Chapter 1: Hope
The air weighed heavily as the silent Epopts slowly rose and unclasped their hands from prayer. Ethereal light emanated from the iridescent depths of the crystal, reflecting off the marble floor and providing light to the entire room as if the crystal itself was alive. And to the Epopts, it was.
For them, a crystal was the pure essence of a soul - a remnant of a powerful sage sent from the Twin Moon to prepare the human race for lasting peace on the Blue Planet. The mysterious way that the magic contained itself in the crystal perpetually was a miracle. Acting much like the sun, small shards of pure magic shot out from the energy core and were pulled back by a gravity whose natural laws defied those of the Blue Planet.
Sensing a vision of peace balanced with the power of the crystals, the Epopts found a cause worth devoting both their lives and their kingdom to. Mother Gaia, the Earth Crystal.
The Earth Crystal had never spoken, audibly at least, yet its unspoken words would guide the fate of the Epopts. The Epopts gathered around the Crystal, cherishing its rays of insight.
"The Crystal has spoken," some Epopts announced. Others just looked to each other in agreement.
"...Omega, the last will not always be the least," another murmured. "That's what I heard."
"She was sent," came a murmured reply of other Epopts.
Looking to each of the Epopts, the Matron began, "Well, it appears no further confirmation is needed. Let us make preparations for the young one' s journey. For a journey of Lightbringing will soon be underway."
The Crystal Room door opened as the Epopts shuffled out after the Matron. Their voices rose in loud chatter that could hardly contain their excitement for Aria. . Even the guards looked to each other, wondering what had just happened. Though they trusted the Epopts to govern Troia as they saw fit with unwavering loyalty, divine logic could be frightening, or at the very least, perplexing.
The Epopt Omega stood back. She froze for a moment, staring, or possibly glaring at the crystal before following the parading Epopts with a lowered head.
"Aria?" called one of the Epopts. It was Aurora the Blue, the eccentric blue mage who had just recently returned from her journey, or as many bitterly considered, her vacation.
Aria caught up to the Epopt and mindlessly nodded as Aurora babbled about the ins and outs of a Lightbringing.
Shadows crept about in the Crystal Room as the door firmly shut. Fate was set. A bitter feeling overwhelmed Aria, not toward the other Epopts, but toward whatever fate had sealed her.
Quickly, they reached the Chamber of Council and took their places. A circular formation to symbolize equality among the Epopts. Like rays of light emanating from a crystal they stood, apart, but unified by the very thing they believed held their kingdom together.
"What kind of journey is it?"
"How long will it be?"
"Is it a pilgrimage to Mt. Ordeals?"
A flurry of questions assaulted the Matron, who simply smiled and reminded them of the vagueness of the Earth Crystal's answer.
"Now, my dear Epopts, we mustn't rush the Will of the Crystal," the Matron warned. "A pilgrimage, not quite. A Lightbringing, yes. And you probably all remember yours, whether twenty years ago or two."
Seeing the nod of assent from the assembly of Epopts, she continued, "Also, I know some of us have been Epopts before we made our safe haven in Troia castle, not just in the city of Troia. However, we must not disrupt the peace of the kingdom with the news. Her journey is to be kept secret. It must be a sacred journey for only her to take, not a horde of people following her through it."
"Understood, Matron."
"But what about the Spring Festival that she's in?" Thania the principle black mage asked.
"Both are part of her duty to the crystal. As long as the crystal wills it,nothing will change," the Matron responded.
Swiftly, Aria disappeared from the Main Hall of the castle. The other Epopts were so concerned and yet they hadn't noticed her disappearance. They were discussing the fate of which she had no choice in. There really was nothing she could do.
She would always be the "young one" or the "Omega," which always insinuated her childlike helplessness in comparison to the other experienced Epopts.
It was one thing to leave on a pilgrimage, but to be sent away was entirely different. She tried to remind herself of the reason she had ever dreamed of being an Epopt, but she didn't remember. Distress simply clouded her mind. Hurrying towards the long bridge that led to the castle gate, she walked briskly. Every step seemed longer than the next, but eventually she would reach the end. The journey that she would embark on would eventually be over, she hoped.
"Lady Aria," the guards greeted as they began pulling the chains to open the gate.
She gave a curt nod in response, but said nothing.
"Is something wrong?" a guard asked.
"I'll be fine," she replied, trying her best not to lie.
"Because if anything is ever wrong, I'll be there for you," replied one of the male guards. He probably said it to everyone as she could tell from the annoyed female guard glaring from the other side of the gate.
Again, Aria didn't reply, but rushed quickly down the dusty road towards the city of Troia. The clouds drew near and the sun was beginning to set. The golden sun sank so low it seemed to brush the ground. The colors of the sky seemed to explode as if triggered by the touch shared between the sun and the earth. The roads weren't completely empty as villagers began to return home after the laziness and warmth of the afternoon, but the largely open space of the typically crowded roads only added to Aria's loneliness. Small homes scattered the roadside. Even the houses seemed farther away as she continued walking.
By the time Aria had reached her destination, the darkness of the sky had settled in, creating a dreary atmosphere. Slowly, Aria walked to the backdoor of the pub and knocked. For a moment, there was only silence. She knocked again, slightly louder. Finally, the door opened and the usual noisiness resounded from deeper within the building.
"Aria!" her friend exclaimed as she promptly led her in.
"It's good to see you, Brie."
"Is something wrong?"
With a pause, Aria responded, "I'll tell you later."
Brie nodded. No further explanation was needed for Brie. More loud laughter vibrated the floor from the bar at the far end of the hallway. Waiters and waitresses flooded from one side of the pub that was relatively empty, but the bar was very crowded.
Just like the routine they followed every time Aria came to talk, they walked towards the bar, where they would finish up the orders until the night wore thin. Frequently, they would pick up interesting pieces of gossip from visiting travelers, who stayed at the inn in the front of the building, but Aria really wasn't in the mood. Being more experienced with the business, Brie and her father took the crowded end of the bar while Aria took the more isolated side.
"Hello travelers! Is there something I can get you?"
"Of course, miss," the man quickly replied. "What is your name, by the way?"
"Just call me Brie," she responded while she carefully mixed his drink.
"Lately, there have been new developments in Baron with the king."
"Oh, really?" some villagers asked as they moved in closer to hear and focused their attention on the travelers.
"I heard that the king's possessed," announced the traveler, who seemed unconcerned with the additional scrutiny.
"I heard that too. I was at Mysidia the other day during the attack. His Dark Knights are now notorious for raiding the villages," another traveler interjected.
"But, why would he do that?"
"Who knows? He's a king he can get away with anything he wants," the man laughed before taking a long sip of his beer. "The military is just an extension of his arm. You can just look them in eye and they look back at you all serious and solemn. Probably just as crazy as the king."
"If you are from Baron, how could you say that about your king?" one person inquired, marveling and yet somewhat horrified at the traveler's disloyalty.
"Well as long as it doesn't affect us," said one woman, purposefully forcing the attention from the traveler.
"Exactly," the man responded after taking another drink. "That's the spirit."
Several others laughed heartily at that. Their conversation continued late into the night, but gradually everyone had left. Aria and Brie began wiping the bar counter while most of the waiters were preparing to leave. While still cleaning one particular spot, Brie peered up at Aria in concern. Aria appeared very concentrated in her task, which was characteristic that she was trying to distract herself from something deeply upsetting.
"So Aria, what were you going to tell me?"
"They plan to send me away on some Lightbringing journey."
"What! You mean permanently?!"
Brie stared back at her friend, initial shock quite evident. Looking up briefly, Aria offered an evasive glance. She paused, subtly revealing her slight worry that Brie wouldn't understand.
"I don't think so. But you know how they are. The last time they sent someone away. They didn't come back for decades. So yes, you might as well say I'll be gone forever."
"Aria, quit being overdramatic. The last person they sent away didn't exactly want to come back. She was too busy enjoying the exotic lands and people. Besides, she was annoying and no one liked her. I'm pretty sure everyone in the Troia adores you. Newest, Youngest, and Most Exciting Epopt."
"Have you ever considered that they think I'm in their way? I mean I don't really do enough encouraging during their moments of 'divine inspiration' nor do I inflate their egos."
"They certainly don't think you're annoying. I mean there's a reason why they sent you to study abroad in Baron at the best academy. Despite our virtually identical grades, they clearly picked you as an Epopt instead of me because you had potential and I didn't. They must of seen something in you to pick an Epopt so young."
"There were others that went to Baron too and none of them became Epopts. It's not like I was the only one from the entire kingdom chosen. The future of Troia isn't really in my hands so it wouldn't have been that difficult to just send me away and proclaim the Crystal told them to do it."
"You know they wouldn't ever actually think of doing that."
"I wouldn't be surprised."
"Oh quit being so pessimistic. It makes me feel sad too."
"Just reality, Brie. It's just the reality for me."
At this, Brie began to laugh.
"You're far too serious, Aria. You should be looking at the positives-"
"If there were any," Aria quickly retorted.
"Don't interrupt. You know, you can't argue that it would be really fun not wearing purple dresses and yellow hairpieces every day and looking creepily similar to every other Epopt."
"Hey, don't judge. What if I happened to like wearing purple? Our similar attire only symbolizes unity, not conformity."
"I'm sure you do. It's not like just anyone in the kingdom gets chosen to wear purple every day, only the 'upper echelon' of society. How many purple clothes do you have anyway? I should lead a peasant rebellion and seize the castle. Then everyone can come out running with purple clothing. Or half the people will come out with yellow headbands. Everyone else can get shards of rock."
With a rebellious nature, stubbornness, and charisma, Brie could definitely pull off a revolution. But what kind of leader used archery exclusively? How would she fare with a one-on-one battle with a villain? Bash them over the head with her bow? At the thought Brie leading an uprising, Aria laughed.
"We're not that elitist. We do like to converge with the population sometimes. Like arranging every major holiday in the kingdom. And did you just call the Crystal a rock?!"
"Yes, I did," Brie smiled smugly. "Finally, Aria, you get my point. See you Epopts actually do care about each other and the Crystal. Otherwise, you wouldn't be defending them."
"I suppose you're right. But if that were the case, then why they would they be sending me off on some strange journey, especially with a time of war in Baron?"
"Ask your shard," Brie responded, gesturing toward Aria's pendant.
"That one was pretty rude."
"Fine, maybe it was. But in all seriousness, I'm sure the Crystal really does have an answer, but Mother Gaia's just waiting for you to find out on your own. Somewhere in the peeling pages of Earth Tome you should have read,
'Whenever I stand, as long as I am standing on the Terra Firma, Mother Gaia is forever sovereign'.
It actually applies to your life too. You just need to trust that you're not alone in this and accept that you are capable of every situation you encounter."
Aria stared back at her, surprised at the truth of her words and yet they held a resolute kindness to them as well. She was overwhelmed with the gravity of her words and felt a little guilty in initially doubting Brie's sensitivity and understanding of her situation. As usual, Brie was very keen on knowing exactly what she was feeling.
"Thank you, Brie."
"Anytime, Air."
"Hey, don't call me that. Name-calling is childish."
"Too bad, Airy Fairy. I call you whatever I want."
"Fine then. How do you get Brie out of Bianca anyway? Shouldn't your name be Brieanca?"
"My parents were just creative. Really Aria, what I suggest, for you to become as good as me, is to get more practice."
"How about Banana? It's closer to your real name?"
"Nope, too many syllables. And you just said name-calling was childish."
Aria laughed.
"What?" asked Brie.
"It's just... you looked so serious for one moment. I didn't think it was possible."
"Anyway, it's getting late. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night, Brie."
With a relieved sigh, Aria left the pub. The cool embrace of the night made her feel energized again as she rushed home with renewed vigor and strength of the Earth Tome provided her with new hope.
-~o`'*'`o~-
As Cecil and his soldiers landed the Red Wings in the designated area at the far end of the castle, the whole atmosphere seemed to change. Perhaps the events of Mysidia had already reached Baron's ears. That was beyond his control. Or was it really? Nothing could hide the shame Cecil now felt. He would tell the king, his conscience allowed him no other way.
His soldiers headed towards their quarters in the Western towers. Darkness shrouded their faces in the form of guilt. Cecil bore the brunt of their guilt for he bore the responsibility.
"Captain Cecil," the Baronian guards saluted him briskly.
Cecil only gave a curt nod. The king's personal advisor, Baigan, stood at the gates.
"His Majesty is expecting you," Baigan informed him as the guards began to open the massive stone doors.
Anticipation rose as Cecil waited for the doors to the Throne Room to open. Fear probably rose even more. But courage would soon succumb his momentary worries.
Upon Cecil's entrance to the room, the king rose from his throne, scepter in hand. The king was an imposing figure. His royal robes hardly moved as he rose, but his hand briefly touched his sword. There was strength was evident in every movement of the king. The face of the king, once viewed as one who kindly provides, protects, and leads, was now one to be feared.
When Cecil reached the throne, he immediately fell to one knee to respect the king. The king who had once made a sacrifice Cecil would never forget. The king whom Cecil had modeled his entire life after.
"Rise."
There was hope in Cecil's stature as he rose.
"Have you retrieved the Crystal?"
"Yes, my liege," Cecil responded as he promptly prepared to relinquish the Crystal.
Baigan quickly reached out to receive the Crystal, but Cecil withdrew it away in hesitation. Again, Baigan attempted another grab at the crystal, awkwardly knocking into Cecil's gauntlet. The scuffle continued a moment longer, under the king's close eye.
The king's eyes shone a flash of rage. Finally, he handed it to the king. The anger dissipated suddenly as if forgotten. This moody behavior was peculiar for Cecil, who had not been at the castle for the past two months, because the king had always been firm in his actions. From Cecil's experience, the king had never faltered in his decisions unless provided with sufficient counter-evidence. His glance lingered on the Crystal as the king hastily retrieved it. Then, his eyes drifted up towards the delighted look of pure ecstasy the king revealed as his eyes focused wholeheartedly on the Crystal. As if remembering Cecil still stood at the foot of his throne, the king seemed to calm down.
"You have served me well, Captain. Your deeds will be well remembered," the king addressed Cecil, with seriousness and restrained anger from Cecil's resistance in relinquishing the crystal.
The glance the king gave Cecil was so sharp that he paused to look down at the Crystal again. Even the guilt that overwhelmed him seemed less penetrating that the severity of the king's glance at the moment. Silence pervaded the air. Cecil opened his mouth to speak, but the words couldn't seem to come out. The king had always listened to sound reasoning and yet Cecil still sensed that the king would not listen.
"If you have no other details to report about your success in Mysidia, then you are dismissed," the king stated, in response to Cecil's silence.
"I do, my liege," Cecil began.
"Then," the king made an almost impatient gesture with his hand, "do go on."
"Sire, for what purpose do you need the crystal? My men have become worried why we are resorting to violent means to retrieve the Crystal."
"That is none of your concern. I am highly disappointed that you would suggest such a thing."
Sensing Baigan's heightened glare, the king continued. "In fact, for your disloyalty, you will have this one final chance to prove yourself to me. As it is now, I am too generous with you."
"But, Your Majesty, I am sure Captain Cecil has good intentions. He has always served his king well, this is no exception," a deep voice resounded from behind Cecil.
"Well then, you also will embark on this journey," the king began with something of a barely concealable snarl, "Deliver this Carnelian Signet to Mist and perhaps I will reconsider. You will leave tomorrow morning. Do not return until you have accomplished this task."
"But, sire-"
"You must understand-"
"Lead them away," the king ordered in annoyance.
Cecil and Kain continued to protest as the guards forced them out the throne room. Once in the main hall, they met weapon to weapon, in a light melee dance. Cecil began. He always did. He did not hesitate as he brought a flurry of blows on Kain. Although his helmet obscured part of his face, his anger was still very visible from his unsuccessful encounter with the king. Kain, on the other hand, was not so transparent. He easily deflected the first barrage of blows and then retaliated.
This was nothing new for the two rivals, who probably were at odds the day they were born. Neither gained the upper hand, every attack would be met with equal strength, until the other slipped. They were not exactly equally skilled because they specialized in different areas, yet they always proved themselves capable whenever they battled. But perhaps their tradition would be a thing of the past. A childish manner of solving problems and venting their discontent. No longer could their naïve method of simplicity suffice in face of their new troubles.
"Kain," Cecil began, "I'm sorry for bringing you into this. It was my fault."
This was not the first time he had told Kain this, but probably more like the hundredth. Nonetheless, it never lost its sincerity. While Cecil openly admitted his mistakes, Kain was more reserved and often accepted the consequences of his action. In that regard in addition to many others, they were similar, yet significantly different.
"We leave tomorrow. At first light," Kain stated, which almost seemed to dismiss Cecil's apology.
Cecil nodded in agreement. There was a degree of familiarity between the two. Kain always made himself a mystery, but it never seemed more difficult than Cecil could solve. He sincerely felt his friend meant well, even if he did not immediately reciprocate it. The two parted ways as they walked to their separate quarters.
Soon Cecil arrived at the broad opening that led to the West Tower.
"Cecil!" a fair white mage greeted rather enthusiastically.
They exchanged few words because Cecil was too dismal to speak.
Later that night, Cecil found that he couldn't stay asleep. He was overwhelmed with the events of the day. First, the dishonorable acts at Mysidia, robbing them of their crystal. And now, even in Cecil's optimistic perspective of the king, he knew his task in the village of Mist would be no different. It might not be for a crystal, but it would share the same malicious intention. And he would be part of it. His heart clenched at this.
Soft steps echoed off the stone floor. Cecil hardly noticed.
"Cecil," a white mage addressed, but he still seemed to ignore her. His gaze was so intensely set on the moon that it would probably explode if he could.
"Cecil," she repeated with greater force, "What's wrong?"
Cecil arose from his bed and looked at her. Her compassion clearly emphasized the sweetness of her face. And innocence. He couldn't look at her. In his depressed state, he felt like he might end up ruining her as well. Lashing out at people who only meant him well.
"What I did at Mysidia was unacceptable. I deliberately injured and killed people who had done no wrong," he paused and looked up at her again, his hand gently brushing her cheek. Tilting her head up at him, he continued.
"I did not possess the courage to protect them."
"Cecil," Rosa quickly responded, reflecting the words were written on her heart. "You're a good man. Although you realize you've done wrong, you've come to change the fallen state of Baron. To undo your wrongs-"
"-they cannot be undone."
Although it looked like she wanted to continue, he turned away from her, facing the twin moons and remembering the chilliness of the night. Rosa gave him one last sympathetic look - one that he did not see – before retreating to the mages quarters.
"Thank you Rosa, but I know what I've become," he said, long after her steps faded.
Despite the loneliness and guilt he now felt, he couldn't deny a sense of hope from her words that felt like it was rising in his heart. Of moral action. That he would now set off to do.