:Testing Fate:

[Xhu Du'Ran]

"Xhu Du'Ran...for a long time have you roamed these lands and have witnessed the many transformations of this world and its inhabitants. You are but one the last living of the peaceful and wise Ancients of Alyssus. I hope I find you well, but I cannot spare time for idle talk. I must implore you, Xhu; I know of fate and her intricate design, but please...please intercept Laties before he travels into the Nocens Atrum temple. As you know, a horrible fate awaits him there if he goes in unprepared.

I would never ask you to test fate like this if I didn't think it neccessary...But Laties will be important in the preservation of Alyssus. I cannot let him die so soon in the battle...But all I can see for his future is nothing but a black shroud eating him upon entering the temple...I beg of you Xhu...work against fate and please intercept Laties before he enters the temple...

There must be something beyond a nightmare awaiting in that temple for Lady Bassette to ask me to fight against Lady Fate... Xhu thought as he adjusted the shoulder strap pulling against his shoulder. He walked with a slow and even pace over the dead terrain of the South. It was always such a melancholy place, the South. There was no shade; all the trees burned to the ground, turned to ash just as every other living thing here had been turned into. In the sky lingered clouds, swollen with rain, but not a single drop would fall. A cold wind blasted across the barren lands, kicking up dust and ash. The wind itself seemed to blow from the direction of the temple itself, warning travelers not to come close to it. The ground was stiff and unforgiving like a desert. Every step he took, Xhu would crush beneath his foot a dead leaf or branch, instantly turning it into ash. There was no sound, not even the howling wind could cry. The entire South had become a barren and silent wasteland.

So I am to intercept the rogue Laties am I? He's got his fingers quite entangled in Fate's hair, does he? Lustful for adventure...I suppose, Xhu thought as his eyes fell upon his destination for tonight. Laties wouldn't be as so stupid as to make the extensive travel from Du Aurella to Lyara in one good run and head to the temple with no rest. Well, at least, Xhu hoped not. If that was the case, he would have to force the man here. The town of Lyara stood before him, a sullen town, a depressed town, and the only town to try and revive itself after the massacre. Xhu had been here many times in the past and had seen it slowly evolve into a working town. But seeing the sooty buildings, black with ash, grow in the distance, he couldn't help but feel pity for the residences of this town.

If he is to survive that temple...I will have go with him...there are only a handful of people who can see past the traps and demons within that horrid place and I'm pretty confident Laties isn't one of them... Xhu thought as he splayed out his large purple blanket on the rough cobblestones. With the huge traveling box off his back and on the ground, Xhu took a moment to stretch. The box seemed to have grown heavier. Of course, that would be normal considering its brother was close by. They would soon be resonating and if Osirus was close to the other brother, he would know that two of them were within the same vicinity. But that didn't bother Xhu in the least. Instead, he turned his attention to laying out his wares before him.

Wormwort salve; good for burns and infected cuts, Wispia willow sticks; good for gnawing on when one has a sore tooth, Feverfew; an herb used in tea to lower a heinous fever, Lady's Boot; a poisonous plant until stewed and an excellent remedy for constipation. Xhu had many medicines and remedies. He enjoyed his slow and lazy business. Helping people was something he had always wanted to do. Selling his medicine was a way to do this and help to save lives. Knowing Lyara, however, he would not do much business with the lack of money circulating the town. But he knew this. And yet, he still displayed his items.

Soon enough, a beggar woman stumbled up to Xhu and in her hand was the hand of her young daughter. Both were ashen faced and dirty, but her daughter was clearly very sick. Xhu looked up at the woman, his painted smile hiding the lack of one.

"P-please...traveling medicine man...I have nothing to offer...no money, no food, not even a place for you to rest...but my daughter...she has a terrible cough and can often not move...please...I beg of you...give me something for my daughter..." Xhu looked at the young girl. Her bright eyes locked with his. A young shade girl. Born out of wedlock. Sick with a terrible cough, fever, and paralyzing headaches. Her name was Aria. She had always wanted to be a princess. Breaking eye contact, he received no more information from the girl. Looking to her mother instead, he grabbed a small pouch and handed it to her. The woman looked baffled, as if she wasn't expecting him just to hand her the medicine.

"Oh...uh...um...thank you...but, won't you require payment?" Xhu shook his head slowly.

"Boil it, have her drink it three times a day for two weeks and she should be feeling like a princess soon enough," Xhu said simply. The mother looked at him, then burst into tears of happiness as she turned to her daughter, hugging her.

"Oh, thank you sir! Thank you so much!!" As she walked off, Xhu took his flute from his pocket and began to play a lively tune.

[Laties]

Fool! Hurry, claim the sword!

That voice has been echoing in his mind for years but this is the first time the voice finally made itself so clear. A voice that was never meant for human ears and threatened to bring anyone who heard it to the brink of madness. And to the brink of madness it brought the general as he crumbled to the floor, cradling his head as if to protect himself from a blow to the head. A small groan of pain escaped him as the sharp pain began to dull and fade before he bit his hand to mute a scream.

Come, I will guide you there. If you refuse, I will drag your body there myself.

Claws. Black fog like claws slowly appeared in the corner of his eyes causing him to suck in a sharp breath as he threw himself forward to get away. “Get away from me!” He screamed as he turned sharply and threw his hands up at the shadow before the claws suddenly lit up flames. Panting, Laties bent over, resting his hands on his knees.

Betrayed, he was betrayed. By his king, his friends, his own life! No. No, that was not it. Laties pulled on the strands of his hair in panic, his memory was blurry. Did his king betray him? His own friends? His life? No… No… It wasn’t them who betrayed him. It was he who betrayed them. “No… It can’t be.” he hissed as he pressed his fists against his head to the point of pain. “I have to go back, I have to go back!” Laties whispered almost frantically.

You’re not going anywhere… Must I remind you again?

Dark colored eyes snapped up as the flames suddenly died down leaving a large cloud of smoke before it suddenly dispersed to reveal the pair of claws flying towards him. Before a single sound could escaped him, the claws seized him by the shoulders and threw him to the floor violently. The wind was knocked out of him as he struck the floor and his lungs were forced out of any other air he had left as the claws slammed his body into the ashy floor. Lying on the floor in a daze, Laties let out a pained cry as he felt the tips of the claws dig into his back.

A better future, a better ruler. You will release me! the voice hissed at him. Therefore you will obey my commands! You’re no longer under that fool Osirus’ rule, you betrayed him, remember? You betrayed him, your friends, and you gave up your life to me.

“No… I didn’t, you f**king parasit-AHHH!” A scream of pure agony escaped his lips as the claws suddenly began melding into his body. His mind was being ripped apart, the voice becoming louder in the back of his mind. It was a miracle he hadn’t lost his mind already, on the verge but he was not broken just yet.

The claws vanished, leaving Laties to lay panting on the floor before he slowly stood up running his fingers through his hair before pulling out the dagger from his boot and holding it to his hair before he began slicing away. Strands of black hair fell to the floor almost gracefully before Laties looked at the dagger he received from the king when he became a knight. It had been hours since he abandoned his uniform and changed to his normal outfit and the only thing left he had that connected him to Osirus was the dagger. Betrayed his king, his friends. Abandoned his sword, his uniform. Cut his hair that he let grow out when he joined the Knights. The dagger was planted into the ground as Laties began walking, the temple could be seen in the distance.

All this for Gurella. Gurella forced it upon him. The elders he looked up to forced this fate upon him. What secrets were lying hidden in the changing sands?

“Fine… I forfeit my life.” He murmured as he broke out in a jog.

[Xhu Du'Ran]

"Whooping cough, huh? Here, you'll need this crushed seed of..."
A better future, a better ruler. You will release me! Therefore you will obey my commands! You’re no longer under that fool Osirus’ rule, you betrayed him, remember? You betrayed him, your friends, and you gave up your life to me.

Xhu's face changed from active to contemplating as the voice echoed in his mind. Pausing with his hand out stretched, it looked as if someone had suddenly hit the pause button. The older woman whom he had been handing medicine looked at him curiously. She waved her hand in front of him for a moment, then glanced back to her elderly husband who gave her a confused shrug. Looking back at the medicine man, the woman looked at him worriedly.

"Medicine man? Are you alright?" Xhu blinked slowly, then looked up at the woman and placed the medicine in her hand.

"Seed of Amberlain. Place it under the tongue and have him suck on it for two hours. That should get rid of the pain," he said. The woman smiled and handed him four gold coins; all that she could give. Taking it, he slipped it in his gold pouch. Standing, he turned his head to the main entrance to town as if looking for someone. But he was looking he was listening. He stood tall and straight, his voice void of emotion for a moment. He could hear Laties. He could hear his footsteps, his breaths, his pain.

Am I too late? What is this voice? I don't think Lady Bassette foresaw this... Xhu thought as he glanced at the heavy iron box behind him. Turning to it, he lifted the heavy lib and reached inside, taking out a small pouch and an extremely large fan. Taking the fan in his hands, he lifted a small red strap and hung it from his shoulders. He slipped the pouch in his pocket, then shut the lid. Glancing about, he spotted a small boy. Beckoning him over, he sat the kid on the large blanket.

"Alright, I want you to sit here and don't move. Be a statue...tell all who ask you about the medicine man that I'll be back. I'll give you a treat if you do this for me." The boy nodded excitedly. He watched as the medicine man turned to leave, walking towards the entrance into the town. Glancing to watch a bird take off from the ground, he turned back to watch the medicine man walk off only to find he was no longer there.

------------
Xhu stood atop a dead tree as he watched Laties run by under him. How a man as dressed as Xhu could possibly stay atop such a burnt stick of a tree was a miracle in itself, but doing it with only one foot as he allowed the other to hang was something to see for yourself. Ancients, however, had the ability to transcend weight and gravity. With his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes followed Laties.
Shame...he is foolish enough to run right into that temple...but there is a pushing force behind him...This could be more difficult than I thought...

Raising his arms, the large fan suddenly snapped open. A tremendous fan of dark blue fanned out above Xhu like a great pair of wings. Taking both hands to the fan, Xhu brought his arms down in a half circle shape, carrying the fan back into the sky producing a mighty gust of wind. The wind slammed into the ground, then bounced and raced after Laties. Sweeping the man from his feet, Xhu hopped down from the tree and calmly walked up to the grounded Laties. He folded the fan close, then let it hang from its shoulder strap. Holding his hands up in a peaceful manner, Xhu approached Laties.

"Do not fret...I'm not here to fight you friend. Laties, I was informed to stop you upon entering the Temple of Nocens Atrum..." Xhu said, his voice calm.

[Laties]

“Normally, one would not ground a person if they didn’t want to fight.” Laties grunted out slightly as he rubbed the back of his head in pain while rolling on the ground slightly with his knees brought up to his chest. “Honestly, you could have at least gave me a warning before you decided to sweep me off my feet. You fail at being romantic, understand that.” He mumbled as he slowly sat up and gave the new comer a small half-hearted glare.

For a moment, the dark haired man stared at the medicine with a small look of interest at his sudden appearance. Overall, his appearance. Another moment passed before Laties ran his fingers through his hair, gently brushing the dull pain in his back before standing up.

“Well you see, you say that you’re trying to stop me from entering that blasted place. You’re not the only one, in fact, it’s you and half of Alysuss trying to stop me.” He grinned as he slipped his hands into his pockets and swayed back and forth slightly on his heels. “So, which side are you from? Osirus or the Order? Either way, I don’t really care and if you don’t mind make it quick will you? News is traveling faster then me.”

[Xhu Du'Ran]

Xhu gave Laties a half coy and half amused smile. He had never had the honor of meeting the rogue ex-General up until now. But he had heard of his "delightful" and quirky attitude. Xhu chuckled lightly as he slipped his hands into his sleeves and began to slowly walk circles around Laties.

"No, no...you misunderstand me, my good sir. I merely did that as...a precautionary. I understand you can be quite...spontaneous at times," Xhu said in a conversational tone. He shrugged lightly, closing his eyes as he walked.

"I would rather not be injured if I am to follow you into the temple, you see?" He opened his eyes and glanced at Laties, his fake smile belying his emotionless face.

"I work for neither the Order nor Osirus. In fact, I do not work for anyone. I'm merely doing a favor for someone. And I'm not here to stop you. Oh no. Its fate that you transpire to get this sword. I would not dare mess with fate. However...as fate has it, its guessed that you might need a little help upon entering..." Xhu explained as he came to a stop directly in front of Laties. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching Laties' own eyes. It might have looked as if he had been stopped in thought when actually, he was searching. Searching for that voice that he had heard earlier. He wanted to know the source.

[Laties]

Behind the ex-general’s eyes there appeared to be another set of eyes watching the ancient with a small hint of interest. A pair of red, cold, sadistic eyes.

Laties raised an eyebrow as the other continued to stare into his eyes. “I’m sorry to say this but, I like the ladies. I know I tend to flirt a tad bit too much but I still like the ladies.” he said as he walked around him and continued walking. “If you’re going to tag along, hurry up. Like I said, news is traveling faster then me and I can’t afford that.”

(O.o.C: It's short I know. )

[Xhu Du'Ran]

Xhu chuckled lightly and followed behind Laties was a calm, even step. With his arms still crossed over his chest, he stared at the back of Laties' head, his eyes gazing at him.

"You rush headlong into danger and perils you've no idea of, Laties. That temple will not be as easy to traverse as you think. Your spontaneous plans will not work. You can't get through the temple by throwing swords as things hoping they won't dodge like the King..." Xhu muttered.

"You need a plan, maybe even an idea of what this temple may plan at throwing at you. Yes, I understand the urgency of this trip. But if you die in this temple...no one will be able to protect Gurelle from her bloody demise..." Xhu said, his voice growing darker with each word. Then he stopped altogether, shutting his eyes. With his mind's eye, he focused on Laties and the inner energy of the ex-General. Not surprising Xhu in the least, he could see the two different energies with him clashing like a violent war. One energy his own and one...that was not.

"Surely, you'll want to go about this smartly. You'll need whatever is in that temple to help you defeat the fiery beast that marches toward your home, Laties. Surely, others can see the importance of this..." Xhu said, slowly opening his eyes to witness the rogue's reaction.

[Laties]

There was a small pause in his movements as he slowed down to a stop and stood there motionless for several minutes.

“Gurella… Everyone underestimates the desert community…” Laties said, his voice sounding somewhat distant and fading with every single word. “Why? Because they cannot see what is hiding underneath the sand, what was reborn. Fools…” The dark haired man spun around his hand lashing out and gripping the ancient’s neck in a tight hold. “Fool of an ancient, you tell Bassette that fate has been taken into my hands and that fool Osirus did me a favor by having the Day of Inson.”

His eyes had changed from the normal shade of brown to the bright color of red. A smirk formed on his face before fading and the eyes returned to the normal dark brown. Clueless eyes stared at the strange man for minutes before yanking his hand away, “Oh, sorry.” He murmured as he scratched his head in confusion. “Wasn’t I facing the other way?” he asked pointing to where he was originally heading.

[Xhu Du'Ran]

Xhu hardly flinched as Laties lashed out at him, gripping his neck in a tight hold. In fact, he merely smiled. Now he knew. After Laties let go of him, Xhu reached up and rubbed his neck, watching Laties with a careful eye. He stepped up side by side with Laties, looking at him the corner of his eye.

"Hmph. And you think Gurella can survive an onslaught of one of the largest armies Osirus has managed so far, what with his new toy employed..." Xhu looked at his hands for a moment. Some how a seed had managed to form in his hands. He smiled as the seed suddenly grew and bloomed into a crimson flower. The flower then began to curl and twist in his hands as if in pain. Slowly, it curled so tightly, it formed what looked like a body. And soon, it was a body. A figure now stood in Xhu's hand, ambiguous at first. Then small features began to emerge, like a familiar set of armor. Then, long green hair, and ever so slowly, chains.

Xhu moved the figure to one hand, then with his other, used one of his fingers to make a small slice in his thumb. A small trickle of blood slipped down his thumb until he moved it over to the figure in his left hand. Smearing the figure with his blood, the emerald haired knight fell to his knees, marks of rot forming around his neck. Slowly, the rot grew and quickly enveloped the figure, turning it to ash.

"Gurella may have many unknown defenses that may very well turn the tides of war...However, Osirus also has a few...tricks that stubborn people like you seem to underestimate..." Xhu said as he suddenly spit into the ash. Stirring it with his finger, a chalky, ashen figure began to rise once more resembling the emerald knight. This time, however, the ashes took on a dark color and the knight turned its head up to Xhu and growled menacingly. With a wicked smile, Xhu crushed the ash creature and looked at Laties again.

"Though the reason for you gaining this sword eludes me, I will follow you in only because Bassette does not take too kindly to those who...manipulate others and unfortunately, takes pity on those who do not know quite what they are doing..." Xhu said. Then, without warning, he snapped his fingers and with tremendous force, his heavy iron traveling box slammed into the ground before him. Walking up to it, he patted it, then slipped the straps onto his shoulders.

"Well now, shall we go?"

[Laties]

A small frown formed on his face before turning into a look of pain and disappointment. His eyes glued on the small body in his hand as the shorten name escaped his lips like a breath. “Isra…” Silently, he watched the knight in chains with a aching chest. When the ancient dropped the knight, he cried out in fear and concern, “Israfel!”

His breath was caught in his throat when Xhu crushed him and his body reacted on his own. He took a quick step forward and shoved him back in attempt to protect the younger man. “Stop it!” He shouted, his voice growing with anger as a spark of malice escaped dark eyes. Something the General was known for on the battle field, the look of a barbarian indeed. Just as he was about to strike at the man, his hands flew to his head as he grimaced in pain.

For several moments, he held his head till the throbbing went away. “Forget it…” He murmured as he turned and began walking towards the temple. “Let’s go…”

Israfel would not forgive him. But despite that, deep inside his heart, he still wanted to protect the younger man. He wanted to spar with him, go out to eat with him, make him pay his drinking bills, overall to still be his friend. But the emerald knight would probably would not allow them to go back to normal… And that was not the only thing lurking deep in the rogue’s heart.

(Laties out and moving to the temple)

[Xhu Du'Ran]

Xhu lifted the heavy iron box and smiled, his painted smile emphasizing the smirk as he waited for Laties to take lead. As the man walked past him, Xhu couldn't help but chuckle on the inside. So whatever has him wrapped around its little pinkie on the inside, Laties can still combat it if he's got something on the inside to remember and treasure, like the friendship he once had with Israfel. If I can keep stirring this, we should be able to beat back the entity within him until I can bring him to Bassette. But one wonders if she can expell the deity within Laties...perhaps she can also save the young Sergeant...

Xhu crossed his arms over his chest as he closed his eyes for a moment to think. As an Ancient, it wasn't his place to meddle in the affairs of humans and Shades. It was merely because Lady Bassette asked him for this favor that he was willing to risk his life to help Laties through the temple (or at least just keep him from getting killed). Being the last Ancient of his knowledge, Xhu did not like the idea of helping either side of this ridiculous war. But if it was to help his once peaceful home land return to normal, perhaps he would actually have to break his code of silence and dirty his hands.

Either way, Laties was already moving towards the temple and Xhu had to follow him. Lady Bassette might just be taking too much to chew this time...she isn't exactly young... Xhu thought as he followed the rogue.

::Xhu Fin::