Chapter 10
Bao ruins
"This place sure is sandy," Silver sighed as she looked at the entrance of the ruins. It was made of pure stone with a large opening in front of them. Statues of what appeared to be a goddess surrounded the area as Zoki crossed her arms.
"So how far deep do we have to go anyway?" Zoki asked as they slowly stepped inside before Tempo looked around.
"This place was apparently was crafted by the goddess long ago, there are certain thresholds that only those apart of the Grand Priest bloodline can go to the deepest level," Tempo pointed out as Silver sighed.
"That really doesn't give us a real range," Silver said.
"All we have to do is keep going down right, you all always make things so much more complicated." Katto shrugged as he continued walking through the ruins, the interior was dark a Silver thought it would be the perfect time to strike up a conversation about the religion of the world.
"Hey Tempo, you talked about a goddess, and I was wondering more about that. As well as some more info on the church," Silver asked as Tempo tilted her head.
"Huh, I assumed you and Zoki were members of the church, you don't know about the goddess?" It was probably strange to her as Silver scratched her cheek.
"W-we know, we could just use some brushing up on our history," Silver responded as Tempo shrugged.
"The goddess Iacia was how the world was how we obtained magic and mana. It said that when she sang the wind started to blow and the oceans began to flow. She went on a journey across the world bringing life to the land,"
It seemed like a stock religion from what Silver heard of it. Most likely the so-called goddess was a holy being that inserted some magic into the planet allowing it to start life. At least that is what Silver assumed anyway.
"Thanks, Tempo, I think I learned a bit more, you're pretty smart," Silver smiled as Tempo blushed slightly before looking towards the ground.
"It's no big deal, I mean...anyone in the church knows about it," The group continued through the ruins until they came close to a bridge like area. It was made of stone crossing a significant drop. Silver looked down to see only a large abyss.
"Should we jump down?" Silver asked.
"No...unless you want to die, we just have to cross the bridge," Tempo replied pointing forward.
"Are you sure Parce will be here?" Katto asked as Tempo nodded.
"Most likely...I mean, he was planning on going here before the vote, so I assume if he is with the Church right now he would be here.
"Nothing lets keep going," Tempo said walking across the thin bridge.
The group continued through the ruins until they saw a familiar group of people once again as Silver's eyes twitched
"Hey isn't that Richard and the others?" Zoki said as Silver frowned.
"What are they doing here? Aren't they supposed to be heading towards Minfor, this is a pretty big detour..." Silver stated it was in the complete opposite direction of Minfor in fact; they had no reason to be there unless they were looking for Parce.
"It seems like they are talking to someone," Zoki said as the group slowly crept closer to the scene trying their best not to draw attention to themselves. It was indeed Richard's team. However, three others were standing there as well.
Silver recognized two of them as Parce and Link, and the other one was a large husky man with a beard and a large blade that was bigger than his body. He was wearing leather armor as Tempo's eye twitched as she got up from her hiding position.
"Parce and the others are there!" Tempo yelled as she ran towards the area as Silver bit her lip
"Damn it that girl is so irrational!" Silver yelled running after her.
"She's one to talk." Zoki sighed as she followed the two.
"More complications...oh well, I might as well talk to my client now that I have the chance," Katto sighed going after the rest of the group.
"Damn, I can't believe we got caught up here of all places," Link groaned as he glared at Richard group. They were in front of some strange door with an odd mark on it, as Tempo ran towards the scene Silver couldn't help but recall seeing the marking from somewhere before.
Richard group slowly turned to face Silver and the others as Verm groaned, "oh you are here..." Verm said casually as Silver grumbled.
"Nice to see all of you here, but that just begs the question, why are you here. Aren't you supposed to be going to Minfor?" Silver recalled that is what they told them as Richard groaned before taking a step forward.
"That is what we should be asking, we're here to pick up Parce, that's all,"
Zoki frowned, something wasn't right as both Link and the Swordsmen took a step forward. "Damn it Brags, we might have to flee at this rate, is that alright with you Parce?"
Silver managed to put two and two together, the man known as Brags was most likely a part of the Six Warriors along with both Tempo and Link. Not only that it was clear that neither of them knew who Tempo was in her current form.
Parce reaction was rather stoic; his attention mostly lied on Katto who was staring at his client. Katto only laughed as he scratched the back of his head.
"You know the job you gave me was pretty easy, I was tempted to tell everyone in my group about what you wanted me to do, but I want you to tell me yourself,"
"W-what are you talking about Katto?" Tempo eyes widened as Parce who was normally soft expression had turned stern before he chuckled.
"Jeez, hiring you was a mistake, not only did you not complete your task you blurted everything out...I wonder if it's because I didn't pay you enough," It seemed that even Link and Verm was surprised by the sudden tone shift as Parce took a step forward smiling.
"Tell me, why did you decide against killing Bib?"
Everyone froze for a moment as if they were trying to understand what Parce had said. It couldn't have been the same Bib that was a part of the church, the second in command next to Parce himself...right.
The only person who didn't even seem mildly shock was Sara who was grinning to herself as Tempo just stood there unable to move. As if her brain was rejecting what her ears had just heard, "P-Parce, what are you saying?"
Parce gaze slowly shifted to Tempo, "Tempo...why do you appear in front of me in such a disgusting form,"
Tempo held her breath as she quickly shook her head. "No, that's a lie! You can't be Parce; you have to be some imposter!"
Silver shot a glare at Parce, "you bastard, I thought you were cool, what the hell is wrong with you? Do you know how hard Tempo's been trying to get back to you and you treat her like dirt!"
Link and Brags Remained silent as both of them looked at one another, "that can't be right. We just saw Tempo not too long ago, that Beastkin can't be here..."
"Damn it! I thought I wouldn't have to show up until a little later!" a voice boomed from the ceiling, a familiar shrill voice as Link twitched.
"Who's there?!"
At that moment a giant spider fell from the ceiling with a small pink hair girl riding it, she was waving her staff as she giggled.
"Don't tell me you forgot Tempo the Magnificent!"
Link eyes narrowed as he started at the real Tempo and back at the fake before scoffing, "Damn, I knew something was off...to think a fake was traveling with us..."
"Did you just call me a fake?...spider, hurry up and get Parce and let's get out of here," the false witch clapped her hands as Parce smiled. A thick string of webbing wrapped itself around him as he was yanked up into the sky. He then landed on the spider's back as Sara scoffed before her hand twitched.
A small string of wires left her fingertips as she pulled herself forward and onto the spider as well. It seemed that all three of them was working together as Verm eyes narrowed, glaring at the current Grand Priest.
"This isn't what we agreed to Parce…" Verm fixed his glasses as Parce just laughed.
"Well, plans have changed, I might think about later, however..." with those words the spider started to jump around breaking the soft stone beneath everyone.
"We need to kill that spider before the ground gives!" Floyd yelled
Unfortunately, it was too late, well too late for Link and Silver their footing completely collapsed as Silver eyes widened for a moment
"You have to be kidding me..." Silver eye twitched.
"Damn it!" they both screamed in unison as they fell into the abyss below.
Darkness completely took Link as he heard an almost distance voice.
"Hey...are you still alive?" Silver asked kneeling next to the unconscious boy; she snapped her finger for a moment before frowning, "Hey wake up!" Silver shouted as the green haired boy snapped to attention.
"Oh good your u- gah!" Silver felt a sharp pain in her stomach region before jumping back a few feet and grumbling.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Do you always punch people trying to help you?"
"Shut up! Before I kill you!" Link replied, for some reason, he reminded Silver of a teenager going through a phase.
Silver grumbled before kicking a nearby rock, "you can try, but then you will be here all alone
"What do you mean by stuck?..." Link then looked around and noticed they were trapped in a sealed off room with no way out.
"Damn it! You mean I'm going to die with a piece of garbage like you!" Link hissed as Silver eyes narrowed.
"Thank you for such a compliment but since it comes from a dog like you I doubt it has any meaning," Silver then smiled and cracked her knuckles reeled back her fist and smashed a hole in the wall.
"Now if you want to get out of here alive you'll need my help,"
"...Are you an idiot? If you keep doing that, it won't matter if we are trapped the whole ceiling will crash down on us!" Link yelled.
"If we don't leave we will starve to death, I rather die quickly from being crushed than slowly" Silver shrugged. "Plus I have a pretty good nose; I can probably track down my friends without too much trouble,"
"...Beautiful then, lead the way," Link wasn't going to argue any further as Silver tilted her head.
"Hey, you were having evil thoughts weren't you?" Silver asked.
"Stop being idiotic I promise I won't hurt or kill you,"
"I still don't believe you but whatever...I promise I will escort you safely from this area,"
"Like I need someone like you to escort me," Link fist clenched as he continued through the newly opened passage.
"...So Link right? What are guys doing with Parce?"
"What are you guys doing with Tempo? Not like I care," Link shot back,
"Classified...and isn't Tempo with you anyway?" Silver said, not wanting to blow Tempo's cover. Silver knew that she most likely wanted to keep her true form away from the other warriors.
"You and I both know that one is a fake," Link replied.
Silver took a deep breath and looked at the green haired boy with a smile, "Wow, you're pretty smart huh?"
"Words from a naive idiot," Link replied.
"Maybe, but hey, I might as well be naive, you're only a kid once being super serious about things will only give you gray hairs early," Silver smiled as Link mumbled something under his breath
"...You're annoying," Link said walking ahead.
"Sheesh not the talkative type are you?" Silver then sighed following the masked-man.
The two continued through the sandy cave in complete silence, the stone roof above them
"Why do they call you The Six Warriors anyway? You guys aren't very tough," Silver said.
"Once we get out of here I will gladly demonstrate..by taking your life,"
"Doubt since you're kind of weak, I don't even think you're worth fighting," Silver said, her expression not changing as Link groaned. Silver could tell just by looking
"Are you trying to make fun of me or are you that stupid?" Link said while messing with his mask a little, Silver wanted to see his face. She assumed it was most likely scared or something if he was hiding it, it just seemed odd to her for him to wear such a thing.
It seems they were finally making progress through the caverns as they felt a draft in the area almost as a cold wind was blowing.
"Great...just what I needed," Silver sighed as she stopped.
"What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you're tired or something," Link looked at the girl in disgust.
"You better be careful, you might lose your head..." Silver frowned as she grabbed a sword that was inched from Link's neck, holding the blade between her fingers.
"When did...who are you?!" Link said looking up at the wielder of the sword.
The black haired man scoffed before jumping back. He seemed like a prince; his hair was short as his blue eyes shined. He brushed his long white cape to the side, every single thing about him screamed elegance.
"I am the man who has been ordered to kill you, Grand Priest!" The man said.
"So it was you... Karasu, the blade master," Silver smiled.
"Oh please don't be so kind, though I am surprised you would be hanging around such a filthy species even if you are a demon there is a limit to poor taste Silver," Karasu stated
Silver looked over at Link, then back to Karasu as she merely shrugged, "I'm flattered you know my name, but you've got the wrong guy is Link not Parce, isn't that right Link?"
"...Yeah either you're an idiot or a fool," Link replied, for some reason, he had hesitation in his voice.
"I would only be foolish if I believed your lies, especially since you're wearing a mask." Karasu smiled, "Even if you're not the Grand Priest killing you won't matter, I mean you're just a useless human we have billions of those running around,"
"Wow...and, you guys, are supposed to be holy ones," Silver sighed.
"We are, but even the greatest of Saint's have to clean up some trash once and a while...so Silver do you want to die with trash or will you get out of my way?" Karasu asked.
"Well I would let you kill this jerk but, I promised him that I would escort him out of here so, no." Silver replied.
"Damn it I don't need someone like you to babysit me!" Link yelled as he tapped his foot on the ground and made a dash towards the holy being.
Silver only folded her arms, wait for the scene to unfold as Karasu's eye twitched before biting his lip.
"Such arrogant filth, to think the likes of you could take me." Karasu then took out his dagger and strengthened the grip on his sword, with a single bound he jumped into the air. A bright Lance made of light appeared in his hand as the blade master threw it towards Link
Link eyes narrowed as he shifted his body avoid the lance and the bright explosion that had followed. However, small needle-like arrows landed on the ground causing what appeared small beams of light to erupt from the ground.
"Wah?" Link winced as he covered his body as the light struck him, knocking him into some rocks.
"...Are you still alive?" Silver yelled at Link.
"No! I'm dead." Link shouted as he pushed some of the rocks off of his body, he was bruised slightly but still intact.
"Stop joking around and fight me!" Karasu then ran towards Silver as her eye twitched. Karasu then unleashed a frenzy of sword and knife swings as Silver swayed her body avoiding each swing.
"What the hell...I can barely even see what's happening," Link body twitched. He could hardly comprehend what was going on in front of him, just like before. He knew there were people stronger than him in the world, but something was off.
"...Do you know the likely outcome of this battle right? Chances are we will kill each other." Silver said as she grabbed Karasu's blade again as the Holy one only shook his head.
"Doubt it. because you see, I don't have to protect someone while I fight," Karasu then crossed his knife and sword and began to cast a spell.
"You better not aim that at Link..."
"Why wouldn't I?" Karasu smiled.
"Because you are a knight and even though you're an asshole I never thought that you would stoop so low..." Silver then shook her head.
Karasu stopped for a moment; it seemed that his pride was far more valuable than his mission or his life as he sheathed his weapons.
"Damn it, very well!" Karasu then stopped the spell. "You know what, killing you now would be too much trouble...I'll just wait until the Grand Priest is by himself to kill him," Karasu then vanished in a flash of light.
"He's not Parce he's Link!" Silver screamed upward.
"What do they want with the Grand Priest?" Link asked.
"They want to kill him," Silver replied.
"...Why?" Link said still holding his stomach.
"Hell if I should know! Now let's hurry I can tell you are getting sick of me, and we're close to the exit." Silver said walking away.
"It looks like I'm not the only one keeping secrets…"
As they continued to travel through the cave, a light finally started to shine as Silver broke one final wall as the sunlight nearly burned their eyes.
"Finally outside!" Silver said stretching, "I never thought I would be so happy to see a desert again!" Silver smiled as Link quickly looked around the area, all traces of the church had vanished as he stomped his foot.
"Damn it, don't tell me they left me!" Link hissed.
"Well if you want to find the other The Six warriors you can always come with me!" Silver smiled.
"...Go to hell," Link said preparing to walk off as he stopped for a moment, "Oh, and make sure you take care of Tempo, she is pretty stupid, but considering she's with you..."
"Well fuck you too!" Silver yelled back towards him as the masked boy vanished into the desert.
"Silver!" Silver heard a familiar voice yell her name.
"Well, I guess I don't have to worry about finding them," Silver gained a broad grin as her three companions came into view.
"You're still alive...that sucks," Katto said.
"I swear you caused us to waste so much time," Zoki said.
"Well you guys took the time to look for me, so I guess I wasn't that much of a burden," Silver smiled.
"We thought you were dead or at least injured to the point of immobility, it was Tempo's idea to look for you," Zoki said.
"T-that's not true!" Tempo's face then turned red.
"I guess I should thank you Tempo...now where do we go next?" Silver asked.
"Um...We are heading to Minfor next," Tempo stated.
"Aren't Richard and the other heading there as well?" Silver asked.
"Yes but Tempo wants to check something there...plus she wants to talk to..." Zoki didn't finish her statement; it seemed that most of them were avoiding bringing up Parce, at least around Tempo.
"Well, I guess we're headed to Minfor," Silver sighed.
