Rindou helped Kura out of the cargo wagon as it stopped outside the huge wooden gates. Rindou looked around, seeing wooden pillars high into the sky; he could barely make out over the ledge the stone houses inside, probably a good 4 stories high.

"It's like a fort..?" Rindou said in awe.

"Aclotz Village is that of people who are specially adapt at living in this cold environment. They love it so much they're said to wear shorts and tanktops most days," Kura explained as he walked to the gate. "Hello?"

"May we get in?" Rindou called after Kura's greeting, standing next to him.

"Shush!" Kura snapped.

"Both you boys take heed, those people have a higher ruler now." the man said from the wagon, "They aren't as peaceful as they once were."

"New ruler?" Kura asked.

"Silence!" came a loud beckoning male voice. "Who DARES to approach the village of silent dreams, Aclotz?"

Rindou waved his hands, "Ooh that's scarey." He laughed sarcastically, "Look here, we have the Treasure so let us in! You hear?"

"We hear fine, royalty brat!" came the voice.

"You sick dog!" Rindou shouted back. Kura shook his head.

"Begone or face thine demons of hell!"

"Make me leave!" Rindou shouted, "We came on a mission. Now let us through to the tower!"

"Begone!" repeated the man.

"Shut up the lot of you!" came a woman's voice, filled with command. A few bangs and metals crashing and the other side of the gate went silent. "Open the gate, now!" Kura pulled Rindou back as the gate opened a bit. Out walked a woman with short golden hair and light violet eyes, dressed in all white with black sandals. "Now, who dares to enter my domain?" Kura opened his mouth to speak and she waved her hands. "Give me last names, those hold authority here before your first."

"Star," Kura answered nicely.

Rindou shook his head, "I'm Prince Rindou!"

The woman glared at Rindou, "Your prince title holds you to no benefits here. You are but a pathetic citizen. I heard the word treasure? Is it true?"

Rindou nodded, "Yup we got it!"

"You dog." she shouted at Rindou. "You will be silent!" She turned to Kura, "You, with the golden lock of hair, do you have treasure?" Kura nodded slowly. "Show me."

"Why?"

"Because I demand it!" she answered, "If you do not show it to me, you will not pass." Kura nodded and lifted the bottom of his jacket enough to show her a glimpse of the ruby. "Good. You have it. Come with me."

"Not until I know your name." Kura replied quickly, not moving.

The woman smiled to him, "Lady Ba'Von." She looked to Rindou and then to Kura again and then back to the wagon. "Is this merchant with you?"

"Yes."

"We seek no outsiders merchandise. He may be gone."

"Please, I ask that you allow him to enter and attempt to sell his goods," Kura asked carefully. "He hasn't done any harm. He gave us a kind ride here. Besides, I would think it'd be best to let your people decide what they want and don't want?"

"Hmm.. You make a good point. He may enter." Ba'Von nodded to the guards on the inside of the gate and then walked inside. "Open it further for the wagon. Show the man respect. Star, dumby, this way."

Kura nodded and walked in after the woman. "I'm not a dumby!" Rindou pouted as he followed also.

The city was well covered in snow, made of stone, filled with children playing the streets. Ba'Von led the two past a huge bazaar, down some stairs to a residental area and over to a huge stone building as fancy as a palace but the size of a mansion.

"What's this place?" Kura asked, stopping at the entrance to the mansion.

"My home. Come inside before the people attack you for the ruby," Ba'Von directed and walked up to the front doors. Kura looked to Rindou.

"I don't like her." Rindou grumbled.

Kura shook his head, "She seems to have authority. So let's go?"

"Fine."

Kura and Rindou hurried after Ba'Von. Once inside she closed the door and led them to a lounge.

"Now, tell me why are you not the chosen one of whom legend speaks?" Ba'Von asked, sitting behind a desk.

"He was my cousin. He fulfilled a duty that excused him and Treasure was given to me." Kura answered, sitting down across from her. Rindou stood behind Kura, glaring at Ba'Von.

"Your friend doesn't trust me I see."

"He's cautious."

"As he should be." Ba'Von smiled, "Anyhow. I suspect you'll want permission to cross the ice and enter the tower?"

"Yes, that's why we came. Amphitra--"

"She is my mother," Ba'Von interrupted.

"HUH?!" the two gawked.

"Is it such a shock to humans to see a person such as I living with you?"

"N-no.. It's just... I never expected..." Kura answered softly.

Ba'Von nodded, "Don't worry. I harbor no ill will. Listen to me carefully. You do realize what you'll be doing when you to the tower?"

"Yes."

"You're okay with surrendering your soul and heart to the Gods and allow your life to be given to Azrael, to lead this sour world into a time of prosperity?"

Rindou blinked, "Huh? I'm confused. What do you mean?"

"Your friend will be put to punishment for the deeds his ancestor did years ago. So it has been said. Azrael will use his life and make his body a host. So, the Hero is a paracite doomed to death, your friend's heart and soul will be ripped out of him and sent to the Heavens."

"To put it bluntly.."

Rindou hit Kura's head. "Moron! You said you'd marry me in the end!!"

"Yeah--"

"Dying and going to heaven means you can't do that!" Rindou shouted. "I won't let you die and escape me!"

Kura frowned, looking down. "...I'm sorry. I should have told you the situation sooner.."

Ba'Von shook her head, "Humans and their silly obsessions."

Rindou glared at Ba'Von, "What would you know?! You're a lifeless being sent to do the bidding of the Gods! To make sure Kura dies!"

"Silence," Ba'Von stood up. "You don't know anything! I was there at the war! I was on the front lines and battled beside the Hero Azrael. Don't you dare try to me that I am lifeless! I have feelings!"

Rindou shouted back, blinded by his anger, "Like what?!"

"You stubborn idiot!"

Kura blinked, "Love...?" The other two froze.

"Wh-what'd you say?" Ba'Von asked in fear.

"You loved Azrael." Kura looked up to her. "That's why you want him back, right? Because he's not in heaven, so you can't see him."

"Huh?" Rindou blinked.

Ba'Von nodded and explained sadly, "That's right. Azrael isn't in Heaven."