Loomian Legacy Veils of Shadow

Second Stone, Second Round

Thane didn't know what to expect. After Akio had told him to meet him at the Pagoda, Thane rushed to the Trainer Station. Once his Loomians were all healed, he brought them out. "Great job out there guys!" He congratulated and they all cheered. "You all did awesome!" More cheers rang out. Then, Thane's face went serious. "We passed the trial, now it's time to get that stone back." A look of determination passed over everyone's face. Thane sighed, "Then we can deal with what Mom and Dad said." Thane stood up and recalled his team and Embit hopped onto his shoulder. "Let's go."

After Thane had healed his team, he went out in search of Hayato, wondering if his favor was still in the works. After searching for a bit, Thane couldn't find him. He tried to call him before remembering that he didn't have his number or any other contact equation. Oh well, Thane thought. He couldn't afford to wait.

That's how Thane found himself outside of Hewia Village, walking up the stone path leading to the pagoda that shone like a beacon. He felt himself growing nervous as he approached the gate and the three monks stared down at him. It felt silly, after all, in the past two days he had fought corrupt monks in a volcano and had defeated Akio in battle, but he still felt small as he walked up to them.

The one in the middle, the oldest stared down at him with merciless scrutiny. Thane adverted his gaze, but Embit narrowed his eyes in return. Finally, after a long and awkward moment, the monk scoffed. "You're here early." Thane stammered. "Uh, uh, yeah, but, like..." He trailed off for a brief second. "You see, it's really important that-" The monk cut him off. "If it were up to me, you would not be permitted anywhere near this sacred site!" Thane blinked. Rude, he thought, but didn't say anything. The monk let out an exasperated sigh. "Alas, it is not up to me, and the situation is dire. Akio gave us explicit instructions to let you pass. Even if he wasn't here when you arrived." Thane looked around and barely noticed that Akio wasn't anywhere in sight. "Where's Akio?" The monks ignored him.

"The Pagoda has been evacuated. Your stone is on the second floor." Thane nodded and walked past them, only to stop when he realized they weren't following. "You're not coming?" The monks shook their heads. "We have orders to remain here." Thane sighed. "Alright then, wish me luck." The monks didn't reply.

Upon stepping into the Pagoda, Thane could feel the breath of those who came before. "Wow." He gaped as he looked around. His dad would love to be in a place like this. Thane noticed empty glass cases. Maybe the important artifacts had been relocated for the time being. After Thane was done admiring the room, Embit tugged on his ear and pointed at a set of stairs that were visible through an open door. "Oh, right."

Thane cautiously climbed the stairs, the wood creaking beneath him loudly. Embit's legs were coiled, ready to leap out at anything that moved, and Thane had his hand on his Loomiwatch, ready to blind a possible enemy. Once they reached the top, the stairs led to another hall. Thane took a deep breath and approached the corner. He grinded to a halt upon rounding the corner, however. Sunlight poured through a hole in the roof, and wood splinters littered the floor. In the middle of the room, the second fragment of the stone tablet lay.

On the outside, the monks shifted nervously. An outsider, one who knew nothing of their customs and values was currently in a place of significance. The oldest of the three had to fight off the temptation to march into the pagoda and drag the boy out by his silver hair. Suddenly, the youngest monk gasped and pointed towards the cliffs. "Look, Ikazune!" The oldest monk nearly scoffed as he turned his head to where the boy was pointing, and his mouth flew open. The form was undoubtedly that of Ikazune, but, wrong and twisted in every way. Almost like it was covered in shadow. Thankfully, the Corrupt Ikazune didn't seem to notice them, it was too focused on the pagoda. The monks could only watch helplessly as Ikazune, like a bolt of lightning, dashed through the air and into the Pagoda. Now the only thing the monks could do was hope the boy could defend against it.