Note: A Shorter chapter here, and the next one will be as well, yet after these few, the action will start up again, I swear!
This is more or less when everyone 'officially' decides to go through with the quest, as it's now clear that perhaps they were all brought together for a reason.
Here's hoping you enjoy it!
Taking Up the Mantle
Still calmness and black were all that he knew. Peace, for the first time in a long while. All was right, and all was at rest. Nothing could shatter this place. And yet, he found the blackness beginning to dissipate, blobs of colors seeping into his vision, said colors then beginning to take shape and form. Greens formed into a fertile and verdant paradise dotted with lush flowering plants and trees. Reds, yellows, purples, pinks, and all colors of the spectrum were present and took some form or shape, whether plants or animals.
It was then that he became aware that he, too, was in this mysterious yet beautiful place. He was utterly uncovered, naked, and laid bare. He wished to cover his nakedness immediately yet found a growing sense that his current state was meant to be. As if he was being laid out and presented in a 'truer' sense. What and who he was had been presented out in the open. He far from liked the vulnerability the state put him in, yet it was clear that there was nothing that could be done about it. The main question on his mind, though. Where was he even?
Come. Wait...what was- Come. that voice...it seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere simultaneously. Come to me. It sounded feminine that much he was sure of, but where was it coming from? Come to the tree...then all will be clear.
The tree...yes. He could see it. In the distance stood a tree that completely dwarfed every other specimen of flora present in this paradise. He would've had to work hard not to. It was ENORMOUS! It looked a good ways away, yet he found himself not caring. He was drawn, compelled even to begin the trek to it. The distance he traveled didn't matter, for he found himself not tiring, nor his body aching from the many steps he took. Instead, he seemed wholly accepted by the sights and sounds around him. Everything here seemed to be nothing short of perfect except the sweet scent of fruit and flowers and the gentle chill of the breeze. Then, when he steadily became convinced that he never wished to leave, his foot met something. Looking down, he saw that it was a massive root. Sensing that this was a hint as to where to go, he traveled along with it, going further and further until he came across a vast lake of crystalline water and the base of the mighty tree. Several other roots protruded outward, and he assumed they must've spread throughout the entire area, yet one particular root drew his attention.
Or rather, what stood embedded in it.
A sword was stuck deep in the root, its rain guard was shaped like wings of gold, its grip of pure platinum, and its pommel was a diamond surrounded by golden strips. It was the most beautiful blade he had ever seen. Immediately, he reached for it, yet he paused in mid-reach, his jaw falling open in horrified shock. Before him, the great blade had begun to undergo some nightmarish transformation. The diamond began to blacken and turn to coal, its grip and rain guard began to lose its shine and glimmer, and the blade itself started to dull and rust. Suddenly, three cracks developed in the edge, and he immediately sensed that whatever was happening was far from good.
He wished to stop what was occurring, but it was far too late. The sword was split into three pieces, and the land immediately began losing its beauty and vitality. Plants withered and died, animals grew sickly and fell to the ground, and the great tree began slowly disintegrating into dust. The entire land faded away, and he fell into the outer darkness. How far he fell, he didn't know, the abyss seeming to go on forever and ever. Finally, he landed upon some solid surface, though he could discern nothing that differentiated it from the nothingness he'd just finished falling through. It was flat and just as solid black as everything else in this strange limbo. Rising to his feet, he looked around, seeing nothing, yet he was immediately taken off his feet by a massive tremor that shook all of the void. Then, to his horror, eight giant, monstrous shapes manifested before him from the outer darkness, he could discern little about them, yet he could immediately sense that they meant him harm. The beasts were larger than life, each having a different shape, and while he couldn't tell for sure, they seemed to exude an overwhelming dread power, of the sort that might see them reign over the entire; they all fixated their eyes upon him. They appeared curious at first; Then, he felt from them a surge of powerful emotions that washed over him like a gale of icy wind. Or a blast of searing volcanic heat. Or both. Or more. Or both AND more. Some were mild, ranging from amusement to annoyance, while others were deep loathing and a disdain for his very existence. One, in particular, one that, while he couldn't tell, seemed to have three heads, fixed all of its six eyes upon him, studying him as if he were some strange specimen.
Then, darkness, even more significant than the void around him, began to develop; he realized, to his horror, that the center head had opened its mouth, which stretched to an unnatural breadth, and some manner of energy began to seep from within and flowed in his direction. And, with nowhere for him to go, Duran was engulfed.
WAKE UP!
Duran's eyes opened; he shot up and saw that, to his relief, the void and beasts were gone. He was in a bed in a room in Richard's castle, undressed and, as he soon became aware of, wracked with aches and pains, but overall, in decent shape. "Oh, thank the Goddess. You're awake." He looked to see Faerie fluttering over him, hands clasped together as if in prayer. "I mean, I know that you were still alive, seeing as I'm still here too. But I was worried whether or not you'd wake up…."
Duran held his head, a pounding headache suddenly assaulting him. "How…" he groaned. "How long has it been?"
"Around three days," Faerie answered. "Some others are awake, but some are still in recovery. But overall, everyone's alive."
The soldier was relieved to hear that. Looking around, he came to see that he was in the infirmary, several beds occupied by other injured soldiers, yet along the left, he spotted a flash of purple. He tried to move, yet pain in his side stopped him. "Oh, no, you don't." he heard a stern voice say, looking to see a blonde woman coming up to his bed, hands on her hips.
"A-Auntie…"
"Big brother!" another voice cried out, a small form leaping onto him. "I was so scared you weren't gonna wake up!"
"Wendy!" Duran wheezed, his condition not exactly being helped by the girl jumping on him. "A little space...please!"
"Oooh, yeah. Sorry." the brunette backed off her brother's form and sat at the foot of the bed.
"How do you feel?" Stella asked.
"Like a Chocobo rammed right into me." Duran sighed, but then he realized: Faerie was out. Right in front of his aunt and sister.
"Yes, we're aware of your...friend," Stella told him. "She took the liberty of informing us of what you've been doing since you've been away."
Wendy nodded. "She's pretty."
Faerie giggled. "I like her," she said, gesturing to Wendy.
"Of course, we helped with some of the details too!" suddenly, Lumina and Gnome manifested before them all, the lack of shock from Stella and Wendy indicating that they were already introduced. "It's been a while since I've seen this place." the Light Elemental said, looking around.
"There's no place like home, but I'm open to getting out occasionally." Gnome then said, giving a hearty laugh afterward.
"Anyway," Stella then said. "I'm not rushing you, as you need more rest, but once you're ready and able," she took a moment to brush some hair out of the way. "King Richard would like a word with you."
Sometime Later
While he wasn't exactly a hundred percent, those extra few days in bed helped. At least there was an end to the crippling boredom he had to endure during the mandatory recovery period. "They're waiting in the courtyard," Stella told him, Duran making his way towards and entering that open part of the castle. But a short time ago, the very spot that he had to worry about most was winning the Sword Mastery Tournament and not falling asleep on his first night watch. And upon arriving, he saw all five of them conversing with each other, their attention turning to him when he made his way towards them.
"I take it you slept well?" Angela inquired. "Must've, seeing as I even managed to get up before you." Duran only gave a slight hum, the Princess approaching him; he was somewhat surprised to see a look of concern on her face. "How do you feel?" she asked.
"Better." the soldier confessed. "Not entirely there, but I've got to get out. I can't stay in that bed another second."
"I know the feeling." Hawkeye agreed. "Never a good idea to get sluggish. Especially in my line of work."
"Work?" Riesz questioned, yet she left whatever she was about to say unspoken. "Anyway, it's good to see that you're up and about," she told Duran. "The king requests an audience with us."
"All of us?" Duran asked, looking at Kevin and Charlotte. So true, it had been proven that they were trustworthy, yet was still unaware as to why they were even with Hawkeye and Riesz in the first place.
"Yes." the amazon nodded, gesturing to the beastman and petite girl. "Like you and us, these two have a personal stake in these…current events."
Faerie then emerged from her host. "Well...I suppose that we had better get going. His Majesty awaits."
Throne Room
While he was relieved that Richard was well enough to be out of bed, as well as alive in general, Duran wouldn't lie in saying that he was somewhat apprehensive about this meeting. Especially given how he technically left without his leave. Yet, given the bearded man's expression, it seemed that his actions had been anticipated long before they had been carried out. "Hello...Your Majesty." Duran greeted, taking a knee, Riesz and Kevin doing the same.
"Hello, Duran." King Richard answered. "From what I've heard, you've had quite an eventful trip."
Duran winced somewhat. "Well...yes, about that-"
"While I'm not exactly pleased with how...abrupt your exit was," Richard's expression then softened. "It's good to see that you are safe," he said. "And, given the circumstances, perhaps your departure was inevitable."
Duran knew well what he was referring to. "Your Majesty, about that-"
"Hey," Angela suddenly spoke up, walking in front of Duran. "I've got something to ask-"
"What do you think you're doing?!" Duran asked, flabbergasted. "Show His Majesty some respect!"
Riesz looked back at Hawkeye, Kevin at Charlotte, neither of whom gave Richard his proper due. The thief stood for a moment, yet then rolled his eyes and took a knee, albeit begrudgingly. Charlotte only did a small curtsy. Ok, that was a little better, Kevin thought. Had he ever tried to pull that off with his father, he didn't want to think of it. Angela, however, remained standing.
"Yes, what do you wish to…." Richard began, but he then grew silent. "Oh. You're…you're her, aren't you?" he asked. "Altena's Princess. Valda's…"
"Yeah, about that," Angela began. "How do you even know my mother?"
Richard closed his eyes, a low sigh exiting him. "We...fought together in the Peddan War," he explained.
The magician's green eyes widened. "Wait...what? Mother was in the…."
"When Valsena was attacked by the Dragon Lord's forces, who had allied themselves with Pedda, she was one of the brave few that assisted in fighting them off." he then shook his head. "Unfortunately...we could not do the same for Altena. She was forced to take the throne at such a young age." he then looked at Angela. "Around your age, as it so happens." Angela was left speechless. Never had she heard such things, not even from Jose. "But tell me...is it true?" Richard asked, clearly not wishing to. "Had Valda...really considered doing such a terrible thing to..." he stopped himself.
"What was that?" Angela asked. "What were you about to say?"
"Answer me this: who is your father?"
"What?"
"Please, just answer me."
The Princess looked at him suspiciously. "I don't know," she answered. "I never knew him, and my mother told me nothing about him. But regarding me... I don't believe she would do this. It's all Koren's fault...somehow. He's the one behind it all." she seethed even mentioning the wizard's name, and she heard Duran emit a low growl at hearing it as well. "But back to what you said. Why does it matter to you who my father was?" Richard looked surprised that she had caught him.
"It...It's nothing. I was just...unaware that Valda even had a daughter."
"Oh no. You're not just going to leave it there!" Angela answered. "Tell me what you know!"
"Hey, how dare you talk to His Majesty like that!" Duran rose from his kneeling position. Angela only turned and stuck her tongue out at him.
"I'll ask whatever I damn well please," she told him. "Besides, this guy's got answers he's not sharing."
"All right, all right!" Riesz spoke up. "That's enough. We didn't come here to make a scene." She turned to Richard. "His Majesty has summoned us here for important business."
Thankful for her intervention, the ruler of Valsena nodded. "Yes." he then turned to Duran. "It's come to my attention that you've been chosen for a critical task, my boy."
Duran was about to speak, yet Faerie interrupted him. "Indeed," she expressed. "My host here has been chosen to take up the Mana Sword. And to acquire it, we need to find the eight Spirits."
Richard nodded, having been aware of Faerie since the immediate aftermath of Koren's invasion had been repelled, the winged woman having been out and by Duran's side as he recovered. "I remember having one of your kind by my side during mine and Loki's campaign against the Dragon Lord." Duran's eyes widened at that. "She bonded with your father, as of matter of fact," he said to the young man. "Yet...I'm afraid that she is…" he lowered his head, not wishing to discuss it further for Duran's sake. "But if you have bonded with another human, the world is in peril yet again."
"Yes." Faerie nodded. "That Mana Tree...it's dying," she said solemnly. "And...and I was the only one who…."
How far they had flown already, they knew not. But the distance covered wasn't at the forefront of their minds. All that mattered was getting to Wendel. But it seemed that none of them were even remotely prepared for the journey that they would undertake.
"It...it's no use!" one of them cried out, the skies beneath them flying by as if to signify that their energy was being drained more and more. "We can't do this!"
"We have to try!" another one cried out, despite the agony just flapping her wings caused her. "Otherwise, the world is doomed!"
The one that would be known as Faerie said nothing, only going on silently. In any other situation, they would not be doing this, as this very thing was not just dangerous but life-threatening. True, while they could go outside the Mana Sanctuary, the Mana of the world had weakened to the point where the effects were already affecting them. The further they went from the Tree and Holyland, the more strained and diminished their very life force became. Yet on they went. All were unaware of how much distance they covered for miles and miles, yet all had a clear goal in mind. They had to reach Wendel.
Suddenly, a pained groan came from one of them in the back. "I...I can't do it." the winged woman gasped, her form beginning to fade in and out. Everyone was terrified, for this was a sign she had only a few minutes left in this plane of existence. "You...you have to go on without me."
"Wait! No-" Faerie cried, but her friend faded away, disappearing into small, glowing lights that floated upward into the heavens. "NOOO!" she wailed, going to reach for the lights, yet a hand clasped her wrist. "Let me go!"
"You heard her." the one that had seized her said firmly. "We have to keep going."
"But…" Faerie stammered. "But…"
"Do you want her passing to be for nothing?" Faerie was silent at that. "Now, let's go!"
With neither the time nor the strength to argue, she and the rest of her fellows flew on, though it wasn't long before another showed signs of fatal exhaustion. "This...this is it." the one disappearing choked out. "I can't go on…" she then too faded away. Still, as much as Faerie wished to reach for her, the rest kept moving. One by one, the small group dwindled until there were only two of them left.
And just when they had traveled the furthest they could...Faerie's sole remaining companion began to flicker.
"No!" Faerie cried out. "You can't!" she begged, holding her company in her arms. "You can't! We're almost there! I...I can feel it! We're so close to-"
"It's all up to you now…" the other winged woman sighed, her form growing limp as she faded away.
She flew. Flew on and on and on. Finally, she passed until she saw a great, white city beneath her. Yet...yet she wasn't going to make it. Already, she could feel herself fading away. But...but she had to go on. Her wings grew weaker, her course dipping lower and lower. Soon, she found herself losing track of her surroundings, the world becoming a blur until she fell to the earth's surface.
"Hey, are you all right? Hang in there!"
"And...that's when I met you," Faerie said, gesturing to Duran. No one said a word, silent at what the small woman had said. She wished to move on from that particular part of her tale. "We made it to Wendel, and we've been traveling from there."
Lumina and Gnome then appeared. "They found us," Lumina said.
"And saved us both from some rather nasty critters." Gnome finished.
"But from what we've seen here, it seems that we're not the only ones wishing to enter the Mana Holyland, much less obtain the Mana Sword." Faerie explained.
Richard's expression grew grim. "I see," he murmured. "As the case now stands...I believe this was fated to happen." he then looked to Duran. "What do you say, my boy?" he asked.
Faerie bit her lip. "He...he still doesn't seem to understand, Your Majesty," she said. "I've told him that once the host has been chosen, unless either one of us dies, it can't be undone." she then looked to Duran. "But...but I have no other choice! It must be-"
"And it will." she paused, unable to believe what she had just heard. Indeed, it seemed everyone else was in shock as well. "I…" Duran began. "I will take up the Mana Sword."
Everyone stared at the soldier with widened eyes, Faerie assuming that her heart was about to stop right then and there. "What...what do you mean?"
"It's like you said." the young man answered. "We can't be separated unless one of us dies." he continued. "And...it's also like you said. I'm the only one who can obtain it. So…" he paused, unable to honestly believe he was doing this. "I'm the only one who can do it."
Another period of silence fell over everyone. "Duran…" Richard said. "Are you sure about this?"
Duran nodded, albeit slowly. "Yes," he answered. "Yes, I am." he looked up at Faerie, who he swore was about to cry tears of joy. And indeed, she zoomed into him, clutching the side of his face and burying her own into his cheek, the young man feeling tiny, wet droplets trailing down his skin. "But…" he then said, gritting his teeth. "What do I do now?"
Richard was amazed at the young man's words. "You are certain of this, Duran? You know what this means?" For a long moment, Duran gave no reply. "Then so be it." the king answered. "If you're certain, then I would suggest that the best course of action would be to seek out and find the rest of Elemental Spirits." in the back, Hawkeye noticed that Riesz looked like she was dying to say something. A slight nudge from him surprised her, yet it was clear what he was silently telling her to do. She shook her head and continued to listen to Richard. Again though, he nudged her, and she brushed him off. The thief, however, seemed persistent in his nagging, not letting the amazon have one moment of peace.
"No!" she finally hissed. "I'm not doing it! It's not my request to make!"
"And why not?" Hawkeye retorted. "You heard Domperi. It'll fit right in."
"It's not proper," Riesz argued. "It's not right to simply force my way into a matter such as this." she looked down, biting her lip. It was evident that she wanted nothing more than to speak up, yet it seemed that to do, she would need some...coaxing.
"Now," Richard questioned. "Do you have any questions, Duran?"
Suddenly, a voice from the back spoke up. "Actually," Hawkeye began. "We have some that we want to ask." He took hold of Riesz and lifted her arm. "This fine lady would like to go first, though." Riesz was taken aback, glaring daggers at the thief, who just looked satisfied at his actions.
"Yes? What is it, dear?" the king questioned.
Riesz looked back to the thief that had gotten her into her current situation, then to the ruler of Valsena. "If I may be so bold, My Lord," she paused, then sighed. "I would like to suggest that perhaps our first stop should be Laurent."
Richard was silent for a moment, memories coming to him of his time there. Granted, it was before the kingdom was even founded, but the area was still one he'd traveled to and where three valuable allies and friends were gathered. He then realized that this young woman was Joster and Minerva's daughter. "I understand," he told her. "And it would benefit you as well, seeing as you will surely find Sylphid."
"Yes." Riesz nodded. "And we have been advised by the head of the Koropokkurs, Domperi, that he will be essential in reclaiming the kingdom."
"So you've spoken to Domperi as well," Richard observed. "Indeed, it's clear to me that this was all part of destiny." he then nodded. "I agree that Laurent would be a good stop for you. Find the Wind Elemental, and I trust the great Domperi's guidance will lead you to victory."
Duran was confused. "What are you talking about?"
"Well…" Riesz began. "I would think that you would know," she explained. "You won't be alone. We are accompanying you."
"What?" Duran was shocked, yet Faerie was elated.
"Yes, of course!" she exclaimed happily. "All of you can come! And even more, the Mana Sword will help all of you!"
"What do you mean?" Angela questioned.
"Well...let's take you, for example." the winged woman said. "You said that you wished to learn magic? And what have the Mana Spirits given you?"
"Yeah, hun!" Lumina then spoke. "Find more of us, and they'll surely give you some of their powers!"
"Besides, given the trouble we got in, they might require some help themselves," Gnome added. "These guys you told us about probably wanting some 'help' from our fellow Spirits, too." he huffed but then looked to Lumina. "What's up?"
"It's just a hunch," the Light Spirit said. "But I can't help but feel that there's more to this than just these humans at work." he then looked to Angela. "But that can be dealt with in good time."
"Well, getting back to the former subject," Faerie said, turning to Riesz. "And with the help of the Elements, you can surely save your country!" then she turned to Hawkeye. "And you can save your friend!" the thief sighed with relief.
"And Karl?" Everyone looked back at Kevin. "Karl. He's my...was my friend." he then stiffened. "He was...killed. I went to the Priest for help. But…he can't bring him back." he then looked to Faerie. "The sword...can it bring back Karl?"
"Of course!" Faerie responded. "The sword is a beacon of the Goddess' power. Anything that the Goddess can do, it can do," she explained.
"So it can save Heath too?!" Charlotte asked, hopeful.
"Sure!" Faerie nodded. "Whatever trouble you have, the Mana Sword can conquer all."
"But wait." Duran then said. "What's all this about? Why are you all wanting to be a part of this?"
"Well, it's kind of like the Priest said," Angela answered. "This affects all of us."
"And if we simply let things remain as they are now, then they will surely get worse," Riesz added. "If your decision to take the Mana Sword is final, then so is ours to accompany you."
Duran was left speechless, looking down to the floor, then King Richard. "Well, Duran?" the bearded man asked. "Is this what you wish to do?"
The young man was silent for a good while, looking at the five around him, then to Richard again. Then, he centered his eyes on Faerie. "Yes." he finally answered. "It is."
Note: Sorry if this was kind of dialogue-heavy. I also changed Faerie's stakes to get to Wendel, as she said she couldn't survive long outside of the Holy Land.
That said, I hope you enjoy it, and we'll see some downtime for the six, as well as some insight from the villains!
