"Shin No Ippo 21" by Brandon ´Red´ Christ

Shin No Ippo XXI

            “This is the last town before we’re into the Tundra,” Owens looked down on his map, “We need to stock up on supplies, and get some traveling gear.” The group was wearing their good clothes, which were far warmer in this weather. Jay had managed to get some blankets from a traveling merchant, but after that, they hadn’t been able to find anything. They came to a small gate, which led into the city. The city was built of gray stone, and a few patches of snow were still in the shade of buildings.  A towering spire stood in the distance, likely to a church. Everything was built from the gray stone, including the walkways and walls around the city. Fires glowed from within the homes, to ward off the chill.

            “Well, that means furs, probably a sled, plenty of meat and firewood…” Jay thought out loud.

            “Excuse me,” an older man asked, “Are you travelers?” He leaned heavily on a walking stick, but seemed to be healthy.

            “Yes, why?” Lyn asked.

            “Well, my grandson works in a guild here,” the old man grinned, a shiny gold tooth revealed, “He guides people through the Tundra, you see. As long as you pay him, he’ll take you.”

            “Does he take Kitohasu currency?” Owens asked.

            “Ever since Kitohasu attacked Eastern Silfortha, we’ve been trying to convert our money to Kitohasu’s or the worth in gold,” the old man sighed, “I hope there’s no war. The Parliament wouldn’t be able to work together correctly in a real war.”

            “So do we,” Jay nodded, and asked, “Where do we go, to meet your grandson?”

            “Vann? His guild’s just north of the Church. You should go there, too. It’s beautiful at dusk,” The old man shuffled away, “You can’t miss it.”

            “Thanks,” Jay replied, and they followed the roads to the spire.

            Jay opened the door to a tavern, and felt a quick blast of heat. They quickly walked in, and looked around. Almost everything was made from wood, and dark colors adorned the warm, small bar. Several men sat at tables, but only one stood behind the bar. He was likely in his late twenties or thirties, given his growing beard, not much more than two days old, or it seemed to be. His bright green eyes peered through narrowed eyes, as he tried to see the people, set against the brightness of the outdoors. He seemed strong, and a rifle set above the mirror behind the bar seemed to point out his wealth. He set down a glass and rag, and smiled.

            “Come on in,” He motioned for them to come over, “What can I get you?”

            “Are you Vann?” Jay asked, sitting down on one of the stools. He folded his arms, and leaned on his elbows, while tilting the stool slightly forwards.

            “That’s me,” He replied, “Why?”

            “We’re looking to head north,” Jay replied, “We heard you’re a good guide.”

            “I make most of my money off of it,” he nodded, “You looking to see the Northern Lights, right? Or the Star of Meteo?”

“Star of Meteo?” Jay asked, “Never heard of that.”

            “It’s a bright star, low in the sky, if you head far enough north,” Vann pointed to a small window, “You have to be under the Aurora to see it, but it’s worth seeing.”

            “Say, just how low is this Star?” Zordos asked.

            “Sunrise low, why?” Vann asked.

            “How close do you think you can take us to the Star?” Zordos asked, “It might not be a star…”

            “Oh, the legend of the Mars Lighthouse?” Vann asked.

            “How’d you know?” Mai asked.

            “I’ve made two separate expeditions to try to get to it,” Vann shrugged, “The employers gave up before I could get them there, but if I had the funding, I could maybe, just maybe, pull it off. Keep in mind; it’s quite the distance to cover.”

            “How much would you need to be willing to make a third attempt?” Jay asked.

            “Enough for the supplies,” Vann grinned, “Just seeing if it’s real or not would be worth the trouble. I could make ten times as much with that tour. It’ll add up to… either ten pounds of solid gold, or eight thousand in Kitohasu currency.”

            “That’s a Hell of a lot of money!” Mai glared, “Can’t you cut it down?”

            “Missy, taking two or three people is a lot less difficult than six,” Vann shrugged, “I have to keep you fed, warm… never mind the extra sleds and dogs I’ll need. And if I need extra sleds, I need extra drivers, which means even more expenses.”

            “Huh…” Jay closed his eyes, and thought, “Let’s suppose we make it. How’s about if it’s there, we don’t pay you? It’ll be worth your trouble, anyway. That, and there’s sure to be treasure for the taking.”

            “That’s true…” Vann nodded, “The Mars Lighthouse is supposed to be from the First World, before the land to the north froze over. And seeing as it’s one of the last ancient places to possibly exist, the discovery would pay for itself within minutes… But what if there’s nothing?” Vann asked.

            “There’s going to be something. You can count on it. And if there truly isn’t, then we’ll come up with the money,” Jay offered his hand. Vann shook it, and grinned.

            “Sounds like a deal,” Vann pointed to a door, “There’s rooms upstairs for you. You might as well get settled in; it gets really cold before dusk. I’ll get you all furs and proper clothing for the north. And by the way, seeing as you’re the customer, if you decide something, tell me. I’ll do whatever you ask.”

            “Alright,” Jay set the stool back on all fours, and everyone headed upstairs.

.  .  .

            “You think we can trust him?” Rayne asked, “He seemed decent enough, but still… I’ve never even heard of the Northern Lights.”

            “I was watching him pretty closely, and keeping an eye on his mind,” Zordos replied, “I didn’t see anything worth worrying about.”

            “But you did see something, right?” Lyn asked.

            “He wasn’t too excited about how unsure you were of payment. He’d rather take some Lord for a quick ride north for twice as much money. He figured we couldn’t be swindled, though. I suppose the fact that Jay looks like a smart leader helped, too,” Zordos chuckled, “He isn’t as bloated as most lords.”

            “A Joke?” Mai asked, “That’s out of character.”

            “What, I can’t tell jokes?” Zordos asked, a smile showing through his gauze, “I resent that.”

            “Why are you so relaxed?” Mai asked.

            “I don’t know, maybe it’s where we are or something. It feels different,” He shrugged, and leaned back on his bed, “I’m going to sleep.” He shifted under the covers, and drew them tightly around his head.

            “Sounds like a plan,” Owens yawned, “I’m pretty beat, too.”

            “Well, good night,” Mai pulled the sheets back, and climbed in.

            “Night,” Jay nodded, and they went to sleep.

.  .  .

            “You can’t sleep, either?” Rayne asked Lyn, who was sitting in the main room, next to the fire.

            “Yeah. It’s something about this place…” Lyn shook her head, “It doesn’t feel right.”

            “Maybe you’re getting homesick. I used to get homesick, too,” Rayne shrugged, going behind the bar. She poured a drink, and handed it to Lyn. She then made another for herself, and sat down in one of the chairs.

            “I don’t know, it’s just that I can’t stop thinking. About the past, about home…” Lyn shrugged, “I just can’t shut down and relax.”

            “Well, what are you focusing on in particular?” Rayne asked.

            “…Well, Jay, for the most part. I guess it’s that we’re back together again, but I guess I’m realizing how much I missed him,” Lyn smiled, “I bet it sounds like I’m in love or something.”

            “Well, it wouldn’t be all that bad, would it?” Rayne asked, nonchalant, “But it doesn’t matter. You’ve just made a major reconnection with someone, and it’s just getting to you. You’ll figure it out eventually, however it ends up.”

            “Thanks, Rayne,” Lyn stood up, “For everything.”

            “I’ll stay down here a while yet,” Rayne smiled, “You go up and get some sleep.”

            “I’ll do that,” Lyn nodded, smiling, and headed for the door. Rayne sat down on a stool, and propped her feet up on the counter. She set the glass next to the bottle, and watched the fire, sending shadows dancing across the walls.

            “True enough, this place does feel different…” Rayne glanced around, “Nothing suspicious… I’ll go out tomorrow. Best to have a look, just in case. I doubt it’s just the cold.”

.  .  .

            “Rayne, you’re up early,” Jay sat down on a stool, and leaned in it. Rayne was already sitting down when he got there.

            “Yeah, I wasn’t comfortable last night… something was off…” Rayne furrowed her brow, “Whatever it was, it made Zordos feel better, though, so I’m confused. I’m going for a look-see in a while. Whatever it is, it’s just making this strange… aura, perhaps… It just doesn’t feel all too good.”

            “I remember hearing about this town once,” Jay poured a glass of water, “Apparently, the story of this town is that a priestess was wandering the north, lost in a bitter snowstorm. While she was going blindly, she prayed for a shelter, and she found a rock, which hid a small cave from the wind. In there, she lit old tree roots to keep herself warm, and, despite her prayers, she couldn’t survive the winter. But, in her passing, she prayed that anyone else that went north would be able to find warmth. And so, the people of the First World built the foundation of this town, the giant stone platform, and the Mars Lighthouse, to guard where she passed, and to guide people to safety.”

            “Stone platform?” Rayne asked, “You mean the stone slab beneath the town?”

            “Yeah,” Jay nodded, “Apparently, it’s all First World stone, and the rest for the city was discovered in an abandoned quarry to the south. I’ve been there, and it’s definitely First World; the carvings, the strange metalwork, even the Ancient Tools were there. It adds up, in the end.”

            “Which is why I’m hoping we do find the Mars Lighthouse,” Vann walked through the front door, quickly closing it, “I’ve got most everything prepared. We just need some more Dragon Arrows, and we’ll be all set…”

            “Dragon Arrows?” Jay asked, “What are those?”

            “You’ve never been this far north, have you?” Vann asked, sitting down, “We got Dragons up here. And they’re not all too friendly. The Ancient stonework keeps them back, but if we go too far… they’ll come for us.”

            “I’ve seen a dragon before, and they’re intelligent. I don’t know what yours are, but they’re not dragon,” Jay shook his head, “There’s no way.”

            “Oh, they’re dragon, all right,” Vann replied, “Not like the Eastern and Western Dragons, though. Those old legends, which would live thousands of years and help people. No, these have a taste for flesh, these Northern Dragons…”

            “Do they?” Jay asked, rhetorically, “… Before you start fighting these dragons off, let me try something, when we see them. They might stay away if I show them this…” Jay drew his sword, and set it on the table.

            “A dragon sword, huh?” Vann asked, “We’ve never had access to one… you can try, but we won’t just stand idly by… I’ve got eight dragons to my name, and I don’t plan on it ending there.”

            “Fair enough,” Jay nodded, “But I won’t be helping you. It wouldn’t feel right, killing a dragon, even if they aren’t the same. One of them had offered me so much help already; I couldn’t turn my back on that.”

            “Don’t worry, this town has some of the best Dragon-killers around. You and your friends wont have to lift a finger,” Vann replied, “I have to check on the supplies. Excuse me.”

            “Alright,” Jay nodded, and turned to the fire. He sheathed his sword, and stood up.

            “Where are you going?” Rayne asked.

            “I don’t know, probably the Cathedral,” Jay shrugged, “I’m only going to be around here once or twice, I might as well take it in.”

            “I’ll wait for the rest, and we’ll catch up later,” Rayne shrugged, “See you later.”

            “Yeah,” Jay nodded, and left.

.  .  .

            “Father,” Jay sat down in a pew, near the priest, “It’s been a long time.”

            “Jay, is that you?” the priest asked, “It’s been three years. Did you find what you’re looking for?”

            “…Yes and no,” Jay looked up at the stained glass, “I think I’ve found something, but I haven’t done everything I need to do just yet.”

            “Ah, you still have your problems to deal with,” The priest sat across from him, “Well, I hope you’ve progressed in settling your issues.”

            “I’m starting to move ahead, yes,” Jay nodded, “but see, I’m starting to get his new feeling… something deeper than I’ve ever had. Admittedly, I’m traveling with friends now, but still…”

            “Perhaps you’ve met a woman in your travels?” The priests asked.

            “Well, yeah, I’ve met a bunch of women,” Jay shrugged, “But not the one, not yet, at least.”

            “Jay, take my advice and think for a moment; if you could die for the sake of any one person, then who would it be?” The priest asked.

            “All my friends are important…but…” Jay concentrated, “Wait… I never really thought about it before, but… she’s always seemed important to me, ever since I met her…” Jay nodded, “I see what you’re getting at, father. …do you think I should tell her?”

            “Don’t be so sure on leaving,” The priest smiled, and nodded to the doorway, “If she’s the girl over there, that is.”

            “Hm?” Jay turned to the doors, and saw his friends, entering the doorway. Lyn had a bright smile on her face, looking around at the glass, in particular the glass dome overhead, which was covered with a faint coat of snow. The snow let some light through, and cast a faint glow in the golden glass. She looked over at Jay and walked over, standing outside the pew.

            “Jay, what are you doing here?” She asked, smiling still.

            “He came for a few words of guidance,” The priest stood up, as did Jay, “It’s good to see youth here, without someone pushing them in.”

            “Thanks, Father,” Jay nodded, “For everything.”

            “Anytime, young man,” the priest nodded, with a sly grin on his face. He walked away, and moved towards the front of the church.

            “Hey,” Jay smiled, “I was thinking about exploring town, and I found this place. It’s pretty in here, isn’t it?” Jay looked up at the skylight, “It looks like it’s glowing.”

            “Sure is,” Zordos nodded, “I’ve never seen anything like that before.” They stood for a few minutes, enjoying the building, and Jay turned to the door. The rest followed, and the left quietly, only the whine of the wind giving them away.

.  .  .

            “Huh…” Jay stood atop a balcony, overlooking the city. He had taken one of the furs, and wrapped himself in it. The wind cut through the lower half of the city, but Jay was shielded by a building behind him. Snowflakes whipped down, and despite their few numbers, there seemed to be more. The sun had set, but a faint glow of blue still hung in the east, and faint lights from fires within homes. He stood, shifting from foot to foot, and turned back cutting through the alleyways. When he found the inn, he slipped in the door, and spread the fur next to the fire.

            “It doesn’t look like the wind is going to let up,” Jay picked up a towel, and began to dry his head, “but the storm’s moving pretty quickly because of it. I’d say another day or so.”

            “Well, we can wait for that long,” Vann replied, “We’ll start packing everything up tomorrow, so we can leave right after the storm passes.”

            “Alright,” Owens nodded, “We should get some rest. Night, everyone.”

            “I’ll go up in a while,” Jay shrugged, “Goodnight,” Jay watched everyone go upstairs, and turned to the fire. He walked over, and squatted in front of it, studying it carefully. He picked several short, skinny logs and set them on the fire, and sat down in front of it, warming himself. The winds had cut through his fur, as he had only taken the inner one to check the weather. He rubbed his arms, trying to bring back feeling to his cold limbs, and after several minutes, he stood up, warm. Jay quietly strolled upstairs, and walked silently into his room. He pulled back the blankets from his bed, got undressed, and crawled into bed. He glanced towards the bleak, unforgiving gray sky, and for a moment, thought he saw a flash of orange light. Jay peered into the darkness, but saw nothing more, and shifted uneasily in his sheets, falling asleep.

.  .  .

            “Let’s get going,” Vann turned to several grizzled men, all wearing thick armor under their furs, “We don’t have long to run the Burn, and if we don’t cut through it quickly, the Dragons will be on us like rabid dogs. You’re all experienced Dragon-killers, I know that, so don’t you fail me, god-damn it. I paid too much for you guys,” Vann smiled, “Let’s get moving.” The men nodded, and began to tie up the sleds. The dogs tore at the meat they were thrown, bitterly fighting over it despite the extra. They weren’t friendly, but seemed composed enough to be good pullers, and were domesticated. Jay had already befriended one in particular, and was now feeding it before they left.  When Jay saw the group dispersing, he moved to his sled, which was about the size of a rowboat. The rest climbed in, and drew the tarp overhead, leaving a small gap in the front for vision. The musher climbed inside, and after feeding the reins through, he pulled the front of the tarp down, with a small telescope poking out. The fur lining in the sled’s tarp insulated the sled, and after the musher started to cut through the snow, they settled into somewhat comfort.

            “Every few hours we switch the main leader,” the musher explained, “The rest of the sleds follow him, and the dogs are trained enough to follow the main sled in the line. That way, only one person has to suffer in the cold. It took a while to get these sleds, but they’re worth the cost. We take them up northwest for skinning, when the snow melts a little, and the seals start coming to shore.”

            “So, how long is the ride?” Owens asked, “Or do you have no idea?”

            “We’ll see the Star of Meteo in a good two day’s run,” The musher replied, “After that, we’re in The Burn, so… well, it depends on just how much Dragon we have on us.”

            “The Burn, I heard that before,” Mai began, “What is that?”

            “Black earth, as far as the eye can see,” the musher muttered, “About four years ago, there used to be forests up here, thick as the snow. But then, something made the dragons angry, and they burned it all to ashes. The Burn is all that’s left.

            “Four years ago…” Jay muttered, “Maybe Joshiro or Stefan came this way… something had to set off the Dragons… they’re not savages.”

            “They’re certainly no kindly spirits, either,” the musher replied, “The tension’s always been thick between the Dragons and Humans, like a tight string. All it took was the slightest pluck to break it.”

            “The sun’s getting low,” Zordos shifted, “It might be time to set up camp.”

            “We won’t be camping much,” The musher replied, “We sleep in the skiffs all night, and we can only really get out for dinner and breakfast. We’ll set up a main tent for then, but there won’t be enough room for everyone to sleep in it. We got to keep moving as much as possible. The longer we sit, the more likely we’ll get caught by a wandering dragon. And if there’s one, there’s more…”

            “Alright, so we only camp at night,” Jay nodded, “I heard something about dragons having poor night vision. Their eyes develop a tolerance to light so they can breathe fire.”

            “That’s right,” the musher replied, “They can’t travel by dark well, but their sense of smell and hearing is sharp. It’s not just warmth that we insulate these tents and skiffs for. It stops sound and smell from escaping at night.”

            “Hyah!” A call rang out from the bitter cold, and the sleds slowed to a stop.

            “Sounds like we’re setting down for the night,” Jay shifted to the right, beginning to unlatch the tarp, “We better get to work.”

            “Well, you’ll all bunk here for the night, and you’ll take the sleds,” Vann pointed to two separate groups, “We’ll switch out every night, and duties will change out too.”

            “Sounds fine,” Jay nodded, but was distracted by a man, who rushed into the tent.

            “Dragon from the west! It’s a bull!” The man exclaimed, but half the men were already picking up their weapons and tightening armor. Jay stood up, and Vann nodded, the two speaking instantly without words.

            “Hold on,” Vann exclaimed, “Be ready, but we have a plan.” Vann turned to Jay, who nodded. Jay pulled his fur over his shoulder, and walked through the tent flap. His friends held back tentatively, anxious and fearful.

            A deep howl, like rolling thunder, cut through the snowstorm, and a burst of orange light cut through the sky. The dragon crashed in front of Jay, sending the snow flying in a white blast. When the ground cleared, a pair of deadly amber eyes blazed out from the darkness. As the men came out, the torches illuminated the beast. It was almost one hundred feet long, and its fiery red scales glowed with a deep luster. Rows upon rows of fangs, white as the snow, reflected the light cast from the torches, with both magnificent and horrifying gleam. The deep lines of muscle and shape threw shadows across the beast, and the smoke from its nostrils made it all the more fearsome. Jay drew his sword, and held it above his head, for the dragon to see.

            “A child of the East,” It growled, its voice like thunder, “what brought you here?”