Celestial Hearts

Chapter 14

The Phaerie Oracle

Mushra couldn't seem to hold his thoughts together for any long periods of time. His amnesia wasn't playing up again; in fact his memory seemed to be improving. No, what was causing his lax in concentration was Dawn.

After she had returned from the rock pool he had been unable to take his eyes away from her. All girls were pretty he surmised, with a beauty all of their own, Yakumo had amazed him with her ethereal sweetness but none could compare with the beauty that was Tempest. Now that the blood was removed it became painfully obvious to the guardian-in-training that she was part enterran. Her eyes were rose and lavender, her hair was the colour of red-gold and her skin was flawlessly pale tinged slightly with silver. Every time Mushra tried to speak and she looked at him, he found himself unable to say anything legible.

So as you can imagine this only complicated matters, and yet in his heart he was thankful for the distraction. The nightmare had not left him. He knew at last what he was meant to do but whether he could do it was another thing. Though his memories were returning, he still felt that certain vital pieces were missing. He also felt that the answers he sought were within the stones Zinde had given him, though without Zinde here to explain how they worked it would be difficult. The stones in Mushra's opinion had become moody or they were on strike, for he couldn't get them to do anything. Yet he kept trying, often being caught by Dawn in some silly stunt. She once caught him climbing a tree, holding the stones out towards the sunlight another time whispering in the guardian tongue to the stones. All in all Mushra knew that when she looked at him now it was with pity because she thought he had lost his marbles.

The days passed in their manner though the events of the day changed drastically. Two days after the nightmare Mushra had to get to grips with another nightmare, the tree jumping leeches Dawn had warned him of turned out to be very real and very annoying. The little bloodsuckers rained down upon them, sticking at will to hair and armour. Dawn had prepared for such eventualities by cutting her hair and braiding it tightly and by wearing proper armour that gave no grip. Mushra on the other hand was plagued. He had not taken up her offer of a haircut and was suffering for it now. After about half an hour his temper gave out. Taking his spear he began shearing off any of his mane he could reach with rather comical results. Thankfully Dawn came to his rescue before he would decapitate himself. So with a new much shortened do he strode off into the jungle.

It wasn't until the third day after his nightmare that Mushra realised two things. The first being even though Enterra was a strange planet with a unique ecosystem he knew that jungle was unheard of this far north. He tried to talk to Dawn about it but she merely shrugged. The second was the fact they were being watched. He hadn't seen or heard anyone but somehow he could sense that someone was there. Mushra found it all unnerving even more so given the lax control of his powers. He also knew instinctively that little Miss Tempest wasn't being entirely truthful but he didn't dare try to force the issue.

The fourth day was the most bizarre of all. Mushra started the day in question like he did any day but on this day he was to receive a visit from someone, a visit that was to make things a little clearer.

"Which way?" Mushra asked rather irritably.

"Give me a minute ok…No-one asked you to come." The female enterran snapped.

Folding his arms the Phoenix enterran turned.

"Well I thought you knew where you were going…"

"It's hard enough without your whining."

"I don't whine. It's just for fu…" But he was cut short.

"Don't you dare start using that kind of language or tone with me." She waved her machete at him for added emphasis.

"Alright, alright… Jeez you're so sensitive." Throwing his hands into the air, he surveyed the immediate area. "Look how about we stop for a while? Take a breather…"

Dawn sighed.

"Maybe you're right. Arguing isn't solving anything."

Within a few minutes, they had a rough shod camp site. Dawn was sound asleep within seconds whereas Mushra was still wide awake. He hadn't been getting any decent sleep since he left Eragold, only snatching a nap here or there, so it really wasn't a wonder that he was so irritable and cranky. The threat of attack was still very real for he could sense the silent stalkers somewhere beyond the green. Thinking of nothing better to do Mushra rose and headed off into the jungle. He often ran his hand over his close shaven head, feeling rather exposed by its startlingly short length. Soon however he realised he wasn't alone.

"Show yourself you cowards!"

His spear gripped tightly he waited for a reply. A slight breeze rippled the foliage overhead. Strange bell shaped flowers chimed and rustled softly beneath giant ferns. The marshland was still present though well hidden, its many quicktraps posing a deadly problem. Mushra swung round but still he saw nothing.

"I'm getting sick of your games… Who are you? Why are you following us?" Mushra roared at the silent jungle. "I know it was you who attacked the expedition."

With his spear held aloft he cautiously edged forward, stopping briefly to shove some cascading ivy out of his way. Several things happened during this pause.

"MOVE!!"

Mushra didn't think twice. He sidestepped just in time to avoid a sheet of arrows that rained on the spot where he had been previously. Looking up he dodged as another storm of arrows rained upon him, he couldn't see who had spoken. He felt but reckoned it to be ridiculous, that the voice had come from inside his own mind. Again more arrows screamed down, as he dashed for cover. Still he couldn't see his assailants; obviously they knew the terrain very well and how to avoid detection.

How do I fight what I can't even bloody see?

Just as the arrows stopped raining the trees started shaking. Far to his left Mushra heard a chilling roar that froze his heart. To his horror the roar was answered by several others. Then he remembered Dawn. He had forgotten Dawn! If they found her… he left the thought hanging he couldn't finish it. He had to get back somehow. Dashing through the undergrowth, he stumbled over hidden rocks and such, the sounds of pursuit growing in his ears. As he ran out into where they had made their camp, Dawn woke up. She started to talk but Mushra quickly shushed her, something which young Miss Tempest did not take to too kindly.

"We need to go now."

"Stop it. You're hurting me!" Dawn screamed at him, as he attempted to drag her away. "What the Hell is your problem?"

"The ones that attacked you before, they're back. And they've brought friends… Now move!"

"But…" She started.

"There's no time!!"

"The camp! My things?!"

"Forget them!"

Dawn was being more awkward than he had bargained for. Catching her, he threw her over his shoulder and ran full skelter into the trees.

"Put me down!"

"Do you see anything behind us?" Mushra puffed through clenched teeth.

"What? No…Aw…" Dawn's voice became only a whisper. "There's something back there…It's huge!"

He didn't need to turn to see what it was that Dawn had seen, for at that moment something huge lumbered on to his path. Mushra looked up at the creature that so easily dwarfed him; it was at least thirty feet tall and who knows how long. Its body for the most part was covered in thick shaggy grey fur. Cruel twisted horns donned its head and snout, each of its four paws ending in vicious sickles. The eyes that surveyed the two were beady and amber; oddly enough it was wearing a large maroon collar as though it was nothing more that a house pet but the blood that dripped from its fangs told a different story.

Another one of the creatures had come up behind them.

"We're ringed in." The female enterran shrieked.

Though he looked Mushra saw no alternative.

"We're going to have to fight our way out." He said as he let her off his shoulder.

Her eyes spoke of fear, but her grip was firm. Taking up a position facing the newcomer, she stood back to back with Mushra, her machete held ready. The creatures began to bellow and roar, making their ears hurt and eyes water. The first then started to paw the ground as if preparing for a charge. Then the second started. The earth shook beneath the two behemoths as they gathered speed. With bowed heads they came on, like whole mountains on the move. Not knowing what else to do, Mushra turned and caught Dawn in his arms. The creatures were upon them now; there was nothing that could be done.

They were both wrong for someone was watching over them, and at that minute that someone stepped in. They could feel both the creature's breath as they bore down upon them and then nothing. When Mushra opened his eyes he found that they had been taken far away, to some wild rose infested clearing.

"Dawn we made it." He whispered his confusion and fear giving way to sheer relief.

When he got no reply, he shook her arm slightly.

"Dawn! Dawn wake up! DAWN!!"

He started to get worried. As he lay her down on the grass, he saw the blood. Just before they had been teleported away, one of the great brute's horns must have found its mark. Clutching her head to his chest, tears began silently running down his face.

A shadow of movement brought him to. Reaching for his spear, Mushra vowed to cause whatever pain he could to the newcomer. He heard the swish of a cloak but little else for the shadow had stopped just behind him. No longer caring about the risks, the young guardian-in-training summoned the power of the Phoenix, turning its full force upon on the silent shadow. Laying the pale blood stained girl down, he turned, bringing his spear down with ferocious accuracy. During this and Mushra's earlier efforts the shadow had not flinched nor made any attempts to retaliate.

"WHO ARE YOU?!" Mushra roared at the shadow, his temper in dire straits.

Then just as he was about to launch another assault, the masked shadow's hands rose, pulling back the hood, letting the cloak drop to its feet. A man, about six feet six inches tall with golden hair and clad in the armour of the Celestial Guardians stood before him. Mushra knew him and was in awe of his presence.

"Elfin…I…You…Ughh…DAWN!" Mushra blurted as what sense he had deserted him.

"She will be fine. My powers have created a healing space that is well protected from the world outside." The guardian known as Elfin reassured him. "Take this time to get some rest. You will need it."

Steering Mushra over to a spot opposite the still pale and bloody half-enterran, Elfin continued over-riding Mushra's worried spluttering.

"She's still bloody…"

"Mushra…" He said kindly yet in a firm tone "Healing takes time and Miss Tempest has been through an awful ordeal. Her body and her mind require time, as do your own."

The guardian-in-training just stared at him.

"Rest now… We will converse much later."

So with one more pitied glance over at Dawn Mushra sank to the ground and fell into the first decent sleep he had had in days.

Mushra found himself alone when he woke up. Even though Dawn was no where in sight, he didn't feel concerned. He knew that Elfin's appearance wasn't coincidence, knew that he had been sent hopefully to shed light on the situation. It was still light out but whether it was natural or just Elfin's power he couldn't tell, though he had fun amusing himself with all the colours. The sweet scent of the roses was heavenly after the stagnant bog waters of the marshlands and jungle undergrowth, bringing relief to his wind-up thoughts. After about an hour later Elfin returned, carrying to his stomach's relief a platter of fruit.

Before tucking in, Mushra asked him the question that had been bugging him since his appearance.

"Who sent you?" He asked before stuffing his mouth with a large pun net of grapes.

"When Yuna heard that I was still abroad in the vicinity she asked if I would look in on you from time to time."

"I'im glud...We'd been pincokens utherwis." With his mouth being so full it was a miracle he could speak and even more so that Elfin understood what he had said.

"You and your friend are very welcome. I must admit I am a little surprised that you haven't asked about young Dawn."

Taking a few minutes to swallow, Mushra replied.

"I do care…it's just somehow I know she's ok. Don't ask me how but…now that I don't see blood…I just… know."

Elfin nodded.

"Yes. You have begun to trust your senses. I'm glad for you will require them in the tests that are to come."

"What exactly do you mean by that? Since you've appeared you've talked about me needing rest and undertaking tests. Just what is going on Elfin?"

The Guardian straightened slightly, a fierce light burning in his golden eyes.

"Mushra do you remember the Phaerie Oracle?"

Feeling heat rising in his cheeks, he nodded eyes ground-wards.

"And you remember the events surrounding its disappearance?"

Again he nodded.

"Do you now realise what it is your task entails?"

Mushra felt the food he had consumed threatening to return.

"Kind of."

"Mushra" Elfin placed a hand on his shoulder. His grip was such that Mushra couldn't help but look up. The eyes that met his were not judgeful; they were instead brimming with concern. "I'm not here to judge you Mushra but if it's any consolation we were all fooled. Even the fully fledged Guardian council, with all their power bowed before his malevolent might."

"It's all my fault…My parent's deaths…the Celestial War…the war on Enterra…"

"Mushra you have to pull yourself together. We need to discuss what your plans are. You only have about twenty days before the Celestial Solstice."

"I thought I knew but I don't…" Mushra admitted bitterly.

"Rathgar has already got many of the Council members on side but he doesn't have to climb the mountain that is now facing you…Mushra you need to prove yourself as a guardian. It'll be hard since most still unfortunately hold you accountable for the loss of the Phaerie Oracle."

"I thought…maybe I could find it. The stones had led me this far…"

"Stones? What stones?" Elfin asked, his tone giving away the fear in his voice.

"Zinde gave these to me before I left. I just wish I had asked him how they work." He admitted sheepishly.

"Can I see them?"

So Mushra deposited the three little gems into his hands.

"I never realised Zinde had begun creating. His powers are indeed stronger than I initially thought." Elfin stated as he studied the little stones. Seeing the dum-struck look upon the young guardian's face, he proceeded to explain. "Zinde is an artisan. A craftsman if you will. He is of a select few with the power to create objects of terrible beauty and pain, of protection and heart. This stones have a deep power running through them."

"Yeah it's buried so deep they won't share it with me any more."

"This one…" Elfin held up the amber one. "…is the Stone of Memories. You'll need this one in the days that are to come. If you ever feel that a memory is eluding you, focus your energies upon it and it will become clear."

Taking the amber gemstone from the Elder Guardian Mushra couldn't help but ask. "What are the other two called?"

"That you will learn in time but for now you should know that there is a pool just beyond the roses that you should see. I believe you will receive the answers you seek there."

"I'm still not sure…"

"A test to prove your Guardian prowess is on the horizon, and if I'm not mistaken a chance to reclaim the lost Oracle. You must be prepared."

Mushra felt terrible unrest within himself at what he was about to disclose.

"Elfin, how am I supposed to fight? I can't seem to use my powers anymore. Well, not properly anyway."

The Elder nodded, his golden hair wavering slightly in the nonexistent breeze, disclosing a pair of sharply pointed ears.

"I know your problem but it is solvable. Fear and lack of personal knowledge are what ails you."

At hearing this Mushra relaxed.

"So the answers are beyond that bed of roses?" He pointed towards the area Elfin had just entered from.

"Yes."

As Mushra got up to leave, another burning question came into his mind.

"Elfin…"

"Hmmm…" The fully fledged Guardian glanced up curiously.

"How is Zinde?"

Elfin's face took on a troubled look.

"He is…" For the first time in their conversation Elfin didn't seem to be able to find the words. "He is on Enterra."

"Awesome so he can finally explain the stone's powers to me."

"I wouldn't get all excited Mushra." Elfin still had a rather pained expression on his face. "Zinde…Zinde is here to help you, and yet he isn't."

"Now you've lost me." Mushra said, scratching his head absently.

"You see…Zinde wanted to help you so badly he…he broke rules."

"So. A lot of those rules are rubbish."

"Not the ones Zinde broke…I must admit I was curious as to how he had managed it but now that I see the stones I understand…Zinde created something new and powerful, so powerful, I doubt he has any real control over it. When he shows up be careful."

"Zinde's my friend."

"We'll talk more later. You must go now."

"You're not trying to fob me off are you?"

"We will talk later."

"Elfin was it you shouted at me to move?"

"When did this take place?"

"Just before the first round of arrows struck someone shouted for me to move. So it wasn't you?"

"No…" Elfin admitted slowly. "I came on the scene just before the creatures began their charge."

"Then who?"

"I don't know, but I will look into it. Mushra you must go now."

So with nothing else to say and yet several troubling questions on his mind Mushra strode over to the roses, pulled their cascading radiance aside and disappeared.

Elfin stared after him for a few minutes before getting to his feet and striding off in the opposite direction.