Ascend

By: blue lady

Chapter Three – Picking up the shattered pieces

            I hummed as I pored over the old manuscript.  This would be my last day spent memorizing every aspect, concept, and element of white magic known and unknown to man.  Basically, I now hold the knowledge of every white spell imaginable.

            "As long as you know these basics well, you are free to cast any spell possible.  You are only limited by your imagination."  Cretis-sama had said this so many times, that I could clearly recall the tone accompanied with those words.  For the past year, I have found this very true, for I have already developed two new resurrection spells and cures for various aliments.  I have even mastered a very weak form of Holy Bless.  I hummed even louder, as I realized that I had finally hit the last passage.

            "Done!" I exclaimed excitedly.

            "I'm glad to find you in such a happy mood today."

            "Cretis-sama!" I smiled at him before, bowing in respect.  Cretis-sama always seemed to know how to appear at just the right time.  Even after a year under him, I was still not used to it.

            "Happy about finally escaping from these dusty old books aren't you?" Cretis-sama said, blue eyes twinkling.  I felt myself blushing slightly before I nodded my response.  For some reason, I felt unusually happy today… as if the old wounds were finally starting to heal.  However, I knew that one step remained for my total recovery.

            "You have finally reach the final step of your Prugare; the Expedition," Cretis-sama said, his tone dropping back to a more serious one.  "You must travel into the world and prove to Cepheid that you are worthy to become his chosen.  If you past his test, you will be marked with his sign forever.  Only when you have received the sign of Cepheid will your Prugare will be over.  Come, its time for your Preparation."

            Cretis-sama left me in the hands of the female disciples of the temple, who silently lead me to the baths.  They took off my clothes and then lead me to a small room, where I was soaked in cold water.  After drying off, I was led to another to soak in steaming hot water that left my skin a slightly red color.  When I got out to dry, the disciples' rubbed incenses and oils into my skin, until it felt like every pore of my body would smell of lavender.  After that I was lead to a marble pool filled with water from the underground hot springs.  I was finally left alone to spend as long as I want in the calming water.  I looked up at the skylight, watching the clouds pass by.  I had just turn eighteen three months ago, leaving me a little more than a year before I have to return to Seyruun.  I sighed, deciding to get out of the pool and go through the final step of my preparation.  In the next room, the disciples' were already waiting for me.  They quickly dressed me into a simple sleeveless white dress made of silk along with a simple light jacket.  They then tied my hair into a tight ponytail in the back with a piece of white cloth.  The disciples' all smiled at me, as I studied myself in the mirror.

            "Now you are ready, Princess Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun for your journey.  By wearing this, no harm will come to you during your travels.  For everyone will respect and acknowledge your voyage for Cepheid's blessings."  The lady who spoke, then presented me a beige bag containing my old clothes, some rations, and a canteen of water.  The others bowed before me as the lady lead me out into the floor's circular room.

            "Cretis-sama is waiting for you at the main entrance.  Good Luck, Princess."

I smiled my thanks, as I mumbled the words for the teleportation.  When I opened my eyes the marble statute of Cepheid filled my vision.  I felt a gentle weight on my shoulder causing me to turn around.  Cretis-sama's clear blue eyes suddenly filled my vision.  Cretis-sama smiled at me, taking my hand and placing something cool in it.  I looked to see a beaded necklace made of ivory, it's pendant shaped into the silhouette of Cepheid.  Clasping the same hand, he slowly led me to the front door, "Good Luck, Princess."

            "Thank you, Cretis-sama."  I gave him a small hug, blushing a little.  I looked towards the doorway and watched how the sunlight seemed to play across the white marble.

            "Looks like a beautiful day." I thought to myself, feeling that this sunny day might be an indication of how my life will be from here on.  That this beautiful day meant that by visiting Solaria, I would finally be able to put Lukas' and father's death behind me.  I turned back once more to gave a final wave and smile to Cretis-sama before turning my attention to the road ahead.

            It must have been almost midnight when I finally arrived at Mane.  Except for the occasional drunks, everyone had already turned in for the evening.

            "Guess I should find somewhere to stay." I mumbled to myself.  After finding an inn and having a little midnight snack, I decided to take a soak in the baths before going to bed.  I let out a little sigh as I relaxed, watching the steam swirling around me.  I still had a long way to go until arriving at my final destination.  It would take about three days to get to Bezeld and if I'm lucky, a week to get to Solaria.  I smiled; it was nice to be on the road again.  However, it wasn't as fun as I thought it would be.

            "Probably because I'm traveling alone this time."  I could feel myself giggling a little as I thought about the days I spent traveling with Lina-san.

            "What are you giggling about, Princess?"

            I looked up to see a very familiar trickster priest floating above me, smiling his usual trademark smile.

            "PERVERT!!!"

            I entered my room fully clothed, where Xellos-san was already waiting for me.  I noticed that some bruises and bumps were already beginning to form on his forehead.

            "Oh my, Amelia-san," Xellos-san said, smiling. "Don't you think your earlier reaction was a bit extreme?"

            "Life is wonderful." I replied, noticing how Xellos-san's complexion turned a tinge green.

            "I guess I made you mad," Xellos-san laughed nervously. "Sorry."

            "What to you want?" I replied gruffly, knowing that he was not sorry at all.

            "Princess, I'm shocked.  Have these past two years made you ill-mannered?"

            "Life is wonderful! And living is marvelous!" I said in a singsong voice.

            "Okay! Okay!" Xellos-san replied quickly, "Where are heading to?"

            "South to Bezeld and then Southwest to Solaria. Why?"

            "Let's just say a friend wants to know." He replied tilting his head slightly to the side.

            "Who?" I asked.

            "Now that, my dear, is a secret."  Xellos-san replied as he started to fade away.  Xellos-san left me feeling quite perturbed and I decided to take out some of the frustration on a nearby pillow, however I was so stopped from this action by a sudden thought.

            "I wonder who it could be…" The image of a man dressed in all beige suddenly came to mind.  I quickly shook that thought away.

             "There was no way…it couldn't be him…" With that thought, I quickly got ready for bed.  If I wanted to get to Solaria as soon as possible I needed to get a good head start in the morning.  As I lay there waiting for sleep take me, I couldn't help but think how nice it would be if it was him.

Author's Note

Sorry, another short chapter!  Don't worry though Chapter four (and Chapter Five) are unbelievably long 0-O.  Well, I really don't know what to say, please read and review!  We're close to the climax of her father's murder.  Please read and review.  Thanks to all those who for the last chapter, see you next week!