Captains Log, 10th day since 4th silver moon cycle.
It has been a while since I've last updated my Captains log, more specifically, since the crystal conflicts. I feel that perhaps this would be a good way to fully organized the thoughts that I've been having lately due to recent events.
We are currently traveling East to Yufatoma in search of sanctuary from brewing conflict. Quite honestly, I don't want to be in the way once the mid ocean explodes. As we travel east however, I can't help but feel somewhat guilty. Am I obligated to help stop the conflict which will undoubtedly erupt? Is it wrong to escape a problem that only I may be able to fix? None of my crewmates have condemned me on my possibly cowardly actions, so perhaps I have put to much pressure on myself; or perhaps I'm putting arcadia at risk.
With a contemplative sigh, Vyse placed his sailor's journal upon his bureau and lied flat upon his bed. Vyse was stressed out. With the conclusion of the crystal conflicts, Vyse had looked forward to a future of bliss out on the open skies. Also, Vyse was hoping for the chance to make the choice which had been hanging over his head ever since the odd girl in holy robes presented herself within his life. However, Vyse could feel that the moons did not hold a similar fate for him and his crew. The tides were once again bringing about wrongs that only he could right. Not only did he feel the obligation to confront an enemy of which he did not know, but his two closest friends were to be left in the dark as his heart continued to thirst.
Moving up towards the bridge, Vyse approached the wheel that Aika was currently controlling.
"Here you go, Vyse. I appreciate you letting me steer the Dawn for a while." Although she did not say it, Fina was somewhat upset to have to relinquish the wheel, "We're past the black rift and we'll be approaching Yufatoman airspace soon.
As Aika relinquished the wheel, Vyse stood to face the skies in front of him. However, as she walked towards her post, Vyse could not help the movement of his eyes, as he became enamored by her movement.
As quickly as his eyes locked did Vyse pull them away. No, she's a sister to me. With a deep breath and a renewed grasp upon the helm, Vyse maneuvered the dawn with ease through the open sky.
The open sea continued to berth an endless abyss and a myriad of clouds until the distinct walls of the eastern world came into view. With a sense of triumph, Vyse began his entry through the outer barrier and came in range of the Yufatoman capital.
"Okay, everyone, landing protocol. Prepare to dock." Vyse gave his generic order as his crew faithfully carried out their duty.
As the dawn approached the docks, Vyse and his female companions stood on the deck viewing the sight before them.
"It's surprising" Aika began, as she leaned over the dawn's edge, "it seems everything in the world has been changing. yet this area still seems the same. Perhaps we can finally kick back for a while, aye mister drama!" Aika playfully shouldered Vyse, who simply donned a confused smile.
"Drama! Come on, I've just been a little stressed, that's all."
"Whatever" Aika responded back, but under her breath continued the dialogue, "baby"
"Scarecrow!"
The pair's words quickly escalated into playful wrestling upon the deck. After a brief exchange amidst a collection of laughter, Vyse found himself pinned as Aika came out the victor.
"Losin' ya edge, huh softy?" Aika commented smugly as she remained on top.
"Thought I'd take it easy on ya, this time," Vyse replied in a desperate attempt to justify his loss, "Besides, a gentleman would never hurt a woman."
Fina looked on throughout the event, but without eyes of jealousy. She simply took joy in the happiness of her friends and in the relationships that they shared.
"I hate to, ummm.., interrupt, but Vyse, you need to see something."
Freeing himself from Aika's clutches, Vyse arose and stood beside Fina, who instructed him to look out into the skies around them.
"Notice the traffic flowing into Yufatoma." Fina said with a concerned tone, "we seem to be one of the only vessels in the area. This is norally a booming center of trade; Something doesn't seem right."
"I'm sure it's nothing," Vyse assured her, "Come on, let's enjoy this time, Fina. We don't need to worry about anything. Trust me.
Fina's drew a smile as she looked back at Vyse, "Okay, but I still feel that something is different."
The dawn made its way into the Yufatoman docks as a collection of soldiers began to amass as the vessel's projected landing point. Once the ship came to a halt, the three made their way down the docking ramp and onto terra firma. Upon the steps onto dry land, Yufatoman guards quickly addressed them.
Out of the group, one soldier stepped forward, and bowed with respect before Vyse and his two companions. "When we first saw your ship approaching, we weren't sure if it was truly you. Whatever your reasons for returning, we are grateful that you have decided to come back."
"It is a pleasure to be here, trust me." Vyse responded back, while he attempted to return the polite bow.
"I know you must be eager to get going, defeaters of galcian, but you are to be informed that King Daigo has requested an audience with you. He has been anxiously awaiting you're return
The tri shared confused looks amongst themselves, but soon concluded that the king must only want a simple meeting to reunite with old friends. "No problem," Vyse spoke out, "We'll meet him at any time."
"The king requests your presence now, follow me". With that, the three left the docks and headed towards the palace.
As he walked through the city, Vyse looked over his surroundings, and to his surprise, Yufatoma seemed virtually unchanged. Children frolicked happily along the shores of the lakes, and the citizens happily went about with their daily tasks. With all the chaos that the rest of the world was in, it was good to see that there were at least some places that remained tranquil.
"This way." The guard escorted the group onto a sky lift that would bring them to the upper island upon which the palace stood.
"Man, I sure hope the king has prepared a feast for us again" Aika commented as the lift continued upward, "Polly's a great cook and all, but even she can't match the food here."
"I agree, its been to long since we last indulged in this land's fine cuisine," Fina shared in Aika's hunger, and the two together fantasized about the possible dishes that would be laid before them.
Their reveries were quickly shattered as the lift came to a sudden halt, as the soldier gave the order to move forward. They quickly stepped off transport and walked along the narrow passage leading to the royal palace. As they approached the front entrance, the royal guards stepped to the side and permitted the group to enter.
With Vyse at the front, the trio entered into an open throne room, and before the group was able to fully to take in their new surroundings, Daigo rose from his seat of honor from across the chamber to greet his visitors.
"Vyse!" Daigo excitedly announced upon seeing his old ally enter his palace. "Even when my guards informed me of your arrival I was hesitant to believe. It is great to see you here, as well as your two beautiful companions."
"Our pleasure" Fina politely remarked in synergy with her trademark bow.
"It's great to see you Daigo," Aika quickly commented, "Umm, you wouldn't happen to want to talk over lunch, would ya?"
"Aika!" Vyse quickly interjected with a loud whisper, "come on, don't be rude."
Daigo simply laughed, not at all phased by Aika's apparent lack of tact, "Of course, of course, I do want to be a good host, after all. Come, my servants will fetch you the finest Yufatoman tunics and dresses, and we will then depart to a fine restaurant set upon the city's central lake.
Upon his command Daigo's handmaidens entered the room and escorted the three to separate quarters to change clothes and to be catered to. Vyse was the first to immerge from the treatment, with a fine, blue silk robe with elaborate decorations along the sides. Aika and Fina returned both wearing brilliant white dresses with lacquered chopstick supporting an oriental hair style. With that, Daigo escorted his guests to into the city.
The group arrived at the tea house a bit later, and a waitress quickly addressed them.
"King Daigo, what an honor it is for you to grace our humble bistro with your presence. And Vyse the Great, as well! Please, I will lead you to the royal private section in the back room. Follow me."
The server quickly escorted and Vyse and his companions to a table separated from the rest by a paper barrier. Within minutes, the waitress returned with a full platter of oriental dumplings accompanied by a colorful array of exotic fish and vegetables which create an edible tour de force upon the table.
"Wow," Aika uttered while staring with awe at the platter, "we don't have anything like this back on crescent isle"
The group then proceeded to feast, and together they enjoyed the meal with a spirit of jubilation and relaxation. Though all were currently stressed by continued troubles, for a time, that all melted away.
"We are very grateful for this, Daigo." Fina commented, as she finished her meal.
"Please, it is my pleasure," Daigo paused, and with looked contemplatively downward, "I wan you to enjoy this time in Yufatoma, but I do fear that our peace may not endure."
With that moment, the group's vibe quickly turned from joyous to concerned, as the festivity quickly died.
You're kidding me. I sail here looking for relaxation and an escape from a chaotic world, and now it looks like I've only ran into more trouble for me to deal with.
Daigo continues with an explanation to his assumption "I'm sure you noticed oon yor way in the lack of other vessels sailing our airspace, correct?"
"Of course," Fina quickly answered, "I feared that something was indeed wrong."
"You're right to think that. You see, after the battle with Galician, my fleets were severely decimated, and we did not have nearly enough ships to properly monitor our airspace. As a result, countless pirate attacks have occurred on unarmed vessels on route to our capital. Trade as since been dead, and our agricultural colonies on the outskirts of our territory have nearly fell out of contact. You weren't attacked because they most likely fear you, but they do not hesitate to attack the defenseless."
"Black pirates have always been cowards, Daigo, you know this." Aika made her comment while trying to make sense of the situation.
"I know, but their attacks don't seem like isolated strikes. I fear that they may in fact be coordinated, and that an alliance may be standing."
"An alliance, Daigo?" Vyse asked in confusion, "If this is true, what could it possibly be centered around? Who could be coordinating them?"
Daigo quickly replied, "Upon my instatement as king, Kangan and Marauji were hence sent to Exile island in isolation for their treason against our kingdom. During their exile, I believe the two have been gathering pirate forces from throughout the eastern skies in an attempt to suffocate our nation into surrender so that they may soon return to gain power."
He stopped, and gathered the tenacity needed for his next words. "Vyse, I truly hate to place you in the middle of this, but I do not have the man power to end this threat, and I fear you are Yufatoma's only hope in eradication this foes. Please, sail to Exile Island and do what must be done. "
Vyse paused and pondered the thought. He was now convinced that it was his duty to stare down these problems he'd been trying to elude, and that this was his place to begin his battle against this new evil. "Very well, Daigo. Your people were the backbone of my forces against Galcian, and this is my chance to return the favor back to the Yufatomans. I will free your country just as yours helped to free the world."
Aika and Fina sat by and were greatly pleased with what they saw. For the first time in a while, Vyse seemed to be displaying his characteristic bravery and courage, and his passion and conviction caused confidence and will to flow off of him. Vyse had been acting strangely since the battle of Soltis, and the two were glad to see his true self return.
"Don't worry, Daigo, those chumps won't know what hit him." Aika proudly assured the distressed king, "We'll leave immediately if you want".
"I knew I could count on you, Vyse, your heroic spirit seems to never die. I have a special vessel similar to the one you used in last trip to Exile Island for you to use. I would send you some soldiers to assist you, but I barely have enough to maintain as it is. Come, I'll have my servants bring your clothes and equipment to the ship. We should head their now."
With that, the group left for their vessel. When they arrived, Vyse, Aika and Fina quickly suited up and readied their ship's engines. With a short goodbye, the three shot upwards into the sky.
Vyse took hold of his blades, looking over them carefully with pride as a mother admires their children. Though he'd taken an absence from true battle for over a year ( aside from his encounter with Vigoro), and was strangely eager for battle.
Aika approached Vyse as he further prepared himself for the upcoming conflict, "Were going to land within the minute, Vyse. Getting pumped up before the fight?"
Vyse took a deep breath, focusing his strength and sheathed his blades, "I'll be fine. Aika, I need you and Fina to stand directly behind the main door, and don't open it once we dock. Trust me on this one."
Aika simply nodded, and the vessel came to a stop and the three packed themselves tightly behind the closed boarding hatch.
Upon their arrival, a small group of armed men, clothed in tattered eastern silk armors, traveled down the island's long walkway to investigate the vessel. With weapons drawn, the group gathered around the ship's front entry hatch.
"Yufatoman spies! Show yourselves!" One of the soldiers spoke out loudly with his weapons readied.
And with that, an amazing burst of magic and energy came from behind the steel door, blasting the entry open and violently thrashing the men aside onto the ground, leaving them barely conscious. When the smoke cleared, it revealed Vyse, flanked by Aika and Fina, all holding their hands which had birthed the power outward.
The three stepped onto the Island, with Vyse at the head, who stepped up to one of the pirates who remained dazed upon the ground. Vyse stood over the man and looked down smugly, "We're here".
The trio continued up the walkway, but surprisingly faced no resistance. All sentinels along the path fled upon seeing the group and fortified themselves within the temple.
"Wow, to think, Yufatoma is near collapse cause of these cowards?" Aika quizzically stated as she saw her foes yield.
"They aren't running out of fear, Aika," Fina stated, "No, they are looking to fight us, but not here in the open."
"Well let's not keep them waiting," Vyse firmly stated as he sprinted off towards the top.
With no one standing before, The trio made their way through the Island to the doors of the inner temple. With reassuring nods to each other, the three opened the doors and entered the shrine.
The shrine itself was true architectural wonder, adorned with decorative statues and murals depicting Yufatoma Gods and legends. Behind the central alter lay a detailed depiction of Bluehiem, bringing about its cleansing wings upon the demons of he east. AS the doors opened, Vyse, Aika and Fina scanned their surroundings, and with hesitant steps, moved forward, as the small lanterns along the walls through little light within the sanctuary. It was not after only a few movements that the three were haltered by a voice of admonishment from the shadows.
"Ah, Vyse the legend, coming on behalf of Daigo, the so called king of Yufatoma. A pleasure.
"Show yourself, coward! Come out of the darkness!" Vyse demanded strongly as reached for his blade.
"Why, so that I may be struck down?" The unknown voice responded, echoing and reverberating throughout the shrine, "In darkness I shall remain, as you shall in confusion."
"Moons! Reveal my enemy!" Fina pleaded to the skies, and with that, a silvery light broke forth from her being, and illuminated the room with beauty and clarity. At the far end of the chamber stood Kangan, surrounded by his elite guards, shielding his eyes.
"Vyse, we really can't beat up an old man, can we? Aika asked this as she pitied the state of their enemy, "I don't want to break his hip or anything"
"FOOLS!" Kangan's voice boomed throughout the chamber, but garnered little respect from the three. "My guards shall dispose of you!"
The men flanking Kangan immediately drew their blades and charged. As they moved forward, Aika and Fina started forward, but Vyse quickly halted their movement.
"No, stay back. I got em''" Vyse stretched his arms to his sides to keep Aika and Fina back.
"Vyse, you Can't….." Fina cried out in desperation, but Vyse was already in the fray.
Despite being outnumbered and having been separated fro combat for so long, Vyse swung his blades with grace and power as he moved swiftly through the hostile crowd. As he darted through the fray, his mighty blades struck down his enemies, as one by one they fell as Vyse moved through them unharmed. Kangan could only look on in horror as Vyse stood alone, power coursing through him as the guards lay dead at his feat.
"It's time, Kangan" Vyse started to walk forward, with Fina and Aika now at his sides. Kangan, in fear, cowered into the corner as Vyse placed his blade in front of him."
"In the name of Yufatoma, You're under arrest, Kangan." Aika firmly stated as she looked down upon the pathetic foe."
Kangan stared back up at the three with contempt and malice, and was quickly losing his will to live. "Fools, how can you see your enemy so clearly, yet attack another. How can you know what is so precious to you, and still surrender it?" Kangan quietly unsheathed a dagger from beneath his sleeve as spoke, and readied for a strike. "Vyse, it must end like this."
Kangan quickly sprung forward and lunged for Vyse with his small blade. Before he could strike, however, he crumpled at Vyse's feat, a cutlass embedded within his flesh.
"Kangan, I'm sorry" Vyse could only apologize as the old man lay dead, with his blood on Vyse's blade.
The three left the temple, and Fina was quick to comfort her close friend.
"Vyse, you had to, he was evil, you know this."
"I know," Vyse responded back with little emotion, "I just wish it could have been different. But then again, I don't see how it could have been."
As the three entered back upon the main walkway, three spies down upon the socking area, ad noticed something a bit unsettling; their vessel has seemed to have been stolen, and a crowd of men stood upon the docking pad.
"You're kidding me." Vyse looked down in amazement as his luck failed him, 'Please tell me our ship isn't stolen."
"Just our luck," Aika added as she joined Vyse in his gaze.
"Those men down there are probably Yufatoman soldiers coming to our aid. We should go down there to meet them." Fina tried to be optimistic about the situation, but she like the others knew something was terribly wrong. "
The three moved down towards the crowd, and as they got close they realized that the men were wearing brown robes and appeared armed, as they reached them, a man with fiery crimson hair approached them. With his blade drawn, he began to speak."
"Vyse, MY name is Propher, grand admiral of the 1st Nasrean fleet. And in the name of highness, lord Vera, you and your companions are hereby under arrest."
"WHAT?" Vyse snapped back with great anger and surprise. "How….how are you here? What has happened?"
"My fleet has destroyed both the vessel you used to get to Exile Island as well as the one docked in Yufatoma. We have also seized the capital and are now in control of it's airspace. Lord Vera has deemed you a threat to Nasrean security and has asked for you to captured alive."
The three stood paralyzed in horror. Yufatoma had collapsed to Nasr, and the worst of Vyse's worries had come to pass.
"You monsters! I won't let you leave this Island alive!" Vyse's words held anger he hadn't felt since the destruction of crescent Isle, and he grasped his cutlasses with power fueled this contempt.
"You can attack me and my guards here, you can defeat us, but yet you will not win." Propher spoke with a stoic sense of confidence and invincibility. "The Yufatoman fleet has been ravaged and scattered; they will not come to your rescue. You will not leave this Island unless you come into custody."
Vyse closed his eyes and suppressed his anger. His enemy was right. He was truly trapped.
"Vyse, we have no choice," Fina quietly rationalized with Vyse, fearing more bloodshed, "Surrender"
"She's right Vyse, come'on." Aika seconded Fina's claim, and with a playfull elbow, tried to lighten the situation. "I mean, it's not like we haven't broke out of jail before."
Vyse wisely took the advice of his companions, and surrendered himself as well as Aika and Fina.
"Excellent," Propher quickly called upon his guards, who disarmed and detained the three and brought them upon a Nasrean cruiser that recently docked. Together they were escorted to the brig and placed in separate cells. Nasr had finally made its move, just as Vyse had foreseen. Now, he could not run anymore; the Nasrean Wars had begun.