THE MISSING EMPEROR ~ The Elemental Seven Book I

CHAPTER XXIII: A BREATHER

Seoul and Emerald continued exchanging beauty tips, telling each other about the products they have when they reached the Viewing Room. While they are talking, River and the other lords decided to have a short break so the other fighters can rest and eat. Raiza Sandabado went down from the viewing room and headed to the computer main frame. "Girls," River called. "You're both amazing." he told Emerald and Seoul. "Thank you." Emerald said. "Girls shouldn't be underestimated, you know." Seoul said. Just then, the electronic board buzzed and flashed the names of the remaining fighters. It showed River Wolfer vs Miggy Kharzaan. And below the names, it flashed:

TIME REMAINING: 59:59 (MM:SS)

Ardus Skaggs faced the fighters and said, "We'll have a break before we start the next duel. Everyone should take a rest and grab something to eat. Fighters, be sure to get yourselves ready. This will be your chance to ensure your own victory." Myoku sighed. "I'll take a breather," she left the viewing room thinking of going to the garden. "I think I'll go have some tea. Care to join, anyone?" LeGrande asked. "Sounds cool. I'll go with you" River said. "Me, too!" Miggy ran to him. "Let's go, Miggy!" LeGrande put his arm around the kid's shoulder. Emerald invited Seoul and Cray. "Let's dine out, girls!" Cray perked up at the thought of food. "Good idea! I'm famished."

While the others went out of the palace, Myoku stayed in the garden to enjoy the fresh air. She closed her eyes to calm her mind as she felt a light breeze on her face. She freed herself from the thoughts of the battle. But just the mere thought of River made her uneasy. 

"That hologram. River's hologram appeared during my duel with Cray. It had said, 'You knew all along.' Does that mean River already knows about my vision? Had Cray already told him?" she thought to herself. "I don't think she did, Lady Reiko." a man said. Myoku was startled. She instantly held her spear. She turned to facing the man behind her who happened to be Vladimir Van Buren. "You are a very cautious girl." Vladimir said. "However, very unstable as well." he smiled. "My apologies for the gesture, Lord Van Buren." Myoku bowed respectfully. "I didn't know you were also heading here." "I was not, really. I just happen to pass by and saw you alone. The other girls are going to the market district. You should join them." Vladimir said. "I'm actually not fond of shopping." Myoku said. "Aren't you hungry?" Vladimir asked. "A bit. Maybe I'll buy something to eat little later." Myoku answered. "We only have an hour rest, you know. Clock's ticking." Vladimir said. 

"What's with this guy?" Myoku thought to herself. 

"Nothing. I'm just concerned." Vladimir answered her thought. 

"What the~..."

"Yes, Myoku Reiko, I can read your mind."  Vladimir said without speaking.

Myoku shivered. She had never met someone who can read minds. Sure, Cray has the power of minds but not to this extent. They started conversing telepathically.

"You are a very interesting girl. You have a dragon inside you which causes you to be unstable at times." Vladimir said. "You knew I have a dragon? You have the power to read minds." Myoku said. "...and enter them as well, if I wanted to. That is my ability." Vladimir said.

"Just like Cray." Myoku said.

"More than Miss Dunn's power. I can do more than what she can." Vladimir said.

"What you said earlier. You don't think she did. You mean, you don't think she told River about my vision, right?" There's no more hiding. Myoku was certain that Vladimir knew what she was thinking. "That is correct." Vladimir confirmed. "When River's hologram appeared during your fight, I knew it was a mind trick." Myoku waited for more. "However," he continued. "When the holo spoke, the real River in the Viewing Room stepped back and thought aloud wondering what the holo was talking about. That's when I read your thoughts." he said.