Chapter 3- Departure
"I remember how e trekked on together,
And how you used to say that the stars are forever,
And yeah you dreamed about how to make your life better,
By leavin' town..." -Dexter Freebish, Leaving Town
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Eiko slumped back in the bench, eyes misting over. How was she going to say this? She opened her mouth to speak, but the winged creature turned away and muttered something under its breath. For a moment Eiko thought she caught a glimpse of blue vaulting over her head, but it was soon gone. She quickly blinked back her tears and put up a brave façade. The panther turned back to her.
"I've put a Barrier around us. Our words will be slightly muffled to any eavesdropper. I have a lot of explaining to do..." as he spoke he paced back and forth, as felines will do when anxious. "My name is Black. I come from a realm known as Shi'Na'Fera~Rota. The only known Continent is called Feromida. A long time ago, on Feromida, there was a catastrophic series of battles known as the Great Wars. These wars lasted for centuries." Seeing Eiko's surprise, he added, "Creatures of our realm have unusually long life spans. Still, the great wars divided Feromida and wiped out species completely. Dragons, Most of the ShapeShifers, Pegasi," he shook his head. "All are gone. The Great Wars gradually came to an end, and most of the tensions eased. However, as a result of the Wars, a wall of Fire split the North and South forever. This Fire could not be extinguished or flown over, or dug under. For many years peace came. Then, slowly, the Fire began to move up. With it came the Dark Void, which sucked everything near it into an oblivion."
Eiko shivered. Something in the tone of his voice had sent chills down her spine.
"The Council of Mages are the grand keepers of magic in our realm. Each protects and holds an element. There are Wind, Water, Fire, Thunder, Urth, Light, and Shadow. The Council held a meeting to decide what to do. They were all assassinated." He bowed his head. "May they rest in peace."
"Two eavesdroppers, Shailhoof of the Guura-ran and Nat'Retak, a Will-o-Wisp, decided now was the time to take action. It's a long story, but eventually a human was brought to our realm and quelled the Fire. It was discovered that Shadow Lord, Whose Name shall Not be Spoken, was behind this. Eventually we defeated him. but why had he done this? A dark Source had been the well of his power. We tried, and tried, but we couldn't defeat it. It kept a region of the south in eternal night. These are called the Darklands.
The Darklands are expanding; taking over everything. The Mistress traveled into the Darklands to find out why this was happening; and how to stop it. It's another long story, but that's where she found the prophecy. She chose me to come here and find the one to fulfill it.
First, however, she did some... er, as she called it, 'checking up' on Gaia. She carefully read the prophecy over and over, and consulted with the few scholars that live in Shi'Na'Fera~Rota. She used a clairvoyant-Nelopae of the Guura-ran- to peer into Gaia. It drained her a lot, but she said that their world was in peril, also. They watched these events until they were over. It was then Mistress decided that Vivi fitted the description." He paused and once again recited part of the Prophecy.
"The Child's soul shall be burnt like ash,
Clouded like a stormy sea;
With the drones the Child shall clash,
Holding individuality.
"So she sent me here, to retrieve him. She didn't tell me much, just to find an bring together the group that saved Gaia. I had to cross dimensions, and it was hard to do, but I had the help of the Beast. Without it, I would be lost... Time passed quickly while I was between dimension. Days, months, even years may have passed within a few minutes.
But finally I ended up here, without knowing much what to do. I found Quina, we came to Lindblum, and then I had a dream. In that dream, Mistress completed the tale. So now, I am here."
Eiko's mind was racing. After this story, she knew Black's need was urgent. But what should she tell him? What could she say to counter this speech?
"Vivi died."
Black went rigid and his ears pricked up. "Vivi Orunitia? He... died?"
"Y-yes." Eiko sniffed a little. Come on, Eiko! Don't let him see you cry... she straightened. "About six months ago. I'm sorry..." she broke down.
Black bit his lip. He hopped on the bench beside Eiko and wrapped one wing about her shoulders in what he hoped was a comforting gesture. She sobbed into his fur, soaking it. He looked urgently to Quina, who just stared and shrugged.
She stopped abruptly. "I'm s-sorry you came h-h-here... now you'll have to g-go back.." she was having trouble to speak as she tied to control her emotions.
"No. I can't give up that easy..." Black folded his wing over his back again. "I'll have to try to consult the Mistress again, but I can't give up." He jumped down and sighed. 'We'll have to go on. Miss Eiko carol of Lindblum," he bowed to her elegantly, spreading his wings in an indigo arc. "Will you join me on my quest?"
"I'll have to ask Father..."
Black nearly facefaulted.
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Later that night, Eiko had convinced Cid to let black speak to him. After Black once again explained his mission, Regent Cid stared thoughtfully down at him.
"You speak eloquently, Black of Feromida. Where are you heading next?"
"Burmecia, sir."
It was Hilda who spoke next. "I will let my daughter join you, sir. On one condition. You take one of Lindblum's guards with you, just to make sure you don't try anything."
Eiko snorted. "I can take care of myself, mom."
Hilda looked on at Black, ignoring Eiko. "I will choose the guard. You may depart in the morning."
Black smiled and bowed. "Shi'Na'Fera~Rota thanks you, madam."
After a complimentary meal, Black was escorted to his room and Quina was allowed to roam free. Two guards stood outside of Black's door, and he felt a bit irked. He napped a little, but no dreams came to him. When he awoke, it was early night. He walked to his window and looked out at Lindblum. Pity he didn't have time to explore... then he grinned. Why not? He could fly out of the window! They probably wouldn't know he was even gone. Besides, he was feeling hungry. That meal wasn't very big...
He placed his paws on the windowsill and peered down. He was pretty high up! A breeze blew swiftly up. He inhaled, breathing in the scents of Lindblum. An uncountable number of food smells mingled with oil, and metal. He sensed fire in the distance; it was probably just a synthesis shop.He lifted his wings and prepared for the jump when a knock came at his door. He turned his head irritably and said, "What?"
"Lady Hilda wishes to speak with you."
Black padded to his door as one of the guards opened it. He'd have to explore some other time. The guard led him through Lindblum castle's many halls. He padded uncertainly over the carpets. What was going on? He really wanted to see Lindblum... he took time admiring the lavish decorations that lined the hallways of the castle. Lindblum was obviously very devoted to their Regents. Finally the guard led him down a rugged-carpeted hallway and they ended up at a gate of some sort. Quina, Hilda, Eiko, and another guard were waiting for him. Hilda bowed slightly and he repeated the gesture.
"Ma'am?"
"There's no way Cid would let you leave with Eiko. It was obvious he didn't trust yo...he planned to call an emergency meeting tomorrow and refuse your request. I'm sure Cid would have made up some false excuse," he sighed in an exasperated manner. "He's impossible sometimes. But I believe you. And Eiko could use some more time to get out on the road.You'll have to travel on foot, but it's not that long until you reach Burmecia."
She motioned for the guard to come over. His steeple helmet and guard attire hid most of his face. He hefted a long-bladed spear, as most guards in Lindblum do. He wore the customary white-and blue robes. His eyes were green. He stood not so tall, and occasionally shuffled and moved as if nervous or impatient. Black could smell faint traces of anxiety humming about him, and even some acrid fear.
"H-hello, sir. " he cleared his throat. "My name's Sh-Shaker." He grimaced, as if embarrassed. Black thought that Shaker was an odd name, but he didn't question. Besides, if this guard was going to travel with them, he would need to be put at ease. Black bobbed his head once more.
"Olris. I am called Black."
Eiko yawned slightly but looked ready to go. When she caught Black's gaze she grinned and gave him a thumb-up sign. As for Quina, his expression was kind of hard to read. Black thought he looked hungry.
"Thank you, Lady Hilda. I assure you, your kindness will go rewarded."
"Go, now," she looked back. "You'll have to cover much ground in little time. Take care, Eiko," she hugged her daughter.
"Bye, mom." Eiko returned the hug.
Hilda looked to Shaker, who was shifting his weight uncomfortably. "This is your chance to prove yourself," she said. "Don't let us down!"
"Y-yes ma'am!" he saluted smartly, and shook his hand as it struck his visor. There was a clatter as his spear dropped to the floor. He bent down to pick it up, and as he stood his visor snapped over his eyes, causing him to drop his spear again. Black looked to Hilda and raised a brow. She sighed despairingly.
"Well, are we gonna get this show on the road?" Eiko turned and began to trot out. Shaker quickly caught up to her. Black and Quina followed. Soon they were lost in the tall grass.
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Note: I got the name Shaker from a character in a book. FWEE! This was kind of a short chapter. Peh. I know this is starting out kinda slow, but give me time, it will get better. I'd like to know what you all think... and stuff. Well, anyway, Ja Ne!
