Chapter 406: Zach

Chapter 406: Zach

Difference

Zach walked through the forest, feeling the wind on his skin. It surged around him, almost dancing. With every step, it surged, following in his footsteps. The Wind was many things, but most of all it wanted to be free. It was playful, and it was terrible when roused. At least, those were the things that Zach associated with it. It was harder than it was with Time, he could feel many different ideas, many different beliefs about the Wind.

His was just one small piece of it. Perhaps he could overpower the others with his will, he did think that the Wind liked him more. It was such a different experience than it had been with Time, it had fought him. Wind felt more welcoming.

Zach continued his walk, his mind crafting the world around him. His |Perfect Mind Palace: My World, My Rules| made everything around him, yet somehow he could still feel the Aspect of the Wind, even though what was all around him now was made out of Mind.

The Mind Aspect was the hardest one to feel, even though he had the most experience with it. It wanted to be too many different things. It was the superiority of intelligence, and it was the imagination of a child, it was trickery and it was truth and enlightenment. Zach did not even know what he wanted it to be yet. Crafting a Way for it would be the hardest out all his Aspects, he felt like.

He had spent the last few weeks in his room, practicing and deepening his connections with his Aspects. Preparing his skills for evolving further. It had been going well, he thought.

Then, he felt a tremor in his world of dreams. He tilted his head, and at the edge of his hearing perceived something, a voice, calling him. It was so hard for him to pull himself away from his studies. The workings of Essences were important, but he had made a promise to Naha to always answer when she called.

Slowly, he pulled himself out of the dreamworld and into reality.

Zach! She was shaking him.

Im here, he said slowly, still waking from his stupor. More sounds were assaulting him now, a ringing in the distance.

Something is attacking the city, she was pointing at the window. It took Zach a few seconds to comprehend her words.

He looked at the window, then stood and dashed over, looking out into the city stretching below them. He saw smoke rising in the distance, and a monster towering over the buildings. Bells were ringing and he saw sect warriors marching out of the gates of the palace.

Come, Zach said, and Naha fell into his shadow.

Stand still, Zach said. I will not warn you again.

Whoever had done this had great strength, Zach could tell that the cage was very powerful. He had to subdue them quickly, then return to help with the monster.

The figure turned as it straightened, letting Zach see a silver and black armor that covered all of its body. It was smooth and covered in symbols. The wearer was tall and wide, more so than anyone Zach had met before. The body shape suggested a human, as he did not see a tail or horns.

Oh? The figure spoke as it saw him. Well, this is a surprise, I did not expect you. I see that you have grown much, little visitor.

Zach frowned. Who are you? He asked. Everything that he knew told him to run, he could feel the Essence around that armor trembling as it was forced to obey it.

The armored figure titled its head. Ah, it seemed like my gift was useful to you, beyond just being my ride back. I must thank you for that, I would not be here if not for you.

Zach narrowed his eyes, his fingers tightened on his sword. Something about that voice was making him nervous, he felt an itch in the back of his head. He sensed Nahas trepidation through their link.

Then the armored figure walked out of the crater, keeping its distance, and Zach didnt move to stop them, he couldnt.

Once they were out, the armors faceplate rippled revealing a face covered in white fur, wide lips and smile, big eyes with countless rings in them.

Flashes passed through Zachs mind, fragments of images. A hole, chains, a sword being taken apart. Memories of so long ago.

Raazel, Zach whispered, the yeti, the enemy. The monster that had tricked him, that had used him.

The yeti smiled. It seems like I need your help once more, little visitor.

Symbols on his armor flashed, giving off an ominous light. Before even knowing what was happening Zach jumped out of the way, just in time to evade chains surging toward him.

The yeti laughed, and Zach got ready.