Krackel stood before the Nerds warrior, sword at ready. A small crowd had formed around the impromptu battleground, nothing more than a dirt road at the edge of town. Debris littered the terrain, caused by the destructive techniques used. After the techniques had been exhausted, forcing the swordsmen to rely upon bladecraft alone, the crowd abandoned shelter, forming a thick ring around the two fighters. The green swordsman waited for his opponent's next move. Zagnut, clad in yellow armor and wielding a citrine rapier, panted before launching into a series of rapid sword slashes. Krackel parried what he could; giving ground to avoid what his blade could not meet. The Nerds warrior overextended his attack, allowing Krackel room for a short thrust that forced Zagnut to retreat. The yellow swordsman circled before attacking again, cutting at Krackel's sword arm, thigh, and shoulder. The green swordsman's light armor deflected the shoulder attack, to the gasps of the crowd. Krackel snickered. Zagnut never learned how to use his weapon. No matter how powerful the arm wielding the rapier, even leather would blunt a cut. But fencers had felled knights, not through brute strength, but with precise thrusts at the gaps in armor. The rapier's point would do great damage if used in this way, but Zagnut failed to attack the armor's weak spots, preferring the glory of hacking off a limb. "Enough of this," Krackel said, unclasping his cloak and draping it over his left arm. The green swordsman settled into a waiting stance, holding his sword and cloak arms out in ready positions. Zagnut attacked, slashing at Krackel's sword arm before a flick of the wrist sent the rapier cutting at the cloak. Rather than grab for the blade with the cloak, Krackel let it hang. The cloth deflected the sword, leaving Zagnut open for Krackel's lunge. Krackel stepped away from Zagnut, who then slid off the larger man's sword. The citrine rapier fell out of his hands, fading, like his armor, to rose. A pink froth bubbled around his mouth as he gasped for air. Krackel wiped blood off his blade with the prone man's cloak and walked away, ignoring the gasps of the crowd. The Starburst Crystal Legend Forty: In Mars' Country Created by Ardweden Written by Nathan The crowd stood motionless, murmuring as red pooled beneath the fallen warrior. The Warrior Priestesses stared at the field as the seconds crept past. "I told you we needed to stop this," Carob said. The Warrior Priestesses flinched at the sound of his voice. Gathered his robes, he sprinted towards Zagnut, Yumi at his heels. Kyouji watched as Tsugiko's mouth opened and closed once, then twice. Her eyes, once widened by shock, narrowed. Her hammer slipped off her shoulder and into her hands. "Why the hell did you do that?" Tsugiko said, turning towards Krackel's retreating form. The Warrior Priestess charged, a faint green corona blossoming around her hammer. Krackel spun, parrying Tsugiko's attack as his sword drew free. Tsugiko's hammer pushed against his sword, drawing perilously close to his face. Krackel could feel the heat from the priestess' flame. Grunting, he pushed back. The locked weapons trembled. "That was supposed to be a friendly match," Tsugiko said. Her breath hissed between clenched teeth. "And we're supposed to be allies," Krackel said. His hair stood on end as an object flew past. He lashed out, kicking Tsugiko. As she staggered, he freed his sword, slicing the second poppy out of the air. His eyes widened as his hand convulsed, crushing, then dropping his sword. Ten meters from the green warriors, Kyouji stood, holding his signature blue poppy between two fingers. Electricity arced between the flower and his hand. "What's-" Tsugiko launched herself at Krackel, who dove towards his sword. He rolled to his feet, holding his sword in his off hand. "You weren't supposed to kill him," she cried, swinging her hammer. Wintergreen's henchman stepped out of her reach. She swung again and again, each time a miss as Krackel slipped away. "Damn it, stand still and face me." "I don't attack allies," Krackel growled, frowning as Kyouji circled behind him. "Liar. Why should I believe you?" Tsugiko lunged. A mirthless smile crossed her lips when Krackel's blade finally met her hammer, vanishing when a quick thrust forced her backwards. Kyouji lunged at Krackel's sword, flicking his wrist as the blades met. Krackel's blade, instead of flying from his hand, slid along Kyouji's until the two pommel guards met. Her eyes ablaze, Tsugiko raised her hammer. She would not miss. "On my sister's life, I swear it," Krackel said. Her eyes widening, Tsugiko checked her hammer in mid-swing. She remembered how Riesen had kidnapped Rollo. She closed her eyes and turned her back, resting her weapon's head in the dirt. Pursing her lips, she spoke. "Leave." Krackel nodded, releasing Kyouji's blade. Sheathing his own sword, he addressed Kyouji. "As I promised before, I will meet you in Guylian. Help my sister, and I will help you." Kyouji frowned as his sword disappeared into its scabbard. "We'll see you in Guylian. Anything more-" The Knight Protector shrugged, pointing toward Tsugiko. Krackel nodded and walked away. "Tsugiko?" Kyouji said, reaching towards her shoulder. As his hands brushed her arm, she jerked away. "Okay...let's check on Zagnut." As Tsugiko and Kyouji trudged towards Zagnut, Yumi and Carob pushed through the crowd surrounding him. Yumi choked down the familiar nervous crush as she weaved around human pillars. She slipped past two farmers and into the center clearing. Yumi ran towards the fallen man. Seconds later, Carob emerged from the crowd. He knelt down next to Zagnut. "He's breathing, for now," he said. The crowd murmured muttered blessings, drawing closer. Yumi bit the inside of her lip and knelt, checking Zagnut's pulse. She frowned, looking up at the crowd. "Someone, please, help me take off his armor." Hands stretched forth, unlatching and pulling metal segments from the fallen. Yumi closed her eyes and took deep breaths, concentrating on the task at hand and not the panic welling up inside. She opened her eyes and helped remove Zagnut's breastplate. Blood sluiced from the breastplate, soiling the ground at Yumi's feet. With quick, practiced movements, Carob pulled scraps of cloth from the wound. Taking another deep breath, Yumi closed her eyes and held her wand over Zagnut's chest. Her crystal flashed pink, a similar glow enveloping Zagnut. His color returned as the glow faded. The crowd gasped. Yumi opened her eyes. The swordsman at her feet slept, but a cursory check of his breathing and pulse comforted her. "He'll be okay for now, but someone should watch over him just in case," she said. "We'll take care of him," a matronly voice answered. Yumi smiled and nodded. "Thank you." Four men improvised a stretcher from poles and a blanket scavenged from the crowd. Under Yumi's supervision, they lifted Zagnut onto the stretcher and then carried him away. The mob of people drifted away from the battleground, leaving the Warrior Priestesses and Carob. Yumi stood up, her feet stirring the bloody earth beneath her. On instinct, she looked down, tilted her head, and stared. Blinking, she scuffed her feet against the dirt road, spreading earth into the puddle and the puddle into earth. She frowned, shrugging her shoulders. Wherever the ground absorbed Zagnut's blood, it bleached to bone white. A sick feeling filled her stomach at a memory of a vast white land. "Yumi," Kyouji called out, leading Tsugiko. The vision vanished. Yumi blinked once, then shook her head. "Kyouji- san, Tsugiko-chan, what's...oh no," Yumi said. She recognized her roommate's expression. Robbed of its original target, Tsugiko's fury waited for release. "Is Zagnut okay?" Kyouji said. Tsugiko breathed a short sigh as Yumi nodded. Her scowl, however, remained. "What about Krackel?" Carob asked. "He's gone," Tsugiko said, clenching her fists. Her voice lacked emotion. Carob sighed. "This will be difficult for my people. Already word has spread that he serves Wintergreen. This incident will raise more questions. I think I can offer an explanation, but some will wonder why you did not stop this." "I thought it was a friendly match," Tsugiko snapped. "That 'clan war' was just theatrics." Carob paced, his forehead furled in thought. "Yes, a training accident. I think most would accept that." Kyouji shook his head. "That wasn't a training accident. That lunge was a deliberate attack." Carob shook his head. "It will serve, for now." Yumi stared at the ground where Zagnut fell. "Not to change the subject, Carob, but why did the ground turn white?" "Keep your voice down," Carob hissed. "Are you sure?" Yumi nodded, gesturing towards the stained earth. Carob hung his head. "This is a most grievous omen." "What?" Kyouji and Tsugiko asked in unison. "Innocent blood, once shed, has been known to scar Mars if a grave injustice has happened. In most cases, it is a wound of the spirit, affecting magic and even natural healing," Carob said. He trembled as he spoke. Tsugiko paled at his words. "But in some cases the scar is physical. I've heard stories, but I never thought-" "'She made war upon the land itself.'" Yumi repeated Wonka's words and shuddering. "This, this is just like that desert." Kyouji and Tsugiko stared at the white stain. "I fear you are right, Kyouji. This was not a simple training accident. I fear that some act of treachery or betrayal has taken place," Carob said. He paused, hanging his head. With a deep sigh, as if shouldering a heavy burden, he spoke again. His voice carried no farther than the Warrior Priestesses. "It pains me to say this, but soon people see what Yumi saw and ask questions. It would be good for you not to be here when they wonder why you didn't stop Krackel. Such an injustice-" He sighed, pursed his lips and turned away. The Warrior Priestesses stood motionless, staring with wide eyes at Carob. Tsugiko looked as if she had been struck with her own hammer. "I didn't know. You must believe me," Tsugiko said. With tears forming in her eyes, she grabbed Carob's cloak. Carob cast his eyes towards the mountains and sighed. "I doubt you can reason with a mob. Please, before anything else happens." "But Zagnut's alive," Tsugiko cried out. "Leave now if you wish to be, too," Carob said. The Warriior Priestesses recoiled. Yumi stared at Carob. "But-" "I cannot control a mob," Carob said. "Please. For your sake. Walk to the valley just over that hill." He pointed along the road leading away from Frango. "I will send your supplies." Carob walked away. Kyouji sighed. "Let's go," he said, walking down the road. Yumi and Tsugiko trailed behind. >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< With one last swing of Tsugiko's hammer, Kyouji pounded the final tent spike needed for his tent. He wiped the sweat from his brow. He smiled, flush with the exhilaration of a finished job. Setting up camp proved to be a blessing. After Carob had dropped off their packs, the Warrior Priestesses had once again marched behind Kit Kat as the cat-ferret homed in on the next crystal shard. Usually energetic to the point of nausea, Kit Kat instead reflected the silent Warrior Priestesses' somber mood. After twelve kilometers of silent reflection, Kit Kat led the trio to the banks of a large river. One long ferry ride downriver later, the Warrior Priestesses entered the cantref of Guylian, marching another twelve kilometers before resting for the night. An exhausting feat under the best circumstances, the journey proved even more difficult under the weight of silence. Isolated within his own thoughts, Kyouji searched through his memory for every way that he could have prevented Zagnut's wounding. Although Tsugiko had stopped them from interfering, Kyouji could not blame her for the events. His inaction had doomed Zagnut just as much as Tsugiko's suggestion. He knew that Yumi felt the same weight he did. She lacked her normal vitality. Kyouji worried about Tsugiko. As the day had progressed, her body language reflected in turn anger, moodiness, self-loathing, and finally irritation. He knew that Tsugiko took every failure personally, letting it simmer within. He hoped that she would soon realize what happened to Zagnut was not her fault. Kyouji might have even told her so, if another question did not hang over him. Kyouji shook his head. That could wait one more day. He walked over the fire, where Tsugiko sat staring at the flames. Kit Kat sat next to her with his eyes closed. She glanced at him as he sat down. "Well, it wasn't what I expected tonight," Kyouji said, returning the hammer. "Fine, just blame me for getting kicked out of Frango," Tsugiko snapped. She pulled the hammer out of his hands and slung it around her shoulder. "I wasn't-" Kyouji said. He held his hands in front of him and slid away from Tsugiko. She glared at him. "Look, I might have made a bad decision, but at least I can make a decision, unlike someone I know." Kit Kat cringed as he lay still. Kyouji sighed and stood up, brushing ash and dust from his pants. "I'm not in the mood for this. Not tonight." He turned towards his tent. Tsugiko shot to her feet. "You never are. And guess what, Kyouji, we're in Guylian." "And you think I don't know that?" Kyouji snapped, spinning around. "You don't think I've not been dreading this moment ever since I agreed to your demand? Well, guess what, you're just going to have to wait." "You never change. I don't know why I expected this time to be different. You're too busy running from your problems to be a man and make a simple decision." "Well if I'm not a man, why are you chasing me?" Kyouji said, staring Tsugiko down. "I am not chasing you," Tsugiko shouted. Kit Kat ran away. "You mean just as Twizzler wasn't chasing me?" Kyouji crossed his arms in front of his chest as he yelled. Tsugiko's face turned red. "Don't you dare bring her into this," she shouted, pointing a finger in Kyouji's face. "Why shouldn't I? Just because she makes you uncomfortable?" "Whatever, Kyouji. You couldn't make a choice then, and I doubt you can make one now." She lowered her finger, resting her hand on her hip. "I told you I'm not going to tell you. Not when you're like this." With each exchange, the volume increased. "Sure, go right ahead and blame your indecision on me. It's my fault, just like everything else that ever happens to me." Neither Kyouji nor Tsugiko noticed Yumi as she slipped outside the tent. She chewed her lip as she watch and listened, her bright eyes glistening. "Do you really think you can handle whatever it is after what happened this morning?" Kyouji said, unfolding his arms. Tsugiko grit her teeth. "I'm not as fragile as you think I am, and I'm not letting you use that as an excuse." "Why are you so persistent?" "Because it affects me as well. It's affected me ever since we first got here." Tsugiko spoke quickly, her cheeks reddening. Kyouji paused, his brow furling. "You know, sometimes I wonder if you are in love with me or in love with the idea of winning me like if I'm a prize." Yumi winced and turned her head. "Tsugiko-chan," she whispered, closing her eyes. Tsugiko stood still, her mouth agape. Clenching her fists and her eyes, she spoke in low, clear tones instead of an angry shout. "Some prize you are. Just forget it, Kyouji. If you doubt me like that, you've made your choice. Go cuddle up to Little Miss Perfect." She stormed away from the campfire. "Tsugiko, wait..." Kyouji said. He started after her. "Tsugiko-chan, please wait," Yumi said as the green princess approached. She stepped in Tsugiko's path. Behind her, Yumi could see Kyouji running towards them. "I'm going for a walk," Tsugiko said. As she passed Yumi, she raised her voice. "He's yours. I don't want him anymore." Kyouji slid to a halt. Yumi saw his shoulders fall before he turned around, shuffling away. "Tsugiko-chan..." she said. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she watched Tsugiko walk away. "Leave me alone!" Tsugiko said. The Warrior Priestess burst into flame as she ran. Yumi watched the horizon after Tsugiko disappeared. Yumi wished Kit Kat was near; she wanted the reassurance that holding the cat-ferret brought. She sniffed, wiping the tears from her cheeks. Tsugiko would take care of herself like she always did. Yumi walked towards the campfire, nothing more than embers. Kyouji sat next to the rock circle surrounding the fire, holding his knees against his chest. "Kyouji-san?" she said. She drifted towards him, waiting. Kyouji sighed, his gaze fixed on the embers. "You heard." "It was hard not to." "Let me be, Yumi. I've made a mess of things again." Yumi sat beside him, twisting her body as she tried to meet his gaze. "You know Tsugiko-chan. She'll be okay after a while." Kyouji looked away. "Yumi, I hurt her." Yumi winced, then sighed. "Yes, you did." "She thinks I don't trust her." "She'll come to her senses when her anger passes," she said. She reached out, setting her hand on Kyouji's shoulder. "We've been through too much not to trust each other. You do need to talk to her when she comes back." "I know." Kyouji brought his hand up and rested it on Yumi's. "But...?" She blushed at Kyouji's touch. For a moment, she thought he would remove her hand from his shoulder. "I don't want her dragging in that stupid promise I made." "To ch, choose-" She stumbled over the word. Against her will, her pulse raced. Kyouji nodded, finally meeting Yumi's eyes. A mirthless half-smile tugged at his face. "Yes. She's so impatient; she's not going to wait for me to speak first." Yumi sighed and pursed her lips. "I don't blame her. She wants...I want...to know where we stand with you." "I know." The embers caught Kyouji's interest. "Do you really, Kyouji-san?" Kyouji glanced up at Yumi, only to be captured by her intense gaze. He sighed again. "I'm not sure anymore. I do know, however, that I can't announce my decision until I patch things up with Tsugiko." Yumi smiled and laughed. "That's good. I don't want to be the consolation prize." "I don't want you to be." Kyouji's voice lacked Yumi's mirth. He turned one more to the coals. Yumi's eyes narrowed as she searched for hidden meaning in Kyouji's words. The familiar doubt and uncertainty flooded her emotions. Would he finally choose her? She longed to ask, but she knew not to until Tsugiko- She glanced at Kyouji's face. He struggled to speak. Every time he opened his mouth, a sigh or a nervous laugh drowned the first syllable. He closed his eyes, laughed, and turned his head. His eyes opened, meeting Yumi's. In unison, each drew a deep breath. "Yumi?" "Yes?" "Thank you. Thank you for listening. Sometimes I think you're the only one who does." For the first time since the fight, he smiled. He squeezed her hand affectionately and let go. Yumi blushed. "You're welcome." Without noticing, she slid her hand off Kyoui's shoulder, pressing it against her heart with her other hand. He turned until he could lie down and stare at the night sky. Yumi stretched out on the ground next to Kyouji, cautiously resting her head on his shoulder. He flinched as she touched him. "Kyouji-san? "Yes?" he stammered. Yumi sighed, remembering a night in Carob's hut. "Promise me that, whatever happens to the three of us, you'll still be a part of my life." Kyouji looked at the priestess on his shoulder. Surprised by the request, he thought before speaking. "Okay. I promise." "Even when we get home?" Yumi spoke no louder than a breath. "I promise." Yumi closed her eyes, a wide smile gracing her features. With a loud sigh, she melted into Kyouji's shoulder. Kyouji's eyes flickered between the stars and Yumi. A tingling sensation worked its way from his fingers and into his shoulder. He bit back nervous laughter. Torn between regaining circulation in his arm and disturbing the resting angel, he sat still and waited. Just as his body revolted against his mind, preparing to ask Yumi to move, another, harsher sensation built in his chest. His heart contracted into a knot, as his mind filled with sudden dread. "Tsugiko!" Kyouji shouted, bolting upright. Yumi felt his shoulder twitch in enough time to get out of the way. "What's wrong?" she asked. But Kyouji was already on his feet and running. Yumi sighed and shook her head before chasing after him. >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< Krackel walked through the Great Library of Toffifay, his arms filled with scrolls. Housed inside a giant rotunda, the Great Library stored the harvest of scrolls, codices, and vellum collected throughout Mars by the Scarlet Order of Malaco, the sole religious order not persecuted by Wintergreen. Voracious preservers of knowledge, the Scarlet Order provided numerous secret arts that captured her interest. Sitting down at a stone table nestled between towering shelves, Krackel unwound the first scroll, securing it with stones. He read, tracing each line with his finger. A scarlet flash flickered in the corner of his eye. The master swordsman glanced over. Seeing only a scarlet robed librarian, he turned away. "Now, Krackel, that's no way to treat an old friend." "Riesen." Krackel leapt to his feet, overturning his chair. His hand flew towards his sword hilt. "I never thanked you properly for kidnapping my sister. Give my regards to Twizzler when you see her." The ring of steel against steel echoed off the shelves. Riesen smiled, sliding his hand out of his scarlet robes. "Cute. Did your sister think of that for you?" Krackel's body tensed, his sword raised. Riesen's smile widened as Krackel backed away, staring down the barrel of a hand cannon. "Careful now, these things make an awful mess, and I wouldn't want to inconvenience the brothers by making them scrub you off the floor." "Bastard," Krackel hissed. "No, I'm pretty sure my parents were married. At least that's what my sword instructor told me when he said he couldn't teach me." Riesen laughed as Krackel's glare burst into flame. "Now set that butcher's blade of yours on the table and sit down, like civilized men. You can act civilized, right?" Krackel growled as he followed Riesen's instructions. "What do you want?" Riesen sat down out of Krackel's reach. The hand cannon still pointed at Krackel's chest. "Now, now, let's not rush things. I'm curious as to why you're here instead of the slaughterhouse Wintergreen keeps you in." "None of your business." Riesen looked at the scroll. "'The Legend of the Starlite...' Hmm, that's a mistranslation. Shouldn't be 'thief.' The Callard language uses a term far more subtle, but I'm sure that'd be beyond you. I find that subtlety requires an...intelligence that cannon fodder lacks." He sat back, ignoring Krackel's seething doomsday glare. "The Starlite, eh? You wouldn't be trying to sneak someone out of Wintergreen's castle." Krackel ground his teeth, his face red from rage. Riesen shrugged. "Not like it matters. You and I are going to come to an...arrangement that'll keep you out of whatever mischief you've cooked up. Such a shame too. I would have loved to see Wintergreen's expression when your scheme blew up in your face." "Keep talking, Riesen. It won't change the fact that I'm the only one who actually captured a shard." "Well, I never thought I'd see proof that Mars looks out for idiots." Krackel lunged for his sword. Smoke and fire belched from the hand cannon. The lead ball shattered the edge of the table near Krackel's arm. With his free hand, Riesen pulled a second hand cannon from his robes. Krackel released his sword. Blood oozed from scratches on his hand and face. "Forget any romantic notion you have about using that butcher's blade on me now or in the future. Your sister dies the same day I do, and if I ever again hear but the faintest hint of steel drawn against me, she won't live to see my death, much less yours. Now listen up, because I want to be out of here before the brothers work up the nerve to investigate." Krackel's glare would have withered most men. Riesen shrugged it away. "I want the Warrior Priestesses. And since my contacts have seen you with them acting far friendlier than you should, you're going to help me. You have no choice, if you wish to keep Rollo safe. And I do have to say, the girl has quite some talent with decorating. She's done wonders with the cell Wintergreen keeps her in." Krackel trembled, eyeing his sword. "You will steal the Knight Protector's blade and return in to them. Afterwards, you will lead them into an ambush of my design." "Are you kidding?! If Wintergreen catches me-" "Don't get caught. And of course, there's the usual threats against your sister if you do get caught or fail to win the Warrior Priestesses' confidence. You really should see what happens when Wintergreen puts someone to the Question. I find it's most inspiring, if a bit messy. "Bring me that blade by tomorrow. Enjoy your learning primer," Riesen said, walking away from the table. Krackel's fist slammed into the stone table. Pulling his dagger free, he stared at the blade. His face paled to normal. Closing his eyes, Krackel clenched the dagger's blade with his free hand. "May Mars deal with me ever so harshly if Riesen does not die by my hand." He jerked the blade from his fist, blood dripping between his fingers. >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< Kyouji ran, driven through the grassy field by the Knight Protector's compulsion. Focused on Tsugiko alone, he searched the night for any glimmer of her presence. He scrambled up a large earthen embankment. As he crested the hill, Tsugiko's green battle flame appeared at the foot of the embankment, casting a faint green sheen over the field. Kyouji watched as Tsugiko crouched in a defensive stand. As she gulped air, her eyes darted about. Blood oozed from numerous gashes on her arms and legs. She backpedaled, avoiding a pike blade as it slashed. Her flames grew, casting a faint green tinge upon the semicircle of nine men pursuing her. Each held a three-meter pike. Kyouji dispassionately noticed the pikemen's formation. If Tsugiko attacked anyone, she would find herself on the points of three or more pikes. One weapon reached for Tsugiko's waist before her hammer knocked it aside. Two more lunged for her skirt, one snaring the hem with its hook before she beat it away. The men jeered as the cloth tore. He drew his sword, driven by his compulsion and his own protective instincts. With a wordless shout, he sprinted down the hill. Six of Tsugiko's attackers turned towards him, advancing with lowered pikes. Everything he had learned from Teru raced through his mind, forming one conclusion. Against such odds and mutually supporting tactics, he would die, as Tsugiko would soon after. The Knight Protector's compulsion, however, drove away any despair, leaving only one urgent yearning: "Please, help me protect Tsugiko," he said. The crystal mounted in Kyouji's forehead flared with warmth. He shifted his sword to his off hand, blindly tossing poppies with his right. The pikemen paused in midstride as the flowers floated past. Then, to Kyouji's surprise, they crept forward, one laborious step at a time. Behind them, Tsugiko's flames stood like liquefied crystal oozing from one form to another. The pikes stretched forward, reaching for Kyouji as he threw himself towards the wall of sharp blades. Kyouji could see the surprise and doubt sluggishly march across the warriors' faces. In the only quick motions on the field, his sword knocked aside each of the pikes in turn. Slipping past the weapons, he struck repeatedly, each blow stealing a life. He turned towards Tsugiko, still menaced by two men. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Yumi running towards them. An electric poppy shower finished the closest man to him, distracting Tsugiko's other attacker. Kyouji watched as Tsugiko's hammer slowly crushed the man's chest. With unexpected grace, the body folded into a heap on the ground. Without warning, time snapped back to normal. Kyouji staggered forward, a migraine welling inside his head. He blinked rapidly in hopes of driving the disorientation away. "Tsugiko-chan!" Yumi shouted, running towards her roommate. Kyouji winced at the sound. Pushing through the pain, he looked at Tsugiko. Peering through the dying flames, he could see the midriff of her blouse had been sliced open, revealing a dark angry line on Tsugiko's skin. The flames extinguished as Yumi stopped in front of her. "I'll be fine," Tsugiko answered, pushing Yumi's probing hands away. Kyouji watched her shoulders slump forward as she rested against her hammer. "I'm just worn out." Yumi's wand flew from her belt loop and into her hand. For the second time that day, she concentrated, willing Tsugiko's wounds to heal. The pink glow passed through Tsugiko, leaving her torn clothes as the only reminder of her fight. Tsugiko slumped to the ground, fast asleep. "We better get moving," Kyouji found himself saying. Yumi nodded and knelt down, reaching for Tsugiko's arms. Kyouji put his hand on Yumi's shoulder. "I'll carry her. This was my fault." Yumi looked up at Kyouji. She opened her mouth to speak, then, after seeing Kyouji's expression, closed it. She nodded as Kyouji knelt. Working together, they draped Tsugiko's arms around his neck so he could carry her. Then, carrying Tsugiko's hammer, Yumi lead the way back to camp. >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< Tsugiko awoke, blinking her eyes open. Greeted by the familiar sight of the tent ceiling, she sighed. Last night had been too close. She turned over, looking for her roommate. "Good morning, Tsugiko," Kyouji said. He sat at her side, greeting her with a smile. Clutching her sheet against her chest, Tsugiko raised herself off the ground until Kyouji's hand against her shoulder stopped her. "What are-" "I don't think that's a good idea." He blushed as he pointed to her outfit folded neatly by her pillow. Tsugiko blushed and slid under the sheets. "Yumi spent the morning fixing your clothes." "What are you doing in here?" came a muffled shriek from underneath the bedding. "Yumi let me in. I was worried about you," he said. "I'm just glad you're safe." "Leave!" A hand darted out from underneath the covers, pointing towards the door. Kyouji sighed. "I understand if you don't want to talk-" "I just need some privacy. Just for a few moments," Tsugiko said. Without warning, it grew hot under the covers. "Oh, sure," he said blushing. He stepped outside the tent, closing the flap behind him. He breathed a sigh of relief as he waited. Tsugiko stepped out of the tent, tugging on her jacket. Trying not to be obvious, Kyouji looked at Tsugiko's blouse. No sign of the previous night's damage could be seen. "I need to talk to Yumi about letting strange men inside our tent," Tsugiko said, blushing. Kyouji winced. "Hey, I'm sorry. Yumi thought it'd be okay." Tsugiko shook her head. "Don't worry. This one wasn't your fault." "Last night was," Kyouji said, sighing. "I'm sorry, Tsugiko, I shouldn't have said that to you. And the attack- I'm sorry." He bowed towards Tsugiko. Tsugiko stood, swept up in a whirlwind of emotions and words. But before she could sort out a reply, Yumi appeared. Walking backwards in their direction, Yumi gestured by tilting her head. She clutched Kit Kat tightly against her chest. "We've got visitors." "What?!" Tsugiko and Kyouji said. They turned, facing the direction Yumi indicated. "Oh no," Kyouji muttered. On top of a bizarre rabbit-horse hybrid only dreamed of by the most deranged evolutionary scientists under the influence of hallucinatory drugs, a man-shaped mountain of glistening steel pointed a thick lance at the Warrior Priestesses. Four similar behemoths stood behind the armored monstrosity. "In the name of the Lords of Guylian, identify yourself," the mountain said. His strong bass boomed through the countryside. "We're the Warrior Priestesses. Who are you?" Tsugiko challenged. She drew herself to her full height, cutting as an imposing figure as she could without her flames. "What are you doing?" Kyouji hissed. "Ha!" The iron man quivered on the rabbit-like beast. He dropped the lance before swinging off of his steed. He unfastened his helmet, revealing a pleasant middle-aged face adorned with a bushy mustache and beard. "Good news! Good news indeed. Welcome to Guylian, Warrior Priestesses. I am Mallo, captain of the Sparkling Elite." The requisite introductions made, Yumi turned towards the burly knight. "You surprised us. We're not used to armed men riding into camp." "That's an understatement," Tsugiko muttered. "We would have charged into camp hadn't I noticed Miss Yumi," Mallo said, shaking his head. "Far too many camps like this hold Wintergreen's soldiers." The Warrior Priestesses laughed nervously. "Wait a minute," Kyouji said. "Guylian's under attack? We just came from Frango, and we've not heard word of this." "I'm not surprised. She's sent hundreds of raids against us instead of massed armies." As he spoke, Mallo frowned. "It's a sophisticated strategy. Whoever's leading Wintergreen's forces split up the army into bands, nothing more than raiding parties. Fortunately for us, such a strategy requires the exclusive use of footmen. Easy as Butterfingers to kill, once you get past the pike. Still, there's an awful lot of vermin needing killing." "We ran into a group last night," Tsugiko said, her voice grim. "Can't you defeat the raiding parties?" Yumi asked. "If it were only that easy, lass. Each band attacks, destroying crops or burning villages. By the time help arrives, the attackers have slipped away. Pursuit is risky. Too many pursuers have found themselves ambushed by five times the soldiers they followed. Sometimes the pursuers find nothing at all. But while they were away, another group of Wintergreen's soldiers attacked the area left unguarded by the pursuers," Mallo said. He spoke as though he described a technical exercise. "This doesn't sound good," Yumi said. "Wintergreen forces us to waste our strength in hundreds of small raids and skirmishes. As our losses mount, the Lords of Guylian will retreat into their fortresses, abandoning the countryside. A few sieges later, and Guylian will fall," Mallo said. He shook his fist. Kyouji shook his head. "There won't be a siege. Wintergreen's Bottle Pops will rip apart the walls of any fortress in their path." Mallo stared at Kyouji with great interest. "What manner of beast is this Bottle Pop that it can do such a thing?" "It's a weapon, not a beast, although it can be as big as one," Kyouji replied. He knelt, tracing a Bottle Pop on the ground. Mallo nodded. "Then it is imperative that the Sparkling Elite complete their task." "And that is?" Yumi asked. Her hand ran over Kit Kat's fur. "With her army divided as it is, her general will be vulnerable. Cut the head off, and the rest will retreat in confusion," Mallo boasted. Behind him, his fellow knights cheered. "Oh, sure, instead of wading through a few thousand defenders, you'll only have to cut through a couple hundred," Tsugiko said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. "That doesn't sound vulnerable to me, especially to, what, five knights on, on whatever it is you ride." "Silly girl, even one member of the Sparkling Elite is greater than any ten footmen," Mallo roared. "A couple hundred footmen are not a suitable challenge for us." "For the five of you?" Yumi asked incredulously. "I have thirty knights waiting in a camp not far from here. That's more than enough for any task, save storming Wintergreen's castle. And even then I'm not even sure she could stop us," Mallo said, raising his voice again. Another cheer rose from the knights. Kyouji massaged his temples. "This is going to get old fast." "So, how are you going to find this glorious battle?" Tsugiko said. She made no effort to hide the amusement in her voice. "It will come when we find the warleader's camp," Mallo said. His words lacked his earlier confidence. "They have no idea," Tsugiko and Kyouji muttered in unison. Yumi glared at her fellow Warrior Priestesses. "We wish you luck and Mars' blessing in your search. We must be on our way, however. We seek the crystal shard your land protects," she said, curtsying. She nudged Tsugiko, who curtsied as well, protesting under her breath. Mallo shook his head. "If it were only that easy. We received word that the crystal was stolen yesterday in a raid on the greatest of all fortresses in Guylian. They paid dearly for their audacity, but they escaped with the crystal nonetheless." Tsugiko threw her hands up. "It figures. Nothing here on Mars is ever easy." "Be of good cheer, oh skeptical one. If we can find the leader's camp, we will find the crystal," Mallo said. "Unless Wintergreen sends someone to retrieve it," Kyouji pointed out. "It's our best chance," Yumi said. She turned to Kyouji, who shrugged. Tsugiko sighed. "Go right ahead." Yumi smiled and addressed Mallo. "If we find the crystal, we'll find your camp." "I care not for the crystal, but for riding my land of Wintergreen's vermin," Mallo boasted. "My land can live without the shard. However, I am curious. How can you find both the crystal and the camp?" "We've got a guide," Yumi said, holding up a sleepy cat-ferret. "Are you ready, Kit Kat?" "Gika?" >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< >o< "See, I told you we'd find it," Yumi said, hiding behind a tree. Kyouji, Tsugiko, and Mallo stood behind trees to her left and right. Wintergreen's general's camp lay on the other side of the tree line. She rubbed Kit Kat's ears. "Isn't that right, Kit Kat." Kit Kat purred. "My lady, I was foolish to doubt you," Mallo said in his usual hearty rumble. "Keep your voice down," Kyouji whispered, scowled at the armor-clad knight. "I see at least a hundred out there," Tsugiko said. "I don't want to face all of them at once." "Bring them on. The glory shall be ours," Mallo boasted. Tsugiko rolled her eyes, but gave silent thanks for his whisper. She peered out from behind her tree. A ring of at least fifty small four- man tents surrounded a center tent the size of a house. Dozens of fighters joked and practiced throughout the camp. She chewed her lip. If Mallo and his knights couldn't make good on their boast... "Give my knights ten minutes before the attack," Mallo said as he slipped away from the tree line. "We'll rout this rabble in no time, while you slip inside the camp. Just be careful and don't stray too far from the camp. Some of the boys get a little...excited and start running down anything on two feet." With that, he vanished. "I can't believe this guy," Tsugiko said, shaking her head. "Why do I get the feeling that if Wintergreen's soldiers don't kill us, our 'allies' will?" "Tsugiko-chan, have some faith in Mallo," Yumi hissed. "Let me know if you find some, Tsugiko. I'd like to share," Kyouji said. He shrank away from Yumi's glare. "If you can't say anything nice," Yumi warned. They waited in silence. A horn blast cut through the night air. As one, the Warrior Priestesses peered out at Wintergreen's camp. Men scrambled in and out of tents, grabbing pikes and whatever weapons and armor they could carry. A sentry pointed to a space further to the left of the Warrior Priestesses. Mallo's rabbit-horse-riding knights rode into view in a line thirty- wide. Like Mallo, their armor glistened in the sunlight. Each held a thick lance ready for the attack, with swords strapped to each knight's back. Mallo rode in the center of the line. Unlike his knights, he held his lance in the air. Carrying pikes, Wintergreen's soldiers streamed out of the camp and onto the field, forming a tightly bunched line two files deep facing the knights. After the line held about fifty men, two new lines grew at right angle to the flanks "The camp's almost empty," Tsugiko whispered. "Let's go." "Not yet," Kyouji said. When the knights were two hundred meters from Wintergreen's soldiers, Mallo's lance fell forward into a forty-five degree angle. The knights spurred their mounts to faster speeds, but not to the full charge lest a ragged line ruin the shock of the attack. Wintergreen's troops finished the flanking lines, and the last soldiers from the camp scrambled to finish the fourth line of the infantry square, a defensive formation almost completely impervious to attack by cavalry alone. The rabbit-horses would not charge into a mass of pikes. Instead, they would flow around the square like a stream around a rock. A stalemate would occur, unless one side or another added archers to either formation. However, if the knights could ride inside the hollow square before it was finished, the entire formation would break apart, allowing the knights to ride down most of the infantry in a medieval turkey shoot. At fifty yards, Mallo's lance dipped again. The knights worked their mounts into a frenzy, causing the beasts to thunder across the ground towards the almost-finished square. A shrinking gap in the line existed, large enough allow the knights inside, if the knights could ride fast enough. As knight raced against pikeman, no one noticed three brightly colored figures run from the tree line and into the camp. Author's notes: The title, In Mars' Country, is a take off of "In God's Country," by U2. In addition, U2's "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" and "Wake Up Dean Man" helped inspire the omake that follows my notes. This omake was supposed to be the introduction for this part, but got cut when the mood of the part changed. Today's candies - Callard – from the Callard & Bowser line of toffees and licorice Toffifay – from the candy bar of the same name Starlite – a type of mint seen at restaurants Mallo – from Mallo Cups Sparkling Elite – taken from Elite's Sparkling Chocolate Malaco – a company that makes Swedish Red Fish and Swedish Berries All were found through www.candydirect.com. I tried a few things this time. A little more dialogue and action, a little less moody introspection. We'll see how it works. I know that the Zagnut/Krackel fight in this chapter doesn't quite mesh with the previous chapter, but there's a couple clues in the text that may work for harmonizing the two chapters. This is a revised version, some hundred words lighter than the first. Some glaring spelling errors were corrected. A clarification of the infantry square was the only change to the content of the chapter. I would like to thank Nic, Laura, and Jeremy for their comments and proofreading suggestions. Thanks for reading. As always, criticism can be posted on the Impro Message Board or sent to: Achariyth@aol.com Let's see some public reviews. At the very least, help other writers by telling me what I did right or, more likely, wrong. Thanks, Nathan The Startburst Crystal Legend Forty Omake A bead of water rolled off a stalactite, splashing into a shallow glass bowl. A monk, head shaved bare, wearing homespun robes, nodded. He lowered the bowl from the rock, and sat down, holding the bowl over the flames. Six months passed since he last saw day. When Wintergreen's scouts first crested the hills surrounding the monastery, the monks scattered, seeking refuge in nearby caves. Only a handful of monks from his shrine escaped capture and slaughter upon the shrine's altar. Truth dies first in war, followed closely by children and priests. Normally sacked by bandits and looting soldiers in search of money and art, Mars' shrines became a favored target for Wintergreen, who delighted in the razing of shrines and the murder of priests. Only the warrior orders could resist her systematic slaughter. He shook his head and sighed. A prayer, then a chant filled the chamber as the monk stared into the glass bowl. Images formed in the still water, summoned each day by the mystery arts of his order. ...She sat in darkness, huddled inside a cupboard, listening to muffled jeers. A wooden door groaned with each crash of an improvised ram. Nothing more than a young Spree, she trembled, clenching her eyes. Tears streamed down her face as she wished she were elsewhere with her friends, each having been consigned to flames as the Sprees ruthlessly pursued anyone suspected of working with Wintergreen. All had gone to the blaze sporting welts, livid scars, and open sores from questioning; none knew Wintergreen or her agents. Only an accusation was needed, for the Sprees had long abandoned reason... ...With one final protest, the door snapped off its hinges. She whimpered as angry voices filled the room. Light blinded her eyes. A shrill scream died stillborn in her throat as madness swept her away... A drop of water splashed inside the bowl, erasing the vision. His face a tight mask, the monk waited for the water to settle. ...He sat at his post, propped up by the crusader's sword bonded to his hand by muscles unable to move. Staring a thousand yards into the night, he waited on the walls of Ferroro Rocher's besieged fortress for his strength, for the next assault. Although Clorets' soldiers had already been repulsed that night, the soldier knew a second attack could storm the walls at anytime. Each night, another warband or two scaled the walls, swords and armor blackened by soot. Each night, the beleaguered defenders drove the warbands off the walls. Each morning, the men of Ferroro Rocher, always fewer, sought cover as Clorets' onagers hurled rocks, carcasses, and boiling water into the stronghold. Plague and famine struck down what Clorets could not... ...A horn, shrill and urgent, blasted. Fire. Struggling to his feet, the soldier forced the sloth from his actions. Staggering as the floor rose, he fell, as did the fortress wall, and minutes later, the fortress itself... The monk's hands trembled, as the image rippled into nonexistence. Tears rolled down his cheeks as sorrow, then fire, filled his eyes. Setting the bowl next to the fire, he stood. Day after day, through the seeing bowl, the monk watched as soldiers dashed babies against rocks, as famine and plague raced through the lands, reaping thousands in heartless competition, as slaves groaned under the lash, as justice vanished. Innocent blood flowed like water, poisoning the land that it touched. With a resounding wail, he ran, blinded to everything but suffering. He stopped inside a cavern his order held most sacred to Mars. As close to the heart of the planet as he could reach, the monk stamped his feet. Caked with mud and blood, tears streaming down his trembling cheeks, with all the passion suppressed by the rules of his order, he screamed: "What are you doing, Mars? What kind of planet are you? Your priests are slaughtered; your people die at the hands of a madwoman. Can't you hear their cries? Have you gone deaf? Are you asleep? How long will this go on? "Wake up! Answer me!" His shout echoing into silence, the monk sat down in the proscribed meditation position, waiting. _______________________________________________________________________ "I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors, and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun." – The Teacher