MITRASH RPG

[ElderG]

The surging wind; the endless contrails that stream across the vast blue sky; the rushing scenery passing by. Grace contemplates the description she has created, matching them with her experiences. Again and again they were perfect but they do not capture the moment; a moment one could only experience being shackled mind, body and soul to the black flying hull. True, this method guaranteed a personal link between Rider and Skyship allowing for totalistic control over the machine but it was a double edged sword. The symbiotic attachment meant that the ship was its rider and vice versa. Dangerous indeed but to those who have tamed the mechanical beast before, it’s well worth the risk.

Impressive as she is, Zodiac was still an enigma to her owners. Sure, they could use here but who wouldn’t learn how to if you had her for the last ten thousand years. The same goes for her 11 sisters. They were not built; they were made. Called into existence by a being of tremendous power, the skyships of the Keepers only exist for one purpose; to lead the army of humanity into a war they cannot win, a war they cannot avoid. And as the hours trickle away, that inescapable fate draws closer.

“Hard day?” Grace asked as she removed herself from the bubble-like object, detaching the numerous attachments that connected her to the machine. Hard as it may sound, it was routine to her, accomplishing the task in mere seconds.

“You could tell a mile away.” ElderG answered as he took an empty chair and plop into in. Looking around, the bridge seemed so wide although in reality it was only slightly larger then a cabin. The fact that there were only two people within its walls contributed to the impression.

“How’s things on your side?” Elder inquired as his sister took the seat adjoining his. Leaning back, she let out a heavy sigh before answering.

“The Shadow Guild is with us but the Kingdom of Orin won’t respond until the treat is certain. Damn them! Don’t they realize that once the enemy is at their gates it is already too late!?” came her frustrated reply. The frustration was building up within her with every sour discussion, so much so she felt like blowing up. Fortunately, conversations with her brother often diffuse her time bombs.

ElderG sighed. “You can’t expect everyone to rally to our call. Marag knew that very well. However, we must acquire as many allies as possible if we are to have a miracle of a chance to survive the impending doom.”

“Don’t you think I don’t know!? Marag must have drilled that into my head ever since I got back.” She blurted, still frustrated but a lot calmer. Elder chuckled at her response which won him a cold glare from Grace. But thankful for reliving her of her burden, she mellowed out and returned a smile, which really surprised Elder.

“Not to intrude in your ‘bonding’ but the timing’s just right.” A familiar voice called out, almost too familiar. Elder spun around to find an unexpected guest leaning besides the bridge’s circular entrance, a smile playing on her face. But it was Grace who had the last laugh; the expression on her brother’s face was just priceless.

“Alysia!? B-but how… w-where--” Elder stammered as he searched for the right words. Amused by the frantic respond, Alysia Opedius couldn’t help but chuckle while Grace, not holding back, burst into fits of laughter. Elder didn’t mind but watching Grace sucking up to the moment really annoyed him.

“Father wants intel on Orin and so here I am. I didn’t know about the detour you made until some time later. I don’t mind but problem is…” she cast a glance at Grace, “your sis there posted me to kitchen duty!”  Soon, Elder joined his sister on the floor as he collapsed for laughing too much.

Regaining their composure, Grace explained, “It wasn’t my fault. You know I always fly alone on Tasks. It was just lucky you came along. You know very well my cooking could kill dragons by the dozen.”

The other keepers winced in remembrance. Death by Grace’s food was not a nice way to go. “I best get dinner prepared. Expect nothing lavish; I’m only one feeding ten, not including myself. And I’m not going to go through all the introductions so food is on self service.” She then turned to leave but not before adding, “Please entertain the guest. He seems bored.” She nodded towards their backs before exiting the bridge.

Confused by what she meant, Elder and Grace glanced to their backs to find a hooded man dressed in weird black robes resting on one of the chairs. Removing his hood, I was presented to a familiar face which I couldn’t place; trimmed jet black hair, sharp chin and slightly tanned skin. His eyes where concealed by strange eyewear whose lenses were as black as night held together by a flimsy frame. Lowering his head, the eyewear slid off a little, allowing them a glimpse of his sharp azure blue eyes. Then, Elder’s mind clicked and instinctively his hand when to Soul’s hilt.

“Keel.” he hissed. The grip on his sword tightened and a reflective glint came off the slightly exposed blade. Grace, unaware of any danger merely stared at the intruder wondering how did he enter unnoticed.

“Wo wo clam down. I’m not here to pick a fight.” Keel assured, his hands raised. “I needed a vacation so I thought I could do a progress check on the chaos crew.” Sliding the eyewear back into position, he examined the two before him before turning towards the interior of the ship. “Interesting.” He muttered, “Interesting indeed.”

“Wait,” Grace called out. “Just who are you?”

“Oh my, I seemed to have forgotten my introductions.” He said with a smile. Clearing his throat, he presented himself in a low, serious voice. “I am… Impreda Keel. Watch out… for that vase.”

“What vase?” She asked, confused. She then looked around for the said vase, allowing her left elbow to swing out which connected with… nothing but air. Finding nothing, she stared blankly at Keel expecting an answer.

“Looks like those Matrix reruns are getting to me…” he muttered to himself, his tone returning to the carefree one he was acquainted with. Elder and Grace could only stare silently, awaiting an answer that was comprehendible.

Grace began processing her acquired information. “You are… Keel.” Keel nodded. “Impreda Keel.” Keel nodded again. “Keel is keeper…” another nod, “Which means you’re…” her eyes widening to her realization. She turned to her brother for confirmation. “Is he!?”

Elder sighed and relaxed himself. “The one and only. Quite disappointing, right? I always expected a more…godly being.”

“Well, sorry but daybreak light and heavenly choruses or hellfire and brimstone are too flashy for my tastes.” Keel’s voice came from behind them. Staring in disbelief at the empty chair, both Elder and Grace could have sworn he was there a moment ago. They then turned behind to find only air and then turned back to find Keel back in his seat. He couldn’t have moved Elder thought but found no explanation to the event that just took place.

“Speaking of which, I find the preparations splendid. Everyone is so interesting. Well, if they weren’t they will be no need for all this nonsense. I look forward to more entertainment before you come finding me at Laguna.” He grinned and then asked, “Grace, how do you catch a squirrel?”

“You bait it and trap it. But that’s for normal people; we just catch it.” She answered, baffled by the question thrown at her.

“Good.” He nodded approvingly. “Remember that. You might just need it.” He said and then vanishes. No purple smoke, no glyphs or symbols, no flashes of light; he was just there then not. While Grace contemplated about the deeper meaning –if there was one- of Keal’s question, Elder wondered if anyone had detected Keel’s arrival. They didn’t but he was sure some among them were more skilled then they were. One thing he was certain was that if anyone did detect him, his aura wouldn’t be very significant; being who he is, concealment was easier then child’s play. But it was promising that footsteps were heard approaching the bridge; he was not entirely surrounded by idiots.

Poking his head into the bridge, Jester asked, “What did I miss?”

[ThE-HunTeD]

while looking over his shoulder at angel and elderG talk it out, Xs walks towards the cabin, holding angels cabin key. Out from the corner of his eye, he saw DD walking towards the down hall, it seems like he hesitated a little when he was near the observation deck where Angel and elderG were.
"heh, i wonder if i can get lost on this ship, and there's so many strong people aboard"
“its been a while since I had this much fun”
All those thoughts were going through his mind while walking down the hall way. As he was walking along the hallway, he suddenly stopped and DD came to mind. “ I got to apologize to that guy” with that in thought, he went after DD who is now walking towards the dining hall.

DD suddenly felt a tap on his shoulders “whats up D”. “arrghhhhh!!!” DD shouted out and at the same time inside his head reaper shouted as well and a high pitch shriek came from Ariel. DD nearly jumped out of his skin when Xs tapped on his shoulder, and he took reaper and Ariel by surprised as well.

“YOU SCARED THE HELL OUTTA ME YOU DIMWIT!!!”

“sorry” Xs muttered out, trying very hard not to laugh. “its not funny you know, you could scare someone to death. And most importantly, when did you get behind me!!. I didn’t even hear you coming.” All this while, Reaper kept quiet, for him to be caught off guard like that, and by an unknown boy is too much for him. Ariel is having the same thought as well, “when did he appear behind DD, why she cant sense him, he moves with godlike speed, who is he” were all the questions popping in her mind.
“what do you think, who is he? Or what is he?” reaper asked Ariel. She just kept quiet. Suddenly there was a shocked look in her face. “it cannot be, no way, impossible”
“oh, you seem to know something” said Reaper. Ariels expression changed back to normal and said “nothing at all, just something I remembered. That’s all” with that ariel just kept quiet.

Xs burst out laughing as he couldn’t stand looking at dd’s shock expression. DD, suddenly laughed together with him. He really did give him a good scare. “D, I got something to tell you” said Xs with a serious face. DD just looked at him.

“err….em……i…..” muttered Xs. “ yes….? “ “ sorry I used you as a shield, I had no other option, angel would’ve blown to smithereens. At the time, you were the only there I saw that wasn’t strong enough to retaliate”. “weren’t strong enough” DD felt like he was stabbed in the chest after hearing that sentence. He knew it from the beginning he’s weak. That’s why he’s been trying to hard. “its ok” dd said with a smile in his face, “ I know you mean no harm”. Xs sighed in relief after hearing that, “ well, I’ll see you at dinner then. Don’t get be late or you’ll be eating dust. I’ll see you guys later”. DD nodded and headed towards the dining hall.


-------------------

had to meet the dateline....theres another part i'll edit in tonite.

[Jester]

Jester and Elodia, ever since they boarded the ship, had never left their cabin. Elodia suddenly muttered, "Too many things happened these days..".

Jester kept quiet and stared at the blue sky through the cabin window. Elodia stood up and walked towards the bed, she lied down there and napped.

Jester sat up facing the door of the cabin, and tried to focus energy to his palm. A dim light appear and then vanishes. "Damn!", he cursed silently, "Still can't use much power without extracting my katar." He continued to practice.

----------- A While Later -----------

A ball of light hovers above each of Jester's palm. "Succeeded", muttered Jester.

"Not bad", came a voice from the bed.
"Sis?"
"You can control power out of your katar already."

Jester smiled and said that he'll take a walk around Deck 7. While Elodia wanted to take a look at the sea by the deck. Jester heard some voices from the bridge. Poking his head into the bridge, Jester asked, “What did I miss?”

[DayDreamerz]

In the kitchen, DD was mixing a bowl of dough. He had been looking for something to do to keep boredom at bay, and he had inadvertently found himself doing this. While pacing around a drab mess hall, a young lady passed by him and went straight into the kitchen. She should be the cook, hypothesized DD considering he hasn't seen any soul other than themselves onboard the ship. The lack of crew meant it was an automated ship, able to be manned efficiently even when there's only a person onboard. Following her uninvitedly into the kitchen, he was bundled out of the kitchen the moment he was noticed.

   "Dinner will be ready by 7" said the lady as she pushed DD out of the kitchen. Cheekily, DD asked for the menu of the day.

   "I suppose you're traveling first class?" was the sarcastic reply. She was annoyed, but understood what DD had actually intended to ask. Briefing him on the dishes to be rolled out for dinner, DD couldn't resist from commenting on the choice of food which was bland. It wasn't a good idea as that was how he "earned" himself a spot in the kitchen with his comments. Armed with some baking know-how he acquired during the days he spent with his foster parents which run a bakery, he decided on what he would prepare for dinner - Bread served with hot cream soup as a side dish for the meal.

   Breaking the ice with the lady, he now had a companion to chat with, making the time spent in the kitchen worthwhile. It wasn't until the lady; identified as Alysia, excused herself to go to the washroom that DD was alone. Trying to store the surplus cream into the refrigeration unit, he had to delicately balance the bowl of soup in one hand while trying to get the refrigeration unit to open with the other. He had to concentrate on both hands to keep them on track, and that was the precise moment X's decided to show up.

   "Is there anything ready to eat?", asked X's as he popped up suddenly behind DD. That freaked DD out again and he let fly the bowl of soup in surprise. The soup bowl fitted perfectly onto his head after gravity worked its magic. As the soup started to drip down from the bowl and onto his outer wear, DD slowly turned around, with his cream soaked hair obscuring his eyes from X's view.

   "Next time, try saying "excuse me" softly before you approach someone, if you still insist on moving around silently. Someone might meet... an accident" said DD in a haunting tone which caused X's to back off a bit. It wasn't till he felt soup dripping onto his shoes that DD snapped out of it, as he rushed to the sink to clean himself up. He then excused himself to get a change of clothing, leaving a dumbfounded X's alone in the kitchen.

   Along the way back to his cabin, a coin dropped from his pocket as he removed his outer jacket. It rolled into the gap between the flights of stairs and fell to the lower floors. DD caught up with it beside a large room and as he was about to leave immediately, he was seduced by the sound of functioning mechanical systems emanating from the room. He realized where he was, beside the heart of the mechanical beast, also known as the engine room.

   "No, don't even think about it. Remember what Grace said." interrupted Ariel. Bringing up the facts that Angel wouldn't allow Grace to cast them off the ship since they would need Ariel to reclaim her body at the Convent, and the fact that neither Ariel nor Reaper would allow harm to come to him, DD proceeded into the engine room and started observing the mechanical systems carefully, not wanting to leave any traces. Ariel's plea that their presence within him doesn't render him invincible was drowned by his burning desire to explore. He found the systems to be more complex than he knew, but he could still identify the basic principles they functioned upon. As he was observing a functioning system at the corner of the room, he was suddenly struck hard at the back of his head and he slumped to the floor unconscious. Ariel could do nothing but try to reawaken DD's unconscious soul.

   Later on, DD comes to on his own and staggers back to his cabin from beside the stairway for a shower.

-------------------------------
Synopsis -~> DD ended up cooking something for dinner when X's spooked him again, and he had to clean himself up. On the way to his cabin he detoured into the engine room and was hit hard from the back and fell unconscious. Later on he awoke beside the stairway of the cabin level and went back to his room for a shower.
-------------------------------

[Jester]

"Nothing much." ElderG replied.
And next came a question from Grace, " Why are you here?"
Jester explained how we wandered around and found the bridge, then how he heard voices from the bridge and got attracted to this place.
"What an explaination." Grace muttered.

Feeling weird, Jester points his finger at Elder and muttered "one", pointed at Grace and says "two", and all of a sudden he asked, "I thought I heard 3 voices just now."

And then came a moment of silence. Grace turned her head away and ElderG spoke to Jester, "Would you excuse us, please?"
"Sure", answered Jester and he walked out.  He walked towards the deck and found his sister still staring into the blue sky.

When Elodia sense that Jester was near, she turned around and said something that Jester wasn't expecting, "Let's try having fun with out flutes and music."

Jester all confuse follows his sister as she took out her flute.

"Play the Song of Light,", commanded Elodia. Jester nodded, picked up his flute and began playing Song of Light. Elodia, picked up her flute and began to flow in the rhythm of Song of Light with another melody, Taming The Dragon.

When the 2 rhythm collides and creates a series of interference, a combo melody is born, "Dragon Storm". A few images of dragon is seen blurry flying around the siblings, a few waves of energy is sent out to the surrounding, but then everything disappeared. "Wow!", exclaimed Jester, "What was that!?"

"Combo Melody" explained Elodia, "I knew it, as blood-related siblings, we should be able to reach this level of skill. It might be weak for now, but we can always train!"

Jester actually thinks this is cooler than everything else he knows. He began playing the Song of Light again and again while Elodia just went back into staring at the sky. "I hope this will work out." thought Elodia.

Jester suddenly says, "I think dinner's gonna be ready soon, it's gonna be 7 soon, i suppose they don't have dinner at 10." And both of them laughed.

[Angel]

Angel is back in her cabin after the little talk with ElderG. Her mind seems to have stopped functioning all together now. All she seems to be able to think of now is the painful memory she has long wanted to erase from her memory card. But she failed, failed tremendously as a matter of fact. Time has not been merciful on her, the lapse of ElderG disappearance has been short and his return has come at one of the worst time they had now. With the death of Ariel and her failure of successfully binding Yewa, Angel knew that some part of her is going off the norm, but she had not been able to recognize the changes and it is pulling down her ability success rate, though it doesn’t show much. But she knew that she is not in a good shape, and to have to cope with her emotional trauma along it, she has no confidence at all for recovery. And God knows how many times she prayed for the success of Ariel’s resurrection.

For the first time in the journey, she wishes to abandon her mission and go home. But she knew it wouldn’t do her any good, for running away has never been able to solve anything and she knew it. Angel lies down on her bed, drowning herself with her tears… and before she knew it, she falls asleep on her wet pillow…

[ThE-HunTeD]

“Who would’ve thought they have a thing like that, those guys a really strange”

“You’re not that normal either”

Eiion gives Fey an annoyed look “Lets go, the village is just further ahead”

At the end of the forest, they could see smoke coming from chimneys and a small din from busy village street stalls. As they approach the village, the scenery around them is gradually changing from a dark, scary forest to wide open farmlands. Farmers are seen working their field tirelessly and kids wadding in a nearby pond.

“What a peaceful place, no worries whatsoever” said Fey, looking at the kids playing at the pond. “So carefree” she continued, looking a little sad as she recalled something in her mind. A tap on the shoulders snapped her out from the thoughts, “Don’t think too much, the pass will only cast doubt on your mind. Focus on what’s ahead of you instead. Let’s go, the place should be at the edge of town, we’ll walk around the village,” said Eiion after noticing Fey’s sad expression. Fey just nods and followed Eiion.

The two of them walked around the village, avoiding contact with the villagers as much as possible. They didn’t meet many though, only a few who women villagers bringing their husbands lunch. After much walking, they noticed a worn out path, partially hidden as grass and trees had grown over it branching out from the main road it seems that the path leads to the mountain of Asierth. Eiion looked at the direction the path is heading, as though there’s something there.

“Something’s wrong?”  Fey asked as Eiion continues to look at the pathway.

“Nothing, it’s just that there’s something strange about that path and the mountain. Its filled with death and sorrow,” Fey just looks at Eiion, partly confused but after looking at Eiion, she knew he wasn’t joking and also knew exactly what he had in mind. “We got much more important things to do. Let’s find that guy first, we can go exploring later” Eiion looked at Fey after she said that “Ok ok.” with that Fey just pulled Eiion and continued down the main road. They walked towards the end of the village, just ahead of them, are a lake, and at the lake were a cabin. Three kids are seen running around joyfully chasing each other. Eiion sighed “I thought he lived alone, oh well.” And with that they walked towards the cabin by the lake. As they get closer to the cabin, the kids noticed them and ran into the house, presumably to get the owner of the cabin.

An old man walks out from the cabin, took a look at the two approaching strangers. His facial expression changed to total fear when he saw who was it that approaching the cabin. He quickly ushered the children’s to get away from the cabin, the kids ran towards the village, but before they could go further than a few hundred meters, Eiion was already in front of them and blocked off their route, and with a calm voice, ushered them back to the cabin. There was a look of disbelief in both the old man and the kids as the children were running at opposite direction away from Eiion. Before the old could do anything else, Fey was already standing in front of him, “Don’t try anything stupid”.
With that the waited for Eiion and the kids to walk back to the cabin. Two of the kids ran back to the old mans side while the other couldn’t as Eiion has his hand on his shoulder, preventing him from moving any further. Eiion just stared at the old man, not moving an inch while the kid is struggling, trying to get free but couldn’t. Finally Eiion broke the silence,

 “I am going to ask you nicely, where is the seal “

“I don’t know what you are talking about”

“Please don’t make me repeat myself” with that, he put his hands around the back of the kid’s neck. “You know what I am capable of, so don’t waste my time”

The old man kept quiet for a while, looking at the kid, fearing for his safety. He knows very well what Eiion will do. But him, as the last surviving keeper of the seal, he cannot betray his duty. He has sworn to secrecy and never to reveal the location of the seal.

“Why do you want to know?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out, I am going to ask nicely again, where are the seal?’

The old man just kept quiet. Eyeing Eiion, then fey, then the kids. Eiion gave Fey a look of approval, suddenly the two kids which were behind him all this while started gasping for air. The old man looked shocked when he sees them gasping for air, it is as if their drowning. He wanted to get to them, but he couldn’t as he know if he moves just a bit, the kid Eiion holding will lose his life.  Fey eyes the kids, expressionless.

 “I am sure those two kids cant hold their breath very long. You’ve got less than half a minute to tell me.”

“Stop it, they are just kids, they’ve got nothing to do with all this. Let them go, please!! Let them go” the old man shouted, in desperation.

“Tell me what I want to know then”

“It’s in mountain range of Asierth. Further down the road you came from there’s an old path. It leads to the old mountain pass. There, now let them……” before he could finish his sentence, the boy in Eiion’s hand slumped to the ground, lifeless, at the same moment Eiion was already behind him, and he too slump to the ground. The two boys which was suffocating, has already passed out.

“You made me repeat myself. “ With that he looked at Fey “Let’s go, we got what we wanted.” The two of them turns around and headed back to the road they were using previously. Suddenly the area around the bursts into black flames, burning everything around it, including the bodies of the old man and the kids into ashes. With just a few seconds, the area where the cabin was is now nothing but a patch of black smothered land.

[Angel]

Above the beautiful clouds, beyond the blue sky, lies the grand and glorious Kingdom of Gods and Goddesses, where eternity, youth, happiness and serenity claim it’s place. The marvelous land where dwells the beautiful Gods and Goddesses, saintly Seraphims, Cherubims and Angels, magnificent troops of Titans and Evangelists, the elite Valkyries and Holy Crusaders. The Holy Land named Heaven.

At the eastern most of Heaven, stand a grand palace of the God of War, Ersoth. His grand palace stood on a large plain, it’s Northern Gate covered with Bloody Rose, named after the colour of the bloom, which is so red that it looks like blood. Green plains carpeted the Eastern Gate while the Western Gate bears the training ground of Valkyries and Holy Crusaders. The Southern Gate lies in silence and gloom, bearing the conviction hall of Heaven. A long sheath of violet carpet leads through the Eastern Gate into the Grand Hall of Ersoth where lies the throne of the War God. Twelve crystal pillars lie on both site of the violet carpet, where they stand the twelve Generals of Valkyrie and Holy Crusader during the Assembly of War. The Grand Hall Dome is decorated with beautiful stain glass that bears the emble of the Heaven’s Army, a red horizontal circular sphere orbit over a pair of gold and silver sphere diagonally left and right. In the middle of the three orbits sphere is the replica of the Sun. A rosary is placed on each intercept of the three orbits. Two marvelous stairs lead to Right and Left Wings of the Grand Hall, which holds the Residence of the Generals. One single circular teleportation plank that lead to the War God Dome that lies deep in the palace.

“So, when are we starting?” speaks a Valkyrie General.

“Impatient as usual, eh Reiah?” an irritated Crusader General replied, looking at Reiah with a disapproving look.

“SILENCE!”

All the Generals look towards the empty Throne, where now sits the War God Ersoth.

“Where is she?”

Silence fills the hall, as all the Generals were unable to answer the question. Annoyed, Ersoth stares at the empty pillar of the missing Valkyrie General and then at the rest of the Generals.

“Where is Elrda? None of you know?”

At that time, the sound of a distance footstep approaching the hall can be heard.

“Finally! Elrda!! Where have you been? The Assembly begins five minutes ago!” an angry Ersoth demanded.

Elrda took her place on the pillar, and bow to her Lord, apologizing, “My apologies, Lord Ersoth, the news of the death of the Last Keeper has just arrived…”

“!!! Are you sure, Elrda?” exclaimed the third Crusader General. He is shocked, and so is the rest of the Generals and Arsoth himself.

“This is a grief news indeed… Rieah, Shie and Erlda, prepare for the backups… the rest of you, prepare your troops… war is approaching… I will see the King myself… Dismiss!”

[ElderG]

The fiery sunset was not missed when Zodiac passed Florence Lake, the colors blending with the clam waters of the lake to impose a brilliant wave of crimson over the ship’s hull as it flew by. Being the largest lake in the world, it took some time for the skyship to scale it. Still, Grace purposely flew the ship at low attitude and below cruising speed; her guest would get airsick if she did otherwise. Still, as they moved closer to the coast, Femara–the priestess’s dragon pet- followed closely, her speed matching the black machine’s. That didn’t come as a surprise; Dragon’s were the fastest fliers around, only losing to the Nagraj Skyshroud Breaker, but those were rare and in-between.

The evening marked the announcement of dinner. Originally, dinner time would be broadcasted through voice tubes throughout the ship but since there were only a few of us, the aroma should suffice. Or, should I say SHOULD suffice. DD was nowhere to be seen, Angel was most probably in her room and Xs has just disappeared. Either they were not hungry or were too busy exploring, which many suspect was the later.

Nevertheless, ElderG and Grace entered the mess hall to find the rest happily munching on the food served. The buffet set in the middle of the large hall was small, but still relatively large. After all, there were only 12 people onboard. The table they had chosen to dine on was littered with extra helpings; it was after all an all you can eat and they were starved. Still, they were cautious enough not to dirty the place. However, ElderG sensed that they had no apparent idea of what they were digesting.

“So,-” ElderG said, taking an adjacent seat, “-what’s for dinner?” A simple question, which none eating had any answers.

“Uh…” Jester stumbled on his words as he realized he was clueless on the food he had just eaten, “I think it’s a stew made of chicken and beef…” he started but then realized the silence and stares directed to him, causing him to replay in defense, “Well, it tastes that way!”

Already Grace was giggling to herself and ElderG’s grinning face looked funny, trying hard to stifle a laugh. Unfortunately, their actions didn’t go unnoticed as everyone had stopped eating and were eyeing their food cautiously. “Do you mind telling us WHAT we just ate?” Reiz requested, bracing himself for the answer.

“Oh, it’s nothing gross. Just some Terrabreaker guts. Pretty good, don’t you think?” Elder said without missing a beat, his face still grinning. Everyone took the answer well; they didn’t know what a Terrabreaker was anyway. Must be some kind of domestic animal they breed, Jester thought.

That all changed when Reiz fished out a long slender bone from his broth. Eyeing it inquisitively, his eyes widen when realization hit him. As so did everyone else except the Keepers. “Whoops, looks like this one got someone. How old is this Breaker?” Elder requested from his sister.

“They killed it a week ago. Must have got the poor fellow during the recall.” She said nonchalantly. She then took a sip of the warm broth before noticing that everyone else weren’t touching their food. “You’re not going to let such good food go to waste, are you?” Her eyes were deep and piercing, as if daring them to eat the food in front of them.

The broth went unattended for the entire duration of dinner.

~*~

DD and Xs entered a few minutes later; DD looking like he was out of it. He wasn’t even walking straight and nearly tipped Jester’s bowl of soup when he crashed into the table. All the while, he groaned and held his head. Others looked at him worriedly.  

“What’s wrong with you?” jester asked, concerned.

DD groaned again as he replied, “Hit my head against something and now having a splitting headache. Now can I eat? I’m starving…” It least he’s still DD, Jester thought.

Dinner proceeded as usual until ElderG got up and got another helping, but not for himself. He then deposited the tray next to Reiz and said, “She’s in her room. Make sure she eats.” That was a great surprise to Reiz and also a great blow. As Elder walked away, Reiz bolted up, his face red with anger.

“I don’t need pity form the likes of you.” He said, the words laced with his fury. “Nor do I need to be told what to do. I already know what needs to be done…”

Elder’s expression remained stoic. “Then by all means accomplish it. I think she need some time away form me… to think and to understand. Just do me a favor.”

There was silence between the two until, “Don’t think you have won yet, Elder. In the end, only her choice matters.” Reiz then sat back to finish the last of his meal while Elder casually walked out of the mess hall. In the chaos, a strange understanding formed between the two rivals. The spectators took little notice of this, willing to leave the fate of the three to the wimps of choice, unwilling to interfere. And so clam ensured over the dinner table.

Little that they know that it was only a clam before the storm…

[mistabean]

The next day came. Both Devanna and Bean got up early, and set out as the dawn broke on the horizon. After they had reached quite far from the town, they stopped to cast a spell that would made their journey a "bit" more faster.

By afternoon they stopped to eat lunch by a stream. Devanna declared that they were already halfway to the Tower, and would probably reach it the next day. Bean said nothing, and after he had ate lunch, he said that he would want to take a little nap before they continue. Devanna said nothing, and went to the bank of the stream and laid down on a small field of flowers blooming there, toying with her angel necklace.

Then she heard a voice singing, and music from a harp been played. Quite suddenly she found herself lying on a different flower bed. This time it was as vast as the eyes could see. When she looked behind however, a person was sitting there, playing a harp.

"Ah, did I startled you?" she began, smiling. Devannna just smiled back, and said no. She sat back on the field, while the lady continued her singing. Her voice soothed Devanna's soul, lifted her worries, and for the first time since Sirroth, she has found peace.

"You know who you really are now, don't you?" she said out suddenly. Devanna was taken aback when she was asked this question. Then she realized for what she had meant. Karthok is not her real father...

"Yes, he is not. But he had been your father since you were a baby. You were taken from the burning remains of your village, when it is destroyed from an attack. So, in a way, he is your father..." Devanna said nothing.

"But know this, you are the direct lineage of Hizbal, the first Light Mage, the creator if the staff you held now. Even though the power within it was infused by Creator, what you held now is a remembrance of your past. Just as him, who comes from the first Dark Sorceror, Ariakan. And now, the world needs both of your power. That is why the Dark Staff was stolen and Karthok's real daughter is killed. Destiny played her hands well, so that now both of you comes to power, when the world was in true peril. Although she had done this cruelly, for you had sacrificed too much, she had to do it." Devanna lie down, watching the blue skies... Strange indeed. She felt nothing in her heart now.

"Right now, he is crying in his heart, for his one trusted friend is now gone. A time will come when it is your turn to cry... Brace your heart for this" Devanna tried to ask something about this, but then it suddenly dissappeared. It is pitch black now, and she felt suddenly afraid of this darkness. She tried to scream out, hoping that someone would hear her, and saved her, but her voice wouldnt come out. The she heard a man's voice saying her name, beckoning her...

***

Bean has finished his nap and was washing his face on the stream, when he saw Devanna stirred in her sleep. Then she moaned, and cried out, as if she was having a nightmare. Bean went to her, shook her gently and calling out her name. She slowly opened her eyes and was looking relieved by this... Bean said nothing more, and Devanna went to stream to wash her face. Then it was time to go. Before they set out however, Bean made one comment though... "Having a nightmare??"

***

Night came, they stopped at another village that Devanna had pointed out to Bean. As usual, they searched for an inn, looking for dinner, and after that Bean joined the men for a round of drinks. What had caught their eyes however, that this village had somehow lose their cheerfulness... Like something is plaguing them. Devanna made a cautious glance at Bean, but she didnt know if Bean caught it or not.

But later, as Bean came in to the room, his face was grim. Devanna was looking to the night sky from the window, and for a short moment she saw like a look of pity on Bean's eyes. Devanna's heart stirred, and after he had spoken, it was clear that she was expecting the worse about the tower...

"The rumours are not good. Better to see it with our own eyes rather than believing them"

------

[ThE-HunTeD]

While walking back towards the concealed path earlier, they bumped into a few villagers rushing towards the cabin. They brushed aside Eiion and Fey, one of them stopped and asked if they were at the cabin by the lakeside, Eiion replied no and asked what happened. The villager said some folk saw thick smoke coming from the cabin area and are afraid there might be a forest fire. Eiion just kept quiet and walked off. “Would you like me to take care of them? They’ve seen us” asked Fey. “No need. Save your energy. I need you in full strength”. Fey just nods and follows Eiion into the overgrown path which leads to the mountains. “Death, sorrow, hate, revenge” said Eiion out from the blue. “Huh? What?” confused at what Eiion just said. Eiion smiles at Fey “He’s strong, really powerful indeed to be able to influence the surrounding forest. No wonder he wants him as an ally.”

After a few hours trekking through the woods, they finally made it to the foot of the mountain. Fey looks at Eiion, he seems to be staring intently at the mountains as though looking for something. “He’s here, I can feel him. A little weak, but he’s here, we’re close, very close. Let’s go. There should be a cave somewhere around here.” Eiion starts walking along the foot wall of the mountain, feeling his hands on the rocks. After a few feet of walking, he stopped and closely examines a portion of the wall. “Found something?” asked Fey. “Yeah, our entrance, stand back a little” with that, he places his palm onto the rock and instantly it explodes with bits of rocks flying all over the place.
After the dusts settles a cave entrance is revealed in front of them. It quite a large, large enough for 3 or 4 person to walk side by side and its pitch black. Eiion smiles to himself again “Let’s go, and try to keep up okay. And don’t bother lighting any fire, I want you to conserve your energy.” Fey just nods and follows Eiion into the pitch black cave.

Eiion and Fey wade through darkness for more than three hours when they finally comes closer to their destination.
“Need rest?” asks Eiion.
“No need. How far more to go?”
“Not too far I guess, he should be just below us. Good thing he’s stationary, if not I would have a tough time finding him in here.”
“Eiion….don’t you find it odd that there’s no guards or guardians around”
“They didn’t expect anyone to find this place. Heck, I don’t think they even expect the keepers to reveal the location. Come, let’s go”

Mysterious voice “Intruders, I wonder who is foolish enough to wander into my caves. Rise, my generals,” Pieces of fallen skeleton bones started rumbling, bringing themselves together, forming a complete skeleton standing seven feet high, wielding a large broad sword and a heavy shield, ready for battle.

“Go, take care of the intruders”

The skeletons started marching towards a tunnel. As they walk there, lesser skeletons begin to rise and follow. As the skeletons exits the area, the dark cloaked figure just looks on. “Will today be the day?”

[Angel]

As ElderG retreated from the dining hall, Reiz make his way towards Angel’s room. Carrying with him the dinner plate for his dearest. He wonders what makes her chance so much throughout the years. He remembers her as a cheerful young lady, always caring, with laughter carves across her sweet face all day. But now, she barely even smiles at all. His thought brings back old memories, when he used to spend his time with her, all day long accompanying her when she’s not in studies or practical classes. How he had misses those times.

Without realizing, he has reached her door, without pausing, he knocked and waited for her response. “Angel, are you in? Can I come in?”

“Reiz? Is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me. I bring dinner. You should have some, you have not ate anything since morning.” There was a long pause before she finally let him in. She is still lying on her bed, wrap in her blanket. Her eyes were wet, she has been crying. Reiz sat on the stool next to her bed, and lay the dinner on the bedside table. “Angel… are you okay?”

“… Yes, I’m okay. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” Angel looks at the dinner, pretending to be interested and asked, “So, does it taste good?”

“Of course! But you won’t like it, won’t you? You need something light.”

“WHERE THE HELL DID YOU COME FROM?”

All of a sudden Xs is in the room, with them. In fact he was right behind Reiz. His sudden appearance startled the both of them; especially Reiz who still can’t believe how Xs could move without a single noise, or the fact that he can’t sense him at all.

 “Huh? From the door. You left it open.”

Both Angel and Reiz stared at him, speechless. Angel getting accustomed to Xs sudden appearances recover almost immediately, “Xs, what are doing?”

“I just thought you might want some food, erm… not such heavy meals…” He stares on the floor of the cabin, as though unsure of his actions. “Er… so… what do you need? Chocolates? Crackers? Cookies? Sweets?” All of a sudden, he became really active, digging into his backpack, chucking stuff out it while looking for some food. But what caught the attention of Angel and Reiz was the amount of the things he unloaded, and the size of those items! There were spears, staff, sword, and all sorts of armors and heavy looking items that will definitely not fit into a regular backpack!

“YOU! Come here!” Reiz dragged Xs out of the room before Angel could questions Xs. Closing the door behind him, Reiz pulled Xs further down the cabins’ corridor and drop him hard on his back onto the hard floor. “What the hell are you doing? Distracting her like that? As if she is not heart broken enough! And what’s with the backpack of yours? How on earth does you load all those stuff into it?”

Xs just get up and brushes his pants, looking straight into Reiz’s eyes. For the first time Reiz actually see how serious his face was, there was no smirk or his usually cheeky grin.

“Let me deal with her. With both of you around, she’ll never cheer up. You don’t get do you? Stop making her life miserable. Stop forcing her to choose. She has enough to deal with at the moment.”

“What? What did you just said? Who do you…”

“I just happens to know how she feels at the moment. Stay out of this. You and him.”

And with that he walks back into Angel’s cabin, locking the door from within, leaving a confused Reiz to deal with his own. For a moment, Reiz stood there, unable to believe what he had just heard, unable to swallow the harsh words from Xs. But soon after, he walks away from the cabins, towards the dock.


Back in her cabin, Angel is starring at the items unloaded from Xs backpack. She have half the heart to dig and examine the backpack, but knowing it was wrong, she restrained herself. Xs returned soon after, with his usual naughty grin on his face.

“Hey, I am back! So have you figures out what to eat yet?”

“You don’t have to do this, you know… I can manage”

“Chocolates? They are good you know. Here, have some.”

“Xs, please… listen to me, okay? You don’t have to cheer me up. I’ll manage. Okay?”

“If you can manage, you won’t be here all day, crying yourself up.” Xs looks at her, his expression was somewhat different, he seems to be caring, at the same time sad and lonely, as if he can see through her feelings. “Have some okay?”

Angel took the large slab of chocolate from him, eating it slowly, still looking at Xs. Unable to find a word to speak to him. He has been like this before, when she was upset back at the inn in Sirroth and on the dock this afternoon. What she couldn’t understand is how Xs could be so different and why he act the total opposites all the while.

“Well, you seems to be better now. I’ll be outside if you need anything. And oh, I have to clear this mess. Sorry. And don’t ask why… I won’t answer you.” He left after packing his stuff and close the door behind as he leaves.

[Anonymous]

After dinner, Jester and Elodia went to the deck again. The moon was shining bright. They stared at the sky, and they remained silent. Elodia seems to be thinking os something, something about the combo they had did. She began to feel uneasy. She slowly walked back to the cabin, laid on the bed, and slept.

Jester, on the other hand, stared at the moon, which is not full. He wondered ever since Elder Molemni asked him to be on this task, it seems he still haven't know the reason to it. He began wondering, what would be of concern? He realise that he had forgotten about something, Trial of the Moon. He touch the seal on his forehead.

He thought, "what power does the crystal have? The Moon Family, what could they be? They can't just be something that lived on moon. And where is the MoonGod? Why can't I unleash their power? "

Suddenly, he had a very serious headache. He grab his head and kneel down on the floor. The word god[SHEN] on his forehead began to glow red. A few seconds later, the pain subsided. Jester pants and he stood up slowly. He walked towards the cabin and he slept.

That night Jester dreamt. The dream was so...real. He was there in the dark. Pure darkness. He was sitting on a chair. And then came a blinding light. He blocked the light from damaging his eyes with his hands. When he slowly move his hands away, he see a man standing in front of him. He stood up and screams out, "Who are you?". The man smiled, "I am....the Moon God." Startled, Jester walked towards the man, but he disappeared. A voice came from behind Jester, "I've been residing in you all along." Jester turned around, and saw that the Moon God sat on the chair.

"But none except Ancestor Atrikosh was able to wield your power." said Jester. Moon God replied, "True. And that is because I don't sense the pure good in the past Lulianars. They might have been the chosen one to wield the Moon Power, but not the chosen one to save us. Except Atrikosh." Jester looked puzzled, "What do you mean by 'safe us'?".

MoonGod then explains,"Well, we have the ability to know who would be able to find a portal, and have chance to help us get back to the moon. Except Atrikosh, we didn't find anyone that has that power to do that." Jester, looking more puzled, asked,"But you all are still here..."

MoonGod then began his explaination again, "Atrikosh once found the portal. He tried his best to send us in. But it seemed that he had failed. He is old, afterall. So the portal disappeared.  And now, after so many thousand years, finally there's another person that has the chance to safe us. And this person, is you."

"ME?!" screamed Jester.
"Yes, you. As the matter of fact, I can tell you that you might find the portal soon. But before that, I need you to do something for me. For us. That's why I'll meet you here."replied the Moon God.
Jester then asked what would the task be.
"Find and return me, the Trial of the Moon."

Jester stumbled. He thought that the Artifact was suppose to be a gift to the Village of Kuishka. He inteded to ask why, but before he did, the Moon God already began his explaination, as if he knew what Jester was thinking from his look.

"The Trial of the Moon, is a treasure from the Moon. The Moon, being a lifeform itself, knew that if it hadn't had protection over itself, it will be destroyed. It is some source of energy. And therefore Light Meditation is able to absorb the energy from it during fullmoon nights. It created the Trial of the Moon, which store great energy power of itself. And then, it unleash a power to form Me, MoonGoddess, Moon Child and the Advisor of Light. We are a form of protection to the Moon. We were born as a human-like lifeform. And therefore we build the Palace of Eternal Light on the Moon, where we live and monitor the safety of the Moon. The poeple that opened a portal to moon, they somehow know about the source of energy, and seek it. They want power. So, before we leave the Moon after being absorbed into a portal opened by the people here, we set up a shield which will withstand hits from the flying stars which has the potential to destroy Moon. That shield still stands now, but it'll disappear soon. Really soon. We're desperate. We need the Trial of the Moon to set up a new defence for the moon. That's the primary objective of the crystal. To protect. Besides that, the Trial is able to cleanse us of the darkside and negative effects accumulated within us when we reside in the Lulianars for so many years."

Jester, starting to understand a lot after the explaination, then asked, "And what's the special power of the Trial?"
"That, young Lulianar, I can't tell you." replied the Moon God, "but....there's something I'll have to tell you. I need to erase our power from you when we leave."

Jester was surprised.

"We must not let anything of the Moon stay here. Including our power and sources of the energy. The Village of Kuishka, when Molemni unleashed his power, had already prevented the destruction that should have befell the village 5 years ago. i'm glad to say that the after effects of the Trial laid a strong shield that will be there permanently to protect the village. Your village will be fine without the Trial. Yet. I'm sorry that I have to drain all your power when you find the portal. But to repay your help, I'll tell you that you can seek someone to strengthen your abilities again. The Moon power might not be there anymore, but you, on your own, had developed a lot of power throughout all these years."

"I did??" asked a confused Jester.

"As the matter of fact, you did. But we had to suppress this power of yours so that it doesn't interfere with us. When we leave, this power will be yours again, and you just need to learn how to use them, wisely. You don't need more than 6 months to relearn a few techniques. But for now, I won't be telling you more. This, is to help you find the Trial" said the Moon God as he hands a pendant that takes the shape of a star to Jester.

"That's the Strial[pronounce : Stra-ILL]. Trial-tracker, just in-case we lose the Trial. We are more like humans. We CAN lose things. We'll meet again then, when fate allows."

With that said, the Moon God disappeared. Jester ran to the chair, only to trip and fell onto the floor. Jester opened his eyes, and find himself lying on the floor of the cabin. It was morning already! Elodia was sitting on the bed, and she said, " Wow. I saw you fell onto the floor, what were you doing?"

Jester shook his head an began getting up, thinking all that before was a dream, and he saw it in his hand, the Strial. It wasn't a dream. It was a message. A rather long message though. He kept the Strial into his pocket, and get prepared for the day.

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Done. Its the beginning for the SKillTree renewing thingy. Hope it'll work out. If any of you don't understand the story. Do ask me =]