Zachery didn't return until a month later. In that month, Pavo started to train diligently again. She polished her javelin, the old weapon still as sturdy as ever, and began to work up the muscles that had seen no battle for years. The thought of Aquila had given her a renewed vigor, and she needed to spend it in some way.
Myra and Kalec were a little sad that she could not go with them, but were understanding. They wished her luck and left, saying that they hoped to see her again soon.
On the day Zachery returned, Pavo was just about to start her training when she heard someone breathlessly shouting down the well. She looked up to see Zachery's face, his eyes glinting with a mixture of hope, excitement, and victory.
Pavo quickly strapped her javelin to her back and clambered up the ladder. When she emerged, Zachery was waiting impatiently, still trying to catch his breath.
"Did you get it?" she asked, feeling his enthusiasm starting to spread to her.
He nodded, still trying to catch his breath, and swiftly pulled something out of a pouch on his belt. He held out a small, faintly glowing sphere. Pavo slowly reached out and carefully laid a finger on the pearl, as if it would shatter under her touch. The moment her skin made contact, she felt something rush into her body. It felt pure, with a hint of a mystical power flooding into her limbs. Surprised, she pulled her hand back.
A presence suddenly surrounded them, familiar and all knowing. The scent of Yggdrasil leaves filled the air as a gentle voice filled her mind.
The redemption of the eagle is at hand.
"Celestria…" Zachery murmured. Pavo briefly glanced at him, realizing that he could hear her too.
Young hero, bring the prayer pearl to me.
Zachery nodded without question.
Young Guardian, watch the night skies for the beacon.
Pavo opened her mouth to ask what she meant, but Celstria continued.
Remember, my children, stay strong.
The spirit started to fade.
"Wait! What do you…" Pavo started, but the presence had already disappeared. Sighing inwardly, she turned back to Zachery, who was already stuffing the prayer pearl back in his pouch.
"I better hurry to Celestria." he muttered, more to himself than Pavo.
"I suppose I should stay here." she said in slight resignation.
"Right. I'm not really sure what's going to happen next, but if I find Aquila, then I'll bring him straight here." he reassured.
"Thanks." she replied with a small smile. She knew that she could trust Zachery, even if she didn't know him that well.
"Bye! I'll see you later!" he promised, already rushing off to the city's exit. Pavo waved farewell, and then looked up at the sky. The sun had already almost completely disappeared into the horizon, the warm oranges and reds quickly fading into deep blues.
Absentmindedly fiddling with the strap that held the javelin on her back, she searched the sky. She noticed a single star, twinkling brightly. She focused on it, a strange feeling washing over her. It felt like it was calling out to her, asking permission for something. Confused, she decided to let her instincts guide her, trusting in Celestria.
She let out a deep breath and focused her full attention on the bright star. The shining light seemed to fill her being, and then grazed over that mental switch that allowed her to create portals. Pavo obliged and flipped that switch, although she didn't think she would be able to successfully make a portal without a location to focus on. The sensation, which she realized felt similar to that of the prayer pearl, seemed to recognize that and somehow fulfilled that requirement.
A portal appeared in front of her, the edges constantly swirling. Pavo peered at the magical gateway, but she could see nothing but vast white on the other side. She slowly stepped into the portal, easily traversing through it.
Walking out of the portal, she looked around as it closed behind her. The whiteness blurred into a menacing red stone, cracks marring the surface. Two walls of the same stone appeared to her front and back, with strange crystal veins connecting the two. Pavo walked over to one and observed the smooth crystal. Colors swirled and shifted within in an endless cycle. She stepped back and, noticing that all of the crystals seemed to grow and center around one spot, started walking toward the north wall.
Pavo stopped, her eyes widening. The pillars were pinning a body against the wall, and it wasn't moving. She took one step forward, raising a hand to her mouth as she recognized the bald head and stern face of her brother, Aquila.
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