Dead Hand of the Past

Parla's Challenge

41

As they left the desert the scenery changed gone was the desert sand present was an endless field of blooming flowers of blue, and purple. Azure was finally a little more relaxed, the sight of the beauty surrounded them was amazing. Ichiro enjoyed watching Azure run through the field of flowers she looked almost childlike. The joy was only short-lived Ichiro sensed a change was coming, but he didn't know what it was. This was another level he didn't remember from before. He couldn't wait for this trial to be over they only had four more tasks. What would Parla's lesson be?

Parla was wondering the same thing. The scene here was too peaceful could it be like Kazuki's test. Testing her focus or like Saphira's and test her commitment to saving Lantea. The one thing she knew for sure was she would find out soon.

Jaden who had been worried about Azure's caginess had to laugh at her carefree domineer. Jaden knew Azure was worried about her test, and for some reason wasn't sure she could face whatever lesson she had to learn. While they were back at the palace, She had tried to reassure her she had faced a lot of challenges in her life and she had overcome each and every one of them. But for some reason, this temple had filled her with a sense of dread. She would have to talk to Ichiro about making sure she wasn't left alone as much as possible. Jaden hoped Azure's turn would come soon so she could relax and get through the rest of the trial. She didn't know if Azure had to wait much longer if she would make it the rest of the way. But considering her new mood maybe?

Saphira knew the beauty around them was there to give them a false sense of peace. She had transported herself to scope out the area and found other than the field and a very tall tree there was nothing, not even a village. She knew whatever Parla's test was it was going to happen in this area but what it was Saphira couldn't tell.

Kazuki had been quiet since leaving the Palace he had been filled with guilt. He wanted to apologize to Parla for getting her injured, but what could he say to make up for his stupidity. The answer was nothing there was nothing he could say, so he said nothing. He just watched her as she waited to see what challenges she would have to face. Koria came up from behind startling Kazuki.

"Want to talk about it?"

Kazuki shrugged his shoulders.

"Not much to say, other than I owe Parla an apology and I don't know how to do it without stumbling over every word I say."

Koria laughed

"My big brother at a loss for words. Just get it over with before she must face her demon. It will only be worse if you don't."

He clasped his brother on the back and walked off leaving Kazuki in the same situation he was in before not knowing what to say. He bit his lower lip and made his way over to Parla.

"Can I talk to you?"

Parla gave him a smile.

"Of course, you can talk to me. What's on your mind?"

"I just wanted to let you know, you know..."

Parla looked confused.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Kazuki looked her in the eyes.

"You're too kind."

He could tell by the look on her face she didn't know what he was talking about.

"It was my fault you were hurt. I'm very sorry."

Parla caressed his cheek

"You are not to blame for my wounds. It is the way of this war, and we must accept you are my friend and I don't hold you responsible for anything that happens in any of these temples. To try and lighten the mood she decided to tease him about all the women tending him.