"My name is Yukita. I knew you would be coming here, sooner or later," the woman stated, casting an even gaze over the three royals. "Welcome to Rhone."
"What are you?" Alex asked in a soft tone. "You're not human, are you?"
"You are correct; I am not human. If you will come to me, I will show you to a place you can rest," she said, turning with a slight rustle of her robe on the ground. "The illusion over the door should be sufficient, but it is my understanding that humans prefer to be warmer than the current temperature, is that correct?"
"How do we know we can trust you?" Alex said, lowering his voice.
"You do not," she replied simply. "You may follow, or not, as you wish. But I think you would find it to your benefit to listen to what I have to inform you of."
Alex looked back at Nikado, unsure. "Let's follow her," he said with a nod. "We're going to need help in Rhone." He got to his feet, helping Ameko up and supporting her weight.
Alex nodded, falling into step with them. "How are you feeling, Ameko?"
"Well enough to tolerate people asking me that all the time, apparently," she grumbled, rubbing at her neck.
Nikado looked up as they followed Yukita, and couldn't help but notice that the place was well-lit with torches, the floor made of smooth stone. In a way, it reminded him of Rubiss's sea cave. "Does Hargon know you live out here? How do you keep yourself hidden?"
"He is aware I am in Rhone, but not of my specific whereabouts. I am not of his concern," she said with a tilt of her head.
"Why are you helping us, then?" Ameko asked. "Won't it put you on bad terms with him?"
"I do not keep 'terms' with Hargon. I am not of his concern, and he is not of mine. I am aiding you because it pleases me to do so; that should be sufficient for the moment. If you care to stay, more will be revealed to you."
"Thank you for helping us," Nikado spoke up.
She glanced over her shoulder, and smiled. "Ah, a proper young gentleman. You are quite welcome, Prince Nikado of Lorasia."
"Ah? How do you know my name?"
"Is there a person who has been attending to recent events that is not aware of who the three of you are?" she replied. She then gestured out to her right with a slim hand. "Through this door you will find the baths. If you care to leave your equipment on the table inside, I will examine and repair it for you. When you are finished, I will guide you to a room for resting."
"Thank you," Nikado said, bowing before helping Ameko inside the door, Alex following.
"Should we leave our armor and swords?" Alex asked with a frown.
"I think so. It strikes me that she'd think it would be incredibly rude to try and hurt us when we're disarmed by a trick. Plus, I think she might be testing us." Nikado managed to find the seal on the helmet, pulling it off and revealing the metal band, placing it on the table. "Want to give me a hand, Alex?"
Alex sighed, then pulled out the Sword of Loto, setting it on the table and placing the one he had been using inside the bag. "Maybe she knows a good blacksmith."
Ameko leaned against the wall, watching them, and then she set her own wand down next to their weapons. "Do you need a hand, Ameko?" Nikado asked her.
She shook her head. "I'll be over in a minute. Have a towel." She handed him a large, fluffy white towel that was almost textured like the snow itself, but warm and dry instead of cold and wet. He nodded, following Alex inside to the bath.
The bath itself was amazingly large and round, the stone floor smooth under their bare feet. Even from the entrance, Nikado could feel the heat from the bath, the waters swirling and bubbling. "It smells like a natural spring," Alex commented. "There's minerals in the air."
Nikado stepped down onto the stairs leading into the bath, taking a seat. Pulling his hair out of the ponytail he always wore it in, he let out a sigh, sinking down into the water. "This feels really nice."
Alex stepped in afterwards, setting aside the towel as he took a seat near Nikado. "Hm? Something the matter?" the prince asked as he noticed Alex staring.
"I've never seen you without your hair down," Alex observed. "I don't think you've ever done it before."
Nikado looked embarrassed, turning his face away. "I look weird with my hair down. But it's hard to wash when it's pulled back. Oh, look," he said, pointing. "She did include soap. It'll be nice to get the smell of that cave off me."
Alex reached out, picking up a lock of Nikado's hair and letting it run through his fingers as he observed it. "W-what?" Nikado asked, face turning a little red.
"Nothing," Alex said, turning his eyes up to the other man's face.
There was a rustle of a towel as Ameko stepped inside, carefully placing the towel aside as she slipped under the water, avoiding eye contact with either of them for a moment. "It's a nice bath," she said at last.
"Yeah, it is," Nikado agreed, sitting back. "It's nice to be able to relax here. Not exactly what I thought I'd be doing in the middle of Rhone."
"Yes," she agreed, keeping her eyes averted.
He splashed a little water at her in response. "Hey, relax. You won't feel any better if you stay all tensed up like that." He leaned forward, expression turning more serious. "Is your neck bothering you?"
She put a hand to it. "Is it...really noticeable?" she asked quietly. He shook his head. "But you can see it, right?"
He scooted closer to her, then reached out, touching a finger to one of the small white lines. She flinched away, and he drew his hand back. "Does it hurt?"
"No...it's just a little sensitive. Not even like pain sensitive, just...." She put a hand over it. "Your hair's down."
He blushed a bit. "Well, it's hard to wash when it's up."
Alex laughed suddenly, drawing his knees up and resting his arms on them. "You two look more embarrassed than two teenagers on their first date. Now I'm not embarrassed anymore."
"I'm not embarrassed! I just think it feels weird when my hair's down," Nikado muttered.
Ameko cracked a grin at that, and then stood up, smiling as she noticed both men politely averting their eyes. Walking across the bath, she seated herself firmly between the two, feeling the slight touch of skin on either side. "There. Now we're all embarrassed equally."
Alex smiled, but still kept his eyes averted from below. Nikado laughed, putting his arm around her. "I told you, I'm not embarrassed. It's your loss."
"You know," she said, picking up a lock of his hair out of the water, "I didn't know your hair was so long."
"Now you're just picking on me."
She laughed, then looked over at Alex slyly. "You know, if Nikado's going to make you his lover, you'd better get used to a little skin."
"This is not a little skin," he protested, "and Nikado has another thing coming to him."
"Oh, so you're going to be the one on top?"
"Ameko!" She laughed brightly, Nikado joining in. Alex just shook his head. "You two are nuts, you were made for each other."
"Oh, stop trying to exclude yourself," Nikado said, leaning over and brushing his lips against Alex's own. "You are a part of this strange little trio, so you'd better get used to your place."
To his surprise, Alex didn't try and pull away, smiling at Nikado instead. "If you let me exclude myself, I'd probably go cry."
"Now that would be embarrassing," Ameko agreed, snuggling back against the wall of the bath. "Say, Alex, Nikado...."
"Hm?" Nikado asked as Alex looked over at her.
"When we win...when we defeat Hargon," she began. "Let's come back to this place again."
Nikado smiled and gave her shoulder a squeeze, and Alex circled his arm around her as well, moving a little closer to her. "That sounds like a good idea."
When Ameko awoke, she was aware of the presence of both princes before anything else. Nikado was on her right, she realized without opening her eyes, the Lorasian prince curled up against her side, resting his head on her stomach, one arm thrown across her legs, his skin warm and soft to the touch. And on her left was Alex, clutching her hand in both of his, his head resting on her shoulders, his skin cool and smooth.
Opening her eyes, she looked around, and discovered they were in a large, canopied bed with the curtains lowered, covering the rest of the room in a white veil. Speaking of white, the bedsheets were the same color, as was the nightgown she was wearing. When did I put this on? she wondered, running a hand over it. She didn't even remember getting out of the bath the night before. At least, she assumed it was now the morning after.
Footsteps made her sit up, Nikado opening his eyes as he was moved. Beyond the curtain, she could see a figure, obscured by the curtain. "Yukita?" she guessed.
"That is correct," the woman's voice replied. "Did you sleep well?"
"We slept very well, thank you," Ameko replied.
"That is good to hear," Yukita replied. "I have brought you some morning tea, but if you and your companions are awake, I can provide a breaking of your fast as well."
"Does she mean breakfast?" Nikado mumbled, rubbing at his eyes. "That sounds nice."
"Thank you," Ameko called to her. "We'll be up shortly."
"That is good to hear. I have provided some clothing for you while you are here that should suit your need for warmth; I would be pleased if you would partake of it. Your armor is sitting on the large table; I have completed cleaning it. I have also finished cleaning the Thunder Sword, but the other two items require some more detailed work."
"You mean the Sword of Loto," Alex said from his reclining position.
"That is correct. It should be the most powerful sword in the world. That it is not is a failing of time and the loss of some of its original ability. It can be restored, however it will require some time."
"You know of a magic blacksmith, then?" Alex asked, sitting up at last.
"I knew of one, many years ago. He taught me everything he knew." There was an odd quietness to her voice with those words. "I am confident in my ability to fully restore the sword."
Alex blinked. "I'm a little surprised. You don't really appear to have the arms of a blacksmith, you know."
"I am well aware of that." There was an amused tone to her voice rather than a note of offense. "I do not appear to be many things that I am. Of course, there are reasons for that. Please enjoy your morning tea; I shall return with breakfast shortly."
Nikado stretched, rolling his shoulders before he tossed aside the curtain, standing up. "This is a pretty nice room. I wonder how many rooms there are hidden in this mountain?"
"And I wonder who made them," Alex said, pulling himself out of the bed. "For all we know, she made them herself."
"If you don't think she's human, what do you think she is?" Ameko asked him. "A monster?"
"I don't know about that. If she is, she's a powerful one, on rank with an archdemon. No, even that would be belittling her, I think. I think there's a lot more to her than meets the eye."
Nikado picked up a teacup, taking a seat. "We'll ask her about our next move when she comes back. I'd like to know how much time it will take to repair the Sword of Loto. I'd really like to go take on Hargon with that thing at full power in your hands, Alex."
"I'd like to see it fully repaired, too," he said with a nod, taking a seat himself. "Even if it's only to see the sword back to its proper condition. It deserves that much."
Nikado nodded. "And she has your wand, too, doesn't she, Ameko?"
The princess gave him an affirmative as she sat down. "Admittedly it was getting a little beat up. Too much clanging off those robosters and so on."
Yukita reentered the room with a tray, setting down a plate in front of each of them. "Here you are. I hope it meets your expectations."
"Well, it certainly smells good," Nikado told the woman with a smile. Would you care to join us?" he offered.
"I have no need of food. However, I will admit to a fondness for tea, so if it is not disturbing to you, I will take you up on that offer." Producing a stool from the corner of the room, she took a seat in a ladylike fashion a bit aways from the table, picking up a spare teacup and pouring a glass for herself.
"Do you mind if I ask what you are, Yukita?" Alex addressed her. "You said you aren't human, but I don't think you're a monster, either. How old are you?"
"Older than you would expect, certainly." She took a sip of the tea, closing her eyes for a moment. "The easiest way, I believe, to explain it, is to tell you that I am a younger sibling to the one you call Rubiss."
"You're an elemental, then?" Nikado asked.
"If that is what you prefer in reference to us. Of the pair of us, Rubiss is the more conscious part of the creator god, and consequentally, it is more of a danger for her to be awake continually. My power does not span the breadth that hers does, but since I am more detatched from the creator god, I am able to be here without risk of the creator god awakening. Rubiss has already explained this world to you, has she not? I can see the power in your eyes. You have gained power since you spoke to her."
Ameko and Alex exchanged glances. "We have noticed an ease to our spells," Alex said, "as well as knowledge of new ones. Is that simply from learning the nature of this world?"
"Knowledge is power, young scholar. Once you understand the nature of the world, you are able to glean power directly from the creator god for your purposes. Of course, that does carry a risk, but since there are only three of you with access to such magic, it should not be a significant one."
"Two," Nikado corrected. "I can't use magic."
She turned to him with a frown. "Surely not. Loto's blood carries a strong magical tradition."
Nikado shrugged in response. "I've tried, but it's never worked. It just doesn't come to me."
The snow elemental watched him over her cup for a long moment. "I see. I would like to speak to you later in more depth regarding this matter. However, I believe that is not all the questions you have for me at this moment?"
"What do you think our next move should be?" Alex asked her. "Do we have what we need to take on Hargon?"
"That is an excellent question, young scholar. Perhaps one that cannot be fully answered, but at your current level of ability, I would recommend you not to proceed directly to Hargon's castle yet. He is not a foe to be watched lightly. I have kept my eye on him since his rise. He will not be a trifling foe to defeat."
"Oh, good," Nikado commented, "if we met a foe that was trifling to beat, I don't think we'd know what to do with ourselves."
Yukita smiled slightly at that. "Yes, I have heard of your victories over the Ozwargs and Zarlox. However, I have also heard of your losses to Pazuzu. He is the number one general of Hargon. If you struggle so much with him, you will have little chance against Hargon himself."
"What do you recommend we do, then?"
"Since you now understand the increase to your power, you must learn to control it," she told them. "Practice, and restore yourselves in the evening with food and drink and the baths. You have the understanding you will require for this undertaking, now you must gain the power. I will do what I can to provide you with the equipment that will be of the most benefit." She waved a hand at the table behind them, against the wall. "The armor of Loto is still in excellent shape, and the Water Robe is a most satisfactory piece of work. Your weaver is to be commended."
"I'll pass the compliment on when I see her. What about my wand? Is it still in okay shape?"
"I have been meaning to question you in regards to that piece of equipment," Yukita spoke. "It seems to have been chipped and scratched in a most unusual fashion. Was it in that condition when it came into your possession?"
"Not really. It sort of got beat up when I was hitting monsters with it."
Yukita lowered the cup, which had been halfway back to her lips. "I do beg your pardon. Did you say you were 'hitting monsters' with it?"
Ameko frowned. "Is that a problem?"
"Young lady," Yukita said, putting the teacup down. "As a young woman, you are expected to act with more dignity. That is not the proper use for a wand."
Ameko frowned. "What was I supposed to do, bow before I hit them? I don't have the magical reserves to use magic on every monster we meet."
"Of course not. What you are expected to do is to properly channel your energy so that you are not wasting magic or your strength on useless blows. Yukita sighed. "Sometimes, I do not understand what they are teaching young ladies in this day and age."
"Properly channel my energy? How do I do that, then?"
"I will be glad to assist you in demonstration such an ability. It will be necessary for your undertaking to increase the damage you can do without relying on magic. As to other matters, I have noticed that you carry a damaged set of armor that is nonetheless a fair sight more powerful than the one you are currently using, Alex of Cannock. Might I ask the reason why?"
"Wearing full plate tires me out," he told her, then the corners of his lips twitched. "The armory said they were all out of legendary equipment for scholars."
"Understandable. When the original set of armor was made, it was never expected that there would be multiple heroes when the great evil arose again. I would like to see if that set of armor might be made suitable," she said. "It does have several useful spells embedded in it already, such as a protection from the elements which your current armor does not afford you. I also have observed that you carry a fragment of an enchanted mirror with you, is that correct?"
"Do you mean the Mirror of Ra?" Alex blinked. "Yes, but it was broken when we accidentally directed it at a wraith. If you have use of it, I don't mind you taking it."
"I may be able to make use of the magic in it, yes," she said with a nod. "Once you have finished your meals, I would like to speak to Ameko of Moonbrook and Nikado of Lorasia in greater detail. Then I will retire to begin my work on your equipment."
"How long do you think that will take?" Alex asked.
"I cannot say for sure. I do not know how much will be able to be done, or what the upper limit of my abilities in regards to this shall be."
Nikado nodded. "We appreciate your help, Yukita."
"Consider it an enlightened self-interest," she replied with a tilt of her head. "If the creator god is fully awakened, I as well as this entire world shall be lost. It would be quite the tragedy. I will now leave you to your meal."
As promised, Yukita had spoken with Nikado, curious about his lack of magic. After some studying of his attempts, she seemed to become aware of something, but said nothing further on it aside from the fact that he did indeed possess no capacity for interacting with magical energy. Ameko's visit to her was more productive, and the warrior princess quickly caught onto the idea of directing her energy to a single point outside of the wand, smashing through matter in its way without actually ever touching it. After she had set the girl to practice, Yukita had retired, starting with the wand. It was a fairly simple thing to repair the wear on the item, but boosting the power to the level she liked had been a bit trickier. She would find it a fair sight more helpful when she went to cast her spells.
Next, she laid out the Sword of Loto and the Gaia armor, and was debating which one to work on first when she heard footsteps on the hallway behind her. Turning, she gave Alex a slight bow as she saw him. "Is something troubling you, young scholar?"
"Is there anything you think I should do to improve myself, Yukita?"
"Besides the act of practice to sharpen your magical abilities? There is nothing specific. Does this bother you?" She tilted her head at him.
"I guess it does," Alex replied. "Sometimes, I feel like...." She raised her eyebrows, and he struggled for the words to finish. "I wonder if my presence is necessary."
"What makes you believe that it is not?"
The corners of his lips tugged upwards slightly. "Scholars aren't usually counted in a party of heroes. Nikado and Ameko I can understand, but...I'm not even named in the ancient language."
She smiled at that, and then spoke to him again. "You understand the old words, then?" she asked, speaking in the ancient language.
He blinked in surprise, taking a few moments to run over what she had said before he replied. "Yes. I understand the old words," he replied in the same language.
"That is a rare and impressive feat," Yukita said, turning to him fully. "On what basis do you believe a scholar is not qualified? What historial parties of heroes are you completing your observation on?"
He ducked his head, embarrassed. "Old stories."
"I would imagine, as an adult, that you understand that most of the old stories are not based in fact. Actually, I believe you would be surprised, Alex of Cannock. Loto was a man not dissimilar to yourself. He was primarily a scholar, and stumbled across the secret to this world at the same time as the great evil. He had both an ability with the sword, with magic, and with his own mind. He, too, was prone to lapses in confidence."
"You knew him?" Alex said in interest, looking surprised at the comparison between himself and the legendary hero.
"Personally. The world was young at that point. We came very close to the great evil waking the creator god. Rubiss and I were both quite involved in aiding him. There was not the supportive network that there is now. That was his idea, you know," she added. "When he fought the great evil alone, the price to him was great. He requested of myself and Rubiss that we ensure that there be aid for those that would do battle against the great evil in the future. The priesthood was one such step we took. When the Dragon Lord came into power, we recognized the source of his knowledge and prepared for this day by requesting your ancestor to establish the three houses."
"Why three?"
"There is great power in a trinity. The three of you each embody a different aspect of the human spirit. It allows you to be that much more powerful when united. For Ameko of Moonbrook, the heart. She is motivated by her emotions, her passion. For Nikado of Lorasia, the soul. You both recognize that he understands on a deeper level than he may let on. In some ways, he is the most powerful of the three of you, but he is also the most fragile, the most in danger. And you, Alex of Cannock, you represent the mind. Your power lies in your ability to remember, to analyze, and to create a solution based on your observations. You are not easily swayed by an illusion or deception. Do you understand your role in a greater capacity now?"
"Yukita...What exactly is the great evil? What is it that's fueling Hargon?"
"I suppose you could say," she began, tucking her arms into her sleeves, "that it is an ego."
"An ego?"
"Correct. It is an existance which does not accept this world. It is an existance that desires to be the sole creation, the sole power. To this end, it would destroy even the creator god itself, and seek to become the sole entity. A god in itself."
"Can we defeat it? For good?"
"That I doubt. A struggle between good and evil is a perpetual one, among any soul. What you can do is destroy the vessels that it has created, through the goodness in your own hearts. That will prevent the rise of the great evil for many further generations."
He nodded slowly. "Thank you for speaking with me."
"I apologize for neglecting you," she said with a smile. "Are you now assured that your proper place is with your companions?"
He smiled as he turned to leave. "I only wondered about the place of a scholar with a hero and a heroine. I don't doubt my place with Nikado and Ameko."
"Then you have matured a great deal since your first encounter with them, I believe," she spoke to the room after he left. Picking up the sword, she held it for a long moment. "It's time to restore the piece of work you created," she spoke to the room. "The greatest of the legendary pieces you are known for. With your power, I will create a new legend in your name." Going over to a shelf, she picked up some tools, hand pausing over a small white globe that pulsed with light before she picked it up as well.
"Does this make you happy...my beloved husband?"
