Tales of Faith
The United World Arc
Chapter 67: To Find Out Further
"There's not much to follow here…" Rose commented as he looked around the others gathered near him. Kite scratched his head. "I don't even know where to start…" he mumbles. "Where do we even go…?"
"Hmm… is there any other places we have not visited yet?" Arturo asked.
"So many things to do, and so little time…" Raven sighs nonchalantly.
Dhaos observed how Kite, Arturo and Rose tried to find their next course of action. '…Hmm, that Breloom, as young as he is, is quite knowledgeable of topics adults normally know of. The Serperior, he appears calm and collected. Though, it looks like there are times where he is pressured… Raven is snarky and a flirt, but even he knows some stuff that we normally have no knowledge of.' Dhaos thinks to himself. 'As for that Genesect… he is very kind and gentle. He serves as a role model to the other young ones, amusing since he's chronologically the eldest amongst us… He also shares a sense of maturity like the other adults here…'
Rose turned to face Dhaos. "If I may ask, do you know of a place we should visit?" he asked. The Hydreigon hovered over to them, looking at the map illuminated by a lantern. "Hmm…"
"Hey, guys!"
The group turned around to see Vanille heading over to them. "Vanille? What're you doing here?" Kite asked.
"I just wanted to see what you guys are up to…" Vanille skipped over to the map, looking at it. She gasps loudly and pats both her hands. "Hey! We should visit Fantasia!" she suggests.
"Fantasia?" Arturo asked.
"Huh? You guys don't know about Fantasia? It's where I live!" Vanille told them. "I want to see everyone else again to make sure they're alright."
"..That's right…" Rose said. "I've never asked about where you live. Fantasia, Fantasia… where have I heard that before…?"
"That's the Village of the Ancients." Dhaos spoke up. "It's truly not a myth?"
"Nope! It's real and there!" Vanille replied. "…But what's a 'myth'?" A long silence followed after Vanille's question. Rose quickly got up. "Then, we have our next destination: Fantasia." He announces. He turns to Vanille. "Vanille, lead the way. Not most of us here knows about Fantasia, myself included."
"Okay!" Vanille pumps her fist up. "I'll get back to the Invincible first!" She runs off first to wait for everyone else to gather back in the airship.
All the Crystal Bearers gathered in the Invincible at Rose's call in the bridge. Rose was explaining to Alvin about their next destination. Alvin scratched the back of his head. "I don't really know about this Fantasia place, but if Vanille knows about it, she should be able to lead us there." He said, looking over at Vanille.
Vanille raised her hand, jumping up and down. "I know the way! Come on, I'll show everyone!" Vanille ran over to near the steering wheel. "It's at the Eastern Region, right past a woody path!" Alvin cracked his neck, grabbing the steering wheel. "Alright, the Eastern Region, it is! Everyone, relax a bit while we enjoy the ride." He said as the Invincible lifted off.
Vanille directed the airship as she promised while the Invincible crossed above the Eastern Region. They landed near the forest Vanille had told them to depart at. Stepping out, Luca and Elazul noticed the place, though as dark as it was, familiar.
"Hey, isn't this…?" Luca turned to Elazul.
"That path wasn't there back then." Elazul said. He and Luca remembered travelling past this forest back before they met Vanille. It was just a one-way path that led to where they stopped and met Vanille for the first time. But now, they could see a branching path that led deeper into the forest.
Vanille turned around. "What're you guys waiting for? Come on! I have to see if everyone else is fine!" Vanille ran ahead onto the new pathway. The Crystal Bearers soon followed Vanille after Luca and Elazul's discussion as to how that pathway mysteriously appeared after their absence.
"…Oh, right…" Luca looked down. "We never paid our guild a visit… I wonder how everyone is…" Elazul breathed in calmly. "They're all experienced enough to handle themselves, they'll be fine." Elazul told him. "Though, we could just pay them one visit."
"…You're right, Ela." Luca nodded and smiled. "Ooh, we'd better catch up with the rest of them…" Luca said as he ran off ahead first. Elazul walked calmly… only to bump into something invisible.
"What the…?" Elazul rubbed his face. He placed his wing in front of him, coming into contact with a flat surface. Luca turned around to see Elazul stopping for some unknown reason. "Huh? Ela, what's wrong?" He walked back and grabbed Elazul's wing. "Everyone else's ahead of us. Come on." He pulled Elazul's wing forward.
"Wait, that's not a good–" Elazul came into contact with the invisible surface again. Luca stumbled back as he suddenly lost grip of Elazul. "…idea." Elazul finished, rubbing his face again. Dhaos floated over behind Elazul. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"There's something preventing me from getting through." Elazul said. "Luca and the others could get through with no problems, though." Dhaos looked ahead of him, seeing nothing blocking them. "Hmm…" Dhaos drew out his orb and swung it forward.
The orb struck literally thin air in front of him. As Dhaos retracted the orb, he muses to himself. "Hm. Interesting."
"But, there's nothing here!" Luca was puzzled. "See?" He waves his hand in front of him, showing that he touched nothing as compared to them.
"There's something here, and it's not letting me or Dhaos through." Elazul argued. He placed his wing in front of him, showing that he's touching something as compared to Luca.
"Hmm… Rose! Come here!" Luca called out. Rose walked over to Luca. "What's the matter?" he asked.
Luca pointed to Elazul and Dhaos. "Ela and Dhaos can't get through, there's something blocking them!" Rose looked in front of him after Luca's explanation. He quickly flickered his eyes, scanning in front of him. Soon, he stopped and shook his head. "Why didn't I scan earlier…? Luca's right. There's a barrier beyond this point. And assuming that all of us, but Elazul and Dhaos could get through… This barrier is barring Dragon-Types from entering through this point."
"So, we stay behind here?" Elazul said. Rose sighed and nodded. "We'll inform you of the happenings in Fantasia when we get back. For now, you two have to remain here." He assured them. "Besides, it'll give you two more time to work things between you two."
Elazul and Dhaos looked at each other, with the former sighing. Rose turned to Luca. "We'll have to leave them for now, Luca." He told the mage. Luca finally relented and nodded. "…Okay. Be careful, Ela."
"Same to you, Luca." Elazul said. Luca nodded and hurriedly ran after Rose who had just went ahead, leaving the two dragons of the party to themselves. Dhaos observed the scene between them. "…He really is something, isn't he?" Dhaos mused.
"…I never expected him to be this capable of himself since leaving him." Elazul said. "I am amazed. He's growing to be a fine adult."
"And what do you think of him?"
"…He's a great friend to me. The first one I've made ever since I cut off connections with others. He may be clumsy, but he has a cute and laughable side of himself." Elazul looked over at Dhaos, continuing but with a cross tone. "…What're you implying?"
"Not much." Dhaos chuckled. "Just that you two make such a perfect pair for each other, if you know what I mean." Elazul stared at him for a long bout of silence. His unamused expression told him he realized what Dhaos was inferring between him and Luca. He rolls his eyes, scoffs and walks away to the Invincible.
Dhaos chuckles as he follows behind Elazul. "Now, nephew. You must plan your future ahead while you're still young." He muses.
The other Crystal Bearers were explained of the situation noting Elazul and Dhaos' absence and they continued on through the forest.
"So… What's your home like, Vanille?" Kite asked. Vanille turns around to look at Kite. "Well…" she began "It's…" She spread her arms apart. "A bit big, it's also very green and real warm, and very naturey!" she said happily.
"Naturey…" Celsius quickly picked up her dictionary and opening it under the light. "Is there such a word?"
"I don't think so." Cress told her. "It's just something Vanille must've come up with from her lack of vocabulary."
"That sounds like a nice place to live in…" Arturo said.
"Oh! And there're lots of flowers and stones around!" Vanille added. Everyone stared at Vanille silently. '…Why would you include stones?' Alvin thought. Vanille turned around as they continued walking. "Oh, I see it! It's just in front of us!" Vanille pointed forward where they… could see light.
"Light?" Heart was surprised, just like the other Crystal Bearers.
"But it's still dark around here, even in this forest." Natalia said.
"…Well, we will find out once we get out of here." Van assures the other Crystal Bearers. They nod to each other and walk out of the forest, entering the light.
Village of the Ancients
Fantasia
Fantasia, just as Vanille described, is a village decorated with quaint huts and lush green scenery. Flowers are scattered around the grassy fields surrounding the village, and there are sightings of stone structures positioned around the settlement. What truly mattered in Fantasia is that it wasn't like everywhere else of Niata: it wasn't shrouded in darkness. It's shining brightly from the clouds above them.
"Incredible…" Rose said. "So this is Fantasia, Village of the Ancients."
"Ahahah! It's just like before I went off!" Vanille chirped. She ran ahead of the party. "Everyone, I'm back!" she calls out as she continues running into the village. "Vanille! Hold on!" Arturo called out, but Vanille turns a deaf ear, excited to return back to her home village.
"She is happier than she is usually." Arche said.
"I guess it's been too long since Vanille got back to her home village." Van said. "Hm? Luca?" He turns around to notice Luca a bit spaced out.
"…..Uh?" Luca looked up at Van. "Erm… Could you guys go on ahead?"
"What's wrong, Luca?" Heart asked.
"I… just need some time to myself." Luca looked down. Confused, Irvine shrugged his shoulders and went on ahead first. Everyone else looked at Luca, able to guess why Luca suddenly wanted to be alone. "…Alright." Rose said. "Once you're feeling better, you can head over to us." Luca nodded, seeing the other Crystal Bearers off as he looked at Fantasia from where he stood. It truly appeared like a village without contact of any form of corruption.
"…He is feeling envious." Nin spoke. Arche nodded. "It couldn't be helped… The rest of us had places we cared for, but as for Luca, Limni Village is destroyed… Wait… we haven't seen where you live, Nin. Where do you live? You can tell us."
"…" Nin sped ahead without answering Arche. Arche sighs to herself as the Crystal Bearers finally enter the settlement, noting how residents are already gathered near Vanille. They're all Fairy-Types, chatting with Vanille.
"Vanille, you're back!" A Clefairy said.
"How's your adventure, Vanille?" One Cottonee questioned.
"What did you see, Vanille?" A Floette asked.
"Have you come about finding your past?" A Togekiss wondered.
"One at a time! One at a time!" Vanille laughed as she looked at her fellow villagers. The other Crystal Bearers saw how lively the village was. But their main focus was the sun, despite Niata being shrouded in darkness. "Does anyone know why Fantasia has light?" Natalia asked.
"…I haven't the foggiest." Rose admitted.
"Dear travellers…" An elderly voice speaks. The Crystal Bearers turn to focus on an elderly Clefable with a walking stick. 'Oh Arceus, not another old one since Histor…' Cress thought to herself. "What brings you to our quaint little village? We do not have much to offer you." The Clefable says. "Though, would you all be interested in folklore? We can tell you about the history of Niata, the coming of the types, our creator Arceus…"
"Pardon if I may ask…" Arturo asked the Clefable. "…But, do you have any knowledge of the 'Maiden of Faith'?"
"Oh? Ooh! That, is a very ancient tale we've passed down to fortunate travellers who rest here!" At the Cleafable's revelation, everyone was stunned. Arturo blinked. "…That was merely an attempt, but turning out fruitful in the end." He said.
"Holy hell, you know of the Maiden of Faith!?" Irvine shouted.
"Umm… W-Who is it?" Lucille asked.
"Tell us!" Taro said.
"Of course, we shall head back to my abode as I share the tale…" The Clefable nods. "Oh, and where are my manners? I am Pixil, the village chief of Fantasia. Travellers, share your story while on the way…"
The Crystal Bearers talked about their journey and their reason for being here. Pixil nodded as she listened attentively of their story. As they are in front of her house, they finished recounting their story. "…I see, I see…" Pixil nodded. "That's your story, Crystal Bearers…"
She motions the Crystal Bearers to take seats on the floor cross-legged. Irvine sat quite laxly until he was jabbed by Cress, who whispered at him to sit properly. Just then, the door suddenly opens. Luca runs into the hut. "Sorry for the wait! When I was ready, I saw all of you heading over to this hut." He looked around. "Hey… where's Vanille?" he asked.
Celsius answered him. "Vanille is outside interacting with her fellow residents." She explained. "She said that she heard this a lot of times ever since she lost her memories."
"Oh, okay…" Luca turned to Pixil. "H-Hello there, miss…"
"How polite for a young man…" Pixil said. "So, you must be the Crystallizer that they spoke of… Yes, you're such a bright little man for your age…" Luca blushed at the 'little' comment: he IS smaller than most of the other Crystal Bearers. "My name is Pixil, pleased to make your acquaintance." Luca quickly takes a seat beside Rose.
Pixil taps her cane lightly on the floor. "Now then… The Maiden of Faith…"
In a time of chaos,
A wanderer from afar
Did happen upon the islands of four directions.
Great were the trials she endured
To fend off the darkness.
That placed the islands in peril.
She had a pure heart
And a shining spirit unbound.
So was revealed our heroic savior.
Her name rang with the pureness of her soul.
Like the rays above us.
"…And that's about it. The tale of the Maiden of Faith." Pixil finished. "I hope you all find it interesting."
"Seriously!? That's it!?" Irvine asked. He got another jab from Cress. Luca pondered after hearing the tale. "A maiden who had a pure heart and a shining spirit…" he said aloud.
"Hey, what's her name in the legend?" Cress asked. Pixil shook her head. "I'm afraid to say… I do not know."
"Oh my. We have come across another pit." Raven sighs.
"What's the point in hearing about this tale, then!?" Cress snapped. Van was in deep thought. "Doesn't the tale remind you of something?" he asked. Everyone soon started to analyse the tale slowly.
"Come to think of it, the 'Islands of four directions' might be referring to Niata." Heart said.
"The darkness refers to our current situation now." Rose added.
"The maiden… of pure heart and a shining spirit…" Alvin said. "…Isn't someone who we know is like that?"
"Wait… you're kidding…" Irvine said.
"Wait, that means…" Kite came to the same conclusion.
"…Vanille's the Maiden of Faith!?" Luca voiced it out.
"Well, that solves one of our problems." Cress said.
"But, it said a wanderer in the legend." Arturo pointed out. "And Vanille lived here as a villager. So, she is technically not a wanderer to say…"
"Hmm…" Rose looked over at Pixil. "Pixil. We have heard that Vanille had amnesia when we met her, do you know of it?"
"Of course I do." Pixil said. "That is why she left the village to find her memories. I remember on that day, she went out to forage for some berries. But she hasn't come back for a few hours, longer than she normally returns. It was late at night when she came over here, but she didn't know who we all were, or this place, or even who she was!" Pixil pours some tea in cups and passes them to the Crystal Bearers slowly. "After a year, she decided to go out of Fantasia to find her memories."
"So, that's what happened to Vanille?" Luca said. He sipped the tea and was repulsed by the bitter aftertaste.
"Yes." Pixil sipped her tea. "I believe that all of you can take care of Vanille for us."
"…Thank you, Pixil." Luca nodded. "You've helped us a lot in just a day."
"Think nothing of it, we're a hospitable village." Pixil giggled. "Now then, you all must be off knowing of sufficient knowledge to aid the end of your stories." The Crystal Bearers got up and headed out to leave the hut. "…Hold on, machine bug." Rose turned to her. "Could I have a moment with you?"
"Hm?" Rose pondered. He turned to his allies. "I'll be out shortly after a while." He told them. The other Crystal Bearers nodded after a moment of uncertainty and waited outside for him. The Shiny Genesect walked back to Pixil. "What is it?"
"I've been thinking about this for a long time concerning dear Vanille… The Vanille we know of before her amnesia, and the Vanille you're travelling with after her amnesia… I don't think they're the same. I… don't feel that they're the same person." Pixil said.
"…What do you mean?" Rose asked. "Why impart only me with this knowledge?"
"…I do not know. But I feel that she's not familiar to us after her amnesia." Pixil admitted. "And you are very wise and knowledgeable. I'm sure you can find out about Vanille."
Rose looked at her silently. He then nods. "...I understand. I will find out about Vanille's past for her. How she came to amnesia. It's the least I can do for her." He said. Pixil nods. "I trust you can fulfil what this old lady is unable to do…" Rose nods and he leaves the hut.
He meets up with the other Crystal Bearers outside the hut. "What did Pixil talk about to you?" Natalia asked.
"Oh…" Rose paused for a while. "She wanted us to take care of Vanille for her." It was a simple lie, but it still works. "Oh, that's it? Well, we'll take care of her." Cress said. At that moment, Vanille ran up to them. "Hey guys! You're done already? Okay, then! I've already said bye to everyone! Let's head off!"
"Er, to where, Vanille?" Heart asked, surprised that Vanille thought of their next destination.
"I don't know!" Vanille chirps. It was what everyone expected of Vanille. Nin turns around and heads off first out of Fantasia. Rose looks over at Vanille. 'Vanille, there is apparently something that is meant to be kept secret about you. Don't worry: we will find it out.' He thinks to himself. "Vanille, we will explain everything along the way. And we will also share with Elazul and Dhaos about our findings."
"Okay! Can't wait to hear 'em!" Vanille said.
The Crystal Bearers head out of Fantasia, leaving Vanille's bright and sunny hometown. They needed to share with Elazul and Dhaos about everything in Fantasia…
Chapter 67 End
Current Party:
Luca R. Ezperanda – "Forgotten" Will (Carrying on the last of his father's wishes, he struggles to maintain himself…)
Weapon: Tri-lement Staff (Staves)
Cloudia Vanille – Peppy Girl (Lively as ever, she can get everyone up and running with her energy.)
Weapon: Crystal Bowsword (Bowsword)
Elazul del Fable – Heart That Accepts Darkness (Finally unbound from his past, he accepts himself and the power he has…)
Weapon: Thundercloud Lance (Spears)
Arturo Carpaice – The Song (His tunes rejuvenate whenever needed, having a passion for these sort of things.)
Weapon: Crystal Sword Lute (Sword Lute)
Cress LaVeda – Hammer Veteran (Swinging that large hammer around, she shows no quarter…)
Weapon: Crystal Slugger (Sledgehammer)
Heart Burkwood – Compassionate Friend (She cares deeply for those close to her, even more towards one in particular…)
Weapon: Crystal Rod (Rods)
Arche – Mother's Hopes (Carrying the last dreams of her mother, she takes it in deeply…)
Weapon: Astral Sword (Shortsword), Crystal Shield (Shield)
Alvin – Gunblade Combatant (Showing nimble work with gunblades, weapons normally difficult to master…)
Weapon: Shear Blades (Dual Gunblades)
Kite Maxwell – Brother Figure (Showing great care is nice, to the little girl he worries for…)
Weapon: Power Boots (Greaves)
Lucille Ostend – Child Fighter (At such a young age compared to the others… Will she continue fighting?)
Weapon: Crystal Wand (Wand), Taro
Raven – Trickster (His many talents of fooling just about anyone- ally or enemy. It's his way of life)
Weapon: King of Diamonds (Cards)
Irvine fal Isberg – Maturing Adult (While still unknowing of the world around him, he still wants to adjust to it…)
Weapon – Grave Cutter (Longsword)
Celsius – Ice Spirit (The legendary spirit who governs the northern winds. Her powers are not to be trifled with…)
Weapon – Barehanded, Sage's Hairpin (Hairpin)
Van Grantieur – Heavy-blade Rival (Somehow… a rival to a certain swordsman. Though he doesn't remember… does he?)
Weapon – Fury Brand (Broadsword)
Nin Azura – Sensei (Monitoring a student's growth, though one so rambunctious and obnoxious… Yet, he remains calm and composed.)
Weapon – Kotetsu (Katana)
Rose Armornal – 100-Year Machine (For so long… he has lived through the years… Yet, he can be as spry as the youths…)
Weapon – Drive Arsenal 2.8 (Drive Arsenal)
Natalia Leauvier – Maiden (Through normal eyes, she may seem fragile, but is incredibly stronger than she looks…)
Weapon: Crystal Crescent (Boomerang Blade)
Dhaos – Heartless Demon (Living through reality, even without the core organ to fuel himself…)
Weapon: Orb of Ruin (Orbs)