Chapter 7

The next few weeks were normal, despite their current location. They could even follow their usual schedules as much as possible.

They all came together for a hearty breakfast(for the Lunari finally stopped staring at them after the third day.) Then they would go their separate ways. Diana and Phenos would return to the archives, picking up where they left off in their research. Leona and Aidonal went to the Training Center, where they would spar for a few hours. Kespina, without anywhere to go, would usually tag along for a bit before heading off to find something interesting to do. (Despite Leona's efforts to try and keep her training.)

And, with every day, they witnessed Lunari training in its entirety.

The Rakkor and the Solari were always taught to hold their shields steady in combat. They certainly had archers and light soldiers, but the bulk of their forces were the phalanx—an unmovable wall of defense and power.

The Lunari, by contrast, was more about speed and evasion. They weaved and dodged, slashed, and parried. There wasn't a single shield to be seen. And, if Leona was very much mistaken, they had many more archers present. Not enough to overcome a Solari phalanx, at least not on its own, but still highly capable. And if they managed to circumvent the shields and got behind them… well, there would be quite a bit of damage done.

If she had ever needed any more proof that the Solari and Lunari had worked together, even if only as a military unit, she had it.

She smiled a little. It had been a while since she had practiced without a shield. Now would be an excellent time to work the rust off.

One of the Lunari warriors looked up as they approached. "May I help you, Solari?" he asked, being respectful to a certain degree.

Leona grinned, not slighted in the slightest. "I'm looking for a sparring partner," she replied. "Feeling up to the task of beating me?"

The Lunari blinked for a few seconds before returning the grin. "You know what? I'm game." He went over to the weapons rack, pulling two dull swords and tossing one to her. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Aidonal grinned as Lyra arrived, wiping her face with a towel. "So what's going on?" she asked, taking in that grin.

"A Lunari wants to try and embarrass my sister," Aidonal replied. "Leona just wants a sparring partner."

"Ah. This should be interesting, then."

After a few seconds, the contest was on. The two traded several strikes for a few moments, getting a feel for each other's styles. And then, they started going in earnest.

To the Lunari's surprise, it was over rather quickly.

Without the weight of a shield to slow her down, Leona was still not as fast as the Lunari… but was fast enough and intelligent. After only a few moments, she had correctly intuited his fighting style. And she had figured out the best way to disarm him. So, after several more moments, she implemented it. Her blade angled a bit, just enough to disrupt his momentum. A few minutes later, his blade out of his hand, landing at the edge of the circle, tip buried into the ground.

Everyone was silent, stunned by what they were seeing. "Whoa," Lyra finally whispered. "Knowing that she could last so long in the Rite of Kor and seeing it are two very different things."

Aidonal grinned. "Yeah, I was the same way. I never thought I'd see the day Leona beat Mother's old record of three hours."

"The females of your family are crazy."

"They've admitted as much."

The Lunari warrior looked at his sword, then at Leona, then back at his sword. It didn't take long for him to put the pieces together. "You're the Rakkor that had that Rite of Kor," he stated, eyes wide.

Leona shrugged, looking relatively modest at the reminder. "It wasn't that impressive… was it?" she asked hesitantly.

The young Rakkor warrior rolled his eyes. "My sister. Too modest for her own good sometimes," he muttered.

Lyra chuckled, swatting his arm. "She earned our respect because of that, Adi," she admonished him. "How many Solari do you know are humble?"

He had to give her that, especially since Leona offered to teach the Lunari that trick. It was a testament to her caring nature. He wished he was half that.

Then his attention shifted a little, and his eyes rolled yet again. Where did Kes go now?

LOL

In all the excitement of watching Leona fight, no one noticed Kespina slipping away.

Over the last few weeks, she had split her time between honing her combat skills(which Leona had mandated as necessary) and playing with the Lunari children. As it turned out, they played many of the same games the Solari and Rakkor did. They initially didn't want to but relented after she said they didn't want to lose to a Rakkor. So they finally allowed her to play… only to discover that she absolutely sucked at football and was only passable at throwing. She confessed that all she wanted to do was make friends. Afterward, they were a little warmer toward her.

A week later, they were treating her as one of them.

It didn't take long for her to find them in their usual hiding spot, looking around. "Let me guess; you're hiding from your teachers," she said in greeting, grinning.

Darien, a young preteen, returned the grin. "So are you," he retorted, "so we all had the same good idea."

"Too true. So, what are we going to do today before they find us? Cause I'm pretty sure Aidonal will come looking for me soon enough."

"Well… we talked about it, and we decided that we want to show you our hideout."

"Your hideout?"

"Where we go when we don't want to be found. It's also where we have many of our greatest adventures."

Kespina thought about it for a second. "Alright, I'm curious. Where's this hideout?"

"Right this way."

LOL

"I think I have it," Phenos declared.

Diana looked up from the scrolls she was looking over, eyes still squinting. "Sir?" she asked.

"I believe I have found the woman's identity in your visions." He held up a particularly weathered scroll. "This is a letter from a General Kalista, requesting an audience with the Avatars of the Sun and Moon. Apparently, she was looking for a cure for her Queen, Isolde."

"Kalista… wait a minute. The Kalista? The one who haunts that city across the sea? Uh… Bilge Water, right? Isn't she the one who goes after oath breakers and traitors?"

"I believe so, except this was at least a year or so before the Ruination. If my research is correct, Selene was the one who pointed her in the direction of a mythical land known as the Blessed Isles, a land of purity and peace. It is said to be protected by a white mist created by the Waters of Life."

Diana nodded. She knew of the Waters of Life, a strange water with Holy-like properties. A small pool was near the village she had grown up in, and there was another pool a half-mile from Leona's. The Sentinels of Light used it to power their weapons and protection against the Black Mists, but it was a rare commodity. "Does it say if she managed to find the Blessed Isles?" she asked.

Phenos shook his head. "Unfortunately, it does not. This was simply a letter asking for an audience. However, it is safe to assume that even if she did, she could not return in time to save her Queen."

"And what of this Isolde?"

"Well, Isolde was the last Queen of an empire long lost to history. However, the identity of her husband is very well known… at least to the Lunari, he is well known. She was wife to Viego, its last King."

"The Ruined King," she growled. She could practically feel her Aspect snarl at the mere mention of his name. "I always thought he was a story parents told their children during the Harrowing to ensure they stayed indoors."

"We wish that were the case," Phenos stated glumly. "But that does tell you of the identities of the people you saw in your visions. I believe that I have united them into a possible scenario." He leaned back. "I believe that Kalista did indeed fail in her mission, so Viego took matters into his own hands. He most likely found an independent pool of WoL somewhere in the ocean, executed Kalista while he was at it, and tried to bring his wife back to life by literally dipping her corpse into that pool. But something backfires, causing the Ruination and bringing the Shadow Isles into being."

"The Harrowing commences, and we get the Black Mists," she said. "I can't even begin to imagine anyone so determined to have their love that they're willing to defy the natural order of things to get them back," she confessed.

Phenos nodded in understanding. "Let us pray that neither you nor Leona is put in a position where you might have that choice put before you." He looked over all of their research. "Thousands of years of knowledge, of history, and the Solari Elders were more than willing to throw it all away."

Diana nodded. "Yeah… Upon realizing our past is still perfectly preserved, I can almost see Phenketon have a coronary."

"He would, wouldn't he?"

The Moon Maiden frowned as she mentally reviewed everything they had learned. They had an idea of who and why the Ruination occurred but not the full extent of the damage to the Solari and Lunari. They also needed to discover why it still affected the Solari, even after the Great Runic Stones had been activated. "We're still missing something," she mused. "If nothing else, the Mist's effects should have dissipated over time."

"Indeed… but I feel we would need to return to the Shrine to learn why that is."

She had to agree there.

LOL

"Oh, wow," Kespina whispered, taking in the most beautiful vision she had ever seen. This was something she would never have seen had she stayed at home.

Their 'hideout' was, in fact, an ancient Solari Shrine, one that had seen better days. What made it even more incredible was its location; the center of a cavern filled with moon-blossom flowers and a sparkling pool of water.

Darien grinned, his old friend Serena coming to stand beside him. "Bet you never saw anything like this before," he stated.

"No, not really. Do you guys swim in this, or is it forbidden?"

"It's forbidden," Serena replied, "only because that's our water supply. It's also because of that." She pointed in one direction. Kespina looked that way, taking in the most important part of the area.

For there was one of the smallest Runic Stones she had ever seen, set within a containment vessel. It glowed a faint blue, which reminded her of the large stone in her village.

She grinned. "Well, I know how you managed to hide from the Solari all this time," she stated. "The Runic Stone's ambient energy would be more than enough to interfere with any attempt to locate the Lunari with the Arcane."

"Pretty much." Darien grinned. "We didn't even have to set it up. Not the stone or the containment vessel. Both were already here. And it's protected us from the Solari and the Harrowing alike for the last millennium."

"Has anyone ever gotten close to it to try and steal it?"

Another one of the girls, a blunette by the name of Amy, replied. "There have been several attempts over the years, the most recent one about a year ago, but the stone is actually capable of taking care of itself. Any who have tried… well, they're lucky if they live to regret it."

"Hmm… sounds like the stones at the Shrine and the villages." Kespina thought for a second. "Have any of you gotten close to it?" she asked.

"No. Why risk it?"

"I don't think you guys have anything to worry about. If I remember what my father told me correctly, the stones only react if ill intent exists. Come on." With that, the young Rakkor made her way toward the stone.

"No, wait… Kespina!" Serena sighed when the girl just kept going. "You know, I can't help but wonder if her siblings are any more effective in calming her down."

Darien shrugged. "Aidonal is friends with Lyra. I don't think he's tried. Let's see if we can keep her out of trouble." With that, they followed her.

Kespina strode across the land bridge, eyes alight in excitement. She could practically feel the ambient energy flowing across her skin. She did slow down as she approached, though. She didn't know if the stone had any sentience, but running up to it didn't seem respectful.

Nothing changed as she finally reached the stone. The energy that washed over her seemed welcoming, almost downright cheerful. She turned back to her friends. "See? Nothing to worry about."

The three Lunari soon joined her, all breathing out in relief. The stone didn't see them as a threat. They wouldn't have to explain to the Elders why they were burned or something.

Now up close, they could see that stone was well-designed. It was a silver gem in the form of a flower, with curves and grooves that no sculptor could match. It was more akin to a work of art than a stone. And the containment vessel was just as intricate. It was almost like the Gods themselves had created it.

Kespina looked at it for a second longer. "And this one was here when your Tribe arrived?" she asked.

Amy nodded. "Pretty much," she replied. "The strangest thing about it was that it exudes as much power as the massive stones the Solari created, and it does so in a far more efficient manner."

"Oh. Cool." She had never known just how much power was being used. It was another thing the Solari neglected to tell anyone.

Smiling, she turned back to her friends. "Thank you for showing me all this," she said.

Darien returned her smile. "You're welcome, Kespina," he returned. "But unfortunately, we can't stay for too long. Eventually, they will find us and make us do some terrifying obstacle course."

The lot of them groaned good-naturedly as they made their way to the exit… as such, they didn't notice the seemingly black puddle underneath the containment vessel, struggling to reach out to them.

Struggling to try and consume them.

LOL

Leona caught sight of Kespina as she finally showed herself. "Well, here you are," she stated in greeting. "And where have you been, little sister?"

"With my friends," Kespina replied, jerking a thumb behind her. "They're getting yelled at for skiving off of lessons."

"I see… I'm now trying to figure out who corrupted who."

"Oh, they were already doing this long before I showed up. And I have never missed my lessons. Besides, they were showing me their hideout." The young Rakkor leaned in. "As it turns out, it's an old Solari Shrine," she whispered.

Leona had to bite back a laugh. "Heck of a way to stick it to the Elders," she noted. "Even if it wasn't intentional. Do you think they would have a problem with me poking around it at some point?"

"I don't think so. I'll ask later."

"Excellent. In the meantime…" Leona gestured behind her. "These fine Lunari warriors have agreed to put you through your paces." She laughed at her sister's expression. "Serves you right for disappearing on us."

"You know, I don't like you anymore," Kespina stated before heading to where the Lunari warriors were waiting.

Aidonal joined Leona, watching the start of their youngest sibling's punishment. "Aren't you letting her off easy?" he asked.

Leona grinned. "Nope. Once they're done with her, I will beat on her shield for a while."

"And Mother was worried that you weren't her daughter."

LOL

"Oh, someone was in trouble," Diana noted, taking in Kespina's haggard appearance as she and Leona joined them. "Leo bashed your shield in?"

"Along with my arms, chest, and back," Kespina replied, groaning in relief as she sat down. "Right after the Lunari instructors threw me around like a rag doll. I wasn't expecting the Regiment Terror Trio to be here."

Aidonal winced at that reminder, knowing full well who she was talking about. The Regiment Terror Trio were three veteren Rakkor warriors who ruthlessly pushed their students to the brink during basic training. But, never let it be said that they didn't produce results. Because of their training, the soldiers were ready for the Creatures when they came. In fact, Leona had pushed herself so hard that they had had to tell her to relax a bit. They even had her take a few days off.

The Lunari Elder smiled as she and Lyra sat down, not feeling sorry for the young girl. "Be thankful that you were allowed to stop," she informed her. "Your friends are still being put through their paces and most likely will continue to do so until the nadir."

"Yeah, but they don't have a sister using them to practice her overhead swing."

Leona grinned, giving her girlfriend a quick kiss before sitting beside her. "Lunari warriors tend not to use heavy shields," she reminded her cheerfully. "If I had tried that with them, it would have ended very differently."

Aidonal shrugged. "She has you there, Sis."

Phenos sighed, sharing a look with his Lunari counterpart. Watching a group of children act as a family was a wonderful and exasperating experience. "Well, now that that's settled… we have learned quite a bit about the Ruination, including the Ruined King, his bride Isolde, and General Kallista." And for the next half-hour, he and Diana tell them about their findings and suspicions, especially concerning the continued effects of the Mist.

Leona leaned back as they finished, brow furrowed in thought. "Well, at the very least, we now know the major players of this tragedy," she noted. "And they certainly line up with our visions. The only question remaining is why the Solari are still being affected while the Rakkor settlements and the Lunari aren't."

"Well, I'm not sure this isn't still affecting us," Lyra stated. "We do have those pushing for us to reveal ourselves and fight to claim dominance over the mountain. And all of their reasons clash with the laws of our tribe."

The Lunari Elder nodded at that. "Perhaps we are still somewhat under the sway of the Mists. It's simply not as prevalent. But I believe our Archives have reached the limit of knowledge we can give." She looked at her granddaughter, sighing. "All right, you can head for Auroral Triumph tomorrow night. Reconnaissance only, though. Do not try and play the hero again, like last time."

Aidonal shrugged. "I didn't mind."

Lyra grinned. "I promise I won't try and save any other lives, Grandmother. The only thing I'll need is a way to get in without being seen."

Phenos grinned. "Well, I can help you with that," he said.

LOL

Korra groaned as she flopped onto her bed. For whatever reason, the Elders had decided to amp up their training, demanding more extended hours and less relaxation. It was starting to feel less like preparing for exams and more like preparing for battle. And there was also the fact that patrols had increased substantially in conjunction with the rumors. Elder Phenketon was clearly expecting something to happen.

Sighing, the young Solari grabbed one of Leona's letters, reading it for what felt like the twentieth time. She and the others had gone over them several times, debating on how to reveal Diana's notes, but nothing stuck.

As she reread the letter, she was aware of one significant thing; Leona knew how to write. Her penmanship was highly articulate. Quite surprising, considering how she was usually plain-spoken. 'Probably Diana's influence,' she mused. It was becoming very apparent just how much Diana had impacted their friend.

A sliver of moonlight suddenly came through the window as she lay there reading, striking the paper. She looked over at the window, confused. The Moon never showed on this side of the Shrine. Frowning, she looked over at the window. "What the… how in the?" She briefly looked down at the letter, ready to put it down… and stared.

At the top of the parchment was a line of words that hadn't been there before.

A sudden thought came to her. She got out of bed, ignoring her sore muscles, and went to the window, holding the paper up so the Moon's rays could shine on it entirely. (Again, how did the Moon move over to her window?)

To her absolute astonishment, the letter disappeared, revealing a page of notes written with a fluid hand. Not only that but there was structure here as well. A great deal of care was taken to make this coherent but understandable.

Reading the page over, Korra felt at first anger, then awe. Indignation, because what she was reading was blasphemous! Then wonder, because no, this was not blasphemous. It did nothing to change Solari beliefs. If anything, it showed that their faith was incomplete. It was missing something. The Sun was missing something.

Her respect for Diana grew from this. Now she was seeing a part of why Leona loved Diana. This was no Heretic. This was a genius.

"Hey, Korra!" Dorius called out as he and Jenaline entered. "Sorry, we're late. Elder Trakus had us cleaning the armor… Korra?"

Korra looked up, grinning. "Guys, I figured out how to get Diana's notes," she said. "For whatever reason, the Moon decided to help us out. Let's get the rest of Leona's letters. If what I read on this one page is anything to go by, Diana is the most intelligent girl on the mountain.

LOL

"The tunnel we used led us almost directly to the border of Leona's village," Phenos explained, showing Lyra the exact location on a map. "There will be a hidden switch on the right sight. It will be slightly off-colored, so you will have to pay close attention. The button to close it will be next to your right foot immediately upon entering. Remember to hit it."

"Got it." She wasn't sure if she would remember that all on the fly, but they didn't have many options. "Will it be a straightforward walk, or are there branching corridors to navigate?" she asked.

"There will be only one. You'll want to take the corridor on your left. The right one will just lead you into the barracks of the Ra-Horak. The left will take you to a point just out of sight of the main Elder Council Chamber. Head down the hallway away from there, and locate Elder Sek. He'll be able to direct you to the Stone's location."

Lyra nodded. If it had been any other Elder, it would be suicidal to even think about asking them for help. But she knew Sek could be trusted. "Thank you. Any advice about Aural Triumph you can give me?"

Phenos sighed. "Be careful. The Ra-Horak will be out in force. They will have patrols down every corridor. Perhaps even in residential areas. If they spot you… well, pray they kill you outright. I have heard horror stories of what they do in the dungeons to their prisoners."

"I will definitely do my best to avoid detection, then."

Aidonal sighed as he watched Lyra grab what she would need for her assignment. He was definitely worried for her and the threat she would be facing. "Seems like a lot just to check on a Runic Stone," he noted.

"Well, if I don't, we may never know how effective they truly are." She leaned in. "While I'm there, I'm also going to see if anything Diana worked on survived," she added quietly so no one else could hear her. "maybe she learned of something we didn't even realize. Some calculation that she was able to hide."

"...Yeah, I had a feeling you were going to say that." He stopped her for a second, hugging her tight. "Just remember to come back, okay?"

Lyra grinned. "You worry too much."

Aidonal nodded. "I know. It's because you're not worrying enough."

"If I did… I wouldn't be as good as I am." She tried to move. "Adi…"

"I'm not letting go until you hug me back."

Sighing in mock annoyance, the Lunari hugged her friend, grin softening into a smile. She was really glad that he was her friend. He was a bit of a worrywart, but that was fine.

After all, what was the worst that could happen to her there?

LOL

Rhia was as ready as anyone could ever be. The rumors had been sent out. The trap is set. All she needed was for the heretics to reveal themselves so it could be sprung.

Tomorrow, the Sun would have its justice. The remnants of the enemy would be destroyed once more.

LOL

And here is Chapter 6. Chapter 7 will take some time, as I'm writing out the next chapter of Hope and Light: SSSC, and then I will return to my KoA/Buffy crossover.

I have recently purchased Ruination: A League of Legends novel and have begun reading through it. So far, it is proving to be quite an interesting read. So much so that I had to force myself to put it down so I could work on this.