Chapter 26
In the morning, after Ianite changed my bandages,
"Lucky, I won't be teleporting you to Adventure Island, that'll be Mianite. I'm staying here today. I'm not even going to talk to Sparklez. He'll get his task alongside Tom and Karl from you and Dec. He's going to find the journals... I need time to gather my thoughts and what I want to say to him after he finds out the truth."
"Wait, why haven't you told him the truth after you told me? I thought you would have. He's your follower too, don't you trust him too?"
"Of course I trust him, I just... I don't know. I guess I was scared. I had just told you, and I don't think I was ready to tell Sparklez yet. I waited too long... I should have told him before now." I embraced her.
"You probably should have, but he's a very nice guy and very understanding. I'm 100% positive he'll forgive you for not telling him sooner." She nodded. I held her for a bit, then let go. I needed to be ready to be teleported. "You'll be fine my love. Gather your thoughts, think about what you want to say, but also keep in mind he will never be angry with you. He'll understand and he'll forgive you. Sure, he might be a little hurt that you didn't tell him, but he'll get over it quickly." In the middle of my speech, Mianite interrupted,
'Lucky, you ready?'
'Just one sec, lemme say goodbye to Ianite.'
'Let me know when you're good.'
'Will do.' "I've got to go now. I love you."
"Love you too, be safe. Do as Dec tells you."
"Will do, to both. See you later." I hugged her and gave her a quick kiss. I took my armor out of my ender chest and equipped it before communicating to Mianite, 'Ok, I'm good to go.' I got teleported momentarily afterward.
"Good morning Lucky. You ready for the adventure?", Dec asked.
"As always. The guys getting ready?"
"Yeah, they should hopefully be along shortly." Dec and I discussed how long it will take each hero to arrive. Karl was first to arrive.
"Good morning Dec, Lucky."
"Mornin'." Sparky was second to arrive, then Tom last, by quite a bit.
"Ok, now that we're all here, lemme tell you what our mission is today," Dec began. He told the guys that he and I found where the Earth crystal is and that it's in pieces and that they need to find the core as well this time.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Lucky will now be included with you instead of us. That's gonna take some getting used to," Tom realized.
"Yeah, so I'll be doing what Dec does from now on." We headed to the boats and Dec and I were in the same boat. We led the guys to where we found the Earth crystal pieces and core. As we approached,
"Whoooaaa... This place is gigantic!" Tom exclaimed.
"No kidding..." Sparky was looking all around as we disembarked from the boats. There was an awed whistle from Karl as we approached.
"Now, remember, there are chests all around this place, you need to find them. Lucky and I will be around wandering. We will meet you in the middle to put together all the pieces and the core. If you need help, let us know, but I don't think you'll need it." They all nodded and we split off.
"How long do you think this'll take them?" I asked eventually.
"Until night, knowing the way those three like to goof around." I snorted.
"No kidding." We talked for a while, then I remembered wanting to ask Dec what it's like being godless. "Hey, Dec. what's it like being godless?"
"Um... well... I'm not sure how to answer that. I listen to all three gods, being the Priest and all. So I can't really tell you what it's like. Orion or Hermod could tell you better than I could." I nodded slowly, that makes sense I suppose. We walked around aimlessly in silence, then I got a telepathic message.
'Lucky, we've found all the pieces and the core. We're in the middle right now like we're supposed to.' It was Sparky. I relayed his message to Dec and Dec and I headed to the middle. When we got there, the guys were goofing around as usual. I shook my head, smiling.
"Yo, we've made it," I announced. They stopped and looked over to Dec and I. We all circled the crafting table. The three of them told Dec and I about the journals and what was said in them. Afterward, they handed over the pieces and core to Dec and Dec showed me how to put them together. It was pretty complicated, but I think after watching a few more times I might be able to try it on my own, if it weren't for the fact that this is the last Elemental stone to be found.
"Lucky, you know what the journals of Ianite's said, right?" Sparky asked.
"I do, yes."
"You didn't seem too perturbed, did you know beforehand? Did she tell you before we came here?" I sighed.
"Yes, she told me a while back. It's only because I had a dream of Wot almost telling me what she did. I asked Ianite what she did and she told me. She regrets it so much. CaptainSparklez, please... don't be too upset with her. She wants to tell you, she told me before I left. Give her time to gather her thoughts, to muster up the courage to tell you. She will tell you. Believe in this. I know you must be hurt, that's understandable. You can be hurt, just... forgive her. I know you're a kind soul, so you probably will.
"I'm talking to you two now, Karl, Tom, when I say this. Please find it in your hearts to forgive her. She's learned from her mistake, she regrets doing it. You might not see her for a while, I could feel her emotions before I left, she's ashamed. She needs to gather up the courage to face you guys again. Just give her time, ok?" Everyone there was surprised that I used Sparky's full name, but this is a serious matter, and therefore I used his full name to be serious about this.
"I trust you Lucky. I trust when you say she's learned and will tell me when she's ready. I understand. I am hurt, but I will listen to her, I will forgive her when she asks." I inclined my head.
"Will she tell us herself too?" Tom asked.
"I'd be surprised if she didn't. This affects everyone, not just Sparky and I."
"You're right when you say that Apprentice Priestess. It affects us even more." We all looked over to where the voices came from. Literal branches? Wait... Oakinite and Olivinite?
"Lucky, Dec, meet Olivinite and Oakinite. We already did and listened to their story after having found Ianite's journals," Sparky introduced.
"Whoa, interesting."
"You've completed the Earth stone. We've waited thousands of years. Ianite led you into our trap. Give us the Earth stone and we'll let you go free," Olivinite said.
"Wait, what? No(x9), we're not giving you anything. I don't care if you've waited for this, we need the stones to correct the Balance in the world. You'll only use it for your own selfish gain. I can sense your true intentions. I'm psychic. Sparky, go with Dec and take the Earth stone back to Adventure Island. Tom, Karl, you two stay with me and fight. We'll hold the both of them off while Dec and Sparky get to safety," I commanded. They all nodded and we split up. I took out my wand and set both Olivinite and Oakinite on fire. That distracted them to where they didn't see where Sparky and Dec went. They went to the water, away from Sparky and Dec, and extinguished themselves. As they surfaced,
"You can use magic?!" Oakinite asked.
"Only soulfire magic. I'm only a half-born Wizard. Y'know, I kind of do wish I could use more magic. It would be helpful," I stalled.
"Wait, you can't learn more magic than soulfire?" Tom asked.
"Sadly, no. Dianite said that I'm only able to use soulfire magic."
"Huh... that sucks." I nodded.
"Enough with the chatter! You want a fight? Then fight us!" Olivinite asserted.
"Let's collapse the roof Olivinite." Olivinite smirked then they both collapsed the roof, trapping Tom, Karl, and I. Good thing we brought our shovels. We furiously dug out of the sand that was suffocating us and made it out with two hearts left. Hoo boy, that was close! We ate to get our health up, then we looked around. Olivinite and Oakinite were nowhere to be found. Good thing I can sense presences. I felt around for their presences and found them, hiding in a dip in the ground. I motioned for Tom and Karl to follow me and we silently crept upon the two twigs. We used our bow and arrows when we got a good shot and caught them by surprise. They came out of hiding and now the real battle began.
Tom, Karl, and I all fought valiantly, parrying here, striking there, blocking blows with our swords or shield. Of course we weren't flawless in our blocks and parries. We did get hit a fair amount too. Good thing we have our armor on. Karl would go back and forth between helping Tom or I, depending who needed the help. During the fight, Gandus announced,
"I have corrupted the first humans with Darkness powers!" Her presence was faint.
"Go to Sparky and Dec, I can handle this myself," I whispered.
"What are you, nuts?! No, we're not leaving you," Karl exclaimed, hushed.
"Go! I can do this, trust me." Tom's and Karl's gazes lingered on me, until they sighed and nodded. They fled to the boats and took one and escaped as I used my fire magic again. They dodged this time, ready for my attack.
"Gandus, where are you?! Show yourself!" Olivinite and Oakinite wouldn't let me wait for Gandus however. They both attacked and I parried one, but not the other. I retreated back a little bit then attacked with my sword. Dude, these guys are strong... I really hope I'm getting close to defeating them. I don't know how much more I can go on by myself. I mean, sure, I just started, but two against one isn't really a good match up. I fought for a long time and eventually got one down. Now for the other. I'm getting tired now, but I keep going. I keep on for Ianite, for the guys, for the gods. I felt Gandus' presence get closer. Uh oh. She might try to fight me now that Olivinite is alone. Gandus will be much harder to win against. She's a whole bunch stronger than these two first humans.
I hurry as fast as I can to try and win against Oakinite, who is now furious that his sister is gone. Bad plan... I got knocked so far after his attack on me. When I landed, the wind got knocked out of me and I got dazed. Oakinite jumped off the ledge, planning an aerial attack. I barely came to in enough time to roll over onto my stomach and then switch my sword quickly to my left hand, attacking him, ending him. I caught my breath, finally, as I still laid on my stomach. Gandus' presence came even closer, until she was standing over me.
"Gandus, if you're going to unalive me, do it. I'm vulnerable. I can't fight anymore. Now's your perfect chance. Do it," I egged on.
"You know what, I won't. I'll show you a little mercy. You're strong Lucky Fire. Once you become the High Priestess is when I'll get you to come to my side. I don't want you dead. I want you alive. I want you on my side. Together, we can rule the world. Doesn't that sound nice?"
"Not particularly. Besides, I'm dating Ianite, a goddess. Dating a goddess is just as good as ruling the world, but we do that in a better way. A way that doesn't unalive anybody. We are Balance, we make things just, fair. We will always rule with patience, kindness, love, justice. Something you need to learn Gandus. I know some of your past. You've been hurt by someone. You went to Ianite for help, why didn't you listen to her advice? What made you the way you are now?" By the end, I had a gentle tone. I want Gandus to know I want to help her, but not in the way she wants.
"Ianite told you I went to her? Why?" Her face was a scowl and her arms crossed. I sat up, finally able to do so.
"Because I want to help you. I want to help you heal from your hurt in the correct way, the good way."
"You can't help me. Ianite tried, and even she couldn't."
"But I know I can, if you just-"
"Silence! I've heard enough! Just... go to your friends... leave me be." She disappeared and I felt her presence going away. I sighed. I stood up, a little wobbly, but able to walk to the boat and on my way to everyone else. Halfway through the trip,
'Lucky, are you ok? Everyone else is here, but we haven't seen any sign of you,' Ianite telepathically communicated.
'I'm good. I'm on my way...'
'You don't sound good. Where are you? I'll teleport you to me.'
'No, I'm good, I'm almost there. I need time to think.'
'Well... alright. I'll see you soon then.' I took a deep breath.
"I need to think of something to get to Gandus once we think of something to capture her and dampen her powers. What can we do, what can we use to capture her and dampen her powers? Think Lucky... think..." I used the rest of the trip to try and come up with something, but I couldn't think of anything. Oh well... the answer won't come to me right away. I just hope it will at some point before things get too bad. I reached the Island. Mianite, Sparky, Dec, Tom, and Karl were waiting for at the shore. Sparky helped me out of the boat and I leaned on him. I felt Ianite's presence, but she's high up and invisible. As soon as we reached Mianite,
"Good to have you back with us Lucky. Report?"
"I took charge once Olivinite and Oakinite made it clear they were on the side of Darkness and wanted to fight us for the Earth stone. I told Sparky and Dec to come here together to get the Earth stone away from them while Tom, Karl, and I fought. I lit the two on fire with my magic to distract them while Sparky and Dec made their getaway and Tom, Karl, and I fought against Olivinite and Oakinite. A while after, we heard Gandus declare that she gave them the power of Darkness and I sensed her presence, faintly however. It was at that point I told Karl and Tom to go to Dec and Sparky. Karl asked me if I was nuts and I told them to just go, that I could handle it myself. I wanted to talk to Gandus, try and reason with her. I didn't tell them that though.
"I fought the two first humans for a while, doing well and then I eventually unalived Olivinite. By that time, I was getting tired and couldn't do very well against Oakinite. I tried to hurry to finish the fight, but that was a bad idea as Oakinite was furious that I unalived his sister and he knocked me a fair distance away, knocking the wind out of me. After, he tried an aerial attack, which I barely rolled out of the way of and I quickly switched my sword to my left hand, ending him. I caught my breath for a bit and Gandus turned up. I told her that she had the chance to unalive me, to do it. She refused, praising me for my fighting skills.
"She wants me alive to recruit me to her side, to fight for her. I'll never. I pledged my loyalty to Ianite and Ianite alone. I'll never go back on my word. I'll never betray her. I'll never turn to the side of Darkness. I did try to get her to see her mistakes, to see that she chose the wrong way to deal with her hurt. I told her that Ianite told me she went to her for help, which in turn angered Gandus. Gandus said that if Ianite couldn't help her, then I definitely couldn't. I tried again to get her to listen to me, but she cut me off, saying she'd heard enough and went off. That's when I took the last boat and came back here."
"Very good report Lucky. I'm very, very proud of you for taking charge. Everyone listened to you and respected you and your decisions. Now, you fighting Olivinite and Oakinite by yourself wasn't a very good choice, but you managed it somehow. Talking to Gandus, that takes a lot of courage to try and do. I'm surprised she didn't lash out at you during your talk, just to injure you further at least, if she wants you alive. You could have sent Tom and Karl away after defeating the two first humans, but you didn't. That's something you need to work on." I nodded. "Good job everyone, the Earth stone is safe and sound. I shall leave you all so that you may sleep. Good night." We all bade Mianite a 'good night' and he left. The guys all bade me a 'good night' after praising me. I returned the 'good night' and after the last guy was gone, Ianite landed next to me and made herself visible. She hugged me.
"I'm glad you're safe my champion. Your report was definitely something to listen to. It sounds like you had a very exhausting fight. A fight that also gave you more wounds. Mianite's right, you shouldn't have fought Olivinite and Oakinite by yourself. You also promised me you'd be safe. Doing that wasn't safe. You should have dismissed Tom and Karl after defeating them. I know how adamant you would be about talking to Gandus alone, so you'd have made them leave if they refused, wouldn't you?" I grinned and nodded. "Of course you would. I know you all too well."
"And I still don't know you very well... you're still a mystery to me. Can we change that?" I turned the hug into an embrace.
"Well, it's only natural that a goddess be mysterious, wouldn't you think?"
"I mean, sure, but can't a goddess not be mysterious for her lover?"
"Maybe, you'll just have to see."
"Oh yeah? Well, maybe if you decide to not be mysterious, then it might be worth the wait, learning more about you."
"It will, if I decide to reveal all."
"I hope you will, but if you do decide not to, then I will understand."
"Thank you." The embrace ended there and Ianite teleported home, teleporting me just after. She changed my bandages and patches after I took off my armor. As she cleaned up, I laid down. When she came in,
"I'm glad Sparky got the Earth stone. We finally got one of the stones." She sat on the edge of my bed.
"Yes, we did. You and Sparklez did an excellent job. Especially you my champion. You may have made one mistake, but the rest, you did so well. I'm so proud of you." She gave me a soft kiss. I smiled.
"Thanks. I hope to always make you proud. I want to do better, be better, for you. For right now though, I need some sleep. Today has worn me out."
"I'm not surprised. You had quite the fight. Good night."
"Night." She left the room and I fell asleep, very exhausted from today's events.
A/N: I will get to what Olivinite and Oakinite said about Ianite leading the heroes, Priest, and Priestess into their trap next chapter. It didn't feel right in this chapter, with the banter between Ianite and Lucky.