BXBX NOVEL Chapter 38 - 38
Chapter 38:
"Yumeko, where are we?" Sky asked.
"One of the shelters, A hidden one underground," Yumeko replied.
"Damn it, this is nonsense. That Black Star Knight had no right to send us here," Layla exclaimed.
"Well, at least we are safe," Natsumi replied.
"But now we can't participate in the fight," Jiro added.
"At least we're not dead," Daiyu pointed out.
"Yes. Thank the gods we are alive," Aria said.
"Sky, I'm glad you're okay," Yumeko said.
"Yeah," Sky responded.
"Guys, we have to find out where we are," Yumeko said.
"We could ask someone," Kaito suggested.
"No need," a familiar voice said as Wind God Kaze Hayashi made his appearance know.
"Father," Yumeko said.
"Sir," Layla and her classmates greeted.
"I came here to inform you of a few things," Kaze began. "First, the invasion is over. The Black Star Knight destroyed the void dragons and their minions. The sentinels are going to eliminate the remainder," he explained.
"But what about the tournament?" Layla asked.
"Cancelled. We need the best sentinels for hunting down the remainder. However, Sky, Yumeko, and Layla, I want you to go to Whispering Winds Valley. The last two times the Abyss Of Yami expanded, there was a surge of energy there. I want you three to investigate the area. The rest of you will hunt void beasts. You will be given a week. The academy is closed due to the damage from the void invasion. When the week is up, you will report to the SkyHaven's guild since you are now Sentinels," Kaze instructed.
"Yes, Sir," everyone replied.
"Layla, Yumeko, and Sky, you will go to the Valley and investigate. The rest of you are dismissed. Now then, follow me," Kaze ordered.
"Wait, what's Whispering Winds Valley?" Sky asked.
"It's a small town named Whispering Winds Valley. It has a massive forest behind it and an old temple, but nobody knows how old it is. Some say it's older than the Skyward Citadel itself," Kaze explained.
"How do you know about it?" Sky inquired.
"When I was younger, I met my wife there. I was there on a mission," Kaze reminisced.
"So that's how you know about it," Sky noted.
"Yes, and if there is anything strange, report it to me. Sky, make sure my Yumeko comes back alive, or you will regret it," Kaze warned as the three nodded.
"Dad, don't threaten Sky," Yumeko whispered quietly while walking away with her father.
"Okay then, Layla and Sky, go get the supplies, and Yumeko, come with me," Kaze directed as they walked off.
"I guess it's not bad these two aren't nobles, so it won't be unbearable with them asking for my hand or trying to tell me what to do," Layla thought to herself.
"Wow, the valley is a real place. I thought it was a myth," Sky said.
"Yes, many things are. But there's no time. We need to get supplies. Since we are Sentinels, our first step is to get the Sentinel Wind Identification Cards. Then, when going on a mission, our supplies will be paid for as long as they are reasonable, like basic gear, food, weapons. So no using it to buy Yumeko some jewelry or a ring," Layla said, teasing near the end.
"W... What? How did you know?" Sky said, blushing.
"Aria, Natsumi, Akina, and I all talk. They're a group of girls, and they can be vicious. Also, the fact that you were holding hands and leaning on each other the way she comforted you is a dead giveaway. But be careful, Sky, she's a saint. It's just wrong," Layla replied.
"It's not a big deal. She's a strong, beautiful, amazing girl. Besides, I wouldn't marry a princess or something. Also, my mum, before she died, told me love doesn't discriminate between the rich or the poor, the good or the bad, the angels or the devils. It affects everyone and works in mysterious ways," Sky replied.
"That's a good line, but she's still a saint," Layla retorted.
"Let's just go and get the supplies," Sky said as he and Layla went to the supply area. There, they got some weapons and survival gear after they received their sentinel identification cards. Layla, considered royalty, bought herself the best gear possible.
"You don't have to buy the best. It's fine if you use the normal gear," Sky suggested.
"Hmph, I am a descendant of the original Wind God. I will not wear anything less," Layla declared.
"Whatever you say," Sky replied.
"Let's head to Whispering Winds Valley," Layla said. "But first, we need to get Yumeko, Sky," she teased.
"Let's just get her and get going," Sky responded as they both arrived at the Pegasus flight service to find Yumeko waiting. Sky couldn't help but stare at her beauty, and Layla just rolled her eyes.
"Let's go, Yumeko, Sky. I booked the flights to Whispering Winds Valley," Layla announced.
"Thanks, Layla," Yumeko said as they boarded the carriage, which the Pegasus began to pull into the sky.
"Sky, did you hear? Noboru the Black Star Knight single-handedly ended the entire invasion and saved my dad," Yumeko asked.
"Yeah, I guess so. That guy is a monster. He defeated that void Minotaur without even moving," Sky replied.
"Wait a minute, Yumeko, Sky, you both know who the Black Star Knight really is?" Layla inquired.
"Yes," they both said.
"His name is Noboru. I forgot his last name, but he saved me when the Void Scorpion attacked my home. He's the reason I'm still alive, and he has this wierd power I can't explain it. He's powerful and strong," Yumeko explained.
"Noboru, huh. I should report this," Layla mused.
"Layla, please don't. He saved my home and is my friend," Sky implored.
"Fine, but if he becomes a danger, I will report it," Layla conceded as the group flew. After 10 hours, they finally reached Whispering Winds Valley. Yumeko couldn't help but scoff at the idea of Layla reporting Noboru. Noboru was strong; if he decided to turn against the world, he would be unstoppable, and she wondered why he was helping her and Sky. She knew Noboru was kind but couldn't understand why. Everyone had an ulterior motive.
"Well, the place is small and doesn't seem like there is a problem," Yumeko observed.
"Yes, but let's investigate anyway," Layla agreed.
"Hello, welcome to Whispering Winds Valley," greeted a young woman who appeared to be a local.
"Hi, I'm Layla, this is Sky and Yumeko," Layla introduced them.
"We are Sentinels, recently graduated, here to investigate some energy spikes that have been affecting the void, causing it to expand more in the past days than it ever has in the past millenniums," Layla explained.
The girl became scared. "You don't want to investigate this. Trust me and turn back. Those... those people doing that are monsters. Please turn back," the girl urged.
"Hey, calm down, we will deal with them," Yumeko reassured.
"What happened? Why are you scared?" Sky asked.
"This is going to sound crazy, but 50 years ago, a cult was formed called the Disciples of Darkness. They are obsessed with the Void Queen Yami. They worship her and wish to free her and destroy the world. Three days ago, they appeared and started to gather the Wind Energy from here. As you can probably tell, the Wind Energy here is stronger because this is where the Winds of the world were born, and the Temple is an artifact capable of storing massive amounts of energy. The energy from this temple was used to build SkyHaven, the Skyward Citadel," the girl explained.
"What are they going to do?" Yumeko asked.
"They plan to release the Void Queen and use the temple and its massive amount of energy to awaken the void within the sky, allowing the Void Queen Yami to break out of her prison in the Abyss Of Yami. I don't know the full story, but all I know is that the Void Queen Yami was the daughter of the Void and wishes to see the outer world. This cult will do anything for her. They will kill everyone, even the innocent and children," the girl said.
"Why not just ask the sentinels or the four gods for help?" Layla asked.
"You don't get it. These disciples are extremely dangerous. They will kill you without question," the girl warned.
"Then we
need to stop them. Yumeko, Layla, let's go," Sky said.
"Damn it, Sky," Layla muttered as she watched him rush into the forest. "You and your hero complex. We should get more information first."
"Wait, take this," the girl said, handing Yumeko a scroll. "It will guide you to the Temple," she added as Yumeko and Layla followed Sky.