Forwarding disclaimer: I do not own Tales of destiny.
Lilith gently smoothed the wrinkles out of her pink dress as she sat on a blanket, eating her lunch in the garden. Her grandfather was sitting next to her, petting the massively large bunny that they owned. Taking a small bite of the sandwich she was eating the young girl looked up to the sky and pouted.
"Where is Stahn? He should be home by now. I bet he decided to stay longer with his friends and didn't bother to tell me. Well, he can just double his chores when he gets back then."
Ignorant to his granddaughter's thoughts Thomas put the large animal down and picked up his cup of tea. Before he could take a drink however the roar of an engine bellowed overhead making all in the town stop and look up. Lilith hurriedly got to her feet when she realized that the ship that was flying overhead was the one Stahn usually rode when he was going off someplace.
"I guess he decided not to bother with the long sea journey." She mused quietly.
With a large smile on her face she ran of to the town gate to await her brother impatiently, forgetting that she was mad at him. Thomas stayed behind though, he felt as though something were amiss. Shaking his head to clear it he slowly began to the gate when he heard Lilith scream in terror. Trying with all of his might he walked as fast as he could, stopping at the steps that led to the entrance. He could see perfectly well from there.
Garr gulped hard as he saw all of the shocked and horror stricken faces looking at him. Taking a look around he saw a girl standing close to him, covering her face with her hands as she cried. Her hair was the same messy blonde that Stahn had, so perhaps she was his little sister. Though he had been to Stahn's house twice he really never noticed the fact that he had a little sister, besides when she served them food and drinks. Carefully approaching her with his friend's body in his arms he stopped in front of her.
The young blonde tilted her head up, tears still streaking her face. She sniffled as she looked at the king's sad expression then looked at her brother's lifeless form. And she started crying all over again.
Garr wished he didn't need to push, but he needed to find his friend's family.
"Excuse me, but are you Stahn's little sister, Lilith?"
She nodded in her hands.
Taking a deep breath he was about to try again when he felt a frail hand placed on his shoulder. Turning he saw an old man with a disturbing amount of anguish on his features. He looked over to the others and Philia walked over to them.
"Garr, this is Stahn's grandfather." She introduced.
"Oh, how do you do sir, please forgive my slowness." The man said, fumbling over his words.
"I'm not too sure how I do right now. What happened?"
The two side glanced at each other and were both about to explain when a weak voice spoke out from the crowd.
"He died in battle. We were coming to save him but he was still slain."
Lilith peeked her head out of her hands to look at who had spoken. She lowered her hands completely when she saw a young woman with black hair and dark, yet bright, eyes, staring at her brother's body with a lost look.
"Oh." She mumbled, remembering she had met her before. Well, she couldn't really call it meeting someone; she had accidentally walked in on them about to kiss one time.
Rutee turned her head at the soft sound and made a noise of recognition. She had been angry at that girl before for interrupting her chance to kiss her secret love, now she just wanted to walk up to her and hug her and say,
"I'm sorry little sister, I know how you feel, I loved Stahn too."
But she didn't, she just forced a smile in her direction and was granted another forced smile in return.
Ignoring this the silver hair king returned to the old man.
"Sir, it is true that Stahn has fallen, but we believe that there is a way to revive him, bring him back to life that is. I suppose first we need your permission for this."
The former lens hunter looked up quickly with a scowl. Since when did they need permission to bring a dear friend back to life? They cared for him just like he were family, didn't that count just as much?
Thomas looked at all of them, sighing in disappointment.
"Of course I give you permission, but why are you waiting and coming here?"
"We need to keep Stahn's body in a safe place until we return. We have seven days and if we don't have the four relics together by then, well, then it's too late and he'll be gone forever." The priestess explained softly.
"I see." The man muttered.
Lilith watched as her grandfather talked to the outsiders, knowing well that he would grant them his blessing and give them any provisions that they needed. Wiping her eyes she carefully made her way through the scores of people and went to stand beside Rutee. The young woman looked at her for a minute, as if mentally asking what the girl wanted.
"Did you know my brother?" She asked.
"Yes."
"Did you love him?"
The woman gently tapped at the sword at her side, pondering what to say to her dear's sister. Finally deciding the truth was best she just nodded yes.
"Oh. Will you marry him when he comes back to life?" The girl asked, tugging at a stray blonde hair.
"I-I don't know. I suppose we may. That is if-"
"You'll do it. I know you will. I can trust big brother to all of you, especially you."
Rutee looked up surprised. "Why especially me?"
"Its because you love him. You'll be willing to do anything to get him back; I can see it in your eyes." Lilith explained.
For a moment the woman was thinking that this child was crazy, but thought harder and realized she was exactly right, she would do anything to bring Stahn back to life, even if it meant dying herself.
"You're right." She whispered, looking suddenly sad.
The small blonde smiled a bit then hugged the other, nuzzling her shoulder.
"It's okay, he'll be back, soon. Then I guess you'll be my sister, right?"
The rash young woman was at a loss for words. Never before had someone she barely knew randomly hugged her and say such kind things to her. But it was comforting. Slowly she untensed and embraced the girl, thinking how nice it would be to have a younger sister to team up with, though poor Stahn wouldn't be too pleased.
With great gentleness Garr set his friend down on a stone slab in the middle of a cemetery mausoleum. He shivered at the coldness of the place, but knew that this would be the best place to keep his friend, the hot sun would make the body to decay faster and that would certainly not help.
"The coldness will keep him fresh and the dryness will help too." Igtenos said from his side.
"I know, friend, but it feels...odd to be putting someone I care about so much down here, where things are always represented as final."
"Just keep the faith, baby. After we seal this place up we'll be on our way to an adventure." Clemente said, ignoring Philia's scolding.
"Not funny, Clemente." Atwight grit out not amused at all.
"Alright, alright, lets stop arguing and get going. Stahn will be safe here, the mayor has said he'll put guards on watch to ensure that nothing goes wrong. The rest is up to us."
Rutee turned to look at Garr. "But do we even know where we're going? First off we don't know what these four crystals look like or where to find them and secondly the hidden temple of the goddess may be a bit hard to find. That's why it's called the 'hidden' temple of the goddess, not the temple in plain sight!"
The king recoiled at the lady's harsh tone. "Rutee, we must keep a positive attitude about this, not only for Stahn's sake but for all of us. And besides, the swordians know of the legend, I'm sure they also know what we're looking for. Right Igtenos?"
"Uh...right."
"That was a believable answer." Leon scoffed, kicking at the dirt.
"Well, it's just that I don't remember EXACTLY where these things are. But I do have one comforting factor for you all."
"And what's that?" Garr asked, holding his sword by the hilt.
"One of the crystals is in the Phandarian palace. It's hidden in one of the crests above the throne room. You've probably noticed it before, it's a dark purple color."
"That's one of the relics?!" He yelped, unbelievingly.
"Yeah." Came the answer.
"So you know what one of these things looks like?" Mary addressed her question to Garr.
"Yes, I do. But that doesn't much help. We know where one of them is, we need three others. Do you know where those are?"
"I know!" Clemente cheered.
"No you don't. You don't know anything." Dymlos interrupted.
Over in the corner Chaltier could be heard laughing at his master's side.
"Enough you two." Atwight silenced them. "I believe I heard that one of the crystals is in Calvese in the temple and another is actually here in Fitzgald, I don't recall the exact location though."
"I know!" The thunder blade repeated.
"Fine, genius, where is it then?! Dymlos yelled.
"It's in Ilene's house! I saw it sitting on her boudoir the last time we were there. See! I told you I knew!"
Rutee shook her head as their sentient weapons argued among themselves.
"Alright!" She screeched. "So it WAS in Ilene's house, but remember, she died! Someone else probably moved into the house and her stuff was probably moved somewhere else. That would probably include the crystal."
"I'm not too sure, sister." Leon said, approaching her. "People in Neustred are pretty petty. I'm sure if it was there and someone moved in they would've kept the crystal for themselves, or hocked it."
"Hmm..." His sister mused. "Then we'll need to go investigate that, won't we?"
A maid dressed in black answered the door to find the six travelers standing on the steps. She looked at them oddly, unsure of exactly what they wanted.
"C-can I help you?" She asked nervously.
"Yes, you can actually." Garr said. "A few years ago a woman lived here named Ilene, we were wondering if anyone else moved in after she died."
"Well, yes, there is a new mistress."
"May I ask her name?"
"Her name is Miss Ember." She replied.
"Well, can you please tell Miss Embers that the king of Phandaria and his companions wish to speak with her?'
The girl jumped a bit, not sure whether or not to believe him but nodded and scurried off. For a moment they stood outside, admiring the cherry blossoms, when the maid rushed back.
"Miss Embers will see you now!" She announced and led them to a small meeting room by the parlor.
Miss Embers stared at the six of them with wonder, she recognized most of them as the heroes that saved the world not too long ago. Inviting them to have a seat she sat herself and sipped at her tea before she began.
"It is not everyday one gets a visit from a king or the heroes that saved the world. To what do I owe this great honor?"
The silver hair monarch cleared his throat but before he could get a word out Rutee interrupted.
"A woman named Ilene used to live here. She left behind a large crystal, about the size of a soda can, do you happen to know where it is?'
The woman put her cup down with a slight thud. "I do not know what you are speaking of, and how dare you speak to me in such a tone."
"I can tell by the look on your face that you're lying, so where is it?"
"How rude, I did not invite you into my home to be persecuted!"
"Rutee..." Garr warned, but she would not hear it.
"Listen lady, this crystal is a matter of life and death and I swear to god if you don't give it to me I'm gonna-!"
Leon quickly intervened and covered his sister's mouth before she got them into trouble.
"So sorry about that, her lover has died. We need that crystal, can we please have it?'
The woman looked at him with interest, but shook the look away. "I already told you that I do NOT have this crystal you speak of. Why don't you go ask the merchants and jewelers in town instead of bothering me?"
Leon gritted his teeth and smirked. "Listen, I agree with my sister, I know you're lying, you have it somewhere in this house. But do you know that that crystal is a part of Seingald property, not to mention evidence from the events that took place awhile ago, so its being kept here illegally? And do you also know that when the crystal is found the person who is holding it will be taken to trial in Seingald and most likely put into jail for keeping it to themselves because of its value? Listen lady, if you give it to us now we won't tell but if you don't then we're getting a search warrant and its your hide."
A strong silence filled the room as the lady looked about at her visitors. They all looked back at her, knowing full well she had what they wanted. Finally she let out an indignant huff and stood.
"Fine! Take it, it's worthless any ways!"
Flustering she went out of the room and came back with a large stone, a deep marine blue color. Thrusting it at Rutee she growled and stamped her foot.
"Now get out! All of you! You've gotten what you came for!"
"Gladly." Leon mumbled, leading the way.
Rutee trailed behind him, looking the crystal over, flipping it about in her hands. Mary and the others followed after her, mumbling incoherently to the woman as they left.
Back on the Draconis Garr seated himself in the cockpit and thrummed his fingers against the keys. So...we know that another one of these little buggers is in Calvese, right?"
Everyone nodded.
"And one is at the palace, that's three out of four, I'd say we're off to a very good start."
"Hold on just one minute there, pal. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. We still have one we need to find. If we have no idea as to where that crystal is then we're up stuck stream without a paddle."
All eyes went to the fire swordian that Rutee held in her arms.
"That is true, I suppose. But if we find the relic in Calvese, which you said was in the temple, yes? Well, then maybe the keepers of that relic will know where to find the other. It's worth a try and if not then perhaps we can find a seer of some sort to help us, but we have to try. So...soldier!"
A nearby member of the Draconis staff jumped at the firm tone of the king's voice.
"Y-yes sir?"
"Set the Draconis into flight, we're heading to Calvese, understood?'
"Yes sir!"
With a salute the man immediately went to work piloting the large dragon. The six team members went to stand on the deck as they took off and looked down at the slowly disappearing town and continent.
"Isn't it awfully convenient that we already know where three of these things are and we already have two, for the most part, in our possession?' Leon asked, nudging his sister.
"I-I don't know." She said after a pause.
"Perhaps it's fate, Leon, but either way lets not second guess the way of the goddess." Garr said, looking at the two siblings.
The boy shrugged slightly, looking out at the sea below. "It's strange though. That's all I'm saying."
Nodding in agreement the young swordian master, Rutee, picked up Atwight and Dymlos.
"I'm going to go lye down, we won't get there until morning and its getting dark already. I'm a little tired."
"Okay, Rutee. Do you want me to bring you something to eat or drink later?" Philia asked kindly.
"Uhm, no thanks. I'm just going to take a hot bath and then sleep. I think I need it..."
Walking away the young woman waved slightly to her friends then disappeared into the hall. Looking after her, her brother sighed and returned his gaze to the horizon, watching the sun set and the bright colors splay out over the blue-green ocean.
"I think she'll be okay." Mary said, seeing the other's worried expressions. "She's strong to boot and got courage, she knows she has to keep her faith."
"Let's hope." The raven hair boy muttered, not looking away from the sea. "By the time we get to Calvese there will only be six days left. We got lucky knowing where these things are but we need to find the fourth one, this 'hidden temple' and then unstring this riddle of faith and love. We're going to need to work fast."
For a moment they all thought about that quietly, turning it over in their heads.
"You're right." Garr finally said. "I'll go tell the pilot to fly faster and not to stop."
As he walked off Chelsea tagged along after him, chattering away merrily. Mary looked at Philia and smiled.
"Let's go get some food, okay? I'm starving."
"That's a good idea, do you want to come too Leon?"
The green hair girl glanced at the aforementioned boy and smiled slightly.
"...No, I'll get something to eat later. I just want to look at the sunset for now."
"Alright, we'll see you inside then." She replied and then the two girls walked off.
Nodding at the air the boy continued to stare blankly at the horizon until he heard the footsteps fade away to nothing. Sighing he stood straight and entered the inside of the ship and walked down to the rooms. He stopped at every door, pressing his ear against it and listening.
When he neared the end of the hall he could hear soft sobbing coming from one of the rooms. Gently leaning on the door he could recognize the sound of his sister's tears and frowned. He debated whether or not to enter and try to cheer her up but he doubted he would be able to do that, for two reasons. One, she was in no mood and two, he was never really the cheerful type.
Sighing in defeat he walked towards the room across from hers and pushed the door open. He would remain close to her so that if at anytime she needed anything he would just be right across the way.
TBC
I love long weekends. Yeah, well, it is awfully lucky to have two of the four, but it may be harder than they thought to find that fourth one and what about the temple they need to find? Even with Garr pushing for speed, will it matter if they don't know where to look? Next: the confrontation in Calvese temple and the hint to the next relic.
Lilith gently smoothed the wrinkles out of her pink dress as she sat on a blanket, eating her lunch in the garden. Her grandfather was sitting next to her, petting the massively large bunny that they owned. Taking a small bite of the sandwich she was eating the young girl looked up to the sky and pouted.
"Where is Stahn? He should be home by now. I bet he decided to stay longer with his friends and didn't bother to tell me. Well, he can just double his chores when he gets back then."
Ignorant to his granddaughter's thoughts Thomas put the large animal down and picked up his cup of tea. Before he could take a drink however the roar of an engine bellowed overhead making all in the town stop and look up. Lilith hurriedly got to her feet when she realized that the ship that was flying overhead was the one Stahn usually rode when he was going off someplace.
"I guess he decided not to bother with the long sea journey." She mused quietly.
With a large smile on her face she ran of to the town gate to await her brother impatiently, forgetting that she was mad at him. Thomas stayed behind though, he felt as though something were amiss. Shaking his head to clear it he slowly began to the gate when he heard Lilith scream in terror. Trying with all of his might he walked as fast as he could, stopping at the steps that led to the entrance. He could see perfectly well from there.
Garr gulped hard as he saw all of the shocked and horror stricken faces looking at him. Taking a look around he saw a girl standing close to him, covering her face with her hands as she cried. Her hair was the same messy blonde that Stahn had, so perhaps she was his little sister. Though he had been to Stahn's house twice he really never noticed the fact that he had a little sister, besides when she served them food and drinks. Carefully approaching her with his friend's body in his arms he stopped in front of her.
The young blonde tilted her head up, tears still streaking her face. She sniffled as she looked at the king's sad expression then looked at her brother's lifeless form. And she started crying all over again.
Garr wished he didn't need to push, but he needed to find his friend's family.
"Excuse me, but are you Stahn's little sister, Lilith?"
She nodded in her hands.
Taking a deep breath he was about to try again when he felt a frail hand placed on his shoulder. Turning he saw an old man with a disturbing amount of anguish on his features. He looked over to the others and Philia walked over to them.
"Garr, this is Stahn's grandfather." She introduced.
"Oh, how do you do sir, please forgive my slowness." The man said, fumbling over his words.
"I'm not too sure how I do right now. What happened?"
The two side glanced at each other and were both about to explain when a weak voice spoke out from the crowd.
"He died in battle. We were coming to save him but he was still slain."
Lilith peeked her head out of her hands to look at who had spoken. She lowered her hands completely when she saw a young woman with black hair and dark, yet bright, eyes, staring at her brother's body with a lost look.
"Oh." She mumbled, remembering she had met her before. Well, she couldn't really call it meeting someone; she had accidentally walked in on them about to kiss one time.
Rutee turned her head at the soft sound and made a noise of recognition. She had been angry at that girl before for interrupting her chance to kiss her secret love, now she just wanted to walk up to her and hug her and say,
"I'm sorry little sister, I know how you feel, I loved Stahn too."
But she didn't, she just forced a smile in her direction and was granted another forced smile in return.
Ignoring this the silver hair king returned to the old man.
"Sir, it is true that Stahn has fallen, but we believe that there is a way to revive him, bring him back to life that is. I suppose first we need your permission for this."
The former lens hunter looked up quickly with a scowl. Since when did they need permission to bring a dear friend back to life? They cared for him just like he were family, didn't that count just as much?
Thomas looked at all of them, sighing in disappointment.
"Of course I give you permission, but why are you waiting and coming here?"
"We need to keep Stahn's body in a safe place until we return. We have seven days and if we don't have the four relics together by then, well, then it's too late and he'll be gone forever." The priestess explained softly.
"I see." The man muttered.
Lilith watched as her grandfather talked to the outsiders, knowing well that he would grant them his blessing and give them any provisions that they needed. Wiping her eyes she carefully made her way through the scores of people and went to stand beside Rutee. The young woman looked at her for a minute, as if mentally asking what the girl wanted.
"Did you know my brother?" She asked.
"Yes."
"Did you love him?"
The woman gently tapped at the sword at her side, pondering what to say to her dear's sister. Finally deciding the truth was best she just nodded yes.
"Oh. Will you marry him when he comes back to life?" The girl asked, tugging at a stray blonde hair.
"I-I don't know. I suppose we may. That is if-"
"You'll do it. I know you will. I can trust big brother to all of you, especially you."
Rutee looked up surprised. "Why especially me?"
"Its because you love him. You'll be willing to do anything to get him back; I can see it in your eyes." Lilith explained.
For a moment the woman was thinking that this child was crazy, but thought harder and realized she was exactly right, she would do anything to bring Stahn back to life, even if it meant dying herself.
"You're right." She whispered, looking suddenly sad.
The small blonde smiled a bit then hugged the other, nuzzling her shoulder.
"It's okay, he'll be back, soon. Then I guess you'll be my sister, right?"
The rash young woman was at a loss for words. Never before had someone she barely knew randomly hugged her and say such kind things to her. But it was comforting. Slowly she untensed and embraced the girl, thinking how nice it would be to have a younger sister to team up with, though poor Stahn wouldn't be too pleased.
With great gentleness Garr set his friend down on a stone slab in the middle of a cemetery mausoleum. He shivered at the coldness of the place, but knew that this would be the best place to keep his friend, the hot sun would make the body to decay faster and that would certainly not help.
"The coldness will keep him fresh and the dryness will help too." Igtenos said from his side.
"I know, friend, but it feels...odd to be putting someone I care about so much down here, where things are always represented as final."
"Just keep the faith, baby. After we seal this place up we'll be on our way to an adventure." Clemente said, ignoring Philia's scolding.
"Not funny, Clemente." Atwight grit out not amused at all.
"Alright, alright, lets stop arguing and get going. Stahn will be safe here, the mayor has said he'll put guards on watch to ensure that nothing goes wrong. The rest is up to us."
Rutee turned to look at Garr. "But do we even know where we're going? First off we don't know what these four crystals look like or where to find them and secondly the hidden temple of the goddess may be a bit hard to find. That's why it's called the 'hidden' temple of the goddess, not the temple in plain sight!"
The king recoiled at the lady's harsh tone. "Rutee, we must keep a positive attitude about this, not only for Stahn's sake but for all of us. And besides, the swordians know of the legend, I'm sure they also know what we're looking for. Right Igtenos?"
"Uh...right."
"That was a believable answer." Leon scoffed, kicking at the dirt.
"Well, it's just that I don't remember EXACTLY where these things are. But I do have one comforting factor for you all."
"And what's that?" Garr asked, holding his sword by the hilt.
"One of the crystals is in the Phandarian palace. It's hidden in one of the crests above the throne room. You've probably noticed it before, it's a dark purple color."
"That's one of the relics?!" He yelped, unbelievingly.
"Yeah." Came the answer.
"So you know what one of these things looks like?" Mary addressed her question to Garr.
"Yes, I do. But that doesn't much help. We know where one of them is, we need three others. Do you know where those are?"
"I know!" Clemente cheered.
"No you don't. You don't know anything." Dymlos interrupted.
Over in the corner Chaltier could be heard laughing at his master's side.
"Enough you two." Atwight silenced them. "I believe I heard that one of the crystals is in Calvese in the temple and another is actually here in Fitzgald, I don't recall the exact location though."
"I know!" The thunder blade repeated.
"Fine, genius, where is it then?! Dymlos yelled.
"It's in Ilene's house! I saw it sitting on her boudoir the last time we were there. See! I told you I knew!"
Rutee shook her head as their sentient weapons argued among themselves.
"Alright!" She screeched. "So it WAS in Ilene's house, but remember, she died! Someone else probably moved into the house and her stuff was probably moved somewhere else. That would probably include the crystal."
"I'm not too sure, sister." Leon said, approaching her. "People in Neustred are pretty petty. I'm sure if it was there and someone moved in they would've kept the crystal for themselves, or hocked it."
"Hmm..." His sister mused. "Then we'll need to go investigate that, won't we?"
A maid dressed in black answered the door to find the six travelers standing on the steps. She looked at them oddly, unsure of exactly what they wanted.
"C-can I help you?" She asked nervously.
"Yes, you can actually." Garr said. "A few years ago a woman lived here named Ilene, we were wondering if anyone else moved in after she died."
"Well, yes, there is a new mistress."
"May I ask her name?"
"Her name is Miss Ember." She replied.
"Well, can you please tell Miss Embers that the king of Phandaria and his companions wish to speak with her?'
The girl jumped a bit, not sure whether or not to believe him but nodded and scurried off. For a moment they stood outside, admiring the cherry blossoms, when the maid rushed back.
"Miss Embers will see you now!" She announced and led them to a small meeting room by the parlor.
Miss Embers stared at the six of them with wonder, she recognized most of them as the heroes that saved the world not too long ago. Inviting them to have a seat she sat herself and sipped at her tea before she began.
"It is not everyday one gets a visit from a king or the heroes that saved the world. To what do I owe this great honor?"
The silver hair monarch cleared his throat but before he could get a word out Rutee interrupted.
"A woman named Ilene used to live here. She left behind a large crystal, about the size of a soda can, do you happen to know where it is?'
The woman put her cup down with a slight thud. "I do not know what you are speaking of, and how dare you speak to me in such a tone."
"I can tell by the look on your face that you're lying, so where is it?"
"How rude, I did not invite you into my home to be persecuted!"
"Rutee..." Garr warned, but she would not hear it.
"Listen lady, this crystal is a matter of life and death and I swear to god if you don't give it to me I'm gonna-!"
Leon quickly intervened and covered his sister's mouth before she got them into trouble.
"So sorry about that, her lover has died. We need that crystal, can we please have it?'
The woman looked at him with interest, but shook the look away. "I already told you that I do NOT have this crystal you speak of. Why don't you go ask the merchants and jewelers in town instead of bothering me?"
Leon gritted his teeth and smirked. "Listen, I agree with my sister, I know you're lying, you have it somewhere in this house. But do you know that that crystal is a part of Seingald property, not to mention evidence from the events that took place awhile ago, so its being kept here illegally? And do you also know that when the crystal is found the person who is holding it will be taken to trial in Seingald and most likely put into jail for keeping it to themselves because of its value? Listen lady, if you give it to us now we won't tell but if you don't then we're getting a search warrant and its your hide."
A strong silence filled the room as the lady looked about at her visitors. They all looked back at her, knowing full well she had what they wanted. Finally she let out an indignant huff and stood.
"Fine! Take it, it's worthless any ways!"
Flustering she went out of the room and came back with a large stone, a deep marine blue color. Thrusting it at Rutee she growled and stamped her foot.
"Now get out! All of you! You've gotten what you came for!"
"Gladly." Leon mumbled, leading the way.
Rutee trailed behind him, looking the crystal over, flipping it about in her hands. Mary and the others followed after her, mumbling incoherently to the woman as they left.
Back on the Draconis Garr seated himself in the cockpit and thrummed his fingers against the keys. So...we know that another one of these little buggers is in Calvese, right?"
Everyone nodded.
"And one is at the palace, that's three out of four, I'd say we're off to a very good start."
"Hold on just one minute there, pal. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. We still have one we need to find. If we have no idea as to where that crystal is then we're up stuck stream without a paddle."
All eyes went to the fire swordian that Rutee held in her arms.
"That is true, I suppose. But if we find the relic in Calvese, which you said was in the temple, yes? Well, then maybe the keepers of that relic will know where to find the other. It's worth a try and if not then perhaps we can find a seer of some sort to help us, but we have to try. So...soldier!"
A nearby member of the Draconis staff jumped at the firm tone of the king's voice.
"Y-yes sir?"
"Set the Draconis into flight, we're heading to Calvese, understood?'
"Yes sir!"
With a salute the man immediately went to work piloting the large dragon. The six team members went to stand on the deck as they took off and looked down at the slowly disappearing town and continent.
"Isn't it awfully convenient that we already know where three of these things are and we already have two, for the most part, in our possession?' Leon asked, nudging his sister.
"I-I don't know." She said after a pause.
"Perhaps it's fate, Leon, but either way lets not second guess the way of the goddess." Garr said, looking at the two siblings.
The boy shrugged slightly, looking out at the sea below. "It's strange though. That's all I'm saying."
Nodding in agreement the young swordian master, Rutee, picked up Atwight and Dymlos.
"I'm going to go lye down, we won't get there until morning and its getting dark already. I'm a little tired."
"Okay, Rutee. Do you want me to bring you something to eat or drink later?" Philia asked kindly.
"Uhm, no thanks. I'm just going to take a hot bath and then sleep. I think I need it..."
Walking away the young woman waved slightly to her friends then disappeared into the hall. Looking after her, her brother sighed and returned his gaze to the horizon, watching the sun set and the bright colors splay out over the blue-green ocean.
"I think she'll be okay." Mary said, seeing the other's worried expressions. "She's strong to boot and got courage, she knows she has to keep her faith."
"Let's hope." The raven hair boy muttered, not looking away from the sea. "By the time we get to Calvese there will only be six days left. We got lucky knowing where these things are but we need to find the fourth one, this 'hidden temple' and then unstring this riddle of faith and love. We're going to need to work fast."
For a moment they all thought about that quietly, turning it over in their heads.
"You're right." Garr finally said. "I'll go tell the pilot to fly faster and not to stop."
As he walked off Chelsea tagged along after him, chattering away merrily. Mary looked at Philia and smiled.
"Let's go get some food, okay? I'm starving."
"That's a good idea, do you want to come too Leon?"
The green hair girl glanced at the aforementioned boy and smiled slightly.
"...No, I'll get something to eat later. I just want to look at the sunset for now."
"Alright, we'll see you inside then." She replied and then the two girls walked off.
Nodding at the air the boy continued to stare blankly at the horizon until he heard the footsteps fade away to nothing. Sighing he stood straight and entered the inside of the ship and walked down to the rooms. He stopped at every door, pressing his ear against it and listening.
When he neared the end of the hall he could hear soft sobbing coming from one of the rooms. Gently leaning on the door he could recognize the sound of his sister's tears and frowned. He debated whether or not to enter and try to cheer her up but he doubted he would be able to do that, for two reasons. One, she was in no mood and two, he was never really the cheerful type.
Sighing in defeat he walked towards the room across from hers and pushed the door open. He would remain close to her so that if at anytime she needed anything he would just be right across the way.
TBC
I love long weekends. Yeah, well, it is awfully lucky to have two of the four, but it may be harder than they thought to find that fourth one and what about the temple they need to find? Even with Garr pushing for speed, will it matter if they don't know where to look? Next: the confrontation in Calvese temple and the hint to the next relic.