I don't own "Wait A Little While". It's an awesome Kenny Loggins song, and I decided to borrow it. Me no own, you no sue. ___________________________________________________________ Wait a little while to welcome what you're after Give it the time to find it's way to you As soon as you no longer try, you'll turn and and find It staring in your eyes Come and get it! When you let it, it'll come to you! Kali-Yuga ___________________________________________________________ The crowds were thick as always in Peking. Well, thicker than usual, since last night's raid at the docks. As the sun rose over the horizon, the wasteland of what was once the warehouse district looming as a strict reminder of the times and the unlucky tragidies that could come. None still had an explination, but it was clear that whatever did this had terrible power... However, the explination was walking through the crowds along with two other women clothed in robes and such, heading towards the border between China and India. But they were going nowhere near India at all... just towards an isolated location in the Himalayan mountain range. They did not look suspicious at all- either that, or the general popluace did not pay attention. The women were expecting either situation to be true, for they did not exactly expect to be welcomed openly if they were caught. As they headed for the nearest inconspicuous cart that was headed through the mountain pass, carrying their warm coats with them in their travel bags, the youngest looking of the three was chanting under her breath over and over. (Wind, give us speed and give us strength. Draw us into your loving embrace and carry us to safety.) The woman beside her smiled faintly. Such a fervrent prayer- such devotion to the winds and the one who was said to have created them, the Wind Goddess. But the tallest one, the one who seemed the least casual, was looking ever forward, searching for the one cart that would get them as close to the mountains without any trouble. She inconspicuously motioned her head towards one that she was positive of, after a few hours. They walked over, and casually listened in from a nearby alley... "You headin' through the mountains today?" "Yeah, got some spices and such to carry over into India. Plannin' on making a real catch with this one." The oldest woman smiled. This was their ride. She moved her hand towards the back of the cart, and the three of them ran towards it, jumping in the back and getting comfortable, putting on their coats before doing so. Sure, it would be hot now... but not for long. At least, not where they were going to climb. ___________________________________________________________ A young man was training in a secluded location, balancing himself on the tip of his seven foot long rod, eyes closed and breathing deeply. He was still trying to rid himself of the evil within him, even though he had learned how to command it, thanks to Edge Master. Over time, his body became nothing more than a vessel for the negative energies that were within the Soul Edge, and thus, was potentially the most dangerous man on earth. And yet, he did nothing with this power, save for hold it back and make attempts to purify it. Which, regrettably, he could not. And he was starting to believe it. If he could only have a bit of help from the other divine treasures, then maybe he could set things straight. But... (No. I will not rely on a weapon to do my task for me. They are just tools- methods of making one's soul and will felt and realized. I will purify this energy on my own.) But often, he felt that he needed to apologize to Xianghua for calling her childish and such. He was taciturn and serious that day, and was trying to concentrate on more... important matters. Because if the negative forces within him spun out of his command, then there would be hell to pay, and lots of it. He had no time for flights of fancy and games of love. Besides, love was as powerful of an emotion as the evil within him. And it could get out of control as well... He knew of nothing and no one who could control that kind of power. So he stayed away from it... Suddenly, he heard something swing through the air below him, as if someone were trying to knock his rod to the ground, and send him tumbling. He almost smirked to himself. He had another thing coming. The youmg man quickly leaned forward, bracing himself with one hand, then grabbing his rod with the other and springing off of the hand that was on the ground, arcing gracefully before landing. Unfortunately for him, his assailant was heading for him at a ludicrous speed, his dao thrusting towards the young man's chest. He planted one of the ends of the rod on the ground and used it as leverage to hop to the right, followed by a cartwheel, both of his legs lashing out in a vertical arc towards the attacker's head. Easily dodged. And he was sent spinning to the ground by a high right roundhouse kick. "Good. You were prepared for me. But you need to be faster, or you may find yourself speared by my broadsword. I don't dull these weapons for anyone, not even students." The young man named Kilik rose to his feet and bowed, his brown eyes cast humbly to the floor in acceptance of his defeat. "Thank you, Master. I see I still have a long way to go." "...Indeed. Now clean up. I believe we are expecting company today." Kilik quirked an eyebrow at this. Who could he be expecting this time? He hoped that it was Xianghua... the woman that was here a few years ago was a welcome change as well. Even Kilik saw the potential in this Korean woman who seemed to favor the color red over anything else, and who had a passion for fighting. But she lacked focus and direction, as well as a clear way of fighting with more than just her weapon and her technique. In the end, they had to let her go after a while, seeing as she was still immature and had much to learn. Edge Master could not teach her what had to be lived, and Kilik was not much of a help either. To their surprise, the headstrong girl of age nineteen agreed. She said that she needed to find her center, and would return once she did. (Are you coming back now, Mina? Have you found it? If so... then help me find mine.) ___________________________________________________________ "Winds of this sacred mountain!" Her still young voice echoed through the mountain pass, clear and strong. Her hands were lifted to the sky in praise, as if adoring the air and sky itself. An aura of energy suddenly surrounded her as her spirit communed with those of the mighty, frosty gales of the Himalayas. "Give us your favor this day! Allow us to pass unharmed and unheeded, for we mean you no harm and no malice! Speak if you will, and give your awnser!" Echoes and the sound of the wind for a few moments. Talim's eyes closed, and she waited for an awnser, a sign, anything to show that she was understood. Xianghua was playing the sceptic- she had never seen this kind of thing in action, where one took things on blind faith. "I don't see how this is going to work... maybe we should just climb anyway, and make it through our own strength. Besides, we don't have time for thi-" Mina put two fingers on Xianghua's lips and smiled graciously at her in a whisper. "You don't know much about this, do you? If she believes so strongly in this, then it has to work. You think it's silly... I accept that. But I believe in her, just like I believe in you. It's just how I am." Xian still looked doubtful... until the winds suddenly increased in force and measure. (It's okay... probably a strong wind, or a storm coming in. It can't be her.) But all other doubts were erased when the powerful gust suddenly was sucked in- no, it conciously headed towards Talim- and shot straight into her. That was not the surprising part... Talim had taken the gale full blast, and only rose in the air a few inches, a foot at the most, and simply hung there, with her back arched, drawing the air around her in as if filling a vacuum. (What in the Heavens is this... the wind... she's absorbing it! But at this force and speed, she should be dead... how?) Talim was suddenly released from her suspended state, dropped to the floor like a rag doll... but she managed to land toes first, letting her ankles and knees cushion the impact of the fall. Slowly, her body straightened out, and her head lifted. Xian could see no difference, seeing as her eyes were still closed against the rushing, piercing cold of the wind. But as she slowly opened them, she saw Talim's body, still standing with their back turned to them and her arms now at her sides. "Are we done here? I'd like to go." Talim's voice was stoic and unemotional as she responded. "You cannot pass. Not yet." Mina stepped forward just then, knowing that Talim had succeeded in talking to the mountain. Why? Because this was not Talim's tone of voice... The cold, harsh winds of the Himalayas were speaking through her. "Well then, I do know how you admire strength. Let's get this over with, then." "No, not you. I remember you well... such passion for a fighter, and such a strong will. I like you." The voice sounded like it had a warmer tone in it, as if a friendly breeze had come to visit the cold valleys and ridges. Yes, the mountain respected her. "It is the other one... that I will test." Xianghua looked in awe, and was more than a little confused. "Wha? Test me for what? What are you talking about, Talim?" "Talim is no longer here. She has given her control to me, and I will test you as I see fit, to see if you are strong enough to pass through without harm. I can see that she is your friend..." Talim's body turned around and her eyes opened, revealing a cold, icy light blue, rather than the soft, warm brown. "So the question is... can you fight one who you feel so strongly for? Can you fight one of your friends as if your life depended on it?" Xianghua got into a ready stance, though she was somewhat frightened at this point. Whatever this was- it was not going to let her go that easily, or that peacefully either. "Good. But I can smell your fear... it will be your undoing." The spirit of the mountain forced Talim's body into a fighting stance, and narrowed her eyes in determination. Talim however, though she had the potential to fight the influence of the spirit who was sharing a body with her, did nothing but trust and watch. She would jump in when she was good and ready. For now... "I come! Prepare yourself!" ___________________________________________________________ As the two of them meditate atop the mountain, sitting precariously on training poles, the old hermit known as the Edge Master opens his eyes. A cunning, knowing look is hidden within, but no one else notices it. (The wind has stopped. The mountain has guests, just like I suspected. I wonder who is being tested this time, that would make the natural defenses of this place stop?) He closed his eyes again and cleared his mind of it. No matter who it was- they would find out soon. For now, he would simply have to wait and see. But he had a good hunch who the visitors were. It just needed to be confirmed, that was all. ___________________________________________________________ Xianghua barely dodged the back end of an elbow blade as she stepped back with her leading foot, thus turning her body to evade the blow. She then stepped forward with said foot again and slammed the edge of her blade upwards towards Talim's neck, with one hand near the point of the sword. (Even at this distance, she can't dodge. This was eas-) Talim's body turned to the right, precious seconds before the sword made contact, and her elbow blades flashed out in a vicious circle just as she was at Xian's side, biting into her exposed ribs twice. Xianghua flew back a considerable distance, her body spinning in the air before she landed heavily on the hard packed snow. (What speed! How did she dodge that? It was too close!) Fear was replaced by determination as Xianghua felt the blood leak down the cuts from her side. The Krita-Yuga responded immediately, and the only evidence of the cuts were the tears in her coat and clothing. "Well, fine. No mercy, then!" "Good. You are ready now." Determination mixed with frustration. Who did this... spirit or whatever think it was, toying with her like this? It was getting on her nerves. "I was ready before, dammit! Here I come!" She charged forward with half steps, still being defensive while rushing forward. She may be angry, but she did not let her anger control her. Rather, she focused it towards her attack, and it made a difference- she covered ground double-time. She lunged forward with her leading foot, slicing her sword from left to right with a twist of her torso as she stepped forward. The swipe managed to make the possesed Talim give ground, and the shock of steel hitting steel sent her staggering backwards. However, that did not stop her from going on the offensive as she used the shock to turn her body around and sweep one of Xianghua's feet out from under her with a low hook kick. Xianghua's front leg was knocked out from under her, and with a look of surprise, she was sent to the floor again, her legs crossing at an awkward angle. She managed to get right back up again... Just as Talim decended on her with a front sault that went far too high for just a normal jump, and lashed out with both of her elbow blades in a vertical arc on her way down. She barely had enough time to block the strike, but she did. But the strain was a bit much, and though the weapon withstood the enhanced strength that the mountain winds gave Talim's body, her arms felt the shock, and the reverberations shook her body ever so slightly. "Impressive. Anyone else would have broken under the strain by now. Tell me... what makes you so strong?" Xianghua was starting to get irritated with all these questions. In battle, idle conversations had no place, and no meaning. How was she going to get past this obstacle if it was so noisy? Did she plan on mocking her with these questions? She would not give her the satisfaction! "None of your business, whoever you are!" She turned to the left, allowing the elbow blades to follow through and Talim to stagger forward. while she turned, she cut through the air, leaping as she did so. With her side completely exposed and her in a bad position, Talim took the hit. Pain registered on her face, and for a split second, frozen blue reverted to a deep brown again. Xianghua didn't see it. As Talim cluched her side in pain, the wielder of the Krita-Yuga decided to have her stay down for a while. So she raised her sword over her head, lifting her right knee as she did so. Then, she brought the back end of the sword down on Talim's head, her foot slamming onto the ice in a quake step. With the combination of the reverberaion and the attack, Talim fell easily, and fell hard- face first, of course. As Xianghua backed away slowly, afraid that she had hurt Talim badly, she called out in a nervous voice. "If you want some more, then get back up. I won't guarantee that you'll ever get up again when I'm done, though." Surprisingly, a laugh. One that seemed cold and bitter, but a laugh anyway. "Very well done. You are a strong one indeed." Talim's body rose slowly, and a smile was presented, even with a bleeding cut and a bruise on her face. She made no effort to move, but simply asked the question again. "What makes you so strong?" Xianghua started to become frustrated again. What was the meaning of that question? It was her own strength that got her through this. If this hadn't happened to Talim, if she had only been allowed to pass... "It's the fact that Talim was possesed by something as heartless and cold as you that made me fight like that. Otherwise, I don't think I could do it." Another laugh. "I see. So you care for her." "If you wanna call it that, then yes I do." Her lips frowned slightly and her eyes narrowed. "You lie to yourself and to your friends. If you had not cared, you would not fear for her life, even though you are the one who is the threat." "Say that again, and I'm not sure that I'll keep you alive." "Even if it means killing her?" Xianghua grimaced at this, but stood firm. "Evil has to be destroyed, no matter what the cost." A smile... then a laugh. A genuine, long, loud laugh. "Evil? Is that what I am? This is my mountain, and I choose who passes and who does not. If I am evil for protecting this sacred ground, then so be it. And for the last time, I did not possess this girl. She allowed me to enter her. Or do you not have faith in the capabilities of your friends?" Xianghua winced at this. Another point for the winds.. If anything, her stubbornness showed mistrust in her friends. But she was still not convinced that Talim had allowed this to happen. "I don't believe you." "Then maybe I should test your strength a bit further." Talim's body got into a ready stance again, and the winds began to pick up in intensity and fury. It was all that Xianghua could do to keep her footing... (Wait!) Xianghua's eyes widened in surprise. She had forgotten about the bond between herself, Mina, and Talim! Though her and Talim were a weaker bond, due to a connection through Mina, it was still there. (Talim? You're still there?) (Yes. Please, don't fight anymore. You don't trust me, do you? I understand- we've only just met a few days ago. But just this once, please believe. I needed an awnser from the winds that protected this mountain- and I got one.) Xianghua was stunned for a moment, then she responded. (What was the awnser?) (One needed to prove their strength to climb towards the valley that is hidden within these mountains. They told me that it was a sacred place where one could hide themselves from the evil that is spreading through the world.) Of course. That would explain everything. If someone truly evil passed through here, they would not be able to find it. Surely one would die on the mountain, whether they were strong enough or not... (Um... I feel kind of silly now. Forgive me?) A smile could be felt from Talim's direction, even though the sybil was not in control. (Yes, I forgive you. Please, don't fight anymore.) Reluctantly, Xianghua lowered her weapon... and the winds that had commanded Talim's body forced her mouth to smile. "So then, you believe now." She only nodded, looking very sheepish and embarrased. "Good. You are strong, but lack faith in your friends. You do not believe what cannot be explained, though you are the bearer of the Krita-Yuga, which defies all explination, and chase down a sword which refuses to be destroyed." She began walking toward Xianghua. "You must see with another pair of eyes to find your destiny, and here you have two pairs... but still, you do not trust. How will you survive the trials ahead if you lack trust?" Xianghua felt like she was being lectured like a small child. Then again, she deserved it. After all, she had seen what had happened before her, and turned a blind eye. "I don't deserve to climb." "All the more reason that I will let you pass. Beyond this mountain, you will learn what you need to know, and find what you have been seeking. And maybe then... you will learn to trust your companions without a doubt or a fear." And then, there was silence.. an eerie, cold silence. Xianghua looked up at Talim again, a little puzzled. "Something wrong?" "Yes... if Talim is taken out of her trance, then she will feel great pain. Would you..." Oh. That was simple enough. She wondered why she had not thought of that earlier... "All right." Xianghua closed her eyes and gripped the handle tightly, allowing her energy to channel through the sword. Her hand glided up the flat of the blade until it shone with a faint, light blue aura, a slight hum sounding off from the steel. Then, she quickly placed the flat of the blade on Talim's forehad and pressed it gently. Fortunately, that was all it took for the spiritual powers of the blade to pass through Talim, and her cut was healed, her bruise was gone, and her eyes opened again. A thankful look was in Talim's deep brown eyes. "Thank you, Xianghua." She then looked up at the mountain, and smiled. "And thank you, for letting us pass." Mina, who was watching this from the background, only smiled. They were getting along nicely, and that was important for what they were going to do. She spoke up finally, after being silent through the whole ordeal. "You guys ready now? Let's hurry up and get over this rock- I'm hungry and tired!" The three of them managed to laugh. Demanding and insistant, just like the fire that she was. They wouldn't have it any other way. ___________________________________________________________ The sun beat down on them merrily as they climbed the mountain, though the air was much cooler. Fortunately, without the cold wind blowing, they made better time than most did, seeing as they weren't freezing. Mina was the only one who did not feel the eventual effects of said sun- in fact, she was enjoying herself. The mix of hot and cold air was refreshing to everyone, but Mina enjoyed the heat a bit more than the cold. Talim didn't mind at all. She was one with everything in nature, and could adapt to most anything. Xianghua had only been up here once, but she was still confident as always. The fine weather was a sign that she was strong enough, and she beamed with a hint of pride, but mostly relief that things had turned out so well. But they still had to climb, and still had to walk the rough, stony path. No one minded, though... they were heading towards safety, after all. As they reached the top, Mina pointed out over the range, down towards the small, secluded ruins and lake, with the training poles visible even from here. "There it is. Beautiful, huh?" Talim loved the scene before her, and Xianghua was excited as well- mostly because she got to see Kilik. Sure, she cared for Mina more, but it was always fun to stop by every once in a while to see how the knucklehead was doing. "It sure is," Talim said wonderingly. "Do we go down?" Xianghua just nodded in agreement, her mind somewhere else at the moment. "Sure thing. I've seen this view enough times to get bored of it, anyway. Let's head out." ___________________________________________________________ As they headed down the path, Kilik was training, as he usually spent his days doing. Flailing and swinging his rod in a pattern dance, he moved with grace and ferocity, from one move to the next in rapid succession. Even as he moved however, he could sense three people coming down the mountain path, and smiled vaugely to himself. (You were right, master. There were guests coming today. Good thing we cleaned up, huh?) He finished his kata and simply stood there, looking up toward the path that led into the valley. If his hunch was correct, there were only a few people he knew of who the winds would receede for. So who was this new person? He wondered briefly if he should tell his master about this, but shrugged that off. He had enough to deal with as it was- Kilik would deal with this himself. He need not have worried too much- it was Seung Mina and Xianghua, along with another guest- a young girl, from the look of things. She looked no more than fifteen, but had an aura of calm and tranquility that seemed to spread through the air. He had a feeling that she was no real problem, even with the odd looking weapons that she had with her. "Welcome, everyone. Mina, Xianghua, good to see you again." Talim bowed slightly, and Mina just stood there, appraising him with a sort of sour look on her face. (You act so calm on the outside, and act as if nothing happened... I'll get you later for making Xian cry.) "Who is this? A new friend?" Talim looked towards him, as if noticing him for the first time. Which she was- the young priestess had been taken in by the beauty of her surroundings. But once she did, she regretted it. The same ill wind threatened to consume her again, and she raised her weapons defensively. "S... stay back!" The three of them looked at her with puzzled expressions. Xianghua spoke up first, quickly assesing the situation. Kilik still had his evil aura about him, though he could manage to keep himself sane and his wits about him. "It's your.. y'know. She's sensitive to it. Don't worry about him, Talim, he's-" "No, Xianghua. It's all right. I figured that someone would come along sooner or later and be frightened." He sighed to himself and opened his mouth to explain, but Talim stopped him. "I know... I know what you did. I know that it was not under your control. And I feel pity for you... but still, I'm scared... please, just let me be for now. I'm sure that I'll get used to it, but for now..." Kilik simply nodded. "All right. I'll get my master while you guys get settled. Wait right here." With that, he went off to get Edge Master... Who was right behind Mina. "No need for that. I'm here." Talim and Xianghua turned with surprise, but Mina stayed there with her back turned, smiling. She had come to expect the fact that the old man could be as quiet as he damn well wanted to be, seeing as he was a seasoned warrior. "How's things, old man?" "Still lacking respect, I see." Mina turned at this, her hands on her hips and a mock pout on her face. "Nah, I call you old man because I like you. Didn't I tell you that a while back? You must forget more than I thought." The old hermit smiled. If he was irritated, it was mild at best, and went away quickly. "You mistake me for some aged man who keeps his mind in disarray. I'm sure you'll think differently when wer're done here." Talim was in awe of the man. The winds spoke volumes of him- so much that her head was buzzing with voices. She was slightly dizzy for a moment, then spoke with a wondering tone. "Excuse me... you are the master of this place?" He turned and regarded her, his piercing blue eyes looking straight through her. (This is a strong one, for such a young age. Perhaps she could be useful in the times to come. We will see.) He bowed to her after the appraising look. "Yes. Most call me Edge Master, but I am just a simple hermit who can swing a sword. Nothing special." "I beg to differ! The air around you is filled with years, and your strength is much too deep and wide for a mere swordsman. I should be bowing to you." And she did so, lower than even he bowed to her. She felt like she didn't belong in the presence of such a man. But then, she felt a hand on her head, and opened her eyes. "You're a good girl. Still learning about the world, but so confident. I like that." He turned towards his house and started walking. "Come, let's get you all inside! I'd like to hear what you've been up to." ____________________________________________________________ -End- Okay, done. Surprisingly, this one was a bit difficult to write, seeing as I was just writing off the top of my head. Well, that and I was bored... but whatever. As per uaual, let me know what you think. - Next Chapter - In which Mina explains her newfound abilities with the Flames of Passion, and starts on the path to understanding such a power. In which Kilik finally apologizes to Xianghua about his statement so long ago, but stands firm on his beliefs. And in which the first of three days pass for Talim that will change her life forever. Watch and be amazed. - Chapter 17: Day 1- Aquaintance
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