Fivefold Star

by Dantaron

At the end of the Golden Age, five Adepts swore an oath to fight for the future of Weyard. Their names remain an echo unto the present age... Dullahan, Sentinel, Valukar, Star Magician, and the Wise One... this is their story. [Memoria Series]

13. The Wrath of the Summons

Chapter 13: The Wrath of the Summons

Part I: Tragedy Averted

The phantom shapes glared at them, indistinct and hazy. Then, with a collective cry, the Spirits all blazed with incredible speed and disappeared from their view in seconds. It began to rain softly, almost as if the world was weeping at the Spirits betrayal.

The Fivefold breathed a sigh of relief. "That was too close…" Maris whispered.

Aleos shook his head. "Weyard is in danger…" He said sadly. "More so than ever before…"

Orior rose, suddenly determined. "Then we will save it," he said, gritting his teeth. "Even from the Spirits. We defeated Regnoare. We can't stop now. More or less, the Spirits assault is our fault. We must right our wrongs…" He sheathed Auraleo. "We will finish this."

Shamira climbed to her feet. "No matter the cost."

Cinaed rose slowly from the ground, and the tears that flowed from his eyes were indiscernible from the rain that wet his face. "Even if it means our lives…"

Aleos looked around at them. "There is nothing more for us. We accomplish this last thing, Fivefold, and then we can rest. For now… let's go to Vale. And deliver the Elemental Stars there, until Regnoare is defeated. But first… let's rest. We'll need it, after that battle."

The Fivefold arrayed their cloaks like blankets, and settled down on the forlorn Mars Aerie, and slept the night away.

---

With the dawn of a new day, the Fivefold cast Volatilis, and sprung into the skies, heading southward to Vale.

As the winds from their passage stopped stirring, all was silent. Only a faint crackling from the abyss could be heard, and the snow as it swept over the icy plain that once was Prox. Then, something shivered. The ice trembled.

It began to glow red in its heart, and vapours rose from the surface, and there was a gargantuan explosion as twenty-four Dragoons cast Supernova. Shards of ice exploded over the frozen plain as fire erupted upwards, melting the sides and revealing a dome of ruby beneath.

A man in white and red armour stepped out, picking his way carefully over the jagged ice. "Well, we made it," he called back.

Slowly, groaning, other Proxians climbed out of the hole, many rubbing their helms as if with a headache. One of them, a woman, wore armour of violet dappled with red. She took off her helmet and shook out volumes of violet-red hair, and her skin was a soft purple. "What happened to cause this?"

Another crawled out, his brown and green armour wet from melted ice. "Regnoare happened," he said with scorn. "Can't you tell?"

The draconigena nodded sadly. "Yes. But that doesn't matter. Prox will never be the sane… I think we should leave it. I believe we should relocate: remove the Dragon's Gate, and build Prox there. In the Weyard without any Lighthouses lit, it will be much colder, and our Mars Element is weakened. Without the power of Alchemy, we will no longer be able to sustain our grand city." He looked saddened. "The pass between the mountains will provide ample protection from the freezing wind. But that is a goal for the long term," he said, looking at the frozen city of Prox below his feet. "For now, let's see who we can free from this ice. Let us call our dragons," he said, and whistled.

With a chaotic scream, dragons hurtled down from the sky and crashed into the ice, throwing up shards. The Dragoons ran to their dragons, uttering words of assurance.

The Paladin stood beside his dragon, a majestic being of white scales striped with red. "Now," he said, turning to the other Proxians and holding them all in thrall. "Let's see who we can free from this ice." As one, dragon and dragoon alike turned and began to clear away the ice with breath and Psynergy.

The world was changed. Alchemy no longer filled Weyard's veins with the pulse of life. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars… all sealed, all gone.

The sky, once such a lavish blue/violet that at the very sight of it one's heart would swell, and as the breeze caressed them, they were comforted.

No more. The sky was a pale blue now, and the winds that blew were harsh and unforgiving, cutting through armour and to the skin. It was as if the chill north winds had descended and covered the entire world. Pale, and seemingly dead was the sky now.

The sea. Day by day, it would grow colder without the power of Mercury to strengthen it. The fish, unused to the cold temperature, fled the waters and escaped down south, where it was warmer. Villages struggled to survive.

Psynergy all around was weak and easily depleted. Darkness crept in on their souls…

The air grew considerably warmer as the humbled Fivefold flew south, missing their companion Zelexseon and Cinaed missing his dragon. They saw the Alpha Range rise up ahead, and readied themselves for the arduous journey. Alpha was the longest and tallest range in the world, and even by air it was difficult to cross.

But… somehow, the chain looked mournful. The rocks, bleak and lacklustre. The fire was gone out of them.

The Fivefold flew through the maintain, noticing the drain of Volatilis was more than was normal. It felt like that ringing that you sometimes heard in your ear, though there was nothing there. It was like having a minor headache in every waking moment of flight. It was, suffice to say, irritating.

Shamira scratched her head, annoyed. "Confounded Volatilis. Confounded seal! I swear, when this is over; we're unsealing the Lighthouses. Quickly."

Aleos nodded. "Let's hope we'll still be around to do that."

At these ominous words, a moody silence fell over the Adepts as they flew towards the Alpha mountains. The mountains, normally glinting with a hint of yellow, were a dull grey through and through.

"Odd," Orior commented as they passed into the shadow of the mountains. "They seem… sleeping…"

"It's the seal on Alchemy," Aleos explained. "It's beginning to drain Alchemy from all things. In maybe a decade at most, it will be all but gone from the world. Hopefully, it will be rekindled by then."

"And hopefully…" Shamira added sarcastically, "we will be alive to see it."

Maris shook her head. "Rargh! Stop being so gloomy!" She fumed, and flew a bit ahead.

Grrrak. Rumbmembmabmem- CRASH! With a noise like churning sand, a great boulder dislodged from the high peak above them and plummeted to the ground, spinning as it descended. But there was a certain blue-haired Imilian in the way.

Orior felt a faint tingling on the back of his neck and looked up, saw the boulder, and acted. Taking the wings of Volatilis to the limit, he dashed forward and tackled Maris out of the way, mere moments before the boulder plunged where she had been flying. It crashed into the earth with a colossal smash, throwing up great clouds of dust and pieces of rock. Orior held the unconscious Imilian in his arms: it appeared she had fainted, her blue Psynergy wings failing. He hoped it wasn't his doing.

He breathed a sigh of relief, and felt a armoured hand touch his shoulder. He spun around, and saw Cinaed hovering beside him. "I'll take her," he said, thanking him with his eyes.

Orior shifted the Mercury Adept carefully to the Proxian, who clasped her lightly to his chest with one arm. "You have my thanks, Orior." Cinaed said.

Orior shook his head. "You're welcome… but… it's odd. I should've sensed the disturbance in Venus long before that boulder fell. As it was, I didn't sense it until it was almost too late."

Aleos flew up beside them. "Well, thankfully, the seal has not yet dulled Orior's senses. It may soon though, affect us all. Let's hurry to Vale, and pray we don't encounter a Spirit."

"Amen to that," Cinaed said, and shifted Maris in his arms to make her comfier.

The rest of the journey through Alpha was more or less uneventful. Along the way, Maris woke up from the depths of unconsciousness, but said nothing for a few minutes, electing instead to rest and lean against the Proxian's massive chest, listening to his heart beat powerfully as he flapped the Psynergy wings. Then, feeling it would be best not push her luck, she let out a small groan.

Cinaed smiled and loosened his grip, allowing her to move back so he could look at her. "Awake, dear Imilian?"

Maris raised one hand and rubbed her eyes, and pushed her hair away from her face. "Yes. What happened?"

Cinaed's expression darkened. "You were almost crushed to death by a boulder." Seeing Maris pale, he went on. "Our Venusian friend here," he said with a nod to Orior, who was flying beside them, "sensed it and pushed you aside, saving your life. I've been carrying you since, since Proxians are naturally so much stronger than Lilyverans."

Orior growled. "I heard that, Mars."

Cinaed laughed, a deep bass rumble that echoed in his chest. "You were meant to, Venus." He looked back down at Maris, his eyes suddenly full of concern. "Are you okay? Can you fly?"

Maris pulled back a bit more, and took inventory. "Head, bit of a ache but okay. Arms, asleep. Legs, okay. Shoulder blades… sore, but otherwise okay." She took a deep breath and said slowly, "I think so…"

Cinaed nodded. "Let's try then." He relinquished his grip but kept his arm nearby, ready to grab Maris if she fell.

Shakily, she cast Volatilis and the familiar blue wings sprung into existence. She dropped a few metres, but then the wings caught the wind and filled, lifting her back up. She experimentally flapped twice before resuming a steady flight, and nodded. "I'm okay."

"Good," Cinaed said, and backed away to give her some space. The Fivefold resumed flying in silence, and after a while breached the end of the Alpha Range. And gasped with surprise.

Mount Aleph was spewing out lava, sending such a vast cloud of black dust into the air that it was a wonder they hadn't noticed it before. Lightning flashed within, and a hissing acrid rain began to fall. The lava began to roll down the mountainsides, painting them red with fire. Earthquakes were ripping the land apart, tearing down huge pieces of the ruins of Vale. The mountain itself was no longer had its majestic golden glow, but a faint yellow-grey that looked sickly in comparison. Below, figures ran madly through the streets, seeking some way to escape the eruption.

Maris, her eyes wide with distress, flew over to Aleos, who was deep in shook. She shook his shoulders, trying to get his attention. "Aleos! This is our doing. Without Alchemy to control it, Aleph is erupting! We need to do something!" Then she got an idea, and she shook him again. "Aleos, wait! The Mercury Star! It can balance the force of the eruption and stop it!"

Aleos remained doubtful. "If it's strong enough…" He said, yet nonetheless brought out the mythril bag containing their first Star.

Maris sighed with exasperation. "Don't underestimate Mercury!" She cried, and with one quick gesture took the Star. She flew off a bit and took a deep breath before bringing out the Star.

It was as beautiful as always, despite being painted red by the glow of the rupting volcano. Maris clasped it, and seemed to feel a cold aura radiating from the Star. "Come on, Mercury… do something!" Nothing happened. "I forged you, please do something!" Nothing. "Maybe I have to pray…"

She clasped the Star directly in front of her with both hands. "O, Mercury, Goddess of my people. Answer my prayer, save this city from distress and calm this enraged mountain. Star of Mercury, star of might, bequeath your power on me to relieve this suffering. Star of my Clan… light!"

The Star of Mercury suddenly shone a brilliant and serene blue, driving back the angry clouds and piercing them with its rays. The rays swept Mount Aleph, painting it a soft blue colour. Then, slowly, the mountain began to quiet, and the lava stopped flowing and cooled. The clouds thinned and dispersed, leaving the sky clear. A second ray emerged and scanned the mountain, anointing it with a sacred blue light from head to toe, and Aleph stopped quivering. Yet the Fivefold could sense that the eruption was not stopped, merely restrained by a force greater than it and ready to break out the moment it lifted.

Maris flew back to Aleos, breathless. "There has to be a long-term solution to this… I can't keep this up forever!"

Aleos was thoughtful. "Perhaps… where else would be more fitting and worthy? Fivefold!" He called, and the Adepts swept closer. He took a deep breath. "We shall seal the Elemental Stars in Mount Aleph itself, origin of Alchemy and oldest peak of the world. For what is more fitting?" Amid the first nods of approval, he went on, "Not only that, it will halt the eruption and save several Adepts much grief. But where in Aleph to seal them…?"

Shamira spoke up softly. "Sol Sanctum…"

Aleos seemed awed. "Yes… it's perfect. Let's go see if the Sanctum is unharmed by the eruption… hopefully, we can still enter."

The Fivefold flew down and landed softly on the foothills of the blue-tinged mountain, feeling the tremors that threatened to wrack the mountain once again. There, in front of them, miraculously unharmed by the lava flow, was the entrance to Sol Sanctum.

A flat marble disk was inlaid before the door on stones of cobbled aqua, a small hole carved in the middle. Another ring was carved near the outside, forming the insignia of Sol. Making a sentinel-like semicircle around this insignia were four statues, likewise of white marble. They had high-rounded foreheads and pointed ears, and were as perfect as the day they were carved. Some speculate why Argyros carved them, but the most logical reason is to honour his four companions, who fought with him against Gazimonus two thousand years ago: Pelagius, founder of Imil; Leorean, planter of the Tree; Yegelos, builder of Anemos; and Vladimir, master of Prox.

Behind these ancient statues, two flights of stairs rose to meet the entrance to the Sanctum. The great door, carved with rays like the sun, was flanked on each side by marble pillars that seemed a part of the mountain itself, and o0rnate panels of stone were placed between the pillars and the double door of the Sanctum. Nodding to each other, the Fivefold entered, the Star of Mercury still shining as it held back the eruption.

The next room was a simple hallway, built of the softly luminescent stones that the interior of Sol Sanctum was constructed of. Small candles, burning eternally with Alchemy, were now beginning to sputter as Alchemy died, casting flickering shadows across the room. With a cautious glance at the candles, the Fivefold passed on.

The next room was a myriad scattering of pillars, rising gloomily from a glittering pool of water. They seemed haphazard, but the Fivefold soon saw that if one hopped carefully, crossing would be easy. They jumped from block to block, and crossed over.

They entered the next room, a majestic hallway. The floor was a soft blue in colour, perfectly reflective, like a mirror. It was made of interlocking plates of a smooth blue stone. On the wall, pillars of white stone were carved with diagonal lines to accent their roundness, and between them a double arch was carved. That is, an arch that finishes and instantly starts in another arch. A small column was built between the two arches, and on it a blue flame of Alchemy struggled to shine. Minotaur reliefs were carved on the wall, gazing with empty sockets at the travellers. The air hummed with the buzz of Psynergy, despite the seal on Alchemy. Sparing no time, the Fivefold passed into the next room.

It was another water room, the shifting liquid dappled with the flickering candlelight of the Sanctum. Across the room, three doors yawned wide, promising new things to all who entered. Aleos, being the most familiar with his ancestor's sanctum, shook his head and pointed to the left door. Agreed, the Fivefold hopped across and travelled through a short hallway of cobbled brown stone and interlocking tile walls that gave off a faint light. The floor itself glowed a mysterious green in some places, a sign of Venus at work. Walking respectfully, the Fivefold passed through from the final room of the Commoner's Sanctum, as it was called.

Their eyes blinked in surprise when they saw the next room. The floor had transformed in design, from cobbled stone to a regal tile of violet and silver, the colours of royalty and the Void, respectfully. Stern statures of Paladins lined the hall, carved of white stone with a great sword pointing to their feet, placed firmly in the base by its tip. The walls were a faintly glowing blue, interlocked perfectly and topped with arches of the same material. Rounded pillars of the same stone descended from above and stopped just above the statues, melding with their heads to form a flawless design. And, of course, the room was lit by the red glow of Alchemy torches.

But that was not the strangest thing.

It seemed that some fireflies had entered into this first room of the Majestic Sanctum. Countless specks of light swirled in the air, darting about with boundless energy. Some merely hummed along, as if deep in thought. The Fivefold could see there were four distinct colours: yellow, red, blue, and violet. The Elements.

The Fivefold watched, entranced at this aerial dance. The room hummed with Psynergetic power. To their surprise, they heard a telepathic voice in their heads:

"It's them! It's them! There're here!" the voice was high-pitched and excited.

"Calm down, Waft. Don't let your anticipation control you." The voice seemed older, deeper, and more solemn.

"No, she's right, Gasp! Look!" Two fireflies had stopped moving and were staring at them, one violet, and one yellow.

"I didn't ask you, Flower. As if they would arrive here… how long have we been waiting? Weeks? Months? As if the Fivefold would be- AH!" The violet firefly had finally noticed them. "Fivefold!"

"What?" A multitude of voices chorused, and suddenly every firefly seemed to be staring at them. Then every voice seemed to talk at once.

"Wow! They're here!"

"You have no idea how long we've been waiting…"

"Don't spoil the moment, Fugue." A calm voice scolded. "I'm Spring. Pleased to meetcha."

"I'm hungry…"

"You can't be hungry, Flint, we don't eat," an exasperated voice said. "My name is Fizz, Fivefold."

Aleos stepped forward, respectful. "I am Aleos Argentum, Descendant of Argyros."

Following suit, the others stepped forward. "Orior Solion."

"Shamira Skyshroud."

"Maris Aquarius."

"Cinaed Dracoia."

"Pleased to meet you!" The fireflies chorused.

Aleos seemed a bit perplexed. "I don't mean to be rude, but what… are you?"

A yellow firefly flew over and hovered in front of the Void Adept. "The error is ours, Aleos, for not introducing ourselves. We," the firefly seemed to swell up, "are Djinn, creatures of the Elemental Gods. In the coming Dim Age, we shall help to ensure that Alchemy does not fail entirely. Also, as the Elemental Stars will provide Alchemy to the world, we will provide it to the Adepts."

Aleos seemed confused. "But… we will relight the Lighthouses once Regnoare is defeated…"

"No." The Djinni answered. "You will find that circumstances beyond your control will prevent you. Nonetheless," the spirit went on, "it is too late to turn back now, and your path is set. We shall guide you through Sol Sanctum and assist you in crafting a chamber for the Elemental Stars. Fivefold, I am known as Bane, the leader of the Venus Djinn." Bane turned back to the others. "Shall we reveal ourselves?"

A red Djinni nodded. "Why not? There's no reason to hide."

The Fivefold watched in amazement as the firefly-like Djinn swirled around, and each descended towards the ground. As they touched down, they glowed more brightly and shifted shape.

Like a coloured rain, the fireflies descended and gained form, and with a flash of light the Fivefold found themselves facing seventy-two Elemental spirits, each one gazing at them with luminous eyes.

The Mars Djinn were of the colour of the flame, a deep yellow on the belly, overlaid with an armour of flaming red. They were tall and slender with no arms, but long feet attached directly to their lower bodies, kangaroo-like. They had long, plumed tails like a phoenix, deep red at the base and lightening to a sun-gold. Their heads seemed almost helm-like, in two parts. A smaller, lower jaw of gold reached up to meet with a large head of red, topped by two horns and sweeping back in a two-pronged headdress. Where the two plates of yellow and red met, there was left a thin line of black that curled around to the sides of their head, where sky-blue eyes shone with a sacred fire.

The Venus Djinn were short and stout, rotund in shape and heavily armoured. Their rounded beige-cream bodies were covered by a carapace of copper-brown on the back, heavily spiked with armour. The top of their heads were likewise armoured, and had the same black line where the two parts met. Navy blue eyes, spaced by less than the Mars Djinn, stared straight ahead. They had long ears, pointed and having a smaller spike halfway down. Their carapaces were plated, overlapping from top to bottom and ending in a scissor-like tail that opened and closed unconsciously. Their bellies hung down almost to the ground, with two strong-looking feet to hold it up placed on the sides.

The Jupiter Djinn hovered above the ground and were of two shades, white and lilac. Their foreheads were thrust forward, and low-slung. Their 'faces', if you could call them that, were mostly white, and two sky blue eyes shone from the black line, which was unusually low on the head. The upper part above the eyes faded to a deep lilac crest of feathers that swept high and backwards, helping to keep them aloft. They wore armour that seemed like a scarf, white in colour and protecting the neck. Emerging from this scarf was a pair of wings, light lilac in colour and beating with a constant motion. They had short, pointed tails emerging from a rounded body of deep lilac, and pointed feet of white. They were constantly in the air, and it looked like their feet couldn't support them if they landed.

Last but not least (for all the elements are equal) are the cerulean Mercury Djinn. A three-pronged crest, starting at their eyebrows and reaching past their head backwards, topped their heads. From below this helm-like protection peered two bright yellow eyes, aglow with Psynergy. The black line was wider than with the others, and the impression was of a clam with its shell half open and there was a smaller blue piece under this line, forming the lower part of the head and having two smaller spikes on the cheeks. These combined spikes gave their head a full frill, running all the way around their heads. Their bellies were a yellow-green in colour, and they had sturdy azure coloured feet. Their bodies were well shaped, oval. They had a long tail of magenta colour, with a crab claw at the end that opened and closed continuously.

For a few moments, no one spoke. Then Maris clapped her hands in approval. "They're so cute!"

"Well, if you don't mind me saying, I am rather good looking…" Said one of the Mars Djinni.

One of the Mercury Djinni hopped over and smacked him over the head with her claw. "You're so full of yourself, Flash!"

"You know you want me, Dew."

The Mercury Djinni smacked him three times on the head with a clenched tail. "That's for being arrogant smack this is for being conceited smack and THIS is for being a Mars Djinni smash."

The Mars Djinni collapsed, twitching, but managed to say weakly, "She likes me."

The Mercury Djinni harrumphed and hopped away.

The Fivefold tried hard to contain their grins. "So… uh… what are your names?" Aleos asked, trying to bring seriousness back into the conversation.

"Oh, have we not had the pleasure of an introduction?" Said one of the Mercury Djinni, cocking his head. "Serac. Though I think we should leave it to our eldest Djinn to introduce all of us," he continued, looking at four Djinni meaningfully.

A Jupiter Djinni nodded, his crest waving up and down. "Excellent point. Fivefold," he said, and began pointing to each Jupiter Djinn with a pointed toe, "meet Aroma, Blitz, Breath, Ether, Gale, Haze, Lull, Waft, Wheeze, Whorl, Breeze, Gust, Kite, Luff, Smog, Squall, and Zephyr. I am Gasp, eldest and chief of the Jupiter Djinn."

A Mercury Djinni stepped up next, and gestured to each of his kind with his tail. "Balm, Chill, Eddy, Fog, Gel, Rime, Serac, Sour, Spring, Steam, Dew, Fizz, Hail, Mist, Sleet, Spritz, and Tonic. I am Shade, eldest of Mercury's kind."

A Mars Djinni hopped forward, and indicated each Mars Djinni with a inclination of his head. "Cannon, Char, Coal, Core, Fugue, Kindle, Reflux, Shine, Spark, Tinder, Corona, Ember, Fever, Flash, Forge, Scorch, Torch. I am Fury, the leader of the Mars Djinn."

A Venus Djinni looked up, and named each of his kin. "Crystal, Echo, Flower, Geode, Iron, Meld, Mold, Mud, Petra, Salt, Steel, Flint, Granite, Ground, Quartz, Sap, Vine. I am Bane, patriarch of the Venus Djinn."

Aleos made a small bow. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Djinn. So, you will be aiding us in the placing of the Elemental Stars? Then we shall advance further into Sol Sanctum, if you don't mind," with that, he began walking forward. The Fivefold followed, and the Djinn fell into step beside them. They made a curious procession, five Adepts and seventy-two Djinn.

Gasp nodded. "You will find that if you move the rightmost statue, you will find your path."

Orior nodded. Together with Cinaed, they pushed the great paladin statue aside, revealing an open doorway. "This way,"the Jupiter Djinn said, and flew through the doorway.

The other Djinn, paused for a moment, all leapt to the air and became flying points of light again. A yellow one flew closer to the Fivefold. "Gasp will be your guide. It is a waste of space to have us all walked with you,"Bane said, and it seemed the four elemental leaders had been chosen to speak for all Djinn.

Gasp was waiting for them in the small room beyond. He nodded, and flew up the next staircase, hardly giving them time to breath.

The next room was a vast interweaving web of corridors and halls that doubled back on one another and led to dead ends. It was a labyrinthine maze.

Fortunately, Gasp was there to guide them, as well as the other Djinn. Knowing Sol Sanctum by heart, they led them on the proper path, first left, then straight through when the path forked into three, and then left down a discreet side passage. At last, they stood before a solitary door in the wall.

Maris breathed a sigh of relief. "That could've been such a headache to find our way through. Luckily we had the Djinn to guide us," a sentiment the other Fivefold soon echoed, much to the pleasure of the Djinn.

"Don't mention it," Geode said nonchalantly.

The Fivefold and their storm of Djinn walked through the door, and found themselves facing a daunting sight.

It was a statue room like before, lined with Paladins. Just in front of them flowed a stream, barred by natural boundaries to bisect the room laterally, tiles protruded onto the water, each one facing a stern Paladin statue. These statues were placed in small alcoves between by the pillars that descended from the ceiling on the other side of the room. That seemed to be all the room held, there was no door to be seen.

Gasp flew thoughtfully from one end of the room to the other, and then stopped at the easternmost statue. The Fivefold walked over. "Move this,"Gaps was saying, and jabbed his foot at the statue, "and you'll find the door."

Smiling, Cinaed stepped up and cast Move. A Psynergetic hand emerged and wrapped around the statue, then slowly moved it aside, leaving a door just as Gasp had said. With a nod of thanks to the venerable Djinni, the Fivefold hopped the stream and entered the door.

After a short hallway, the winding passages straightened and drove straight forward. The floor changed design from mottled brown stone to the regal violet and silver of Argyros. They had come to the heart of the Sanctum.

Four statues stood arranged in a rectangle, angels by nature. Marble wings lay furled on their back, and in their hands was clasped a mirror of crystal, reflecting the ethereal light on the floor and bringing light to a beautifully mural of Sol. It featured Sol in all her splendid glory, surrounded by a ring of violet tile and then a silver one, encircled at last by a violet one.

The Fivefold marvelled at the design, and the Djinn were suddenly silent, awed by the presence of Sol's glory. It seemed the type of room that would be fitting to have an angel choir to accompany it.

"Wow…" Aleos breathed, and approached one of the statues. He ran a hand along its robe, but a sharp voice scolded him.

"Aleos, show some respect! These are the sacred statues of Sol, crafted by Argyros himself."Spritz said.

"And don't you think that I, his descendant, have the right to touch them?" He retorted, but drew back nonetheless.

Shade looked ruffled. "I think we should be moving,"he said with the iciness that only Mercury can manage. Aleos bowed to the blue firefly, acknowledging his arrogance.

The Fivefold with their Djinn cloud, walked down the only path: a pass to the right of the room. Maris took one last look at the Sol emblem on the floor. "Sol, be with us all," she said softly.

Whereas the last room owned the lit brightness of Sol, this next room seethed with the darkness of Luna. It had an ethereal quality, the torches being a light azure in colour and giving a dim light to the chamber. Even as they watched, the torches changed hues, casting the colours of the four elements over the room. In the middle, seemingly inconspicuous, was the emblem of Luna, in crescent form. The same four angels were there, but only two held mirrors, and from these mirrors a luminescent trail of ethereal light poured, an aurora that stretched between the two mirrors, waving like a candle in the wind.

"Majestic…" Maris whispered, clearly awed. The other Fivefold were speechless, likewise amazed.

"There is nothing quite like it,"Corona agreed, her eyes following the band of colour as it wove back and forth.

Bane roused himself from the spectacle. "As beautiful as this is, it is time to work. This is the final chamber of Sol Sanctum, above the clouds of Weyard. It is here we must craft the chamber." His deep bass voice, speaking mentally, held them all in thrall. "Djinn!"All the elemental spirits immediately came to attention. "Let's show our Adept friends how to build a miracle." There was a collective sense of assent, and the firefly-like Djinn went to work.

The Venus and Mars Djinn, makers and destroyers, all tackled the southern wall, which buckled before them as if it weren't solid rock. The flurry of sparks continued, unhindered.

Where they passed, was carved a passage like anything else in Sol Sanctum. From solid stone, these Djinn hewed a work worthy of any master. Pure Alchemy was strong in their blood, and in a whirling cyclone of sparks they hollowed a hallway from solid rock, then turned to their right, and the Fivefold rushed to see what they were doing. They had turned aside to build a stairway, and were slowly corkscrewing upwards. Jupiter Djinn, with the meticulousness common to their kind, fine-tuned the stairs. The Fivefold followed, in awe at the Djinn, and climbed the newly made stairs.

The stairs broadened out into a hall, and the Fivefold could still here the faint Psynergy hum as the Djinn worked. The path forked, one path going left and another right, though that one was not yet complete. Choosing to let the Djinn finish, the Fivefold walked down the left path, and entered the only door that was there.

The Fivefold gasped collectively. It was a cave of pure Psynergy Crystal, the essence of Psynergy made real. The wall of crystal sparkled with energy, as well as the floor and ceiling. One could almost see the eddies of Psynergy that floated around the room.

"What power…" Aleos said, awed. "To think that Aleph held such might."

Psynergy Stones are basically crystallized power, able to imbue anything with Psynergy. Monsters and Adepts are strengthened and Psynergy is restored. They are a rarity in the world, and valued high above any gem.

There was a faint pulse in the air, and continuous bass beat that thrummed in their hearts and bones. Streaks of energy flew through the air, travelling from one crystal to another like the aurora from before.

"Let's leave," Orior said, an edge in his voice. "This room is dangerous."

As one, the Fivefold faded into the comparative darkness behind them.

They walked down the now-completed hall, and found the Djinn waiting for them, resting from their labours. Gasp rose and greeted them, seeming to smile with his eyes. "Ah, Fivefold. Welcome to our humble room,"he said his voice merry. A bit of a jest, considering the room was grandiose and beautiful.

It was built in imitation of the two rooms below. The emblem of Luna was on the centre of the first room, and encircled by a stream of water. Four mirror statues stood on the corners, more ornate than the ones below. They seemed to be slightly misplaced, as a small pedestal of marble was built right beside it. Cinaed made to Move the statue onto the pedestal, but a sharp voice stopped him. "I would not do that, were I you."

Gasp had risen and was floating nearby, trying his best to look stern and commanding. "In case one tries to steal the Elemental Stars, we placed a trap. If someone moves these statues without disabling the trap, the Elemental Stars will summon a storm of destruction and blast the invaders to oblivion. In addition, the entirety of Aleph will be attacked to pick off any fleeing thieves."

Cinaed nodded and stepped back, rather quickly. The Fivefold returned to regarding the room.

Where there was a northern wall was marvellous. Rows of pillars arrayed themselves to hold the ceiling from collapsing, and provided a spectacular view of the sky. The Fivefold crossed the room and leaned on the pillars, looking down into a thick veil of clouds. The air was a bit thin, as they were several thousand feet above sea level. The sky was a soft, calm blue, and the clouds only added to its splendour. All that could be seen was the Alpha and Ikatic ranges in the distance.

"Come," Fury said, and the Fivefold noticed all the Djinn had taken their normal forms again. The Mars Djinni introduced them to the other room.

Like the room before, it was a copy of the Sol room, with the emblem encircled by a stream of water, but with one important difference. There was a statue of an archangel beside the pillars, arms upraised. In her hands she held a block emblazoned with a four-pointed star. Two of the angel statues were on their pedestal, but the other two were not. If they had been, they would have flanked the archangel, their mirrors reflecting the daylight onto a spot just in front of the archangel.

Zephyr flew up. "We connected these rooms with the ones below with an Alchemic vein. What ever happens in this room happens there, if possible. So once the trap is disabled, and those four statures over there,"he indicated the other room, "are pushed into place, night and day will shift, and the portal will open in what was once the Sol room."

Shade hopped beside them and spoke. "This is how to disable the trap. When the light of Sol shines before the archangel, a pit will appear to push the archangel into. Once that is done, the trap is disabled and the way to the Chamber of Stars can be opened."He paused, and then went on. "Since we are creating this, there is no need to disable the trap. We shall just Teleport to the Star's future room."He turned to them, suddenly grave. "I suggest you tap all the Mercury you can to stay cool, and all the Jupiter you can to stay afloat. In fact, keep all the Stars at the ready." Aleos retrieved the Stars, and passed them each to their Elemental Adept.

"Good."Gasp said, satisfied. "Ready!TELEPORT!"

Blazing heat. Fire. Inferno.

Those were the thoughts of the Fivefold as they saw where they appeared. It was a great chamber, conical in shape, tip pointing upwards. It was the heart of the mountain, and it seemed Aleph had heartburn.

The walls of the chamber glowed a fiery red, imbued with the fire of Mars. It was streaked with yellow sulphur, and the smell permeated the air. The base of this chamber was filled with roiling magma, bubbling and spitting molten rock. The air was hazy with the fire, waves of heat distorting the air.

The Fivefold, after they were Teleported, began plunging towards this deadly fluid, the Djinn -reverted to firefly form - above them. "AHHH!" They screamed as one.

Almost by instinct, the Elemental Stars activated and four coloured bursts of light blossomed, awashing the fiery chamber in hues of yellow, blue, and violet. The magma below seemed to grow sluggish, as the power of Mercury cooled it. The Fivefold stopped plunging, suspended in the air, by the hover of Jupiter. Mars controlled the sluggish magma and wrought a tall tower of stone, broad and solid, while Venus carved it.

The Fivefold landed softly on the igneous rock, and surveyed the chamber. The fire danced furiously, but did not draw near them. The Djinn hovered around their heads, calm. Bane hovered slowly, "Now, I leave it up to you to use the Elemental Stars to craft this chamber however you see fit."The Fivefold nodded, and drew out the Stars.

"Mars!"Cinaed bellowed. "By your fiery might, restrain this inferno!"

The Mars Star shone brilliantly, and wherever its light touched the magma subsided, quieting. The Fivefold saw that their pillar was some fifty feet above the liquid fire.

"Mercury!"Maris cried. "Bring this chamber to peace with your soothing strength!"

The Mercury Star activated, painting the room with a calm blue light. With frigid might, the Mercury Star froze the magma, transforming it to a volcanic black rock. They walls, which had been apparently only reflecting the red light, now dimmed and became black rock as well. The stood on a tall pillar, in the middle of a vast bowl.

The blue light poured out like a liquid, creeping over the igneous rock like a glacier. With a sound like a waterfall the chamber began to fill with a crystal clear water, and shimmered with an unearthly light.

"Venus!" Orior shouted. "With your courageous power, forge this earth into my desire!" Spires erupted from the discontent rock around them, forming a complex web of spikes in every direction. In each of the corners a pillar sprung up, higher than the rest and with a top part of marble. Streaks of yellow light swirled around the peaks, and carved them into pillars, providing a means of movement throughout the chamber, by jumping over the calm water.

"Jupiter!"Shamira called. "Shape this chamber into something worthy of the Elemental Stars." A wind of violet sparks began to circle the chamber, stirring their hair softly. The wind broke off and encircled the pillars, eroding them to a smooth, glass-like surface.

"Now! Summon the full power of Alchemy and finish!" Aleos commanded.

All the Stars began glowing in unison, and the light melded together to form a golden light: an echo of Sol Aurarius' power.

As the power of Alchemy crested, the Fivefold bowed to control it. They formed Psynergy Crystals from the melded energy, and strewed them throughout the water where they glittered like undersea coral, energizing the chamber with power. Chips of diamond they created and hurtled throughout the ceiling of black rock, speckling it with white crystal. They end result was the effect of the clear night sky, with the stars shining in the Heavens.

Rainbow beams lanced out and struck the pillars, changing them to a colour that was a blue-green, like the sea. Psynergy chips were strewn throughout the chamber, lending a luminescent glow to the Chamber of Stars.

Beams of red, blue, violet, and green-yellow lanced forth and struck the high marble pillars, and sheared it away, leaving only a large corner. Then, the beams whirled around it, moulding it into the form of a venerable being, sexless and sagely.

The Djinn emerged then, a storm of sparkles once more. "Fivefold. Well done," Shade complimented. "I couldn't have done it better myself. Well, except…" he tapped the power of the Stars, and a golden light flashed in the chamber, altering it in some small, yet significant way. No difference was apparent, yet it seemed more majestic, closer to Heaven.

"A little piece of heaven,"Ember quipped.

The beams arrayed themselves behind the Fivefold, and a tall doorframe formed, of solid gold and engraved with sacred runes. There was no door, simply an empty frame.

"The portal will appear there,"Ether informed them.

Bane turned to the Adepts, bowing as much as he could without a back. "Fivefold. Whether you know it or not, you have saved Weyard. I speak on behalf of all the Djinn, and therefore on behalf of the Elementals, when I say, thank you."The Fivefold were filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, that seemed to come from the Djinn.

Fury spoke up. "As such, we pledge allegiance to you, to obey your command except when it violates the orders of the Elementals. They are our creators." Fury bowed.

Gasp seemed to smile. "Now… farewell. We'll take the Stars, and place them in their chambers."

The light faded but the Stars remained, hovering and glowing quietly. The Djinn rose into the air as sparks once more, and each Djinn flew to its respective Elemental Star.

Each of the Stars settled into the arms of one of the statues, and the light of their element immediately shone forth, painting their faces with a serene glow.

All the Djinn turned to the Fivefold one last time. "Farewell!"They cried, and faded into the statues, becoming as one with the Elemental Stars.

The Fivefold just stood in silence for several moments. Then Orior stretched and yawned. "Well, that's finished. Let's leave."

Suddenly, the voice of Bane broke into their minds. "One last thing: in the new world of the Dim Age, a hasty escape may sometimes be necessary. Therefore, Venus has commanded me to bestow this Psynergy with all Venus Adepts: receive the spell of Retreat!" Then Bane was silent.

The Fivefold just looked at each other. Orior raised an eyebrow. "Well, let's try this. Retreat!" The power of Venus filled the Fivefold, and they disappeared in a spiral of yellow sparks.

The Fivefold blinked with surprise as they found themselves at the entrance of Sol Sanctum, the light of Sol shining through the gate. They walked through, wincing in the glare of Sol.

Orior smiled. "That worked out well."

Maris turned back to Aleph, which looked much more peaceful now. "Goodbye, Djinn!" She called.

A collective voice answered, sounding sincere and yet amused. "Good luck, Fivefold."

Thus parted from the Djinn, the Fivefold descended from Aleph and entered Vale.

Part II: Dual Nature

"Scythia, behind you!" The female Luna Adept took note and cartwheeled to the side, and a growling blur shot past her like a cannonball. She turned around to face her opponent, drawing her battle staff for what felt like the millionth time that day. She crossed it against her back and raised her free hand. "Black Raze!" An unholy black fire erupted from her palm and played across the back of the demon, but without much effect. The creature only looked up at her and bared his fangs. Not good.

She backed away slowly towards her companion, until she was standing back to back with him. "How are you holding up?" She asked, concerned.

In a flash, he wheeled around and stood beside her, facing their common foe. "Fine, thank you." Scythia looked over just to be sure.

His name was Calathur, lord of Atavia and the strongest Sol Adept she had ever seen. He had hair as golden as Sol herself, long and clasped at the forehead with a band of white gold. His eyes were a tranquil blue, like the sky, though at the moment they were focused and as hard as steel. He wore a plain white robe that trailed the ground as he walked, and gold bracelets on his wrist over the cloth. The Sol Adept's face was like pearl, white and lustrous, and his hair flowed down to his back, except for a few strands that he liked to keep where he could see them, in front. In his hand he held a partisan of mythril, ornamented with white gold.

She had met him a while before, after she had left Mantium. Before visiting Vale, she had elected to venture to the far northern city of Atavia to make amends with the Sol Adepts. She had befriended Calathur quickly, and now he was accompanying her back to Vale.

Fate, however, had other plans, and they had encountered a powerful foe in northwestern Angara. They had seen a shadow crouching on the hill, and approached it. All they saw where blood red eyes, and then everything changed. The trees, plains, and mountains, all faded away, and they found themselves deep underground, in a cave dim and without much light. A whirlpool of fire appeared in the air, and a clawed hand reached out. Then, in an shower of lava, this beast appeared.

The two warriors held the demon in front of them under intense scrutiny, ready to act upon his slightest movement.

His skin was scaly and blue-toned, cold as ice with a peach underbelly that looked deceptively soft. His visage was terrifying, like a skull infected with feline features. Crimson eyes burned beneath heavy brows that arched along the side of his head, sprouting long horns of copper at the end, lancing long and cruel. Between these tall weapons his head curved back into a single, stubby horn, but not less dangerous.

Red lines glowed like fire, ornamenting his jaw, and short spikes emerged from the bottom of his head. His body was long and sinewy, like a snake's, but its slender frame was made up for by muscled limbs armed with many spikes. Violet horns arched from his shoulders and copper from his elbows. A three-pointed spike, like the partisan that the Sol Adept wielded and gold in colour, swung menacingly from the end of his tail, and gold bands encircled his forearms, as if he had once been entrapped.

A tattered flame-coloured cape descended from his shoulders, almost torn in two by some long-forgotten battle. The edges fluttered in a chill wind that blew around the chamber, stirring their hair. His legs were coiled beneath him, the four clawed toes poised to launch off in a leap.

He slowly raised his claw, demonstrating his intentions. Long, wicked talons emerged from his fingers, the colour of dried blood. Dark brown poison dripped from the tips and splattered on the floor, and with a hissing sound created a small crater. He licked the end of the claw, smiling in a not-too-friendly way. He was Haures, the beast who sunders darkness.

Scythia and Calathur stood glaring at Haures, and he back at them. Minutes passed, no one stirred. Then, as if upon an invisible signal, battle erupted.

With a guttural yell, Haures sprung, claws outstretched for the kill. The two Adepts each dove to the side, and felt the breeze from the claws pass overhead. They turned and faced their foe, glowing the white and black of Sol and Luna.

Scythia twirled once and pointed both hands at Haures. "Shadowscourge!" A cloud of blackness appeared, skulls dancing on the outside. It fired towards the demon.

Calathur flipped his hair back and pointed his trident. "Comet Storm!"A multitude of white sparks appeared, hovering in the air for a moment. Then, with increasing speed, they raced forward and crushed into the creature, gaining the distinctive tails of comets as they hurtled through the air.

The combined attack struck the demon, who flinched and bowed one knee in a gesture of respect. He rose, and crossed his arms. "Flame Cross!" His arms flashed out, and a giant x-shaped flame erupted, trailing a shower of fire. The two Adepts tensed, and prepared to counter.

"Chaos Meteor!" "Holy Crucible!"Thousands of black meteors, like little specks of Luna, rode forth on the breast of an immense beam of white light. The cross of fire hit the meteors and wiped them out, but they weakened it enough for the coming Crucible. The attacks clashed, and negated each other with a blinding flare. In the resulting silence, the only sound was a continuous noise, like the bones of the dead being clashed together.

Haures stopped his clapping, and sneered. "Well done, mortals."He said with contempt, his voice low and guttural, harsh and twisted with malice. "But do not rest yet. The party's just begun.Hades Rise!" He clapped his claws one more time, and the earth in front of him was rent in two, and black smoke poured from the opening. Moans rose from the gaping pit, followed by a skeletal hand that reached up and dug into the soil. Finding purchase, it strained magical muscles and hoisted up the rest, and a skeleton, smoke trailing from every part, emerged from the haze like a nightmare, grinning the skeleton's grin. Behind it, its companions also rose form the smoke, grinning identically. Flames burned in the empty sockets of their eyes.

"Not good…" Scythia muttered to her companion. "I'm a Necromancer, and I can't control them. They only serve Haures, apparently."

Calathur smiled grimly. "We'll have to throw everything we got at him."

Scythia wheeled on him. "Are you sure? The effects of such spells are mortal…"

Calathur pushed back a skeleton with his partisan after it placed its bony hand on Scythia. The skeleton tumbled into its comrades, buying them some time. "We have to."

"Allow me to attack first," Scythia said. She turned to the undead horde, barely discerning the crouched figure of Haures through the smoke. "Here goes…" She took a deep breath. "Soul of Abyss!" A black aura enveloped her, but did not fade. Instead, it grew darker and more substantial as it drew off Scythia's life force in order to stay in existence. It stretched out like ooze, and hit the nearest skeleton. It crumbled into dust, and then was blown away by the wind. The spell went further, feeding off the magic of the necromantic skeletons in order to stay active. Then, it contracted and intensified. A black cloud, dark as the Abyss, erupted like a volcano and hurtled towards Haures, barrelling through the smoke and dissipating it.

The smoke gone, Haures' eyes widened as he saw the spell. All he could utter was a brief "No!" before the spell collided with him. He was lifted off the ground and hurled back, borne upon the might of Luna. He crashed into the wall, and the blackness enveloped him. The ceiling above gave way, burying him under tonnes of rock.

Scythia turned to the Sol Adept, and smiled wearily, exhausted mind, body, and soul. "Well, I don't plan on doing that again anytime soon," she said, and collapsed.

The Sol Adept immediately dove and caught her under the arms, supporting her. "You did great… for a Luna Adept."

Scythia's eyes snapped open, and she stood and glared at him, hands on her hips. "Really, Sol. I saved us. Be more grateful to those stronger than you."

Calathur only smiled, and opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off. "Moribundus sanies ungula!" The mound of rocks exploded and Haures leapt out, a mad rage burning in his eyes. His right claw began to glow a poisonous black, and acid poured out from it. He descended and slashed, cutting Scythia across her lower back and severing her spine. She collapsed, unconscious and pale faced, and growing whiter.

The Sol Adept's eyes blazed. "Scythia! Heaven's Lance!" He raised his arm into the air, palm curved as if beseeching the skies. Light appeared from the darkness around him and gathered in his grip, forming a twenty-foot spear of pure light, formed from the power of Sol and the strength of his heart. He jumped back and threw the lance, which trailed rays of light as it screamed through the air. Haures gasped as the holy lance pierced through his foul flesh and into his demon heart.

"Gragh…" He croaked, and fell forward. As he collapsed, he brought back his claw and slashed weakly, tearing through Calathur's leggings and into his skin. Gasping, Calathur fell to one knee and clutched his torn thigh, and found himself face-to-face with the burning eyes of Haures. The two enemies just gazed into each other's eyes for several moments.

At length, Haures spoke. "You fought well, human. There are not many who can injure a Spirit."

"Injure? You mean you are not dead!" Calathur gasped.

Haures stood, wincing. "No. We are immortal. Nonetheless, I am defeated." He bowed his head. "And the sacred laws laid by the Gods dictate that I must withdraw, become stone once more. Farewell, human. But, were I you, I would ware the venom of my claws." With that, the abysmal cave around them shattered, the very fabric of it breaking apart. Calathur found himself in a sandy cave, perched on a cliff above the grainy floor. A stone tablet, the size of his arm, lay on the ground in front of him, shimmering. Torches surrounded it on both sides.

"Scythia!" He noticed the Luna Adept on the floor beside him, skin pale as a ghost. He dove and placed two fingers on her neck to check her pulse, then breathed a sigh of relief. She was still alive, if barely. "I have failed you…" He said quietly, head bowed. It was the duty of all Sol Adepts to preserve life, even if it was that of a Luna. During the short time he had known her, he had found that she had quite a charming personality, quick-witted with a caustic tongue, yet burdened by a troubled past, of which she had never told him. She sometimes referred to that darker period, but he never pressed her for more information. There was only one thing left to do: keep their goal, and go to Vale. But first…

"Cleanse," he said, pressing his fingers to his forehead and then over her lips, which were cold. A faint breath, rattling, graced his fingers, and he winced. A white aura surrounded him, then slowly floated off and hovered over Scythia. The golden light shimmered, and dissolved in shower of sparkles. Some of the colour returned to her face, but not enough. Haures' poison was too strong.

"Ugh!" Calathur fell to the ground, gasping and clutching his leg. He had forgotten about his own wound. He hastily cast Cleanse on himself, and the pain lessened. But he could feel it lurking, waiting, biding its time to return, stronger than ever. Wincing, he gathered Scythia into his arms and stood up, flinching at the way her head lolled lifelessly to the side. He turned to the tablet, shining innocently on the cliff. "Farewell, Haures," he said, and limped out of the cave.

In the dim light of the cave, the tablet flashed, and Haures slept.

Part III: Mercury Unite

Hydros surveyed the Sea of Time, perched on the edge of the cliff at the end of Lumeria. Ships surfed the waves in the serene water below, working on the greatest project Lumeria had ever seen: the Fog of Alchemy.

Hydros knew that the Seal on Mercury was working, draining away the power of water the world over. But he was determined to prevent that.

And so, every Adept he could find, in co-ordination with his own abilities, had woven a Psynergetic field to keep out the seal, and retain the power of Alchemy.

However, Mercury had been sealed for a while before the shield was erected, so some of the Seal was working on Lumeria. However, it would affect them much MUCH slower than the rest of Weyard.

Hydros lifted his head and gazed as far as he could see, into the shifting mass of fog that entirely encircled Lumeria. Few would know it, but the fog was the Seal of Alchemy made visible by the shield, and it marked the border of Alchemic lands. Hydros sighed, and stepped down from the cliff, travelling down a steep staircase cut into the side of the mount.

As he took another step, Sol was blotted out, and the cast of night fell over the land. Or seemed to. Hydros looked up, and gasped.

An immense form was blocking the light, beating wings of shadow that seemed to reach to the ends of the earth. Sapphire eyes burned as the form reared back his head and roared, the noise reverberating over the land. Adepts froze in fear at the sound of it. Then, the form beat his wings and flew across Hydros' head, and with Sol no longer behind him Hydros could see clearly what he was.

It was a gargantuan dragon, with a wingspan that seemed to span the skies. His scales were of a hammered gold, sheathing his entire body except for underneath, where he wore scales of a soft beige, layered over one another like plates. His visage could make every mortal tremble, with a pointed snout and a mouth filled with sword-like teeth. His upper head was frilled with horns, long and cream coloured, tipped with black. Blue eyes like jewels shone underneath eye ridges of gold, and smaller horns adorned his head and neck. His sinewy neck was horned and tipped with a great crest, ribbed with giant spikes of gold and filled with the leather-like material of dragon wings, tan coloured and tinged with black. He flexed his powerful muscles, and the gold scales shimmered in the Solight. His immense wings beat the air languidly, maroon coloured on the underside with feathers of gold on the outside. The joint of his wings each bore a curved spike, like a barb. He had four clawed talons on each hand, black and wicked looking. His tail, likewise, was made of the same deep yellow as the rest of his armoured scales. A two-pronged spike swung slowly from the end of his tail.

Hydros stumbled backwards, mouth agape. "No! Eclipse!"

The immense dragon cocked his head, amused. "I'm afraid so, Hydros. And now, all your efforts will be for naught. Lumeria will be destroyed not be the Seal of Alchemy, but by the dragon you now see before you!" Eclipse spread his wings to their full extent, casting a giant shadow over Lumeria. Everyone looked up, and most panicked. "But first…" Eclipse went on, "to destroy your navy so you can't escape!" He turned and flew back a bit out to see, facing the navy. "Great Gale!" He beat his wings slowly at first, the violet power of Jupiter gathering underneath them. Then, he beat his wings faster and faster, each generating a stronger wind than the last, until gale-force winds were ripping into the docked Lumerian fleet. Psynergetic sparks flew at every wingbeat, and the winds blew on. The docked ships were torn from their piers and cast against the wall, where they shattered into splinters. The debris rose and fell in the high waves, along with the bodies of those Adepts not quick enough to escape. The others struggled in vain to get back to shore, but twenty-foot waves prevented them. Eclipse, hovering like the angel of death, watched over them, powering the storm.

"No!" Hydros yelled, and ran quickly down the stair to the bay. "This can't happen, not when everything was supposed to be finished!" His feet pounded heavily on the stone, yet the loud footsteps were drowned out by the howling wind.

"HYDROS!" A voice yelled. "WHAT IS THIS?"

Hydros stopped midstep and turned, then groaned. Conservato, the idiot fool, was running down the stairs, hair askew and waving his arms in the air. A bag of books bounced awkwardly at his side, and he looked furious. He caught up, and then bent down, hands on his knees, panting. He drew himself up, and took a deep breath. "How DARE you go against fate! You think you can escape the Seal, you think you have the RIGHT to! You may be the brother of the late King, but you're no better than the rest of us! What gives you the right to-" Hydros cut him off.

"Enough, Conservato. Princess Maris left me in the position of Regent until she returned, and if she does not she allowed me to become King. That is right enough. Now, if you excuse me, I have bigger things to attend to than your petty bickering." He gestured behind him, where Eclipse was having a grand time grinding the ships and sailors into oblivion against the rocky cliffs of Lumeria.

Conservato paled with shock. "It's… Eclipse! Mercury, we should surrender! We stand no chance!" The young man quailed with fright.

Hydros shook his head. "Not on my watch. What is the worth of a life lived with the shame of surrender? Besides, I doubt he would accept." Hydros began running again, heading towards the docks.

Conservato tried to keep up. "Hydros, you're out of your mind! You're crazy!"

Hydros grinned. "Crazy like a fox," he said, and jumped the last twenty-five feet of cliff. He glowed blue as he descended, and the sea rose up to receive him, enfolding him and placing him softly on the stone pier. Conservato just gaped in shock and hurried behind, running along the winding staircase as fast as he could go. Which isn't saying much.

Hydros stood on the docks, eyes locked with Eclipse, who seemed amused that someone would stand against him. "Hydros, you're too young to be senile. Go back and hide in the caves like a good peon." His response was a Freeze Prism across his torso, and his eyes narrowed. "Still bent on resisting, then? It would be better to just roll over and die, but if you insist… Violet Claw!" He raised one talon, and the claws glowed a dark purple, then extended to a length of ten feet, so that a shimmering four-bladed claw was his weapon. With a mighty blow, he swung, but it the last moment changed his direction, wishing to demoralize Hydros: he aimed for Conservato.

As the violet blades descended towards the blue-haired Lumerian, his eyes widened and he began to stutter. "N-no… please…" He raised his arms as if to defend himself from the attack, but something hurtled into him and knocked him aside into the water. The claws dug into the stone pier, spraying sparks as they ground through the solid rock, embedding themselves, and the dragon found himself stuck. Eclipse cursed softly, and ended the spell.

Hydros looked down on Conservato, who bobbed helplessly in the water. "Don't let this go to your head, Conservato," he told him. "I couldn't live with myself if I let someone die. Now, escape while you can: I'll deal with scaly here."

Conservato, eyes glaring, swam away, and Hydros turned back to Eclipse with a sigh.

"Right then, Eclipse," he said, rolling up his sleeves. "Let's get this party started."

The dragon sneered. "You think you can stand against me?"

"Not really, but I'm duty-bound to try. Tsunami!" The waves roaring towards the pier suddenly stopped and crashed into one another, forming a boiling mass of water. It righted itself, forming a roaring tidal wave one hundred feet high. Hydros thrust out his hands and the wave unleashed, heading straight for Eclipse. The Summon merely snorted and back-pedalled, flying higher as he did so, out of reach of the wave. Hydros circled the air with his hands, and the wave stopped beneath the dragon, forming a geyser. Hydros thrust his hands to the sky, and it erupted, carrying the dragon high to the air. Eclipse hissed, and thrust his wings downward. The resulting windblast countered the geyser, and it broke apart.

"You conceited, wretched, human!" Eclipse hissed. "Die!" He reared back, head pointed towards the sky. Rays of blue light poured from the sky and formed a whirlpool, which flowed around his open jaw, gathering there into a cerulean glow. The glow gathered into his jaw and he shut his mouth and wheeled around, azure ether trailing from the gaps between his fangs. He raised his head, and then opened his jaws at Hydros. "Flamen AEther!" With a great explosion of light, an immense blue-white beam lanced forth, crackling with azure bolts, and screamed through the air towards Hydros.

Hydros grimaced and threw up his hands to defend himself. But somewhere, deep inside, he knew it was useless, and lowered his hands. Ether Blast was Eclipse's strongest attack… the mere shockwave of it was all the dragon used when he was summoned, which was seldom. No one had ever survived a direct hit. Eclipse's eyes danced as he waited for the blast to hit, destroying the pathetic Adept and all of Lumeria with him.

An aura shone in front of Hydros, enfolding him in a gentle glow. The beam crashed into it and dissipated into nothingness. "WHAT!" Eclipse thundered.

Hydros looked for his saviour, and did a double take at what he saw.

A weathered hand, dripping wet and bound around the wrist with a gold band, was raised from the water, holding a golden trident aloft. It was tanned, and well muscled. "Don't worry, Hydros. Together, we will protect Lumeria."

The voice sounded strangely familiar to him. "Poseidon?" Hydros asked incredulously.

There was a drenching splash of water as Poseidon emerged from the water beside Hydros, smiling. "As if anything could stop me, Hydros. Now, let's save Lumeria, since we could not save Imil."

Hydros nodded, and turned to face Eclipse. "Together."

The Summon dragon was furious. "You fools think you can stop me? Nova Wave!" The water in the seas around them drained into the air, forming a whirling mass of water. Upon Eclipse's command, it exploded in every direction, sending water charged with power over the land, eroding the stone with supernatural speed, so that it seemed like acid.

However, over Hydros and Poseidon, it simply bounced off an invisible barrier harmlessly, and Hydros stood calmly on a lone piece of rock surrounded by sea, smiling. As one, the raised their hands and cast Psynergy. "Ocean Fist!" "Aqua Ray!" A whirlwind of water exploded on Eclipse, followed by beams of intensified water that played across his chest.

The dragon was pushed backwards, but he regained his airborne balance, growling but unharmed. "Violet Claw!" He cast again, and slashed with both psynergetically-enhanced talons at Lumeria's defenders, but likewise, where Psynergy attacks failed physical ones did also. His weapons just bounced off the invisible barrier.

And so the battle wore on, each of them fighting but unable to harm the other seriously. Eclipse's attacks failed against Poseidon's barrier, and the two Mercury warriors weren't strong enough to injure the great dragon. But, as the battle wore on, the Psynergy stocks of Poseidon and Hydros were depleting, and Eclipse was beginning to feel the effects of the continuous barrage of attacks. It was a stalemate, something had to give.

"Mercury, please, give us the strength and hope to defeat our enemy in this day of reckoning," Hydros prayed fervently as he cast another Freeze Prism.

BA-BOOM. Flash of brilliant red-orange light, bathing the land in a fiery glow. A black ball screamed through the air, headed straight for Eclipse. He saw it coming and snarled, and tried to fly to the side. He underestimated the speed of the projectile, and it tore through his right wing. He screamed in pain, a gaping hole now blast through the material of his wing, and he was having trouble staying aloft, and listed to the right. He summoned the power of Jupiter and straightened himself up, glaring at the newcomer.

It was a ship, built with the usual dragonhead prow, and armoured with silver. The sails were midnight blue, speckled with silver stars, though they were for decoration only, as the ship ran on Psynergy. Alternatively, it could run off wind when the sailors were too tired to supply the force. Said sailors ran about on deck, preparing the ship for battle. A large cannon gleamed from the dragon's mouth, just the very tip protruding. The barrel was smoking.

"Ugh… fool…" Eclipse said, feeling the effect of the wound. "Ether Blast…" He brought his head around and launched the blue-white beam at the approaching ship. The two royals could faintly see a figure scrambling to turn the ship to dodge the blast. The ship wheeled to the left and barrelled with all speed toward the pier. The beam struck the water behind the ship and created an tidal wave. The ship was borne on the breast of the wave and carried to Lumeria. The ship was flipped over and hurtled with incredible force against the cliff beside the stunned Mercury Adepts, where it shattered into pieces.

A figure leapt high into the air, escaping the ruins of the ship as it crushed itself against the cliff. The black figure fell from the sky and landed heavily on the pier beside Hydros, and he saw that the figure had long blue hair, and wore a captain's uniform. The figure raised her head, and saw it was a young woman, pretty with cold eyes that glared at Eclipse. She rose, and Hydros saw to his surprise she was almost as tall as him, only two inches shorter. She reached to her side and drew out a long scimitar of mythril, flipped it in the air and caught it by the handle. She glanced over at Hydros and grinned. "Let's get this party started. For real. And who might you be, sir?" She said, turning to the mer-warrior half-submerged in the water, looking guarded. Understandable, since to all appearances he was a monster.

He looked amused. "Do you not recognize me, Lynn? Of course, I can't blame you. The last time I saw you you were barely past my waist. At least," he said, looking down. "When I was human…"

Lynn looked shocked. "That voice! Could it be? Your Majesty!" She bowed on one knee. "They said you were dead! And if you're alive, is it possible my father is too?"

Poseidon shrugged. "I'm alive, but I have not seen your father since I became this mer-"

"I hate to break up this lovely reunion, but we do have a battle to finish," Eclipse said archly. "And this time, it's welcome to MY world! " The dragon's wings seemed to grow a hundred feet and enveloped the Mercury Adepts, and when he withdrew them, everything had changed. There was no Lumeria, no sea. No water, no fog.

The world was a great bowl. The boundaries of the world were tall mountains that no mortal could scale. They sloped downward and enfolded a clustered forest and a few plains, and each ring of mountains was capped by another ring behind it, reaching up to unfathomable heights in the sky. The sky that could be seen was a pale lilac, and a continuous cover of white clouds covered the highest reaches of the sky. The thinnest parts of this haze revealed a sky of midnight blue beyond.

Lynn, Poseidon, and Hydros landed softly on the soil, which had an unnatural feel to it. It buzzed with power, as if made not by nature but by Alchemy. Poseidon looked down at himself in amazement: he was no longer beast, but human. His gold trident he still held, and he was dressed in the King's robes of state. The Mercury Adepts just looked at each other in shock, and then smiled and fell into each other's embrace.

"It's good to have ya back, brother," Hydros said in Poseidon's ear.

"Indeed, my sovereign," Lynn said, her voice muffled.

The Mercury Adepts broke apart, and Poseidon shook his head. "I fear it's only temporary, some result of this magical realm."

"You are correct in your guess, King of Mercury," a voice said, seeming to come from every direction. The clouds parted and Eclipse flew regally through the gap, beating his wings slowly as he surveyed the Adepts below him. "I have restored you to your human form for this battle, but you may find that is not all blessing."The dragon smiled malevolently. "You will find your part of Sol Aurarius to be… how shall I put this? Lacking."

Poseidon frowned, and tried to raise the guard aura. There was a faint sprinkle of light, and then it phased out. The Adepts looked at each other and gulped.

"So you see,"Eclipse went on, smiling. "You have no defences. And, so, the game ends now! AEther Blast!" The azure beam, crackling with power, lanced towards the huddled Mercury Adepts, and they found themselves with nowhere to hide. This time, there would be no salvation. This time, it was the end.

"Like Hell!" Poseidon thought.

He drew his trident, the sacred weapon of the Imilian ruling family. He levelled the prongs at the approaching beam, and spoke in the Imilian tongue. "Ithmia serina mifala luminaeste!" The trident glowed a brilliant blue, and the beam was drawn to the tips as if by a magnet, and swirled around them. The energy was sucked into the weapon, and it glowed an electric blue, crackling with power. Hydros wheeled it around and threw it at Eclipse. The dragon's eyes widened with shock as the weapon pierced his torso and stuck there, shaft quivering. Green blood oozed out from the wounds: the blood of the summons, ethereal and charged with power.

"How… did… you…?" Eclipse gasped, one claw darting towards the impaled trident, which began to glow a sky blue, drawing energy from the dragon around it. "NO!"He cried, grasped the trident, and began to tug.

"Stop him!" Poseidon said sharply, and the Adepts nodded. Each of the Mercury warriors glowed with their elemental blue, preparing to cast attack Psynergy.

"Vesica Pirata!"A broad beam of Psynergy, blue as the sea and shaped like a sword, reached from Lynn's outstretched hand as her eyes glowed with power. She moved her hand sharply, and the Psynergy blade smashed into Eclipse's arm, knocking it away from the trident. He hissed softly in response.

Poseidon chanted the Imilian tongue softly under his breath, and the trident glowed brighter. Eclipse made another grab for the trident, trying to remove it before it could do more harm.

"Subzero!"Hydros yelled, calling upon the Psynergy known only to the Mercurian royal family. The air around the trident grew cold, frigid, crystallizing the water in the air and forming a crystal shield around it. Eclipse slashed at it with his claws, but drew back, hissing.

"Srhoyi le phini foi ve Imilia!"The trident blossomed into blue light beneath the ice, the light fracturing into a rainbow by the multiple facets. Tendrils of energy emerged from the ice, and Eclipse screeched in pain as he realized what the trident had done: absorbed his attack. And now it was using it on its former master.

The trident glowed an azure blue, and unleashed AEther Blast. The prongs, embedded in the scales of the dragon, flashed white and three beams lanced from the tips. Eclipse sagged as the ethereal lasers erupted from his back and skimmed off into the sky before phasing out. Eclipse, gasping, put his claws to the wounds, trying to stop the flow of emerald blood the poured out. Casting Pure Ply, he slowed the bleeding, but the wound pierced his heart.

"Incredible… this gives me a newfound respect for my own power,"Eclipse chuckled wryly. "If I wasn't a demigod, I would be dead now."He flapped weakly down to the victorious Adepts. As he descended, the world around them dissolved in his wake, the sky fading to the brilliant blue above Lumeria. He landed heavily in front of them and the world snapped back, and Eclipse floated in water beginning to be dyed with ribbons of green.

Poseidon had returned to his mer-form, and smiled sadly. He swam over to Eclipse and offered his arm. The dragon looked at him with a strange expression, and then took his arm. The two monsters floated over to the pier, where Hydros and Lynn were waiting.

"Very good, Adepts,"Eclipse said quietly. "You have earned my respect, and thus I will spare Lumeria. Also,"he closed his glowing blue eyes. "I commit the spell to summon me into your hands. Farewell, for now I sleep."The immense dragon glowed a soft white, and then reshaped and faded with a green light. A stone slate remained, the size of a man's arm and carved with runes of power. It glimmered with a sacred light, and floated over to Hydros. He took it, and slung it under his arm.

Poseidon smiled. "We have done well, brother. And you too, Lynn."He inclined his head, and the piratess bowed deeply in return. "Hydros." He said, and raised his trident, and raised his other hand. He snapped the prongs off in a fluid motion and tossed the three pieces at Hydros' feet. "I shall guard Lumeria forever. But someday, I may not be under my own control. Even now, I can feel the madness of Sol Aurarius working on my soul… it almost feels as if he has a will of his own." He paused for a moment, considered what he said, and shook his head. "See, look? I referred to it as male just then... I wonder why?" He shook his head to clear his senses, and then pointed to the shards of the trident, which had shrunken from three times a man's height to just one. "If I do go mad someday, that is the only thing that will be able to defeat me, for it underwent the transformation with me. Seek the help of the Ankohl to reforge it. Lumeria has always been on good terms with them."Poseidon swam closer and leaned on the pier, looking intently into the eyes of the two Mercury Adepts. A smile tugged at his lips. "Come here, you two."

Smiling sheepishly, Hydros carefully laid down the tablet, and he and Lynn walked towards Hydros. Suddenly, he reached out with his broad arms and pulled them into an embrace. Lynn laughed happily, a joyous sound that tinkled like a bell, and Hydros smiled. "Take care, you two,"Poseidon whispered, and then released them. The two Mercurians stood on the pier. Hydros bowed and Lynn curtsied, then they both stood in respectful salute as Poseidon melted into the sea's waves.

As the rippled from his departure faded, the two Adepts turned to each other and smiled.

"It's been a pleasure working with you, Lynn," Hydros said, and made a little bow.

"I don't think we'll be parting for a while, Hydros," Lynn said dryly. She pointed behind her, where the remnants of her ship were being bashed against the cliff by the waves. "It looks like I'm stuck here for a little longer."

Hydros laughed softly. "Guess you're right, Lynn. And I think I'll move the harbour into the caves beneath Lumeria. Much safer there." He looked down on the trident, and gathered up the pieces. "Here." He passed them to Lynn, who took them obligingly. "When you do sail the seas again, drop by Ankohl and explain the situation to them. I'm sure they'll understand."

"And Eclipse?" Lynn asked, nodding towards the stone on the ground.

Hydros looked down and shook his head. "I don't know… I'm keep him safe, that's for sure." Then his face split into a wide grin. "Maybe I'll offer him as a prize for the Springs someday."

"I heard that, you wretched human," the slate growled.

The Mercury Adepts just laughed, and walked into the city of Lumeria, their charges in hand.

Part IV: Sky and Serenity

An armoured figure flew through the Anemosian countryside, the violet wings of Volatilis riding the air currents with ease. It was a female warrior, proud and strong. A mythril rapier swung at her side, glinting in the dim red light of Solset. Her helm was shaped like the head of an eagle, and her violet hair streamed from the open back. A gold circlet was inlaid on the helm, and the visor was half lowered over keen lavender eyes that were flecked with gold. Her armour was ornate, purple and gold, the colours of royalty. It was close fitting and uniformly smooth, accenting the feminine form of its wearer. Amethyst chains fluttered from the tunic-like bottom of the armour, and Xianese silk leggings emerged from beneath. Her boots were of the same make as the armour, and rose to her knees.

She surveyed the plains of Anemos, searching for any sign of the Summon she was pursuing. She had been ordered by her sovereign to track down the erring Spirit and bring her back to her proper path. By force, if need be.

Honestly, the figure didn't think it would come to that. The Summon was one of the less violent ones, allied to Mercury and Jupiter, her own element. In fact, the young woman rather looked forward to meeting the Spirit… though it could be her death. She was reaching the southern reaches of Anemos now, and there was still no sign of her quarry.

And then, suddenly, there was. The soft chime of a bell, borne on the winds of Anemos. A mere echo, a faint sign, but it was enough. The figure homed in on the sound, and soon saw the Summon, resting with her feet dabbling in a clear river.

She was an ethereal woman, beautiful and seeming kind. Her golden-brown hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, just brushing the back of her knees. Her haze; eyes were glowing brightly, and her skin was of a fair creamy tone. She wore a strange tunic of animal skin, covered with lilac silk in the back and descending in a kind of coattail, ending in the front at her upper thighs to reveal shapely legs. Her delicate arms were entwined in her lap, the wrists encircled with bracelets. Her sleeves were large and puffy, painted with violet and hung with golden bells at the end that tinkled as she moved. A couple of her locks were braided into a silk brush-like decoration, bound with rings of turquoise and dipping in the water beside her. She looked absently into the water, preoccupied with her thoughts. She was Coatlicue, the goddess bearing the water of life.

The warrior circled at a polite distance, waiting her presence to be known. The Summon gave no sign, but the airborne figure thought she saw a glint of recognition in her eyes. The warrior took the fact that she had not been blasted yet as an invitation to join the Spirit, so she circled and landed nimbly beside them imposing woman. Volatilis closed with the usual snick, and the figure sat beside the Summon.

Minutes passed, with the two females staring only into the flowing water of the river. The young Anemosian occasionally glanced up at Coatlicue, and then quickly away again. At length, the Anemosian spoke. "So-"

Coatlicue cut her off. "I know why you're here, Elite Guard Skye. Commanded by the Queen of Anemos to defeat me and protect Weyard. So, I hope Anemos is enjoying Luna?"

Skye blanched. "How did you…?"

Coatlicue laughed softly, and flowing soprano sound that was music to the mortal ears. "I was not idle during the silence. Read your mind, and came to this decision." Coatlicue and Skye stood, and the Spirit glowed white. Her form was merely a white outline, and then it changed size. Soon, Skye found herself looking eye-to-eye with a much-smaller version of Coatlicue, the same size as her, that looked almost human. The Summon smiled, and motioned for Skye to follow her. The two began walking, through flower-strewn fields that danced with pollen.

Coatlicue began. "We were residing in the Heavens, where we dwell when not Summoned. We were watching the battle between the Fivefold and Regnoare intently, since we all take a keen interest in the doings of Weyard. We saw Zelexseon immolate himself, and then Regnoare called out his spell." She paused, as if recalling this hurt her. "Apparently, he maintained some control of the Sol Aurarius he had owned, and we felt its incredible power call out to us. We were bound in our hearts by its might, and commanded to wreck havoc on Weyard, destroying all we could. I, however, was able to resist most of its call, though I'm afraid I destroyed Shaman," the woman fell silent, and Skye listened, entranced. "We are doomed to obey this curse until we are defeated. And now, Skye, you come as if the answer to my prayer!"

The Spirit turned to the Anemosian, her hands clasped in front of her as she begged. "Destroy me! Send me into the oblivion! The guilt of destroying Shaman weighs heavy on me, and I must atone for my deeds!" Coatlicue fell silent, and turned aside, staring at the ground. "I am the Spirit of healing, of life. To take innocent lives is intolerable to me, and to have done it myself!" A single tear of crystal light fell to the field, anointing a flower in silver dew. "Skye… grant me the sleep I so earnestly desire!" The Spirit turned back and spread her arms, leaving her heart undefended. "Kill me, for my power forbids me to do so myself!"

Skye took a step backward, shaking her head fervently. "I cannot! To kill someone in cold blood goes against my ethics, everything I stand for!"

Coatlicue stepped forward, closing the distance between the two. "You must!"

Skye flipped up her visor, showing that her troubled face, elflike as it was, torn with indecision and emotion. "I can't!" She almost sobbed, "You already said you wouldn't hurt anyone, you're in control!"

"But I don't know if I can resist forever!"

"I can't kill an innocent!"

"My hands are stained with blood! Slay me, cleanse my sin!"

"No, Coatlicue! I refuse!"

"Oh, for Heaven's sake!" Coatlicue threw up her hands, exasperated. She raised her hands above her head and made a triangle with her forefingers and thumbs. "Heavenly Blast!"She began to glow with a brilliant white aura. "Kill me now, Skye, lest you yourself be killed!"She yelled, her eyes glowing white with power.

"Coatlicue!" Skye screamed, and drew her rapier. With a single well-aimed thrust, she impaled the Summon through the heart. Ethereal crimson blood began to seep around the wound, and the Spirit's arms fell lifelessly to her sides. Her head fell limp to her chest, and her light brown hair shaded her face like a curtain.

She looked up and smiled weakly, her eyes conveying the depth of her gratitude. "… Thank you, Skye." She began to crumble, her body breaking off into nothingness. "… For everything." With a final crack, her body disintegrated, leaving behind only a simply stone tablet.

Skye collapsed before the tablet, sobbing. "Forgive me, Coatlicue…" She whispered. "I'll take care of you." So pledged, she gathered up the stone tablet, and left.

Part V: Flowers for Garoh

Master Lupus growled as he edged along the cliff, grabbing the handholds easily with his clawed hands. He was not enjoying himself, at all. Air's Rock was never pleasurable, unless one was a Jupiter Adept. He was pursuing that damnable demon, Flora.

She had attacked Garoh and shredded the trees on the slopes, killing several Garohans who were out hunting at the time. When he exited the cave and looked up at her, enraged, the little pixy just laughed and fled. He had tracked her down to Air's Rock, and now here he was, climbing through the damn dungeon, chasing a Spirit who could flee on the wind, dissolve into a multitude of flowers and escape his grasp, as she had already done many times. "Not good enough, Lupus," she would chide, and disappear.

He growled again, picking his way through the maze-like interior of Air's Rock. The place was always surrounded by a howling wind, and tornadoes whirled through the most unexpected places. The whole Rock glowed with Jupiter Psynergy, as Lupus very well knew. He had tramped all over it, searching for that damnable Flora.

He rounded a corner, hopping over the pillars. Though he searched for a foe, inwardly, he always wondered what became of Avani. He considered her the daughter he never had, and he missed her terribly. The last time he saw her, she left with the Fivefold. If they had anything to do with her disappearance, he would have their heads.

Honestly though, he doubted it. They were, after all, at war with Regnoare, and Orior wouldn't let his cousin come to harm at the hands of his companions. He could only hope for her well being.

Suddenly, a tornado of flower petals rose in front of him, and he stepped back, wary. In a final blast of petals, Flora formed in front of him, the wind rider, goddess of flowers.

She smiled mischievously. She had wild purple hair and bright magenta eyes. Lime-coloured ornaments emerged from her mess of hair like twin feathers, and azure ribbons encircled her arms and legs, and trailed on the ground. She wore close-fitting dancer's garb, violet in colour and fastened with straps around her neck. She wore a tight purple skirt, with flaring frills in the back that traced the back of her knees. A brown leather belt was fastened around her left thigh, and she wore silk grey socks, open on her heel and toes. She stood on a bed of flower petals, and leaned forward, smiling coquettishly. "Hello Lupus."

"Flora!" He growled. "Enough play! Stand and fight!"

She giggled. "Ah, do I have to?" She batted her eyelashes at him, smiling slightly.

"Yes!" He shouted, exasperated.

"Fine…" She pouted, and then suddenly her whole demeanour changed. She seemed to grow sterner, and an aura of violet and gold formed around her. "We'll fight, to the death. Prepare, Lupus! This is the point of no return!" The flowers around her feet sprung up and formed a screaming barrier around them, fifty feet in diameter. Eyes still locked with him, she picked up a rock and tossed it at the wall. With a horrid screeching noise, it was ground away to dust. "Attack, with all you have! May the best soul win!"

Lupus concentrated, drawing his Psynergy. He felt the wild nature of Venus respond, mixed with Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter. He crafted them together with his Luna Psynergy, and raised the Trainer's Whip. "Feral Blessing!"He cried, and cracked his weapon. It hit the ground with a snap, and a cloud of a harsh brown energy emerged. Emerald streaks appeared in the cloud, and forms emerged from the mass: snarling wolves, roaring lions, hissing snakes, and screeching falcons. It was the might of the beast kingdom, in full force.

Flora raised a hand, and tensed. "Petal Shield!"The flowers whirled into the air and formed a whirling storm. The cloud ran full force into it and ground away. Trails of energy pushed past and danced across Flora, who just shrugged them off. She spread her arms and the petals danced away, forming a swirling ring. "Flower Storm!"The flowers reversed direction and turned, facing Lupus. The dim light glinted off razor edges, and time seemed to slow. Lupus could see the petals all turning to face him, the sheen of the light as it traced a path along the plants. They all stopped, quivering, and then launched.

Literally thousands of razor petals blasted across his form, cutting narrow swaths through his cloak and skin. Blood seeped from a thousands lines, and he staggered. Still, the onslaught continued, and the petals began to strike deeper, aiming for vital organs. Lupus saw his life flash before his eyes.

He was born a Garohan, and always was. Everyone he grew up with was a werewolf, and he was no exception. The Master, a kindly old man, had trained him to be his successor after he passed away. He learned the art of the Trainer's Whip, and dedicated his whole life to the protection of Garoh. He took to wife his childhood friend, a beautiful woman named Lemia. For a short while he was happy, but then the thing he dreaded most happened: she was slain by an invasion of monsters that emerged from the northwest. He always suspected they came from Mantium, but could never prove it.

He was distraught, and filled with turmoil at her death. Then Avani arrived, and her enthusiasm and innocence infected him. He began to view her as the daughter he never had, and after bringing her, against her will, to the werewolf life, they grew close. Like his Master before him, he trained her to be his successor, but she was stolen away by demons. Now, he only had Garoh to live for. And, to his utmost surprise, he found it was not enough.

"Maybe," he mused, "I came here to die." The thought saddened him, but provided him with a kind of desperate courage. He had nothing to lose. "Whiplash!" The Trainer's Whip glowed an electric violet, and it extended past the edge. It was a form of the vesica spell. He brought it back, and struck out.

Flora growled, and caught the energy whip with her hand. She winced, and yanked it forward. Lupus stumbled forward as the weapon was torn from his grasp, and looked up with dismay. Flora flipped the whip and caught it by the handle. She lowered it, trailing the edge on the ground. "You know, Lupus?" She said softly. "Such courage I rarely see. Therefore, I shall go willingly into my sleep. Lupus, we shall kill each other, I shall not defend myself." She raised one hand and spread her fingers. A silver rose appeared in her hand. Lupus nodded solemnly, and the phantom figure of a Ghost Army phased in behind him, glowing white eyes shining behind clinking armour.

As one, they drew back their arms and cast their spells. The silver rose whistled through the air and pierced Lupus through the neck, and he collapsed, gasping and clutching his throat. The lance of the Ghost Army ran forward and through Flora's heart, and she crumpled over it. Sapphire blood began to trail from the wound, and then the two adversaries looked up at each other. "Goodnight, Lupus," Flora said softly, and crumbled into nothingness, leaving behind only a stone tablet.

"Goodbye, Flora," Lupus croaked weakly, and passed away. A mournful wind blew, stirring the faintest remnants of violet petals that danced on the air and away into the distance.

Part VI: The Council of Vale

The Fivefold stumbled into the town of Vale, weary but satisfied with their work. The eruption of Aleph was halted, and now it stood like a stern guardian wreathed in dark stone. They stopped short, and looked around in amazement at the changed city.

Where once stood majestic buildings of Psynergy-imbued stone, there were now simpler dwellings, most of stone but one or two of wood and thatch. Yet Adepts still walked the streets, looking much the same as they had in old Vale. One of the Adepts noticed them and nodded, and strode over.

He was a tall, well-muscled man in regal armour of black and gold. He stood a respectful distance from them and bowed. "Fivefold Star. The former King and Queen of Lilyvera are expecting you."

Orior started at the voice. "Bourn! I hardly recognized you!"

The knight flipped up his visor and smiled, his hazel eyes greeting them warmly. 'We've been awaiting your return, General. And all the rest of you, as well. We are holding council right now. So, if you'd please follow me."

The Fivefold nodded to each other, and followed the warrior. He led them through the streets of Vale, towards the old courtyard. Along the way, the Fivefold were pleased and heartened to be recognized by the townsfolk, who bowed and wished them good fortune. It appears they were renowned for their deeds.

And yet… not all was cheery. Venerable crones glared at them with dark eyes, and some Adepts in their prime stopped and cursed them softly. Perhaps they, and they alone, understood what the coming Dim Age would bring. The Fivefold only hoped that they could reverse it in time.

They breached the cliff that overlooked the courtyard, and gasped. Seemingly from nowhere, a giant structure had sprung up. Iron spires erupted from the ground itself and reached towards the sky, arraying themselves in a circle. A thatch roof was impaled and held in place by the tips, with a single hole in the centre of it. A dragon skin cloth hung from the spires, images and insignias painted on the sides in many colours: the eagle of Anemos, the lion of Lilyvera, the serpent of Imil, the dragon of Prox, the demon of Mantium, the angel of Atavia, and the star of Vale. The emblems of the cities.

Bourn led them across the cobbled stone, their boots making sharp clips on the rock. He stopped at the edge of the wall, and placed one armoured hand on it. "Welcome," he pulled back the curtain, tucking it behind one of the spires, "to the Council." He bowed, and ushered them in.

The inner chamber was wide, and open, dominated by a large circular table of yellow jasper. A large amethyst-coloured spire arose through the centre of the table, and the Fivefold realised with awe that it was a spire of Psynergy stone. The Adepts sitting around the table looked up, and the Fivefold recognized some of them.

They were King Astonas of Lilyvera and Queen Galedia, his wife.

There was a tall knight in armour of azure and cerulean, with a tall crest and a visor hammered with gold. Sea-blue eyes gleamed in the darkness between the slits, and he rustled in his seat. He was tall, and broad-shouldered, and the emblem of Imil was engraved on his shoulder in silver.

Talking to this knight quietly was a female knight of Anemos, in armour of lavender and gold. Shamira leapt towards the woman in violet and embraced her. "I'd recognize that armour anywhere! Skye, I thought you were in Anemos still!"

Skye shook her head. "I was… but I was sent back for the time being. Which reminds me, I'll need to talk to you privately later."

The last was a venerable elder, with hair as white as snow and skin flawlessly youthful looking. His eyes were a stern green, and he wore robes of earthly brown and beige. He wore a jewelled ring on his index finger, with a shining beryl inlaid in silver. A grey leather cloak fell from his shoulders, and he had his hands steeped on the table as he looked at them calmly.

There were several empty seats around the circle, so that there were fifteen seats in all. King Astonas rose, and gestured for the Fivefold to take a seat. They sat across from the five Adepts, Aleos in the centre, flanked by Orior and Cinaed, and Shamira and Maris sat beside them, respectively.

There was a polite silence, and then King Astonas spoke. "May I be the first to congratulate you, Fivefold. But it appears that the war is not won. The Summons are still at large, though some of them have since been removed by the greatest warriors." He nodded respectfully to the Anemosian knight, and went on. "This brave woman single-handedly defeated Coatlicue, though she was not fast enough."

The violet-armoured figure threw up her hands. "For the last time, she surrendered! I didn't defeat her in combat!" She lowered her head. "However, I admit I was not fast enough. She destroyed Shaman, much to our mutual regret," she hung her head, then raised it. "After that, I visited the capitals, using Teleport. Prox had retrieved those citizens still alive from that sea of ice, Lilyvera was basically deserted, and at Imil I met our friend here," she inclined her head towards him. "He may have tidings that will interest you."

The Imilian knight stood, and placed his hands on the table. "Imil is no more," he said flatly, and the Fivefold snapped to attention. "Azul rose from the deep like the monster he is and conjured a tidal wave. The whole city is only so much debris floating in the sea now… as well as the ground beneath it. Only a plain remains of the city now, though Mercury Lighthouse withstood the attack easily, luckily for me, as I was inside it. Fivefold," he turned to the seated Adepts, "you fought bravely and valiantly, and I appreciate you saving me in Imil, but I'm afraid it's not enough."

Shamira frowned. "What do you mean 'saving you'? I don't remember ever seeing you before," she reached out with her hand and tapped into his mind with the power of Jupiter, and divined his name. She rocked back in shock. "Vishnar!"

The knight smiled and flipped up his visor. "At your service."

Maris ran over and embraced him. "Vishnar, I haven't seen you in ages! But," she drew back, and faced him at arm's length, "are your tidings really true?"

He nodded regretfully. "It is as I said. But, there is something else," he turned back to the council. "At about the same time as the attack, an immense dragon flew by overhead, heading to the south, more or less. Unfortunately, I believe it was heading towards Lumeria."

The elder finally spoke softly, in a voice low and melodious, yet reached their ears easily. "Eclipse, the dragon whose wings span the skies…"

Vishnar nodded. "The very same. I'm worried about how Lumeria came out of the encounter with him…"

Skye stood, and closed her visor. "I'll check," she said, her voice muffled. She raised her hand and waved goodbye cockily. "See ya soon." She stepped to the material wall, and pushed it open, then leapt back, holding the wall open. A man in white-red armour entered, his visor up to show pale red Proxian skin and fiery blue eyes. It was the draconigena of Prox. He bowed deeply to the assembled.

The elder stood, and in his honey-like voice he addressed the Paladin. "Yes, Sthraume?"

The dragoon bowed. "I come from Prox. We have retrieved all of our citizens, and miraculously no one was killed, though we have several injuries. But, something else has happened," his expression darkened. "The Dragon's Gate is destroyed."

Cinaed leapt to his feet. "What! How?"

The draconigena turned to his subordinate. "Daedalus." He said simply. "The Gate could not withstand the projectiles of that being, and crumpled. And now that the Gate is destroyed, our defences are ruined. We would like to bring the old and infirm to Vale, as well as some young and strong, if it is permissible," he said to the elder.

The elder nodded. "We wouldn't dream refusing you, Prox."

The Paladin inclined his head. "You have our thanks. We are leaving the Dragoons as well as our stronger fighters in Prox to fend of monsters. We shall dwell there for the rest of time," he vowed, and took his leave of them.

Maris turned to Cinaed. "What does he mean, 'our defences are ruined'?" The other Fivefold turned to listen to his answer.

"Prox was a haven from monsters. The Dragon's Pass was the only way through the mountains to the northern part of the continent, so if it was protected, nothing got through. We long ago eliminated all monsters on the northern side of the border, and we make sure the numbers of those that somehow get through are… small. But with the Gate destroyed, there will be flood after flood of monsters eager to satisfy their rage on us after so long. The draconigena is wise to take the weak to Vale, as only the strong will be able to remain in Prox." The Fivefold nodded their understanding.

There was a great roar outside, and a strong wind picked up and fluttered the edges of the wall. Skye frowned and pushed aside the curtain, then chuckled appreciatively.

An immense white dragon was landing in the courtyard outside, red stripes the colour of blood running crossed down his back. His eyes whirled in the colour of fire, and he dug oversized talons into the stone for purchase. He lowered his wings horizontally, and rested them on the earth. A crowd of beings began to file off the dragon, Proxians all. The citizens of Vale rushed out to receive them and admire the dragon, who posed regally, head inclined to the sky. The Proxians mingled with the crowd of Valeans, presumably explaining their plight.

The Paladin appeared once more and smiled apologetically. "It may seem presumptuous, but I had already arranged the Proxians transport here, and were on the way as we spoke." Still smiling, he ducked out. The elder sighed.

Skye checked the fastening of her armguards, and turned to face them, well, I suppose I should be on my way now," she saluted. "Goodbye." Summoning her Jupiter Psynergy, she disappeared in a whirlwind of rainbow sparks as she cast Teleport.

The elder rose. "I suggest a short recess, to give Skye some time to return to us. We'll resume council in half an hour." The assembled rose, and bowed to each other before starting murmured conversations.

Aleos walked over to the elder, smiling. "I don't think the others recognized you, but I did. Elder Viyat, however did you escape Regnoare's attack?" He shook hands with the Elder of Vale, and they sat down.

The Elder smiled wearily. "I actually happened to be out of Vale at the time, as I was on my way to Bilibin to order some more ale for our city. When I saw the black cloud of the Necromancer's attack behind me, I turned around and moved as fast as I could back to Vale. I managed to save a few citizens with my healing arts, but I'm afraid I didn't do enough. Only a small percent of the citizens you see now are actually Valeans, most are refugees from Lilyvera, Imil, and now Prox."

Aleos nodded, hiding the pain he felt. His own sister was one of those killed in the attack. "Yes, that's true."

Maris and Vishnar were engaged in conversation, as she sketched a rough summary of their adventures. From there, their talk turned to other matters. "What should we do with Imil now?" Vishnar asked. "Obviously, we'll need to build a smaller city. Many people were killed in Regnoare's attack and Azul's later. Not only that, we simply don't have the power to reconstruct the City of Shining Crystal."

Maris nodded her agreement. "I think half of the survivors should go to Lumeria, where Hydros reigns. The other half should be divided between Apojii, and Imil. We'll submit the choice to the citizens, and leave them free to choose."

"You're quite right, cousin. There's one more thing."

"What is it?"

"Tresauria."

Maris' eyes widened, and she lowered her head closer to his. "What about it?" She whispered.

"Cut off from the mainland. Azul made two attacks. The second wound around the cave and removed all the land. It's an island now."

"With our sanctuary cut off from land, the only way there is by sea…" Maris mused.

"Or air," Vishnar said, a glint in his eye.

Maris looked shocked. "You want me to go there? Why?"

Vishnar dropped his voice to a whisper. "Azul has claimed the place as his own, and will not suffer any to pass. All routes by sea to Imil are unavailable."

Maris glowered. "Insufferable serpent! But what can I do about it?"

Vishnar looked levelly at his cousin. "Maris, I'm a warrior, able to judge one's strength at a single glance. I can see that the Fivefold are the strongest of all of us present, and you are the one with the most resistance to Azul's attacks."

Maris shook her head slowly. "I don't know if I can…"

Vishnar smiled reassuringly. "I believe in you."

Maris smiled wanly. "I hope that's enough."

The conversation went on for several minutes, until by and by a soft hiss outside, like a crackling fire, announced the arrival of one by Teleport. The Adepts took their seats, and waited patiently for the newcomers to enter. There were sounds of shuffling from without the tent, and then Skye entered, smiling. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Regent-Chancellor Hydros Aquarius of Imil, and Lady Lynn Marina of Tolbi." She stepped aside, and the two Mercury Adepts entered, bowing deeply to the Council.

Maris practically squealed with delight and jumped up, pulling her two lifelong companions in a tight embrace. "It's so good to see you two again, Hydros and Lynn! Please, tell us all that has happened!"

The Elder motioned for them to take their places, and they did so. The number of the council was now twelve. Hydros and Lynn told their story, filling in some detail where the other missed a part. They told of how Eclipse came to Lumeria and ruined most of the fleet, and how Poseidon was now the guardian of Lumeria forever. The others listened silently.

When they concluded their tale, there was a pause, then Maris spoke. "Hydros, if I needed any more convincing of your worth to be King, this has done it. And Lynn, you are every bit the Adept your father was." The two inclined their heads and graciously accepted the compliment. "However, I am told that we now have several more problems."

Even as she spoke, a great ruckus rose outside. There were shouts, and pounding feet. "Go to the Council!" Someone screamed, and the Adepts heard a loud thunk.

"Oh my! He's collapsed! Someone help!"

"Don't worry, miss. I'll carry them." The deep bass voice of the draconigena reached them, and creaking armour as he knelt. Heavy footsteps approached the tent, and the Adepts within waited.

The curtain moved aside as the Paladin ducked his head underneath, carrying an unconscious Adept in each arm.

One was a regal-looking man, with flawless skin and matted hair as golden as Sol. His eyes were closed, and his stately white robes were dirty and scored with holes, well worn by travel. He breathing was laboured, and his left leg was twisted at an odd angle, and black in colour. Blood seeped out from cracks in the skin, and it twitched spasmodically every so often.

The other, a frail woman with raven black hair. She had pale, deathly-white skin and sunken eyes. She had an emaciated frame, and the frame of her bones showed through her clothing. Her face had a sickly yellow tinge, and her breathing was painful, a death rattle. Her lower body, from the waist down, was unmoving and bone-thin. Though her body was wracked and only her clothing and hair served to identify her, the Fivefold recognized her at once.

"Scythia!" Orior said, and leapt to his feet. The other Fivefold jumped up as well, and crowd around the Paladin. He gently laid the two Adepts down on the council table, where they lay as if dead. He stepped back, and the Fivefold gathered closer to the two fallen warriors.

The Elder peered closer at the golden-haired man. "If I'm not mistaken, he is Calathur, Lord of Atavia."

Cinaed looked sharply at him. "The hero who slew the Infernia?"

Elder Viyat nodded. "The very same."

Cinaed bowed to the fallen Solian. "I'm honoured to be in his presence. Shamira, Skye," he said to the two Jupiter Adepts, "can you tell us what happened?"

Shamira nodded, understanding. "Mind Read?"

Skye smiled. "Mind Read. I'll check Calathur, if it's all the same."

"And I Scythia," Shamira agreed. The other Fivefold moved aside, to give the two Wind Adepts room. They nodded to each other, and placed two fingers on their targets' foreheads.

Silence reigned for several minutes as the two Anemosians relived the events. Pained expressions slowly grew on their faces as they progressed, and at last they broke away, panting. The others gave them space while they composed themselves, and then Shamira spoke. "They encountered Haures."

Skye took her turn. "A clash ensued between the Spirit and the Adepts."

"They thought they had won by Scythia's blow"

"But Haures struck with vengeance and brought the Lunarian woe"

"Scythia fell and Sol blazed"

"By his heavenly lance the day was saved"

"Slashed by last claw, he escaped death's maw"

"And carried Scythia to safety."

"Over the fields and hills of Angara he trudged"

"His ordeal and fate he not begrudged"

"To bring home his beloved was his only goal"

"To bear her gently to Vale, safe and whole."

The two Adepts snapped out of their reverie, and nodded simultaneously. "That's what occurred."

"Truly a living legend," Cinaed said, looking down with admiration on the Sol Adept.

"They're infected with Haures' poison," Skye explained. "Where the tiniest scratch is a mortal wound."

"Scythia's spine is also severed." Shamira shook her head. "It doesn't look good for her."

"But we have to try!" Maris pleaded. "No matter what we must do. To preserve life is the oath of the healers, and I'm not about to renege on that," She turned to the two fallen Adepts, her robes swishing. She placed one slender hand on each Adept's forehead, and prayed. "Gentle Mercury, send pure healing into these poor souls."She felt a blue energy respond deep inside her, and a blue aura glowed over the two.

Heavy scaled hands gently covered her white ones, and Maris craned her head and looked into the smiling eyes of Cinaed. "Great Mars, blaze with cleansing flame upon these two poor souls."A dancing red light poured from his hands and over the two, and they stirred.

Orior over Cinaed. "Courageous Venus, cast the net of the living earth over these two, restrain their souls from fleeing." Green light grew, inch by inch, over the sleeping Adepts' forms.

Shamira last, smiling. "Wise Jupiter, give them the breath of life." A violet light blew over their forms, and there was a brilliant flash of golden light.

The Fivefold each withdrew their hands, and Aleos nodded as if this confirmed something. The Sol and Luna Adepts now seemed perfectly healthy, and appeared to be simply enjoying a restful sleep instead of laying on their deathbeds.

"It's a miracle…" Hydros whispered. The Adepts' wounds were entirely recovered. Hydros and Lynn stepped forward to Calathur and Scythia, respectively. Using the diagnostic sense of Mercury that was like unto Mind Read except looked more into the heart than the mind. There was no taint in their beings, the poison of Haures was completely cleansed. Lynn could sense that the wound on her spine was healed, and that now only a long white scar remained of that deadly wound.

"Praise the elements," Viyat said, and bowed his head.

"Amazing," Vishnar said, and stepped up between the two other Water Adepts. "But I think we should add a finishing touch." They caught his meaning, and each raised their hands. "Pure Ply!" They shouted as one, and a pure blue-white glow radiated over the Adepts. They stirred momentarily, and then sunk into a deep, restful sleep.

"Now, while these heroes rest…" Viyat said, and turned to Skye expectantly.

Skye spoke. "Very perceptive, Elder. Before I reached Lumeria, I made a quick check of some of Weyard." She raised one hand, and started ticking off her fingers. "Garoh is in mourning, as Flora and their Master Lupus slew each other in combat. Shaman, Imil, the Dragon's Gate, and other settlements have been destroyed. Charon and Iris, the two most powerful, wiped Lilyvera off the face of the world in a joint attack. How can we stand against these things?" She spread her arms, questioning.

Orior stood and slammed his fist on the table, making them jump. "Dammit, we already have! You of all people should know that, Skye. You took out Coatlicue, Lynn and Hydros eliminated Eclipse, and Calathur and Scythia here," he gave a respectful nod to the two unconscious heroes. "You've proven it's possible to defeat these Summons, and halt their wild rampage. Let's do it, let's destroy them now! Who's with me?"

Shamira stood, a fire in her eyes. "I am," she said, resolute.

"We all are," the Council chorused, but Elder Viyat broke in.

"I believe that the only ones worthy, and also capable, of the honour of removing the strongest summons are Fivefold Star themselves." He turned a stern gaze on Aleos, who answered.

"It would be our final accomplishment. I am not declining the assignment, but I request that we," he indicated the other Fivefold, "would prefer some time alone with our thoughts. When we return, you will have your answer."

Viyat nodded slowly, considering the request. "You have three hours."

The Fivefold bowed graciously, and backed out of the tent. They nodded to each other before separating, each choosing to wander Vale under their own guidance.

---

Aleos knelt in the shadows of the ruined Valean tower, a pile of rubble all that remained of the once-majestic building that rivalled the Lighthouses themselves. He rubbed the stone dust from one of the paving stones, the smooth rock transferring its dirt onto his fingers. He raised his hand and held the dirt up to his eyes, then rubbed them together, releasing a small poof of dust. He laid his hand gently on the stone again, and bowed his head.

"Aquina," he whispered. "Not a day goes by when I don't remember your kindness, your smiling face. I have kept your dying words, sister, and look where I am now." He clenched his fist, grinding the particles of dirt together. "Soon, Aquina, I shall avenge you. Perhaps then, you can finally rest." Aleos looked up to the sky, and raised his voice. "Care for her and keep her, Mercury! She was dear to me…" He felt a light brush on his cheek, the swish of hair on his arm, and a gentle laugh in his ear. He whirled around, but he was alone. He bowed his head, and wept.

Orior, Shamira, and Maris walked together three abreast, conversing lightly. Sol shone brightly, beating down on their backs mercilessly. Shamira waved her hand and stirred up a cooling wind, and Maris dropped the temperature in their immediate vicinity a few degrees. They all sighed with relief, and resumed their conversation while walking the hilly paths in northern Vale, discussing their plans once everything is over.

"I'm going to be a healer," Maris said, her eyes bright. "The best. With just a few apprentices, worthy Adepts that I feel hold much promise. I'll travel around the world, healing people that others have no hope for."

Orior smiled. "Whatever happened to being Queen, Maris?"

Her face fell. "Oh. Right. I don't want to govern Imil, I'd rather be on the streets, helping people. And maybe once we defeat Regnoare, my father will return to normal and he can rule! And if not, I'm sure Hydros or Vishnar can be persuaded. They are royals, after all. What about you, Shamira? What are your plans?"

She smiled sheepishly. "Well, first I have to inform Anemos that it's okay to return. Then, I'd like to lead the Anemosian Army, and leave ruling to my brother."

Orior grinned. "I suppose none of us would like to rule a country, then?"

"It's much too fun being free," Maris agreed.

"But remember, even once we defeat Regnoare we will have to relight the Lighthouses," Shamira reminded them.

"True, true," Orior conceded.

"And then repairing the damage that the Necromancer gave us," Shamira added.

"But some wounds are never healed," Maris said sadly.

Orior's expression darkened. "Avani."

"We don't know for sure if she's dead, Orior." Shamira said. "Don't give up hope."

"And Zelexseon?" Orior said.

Shamira winced. "A worthy foe, and a better ally. I had never met a stronger Jupiter Adept."

"Except for yourself, of course?" Maris teased.

"Naturally." Shamira responded. "Still, I guess I could miss him. He would've made great strides for Anemos."

Orior snorted. "If they would accept him. He did try to destroy their city, after all."

"I'm sure they could have been reconciled," Shamira said sternly, in a tone that said this-is-the-end-of-this-discussion.

Maris held back a smile. "Well, I'll leave you two alone…" Maris said mischievously, and the two reddened, looked at each other, and then looked away, still blushing. "… right," Maris said, amused, looking back and forth between them. "Goodbye," she curtsied, and then wheeled away, dress flaring, in search of Cinaed.

She found him staring silently into the fast-moving Valean river, watching the waves and eddies of the water as it trekked towards its distant destination in the sea. The Proxian made a regal figure, the light of Sol on his back and throwing the spikes and contours of his armour in sharp contrast. His burgundy mane was forged into a dark fire as it fell from his helmet, and his talons hung loosely at his sides. She hazarded a guess at what he was thinking, and approached him. She leaned on his shoulder, ignoring the hard edge of cold metal, and spoke.

"I know what you're thinking, Cinaed. You're dragon, Vladka." She stood beside him, gazing into the water. "I cannot begin to comprehend the bond between dragon and rider, and even less what it feels for that bond to be torn apart. But, I do know that if it wasn't for Vladka, you would be dead," she withdrew her arm, and bowed her head. "Dead trying to save me…" She turned back. "Cinaed, you've saved me more times than I care to count, and there's nothing I can do to repay that. If something happened to you, I…." She trailed off, then shook her head. "I feel the same gratitude to Vladka that you do, Cinaed." She turned away once more, and stared silently into the water.

A strong hand laid itself gently on her shoulder, and Maris found herself being turned around to look into Cinaed's red-hazel eyes, filled with kindness. "It's not Vladka I was thinking of," Cinaed said. "It was you." Before Maris could react, Cinaed bowed down and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Maris, we are nearing the most dangerous part of our quest. If something happened to you, I could not go on. After Vladka perished, I believe you are the only thing anchoring me to this life." He smiled sadly.

Maris stepped back out of his reach and turned away. Cinaed took a tentative step forward. "Maris, is something wrong?"

Maris shook her head. "No, it's just…" she bowed her head, looking at the ground before her, "what I wished to hear!" She turned around and jumped into Cinaed, who looked shocked, but put his arms around her.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to love me," Maris said, her voice muffled against Cinaed's chest.

Cinaed smiled happily. "I love you indeed, Maris. More than anything else, my Star Magician."

Maris looked up at him, smiling in return. "Really?"

"Verily and truly," he answered, and kissed her soundly on her lips, eliciting a small gasp from Maris. They dissolved into the other's arms, comforted by the other's love.

Shamira and Orior watch with amusement as Maris ran quickly into the distance, hands at her sides. They turned to each other, and smiled. "Well, what do you want to do now?" Orior said.

"Go for a walk?" Shamira suggested.

Orior nodded. "Alright."

They walked side by side through the town of Vale, waving to the populace as they went about their day. Everywhere, they saw Valeans, themselves mostly former refugees, helping the Proxians. Shamira and Orior entered the item shop, and a young woman looked up, auburn hair pinned back in a ponytail. She wore a simple dress, and she walked to the counter when she saw them enter. "Can I help you?" She asked in a lilting voice.

Orior studied the shelves behind the itemkeeper, and nodded. "Five Antidotes, please."

The young woman nodded and turned around. She rifled through the shelf and returned with five Antidotes, the dark green leaves contrasting nicely with the azure flowers. "One hundred gold, please."

Orior flinched, but dug through his pack anyway. He produced a centuri, a hundred-gold coin, and passed it to the itemkeeper. She gave a brilliant smile and pocketed the gold. "Have a nice day!" She said cheerily, and waved as the two walked out of her shop.

"Whatever did you buy those for?" Shamira asked curiously as Orior turned them over in his hands. "Maris knows Cure Poison."

"This," Orior said, and separated the flowers from the other stems. He stopped Shamira with a hand on her arm. He reached up, flowers in hand, and tucked them behind her ear. She looked surprised, and Orior smiled. "What, forgot I loved you?" And he kissed her softly on the lips. He drew away, and offered her his arm.

"Oh…" Shamira said, dazzled. She reached out, as if in a dream, and took his arm. She sighed with contentment and leaned against his shoulder. "I love you, Orior."

He nodded. "I love you too, Shammie."

She drew back to look him in the eyes, and made a face. "Don't call me that."

"Anyway, Shammie," Orior said, appearing to ignore her previous comment, but there was a playful glint in his eye. "We need love to stand against the darkness. Love unites us, gives us a cause to fight for. Without love… what are we?"

"Monsters," Shamira said softly, and leaned on his shoulder again.

"Think we should returned to the Council now?" Orior asked, but Shamira could tell his heart wasn't in it.

"No, let us have this time together," she said quietly.

"Glad you think so," Orior answered, and guided her to one of the steep cliffs that lined Vale.

"Thanks, Orior," Shamira said sleepily.

"You're welcome," Orior said warmly, and they sat down and leaned against the cliff. He put his arm around her, and she leaned her head against his shoulder, and he in turn leaned on her head. The sat in silence in the other's presence, and soon fell sleep in each other's arms.

-

Shamira stirred, and slowly awoke. She listened silently for a while to Orior's rhythmic breathing, and then her mind registered the time: the setting Sol was casting her last red glow over Vale. "Oh my! Orior, wake up!" She shook him gently.

"Hrm… wha?" He said groggily, and opened one eye. Shamira was in front of his face, lilac eyes bright.

"It's time to return to the Council, Orior!" She said.

"Urm… Okay." He said, and shook his head to clear his mind. "But first…" he said playfully, and kissed her.

"Enough," Shamira said merrily, and her eyes sparkled. Orior stood, and offered a hand to help Shamira to her feet. She took it, and the two walked off to the Council, hand in hand.

---

Aleos watched, amused, as the other Fivefold arrived at the Council in couples: Maris and Cinaed, Orior and Shamira. They were holding hands and talking gaily with each other. The Void Adept folded his arms and stood in front of the tent, laughing quietly. "Welcome back, lovebirds."

"Found out," Shamira said, holding back giggles, and then composed herself. She spread her arms. "We're back, Aleos. Even if we are little late."

He just smiled and held back the tent flap. "I wouldn't dream of interrupting your time together."

"Thank you," Maris said as she ducked under the flap. The other Fivefold followed suit, and lastly Aleos entered himself, and the door closed with a leathery clap.

The Council was already seated, and they looked up in surprise when the Fivefold entered. "Ah, nice of you to join us," Vishnar said icily.

"Aw, give them a break," Lynn said companionably. "I'm sure they spent the time wisely." She winked at Maris, who leaned towards Cinaed.

"Is nothing a secret anymore?" She asked, and he shook his head.

"Please, take a seat," Viyat said pleasantly, and the Fivefold sat. "So, have you come to a consensus?"

Shamira opened a network connecting their minds. "We go?"

"Yes," came the universal response.

"Good." Shamira sent, and turned to Aleos.

The silver-head nodded, and faced Viyat. "We are unanimous."

Viyat seemed pleased. "Excellent. However, it is rather late now. You can leave at Sol's break tomorrow." He stood, and everyone rose as well. "I conclude this meeting. Goodnight."

The Fivefold entered the inn, and ordered their rooms for the night. They bade each other farewell, and entered their beds. Night fell, and as they drifted off to sleep, they thought about the coming ending of their quest tomorrow, the end of an era.