CHAPTER 1 – Shadowed Fate
"Heal!" Tomaeto shouted as a silvery white force hit the Mummy dead. Panting and gasping for breath, she made a run through the remaining Mummies, dodging their attacks though some still caught her dress and wound her slightly. "If I'm lucky enough I would be able to get out with half of my dress! Arghh!" Tomaeto pulled her skirt from the Mummy who caught it. "Holy Light!" Tomaeto continued to run not even looking whether she has enough skirt or not. "Curse those Mummies!" In front was a white portal emitting silver waves of light. "Almost there…" she breathed and with her last strength, she threw herself to the portal and silver lights consumed her.
Tomaeto stumbled and fell flat on the floor of the Sanctuary. She groaned as she pushed herself up and rubbed her temple slightly. She blinked and squint her eyes at the bright white light that covered the chamber.
"You have finished the test of courage and proved yourself worthy." A firm but calm voice said. Tomaeto looked at the woman in front of her. Her dark green hair lay smoothly above her shoulders and her tilted grey eyes were sharp and deep. A large gold chain hung in her neck with a silver-white cross as pendant. Tomaeto stood unsteadily and bowed a little. "It seems you had a good fight in there." The woman said as her grey eyes studied Tomaeto's torn acolyte dress and bruises. Tomaeto only gave a weak smile. "Come child, your next test awaits." Without any further ado, the woman turned and walked. Tomaeto sighed and followed.
Tomaeto followed the woman into another chamber, which was more different from the last. This chamber was much brighter and she could feel the calm, serene and holy atmosphere of the room. Here, she felt safe and secure. In front was an altar with a huge crystal crucifix atop of it. A golden chalice was placed in the middle expecting for some purpose. "Mistress, what kind of exam am I going to take?" Tomaeto asked wonderingly.
"You are here to take the sacred oath Child." She said. Her eyes seemed to study Tomaeto once more that Tomaeto felt as if this woman is examining every inch of her. Tomaeto shifted her feet uneasily.
"Umm…Mistress?" Tom said in a soft voice without looking at the woman. "If I'm going to take the oath, should I not change for a better dress? I mean, isn't it that oath taking should be done –"
"No need for that child." The woman said silently. "It is not important what you wear, whether it be rags or worn-out clothes, or none if you like. As long as you take the oath seriously and according to your will." She smiled, "and besides, you are lucky enough to get out with only half of your skirt missing."
Tomaeto felt herself go red. The huge brass door of the chamber opened and a tall man clad in red-gold cloak entered. The woman bowed as the man settled in the altar. Tomaeto did the same, emulating every movement of the other.
"Rise my child." The High Priest said. His voice was low and full.
"High Priest," the woman began, "we come to the will of the Gods. I bring an acolyte to take the oath, to fulfill her pledge, and to serve."
The High Priest gaze intently at Tomaeto. "Very well. Child, I ask you to come near."
Tomaeto went to the altar and sank to her knees as the High Priest blesses her. Then he started to read the oaths and Tomaeto only replied. She felt every word from the oath as if breaking it would mean her life. After taking the oath, the High Priest took the chalice and emptied its contents on Tomaeto.
"You are now pledged to the Church and to the Gods. Tomaeto, you are tied to us now, and forever will be…"
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The sun blazed in the cloudless sky of Morroc. The desert outside the city seemed to grow hotter and damp. A black-clad figure staggered through the wasteland, its cloak whipping as the dry wind blew. "Changes…," the figure murmured absently as it entered the city.
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"You made it! You made it! Tomaeto is now a Priestess! Hurray!" A Novice with red-gold curls and dark green eyes cheered while throwing flower petals at Tomaeto.
Tomaeto giggled, "Thank you Moirelle."
They sat at the lounge of a small hut in the village of Payon. A fresh and cool air blew in spite of the high sun blazing in the cloudless sky.
"You know what?" Moirelle said as she drops at Tomaeto's side. "Next week I'll be starting with my Archer Test!" her eyes beaming with excitement.
"That's great! I know you'll be the best archer in Midgard."
"Sure is!" Moirelle laughed.
"It's good to see you Tomoe." A smooth and soft voice said.
Tomaeto turned and frowned at the woman standing near the door. "Are you not getting cold with that dress Mistress Alyriah? I think it would be better if you put something atop of it." She said hopefully.
Alyriah laughed melodiously. "My dear Tomoe, you haven't changed. And it seems that you've become more conservative." Alyriah moved with grace like any Dancer. She was beautiful with her short golden hair and blue-green eyes that radiates calmness and at the same time firmness. She looked very young for her age, with only the touch of maturity to complete her beauty.
Moirelle sighed and said, "I already told her that but she wouldn't listen. She keeps on saying that that's what Dancers wear and it's their classification. Duh?"
"Daughter, someday you'll also be wearing one of these." Alyriah said as she sat on the other side of Tomaeto.
"No I will not! I would be a Huntress and not a Dancer." She said defensively
Alyriah sighed. "Very well, I won't argue. Nevertheless, I do hope that you'll change your mind somehow. And by the way, your friend Rhuina was looking for you."
Moirelle jumps up as if something hit her. "I forgot! We're supposed to hunt in the cave! If you'll excuse me Tom, Mother." She said and ran outside.
"Be careful!" Tomaeto shouted.
"I will! Thanks!" Moirelle shouted back
Alyriah sighed, "My little girl is growing up."
"Umm, Mistress Alyriah, where is Master Renn? I haven't seen him for a week."
"What? Oh, he's in Geffen right now. You know Wizard stuff." Alyriah said absently. "So tell me, how's being a Priestess?"
Tomaeto blush a little. "Well, it's fine, though I need to go back to the Sanctuary to learn the new skills. And I'm worried that I might have a hard time with it."
"I see. Well I know you can do it child. You're still young and your brain works better than oldies like them!"
"Thanks." Tomaeto smiled.
"Oh by the way, before I forget. Stay here I'll just get something." Alyriah stood and went inside. Tomaeto wondered as she listened to the CRASH and TONK upstairs. She was wondering whether to see what's happening or stay put. It wasn't long when Alyriah appeared with dust in her hair and a long thin parcel in her hand. "Geez, I didn't know how dusty it was." She said more to herself as she brushed off dust in her silk dress.
"Is that a wand Mistress?" Tomaeto said staring at the long staff-like parcel Alyriah held.
Alyriah sat and held it to Tomaeto. "It's yours. Take it as our gift for you being a Priestess." She smiled.
"But…"
"Take it. It's the least we can give and it will help you a lot. It is Renn's when he was still a Mage and he would be glad to give it to you." Alyriah said smiling motherly at Tomaeto.
Tomaeto slowly took the parcel and unwrap it. She gaped at the wand impressively, running her hand at its slender golden-brown handle about 3 ft long and starring at the silver goat at its head.
"Wand of Occult." She whispered. "But Mistress…" she turned to Alyriah but Alyriah held her hand to silence her.
"Take it child." She said still smiling.
Tomaeto smiled and bowed slightly. "I thank you Mistress."
"Sheez, it's nothing!" She said waving her hand impatiently. "And by the way, I'm inviting you to come over tonight for dinner. Don't say no! I want to complete the family tonight." Her motherly smile never left and it grew warmer.
Tomaeto smiled back, "I'd love too. I'll come." After a few talks, Tomaeto decided to leave for Prontera promising that she'll return for dinner. Entering her made portal a small feeling touched her. A soft voice telling her that she should be there…that she should be on time…
The small hut vanished as the white portal consumed her.
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Tomaeto made her way to the Sanctuary thinking of what would she do in case she had a hard time with the new skills. "I can do this!" she said to herself. "I will learn! That I swear!" She said her fist clenched upward and fire shooting out from her eyes.
"That is nice to hear." A male voice said.
Tomaeto turned and saw a Priest smiling at her amusedly. "Master!" Tomaeto said blushing. She was turning as red as a Tomato.
"I'm glad that I have a student who's willing and determined to learn."
They went to the chamber where most new Priest and Priestess are gathered. The Priest gave them instructions and explained them the advantages and disadvantages of certain skills, where and when to use it and its most effective use. Before dismissing them, he gave them a list of skills they need to practice and some pointers. Tomaeto browse at her list and frowned as she reached the bottom.
"Are there any questions?" the Priest asked.
A young priestess with bluish hair raised her hand. "Sir, is this all the skills we need to learn?"
The Priest smiled "I know that you are all determined to learn, but I didn't know that having 10 skills to practice is still deficient for you." His tone was somehow amused. "Yes, that is all." He added shortly.
"Are you sure? Because how come Resurrection is not included?"
The Priest was silent of a moment his gaze became serious as he watched every person in the room. Tomaeto felt a sudden intense in the atmosphere. Even the Priestess looked doubtful.
After a moment of silence, the Priest said in a serious and solid tone. "As a Priest and Priestess you should know that Life is respected as well as Death." His eyes dangerously shine. Tomaeto felt a sweat trickled in her forehead. "Resurrection is a long forbidden Talent that we are not supposed to learn anymore, for it is against our oath. You, as a Priest should have known that." There was silence. Tomaeto shifted her feet uneasily. Then her Master suddenly sighed and said in a casual tone, "I didn't mean to frighten you child. I just didn't expect to hear it from a newbie this early."
A newbie? Tomaeto stared at her master.
"Forgive me Master for stepping on something I should not." The Priestess said bowing her head.
"Oh nonsense! It actually proves that you are all interested." The Priest said waving his hand impatiently. The atmosphere seemed to be lighter. "You just remember that what happens to each and every one of us is according to the pattern led by the Gods, and that we shouldn't mess with it. We Priests are given the power to improve that pattern and not to alter destiny."
Tomaeto didn't quite understand. "I didn't expect that being a Priestess is such a great responsibility." She murmured. She gazes up at the large clock on the wall and gasp. "Oh my! I'm already late!" She hurried outside the Sanctuary and searched for a vacant place. "This will do." She said as she spotted a dim lit place beside the Sanctuary. She took her pouch, took a bluish gem about the size of her palm, and held it near her chest. "Warp –!" someone knocked her from behind making her fall and the gem flying to the ground. "What the –?" she turned in time to see a boy in thief's clothes took the gem as well as her pouch and ran off. "Wait!" Tomaeto shouted as she hurriedly stood and followed the thief.
It was getting darker and getting hard for her to see. The thief ran swiftly through the crowd as if hiding through people. "Agi Up!" Tomaeto then run for the boy almost catching up. However, the boy seemed to run faster and he dodged at passing people incredibly. The boy turned to a dark alley, which was almost empty. Tomaeto slowed and walked cautiously. "Humph! You know it's not right to steal from people." She said through the darkness. Silence fell…. Then holding her palm close and chanting a spell, a blue sphere began to circle around Tomaeto casting light at the dark place. The boy gasped as he suddenly appeared. He frowned, cursed, and started to run again. "You won't escape me!" Tomaeto said as she casts another spell. The boy then slowed down until he moves as if the earth's gravity was ten times heavier. Tomaeto grabbed the boy at the back. He kept on struggling but with the spell on him, he seemed to be walking on the moon.
"Give it back and I'll forgive what you have done." She said firmly.
"Get off me! Get off me you old witch!"
"Would you like to be handed to the guards and be imprisoned?" Tomaeto said as if she didn't hear anything. The boy didn't answer but he stopped struggling. He just frowned and stared heatedly at the ground. Tomaeto gaze at him intently. This boy is no older than 12. She thought. "What is your name?"
"Why would I give my name to you?" he said stubbornly. Tomaeto raised an eyebrow and held the boy more tightly. "Sojen! My name is Sojen!" the boy answered as he struggled from Tomaeto's grip.
"Where are your parents?" She asked still holding him tight. The boy just frowned and looked away. Tomaeto again raised an eyebrow. "I better go and see them to tell them about –"
"That won't matter anymore!" Sojen shouted. His eyes flared with hatred and sorrow that Tomaeto felt a great loss. She sighed and let him go. Sojen stumble a little and straighten to stare back at Tomaeto.
"Alright. I won't take it back. It's all yours." Tomaeto said softly. Sojen stared at her questioningly as if she has other things in mind. "But promise me that you won't do it again."
Sojen jerked his head and started to leave. "Ouch!" Sojen shouted clamping the back of his head tightly. "Why did you do that for!"
"Promise me first that you'll NEVER steal again." Tomaeto's fist raised and anger sparks popping out of her forehead.
"What if I don't? You going to grab me again and –" He jumped as Tomaeto launched and grabbed him by the head pinning him at her side and started ruffling vigorously his hair. "Aaarrrgghh!"
"You are the silliest boy I've ever met!" Tomaeto said as she let him go.
"Why you…" Sojen stopped as she saw Tomaeto's soft and warm gaze.
"I don't want you to be a worthless young man. Promise me that you'll never do that again."
Sojen frowned and as if dreading what Tomaeto would do next. He mumbled, "I promise."
Tomaeto sighed. "Very well then. But once I found out that you repeated it again…"
"I won't!" Sojen cut off. "I keep my promises." He said lowering his gaze. "Hmp…women!" he whispered too softly for Tomaeto to catch.
Tomaeto smiled. Then thinking she added, "If ever you don't have anywhere to go, or you need help or something, look for me in the Sanctuary." She turned and glanced back at Sojen who was now sitting and absently looking at the ground. She walked out of the alley feeling sorry for the young man.
The moon was high with mist of clouds covering its radiant light. Silence filled the place where Tomaeto appeared. She was just outside the small town of Payon. Only a few walks to the main city. She hurried her steps hoping that she wasn't that late. Geez, it's almost 7:30! I hope I'm not late! As she came near the city, an eerie feeling touched her. She could sense something different…something vile…
She gazes intently at the city of Payon from a distance, and it seemed different. Normally, Payon was full of lights and soft music during the night. People were always busy and you can hear arrows shooting from the training ground. However, tonight was different. Payon lay in stillness and it seemed as if shadow had swallowed it. With a touch of panic, Tomaeto hurried to the city and stared. The air seemed to vanish from Tomaeto's lungs and her stomach turned as if she wanted to be sick.. "No…" she breathed as she stared at the mass grave in front of her. Dead lay everywhere. Young, old, women, children, every job.
She slowly stepped inside looking at the bodies bathing with their own blood. She went and looked for someone who was still alive but failed. She went north to see if Alyriah and Moirelle are still ok. She dreads what she will see. She hopes that they were able to leave, that they are not included in this mass grave.
As she searched the dead, she came near the cave and stopped. Her heart became tight at the sight of Alyriah lying on the ground, blood all over her body. Only a few feet away from her was Renn, blood covers his dead body as well. Tomaeto hurried near Alyriah and cradled her in her arms. "Mistress…please…" she whispered tears forming in her eyes. Alyriah suddenly moved and murmured faintly, "Moirelle…" Tomaeto gasp and hurriedly place her palm at Alyriah. A green light of aura started to flow from Tomaeto's hand towards the fallen body of Alyriah. But even before it was completed, a sudden rush of great force hit Tomaeto on the right arm making her fly and hit a tree hard enough. She gasps for breath as she fell on the ground. Her view became blurry and her mind seemed to cloud. That hit made her weak, too weak to move. She could hear a tinkling bell coming near. She tried to push herself up but only grunted as she felt her broken arm. Slowly she raised her head and squint at the figure coming nearer. The bell came closer. There was only enough time for Tomaeto to cast Teleport before a huge bell-like weapon came pelting towards her.
Tomaeto appeared on the bridge of Payon, and as she staggered to stand up, she lost her balance and fell off splashing on the cold river. She was able to feel its cold – icy water before everything went to complete darkness.
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