WoLaD: Birth of Hope Ch.11

"Wars of Light and Darkness"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

Prelude: "Birth of Hope"

-----

Chapter 11: "Across the Stream"

   That first morning without Kashoku was chaotic; everyone was up-in-arms, desperate to know what had happened to their beloved king.  Mitsukai was inconsolable, and her nurses attended to her, trying to keep her calm and relaxed.  She complained that she wasn't feeling well.  The village doctor, Prodamis, was called to assist her.

   Meanwhile, Shadow found himself with a village full of echidnas looking to him to lead them in Kashoku's stead.  Even in such a short time, they had come to love and respect Shadow just as they had Kashoku, and with Lady Mitsukai needing rest, Shadow was the next in line to guide them.

   Shadow was hit with more than he thought he could handle.  The loss of Kashoku affected him very heavily, but he couldn't let it impact him fully, for he had to keep up his strength to lead the echidnas.  That entire day he went around consoling fears, checking in on Mitsukai's condition, and trying to organize a search for Kashoku.  It wasn't until later that evening that he discovered one of the Spirit Jewels was missing.  The discovery gave him an idea on how he could find Kashoku, but it would require him to leave the village in order to do so.

   Night fell.  Shadow sat on the edge of the cliff, gazing out at the ocean, but only every moment or so.  His attention was given to one of the Spirit Jewels.  He held it in his hands, turning it over and over as he stared at it.  Kashoku had told him they could be used to track each other, and the power of the Master Jewel.  He realized that if Kashoku had taken one of them that any of the remaining six could be used to find the one he had with him.  Shadow planned to leave that next morning to find his friend.

   The light of the Spirit Jewel was comforting, but made Shadow sad, for it reminded him of Arandor.  Closing his eyes, he let it rest on the ground beside him as he tucked his legs up against his body, resting his head on his knees as he sighed.  "Why did you run away Arandor?  Why did you feel you could not share with me your troubles?  I thought you were getting better.  Are you really getting worse?  Was I right?  Are you really…becoming mortal?"

   The Dark Elemental shivered.  He knew that if such a fate came to pass that Arandor could not be saved from it.  Shadow would be alone, the only one who could lead the war against Mukot in the years to come.  It scared him, not just to be alone, but to be without his brother.

   He held his head tighter against his knees, clenching his eyelids as tightly as they would press, forbidding tears to fight their way past them.  "No Arandor," Shadow whispered, "You cannot leave me.  I will find you and bring you to a place where you can heal.  I don't want to keep you from being happy, but I will not let you destroy both of us.  Would you really let death pull you away from me?  Do you love them, more than you love me?"

   Silence; Shadow began to wonder if maybe he didn't want to hear Arandor's answer.

   "Damn you Arandor…I-I won't let you choose them over me."

   "Shadow?"

   A gasp escaped the Dark Elemental.  Looking up and behind him, he saw Acadiar standing there watching him.  Try as he might, a tear or two had streaked down Shadow's face, however, in the dim light of the waxing new moon, Acadiar could not see the traces on his cheeks.  It was the sadness in Shadow's eyes that Acadiar quickly picked up on.

   Bowing his head, Acadiar continued, "I understand you plan to leave us and search for Lord Kashoku, is that right Shadow?"

   Trying to regain his composure, Shadow rose to his feet and said, "Yes Acadiar.  With the power of a Spirit Jewel, I can track the one Kashoku carries with him, and when I find him I will bring him home."  He paused, still trying to figure out how to explain Kashoku's absence.  Lowering his eyes he sighed.  "I am certain he had a good reason for leaving us."

   Shadow turned to leave, but was stopped by Acadiar, grabbing his arm, causing the hedgehog to look back at the echidna warrior.  Acadiar's eyes were wide and filled with shock.  "Then…he did not tell you or the Queen that he was leaving?  Why would he sneak off without telling anyone?" Acadiar asked, his voice laced with worry and concern.

   With a sigh, came a glance from Shadow's soft red eyes.  He couldn't lie to Acadiar now, as much as he wished he could.  Pulling his arm free from the echidna's grip, Shadow shook his head and replied, "No Acadiar; neither I nor Mitsukai know where he went, or even why he left.  You must understand; he is quite unlike any of you.  His life is a story no other can tell, one that few could understand.  He does things for reasons few can comprehend, and yet, it is all part of why you love him so much.  Because he is great, powerful, and just, he lives unlike any ever will."

   "I-I'm afraid I don't understand," Acadiar stuttered as Shadow walked away.

   The hedgehog stopped once more, a soft chuckle escaping him as he looked at Acadiar to address him.  "Isn't that what I just said my friend?" he asked, "The answer lies not in knowing why Kashoku does such things, but simply in trusting that there is reason for everything in his life, and the choices he makes.  He is more powerful than you can imagine.  I hardly fear for his life…I simply want him home."

   Acadiar hung his head, shaking it, unsure of whether or not he wanted to say more.  "You're not the only one who wants him home," Acadiar whispered.

   Shadow stopped again, several feet away, but able to hear even those faint words.  "Do not worry Acadiar.  He loves you all dearly.  He'll be home soon.  He's a free spirit is all," Shadow replied.

   "That's not it.  I was talking about…the Queen."

   "You mean because she is ill?" Shadow asked, turning around.

   Acadiar shook his head, a weak smile on his face as he raised his head.  "Prodamis says it's more than that," Acadiar replied, "He sent me to find you.  He wants to talk to you about something."

   Sensing the urgency, Shadow's eyes widened in reflex, even as he rolled them.  Laughing softly he said, "It would be nice Acadiar, if in the future, you would remember these things sooner."

   "My…my apologies my Lord, please, go speak with him," Acadiar whispered, stumbling over the words.

   Without another pause, Acadiar turned and ran for his home, one he now shared with Shadow instead of Kashoku after the King had moved in with his new bride.  There was no more room for humor in Shadow's hopeful heart, and he quickly turned and sprinted for Kashoku and Mitsukai's home.

   As he arrived, Prodamis was leaving the structure, the two nearly running into each other.  Stopping quickly, Shadow bowed his head and said, "I'm sorry to keep you Prodamis.  Acadiar tells me you have need to speak with me?  Is Mitsukai alright?"

   Prodamis brushed his bangs clear from his eyes, trying to regain his composure, before looking to Shadow.  "No need to worry my Lord, I understand your time is limited from one thing to another," Prodamis replied, "To answer your question, yes, she is alright.  Something that appears worrisome has turned out to be much more…innocent."

   Shadow blinked twice.  He picked up on Prodamis' train of thought, letting it run through his mind once or twice before closing his eyes, bowing his head, and folding his arms across his chest.  "So, that is what it is then," he murmured.

   Placing a hand on Shadow's shoulder, causing him to open his eyes, Prodamis shook his head and replied, "That is why I want Lord Kashoku home, my Lord Shadow.  I am assuming we have nearly a season left until the time is right, however…"

   "He needs to be home anyway," Shadow finished, taking Prodamis' hand and moving it away.  The echidna doctor nodded in reply.  Shadow sighed, a smile trying to curl his lips in happiness, while the straight frown, wrought out of concern, fought hard to resist it.  Nodding his head, Shadow looked down at the Spirit Jewel, still glowing as he held it in his hand, before looking back up to Prodamis.  "I planned on leaving in the morning, but I believe I should leave now.  Kashoku is a very fast traveler.  He could be many leagues away from here by now.  I will need all the time I can get in order to find him."

   Shadow stepped around Prodamis, entering the home.  Mitsukai rested on her bed, and appeared to be sleeping, but opened her eyes when she heard the movement.  Her smile was tired but warm as Shadow sat down beside her.  As he placed a hand on her forehead, she took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly as she whispered, "I am happy Shadow…I only despair for Kashoku cannot be here to share it with me."

   "Relax Mitsukai," Shadow replied, smiling to hide his worry, "I will bring Kashoku home.  For all of our lives he has always followed his heart.  Perhaps he had a burning desire he had to seek out; I know if he knew of this, he would not have run away now.  He will return soon.  Though he is fast, I can easily catch up with him once I have him in my sight."

   Soft laughter escaped Mitsukai as she sighed again.  Closing her eyes, she murmured, "I am tired…Shadow, please, go now, and bring him back to us."  Opening her eyes once more, she gazed at the hedgehog and added, "Tell him, he is needed here."

   With a nod, Shadow replied, "Not only that, but I will tell him why it is he is needed, my Lady.  I can promise you that."

   Rising to his feet, Shadow turned to exit.

   "I worry for him Shadow.  If there is a place he can be, where he will be alright again, the same peaceful soul I fell in love with, then I hope he finds it.  Now though, I really need him.  Maybe then we can find that place together," he heard her say.

   His ears pressed tightly against his head as he lowered it.  "May it be my Lady, may it be, and so it will.  Goodnight," he whispered.

   Stepping outside, he saw Prodamis, as well as Acadiar, Galaden, and Etheus, standing there waiting for him.  His concern was quickly shoved back in exchange for a confident face as they made eye contact.  Taking a breath, he nodded and said, "I take my leave.  Though Kashoku is fast, he is not quick enough to escape me.  I will find your king and bring him back to you, while I trust you, as he does, to take care of his bride."

   He stepped away from the group, heading for the edge of the village that skirted the forest.  He heard Galaden say, "Of course we will look after her."

   "I only wish we knew what was troubling Lord Kashoku.  Perhaps we could have helped him in some way," Etheus added.

   For the final time that night, Shadow stopped, and turned back to address them.  "If something is troubling Kashoku, it will take something far beyond any of us to help him, and it is something only he can find in himself to reach for.  If that is why he has run, maybe, he'll figure out what to do.  For now, all you can do is look after Mitsukai, and extend all of your prayers to your King.  He draws so much love from you all; I'm sure he wants to heal himself so he may better enjoy that happiness once more," Shadow explained.

   The words sunk in; Acadiar alone found the will to move and speak as he nodded his head and replied, "May the wind be at your heels and guide you swiftly and safely along the way, Shadow.  We'll be waiting."

   Shadow nodded, and turned away.  "Farewell; live on in peace and prosperity until we return."

   Without another word, Shadow disappeared, running quickly and fading away into the night.  The echidnas were still out of sorts and beyond understanding, and simply shuffled away from each other.  Galaden returned to his wife and sons, Etheus headed off to assist the night watch; Acadiar slunk home silently, while Prodamis returned to sit at Mitsukai's bedside.  The entire village was silent, under a dismal cloud of despair at the loss of their king.  It seemed all the Light Kashoku brought with him into their lives, was ripped out of it when he disappeared, not enough for any of them anymore, to keep them happy.

   Shadow ran on, trying to rediscover that Light, wanting it only for his friend, his brother, Arandor.

   He let his fears take him over again as he ran, the struggle for tears to fall causing his throat to close and his breathing become heavy.  "Damn you Arandor, I feel the love they have for you in their hearts.  How could you do this?  Taking you away from them for good is an impossible decision, and yet, even they will die someday.  If I do not save you now, I will be alone forever.  How can I rob her especially, in her time of happiness and need, of the husband she needs?  I love you Arandor, but you have put an impossible choice in my hands.  To bring you back, or save your life…is there a way out that won't hurt anyone?  I wish…I knew."

   Letting the Spirit Jewel guide him, Shadow ran over the vast continent, being led in a direction he wasn't familiar with, a part of the landmass he had not done a map of yet.  He didn't know how far ahead of him Kashoku was, but he hoped the search would not be long.  If Kashoku was dangerously close to losing his immortality, Shadow made the choice to take him back to Radiant Castle immediately…even if it meant leaving everything behind for good.

   The passage of a single day hadn't taken Kashoku very far from the village.  However, he had zigzagged across the land on his way to his present location, so it seemed like a much longer trip.  He had found his way to another forest, one to the south and west of his home.  Though he was strong, the marathon of running he had done that day, without stopping once to rest, eat, drink, or even think, had taken its toll on him.  Slowing his steps once he was within the boundaries of the forest, he finally stumbled to a hard stop upon reaching the bank of a stream twisting its way around the trees.

   The fall to the ground was hard, and as his chest impacted with the earth the air was abruptly forced out of his lungs, causing him to cough hard, gasping for the precious molecules of oxygen in the air to give him strength.  He was exhausted, and with each breath it seemed his need for air just couldn't be satisfied.  He lay there, his fur damp with sweat, his body reeling with pain, his forehead swimming and dizzy, just panting desperately.

   When he felt he couldn't slip any closer to death, the Spirit Jewel held loosely in his hand began to glow brighter, almost as if it knew its master was in dire need of help, and thus sought to return some of his power to him.  The Spirit Jewel called upon the Master Jewel, drawing directly from it the power to help heal Kashoku.  It came to him in the form of Light radiating from the Spirit Jewel.  It flew over and around him, covering him like a blanket, wrapping itself around every inch of his body.  As it danced over his fur and skin, lightly tickling him with warmth, it soaked down into it, bleeding into his body.  The return of this power helped soothe his fatigue, and erase any presence of pain within him.  The Spirit Jewel had helped save its first soul, its creator, proving it could be an instrument of help and healing if the need ever arose.

   Unlike Kashoku, though he once could, the little Spirit Jewel and its Master would easily be able to rebuild that lost power, even if they were ever as weakened as he.

   Feeling somewhat restored, Kashoku opened his eyes.  He found he was able to breathe easily again, and yet, though the Spirit Jewel had healed him, he still found he was quite tired, and thirsty.  It seemed that there was only so much the one jewel could do on its own, and so far away from its Master.  He wasn't entirely healed by any means, but he would survive, and so the jewel had done its job.

   Breathing deeply, he shivered as the grass below him tickled his nose.  He let out a soft giggle out of reflex, but was far from happy.  He realized he felt no more at peace with himself than he did when he left the village the night before.  This journey of healing would take longer than he thought, and if he kept on wearing himself out in this way, it would probably take forever.

   "I…I simply can't expend my power in this way.  Too much, too quickly; it'll be the death of me…," he whispered.  He paused and listened to himself.  Speaking of dying was so foreign to him, for he was told he would live forever, as everlasting as the Light he was born of.  The thought of the Light fading away scared him, as did the thought of dying.  He didn't want to go the same way Lamanos did.  He wanted to be around forever so he could always be there to protect everything that he loved.

   He simply had to get better.  The problem was he didn't know the nature of what afflicted him, and thus he had no idea of how to heal it.

   "Father would know."

   For the first time in months, Kashoku thought heavily about his father, Kalak.  His love for Mitsukai and the echidnas was strong, but his heart began to yearn for his father and his home in the stars.  Suddenly the thought of resting in his bed was more appealing than resting beside Mitsukai at night; the idea of laughing and playing with the Elder and Goldenstars was more desirable than spending happy times with Acadiar, Galaden, and Etheus; being alone with Shadow under the starlight, talking about their dreams and anything pointless and irrelevant would be a dream come true for his weary soul.

   For the first time, he wanted to go home.

   A tear fell from his eyes as he rested in the grass.  Using all of his strength, he pushed himself up using his arms.  Once he was on his hands and knees, he crawled over to the stream, before dropping to the ground again.  He inched his way forward, just enough so he could dip his head close enough to the water to lap some of it up to soothe his dry mouth and throat, and save himself from dehydration.

   After a few minutes, he had had enough to drink, and pulled back enough so his head wouldn't hang down into the water.  Once he was resting comfortably on the bank, he relaxed, breathing deeply to help himself calm down.  He began think again about his father, and ponder seriously whether or not he wanted to go back to the echidnas.

   He loved Mitsukai dearly, and all of the echidnas were held close to his heart; he realized the longer he stayed, the harder it would be to tear himself away from them, and he would only feel worse over time.  That tear from before bid more to follow it in its wake, and Kashoku found himself weeping again as he rested on the grass.

   "Lady Mitsukai…I loved you from the moment I saw you, and I will love you forever.  But…I was not born with the ability to face death and decay.  The Light within me is fighting desperately to be maintained, and I cannot contest it.  I embody the Light, and somehow…it is stronger than love.  I wish I could deny it, and somehow both of us find a way to live together forever, but I-I cannot see a way for this to happen.  Only Father can save me now, I think…Shadow and I…we need to go home.  It is a wicked thing to say…that we were made to be able to walk among you, for we are not.  We will not die, and while everything decays around us, we live on.  Afraid of death, unable to understand it…we are meant to exist as ghosts in this world, to only love each other and that which is eternal, and not this world so beautiful…that cannot last forever."

   Kashoku fell silent, gazing up at the stars as he said all of this, the few that he could see, able to break through the forest canopy.  A sigh escaped him as he closed his eyes.  "Shadow knows how to get home.  I will find him, and…we have no choice…but to leave."

   Tears trickled down the sides of his head, leaking from the corners of his eyes.  He wanted time to stop so he could lay there forever, and not have to face this impossible choice, raging as a bloody war in his heart.  Love wanted him to stay; Light wanted him to live forever; Desire wanted both sides to coexist; Fate wouldn't let anyone be satisfied.

   One more sigh, and then he was silent.  Kashoku wanted to listen to the sounds of the world around him, a sign of the life within it.  He could hear all of the sounds of the spring night; the brook beside him lapped softly at the shore; a warm breeze caused the leaves above him to rustle gently.  All was calm and beautiful.  It helped ease his worries.

   But then, one sound rose up above the rest that didn't fit in properly with the evening chorus.

   Kashoku heard a voice.

   He quickly rolled over on his front, trying to locate the source of the sound.  He realized it was coming from upstream, and to his fortune, a tall bush growing beside him where he lay hid him, as the river bent around it.  He eased up to the shore of the spring, peering cautiously around the bush as the voice grew louder.  It was the soft, happy voice of a female, singing as she walked along through the woods.

   As she came into view, his eyes widened.  For the first time in many weeks, the gentle glisten within his amber irises returned.

   It was a hedgehog maiden; her fur was a deep blush pink shade, her long hair hanging down to the backs of her knees.  She wore a dress of red and black, giving her the look of a little ladybug.  Her red-strapped sandals clung to her feet, and even from where he rested, Kashoku could see they were quite worn, as though they had walked a thousand miles without rest or repair.

   She knelt down beside the river, continuing to sing as she began rinsing crudely made dishes in the water.  He understood her words, grateful to Kalak for him teaching Arandor and Shadow all of the languages of the world, and he was enchanted by them, his senses tickled and teased by her beautiful voice.

   He was mesmerized, and gazed at her, unable to think about anything else.

   Even though the light was low and much was dark, he was able to see her eyes.  They were an emerald green color, matching the hue of the Master Emerald precisely.  They glittered as starlight reflected off the water, and reflected again in her eyes.

   He wanted to know what about her stole his breath away, and caused his heart to slow, but also beat in earnest, as if renewed in its desire to live, driven to reach for something new.

   All he knew was that she enchanted him.  There was something about her that reached out to him, whether she was aware of it or not.  After a moment or so, he began to realize what it was.

   "The Light within her," he murmured to himself, "Her soul shines brighter than any I have seen…brighter than Shadow, brighter than…Mitsukai.  Only my own, the Pure Light itself, could hope to eclipse her.  My stars…I never dreamed somebody with her purity, her beauty…her Light, within a mortal heart, could actually exist."

   He wanted to speak with her, but he realized he still bore the resemblance of an echidna.  He was still Kashoku the Brave; this maiden's Light was calling out to who he really was; Arandor of Light.

   It was a problem.  For the first time he wondered if he still remembered how to change back to his original form.

   He got up enough so he could crouch behind the bush.  He gave no thought to Shadow, the echidnas, or Mitsukai.  All he could focus on was speaking to this maiden, so his Light could mingle with hers.

   However, before he could begin to try and change back, he heard another voice.  Another girl, a lavender purple hedgehog, emerged from the woods and approached her.

   "Hailamei, we need to go back.  The king wants us to dance for him," she said, out of breath, her voice burdened with grief.

   Hailamei looked up at the other girl, gathering her dishes up in a ratty towel.  She sighed and said, "Again?  He and Urlumin are getting more and more demanding," as she rose to her feet.

   The lavender hedgehog sighed; "You say that as if they've ever once been kind or generous.  One of these days he'll betroth you to Urlumin, and once he is dead Urlumin will inherit the throne, and raise your babies into tyrants."

   Kashoku let out a gasp.  These hedgehogs and their tribe were in trouble; the tatty nature of their clothing and the horrible condition of their plates and sheets spoke volumes of this persecution.

   Hailamei's smile was gone, but hope flirted with her voice.  "No he won't Lulabei; I know someone will come and save us.  Some dashing warrior from far away will come and dethrone both the king and his son and save us all.  Someday…I feel it very strongly in my heart.  We just have to hang in there until then."

   As the girls started walking back into the forest, Lulabei sighed and replied, "I hope you're right Hailamei.  I don't know how much longer we can survive living like this."

   "Trust me Lulabei.  This feeling is so strong, I'd stake my life on it coming true," Hailamei said.

   "Heh, not such a big risk…we'll probably die anyway…," Lulabei murmured.

   "No we won't Lulabei.  He's out there, and I'll be waiting for him."

   Kashoku couldn't take it anymore.  He held his head in his hands, teetering on his knees, before falling backwards and landing on the ground.

   His mind raced violently.  The echidnas were so much further advanced than these hedgehogs, but at the very least he hoped the other races had wise and benevolent leaders.  These two girls, including the beautiful girl Hailamei, with all of that Light in her heart, spoke of their king and his son as though they were cruel tyrants, who would soon leave Hailamei with no choice but to bear the king his grandchildren.

   She was so optimistic.  She spoke of her savior as if she had already met him.  She spoke of him as if he already had the whole of her love and admiration.

   He wanted to help her and save her tribe, a race of people he would not have to change form in order to fit among them comfortably.

   That is…once he was his normal self again.

   Then he thought of Mitsukai, scolding himself for being entranced by the beauty of this hedgehog maiden.

   "You fool, does your love for Mitsukai mean nothing to you now?"

   "It's not true!  The Light in that girl Hailamei…it is soothing."

   "How can you love either of them?  You have to go home to Father!"

   "I can't leave Mitsukai, she needs me!"

   "How will I ever help Hailamei?"

   "You.  Will.  Die."

   "I cannot die!  I am immortal!"

   "The Light is leaving you!  You will be no help to anyone!"

   "Who do you love?"

   "Who would you much rather save?"

   "Hailamei?"

   "Mitsukai?"

   "What about yourself?"

   "You cannot die!"

   "You must live…."

   Kashoku collapsed; his mind gave out on him.  The last thing he could remember were the sounds of the night, the babbling brook, and the warm breeze blowing over him.  Then, he saw and remembered no more.

   He had not the answers he sought.

   And so he would sleep until he could breathe again.

   Stars continued to drift through the sky above him, and yet their gentle light was much closer to him than it could be normally.  After wandering around for many weeks, Starwin and Twinkle, who could not bear to return to Radiant Castle without Arandor, finally caught up to him.

   They floated cautiously through the trees, approaching his unmoving body as it rested on the grass, trying to make sure no one was around to spot them.  They had tracked him since he left the sea cliffs, and now at last felt safe enough to get close to him.   It was the first time they had seen him in months, but it was bittersweet, for he was not the Arandor they knew, and instead, was an echidna named Kashoku.

   Their starlight flickered in a miserable and pitiful blue light as they floated down to the ground.  Standing beside him, they stood no taller than his head.  They could see the pain in his expression, the frown on his face bent sadly even as he slept.  Twinkle wept, and Starwin gazed at him helplessly.

   "Oh Starwin…whatever can we do?  We can't bring him home like this!" Twinkle cried.

   Though he nodded in agreement, Starwin sighed and said, "He needs Kalak badly.  It will take a long time, maybe three years or so, for his immortality to leave him completely, but the more it does, the more he will lose the desire to hang on to it.  If Kalak doesn't restore his immortality now, we may never get the chance."

   Twinkle tried to stop crying.  She rested her tiny hand on Kashoku's brow, rubbing it gently.  "Oh poor baby Arandor," she whimpered, "We can't just leave him here like this.  We have to do something."

   "Yes Twinkle, you're right," Starwin said.  Flying over to stand beside her, Starwin nudged the Spirit Jewel that rested at his side.  "I think Shadow is using another gem like this to track Arandor.  He'll probably be here soon to take Arandor back.  We'll just have to wait for Shadow to cool down some more, then we can try talking to him again.  No doubt he's seen the toll this is taking on Arandor, so perhaps he will believe us this time, and will help us persuade Arandor to come home."

   With a nod, Twinkle replied, "I hope you're right."  They both looked to Kashoku, gazing at him sadly, both able to remember the days when Arandor's only care was whether he would be able to play with his father that day, or if Shadow could be persuaded to race him again.  He was no longer a child, and they could no longer protect him, which they would be able to accept, if only he wasn't fighting off the reach of death.

   Letting out a sigh, Starwin took a breath and said, "Okay, let's give Arandor our power.  It will make him strong again, and when Shadow arrives he will be ready to go home.  In a few days we'll try talking to Shadow again."

   "Right," Twinkle answered.

   Standing side by side, the little Elderstars poured all of their power into Kashoku, restoring lost power that was robbing him of his strength.  It was power that only the star spirits and Kalak possessed, and as it restored him, it would extend the battle he waged with mortality, allowing him extra time to make things right and return home.

   After those moments, the Elderstars fell to their knees, panting heavily.  Their starlight was almost gone, a sign of their vulnerability and lost strength.  Once she got a little breath back, Twinkle turned to Starwin and said, "We…we need to get flying back to the sea cliffs.  At this rate, even with a head start, Shadow and Arandor will arrive there before us.

   Starwin nodded.  Both were ready to leave, but they just couldn't bear to leave Arandor lying here, as vulnerable as he was.  Tears fell from both of their eyes as they walked back up to him one more time.  Twinkle climbed up on his chest and kissed him gently on the cheek, some of her tears, however small, soaking the fur on his face as she did so.

   "I love you baby Arandor," she whispered, "Do not be angry with us or your father.  We only want the best for you.  We want to rescue you; we only want to save your life."

   Starwin crawled up beside her, gently patting Kashoku on his cheek.  "We know you're happy here Arandor, but if you don't come back at least once then you'll die.  You can stay here, but you need to allow Kalak the chance to restore your immortality.  If it gets to be…too late…we won't be able to save you.  That's all we want.  Please give us that chance.  Nobody wants to lose you, or make you unhappy," he whispered.

   Kashoku moved a bit, still in a heavy sleep, unaware that he would wake up restored thanks to the love of these two tiny Elderstars.  Twinkle continued to sob, while Starwin tried to smile.  Hovering into the air, he said, "Come on Twinkle.  We need to get moving."

   Twinkle slowly rose into the air, still weeping.  Starwin placed his hands on her shoulders and tried to comfort her.  "How can you smile?" she asked.

   "Because…I know Arandor will do the right thing.  He is the Light after all," Starwin whispered.

   This caused little Twinkle to smile.  They looked back to Kashoku only once more, before flying back through the woods, heading back to the forest surrounding the sea cliffs to wait for Arandor and Shadow to return.

   They had done all they could do; now it was up to Shadow.

   In the early morning hours, Shadow arrived at the edge of this new forest.  The power within the Spirit Jewel was shining stronger than ever.  He knew he was close.

   It was almost dawn.  He had to hurry.

   He looked around.  Walking along the edge of the stream, he gazed at the Spirit Jewel in his hand.

   "It's glowing so brightly, I feel I should be right on top of him," Shadow whispered.

   Instinct told him to stop.

   Looking up, he saw a familiar figure resting on the grass beside the river.

   It was him.

   "Arandor!!" Shadow cried out softly, unsure why he restrained his voice, but thought it to be wise.

   He took two large steps to make up the rest of the distance, before kneeling down beside Kashoku, gently pulling him into his arms.  "Arandor," Shadow whispered again, "Wake up please.  Let me know you're alright."

   Kashoku gradually opened his eyes, immediately seeing Shadow above him.  Though he didn't think about it, Kashoku realized he felt much better, feeling stronger than he had in weeks.  He smiled, his eyes shining, glimmering unlike they had in months.  "Shadow," he replied, "I'm so happy to see you!"

   Shadow's eyes were wide.  He could see the change in Kashoku immediately.

   As Kashoku sat up, Shadow replied, "I'm overjoyed to see you Arandor.  You need to come back to the village now!"

   Kashoku froze, his smile weakening a bit.  Rubbing the back of his head he replied, "Actually Shadow, I was thinking you and I could go visit father for a little while.  Maybe he knows how to restore my strength since he was able to get you through losing your seed of Perfect Darkness.  Then, we can go back to the echidnas and share with them stories of the new lands we found down here."

   Another pivotal choice would soon be made.  This time, it was on Shadow to make a decision that would tell the story of the future, and could never be undone.

   "I was going to suggest you do that Arandor," he started.   Lowering his eyes, Shadow continued, "But it looks like you have your strength back, and while I want to be sure you're stable, I really think you need to go back to the village first.  Mitsukai needs you."

   The argument that raged in Kashoku's head the night before came back to haunt him.  His heart began to race as it bled for Mitsukai's welfare.  Grabbing Shadow by the arms, Kashoku cried, "Mitsukai?  What's wrong with Mitsukai?"

   Shadow tried to smile, for his news was good, though his heart still could not rest.

   "She's alright Kashoku.  Infact, it's quite the opposite.  Still, she needs you," he said.

   A worried chuckle escaped Kashoku.  "No riddles Shadow…what is it?  Why does she need me?"

   The smile that curled Shadow's lips was finally genuine.

   "Well…you see Arandor…it's like this…"