Water Two

            Gleen was walking through the forest when he sensed it, a coming darkness, and looked up to see it come like a meteor and land just ahead of him.  When he arrived at the spot he found a creator, but only a little of the shadow remained within that became a monster.  This one was stronger then the Soultaker’s minions had been and once he defeated it all he got in return was a piercing scream in the distance.  Activating the talisman he ran for it to find a forest girl with odd green hair, that appeared older then normal foresters, laying  on the ground.

            It took a little bit, but he eventually managed to wake her though she was still in shock from whatever happen.  When he had calmed her down he learned the reason she was different from the others was that she was Willow, the forest leader.  It also amused him that she was a childhood friend of Casa’s having grown up together.  What he heard next didn’t surprise him, the Shadow Lord had stolen from her the talisman that protects and controls the forest’s weather.

            “What should we do now?” Willow asked while Gleen still tried to comfort her.  “We need to get the talisman back.”

            “I can’t take on a Shadow Lord by myself and succeed.  We need to wait for Casa and the Princess.”

            “Casa is on the way?  How do you know?”

            “They can sense the coming shadow through their triangles, just as I did.”

            “Then you’re the other piece of the triangle, why didn’t you stay with them?”

            “I spent several years in a endless sleep, so I decided to see what had changed in the world.  I was on my way to meet a ship to take me to some of the islands.”

            “I’m sorry for causing you this trouble, if I had been a better leader the shadow wouldn’t have gotten the talisman.”

            “It’s alright.  The shadows are so strong I alone couldn’t even defeat it, so it’s not your fault.”

            “Am I missing a party?” Casa asked jumping down next to them.

            “What kept you?” Gleen asked smiling under his neckpiece.  “I assume the princess is with you.”

            “I am here.” Shayla said walking up.  “It’s good to see you again.”

            “Hey Willow, what’s new?” Casa asked turning to his old friend.

            “We have a problem.” Gleen told them.  “The shadow took the talisman that protects the forest.”

            “That’s not good, it could turn this place to winter in a instant and there is no food stored since it has always been summer here.” Casa told them.  “All  the foresters will starve if they stay here and if they leave they can never return to live here again.”

            “Why hasn’t it become winter yet?” Gleen asked looking around.

            “It already is.” Casa said causing Gleen looked the way he was pointing to see the snow coming their way.

            “That was interesting.” Gleen said brushing the snow off.

            “This is cold!” Casa yelled shivering uncontrollably.

            “Willow go back to your people and try to keep them calm.” Gleen instructed.  “Princess, you back to New Capital and have food shipped here, while Casa and I trace down the shadow.”

            “I’ll try.” Willow said running off.

            “I’ll be back soon.” Shayla said leaving the way she had come.

            “Why couldn’t I go back?” Casa asked after they began their search.

            “How is your condition doing?”

            “I’m suppressing it, but now that Soultaker is within me I’ll absorb any shadow I defeat.”

            “Meaning you will eventually become dark.”

            “Yeah.  I’ve been thinking a lot about it since it happen and if I do become evil I want you to kill me.”

            “What?”

            “This is something I can’t ask Shayla, you’re the only one I can be sure will do it when the time comes.”

            “As a last resort, if there is no other hope.”

            “Thank you.”

            “I didn’t say I would kill you.”

            “What?  Why not?”

            “I intend to put you in the Chamber of Endless Sleep until there is a way to release the shadow within you.”

            “I never thought about that, good idea.  I don’t have to die after all.”

            “Well, there is no telling we’ll live that long.”

            “Always looking at the bright side I see.” Casa said smiling.

            “It’s the truth.”

            Like he said when he defeated a shadow it was absorbed when it dispersed and it took him a couple minutes to suppress it.  Gleen could see it was hard on him and if they got in over their heads he wouldn’t be able to suppress them and fight.  Trying to defeat as many as possible Gleen ran though the shadows before Casa could have a chance to absorb them.  There was no tell what would happen to the triangle if he did turn dark and truthfully he had no intention to find out.

            “Are you alright?” Gleen asked after Casa absorbed several shadows and a dark shadow overcame him.

            “Never better.” Dark Casa said swinging the Master Sword at him.

            “Casa, fight it!” Gleen yelled reflected the blade with his chain.

            “Fight me.” Dark Casa said charging, but was hit by a beam causing the darkness to fade.

            “I am glad I got here when I did.” Shayla said joining him.

            “What did you do?” Gleen asked her.

            “The Sphere of Light reveals the lies of the shadows.”

            “That’s taking it literal.  I think he’s coming to.”

            “What hit me?” Casa asked getting up.

            “About seven shadows.”

            “I lost control, didn’t I?”

            “Don’t worry the princess freed you from their grip.” Gleen said turning back to her.  “Have you learned anything?”

            “It appears our instruments play a vital part here.  Curtain tunes may reveal areas the shadow has hidden, but I am unsure of either.”

            “The shadows seemed to be guarding this area, lets try here.” Gleen said pulling the guitar around.

            “What should we play?” Casa asked pulling out their instruments.

            “Whatever come to you.” Gleen said as he began to play.

            After a few tries they found a tune that caused the snow to melt away leaving a small clearing.  Within it cleared off a small golden leaf floated in the air, which was decided to be held by Gleen due to Casa’s condition.  After a bit of searching Shayla found that it was one of the six keys to unlock the Shadow Lord’s tower.  Now all that remained was to find the five keys that were scattered and then they would be a step closer to saving this forest.

            “This is typical, finding leaves in a forest.” Casa said as they walked along.  “We haven’t seen a shadow in hours.”

            “Maybe we are not looking in the right places?” Gleen suggested.

            “What do you mean?” Casa asked confused.

            “Forests are not made up of just the ground, but also the trees above.  You should know this.” Gleen said shooting his chain up.

            “Going up.” Casa said as they both grabbed onto him and were pulled up into the tree tops.  “Feels like the good old times.”

            “Quite, shadows are nearby.” Gleen told him.

            “Where?”

            “Above.” He said shooting the chain upward.

            Following the chain  as it came back down, the pack of shadows emerged to find them ready and waiting.  Charging up Gleen tried to finish off as many as possible keeping them away from Casa and Shayla.  Shayla was busy as it was trying to keep they away too, between them very few actually made it to Casa.  Then as the shadows began to loss their numbers a few tried to run, but Casa throw a tiny black sphere at them that exploded seconds later, easily doing the trick.

            “What was that?” Gleen asked jumping back over to them.

            “A bomb.” Casa said pulling out another.  “They’re being developed in New Capital.  You pull the pin out and you got five seconds before it explodes.”

            “Impressive.” Gleen said looking it over.

            “Have a few, I got plenty.” Casa said handing him four more.  “You should be careful, I’ve started a couple fires with them.”

            “Lets try finding that leaf now.” Gleen said placing them in the pocket under his banner.

            This time the leaf was a bit harder to find requiring a tune that none of them knew, but gradually got by watching the reaction of the weather around them.  After numerous attempts they managed to get the right tune, collecting another leaf and cleared that area of the forest.  There was another one for them, one more and they would already have half of the forest back to normal.  Unlike last time when the forest life returned, this time a humanoid shadow appeared with a long broadsword.

            “What is that?” Gleen asked having not seen one before.

            “A Shadow Knight, they appear from time to time.” Casa said readying himself.  “They’re stronger then normal shadows, but no where near a Shadow Lord.”

            “Maybe I should take him.” Gleen offered.

            “You need a sword for his kind.” Casa said attacking.  “I got him.”

            “Princess be ready, if they are stronger then the other shadows he may change when he absorbs it.”

            “I will be.” Shayla said while they watched the sword duel.

            Without warning the Shadow Knight slammed his free hand into Casa’s chest lifting him off the ground.  Casa struggled as dark energy was filtered into his body and against his will transformed him into Dark Casa.  With the Dark Casa on his side the Shadow Knight let him down as they would now fight together.  In return Gleen powered up and instead of charged at the Shadow Knight, Casa was target.

            “Forgive me.” He said taking the Master Sword and used it to knock Casa out, then turned to the Shadow Knight.

            Luckily the Master Sword allowed him to use it, but he had little training with the sword and wondered if he truly could use the power within it.  The sword must have felt his concern as it bestowed on him all it’s knowledge and now he held it like a master swordsman, like Casa would have.  The Shadow Knight never knew what hit it when Gleen powered up and unleashed an attack that no one could truly see clearly.  His movements were so quick due to the sword’s added power that his own eyes could barely see his actions.  With the Shadow Knight thrown completely off guard its defeat was unavoidable and with one final strike it dispersed.  In its place was a gold leaf floating in the air adding the third to their collection.

            “Good job.” Casa said when the sword flew back to him after Shayla had just healed him.  “They also tend to hold valuable items every now and then.”

            “We still have three leaves left to find.” Gleen told him.

            “You only have one left to find.” Willow said as she joined them.  “I used the little power I had left to collect two of the leaves.”

            “Thanks Willow.” Casa said as Gleen took them.  “How are the others doing?”

            “They’re fine now, the food Shayla brought helped a lot.”

            “Do you know where the last area is at?” Gleen asked her.

            “Siren Lake, I believe the tower is nearby.”

            “I hate that place.” Casa said to himself.

            “What do you know of this place?” Gleen asked Casa as they walked along.

            “The lake is actually a mirror, those who dare to step into the waters edge will be shown their true nature’s form.”

            “I never thought you’d lack the courage to do something like that.”

            “I did when I was younger and saw the triangle, but now I fear if I do it I’ll see Soultaker.”

            “I promise you I’ll free you of this curse, even if I have to take it into myself and return to the Chamber of Endless Sleep forever.” Gleen told him.

            “Why would you do that?”

            “Because of the rumor I heard.”

            “What rumor?” Shayla asked curiously.

            “The one that say you two are getting married once the shadows are all gone.” Gleen said to which both of them blushed.  “I hope I’m going to get an invitation.”

            “If we live that long.” Casa said turning Gleen’s earlier words back on him.

            “Of course.” Gleen said smiling.

            “We’re here.” Casa said when they reached the lake.  “Who want to go fist?”

            “I will.” Gleen told them.

            Walking into the water until his feet were covered he waited until a mirrored images rose from the water waiting as well.  After a moment large black bat wings grew from his back and all three pieces of the Triangle of Light were on his chest.  It then changed again as he grew a large white pair of wings behind then, the Triangle Guardian outfit was now red and blue robes.  His entire body was emanating a golden light as another triangle appeared below the Triangle of Light, this new set was red.

            Lifting up her dress a little Shayla took her turn and as long as she waited her image remained the same.  Hesitantly Casa took his turn as he walked into the water and they all waited to be shown his true nature.  Eventually the image of Casa rose from the water, but it was Dark Casa and the triangle had turned from gold to red.  Unlike the other reflections this one attacked, Gleen was about to join him when Shayla stopped him and he knew why.  This was one of the battles Casa had to win on his own, without help from anyone, a battle over the nature of his very soul.

            At first it appeared they were an even match, since they were the same being, but slowly the real Casa began to win.  With a final blow Casa shattered his dark image’s sword and throw him back as it dispersed to become the Soultaker himself.  Still the battle waged on for the control of Casa, two powerful souls and only one body they could obtain.  Neither Gleen or Shayla could assist as they watched helplessly from the sidelines, hoping for the best.

            “You can’t beat me.” The Soultaker told him.  “I am part of you now.”

            “Go to hell!” Casa yelled as he swung the sword throwing a beam at Soultaker.

            “No!  I can’t be defeated!” Soultaker yelled in agony.  “You can’t have my power!”

            “I’m taking it.” Casa said absorbing it, then passed out.

            “I think we can help him now.” Gleen said as the final leaf appeared over him.  “At least before he drowns.”

            “Are you feeling batter?” Shayla asked after Casa woke up.

            “Not really.”

            “What did Soultaker mean when it said you couldn’t have it’s power?”

            “Not sure.  I think with his soul destroyed all the power he had went to me.”

            “We have dark power on our side now, but at what cost?  What if you lose your own soul in the process?”

            “No one lives forever, you of all people should know that.” Casa said drawing closer to the fire.

            “Of course, but the shadows aren’t living or mortal.”

            “What do you mean?” Shayla asked him.

            “They are just dark energy that can take solid form for only a moment, they have no lasting physical form.  Energy from the dark side of the astral plane, that is why I believe we can fight them and no one else can is because our triangle enhance our astral bodies.”

            “What’s an astral body?” Casa asked confused.

            “Our spirits.” Gleen explained.  “What do you do while you’re in New Capital?”

            “I’d rather not say.” He said looking away.

            “It mainly consists of relaxing around the castle, trying to court me, and trying to find someone to duel with.”

            “Shayla!”
            “You really should learn from the sages and not just the weapon developers.” Gleen told him.  “You’d be surprised by how much they know.”

            “Like what?”

            “They could probably tell you how the Master Sword fired that beam.”

            “I completely forgot about that.” He said pulling out the sword.

            “From what I could tell, you and the sword were in perfect harmony with each other right before you fired the blast.  Your energies became identical, but it used all your energy and you passed out shortly afterwards.”

            “So it gives everything in one shot, what if I miss?”

            “Then your in trouble.  We should get some sleep, we attack the Shadow Lord at first light.”

            Casa and Shayla laid next to each other near the fire while Gleen rested against a three a short distance away.  He rested, but didn’t fall asleep as he watched over the two of them, since Casa was still exhausted .  It made him wonder what Soultaker’s power actually was as he thought about Casa’s previous battle, but all he could do was hope for the best.  Worrying about Casa seemed to take his mind off what he had seem in the lake, and what he was or would some day become, whatever it was.

            He awoke them at first light as he said he would, Shayla got up, but Casa kept rolling over until Gleen kicked him in the side.  When they reached the tower the others waited while he tired to find the pattern the leaves fit into the lock.  After a while he placed the last one in and with a click the doors finally swung open.  Walking in they found this tower was just like the last one, as were the pervious, except this time they were meet by a wolf shadow.

            “And who might you be, shadow?” Casa said walking in casually.

            “The Forest Wolf, controller of this forest.” It told them.

            “Yeah about that, we’re here to take the talisman back to Willow.” Casa told it pulling the Master Sword.  “The easy or the hard way is up to you, but when were done you wont be joining the rest of your kind, you’ll be joining Soultaker.”

            “Not if I kill you first.” The Forest Wolf said charging at an unbelievable speed.

            “Looks like this one is mine.” Gleen said rushing forward and slapped it with his chain.  “You want to race?”

            While Gleen and the Forest Wolf battle the others watched, or at least they tried for all they could see were blurs.  After a while all they could see was the effect of the attacks on the walls of the tower around them.  Eventually it began to slow down as it began to lose energy, unlike Gleen who wasn’t using his own energy to begin with.  Without warning the Forest Wolf changed it’s direction and charged at Casa once again before Gleen could reach it.

            “No!” Gleen yelled being quickly covered by Shayla’s scream as a paw slammed through Casa’s chest.

            To his surprise the little blood the escaped Casa’s body was quickly pulled back in along with the paw.  A dark aura formed around him as, to the horror of everyone one around Casa, a transformation began.  His body began larger and muscular as his clothes were replaced with a tight black bodysuit.  The once blonde hair now became grey as a thick blue V mark appeared on his forehead and thick red markings were around all white eyes.  The Master Sword which was still in his hand transformed into a long sword with two thin blades that weaved against each other.  The Casa he knew, his friend and travel companion, was now gone as he was placed with the fearsome Soultaker Casa.

            “Casa?” Shayla asked uncertain.

            “I am Soultaker now.” He said not taking his focus off the shadow.  “You might want to turn away.  I don’t think this is something you want to see.”

            Before Gleen’s very eyes the Soultaker sliced Forest Wolf to shreds, sending parts everywhere, as if he were nothing more then a mere fly.  The shadow tried to get away, but the darkened Casa blocked it’s path time and time again.  Nothing the shadow did was successful from that point on as this new Casa was more powerful then any of them there.  A smile spread across his face as he sucked the shadow into himself, then the Soultaker departed leaving only Casa who collapsed to the floor from exhaustion.

            “Looks like he got the shadow again.” Gleen said throwing Casa over his shoulder.  “Shall we leave Princess?”

            “Will you be returning to New Capital with us?” Shayla asked later that day as they sat in the village of the forest people.

            “No.  I think I’ll try to catch another boat to the outer islands.”

            “Hey Gleen, are you going to bring us back some souvenirs?” Casa asked from where he sat with some of his old friends.

            “Of course, but you two could always join me.”

            “I have my duties in New Capital.” Shayla told him.  “Casa as a forester has a natural fear of the ocean.”

            “Shayla!”

            “Then I’ll be off.” Gleen said standing up.

            “Take care.” Shayla said waving.

            “I will, just do me one favor, make Casa see the sages every now and then.” Gleen said charging up and was gone before Casa could argue, but he could faintly hear casa yelling his name in the distance.