Chapter Three
The next few days were pretty routine. The excitement surrounding the Radiant Dawn had tapered off, and classes resumed to a deluge of groans. Until they revealed themselves, there was no reason not to learn.
As such, Diana found herself back in the library, sorting out the various books and scrolls as she was wont to do. She liked helping out here when she didn't have schoolwork to finish. It felt so normal, like last week's event had never occurred.
She finally put the last book back in its proper place, smiling at her little accomplishment. Why everyone else felt like they could throw them anywhere was something she would never understand. 'At least Leo doesn't do that,' she thought happily.
Her last class of the day, which wasn't oratory, thank the gods, had gone by relatively painlessly. No one bothered her, as they knew that Leona would likely find out. And she tended to get very protective where she was concerned.
However, she had noticed something odd that day. Rhia had been avoiding her all day, not even looking in her direction. While it was nice, it sent a slight shiver through her spine. A sense of foreboding wormed its way into her mind. Something was wrong.
"Ah, young Diana. Still making sure that the library is orderly, I see."
Diana smiled as she turned around, the sense fading into the background. "Well, you know me, Elder Phenos," she replied. "I simply cannot abide a disorderly place of knowledge. Now, if only I could be as thorough with my own room…"
"Phenos laughed. "My room is just as messy," he admitted as if sharing a great secret. "We researchers tend not to practice what we preach."
"Yes, so Leona keeps telling me." Diana quickly looked around, making sure no one was nearby. "How is your research coming?" she asked quietly.
"Admittedly slow. Much of it hearsay, but I have a theory I would like to run by you and Leona."
She read between the lines easily enough. He had found something, but it wasn't anything they could take to the Council. "Of course. Leona and I don't have anything planned. Is after dinner alright?"
"That is just fine." He paused for a second. "Now that that is out of the way… I wanted to talk to you about your future. Have you thought about what you would like to be after graduation?"
Diana frowned for a second, thinking for a moment. "To be honest, Sir, I figured I would become a scholar," she admitted. "Leona and I are practically unstoppable in battle drills, but I've always felt more comfortable doing research. But, considering mine and Leona's current circumstances, I doubt I'll be able to."
"Fair enough." And Phenos understood. The Solari and their faith had not been very kind to this young woman. It was a testament to her drive and will that she could still hold onto her idealism. Leona had been her only true defender since they had become friends, and he and Sek were the only two in authority who could stand up for her in Council. If not for the three of them, she would have been alone… or dead.
"Well," he began, "I have been giving it a lot of thought, and I decided that I require an apprentice and assistant. Would you like to fulfill both roles?"
Her eyes widened at the offer. Despite everything that had happened, she had never expected that any Elder would want to give her an apprenticeship. It was a dream she had never believed would come true. What made it even better was the fact that Elder Phenos had been the one to make it. The best thing was that it meant she could stay with Leona. So, she did the one thing any sane, rational young woman could do in this instance.
She let out a girlish squeal(that she would deny ever doing until the end of time,) forgetting propriety and hugging the Elder.
Phenos laughed as he returned the hug. "Can I assume this is a yes?" he asked teasingly.
"It's a yes. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She pulled back. "I have to go tell Leona about this!"
"Acolyte Diana."
The young woman turned at her name being called. "Yes?" she asked. Her smile slipped as she took in the sight of a Ra-Horak guard standing at the entrance.
"The Elders have requested your presence in the main Council Chamber," the guard replied. "Elder Phenos, you are needed as well."
Phenos nodded. "Thank you, soldier. We will be there shortly. Or is it immediate?"
"It is not, but please do not dawdle." The guard stepped back outside, taking position next to the door.
That sense of foreboding she had been feeling returned with a vengeance, and she looked at Phenos. "You don't think…?"
"That the Elders know about your researching our past?" Phenos shook his head. "Unlikely. I doubt Leona had said anything, and I know you wouldn't. As for myself, I rarely attend meetings unless I am ordered to." He frowned. "Still, it is unusual for an Acolyte to be summoned. Something has happened."
Diana sighed, packing up her supplies. "Well, the longer we dawdle, the more suspicious they'll become. I know only too well that they do not tolerate tardiness."
"Indeed."
Why did another shiver crawl up her spine as she thought about what was coming?
LOL
Leona was in the middle of combat practice, her shield raised alongside four other acolytes while five Ra-Horak battered them mercilessly. Her arms ached, but she remained unmoving while listening to a lecture that she heard back when she was eight. (Seriously, what were they teaching these kids here?!)
"Remember," Elder Sek roared, as soldiers continued to batter their defenses, "a Solari's defense in the shield is the shield next to them! And you shall not buckle! If one does buckle, the others must help them remain strong. The Sun depends on you to remain strong and withstand the Endless Night!"
"You heard him!" Leona barked. "Hold this line! Show that the Sun is in your hearts!" Her words seemed to have the desired effect as all of their spines stiffened, their eyes burning with new determination. Not a single soul budged. No winces of pain could be heard.
After several moments, Sek finally called for an end of the drill, grinning. "Well done, all of you! I must say that this is the best example of solidarity I have seen in a long time! You are indeed ready for the battles to come! Now, pick a partner and practice your sword skills! Leona, if you would please join me?"
"Yes, Sir!" Leona set her shield on a nearby rack and hurried to him, somewhat confused. He was still grinning, so perhaps it wasn't too serious.
Sek observed her, pride shimmering in his gaze. "Leona, I am most impressed with your accomplishments. Your experiences have aided in creating possibly our finest batch of warriors in decades."
Leona shrugged. "I just applied my experience from the Rakkor Regiment to the training," she replied modestly. "Nothing special about it."
"Well, compared to these students, it is amazing." He gestured. "Walk with me so that we may speak of your future."
"Ah… yes." Now she was really curious.
The two began wandering the training grounds, staying clear of the younger students as they practiced.
"Elder, may I ask why we are discussing my future?" Leona finally asked. "I was already under the impression that I would be joining the Ra-Horak after graduation. The other Elders seem to believe I will eventually rise to command them."
Sek nodded. "Under normal circumstances, that would indeed be the case. However, I believe that you have endured enough bloodshed in your life. And I doubt the Sun saved you from that way of life just to throw you back into the middle of it." He grinned. "Also, you have proven to be an excellent teacher, aiding the others during their exercises. Therefore, I was wondering if you would be interested in becoming my apprentice."
Leona blinked in surprise at this. Sek was getting older, if the grey in his hair was of any indication. But she and the others were under the impression that he would continue to train future generations of warriors until he literally dropped dead. He just had that kind of work ethic.
Sek chuckled as he caught sight of her expression. "Relax, young one. I'm not planning on retiring just yet. However, I will one day wish to pass the reins over to someone else and retire. And I believe you are the right person for that day."
"...Ah… I am honored, Elder Sek." A small smile emerged. It meant that she could stay close to Diana now. Oh, she had to tell her!
"Go on," Sek stated, correctly guessing what she was thinking. "I think you can skip the rest of the lesson. Spend some time with your girl." He laughed after she had bowed in thanks and promptly sped off. "Those two are going to withstand it all, hopefully."
Of course, he knew of their relationship. It was literally the worst kept secret on the Mountain. Most of the other students didn't say anything negative simply because Leona was beloved among the other acolytes.
He knew that he was one of the few who had nothing against Diana. During their interactions, he had found her to be quite the charming young lady, well-read and curious about the world about her. He didn't see what was so wrong about that.
But he found that the other Elders saw differently. He heard that the punishments they doled out to her had gone from scrubbing to the Judgement of the Sun. He had also learned that these punishments had had no effect. Now they were just waiting for an excuse to have her imprisoned, exiled, or executed.
The Elder found their viewpoints to be utter garbage. What was wrong with questioning everything they knew? Wasn't that how knowledge was gained? Instead of being punished, the young woman should be lauded for her drive for knowledge.
'Well, at least she has Leona watching her back,' he mused to himself, knowing that she was responsible for the decline in pranks against Diana. She couldn't have asked for a better partner.
'Well, back to work. These cookies aren't going to whip themselves into shape.'
LOL
Leona had to finally slow down once she reached Auroral Triumph but still maintained a decent speed to the library. They had both been worried about being separated. Di was going to be so happy when she heard this wouldn't be the case! They would be able to find their purpose together!
She quickly entered the library, looking around. Her smile faded when she didn't see Diana anywhere. And to add further confusion, Elder Phenos wasn't here, either. Where were they?
An Initiate walked up to her. "Acolyte Leona," he said in greeting. "If you're looking for Acolyte Diana, I believe that both she and Phenos were summoned to the Elder's Council Chamber."
Leona felt a shiver crawl up her spine. "Do you know why?" she asked.
"Unfortunately, I do not. But they left about fifteen minutes ago."
"Thank you, Initiate." She made her way toward the Chambers, her pace picking up again. The confusion was disappearing. And in its place, a sense of panic. Both of them called at the same time? But why... unless something had changed. Something that required the Elders to attend…
The dots began to connect, and her pace increased as the picture became crystal clear. 'They know. Diana's in trouble.'
Everybody who saw her got out of her way, knowing full well not to stop her when she was on a mission. The last time she was this determined had been when she had gone to deal with a fellow acolyte who had been bullying Diana. The Acolyte had made sure to steer clear of them after that. They had the feeling that this would be more of the same.
Oh, how little they knew.
The Radiant Dawn was soon at the Council Chamber and encountered her first obstacle; two Ra-Horak warriors standing guard, spears crossed in an obvious statement. She stepped forward, ready to demand them to move out of her way.
A sudden scream of pain from within changed that plan. A film of red settled over her vision. Heedless of the fact that she was unarmed, she charged.
To their credit, the Guards stood their ground, spears immediately shifting to point at her, their shields raising as well. It was futile, of course. Once one learned how to be a shield, one learned the weakness of a shield. And in this case, their weakness was the lack of a third shield.
Before they could close ranks, Leona was between the two, having also ducked simultaneously. Her fist slammed into the left guard's knee. A bellow of pain followed a rather audible snap. She rose, dodging the other guard's spear. She grabbed hold of it, and forced him forward. Finally, she unleashed an uppercut so powerful, he was taken off of his feet and into the wall. Without waiting for another second, she burst through the doors.
The Elders all looked at her in surprise as she entered the Chamber, but she didn't pay them any heed. Nor did she pay attention to Elder Phenos, who was currently restrained by two of the other Elders. Her attention was focused on Diana, who was on her knees before Phenketon, held in place by only the grip of a Ra-Horak. "Get away from her!" she snarled, seeing the branding iron in the High Elder's hands. "Now!"
The guards immediately let go of Diana, the young Solari catching her before she collapsed. Phenos finally managed to get free, rushing over to their side.
Leona looked up. "What happened?" she asked.
Phenos knelt beside her. "We were caught by surprise," he replied. "Someone entered her chambers, destroyed almost all of her research… save for the one notebook she had on the Lunari, and reported it."
"Who?"
"I don't know." He gently took Diana from Leona's grip. "Despite our explanation, they named her a heretic… and ordered her execution. And taking her on as my apprentice does not protect her as it would have anyone else. They believe that she has managed to bewitch me."
Leona could only shake her head in disbelief. To be executed for heresy was absolute torture in itself. She now realized why he was holding that branding iron. With trembling fingers, she moved Diana's head back toward her, sucking in a breath in horror.
There, now burned into her forehead forevermore, was the symbol of the Lunari. She was still aware, but only just. It was pretty clear that she was in extreme pain, if the heat still coming from the ruined skin was any indication.
But she was still alive. That was the most important thing.
Slowly, Leona rose to her feet, turning to face the Elders. "What is the meaning of this?" she asked pretty quietly, a sure sign of her fury where she was concerned. A few of the Elders took a step back.
Phenketon was not one of them. He had dealt with tantrums from others over the years, and knew that explaining their reasons helped calm them down. Besides, Leona was their most devout. She would accept that it was the Sun's Will. "She has admitted to believing that the Moon is equal to the Sun," he stated. "Her 'research' supports the false belief that the Moon is growing stronger. And she has refused to repent, calling herself the Moon's Chosen. As such, for the good of the Solari, she must be executed." He smiled in a manner to appear sympathetic. "Leona, you understand better than most the dangers we face. You have seen the monsters that have attacked the Rakkor Settlements. You understand why we must remain vigilant against the Night and its even greater horrors."
"Bullshit."
And just like that, the room grew quiet, with even the High Elder stunned. It would be spot on to say that they were surprised by her use of foul language. But, to say they were stunned by her refusal to accept his reasoning was a huge understatement.
But she wasn't done yet. "How dare you. How dare you tell her that she is not allowed to learn. How dare you tell her how she is to perceive the Sun and Her Will, when you have no fucking idea what that Will is. How dare you try and prevent her from seeing beyond our beliefs without understanding why yourselves! She has not once renounced the Solari Faith! She doesn't want to renounce the Solari Faith! She does not wish to preach someone else's beliefs! She just wants the truth about our past! That makes her perhaps the best of us! And if you don't want her to find that… then the problem here isn't Diana, now is it, Elders?"
For a brief instance, silence reigned.
Phenos proudly smiled as Leona defended Diana. Her heart and soul were filled with the light and warmth of the Sun itself. He knew he had made the right choice in bringing her to the Temple.
Diana had gained much awareness by this point and heard Leona's passionate defense of her. Tears now flowed that had nothing to do with her pain. 'Even now, she is protecting me,' she thought. 'I don't deserve her. The Elders definitely don't deserve her.'
"The Acolyte was right," Thalaia said after a moment. "She is under a spell."
Out of everything she had expected to hear, that was not it. They thought she had bewitched Leona?! How in the Void did they believe she did that?!
Leona, on the other hand, latched onto that. Suddenly, she had a feeling that she already knew who was responsible. That day in the Dining Hall flashed through her mind, and the darkness she had seen. "Who is this Acolyte who would dare to violate Diana's privacy?" she asked. "Who would dare lie about her intentions in order to kill her? By Rakkor Law, I will have her name so that I may challenge her for sedition."
"By Solari Law, I will not accept a challenge from one who has been possessed," a familiar and most unwelcome voice stated. A voice that neither of them had expected to hear. And Rhia stepped into view, looking at Leona. "The fact that you arrived to defend her shows that you must be saved from her manipulations."
Now, both Diana and Leona were the ones who were shocked. Even though they knew she had hated Diana for years, had tormented her at every single turn, not once did they believe that Rhia would be capable of doing this. Leona couldn't believe that she would want to see another person die, just because of perceived heresy.
And the Elders… the Elders were willing to go through with this! Every last one of them, save for Phenos, had the same resolute expression on their faces. They were going to kill her, just because she didn't conform to their views. Her faith in them shattered beyond repair.
Diana saw Leona's shoulders slump and felt nothing but sorrow for her. She had looked up to them and followed their rules to the letter, because she believed that they had the Solar's best interests at heart. And, even after the Summit, she had wanted to believe that they were the same compassionate beings she had always seen. To see them so inflexible, so filled with fear and hate at something they could not control, was heartbreaking. It was the death of a dream—the end of innocence.
But, because she was Leona, she didn't grieve for long.
Because she was Leona, her shoulders squared up once again. Her body stiffened. Her fists clenched as she readied herself for battle.
"Rhia," she managed to get out, her fury barely contained, "why do you hate Diana so much? Has she committed a terrible wrong toward you during her time here? Has she hurt you, or forced you to do something that went against your belief? Where does this intolerance toward her come from?"
Rhia didn't even hesitate. "She has been always heretical," she replied. "She always questions the glory of the Sun and her teachings. She refuses to accept the terrors of the Night, and believes that the Moon will become dominant. The Elders have given her a chance to embrace the Sun, and she has chosen the dark path. As such, she must be executed before she can poison others."
"Young Leona," Phenketon started, taking control once again, "it is sadly not surprising that her heresy makes her beyond redemption. Her parents were much the same."
"Her parents…?" Leona's focus shifted back to him, even as Diana looked at him in confusion. "What would you know about her parents? Didn't they die the night she was born? If that is how it happened, then there is no way you would know about their beliefs." Her gaze narrowed. "Did they die from the cold?"
Phenketon hesitated in answering her.
"You killed them," Diana whispered, her eyes widening. Rage began to fill her. "You murdered my parents. And then you took me in to try and convert me to your way of thinking, even though I had nothing to do with their faith."
"And to think, I considered myself one of you!" Phenos declared, disgusted with this new information. If this was how the Solari handled themselves, then they were truly worth nothing.
"If I had let them live, they would have done everything they could to destroy us!" Pinkerton finally roared, glaring at Diana. "Now I realize I should have left you to perish as well, for you shall never embrace the Sun. A mistake that we shall rectify right here and now." He focused back on Leona. "It is for the best. In her Will, we will ensure that the Night will never return. Now, what choice shall you make, Acolyte? Shall you stand by one who will betray you, or by those who will show you the truth? Choose very carefully."
"Leona, you are the ideal of the Solari," Rhia pleaded. "Let the heretic go, and be freed from her curse. You will lead us to new heights of greatness, but only if you acknowledge the Sun's glory and teachings! Do not throw it all away for someone who is unworthy of your light!"
Leona looked at Rhia, then turned around to gaze at Diana. She understood what they were really saying. They were telling her to choose between them: the Solari, or Diana.
In Rhia and Phenketon's eyes, she saw the darkness that awaited her if she chose them. Yes, she would eventually become an Elder. Yes, she could lead the Solari to a new age… but at what cost? What would she have to give up?
In Diana's eyes, she saw the plea, the hope that Leona would remain true to herself. Like on the Summit of Mount Targon, a choice lay before her. It was a choice that would have far-reaching consequences for both of them.
It was also a choice that had been made for her. She didn't need to think. She gave Diana a slight nod, hoping she could read her intentions. Diana returned the nod, understanding and showing her support for it. It wasn't a good idea, but what good choice did they have?
Leona turned to focus on Phenketon, her gaze shifting to steel. "Do you believe that the Radiant Dawn would allow anything like this to happen?" she asked. "Do you truly believe that she would murder someone just because that person believes in something else? Do you think they would stand by and let it happen?"
Phenos immediately realized what Leona was doing and knew that things would get violent very quickly.
"The Radiant Dawn understands that sacrifices must be made for the Greater Good," the High Elder replied. "The Endless Night must be opposed at all costs."
"Shall we ask her? Like right now?"
The level of silence was beyond anything any of them had ever experienced before. The Elders felt a shiver of fear crawl up their spines. Even Elder Phenketon, the ever stalwart, felt it.
Rhia asked the question that was now knocking around in their heads, which they hadn't even thought to ask. "Leona… do you know who the Radiant Dawn is?"
"I do." Leona began concentrating. After all, if one could make the armor disappear, then it should be just as easy to make it appear, right? She was a little more concerned about whether her sword and shield would show up, but they hadn't had a lot of time to practice calling them. What if they just flew through the hallways and accidentally hit someone along the way? But this was literally life and death.
"Then let us summon them!" Thalaia demanded. "Let us hear what they have to say!"
"She is already here. Because I am her." And with those words, Leona's golden armor appeared all around her. And, to her relief, her sword and shield appeared in her hands. She didn't hesitate, bringing the blade up and pointing it at Phenketon. Now everyone was backing up. The Ra-Horak brought their weapons to bear, though they were unsure what to do.
The Elders looked at each other, then at her as they had realized how much they had screwed up.
No one moved as Leona, now looking more like the Radiant Dawn she had become, continued speaking. "Diana and I both went up the Mountain that night and were Chosen at the same time. She for having the courage to seek the truth, and I for wishing to protect her. We both saw the past. We both saw the Solari and Lunari living together in peace! She wanted to tell you all immediately! I was the one who suggested that we exercise caution! We both agreed to find more information before we were forced to reveal ourselves! And as for the Moon assuming the dominant position in the heavens, it's not the first time this has occurred. And nothing happened!" Her eyes seemed to start glowing. "But here you are, believing otherwise. You have been espousing lies to us for hundreds of years. You have murdered her parents for no other reason than possibly being Lunari. You threaten my Love with disgrace and death for something beyond her control. Oh, I have made my choice very carefully. Perhaps you should have done the same, Phenketon."
The Elders looked at one another for a moment. "You are doing this of your own accord," Thalaia stated, shocked.
Leona sighed. "Yes," she replied. "So if you are going to try and kill her, then you will have to go through me." Her sword grip tightened. "And I promise you, I will take as many of you with me as I possibly can."
The Ra-Horak started coming closer, bracketing her at all sides. The Elders and Rhia quickly backed up to give them more room to fight. The air was crackling with tension. No one knew who would make the first move.
As such, only Phenos could see what was going on with Diana.
He watched as her eyes went blank, as much of a sure sign that she was furious. It was also a sign that her Aspect was assuming more control over her.
Second; He saw the still smoldering wound begin to glow. The Moon's power was claiming it as its own. It would be quite fascinating to watch, if the circumstances were different.
He watched as her armor formed, and a rather lethal-looking blade appeared on her back. A khopesh, if he wasn't mistaken. And, unless he was very much mistaken, he had the feeling that it would be finding some use very shortly.
And last but not least, a build-up of energy caught everyone's attention. Leona turned to look at Diana, as if realizing what was about to happen.
Diana turned to look at Phenos, her eyes glowing with silver light. "You may want to duck, Elder Phenos," she suggested calmly.
Phenos nodded. "Yes, I believe I shall," he agreed, promptly flattening himself to the floor.
At long last, Diana let out a scream of rage, pain, and betrayal. Her power roared into existence with her. Three energy spheres formed and shot toward the Elders in response to her fury.
Three Elders, who were only now beginning to regret treating the young lady as they had, were struck down. They would never have the chance to apologize to her… not that either girl would have accepted it.
In another lifetime, Leona would only hear about this from survivors of the massacre. She would feel remorse, and seek out Diana in an attempt to help her control her gifts, not fully understanding why.
Here and now… she understood only too well. The Solari Faith had betrayed Diana. She had just cause to strike back. And now, both Leona and Phenos were here. More than her life was at stake. So, the Radiant Dawn made another choice.
She charged at two of the Ra-Horak when they had started moving forward. Her sword slashed out, slicing through their blades like they were paper. Her shield shattered theirs simply by making contact with them. Her forward momentum sent them into the wall, most likely breaking every bone in their bodies. She paid them no more mind as she turned to face another opponent.
Diana was also proving quite effective, though her methods were just slightly more bloody. She had no shield, but she was also useless with one. Her ability lay in her speed. Three more Ra-Horak were incapacitated, bleeding from legs, arms, and torsos. None were dead, though. Again, in another life, she would have left no survivors… but she also wouldn't have been in control of herself either. Again, here and now, she wasn't alone. No one could touch her.
Until Rhia, who had been observing the battle, had grabbed a spear, and waited. The second Diana stopped, head turned away, she threw it like a javelin.
For while Rhia was not as good as she thought she was… she was good enough.
"Diana!" Leona screamed, taking out the last guard. She started forward, knowing she wouldn't make it in time. Diana had turned at the same time, eyes widening in surprise as she literally beheld certain death.
And then… blind luck gave her a reprieve, as did a well-placed push to her knee.
In all of the excitement, everyone had understandably forgotten about Phenos. Having been paying attention to the whole debacle, he had seen Rhia grab the spear and had scampered forward, bringing Diana down to one knee. The spear flew overhead, missing her head by scant inches.
Diana turned to look at him, awareness returning to her in her shock. He merely inclined his head. "You're welcome," he said, smiling.
She returned the smile. "Thank you, Elder," she whispered.
Leona stood in front of Diana, her shield up. Her furious glare landed on Rhia, causing the young Acolyte to stumble back in terror. "Give me one reason," she hissed, bringing her blade up. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't finish what Diana has started."
Phenketon and Rhia said nothing. There was nothing they could say.
Diana rose and stepped up next to her. "You're not a cold-blooded killer, Leo," she whispered, urging her to lower her sword. "And I won't let them turn you into one." She looked at the Elders, shaking her head. "You are so full of fear of the truth, that you would destroy it, even if it could save you in the long run. It is you who are unworthy of the Sun."
"And yet, you are the one with Solari blood on your hands," Thalaia stated. "You proved us right, Scorn of the Moon! Your 'light' will destroy us all."
"And yet, only three of you are dead. If not for Leona being here, there would be many more. You owe her everything at this moment. Besides, my 'light' will destroy you all? Really?"
"If her light does, it will be your fault, Thalaia," Phenos added. "You all essentially ambushed her, tortured her, and branded her a traitor. And now… you are the ones who have driven them out. You have definitely driven me out."
"Let's go, Leo," Diana whispered. "They're not worth your attention anymore."
Leona finally relaxed, sheathing her sword. "You're right. Let's go." They started backing up to the door.
Phenketon finally regained his voice. "You will never escape!" he thundered.
"You better hope we do!" Leona retorted before she exited. "We're done with fanatics!" The doors closed behind her. The Elders all rushed them, only to find them blocked.
Rhia stayed where she was, her terror turning to rage. That Heretic did this! She has ruined everything! She would pay for taking their Radiant Dawn from them!
LOL
Leona shoved the other spear into the door handles, nodding to herself. "That should hold them for a while," she stated. "Just long enough for us to get away."
"But where do we go?" Diana asked as they started running down the corridor. "Our dorms are out of the question. And we can't stay in the Shrines."
"My house. We can at least get some supplies, then try to escape Mount Targon."
Such a thought was alien to her. Not once had she thought about leaving the Mountain. It was her home… but they had no choice now. Diana had been labeled a heretic, herself, and Phenos traitors. If they managed to capture them, they would all be killed.
Phenos nodded. "The Ra-Horak will most likely head there first to speak with your parents, but we have few options. I doubt they would let me live with what I have learned." He looked around. "Let us go this way."
Diana turned, looking at the wall. "Uh, Elder Phenos? That's just a wall."
"Ladies, I can assure you that the Shrines are more than they appear. Those who constructed them made sure to add several hidden passageways, just in case they had to evacuate." He stopped, pressing on a hidden knob right next to them. A piece of the wall slid away, revealing a hidden corridor. "This one will take us directly to the outside. But might I suggest you remove the armor? You will be less conspicuous without it."
Leona nodded. "Good idea." Both of them willed their armor away. "Okay, let's go."
"What about the wall?" Diana asked.
"Oh, don't worry," Phenos replied, stepping on a floor panel as they entered the corridor. "It wouldn't do to have a hidden corridor if you can't close it behind you."
The wall slid closed behind them. It was as if there was never a door there, to begin with.
LOL
Sek made his way down the hall with a platoon of Ra-Horak behind him, his gaze rather cold. He was hoping that this wasn't another false alarm.
He had just finished up his last class for the day when a messenger came running up to him, informing him that there had been an attack in the Main Council Chamber, and that a heretical Lunari had managed to escape. He had immediately called for a small squad to follow him into Auroral Triumph.
One look at the two guards leaning against the wall outside the Council Hall, with Healers checking them over, told him this was not a false alarm. He immediately stepped into the room, looking around. His gaze directly landed on the bodies of three Elders, covered by sheets, as well the number of people strewn about.
Pinkerton turned toward him with a thunderous gaze. "Elder Sek, how nice of you to arrive after the danger has passed," he said.
Sek returned his glare. It was well known that Sek didn't think very highly of Phenketon… or any of the Council Members for that matter. "Yes, well, not being told that we have a heretic in our midst tends to make one tardy," he replied testily. "Which now begs my next question; How did you manage to lose this heretic? And how did this heretic manage to disable every Ra-Horak and escape your custody, Phenketon?"
"This was no ordinary heretic, Sek," Thalaia replied quickly before they got into one of their infamous snipping contests. "The Moon has decided to Choose her Champion. We learned of her existence and attempted to end her before she could perform whatever task she had prepared."
"I see… how did that go for you lot again? Because from what I see here, they were the ones doing the ending. And who was it that did such a handy job?"
"Former Acolyte Diana."
Sek's eyes widened. That was both surprising and not surprising at the same time. "Diana did all of this?"
Phenketon shook his head. "No, she did not," he informed him. "She had help in the form of our star pupil, Leona. Leona is the Radiant Dawn, and has allied herself with the one who is supposed to be her enemy."
It was a plausible explanation. Even one that he could buy… save for one tiny detail. He knew Leona and Diana quite well, and knew that they would never strike the first blow unless forced to. "So, what did you do to provoke them?" he asked.
"We did nothing, save for obeying our very laws."
"Really? Then I would say we should be thankful that Leona was here, after all. Otherwise, I'm pretty certain that none of you would be alive. And considering how just about everyone here has treated her over the last few years, I'm surprised it took this long." He sighed. "Did either of them say anything? Anything that would cause Leona to join the 'Heretic?'" The silence and furtive glances that followed that question told him everything he needed to know. "I see. Well, I will dispatch the Ra-Horak to search for them and have them arrested for murder. Is there anything else I need to know?"
Thalaia shook her head. "That is everything."
"Very well. I will take my leave, then. Do try not to piss off any more Aspects while I search for these two." Sek turned and left the room, inwardly seething. He had no solid proof, but he always trusted his instincts. They had lied to him about something, but why? What were they hiding?
Thankfully, he knew exactly who to ask. And he knew where they would go.
LOL
Here is Chapter Three. It is moving a little fast, but where Diana's parents are concerned, I want to focus more on her learning more about them at some point in the future. In the lore, Solari hunters found her after a rather severe thunderstorm as a newborn. Her parents were not killed but died from the extreme cold.