Greetings, readers. How do you do? This is my first ever fic (fixed and seperated) that I've written, so please be courteous. Since, this is the prologue to my story, some of the "episodes" will take place in certain worlds. Please keep in mind that the main character is one of my original characters from my drawings and my consciousness. Her name may sound familiar from a certain unpopular RPG, so I guess it's okay to use the name.
Disclaimers:
I'm borrowing Obi-Wan, who belongs to George Lucas. The fruit called Rhinoloupe is from the Mana series, too, is a property of SquareEnix. The Hogwarts Academy (it will be mentioned only), which is already came up by J.K. Rowling.
Three more things, in the Prologue, I'm borrowing the "Yggdrasil" idea from CLAMP's Wish, the Eldritch energy method from Eidos, and Musashi (or Musashiden) also possessed by SquareEnix, but derived from a Japanese folktale. So don't ask anything more.
Author's note: Obi-Wan is going to be the father of the main character. Her mother, brothers, and a few relatives are my originals, as well. Also, there's another mentioning about a fairy tale, and I've forgotten who wrote it, though I know few authors.
The Prologue is told from the main character's POV…ON WITH THE STORY!!!
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A Rose by Another Color
In the dawn of time, before He created Life and Light, the Almighty created the Alpha Angels. After time passed of the Life Creation, then slowly becoming a stronger civilization, the Alpha Angels tried to walk among humankind by simply retracting their wings, but however, due to their lesser human and more spirited traits, the human beings were becoming suspicious of them, and most of these Angels were not suited for combat against the infernal race, the Demons that plagued various worlds since the very commencement.
So, the Almighty created a few Angels of the humans' own true image.
Unlike the Alpha, the Beta Angels' features show their true genders (only hair and eye color is beyond humans' limited color), have a human's diet, but cannot "consume" solar energy, but absorb its nutrients like any other Mortal. And they must music normally like the common race, cannot hear or see all instantly from a simple disk, for instance.
However, they still possess the musical skills, physical and vocal, but enhanced. Even with their wings retracted, they are still capable in a battlefield, whether it takes place underwater or on land. With or without a weapon, and can use their magic against enemies, or assist those in need.
When it comes to multiplying, they still hatch from their eggs when they fall off the branches of the Holy Tree, unlike the Alpha Angels, who hatch from eggs still in the tree. And since they have more human characteristics, the Betas can marry other, or almost any sentient being, and um…/blush/… nevermind that, but I will tell you that the eggs were picked up, and delivered to their parents by the well-known birds, the storks.
There is another kind of Angel, the Dark Angels (this Race has the same unlimited hair color, but doesn't have horns, tail, etc. of a standard Demon, but a few might have them). When the Almighty created Light, Shadow was born, which caused one of the Angels the first corruption in the very start. You might probably know the whole thing, so I don't have to tell you, but another that I'll tell you that the Dark Angels came along when an Angel was cursed by a strong monster, or the like, thus, passing it on to the Cherubim, then their eggshells turn light gray, which are then Dark Angel eggs. Luckily, most of the Dark Angels are on our side, using their Evil Magic, which only those with Demon blood running through their veins can use them, for valiant purposes such as sending enemies "downstairs", whether the enemy is an extremely corrupted sentient, or another Demon. Also, the Divine Shadow (an elemental synonym for Dark Angels) can change sides of Drows (another word for Dark Elves), Dark Fairies, and even taming the Undead, so they make great mediators! And…they have the most unusual fear in the Multiverse. Even I don't know what it is, but it's merely a secret the Dark Angels keep for millennia.
The Dark Angel race have Beta traits, and they do have some demonic traits such as, for instance, devouring souls, seeing Eldritch Energy, and sometimes…temporarily transform into their full Demon form, enhancing their strength, agility, and so on. That only happens when a Dark Angel absorbs a great amount of force from wounds they were inflicted on, or by reminiscing "painful" public or private tragedies, which mortal beings are most likely to be involved in, too deeply. And for some reason, due to the fact that they are the Angels of Death, when a bed is not nearby or when they are wounded in Demon form, they sleep in coffins, but mostly prefer sarcophagi. Awkward.
And now, "it" begins…
"Zzzzz…"
"Sis."
"Zzzzz…"
"Sis, wakey-wakey…Get up, Auburn-locks!"
" Snort! Wha…? Good yawwwwwn morning, Eru."
"It's time to go, White Rose."
"…???"
" Sigh! You must've slept like a log last night…again."
"Yeah, my triplet brother" I giggled "… Oh, that's right, we're gonna have the Divine Trial now."
"Chuckles Now you're catching up, sis. Get ready for the audience with the Almighty. But first, we gotta get some mornin' chow."
"You got it!" I merely smiled.
As soon Erutenube left my bed chamber, I jumped out of bed, dashed into my small room and got myself clean, mouth, body and all. Then, strangely but normal, I leapt into my armoire, closed the doors, then I changed, non-lethal scuffle style, so the armoire doesn't burst. The concealed craze died down, and I exited it. I looked into the full form mirror, combed and brushed my long, long hair, then tied it up in a ponytail with my yellow-green hair band with two ruby-red beads. I treasured it since I was a Cherub. I fixed my journey robe and its elastic sash (weird; makes me look a bit fragile). Minutes later, I wore my short-sleeved gi, tied it closed with a thicker sash with a torso pack. And, last, but not least, I put on my Lightsaber glove with an Asian "Wind" symbol on the back, my Furok ring (the Furok's name is Gomez), my Satyr's Flute and my trusty weapon of choice, the crosier.
As soon as I'm fully equipped, I noticed that the halls are empty. So, I dashed down the palace halls with great speed, slid down the handrail of the spiral staircase, jumped off in a graceful acrobatic somersault, then sprinted to the dinning hall for breakfast. Once I've set my foot inside the doorway… One of my two brothers faced me with his usual look on his face; a semi-serious look.
"What took you so long, dear sister?"
"Bro… Am I…late?" I shuddered.
"…I'm afraid so." He sighed.
When I heard those words, it paralyzed me for ten seconds.
Eru dropped his head to the long table. "Maverick! Quit jokin' around! You know that sis believes in almost everything!"
"Well, I'm SOR-RY!" Maverick overreacted with sarcasm.
I shook my head back into reality. "Bro', that was the first time you lightened up. I'm impressed!" I grinned.
"Anyway, you're not late, White Rose." Maverick relaxed a bit.
"Hee, hee. That's good to hear, at least." I grinned.
"Uh, fellas?"
"Yes, Chiara?" Rayrin, Chiara's soft-spoken twin brother, asked soothingly.
"The servant's are here!"
Quickly, we regained our composure as we were served. Oh, and that's my cousin Chiara, who's a Dark Angel. Even Dark Angels must take the Trial. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the Trial, which Erutenube mentioned earlier, is a test in a way since all of us Betas and Darks must take, and is different for each and every one of us Mature Cherubim. None of us know what's in store, but we do know it's dangerous. It may be dangerous, but may give Beta and Dark Angels proof his or her quality as a fighter.
Once the feast was placed on the grand table, we chow down immediately. Since all Betas and Darks have the potential to use the Mystic Arts, Magic requires lots of energy overtime, so we have monstrous appetites, so we fast beyond masculine fashion. It may look feral, but that's our common manner, even the Queen eats like a ravenous lion (she's my mom, by the way, so DON'T INSULT HER!!!) The breakfast we had were from Cockatrice eggs, to elven bread, to Rhinoloupe. And then, we, washed it down with Gorgon milk. It's actually good, even for a mere human being. Most Sentients eat certain monsters, and other races didn't know they're edible. We gotta teach 'em someday!
" BELCH!! Phew!" Eru belched without covering his mouth. To be honest with you, we Betas and Darks like to belch (what can I say? We fighters can be a bit immature; we'll no longer age once we're at least ten-thousand years old).
"WHOO, good one, cuz!" Chiara cheered.
"Dear brother. Though I am a bookworm, my belch is greater."
"Really, Maverick? We've never heard you belch at all. Are you sure? You must've fib!" Eru blurted out with density.
"It's the truth, Erutenube. I CAN belch like the other Angels, but I'd rather not show off like you when scoring girls our age and its converted reckoning using your silly charms."
"Maverick…" Eru growled in a low tone.
I still remembered my brother's words as a reminder. "Um, guys…bicker later, 'cause we have to head out to the throne room to have our audience with the Almighty. We can't be late, y'know."
My raven-haired cousin gently smacks her pale forehead with her three-digit clawed hand. " Sigh… White Rose, you're such a worrywart sometimes, but y'know that Mom an' Dad already took the coronation ceremony when we were, I guess, around a thousand years of age. Don't worry, it's still somewhat early; we'll have plenty 'o time."
"You're right, Chiara. I guess I must've gotten used to being hasty from attending Hogwarts for a year and became a full-fledged Mage, especially its disciplinary system." I shuddered again.
Chiara had simply put her hand on my shoulder, comforted me along with her gentle words. "Like I said before, RE-LAX! You're out of that place now; besides, it was only a part of our training; we were there only to know our Mystic Arts, and learn how to use it properly for the right alignment. Since we have Angel blood running through our veins, we'll be fine."
"But YOU also have Demon blood in you, like your brother Rayrin. Would there be a chance that you'll become… evil?"
My cousin, being calm again to me, grinned. "Don't worry, White Rose; I'll be fine with my group. Besides, Mon an' Dad raised me and Rayrin in sacred places after they fought with your parents and their allies centuries back. They know the difference between good and evil, and knows evil when they see it."
"Okay. Once I'm done, I'll meet you by the great doorway to the throne room." Maverick spoke.
"Alright." I said as I stood up.
Once I had my morning fill, I left into the hallway. Okay, I AM a little hasty. I just can't seem to get rid of this habit… But I will one o' these days. I dashed down the halls once more, sprouting my small wings, then enlarging them when I'm about to take flight. I jumped, flapped, and then gliding through the air. I could do some aerial tricks, but not in here; I might get hit into a column or something. Once I saw the huge doors, my wings stopped flapping in midair, and I landed to the marble floor nimbly. I leaned against one the two pillars, waiting for the others to arrive. I then looked at my mythril pocket watch. When I heard footsteps and the flapping of wings…
"Right on time, I see." Maverick asked with an impressive look on his face.
"Yup!" I agreed cheerfully.
"You're pretty quick with your sprinting and flight. It's gotta be your Wind attribute. It's supposed to give extra speed and agility. Since everyone else's here, let's go inside,"
I almost forgot; I won't be alone on this trial; my friends are gonna accompany me, while my brothers and cousins are going with their friends. At least we can depend on others, and that's a good thing. We set our feet into the throne room, walking to its center, then kneeled down respectively. The other Angels and the honored beings joined. At last…this is it!
"Dear children. The time has come for the Holy Trial that must take part every thousand years. Ah yes, it comes through from Divine generation, to Divine generation. Your bloodlines proved true to the honor of defending the Multiverse against all evil, especially its source; the Demons of the Infernal Realm. Though its ruler was defeated by the Kings and Queens of the Betas and Darks and their comrades, there are those who will seek to become the infamous and fabled Arch Evil, who will be stronger than the first Devil! We must be on our guard! However…you children have trained well for years. But you must show us that your hard training has paid off. Once you have proven worthy, you will become the part of the defending guardian groups! Now, before you gather your necessities to prepare your Trial, I will give each unit this Crystal Ball. It will guide you during your Trials and beyond!"
Each of us received a Crystal Ball. I've stashed mine in my bag. I saw a council member walking forward beside the Almighty. She then said:
"The necessities that you require are in the signed storage rooms. Their doors have ID crests of a specific unit. That unit can gather its contents, not any other that doesn't have their matching ID crests. Once you have accomplished your Trials, you will be transported back here, and you might have unexpected guests with you in the future; we'll provide them with the details. And now…this audience is now adjourned. You are dismissed! Good luck, children, and may the Light guide your way!"
When we walked out the grand doors, they were closed immediately.
Chiara, who's seemed confused, wondered, "Weird… Are they…eccentric?"
"No, Chiara. They're just serious about the everlasting situation since the defeat of you-know-who. They're always like that. It's somewhat normal… Even I find it awkward…"
"One-track minds... Alright, Maverick. Okay, before we get our stuff together…what's the Crystal Ball's purpose?"
I joined in by answering: "The Crystal Ball is like an ethereal map; in the middle of the Crystal Ball, the light blue speck is you and your pals who's holding it; the white moving specks are enemies, if the blue speck emerges with one, you'll have to fight; a small white ring indicates a place, like a town, a forest, a cave, etc.; and a flashing red speck within a white ring is the destination of your mission."
"Very good, sis." Maverick complimented.
"Thanks, Maverick."
"No prob."
"Let's get our stuff together, shall we?" said Erutenube.
"Erutenube, it appears you found some common sense." Maverick said with ease.
"/Grumbles/ Shut it, Maverick! You're getting on my nerve!"
Chiara became annoyed. "Both o' you, quiet down! Let's go!"
"Hm. Very well, Chiara. We should get going."
"Don't be so serious all the time, brother dearest. Bye, Maverick. Bye, Eru."
We split up to find our designated storage rooms. When my pals, who left the throne room before me, caught up…oops! I forgot to tell you about my pals. I have two close friends, actually. Their names sounded alike; Musashi and Zashiki Warashi. I'll tell you a little about them;
I was Musashi's companion for his mission to save a kingdom called Alucaneet. I've been helping quite much with tasks and battles, too, especially against the Wizard of Darkness. He, then became a true hero; I'm proud of that, but I feel left out, somehow, so I left the kingdom while he sealed Lumina, the Sword of Luminescence, so he can return to his world… But when I was about to spread my currently used wings, he came to me and told me that I was also appreciated by the King and Queen, who returned from their vacation while Thirstquencher Empire attacked, when they heard about my assistance throughout this adventure. I was very happy to hear that; somehow, Fillet and her parents gave me the Satyr Flute for my courage and ambition. When I sensed a Nature Spirit dwelling within the instrument, I know it'll come in handy, so to me, the Flute is an important item. Before we take our separate paths, Musashi and I exchanged one of our treasured belongings as parting gifts (for some reason, it's an Angel tradition, which is a way to meet each other again in the future). He gave me his Legendary Quilt (it's like a sleeping bag), while I gave him my Stagadan Ring (when summoned, Torblen, I named him too, can take you anywhere by air once he's mounted). I'm sure Torblen will be of great help for one of my best buddies. Now I can't believe we finally meet again, and he appears much different, too, after centuries of his world passed!
In fact, I remember the reunion; it was…5 months ago. I was wandering around in a town of modern times by curiosity. Nothing special. I then I find a spot to rest and enjoy my lunch I bought; some takoyaki, a tuna onigiri, a spicy meat bun, and a can of white peach soda! I became curious when Mom eats this kind of food, and I'm trying them all. Then again, while she visits the present time for the fill, she was trained as a samurai while she honed her White and Spirit Magic to become a true Anti-Infernal warrior, and her primary attribute is Light! I opened my travel lunch pack and about to enjoy. Then, a young man with long, spiky brown hair, sat next to me and said: "It's been a while, Wind Angel."
I was surprised, hearing the gentle voice. "Huh? You…know me?"
"Don't be- oh, I see. I appear different, right?"
"Do I…know you?"
"Hmm… Ah, I have something that'll have you recognize me. Let's see…"
He seems to be rummaging through his knapsack… I've wondered why he knows me.
"Ah-HA! Found it! Maybe this'll help." He took out a gold ring with an emerald. Hey wait! That's no ordinary gem! It looks like…an Infused Animite! How did he get one when a path to the other world isn't in Japan? The young man puts the ring on, and taps on the gem. Surprisingly, a Stagadan appeared and landed before me, saying…
"Long time, no see, White Rose!"
My eyes widened; I've recognized that voice. "Torblen?! Is that you? If you were my Dream Creature, then…/turns to the young man/ Musashi (he had indigo hair before)?!?"
Musashi grinned. "Heh. I knew you'd recognize me, White Rose."
I could hug him, but not now. Instead, I giggled happily, which Musashi likes to hear. "It's great to see you again, Musashi!"
He un-summoned Torblen. "I could chitchat more but…"
"What? You have to go?"
"No, I'll hang out with you is just that…"
"What is it, then?"
"Uh, just don't get the two hot staples of yours cold." Musashi pointed out.
"Oh, whoops." I ate one of eight takoyaki pieces, while I take a bite of the meat bun. I enjoyed them both, alternately. I finished them, sent the onigiri down the hatch, and cleared the esophagus by chugging the soda. As we ate, we talked about the past, then our recent activities when we were gone.
(End of flashback)
Another friend of mine is one of the youkai of happiness named Zashiki Warashi. A kind of god in a form of a young boy, but has red cheeks, like Nature's rouge, It is said that for those who see him or others of his kind will gain eternal happiness. He has a tendency to play tricks on mortal beings only at night for some reason, such as the 100-hiccup trick. I first met him when we were younger. He changed a bit and grew slightly after reading a story about elven children who helped a shoemaker and his wife, and recived gifts of robes for their work. Overall, he's very fun, especially when it comes to various kinds of games. One time, we played with the other children in the woods at night fall. It was better and much more interesting because the dark makes Hide-'n-Seek more challenging. Warashi was also a classmate in Hogwarts, except that he was in Hufflepuff, while Rayrin, Maverick and I were in Ravenclaw; and Chiara and Erutenube were in Gryphondor. When we travel or venture with my family, Warashi is a good fighter, masters the Naginata (or the glaive if you don't know) quite well. He works as a merchant from hither and yon. When there's a new item, he identifies it, then explains its purpose. He also specializes in Fire-based spells, much like Eru, since his attribute is Fire.
Anyhow, we walked down the hallway, finding the storage room. The other doors were already opened, so the other groups were there. At last, we found the door, which is adorned with our ID crests. We took out our pendants, moving them close to the door. The door, then, vanished away into thin air. We entered, seeing the chests against the walls, ready to be opened and emptied. We split up and pried the chests open, taking their contents. The items in the chests were: 9 Healing Herbs, 4 Mana Berries, 1,500 Gold, and 2 Opals. The herbs are a type of medicine that heals wounds, while the berries heal morale, and they can be bought in shops. There are stronger versions, too, but we have to find them on our travels. I let Musashi and Warashi take what they need, and I'll take what's left. Once they're done, I received a Lunar Armlet, a Sylvan Cloak, an Ark Crystal, which even I don't know what it does, and a pair of Halting Anklets. For some reason, I can't wear the armlet and anklets…
"Hm? Is that an Ark Crystal?" Warashi asked.
"Yes." I answered.
"The Ark Crystal; raising it sky high will send a signal and guide the Major Ark, which is a refuge/rescue airship that saves endangered inhabitants from fatal catastrophes in various worlds."
"Thanks for the info, Warashi." I said.
" Okay, you two; let's get going." Musashi reminded.
Before we walk through the doorway, we divided the items and money. So we have 3 herbs and 500 Gold each, but Musashi and Warashi has one berry each, and I have two, since I'm a healer, and health is important in combat as well as traveling. The three of us exited the palace, feeling the warmth of sunlight on our skin. We continued through the stone path between the garden, seeing the caretakers at work, tending the flowers and the like. One gardener, who's far away, saw us. She quickly took flight, and landed before us, 'shrooms in hand.
"So, embarking on your journey, I see. As you already know, the others left. But it's never too late, of course! Oh, and since her Highness is leaving, take these, but use them wisely."
The gardener gave each of us a plump mushroom…
"Oh, Medi 'Shrooms." Warashi spoke.
"Lemme guess, Warashi" Musashi smirked. " They heal wounds, right?"
"Yes, however, these can heal wounds no matter how severe. They're very expensive; about 1,000 Gold a piece. A monster may have one as a spoil when a party's lucky enough to beat or pilfer from. Let's save it for an emergency until we have enough moolah."
"Okey dokey!" I said cheerfully.
We waved the gardeners goodbye, and they waved back shouting "Good Luck, kids!"
Musashi dreamed Torblen, letting us mounting the Stagadan, first.
"Let's go!" I shouted as we took flight and flew into the enchanted clouds below. "Bye, everyone; we'll be back before you know it!"
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Sigh I hope this is slightly better, because people I know find the whole Prologue long, so I mentioned earlier that it's seperated. So the chapter I'll work on for sure will be either 2 or 3. You decide. And don't bias me!