“Shayla!” Uhanzee reached out, his hand brushing the damaged globe instead, he too vanished.
Jaeoh and Gregor looked at each other and then at the table. As one they reached forward. Gregor’s fingers brushed the hour glass and Jaeoh’s the globe, and they too disappeared. The cover came down then, slowly until it clicked shut once more. The key then fell to the carpet.
Setsuna retrieved the key. “good luck,” she whispered.
***
Shayla stumbled to her knees, her hand going to Hana’s pulse. Her friend was alive. She looked up as Uhanzee appeared behind Samuel. He landed more nimbly than she had. He looked over to her and nodded. When Gregor appeared at Shayla’s side his arms immediately gathered Hana up and held her tight. His eyes darted about and settled on Steve just as he threw the Kusarigama.
Jaeoh appeared at Uhanzee’s side,. He watched as the Minervan was impaled, his eyes widening as he saw who had thrown the blade. In mere moments he watched as Samuel ran across the odd ground to catch the falling woman. He narrowed his eyes trying to spot Suteko in the mists.
Steve grinned wider. He took out all three, as ordered and now he used his new found shadow powers to drag Suteko from the mists. The woman was nearly unconscious from the drain he had built. Aki had given him more than the poison Kusarigama before he left. A piece of the chain with her skin and blood still attached made the sympathetic match for the draining spell. He pulled her fast, not caring if she was injured more. He slung her to his side as his former leader appeared. Glee that for once being in control, he laughed as the bull smashed past Jaeoh and caught the Minervan as she fell. He called the weapon back to his hand, causing it to tear out of the interfering woman’s breast. He held the bloody blade to the groggy Suteko’s throat. “Don’t even think it Jaeoh.”
Disbelieving, Jaeoh dashed forward but skidded to a stop as the Kusarigama pressed closer, bringing blood out of her throat. “Steve, stop it. You’re one of us.” He pleaded.
“Wrongo dude. I’m my own man and this chickie is gonna get me all the power I need. See ya!” With a grin he disappeared taking a limp Suteko with him.
Jaeoh’s roar was matched by the anger of two others. Gregor was angry but relieved when Hana’s eyes fluttered open. The bruise that darkened her pale jaw made him see red.
Iriko’s transformation had slipped as she sunk to the ground. Her simple overalls hid the blood better than the white of her uniform. Shayla was at her side in a blink, her hand reaching to press over the wound. The lavender haired beauty was gasping , unable to breath from the puncture in her lung. Her eyes were wide in pain and shock but strangely not in fear. She tried to talk, to ask the man holding her a question. “No little one, don’t, let Shayla heal you.” His voice was gruff and confused. Something was telling him that she was precious and important. To hold her and not let go but she was hurt and Shayla needed to help her. He loosened his arms and Shayla lay her hands over the wound. Green glowing power flowed from her hands into Iriko, causing her to moan. Shayla strained, pulling energy from deep inside. She felt the power grow stronger as Uhanzee added his power to hers, his brown energy combining with hers easily.
Jaeoh sent off a blast of Jade dragon fire in frustration to the clouds. Steve, once the lightest soul of the Kouhei, had just crossed over. He had used a bladed weapon against a fellow Kouhei, one he knew was poisoned. He used it against an unarmed senshi and he threatened an injured woman. In his most dangerous voice, he called out, “Kouhei!” Shayla, Uhanzee, Samuel, Gregor and a groggy Hana looked to their leader. “Star Ocean is no longer Kouhei. He has betrayed us all.”
The Kouhei looked at each other, then nodded. It was settled. Jaeoh continued to scan the mist, face angry but inside his heart was beating fast. “She needs me,” he whispered. Seeing the quiet, dignified warrior limp, bloody and burned was driving him mad. He clenched a fist inside the pocket of his jacket. The green dragon on the back coiling and uncoiling, an outward sign of his agitation. Something buried deep in his subconscious wanted him to race to her side, to take vengeance on those who injured her.
He never felt this way before. The connection to his Kouhei, the honor and responsibility of being their leader led to friendships, some closer than others but this was different. She raised protective urges, not because she was weak but because she was special. Gritting his teeth he turned away and went to his team.
"Shayla report!" His voice was at its gruff best.
The healer slowly came out of her trance. "The wound is bad but I have her stable. We need to get her and Samuel out of this place." She wearily leaned against Uhanzee, squeezing his hand in a silent thanks for loaning her energy. "Someplace safe and away fro the drain of the shadows. The poison has been stopped, for now, but I am not sure I can cure it's effects alone."
Samuel held Iriko carefully with his good arm. "Jaeoh...what is really going on here?" He looked down at her pale face and back up. "This girl shouldn't be on a battlefield at all." His confusion shone through the sweat beading on his face. "And Steve....what is going on?"
***
Hana came to once more feeling arms about her. For a long moment she savored the feel before raising a hand to touch her sore jaw. Steve packed a solid punch without adding the shadow power behind it. It had been a long time since a man had hit her and it would be a longer time before she let it happen again. "Not so tight," she said softly to her big protector. Gregor loosened his arms enough to let her sit up. Her eyes darted about in hope. Iriko was still unconscious in Samuel's embrace but there was no sign of the Star Knight. "Suteko?" she asked looking up at her partner. Gregor shook his head, "Gone."
She could feel the power from the artifact, pulling them back. "Quickly everyone, hold onto Iriko and Samuel or they will be trapped here!"
Jaeoh wrapped a hand about Samuel's arm as Uhanzee carefully did the same to Iriko. Within a blink of an eye the Kouhei were back by the glass topped table. Samuel hissed as his wound was jarred but he managed to keep Iriko still.
Shayla started barking orders, separating her two patients so she could finish tending them. "Lie them out flat. Careful of the wounds." She looked about, eyes narrowing. "Uhanzee get Usagi, we need her crystal for the poison. Jaeoh get some ice for Hana's jaw." She spared a soft look for the big man. "Gregor, she will be okay. I need you to help Samuel." Within moments the room was transformed. Pillows had been brought by the senshi, drink and cleansing cloths offered and Usagi brought forth her crystal.
Once the patients had been laid out, Shayla joined hands with a transformed Usagi. Together they sent healing energy, green and silver, directly into their injured companions. The shadow poison was tough, almost a living thing and unwilling to release its hold on the two Kouhei. Hotaru and Mamaru joined their weaker healing abilities to the others, their gifts sending the poison out of first Iriko and then Samuel. As they forced it out a black, oily mass lifted from the wounds, coalescing into two distinct figures. They drifted about, radiating anger and hate. The Princess then lifted her crystal, sending pure crystal moon light into the heart of the shadow monsters. The creatures fought and twisted. The moon energy could trap them but not destroy them.
Jaeoh watched them twist for a long moment and then with a growl he sent green flame splashing into them. The creatures froze and then let out a long eerie wail as they turned into ash and scattered. He turned his eyes to his ruler and nodded before moving back to the side of his fallen Kouhei. Speaking softly, he clasped Samuel's hand, welcoming him back.
"I tried Jaeoh, I tried to get her away." The stocky and shaggy young man, looked down. He had failed his friends.
"I know man. I know." Jaeoh patted Samuel on the shoulder and turned to leave the room. "Shayla?"
The healer looked up and nodded. "The wounds are healing."
Jaeoh nodded once and slipped out of the room. With two wounded in his office and the ma
in dojo filled with Senshi, it was hard to find a place to think. But thinking wasn't what he needed. He moved to the smallest training room, shedding jacket, shirt and shoes at the doorway. He started katas. Movement was what he needed. A way to clear his mind of the anger that was threatening his center. Anger and something he had to admit to himself was fear. The sight of Suteko, battered and bloody, had shaken something loose in his mind. He punched faster, kicked harder as his mind tried to show him something. Images of a woman who looked like Suteko yet different. She was wearing ancient robes or peasant smocks and pants. Teaching others, talking to him, loving him. He didn't know how he knew these things but some when in a distant past he was involved with the missing Star Knight.
He kept moving faster and faster, his fists blurring till he stopped and dropped down in a squat, head hanging as he fought to bring his breathing under control. Nothing was making sense. The peace he found, fought hard for was out of reach now. Closing his eyes all he could see was her face as his one time friend took her away.
"You will get her back Jaeoh." Mamaru's voice was soft but rang with truth.
"How do you know that, Prince?" He didn't look up. In fact he started punching the mat over and over. "How do you know that she is even still alive." His voice dropped down to barely audible as a pale face filled his vision.
Mamaru felt for this man. Ancient memories and new feelings were flooding the Kouhei. Destiny could be cruel. "I know because the Unicorn statue still glows. It is faint but Suteko will not give up. It isn't part of her nature."
Mamaru waited. He remembered the confusion, the indecision when the ancient past caught up with a man. He watched the Kouhei beat the mat till his knuckles bled. "It is hard, isn't it?" He smiled when Jaeoh stopped punching. "The memories are confusing but you get used to them." He walked over and dropped down next to Jaeoh. "We'll get her back Jaeoh. We have to regroup but we will find her and save her."
Jaeoh looked up under his brow, black eyes glowing with his power. "We'll save her or I'll tear Kaneda to pieces."
***
Steve brought Suteko back to the main hall of the castle. The shadow minions pulled back in fear of the weak, battered woman. He dragged her in front of the throne, tossing a triumphant grin toward Aki as he stopped. "I have brought the one you seek Master!" He tossed her down on the floor in front of the throne.
Kaneda's black hood stared down at his foe. Even covered in blood and burns she was still beautiful. "I told you I would win Suteko. The shadow has overcome the light." His voice sounded gleeful, if hollow.
From the floor Suteko answered softly. "You haven't won yet Kaneda." She very slowly pushed herself up, panting and hissing as her wounds pulled. "I am still alive," As she reached her knees she took a deep ragged breath. She tried once more to draw up her power, to somehow flood this room with clean, white Light but all she managed was a feeble glow.
With a negligent wave of his hand, Kaneda forced her back down on her belly, in a mockery of obscience. "You are...for now little woman." He slowly flowed down the dais to stand in front of her. "And for as long as I decide you will live." He gestured for the two turned Kouhei to lift her up. "Only for as long as I decide."
Seiya moved forward eagerly, taking one arm as Steve took the other. The pink haired, sensual beauty wrapped her long claws tight, breaking what little undamaged skin she could find and fresh blood started to trickle off her elbow. Unnoticed the drops sizzled on the floor, the light in her blood causing the shadow floor to melt. Kaneda's sleeve lifted and curled about Suteko's chin. He slowly dragged her forward. "And now I can do whatever I desire to you." The hood leaned forward till it engulfed her face. A muffled scream filled the hall. It broke off as she went totally limp. Kaneda pulled back and spoke, his voice purring. "Take her to the Room." Every creature in the chamber could feel the Master's smile of pleasure and shuddered. "Aki, your chains. Bring them." The general nodded, snapping his fingers. The chains appeared and he followed his master and his minions out of the throne room.
"She should have told me," he whispered as a niggling doubt filled him. The chill emanating from the Room flowed over his skin. This room was the heart of the Darkness and glowed an sickly purple.
***
The following days had senshi watching the table. As long as the unicorn statue was still white they had time but there were now a few cracks in the white jade. The black star and a new pink curvaceous woman figure swirled about the unicorn, causing the glow to fade each time. Long streaks of black would cover the pure white jade each time the woman statue moved. Oddly enough the glow returned when the general circled, as if somehow Aki was lending energy to his former sensei.
Gregor was confused. Friendships had changed. The power dynamic between the Kouhei and the senshi used to be clear and distinct, but now he wasn't sure. While it was good to have Samuel back, the scruffy Kouhei was spending all his time with Iriko. Not sure how to deal with yet another friend who returned from the dead, he tended to lash out at those around him. In the old days he would have turned to Jaeoh, his chosen leader but Jaeoh was in seclusion with of all people Mamaru. The prince and the Kouhei were deep in a discussion about repressed memories from ancient times.
In the past few years Gregor found that he could turn for some sense of clarity to Hana but it seemed different now. Inwardly he was fighting with strange new emotions. Hana had been his touchstone for peace and sanity for years. The happenings of the past week was making him admit she meant more than a friend to him. Her calm and patience was what let him deal with the contained anger and the confusion of his place in this world but his still unresolved feelings for the now traitorous Seiya was making him edgy, make that edgier.
He wandered out to the small enclosed garden behind the dojo. Kneeling in the shade beneath an ancient tree was Uhanzee. Once they had butted heads. The tall, lanky Cheyenne had been arrogant and stand offish. Angry at the injustice done to his people and intolerant of whites. Gregor and he had had a few knock downs when they first became Kouhei. Leveler heads had made them see that they were fighting the same enemy. Then in a nasty battle the Amerid warrior had taken a death wound protecting Shayla and Hana. They hadn't quite become friends but Gregor had respected the loyalty and selfless bravery that had saved the two women. Now he was back but he seemed quieter, more controlled, like his demons were under control. The big white haired powerhouse of muscle stood watching Uhanzee chant in his native tongue. The chant stirred something deep inside, no matter who listened. It slowly fell off as the warrior waved a burning bundle of grass about and then sat back, eyes closed.
Gregor pondered for a long bit and was drawing breath when Uhanzee spoke. "Come, brother, sit." He didn't open his eyes or lift a hand, leaving the decision to Gregor.
"That is the second time you called me brother man."
Uhanzee opened his dark eyes, looking at Gregor steady and deep. "Are we not?"
Pausing, Gregor mulled that. In the way of the warrior, they were in fact brothers. "Okay, I'll give you that one." He moved to the side and squatted down, keeping his hands free but at eye level for the seated man. Gregor debated for long moments as Uhanzee patiently waited.
The former dog soldier kept his gaze stead yon his fellow Kouhei. Inwardly he smiled at the conflict the Hestoetane was going through. The big man had grown more than fond of little Hana but his heart was divided. Now that Seiya was back, he felt lingering loyalty to the beautiful and twisted woman. Yet the quietly loyal Koo'ht woman tugged at his sore heart. Her steadfast loyalty to the much larger man was interesting to watch. Though she held ancient secrets, she was at times innocent, almost childlike. Her quiet patience was needed here. Plus her knowledge of the woman at the center of the new conflict was crucial.
Gregor found himself at a loss for words. Talking was never his strong suit. Give him an obstacle and he could go around or more likely through it
, a monster, he would kill it but words tended to trip him up. He just didn't know where to start. Uhanzee took pity on him. "Little Hana seems to have grown strong Gregor. Is that from your influence.?"
A small smile flashed before he answered. "Hell no, Hana has always been stronger than she appeared. She just hides it well."
Tilting his head, Uhanzee lifted a brow. "Is that so?"
Gregor nodded. "After...well you know." He looked away, uncomfortable with the concept of resurrection. "After you all were gone, I spent a lot of time watching over her. But it seems she has been watching over us all. Well, we sorta fell into working together. Cleaning up the left overs."
Uhanzee nodded. No matter who won the war there were always stragglers to be caught and removed. "So she learned to fight?"
"More remembered how." Gregor plucked a grass stem and chewed it. "Something smashed through the shield over her memories. Not sure what but she suddenly became less afraid?" The two men continued to talk abut the shy Japanese woman.
When Shadows Rise Page 20
