Chapter 13: In the Heat

Bethma Desert

Early morning

Rena's PoV

"Sooooo hoooot" Aisha groans in her sleep and i dont blame her. Its so early but so hot...

We just woke up and found that we were all sweaty all over. "Guess we're in Bethma now" Ariel says with a half smile. Even she can't keep a smile during this heat. Its so hot i think i can here the very grounds crack from the lack of water.

Its hot, but it is very possible that Elsword is here and alive somewhere. But even with this sun roof..." Haaaaah" I can't take it. Im all sweaty.. this so gross...

After an hour of discomfort, we finally made it to the town where we would meet with a woman named Stella. We all got out and met the woman. She was in a White cloak with a hood. She took off her hood to greet us.

"Welcome to Bethma, but before all business lets get you ladies a bath kay?" She turned around biding us to follow her. "Oh god thank goodness" Aisha praises. "My uniform..." Ariel cries.

After our bath we were given new clothes to wear. Before we were wearing regular clothes Elder citizens wore since our old ones were damaged.

I was wearing a sleeveless white turtle neck. For bottoms i had a black and white patterned skirt with white socks going up to my thighs. For my arms i had white long fingerless gloves that went up to my forearms. 'mmm feels less hot' I looked over to see what Aisha was wearing.

She had White cloak that cover her body but opened at the middle. She had a white coat that opened down to her chest. She also had a white skirt with white boots with purple trims. "All white again?" I asked her while she was reading.

She looked up with a smug grin "I casted a ice spell in these clothes so i dont have to worry about sweating anymore" She looked so proud wait did that mean she mastered a elemental enchantment?

"Woah amazing, but why didn't you do that while we were all dying in the carriage" I deadpanned. We had suffer though that ordeal and she had a spell like that at her disposal. "Be-bec- Because i didn't know how to do it back then" She yells. "Mhm"

Lets go meet with Stella now.

We walked out of the changing rooms to see Stella smiling. "Lookin good there, anyway on to business" She leads us past many a few buildings. Some were a accessory store with a very weird man with an even weirder expression.

After sometime we made to a small house with a horse by the entrance. Inside was quite lavish. It had a white carpet with the floor being pure marble. It had whole living room as well as a dinning room. It looked so small outside though.

We sat down in the living room's couch. Stella came with some water and we began. "So firstly, i heard your looking for your friend who flew in this general direction right?" We nodded "Ok and second you habe news on the airship that is seen flying around her?"

We nod again, and she sighs "Ok, first your friend. Its easier to take out the hard stuff first i learned" Me and Aisha smiled a bit. "If he flew into the desert then Lizardmen definitely found him and nursed him" She says matter a factly.

"I dont want to be negative but why is everyone so sure of the lizardmen?" Aisha asked at which Stella smiled a warm smile "Same thing actually happened to me once. Minus the flying thing. I was in the desert and was picked up, nursed, and raised by the lizardmen"

She took a sip of her water "The only problem is searching. Lizardmen dont like their villages accessible to just anyone. The move alot but only in this region. They know there way around this place better than i do myself" She finished. So Els is most likely alive, but the lizardmen has him, but he's in good hands or so everyone says.

Aisha smiled. "Knowing Els he's more than likely gonna come find us." I nod with a smile Yea that seems like him. "Ah i take it he knows you two ate looking for him?" Stella leans in. "Yea back when we were younger, when we played hide and seek, If we went missing for more than 10 minutes he would start worrying."

Ah those times. He was always so scared of something happening to us that he avoided playing hide and seek and made up his games. "Oh? is that so?" Stella has a sly grin on. Uh oh time to change the subject before things get weird.

"So about that airship huh? I say nervously laughing. "Ill let you off...this time" Stella says and starts again with a cough Well since that explosion of Wally's castle. Two airships were shown flying by that faithful night. Then the next day in the afternoon the gray one was seen flying around."

She finishes. "Were not sure why its here but if you guys can help that will be much appreciated"While we were thinking, a man suddenly came in with a frantic expression. It was that weird guy from earlier!

"Stella! come quick! stange machines habe appeared!" He says and runs back out. Stella grabs a sword from the wall and runs out in tow. We also came outside to see small machines with drills and guns as hands. They looked a bit fragile though.

I drew string and fired at one of them. It went down and the drill stopped moving. "Insta kills then?" Aisha says and held out her hand "Perfect for my spell practice, Gust storm!" A gust of wind blew from behind her and tore through the metal on the machines.

I can't let her show me up like this "your not the only one with techniques, Rail shot!" I shot a direct arrow with concentrated nature energy. It was red and green. Due to this place and its heat, the nature becomes fire. Depending on weather of the area im in my arrows change to that weather.

In few minutes, all of the machines were destroyed and people began to come out to clean them up. Stella wiped her forehead of sweat and sighed. Whew, now what are these things" She looked down at them.

"These thing had a velder symbol on them!" i shouted out by accident everyone looked at me. "Your right but why would velder have these things" Aisha kicked on. "Ah such a strange mystery indeed~" That same weirdo creeped up on us.

Stella looked unimpressed and sighed. "Rich this is your doing isnt it. Depending on your words i can't guarantee your safety" The man held his hands up in fear. "Yes there mines"

After he explained to us that they belonged to him he also began to give more information to us. It seems that he was using these machines as workers in the mines to mine for precious gems for his accessories. He also said he received them from Wally and they called "Nasods"

"Nasod? i heard about them in an ancient book once. They were once a whole civilization here on this continent but then disappeared long ago mysteriously" Aisha says while closing her head trying to remember other things.

Stella looked back at Rich, whose real name was Richian. "So you got these from Wally, do you think you can get back in touch with him?" Richian shakes his head. "Sorry no can do sweethearts, he never replied to me when i told him yhe nasods began malfunctioning~" He shook his shoulders.

It was now noon and we began making plans. We were going to investigate the area and see if we can find any kind of activity.

Sigh... Back into the heat..

LizardMen village

Morning

Elsword's PoV

Ugh i forgot that the sun was so bright. I got up with my eyes still closed. I had woke up in the middle of the night because sometimes i trained that time, but t didn't really know where to go so i stayed put and went back to sleep.

Now im all groggy i can't even open my eyes. "ugh, i need some water" I said to no one. "Here you are then" Someone said to my side that scared me. I jumped to the side and attempted to pull out my sword.

Oh yea, it broke. I opened my eyes to see a lizardman looking at me amused. Oh yea im in the lizardmen's village, last night is just now getting to me. I stood and apologized. "No problems boy, here's some water" I took it and drank some. It tasted like water at the same time something else.

The lizardmen walked out to go call their chief. I sat back down to wait for them. 'This weather...feels nostalgic somehow' I thought and looked outside. The sunny was bright and half up the sky. There were no clouds and the wind was blowing in through the hut.

It felt so... relaxing to me.

"Enjoying yourself i see." the same lizardmen said to me at the entrance. I dont believe i got his name last night. "I am and you are..." walked up to him. "I am called Beraku". Im not sure how their customs are so i nods to him" Im Elsword, so you wanted to talk to me right?"

He nods and walks out out bidding me to follow. After some walking, we arrived at a large lake. Around the lake were strange creatures that were orange and red along with moving plants! what is this?

Beraku looked at me and explained. "Those are sand scorpions, and those green ones are the cactus that live here to get water." He explained and walked over to it. "It is everything's source of water and..." He waved his staff around the lake and fish began yo levitate out of the water. "Our food".

The others came to pick up the fish and put it into small bags. Beraku then looked to me. "Now, after the food is prepared we shall talk until then let us supply you"

A few minutes later im wearing the new clothes the female lizardmen gave. Huh.. what do they call the females? Lazardwomen?

Im in a sandy brown sleeveless shirt with green sash tied at waist. I had on white baggy pants with my combat boots which where undamaged and cleaned. While changing i touched the two scars on my chest and shoulder.

'The marks of battle' I remember what Elesis told me long ago when i started training. Scars tell stories. Sis was not gonna want to see or hear these ones.

When i walked out the changing tent some lizardmen made me follow them to where Beraku and Chakabuk were eating. They had their own private tent located with quite the view of the lake. I passed through the curtains and Berkaku nodded.

After eating the fried fish with dome kind of sauce and water, we got down to business. "Ok now then" Chakabuk said.

"So boy who and what attacked you?"

"I was investigating a town where the lord was a sinister man evil intentions" I told them and they looked confused.

I told them of the story of the Elvish village that was attacked by Wally and that he attempted to steal the El but got it stolen by demons. I also told them i need to find my friends. After the explanation they nodded.

"Well looks like your involved in some trouble boy. Also if this Wally person was said to depart in some kind of contraption that flies then..." Berkaku said with his hand on his chin. "We may have seen him flying around here" Chakabuk finished.

After we were done with the discussion, it was now well into the afternoon. Berkaku said that he, Chakabuk and another lizardmen named Kayak will discuss the matter more themself.

Im wonder the place and found my self back in the village again. I saw a few lizardmen sparing each other with scimitars, curved blades. 'hmmm maybe i can get in on the fun' I walked over to them.

They saw me approach them and waved at me "Ah human, welcome have you come to watch or fight along side us" One of them said. "Yea im a swordsman myself really" I said and the lizardmen led me to a weapon rack. I decided to take scimitar with the green handle and white hilt.

I looked at the lizardmen who grinned and took position. "Let us begin!" He rushed toward me and began striking. I parried most of the attacks since they were too linear and predictable. 'Time for offence'

I parried his last strike and went to strike his chest, which was protected by armor. He staggered back and i shoulder pushed him yo the ground. He fell with a thud and looked up at me with amazement.

I held out my hand to help him up and he obliged. "Your good, you even made a fatal strike and finish." He praised me. 'Well with a sister like mines, you pick up a few things' i thought.

3 Hours Later

evening

The water taste good and feels good. I was outside taking a shower near the lake. I was in my boxers and was pretty much splashing water onto my body with a bucket. While washing i noticed a large object in the air. 'Is that Wally? If so, whats he doing...'

I looked behind me to see Chakabuk with my clothes in hand. "Done?" He asks and i nod. After i was done changing, me and him were walking around the village. "We will be sending some of our people to the settlements near here to seach for your friends" He starts.

I sigh with relief, thank goodness. It feels so long since i heard Aisha's smart comments or Rena's laugh. "Thank you for everything" i told him and he waves his hand. "Nothing short. I do wish to ask something of you though if you do not mind"

We made it to hut with decorative symbols and runes engraved into the walls of it outside and inside.

Inside there was a small bowl of an orange substance. On the shelves however, were plants and other strange things on them. I think this is a alchimsit shack since it has a small masher and a bowl. "I ask to sit here" He motions me to sit on a small stool while he got the bowl.

He began to gather the things on the shelves and mix them into the small bowl. The substance began to turn colors from orange to purple to even pink! whats he doing. I hope i dont have to drink anything...

When he was done he walked over to me "Please remove the shirt" He asks and sets a stool near me. I took it off and sat there. "Now, what im going to do is test weather or not you learn this power" Power? what power?

"Umm? what are you taking about?" i ask a bit concerned, he said it in a like 'If you can't handle this then you will dieee" voice and i dont know if i can go through with whatever he is planning.

He then places the bowl down and looks at me in the eye. " Im not giving it to you and will not bring no harm. It will only tedt weather you can accept t and what affinity your are most potent with" He says.

So a test huh? With a liquid thats see through, i can't even tell if somethings in there but enough stalling. I shake my head head and looked forward.

He began to apply the liquid on to my body. It felt like nothing, like nothing was touching or on me. He drew in lines and symbols that all connected to each other that soon went to my stomach.

When he made it to my stomach he made it feel like he drew a swirl. When he was done he got up and clasped his hands together. He began to mumble some words i didn't understand or even sound like i could.

Then my body began to burn. It wasn't just a burn, it felt like i was burning up. I shut my eyes to endure it but it was no use. My body felt like 1000 burning rocks were placed instead of blood. I opened my eyes to see what was happening.

The symbols that wasn't visible before were now burning red. I fell to the ground and held my stomach. "GAHHHH!!!!!" i cried out. I stuck out my hand with hope of anything help ease the pain but nothing. All i remember was the sight of Berkaku walking in.

Chakabuk's PoV

After the ritual

I had some lizardmen carry Elsword back to his hut after i was done with the test. Elsword had blacked out during the test. 'hmmm' While thinking i completely forgot of my brothers presence. "Brother, so you made him take it." He told me with concern.

"We have to or else he will have a harder journey. You saw it too had you not? what he has" I told him. He looked at me with uncertainty now "Yes but to forcefully open those gates is dangerous" He says.

Ah the gates... The gates that when open, allow a being to manipulate the elements to their will. Fire, Water, Wind, Earth. These elements are what behind those gates and govern the world with the avatars. Those gates are located in each being.

The eyes, the arms, the legs, and the body.

Humans before had this power long ago. Due to evolutionary circumstances humans have long ago forgoten them. They dif not see a need for them as they are now.

Since there was no need for them, they closed themself making them disconnected from nature forces and their ancestors inheritance. The gates along with mediation allowed one to become one with nature.

Now they have become weaker and lesser then before.

I looked to my brother once more "If what we saw in Elsword is accurate then... something bigger is going to happen. Bigger than his current goal right, and bigger than what we expect"

Berkaku then looked more serious "To the point where it will even affect even us?" He asked with serious expression of a true village leader "No race shall be spared form this thing"

But Elsword is special it seems like... it seems like... I can't put my mind on it.

"So what shall we do of him the next sun rise?" This time another voice comes. I look behind my brother to see my cousin, Kayak. He was our Sharman but his readings were not as good as mines which were genetically stronger.

"Let us help him with building up his strength for his temporary stay here, he will be leaving soon. Also his gates have been opened." I say walking out "You best know what you are doing brother"

Back in Bethma

Aisha's PoV

Night

After such a long day, we found nothing but nasods. We still could not find the airship or where it would be now. We were staying at Stella's house since there wasn't any inns around the town. Who could blame them with this heat, who would come here for a vacation?

"Soo tired...'" I groan out loud. Me and Rena were sharing a bed and she was busy looking at the ceiling. "Is the ceiling that interesting?" I look up to where she was looking.

Rena giggles a bit then turn to me. "Its a bit hard to find something to cuddle with, but i guess i can use you." She pulls me close and my face is devoured by here chest. Dam these things!!

I pulled myself out to breath. "Are you trying to kill me?!" I sat up. She was laughing. "And i thought Elsword's reaction was funny but yours in priceless" She continued to laugh.

I eased up and smiled a bit too. Her smile can bring a smile on almost anyone's face. I layed back down next to her. "So what we gonna do tomorrow?" she shrugged "Im not sure but i hope we get word about Elsword, they sent a team to seach"

Wait why couldn't we be in the seach team he's our friend! "That makes so much sense" i say sarcastically and me and Rena looked at each other ""Grown ups"" We shared a few laughs and decided to finally sleep.

Aisha's Dream

4 Years ago

"Bu-bu-but master!" i yelled at my master but he was so into his books that he waved me off. "Grrrrrrr ok be that way" i used a ice spell to freeze his book.

He looked confused before realizing it was frozen "Ah Aisha why can't i have my way around you, master this, master that." He says in goofy matter. He then turned to me and patted my head.

"So whats got your book pages wrinkled" He says with a fatherly smile. "I want to learn more master i want to do more than just learn how to do fire and ice"

Master then looked at me with the biggest smile. "At such a young age... You got it.. "

He snapped his fingers and a locked nook with strange symbols engraved all over it came. It all connected to swirl at the center which really caught my eye

"This," He began and handed it to me "Id the book to what you seek." I tried to open it, but it felt like something wasn't letting me. "When the time is right then it will open to you." He says stroking his beard.

He then adopted his goofy smile again "Its cryptic i know but hey i know ya can do Ai"

Dream End

The Next Morning

Underground

Wally's PoV

"bu-bu-b" I slammed the nasod to the wall. "These things can't do a thing but ruin plans" I shout out to no one. My airship has been have stability problems for so long now that i had create test rides. Its making things far too obvious.

They will soon find me and i haven't even found Altera yet. This won't do. not at all. I get up from my office chair and walked about the Airship. The airship did not habe anything inside. It was more like a factory.

While walking i felt oil drip on me and another nasod stopped working. One is screwing things into a wall and another is spinning in circles. This all too...

Before I could scream my frustrations a monitor rolls up to me. With it was Raven's face that wore a highly displeased look. " So what are you doing enjoying the scenery i already made it back to Altera."

Already? how can this be? "I seem to be running into some technical problems. Im afraid that my arrival will be highly delayed." Raven sighs and then looks at me again "What do you need? fuel?"

"That and better workers, it seems like i overestimated my nasods im afraid to say" I made way for him to see and gestured to the mess they were creating. "Heh alright ill send some workers and fuel to your location" he then signs out and the monitor leaves.

'Good now i dont have to stay in this Els sake heat' i walk back up to living quarters to await for Raven's crew. 'The heat knows no bounds' I switch on the air ventilation for some cool air but nothing.

I switched it back and forth and decided to open the hatch in it. I looked inside only for oil to squirt out of it onto my face...

Black Crow's airship

Noon

Raven PoV

"Now all of you of you who are going leave now" I commanded my crew to leave for Bethma. He says he can handle him self but barely leaves Elder. sigh...

After that i went up to room and began to work on finding the El. If what Wally says is true then the El can have the power to restore my arm. I looked at my charcoal armored arm. 'If i dont do something soon this thing might change me" i thought while staring.

If it can restore an arm then it can restore...

"Sir! sir!" I was interrupted outta of my thought by a crew member. "tch, what is it" i said turning to him. "The nasod have come back again sir!" What? these dam in cans. I bet know exactly which one or should i say ones. "Tell everyone to get into usual positions, we faced them before!"

The crew member nodded and ran off. I got up from my seat and looked at the monitors for the front deck of the ship. Two nasods. One red giant buffed up one that was thrashing around with fire and the other blue one that was shooting ice from its cannons.

'These guys again eh. Tch i dont have time for this but it does make good sport" I grabbed my blade and headed outside.

I have yet to fight them yet...Let see if there any good...

Elsewhere

Altera Fields

3rd PoV

In the a area of the Alterian fields, a battle is taking place. Explosions and missiles are being shot in all direction as well as energy blasts. One lone figure is trying to dodge the projectiles while firing his own.

"Damit, of every single nasod i ever needed, i have to had to run into this one?" Add yells while trying to take cover but to no avail.

Q-Proto is currently firing her weapons with little to no effort. She stand in place as she watches Add runs all over the field. He abandoned his old jacket since it was too damaged. This left him in only his dark purple shirt and his black pants and boots.

Add fires several projectiles and then rushed in. He activated his Nasod armor core in hopes of getting close to Q-proto.

She didn't even turn deflect his attack, instead she used he own attack to overpower his attack and counter. Add flew out the way with just a few nicks on his arm.

'Damit i have to find a way through her weapons' Add landed to the ground and put up all 7 dynamos together in front of him.

"TAKE THIS! Pulse Canon!" A lager purple electric beam shout out from the dynamo's center right at Q-proto. Her eyes widened for a bit then went back to her stoic stare.

She held up one hand and two large Nasod spiked came and deflected the attack with ease. After the beam was shot add appeared behind Q-proto with his fist charged. "Take this!"

He smashed his fist into a large nasod spike. His eyes widened when he realized his mistake. He was way too close to her.

Add attempted to fly away but then saw something glowing behind him. He looked to his side and saw more glowing orbs all coming toward him with no escape. Q-Proto held up her hand open.

"Photon Grenade" The lights came to Add too fast for him to react.

"DAMIT!!!!!" The balls all gathered to him and exploded with a large bust of light.

A/N

Sorry this took so long to come out.

Hope it came out good for you guys i had a bit of trouble writing this chapter since i didn't want to rush any scenes.

Hope yall like this chapter and the others.

Peace