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Here's Chapter Three!

Chapter Three: River Belle Path

Tipa's caravan woke slowly. By dawn, the six sleeping members of the caravan had all arisen. Seeing this, Raku and Vaterium descended from their vantage point. Every individual except Firal and Nalia smiled when seeing that Vaterium had accompanied Raku during the night. The caravan ate a light breakfast and departed soon after the sun had appeared over the horizon.

Because they had been awake all night, Vaterium and Raku were allowed to sleep within the wagon. The two gladly seized the opportunity, their weary bodies almost instantly plunging into slumber. While Firal and Nalia once again controlled the papaopamus, the remaining four members of the caravan traveled together.

The four walking together learned several new facts about each other. All revealed the professions of their respective families: Yuniel was an alchemist, Iliana's family members were fishermen living next to the creek running through Tipa, Tiya was a miller, and Kayan's family consisted of ranchers.

Additionally, the four openly discussed their families for the first time. "Both of my parents were in the caravan," Yuniel told the others. "My…my dad didn't make it back."

"I'm so sorry," Iliana murmured. "I know how you feel. I…I lost my mother. I'm so sorry."

The four were silent for nearly a minute. Tiya was the one to break the silence. "So, Iliana…do you have any other family members?"

Iliana nodded. "My father was also in the caravan, and I am eternally grateful for his return. I also have a brother and a sister."

"Oh!" Tiya exclaimed quietly. "How old are they? What are their names?"

"My brother is six, and his name is Samuel. Paulie, my sister, is five. They are truly wonderful, wonderful children." Addressing Tiya, Iliana asked, "Do you have any siblings?"

Tiya smiled. "Oh, yes. I won't burden you with their numerous names. I have three trouble-making brothers who are twelve, ten, and seven. Then I have two sisters, ages five and four. They are the most adorable children you will ever see." The female Selkie chuckled. "I hope my mother's doing alright; they'll be a hard lot to handle alone."

"Is their father not around?" Yuniel asked.

Tiya's smile transformed into a frown. "No. No, he's not."

Yuniel gasped. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't…I didn't mean to…"

"No," Tiya interjected, "it's ok. He's not dead. Not that I know of, anyway. He's just…he's gone."

"Oh." Yuniel did not press the matter. It was clear Tiya did not wish to further discuss the subject. "I don't have any blood-siblings, but Kayan is practically an older brother to me." Looking toward Kayan, she continued, "We grew up together. Our parents were good friends, so whenever my parents left with the caravan, I would stay with Kayan and his mother."

Kayan smiled. "You're the greatest sister I could ask for, Yuniel." Yuniel nodded, and Iliana and Tiya smiled at the closeness of the two lifelong friends.

The four continued to walk together, holding numerous conversations but often marching in silence. Firal and Nalia were mostly quiet, focusing only on the road and the maneuvering of the wagon.

After several hours of traveling, during the middle of the afternoon, the caravan arrived at River Belle Path. When they could hear the sound of a river, they knew they were close. After halting, the caravan members woke Raku and Vaterium, prepared for battle, and tied the papaopamus to a nearby tree. Hoping no monsters would encounter the papaopamus, the eight progressed toward the river.

Following the road, the caravan reached the river without encountering any monsters. The path continued alongside the stream, allowing the caravan to occasionally glance at the river during their search for enemies. "It's so beautiful," Iliana murmured, her brown eyes lingering upon the gentle flow of the Crystal-blue water.

Yuniel nodded. "You know, this used to be a well-traveled area," the female Yuke informed them. "This was once a peaceful road. But it has been long since then; now only monsters reside here."

Nalia was the first to respond. "Those damned monsters. They've taken this natural, beautiful place and defiled it." Now bordering the path were walls of wooden spikes, created by monsters. Nearby were dead trunks; it appeared as if the monsters had felled live trees and pointlessly misshaped them, transforming the beautiful trees into ugly, menacing, deformed carcasses. Looking away from the river, Nalia gazed at a nearby set of these spikes. "No light can escape them. Their darkness has consumed the light this place once held."

Speaking to her lifelong friend, Iliana said, "Yet a Myrrh Tree has grown here! You see: life can blossom and light can shine even in the darkest corner of the land."

This time, Nalia did not reply. The caravan continued in silence. After several minutes of marching, the road forked. One path ended at a raised, nonfunctioning bridge which had once been used to cross the river. The alternate trail moved in the opposite direction. Having no choice, the caravan followed the latter road. This path soon split once more, branching into multiple paths and forming a maze within the grassy hills.

Soon after entering the maze, the caravan saw their first monsters. Six goblins were patrolling the maze, their swords drawn, their bodies vibrating with a disturbingly energetic readiness to engage in battle.

The monsters had not yet seen the caravanners; the creatures were walking down a path perpendicular to the road upon which the Tipans stood. Raku, who happened to be at the head of the Tipan pack, quickly reacted. Whispering to the others, he quietly exclaimed, "Wait! If we get behind this hill, we can ambush—"

Nalia shouted, loudly producing a wordless war cry, and ran past Raku. Firal followed right behind her. He soon caught up, and the two Lilties sprinted with their spears ready in their hands.

Raku quietly cursed to himself and instantly commanded, "Quick, after them! Here, Iliana!" Iliana tossed the Crystal Chalice to Raku, and the six caravanners hastily followed the Lilties.

Hearing Nalia, the six monsters turned and moved toward their human opponents. Each goblin grabbed nearby stones and threw them at the advancing Lilties. Firal and Nalia easily dodged the projectiles and continued forward. Two goblins rushed at each Lilty while the other two grabbed more rocks for long-range combat.

The two goblins advancing upon Nalia swung their swords vertically at their foe. Screaming with rage, Nalia avoided the attacks, leapt upward, and beheaded the goblins. When landing, she smoothly rolled to her feet and sprinted forward at a third goblin which held a stone within its hand. Releasing an inhuman roar, the goblin powerfully threw the rock at the female Lilty. Nalia swiftly avoided the rock, leapt forward, and plunged her spear into the goblin, killing the beast instantly.

Firal halted before reaching the goblins, positioning himself in a defensive stance. The two goblins approaching him quickly separated and positioned themselves on each side of him. Far in front of Firal was a third goblin carrying a stone. The three goblins attacked simultaneously, the rock and swords plummeting toward the Lilty. Firal rolled to the side under the sword of one goblin, successfully dodging all three attacks. As he rolled to his feet, he swung his spear horizontally, severing the legs of the nearest goblin. The monster screamed as it tumbled to the ground. Firal slew the suffering goblin and sliced open the stomach of his second foe. As the second goblin fell, Firal turned and saw that the final goblin was wielding another rock. Before the goblin could attack, Firal altered the grip of his spear and launched the weapon from his hand. The projectile struck the goblin's chest, ripping through the creature's body and penetrating its ribcage. Falling backward from the momentum of the object, the goblin landed heavily on the ground. It desperately attempted to breathe, but its lungs were shattered. The goblin painfully gasped for several seconds before death consumed it.

The battle was done before the other caravanners had even arrived. Seeing no additional enemies, the six companions gazed at the scene in amazement. Firal and Nalia silently returned, their spears and bodies splotched with the blood of their opponents.

Raku was the first to speak. "That was great," he said to the two Lilties, "but we should work together next time."

Nalia replied instantly with a heated glare. "And what makes you think we'll listen to you, Selkie?"

Everyone stopped moving. Firal halted and watched Raku, his face veiled behind his bloodied helmet. Iliana and Yuniel gazed at Nalia. Iliana's eyes and mouth were wide open. Kayan, Vaterium, and Tiya watched both Raku and Nalia.

Raku glared at Nalia. "You could have killed yourself."

Nalia laughed without mirth. "You would have hidden from the enemy! You would have cowered, the way you Selkies always do!"

While Nalia spoke loudly and quickly, Raku replied slowly and with little volume. "I am trying to protect us."

"Protect us!? What do you care about us!? Were you there to protect the caravan!? Were you there when my parents were murdered!?"

Raku did not respond. He and Nalia glared at each other, neither altering their gaze. After several seconds of silence, Iliana stepped forward. All eyes turned toward the female Clavat. Iliana, however, was looking only at Nalia. "Nalia," she whispered. "He's right: we have to work together."

"Why should we?" the Lilty spat.

Iliana shuddered at the harshness of her friend. "Because…fighting alone will endanger us and our home. Because…because this sort of thing is what killed our parents."

Nalia said nothing after that. Without losing her hostile glare, she moved her gaze from Iliana to Raku and back to Iliana. Then she stepped forward, grabbed the Crystal Chalice (which had been placed on the ground), and walked away. The others followed quietly. While the others remained separated from one another, Vaterium placed himself next to Raku, silently accompanying the male Selkie.

The caravan slowly advanced up the riverbank. They encountered two additional, smaller groups of goblins and were once ambushed by a trio of mus hiding beneath the earth. In all situations, the humans worked as individuals and quickly slew their enemies. Due to the small size and incoordination of the enemy groups, the battles were easy. Because of this, it was not long before the caravan had reached an intact, stable bridge spanning across the river. On the other side of the river was a half-constructed house. The caravanners crossed the bridge and approached the house with their weapons drawn.

Their tension lessened, however, when they saw two moogles, a male and a female, waddling about the house. The moogles excitedly jumped from one foot to another when seeing the Tipans. "Oh, a caravan, kupo!" exclaimed the male moogle. The furry creatures descended down the small set of stairs which served as an entrance and approached the eight humans. "Welcome!"

"Sorry we can't offer you anything to ease your traveling, kupo," the female moogle said. "We just moved here, so we really have nothing to offer, kupo."

Kayan responded, "Oh, please, do not worry: we do not need anything. We search only for Myrrh."

"Oh," said the male moogle. "There's no Myrrh Tree here, kupo." Facing the west, the kupo added, "There is, however, a Myrrh Tree down that path." The caravan followed his gaze and saw a rocky path beside the river bank. The river had carved a tunnel through the earth, and the path vanished into this tunnel.

"Thank you very much," Kayan replied.

"Of course, kupo! Good luck!"

Kayan nodded gratefully, and the caravan turned to leave. Iliana, however, remained and asked, "How…how did you make it here?" The moogles tilted their heads in confusion. "I mean…how did you make it past all the monsters? Aren't you afraid of living in a place surrounded by monsters?"

"Oh," the male moogle replied slowly. "Well, no, we aren't. Monsters don't bother us, kupo."

"What?"

"They pay us no heed. Did you not know that, kupo?"

"Well…no, I didn't." When the moogle did not respond, Iliana said, "Thank you for showing us the way! I hope you enjoy your home!"

"Thank you, kupo. May you travel in safety."

Waving to the two small creatures, the caravan departed. As they approached the tunnel, Iliana said, "Isn't that…strange?"

Yuniel replied, "It is. Moogles are quite strange. They are the only race residing within human civilization who can tolerate miasma. And now we know monsters are not aggressive toward them. It is very strange."

The caravan became silent when entering the tunnel. Stretching for nearly a mile, the tunnel was long and dark. The exit was small, its light barely visible. Yuniel used several Fire magicite to light the way. Surrounded by darkness, the caravanners were forced to find their way with only their own, dim light to guide them.

Finally, the Tipans reached the end of the tunnel. Beyond the exit was a beautiful waterfall. The river tumbled over a rocky cliff and settled in a large, peaceful pool before gently flowing through the dark tunnel. Behind the waterfall was a cave, gaping and unending like a dark abyss.

Beside the waterfall and across the pool was a rocky path. At the end of this path was the Myrrh Tree. The mystical tree curved up and back down like a drooping C, its dark, ivy-covered branches transforming into bright leaves. Untouched by the consuming ivy, the leaves glowed with a mysterious light, shining with a light-blue color like a melting glacier caught in the morning sun. The leaves curved downward to a single point, and the strange, blue light moved toward this point like a slow-moving dewdrop sliding down the crest of a leaf.

"There it is!" Iliana exclaimed quietly. "Wow. It's beautiful!"

Raku smoothly slid next to Iliana, though he left a few feet of space between himself and the female Clavat. "Oh, but its beauty can never match yours."

Iliana blushed. Nalia instantly entered the scene. "How dare you!" Nalia cried. Stepping between Iliana and Raku, Nalia pointed her spear at Raku. "I've just about had enough of you, Raku Doon!"

"Funny," the male Selkie replied slowly. "Because I can never seem to get enough of you."

Nalia roared in anger. Her shout, however, was drowned out by the tremendous roar of shaking earth. The sound was coming from the cave behind the waterfall. As the caravan turned, a Giant Crab burst out of the waterfall and landed heavily in the pool below. The crab's landing created a colossal splash, causing water to slam into the caravan. Only Yuniel was safe; reacting quickly, the female Yuke cast a Stop spell in front of her, causing the water approaching her to halt.

As the other seven Tipans tumbled to the ground, the Giant Crab crawled out of the river and moved toward Kayan. Yuniel threw a Fire spell at the crab, striking the creature in the eye. The beast recoiled in pain, giving Kayan enough time to rise and engage the enemy.

Once Raku had come to his feet, he immediately gave commands. "Iliana, Firal, Nalia, assist Kayan in melee combat. Yuniel, Vateri—"

"Shut up!" Nalia cried as she stood. "We don't need your help!" Wielding her spear, Nalia sprinted forward and attacked the crab. The others followed her method of battling as individuals. Raku silently hesitated before joining his companions.

While Yuniel and Tiya used long-range attacks, the others combatted the Giant Crab directly. Yuniel used Fire magicite while Tiya grabbed rocks and launched them at the enemy with her racket. These two were very accurate, for nearly every spell and projectile of theirs hit the crab. Nalia and Firal attacked with power, their long spears creating large gashes within the crab's shell. Kayan and Iliana fought defensively; their shields were always up, their swords maneuvering around the protection of their shields. The Clavats specifically targeted the enemy's six legs, for their defensive attacks could not penetrate the shell which sheltered the crab's body, head, and massive claws. Raku attempted to distract the crab; the Selkie was constantly in motion, swiftly dodging the crab's attacks and occasionally striking it with his spiked racket. Vaterium wielded his hammer, slamming the weapon into the crab's protective shell.

The crab fought the eight furiously. Focusing on Raku, the monster charged at Raku. Raku dove aside, rolling under one of the crab's giant claws.

On the crab's right side, Firal jumped forward and horizontally swung his spear at the beast. His spear cut through the shell, continued to the side, and slammed into Iliana's shield. Iliana stumbled backward. "Hey!" she cried in surprise. Firal glanced at her and then returned to the fight. Regaining her composure, Iliana distanced herself from the male Lilty. Despite nearly injuring Iliana, Firal continued to attack uncontrollably, paying no attention to his surroundings.

Located on the other side of the crab were Kayan and Vaterium. As he fought with his shield raised, Kayan saw that Vaterium's hammer was doing no damage. "Vaterium!" he cried. "To me!" The Yuke jumped behind Kayan's protective barrier. "Your hammer can't hurt this foe," Kayan said quickly. "Not against its shell, anyway. Use Fire spells; they seem to be effective."

"I can't," Vaterium replied quietly.

Though Kayan had heard Vaterium's words, the Clavat looked at the Yuke. "What?"

The crab suddenly spun around. Its legs slammed into Vaterium and Kayan, shoving them to the ground, while the others avoided the crab's maneuver. Seeing its vulnerable foes, the creature charged at the two who lay sprawled upon the earth.

Raku reacted instantly. The Selkie threw his weapon at the fast-moving crab. Spinning with amazing velocity, the spike-rimmed racket completely severed one of the crab's front legs. Roaring in surprised pain, the crab stumbled and collapsed heavily to the ground. As Kayan and Vaterium stood, the crab rose and angrily turned toward Raku. Seeing Raku's racket upon the ground beside its severed leg, the crab shoved a claw downward and smashed the weapon. Then the crab charged at the weaponless Selkie.

Positioning himself in a stance, Raku awaited the oncoming creature. When the crab was near, he jumped upward with all his might and collided with the top of the crab's head. Though the crab hit him with great momentum and strength, Raku managed to grab hold of the monster's shelled head. Enraged, the crab stood on its hind legs and shook, attempting to rid itself of the human upon it.

Kayan saw the beast's exposed belly. "Nalia!" he shouted. "Get its stomach!"

Nalia did not listen. She charged and attacked the crab's right side, which was the side that had lost a leg. Though it was somewhat preoccupied by Raku, the crab noticed Nalia and knocked her aside with the leg she was targeting. The Lilty was launched into the air, landing with such impact that she lost her breath.

After spinning and causing Raku to tumble from its body, the crab spat a Bubble at the vulnerable Lilty. Kayan swiftly moved in front of Nalia. His shield absorbed the Bubble, which was magically imbued with a Slow spell. The spell, however, was harmless when contacting Kayan's shield.

As the crab was distracted by the other Tipans, Kayan helped Nalia to her feet. "Are you alright?" he asked.

Nalia pushed him away. "I don't need your help!" Ignoring the Clavat, Nalia ran past Kayan and rejoined the fray.

As Kayan was left staring at Nalia, Tiya managed to hit one of the crab's eyes with a rock. The monster turned angrily and rubbed its claw against its head. Kayan saw blue sparks fountaining from the crab's head. Reacting instantly, he jumped in front of Tiya and lifted his shield. The Giant Crab lowered its claw and shoved its head forward. A powerful, javelin-like Thunder spell shot out of its head and toward Tiya. The bolt slammed into Kayan's shield, launching him backward.

Kayan rolled to a stop, his body bruised and his shield steaming. Tiya appeared beside him. "You alright?" Groaning in pain, Kayan slowly nodded. He began to stand, but he vainly collapsed. Tiya instantly commanded, "Don't move!" Glancing at the battle and then back at Kayan, she said, "Thanks for helping me back there. You've done your part. We'll take it from here." Kayan hesitated for several seconds before nodding. Smiling, Tiya moved toward the crab and began her long-distance attacks once more.

Though the crab's anger had only increased, its strength was weakening. Dark-blue blood oozed from its severed leg, drenching the grass beneath it. Soon after the crab had hit Kayan with its Thunder spell, Nalia successfully removed a second leg on its right side. Unable to support its massive weight, the crab collapsed. As the crab hit the ground, the caravanners took the offensive. The beast attempted to defend itself, but it could hardly move in its incapacitated state. After a minute-long barrage of attacks, the crab's shell shattered. Using their enemy's vulnerability to their advantage, the caravanners attacked viciously. The Giant Crab released a long, excruciating scream as its skin was violently torn open. The beast survived a minute longer before dying, its body defiled by dozens of bloody wounds.

The caravanners stepped back from the dead monster, exhausted by the encounter. Iliana collapsed to the ground, Nalia leaned wearily on her spear, Kayan lay in pained rest, and the others breathed heavily where they stood.

Raku spoke almost immediately, his lips curved into a smile. "Great…job," he panted through weary breaths. "Who's ready…for another?"

Glaring, Nalia stood tall, advanced toward Raku, and shouted, "What the hell do you think you're doing? What do you think this is? Do you think this is a joke?"

Raku was not smiling when he replied. "Of course not."

Nalia heard him, yet she continued, "This isn't a game, Raku! This isn't Tipa; this is the real world! People die in the real world! It's about time you realized that."

Spinning away, Nalia grabbed the chalice. Yuniel helped Kayan to his feet, and the caravan progressed toward the Myrrh Tree. Raku watched them silently and followed at the rear of the pack.

While many of the others stared at the magical Myrrh Tree in awe, Nalia did not even glance at it. Only after she had placed the chalice beneath the tree did she look up.

The tree suddenly became bright, its blue light erupting like wood catching fire. Glowing, blue bubbles circled the tree, moving through the air like sparks. At the single point where the leaves met, a single, large drop of Myrrh formed and fell into the chalice. Containing unknown magic, the liquid did not seep through the holes of the chalice. Instead, it imitated the rough, skeletal shape of the chalice, forming the bottom third of a sphere.

With the process complete, Nalia snatched the Crystal Chalice and began to leave. As the others slowly moved away, Raku remained where he was. He stared at the Myrrh Tree, his eyes absorbing its strange light.

Iliana appeared beside him. "It's just like I told Nalia," she whispered while staring at the tree. "Light can be found even in the darkest places." Raku said nothing. After a brief pause, Iliana continued, "Nalia's not all bad. I know her, and she's not all bad. You'll see. You just have to believe in her."

Raku turned and looked at her then. "Do you believe in her?"

The Clavat turned slowly. "I…" She paused. "I do."

"Good. That's what matters most." Because they were now at the edge of the Crystal Chalice's protective shield, the Clavat and Selkie left to join their fellow caravanners.

The Myrrh Tree was glowing brightly as the caravan departed, its small light somehow visible through the dark, unending, engulfing miasma which surrounded it.