Chapter 10. Respite
Harry reclined on a deck chair, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face as he listened to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. The Japanese resort they had chosen was a picture of serenity, nestled along a pristine coastline with powdery white sand beaches and the turquoise ocean stretching as far as the eye could see. The lush green palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, offering a delicate dance of shadows on the ground below. The scent of tropical flowers and salt air filled his nostrils, while the distant laughter and chattering of fellow vacationers painted a backdrop of cheerful relaxation.
It was a stark contrast to the perilous and intense experience they had recently faced within the Labyrinth of the Blazing Shadow. Harry's mind drifted back to the labyrinth, recounting the numerous challenges he and his companions had faced. A small frown crossed his face, as he contemplated the loss of his eyes. He was less saddened by the loss and more irritated by the inconvenience it had brought him. His mind wandered to the Draconic Vision skill that now allowed him to see despite the darkness where his eyes used to be.
Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he considered the new powers he had gained despite the cost. The change to Draconic Renegade seemed to set his magic on fire as he now felt it coursing through his veins, and he did truly feel different now, something about the change in job had changed him again. He felt powerful, far more than he did before and in a way, invincible. However, as he basked in the sun and allowed the peaceful atmosphere of the resort to wash over him, a nagging thought tugged at the edges of his mind.
He knew that in his past he was no stranger to loss and sacrifice. There was a price for everything and it was one he had paid many times before, and could potentially pay again. But the thought of what Daphne had pointed out, that he'd been forced to give up, what he'd lost, and the fact that it seemed to be a never-ending cycle of pain, struggle and near death, gnawed at him. Harry felt the weight bearing down on him as he considered the well-being of those closest to him. Their safety and happiness were now more important to him than ever.
As Harry lay there, he made a silent vow to himself. He would protect his companions, harness the new power that now thundered through his being, and face whatever challenges the future would bring. His resolve strengthened, and with it, his mantra once more ran through his head, anyone that gets in my way is my enemy, and my enemies die!
But for now, as the warm sun and gentle ocean breeze enveloped him, Harry allowed himself a moment of respite. He would enjoy this fleeting sanctuary before diving back into the whirlwind of battles, quests, and hopefully no further sacrifices that awaited them. For that was the life they had chosen, and needed to acquire more power to remain free from others while keeping the girls he thought of as his, safe from harm.
A light shadow fell over Harry as Tessia approached, her pale skin and silver hair framed by a stunning, deep purple bikini that accentuated her ethereal beauty. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled down at him, and without a word, she gracefully lowered herself onto his lap. Harry wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as she lay down and snuggled into him, her head resting against his chest.
After the longest time, Tessia spoke, her voice soft and content, "I never got a chance to tell you how we managed to defeat that dragon when you were hurt."
Harry's interest piqued, he tilted his head down to look at her. "No, with everything that happened… no one did," he murmured, keeping his voice warm.
Tessia's eyes danced with excitement as looked up at him and began recounting the tale. "Well, you were just standing around, who knows why," She stopped and smirked slyly at him, "and the dragon had knocked me away, nearly cutting me open in the process and was heading for you again. I managed to heal myself enough to get back into it but I was so scared for you, I was moving as fast as I could but I wasn't going to make it!"
Harry chuckled, she was in full story mode now, he didn't say anything as Tessia continued. "But then Ginny, she... she used her Banshee Scream. It was incredible! The dragon was pushed back by the noise alone, but the scream… I don't know how, but it had substance… it actually hit the dragon hard, it was forced into the wall and held there, completely disoriented, and that's when I saw my chance."
Harry listened, impressed and proud of their teamwork. "And what did you do, Tess?" he asked, his curiosity evident in his voice.
Tessia grinned, her eyes shining with pride. "I charged at it, I used your shadow sword and swung at the locket on its neck. The dragon, Akane… She… It crashed to the ground. We won because of Ginny… Oh and don't discount Daphne, she was ruthless. She was constantly sending barrages of spells at it, at one point I think she blew some scales off. She definitely slowed it down."
Harry couldn't help but smile, his chest swelling with pride for his team. "You girls never cease to amaze me," he said sincerely.
Tessia looked up at him, her expression softening. "We will always be here Harry, beside you, behind you, wherever you need us. We're a team and a family now."
Harry pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, pulling her close once more. As they sat there, enjoying the warmth of the sun and each other's company, Harry couldn't help but feel security in his resolve, to keep the girls with him happy and smiling.
As the afternoon sun began its descent toward the horizon, Harry, Ginny, Daphne, and Tessia decided to explore more of what the picturesque Japanese town in which this particular resort was situated, had to offer. They changed into casual attire and ventured out, leaving Akane behind to enjoy sunbathing by the pool as was her wish. Her newfound freedom, evident in the relaxed smile that graced her face.
The group soon found themselves strolling through the bustling streets, soaking in the vibrant culture and colourful surroundings. Lanterns hung from the eaves of traditional buildings, casting a warm, welcoming glow on the streets below. The tantalising aroma of Japanese street food filled the air, tempting their taste buds at every turn.
As they meandered through the lively town, they stumbled upon a beautifully manicured garden choosing to stroll through it, they discovered a tearoom with a tea ceremony taking place. Intrigued, they eagerly asked if it were possible to join the group about to start, when permitted they quickly began immersing themselves in the new cultural experience.
They were each handed a delicate porcelain cup, filled with a vibrant green matcha tea, as they knelt down on a tatami mat amongst the tourist group and locals in the serene, peaceful setting. An instructor clad in an elegant kimono led them through the intricate steps of the ancient ritual, demonstrating the proper way to whisk the tea, turn the cup, and ultimately savour the frothy, earthy beverage.
The calming atmosphere and graceful movements of the ceremony allowed the group to momentarily forget their stresses and worries, simply enjoying each other's company. They shared soft laughter and quiet conversations, the gentle clinking of tea cups punctuating their shared experience.
After the tranquil and refreshing tea ceremony, the group ventured back into the bustling streets as the evening darkness descended upon the city. The vibrant colours of the daytime transitioned into the mesmerising glow of the night, as lanterns and neon signs illuminated the streets with an enchanting array of colours.
Excited to experience the nightlife, Harry, Ginny, Daphne, and Tessia wandered through the lively cityscape, their laughter mingling with the hum of conversation from the other passersby. The street vendors now offered a different array of tempting treats, from steaming bowls of ramen to skewers of yakitori, grilled to perfection over charcoal flames.
As they explored the city, they stumbled upon a festival taking place in a nearby park. Eager to partake, they joined the throngs of people dressed in colourful yukatas and happi coats. The atmosphere was electric, with the sound of taiko drums reverberating through the air and lively traditional music encouraging dancers to move in unison.
The group couldn't help but be swept up in the energy of the festival. They sampled various street foods, played games at the various stalls, and marvelled at the skillful performers showcasing their talents. As the night wore on, they found themselves dancing together, following the steps of the locals and laughing with delight as they spun and swayed beneath the starry sky.
As the festival wound down and the night deepened, the group decided to make their way back to the resort. They strolled through the now quieter streets, their hearts full and spirits lifted from the evening's adventures.
"You know," Ginny began, "I think the tea ceremony was my favourite, I needed the calming atmosphere more than I thought."
Daphne nodded in agreement. "Definitely. I loved how peaceful it all felt."
Tessia chimed in, "I enjoyed the festival more!"
"Couldn't tell." Ginny's sarcasm dripped, but it was softened with a smile, "You kept dragging one of us out there to dance with you, mostly Harry though."
"My feet still hurt." Harry complained with a laugh.
"Only because you didn't want any of the boys dancing with us." Daphne smiled at him.
"Can you blame me?"
"Nope." All three laughed together.
"my favourite part was the different foods. It was great!" Harry rubbed his stomach thinking about it.
"You certainly ate enough of it. We'll have to roll you around tomorrow." Ginny bumped Harry with her hip, he just winked in response.
As they continued walking back to the resort, the conversation flowed naturally, full of laughter and shared memories from their day out.
Daphne mentioned, "You know that street performer we saw earlier? The one juggling flaming torches? How do they do that without magic?!"
Ginny laughed, "Oh, I know! I was half-tempted to give it a go myself, but I figured I'd best not risk my eyebrows."
The group shared a chuckle, and Tessia added, "That would have made for an interesting look."
Upon returning to the resort, they each took turns washing off the day's grime and changing into their nightclothes. Once they were all cleaned up, the girls slipped into the large bed together, as had become their norm. Harry observed Akane curled up on the futon. He carefully placed her forgotten blanket over her before he joined the girls in his bed. As soon as he did, no less than three sets of feet crawled onto his skin and wrapped around his legs, searching for warmth, once they'd settled they all quickly passed out after a big day.
The Goddess of Magic still hadn't provided the group with a follow-up quest, so they made good use of their time, travelling all up and down Japan, not knowing if or when they'd return.
Their journey began in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where they marvelled at the neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant pop culture. They visited the famous Shibuya Crossing, Akihabara's Electric Town, and the tranquil Meiji Shrine, experiencing the perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
From Tokyo, they ventured to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Here, they were immersed in the rich history and culture of the country, visiting stunning temples like Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. They strolled through the serene bamboo groves of Arashiyama and admired the beauty of the traditional geisha district, Gion.
Continuing their journey, they headed south to Hiroshima, where they paid their respects at the Peace Memorial Park and visited the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome. Harry was thoroughly interested in the history of WWII where he discovered that Hitler and Grindlewald were in cahoots, until Dumbledore stepped in. That realisation opened more questions than it answered, as everything in the texts so far had almost insinuated that Dumbeldore knew his nemesis.
Ignoring the question from the Magical World, Harry continued in his touring of the iconic country. The group took a day trip to the nearby island of Miyajima, where they marvelled at the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine and enjoyed the company of friendly, roaming deer.
Heading north, they explored the breathtaking natural beauty of Hokkaido. They hiked through the lush landscapes of Daisetsuzan National Park, admired the vibrant flowers at Furano's lavender fields, and relaxed in the soothing hot springs of Noboribetsu Onsen. The rugged wilderness and pristine beauty of Hokkaido left them all in awe.
Throughout their travels, they sampled a wide variety of delectable Japanese cuisine, from steaming bowls of ramen and delicate sushi to mouthwatering street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Each new dish was a delightful culinary adventure that excited and teased at their taste buds.
As they journeyed from one end of the country to the other, Harry, Ginny, Daphne, Tessia and even Akane grew even closer, their shared bond hardened from the fires of the volcano itself. In each other's company, they found not only support and camaraderie but also the love and a sense of belonging that had often eluded them in their previous lives, leading each of them to be thankful for the Goddess of Magic at one time or another in their days.
Though they knew their respite wouldn't last forever, they cherished every moment of their time in Japan, spending easily a month exploring before the next quest appeared infront Harry in the shower of their hotel suite.
"Argh!" Harry screamed as the blue light shot through the wall and coalesced into a panel while he'd been washing his hair, opening his eyes to have the Goddess of Magic, in seeming urgency assault him with quest text.
Quest: The Labyrinth of the Eternal Frost
Description: The Goddess of Magic wishes for you to complete the Labyrinth of Eternal Frost. The Goddess of Magic tasks Harry Potter, Daphne Greengrass, Ginevra Weasley, and Tessia Eralith to journey through the Labyrinth of the Eternal Frost, navigating through chilling challenges and defeating the Labyrinth.
Objectives:
- Travel to the Arctic Circle, Greenland
- Make your way to the Jakobshavn Glacier
- Locate the entrance to the Labyrinth of the Eternal Frost
- Complete the Labyrinth
Rewards:
- Increase or add the Ice Affinity to a single party member
- A powerful artefact that can affect a whole party
- Unlock a powerful ice and preservation spell for one member of the team.
Bonus Reward
- A deeper connection with the Goddess of Magic.
Note: This quest has no time limit, however it is advised you move quickly.
Do you accept this quest? (Yes/No)
Harry ignored the quest text for the moment and dried himself. He was still a little cautious around his scarred eyes, however he knew he needn't be, they'd been cauterised the moment that the flame hit them.
Once dressed, he made his way out to the balcony where the girls were looking out over the city of Tokyo from.
They'd made their way back to the hub of Japan for the last week, while they awaited their next adventure.
"Girls?" Harry spoke, drawing attention to the blue panel in front of him.
"Finally!" Ginny said, getting laughs from the others. She'd made it no secret that she'd seen enough of Japan and wanted to continue their travels.
"Greenland?" Tessia spoke, "Where is that? And why's the Goddess seem so insistent that we leave quickly?"
"I don't know… it does seem like she want's us out of here.. or there, and soon… but she never tells us to do anything without reason. Both you and Ginny would be dead if she didn't tell us what was happening." Harry spoke softly, Tessia and Ginny shuddering at the thought of their potential futures if it weren't for the Goddess stepping in with Harry as her instrument. "As for where it is, the arctic circle, according to this. I'd wager it will be damn cold… and away from everything… she's isolating us…"
"Alas, I will not be able to join you." Akane spoke softly, drawing their attention from Harry's musing, "While I am half human, I am also a dragonborn, we do not do well in extreme cold such as that. I shall await your return master." Harry just nodded, unsure how he would be able to let her know that they'd arrived once more. "Worry not master, I will be able to make my way to anywhere you are in my dragon form, merely send me a message by Owl. Perhaps the kind Goddess will allow for me to meet with you."
"Oh, ok then."
"Hmm… The cold again." Daphne said with a grimace. "I guess we'd best pack firewood and a lot of muggle cold weather gear… At least until we are in the Labyrinth, but that name makes me think it will be cold in there too."
Harry nodded, the cold would be better than the heat to his thinking. At least with the cold there were various ways to warm up, whereas the heat was much harder to conquer. "Accept." Harry said softly as he looked over the group of girls that would be joining him.
The group spent the next few days planning their trip to Greenland. Unlike the Forest and Volcano Labyrinths, there appeared to be no corrupted element within the Glacial Labyrinth, based on the quest text. But the insistent tone at the end still set Harry on edge, his Survival Instinct urging him to proceed with caution, however it appeared at his core that he trusted the Goddess of Magic, so he would acquiesce.
Daphne took large wads of Japanese Yen that Harry had exchanged and given to her along with the task of visiting the travel agencies, booking flights. She had returned stating that the flights were incredibly expensive and long, and that the trip would have them on the plane for long hours.
"There also isn't much in the way of accommodation there, so we may as well head straight to the glacier." Daphne stated.
"Righto then, thanks for all that Daph." Harry gently stroked her hair and kissed her on the cheek in appreciation, which caused a blush to stain her cheeks.
"Did you manage to restock the backpacks?"
"Nah, Ginny and Tess wanted to do it, so I let them."
"What have you been up to then?"
"I got a whole bunch of gear to help us." Harry said as he pulled out portable stoves, flashlights, various knives and water filters. "I just want us to be as prepared as possible."
"With all that, how can we not be, we will be able to use some magic too." Ginny said softly, "You and Daphne have your Hide Presence active at all times now."
"Yep, but I still want to limit magic use." Harry said softly, repacking everything into his bag. "We have had an easy time of it in the muggle world by avoiding magic use. And I don't want to run across any issues with any form of magic laws, or someone tracking our magic use outside the labyrinths. There's something the goddess is pushing us away from… and I just want to be careful."
The girls were all in agreement.
The few days passed quickly. The group dropped Akane off at Mt. Fuji again, who Daphne had cast notice me not and muggle repellant charms on so she could explore the region freely, then they were boarding a flight before they knew it.
2 different planes, over 12 hours in the air and a lot of sleeping later, Harry found himself staring at the snow covered grounds, rocky outcrops and nothing more at the Jakobshavn Glacier.
Daphne had booked the group a private helicopter flight, from which they were dropped off and left to continue on foot.
"Thanks for thinking of the clothing for us, Harry." Tessia spoke. She wore hiking boots that provided ankle support, thick snow pants and a puffy thick muggle coat that retained a lot of warmth. All of their outfits were nearly identical.
The Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland greeted the group with its majestic and frigid beauty. As they disembarked from their private helicopter Daphne had the forethought to organise, they found themselves surrounded by a vast expanse of snow-covered terrain. The landscape stretched as far as the eye could see, with rugged rocks and icy crevasses breaking the white monotony. The air was crisp and bitingly cold, leaving a tingling sensation on their cheeks with every breath.
In the distance, the glacier loomed, an imposing mass of gleaming ice and snow that seemed to merge seamlessly with the azure sky. The glacier's sheer size and icy walls created an awe-inspiring sight, as sunlight reflected off its surface, casting a sparkling radiance. The silence was nearly palpable, broken only by the occasional twanging cracking sound as the glacier shifted and moved.
The surrounding area exhibited a sense of untouched wilderness. Sparse vegetation, such as low-lying shrubs and mosses, clung to the rocky patches, their hardiness a testament to nature's resilience in such a harsh environment. Jagged mountains and rocky outcrops framed the scene, adding an element of ruggedness and grandeur.
As the group ventured further, they encountered frozen lakes and rivers, their surfaces covered in a thick layer of ice, while icicles hung from rocky overhangs, glistening like crystal chandeliers. The immensity of the landscape, with its beauty and icy serenity, evoked a feeling of insignificance and humbleness in the face of nature's power.
This frozen realm would serve as the gateway to the Labyrinth of the Eternal Frost, promising chilling challenges and a quest that would test their mettle. As they prepared to embark on this new adventure, Harry and his companions would find themselves surrounded by the beauty and unforgiving cold of the Arctic Circle, their determination and resourcefulness their only allies in this frozen land.
"Well." Harry stated, unsure how to proceed. Seeing Harry's indecision, Daphne pulled out the map of the area that she had cut from a larger one.
"We're roughly here." She pointed at an elevated portion of the map, indicating the rocky hills behind them, then dragged her finger north to its base, where she assumed they were. "We want to walk north for a few kilometres, then search this area here."
"I'm so glad you learned how to read a map too." Harry chuckled, causing Daphne to blush at his praise. He then agreed with her logic, then set off at a brisk pace.
The walk would have been difficult, if the group's stats were not so outrageously elevated, however as it were they managed to cover 5 kilometres in just over an hour. They'd then made camp and sat around a fire Harry had made with some firewood they'd brought in their magically extended backpacks and planned where to explore first.
It only took Harry and the girls 4 days of exploring to find what they believed to be the Labyrinth's entrance.
"It's obviously that spot there." Ginny stated as she looked out over the plains before them. Not too far from their location was a blizzard they'd been skirting that hadn't been there when they viewed the Glacier from a distance. It encompassed an area as large as a town, and since they'd noticed it it hadn't slowed, moved or showed any indication that it had or would ever die down.
Choosing to spend one final night camping on the outskirts of the blizzard, the group made preparations. Daphne cast warming, impervious and barrier charms on each of them, ensuring their comfort in the freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, Harry activated his Shadowscale armour skill, and the surrounding shadows coalesced around him, forming fearsome and protective plate armour.
If he were to ask the girls by his side at the time, they would describe the armour set as a sight to behold, reminiscent of a fierce warrior from ancient tales. The shoulder guards rose high and bore wicked spikes, exuding an aura of ruthlessness and power. The chestplate, dark and tinged with a hint of red, hinted at the presence of hidden dragon scales. Harry's boots and pants transformed into thick, menacing armour, while his gloves morphed into gauntlets, allowing both dexterity and formidable protection. Finally, his Helm of Desolation, a hollowed out and preserved blackened dragon's skull, encased his head, completing the outfit and emanating a constant aura of dread.
As the armour encompassed Harry's body, its brutal and protective appearance projected a clear message to any who laid eyes upon it—death and demise awaited those who stood against him. From Harry's perspective, he felt an empowering sense of strength and readiness, his form adorned with the embodiment of his determination to overcome any obstacle in his path. He activated his Berserk and Regeneration skills to begin immediately taking advantage of one of the Helm's costs of wearing it; 'Causes the user to take a small amount of damage every minute for the duration it is worn.'
Whereas the Berserk skill would increase his stats so long as he kept taking damage within a 5 minute period. In effect, he would eventually become unstoppable, provided he didn't die.
The blizzard, though formidable to most, posed little challenge to the group. Harry's Draconic Vision allowed him to see through the swirling snow with ease, and their exceptional power elevated them above the typical limitations of such harsh conditions. Within minutes, they found themselves walking through the blizzard as if taking a leisurely stroll in the park, the only hindrance being the girls tightly holding onto Harry for guidance as their vision was obscured.
As they continued walking, the ground beneath them gradually descended, leading them into the depths of the earth hidden beneath the snowstorm. In silence, they ventured into the unknown, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous darkness, their eyes fixed on the path ahead.
The group descended further into the depths, leaving the blizzard behind and entering a realm of mesmerising beauty. As they ventured deeper into the cavern, a soft, ethereal light emanated from within the ice walls. The walls seemed to glow with an inner radiance, casting a gentle illumination on their surroundings. The sight was breathtaking—a mesmerising display of shimmering hues reflecting off the translucent ice.
Underneath Harry's armoured feet, the snowfield gave way to a layer of glittering ice that crunched with each step. The sound echoed through the cavern, a symphony of delicate crunches that harmonised with the distant echoes of their footfalls.
The blizzard that had raged outside seemed to have cleared completely as they entered the cavern. The deafening roar of the wind was replaced by a hushed stillness, broken only by the muffled sounds of their own movements. The girls, no longer needing to hold onto Harry for guidance, released their grip and walked alongside him with a renewed sense of freedom.
The path ahead opened up into a spacious clearing, revealing a hidden expanse beneath the snowfield. The cavern revealed itself in all its grandeur—a vast chamber with high ceilings adorned with intricate ice formations that glittered like diamonds. The walls curved gracefully, showcasing the artistry of nature as the ice seemed to come alive with a kaleidoscope of colours.
The air within the cavern was crisp and pure, carrying a faint scent of freshness that invigorated their senses. As they continued their journey, the soft glow from the ice walls danced playfully, casting enchanting patterns of light and shadow on the snowy ground.
The sheer beauty and serenity of the underground realm offered a stark contrast to the chaos of the blizzard they had just left behind. It was as if they had stepped into a different world—one that held the promise of both awe-inspiring wonders and formidable challenges.
"It's stunning." Ginny whispered, for it felt that speaking too loudly would be a crime.
"It reminds me a little of the crystal cavern." Harry reminisced lowly looking over to Daphne who nodded, remembering the glittering crystals and the behemoth they faced.
As Harry looked around he noticed his own reflection in the ice, his armour's fiery shadows seemed to respond to the vibrant glow of the ice, creating an interplay of light and darkness that mirrored in the frozen image.
"Wh-what?" Tessia said softly as she looked into the Ice wall before her. "M-my reflection. It just moved on its own."
"I'll bet it did." Harry said softly.
"It really did!" Tessia defended hotly, spinning to the other girls for reassurance.
'No,'' Harry declared, his tone unchanging, focusing on his own shadow which didn't move. "I mean I believe you. There has been an underlying theme for all of the Labyrinths so far. The last one was taking the heat, facing desperation, and there was another challenge. I had to face my arousal toward all of you and not act on it."
"I wouldn't have cared if you did." Daphne said, although she was blushing as she said it.
"Maybe, maybe not, but it's not exactly the place for it. Is it?" Harry stated. "Then we'd have to continue forward with that on our mind, it would have been far more dangerous than it already was with that in our subconscious as an extra distraction."
"Oh, I see." Ginny said softly, "So this one?"
"We'll have to battle our inner demons…" Daphne declared softly.