The Wings of Concord

 

She couldn’t believe it.
She just couldn’t believe it.
“So, will you join us?…I know this must be the hardest thing you’ve had to do but…”
He trailed off.
Meanwhile, peering over the cliff she closed her eyes as if savoring the beauty of the distant horizon. For a fleeting moment she seemed at peace. Around her the wind’s playful nature ruffled her clothing and hair, but she paid it no mind.
Her mind had been made up.
“I will join your efforts.” She murmured, after a moment’s hesitation. Behind her she sensed her friend’s, now turned partner’s, relief.
“You won’t regret it! I swear to you Raiyaka, You won’t regret this day!”
The sound of rapid footsteps flittered to her as he ran down the shallow side of the cliff, probably to tell the others that he’d gotten their beloved Rai to join them. She smirked, despite herself. They really treated her like a god, didn’t they. Of course they’ve always respected her, treating her like royalty since before she could remember.
However, it seemed that since her ‘triumphant’ return their respects for her magnified almost to the point of worship.
She wasn’t sure how that made her feel, and at the moment she didn’t care.
Around her the scene began to change, the light oranges of the sun on the horizon fleeing to give way to the dark oranges, purples and blues of the approaching dusk. It really was quite breathtaking. The sheer beauty of this place was one of the reasons she came back to this village. It was serene and peaceful, old-fashioned and homely, much different than any of the other bustling and busy places she had been to in her vast travels.
Besides, it was her home, her village. So many memories…good and bad. But nonetheless, they were hers and in turn they were what shaped her destiny.
“So…after all of this time, my sister has decided to show her devious face.”
It seemed that Rai wasn’t the only one returning.
When they were young, Rai and Zai were inseparable. Being twins, one could say they shared the same mind. And if that weren’t enough, the both of them were the only two blessed with the Gift in the entire village, basically making them into celebrities. But that was where the similarities ended. Nonetheless, despite their physical differences they completed each other…
Up until the point Zaiyaka betrayed her trust, turned on their village and destroyed their entire family. She was a wanted criminal now, having fled right after the dreadful murders. No one knew why her sister had turned on them, not even Raiyaka.
And that is why, when her sister did return, she would not be welcomed back with open arms. Instead she would feel the wrath of the sword she should have felt five years ago. And behind that sword would be Raiyaka, her own anger and despair fueling the blade of justice that will be her sister’s downfall.
They were family, they were sisters, they were twins. But as soon as she returned that would all end.
Her destiny depended on it.

 


“Would you like anything else? Another drink?”
Jumping slightly, she peered over the rim of her half empty glass, murkily eyeing the imposing barkeep.
“Nothing, thanks.” Her voice was nothing more than a murmur above the stinted roar of the bar scene. Nonetheless, the barkeeper’s persistence remained unwavering.
“You sure? A good looking girl like you? I bet you could put down, five, six drinks easy. Come on, you know you want to…” While he spoke he made a point of waggling the nearest piece of hard liquor in her direction. She sighed.
Why she stopped at this town she had no idea. She should have kept moving, but with the rumble in her stomach she knew she had to get something to eat, one way or another. However, only moments after stopping she soon regretted it. This town was nothing short of promiscuous, and this barkeep was no exception. He’d been coming on to her almost before she’d sat down. And truthfully, she was getting quite fed up.
“As I said, I’m good now. Thanks.”
Thankful for her cloak she drew it closer to her, wishing she was invisible. The way his eyes raked over her (despite the fact that the majority of her body was covered by the old cloak) made her very uneasy. And with his constant badger and his seemingly undeterred interest she could have just crawled into a hole. But with the bar scene growing more and more rowdy, and the door seeming further and further away, her ability to escape grew more hopeless by the minute. Nonetheless, she searched the bar stubbornly for a possible way out. Her heart dropped though, when she noticed some of the other men eyeing her as well.
“You know, I get off in a few minutes. Maybe we can go somewhere nice and peaceful like. You know, somewhere where we can be alone?”
To her disgust, she watched as his hand ran up her own. Her knuckles whitened as her grip on her glass tightened, and it took everything she had to keep from breaking it in her fist. Nonetheless, the offending hand continued to travel up her arm to where the cloak met her skin.
“Though on the other hand, the backroom isn’t that bad either.”
That was it.
“I. Said. NO!”
She ripped herself from her seat and snarled, easily throwing the glass in her hand to the back of the bar. It shattered, but that was all she witnessed.
Turning, her cloak flowed outward as she stalked towards the doorway…
Only to run into something, hard.
“He was asking you nice, girly. And we don’t like girls that don’t play nice.”
Looking up she realized that she had run into a mammoth of a man, one of the men that had been watching her before. On either side of him two other men stood at his sentiments, blocking her mode of escape as well.
“So, looks like we didn’t have to go anywhere after all.”
She twisted back just in time to see the barkeep, now soaked from the drink she had thrown, step out from behind the bar. As he spoke other men stood as well. In the end they surrounded her, closing her in completely.
“I guess we’ll be real busy right here.”
Closing her in the lot of them moved closer, their snickers and laughter filling the air around her. Once close enough stray hands reached out to taunt her, pulling on her cloak, clothing and hair. She turned, defending herself each time by swiping at the limbs, but in the end it only ceased when the barkeep raised a hand. There was silence.
Now visibly fuming she centered her glare on him, feeling the familiar rage build in her gut. But she held back. She didn’t want to do something she would regret.
“Why are you doing this? …If you let me go now I can guaranty your safety.”
Snickers, accompanied with the occasional “Oooo” leaked from the crowd. Likewise the leader of their little pack snickered as well.
“That such a big threat coming from such a hot little kitten.” He cooed, stepping closer, and away from the ring of goons. “But, I guess I have a threat of my own.” He purred. “Do as I say or I’ll let these guys rip you to shreds. Besides, you don’t want this pretty little face ruined, do you?” Closing the distance between them, he reached up and ran a finger down her face to end at her chin.
However, she hardly heard his words but only saw and felt his hand trailing down her face. And that was it.
On the outside her eyes widened before narrowing, the color within shifting from that of a milky sky blue to pure black. She just couldn’t hold it back any more.
Around her the goons began to murmur and step back.
Her cloak billowed where she stood.
“I told you that if you’d let me go, I could guarantee your safety…”
Standing down the barkeep realized the change as well, but by then it was too late. Suddenly his hand was in her grasp, and with a pop he heard his bones breaking before feeling the white of pain. He screamed. But her voice seemed to over shadow all of it as she spoke.
“Now, you all will be lucky if you get out of here alive…”

 


Stepping lightly out of the bar, she skipped down the few steps to the cobble stone street. It was nighttime now, but even then her heart still beamed as did her face. She was happy, and for a good reason.
Behind her, the bar was left in shambles, the various members of their little gang either moaning or unconscious. But not dead.
If there was one thing she was not, it was a murderer. Though at this point she knew not everyone believed that.
And for that reason she had to go back, before it was too late.
Nonetheless, she was in good spirits. Feeling refreshed and renewed she continued into the darkness, her cloak dancing in the night air as she walked. She would go home, where she belonged. Though with the knowledge of what was waiting for her there she knew there was a good chance she would be killed before even saying a word.
Nevertheless, she had to go home to see her sister.
Both of their lives depended on it, and if she was indeed successful they both would get out of this alive.
However if fate saw fit to end her own life so that her sister would see another day, she would gladly make that sacrifice.
They were family. They were sisters. And that was unconditional.
So slowly, gradually, and in high spirits, she disappeared into the night to complete the journey she began a mere five years ago.
~~~~~

She was running.
Above her the sky reflected the struggle of her mind. Nonetheless, she ignored it.
Her job was not complete.
Someone else ran ahead of her. Zigzagging, the person dodged various rocks and boulders that hindered their escape. Raiyaka couldn’t help but smirk at the efforts of the other.
There was no escape. Not for a traitor.
She trailed the body easily, dodging the same boulders as the one before her. However, while the other only seemed to run for their life she used this time to calculate her
methods of seizure. That is until she noticed that the one she had been chasing had disappeared completely.
Her feet skidded on the pebbles of the ground as she came to a halt, immediately searching the familiar air around her. On the wind she smelled the upcoming storm, but once more she choose to ignore it. Spinning several times, her mind buzzed with the possibilities of where the other could have disappeared to.
That is until she felt herself being grabbed from behind.
Thrown off guard she hit the ground, but quickly regained composer. The two began to struggle for their lives.
Rolling, they pulled each other this way and that in an effort to get the upper hand. But ultimately it was Raiyaka that ended up on top to look down into the pale face of her worst enemy. Her sister.
Instantly she drew her dagger from her side, and put it to the other’s neck. But when she looked beyond the dagger, the face she saw there was no longer that of her sister.
The face she saw there was her own.
Immediately, Raiyaka shot up from her sleep.

 


'Instantly she drew her dagger from her side, and put it to the other’s neck. But when she looked beyond the dagger, the face she saw there was no longer that of her sister.
The face she saw there was her own. '
Raiyaka shot wildly up from her sleep. For an instant she didn’t recognize her surroundings. However, slowly and as her breathing calmed she recognized the delicate wood-carved furniture and the hand painted walls.
She was sleeping in the guest bedroom of the Mizumi House, the family home of her child hood friend, Seth.
'“I will join your efforts.” She murmured, after a moment’s hesitation. Behind her she sensed her friend’s, now turned partner’s, relief.
“You won’t regret it! I swear to you Raiyaka, You won’t regret this day!”
The sound of rapid footsteps flittered to her as he ran down the shallow side of the cliff.'
She had promised that she would join their side, but even now she wasn’t so sure.
Sighing heavily, she dropped her head into her hand. Her insecurities must have been what manifested such a weird dream. It was the only explanation. But even so, it meant that the doubt was still there no matter how much she tried to ignore it or pretend that it didn’t exist. She just couldn’t push it out of her head.
With a grunt she quickly pulled away the suddenly hot sheets before actually leaving the bed entirely. They were too hot now, especially after that dream. She had to get some air…
~~~~~

Seth’s breathing echoed heavily in his ears but he couldn’t help but grin.
Running before sunrise was always the best.
The cool air felt clean in his lungs, and with the entire village basically still in slumber it left him up to his own devices. Running gave him time to himself, time to think, time to feel. Time to enjoy life before the never-ending drag of everyday planning and delegation.
And if that wasn’t enough, at the end of his run it was always still early enough to witness the most amazing sunrise each and every day.
Breathtaking. Just breathtaking.
But the glorious sunset wasn’t the only thing he had to look forward to once he got home. Yet another beauty waited for him there, this one peacefully residing in their
guest bed room.
‘Raiyaka.’
His grin widened and instinctively his pace quickened. She was waiting for him, or at least, she was waiting for the details of their resistance. But even so, she was still waiting. The pitter of his heart raced even faster. He’d waited so long for her to come back, to see her again. And now with her valiant return it was like his dream came true, though under the circumstances he couldn’t say it was like he’d imagined it would be. But she was there, in the flesh, and that alone was enough to make his heart soar.
However, that freedom only lasted a moment before it came crashing down. Rounding the corner to his family home a single form stopped him dead in his tracks. Sitting on his front porch was the beauty he was so desperate to see, however her face was downcast, and her breathing was ragged. In the serene light of dawn her cheeks glistened brilliantly.
Raiyaka was crying.

 


Her tears glistened against the night’s eye. She was crying and she never would have believed it.
All because of that damned dream.
She would never mention aloud how much the whole thing bothered her, but it did. For years she lived her life alone. After the ‘betrayal’ she had dedicated her life to making herself stronger, faster, better, leaving her peaceful village in search of strength. She had to be strong if she ever wanted to avenge those she loved.
On her travels she’d even made a name for herself.
Raiyaka the Nightmare.
A little too dramatic for her tastes but after a certain stormy night of training the on-looking locals dubbed her the name. Then it just seemed to follow her wherever she went. At first it was a little annoying but after hearing the phrase over and over, she had grown to relate and even accept it as truth. She was a nightmare.
A living nightmare.
But, now she wasn’t so sure. It seemed that little girl she was trying to stow away deep within never really died, not when it came to this. Inside she was still weak. Frail. Helpless.
On the outside tears streamed down her face, but on the inside the battle still raged. The barriers she had built up seemed to be wavering. Why? Why when they were so close to victory was she now falling apart?
It was because deep down she knew she still loved the one that killed her family and destroyed her life. And no matter how much she pushed it down, the truth would still resurface.
She would love her sister unconditionally, at that was the biggest betrayal of all.
That was her living nightmare.
“Raiyaka?”
She jumped at the soft voice only to grow angry at herself for her reaction. She should have sensed his presence, instead it surprised her like some commoner. How pathetic. Quickly wiping her tears the wall came back up. She would not be weak, not in front of him.
“I trust that your run went smoothly.”
From still a little ways off Seth blustered before blushing slightly. Raiyaka’s changing demeanor was sudden, if not startling. If it weren’t for the wet tracks on her cheeks he wouldn’t have believed that the crying girl from before was even the same person. But it was, and that concerned him even more. But upon looking at her face, zealously beautiful in the pale oranges of dusk, his voice caught in his throat. He couldn’t have said something if he tried. Instead he just approached her and sat, his body stiff as he took her side. Raiyaka remained un-phased, instead choosing to look beyond him and into the slowly evolving sky. They sat in silence, that is until his mouth chose to work once again.
“How did you know I was running?”
His words felt stumbled and sluggish in his mouth, but he waited for her answer in hopes that she wouldn’t dub him unworthy of one. She smiled though, something that made him feel wonderful.
“You always run in the morning, even when we were little.”
Her voice was easy going and it made him calm as well. Since he was little, eh? He didn’t even think she would remember him from back then, period. But the idea that she not only remembered him but remembered his little habits sent him reeling. Though it was a nice feeling all the same.
He watched her, silently soaking in her relaxed face and half lidded eyes as she peered into the skys above. It was peaceful, just sitting outside with her. That is until she suddenly bristled, sitting up at attention. Instantly her eyes went wide.
“She’s here.”
Her exclamation brought him to attention as well, though his manner was that of confusion.
“Who?” His brows furrowed, but she soon turned to meet his gaze. Fire blazed fiercely in her eyes.
“My sister. Zai. She is here.”
~~~~~~

Zaiyaka’s heartbeat pounded in her ears but she did not stop. She knew she could not. Looking up and into the sky’s horizon her heart’s beat ceased.
The lowly village looked back at her. There was no turning back.
She was home.

 


It was surreal. It was like nothing had ever changed.
From where she stood the entire village seemed to sit at a standstill, the only real movement being the slow churn of the giant windmill at it’s center. It seemed that the village was asleep, it was only dusk after all. Through her mind’s eye she saw the village waking up, the children playing, and the friendly and happy faces of the villagers as they went on their daily business.
She saw her home.
Now though everything was quiet, almost untouched by time itself.
She took a breath. That was enough sightseeing. It was now or never.
For the first time in five years Zaiyaka walked the cobblestone path up to the homely village of Sonkyo.
~~~~~~

The bustling of the small den was only seconded by the roar of male voices as they all spoke at once. Raiyaka looked on silently from where she sat on the couch.
Meanwhile, though, Seth stood boldly amongst his peers, his face hard and forceful. Slowly he crossed his arms before speaking, instantly cutting all chatter short. The room was silent as he spoke.
“As you all know, I’ve called this meeting for the last time. This is what we have been waiting for. You all know our plan, correct?”
Slowly the now somber faces around him nodded, and in turn he nodded in agreement.
“Good. Now that just leaves one last matter.”
Slowly, he turned back to Raiyaka, of whom didn’t seem to be paying that much attention. Nonetheless, he waited until her clouded and troubled eyes met his.
“Raiyaka, your part in all this is simple, but the most important part of all. We need for you to stall her.”

Zaiyaka sighed at the beautiful sight. The place seemed even more peaceful up close.
“Welcome to the Village of Sonkyo.”
She couldn’t help but run a tentative finger on the old wooden sign. This was it, she was here.
But, it wasn’t the same…
She almost didn’t notice at first, but this close up it was hard to miss. The town was empty, or at least it seemed empty. Growing up here she knew that even at dusk the town would just be bubbling with life…but now, she saw no children, no people, no animals. Not a soul.
“Where is everyone…” her voice was a whisper, but it did not go unheard.
“They’re hiding. Word spreads fast when a monster comes to your village.”
Zaiyaka spun, notably startled, but nothing could have prepared her for what happened next. No sooner had she turned around, her chest instantly exploded with pain. A high yelp escaped her mouth but before she could react she found herself on her knees, her chest hugged by her arms. Peering up, she looked wide eyed into narrow orbs she knew better than the world itself.
“Raiyaka.” No sound came from her lips as tears stung the corners of her eyes. Not only from the pain, but from the sudden flood of feelings that overwhelmed her as she looking into the face of her twin. Slowly she stood, her arms once again falling to her sides, the pain forgotten. Raiyaka watched her silently.
Inside, though, she cursed. She had so many things she had wanted to say when they met, so many curses she’d wanted to call on her name, but now she stood silent, her hand still burning with the blue flames that was her power. Everything she had ever trained for and strived for all came down to this moment.
Meanwhile, a tear ran down the injured twin’s downcast face but she just continued to stand, her hands at her sides. At the betrayer’s silence, however, it did not take long for Raiyaka’s blood to come to a boil. She peered at her sister in disgust.
“You are a monster, and you don’t deserve to live.”
Nonetheless, the betrayer stood silent, her head down, her hands at her sides. This only angered Raiyaka even more. “You don’t have anything to say for yourself?!” Her voice echoed deep into the distance. Stewing in her own fury she watched as yet another tear slid down the other’s cheek. However, this time, Zaiyaka finally responded, her lips barely moving.
“I deserve to die for my actions.” There was a pause, the wind’s blow ruffling their hair. “But, I will not allow myself to die by your hands, not now.” Zaiyaka finally looked up, a stare of determination resounding there for only a few moments before the familiar darkness contorted her vision. “Not ever.”
“Insolence!” Raiyaka’s scream was only seconded by the sudden flare of blue flames from her fists. With a yell of fury Raiyaka ran, shortening the distance between her and her twin in milliseconds, her fists burning and poised to destroy.
‘This is it.’
Leaping into the air she brought her fists up above her and with the full force of all of her being she brought them back down in a fatal blow, striking her sister. Flames exploded off of the strike, engulfing everything around them.
However, in the end blue flames met black ones.