Arc 7: Voyager Chapter 44, Resolve

"So you're leaving again?" Diana asked and I smiled.

"We need to gather all the puzzle pieces and keys as soon as possible." Will said. "We'll be back after that."

"Take care." Hiro said and I came closer and slapped his face. "A-Arata?"

"If you're in trouble say so." I smiled coldly.

"Yes." He answered.

We departed for our next target, Crimson Lake; the land of fire and dragons. That should be where Reinhardt's piece is. I've narrowed it down to Columbine Castle since it not far from Lake Carmine and Columbine represent, strength, wisdom and resolve.

When we arrive what greets us is a crimson land with sunset orange skies and lakes of crimson and red. Dragons rule the land here but the one that guards this land is Salamander the Elemental of Fire and the one who rules over wills, resolves and determination.

"Let's get going." Theo said and I nodded.

"So what's going to be in Columbine Castle?" Zhen asked.

"From what I know it's a castle that hasn't been completely explored." Lia answered. "We should expect the unexpected."

"Just make sure your resolve is strong." I told them.

"What do you mean?" Angie asked.

"Columbine Castle is a castle made for the purpose of granting strength to those who have a stronge resolve." I told her. "If your will isn't strong you'll immediately be rejected by the castle."

"I see it now!" Theo shouted and I saw it too.

An old castle that is covered in crimson moss and in a dilapidated state. Inside it should be the fourth key.

"Ugh!" Angie, Rachel, Leon and Zhen were suddenly sent flying back.

"What was that?" Zhen asked.

"The Barrier of Resolution. It prevents anyone without a resolve to enter it." I told them. "It seems this is as a far as you four could go. I'm not surprised since I expected some one us to be unable to go nearer."

"Eh? No way! I wanna go with Arata!" Zhen complained so I came closer and petted his head.

"Be good and wait here." I told him and he nodded. So cute. Like a puppy.

I turn on my heel and we resume our entrance of the castle. Five minutes in as we're descending the steps, Ethan, Alexis, Adonis and Adele disappeared.

"They been tossed out of the castle." I said. "Let's hurry before anyone else is tossed out."

We descended deeper and deeper till the area around us began to feel hotter and hotter. We arrived at the bottom of the staircase sweating like when it's summer only to have Lucas, Mitan, Andrew and Alistar teleported away.

"That leaves the six of us." I said.

We go down the hallways and passages and eventually to a large room and suddenly Theo, Lia, Will and Liam disappeared. This is as far as they could go as well under these conditions.

"Let's hurry." Reinhardt said and I nodded.

We go further and eventually arrive at a tall iron doors that tower high. The Gates of Raging Will. Unless you have a strong will you won't be able to pass it.

"What do we do?" Reinhardt asked.

"The doors are already open. We just have to get in." I answered him. "As long as your will is strong we'll be fine."

"If Arata says so." He says and I walk towards the door.

I walk in only to be sent flying by the strong pressure the door applies. I see, the door applies a strong amount of pressure on whoever tries to enter it. Just then, our path back seals and red liqiud begins to pour out from the floor. Lava is it? I try again and again only to be sent flying back.

I walk towards the door and brace myself for the pressure. I'm not scared of the lava but there's something I have to do. Something I must do.

"Arata that's enough!" Rienhardt said as I was sent flying once more. "I can't help see you get hurt!"

"It's... fine." I answered. "I can do it."

"Don't. I won't let you get hurt." He said and blocked my way.

"Reinhardt out of my way." I said but he wouldn't move an inch. "Please."

"No." He answered. "If you're going to keep hurting yourself then let's get hurt together at least."

"Okay." I said and noticed that a lot of lava had entered the room.

Reinhardt held my hand and we walked towards the door. The lava had begun to fill the room. Reinhardt and I will be in danger if we can't go pass this gate but I'm resolved to reach the end no matter how many times I get hurt just as Reinhardt is resolved not to let me get hurt.

We enter the gates and the pressure seems lighter now. We pass with ease and arrive at treasure room. A pedestal stands in front of us.

"Do it, Reinhardt." I told him and he walked towards the pedestal to take a signal gem. What he retrieves is a purple gem. An amethyst from the looks of it.

He returns to my side and I smiled as I held his hand. Now then, to get out of this castle.

"Ah! I give up." I said and I began to glow.

"Ah! Too much of a hassle." He said and the next moment we were outside.

"Oh, they're back." Theo said and Will hugged me.

"We're back." I smiled. "We got the four piece."

"Before that. Why are you covered in scratches?" Liam asked and I froze as multiple cold gazes swept over me. "Reinhardt has a few cuts as well. What were you two doing?"

"N-nothing." I answered.

Will just smiles and takes out a first-aid kit from his pack. He smiles as he patches me up while Reinhardt sits beside. We watch the crimson lands grow darker and darker as the moons shines above the horizon. We'll definitely gather all the pieces of the puzzle. My resolve to protect the people I care about will only grow stronger.