An Emotional Inquisition

[Kiersi Nukumna]

Kiersi stood there trembling with fear, anger, saddness, and confusion, all welling up deep within her heart. She had so many questions. Not knowing where begin, she allowed herself to be flood with thoughts. First, she worried about the stranger's evil wrath, that she might meet it if perchance she displeased him. But what scared her the most was that she didn't even know what would set him off and that was very dangerous. She then switched to being angy at him. There was no need to kill those innocent soldiers, they were only doing their job. Because of this, she quickly shifted to saddness. Those poor dedicated elves--they had futures, families, and feelings. But finally she became confused. They were after him, they were trying to harm him. He wasn't wrong in defending himself or protecting her after they targeted her without reason! She was even tempted to consider that she should be--if anything--thanking him. So overcome with emotion, a tear rolled down her cheek. She let it fall. Without even trying to hide her feelings and sensitivity she confronted him teary-eyed, lip quivering, fists balled, muscled tensed.

STOP! Stop walking and look at me. Now you are going to tell me who you are and why the hell you just did that..that thing you just did. And, and I want to know what you know about my mother. I want to know everything. Now tell me!"

The tears now gushing out of frustration as she awaited his precious answers.

[Seraphim]

Sephirah's right foot stopped as soon as he stepped forward on it, feeling his black boot dig into the soil, his entire body coming to a halt. The anger and frustration in her voice was enough to make him stop in his tracks, knowing full well that she was so confused by the events of the day. How was he to tell her what he had done? He had taken her mothers life that night, something that still haunts him to this day. Her tears only made it worse, as her undeniable resemblance to Ash was causing dormant feelings within him to rise to the surface. He was unlike anyone she had ever met. Unlike anyone that anyone had ever met. He slowly tilted his head over towards his right shoulder to let his right eye gaze back at the crying woman, his left fist clenching in anger. Anger at himself for doing what he had done. For taking the life of someone that meant so much to this young woman. For taking the life of someone that meant so much to [i[him[/i]. His eyes closed for a brief moment, taking in a deep breath before finally answering her questions.

"You do not want to know who I am..your mother did once, and now she is no longer among us. My life has been nothing but a nightmare from the moment I opened these eyes. You cannot possibly understand what I am, so there is no use in explaining it to you. Who am I? I am Sephirah Verus, son of Shuinia..and your mother was a dear friend of mine.."

Sephirah slowly turned around on his right foot to face her at the end of his speech, locking his onyx eyes on her facial features, looking for the inevitable expression of sadness, as he had just told the 'child' her mother was no longer living. Sephirah's nightmare continued, and it seemed there was no end in sight.

[Kiersi Nukumna]

My mother is...dead?

The news was disheartening, Kiersi was speechless, her mind was blank, and her expression depressing. The only thing confirming her consciousness was the feeling of the cold wind running over her skin. A chill crawled up her spine as she shivered. She noticed it was getting dark. The sun had already set behind the tops of the trees and soon it would be entirely out of sight.

Kiersi was lost. What would she do now? He entire life was dedicated to the seach for her mother and now it was over. She knew that Ash was gone and she would never ever even get the chance to meet her or see her in person. Kiersi felt that her life was now purposeless. The only thing she could do is find out what happened. How did she die? How did she live? And most importantly to Kiersi, why did Ash abandon her at birth? The only way she knew of to find out anything about her mother was through this "Sephirah Versus." She would go with him to...where ever he was headed. She had nothing better to do.

[Seraphim]

Sephirah took his eyes off the young woman, turning to his right to face the edge of the bank they were standing on. He slowly walked over towards that very edge, staring over at what seemed to be an endless stream of flowing water. Though it wasn't on his mind at the time, this stream was going to lead them out of this forest, so they'd have to follow it through. He had no idea how to comfort this young woman, as he had just told her that her mother was no longer among the living. He stared at the watery abyss where the stream had run into, feeling his body tense up in frustration. He had no idea how to handle this at all, and it was eating away at him.

"She was a magnificent woman, your mother was...a very talented soldier, and a great storyteller. You would be proud to know that she was regarded as one of the best in her field.."

[Kiersi Nukumna]

Kiersi's spirits lifted. She basked in the glory of his kind words. He said she was "magnificent" and a soldier, "the best in her field." Kiersi was proud. It was an honor to be the daughter of someone who was spoken so highly of.

She stepped closer to him, looking deep into his eyes as she stood by his side. He was looking down the stream, off somewhere. Maybe he was thinking about her, remembering. She could now see that he wasn't just a killing machine, he was a person with feelings. And he cared about her mother, that was obvious now. Kiersi appreciated his efforts to step out of his comfort zone to comfort her. She wanted him to know that, so she asked him politely.

Will you tell me one of her stories...please?

[Seraphim]

To have someone be comfortable enough to stand this close to him was something Sephirah wasn't accustomed to. Kiersi's gaze was gentle, something he had not seen this entire day, like she was at peace with him for the first time. He slowly started to descend the bank towards the stream, walking in small steps to make it easy for her to keep up. He let his eyes scan the area for a few moments, not sensing anything out of the ordinary, though it was hard to tell in this area for some reason. He had heard stories of this place, and though he was intune with the will of the planet, this forest still remained a mystery to him. With nothing dangerous in sight, his mind began switching over to her request; a story about her mother. There were several he could tell her, as he and Ash were very close, but to increase her comfort level, he had something special in mind.

"Your mother used to watch over me when I was a child. I was orphaned as an infant, and under the care of the Shiranui, the corporation for which your mother worked. She was good friends with Professor Vaerin, my caretaker, and we first met when I was seven years old. She used to read to me..stories about her missions, or just stories she had heard other travellers pass on. She was the first person to ever school me in the art of using a blade. If it comforts you to hear it, she was a marvelous mother, though I cannot say I was a child in the purest sense of the word. She would have been great with someone who showed her the same affection and carefree nature that she exuded herself. She used to look at me with the same piercing gaze that you do...it is how I knew you were related."

He continued to walk down the stream, his eyes every now and then glancing beside him to watch her facial expressions. She was just as beautiful as her mother..

[Kiersi Nukumna]

The sun had finally set and it was only by the light of the moon the two companions could keep travelling. It was cold, so cold Kiersi couldn't keep her teeth from chattering. She could feel that her body was covered in goosebumps as she rubbed her hands along her upper arms. As she followed Sephirah, they came to the end of the stream they seemed to be following as it branched off into three smaller streams.

When she heard the name Vaerin, her ears immediately perked. He knew someone else she knew, kind of. She was so excited, it was evident in her voice as she interrogated him.

Professor Vaerin? You knew Professor Vaerin? I grew up in his home after he died. His wife raised me since I was born. Did you know her, Iaria? Do you know what happened to her? I don't. I woke up one morning and she was gone, everything was gone. My whole life. It was all...gone. No one knew what I was talking about when I asked them what happened or where I was. I've been so confused ever since. Do you know?

[Seraphim]

The approaching blanket of darkness didn't phase Sephirah at all, knowing full well that he was able to survive the night, even with her, and even in this seemingly-condemned forest. Kiersi had become a lot more inquisitive rather than demanding in her questions, and Sephirah felt as if they were finally beginning to understand one another, as far as their feelings for her mother were concerned. She had asked what had happened, and he had all the answers. Infact, he was the cause of all her troubles, and she just wasn't aware of it. He was afraid their communication would cease if he told her the truth, but a lie to a girl such as this could do far more damage than any truth could. He took a few steps down the path that lead east, following that branch of the stream, counting on it to get them out of this jungle maze. The quiet chirping in the brush was not enough to startle Sephirah, though he could feel the energy currents in the area start to break apart, and his mind remained focused on that. Half paying attention, Sephirah took a deep breath, answering her question.

"Yes, I met Iaria once. She was a vibrant woman, and well-suited for the Professor. Your mother took me to go see them, actually."

Sephirah paused for a moment, stopping to look at the horizon before him, noticing something strange in the area around him. He said nothing to Kiersi, making it seem as if he was just thinking of what to say next. Without looking at her, he continued;

"Your lack of memory is easily explainable. You were exempt from the rebirth. You and I both, it seems. The "Doors to Tomorrow" are unknown, even to myself, the one who opened them."

[Kiersi Nukumna]

When Sephirah said that he had met Iaria before, Kiersi wondered if he was the troubled little boy Iaria had mentioned in her journal. But none the less Kiersi agreed that she was "vibrant" and "well-suited for the Professor." On the other hand, she was clueless about the "rebirth" and "Doors to Tomorrow" but although it was nonsense to her and she had many questions, she decided to save yet another interrogation for a later time. Kiersi felt she had already been bothersome enough by overwhelming Sephirah with questions.

She was freezing and exhausted. Her feet and legs were aching so she stopped and leaned against a nearby tree. She remembered this feeling, from her training with Shinjou--the man who taught her how to use a sword. He would always tell her "Mind over matter Kiersi, always mind over matter." He was such a wise and powerful man, yet always caring and generous. Oh how Kiersi missed Shinjou. She once took a Glimpse of him, and it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

Out of curiosityof this strange and new place, she decided to take a Glimpse of the tree she was leaning against. As she triggered the Wings of Discovery her eyes closed and she gasped simultaneously, holding her breath her teeth clenched, her fists balled and her muscles tensed. And when those long few seconds were finally over Kiersi's eyes opened as she took a deep breath, then let it out in a sort of sigh of relief as her body completely relaxed. She looked ahead to see how far Sephirah had walked, hoping she would be able to catch up leaving her falling behind somewhat unnoticed.

[Seraphim]

Silence. There was no sound emitting from the vast green abyss they stood in, causing an eerie feeling to linger within the air. He had caught on to the movements made not by sound, but by the breaking of the energy currents all around them. The entity seemed to get closer and closer, until it unexpectedly disappeared, it's signal leaving with it. He turned around to look over his right shoulder, noticing how far behind she had gotten, but it wasn't the distance that interested him. She looked as if her eyes were not her own, as if she was seeing through a different pair, though none besides his own were present. He just watched her, not wanting to interrupt whatever it was that she was experiencing. When she exhaled, Sephirah slowly turned around full circle, extending his right arm out horizontally before him, pointing the tip of his Muramasa in her direction.

"I have heard of your kind before. In Guya, they called you "Visionaries", but the stories told about them were told saying that they lost consciousness everytime it happened. I do not know what it is you see, but you are most definitely viewing the world through eyes that are not your own."

Sephirah slowly dropped his right arm down to his side, the Muramasa dropping with it, searching the ground for a stone he could use. Proceeding tonight would be futile, and he was interested in hearing more about these 'visions'. When the tip of his Muramasa touched the perfect stone, he raised it back towards himself, taking a quick swing downwards to meet the stone with enough force to emit a spark. There were leaves everywhere on the ground, and when the spark caught one, a circle started forming outwards from around the stone. Sephirah slowly circled his Muramasa tip a few inches outside the radius, clearing out the unwanted leaves to keep the fire within his control. For the first time in a long time, Sephirah leaned backwards, sliding his back down the trunk of the oak tree behind him, coming to rest on the soil a foot or so away from the flames.

The intense heat and the dancing flames brought back memories...

[Kiersi Nukumna]

Kiersi wiped the tear from her left eye as she walked toward Sephirah and the fire. She wanted to weep but she held it in. She had to control her emotions. She sat down by the fire on the opposite side across from him with her arms wrapped around her knees. She held her hands out toward the flames trying to warm herself up. Kiersi broke her stare as she tore her eyes away from flames and looked at Sephirah trying to figure out what he was thinking. She couldn't tell. It made the silence awkward but she was too tired to bother. Too tired to bother with telling him that she wasn't a 'visionary' and explaining her Glimpses to him. After all she didn't even understand them completely. Instead, she just layed down and curled her body up into a ball. She hoped this position would help trap in enough heat to make her comfortable enough to fall asleep. It wasn't working. She was still too cold, but if she moved any closer to the fire the sparks could reach her. Frustrated, she stood up. She was so hungry and parched. Although she knew there was nothing edible within this forest she looked around. Seeing the stream, she walked toward it and kneeled down. Kiersi cupped her hands and dipped them in the water. The water was so freezing cold it burned her hands. She quickly took a sip then wiped her hands against her pants to dry them off. As she walked back over to the fire, she rubbed them together to get the feeling back and warm them up. She sat down again, looked at Sephirah, and decided she was not going to get to sleep under these conditions. As she stood up and walked over to sit next to him she asked:

Are you having as hard of a time getting to sleep as me? Here, if we sleep close together like this and share our body heat we'll be warmer and more comfortable. There, now that's better. Don't you think?

She smiled at him, knowing he was freezing too but would never admit it. She fell asleep sitting against the tree near the fire with her head rested on Sephirah's shoulder. During her slumber she had a dream. It started out as a replay of her Glimpse from the tree, flashes of memories.

The woman looks in the mirror at her lean figure, fixes her long brown hair to keep it out of her plain face.
She sees her two young children running around her playfully as she goes about her daily chores.
She searches the distance for her husband working in the fields behind their small house.
The sun is setting.
They all retire to bed after supper.
They are sleeping soundly in their beds.
She smells smoke.
Feels intense heat.
Hears the screams of her neighbors, her husband, then her children.
She screams as she is burned alive.

Then the nightmare begins:

A man with long silver hair and hate burning in his eyes is standing in the center of the fire looking at the scorching town and listening to the screams. He throws his head back and exhales a laugh of purely evil satisfaction.

Kiersi jolted awake, soaked in sweat and gasping for air, she sat up. Tears began to gush from her eyes. She turned to face Sephirah.

"You! You...killed them. All of them. In my dream, my nightmare. You burned down their homes with them still inside, sleeping innocently in their beds. Men, women, children all the same. You murdered them all, the whole town. It was terrible."

She was sobbing and her body trembling uncontrollably. She looked away from him, apologetically.

[Seraphim]

The crisp, cold air was too strong for the weak flames he had lit before them, sapping the heat from the area as quickly as it was supplied. Heat nor cold ever bothered him, but it was visibly bothering Kiersi, who seemed rather uncomfortable in her position next to the fire. These flames danced so similiar to those that had destroyed Guya City, and the ones that had destroyed Aclaea village. He had watched them all die by his blade, burning their corpses in the intense flames that scorched the earth. Masamune, the destructive symbiote blade, had thirsted for blood, and Sephirah obliged. They were an unstoppable combination; a bringer of death wielding the ultimate weapon. The Muramasa, the sister blade to the Masamune, was even more potent, and never willed Sephirah to spill blood. The call of the Masamune had grown too strong, even for Sephirah, and he had left it in the bowels of Guya City, under the city of Ragnarok, where no one would ever see it again.

He gently reached his hand into his jacket pocket, revealing a small journal bound by what seemed to be black leather. He stared at the flames for a few moments, looking over at Kiersi periodically, his pen moving quickly over the white paper underneath it. As a way of sorting through his thoughts and memories, Sephirah had recently started to chronicle his life, writing them down in the journal he held. When he noticed Kiersi starting to stand to her feet, he tucked away his journal in it's place in his jacket pocket, watching her movements intently. What came next was something he had not expected, as she suggested they huddle together for warmth, and really gave him no choice in the matter. When she sat next to him, he turned his head to face her, contemplating her offer. She was a beautiful young woman, one that seemed to trust him, and one that would never attempt to harm him like so many had done in the past. He felt her move closer to him, the heat emitting from their bodies beginning to warm the area around them. If not for anything else, this would keep her warm, and perhaps let her get a few hours of rest. He didn't respond to her words, but merely put his left arm around her shoulders, letting her rest into his warmth.

She felt so..right

His attempts at sleep were usually futile, so to protect them both, he stayed awake, staring at the dwindling flames before him, his mind focused on the task ahead of him. He was to head to Ragnarok once again, and seek out one of the men who had 'murdered' Kiersi's mother. Areyu Morianau, the owner of Are Inc, was the major supplier of electricity in the city. He had obtained this information in Eidolon, and without telling Kiersi, he had planned to journey to Ragnarok by nightfall. Before he could even finish his thought, she jolted awake, seemingly frightened beyond words.

"You! You...killed them. All of them. In my dream, my nightmare. You burned down their homes with them still inside, sleeping innocently in their beds. Men, women, children all the same. You murdered them all, the whole town. It was terrible."

Perhaps she was more capable than he had thought. It couldn't be mere coincidence that she had seen this, and he had recalled it mere moments before she had come in contact with him. A Visionary was not adept enough for this..she was something different. She looked as if it was a nightmare and nothing else, which was untrue, but she was not needed to know that. He stood to his feet, grasping her right hand to pull her before him, standing centimeters away from one another. The sun began shining through the trees, signifying the day break, illuminating her face, as well as his own.

"It was a dream, and nothing more. We are almost to the land of Solaris, and we should get going."

He squeezed her right hand reassuringly, releasing it from his grasp as he turned towards the path, slowly ascending the hill to the gates of the Solaris, where the Castle of Dragons was.

[Seraphim]

This story will continue in the Castle of Dragons Roleplay Forum.

Falling In Love