The World of Stars Ep:4

[Dekar]

The World of Stars 4

~Asuna~

*Asuna, Kaga, Saber, and Ouka head towards the front gate. All of the Kestrel members were dressed in their formal battle attire to pay proper respect to who they were going to meet. However, as they leave the guild, a small figure stands between them and the exit.*

Kaga: Miharu? What are you doing here?

Miharu: You said you’d bring me on your next mission.

Ouka: But Miharu, this mission could get really dangerous. We don’t even know what we’re actually doing yet, but we can’t bring you with us this time, okay?

Miharu: Why not? I can fight. I’ve already mastered healing symbology as well, and none of you know any.

*Kaga sighs and crouches down, looking her in the eyes.*

Kaga: Listen, Miharu. We really can’t bring you with us.

Miharu: Then I challenge you for representation.

*Kaga stands up surprised. And Ouka runs over to Miharu in a panic.*

Ouka: Miharu, do you know what you’re doing? Challenging for representation means you’re asking to fight and prove you’re the strongest symbologist. It’s too dang—

Kaga: I decline.

Asuna: Huh?

Kaga: Only second-rankers can challenge for representation. If you want to, then beat Neon first.

*Miharu looks up at Ouka and Kaga with big eyes that hurt to look into.*

Kaga: How about this? I’ll show you a spell. You can come after you’ve mastered it.

Saber: Kaga, what are you doing? You don’t have the authority to d—

Kaga: Saber…

*Saber lets out a sigh and nods.*

Saber: I’ll allow it, but be quick.

*Kaga takes one of the staffs off his back and focuses his mind.*

Kaga: Siren’s song, sing a lullaby. Make eyelids heavy and awareness dull. Let dreams fill one’s heart and mind. Sing for me an eternal lullaby. Sleep!

*Suddenly, Miharu staggers and, after a few moments, falls forwards.*

Kaga: If you can’t negate a spell like this, you still aren’t ready to come along. I’ll teach you when I get back.

*Neon walks over and picks up the girl.*

Neon: You tricked her, huh? You know she’s going to be upset when she wakes up.

Kaga: Yeah, but she’ll keep her word and won’t follow ‘til she can use that spell.

Neon: You bind others while your hands are free. I really do hate you.

Kaga: I know.

*Saber leaves the guild and the other three follow after her. The three board a coach and sit down -- Saber and Kaga on one side, Ouka and Asuna on the other.*

Saber: One of these days, you two really should try and settle your differences peacefully. It would help the guild a lot.

Kaga: We can’t help it. We hate who we hate.

*Saber lets out a disappointed mumble and looks out the window.*

Asuna: So I’ve been wondering -- how long have all of you known each other?

Saber: I met Kaga about 10 years ago when I first joined Kestrel. Ouka joined the guild about 7 years ago.

Kaga: But Ouka and I knew each other before either of us had joined the guild.

Asuna: Really? But then why did you join at different times?

Ouka: Kylia used to visit the castle a lot, and one time she brought Kaga with her. That’s when we met. After that, we played together and Kylia would bring him every time she visited.

Asuna: So then you’ve been with the guild since you were a young child.

Kaga: Lady Kylia raised me from when I was about a year old. Or at least she thinks that’s about how old I was when she found me.

Asuna: By the way, why is a princess part of a guild anyways? Isn’t that kind of odd?

Ouka: Well, I wanted to try and experience lots of different things before I took over as heir, so I decided that if I joined a guild, I would be able to lead better when the time came. I’m also looking for something and somebody.

*Asuna notices Kaga’s head was slumped down as Ouka explained. When she finishes, Kaga suddenly looks up restlessly.*

Kaga: Don’t forget. Once we’re in the castle…

Ouka: I know, I know, you don’t have to remind me.

*Kaga looked anxious, and Asuna felt Ouka felt a little hesitant and disappointed.*

Asuna: So what’s the king like?

Saber: Oh, King Gabi is a very energetic and upbeat ruler. The people love him and for good reason too. He’s probably the greatest king in several generations.

Asuna: Really…? He sounds amazing. I can’t wait to meet him.

~Rick~

*The caravan finally comes to a stop. Rick rises to his feet, stretching out his tired limbs.*

Rick: We’re finally here.

Celina: You sure seem excited.

Rick: Yeah, that trip felt like it took forever.

Celina: Well, I suppose that’s true enough. It takes a long time to get to the capital. I’m just glad nothing happened on the way here.

Rick: Yeah, I guess the ride was a lot better than fighting for our lives the whole time.

Sherry: There are fewer monsters as you get closer to Anu. Most of them are slain by the guard.

Celina: So that’s why so many villages sprout up near the capital, huh?

Sherry: Well, it’s also a plentiful land and a religious spot for many. It used to be called the Holy City of Anu, but the name was changed as politics became more fundamental.

Rick: I see. But what about this Rykala lady?

Sherry: She’s in the mercenary district. Though I should warn you she leaves a strong impression.

Rick: She can’t be any worse than you.

Sherry: You wanna keep that tongue of yours?

Celina: Now, now, you two, there’s no need to argue like this. Let’s just get going.

*The three odecide to stop by the merchant district to talk to Rykala. Sherry stops outside of an old rundown dojo.*

Sherry: Here we are.

*Rick can’t help but be disappointed as the place didn’t look very reliable.*

Rick: Are you sure she can teach me?

Sherry: I dunno. But she’s one of the strongest martial artists in the area. The only person I can name off the top of my head that would be stronger is General Ryzen.

Rick: Well, I’ve got nothing to lose really.

*Rick opens the door. To his surprise, he finds a white haired youth practicing a complicated martial arts kata when he enters. Observing him is a woman with wolf-like traits and a grin.*

Woman: You’re still too refined for this kind of fighting. I’ve taught you everything you can learn.

Man: Wait, isn’t there still the successor technique?

Woman: I’m sorry, but as you are, you can’t learn it. After all, you lack the ferocity of a beast. Ryzen would be a better teacher for you than me.

Man: I understand.

*The man bows in gratitude then walks out the door. The woman raises a sake jug to her lips and takes a swig.*

Sherry: Rykala, it’s been a long time.

*Rykala’s expression lightens seeing Sherry and she walks over with a wide grin.*

Rykala: Sherry! It’s been ages since you came to visit! Who’re the two that are with you?

Rick: My name is Rick.

Celina: And I’m Celina. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Rykala: Oh? So why are you two with Sherry? You don’t look like soldiers.

Sherry: No, they are simply travelers accompanying me. But Rick needs to learn martial arts to improve his combat capacity quickly. I figured only a practitioner of Dun Loireag fighting could train him that quickly. By the way, who was that guy? You rarely teach students so he must have been significant.

Rykala: Oh? Didn’t recognize him huh? That was Kaeion, the Warrior of Light.

*Celina gasps but Sherry looked unimpressed.*

Rykala: I had heard he was really hot stuff so I agreed to teach him, but his form is too damn clean. He’s a soldier, not a warrior.

*Rykala suddenly looks up at Rick and gives him a quick lookover.*

Rykala: So what are you? A warrior? A soldier? Or perhaps just a no-talent bum.

Rick: I’m not sure how to answer that.

Rykala: You’re right, words are meaningless. Get up on the mat.

*As soon as Rick steps onto the mat, his intuition tells him to duck. As he drops down, he feels something whiz over his head and he looks up to find Rykala.*

Rykala: Oh, you’ve got good intuition.

*She suddenly charges forwards, her form appeared reckless and flawed, but each strike came hard and fast at unexpected angles. Rick backs up slowly as he attempts to defend himself from the attacks.*

Rykala: Not bad. Nut you’re way too rough around the edges, and you have no basic form.

*Rick suddenly feels three strong impacts as he is hit with palm, elbow, and knee in rapid succession. He attempts to grab hold of her, but she simply bats his arm away and roundhouses him in the stomach, sending him reeling backwards.*

Rykala: Well, you’ve got potential for somebody from this area who isn’t from the Lei tribe, so I guess I can agree to train you.

Rick: Really?!

Rykala: Yeah, but you’d better be ready ‘cuz it’s going to be rough. You’re lucky since your physical conditioning and intuition are already excellent, and you also seem to know the basics of combat, so we can skip basic training. However, since it has to be done fast, the advanced stylistic training is going to be incredibly grueling. I don’t want to see you giving up after the first day or anything.

Rick: Yes, master.

Rykala: Well then, why don’t you go take care of your other business? You can come back after that.

Rick: Sorry to have to ask this, but how long will it take for us to teach me the basics of what I need to know?

Rykala: You’re in that big of a rush, huh? Well, it’ll take ten days to give you a basic style and teach you the kata. I’ll send a friend of mine with you to help you train on your journey as well.

Rick: I understand. Thank you very much.

~Asuna~

*The four Kestrel members get off the carriage. Asuna looks over at the group she was with and was taken aback by the out-of-character emotions she was seeing. Kaga was anxious and nervous, Ouka was disheartened and worried, and Saber looked a little bitter.*

Asuna: Saber, what’s wrong?

Saber: Such an attitude towards one’s comrade, I was hoping he would get over it. I guess I was hoping too much.

Asuna: Yeah, why are they acting this way?

Saber: Asuna, once we enter the castle, you are not to address Ouka by her name. Call her “Princess” or “Princess Youko”.

Asuna: “Youko”? why?

Saber: You’ll understand soon.

*Ouka steps in front of the city walls and takes a deep breath and proceeds to mumble a quiet chant. When she was done, Asuna was amazed to see her hair had gone white, her eyes were golden, and her hair had grown long.*

Asuna: Wha?! What just happened!?

*The new figure turns to Asuna.*

(Ouka?): Please do not shout in my ear.

Asuna: What’s going on though? Why did Ouka change forms?

(Ouka?): My name is Youko. I am the princess of Dun Loireag.

*Asuna looks at Kaga, hoping for a reasonable explanation, but is even more shocked. Kaga’s expression had changed entirely; his anxiety had been washed away, and instead his eyes carried a peaceful content feeling.*

Youko: How many times have I told you not to wear that?

*Youko’s expression softens as well as Kaga takes off his bandanna and scarf, revealing a broad and peaceful smile.*

Kaga: I’m glad to see you, Youko.

Youko: This is neither the time nor the place to reminisce. Let’s go meet Father.

*Kaga nods and the four begin their walk to the castle. Numerous heads turn apparently recognizing Youko, Kaga, and Saber. Asuna couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling.*

Asuna: Saber, what’s going on? I thought Ouka was the princess.

Saber: Well, in a sense. Ouka is actually a possessed human. Her beast-like qualities come from Youko, who possessed her. However, whenever we come to the capital, Ouka becomes Youko the princess and Kaga’s childhood playmate to maintain the appearance that everything is fine and to prevent social turmoil.

Asuna: So Kaga brought Ouka here so that she would become Youko?

Saber: That’s probably the entire reason he brought her here. The reason Kaga travels around is to try and find a way to separate the two of them. It’s also the reason he learned the Dark Arts and why he studies symbology.

Asuna: So Youko is important to him?

Saber: Actually… Kaga is in love with Youko.

Asuna: Really…? I didn’t think Kaga had anyone like that.

Saber: To this day, we still haven’t found a way to separate them. It’d be better if he just gave up.

Asuna: I see. But it’s…a little sad.

*The four enter the castle and the chancellor shows them to the throne room. As they enter the lavish room, a large red beast man sits before them. He had a facial structure and mane similar to that of a lion.*

Beast Man: Ah! You all came! I’m so very glad to see you!

*The man bellows as he gets up, walks over, and embraces Youko and Kaga. However, a single large cracking sound was soon heard and Kaga went momentarily limp.*

Youko: Father you really need to learn that humans are not as resilient as beast men.

Kaga: It’s…good to see you…K-King Gabi.

*Another crunch is heard as Gabi lets out a boisterous laugh.*

Gabi: Hahaha! See, my daughter? He’s just fine!

*Gabi releases the two and Kaga crumples to the floor. Youko bends down and examines Kaga before grabbing him and realigning his spine.*

Youko: You should really just tell him it’s too much. Otherwise the geezer isn’t going to stop.

*Youko scolds him and Kaga lets out a meek laugh.*

Saber: I do not mean to cut in on this happy reunion, but I would like to inquire why you have sent for us.

*Gabi sits back down on his throne and smiles.*

Gabi: I have called you here to hire Kestrel to represent Dun Loireag in the Demon Palace.

*Saber nods her head in understanding, as do Youko and Kaga.*

Kaga: But why bother? Kestrel always enters the Demon Palace anyways. Why is it so important to pay us to participate on your behalf?

Gabi: Because this is the year of the Auroric Palace.

Youko: So then you are not asking us to compete in the Demon Palace on your behalf. You’re asking us to win it and then participate in the Auroric Palace representing this kingdom.

Gabi: That’s correct. Kings and generals are prohibited from taking part, so I decided it would be best to use the guilds! Besides, my daughter can grasp glory in front of the entire world.

Kaga: I accept this request.

Youko: Ouka wants to as well.

Saber: I shall participate too.

Asuna: Umm, I don’t really get it, but I guess I’m in.

Gabi: Excellent! Then you shall all stay here for tonight and you can return tomorrow! Tonight we feast!

*As the chancellor escorts the group out of the throne room on their way to the guest room, Asuna turns to Saber, confused about something.*

Asuna: Saber, what exactly is the Demon Palace?

*Saber purses her lips and thinks for a moment trying to decide the best way to explain what the Demon Palace was.*

Saber: Well… I suppose the easiest way to explain it would be that the Demon Palace is a combat tournament. Each country has a different Palace where warriors from all over the country come to compete and test their skills.

*Asuna nods, indicating she understood.*

Asuna: And the Auroric Palace is like a worldwide one then?

Saber: Yes, the Auroric Palace is where the top two teams from each of the four countries compete to establish the prowess of all of their warriors. However, guildmasters and military generals aren’t allowed to compete since that would risk throwing off the balance of military prowess.

Asuna: Oh, okay… W-Wait, does that mean that I’m going to have to fight in this thing?

Saber: Well, you signed up, so of course. But the tournament is done is pairs, so don’t worry. The Demon Palace also isn’t for another month, so Neon and I will help get your skills up to par.

*Asuna lets out a sigh of relief but couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her stomach.*

Asuna: So why is the King so confident that Kestrel will win?

Saber: Because Kestrel has a very good track record. Kaga and Ouka won the tournament three years ago, and Neon and I won two years ago. Last year, a man named Sirius won, but none of the four of us participated since we had an urgent mission on the day of the tournament.

*Asuna looks at the three warriors surrounding her with wide eyes. Up until this point, she had simply thought of them as powerful warriors, but hearing what she just had it dawned on her just how powerful they were. The chancellor stops and turns to the group.*

Chancellor: These are the guest rooms. Lady Asuna and Lady Saber shall be staying in the room to my right, and Sir Kaga shall be in the room on my left.

Youko: Chancellor, please inform my father that I will also share the guestroom with Saber and Asuna. I am here as a member of Kestrel. I have no desire to be treated otherwise.

Chancellor: B-But milady…!

*Youko says nothing more, but she gives the man a piercing glare with her sharp golden eyes and he soon crumples under her pressure.*

Chancellor: …V-Very well.

Youko: Now, let’s get some rest, shall we?

~Rick~

*Sherry guides Rick and Celina up a long and beautifully adorned staircase. When they reach the top, two receptionists sit behind a finely carved wooden desk.*

Receptionist: Oh, Miss Sherry. We’ve been expecting you. Please give your report to General Ryzen.

Sherry: I will, but first, these two have come to request an audience with the King.

Receptionist: I’m very sorry, but the King’s schedule is packed. It will take at least three weeks before you can meet with him.

*Celina walks past Rick and Sherry holding the letter from the mayor.*

Celina: We’ve come with a letter of introduction; this should explain some of why we need to speak with the King.

*Celina hands the message to the receptionist, who opens it and reads the letter. After a few moments, she nods.*

Receptionist: Okay, you can go see the King immediately. We will push back the other appointments until you are done.

*Sherry looks at Celina with a look of surprise, but it quickly subsides.*

Sherry: (Well, all I’ve encountered is surprises since I met these two.)

*The trio quickly ascends the stairs to the throne room. The door is opened by two of the guards and on the throne sits a man dressed in white garbs, with short blue hair, tinted glasses, and a serious expression.*

King: So you’ve finally come.

*The man looks at the two appraisingly. It appeared he had been expecting them. Sherry immediately drops to one knee and Celina follows suit. Rick remains standing for only a moment before Sherry pulls him to the ground.*

Sherry: Show proper respect. You’re in front of the king.

*Rick grudgingly bows to the man on the throne.*

King: Please, no need for those formalities. I already know the situation, Sherry, so you’re dismissed.

Sherry: Yes, milord.

*The three of them rise to their feet and Sherry walks out of the room.*

Ovan: I am King Ovan. What are your names?

Rick: The name’s Rick.

Celina: My name is Celina. It’s an honor to meet you, milord.

*Ovan waves his hand as he hears this.*

Ovan: Your father and I were good friends, and your mother was an acquaintance of mine.

Celina: Oh! Then perhaps you know where my mother is!?

*Celina looks at Ovan expectantly, but is disappointed when he shakes his head.*

Ovan: I’m sorry, but I do not. The only two who would know something like that would be her disciple and the King of Ouph. They were all good friends.

Celina: Do you know the name of her disciple or perhaps his location?

Ovan: I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you that. It isn’t public knowledge.

*Ovan bows his head slightly in apology, but remains seated. Rick watches him anxiously. Rick could feel an overwhelming presence emanating from the man in front of him. His instincts told him that this man had fought and won many battles.*

Rick: What about a second falling star. There were two, right?

Ovan: Yes, indeed there were two falling stars. The other landed in Dun Loireag.

Rick: Was anyone found at the crash site?

Ovan: Reports indicate that there were signs of a battle, but a large source of energy seemed to have blasted away the aggressor.

Rick: (That was probably a phase gun, so she’s okay.) Excuse me, but I would like to go to Dun Loireag.

Ovan: I’m very sorry, but due to the upcoming Auroric Palace, transport ships have stopped running. You will have to until after the Palace. That is…unless you compete. If you win, you will get to go to Hy Brasail and you can probably find out more information about both Baina and the falling star.

Rick: I understand. Thank you very much.

*Rick makes a polite bow and turn to leave, but Ovan’s voice stops him.*

Ovan: Before you go, I have a few questions I would like to ask you.

Rick: What is it?

Ovan: You arrived on the first falling star, didn’t you?

Rick: …Celina, I’m sorry, but can you leave for a bit? I’d like to speak with him alone.

Celina: I understand.

*Celina rises to her feet and walks out of the room. When the door closes, Rick’s expression turns serious and he looks at Ovan.*

Rick: How much do you know?

Ovan: Well, there are stories of people like you -- those who descend from the heavens and bring with them mysterious artifacts or abilities.

Rick: You’re correct. I came down on the star. However, any special equipment I had was destroyed upon impact.

*Ovan closes his eyes and frowns.*

Ovan: That is unfortunate. In truth, I was hoping that would be able to lend us aid in the upcoming battle.

Rick: Has war broken out?

Ovan: No, not yet. But we suspect that the ruler of Carmina Gadelica is planning one.

Rick: I see. I’m afraid I can’t help you out in such a way, but if the time comes and I am able to help, I will do whatever is within my power.

*Rick gets up and leaves and begins to walk out of the throne room, but stops at the door.*

Rick: By the way, how do I participate in the Auroric Palace?

Ovan: If you want details, talk to the receptionist downstairs. I’m afraid I don’t have time to explain.

*Rick nods and leaves.*

Ovan: An interesting boy. I will enjoy watching how this seed grows.

*Rick leaves the room and finds Celina waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs.*

Rick: Sorry about that.

Celina: No, it’s okay.

*Rick notices a concerned expression on Celina’s face.*

Rick: What’s wrong?

Celina: Well, I’m just concerned if I’ll ever really be able to see my mother. I’ve heard that the King of Ouph is a very fickle person and normally doesn’t give straight answers. And how am I going to find one disciple on a continent?

*Rick thinks about her worries, being careful not to speak carelessly.*

Rick: Celina, why don’t we join the Holy Palace?

Celina: What? Rick, that’s reckless. Neither of us has that kind of combat experience.

Rick: That’s why we’re going to practice.

Celina: Jeez… Well, let’s go talk to Rykala about it. She might have some good advice.

Rick: Okay.

~Sherry~

*The knight captain walks through the great halls on her way to meet Ryzen, but on her way someone bumps into her from the side.*

Sherry: Hey, be more careful. Huh? Jack?

*A brown haired knight with a large mechanical shield on his back sits on the ground rubbing his head.*

Jack: Ouch… Huh? Oh, hey, Sherry. Finally back, huh?

Angry Female Voices: Jack! Stop running away and come get your beating!

Jack: Jeez, I just opened the wrong door by accident! Sorry, Sherry, but I’ve gotta run! Bye!

*Jack hops back up to his feet and starts running away. Sherry lets out a tired sigh and watches him go.*

Sherry: You klutz.

*A mob of angry female knights soon storms into the main hall.*

Angry Mob: Oh. Welcome back, Lady Sherry. Did you see where Jack went?

*Sherry’s expression harshens and she glares at the mob.*

Sherry: What do you think you’re doing? Storming into the great hall and causing a ruckus. Where is your dignity and pride as knights?

*The mob slowly shrinks back and bows their heads.*

Mob: W-We’re very sorry, Lady Sherry.

*The mob disbands and returns to the changing room they had come from. Sherry rubs her temples and heads off towards Ryzen’s office. As she opens the door, the black armored knight turns to her.*

Ryzen: Oh, Sherry, you’ve returned. How did it go?

Sherry: They are very interesting people. But I feel a little guilty deceiving them like this.

Ryzen: Well, you aren’t harming them, so it should be fine. Besides, this is the duty of the knights.

Sherry: Yes, sir!

Ryzen: The King has already figured out what’s happening next. The Blood Elf and White Wolf are moving as well.

Sherry: Those two have attracted so much attention.

Ryzen: Yes, even they’ve even drawn the attention of those with royal blood.

Sherry: What do you mean?

Ryzen: Never mind.

~Rick~

*Rykala shows Rick basic fighting forms and he mimics her strikes.*

Rykala: That’s good. You seem to know a lot of the basics, but I think you’re approaching your fighting in the wrong way.

Rick: What?

Rykala: There are two kinds of martial artists -- calm martial artists who calculate and think about combat, and intuitive martial artists who rely on intuition and instincts.

Rick: I’m probably the intuitive one, right?

Rykala: Well your current style would suggest that, but your presence during battle makes me believe you’re more of the thinking type in combat. You’ve just never been properly trained in how to use it. So we’re gonna teach you how to.

Rick: Oh, okay.

*The door opens up and a blue haired figure enters the dojo. Her ears were pointed and had sharp yet gentle eyes.*

: So you’re the guy, hmm?

*Rick raises his fist and takes his stance.*

Rick: Who are you?

Rykala: Relax, Rick. This is Ren. She’s an old friend of mine.

Ren: Old? I’m not even twenty yet.

*Ren’s eyes suddenly dart back towards the door.*

Rykala: Looks like I’m popular today.

*A man stands in the door with large red and silver armor. White wolf ears stood out from his short white hair and his mature expression made him seem older than he was.*

Rykala: So Vyce has come too, huh?

Vyce: Yes, Ren and I both heard that these were the two. We’ve come to help out.

Rykala: I see. So Rick, Celina, how would you like to participate in the Holy Palace?

Rick: Yeah, I had intended to anyways.

Rykala: Okay then. You’ll work with Vyce, and Celina will be with Ren.

Rick: Huh?

Rykala: Those are the strongest teams. Vyce, why don’t you help Celina with her symbology training?

*The white haired beast man nods.*

Rykala: Okay, the Palace is in a month, so I’ll work you until you almost die.

*Rick swallows a lump in his throat and nods causciously.*

Rick: I’ll do it.[/size]