EQ: Cross of Ameran 13

Chapter 13

„…"

„…"

„…"

„What are those two doing?" Deamond whispered towards Nima, watching Ledah and Kyrin staring at each other again.

"There is only one piece of bread left, so when the first one makes his move…" Tired of the same fight every single time they stayed in an Inn, Nima sipped on her cup of coffee.

"Oh… okay!" With swift hands, Deamond took the last piece of bread before the other two men could even react.

"Hey! No fair!" Ledah snapped, trying to grab the food, but Deamond already took a bite of it. Kyrin only grunted into his beard while filling a little more milk into his coffee. Chuckling, nima was just glad that someone had finally entered their little game, lightening the mood the way Deamond did.

"You had more than enough time taking it! You didn't, so don't blame me!" The two enwas growled at each other while exchanging angry glares. "Ah, wait you are right, sorry…"

"I-I am?" Ledah blinked confused, almost falling from his chair.

"Yeah, after all you gotta carry that red flame-sword with you all the time, while I can just summon my weapon whenever I want…"

"You are unfair…"

"I know."

Enjoying the two fighting men, Kyrin couldn't help but remember his own youth… or at least the time when he was still younger than thousand years old… Ya… something like that…

"So, what are we up to today?" Nima chirped happily while taking a look at the newspaper. "Heh, funny how stupid they have to think the people of this country are. They are writing only bullocks! Who is supposed to believe that?!"

"Lemme see." Ledah jumped behind Nima, reading the headline. "Suuna rebuilds broken parts of Marua Tower."

"HA!" Kyrin almost spit his coffee over the table. "Are you kidding?!"

"Nope, that's what they are writing." Ledah's eyes drifted over the page. "They are writing that the old tower was a symbol of weak stubborn old man that feared anyone might steal their secrets. In the new tower they won't built in the labyrinth anymore, making it possible for anyone to enjoy the beauty of the trademark of Chollor, as a symbol of unity and equality…"

"Ugh, I just lost my appetite…" Deamond threw his half eaten piece of bread on his plate, leaning back in his chair.

"Sounds more like a trick to easier keep control of the tower and the magicians!" The old demon barked furiously. "This will break down even the last resistance of Chollor's High-Magicians! So far it was hard keeping an eye on them when they went deeper into the labyrinth."

"Speaking of which." Deamond yawned on his chair, resting his chin on his arms on the table. "We need to meet them today."

"Huh?" Nima blinked confused, staring at the man in surprise. "But they are guarded and how are we supposed to get to them anyway?!"

"Leave that to me." The enwa yawned again, ignoring the weird glance he earned from Ledah…

"…" Ledah rose an eyebrow. He wondered if Deamond had slept a single second that night… Every once in a while he had heard the other enwa in his room at night, probably hanging over his maps and plans…

"Well, if you want, we can go right away." Kyrin grinned, patting the sleepy man.

"Sure thing!" Suddenly, Deamond jumped up from his seat, all tiredness seemingly forgotten.

"Great." Smiling, the blonde stood up. "I will pack my stuff, alright? Let's say we leave in half an hour?"

"Sounds fair enough to me!" Nima grinned and ran up as well.

"…" Deamond enjoyed another cup of hot chocolate while looking over at the demon. "What are you staring at?"

"Nothing, I was just wondering… what other skills you might possess… After all you are an enwa… and if I'm not mistaken, you are a –let's call it experienced one… I don't like the word old regarding the fact that I like at least three times your age."

"Hmpf." Deamond smiled evilly. Now he showed his cold face again. Kyrin was certain, this man had two personalities. A cheery one he usually showed off to the public and one that was cruel and unforgiving… He was just not sure what exactly caused this second half of the enwa to show…

"Indeed…" Licking over his razor sharp teeth, Deamond focused his companion with cold eyes. "I can sense links in Mana, I read it like a book. So you better never try to hide something from me." Grinning he took a last sip of hot chocolate. "Okay, time to prepare for our little trip."


"Oh man… do I have to wear that?" Nima grunted while Deamond helped her closing the jacket he usually wore, that now hide Nima's face thanks to the high collar.

"Yes, you have. Either that or you stay in the Inn!" Deamond muttered while correcting the collar again and again so it actually covered the girl's face.

"And that hat has to get off as well. Try this instead." Kyrin handed the girl a small white ribbon. The elder demon had switched cloths with Ledah. Luckily he was only slightly taller than the blonde… But instead of the red shirt though, he wore a baggy black one and the cape he wore ever since they had arrived in town.

"If you want my opinion, which I know you don't, I'd suggest you give her different trousers too…" Ledah sighed. "She can't wear a long-sleeves jacket with chains and wear short puffed trousers with it!"

"Hm, you are right… I will get my spare-trousers!" Deamond jumped back up to his room. Nima only stared at the others as if they were totally crazy.

"And that is supposed to fit me?!"

"Uhm..." Kyrin and Ledah only stared at each other in disbelieve.

"There you go!" Deamond came jumping down the stairs again, grinning happily while waving with a couple of long black trousers that Nima could easily wear over her short ones… which she actually did…

"They are way too long!" She complained angrily.

"Looky~" The brown-haired enwa knelt down, dragging on two small chains that appeared on the end of the legs. The trousers ruffled around the chains, getting shorter a little. "This should do! But watch out! Those are my favorites!"

"Oh great…" Nima rolled her eyes and took Ledah's and Kyrin's hand, dragging them outside, followed by cheery Deamond.


The streets of Marua were crowded as usually. Merchants praising their wares, bards trying to gain some money, thieves robbing the careless townspeople…

The little group slowly made their way to the giant tower in the middle of the city, Deamond leading them on the front. Nima held Ledah's arm, pretending they were a couple, so Nima could hide her face on him when Suuna-guards passed them. After all she used to be the royal strategist of Suuna, and was now a wanted criminal. Kyrin just tried to pretend eye-contact. It had been almost five years since he had escaped from here… He doubted any of the guards would recognize him anymore.

"Hey you! STOP!!" The little group froze immediately at the shrill voice. Only Deamond dared to turn his head at whoever had just screamed at them. His face turned pale as he recognized the person running towards them. "Finally I found you again!" The girl that had run into him the previous day stopped in front of him, grinning evilly. "This time you won't get away!"

"Listen girl, I don't have time for playing!"

"No way! You WILL listen to me. NOW!" Chocolat shrieked, protesting. Nervously, Deamond looked around. The guards walking around in the streets started getting interested in the small group, following them with their eyes already. Ledah swung his arm around Nima, hiding her face from the surroundings while holding her carefully. Kyrin pretended not being part of the group, walking on indifferently.

"Hey, girl. If that is what you want to hear, then I say sorry for standing in your way, but now leave me alone!" Deamond hissed dangerously, his eyes turning to little slits. By now, even Siegfried had arrived next to the girl.

"Nope, that was not it!" Smiling, Chocolat leaned forward a little, pointing with her finger at the brownhaired man. "You, my little friend, are a Manawielder! I can feel it! I want a duel! And I won't leave until I get my fight!"

"N-No way, Milday!" Siegfried snapped, unleashing his floret. Now the group was targeted by all the surrounding guards. Ledah could only hiss silent curses, while doing his best to hide Nima.

"Okay, okay, okay!" Deamond grunted. "Put away your weapon! You have my word that we will have a duel! But not now. Just put away that weapon!"

"Hm… Okay, deal!" Grinning, Chocolat placed her hand on Siegfried's hand, pushing the floret down. "But I will stay with you until then!"

"W-what?! No way!" The enwa snapped.

"Hey, I know you!" Suddenly a guard yelled, pointing at Nima and Ledah. "You are the demon we saw in Fredbrand!"

"Oh great…" Deamond hissed, turning around and starting to run, followed by Nima and Ledah.

"Next time, YOU hide your face!" Nima yelled towards Ledah while running next to him.

The guards didn't hesitate, following the three persons, yelling at each other. Kyrin watched them running away, following in save distance.

"H-Hey! What about our duel?!" Chocolat shrieked, left behind.


"This way!" Deamond led them to a small street on the side, hoping that they'd be faster in the not so crowded side-way.

"Hurry, Nima!" Ledah turned his head, noticing that the girl had fallen behind.

"I can't run with these cloths!" She barked, trying to open the jacket.

"Hey, don't you dare!" Deamond stopped, turning towards Nima, picking her up, carrying her on.

"Sure, that's way easier!" She chuckled and looked over her shoulder, noticing the guards entering the street now as well.

"STAND STILL ALREADY!" The Suuna-warriors yelled while doing their best to keep up with the fast group. Fastening his pace, Ledah ran behind the corner of the street, ahead of Deamond and Nima, suddenly storming back again.

"OTHER WAY!" Ledah snapped, frustrated. A quick glance told Nima why he had returned: More guards!! Suddenly, the enwa carrying her stopped.

"Dammit!" Deamond snapped, standing in front of a dead end suddenly. "Gra, this is going to make things way more difficult!" Gritting his teeth, Deamond summoned his scythe. "Déjà vu…"

"Huh?" Ledah grinned while taking out his flame-saber of its shelf. "If you had killed them all on the spot back then, we wouldn't have this problem now!"

"And if you hadn't given your sword to Kyrin, you could have done it yourself!" Lolling his tongue out, the enwa went into fighting-stance, ready for some fun.

"Ugh, boys…" Nima rolled her eyes, hiding in a corner behind two boxes to not stand in the way. She was not much of a fighter, so leaving it all to the guys was the better choice… In the end she stood only in the way…

"…" The guards slowly formed a circle around the little group, grinning evilly. Almost twenty lance-guards, a couple of axe-wielders and some archers, back-upped by a unit of sword-fighters… It was like a pack of monsters, circling around their helpless prey.

From her spot in the corner, Nima watched how Ledah and Deamond prepared for the upcoming fight. If those two were ordinary humans, she would have declared them dead already, but regarding the fact that they both were 'special', Nima just prayed they'd get through…

"Hey, Led… How many throwing-knives do you have?" Deamond whispered towards his friend, awaiting the guards to attack at any possible second.

"Not many. I'm wearing Kyrin's armor. There is not much space for any hidden ones." Ledah grit his teeth, looking through the ranks of their enemies. "We have to get rid of the archers."

"I can take out only half of them with my throwing-knives. The rest has to be eliminated in the ordinary way." The other enwa hissed while moving his hand slowly towards his open jacket, ready to grab his hidden weapons. "But that will take too long."

"I know… So how about we try to dodge their first salve and go rampage on them afterwards?"

"Too risky. We need to eliminate them fast." Grunting, Deamond tightened the grip on his scythe. "How about a little shielding with your wings? They will hold the arrows off until I get the time killing them."

"I… I can't! I don't know why…" Ledah bit his lip. What were they supposed to do now?! "How about praying for a miracle?"

"Hehe, there is nothing like miracles. But maybe a little Mana will do." Sighing, Deamond charged, followed by Ledah.

They had been right. The archers were the main-problem! It took Deamond just a couple of seconds to kill the first two guards, but the archers forced him to back off again. Ledah wasn't in any better shape. He had struck down and archer with his flame-saber, but another shooter had almost hit him right in the chest. Luckily, Ledah wore Kyrin's armor, the arrow hitting the metal amulet he usually fixed his sword on, being stopped by it before hurting him gravely.

After a couple of seconds, the two men stood against the wall again, Deamond defending them from the arrows with a shield of summoned ice.

"Dammit!" Ledah snapped, looking down at his sword. "How about you use some Mana to kill them as you did in Fredbrand?!"

"I explained you already, that we have only limited Mana left within us before it runs out and we can only use the Mana in this world. I used my last Mana to show you that memory! I'm just as weak as you right now." The poison green eyes gleamed dangerously as Deamond tried to strengthen the shield.

"Give up now and we will spare your lives!" One of the guards, the only one with a cape so probably he was higher ranked than the others, stepped forward, giving the archers a sign to put their bows up, firing on his command.

"Sounds nice. Too bad I can't believe it." Deamond yelled over his barrier, knowing that he wasn't able to stand for long against the many attacks. "How about this? You just go away and I don't have to kill any more of you?"

"Don't make me laugh." The guard rose his hand a little more, making the archers targeting the two men ahead.

"…" Deamond thought for a second. "Can't think about anything to answer anymore…" Sighing, the brown-haired man looked at his companion. "Great… Dying next to a fry like you…"

"I could think about nicer ways to go as well, y'know?!" Ledah hissed. "Guess then it is time for me to use my last Mana, huh? Can you shield yourself and Nima?"

"Will that be enough?"

"Either that or we test how many arrows it takes to break the ice!" Without accepting any more complaining, Ledah stepped forward, throwing his flamesaber on the ground.

"Are at least you getting to your senses?" The guard grinned, focusing the blonde with hungry eyes.

"I'm giving up. I will come over to you." Sending a last glare to Deamond, Ledah walked over to the guards, his heart beating with twice the speed. He could feel the warriors amongst the guards just awaiting him to arrive. They wouldn't hold to their promise, probably stabbing him the second he was arrested.

"Nima, come here!" Deamond took the girl's arm, dragging her into the open street, hiding her with him behind the ice-barrier. "Stay close!"

"Good boy." The guard-leader took Ledah, forcing him on the knees. "It is nice that these creatures see what happens if someone rejects Suuna, before they die themselves!" He rose his sword, ready to strike as…

"Burning SERAPHIM!" Ledah unleashed all his Mana within, causing a giant flame-wave, running through the street.

It took only the blink of an eye before the wave disappeared, causing the flames to weaken down.

Ledah crawled his hands into the ground, breathing heavily. It hadn't been enough…

"M…monster…" Some of the guards were still standing, burnt, but still able to fight.

"Ugh…" Literally burnt out, the blonde looked up, trying to unleash another wave, concentrating all that was left within. With his last might, Ledah sent out another wave, but it didn't even reach the soldiers. As it was just about to break down again, a second wave appeared from the other side of the street. One that blew the last guards away, burning them to ashes. Ledah watched in awe how the flames surrounded a single figure standing between the dead bodies. "Kyrin!"

"Are you alright?!" The demon ran towards the boy, picking him up from the ground. "Where are-"

"We are here." Deamond stepped out behind a barrier of ice, followed by Nima. "Good job, Ledah!" Smiling, the enwa patted the young man eagerly.

"How did you do that, Kyrin?!" Nima stared at the old demon in shock. This was just the same attack Ledah had used when he had saved her the very first time, but much more controlled than Ledah's outbursts.

"Would you mind if we go back to the Inn?" Ledah suddenly interrupted. He let go of Kyrin, leaning on Deamond instead.

"Sure thing…" Realization came to Deamond. He knew why Ledah wanted to go back… and not only because weakened now. "Kyrin." He looked at the elder with worried eyes. "The two of us will go to the entrance of the tower. A woman with halo will await us there. We will lead her to the Inn."

"But shouldn't we help-"

"Nima will handle that. Come on with me. It is too dangerous for one of us to go alone. Especially now." Deamond's glare made it pretty obvious, that he wouldn't accept any further resistance.

"Thanks…" Ledah silently whispered towards the other enwa before walking off the street back to where they had come from.

"…" Kyrin could only wonder but followed Deamond without further complaining.


The way back to the Inn was without any problems… As it seemed, no one had noticed the mess in the side-streets so far… The few guards that walked through the streets were rather indifferent about the 'couple', keeping an eye on the shops especially. From time to time, Ledah and Nima nervously twitched when a guard yelled at someone in the streets, but fortunately, no one seemed to notice them… Chuckling, Nima only prayed they wouldn't run into that girl from before again.

After a ten minutes walk, they finally reached the Inn they used to stay in. Nima was just as worried as always when Ledah had used his powers. She didn't fully understand Mana yet, but feared, her companion might be hurt. Ledah could only chuckle on her behaviors of opening him the door politely or offering him to take his bag…

Up in Ledah's room, the blonde sat down on his bed, taking a deep breath before opening the belts and clips of Kyrin's armor, taking it off.

"C-can I bring you something?"

"Just one of my shirts will be fine, thanks…" Lowering his head into his hands, he shot a glance at the armor lying next to him. He was so stupid… Why hadn't he noticed it earlier?! It seemed all so obvious now…

"Are you okay?" Nima gave her friend one of the red shirts he used to wear, sitting down in front of him worried. "Thank you, for saving us again."

"…" Ledah only closed his eyes, a chill running down his spine. "Nima…"

"Hm?"

"C-can I ask you something personal? Even if it sounds totally weird?"

"Sure thing." The strategist smiled softly, leaning a little more forward to see behind the curtain of hair, hiding the blonde's eyes.

"If you… trusted someone… If you'd call this someone a real companion, a friend,… Could you still do it… even if he lied to you from the very beginning?"

"I guess it depends." Nima's smile faded. She brushed his hair out of his face standing up again, turning towards the door. "I will get you something to drink okay?"

"Thank you." Ledah smiled weakly, pulling his red shirt on before standing up, walking towards the window.

Nima was just about to leave as she turned around again, taking one last glance at the enwa. "Ledah?" She grit her teeth. "Either this person did it to deceive or to protect… Depending on this, I'd make my decision."


The woman, Deamond had picked up from the tower was the same as the leader of the Managuard he had talked with before joining Ledah's group. She entered the Inn along with the enwa and the elder demon, booking a room for herself before joining Deamond in the main-hall. "So then the schedule will be delayed for one day?"

"Indeed." Sighing, the brown haired man looked around to ensure no one spied them. "Thanks for your understanding."

"I'm just surprised you actually managed to get out of that mess alive." Chuckling, the wingless angel took a sip on a glass of water before her eyes drifted off to Kyrin.

"If you excuse me now, Fira, Deamond. I will have a look how Ledah is doing, alright?" The demon smiled, ready to leave.

"Wait a second." Deamond's eyes turned to slits. "Would you mind telling Nima she should come down? I need to talk with her!"

"Sure thing." With a wondering expression, Kyrin went up to the rooms. As he arrived in front of Ledah's door he was just about to knock as Nima opened the door from inside.

"Oh, hey!" Smiling happily, the girl greeted her companion.

"How is he? Oh, and Deamond needs you down in the hall!"

"Oh, okay." Nima blinked confused. "Uhm, Ledah is doing fine. I was worried about him too, but it seems as if anything is just okay with him. He said something about not having used all his Mana but only fire… No clue, I don't get this Mana-stuff, but as he said he is alright,… Ugh, I better go get to see Deamond." Grinning, she stepped past Kyrin, walking towards the stairs and down to the hall.

"Hey Deamond! Oh, and good day." She added politely as she noticed the woman sitting next to Deamond. "You wanted to talk with me?"

"Not really, but I wanted to ensure Ledah can have a word with Kyrin by himself." Smiling innocently, he offered the girl a seat before returning to a conversation with the Managuardian.


"Hey, how are you doing?" Kyrin smiled friendly as he entered the room, finding Ledah standing on the window, looking outside.

"I am fine. Just because I used Mana that doesn't make me break down…" Gritting his teeth, the blonde turned around. "Would you mind telling me what this attack was?"

"…" Kyrin's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't considered this…

"It was the very same as I used. Mana turning from the inside to the outside. And I know this Mana. I have felt it so many times already." Ledah leaned on the wall, crossing his arms. "Why didn't you tell me you were from Utgard?! I have told you I was from Midgard. I'm certain you knew it was the same worlds! Why did you keep it for yourself?!"

"I… thought you wouldn't understand…" Kyrin lowered his head, his heart sinking… So he had been right… It was a problem for Ledah.

"Not understanding?! Why shouldn't I?! If I had known from the beginning that you are from Utgard, I could have asked you for help on how to use my Mana correctly instead of risking to burn anyone around. Looking back at it, it would have been much easier. In the temple even, you gave me hints the whole time, hints that made me understand how the Mana of this world works! Why didn't you tell me from the beginning?! Not to mention all the information you had about the cross and world-traveling… Now that I think about it, it is so clear!"

"Listen, Ledah! I know I made mistakes, but what I did was to protect you. I thought you might be unable to travel alongside me if you knew the truth!" Kyrin grit his teeth, balling his hands to fists.

"What problem should I have with it, Kyrin?! What's the problem with you being from Utgard? I might have mentioned I lived in Asgard, but times have changed. Since almost 500 years I'm working for peace between Asgard and Utgard. And it works! There is no war between the worlds anymore. I wouldn't have had a problem with you. Half of the time I'm even living in Utgard. You know Galdor, do you?" He smiled warmly. "You really shouldn't have worried about this." The smile faded again. Ledah looked into Kyrin's deep red eyes, finding, that there was something else bothering him… "They knew it all from you, right? About the Cross and the world-traveling. You told them. That's why you felt bad?"

"…" Kyrin closed his eyes… Partly the boy was right… but only partly… Why couldn't he just tell him?!

"Listen. Anyone makes mistakes." Ledah smiled. "Hey, and as soon as this is all over, we will both return to Utgard. You can live at Galdor's palace if you want. I could use a knight with your experience!" He grinned happily, holding his hand tightly around the crescent-moon shaped amulet around his neck. "If you want to that is of course!" He added hesitantly.

"…" Kyrin's worried expression faded slowly. "I would love to."

"Great. Then it is settled!" Ledah grinned sheepishly, turning back to the window. "Hey, who is the person Deamond wanted to meet?"

"A member of the Managuard. They have an arrangement that she will lead us through the labyrinth of the Magician's tower. As it seems, she has been a Managuard of Marua before they had to escape because of Suuna." Kyrin sighed. "I can't remember her but she said she had seen me a couple of times with the magicians in the past."

"Oh, I see. So that was Deamond's famous secret plan." He chuckled and followed the crowds outside on the street with his eyes. "By the way, how much Mana do you have left? Was that from before your last or do you still have some within you? … Kyrin?" As he turned around, the demon was already gone.


In the evening, the little group, including the Managuardian sat around a table in the Inn's dining-room, enjoying the meal. The only person missing was…

"Shouldn't we wait for Kyrin?" Nima hesitated before turning to their guest. "Fira, do you want some more bread?"

"No, thank you." Smiling, the angel leaned back in her chair, sipping on a glass of wine.

"Kyrin said he wasn't hungry, just a little tired." Deamond cheered Fira before drinking a little wine himself.

"Hm…" Ledah rose an eyebrow before returning to his meal.


Kyrin lay on his bed in his room, staring blankly at the roof. He had been so shortly before telling the boy the truth… But how could he? The kid was too kind… Returning with him to Galdor… His beloved Galdor…

"Hey, may I come in?" Deamond had already entered the room, making the question rather pointless. "Did you talk with Ledah?"

"I did…" The demon sighed and closed his eyes. "But… I can't get out of this net of lies…"

"So then why not telling him the truth?" Deamond smiled.

"You know it too, don't you? You have felt it when I used my flame-attack… Your might is limited here, but your senses aren't, right? Weren't you shocked when you found out?"

"Not at all." He smiled. "I have seen weirder things in my life then this… but yes you are right, I have felt it. I can sense relations due to Mana-links. I'd say third generation?"

"Hmpf, you really are good, aren't you?" Kyrin smiled weakly. "I came to this world by accident, trying to find a way to bring back my son… and now, over 500 years later in which I'm stuck in this world, the solution of all my problems comes here and even offers me knighthood in my former home…"

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"I don't think so…" Sighing the demon got up. "It is already too late for me… I can't return to Galdor like this… I left it the night it fell apart… The night I heard of my son's death… If I just had known that he had a child, maybe the country wouldn't have fallen."

"Well, I never had children so I can't quite feel how it is to lose a son, but I have lost someone that is very important to me once as well. I pushed anything away from me, trying to find a way to forget, but I never managed to… And look at me today. Thousands of years later, I'm here to make things right again. It is not too late for me, Kyrin, so why should it be too late for you?"

"…" Avoiding the enwa's eyes, Kyrin crawled his hands into his trousers.

"Hey, I got an idea!" Deamond grinned and hopped over to the elder, kneeling down playfully in front of him, looking him into the eyes. "From today on, I will call you by your real name, so you can remember how it feels, okay?"

"My real name?" Blinking confused, the demon rose an eyebrow.

"Yeah! When one of us calls you Kyrin right now, anyone just thinks of you as Kyrin Shirai… How about when I call you Kyrin, you think about it as your real name?"

"… You are crazy…" The elder couldn't help but smiling at the man in front of him. He started liking Deamond, even though he knew about his twisted persona… "Maybe… it is worth a try."

"Very well." Chuckling, Deamond left for the door, stopping in the door-frame. With one assuring glance that no one was around, he turned in a knightly manner, saluting in front of the demon. "I wish you a good night, Kyrin Grozen!" With that, he turned and left.

Kyrin sat on his bed a little longer, staring at the door.

A smile lit his face.