...the orb has been delivered safely to it's destination, but it it in safe hands? Meanwhile, Kain and Valvalis have
developed a special bond. But not all things are peaceful in the world...

Dragoon Kain
Part 7

Keytrin kicked at the remains of Machakal's body. The dragon-like head was split nearly in half, a steel arrow embedded
within. The ManCat smirked as he pulled out a short black wand, and pointed it at the corpse. A black light emanated from
the wand and enveloped the body. Slowly, the arrow dissolved and the head re-formed. Soon, all traces of damage were
gone. Keytrin kicked at the fallen draconian. "Wake up!" he prodded.

Machakal gripped his throbbing head and groaned. Slowly, he slid from the ground, using the trees for support. "What
happened?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing." Keytrin laughed mockingly. "So much for the 'best'. Did you at least find the location
of the orb?"

"No. But I can track where he went!" Machakal finished quickly.

"So can I. Lord Garland wants to...speak with you." Keytrin grinned evilly as he traced runes in the air. The glowing sigils
twisted into a dimensional doorway. Machakal screamed in protest as the portal began to suck him in. The shouts echoed
across the forest, but soon were silent. Keytrin closed the portal and chuckled to himself.

The scent of the human was still strong, so he hadn't have gone far. After searching the area, the ManCat found tracks leading
to the southeast. Keytrin rubbed his chin in interest. "Two humans, walking rather closely together. One of them...female."
Keytrin's teeth gleamed in the midday sun. "This should be fun."


Kain lead the way through the forest. The going had been easy for most of the day, and by late afternoon they had cleared the
woodlands. He gripped Valvalis' hand tightly, not wanting to let her go. He noticed her stealing glances at him, and he thought
about what they had done the night before. It had been a long time since he had been with a woman. Too long.

"So where exactly are we going?" Valvalis asked.

"The castle of Fabul. We can pick up some help there."

"What for? We've done good so far. We don't need some mercenaries' aid." Valvalis frowned.

"My old companions are not mercenaries. Their aid could decide the outcome of this." Kain stopped and examined the
surroundings. To the east was the kingdom of Fabul. "I'm sure Yang would help us"


The two waited until the next day to head across the grassy plains. It had been very quiet the past few days, and this worried
Kain. Several times, he had glanced back. Each time, he thought he saw something move, but he discounted it as his
imagination.

By midday, they reached the gates of Fabul castle. The whole place was strangely silent, not even the chirp of the birds could
be heard. Kain pressed on the hard oak doors, opening them easily. The inside was a mess, as if hundreds of people had
rushed through the hall. Tapestries were torn, and pottery was knocked over.

Valvalis searched one of the side rooms while Kain continued towards the throne room. As she rummaged through one of the
chests, she heard something rustle. She turned to the closet and flew it open, holding her sword before her. The tiny child
screamed in terror.

Kain, finding the throne room doors locked, decided to test some of his new powers. Stepping back, he pressed his hands
outward and focused. A blast of fire ripped across the hall, shattering the door. Kain smiled and stepped across the smoldering
threshold. The room was dark, but Kain could make out a shape on the throne. "Yang." Kain spoke, forming a glowing ball of
flame.

The karate master's face glowed in the soft orange light. Deep cuts crisscrossed his body. He right eye was covered by a
makeshift patch. "Kain." Yang spat acidly. "What trouble have you caused THIS time?"

Kain stuttered nervously. "What do you mean? What happened here? Where is everybody?"

"Soldiers came looking for you, Kain." Yang spoke. "They ransacked the castle, killed my guards. Killed my wife." Yang
stared a hole through Kain's chest. Kain realized he was looking at the pendant. "What is that? Is that why they wanted to find
you so badly?"

"I...Rubicant gave this to me.." Kain began, trying to choose his words carefully. Yang leaped to his feet.

"So that's it!" Yang shrieked, pointing an accusing finger at Kain. "You have finally joined the forces of darkness! That's why
those soldiers wanted to find you so badly!"

"No! I am still with the side of light. I am using the power of fire in the name of honor!" Kain protested.

"Liar! I will make you pay for the death of my wife. For the destruction of my kingdom!" Yang yelled as he leaped across the
room, sending his heel crashing into Kain's chest. The Dragoon stumbled backwards, but remained on his feet. Kain was just
as surprised as Yang was. "So, your dark alliance had made you stronger. So much the better." Yang growled, slashing at
Kain with his clawed gauntlets. Kain dodged the attacks but did not fight back.

"I didn't come here to fight you. I need your help" Kain pleaded, parrying Yang's slashing blows.

"Kain!" Valvalis shouted as she entered the room. "What's going on?" she eyed Yang, her grip tightening on her blade.

"Valvalis! I knew it!" Yang laughed insanely. "Kain. You can't lie to me any longer." Yang's eyes were wide, a twisted grin on
his face.

"He's gone mad!" Valvalis said, slowly stepping back. Yang stalked the two out of the throne room and into the hall. He
mumbled to himself, speaking to voices only he could hear. "I don't know what happened to him, but I do know the castle was
attacked." Kain shifted his gaze to her, and then back to Yang. "I found a survivor. She says that a group of armored troops
came looking for a 'Cane'. I assume she means you."

"I think you're right." Kain replied. "Look, Yang. I'm not here to hurt you. I...we need your help."

"Lies!!!" Yang screamed, leaping at Kain. Kain blocked the attack and smashed Yang over the head with his armored fist. The
karate master fell to the floor in a heap.

"He's still alive." Kain spoke, feeling for a pulse.

"Good." came a voice from behind them. Kain and Valvalis turned to see Edge standing in the doorway. "The refugees came
to me, asking for help. What have you gotten yourself into, Kain?" Several of Eblan's Ninja accompanied Edge. Kain noticed
the sound of an airship outside.

"You wouldn't believe me." Kain sighed, leaning heavily against the stone wall.

"Try me." Edge answered. Kain recanted all that had happened within the past few weeks. The caravan, the Orb, Lord
Garland and Rubicant...Valvalis. Edge digested it all. After a long silence, he spoke. "Well then." He motioned to his ninja,
"Take Yang to the airship. Tend his wounds, but watch him closely. Chain him if you have too. I can't have a crazy man
running wild on my ship." Edge turned and regarded Kain and Valvalis. "You are quite beautiful when you are not evil." Edge
smiled as he bowed to Valvalis.

"This means you'll help us?" Kain asked hopefully.

"Of course. The only army besides mine is Cecil's, and I doubt if he would send his troops marauding his closest neighbor."
Edge smiled widely with his usual cocky grin. "Let's go. We can reach the Tower of Zot in less than a day."