Preface:
This is an AU Radiant Mythology. The story takes place in a new world although the beginning is mostly based on Radiant Mythology 3. It will borrow Tales characters from Phantasia all the way up to Xillia 2 (and possibly Zesteria depending on how fast the game is localized). No incarnation of Kanonno will be used. The only OCs will be the protagonist and one of the antagonists. Finally, due to the nature of a massive crossover, characters and their games will be listed at the end of the chapter for readers unfamiliar with the entire series (especially unlocalized games). For characters who never had their games released outside Japan, I will used the romanizations from the Graces f Magic Carta mini-game. For characters who had their names changed when localized, I will use those.
Chapter 1 - Creation
The boy was floating, dreaming of a world of white. A dream where his body gently flowed down what felt like a steady river. Soon there were voices, voices of all ages, but they soon began to fade away as a singular entity filled his mind.
"Awaken and fulfill your purpose..."
His eyes shot open only to immediately shut themselves. The piercing rays of the Sun forced the boy to roll over.
"Mmmph!"
Water rushed into nostrils. His body sunk and resurfaced seconds later.
He found himself in the middle of a lake, one at the base of a small waterfall. The waves were slowly pushing towards shore.
"Ugh... Why did I go swimming wearing all of this?"
The boy removed his clothes except for his underwear, wringing them out one by one. After putting back on his black pants, he realized something.
"Wait...these are mine?"
The rest of his clothes were laid out on the bedrock: a sleeveless red shirt with a deep golden trim, black socks, and a white set of gloves and boots.
The boy shivered as the breeze began to pick up. He quickly put on his clothes but continued clutching himself as he stood up. He walked towards the water's edge and gazed down at his reflection.
"This is...what I look like?"
He was a young man somewhere around his late teens. He had a slim yet lean build and stood a little under six feet. His brown hair was slightly unkempt, short but still slightly obscuring his similar-colored eyes.
"...Who am I?"
He struggled to remember. There was no trace of who he was or what he was doing here.
Looking around, this appeared to be a valley. Lush field surrounded the immediate, partially bordered by the mountains and cliff sides. The roar of the waterfall drowned out the sounds of wildlife.
"What is this place...? Huh!?"
A rustling noise startled him. When he turned around, a silver-haired boy was approaching from between some bushes. He was a younger teenager dressed rather formally in a blue suit with a yellow muffler. Surprisingly strapped to his back was a broadsword despite his fragile appearance.
The newcomer's eyes shied away. "Oh! Um... I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone was here..."
"It's okay. I'm...not sure why I'm here either."
"Hm? Are you lost?" He looked at him directly now, examining the water still dripping from the boy. "Oh no! Did you fall in the river and get swept down here!?"
He squeezed a few strands of his hair. "Maybe? I'm not sure."
"Memory loss?" He moved closer with his arms half-raised. "I'm not a doctor, but I have some training. Do you mind if I examine you?"
"Um... Sure. Go ahead." He sat down on a nearby rock.
The silver-haired boy leaned forward, running his fingers across the scalp and feeling for any oddities. After a double-check, there didn't appear to be to be any damage, and the amnesiac never winced or reacted negatively to any physical stimulus.
"Okay," he said wiping his hands on his coat. "Let me make sure you don't have a concussion. Tell me today's date."
"I...don't know. I can't even remember a single thing before waking up here."
"Total amnesia? This is worse than I thought." He held out his hand. "Don't worry. My guild's ship is nearby. Our doctor can take care of you until you get better."
"Guild?" he asked standing up.
"Oh, it's like a...club. Um, I can explain later. Let me just refill my canteen with fresh water first."
The silver-haired boy removed a canteen attached to the strap of his sword. He approached the water's edge and knelt down, letting the water flow inside.
As the amnesiac watched him, he soon noticed a shadow in the lake. The waves distorted it, but its size was comparable to a human's. And it was moving quickly towards the shore.
"Get back! Something's about to-!"
A strange creature burst from the surface. It appeared to be some kind of mutated fish wielding two sticks carved into hooks. It dove towards the silver-haired boy who was soon caught in a jet of water.
"Hey! Get away from him!"
The silver-haired boy pushed the creature away. "I'm...I'm fine! He just caught me off guard." After recovering, he quickly drew his broadsword. "I'm ready now!"
He charged forward and slashed at the creature. It attempted to block the attack only for it sticks to easily shatter. The sword then cut across it's chest, causing it to reel back. As it collapsed and flopped on the bedrock, the boy appeared to take a defensive stance. Suddenly, an orange glyph appeared beneath him. After a few seconds, he pushed out his hands.
"Fireball!"
Another glyph then appeared, shooting three small fireballs at the creature, roasting it alive until it was a burning carcass.
The amnesiac eyes went wide. "Woah... What was that?"
"A species of mermen," he said sheathing his sword. "I forgot that they live in this area."
"No. I mean...did you just shoot fire at it!?"
"Hm? It's simple magic. If you study the basics, anyone can do it. I'm sure you can too."
"But it's still cool that you can do that!"
A bashful smile. "It's nothing to be excited about! Once you get your memories back, I'm sure you'll think nothing of me."
"But how can I do that to the person who essentially saved my life? I owe you!"
"Well...I..." He bowed. "Haha! Thank you."
"Can I at least know your name?"
"Oh, my name is Ruca Milda. And you?" He paused "Ah! Sorry that was stupid of-"
"Askr."
"Huh?"
"I think...that's my name. Askr."
"R-Really!? Do you remember anything else?"
"...No. That's it."
He sighed. "Oh well. Hopefully Annie will know what to do when we get back. Anyway, just follow me. If we stick to the main path, we shouldn't run into any more monsters."
After about ten minutes of walking along a nearby dirt road, they arrived at a small port town. Passing through the north gate, they entered a large central square. Merchants dressed in multiple different attire were scattered all over the area, selling expensive and sometimes strange merchandise that seemed otherworldly in nature.
"What is this place?"
"This town is called Inizio. It's where everyone goes to when they land on this island because the rest of it is surrounded by dangerous hazards. Despite its size, it gets very crowded around here due to tourism."
"What makes it so popular?"
"Unless you can somehow fly, this is the only way to reach the World Tree."
"World Tree?"
Ruca turned with a sullen expression. "You really did lose your memory..."
Askr looked down. "I'm sorry. Was that a stupid question to ask?"
"No! Well...it's just that everyone, no matter where you go, knows what the World Tree is. The fact you don't know makes you stand out a lot."
"I do feel something when you say it. But I'm not sure what..."
Ruca pointed behind him. "Why don't you look at it and see if it triggers something?"
Confused, Askr followed Ruca's finger and turned around, only to almost fall back at what he saw.
In the far distance was colossal tree that extended far beyond the clouds. Thinking back to when he first woke up, Askr recalled that some of the mountains and cliffs seemed strange. Now he realized they were just massive roots extending from the base of the tree.
"Woah..."
"Remember anything now?"
"Nope... But it sure is beautiful."
"I wouldn't blame you for being surprised. Most people seeing it for the first time tend to underestimate just how big the Tree really is."
"What exactly is it?"
"The source of all mana which is basically all life. Without it, the world would die. That's why it's seen as sacred ground for many religions. Churches all over the world host pilgrimages to the ancient temple at the base of the tree."
"How far away is it?"
"Um...depending on which path you take and how prepared you are, I'd say about two to four days."
He smirked. "Hehe! Maybe we should go sometime?"
"If you want, I can ask my guild leader to let you come with us. She's a priestess so she's somewhat obligated to come here every now and then. C'mon, we're almost at the ship."
The boys continued towards the harbor where many large boats were already docked. Ruca escorted Askr to a particularly strange ship, the Van Eltia as he called it. It looked more like a floating gold cannon with an inspiration from stained-glass artists.
They boarded the deck from a ramp and then proceeded through the nearby door. Inside was a sort of reception area: a lounge to the left and semi-circular desk to the right. On the opposite side of the room were a pair of rotating ladders that allowed access to other levels of the ship.
"Ange! I'm back!"
"Oh, Ruca! I was getting worried about you."
Behind the desk was a light blue-haired woman dressed in a white robe. She tilted her head upon seeing Askr, but that soon turned into a warm smile.
"Hello there. My name is Ange Serena. Are you a friend of Ruca's?"
"You can say that..."
"I found him at the lake while gathering herbs," said Ruca. "I think he has a severe case of amnesia."
"Oh my! Wait right here. I'll go get Annie."
Ange ran towards the door to her right, surprising Askr by how quickly she moved in high heels.
In a few seconds, she returned with another young woman with brown hair. She was around the same age as Ruca but shorter. She wore a elegant pink shirt that bore her midriff and had sleeves that expanded to appear like tulip petals around her forearms.
"Hello. I'm Annie Barrs. Ange tells me you have amnesia?"
Askr nodded.
"Hm... It appears you haven't sustained any physical damage..."
"I have Ruca to thank for that," he said giving a knowing nod. The silver-haired boy nervously rubbed his head in response.
"This might be a psychological case. I'll need you to come with me and answer a few questions. Alone."
"Oh... Okay."
Askr followed Annie through the door she and Ange had come from. They entered a narrow hallway and proceeded towards the door at the very end.
"Please come in and have a seat."
Inside was an infirmary equipped with four beds and others appliances. Two cabinets stocked with various medicines and herbs lined the far end of the room. In the far corner appeared to be a changing room blocked by a sliding curtain.
Askr hopped onto the closest bed and watched Annie retrieve a clipboard from a nearby desk.
"Forgive me if I seem inexperienced during this session. I only specialize in human biology. I'm not a therapist, but I'll try to help in whatever way I can. Now first: do you have any trouble communicating with others?"
"I can understand people easily. Like I know what towns and cities are. Some terms are little confusing, but I mostly just can't remember my past."
"Okay then. What's the earliest memory you can recall?"
"Waking up in that lake... Oh wait. Do a dream count?"
"Describe it."
"I'm not sure. It was just...white emptiness. But there was a voice. I don't know whose it was though."
"Male or female?"
"I think it was male. It was pretty deep."
"I see... Is there anything you've been able to remember since then?"
"Just my name: Askr."
"Is there anything you know of that gives you a feeling of nostalgia? It can be an activity, a person, place, object...?"
Nostalgic? That could've described it. "...The World Tree. I had a strange feeling when Ruca pointed it out to me."
"Are you sure you weren't just surprised by its appearance? Or are you sure it was something else entirely?"
He nodded. "I'm sure. Ruca suggested I might've fallen in the river and ended up in the lake."
"Perhaps you were on a pilgrimage and got separated from the group? It's rare, but monsters have been known to attack traveling groups."
He shrugged. "Maybe. Ruca said he'd try to let me come with you guys there."
"Oh, right! I had most almost forgotten. I still need to prepare our medical supplies for that." She returned to her desk and sat on it. "Don't worry. You're more than welcome to come with us. I'm sure Ange won't mind an extra person."
"I'm glad."
"But do you know how to fight? I'm sure we'll be safe as a group, but in case one of us gets separated..."
He shook his head. "I didn't know whether I should've ran for help or fought back when that merman attacked Ruca."
"Hm..." She glanced at the wall clock. "Well it's still morning. Maybe I can get Reid to give you some basic training."
"Who?"
"Oh, he's another guild member here. I guess Ruca never got a chance to explain much about our guild?"
"He said it was some sort of 'club'?"
"That's one way to describe it. I'll try to have Ange explain. She's our leader after all."
Annie escorted Askr back to the lobby. Ange had returned to her desk and was filling out some papers while Ruca was patiently waiting in the lounge.
"Askr seems healthy," said Annie. "He probably just needs time and proper stimulus with familiar activities if he wants to recover. But I'll try to locate a specialist just in case I made an oversight."
"That's good to hear," said Ange. "Ruca tells me you want come with us to the World Tree."
He nodded. "Is that okay?"
"Of course! It's always nice to have another friend join us!"
"Oh um... Thank you very much, Mrs. Serena."
"Heehee! No need to be so formal around me! Just call me Ange."
"Where is Askr going to go?" asked Ruca. "He doesn't remember where he's from, right?"
"Well, he's more than welcome to stay with us. I can have a room prepared by tonight. Is that okay with you, Askr?"
He nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Ange."
"Hey," said Annie. "Has Reid left yet? I was thinking about letting Askr accompany him and get some basic sword training so he can defend himself."
"I-I can do it!" said Ruca. "I'm not busy anymore!"
"Sorry, Ruca, but learning to use a broadsword is usually more difficult for the average person. Not to mention your style is-"
"Oh... I understand..."
"If you want," said Ange, "you can still join them. Just leave the sword lessons to Reid."
He perked up. "That sounds great!"
"Though Reid left a while before you arrived. He said he wanted to get something to eat first." She smirked. "Knowing him, he's probably sleeping in a tavern somewhere. Why don't you go find him and wake him up? It'll give Askr an excuse to explore the town."
"Okay! C'mon, Askr! I know where Reid's usual meal spot here is!"
Askr followed Ruca back into town. They turned east at the marketplace and entered a quieter section of the area. Most of the buildings were two stories, some occasionally sporting a sign hanging above the front door.
"This is the residential district. Besides people's homes, you can also find the inns and taverns. Reid likes to come here since there are less people around to bother him during his 'after meal naps'."
"He sounds pretty lazy."
"Well...he kind of is. Haha! But don't let that fool you! He's pretty good with a sword because of all the hunting he's done."
They turned a corner into dark alleyway. About halfway down was a wooden porch leading into a tavern. Two burly men seated outside glanced at the boys as they walked past. Askr noticed them grin at Ruca but the boy ignored them.
Proceeding inside, they found a half-empty hall. A few men were scattered about drinking from their barrel-shaped mugs as they idly chatted with each other.
"Oi! Ruca!" The bartender was motioning to the boys. "'Bout time you showed! The farm boy's passed out again!"
He point to the young man seated at the far end of the bar. Resting his heading on the countertop, he had fallen asleep with his mouth open. He was a tanned redhead who questionably wore some sort of purple man bra.
"Thank heavens he doesn't snore or I would've thrown his ass out ages ago!"
Ruca sighed as he approached and began shaking him. "Hey, Reid? C'mon, you still have a job to do."
"Mmm... Five more hours..."
"Do you want me to get Farah?"
Reid opened one eye. "Aw, c'mon. I hate it when you pull that card." He yawned as he sat up, stretching his arms. "Mmm! What time is it?"
"Almost noon. Ange wants you to help train a friend."
"Hm? Training? Who?"
Askr raised his hand. "Me."
The redhead rubbed his eye. "Who're you?"
"His name's Askr," said Ruca. "I met him this morning. He lost his memory and needs training so can defend himself."
"You lost your memory? How did that happen?"
Askr shrugged.
"Well, I don't mind giving you a few pointers. Just know that I'm self-taught. If you want to fight more like those so called 'professionals', then you'll have to find someone else to teach you that fancy stuff."
"Anything is fine. I just don't want to feel useless like last time..."
"Alright then," he said holding out he hand. "I'm Reid Hershel. Nice to meet you!"
He returned the gesture. "Likewise."
After purchasing a cheap one-hand sword and shield from a local blacksmith, Reid had taken Askr and Ruca to a nearby forest. Using the trees for practice, he instructed Askr to perform numerous slashes until he found a comfortable style.
"That's it. Just work on two or three slashes and then back away to defend. When you've really got it down, try adding another one before defending. But I don't think you'll be doing that anytime soon. Also don't go wildly slashing or else your opponent might take advantage of an opening."
Askr was panting but remained focused. He took a defensive stance similar to Ruca's and then leaped at the nearby tree. He delivered thee quick diagonal slashes and then jumped back.
Reid walked out and stood beside him with his sword drawn.
"Alright, focus your energy into your hand and try to swing your sword along the ground. Just make sure the blade doesn't actually touch it. The point is to create a shockwave that moves across the ground. Like this. Haaaaa! Demon Fang!"
A wave of purple energy emerged from Reid's sword as he swung. It traveled quickly in a linear path. When it struck the tree, it dissipated and left a large mark as if it was rammed by a charging beast.
"Woah... Is that magic?"
He grinned. "Nope! Pure skill. But most people lump them in with magic and called them 'Artes'. Hey, Ruca! Why don't you show him yours?"
Ruca, who had been watching nearby, ran up to join them. He unsheathed his broadsword and perform the same skill although it was slightly different. There was a small jump, probably to accommodate his height and sword length. His version was colored red and left burn marks.
"See? It's one of the most common Artes for sword-users. And it you're really good, you can spice things up like Ruca! Try it out."
Askr took a deep breath. He fiercely swung his sword and managed to produce a white shockwave. However, his was considerably slower than the others. It dissipated before it even reached the target.
"Haha!" Reid placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it! Just don't try to force it by swinging as hard as you can. That'll just leave you open."
Askr wiped his forehead. "Got it."
He tried again, this time with slightly better success. He continued repeating this for about ten minutes until his Demon Fang reached a speed and power comparable to Reid's.
The redhead clapped his hands. "Woo! You're a fast learner! Honestly, it took me a two days to get that one down when I first learned it!"
"You were amazing," said Ruca. "I wish I could've learned it like that..."
Askr fell back into the ground with his arms spread out. "I'm so tired though..."
"You just need some rest."
"Hey, Ruca," said Reid. "I'm heading off to the hunting grounds. Can you manage getting Askr back to town without me?"
"Sure. Once he feels good enough to move again."
"Alright. See ya later!" Reid turned around and disappeared deeper into the woods.
Ruca sat down next to the collapsed boy. "How long until you think you can move?"
"We can go right now. I'll just ignore my aching muscles."
"Annie would kill me if I did that."
"Haha! Y'know...I thought you'd be more reserved."
"Huh?"
"You seemed pretty shy when I first met you. But you got pretty comfortable around me rather quickly."
"Actually...I am shy. I really don't know why I'm so comfortable around you."
"Heehee... I must've had a magnetic personality!"
"Yeah right."
"So are you really that shy? I'm having a hard time believing that."
"I don't have problems around friends and acquaintances usually. It's strangers I get nervous around..."
A smug grin. "So I was basically your friend five seconds after we met."
"...Haha! Maybe you're right!" His smile soon turned into a frown as he slumped forward. "Hey. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"How would you react if I told you that I ran away from home?"
"...I'd probably encourage you to go back, or at least make amends with those you left behind."
"That's just it... Everyone used to pick on me in school and my parents always expected me to take over the family business even though I wanted to be a doctor. And finally when those soldiers appeared...I couldn't stay there anymore."
"Have you at least contacted your parents?"
He shook his head. "I don't want the soldiers to trace my letters."
"Why do soldiers want you? You're the nicest guy I've ever met." He paused. "Okay, that doesn't really hold much substance coming from an amnesiac but you know what I mean."
Ruca shut his eyes and turned his head away. "I'm not like other people. Look at my shadow."
Askr pushed himself up and looked back. He almost lost his balance when he realized Ruca's shadow did not resemble him at all. All he could make out was a humanoid being with long wavy hair and curved horns protruding from his head.
"What in the world?"
"I'm an Avatar, a reincarnation of a divine being from the past. The shadow you're looking at? That's Asras."
"Is...that why you can fight so easily with that big sword?"
"Yeah... You're not mad at me, right? For hiding this from you when you don't really know much about this world?"
"Course not. But am I the only one who knows about this?"
He shook his head. "Everyone in the guild knows. Ange and my friends, Illia and Spada, are Avatars too."
"What's stopping the soldiers from searching for you? I don't mean to be rude, but you guys seem like sitting ducks in broad daylight."
"They only have authority in my home country. The other nations have their own problems to deal with and they're not willing to negotiate open borders right now. And that's part of why we formed this guild...Ad Libitum."
"Oh yeah. You never explained what that is."
"Guilds are basically independent organizations dedicated to fulfilling people's requests in exchange for money or rare materials. Requests are usually tasks like killing monsters, gathering herbs, and maybe an odd job every once in a while. When I met you, I was just finished collecting ingredients for an antidote to basilisk poison."
"Sounds interesting."
"It keeps us somewhat safe since we're not affiliated with any government, but I still feel bad about not being able to do anything back home..."
"Maybe I can help."
"You're underestimating things. You're talking about potentially starting a World War."
"Oh... But can I still join the guild? I mean, it's not like I have anywhere else to go."
"I can talk to Ange. We've been looking for new members too, but not many people are willing to join an Avatar-affiliated guild."
"Hey. They'll just be missing out on the fun!"
"...Hehe. I guess."
Askr sat up, supporting himself with a nearby tree. "I think I can move now. Let's head back."
Ruca stood up and followed Askr outside the forest. They emerged just at the outskirts of town where they came upon an unsettling sight.
"Oh no! Is that...!?"
Smoke was rising from the town. Crowds of people poured from the north gate as they followed the road protected by the local watchmen.
The destruction followed a straight path, heading directly towards the docks where ships we setting sail en masse. All except one, the Van Eltia.
Characters:
Askr - OC
Annie Barrs - Tales of Rebirth
Reid Hershel - Tales of Eternia
Ruca Milda & Asras - Tales of Innocence
Ange Serena - Tales of Innocence