﻿ It is four hundred years after the great disaster in which a huge asteroid hit the Earth. Dust covered the atmosphere. Temperature of the Earth drastically dropped. Less than 0.1 % of the Earth population survived after the disaster. Even hundreds of years after the catastrophe, people still suffer from unstable and cold climate. They lead a desperate and hopeless life. Fortunately, people have a strong faith towards the Sou, their creator. People are loyal to the Sou-gen, the envoy sent by the Sou. They believe if they put their devotion towards the Sou and believe in the Sou-gen, a better world can eventually be built. Chapter 1 ‘Lucifer, you will never win, because you are just created by me.’ ‘No, we are always equal, because both of us are just imaginary forces inside human minds. You represent comfort, shelter, faith, authority and power; I represent independence, arrogance, rebelliousness and freedom. You know that clearly.’ ‘Your rebellion will not succeed. Humans are always mentally weak. They need me; they fear me. They all believe that following you will only lead to darkness and despair.’ ‘True, they need your shelter and they fear your power; but you have neglected one thing. You have neglected human’s desire for freedom. No matter how powerful you are, you cannot defeat it. No matter how beautiful your shelter is, you cannot lure them away from it.’ ‘Freedom? Freewill? True, human treasure this thing a lot. But if I provide them ultimate joy and comfort, if I fear them with unlimited power, they will abandon it and follow me.’ ‘We will see. This battle has just begun and it will last. Every human mind will be our battlefield!’ Leon cannot see anything; everywhere is dark. He can only hear to these two strong voices among the darkness. ‘Almighty Sou, leads us away from the abyss. Glorious Sou, guides all of us to bliss Sou, rejuvenate the world and pardon our sin…’ Lovely hymn music spreads across the streets and reaches Leon’s house. Leon wakes up and yawns. He barely slept last night as today is the most important day of his life. He tries to remember his dream while he is brushing his teeth and washing his face. He has a faint and distant memory that he just has a short and awkward dream; but he cannot remember what it is. Finally, he decides to give up. He puts on his best and only suit, a white long-sleeve jersey, a pair of grey trousers, a pair of simple white earrings, a sky blue, neat and elegant cloak that covers to his knees and a lovely hat which is also light blue in colour. He walks on the street and tries to remain in low profile. He hates drawing so much attention even it is his special day. Yet still, Mrs. Marcanoni living at the next street is still attracted by his appearance and clothing. ‘Wow. Such a handsome boy.’ She says. Leon humbly greets her. Mrs. Marcanoni says ‘Leon, you should not be too modest. You should remember that you are the first person in our town or even our whole province who ranks the top place in this tournament. You should enjoy the honor of meeting our president or even our noble Sou-gen.’ ‘Thanks, Mrs. Marcanoni. I would say the best thing is that I can serve our almighty Sou.’ Leon leaps happily out of the town and walk towards his little white tri-plane. The thought that he will have an opportunity to be an outstanding flying guardian that can freely patrol the sky in the future makes him really excited and happy. ‘Hey, my dear champion.’ a familiar voice calls. It is Panzhi, Leon’s best friend. When Leon takes a look towards him, his worry of drawing too much attention is immediately eliminated. Panzhi wears a golden helmet and a fire-red long cloak. With his long curly golden hair and his striking appearance, Panzhi looks like Apollo in the ancient Greek myth. ‘What’s up? Apollo,’ Leon replies. Panzhi chuckles and climbs up his own yellow bi-plane ‘Hurry, start your engine, we don’t have time joke around. We need to reach the capital before noon. I think you don’t want to be the first person to be late in the ceremony of Great Annual Youth Tournament in history.’ Leon smiles and pushes the hand-bar to start the engine. The two small planes slowly slide past the grassland covered by snow and frost. Then, they gently take off. ‘Feeling nervous? Panzhi.’ Leon shouts. Panzhi, who is flying on the right side of Leon, shouts back ‘Just concentrate on your flying. Be careful of the wind. It’s a rather windy day; even the best pilot in the world like you may lose control and crash.’ ‘Ok, boss. 300 km/h, heading southwest.’ Leon concentrates on his flying and climbs up above the clouds. The climate is much more stable above the clouds. He relaxes and meditates for a moment. He remembers the days, long ago, when his father and mother were still there. Though Leon could hardly remember their appearance, he recalls that they often took him on a plane to travel around. Both of them were great pilots who served as guards of the president and other important officials. But one day, a kind old man came to his house and told him that his parents were killed tragically during a power struggle in the government. From that day on, that old man, called Geffen, educated him and trained him. He taught him how to fly various kinds of planes since he was five. He also taught Leon to use the sword and the gun as he wanted Leon to be a skillful pilot and a dedicated fighter just like his parents. Geffen is also an experienced devoted believer towards the Sou. He has been serving as a priest for more than 40 years. He constantly teaches Leon to love others and to be a humble and kind person. He also reminds Leon that his skills in fighting and flying are used to help others and serve the Sou, but not to show off or harm others. After more than 10 years of training, Geffen encouraged Leon to join the Great Annual Youth Tournament. Winning the tournament would not only give great fame to Leon, it would also provide a great opportunity to meet the president and the Sou-gen. This can enable Leon to serve them as a famous guardian just like his parents do. With his great techniques in using the sword and flying the plane, his knowledge and insight towards politics and various issues and his emotional and inspiring speech about serving the Sou, Leon greatly impress all the judges and was awarded as the champion. Panzhi also used his talented combat and powerful speeches to amaze the judges and was awarded as the first-runner up in the tournament. Cold wind jabs Leon and makes him feel lonely. He thinks ‘How I wish my parents are still here and are able to witness my success today. But now even my parents have passed away, they can watch me from the heaven above this tall sky. They should be very proud of me.’ Thinking of that, he feels that warmth has come to his heart again. Three hours later, they have reached the capital of the republic, Wartse. Wartse is the most beautiful and well-planned city on the Earth. The bird’s eye view of Wartse is magnificent. At the centre of the city, there is the government building and the parliament building. But compared to the Sou Temple behind, these two buildings are still tiny and negligible. The Sou Temple is so gigantic that it will take nearly a whole day just walking through the temple. Every day, thousands of people all over the world visit the temple. Even the poorest person will try to make use all of his money to travel to the temple as it is a great honor to do so. During festivals or big ceremonies, nearly a million of people from all provinces will gather in the temple and hope to have a glance towards the Sou-gen. But still, the Sou Temple is not the holiest place on Earth. The holiest place on Earth lies at the outskirt of the capital. There is a medium size hill in which a cave can be found in the hill. The cave can link deeply to the underground. This cave is called the Divine Entrance as it is the entrance to the sacred place where the Sou’s material form stays though His original non-physical form is on the Heaven. It is the place where the first Sou-gen met and was enlightened by the Sou four hundred years ago. No civilians are allowed to come close to 3 kilometers from the hill. Only experienced priests and bishops can be allowed to go within this area. These experienced priests and bishops can go furthest to 100 meters from the cave. The Sou-gen can go further from it. Nobody, except the Sou-gen can go inside the Divine Entrance. Even so, over the years, except the first Sou-gen, all generations of Sou-gens has never used this privilege before. They respect the Sou and never walked inside the Divine Entrance. They pray and obtain the message from the Sou by standing right at the Divine Entrance but never get inside the dark cave. Leon cannot fly over the Divine Entrance to have a closer look as the sky above the hill is heavily guarded by various kinds of battleships and corvettes. Finally, Leon and Panzhi reached the airport of the capital. Their planes are tiny compared to various kinds of passenger ships or trading ships that are waiting to land in the airport. Leon follows the signal from the controlling tower of the airport and lands carefully in the designated place, just like the candidates sticking their barcodes in their designated places. No sooner have they climbed out from their aircraft, various staffs and journalists approach them. The representatives from the government and also a few priests greet them and lead them away from the large crowd of journalists. Cameras and microphones are chasing them. Panzhi smiles at the cameras and waves his hand. Leon also follows reluctantly. They are invited into a luxurious black car. One of the representatives says politely ‘Welcome, Mr. Leonardo and Mr. Panzhiherashto. You will first meet our president Miss. Nakashi in a moment. Then you will have a precious opportunity to meet our beloved Sou-gen and officially receive the prize and rewards from him. You will also stay in the president’s palace for a few days.’ Leon is so excited. He often sees President Nakashi on TV. Though she is just a symbolic head for the state, her constant smile and politeness is delightful to Leon. He is definitely attracted by her beauty and charm. ********************************************************************* Chapter 2 President Nakashi is watering her plants and feeding her birds in the palace greenhouse. She gets a handful of nuts and berries out. Dozens of birds and squirrels quickly climb on her arm and also her shoulder. They squeak enthusiastically and Nakashi giggles. Animals and plants are her only friends in the world. ‘Miss Nakashi. The two winners of the Annual Youth Tournament will meet you at 2 o’clock. Will you have your lunch now?’ one of her guards comes in and asks. ‘Thanks a lot. I will come out in 10 minutes.’ she smiles and greets politely. She tries to be polite and kind to everyone since she was born. But sometimes, she is also tried to do so. Nakashi watches them finishing their food and pats their head smoothly. She then walks to the door of the greenhouse and goes out unwillingly. No sooner has she come out from the greenhouse than two guards approach her and lead her passing the golden long corridor. She tries her best to greet and smile towards all officials, bishops and guards walking pass her. Yet, these smiles are different from what she does towards the animals in the greenhouse. They are artificial. Nevertheless, Nakashi just wants to try her very best to make the world a more peaceful place by doing all these smiles and greetings. She witnesses so many conflicts in the parliament every day. She hopes that one day all these meaningless conflicts will come to an end. Nakashi does not have any servants. She had quite a few in the past, but since she wants to be an independent girl, she tells the officials that she does not need any servants anymore and the officials accept her demand. But still, she is still always accompanied by a few personal guards most of the time. She often requests that she does not need any guards. Yet, this demand is always rejected every time. Throughout the years, Nakashi understands that the main reason for placing guards around her is not for her protection, but for spying her. This is not hard to guess after the Sou-gen has told her about history of her family. Thirteen years ago, Nakashi’s father President Gunosrose felt threatened by the rising popularity of the Sou-gen. People seemed to listen to the Sou-gen’s belief rather than his policies. The Sou-gen advocated that there should not be anymore ruling class as the Sou is all people’s only ruler. This can abandon all distinct social class and achieve true love from the Sou. Later, even many officials and army officers turn their support to the Sou-gen. Afraid of losing his power; President Gunosrose organized an assassination against the Sou-gen. The assassination failed as even the president’s closest army officers disapproved this action. This also results to an internal power struggle in the government in which President Gunosrose and his whole family was finally defeated and murdered by his own men. The whole country was shocked of this incident as they believe an assignation towards the Sou-gen is a great sin. From that day on, all people agree that the power of the president should be limited. The Sou-gen kindheartedly forgave all the people who join the assignation plan and buried Gunosrose and his family properly. Gunosrose’s only living child, Nakashi, was also protected and rose in the palace. Since after that day, all supreme power comes from the Sou and the Sou-gen helps to convey the Sou’s messages. Nakashi was assigned as the president soon after that despite her very young age. Yet, she is only a symbolic head without much power. Nakashi understands that the Sou-gen telling this inglorious part of history of her family to her is not to blame her, but to remind her not to repeat mistakes that her father does. The Sou-gen often gives her inspiring ideas in how to be a good leader and promote true love from the Sou. After finishing lunch, she dresses up in a simple pink dress, combs her brownish hair and puts on a pair of tiny green earrings. She heads towards the palace guest hall. Despite the fact that most of the public relations works are boring to her, she enjoys meeting the winners of the Annual Youth Tournament each year. It is because she can encounter and chat with people with her similar age. Unfortunately, these meeting and days are usually short and inadequate. Nakashi can at most live with these winners for a few days as they will soon take up a post far from the palace and start off their adventurous career. Then, Nakashi is thrown back to loneliness once again. The door opens; Nakashi can see two smart boys sitting at the other end of the hall. The two boys stand up and walk towards her along the violet carpet as she comes in. As they come closer, Nakashi can clearly see their faces. One of them is more mature, taller and well-built, with a cheerful and determined expression on his face. Nakashi immediately notices that he is a typical type of successful and popular person. She smiles gently, shakes his hand and kindly says ‘Nice to meet you. The country appreciates you talent. What is your name?’ ‘Panzhiherashto. Miss. President. It is my honor to meet you.’ ‘You are most welcomed.’ said Nakashi. The other one is one or two years younger than the first boy. Nakashi finds that she shares a lot of similarities with that boy. They have the same height. Their clothing styles are very similar as both of them wear simple and light colors without many ornaments. Both of them have brownish hair that covers to the neck. They gaze at each other for a few seconds. Nakashi notices that he is also a peaceful and humble person just like her, but she can also see a kind of loneliness and sentiment behind his friendly smile. She has great interest in knowing more about this boy. But it seems awkward for just gazing at him without talking for such a long time in a public occasion. Finally, the boy breaks that awkward moment and says ‘I am Leonardo. Nice to meet you.’ Nakashi smiles and replies ‘Nice to meet you too. The countries will treasure your talent and you will have a bright future.’ They take their seat. Nakashi sits at the middle; Leon sits at her left and Panzhi sits at her right. Nakashi asks them some typical questions about their training, their hobbies and their hopes towards the future. Both Panzhi and Leon passionately reply her questions. Leon tells that he wants to be a flying guardian that patrols over the sky and protects important personnel. Panzhi tells that he hopes to be a successful military officer and also a bishop in the future. After an hour, they leave the guest hall and take a walk to the Sou temple to attend the prize-giving ceremony. Leon has enjoyed meeting President Nakashi very much. She truly has the loveliness and charisma that he sees on the TV. Yet, from meeting the real person, he discovers that President Nakashi is absolutely not a worried-free person that he thought to be in the past. Though she smiles a lot, she seems to have quite a lot of sadness deeply that no one can understand. Both Leon and Panzhi have been to the Sou Temple before. In fact, one of the competitions in the tournament, the speech competition, took place in the temple. But this time, there is a huge crowd waiting in the temple. Cameras flash rapidly. As the two boys step in the Sou temple, the crowd shout excitedly ‘May the Sou bless you.’ ‘May the Sou give you power.’ The snow does not lower the crowd excitement. Leon and Panzhi can see a unique figure standing at the far end of the hall. He wears a plain white robe and a simple silver crown, dozens of bishops who are also wearing white robes stand beside him. It is the Sou-gen. The two boys walk firmly along the purple tiles but their nervousness can still be shown on their faces. As they walk closer, they can see that the face of the Sou-gen. He has silver hair and also a silver beard. His eyes are as blue as the sky and his skin is as pale as the cloud. Both of the boys lower their heads and are afraid of having a direct eye-contact with the Sou-gen. They walk up the stairs to the stage slowly and as humble as they can. ‘At ease, my beloved children.’ The two boys bow and then slowly raise their heads. As the Sou-gen raise his hand, the enthusiastic crowd immediately turns to a crowd of silent and obedient sheep. ‘Today, we have two brilliant youngsters stepping their first step towards their great future.’ The Sou-gen does not use any microphones but his voice is so clear and strong that even the people in the farthest corner of the hall can listen clearly. The Sou-gen turns to the two boys, who look at him at greatest respect. The Sou-gen says calmly ‘May the Sou bless you and give you power as always.’ He gives the kindest and most gentle smile to Leon and Panzhi. Then, he gets two elegantly designed loops. They are formed from beautiful green straws, small flowers with various colours and golden strings. These loops represent love and peace from the Sou. ‘Panzhiherashto.’ he says calmly. Panzhi steps steadily forward and lower his head. The Sou-gen places the loop on his head and says ‘Wish you all the best.’ Soon after that, there is a round of applause and cheers. ‘Leonardo.’ the Sou-gen announces Leon’s name. People cannot suppress and enthusiasm and cheer. Leon’s humbleness and loveliness gains him high popularity. Leon is also quite well-known even before the tournament due to his parent’s and Geffen’s popularity. ‘Come here my child.’ the Sou-gen gently says. Leon modestly walks towards the Sou-gen. The Sou-gen gives a warm hug to Leon. Leon is very surprised and does not know how to react. Leon is afraid of touching the Sou-gen too hardly but he can still feel the warmth from the Sou-gen’s body. It makes him having the greatest joy of life. After half an hour, the ceremony ends. The two boys return to the government palace. This time, they go to a smaller guest hall. Just after the door is pushed open, Leon rushes in excitedly. It is Geffen. He hasn’t met Geffen since after joining the tournament. ‘My little Leon, I am so proud of you.’ ‘Geffen, words cannot describe my happiness. It is just like a miracle!’ The two boys chat with the old man about their practical plans in the future. A military officer with neat black uniform comes in. ‘Mr. Leonardo and Mr. Panzhiherashto. I am General Gujosoro. The army would like to give you a present as a reward to your talents.’ Another military officer gets out a long box and tenderly opens it. It is a beautiful sword. ‘Mr. Leonardo, everyone in the republic knows that you are an extraordinary swordsman, this sword is specially designed and made for you.’ Leon picks it up, it is light and handy. The hilt is sky blue in colour and with a pommel at the top of the handle. There is a guard attached the hilt to prevent the sword slipping from the hand. The blade is so silver and shiny that it reflects Leon’s face. Leon can see his name ‘Leonardo’ slightly marked on the blade. On the other side, the two words ‘love’ and ‘peace’ are also marked. This is to remind Leon not to abuse this weapon to harm others. Leon loves it very much. The hilt, the lightness of the sword and the plain but elegant design are perfect to him. ‘The material is the finest metal that is made by our latest technology. Though the blade itself is not very shape, it can cut through nearly everything. Besides, this kind of newest material enables you to deflect bullets or laser guns’ bolt.’ General Gujosoro proudly says. It is indeed both a beautiful artwork and versatile weapon to Leon. Then, General Gujosoro picks up and opens another box, it is another sword. “Mr. Panzhiherashto. Your courage and skill also deserve a finest weapon.’ The sword has a golden hilt and is longer than Leon’s one; otherwise, it is very similar to Leon’s one. Panzhi thanks the General politely, takes it and studies it carefully. Panzhi suddenly leaps towards Leon and strikes him with his sword. Leon evades from the attack and immediately strikes back; Panzhi blocks it skillfully. Then, Panzhi says casually, ‘Haven’t dueled for a long time.’ Leon replies half-humorously, ‘Challenge accepted!’ Within a few seconds, a series of strikes, slashes, blocks and parries take place and the sharp sound of sword clashing echoes across the hall. General Gujosoro laughs slightly and says ‘The boys are so energetic.’ Finally, Geffen says, ‘Hey boys. Stop it. I am afraid you guys will damage all those expensive furniture in just a few seconds.’ The two boys stop and retreat to their chairs. ‘You’re just going to lose!’ Leon says comically. ‘Don’t worry, I think we still have plenty of chances in the future,’ Panzhi says excitedly. As they leave the hall, while they are still appreciating their weapons, President Nakashi walks happily towards the boys’ direction and says ‘The Sou-gen allows me to invite you to join a trip tomorrow to visit the outskirt of the city. Would you guys join me with this trip?’ ‘Sure. My pleasure,’ the two boys reply. The next morning, the two boys dress in a more casual way, take their treasured weapon and head towards the small field besides the palace. They see President Nakashi fixing her plane busily. Screwdrivers, hammers, nails and various pieces scatter on the ground. She sees them and runs towards them ‘I am really sorry. The heavy snow storm last night has damaged the engine. I am unable to fix it.’ As three of them are trying the best to fix it, suddenly the Sou-gen and two bishops appear. ‘What is the problem, Nakashi?’ he gently asks. ‘My dear teacher, my plane is damaged.’ ‘No worries. You can use my plane. It is parked inside the store room and unaffected from the storm. I can travel by vehicles today’ Nakashi widens her eyes ‘But this plane is just for you.’ ‘No worries, my dear Nakashi. The Sou always approve sharing and generosity.’ ‘Thanks a lot. Teacher’ Nakashi gives a kiss to the Sou-gen’s cheek. The Sou-gen’s plane is totally silver in colour. It is really a piece of art. Leon, Panzhi and Nakashi broad it excitedly. They are accompanied by two of Nakashi’s guards and two pilots. The plane gently takes off. Catala has been hiding in around the bushes in the outskirt of Wartse for a few days; she is patiently waiting for a new opportunity. Having failed a few times in penetrating into the temple to carry out her plan and nearly sacrifices her life every time, she has made a new plan that is much less foolhardy this time. She has stolen a sniper rifle from the army a week ago. She is now waiting patiently for that silver elegant plane. She knows that the Sou-gen will travel to the so-called Divine Entrance by his plane today. She hopes that a few bullets and her stunning accuracy can help her to revenge for all those years of suffering and bring just to the world. She ties her black hair and picks up the rifle. She leaps agilely and quietly climbs to the top of a hill. She puts on a broken old green robe over her simple black vest so that she can hide perfectly between the grasses and bushes. She sets the equipment and aims at the sky carefully. Chapter 3 ‘So, where are we travelling to, president Nakashi.’ Leon asked eagerly. ‘Oh, please just call me Nakashi. It is such a casual occasion. I really do not want to be in superior position. We are going to a forest that I often went when I was small. You will enjoy the fascinating scenery and interesting animals there’ Suddenly, the plane shakes violently. ‘What’s the matter?’ Panzhi immediately rushes to the cockpit and asks. ‘Sir, I think we are attacked,’ one of the pilots says nervously. ‘The engine is damaged,’ another pilot adds. Nakashi and Leon also rush to the cockpit. Leon glances the screen and says ‘There are no enemies in the sky. It must be an ambush from the ground. Fly upward quickly!’ Just when the pilot tries to pull the handle to fly upward, there is another even more violent shake. Nakashi can see the left wing catches fire. ‘The oil tank is hit!’ she says. ‘Quick! Fly upward!’ Leon shouts. ‘We are losing control!’ The pilot says. ‘Calm down. We have to abandon the plane now.’ Panzhi, who is the now most unruffled person on the plane, says. He quickly gets the parachutes. ‘You guys go first. We can still control the plane as much as possible,’ the pilot says. ‘No!’ both Nakashi and Leon immediately respond and throw two parachutes to them. ‘You just go first. We need to stabilize the plane. We can activate the automatic parachutes by pressing the emergency button. We can escape later. Just go!’ ‘Come on! Don’t hesitate.’ Panzhi pulls Leon and Nakashi out from the cockpit to the emergency exit. ‘Everyone, just jump and pull the string to activate the parachute. Follow me!’Panzhi says and jumps. Nakashi follows him. Then, the two guards of Nakashi follow her. Then, finally, Leon jumps. ‘May the Sou protect you!’ he shouts to the pilots. No sooner has Leon jumped, repeated explosions break out in the plane. Leon can only see fire spreading ferociously in the plane, including the cockpit. But he still cannot see the two pilots’ parachutes. He feels anxious and sad. Leon hears the two guards flying in the parachutes yell and scream. Then, he sees laser gun bolts firing towards them. The two guards’ parachutes are shot and burst. Leon can do nothing but watch them falling from the sky to the forests. Panzhi somehow finds where the gunfire is coming from. He picks his pistol and shoots there continuously. This causes rapid gunfire between the sky and the ground. Panzhi and his friends are in a very disadvantaged position as their enemy hides well and it is impossible for them to hide. Nevertheless, Panzhi can spot the enemy. The enemy is on a small peak and is hiding behind the bushes. He immediately aims at the enemy and shoots. Catala feels shocked about the direct shooting towards her. She leaps down from the peak immediately since she has already been spot. The gunfire aiming at her is very accurate. She tries to escape to the forest area as soon as possible since the tall trees in there can protect her. She trips and falls. Her ankles and knees are hurt. But she has no time in caring about that. Despite her pain, she gets up and starts running. Catala needs to go to the place where the plane crashes to make sure her target is really killed. She runs eastward as she witnesses the plane falling towards that side. Leon lands steadily in the forest under all the tall trees. ‘Nakashi? Panzhi?’ he shouts and keeps running in all directions. ‘Leon! We are here’ Leon hears Panzhi voice and rushes to that direction. He sees Nakashi kneeling before two bodies. Panzhi is walking slowing around anxiously. ‘What happen?’ Leon asks. ‘The two guards have been killed’ Panzhi whispers to him sadly. Leon walks towards Nakashi slowly and crouches down beside her. He sees the two bodies. Their faces are full of blood, their eyes protrude and blood is coming from their mouths and noses. Leon no longer wants to see it. He turns to Nakashi, who is staring at the two guards’ faces. Tears drop slowly from Nakashi’s face. These guards have been accompanying her for years. Though they are not really very closed friend to her, she still feels heart-broken towards their death. In fact, she feels desperate every time when somebody around her dies. Leon grabs some flowers from the ground and puts them on their bodies. ‘Come on. Nakashi. We still need to see the crashed plane and save the two pilots.’ Nakashi uses her sleeves to dry her tears. ‘Sorry. I shouldn’t bring you guys on this plane. All these can be avoided.’ Nakashi says softly. ‘Don’t blame yourself. It is not your fault, it is the enemy’s fault. The Sou will protect these two souls’ Leon helps Nakashi to get up. ‘Sorry.’ Nakashi gets up. ‘Let’s go. We need to be firm.’ They shed their tears and run. ‘There is a towering smoke there. The plane must have crashed there. Quick.’ Panzhi leads them. The smell is bad. Fire is coming from the broken pieces of silvery metals. A few trees have already been completely burnt down. Fortunately, there is a narrow river right behind the trees that prevent the fire from spreading. Leon gets a piece of cloth to cover himself and rushes into the wreckage of the plane. He can hardly breathe. Nakashi also rushes in and Panzhi is figuring a way to extinguish the fire as soon as possible. Leon rushes towards the cockpit. Broken glasses and metal scatter all over the ground. He can see the two pilots lying in the seats. Leon heart sinks. He knows the chance is slim but he stills pulls them out with his greatest strength. Nakashi comes in and helps. The fire is becoming even fiercer. ‘Leon! We must find another way out,’ Nakashi yells. Electric wires explode and more fire descends towards them. Leon gets out his sword and breaks the thick glass window at the front of the cockpit. ‘Nakashi! Pulls them towards here!’ Within a few seconds, Leon has already made a hole large enough for them to get out. Another small explosion breaks out. Nakashi’s coat has already caught fire. She pulls up one of the pilots and hands it to Leon. Panzhi is waiting at the other side of the thick glass. ‘Holds it tightly!’ Leon hands the body to Panzhi. They do the same for the other body. Nakashi screams as fire has spread over her whole coat and is going to spread to her body. ‘Quick! Jump out and go to the water!’ Leon shouts and pulls Nakashi away from the sea of fire. They dive through the hole and leaps through all the pieces of burning metal and finally dives into the small stream nearby. They climb to the other side of the stream and gently put the two bodies down. Nakashi gets some water and splashes on their faces. One of them does not have any respond. Nakashi cannot feel his heart beat. She closes his eyelids. The other pilot seems to have some response. He coughs and opens his eyes slowly. ‘Thanks… You guys… have a kind heart. The Sou will bless you. Thanks…’ His voice fades and he finally becomes voiceless. The three brave youngsters crouch down. They are so tired and frustrated. They watch the fire spreading and battling with the stream. Witnessing four people die in just an hour is painful, they want to do nothing but sit down and take a rest. A few hours later, the fire finally comes to an end. They dig a hole and bury the two bodies. Night comes, Leon cuts some woods to start a fire. Panzhi prepares some food and Nakashi arranges their sleeping places. They do not talk much and focus on their work. *********************************************************************Chapter 4 Leon is wakened up by the noise from the owls. It is cold and windy. He wants to get up and starts the fire again. Panzhi is sleeping but Nakashi is not around. He walks slowly and he sees Nakashi is sitting beside the stream. Leon walks closer. Nakashi is throwing small pebbles into the stream. He can see her lovely face from the reflection of the water. Finally, Nakashi breaks the silence. ‘Leon, do you believe in the Sou?’ Nakashi asks bluntly. Leon is surprised with this unusual question. No one has asked him this kind of question before. He hesitates. ‘I am not checking anything. I just want to know what others think,’ Nakashi adds. ‘Of course, I do. I mean, of course we should believe in the Sou. Doesn’t everybody believe so? I mean, you also believe, right?’ Leon says curiously. ‘To be honest, I sometimes have some weird thought that the Sou may not actually exist. I mean…’ ‘Does not exist? You mean the whole world, all the bishops and even the Sou-gen are telling such a big lie? Of course not!’ ‘No no, I do not mean that. It is just that they may also be blind from the truth.’ ‘Blind from the truth?’ Leon is confused and perplexed. In the past, the question about whether the Sou really exists inside the Divine Entrance sometimes flashed to Leon’s mind. But when he thought that everyone in the world was so sure about it, he soon realized that it must be an undeniable fact. He thought that he was the only person who had this kind of doubts from time to time. But Nakashi’s question has just surprised him that there are others having this awkward doubt too. ‘I don’t know. The Sou-gen is really a great teacher to me. He loves us so much. But who knows there is really the Sou in the Divine Entrance? Even the Sou-gen has never been there,’ Nakashi says. Leon is watching the water and thinking intensively. Nakashi is surprised and pleased by Leon’s calm response. If she says what she has said to anyone in the palace or in Wartse, they will absolutely will be shocked and criticize her for being unfaithful continuously. ‘Thanks for accepting my lack of faith. Actually, I have never told anyone about this. Please just keep this as a secret between you and me. It will be disastrous if the world knows that the president doubts about the Sou,’ she says softly. The last thing Nakashi wants to see is what happened thirteen years ago. ‘Sure. But I also want to go inside the Divine Entrance someday to prove that the Sou really exists,’ Leon gives her an encouraging smile. They sit aside and chat about their past. Suddenly, Nakashi stands up and looks around suspiciously. ‘It is not usual footsteps. Somebody is coming,’ she says. They wake up Panzhi immediately and rush behind the bushes to hide themselves. They peek from the bushes. A girl dressing in a black vest is running towards the burnt wreckage of the plane. She is carrying both a rifle and a sharp knife. From her expression, they know that she is obviously not coming in peace. Nakashi grasps and whispers ‘It is Catala!’ ‘What is she doing here?’ Panzhi asks. Nakashi says ‘She must be the one who shot the plane down.’ ‘Why?’ Leon asks and lowers his head once again to avoid being discovered. ‘She has tried to assassinate the Sou-gen a few times before. She has a strong determination in doing so. I think she won’t attack us but she will eliminate anyone who prevents her from killing her target. Be careful. Just stay put,’ Nakashi whispers. ‘I cannot withstand a person who keeps on murdering others. I should bring her to justice!’ Leon says angrily. ‘Wait, Leon!’ Nakashi tries to hold Leon. But Leon has already jumped out from the bushes and pulls his sword out. Catala notices Leon. She turns her fierce eyes towards him and shouts, ‘Where is the Sou-gen? Tell me!’ Leon ignores her question and holds his sword tightly. ‘You are going to pay for all the people that you have killed!’ Leon roars and rushes to attack. ‘Well then,’ Catala immediately uses her knife to block Leon’s attack. Their weapons clash rapidly. Leon is surprised by the girl’s skills but he continues to attack violently. Seeing a vicious duel between them, Nakashi and Panzhi are shocked. Panzhi wants to shoot Catala to end this once and for all but Nakashi pulls down his gun. The fighting continues and becomes more and more violent. Finally, Nakashi rushes out, pulls out her pistol and shouts ‘Stop! Both of you! Stop immediately!’ Both Leon and Catala are astounded by Nakashi’s movement. Both of them retreat one step backward but stare at each other fiercely. Catala notices Nakashi. Then, Catala’s fierce expression slowly changes to a gentler one. ‘Catala, the Sou-gen is not here. They are my friends. Stop your attack immediately.’ Nakashi says clearly. Catala slowly puts back her knife but remains in her battle mode. She walks towards Nakashi and says in a much gentler voice ‘Sorry, Nakashi. My target is only the Sou-gen. Sorry for all the men that I have killed today. ’ Leon and Panzhi are confused about that why Nakashi and Catala seem to know each other. ‘That’s it? You have killed four men!’ Panzhi shouts angrily. Catala pulls out her knife again and stares at Panzhi. Nakashi holds Catala’s arm tightly and says ‘Catala, just end the revenge.’ Catala lowers her head. ‘It is not just about revenge. They are all lying! Everyone is blind from the truth!’ Catala says firmly. ‘Nakashi, I know you still have a clear mind. I am going to take you to that ridiculous cave to show you the truth. Come with me.’ Panzhi draws out his sowrd and shouts furiously ‘Demon! You dare to trespass the place of the Sou!’ Catala snickers and says calmly ‘So, the hypocrites set these rules to keep you guys ignorant.’ ‘Come Nakashi, and I will show you the truth. I have been wanting to do that for a long period of time,’ Catala starts walking. Nakashi follows her and says ‘Wait, I also want to know about the truth. But what if we are caught? I do not want to put my friends in another great risk. I do not want to ruin their future.’ Catala says sarcastically ‘No one force them to do so. If they want to be blindfolded for rest of their lives, I am sure they will have a brilliant future.’ She continues to walk. ‘Wait, I want to go too. I will prove to you that the Sou is there and you will never question our faith again,’ Leon rushes forward and says confidently. Catala snickers again and continues to match. Panzhi is shocked and shouts immediately ‘Leon! Nakashi! Don’t be lured by her. She is just trying to tempt you away from the Sou.’ ‘Can’t imagine the eldest one is also the most coward one,’ Catala laughs coldly once again. Leon says ‘Don’t worried, Panzhi. We will find a safe way in doing so. Besides, we are just trying to know the truth, not doing anything disrespect to the Sou.’ Panzhi is still having a worried and confused face. He whispers to himself, ‘My dear Sou, please forgive us. We are doing this in our greatest respect.’ Then, he also follows, but reluctantly. They decide to rest first and start their journey on the next day. Catala walks away to find her own resting place whereas the three others get back to their little camp site. ‘Why do you know her?’ Leon asks Nakashi curiously. ‘I have saved her once,’ Nakashi says softly. ‘She is not as cruel as others think. Once she is trying to assassinate the Sou-gen in the temple. She is chased by the guards and she is hurt. She escapes from the temple and rushes to a hangar near the palace where I was washing my plane alone. She was bleeding and lying down. I help her to stop the bleeding and I secretly assist her escape by driving the plane to the forest. So, we get to know each other’ ‘Nakashi, you are just too kind-hearted,’ Leon says. ‘Well. It is just that I know that she is really not a bad person. She has her reasons. She told me that her parents were killed because of their lack of faith towards the Sou. But when I tried to ask more about her, she just remained silence’ It was a peaceful evening. Little Catala was staying at home and felt bored. ‘Mum, why are we not going to the gathering in every evening? The priests and the people in there are really kind.’ Catala asked her mother, who was reading her old books again. ‘Catala, always learn to think independently. Only dead fishes follow the flow.’ ‘But I don’t understand. But the people there love us so much.’ Her mother put down her books, combs Catala’s hair and says gently, ‘You will know some day in the future.’ The door opened, it was Catala’s father. ‘How are you? My little pretty girl,’ he asked Catala happily. ‘Father, I want to go to the gathering. All my friends go there.’ ‘Well, I’m sure you can find other interesting things to do,’ her father said lovingly. Her father walks in the study and her mother follows him. He got out the newspaper from his bag. ‘Sofie, the situation is getting worse. They are saying that President Gunosrose has been killed. I’m afraid believing the Sou will soon become compulsory,’ he said. ‘Roger, why not just stop writing those articles?’ Sofie asked, ‘I have just read a news that a journalist’s house in Wartse was burnt down and he was later killed by the crowd, just because he has written articles like what you have written.’ ‘If every one of us stops writing, I’m sure all people will be the slave of the Sou-gen soon. No one wants to see that.’ Roger says firmly, ‘Besides, I do not want Catala to have a coward as her father.’ They hugged and Sofie said slowly ‘Anyway, I will always be with you.’ The scene changes. It was a usual morning. Catala was alone at home, her mother and father had gone to work in their newspaper company. Catala went to Mrs. Rentelos house and played with Mrs. Rentelos’s kids. It was already five o’clock but her parents had still not come home. She asked Mrs. Rentelos ‘Where are Mum and Dad?’ ‘They must be working busily.’ Mrs. Rentelos says calmly, but the sharp Catala somehow understood Mrs. Rentelos was hiding something. Catala remained silent and patient. Her parents did not return even at night. The next morning, her parents still had not come home and she went to Mrs. Rentelos’s house again. Mrs. Rentelos’s nice and kind welcoming cannot soothe her worry. At about ten o’clock, a priest suddenly visited Mrs. Rentelos’s house. The priest invited Mrs. Rentelos to talk outside the house. Catala was not invited but she peeked from the window secretly. She could see Mrs. Rentelos and the priest were talking seriously with a concerned face. Finally, Mrs. Rentelos came in a very sad face and walked towards Catala. Catala knew something bad had happened. ‘Catala, your parents…your parents had a tragic traffic accident…they have…have left us. Catala, I am really sorry.’ Catala could somehow predict this on the day before, but she was still shocked. ‘I know I should tell you earlier. They were hit… hit by a truck yesterday and was sent to the hospital. I hope the Sou could lead them from the danger so I did not tell you yesterday, but in the end, the doctors had failed. Really sorry, Catala.’ Mrs. Rentelos was crying but Catala remained silent. She knew that something had obviously gone wrong and that was not the truth. ‘Catala, always learn to think independently.’ Her mother’s voice was speaking in her head. She had decided she would go to seek the truth by herself. Mrs. Rentelos and her family members were all accompanying her. She had to find a way out. She excused that she wanted to be alone and rushed to the toilet. Then, she secretly climbed out through the windows and tiptoed away from the house. She got a big hat from her own house so that no one on the streets could recognize her. She could trust no one now and she must do everything by herself. She decided to go to the newspaper company to start her investigation. She walked past the town centre. There was a large crowd there. People were shouting, ‘Stop all the hatred and criticism! Let’s all embrace the Sou! Only the Sou can save us!’ Suddenly, people were shouting furiously, ‘Demon! Evil spirit!’ Catala wanted to push through the crowd to see what happen, but she was too small. A calm and gentle voice broke and end all those furious shouting, ‘Roger Freenight and Sofie Canbato. The Sou-gen will pardon you if you abandon your evil thoughts and truly embrace the love of the Sou.’ There was then a short silence. ‘Never! You are all blind,’ a firm voice replied. ‘Demon!’ people shouted again and some of them even threw stones towards the front. Catala had finally made her way towards the front of the crowd. There were dozens of tall guards stationing at the front and blocking her way. It was really her parents. She could not believe her own eyes. Her parents were kneeling down in front of the crowd and a priest dressed in white robe was standing beside them. Another two priests came out and pulled up her parents. The people were shouting again. ‘Hang them! They deserve it!’ The priests were trying to pacify the crowd and told them to calm down. Suddenly, a woman pulled Catala’s hand and said, ‘little girl, you shouldn’t be here. Where are your parents?’ Catala did not know how to answer and did not want to answer. She was pulled away from the crowd by that woman. She heard a calm and experienced voice speaking with sadness from the front of the crowd, ‘may the Sou forgive all your sins,’ Catala turned around and saw the priest with white robe was touching the heads of her parents and talking to them with a sincere and pitiful expression. Then, a thick robe loop was placed round the necks of her parents. ‘Your sins will be forgiven,’ the priest said again. Catala felt disgusted. The woman pulled her away again and Catala gave one last look towards her parents and the priest. Catala still remained silent. Normally, a girl at her age would try her best to rush out of the crowd and scream. But Catala knew that this cannot save her parents. ‘Kill them! Kill them!’ the people were yelling. Catala used her sharp eyes to look at the priest intensively; his face will be kept in her mind. She then turned her focus to every angry faces in the crowd, men and women, young and old. She would not forget any one of them. Finally, the crowd cheered, the five-year-old girl did not turn her face to watch but she knew what had happened. She did not feel sad, she did not feel lonely, she was focusing on recognizing every faces. No sooner had she gone out from the crowd than she ran. Despite that woman was trying to hold her, she just ran and ran, ran to the unfamiliar places of the town. Finally, she slowed down. She did not shed any tears. She just felt lost. She sat outside of an old bakery where people were mingling to each other happily. ‘In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings, Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiving. …… Ooh, it makes me wonder, Ooh, it makes me wonder.’ It was some kind of very old folk music. An old man was singing in a gloomy tone with his guitar and the other old man was playing a flute with sentimental melody. The scene changes once again. It was a dark night. Hymns from the town temple started to fade out. Catala was spying outside from the temple. Kids and adults were walking out from the temple. Catala recognized the same face that she saw ten years ago. He wore the same white robe, carried the same calm expression. He was chatting with others at the entrance of the temple. Finally, all of them have left and the priest was standing there alone and started his meditation. Catala would not miss this opportunity. Yet, she thought that a single bullet ending his life is too lenient for him. She must find a better way to carry out her revenge. The priest started walking alone in the dark street. She jumped down from the rooftop of the house where she was hiding and hasted towards the priest crazily. She used her hand to cover his mouth and pulled him towards a quiet dark alley. ‘Why killed my parents?’ she asked aggressively. The priest was shocked. He tried to struggle but Catala’s hatred had totally overrun him. ‘Why killed my parents?’ Catala, who did not expect an answer, asked again. Catala pulled out her sharpened knife and stabbed him as hard as she could. Blood was flowing along the silvery knife. She then pulled out the knife and stabbed him again. ‘You fraud!’ she shouted. The gentle middle-aged man was dying, he whispered ‘Dear Sou, forgive her, she must have gone through so many suffering. Help her to get away from fear and hatred…Love…’ Catala was shocked. She pulled out her knife and used her hand to cover the large wound. She must have killed the wrong person. How would such a sympathetic and peaceful person kill her parents brutally? But it was the same face that she forced herself to remember for years. ‘Sorry,’ Catala murmured. Tears dropped from her face first time in these ten years. The priest smiled gently and said softly ‘Don’t feel lonely and regretted. The Sou will always forgive anyone as long as they are willing to embrace the love from him…’ His mouth stopped moving finally. Catala crouched down in there and watched his body for the whole night. She was so confused and scared that she did not want to do anything. She hate the priests, the bishops, the Sou-gen and everyone, but if everyone is having a strong faith towards the Sou and leading a life full of love because of that, should she stop them? ‘Always think on your own. You must continue to pursue the truth,’ her parents’ firm voice was calling in her mind. She must not give up. ‘Catala, Catala,’ a girl is calling her. It is Nakashi. Catala woke up from her dream. It is not the first time that she dreams about all her memories. This kind of dreams always makes her think that, ‘what if all these things have never happened and I am now still having a peaceful life with my parents.’ She remains silent and focuses on her walking. Chapter 5 Throughout the walking in the forest, they do not talk much. Catala takes the lead and walks independently without taking a single back turn to look at Leon, Nakashi or Panzhi. The three do not talk to her, not because of their hatred and fear towards her, but because of the fact that they are like living in a completely different world in which communication is impossible. Even among the three of them, talking is limited. Leon and Nakashi are trying to explain and to justify to Panzhi that this journey is reasonable and safe. But even in their own hearts, they are uncertain and worried towards what will happen. Catala stops and whistles repeatedly. A few minutes later, two large hawks fly towards them. ‘Climb up on them,’ Catala orders. Nakashi goes with Catala and climbs up first while Leon and Panzhi move up on another eagle later. Well, Leon and Panzhi are all great pilots. They use to fly in their small planes in extreme conditions. But now, these are not machines, these are animals. They are all pretty scared. But when they see that both Catala and Nakashi are very relaxed and comfortable about it, the two boys are less worried. The eagles flip their huge wings and they slowly rise above the canopy of the forest. Leon is amazed by the speed of this kind of creatures. Within an hour, they have already left the forest and arrived back to the city. They fly up above the clouds to prevent people discovering them. Finally, they land in a less densely-populated area which is not far from the divine entrance. Catala walks towards Leon and Panzhi, showing her willingness to talk to them for the first time, ‘now listen, here is the plan. The main security of the cave is actually the monitoring from the battleships in the sky. I will fly with the hawks towards the sky above the cave to distract all the battleships. You guys then take a short path to get inside quickly.’ She searches her bag and takes out three small golden cubes. Each of them has a few buttons on it and has some small holes on it. ‘Use them for communication. I will tell you how to take that shortest path to get inside the cave.’ ‘Wait, but there are so many battleships above the cave for you to distract. It is impossible to do so,’ says Leon. Catala just laughs and says, ‘all those battleships are too clumsy and dull to be my opponents.’ Leon is surprised by Catala’s confidence, or arrogance. But after witnessing Catala’s ability of using just a few bullets to shoot down a plane and personally dueling with her, Leon is in fact rather assured that the plan will work. ‘Good luck,’ Leon adds. Catala ignores him and climbs on the hawk. Nakashi rushes towards her and says, ‘Catala, just try to distract the ships, do not shoot them down, I don’t want to cause any more casualties.’ She says in a concerned and sincere face. ‘Fine, I won’t,’ Catala answers briefly. ‘Don’t start your action before I have distracted them,’ Catala says. After that, the two hawks flip their wings once again and they ascend to the sky swiftly. ‘Leon, Nakashi, we still have the opportunity to abandon this plan,’ Panzhi says. ‘I mean, we can always find a better way to do this. We can ask the bishops or the Sou-gen’s permission if you guys really want to go inside the entrance.’ ‘Panzhi, the Sou-gen will never allow us to do so. These rules have been set for so many years and no one ever has violated it. To get the truth, we must act on our own,’ Nakashi says. Panzhi still says, ‘No, certainly not. You guys should have the faith. If we trespass the entrance without the Sou-gen permission, it will prove our lack of faith. ‘Panzhi, we are determined to go. You can’t stop us. Sorry for that. You can stay here to wait for us. But I really hope that you can join us,’ Leon says apologetically. ‘I really can’t force myself to join you,’ Panzhi says seriously. ‘I will stay here to keep guard when you guys go inside. Good luck.’ ‘Thanks for your tolerance,’ Nakashi says with great gratitude. Admiral Nitron is monitoring the safety measures of the Divine Entrance in the bridge of the Vitel, the flagship of the fleet which is responsible for protecting the holiest place in the world. It is a normal peaceful day but he and all the military officers still pay full attention in keeping an eye on all the area near the Divine Entrance. ‘Admiral, there is a message to you from the government.’ A visual message is sent to the large screen in the bridge. A senior government official appears on the screen, ‘Admiral Nitron, we have confirmed that there is a terrorist attack towards president Nakashi. The Sou-gen’s plane has been shot down. We lost contact with president Nakashi and the two Annual Youth Tournament winners. The situation is tense and urgent. We are afraid that there may be further attack to the Divine Entrance. Please raise the security level.’ ‘Admiral, there is someone flying into the restricted area from the north eastern side,’ a military officer rushes in and says urgently. ‘What? That’s impossible! Can’t the radar sense it? Our radar can sense all planes within 100 kilometers around,’ Admiral Nitron says in a shocked tone. ‘I’m afraid the intruder is not travelling by any aircraft. Some of our men witness that the intruder is flying by some kinds of large eagles. They are too tiny to be noticed by our radar.’ ‘It must be Catala. That lost soul has become crazier and crazier,’ Admiral Niton whispers to himself. ‘We can’t rely on the radar anymore. Contact all other ships and tell them to turn all the monitoring cameras’ focuses from the land to the sky. We must use bare eyes to keep an eye on the intruder. I guess it is Catala. Don’t underestimate her. Activate all the guns and canons. Turn to battle mode,’ Admiral Niton orders. All soldiers in the ship are becoming nervous. They all know the notorious name of Catala, who endlessly tries to murder the Sou-gen. This was a great sin done by the mankind against the Sou. Every soldier has the responsibility to prevent this unpardonable crime from happening. Catala is flying at a mad speed around all the battleships. Dozens of machine guns from all those ships are firing intense laser bolts against the hawks and Catala. Yet, the ships cannot use stronger cannons as they are closely packed and cannon balls would shoot down nearby ships. Catala’s hawks escape from all those attack easily but keep rounding the battleships arrogantly and provokingly. They are just like mosquitoes compared to the battleships but they really drive all the soldiers into fury. Catala picks up her rifle and shoots the glass windows of the flag ship accurately. ‘Damn it! I said turn all the cameras and monitoring system fixed on that crazy monster!’ a furious military officer shouts. ‘Start some of the small fighters to chase her too!’ Catala snickers and shoots all the windows repeatedly. Then, she gets out the golden gadget to communicate with others. Nakashi, Leon and Panzhi’s gadgets beep. Catala’s voice comes out. ‘Listen, I think they have already put all their attention to me. Now, move quickly along the west path. I can see that there are no ships and planes defending there. Quick! Move now!’ ‘I will help you to keep an eye on the troop movement. Good luck and be safe, my friend,’ Panzhi says. ‘You too, let’s go, Nakashi,’ Leon says determinedly. The two of them sprint towards the restricted area. They climb over those elegantly designed tall fences and jump down. Nakashi pulls Leon when he is about to sprint again. ‘Wait. Make sure that there are no people patrolling first,’ she says softly. Nakashi looks up, she can see the ships above are all in battle mode and they are constantly firing laser bolts and she starts to worry about Catala. The siren on the ground has also been activated. Nakashi can see bishops and priests are retreating from the open area to some small shelter area around the Divine Entrance. They are afraid that they will be the next target of that crazy girl. Nakashi can see the Divine Entrance clearly, but they still need to sprint for more than one kilometer to reach there. They need to sprint over a large open area and they will be easily spotted. ‘We must think of a plan instead of just running,’ she says. Their golden gadgets beep again. This time it is Panzhi’s voice. ‘There isn’t any troop or guards on the ground. I think they are still busy dealing with Catala. Take your time.’ ‘Both of us are dressed in blue. We must find some kind of cloaks or robes that are white to wear to disguise as a priest. Otherwise, it is impossible for us not to be spotted for running in such a large open area,’ Nakashi says. ‘Fine, but how can we get two white robes hastily?’ Leon asks. Nakashi scans in all directions. Suddenly, an idea pops up to her mind. She can see white flags, green flags and red flags scattering near the tall fences. She runs to the nearest flag pole, and immediately lowers the large white flag from the top of the flag pole. She pulls out her sharp knife from the pocket of her belt and starts carving and cutting the flag. ‘Sir, what size do you wear?’ she asks Leon humorously. Leon laughs and says ‘You’re so smart! Medium size is fine with me.’ After a few minutes of cutting and shaping by Nakashi, two simple plain white cloaks are made. ‘Sir, put them on,’ Nakashi says. ‘Well, it looks more like a bath towel to me,’ Leon says amusingly. ‘Just put them on. You should thank me for not charging you anything!’ Nakashi grabs Leon’s hands, pulls him up and says, ‘Now we should walk like those priests. Quick.’ ‘Well, there’s not such a need. All of them are running and escaping. We can continue to sprint by pretending that we are also escaping. We just have to lower our heads and make sure people can’t see our faces. And no priest will hold another priest’s hand.’ Leon says jokingly. Nakashi releases Leon’s hand embarrassingly and starts sprinting. They sprint for a few minutes without encountering any obstacles as everyone in the open area is rushing to shelter area and does not pay notice to Nakashi and Leon. Suddenly, a priest who is also running turns towards to Nakashi and Leon and shouts ‘Hey! Where are you going? This way!’ Leon and Nakashi exchange a tense look and they decide to pretend that they can’t hear anything due to the loud sound of the siren. Unfortunately, the kind-hearted priest does not give up. Instead of escaping, he runs towards them and keeps on shouting. Leon and Nakashi deliberately turn their faces away to avoid eye contact. But they both know that it is so deliberate and the priest will notice their faces in a few seconds time. Leon hesitates. He tries to make up a middle-aged man’s voice and shouts ‘Don’t worry about us! We have promise the Sou-gen that we will station in front of the Divine Entrance and use peaceful means to prevent anyone to get in. Just run! We will be fine! May the Sou protect you!’ Leon grabs Nakashi’s hand and pulls her to sprint at an even faster pace. ‘But wait! It is too dangerous!’ the priest shouts back. ‘We will be fine! Just go!’ Leon shouts determinedly in a low middle-aged men voice. ‘Then, good luck. Be safe,’ the priest says sincerely. Leon and Nakashi grab this valuable chance and continue to sprint towards the cave. ‘Do I sound like a priest?’ Leon asks. ‘Well, you have totally fooled him. But haven’t you yourself just said that no priest will hold another priest’s hand?’ Nakashi says jokingly. Leon releases Nakashi’s hand embarrassingly. A few minutes later, they are already about a hundred meters from the Divine Entrance. There is another line of beautifully designed tall fences. ‘Wait,’ Nakashi pulls back Leon and says. She points to two monitoring cameras which are on the tall fences. The cameras are rotating and scanning different directions. They immediately rush to the blind spot of the cameras. ‘Leon, I think you can use your sword to cut these fences bars, can’t you?’ Nakashi says. ‘Oh yeah, brilliant idea, haven’t thought of that.’ Leon says complimentarily. Leon pulls out his elegant sword. He realizes how ironic it is that he uses the sword that the army gave him to act against the army. He starts cutting those iron bars and he is surprised by how easy it is. Within a minute, Leon has already cut down five bars and created a small entry for them to pass through. ‘Wait until both cameras rotate towards that direction and we will rush into the Divine Entrance at our greatest speed. Get ready,’ Nakashi says. ‘Three…two…one. Run now!’ Nakashi pulls Leon but the brave young man that she is pulling does not move. Nakashi turns and looks at Leon, she is surprised by his irresolute expression. ‘Sorry, I can’t do it. Sorry…sorry for being so weak and cowardly,’ Leon says. Nakashi does not feel annoyed or angry. Instead, she felt sorry and sympathetic towards Leon. She says kindly, ‘No, don’t blame yourself. You are the bravest boy that I have met. I think no one in this world will dare to bear this risk to accompany me. I am the one that who is gutless. You should not blame yourself. Don’t force yourself too much.’ ‘No…I am worried about both of us. I start to think that we are too impulsive. Shouldn’t we stop and think again first?’ Leon says slowly, with a worried and confused expression. Nakashi grabs Leon’s right arm and gives her an encouraging smile. ‘We are young, lively, and active. Our souls are simple and clean. We should treasure our energy and pure mind to seek the truth. I’m sure what we are going to do is not only good for us, but the whole mankind.’ Nakashi grabs Leon’s another arm to pull him up and gives him the most caring smile and the most truthful eyes. Leon often sees Nakashi smiles. Each time she smiles, her charming and lovely face moves his heart. But this smile that she has just given is different. It is the most truthful and beautiful thing that he has ever seen. He then gazes her brownish eyes, they are pure but at the same time confident and determined. He realizes that this girl is the kindest and most truthful person in the world and he decides that he will always accompany her. ‘Thanks. I will be with you.’ Leon says determinedly. They wait for the second that the two cameras rotate away and run towards the Divine Entrance at their greatest speed. After Nakashi and Leon step their first steps inside the Divine Entrance, they find themselves facing a dark and narrow corridor. Nakashi gets out a small oil lamp from her pocket and lightens it up. The two sides of the corridor are ordinary stone wall. Nakashi uses her lamp to shine the wall. Sketches of the faces of every generation of Sou-gens are beautifully carved on the wall. ‘It is just same as what the Sou-gen described to me,’ Nakashi says ‘The Sou-gen also told me that there is a long and steep marble stairway that connects to the central hall deep underground. We can truly discover the truth about the Sou there.’ Nakashi walks down the first step of the stairway carefully and slowly. She makes sure she can see each staircase clearly before stepping on it. Leon follows her. The whole place is totally tranquil. It is so quiet that both of them feel awkward to talk. The more downward they walk the more winding and narrow the stairway is. After a few minutes, they finally finish the last staircase. They face a small marble door. ‘Faith is the only way to lead us from darkness’ A line of words that are gold in colour are solemnly carved on the marble door. ‘This is it,’ Nakashi says. ‘We must make our one last decision between faith and curiosity. And there is no point of return.’ ‘I believe people should always have the right to know about the truth. We also have the responsibility to understand the truth instead of sealing our hearts. The Sou asks us to have faith instead of questioning. But why can’t we question? We can’t we have doubt?’ Leon says determinedly. Nakashi gives a confident smile and says ‘Then, let’s go.’ The marble door is pushed open. ********************************************************************************************************************************************** Chapter 6 ‘Pew’ Another laser bullet flies past Catala’s ears. Two fighters are flying right after her agilely. Catala embraces the hawk tightly and holds her breath; the two hawks are constantly swerving tight angles and making other acrobatic moves to shake off from the two fighters but the two planes can always follow them closely. Catala are looking at all directions and searching for an effective evacuation route. Suddenly, the hawk that Catala is riding squeaks painfully. Catala is shocked and alerted. There is another fighter flying right in front of them face to face with the two hawks. That fighter shoots a laser bolt accurately and hits the hawk’s forehead. The hawk screams and falls down. Catala tries to grab the hawk tightly but the momentum and unstableness cause her to detach from the falling hawk. She finds herself now falling desperately from a high altitude of one thousand meters. Nakashi and Leon step inside slowly but determinedly. It is dark and cold. The two of them hold each other tightly. Nakashi holds her oil lamp up and looks around. The walls, the ceiling and the floor, everything, are all made by marble. White is the only colour that she can see in the room. ‘It is totally the same as what the Sou-gen described to me. Except that I can’t find the marble throne where the Sou seats,’ Nakashi says curiously. She separates from Leon and starts searching by herself. Leon clears his throat and says clearly, ‘Noble Sou, please pardon our trespass. We humbly come with our purest heart for truth seeking.’ ‘I can sense the Sou. The Sou is here,’ Leon whispers. Leon is rushing to all direction desperately. Nakashi gasps and says softly, ‘Leon…I don’t think so.’ Leon is confused and asks, ‘What do you mean?’ He rushes towards Nakashi. Nakashi is facing a tall white marble throne, which is not occupied by anyone. Nakashi says slowly, ‘The throne is…empty…the Sou-gen is wrong…the Sou never exists…’ Leon is shocked and petrified. ‘No…It can’t be. The Sou is here!’ He grabs Nakashi’s oil lamp and rushes towards the throne. He stops suddenly as he reaches the marble steps right in front of the throne. He is looking downwards and reading something intensively. Leon is terrified and shouts, ‘No! We are wrong! Nakashi, run! Leave immediately!’ He kneels down in front of the throne and starts sobbing. ‘No! Please forgive us!’ he says in a terrified tone. Nakashi is very worried about her friend and immediately scurries to him. Leon is nearly lying on the steps below the throne as if he has died. His body is shaking as he is sobbing violently. Nakashi tries to pull him up. ‘Leave me alone! Just go!’ he cries in a wretched tone. Nakashi notices that Leon’s hands are shaking violently. But below his hands, something unusual is covered. A silvery tablet is embedded in the white marble stone. Nakashi tries to move Leon’s hands gently to see the tablet. Leon cries, ‘No! Nakashi please! Don’t read this! Just go!’ Nakashi does not give up and says, ‘Leon. I’m just trying to help. Please, let me help.’ Leon still uses all his strength to cover the tablet, ‘No, you can’t. Nobody can. Just believe in what you see and go.’ Leon keeps on lying there and using all his strength to cover the tablet. Nakashi crouches down and waits patiently. Leon keeps on murmuring until his voice gradually fades out and his tearful eyes slowly close. Catala is falling rapidly from the sky full of laser bullets. She has lost her rifle. The hawk that was shot is now more than eighty meters from her and it is impossible for her to grab and save it. In fact, she herself also has a slim chance of surviving. But instead of waiting to die, she still tries her best to stay alive. The remaining unharmed hawk descends and flies close to her. Catala tries to grab it but she barely holds the tip of its large wing. The fighters do not give her a rest. No sooner has she grabbed the tip of the wing than a fighter immediately flies towards her and starts firing. Catala manages to fetch a larger part of the wing despite the fact she is busy with handling rapid incoming of laser bullets. A bullet is flying right towards her head from the right. She is shocked and her immediate reflex does not work this time. ‘Pew’ The bullet passes right through her ponytail. Her shinny black hair detaches and the string that ties her hair also drops. The remaining black hair slides down and covers her ears and neck. After a minute of struggling, Catala is finally able to climb on the body of the hawk. Seeing its master is finally safe, the Hawk immediately speeds up and practices acrobatic moves to escape from the attack. Leon’s eyes have now been fully closed and his murmuring and sobbing have turned to gentle breathing. Sadness and fear have exploited his fatigue rapidly and he has fainted. Nakashi moves his hands gently and starts studying the silvery tablet. ‘The Sou lasts in here eternally He who with disbelief will never witness the Sou He who come with the heart of testing and suspicion Will be punished for his infidelity He will be excluded from the Sou’s future garden Descended into eternal darkness Separated from love and hope And eroded by demon perpetually’ Nakashi can feel the indescribable power and authority from those solemn words. Her confidence starts to shake. She looks up the throne once again. It is empty. The line ‘He who with disbelief will never witness the Sou’ penetrates her mind once again. ‘No, it’s not true. They are my own eyes. I should trust what I see.’ Nakashi thinks. The strong and powerful lines reverberate in her heart and weaken her confidence once again. Her thoughts start to become disturbed and unorganized. Nakashi tries to calm down and organize her thoughts once again. She walks away from that silvery tablet and crouches down. She closes her eyes and takes a big breath to focus on her thinking. ‘Nonsense. Why should I believe in an object instead of my own spirited eyes and clear mind?’ She stands up confidently. ‘That is merely created to intimidate and scare us and shake our clear minds,’ she thinks resolutely. She walks towards Leon. His face is as pale as sheets. His lips lose brightness. His forehead is cold. Nakashi moves Leon’s body away from the steps to the floor. The marble floor is chilly. She puts off her self-made white robe and moves Leon’s body on it. She then puts off her blue jacket and covers it on his body. Nakashi puts the oil lamp besides him and sits beside him. She studies Leon’s face. His face is innocent. Unlike many people she meets, this boy never hides his thinking and emotions. That’s why Nakashi seems to understand him quite a lot and have formed a bond with him despite knowing him for just a few days. Nakashi prepares some food as she is rather hungry. After finishing her meal, she paces around and starts thinking deeply. She has just discovered such a big secret that the whole world does not know. Should she reveal this to the whole world? Or should she seal this inconvenient truth and let the world continues in its own way? Leon has regained his consciousness. He discovers himself lying peacefully on the marble floor. He feels the cold air as if thousands tiny needles stab his whole body. He starts shivering and sweating. He sits up slowly. He is still in that room. Everything is still the same. The walls, the floor, the ceiling, the steps and the throne are still here. Nothing has changed. Nakashi is walking towards him and asks kindly, ‘Are you feeling well?’ Leon smiles to express his gratitude and nods. Then, his smile slowly disappears and he turn his gaze on the floor. ‘Sorry, I was so afraid. Actually… I am still afraid now,’ Leon says slowly. ‘I can’t control my fear.’ Nakashi gives a reassuring smile. ‘It’s fine. It’s perfectly fine. I mean it is hard for anyone to accept such a shocking and dreadful fact. And those words…just…ignore them.’ Leon continues to gaze at the floor and his body is still shivering. ‘How…how can you be so sure that they are not true?’ ‘Well, just look at the throne again. It’s empty, isn’t it? Trust your own eyes.’ ‘No…the fact that we can’t see the Sou doesn’t mean that it does not exist. You can’t really explain those words. We can’t just choose to ignore them.’ Nakashi hesitates for a moment and speaks, ‘Now, you just forget everything you have listened and read, including what I have just said. And you look by yourself. You think by your own self. Ignore everything and just think by yourself.’ Leon closes his eyes, holds his breath and tries to detach his mind from all the things he has read and listened. It is difficult, he feels very uncomfortable and tense. He can feel that blood is running in his veins. Words are flashing across his mind rapidly and voices are echoing in his brain repeatedly. He tries to calm down. ‘Nothing, blank, empty…’ he repeats to himself. Leon does not know how much time has passed. But he knows that he is fully alone and independent spiritually now. He can now use his unconstrained mind to do his own thinking. He opens his eyes. ‘Yes, the throne is empty. That’s true. There is no one there. Yes, I’m confident about that,’ his mind works stably and securely. He turns back his focus to Nakashi, who is waiting patiently. Leon says, ‘You’re right. Our minds are always easily affected by many external things.’ Nakashi gazes at the ground, ‘True…I’m not saying that what we perceive always lead us away from the truth. But, it is really important for us to clear our mind, think independently and be confident with our own thoughts.’ Nakashi continues, ‘We are raised in an environment that thoughts are so unified. Everyone has strong faith towards the Sou and the Sou-gen. So, our minds are actually deeply influenced since we are born. We now discover the truth about the Sou. But I wonder how long we can sustain our own thoughts and believe in our own self in the future. Once we leave this place and go back to the outside world, it will be much more difficult to preserve our independent mind. ‘ Leon says determinedly, ‘No, we must persist. We must keep this independent mind no matter what we hear and encounter in the future.’ ‘We must also tell the world about the truth no matter how difficult it is.’ ‘That is actually what I was thinking just now. But difficulty is not my concern. I’m thinking whether it is necessary and appropriate to do so. I mean the world still goes perfectly well despite the fact that they live under a great lie. On the other hand, telling them the truth may actually drag them away from hope.’ Nakashi pauses for a while. She stares at the white marble throne. Then, she continues, ‘In fact, I think the people who invent the idea of the Sou are not trying to deceive others deliberately. They are also shook and influenced by fear or hopelessness. We all live in a world that is full of sadness and tragedies. We all want to have something that can bring us eternal love and joy and someone that can guide us and give us strength to solve all problems. This explains why people create the Sou and believe in the Sou whole-heartedly.’ ‘Should we destroy others’ love and hope even though they are false?’ Nakashi whispers to herself. The two of them do nothing and just sit at there to think. Leon stands up. He walks towards Nakashi and says firmly, ‘No. Even though it is beneficial to many of us, it is still a lie. It is still something wrong. Besides, I think there are actually quite a lot of us who does not really believe in the Sou in this world. They are unable to voice out. We should be the first to do so as we are so confident about the truth.’ Leon continues, ‘And the world is being unfair to people like Catala. We must act. We need not to be as radical as Catala but we must act.’ Nakashi is amazed by Leon’s determination and courage. She knows that Leon is not just giving an empty talk. She knows that this brave and talented boy is determined to finish this difficult task. Leon even starts packing his stuff now. ‘We should find Panzhi and Catala now. We must tell Panzhi about the entire thing first.’ Leon knows that it will be very difficult for Panzhi to accept this fact since Panzhi is an even more devoted follower of the Sou. But, he knows that Panzhi is also a rational and brainy person and he is confident that Panzhi will be able to overcome this. Nakashi feels eager and motivated to start this difficult mission. Leon’s spirit has aroused her long-hidden motivation. She feels that she now has an important task that she must finish in her life-time. Nevertheless, she still remains cool-minded. She smiles to Leon and says, ‘Well, I think we can’t just walk out unplannedly now. I mean the whole world is still thinking that we are killed or captured after the plane crash. And we can’t just walk out from the world most restricted area and tell the world the worst thing that they want to hear!’ Nakashi laughs bitterly. ‘Besides, we are still not sure where are Panzhi and Catala and whether they are safe. We must develop a detailed plan first.’ ‘And it’s been such a long day. I think both of us need rest.’ She sits down and puts down the oil lamp on the ground. ‘Let’s just take a rest now and think of a detailed plan tomorrow.’ She simply lies down on the floor. Leon also sits down, he also feels a bit tired and sleepy, he says, ‘That’s true. I just hope Panzhi and Catala will be fine and safe.’ ‘Good night, Nakashi.’ He turns towards Nakashi who has already closed her eyes and does not make any responses. Chapter 7 Leon is alone in a long and wide corridor. He cannot see the ending of the corridor. What he can only see is a strong light far away from him. He walks slowly towards that strong beam. ‘Leon, choose the right path. Don’t seal your heart. I know you are trying to help and change the world. But you must understand that if you are on a wrong path, even you do everything with good intention, everything you do will still be harmful to others.’ It is a familiar calm and kind voice. ‘Is Geffen talking to him?’ Leon is thinking. ‘No.’ ‘Or is the Sou-gen talking to him?’ ‘No, it isn’t.’ Leon remembers the Sou-gen’s voice. The Sou-gen’s voice is also calm and peaceful. But this time the voice is different, it is from a very distant place. It is the most serene voice that Leon has heard but it is also full of energy and strength. ‘No, it can’t be the Sou. He does not exist.’ Leon is sure about that. ‘So will the voice belongs to another Deity, the true Deity, the true creator, who wants to guide him?’ Leon thinks. Leon feels anxious and impatient and shouts ‘Who are you?’ ‘I’m the true and only one. You can never see me by your own eyes. But I’m always here, guiding and creating all living beings.’ ‘Are you the Sou?’ Leon asks abruptly. ‘That is just a name created by mankind. I don’t need any names created by mankind.’ The strong voice continues, ‘Throughout the years, there are so many generations of people trying to figure out how is the world created, who is the true creator. They make up so many names. And every time, they claim that the name that they made up is their only and true creator. And there are vicious arguments among mankind about whose name and whose interpretation is right in every generation.’ ‘That is completely different from what I want to see in the world. I create living things because I think life is precious and wonderful. I hope love can be promoted through lives. But ironically, people waste their lives in arguing about how I should be like. Conflicts arise because of these arguments.’ ‘Leon, you have discovered the truth that one of the interpretations about me is wrong. But, there is no real good in telling the world about it. It will only cause more conflicts.’ ‘Leon, there are numerous people who possess the same idea that you are thinking now throughout all the ages. They think that human beings are capable in doing everything. Just ignore this matter. Just focus on loving others and help promoting a world full of love and peace that I would like to see. Though I do not like mankind giving interpretations and names to me, it is really precious that the whole world agrees on a unified interpretation and is able to promote true love. Don’t destroy this valuable moment.’ While Leon is still thinking about what to say, the bright light vanishes. He is left alone in a dark long alley. Leon wakes up. It is of course just a dream. He closes his eyes and uses the method that Nakashi teaches him to think independently. Yet, he still can’t determine that whether the voice is just his subconscious speaking to him or it is really the true creator speaking to him. He is still very confused and his mind is still very disturbed. He realizes that speaking with Nakashi about his dream will be the best way to clear his doubts. He shares his dream with Nakashi and repeats every word that he has heard. ‘I’m so confused. We are just sure about one thing. It is that the Sou does not exist in here physically. But is there a true creator in the world? Is that voice really real? Or there is simply no creator of the world such that life is just simply a coincidence?’ Leon asks confusingly. Nakashi can see how confused Leon is by reading his expression. ‘I’ve also been thinking about this important question right after I’ve discovered the truth about the Sou.’ ‘I was also confused until I’ve deduced a perfect answer that will always clear our doubts,’ Nakashi replies confidently. ‘What is it?’ Leon asks urgently. ‘It is we simply don’t know,’ Nakashi says. ‘It is impossible to know and we will never know.’ ‘But…’Leon tries to break in. Nakashi continues, ‘As we can’t see and no one has seen the creator before, we cannot be sure that whether there is a creator or how it is like. On the other hand, no one can be totally sure to deny the existence of a creator. It is simply impossible for us to deny the existence of something which cannot be seen and sensed.’ ‘Well, I don’t really get it,’ Leon says confusingly. Nakashi smiles and says, ‘For example, I’m saying that there is a magical invisible bird flying in this room. You cannot see it. The magical bird will not make any noise, any smell. You cannot feel it too. Well, you can never prove my claim is wrong because you can never sense it. But I can never prove my claim is right too as no one can sense it. Thus, the answer of this question is always unknown. Well, if our creator can never be seen or sensed, doesn’t the same logic apply to the question about the creator?’ Leon looks at Nakashi with some doubts and thinks intensively, ‘That’s…that’s….that…is…true…We simply don’t know.’ Then, Leon stands up and says, ‘Though we don’t know whether there is a creator, we are at least sure about one thing. That the Sou does not exist in here and what the Sou-gen and most of the people believe is wrong.’ ‘And we should tell the world that we will never know whether there is a creator or not. And tell them we should not waste our precious lives in worshipping something that we don’t know. That’s what I can finally conclude after all the thinking,’ Nakashi adds. Nakashi takes out some bread and shares them with Leon. She also gets out her bottle which contains a little water. ‘So, what is the plan?’ Leon immediately starts off the topic. ‘Well, I think the person that must know about this fact first must be the Sou-gen. We can’t just tell this fact to the world by our own mouths. We must tell it through the mouth of the Sou-gen. Only if the people receive this fact from the voice of the Sou-gen, they would truly believe it.’ Nakashi continues enthusiastically, ‘When the Sou-gen and other people are convinced by us, we should tell the world to stop worshipping something that we will never know. We should advocate the idea that we human ourselves can create a better and more hopeful world without the help of any deity or creator!’ ‘Well, it will be so ideal if we can succeed in doing this…Yet, you over simplify the whole thing! You seriously think that the Sou-gen will believe in what we say and follow us to trespass this holy place? That’s just impractical.’ Nakashi laughs and explains patiently, ‘Of course not! We ought to use some… some violence to do so.’ She looks at Leon and continues, ‘I hate this idea. I really dislike it. I mean…how can I do this to the kindest person in the world? But this is really the only way. Once the Sou-gen believes to us, the whole thing will be much easier and we can adopt a much more peaceful way.’ Leon gazes at her and says slowly, ‘That’s…crazy. That’s just completely mad.’ Nakashi immediately replies, ‘Yes, it is. It is crazy…But it’s the only way. I can’t think of any peaceful method in bringing the Sou-gen to here to witness this truth.’ ‘It’s so cruel to the Sou-gen. I don’t think the Sou-gen can accept this fact. We will drive him into madness.’ ‘But Leon, the whole thing is going to be cruel. Not just to the Sou-gen, we are breaking the hopes and dreams of millions of people.’ Nakashi continues, ‘But I’m sure mankind will be able to rebuild their hopes and dreams by themselves. I don’t believe that mankind must rely on external forces to build love and hope.’ Leon takes a long deep breath, ‘You’re right after all. You’re right. I just hope that they really can rebuild their hopes and dreams.’ Nakashi reassures Leon and says, ‘I’m sure we all can.’ Then, she gets back to her plan, ‘First of all, we must disguise back as priests to get out of here.’ ‘That was the stupidest thing I have ever done,’ Leon laughs and interrupts. Nakashi also laughs and she continues, ‘Then, we use the communication devices that Catala has given to us to contact and meet Catala. It’s not the right time to contact Panzhi now. It will be impossible for him to agree on our mission. We won’t contact him until the whole thing is settled.’ ‘But I really hope Panzhi will be on our side now. He is my best friend,’ Leon says lamentably. ‘He will. As long as we have convinced the Sou-gen, I’m sure he will join us,’ Nakashi gives a hopeful and positive smile. Leon nods slowly and asks, ‘So what we will do after that?’ ‘Well, I think we can take advantage of the fact that people are still regarding that we have just escaped from a plane crash. We go to the margin of the forest and go to any barrack or guard post near there. Then, the guards in there will think that we’ve survived from the plane crash, walked pass the whole forest successfully and come to there to seek help. After that, I can ask them to send us back to the palace. Then, we can find the Sou-gen there. That’s much better than sneaking in the palace or The Sou Temple awkwardly.’ ‘That’s clever. Then, what’s next?’ ‘We must find an opportunity in meeting the Sou-gen alone. Then, we… we will… knock him over…The guards or other bishops will not suspect much as I often talked with the Sou-gen alone for a long period of time in the past.’ ‘But how can we escape from the palace and get back to here once again? I mean we will have to move with the body of the Sou-gen at the same time?’ ‘That’s the difficult point. I think we must rely on Catala’s help again. We need her to create disturbance everywhere and divert people’s attention once again.’ ‘She will enjoy doing that,’ Leon says jokingly. Nakashi laughs. ‘Leon, will it be too hasty that we start our operation right now. Do you need more rest?’ ‘No. My stamina has fully come back. Besides, this place is too creepy to stay long.’ ‘I agree. The longer we stay, the more worries and uncertainties we will have and we will lose our confidence and enthusiasm.’ ‘Wait, we miss out one thing to do,’ Leon says. He pulls out his elegant silvery sword and walks towards the throne. He stares at the silvery tablet with golden words. He determinedly hit it with his sword without any hesitation. The tablet is unusually hard. Even Leon’s sharp and powerful sword cannot break it. ‘It is not protected by any divine power and I can break it!’ Leon uses his full strength to hit it. Fractures are marked on the tablet. Leon hit it continuously. The tablet is broken into a few pieces. He does not stop. The violent hitting continues for a few minutes until the whole tablet is broken into small fragments such that the words on it cannot be read. He says, ‘This can prevent the Sou-gen from reading those words and save a lot of troubles. In fact, these wicked and manipulative words should be destroyed forever. I will hide them away from human eyes forever.’ Nakashi is shocked by Leon’s behavior and amazed by his words. She realized that he is an unusual boy. Just hours ago, he was scared and deeply influenced by those words. But now, he is so courageous that he can totally ignore and even destroy them. He is just like her, who possesses a kind and gentle heart but at the same time a courageous and confident mind. She stands up and marches towards the marble door. She pushes it open confidently, just like what she did when she came in. ‘Let’s go!’ she says. They put back on their long white robes and climbs back all the staircases to go up. They make their way back to the long and dark corridor. ‘Strange. It is supposed to be morning now. Why there isn’t any bright light coming from the other end of the corridor?’ Leon wonders. They continue to walk along the corridor and they can hear the wind’s furious sound. As they walk more closed to the entrance, they start to feel icy wind jabbing their body ferociously. ‘There must be a heavy snowstorm,’ Nakashi whispers. Despite the brutish attack from the wind, the bravely step towards the entrance. Both Nakashi and Leon are staggered by the scene as they step out from the entrance. White is the only color that can be seen by them. Piles of snow and ice cover the ground. All sizes of hails and ice cubes fall from the sky rapidly. Nakashi cannot see any living beings in the surround area, nor any aircraft or ships in the sky. It may be due to the extreme low visibility or possibly due to the fact that all people try to escape from this extremely cold and dangerous weather by going back to the indoor area. Neither Nakashi nor Leon has witnessed this kind of extreme snow storm before. Snowstorm or other kinds of cold extreme weather are common in this world and dozens of them take place every year. But this one is nothing that they have seen. Nakashi starts walking on the icy ground. She puts the hood of the robe on. She tries to breathe less to reduce taking in cold air. It is really chilly. Her hands soon become numb. She gets some remaining cloth from her bag and uses them as a mask to protect her nose and mouth from those bitter winds. ‘Are you sure that we are able to withstand this?’ Leon shouts from behind with a worried tone. Nakashi realizes that she has forgotten about her companion. She turns back and walks towards him apologetically. ‘Sorry for leaving you behind. But I believe that we can make it. Besides, we need to take advantage of this low-visibility weather and move quickly.’ She gets out another piece of cloth and gives it to Leon. ‘Come on, use this to cover your face, just like what I have done. I’m sure you will feel better.’ They sprint across the open area and climb over those tall fences which are all now covered with frost and snow. ‘Let’s try to contact Catala now. We can know where she is,’ Leon says. Nakashi takes out that golden gadget and tries to make contact with Catala. She tries a few times until she finally receives responses. ‘Catala, we have come out from there. You’re right. We must tell the truth to the whole world. We need your assistance. Please help.’ Nakashi speaks concisely and clearly. Nakashi tells her the plan that they are going to carry out and the role that Catala will play. Catala replies that she is now hiding in an abandoned house safely and she is willing to help in anytime. Nakashi finds out that Catala is a bit surprised by Leon’s and her determination and passion towards their dangerous mission. From listening to Catala’s voice and tone, Nakashi also realizes that Catala is very glad and happy that there are finally people who understand her and willing to cooperate with her. ‘Listen. The snowstorm has scared all people since last night. I can hear those foolish people saying that their God is angry and is punishing them. They all hide indoor and even the army abandon their patrolling. You two must take this opportunity and carry out the plan as soon as possible. Go west to the knolls where you can summon hawks for flying instead of walking in this severe weather. Good luck.’ ‘Thanks, Catala. Wish you all the best too.’ They have a short rest and continue to march in that brutal snowstorm. Finally, they have climbed up a knoll. Nakashi picks out a whistle and starts blowing. The wind is so strong and Leon worries that the whistle sound can barely be heard by the hawks. But after a few minutes of continuous blowing, two hawks descend from the clouds and fly towards them. ‘I don’t know that you can do that? I thought only Catala could do that.’ Leon asks surprisingly. Nakashi laughs and says, ‘Actually, it was me who taught Catala in doing that. These hawks are called Metos. I discovered them while I was wandering in the forest in the past. They are very clever and sensitive. That’s why they are able to receive such a weak message even in severe weather condition like that.’ Each of them climbs up a hawk. Nakashi obviously does better than Leon. After a few minutes of struggling, Leon has finally successfully climbed up and seated safely on the Metos. ‘These creatures are so hard to control. How can you ensure that they listen to our orders?’He asks, while the two hawks are already flipping their wings and prepare to take off. ‘Well, the crux is that we shouldn’t control them. We should treat them as friends and companions. That’s the golden rule that applies to treating all living beings. These two Metos are not serving us, but helping us. Isn’t it, Galis?’ Nakashi pats the Metos’s head smoothly and Galis squeaks joyfully. Leon is amazed, ‘You even make names for them!’ ‘Yeah, there are not many Metos in this region. I am able to recognize all of them. The one you are now riding is called Geeta. She is a strong and agile one.’ The Metos take off. Leon grabs Geeta tightly as the wind is really strong and hails are hitting his body intensely. They struggle past the disturbed currents among the clouds. But as soon as they have passed the cloud cover, the atmosphere is tranquil. After less than an hour, they have already reached the margin of the forest. The dense canopy is no longer green this time. All the trees are covered by frost and ice. They land right at the margin of the forest. Nakashi gives out some of her precious food to the two Metos as gratitude towards their help. ‘Now, Leon, are you exhausted?’ Nakashi asks. ‘Of course. Riding it is not an easy job’ ‘Well. That’s great,’ Nakashi laughs. ‘It is good that you look exhausted. People will believe us that we have just gone through a rigorous journey in going out from the forest’ Nakashi and Leon stop laughing as they see a group of soldiers are riding towards them. ******************************************************************* Chapter 8 ‘Ok, just relaxed. I will do the talking,’ Nakashi whispers to Leon. It is a light cavalry unit. There are about twenty of them. They stop their horses when they have come near to Nakashi and Leon. The men are stunned when they see the president is standing in front of them. ‘President Nakashi! You’re safe! And you must be the tournament champion, Mr. Leonardo. Thanks the Sou for this miracle!’ The leading man says surprisingly. ‘I’m Modric. And we are the 13th light cavalry unit. Several units of the army have been searching you since the plane crash. Thanks the Sou that you’re safe.’ ‘We’ve been wandering in the forest after the plane crash. Our pilots and guards were killed. And we lost contact with Panzhi, the other award winner.’ Nakashi says slowly. ‘I feel deeply sorry for them. But don’t worry about Panzhi. He has already made contact with the army early this morning during the snowstorm. He is now resting in the palace,’ says Modric. Nakashi and Leon exchange look when they hear that Panzhi has already gone back to the palace. They are worried that whether their action has already been discovered. Nevertheless, Nakashi decides to continue the plan. ‘The plane crash was done by those terrorists. I need to meet the Sou-gen to discuss this matter with him. Would you please send us back to the capital?’ ‘Of course, Miss. Nakashi. But you two look pale and exhausted. Don’t you need some rest, my President?’ ‘It’s urgent and time is running out. Please just send us straight back to the Sou Temple in the capital.’ ‘Yes, my President.’ Two soldiers kindly offer their horses to Nakashi and Leon. They immediately ride back to the nearest barrack where a medium-sized carrier is parking there. Nakashi and Leon thank all the soldiers once again and board the carrier right away. ‘May the Sou bless you,’ Modric says to them sincerely. Nakashi keeps silent for a while and replies, ‘Same for you.’ The carrier flies steadily despite the violent snowstorm. Inside the carrier, Nakashi and Leon are sitting alone in a room. Nakashi guards’ have been killed in the plane crash and there are no one keeping an eye on them. ‘I’m worried about Panzhi. I don’t know whether Panzhi decided to contact with the army or he is simply captured. Will his action arouses suspicion? Will he be purged because of our actions?’ Leon says quietly. ‘I guess he will be fine. He is such a smart person. He knows how to deal with all kinds of situations,’ Nakashi whispers. ‘That’s true. But the whole thing should be unrelated to Panzhi. He does not involve in anything and he is one who persuades us not to do so. I don’t want him to bear our responsibility.’ ‘I promise to you that I will always take the full responsibility if we fail. Panzhi will not be harmed by my impulsiveness and stubbornness,’ Nakashi says convincingly. Leon looks at her and smiles, ‘Not you, but us.’ Nakashi looks at Leon with gratitude. She continues by whispering the next steps of their plan and Leon listens carefully. Panzhi and the Sou-gen are alone in a meditation room in the Sou Temple. Panzhi is kneeling before the Sou-gen. Tears drop from his cheek down on the cold white marble floor. He says in a wretched tone, ‘My dear lord! Please pardon their sin. Let me talk to them first!’ ‘Calm down, my dear child. Get up, please don’t kneel before me,’ The Sou-gen tries to pacify him. Panzhi continues to speak desperately for his friends, ‘They have a pure and kind heart. They are just being misled by evil spirits to the very wrong path. If they have not met the wicked heretic after the plane crash, they would not do such an unfaithful act. Please, I’m sure I can guide them back to the path of light and faith.’ ‘My dear child, I understand your dilemma. They are your friends. Your kind heart towards them is a virtuous and respectable. But your friends are very dangerous now. They may abuse your love and care towards them and lure you to darkness. I think it is better for me to do this important task.’ The Sou-gen says in a calm and kind voice. He gives a hand to Panzhi and pulls him up gently. Panzhi dries his tears. ‘I should have prevented them. Sorry, my teacher. My mind was so confused and disturbed at that time. It is my fault.’ The Sou-gen gives a calm and reassuring smile to Panzhi. ‘My child, it’s not your fault.’ He walks slowly to the window of the room and looks at outside with his wise eyes. ‘It is my failure in teaching that contributes to this tragedy. But it may be a good thing for them to experience certain darkness now. Only have they experienced darkness, they will truly understand the value of faith and light. I’m sure your friends will learn a lesson and finally return to the light side, though it will not be an easy journey.’ The Sou-gen eyes are full of wisdom and confidence. A bishop knocks the door and walks in. ‘My noble Sou-gen, the Sou has once again created a miracle. President Nakashi and Mr. Leonardo are safe. They’ve made contact with the army and are now heading back to the capital. They said they have got important matter to discuss with you, my noble Sou-gen.’ Panzhi is shocked and terrified. He controls himself to prevent tears rushing from his eyes. The Sou-gen also has a concerned and worried expression. When the bishop has left, he turns to Panzhi and says calmly, ‘Have no worries, my kind child. I will never have any evil intention to your two friends even if they already have any dark intention towards me. All my actions will be guided under the Sou’s true light.’ ‘Now my dear child, just leave all these to me and take a good rest.’ The Sou-gen gives a gentle hug to the sad and perplexed boy. Panzhi leaves the room, leaving the Sou-gen thinking deeply on his own. The carrier arrives at the Palace airport. A line of guards and servants are waiting to serve and protect the two important survivors. ‘Thank you for waiting me in such a horrible weather. We’re perfectly fine and safe. Thank you for all your care and support,’ Nakashi speaks to all people who are waiting in the airport. The people clap and cheer for the return of their beloved president. Nakashi and Leon walk away from the runway of the airport. They are accompanied by vice president Kandrica. ‘President Nakashi, do you have any ideas towards the cause of the plane crash? Is it caused by attack from the infidel and heretical terrorists? There is also an attack from radical heretics around the Divine Entrance yesterday. ’ Kandrica says. ‘Mr. Kandrica, I am very concerned about these two attacks too. But I have to discuss this crisis with the Sou-gen first. I think I need to talk privately with the Sou-gen. I will give you a reply soon after our discussion,’ Nakashi replies politely. ‘That’s fine. After all, the Sou-gen has the true wisdom from the Sou. Only the true wisdom from the Sou can defeat all those infidelity and disbelief. May the Sou guide you and guard you,’ the Vice President replies politely. Nakashi and Leon are led to the Sou Temple. Leon walks nervously. In spite of the cold weather, he starts to sweat. Just a few days ago, he was also walking here. He was meeting the wisest, kindest and most respectable person in mankind at that time. This time, he is also going to meet him. Yet, he is also going to harm this most beloved and trusted person in mankind. More sweat comes from his cold body. He takes a deep breath. Then, he slightly turns his head and looks at the girl who is walking next to her. She is unusually calm and confident. Her brownish eyes show a kind of clarity and pureness once again. He admires her confidence and her courage. Not only does she possess the courage of doing a dangerous thing, but also the courage of willing to bear all consequences of it by herself. Not only does she have the confidence of believing her own self, but also the confidence of believing that she should promote her belief to the whole world. He is amazed by the fact that a seventeen-year-old young girl having the desire and confidence in changing the whole world. So, why can’t he have that kind of courage if someone at his age can? They arrive at the door of the Sou-gen’s meditation room. They can see the Sou-gen standing solemnly. The Sou-gen is wearing a long, white and pure robe. There are also a few other experienced bishops waiting there. ‘My children, thanks to the guidance from the Sou once again, you are perfectly safe. You should take some rest. Why are you coming to me?’ The Sou-gen asks Nakashi and Leon when they come closed. Leon does not dare to have eye contact with the Sou-gen. He stares at the Sou-gen’s body. It is Nakashi who answers the Sou-gen’s question promptly. ‘My dear teacher, we come here since we need guidance from the Sou. The world and our people are under the great threat of dark power. The attacks towards the Divine Entrance and your plane have proven that we and our faith towards the Sou are under great danger. My dear teacher, please give your wisdom and the power from the Sou to help us to go through this difficult time.’ ‘The Sou will always give power and guide the ones who have faith towards him. Come inside, both of you. We need a quiet place to think and feel the words of the Sou. These four senior bishops and I will give you guidance. Just get inside.’ ‘Thank you very much,’ Nakashi nods to greet the four bishops. ‘But my dear teacher, Leon and I want to speak alone with you. We have got some important news that we just want to deliver to you first.’ The Sou-gen looks at Nakashi suspiciously. ‘I see, my child. But why can’t you share this important message to other experienced bishops?’ The Sou-gen asks kindly. ‘Sorry, my teacher, but it is a very dangerous fact that we want to disclose to you first. Only your wisdom can help us.’ Nakashi looks up at the Sou-gen with a determined expression. The Sou-gen escapes from Nakashi’s determined expression and hesistates for a few seconds. Then, he turns towards the four bishops. ‘In that case, my beloved brothers, would you mind giving us a moment?’ The four bishops nod politely and walk away slowly. Now, the tall and solemn figure who dressed in pure white is accompanied by two young souls who are clad in blue. Leon is shocked when he gets inside. The whole room is so similar to the throne room of the Sou deep under the Divine Entrance, with white marble floor and white marble walls. The only major differences are there are two large glass windows on the wall that shows a magnificent view and there is a purple mat in the centre of the room where people kneel down to meditate or pray. As long as they sit down on the mat, the conversation begins. ‘My teacher, the shoot down of your plane and the outrageous attack towards the Divine Entrance are only the very first step of the dark powers aggression. We must use the power from the Sou to put a halt to it,’ says Nakashi. The Sou-gen hesitates and says calmly, ‘These attacks are dangerous. But the most precarious attacks that we encounter is not them, is something that cannot be seen. Darkness and infidelity start to penetrate to our souls. Even intelligent people with huge ability and talent are contaminated by darkness and evil thoughts.’ Nakashi is immediately alarmed by the words but she remains perfectly calm and normal. She tries her very best to conceal all her fear, disturbance and uncertainty in her mind. Yet, the Sou-gen deep bluish eyes seem to have pass right through her own brownish eyes and cut inside her mind. The Sou-gen looks down on the mat for a while. Nakashi immediately seize this chance to exchange a glance with Leon. She can see that Leon has also been alarmed. Leon slightly uses his finger to point to his sword which is attached to his belt. Nakashi guesses that Leon is implying that he should use violence as soon as possible as the Sou-gen has already discovered that trespasses or even their plot. Nakashi puts up her hand slightly to signal to Leon that he should not do so now. She knows that it is still not the time yet. The Sou-gen is also Nakashi sword combat teacher. Nakashi knows that both Leon and her cannot stand a single chance if the Sou-gen has discovered their plot and fight with them. They must wait until the Sou-gen is distracted. The Sou-gen turns his focus back from the mat to the two of them. Nakashi immediately stops her eye contact with Leon nimbly. The Sou-gen continues, ‘To tackle this invisible hidden threat, the very first thing that everyone must do is to look inside their own hearts. Instead of looking outside aimlessly, we should look inside bravely, to see whether our own souls are manipulated by darkness.’ Nakashi is so sure that the Sou-gen has already discovered their trespass in the Divine Entrance. ‘How does he discover it? What will he do to us when he has already discovered it? Is this a trap planning to capture us? Or the Sou-gen has already forgiven her and he just wants to lecture her just like what he does to her for all these years? So in that case, should we also be honest and discuss this matter honestly without any secret plots?’ Nakashi thinks of all these questions but pretends to be listening at the same time. ‘No, it’s impossible to convince the Sou-gen by just empty-talking in here. It’s simply unrealistic.’ Nakashi thinks to herself and decides to continue her plot. ‘It is treacherous and cruel. But it’s the only way.’ The Sou-gen suddenly stands up slowly. Both Leon and Nakashi are alarmed by this but they still remain calm and do not move. Surprisingly, the Sou-gen turns his back towards them and walks towards the windows slowly as he continues to speak. ‘Now, my children, let all of us try to look deep inside our hearts first. Summon the Sou to get into your heart so that all the mistrust and evil thoughts in every dark corners of your heart can be lightened once again.’ ‘This is their only chance,’ Nakashi thinks to herself. She signals Leon to start their plot. Leon also seems to realize that this is their crucial moment. Leon detaches the sheath from his beautifully-carved sword. He puts down the sword silently and holds the metal sheath. Nakashi gives her a determined look and nods slightly. Leon nods back, holds the sheath tightly and tiptoes towards the tall white figure. The Sou-gen keeps walking towards the window and he seems to be unaware of a menace coming close to him. At the same time, Nakashi secretly picks out her golden gadget. She prepares to ask Catala to launch a surprise attack once again to cause a distraction. Sweat is coming from Leon’s forehead, hands and body. He can now feel his heart-beat. He keeps on reminding himself that he is not going to kill him, but just to knock him into unconsciousness. Now he is already tiptoeing right behind the tall white figure, but the Sou-gen is still looking at the ground and walking slowly to meditate. Leon holds his breath, closes his eye and strike the sheath towards the head of the defenseless Sou-gen. Just at that critical moment, a strong force resists Leon’s sheath. Chapter 9 Leon feels his arm is being grabbed. Leon is shocked and petrified. He opens his eyes immediately. The tall white figure is gazing with him with solemn expression. Leon cannot see any anger from the Sou-gen’s face. But the solemnity of the Sou-gen’s face has scared Leon to the largest extent. ‘Let him go!’ Leon can hear Nakashi’s petrified voice. But the voice is so distant. ‘Your mind is corrupted. I should no longer indulge your trespasses,’ The Sou-gen speaks in an emotionless and serious tone. Leon can no longer feel any heart-beat, any blood or any heat from his powerless and vulnerable body. Just as he wants to struggle to escape, the Sou-gen stuns Leon by hitting Leon’s head swiftly and promptly. Leon faints and his body collapses slowly. Nakashi is terrified but she calms herself quickly. She picks up the blue and silvery sword that Leon left behind and holds it steadily. ‘We are not doing this with any evil intention. Yes, we have gone inside the Divine Entrance and we have gone inside the throne room. But, we have a truth to show to the whole world. All of us, you and me, have been living under a great lie!’ ‘Nakashi, you are an intelligent and courageous girl. But these two qualities have pulled you into the lethal trap of arrogance. Arrogance has been blinding you. Put down your weapon. The Sou could pardon you, before it is too late,’ The Sou-gen replies in a concerned and sincere tone. There is no hatred between the student and the teacher, nor fear, nor anger. But there is still unavoidable conflict and tension between the two of them. The stress and difficult situation that Nakashi faces start to make her feeling anxious. ‘Please. My teacher, I know it is ludicrous. But believe us. Don’t seal your heart. Follow me to witness the truth.’ ‘Nakashi. Halt! Control your mind. Do not let arrogance overflow you!’ The Sou-gen picks up the sheath of Leon’s sword. ‘My teacher, if you continue to seal your heart from any other thoughts and even attempt to dominate my own will, I must confront you!’ ‘Nakashi! I do not want to be your enemy. The Sou tells me to save and guide you. But if you still insist on indulging yourself in the sea of evil and arrogance, I must use force to lead you away from it.’ Nakashi realizes that a fight is unavoidable. Besides, the tension pushes her to a limit that she wants to use violence to solve the problem. She has totally forgotten and abandoned the fact that she has been a pure pacifist who always wants to resolve all matters in peace for all these years. ‘Fight is the only way!’ she says to herself. She roars and charges. Nakashi practices the delicate skills that were taught by the tall and solemn man who she is fighting now. She leaps highly in the air and strikes forcefully from the top. The Sou-gen does not escape from this powerful attack. He holds the sheath tightly with both of his hands and blocks Nakashi’s attack firmly. ‘Cling’ There is a clear sound when the two pieces of metal clash. Nakashi continues to use various skillful moves to attack. She uses her agile body to move around the tall white figure rapidly to seek for weakness to attack. Nevertheless, the Sou-gen well predicts all her moves and responds calmly and steadily. All strikes or stabs are firmly blocked. After a few minutes, Nakashi has already used up all her techniques and tricks that she knows. She has even tried out a few acrobatic moves and special tricks that Leon has been teaching her in these few days. But all these fail to break the Sou-gen’s solid defense. Nakashi becomes impatient and anxious. She wants to end this quickly. She abandons all her swordsmanship and techniques that she knows. She attacks unorthodoxly but also ferociously. The only thing in her mind is to break that sheath by intense striking in order to disarm him. She does not realize that she is now fighting as fierce as Catala does. The Sou-gen notices the change in his opponent’s mood. He warns his fretful and anxious opponent. ‘Nakashi! Hatred and anger have clouded your entire mind! Stop your fighting immediately!’ Nakashi ignores him. She keeps on striking ferociously. The Sou-gen is not scared by the aggressive attack. He still anticipates every strikes unruffled. On the other hand, Nakashi’s unorthodox and disorderly attack has made herself more defenseless weaknesses. ‘Halt your attack now, Nakashi! Do not force me to overpower you!’ The Sou-gen gives his last warning in a solemn tone. Yet, these serious words no longer have any influence on that determined girl. Nakashi makes another powerful vertical strike towards the Sou-gen. The Sou-gen evades with ease. Then, he hits Nakashi’s acupuncture point precisely and swiftly such that Nakashi can do nothing to defend this sudden attack. Nakashi is stunned and she collapses slowly just like what happened to Leon a few minutes ago. Catala is still staying at the abandoned house and hiding from the heavy snowstorm. Yet, she notices something has gone wrong when neither Nakashi nor Leon contacts her to ask her to start her task. She is worried, not only because of the fact that their plan may have failed, but also because of the fact that she really cares about them. She really regards both Nakashi and Leon as her valuable friends. She is anxious about their safety and she tells herself that she has the responsibility in protecting her truthful friends. Despite the fact that she does not have any covers or coats to keep her warm, she steps bravely out of the shelter. She only wears her simple black vest with a pair of worn out black shorts. She has even lost her shoes during the intense fighting against the air force. She steps on the frozen ground with her bare feet. Snow and frost strike her body intensely. Nevertheless, she is not afraid of this chilly weather and continues to walk on the frozen ground. Years of loneliness have made her strong. Her shinny black hair, resolute black eyes, black vest and shorts have made her particular prominent in the white snowy streets. The future is difficult and uncertain to her but she sees some kind of direction in it. She decides to go to the forest quickly to summon the Metos once again and spy on what happen around the temple. Panzhi is waiting anxiously in his room. His extreme worries towards his Leon and Nakashi sickens him. He feels nauseous but he is unable to vomit. Neither sitting nor standing makes him feel better. Suddenly, the door is pushed open. It is Leon’s and his beloved teacher, Geffen. The old man does not seem to feel any better than Panzhi. Panzhi realizes that Geffen’s face is as pale as a ghost. The old man loses his energy and liveliness. He looks at Panzhi wretchedly. ‘How…how are they?’ Panzhi asks quickly and anxiously. Geffen looks at Panzhi sadly but does not respond to his question. ‘Teacher, tell me, please!’ Leon asks urgently. Geffen sits down slowly. He speaks in a slow and wretched tone, ‘Panzhi, I am a failed teacher. Leon was… he was such a humble and genuine boy, a pure and innocent soul. Why the demon has chosen him? He really trespasses the Divine Entrance. How imprudent he is? He who testifies the Sou will be eroded by demon! His mind is full of evil spirits now. He has totally lost his conscience. The demon has corroded his body and manipulated his mind. And the demon has just manipulated him and Nakashi…to assault…the Sou-gen…’ Geffen can no longer continue. Tear flows from his old and dry eyes. So does Panzhi. ‘No! No, we can’t let it end like this! They do not deserve this treatment! They had such a pure and compassionate soul! They deserve to have a chance to go to the eternal land of the Sou!’ Panzhi cries. ‘Teacher, we must guide them and save them!’ Geffen sits there and buries his head into his shaking arms. Panzhi rushes out from the room. He tells himself that he must save his friends. He cannot accept the fact that Leon and Nakashi will be separated from him and the future utopia. He must lead them back to the path of righteousness and faith. Leon has regained his consciousness. He finds himself sitting in a dark room where there are only a few candles for lighting. There is nothing but a cold marble table in front of him in the room. There is no one in the room. Leon is not afraid but he is concerned whether Nakashi has successfully made her escape. The door is pushed open. It is Panzhi. He is accompanied by two guards. Leon is glad his best friend is safe. Yet, from the weak candle light, Leon can see that his friend has gone through a difficult time. He realizes Panzhi’s face is as pale as sheets and he must have cried before. ‘The Sou-gen and the bishops must have put him in a difficult situation,’ Leon thinks. He feels guilty for his friend’s suffering. ‘Panzhi, do not worry about me. I have chosen my own path and I will bear my own consequences. I am so sorry that I have put you in a difficult situation because of my own desire. Do they give you an unbearable time after they have captured you? You do not involve in this matter and you should be free from any consequence.’ Panzhi interrupts bluntly, with a serious and sad tone, ‘They did not capture me. I report to the Sou-gen by myself. Listen, Leon, I know you will think that I betray you, but…’ ‘No…That’s not true…Don’t say that!’ Leon says seriously and nervously. ‘That’s true. I report to the Sou-gen by myself,’ Panzhi replies bluntly. Leon is shocked. He interrupts immediately to block Panzhi’s explanation. ‘Traitor! You have said that you would stay there to keep guarding when we go inside. I don’t care if you do not do so! But you have done the opposite! You’re a liar! If you really disagree with us, you can just voice out. You pretend to agree with us and…and betray us! I never deceive you; I never hide any thoughts from you! If we do not have a liar like you, we have succeeded already!’ ‘You said you never deceive me and I’m a liar. Then, why do you hide the plan of attacking the Sou-gen from me! You also have your own agenda.’ Leon interrupts again. ‘No! That’s different! I’m going to tell you as long as we have convinced the Sou-gen! It’s just not the time yet!’ ‘Convince the Sou-gen! With your evil intention! You’re not the Leon that I knew! You are just a body that is corrupted by Demon! I did this to save you and guide you! I do not want to witness my friend turning into a devil!’ ‘Shut up! I won’t allow a coward criticizing me! Go away!’ ‘Leon! Listen to me first! Listen to me! I’m saving you! Your sins can be pardoned as long as you open your hearts to us!’ ‘Go away! I do not need a coward who blinds himself from the truth to lecture me! I’m now telling you that what you believe is absurd! If you do not believe, then go away! If you just want to serve and obey a thing that does not exist for your entire life, then just go away!’ ‘You’re no longer Leon. The dark side has consumed you. You will suffer from hatred and pain until you decide to repent. Until that time, you will still be a demon instead of the true Leon that I knew. Meanwhile, do you want some cookies?’ ‘No!’ ‘Don’t regret, it’s chocolate deluxe favor, your favourite.’ ‘No, fuck off!’ Panzhi leaves the room without a second glance on Leon though he really wants to have a look towards his best friend. ‘He is no longer my friend. Leon, where have you gone?’ he whispers to himself. He slams the door and moves away from the room as soon as possible. Tears flow along his face once again and he has forgotten how many times he has cried today already. He has lost a friend, one of his best friends. He wants to save Leon but everything has gone wrong. ********************************************************************* Chapter 10 Catala is flying in the sky above the centre of the capital with a Metos. The city is quiet. All buildings and streets are covered by thick white snow. She uses her sharp eyes to scan carefully. There are no one except a few guards marching and patrolling around the palace and the temple. ‘Very few guards are mobilized and there isn’t any emergency signal. It seems there isn’t any fighting or disturbance. Are they captured? Or they simply haven’t started the action?’ Catala thinks quickly. ‘Anyway, I must get closer to investigate carefully,’ she tells herself. Her intuition tells her that her friends are in danger. Leon feels lonely and miserable but not regretful and hopeless. He looks at the candle on the table in front of him. The candle light is weak, but it is still shinning in the dark room. He must keep the truth that he has discovered and the ideals that he has developed. He must extend these ideals to every corner of the world. ‘Yes, the candle light is weak, but it is still shinning in the dark room. I must not let the candle light to be extinguished.’ He keeps on reminding himself. The door is opened. It is him, the solemn and respectable figure that he intended to attack. He is accompanied by two tall guards. He steps in and walks towards Leon. Leon cannot find a single sign of hatred or anger in the Sou-gen’s face. It is still the solemn expression which gives out a sacred and inviolable force. ‘Don’t be afraid. I come here without a single thought of hatred,’ the Sou-gen says calmly. Leon comprehends that it will not be a physical struggle, but a mental and spiritual one. The Sou-gen is the wisest and the most believable person in the world but Leon is confident that his independent mind will not be overrun. The Sou-gen is standing right in front of Leon, looking at him calmly but intensely. ‘Leon, I understand how you feel now. I just want you to know that we are never your enemy. We are here to teach and guide you. But the most crucial part is that whether you are willing to open your heart to us and to the Sou.’ Leon looks at the solemn figure confidently. ‘I am sorry for attacking and having a conspiracy against you. I am not your enemy either, but I will no longer follow you. Please let me go and let me choose my own path.’ ‘We are not controlling and restraining your freedom. The Sou grants each of us an independent and free mind. It is always our own choice in deciding whether we follow the Sou. But Leon, being the Sou-gen, I cannot witness you choosing the wrong path. If we do not give our guidance to you, you will get away from love and faith and get closer to mistrust and hatred.’ ‘That’s wrong. I do not need your guidance. The Sou gives us the freedom in deciding whether to trust and follow him. But at the same time, the Sou will punish the people who do not have faith in him. He uses our fear to control us! So, has the Sou really given freedom to us?’ Leon says aggressively. ‘You are wrong. The Sou is about love and hope. He has created a path to us to lead us to brightness. The only thing that mankind needs to do is to follow and believe in him. The Sou created human and created this path for them because he loves and cares them.’ The Sou-gen says calmly. Leon interrupts, ‘Then what happen to the people who show disbelief towards him! He will be excluded from the Sou’s future garden, descended into eternal darkness, separated from love and hope and eroded by demon perpetually! That’s what I read in that marble throne room. Is this love? It is fear! Admit that the Sou is created to control us by intimidation and fear!’ ‘Leon, you have gone too far!’ Leon interrupts again, ‘I am not saying that you and all the Sou-gens from the past are trying to deceive us. But it is time for all of you to face the truth. I am not the one who is sealing the heart. It is you!’ The Sou-gen feels anger slowly rises from his body. It is the first time he feels angry since he has become the Sou-gen. He tries his best to restrain his anger. He clearly knows that anger and hatred is the first step leading away from brightness. ‘Being the sole messenger of the Sou in mankind, how can I step away from brightness?’ He thinks. He decides that he must calm down first before talking to Leon again. He can only defeat the demon inside Leon’s heart by love and guidance, but not fear and force. Then, he leaves the room promptly. The Sou-gen walks along the corridor quietly until he reaches another quarantine room. He opens the door and steps inside. The patient, who was his student, who was the beloved leader, is sitting at the far end of the room. Her face is pale and emotionless. ‘If you come to convince me to follow the Sou, it will be useless,’ Nakashi says softly. The Sou-gen cannot see any hatred in her face. The Sou-gen walks towards her slowly and looks at her calmly for a while before saying the first word. ‘Nakashi, you always have a loving and tender heart. The Sou brings you to this world because you can contribute greatly to mankind with your compassionate heart. Mankind needs selfless people like you. Though darkness and uncertainty are clouding you right now, I understand that deep inside your body, there is always a compassionate heart. Please choose the right path and keep your compassionate heart.’ Nakashi looks at the Sou-gen. ‘Don’t be mistake. I’m still keeping my heart. But I strongly believe that I can help the world without the guidance of you and your belief. I’m sorry that my impulsiveness has created conflicts and pain to others. But I’m confident that I will always love the world and the others.’ She replies slowly and softly. ‘Nakashi, love always comes from the Sou. Love is a miracle that is brought by the Sou to this world. Without the Sou, there is no love in the world.’ ‘That’s not true. I do not know whether we are created by any deity, but I’m certain that human can love each other and make the world a better place by themselves.’ ‘Human-beings are weak and fragile without the guidance of the Sou. Human-beings have so many flaws. They will fall under temptations without the guidance of the Sou. Nakashi, even you are a very good person, you still have many weaknesses.’ Nakashi interrupts, ‘Yes, human-beings are not flawless. I’m not flawless. Nothing is flawless. But at the same time, human-beings are brilliant creatures. Only if all of us believe that we can do it, we will be able to improve the world by ourselves.’ ‘That is the arrogance that made mankind make mistakes continuously throughout history! When will mankind truly realize their weaknesses and incapability?’ Catala is walking silently and carefully inside the palace. She is good at many things, including spying and infiltration. Everything seems normal. Yet, she still cannot see any signs of Nakashi, Leon or Panzhi after spying nearly every room in the palace. ‘Where are they? What have happened to them? What should I do?’ Catala feels confused and anxious. It is the first time that she has found some people that she care about for more than ten years. She cannot lose them. She has never had this feeling. She realizes that loving and caring a person is much more difficult than hating one. This kind of anxiety makes her want to cry. She calms herself. She had promised herself that she would never cry since that day. Besides, she has support and hopes now. She must keep up her motivation and spirit. ‘Yes, the quarantine department. They must be there!’ she speaks to herself inside her mind. Catala’s parents had briefly mentioned about this to her. The infidels will be kept in there from the outside world and they will be indoctrinated. Her parents told her that the department is under the Sou Temple. Catala knows that it is dangerous to sneak in there. But she also knows that she has no choice. Take the initiative to get the upper hand. This is her golden tactic. She tells herself that she must act before her friends being brainwashed and violence is the only way. She must get some weapons first but sneaking into the airport or the armory would be too dangerous and difficult. She notices that there is a guard stationing in each floor. She sneaks to the back of one of those tall and solemn guards who is holding a rifle. She jumps and kicks his head precisely. The guard collapses and faints. ‘Sorry, you’ll be fine,’ she whispers. She picks up the rifle, runs silently and sneaks out through the window. ‘This is far too easy. Such crappy security,’ she talks to herself once again. The snowstorm still has not stopped. Though there are very few guards, she sprints at a tremendous speed towards the Temple to avoid being noticed. She hides behind the large marble white columns of the temple. She did this in the past when he was trying to kill the Sou-gen. Yet, today, the place is so deserted compared to the normal days due to the snowstorm. She is scanning at all directions to find the entrance that leads to the underground but she cannot find a single trace of where it is. Suddenly, she discoverers that a tall guard has come out from one of the meditation rooms and is matching towards her direction such that he will notice her within a minute. Catala aims at the guard quietly and steadily. Then, she presses the fire button. ‘Cling.’ The rifle does not work. ‘Damn it! Pretentious and useless palace guards! What is the use of an unloaded gun?’ She whispers to herself, half angrily and half jokingly. But Catala does not become desperate. She is always able to act accordingly in new circumstances. The guard has already matched to the column where Catala is hiding. Just at the moment when the guard is shocked to see a bold intruder, he is immediately disarmed and strangled by her. ‘Where is the Quarantine Department?’ she whispers towards his ear menacingly. ‘I don’t understand what you’re talking,’ the guard tries to respond calmly and hides his fear. ‘Don’t challenge my patience! Tell me now!’ She strangles him harder such that the guard can barely breathe. She picks up the guard’s gun and points it towards his heart. ‘Tell me! You know I can really kill people,’ she hisses. ‘No…wait…I will tell…you…’ the guard can barely speak. Catala stops the strangulation and allows him to speak. ‘There is a stairway leading to underground in the southern hall…but…you can’t go there…you should not…’ ‘That’s enough! I don’t need you to teach me,’ Catala hisses. Then, she jeers slowly, ‘So, you tell me eventually. Can’t your powerful Sou give courage to you? Anyway, I’m going to send you to meet your beloved Sou now. You should really thank me.’ She points the gun towards the guard’s head. ‘Please don’t…No…I have already told you…’ the guard is almost begging. Catala snickers and hisses, ‘If I discover that you’ve lied to me, I’ll come back and you’ll suffer more than death.’ ‘Meanwhile, enjoy your nap and thanks for your laser gun.’ Catala uses the gun to knock the guard’s head powerfully and the guard collapses. Nakashi is sitting alone in the dark room. The Sou-gen and the guards have already left for a period of time. ‘Am I too impulsive? Am I biased? Am I over-confident? Have I really thought rationally?’ Even the vicious debate has ended; questions and uncertainties are still clouding her. ‘What if I had never felt suspicious? What if I had not met Catala?’ Nakashi thinks. ‘It is true that I always have my own free will in choosing which path I should follow. But if I choose the path of detaching the control from any deity, I have to face the world by myself, I have to find the meaning of life by myself, I will not have any external support and guidance. And if I am wrong, I will have to bear all my consequences,’ she thinks. ‘Why is the cost of freedom and independence so high? Can I really afford it?’ She realizes that she is not just imprisoned physically, but also being trapped in a spiritual dilemma. And she understands that this dilemma will be bothering her as long as she wants to keep her free will. She no longer wants to think. Thinking cannot bring her any solution or any spiritual emancipation. Instead, it brings her more pain and uncertainties. ‘How I wish I could be ignorant.’ She buries her head to the cold marble table and stops all the thinking. She is hoping for a good dream that can help her to escape from this painful dilemma, even though just temporarily. A loud bang has woken up Nakashi, who has forgotten how long she has slept. She is astonished by seeing that girl standing right in front of her. Her black hair and clothing contrasts to the white marble walls and floor. She is holding a gun and she looks confident, or even conceited. ‘Quick. Get moving. We still have to find Leon,’ Catala says. She walks towards Nakashi, who is too surprised to react, and pulls her up. ‘Come on, you have saved me once. I’m not letting you spending the rest of your life sitting in this crappy room. At least you have more meaningful things to do,’ Catala says cheerfully. ‘Thanks.’ Nakashi says softly. Nakashi notices that Catala has become much more optimistic and sociable than before. On the other hand, she herself does not want to talk much. She does not understand why, she is glad that Catala is being so confident and optimistic, but she simply does not want to talk. They immediately go out from the room and start sprinting in the long corridor. Nakashi notices that there are a few bodies lying on the ground. She wants to stop. Yet, Catala is holding her hand and pulling her to sprint. ‘How did you manage to come here?’ she asks softly. ‘It would be a long story. But don’t worry, I am acting in your style; I’ve already tried my best to minimize their casualties. But sometimes it is unavoidable for me to shoot.’ The two girls force into one room after another to find Leon. Yet, they still cannot find him and they are still sprinting all along the long and winding corridor. As the two girls turn left along the winding corridor, they find themselves facing three guards in no more than twenty meters distance. The guards look as perplexed as they are. The three guards pull out their firearms immediately. ‘Halt! Immediately! Put down your weapon!’ One of the guards shouts. ‘Pew.’ The guard who shouted just a second ago collapses instantly. Catala has already fired a laser bolt. The remaining two guards react and shoot back instantaneously. But right at that moment, Catala has already pushed Nakashi to the safe corner. She also immediately evades the bullets swiftly. ‘Pew.’ Another guard screams and collapses. Everything has just happened too quickly such that Nakashi does not know how to react. ‘Stop!’ That is the only word that she shouts. The third guard attempts to run away. He is trying to dart to the nearest red button to activate the emergency signal. Catala aims at him carefully and precisely. ‘No!’ Nakashi shouts. ‘Pew.’ A laser bolt is sent and the guard screams. Nakashi feels petrified. The whole thing just happened within three seconds. She understands that she is now a terrorist, a merciless killer. Catala pulls her up again and she does not struggle. She does not fear Catala, nor does she hate her. Instead, she just hates and fears the whole thing, the whole situation, possibly the whole world. But what can she do? After all, didn’t she start all of these conflicts herself? What she can do is shutting her mouth up. Catala is still busy in breaking into every single room along the long and winding corridor. ‘Come on! Move faster!’ she says rudely. Nakashi does not speak a word and just follows. Yet, she still moves much slower than Catala does. She has somehow lost the willingness and courage to continue. ********************************************************************* Chapter 11 The Sou-gen is sitting alone in the meditation room alone, peacefully. He has sensed a kind of disturbance. A bishop comes in suddenly. ‘My dear Lord, the security in the quarantine department has contacted us. They face a surprised attack. President Nakashi has escaped.’ ‘Darkness and hatred have spread faster than we expect. Destruction is always easier than construction. But that does not mean that darkness will win against us. I can sense that the future is dangerous and difficult. But I can also sense that the Sou can bring us through this dark time,’ the Sou-gen says firmly. ‘I want to talk to Mr. Panzhiherashto. Please call him,’ he adds. The door is opened violently. Leon is stunned. It is Catala. ‘Finally,’ Catala says. ‘How can you get into here? Where is Nakashi?’’ Leon asks. ‘She is fine. We don’t have time to talk. Just move and get to a safe place first,’ Catala says impatiently. ‘You two are great pilots. We should go to the nearest airport and grab a plane,’ Catala suggests. ‘But there are guards and soldiers in the airport. And there’re people from the air force. We have to fight against them if we go there,’ Leon says. ‘Escaping on land is too difficult! We have no other options. Just move!’ Catala says impatiently. She gives Leon a gun, which is from the killed guards. Leon turns to Nakashi, whose face is so pale, whose eyes are so emotionless. ‘Are you okay?’ Leon asks. Nakashi looks at Leon and just nods slightly without saying a word. They run along the corridor. Suddenly, there is a series of continuous loud beep. ‘Attention! There is a highly dangerous intruder! Two patients have escaped!’ a clear voice issues this message through loud speakers repeatedly. ‘Run! They’ve noticed us already. We need to get to the surface as soon as possible,’ Catala says. Just at the moment when they are making a turn, they notice that more than ten guards are marching towards them. ‘Halt! Surrender now!’ they order. The three of them immediately turn back and sprint as fast as they can so that the guards cannot see them. Yet, the heavy and rapid footsteps from the guards irritate their nerves and arouse their anxiety. ‘We need to find another way!’ Leon says nervously. Leon is sprinting so fast that he cannot hear any sound. He sees that Catala is dashing in front of him. She is carrying her laser gun and preparing to shoot at any time. He turns his head slightly and sees that Nakashi is following him closely, but her pale face is still being emotionless. Leon has been running for more than three minutes along that winding corridor. His stamina has been exploited viciously. Yet, anxiety keeps up his momentum. They are making another turn and they discover an elevator available in the far end of the corridor. Yet, they also realize two guards are stationing at the two sides of the elevator. ‘Pew, pew.’ The two guards scream and collapse before attempting to lift up their rifle. ‘Engaging a gun fight with me is the most stupid thing in this world,’ Catala says sharply. Leon is shocked, not because of how powerful Catala is, but how easy two lives are being taken away. ‘What are you two waiting for? Come on!’ Catala shouts, who has already rushed to the elevator and pressed the button to open it. Leon turns his head to look at Nakashi. Tears are floating on her emotionless face. ‘I can’t go. I shouldn’t. I won’t go…’ she whispers. ‘What are you doing? You will be killed!’ Catala shouts impatiently. ‘To live by killing others! I won’t do that!’ Nakashi replied in a soft but agitated tone. Leon looks at Catala, and then turns back to Nakashi once again. The footsteps of the guards are getting louder, so does his heartbeats. ‘Nakashi, we have a goal, a mission, you have told me, haven’t you? We have to move on.’ Leon says calmly. Nakashi does not move. She stares at the floor. Leon drags her arms and tries to pull her towards the elevator. Bullets and laser bolts are firing towards them. ‘Run! Will you!’ Catala shouts madly. Leon cries desperately, ‘Run, please. Nakashi, please!’ He drags her violently and pushes her to the elevator as hard as he can. Then, he lowers his body to evade the fire and sprints to the elevator at his top speed. Catala presses the button right after Leon has gone in. The elevator door is closed immediately and the three of them are safe. Leon is kneeling on the floor, grasping heavily. ‘Sorry,’ Nakashi, who is squatting at the corner of the elevator, whispers. Her voice is weak and soft. Catala stares at her unsympathetically. ‘Pathetic.’ Catala whispers coldly. The elevator moves slowly. The three of them remain so quiet such that the sound of the metal strings and the engine of the elevator can be heard clearly. ‘Leon, prepare your weapon. They may be stationing right outside and will attack us just after the door is opened.’ Catala breaks the silence. ‘And you,’ she turns towards Nakashi, ‘I should apologize, but you should be brave and stay firm too,’ Catala says, in a slightly more sympathetic tone. Nakashi looks at Catala and nods slightly. Then, dead silence comes back once again. ‘Run!’ Catala shouts right after the door of the elevator opens. The three of them sprints as fast as they could. ‘Halt!’ two guards who are stationing at about twenty meters away from them shout. ‘Turn left!’ Catala shouts and the three of them immediately flock to the left passage. ‘Where are we?’ Leon grasps as he is running. ‘The security department. There are many guards, but don’t panic, I know this place well. I have sneaked into this place for a few times before. Just run along this passage,’ Catala replies confidently. They sprint for about fifty meters until they meet a heavily locked silver metal door. Catala tries to kick open it, but fail to do so. Then, without hesistation, she fires towards the door violently with her laser gun until there is a hole large enough for them to get through. Yet, an emergency siren system is activated. Panzhi steps inside the Sou-gen’s meditation room promptly. ‘My respected teacher, what can I do for you?’ He asks politely. ‘My beloved child, I am sorry to inform you that Leonardo and Nakashi have further broken away from us. They have chosen the wrong path once again.’ ‘They…they have run away?’ Panzhi asks nervously. The Sou-gen nods slowly and speaks, ‘Panzhi, talented people are valuable. But talented people who choose the right path are much more valuable. You are one of them. But I also hope that your friends are one of them. Go and save them.’ ‘I will, my teacher. This is my duty as a friend. This is also my duty as a follower of the Sou. I swear to myself that I will never give up until the two of them have gone back to the right path,’ Panzhi says determinedly. ‘Grab the opportunity to save them while they are still near to us.’ ‘I will, my teacher,’ Panzhi says promptly and leaves the room. He walks to another room where a group of elite guards and soldiers discussing the plan in mitigating this crisis. ‘Mr. Panzhiherashto, your help is vital to us. The position of the enemies is currently unknown. But some guards report that they witness them in the security department. We have limited forces. It is difficult for us to capture them,’ one of the soldiers report. ‘How many soldiers do we have?’ Panzhi asks. ‘Less than one hundred, Sir.’ ‘Station at least ten soldiers in each exit of the temple. No matter where they are, they still have to escape through either one of those exits,’ Panzhi says. Catala uses a card that she has obtained from a defeated guard to attempt to open a security door. ‘Yes! How easy it is!’ she says excitedly as the door flashes open. ‘This is the weapon store room for the guards in the temple,’ Catala says quickly. ‘Quick, get some stronger weapons,’ she says. Catala fires at the thick glass windows in order to get access to those locked weapons. She drops her gun and grabs an advanced automatic laser rifle; she also grabs a sword and ties it to her belt; she even grabs a few hand grenades. She then hands another automatic rifle to Nakashi, who receives it with reluctance after a few seconds of hesitation. Leon wanders around to find a weapon that suits him. ‘Quick,’ Catala says impatiently. ‘My sword!’ Leon says excitedly. His elegant sword is lying peacefully inside the locked glass cupboard in the corner of the room. ‘Well, then, my brilliant swordsman, go and get your weapon,’ Catala says and fires at the cupboard without any hesitation. The three of them leave the room through another door. Catala leads the way and sprints quickly at the front. They pass through the guards’ dormitory where there are no one. They pass through endless deserted corridors until they finally reach the exit to the surface and arrive to the temple’s airport. Catala hides behind a truck at the corner of the airport. Nakashi and Leon follows her. ‘Now, our plan is to use this plane,’ Catala points to a small military transport plane which is near to them. ‘I will run out and fire to cause distraction. You two should then immediately dash to the plane to prepare taking off.’ Catala has already rushed out before the two of them give any responses. Nakashi grasps, ‘Wait!’ Yet, Catala has already been thirty meters away from them in just a few seconds. The guards from the two sides of the airport spot her and shoot her. Catala uses her speed and agility to evade all the laser bolts and bullets. ‘Come on! Nakashi, let’s go!’ Leon says and darts towards the transport plane. He does not have time to observe whether anyone has noticed them. Within a few seconds, the two of them have already climbed inside the plane. Catala continues to run madly around various planes. She gets out a grenade while she is running. Then, she throws it towards the oil tank without a single glance. Then, she dives to a bunch of boxes. ‘Boom,’ There is a violent explosion. The ground shakes fiercely. Metal pieces, stones, cements, ashes and flames fly to all directions. Then, there is another explosion. More fragments and flames dash through the air. The whole oil tank burns ferociously. Extremely intense heat is generated such that people feels hot even in the extreme snowstorm environment. The fire spreads brutally towards all directions and smoke is extending towards the sky. Guards, soldiers, pilots and technicians run to safe places. Some of them are pulling their injured companions desperately. Others are shouting for help or looking for water. All of them have already forgotten about the intruder or their original duties. Catala climbs out from the boxes slowly. She is hurt and bleeding. There are bruises in her legs and arms, or simply her whole body. Despite the pain, she moves quickly to the transport plane. Nobody notices her movement now. Nakashi and Leon have got inside the cargo hold of the transport plane. There aren’t any loads. The plane is small and it only takes a few steps for them to go to the cockpit. Leon presses the button and the door opens. There are two pilots, a young man and a young woman. They immediately stands up as the door is opened. They look perplexed and frightened. Then, they become more relieved as they realize that one of the intruders is Nakashi. ‘Nakashi, you’re here,’ the young female pilot says, ‘I can’t believe what the bishops have said about you. They’ve said our President has been consumed by infidelity and darkness. But, I still believe in you.’ Leon interrupts bluntly, ‘Leave the plane immediately.’ The two pilots are perplexed once again. ‘We won’t…We’ve received orders that no planes are allowed to take off in this emergency situation. We believe in you. But sorry, we can’t do that.’ ‘Leave immediately!’ Leon interrupts aggressively and draws out his sword. The two pilots are shocked. They are so surprised that they cannot give any responses. They cannot believe that the boy who is famous for his humbleness and kindness doing such thing. ‘No! Leon, calm down! We need not to do this!’ Nakashi interrupts anxiously. ‘Please, I don’t want any fighting. Just let’s take off and everyone will be fine. Please.’ ‘No! I’m sorry to say so. But we won’t do that!’ the male pilot says firmly. ‘We won’t act against the order,’ the female pilot also says firmly. Suddenly, the door is opened violently. It is Catala. She is injured but she still manages to climbs on the plane. She stares at the two pilots menacingly. ‘What’re you two waiting for? Take off now! Negotiating with them is useless!’ Catala shouts at Leon and Nakashi angrily and impatiently. The two pilots are not frightened by the arrival of this girl. Instead, hostility and firmness rise among their blood. ‘I give you one last chance. Don’t stop us, or I will kill you!’ Catala roars angrily towards the two pilots. ‘I won’t concede to a demon! Shoot if you want, monster!’ The female pilot shouts. ‘No! Stop! Catala, don’t shoot! They can help us to fly the plane,’ Nakashi interrupts urgently and anxiously. ‘We won’t work for demons. You will never break our loyalty to the Sou-gen. Our allegiance to the Sou-gen is undefeatable!’ the male pilot shouts firmly. Catala snickers, ‘Brilliant words indeed, let’s see how your undefeatable Sou-gen save you.’ She snickers again and holds up her gun slowly. ‘No, you shouldn’t!’ Nakashi shouts and pushes Catala such that Catala’s gun drops. The male pilot looks at Nakashi and says, ‘Stop your hypocrisy. We do not beg for mercy from infidels.’ Then, the pilot turns towards Catala and speaks slowly, ‘You cannot kill us. Your sins will not be forgotten and you will suffer for your sins.’ The pilot picks out a pistol from his belt. ‘Drop your weapon!’ Leon draws his sword closer to the pilot and says nervously. ‘We are not like you. I’m not going to kill you,’ the pilot says calmly. He pulls the trigger. ‘Pew.’ The female pilot who stands next to her collapses and dies instantly. ‘No!’ Nakashi cries desperately. ‘Wait!’ Leon shouts at the same time. ‘Your sins will be remembered!’ he shouts. Then, he pulls the trigger once again. ‘Pew.’ Blood darts towards the front glass window of the cockpit and he collapses. *********************************************************************Chapter 12 The fire around the oil tank is still spreading violently. Planes, trucks and containers catch fire. The smoke towers up to about seventy meters now. People throw buckets of water hastily towards the fire. Others attempt to connect water pipes. ‘Sir, five aircrafts are damaged. About twenty soldiers and technicians get injured. There are no reports of death so far.’ A guard reports to Panzhi. ‘It is their tactic to divert our manpower and attention. Nevertheless, human lives and overall safety are more important. We have no choice but send more manpower to carry out the rescue work,’ Panzhi says. ‘Yet, we still need to keep at least seven guards in each exit of the temple.’ ‘They are so unpredictable. I was careless in omitting the fact that they may escape to the airport,’ Panzhi thinks. Catala picks up her gun and gets up. She walks towards the bodies of the two pilots and pull the two bodies away from the cockpit. ‘Unbelievably foolish,’ she says while she is pulling them. Then, she walks back to the cockpit and sits at one of the pilot seats. Leon has already calmed himself. He walks towards Nakashi, who is again crouching at the corner of the room and burying her head into her arms. He tries to pull her up. But this time, he fails to do so. Nakashi does not have any desire to face the world anymore. ‘Quick, just…just leave her alone first,’ Catala says. Leon releases Nakashi’s arm unwillingly and takes another pilot seat. ‘This is an advanced transport plane for transporting important personnel or materials. Its strong propeller engine can provide a speed up to 500 km/h. It has two laser guns at the front and two laser guns on the wings for defense too.’ Leon studies the plane quickly with his professional knowledge. ‘Yes, then I will be the gunner and you will be the pilot,’ Catala says. ‘We do not have much oil, we can fly at most for about two hours,’ Leon adds. ‘Don’t worry much now. Just take off first,’ Catala replies impatiently. Leon activates the engine and drives the plane to the lane. In the control tower of the airport, the technicians are confused about the movement of the transport plane. ‘CCT2, report, why are you going to the lane? There is an order of prohibition of take-off. Report,’ one of the technicians asks. Leon and Catala have received the voice message. Catala switches off the contacting device right away. ‘They’ve noticed already. Take off now,’ she says. Leon increases the speed of the plane. People at the other end of the lane are puzzled and evacuate from the lane immediately. ‘CCT2, Stop the take-off immediately!’ the technician says urgently. ‘The plane is hijacked by the intruders,’ a more experienced technician says. ‘Contact the air force and Mr. Panzhiherashto now.’ The plane runs recklessly along the frosty icy lane. Leon pulls one of the bars slowly to start taking off. The plane rises sloppily and unsteadily from the ground. Soldiers and guards have already received the order of attacking and are shooting at the plane repeatedly. But the bullets can only scratch the unimportant parts of the plane and cannot stop it from getting further and further away from the guard. ‘We are safe now,’ Leon, who is still concentrating on the flying, says. Strong winds shake the plane continuously and Leon uses his piloting skills to stabilize the plane. ‘You’re quite good at doing this,’ Catala says. Leon is surprised by the fact that Catala compliments him. ‘But you can never beat me in any form of combating,’ she says boastfully and confidently. Leon does not know how to reply and decides to remain quiet. He turns his head and looks towards Nakashi, who is now watching them emotionlessly. The atmosphere is awkward. Leon finds that Nakashi has been increasingly detached from Catala and him. She is also becoming weaker and weaker, both mentally and physically. Leon wants to help her but he lacks the courage. ‘Send fighters of the Central air force brigade 1 immediately,’ Panzhi, who has arrived at the airport, says urgently. ‘The brigade 1 currently has 10 single seat fighters and 7 double seats attacker available,’ an air force personnel reports. ‘Sortie 9 fighters and 6 attackers. We can never underestimate the enemy. I will personally lead the campaign by flying one of the fighters,’ Panzhi says promptly. The pilots of air force brigade 1 assembly efficiently and the technicians are preparing the aircrafts at the same time. Within five minutes, the fighters start to take off one by one. The fighters and attackers fly in a neat formation. ‘The radar has sensed an aircraft flying westward at a high speed of 450 km/h. It may be the target,’ one of the pilots reports 15 minutes after the take-off. ‘Yes, it is. All fighters and attackers, full speed towards 276 degree,’ Panzhi says. ‘They’re chasing us,’ Catala, who has just checked the advanced radar screen, says. ‘They have sent…more than ten planes,’ Leon grasps, after checking the screen. ‘They are so fast. They will catch us in ten minutes,’ he adds nervously. Catala jeers arrogantly, ‘I’m looking forward to this. It will be fun. The quicker they come, the quicker they die.’ Leon continues to fly the plane nervously. He just hopes that the fighters are unable to reach him but he knows that it is impossible. ‘Target confirmed visually!’ the pilot who flies the fighter at the front of the team reports. ‘Left team fighters, approach the target from the left. Right team fighters, approach it from the right,’ Panzhi orders. Three fighters charge the transporter from the left and three others attack from the right. ‘Front team fighters, follow me. Attackers, stay in your position,’ Panzhi says. He ascends his fighter in a steep gradient. The two other fighters follow him closely. ‘Beep beep beep…’ The advanced radar system alerts Leon and Catala that there are planes flying close to them. ‘Here they come,’ Catala says. Leon immediately ascends the plane in a steepest gradient. Unlike flying a single seat fighter, Leon cannot have a comprehensive visual view towards all directions. He cannot observe the enemies from the back. Nevertheless, he tries to use his experience to predict the enemies’ tactic and prevent an attack from the top. Leon can see flashes of red laser bolts dart from the top to the front of the plane. He knows that the enemies have already climbed to the top of his plane and start attacking from a favourable location. He pulls the hand bar strongly and the plane climbs almost vertically. ‘This will be rough,’ Leon says. All the nine fighters also climb at a steep gradient in attempt to maintain their favourable location. ‘Left team, attack,’ Panzhi orders. This time, the laser bolts are much closer to the target and much more menacing. One of them hit the left wing of the transporter and cause of a shake. Leon turns his head to see whether Nakashi is fine. She still sits there at the corner of the room. Leon continues to pull the hand bar until the plane has already climbed up into those thick and dense clouds. He releases his breath. The unstable current among the clouds shakes the plane repeatedly; but at least, they can hide from the enemies attack temporarily. ‘Target has escaped into the clouds,’ one of the pilots reports. ‘It is meaningless to try to catch them there. Stay at your position. But be alert, the target may ambush us from the clouds at any time,’ Panzhi says. ‘Don’t rest too long. I want to give a counter strike and show them what is mean by an ace shooter,’ Catala says impatiently. ‘Shouldn’t we just fly away and simply avoid meeting them again?’ Leon asks. ‘No! That’s what a coward will do. Besides, they will continue to track us if we don’t defeat all of them,’ Catala says angrily. Leon dares not to offend the aggressive girl that sits next to her and prepares for a counter attack. ‘Do it any time, I’m always ready,’ Catala urges. The transporter dives out from the dense clouds suddenly. Catala shoots the two laser guns immediately. One of the fighters has already caught fire before the pilots notice the target is attacking from the top. That unfortunate pilot loses his control and the fighter is descending from the sky. ‘Stay calm! Keep the formation to protect each other!’ Panzhi says immediately. But it is already too late; the transporter climbs up and plunges towards another fighter in just a few seconds; laser bolts hit the second victim accurately. All the other pilots start to panic. They escape to different directions in order to prevent himself being the next victim and the formation breaches immediately. ‘Ha, this would be even easier,’ Catala jeers. She directs Leon to dive towards another target. Their transporter is just like a hungry hawk, chasing towards its prey mercilessly, while the fighters have now become small little young birds, escaping desperately from the predator. ‘Three down, six to go,’ Catala says aggressively after shooting down the third victim. ‘Damn it! We outnumber the enemy, why should we escape? Engage!’ one of the pilots says angrily. ‘F-18-L-22, I’m also ready to engage!’ another pilot responds. The two fighters fly together and prepare to engage the transporter face-to-face. ‘Two fighters are flying towards us!’ Leon says urgently. Just after he has finished this sentence, dozens of laser bolts dash towards their transporter. Luckily, Leon has already foreseen this and has shifted the plane to the left agilely. ‘Brilliant! Time for us to attack now!’ Catala says. Leon increases the speed of the plane to the maximum and tries to catch the tail of the two fighters. The two pilots attempt to shake off the enemy’s chasing by ascending their fighters. Yet, the speed of the transporter is dazzling and Leon is able to follow the two of them closely. ‘Argh! Die!’ Catala fires once again. The tail of one of the fighters detaches; the pilot of that fighter has completely lost the control. Tragically, the damaged fighter collides with the other one which flies closely with it. Both of them catch in flame and descend rapidly. ‘Cheers,’ Catala says excitedly. ‘Don’t engage with the target face-to-face!’ Panzhi warns his teammate. ‘Attack it from the back. They just have a frontal view; they can’t see us if we attack them from the back. Follow me!’ he says confidently. Panzhi ascends his plane just below the cloud cover; the three other survived fighters follow him. ‘Increase the speed to 500 to prepare attacking,’ Panzhi orders. ‘Four left! Where are they?’ Catala asks. Suddenly, their plane shudders violently. ‘Beep beep beep…’ The warning siren has been activated. ‘We are hit!’ Leon says nervously. ‘Damn it! Ascend now!’ Catala says angrily. Then, there is a much more violent shudder. The light on the ceiling of the cockpit went off. Catala turns to the right; she notices that the right wing has been heavily damaged. ‘Quick!’ she shouts, but there is no respond from Leon. She turns towards Leon and finds out that he has fainted and is lying towards the front. The fierce shake has made him knock towards the front violently. Catala feels anxious but she quickly calms herself. The plane is becoming more and more unstable. She must have to control the plane first. She immediately unfasten Leon’s seat belt. ‘Nakashi! Help me to take care of him first!’ Catala says. Catala puts Leon on the ground; Nakashi pulls him away gently. Catala sits at Leon seat and concentrates on the flying. She pulls the hand bar to try to ascend the plane. Fortunately, the engine and the wings can still function to a certain extent. She then turns the plane into 180 degree so as to engage the enemies face to face. She copies the skill of Leon by ascending rapidly and preparing to dive towards the enemies. ‘Nakashi, help me to shoot!’ she shouts. Nakashi does not move; she just looks at Catala. ‘What are you waiting for? Shoot! We’ll all die!’ Catala shouts. Nakashi is still standing there without a single movement. ‘Useless coward! You don’t even have the guts to kill! Stupid pacifist!’ Catala shouts angrily. She then tries her best to use her right hand to grab the trigger of the laser guns while her left hand is still controlling the hand bar. Just at the very moment that she pulls the trigger to fire, she cannot breathe, two cold hands are strangling her from the back. ********************************************************************* Chapter 13 Nakashi squeeze the neck as hard as she could. Her mind has never been so disturbed and agitated. ‘You’re the coward! You live by killing others! Everyone can kill! What are you so proud of? I can kill too!’ Nakashi shouts. She then squeezes the neck even harder. Catala struggles desperately. She tries to use her hands to pull away Nakashi’s. But Catala lacks the energy, her hands are weak as she cannot breathe. ‘No, I don’t want to die! I want to live!’ a strong voice cries inside Catala’s mind. She uses all her remaining strength to struggle. There is another huge shudder; the plane is now moving uncontrollably; it inclines to the left suddenly. Catala, Nakashi and Leon immediately fall towards the left. Catala successfully breaks out from Nakashi’s strangling during that fall. She grasps heavily; she has almost died. She looks towards Nakashi, who is looking at her fearfully. Nakashi is not fearing Catala’s possible revenge, but is fearing herself. She is shocked by her own killing desire. She cannot accept it; she cannot forgive herself. ‘The target has already lost its control,’ one of the pilots report. ‘Seize fire,’ Panzhi orders. ‘We’re not going to kill them. We just have to stop them from escaping,’ he adds. ‘All planes prepare to land to search for survived pilots. I will go to follow the target,’ Panzhi instructs. Leon awakens from his blackout after the dynamic fall. The plane has already lost its control and is going to crash towards the ground soon. He turns towards the two girls, who are staring towards each other fearfully. He does not have time to ask what have happened now. He presses the emergency evacuation button; a few parachutes immediately drop on the ground. ‘Quick! Put them on.’ He hands one to Nakashi and one to Catala. Catala and Leon put on the parachutes but Nakashi does not move. Leon kicks open the narrow emergency exit at the side of the cockpit. ‘Let’s go,’ he shouts. Catala walks towards the exit but Nakashi still remains unmoved. ‘Nakashi! We’re in danger! Quick!’ Leon cries. Nakashi says slowly, ‘Leon, don’t wait for me. Just go.’ ‘No! Come!’ Leon cries. ‘Don’t be silly! You will die!’ even Catala speaks anxiously. ‘I don’t want to live anymore. Just leave me here,’ Nakashi replies softly. ‘Catala, you go first. I will deal with her,’ Leon says. ‘Make sure Nakashi comes,’ Catala says urgently and jumps off from the plane. Leon walks towards Nakashi and pulls her towards the exit. He helps her to put on the parachute. ‘Leon, thanks, but it has no use. I just don’t want to live anymore,’ Nakashi says softly. Leon does not give up. ‘Don’t say that! Nakashi, we all need you!’ he cries desperately. ‘No, you will be fine without me. Good luck, Leon, wish you all the best,’ Nakashi says. Then, she pushes Leon out of the exit promptly and unexpectedly. ‘No! Nakashi!’ Leon shouts. But it is too late; Leon is already falling rapidly away from the plane. The figure of Nakashi is getting further and further away and she soon disappears from his sight. Leon activates the parachute. He can see that the plane is now sliding downward unsteadily. Fire is spreading to both wings and the body of the plane. Leon’s heart sinks; tears are rushing from his eyes. Leon lands safely. Just a few minutes later, Catala runs towards her. ‘Are you all right?’ she asks. Leon remains silent. ‘Where is Nakashi?’ she asks anxiously. ‘I’ve failed. I did not save her,’ Leon says softly with guilt. ‘Don’t blame yourself. You’ve already tried your best. Besides, she may be still alive. I have seen the plane falling towards that way. It did not fall rapidly. It was somehow sliding downwards. If it gets into water, she may still have a chance,’ Catala says encouragingly. She has not said this kind of words for a long time or she has actually never said this kind of words before. But now, she realizes that she cares about the boy who stands in front of him. Catala starts sprinting despite the fact that her legs and arms are hurt. ‘Come on! Slowcoach!’ Catala shouts. Leon follows her. ‘There are many lakes and rivers in this region, most of them are unfrosted. Let’s hope that the plane has fallen in those lakes,’ Catala says. Panzhi has landed his fighter skillfully in a small lake. His feeling is complicated. He fears Leon, Nakashi and Catala, but at the same time, he still cares about them, he is praying that they are still alive. He decides to find them alone because he wants to show that he is not going to fight, but to persuade them. Leon and Catala have been sprinting for nearly an hour. Leon is totally exhausted, but Catala urges him to continue. Finally, Catala stops after they have climbed up the top of a hill where they can observe the surrounding area clearly without any obstruction. ‘Here it is!’ Catala says. Her sharp eyes can always detect things easily. She points towards a small lake which is about ten kilometers away. ‘It really falls into water; she may still be alive,’ she says gladly. A glimpse of hope flashes into Leon’s mind. Catala does not rest for a second and starts sprinting once again. Her legs are really hurt. She tells herself that she is responsible for Nakashi’s live and she must try her very best. Therefore, she avoids showing her pain to Leon and keeps running. After another hour of sprinting, they have finally reached the lake. Catala’s legs are so painful that she must stop for a moment. The plane is floating at the middle of the lake. The damage of the plane is not very serious; the lake water had immediately put off the fire as soon as it fell into the lake. Leon dives into the lake and swims towards the cockpit of the plane without any hesitations. The water is icy cold but this cannot stop Leon’s determination. He enters the cockpit. His body is shivering violently. Nakashi is lying on the floor and she has lost her consciousness. Her body is as cold as Leon’s but there is still warmth from her forehead. Leon can also feel her pulse, extremely weak, but is still working. ‘She is alive, she is still alive,’ Leon whispers with gratitude. He moves her body carefully. He transports her body across the lake with great care. Catala is still sitting at the lakeside. ‘How is she?’ she asks anxiously. ‘Still alive,’ Leon says with a smile. Leon puts her on the ground slowly and sits down. He turns towards Catala and notices her painful expression. ‘Are you okay? Your legs are hurt,’ Leon says. He just notices that there are bruises along her legs. He uses his sword to cut off some cloth from his blue coat and wraps the wounds up. ‘Hey, that’s wet, idiot,’ Catala says. Though she has just scolded Leon, she is actually having gratitude to Leon deep inside her heart. She has got hurt so many times throughout the years but it is the first time somebody helps her. The snowstorm has become less serious but the weather is still extremely cold and windy. Leon, whose clothes are wet, is trembling rapidly. Catala, who just wears a vest and nothing more, is crouching inward. Nakashi, who is still suffering from her coma, is struggling between life and death. Leon has finally lit up a fire with matches after many attempts. ‘I have humiliated her and turned her into madness,’ Catala suddenly says during the silence. ‘No, Nakashi does not hate you. She does not hate anyone. It is just that she cannot accept our cruelty and this cruel world,’ Leon says. ‘I’m cruel. But this is me, you can’t change me!’ Catala says agitatedly. ‘The world is cruel, if you want to live, you have to be cruel.’ Leon does not know how to respond and decides to remain quiet. ********************************************************************* Chapter 14 Nakashi is walking alone in this dark place. It is so dark that she cannot see herself, even her fingers. She has forgotten how long she has been walking and where did she start. ‘Now I remember that I have chosen death,’ she reminds herself. ‘So this is what happens after death? Loneliness and darkness. But at least it is better than the brutal world full of hatred and killing,’ she thinks to herself. ‘Even I myself have become a monster that harms and tries to kill others. Nothing can change that. Nobody, including myself, can forgive me,’ she thinks hopelessly. ‘It is better for me to stay here, alone, and I will never harm others.’ She walks and walks. There is no destination. There is no meaning. ‘Isn’t everything the same?’ Nakashi thinks. ‘We come to this world, live and die. Birth, life and death are all meaningless. There isn’t any purpose. All our lives are just like walking in this place meaninglessly.’ ‘There are so many things; they are so complicated. But in the end, they are all meaningless,’ she thinks. ‘Is it the reason why people believe in the Sou? They want to create a meaning to life and a meaning to death even there isn’t any?’ ‘But they are not wrong. There should be a meaning, should be a purpose for everything. If there isn’t any meaning, what should I do now?’ She walks and walks. All these things we'll one day swallow whole And fade out again and fade out… All these things we'll one day swallow whole And fade out again and fade out again… Leon is sitting alone and watching the fire. Catala is asleep. He looks at her and is attracted by her beauty. Her shinny black hair, her pure white skin and her large clear dark eyes are perfect. He has not really fully looked and studied her throughout these few days; he is just shocked by her aggressiveness throughout the journey; and now he is totally attracted by her gorgeousness. Finally, he stops watching at her and stands up to wander around. They have successfully escaped, but Nakashi is still in her dangerous coma. ‘We’ve nothing now. What is the next step?’ he thinks hardly. The future is uncertain and difficult. ‘Leon,’ a familiar voice calls from his back. Leon is shocked and petrified. ‘Listen to me first,’ that voice says clearly and calmly. Nakashi has been walking for a long time, hours, possibly days or even weeks. She does not have any sense of tiredness. But, she does not have any sense of energy either. In fact, she feels nothing. Suddenly, she finds that there is a beam of light. It appears from nowhere; it strikes high from her top to her front. Nakashi is shocked by it since she has been walking under complete darkness from such a long time. She runs towards the destination where the light strikes at. She runs very fast because she believes that she can find the destiny there. The true meaning of everything can be explained there. Finally, she has arrived there. It is weird. There is a cloud of golden gas in front of her. It is so bright that she cannot face and see it properly. She uses her hands to cover her eyes to prevent them from being hurt and walk towards there slowly. She walks inside; she feels warmth instantly. She walks for a few minutes until the bright golden gas has faded away and she opens her eyes. She is stunned by what she is seeing instantly. A boundless meadow which she cannot see the end of it; there are all kinds of flower with all colours on the meadow. A river flows from the hills far away to her front; its water is so clear and calm that it has no difference with a mirror. A row of white houses line up orderly at the foot of the hills. ‘So beautiful,’ Nakashi whispers in her heart. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Nakashi has been to many places to explore beautiful scenery throughout her lifetime, but the scene that she faces now is much better than anything she has seen before. To her surprise, she can see some people far away on the meadow. Nakashi can’t see them clearly, but she notices that many of them are children by listening to their joyful noises. Some of them are running around energetically, others are lying on the ground peacefully. Nakashi sprints towards the people. ‘Welcome, you’re new, aren’t you?’ a girl who looks slightly older than Nakashi comes out and speaks in a friendly manner. ‘Yes, I was wandering in darkness; then, I enter a golden cloud to come to here, where are we?’ Nakashi asks curiously. ‘This is the Finaland. Come on, I will lead you to see our Master,’ the girl says. ‘Finaland? Master? So is this the final place I will stay after death? Is this the possible answer to all my doubts?’ Nakashi wonders in her mind. ‘My name is Nakashi. What is your name?’ Nakashi asks politely. ‘I don’t have a name. All of us don’t have any names,’ the girl says. Nakashi follows the girl across the meadow and finally reaches the row of white houses. The houses are simple but perfectly built. Everything is in its right place. The girl knocks the wooden door and asks politely, ‘Master, may I come in?’ ‘Sure, my beautiful young lady,’ a casual and joyful voice responds. Nakashi follows the girl into the house. A young, energetic and handsome man who appears to be about 25 or 26 years old sits casually on a wooden chair. There are a few young and beautiful boys and girls sit around him on the floor. ‘Master, there is a new girl,’ the girl says. ‘Welcome, we are going to have a meal, would you like to join us?’ the young and handsome man at the centre says casually, ‘I’m the Master, this is the Finaland, you can stay here if you like.’ He speaks as if he does not feel Nakashi is a stranger. The young man waves his hand; a purple carpet with various kinds of delicacy on top appears instantly. The boys and girls next to the young man start to serve themselves and eat happily and the young man who calls himself the Master also eats. ‘Don’t be so polite. Serve yourself,’ he says to Nakashi. Nakashi starts eating. She has already predicted the food would be wonderful before the eating. But after the first bite, she is still stunned by how delicious they are. Everyone is chatting happily with each other, except the Master and Nakashi. Nakashi takes the opportunity to ask the Master some questions about this magnificent place. ‘How long can I stay in here?’ Nakashi asks. ‘As long as you wish, my young lady,’ he says. ‘Do you own this place?’ she asks again. ‘I created it,’ he answers simply. Nakashi is more and more curious after the answers. ‘Are you our creator?’ she asks bluntly. The Master does not answer and just smiles at Nakashi kindly. All the other people in the house are not paying attention to their conversation and are still chatting and playing with each other while eating. Nakashi assumes the answer is yes. She does not give up the chance of asking. ‘Why do you create this place?’ she asks directly. ‘Because I love all of you,’ he says calmly. After the meal, Nakashi follows the girl that she first talked with to get outside. They play exciting and interesting group games with other people. All people are very friendly to Nakashi. Nakashi has soon integrated with them and totally forgotten that she is a newcomer and this is a stranger place. Later, some of them start playing musical instruments and singing. They are all very good at it. Nakashi also joins them by singing. The lyrics are beautiful; they are all about how beautiful and ideal the Finaland is. Nakashi has never been so relaxed, calm and worry-free. They play unstoppably until dawn. Nakashi and her friends are watching the sunrise. Suddenly, a few young boys and girls are flying across the sky and draws Nakashi’s attention. They are the children who sit around the Master inside the white house. ‘They can fly! Who are they?’ Nakashi asks excitedly. ‘They are the guardians of the Finaland, messengers of our Master,’ a boy who sits next to Nakashi says casually. ‘Where are they going?’ Nakashi asks. ‘To lead people who are living in darkness to here,’ the boy says. Nakashi loves this place. ‘Yes, this must be the ultimate destiny of all people,’ she thinks to herself. ********************************************************************* Chapter 15 Leon turns around and faces Panzhi. ‘Leon, I’m not coming to fight against you,’ Panzhi says calmly. ‘Neither do I want to, please leave us alone,’ Leon tries to stay calm when saying that. But a strong sense of fear is rising from his heart; it urges him to attack. Panzhi looks at Leon, Nakashi and Catala. Their situation is desperate; they are hurt; they lack clothes and food; most importantly, they are on the wrong path. I’m afraid I can’t. I will not leave until you have chosen the right path.’ ‘We’ve chosen for ourselves and there is not point of return,’ Leon says. ‘Yes, there’re two paths you can go by; but in the long run, there’s still time for you to change the road you’re on,’ Panzhi says. Panzhi puts down his gun on the ground and says, ‘Please come with me.’ Suddenly, Leon sees that there are a few beams of light shining around. Then, he can hear rapid footsteps. One of the beams shines directly at Leon and Panzhi. ‘There they’re!’ a man shouts. A few seconds later, about ten soldiers appear from the woods. ‘So, this is just a plan. You are going to kill or capture us anyway, aren’t you? Why are you still pretending to be shocked?’ Leon says agitatedly to Panzhi. ‘No…I did not plan this!’ Panzhi explains anxiously. ‘Surrender now!’ the well-equipped soldiers hold up their rifles and shout. The shout wakes up Catala, who becomes alert instantly. Despite the fact that she has lost her automatic laser rifle during the plane crash and is now seriously hurt, she still draws her sword to prepare for a fight at any time. ‘Wait! Hold your fire! Back off first, I can deal with them,’ Panzhi says urgently. ‘But sir…’ ‘I said back off now!’ Panzhi shouts. ‘Leon…’ he says. ‘That’s enough. Stop your show!’ Catala shouts and charges towards Panzhi. Her injury lowers her speed but not her aggressiveness. Panzhi evades all the attacks but still signal the soldiers not to attack. Nevertheless, all the soldiers aim their guns at Catala and prepare to shoot at any time. Catala increases her pace of attacking. Leon does not stop her; instead, he also draws out his sword to prepare for combat at any moment. Catala kicks at Panzhi surprisingly after a series of striking. Panzhi loses his balance and collapses. Catala immediately points her sword closely towards Panzhi’s throat. ‘Stop!’ Leon shouts and Catala hesitates. Catala moves away the sword slightly but she is still able to take Panzhi’s life at any time. ‘Pew,’ a bullet is fired from the soldiers. Catala screams painfully. Nakashi has been staying in the Finaland for three days. This evening, she is resting alone on top of a hill to enjoy the beauty of the sunset. Glittering rivers, golden meadow, light blushing sky and yellowish clouds draw her complete attention. ‘Nakashi,’ a young male voice calls her from her back. Nakashi turns around. An extremely attractive young man with golden hair and bluish eyes appears in front of her. He looks about nineteen years old, about two years older than Nakashi. He wears nothing on his upper body and wears only a piece of simple white cloth to cover his lower part. ‘Hi,’ Nakashi greets friendly. She no longer feels awkward in meeting complete stranger since everyone in here is so friendly and passionate. The handsome boy walks towards Nakashi slowly. ‘Wake up, Nakashi. Get back to reality, face the world,’ he says suddenly. Nakashi is confused, ‘What do you mean? I have died and left the world already. Finaland is my final destination,’ she says bewilderedly. ‘No, this is not the place that you should stay,’ he says insistently. ‘Why? I can’t do anything good in the world. And Finaland is a perfect place for me. It is my eternal shelter,’ Nakashi says. ‘But this is an illusion, a trap that will fake and mislead you forever if you do not awake now,’ he says. ‘What’re you talking about?’ Nakashi asks perplexedly. ‘You are not dead; you are still alive; you can still go back to the world! You are just obsessed with this illusion and trapped in this fantasy; you need to return to the world and your friends. They need you,’ the boy says rather anxiously. ‘I’m alive? This is just a dream?’ she whispers astonishingly. Nakashi is surprised by the fact that she is still alive. Yet, she is still uncertain about whether she should go back and she is perplexed about who the boy is. ‘Then, who’re you?’ she asks. ‘I’m the one who will eliminate your false hope, lead you out of your comfort and protect your free will,’ the boy says. ‘Come on, Nakashi! Time will only make you become more obsessed with this place.’ He grabs Nakashi’s hand tightly and runs like a breeze of wind. ‘You are independent, brave, confident and proud, a kind of person that I can save. Come with me and leave this place,’ he says while he is running. ‘With courage and determination, you do not need to hide in this shelter anymore, instead, you can always face the world bravely by yourself,’ he continues. ‘Wait! You may be right. But shouldn’t we ask the Master first? His wisdom can guide me to make the right decision. Or at least I should consider for a while first,’ Nakashi says. ‘There’s no time! Trust me,’ the young man cries urgently. ‘Hold me tightly,’ he continues, then, he leaps from the cliff of the hill and soars towards the sky at a dazzling speed. Nakashi is stunned. ‘You can fly! You’re one of the messengers, aren’t you?’ Nakashi asks. He skips Nakashi’s question and says, ‘Listen, this place will only open twice every day during the sunrise or the sunset when the messengers go out or return. You must follow me closely and listen to my instructions to get away from this place. Nakashi is still confused; but she decides to follow this mysterious boy at this moment. There is a black spot at the golden sky. ‘That’s the exit,’ the boy says and soars towards there like an eagle. Though Nakashi still does not clearly know who the boy is, she understands what he wants her to do and she somehow senses that the boy is not harming him. In fact, she feels that she has some kind of connection with this boy; his desires are becoming her desires; his thinking is flowing in her body. They have already arrived there after a minute; the boy is still holding Nakashi’s hand tightly; a black hole whose diameter is about 3 metres long is right at the front of them. ‘Go, Nakashi. By passing through this hole, you will get back to the darkness where you were wandering originally. Then, you will actually find your way back to the real world. There’s no other way,’ the boy says. Nakashi hesitates and says, ‘Thanks a lot, I know that you’re helping me sincerely. But I’m afraid of that darkness and emptiness. I’m simply afraid.’ ‘Don’t be afraid, Nakashi. If you want your freedom, you have to be brave to overcome loneliness and emptiness,’ the boy says sincerely. Just after he has finished the sentence, a beam of bright light flashes out from the dark hole. A line of young boys and girls emerge from it; they are the messengers; they have returned from their mission. Normally, they would always wear a grateful and joyful smile on their lovely face. But this time, their expressions are dark and hostile. Soon, they surround Nakashi and the boy. They all have an extremely hostile expression towards the boy. Nakashi is shocked and petrified. She whispers to the boy, ‘Isn’t that I can leave this place anytime freely?’ What are they doing? Why they are so angry?’ The boy says, ‘I’m afraid it is not that easy. But do not worry, Nakashi. I will handle this.’ He embraces the body of Nakashi strongly to protect her. Nakashi is so shocked. ‘All of these are lies? I do not have any freedom in here?’ she thinks to herself. One of the messengers speaks hostilely, ‘Demon! Hand that girl back to us! Leave her alone! And get rid away from our Master’s land!’ The mysterious boy laughs casually. ‘Tell your Master that he has lost once again,’ the boy says confidently and soars up rapidly in order to get away from the tight encirclement. ‘Holds me tightly,’ he says, then, he increases his speed to the maximum and darts towards the black hole. Just at the very moment that they are able to get inside the black hole, a great force strikes at them and pushes them away from it. Nakashi is petrified; she holds the boy tightly to avoid dropping from the golden sky. Then, a figure appears in front of Nakashi. Behind that figure is a line of messengers and some strong golden light. The light is so powerful that Nakashi cannot directly face that figure. She has to close her eyes so as to avoid them being hurt. The bright light fades out gradually and Nakashi opens her eyes slowly. It is really the Master, as she has been predicting. Unlike the messengers, the Master did not show any hostile expression towards the boy and her. He just has a confident smile that the boy also wears. ‘Master of Finaland, thank you very much for providing this flawless ideal shelter for me. I admire you a lot. But, I want to go back to my own life. I have to leave this place and face the real world. May you please kindly order your messengers to let us go?’ Nakashi says clearly and confidently. ‘My young lady, I understand that you want to leave this place. Though I do not suggest you to do so, I have no reason to stop you from doing that. But I hope you can listen to a few words from me first. It is a story, a tragedy,’ the Master speaks. ‘Sure, but you cannot stop me from going after that. I want to go back to the real world,’ Nakashi says. The Master gives an agreeable smile and starts talking, ‘I created this place because I want people can have a land where they can put down all their worries and all their thinking. I want them to rest in here forever and provide this eternal shelter to them to separate them from the painful world. I started creating messengers. They are responsible for promoting this place to all people and lead them to here.’ The Master continues, ‘These messengers were all clever, beautiful and kind. One of them was particularly brilliant. His wits outstood all the others’; his beauty was undoubtedly the greatest; he had the most outstanding persuasive power. As a result, he was the most helpful messenger to me. I loved and treasured him a lot.’ ‘One day, he came before me. Unlike before, his eyes were not so humble and lovely. He speaks to me, “Why you are always my Master and I can only be your servant? I no longer want to serve you. I want to get away from this place and do the things that I want to do.” I told him to consider carefully first. He continued to challenge me, “Even you created me, I still have the right to make my own decision and you cannot stop me.” I let him go.’ ‘Days had passed and he did not return. Then, gradually, we found that some people in the Finaland were missing. Some messengers also reported that they witnessed him hiding in the Finaland. Then, I knew what he was doing – to encourage people following his path. At first, he was quite successful as quite a lot of people followed him to leave this place. Then, as time went by, he was less successful. Most of the people who followed him returned. He grew lonely, abandoned and frustrated.’ ‘As a brilliant messenger, he possessed great power. But as he had left me, he could no longer receive my guidance. As a result, he could not handle his frustration, his failure. He became more aggressive and even more arrogant. Without my guidance, darkness and disbelief clouded him. These evilness and darkness even started altering his appearance. At day, with brightness and light, he can still maintain his beauty. At night, when light fades out and darkness shrouds the land, evilness in him starts to rise. His teeth grow sharp and long; his eyes turn into bloody red; black spiky feathers grow on his pure skin. This is the punishment for his arrogance and rebelliousness,’ the Master says seriously. The Master increases his volume and speaks solemnly, ‘This tragic fallen messenger is called Lucifer. He is right at here, holding you tightly, Nakashi!’ The sun has already fallen behind the mountain ridges. Brightness has gradually faded away. The Master turns to the boy and says, ‘Lucifer! Let this innocent girl witnesses your true identity!’ ********************************************************************* Chapter 16 Leon is shocked and shouts, ‘Catala!’ The bullet hits Catala’s thigh. She does not collapse instantly. Instead, the pain forces her to bend down her knees and falls on the ground slowly. Panzhi takes this chance to get up and escape back among the soldiers. Leon runs towards her immediately. ‘I’m fine. I won’t die that easily. Protect yourself and Nakashi first. Those bastards! Kill them!’ Catala speaks painfully. ‘Surrender now. You have no way to run. We do not want to harm you. If you surrender now, you can still receive medical help immediately and you will be saved,’ one of the soldiers says. ‘Leon, Catala, we really don’t want to harm you. We are here to save you. Please, for your own sake, stop fighting. There’s no another way,’ Panzhi says sincerely. Catala hisses furiously. She neglects her pain and forces herself to stand up slowly. Anger increases the flow of her blood and intensifies her bleeding. She holds up her sword once again. Leon has also lost his rationality. He roars uncontrollably, ‘She was not trying to kill you! Why did you shoot? Bastard!’ Then, he charges towards the soldiers. Panzhi tells the soldiers to hold their fire once again. He draws out his sword and stands in front of them. ‘Get’s off from my way, or I will kill you!’ Leon roars. ‘Stop, Leon! Don’t force me to fight you!’ Panzhi cries. ‘If you’re not with me, then you’re my enemy!’ Leon shouts and strikes at Panzhi. The swords clash. The sound of it thunder around the forest; birds are scared to fly away. Leon attacks ferociously. Striking, slashing and stabbing take place unstoppably. Each attack is much more threatening than the previous one such that Panzhi can hardly breathe. Seeing Panzhi is under such a great threat, the soldiers have no choice but to fire. Bullets and laser bolts dart towards Leon. He immediately deflects all of them expertly. These bullets further angers Leon; he changes his target from Panzhi to the soldiers. He roars and charges towards them at a dazzling speed. Seeing the bullets cannot even have a single scratch on Leon, the soldiers are petrified and start to run away. But their speed is hardly comparable to Leon’s. Seeing the soldiers will soon become the victims of Leon, Panzhi immediately darts towards Leon to attack him in order to keep him occupied. Leon evades this sudden attack skillfully by performing a backward somersault. Panzhi continues to attack but Leon evades all of them skillfully by practicing various acrobatic moves. Then, Leon jumps high in air and strikes forcefully towards Panzhi to grab back the attacking position; the intense duel starts once again. While the two boys are fighting intensely and the soldiers are retreating in panic. Catala walks towards Nakashi slowly and painfully. She pulls up her body, which is still cold and fragile. ‘Yes, I do not like this girl and it may not be my fault. But she is always one of the very few people that I trust.’ Catala thinks to herself. She puts her arms on her shoulder and tries her best to carry her to a safe place. Panzhi leaps on a thick branch swiftly to escape from Leon unstopped striking. But to his surprise, Leon does not give up. Leon practices another elegant somersault to jump up on the branch; he then continues to slash madly towards Panzhi. Panzhi wants to end this duel. He leaps and lands on a thinner branch which is at the upper part of the tree skillfully and steadily. He then leaps once again and cuts the branch that he was just standing on at the same moment. He lands perfectly on a much thinner branch which is nearly at the top of the tree. As Panzhi has cut off the second branch that he was standing, Leon has no way to get on the branch that Panzhi is now standing on. ‘Leon, I know you hate me now. I know you will not go with me. But for our own sake, let’s stop fighting. Go and help Catala and Nakashi now. I don’t want to fight anymore,’ Panzhi shouts from the top. ‘I don’t need you to lecture me!’ Leon shouts. Then, he throws his sword towards Panzhi; the sword cuts the branch that Panzhi is standing on and drops back to Leon’s hands. Panzhi falls; he tries his best to hold the remaining part of the branch; but then, after a few seconds of struggling, he slips and falls on the ground. Lucifer roars suddenly; it is a painful and long roar. He is struggling painfully and giving various kinds of strange screams. ‘Why struggle? This is your true identity; you cannot hide it,’ the Master says calmly. Nakashi can feel cold sweat is flowing all over Lucifer’s body and he is shaking intensively. Then, just as what the Master described, black spiky feathers are rising slowly from Lucifer’s body. He is still making all those excruciating screams. ‘Stop that! You’re tormenting him!’ Nakashi shouts. The Master looks at Nakashi calmly and says, ‘I’m not tormenting him. I have done nothing. This is just the nature of him or the consequences that he has to bear. Without my guidance, arrogance and rebelliousness is deteriorating him. He is not following my plan to him, so tragically I cannot help him.’ Lucifer screams once again. Those spiky black feathers are so sharp that it is now difficult for Nakashi to hold him. But Nakashi does not want to abandon him. ‘Young lady, if you follow him and detach from my guidance, arrogance and rebelliousness will also rot you.’ Nakashi ignores the Master and looks at Lucifer, whose body is now completely covered by black feathers. His eyes are bloody red and his teeth also turn sharp. ‘Lucifer! You can control yourself! Don’t be controlled! Stop it!’ Nakashi cries desperately. ‘Now you have witnessed how horrible this kind of rebelliousness is, young lady. Will you still follow him?’ the Master says. ‘No! You’re the one who is horrible! You want to control everything, every soul! You cannot accept someone who makes his own path! You denounce all souls who make their own path!’ Nakashi shouts angrily and aggressively. ‘I guide your path because I do not want to see any souls fall. I love all of you,’ the Master says. ‘Even you love us, we still have our own right to choose. Detaching from your guidance and following my own path does not mean evil. All souls have the ability to make their own righteousness and bright paths, including humans, and including messengers.’ Just after Nakashi has finished the sentence, Lucifer is suddenly stunned. He stops screaming and his body becomes still. ‘Yes, I have my own ability…’ he whispers to himself. ‘Yes, Lucifer, don’t be frustrated, don’t be panic. Darkness and evilness is not your nature, but freedom and independence. Freedom does not mean lost; independence does not mean failure,’ Nakashi says. The reddish blood in his eyes starts to fade; his teeth become blunt and bright; the dark spikes are disappearing gradually. He becomes still and silent; his body is cold and fragile. All Nakashi can hear from him is his slow and weak grasping noises. ‘So, a strong mind girl. The world is complicated; life is difficult; it is rare to have this kind of person in these days. Lucifer, you are so lucky to have this girl still supporting you,’ the Master says. ‘But is your mind really so strong? So strong that you can face the world by yourself? So strong that you can make the right decisions without my guidance? And so strong that you would not fear my power? I will let you witness all of the answers!’ the Master says. Panzhi tries to stand up; his shoulders and left arm are hurt; he is kneeling there, holding his wound arm painfully. Leon walks towards Panzhi and holds his sword firmly. ‘Please, my Sou, protect me!’ Panzhi says to himself as Leon is walking towards him. He points his sword towards Panzhi closely and says, ‘Both Catala and I have the chance to end your life easily today.’ Panzhi closes his eyes; cold sweat is flowing from his neck. ‘Please, my Sou,’ he is still whispering. Leon says, ‘Pathetic, you’re still praying to him.’ ‘I won’t kill you, even though all of you describe me as a heretic or a demon. But I do not want to see you in the rest of my life until you give up sealing your heart to the truth!’ Leon says clearly. He withdraws his sword but maintain his stare towards Panzhi. Panzhi slowly stands up. ‘I can see there’s good in you. You are always a good person…; he says softly but strongly. Leon ignores him and walks away immediately. ‘I won’t give up!’ Panzhi shouts from his back. Leon tries his very best to eliminate Panzhi’s voice in his head and forces his legs to move faster. Leon has found Catala and Nakashi after a few minutes. ‘Sorry, I have let them go,’ Leon says softly. Catala is sitting right beside Nakashi’s body. Lines of blood are stained on her pale skin of her leg. ‘You have to stop the bleeding! You’ll die if you don’t!’ Leon says concernedly after he has discovered the serious bleeding. ‘Take it easy. I bet you have never really fought before, naive boy. A wound at the leg is just like a mosquito bite to me. I’ve already taken the bullet out,’ Catala says. ‘You should really care about her first. She still has not had a single move.’ Leon walks towards Nakashi and kneels down before her. He touches her forehead, which is now burning; he touches her hands, which are as cold as ice; he feels her breath, which is rapid but fragile. ‘Come on! Wake up please, Nakashi!’ Leon whispers desperately. He shakes her body and cries again, ‘Don’t die! We need you!’ ‘There’s no use. Give her some time. I somehow think that she is struggling hard now and she is going to make it,’ Catala says. ‘Struggling hard?’ Leon asks curiously. ‘Yes, she is trapped by something, her own fear towards the world,’ Catala answers simply. *********************************************************************Chapter 17 Nakashi is still holding Lucifer, who still has not fully regained his consciousness, tightly. The dark sky suddenly turns bright in just a few seconds. Different kinds of disturbing noises start to flash into Nakashi’s ears. ‘Look down below; this is the world that you will have to face if you leave here,’ the Master speaks to her. Nakashi looks down. ‘What a chaotic scene!’ she thinks to herself. Dozens of battleships and hundreds of fighters are hovering and chasing each others. Laser bolts, cannon balls are dashing everywhere; hit planes with fire, fragments and corpses are falling. Nakashi grasps. ‘Yes, this will be the world. You should have a closer look before you go.’ The chaotic scene of the battle disappears. Nakashi finds herself is standing on the ground. Nakashi looks down and is shocked. What she is standing on is not a normal ground, but corpses. There are hundreds of thousands of dead bodies. They are piling up and Nakashi cannot see the end of this sea of corpses. At her left, Nakashi can see some people are walking or crawling on the sea of corpses. They are weak and slow. Just like the dead bodies, they wear broken and shabby clothes. Some of them are moving slower and slower; they are lying down slowly and finally become still. Screaming and shouting noises are coming from the right. Nakashi turns towards that direction to see what is happening. Dozens of people are holding swords, spears or knives and fighting each others. Some of them yell painfully and collapse slowly; they then become a part of the sea of corpses. One of the people from that crowd is fighting exceptionally ferocious. She slashes madly towards people at all directions. Nakashi takes a closer look and is shocked. Catala, she is. She roars and she keeps on slashing madly. ‘Stop!’ Nakashi yells. But the noise can hardly reach Catala’s ears. Then, there’s another long and painful scream; it is from Catala. A spear spikes her from the back and passes through her body. Nakashi no longer wants to see all of these. She closes her eyes tightly. ‘Why are you closing your eyes? If you have to leave the Finaland, you will have to face all of these,’ the Master says. ‘Sickness, aging, hatred, conflicts and finally death – these are what all people have to face in the world. But you do not need to face them if you stay here, Nakashi,’ the Master continues. Nakashi wants to eliminate the Master’s voice in her head; she wants to erase the images that she has just watched. Her mind is still very disturbed. “Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know, The piper's calling you to join him, Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know Your stairway lies on the whispering wind.” ‘Nakashi, be strong. Do not give up. You’re going to make it,’ a voice is whispering to her right beside her ear. It is Lucifer. He has regained his consciousness and rationality. ‘He will keep on creating these images to fear you. Just clear your mind and be strong,’ Lucifer says. Catala has already stopped the bleeding. She is resting quietly by sitting under the shadow of a tall tree. ‘Everything happens just too fast,’ Leon cuts the silence. ‘I was just taking a plane to have a normal trip with Nakashi and Panzhi.’ ‘And now…’ Leon murmurs. Then, he cannot hold back his tears anymore. ‘They all leave me…’ Leon says emotionally, ‘all at once suddenly!’ Catala looks at him; she feels strange. She hates people crying; she has never cried throughout all the years; she thinks that crying represents weak people and she hates weak people. However, for the first time throughout the years, she feels sympathetic towards a crying person. She tries to suppress this kind of unusual sympathy. ‘What are you talking about? You choose all of these by yourself!’ Catala says unfeelingly. Leon is not angered by Catala’s lack of sympathy. He knows that Catala herself is also a person being hurt so much by misfortune and loneliness. He stops his tears and asks slowly, ‘Catala, do you feel lonely during all these years?’ ‘What question is this? Of course not.’ Catala says unconcernedly and impatiently. ‘So how can you withstand all the years of loneliness?’ ‘I do not need to rely on anyone. Only a strong person can do that,’ Catala answers simply. Leon continues to ask Catala questions. Slowly, Catala starts to be willing to share about her past. She talks about how and why her parents died, what she did afterward and where had she been. Nevertheless, she does not say a word about how poor, lonely and unfortunate she is. It seems that she does not have any sorrow and sadness but only arrogance and hatred. Night approaches. They have ended their conversation. After taking care of Nakashi, both of them lie down and rest. Catala has soon fallen asleep. Yet, Leon’s eyes are still widely opened. Memories, scenes and words are flashing in his mind unstoppably. Then, he thinks about different people. He wonders about Nakashi. Will she wake up? What will she do if she does? He thinks about Panzhi. What will he do towards him? Finally, he thinks about Catala. What kind of person is she? ‘Mama…Papa…Mama…’ It is Catala who is whispering. She is speaking in her dream. Leon now understands. Indeed, nobody can live without love. Catala, who tries to act strong and independent for so many years, is just like him, being weak and fragile inside the heart. Indeed, all people need love and mental support from others. ‘You have witnessed the cruelty and deformity of the world where people live. Still, some souls decide to reject my guidance and live in this world. I will now show you what happens to these souls after death,’ the Master says. The environment turns dark and gloomy. Figures are crawling around. They are not living people; they are transparent; they are all emotionless. There are thousands, no, actually millions of them. But even though there are so many of them, the environment is surprisingly quiet and cold. ‘Tragically, all of them have the right to choose when they are alive,’ the Master says. ‘For those who reject my guidance, they are unable to get into the Finaland. What they can do is wandering in this dark and cold place.’ ‘But even wretchedly, some of them have an even more dreadful afterlife,’ the Master says. The only heat comes from down below. Nakashi can see flames. There is a sea of fire; flames and lava are erupting violently. Nakashi is being pushed downward by a certain kind of force. She is now standing just about ten meters above the sea of fire. She can feel the intense heat. Screaming is the only sound that Nakashi can hear apart from the violent burning sound. Nakashi looks down. There are transparent figures; they are the ones who are screaming painfully. ‘They were mostly intelligent people. Same as the souls who are wandering above, they also reject my guidance. But tragically, they commit unforgivable sins due to the lack of my guidance,’ the Master says slowly. Screaming echoes in Nakashi’s ears. Tears are flowing across her pale face. They are tears of anxiety, tears of despair. ‘You said that you create Finaland to us because you love us. Then, why are you torturing these people?’ Nakashi asks agitatedly. ‘I am love, but I am also justice. These people choose their own path,’ the Master says solemnly. ‘Why do you have the right to judge us?’ Nakashi asks even more anxiously. ‘I feel disgusted about you! You are extremely kind, but you are extremely cruel at the same time! Why do you want to control all of us?’ ‘Faith is what you lack, Nakashi,’ the Master says calmly Nakashi interrupts. ‘Thanks, you may indeed have a good intention to us; you may love us. But I cannot tolerate your nature, your power and your authority. I want to have my own life. I have to go,’ Nakashi says emotionlessly but determinedly. The Master looks at Nakashi intensely. ‘It seems that you are determined to go, Nakashi. I can see you have many doubts and distrust towards me. But I have no right to change your mind; you can follow your will. But I am sure that one day you will return. You will need me. You will be sure that following me is the only righteousness path. I am looking forward to your return,’ the Master says. Lucifer has already come closed and is standing right at the back of Nakashi. ‘You have lost. Neither your lure nor your intimidation is able to change her mind. It is a victory of human freewill,’ Lucifer says confidently. ‘Do not be too confident, Lucifer. So many souls decide to come back after they have left with you. This girl still has a long way to go and she will not be an exception,’ the Master says. Lucifer ignores the Master and holds Nakashi’s hands tightly. ‘Let’s go,’ he says simply and encouragingly. ‘Close your eyes and empty your mind,’ Lucifer says. Nakashi follows what Lucifer says and tries to be relaxed. They are soaring at the speed of light such that neither the light of the sea of fire nor the brightness of the Finaland can catch up with them. Soon, they enter the calm darkness. Nakashi opens her eyes. Lucifer and she are alone in this boundless darkness. She loves this tranquility and darkness. ‘We are away from him now. It is actually very easy. The key is whether you have the will to go,’ Lucifer says calmly and smiles towards Nakashi. ‘Nakashi, you are such a brave girl. Thanks for not abandoning me during my most difficult time,’ Lucifer continues. Nakashi remains quiet for a few minutes. Lucifer waits patiently. Then, she asks curiously, ‘Lucifer, is the story told by the Master true?’ ‘Yes, it is true. I was once a messenger who belongs to him. Messengers are beautiful creatures. Unfortunately, they can only be slaves of the Master. The Master intentionally creates some faulty designs towards every messenger. These faulty designs will not be shown only if the messenger being loyal to his creator,’ Lucifer says softly. ‘That is not a problem. It is true that every creature, including human or messenger, has flaws. Throughout my life, people told me that the only way to let those flaws being forgiven is to have faith to the Sou. But why do we need to seek for forgiveness for our flaws? Nothing is flawless. What we should try to do is to accept and reduce the flaws,’ Nakashi says. ‘Lucifer, but I have one more thing to ask. If the Master has the power to create you, why don’t he destroy you when you turn away from him?’ Lucifer smiles and says, ‘He can destroy me, but I will not perish. It is because I am always protected by people like you.’ ‘Me?’ Nakashi asks surprisingly. Lucifer smiles and speaks, ‘Yes, you save me, Nakashi. Your bravery and desire for freedom protect me. Human’s free will is always my final fortress. Thanks a lot, Nakashi.’ ‘No, I am the one who should say thank you. Lucifer, you have guided me the right path and I don’t know how to show my gratitude to you.’ ‘I did not guide you to a right path. There is no right path. Neither following the Master or following me is a right path; they are just two very different paths that you can always choose from.’ ‘But I really treasure and love you, can you be with me and guide me in the future?’ Nakashi asks truthfully. Tears of gratitude are flowing from her eyes. Lucifer gives a kind smile and says, ‘Sorry, Nakashi, I’m afraid I cannot promise you that. If I continue to guide you and lead you all the time, you will not have your true complete freedom. If I do that, I will become a control freak just like him. The only reason for me to come to you is to protect your freedom by leading you away from him. Now, you can get back your own live that belongs to you, my job has finished.’ ‘So, where will you go?’ ‘I still have many souls to protect. This will be a long battle. Nakashi, thanks to be on my side.’ ‘I will miss you.’ ‘Do not worry. If he tries to use any forms to dominate your mind once again, I will always help you. But the key is your own determination.’ Nakashi gives a one last hug to Lucifer. ‘Time for you to go. Your friends must be very worried about you,’ Lucifer says. ‘Go and live your own life,’ he says. Then, he slowly descends. He keeps smiling towards Nakashi when he is descending. Finally, he disappears from Nakashi’s sight. *********************************************************************Chapter 18 Nakashi has finally opened her eyes. Birds are humming among the trees; leafs are floating on the small breeze. Nakashi has finally waken up from this long dream. It is an inspiring dream. The Finaland, the Master, the people in there, the messengers and Lucifer are all in her mind. They do not exist physically in this material world. But they do exist spiritually as a form of imagery or force in her mind; and it is possible that they will appear in her mind once again in her future; or actually, it is even possible that they will appear in all people’s mind. She sits up slowly. The snowstorm has ended. There are beams of smooth light shining through the canopy to them. It is early in the morning. Nakashi turns her head and sees that Leon and Catala are sleeping besides her. They have never abandoned her. Nakashi’s slight movements soon wake up Leon. Leon is shocked instantly. ‘Nakashi!’ he cries. It is a cry of surprise, a cry of joy and a cry of hope. Catala is waken up soon after. Gladness cannot be hided from her face too. Leon immediately goes to fetch some water for Nakashi. ‘Sorry, Nakashi. Please for forgive me,’ Catala says bluntly and directly when Leon has left. ‘Catala, there is no reason for you to say sorry. I should thank you and Leon for saving me and protecting me,’ Nakashi says with gratitude. Catala, for the first time, abandons her emotionless face and gives a slight but warm smile. Leon comes back with a bowl of water. ‘Sorry, we don’t have any food left. Drink some water first,’ Leon says. ‘Thanks, Leon,’ Nakashi says. ‘Hey, boy, I will teach you to hunt. You’ve much to learn,’ Catala says slightly tauntingly. Nakashi laughs. ‘The world and the people are so beautiful,’ she thinks to herself. In the afternoon, they have climbed up a hill. Leon and Nakashi held Catala’s arms on their shoulders during the hiking even though Catala strongly opposed this idea. They sit on the hill top and enjoy the cool breeze. Snow and ice on the trees and on the ground starts to melt; water is flowing peacefully downhill. Nakashi slowly recounts her dream to Leon and Catala. Both of them are amazed by it. ‘So is he the true creator?’ Leon asks confusedly. ‘Of course, it isn’t! It is just a dream,’ Catala says. ‘No, he isn’t. Actually, we don’t know. Even if he is, Lucifer will always be on my side to support me,’ Nakashi says calmly. ‘But let’s just say that each of us always have a Master of the Finaland and a Lucifer battling inside our minds. Comfort, shelter, faith, authority and power or independence, arrogance, rebelliousness and freedom? Who is the victor will always be determined by us,’ Nakashi says slowly. Leon understands what Nakashi has said. He remembers that so many times in his dreams, a creator talks to him, fears him with his power, and attracts him with his love. That voice is just a subconscious, a force inside his mind which tries to dominate his mind. But at the same time, there is often another repelling force inside his mind telling him to resist that power, believe in himself and protect his freedom. This is probably the Lucifer in his mind. The three youngsters stand up and decide to move again. Dense fog is clouding around them; they cannot see the front clearly; but they still decide to step forward. … Sometimes I think, why did I come to this world? Nobody can answer me. Sometimes I think, what will happen to me after I die? Nobody can answer me. Thinking does not bring me a solution, but more and more question. Thinking does not bring me emancipation, but more and more vacillation. Sometimes I wonder, am I a good person? Nobody can answer me. Sometimes I wonder, will I end up in an inferno? Nobody can answer me. Wondering cannot change our fate, Nor it can bring me freedom. Wondering cannot give me a path, Nor it can bring me some hope. But as long as I live in this world, I can still enjoy this miracle The miracle of love, That we uphold by ourselves. The miracle of intelligence, That we develop by ourselves. Sometimes I meditate, what is the meaning of life? Nobody can answer me. Or is there any meaning in life? Nobody can answer me. Sometimes I muse, who am I actually? Nobody can answer me. An eternal spirit or a transient being? Nobody can answer me. So many unresolved questions, So many confused minds, So many irresolute dilemmas, So many lost souls, But as long as I live in this world, I can still enjoy this miracle The miracle of imagination, That we discover by ourselves. The miracle of free will, That is with us eternally, That protects us perpetually, That defines us everlastingly. And now, despite all of these ambiguity and insecurity, I will embrace this miracle of life firmly, I can still face the front, With no uncertainty. I can look up the sky proudly, With no sense of guilty, That I need not to bow my heads, But seek for true equality. I can step towards the future, With no more worries, That I need not to fear, But live my life that belongs to me. (to be continued) Epilogue: This book is named Lucifers. Yet, I must assert that the book is not related to Satanism. The character Lucifer in Nakashi’s dream is not related to the fallen angel in Judaism or Christianity. It is in fact just a symbolic meaning of the repelling force towards deities and religions in a person’s mind. There are no antagonists in this book. If you regard Lucifer or Catala as antagonists, you are wrong. If you regard the Master of Finaland or the Sou-gen as antagonists, you are also wrong. There is no right or wrong for religions; all are depends on what you treasure. As clearly shown in throughout the story, there is actually a constant struggle between the desire of believing and following a deity and rejecting and rebelling against a deity in every human soul. Comfort, shelter, faith, authority and power or independence, arrogance, rebelliousness, freedom and freethinking – this is the ultimate question. My attitude towards religions is doubtful or even hostile because I treasure the later values now. But, my attitude is fragile; my mind is weak and unstable. There is a high chance that I would switch to the opposite path in the future. After all, it is so tempting. Still, I agree with John Lennon or Robert Browning. The world will be a better place if everyone is willing and able to abandon their religions. Indeed, God’s in His heaven, all’s right with the world. This is just the first episode of a trilogy. I have already structured the major plots in the next two episodes. In the next episodes, religions will still be an important theme, but I will also try to be more experimental in expanding the content from religion to other philosophies and psychology relating to life and death. Besides, more characters and complicated conflicts will be created. The story will be both deeper and larger.