Duh-duh-duh-duhhh! I am UPDATING! Okay, so I thought I'd have more time since there's no more after school practices...or marching my show again... (breaks down)
ANYWAY!
...What the HELL was I thinking?
Okay, minna-san (everyone)! In this chapter, two particular characters make an appearance. A small appearance, but they will slowly become part of the main story! I. Do. Not. Own. Either. Of. Them. One of them is Sylvia Faerin, who is owned by vampireizzy! The other is named Kyo and belongs to Dracomancer6491! They were kind enough to put up with all my questions (haha) and put in a request that I put them in the story! So! Once again, they are not mine! But, then again, I own, like, at least seventeen other people, SO...! (hehehehe!)
SweetCandies: Another vote for Mihara and Reyson! Haha, ok! Thanks for your review!
SobriquetP: Medallion...? Whaaat medallion?! (smiles innocently) And Ashera, while in the medallion, is pretty much powerless. And Ranulf's injury...? Don't worry! Mihara isn't gonna be the only one worried sick over him... (even though it kills me to put him in pain! ;_;)
knowlee: Yay we get to hurt Stasik and Karoline!! (joins in with you) It's okay. Even if we ACCIDENTALLY kill them, I can bring them back. Mwahaha!!! =-D And I can't help it! I MUST rush! I'm so stuffed with plot twists and such, I'm gonna EXPLODE! =D
Iline-Aylani: Okayyyy, lessee... 1- Oh...wow... =P. 2- I know. It's fun to mess with people, isn't it? =-). 3- Sadly enough, Tibarn will be freaking a lot over the course of...well...the rest of the story. 4- Drrraaattt... ANNNNDDDD...hmm...how to finish... ACK YOU WINKED AT RANULF AND MIHARA! (haha, what a wonderful ending to an answer of a review!)
XxXxXxX
Chapter 17
Naesala grumbled loudly, "Can't you move any faster?"
Lethe and Lyron hissed, "Shut up!"
With a little bit of convincing (mostly by saying that Stasik and Karoline would soon be after everyone, including the ravens), Naesala agreed to help the felines back to where they could get help. Obviously, the closest place was the Serenes Forest. Mihara thought that Naesala was really a kinda cool guy, but now that she officially met him, she thought him to be a little inconsiderate. She was helping Ranulf to walk, and Naesala was helping Lyre, who had gotten burned the worst. Lethe had slammed into the tree so hard that she found it difficult to walk, but her brother (despite his injuries, Ranulf was shocked) was helping her. Ranulf, however, was the one who was constantly having to stop. His ribs made it hard for him to breathe, and it was difficult for Mihara to help him, since she not only had to worry about hurting his ribs, but his dislocated left shoulder.
"Like you've never been hurt before," scoffed Ranulf darkly.
"Not enough to have to beg for help," Naesala quickly said.
Ranulf growled lowly at him, but hissed with pain, yet again, as his ribs ached from the action. A voice, that only Ranulf could hear, snapped, -Ranulf, tell them!-
No. Ranulf grit his teeth.
"Ranulf, are you doing okay?" Mihara inquired gently.
"I'm...fine. I'll be okay. I can go a little farther..."
-Dang it, Ranulf! Stop acting so tough! At least tell Mihara! You're going to push yourself so hard that you're going to cause permanent damage!-
No! She, of all people, doesn't need to know! Ranulf pressed on, though his vision began swimming, ever so slightly.
The voice grumbled. -Ranulf, please. We can't lose you for the upcoming fight because of your STUPIDITY!-
Like I'd be done in by...this...crap...
Suddenly, Ranulf's body went limp and would've completely fallen to the ground had it not been for Mihara, her shock allowing her to act fast and slowly set him down. She bent down over his motionless figure, her heart pounding heavily. "Ranulf! Ranulf, wake up!"
The others stopped, Naesala moving swiftly to see what was wrong with the feline. He knelt down, examining him. "Damn. He's only passed out, but with the level of pain he's in..."
Mihara was both glad and worried that Naesala didn't finish his sentence. She looked at him, her eyes starting to glaze with tears. "What can we do?! We're still a ways from the Serenes Forest...!"
Naesala quickly answered, "I know more of what I'm doing here than you. You head on and find Tibarn and some healers and bring them here. Once they're here, we can safely move him to a better location. Go!"
With a last glance at Ranulf, Mihara got a running start before jumping into the air, shifting to her full form in the same instant. Tears stung at her eyes. She prayed the her father, by some strange happening, was not awake yet. Though, that was a weak wish. Her father, no matter how tired he was, was always awake before the crack of dawn. No doubt he's flipping by now, she thought. But still...I have to help Ranulf...
XxXxXxX
Tibarn grumbled under his breath, watching Ike and Felicity's backs, Shoen at his side. Ike swore to Tibarn that Mihara was fine and carrying out something for Yune. Also, Ike had told him, away from everyone else, that the two may have found the key to saving Tellius again, from Ashera. When Tibarn had mentioned that Mihara had said she'd heard Ashera in her mind, that only alarmed Ike, and he swore that they would fix this. So, momentarily, Ike and Felicity were examining the medallion that Ashera was trapped in. The flame was illusion-like again, not giving off any heat. In Felicity's hands was another medallion. It seemed almost identical to the one on the altar, but it was more worn and faded.
"Do you remember what to do?" Ike suddenly asked Felicity.
She seemed worried, but the female otter laguz nodded her head. "I can do this. I remember. I...I can do this."
Ike placed his hands on Felicity's shoulders and looked fiercely at her. "You'll do fine, Felicity. Just concentrate."
After a moment's hesitation, Felicity nodded. "...You're right."
Ike nodded as well, to encourage her, before stepping away, off the altar. Tibarn walked up to him. "So, what is she doing?"
Momentarily paying no heed to Shoen, coming up behind him, Ike answered, "There is some hidden magic in the otter tribe that swans do not possess. So, she is going to cast a spell of sorts and that should transfer Ashera into the other medallion."
"What's wrong with the one she's in now?" Shoen inquired.
"It wasn't made for her," he replied, turning towards Shoen. "She created it for Yune. So, she is unstable inside. Lehran, apparantly, made a medallion long ago for Ashera, should she ever break her promise to Yune and set out to destroy everyone. The medallion we found is the one he made for her."
"Oh..." Shoen turned his head towards Felicity, who was taking deep breaths to calm herself. He then shifted uncomfortably.
"Is something wrong, Shoen?" Tibarn demanded. "You've been restless."
"I don't know... I was just wondering where Mihara is. She's been gone for hours..."
At that, Tibarn turned his attention back to Ike. "Right, so, remind me again why I can't go and find Mihara at the moment?"
"Yune said that this is something that Mihara had to take care with on her own. She said that it would help not only her, but...all of us, for some reason." Ike shrugged. "I'm not sure what she meant by that."
The Hawk King sighed heavily. "I just...don't have a good feeling about this."
"Well, neither do I, but I trust Yune. She's doing this for some good reason, I'm sure."
As Felicity set the medallion in her hands down on the altar, silence fell the crowd that had gathered to watch. Tibarn, Ike, and Shoen were standing in the back, watching with hope. Up in the front was the heron royal family, as well as the swan royal. A red flame engulfed the new medallion, and the one Ashera was in jumped around, as well. Felicity shifted into her full form, not afraid of anything that may happen to her. She stood upright and placed a paw on each medallion. She closed her eyes and bowed her head.
Enough! Shoen growled in his mind. With haste, he turned around and ran away from the crowd, jumping into the air, shifting. Tibarn and Ike looked after him with concern. Tibarn was about to start after him, but behind him, Felicity's voice rang out in a strange language. It was not modern tongue, nor the ancient language.
"Shufel, kraz...shikell, moindeigh...hekchel, materai...undew, dec kasae!"
Tibarn suddenly felt a strong power engulf the area. Where Shoen had just been, a barrier formed. Fear washed over Tibarn, which is a rare thing. Felicity suddenly screamed with fear, so Tibarn flung around to see what had happened. Fire jumped around, shifting from red to blue, and she was on the ground, feet away from the altar, trying to get up. Ike ran to her, feeling the same dread Tibarn was. He made sure she was okay, then drew his swords. The fire finally calmed, only seconds before taking the form of someone...
Ashera.
Shoen, in the air, feeling the power, turned. He flew back down towards them, but he slammed into the barrier. It sent a shock through his body, so he wisely moved away. He wanted to get his father's attention, but he was distracted. Even though Shoen couldn't see Tibarn's face, the Hawk King was staring with all the hatred a person could muster at Ashera. He pushed through the stunned, startled, frightened laguz, up to where Ike, Reyson, Leanne, Rafiel, and Lorazieh were. Ashera stared hard at them.
"You," she simply said, looking at Ike. "I remember you."
"I remember you, too," Ike retorted. "Whether I thought I'd see you again or not is a different story."
An evil smirk came to Ashera's lips. "Ah, indeed. I have returned, my children. However, I am not happy."
Damn. So singing to her didn't help... Tibarn thought darkly, remembering what Yune had wanted to try.
"I may have been wrapped in heron galdrar, but do not think, for one second, that I am as easily swayed as Yune. I have come for my revenge."
Shoen watched, in horror, as flames shot into the air and caughts the trees on fire. And he knew, if he couldn't get in...the others couldn't get out.
XxXxXxX
Mihara had just crossed into the borders of the Serenes Forest when she saw Shoen flying straight at her, panic over his hawk features. She slowed down and he flew at her. "Shoen?! What's wrong?!" she called.
Shoen pulled to a dead stop in front of his older sister before saying, "Mihara! Dad-! And the others-! They're all-!"
Fear rushed through Mihara's chest. So much all at once. "Shoen...what's happening?"
"Ashera... She...broke free... Everyone's trapped...!" Shoen choked out. "Please! You have to come help me!"
A knot formed in Mihara's throat, and a strange feeling was suddenly in the pit of her stomach. She quickly asked, "How are they trapped?"
"She-she made a barrier...and...there's fire..."
Mihara's eyes widened with horror. However, she tried to keep a level head. "Shoen, neither of us can break a barrier...not yet. But-! Back with me, there's Naesala and Ranulf! They might know what to do! Come on!"
Mihara did a one-eighty and shot back towards where she'd left Ranulf and the others, Shoen following closely behind. Mihara flew even faster than she had trying to get to her father. Now, more lives than Ranulf's were on the line.
Quicker than she thought, they came upon the small group. Naesala was leaned over Ranulf, speaking with him, the feline having regained consciousness. Lethe, Lyre, and Lyron were sitting down on the ground, silently. However, all looked up when they saw Mihara and Shoen frantically flew down at them. Instantly feeling something was wrong, Naesala stood and demanded, "What is it?"
Shoen quickly informed him, "Ashera broke free from her medallion and has everyone trapped in a barrier at the Serenes Altar, and she's set fire to the forest on the inside of the barrier!"
Rage shot across the former Raven King's face. He glanced around between Ranulf and the hawk laguz siblings, then, with a fierce, "Stay here," Naesala shifted and shot off towards the Serenes Forest.
Mihara and Shoen watched after him with worried faces. Obviously, they weren't even sure if Naesala could break a barrier created by a goddess. Either way, Mihara turned and knelt down beside Ranulf. "Are you doing okay?"
Ranulf scoffed lightly, then said, "I've had worse. But still...for now...I want to take...a little nap..." When he saw Mihara's face, he added, "I'm fine, Mihara. Really. I'm just...a little...tired..." Without another word, Ranulf slipped into the land of dreams again.
XxXxXxX
Harmony sighed heavily as she tossed grain into Rose and Gypsy's fool bowls. She watched them for a moment before feeling a rubbing on her leg. She looked down and saw one of their large, orange, tabby cat. She leaned down to rub him. "Hey, there, Rusty..."
Rex, running into the barn, caught sight of Rusty, and barked, running at him, chasing him up a stall door. Rusty hissed at him and bounded up into the hay loft, on the second floor of the barn. Harmony scowled, "Rex, be nice."
The black lab gave her a sad look – but only for a second – and turned back to sniff where the cat had just been. Harmony was suddenly nudged from behind and turned to see Rose, sniffing and examining her. However, her ears suddenly shot forward and she stared dead ahead, out towards the direction of the house. Harmony looked that way, as well, to see a feminine figure making her way toward the barn. Gypsy walked around Harmony and went up to the boards that went across the doorway leading out of the barn. She pawed at the ground and nickered at the person in greeting. Harmony, now able to see the female clearly, said in acknowledgment, "Hey, there, Sylvia."
"Hey, Harmony. Umm...is there any news on Mihara?" The visitor walked up and rubbed Gypsy on the nose. Sylvia had dirty blonde hair that was up in a ponytail and mostly brushed over her right eye, save for a few loose strands on the left side of her face. Her eyes were a gorgeous blue color and she obviously was giving off a worried vibe – about more things than one.
"Umm...actually, Sylvia..." Harmony swallowed hard and leaned against one of the stall doors. "The police haven't made it official yet, but..."
"But what?!"
Ugh...I hate this... What's the best way to tell her? Even if we faked Mihara's death, she still said she might come back and someone might see her... Well...Sylvia knows about the Fire Emblem games, so maybe...I can tell her? The question is whether or not she would believe me...
Harmony glanced around, then gestured to Sylvia. "Come into the tackroom. There's something I have to tell you."
XxXxXxX
Shoen was sitting silently on the ground. We've been waiting for at least a half hour for Naesala to return with news. Shoen and I were obviously both restless and worried. Even Lethe, Lyre, and Lyron, I think his name is, were feeling strong enough to now move on their own and were not taking a liking to waiting to see what was going to happen. The sun was beginning to decline, which only added to my frustration and worry. I'm so fidgety, I started pacing a while ago. So many things were running through my head, I thought it would explode. Are Dad, Leanne, and the others okay? Will Naesala break the barrier to help the others? Will we be able to get help for Ranulf? Am I going to start hearing Ashera again in my head? Will Naesala ever come back-?
That's it.
Finally feeling so frustrated, I stopped pacing and stomped my foot in agrivation. Yes, you read that right. I stomped my foot. Obviously, you can imagine the strange looks that the other four gave me. I snapped, "This is stupid! Why do we have to listen to Naesala?! Why can't we do anything to help?! I mean, really?!" I turned around, facing the way we had come from from the mountains. "Well, I can't just stay here any longer! I'm going to go and find some help!"
"Like where?" Lethe demanded. "Who can help us and get here in time?"
"I don't know and I don't care as long as we can at least help someone!" I started running and jumped into the air, hoping that Shoen could at least tell I wanted some alone time at the moment while I tried to find someone. Anyone. I didn't glance back, but I could tell he wasn't going to follow me. I shifted so that I could fly faster and see farther. I flew as fast as I could, ignoring the sudden hunger pangs I was getting in my stomach. I realized I hadn't eaten since the morning of the day before. But whatever. I would live.
As I flew, the sun beat down on me and I kinda started getting a bit of a headache. I tried not to focus on it, but it just felt so intense. That was when it happened.
-So, Tibarn's daughter...have you changed your mind yet?-
Bam. Just like before, I stopped flying forward and stayed where I was. My body started shaking. I don't know what it is about just her voice, but it just seemed to strike such fear throughout me – body and soul. My headache grew worse as her words pounded into my head, it seemed like.
"No," I growled, trying again to ignore the headache so I could focus on her. "I told you...I'll never...help you..."
-Shame. Don't you know that I have your father and your friends trapped in a fire right now? I could...spare them.-
My body shook harder. This time, with rage. "Don't you dare hurt them!" I screamed.
-Is that a threat? What could you possibly do to me, Mihara? I am a goddess. Your mother. Your creator. I could easily take your life away.-
"You are nothing like my mother! My mother was a kind and gentle soul! You can try and take my life, but I'm not goin' anywhere without a fight!"
-You'll die, fighting, then, hmm? Is that your final answer?-
What do you think? I hissed in my mind, the headache too great for me to speak out loud now.
-Very well then. After I deal with the ones in the forest, I shall come for you next.-
Just like that, a tremendous force pounded on not just my head, but my entire body. I slammed into the ground and saw darkness, the pain slipping away.
XxXxXxX
Yune, in her bird form, gasped softly. Micaiah, Sothe, Sanaki, Sigrun, and Tanith looked at her with concern. "Yune? What's wrong?" Micaiah inquired.
"It is Mihara..." she breathed.
"Tibarn's daughter?" Sothe frowned. "What about her?"
"Ashera just attacked her... Ranulf is still badly wounded... Ohhh, we really need to hurry! Quick! I feel that we're close to Mihara! We need to help her and the others!"
Micaiah and Sothe, being on one pegasus, chased after Yune, who flew away quickly. Sanaki was on her own pegasus, as was Tanith and Sigrun, and the three swiftly made chase after them, as well. They flew quickly for about forty-five minutes before Yune came to a halt. She shifted into her little girl's form before telling the others to land their pegasi quietly.
"What's going on?" Sanaki whispered.
"Look over there," Yune replied, just as soft, pointing in a general direction.
The five squinted their eyes and could just make out, in the distance, a shadowy figure leaned over that of an unconscious female. "Who is it?" Tanith demanded.
"It's Mihara. I don't know who that person is with her, though..."
"Then let's go find out," Sothe said, as though it were the answer to all the questions. Without even giving them time to reply, Sothe began to walk over.
Yune slapped her face. "Ay ya yaiii... There he goes again."
Without much of a choice, the others followed, holding the reins of their pegasi. The shadowy figure turned out to be one of a male. He caught sight of the group approaching and stood up tall, facing them. In a slightly quiet, yet tenor-sounding voice, he inquired, "Do you know this girl?"
Sothe looked over this person. He had crimson red hair, as well as red eyes, which led Sothe to believe he was one of the dragon laguz. This person had on a black cape, attached to his red shirt, and had black pants tucked into black boots. Attached to his pants was a muramasa, sheathed, and he appeared about twenty-five years of age. All in all, Sothe thought he looked a little suspicious. "We do," he finally answered. "And who are you?"
The male's gaze shifted, and he glanced at the others behind Sothe before looking back at him. "If you must know, my name is Kyo. This girl was unconscious, so I thought I would try and help her. But if you are her friends, I shall leave her to you."
He turned with a swish of his cape and began to walk away. However, Sigrun called out, "Wait!"
Silently, he stopped, but did not turn around to face them. So, Sigrun asked, "Have you seen anyone else around here? We're looking for some people."
"No. Although, I feel a dark presence to the west – towards the Serenes Forest. If that is all..."
"It is. Thank you."
Kyo merely nodded his head and walked away again, strangely enough, towards the west. Yune went over to Mihara's side and placed a hand to the girl's head. Mihara moaned quietly and tried to shift, but she didn't wake up. Micaiah knelt beside Yune. "Do you know what's wrong with her?"
"I'm going to try and find out... I might be able to read her memory..."
While Yune's hand was on Mihara's forehead, she concentrated. All at once, visions poured into her head.
"Ashera... She...broke free... Everyone's trapped...!"
-I've already told you, little one: you cannot get rid of me. Everyone will pay. This entire world shall perish...for what they did to me. However...I could spare you. All you have to do is help me.-
"She-she made a barrier...and...there's fire..."
-Shame. Don't you know that I have your father and your friends trapped in a fire right now? I could...spare them.-
Are Dad, Leanne, and the others okay? Will Naesala break the barrier to help the others? Will we be able to get help for Ranulf? Am I going to start hearing Ashera again in my head? Will Naesala ever come back-?
-Very well then. After I deal with the ones in the forest, I shall come for you next.-
Yune inhaled sharply. "Things are far worse than I feared. Come on! Someone, put Mihara on your pegasus! We need to go!"
XxXxXxX
Tibarn reverted back to his half-form, coughing slightly. "Damn it all..."
Ashera had vanished, leaving up the barrier which had the small group of laguz and Ike trapped inside with the fire she had set to the trees inside the barrier. The few swans that were present, including Laurel, had immediately began singing their song of containment, which was what they had used before, so that the fire wouldn't spread. However, the smoke was escaping through it, and it was causing everyone to feel incredibly sick and weak. Tibarn, Ike, and Felicity had been slashing at the barrier for about an hour and a half before Naesala suddenly appeared with Nailah, her tribe, and the remaining swans. So, they on the outside, Tibarn, Ike, and Felicity on the inside, had been fiercely attacking the barrier, attempting to break free.
Ike, who had torn off a piece of his cape to use as a bandanna to try and lessen the amount of smoke he inhaled, momentarily stopped swinging his swords at the barrier. "I know... This isn't looking good. The smoke is stinging my eyes and you can tell that the swans' song is wearing them out fast."
"There has got to be a way out of here..." Tibarn narrowed his eyes. Then, he chuckled gravely. "You think your eyes are stinging? My eyes are so much more sensitive than yours, I feel like gorging them out right now..."
Ike returned his dark, sarcastic comment with a simple, "Well, isn't that just pleasant."
Naesala, from the outside, commented, "I hardly think now is the perfect time for you two to be swapping such lame lines!"
"Sadly enough, he's right," Rafiel agreed from behind the two.
Reyson shrugged. "They laugh in death's face. What else do you expect them to do?"
"They could be a bit more serious...!" Felicity muttered, slamming into the barrier, receiving yet another shock through her body. "But then again, that's just me..."
Leanne sang up a quick galdr and the three's strength re-energized. "Thanks, Leanne," they said, going back to attacking the force field.
XxXxXxX
Where...am I...? Mihara groaned. She was laying out on something hard...yet comforting. Whatever the hell Ashera did to me, my head feels like splitting in two...
After a few moments of laying there, trying to will the pain away, Mihara finally opened her eyes. All she saw was a gray and black sky, as though it were about to start raining. It was so dull...so depressing. However, there was a flash of lightning across the sky. Mihara mumbled to herself, "Alright, then...not staying here. Wherever here is-"
She cut off when she stood up and saw a familiar red and blue barn. A familiar pasture. Two familiar horses. Holy...! Am I back on Earth again already?! How is this possible?!
There was another flash and rumble from the sky, so Mihara decided to ponder in a minute – when she was out of the lightning. She ran for cover in the barn. Someone must've been in there, though, for the lights were turned on. When she was on the hill, beside the barn, getting ready to run down, Rose caught sight of her and gave a delighted whinny. Mihara, despite the situation and her confusion, smiled. "Hey, Rosey, girl. I'm back...apparently."
She made it down the hill and tucked her wings in tight. She rubbed Rose's nose and slid through the barbed wire fence instead of flying over it. She didn't want to startle the easy-to-frighten horse. Gypsy then saw Mihara and went charging at her, nickering and sniffing and blowing on the laguz, as though she were a filly. Mihara laughed, this time. "Gyyypssseeeyyy! C'mon, let me through! I don't wanna stand in lightning!"
Mihara didn't make it three steps into the barn hallway before Rex jumped at her, yipping with happiness. Mihara yelped with surprise as the hundred-pound dog put his paws on her shoulders, but pushed him down. However, when Mihara glanced up, she about had a heart attack. There, in her barn, leaning against the boards, was Ranulf! Before she could say anything, Ranulf raised a finger up to his lips, telling Mihara to be quiet. She wanted to ask why, but obeyed and started walking towards him. Suddenly, she heard voices from the tackroom, both of which, she easily identified.
"You're crazy! Do you know how insane that sounds?!" the first snapped. Even though Mihara hadn't seen her or remembered about her during her first month in Tellius, she put the voice with a name: Sylvia. She had been a good friend to Mihara for many years. Finally, for the first time, Mihara had to step up and support Sylvia, because within two months, her father, who had been fighting in a war, had gone MIA and her mother was terminally ill and living at the hospital. Mihara had thought, through all of that, that Sylvia was a strong girl. Stronger than Mihara thought she, herself, could be.
The second voice, Harmony, said in response, "I know it does, but you have to believe me! I know that it sounds like something from a fantasy book, but it's true!"
"Yeah, whatever. I'll be going, if you're done telling me stories!"
The tackroom door started to open and both Mihara and Ranulf tensed. However, it stopped when Harmony hissed, "Sylvia, would I be telling you stories like this while my sister is classified as missing?!"
There was a stretch of silence and Harmony repeated, "Please, you have to believe me."
"I'm...I'm sorry, Harmony... I just need...I need to think by myself for a while."
This time, the door opened all the way. Sylvia stepped out, caught sight of Ranulf and Mihara, and gave a cry of shock. Harmony stepped forward, saw Mihara, and ran at her, giving her a hug. "Mihara! You're back already?!"
Sylvia stared with shock, her mouth gaping. Mihara returned Harmony's hug and looked at Sylvia nervously. Before she could say anything, however, Harmony had seen Ranulf. So, trying to act cool about it, she grinned sheepishly. "So...is this Ranulf?"
Mihara smirked. "Uhh, yeah."
"He's really-"
"Harmony! Really?!"
"Well, yeah! C'mon, admit it, Mihara! You always liked him best in the game..."
Mihara flushed bright red and could've sworn she saw a light blush come to Ranulf's cheeks...
Harmony continued, "Still...I think I'd love to see Rhys. Oh, man! Have you seen him?! Does he look-?!"
"He looks real," Mihara said flatly.
Harmony gave her an evil, knowing sneer. "Oh, I seeee. You don't wanna admit that Rhys looks good in real life since he's standing there... I gotcha."
Mihara swung at Harmony, who blocked the punch and laughed, moving away so that Mihara could talk to Sylvia, who was still stunned into silence. Mihara rubbed the back of her neck before saying, "Well...uh...hey, Sylvia..."
Sylvia managed to croke out, "Mi...har...a...?"
"Uh, yeah... I mean, I know I look different, and I've, uhh...got...wings and...pointy ears..." Mihara fidgeted.
"So...you're...supposed to be...a...laguz...?" She looked at Mihara's wings, slowly. "A...hawk...?"
"Yeah..."
Sylvia raised a hand to her mouth. "This...is just...impossible...!"
"You know..." Ranulf suddenly inputed, walking towards the two girls. "I really hate to, but I have to do this."
Mihara's eyes widened to the size of saucers. "You-! You mean-?!"
"Yeah. Yune told me to." Ranulf tossed his head in Harmony's direction. "Say bye."
Without even hesitating, Mihara went over to Harmony, who caught on. Her face displayed disappointment and sorrow. "Already?" she simply asked.
"Yeah. I'm sorry..." Mihara hugged her quickly. "Give a hug and kiss to the others for me, okay?"
"Of course. Try and come back for a while, okay?"
"I'll try." Mihara gave her a sad smile. She glanced at her animals and gave them the same smile before turning towards Ranulf again. "I'm ready. Are you going to do it like you did with me?"
Ranulf gave her a smirk. "Yep. I hate to, especially to someone else so fast. But Yune needs her."
Sylvia sputtered, "Wa-wait! What are you talking about? Are you leaving already?"
"Yeah, but, we aren't going alone." Directed at Mihara, Ranulf said, "Take my hand."
"But...if we go back, won't you be in pain? You seem to be fine here..."Mihara mumbled.
"I'll pull through. I always do. I promise," he assured with a warm smile. So, Mihara obeyed and she and Ranulf both looked at Sylvia. "Sylvia Faerin, you need to come back to Tellius with us."
Sylvia frowned with confusion. "Uh...what?"
"There are many people in trouble right now, and you can help them. There isn't much time. You can come back soon. If you wish, of course."
"Me...? How can I help anyone? I'm just-"
"Sylvia, don't even say that!" Mihara snapped at her friend. "You're such a strong person. I know that you're always holding back whenever you feel like crying! You bring happiness to other peoples' lives. You're courageous. You can help more than you know." Even though, as usual, I never know what Yune and Ranulf are planning...
Ranulf extended his hand to her. "You will come back."
Sylvia stared at Ranulf's hand. Before she knew what she was doing, her hand reached out and took his. Then, with Harmony and the animals present watching, there was a flash of light, and they vanished.
XxXxXxX
Reyson gave energy to Tibarn and Ike once again, draining a little more of his strength. Only a few swans were holding on in their song, so, soon, the fire would spread. They had no way of escape. Ike had tried to swing at the same place at the same time with Nailah, Tibarn trying with Naesala, but even that didn't make the magic fade. Rafiel was now watching after Lorazieh, who began coughing violently only a few minutes ago. He was down on the ground, his sleeve up to his sensitive nose to try and lessen the amount of smoke he took in.
"Queen Nailah!" one of the wolves cried.
Nailah paused in striking the barrier to look in the direction that the wolf was looking. Coming their direction was Yune, Micaiah, Sothe, Sanaki, Shoen, and Tanith. On Tanith's pegasus was Mihara, who was still unconscious. Yune and the others had run into the Gallian siblings and Ranulf, so Sigrun stayed behind to help them. Nailah waited on the sigh of relief. Not even Yune might be able to break the barrier. "Lady Yune!" She inquired, "Can you break this?"
Yune, in her child form, approached the barrier, looking over it. She caught sight of Lorazieh and called, "Lorazieh! Are you okay?!"
"I am...hanging in there..." Lorazieh answered, having to pause to cough.
"Hold on just a few more moments! I've got a plan!"
Tibarn saw Mihara on Tanith's pegasus and his eyes widened with fear. "Shoen! What's wrong with Mihara?!"
Shoen opened his mouth to answer, but Yune beat him to the punch, "Ashera attacked her. She's alright – just unconscious."
Before anyone else spoke, Yune closed her eyes in concentration. Since it takes so much power to bring someone from another world to this one, the power wave alone from bringing Sylvia here should shatter the barrier. Just to be on the safe side, I'll have her land in the wall of it...
Suddenly, there was a bright flash of light, causing everyone to have to shield their eyes. When the light faded, Yune cheered, "Yes! It worked!"
The barrier was gone and the smoke from the fire was now rising into the air. The remaining swans took over the song of containment while those that had been singing quickly died out, breathing the clean air. They sang the song so viciously, that within a few minutes, they had the fire smothered. They went to go help those who had inhaled too much smoke, the swans having gathered water since they couldn't sing their song from the outside of the barrier. They offered everyone water and made sure that everyone was conscious. Tibarn, at last, shifted back to his half-form and made his way over to Shoen and Mihara.
Sanaki asked, "Goddess Yune, how did you break the barrier?"
Naesala, who had also shifted back, landed on the ground, a fair distance away from the others. "Hey! Who's this girl?"
Yune merely smiled. "Long story. But, long story short: that girl came from the same world as Mihara. The power overpowered Ashera's barrier. Naesala? Would you mind picking her up and bringing her over here?"
Naesala muttered something, but obeyed the goddess, leaning down and picking up Sylvia, who was unconscious and in the clothes of that of a lightning mage, and taking her over to Yune.
"Let's help everyone for now. Sigrun is helping the others to get here. We'll explain everything to her when she wakes up."
XxXxXxX
Well, what can I say? DUN-DUN-DUN-DUNNN!!! DOOOOOOMMMM!!!!
NOTE! VERY IMPORTANT NOTE! HELLOOO!!! READ THIS! YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!!! Well, I suppose you don't HAVE to, but if you wanna know what Felicity said in the weird, otter-magic-language-thingy, you HAVE TO READ THIS! The translation of what she said IS:
Power, shift...prisoner, exchange...fear, extinguish...hope, be kindled.
Whee, randomness! Please review! =D
