Perched upon one of the uprising stones was a tiny translucent sparrow, little beaded eyes watching him in with intent curiosity.
SoYa instantly knew that something was wrong. The life force that had once flowed through the stone of the Host Gate was not there. The presence that he could always feel was gone. Nothing remained except a churning void in the cave’s darkness.
Lord Zemi, I’m here to ask for your forgiveness. AsaHi meant no harm!
There was never a time that Lord Zemi was not within the Host Gate. There was been a time that he did not come when one of his Apprentices called.
Everything is a huge mess… I need your help.
A gentle tickle of energy shivered through his body. It was similar to when the power of the Dreigiau flowed through the Gate. Yet, it wasn’t quite the same.
Maybe he heard me after all.
SoYa stood silently in a moment of anticipation, but there was no sign of the white Dragon. Not even the slightest hint of light glittered in the cave. Yet, the soft pressure in the back of his mind grew.
~Here, Earthian. Look here.~
SoYa startled at the sound that flittered into his mind. The voice spoke to him in the same manner as Lord Zemi had always done, except, this voice was feminine. His eyes fell upon a pale shimmer of white behind him. Perched on one of the uprising stones was a tiny translucent sparrow, little beaded eyes watching him in with intent curiosity.
~Did I frighten you? My apologies. ~
SoYa shook his head, mouth half-open in a stammer, “You’re not Lord Zemi.”
~That is correct. I am not. And you should not be here.~
“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude,” beads of sweat broke out on his brow.
~It is not intrusion that is the trouble. I warn you from concern, young SoYa. I know my brother cares greatly for you and your family. Since he is not here to watch over you, I am honoring his wishes.~
“Brother? Do you mean to say you are Lord Zemi’s… sister?” SoYa’s eyes widened. It was only then he realized he was rudely staring at the tiny white bird and closed his mouth with a click.
~That is what he calls me, yes. Though I admit it is more of an Earthian concept that just took his fancy than actual relation.~
A tremor rushed through his body as the Apprentice inched forward, “Please, I beg your assistance. I came to ask hi-”
~I know why you came. I heard your heart cry out. But still, you should not be here.~
“Then Lord Zemi doesn’t want to see me.”
~It is not that. He is not here.~
“Not here?” SoYa pursed his lips. “But where has he gone?”
~Into your world. He has gone to find our other brother who has become lost. I do not know what he seeks in your lands. Perhaps he is intoxicated by the power of the physical realm.~
“Other brother?” the Apprentice echoed, wondering exactly how many siblings Lord Zemi had.
~ It hurts so much to see the struggle between them. But there’s little I can do to stop it. Even with the seal on Host Gate broken, my power in this world is still far too weak.~
“Host Gate… broken?” SoYa peered into the darkness.
~Yes.~ the tiny sparrow peeped. ~ There’s now a fracture between your world and ours. It leaks. It was through that leak that my brothers were able to step into the physical dimension.~
SoYa grit his teeth, “Is that a bad thing?”
~I don’t know. Zemi is the one who has knowledge of such powers, not I.~
The Apprentice fell silent for a long time. Though fear choked his words, he finally asked, “Is there something I can do to help?”
~You?~
He bowed his head deeply, “I’m not trying to be presumptuous! I know my own power is nothing compared to the Arweinydd…”
There was a trickling sound, like laughter. The little bird titled its head.
~Please, you do not need to treat me with formality. After all, I am nothing more than a sparrow, yes?~
“I… well…”
~You are an honest and courageous soul. I can see that in you. But you alone do not have the knowledge that we need to mend the hole between the worlds.~
SoYa fixed his eyes on the ground again, “No, of course not.”
~There is one that may have that power, however. If you were to bring him here.~
The Apprentice pursed his lips, “Just tell me who he is… where he is… and I’ll do what I can to find him!”
~Young SoYa, do you think you are ready to know the truth?~
He blinked, surprised by the sudden question. Then, he slowly nodded his head.
~Very well. I will tell you. The one you must find is the Earthian known as ZenToYa.~
SoYa’s face grew very pale, “Father? But Father is–”
~He is the leader of Zemi’s people in a place unknown to Nefol. We have been watching over your city… we are aware of the danger that the Council poses to you and your brother.~
A strangled sound escaped his lips. The thought that his father was still alive left his mind completely numb with shock and joy. New hope began to warm him from within.
~Your Father has been waiting for the day when you would find him again. Are you ready to begin that journey, young SoYa?~
SoYa peered at the tiny white sparrow as one word rose resoundingly, “Yes!”
