- Text Size +
The world was shrouded in nothingness, only pitch black darkness as far as the eye could see. It was death in the form of a peaceful and eternal dream, yet seeing nothing with eyes wide open could also be a horrid nightmare. This darkness was stale and cold, the kind that pierced through a soul causing heart wrenching tears. All alone in the darkness… But perhaps it was better to live in a perpetual dark world of death and never experience any other pain or suffering, to be completely numb to the world. Life and death, light and darkness, what did any of that matter? To see nothing, hear nothing, experience nothing in a world of eternal, ethereal bliss was peace. Perhaps it was better to never open your heavy eyelids again.

The world was more of a nightmare than death. So many cold and unfeeling hearts… The undead appearing in the form of soldiers… The seemingly alive became statues frozen in time. The world was a quiet, private suffering for everyone. In their hearts, they wanted only to live and struggle, but they were also afraid. The path forward was an eternal shadow of darkness. What was scarier than the unknown? Nothing. The unknown meant that anything could happen. The unknown meant that the world could end in an instant without warning or hope of rescue. Life was fickle. Those who appreciated it the most were always the first to die, while those who were reckless could survive anything they undertook. But, if the castle of nightmares stole their lives, then there was nothing to be done. The dead could never rise. If only one were to slumber forever, then the pain of the survivors would be eternal. In this castle, it was better to live and suffer your own private nightmare, than to die and make everyone else share it.

Brian groaned as his eyes fully opened. He blinked several times as he stared into the unending black. Skulls and bones littered the dark abyss they had fallen into. He put his hands on the ground and tried to sit up, but his arms trembled and shook as he did. Okay… Standing is definitely out of the question. He pushed off his arms one more time and finally managed to sit upright then scanned the blackness around him. Aside from the skeleton fragments, this room is virtually empty… He exhaled as his heart’s beating normalized.

Minako lay on top of Nick about a foot away and they both stirred as well. Minako moved her hand first and began feeling around the dark, touching the ground and pounding her palm on bone fragments. She paused as she gripped a larger round object and shrieked, then bolted upright as she jerked her hand away and knocked it against Nick’s horns. She put her hand to her chest and exhaled several times.

Brian chuckled to himself.

Nick groaned as well, then blinked several times as he scanned their black abyss. He groaned again as he tried sitting up, then reached out and grabbed her hand from her chest. “Minako…” His voice was raspy and weak as he spoke. He thrust his arms around her and pulled her tightly to his chest. “Minako!”

She sobbed loudly and buried her face in his chest as she gripped at the folds in his tunic.

“Minako?” He pulled her closer and cupped her head, then ran his fingers through her hair.

She sniffed back her tears. “No… I’m just really glad… Really, really glad…”

Nick leaned his head on hers as he sniffed back tears as well. “Me too.”

Those two… Brian smiled, but he felt his heart sinking. Being alive is joyful, but this castle is intended to tear us apart. The traps and the illusionary demons batter and destroy us. Can we escape with our lives? Will we ever find the box? Are Howie, Kevin, and AJ okay? He gripped the beads around his neck, then wiped his palms on his pants.

“Brian? Are you okay?” Minako’s voice penetrated his thoughts.

He smiled gently. Thank you for worrying about me too, Minako. I can’t see your facial expressions in the dark, so you probably can’t see mine either. I should speak to you. “I’m fine, Minako. I’m glad you and Nick are too.”

Minako clenched Nick’s tunic tightly with her fingers as she pulled back from him. “Where… are we?”

Nick patted her back lightly. “This suffocating darkness reminds me of where I was… But all the bones were outside… The worst parts of both.” His fangs glinted as he bit his lip.

Brian scanned their surroundings. “This seems to be the catacombs of the castle. It could just be underground tunnels… But it’s likely it’s also a burial chamber...” He tapped some of the scattered bones with his staff.

“A burial chamber?” Minako buried her head into Nick’s chest again.

Nick ran his hand through her hair again.

Brian lowered his hands into his lap. “That aside… What do you both want to do? The others are probably long gone, and besides that… It doesn’t seem like there’s a way back up anyway.”

“Putting all that aside…”

Brian chuckled. “Are you trying to mimic me, Nick?”

Nick fangs glinted briefly, but disappeared and his voice became serious. “All three of us are wounded. Can we keep going?”

Brian put his hand to his chin. “That does pose a problem…”

“But we have to get to the box…” Minako pulled back from Nick’s embrace again.

Brian crossed his arms and nodded. “Then there’s that…” He pursed his lips. Our problems keep compounding...

Minako lowered her head, averting her gaze. “And are the others alive?”

Nick smiled, then pressed a kiss to her forehead. “If we’re alive, they have to be too.”

Minako nodded her head, her broad smile gleaming in the darkness. “Then, we have no choice! If they’re alive, we have to meet them. Instead of worrying, let’s go forward!”

Nick inhaled audibly, but did not exhale as his gaze remained fixed on her.

Minako’s voice was quiet. “Did I… say something wrong, Nick?”

Brian chuckled. So naive and genuine with each other… “It sounds like he’s surprised, but absolutely adores that you’re repeating him.”

Minako turned to Brian and blinked rapidly, but Nick slouched and hung his head.

Brian laughed. “It seems that I’ve embarrassed him.”

Nick growled, piercing the silence. “Stop teasing me, Brian.”

Brian smiled as he gripped his staff. Always full of zeal. He pressed the base of his staff against the ground again and forced himself to push off of it until he was standing upright. “You’re right, let’s go forward instead.” Brian shut his eyes and stretched his hands apart. A glowing sphere appeared in his hand. Even though Kevin’s healing powers are what we really need, hopefully my barriers and sutras can at least light our way. He pulled out a sutra and began whispering in a low voice. “Away from me, but hold the shield. Bind and light the way.” He placed the sapphire orb in the center ring of his staff and affixed the sutra to it. The pitch black cavern became dimly lit as it filled with sapphire light.

Minako smiled brightly as she stared up at him. “Brian… You still have your powers. I thought… It took everything you had to save us.”

Brian shook his head as he exhaled. “No, but… I wish I could have done more… Like pulled you both up or made a barrier that could have cushioned our fall.”

Minako used Nick’s shoulders to push herself up, her knees wobbled for a moment, but she steadied herself, then reached down for Nick. He groaned as he set his feet flat on the ground, then grabbed her hand as he used the other to push off the ground. He groaned again as he stood and gripped his abdomen.

Minako brushed Nick’s cheek with her thumb, then walked over to Brian and put her hand on his shoulder. “No… What’s important is that you came after us and tried your hardest, despite the circumstances.” She smiled again.

Brian smiled as well. “Minako… I would do anything for you.” He put his hand behind his head, “My feelings aren’t quite like Nick’s at all, but… you still mean everything to me.”

“Did none of you live a day without me?”

Brian chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. “It’s not like that… Not at all for me.” He paused. I have to consider my word choice carefully. I don’t want to make you feel disheartened... “I lived many days without you. Being a cardinal demon is important to me, but it’s not the only thing I have. Plus, Nick would be upset if I said you did mean everything to me in the same way.” He grinned.

Nick clenched his fist and growled again as he hunched his shoulders.

“I’ll stop.” Brian smiled. He glanced at the ground as he gripped his beads again, trying to calm the tightness in his chest. He took a long breath and looked back at Minako. “I lived many days without you, but you gave me a very precious gift that I had never received before… So the only way I can think to return the favor is to protect you with my entire heart.”

“I gave you a gift?” Minako frowned.

Brian nodded. Was that too cryptic? Will you understand and feel my meaning if I don’t tell you directly?

Minako crossed her arms and put her fist to her chin as she furrowed her brow. She alternated between pursing her lips and chewing on them.

Brian smiled warmly. I’ve confused you, I’m sorry to put that puzzled expression on your face. If only you knew the power of your friendship, Minako. He lowered his head momentarily, concealing the bright smile on his face. I don’t want you to think that I’m judging you. “Well… Shall we go forward?”

Minako shook her head and straightened her shoulders as she inhaled, then grabbed Nick’s hand. “It’s like Nick said, let’s keep going instead of worrying!”

Brian glanced at Nick and flashed him a wide grin. “Who knew that you could say something so inspiring.”

Nick growled and clenched his fist again. “Stop teasing me! I do have my moments! And you said that you respected me!”

“We all know our situation is… dire. Seeing both of your spirited reactions makes it seem less insurmountable for me. But, I’m not being fair when you keep asking and I ignore you.”

Nick froze and for one quick moment he raised his eyebrows and caught Brian’s gaze with protuberant eyes. As quickly as he did it, he averted his eyes from Brian’s gaze, though he did unclench his hands and wiggle his fingers.

Brian began to lead the small party through the corridor, though he did glance back at Nick and smile broadly. It wasn’t a lie, Nick. I would be proud to admit it to you as many times as you’d like. You and I are very different…

You are always only yourself, meanwhile, I learned long ago how to conceal my demonic appearance with mortal objects. It’s not that my power is weak, I just can’t conceal my power the way Howie does. I wouldn’t be able to perform spells, use my sutras, do divinations, or any other priestly duties. So instead of appearing human, I must wrap my wings around my shoulders and cover them with a cloak, place gloves upon my hands, and adorn my head with a hat to hide my horns. I can’t really hide my fangs, but I’ve hidden the part of me that enjoys jokes when I’m traveling. I’m happy to have that again. With those minor adjustments, I am suddenly well respected and loved. Aside from the common struggles of growing up during the warring states era and the few minor struggles that come with daily life, my existence is a relatively simple one.

But you came from a background you had no memory of, existed without a profession or loved ones until this moment, and woke up to find yourself sealed away in the darkness. Anyone else would be insane. But, you’re almost peaceful, you even flinch less than when we met. You’ve risen up from these unfortunate circumstances and grown into the type of person that’s capable of giving and receiving love despite your shortcomings. You still don’t seem to have mastery over your powers, and even transform into a gruesome creature when they do awaken. Yet at the same time, you’ve accepted the idea that your memories are fleeting and that it’s unlikely you’ll ever regain them. Instead, you’ve chosen to only focus on the future.

There are really two kinds of people… The weak, who only focus on the past, forever yearning to change their mistakes and rewrite history. And the strong, who accept the things they can’t change, and instead, desire to move forward with their heads held high. You’re the latter, Nick, someone who can rise up from their circumstances and carve out their own destiny. And for that, despite your shortcomings as a cardinal demon, perhaps you are the strongest of all of us. Because you can walk into any situation without regret and reappear stronger than you were before.

“Brian…” Minako’s quiet voice interrupted his thoughts.

Brian glanced back at her.

Minako and Nick were walking slowly with their hands clenched tightly together. Minako patted Nick’s chest as he held his hand over his abdomen and grimaced.

I’m glad you can both support each other to keep going forward no matter how dangerous it becomes. He smiled warmly. “Yes, Minako?”

Minako clenched her free hand into a loose fist and held it to her heart. “No, I just… I don’t know what I gave you, but… Thank you.” She smiled brightly.

Brian’s smile illuminated the darkness. “When this is all over, I’ll tell you.” He turned his head from her slowly and scanned the path in front of him again. “But… For now, it’s my motivation…” He lowered his head, but then turned back to her. “If I told you, part of me is afraid it would no longer be genuine… But, I think that with you, at least, it’s genuine regardless.”

Minako continued to smile at him, even though she held her fist to her chin again.

Brian chuckled as he turned back toward the path. Sorry that I confused you, Minako. I’ll tell you soon. He froze. At the end of this path, there’s a new opening…

“Brian?” Nick asked.

Brian pointed to it. “A new room…”

Minako and Nick followed his gaze and stared up at it.

“Let me…” Nick released Minako’s hand and took a step forward to stand beside Brian.

Brian thrust his staff in front of him.

Nick flinched and stepped backward. “Brian…”

“You’re still injured from the last battle when you did try to fight. And I… I couldn’t pull either of you up… That’s the only reason I’m hurt.” Brian clenched his fingers around the crisp metal of his staff, his knuckles turned white as he tightened his grip. “So now I must prove my worth!”

“But Brian…” Minako put her hand on Brian’s shoulder.

He gave her a warm smile. “In my heart, Nick’s bravery is still superior to mine. So I must follow his example and tread forward with pride.”

“Brian…” Nick frowned as he clenched his fist.

Brian continued to smile, but his heart raced. “This is my choice alone. I already convinced myself that I must tread this path.”

Nick clapped his shoulder. “Whatever you need, we’ll follow your lead.”

Minako pulled her hand back and held her fist at her heart, but nodded hesitantly.

Brian gave them a thumbs up with his free hand as he continued down the path with his head held high like a dignified soldier marching into battle. What a strange thing to call a priest. Do Holy men of peace wage battles? Still, for Minako, our sapphire priestess, I would run into any battle or participate in any war. Why? Of course I know that the weak need protecting, but I hadn’t fought the emerald general. I only protected her physically weak body. Nick had defended her honor then and many times throughout our journey. Nick always ran headlong toward battle and declared that he would protect her. Was it only due to love? Or did he immediately recognize the light radiating from within her heart? Was he so drawn to her kindness that he became the first beneficiary of her heart’s warm embrace?

In the beginning, I think we all feared that her heart was too weak, like those of the other priestesses. They possessed the type of hearts that embraced only their own destiny and thought nothing of the others who stood right beside them, did nothing to support the demons at their sides. All demons knew of the bewitching and condescending Ruby priestess. Tales also traveled about the Topaz priestess whose demons tried to obtain a stronger priestess by sacrificing a demon. It seems they did not succeed, but I wonder if that’s a well known tale away from the western parts of Safaiananpou. And then there’s the Emerald priestess, Minako’s beloved friend, who only looked upon others with narrow eyes and a morose scowl. But Minako…

The first moment I met her, she apologized for not feeling pain when she recognized my name. Even when she was suffering, she worried more about me. And she’d fought her hardest to convince the emerald priestess that she still loved her more than anything. I wonder if in the beginning her heart was more like the other priestesses… And yet, the first time we spoke, she intended to let Nick have one of her wishes. And now she’s trying to use her own powers to protect us. Maybe her heart has gotten stronger over time, more balanced. But it seems she’s always wanted to hold our hearts within hers.

The cardinal demons are supposed to have one special power that awakens when their priestess obtains the box. Safaiananpou is to be the country of balance. What that actually means is unclear. Perhaps once the era of the warring states was settled, the countries would become one and Safaianapou would be the diplomatic leader. Rubiihoppou, the country of the king, seemed poised to become the political power. Topazuseihou, the warrior, would control the military. And Emeradotouhou, the double, who despite their current problems, could become the economic power. From that moment, an era of peace would be ushered in, knocking down the barriers created by the era of warring states. If all of that could be created through a battle on my part, then I am more than happy to become a warrior for my country and to keep my promise to my priestess.

As he entered the dark and murky room, the small, glowing orb on his staff began to light it up. However, a shudder went down his spine and he stopped abruptly. He sucked in his lips, recoiling at the bitter taste when he licked them.

“Brian?” Minako put her hand on Brian’s shoulder.

Brian tore his sutra from his staff, snatching the brief sapphire light from the room. He held his staff aloft and gave it a small twirl, surrounding them with a barrier.

Nick stepped forward beside Brian. “Something dangerous?”

A bright beam of yellow light struck the orb as though it answered Nick’s question.

“A shield…” A rasping voice floated across the room.

Brian held his staff tightly. Another demon with spiritual power? “Who’s there?!”

The figure appeared before them in his complete topaz splendor. He wore a bright yellow calf-length tunic over white pants with a bright orange sash tied at his waist. His wings flowed behind him gracefully like a ribbon as he descended from the ceiling.

“So, they’re not all soldiers...” Nick scanned the room.

“I am a seer. You do know what that is, don’t you Priest?” He landed on the ground gently.

Brian snarled. “I suppose you have some vision about our destiny to share with us?”

The demon held out his hand toward the barrier with his palm up. “Yes, come Pandora. Would you care to see the path of your future?”

Brian shot his arm in front of Minako. “Don’t try, it’s a trap.”

“You mock my power?”

Brian’s trembling hand gripped his staff tightly enough to turn his knuckles white. “Of course I mock your power! How can you claim to predict the future when each single event changes it?”

The topaz demon crossed his arms. The glow in his eyes flickered and danced. “Then change my future, saintly demon. Fight. Unless all sleeping demons are weak.”

Nick growled and clenched his fists.

Brian lowered his staff. What kind of power does a seer have? Nothing simple that Nick’s fists could solve, especially if he’s ready to jump in right now. Fighting him is probably dangerous for everyone except me. But I can’t fight him from within this barrier. I have to make sure Nick and Minako are safe first, though. He pulled a sutra from inside his tunic and began whispering as he clenched his hand into a fist. “Away from me, but hold the shield. Protect and seal.”

He placed the glowing sutra between his sash and tunic, then released the grip of two fingers on his staff. The barrier around them began to ripple, then Brian stepped through. Once he stood outside the barrier, he clenched his hand around his staff again.

Nick ran toward the barrier’s edge and began pounding on it as he shouted something inaudible. Minako rushed to him and gripped his shoulders.

Brian glanced back, then eyed the topaz demon again. Sorry Nick, it’s better this way. “Topaz demon, I am a soldier to protect my companions!”

“A man of peace is a soldier!” The demon cackled.

“I won’t let you touch them!”

The demon faded into a topaz light, only its cackled remained floating along the silence.

Brian pulled another sutra from his tunic and began whispering again as he clenched his eyes shut. “Away from me, but keep the shield. Pierce and shackle!” The sutra began glowing as he opened his eyes. I will protect them without fail. No more demons will harm them. Brian coughed, choking on his bitter spit as he thrust his staff into the ground and crumpled against it. He raised his free hand to his chest. Something has struck me…

The sutra in his hand ignited in a quick burst and he flicked it away. “A shackle… That won’t do.”

Brian raised a shaking hand to his face. That’s… that’s not me… Something is in here with me.

“Astute, Priest. Though I’m surprised you can still control your hand.”

That’s my voice, but that’s not me!

“Can they hear me in there, or is it only you? Let’s make sure they can hear…” He rummaged around the tunic, then patted the sutra between his sash and the tunic. His hand trembled erratically. “Found it. Allow me, Priest.” He tore the sutra, then crumpled against his staff again.

The barrier around Minako and Nick burst. Nick’s hand flailed as it struck empty air and he frowned.

“Brian!” Minako ran toward him with her arms outstretched.

Minako, no! Brian reached his trembling hand out to her as he turned back toward her.

“So kind, Priest.” He sneered, then let Brian’s own shaking voice escape his mouth. “Minako…”

She pulled him into a tight embrace. “Brian! You’re hurt!”

He wrapped his free hand around her neck and began to choke her. “What sort of Pandora runs toward her demons when they make a sacrifice for her?”

Minako gagged. “Brian…”

“Minako!” Nick ran after her, his hands balled into fists.

Brian smirked again. “Weak and useless Pandora, crying over her demons.” He tossed her against the ground and her body went limp.

Minako! It’s not me!

Nick dropped to his knees next to her and gripped her shoulders, then glared up at Brian with flaring nostrils as he snarled.

Nick! It’s not me!

Nick growled as his claws cracked and pulsed. His wings began flaring from his back.

“Nick! I would never hurt Minako!” Brian’s voice rang clear.

Nick flinched and froze as he gaped at Brian.

Brian smirked. “Priest, you ruined the fun. Show me your powers, other cardinal demon.”

Nick quickly and repeatedly glanced between Minako and Brian as he began hyperventilating. His claws began cracking and pulsing again.

Nick, no!

Nick sank his head toward his chest as he pulled Minako into his lap as he shut his eyes tightly. The low and raspy tone began reverberating through the room.

Brian put his hands to his ears and closed his eyes as he hunched his shoulders, but the only sound that came out was the topaz demon’s shriek.

This is my chance! As long as I can get through enough to tell him! He struggled to open his eyes against the strain. “Keep going, Nick! Just a little bit longer!” Brian’s own voice rang through the room.

Nick closed his mouth and slowly opened his eyes, staring at Brian with a fixed gaze and his eyebrows pulled to the center.

The topaz demon’s sinister cackle escaped Brian’s throat again. “You’re showing concern for your comrade? How weak!” He thrust his hand against Nick’s wounded abdomen and pierced it with a yellow snap of energy.

Nick’s eyes flashed open, then a grimace appeared on his face as he crumpled to the ground on top of Minako.

Nick!

He cackled again as he kicked Nick away, making him land in a heap a few feet away. “What will you do, Priest? Each time you fight me, I’ll destroy the ones you care for!”

Minako… Nick… Something is touching me! He managed to glance down to see Minako’s hand wrapped around his ankle. She’s bleeding… But…

Despite the gash in her forehead, she smiled up at him weakly.

Her smile and hand are so warm… Minako, whatever you’re trying, keep trying it! I think I feel the others too… His voice wavered, but came out clearly, “Minako… Keep reaching out with that warmth…”

She nodded weakly and shut her eyes. A faint sapphire glow began emanating from her body.

“Priest, you think her little light can save you?” The topaz demon’s sickening voice came from his throat. He cackled again as he raised Brian’s hand to his chest. It began glowing a sickening topaz.

This has to happen! I will protect them! Brian began to glow with a bright sapphire light as his wings flared from underneath his blue cloak. His fangs elongated and his pale blue eyes intensified their coloring. He gripped his staff tightly, his claws brushing the insides of his gloves. “I won’t… I won’t kill myself!” Brian laboriously gained control of his hand and clenched it into a fist, eliminating the topaz glow. He then pulled a sutra from inside his tunic. “I refuse to lose to a seer who uses his power to enter another!”

Brian placed the sutra on his forehead and began chanting a low spell as he pointed his staff toward his chest. “Away from me, a brief shield. Burst and shatter!” An intense blue light wrapped around his body as a similar light filled his staff. He held it tightly with his claws, still directed toward his own body.

“Brian!” Minako’s hand trembled around his ankle.

Minako, I’m sorry! Please forgive me for this! He shook his foot free, then gave her a swift kick away from him as a bright pillar of sapphire light formed around his body. The entire room became illuminated in the bright glow, a haze of blue surrounding him. He gazed up through the glow as it shot toward the ceiling and pierced a hole through it and into the room above them.

“BRIAN!!”

I hear you Minako, I’m doing my best! The large beam of cylindrical sapphire light swirled around him as the sutra at his forehead ignited. He pulled it from his forehead and crushed it in his fist. He held it to his heart and whispered, “Topaz demon?” He paused. No answer. It’s just me in here again.

He tossed the singed sutra to the floor and slammed the base of his staff into the ground. The sapphire light slowly pulled from the hole in the ceiling and settled around him as it subsided from the room. He stared up at the ceiling. “Goodbye Topaz demon.”

He glanced around the room quickly. Both Minako and Nick were struggling to stand. He wiped the sweat from his brow, the anxiousness dripping away from his fingers, then exhaled his pent-up breath.

Minako and Nick’s attention snapped to meet his gaze and they began running toward him.

“Brian!!” Minako stretched her arms out and wrapped him in a tight embrace.

Brian smiled weakly, but his eyebrows dipped in concern. “Sorry… Minako… I had no idea that would happen… Are you hurt?”

Tears streamed down Minako’s cheeks as she shook her head and gave him a large squeeze. “If you’re okay, I’m fine.” She pulled back as Nick stopped beside them.

“Brian…” Nick reached his hand out, but then pulled it back.

“Nick… I’m--”

Nick choked back a few tears and thrust his arms around Brian, pulling him into his chest.

Brian gaped at Nick.

“I’m glad you could unleash your powers and defeat him. As long as you’re okay, everything’s okay.”

Brian inhaled quickly, then a wide smile grew across his face.

Nick pulled back after a few moments, but kept his stare fixed on Brian as he gripped his shoulders. “The others--”

Minako clenched her hand at her heart. “I felt them too.”

“I did as well.” Brian crossed an arm over his chest and gripped Nick’s hand.

Nick clenched his fist. “Our friends are close! Let’s find them! We’re nearing the end now!”

The three of them nodded in agreement and began running toward the exit. They were alive. The others were alive. They would all be reunited soon and they would reach the box together.