Sometimes it's the little things that have the greatest impact on our futures. Ordinarily it is not great, powerful heroes that choose the paths of history and decide the fate of the world. Nor are these choices often presented to us as what they are: crossroads in our destinies. More often, it is the words of a stranger, the mention of a name, the mere flip of a coin... These are the devices that chart out the course of history.
In one world, the Wind Crystal Accolade Alya received a letter that her mother had gotten sick. Though she chooses not to mention this to the Wind Vestal, Agnés overhears her speaking to another about the matter and dismisses her that very day so that she may visit her mother. As a result, Alya survives the darkness that came about when the Wind Crystal was cursed. But likewise she was not there to protect her charge when the darkness came, and had to live with that disgrace.
In another world, the Accolade Evelyn falls and cuts her knee on the way to the crystal. She and two other accolades are dismissed and sent to the ward to heal her. As a result, all three of them survive the darkness and assist in helping the Vestal begin her new quest. But though they survived, they were also not there to shield her from the onslaught of the darkness.
In yet another world a chance meeting with a young man leads away the heart of the accolade called Maria, who renounces her priesthood and embarks on a new journey. One which leaves her happy and fulfilled. But she too, as a result, was not there when the darkness came.
For there is a happy and fulfilling life for all of these people. There is a universe for each of them, one where by some chance or trick they manage to avoid their fate. And although these small changes had minor effects upon the world and it's history, there is still yet another possibility.
For in this world, Alya is dismissed to visit her mother, followed by Maria, who is granted permission to renounce her priesthood in favor of her loved one. Then, too, does Evelyn injure herself. Others also were absent for some reason or another, resulting in a very small company to witness and defend their Vestal from the unknown danger. A danger which could not have been foreseen.
Agnés, dressed as she was in her vestal's sacred garb, proceeded down the hallway towards the Crystal. Merely a few hours ago it had begun to fade without any explanation as to why. They only knew something was wrong, but surely the Vestal would be able to restore it's light. Had the prayers not been enough? Had the crystal grown ill somehow? Despite a scouring of the their many sacred texts they found no answer.
Their only hope was for the Vestal of Wind to restore it to its former glory.
Just behind Agnés four torches matched solemnly. These ladies alone presented themselves to the Wind Crystal's dimming glow that fateful day.
One might say that it was ill luck, or that some evil force must have been working to ensure that the Vestal might be assaulted alone that day. But fate is, like the crystals themselves, neutral. And the good and evil which comes forth from its whims is merely up to our own interpretation. In any case, whether it was a curse or a blessing does not change the fact that it happened thus.
So it was that Agnés Oblige kneeled at the altar of Wind to begin offering up the prayers of the people with renewed vigor. Just behind her, the four accolades stood at their assigned posts, guarding her. Each carried a different colored sash, representing individually the elements in order for the vestal's prayers to be balanced.
There was no change in the atmosphere of the crystal as Agnés began to pray. No glimmer appeared upon its surface, and no gentle breeze flowed through the temple as it had in times before. Indeed, something was wrong. The accolades directed their strength towards the Vestal, assisting her in her prayers. Agnés felt their strength and prayed harder still, waiting for the Crystal to receive their wishes. It was all they knew to do, after all.
A presence of malevolence entered the room. They felt it before they even looked up. And when they did, a grim horror met their eyes. For a darkness was sweeping around the crystal, beginning only as small wisps like smoke but growing steadily. The light at the crystal's core flickered and dimmed as the darkness began to engulf it..
Agnés stood, shocked. "What in the world…?" She cried, her mind racing to comprehend what was going on. Had she done something wrong? She would fix it. She had to. The people were relying on her.
The accolades saw the danger, as they had in countless other worlds. "Quick, the Vestal!" They cried, trying to pull her away. But she would not come, intent as she was upon doing her duty. There was only one thing they could do.
Their bodies would be her shield.
And so they were. The women covered her as best they could, still trying to drag her away. But the darkness overflowed before they ever did, engulfing the temple suddenly. A chilling wind rushed throughout the temple accompanied by five anguished screams. Screams which faded abruptly to silence.
Four fell, dead.
And the Vestal, although shielded in part, was not without injury. She, too, fell in that darkness. But even as she did, a blue light at her chest shone through the gloom.
It cannot end here. It can't. I cannot let the lives of those who protected and nurtured me be taken in vain. I must fulfill my duty as the Vestal of Wind to the crystal, the Orthodoxy, the people… all who have placed their faith in me.
Please…
Please… Give me the strength to fix this, before I go.
Let me restore the crystals. That is all I ask of you. Take from me what you will.
Just.. just let me fix this…
