Chapter 2: Revelations learned
Morning came to Mount Targon as usual, with the Sun blessing the mountain with its ever-present radiance. The Solari began to get ready for the new day. The Acolytes put out the torches and rang the bells, and the people prepared for another day of praising the Sun.
But there was a new kind of energy that seemed to be in the air this time. People were whispering excitedly to each other, almost as if something incredible had happened. They didn't know what it was yet, so speculation was running wild already.
None of this reached one small room in Auroral Triumph yet, though. And so, when Leona finally awoke from what was the best sleep she had in her life, she was understandably confused as to why the bells sounded just that little bit farther sounding, and why there was a weight on her arm.
And then she looked down at Diana's still sleeping face, and the memories from last night came rushing back to her. 'Oh yeah… we ascended,' she thought, rubbing her face with her free hand. 'Fun times.'
"Morning, Leo," Diana suddenly murmured sleepily, eyes blinking open. "Is it morning, already?"
"I think so," Leona replied. "The bells are all of the evidence we need. Which means breakfast should be ready soon." She sighed. "We need to get up to get said breakfast."
"I am in perfect agreement. So… up we go…" Neither one moved. "Leona, we have to move."
"For that to work, you'll have to get up first, Di. You're kind of cuddling me like I'm a stuffed toy."
It took a second for her to realize that she was indeed doing that. She quickly disentangled herself from her girlfriend, sitting up and stretching out, her face a full scarlet. "That was the best sleep I have ever had… period," she said, a smile gracing her face.
"Me too. I feel like I can take on all of the barbarians myself." She grinned. "It might have been the company I was keeping," she added.
"I hope so. I shall be insulted if that wasn't the case." Diana finally stood up, Leona following. "Well, let's go get our breakfast. If we're lucky, we can get in and out before too many people finally start preparing for the day."
"Good idea." The fewer people they ran into, the better chance they had to keep their secrets from being exposed too soon. It would only be exposed when they were ready. At least… that was the hope.
Leona nodded. "Actually, on keeping our new status hidden, I have a small suggestion concerning your hair…"
LOL
In the main worship room for the Solari Faith, most of the Elders had decided to meet before breakfast, to discuss the events that had occurred the night prior. It was quite a revelation for them, and a blessing.
The Sun had chosen its newest Avatar. Someone had climbed to the summit of Mount Targon and proved themselves worthy before the Celestials. And all the signs pointed to it being the Sun.
The reason why they were all meeting? Well… none of them knew who it was. The small group sent to the Farewell Arch had not seen anyone approach, nor did any of the guards report anyone walking the streets cloaked in the Aspects armor. And no one had come forward yet. So, they were all a little confused.
"Perhaps whoever it is, simply does not know that they are the Radiant Dawn," one Elder suggested. "After all, I doubt that the pilgrims from Noxus or Ionia… or even Piltover would think that what they had seen was real. They may have just returned from the summit and made their way to the Guest chambers. Our history has shown that not all of the Aspects chosen are native to Mount Targon, or even the region."
"We have checked the guest chambers. All of the pilgrims are still there, and none of them have climbed Mount Targon," another replied. "Perhaps it was someone who had gone up decades ago, but they would have shown themselves."
Elder Thalaia, a woman whose hair was the same color as the Sun, sighed. "What if the Sun's Chosen is one of the Heretics?" she asked. "What does that mean for our faith?"
"Nothing." Elder Phenketon, the head of their Council, stood up fully. Despite being the oldest of them, he had managed to retain the energy of his youth and his sharp mind. His devotion was always an inspiration to others. "It means nothing. If it is a Heretic, then we shall do all we can to have them repent their sins, and join us."
"But what if they won't?"
"Other actions shall be taken…"
It didn't take a genius to figure out what actions he was talking about.
LOL
Diana had to admit that it was a simple idea, but it did work wonders. And the best part was that no one would ask her why.
What was the idea? Wearing her hood to hide her hair.
It was a simple idea, simply because it was something she did more than anyone else. She usually did so to hide the results of the latest punishment or prank pulled on her by another Acolyte. So not a single person came up to ask her why she was wearing it today. Not that they would have cared on this day.
Another thing that had become normal was seeing Leona with Diana. Despite the efforts of the Elders, Leona's parents, and their peers, they had been unable to separate the two of them for long. (Not that it stopped them. They just did it when she wasn't around.) Leona had made it very clear that she wouldn't tolerate anyone slandering Diana when she was around.
No, what had surprised everyone was their apparent lack of caring concerning the apparent coming of the new Radiant Dawn and the speculations about their identity. They simply went to breakfast, sitting at their customary table,(after Leona checked it over to make sure that no one had rigged either the chairs or table,) and enjoyed their meal. They heard that the Elders had canceled classes for the day due to the 'incredible event that occurred.' They had both rolled their eyes, finished eating, then headed to the library to begin their research. Of course, Leona said good morning to everyone she came across with a huge smile, because she was just that cheerful a person. (Apparently, even being made a Chosen against her will wasn't enough to change her, Diana would later muse.)
Once in the library, after saying hello to Elder Phenos, the two of them managed to safely ensconce themselves in their usual corner, parchment and quills ready for use.
Diana rolled her eyes as five younger acolytes entered, giggling and gossiping. "Can't they go elsewhere if all they're going to do is talk?" she grumbled.
"No, they can't," Leona replied just as irritated. "Gods, I hate gossip. Why talk about something that you have no solid information about, instead of catching up on some studying." She blinked as what she said fully filtered through her brain, and she managed to not groan. "I'm starting to think that the Elders are right. I am spending way too much time thinking about my future."
"Oh, I don't know. If you were just that, I doubt you and I would ever be friends. And I think we had some fun over the last year." The two smiled at each other. "So, where do we start in our research?" And just like that, the mood shifted back to before.
Leona frowned thoughtfully. "Well, we should first see if the Sun and Moon had ever called others simultaneously. It may give us a better foot to stand on."
Diana nodded. "Good idea. We should also try and find out all we can about the Lunari. That way, we can find out if there was a legitimate reason for them to disappear."
"And finally, we'll need to organize all of your notes. Maybe hold off on telling them that the Celestial Cycles are shifting toward the Moon… just to ensure that we keep our heads on our shoulders. We should also see if this has happened before."
Diana nodded, seeing the logic behind it. If there was one thing she hated, it was a lack of knowledge. She loved learning, and becoming the vessel of an Aspect has given her a whole new venue of knowledge to acquire. And Leona, while nowhere near as voracious, certainly didn't shy away from learning. Better that than trying to kill someone.
"Well… where do we find information on the Aspects?" Diana asked. "Folklore, History?"
"Religion," Leona replied. "They are kind of religious figures, after all."
"Oh… that kind of makes sense… I guess."
They quickly made their way over to the religious scriptures, which were easily the largest section in the library. It held everything about the history of Mount Targon. The History section wasn't needed, except for anything not of Mount Targon. While most of the library was well maintained by Elder Phenos and his two assistants, this section saw the most care.
Diana pulled out a scroll, unrolling it. "Ah, here it is." She frowned. "Not a whole lot to it, is there?"
Leona looked at it. "That is a dossier of everyone who climbed the mountain and returned. Aspects are pretty picky, it seems." She held up a book she had been perusing. "Th
ere's plenty of room more entries."
The two girls returned to their table, looking over the scroll of names first. "Two Aspects of Twilight… Zoe, of course." Leona shook her head as Diana giggled. "They actually wrote that. Geez, what did this Zoe do to exasperate the Elders of the day like that?"
"Probably being the mischief-maker," Diana replied, grinning. "There were three Rakkor chosen to house the Aspect of Pantheon. I feel sorry for Aurelion Sol, dealing with that bastard."
"Me too. Here we go… there have been four Avatars of the Sun and three of the Moon… there." Leona stabbed at the scroll with a finger, before checking the book. "Xeno and Selene were called at the same time about a thousand years ago. They were both Chosen for the Sun and the Moon, and served as such for sixty years." She skimmed both Aspect's profiles, frowning. "Hmm, it doesn't say how they died, only when it happened. It's almost like they didn't know or decided not to speak of it."
"Yes… hold on." Diana leaned in closer, her gaze sharpening as a minor detail came to her. "Leo, look at the year of their deaths. Does it remind you of anything?"
"Hmm… yes, yes it does. Is that the same year…?"
"That the Solari and Lunari war began? Yes, yes it is. If this date is accurate, then their death's occurred only two days before that 'glorious event.'" Diana felt something close to grief roll through her as she thought about that. Not for herself, of was for the loss of so many innocent people.
Leona, by contrast, sat back, frowning thoughtfully. "This makes no sense whatsoever," she muttered. "Why did the two of them die? Were their deaths the catalyst for the Solari to try and destroy the Lunari? Did they kill themselves, or did something else happen? What are we missing?" She sat up suddenly, eyes widening. "What are the Elders hiding from us?"
It was a thought she never thought she would have. She had followed their decrees for the longest time, steadfastly held to her Faith in all of its glory. Diana herself had told her that she was everything the Sun was written to hold in esteem; honor, kindness, and loyalty. To even think that the Elders may not hold to those qualities and were holding back knowledge that should be known to them all… was something she couldn't fathom. It was almost blasphemous to her very being.
She turned to look at Diana, a horrible suspicion forming, one she couldn't get rid of. "Di… I think we may want to keep our ascension to ourselves," she said.
Diana nodded, her already pale skin becoming almost snow-white as the same horrible thoughts went through her. "I'm thinking the same thing," she admitted quietly. "But… I also think that we won't be able to for much longer."
"Me too… me too." Leona looked down. "We're going to need more information. A lot more information. Starting with Ascension."
"You think something was off about it?"
"I do."
"Well, let's get started, then."
LOL
Unfortunately for them, they couldn't hide from the masses forever. And so, after spending most of their day in the library, going over every last piece of paper concerning Ascension, Leona and Diana found themselves at dinner, trying to act as if nothing had changed. And, if not for the fact that everyone was still trying to figure out who the Radiant Dawn was, they would not have succeeded.
Because everything had changed, and not for the better.
Everything they had learned about Ascension fit their own experiences almost perfectly. The very obvious physical hardships, though that was hardly surprising. They had both seen hallucinations and images that differed for them both, but had had the same purpose; to dissuade them from their goal. They had seen the bodies of those who had failed, melded into the side of the mountain. And finally, they had both seen the shimmering lights at the peak and the visions they had received as they both left mortality behind.
But there was one thing that neither had given much thought about since last night, and it only became apparent after they thought about it; the length of time.
In their research, they had learned one thing that seemed almost inconsequential. For every single person, their trial lasted for differing lengths of time. For some, it lasted only a day. For others, it could last weeks, months, or even years. Because of the Mountain itself, forever waxing and waning like the Gods were manipulating the very land.
The two of them, now that they had taken the time to recount their experiences, realized something. Despite feeling like much, much longer, they had gone up and down from the summit in a single night.
This revelation brought forth a new set of questions that neither had thought to have, and it brought only two theories as to how that was possible. One: the Gods were expecting the new Aspects of Sun and Moon to do battle, just to see which one was superior. If that was the case, neither Goddess was worth their faith and devotion. (They hoped that wasn't the case.)
Two: Something was wrong. Seriously wrong, and the Gods had to summon more than one Aspect.
They were now very grateful that they decided to talk at that summit. The damage between the two would have been catastrophic, both physically and emotionally. They most likely wouldn't have survived it.
And then there was the fact that most Chosen were practically worshipped in Targon, especially the Sun. Leona could barely stand the sheer accolades she received from the more obsessed acolytes. The moment everyone knew of her new status, she wouldn't get a moment's rest.
"Acolyte Leona."
'And speak of that very issue coming to us,' Diana thought, wincing in sympathy as her beloved bit back a groan of frustration. 'Leona's biggest fan… and my biggest headache all in one package.'
Leona was thinking much the same thing, but to her credit, she managed to paste a polite smile on and looked up. "Acolyte Rhia," she said in greeting. "How goes your training?"
The Moon Chosen was in awe of her beloved. How could she manage to talk without grinding her teeth, or anything else that would give away her irritation with this person? She would have already smacked the little tart.
Acolyte Rhia, a young girl with hair nearly as pale as Diana's was now, grinned. "It is going fine," she replied eagerly. "I was just wondering if you would like to spar after dinner. We will need to be at our best when the Radiant Dawn reveals itself to us. Not that you need it, of course." She smiled in a way that she probably thought was encouraging… but only came off as creepy.
This girl was trying to flirt with Leona, and doing a terrible job of it. Oh, the urge to smack her was growing stronger! The only thing keeping her from doing something she would most likely regret later on (probably) was Leona shaking her head slightly, silently asking her to stay calm.
"I'm sorry, Acolyte Rhia, but Diana and I will be studying for our finals tonight, and preparing for our exams." Leona was quite surprised that she was able to remain polite with this possibly soon-to-be stalker. She hoped to tell her to go away and leave her alone without hurting her feelings. She also wanted to keep her and Diana apart. (Not only because she wanted to help Diana keep her secret just a little longer, but also so Diana didn't have to put her in the Infirmary.)
Ah, but there was that little eye shift that she always saw when she mentioned that she and Diana would be busy. She had seen that from every other acolyte throughout the last few years and brushed it off as simple jealousy or concern. But now… she paid attention.
And, perhaps it's because of what they had endured over the last day, but she found herself more aware of what she was seeing. She still wasn't entirely sure, but she had a feeling that she was seeing just the barest hint of darkness that existed within her faith. The air of superiority over all else, and the fear of something different destroying that belief. It made her a little sick just thinking about it.
"Of course, Acolyte Leona," Rhia finally responded, clearly not wanting to cause a scene. She simply walked away, two others following her back to their table.
Leona finally relaxed, breathing out in relief. A crisis had just been averted, but she knew she had only delayed the inevitable.
Diana also relaxed, though not to the same degree. "How is it that she is still alive?" she muttered quietly. "I can't be the only person she's managed to piss off."
"Blood takes too long to get off the floor," Leona replied, earning her a slight snort of amusement. "Besides, I have learned something from that encounter."
"What is it?"
"That we need to be ready for when the truth comes out. If how Rhia reacts to you is any indication, we may not find a particularly receptive audience here in the Temple." Leona grew even more resolute. "And I will not allow anyone to hurt you, ever again."
Diana felt her heart grow even fonder to this remarkable woman at that simple declaration. She knew that Leona would always have her back, no matter what happened over the next few days.
A promise, she knew, which would be tested at some point.
LOL
"Are you sure that your roommates aren't going to be concerned?" Diana stated worriedly as they entered her room. "I'm already a pariah for not adhering to the faith. I don't want them to hate you for continuing to associate with me."
Leona refrained from rolling her eyes as she closed the door behind her. "Di, I'm pretty sure that once the truth about us gets out, it will not matter either way. Besides, if they can't accept that I'm seeing you, then the problem isn't you." She sat down at the desk, taking care not to disturb the pile of notes and books that cluttered its surface. "Is Rhia still bothering you?"
"Well… yes. Or rather, it's something I saw at dinner concerning her."
"… So, you saw it too, then. The darkness in her eyes."
Diana nodded. "I don't think I would have seen it if I hadn't been looking at her," she admitted. "That was not jealousy, which I thought was her whole reason for not liking me."
"I never thought that it existed at all." Leona sighed. "But then again, I never had the thought to look. Has that always been there? Have I been following a fake religion this whole time?"
At that, there was no doubt in Diana's mind what her answer would be. "No. I don't think you have been. If anything, I think you're the best of us. You are unimaginable kind, gentle, and above all, a person who inspires loyalty from everyone around you." She smiled as she knelt before her, clasping their hands together. "You are also humble, and not beyond asking for help when you feel you can't handle a situation yourself. And you are so cheerful, I find myself wondering if you even know how to be sad." She smirked. "Your most annoying quality is that you feel like you have to protect everybody, even when you know they can take care of themselves… or were never in any real danger."
Leona looked at her, shocked. How did she hear about that?! The other Acolytes simply praised her for that, even if it was very embarrassing. "That was one time, and it was a freaking training exercise. And you weren't even there! How do you know about that?!"
"Elder Sek just had to tell me about it." Ah, that explained it. Of course, he would tell her about that. Her drill instructor was only one of two Elders who talked to Diana in a friendly manner.
Diana giggled at Leona's pout. "I thought it was cute when he told me," she confessed. "He called it a 'good judge of character,' right after he stopped chuckling."
Leona groaned. She was never going to live that down. So, she asked in an attempt to move away from that single moment best left forgotten. "So, do you want to go to sleep now, or do you want to go and watch the moon rise?" Yep, she nailed it when Diana's smile became brilliant. They made their way out of the Shrine, heading to what had rapidly become their Spot; the alcove where they had become a couple. From here, they could watch the skies and talk about whatever they wanted without interruption.
Tonight was a little different, though. It was the first night since their Ascension. Despite how everything seemed the same, much had changed from the night prior.
Very soon, the two were sitting down, looking up at the night sky for what might very be the last peaceful night they would have for a long time. They didn't speak, as they did not need to.
Diana sighed as she leaned back, feeling Leona's hands softly stroke through her moon-kissed hair in a calming fashion. "If you keep doing that, I may just fall asleep here," she cautioned her.
Leona chuckled. "Di, your new Goddess is beginning to shine down upon you," she replied, arms encircling the slightly shorter girl. "You won't fall asleep before you see her. That would be rude, especially since you are her Chosen."
"Well, if I must remain awake in her presence, I shall do so."
They were quiet for a few seconds more before the Solari asked, "Did I ever tell how I came to Auroral Triumph?"
This caught Diana's attention. "No, I don't believe you did."
"Well… you know how most youth ages ten to fifteen must serve for five years in the Rakkor Regiment? No exceptions?"
Diana nodded at that, eternally grateful that her guardians saw fit to send her to the Temple after only two years of training. Not to say that she didn't serve, but she knew the Regiment's purpose; to defend the Rakkor settlements from the Inhuman creatures that came down from the mountain itself.
"I killed for the first time when I was twelve," Leona continued, falling back on her childhood memories. "My squadron was victorious against the creatures in the end, but the fight left me confused and sick to my stomach. I found the act of taking a life… not to my liking. But we both know Rakkor law is absolute. No exceptions. And there were innocents at risk."
"Of course."
"Well, one day I was on patrol when I stumbled across one of the creatures; a child who looked to be about my age. He looked lost and confused, and there was no one else around. And, in direct violation of everything I had been taught, I not only spared him, but I also guided him away from the settlements. Once we were far enough, he nodded his thanks, before vanishing into a beam of light."
"I'm going to assume that you reported that." Diana had to wince. Not at the thought of Leona being… well, Leona, but about what came next.
"I did," she replied. "And, even though our people were not in danger, I was charged with dereliction of duty."
"Simply because you chose not to kill someone who posed no threat." Diana sighed. "I'm going to assume that the Rite of Kor."
"Got it in one." The Solari was still in awe of her girlfriend's ability to recall any information she knew instantly. "My commander had to choose someone who was just as good as I was in combat, which narrowed the list of candidates down substantially." She laughed a little. "Atreus and I fought long and hard. We battled for four hours, neither one of us gaining an advantage. We probably would have both keeled over from exhaustion by nightfall. And because I guess the Sun finally got bored with us, the Rite was stopped by Elder Phenos."
Now Diana was surprised twofold. First; Four Hours?! She counted herself lucky if she could stand after thirty minutes of sparring! Two; Elder Phenos down in the village? The man was notoriously difficult to get out of the library, let alone go anywhere else! He was in the library even more than her, for crying out loud!
Leona chuckled again. "Yeah, surprised me too," she admitted. "But he said that he had had a feeling that he needed to come here, and that he realized why when he saw me. So, he took me to my parents, and requested to enroll me in the shrine." She grinned. "I'm also understating the time. It was five hours."
"...You know, it's only just dawned on me that all of you warrior types are fucking crazy."
The two of them looked at each other for a good moment before cracking up. A release of tension that was sorely needed, and possibly the last time they would be able to.
"Well, I'm forever grateful that you didn't die that day, Radiant Dawn" Diana finally stated happily, once they calmed down a bit. "I fear what would have become of my dating options."
"Well, I'm grateful to be of service, Moon Child," Leona returned, hugging her close. "And I shall continue to be of service for as long as you wish."
"… … I'm going to hold you to that." She looked up at the Moon. "Do you think I should offer a prayer to her?"
"I believe so."
Diana smiled, her gaze never wavering. "My Goddess… thank you for helping me find my other half," she whispered. "May your light guide me to help all of our peoples, both Sun and Moon."
Leona felt what might have been a twinge of something go through her. She had the feeling that her Aspect was in full agreement.
They would find out everything starting tomorrow.
LOL
Tomorrow was not when they found out everything. Nor the next day, or the day after that… or the day after that.
"This is the last historical text concerning the Solari," Leona declared irritably, placing the book down. "There isn't even a blurb of the Lunari Culture here that doesn't read, "They're evil," in every imaginable way."
Diana nodded in resignation, rubbing her eyes fretfully. "Three days, plenty of information on Solari and the all-encompassing glory of the never-ending Sun, but do they give actual information about the faith they quite literally wiped out? No, that would be too easy." She slumped forward. "Do I have to go heretical just to satiate my curiosity?"
"Please don't. I'd miss you too much."
"So would I, young lady. Your presence reminds me that there are still scholars on the mountain."
Both ladies gave very undignified yelps of alarm as they turned around at the voice. "Elder Phenos!" Leona got out, hastily bowing, trying to will her heart to slow down. How the hell was he that silent?! It should be outlawed!
Elder Phenos, easily the oldest of the Council, smiled as he returned Leona's bow. "Leona, Diana. It is good to see you both. Especially you, Leona. I would have expected you to visit over the last few years."
Diana had to giggle as her girlfriend rubbed her head sheepishly. "Sorry, Sir. I got very involved with my studies."
"This I see. You have been in the library for the last four days, going through every book and scroll. So, what are you two up to? What are you looking for, exactly?
Leona and Diana looked at each other, internally panicking. What did they tell him? Would he believe it?
Diana decided to answer him. "We're working on a project concerning the evolution of the Solari faith," was what she went with. "Unfortunately, the earliest documents we could find are from a thousand years ago. There is nothing from ancient times, and I do know that the Solari faith has been around for at five times that long." She took a breath after that, thankful that she had been to come up with a realistic excuse.
Phenos nodded. "I see." He leaned in slightly, his smile never changing. "Despite my reputation for being a library rat, I do know when someone is hiding something. And you two are not as subtle as you think you are."
Leona winced. That was something she was told on so many occasions by so many people. Seriously, she wondered why she even bothered sometimes. But that panic was starting to grow.
Phenos observed them, his smile finally slipping away as he noticed something. Both of them were acting like they had been caught doing something wrong. He noticed that Diana's hood was up, which was normal for her. The library was one of the few safe zones for her when she wasn't with Leona, (and that was just terrible to think about.) But he did see something peeking out of it; a strand of white hair that could be described as moon-kissed. He saw the panic in Leona's eyes and didn't fit. She had never been afraid before… at least not visibly so.
Both of them were afraid… no, they were terrified.
"Leona, Diana," he began slowly and gently, not wanting to spook them further, "what is going on? You're both trying to be secretive, and that isn't something you two are known for. The two of you are better known for making your intentions quite plain to anyone who can hear."
Both girls looked at each other for a moment, before silently reaching a decision. They just prayed that it was the right one, otherwise, Diana's life expectancy would decrease substantially.
"Elder Phenos," Diana began as she stood up. "May we speak with you in a more private setting? What we're about to tell you needs must be kept hidden from the others for as long as possible."
He gestured for them to follow him to his office. Once inside, he shut the door, instituting a privacy spell so they could talk freely. "Okay, what are you two doing?"
Leona took a breath. "We know who the Radiant Dawn is," she began hesitantly.
"… … Why did you not reveal their identity? What is the problem?"
"… The problem is… I am she. I am the radiant Dawn."
"… Oh." Phenos now understood why she hadn't come forward. If there was one thing Leona had never wanted to do, it was to try the climb up Mount Targon. He had seen how much she hated the attention she received from the other Acolytes. If her identity was revealed, she would never know privacy or peace again. But that was the thing, wasn't it? Why did she? He even asked just that.
"She didn't do it for herself or the Faith," Diana interjected. "She wasn't the only one at that summit." She pulled her hood back, revealing her hair. "She was following me… and she wasn't the only Chosen."
It didn't take a genius to figure out what she meant by that, nor did it take a genius to figure out just what she was Chosen of. Suddenly, their need for secrecy became even more important to them, and not just for personal reasons. They were taking a risk in telling him. He would have to show that he wouldn't betray them. "Your project… you are trying to find information about the Lunari, aside from their destruction."
"The thing is, we're trying to find out why that happened. We know that both Chosen at that time died at the same time, and that the war between the faiths happened two days later… but that's it. We're trying to figure out the exact circumstances behind it all. Did the Moon Aspect decide to attack the Sun? Was the Sun going to scorch the Lunari Clan? Did an outside force whisper in both of their ears, eventually leading to their inevitable battle?"
"But instead, we've read several different variations of the 'Righteous Solar' defeating the 'Evil Lunari Monsters' before they could bring forth the Endless Night," Leona added, shaking her head. "The funny thing is, it kind of goes opposite to what we had seen on the peak."
Phenos sat down, his gaze sharpening as his mind entered research mode. He quickly grabbed a quill, a bottle of ink, and a spare piece of parchment. "Tell me everything," he ordered.
Taking a deep breath, the two Aspects began to recount every fragmented image and memory they had seen, making sure to miss nothing. It took the better part of the afternoon since it was a great deal of information they had to recall. He remained silent through it all, focused on his writing.
Phenos leaned back, thinking hard once they had finished. "Well, this is where I would say that all of these images are simply a test of your faith, ladies," he informed. "However, judging by how both of you have had them tells me that there is indeed something going on." He frowned. "Leona, Diana, it's going to take some time for me to find what I'm looking for, but I do believe it may give you a place to start. In the meantime… I want you both to know that I will keep your secret." He smiled as the tension seemed to drain from their bodies. "Believe it or not, you are not the first to be Chosen and did not want to be known until you were ready. And they were better off for it from what I recall. Besides… if both of you were called at the same time, then that means that something is happening somewhere that will require you both. So for now… continue with your normal routines. That way, you have a better chance at staying hidden."
Leona almost sagged with relief. They had made the right choice revealing themselves to him. "Thank you, Elder Phenos," she said, quickly grabbing Diana's hand. "Thank you for trusting us."
"Thank you for trusting me." He laughed as the two girls practically ran out of his office, shaking his head. "How they believe that no one knows about their relationship is truly innocent of them." They both deserved some happiness, and he wasn't going to be one to take that away from them. Nevertheless, he was happy for them.
Still chuckling, he slowly rose from his chair, heading back into the library. He would have to check out some of the reference material they received from the few travelers that made it to them.
Those images of mists gave him a deep, foreboding feeling…
LOL
Rhia realized something, it was worse than she feared.
She had been on her way to meet with her 'friends,' wanting to conduct a new on the Heretic, when she saw the focus of her mission coming down the corridor, their Golden Girl right next to her. She promptly hid behind a nearby tapestry, listening to them talk as they passed. And what she heard… well, it filled her with incomprehensible rage.
Well, it was that, and the fact that they were very close… and holding hands.
Now, it was clear to everyone that their relationship was closer than that of friends, but she had never understood what Leona saw in the freak. If anything, Leona needed to be the one to try and save her from the night's influence. But now, with what she had heard, the blasphemy that was occurring… oh, everything was now oh so clear. It didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened.
The Heretic had used some sort of moon spell on Leona to enslave her, using her for her nefarious purposes.
Rhia waited until their voices had faded down the corridor, before reemerging, her determination growing. The Elders would have to be alerted to this, and the necessary actions would have to be taken. But what other actions could she take?
The Heretic had to have blasphemous material in her room. When Rhia knew that she wasn't there, she would go there and destroy it before it could be seen. Of course, she knew exactly what actions to take… but not yet.
But not all of it. She would need to show the Elders. So, she would wait until tomorrow, when the Heretic was not expecting it. The Radiant Dawn would praise her for her initiative.
And Heretic would join her parents where she belonged.
LOL
Okay, here is Chapter Two. It will take some time for the next chapter to be ready, but it shall be ready.