The air was stuffy. That thick heavy feeling that choked all life from you. Not to mention the dust- in the air, on the table, in his nose.
Ivan sneezed, the only sound breaking the silence of the antique dated room. Rubbing his nose on his sleeve, then rubbing his watering eyes, he tried to read the scribbled handwriting of the ancient tomes.
How did he get suckered into this? he moaned miserably inside his congested head. It was like the old farts never even cleaned in here! There they were, hmmming and ummming over this parchment or that paper, scratching their whiskers- now thoroughly gray from dust.
Councilor Hydros, and some equally old and fogey Kraden or something, who dug up those two fossils? he snickered internally, wishing for some excuse- any excuse- to get the hell out of there.
"It is amazing Professor! This discovery could change the course of the war." said geezer #1.
"Quite, quite Councilor. However those in charge do not take my word, or yours for that matter." replied geezer #2.
Some miraculous discovery my ass, thought the wind adept, these two couldn't 'discover' their own false teeth in this mess.
"How are you keeping up, young Ivan?" geezer #2 asked suddenly.
Ivan started, sending up clouds of dust from his shoulders and hair, "Huh?"
"You seemed so thoroughly engrossed in the task at hand that I thought you either to be extremely interested or extremely bored." Kraden laughed.
"Well..."
"No matter," the scholar mused, "I suppose it cannot be helped for one so young with such a short attention span."
"Hey!"
"Perhaps another job is in order, then?" Hydros suggested.
"Wait-"
"- Come to think of it, I do have several long ballads, written in the old style, that need to be transferred to the computer manually." Kraden said.
"That's alright," Ivan said hurriedly, eyes wide and shaking his head, "I'm fine here. No need to move me around."
"Excellent," Hydros commented unnecessarily, "Soon the long lost secrets of the Lemurians and the Anemos will aid us in our struggle."
Kraden walked to his cluttered desk and picked up a coffee mug. Sniffing the contents he grimaced, then shrugged and drank it anyway.
"The ancient ones had great power," Hydros continued, settling himself into one of the many dilapidated chairs scattered about, "But it was all lost long ago... before the war even started."
Ivan looked up at this, doubtful, "That's just legend. No one really believes that."
"You would do well to listen to your elders," Hydros smiled.
"Would you like some coffee, Councilor?" Kraden asked from somewhere behind the piles of texts and artifacts stacked nearly to the ceiling.
The aged council member frowned, "That isn't coffee, it's tar."
"Suit yourself."
Hydros looked back to Ivan, "There are so many 'legends' around the world, so many references to those from the sky or the ocean, how can there not be some truth?"
"That doesn't mean that you are going to find some super weapon."
The graybeard seemed shocked, "Weapons? Not all problems are solved with weapons, young Ivan."
The wind adept just rolled his eyes and went back to the pages of scribble in front of him, he doubted any of this would help in the slightest. The war was going only going to end through a show of force.
"There are so many legends of the ancient ones," Hydros spoke, not noticing Ivan's skepticism, "Beautiful people who lived among the stars and flew on their own wings, or those who came from the great misty ocean- clad in foam and coral."
"Sounds like horrendous fashion sense to me." Ivan muttered.
The Councilor was unphased by his remark though, "Some say that Wind Adepts are the offspring of the Anemos and mortal women, shunned from the heavens because of their low birth." he said suggestively.
Ivan didn't take the bait, "That seems like a crappy way to treat people."
Hydros nodded, "I suppose it was, but the Anemos got their comeuppance. Legend also says that the home of the Anemos fell from the heavens, and killed all the inhabitants."
Ivan frowned, now involved in spite himself, "That doesn't sound like a proper punishment, though."
"No," Hydros agreed, "I suppose the punishment did not fit the crime, perhaps there was another reason for the fall that is now lost to time."
"And that's why we research, Councilor," Kraden said, appearing out of nowhere and holding a fresh cup of coffee.
"Quite true, professor," Hydros beamed, his craggily face becoming animated, "No mystery shall forever go unsolved."
"I should certainly hope not," the scholar affirmed, finding himself an equally dilapidated chair to sit in as Hydros did, "With all the new information being gathered from the Tomegathericon, we shall even find the mythical Sanctum and then the mighty Stone of Sages."
"I am still trying to convince the Council of the seriousness and importance of your findings, old friend. However, it continues to be an upward battle." the aged council member reported sadly.
The worn looking scholar nodded, "If that is the case I will just have to present them with more proof. More evidence. Or in Lunpa's case a greater monetary reward. But these findings cannot go ignored indefinitely."
"You underestimate the Council," Hydros laughed.
"I wouldn't dare," Kraden said, "Too much rides on this."
"What is the Tome-gather-icon?" Ivan asked, wondering what the old fogeys were going on about.
"The Tomegathericon is the written instructions to find the hidden Sol Sanctum," Kraden answered eagerly, "the very place the Stone of Sages is said to be."
"And if the power of the Stone of Sages was used, a new age would dawn on Weyard." Hydros finished for the old professor, stroking his long gray beard wisely.
Ivan frowned, confused as to why the greedy Council wouldn't jump at this opportunity, "Why hasn't it been found by now?"
Kraden lost some of his enthusiasm and slumped in his chair wearily, "Well, for one: there is now about a mile of solid rock where the Tomegathericon says the Sol Sanctum was. Apparently, there is now a mountain on top of it."
"Besides, you have to pry every Gold the Council allocates from Lunpa's fingers," Hydros continued just as wearily.
"And there is one more secret," Kraden sighed, "Some type of 'key' to unlock to Stone of Sages."
"And you haven't found it?" Ivan asked.
"I have no idea where to even begin! None of the legends mention a 'key', but the Tomegathericon is quite clear on the subject," Kraden moaned, "It is incredibly fascinating, and yet also incredibly frustrating as well. The power of the ancient gods lies just beyond the reach of our fingertips."
"We feel quite thwarted," Hydros added, "It seems that no matter what evidence Kraden puts forth, it is rejected."
"Damn it, Hydros," the scholar angrily replied, "I'm an academic, not a superhero. Don't expect me to singlehandedly change the Council's mind. That's what you are here for."
"Is it really that important though?" Ivan asked, "How can some rock change the world?"
"'Some rock' he says!" Kraden exclaimed, slamming down his coffee mug and spilling the hot liquid all over the cluttered table, "That 'rock' happens to be the ultimate creation of the Anemos! It has the ability to give the wielder unlimited power! Just imagine the consequences!"
Ivan quickly picked up the battered text he had been studying so that the encroaching pool of coffee would not damage it. Several other equally old and important looking texts were not rescued in time, but the scholar didn't seem to notice as he ranted on.
"The Stone of Sages, the catalyst to rise the Golden Age- a Golden Sun to rise above Weyard. The unleashing of Alchemy, and the source of limitless psynergy. If the Sol Sanctum were ever found the world would change drastically," the professor continued, "The four elements would come together- joined as one. Weyard would glow in the light of the Golden Age-"
"-The coffee is all over the place-"
"-A new age for mankind-"
"-all your documents are getting ruined-"
"-One that- What!" Kraden sputtered, just now seeing his precious tomes soaking up coffee, "Damnnation!" he swore, trying vainly to clean the spilled coffee with his dusty sleeve, and making a new dark stain in his patched shirt.
Ivan snickered, now Kraden was swearing because the coffee burnt his arm, and Hydros just nodded sagely- but maybe he was just nodding off. The whole situation was ridiculous, one minute they seemed like genuine scholars- the next they were just two old men.
"Professor Kraden," a pretty girl with red hair said, popping out from one of the adjacent storage rooms, "there's a call for Ivan. It sounds important."
"Best get going then," Kraden muttered, sure that he had lost his latest helper, "Kay knows where the blasted comm is."
Curious, Ivan maneuvered his way between the stacks of books with knocking only a few over. The pretty redhead, Kay, showed him the comm. It looked older than most of the texts he had seen.
"It's from the med bay," she said, "but they wouldn't tell me what about though." she sounded peeved.
Ivan picked up the receiver, "Uh, thanks." he glanced back at her.
"No problem," she replied, but then she just stood there and didn't leave.
"Bye."
"Oh right! Sorry." she apologized, but still took her time departing.
Nosy, Ivan thought, finally speaking into the comm, "Yes?"
"I'm sorry to disturb you," the voice on the other end said in a hurried anxious way, "but there has been an accident involving your sister."
"The gardens are deep in HQ's infrastructure," Jenna explained, "near the residential areas and the most vital operations that keep the battlestation going. If HQ were ever under attack, hopefully these places would take the least amount of damage."
Isaac nodded, following her down the corridors, "That makes sense, but someone attacking this thing is impossible- it would be suicide."
"Maybe so," she agreed, feeling a great pride for the power she was part of, "but we are prepared just in case."
If someone did attack HQ, they would have to have a death wish, she thought grimly, but still feeling safe and secure within the behemoth of metal and psynergy. The only time people got hurt or died was on the outside- in mechs or on the ground- unprotected and defenseless.
People like Susa and her brother...
It was hard to describe Weyard now. There were centers of technology and research, like the Citadel. On the other hand, there were vast barren plains pock-marked by acidic lakes. There were places were mutated monsters roamed the dead forests, eating anything that moved.
Places like Izumo still existed, places were small bands of people still flourished and thrived, hidden away from radiation or the Prox. But there were countless cities, like Tobli or Kalay, that were nothing more than piles of refuse now. Even her home of Vale was gone, wiped out in a firestorm unimaginable to those who did not see it.
She sighed, suddenly homesick, "Hey Isaac, were are you from?" she asked, stopping and crossing her arms in the dreary service chute she used as a shortcut to get around.
He looked back at her, confused, "I... don't remember," he said frowning.
"You don't remember?"
"No," he continued, his eyes taking on a faraway cast, "It was a long time ago, before I started living in the Citadel, so at least ten years then. All I know is that wherever it was, it's gone now." he finished sadly.
Jenna nodded, a rare feeling of sympathy shading her mood, "Mine too."
They continued on, silently. Jenna was surprised at her actions, she had befriended Isaac rather quickly. Strange for her very private self.
Maybe she knew him in a previous life, she snickered inwardly, things like that happen all the time.
"Hey, Jenna," Isaac said at length, "Isn't there a way to get up to the outer decks from here?"
She turned around, looking at the surrounding corridors and passageways, "I think so, why?"
"I want to see." he shrugged.
She grinned mischievously, "Alright," she walked up to a nearby vertical service chute and pulled the cover off expertly. A sudden draft of air rushed out from above, the wind making a slight moaning sound as it did.
The draft was cold, and Jenna rubbed her arms, "We can take this ladder up to the outermost deck, but it's cold and windy up there- just a warning."
"Been up there before?" he asked curiously.
"Of course," she replied, mock appalled, "As if a sign and a cover can keep me out." Jenna remembered fondly, thinking of a previous incident and thorough dressing down from Hama.
Isaac raised an eyebrow at this, but asked no further questions of her as he climbed the ladder. Jenna followed him, slowly making her way up the chute. Recessed lights tried to show the way, but most were out or merely cast long shadows from Isaac down at her.
Instead of sight she used touch to guide her feet and hands. Besides, she didn't want to stare at Isaac's ass in front of her the entire time.
They eventually climbed out into the cold air, the wind blowing in gusts around them at the high altitude. Jenna planted her boots firmly on the smooth hull, not wanting to take the long plunge to the ground below them.
When she was finally settled she looked up and out, the bright starry sky arching above them in a dazzling display of the heavens. Isaac was silent beside her, staring with awe on his boyish face. Jenna smiled at him grabbing his hand and pulling him up higher to a better position. The hull was nearly horizontal here and they sat down, arms wrapped around their knees for warmth.
It was a clear, cold night, the kind that made the stars seem twice as bright and just barely out of reach if you wanted to touch one. And here they had an uninterrupted view.
"It's beautiful," Isaac said, no trace of shame in his voice. A tiny smile remained on his face as he watched and observed and simply enjoyed the panorama.
The fire adept rested her chin on her hand, not bothering to brush away her windswept hair from her dark eyes. She simply watched, a rare moment of peace on top of a mobile battlestation. Tranquility, the tiniest flickering of stars so very far away. Breathing the clear air, everything else seemed so very distant, and yet remarkably nearby.
There was a time when she used to sit here with someone else, but she hadn't done so in over two years. There was a time when they used to sneak up here to watch the stars, and later the stars watched them.
There was a time when she heard his voice, not some freakish mockery.
She still missed him, she realized, even death does not kill feelings or memories. And now she brought Isaac here, why? Perhaps to recapture her spent memories, fleeting as they are? Perhaps it was a type of karma, sent to punish her by creating a specter to haunt her.
She could see him now, dark hair and laughing eyes as he told her the names of the constellations. But she also saw Isaac, sandy hair and boy-faced watching the celestial objects silently.
"I heard," she said quietly, "that long ago you couldn't see the stars. That there was so much light from cities that they blocked them out."
Isaac turned to her, "That sounds sad to me."
Susa turned to her, "I can't imagine that."
"But now there are no cities," Jenna continued harshly, both in the present and the past, "because of the Prox."
Susa reached over to her, his arm securely around her shoulders. She started, not expecting it and glanced away, uncharacteristically embarrassed. He reached with his other hand and turned her to face him, his dark serious eyes staring into hers.
"That's why we fight, Jenna," he said, "To protect our cities and homes, our forests and streams... and the ones we love." he finished quietly, still looking at her intently.
"Love?" she asked a bit breathlessly.
"Love." he answered seriously, and then kissed her.
"That's not what I meant," Isaac said, ripping her from her memories, "I think it's sad not to be able to see the stars. I wouldn't want to live in a world like that."
She stared at him, that was not the answer she was expecting from the greatest enemy of the Prox. An answer so different than the one before, and yet right in its own way.
Isaac was watching her reaction, grinning sheepishly. She smiled slowly back, he wasn't Susa- he was Isaac and that was alright with her.
The earth adept seemed to get the idea that she liked his answer and glanced back at the stars, tapping his booted feet on the metal hull. She was about to rejoin his stargazing, but the comm on her belt beeped.
Frowning, she switched it on, "What is it?"
The voice on the other end was breathless and nearly shouting, "Hurry... to med... bay... accident..."
"What! Repeat that!"
The poor tech on the other end seemed to catch his breath, "There's... been an accident."
"Who's been hurt?" Isaac asked worriedly.
"Commander... Hama."
The tray clinked ever so slightly as she carried it into the oval room. The crystal decanter and plates sparkled in the low light, the food and drink in them seemingly dull in comparison.
Uzume stepped lightly on the polished floor, not wanting to disturb the slumbering Emperor. His heavy breathing reminded her of the slumbering dragons told to her long ago in fairytales. Perhaps he sleeps upon a mountain of gold, she thought traitorously enjoying the rare moment of freedom granted to her.
Quickly and quietly she set out the crystal service, laying out forks and spoons and knives and uncorking the decanter. Carefully she poured the clear liquid into a beautifully carved goblet depicting mermaids and mermen swimming amongst the waves.
She sniffed at the liquid, it was not spirits like a decanter was more commonly used for, but seemed merely water. Maybe just a sip? she thought, but quickly shook her head. Uzume carefully replaced it onto the tray, not wanting to tempt fate by displeasing the Emperor.
Slowly she stood, smoothing out her skirts and carefully brushing her hair back with her long fingers. She almost made it to the door when a deep voice called out to her, "One moment, Madame."
Uzume stopped and bowed politely, "What do you request, Dragon King?" she said without thinking. Realizing her mistake, she quickly apologized, "Forgive me, Emperor-"
A deep chuckle, "-We are not displeased, Madame."
She bowed, almost touching the floor, "Thank you." she said, relieved.
"There is an opportunity before Us." he said ominously, "It seems a little bird has lost her wings."
Dramatis Personae
Jenna: Megaera, Fire Adept
Isaac: Charon, Earth Adept
Felix: Deceased
Garet: Kirin, Fire Adept
Ivan: Eclipse, Wind Adept
Mia: Healer, Water Adept
Alex: Boreas, Water Adept
Saturos: Proxian Commander, Fire Adept
Menardi: Proxian Commander, Fire Adept
Agatio: Proxian Commander, Fire Adept
Karst: Proxian Commander, Fire Adept
Susa: Haures, Earth Adept, deceased
Hama: Commander of Western HQ, Wind Adept
Uzume: Command Liaison, Earth Adept
Kaja: Second in Command- Western HQ
Fiehzi: Communications Officer- Western HQ, implanted Wind Adept
Hsu: Navigational Officer- Western HQ
Kay: Kraden's assistant
Obaba: Council Chair
Babi: Council member
Faran: Council member
Akafubu: Council member
Donpa: Council member
Dodonpa: Council member
Lunpa: Council member
Moapa: Council member
Hydros: Council member
Iodem: Babi's aide
Kraden: Scholar
Briggs: Mech Communications Officer-Western HQ, implanted Wind Adept
Chaucha: Mech Communications Officer- Western HQ, implanted Wind Adept
Defense Elite: Mech Warriors
Ouranos: DE captain
Sean: DE sergeant
Drones: Plant-like servants of the Prox.
Garusia?
Traitor?
Judgement?
Anemos: People who lived in the sky.
Lemuria: People who lived in the ocean.
Emperor?
Well, here you go. Another chapter with no fighting, but that will soon change! This chapter has my favorite scene, one that I had been planning from the start. Also this chapter features a new character: Kay! She is Kraden's aide/assistant/secretary/cleaning lady. And for those of who to which it applies, Happy Fourth of July!
Flora Jupiter Vixen: Thanks again! I'm always glad to make things interesting.
Shiny Milotic: Can't tell you about Hama, you'll find out in the next chapter. I'm glad you are guessing, although you may be surprised.
SpaceJoe: Mmmm... brownie. Can't tell you about Hama, but you'll find out soon enough, and thanks!
Dracobolt: Thanks for the review! How kind and considerate! Glad you like the descriptions, those are usually my favorite part and they play an important role in the story.
