Yggdrasil

Chapter 1

A loud rustling noise resonated throughout the forest as two hasty figures leapt out from the leafy cover of the bushes. Not taking the time to speak or stop, they continued their quick sprint across the grassy forest floor. These two beings were of short stature, and were dressed in a black cloak with stars emblazed across its fabric. Both wore green colored hoods and a black handkerchief across the lower portion of their faces to conceal their mouths.

Indeed, it was safe to say that these individuals were unique in their own ways. However such could be deciphered considering the fact that these two beings were not human. Humans, yes, they once were. However they, along with the countless others of the lost kingdom of Valentine had been cursed into the form of beasts. Most of these "Pooka" as they have long been since called, have tried to live their lives in peace, while gathering the magical coins of Valentine, which would ensured their human forms. However, not every soul in Valentine was pure, and not every soul was untainted by sin.

Those that possessed wicked thoughts and resorted to malevolent acts lost their beast forms and in turn, gained another. A form that was well suited for their everyday deeds. And it was since then that these new beings have been referred to, as Goblins.

After Armageddon had ravaged the land, the population mostly consisted of Pookas, hidden throughout various locations among Erion, intent on living their lives as they once were. However, not every mind was spared from dark thoughts. And once more, the land contained Goblins. And that is where these two particular Goblins come into play.

These Goblins were overjoyed with the feeling of freedom. No wrathful specter of their king bound them with his shackles of commands. No wing bearing Valkyries would pierce their sides with their spears and no graceful fairies would aim their bow at their chests. Indeed the taste of freedom was addicting. And with this new freedom, they saw fit to sift through the land for what ever valuables the land bore.

As they continued their spirited run through the greenery, they finally reached a vast clearing. It was then that whatever was left of their breaths were stolen from them. The magical land of Erion was a land of fantasy. But never had such a sight been witnessed before. There in the wide space was a massive tree, which leaf bearing branches that seemed to grace the sky. However, although the tree meant little to them, there was something of about its presence that left off a chilling feel of caution. Nonetheless the duo carefully took a tentative step towards the large spectacle.

After glancing around quickly to make sure no arrows would pierce their hearts or elf swords which would cleave their flesh, they hastily began to examine the tree. The tree by itself was a grand sight. However, despite its grandness, it failed to interest the two for more then two seconds before they began scouring the area.

Splitting up, one Goblin went around examining the tree while the other went to examine the odd shape that was strapped to the tree. Upon further expecting that shape revealed itself to be a person, a man of fair complexion and graceful looks, with clothes fit for a prince. The face was an unimportant sight, and the very fact that a body was strapped to the tree did little to bewilder the Goblin's mind. For what truly captured the Goblin's attention was the sheathed knife that hung from the man's side with its large bejeweled hilt.

All it took was one meaningless glance at the large blue gem on the hilt to excite the Goblin into action. "Oi! Get over here!" The Goblin shouted to his acquaintance. Quickly rounding the corner the other Goblin stopped to glance at his partner questioningly.

"What do you want?" He asked with a faint hint of annoyance.

"Check this out." The Goblin said pointing his finger. As the other Goblin's eyes followed the trail from his partners finger to the object he pointed to, he finally saw what his partner pointed out. However, the mere sight of a dagger did not excite this Goblin into as much of a frenzy as his friend. After all, they were Goblins. They already carried an over abundance of knives on them, all of them poisoned as well. However after carefully scrutinizing the body, his eyes latched onto the sight of something even more interesting.

"Who cares about that. Did you see what is below the body?" the Goblin pointed out.

"Below the body?..." the other Goblin repeated. Glancing down he finally realized what his eyes had missed. It was hard to deny it that this prize was no ordinary object. With abnormal red sheen, it was obvious to tell that this object was none other then the jewel of the netherworld, a Psypher crystal.

Unsheathing his knife to begin the process of prying loose the jewel, the Goblin quickly found a poisoned blade tickling his throat. Turning towards his companion he looked at him in inquiry.

"You didn't think I would let you get first claim to it? I was the one who saw it first." The Goblin said, his eyes blatantly daring the other Goblin to make a move. Finally lowering his knife in defeat, the other Goblin backed away and proceeded to work on freeing the knife instead, leaving his partner to claim his "rightfully owned" prize.

First he attempted to pry the knife loose with his hands, but the branches that entwined over the body prevents him easy access. So he took out his knife and started sawing at the root. But alas, even as the poison seeped into the bark, it did nothing significant. The branches still held on quite stiffly. It seems that even his partner had no luck with freeing the Psypher jewel, as his partner had resorted to stabbing at the tree in frustration.

With both of the Goblins going back to rapidly sawing at the bark they tried desperately to free the branches. However the tree, though silent and still, was sill resilient in its defense. "OI!" One of the Goblins shouted to the other. "Are you having trouble?"

"Yeah, this branch is really tou-" The word was still warm on his tongue before he was horribly silenced. Glancing down at the now protruding arrow extending from his chest he gave his partner one disbelieved glance before falling to the ground, his very life leaking out of him.

Turning around quickly, the other Goblin glanced around frantically, his blade pointed at all directions. However the Goblin did not even get the chance to voice his fear, as his tongue too was silenced as a blazing scarlet fireball streaking across the open glade, striking the Goblin squarely in the chest and engulfing him in flames. The swiftly spreading flame did its job efficiently as the Goblins body was burned to ash in the wind by the flames. And as the ashes blew away, the ethereal phozons, softly glowing purple gently floated along with them.

With the two Goblins killed and reverted to phozons, two lithe figures emerged from the bushes. Both of these two new figures were scantily clad women. Both had pointed ears and wore black and brown leather boots. One of the females was dressed in green with her long blonde hair flowing over her shoulder. Strapped to her back was a green quiver of arrows and clenched tightly in her fist was a bow. Her companion was dressed in purple with short pink hair. Although nothing was strapped to her back, she did carry a large wooden staff, with a face protruding from its bark. However none of that was what was most interesting about these two angelic women. What truly was interesting were the petite, delicate wings that hung off their backs. The archer's wings were a alluring turquoise while her companions was a stunning purple.

With both of these newcomer's appearances, their beatific face were twisted in disgust as they glared at the spots the Goblins used to occupy. As they neared a close proximity of the tree, they both dropped on to their knees, laying their weapons in front of them. Not a single word escaped their lips as they continued their stare at the ground. And from behind, a small diminutive being emerged from the bushes as well, taking small quivering steps.

This new being was garbed in an earthen brown tunic and a long pointy hat nestling on top of his pale hair, with a red maple leaf dangling from the tip. A large bushy white beard occupied most of his face as his small brown shoes took more steps towards the tree. His tiny hands were clutched at his side, applying pressure to what seems to be a gaping red wound, which had stained his yellow pants red. However taking no notice he finally stood before the tree with both of his other companions on each side of him. Taking off his large hat and bowing deeply, he uttered a single phrase.

This phrase although short carried with it an immense weight of feelings. This statement was filled with relief, happiness, sorrow, misery, and hurt all mixed together in a storm of emotions. This very phrase however seemed to lift the hearts of everyone in the forest as the wind carried the phrase to the cloudy heavens. The phrase was simply this: "We are finally home, Queen Mercedes."