Chapter 4: Next destination
Opening 3: Casey Edwards - Bury the Light
(Play Wild ARMS 3 OST - You Look Defeated When Sad)
Shadow and Mary arrived back in Neo Europa. Both now possess one of the seven Chaos Emeralds. It gave a sense of hope for the Gandálfr, but his longing for Tiffania didn't alleviate the mental pain. A subtle guilty conscience began to eat away in his mind, making him frown.
'Please wait for me, Tiffania… I will come back to you. When I do, we have to ensure the future of Halkeginia is protected.' He thought.
Mary could see that Shadow's mind was being in a mental storm. Seeing his face all serious with a frown marring it made her concerned.
'Something has been plaguing him since we got back from the Turquoise Fields. I'm worried what is wrong with him.' She thought.
A soft breeze billowed to the duo. Shadow closed his eyes to find a sense of calmness with the wind. It helped to dissipate the storm in his mind, but his guilt didn't disappear.
'Finding a Chaos Emerald was a grateful time, but I may need to find more if I wish to travel back to my own timeline with Tiffania. Searching around this new land may provide the answers I seek to help this future.' Shadow thought.
Mary watched him as the frown on his face disappear. However, she could see he was still being overtaken with guilt.
"Shadow. Are you alright?" She asked.
The Gandálfr merely exhaled in response. It was a difficult response for him to answer Mary's concern.
"What that man, Gambo, said has been on my mind for a while. These guys, including the others, have been hunting the elves for a long time?" Shadow reluctantly asked.
Mary knew it was a tough answer to say, since she could sense Shadow's reluctance to ask. With a bitter sigh, she began explaining.
"The elves have been hunted since the beginning when Mistral formed from the Great Uplift. Apparently most of the humans since the genesis of the new nation have been hunting them since we were believed to be heretics or demonic beasts." Mary explained.
Shadow growled, finding the explanation a tough pill to swallow, and the idea of the humans blasphemous.
'Humans will always be humans; leading a path to war and death. Just a simple belief to alleviate their self-preservation will drive them to do the most heinous crimes imaginable.' He thought with anger.
Mary looked concerned as she saw his anger with red Chaos energy swirling on his body in an electric storm. Shadow soon regained his self-control, dissipating the red energy around him.
"I'll find out who started this genocide of the elves. If what you said is true, I'll find the answer and alter this future. So many innocent lives could have been spared from this horrendous idea." Shadow said.
Mary smiled, knowing his words carry truth in them.
"We need to find another place to search for more answers. I know of one place we can head to." Mary suggested.
"What's the name of the place we can head to?" Shadow questioned.
"It's called Dawn's Touch. It's a small town made by the elves, whom hide it within a magical barrier. Only elves can pass through, but they can give others permission to pass." Mary said.
"Dawn's Touch. Sounds like a place we can head to in order to find answers. Where is the village located on the compass?" Shadow asked.
"It's about a day travel from here at the northeast direction. I'll talk to the guards first when we arrive so they can allow you to pass." Mary said.
"A day's travel to reach the town? Sounds like a slow journey if we walked in human speed." Shadow said.
"Hahaha… True, but we can get there before the sun sets." Mary suggested, giggling.
(You look Defeated when Sad OST ends here)
[]
Shadow and Mary were having their lunch. For the Gandálfr, he had a simple spaghetti with tomato sauce mixed with meat. Mary ordered a plate of brown rice with vegetables mixed in it.
"So this place we're visiting next is an elf town. That barrier helps protect them from any hunters whom have been seeking them since." Shadow deduced.
"Yes. Dawn's Touch has been one of the secure havens in Mistral for the elves. I can consider it home since the people there don't misjudge me, despite what I am." Mary concluded.
'At least it sounds safe to be in there. Better than being with these people whom are loathsome.' Shadow thought.
The duo now had a destination to go to. Shadow and Mary were prepared to leave off after finishing their meal.
[]
At the northeastern outskirts of Neo Europa, Shadow and Mary followed the wind path to a vast forest. Despite the altitude of the landscape riding in the clouds, the soil was still fresh for the trees to grow.
'I guess this entire continent may have some form of magic to withstand the atmospheric pressure. Judging on how high the landmasses are floating, it's easy to say we've been floating over 10,000 feet in the air.' Shadow thought, observing the environment.
Mary noticed Shadow was looking around the region. She felt curious to ask.
"Is there something that got your curiosity?" She asked.
"The trees and ground here seem they can provide some solace for life to flourish. It still surprises me that they can still be nourished despite the conditions." Shadow noted.
"Has the environment of now look different than when you came from?" Mary questioned with wonder.
"Vastly different. I would dare say that the landscape is much different." Shadow answered.
[]
The pair continued to trek through the forest. Several darkwind creatures soon appeared. They appeared to be giant earthworms, but had large gaping maws like a lamprey. Shadow equipped Zenyōso in response while Mary had her bow ready.
"Darkwind Burrow Worms… These guys are known for catching victims off guard before swallowing them alive." Mary explained.
"Since they like to dig underground, I know a way to drive them out." Shadow commented.
Zenyōso soon changed in its earth elemental form. Shadow charged his fist with the earth element before sending a punch to the ground. The region shook with a powerful quake that drove the creatures out from the ground. Writhing at the loss of being underground, the worms began to twitch violently in a futile attempt to ward off any attackers.
'I don't feel bad for these creatures in being this state… They're the result of Mephiles causing the problems in this time period.' Shadow thought.
Not leaving a chance for them to recover, Shadow stabbed them in their heads. Mary took aim and shot the remaining that lived. Vent stones were soon provided, allowing the duo to gather them.
"Never thought monster hunting would be worthwhile. At least it gives a reason for people to fight them off." Shadow commented.
"We can check them out once we reach Dawn's Touch. Every city used the Vent stones to power the everyday utilities. It's also the reason on why the continent stays afloat in the sky." Mary explained.
'The Vent stones seem to be the reason as to why the continent stays afloat. It's just like with Albion… This is without a doubt Halkeginia in the distant future.' Shadow realized.
The revelation still proved to be a surprise for Shadow. Every clue he found in regards to the history were all matched up to what he was thinking. Despite that, it left a downhearted sensation for the Gandálfr.
'It all comes down to this… The continent of Halkeginia has been changed forever. The history of its sudden arrival to the skies is the result of the same phenomenon that happened to Albion years before my arrival. If the same happened to Halkeginia after my disappearance, then this future is the result. The sudden change has caused the people to be genocidal due to someone's ideology being passed down like a plague. I have to go back to the past and correct this mistake.' Shadow thought with declaration.
He soon looked to Mary, deep in thought.
'If that's the case, this girl, Mary, wouldn't be alone. I still don't have much clues though there are hints she may be Tiffania's daughter. I just need more proof, despite her appearance looking like me.' Shadow continued mentally.
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Flickering Shadows of Trees)
The pair soon arrived at Dawn's Touch. Compared to the more technological oriented appearance of Neo Europa, the town was mixed with technology and nature.
"Wow…" Shadow commented with wonder.
Shadow's reaction upon laying sight of his surroundings was all that's needed to describe the seemingly wondrous city. Trees of various sizes from small saplings to skyscraper heights were shown. The city intermixed technology with nature, allowing both to coexist with more of a natural appearance. Water was provided through special pipelines in the soil, allowing the trees to prosper in the sunlight.
"This is…" Shadow paused, unable to finish his sentence.
"Yep. This is Dawn's Touch." Mary confirmed.
A turquoise barrier soon blocked Shadow from going further. Mary soon touched the barrier, allowing her passage. It soon formed a small hole that provided the passage for Shadow. Upon passing, he felt the magical essence touch him before it left, leaving him perplexed.
"This is how we elves can go in and out of the town safely. Now that the barrier has keyed in to your energy signature, it won't ward you off." Mary explained.
"That does come in handy." Shadow noted.
(Flickering Shadows of Trees OST pauses here)
Soon, several male elves were shown riding on vehicles. They appeared in the shape of a motorcycle without wheels. All we're wearing a soldier uniform, consisting of a military-like fatigue with magical runes drawn on them. One of them had several medals on his uniform. The elf in question had silver hair with skin as light as snow. The elf soldiers were all wearing red visors that blocked their eyes from anyone's view. However, they all had blonde hair. Shadow deduced what the vehicles were, having seen such technology.
"Hoverbikes. I'm not surprised to find them in this timeline." Shadow commented.
Soon the vehicles stopped. The elves had their weapons aimed at Shadow, causing him to raise his hands up. He could see the weapons were bows with arrows and regular guns. The bows looked metallic, glowing with magic jewels embedded in the arms of the bow. The guns were a different story. They were made with a strange metal that gave them a silver sheen with a slight, rainbow luster on them. The chamber looked like they were based off of traditional revolvers, but Shadow couldn't tell whether they were operating the same way.
"You! You were given permission by one of our brethren to enter here. What is your connection and your belief?" The elf commander questioned.
"I was brought here by my traveling companion, Mary, to find more answers. I needed to know more about this history of this world and see if I can find the means to prevent events that can be stopped." Shadow explained.
"What purpose are you seeking by researching the history of the continent?" The elf asked warily.
"Because I seek to end the genocide of the elves and rid the darkwind monsters from this world." Shadow answered.
"And how do we know you're trustworthy?" The elf questioned, showing a hint of trust.
"Because he rescued me from a group of elf hunters. He also bears the mark of legend on his left hand." Mary answered.
The elf commander soon looked at Shadow's left hand. He could see the rune marks that bear the name 'Gandálfr' written in Norse text. This soon calmed the elf and his group down.
"At ease everyone. He's an ally and a long lost one." He said.
"Commander, are you sure he is to be trusted?" Elf soldier #1 questioned.
"He is. This lad bears the mark of Gandálfr. One of our brethren over a millennia ago has blessed this person with our essence. It is what Her Majesty has foretold." The Commander spoke with authority.
The soldiers all calmed down. Not realizing the significance of the mark he now bears, Shadow decided to save that thought for later.
"I understand you were doing your job to protect your home, family and loved ones. I wish I could do the same for my beloved long ago. Alas, I'm now here." Shadow sympathized.
"May I question in curiosity who was your beloved?" The elf commander asked.
"She was a half-elf, but she had more heart than any person I've met. Even more so than the humans I've met in my life." Shadow answered.
"A half-elf, eh? Well, I don't see any reason to discriminate between full blooded or half blood elves. Any are welcome here in Dawn's Touch. My condolences for asking such a heavy topic." The commander spoke, bowing in apology.
"It is alright. You wish to ask and I provided my answer. All is forgiven." Shadow spoke.
[]
(Resume Flickering Shadows of Trees OST)
The town of Dawn's Touch was a lively place. Elves of various backgrounds were seen in their everyday lives shopping or simply walking around.
'It does seem as though the elves are acting more like humans in every sense of the way. Their connection with nature is something no human could ever imagine. It's so serene here.' Shadow thought.
The elven citizens soon noticed Mary and Shadow walking with the elf commander.
"Look, Commander Ailwi is taking the newcomers into our home. I wonder what is the occasion." Male elf citizen #1 spoke.
"I wonder too. They don't look like elf hunters. One of them is an elf like us, yet the other bears ears that are not like us." Female elf citizen #1 followed.
Shadow and Mary were walking their way with Ailwi.
"If you wish to use the library of this town, we need to seek audience of Her Majesty first. Let me provide guidance so you can meet with her." Ailwi spoke.
"Very well. It's best to put the tension at ease. Let us proceed to meet Her Majesty." Shadow agreed.
"Quite eager to meet with Her Majesty. Is this a way to lower our guard or seeking something?" Ailwi asked.
"More of a meeting of friendship. I wish to help alleviate the tensions from the elves. I may not have been in this world for long, but the person whom was my beloved changed me for the better. If she could do so, I trust her, regardless of background. Hearing of the elf's dilemma to exist in this time zone has now made it a goal for me to help them." Shadow answered.
Ailwi nodded in acknowledgement. He found Shadow to be more than an acquaintance, easily feeling the trust from the Gandálfr.
(Flickering Shadows of Trees OST ends here)
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Village Surrounded by Green)
Shadow and Mary were led to a large building that appeared to be a cathedral. Large branches of a great tree were shown encircling on the building, giving it an amazing sight.
"Wow… I never seen a building within a tree like that." Shadow spoke with surprise.
"Most first time visitors often had such reactions like that. It's quite entertaining at times." Ailwi laughed.
Shadow snorted in response while Mary giggled.
"That makes sense." Shadow agreed.
The group soon entered the building. Within it, a figure with an aristocratic aura was shown. It was a female elf with bright green eyes and blonde hair.
"Ailwi, to whom do I have the pleasure of greeting of our visitors in Dawn's Touch?" The elf asked in a calm manner.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I had to direct them to you to ensure the safety of everyone here. They were brought here thanks to the girl." Ailwi answered, looking to Mary.
"Ah, the first generation of the Dark Elves. Not to worry though. You are more than welcome to stay here. I'm curious of your companion though." The female elf said.
"Forgive me. I brought him here since he can be trusted. He protected me from the elf hunters when I was at Neo Europa." Mary spoke.
"I see. That is a noble act on your part, young man. Tell me, what is your name?" The female elf questioned.
"My name is Shadow. I'm a Gandálfr from the distant past." Shadow responded.
"'Gandálfr'? That's a name title I haven't heard for a long time. So you're the legendary familiar from an elf. My name is Alysia." The elf named Alysia said.
"Yes. I've been displaced through time in this future due to an old but dangerous enemy. This is why the current world we are in is like this." Shadow explained.
"I'm quite curious since there were clues as to how this world came to be as of now. Please share me your story." Alysia requested.
(Village Surrounded by Green OST ends here)
[]
After an hour, Shadow explained his life story from his arrival in the past to now. Needless to say, Alysia was indeed silent with shock. Having heard his story, she felt trustworthy to him.
"You've faced a lot of difficult challenges yet you prevail with conviction. You even went as far as to save your beloved, whom was a half-elf, yet you loved her as any person would. I'm grateful." Alysia said.
Shadow scratched the back of his head, feeling reticent. It felt comforting to him that his actions have inspired hope to others.
"I've just believed in what I had to do. Though I regret parting from her for so long, I wish to go back to finally meet her. However, present circumstances are right now a key concern." Shadow spoke.
"Yes. The current threats we have been facing. It's not just the elf hunters, but also the darkwind creatures that constantly roam among the lands. This being, Mephiles as you described, is the root of the ever present menace we face." Alysia agreed.
"However, with little information provided in this timeline, I won't be able to do much unless I'm caught up to date of events that have occurred." Shadow spoke with disdain.
"Not to worry though. You have been already aware of the threats we face. That alone is the present circumstances you're aware of. If you wish to know more, we have a library that holds all information of past events. If anything, it may help you gather what info you need so you can prepare yourself." Alysia suggested.
"Alright then. Thank you, Your Highness. I need to partake into looking in the library for the history of Mistral." Shadow said.
"Please. No need to be so formal with me, Shadow. A friend of the elves is a friend to my presence." Alysia reassured.
Ending 3: Play Cold Bullet Blues by Kurosaki Maon
More to come.