The Zero Hour | #Wattys2016

Chapter 20 - Calm Before the Storm (Part 2)

Everyone looked at him with disbelief. Bianca was the first to speak. "What about us?"

"All of you have fulfilled your promises to me," Amadeus nodded at Rei, Izumi and turned to One, Bastian and Bianca with a gentle smile. Bastian was glad his hood was still on; it was fearsome to gaze upon the uncovered power that rested upon Amadeus at that time. "You are all free to go. This is not your battle. I will stay and fight."

"One will stay and defend master's people," One replied as he lumbered to Amadeus' side. No one argued with him.

"You just risked your life to save mine," Izumi said softly. "I will fight by your side as well."

"I won't allow it!" Rei shouted at her.

"Father, I'm old enough to make my own decisions!" she shot back at him. "I can't believe that you..."

Their arguments faded off into mutterings and shouts, which Bastian tuned out of his mind. He had no reason to risk his life for these weaklings, but curiosity pulled at his heart strings. He could not resist fighting by the side of this strange boy. This boy, who had the power to wield lightning, was master over the most powerful being he had ever seen, and now had claimed to speak to the Maker and lived to tell the tale. If One was willing to fight by Amadeus' side, how could I resist doing the same? Bastian furrowed his brow and he considered his options. He had to see this boy in action. But, what would Bianca think? Would he risk his twin's life just to satisfy his curiosity?

"Brother," Bianca interrupted his thoughts. He turned to look at her. "I know you want you are thinking, and I want you to know that I will honor whatever decision you make." She looked uncertainly into his eyes. "I'm curious too."

"Amadeus," Bastian started in a loud and clear voice, causing Rei and Izumi to pause their bickering to listen. "Bianca and I will fight by your side. Show me your true strength."

"If Izumi insists on staying, then I'm staying as well to keep her out of trouble." Rei said with a tone of resignation.

Amadeus nodded quietly. "That makes... one, two, three," he started counting "...six of us against the White Harrow army."

Suddenly, smoke billowed out of thin air and a black figure appeared in front of Amadeus. The figure wore and Onyx mask. The Onyx Order! Bastian immediately pulled the spear that hung on his back and swung it towards the black figure.

"An Onyx assassin... again?" Rei grumbled in disbelief as he immediately drew his frost daggers. Izumi followed suit and One stepped protectively in front of his master.

"Is it the same one?" Izumi asked through gritted teeth, her voice laced with concern.

The figure ignored the array of weaponry that was pointed in his direction and knelt down in front of Amadeus. He looked towards the ground and offered his right hand with open palm to Amadeus. Amadeus frowned in confusion underneath his hood. "Uhh... what's the assassin doing?"

"It's a sign of submission among Nobles," Jarbus explained. "Although for the life of me, I can't understand why an assassin from the Onyx Order is submitting to you?"

"I'm just as confused as you are," said Bianca as she shook her head with a puzzled look on her face.

"I'll tell you the story later Jarbus, it's a really funny one." Bastian laughed to himself.