Once Human, Maiden of the Mist
Chapter I : Festival of Goddesses, Chosen One
Disclaimer: Can't say I own Undine and the other summon spirits.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Weeeeelll… I've seen blue, turquoise, brown, black, blonde, red and many colors of hair on humans and elves and half-elves, but never lilac :). So keep that in mind, I don't THINK… I've seen any. Yah, and also, remember Sheena saying they don't have genes? Well scratch that out. Another thing to add in. If this fic is going by veeeery quickly, as in days and all……. :cries: don't kill me…. I will try to make it as normal as possible, but for chapter one, I'm sorry.
How they can live without summon spirits and all? Right now, Thethe'alla and Sylvarant are both united. So let's just say they have a biiiiger planet, and a lot of land. Right now, Thoda is supposebly a huuuge island, fused with Luin and not a miserable hot spring. Stuff will develop. Cope with me.
Yeah and one last thing. I don't think they'd call someone Undine :( just like that. The name I'm giving her has to do with water. It means water nymph I think.
Now on with it!
She couldn't determine whether she was a half-elf, elf, human or monster... The incredibly pale skin showed more and more within each day. The poor girl, barely in her 10's had been abandoned by her own father, in a small village called Thoda. Joy infested town didn't suit her emotions well. And she, didn't suit other peoples' taste either.
The decorations bared on the walls reminded her too much of her home, once in Palmacosta. Her mother had died there, so these memories were much more to bare than a simple burden.
A young girl, outstreched her arms feeling the cool dew of morning grass. Forests weren't usually a place she'd stay in, but today just felt different. Feeling a need to avoid those girls that always critisize her physical being, and guys that would plainly make fun of her. Many rumours had spread behind her back as some assumed she was an elf, or even a monster, to none of their concern. But all this was not even close to bother her today.
The short grass blades shone from the early morning sun. The trees casted shadows amongst themselves, keeping the pleasant cool of summer mornings true to their words. Music erupted from the morning birds as they flocked in groups to gather food. One had rested on a pale finger and observed the being softly caress its feathers.
"I wish I was just a bird…… I could fly away when harassed, I would be free to travel anywhere I want and be gorgeous at the same time……"
The bird simply whistled and chirped as a response.
"There are too many things I desire, yet, no power whatsoever to gain that. I wish I was never born. Or that I'm not the person I am…… I wish my name wasn't Naida Ellete……" Naida sighed and watched the bird as it took off into the sky, "Why am I getting paler by the day?" she whispered to no one in particular.
People ran around, preparing themselves for the annual festivals that take place in different areas each year. It was a ceremony held in honor of the goddesses and gods that dwelled in the heavens. And this year, it was dedicated to the spirits of the water, and the ceremony was going to be held in Thoda. Last year, everything took place in Asgard for the Wind Goddess, Sylph. In the ceremony, it was also necessary to choose either a maiden or young virgin boy to speak with the goddess. The chosen gives all the blessings to the god, and in return, receives protection from that Spirit from Heaven to their village. They were usually the ones who called upon the superior by preforming a dance with a holy staff.
Naida passed by the Geyser, where it would be held. She tried to be as discrete as possible, but no matter what, those girls always caught sight of her.
"Oh lookie here! It's purple zombie!" Shanice, leader of the girl gang mocked in her thought-to-be low sexy voice, "I wonder why you're not melting away under the beautiful sun. Maybe Luna and Aska, both ruler of sun and moon, have pity on such a being like you!" her friends laughed as Shanice shoved the poor girl out of the way, "ugh, don't get your disgusting hair all over me," and left giggling with her arrogant friends, whom all wore same silk clothings. All bore the markings and symbols beauty, and friendship.
Naida glared at her departure and stood up. She brushed off the dirt from her blue silk skirt, decorated with markings and symbols of the gods. They only meant courage and strength. A single tear rolled down, "pull yourself together Naida…… Can't let them see your moments of weakness…… They just…… want everyone to be all the same…… To make themselves higher than others…… so they could be perfect," she got up and walked towards the old temple near the docks, "which means I'm much lower than just a simple loser……"
Many months passed as the town got prettier within each day. Though, for the worst, everything was against the water nymph. Her appearance degraded by the week. Palest skin ever, as well as falling really ill. Naida didn't even dare to peek outside.
"Ah, my child, why so like this?" asked Naida's favorite priest, Gremis. He gently soaked a soft cloth into cold water and inlayed it on her forehead, "You ought to take some fresh air, it will do you some good. Staying in a damp place won't help you."
"I know master…… But I really don't feel like getting up and-"
"It's those defiled children isn't it?" he asked with concern.
"……"
"Oh so why didn't you say so? Is this what bothered you so much lately?" another silence made its way between the two. Gremis chuckled, "They still pick on you when they're already fifteen? You are fifteen as well my child, and you should know better than that. Naida, you are a blessed child. This unique hair color you often hide is a sign of unique qualities. Everyone is unique inside as well. They just think that everyone should act like them, because they think the maneuvres they preform are perfect."
"Then my pale skin is unique? They know very well I'm not human," spat Naida. She didn't mean to say it so harshly and quickly apologized for her rude tone.
"You may be human, elf, half-elf, we do not know. Our alchemists and scientists back in Meltokio are studying ways to know from which blood you flow in. Only ones who are told by their parents would have the knowledge. And as for you skin…… That may also be a gift. -No, not mentioning your sickness. You shall see why in just ten more days my child…… be patient now…… at dusk, the maiden of the mist shall rise," with those last words, the priest left, leaving Naida behind in utter confusion.
Within those ten days, Shanice managed to be the water chosen. And each morning, Naida could hear the blasting music from the other side of Thoda all the way to the Temple. This gave her headaches as she could even hear cheers from adults and friends whom she sucked-up to. From the cheers, claps and music, she could tell Shanice was practicing her dance for the occasion.
"Suck-up……" Naida muttered as she tried to go back to sleep. Mentally counting down the days, tomorrow was the day until the truth would be revealed to her. The truth to why her skin was becoming so pale…… The days lasted forever. Naida was obviously not surprised. After all, staying in bed, doing nothing and having a bit of imsonia ought to make those days living hell.
Her illness slowly died away as the festival came closer. Soon enough, she was completely cured. But the will to go outside, and meet those too-highed self-esteemed children has very well diminished.
'Maybe, tomorrow, if I wear a mask…… no…… no one's doing that, I'd look stupider. Maybe I just shouldn't show up to this festival. It's my first time. And mayne master Gremis just wants to make me go, by telling me that I'd find truth. No…… he wouldn't lie to me.'
Naida twisted and turned in her bed as her thoughts were becoming more and more of a burden.
Sun-up. It was the crack of dawn, on the day of the festival and ceremony. Naida couldn't sleep as she gazed at the sun, slowly rising from its bed. As it crawled higher in the sky, the darkness from the other side of the horizon slowly obliviorated. Bloody red and orange stretched endlessly through the horizon, as the darkness seemed to have evaporated.
The sky cleared from last night's storm, as some even thought it was a sign of Undine's arrival. The water nymph had a hard time to believe any goddesses or spirits that would actually visit their little miserable village.
People from the villagers, and the priests, and even tourists believed in all of it. They had decorated the church of beautiful carvings, dedicated to Undine. Thoda was always known as a place of harmony, intelligence and sailing, so they thought it was Undine's birthplace. The Thoda temple was consisted of many floors, and oddly enough, physical puzzles to solve. Priests and monks said that, one day, once the Water Spirit and Goddess awakens, this is where she shall wait for thou hero to come.
Naida laughed at the thought, "A hero huh? Well, I must be Undine then," she muttered.
"What was that?" Gremis entered the dark room with a bowl of apple gelatine medicine.
"Oh, nothing master."
The priest poured some water in the bowl and stirred, "You know you ought to pay a bit more attention to the gods. They exist my child, but I alone cannot alter your beliefs…… -Ah, they should make this medicine more efficient. Grasp-able perhaps……"
Naida ignored the last comment and inquiried him, "Master Gremis, why exactly do we need water, fire, light, and all these elemental gods and goddesses?"
"My child, none have been selected yet."
She gaped, "Wh-what! But…… why do we……"
"These temples are indeed built to honor them. But our arts of magic are so well developped that we may see into the future. And the results are not great. My child, I see that you have a long way to accomplish many tasks. Betrayal, friendship, agony, fear and even love are mentioned in your future. Now, I won't ruin it for you! You must follow the path you choose," Gremis offered the liquid medicine to Naida and waved a small scented parchment into the air to ward off dark spirits.
"The future? Really? Then…… and……"
"Hush now. It is best for you to figure everything out sooner or later. Not now though. Go on, you are cured now. Outside is the best place to make use of your life! Off you go now!"
Naida walked out the wooden door, and out into the temple's main room. Confusion filled her mind with questions, yet to be answered, once again.
The main chamber was peacefully quiet and very illuminating with it's cool shade of blue. Light magic was used to illuminate the water as it gave off calm and relaxing gleam to the whole temple. All the walls were carved of blue tainted ivory, marking heroic tales of Undine and sea tales. Even the pillars, who held the temple ceiling intact, was decorated with mosaics of different fish portraits. The essence of the sea gave the shrine an aroma one would spend days on.
Naida took her time, past the elevated floor and water balance, she seriously didn't feel like meeting that girl once again. Her jet, black hair and perfect skin seemed so illuminating to guys. Not to mentino that voice of hers.
Each flight of stairs seemed to pass by like light, even if it took her atleast twenty seconds each step.
Finally, daylight rays pierced through the shadows of the temple entrance. Naida winced at the sight of them since she'd been in the dark dampness for so long. The warmth welcomed her as birds happily sang outside. Wings fluttering to the wind. Priests and civilians thought it was Sylph, who gave them all the freedom. Too bad she didn't have wings either.
Many tourists and visitors glanced at Naida curiously. Probably wondering her odd skin color, whom slightly took a shade of light blue, but soon returned to whatever they were doing. Seeing that Shanice was too busy practicing her dance, the girl sighed in relief and made her way to the docks. The little waterfall, in the forest what her favorite hideout, and relaxation spot. Though she always had to go through Shanice and her gang before reaching it.
After finally reaching her destination, the sound of cascading water, creating mist that surrounded the areas calmed her senses. The tingling sensation of tiny dropplets of water, that burst on her skin made her world happy, something she always wanted.
Her world was going to last just a few more hours…… until the moon peeked from its slumber.
The evening stage was filled with luminous lights, from white magic. But what caught Naida's attention the most, was the Water Seal, that remained in the middle of the village, as a huge fountain. It glowed a pale blue, and emitted a strong aura she could sense. Wait…… she could sense auras? Since when?
"Naida! My child! There you are!" Gremis touched the child's shoulder, "Don't just stand there, come! Eat with us! It's a feast, in honor of Undine!"
Before she could react, he grabbed her hand and rushed to the buffet feast on the docks.
Her hunger wasn't booming, so she just watched Shanice and her friends chit-chat from the corner of her eye.
The cool breeze from the ocean twirled and swept past the crowd of people. Naida couldn't help but feel it like an odd blowing breeze. Everything seemed to quiet down as someone made their way up the stage and cired out to the audience, "IT'S TIME! For our calling of the gods! Our opening ceremony will start with the tales that have been passed generation over generation! Please welcome wizarden priest, master Cynefrid!"
Cynefrid, whom Naida recognized as the highest ranked priest over atleast six large villages like Thoda, stepped up on stage. Everyone cheered as his long robe, incrested with several sapphires and aquamarines, slipped up the stairs. Cynefrid held his left hand up in the air, motioning the crowd to remain silent. He paused, then looked up and wavered his hand in the air, as if drawing a symbol. The pattern he made suddenly seemed to glow out of thin air. Piercing rays of light shone as the symbol represented water.
"It was……" he began, "over a million years ago. Our elemental goddess, Spirit of Life, gave birth to our world we live in now," the symbol had changed to various glowing illustrations, following the tale as it passed, "She lived on for many centuries, and never aged. Her desires for our world to be at peace were more than just a mere dream. After watching men suffer and die, for such a foolish cause, she has given birth to all other elemental Goddesses and Gods," an illustration of the goddess illuminated. Her robes were far more superior like than any other robes Naida had seen. Magnificent, pure white hair flowed through the wind as she gracefully walked on the sea, "All of each who bare different and unique elements. Fire, Lightning, Ice, Wind, Ground, Water, Darkness, Light, Molecule and Eternal Sword. Water Spirit and Goddess, protects our village Thoda. And hereby bless us with eternal harmony. Goddess of Life shall visit us tonight…… Undine shall too. It is in our grand-respects that we shall greet thou," with that, the last illustration of sea water faded into nothing-ness. What confused Naida the most, was why they never showed Undine. It was, after all, a celebration in her honor.
"Shanice, chosen one. Please step up upon the Water seal and call upon the Gods!"
The dark-haired girl obeyed and held up her ritual staff. She made her way to the seal as everyone followed her steps.
Shanice borded the seal and waited for the music to start. Her elegant robe pooled and layed motionless after her last step.
Finally, the melody commenced. The water chosen had stretched her legs and bounded. Twirling, stepping in elegant taste, Naida had to admit, this dance was well choreographed.
Bells jingled from her staff at the step she took. Suddenly, the seal's carved symbols and ancient text glowed bright blue. The music ended and shanice posed as if she was the greatest person on earth. Her glimmering teeth were shining. She remained on the seal and waited, like everyone, for the Goddess.
Naida's eyes widened in amazement as a figure seemed to rise on the seal, as if there were a warp hole she'd be floating up from.
"Chosen…… where is the chosen?" it demanded in a soft ethereal voice.
Shanice proudly kneeled, "I kneel before you, great Goddess. For I, Shanice Fleta, am the water chosen."
The glowing white figure opened her eyes. She was indeed beautiful as legends said and graceful. The Goddess of Life looked at Shanice for an instant and brought a hand up to her forehead. Everything was silent. She blink and removed her hand, "You are not the right chosen……" The glowing figure then turned to Naida and smiled, "There you are…… Undine."
A/N: Eh, well that's what I've got for now. So much work to do now, damn teachers. Anyways, please review. I apologize fur such a rush in the story. Months seem to pass by in like, seconds. But I promise to make it better next time.
Other summon spirits are on their way!
REEEVIIEWWW!
