Chapter 19 _Always Darkest Before the Storm_

Chapter 19 "Always Darkest Before the Storm"

Kotaro stepped to the mouth of the cave he’d slept in. He could sense evil in the distance… Hyakuhei was on the move. "So, you have finally come out of hiding, have you." His ice blue eyes narrowed with deadly intent and the muscles in his jaw flexed. He felt the guardian heart crystal calling to him and he could feel the talismans he’d collected since it had been shattered heighten in power, as if answering that call.

Toki and Hoto stood in the shadows of the cave watching their leader as he looked out in the distance. Hoto ran a nervous hand through his hair, knowing Kotaro was going to leave them. He understood their master had avoided his guardian brothers but the priestess was never far from his thoughts. Leaning close to Toki so Kotaro wouldn't overhear, he whispered worriedly, "Should we not follow him?"

The last rumor Kotaro had heard, less than an hour ago, was that Hyakuhei had found the remaining talismans. That left