Within the Japanese Observatory, Dr. Tashima prepared
to leave the
office for the day. As he turned to go, he spotted another pile of
observations that was recently made. Sighing with frustration, he
realized he will be staying a bit longer. Opening the file, he took out
a reading of the solar energy admitted from the center of the universe.
Studying a slide he notices a sudden flare of immense energy.
Quickly
he contacted the head of Astronomy department.
the universe. I suggest that strong precautions--"
occurred. In seconds all that was left of the once brilliant and alive
universe was nothing but an eternity of darkness and silence.
comrades when a sudden flare of energy shot through the foggy landscape
that houses the massive doors that leads to time-space.
her friends on Earth, but all connection was lost. She heard only
silence. She froze with shock as the full realization of what had
happened dawned on her.
you have anything better to do?" Alex asked with annoyance as she threw
a pillow at her face.
black hole appeared below the two and darkness ensued. When it faded
away, the room was empty.
surrounded by dreary curtains of gray fog. "I'm glad you've awaken,"
a
female voice said. "My name is Setsuna. The Guardian of Time and
Space.
Something has gone terribly wrong in my world. I believe the universe of
this dimension has vanished, along with all life form. I have called
upon you in order to return to the past in order to prevent it from
happening."
confusion.
by the name of Sora was formed in order to protect the legendary Terasu
stone of creation. This stone is the center of all life. Without it, the
universe would collapse upon itself and all life that it supports will
be destroyed. Apparently, it has fallen into the hands of the enemy
since the universe is…well, gone." Alex and Gillian stared at her
with
disbelief.
universe. Besides, why should we even believe you? Especially if you
really are an alien from another dimension."
another universe other than your own, but you should know that if
whoever had caused this gets away with it, your dimension might be
next." She then turned to look directly into Alex's eyes. "I need
to
find Sora. Only she can put a stop to this. I do not know where she is.
No one has seen her for thousands of years. But I'm sure that she's
still alive. She must be found "
Crystal as well as from the universe itself. Since both no longer exist,
my energy has been draining away. I've used the last of my energy to
summon help, although you two aren't exactly the help I was hoping for,
you'll have to do."
But you have to promise to sent us home afterwards."
gate of time and space, Setsuna waved and quickly shut the door to
prevent any more annoying questions. "Just concentrate on your
destination and you'll be fine. See ya! Have a safe trip!"
portal of light appeared in front of them. "Never mind," Alex whispered
as she and Gillian were sucked inside.
beautiful summer sun shone through the glossy green leaves of the
orchids. Small children played by the pond while their mothers washed
the laundry. Suddenly a bright light flashed between a grove of trees.
matching blue eyes. While the other had dark hair and aqua eyes. Both
were clothed in white robes.
changed!"
herself. "I think this would have been expected. Due to the condition
of
our former environment and the fact that we were never meant to do
anything so energy consuming as travel back in time, I think that us
changing so dramatically is a sign of how much damage that journey did
to us. In other words, I don't think it would be wise for us to travel
in time anymore or at lease until we get accustom to it. Besides, we did
travel back quite a long time from the appearance of the civilization
around us." She gestured to the medieval like village surrounding
them.
around in curiosity.
for once."
if they know anything about this Terasu stone?" Alex nodded in
agreement. "The sooner we find it and save the future of this
universe,
the we'll get Setsuna of our back," Gillian added with a smirk.
I just hope they know what they're doing. The future of everything
is
resting on their shoulders. Leaning on her staff, she felt her
energy
drain away... It wouldn't be long before she is completely powerless,
and disappear like the rest of her friends and when that happens all
hope would lie in the hands of Sora. Setsuna sighed and whispered to
herself "Sora, where are you? Where have you been for so long."
I
wonder if she's still alive. It's been so long since anyone has seen
her, I hope I've sent them back enough in time.
stand since the beginning of time began to fade. Looking around her with
despair, Setsuna collapsed on the ground. Maybe this is the end, who
knows if those two will ever find Sora. Maybe it was wrong to drag those
two from their home to find someone who's probably dead…
eyes of the villagers. "So, what now?" Alex asked. Gillian shrugged.
about that stone."
restaurant. The waiter seemed pretty nice, answering their rather
unusual questions with a smile.
Pernicus, and I've lived here a long time. So if you have any questions
about this town, I'd be happy to answer them."
Gillian shot her a look of annoyance, but said nothing.
The waiter thought for a while then shook his head. "I'm sorry,
but I've never heard of this Terasu stone. What does it do?"
Pernicus looked at Alex in shock and disbelief. Gillian couldn't help
giggling at the look on his face.
shook his head again.
He then thought for a moment. "I think I know who will.
pond. "I'm sure he can tell you much more than I can about that
stone
you're looking for."
lives up in that hill? Cool!" Gillian nodded beside her in equal
enthusiasm. They quickly thanked the waiter and set about climbing the
hill. Only, it turned out to be more of a small mountain. It wasn't
until nightfall that the two managed to climb up to the top.
about a mile away. The two treaded on, reaching the temple a half-hour
later.
Alex shrugged, then preceded to pull a long, thin string which appeared
to be the doorbell. A loud clamping noise ensued, followed by quick
footsteps.
them, nearly hidden by the massive doors, was a pair of oddly dressed
male servants. They looked first at Alex, then at Gillian, observing the
weird apparel with interest.
servants looked at each other, shrugged, then looked back at the strange
girls.
shrugged.
conversed with each other, unsure of how to proceed. Then the taller one
motioned for them to come inside.
with books and scrolls. In the center were three large sofas surrounding
a wooden table.
went to fetch their master. Alex sat down on one of the sofas while
Gillian looked at the books.
Gillian remarked in awe. Alex shrugged as she, too, went to look at the
books.
sheepishly at Alex.
turned around to study their host. He was thin, with long dark hair
flowing down to his shoulders. His eyes were nearly completely hidden
behind a silk hood. The dark robe concealed the entire body from the
head down to toe. It gave him an appearance of omnipotence.
in a deep voice. He sounds British, Gillian thought with
interest
and a slight amusement.
help us find something."
did you hear of the Terasu stone?" he asked with suspicion. The two
girls looked at each other, wondering if they should tell him the whole
story.
the only thing that can cure her," Alex lied. Well, it wasn't THAT
far
away from the truth, she thought. Setsuna is losing her power
and
she can't gain it back until the Terasu stone is found.
sorcerer replied slowly. Gillian and Alex stared at him in shock.
And
I thought she just made it up, Gillian thought in amazement. Alex,
too, was surprised. "What kind of sickness does your friend have?"
the
sorcerer asked. Alex turned to Gillian, thinking We're toast.
life energy, fast, and the Terasu stone is the only thing that can bring
it back!" Gillian secretly winked at Alex, who returned a thumbs up.
The
sorcerer just stared at the two girls, debating whether to believe them
or not. After 10 minutes of silence, the sorcerer let out a loud sigh.
in relief, but the sorcerer was not finished yet. "Let's just get
one
thing strait. I know you're not telling me everything," he stared
first
at Alex, then Gillian, "but I believe you're purpose is a just one.
However, if I find evidence against that, rest assured that I will do
everything in my power to prevent you from getting the stone." The
two
girls stared at each other, then shrugged. I guess saving the
universe
from ultimate death is a just enough cause, Alex thought.
Gillian smiled knowingly behind her as the sorcerer also nodded.
idea of the significance of the Terasu stone?"
universe?" Alex asked.
fall into the wrong hands, that person will have the power to destroy
the universe."
below her. Hundreds of people ran around in complete confusion and
chaos. As she watched huge cracks opened in the earth below those
people. Tall building collapsed upon the helpless crowd. The great
planet once known as Earth was crumbling before her very eyes.
But the hill that she stood upon alone was untouched by the horror
that surrounded it. She struggled towards the people, trying to somehow
help them, but no matter how hard she tried, her body refused to move,
paralyzed with horror. She knew she had do something but there seemed
to be no way of her helping. Watching helplessly, she felt tears run down
her cheeks. The once busy village of her home was nothing more that
crumbled buildings, littered with the bodies of the dead. With a final
burst of explosion, lava emerged from the cracks and what little that
was left of this wasteland disappeared below the molten rock.
had stop as a figure appeared beside her. "Is this what you wanted?
To
destroy all these people? And their homes? Are you satisfied now?"
you wanted. Isn't it?"
not to have it destroyed. I hate you! How couldn't you be so cruel? All
those innocent lives!" With that, she formed a silver sphere and
drove
it into the hill that the two stood on. The figured screamed with anger
and surprise as the hill collapsed, causing the two to plunge into the
deadly lava below.
preparing for death…
unfamiliar room, she remember what happened, after telling the
sorcerer, who's name they had learned to be Gelar, the whole story,
they've
been asked to stay so that they can start on their journey to find the stone
the next day. Gelar was very concerned by their story. He had agreed to
help them find the stone as well as Sora.
guest room she was sleeping in. Looking up, she saw thousands of
glittering stars, tiny pinpricks, peppered upon the seemingly never
ending sky. She tried to recall her dream but found that she could no
longer remember any of it, except everything being destroyed. I wonder
if it actually meant anything, it was probably just a dream, but it
seemed like much more. Shuddering, she walked back inside. Staring at
the ceiling, she realized that it was impossible for her to fall asleep
again. Remembering the Library she and Gillian had encountered earlier, she
decided to pay it another visit. "Well, might as well put it to use,
maybe
I can even find some more info on the stone." She quickly slipped on
some
clothe and headed for the Library, ready for a long night of reading.
in. "Hurry up! We're leaving!" Removing the pillow that she put over
her head to block out the knocks, Gillian sat up and looked into Alex's
gleaming eyes.
just barge into other people's room? And why are YOU so happy?"
Alex frowned but wasn't about to let this upset her. She merely
shrugged at Gillian's question. Gillian rolled her eyes and threw the
pillow into Alex's face. "Leave while I change," she said, giggling
at
Alex's feathered covered face. Alex smirked at her and threw the
feather pillow back. Then, with a bang of the door, she left.
up and looked for her white robe. But, instead, she found a long
pale-blue dress with a note that read, "I thought this might be less
conspicuous." It was signed simply, "The Servants". Hm... I
wonder what's
wrong with the white one. "Oh well," she said to herself as she
put on
the dress. Walking to the dresser she picked up an elaborately decorated
comb made of ivory. Wow, I bet this cost a LOT Running the
brush
through her sleek sapphire hair, she finally managed to braid it into a
French braid after several unsuccessful attempts.
outside, galloping around the fresh green lawn. hm… funny I didn't notice
them last night, well no time to stare at horses, I've gotta get going.
Skiping down the steps, she arrived in the dining room to
face a
particularly ticked off Alex. "We don't have time to fool around,"
she
scold Gillian. She began filling Gillian in on what she had discovered
among surprisingly large collection of books she had found last night.
this time period. There were many legends surrounding the powerful stone.
One of such stories stated that many years ago there was a battle between
then 7 kingdoms of earth. Apparently the ruler of Theo, the most powerful
of the 7 kingdoms was attempted to overtake the other 6, wanting to rule
all. Aiding him was a VERY powerful sorcerer, they had managed almost
succeed, fortunately the other kingdoms strike back. However their attempts
were futile, that single sorcerer was simply too powerful, as a last resort,
they sought an even more powerful source. It was always known among the
villagers that there exists a stone that controls the entire universe.
Realizing that if they had the aid of the Terasu stone, they would at
last
win the battle, they went seeking it, after much attempts, they at last
found it, and with the help of it's keeper, Sora, they were able to
defeat
Theo. However there was a downside to this victory, because by now, everyone
has discovered the power of the stone, they all wanted possession of it.
So
in order to keep the it from falling into the hands of evil ones, Sora
created 6 amulets, each embedded with a gem that makes up the teresue stone.
She presented each one to them to the rulers of each of the victories
kingdoms for safe keeping. To the last kingdom, she gave, a small
circlet.
In it, consists of 6 spaces, for when all 6 stones are gathered upon the
circlet, the Terasu stone would at last be formed again.
just get the stone, we have to search for all 6 gems and the circlet in
order to accomplish our goal!"
right? So they'll give it to us."
"And besides, what about the circlet? How are we gonna get that?"
find the stone. Even of we do get the 6 gems, there's still the circlet, and
something tells me its not gonna be easy to accomplish, it is held by
Theo-"
her.
amused Gelar and compared enthusiastically to as picture in the book she
was reading. Her eyes widen with shock as she realized that it made a
perfect match. "Where in the world did u get it?"
it was until you mentioned the teresu stone." Gelar replied with amusement
start. Now lets get GOING!" running out side, she waved towards Gelar and
a
not so happy Gillian.
to mention, I had some horses brought for our trip." He gestured to the
horses Gillian had seen earlier.
approached a white one. It's sleek mane was silvery blue, while the rest of
it was a frothy white. After several falls she finally managed to mount the
stubborn horse.
center of its head was a silver star. Turning to the horse, she smiled.
"I think I'll name you...Destiny. How 'bout you Alex?"
blue diamond on it's forehead. "All right, now lets get going! We've
wasted
enough time already! I want to go to the first kingdom Kilor. If we could
find the first amulet there, that would be a good start." Holding up
a
crudely drawn map, she struggled to read its strange writings. "That
way!"
she pointed west, it was a roughed path that they had earlier learned to
lead down along a river. "That must be it! Besides if I'm wrong we
could
always follow the river back and start over again." With an
enthusiastic
wave, she lead the 2 other skeptical travels forward.
is gonna be a long trip! I just hope she knows what she's doing..."
that she had been saying that for the past 3 days, as the three reached the
top of a large hill. Gillian was busy admiring the carvings on the stones
protruding from a grassy clearing within the otherwise dense woods.
The three travelers had been traveling for 3 long days without any
luck. The harsh environment and long hikes had taken its toll. While Gelar
was quite used to the harshness, the 2 girls were completely unready for it.
complained bitterly , her confidence finally collapsing, as she
struggled to brush out leaves and twigs that had tangled themselves into her
long silver hair, only to have another cascade of debris fall onto her as
she attempted to maneuver Starlight through a mess of fallen trees and
bushes. "And you say I complain too much," Gillian pointed out with a
smirk.
Despite that, she had to admit this trip was way more that she had bargained
for. She was tired from the constant traveling. The days were too hot and
nights too cold. She hasn't even had a decent meal since they had arrived in
this strange world. Life before this became dim. She could barely recall
what it was like back home... hot food, a roof over her head, TV, and a
shower, she could really use one just about now.
going," Gillian added.
meekly to Gelar. "You live here don't you? Can you find a way to
Kilor?"
able to help. See, I have a charm," he indicated to a ruby necklace
around
his neck, "that'll glow whenever we near a great amount of energy… or
large
cities. Since I used to travel a lot when I was young, I created it to
assist me. I think that it would really come in handy now. I've been keeping
track of our traveling since our journey has first began, although it cannot
tell me exactly where we are, it can indicate if we're anywhere close to the
city. And if my calculations are correct we are indeed very close to it."
Gelar muttered to himself, "I don't see how this can be happening.
Its
programmed to glow only if there is a tremendous energy extremely close
by.
And this isn't caused by cities. I think something strange is going on. I'm
not quite sure what it is, but I suggest you 2 take great precautions
from
this point on."
towards Gillian to examine at the stone carvings. Seeing they're sudden
interest, Gelar joined them as well. As he neared the stone, the a ruby
glowed even brighter. A look of alarm showed on the three's faces. Alex
ran her hand carefully over the rugged gray surface of rock.
nodded slowly as he carefully started to move the charm around. It
started to glow brightly when it reached where Gillian was standing. Gillian
looked at the ruby necklace, then at Alex.
Before the girls knew what was going on, a thin line shot straight into the
stone and a hole was created. Something gold glittered inside. Curiosity
overruling common sense, Gillian reached inside and grabbed whatever it
was that was glowing. After 5 minutes of pulling, the threesome found
out that the source of all that commotion was a delicate silver staff
decked with a brilliant blue sapphire.
loud scream was heard down the hill. Picking up the staff Alex led the
others instantly towards the source. A young man was surrounded by a
group
of hideously deformed...monsters. He showed a great amount of swordsman
skills, but it was of no use, the creatures continued to enclose around
him.
tall. Some were covered with a thick layer of fur while others scales.
whispered to Gillian.
moment a blue light circled the staff's peak. Alex shrieked with
surprise, nearly dropping the staff. A strangle glitter shone in her eyes
as a sly smile appeared on her face. Taking a deep breath, as well a
unlikely chance, she squeezed her eyes shut and aimed the staff at the
group. It instantly formed into an intense streak of blue energy that
turned all the monsters into dust. Gillian stared at it in shock as the
young man fell unconscious to the ground.
Alex.
the sorcerer suggested. Gillian nodded gratefully at the suggestion.
"We've been traveling too long to go back now! We're going on! Well I
am!
You two could go back if you want." Alex crossed her arms stubbornly,
apparently recovered from her previous shock.
motionless on the ground. "We can't just leave him here! We have to
bring him back!"
going on!"
said, dismissing it with a wave of his hand. Unfortunately that only made
Alex even more determined.
gonna get this guy all the way back to the temple? It was hard enough
with
just ourselves."
It can't be too far off," suggested Alex, taking advantage of the
situation. "Besides, I have this thing, I'll be fine." She held up
the staff
with a grin.
He nodded. "All right, but the problem remains, how are we gonna get
him there?"
unconscious one was placed onto the horse. Alex took the reins and led
the
now four-member group onwards.