The Wake

A fine temple once stood at the top of a hill adorned with gold and silver, a massive statue of a beast stood at the entrance, as though guarding it from any dangers. Inside, past the Ebony doors, were pillars of pearl and floors made with the purest Ivory. Rubies, sapphires and emeralds decorated ceiling, and in the middle of the room stood a throne, carved of the purest gold and finest silver.

Clean and untouched, as though no one has ever used it. As though, it was newly built waiting for its owner.

However, a great war between nations ensued, bringing once prosperous countries and great cities to their knees. Villages were destroyed and money became scarce, yet, somehow the temple stood strong. But, it didn't take long before even the temple was affected, and while the world became poorer, lawlessness broke out. Soon, the beautiful temple was raided and empty.

The only thing that stood tall was the beast at the entrance, made of onyx and eyes made of beautiful blue stones that would glow in the night. Many tried to steal the statue and the stones, but anyone who dared to touch the beast would seemingly fall over dead. Over time, rumors and fear of the evil beast protecting the temple traveled the land, and no one dared to approach the area.

Days went by, weeks and months, until one man approached the statue. This man was tall, and very thin, his black hair was tied back, and his clothes were tattered and worn. A wooden necklace was hung around his neck and his green eyes shone like emeralds. He didn't have much money , he merely wandered the world satisfying himself in alcohol and women, uncaring of what life has to offer. "WOW! This THING is ugly!" He peered the beast up and down, as he reached over and touched the onyx beast. "Must be old, I haven't seen any ancient relics like this since the war. I thought they were all destroyed."

He walked past the beast as he began to head inside the ruins, the doors were now gone so he could already see inside. The roof had caved in and there was only a space in the middle of the room, just large enough to lay down. "This looks good!" As he began to walk in, the man heard the sound of a small bell behind him. He spun around quickly looking out but saw no one, however, a small blue stone was laid on the ground.

"Isn't that the stone from the statue?"

The man walked over and picked up the stone, lifting it into the air. The moon reflecting off the stone gave it the appearance it was glowing brightly like a lantern. "It makes a nice sound! I'm betting I could get a pretty penny for it!" He looked over at the now one eyed statue, unsure if the rumors were true. "Well. if I take it then people will take the other eye won't they?" he laughed to himself. "Can't have a one eyed, temple guardian, can we?"

The man reached up and popped the stone back in place, gripping the head tightly when he heard a loud SNAP! The man fumbled backwards, somehow keeping himself on his feet looking in terror at what he held in hid hands. "OH MY GOD!" His heart dropped into his stomach, while his stomach struck his head. Panic tearing into his soul. The man, now holding the head of the beast in his hands, then began to look around to see if anyone else saw what just happened. "I just... it slipped... I mean... Crap! Your HEAD... just... FELL OFF MATE!" the man cried loudly while speaking to the beast.

Suddenly the beasts eyes began to glow and the expression of the head shifted to anger, as the head began to speak. "What have you done?". The beasts voice echoed loudly into the air like thunder.

The man now beyond terrified, began to toss the head from hand to hand, unsure of what to do, he dropped the head looking down at the now angry beast. "Your not supposed to talk... YOUR A HARD, HEAD! A ROCK!" Confused he looked around again. "What witchcraft is this?" The wind picked up and began to rage on, as the onyx statue began to glow. The statue's light began to take the form of a human.

As the wind began to die down a very tall, fit man with long hair, stood in front of the man. His hair fading from light brown bangs, to jet black tips. Pulled back into a long ponytail. His hair floating gently in the wind. His eyes were bright blue, that shined like the sea. He was adorned in gold bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, and many other accessories of gold.

Suddenly the man in gold eyed the other man, his voice cracking like lightening in the night. "Let me ask again, WHAT have you done?" He began angrily walking toward him, rage filled his eyes and a powerful energy emitted from his body. "Who are you, and why have you desecrated me and my temple?"

Taking a step back he fearfully cried, "M-My name is Kaito! I didn't desecrate anything, it fell off!"

The man in gold angrily threw his arm forward, grabbing Kaito's neck. He then proceeded to swing his body around to face the stone pedestal, where the statue once stood. "Tell me, HOW does one break a stone with only his hands?" He shouted.

Kaito reaching up, grabbing the man in gold's wrist, that was held firmly around his own neck, began choking as he spoke "I DIDN'T, I was merely returning your eyes."

The man in gold squinted his eyes as wrinkles formed across his nose, as he began to speak. Ensuring his grip around Kaito's neck, he clenched it tighter in his fist. "So you intended to steal my eyes and thought you'd return for more? I never expected a petty thief to be so stupid." He scorned.

Kaito, now gasping for air fell to his knees, trying to escape his grip " NO, I never intended to steal I wa-".

Cut off by the man he lifted him up to meet his eyes and yelled, his voice booming like thunder, " YOU never intended to steal? What lies are you telling yourself?"

Now in a panic to save his own life, Kaito grabbed the man's arm with both hands. Tucking his chin into the fist around his throat and swung his legs upwards. Meeting his feet to the mans chest and face. "LET ME GO!" he yelled throwing his feet forward. The man in gold quickly to let go, stepping back as to avoid any impact onto his own body.

Staggering and gasping for breath, now holding his neck in relief. Kaito looked at the man angrily, "I never stole anything to begin with! I merely sat down, and the stones FELL, on THEIR OWN." He stepped forward regaining some composure. "I went to return them and the statue broke apart. I did NOTHING to harm you." He paused for just a moment staring the man in gold down then mumbled to himself, " But, it appears I had made a mistake, and I should have just taken the stones for myself. I wouldn't be in this mess." he looked at the stone pedestal.

A long pause carried between the two men. Still, the man in gold's anger was unwavering, as he growled, "And, HOW do you expect me to believe you, when my PALACE IS GONE?" he yelled.

Now confused, Kaito turned to face the man and spoke in a harsh tone, "Your PALACE, was destroyed many years before I arrived. After the war, people picked it apart." he went on to say, "The only thing left, was this stupid, cursed statue."

The man adorned in gold, looked around and paused for a moment, "There was a war?"

"Yes, there was a war! How could you have not noticed, with as much commotion as there was?" Kaito shot a daring glance and snapped again, "Who are you anyways?"