Tales of the Epitaph 14

[Hayate]

Tales of the Epitaph

Chapter 14: The Quaking Valley

~ City of Dun Loireag, Kingdom of Mac Anu ~

~ Jinnday, Gorre-Lunae 28, AC2038 ~

*Ren continues telling the story of how Kazuto and Sakuya were separated at birth and how Ren came to be Kazuto’s guardian*

Saber: …Risa Fujino?

Ren: She was one of Queen Gardenia’s most trusted attendants. They were like sisters. When Kazuto and Sakuya were born, and her Highness the queen had their fortunes read, she feared Sakuya would be condemned to death because of the prophecy. Desperate to protect the life of her newborn daughter, the queen had arranged for Lady Risa to take Sakuya away from the city and for Sakuya’s birth to be kept a secret, even from his Majesty King Shirai. Thus, Kazuto was raised as the lone heir to the Mac Anu throne, while Lady Risa escaped with Sakuya.

Shiro: …And then she ran into you.

Ren: *nods* When I first laid eyes upon Lady Risa that day, I felt a…connection. I couldn’t understand it at the time, but there was something between us. When I saw that she was leaving LeGable, I pleaded for her to take me with her. …And she did. And together we escaped, across the Valley of Sif Berg…to this city. To Dun Loireag.

Kaori: Wow…

Ren: It was in this place that Lady Risa raised Sakuya and I. She was so kind, so motherly. It was the first time in three years that I was ever really happy. I was so grateful to Lady Risa for taking me away from the city with her that I would’ve given my life for her without a moment’s delay. …But then…just a few months after Sakuya turned 11, Lady Risa had fallen ill. She had grown pale and weak. I feared the absolute worst. But Lady Risa was so strong and tenacious. She just kept on looking after Sakuya and myself, even when her body seemed like it would break at any moment. I admired her. So much so that I wanted to be like her. I learned to cook and clean just so she wouldn’t have to. I did odd jobs around the city to earn money so that she could stay in bed. And I even looked after Sakuya for her and homeschooled her. Anything to help Lady Risa get better. …But as time went on, she just got worse. She was running fevers of 104 on a daily basis, and her skin was getting paler and paler. And my magic did little to nothing to improve her health. Finally…a little over half a year ago, when she was on her very last leg, Lady Risa sat Sakuya and I down and told us everything… About how she wasn’t Sakuya’s biological mother, that she was born to the Mac Anu royal family…and that she had a twin brother…

Kazuto: …

*the sound of water droplets hitting the stone ground grabs everyone’s attention, and they turn to face Sakuya, who was crying her eyes out*

Shiro: …Oh, Sakuya…

Sakuya: …But that’s…not all Mother told us…is it, Ren…?

Ren: …Just before she passed, Lady Risa imparted her last wish to me. She told me…that even though the prophecy that foretold the end of the world was meant for Sakuya, Kazuto might be put to death nonetheless. So she sent me to find Kazuto and protect him from those who would wish him dead.

Sakuya: …I won’t let them put him to death…

All: …?

*just then, Sakuya lifts her head up and glares at Kazuto with hateful tear-filled eyes*

Sakuya: …because I’M gonna kill him first!!!

All: !!!

Sakuya: That bastard’s stolen everything from me! If he had never been born, I wouldn’t have had to keep my existence a secret! I wouldn’t have had to surrender my birthright! I wouldn’t have had to watch my mother suffer like she did! Don’t you see!? Every single life he’s touched has been plagued by death, pain, and misfortune! HE’S the real threat to the world, not me!!!

Kazuto: …

Shiro: …Kazu…?

Kazuto: …I’m sorry. I…need to be alone for a while. *walks away*

Kaori: W-Wait, Kazu! …Shouldn’t we follow him?

Ren: …I’ll go and talk to him. I’m sorry about this, but could I ask the rest of you to wait for us at the inn?

Saber: …As you wish.

*Shiro, Saber, and Kaori turn around and head towards the inn while Ren follows Kazuto; she follows him to a small public garden on the west side of the city and slowly approaches from behind*

Kazuto: …

Ren: …Kazu?

Kazuto: …

Ren: …It’s alright. You don’t have to say anything. You have every right to be angry with me. I’ve kept so many secrets from you, and for that, I can never apologize enough. In spite of the person your sister had become, you deserved to know about her more than anyone. I should’ve told you the truth right from the start.

Kazuto: …

*without turning to face Ren, Kazuto draws his sword once more*

Ren: K-Kazu…?

Kazuto: …This is…your brother’s sword…isn’t it, Ren?

Ren: …Mm-hmm.

Kazuto: I’m wearing your brother’s clothes… I’m using his weapon… And I drew it on you…

Ren: …Kazu…

*Kazuto then turns to face Ren and presents the sword to her*

Kazuto: …I don’t deserve to wield this after today. I got agitated, and before I knew it, my body was reacting on its own. I yelled at you, Ren, and threatened you with your own brother’s sword! You’re apologizing to me!? I should be the one apologizing! I should be down on my knees begging for your forgiveness! How can you still look me in the eye and speak to me with such kindness after what I’ve done!? Don’t you despise me!?

Ren: …

Kazuto: Please, Ren, just…take it…! If you want to run me through with it too, that’s fine, I don’t care…!

*stepping forward, Ren reaches out her arms and embraces Kazuto*

Kazuto: *gasp*

*the utter surprise of the gesture causes Kazuto to drop the sword*

Kazuto: …But…why…?

Ren: …I could never despise you, Kazu. You’ve always done what your heart told you. The resolve you show day after day is a kind I myself could never show. That’s precisely why I was right to entrust my brother’s sword to you. You wield it with the same idealism and conviction Kaga did. …That’s why…I could never bring myself to hate you.

*as Ren’s words hit home, Kazuto’s eyes begin to well up with tears*

Kazuto: …I’m sorry…

*some time later, the party regroups at the inn*

Saber: …So I take it you’ve had time to think over what transpired today?

Kazuto: Yes. And I’ve decided what I want to do next.

All: …

Kazuto: Sakuya’s existence was kept a secret from almost everyone in LeGable, including my father. …I want to meet with Father and tell him about her. Once he finds out that the prophecy was never about me, hopefully he’ll call off this prince manhunt.

Kaori: But…if you do that, won’t Sakuya be his new target?

Kazuto: Exactly. Which is why I also want him to meet Sakuya. Let him meet with the daughter he never knew he had. Then maybe we can dispense with this whole “end of the world” nonsense.

Ren: We’re taking Sakuya with us?

Kazuto: No…I don’t think that’d be a good idea. Once the kingdom authorities focus their attention away from me and onto Sakuya, she might be detained right then and there. And besides…she wants to kill me, remember…?

All: …

Kazuto: First and foremost, we’ll explain things to Father. Then, after we get him to agree to meet with Sakuya, we’ll come back here to fetch her.

Shiro: Hmm… I must admit, it’s not a bad plan. But how do you suggest we get into the castle? If we want to get to his Majesty the king, we’ll have to figure out a way past the Royal Guard.

Kazuto: Hehehe… Just leave that to me.

Shiro: …Oh, boy…

Ren: Well then, if it’s decided, we should prepare ourselves for the trek across Sif Berg.

Saber: We should inform Captain Ciel of our plans as well.

All: *nods*

~ Filiday, Gorre-Lunae 29, AC2038 ~

*after making preparations and a night’s slumber at the inn, Kazuto and company assemble in Ciel’s room at the Dun Loireag Clinic; Dr. Masaki and Lucia are also present*

Ciel: …So you plan to head across Sif Berg toward the Mac Anu capital, eh? Hmph. Can’t say I’m surprised. Nothin’ but ninja territory down south, so only way to go from here is north.

Saber: We’re truly grateful to you for bringing us this far, Captain Ciel. We’re…terribly sorry about your ship and crew.

Ciel: Don’t be. Just show them Atrum Neux codfish what for.

Kazuto: I wouldn’t worry too much about them. But if we do run into them, you can bet we’ll dish out some well-deserved Arc-en-Ciel justice.

Ciel: Heh. Glad to hear it.

Shiro: You’re sure you’re gonna be alright, captain? I feel kinda bad for leaving you in this place by yourself.

Ciel: Ah, don’t trouble yourself over me, lad. I’ll be just fine. Besides… *looks over at Lucia* …I’m in plenty good company.

Lucia: *blush* Hehehe…

Ren: *giggles* Sounds like Captain Ciel has a bit of you in him, Shiro.

Shiro: You make it sound like a bad thing.

All: Hahahaha!

*just then, Kaori dashes in, flustered*

Kaori: E-Everyone!

Saber: Hmm? What’s wrong, Kaori? You look so tense.

Kaori: I went back to where we captured Sakuya! She…escaped!

All: !!!

Kazuto: She’s gone…?!?

Shiro: Well, that’s problematic… She could get the jump on us if she were so inclined…

Ren: What should we do? If we tell his Majesty about Sakuya now…

Kazuto: …

Saber: Sir Kazuto?

Kazuto: …Let’s head for LeGable anyway. As long as we explain the situation to Father, he’ll stay his hand about Sakuya. As for Sakuya herself…we’ll just have to move quickly and watch our backs.

Ren: (…Sakuya…)

~ Valley of Sif Berg, Kingdom of Mac Anu ~

*a short time later, Kazuto and the others stand at the entrance to Sif Berg Valley and are treated to the sight of a small yet extensive rocky mountain range*

Ren: It’s at least a three-day hike from here to the other side of the valley, so if we keep an even pace with minimal resting, we should make it to LeGable by Magiday morning.

*just then, a small-scale quake shakes the party*

Kaori: W-Whoa…! What was that…!?

Ren: Watch your step. The earth around Sif Berg is unstable, so the valley is prone to tremors and tectonic shifts.

Shiro: *sweatdrop* Thanks for the warning…

*from afternoon until nightfall, Kazuto and company make their way across the shaky cliffs and hilltops of Sif Berg; some time after the sun goes down, the group settles down and makes a campfire in a wide-open clearing; Kaori prepares stew while everyone else converses among themselves*

Kaori: *humming cheerfully*

Shiro: Two days to LeGable… You’re absolutely sure you want to do this, Kazu?

Kazuto: Hey, I’ve only been two weeks away from home. How bad could it be?

Ren: …

Saber: …

Kazuto: …Am I that obvious? …Yeah, the truth is, I am a little scared. But who wouldn’t be? My whole world was turned on its head in the blink of an eye, and ever since we left Mac Anu, I thought I’d never see LeGable again. And now… What if Father doesn’t look at me the same way? What if he -- no, everyone in the castle -- looks at me like I’m some…abomination? An affront towards Aura?

Ren: Kazuto…

Shiro: *sigh* Really, Kazu, you’ve gotta stop talking about yourself like that. Keep it up, and I’ll catch your self-pity. And if I catch it, well, we can just kiss our overall enthusiasm goodbye, eh?

Saber: *laughs* You always know just what to say, don’t you, Sir Shiro?

Shiro: It’s a gift.

Ren: Well, the castle guards sure aren’t gonna make it easy for us to get inside the capital walls. Not to mention this “Kaeion” person they’ve sent after us now…

Kazuto: Do you know anything about him, Ren? He did take part in the war that killed your family.

Ren: *shakes head* Only what Zero told me. Besides, I was a little girl at the time of the war. I hardly remember any details at all.

Saber: …“Adept Rogue”…

Kaori: *samples stew* …Mmm! Okay, food’s ready!

Shiro: Oh, thank heavens! The scent of the food was so tantalizing, I was just about ready to bite my own fingers off!

Kaori: Hahahaha!

*with that, the party digs into Kaori’s food and, a short time later, proceeds to go to sleep for the night*

~ Sayaday, Gorre-Lunae 30, AC2038 ~

Saber: Take…THIS!!!

*the following morning, some time after setting out again, the party encounters a group of stone golems; Saber swings her broadsword and severs one golem’s arm*

Golem: *low-pitched roar*

Saber: He’s all yours, Sir Kazuto!

Kazuto: Gotcha!

*flying in from out of nowhere, Kazuto uses his sword to strike at the jewel on the golem’s forehead that gave it its form; upon shattering the jewel, Kazuto reduces the golem to a mere pile of unmoving rocks*

Kazuto: One down… *looks towards the enemy* …two to go!

*the second golem dashes forward madly and swings his stone arm down upon Shiro, who defends with his dual swords*

Shiro: Grrrr…! Ren! Kaori! Whenever you’re ready!

*just a short distance behind, Ren and Kaori are seen accumulating magical power*

Ren/Kaori: Forces of darkness, arise! ANI ZOT!

*beneath the golem’s feet, a black pit opens up from which a series of teeth-like spikes appear; the spikes appear to “bite” the golem and begin to drag its body into another dimension*

Golem: *low-pitched roar of anguish*

Shiro: Whew! Well, I certainly don’t envy you, my good beast!

*the last golem standing pounds its stubby stone arms on its chest and roars loudly*

Kazuto: Heh! He’s a lively one, isn’t he?

Saber: Let’s finish this quickly!

*the group prepares to battle the stone beast, but just before they could lay a finger on it, a thin blade is swiftly swung down through it, severing its body clean in two*

All: !!!

*as the cleaved-through rocks fall to the group, a human-shaped figure is seen standing behind them; the figure puts its blade away*

Kaori: Is that Sakuya!?

Ren: No… The body structure is too large…

*the dust finally settles, and the party comes face-to-face with…*

: …So we finally meet, your Majesty.

*…Kaeion*

Kazuto: Do I…know you?

Kaeion: No, you don’t. But that’s of no relevance to you. All that matters…

*reaching behind him, Kaeion pulls a large sword out of nowhere*

Saber: (Was that…?)

Kaeion: …is that this place…will be your coffin!

*without hesitation, Kaeion shoots forth to attack*

Ren: He comes!

*the party scatters about the area and Saber fends off Kaeion’s oncoming assault*

Saber: Grrrr…!

Kaeion: Interesting… You’re a knight of Lumina Cloth… And you’ve allied yourself with the traitorous prince?

Saber: Who I ally myself with…is none of your concern!

*Saber shakes Kaeion off and swings her broadsword at him horizontally; Kaeion leaps away from the swing and, while in midair, substitutes his sword for a bladed polearm; landing on the ground, now positioned in front of Shiro, Kaeion thrusts the polearm at blinding speed*

Shiro: S-Such speed…!

Ren: Earth below, reveal thy force! Gan Bolg!

*Ren summons a group of jagged rocks from the ground and hurls them at Kaeion; skillfully wielding the polearm, Kaeion spins around and slices through them as they come within range*

Ren: That reaction time! It’s…inhuman!

Shiro: Damn you!

*while Kaeion’s back was turned, Shiro swings his dual swords at him; Kaeion holds his polearm behind him with one hand to absorb the attack; then, with a freed hand, Kaeion draws a short blade, spins around, and slashes at Shiro’s chest*

Shiro: Gah!

Kaeion: …Hmph.

Saber: …So it is. Eponian subspatial magic. Same as the Lumina Cloth Imperial Forces.

Kaeion: Ah, you noticed. Indeed, I’m a practitioner of subspace magic like yourself. Prior to enlisting in the Coite-Bodher War, I trained at the Knight Academy in Lia Fail. So you can imagine how honored I am to face off against a fellow knight.

Saber: Spare me your frivolities! You’re no knight! You’re nothing more than a criminal!

Kaeion: …

*with Kaeion distracted, Kazuto moves in from the rear…*

Kazuto: Kyaaaaaaah!!!

*…and swings the sword at Kaeion’s back; Kaeion defends with his polearm at the last second*

Kazuto: Nngh…!

Kaeion: The traitorous Prince Kazuto… At last we meet face-to-face…

Kazuto: “Kaeion the Adept Rogue”, I presume…?

Kaeion: You’ve heard of me. Good. That takes care of introductions. Now…

*upon shaking off Kazuto’s sword, Kaeion swiftly substitutes his polearm for a blade and slashes deeply into Kazuto’s torso*

Kazuto: Agh!!!

*overcome by the pain, Kazuto collapses to his knees*

Kazuto: Ugh…

Kaeion: …It’s nothing personal, your Majesty. I would rather not take any more human lives, but this… *raises blade* …is the only way I can atone…

Kazuto: A-Atone…?

*Kaeion prepares to finish the job, but finds at the last minute he was unable to move a muscle*

Kaeion: W-What…!? Who’s…!?

*struggling to turn his head, Kaeion notices Ren standing several feet behind with her staff pointed*

Ren: *sigh* That was close…

Kaori: La Repth!

*holding out her hand, Kaori conjures a blue light around Kazuto to heal his wounds*

Kazuto: Whew… Thanks, Kaori.

Kaori: No problem.

*rising to his feet, Kazuto looks into Kaeion’s eyes*

Kazuto: You said…“atone”… Atone for what?

Kaeion: That…is of no relevance…to you!!!

*only his willpower driving him, Kaeion slowly breaks from the hold of Ren’s spell*

Kazuto: !!!

Ren: I c-can’t…hold him! Kazu, get away quickly!

*Kaeion completely breaks free from Ren’s magic and swings his arm down to deal the final strike; almost in slow motion, Kazuto rolls out of the way to evade; just as quickly as Kazuto moves away, Shiro and Saber move in with their weapons to challenge Kaeion up-close*

Kaeion: Tch…! So annoying…!

Shiro: The feeling’s more than mutual!

*fending off Shiro and Saber, Kaeion leaps up, substitutes his blade for a pair of handguns, aims them down, and rains bullets upon them*

Shiro: Aah! F-Firearms too!?

Saber: He really is the “Adept Rogue”!

*landing on the ground again, Kaeion positions himself in the center of the party’s circle, aiming his dual pistols at any who dared to come close*

Kaeion: So…who’ll make the first move…?

Kazuto: Grrrr…

Shiro: Only a coward would pull firearms on a short-armed opponent!

Kaeion: A “coward”…?

*just then, a memory of the Coite-Bodher War echoes in the back of Kaeion’s mind*

: C-Cowards! All of you! Nothing but hotheaded, thuggish cowards! And you’re the most cowardly of them all!

Kaeion: …Yes… Perhaps I am a coward… But it’s this so-called “coward” who has you all backed into a corner, despite the five-on-one handicap…

Kazuto: …

Ren: …

Shiro: …

Saber: …

Kaori: … *gulp*

(1): …Is that the case now…?

(2): …Well, allow us to change that…

All: !!!

Shiro: Who’s there!?

(2): Aw… What’s the matter, whitey? Don’t recognize our voices? My feelings are hurt…

*after determining the source of the voices, the party and Kaeion turn towards the top of a nearby cliff; standing at the top of the cliff were…*

Kazuto: *gasp*

*…Kyuzo and Hartz*

Kyuzo: Yo! Did you miss us?

TO BE CONTINUED…