Phoenix: Tales from Easifa

Tales from Easifa #11 Prelude S.O.S Part 4: Sword of Kobald!

PHOENIX: Tales from Easifa #11 Prelude S.O.S Part 4: Sword of Kobald!

--- Previously on Prelude S.O.S ---

Mahaz~ I understand that capturing Homura would help Rossy create a favorable environment for cultivating Jinn, but that isn't enough.

Dalia~ We're missing something here.

???~ You're right and I've figured it out.

The two hear a familiar voice respond to them and see Cain! Cain is strangely wearing a black suit; his blond hair now reaches his neck, but he has a headband on to slick his hair back. The most interesting part is that he has two katanas at his waist! Cain threw away the segmented Katana destroyed in the fight at Thedam. But here he had his classic red scabbard katana sheathed and another one in a black sheath with a black hilt. Behind him was Dr. Xhen's van.

Dalia~ Hey bestie! I guess we're both rocking new weapons.

Mahaz~ How did you find us?

Cain~ I've been in Majid too actually. I'll tell you in a bit but more importantly; Schadenfreude doesn't just have Homura. Rossy has been collecting Gods and Goddesses for hundreds of years. He's trying to cultivate himself to become the most powerful being in the universe. He wants to replace the pantheon of Easifa.... And we're the last line of defense to stop him!

The door to the caravan behind Cain pops open, revealing Dalia's pet tiger Amyr. Amyr jumps into Dalia's lap and purrs. Dalia begins to pet Amyr aggressively and notices Tae Kagawa, the assistant and adoptive daughter of Dr. Chao Xhen scolding the old man in the caravan as he chugs a drink.

Mahaz~ Replace the pantheon?

Dalia~ Oh... Zent did mention something about that.

Mahaz~ You didn't press him about it?

Dalia~ Nah he was pissing me off so I kind of ignored it.

Mahaz~ Nice... But, if that's the case. Are you saying that the Schadenfreude group is trying to replace the Gods, Cain? How is that even possible?

Cain~ It sounds insane but that's the idea. I heard it from one of their members.

Dalia~ Cain, what have you been up to? Let's exchange stories.

Cain~ Well... it started when Tae, Dr.Xhen, Amyr, and myself made it back to the family farm.

--- Musafirin Mountain Range --- Ishihara Family Farm --- A Few Days Before Dalia Vs Zent ---

Cain Ishihara does not care to admit when he is in a rut. He tends to keep his emotions to himself. But, the last few months have been hell. Originally, he planned to head straight home to get advice from his grandfather. He even called Gojo ahead of time to let him know. But, on the way he would get one lead or another to the possible whereabouts of Rossy and he would follow it without reason. Dalia finally had enough of Cain's inconsistency and forced Xhen and Tae to escort him to the farm. Amyr tagged along as a stress buddy. Cain was beaten to hell. The samurai didn't get much sleep, fought every jinn that came his way and only ate when he couldn't hold out anymore. Tae had enough of his depression and whipped him into shape. She ensured that he cleaned himself up, rested, ate proper meals, and stayed focused on the task at hand. The line that finally woke the man up was "If you know she loves you; how do you think she'll feel when she finally sees you and you're in a broken state? Show her the man she loves so you can give her a proper answer!" Xhen whistles at his daughter's sudden ability to scold. He knows that her feelings for Cain pushed her to do this, but she must also push those feelings away until he properly settles his situation with Homura.