Storms of Rebirth Chapter Seventeen- Solana and Joshua

[Solana]

Chapter Seventeen- Path To Redemption

We all fail, but we rise and renew the struggle every day. That is our task. And in that work, we find our dearest delight. There lies our hope of transcendence and healing for the soul, and the same hope inspires the next generation, too.

The Lady of the Sea, The Lady of the Sea, Rosalind Miles


Blaze's warmth was very comforting under Solana's tense form as they came nearer and nearer to Miniki, and she reached over often to pat the orca lovingly. The shy orca would flick his tail in thanks, or sometimes dip just below the water's surface and blow out air to form bubbles to amuse her.

It was such a relief to be among friends for coming back here after so long. Apprehension and determination battled in her eyes as she scanned the horizon for their destination. This city had been the location of one of the biggest turning points in her life, and-

Splash! Solana suddenly coughed out seawater from a sudden dive that Blaze had made and glared at the orca's back. "What was that for?"

"I am sorry, but Ena has been trying to get your attention for some time. We are nearing the island," Blaze explained sheepishly, twitching his tail nervously at her irritation.

True to her salty nature, Ena made no apologies. A large puff of air came out of her blowhole, startling her rider Joshua. "If you two want to stay inconspicuous, then we will drop you off and be back after our hunt. The waters around here are very dangerous, even for us. You still want to go?"

"Yes, I must," Solana replied firmly. Joshua nodded encouragingly.

Ena said nothing more, but picked up her speed as her pod followed suit. Solana took a deep breath to steel herself as her eyes rested on the sight of the island that had been the catalyst for a journey, and saw what had been done in forty years.

The hilly island was once more swathed in luxurious greenery. She gasped at the now majestic baobab trees and bamboo tucked in the jungle that had been planted to soak up excess moisture. They had only been small seedlings when she and the others had set them into the saturated earth so long ago! Large and tiny dwellings of stone and local wood were dotted amongst the jungle. The main city, much smaller than it had been, was sprawled around the changed bay. It was protected from the worst furies of the sea by its treacherous coral reefs and the two rock outcroppings that wrapped around it like a pair of arms, connected by an iron gate. Outside of the bay to the east lay a deep water harbor and a small fleet of fine oceanworthy vessels. This Miniki was far younger and simpler than its grand predecessor, but it was obviously alive and thriving.

Solana forced her hands to relax as Ena and Blaze headed for a small estuary that was to the west of the bay and out of sight of the main city. The orcas were moving very carefully around the coral to avoid getting scraped or encountering the aptly named fire coral that was so rampant here. Solana and Joshua both pulled their legs up and out of the water to give the orcas more manuevering room.

After a few moments, they got past the worst of it and made it to more shallow waters closer to the shore. She and Joshua slid off of the orcas' backs into the balmy water that reached to their shoulders. "Give our locating call when you are ready for us to return," Ena stated.

Joshua suddenly made a harsh squeaking sound in his throat in reply. Solana and the orcas glanced at him in astonishment, as it was a very rough approximation of the orca sound for 'thank you'. "How did you learn that?" Solana asked.

"I was listening to the orca sounds when you translated. Twice the words 'thank you' came up, and this was the only sound common both times," Joshua replied, more than a trifle smugly.

"Not bad, cousin. Maybe there's more hope for an alliance than we thought. Stay safe!" Ena called, respect evident in her tone. She and Blaze turned around and went to go rejoin their pod for hunting.

She and Joshua easily swam to shore, and entered the steamy jungle that blanketed most of Miniki. The very air was heavy with heat and moisture and the scent of tropical growth and salt, making it difficult to draw a full breath. Joshua shoved his white robes into his pack, knowing they'd only hamper him in this climate. Underneath he wore a lightweight open-collared white shirt over blue trousers, and he tucked his mace into a blue sash around his waist. Solana touched a finger to her hair and then over her eyes, once more illusion tinting them a maple brown. She offered the same service for Joshua, but he shook his head. It would be better if only one of them had a whiff of magic around them, and he hadn't been to Miniki for at least thirty years.

With that settled, they carefully made their way through the recovering rainforest on their way to the city. Stepping over fallen branches or boggy areas and around large ferns and shrubs was tricky, but the sheer beauty of the land around them more than made up for it. Thorny and blossoming vines wrapped their way around the thick trunks of the solemn massive trees. Giant tropical flowers in all colors of the rainbow were running rampant, spilling pollen and their heavy scent into the air. Tiny black or shining dots sprinkled everywhere were insects intent on various goals. Gigantic spider webs hanging between trees were outlined in drops of dew, causing Joshua to comment that he feared to see the size of the intended prey.

Solana was trying to keep her mind on the present, but it was no use. Birds and monkey calls accompanied the constant buzz of insects to provide a background music as the ghosts of the past gradually overcame the sights of the present...


The night was fairly quiet, and most of the Guardians had retired for the night. Aryn was taking her turn on overnight watch to keep an eye out for anything that needed tending throughout their world through Joshua's viewing spells. Deynain... fine. Sia Letia... nothing to report. Ninaz...all clear.

Aryn yawned, a little bored after checking everything off to the east, and took a sip from her mug of cayenne hot chocolate to keep her going. The Fire Guardian then reminded herself that a dull watch for her was a safe one for their people, and Eziban would be taking over in an hour anyway. Setting the mug down, she cast a fond look at her Fief Caldera to the south before turning her attention to the west. Nothing, nothing...

Wait, what was that?!

She frowned, and checked Miniki again. Plumes of smoke were rising above the island, and her magical connection to fire started screaming. The entire forest on Miniki's island was burning! How had it gotten started and spread so quickly without her realizing it?

Not wanting to waste time on ponderings, Aryn quickly hit the alarm switch on her wall, using an open hand to activate the ones for all of the chambers simultaneously. She was going to need all the help she could get on this one, no matter how much Trista was going to complain at being woken up.

As usual, Bachlan was the first to report in. Aryn, what is going... He saw for himself and quickly began rattling out orders. Solana, get some rain going now! Raoul, help her! Joshua, I need the biggest, strongest light spell you can supply! Trista, redirect those winds! Eziban, shift around earth for fire-breaks! Oriana, see if your power can extend to the trees! Aryn, calm the blaze so the rains will stop it!

Everyone got to work. Solana reached desperately for any nearby clouds, while Raoul allowed her access to his essence for extra power. Trista bit her lip as she fought the immense winds that fed the blaze, while Eziban tried to bring up rock and earth around the perimeter of the flames. But it was spreading so very fast, faster than it should have for a rainforest.

Aryn threw her whole self into the fire and ordered it to gentle, to stop. The fire was magical in nature, and didn't want to obey her. A mage somewhere had lost control of a fire spell, maybe trying to clear out brush. She pitted herself against it, summoning images of taming her volcano back at home, but this fire evidently wasn't impressed and refused her commands. Bachlan, this fire isn't natural!

Bachlan's thoughts acquired a touch of steel. Fight it, whelp! NOW!

What the hell do you think I'm trying to do, cook a roast? These winds aren't helping!

Trista's mental voice heated at the supposed slam on her work. I'm working on it! There's a huge difference in the pressure centers, and I'm trying to shift the oxygen away-

Save it! Bachlan, I can't stop it! There's too much power built up from the magical and physical forces!

Bachlan scowled, trying to plan out their next move. The changes brought from massive fires were especially destructive, and could not be allowed to run loose on his Merna! The others grew quiet, surprised and nervous at their leader's sudden loss of direction.

Solana looked around desperately, trying to think of anything to try, then smiled as her gaze rested on the eternal Tethys Sea. Of course, there was enough water there to douse countless forest fires! Don't worry, I'll take care of it!

She plunged her power into the sea, feeling her awareness join with every drop of water, and planned her spell. The sea hesitated, not liking to overstep the tidal zone. She tried again, hinting at the need to save life. Agreement sank into her mind. Solana pulled up a deluge of pure water, leaving the salt behind, and turned it onto the fire. Silvery blue-threaded water rose high around the city and fell with a crash onto the flames.

Steam hissed up in a massive cloud as Solana directed the water to each ember she could see, with Aryn's guidance. Despite having elements that were polar opposites, they worked well together as a team, and quickly tackled every flame on the small island. Huge plumes of smoke rose up, as if the dying flames were trying to shield their brethren from their fate, but Trista carefully blew those away without feeding the fire. Finally, after dousing one last stand of burning trees, the entire blaze was gone.

Solana dropped to her knees in the crystal, fully drained from the immense amount of power needed for so specific an action. Her heart was pounding, and she knew that she was going to have a massive headache tomorrow, but pride was a warm fizzle in her veins. The others cheered at seeing the flames extinguished, not unmixed with relief that someone had thought of something.

Suddenly, Eziban felt a stirring in the ground. Puzzled, he looked closely at where the feeling originated from- the earth on the hills above Miniki. The seawater had loaded the soil to the gills with moisture and had uprooted the fire-weakened trees, and a huge mountain of mud was building and starting to fall. Aw, NO!!!!! Bachlan, we've got a bigger headache coming!

Stop it, now!!

Solana tried to command the water to shift to the side, or even evaporate, but her efforts had left her without a drop of magic left. Eziban tried to shove his power into it, but the water and gravity effects were too strong even for him to overcome. A huge wave of silvery blue mud began coasting down the hill, ripping up trees and gathering strength and momentum on its way down. With the trees in the mud, the earth was even more scattered and harder to grip. He next attempted to pull up boulders to form a barrier, but the wave just rolled over them.

Bachlan's inner voice was growing desperate. Buffer it! Stop it! Anyone!

Eziban gave up on the hill and tried the city. He pulled up boulders in front of it, trying to form a solid wall. Oriana tried to weave in her shielding magics with the wall. Trista lashed at the wave with winds, trying to slow or harden it, while Raoul attempted to stop it himself. Aryn thrust heat into the monstrosity, trying to evaporate the water or harden the mud, but it was too big.

With a roar, the mudslide slammed into Miniki. Oriana screamed as the dying cries and fears of its people sounded relentlessly in her mind, and tried to pour out her power for the masses. Buildings were torn from the ground, covered in mud, and some were pushed into the sea. Trees and land were ripped up and dumped to the side like discarded toys.

The mudslide continued on until it fell into the sea. It dumped tons of saturated earth into the once clear water and caused a wave that swamped dozens of tiny fishing boats for a grand finale.

Solana was in shock, staring at the ruined city with horrified eyes. All those people she had killed, the land she had destroyed. All those innocents who trusted us to keep them safe, and I annihilated them!

Oriana responded first, her voice a gentle warmth. Darling, it's not your fault. You tried your best.

Aryn was only half a beat behind her. Yeah, and our fearless leader was the one who froze up! You were just trying to put out that fire.

EXCUSE ME??!!

Solana shook her head in denial. NO, it's all my fault! All my fault!!! What kind of Guardian am I, killing those I'm supposed to protect?! Tears flowing like rivers down her cheeks, she sank down to the floor and sobbed her shame and guilt. Images of the damage she had done, both from watching and her imagination, flashed in her head relentlessly as screams of agony roared in her heart.


All of the Guardians had been doing their best on cleanup, but no amount of stabilizing the land or building new homes could replace the lives that had been lost or shattered at her hands. Solana sat on the rim of one of the fountains in her room, trailing her fingers in the cool water as her hot tears fell into it. The melodious splashing had always brought solace to her heart in the past, but this time was different. It reminded her of how she had failed.

Water is a mysterious and powerful force. It is the womb of life. It is raindrops, tidal waves, rolling mists, a blinding blizzard, and majestic glaciers. It quenches fire, nurtures earth, and carries thunder and light and even some air. All of this from an oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogens. Solana had spent almost twenty thousand years trying to master its secrets, preferring it above the other elements she had also learned to wield to a lesser degree.

Now, she had realized that even her knowledge was not enough.

Bachlan's knowledge wasn't enough, either. He didn't know what to do next.

Solana flinched at this traitorous thought. She was just distraught, right...? Yes, but he just panicked. He usually knows what's the best move to make.

The rebellious part of her mind wouldn't quiet down so easily. But he doesn't. He's not the one who uses elemental magic- all of you are. If you can't sense heat and volcanoes the way Aryn can, then why should Bachlan have your intuition for water?

That's treason.

Is it? Or is it the truth you've never let yourself consider before?

Solana shifted uncomfortably. Maybe he doesn't understand the elements, but we're saving lives by stopping natural disasters.

Are you? Does Bachlan really understand how a world works, giving out orders from his little pedestal?

...I don't know.

You're playing with the forces of nature. Lives depend on someone fully knowing what they're doing, including all the consequences. If he doesn't, do you?

I don't. And the result is that people die from that negligence.

So, what are you going to do about it?


"Solana." The soft voice broke through the phantom images dancing in her mind as she turned to Joshua. There was a kind look in his blue eyes as he watched her. "Do not think of the past. Just look, and see things for the truth of the present. Remember that what we do now is intended to prevent a disaster many magnitudes beyond this one."

"Thank you," Solana replied, touched. Joshua said nothing more as they made their way through one last clump of bamboo and ended up on a small street in front of the beach. Moving swiftly, they blended seamlessly into the crowd out doing their marketing.

Small shops and huts lined the crescent-shaped bay, selling everything from fish and seafood to the tropical fruits and nuts that grew on the small island to exquisite carvings done with local wood. Some fisherfolk did business right off of their small boats parked at the docks. Cinnamon and incense added a spicy tang to the fish and algae-scented air, and voices were loud in their bargaining. The men and women walked about clad in colorful sarongs and headscarves or baggy pants and wing-sleeved shirts in sunset red, toucan beak yellow, or palm leaf green.

Solana soon found herself watching the people. A little brown-haired boy with glasses ran up to an older man dressed like a shaman standing near one of the booths. "Master Hopstar, look at this! I caught an authentic Jade Queen frog!" he said excitedly, holding up his prize.

"Good work, Matt, we needed one of those. Now, back to your studies and I'll let you go riding one of my epic mounts this afternoon," the man replied as the boy mock-groaned and handed over the frog before pulling a book out of his bag. Solana smiled at the sight, remembering tagging along after Kiel all those years, as Joshua looked a little sad.

"Miss! Get your hair braided?" a woman in a pretty orange sundress and sandals offered. Solana shook her head politely, remembering how long it had taken when Aryn had gotten hers done in Kilika.

A few stands were selling dried fish, which would travel well. Joshua inspected these closely, while Solana noticed how very thin the older men and women running the stands seemed. Another pain shot into her heart as Joshua picked up a banana leaf-wrapped package of dried fish.

"Good choice there, young man," commented an elderly woman sitting behind the counter, her gnarled hands busily mending a fishing net. The yellow sarong she wore was very faded and bore a few cream colored patches. "My boy has the prime of fishing spots. Name your best price."

"Mmmm..." Joshua moved a flap of leaf to inspect the fish. "This does seem a bit pale, does it not? I am certain that more vibrant coloring lends a better flavor. I can offer you sixty maleos."

The old woman began cackling. "Has he been in the sun too long?" she asked Solana wickedly, who only shrugged in reply. "Boy, this is prime azure fish, a delicacy in the court of the Monsee Empire! I won't go lower than one hundred and twenty!"

"You are quite right, it is azure fish," Joshua admitted, looking at it again. "Still, I believe this has gone out of season in Monsee. Perhaps seventy-five maleos might be more acceptable?" Solana frowned, her hand on her belt-purse.

The woman's eyes glittered in respect. "That may be true, since these old ears don't get much news from the western continent. It'll be tearing my weak heart out, but I'll sell it for a mere one hundred."

Joshua hesitated, then began, "But this is-"

"We'll take it," Solana interrupted quickly, stepping up beside Joshua and opening up her belt-purse for coins.

"What?!" Joshua squeaked.

"Something wrong with the lady's offer, dearie?" the old woman asked sweetly. Her expression was that of a sly child that had just hoodwinked a parent.

Joshua gritted his teeth. "Not at all, I am merely surprised to get such quality fish at such a price."

Solana counted out the change, then added a few extra coins. "Thank you so much. Azure fish is one of my favorites."

The woman chuckled, giving Solana's forearm a grandmotherly squeeze. "Thank you. This will buy a nice sweet after working my tired old bones in the hot sun all day. Ta!"

Joshua snatched up the package of fish with a murmur of thanks and scowled as he led Solana to an isolated area under a banyan tree. Only when he was certain that there was no one else in hearing range did he hiss, "Solana, what was the meaning of that?"

Solana lowered her voice. "I've taken so much from these people already, and we have plenty of money on hand. Why are you so surprised?"

Joshua's scowl deepened. "Miniki has been able to pay its tributes to us for the last fifteen years. Bargaining is an art form here, and a way to save face. Those who do not participate are deemed naive or pitying, neither of which is acceptable." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Besides that fact, my starting offer was easily one and half times the market value."

Solana waved her hand back towards the street they had left. "Joshua, if they've been able to pay, why are all the merchants here so poor? Didn't you see how thin she was?"

Joshua opened his mouth, then took another glance back at the many merchants. Whatever he had planned to say died on his lips as he suddenly realized that they did indeed seem thin, and their garments looked quite faded and frayed in the unforgiving sun. He frowned thoughtfully, thinking back to his records. "That, I cannot say. Lady Sayuri has said nothing of any economic troubles since she was elected city leader, and the tributes have never been late."

"We have to find out about this, Joshua. If it has anything to do with what I... with what I did, then I want to fix it," Solana said strongly. If their observations were any indication, Miniki had not recovered as well as she had thought it would and still carried ramifications after all this time. Seemingly, her cleanup duties were far from over.

"We have until the evening. I suggest we finish restocking on supplies before attempting any kind of reconaissance," Joshua replied.

Solana shook her head as a sudden idea occured to her. "Why not try talking to people while buying what we need? I'll meet you in front of that Golden Grizzly inn an hour after noon?"

Joshua squinted at the sun's position, then nodded his assent. "That will do. And Solana..." his voice trailed off, as a tiny smirk appeared on his face. "Please hazard an attempt to be subtle."

Solana smirked at him in reply. "Very well. Joshua, please try to blend in with that speech of yours." With that, she melted back into the crowds.

Joshua frowned after her. "In what manner is my choice of speech patterns lacking?"


After picking up enough supplies to see them through to the Crystal Citadel, Solana and Joshua met up at the Golden Grizzly Inn as planned. The inn was serving a few families, merchants still on their noon break, and some sleepy sailors hunched over mojitos at the bar. Three brunettes were minding the bar, mixing up drinks or brewing tea as their patrons requested. A local band consisting of one black-haired and two brown-haired men, all with beards, was playing for the appreciative audience. One man reverently played a cello with his eyes closed, another was jamming on a guitar shaped like a penguin, while the third was singing his heart out.

Finding an empty table way in the back that suited their inclinations, the two Guardians ordered a heaping dish of the local peanut satay and one of the yogurt desserts that were the island's specialty. Then they began to eat and compare notes, grateful that the other patrons were too busy enjoying the music to pay them any mind.

It wasn't a pretty picture. After Miniki had been destroyed by Solana's mudslide four decades ago, there had been many lives lost and much damage caused. The only ones who had suffered minimum property damage had been the largest shipping family, the Newayas. Shrewd to the core, it hadn't taken them long to realize that possessing the native knowledge of how to pass the coral reefs safely as well as Miniki's only seafaring ships made them the city's unofficial gatekeepers.

With the island being so mountainous, agriculture was very difficult and fishing was dangerous as well. The locals imported what food they couldn't gather or grow and tried to export their fine crafts to eager collectors. However, the current head of the Newaya household, Al Newaya, had been heavily taxing goods passing in or out of the city on his ships, turning the people's sweat and labor into gold for his pockets. It was he who had commissioned the iron gate to be built at the mouth of the bay, for 'protection from the seas'. It didn't fool anyone. That gate resembled nothing so much as a prison door.

Despite all, Solana had heard of one ray of hope during her questioning. "Apparently, there's a man who's been breaking into the Newayas' storehouses and dispensing food and money to the people who need it most. His name is David."

Joshua didn't share her optimism for something that was too little and too late. "Admirable, but it will not solve the core problem. Apparently, Lady Sayuri is a capable enough leader of the city to have prevented starvation, but it does not explain why she has not appealed to us for help."

Solana looked around again at the people in the inn, seeing the tiredness and worry in their faces, but also a strength from carrying on. A pride in what they could still do, and how far they had come from complete desolation. "You mentioned saving face, Joshua. I think their pride is what has helped them recover as far as they have."

Joshua looked down at his food, his voice sad. "Pride is not something that just anyone can afford. Soon enough, with all the tension in the air, something is going to explode."

BOOM!!!

The people in the inn screamed and ducked down instinctively as the blond innkeeper ran to look out the window. Her face turned ashy at the sight that greeted her wide blue eyes. "For real, they're starting up again?! The Newayas and their mercenaries?" She turned to face her guests. "Everyone, you're welcome to barricade yourselves here or try for home!"

A flood of people rose and made for the door to help out their people, while other patrons were being led by a calm white-haired woman to the stairs leading to the basement. The guitarist grabbed two saps that appeared to be made of ketchup bottles, the cellist snatched up a loaded crossbow, while the singer slammed the door open right into a mercenary's nose and prepared to lay the smackdown with his bare hands.

The brunettes behind the bar were now mixing up different combinations and loading them into glass bottles with rags stuffed into them. One lit up three and tossed them out through the open door.

"No, no, three isn't bad, but you need one more," another commented, handing over an extra bottle. She herself lit up four and threw them out at a group of mercenaries, then grinned when they bolted. "See, four is what you need."

Solana and Joshua joined the woman at the window and gasped at the sudden mob scene outside. Fighters in an odd uniform were stopping and harassing people on the street, while others were throwing rocks through windows and even appeared to be trying to set things on fire. Why were these people trying to destroy their own city?!

"How often does this happen? What are they doing?" Solana demanded, staring at the riot in confusion.

"They're searching for David again. We'll never give him up, so they're conducting another raid," the innkeeper answered in disgust.

BOOM!! THUD!!! CRASH!!! A storage shed on the street suddenly collapsed, as an angry couple watched helplessly.

"By causing wanton destruction?" Joshua asked, his eyebrows raised in question.

"Bully tactics. But he's kept us alive, and we can rebuild again. Now, get into hid-sherpa!" All three leaped back just in time to avoid the large rock thrown right through her front window. The woman then secured the door from habit and went to her basement to look after her patrons.

Joshua frowned as he continued watching the masses outside, looking somewhat torn. "We do not have time for this now," he muttered to himself.

"Maybe we can help out a bit," Solana suggested. As Joshua opened his mouth, she quickly added, "There are many soldiers out there that we can aid. They're between us and the beach anyway." She laid a hand on his shoulder, her eyes pleading for him to understand. "I can't let this go. Not again."

Joshua stiffened, then closed his eyes for a moment as if asking for patience. His fingers finally unhooked the mace at his side as Solana drew her kamas, and he nodded in agreement. "I believe that Luzio would have liked you, Solana," was all he said in reply. He tossed a generous handful of coins onto one of the tables to pay for their meal before following her out through the broken window.

Luzio? Not... Ambassador Luzio? Solana frowned in thought for a moment before shaking it off. There would be time to inquire later.


Solana was no stranger to warzones after over twenty thousand years, from being on the front lines or playing healer and doing cleanup duty of the terrain afterwards. The utter stupidity of this, however, was enough to break her heart.

Masses of people were setting fire to homes and battling those they lived along with or were paid to harm, though they seemed more interested in causing damage and mayhem than taking lives. Several noncombatants were screaming and trying to get away, but were unable to break a path through the melee. Squads of guards in chainmail and lines of mages were doing what they could to quell the battles and escort the noncombatants to safety, but they were definitely outnumbered. From their grim expressions, the hardy soldiers knew from experience that it was going to be an uphill battle.

Aryn, after today, I will never, ever grumble about being dragged away from my books into a sparring match again.

To his credit, Joshua only shot Solana a quick "this was your idea" glance before sizing up the situation. "This may be difficult, as we do not know the lay of the land that well."

Solana thought fast. "The squads! We can add our strength to theirs!" Concentrating on her kamas, she froze water vapor around the shining steel blades to blunt them into icy clubs for stopping opponents instead of slicing them. If she needed steel, it would still be under there.

Joshua nodded his approval as the two Guardians plunged into the fray to find one, weapons out to deflect anything that came either at them or the noncombatants around them. Solana knew that this was going to be tricky, depending on small doses of magic in the right places and defensive combat.

Joshua stayed at her side, with the cool and quick thinking that had served him as Bachlan's right hand man all these millennia as helpful as his mace skills. He soon proved that he hadn't gotten rusty since the last time they had sparred together, his silver mace only a blur as it efficiently disarmed and disabled any of the troublemakers in their path.

Flames suddenly broke out in a small shop only a few steps from the inn that they had been visiting. A small group of mercenaries bearing torches was already hunting for their next target. They pushed their way through anyone in their path, even knocking over a large produce cart. Its owner had only enough time to yell, "My cabbages!" before a friend pulled him into a nearby building for safety.

Solana sent a watery blast like a firehouse straight at the fire to extinguish every last ember. She cast her senses over the building, remembering how Aryn had taught her to hunt for any extra bursts of heat.

Meanwhile, Joshua had moved to cover Solana's back. He caught a sword blow a fighter aimed at Solana, then slammed the butt of his weapon at the man's wrist to disarm him and leave what would either be a sprain or one nasty bruise. The fighter yelled in pain and threw a punch at the Light Guardian with his other fist. Joshua dodged to the right and swung his mace straight at the man's elbow, which finally made him back off. Solana threw him an appreciative smile before continuing on. The Miniki guards quickly rounded up the troublemakers and put out their torches.

The next breeze brought the unmistakable tang of sulfur with it. "Do you smell that?" Solana yelled to Joshua over the noise of the crowds.

"I do indeed. But from where is it coming?" Joshua wondered out loud.

They didn't wonder long.

A gigantic explosion was heard from a nearby boardinghouse. Smoke billowed out through jagged holes and between blackened boards. Orange and red fire glowed over most of the rest of the building, and the breeze carried flaming bits of debris to other parts of it to begin new blazes. Screams from the inside could be heard even over the mob.

One of the squads was stationed outside, already getting everyone out. A brunette woman wearing countless braces of green-hilted knives was directing the action. The hair braider that Solana had seen earlier had a nasty-looking spiked ring at her hip, but was currently helping a limping man out.

"How many are in there yet?" Solana called out.

The brunette looked up, and the half-controlled fear in her eyes was there for all to see. "Our squad leader and about half a dozen others are trying to get everyone else out."

Joshua surveyed the building bleakly. "It will not be structurally safe for that much longer."

Solana studied it too, then tapped her Water Seal. A faint blue light appeared at her hands, and she directed it to the building and instructed it to infuse itself into the structure. Boards were temporarily strengthened, cracked rock acquired a mystic sealant, and all of the flames were extinguished. Defense was about more than building spells to only surround a person's body. She would hold onto her spells and ensure that the building stayed in one piece and safe until it was completely evacuated.

Meanwhile, Joshua took off his sash and soaked it with his water bottle, then tied it around his mouth and followed the others inside. Pairs and trios of folk were making their way out, clutching the hands of children or small possessions that had been quickly snatched in their escape.

"May all of your birthday balloons be POPPED at once!!" a voice suddenly shrilled. Smoke and ashes were blasted out the front door immediately by a wild wind. A young woman wearing a brown coat over her uniform, likely the one who had cast the curse, led out a small woman holding two children and another woman carrying a fluffy white dog.

"Where's Ajit?" the brunette asked the curse mage.

She let out a cough from the smoke before answering. "Still inside. One of the floors gave way and he's trying to see to a few who fell through. A blond guy came in to help him out." Suddenly, her eyes narrowed. "May you all suffer from BAD HAIRCUTS!!"

Solana whipped around. Gigantic metal scissors were attacking a clump of mercenaries who had had raised blades. Quick as a wink, four green-hilted knives found their marks and took them all down. "Always watch your back," the brunette told Solana sternly before going to retrieve her blades.

One of the roof beams gave out a large groan and seemed to shift. Solana threw a rope of water around it to loop it to the next one, then froze it solid to stay put. All of her concentration was now locked on her magic protecting the building. The curse mage and the hair braider took up guard positions behind her in case any more of the mercenaries got ideas.

A very tall martial artist was shooing out a few children, when a huge chunk of debris was knocked free and went for them. He didn't hesitate, but launched a perfect roundhouse kick that sent it flying away from them. The kids squealed and asked him to do it again, but he declined and got them reunited with their families.

Finally, Joshua and a man in a uniform came out of the boardinghouse, supporting another man who limped with a splinted broken leg. The supporting man was tall, with curly brown hair and warm brown eyes. A well-used claymore was sheathed at his side. Bands of the very finest velvet lined his uniform, which were the only clean parts of it. He didn't seem to care, and was whispering encouragement to the limping man until they got to a clear space to set him down.

"All clear, Ajit?" the hair braider asked.

The uniformed man nodded wearily. "Yes, thanks to everyone's help and that spell to hold the building." He coughed a few times. One of his people offered him a water bottle, and he gratefully rinsed out his mouth and spat, then took a few swallows before handing it back with a nod of thanks.

Solana took that as her cue to finally release her protections. A series of screeches, groans, and crashes sounded out before the split roof beam gave way, and the rest of the building soon followed. The evacuated cried out at the loss of their home, but were grateful to the squad for saving their lives. The building had been doomed since the explosion; all Solana had been able to do was buy time to get everyone out.

Ajit gathered all of his people to hear their reports and get those who needed medical treatment seen to by their healers. Then he turned to Solana and Joshua and gave them both a little bow. "Whoever you are, you have my deepest thanks for helping us." His smile turned a little sad. "I'm afraid these attacks are getting worse and worse as time goes on. I don't know how much longer the people can hold on."

"Don't say that!" the brunette scolded. "David and Lady Sayuri are Miniki's hope!" The rest of the squad added their agreement.

"Is there another location in which we might be useful?" Joshua asked politely. Solana noticed that his face had once more taken on that cool mask that hid his thoughts, while his voice was calm and polite.

Ajit tapped the side of his chin thoughtfully, then finally came to a decision. "Yes. The west side has been successfully evacuated, and their safety zone has been filled." At the Guardians' blank looks, he added, "A safety zone is a specialized building reinforced physically and magically for these mob attacks. The fourth squad will be coming to join us. The south side is in the greatest danger, with the Nemaya ships firing into the town. The east side still requires our attention, while Lady Sayuri has almost all of the north protected."

"Go help out the east side. I'll take care of those ships," Solana offered.

Joshua laid a hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. "You are not under the impression that you will go by yourself?! You will require your power for the larger undertakings, and cannot waste it on little brawls," he admonished her sternly.

Ajit nodded in agreement. "He's right. I'll dispatch half of my squad that know the area best to help you." He motioned for a cheerful looking redheaded giant packing a long pike and dirk to come forward. "Would you mind taking some of your warriors along with her to the coast?"

He bowed in agreement, then flashed Solana a smile. "It'll be my pleasure." Solana gave a little bow in reply.

Ajit turned back to Joshua. "Would you come with me to the east?"

"You will require my services more, I believe," Joshua agreed, then glanced back at Solana. "Take no unnecessary chances. Remember what we still have to do."

"You be careful, too. We'll be fine," Solana replied. Joshua gave her a small smile in reply and went off with Ajit and half of his squad. The other half came to join her on their mission to the south.


Solana's small group led her swiftly down to Miniki's protected bay, circling around her so that she could concentrate on using her magic to discourage any interlopers. They did a good job of keeping off most of the mercenaries. The redhead was as good as a squad himself, sometimes using his pike as a battering ram to make a path through the mercenaries. Solana used her kamas attached to water-whips to deflect anything that came from overhead.

As the motley group got closer and closer to the sea, there were fewer and fewer mercenaries causing trouble. With the bad news of the approaching ships, it made sense that they would want to be elsewhere.

Finally, they reached the beach that edged the crescent-shaped bay. A few white sails could be seen heading towards the rock outcroppings, but all had a fair distance to go before encountering the iron gate. Solana called up a small ball of water from the lapping waves, then split it and shaped each half into a large curved lens. She kept them floating a short distance apart in midair, and turned her makeshift watery spyglass towards the ships. A bit of light magic thrown in helped to clarify the image that arose. Her escort came around her to take a closer look, murmuring to each other.

Three ships were in view already, cutting through the water effortlessly. Their crews looked hardcore and very professional, with weapons or tools for magic close at hand. Shining cannons were mounted on the side of each ship, each attended by a watchful pair. Solana could see captains shouting out orders, but couldn't hear what they were at this distance. Trista's talents were better suited for that. The captain on the leading ship had her arms crossed in a dramatic pose, dark eyes missing nothing.

"That's Captain Euphrosina Cheng, the 'Mistress of a Thousand Titles'. I'd know her ship anywhere," Ajit's corporal remarked glumly, wiping one of her knife blades on a sleeve. "Lady Sayuri already sent orders to close up the Newayas' gate, but they'll be able to get around that easily."

The curse mage in the brown coat looked disgusted. "Some of our own people are being used on the boats. Newaya's greedy, but he's not stupid."

Solana gazed again at the crews on the ships, noticing that all had their eyes locked on the island- some in unholy anticipation, some in reluctance. Ships carrying black powder would go up too easily if fire was involved, but perhaps her own element was the key here. She wanted to disable ships, not destroy innocent lives. "I will take care of those ships. Can your mages use spot shields against any shots that might get off in the meantime?"

Most of the members of her escort gave her identical withering glances. "Are you daft? They'd pick you out of the water easily!" protested the hair-braider.

The redhead didn't look so sure. "She's got a plan, since otherwise she wouldn't have lasted so long against the mercs. But I don't think a spot shield would be big enough."

The curse mage tapped her obsidian talisman thoughtfully, then started chanting under her breath. Only scattered phrases like "...whatever they throw bounces off of us and sticks to them..." or "...may their aim be as terrible as after a full night of rum..." and things like that. An enormous shield shaped like half a bubble was stretched across the beach.

"All right, but it still sounds crazy," the corporal remarked. She touched the shield and added blinding light to be turned towards the ships. The hair braider added air gusts in front of it for more resistance against anything the ships would be able to send their way.

Trusting in the strength of the unified shield and those who would hold this point, Solana raced for the shore and the lapping Tethys. The shield was lifted for a moment to let her pass, then was fully restored behind her. Ajit's people then took up guard stances to engage any mercenaries who thought to try an ambush.

Solana waded out swiftly into the rushing waves, risking one glance back... and quickly turned away as the light blazing in the shield threatened to fry her vision. With watery eyes trying to blink away dark spots from her sight, Solana waited until a huge wave came that threatened to break over her head, then neatly dove under it to a whole other world.


The Tethys embraced her entire body like a warm, saline glove. It was only a moment before her eyes and lungs were adjusted to underwater conditions.

Solana could almost see the underwater part of the iron gate from here, and the treacherous reefs between them that endangered sailors and hid predators. Even the orcas were cautious in these waters, and a swimming Atlantean could prove to be a tempting tidbit for many denizens of the deep. She needed another form built for speed, agility, and the ability to shock predators or leave the water a moment if need be.

She needed to become a sailfish.

Calling on her Asterite Aura, Solana felt a strange sensation of her bones and muscles shifting to a water-like consistency for a dizzying second before rebuilding themselves. The sail-like dorsal fin that had earned the fish its name sprang out from her back. Arms shifted into smaller fins, her legs fused before branching out to form a tail, and she felt her jaws expand outward into the long 'bill'. Silvery scales coated her new sleek body, and her gills opened to allow in oxygenated water. Solana didn't often use the shapeshifting skills that were an Atlantean specialty, but there was something very satisfying about becoming a fish in its home environment.

Each flick of her tail took her farther and farther away from the shoreline as the ground beneath her dropped away. She used the time to examine her surroundings. Here was a mere sampling of the treacherous reefs that made sailing such a danger to those who were not native to the island. Sharp elkhorn corals decorated the tops of rocky ridges that were plated with tiny coralline 'fingers' eagerly reaching outward and dappled by constantly changing light. Below were clusters of leafy cabbage corals, with pearly clams nearby.

This reef was a lot more severe than the rainbow playland in Kilika. Despite its beauty, there had been damage to the reef from boats or storms. Broken off shards of hard coral could catch oars or even punch holes through boats if the waves were strong enough. Sharp igneous rocks could be tossed by the swells and turned into dangerous projectiles.

It looked so different compared to forty years ago. After rebuilding what they could and planting water-loving plants to protect the island from further erosion, Solana had dredged the bay for any debris that could be salvaged. By this point, Oriana had already seen to those who were injured and helped lay to rest those who had lost their lives here. Solana couldn't do anything more for them now, but she could protect the lives and livelihood of those loved ones that were left behind. Newaya would never be allowed to chop down the single stubborn tendril that had regrown and was all that the remained of this city.

A flash of movement appeared to her right, and filtered sunlight glinted off of milk white teeth. A large bay shark, one of Miniki's most feared predators, had spotted her and was now in pursuit. A mere flick of its large tail was enough to steer it around obstacles of other fish or clumps of coral.

Solana reflexively displayed the sail-like dorsal fin on her back, and shifted her coloring from gray to yellow and blue. Startled, the shark stopped, wondering what had just happened. Good food? she asked in a confused voice.

Dangerous, bad food, Solana replied, then shot to the surface and out of sight before the shark could change her mind. She kept to skimming just under the surface after that, lowering her fin and letting her scales shift back to a cloudy gray.

With the sailfish's speed, she made it to the iron gate in record time. It was closed and locked down as her escort had claimed. However, the lattice-worked metal had plenty of room for a determined Atlantean to wiggle through.

Solana looked up, seeing the keels of three ships breaking the surface of the sea. The easiest way to destroy the threat of the black powder and their cannons would be to sink the ships, but she couldn't do that.

Solana shifted her form into one of her very favorites, that of a dolphin. She concentrated, then released strings of rapid clicks at each of the three ships. The sound waves of the clicks bounced off of the ships and came back to her, providing a mental 'picture' of the ships and their interiors. She could see the various levels, where each person on the ship was, and, most importantly, where the cannonballs and black powder were stored.

Keeping the picture in her mind, Solana shifted back to normal. Taking hold of the water around her, she created several large orbs of pure ice and commanded them to fly.

The orbs shot out of the water and began smashing through the portholes and the sides of the ships, high above the waterline to prevent sinking. Even down here, Solana could hear bits of yells and demands for information.

Next, she called up waves and arcs of water to swamp the ships, aiming for the holes that her ice had created. Sprays and jets of salt water soaked sailors, cannon wicks, and the barrels of black powder that she had spotted. Keeping one hand on the cords of power manipulating the water around her, Solana tapped into her Aura to magically emulate a dolphin's echolocation once more. Her jaw tightened at the extra effort it cost to use in her normal Atlantean form, but the picture formed again.

The sailors were cursing and looking around wildly for the ghosts/mages responsible for the bedlam. Captain Euphrosina Cheng wasn't spooking, though even the feather on her hat was soaked and bedraggled. Her dark eyes were following the water patterns suspiciously, and she smirked suddenly. She gave out an order, but Solana couldn't hear it or read the infamous captain's lips.

The results of those orders were soon clear. The covers for the black powder barrels were produced and began to be nailed on. Others found tarps normally used in storms to keep cannons and other items dry and began draping them over the weapons.

Solana let go of the chaos of water her spells had created and shifted the water into gigantic hands. Some she directed towards the barrels while others were frozen into ice and used to nudge aside anyone in her way. Once a hand had 'grasped' a black powder barrel, she delicately froze it and commanded the ice hand to bring the barrel down to her.

Euphrosina angrily gestured for her gunners to blast the ice hands carrying away their treasure, but every barrel and wick in sight had been drenched by the waves. The other ships were beginning to turn around, deciding that Newaya's gold wasn't worth fighting angry sea spirits over.

After a heated discussion, Euphrosina's mate did the same.

Solana smiled to herself. She had completely disarmed all three ships without any loss of life on either side, and had commandeered a nice bargaining chip for Lady Sayuri as well. Maybe she'd be able to find an underwater cave to store these in until things calmed down a little bit.



Joshua and Ajit and the remainder of his squad had their hands full in the eastern zones of Miniki. Along with filling up another safety zone with frightened bystanders to the chaos, the group had taken two dozen of Newaya's mercenaries into custody and stopped three blazing fires from completely taking down buildings. Luckily, none had been as severe as the boardinghouse. Ashes coated all their faces by the time the last was finally out, but they had all been completely evacuated.

What surprised Joshua most, even more than the cruelty that the Newayas were willing to visit on their own home, was that nobody suggested turning David in. Quite the opposite, in fact.

"You watch, he'll get us all supper after this," an old woman assured Joshua as he helped her into the last eastern safety zone.

"He certainly will," Joshua agreed. A blond mage wearing glasses came to seal the building off as the people inside let out a collective sigh of relief. Ajit's people were too well trained to do the same, but the emotion glittered in their eyes.

All of the mercenaries in the area had finally been captured or had run off for easier pickings in another part of Miniki, so Ajit ordered a pause and reconnaisance. Joshua splashed a bit more water onto the end of his blue sash and wiped his face, grimacing at the dark gray ashes left behind on the fabric. Ajit himself was staring off to the north, his face a mask of concentration, while his people gathered around him. "Your next orders, sir?' one of the mages asked.

"Is this zone cleared out?" he asked. The mage nodded crisply, and Ajit visibly relaxed. He opened his mouth to continue, but was cut off by an angry bellow.

"Ajit! You little fool, you were supposed to be up at Lady Sayuri's!" Another of the squad leaders, this one a sharp brunette woman in plate armor, came marching up with a full squad behind her. Starry tattoos could be seen on her wrists. A slight tightness in her jaw betrayed the worry behind her words.

"I wanted to make sure we got everyone, Sara," Ajit explained, as his people chimed in agreement.

The woman scowled, putting her hands on her hips. "Doesn't matter. One of my boys overheard some intel that I have to check out. Apparently Newaya's got a whole cave compound filled with black powder that I have to worry about, too, so you can't just be-"

Ajit blinked as his squad squawked in dismay, thinking of how treacherous the stuff had been in the boardinghouse already. Joshua was also stunned, but kept silent. "An entire cave of black powder?!" Ajit repeated.

Sara's scowl deepened. "That's what my boys said! Now, go get your tail up to the north-"

Ajit shook his head. "I can't. I'll help you get rid of it instead. You know I'll be useful."

Sara tapped her fingers on her swordbelt as she thought it over. Finally, she smiled and slapped his shoulder in reluctant admiration. "All right, then. Send your people to finish cleanup up north, and you and your friend there can come along. At least then I'll be able to keep an eye on you."

Ajit thanked her and turned to one of his fighters, giving last minute orders to spot check each zone on their way to safety and to give a full report to Lady Sayuri in his absence. The fighter nodded and tossed him a salute, and the entire squad wished him luck before leaving.

Sara jammed two fingers into her mouth and let out a sharp whistle, then was promptly surrounded by her squad. A young man with blond dreadlocks and a healer's bag of herbs at his side withdrew a map of the city and laid it out on a top of a blackened barrel, then anchored the corners with small stones. He pointed out the location of the cave that the Newayas were using as a storehouse for various munitions and their black powder, and the route that they would have to follow to get there.

Joshua leaned around Ajit to study the map as well. The cave that the Newayas had selected possessed only one marked entrance that was certain to be heavily guarded. The inside was very deep and twisted under the surface of Miniki's hills like a hollow snake. There were plenty of trees and good cover above the cave itself, but the grounds in front of the mouth contained only a few warehouses for cover. Any kind of assault with inferior numbers was bound to be risky, especially if the mercenaries got spooked enough to use the powder against them.

Sara was biting her lower lip in thought as her eyes bleakly studied the drawn cave entrance. "It's worse than I thought. It looks like an ambush is our only way in, and it's going to be costly."

Ajit was looking at the sketches of trees above the cave, his eyebrows joined together in concentration. "Maybe not. This particular cave has quite a high ceiling, right?"

"Yes, sir. I used to go looking for different rocks in there when I was a kid," one of Sara's 'boys' answered. His face brightened to match the glowing curved sword at his side. "You're going to get in through the ceiling!"

"We'd need powder for that, or a master class earth mage," Sara pointed out gloomily.

Joshua was still studying the image, and he personally agreed with Ajit. Moreover, Sara's paranoia about Ajit's safety had unknowingly given them one of the keys to pulling this off successfully. "Ajit, you are knowledgable of secret ways into the Newayas' storehouses, are you not?" he whispered into the man's ear.

Ajit jerked and his eyebrows raised in alarm, but when Joshua said no more, he gave the tiniest possible nod. "You are also a man who keeps his true light hidden under a bushel," he murmured back.

"Then we understand each other," Joshua said calmly, then raised his voice to include Sara and her squad. "I have a suggestion that would enable us to gain entrance and dispose of the black powder with much less risk than an ambush. Our supplies will come courtesy of the Newayas' own kitchens. We will require ample amounts of flour, lard, and pepper." Briefly, he outlined his plans and everything that they would need to pull it off.

Menacing grins appeared on the faces surrounding him. "Consider it done," Sara agreed with a deadly twinkle in her eyes. She used her index finger to make a 'come here' gesture to one of her scouts, a woman with brilliantly painted nails. The scout seemed to understand what her leader wanted and slid black gloves on her hands. "Can you go with Ajit and give him a hand?" The scout nodded, taking out a rolled cloth filled with lockpicking tools. "Good. People, gather up rope and bamboo containers. It's time for some arts and crafts."


An hour later, Joshua and Ajit were hiding in a clump of trees and shrubs growing on ground a number of yards beyond the location of the underground munitions cave. Joshua was busily rubbing lard over some twine and on the outside of a barrel of flour, while Ajit was tying knots in a length of climbing rope. The two men were tense, but only bird and insect song broke the stillness around them.

Those who are used to having the advantage in numbers and causing fear often prefer combat to be straightforward. If there's only one entrance to their holdup point, that's where the majority of them will be. If you can hide the fact that you're making your own entrance, you'll probably be able to slip in unnoticed.

A startled Joshua looked up. "Did you hear something?"

Ajit glanced over at him, though his hands kept making knots in the rope. "What? The mercs?

"No, it seemed to have been a barely audible monologue, akin to something a spy would utter while working," Joshua replied, then shrugged as Ajit still looked blank. Perhaps he was just hearing things.

Shortly enough, the five barrels of flour had been properly rubbed down with greasy lard and surrounding another barrel full of the stuff on what seemed to be one of the thinnest layers of rock between them and the cave below. Ajit's rope was ready, and a large boulder would do to anchor it. Now came the waiting game.

Their plan was simple enough. Sara's squad had first been put to work making pepper "grenades", using Miniki's finest for the job. This island grew some of the very hottest on the face of Merna, second only to Fief Caldera's. These grenades were to be launched into the mouth of the cave for the guards, with a few mages on standby to make sure the pepper got where it needed to be- in the eyes of the Newaya mercenaries.

Once their vision was knocked out, the rest of the squad would get to work. Packed flour made some very nice explosions, while lard burned well and was beautifully difficult to extinguish. Stations had been set up all around the cave and would be lit off in a predetermined order. Joshua would light theirs to break a hole in the roof after the fourth explosion, where it would be hidden in all the other chaos going on. He and Ajit would climb down the rope into the cave, while the guards would hopefully still be clustered at the entrance or running around in confusion. There, they would light up the black powder and run like hell to not get caught in the resulting blast.

"How on Merna did you learn all of this?" Ajit demanded, slinging the rope over his shoulder. "Our training masters taught nothing of using food as weaponry."

Joshua smirked a bit. "When one resides under the same roof as a pyro-happy chef, one learns rather quickly the types of food that are exquisite and also 'go boom'. Aryn can be quite loquacious when wishing to share her knowledge."

Ajit chuckled in turn and settled against a rock to wait comfortably, but Joshua was unusually antsy. Something about this place, what Ajit was really doing for this city and what was going on, was getting to him. For once, he could not pinpoint why.

Uncharacteristically, he blurted out, "Why is it that you act in disguise in this manner? If you serve as a sort of figurehead of hope for your people, then would they not be displeased to see you risking your life?"

Ajit stared at him in surprise, as if the answer should be quite obvious. "My friend, what good are beliefs if they are left by the wayside when they really count?"

Joshua flushed and raised his hands in defense. "I am not advocating that you abandon your beliefs. However, in what manner can you continue your service to your people if you are incarcerated or even killed?"

Ajit's eyes flashed in sudden understanding, and he leaned forward to rest his arms on his knees. "Ahhh, you think me reckless to be doing this instead of staying safe." Joshua didn't deny it. "It's not a question of safety. My people are starving, and Al Newaya doesn't care as long as his ships are filled with gold. But my people are also very strong, and the bonds among us not to be broken by greed. I can't sit somewhere while my people are willingly suffering in my name. Not if my sword can do something against it."

Joshua was impressed at the simplicity of this man's courage. It came from a deep love for his people that he would doubly risk his life for them. But Ajit wasn't finished. "Our choices don't just affect ourselves. They affect our families, or those we count as family. If there's a chance that we can bring them life or hope, then we are obligated to do so."

Joshua looked down, obviously stung by the rebuke. "Someone.... someone I knew very well, a long time ago, told me something quite similar. Someone I betrayed."

Ajit clasped his shoulder warmly. "It's obvious that you loved this person very much. If they loved you too, then they'll forgive you." Joshua looked up and thanked him, but Ajit could tell under the masklike expression that Joshua didn't quite believe him. Maybe it had been too long, or maybe it had been a very cruel betrayal. Either way, Ajit hoped that Joshua could find some kind of closure for it, or he'd never be able to move on with his life.

An explosion off to the south rattled the ground under them. Air hissed between Ajit's teeth, but they couldn't talk anymore. Joshua would have to figure this one out on his own at a better time. In the meantime, they had work to do. "Flour did that?!" he asked in astonishment.

"Yes. Be prepared to run," Joshua advised him calmly. All too experienced at hiding his feelings, he was cool and professional as another roar like a dragon came from off in the west. Ajit tossed Joshua his little firestarter as Joshua crouched beside the long fuse leading to the flour and lard barrels, waiting for his cue.

Two more flour barrel bombs shook the ground in opposite directions. Joshua lit the end of the fuse and sprinted off towards the trees, Ajit on his heels. The fifth explosion was closer, almost throwing off the men's footing. However, they managed to stay up and duck behind the thick stand of trees that would serve as their shield against the impending blast. Joshua covered his ears and shut his eyes, and Ajit followed suit.

Their explosion shook like a quake and sent them both sprawling to the ground amidst heaps of dust. As far away from the barrels as they were, heat-blasted air brushed their bodies as the roof of the cave was blasted open as if with dynamite. Charred and blackened powder coated the ground around the massive hole like daemon snow. Ajit had to rub his eyes in disbelief before getting the rope ready for descent, grateful once more that the Newayas knew nothing of this trick. Joshua was peering into their makeshift 'entrance', presumably looking for any mercenaries that had noticed that this particular explosion had served a purpose.

"Ready?" Ajit asked once the rope was secure and lowered into the utter blackness.

"A moment," Joshua said, and tossed him one of his light globes. He took another out of his pocket for himself and tucked it in his sash for easy access. "All right. Let us proceed."


Dust still swam in the darkened air as the two men went swiftly down the rope into the cold and somewhat damp cave that ran under Miniki's surface. Joshua's arms strained and the hemp rope dug into his hands as he followed Ajit down, and he forcibly blew air out of his nose to keep himself from sneezing. Ajit touched down first and shone his light globe around the area like a flashlight. When he was done, he gave Joshua an 'okay' sign, and the Light Guardian finished his climb and came to join him.

The Newayas had chosen a natural vault of a cave. The floor was roughly shaped and composed of a solid volcanic rock; Eziban would probably know what it was in a heartbeat. Shiny bits and volcanic glass imbedded in the rock glittered like stars in the light of the globes. If there were any creatures living here, they were completely out of sight of the "intruders".

To their right was an enormous chamber that contained dozens upon dozens of barrels of what Joshua assumed to be the black powder. A strong smell of sulfur mixed in with the mustiness and mold of the cave and a lingering aroma of blackened flour. Assorted weaponry was also stored here, as well as extra cannons. Wherever "Ajit" had conducted his raids, they were obviously secondary to this motherload.

To their left was a mass of confused mercenaries that were alternatingly cursing the flour barrel blasts that were still going off and trying to find a clean surface to wipe their streaming eyes on. Though by sheer numbers they still had the cave's entrance somewhat guarded, no one was paying any attention to the inside. Their officer was attempting to get some kind of order restored, but his eyes were just as red and his angry demands for information just as loud as anyone else's. Many times, he would shove one of his own fighters in front of him as a human shield against the blasts still coming in.

The two intruders quietly made their way to the storage chamber. Joshua removed the lard-coated coil of twine from one pocket to serve as his extra-long fuse as he calculated the best area to set it. Most of the barrels were of a size to make him sick at the utter promise of destruction, though there were a few small kegs that had only enough powder to make a loud noise and minimal damage. On a whim, he picked up one of these and stuffed it through his sash in the back. Ajit carefully took one end of the fuse to tie around one of the black powder barrels located in the very center as Joshua unwound the coil and led it straight away from the chamber. Once done, he frayed the end with his fingers to make it easier to light, then signaled to Ajit.

"Aha! Gimme that!" one of the mercenaries roared at another, upon the discovery that this one had had a hankie safely stored under his armor before the pepper blasts that was still clean. The owner of said hankie was less than enthusiastic about turning it over and prevented its theft with a well-placed fist to the solar plexus. The first mercenary crumpled backward onto the floor, dazedly looking further into the cave. Unfortunately, before his eyes went completely glassy he suddenly noticed Joshua's light globes glistening in the hands of the pair. "We got little rats that snuck in!"

All of the chaos suddenly stopped as they turned as one to verify it. Joshua whipped out Ajit's firestarter to light his fuse, but the squad leader/fugitive whisked it out of his hand. "Not yet," he said sternly, then turned to face the now quiet mercenaries. Though they had been unprepared for this kind of assault, they weren't stupid and knew damn well what the stakes were. "All of you, get out of this cave now. The black powder will not be turned on the people." Ajit held the globe near the firestarter in a wordless promise, but made no move towards the fuse itself as of yet.

The officer of the mercenary group stepped forward warily, trying to keep an eye on the firestarter in Ajit's hand through the streams of tears. He stopped as Joshua lifted his mace in a warning gesture, then spread his hands widely in a gesture of peace. Or at least, he managed to spread one hand while using the other to keep wiping at his eyes. "Let's talk about this first. You seem reasonable, and could have blown us up just now. But, we're under orders to Newaya-" he began helplessly.

"Are you a man or a pawn?" Ajit asked recklessly. Though disapproving growls rose from the mercenaries, no one dared to make a move yet. "Think about it. This is a man who is willing to create a crater where our home is just for money. That's it. All that our people are guilty of is wanting to live."

A few of the mercenaries began muttering to themselves or their neighbors. "Think of it selfishly, if you must," Joshua added, "Newaya could never gain this level of control in another place in Merna. When he starves the remainder of the people, where then will he acquire his gold to pay you?"

"A man like that would probably try to sink our boats as we left, just to get his gold back," one of the mercenaries remarked, as murmurs of agreement rose. A few protests peppered the discussions, but were either ignored or hushed up.

The officer hesitated a moment more, then nodded in decision. "We will not stop you. Perhaps it's time that our skills went to more worthy benefactors, and I won't die to protect another man's gold." He made a signal, and most of the mercenaries followed him out in search of clean water for their eyes. Anyone who hesitated was forcibly pulled along by their comrades.

Joshua raised an eyebrow. His already good opinion of the man masquerading as "Ajit" had just doubled. "You handled that quite proficiently."

Ajit shrugged, then knelt down by the fuse and took the end of it into his hand. "We had the upper hand, but I don't wish to use it to crush anyone. Start running, and I'll be just behind you." Joshua obeyed, and he heard the slight clicking noise as steel met flint on the firestarter. In only moments, Ajit was by his side as they sprinted to the cave entrance. There was no time to waste in trying to make it up the rope again, and Sara's squad would have dealt with the fleeing mercenaries.

The resulting blast completely opened up the top of the cave as the entire storehouse of powder erupted in a massive black mushroom cloud. The ground trembled as shock waves shot through it like ripples in a pond, and rock dust fell like rain for hundreds of yards beyond the blast. Civilians and mercenaries alike were freaking out, though the higher ups understood what had happened and had gone gray with the knowledge that their trump card was obliterated. The citizens were afraid that the Newayas had turned a new terrible weapon onto them, but were soon to be proven wrong.

Neither Joshua nor Ajit could hide a satisfied smile as they rejoined Sara's squad and made tracks for Lady Sayuri's home in the north.


Solana was blessing her scouts again and again. After the ships had been sunk, she had rejoined them as they took down their shield and agreed to regroup with the others in Lady Sayuri's compound on top of the island. One of them in particular, a young woman carrying a small pet snake for an assistant, knew of a system of caves that led almost to Lady Sayuri's front door, sparing their small group the need to fight through every single one of Newaya's mercenaries that would stand in their way.

Sunlight greeted them as they came out into a small grove of tall palms. The area soon proved to be unguarded, so they passed through it to the large cluster of longhouses tucked behind a sturdy set of wooden walls.

Joshua and Ajit were hurrying the people inside to safety, while a very tiny dark woman stood outside the gates and shouted instructions to the people coming in. She wielded an iron-coated staff that towered over her as easily as if it were made of bamboo. Silvering black braids escaped from a yellow headcloth, while her white blouse, green sarong, and red sash were dirty and sweat-soaked from the battle. Some of the mercenaries who thought to get the better of her were quickly taught their mistake as that lethal staff moved in a silvery blur. This was probably Lady Sayuri, or the Iron Orchid, that they had heard so much about.

Joshua came out again and spotted Solana. Relief washed over his features as he came to join her and the scouts dispersed. "Ships?" he asked.

"Disarmed and putting Miniki far behind them. If Al Newaya can hire more sailors in the future, I'll be surprised," Solana answered confidently.

Joshua smiled in relief. "Splendid. The east side is completely evacuated, and our own task was accomplished. I believe our job here is com-"

Three massive fireballs exploded nearby. Solana shook her head wryly at Joshua, wondering why he hadn't learned yet. "Murphy's law needs little incentive."

Two more went off. Sayuri came over to the pair, ducking her head protectively. "You two! I'm grateful for your help, but don't finish the day by getting blasted. Inside, now!" she directed, shooing them towards the gate with her staff as if they were wayward hens being herded with a broom. Ajit and his crew were bringing in the remaining stragglers, so the Guardians obeyed.

The squads inside had taken charge of the townspeople and were leading them inside the bamboo complex or summoning healers to look at the few wounded. A brown-haired woman with glasses and a pet catacorn at her feet seemed to have things well in hand, so Solana went to go sit down on a bench for a breather. Joshua came to join her, his eyes on Ajit as he reported to the city leader. His eyebrows were up in the expression that meant he was mulling something over.

Suddenly, a scream was heard outside the gates, and everyone looked up. One more squad had taken charge of one last group of civilians, and hot on their heels was a huge crowd of what looked like most of the sailors and mercenaries that hadn't already been arrested. The squad leader, a very tall fair-haired man with a no-nonsense expression, was bringing up the rear of his group and fending off the mercenaries with a gigantic walking stick-shaped cudgel.

Sayuri sprang into action. "Get the gates ready to close on my command! Archers, slingers, mages, to me!" she ordered. The squad members she'd selected came running to her side immediately.

"It's no good, my lady, they're too close," one of the archers commented.

Solana's eyes traveled over the crowd of civilians and soldiers alike, concentrating hard. Once she was certain she had a lock on every individual, she gave a great pull on the water in their bodies. The group came flying forward and were shuttled through the gate as the mercs tried to sprint ahead and catch up. Sayuri's summoned troops held them off with projectiles and magic bolts as those on the wall quickly bolted the gate and activated its protective spells.

Those that Solana had pulled in were surprised, but had had a gentle landing. A few of the kids even insisted that Solana do it again, only to be pulled away by more cautious parents.

Once she was certain that her people were safe, Sayuri climbed up the wall and marched past the many barrels lining it to the center, a hard look on her face as she surveyed the gathered mass outside of the walls. She planted her staff on the wall and stood up very straight, taking on a regal air. "Al Newaya, show yourself! You've lost this day!"

A very pale man with reddish brown hair came to the front and bowed mockingly. His long coat and pants were made of the finest silk found on Merna, and only Bachlan surpassed him in the sheer gaudiness of embroidery and gold buttons. The sweat on his forehead and jumpy gazes gave the lie to his air of arrogance. "My lady. What makes you believe that?" he asked in a whiny voice. His mercenaries all laughed.

"Your ships are gone, Newaya, as is your black powder collection. Many of your hired bullies are in my custody. Give up this day now," Sayuri replied calmly.

Newaya made a great show of trying to look unconcerned, which would have been far more impressive if his waving hand hadn't been shaking. "Trifles. I can buy more any day I wish. You, on the other hand, must be getting quite low on both cash and manpower with your itty bitty squads protecting this whole city."

Sayuri's troops growled angrily, and a few fired off some arrows that fell short in reply. A pair of the guards tiptoed away from the wall. The curly-haired young man was stifling some laughs, while the fair-haired young woman was glancing back to make sure that their commandering officer hadn't seen them.

Any pretense at mocking humility fled as Newaya began pacing in front of the closed gate, his voice cool and reasonable. "Sayuri, Sayuri, we have been through this so many times. You need me, and my resources." He spread his arms wide. "Who's been paying off the tributes to our Memory Guardian for the past fifteen years so that he'll look after us again, hmmm? Who's been keeping him from sending one of his little cronies to come have a 'chat' with you? All I ask in return is turning over one, little, fugitive."

Joshua's face turned red with anger, but he held his tongue. Solana couldn't believe that, even though she now knew that they had been doing their people no favors in their misguided 'protection', Bachlan would withhold it from those who could not pay.

Then again, thinking back to the man's actions over the millennia, she admitted to herself that maybe she could.

Sayuri slammed the iron butt of her staff into the stone floor sharply, quieting her soldiers and even making Al jump a little at the sound. She leaned forward a little, her voice a bit softer and a lot more menacing as a smirk crossed her face. "Never. And I said that YOUR black powder collection is gone. I said nothing of ours."

Al turned bone white, and it was obvious to all that two words were floating in his head at the moment. "What?"

"You don't really believe that I ordered all of it to be obliterated, did you?" Sayuri asked, her voice a triumphant purr. "Not something so useful."

Al spun around and began to confer with one of his mercenary captains. Joshua swiftly recognized him as the one that Ajit had talked into leaving. The captain's eyes were still bright red, but he was able to see well enough and waved his arms around as he explained their encounter with Joshua and Ajit. They had no way of knowing that the blasts to get into the cave had used flour instead of black powder.

Newaya looked up at the leader, his voice only a squeak. "You're bluffing."

Sayuri turned to Joshua and signaled him. Understanding, Joshua whipped out the tiny barrel of black powder that he had liberated from the munitions cave and handed it to Ajit. The squad leader motioned for everyone to step back as he took out his firestarter and lit it.

The resulting blast was more loud than destructive, but the mercenaries let out a moan at the distinctive smell and noise of their secret weapon. From their expressions, they were wondering how much more was hidden back here, how many of those barrels on the top wall were filled with it, and more than a few looked to ready to bolt. Al looked like he was going to faint, and he started backing off. "We-we can talk again when you come to me for that tribute payment. Perhaps we can make a few more arrangements in return for my generosity."

The pair of soldiers that had left earlier suddenly came up to the wall, bearing a giant pot of used cooking oil. It wasn't boiling or lit, but they dumped it over the side anyway. Al and his lead fighters yelped and tried to get out of the way of the putrid "rain", but with the crowd packed tightly behind them only half a dozen escaped an oozing dousing as everyone on the wall burst into laughter.

"That's what we think of your 'generosity', Newaya. Now get out of my sight," Sayuri ordered in disgust. Al made a mocking bow, nearly slipped in the oil, then rose with a (failed) attempt at dignity as he finally led his mercenaries off at a brisk trot.

Sayuri chuckled once more and signaled her squad leaders to surround her. "That's how we do it, people. Excellent work, all of you," she said proudly, patting each on the arm in her gratitude. "I want a sheaf of reports about the condition of the city, and see what needs to be replaced. We'll also need to arrange trial dates for all of Newaya's friends, though no doubt he'll just go out and buy new ones."

"Sayuri, can this really continue?" Ajit asked, his eyes troubled.

"A symbol is best kept untouchable, friend. Your servitude and dedication are treasures that Newaya cannot tax or foul," Sayuri replied soothingly. She looked up at Solana and Joshua, her sharp eyes unreadable. "You two. Ajit has told me what you have done for Miniki. Walk with me."

Joshua raised his eyebrows questioningly, but as Solana nodded her agreement he shrugged and followed her lead. This would be a perfect time to hear more about how things stood in this city. Solana knew that she owed this lady and all of Miniki's citizens at least that much.


Sayuri led them into one of the smaller longhouses that served as her personal residence and into a bright, open room meant for entertaining guests. Woven bamboo cages were suspended from the ceilings, holding an array of colorful birds that chirped happily at Sayuri's entrance. A younger black-haired woman in glasses and wearing a flower necklace was holding a sheaf of reports from the day's activities, but curtsied and offered to come back later upon seeing that Sayuri had guests.

Piles of cushions were placed on the floor as chairs, and Sayuri gracefully sat on one and gestured for Solana and Joshua to do the same. After carefully laying her deadly staff at her side, the city leader smiled cheerfully at her guests. "Lord Joshua, Lady Solana, I thank you for coming to my city's aid today."

Solana jerked in surprise, touching the veil that still covered her illusion-tinted hair. Sayuri cackled a bit in amusement. "If you wish to concentrate so much on concealing yourself in the future, I would suggest swapping your unusual weapons with your colleague there and using the other elements." The lightness left her tone, and a seriousness replaced it. "But then again, if you had been that thorough, I doubt you would have risked exposing yourself to aid us."

"You are quite observant, my lady. I doubt not that it is merely a fraction of your leadership abilities," Joshua replied politely. Sayuri brushed off the compliment like an insect, clearly not in the mood for the diplomatic dance that her people were known for.

It was instead time for raw honesty. "Sayuri, I just want to say again how very sorry I am," Solana began, tears threatening. "My ignorance cost you all so much, and continues to do so. I didn't know-"

Sayuri held up a hand to stop her. "It's Newaya's greed that continues to do so. He just took an opportunity that appeared after the accident." She leaned forward, her dark eyes locking with Solana's in a powerful gaze. Sparks of various emotions- sorrow, wariness, and hope- sparkled in that gaze like distant galaxies in a night sky. "I am not a fool, Solana. I do not believe in returning to the past for what was lost, just as a banana skin will not regrow new fruit. No, it is the future that is important now."

"So you forgive her? Even with what transpires now?" Joshua suddenly asked, his voice sounding strangely anxious. Solana shot him a questioning look, but his attention was wholly on Sayuri. Her own heart was pounding, wondering what kind of answer she would be given after all of this time.

Sayuri gave a tiny shake of her head, and Solana felt the hope in her heart die. What had she expected? Losing her own home had driven her to a black rage that she hoped never to experience again.

"Not just yet," Sayuri amended, and Solana held her breath expectantly. "Before I answer that, tell me this- after you helped us to rebuild, you and Lady Aryn left us behind." The city leader's eyes grew hard. "Why? Were you running, were you ashamed, or did you seek something? Why do you return to us now after forty years?"

Solana took a moment to gather her thoughts and plan her response carefully, thinking back over everything that had passed since this town had met its doom at her own hand. Sayuri was very astute, and she had personally been handling the last of the cleanup from Solana's own mistake for fifteen years. She deserved only the truth. "I left, Sayuri, because I wasn't worthy to call myself a 'Guardian' anymore. Bachlan didn't order me to call up water from the sea for that fire- that was my own idea. I didn't fully understand my powers for myself, nor what they could do in our world. People died because of that ignorance, and I swore that it would never happen again."

"I see. And what have you done to change this for the future?" Sayuri challenged.

Joshua opened his mouth, but Solana shushed him. She then reached into her pack and pulled out the magical book that she had carried since leaving the Crystal Citadel, handing it to the woman. That book contained all of her research and observations from her journeys with Aryn. Sayuri began flipping through thousands of handwritten pages with a frown, muttering to herself. That frown slowly shifted into a look of concentration, then her eyebrows finally raised in astonishment. "This is quite impressive. Did you spend all of your travels in a library, or in conversation with scholars?"

"I think Aryn would say that it felt that way," Solana answered impishly. Joshua's eyes were huge, taking in the sight of countless pages of work.

Sayuri stopped at the page that held the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis that Solana had gleaned from Ghaleon's book back in Lunar, stating that halting the forces of nature had only been harming Merna for all of these millennia. That single fact had changed everything, showing that all of the tasks that they had done for so many millennia had been wrong, and had led Solana back to the Crystal Citadel to try to begin a new era.

"That is precisely why we are on the same side, Lady Sayuri. Bachlan has decided that the efforts of our people and even his Guardians are insufficient to keep Merna in the state of his memories, and has decided to restore things to that impossible state on his own. What Solana accidentally did in an effort to save your people, Bachlan will purposefully extend to all our world to fulfill that vision," Joshua explained.

"But we will not allow that to happen. Flawed though our path has been, we remain Guardians, and we will keep our world safe against any threat. If that includes our former leader, then so be it," Solana added grimly, her fists clenched. Sayuri's eyes revealed nothing, but Solana found her voice growing stronger. "We've fought on the behalf of Merna and countless other worlds in the universe-scale wars of the past few years. I had to watch my own homeland die. I came back because now Bachlan is Merna's greatest threat, and it's our responsibility to protect this world by the essences we bear."

Sayuri sighed. "Bachlan has given up on Merna, on us, and seeks to throw us away. It takes more strength to grow with the destruction as a foundation instead of razing the land all over again."

"We will not allow it," Solana repeated firmly.

Sayuri gave a tiny smile in reply, finally understanding this woman's heart and actions. "I have no doubts. But you still feel guilty about what was done, and it's true that our lives have become much harder as a result of it." Solana remained silent. "If you truly want to give us a chance to regrow to our past glory, and find forgiveness for yourself, then there is one more obstacle to remove; neutralize the Newayas' hold on us."

Solana thought back to the conversation she had heard between the two. "I don't think the tribute payments will be a factor after we stop Bachlan, but it will take some doing."

"We will require some time with you and the leaders of your businesses in order to establish a feasible solution," Joshua added.

"I don't expect one right this moment," Sayuri admonished him gently, her face softening. "Your debt to all of Merna must be paid first. After that is settled, we will chat. But, Lady Solana, the first step on the road to forgiveness involves getting back on one's feet. For what you've done since, and for what you have lost on your own journey, I forgive you."

Solana bowed her head to hide the twin tears trickling down her cheeks. "Thank you. It will make the time to come a lot easier to know that."

Sayuri smiled back, then glanced out the window. "Dusk approaches. I would invite you to supper, but I believe that you would feel more comfortable to be on your way again." She rose, and Solana and Joshua rose in turn. Sayuri took first Solana's hand and made a sign of blessing over it, then did the same to Joshua. "Go with Miniki's prayers for your success. Don't forget what you have seen here today, nor that it is not one woman but the whole that creates our destiny."

"Never. Keep yourselves safe in the meantime," Solana replied. She gave the woman a respectful bow, then left the room.

Joshua began to do the same, when Sayuri grabbed his arm. "Follow the example of your colleague there, Lord Joshua. Don't be afraid to seek the keys to unlock your own chains of guilt."

For once, Joshua was thrown off balance. It was rare indeed that someone could see through his diplomatic mask to the thoughts within. "I have said nothing..." he began.

"Your eyes and mannerisms have said all. You use your burden of loss as a shield and your own prison, but all it will do is drag you down into darkness, Lord of Light," Sayuri interrupted sternly.

Joshua shut his eyes as the image of a smiling, kindly old man was summoned into his mind. It was an image that had only caused him pain for so many millennia and that had been kept locked up in his heart all of this time. Solana's ordeal in Ridley and their talk on the island had loosened the chains, while Sayuri's actions and kindness obliterated them completely.

Maybe... maybe if Sayuri could forgive, then HE could, too?

The warmth of tears in his eyes burned through him, thawing out his heart. The answer was so obvious.

Yes. Yes, he would.

The soft blue eyes that opened and met Sayuri's were those of a man unguarded, with a new warmth shining in them. Joshua didn't, couldn't answer her in words, but instead did the only thing he could do.

He knelt before her, making a fist to bring to his head, his heart, then extending all of his fingers as he brought his hand over his head in an arc. Sayuri had never seen the gesture, but gave another form of blessing used to those who had overcome a great trial.

Joshua murmured his thanks before leaving to rejoin Solana, the two understanding each other perfectly. There was no way that Sayuri would have seen this before, and many who would have proclaimed his act almost blasphemy. The Great Bow of Contriteness was normally reserved for Monsee citizens who had committed a crime and had their lives spared by an overlord, normally a lesser monarch or occasionally the emperor or empress, but Joshua felt that this woman deserved it no less.

Sayuri watched him leave, then pulled a small rolled up piece of paper from her sash. She carefully untied it and opened it to reveal a beautiful portrait of a smiling family of four. Sayuri touched the images of her mother and father, killed long ago in the mudslide, her fingers running over only images of her mother's cheek or her dad's shoulder. She had only escaped her parents' fate by taking a trip on her sister's boat the day of the disaster, but she knew that her parents would wish understanding and mercy instead of bitterness in her heart. She had worked all of her life to build back up what was left of this city, and would continue to do so until she drew her last breath.

The Iron Orchid remained like that until her aide came back in with the reports from the day's attack. With a sigh, Sayuri put away the portrait and got back to work.


Every step back to the estuary to meet Ena's pod felt so much lighter, as did the Water Guardian's spirit. A heavy weight that she had carried on her shoulders all of this time, a burden that reminded her of what her journey had all been for, had suddenly been greatly lightened. Perhaps, after Bachlan was defeated, it would be gone for good...

Looking back, Solana was shocked to see tears freely running down Joshua's cheeks as he came to join her. The man usually kept his emotions to himself unless in the company of those he trusted completely. Even so, she wasn't sure she ever remembered him crying in all the years they had worked together. "Joshua, what's the matter?" she asked in concern, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder.

For once, Joshua didn't even try to hide his emotions. "She forgave you. Despite all the hardship her people suffered, believing that you had turned your back on them for so long and leaving them destitute, she managed to forgive you."

"Joshua, it wasn't that easy. I still have to find a way to overcome Newaya's hold on them even after Bachlan is defeated. Please, what's wrong?" Solana asked in earnest. What had been hurting him so much all of this time, that he was only allowing himself to feel now? Did it have something to do with his reaction to the moral of the sea serpent tale, involving choice?

Joshua gave a long sigh of half relief, half pain. "Solana, I did not reveal everything that night we conversed, and I uttered some cruel vituperations at you. You see, I also had a beloved teacher as a child. His name was Ambassador Luzio."

Solana gasped in recognition. That was the name that Joshua had uttered before they had left the Golden Grizzly, and suddenly she understood Joshua's outburst on the island.

Joshua smiled thinly. "I see that you understand. I was a younger imperial prince in one of the greater provinces of the Monsee Empire. It matters not anymore which one it was. My older brother was to take my father's place, while we younger children were to be apprenticed to those who were influential in the empire."

The smiling image of his teacher grew stronger in his mind, and Joshua remembered the patience with which his teacher had answered a young blond boy's endless questions. Only with Luzio had he been safe to be a little boy, instead of a prince who must always uphold the dignity and regulations of his people. Joshua continued on. "He was a man ahead of his time, trying to encourage the emperor and empress to grant more rights to our people. He would secretly travel throughout the empire to hear the grudges of our people, and those who sought change. I thoroughly enjoyed coming along with him for speeches, witnessing the hope that he gave to those within or beyond our borders. I came to believe that politics was the most direct way to improve their lives. Luzio looked forward to passing his mantle onto my own shoulders one day." His smile turned bitter. "But that day never came. One night, when Luzio had left on a secret trip to Mila, I was incarcerated."

"You? But, why?" Solana prompted gently.

"Because there were many who felt that my teacher was a threat to our way of life," Joshua replied, sinking into a sitting position on the sand as memories overwhelmed him. Solana followed his motion, crossing her legs comfortably. "I was interrogated every day considering my thoughts and philosophies. Did I truly believe in Luzio's teachings? Had I ever passed them on to others? Did I intend to become an ambassador myself, in his footsteps? At last, to protect myself, I rejected everything I learned from the man I respected most. I told them that Luzio was an old fool, and..." He shut his eyes in pain. "Well, I do not wish to dwell on all the lies I told them, but even then they did not believe me."

Letting out a moan, he propped an elbow on his knee and rested his forehead on his palm. "Finally, they desired to know his present location. I attempted to stall them in any way possible, to state he would not share all of his plans with a mere student, but they knew better. They claimed that Luzio was trying to stir up more of our provinces to turn away from the empire as Mila had." He shuddered a moment. "I will not elaborate on their methods of persuasion, but they eventually learned what they wished, and sent an assassin. I had betrayed the one person I loved and trusted more than any other."

Waves of pain, grief, and guilt that he thought he had buried long ago came to the surface, too powerful to be denied. He couldn't believe he was doing this, baring his soul to someone who had been his enemy.

No, not his enemy, but the enemy of the man he had served since then. But he had needed to get it out for so long. Needed to cut out the overgrowth of guilt and misery from his heart to let some light finally reach it once more.

Solana's eyes shone with tears of understanding and pity, mirroring his of loss and guilt, and she finally reached out to give him a friendly hug. Joshua stiffened for only one moment from habit, then relaxed and accepted her gesture of comforting him. "I know what it's like, Joshua. I led a horde of monsters to my homeland's front door and watched it be destroyed. The hardest person to forgive is always ourselves," she murmured.

Joshua nodded, and was quiet for several moments to regather his thoughts. Finally, with one last sob, he pulled away and finished his story. "My family disowned me after the incident, so I left the empire for Mila to study the one gift I still had left- my penchant for light magic. Bachlan found me there, and asked me to serve as the Light Guardian."

His gaze turned thoughtful. "But even then... I had learned what it meant to disobey. Every time I thought about going against Bachlan, I would remember the jail cell I was kept in, so I acted as the perfect servant. I wonder now whether that was coincidence or not..."

Solana wondered herself, but chose not to expand on it. Besides, there was one truth that Joshua, in his misery, had overlooked. "Joshua, you couldn't have turned away from Luzio. Not completely."

Joshua stared at her incredulously. "Why on Merna would you believe that?"

"Maybe you chose to ignore other things, but when it really counted- when we learned about the Great Rebirth- you broke away from being that servant. You could have changed your mind in Ridley and let me be killed, which would have won you clemency from Bachlan, and you did not." Solana smiled at him warmly. "But even before then, I know that when you were carrying out duties for Bachlan, things did not always go as he had ordered. You let cities lower their tributes, or traveled there to help work out agreements instead of being an unfeeling drone. You have a good heart, Joshua, and I know that Luzio would forgive you when you still lived his ideals."

Forgiveness... Joshua bowed his head, thinking on one of his many lessons. "We owe our truest duty to a higher power than our sovereigns, higher than the mother empire. That higher power is the acknowledgment of the dignity and worth of our fellow human beings, Joshua. If you can keep that in mind, you will never be willing to harm one for your own gain. But should you inadvertantly do so, in an ideal world they should in turn see yours and grant you the forgiveness that you would them."

Perhaps Luzio's teachings were needed now more than ever. Perhaps he could be the one to bring them back to the world.

"I will, Luzio. I will keep your memory alive, and what you taught me in terms of protecting our people." His voice grew in strength and conviction with each new word. "No more will others suffer that I may stay safe! No more will I support those who mean only harm to our world! I will redeem myself and make myself worthy for my duty!" Joshua shouted in exhiliration. His form seemed almost... haloed with the suddenly brilliant sunlight.

It wasn't an illusion! More and more life-giving, life-affirming light gathered, raining down on the man in a radiant shower. Solana shielded her eyes and finally had to look away from its magnificence. Joshua laughed and brought his head back, drinking in the return of his power and something else he realized. It seemed that Merna had forgiven him first.

When it was done, he seemed to stand straighter, and confidence glittered in his sapphire eyes. Solana's eyes lit with approval as she noted the change in him. "Are you ready now?" she asked.

Joshua grinned at her, his happiness honestly glowing. "For the first time, I truly am. Let us continue on to meet our comrades."