THE MISSING EMPEROR ~ The Elemental Seven Book I

CHAPTER XII: ABOARD A CRUISE SHIP

They spent the rest of the day resting and tending to Soujiro's injuries while they wait for River's messenger to take them to LaMahaya. Before leaving Lascaux, Myoku and Soujiro had a private conversation.

"Listen, Soujiro." Myoku started. "I really am sorry about what happened. I didn't~" 

"You don't have to apologize, Myoku. It's not entirely your fault." Soujiro said. "But~" Myoku was about to explain but Soujiro cut her off. "No 'buts', okay? It's been ages since you've had dragon control training with Master Koyumo. It is quite possible that you had gotten rusty in that." Soujiro said. "We, in the dragon temple, all know that the dragons within all Ryuugan users get their strength from strong human emotions." Soujiro said comforting Myoku. "And that's where I'm weakest." Myoku said softly. "It may be true. Do not wallow in self-pity nor waste your energy thinking about it. Always remember that you have comrades who can be your strength." Soujiro said sweetly. "In your time of weakness, you have friends to strengthen you. And that's what's important." he said stroking Myoku's face. Soujiro always has a way to calm Myoku. And for her, Soujiro had always been his strength. "Soujiro, can you~" "I'm sorry, Myoku but I cannot join you in this trip."

That's not what I want to ask of you.

"I have a mission to take. I just received a message from the dragon temple and I have to leave immediately." Soujiro explained. "But I will certainly send you a message once I'm done with it so I can go to LaMahaya to help you guys out, alright?"

I wish you can always be with me and be my strength.

"Myoku, you are strong. You've grown stronger all these years, I know that. I have seen your progress. You're no longer the cry-baby Myoku that I have known. I'm sure you will be fine. I'm sure you will be able to protect everyone. You have become strong now."

That's because...

"Myoku..."

She looked Soujiro in the eye.

"Please take care of yourself for me." Soujiro said with a smile.

"I will."

Just then, a guy walked into the camp. Soujiro and Myoku met him. 

"Good day. I have been asked by Lord River Wolfert to escort you all to LaMahay," the guy said. Myoku pointed her spear to him. Soujiro held the hilt of his sword and asked him, "Who might you be? And how do we know you're on his side?" The guy smiled, already expecting them to be on their guard so he said, "I am Lord LeGrande Ainsworth and I believe this proves my trustworthiness." He showed them River's blade and a note. Soujiro took the note and gave it to Myoku, one hand on the hilt of his sword. Myoku read the note while Soujiro waited for her response. "I cannot be so sure about this. I do not know if this note is legit." Myoku said. For some reason, Myoku cannot use her Ryuugan to know if the note really is from River and not just made by River's enemies to trick his comrades. She is still unsure of what Cray had done to defeat her dragon and released her from its control. "Cray, can you read his mind and see if he really is an ally?" she whispered to Cray. "Hm. Well..." Cray said. Hope holds her mighty water gun and points it to LeGrande. "Mnfwahaha!" Myoku placed her hand on Hope's shoulders and said, "Hold on. On second thought, we don't have much time." She turned to LeGrande and told him, "I guess, we would have to take your word for now. River's father is in danger, and saving him should be our top priority." She said. She remembered what River had said. "A friend of mine will meet you here. He'll have one of my blades with him and a letter from me to prove he's the one." So this guy is River's friend. "KIMBRO STAYS WITH HOPE." Hope said. "I can guarantee you, Miss Myoku that I am an ally and a friend of River." LeGrande said. "I will arrange a safe passage for everyone." he said. "Alright, Master LeGrande. Lead the way, then." Myoku said. Cray followed suit.