A/N: As promised: My interpretations on Karst's weapon. To make things more interesting, I came up with some fanfic weapon designs. Here it is.
She has a scythe. The staff part itself is hollow, with a linked chain inside. The long part of the stick is made up of three individual wood parts enclosing the chain. Thus, it can fold up and dis-enlock (made that word up). As for the chain itself, it is somewhat longer than the staff, yet its extra length is coiled up when the weapon is turned into a scythe. At one end of the chain is a spherical weight; while at the other end is a curved blade, actual scythe. All in all, it has 2 forms: a grim reaper type of weapon, while the second option resembles a "flail"(look that up), with the chain in between blunt parts a little longer, as well as extra chain at both ends, a scythe on one end and a weight on the other. If you still don't get it, the second option is a combo between a flail and ninja chain weapon. With all of that being said, she can fold the three woods parts together, and wrap the chain around, tucking in the blade. Afterwards, she carries it in a purse.
Yes, that was very thorough, I know.
Chapter 3, Act 1: Fateful Encounters
Isaac could only imagine that Indra had once been beautiful. Iodem himself had never left the confines of Gondowan or Angara, but a few of the men spoke of the landscapes Indra had once had. Two of the men had been born in Madras and migrated to become soldiers for Babi. Those same two regaled the others and Iodem of the rolling hills and winding rivers of the continent.
They were so puzzled however, when Iodem had told them that they would set sail right through it. Indra had been split in two, a new river passage forming. The two were even more surprised to see it all with their own eyes, as well as return to a homeland they no longer recognized.
The Lemurian ship had entered the Dailan Bay hours ago, the ship nearly halfway in its journey through the continent. It was day two since they had set sail. In various parts of the channel the seawater had not leaked in enough, leaving chance for the ship to run a ground. This left all the crewman, save Isaac, busy enough on deck.
The hero of Vale had found comfort sitting on one of the ships crates, elevated over the hard wood floors. The crate was near the back, among many, and was well out of the way of the pre-occupied crewmen. It was leaned against the cabin, not quiet matching its height—the top of Isaac's hair reaching the top ledge.
Isaac had fallen asleep a few times already, but would always stir awake again. His eye was constantly irritated. All the bandages he once wore were now removed, except for the one wrapped over his right eye. Iodem had examined his face before, and advised him that it would be best not to remove the white strip yet. After all, Isaac was still waking up in the morning with sharp pains in that area. He continued to pinch at the cloth until finally the itch passed. The adept rested his head back on interlaced fingers, and couldn't help but look on at the various landscapes that passed him by.
Overall towering cliffs on either side defined the passage. At times the cliffs sank low, barely any rock formations defining it. It was obvious that these sections had once been either grassy plains or thinning forestry. On some occasions tree trunks were found scattered along the river, still thick with leaves. This posed as one of the many tasks and hazards the crewmen had to deal with, sorting through them for safe passage.
However now in their journey, the cliff sides were towering over the ship, as though low-lying mountains had been there before.
Isaac could only imagine that Indra had once been beautiful. However he did not mean to insult its present state now, for the lands still held beauty. The passage itself even caught an eye or two.
"Hmm… There should have been a temple somewhere near here…" Iodem stated as he reflected on the map once again.
"Sir!"
"…Call Master Isaac, he may wish to see this."
XXXXXThe Proxian sat there in the corner, flipping a coin between his fingers repeatedly. He rested his bold cheek on his other fist, looking out of the dark booth at the massing casino crowd. Tolbi was not to his liking at all.
Agatio was of a stern determined sort, rather angry with himself that so much time had passed him by. He was empty handed in his hunt, and concluded that this robust town had nothing more to offer.
Thus, he got up and left, never to return.
XXXXX
The Kandorean Temple was before Isaac and the men, half of the structure preserved atop the cliff, while the other side laid in rubble along the channel, bricks everywhere on a mound of sand that poked out of the water. A few makeshift boats were sprawled before the Lemurian ship, each one with a monk or two paying homage.
Before Iodem could call out to them, to see if they needed aid, he was stopped—as Isaac's hand rested on his shoulder.
"Isaac?"
The earth adept had made eye contact with the eldest of the monks, and at the last second hushed Iodem. Isaac looked out at the lead monk, his eye watering with its own staring intent. He had barely blinked, as the details of the image filled his mind. His sight almost seemed natural to him, as if he had the use of two good eyes.
Then again…Isaac thought, as he pinched at the white bandage, sighing. He looked down with his good eye, regaining eye contact with the monk. There was a comforted understanding between the two, though not a gesture was shared.
The elderly man had a thinly frame, and was bald, a few dark patches on his scalp. His face was wrinkled to the point in which he appeared musing and soulful to others.
The old man motioned to the other monks to clear the passage, in which they did. He took one last look at Isaac as the ship cautiously made its way between the small boats. Isaac looked down returning the stare, then turned from the deck's side.
"Such a catastrophe." one of the men said looking on at the ruined temple. "Don't you think that these monks would be better off somewhere else, like in a town with aid?"
"They're fine as they are," Isaac whispered sympathetically, "leave them to their homage."
The boat moved on steadily, until the sight of the temple disappeared from view. All the monks returned to their meditations, as if they had not been disturbed at all. Meditation periods were sacred to these monks.
"Master, if it is wise of me to ask, why do you appear so troubled?" Master Po's top disciple asked.
"I am not troubled… just delightedly curious." The younger monk looked at him in confusion. "The golden haired boy there, among all the men…"
"Yes"
"I could feel it when I saw him. That boy. Not only is his potential for greatness unimaginable…" the Master Po chuckled to himself, "it's almost guaranteed. He'll soon live up to it—this greatness I see… He is the 'One'. If there were ever to be a 'one' out there in existence, then it is he. Clearly it is, and so clearly I see…"
The student bowed in respect to his master's talented foresight. Master Po had seen quite an oddity that day, and though he had not meant to, or expected to, he perceived much of Isaac's future to come…
XXXXXThe hall was eerily quiet. A few servants walked by now and then, but barely made a noise above a whisper when they treaded. A handmaid walked out of Babi's chamber, carrying a trey of tea and cookies, while another was behind her, carrying a few towels and dirty sheets. Still no word.
The man looked up at the polished walls and patterned ceilings. He continued to look around, soon staring at the bluish marble floors and exotic carpet that ran the same length as the hall. He looked up across from him as he noticed the boy was getting restless. The boy was young, and appeared anxious waiting with him in the hall. The soldier had thoughts of letting him go outside and wait there; at least the youth could entertain himself outside rather than be unhappy here. The kid was aged eight; years short away from manhood, but still a worthy squire.
Finally, the doctor came out…
He tucked his bag under his arm, looked up to all that had waited outside, and then shook his head.
"I see… he doesn't have long then" the head of the scholars said.
"What are we to do now?" the Dean of 'Babi's Academy' spoke up, stepping in front of the soldier.
A few other members of the mayor's council stepped up too, questioning the doctor. They were all debating as to whether the doctor's diagnostic could possibly be inaccurate.
"Come, we've heard what we needed to hear" the soldier motioned to the boy, signalling their leave. He was a soldier. A General yes, but in all honesty, he felt as if he had no place among all these scientists, teachers, and head workmen.
"Yes, I am following" the boy piped up.
"Wait, you must not leave yet…" Iodem's temporary substitute in the council cried out. The soldier turned around, locking eyes with the white haired man.
"It is done," he said outstretching his hand, a scroll gripped tightly in it. "You are needed, the three of you. Babi has signed it, meaning that Tolbi itself demands of it."
He gave a peculiar look at the old man, then gave another peculiar look at the scroll. The boy thought that now was the time in which he was to perform his services as a squire, so instinctively bridged the gap to the elder, took the scroll, and returned to the General. He stood beside him, opened it, and began to read aloud.
"By obligation to Tolbian word of Law, it has been found wanting that Tolbi is in need of order whilst Lord Mayor Babi has fallen to ailment. Rule must be maintained, and thus so, in accordance to the 'Legislative Code', Chief Minister Iodem must provide temporary rule of Tolbi's home front, as well as the few settlements and soldiers abroad." The boy spoke openly and as loud as he could. There was a slight pause before he continued. "Though this is true to be said, Chief Minister Iodem cannot perform his duties, for it is evident that he is on leave under Babi's orders. Thus, rule of power must be handed over to Vice Minister Clin"
"That's you," the soldier pointed outward at the white haired man, "and if you are worried about my take on all this, then don't be. I recognize your authority" The General began to turn slightly, before he felt compelled to stop…
"However" the boy spoke at his loudest, focused only on the scroll. He caught everyone's attention with this surprise continuity of the parcel. "There are rumours of…"
The boy was stopped short of reading further, as the soldier reached out his hand, requesting the scroll from the boy. He handed it over to his mentor, respectful of the fact that his job was done for now. The soldier scanned through the contract until he found the line in which the boy had stopped at. It read:
However, there are rumours of a dragon that threatens Tolbian way of life. Whether it can be argued that there is truth to this—sceptics or neigh, It can be agreed on that a plague has befallen the lands of Weyard. Moreover it is cautious to presume that chances of danger hitting close to home are likely. With this in mind, as well as a subject on hand, new measures must be taken. The Council of Tolbi supports the notion of acting as if in times of war. The Council also supports Babi's demand for the 'War Defence Pact' to be upheld.
"What does it say?" the boy pondered aloud. The youth had been admiring him all the while as the General read. The boy looked on in wonder at the gallant purple armour his mentor adorned himself in. It was his trademark apparel, his signature image on and off the battlefield. His under cassock and leggings were a leaf like green, covered over with apron like wooden armour, trimmed in violet, matching his boots and gloves. The face guard of his helm was a deeper contrasted purple, while atop the actual helmet was a bright magenta Mohawk like tassel.
The General did not answer the boy, and instead chose to continue reading.
The War Defence Pact clearly states that in times of war, or in situations as to when Tolbi is threatened, full command is passed on from the head ruler to the officials in charge of Defence. Continuing, Tolbi forces are maintained and upheld by 'Tolbi's big three'. Having all this been said, under the law of 'The War Defence pact' leadership of Tolbi, as well as maintaining protection for its people, civil and foreign, must be given to Navampa, of the big three.
Signed,
Lord Mayor Babi
XXXXX"Sir, I am still following!" the youth almost yelped as they walked out of Babi's palace.The General stopped in his tracks, standing there in the grass, arms crossed as he thought. "Sir! I read the rest of the scroll as you left. I have it now with me" the boy confessed, handing it over.
"Was that why you straggled behind?"
"Yes. But doesn't all this mean that… Sir you are now the leader of Tolbi!" he announced the obvious yet again to the General. "Sir?"
The man looked up thinking of all that had been decided.
War…
He thought somewhat with pride. He felt honoured, almost satisfied that his true potential had chance to be well lived again. He was content with it all, and swore to do his best.
War…
He thought again, looking down on the boy. The youth was smiling cheekily at the fact that his mentor was now being honoured for his rank. He soon resumed face though.
The boy… Admitting war was both a good thing, as well as a bad. No, it was only bad…"Um…Sir?" the squire said, almost breaking the stern appearance he tried his best at maintaining.
It was only bad…
"The docks…" the soldier said regaining his composer. "Ships from Kalay will be docking tomorrow. I'm expecting company from there. Search the docks for a group of soldiers when it arrives. Bring them to the town centre tomorrow afternoon; I will be awaiting you there. Until then, go off and spend some time with your friends or something."
"Company…" the boy whispered under his breath in thought, seeming as if to memorize his orders. "Yes!" he said, nodding to the General. "Tomorrow!"
XXXXXIt was a chilled night upon the deck of the Lemurian ship. It sailed warily between the open waters of the sea and the eastern shore of Indra, just south of the river-channel's end. The sea air was restlessly silent, mildly blowing the stench of rotting wood out from the beach. The smell belonged to the remains of a destroyed ship, of which no one knew why or how it was now found ruined along the coast, invisible in the night. However the moon was up, and with it a beautiful shimmer on the sea's surface, as if thousands of diamonds were sown into the fibres of the water.
A voice was calling out to him, a siren of the night, her voice carried by the gently silence of the breeze. It was not long though, before a pessimistic Iodem distracted him.
XXXXX
Where are you? Are you thinking of me tonight?
"I miss you. All…" The words escaped her pursed lips at a whisper, almost echoing off the silent walls of her dark room. Her voice sprang out the window that she knelt before, as she reached out to the open stars with eyes alone, drinking in their beauty, yet not concealing her concerned tears—of which were kept from falling, for she was strong enough to do so. "Do you miss me? Could you ever miss me… or have I already been forgotten?"
Jenna's slender figure, as it was casually dressed in a rose nightgown, knelt loosely beneath the stars, expressing her own surrender. The flower-petal smoothness of her forearms rubbed against the dry window ledge, as she was restless in her prayer. Each of her fingers were locked into one another, in an act she had done night after night. She took in a deep breath through her delicate nose, as she rubbed the tip of her finger against a soft pink nail, slightly anxious with her fidget.
"Are you waiting for me, as I am waiting for you… all." She looked down with disappointment as she carefully reminded herself to add in that last word, 'all'. She knew well enough to keep on reminding herself of that word, for there were many she was concerned for, and not just one person. "Goodnight then," she spoke to the moon, hoping that she would be heard. She drearily lifted herself, smoothening out the wrinkles of pink.
They're still out there…Felix, Garet, Isaac—and even my parents…I can't give up on them. No one can make me give up on them, not until I know the truth, whether they are dead or not…I will not forget, not again. Not the way I did when I was a child…
I promise.
XXXXXEarly the next day…
"You there! Hold your ground!" a man shouted from the Madras gates. There was another with him, both seeming to be the town's guards.
Isaac looked to Iodem, both of them alone. The other soldiers were still at the southern docks, tending to the boat. They were of course to follow their leaders shortly after.
"What's the problem?" Iodem asked returning eye contact.
"Just wait there!" the second guard said approaching the two. He inspected them with a keen eye, as carefully as he could, while the other guard watched them from the gates.
"They don't look like they're Champa…" the first guard finally concluded to the other.
"I agree…" the second one said.
"Sorry for the delay. You may pass." the first guard continued, eyes not leaving Iodem.
"What was the need for this?" Iodem questioned.
"Our town was…" the first guard answered before he stopped. "Was, was…" He continued to inspect Iodem. "The sash you have? Are you from Tolbi?" Isaac and Iodem looked at each other in curiosity to the guard's curiosity.
"Yes, I am Chief Minister Iodem." The man declared. He looked to Isaac once again, as he noticed the Valean slightly elbowing him. He thought for a bit, and then realized what Isaac was motioning for. "Ah, yes. As a head official of Tolbi, I request conference with the mayor of Madras."
"You are lucky then," the second guard interrupted. "him and his son have just returned from Alhafra. They were on leave for a time, but had returned yesterday afternoon. I will be happy to take you to the mayor's house."
Iodem and Isaac nodded to each other, as they began to follow the second guard.
"Guard." Isaac said as he passed the one who had inspected them. "More soldiers will be arriving soon, about nine others. They are with us as well." the adept said, worried that there may be future inconvenience for them, and the guards. The first guard nodded to him.
"So, what are Champa?" Iodem asked as the second guard led them into the town.
"Oh yes. Months ago our town was sacked by pirates… They came a few days after the huge earthquake, in an attempt to free their leader Briggs. They took advantage of all the confusion, and succeeded. Man! That earthquake was unbelievable wasn't it! Not to mention that huge crack! Indra is now split in two!"
"Yes I know of the earthquake, but please, continue"
"Yeah well they took back their boat from the harbour and set sail once again. We had thought that they would return to all their pirating."
"So did they?" Isaac asked, including himself in the conversation.
"Well, there came a day in which the huge Champa ship was found in the northern beaches, close to the mouth of the fissure. The ship was a wreck. Completely destroyed. In fact it wasn't a ship at all. Just wreckage along the beach."
"Huh…" Isaac thought curiously to himself, remembering the odd smell of driftwood that he smelt the night before.
What could have done that?"The tides Master Isaac" Iodem said, almost reading his mind. In actual fact, he had read the confused expression on the young man's face. "A great tidal wave was meant to hit the lands. Instead, an earthquake came first, repelling the waters."
"So?"
"Master Isaac, the huge wave traveled into a cycle, back eastward. It swirled around the Eastern Sea, before dieing down. However it had caused so much change, that the sea currents grew terrible in their own right. For two months there was nothing but storm after storm. I witnessed such day in and day out from the docks of Lalivero."
Isaac hadn't known this. When he had discussed what had happened with Kraden, the elder had failed to mention the eastern storms with such detail.
"So I believe that it was the currents that had destroyed the Champa boat." Iodem concluded. They had reached the stairs of the mayor's house and stopped.
"Yeah," the guard agreed. "But only one body was found along the beachside. He was a strange, blue haired man. He didn't seem to say much, but we know he's from Champa." The guard turned around and began to walk up the stairs. He turned again. "Wait here you two."
The two stood there quietly thinking. Isaac had his arms crossed, whilst Iodem began to pace back and forth.
"Master Isaac. Why have we travelled this far south? What business do we have here, and with this Mayor?"
Isaac was deep in thought, not listening to a word he said. In all honesty, Isaac's traveling plans were always based on instinct.
The guard returned down the stairs, shaking his head. "I regret to inform you that the mayor is still tired from his excursion, and will not be able to meet with you. However he would be more than happy to talk tomorrow."
Iodem nodded to the guard, then began to ask him where the inn was. The two conversed awhile, until curiosity got the better of Isaac.
"This blue haired man you speak of. Was he dead?"
"Huh? No, he's imprisoned in our jail. Has been for nearly two months. In fact, that was the reason the mayor travelled to Alhafra. The prisoner kept on insisting that he wasn't a pirate, and that he had a ship of his own. He claims that it was stolen from him at sea, a forceful exchange of boats. He says that his original ship was grand, with no oars, and a dragons head out front."
"In jail you say…"
"Yeah, the mayor journeyed to Alhafra in search of this boat and any evidence of the prisoner's innocence. He also looked for Briggs. No boat or Briggs, but he did find one pirate. He got away of course, which is why we believe that they're still out there waiting. The mayor's son believes they will return and try to break the prisoner out, like they did Briggs. That's why we're always suspicious of newcomers, as well as why we inspected you at the gates."
"Hold on, so is this blue haired man innocent or not?" Iodem queried.
"No way! I mean in the early days a few thought he was innocent. But as day-by-day passed, those feelings were lost. Especially when the mayor returned empty handed, and with suspicions of pirates still."
Isaac continued to look around, allowing Iodem to once again inquire as to where the inn was.
When the discussion was over, Iodem and the guard began to return to the gates. Isaac wasn't with them. The servant of Babi turned around just in time to catch a glimpse of the blonde haired adept head in the other direction.
"Master Isaac?"
"Iodem, I must tend to some business… You can fetch the others at the gate on your own. I'll see you at the inn." the Valean said, gripping the hilt of a small sword that had been given to him that day. Isaac had a funny feeling deep down inside. A blue haired man, out at sea… He knew very well who it was. Alex… It had to have been him…
"But Isaac…"
"Iodem, trust me on this…"
Iodem watched him walk away. He did not like this at all. Isaac was asking for blind trust far too often…
XXXXXThe Lemurian sat in his cell, in the darkest corner that he could find. All he had was his thoughts, the one thing to keep him company in his meditative days. He had appointed to himself a vow of silence, which he had upheld for a time.
And then a young man walked into the prison. Piers had never seen him before, probably a traveller. He had golden hair with a blue jacket. His gloves and belt were trimmed in red, and his head was wrapped tightly with a white band. The bandage concealed his eye under its fibered cotton.
He stood there at the bars, looking straight at Piers with a stern and disconcerting face…
XXXXXIsaac had entered the prison. In the first cell to the left were two men seeming as petty thieves. They looked like foreigners. However, the second cell was different.
In fact… it was empty. Isaac had a stern look on his face, wondering where 'the blue haired man' was. He leaned in on the bars thinking. The cell was actually clean, though the back walls were somewhat shrouded.
"Alex, where are you?" he questioned wonderingly. "What am I doing here… What am I doing here alone?" Isaac looked up to the ceiling.
Garet, Ivan, where can you be?
Oh Mia…
His chest sank with those thoughts, as he relieved his grip on his hilt, and then reached into his vest to pull out the black crystal that controlled their ship.
What am I going to do now? Does this mean that my dream was just a dream?
"That's mine!" the water adept yelled furiously. Anger flushed through Piers as he lunged out of the dark corner towards Isaac. Isaac pulled back fast, but was yanked forward by Piers' grip on his collar. The Valean's face slammed hard into the iron bars and remained forcefully pressed against them.
The blue haired man gripped Isaac's hand within his own, wrestling over the Lemurian orb.
"How dare you!"
"Alex?"
"Give it baaaaaack!"
It's not Alex…but his hair is blue. The dream?
Isaac released the orb, dropping it into the cell. Piers bent down and swiped it quickly. He held it close to his chest, still clutching onto Isaac.
The earth adept stood there against the bars, not fighting back at all. He was in shock. Moreover, his cheek was frost bitten against the cold metal, as if pasted. Even his legs were at a stand still, knees not moving at all.
Ice.
Fingers of ice began to creep up his thigh, chilling him with their advancement. Wet blue seeped through his pant legs. It was cold, too cold. Yet there he stood, helpless as the shards of ice grew to chest level, creeping at his forearms and neck. Soon, it had reached his face, hugging at his cheeks. From there it was a matter of seconds before Isaac disappeared in the shimmering glass like white and blue. He was stunned with the winter-like cold.
Isaac was completely frozen from head to toe, at all ends.
Retreat!
White spheres of psynergy danced before Piers, taking his attention away from the orb. They encircled the figure of ice, and in a blink of an eye, all disappeared.
"What was that?" Piers asked, as all grew silent.
"Impressive." Isaac stepped out of hiding from behind the ice sculpture. His clothes were damp cold, but he seemed fine. He stood beside the now hollow ice portrayal, admiring its likeness of him.
"Not even Mia could do this…" he whispered, pulling at the shoulder of the empty 'Isaac statue'. It tipped over, shattering upon the floor like glass. "You're an adept." Piers fled back to his dark corner suddenly, Isaac barely getting a good look at him.
"And you're a thief!"
Isaac stood there waiting for the man to come out once again. "I'm no thief. But I am an adept as well."
There was a long awkward period of silence, with only the words of the other prisoners being heard. They were in disbelief at what they had seen and were arguing quietly, in fear that the two adepts would hear them.
And then Piers finally stepped out once again. The blue haired man looked somewhat odd. He had an exotic headdress that drooped down to the middle of his back, and had a short sleeved, greenish cerulean, coat-like vest. He was wearing shorts and had admiral boots.
His hair was long in a low ponytail, and he had matching cerulean coloured eyes. He was exceptionally clean overall, yet his cheeks had a dirty five o'clock shadow. He had a beard growing in, the hairs short and jagged, matching the colour of his bangs. It seemed as if he had been here for a long time.
Piers handed back the orb. "It's not mine. I… am sorry" he apologized.
"Just a few seconds ago you were sure that I was a thief. What changed your mind?"
Piers looked to the floor with his reply. "At the bottom there's an engraved tag. That's how each orb is distinguished from one another. This code was different from my own."
"Then you're from Lemuria aren't you?" the earth adept smiled. Piers turned his back on Isaac, not wanting to talk anymore. He did not trust any non-Lemurian. He had once, but they had all let him down. Conservato was right.
"If you're a Lemurain, then you probably don't have an interest in pirating huh," Isaac laughed in an attempt to make conversation. There was still no reply. "I believe that you're innocent." Piers turned around in curiosity watching him walk away.
"…Wait!"
A/N: And so enters Piers… But this time it seems like he's teamed up with Isaac instead. I do apologize though; it will take some time, as well as a lot more chapters before all the main characters are fitted into the story. Right now I'm simply focusing on Isaac, and Isaac alone. Karst, Piers and Jenna have been featured, but have not acquired any leading roles, YET. Still more development left in future events… Write me a review! Thanks!
Peace and good love