Chapter 12: Destiny's Edge
Vini sat.
She was in a white, empty room that seemed to expand in all directions, save the wall behind her. Wearing her armor, equipped with her daggers, and short bow, Vini raised her hood and stood up. "GENERATE (Terrain_Field_Alpha)," she said.
Suddenly, the ground shifted into a grassy plain, the sky did not appear, however, and was no there was no light save what brightness was emitted by the walls. And it was as bright as the sun.
"GENERATE (Sky_Alpha)," Vini said. Immediately, the sun and the sky appeared above her. The room had changed from emptiness to a natural state. Yet, it was still endless. No mountains, no rivers, no hills, just grass as far as the eye could see.
She continued issuing commands. And soon, there was a large hill, a sharp cliff, a fast-flowing river, and several trees and bushes.
"CREATE (Inquest_Operative[7])," Vini commanded. Eight Inquest foes appeared, randomly dotted around the room. "CREATE (Inquest_Golem_Mark_One[2]), SET_AI (Seek_and_Reveal)." As soon as she spoke the woods, three red-crystal powered golems appeared in random locations. Her foes began to walk about the area, and searched through the bushes.
"She's not here," one Inquest said.
"Keep looking," another said.
Vini slipped into the shadows of the trees and made a silent command, "CREATE_OBJECTIVE (Avoid_Detection) if Avoid_Detection == 0 then CREATE_OBJECTIVE (Escape)."
She snuck from tree to tree, her weapons making no sound as she passed three Inquest. Vini ducked into a bush to avoid a golem, and after it had passed, she slipped out of the bush, and returned to the shadows of a nearby tree.
"Did you hear that?" one Inquest said—an assassin. "I detected a noise in that bush over there."
"Go check it out," another said—a golemancer. "Perhaps it's the man-eater. Verify the cause of the sound."
"Yes, chef," he said to the female, and immediately headed over towards Vini's location.
Drat, I can't fail this, she thought. Quiet, she pulled a dagger from its sheath, she slipped around the tree to its other side, avoiding the assassin's gaze. She kept her breathing level, and stood, waiting. Vini couldn't run; otherwise she would be detected. The enemy assassin's death would have to be quick, otherwise, she would a blood-stained paper trail.
The Inquest Operative drew close to the tree, peering about. He slipped into the shadows much like Vini had, but his footsteps could be heard.
Vini shuffled around the tree, trying to get to her enemy's backside. It was difficult; she couldn't see him, but she could guess by the direction of his footsteps—
He stopped, and reappeared, fingering his own daggers. "Come out, man-eater. I know you're located here," he said.
Moron, you don't expose yourself like that. Vini snuck behind him, and then grabbed him, covering his mouth and slitting his throat. The dying Inquest made a gurgling as he sputtered blood and fell to the ground face-first.
Vini wiped her dagger off quickly, and then sheathed it; she wasn't going to leave a paper trail. She slipped around the tree, deeper into the shadows, and saw the other Inquest coming her way.
"Wait, that's one of ours!" the engineer exclaimed. He ran over to his fallen comrade. He peered around with suspicion and caution in his eyes.
The Inquest, save their golems gathered around. The golemancer knelt down and rolled the assassin over. "It's definitely the man-eater. I can devise from the way the throat is cut that it is her doing," she said. She looked at her companions. "Stay in a group; there's no way she'll be able to pick us off. Have the golems flank our positions. We'll find Yunio and terminate her."
The Inquest agents did as told and gathered together. The golems received their orders and all them began to search for her.
Fortunately, killing them off was not her objective. Vini waited until they had gone to another tree, and then made her way through the shadows toward the cliff. She only needed to climb up to—
"Enemy—movement—detected," chimed one of the golems. "Target—spotted!"
Vini looked and saw the Inquest staring at her.
The golemancer pointed. "Kill her!" she shouted.
A voice sounded throughout the area. "OBJECTIVE FAILED. INITIATING IF STATEMENT. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE ACTIVE."
Vini cursed, and dashed for the cliff, uncoiling a black, leather wire with a hook on the end. She heard something explode from behind, but didn't bother to look. Probably a grenade. She stopped as a bolt of lightning slammed against the cliff in front of her.
She dashed forward again, and then slid to a stop in front of the cliff-face. I just need to get to the top! Vini hurled the wire to a rock jutting out the cliff, and her hook grasped it. She pulled herself up as fast as she could with her feet on the rocky surface.
As Vini reached the ledge, a firebolt hit her in the back; and she nearly lost her grasp on the ledge, hanging on with her left hand. She could smell her armor beginning to burn under the heat of the spell.
"Damn you all!" Vini shouted. She launched her right hand up to catch the ledge when a rock hit her left hand, breaking her grip on the ledge.
She fell. And into the waiting arms of one of the golems.
"SECONDARY OBJECTIVE FAILED. ENDING VR SIMULATION." The room vanished around her, and Vini found herself lying on the ground of the College of Synergetics VR training room. Blast! Am I losing my edge?
"Are you finished yet?!" said an angry male voice, breaking Vini from her thoughts. "You have been exploiting the VR room for hours!"
Vini got to her feet, and shot a glare at the male asura staring at her. He was carrying a set of tablets, and beside him stood a female asura with her arms folded. Wait a second... he's actually... not that bad. Vini's expression turned into a seductive smile and she lowered her hood. As expected, the male's face went red.
"You're—you're Vini... err... Savant Vini, aren't you?" the male asked. "Um... oh my, you're as... um... attractive as they say..." The female shot him a dirty look.
"Why, thank you," Vini said with a breathless voice. She dusted herself off, smiling still at the male. "And your name is?"
"Uh... um... Zakk."
"A pleasure," she responded. "Well!" She walked by him, noticing his nervous glance. "I'll be in my dormitory and we can talk in private... later, if you want." She winked at him and walked away.
She heard the female growl at Zakk. "What do you think you're trying to attempt?! Don't you even dare!"
"I... merely made an observation."
An astute one, Vini thought. She seems awfully jealous; must be his steady. Drat. She snapped her fingers in disappointment.
Vini walked out of the halls of the VR chamber, and onto the streets of Rata Sum. It had been a week since she last saw Batanga, or even heard from her, and Vini was growing impatient.
"You really have talent," Batanga had said after her recovery. "The Order of Whispers will be in contact with you shortly. If you're interested, that is."
"I'm quite certain that I want to join your Order," Vini had said. "I agree with your assessment."
She frowned, stopping in the middle of the street, ignoring the awkward glances of the other asura passing by. Where in the blasted Alchemy are you, Batanga? She heard a soft chirping noise above her, and she looked up.
There was pigeon flying above her with a scroll in its mouth and an apple tied to its leg. Vini blinked, and the bird flew down to her, dropping the scroll into one her open hands. Vini untied the fruit. What is with the apple?
Curious about the scroll, she placed the apple on the ground, and read the letter.
Salutations, Savant Vini!
I am writing to inform you that the Order of Whispers is eager to initiate you into our society. Your mentor, Tybalt Leftpaw, will be waiting for you in Lion's Arch. I also want to test another skill of yours, if you're up to it. I'm ninety-eight percent certain you will be.
Tybalt should direct you to our headquarters. I can't give the location in this letter in case it is intercepted. Hurry, your mentor is eager to meet with you.
Sincerely, your friend,
Batanga.
P.S. Keep the apple I sent you. You'll find a good use for it later.
Vini smiled. Finally! I get to observe the Order of Whispers in full! And she had a mentor? She cocked her head. Interesting. Most interesting. She rolled up the scroll and placed it in her carrying pouch. She picked up the apple and then looked around—the pigeon was gone.
With a dismissive shrug, Vini headed straight to her dormitory. Her eager fingers tapped the buttons on the keypad with sharp strokes. The door slid open, and she walked in, grinning to herself.
I best say good-bye to Pol... and my parents, I suppose. And Canni! I have to see her. Wait, what's this? She stopped, and noticed a tablet on her floor. How did...? She sprung to her feet and searched her rooms frantically. Nothing was stolen.
Then... what? She walked over and picked up the tablet. It was another letter—this time, from Pol.
My Dear Sister,
Zojja told me to give this tablet to you since I know the passcode to your room.
I assume, with a ninety percent guess, that you're going to join the Order of Whispers. I'm going to miss you greatly. I'm a little scared, too. You've always protected me ever since the Inquest took me and inflicted torture. I just hope I'll be safe in Rata Sum. And I want you to be safe out there in Tyria.
Vini, please visit me before you leave. I have something to give you.
Love, your brother,
Pol.
Vini smiled a little and wiped a tear from her eye. I'll miss you, too, Pol. She swiped her finger across the screen and continued to read. This time, Zojja's letter.
Dear friend, and Savant,
If you're reading this, then your brother has successfully delivered this letter. I want to come to the Trader's Forum in Lion's Arch this afternoon. I'm meeting up with an old friend, and I want you to be there. I think it would be best if you observed this event; you might gain some insight.
-Zojja
P.S. Keep this tablet, I'll be using it to contact you from time to time.
"Huh, fascinating," Vini said out-loud. "Very..." She rubbed her chin and then smiled to herself. What could it hurt? She swiped her finger across the tablet back to Pol's letter. He has something for me? I wonder what?
Vini went to her bedroom. She deposited the tablet in her travel backpack; it was designed like her carrying pouch that she had kept Gorr's datalogs in.
She thought of Gorr. The professor had finally proven his theory to a shocked audience. There had been some that still refused to believe, however. Rakt had managed to cover up the Arcane Eye's blunder without anyone knowing (save Vini and a few others). She frowned, disgusted at the Arcane Eye; why were they allowed to get away with that?
Vini shook her head, and started to pack her most important possessions. Her golem would have to left behind as well as the sealed compartment. She would take care with the prototypes of her future devices, but few would understand them outside of Rata Sum.
Food, water, clothing, money, her essentials for special events, and her tools; she had everything required for the journey ahead.
She shouldered the pack, and left her dorm for the last time. Then, she left for Pol's dorm nearby.
Vini walked Rata Sum's streets, gazing around and taking in the various sites as if she had never lived here before. I'm going to miss this place, she thought with a sad frown.
She shortly reached Pol's door, and pressed the ring button. After a moment, the door slid open, revealing Pol's face. He smiled. Vini smiled back.
"It's good to see you, sister," he said. His smile turned to a slight frown. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she lied, sighing. "I received your letter, how did you acquire the tablet? I'm assuming Zojja gave it to you."
Pol nodded. "Yes, she did. Come inside, Vini," he said, beckoning to her with a hand. She entered, and he closed the door behind her.
"You said you had something to give me?" Vini said, blinking. "What is it? I have a theory it is an object as a memoir."
Pol smiled. "You're correct as usual. Hold on a moment." He ran off to his personal room, and Vini heard the sound of sliding metal against each other.
I wonder why he didn't have it ready for me when I arrived, she thought.
Shortly after, Pol reappeared with a neck charm about the size of a choker. Its 'jewel' was actually a crystal with a unique shape, and the height of the crystal was smaller than the width. He handed it to her. "It... really doesn't do anything except show a hologram of my face. It's the best I could do." He tapped the crystal, and the hologram appeared.
Vini gave him a kind smile, and embraced her brother. "I think it's perfect, Pol. I'll keep it secure, I promise." She kissed him on the forehead and took the charm from him. She put it around her neck, and clipped it into place. "Thank you."
"I'm going to miss you, sister."
"I'll miss you, too," she said, wiping away a tear. "I love you. Don't forget that."
"As do I. Stay safe, Vini," Pol said, wiping his eyes. He sniffled. "Please, don't die."
She grinned. "It'll take more than the Inquest or any dragon to get me terminated! Don't worry," she added, softly. "Good-bye, brother."
"Farewell, my dear sister."
-S-
Vini wiped her eyes again, facing the asura gate to Lion's Arch. Would she ever see her home again? Pol? Even her parents? She pulled out the apple and looked at it. I can only go forward in life. Storing it in her side-pouch. Vini approached the gate, inhaled, and then entered it.
The familiar pull of the gate shot her through the transdimensional field and suddenly, she arrived in a massive city. Lion's Arch.
Vini had never seen such architecture before; she found herself staring at the massive wood arches that spanned the skies of the city from building to building. Her eyes drew themselves to the traditional sea ships held up by buildings and hills.
She exhaled. Down the bridge from the asura gates, she saw, set in the middle of stone, circular platform, a large statue of a white lion with a golden mane. She inhaled, and then let out a low whistle.
This is the city where all the races gather... she thought.
With cautious steps, Vini moved down the bridge, her eyes directed, again, the arches of the city. Rata Sum was known for its floating crystals and unique triangular architecture, but Lion's Arch was something completely different; in an amazing way.
She looked across the bridge and saw figures gathering around the lion; she recognized Zojja from among them, and blinked. Here? This does not appear to be a Trader's Forum. Regardless, Vini headed down the bridge to the statue.
"Zojja?" she asked upon approach. The genius spun, and smiled at her.
"You look a little stunned," she remarked. "Impressed?"
"Immensely," Vini said, her eyes staring at the lion statue. "I read about this city during my studies, but I... I think I underestimated how astonishing it would be."
Zojja nodded. "Indeed." She looked toward the gathering figures. And cocked her head to them. "Vini... these people are part of Destiny's Edge, my guild."
Vini looked, she saw a handsome human with brown hair, and silver armor. There was a huge, intimidating-looking charr in black, spiked armor. She saw a slyvari wearing vestments of deep green. And finally, a norn wearing the garbs of hunter, and her skin was covered in tattoos.
Destiny's Edge... they almost succeeded in exterminating one of the Elder Dragons.
Vini walked to Zojja's side, and noticed that she was glaring at the norn with a scowl on her face.
"What's wrong?"
"... nothing," Zojja lied, arms folded. "Observe... this isn't going to be pretty." She walked up to the slyvari, while the rest of Destiny's Edge gathered around the same.
"Welcome, my fellow warriors," said the slyvari. "I'm glad you've all come. We have much to discuss."
The human frowned, narrowing his eyes at the charr. "When you invited me, Caithe, you did not mention that this charr would be here!" he growled.
The charr snorted. "Same with you, Logan. Are you planning to run away again?"
"Don't start with me, Rytlock!" Logan snarled.
"Please, please," Caithe said, approaching the two. "Calm down. Let bygones be bygones! We have a greater threat right now!"
"I'm assuming you're referring to Zhaitan, Caithe?" the norn asked. "I do agree. We need to make a plan before facing the dragon head on. More people could die."
Vini heard Zojja growl loudly. She rounded on the norn.
"Oh really? Yet precious people die in the hands of Eir Stegalkin!" she pointed at the norn. Vini could see her gritted teeth; her raged expression.
"Zojja," Eir responded. "Snaff didn't—"
"Shut up, you bookah!" Zojja swiped her hand to the side. "I don't want to hear your excuses!"
"My friends—!" Caithe attempted to intervene. "Listen!"
"No, I don't have to!" Zojja exclaimed. "Until she's admitted her fault, I'm not assisting!"
Eir looked flabbergasted. "Zojja, please... can't we put the past behind ourselves?"
Rytlock poked Logan. "And this one has a lot to answer for. Fleeing when he could have helped us kill Kralkatorrik."
"I had my reasons!" Logan shoved away the charr's hand. "No, I'm not staying here. I don't want to hear another word." Caithe raised a hand to object, but Logan stormed away to the north.
"Running away again?" Rytlock snorted. He looked at Caithe. "Another failed attempt. I have more important business to attend to." He turned and walked away from the statue, across a different bridge from the Logan.
What the glitch? Vini thought, shocked. The legendary members of Destiny's Edge all acting like immature progeny?!
Only Caithe, Zojja, and Eir remained. Zojja's mouth was twitching, and Vini could tell; she was too angry to even speak.
"Caithe..." Eir said.
The slyvari sighed. "Then we've failed... Zhaitan will consume Tyria at this rate," she said. "Logan and Rytlock just won't forgive each other."
"There will be others who will come, Caithe," Eir reassured her. "Besides... I think this meeting was a mistake, but I have an idea. I'll see you again later."
"Eir..." Caithe sighed. The norn patted her on the shoulder and then walked away. Vini noted how much more relaxed Eir was. She frowned. Some insight she had gained.
"Those airheads! Urgh!" Zojja exclaimed, stomping her foot. She spun and looked at Vini. "What?! What are you staring at?"
"Zojja..." Vini didn't know where to start. She, herself, had a terrible temper, and almost a bloodthirsty rage. But to see her friend revile against friends like that? "Zojja... I..."
"Oh, don't you dare try to convince me that I'm wrong, Vini! They're all a bunch of bone-heads! Look at Logan and Rytlock fighting! Logan left us for his precious queen, and Rytlock just won't silence himself!"
Vini frowned, her anger rising. How could Zojja yell at her for this? "Zojja," she repeated with a leveled voice. "Maybe... you're being too harsh."
"Do you even know who killed Snaff?"
"Kralkatorrik, correct?"
"Yes, but technically, it was Eir's fault. She didn't protect him well enough!" Zojja raged.
Vini couldn't hold it in. "Blast it, Zojja! You're being irrational! Why hold a grudge...?"
"You can't forgive the Inquest, either." She pointed out. Glaring at Vini, she added, "You're just as much a hypocrite as the others."
"Maybe I am!" Vini growled. "But you said Logan and the others had their reasons, right? If my hypothesis is correct, you don't understand their side of the problem! Don't you remember those Inquest I spared back in Metrica Province? It's because I saw their side. I can't forgive the Inquest, true, but only part of it. Wasn't it you who taught me to show mercy?"
Zojja clenched her fists, and Vini expected another slap. But it didn't come. Instead, Zojja looked at the ground. "Maybe... maybe you're... right. But I need to ponder on this, first." She looked at the assassin, less fire in her eyes. "Don't die while you're working with the Order of Whispers? Understand? I'll be in contact with you later."
And with that, she strode off, leaving Vini in the middle of Lion's Arch.
Vini rubbed her temples and looked back at the city. It didn't seem as grand anymore, in fact, she felt a disgusting taste in her mouth. She glanced over and saw Caithe—crestfallen—speaking with another slyvari.
The other one, she looked like a warrior, armed with a greatsword and covered from chest to toe in heavy armor. Her 'hair' was a lovely water blue color, set in a ponytail. Her skin was of a light purple; probably considered attractive for the slyvari race.
"Therista... I don't know what to do," Caithe said to the slyvari. "They... they just refuse to let go of the past."
Therista sighed. A glimmer of gentleness in her eyes. "It will be fine, Caithe. I'm sure everything will turn out all right in the end," she said. "They just need time."
"I thought they had enough time to let go of their rage," Caithe said. "Plenty. Well, I'll talk to you later. Good luck in the Vigil." With that, Caithe vanished. Vini could still make out her cloaked image, but it seemed that Caithe's warrior friend was befuddled.
Not used to stealth, are we? Vini sighed, and approached the slyvari. "Not an insightful event, was it?" she said.
Therista blinked and looked at her. "Uh... no. Who are you may I ask?"
Vini smirked. Finally! Someone who doesn't know about my reputation! "My name is Vini. I'm Zojja's friend. Your name is Therista correct? A pleasure to meet you."
The warrior smiled. "Well met, Vini." She bowed. "Why are you here? Did Zojja invite you?" Vini nodded. "Just like Caithe to me." Therista rubbed her shoulder. "I cannot believe what I just saw, though. I thought better of Destiny's Edge."
"Indeed, I agree," Vini responded with a nod. "I can't calculate how shocked I was."
Therista frowned. "I wonder what we can do now?"
"Just work with our orders. That's the only solution I can think of," Vini said. "Well, I have to leave. I have... someone to meet here. Perhaps we'll see each other again."
"Perhaps. Farewell."
Vini nodded to Therista again, and then began her search for her mentor in Lion's Arch.