Purpose

The next morning, at first light, the three travelers began their journey once more. They continued to walk across the sandy beach which seemed to stretch on for miles, the forest following the stretch of it. After walking until about midday, when the sun was highest, they stopped and took a short break and then restarted.

The finally they had a change of scenery. Up ahead they began to see a mountain peak and as they got closer a giant mountain loomed in front of them. Where the beach ended a path up the mountain began. To the left of the mountain the forest diverged, while the right part separated the ocean. The right side of the mountain had many edges and cliffs caused by the constant water bombardment. The main part of the mountain though was on the land, so it would be many more years until the water fully washed away the mountain.

"So, I guess we're going up?" Toshi asked.

"We have to, unless you want to go through the forest again." Gerrard said.

"Not really." Toshi said.

"And besides," Glissa added. "From up there maybe we can get a bird's eye view of the area."

"We would," Gerrard said grimly. "If there were any birds here."

They started walking up the mountain path, which for the most part was easily accessible. Every now and again they came to a jagged part of the path they had to go around. The path began to wind around the mountain, creating a loop around it as they got closer and closer to the top.

"How much longer do we have to go?" Toshi asked.

"Should not be far," Gerrard said. "The path is circling more and more so I think that means we are getting closer to the top."

"I could scout ahead and see how much further we have to go." Glissa said.

"That's not a good idea," Gerrard said. "We should stay together until we are certain there is no danger here."

As Gerrard said, the path indeed began to wind closer and closer to the top until at last they came to the end of the path, still a long way from the peak. The path opened up to a wide area and a ledge leading to a very long fall. But from the spot they saw the entire area from the ocean and beach to the other side past the forest. There were several other mountains as well all rising up from random areas, but at most they counted only five, including the one they were on. There were also other forests clumped together in different areas, though to get to any of the forests the paths led across the plains and fields. And as they looked in the distance they saw some sparse, isolated dark areas, which they could only guess might have been swamps.

"Plains, forests, mountains swamps, and the water," Gerrard said. "One of every mana symbol."

"But how could such a place be set up this way?" Glissa asked. "With everything so perfectly balanced?"

"It's like someone made it like this." Toshi said.

"That's correct." A voice said behind and the three companions spun around to face a young woman. She had dark brown hair and dark brown eyes and smooth, appealing features. She wore a simple red dress. She stood tall with her hands on her hips. She seemed to glow in the dying light.

"About time you all got here," the woman said. "I was wondering when you would finally make it."

"Who are you?" Gerrard asked, his sword ready.

"My name is Jaya Ballard." The woman said.

"Did you bring us here?" Gerrard asked, his sword still in his hand.

"Yes, I did." Jaya answered.

"Why?" Gerrard said. "What was the point of bringing the four of us here?"

"Because I need your help," Jaya said. "And you three are best for the job."

"What are you talking about?" Toshi said. "What do you need help with? And how's you know we would come here?"
"I made you come here," Jaya said, laughing a little. "Well, to this exact spot at least. Don't you think it's curious as with all the paths open to you you all happened to come directly in this direction? As for your second question I need your help because we are all in danger."

"From what?" Glissa said, still poised to attack. "I have not seen any danger here."

"Maybe not but there is danger here somewhere, even now." Jaya said seriously. "I have felt something here, watching and waiting. Here, on my own world."

The three travelers looked stunned at this comment.

"You made this world?" Toshi asked.

"Yes," Jaya said. "All planeswalkers have that kind of power. It's just hard work. I've spent thousands of years making it."

"So you are a planeswalker?" Gerrard said and then murmured "Like Urza," under his breath. "But then you do realize that eventually this plane will collapse?"

"Yes, I do." Jaya said. 'But for now it's my home away from home, when I want some peace and quiet." They stood in silence for a bit. "It's funny actually. In my previous existence I never would have though of peace and quiet, just action. But I guess things change."

"Okay, that's fine and all," Toshi said. "But what is this problem that you brought us all here for? And also, why did you not bring us all back to this spot instead of having us walk all around?"

"That was a test," Jaya said simply. "To test you resolve, and to see if the three of you would get along. I see you do."

"Did you also make it so I would attack them?" Glissa asked incredulously.

"Yes, but I had to, to make sure if you were all up for a challenge." Jaya said and continued before Glissa could respond. "But I knew they would not hurt you Glissa, nor you them. And I chose you to fight them because physically you are the strongest."
Toshi and Gerrard looked at Glissa and Jaya incredulously.

"But this is all besides the point." Jaya said. "You asked why you three are here, and I will tell you. It is a very grave and serious problem that puts us all in jeopardy. And if we do not fight now, then all will be lost."

"Will you just tell us already?' Toshi said.

Jaya spoke.

"Yawgmoth has reawakened."