Burning Treasure of the Lost King | Chapters 1-9

[align=center]Chapter 1 – A Meeting Among Friends[/align]
“Nicholas! Nicholas, are you still up there? Hurry up; we are going to miss the train if you don’t hurry!” Came the cries of a young girl, in her teens. Her face had delicate features accented by her slight tan. Her eyes were a golden color and her hair the color of the ocean waves. Samantha was a Nortitian from the Northern colonies. She was a rare occurrence among her people as she had an almost insatiable lust for adventure.

“I’m already coming down. No need to yell, Samantha,” was the returned reply. Nicholas was not a very remarkable person. Green hair and lavender eyes were common among his species. He however was one of the rarely born members of his race that had two tails and his ears were slightly pointed, this was common among the Ankolite race.

“Well you sure took your time getting down here. We are going to miss the train, and you know how Carlos gets when we are late. Humans, they have no patience I tell you, absolutely none,” Samantha said with a huff.

“Sorry I had to collect my journals, I can’t leave without them,” Nicholas said hastily. Nicholas was an aspiring writer and he took his journals everywhere to record the things he did and places he saw, as any writer worth his paper would do, or so he thought.

The two lived in the small city of Rabernese in the Western Province, their friend Carlos, a human, lived in the Mountainous region known as the Halcian Crevasse. The place was riddled with monsters.

“I still dislike the idea of having to defend a train. The monsters along the way are supposed to be smarter and stronger that the ones that live around here,” Nicholas said with a tint of fright.

“It’s no less dangerous than any other part of Laoudi. Now would you stop worrying and come on?” Samantha said getting impatient, “We don’t have all day. At this rate we are going to have to run all the way there.”

“I doubt that entirely, if we run you’ll tire out before we reach the station.” Nicholas said with a slight chuckle.

The world of Laoudi was a diverse planet. It was Home to five species who had achieved technological superiority. The Nortitian race came from the Northern regions, adept in Magic and skilled in the art of alchemy. Nortitians are unique in that they are on average seven feet tall and have ears that curve downwards. Merchants would make routine trips to Nortitian territory to buy potions of the highest caliber. Humans lived in the Eastern territories, where they were split into different kingdoms. The kingdom of Dramancia controlled one-fourth of the territory, and the rest was divided among City-states like Rabernese in the west.

The Ankolite came from the Western regions and a tribe could be found in the polar south. They were distinct in the fact that they had slightly pointed ears and a tail. Every few years a rare Ankolite was born with two tails, such as Nicholas. Ankolites are hired by many armies as mercenaries because of their superior strength, despite their appearance of being thin, as this was because of their extreme running ability. The Monkins are rarely seen outside the southern regions as they long ago sealed off their territories to the outside. Grenklo are friendly wanderers that are expert monster tamers. They do not travel with weapons and instead rely on their charms and tamed beasts to protect them.

“Well we best be off, we don’t want to keep Carlos waiting, otherwise he might go after that treasure without us!” Nicholas said with a sly smile creeping across his face.

“Well then what are you waiting for? Get your pack and lets go,” was Samantha’s reply with a broad smile crossing her face.

The two soon set out across the town’s central road and came across the end of the town’s road. They trekked through the lush greenery of the surrounding lands, with a clear sky above them, and a friend waiting to meet them. Their thoughts were on the journey ahead, however, little did they know they were embarking on the journey of a lifetime.

[align=center]Chapter 2 – Should’ve Stayed Home Today[/align]
“Samantha, I can see the station! I knew we would be early if we kept this pace,” Nicholas yelled.

“*huff* I didn’t ask you Nicholas, just keep moving. I’m getting tired of this running,” Samantha wheezed out, running did not suit her people. Ankolites were raised to run and defend themselves from very early ages. Nortitians aren’t ever raised to run more than a few feet, seeing as how they wouldn’t survive long out during the Northern blizzards.

As the duo approached the station Nicholas’s ears caught the sound of trouble. The world was covered in monsters and it was these monsters that had earned Nicholas and Samantha passage on the train.

“GOBLIOKS, hiding in the brush along the tree line,” Was all Nicholas could say before the monsters burst out of cover. These monsters never fought a straight fight so it helped that Nicholas’s ears had heard them. They had hard chitinous hides and were able to shoot spines off their chest. Nicholas quickly put his weapon of choice, Custom-made Claws, onto his hands and took a battle stance and watched the enemies’ movements.

Samantha wasn’t caught in the trap and slowed down and took in the scene. There were seven Goblioks surrounding Nicholas who had readied himself for battle. Samantha quickly drew her bow and nocked an arrow. She aimed at one of the grotesque things and let loose the arrow with a whoosh. The arrow found its mark but bounced off the creature’s chitinous hide leaving behind a large bruise. The creature whirled around to face Samantha.

Meanwhile two of the other monsters rushed Nicholas who quickly darted to the side to avoid their poisonous spines. Nicholas quickly lashed out with his Claws, which were custom made for him by a friend, and left a small gash on one of the monster’s shoulders. Nicholas knew his claws would never be able to slice through that hide and he began to reach toward his side with his right hand.

Samantha however was having much better luck. She had climbed up a nearby tree and planted two arrows into the armpits of the monster, causing it to bleed every time it used its arms. She quickly drew, nocked, and trained her arrow on the Gobliok’s head. With a quick whoosh she let loose the arrow and planted it into the creature’s forehead. It took the creature a few moments to realize what happened before suddenly falling dead. Samantha looked over to check on Nicholas and saw him reaching for his side.

“I should’ve stayed home today,” Was all Samantha could mutter before taking cover behind the tree.

[align=center]Chapter 3 – A little Unknown Fact[/align]
Nicholas reached for his side and opened a pouch. Inside the pouch were several items that were quite odd. Nicholas drew one of the items out and raised it up to Chest level.

In a booming voice Nicholas cried, “Winds of the Slashing Titan!” As soon as Nicholas said this a sudden gust of wind blew out from the item. It sliced through the hides of the Goblioks like a hot knife through butter. When the dust the wind kicked up settled, the ambush party lay dead around Nicholas.

“I still don’t understand how you do that. I’ll never use that stuff, ruins the thrill of battle,” Samantha said as she jogged towards Nicholas.

“Symbology should come naturally to you; I mean your people are affiliated with Magic after all. It’s shocking that I’ve master magic that you cannot, I thought it not possible,” Nicholas said in a serious tone, “Besides battle is not for thrills, it’s for survival.”

“Whatever you say, now let’s go before more of those things show up,” Samantha said as she began towards the station at a light jog.

“Do you ever slow down?” Nicholas called as he hurried to catch up with her.

They soon reached the Station’s security perimeter and checked in with the attendant.

“Sir, do you know when our train will be arriving? It’s bound for the Halcian Crevasse,” Samantha told the attendant.

“Your train will arrive later today,” Was the attendants replied, “Feel free to wait in the lounge while you wait.”

“Thank you; please notify us when it arrives.” Nicholas told the attendant as he and Samantha went towards the lounge. After the event in the field, he was eager to get some rest.

[align=center]Chapter 4 - Our Worst Enemy was our Best Friend Time[/align]
Samantha took a seat on a couch and casually lounged, while Nicholas took a seat in a nearby armchair, pulled out a journal and began writing about the previous battle.

“Hey Nicholas, I know you study the world a lot and that kind of stuff. What do you know about Halcian?” Samantha asked Nicholas with a puzzled look on her face a few minutes after sitting down. “I’ve never been to the region before, our last trip was to the Southern wastelands,” Samantha continued.

“Well give me a moment and I’ll find one of my journals,” Nicholas said as he placed his current journal aside and put his pen in between its binding. He reached into his pack and after rummaging for a few moments he took a dusty green journal out. “Here we are, the Halcian Crevasse,” He flipped open the journal and skimmed through the pages until he found the Geography section, “Ah now let’s see…”

“Hurry up and spit it out already, our train will be here soon enough,” Samantha urged impatiently.

“Calm down, No need to get your hair in a knot, jeez,” was Nicholas’s retort with a sly smile as usual. “The Halcian Crevasse is a stretch of Mountainous terrain that divides the Eastern and Western territories. It has been declared a neutral zone after the last conflict. It has always been home to some of the most dangerous monsters to be found on this continent, and rumors say that it even houses a mighty Wurm. The only City worth mentioning in the area is our destination; Bafisk. “

“You really are a walking encyclopedia. Well at least with you around I’ll never need to buy a map!” Samantha remarked making them both laugh.

“It has been awhile since we’ve been alone for any length of time, hasn’t it Sammy?” Nicholas asked his eyes gazing into the distance, looking into his past.

“What have I told you about calling me that? That was a time long gone Nicholas, a time best forgotten.” Samantha said suddenly becoming very sullen. “The train should be here soon, you should grab your things we need to be ready, “were her final words before walking out of the lounge.

“Oh what woeful tales we weave, when we practice to deceive. Ah Sammy, how time has turned on us. Once there was never enough, now it is all there is. What does the mighty Ozalen have planned for us poor unfortunate souls?” Nicholas said into the empty room before he gathered his things and made for the door.

[align=center]Chapter 5 – Time is like a Train, it’s Only Going Forward[/align]

The Train pulled into the station with a loud whistling sound. Nicholas walked up to Samantha’s side while passengers loaded off the train.

“Whatever you do, leave the negotiations to me. I don’t want to get fired before we even get started,” Nicholas scolded before anything could happen.

“OH! You’re no fun Nicholas,” Samantha said completely forgetting Nicholas’s slight a few minutes earlier, “What happens if it get violent?”

“Then you can smash some heads and break a few bones, it’s all a part of the negotiations,” Nicholas said with his sly smile once again creeping across his face, “You know how much I hate to lose.”

With that Samantha chuckled as the stream of Passengers finally ended. As the new passengers began to file into the cabin Samantha and Nicholas approached the Train’s Security Officer.

“Hello we are here for the temporary escort position. We are working for passage to Halcian and will need only two meals a day, and a place to rest which we would prefer to be a bunk,” Nicholas said with a confident voice.

“Well that seems simple enough, but this is a Train of Izanugi Enterprises and we only hire members from Clans and Guilds. Do you have a member’s license?”

“What? I’ve never been in a Clan or Guild in my entire life! Nor has my family, why is that even an accepted policy?” Samantha quickly launched at the Officer.

“Calm down Samantha, I knew about the policy. Sir she is a friend of mine and I’m sure that you won’t mind if I bring her along, she will be very helpful during the escort,” Nicholas continued.

“Certainly as long as you can produce a license of a Clan or Guild,” The Officer stated again.

“Well will this one work; I am a member of the Inventor’s Guild in Rabernese. I’m sure your company has worked with us before,” Nicholas said producing his Guild license.

“Ah, our company holds high respects towards your Guild master Nicholas,” the Officer says while reading the license. “It is a pleasure to have you onboard, sir.”

“If that is the way you want to look at it, then yes it is,” Nicholas replied snidely.

After the passengers boarded the train safely Nicholas and Samantha climbed into the Security car and chose their rooms, each accommodated them based on their fighting styles. The train soon departed the station with a hiss, as it rolled out of the station Nicholas heard a knock on his door.

“Who is it?” Nicholas asked with a curious tone.

The door opened without a noise and in walked a young man with dark purple hair, orange eyes, and a thin, lean physique. Around his waist he carried several kunai and on his back was blade that had a blue hilt. On his arm rested a shield with a crest Nicholas didn’t recognize.

“Are you Nicholas Miah? I was sent by someone from Ra-“

“Don’t finish that sentence if you value your life. You should know better than to speak publically about that,” Nicholas cut the stranger off closing his door and placing a barrier enchantment on it.

“Sorry, I’m new to the…Organization,” The stranger continued after Nicholas nodded his approval, “Master sent me to inform you that the Halcian region has erupted into conflict between us and the Watchmen.”

“How did they find us? We had cloaking everywhere, it shouldn’t have been possible.” Nicholas said as a frown furrowed his face.

“I was sent to ensure that you weren’t harmed while on your trip.”

‘Well then, you best tell me your name, profession, and squad color.” Nicholas said with clarity and formality that you would expect from a drill sergeant.

“I’m Daisuke Niomake, my profession is a Shadow Ninja, and I am part of the Green squad.” Daisuke quickly stated, obviously rehearsed.

“Very well, return to your cabin. I’m not traveling alone so you had best act as if we are old friends when around and stay out of my way during combat.” Nicholas made clear before Daisuke left the room.

“Yes, sir,” Daisuke said as he opened the door and Nicholas dropped the barrier.

Nicholas sat down to ponder the recent conversation. He eventually pulled out a journal and began to write about his trip so far. He had just finished and was about to get some rest when Samantha burst into the room.

“Don’t tell me you were about to go to sleep Nicholas?” Samantha said loudly after noticing Nicholas halfway onto his bunk.

“Actually I-“

“Come on, we have to get something to eat now, otherwise we have to wait until the second sun sets!” Samantha practically cried.

‘Alright, alright, we’ll get some food then. You didn’t have to wake me, I brought my own. Going to taste better than whatever they serve anyway.” Nicholas complained.

As he and Samantha left the room, Nicholas pondered everything that had happened today. Carlos had called him out to Halcian and in the same day Nicholas had been told that the Watchmen had uncovered their operation. Carlos had always been a good friend, but he had always valued money more. Would he sell out his friend to the Watchmen for a promise of gold?

Chapter 6 – What Value can be placed on a soul?

Samantha wasn’t interested in food. Nicholas realized all too late as he was dragged into the cafeteria. Samantha had always liked to show off, and she brought Nicholas along just to give the wrong impression. She had a knack for making people jealous, unfortunately Nicholas usually ended up as the fall guy.

“Quit playing around and find a table, Samantha. I don’t want to be here for to long,” Nicholas said with an exaggerated yawn. “Some of us need to sleep.”

“There, we can sit at that table,” Samantha said as she pointed towards an empty table, “Now you need to loosen up Nicholas. You’re going to get a wrinkly if you keep stressing over this stuff.”

“Better than ending up on the wrong end of a pike,” Nicholas said while watching the other men in the room. He knew they were imagining him dying in several harsh and inhumane ways “Just hurry up and quit showing off,” Nicholas said as he pushed Samantha towards the table.

Nicholas eventually got Samantha to the table where he was finally able to rest, if only for a bit. Daisuke soon walked in and looked around. He spotted what he was looking for; A group of young ladies in skirts. Daisuke quickly began to head towards them and, to avoid suspicion, stopped to talk to a fellow ninja along the way. Nicholas knew that he walked with intent was had to stop him.

“Excuse me for a moment,” Nicholas said to Samantha as he got up from the table, “I have business with a friend I must attend to.”

“By all means go ahead, I’m not going anywhere.”

Nicholas launched himself into a brisk walk as he weaved in and out of groups and around tables. Daisuke in the meantime had resumed his approach towards the group of ladies. He feigned tripping, in an attempt to see up their skirts, but was stopped by another person mid-fall. Nicholas had jumped three tables to reach him after he saw Daisuke begin to fall.

“Pardon us ladies, my friend here nearly fell,” Nicholas said in a polite tone, “He is always tripping over his own feet, without me he wouldn’t get anywhere.”

“My humblest apologizes fair ladies; I’ve never felt so embarrassed in my life.”

“Get lost you poor excuse for a ninja, we have not time for you,” One of the ladies said with a sneer.

Once they moved away from the group Nicholas began in a whisper, “Are you out of your mind, they are members of the Watchmen! Are you trying to blow your cover!?”

“I’m sorry Master Miah, it won’t happen again. It’s just that it goes against my nature to not pull something like that,” Daisuke said with a downtrodden face. Nicholas couldn’t tell if it was because of the scolding or the fact that his trick had failed.

“Come let me introduce you to a friend of mine. She is almost as bad as you are,” Nicholas said while thinking: Why do I always end up with the perverts?

[align=center]Chapter 7 – Cameos? Never heard of them.[/align]
“Daisuke, I would like to introduce you to my friend Samantha,” Nicholas said as he and Daisuke approached the table, “I think you two will get along very well.”

“Oh, is this your friend Nicholas? Well pleasure to meet you,” Samantha said with a hearty smile.

“You’ve been in the Rutterbrew again haven’t you?”

“Maybe, so friend of Nicholas, what is your name,” Samantha said with a chuckle.

“My name is Daisuke Niomake. You must be Samantha; I’ve heard very good things about you.”

“Have you now? Nicholas what lies have you told this poor soul?”

“Only the ones that seemed rude and obnoxious. Now please let us be seated, I would still like to get some rest,” Nicholas sighed as he sat. Daisuke took the seat to his left.

Now that Nicholas had the chance he noticed that the cafeteria was arranged in a peculiar way. Each row of tables was staggered; this Nicholas believed was so that in the case of an attack the tables could be knocked on their side to provide cover.

“So Daisuke, what profession are you? I myself am an archer, Freelance so I won’t have a rank,” Samantha said while watching the bartender walk by.

“I’m a ninja, of the fifth rank. I’m a member of the Shadow Clan.”

“Well since we are on the topic, I’m a Bezerker of the second rank. Oh don’t look so surprised you’ve seen me in combat Samantha,” Nicholas said in response to Samantha’s shocked expression.

The group of three was interrupted by a sudden question, “Pardon me, do any of you go by the name of Nicholas Miah?”

“I know that voice…” Nicholas said as he turned. Daisuke also turned to see who this stranger was. His eyes widened when he saw who the stranger was.

“Kaillin! I haven’t seen you since my trip to the Xasian Caverns,” Nicholas said as he stood to greet his old friend.

“Of course not, you left once you got your treasure. I don’t know how I ever became friends with a Hunter like you,” Kaillin said with a grin. Kaillin and Nicholas embraced each other for a moment.

“Oh Kaillin, I would like to introduce you to my friends Daisuke and Samantha. Samantha, Daisuke this is Kaillin Ryosuken a friend of mine during my solo hunting days,” Nicholas said as the embrace ended. He was shocked when Daisuke drew his blade and attempted to attack Kaillin.

“Daisuke have you lost your mind! Put down your weapon,” Samantha yelled in surprise.

“She is a member of the Burning Blades Clan, my Clan’s rival. It is my duty to defeat her in combat,” Daisuke said with a very serious tone.

“Kaillin, show him why I almost joined your Clan,” Nicholas said with his sly smile again creeping across his face.

“It would be my honor; perhaps you will reconsider the offer. It still stands you know.” Kaillin said drawing her sword. She had faced many ninjas, she wasn’t afraid of a rookie. Unfortunately for Daisuke he didn’t know this.

“Maybe it was for the best that I didn’t go to bed. I would have never seen my friends again. Oh! Kaillin is there any news from Dotan?”

“I haven’t heard from him since we parted ways at the Xasian Caverns. I’m sorry,” Kaillin said as she narrowed her focus.

Meanwhile Samantha had snuck away and was now enjoying several pints of Rutterbrew. She knew Nicholas would be angry, but he seemed occupied at the moment. Surely he wouldn’t mind, or so she thought.

[align=center]Chapter 8 – Runaway Train!? Sounds like fun![/align]
Kaillin and Daisuke stood a few yards apart, waiting for the other to make a move. The Cafeteria was mostly empty by this time and the few that remained began to gather around the two.

“It seems that we are attracting a crowd, Kaillin end this quickly. I’m tired and want to sleep before starting work tomorrow,” Nicholas said with an exaggerated yawn.

“Don’t worry this will be easy, you’ve seen me fight he doesn’t stand a chance,” Kaillin responded.

Daisuke had grown tired of waiting and launched himself towards Kaillin. He slashed at her legs only to find a Bo staff blocking his strike. Kaillin quickly reversed the attack with the flick of her wrist, knocking Daisuke back. Daisuke rolled into a crouch and saw Kaillin now holding a pair of Tonfas. Daisuke then made a few hand signs and became five different Daisukes.

“Just as I thought he used the ninjutsu of Cloning. I hope your taking notes Nicholas, these skills could be useful later,” Kaillin said while her eyes darted between the five opponents. Nicholas replied with a slight nod.

Kaillin then rushed towards the far right Daisuke and slashed with her Tonfa scoring a hit and the clones disappeared. As Daisuke’s eyes widen in surprise Kaillin struck with a quick series of blows to his side knocking Daisuke into the wall. As Daisuke rose he glanced towards Kaillin who was now wielding a set of throwing knives. Daisuke made a few hand signs as Kaillin threw several knives toward him. When the finished smoke appeared and when it cleared Kaillin and Nicholas saw the knives embedded in a log.

“The substitute ninjutsu, it appears to be a very useful skill. I’ve got that one memorized,” Nicholas said watching Daisuke appear behind Kaillin.

Kaillin had noticed and was now attacking with a Chakram in each hand. Daisuke fended off the blows with his kunai but was slowly being beaten towards the table. He began to make another series of hand signs with his free hand.

“Time to end this, I’ve seen enough,” Nicholas said as he put on his claws.

Nicholas moved with lightning speed. Daisuke only noticed the rush of the wind before his pupils dilated after being hit in six different pressure points. Daisuke collapsed as Nicholas stood behind him retracting his claw’s fingers.

“Domination wires, they allow me to detach my claw’s fingers to hit my opponent’s weak points. I usually use it to attack pressure points to paralyze the nervous system. You’ll wake up in a few minutes,” Nicholas said through a chuckle.

“I see you used your treasure to upgrade your weapon,” Kaillin said putting her weapon away.

“Actually I upgraded several,” Nicholas responded, “Oh and the answer is still no.”

“I figured you would say that. Now why are you on this train?”

“It’s the only one traveling to Halcian, I’m meeting a friend there. He mentioned treasure-“

“So you came running? You really can’t resist money can you? Well how do your studies go,” Kaillin asked with a broad smile.

“They are going quite well, but I still lack Monkin information. Also their power source, known as Heka is still a mystery.”

“Well lets grab your other friend and get on patrol, we’re next anyway,” Kaillin said spying Samantha at the bar.

Nicholas sighed and said, “Why bother she won’t wake until morning, so I guess it’s just you and me. That won’t be a problem will it?”

“Depends on if you’re still slow or not. I hope you aren’t as weak as you were back then.”

“I recall me saving you several times, I think you’ve got this backwards,” Nicholas replied. They both laughed for a moment before heading to check in with the Security Officer.

“So just the two of you? This area is prone to attacks by packs of Werebeavers, be on your guard,” The Officer told them as he gave them security badges.

“Hmm, this will be easy, we should have a fairly easy time.”

“Never underestimate your enemy Kaillin, this area is known for its monster’s heightened strength. We are in the Adventure’s Graveyard after all,” Nicholas cautioned as he and Kaillin walked off to stand outside.

The Adventure’s Graveyard earned its name after three-hundred adventurers traveled through the area and were ambushed by, what rumors say, is a large monster the size of a mountain. This wasn’t the first time this happened and over time ten-thousand adventures ended in this area, thus it became a Graveyard. Now only secure trains travel the area.

“Well, if the rumors are true, then we can test out your new found strength. You could use the exercise, from the looks of you,” Kaillin said with a hearty tone.

“Is that so? Well at least I didn’t put on a few pounds,” Nicholas replied snidely. They laughed as they walked out the door onto the outer section of the train, keeping watch for things that go bump in the night.

[align=center]Chapter 9 – Did anyone see what I saw?[/align]

“Alright we’re going to do this the easy way. You patrol the front of the Train, I’ll patrol the back. If either of us sees anything that warrants danger, we will signal each other with these,” Nicholas explained to Kaillin as he handed her a makeshift flare.

“Alright check back here in half an hour?”

“Agreed, good hunting Kaillin,” Nicholas said as he leaped to the top of the train and ran towards the back. Kaillin did the same heading towards the front.

Meanwhile Samantha and Daisuke both lay on the floor of the Cafeteria. Daisuke had just woken up from his beating and was searching for his opponent. He spied Samantha lying on the floor, collapsed after drinking to much Rutterbrew.

“I guess they went on patrol already. Ow, my back is defiantly going to be sore in the morning,” Daisuke said as he went to his room, leaving Samantha where she was. He reached his room and pulled out a stash of Magazines that most likely weren’t meant for people his age, and began to flip through.

This is the easiest job I’ve ever had. It hardly befits one of my training; Carlos’ treasure had better be worth it. Nicholas thought as he stood at the back of the train. He turned to begin his run back when he noticed someone lying unconscious on the side of the tracks. It appeared to be a young girl, no more than twelve years of age, with golden hair. Nicholas didn’t bother observing further as he jumped off the train while activating his flare.

Kaillin had already noticed the flare as soon as it went off. She told the conductor to stop the train as she leaped from the train and headed off in the direction of the Flare. Nicholas had reached the girl and was attempting to wake her, while not injuring her. After a few minutes he noticed a pink mist slowly beginning to envelop the area.

“This is just not my night, I really should get paid for this,” Nicholas said as he placed a green scarf over his mouth and nose to be sure that the mist would have no effect on him as it could have caused the girl to collapse.

Kaillin had noticed the mist as well and had taken similar precautions using her red scarf. After wandering into the mist in search of Nicholas, Kaillin began to feel as if she was being watched. Her eyes darted back and forth as she looked for signs of Nicholas and danger. She was about to turn in another direction when she spotted a pair of glowing orange eyes…

Nicholas had picked up the girl and leapt into the air, above the mist and in the direction of the train. It took him several leaps but he eventually reached the train and left the girl on sitting against the wall on the awning as he turned to scan the mist, but it was too thick to see.
Daisuke suddenly felt a chill crawl down his spine. He dropped his magazine and left the room. Samantha had just awakened and had what she called a “mild” headache. On her way back to her room she saw Daisuke exit the train, not that it mattered to her she was going to bed.

“Come out and fight me, whoever you are! I’m not afraid of you,” Kaillin yelled as she wandered through the mist.

“Perhaps you should be afraid, for I can see right into you. I know your deepest secrets, your most precious memories, I know who you really are Kaillin Ryosuken and you need to be afraid,” Came a distant voice.

“Who are you? I’ll defeat you,” Kaillin continued to yell.

‘Is that anyway to treat your friend?”

“Nicholas? Nicholas is that you?”

“Who else would it be?”

Nicholas continued to scan the mist hoping for some sign of Kaillin. He knew that her red scarf would only cover her mouth; she would still have to breathe in the mist through her nose. If this mist was what he thought it was, Kaillin could be in serious trouble. After returning to the train a third time Daisuke was there to greet him.

“Master Miah, what is the situation and who is this?”

“I don’t know who she is, but the situation is troublesome. This mist is the result of Symbology; it causes anyone who breathes it in to see what they fear most and what the desire most. It also uses their memories of friends to eliminate them by making it appear that they turned on them. The Symbology of deception; Clouded Mind,” Nicholas explained with concern in his voice.

“Who is trapped within the mist?”

“Kaillin, she went in to help but I can’t see her, I was going to use my Symbology of intuition to locate her before you arrived.”

Daisuke gave a silent nod as Nicholas pulled out an item with ancient markings covering it. Nicholas closed his eyes and the item began to glow. A green aura began to surround Nicholas as he chanted in a low voice the words required for the Symbology to take effect. Now all he could do is hope that it will help him find Kaillin, otherwise she may be doomed.

“Where is everyone? I was sure that I wasn’t the only one here,” Samantha said as she looked around confused.