Red Hawk

Chapter Seventeen: Lost Temple of Orange Eyes

Kai traveled far from the guild, together with Odin to the place where the Orange Eyes originated. Deep within a vast mountain range untouched by man, seemingly untouched by time. Snow covered every inch, and yet the air was hot and humid. The sight was astounding to Kai, "Is this really where my ancestors come from?" Odin gave no verbal answer, only a smile. So it's true Kai thought with a smile. He couldn't quite explain it, but Kai suddenly felt as if he had found himself.

While never having felt lost, being here made him feel safe. Deep in the pit of his stomach was a yearning to learn more about this place. Much to Kai's surprise, they had no need to climb the mountain. The origins of the Orange Eye clan was a humble village built near the mountain's base. A village that was no longer inhabited by anyone.

They reached the village gates in the early morning light. Towering over them, walls of rotting wood held loosely together by wearing rope. It seemed like one good wind would collapse the entire foundation. With just a touch, the gate fell from the hinges. No one had taken care of this place for a long time. Inside was no better. Dozens of old homes rotted away, walls and ceilings collapsed in no matter where you looked. Any structure still intact had been overgrown with moss and fungi. At the center of the village was a stone statue that seemed untouched by time, the founder of the village.

Something's strange about this place repeated in Kai's head as they walked through the ruins. Odin seemed to be completely fine, the odd feeling only overcoming Kai. Then as if an answer from some divine force, he learned why he felt uneasy. Remains. Scattered about were the remains of those who once lived here. Skeletons left behind of a forgotten people. "You would have thought the other Kai wouldn't have let this happen, wouldn't you?" an uncomfortable Kai chuckled.

Odin continued on, "Well, he is actually the one who caused all this." Unable to believe that, Kai froze in place. Odin just continued walking forward. As if what he said was just something normal to say. "He had to ensure no one would be tempted to use Ragnarok again."

"We all know how well that worked," Kai added on sarcastically. His tone changed to something some respectful, "So what can we learn from a place like this?"

"Not much if you do not know what you are looking for. But the other Kai once told me of a temple here that housed the souls of your ancestors. My only fear, that the other Kai kept it from entering this world as well."

Unsure why, Kai gave the response, "I know it's still there. Waiting for use." It must have been the remnants of the other Kai within him that gave him that confidence. And he must have also been the reason why he felt so uneasy coming here. These were the people he once knew. At the back of the village, an archway was carved into the side of the mountain. A darkened pathway leading deep below the crust of the earth.

Kai snapped his finger, summoning a flame into his palm. Odin smiled, "Pyromancy suits you well." The two of them started to head down, the tunnel towards the temple seemed to remain in good condition. No, they were in perfect condition. Almost like someone had been keeping up with them. Now they continued on with caution. Not sure if they should expect to find someone down there. If someone were down there, they couldn't be sure if it would be a friend or foe.

But Odin seemed extra concerned by this revelation, "No one should know about this village."

Kai agreed unexpectedly, "You're right. The village should be lost knowledge." The only people who could have possibly known of this place were Odin and Hibiki, the latter being the worst possibility. They could only hope someone had stumbled upon this place. Or an unlikely case of someone from the village having somehow survived Ragnarok. Their footsteps came to a creep. Down below they could see the faint glow of light, Kai killing out his own flame at this time.