SoYa knew instantly that something was wrong.
The life force that had once flowed through the stone of the Host Gate was no more. The presence that could always be felt was no longer there. Nothing more than a vast churning void stood before him in the darkness.
SoYa dropped to his knees and covered his face.
Lord Zemi, what has happened? I have come in all humility to seek your help. But… you’re not here!
He didn’t know how it could be possible. There had never been a time that Lord Zemi had not inhabited the Host Gate. There had never been a time that he did not come when one of his Apprentices called. But the moment he stepped foot into the cave, he knew something was wrong. There was nothing but darkness and silence. His fear had grown unbearable.
Maybe he really is angry. Maybe he’s left us… a punishment for our lack of respect!
Desperation rose up in his heart. The salt of tears stung his eyes as he touched his forehead in agony to the dead stone floor.
Please, Lord Zemi! AsaHi meant no insult… please don’t abandon us! Nefol needs you so much right now.
A gentle tickle of energy shivered through his body. It was so similar to the familair feeling that came when the Gate housed the power of the Dreigiau that SoYa lifted his head.
Maybe he heard me afterall?
There was no sign of the glorious white Dragon. Not even the slightest hint of light glittered in the heart of the cave. Still yet, the soft pressure in the back of his mind grew.
~Here, Earthian.~
SoYa coughed, nearly flipping over onto his back at the sound that flittered into his mind. It was a voice that spoke to him in the same manner as Lord Zemi had always done. Except… this voice was very much feminine.
His eyes fell upon a pale shimmer of white behind him. Perched upon one of the uprising stones was a tiny translucent sparrow, little beaded eyes watching him in with intent curiosity.
~Did I frighten you? My apologies. ~
SoYa shook his head, eyes wide, mouth half open in a stammer. “Who… who are you? You are not Lord Zemi!”
~That is correct. I am not. And neither are you.~
“No-no, M’lady. Of course I’m not! I’d never claim to be!”
~It is for that reason that you should not be here.~
“I… I’m sorry. It was not my intention to intrude,” beads of sweat broke out upon his brow.
~It is not intrusion that is the worry. I warn you not from ire but from concern, young SoYa. I know that my brother cares greatly for you and your family. Since he is not here to watch over you, I am honoring his wishes.~
“Brother? Do you mean to say you are Lord Zemi’s… sister?” SoYa’s eyes widened at the vastness of the concept. It was only then he realized he was rudely staring at the tiny white bird. He closed his mouth with a click.
~That is what he calls me, yes. Though I admit it is more of an Earthian concept that just took his fancy.~
A tremor rushed through his body as the Apprentice inched forward, nearly crawling on his hands and knees. “Please… I beg your assistance. I came to ask hi-”
~I know why you came. I heard your heart cry out. But still you should not be here.~
“Then Lord Zemi doesn’t want to see me?”
~It is not that. He is not here.~
“Not here?” SoYa pursed his lips. “But where has he gone..?”
~Into your world. He has gone to find our other brother… who has become wayward and lost. Perhaps intoxicated by the power of the physical realm.~
“Other brother?” the Apprentice echoed. Then he wondered exactly how many siblings Lord Zemi had.
~Beware, young Earthian. It hurts so much to see the struggle that has begun between them. But there is little I can do to reach into this realm to stop it. Even with the Host Gate broken, my power in this world is still far too weak…~
“Host Gate… broken?” SoYa stared back into the darkness.
~Indeed. There has been a fracture between your world and ours. It leaks. It was through that leak that my brothers were able to step into the physical dimension for the first time ever.~
SoYa gave a little gasp, “Is that… bad?”
~I do not know. It is Zemi that has knowledge of such powers. Not myself.~
The Apprentice fell silent for a long time. Though fear choked his words, he finally asked, “Is there something I can do to help?”
~You?~
He bowed his head deeply. “Please don’t think I am trying to be presumptuous. I know my own power is pale in the light of one such as you…”
There was a trickling sound like laughter. The little bird titled its head.
~Please… you do not need to treat me with such formality. Afterall, I am nothing more than a sparrow, yes?~
“I… well…”
~You are an honest and courageous soul. I can see that in you. But you alone do not hold the knowledge that will be needed to mend the hole between the worlds.~
Face flushed, SoYa fixed his eyes on the ground again, “No… of course not.”
~There is one that may still have that power within him, however. If you were to bring him back.~
The Apprentice lifted his eyes, “Just tell me who he is… where he is… and I’ll do what I can to find him!”
~Young SoYa, do you think you are ready to know the Truth?~
He blinked, stunned by the question. Then slowly he nodded his head.
~Very well. I will tell you. The one you must seek out is the man known as ZenToYa.~
SoYa’s face grew very pale, “Father? But Father is–”
~He is leading Zemi’s people in a place unknown to those in Nefol. We have been watching over your city… we are aware of the discord and danger that the Council poses you and your brother.~
A strangled sound escaped his lips. He could hardly fight back the tears that stung his eyes. The thought that his father was still alive somewhere left his mind completely numb with shock and joy.
~Your Father has been waiting for the day when you might find him again. Are you ready to begin that journey, young SoYa?~
SoYa stared up at the tiny white sparrow. One word rose in his throat, “Yes!”
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