Theallis the Realm Beyond Sea, Sky, and Land

[Aaleel]

Aaleel finished her food and gathered the last of her gear. She began to look about for her chakram, but she did not see it anywhere.
“Where is my chakram, and where can I hold it within this armor?” Aaleel asked.
“You must trust me when I say that once you are done with your initial training you will no longer have a use for it,” Yuriel replied.
“Now come, we must make ready to depart,” Yuriel said, as she turned and Aaleel followed her out of the room. They walked out of the large building that had been home to the Elite for the night, and the crossed a small stone bridge that passed over the stream that Aaleel had watched from her window.
“How is it that I have come to have the Princess of Elindil as my guide and companion?” Aaleel asked, as Yuriel turned to her and smiled.
“You are special above all Aaleel, for you are the light and the hope of this land and all others,” she replied, as she looked away into the sky where the shadow of a small chocobo testing its wings passed over them.
“Plus I am saddened by the fact that you now longer trust me as you once did,” she said sadly as she continued to look into the sky in all its dawn colors, with a few wisps of clouds, and the white sun still rising from behind the city walls.
“I did not know what to think after my encounter with Galroth, and with your reluctance to tell me anything about my father I thought that you were keeping things from me, deceiving me,” Aaleel said.
“I have only sought to do what I thought was best for you while not interfering in you life more than I should, and giving you free will in deciding whether or not you would walk the path set put before you,” Yuriel said.
“I hope that you believe me when I say that we do not know of what happened to your father once he left Elindil,” she added.
“I believe you,” Aaleel said, as they reached the stables, and two of the handlers brought out two white chocobo, larger than the ones they had ridden to the city. They had golden tips upon their feathers, as well a golden eyes and talons. Strands of light gleamed off their feathers, and small gusts of wind blew across Aaleel and Yuriel as the chocobo stretched their wings and flapped them softly.
“These chocobos are mine and my brother’s, which he has given you permission to ride.
“I am honored,” Aaleel said bowing her head before she rubbed her hands over the chocobo’s feather.
“This is Wysel, and yours is Nyfel, the nimble and the swift, in the tongue of your old land,” Yuriel said, as Aaleel climbed upon Nyfel’s golden saddle and grabbed the reins. Yuriel climbed upon Wysel, and looked over to Aaleel who was still uneasy about flying upon the chcocbo.
“Do not be scared Aaleel, you will be fine,” Yuriel said smiling, as she snapped the reins, and Wysel leapt from the ground and flapped his wings mightily rising into the dawn sky. Aaleel snapped the reins, as she had seen Yuriel do, and she held tightly to them, as the bird gathered itself, and sprung from the ground. She saw the top of the city wall fall below her eyes, and the chocobo flapped its wings and rose into a current of wind, where it stretched out its wings and glided behind Wysel.
Yuriel struck a path east into the top of the sun rising upon the treetops. Aaleel felt freer than she ever had in her life, soaring upon the wind over the green fields below, as Nyfel proved to be every bit of her name. Aaleel could not see enough of the lands of Theallis, for they were beautiful and full of life everywhere she looked, from the majestic trees, to the rolling fields, and smooth rivers. They came upon a range of large hills, and the chocobo flapped their wings to climb to a higher current of air, which carried them over the top of the hills which formed a ring around a large crystal blue lake surrounded by trees. There were small buildings along the white sands of the shores and the tips of rooftops peaked up between the boughs of the trees. Yuriel pointed to an opening in the boughs of the trees near the city, and Nyfel followed Wysel down through it onto a leaf covered path winding betwixt and between the boles of the trees. Aaleel thought that she would welcome the moment she reached the ground again, but she had enjoyed the ride so much that she wished she was still soaring upon the currents of air.
“We are almost to the Temple of Elduin,” Yuriel said, as she gave Wysel some rein, and the choco bolted off down the path followed by Aaleel and Nyfel. They passed beneath the boughs of the trees, which made an archway above them as they galloped along.. They passed a few statues of faceless forms with hands together in prayer, as they came upon large wooden gates between the boles of two large trees which climbed high above them.
“Who is there?” Aaleel said, as she drew her katana, and looked about the area.
“Do not be alarmed Aaleel, all is well,” Yuriel said, as two forms, which had been cloaked in the powers of the invisibility appeared before them, both garbed in fine osode with metal shoulder plates, along with tekko, hakama, and sune-ate. One was a Mithra and held a large Samurai sword, and the other Hume who held two katana, all with golden, jewel encrusted hilts.
“You have fine senses, but you have nothing to fear here,” the Ninja said returning his katana to his back.
“If you ride with the Princess of Light, you are a friend to this temple,” the Samurai said sheathing her sword as well.
“Welcome to Elduin, we are honored to have you grace us with your presence Princess,” I am Kyan-Min, and the Samurai is Byala, the ninja said as they both bowed their heads.
“What reason brings you to the temple Princess?” Byala asked.
“I have a student I wish to train here,” Yuriel replied.
“You must be special indeed for the Princess Yuriel to accompany you here, and request your training,” Kyan-Min said looking about Aaleel strangely.
“She is special, the one we have waited many years for,” Yuriel said, as the eyes of the two sentinels glowed with happiness.
“The Child of the Prophecy?” Kyan-Min asked, and Yuriel nodded her head.
“We had heard whispers here in Oren’grel of your coming, but we did not know that you had entered the lands of light,” Byala said happily.
“Does this mean that the Realm of Darkness has been redeemed?” She asked.
“Yes, my company and I defeated the three Dark Gods, and opened the path to Theallis,” Aaleel replied.
“Then already we owe you our thanks,” Byaka said, as they both bowed their heads to Aaleel, who was not accustomed to receiving such gestures of gratitude.
“Come, we will take you to Master Cairis,” Kyan-Min said, as he placed his hand upon the gate, which began to open slowly revealing the city of Oren’grel. Green and yellow leaves rained softly on them as they passed through the wooden archway and Aaleel could not help but admire the craft of the city which was woven through the boles of the trees. The light of white sun crept down through the small cracks and thin rays shown down to make tiny circles upon the soil. There were small stairways carved into the trees, which led up to balconies and enclosures carved into the trees themselves. Handlers came upon them and Aaleel along with Yuriel dismounted their chocobo and continued to follow Kyan-Min and Byala on foot until the came to large temple climbing high into the boughs of the trees breaking through them, and allowing sunshine to rain down upon the temple’s entrance.
“The right path is my path,” Aaleel read from above the door, written in the language of the land. She drew Syuji, and looked upon it before she read the same from its blade.
“Zoron foresaw me coming to this temple to train?” Aaleel asked, looking over at Yuriel.
“I believe in this instance it was more hope than foresight,” Yuriel said smiling.
“There was no guarantee in the words of the Oracle that you would seek to serve our cause at all, which has always been in doubt as one thinks about the circumstances of your family, and those who you might blame for them,” she added, as her demeanor changed to one of sadness and remorse.
“I have never known my father, but the only one that I have ever considered a father taught me many things of the way I should live my life, and what paths I must take,” Aaleel said looking up into the light falling upon her.
“I would not honor him by joining the cause of his killer,” she added, as she lowered her head and looked to Yuriel who smiled.

 

[Aaleel]

“Master Cairis is in the library,” Byala said, as Yuriel nodded her hand and motioned for Aaleel to follow. They entered onto the smooth wooden floor of the temple, and followed the arched hallway, which was lit by white flames held within tiny glass lamps. There were paintings upon the inside wall, and statues setting between the windows on the other. They followed the hallway past a small training room where a few students practiced, and finally they reached open metal doors leading into the large library. There was shelf after shelf of books, stacks of parchment, and many scrolls encased in glass, resting under lamps of white flame. There were many people of all races studying within the library, but all gave pause to their studies, and bowed their heads when they became aware the princess had entered. One form, an Elvann rose to his feet robed in blue in green, and walked toward Yuriel to bow his head. His hair was gray and pulled into a long ponytail behind his head, and from his neck hung a large golden medallion.
“Welcome to Elduin Princess, I am honored to receive you in the temple” the Elvaan said.
“Master Cairis, it pleases me to see that you are still well,” Yuriel said smiling.
“I was not aware that you would be coming to the temple, usually word from Elindil precedes your visits,” Cairis said.
“I have a student I wish you to train forthwith,” Yuriel said, as Cairis turned from her and looked upon Aaleel, who bowed her head.
“I am Aaleel Elingval, and I along with the others who accompanied me are new to your lands,” Aaleel said continuing to bow her head.
“Raise your head child, so that I may look upon you,” Cairis said, as looked into her eyes.
“Ah yes, I see purpose, I see determination,” he said looking into her eyes before he shook his head and sighed softly.
“But I do not see focus, your mind is torn, your thoughts are not all here upon your task,” he added as his eyes grew large.
“But there is a destiny to be fulfilled also, a divine destiny,” Cairis said placing his hand on Aaleel’s forehead, and closing his eyes. Aaleel felt and energy seeping forth from his hand and filtering down through her body, as he walked the passages of her mind.
“Yes, it seems that the child of two worlds has finally come to Theallis,” he said, as he opened his eyes. He removed his hand from Aaleel’s forehead, and turned to walk over to one of the scrolls. He clasps his hands behind his back, and looked upon the scroll for a moment.
“Come stand beside me Aaleel,” Cairis said, as Aaleel walked over and looked upon the scroll as well.
“Do you know what these are Aaleel?” Cairis asked, and Aaleel looked upon the scroll, still surprised at her ability to read the language of the lands of Theallis.
“They are scrolls to the most powerful spells of Ninjitsu, but simply reading them will not grant total control of them, as it has done in your world,” he said, as he looked to Aaleel who nodded her head.
“Do you know why you alone were brought to this temple, even though there may have been others who accompanied you who may have studied in the far eastern lands of your realm?” Cairis asked, but Aaleel only shook her head.
“The most powerful spells of this land are kept upon scrolls which can only be read by those granted the tongue of this land,” Cairis said, turning his eyes back to the scroll.
“It was Elindil’s way of ensuring that those loyal to this land, who had dwelled here for many years would always be more powerful than those new from your realm,” he added.
“The language of Theallis is complicated and difficult to learn, so those wishing to learn the most powerful spells of this land must spend years within the schools learning skills as well as the language of Theallis before they may learn the true power of their art,” Yuriel said stepping up behind Aaleel.
“But things do not always go as planned, for those in Elindil did not envision those of the Temple of Light turning against it, nor did they think a priest would bear a child with one not of this realm,” Cairis said, as Aaleel held her fingertips just above the glass, and looked upon the scroll.
“Go ahead, read it,” Cairis said, as Aaleel began to read the words upon the scroll, which she found to be those that would unlock the spell of Utsusemi: San. She finished reading the words aloud, but she did not feel any power growing within her as she had when she read the scrolls in her old temple.
“Read them all and we shall begin your training forthwith,” Cairis said to Aaleel, who began to make her way to the next scrolls, as Yuriel and Cairis sat at one of the tables and began to talk. Aaleel made her way about the center of the library finding each of the scrolls, which rested upon pillars, which stretched down from the high wooded ceiling. She had not felt anything when she read the scroll of Utsusemi, but she felt a sensation of each of the elements of nature in turn as she read the scrolls that would grant her the fourth level of knowledge of each. Strands of hair rose about her face as she read the scroll of Huton: Shi, and the white flame flickered as she reached the end of the inscription. She reached the last of the scrolls, which she did not recognize, for it was not like any spell she had received in the lands of the Far East in her native realm. It was longer in length by a good deal than any of the other scrolls, and it spoke of the power of ‘Ku’ or the void in the tongue of Vana’diel. She read the words intently, which spoke of using the power flowing within her to connect with nature itself to do many things, even creating shuriken and other weapons from the power itself. She thought back to her battle with Galroth within Kikanku-Sho temple, and wondered if this was the technique he used to kill her former teacher. She turned from the scroll, and walked over near the entrance of the library where Yuriel and Cairis still sat at the table. Cairis and Yuriel stood from the table but as Aaleel went to bow her head, pieces of parchment rose from the table and flew upon the smooth wooden floor. Aaleel knelt to the floor and reached out her hand to pick them up, but they only blew away from her. She stood to her feet and held her hand before her face looking strangely upon it as threads of lightning passed between her fingers.
“Yuriel has told me of the granting of the Blade of Light to you by Zoron, and it seems that your connection to it and the power of the light are stronger than I would have thought possible,” Cairis said, as he rose from the table, and gathered the sheets of parchment.
“Come, we will begin,” Cairis said, as Aaleel followed him and Yuriel out of the library, and through the halls of the temple, until they came to an archway of braided wood framing a crystal glass door, trimmed in gold, which opened before them. They walked through the door onto a small landing with rails on either side carved into the shape of leaping tigers, which vaulted down the stairs the path below. There were bushes lining both sides of the path, with small trees resting behind them, whose boughs covered in blossoms. They followed the path to the beginning of the sands, which rose and swirled about Aaleel, as she walked down the shore. There was a small dock lining the edge of the shore, with many ropes extending into the water tied to small rafts of wood, where students stood practicing their arts. Cairis gave word for all the students to return to the temple, and Yuriel sat down upon the sand, as Cairis told Aaleel to stand upon one of the rafts. Aaleel leapt onto one of the rafts, which was nothing more than seven thin logs strung together with think cord.
“Before we start there is something I wish to ask you,” Aaleel said.
“Very well then,” Cairis said.
“The last scroll I read, the power of ‘Ku’, drawing power from nature itself, and creating weapons from just the power within you,” she said.
“It is an advanced technique, reserved for only those who had reached the highest level in their training, but from the words of the Princess, it seems you have learned to connect with the power of your blade and the light itself to form images of light themselves,” Cairis said walking down to the edge of the shore.
“That is why I allowed you to read it,” he added.
“May I try it?”
“If you wish,” he said stepping back from the edge of the water, as Aaleel held her hands before her and focused as intently as she could upon the power within her, as she tried to call upon the same powers she used to create the images of light. She felt a strain on her body as she began to see glimmers of light in her hand, which began to take the form of shuriken. She sought to grab them before she could wrap her fingers around them they shattered into fragments of light as disappeared. She tried once again, but she could not even get the glimmers of light to form into the shape of shuriken once again.
“Do not be discouraged Aaleel, for it is in very difficult and strenuous technique,” Cairis said walking back down to the edge of the water. Aaleel next tried the spell of Utsusemi: San, and she was successful in summoning five images to her side, which gave her confidence to seek to summon five images of light. She closed her eyes and focused, as five images of light began to appear around her, but no sooner then they began to take shape, they began to flicker and fade. Aaleel fell to her knees upon the raft, breathing heavily before she slammed the palm of her hand upon the wet wood.
“Anger will not help you control the powers you have been granted,” Cairis said, and Aaleel sighed heavily and nodded her head, before she stood to her feet, and looked out upon the water. She raised her hand and sought to call upon the power of Suiton: Shi, and soon a large wave formed in the water, and began to rush towards the shore.
“AALEEL!” Cairis yelled as Aaleel closed her hand, and pulled it back; but that did not stop the wave from rushing towards the shore covering Aaleel and Cairis in its shadow as it feel upon them.
“Huton: Shi,” Cairis said forcefully, as waves of air swirled around him and split the wave in half as if slammed upon the shore.
“Aaleel FOCUS,” Yuriel yelled, as she walked down the shore and stood beside Cairis.
“You cannot rush through this training Aaleel, and you must focus your mind,” she added sternly, almost scolding her.
“Your mind has not been focused since you arrived in the temple,” Cairis said.
“You mind is split in too many directions, fear for your friends, accomplishing your purpose here in Theallis, reaching Anulis and discovering the facts of you father, and your training her,” Yuriel said shaking her head.
“You will only focus your mind when you realize that accomplishing the task at hand will ensure them all,” she added.
“How is that?”
“By completing you training you will receive the power to fulfill your purpose her, you will have the power to protect your friends, and you will be free to seek the questions you wish to ask in Anulis,” Yuriel replied, and Aaleel stood silent for a moment before she nodded her head.
“I understand.”
“Then we will leave you to your training,” Cairis said, as he and Yuriel began to make their way back up the shore. Aaleel turned back to the water, and sought to clear her mind of anything but the training at hand, and soon nothing else seemed to matter, not even time itself.

 

[Aaleel]

Chapter XV – Seeds of Mystery

Nocturnus snapped the reins of his chocobo as he rode swiftly over the trampled and broken grass of La’Theine followed by the Ranger Sanborn, and the Ninja Dantin as they scouted the lands near the Crag of Holla, where the portal to Theallis had opened. They were just west of the Crag approaching a pass between a large range of hills when Nocturnus broke his chocobo’s gallop and trotted slowly before he gave it pause.
“The lands ahead are clear, and nothing out of the ordinary has seemed to come through the portal,” Nocturnus said looking long into the lands north of them.
“No sign of anything from Theallis, not even our friends,” Sanborn said looking back towards the tip of the Crag falling into the horizon.
“I am sure that they are well,” Dantin said.
“We have not heard from them since they left almost one month ago, I think that we should travel to Theallis to see if they are well,” Sanborn said.
“We have our duty Sanborn, just as they have theirs,” Nocturnus said, as Sanborn sighed softly and dropped his head.
“I just hate not knowing what is going on, I feel so helpless,” Sanborn said.
“We all do San, we all do, but we still have to see to the protection of these lands if anything should come from Theallis wishing them harm,” Nocturnus said, as he dropped his head as well. He sighed softly before he focused his eyes to the ground, and saw something strange upon them. He leapt quickly from the saddle and knelt to the ground, rubbing his hand over the soil.
“What is it Noc?” Sanborn asked.
“Something strange,” Nocturnus said continuing to rub his hand over the soil, as he looked into the distance through the pass.
“What is it?” Dantin asked dismounting his chocobo.
“They are quadav tracks,” Nocturnus said, scooting over a few steps and rubbing his hands across the soil again.
“And here, Yagudo tracks, very recent” he added. It was hard to see the tracks of Yagudo for they walked more softly than Quadav or Orc, but still the eyes of a Ranger could see them.
“What would Quadavs and Yagudos be doing here in La’Theine?” Sanborn asked looking to the distance as well.
“It cannot bold well for Vana’diel whatever it is, so let us check it out,” Nocturnus said, as he rose to his feet and three continued on by foot towards the pass. There was a cluster of trees in the middle of the pass, and Nocturnus focused to mute the cries of the Arco bats and the breaking rubble from the tunneling of Rock Eaters so that he could hear anything out of place. He took a few more steps through the trees before he gave pause to his step, turned and motioned for Sanborn and Dantin to give pause as well. He camouflaged himself in the colors of the land, as did Sanborn before they continued on through the trees, followed by Dantin, who used the arts of the Far East to cloak himself. Nocturnus pointed to his left where there were two Orcs not native to the lands of La’Theine but to the darkness of the Monastic Cavern inside the Orcish compound of Davoi. They stood guard along with two Yagudos native to the innermost areas of Castle Oztroja. There was a small fire off the edge of the Ephemere, and there stood one Au’Lann the Wise, leader of the Yagudo beastmen tribes. There was also Bar’Kaam Unbowed the leader of the Quadav tribes. Finally there was White-eyed Vortok, leader of the Orc tribes, named for his dull white eyes. They stood on the far side of the Ephemere talking amongst themselves and looking about as if they were waiting for someone. Beyond them were a couple of large Quadav of Beadeaux who seemed to be guarding the far side of the Ephemere. Nocturnus and the others avoided the Yagudos and Orcs and made their way to a position where they could hear their conversation.
“As always she makes us wait,” Bar’Kaam Unbowed said angrily as he whetted the blade of his longsword upon a smooth rock.
“Do you believe what she says?” White-eyed Vortok asked as he peered off into the gathering darkness of the approaching night.
“I believe her stories of this new land, for power as hers was not born of ours,” Au’Laan the Wise said tapping his fingers upon his staff, which he used to grow the flames of the fire. There was a moment of silence as a chilled breeze blew over the Ephemere and chased the Coral Crabs from its edges. Broken pieces of grass and fallen leaves leapt from the ground and swirled about the before a dark panel of energy appeared before the three beastmen extinguishing their fire as the breeze turned into a violent wind.
“She has come,” Au’Laan the Wise said shielding his eyes, as a form in a dark cloak emerged from the doorway of darkness floating elegantly over the ground before it settled, and the wind subsided.

 

[Aaleel]

“My apologies,” the form said, as it extended its hand and brought the fire to light once again.
“Mistress Zentris, we once again welcome you to these lands,” Au’Laan the Wise said bowing his head along with the others.
“Why must we always meet outside the safety of our strongholds?” White-Eyed Vortok asked, as the form pulled back the hood of its cloak revealing the gray face of a Mithra, who turned her red eyes to the Orc.
“Because the eyes of too many priests of Elindil inhabit your strongholds, and we can not give them tidings of our plan,” Zentris said angrily, as she looked about the area.
“Not that they can do anything to stop it at this point, for all has transpired in the way that Lord Galroth had hoped and anticipated,” she added.
“I still do not understand the exact method of their presence here,” White-Eyed Vortok said.
“And I do not have time to explain it, for there will be some who sense my breach into this world, and may come to see what darkness has entered this land, which is why we need to be brief as always,” Zentris said.
“I understand, you have my apologies Mistress Zentris,” Orc1 said bowing his head.
“Soon you will join forces to wage war upon the people of this land, and under the leadership of some of our generals, you will easily defeat the people of this land,” Zentris said grinning sinisterly.
“I am ready indeed to finish the job we started many long years ago, and rid this land of those filthy races once and for all,” Bar’Kaam Unbowed said grinning as he continued to whet the blade of his sword.
“Yes for too long they have trespassed against our home in Castle Oztroja, tainting our sacred pools with their presence in their search for their treasure and artifacts,” Au’Laan the Wise said slamming the butt of his staff into the soil.
“It is time they were made to pay,” he added rubbing his hands upon his bead necklace.
“So you have not alerted the any of the inhabited beings within your strongholds to our plan to bring war to this land?” Zentris asked.
“No they follow the rules of their appearance just as you have told us, and we have planned our meetings accordingly,” Au’Laan the Wise said.
“Have you spoken with the leaders of the other beastmen of this land as I asked upon my last visit?” Zentris asked.
“Yes, we have gained the allegiance of at least two other races of beastmen, who are more than ready to punish the people of this land for their transgressions against them,” Bar’Kaam Unbowed said nodding his head.
“Good your attack must be swift, and to their heart,” Zentris said clinching her fist.
“You will bring the war to them in Jeuno, and leave that city in ruins, once it is destroyed the rest of the nations will fall in short order,” Zentris added.
“How do we know that you will keep your word, and give us rule over these lands once the war upon its people is over?” Bar’Kaam Unbowed asked.
“You do not,” Zentris replied turning her burning red eyes towards the orc.
“But do know that I nor anyone else in Theallis desires to live under the restrictions of this land, our only purpose is to destroy those who rule in Elindil and discover the true power of the fountain of light,” she added.
“You are not worried about those of which you spoke, who have traveled from this world to yours?” Au’Laan the Wise asked, but Zentris only began to laugh as her eyes danced with madness.
“Zoron and his sister think that this child is their savior, but he does not know that her actions will bring about his doom, as well as all those in Elindil,” Zentris replied grinning.
“They train her while they keep watch upon our advancing army, which is nothing more than diversion to keep them blind to the happenings in lands they no longer care for,” she added.
Nocturnus edged closer past the Orcs and Yagudo for they could see past his skill of invisibility, and he sought to hear more of the conversation taking place between the forms.
“By the time they discover the danger facing them, it will be too late, and they will not be able to prevent their lands from falling to darkness,” Zentris said laughing madly before she looked in the direction of the three Elite.

 

[Aaleel]

“What is it Mistress Zentris?” Bar’Kaam Unbowed asked.
“We are not alone,” she said cutting her eyes in the direction of Nocturnus, who began to fall back towards the others, but before he could make it to them, there was a flash of light and Zentris appeared before him.
“Well what do we have here?” Zentris said grinning as she stood before Nocturnus.
“I hope that it was worth it to hear our plans for your world, for the cost will be your life,” she added angrily, as her eyes began to dance madly, and the two Orc and Yagudo guards turned and began to walk towards her. Her body began to crackle with energy, as she stretched one of her hands towards Nocturnus, but before she could cast her spell and chakram struck her hand just below the red stone. Zentris turned to the high pitched screech of a whistle and soon there was a rumble upon the ground as the chocobo burst from the trees, slamming through the orcs and yagudo knocking them to the ground. Sanborn and Dantin revealed themselves upon two of the chocobo, and Nocturnus used the distraction to draw an arrow from his quiver.
“Eye of the Eagle, aid me,” Nocturnus yelled, as a golden eagle appeared upon the string of his bow and spread it wings. Zentris turned back to the brilliant golden light and raised her hand just before the eagle leapt from the string and slammed into Zentris sending her tumbling into the air.
“Destroy them,” Bar’Kaam Unbowed yelled pointing his sword, as Au’Laan the Wise and White-Eyed Vortak rushed towards the members of the Elite.
“Power of the shadows bind my enemy,” Nocturnus said, as his arm became blurred in shadow, and threads of darkness rose from the ground and grabbed the two beastmen. Nocturnus slung his bow, and rolled to his right to dodge the strike of one of the Orcs, as the arrows of Sanborn struck one and the shuriken of Dantin the other.
“Come on,” Sanborn yelled, as Nocturnus leapt onto the back of his chocobo, and the three sprang into the cluster of trees seeking to leave the enemy behind them, but as they exploded into the open grass beyond the trees, there was a flash of light and Zentris appeared before them floating above the ground with her cloak flowing behind her in the cool night breeze.
“You cannot defeat me, nor can you escape me,” she said angrily.
“Who is this?” Dantin asked, as he sprinted out ahead of the others and made a line straight towards Zentris.
“Dantin, what are you doing?” Sanborn yelled, as Dantin stood upon his saddle, and leapt into the air towards Zentris.
“Come to your death,” Zentris said grinning as she readied herself.
Four shadows emerged from Dantin and surrounded him just as red flame poured out of the hands of Zentris and shattered one of the images. Dantin turned in the air and hurled his remaining images at Zentris, who vanished and appeared behind the thrown images. Dantin landed back upon his chocobo, and continued on with Sanborn and Nocturnus across the plain.
“You cannot escape me,” Zentris said, as threads of energy leapt from her body, and the symbol of the summoner appeared ahead of them, and from rose the avatar Diablos.
“Take care Elite,” Sanborn yelled, as the avatar readied itself.
Diablos raised his hands above his head, and a sphere of dark energy formed above him, which he hurled towards the three Elite. Sanborn and Dantin avoided the sphere, but it slammed into the ground in front of Nocturnus, and the power of the blast threw him from his chocobo.
“NOC!” Sanborn yelled, as Nocturnus looked up through blurry eyes, and saw Diablos floating in the air as Zentris came upon him.
“I told you that you could not escape me, you will…” Zentris said, but she was interrupted by a large flash or white light, and the very earth around them began to tremble and crack.
“What is happening,” Nocturnus said, as the white light pierced the avatar, which howled in pain. When the light finally cleared Nocturnus was covered in shadow by a large form standing over him, and Diablos was gored by its horn.
“Bloodtear Baldurf,” Sanborn said, surprised by the appearance of the creature.
“Get behind me,” Baldurf said, as Nocturnus crawled underneath the creature until he emerged behind it, where Lumbering Lambert stood along with Dantin and Sanborn who were still upon their chocobo. Zentris dismissed her avatar who vanished upon the horn of the mighty ram, and then she rose into the air looking down upon her enemies as she grinned.
“Zentris, what business do you have in these lands?” Baldurf asked looking up at the powerful Mithra.
“My business is my own priest of Elindil, but now that you have interfered in it I will smite you along with these mortals, for as I am the most powerful mage in all of Theallis, as I am within these feeble lands as well,” she replied she said clinching her fists and pulled them to her chest, as strands of dark energy hopped and bounded over her body.
“It cannot be, she can summon her ultimate beast in this land,” Lambert said, as the dark clouds in the sky began to swirl and intertwine into a large whirlpool.
“Lambert, take them,” Baldurf said, as Lambert nodded his head, and turned to the distance.
“Climb upon me and hold on,” Lambert said to Nocturnus, who used the wool off Lambert’s coat to climb upon him.
“Follow me, time is short,” Lambert said anxiously, before he bolted off into the distance with Sanborn and Dantin following him upon their chocobo. They rumbled over the main road through the plateau, and the Crag of Holla began to rise from the horizon.
“Who was that, she is from Theallis?” Nocturnus asked.
“How do you know of Theallis?” Lambert asked.
“We are friends of Aaleel, we traveled with her into Dynamis to face the Dark Gods,” Nocturnus replied holding on tightly to Lambert.
“You are allies of the Child of the Prophecy?”
“Yes.”
“That is Zentris, she is one of the most powerful beings in all of Theallis, master of all forms of magic,” Lambert said, and he had just finished his words when the still of night was broken by a large crash, and the night air behind them was illuminated by a large explosion of light which shook the ground beneath them even though the battle was far behind them.
“She will bring death to us all if we cannot escape,” Lambert said as the Crag rose fully from ground and they rode swiftly upon it.
“You must use the power of the Crag to travel to another area of your land, for though she may follow you, she cannot call her mightiest weapon again for some time,” Lambert said, as she rode towards the stairs of one of the telepads.
“What is her mightiest weapon?” Nocturnus asked, but before Lambert could answer they heard a mighty roar upon the night air, and they tuned to the sight of a large shadow closing in on them from behind.
“It cannot be, Bahamut,” Nocturnus said, as energy began to grow inside Bahamut’s jaw. Zentris sat upon his back pointing at her enemies ordering her mighty avatar to destroy them.

 

[Aaleel]

Lambert dug his hooves into the ground, and stopped quickly a few feet from the stairs, before he turned to face the approaching avatar.
“Go, all of you, seek safety in the place where the light is the strongest, and the Gods will protect you,” Lambert said, as Nocturnus leapt from the back of Lambert, and climbed the stairs followed by Dantin and Sanborn who had dismounted their chocobo and sent them away. Bahamut opened his enormous jaws and sent forth a stream of flame, which Lambert leapt to meet in the air, trying to shield the Elite from the blast which still knocked them to the ground upon the pad. They were unable to rise under the force of wind created by the passing of the avatar above them.
“Move before Bahamut completes his turn,” Nocturnus said, as the three placed their hands on the crystal and vanished within strands of light. They appeared inside of the Crag, and moved quickly towards the teleport that would send them into the Tu’lia region. They stepped upon the pad, and were sent upwards upon a column of light which left them standing in Ru’Aun Gardens just before the entrance to the Shrine of Ru’Avitau. They ran forward from the entrance point, but before they had even made it to the gates of the Shrine they heard the sound of teleportation again, and Zentris rose into the air above the Gardens in front of the backdrop of an Aurora, signaling light weather within the area. She lowered herself slowly from the air, and floated just above the ground.
“You are out of places to run, and there are no more pathetic priests of Elindil hiding in the shells of lesser forms to protect you,” Zentris said angrily, as she glared at the three with burning red eyes.
“Go ahead witch, smite us with your magic,” Dantin said, as an Aura Pot passed between them, and another behind her.
“Do you think that I fear these Pots and Dolls, they hold no power against me,” Zentris said as she her feet fell softly upon the stone path, and she began to walk towards them. But suddenly there was a large gust of wind from her back, as a large shadow passed above her and the Elite. The form swung around behind the roof of the shrine, and flew back quickly upon them. There was a loud shriek before the form landed heavily upon the roof of the Shrine just above the door.
“Seiryu,” Sanborn said, as the tail of the great wyvern hung to the ground and it spread it folded its wings down over the top of the entrance.
“Zentris, you are bold indeed to come into this place where the power of the light is the strongest in this land,” Seiryu said with its eyes slanted in anger, and its jaw tensed and trembling in anticipation of releasing its radiant breath upon its dark foe.
“Very bold,” they heard as the looked to the tip of the shrine where the shadow of a cat stood in the light of the Aurora above it. There was a loud roar before the tiger bounded down the roof of the shrine and leapt in front of the Elite. Nocturnus looked upon the hide of Byakko, which glowed with a pristine light, as he paced back and forth in front of them.
“She seeks our death for we have heard plans that she has made with the beastmen leaders to bring war to these lands,” Nocturnus said, as Byakko turned to him with confusion all over his face.
“A war on two fronts, the Dark Lord does not have the numbers for such things,” Byakko said turning back to Zentris.
“She said that the army in Theallis was but a diversion,” Nocturnus said.
“What is your plan witch?” Byakko roared at Zentris, who stood steadfast before the two Gods, even as Suzaku began to circle in the sky above them.
“It does not matter, for it is too late for you to stop it,” Zentris said grinning, as she looked up to Suzaku, and then to Byakko.
“You feel that all has been going to plan, the redemption of the Dark Realm, the Child of the Prophecy coming to Theallis, but you do not realize that all these events were expected by Lord Galroth, and all have worked in our favor,” she added, as the fire in her eyes danced madly.
“You are now of the darkness Zentris, and you ways are now deceit and deception, I do not believe one word that you have said,” Byakko said glaring at Zentris, who continued grinning.
“You think that child will be the salvation of you world, but unbeknownst to you, she has set events in motion that will bring its end,” Zentris said clinching her fist and raising it before her.
“She is weak, but she has served her purpose,” she added.
“There are whispers all about Theallis of your battle before the gates of Alvayis, and how this weak child not only defeated your mightiest weapon, but sent you away as well,” Byakko said grinning, and Zentris’ eyes began to burn with rage.
“How embarrassing it must have been, the greatest magician in Theallis, one of the most ancient of us all, defeated by a child new to the Lands of Light,” Seiryu said grinning as well.
“I underestimated her power, but should we meet again, I will be her end, even with the training she is receiving in Elduin,” Zentris said, as the Gods became silent, as concern began to write itself over their faces.
“Yes, we know all, so you can believe me when I say that all has transpired the way we have seen and hoped,” Zentris said slamming her fist into the palm of her hand. “You do not know what darkness approaches, and your City of Light will fall,” she added.
“But no longer can you launch a surprise attack on this land, for once the word of your impending attack is spread about Vana’diel, all corners of this land will stand ready to repel you,” Nocturnus said.
“Your nations have trespassed against every race of beastmen of this land in your pursuit of weapons that would grant you more power, so once the wave of retribution begins to wash over this land, there will be nothing you can do to stop it,” Zentris said, as her frozen stare cut through Nocturnus.
“This world like Theallis will fall to darkness, you cannot stop it,” she added, before she rose high into the air above.
“Doom is upon you all, and I will let you live in fear as you work your feeble minds in an attempt to determine the day and hour of you defeat,” she said as she lifted her hands and vanished in a sphere of dark energy.
“Are her words true?” Byakko asked of Nocturnus.
“I overheard her meeting with the leaders of the Quadav, Yagudo and Orc nations, and they spoke of having the allegiance of two other nations of beastmen,” Nocturnus replied.
“You must speak with the leaders of your people, and prepare for their attack,” Byakko said.
“They will seek to deceive you and use diversion so you must be prepared for all angles of attack upon you,” Seiryu said.
“We still do not know what link this attack has on the situation in Theallis, nor do we know why they would have wished the Dark Realm redeemed and path to Theallis opened so that the Child of the Prophecy may come to the Lands of Light,” Byakko said.
“You believed her?” Nocturnus asked, and Byakko nodded his head.
“It also seems that the Dark Lord has more knowledge of the Child of Prophecy than foresight would allow him, I fear that there is a traitor in the Elindil” Seiryu said, looking to Byakko who nodded his head.
“Yes, we must return to Theallis and speak with Lord Zoron,” Byakko said.
“We must warn our nation of the intentions of the Dark Lord as soon as possible,” Nocturnus said.
“Yes, I will return you to your home nation, come close to me,” Byakko said, as the three Elite drew near the Great Cat, who began to cast a spell of teleportation, and soon they all vanished in strands of white light.

 

[Aaleel]

I know this chapter is a little unrealistic, because Byakko would have gotten attacked by 50 ppl before he got to the scene lol

But I gotta keep the story going,

 

[Aaleel]

Chapter XVI – War on the Horizon

Nocturnus looked over the rail of the airship, as the sky breeze blew over his face, and the sun rose over the eastern horizon. It had been one day since the events in La’Theine and Ru’Aun Gardens, but Nocturnus for one moment had not stopped thinking about the power of the being they faced, and he worried for the safety of his fellow Elite in the unseen lands of Theallis. He also wondered just how much power was to be discovered in those lands if Aaleel had become powerful enough to defeat the one who had come to be known to them as Zentris.
“Worrying about the other will not help them to accomplish their task any faster Noc,” Dantin said, as he walked up behind Nocturnus.
“Nor will it help us defeat the darkness that approaches these lands,” he added.
“Five beastmen nations, perhaps more preparing to move against the people of Vana’diel under the control of those more powerful than any of us who remain here,” Nocturnus said somberly.
“You do not think we can win?” Dantin asked.
“As long as there is courage, there is hope that we will not fall to the darkness as our ancestors did during the Crystal War,” Nocturnus said.
“It is hard to believe,” Dantin said shaking his head, before he looked out over the rail of the ship as well.
“We have read about the times of the Crystal War in books, and heard about them in tales, but never did we think that we would face a darkness more dangerous than any that threatened our ancestors,” Dantin said.
“We have face many tests and trials to come to this place in time, more than all others in this land, and now we stand in two lands trying to defend them both and perhaps right our own tale for those who will follow us,” Nocturnus said, as Dantin looked to him and nodded his head.
They looked to the distance where they saw the Port of the Grand Duchy of Jeuno rising upon the horizon in the light of the glorious morning sunrise. They held onto the rail as the airship splashed down onto the water, and glided smoothly across the rolling blue surface. They pulled into the port, and the two Elite made their way down from the deck of the ship to the dock, where they saw the Bastokan Ambassador Goggehn waiting for them.
“Greetings Ambassador,” Nocturnus said bowing his head.
“Welcome to Jeuno Elite, time is short, we must head to the palace,” Goggehn said anxiously as he turned and began to make his way over the stone walkway of the docks. They made their way into Port Jeuno, and moved quickly to the stairs, which they climbed until the reached the white walkways, and arched bridges of Ru’Lude Gardens. They made their way to the Grand Palace in the distance, where knights of Jeuno greeted them, and rushed them up the large center staircase, and walked around the hall to one of the meeting rooms. They greeted the guards who opened the door to the room where a large smooth wooden table set beneath a large chandelier circled in orange flame. Esha’ntarl the steward the Jeuno sat at the head of the table before the fire, and to her right sat Tianna and Elmis representatives from the Guild of Emerald Knights, and to her left Caaeia and Veresko from the guild of Rawr.
“Welcome to Jeuno Elite, we have been expecting you,” Esha’ntarl said rising from the table and bowing her head.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, it is good to see all of you,” Nocturnus said, as the guards closed the doors behind them, and the two Elite took seats at the end of the table.
“Your message to Goggehn was an ominous as it was urgent, the news you bring to this table must be grave indeed,” Esha’ntarl said looking down over the table towards the Elite.
“It is that and more,” Dantin said somberly.
“President Naji has already sent tidings to Jeuno of the portal that has appeared upon the Crag of Holla, as well as the reasons behind why the gateway to Dynamis is no longer accessible,” Esha’ntarl said.
“It is deeper than that, for many of our guild have traveled through that portal seeking the means and opportunity to stop this threat at its source,” Nocturnus said.
“Perhaps you should start at the beginning so that we may all know the events that have brought us to present circumstance,” Elmis said, setting his gauntlets upon the table and interlocking his fingers.
Nocturnus settled back into the cushions of his chair, and began to tell the story as he knew it from the moment Aaleel returned from Lu’Faise Meadows with tidings of her meeting with Yuriel. Disbelief grew across the faces of the representatives from the other guilds as Nocturnus told them of Theallis and their travels to the area of the Dark Realm never before walked by anyone in Vana’diel. Nocturnus went on to tell them about the Elites’ battles with the Dark Gods, and their return to the lands of Vana’diel. There was a somber silence about the room as Nocturnus told them of Aaleel’s experience in the Far East, and finally the events within La-Theine Plateau, and Ru’Aun Gardens when they were pursued by Zentris. Nocturnus sighed heavily after finishing his story, and he looked about the table at faces full of uncertainty and disbelief.
“Why did you not accompany Aaleel to Theallis with the rest?” Caaeia asked.
“After the Dark Lord’s attack on Aaleel’s temple in the Far East, we knew that he possessed the power to bring war to these lands, so some of us remained to help prepare the lands defense should such time arise,” Nocturnus replied dropping his head and shaking it.
“We just did not think that it would be the beastmen that we would be defending our lands from,” he added.
“It seems this Galroth will use them to wipe us from this land,” Esha’ntarl said before she sighed and looked down at the table for a moment before she raised her eyes back to Nocturnus.
“But that still does not answer the question of what the Dark Lord hopes to gain from our demise here, for by what you have told us, they would not wish to rule this land,” she added.
“We do not know that, but by the way Zentris spoke, they have some purpose in doing so that will aid them in their fight for control of Elindil,” Nocturnus said.
“Can we expect any help from anyone in Theallis?” Veresko asked.
“I am sorry, but by the words of the priests who inhabited the Gods of Tu’lia, I am sure that those in Elindil will seek to keep their forces in Theallis until they have more knowledge of the Dark Lord’s plan,” Nocturnus replied.
“I figured as much,” Veresko replied.
“It seems that we must seek to discover just which beastmen have fallen in league with this Zentris,” Caaeia said.
“We know for sure that the Quadav, Yagudo, and Orc nations have fallen in league for sure,” Tianna said leaning onto the table.
“I would assume that the others who are near enough to strike Jeuno quickly would be the Goblins of Movalpolos and the Gigas of Delkfutt’s Tower,” Caaeia said.
“I do not know that to be true Caaeia, for the priests of Elindil warned us that the powers of darkness would seek to use diversion when coming at us, so I would think that what is obvious to us may not be what actually transpires when the forces of the Dark Lord attack,” Nocturnus said.
“The identity of the beastmen nations that come are not our primary focus; the defense of these lands and this city no matter what the face of our enemy is,” Esha’ntarl said before she rose from her chair, and walked over to gaze upon the fire.
“I feel it prudent that your guilds aid in the defense of Jeuno, and that you would lead the forces of this city against attack,” she added folding her arms behind her back
“We will make sure that our scouts keep close eye on all the lands leading into Jeuno and the three nations,” Nocturnus said.
“It may be prudent for our guilds to focus our energy onto one area leading into Jeuno and see to its defense,” Tianna said.
“The Emerald Knights will watch the road from San d’Oria to Jeuno, and defend the gates of the city in Batallia Downs should the attack come there,” she added looking over Elmis.
“Rawr will watch the road from Windurst to Jeuno, and lead the defense at the gates of Sauromugue Champaign should the enemy seek to invade from those hard lands,” Caaeia said.
“Take Scwall and Galiant, and keep watch over those lands at all times,” Caaeia said to Veresko, who nodded his head.
“I guess that the Bastokan Elite will watch the lands from our city to the gates of Lower Jeuno in Rolanberry Fields,” Nocturnus said.
“It is settled then,” Esha’ntarl said turning from the fire and looking upon all of them.
“Coordinate with the knights of Jeuno and be prepared for anything,” she added, as the warriors rose from their chairs and bowed their heads to Esha’ntarl before they exited the room.
“Go and speak with the commanders of the knights of this city and tell them of what was discussed in our meeting with Esha’ntarl,” Nocturnus said to Dantin, as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
“Also see if you can get word to Unphazed, for we may need the aid of those in the Far East if all are to survive,” he added.
“I will go back to Bastok and tell the Elite,” he added, as Dantin nodded his head, and walked around the side of the stairs. Nocturnus stood at the bottom of the stairs for a moment before he returned to Port Jeuno to wait for the arrival of the airship that would take him back to Bastok.

 

[Aaleel]

It seemed to Nocturnus that the return trip to Bastok was longer than the one that took him to the gates of the central city of the land. His thoughts drifted back and forth from his duties to the lands he has walked his entire life, and the fate of his friends in lands never before seen by his eyes. He wondered if they were finding success in their quest, and if so would the lands of Vana’diel still stand for them to return to once that had completed it. He braced himself for landing as the airship glided down upon the waters of Port Bastok underneath the rays of sunlight beaming down, as the sun had reached its apex in the sky and readied itself to make its descent into the second half of the day. Nocturnus walked quickly through the customs area and made his way to the Bastok Markets until the sight of the Guild of the Bastokan Elite came into his sight. Spellbroker stood outside the door awaiting his return, along with Tenkax.
“Welcome back Noc,” Spellbroker said.
“There is much we must discuss, gather the Elite to the meeting room,” Nocturnus said sternly.
“There is something that we must tell you Noc,” Tenkax said,
“It can wait until we are gathered,” Nocturnus replied, as he pulled open the doors to the guild and made his way to the meeting room to find the words he would tell the other once they were gathered. He pushed open the doors of the meeting room and there he saw a form sitting upon one of the chairs clad totally in the artifact armor of Dark Knights. There was a large scythe leaned against the chair next to him, and helmet setting upon the table.
“Well if it isn’t the sad turnip,” Nocturnus said looking at the man
“We tried to tell you Noc, Sorrowfulturnip has returned,” Spellbroker said apologetically.
“I heard whispers of new darkness facing this city and that the Guild of the Bastokan Elite was directly intertwined in the fate of Vana’diel,” Sorrowfulturnip said rising from his seat.
“So I returned to the guild I loved so to see if you would require the aid of a Dark Knight long removed from such things, but still holds the desire to defend his lands,” he added sincerely.
“The last time any of us spoke to you, you said that you no longer had a thirst or a desire for fighting,” Nocturnus said, as Sorrowfulturnip looked to the floor, and sighed heavily.
“That was last time any of us laid eyes upon you,” he added.
“There was nothing more to fight for, other than fighting,” Sorrowfulturnip replied raising his eyes to Nocturnus, full of conviction and desire.
“But now there is reason, there are places and people to fight for, and I wish to help you defend these lands from whatever darkness may fall upon them,” he said nobly, as Nocturnus looked upon him for a moment, and there was silence about the room until Nocturnus stepped towards Sorrowfulturnip.
“Then it would be an honor to fight alongside you as we did in past days for all will be needed to stem the flow of darkness over these lands,” Nocturnus said as he extended his hand and shook with Sorrowfulturnip.
“So where are the others?” Sorrowfulturnip asked.
“Can you two go and gather the rest of the Elite while I tell Sorrow of the deeds that have lead us to this point?” Nocturnus said, as Tenkax and Spellbroker nodded their heads and turned to exit the room.
“And also,” Nocturnus said giving Tenkax and Spellbroker pause in their steps.
“See if you can find Sorrow armor and weapons worthy of the threat that looms, his shows the age of which it was last used,” Nocturnus added as the two left the room. He removed his quiver and bow, and leaned them against one of the chairs as he sat in another.
“Perhaps you should sit back down, for there is much that I must tell you,” Nocturnus said as Sorrowfulturnip sat down, and Nocturnus began to tell him of the events that have lead the Elite and the land to current circumstance.

 

[Aaleel]

Probably should have just thrown this on the end of the last chapter, my apologies for the short update.

 

[Aaleel]

Chapter XVI – Anulis the City of the Moogles

“Purify your spirit, for true power comes from peace,” Aaleel said as she landed softly upon the bough of a tree, and watched as two small leaves broke softly from the hold of a firm bough, and glided softly towards the ground. She shook her head, and leapt from the bough landing upon the next, which barely moved, as it held firm to its leaves and blossoms.
“Focus your mind, for true knowledge comes from seeking wisdom,” Aaleel said as she sprang from the bough and continued to leap through the boughs of the majestic trees of the Forest of La’Til. She leapt from a bough and symbols of the ancient lands surround her body before five images or pure light appeared around her, all landing upon the bough and standing beside her. Se leapt from the bough, and used the skill of Sange to throw the images towards the bole of the next tree, but she drew the images back to her just before they reached the soft skin of the tree. She looked down the floor of the forest and saw the white and blue hide of the tigers native to the forest of La’Til. She was still surprised at the sight of more than one Byakko roaming freely about the forest, and she thought back to the day she was told of the first steps of destiny that would lead her to present circumstance. She was at first wary of the great cats due to the attack upon her in LuFaise Meadows, but she found that is was only one whose mind had fallen to darkness like so many others in the realm. She did not know how the fiend had found her in the meadows, nor did she know how the Dark Lord had seemed to know her every step in the lands of her birth, as well as the new lands of Theallis. She did not want to believe that someone in the Elindil could be betraying her, but there was no other explanation. Finally she shook her head and returned her mind to her training, and continued to leap across the boughs as the tiger ran beneath her upon the ground. She pressed upon the bough, and sprang into the air falling quickly through the gaps in the foliage until she called upon the power of Huton: Shi, and currents of air swirled softly around her carrying her softly down the floor of the forest.
“You have learned much in your time in the temple Aaleel,” the tiger said, as Aaleel rose slowly from her knee, and turned to the tiger.
“I just hope I have learned enough Baldrigg,” Aaleel said.
“It is true that the war looms on the horizon, but it seems that the Dark Lord does not yet have the strength of arms to defeat the City of Light, and that is why he has not attacked,” Baldrigg said.
“I do not know Baldrigg, I have had dark dreams during my time here, and always I see the face of the Dark Lord,” Aaleel said shaking her head.
“Something hides in the darkness of the far lands, and I feel the threat to Elindil is already here,” she added.
“Maybe the princess will have tidings for you when she returns from Elindil to check upon your progress once again,” Baldrigg said.
“She has been as much a friend as she has been a mentor,” Aaleel said, as she looked into the distance of the forest.
“Care for another run through the forest?” Aaleel asked, as Baldrigg nodded his head, and the two bolted off into the forest running in and betwixt the boles of the trees before they reached the edge of the forest.
“I thank you for training with me this morn,” Aaleel said, as Baldrigg nodded his head.
“Fare thee well Aaleel,” Baldrigg said before he turned and leapt back into the forest. Aaleel walked slowly over the soft grass until it gave way to the white sands of the beach, and she ran along the edge of the water until she came upon the wooden rafts she had trained many days upon. She leapt upon the raft and balanced herself before she closed her eyes, and called upon the power of Suiton: Shi, and soon a large wave began to form in the water and rush towards the shore. Aaleel held out her hand and focused her mind, and chards of light formed in her and drew together into shuriken, which she hurled at the oncoming wave. They left large circular gaps in the wave as they passed through it causing the wave to unravel and fall softly back into the water of the lake.
“It is as I thought, there is nothing more you can learn in this temple,” Aaleel heard the voice of Master Cairis, before she turned to the beach and smiled at the sight of Master Cairis walking down the beach along with Yuriel. Aaleel leapt back to the beach, and bowed her head as she came upon the two.
“I thank you for your kind words Master Cairis, you have taught me much since I have been here,” Aaleel said sincerely.
“I am pleased that you have learned so much in your time here, but I am also saddened by the fact that all you need now is to keep up your training, and you no longer need to remain in the temple to do so,” Cairis said sadly.
“I know that you will miss the quiet serenity of this forest Aaleel, but the time has come for you to leave,” Yuriel said.
“There is a true peace within the trees of this forest, but it has not helped me to find peaceful rest, for my dreams and thoughts are filled with visions of the Dark Lord,” Aaleel said as Yuriel looked at her strangely.
“You have seen visions of the Dark Lord?” Cairis asked.
“Yes, the longer I have remained here, the clearer the visions become,” Aaleel said nodding her head.
“I have seen visions of him speaking with Zentris and others, as well as standing before his army,” she added.
“It seems that in learning to focus your mind in this place of serenity your power of foresight has finally begun to grow,” Cairis said, as Yuriel continued to look upon her strangely.
“What is it Yuriel, why do you look at me so?” Aaleel asked.
“It is nothing Aaleel, I am only trying to discover the reason why you would start having such visions now,” she replied.
“These are not the first time I have had such visions, for I had the first the day I entered the Dark Realm for the first time,” Aaleel said.
“I see,” Yuriel said strangely, and she spoke no other words.
“Does your presence here and Master Cairis’ words mean that I may finally seek the city of the fairies?” Aaleel asked, as Yuriel nodded her head and smiled.
“Yes that is why I have come, to take you to the city of Anulis,” Yuriel said smiling.
“How far is the city of the fairies from the temple?” Aaleel asked excitedly.
“Anulis lies deep within the Mountains of Cal’roc,” Yuriel replied.
“But first I have a surprise for you within the temple,” Yuriel said as she turned and beckoned Aaleel to follow her and Master Cairis back into the temple.

 

[Aaleel]

They walked through glass door and under the arch of braided wood onto the smooth floor of the temple, and followed the hallway back to the library. Aaleel was filled with happiness that she had not felt since before her quest started, as she saw the other members of the Elite standing within the library looking upon the many books and scrolls. They were all clad in armor and linens of the new land, but many had chosen to keep the weapons they had used for much of their warrior lives.
“Aaleel!!” Kerowynn yelled as she ran over and hugged Aaleel.
“I have missed all of you,” Aaleel said.
“We have missed you too,” Kahlann said smiling.
“How was your training, I hoped you have learned as much as I have?” Aaleel asked.
“I doubt that very much Aaleel, for we are not able to read the scrolls that unlock the most powerful of skills as you are,” Duncanrun said.
“Yeah, Miya is still upset that she could not learn Hurricane,” Kerowynn said smiling as she looked over to one of the tables where Miyatsumi sat silently.
“She has been sulking ever since we left the school,” Bluewind said smiling.
“Where you able to learn anything?” Aaleel asked.
“Yes,” Kerowynn said, as she closed her eyes and lines of focus began to etch themselves upon her face. Her jaw tightened, and her fists clinched as her body began to become transparent, before she vanished and appeared on the other side of Aaleel.
“That is it,” Aaleel said laughing.
“It is not as easy as it looks,” Kerowynn said pouting and looking at the floor.
“Neither is this,” Kahlann said dropping her hands and opening her palms to the floors, as strands of black hair began to rise from her shoulders, and the bottom of her tunic rose slightly. Aaleel smiled as Kahlann’s feet rose slightly from the floor until her head rested a foot or two above hers. Kahlann floated above the floor for a few moments before she slowly lowered back down, and settled her feet upon the floor.
“They will learn to better harness these powers in time, but great power does not come without many years of study to those not born within these lands,” Yuriel said.
“But I have heard that it has come quickly to you Aaleel.” Aaleel looked past the elite to the entrance of the library where Galdin-Wan stood along with Kya and Alamis.
“It is good to see you again, and I thank you all for keeping eye over my friends,” Aaleel said sincerely as she walked over and bowed her head to the three.
“Are you feeling well Galdin-Wan, your face is pale?” Aaleel asked with concerned voice.
“I am well Aaleel, but I thank you for your concern,” Galdin-Wan said, as Aaleel turned back to the others and noticed saw Yuriel talking with Master Cairis, as she looked upon her with the same strange look she had upon the beach.
“Aaleel,” Claudhert said loudly to snap Aaleel out of her focus on Master Cairis and Yuriel.
“What is it Claud?”
“We learned much of combat within Valin’grel, I cannot wait to show the others what we have learned here,” Claudhert said.
“I miss them, I wish I knew how they are doing,” Aaleel said.
“Of that I have some knowledge,” Yuriel said stepping in front of Master Cairis.
“Have you spoken with them?” Aaleel asked.
“No, but the day before last two of the priests who inhabit the Gods in Ru’Aun Gardens gave tidings of things that have transpired in Vana’diel involving those of your company that you left behind,” Yuriel said.
“Are they well?” Aaleel asked anxiously with much concern in her voice.
“It seems that Zentris entered the lands to set in motion dark deeds that may bring darkness to your land as well,” Yuriel replied.
“What is she planning,” Duncanrun asked as he stepped beside Aaleel, who focused intently on Yuriel.
“It seems that the Dark Lord Galroth sent Zentris into Vana’diel to strike a deal with the head of the beastmen nations to have the commanders of the Dark Lord lead the beastmen to wage war upon the people of the land,” Yuriel replied, as silence and anxiety mixed with concern throughout the whole of the Elite that stood in the library.
“I do not understand, what does the Galroth have to gain with such an exercise?” Aaleel asked shaking her head.
“We do not know, there is no sense in this move by the Dark Lord,” Yuriel replied.
“How does this news involve the Elite?” Duncanrun asked.
“It seems while some of your rangers were scouting the lands around the portal to this world, they stumbled upon a meeting with Zentris and the leaders of the Yagudo, Quadav, and Orc nations,” Yuriel replied placing her hand on her chin.
“Zentris discovered their presence and sought to silence them so that they could not reveal what they had learned to any others, but with the aid of some of the priests of Elindil they were able to make their way to Ru’Aun Gardens where Zentris was forced to withdraw in the face of the power of the Sky Gods,” she added.
“You do not have any idea what Galroth is planning?” Nikoloi asked.
“We do not know, but Zentris was also heard saying that the armies massing on the borders of the protected lands are nothing but a diversion to keep the eyes of Elindil from discovering their plans,” Yuriel replied.

 

[Aaleel]

“Zentris was also said to have spoken words that the Dark Lord had counted on and wished you to fulfill your task in the Dark Realm, and reopen the gates between our lands,” she added.
“Then is seems that maybe the Dark Lord does have plans for both our lands,” Nikoloi said.
“Now all we must do is find out what they are,” Claudhert said.
“Only time will tell such things, and it is time that we cannot give him,” Yuriel said, as Alamis nodded his head.
“We must move against his forces and take the fight to the Dark Lord before he can accomplish whatever it is he is planning,” Alamis said.
“I agree,” Yuriel, said walking over to Galdin-Wan, Alamis and Kya.
“Kya, return to Elindil and see that our forces are made ready to depart as soon as I return,” Yuriel said before she turned to Alamis.
“Return Alvayis and have Delmier ready our forces there,” she said as both nodded their heads and made their way out of the library in haste.
Yuriel turned and looked to Aaleel for moment before she turned back to Galdin-Wan and placed her hand upon his shoulder.
“Can I trust you to take our forces to Toris-Undur,” Yuriel said, which caused Galdin-Wan to look at her strangely. He began to say something, but he was quickly told by Yuriel to follow her instructions.
“It will be done princess,” Galdin-Wan said as he turned to leave the library as well, but he was stopped by Yuriel, who wished to tell him one more thing. She walked over to and spoke to him softly, before he looked to the Elite and nodded his head.
“There is one more thing Aaleel,” Yuriel said as the Elite became silent.
“Zentris also knew of your training here in the temple, as the Dark Lord has seemingly known all of your movements since you left the Dark Realm,” she said, as Aaleel began to shake her head.
“The Far East, Alvayis, now here in Elduin,” Aaleel said sighing, as she continued to shake her head.
“Do you think that there is a traitor in Elindil?” Duncanrun asked.
“I have my suspicions as to who the betrayer is, and I have set things in motion that will soon tell me if I am correct,” Yuriel said.
“The sooner we find out who it is the better, for none of us are safe as long as the Dark Lord is given knowledge of our movements,” Aaleel said.
“Come we must make for the city of Anulis in much haste, so that we may return to Elindil as soon a possible to prepare for our assault upon the Galroth,” Yuriel said returning to the presence of the Elite.
“What about our friends in Vana’diel?” Kerowynn asked.
“They have their duty to see to the protection of their lands, just as you have your duty to see through the task that has brought you to these lands,” Yuriel replied.
“Now come,” she added, as she turned to leave the library, but the Elite did not follow her, instead they lingered in the library lost in the thoughts of their friends’ wellbeing in their old lands.
“COME!” Yuriel said sternly as her eyes slanted into glowing white slits, before she looked upon the faces of the Elite. She sighed loudly before her eyes widened and the tension fell from her face.
“I hope that you do not think me uncaring but for many years I have put my personal feelings aside to ensure the safety of these lands. There is only one way that you can ensure the safety of those you care for and the safety of all in Vana’diel, and that is to ensure victory here so that the threat of the Dark Lord may not hang over either of our lands,” Yuriel said with her eyes jumping across all the Elite.
“Come let us go head to Anulis, and then return to Elindil to prepare for the end of our journey so that we may return to our friends in Vana’diel,” Aaleel said turning and looking at the Elite, who nodded their heads and were filled with renewed vigor. Yuriel nodded her head to Aaleel, and then turned to leave the library. They made their way outside the temple into the soft strands of sunlight filtering down from the ceiling of boughs. They make their way quickly to the stables where chocobo of all colors are waiting along with the two white chocobo Nyfel and Wysel.
“Follow me,” Yuriel said as she mounted her chocobo, and waited a few moments to allow the Elite to mount theirs before she bolted off into the distance around the back of the temple. They jumped over a small line of brush onto the main trail, and Aaleel smiled as she saw Baldrigg running beside the path.
“Farewell my friend, I shall see you again once the darkness is no longer a threat to these lands,” Aaleel said, as Baldrigg leapt upon the path behind them, and roared loudly as he grew small in the distance, and finally vanished over the hill.
“Was that Byakko?” Kerowynn asked, as she looked backwards.
“Yes, the great cats inhabit this forest and others in Theallis,” Aaleel said as she smiled.
“That was Baldrigg, and he was a great friend during my training,” she added.
“The great birds in the likeness of Suzaku inhabit the Mountains of Baylith,” Kahlann said.
“It was strange at first to see them in the skies every morning,” Duncanrun said.
“I wonder where those with the likeness of Seiryu and Genbu live,” Nikoloi said, as Yuriel turned and looked back at them.
“The great turtles live upon the shores of the Isle of Mazen’rith far into the waters of the Ocean of Saring’well, where few ever travel,” Yuriel said.
“The great Wyverns inhabit the Valley of the Wyrms, which separate the lands still filled with the essence of the light from the dead lands in which Galroth has made his stronghold,” she added. Her eyes became filled with sadness as she told them of the lands that were once long ago filled with light, but now all that remained was withered grass, cracked boles, broken boughs, and dry riverbeds and lakes, all tainted and destroyed by the presence of the Dark Lord Galroth. A tear crept from her eye, and jumped from her cheek onto the soft wind blowing down the path.

 

[Aaleel]

She looked ahead down the path to an opening in the ceiling of boughs, and motioned for the others to follow as she snapped Wysel’s reins and the chocobo leapt from the ground, followed by the others and passed through the opening into the brilliant late sky, which was beginning to show colors of dusk, which painted the clouds in many colors. They climbed high into the air to clear the peaks of the southern hills, where they flew above a rolling blue river, which winded and curved through a forest of red leafed trees.
“It looks as if the forest is on fire,” Kahlann said, as they continued following the river until the entered a large valley of rolling green vales and all colors of wildflowers. The began to see the shadows of large mountains in the distance as they continued to follow the river until it lead them to a large lake at the base of the mountains, resting before a small forest of trees, which climbed slightly up the slopes of the mountains.
“We have reached the Cal’roc Mountains,” Yuriel said, as she climbed higher into the air to clear the face of the initial hills into a small canyon like area which lead to a wall of shear cliffs which climbed high into the mist above them and became shadows. Yuriel landed Wysel upon just before the wall, and waited for all of the Elite to gather around her.
“The chocobo cannot fly high enough to clear these walls, in fact no creature can,” she said, as she turned to the left and motioned for the other to follow.
“We must go the rest of the way upon the ground,” she added, as the chocobo proceeded slowly along the face of the wall until the came to a narrow crevice that spilt the wall slightly. Yuriel looked up into the gathering darkness of late day before she jumped into the shadowy crevice, but the others sat hesitantly at the edge until Aaleel leapt in also. Nyfel spread his wings and glided softly to the ground, where he settled beside Wysel. Aaleel looked up and smiled as she saw the rest of the Elite floating from the darkness overhead, and settling beside her. Yuriel waited until the last of the Elite had landed before she they began to ride towards the sliver of light in the distance of the crevice. Yuriel rode quickly in the faint light until they reached the end of the crevice and the chocobo leapt into the light on the a steep slope, and slid down into a small narrow valley, which looked out of place in the high slopes of the mountains. There was a small pond, surround by trees with leaves and blossoms of all colors setting within a sea of blooming flowers all in the same rainbow of colors. There were many tiny waterfalls flowing from the high walls, and feeding the pond, which had a small river flowing away from the pond into the distance. There were bulbs upon boughs and within plants that glowed with white light, illuminating the valley even in the darkness that had fallen upon the mountains.
“This place is extraordinary,” Miyatsumi said, as she looked to her left where a white dear with golden horns leapt from the shadows of the bole of one of the trees and disappeared behind another.
“It is like a world of its own here in the mountains,” Aaleel said, as she smiled and looked about.
“Come, but proceed slowly, there are many small animals that inhabit this valley,” Yuriel said as she walked Wysel slowly down the hill onto a small path through the valley. They followed along the curve of the pond, crossing natural bridges over the small streams of water flowing from the waterfalls into the pond. A small deer hopped upon the path and stood before the company, and for a moment there was silence before the deer began to shine, and was encased in a sphere of white light.
“What is happening to it?” Aaleel asked.
“I am showing myself to you in the form in which you know me,” they heard from the sphere before the light subsided and a small form floated in the air.
“A moogle,” Aaleel said smiling.
“I am Ga’lig,” the moogle said with its wings flapping quickly behind it.
“Welcome princess, what brings you to the borders of Anulis this day?” Ga’lig asked.
“I have someone I wish to see the Oracle,” Yuriel said, as a concerned look grew upon the face of Ga’lig.
“To Oracle has seen the arrival of the Child of the Prophecy to Theallis, but she has not spoken of such things since,” Ga’lig said.
“We would like to see her as soon as possible,” Yuriel said
“The hour of the day has grown late my princess, and the Oracle will have gone to rest for the night,” Ga’lig said.
“Then we wish to see her with the first morning light,” Yuriel said, as Ga’lig floated before her and bowed its head.
“Come we shall seek the gates of Anulis,’ Ga’lig said, as it floated out in front of the part, which walked slowly behind it upon their chocobo. They followed Ga’lig along the small river until it ended in a waterfall that dropped of in the darkness below.

 

[Aaleel]

“Where is the city?” Kerowynn asked.
“Be patient,” Yuriel said as Ga’lig began to glow brightly, before the moogle darted out over the cliff into the darkness with trails of light streaming from its wings creating rails of light through the sky, as a tiles of light appeared one at a time creating a bridge that ended at gate of light which formed in the distance. Walls came to light and circled out to both sides as buildings began to appear behind them.
“The City of the Fairies Anulis,” Yuriel said, as she dismounted her chocobo.
“Leave the chocobo here, I have found that they frolicking in this valley,” Yuriel said smiling, as the rest of the Elite dismounted their chocobo and stood behind Yuriel, who began to walk out onto the bridge of light leading to the city. Aaleel looked over the rail as they walked but there was nothing but mist and darkness even in the light of the city. They reached end of the bridge where there were white marble doors trimmed in gold, with a blue symbol in its center. A stream of light split the doors, which began to open before them, to reveal a large fountain in the center of a courtyard, before a set of marble stairs. There were statues in all four corners of the courtyard, one for both Yuriel and Zoron, and the others their parents. They stepped through the gates, followed by Ga’lig, who became engulfed in light, which momentarily blinded the company.
“What is happening to Ga’lig?” Aaleel asked concerned, but as they returned their eyes to the light, it had taken new forms before them. Ga’lig was tall and slender, taller than all in the company save Yuriel. His face shined with a radiant light creating an aura around him. His hair was long and white, and hung down between two golden wings that extended from the backs. He was clad in thin white armor, with golden grips and guards upon his weapons. He held a sword in one hand and a golden shield in the other.
“This is our true form,” Ga’lig said looking upon the company, who stood in awe.
“It has been some time since the Princess of Light has visited Anulis,” they heard a voice say from a distance.
“Look,” Aaleel said as she pointed to the top of the stairs where many forms had appeared.
“We thank Ga’lig one of our most trusted guardians for bringing you here to us,” the voice said, as they began to climb the stairs, where they came upon two forms, who were robed in finely tailored linens of white and silver, flanked by others who were robed in various other colors. All of their faces were fair, and their hair white and flowing long from their heads, with the women’s falling close to the floor, and the men’s onto their shoulders. They stepped slowly towards the company with their wings drawn tightly to their backs, as they created a circle around them.
“Welcome to Anulis, I am Elonsil, queen of the fairies, and this is Valisar, our king, we welcome you to our city,” the fairy said as she smiled upon the princess.
“Ah, the Princess Yuriel, you have your mother’s eyes,” she said as she brushed her finger down Lilanna’s cheek.
“But I can see in them that something of grave importance has brought you here,” Elonsil added as she looked upon Yuriel with a concerned looked.
“I have brought Aaleel the Child of the Prophecy to meet the Oracle,” Yuriel said, as all of the fairies looked upon Aaleel.
“You wish to know what the future holds for you?” Elonsil asked, but Aaleel shook her head.
“I wish to know things of my past,” Aaleel said lowering her head.
“Things of your father?” Elonsil asked and Aaleel nodded her head.
“I wish to know the circumstances that left me without either of my parents, and once such things are known, I may put them behind me and do what must be done by defeating the Dark Lord so that he may never threaten any of our lands ever again,” Aaleel said raising her eyes and looking at Elonsil.
“You have a strong will, and much courage.” Elonsil said, as she smiled.
“I am sure that the Oracle can tell you such things,” she added.
“Then we must see her,” Aaleel said.
“Be patient Aaleel, you shall receive the information you seek, but first you must rest, for the journey here has been long, and the hour has grown late.” Elonsil said, as she turned, and started towards the city.
“Come the hour is late, and you shall rest,” she added, as she beckoned the company to follow. They ascended another short set of stairs flanked by the company of fairies who arrived with the king and queen, and upon the arrival at the top of the staircase, they stood silent, lost in the magnificence of the city. There were great towers, and finely crafted building about the city, which was crafted of white marble, with stone rails lining the sides of the many arched passages. The city was divided into the many groups of buildings connected by smoked crystal bridges that passed over the open air beneath the city.
“So are all these fairies charged with watching over someone in one of the realms?” Duncanrun asked, as they passed over one of the bridges and watched the shadow of a bird pass beneath it.
“Not all for some die in battle or from the passing of time, and others are charged with the protection of this city,” Elonsil replied, as they continued through the city.
“We exist only to record the events of the world and allow all to know things past, so they may dwell upon how their deeds may affect the future,” She added.
“Do many people visit this city?” Aaleel asked.
“I past days before the great war there were many who visited this city in hopes of discovering the facts of their past, but once the portal between our worlds was closed, those who have learned what they wished do not return, and there have been no new visitors to our land to take their place,” Elonsil said with sadness in her voice.
“And with no visitors to our city, the lives of our people have become an immortality of loneliness, save the visits by the Princess and Grand High Priest Zoron.”
“We were created from the power of the light itself, but we were not created without feeling or emotion.” Valisar said.
“Perhaps one day, when the trials of this journey are over and the threat of the dark one has passed, you may be able to return things to what they once were, and there will be many who seek your city once again,” Aaleel said.
“Perhaps,” Elonsil said, as she smiled upon the Aaleel.
“What lies within the many buildings?” Kerowynn asked.
“The history of each land, and each race in housed within the walls of this city, times of greatness and strength, as well as those of darkness, and weakness, it is all here.” Valisar replied, as the company grew silent.
“I wish these books held the knowledge of my family,” Aaleel said sadly.
“Only the Oracle has knowledge of such things,” Elonsil said.
“She foresaw your coming to this land long ago when she told such things to Grand High Priest Zoron, and now you have come to decide the fate of this land one way or the other,” Valisar said.
“Nature speaks to her in ways in does not do for any other of our people, and she knows more than any could ever imagine, but little does she share unless asked,” Elonsil said.
“Her chamber is there,” Valisar said, as he pointed from one of the high walks to a white stone bridge that extended away from the city out into the sea of mist, and ended in a large white chamber, with a statue of a praying form, surrounded by four winged statues.
“You shall speak with the Oracle tomorrow, but I warn you all, she may show you more than you wish to see,” Elonsil said.
“What is it that you mean your highness?” Aaleel asked.
“You shall see Aaleel, Child of the Prophecy,” Elonsil said, as the company became silent, and continued to follow the queen over the many walks that connected the buildings, and towers, until they came upon a large hall.
“This hall once housed those who visited our city, but they have not seen anyone in many years,” the king said, as he turned to company.
“I bid you not to seek the halls of knowledge this night, for once you look upon one page of your history, you will be swept away by your thirst for knowledge, for in years past there were those who remained here for the span of months and merely scratched the surface of the knowledge contained here,” Valisar said.
“We would ask you to rest this night, and not seek the halls, for the Oracle shall answer all that you ask of her, so sleep upon your questions, and recover your mind and bodies for what is to come,” Elonsil added, as the king and queen turned to leave the company to their rest.
Even after all of the Elite had retired into the hall, Aaleel stood upon the stairs dwelling upon what was to come the next day, and the possibility of finally learning what happened to her parents. She leaned upon one of the massive statues that set before the doors of the hall, as he continued to think of what the answer to her questions may be.
“You must rest Aaleel, you cannot remain here all night.”
Aaleel turned her head to see Kerowynn standing within the doorway robed in a finely woven white gown given to her by the fairies.
“I know Kero, I am coming,” Aaleel said after a sigh, before she turned and walked into the hall, where there was a long hallway with rooms to either side setting underneath and row of chandeliers, lit with white flames just as they were in the halls of teleportation.
“I will see you in the morning Aaleel, I hope that you will rest well within these walls,” Kerowynn said, before she turned, and entered a room on the other side of the wide hall. Aaleel looked to the end of the room, where a bath was drawn for her. He cleansed himself within the waters that seemed to alleviate all the aches and pains from her training and the long trip to Anulis. She stepped out of the bath, and retrieved the fairy’s linens from the bed, which she changed into. She walked over to window, which covered the entire wall of the room, and looked down upon the rest of the city, which was shrouded in the shadows of the towers, and the mist that flowed through the lower levels of the city.
“What happened to you mother, father,” Aaleel said looking out the window at the moon hovering above the city and the mountain peaks.
“I guess all questions will be answered tomorrow,” she said, as she pulled the silver twine of a rope, and drew the shades, before she settled on the bed and fell into slumber.

 

[Aaleel]

So...um comments, complaints, suggestions.

/taps the microphone

/shrugs shoulders.

 

[Aaleel]

Chapter XVII – Tales of a Father

Aaleel awoke with great anticipation, because today she would meet with the Oracle and finally learn the circumstances of her parents’ disappearance from the world. She awoke and saw a plate of food on the table beside her gear, and she ate quickly to lessen the time before she would meet with the Oracle. She finished the last of her food, and gathered her gear before she left the room, and walked outside the Hall of Hospitality where she had stood lost in thought the day before. She waited outside the hall lost in her thoughts once again until the other Elite began to assemble outside along with many fairies that came into their presence in white robes.
“Morning Elite, how was you rest in our fair city?” Elonsil asked.
“It was to our liking,” Aaleel said as the Elite bowed their heads to the Queen.
“Come, we must seek the Chamber of the Oracle forthwith, for I have spoken with Yuriel and she has told me of the limited time you have to return to Elindil,” Elonsil said as she turned and bid them to follow her. She led them over the smoked bridges marble streets until the street came to an end with a large balcony white stone rail bearing a small opening leading into a closed bridge that led out into the open sky to the Oracle’s chamber. There was a fairy waiting at the bridge that led to the Oracle’s chamber, and it was there that Elonsil gave pause.
“Across this bridge lies the Oracle, the most ancient of any in this city, and great is her power. She has existed since these lands were created, and she will have the answers that you seek, if you can only clear your hearts and your minds to receive them,” Elonsil said.
“What is it that you mean?” Aaleel asked.
“You will see,” she said as she turned and walked away.
“You may proceed, but be warned that only those of strong faith may seek the knowledge of the oracle,” the fairy by the bridge said, as he opened the door to the tunnel leading to the Oracle’s chamber.
“I wonder what that means; does a challenge await us inside the chamber?” Duncanrun asked, as they stepped into the bone white tunnel. There were many windows along the path of the tunnel that allowed the company to look upon the sky itself, as they passed them. There were many murals on the ceiling, and there were pictures upon the walls between the windows, along with the sounds of fairy minstrels and their harps coming from the large balcony they had just departed. They came upon a golden door with two white statues of fairies, one to either side of the door; one with its hands clutched to its chest, and the other with arms open and extended.
“I wonder what the meaning of these statues is,” Claudhert said as he stopped before the door.
“Focus Claud, the oracle lies beyond this door,” Aaleel said, as Claud nodded his head. Aaleel opened the door, and the force of a strong wind sought to blow her from the golden doorway. Aaleel stopped her foot before her first step could be taken, as the sight of the clouds themselves beneath her feet froze her within the doorway.
“What manner of sorcery is this?” Duncanrun cried, grabbing Aaleel, and pulling her back into the white tunnel.
“Welcome strangers from distant land.”
Aaleel raised her eyes, and moved them along the white wall of the chamber, drifting across the many paintings and murals until she came across a form on the far side, robbed in white. Her long blonde hair ran the length of her robe, pulled together by golden bands, as I hung between her golden and white wings. She stared out one of the windows paying them seemingly no attention, before she turned to them and lifted her head. Her eyes were golden, and blank of pupil, reflecting all that they looked upon.
“I have foreseen your coming for some time now,” she said walking into the middle of the chamber.
“Come into my presence, and I shall reveal that which you seek,” she said, but steadfast they all stood in the white hallway frozen on the wind of the sky, watching the birds as they passed beneath the oracles feet, which seemed suspended in air.
“Will your magic protect us shall we enter your chamber.” Aaleel asked, gripping the wall in either hand, as she gazed into the sky beneath them.
“It is not magic but faith you need in this chamber Child of Prophecy.”
“I do not know what you mean.”
“Only those strong of faith, stern of courage, and pure of heart may enter this chamber, and come into my presence.”
They felt chills through their bodies, as they looked upon the oracle, the air around her glowing with white light, as she stepped farther towards them and extended her hand to the company.
“By taking on this journey you have proven such courage, and by wielding that blade without resistance, you have shown purity of heart,” the Oracle said.
“Now the time has come for you to show faith,” she said as her eyes turned and stared into Aaleel’s, burning the very essence of her soul, as she heard her voice inside her mind calling her, pulling at the questions that her soul wanted answered. Slowly her hands slide back to her sides, and her foot rose, and suspended itself above the crystal sky.
“No Aaleel, do not,” Zodiaque yelled, as she leapt forward, only to be caught by the arm of Yuriel..
“Be of good heart Zodiaque, all is not as it seems,” she said as Zodiaque watched helplessly, as Aaleel held her arms to her side and stepped out from the golden doorway. But she did not vanish from their sight; she stood before them all, seemingly suspended in air as the oracle was. She stepped softly as she watched the birds flying beneath her, and disappearing behind the wall.
“Follow me my friends for all is safe,” Aaleel said, motioning for the others to follow, and one by one they stepped out of the doorway upon the floor of the sky.
“You are brave, and strong of faith Aaleel, what is it that you ask of me?”
“I wish to know the circumstances of my parents’ disappearance from all worlds.”
“Grave are you questions Aaleel, but graver are the answers.”
“I do not understand.”
“Come Aaleel, take my hands, and we will see if the powers within this chamber may give us sight into what we seek,” the Oracle said extending her hands, as Aaleel stepped slowly forward and took them.
“Let us take a trip to look upon how things past will now shape those of things to come.”

 

[Aaleel]

She clinched Aaleel’s hands and the very walls of the room went blank, and mist began to rise beneath their feet, as the sky beneath them disappeared.
“Close your eyes and focus on your parents,” the Oracle said.
“What is happening?” Aaleel cried, as the mist cleared, and what had once been beautiful paintings and murals had become the skies above the lands of Vana’diel. Quickly the vision swooped down through the clouds revealing the city of Bastok, which it flew quickly over and into the hard lands of South Gustaberg, skimming along the coast of Bhefhel Gulf, until it reached Morhen Lighthouse. There was a light shining through the window and a form standing before it looking out into the night. She closed her eyes as the night breeze blew in through the window and lifted her amber hair from the shoulders of her blue and gold dress. She opened her blue eyes, which showed all at once fear, sadness, and anxiety. The flinched with a crack thunder and the flash of lightning that accompanied it, and signaled the start of rain falling outside the lighthouse. She flinched once again from a flash of light, but there was no crack of thunder that accompanied, for it was not lightning. She turned to the back of the lighthouse, which set in shadows out of the reach of the candles and chandelier. Her face became etched with anticipation as she stepped towards the back of the lighthouse, but before she could take another step, a form took shape in the shadows.
“Leremis, is that you?” The woman asked.
“Yes it is I Marion,” the form said as he stood still with most of his body shrouded in shadows.
“I did not know what to expect when I received your message telling me to meet you here this night, but now that you are here my fears are relieved,” Marion said happily.
“What has changed, has Zoron finally allowed you to have a life with me?” She asked.
“Nothing has changed my love, save my desire to see my child,” Leremis said.
“I have missed you so, come out of the shadows so I may see you,” she said walking over and grabbing his hand to pull him out of the shadows. He was clad in the armor of the Samurai and held upon his side a long Tachi.
“What has happened?” Marion asked with a gasp as she backed away from Leremis with the sight of his pale, dead face; cracked and tough as leather.
“What I wrong my love?”
“Your face, you eyes, they were once so full of life,” she said placing her hand on his cheek, before she quickly pulled it away and held it to her side.
“But now it seems dead to me, to everything,” she said sadly, unable to look at him.
“Those in Elindil have penalized me for making a decision,” Leremis said.
“Your decision to join those who would destroy Theallis,” she said looking away from him.
“Who has told you of such things?” Leremis asked.
“Zoron came to me and Allauriel some time ago and told me of such things,” she replied.
“Where is my daughter now?” Leremis asked in a demanding voice.
“Zoron told me that you had turned against everything that you once held dear, and that you are now a threat to them all,” Marion said.
“Zoron like all in Elindil is a liar, who kept me from my family,” Leremis said pounding the bottom of his fist against one of the stone columns that supported the lighthouse.
“And now I demand to see her,” he added angrily, as Marion shied away from him.
“So it is true then, and I had hoped that when you asked to see me I would find that all was not as it seemed,” she said as a tear crept from her eye.
“I now know that is was just my heart hoping for something never to come,” she added as the tear fell from her cheek.
“I demand to see my daughter now, where is she?” He demanded once again, but Marion did not move, she only shed another tear. She collected her breath and turned her eyes to Leremis who glared at her angrily.
“She is gone, hidden away safely from the darkness that you now serve,” Marion said, as Leremis turned and looked back at the darknees he had emerged from.
“Marion, you need to tell me where Allauriel is, for your own sake,” Leremis said, as he turned and looked back into her eyes, his demeanor changed to one of concern.
“Or what, you will kill me?” She asked pulling away from him.
“No matter what has happened to you, I know that you are not capable of such an act,” she added.
“He may not be, but I am,” they heard from the shadows, as Leremis dropped his head and sighed, as a form emerged from the shadows.
“I do not require you aid Zentris, I will discover the location of my daughter myself,” Leremis said, as Marion backed away from the mboth, as she looked at the rage and madness in Zentris’ eyes.
“There is only one reason that one such as you would seek the location of our daughter,” Marion said.
“You need to tell us where the child is, for both your sakes,” Zentris said turning her red eyes to her.
“No mother would give another the means to kill her daughter,” Marion said looking angrily back at Zentris with no fear in her eyes.
“Fool, we will not kill her, we have a greater purpose in store for her,” Zentris said grinning, as she stepped towards Marion.
“We will make her strong and powerful beyond any who have ever passed the lands of Theallis,” Zentris added.
“You turn her to the darkness, which is no different than death, and I will never tell you where she is and allow such a thing to come to pass,” Marion said with great conviction.
“Marion you must tell her for your own sake, for you do not want to know the means they will use to tear the information they seek from you,” Leremis pleaded with Marion, as he grabbed her hand, which she quickly tore from his grip.
“I no longer know you, the man I once loved is dead, lost to the darkness” she said angrily, as Leremis became silent.
“And seeing you now, I would never allow my daughter to come to the same end,” Marion added.
“We have ways to make you talk whether you would wish to or not,” Zentris said grinning sinisterly.
“No,” Leremis said as he slid in front of Marion and stood before Zentris.
“Remember where your loyalties lie,” Zentris said angrily.
“Lord Galroth promised me that neither of them would be harmed,” Leremis said, as he held Marion behind him.
“He assumed that you would be able to persuade her to reveal the location of the child, which is more important that keeping you family together,” Zentris said.
“But if you cannot persuade her to reveal the location of the child, and it is very apparent that she will not turn to our cause, she is of no further use to us,” Zentris added, as she stepped towards Marion and Leremis.
“I will not let you,” he said drawing his Great Katana.
Zentris smiled and pulled her arms to her chest, as her body began to crackle with energy, and the avatar Diablos sprang from the seal of the summoner and floated beside her.
“You know that you cannot stop me Leremis, just give the woman to me, and I will ask the Dark Lord to spare your life,” Zentris said.
“You can still have your family,” she added.
“Not in any way I would wish to,” Leremis said, as four images appeared around him.
“So be it, I will kill you, and take your love to Lord Galroth myself, and we shall discover the answers to our questions,” Zentris said, as she ordered Diablos to attack. Leremis tightened his grip upon the hilt of his sword, as the avatar swung through one of the images. He along with his images became a blur seen through the light of his glowing blade before lunged forward slashing through the avatar encasing it in a block of ice, which shattered upon it. He leapt into the air and slashed through the avatar once again, as panes of crystal glass circled it and shattered as well.
“Unleash the soul,” Leremis said, as his eyes gleamed with white light, and his body exploded in energy. He stepped forward and pink blossoms of light floated in the air as he slashed through the avatar one last time, and created a sphere of light above it, which engulfed and banished it from his presence. He leapt at Zentris teleported away into the rafter of the lighthouse to avoid the next skill of his blade, but as she reappeared thrown images were already upon her, striking her and driving her through the ceiling into the upper level of the lighthouse.

 

[Aaleel]

“Come, that will not stop her long,” Leremis said, as he grabbed Marion’s hand, and pulled her through the door of the lighthouse, and onto the hard cracked, wet rock outside.
“If you can make it to Bastok, she will not pursue you there and risk revealing her presence here,” Leremis said looking back through the rain to the lighthouse.
“I will not leave you,” Marion said shaking her head, with hair matted to her face by the rain, as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“You must, there is no way we will both survive this, and if they capture you, they will force you to reveal Allauriel’s location,” he said, as his eyes turned to a bright flash of light that illuminated the night air, as Zentris appeared before them, blocking their sight of the City of Basotk. She raised her hand, and flame began to circle her body covering it in sharp points of fire.
“You seem determined to die by my hand, so I will grant you your request,” she said, as Leremis motioned for Marion to run away, but there was nothing behind her but the cliffs leading down to the waters of Bhefhel Gulf. She started to turn, but the water rose in a great wave crashing against the walls of the cliff, and a long shadow rose into the air, and the underbelly of Leviathan slammed down upon the rocks.
“No,” Marion said backing away, as the avatar opened its mighty jaws and roared at her. She backed all the way to Leremis who held his great katana towards Zentris who approached him cautiously.
“I will not let them take me alive,” Marion said.
“Then I will ensure that they take neither of us,” Leremis said, as he turned his head and looked to Marion, who nodded her head.
“I am glad that you will stand on the right side at the very end, so that our daughter may truly be proud of her father,” Marion said sincerely.
“As I am proud to have loved you,” she said as she kissed him, and in that moment his face and body shined with a bright light, and the hard, dry skin of his face cracked and fell away revealing his face as it was before he turned to the darkness. He turned his eyes to Zentris as Marion wrapped her arms around him, and closed her eyes.
“I am free of the darkness Zentris, and one day our daughter will make sure that all lands are free as well,” Leremis said, as Zentris glared at him angrily and slanted her eyes.
“Not if she is killed before her due time,” Zentris said.
“Then find her yourself, for you will not discover what wish from either of us,” he said as his eyes began to burn with red fire, which engulfed his entire body, as well as Marions.
“I love you,” he said as his body exploded in red and orange flame destroying the avatar, as Zentris teleported away. When all had settled, the ground where Marion and Leremis had stood was scorched and smoldering. There was nothing for a moment, but the silence was broken by a loud cry from Aaleel’s lips as she fell to her knees, and wept loudly, as the vision faded away and the chamber returned to what once was. Tears crept from her eyes, and rolled slowly over her cheeks before they fell away leaving small ripples in the floor as he passed through to be carried away by the wind.
“Just as the wind has carried away your tears, the winds of time will carry away your sorrow and your pain,” the Oracle said, and Aaleel raised her head to look at her, as sadness made it hard for her to even move.
“But you must let go of the pain of your past for now, so that you may focus on your purpose here,” she added, as she extended her hands to Aaleel. Aaleel reached up and took her hand, and immediately her mind became jumbled with images of many things which all at once filled her with fear, sadness, anger, and sorrow.
“What am I seeing,” she yelled, as she shook her head and snatched her hand away from the Oracle’s.
“Those visions that you have just seen in your mind are not of events that have happened in the past, but it was your power of foresight showing things that have yet to come to pass,” the Oracle said.
“What did you see Aaleel?” Yuriel asked.
“I…I saw Jeuno…it was on fire, the buildings, the merchant shops,” she said sadly, as she turned to the others.
“The beastmen had laid siege to the city under the leadership of the Dark Lord’s commanders, and though I did not see the outcome of the battle, I know in my heart that no matter what outcome the land we return to will not be that which we left,” Aaleel said sadly.
“Can we stop this?” Kerowynn asked, but the Oracle only shook her head.
“What she has seen will come to pass, there will be a battle, and many will die, just as the same events will transpire here in Theallis,” she replied.
“But like Aaleel, you cannot let your minds linger upon such things, for you have a task to complete, and the final steps of your journey will begin now,” the Oracle said looking over all of the Elite.
“Have you received the answers to all the questions that have haunted your mind through your life?” Yuriel asked, as Aaleel turned to her, and nodded her head.
“Though the visions I have seen have saddened me greatly, I can find solace in the fact that my father died as a true priest of Elindil with my mother at his side in love,” Aaleel said turning back to the Oracle.
“I thank you for what you have given me today,” Aaleel said sincerely to the Oracle.
“There is one last thing Aaleel, for I saw more family in your mind then your parents, and you must be careful of such things,” the Oracle said.
“I do not understand,” Aaleel said confused.
“There is a bond throughout all families that links them together, and that is how you have seen visions of your parents,” the Oracle said looking upon Aaleel with her blank eyes.
“All families are joined especially twins, even if they are not twins in the way one would think,” she added, as Aaleel shook her head still confused.
“I still do not understand,” Aaleel said shaking her head, as she held out her hands to the Oracle.
“It is not the time to burden Aaleel’s mind with such riddles,” Yuriel said as she looked sternly at the Oracle, who withdrew her eyes, and then looked to Aaleel.
“Then go child of the prophecy, perhaps you may return here when all is said and done, and I may look into things to come in your life beyond that or battle and war,” the Oracle said, as Aaleel bowed her head, and turned to the Elite.
“Come we must return to Elindil to make ready for our final assault upon the Dark Lord,” Yuriel said.
“I had hoped to look within one of the Great Libraries to learn the true events of the Crystal War, and be able to mend together the many pieces of the tale that have survived the many years since its occurrence,” Duncanrun said.
“As did I,” Claudhert said nodding his head.
“We do not have time for such things, for there is a war facing you now that you must win,” Yuriel said, as she turned and looked back at the Oracle who nodded her head, and looked quickly to Aaleel before she turned, and walked back over to one of the windows on the other side of the chamber. Aaleel lingered in the chamber for moment thinking on the Oracle’s words, even as all the others had stepped back onto the bridge.
“Aaleel come, we must leave,” Yuriel said as Aaleel looked to the Oracle one last time, and stepped back up into the tunnel.
“Yuriel,” Aaleel said, as Yuriel turned and looked at her.
“What is it Aaleel?”
“Are there things that you are keeping from me?
“As before Aaleel, you must have faith that whatever happens, I am doing everything for the good of you and those you care for,” Yuriel said sincerely.
“You have not lead me astray so far, so I will not lose my trust for you now,” Aaleel said.
“I thank you for your trust, now let us go and defeat the Dark Lord,” Yuriel said, as Aaleel nodded her head.
“He may not have lied in the temple when he said that he did not kill my parents, but he was the cause of their death, and for that he must pay,” Aaleel said angrily.
“Then let us settle this once and for all,” Yuriel said with great vigor.
“I am ready,” Aaleel said, and with her words the final curtain of her journey began to fall.

 

[Aaleel]

Been busy with RL stuff, so no update this week.