“The battle was over, as well as our current adventure. It was time to return to the home I had been banished from so long ago. Anxious but weary, I’d take my first look at Altem Tier once again…”
~ Omurai Failyn
The afternoon was young as the remains of a Cloud City battalion made their way to the outer gates of Sol City, the daughter city of the magnificent Cloud City. Many moved along sluggishly, tired from their long march, while others quickened their pace at the sight of the “City of Magic” as Sol City was known. The leading officer led his troops to the gate entrance and shared friendly welcomes to the guards there. The man had long, white hair tied back in several braids, many hanging over his tired face limply and golden yellow eyes. He wore the standard plated headband of a soldier of Cloud City, but his had a heavy chip in it, which continued down to a small scar that ran to his right eyebrow. A scar from an early battle in his career. The heavy blue scarf that was wrapped around his head was tattered and singed from his most recent battle at the feared fortress known as Tier Bastion against the evil legions of the Bladenheart Army. Though he was still rather young, he was one of the best in his league. His name: Rowe Halzezem. The gates slowly rose and the soldiers all poured inside. A small group, including the commanding officer stayed behind.
“I suppose this is goodbye for now, my friend,” another young man said. He also stood out among the crowd. His hair was a very dark brown hue and a little longer than shoulder-length. He wore old Cloud City armor with steel toed sandals and a small blue scarf, all of which were worn from his adventures on the surface. He slapped a hand on the shoulder of another peculiar character nearby.
This man had spiky red hair and bright red eyes, all of which declared his fiery ways. He wore tattered heavy robes with baggy pants and old goggles wrapped around his neck. The most apparent thing about him, however, was the giant full blade he balanced on. The man grinned as he heard the words of his friend. “Yeah yeah, I’ll be coming sometime in the winter, so you better make sure I’m welcomed then!”
“But of course, Asher,” Rowe said, reassuring the fire adept.
“Good, then I guess I’ll be seeing you, Omurai,” Asher said, waving goodbye to his friend as he began to walk away.
“Come now, we best be keeping up with the troops,” Rowe informed Omurai, placing a hand on the battered nobleman’s shoulder.
“You know…it’s hard to remember the last time he and I were separated like this. He became like a brother to me…” Omurai said slowly, turning to walk inside the gates of Sol City.
“I understand…we all make bonds with those we spend much time with. I’m sure you also understand, however, that he has just as much right and reason to return to his home, just as you’re doing now,” Rowe replied.
“Yes, but he’s not an anathema there…he left willingly,” Omurai reminded, chuckling nervously.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure the Prime Minister will allow you into Altem Tier,” Rowe said.
As the mass of soldiers reached the main council tower of Sol City, only Rowe and Omurai entered the building. Once inside, the two were directed into a large, spacious room filled with a decorative collection of items from paintings to even tables. Rowe quickly found a comfortable chair and sat down, but Omurai didn’t feel comfortable enough to sit his weathered self into a clean chair. A few minutes passed until a well dressed man stepped in and asked for Omurai to follow him. The wind adept did just that, and soon found himself in an elegant room filled with comfortable looking pillows and sofas. A woman just as tall as Omurai, but much skinnier, stepped into the room suddenly. She had long, golden hair that ran down her back like a river and eyes that seemed nearly white. Her purple robes rested over her body easily, the designs on them seeming eerily beautiful, much like the woman who wore them.
“Ah, Omurai Failyn, long time no see. I was afraid you didn’t like me. For two years you neglected to visit me for checkups on your growing…conditions,” the woman said, her voice whimsical and placid.
“Alak Valmore…” Omurai said quickly, stiffening into the Cloud City salute.
Alak chuckled and waved Omurai to be at ease. The wind adept did just that, but continued to remain standing, too uneasy to get comfortable.
“I…I just didn’t feel ready to pass the test,” Omurai tried to explain.
“Test? What test?” Alak asked, grinning.
“Well…I just figured…there’d be some contest to prove that my skills have improved,” Omurai continued.
“You expected you had to fight me, didn’t you? Please, dear, don’t be ridiculous. In a battle of magic I’d slaughter you faster than you’d comprehend. However, in a melee fight you’d have me beat. Fighting is no proper way to discover improvement,” Alak said, hitting Omurai’s thoughts exactly. This unnerved the already uneasy wind adept more. Something about Alak’s presence just kept him on edge, but he could not put his finger on it.
“Then…what may I ask am I here to prove?” Omurai asked, lowering his head.
“That’s for you to discover,” Alak began, moving towards Omurai slowly. “First, I think it’s necessary that you learn a few things that have happened in your absence.”
Omurai tensed up, and his hand reached for the katana that no longer rest at his side for comfort. So instead, he slipped it over the hilt of his wakizashi.
“If my information serves me correct, you know of Rinze Sleipnir?” Alak asked.
“Y-yes, why do you ask?” Omurai replied.
“I’m sorry to inform you like this, but-” Alak moved even closer to Omurai, a comforting hand resting on his shoulder. “-she was killed in a fire about a year ago.”
Omurai’s eyes widened in shock, and his breathing quickened. He calmed down, though, knowing his rage would do nothing for him, and slowly lowered his head in defeat. “…I see.”
“I’m not finished,” Alak said, frowning deeply. “We discovered that it was homicide, but the suspect got away.” Alak’s eyes paid careful attention to Omurai’s every movement.
The wind adept’s lips thinned and his fists balled up. Slowly, his eyes rose up, and the fury that rested within them scared even Alak, who backed away. Omurai lifted his head up as if to explode, but then let out a heavy, depressed sigh. “…why…” he said, which came out more like a whine than a statement.
Alak smiled widely, and clasped her hands on Omurai’s face, lifting his head to stare her straight in the eyes. “You’ve improved so much! I had expected you to fly into a fury at the first word of her death.”
Omurai’s face twisted up, feelings of confusion and betrayal.
Alak’s eyes widened and she quickly waved her hands in front of her calmingly. “No no no, I didn’t mean it like that! You see, that was the test, and you passed! Rinze really didn’t die, in fact she’s perfectly fine from what I’ve heard. I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t mean to play with your emotions like that, but I had to check that little fury within you.”
Omurai’s eyes widened in surprise, and a wide smile filled his face. “I see! Goodness, you had me feeling so bad there for a minute…So is that seriously it?”
“Well, normally I’d of kept up the torment, but from what I’ve read from the letter Rowe sent me before you all got here, you’re actions gave you some brownie points,” Alak said with a soft laugh.
A look of confusion swept over Omurai’s face. “What do you mean? I did nothing outstanding as of lately…”
“What? Now you stop that right now, you hear? Defeating an army commander, assisting with the defeat of a mighty void adept who possessed the legendary Adept’s Stone?! That’s a little more than outstanding,” Alak countered.
“I couldn’t have done those things without the help of my friend…I mean, friends,” Omurai said, his thoughts returning to the adepts from the east he met at Tier Bastion.
“Either way, if it wasn’t for you and your friends Cloud City might have lost more than they did,” Alak said matter-of-factly.
“If you say so…” Omurai said, hardly convinced.
“Alas…where’s all that pride I saw in you two years ago when you were banished? The land has humbled you,” Alak said, taping a finger on her chin in thought.
“A shattered soul I was when I left, caught between my foolish pride and the convictions of my mistakes. I’ve learned to control my arrogance and take my convictions welcomingly…” Omurai said, turning to leave.
“If you’re so humbled, where’s your manners?” Alak said with a laugh.
Omurai turned around, a wry grin on his face and a shine in his eyes. “I said I learned to control my pride, but not get rid of it. Good afternoon, Alak Valmore. Impatience is still a weakness of mine, and I’d like to get home immediately.”
All Alak could do was continue to laugh softly, trying to cover up her giggles with a hand, but her bobbing shoulders gave her away. “And a good afternoon to you, Omurai Failyn. Congratulations and welcome back.” As the doors closed behind the nobleman, Alak turned away and started back to her private office. “Such a peculiar man, even to the standards of Altem Tier…”
Omurai’s beaming smile told Rowe the good news. The two met each other in a tap of the shoulders. “Congrats, Omurai. Time for us to return to the skies above.”
Omurai nodded his head, “Indeed…let us make haste.”
The two met up with the remaining troops and all headed for the great beam of light that linked Altem Tier to Sol City. As they stepped within the light, Omurai closed his eyes to block out the blinding rays. When he opened his eyes again, the view alone took the breath from him.
Floating islands of ancient buildings and beautiful architecture filled the view all around. Omurai stepped out of the light with the other soldiers. The guards all looked at Omurai with a surprised look, but the sight of Rowe reassured them, and the group continued one.
“I was directed to lead you immediately to the Council Hall. Standard nonsense, of course,” Rowe said to Omurai with a chuckle. Omurai shared the laugh and allowed Rowe to lead on. As they came to the great steps of the Council Hall, Rowe and his soldiers stopped and allowed Omurai to continue on his own.
The nobleman slowly made his way into the building. As he came into the main hall, he saw that it was filled with people who had already heard of his returning. Stunned, Omurai stood still and silent at the top of the bowl-shaped room for some time. Finally, he made his way towards the large table at the center of the room, where the king and Royal Guard all sat. One particular Royal Guard caught Omurai’s eye. He had the same facial features as Omurai, except his hair was light brown and white with a long pony-tail which he had resting over one shoulder. An anxious but angry look filled the man’s visage. Omurai’s brother, Irzai Failyn. Irzai had once been the king’s most favored Royal Guardsman, but after the incident with Omurai two years ago, he had lost favor with the king after imploring that his brother command the 5th Battalion, so now he no longer sat at the king’s side, but near the far side of him.
“Omurai Failyn, we are honored by your presence in our wonderful city once again,” the king said, standing up to greet his cousin.
Omurai’s fists tightened up and his head lowered. “You need not honor my presence, King Failyn…if you do not remember, I left here an anathema of banishment,” he said matter-of-factly. Slowly, he raised his head to stare the king straight in the eyes, an audacious glare filling his orbs.
“Yes well…that is all done with. For now, you have returned in honor,” the king continued, a tang of anger filling his voice as the nobleman stole his flare for the speech. “We all are well aware of your courageous deeds in the Battle of Tier Bastion. You assisted our army despite the fact that they had asked you for no such help. Not to mention you single-handedly beat the commander of the Bladenheart Army and helped in the defeat of their leader.”
“You have your facts misunderstood. If it had not been for my friend, Asher Vasquez, of Vandekha then I would have never of had such success. I could not take full credit when most of it lies on the shoulders of my fire adept friend…” Omurai snapped, trying to sound as respectful as possible.
The king raised his brow and rubbed his chin. A warm smile filled his face as he looked over his cousin. “You are certainly not the same young man who left here, yet it is good to have you back nonetheless.”
Omurai seemed offset by this relief of tension, and he couldn’t help but share the smile. “Thank you, your majesty.”
“So, now that you have returned, I’m sure the Court along with myself are wishing to know: what do you plan to do now?” King Failyn said calmly.
“Actually…I hadn’t thought much about it. I plan to visit my friends and relax over the winter. Come spring I plan to set out for the kingdom of Maeltryst and continue the hunt with my new surface friends for the legendary Adept’s Stone and the deadly assassin Voyse En’Dir,” Omurai said, equally calm.
“I see…so you have finally been accepted back into your kingdom and are already making plans of leaving? Are you not satisfied here?” King Failyn asked, somewhat hurt.
“Not at all, sire. I’ve simply made an obligation to some adventurers of Liteo to assist them in the retrieval of a powerful artifact from the hands of evil. A noble and just cause if ever there were one, if you don’t mind me saying,” Omurai replied.
“And these adventurers are all from the southeastern nation of Maeltryst?” the king asked, growing curious.
“But one is from Maeltryst. The other two are from the kingdom of Rullenfay, one of which being the one and only ‘Guardian of Light’…and Asher from the north of course,” Omurai answered.
These words peaked the king’s interest. “The ‘Guardian of Light’ you say? So Rullenfay has a part on this quest?”
“It would seem so, sire,” Omurai said.
“I see I see. In that case, then as a member of the military, I cannot permit you to take personal leave on this quest,” the king, pacing in thought.
Omurai seemed shattered by this news. The nobleman took a step forward and held his arms out pleadingly. “Your majesty!? I was relieved of my military duties when I was banished! You cannot hold me by that!”
The king looked up from his thoughts, a gleam in his eyes. “Ah, and you have already been brought back into military duty, therefore you are under my order.”
“I did not agree to any of this! Am I not allowed to make my own choice in being in the military?” Omurai demanded.
The king chuckled and pointed a finger at Omurai. “Ah, I see that you’ve tamed that temper of yours, but only to an extent. You must truly hold heart on this obligation you made.”
Omurai stepped back in shame. “I…I cannot let this indignation in my heart for the evil that is afoot just pass…surely you understand that?”
“I do, I do…and I also feel for your cause. However, your rash behavior got the best of you once again, for you never let me finish what I was saying. Yes, I do not allow you to take personal leave for the sake of this quest, but as your king I ORDER you to take this mission!” King Failyn declared with a big grin.
Omurai’s face lightened up, but quickly knotted up in frustration. He quickly shot an accusing finger at his cousin. “You did that just to poke fun at my weak temper!”
The king chuckled and held up a hand to hold the court at peace. “I did, and it was rather amusing. Sorry, Omurai, but at least you’ve lightened the spirits of this council. We thank you for that much.”
The nobleman continued to hold his finger up, unable to find any more words to retaliate. Finally, he built up the words to talk again. “You’re…welcome? Now, if you do not mind, sire…may we continue on with this?”
“Of course, but there is nothing left to go over for now. This council is dismissed,” the king declared. As the crowd moved about to leave, Omurai stood quite still, stunned by everything that had happened. As he made a move to leave, King Failyn called out his name.
“Omurai, I desire a meeting with you by seven this evening. Meet me here for a private meeting. I wish to hear of your adventures on the trails below our city,” the king said, ushering the Royal Guard to leave. Irzai shot a glance at his brother and shook his head with a laugh.
As Omurai made his way out of the Council Hall, he met Rowe waiting for him alone.
“Where have your troops gone?” Omurai asked.
“I let them head home…they deserved it. So, how did it go?” Rowe replied.
“It seems as if my banishment never happened…everyone treats me like a hero now,” Omurai answered, a troubled look on his face.
“Well, a lot has happened since you were banished. News of your exile didn’t last long before other, more important matters occurred. After awhile, people simply forgave and forgot. I’d not be unsettled by the warm welcome,” Rowe explained.
“I see…thank you. What for you now?” Omurai asked.
“Well, I planned to head home myself, but I figured I’d wait for you beforehand. So, I’ll be seeing you, Omurai Failyn,” Rowe said, tapping Omurai’s shoulder as he began to walk off. Slowly, Omurai made way to his own home.
As the nobleman came across the bridge that would lead to the island of his home, fear struck over him with memories of Rinze. What could have happened in his neighborhood in the time he was gone? How much had Rinze changed? Could she have found a lover, or even be married? All these thoughts troubled the nobleman. Finally, he shook his head and held it high. No matter what the changes, he’d accept them and continue on with his life. With this determination, he made his way across the bridge and to the street of his home.
Instead of going to his own home, he instead went to the house just across the street. Rinze’s house.
As the wind adept approached the front door, he hesitated momentarily, but shook it away and knocked on the door. He heard a familiar voice inside and stiffened up for the shocking difference bound to lie behind the door. Slowly, the door opened.
A young woman with long, white hair with black highlights and light green eyes stood at the door with a casual tunic, strapped skirt, and a white apron with a red stain on the side of it. Another smug of red was on her right cheek, and also on the wooden spoon she carried. The two stared at each other in surprise for a long moment. Slowly, the spoon slipped from Rinze’s hand and tapped onto the floor. Omurai twitched just before Rinze threw herself at him, wrapping him up in a hug.
“Omurai! I can’t believe it’s actually you!” Rinze shouted excitedly, holding Omurai out at arms length to get a good look at him. “I had heard you would be returning, but I’m not one for rumors.”
“Well, it was no rumor…I am back. I just had some…military stuff I had to go through before I could come see you,” Omurai said with an uneasy chuckle.
“Yeah yeah, the military is always being nosy,” Rinze replied. “You’ve certainly let your hair go since last I saw you. Not to mention that stench…when was the last time you took a bath?!”
Omurai rubbed his chin in thought. Finding no answer, he shrugged sheepishly. “I am tired and smelly, but happy nonetheless.”
Rinze giggled and turned to go back inside. “Come inside, I just started cooking dinner for this evening.”
“Oh really? Looks like you’ve been beating people to death with this wooden spoon,” Omurai said with a laugh, picking up the red-stained spoon.
“Real funny. I was actually making meatloaf…and before you say something stupid like ‘what’s the difference?’, remember that it is your favorite!” Rinze threatened with a playful glare, snatching the spoon from Omurai and continuing into the house.
Omurai followed behind slowly. As he came into the dinning room, he spotted an infant sitting in a high chair, poking at a mess of baby food. The wind adept froze in place, a shocked look on his face. “Who is this?!” he asked incredulously.
Rinze poked her head into the dinning room from the kitchen and casually answered, “Rebecca, why?”
Omurai looked at Rinze with a questioning stare, stuttering over words.
“What…? Oh! She’s not mine if that’s what you’re wondering,” Rinze answered with a laugh.
Omurai let out a heavy sigh of relief and loosened up.
“Come now, Omurai…if I ever had a daughter I’d most definitely not name her something so common as ‘Rebecca’. She’s my niece. I told my sister that I’d watch her for the day while she went to the east wind of the city to shop,” Rinze explained.
“Rebecca…who thought that up? It is a surface name,” Omurai asked.
“Her husband…duh! He’s a wealthy man from Rullenfay. He opened a business up here selling like…shoes or something stupid like that. I personally don’t like him, but I’m not the one married to him, so eh,” Rinze responded as she went back into the kitchen. Omurai stared at Rebecca for a long moment. The baby looked up at him and smiled. Suddenly, a burp escaped her mouth and she continued picking at the food on her tray. A shutter of disgust shook over the wind adept as he walked off into the kitchen.
As Omurai watched Rinze cook, he remembered all the fears he had held before coming here. Seeing that they were all untrue gave him a realization that they still could be unless he took the initiative. The only way he’d get to the woman standing before him would be to speak up about his true feelings for her. With a firm jaw and determination returning to his eyes, he spoke, “Rinze…”
The woman turned her head slightly with a questioning glance in response.
“I…I’ve been a coward for too long and I just wanted to finally tell you…I love you,” Omurai declared, blushing as he put his head down, unable to bare a negative response.
Rinze giggled and turned back to her cooking. “No need to tell me what I already knew…” she said as she finished cutting some vegetables and turned around to hug Omurai. “…but at the same time it means everything to me that you finally said it with words.”
“W-what do you mean?” Omurai asked, confused.
“Actions speak louder than words. I’ve known that you loved me for so long, and I love you too,” Rinze explained.
“T-then if you knew then why didn’t you say anything?” Omurai asked weakly.
“Because you wouldn’t have been ready…What truly matters is when two people are both sure of themselves when they say those words,” Rinze said softly.
“I’m not sure about a lot of things in my life, but I am most sure of my feelings,” Omurai said defensively.
Rinze smiled warmly and put a hand on Omurai’s cheek. As the wind adept locked onto her eyes, he saw that they were watery. “I know…and that makes me happy.” Omurai embraced Rinze in a tight hug and lifted her off the ground. Rinze laughed and smacked his back to drop her.
“Rinze…” Omurai said again.
“Yes?” Rinze asked.
“…I don’t know what to do now,” Omurai admitted.
Rinze thought for a long moment and then smiled deviously. “Take a bath…you stink.”
Omurai rubbed the back of his head and laughed. “Alright, but afterwards I’ll have to go meet the king for a special meeting…”
“Sounds good to me…just make sure you’re back in time for dinner! Now that you’re back, you’ll need someone to cook you food, since you lost all of your servants,” Rinze replied.
Those words reminded Omurai about his obligation. A frown crossed his face as he looked at Rinze. “I won’t be staying long…” he announced.
Rinze’s eyes suddenly lost their gleam, and her frown matched Omurai’s. “What…do you mean?”
“I pro-was commanded by King Failyn to assist the Guardian of Light in retrieving the Adept’s Stone on the surface come spring,” Omurai explained.
Rinze tapped a finger on her lips, and slowly the frown faded. “Well at least you’ll be here for two seasons! And I’m sure it won’t take you too long on your mission, right? Then you can come back for a long time.”
“Right. However, this mission could take weeks, months…years. I am unsure. I promise you, however, that I’ll return to you in one piece when it is all said and done. I swear it!” Omurai declared.
Rinze smiled warmly. “Now get to that bath…” Both of them laughed as Omurai slowly exited the house and headed to his own.
The place had been surprisingly kept up, by his family, he guessed. Everything was clean and neat as if he had never left. Omurai took off his belt holding his three weapons and pulled off all the remaining shurikens in his sleeves and pants. After slipping out of all his battered armor and clothing, he slipped into a bath behind his house and bathed. Once clean, he got dressed in some casual clothing, which felt odd to him, since he had been in his armor for two years with no other clothing. Clean and refreshed, he hurried off towards the Council Hall.
Once inside, he found the king sitting in a chair, finishing off a piece of fruit from a bowl in front of him. He motioned for Omurai to sit next to him and waved at the bowl of fruit. Omurai waved away the fruit and slumped into the chair.
“So, cousin…late as usual, I see,” the king said with a chuckle.
“I had some priorities to take care of, Aisig,” Omurai replied casually.
“That’s reasonable enough. I am intrigued about your adventures on the surface. Could you give me a visual on the land below? I have only been to the surface a few times, and even then it was limited to particular cities under heavy protection…” King Aisig said, leaning closer to Omurai, with a shine of curiosity in his eye.
“The world below is more than you could ever imagine, sire. Land as vast as our very skies, amazing architecture never before imagined, strange and peculiar monsters within every shadow, and such a diversity in civilizations that not even I could keep up,” Omurai said, pulling himself into a tale.
“I’ve seen some amazing architecture within the cities before, but monsters?” the king asked.
“Indeed. Just during my hunt for the assassin Voyse, Asher and I came across a powerful wyvern. What was strange about this one was…it was intelligent! It was more related to a dragon than a wyvern in almost all ways, but still it held the body of one,” Omurai said, moving his hands to describe the shape of a wyvern.
“This friend of yours, Asher. What is he like?” Aisig pressed.
“Much like his bloodline may show. Fiery red eyes and hair with an attitude to match! Unlike most of his brethren, who prefer axes and hammers, he wields a massive full blade. Not to mention he is a skilled alchemist. Such an amazing man. He has the mastermind to produce powerful potions, and yet he also carries with him the destructive nature of his nation. Never a better friend existed,” Omurai explained.
“I see…and you mentioned that you also befriended the Guardian of Light and other adventurers from the East?” the king added.
“Ah yes. The Guardian of Light, Kara Kitsurui; her water adept companion, Faux Fo and the omni adept from Maeltryst, Thalys Ol’Calien,” Omurai answered.
“You say one of them is an omni adept? Those are rare…especially strange that he comes from a generally earth-orientated nation like Maeltryst,” Aisig noted.
“There’s just something strange about that one, besides the fact that he’s an omni adept. I can tell you, however, that he’s very affable. Probably the friendliest person around. Why, if it wasn’t for him I might not be here…and vise versa,” Omurai responded.
“The two of you have saved each other’s lives?” Aisig asked.
“You could say that…” the wind adept replied with a grin.
“It would seem you’ve found yourself a kind-hearted group of adventurers to travel with. A fine choice in friends, Omurai,” the king said with a chuckle.
“Not so. They found me, is more like it,” Omurai corrected with a laugh.
“Well, I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than sit here and talk to me all night…so I’ll let you go, but I’d enjoy meeting with you and hearing more tales of your banishment,” the king said, rising to his feet.
“I never thought my punishment would become some kind of story…” Omurai said, but the king had no reply. Omurai left the Council Hall and returned to Rinze’s house.
Once there, he found a table full of food awaiting him, and no more Rebecca. Best of all, the love of his life sat awaiting him with a beaming smile. Indeed, a welcome home to Omurai Failyn.