"You are weak."
The young silver-haired boy looked down. Two figures and one flame floated in a colorless void. He was saddened by the other man's words, though true they were.
"Weakness is not a Sin."
"No…it isn't."
The flame seemed to pulse as it spoke, and the other man shook his head, curly black hair in the shape of a small afro shaking with it.
"Why did you give in to weakness?"
"…why? Why would I not? I had no drive…I had no hope…as I saw it, I had no future."
"And you didn't think to forge one for yourself?"
The silver haired boy stared with angry tears at the taller man. His light brown skin, similar to the man before him, shuddering with depressed rage.
"How could I? The world, the humans would fear me, my own people feared me! They hated me! I was met with scorn and disdain from the moment my wings first appeared! A freak! Friends were lost, family turned their backs on me, I was kicked out of my village and left to die! What would you expect?"
"I see. But you still gave up. You could have pushed until you found someone that would accept you, and weaved your life around them." The taller man spoke, brown eyes staring into the crimson of his junior.
"I did. And I don't regret my choice. I can't…live there. I just can't."
"This is why I have brought the two of you here. This boy was honestly meant for something, but the Goddess, Soa, underestimated the cruelty of sentient life. His destiny would now go unfulfilled, his role in what is to come, empty. Thus, that world is fated towards destruction."
"Like I care…" The boy said, emptily.
The man gave a huff of amusement. "Sounds like something I would say, were I in his position."
"Indeed. Which is why I'm giving you the chance to be."
"…eh?" The taller man looked to the violet flame, seven silver glows in the form of eyes staring back.
"You have given your life for the sake of another. That child will grow, perhaps she will be the key to returning you, awakening your home to what you always believed. But for now, you are lost. I have brought you here, to take his place. You are the Warrior of Tiamat, you are MY warrior. You who bare the soul of Chaos, will you undertake his destiny as your own?"
"…" The man blinked, considering his options. "Perks?"
"You would have his body, and his potential…slightly…modified, for you, of course. Your memories of your home however, would have to be removed until that body expires. You will be allowed, however, the feeling that you are not from there, along with memories pertaining to its mechanics, and the events that will go on. His end comes roughly three years prior to Melbu Frhama's defeat."
"What potential? I had none! I couldn't even do a basic fire spell!"
"That is because flame was not your native element. Nor were any of the others. They never bothered teaching you much beyond simple energy manipulation, but trust me when I say you had much potential. There was a reason your wings were different."
"Hmph…I'll believe it when I see it."
"And see it you shall. You will retain his memories, all of them, as you will essentially be living his life. You will be given time, to train, to learn and to grow…do you accept?"
"Any other randoms you're throwing at me?"
"No. At least, none that I am aware of. As I stated, it is possible that through your actions, a 'bridge' of sorts, may be created. I cannot tell at this point."
"Sounds fun. Always wanted to be a Wingly."
"Not…a Wingly."
"Well I'm not gonna be a mermaid, that's for sure."
"no…I'm not just a Wingly. There was another thing. They kicked me out for another reason. I'm half-human. My mother…was human. They killed her. And when they found her taint had shifted my wings…"
"The first Wingly-Human half-breed in centuries. There were meant to be more, but the war began…and the world had all that energy built up."
"Even better, means I'm not a total fragile in close range. Alright, when do I start?"
"As soon as we are done here. Remember this, I will not be able to assist you unless you find some method of summoning me to that realm. He was not naturally meant to become any form of Dragoon, however you are technically going to be a new soul, as the two of you shall become one being. At this point…anything is possible."
"I'll try to stay away from it if I can. It'd be cool, but knowing my luck I'd get the Divine Spirit from ol' Dart…nah, I think for once…I'd rather be a "normal". At least, as "normal" as we can get."
"Indeed. Do be careful. That world is counting on you."
"So, kid. What's your name?"
"I don't remember. It's been so long since anyone called me by my real name, I forgot."
Asshats. Oh well, people are like that no matter what species you are. "Ok, what did they call you?"
He flinched, and muttered something.
"Eh?"
"I said…Zero."
The other man smiled widely, slightly frightening the young Wingly boy.
"Kid…that name? Perfect."
Broken Wings
Prologue
She was tired. The day had been long, rebuilding Seles had taken its toll on everyone. She wanted just a little nap, a quick rest before dinner. But that nap wasn't as restful as she wanted. She twisted and turned on her bed, frown marring her face. Her mind was assaulted by visions, visions of their journey, first to follow Lloyd, then to stop Diaz, and finally, she saw what they went through while she was captured, unconscious, in the core of the Moon that Never Sets.
Why do you fear?
Fear?
The power you have been given.
It's evil!
The power of Destruction is anything but.
But look at its name! Only Evil would destroy!
Then I suppose you are Evil.
…
Yet it is not because you hold this power. You are evil for destroying that which was. You have been evil since you were formed in your mother's womb, destroying particles and absorbing them into yourself as all creations do, to further your own existence.
…
I suppose then your dear Dart is evil as well.
What? He's not-
You said that only Evil destroys. He has destroyed much. Not just humans, but the very foods he eats. He destroys the land he steps on. He destroys the air he breathes. Thus, he is Evil.
I…I didn't…
Behold my words, Child of the Moon. If you believe he is not evil, for those acts. Then you are no more evil than he. Destruction is a concept, an existence. It is the act of removing something, the act of changing something. It is no more evil than the very act of living.
…but…
The power you hold, is similar in concept to the power your love holds. He wields the power of the mighty Dragon, a power of Destruction in its own right. He destroys all who stand against him to further his goals, be they the end of a target, or the defense of those he loves. If your belief is that those who destroy are evil, then he is guilty of such.
He's…he's not evil!
Then neither are you. Heed my words Child of the Moon. Within you is the Concept of Destruction. The power to change the World around you as you see fit. Be it to shatter a wall between you and your love, or erase a poison that is slowly killing someone you care for, or even to destroy a city for the sake of destroying it, this power is yours.
I…I don't want…
You can continue to reject this power should you desire…but would you not rather the power to act and protect your future children should they be in danger, rather than be forced to sit and behold their rape and torture while you lament not being able to save them?
!
I see that struck a chord. Do you want to simply sit on the sidelines further? You've lost the grace of the White-Silver Dragon, yet you still have this well of power deep within. Do you not want the opportunity to fight by your love's side, to be sure he returns home to you? Or would you rather wait and worry?
…This…I can…help?
Child of the Moon, the concept of Destruction is so vast that with practice, you can either erase a mountain, or shred a simple fly at ease. It can be as wide and devastating as the destruction of the Moon that Never Sets, or as small and accurate as blowing off a poisonous insect that is slowly corrupting someone from within.
…really?
Really.
How…?
You must accept who you are. Accept your power, and your role. The power is yours to use or ignore as you see fit, but if you ignore it for too long, it will burst out of you, and that may threaten those you care about. Accepting it, will keep it under your control. Utilizing it, understanding it, nurturing it, will further do so. The concept of Destruction is vast, for destruction comes in many forms.
I…I see…
Do you?
…yes. I think…I get it…at least a bit more, now. I'm not evil. My power isn't evil…it…just is…right? I can…use my power for good…right?
You can use your power however you see fit. If you worry too much about things like "good" or "evil" you'll only find yourself second-guessing everything you do. Live life how you desire, perform your actions because it is your will to perform them, for no matter what you do, some will view it as "good" and others, as "evil."
…I guess…you're right…
Now awaken, Child of the Moon. Awaken, and face yourself.
Her eyes snapped open as she shot up in her bed suddenly. The dream she had, becoming fragments of information in her mind, as she desperately grasped at them, trying to remember all that the mysterious voice had said. It sounded like nothing she'd ever heard before; it being as if hundreds of people were speaking at once, and yet, not speaking at all.
Maybe I'm working too hard…it's making my head all funny…
She slowly climbed out of bed, stretching after standing. She took a quick gander in the body-length mirror that was in her room, blinking as she thought she noticed a fading outline on her forehead. She leaned forward, ignoring the obvious gap in between her collar and her neck, showing far more cleavage than she'd usually desire. She was, after all, wearing one of Dart's shirts, not wanting to ruin her own with the gruntwork she was doing.
She blinked again, eyes slightly wider as she beheld she wasn't seeing things, as she pulled back her bangs. The strange marking on her forehead that only appeared when her life had been in danger in the past, just before her hidden power flared up and erased something that stood before her, was present, if only faintly. As it faded from view, her eyes could still see it, and she became uncertain if it actually vanished, or if her eyes were merely remembering its existence, forcing herself to see it when it truly was not visible.
She leaned back, hand on her chest, feeling her heart pounding. Her breaths came in short quick gasps, fear overcoming her mind. She didn't want to be evil, she didn't want to destroy the world. She shook her head, struggling against those thoughts. The voice from the dream came back to her mind, reminding her of its lessons. She forced herself to calm, there was nothing to worry about. As long as she kept aware, she was the master of her own power, it was her choice to use it or not.
And yet, she blinked, as somewhere in her heart, she realized she felt…giddy. A part of her wanted to try this power. While it was dangerous, and scary at times (she'll always remember when Dart had to carry her because she sprained her leg in that blasted swamp), fighting at Dart's side…making a difference in the world…helping the others live for another day…
It felt…good. Without realizing she began to smile softly, as she recalled all the times she'd saved Dart's life with a quick Moonlight, or the one glorious time she managed to call forth the White Silver Dragon itself. She slowly came to realize, it wasn't the thrill of battle she felt, more, the feeling of being able to do something other than just watch.
If…if this power…can give me that once more…can something that feels…so good…so…pure…can that really be bad?
She was still confused, still slightly afraid. But now, she felt as if she could face the world, and not cower if they looked at her strange. After all, there were human mages, though they were rare. And Dart was a Dragoon! A legend brought to life! On top of that, he held the Divine Spirit! The King of Dragons so greatly and rightfully feared the Winglies sealed it away, even after they'd created two weapons specifically made to slay Dragons and their Knights! A Dragon so powerful, the legendary Dragon Block Staff broke upon one use against it! Heck, SHE was once a Dragoon! She felt the power of the mighty Dragon, she became a Legend.
On top of that, before, and even after she was a Dragoon, she was the Moon Child. The legendary being said to bring about the purification of the world. Who is to say, that by standing by her beliefs, by mastering this power…she can't truly live up to that legend, rather than the twisted truth she was meant to be? If this power could let her at least protect the people she loved…
Her forehead began to glow once again. Her resolve was set, as her acceptance of her life, her role, and her power settled. She would take this power, the power of Destruction, and wield it to protect.
She blinked as she realized her head was glowing a pale blue-white. She closed her eyes, trying to relax.
There's got to be a way to keep this night-light off of my forehead whenever I start reaching for my power. I don't know much about warfare, but I'm sure it's not a good thing to have such an obvious tell that the opponent is about to do something big…
She looked at herself again, noting the sweat on her brow, and the difference in her own eyes.
But maybe I should worry about that later. After all…I guess it makes more sense to be able to wield a sword properly, than to worry about how many jewels are shoved in its hilt…right?
He wiped the sweat off his brow. The air was thick with moisture as he took a gulp from his canteen. Dart Field let out a sigh of exhaustion, taking in the sight of the nearly completed house before him. It had taken a while, but Seles was almost rebuilt. Being a Dragoon had its perks, especially once he translated the words Rose said so many months ago. The 'madness' of battle required to transform…
Dart, not satisfied with having to be in the middle of a fight to be able to touch the Dragon's Spirit, began looking into the meaning behind that statement. After spending days upon days just pondering it, letting his mind wander while his body worked, he finally came to a conclusion. While he wasn't the most spiritual of people, he'd realized the connection between Dragoon and Wingly. Both had access to a well of magical energy that was without logic.
He'd snorted to himself that day, as he realized, really, it made no sense that a tiny rock could form armor and working wings. Hell it made no sense how Dragons could fly either, but people just accepted that as part of a thing. So why couldn't he transform outside of a fight?
He came to realize the key, was a word that he'd heard Albert use once, when describing the 'science' behind sound. "Resonance". The key was that in battle, one would 'resonate' with the Dragon's Spirit, their immense will combining with the desire, the 'madness' of the user, and bringing its power forth. People usually couldn't bring that out without being in a fight, because of the state of mind one had to be in.
But Dart wasn't satisfied with that. He wanted to know the ins and outs of his power, he wanted to know the limits, and how far past them he could push, of the Dragon's Spirit. So he did something he hadn't done since when he was first training with Haschel. He meditated. During the nights before bed, he would sit and meditate, trying to recall the feeling he would have during battle, that combination of desperation and desire, fear and courage, rage and peace, that allowed him to touch the Dragon's Spirit.
And finally, one night, he struck gold. The Divine Spirit reacted to him. He reasoned in his mind, it had already chosen him as its wielder, so why would there be a true limit to its power, outside of its own? Why only usable in certain times? This mindset, combined with him able to call up those emotions on a whim, allowed him to summon its power as he desired. Dart was giddy with anticipation. Albert would LOVE to hear about this. The blonde spiky haired man was eagerly awaiting the next coming week, when the group had decided to meet again.
They had chosen to gather at Fletz, being smack dab in the middle of all their respective locations. Dart was looking forward to the meeting, for not only would he get to see his friends and battle companions again, but he could tell them of his discovery, which would make meetings much more frequent, and easier.
The man snapped out of his revere, as clouds had gathered. That would explain why the air felt so heavy… It would seem a storm was coming, and from the darkness of the clouds, it would be big. He was a little worried about Shana, for two days prior to that moment, she laid down to rest after a few hours of work, and woke up looking…off. There was an odd weight to her steps, she held herself strangely. It was a mixture of fear and confidence he'd never seen in her, and it worried him.
I hope she's not blaming herself for being the Moon Child or anything like that…
He joined the other villagers in securing the newly mixed cement, covering it with a tarp after rolling it into a still broken building. The roof had collapsed, but some of the floorboards from the upper level had remained, and within rested their tools for the rebuilding of Seles. Lucky he did so, for immediately after, the rain started falling down like a curtain of water.
Nowhere near as bad as Lenus and Regole's team attack. The man suppressed a shudder. Being a natural fire elemental and fighting against such a powerful source of water energy was a harrowing experience. It didn't help that his swimming ability was…mediocre at best.
He shook the thoughts from his mind, noting how Shana was darting around, helping the villagers grab their belongings from the outside. The woman had such a big heart. He noticed a flash in the sky, a crack of thunder accompanying it. The storm had reached them, quite quickly.
He heard Plos calling out to the remaining children, Ilsa and Lowe to hurry inside. The thunder drowned out his voice, the laughing children screaming in joy as the cold wet rain soaked their hair and clothes. He saw Shana gently trot out to go retrieve them…
When there was another flash.
His eyes widened in shock as a bolt of lightning reached down from the sky like the raging arm of an angry Goddess, slamming into the large dying tree next to the children. Sparks and tiny flames ripped from the tree's bark as it splintered, the roar of thunder failing to mask the agonizing creak of its form.
Time seemed to fade. The children's smiles froze on their faces, and slowly morphed to looks of horror as they stood paralyzed with fear, the mighty tree slowly toppling towards them. He vaguely registered the screaming of some of the mothers of the village, the cries of their children for the two to run, as he focused inward, reaching the spirit of the Dragon he held.
But for once…it would not heed him.
What? Why isn't it working?
The Divine Dragon's Spirit refused to react to his plea for its power. For it knew that this was not its place to intervene. Dart was left feeling dumbfounded, as an overwhelming feeling of denial rushed through his heart and mind, followed by what felt like a hand turning his head.
A massive blue white glow had erupted from the corner of his view.
Shana…?
As the tree slowly fell, I could feel myself growing horrified. For a moment, I was stuck, unable to do anything. I wouldn't make it in time, and even if I did, what could I do?
And then I remembered. I am the Moon Child. I am the Goddess of Destruction given form. I can do something about this! This is what that dream was about! This is what that voice meant! This was my destiny, no…my choice!
I felt the familiar rush of energy as my power began to manifest itself. I began to run. I didn't care if I wouldn't make it, I had to get there. It was as if my power had heard my unspoken pleas, for an instant later, I felt a rush of wind like never before. I felt myself stopping, standing right in front of the children, between them, and the massive form dropping towards us.
I heard Dart crying out to me, but I couldn't listen to him. I had to stop this, right here, right now. I wouldn't let some freak blast of random chance take away anyone else important to me. It was because of me that the Village was destroyed, because of people seeking my power, that Dart nearly lost his second home.
It would be because of me, that these children would survive, that same sought after power bringing them safety, rather than danger.
It was then that I realized…I didn't just have the power of destruction. It wasn't just blowing things up I could do. It was more than that. The voice was very specific about that, it kept slinging the word 'concept' around. It was right. I wield the concept of Destruction. The ability to choose to destroy, as I see fit, how, I see fit. The ability to bring Destruction in whatever form I wished. And the ability to be where I needed to be, for this Destruction to take place. That is how I teleported to the children, because I wanted to be in a place I could easily enact my will, and my power did the rest.
Wow, no wonder the Winglies were so haughty. To know you have a strength that few can match…to know you can be anywhere, whenever you want, and get there however you want…
I felt my power, my very soul, reach out to the falling tree. My right hand began to rise on its own. I stopped fighting, just letting the power enact my will on its own. It was my power, it knew what I wanted, and how I wanted it. This, was me.
I saw the tree become encased in a pale blue shell, the same color that would radiate off me when I was in danger last year. I felt tingles all over my body, before I felt as if I were the tree itself, hovering there, stopped. I stared at it for a moment, considering my options. The tree was dying in the first place, which is probably why it fell so easily. Some believed trees and plants had souls as well, just like humans. I can't say I'm one of them, but if it did have a soul, if it did have a mind, I'm sure it was in pain.
It probably didn't want to hurt these kids.
I made my choice.
Dart…no, the entire village watched in shock and awe as the girl they'd all grown up with suddenly vanished from view, the blue-white glow emitting from her forehead blinking out of existence for a moment, before both re-appeared in between the children, and the falling tree.
They watched her raise her arm, the tree suddenly slowing to a halt, as if hundreds of hands had grasped onto it, and were holding it steady. The glow coming from her forehead seemed to spread out like a bowl, before detaching entirely, surrounding the mighty tree like a mold. With bated breath, they watched the girl seem to nod to herself, before her slightly arced fingers spread apart fully, an open hand pointed at the mighty structure of wood.
And then, she clenched her hand into a fist.
Gasps all around as a massive THOOM erupted through the air, as the tree suddenly collapsed inward, bark shredding to mere particles, the very form of the mighty wooden life reduced to absolutely nothing. A heavy wave of force washed over them all, kicking up small walls of water as the winds from the implosion ripped through the small town, the girl's brown hair fluttering violently. Not even dust remained, as the pale blue-white shimmer faded.
Dart ran to the trio, as Shana gently dropped to her knees, panting. The shirtless blonde man nearly stumbled on the mud around them, but skidded to a stop.
"Are you all alright?"
The children said nothing, staring with wide eyes at Shana, who finally stood up and turned around. Her heart was filled with anxiousness, elation, and exhaustion. It was a massive display of control, and it took a fair bit out of her.
"Th-that…"
Lowe began, words barely forming. For a moment, Shana felt fear take over her heart.
"…was SO COOL!"
And just like that, the fear vanished, replaced with joy.
Hmph…not much left to do here. I've learned all I can. I guess I might as well head to Fletz. Donau is especially pretty this time of year.
The young man stood up from his rented bed in the hotel. He stepped out, the sunlight glimmering off the waters flowing down from the tops of the buildings. He smiled slightly, this place had been a nice little haven for him, and the deadly wastelands below were a good place to train.
Ulara was hard to find. Either you had to have a 'key', or be a Wingly and know it was there. The powerful illusion barrier surrounding it was a bitch to pierce through, but I didn't spend years training my mind for nothing.
He thought to himself, saying his goodbyes to some of the people he'd gotten to know around the little Wingly town, slowly making his way to the teleporter out.
I like to think I'm mentally strong enough to conquer any illusion I come across, but…I can never be sure. My head's been feeling funny ever since the Moon fell. I'm kinda surprised that didn't have some sort of adverse effect on the world. Things have been going on like usual, just people confused as to what the hell it means.
He reached the teleporter, tapping a few hovering glyphs to activate it and finalize his destination. The familiar feeling of being weightless for a few moments took over, green energy field surrounding him and whisking him off to the far western cliff edge of the Death Frontier.
The winds blew his black hair back behind him, trailing between his four glimmering prismatic wings, the very things that caused him to be kicked out of his village, labeled a freak of nature, and left to die. Golden-brown desert slowly gave way to the grays of mountain tops, to be replaced by a brief moment of green. He veered to the right, momentum getting swept away by the sudden biting winds, which caused him to close his eyes in irritation. He felt himself moving, but where, he wasn't sure.
After the winds stopped, and his eyes cleared, he looked around, realizing somehow he'd gotten blown way off course. He was nowhere near Donau. Hell somehow he'd not even been on the same continent! He tried to scan his surroundings, before he noticed a patch of brown amongst the grey-white.
I'm somehow in Mille Seseau. How the HELL did I get here? Ok, first thing's first. There's Vellweb. I'm gonna head there, get my bearings, and leave. As he reached the outskirts of the ancient fortress, his back began to twitch.
"…oh what NOW?"
He glanced behind him, noticing with shock that his wings were beginning to flicker and fade. Confused, he began to slow himself, when suddenly they fizzled out and vanished. His eyes widened as his forward momentum weakened, and he began to drop.
"Oh SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-
The youth fell from the sky, winds rushing in his ears. To an observer, they'd only see a fluttering black speck dropping from the clouds. He flailed his arms for a moment, turning himself around, watching as the ground grew ever closer. He pushed past his fear, ignored the rushing in his head, the pounding of his heart, focusing on one truth.
He didn't need his wings to fly.
Focusing as hard as he could, he waved his arms in front of him. Immediately he felt himself begin to slow, as the ground beneath him seemed to distort. He pushed harder, utilizing the power he was born with, a power that had nothing to do with magic, only a carnal direct connection to a very Concept. His body shuddered as the air around him became distorted, and with a small pop, he vanished.
He appeared once again, just above the ground, body forming from seemingly nowhere, accompanied by literal ripples in the air. His momentum had halted entirely, and he dropped to all fours with just a very light thump.
Ok…what the FUCK just happened there? Now Death decides she wants me? Well fuck that!
He stood up, trying to shake off the fear that comes instinctually when one touches death. He looked at his surroundings, making sure nothing was going to capitalize on his momentary weakness. Sensing and seeing nobody around, he lifted a hand, intending on calling forth his weapon. He blinked as the small red light appeared in front of his palm, before it began to flicker and fizzle out of existence.
"Oh son of a bitch!"
Ok, Valley I can understand, but Vellweb? Why the hell would it suddenly be so saturated…
He tilted his head, looking above him and seeing the shimmering walls of power that still haven't faded.
Or maybe I flew too close to one of those and it weakened my natural magical field? That's…a bit more likely. The concept of magic being weakened when you cross one of those fields makes sense, there's so much energy inside them anything could have happened.
Great! Just friggin great. Not only am I somehow warped here, I'm also stuck. wonderful. Alright…lemme see…
He reached within himself, accessing the connection that led to his second, and more prominent power. He flung a hand out to a nearby mound of rocks, noticing them shudder for a moment. He clenched a fist, and gave a soft sigh of relief as a satisfying CRUNCH was heard, the rocks turned into a fine powder.
Gravity well still works. Alright, I can't use my wings, and I don't dare fly out of here. I'll have to walk then. At least I'm not defenseless…though I hope I can still react as fast.
Damn…I'm gonna have to start practicing cutting myself off from my magic in case of situations like this…got too reliant on it.
He looked around. Noticing a glint of light, he gently trotted over to it, seeing it for what it was.
Jackpot.
An old, but not rusted sword lay in its sheath next to a skeleton. Holes were in its hilt, to which he took to mean that it had jewels or some sort of insignia built into it, which thieves and raiders took. He pulled the sword out, noting that it drew with no difficulty, something he considered a blessing. He weighed it in his hands, taking a few practice swings, before nodding to himself, and strapping the blade to his side.
After fumbling with the straps for a moment, he gave a soft growl of irritation, cursing his lack of keeping a backup weapon on hand. He sighed in resignation, as the blade hung from his hip, before turning to the skeleton, making a fist with his right hand, and planting it firmly in the palm of his left. He then bowed low, but spoke no words, letting his feelings flow freely, to express his thanks for the man's sacrifice, be he on the human or Wingly side, and to ask for forgiveness that he had to take the fallen warrior's blade.
Always helps to be at least semi-respectful to the dead. I don't need anyone haunting my ass.
With that thought in mind, he turned away, heading for the direction of Fletz.
Using what little power they could access, the twins glowed with an impressive light. Two little girls, children, stood next to the brown skinned Wingly. The two intoned their desire, both of them reaching into their dwindling stores of energy. As they did so, their shared glyph appearing beneath the three, their savior thought back to how he found himself suddenly fleeing from a group of bandits, escorting two completely naked little girls.
SHITFUCKING BITCHCOCK I'M FUCKING LOST!
He came to this conclusion after reaching the same location he'd just left from ten minutes ago.
He internally ranted on his lack of luck, his irritation that not only had he been blown off course, but his magic was blocked and now he was going in circles around an ancient ruin that held no end of crumbling stone and dangerous paths.
It was during this rant that he suddenly stopped, sensing a very powerful disturbance behind him. Believing he'd somehow pissed off the dead warrior he 'borrowed' the sword from, he sighed and slowly turned around.
Before him floated a transparent image of a very beautiful woman. Long midnight hair reached down her back, two long bangs flowing downward covering her bare yet ample chest. A black almost silk-like cloth caressed her hips and reached down to her feet, nails tipped with black. Her skin was colored a creamy white, and her eyes a blood red.
A…ghost? A succubus? A ghost-cubus?
"Please…"
She spoke in a heavenly voice. Even with his channels blocked, he could still feel the pervasive intent within her words. Even as a spirit she still somehow commanded the ability to weave words with magic, to illicit a hormonal response. Her voice was breathy, and beautiful, but his concentration flared to full, he slammed down a wall within his mind and drew his blade, scowling at the woman.
"I don't know what or who you are, but I felt that. Sorry, I make it a point not to listen to people who try to take my mind away."
She seemed to blink in surprise. Her hand flew up to her chest, the young Wingly's eyes reflexively taking in the soft yet definite bounce of her bosom from the action.
Damn you sex drive damn you I say!
"I am terribly sorry, traveler. You are…the first to come by within years, whom I could appear to. There were others…but they bore the Dragon's Spirit, and their power was too vast for me to risk contact. I did not intend to attempt to sway you, it would seem…with my death my control has vanished."
"You're rather wordy for a succubus…ghost…person." He said, confidence in his words slightly fading as he could not think of a proper designation for the woman. "Last I checked you said one or two things, and ether fucked, or struck."
The woman shook her head. "That is not the way of my people. Some, yes, but not mine. But…that is neither here nor there. I am…as you can see, deceased. I have lingered on this plain for one reason alone."
"I'm not fucking your corpse."
She glared at him. "What? I've got nothing to do with you at all, it's by random chance I'm here, and suddenly a hot ghost woman is pretty much roundabout saying she has a quest for me so she can rest? You gotta admit, it's pretty suspect."
She sighed. "It is my daughters." She said, hoping to at least appeal to his hormones. "…yes…?" It seemed to work. She continued. "They…have been captured. Kidnapped, by a group of bandits. They have been held by this group for the last six years."
He frowned, slowly putting away his sword. Though drawing it was mostly for show. He was cut off from his magic, and his other power had no effect on spirits, as far as he knew. Random chance…huh? "Go on."
"I wish you to free them. Free them from their captivity…"
He looked at her. "…I'm gonna do you a favor here." She blinked, a few silvery tears running down her face as she was on the verge of crying.
"Be more specific."
"Wh-what?"
"Right now, your request is very general. The request to 'free your daughters from captivity' can mean do anything that involves them no longer being in those bandit's camp. Including killing them."
Her eyes widened, hands flying up to her mouth in horror. Again with the bouncing…
"I-I…"
"Elaborate please."
"You…you saw this…this possibility. And yet…you inform me of it rather than simply take your chance to do as you will?"
"I told you before, this has nothing to do with me. I don't even know if your daughters will still be alive by the time I get there. Actually doing this would work against my favor. It keeps me here longer, and I wanna get out of this place."
"You…refuse then…"
He sighed. "You're very beautiful, you know that?" She blinked at him, extremely confused. "And you're different, so you say. If I took your word at face value, that would mean you are of a group different from most succubi. Which means in the eyes of them, you're a freak."
Her eyes narrowed, but she nodded.
"…which means your daughters are freaks as well." He looked to the side, fighting back memories of beatings, screaming, and pain. Betrayal.
"…I can't just leave a fellow freak to suffer…" She looked at him, confused. "Speak your request. I would hear it."
She just stared, not really understanding what he was saying. She shook her head. Jiggle, god DAMMIT woman just stop moving!
"I wish for you to release my daughters from their captivity without slaying them yourself. I wish for you to take them safely from this place, to wherever they can heal, and recover. From there…you can make your own decision. I just want them to be safe. And alive."
He nodded. "And who should I say sent me?"
"I am Artemis. Queen of the Tiberoan Succubi."
"…you're rather far from home."
"I know…we were on a short journey to a clan that lived just past that tower, when we were ambushed. I was helpless. By the time I had recovered my bearings, they had my daughters, and I watched them cart them off, my throat slit open. I've been waiting here for years, for someone I could approach, someone who could help them. I know they're still alive…but…"
"Enough." He was resolved. He gave his word, he would abide by it.
From there, he had gotten directions to where the enclave of bandits was held. He made his way, silently cutting down many, crushing hearts, shattering skulls. He found the girls, twins, apparently; bound, naked. He explained who he was, noting the looks of distrust, and proceeded to rip off their bindings.
A group had sought to impede him, and displaying his words as truth, he dispatched all of them in a single pulse from his hand. Still he knew at his current level, and trying to defend these two as well, he'd be unable to simply slaughter everything around.
So, they fled.
Tch…unfortunately for us, they had a system of alert…luckily the twins apparently have just enough to warp us out of here.
I wish I could use my damn magic…
With a rush of sound, they had been transported.
They had reached the Valley. Pandora stumbled on a rock for a moment, as she dashed behind her savior, whom was carrying her sister. The dark violet haired little girl panted heavily. The adrenalin was fading, she was growing weary. The three could still hear the rushing footsteps of the group of thieves behind them, the magical field that teleported them across continents accidentally grabbing their pursuers as well. The young man named Zero, had wanted to escape the area before too many had noticed, but they moved too slowly in their caution.
He led them out to the Valley, hoping that the strange mechanics of that area would give them some cover. He flinched as an arrow screamed right past his face, accompanied by a gasp of surprise from the girl behind him. He ran for cover behind a massive wall of stone, the two catching their breath.
"S-sir Zero…I don't think we can outrun them much more." The girl spoke.
"Yeah…" Zero panted out. While used to exertion, he wasn't used to not being able to replenish his strength through his internal channels. "Callisto. Can you stand on your own for a bit?"
The silver-blue haired girl in his arms nodded. He gently placed her down, taking care not to touch any part of her naked body, before turning and looking behind them. The enemy group was proceeding slowly, deciding that they were trapped, and to have fun with this.
Zero reached out, noting a few floating rocks. He focused.
"…no…" He muttered.
He focused again, pushing with all his inner strength.
Nothing happened.
His arm fell limply to his side.
…first…my magic is blocked because of that damn distortion…and now…this very Valley is interrupting my Well. Is…is this really it? Was I destined to fail here?
"Sir Zero, what troubles you? You look…pained." Callisto spoke from her sister's side.
"…" He didn't respond at first. Simply glaring at the ground.
"Sir Zero, you look as if you are to cry…" Pandora gently prodded.
He gave a humorless chuckle. "Funny…the thought had crossed my mind."
The twins shared a look of confusion.
"My damn wings are blocked, I can't touch my magic, I can't call my weapon out because it's tied to my magic, and now, this stupid Valley is so fucked up I can't even access my damn Gravity Well."
The two let that settle, as Zero focused on listening for the coming group of bandits, ready to capture, torture and then kill the three of them. They shared another look, before Callisto shuddered. I don't…want to go back there…
Pandora stared at the man before them. This man, whom had risked his life to supposedly fulfill a request from the spirit of her mother, to save them. This man who had nothing to do with their problems, or their clan, or even their fate, had decided not to ignore the pleas of a Succubus Queen, and without promise of reward of any sort, without desiring reward of any sort, retrieve them and attempt to escape.
She felt the cloud of mistrust that she had rightfully held onto fade, as he willingly admitted; a man willingly stating he had wished to cry, at this turn of events. It was this admittance that solidified the thought in her mind, that her sister had already grasped onto.
He was being honest. He was being truthful. He wanted little more than for them to be safe, because her mother requested it, and he had the power to make it so.
He drew his blade, taking a shuddering breath. If I am to die here…then so be it. I will die, granting them safe passage through this Valley. I will make sure they have time and space to flee…even if it means my life.
I have given my word…and I always strive to keep it.
"Girls…I'm going to hold them off. I want you two, to run."
"What?" They asked in unison, Callisto surprised by the sound of concern in her twin's voice.
"I promised your mother I would help you escape. But…I can't…I can't cast anything, I can't warp anything…all I have is this old sword I picked up off a damn skeleton's remains. And did I mention I'm not really fond of broadswords? The least I can do…is hold them off while you flee."
He wasn't looking at them. He was staring straight ahead, trying to recall the one time he went through this area, trying to remember the course.
If anything the last I can do is give them directions.
They stared at his back, incredulously. If only they were at full power! They could easily dispose of those damn bandits. They weren't being blocked by the distortions in Vellweb, and they had no hold over the Well of Gravity, so this area doesn't have any effect upon them. But they…were weak. They'd been without sustenance for a while, and that warp they performed had taken what little they had left.
Their clan was unlike the others, their clan could sustain themselves for a long while, as long as they had the stimulation. Their bodies created and regulated the required nourishment that they could not attain from material consumption. But that required a very specific thing…that had been denied, for much of the duration of their capture. It is why they were stuck resembling children, when they should be at least in the forms of natural teenage humans at this point.
But even should they have managed, there would have been no way to quickly replenish the amount of energy required to remove such a group, even if said group was only roughly fifteen humans, give or take.
Except one thing… Pandora thought to herself.
"Sister?"
"…Callisto…"
"You are thinking what I am, aren't you Sister?"
"Does it surprise you so?"
"A little. You were very untrusting of him. I could feel the heat of your glare when he picked me up in his arms to carry me, so I wouldn't slow you."
"His story…is a tall one."
"It is. But it has its merits. He has proof of what he claims, Sister. He knew our names, he performed the acts he claimed he could. The only thing we haven't seen is that weapon, and his wings."
"A human-Wingly hybrid…do you know how unlikely that is?"
"As unlikely as a clan of Succubi that do not require the act of draining males of their life force."
"…indeed."
"But yet, you have made your choice."
"Yes. It is weak…but…I am beginning to trust him."
"So quickly? To go that far-
"It is because of you, Sister. You believed him when I didn't. You held onto hope that he was telling the truth, that he was who he claimed he was. The way he held you, the way he carefully put you down to avoid touching your breasts, he is…honorable."
"We shall Claim him then?"
"I…don't think a Claim would be best…yet. As you said, it is too soon. No…but we shall bond to him. Our clan is likely wiped out, we may be the last. It is our duty as Princesses, to survive…and…"
"You don't want him to die."
"We don't want him to die, Sister. For good reason. The Bonding…will at least allow us to keep an eye on his feelings. If he is who he claims he is, the Bond will tell us."
"You inherited Father's cunning."
"Yes…"
Their exchange happened in a matter of seconds. As Zero squared his shoulders, preparing for his inevitable end, he heard Callisto call his name.
"Sir Zero…before you act…"
He turned around, blinking as he noticed how close she was to him.
"What are yo-uummmfff!"
The girl had quickly closed the gap between them, reaching for his head and slamming his lips upon her own. His eyes were wide with shock. He was making out with a bloody child! His horror doubled as he felt his left arm become grasped. His eyes turned as far as they could, head unable to move due to the unnatural strength the silver-blue haired girl was displaying. Pandora had grasped his arm, caressing his hand with her own, a soft, serene smile on her face.
"Do not worry…Sir Zero…this…is meant to be."
Why don't I like the sound of that and WHY IS MY TONGUE MOVI-
…why is she making me ball a fi-
Wait. No. NO!
A sudden warmth engulfed his pointer and middle fingers, as a soft, wet feeling enveloped them.
…you…have got to be shitting me.
Oh wait…they're succubi. I forgot. Wonderful. Now I'm really fucked up.
A little voice in the back of his mind tried to pipe up that he had no control over the situation. In fact, if he'd pay the bloody hell attention, he'd realize that things were starting to get darker.
Wow…gee, thanks Artemis. I save your kids, they drain me. Wonderful.
He felt his body slowly falling backwards, all sensations dropping.
…fuck…you…Clotho…
A soft moan from both girls at once was the last thing he heard as the world around him faded away.
Whoever…you are…
A/N: New story. I'm wiping my other LoD ones. they suck. this one...i'd like to believe it wont. i've already gotten the entirety written out, well...ok i'll spoil it. this story's a two-parter. i've got all of the first half written. the second will be posted when all of that is written too. I'm doing it this way so i dont burn out. This is a little side project, again. Maybe now i'll be able to properly focus. Anyway, small timeline. Game events have taken place. This story starts off about half a year after the end of the game. a little less than half actually. The Dragoons and Shana are important, but this is mostly about something else. The world outside of them.
Shana will however be godlike. She was a plot device, and a crap PC for the most part, who got switched out for a total bitch. She's got access to massive power in the game and it only gets used for plot. I presume that even though the Moon is gone, her power is still around because she's still got that stuff unlocked. Last i checked it was never officially stated why the White Silver Spirit left her, so i'm going with the reason that it left because she didnt need its power any more. That or her soul was somehow "tainted" by the power of the Moon Child.
You're going to find Mature themes in here, lots of anti-betrayal and anti-racism stuff, just to warn you. it will illustrate how hatred festers, grows, and is revealed in a world that isnt ours. There will be a major threat outside of philosophical ideals. An actual tangible threat. This first half is just the setup. getting you used to the characters and the setting.
All in all, have fun. Author's Notes wont be as long as this hopefully, but this is the beginning. Anyone who doesnt feel like reading, there's the door, feel free to use it. Everyone else, strap in, enjoy the ride.