Chapter 47

  The Fearless Voyage

  The most incredible feeling Michael had experienced in his short time on Iagorothi was the total lack of feeling. What he saw did not appear to his eyes, what he felt did not tickle his skin. Was it that there was nothing to sense?

  Or was he not really here?

  Deep brown stone floor, natural rock alcoves filled with candlelight, chains affixed to the roof. Michael recognized this room. Once more he stood before a suspended figure that emanated an aura of malevolence. Or perhaps it was something else.

  Michael looked around for more details. There was a hole in the roof above the man, and behind him an ornate white door that was twice the height of Michael himself.

  "Again you return." The man said. His voice commanded attention, shaking Michael's Soul. "Begone."

  The word struck Michael like a hammer, a shockwave that threatened to shatter him to pieces. But Michael persisted, focusing on himself to withstand the dismissal. As the power of the word faded, Michael remained.

  "No, I don't think I will." Michael said, standing his ground.

  The man's silence was a heavy weight on the room, then he spoke, "Your will is strong." The power behind the voice had gone, leaving behind a tone that implied strength and intelligence. "You do not belong in this place."

  "Well I didn't ask to be here." Michael said. "But I won't let you do whatever you please either."

  A crimson gleam shone beneath the unruly black hair of the suspended man. Michael flinched, taking an involuntary step back. "You do not want to be here."

  Michael tried to gather his courage, though fear made him tremble. "That's enough reason to stay. I want to know what you're hiding."

  In lieu of a response, the man continued to glare. His eyes shone from beneath his darkened visage. Crimson eyes with golden sclera, scarred at the fringes. They were more violent than the eyes of Zori, yet filled with intelligence. Michael did not meet them for long.

  "I already know," Michael said, "You're Mexizu, aren't you?" Cold silence was the only response. "I saw you, you know. I witnessed a battle. I keep having visions, and I keep learning more about you. But every time one question is answered I have so many more. What happened? Why did you vanish? Why were you fighting so hard? Where did you come from? How were you so powerful?"

  "I guess," Michael continued, "I'll never know." He lifted his chin and returned a glare of his own.

  Their glares met in silence. No sound reached Michael's ears. They did not breathe, they did not sweat, the absence in this place grew more and more whole. It was a frustrating detail to be aware of. What was this void? A dream? A vision?

  "You..." Rumbled the suspended man's voice, "are incorrect."

  "I am?" Michael said. Did that mean his questions would be answered?

  "I am not Mexizu." The man said.

  "Oh..." Michael's shoulders drooped. "Then who are you?"

  "This place." The man said. "Is a prison, and I it's prisoner."

  "You didn't answer my question." Michael said.

  "I am part of a whole. The Mind, sealed away." He turned his attention once more to Michael. "You do not want to be here." He repeated.

  Michael looked around once more at the room. It did feel hollow, a void with imaginary shackles. A prison for the Mind. "I don't know how to leave."

  "I have analyzed this place for centuries." The Mind said, "It is not a prison to be escaped from."

  "But I've been here before, and I left before." Michael said. "There must be a way!"

  "The only escape," the Mind said, "is the Shattering."

  The fear Michael felt returned, though he had no heart to race here. "That doesn't sound good."

  "Do not return." The Mind rumbled, power building in his voice. "Begone!"

  Michael shattered.

  A jolt of fear made Michael twitch and lurch forth, he had felt he was falling all of a sudden. He did not manage to sit up, instead feeling a weight holding him down. He felt cold sweat on his chest and face, and soft support behind him. An unfamiliar wooden ceiling was straight ahead.

  Michael found himself lying in a bed in a dark room. He could hear a distant hum persisting in the distance. The muted sound of wind accompanied it, and soft breathing nearby. Michael's tongue felt fuzzy and his mouth was dry. The strong scent of clover filled his nose.

  He was no longer in the void. He breathed a sigh of relief. Then he looked around.

  Yan was sleeping in a chair next to Michael, laying over him and resting on his belly. She had changed out of her combat gear to casual wear, they were somewhere safe. She looked tired, but content, sleeping there.

  Michael then spotted his quarry. A glass of water on a table within arms reach. He picked it up and tipped some into his mouth. The water was still chilled, and some spilled down his chin and onto the bandages on his chest, but he drank it down with a greedy need.

  "Take smaller sips." Michael flinched at the unknown voice and looked towards it. The sleeping Yan grumbled and moved in her sleep.

  In the corner of the room was a large plush chair, and someone sat in it. The woman who sat there had fiery red hair and was wrapped in a quilt. "Relax, I won't bite." She said, though her teeth gleamed in the scarce light.

  "Who... Where...?" Michael stammered, before settling on a question, "What happened?"

  “Now is the time to rest.” The woman said, “In the morning, I will answer your questions.” Michael opened his mouth but she kept talking, “And a scolding.” She said with a glare.

  Michael gulped, then nodded. The woman stopped glaring and relaxed. Laying back down, Michael did feel fatigue return, and his eyes closed on their own. He was pulled into sleep before he knew it.

  The morning shift of sailors woke just before dawn to relieve their night shift counterparts. Before light spilled across the lands and woke them, the sailors assigned that night retired into the cabins to find a bed or hammock. Dawn broke, and with it Zero Hour. A new day.

  Hyato woke up moments later, stumbling out of bed from the cabin they were given to sleep in. He made his way out into the chilly morning air aboard the ship. Near the front of the deck was a large open space reinforced with cured leathers and metals, a training area. Hyato entered the training deck and drew his sword, beginning his morning training.

  “You really go for it, don’t you?” Hyato glanced at the voice of the one who spoke. The soldier with the bat and backpack, Pierre, sat nearby with his pack machine. He was fiddling around with it. “It’s barely dawn, and here you are, swinging away.”

  “Training wakes the body,” Hyato said, undergoing another set of strikes, “And wakes the soul.”

  “Sure, sure.” Pierre said, “As long as it makes you happy.”

  Hyato grunted, “I wonder if it does.”

  The swordsman continued to slash at nothing, using energy to hinder his swings and provide more resistance. The soldier tinkered with his machine, causing parts to whirr and buzz, then rearranging dials and antennae.

  “Ah darnit.” Pierre said, after several minutes of fiddling, “I can’t get a signal. Go figure, we’re far above the land and the signal won’t reach.”

  “If you cannot use your machine.” Hyato said, practicing an upwards slash, “Then perhaps you should train.”

  “What good would that do?” Pierre said, “I can learn any news while I am training. This thing should connect back to base and give me updated data. The intel could be crucial.”

  Hyato continued his sets. “If you cannot connect, you cannot learn any intel.”

  “Exactly! So I need to get it to connect.” Pierre pressed a button down, and watched the machine whirr about. After a minute he sighed, “This is supposed to make it restore the link.”

  “Will that happen on it’s own?” Hyato asked.

  “Well, yes. It’s supposed to, anyways.”

  “Then let it. And while you wait, warm up your body.” Hyato said. Pierre shrugged and moved over next to Hyato, joining him in training.

  As the morning light grew brighter more passengers awoke. Mien entered the medical cabin with a tray of food. Michael was sound asleep in bed, while Yan seemed restless sleeping over his chest. Mien checked around the room, but didn't see the medic.

  "You didn't bring any bagels." Mien flinched at the voice behind him and turned to see the crimson hair of the ship's medic, Valori. She flashed her sharp teeth in a grin as she took a sip of coffee.

  "No bagels." Mien said.

  "No bagels?" Valori said with a pleading look. Mien shook his head and Valori sighed. Then she turned and swept back over to her chair, trailing the blankets she was bundled up in.

  Mien rolled the cart to the side of Michael's cot. The smell of fresh food roused the ninja girl, making her nose twitch. Yan sat up, "Food?" She saw the tray Mien had and began salivating.

  "I just want to ask your crew a few questions." Mien said, passing Yan a platter of some pork and potatoes dish.

  Yan began eating like the survivor of a failed wasteland trip. The door to the medical cabin swung open again. Wolf stepped into the room, followed by Sebastian. "I was told to come here for meat." Wolf said. Then he spotted Mien and walked over.

  "Why couldn't we eat in the canteen?" Sebastian complained, "I saw several sailors last night that I'm ready to meet."

  "Sailor girls, you mean." Yan said.

  "Got it in one." Sebastian said, meandering to the table being set up near the sleeping Michael. "I like you guys, but those ladies need to be exposed to my good graces." Yan rolled her eyes.

  "Don't say anything you'll regret." Valori said from her chair in the corner. Sebastian looked her way and stood up.

  "I'm afraid I didn't see you there, miss. Will you be joining us for breakfast?" Sebastian said.

  The medic looked at Sebastian with a critical gaze, not speaking. Mien cleared his throat, "If we could please discuss some things first." He said.

  "Yeah, sit down Sebastian." Yan said. Sebastian took his seat and the three assembled started eating. Michael was still fast asleep.

  Mien watched them with a disapproving gaze, but it went ignored or unnoticed to the party. After a few minutes of silent eating, another arrival to the medical cabin made an entrance.

  Hyato entered the room, followed by Rils. The captain of the airship walked over to Mien, “Found him, like you asked.”

  “Good.” Mien said, “I need to speak with our guests for a bit. Would one of you mind waking this one?” Mien asked, indicating Michael. The party all looked over at him. Yan tried shaking his shoulder, Hyato tried messing with his ears. Neither woke Michael.

  “He deserves to rest.” Sebastian said, “Can’t we go over this later?”

  “I’d prefer not to wait any longer.” Mien said, folding his arms and tapping one foot.

  “If it’s a wake up call, leave it to me.” The airship captain said, “No one sleeps in when Captain Rils comes to wake them.” The captain walked over to Michael and placed a hand on his chest. Mien took a step back.

  A surge exploded from Rils’ hand and made Michael sink into the bed and bounce back up. He shot out of bed and landed on his feet, looking around with a wild expression, “What was that?!” Michael said, taking a defensive stance.

  “What an excellent reaction.” Rils said, nodding, “You would make a fine addition to my crew. Now cover up, there are ladies present.” Michael had bandages on his chest, arms, and legs from where he had been treated, but all of his clothes were bundled up in a basket near the edge of the room. While the room turned their gazes, for the most part, Michael grabbed his blanket and bundled up.

  Mien let out a sigh with his head in his hands, “Enough with the japery, for a few minutes, if you would please.” He complained, as Michael slunk away to the conjoined restroom with his basket.

  “Well.” Valori said, “You folk are certainly fun to have around.” The medic smiled from her bundle of covers in the corner as the rest of the room exchanged a mixture of giggles and embarrassment.

  Rils approached Mien, “I’d like to hear for myself what is going on.” She said, “So I will be sticking around.”

  “Rils...” Mien said, giving her a look.

  “Nope. I’m sticking around, and that’s final.”

  Michael returned from the restroom, fully dressed, and took a seat around the breakfast table next to Yan and Hyato. He started eating. “Alright.” Mien announced, “Now, I’d like an explanation of a few things from you all.”

  “What are ya looking to find out?” Wolf asked as he sat back, having already finished his meal.

  “I want to know the story, obviously. What are you hunting, and why do towns keep turning up destroyed?” Mien said.

  “You didn’t feel like listening before.” Yan pointed out, “Why the change in heart?”

  “All in good time.” Mien said, “I will explain what I have learned, after you tell me what is going on.”

  “It’s not exactly a simple story,” Sebastian said, “So if you need me to clarify anything just let me know.”

  “It’s simple.” Michael said, taking a drink of water, “Vero, a Sorcerer, is after the Revenant, the rampaging Soul of Mexizu. Vero plans to use it for some evil ends, and I am going to stop him.” Everyone in the room went silent, all looking at Michael as he finished off his breakfast. He took care to eat the last scrap, then looked around, “What?”

  “That’s...” Mien started, “Not all the information. Why are they destroying towns? Who is the armored person working with Vero? What about the bandit lady? What is the Soul of Mexizu? Where are they going, and how will you stop them?”

  “Look, I just woke up.” Michael said, “I don’t have all the answers.”

  Sebastian laid a hand on the table, “I shall endeavor to answer all of your questions to the best of my ability.” He said, “From the top; we don’t know why they are destroying towns.”

  “Because they’re evil.” Wolf said.

  “The armored person you saw at the fortress is a warrior named Velicio.” Sebastian said, “We don’t know much about him besides his ridiculous ability.”

  “And fast too, even in armor.” Yan pointed out.

  Sebastian shook his head and continued despite the interruptions, “The bandit has been possessed by the Revenant. From our experience, this amplifies their destructive desires.” Hyato nodded. “According to Michael, they are going to the Shards of the Sky.”

  “What’s that?” Rils asked.

  “Drackle told us you need the permission of the King of Cryston to reach there, and gave us a letter of introduction.” Sebastian said.

  “You guys met Drackle?” Valori said.

  “Everyone, please.” Mien said to the room. The interjecters all had the decency to look a bit ashamed. “Thank you, that answers some of my questions. So, what did you mean Soul of Mexizu?”

  “Exactly what I said.” Michael said. “The Revenant is the Soul of Mexizu.”

  “And, who is that?”

  “Mexizu.” Sebastian said, “Was the leader of the Black Halo from the Dark War a hundred years ago. Commonly referred to as, Maximus.”

  Mien and Rils both froze in stony silence, while Valori sucked in a breath and started coughing. The coughing fit was the only sound in the room for the few moments it lasted. The medic recovered, and Mien dropped back into a seat.

  “You...” Mien started.

  “Are you serious?” Rils asked, “Maximus? I thought he was a myth!”

  “Are you...” Mien said.

  “Maximus was real? All those stories? Are they real too?” Rils asked.

  “Well, I don’t know what you are referring to, but the man did certainly exist. That much was proven to us.” Sebastian said.

  “Are you kidding?” Mien asked. “The Maximus? They still use tactics from the Black War in MAW training courses. His Soul is strong enough to possess people? And he ran around and destroyed six cities in four days?!”

  “I never heard that one.” Sebastian said, “All the tales of Maxi-, of Mexizu I heard were way more insane than that.”

  “I mean since four days ago!” Mien said, “The city we found you lot heading away from was the sixth small town in the last four days we found destroyed in that same manner!”

  “What?!” Michael, Sebastian, and Yan all cried. Yan hopped to her feet, fists clenched, “Are you serious?” She asked.

  Rils nodded, a grim look on her face. “We found you by scouring the outskirts of the last city.” She looked to Mien, who sat with one hand covering his eyes in frustration, “Mien scouted out each one, but only saw signs of a real struggle before we found all of you.”

  Yan sat down and rested her head against Michael’s side, closing her eyes. Michael felt like he should be enraged, but didn’t have the energy. “So.” Michael said, “We are going to stop them. When I told Vero I knew where he was headed, he reacted strongly. I don’t know why he is destroying cities, but I can’t predict where he will go next. So I will stop him at the Shards of the Sky.”

  The cabin was silent, accompanied by the occasional creak of wood and the constant hum of the wind. Sebastian cleared his throat, “Does that answer your questions?”

  “Why is all this happening?” Mien said, sounding defeated. “Is it the end of the world?”

  “I’m pretty sure.” Michael said, “It started when I freed the Oronbyr from the chains around that boulder.” He looked at his left hand, “I don’t really remember anything before that, though.”

  Mien sat up straight and looked at Michael. The former prince’s silver grey eyes met the wandering warrior’s pale violet empty eyes for a long moment. Mien nodded, “Right. Then I suppose I’d better tell you what I learned.” He stood up.

  The breakfast Mien had brought had been devoured by the hungry members of the cabin. To change the restless atmosphere around, Valori brought more chairs and had everyone sit around the table for Mien’s briefing. Michael, Yan, Hyato, Sebastian, and Wolf all sat on one side. Mien sat on the other side with Rils and Valori. Sebastian looked jealous.

  “After you slipped away at the battle of the Bandit King, I boarded the airship of my good friend Rils.” Mien said.

  “You don’t have to tell everything,” Rils said, smiling.

  “As much as I wanted to chase you down and arrest you,” Mien continued, “I was asked to help with the ongoing investigation back home. The search for my missing brother, Crown Prince Mistan.”

  “When did that happen?” Wolf asked.

  “Oh yeah, I remember hearing about that.” Yan said.

  “There were several leads to follow.” Mien said, “So I began to check into all of them. My father hired an army of trackers and rangers, so it was only a matter of time until we found something. Strange tracks were found in the Oaken Forest, ones that led right over the cliffs to the Eterna Woods. If that was my brother, that would mean a fatal fall.”

  “A fatal fall for anyone,” Sebastian said, “Those cliffs are enormous. Right Yan?”

  Yan nodded, “We made camp near there a little while back. Before we met Michael.”

  “Yes...” Mien said. “I descended the cliffs and found no signs of a body. I found some other things instead, and followed the path deeper into the woods. There, I chanced upon an ashen grove.” Yan and Sebastian both leaned closer, eyes widened.

  Mien continued to speak, “It was peculiar, that place. I doubt I could have found it on my own. It was like I had been drawn to it. Something happened there, something I cannot explain well. I saw things, a battle, a meeting, a departure. Images, or illusions.”

  “Holy Mother...” Rils said, “That’s why you stay away from enchanted forests.” She seemed to have genuine concern, watching Mien speak with complete focus.

  Yan shook her head, glancing at Michael, whilst Sebastian rubbed at his chin. “Most curious,” The Evari Tactician said, “How did you come to see these illusions, I wonder. Perhaps the place was trying to show you something?”

  “Perhaps.” Mien said, “Except that I continue to see these ghostly images, even to this day. I can see things that occurred, people and how they moved. It is blurry, and hard to focus on most times.” He rubbed his head, “And I get headaches.”

  “So, you can see ghosts?” Wolf said, “That’s pretty dark.” He looked around the room, “Are there any ghosts in here?”

  “I don’t know if they are ghosts,” Mien said, “They feel more like... memories.”

  Yan drummed her fingers on the table, “So what did you see?”

  “At first it seemed odd, but I witnessed the three of you.” Mien indicated Yan, Michael, and Sebastian, “I saw Michael acquire that sword of his, and the two of you arrive, and a dark figure. There was a battle.” Mien trailed off.

  “Right.” Michael said, “That’s when I got it, the Oronbyr.” He said, looking at his waist. The sheath for his sword was empty. A quick glance around the cabin showed that the sword was not there. “Err, where is it?”

  “What?” Yan looked around as well. “Did anyone grab it after the duel?”

  “I wasn’t going to touch it.” Mien said, “The thing stung me last time I tried. Why was there an enchanted sword in the forest anyways?”

  “The answer seems self-evident,” Sebastian said, “Enchanted sword, enchanted forest. Seems pretty standard to me.”

  “For theatrics, maybe.” Mien said. The captain of the airship folded her arms and gave Mien a dirty look. “Yes?” Mien asked.

  “Mien....” Rils said, a clear note of annoyance, “Do I have to turn around to gather a sword? After asking if we had everything before we departed.” Mien blinked, then frowned in thought.

  “No need to worry.” Michael said. He held out his left hand for a moment, then the black crystalline sword he used appeared in his hand. Michael sheathed the blade, with some difficulty as he was sitting. “I got it covered.”

  Hyato chuckled, and Mien exhaled in relief. “Oooh, that’s a useful skill. A summoner?” Valori asked.

  “Just a technique.” Michael said. “So, is that what you wanted to tell us, Mien?”

  “What I saw in the forest, no.” Mien said. “What is more important is what I saw next. I asked Rils to take me to Liniva.”

  “Liniva...” Michael said, “I see...”

  “Michael.” Mien said, “What I saw in Liniva. Do you know what it was?”

  “I... no.” Michael hung his head. “I don’t... I don’t remember.”

  Mien stood up and walked around the table, resting one hand on Michael’s shoulder. The wounded warrior flinched at the touch. “In Liniva.” Mien said. “I saw you do battle against a being as twisted and dark as that sword. Then...” He paused, “You collapsed.”

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  “What?” Michael looked up, confusion written on his features.

  “The entire city collapsed, and someone appeared.” Mien said, “They slaughtered the people of Liniva and piled the bodies before rousing you. From what I can tell, if I am correct, it was a spell. A sorcery. They left only you and yours, as well as the Revenant.”

  “Then...” Michael said, “Then... it was Vero!”

  “I believe so.” Mien said, “I apologize for casting suspicion on you. You did not kill anyone in Liniva that day.” Michael closed his eyes and leaned forward onto the table in front of him. The tension he had been holding ebbed away, a weight he didn’t know he carried. The unease vanished, leaving Michael sweating like he’d broken a fever. He felt like crying, but he laughed. It was a weak laugh, at first. Small and contained. But his laughter grew, he felt so free. Weightless even, and sat back up to lean back.

  Michael pushed back in his chair until it fell, slamming him onto the floor of the medical cabin. His head struck hard, but he didn’t care. He laughed and shook his head as tears streamed from his eyes. He saw Yan and Mien above him, and accepted their extended arms to pull up to his feet.

  “Sorry.” Michael said, standing up to full height. “I just-”

  “You don’t need to apologize.” Mien said. “In any case, I’m glad you didn’t do it.” Mien returned to his seat.

  “If you knew Michael wasn’t guilty, why did you make him fight you?” Yan asked.

  "In order to determine his level of strength." Mien said. "You've certainly gotten stronger, but there is still room for improvement." Michael nodded.

  "After I determined what happened in Liniva I returned to the Mystic Grove. I spoke with the King of Myrrh about a few things."

  Sebastian nodded, "About how you found Prince Mistan."

  "Right." Mien confirmed.

  "Wait, what?" Yan said, "You didn't tell us that."

  "Weren't you paying attention?" Sebastian said, "I expected Wolf to miss it, but not you."

  "Miss what?" Wolf said, "Where was the Prince?" Sebastian sighed.

  "Prince Mistan," Mien said, "Was frail. He had Bonerot and could not exert himself for very long. An idealistic artist that kept himself away in his tower, he could not have survived the fall into the river below. Let alone the fall from the cliffs of the Oaken Forest."

  "So..." Michael said, "He died?"

  Everyone except Yan and Wolf gave Michael a long look. Mien pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look, Michael. There was evidence of Chaos Mana used on my brother. That could have made him explode, or turn into sheep, or learn to fly. Any change could have occurred to him while that was in his system."

  "Okay..." Michael said, "So he survived the fall?"

  "Yes." Mien said. "Mistan survived the fall, then walked through the forest for two days without stopping. And then he fell again, over the cliffs. And then..." Mien looked at Yan and Sebastian, "He wandered through the campsite of an Evari gentleman and a young Wolf Valon woman."

  Yan's eyes widened in realization and she looked over at Michael as Mien continued, "Then Prince Mistan wandered further into the woods. And died."

  "He died?" Michael asked, "I thought you said he survived."

  "In a sense." Mien said, "But you'd know more about that then me, Michael." The only person who hadn't realized was Michael himself, who looked around in confusion. "Why the name Michael? Why are you called that?"

  "My name? I just, kind of, thought it. Like I remembered it or, picked it." Michael said. "Is that wrong?"

  Mien shrugged, "Why not call yourself Mistan?"

  "Mistan." Michael closed his eyes. "I see. Now I understand. Mistan died, and became me." He looked around, "That's why I don't have amnesia. Because Mistan was reborn into me when I picked up this sword." Mien nodded. "And so I became Michael. I'm the missing Prince. Or, I was."

  Wolf chuckled, "Prince Michael."

  "Don't be rude." Yan said. She placed a hand on Michael's arm.

  "Well, anyways." Mien said, "I told the King to call off the search. He insisted I bring you to him immediately, but I think your quest is more important. Will you come meet him afterwards?"

  "Sure." Michael said. "I can do that."

  "Assuming you can walk through town." Wolf said.

  "Ah, about that." Mien said, "I also had him cancel the bounty on your head."

  "You did? That's awesome." Michael said.

  "The King has that much power?" Yan asked.

  "Well, he is the King." Sebastian pointed out.

  "And the bounty was fraudulent anyways." Mien said.

  "That will be nice. No more random bounty hunters." Wolf said.

  Valori cleared her throat. "Is that all, Sir Mien?" She asked. "I believe we have caught up to the present."

  "Err, yeah." Mien said.

  "Excellent." Valori stood up and patted her legs. "In that case, please clean up and make your way out of my ward. I have a patient to attend to." The sudden end to the meeting caught everyone off guard. Rils and Hyato stood up, but the others looked around with blank looks. "Now! Out out, begone!" Valori snapped, rushing everyone into motion.

  There was a mad scramble to grab plates and head to the door. Wolf picked up the tray and started to haul it instead of rolling it. Rils opened the door and let him through.

  Michael stood to help but was pushed back to the bed, "Not you, you're the patient." Valori said.

  Mien put away the table and departed with Sebastian carrying the rest of the dishes. Hyato had slunk away as well. After a chaotic minute, just Michael, Yan, and the Medic remained behind.

  "Umm, do I have to leave too?" Yan asked.

  "The patient needs to be attended to. Leave, little miss." Valori said.

  "Okay, but. Can't I stay? I'll be out of the way." Yan said.

  Valori appraised Yan. The medic was a Phanokai, and her features had a vague sense of danger from her warrior heritage. Her teeth seemed sharp, her bearing strong. She was not as fit as Yan, though more buxom, but still held herself well. Yan tried not to stare.

  "Little miss, are you my patient's girlfriend?" Valori asked.

  "I... You see..." Yan hesitated, "Listen... Miss Valori..."

  "Call me Val." The medic said.

  "Val..." Yan said. "It's kind of..."

  "It is a simple question." Val said, "Are you his girlfriend?" Michael blushed, but hid his face. It was amusing to see Yan so flustered.

  "I..." Yan balked, then looked at Michael. "Yes. I am." She said. Yan blushed, and so did Michael.

  "I see. That's very nice," Val said, "And it makes you a distraction. Out!"

  "Wha-" Yan protested, but she was already being escorted out of the cabin. Val closed the door behind Yan and shook her head.

  Michael cracked up, bowling over laughing. "That... Was hilarious."

  The Phanokai Medic spun to face Michael. "Yes, funny funny laughter." She said, iciness in her tone. Her shoes clacked on the wood as she approached, "So amusing, right? Very funny."

  With a gulp, Michael scooted back. He didn't feel like laughing. "Uhh, yeah..."

  "Do you think brain damage is funny? Not being able to walk? Going blind?" Val asked.

  "Um. No." Michael cautioned, "What, is this about?"

  "Last night you took a rock and slammed it into your face." Val said. "Knocking yourself unconscious."

  “Oh...” Michael said, “Right.”

  “Do you have any idea how foolish that was?” Val said. Michael shook his head. “You gave yourself a concussion, you could have done much worse, and all for what? To lose the fight?”

  “It’s not like that, I had to-”

  Val stamped her foot and stepped even closer, “Listen here, Michael, you are going to promise me something. Promise me, that you will never. Do that. Again!” Val pointed at Michael’s face, standing inches away from him. She was so close that Michael leaned back and she was still super close to him. Michael’s eyes were wide with fear, and he nodded.

  “I promise.” He said, “I promise. I won’t do that again.”

  Val continued to glare for a moment, then smiled. “Good.” She stood up and gave Michael some breathing room. He exhaled a sigh of relief. The medic clapped her hands, “Now then.” She said, “It’s time to heal you. Please assume the Mantra Flow position.”

  “The what now?” Michael said, standing up.

  Val sighed, “I suppose I should expect that, I was listening to the story. So, you don’t know anything about medical techniques then, do you?”

  “Not as such, no.”

  “Well, it can’t be helped.” Val said, “Are you willing to learn?” Michael nodded. “Excellent. Time for a crash course in Seran medicine. So, do you know the root of all Seran medicine?”

  “Uhh...” Michael thought, “Ginger?”

  Val giggled, “That is a root, but not the root. No.” She placed her hands before herself. “The foundation of the medicine in Sera is Meditation.”

  “Really? Meditation?” Michael asked, “I meditate every day.”

  “Well that’s excellent!” Val said, “You can use that as a basis for healing. If you channel the right energies and use the right poses you can stimulate the body into recovering. Add in controlled breathing to repair spiritual damage as well."

  "That sounds fun, let's do it." Michael said, taking a stance.

  Val giggled, "Try to keep up." She began to show Michael some new meditative stances and explained them.

  Two levels below deck, near the front of the ship, a large room was bustling with activity. The canteen was an oversized lounge with comfortable seating and low tables. Massive windows showed a view of the lands below on one side of the room, and the other side had a bar front kitchen for the crew to order food.

  Amongst the relaxing crewmembers of the canteen, those who deigned to stay up after a night shift or wake before the afternoon shift, Sebastian saw a wide variety of women he had yet to meet. After taking in the view of the room, Sebastian made his way to the bar to get something to drink.

  “Do you have anything with pomegranate in it?” Sebastian asked the Kuldo bartender. She gave him a neutral look and shrugged. “Fair enough. Something sweet then, if you would.” The burly woman nodded and poured Sebastian a drink.

  “And could I get something light to eat?” Mien asked, stepping up to the bar.

  “Didn’t you just get five entire breakfast plates?” The bartender asked as she set a heavy glass mug in front of Sebastian.

  “That was for our guests.” Mien said, “I haven’t eaten.” He told the bartender. She grunted and turned to begin cooking on the range behind her. Sebastian took a drink, and then smiled and took a deeper one.

  Sebastian turned back towards the room, eyeing the sailors. “This drink is excellent.” He said. “I could use a side dish.”

  “Gelda here makes excellent food,” Mien said, “But you’re still hungry after that breakfast?”

  “That’s not what he means.” Gelda, the bartender, said. Mien arched an eyebrow, but she didn’t elaborate. She set a platter of food before Mien for him to enjoy.

  Mien began to eat, but asked Sebastian a question, “What do you think of everything we discussed earlier?”

  Sebastian took a swig of his drink. “The world certainly moves very fast.” He said, “We should take time to relax while we can.”

  “How can we relax?” Mien said, “There’s so much at stake, we should be preparing.”

  “No doubt Michael and Hyato feel the same way.” Sebastian sighed, “They will come asking to be trained. I suppose I’d better prepare for that instead.”

  “Why will they come to you?” Mien asked.

  “I have the most experience as an adventurer, though I suppose being the party tactician plays a part. It’s not the worst role, being a mentor.” Sebastian said, “Though, it’s times like these I wish I had more time to myself.”

  “I see.” Mien said, eating his food while examining Sebastian. The man examined the denizens of the room with a kind of wistful longing, as if it were all he could do to stop himself from moving to join them. He finished his drink.

  “I guess it’s time to go find the boys. Michael should be done with his treatment soon.” Sebastian said. He stood up and placed the glass on the counter behind him.

  “One moment, Sebastian.” Mien said, making the Evari man give pause. “Why don’t you take the day off.”

  “Believe me, I’d like to.” Sebastian said, glancing once more at the patrons of the canteen.

  “Then do so.” Mien said, “Leave the training to me.”

  “To you? Really?” Sebastian asked, surprise on his features.

  “Do you think I can’t teach them as well as you? I was fully trained as a Myrrhmidon, after all.” Mien said. “If anything, training with me will give them a better chance. My combat experience and perspective are different from yours, so it will widen the foundation of their skills.”

  “That does seem like a wise move.” Sebastian said. “Very well, in that case I will leave the training to you.” He said, giving a small bow. “Ah, one thing though.”

  “Yes?”

  “Michael has near limitless stamina. You saw that in your battle.” Sebastian said, “Push him as hard as you can.”

  Mien chuckled and nodded, then watched as Sebastian made his way into the main area of the canteen. The man started to introduce himself to the sailors without hesitation. In the meantime, Mien made his way outside. “I can train Kris and Pierre at the same time.” He mused, stepping out onto deck.

  Yan hadn’t gotten a very good night’s sleep. Resting over Michael seemed important at the time, but after the meeting she was just tired. Before ought else, she made her way to the room they’d been given to take a nap. A brief two hours later, Yan woke feeling refreshed. With a yawn, she stepped out onto the deck to have a look around.

  A wider sky she had never seen. The mountains she called home had many peaks in the way of the sky. Even the Ranear plains were broken by distant landscapes. Here, above the land, the sky seemed to stretch out forever. And such a sunny day to be flying.

  Off one side of the ship Yan could see the Great Sky Mountain in the distance. Far to the west and a little north, the tallest mountain in the world dominated a great chunk of the Kingdom of Myrrh. It was not every day that the woven stone pillars of that mountain could be seen from so far. Yan leaned over the rail to get as close a look as she could. Even moving away from it, the mountain was too big to look any smaller. It sat in the blue haze of the sky as if floating in a lake.

  Over to the other side of the deck Yan went, weaving around Sailors hard at work and hopping over a small stack of crates near a mast. Yan reached the bracing at the other end and leaned out as far as she could, without breaking the air barrier the ship’s enchanted decking produced. Over the endless sea of plains Yan looked eastward and to the south. In the distance she could see the hints of the Scorpio mountains. A thin winding range, compared to her own place of origin. And farther beyond that, past the clouds and to the far south-east, Yan thought she could make out a thin line of impossible height. Past Cryston, Anamos, and Henos, in the distant peninsula of Shema, there was a place called Aero Tower. The tallest structure ever built, was Yan just imagining it there? “Woooow.” Yan said, at a loss for words for all the sights to be seen. She moved to a nearby bench and just stared out at the world for a time.

  Someone approached and joined Yan on the bench, watching the world in silence. After a few minutes she spoke, “It’s an amazing view.” Captain Rils said.

  “Yeah it is.” Yan agreed. “You can see forever.”

  Rils chuckled, “And further. It’s views like these that reaffirm my choice of career.”

  "So you get to see this everyday." Yan said. "That's so cool."

  "Well, some days it's cloudy. And some days are no good for flying." Rils said.

  Yan turned to look at the captain of the airship. She had a bushy mane of hair that curled up like flames, crimson in color. She carried herself well, though was a bit shorter than Yan. A Phanokai, by the looks of it, just like Wolf and the Medic. “What kind of days are those?” Yan asked.

  “Oh, storms and meteor showers most often.” Rils said, “Sometimes there are holidays that interfere with flights. The last day of the year too, obviously.” Yan nodded, “But most days are ones for flying. Flying free amongst the skies, I can’t get enough.”

  “As long as you have the fuel, right?” Yan said.

  “Don’t know much about airships, do you?” Rils said, giving Yan the side eye.

  Yan shook her head, smiling, “No. But I’ve always wanted to. I always pictured huge balloons, or something.”

  “That’s a bit different from a traditional airship.” Rils said, standing up. “Come on, I’ll show you.” The captain descended to the main deck, her coat sweeping out behind her. Curious as to what she wanted to show her, Yan followed.

  The pair descended into the main stairwell of the ship, and Rils took Yan to a guarded door. The sailor saluted and opened the door for his captain and her guest. “Through here is the Stone Room, the source of power and lift for the entire ship.”

  “If it’s an Airship, why is the source in the Stone Room?” Yan wondered.

  With a chuckle Rils pushed Yan forth, “See for yourself.” Yan stepped forth as Rils’ behest into the room. Yan was on a metal walkway in a room that had a great deal of space above and below her. The large room was plated with metal on all sides, making the entire space like the inside of a dodecahedron. A silvery metal rod was attached to each joint of the many sided surfaces of the walls, all linking together in a mesh that met in the middle of the room. Suspended in the center of the room, connected to all of the rods, was a large smooth green stone. The opaque mineral was some kind of crystal, and within its sides a faint silvery energy could be seen. The energy was a never ending vortex, the essence of elemental wind. An Air Crystal.

  “Woah...” Yan stepped along the grate towards the massive crystal. It was nearly as tall as she was, and had a similar diameter. Though the crystal was made of many smooth sides, it still took up enough space to connect to the web of rods holding it in place. “So, it’s wind magic?”

  “More like wind force.” Rils clarified. “A frame of aluminum infused with silver makes up the skeleton of the ship. The rest is simply built around it.”

  Yan still stared transfixed by the crystal, unable to move any closer due to a metal fence door. “And what about the sails, are they redundant?”

  Rils laughed, “Hardly. Always room to add more wind power. Besides, there are aft sails that can aid in gliding and steering, as well as ones to help the Fearless Voyage make a safe crash landing, in the event of crystal failure.”

  Yan returned to Rils, “Does that happen often?”

  “No.” Rils said, “But it pays to be prepared. You never know what will happen.”

  “That’s for sure,” Yan said, “I think Sebastian has said the same thing before.”

  Rils shifted her stance, taking a look at Yan. The woman was wearing casual clothes, Rils thought she looked almost perky. Brown hair, green eyes, part feral. Yan didn’t seem to be carrying any weapons, just a few small pouches for her gear. Shorts down to her knees and a sleeveless shirt, “Tell me, Yan.” Rils said, “What role do you serve in your little adventuring party?”

  “What do you mean?” Yan wondered, tilting one head.

  “Is it...” Rils motioned her hands together in a suggestive manner.

  “Gods no!” Yan said, “I’m a warrior, same as the rest.” She said, “Though, I suppose Sebastian doesn’t do much fighting himself.”

  “Oh really? That’s great, I love a woman that can hold her own.” Rils said, “Though, to be honest, you don’t look like a warrior.”

  Yan smirked, “I don’t worry about how I look.”

  “Oh really? Not even a little?” Rils asked.

  “Okay, maybe a little.” Yan said, “But that doesn’t mean I can’t fight. You don’t need to worry about me.”

  “I decide who to worry about, hun.” Rils said, “But I’ll take your word for it.” Rils draped an arm around Yan’s shoulder, “Now, how about I show you how we steer the ship?”

  “Oh, yes please!” Yan said. The two departed from the Stone Room for a continued tour around the Fearless Voyage.

  Meditation is crucial to life on Iagorothi. Though it had an origin as a way to balance emotions or rest, with the continued study of Synergy and its applications the use of meditation soon became widespread. It is common to see places of meditation in cities and towns, and even along the road. The art can be used to grow and catalyze skills and attributes within someone.

  On the continent of Sera, someone devised another use for the commonplace practice. The flow of energy courses within all living things. The force is called Rhoko, but is often referred to as Energy to the layman. The use of Rhoko alongside meditation became a way to heal patients. Using meditation in the healing arts became widespread, and soon these practitioners acquired a new title. Medic.

  The history of meditation as medicine was fundamental to the proliferation of Medics. To learn and understand is to expand the mind. “And after all, your mind is your strongest weapon.” Val said.

  “Okay...” Michael said. “But is all that really needed to learn this pose?” Michael held one foot up behind him, straining to keep it straight while his right arm was pointed skyward and the other pressed near his chest and pointing down. His form wavered a little, balancing on one foot as he was.

  “Well, it’s better to learn while you work.” Val said, “Try to hold steady and flow your energy like I explained.”

  “I’ll try.” Michael said, focusing on tapping into the energy within him. The boundless sea of power that he drew upon while he fought, he could use it here as well. Well, maybe it wasn’t so boundless.

  Michael exhaled, bringing his arms towards one another to simulate the motion of energy. He could feel the transfer from above to below. Energy flowed up from the pit of his stomach to the crown of his head, then cascaded down his body. It felt similar to showering in the waterfalls.

  “Good, good.” Val said, “You can relax now. I think you understand it well enough now.”

  “Finally.” Michael sighed, letting his leg touch down and stretching out his shoulders. “I thought I was gonna have to go another hour.”

  “Thirty repetitions is enough, I feel confident that you can flow the energy without using the extended stance by now.” Medic Valorie said, “But it won’t hurt to practice every now and then.”

  “Don’t worry about that.” Michael said, “I feel better than ever. I’m gonna heal myself every day.”

  “Don’t heal yourself unless you are injured.” Val warned, “It’s excessive to waste energy.”

  Michael nodded. "I understand. Am I free to go?"

  Val grinned, showing her sharp teeth, "You've always been free to go. You just stuck around because you wanted to learn, right?"

  "Right..." Michael said. He waved, "Okay, see you later." The medic continued to grin, chuckling a bit, so Michael turned and left.

  He made it two steps out onto deck when he was stopped. "All done in there?" Mien asked. He'd been waiting outside.

  Michael glanced to the horizon for a moment in longing, then turned to Mien. "Yeah. You were waiting for me?"

  Mien nodded. “Now that you are all recovered, what is your plan?” Mien asked.

  “Well, I was going to have a look around first.” Michael said, “Then I need to talk to Sebastian about making a new technique.”

  “Ah, so you did want to bother him.” Mien said, “Well I have news for you. Sebastian has the day off.”

  “What? So, I can’t run my idea by him?” Michael frowned, “But this is really important. I need to make a counter sorcerer technique.”

  "Well I suppose you'll have to settle for training with me." Mien said. "I'll meet you at the front of the ship shortly." Mien walked off before Michael could respond.

  Training with Mien. Everyone else said he was some kind of powerful warrior. A Myrrhmidon. Michael had heard a ton about them, and had experienced how strong Mien could be in person. If all Myrrhmidons were as strong as Mien and that bounty hunter Rex, they were probably a powerful force.

  Michael took in a deep breath and felt the wind. Training, that would be good. "But first," Michael said, "I'm gonna look around."

  With a giddy pep in his step, Michael went to the side railing to look out over the land. The airship was high above the sky, he could only see the roads below as tiny lines among a sea of greens, teals, and blues. The mountains in the distance even seemed small from such a height. He could look for hours and still not know what he was looking at. Each visage seemed more majestic than the last, "I want to go everywhere." Michael mused. A nearby sailor chuckled.

  After seeing one side, Michael couldn't help looking over the other. He gazed at the landscapes, not even knowing where he had been and where he hadn't. He took a moment to look at each sight once, trying to remember them all. Only after spending a few minutes here did he look towards the front of the ship.

  Michael began to make his way towards the front. No doubt Mien was already waiting on him. On the way there Michael reached the mast, a huge fortified pillar of wood that speared up from the ship. There were ropes along it's side, and up above there was a lookout point bearing a flag, as well as two wooden arms that stretched the width of the ship. He couldn't stop himself.

  Michael climbed the rope ladder up the side of the mast, scrambling to the top. A shocked sailor sitting in a small wooden nest yelped as Michael passed by. The very top of the mast was tipped with a Crystal, and Michael pulled himself atop to stand on it. From here, the view was even more extraordinary.

  "Oi!" The sailor from the crow's nest shouted, "What are you doing? Are you crazy?"

  Michael looked below, "What do you mean?"

  "It's not safe up there!" She said. "Do you have a death wish?"

  "Oh." Michael didn't see any danger around, just the incredible view. "Why, are there Zori around?"

  "Just come down from there. You shouldn't be up here at all, man."

  "Oh, sorry." Michael said. "I'll go back down." To the horror of the lookout, Michael hopped off the mast and began falling towards the deck of the ship. Before he reached the deck, Michael surorunded himself in a mass of winds and slowed his descent. He touched down to the deck as light as a feather.

  "That was bleedin brilliant," Captain Rils said, exploding with laughter. She walked up to Michael and slapped him on the back in a show of camaraderie. Michael didn't budge, which made a few nearby sailors look impressed.

  "Do you have to be so reckless?" A withering look of astonishment came from Kris, the soldier woman that worked with Mien. "You could have killed yourself doing that." She said.

  "Don't worry." Yan said, also having arrived. "He can handle himself." Michael grinned.

  "If you say so." Kris walked towards the front of the ship.

  "Come on Michael." Yan said, heading forth as well, "Mien is going to train us."

  "Oh, right." Michael joined them.

  The reinforced training deck already had a few people exercising on it. Mien and Hyato were stretching to limber up as they waited for the others to arrive. Michael, Kris, and Yan stepped onto the deck and Mien stood up. "And that's everyone." He said.

  "Really? No Wolf?" Michael wondered.

  "And that mousy guy isn't joining?" Yan asked.

  "If you mean Pierre, then no. Neither of them wanted to join, but that's okay." Mien said. "Just the five of us is plenty."

  "Okay. Lets get started." Michael held out his left arm and summon the Oronbyr into it.

  "Woah woah!" Kris said with a panicked tone, "Are you planning on training with your actual sword?"

  "Yeah?" Michael said. "How else would I train?"

  "Your sword that exploded the ground yesterday?" Kris said, exasperated.

  "Hold on, Michael." Mien said. "First we need to decide on some training. Now, I spoke to you two earlier," Mien said to Kris and Hyato. "But what do you two want to work on?" Mien asked Michael and Yan.

  Yan chirped up first, "I need more power. I have plenty of speed and stealth, but I am not keeping up in raw power."

  "Speed is power." Mien said, "But I can help you on that. In fact, you and Kris would make perfect training partners. Kris wants more agility and adaptability in her fighting." Kris nodded, "And she is able to use her speed as power as well as any Myrrhmidon."

  Kris looked at Mien in surprise. "You think I'm that good?"

  "You are." Mien confirmed. "Yan, Kris, do you two mind sparring for now?" Kris shook her head. Yan beamed,

  "No problem. Lets go Kris." Yan led the other girl off to one side of the training deck.

  "And you want to learn Swordplay of any kind, right?" Mien asked Hyato. The stoic swordsman nodded. "You seem competent enough. Why not do strength training?"

  "I'll forget." Hyato said. "Just show me one technique and I can train on my own."

  "Are you sure? I don't mind overseeing your training." Mien said.

  Hyato shook his head. "Focus on Michael. He will benefit the most."

  "Very well. If you'll bear with me, Michael, I'm going to show Hyato something." Mien said.

  "I'll learn too." Michael said.

  Mien shrugged. "Is there any kind of technique you need?" He asked. Hyato shook his head. "Then I'll show you a defensive one. Follow along." Mien drew one of his two swords. "This technique is modified from something called Sword Guard. It's an enhanced parrying method."

  With a sudden motion, Mien began swinging his sword before himself. He moved fast enough that all that was left was a blur of steel. The barrier formed by his sword covered his entire body, though not all at once. Mien repeated the motion three times. "So, what do you think?"

  "Looks useful. How is it done?" Hyato asked.

  "Just follow the Whirl Form of the Zoku style and use a blade back surge at the start of each slash." Mien explained.

  Hyato nodded, "Seems simple enough."

  Michael looked between them, "I have no idea what you said." Hyato patted Michael on the shoulder, then stepped over to his own section of the training deck.

  "This in particular requires formal training in certain sects of Swordplay." Mien said, "I have different training in mind for you, Michael." Mien motioned Michael closer, and the younger man obliged. “First, I would like you to tell me about your combat style.”

  “My combat... style?” Michael asked.

  “Yes. A combat style is what you call the set of skills and techniques that you utilize in combat. There are many to use, and being able to use many is an excellent weapon, but you need to make sure they are focused. If you rely on raw skill and power for everything, you may be leaving openings where you shouldn’t. Or worse, trapping yourself in a niche that might allow you to be countered completely.” Mien said.

  “Alright. Well...” Michael said.

  “Just explain what you do when you fight.” Mien offered, “We can start there.”

  Michael nodded, “For starters. I use my sword to fight my foe.” He paused, looking at Mien. The man seemed to be listening without complaint, so Michael continued, “I use a combination of slashes directly, as well as surge slashes. I also have several sword techniques that I use.”

  “Good, good, what else?” Mien asked.

  Emboldened, Michael continued again, “In addition to that I use some elemental skills that I was taught. I am partial to wind, but I was able to learn elemancy and elemartialism for all four of the elements. Sebastian and Wolf taught me those, while Hyato helped me with some sword techniques. Yan taught me some stealth and I also learned Arkpulse so I use that too.”

  “Excellent.” Mien said, “There are more than four elements, but that’s not important. So those are your styles of attacking. How about defense?”

  “Well I can parry with my sword, and sometimes I use elements to block. But most of the time the Zori I fight don’t get a chance to attack.” Michael said.

  “Noted...” Mien said, looking impressed. “And what about movetech? What do you utilize to navigate the battlefield?”

  “I can jump really far.” Michael said, “I guess I can use surges and the elements too a bit. Oh, and I created a move called Dark Flight that I was able to fly with.”

  “Let me stop you there.” Mien said, “You can fly?”

  “Well, yeah. I mostly used it one particular day in the mountains. Haven’t really done it again.” Michael said.

  “We’ll come back to that.” Mien said. “What spells and techs do you use?”

  “Uhh, not really any spells. I learned elemancy because there was no way for me to learn spells.” Michael explained. As he spoke he created a puff of swirling wind above his hand, moving it about in a random pattern, “But I use lots of techniques. Hyato taught me Flash Blade, Force Sword, Arm Return. Falling Sword, which I haven’t used yet, is pretty cool. I also have some techniques that I use with the Oronbyr. At first it was just Dark Blade, which creates a web of energy from the ground. I adapted that into Dark Wind by...” Michael hesitated, “Copying your attack.” He said with a chuckle. “Oh, and Dark Flight was modified from Dark Blade also.”

  Michael paused and chuckled, but Mien smiled. “From that I gather that you know Techmotion.”

  “Yeah, that’s what Sebastian told me.” Michael said.

  “And you were able to copy one of my techniques just by seeing it once.” Mien said. “And, you can transform into light.”

  “Oh yeah.” Michael said. “I barely use it, but I managed to escape prison once that way.”

  “Impressive.” Mien said, “Stealth, as well. And...” Mien drummed his fingers a bit, “What about that transformation.”

  “Oh...” Michael slumped his shoulders. “Sometimes, when I get too angry or... I lose myself. Then... He takes over.” Mien was silent, so Michael kept talking. “Dark Michael. I don’t know if it’s me, or something else. Actually, Drackle said there were two souls inside me. So, Dark Michael is that other soul. It’s...” Michael paused and stared out into space.

  What if he was wrong? The Revenant... was Mexizu... right? Unless, could it be that Dark Michael...

  If the being he saw chained up wasn’t Mexizu, if he was this Mind. Then was Dark Michael actually Mexizu’s soul? Then what was the Revenant? Michael frowned in thought, wondering what to do.

  “Hey Michael.” Mien said, Michael blinked and snapped out of his head, “Don’t worry about it. We have plenty of things to work off of. We should probably get started though, we can’t train forever. Before you know it, we’ll arrive in Stardust City.”

  “Oh, right.” Michael nodded, “Right. How long until we get there anyways?”

  “Three days.” Mien said, “So let’s get to work. Sebastian said you have a lot of stamina. Let’s find out just how much.” Mien drew his swords, “Follow along with me.”

  Michael began his training with Mien, ready to learn. Yan and Kris were still sparring on one side, and Hyato worked in silence on the other. Three days until the airship arrived in the capital of Cryston. Three days to train unfettered by the need to travel by foot. Michael took a deep breath, then threw himself into it full tilt.