Soul Chains

Chapter 24: Rise From the Ashes

Early in the morning, we all gather in my hotel room to make plans for what our next move is. Dimitri, Ayette, Renji, and Renee are sitting on one bed while Shitau, Ciana, Aislinn, and Nathan are on another, and me, Riene, Kaltrina, and Tsukumi are sitting on the third bed.

"Coralyinn stole Melantha's Iegashyia essence whenever she attacked her," Reine begins to explain, "that means Coralyinn has more power and different abilities than she did before. Whenever we faced her, that was simply herself and nothing else. We should begin training as soon as possible in order to have the best chances, but we must figure out our next move. We have secured Nathan, Gabriel, Shitau, Renji, Ciana, Aislinn, Tsukumi, and myself. That leaves Adrienne, who we imprisoned, Medea, and Coralyinn."

"We also have a relic holder," Dimitri adds.

"Do you think we could find the other three relics?" Nathan asks, "I mean, it might help us..."

"Coralyinn is most likely going to be hunting for the relics as well," Reine says, "which also makes Ayette vulnerable. However, it would be wise to try and find the others. I believe we should either choose to find the relics or Medea as our first course of action."

"If I may add something," Tsukumi clears her throat, "last night during the festival, I talked to a...friend...of mine. He can lead us to Khalida Ghuildhide if we wish."

"That must be some friend of yours," Dimitri raises his eyebrows, "Khalida is practically a goddess who stays hidden."

"Khalida," Renji breathes out, "the best known warrior of all Angel Iegashyia. It would be an honor to meet her."

"Who?" Nathan blinks.

"Khalida Ghuildhide is practically a legend," Kaltrina explains, "she's a Seraph Iegashyia but she also has a second gift known as Soulforge. It's extremely rare for Iegashyias to have two gifts. She's able to create any weapon imaginable out if thin air and break ethereal bindings known to be impossible of breaking. She essentially weaves the spiritual plane."

"Khalida would make a valuable asset, but come on, why would she help us?" Renee snorts.

"What do you mean?" I ask wearily, "why wouldn't she help against Coralyinn?"

"Khalida never leaves her sanctuary anymore," Reine explains, "she stays constantly hidden and only those lucky enough to find her have a chance of gaining an audience with her."

"If we have to, Khalida could break the Soul Chain for us," Tsukumi starts, "she could keep Coralyinn from gaining all that extra power. But nothing comes without a price. That is, if we even manage to gain her respect."

"Where did your 'friend' say Khalida was staying?" Reine asks.

"Orina, the Fall Sector capital," Tsukumi says, "technically, she's on the outskirts of Orina, but still."

"One of the relic holders lives in Orina," Dimitri adds on.

"Interesting..." Reine hums, "this poses quite a predicament."

"If you don't mind me suggesting," Renee starts, "even though I don't think Khalida will help us, we should go to Orina. If there's a relic holder there, that could be beneficial for us. Plus, Medea is a wild card. Nobody knows what she'll do and we should be as prepared as possible before we face her."

"Alright," Reine nods, sighing, "do we all agree on going to Orina?"

A murmur of agreement passes through the room before Reine meets Tsukumi's gaze.

"Alright," Reine says, "lead us to your friend."

Tsukumi nods and stands up, heading out of the room.