfortunately, that put them nearly at sundown. Traveling the mountain passages at night wasn’t the most desirable means of making distance, so, they found the nearest cave and scouted it out. Deeming it safe, they set up camp within.

AsaHi wasn’t quite sure what happened during the battle earlier that day. She knew that there was an ambush in the foggy ravine and that Zento and Kudako had overthrown it. AsaHi also remembered that she and SoYa waited on top of the hill, and some of the Marked attacked them there.

But beyond that, I don’t know how we survived.

AsaHi remembered the void-black eyes of the creatures as they leapt upon her. She remembered screaming and dropping to the ground. But the next thing she knew, she was peering up into the concerned face of ZenToYa. After that, SoYa became even more distant than he was before.

None of it makes any sense.

It could be possible that the Apprentice was shaken at the thought that the Marked were once his classmates from School. She couldn’t blame him for being shocked and afraid.

But still, something’s not quite right.

He wasn’t eating. He wasn’t speaking. He didn’t even change out of his wet clothes. SoYa just sat there, eyes fixed upon the dimly burning blaze in the center of the cave.

AsaHi crouched next to the fire, spooning out some broth from the kettle that hung over it. She stirred it slowly in the small earthenware bowl, letting it cool. Being careful not to spill it, the girl inched over to sit next to SoYa.

“Eat,” she demanded, presenting the bowl, only an inch in front of his nose.

SoYa blinked, giving the broth a cross-eyed stare.

“Eat,” AsaHi ordered a second time.

He choked softly.

“Come on, I’ve tasted Kudako’s cooking. It’s good,” she pushed the bowl even closer to his face.

“Hey, if you shove it up his nose, then there’s no way he’s ever going to eat it,” Zento churred from across the cave.

AsaHi gave him a flat look.

The winged man simply shrugged.

“SoYa, lookit you. You’re going to get sick,” she turned back to the Apprentice, words gently scolding. “At the least, get a change of clothes. You can’t sleep in your bed sack all wet like that. It’ll never dry out. And if it never dries out, it’ll get all fungused up. And then it’ll start to smell. And then you’ll start to smell… and then–”

SoYa held a hand up slowly, finally speaking, “Okay…”

“Okay?” AsaHi persisted. “Okay what?”

“I’ll get a change.”

He stood up slowly. His knees wobbled as he made his way towards the packs. It took him longer than usual to rummage through the bags and pull out a change of clothes. Without a further word, he stumbled toward the shadowed back corner.

The girl watched him with concern, “What’s wrong with him?”

“He drained himself,” Zento murmured, leaning back against the wall while using his wings as a feathery cushion.

“Drained himself? What do you mean?”

Kudako’s golden eyes shifted in hue through the light of the fire, “You do not know.”

It was more of a statement than a question. But AsaHi knew what he was indicating.

“No, I don’t really know what happened,” she shook her head slowly.

“Hrm.”

The girl waited silently, twisting one strand of hair around her finger. Finally, when she realized she wasn’t going to get a better answer, she pressed on, “So?”

“Hrm?” the Dragon lifted one eyebrow at her tone of voice.

“What did happen?”

Kudako shifted his glance over to Zento. The winged man looked half asleep.

“Well?” she huffed.

“SoYa used his power,” Zento answered quietly.

“Power? What do you mean?”

“Athrylith,” Kudako added curtly. As if it was common knowledge.

“I’m not sure what that means,” she admitted slowly.

She had heard the word before. She knew it was something that was feared — a person found to be Athrylith was quite often slain on sight. However, she didn’t really know what it meant. Not completely. Not enough to understand why SoYa was acting the way that he was.

“Why don’t you… talk to… SoYa about it..?” Zento’s voice was hazing off into a muted slumber.

Great… he falls asleep after all that happened today?

One hand tightened on the grip of the little bowl. Her eyes turned to Kudako.

“Not my business,” the warrior grunted. He quite promptly rose and strode towards the mouth of the cave to keep watch.

AsaHi found herself alone.

SoYa returned after a short time, soggy garments held at length in one hand. His expression was dull and stunned. There was sorrow weighing under his eyes.

She got to her feet and walked over to meet him. Just out of habit, AsaHi took the clothes from one hand and pushed the food into the other. “Now get some food in your system and go warm up by the fire.”

The Apprentice gave her a bewildered frown, but he didn’t seem in the mindset to argue. He took the bowl and settled down next to the reddened embers.

AsaHi made her way to the other side of the cave where she began to hang up the clothes to dry. Her green eyes flickered over to see if he had taken any interest in the broth. So far, he hadn’t.

“It’s going to get cold,” she warned him.

He turned his head and peered up at her. His face was a questionmark.

“You know. Food? You eat it?” AsaHi pointed one finger at the bowl. Then she began to mimic the motion of putting something in her mouth.

I swear, he’s about as bad as Kaze was. Have to teach these guys everything.

“Oh,” SoYa looked at the broth. His face registered surprise, as if it was the first time he noticed he was holding something.

The girl wiped her damp hand upon her slacks and tucked in the front of her over-sized shirt. With slow, measured steps, she came to sit next to the Apprentice. “Don’t let it go to waste. We don’t have a whole lot to spare.”

As if finally making up his mind, SoYa began to slowly drink the broth. She could see it working wonders for the color in his face almost instantly.

That’s exactly what he needed.

When he was done, he lowered the bowl to his lap. Happy to see he was finally eating something, AsaHi refilled his bowl and presented it to him again. This time, when she came to sit next to him, purpose was written on her face.

“SoYa…”

His eyes slid towards her though he was still very much engrossed in the broth.

Guys and their food… sheesh!

“SoYa, what’s an Athrylith?”

She watched as his eyes dilated. His cheeks puffed up as he struggled not to spit every last drop of broth out. It took him a while to gather his wits and swallow instead.

AsaHi waited silently, leaning forward with her palms on her knees.

It seemed as if the slightest mention of the word had worked wonders in bringing SoYa out of his stupor. His mouth worked soundlessly for a time before he finally found his voice. “You mean you don’t know?”

The girl’s face reflected quiet hurt. “I was never trained in Nefol to know that much about magic or all the funny words you magic-types use, remember?”

“I… I… didn’t mean that as an insult or anything…”

“I know,” her voice wavered.

“I was just surprised. I thought for sure that everyone would know that I was…”

“Was what?” she prodded, frowning as he trailed off in thought.

“Athrylith…”

“Yes. And that means?”

“Mind Mage,” his voice intoned heavily.

She peered over at him, “Mind Mage?”

“Yeah,” SoYa stared down into the bottom of his bowl.

“What do Mind Mages do?”

He choked again.

“Hey! I really don’t know!” she bit off the words sharply.

“I… I… I mean… it’s hard to explain,” he spread his hands.

“Do you read people’s thoughts?” she mused, giving him a suspicious frown.

“Er, I’ve never tried.”

“Could you?”

“I don’t know. I can mindspeak though, if that counts?”

“Mindspeak?”

SoYa looked like he was grasping to find the right words. “You know, send mental thought-messages to other people. And they hear it in their mind.”

“You’ve never done that to me,” she blinked at him.

“No, of course not!” he answered quickly. “I don’t use it at all if I don’t have to. Besides, it requires a mindspeak sensitive person to receive it.”

“Oh, and what are you trying to say about me?” she chided, trying to be playful.

“N-nothing! Really!”

It was such fun to watch him squirm.

“What else can you do?”

“I… don’t… really know,” his eyes fell on his bowl again.

“Why not?” she asked.

“I don’t use it.”

AsaHi frowned, “What do you mean you don’t use it?”

“It’s not something people like me to use.”

“Why not?”

“Because I can… manipulate things,” he stated.

“Like what?”

“You sure ask a lot of questions,” he furrowed his brow.

“Only the ones I don’t have answers to.”

He sighed.

“Well,” she poked him in the side. “Out with it…”

“I can control people’s minds. That means… what they think, what they say and what they do,” his face was very grim.

AsaHi found herself suddenly without a retort. This was not the sort of power that she had ever imagined SoYa could command.

“I thought… you were a healer?” she said slowly, trying to make sense of it.

“It was a cover-up,” his voice was weak as he stared into the fire. “If anyone found out I was Athrylith, they would have hunted me down.”

Silence filled the cave.

SoYa? Control people’s minds?

She fidgeted nervously.

They would have hunted him down? Is he really that dangerous?

AsaHi took in a deep breath.

But he’s never hurt anyone before. Why should I start to doubt him now? I don’t want to doubt him…

“I understand if you want to break it all off,” SoYa’s voice cracked with pain. “I lied to you. I let you think I was something I was not. And I was never going to tell you the truth unless it was forced to come out.”

She peered over at him, sucking on her lower lip, “I… don’t know what to say.”

“I’m sorry, AsaHi.”

He really was. AsaHi could tell. She could always tell. She could hear the pain and the shame in his words. Something inside of her wanted to push aside all the mistrust and reach out to him.

I can’t keep balancing this relationship on the edge of a knife blade. Either he is my Promised, or he’s not.

AsaHi’s face grew firm.

After what we’ve shared all these years, as kind as he’s always been to me… for me to break this off, right now when he needs me most… it would be cruel.

“It’s okay,” she finally said.

I don’t know if it really is okay. But if there’s a chance to fix this, then I want to try!

SoYa turned to stare at her, dumbstruck. “What did you say?”

“I said,” she met his gaze eye to eye, “It’s okay.”

“How can it be okay? I just admitted that I li–”

“It’s okay because I say it is,” AsaHi retorted sharply. “So, don’t argue with me.”

He closed his mouth with a click.

Fear battled with devotion in her heart, though she refused to let it show on her face. AsaHi still didn’t completely understand everything. Yet…

I know who SoYa is and what his nature would lead him to do. Until he proves me wrong, I want believe in him.

“I think I understand why you hid it from people,” AsaHi’s voice strengthened slowly as she fought to become more certain of her choice. “And I trust you, no matter what you say. Now, let’s get on with our lives. Okay?”

SoYa’s face was still dumbstruck. He managed to stutter one word in reply, “Okay?”

The Apprentice pulled out a cookie and held it towards her.

She’s looking at me again.

Or at least, that was the feeling TsuYa got from the strange little girl. He didn’t know how she could see anything through the white cloth that was tied across her eyes. But the way that she moved her head plainly spoke of one who could see.

I wish she wouldn’t do that.

Something about the way she simply sat there bothered him. Maybe it was because he couldn’t see the rest of her face. Maybe it was the strange black hair. Maybe it was because she hadn’t uttered so much as a single sound. Never.

Or maybe it was something else. Something that tugged at the back of his mind.

Why doesn’t she go and play or something?

But the little girl never did. She seemed perfectly content to sit there and watch him. It didn’t matter what TsuYa was doing. Eating breakfast with one spoonful of dripping milk held in front of his mouth. She was watching him. Leaning down to lace up his sandals for a morning walk. She was watching him. Coming out of the showers, toweling out his hair. She was there watching him, too.

That was the most discerning time. He almost broke down and ordered her to go away, but something within held him silent. Something told him that he, too, should wait and see.

Though at the moment, it was hard to hold his tongue. The girl kept distracting him as he attempted to lay out one of the old maps he found in his father’s study.

Father gave him full access to all of his books, papers and research while he was away on the journey. Curious as the Apprentice was, TsuYa could never pass up a chance to learn more about his father or the things that his father took interest in. The girl, however, was not given permission to be in this room. Yet, there she was, sitting in the corner watching him pour over the crinkled map.

I wish Aunt SaRa would come and get her out of my hair.

It was a strange map, hand-sketched on a parchment, weathered with travel and time. TsuYa could recognize his father’s scratchy handwriting along side of another more ornate script, probably Kudako’s. There were various scribbles and notes in the margins, coordinates and thoughts on flora and fauna.

I think they actually drew this out while traveling.

TsuYa carefully traced his finger along the faded ink lines, the paper hissing with age in response to the light pressure. He could make out tiny sketched-in symbols that indicated the places that he knew so well.

Here’s Nefol and Arddun. There’s the Host Gate. The Dragon Pass.

His eyes followed the squiggly mountains to the south.

And this must be the city we’re in. Ceiswyr– I think it’s called? We’re actually not all that far from home.

The little girl shifted her position ever so slightly, her gaze never leaving the man at the desk. He had almost forgotten she was there due to his interest in the map. TsuYa frowned and continued his inspection. His nose began to itch as he became more aware of the pressing dust that capered through the pale streams of sunlight from the parted curtains.

Where’s the Outterlands? That’s where Father’s going right now. He said it wouldn’t take too long, so it has to be here somewhere.

His face grew grim as he searched over the rest of the sketched in features of land.

The Lost Hills. The Black Forest. The Upperland Mountains… but no Outterlands?

He looked over it a second time. And a third. Still, it was nowhere to be found. He scratched his nose in frustration.

I wonder why Father would leave out something that important. Isn’t it supposed to be a big area on the map somewhere?

TsuYa paused, eyes running along the border of the landform. There was a deep, black outline that surrounded the edge of the continent on every side.

At first, he thought that it was simply a strange decoration on the map. His father was, after all, well known for doing his own thing if someone stuck a pen in his hand. But on closer observation, he realized it was actually more than just a design — it was a deep chasm that surrounded the whole Inner Realm.

Whoa… if this map’s right, then it’s like we’re on an island in the middle of this canyon-type thing. How strange…

His brow wrinkled. The chair creaked as his weight shifted.

Then that means the Outterlands are on the other side of that divide. I wonder how they plan on getting to the other side.

“Erph!” as TsuYa leaned forward, his head bumped against something. Peering up, he realized that the little girl was now perched on the top of the desk. She was also sitting with her face close to the map, and in doing so, the two of them had knocked their heads together.

The girl’s face turned upward, shrouded eyes falling upon him in what seemed to be a puzzled expression.

In a fit of surprise, TsuYa spluttered, “What are you doing up here? Don’t touch Father’s map!”

She shifted backwards, pulling her hands away from the map and folding them behind her back. The little black wings spread precariously as she balanced for a breath’s moment on the very edge of the desk.

“Hey! Be careful!” Afraid that the girl was going to fall, the Apprentice reached out to catch her.

“Nuuuuuuuuh!” the girl jolted away from him sharply. Landing lightly on her feet, she sprang away.

TsuYa jerked back too, startled. It was the first sound he had heard from her.

“It’s alright, calm down! I was just…” he got to his feet, hands spread to show her that he meant no harm.

It was too late. The girl was already on the other side of the room, pressed against the wall. Her veiled eyes never left him. He could feel the weight of their gaze burning into his flesh. Something about it made his skin itch with discomfort.

Why… why does she follow me around if she doesn’t like me?

TsuYa dropped his hands by his side in a dejected motion. He gave a deep huff, “Nevermind.”

She was afraid. He could tell by the way she trembled as she curled up against the wall. But he didn’t know why.

He didn’t know why she didn’t just leave if she was that afraid to begin with.

He didn’t know why she watched him.

He didn’t know why she made him feel so uneasy.

TsuYa tried to ignore her, peering back at the map, but it did little good. It was really hard to simply forget about a child sitting in the corner, petrified in fear. Eventually, he had no choice but to turn and meet her gaze.

Or… what passed as a gaze.

“Listen, I didn’t mean to snap at you, okay?” he offered, tone still rather disgruntled. “It’s just a very old map and it can rip easily. It doesn’t belong to me, so I don’t want to get it messed up. That’s all.”

She remained staring at him, unmoving.

TsuYa frowned in return.

Slowly, her wings drooped, the newly-grown black feathers shimmering in the sunlight as it filtered down through the window. As he studied her closely for the first time, he could suddenly feel something more behind the weight of her gaze. Something that seemed so full of sorrow. So alone.

His mind shifted instantly to the image of himself, not much older than her, standing and staring out the window. Dressed in black. Heart torn by the news of the death of his father. So full of sorrow. So alone.

She’s having as tough a time in this weird city as I am, I bet. I mean, even if she does have wings, she’s still alone up here. The way she looks… I don’t think anyone will have much to do with her.

“Hey,” TsuYa leaned back, sitting down in the chair. One hand reached into his vest pocket, rummaging around carefully. He pulled out a small, wrapped parcel and held it up for her to see. “You look like you could use something to eat.”

The girl still didn’t move.

The Apprentice slowly unwrapped the bundle, revealing a number of fresh, sweet smelling thin-wafes. He held one out to the girl, “Aunt SaRa makes the best cookies in the world. You’re really missing out if you’ve never had one.”

She still didn’t move, but her gaze had shifted to the cookie in his hand. He couldn’t tell, but he thought there was a hint of interest.

“Come on. If you don’t want it, that just means more for me.” Then he grumbled, eyebrows drawing downward, “I wasn’t going to share to begin with, you know?”

So much for trying to be nice. I shouldn’t even have anything to do with her… just push her off on Aunt SaRa and go the other way. Why should I even bother to–

The girl got to her feet.

TsuYa froze.

The girl froze.

His hand trembled slightly, still holding the outstretched cookie.

She cautiously made her way towards him, feet pattering on the floor. She paused when she was a meter away.

TsuYa swallowed, reaching the cookie out further, “It’s chocolate chunk?”

With a grab the speed of lightning, the girl snatched the cookie out of his hand and dodged back to her spot next to the wall. As if she was terrified that someone might take it from her, she shoved the whole thing into her mouth with a growly crunch, chewing as quickly as she could.

“Whoa, whoa there,” TsuYa’s eyebrows shot up. “There’s more where that came from. You don’t have to eat it so fast. It might make you sick.”

Even though her mouth was completely full, she began to lick the chocolate off of her hands in quick little slurps. It reminded him of some sort of wild animal. He drew back, uncertain and disgusted.

I wonder what in Light’s name happened to her. I’ve never seen any of the kids around Nefol act like that.

Having finished the wafe, the girl peered up at him expectantly. Crumbs dotted her mouth, unnoticed.

“Er, oh? You want another?” TsuYa rattled the package of cookies in front of her.

She nodded. Slowly at first. Then more vehemently.

The Apprentice pulled out a cookie and held it towards her. The girl flicked out her hand, reaching to snatch it again. TsuYa yanked it out of her reach.

“No,” he said firmly. “You don’t take it like that.”

She made a little sound of frustration.

He reached his hand out once more. Again she tried to snatch it. For a second time he pulled it out of her reach.

“No,” he repeated. “Take it from my hand with some manners and I’ll let you have it.”

One little foot stamped on the floor. Once again, a sound of frustration rose in her throat.

TsuYa held the wafe out again.

This time, the girl inched towards him carefully. Very calmly, she reached her hand out and took the cookie from his fingers.

Feeling rather victorious, the Apprentice praised, “That’s right. There you g–”

The moment she took it, the girl stuffed the entire wafe in her mouth, just as she had the first time. Backing away from him, she began to clean her fingers of any traces of crumbs or chocolate.

“Hrm…” He watched her for a while, a thoughtful frown spread over his face. Silently, TsuYa leaned back in his chair and began to munch on a wafe of his own.