HoloJourneys

by vanderblast

A fateful encounter with a fluffy sheep inside a castle dungeon, begins a journey that will change the world. In a world of magic, swords, magical spirits and endless possibilities, Anon, sets forth on a journey with his friend Watame to see everything this world has to offer and to find their origins. The journey won't always be easy, but together, they can always make it through.

5. A city of magic and reunions

After a restful night's sleep you are up and ready to go. The beds at this inn are probably the fluffiest you ever slept on. The inn itself was a lot like the ones you are used to seeing in the human kingdom, with a few subtle differences. The furniture was a little more fancy in a sense that it reflected the sleek and elegant elven craftsmanship, but functionally it all looked the same. Wood floors and walls, a simple bed, and a few furnishings you could use to store your things if you needed to.

While you assemble yourself for the day ahead you take a look at yourself in the standing mirror that rests along one of the walls of the room. Aside from a few cuts and healing bruises, you are pretty much at one hundred percent. You can't help but feel a little prideful that you managed to get through a fight that got pretty hairy for a bit without any major injuries. Practice and good friends you can rely on really go a long way don't they?

Speaking of, you wonder if any of them are awake yet. You leave your room and head down the nearby stairs to the inn's tavern. The innkeeper is busy washing mugs from behind the bar. It was always a surreal sight, an inn in the morning after a night of celebration. Before you slept this place was bustling with people, all grinning from ear to ear to know that the hardest times were hopefully behind them. Now there was almost complete silence save for the sounds of the innkeeper moving about from behind the bar, doing whatever she had to to prepare for the coming day.

"Morning Anon." she greets you as you sit down at the bar. "Sleep well?"

"Very well thank you. And thanks again for letting us stay. You really didn't have to let us stay for free you know."

"Letting you stay a free night is the least I can do after what you did for us. If you ask me, you were the one who did something they didn't have to do."

"It was just the right thing to do I guess, but thank you again. Did any of my friends come down yet?"

"Not yet." she answers having practically shoving a plate of breakfast in front of you. "Your friends stayed up a bit later than you. Seems like they had a lot to talk about."

"Polka is definitely a talker, Watame too if you get her going. I shouldn't be surprised."

The sound of the inn's doors opening behind you as you finish your breakfast causes you to turn and see Captain Aldren approaching. His ceremonial chest armor was finely polished and there were practically no signs to show that he had just been in a crazy battle just yesterday.

"Ah Anon." he says he enters. "I was hoping I would find you before you left, would you mind joining me outside for a moment?"

Getting up from your seat, you nod to him and follow him out of the inn. Maybe it was the sunlight of a new day, but the sights and people you could see from just outside the inn were so much brighter than they were yesterday. You knew recovery for the citizens here would be a longer road, but hope was already plastered on their faces.

"First off, I just wanted to extend my gratitude and apologies to you once again." Aldren started.

"And a very good morning to you too, Captain." you say back. "You really didn't have to come all the way here just for that though, I thought you had a mountain of paperwork to do? Or are Rahndel and his cronies acting up? I'd be happy to give them a few more slugs for you if you want, I wouldn't even charge for it."

"As tempting as that sounds, I'm afraid I must decline. He has more or less resigned to his fate. There was more than enough evidence at his residence to paint a clear picture of his crimes. Some even go back to a few years ago."

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"I wanted to talk to you about your friend, the half-elf. You see, I had a spare twenty minutes, so I contacted a colleague of mine and gave him a description of your friend. I asked if he could find anything about a half-elf that might have been born here but has been missing or known to be in the human kingdom for the past eighteen years."

Captain Aldren stops for a moment, he definitely had your attention now, but as you waited for him to continue you could see a brief flash of uncertainty in his eyes.

"And?"

"I have a lead, but I have to be honest with you Anon. I'm hesitant to give it to you. Rather I was, but then I remembered that Lu'shaldor is your next destination. In the brief time we've known each other, I can tell I won't be able to stop you from going there by just asking."

"You would be right. That place is probably our best bet to find our own leads to my own and Watame's homelands. If a lead to Flare's family is also there, there is no way we would pass that up. Why are you worried about us going there though?"

"It's the half-elf I'm worried about. There is more to being a half-elf in these lands than you may realize."

"So she's half elf and half human. What else could there be to it?"

"If only it stopped there." Aldren says, his expression growing more serious. "Half-elves are rare to say the least, for any number of reasons, xenophobia, reputation, prejudice, pride, take your pick. So there is still so much we don't truly understand about what the unification of our two races produces, and thus, legends and myths become accepted as fact."

The word 'legends' hangs in the air heavy over you. You know all too well what faith in legends can do to a person's judgment of others. If someone can make a legend of babies from the sea bringing calamity, what could they fabricate for someone who has parents of two different races?

"The few half-elves that have been known in our history were believed to have extraordinary potential. Some people would seek to uncover that potential and use it for their own gains. Perhaps even as a weapon."

"A weapon?" you ask skeptically. "You're saying someone would want to turn Flare into a weapon? That seems a little ridiculous, captain, and this is coming from someone who knows about ridiculous legends."

"Think about it Anon. The natural affinity for magic and the heightened senses of an elf, combined with the more sturdy physique of a human along with their adaptability. We elves can be a very stubborn race, rigid, slow to change our methods and ways. What if you could offset all of that with the favorable traits you humans thrive from?"

"You're saying Flare could be some super warrior or something? Anyone can be strong if they try though. She's definitely talented in magic and fighting, but that's because she trained hard. She's not a weapon."

"I'm saying with the right training and a destructive mindset, she may have the potential to weave spells that could reduce castles to ash, dry up lakes, even control minds."

"I really don't think you have to worry about that Captain. I don't think Flare wants to be some dark mage bent on destruction. Plus if someone decided to train her to have that kind of power, they couldn't just make her destroy cities or hurt people, that's just not who she is."

Captain Aldren sighs. "Think of it this way Anon. Flare can produce stronger mana than either of us just by existing. Now think about the mana that fueled the weapon Rahndel used against us. What could happen if you had something even larger, that took a living battery? There are people among my kind very much like the dark human wizard you said you confronted before your journey began. He was only using a sheep-girl he found by chance and some country-side humans for his purposes."

"So you really think people would try to make Flare into a weapon like that? Or even just fuel for their weapons?"

"My job is to assume people WILL try to do that. It doesn't just stop at making weapons of power either. Less savory members of the magical community will want to know why half-elves are what they are. They will use whatever methods they deem fit to do so as well."

"If I didn't see it for myself up close, I might not have believed you, Captain." you said thinking back to Hector. It practically flipped your worldview upside down to learn that people would actually do things like that just for power. "I'll never let any of my friends get used like that though. They will have to get through me if they want to try."

"If they have their way, you will not be an obstacle for long. Which is why I am telling you to be extra careful."

"Alright alright, I get it. So are you going to give us that lead or not?"

"I will, but I'm afraid of the truths it may reveal."

"That's not for us to decide now is it?"

"No, I suppose it is not. You would just end up finding your way there at some point anyway, so I might as well save you some time." Aldren says as he hands you a slip of paper. "This is the name and address of a scholar who lives in Lu'shaldor. Go there and she may be able to tell you more about your friend's heritage. I will tell you again, be careful. I do trust my colleague that this will not be a trap of some sort, but that doesn't mean I trust everyone else. Someone may try to secure your friend for their own purposes."

"I appreciate this, and the warning Captain. Try not to worry though. We can more than handle ourselves."

"And that's another thing. You are a magical anomaly yourself. Fortunately in your case though, you really have to see it to believe it."

"I'll take that as a compliment I guess, but I get what you're saying. I won't go showing off in the city of mages. It's not like that is gonna be our last stop anyways, so we probably won't stick around there long. That should make you feel a little better right?"

"Marginally."

The two of you stand there in a comfortable silence for a few moments. Aldren seems to be enjoying the uplift in the moods of the normal people of the city as much as you are.

"You know Captain, I think you got a pretty cool home." you say to break the silence.

"Pardon?"

"I've only gotten to see a little of it so far, but your land is truly beautiful. I can tell Flare thinks the same, and your people, the ones not trying to grab power through sketchy ways, are nice and just want to live like anyone else. I just wanted to let you know that I think the place is nice, and even a bad egg like Rahndel or some crazy mages won't change my mind about that."

"I wasn't aware we needed your approval, but thank you regardless. I do love my homeland. I would do anything to protect it and its people. I hope you find yours someday, same goes for the sheep-girl. Well with that settled, I must be getting back, that paperwork won't get done by itself you know. Send my regards to your companions Anon."

As you wave goodbye to Captain Aldren he stops dead in tracks and turns back to you.

"I almost forgot the other thing I wanted to give you, Anon." he says as he reaches into one of his pockets and takes out a stack of small emblems that share the mark that adorns his armor. "Should you find yourself in trouble, you may show one of these to any city guardsmen and they will know you have my backing. That should at least prevent any further misunderstandings."

"Wow. Thanks a lot Captain. I hope we won't have to use them. Do you think the guards in the city of mages might be part of some underground scheme though? Like what happened to some of yours?"

"Possible, but unlikely. The separation between those with the martial skills to become a guardsman and the mages themselves is palpable. That is to say, there is no love lost between them, for any matter of reasons. It helps my confidence that the magical council is well, let's just say, cheap. No real threat of bribery when they spend all their funds on research."

"Good to know. Is there anything else you want to add? I almost get the feeling you might just be using me to procrastinate from all that paperwork."

Captain Aldren scoffs at that one. "Well if you are so eager for more ill news I will just indulge you. If you thought Rahndel had a lust for power, some in that city would dwarf his ambitions. I have to believe the creation of that horrid weapon of his was the work of one of the very mages who live there. I thought about pursuing it, but wrote it off as a fool's errand. What goes on at the heart of that city has become more and more obscured as of late. I will say it one last time. Be. Careful."

With that Captain Aldren really did take his leave after your promise to heed his warnings. That was a lot to take in at once, but it's not like it would change your direction at this point. You haven't known the captain for more than a day either, but you can tell he isn't the type to exaggerate. Maybe there could be some really dangerous people in that city. You decide that this isn't really worth worrying about right now, after all, you can't see the world while expecting danger to jump out at every corner. Whatever may come your way, you would handle it, you made a promise to Noel after all that you would keep Flare safe. You start to wonder how Noel is doing, as you walk back inside the inn.

Sitting down at your seat from earlier at the bar you spot Watame, skipping down the stairs, with Flare and Polka slowly following.

"Morning!" Watame chirps as she sees you.

"Morning." Flare and Polka say together as they rub their eyes.

"Morning you three." you say back. "You all just missed the captain. He stopped by to say thanks and give us some useful info for you Flare."

"Huh?" Flare says still trying to be more alert.

"An address of someone who might have known your parents." you say handing the address slip to Flare.

"Someone who knew my parents?" Flare says, almost in disbelief.

"Ain't that nice of the warden?" Polka says patting Flare's back to break her out of her daze. "Now we know just where we need to go, that cuts a lot of asking around."

"Y-Yeah! You're right Polka. If this person knows who my parents were, maybe they'll know of any elves I might be related to. I wish the captain stayed around so I could thank him."

"He seems pretty busy now after what we helped uncover." you start. "He just wanted to make sure he got this to us before we left or before he gets so buried in paperwork he can't find his way out again. At least that's how he makes it sound."

You consider telling everyone about the warnings Captain Aldren left you with, but decide against it. Again, it wouldn't change anything about what you do, you were going to go to Lu'shaldor. Also it didn't make sense to worry the girls about this, especially Flare. You'll just watch their backs like always.

"So how long should it take us to get there anyway?" you say, breaking yourself out of your contemplation.

"Let's see. If we go at a brisk pace soon, we should get there before sundown." Flare says.

"Then let's eat and get moving!" Watame says.

After the rest eat their breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the innkeeper and a few of the early patrons. The walk through the city to the road that would lead you to Lu'shaldor was pleasant. The girls also got to see first hand how their actions changed the lives of many. If this could be the result every time, you wouldn't mind getting to do something like this everywhere you go, even if it's a little dangerous.

"So you're quite an early riser aren't ya Anon?" Polka asks to spark a conversation as the four of you trek down the sunlit dirt road.

"Well unlike the rest of you, I did not get much sleep since we got to the elven kingdom. I was surprised the action was enough to keep me alert during the fight at Rahndel's mansion. I think a better question is, how did you three stay up so late?"

"Oh that's right. Anon was in a room all by himself, so he didn't have anyone to talk to." Watame says.

"That's true, that's true. We were just up most of the night talking." Polka says.

"About what?"

"Girl stuff. Don't worry about it." Polka says matter of factly. "So another question I got for you Anon. You're trying to increase your own mana so you can meet this water spirit again right? But you're only able to do that light spell?"

"At the moment yeah, I can also make a little splash of water."

"A dribble of water." Flare says in an attempt to correct you.

Before you can argue Polka chimes in again.

"Hmm, that's kinda smart though, I would figure if you learn how to use more water spells you would increase your connection to your water spirit. Can you do it while we walk? Show me."

You concentrate and after some effort you are able to make your splash of water pour from your hands, it was certainly a little harder to do while walking.

Flare is also concentrating on something as a small jet of water erupts from her hands and strikes a nearby tree.

"That is how it's done." She says smugly.

"Ohhh your control of your mana is really good Flare! Here, can you do this?" Polka says as a red glow starts to become visible around her forearm down over her fist. "This is what is called a mana coat, it can add some extra punch to your punch. It's also a great magic exercise. Give it a try! Just pull your mana from within you like you would for a spell, but instead of forming it into a shape or element, just let it cover the part of your body you want it to."

Flare nods and tries to follow Polka's instructions. You watch as a faint golden glow struggles to form around her fist, flickering in and out.

"Watame, Anon" Polka says pointing to you both. "I want you to try too, but Anon, you need to think of water while you do yours okay?"

The three of you struggle to perform the magical exercise, but after a little time Flare is able to maintain hers perfectly. Watame is next to be able to get a consistent glow of mana to rest on her fist. You, however, are struggling immensely.

"This is way too hard for me, Polka." you whine. "Do I really need to think of water while I do this? Wouldn't it make more sense to go with starlight?"

"If you want to connect with Undine again, it has to be water. What exactly are you thinking about?"

"Water, just like you told me."

"You're just thinking of an image of water aren't you?"

"Y-Yeah? What else would it be?"

"You need to think about WHAT water IS. What it means, how it feels! You gotta let water be part of your very soul! That's what gives magic its omph!" Polka says, trying to emphasize her points with jumps and waves of her arms.

"I had no idea." Flare admitted. "The few books I was able to find for magic beginners just mentioned literal images."

"And that can work for some people, Flare. But sometimes you just gotta think of the problem from another angle. Magic is very flexible and everyone can use it a little differently."

"Isn't magic neat?" Watame says.

What water is huh? Your mind was brought back to when he first called Undine's name. How you felt as you sank into the sea. The uncertainty of what lies at the bottom, but also the free feeling of just floating. The push and pull of the waves. Water is life, but water also has life. It's free forming but strong, calm but unruly.

You concentrate on the feeling of water, what it means to you. To you it will always be a reminder of your mysterious past, how the ocean somehow brought you to the safety of your dad, how it was always a wonderous thing to see and to respect, how it saved the lives of so many people by bringing you and Undine together.

The combination of your feelings and your mana helps something push its way to the surface. In an instant your fist was now glowing with the deep glow of blue mana.

"I did it!" you exclaim. "So now what do I do with it?"

"Like I said earlier, it can be used to add some extra spice to your attacks, but at the same time it can also be used for defense. If you guard yourself with a mana coat, the mana will take the brunt of the attack for you. In your case Anon, that coat would be especially helpful in blocking fire magic. You can also use it to bash your opponents with a little extra thanks to your mana and water. Cool huh?"

You take a second to look at your glowing fist as you walk, it was a little hard to keep it together, but you didn't want to lose this feeling.

"Now I want you to try forming your mana coat into a spell. Like you would that little water dribble." Polka instructs.

Facing a nearby tree as your target, you stop and concentrate on the mana gathering over your fist. You already had everything you needed for a spell, it was time to make it happen. With a strong jab, you extend your fist toward the tree from it a jet of water fires into the bark.

Watame and Polka clap for you while you stare in shock. You actually did it, another real spell. It wasn't as powerful as Flare's but it was probably close! Before you can praise yourself more, a golden blast of mana rockets past you and into the spot in the tree your water jet had hit, leaving an actual impact on the tree.

You look behind you and see Flare sporting a very confident grin..

"Wow you both are fast learners!" Polka cheers. "Sorry Anon, but you have a long way to go before you're as good as Flare. I've been doing magic for a while and I don't think I'd want to try going point for point with her."

"Aww thank you Polka." Flare says warmly. "But if you ask me, you're clearly the better one at magic. You can make giant trampolines and redirect spells. I'm nowhere near as good as you."

"Those took a lot of practice and I wanted to do those for my circus acts. It was kinda just a nice bonus they're useful in battle. And I'm not really good at elemental stuff. You got a natural knack for it!"

"I think your water spell was great." Watame says, coming next to you. "I bet Undine is gonna be so impressed when she sees you."

"Thanks Watame." you say, your smile returning to your face, how does this fluffy sheep always know just what to say when you need it?

"So how did you learn all your spells Polka?" Flare asks "You know a lot about how magic works. You also explain it in a way that makes so much more sense than from what I've read."

"It's normal teaching for kitsunes, our lives are pretty tied to magic so we learn about it when we're young. As for the spells, I found I had a talent for making stuff so I just wanted to make things that would be fun for others! And poof! Trampolines, Tightropes, flaming hoops! Polka has it all for your entertainment."

"What's your home like Polka?" Watame asks next.

"Hmmmm, well it's a few continents away, lots of green grass, open space, I guess a bit like here. Not as many cities though. Kitsunes like things spaced out."

"Why are you so far away from your home though? Flare follows up. "It's a far way to go all by yourself."

"I just had this urge ya know? There is a whole world out there to see, a world full of different people who want to smile. And I'm just the fox for the job. I also didn't exactly walk all the way here. I kinda cheated."

"How do you cheat moving across a few continents?" you ask.

"I might have borrowed a big spell from one of the high brass Kitsunes. Made me a nice portal I just hopped through and it landed me at the tippy top of the Elven kingdom. So I just made my way south and wound up in jail. You were all there for the next part."

"There are really spells that can just do that?" you ask in amazement. "Do you think they will be mad that you used it?"

"Probably" Polka shrugs. "But they're probably glad to be rid of me anyway. Life there just wasn't enough for me. Since I left I haven't been happier. Plus I got to meet all you guys! And you guys needed Polka so it was just fate!"

While Polka is very outgoing and will tell you whatever you might ask of her so far, you get the feeling her past is something she doesn't want to go into that much. Even when you talked in jail she didn't mention the past very much. She is a lot more focused on who she is now and who she wants to be. You decide it is best to leave it at that. If Polka wants to go into more later with you all, she will.

"As someone who also hasn't been happier since leaving on this journey, I have to agree with you Polka." you say truthfully. "So if you came from the top of the elven kingdom, did you happen to pass through the city of mages on your way down?"

"Nope! I mostly traveled through the woods, taking in the sights, I am a fox after all ya know."

"Maybe after we're done in the city we can take our time and do that too. Really see what the kingdom of elves has to offer. How's that sound Flare?"

"I'd love that, since we got here I have felt a connection growing with this land. It just feels like a part of me I never got to get to know. I want to learn more about it. Walk the same grounds my parents did."

"Alright! If it's alright with you guys, there's one more thing I want to practice. A new spell appeared in the book yesterday."

"Oh yeah!" Watame says, barely able to contain her excitement. "Read the new spell Anon! New spell! New spell!"

Taking out your spell book from its straps, you walk to a nice open field alongside the road. Not being able to predict what these spells will do was always a risk, but they haven't proved to be too explosive so far, save for the first time you ever used the spell book and blew your dad's front door apart. Taking a deep breath and focusing your power from within the book begins to shine.

"The fourth spell, Ekuseresu Stellar!"

In your free right hand, starlight appears and shapes itself to what looks to be a bow in your grip. Before you can begin to guess what might happen, a large arrow of starlight appears along the bowstring. Without an extra hand to take hold of the arrow to properly draw it, the arrow falls head first into the ground in front of you with a pathetic plop. Both the bow and arrow disappear as the spell ends.

"How the heck am I supposed to do this one?" you ask, rubbing the back of your head while you inspect the book.

"Have you ever used a bow before Anon?" Flare asks.

"A little bit growing up, so I know how, but it's just weird one of my spells would need both my hands free to work properly."

"Looks like for this one you'll need a special helper." Polka says

"Want to give it a try, Flare? You can read the book now after all, who better to help me practice a spell that gives me a bow and arrow right?"

"I suppose we should get some practice in while we can huh?" Flare says nodding.

After handing over the spell book to Flare you try your best to explain how to make the spells work. You really aren't sure if explanations can cut it, so you assure her that it's something best learned by doing.

Flare struggles to channel her power into the book, but after a few tries the book begins to shine.

"The fourth spell, Ekuseresu Stellar." Flare says with confidence, you can feel her power flowing into the book, and then into you.

The bow appears as it did before, but this time you are ready to pull back the arrow that appears. Trying your best to recall how to properly shoot, you pull the arrow back along the starlit string as far as you can before letting go. The arrow flies into the sky, disappearing from view in a few seconds.

"Well at least you fired something this time." Flare remarks. "But your form needs a lot of work. We're going to try it again, but this time you're going to actually hit something."

"Ohhhh hit this!" Polka says excitedly. Reaching into her hat she pulls out a giant large red and white target disc that she rushes to hang off of a nearby tree branch. "Even you should be able to hit this one Anon."

Brushing off both Flare and Polka's teasing, you tell Flare you are ready to try again. She casts the spell again and begins to instruct you.

"Line yourself up with your target. Keep your stance firm, keep your feet a shoulder's width apart, breathe and pull the arrow back, line your arrow with your target, and release."

You let your arrow fly on Flare's command, it connects with the target almost at the middle and it shatters on impact. Before you can feel good about your progress Flare demands to do it again, and for Polka to make a smaller target. After five more practice shots, where you only really missed the two smallest targets, Flare was satisfied.

"Much better Anon, I think we practiced enough for today. We have a city to get to, and a lead to follow up on, remember?"

"Yay! Let's get going then!" Watame says as she takes the lead in front of you all once you make your way back on the road. Her voice begins to hum a familiar marching tune and you know what is about to come next.

"Watame wait! Your magics going to come out again!" you plead, but your legs already begin to pick up speed.

"Watame is not doing anything wrong!" she calls back to you as you all begin to briskly run on the road.

"This is fun!" Polka shouts from behind you, seemingly to enjoy the idea of getting to move without actually thinking it, as she waves her arms up and down.

"Tell me if you still think it's fun after your legs start screaming at you." you retort.

After a while of being pulled along by Watame's magic, you begin to see the city of mages, Lu'shaldor come into view. The approaching city entrance finally gives Watame cause to stop, freeing you all from her forced march. You, Flare and Polka all fall to the ground once your legs finally obey your orders again.

"Still think that was fun Polka?" you manage to get out between breaths.

"My legs are on fire." Polka answers. "But yes!"

"We are almost running the whole time." Flare groans as she rubs her legs up and down. "How come you're just fine Watame? That isn't fair."

"Sheep legs are the strongest around!" Watame answers with pride. "And we got here just as the sun is going down!"

As the sun begins to set you see an awe inspiring sight. The city ahead of you begins to light its streets and buildings with all manner of colors. Sore legs be damned, you just had to get closer to see what an actual city of magic was like.

"A whole city devoted to magic…elven magic." Flare says as she stands up. "Do you think my parents lived here? If someone who knew them lives here, maybe they did too!"

"What are we waiting for?" you say springing to your feet. "We got a lead to check out. Let me help you help Polka."

Polka looks at your hand tentatively, as if nervous for some reason. It wasn't like her to suddenly not be all energy and smiles. She looks up at you with those purple eyes, and you notice something you haven't before, was that a club in her pupil? Like from playing cards?

As her hand comes closer it is intercepted by Flare's, who yoinks her up to her feet and locks arms with her.

"You were being too slow Anon! Let's get going!" Flare says to you with that usual playful confidence. "You good to go Polka?"

"Y-Yeah! Thanks Flare! Let's go find out about your parents!" Polka says with her usual smile returning.

The pair lead the way toward the city with you and Watame trailing behind. Lu'shaldor was truly a sight to behold. Pristine cobblestone lined the streets you walked on with colorful lamps lighting the way. Most buildings you pass are made of brick and stone, perhaps because wooden structures may not last as long in a city of people who practice magic regularly. Despite the wondrous new sights, your mind is drawn back to what happened with Polka earlier.

"Did Polka seem a little off to you earlier?" you ask Watame as Polka and Flare are distracted with sightseeing. "I wasn't actually being slow to help her up was I?"

"Oh that was just a little favor Polka asked from Flare and I. I think she is a little embarrassed by it. You should try asking her about it later."

"I didn't do anything weird did I?"

"Of course not Anon. Polka can just explain it better to you. I'm sure she will tell you."

"If you say so. For a city that's covered in lights there ain't that many people outside are there?"

"Maybe they're all at their homes eating dinner?" Watame suggests.

"Maybe, but I guess if most people stay home that improves our chances of whoever lives at this place we're going too will be home. I was just hoping I would see what elven wizards like to do out in the open."

"Ohhh like doing magic shows and spells for each other?"

"Exactly! Think of all the cool stuff that can happen right in the streets."

Watame and you go back and forth with fantasies of street magic. While your imagination went to things like making different animals out of the elements, Watame's went to a much more simple place; conjuring food, potato chips specifically. On the one hand that at least could serve an additional purpose instead of just looking cool. You wonder if people can create food with magic, would it taste the same as regular food?

Before you know it Flare and Polka stop in front of you before the stairs leading up to a small two story house.

"Well…This is it." Flare says as she double checks the address on the slip with the signs for the house.

The four of you walk up the stairs with Flare in the lead who stops at the door, unsure if she is ready to make the next move.

"Nervous?" you ask.

"A little, what if…what if this isn't such a great idea after all. This is something I used to dream of getting to do, but now that it's here, what if…what I find out changes me?"

"No matter what you find out, we'll be right here beside you. Nothing this person can tell you will change that." you say with an assuring smile.

"Yup! We got your back no matter what comes your way!" Watame adds.

"And besides, you're strong Flare. There's nothing you can't handle." Polka says giving Flare a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"Thanks guys…well here we go." Flare gathers her courage and gives the wooden door a few knocks before waiting for an answer.

A small elven woman garbed in a full robe opens the door, about a head shorter than Flare. Her brown hair is parted in the middle and just barely falls past her ears. She adjusts her large glasses and looks at her visitor. You can see her expression go white, as if she was seeing a ghost.

"H-hello are you Lena?" Flare starts and the elf nods dumbstruck. "My name is Flare Shiranui and I was wondering if you had any idea who my parents were?"

"Naname…" Lena whispers before her expression changes again to a mix of excitement and panic. "Oh gods! It's you! I mean it's your daughter. Please come in please, all of you!"

You are all ushered inside the small dwelling as you notice Lena looking up and down the nearby street. It was a home that exemplified simplicity but also painted a clear picture of its owner. A small living room that had a small couch meant to fit only one or two people, accompanied by an end table which held a stack of books. A moderately sized wooden dining table that could seat four sits on the opposite end toward what you can tell to be the kitchen.

After Lena shuts and locks the door behind her, she practically runs over to Flare and begins to eye her up and down in disbelief.

"It's really you isn't it? You have her eyes, and her hair!" she says to Flare.

"So you know who my mother is?!" Flare says, her discomfort quickly being replaced by an eagerness to find out more.

"Know her? Oh dear." Lena answers, the reality of the situation seeming to hit her, this was someone coming to her doorstep to find out about a mother they never got to meet, someone who was more than likely not alive anymore. "I suppose you found me somehow in search of answers?"

"Yes! What can you tell me about my parents? You knew them didn't you?!"

"Come, sit" Lena says, leading the two of them to the table and sitting across from one another.

You, Watame and Polka each take whatever comfortable position you can nearby. You all wanted to be close by for this, but also felt like this was a very personal conversation. Leaning against the nearby wall was more than enough for you anyway, while Watame and Polka happily took the seats on the couch.

"Your mother, Naname, was my best friend and biggest advocate. The two of us came to this very city on the same day enrolled in the advanced magics program. We pushed each other in every way we could, and in time she was a very prolific mage and I became a scholar. Your fathers name was Tou. A human. I can see some of his face in yours. He was a soldier and regularly escorted aspiring human mages here back when that was more practiced. That's how your parents met."

"Is that how my parents met their ends? I was told they both perished in some battle. I know the world was a much more dangerous place a while ago."

"That was the story wasn't it?" Lena sighs. "I suppose that's expected with how things looked in the end, and it's half true at least...I'm also sorry I didn't even stop to ask who your companions were."

"These are my friends, Anon, Watame, and Polka. They helped me take this journey and get here to you. I would like them to stay with me for this if that's alright?"

"Curious indeed, you certainly keep interesting company Flare, another trait you share with your parents. Of course they can stay and listen."

You were already here with the door locked and listening, it was almost like Lena barely knew the rest of you were there. I guess if you suddenly were met by your dead best friend's child at your doorstep after who knows how long, you might also have a severe case of tunnel vision.

"So the truth." Lena starts as she begins to steel herself. "I did promise Naname that if you should ever find me, I would divulge everything to you."

After taking a deep breath to collect herself, the bespectacled elf looks to finally be ready.

"Your mother was always inquisitive, it's what brought her to such heights with magic. She wanted to understand it all and then an opportunity stroke, she met your father. She wanted to conceive a half-elf child so she could fully understand what makes them so magically different then us full blooded elves."

Straight back to what Captain Aldren was talking about, you think to yourself. You wonder how much of that would be news to Flare. Was she ready to hear something like this though? You don't exactly like how this story is starting out as your expression hardens, but you can't stop it now.

"It was simple enough, court the human long enough to get a child from it, he goes off to war, more than likely will die due to how things were going, and she would have a half-elf child to study with the backing of the entire elven magical council. It was going smoothly until she well… fell in love with your father."

After each new bit of information, Lena gave Flare time to interrupt or ask questions, but she continued to listen.

"Tou was able to show your mother how vast and different the world could truly be. It gave her the kind of spark I have never seen in her before. The love she felt blinded her to the reality of her situation I'm afraid, and I'm guilty of that as well. We both knew that when she gave birth to her child, you, that the mages council would take you for study whether she allowed it or not, that was how invested certain parties got in this. Your father was left unaware of this detail for some time. I convinced Naname that it was better this way for a while."

Was that really worth it? To take someone's child without their consent just so you can maybe find out if some ridiculous myths or legends were true? You are starting to give the captain's warnings a lot more credit, but at the same time, no one even gave Flare a second glance since we got here. Hopefully the rest of Lena's story sheds some light on all that.

"She had made up her mind soon enough though, she would leave our kingdom to go with your father, in the human kingdom you would be safe at least, you would not be seized so long as you had a legal human paternal guardian. The plan was that I would help them leave the night after you were born. By your mothers calculations your father would be returning from a scouting mission the day of. Ideal timing to get you all in the safety of a human regime returning to the human lands. How foolish we were to let our guards down."

Lena's expression grew dark, you look to Flare to see how she was handling all this. Her expression stayed focused, similarly to how she is in battle.

"Tou never returned, and you were born. Naname was stricken with worry but held out hope, but we both knew something was amiss. She waited three days before asking me to come with her to the site where your father should have been. Nothing could have prepared us for the scene we saw. Your father's entire squad laid dead on the plains."

Lena held her face in her hands now. Likely the memories are coming back in vivid detail to her. Still Flare sat and listened.

"I had never seen Naname so broken, she rushed to Tou's body hanging on to some hope he was still alive somehow, but she knew the second she reached him that he was gone. I approached with you in my arms to console her. I'll never forget the look of horror on her face. She began to explain that your father and his fellow soldiers had clean holes shot through them, not by any arrow, but she deduced by pure mana."

That line easily shocked all of you, even Flare's expression tightened, you all knew what kind of weapon it probably was that did the deed.

"I didn't really understand at the time, but the fact of the matter was that no spell could have produced such clean and destructive results. Naname figured it out in seconds when it would take someone else hours or even days. I also could always tell when she had resolved herself to something, and when she got that look in her eyes, there was no going back. To her there was only one option left. Give you up. Get you as far away from here as possible. She knew it meant giving up her own life, for giving away a half-elf baby in this manner was considered treason, but she didn't care."

Lena looked down at the table before her, as if replaying the scene in her head and trying to figure out what she could have done differently. Anything that might have changed the outcome so she wouldn't have to say what she dreaded came next.

"She sensed something approaching and quickly veiled us both in a cloak to make us invisible to even the most seasoned of mages, we were gently pushed back into the nearby forest. As she did that a group of elves came into view and approached her. All wearing different colors of the various high ranking magisters guilds. I couldn't hear what they said to one another, I could only watch as the despair on your mothers face turn to rage."

And just like that, another part of the captain's warning was coming to pass. You can only hope that the same guys that had a hand in all this weren't around anymore.

"I wished so badly she would prevail against all odds, but I knew that was foolish, she launched spells of power with such ferocity I had never seen in her before, she even took off one of their arms with one. I couldn't quite make out the spell itself, all I could see was a flash of mana propel toward your mother and out the other side of her. I can only assume it was what killed your father and his comrades."

As Lena described the fight you couldn't help but feel a lot of respect for Flare's mother. Fighting five people at once was a challenge no matter who your opponents were, and she had apparently taken on some powerful enemies. If she was really that good, it's no wonder Flare has such an easy time grasping magic.

"Seeing her die sent me into a deep anger as well, but I looked down and saw you. I had to finish what she asked of me, so I turned and ran, your mothers spell still held and concealed my movements. I ran for what felt like hours and I didn't stop. Through the trees I could just make out a group of humans heading back to what I hoped would be the human kingdom. I quickly approached one of the soldiers lagging behind and handed you over to him. I asked him to please take you to the human kingdom, that your parents have perished, and to find you a home. I didn't give time for the soldier to query me further so I turned and ran back to the forest. And that was the last I saw of you. Until now."

Flare's calm expression finally changed once Lena's story ended, she was in shock from it all, and who could blame her? She looked unsure what to decide was fact or fiction, but she looked to find something she knew for sure to be true.

"That does line up with how my father said I came to him." Flare finally says. "What about my mom's family? Does she have any relatives?"

Lena sighed and shook her head. "Your mother was an only child I'm afraid, and she and her parents didn't really see eye to eye on a lot of things. I think you were the final straw though, they did not agree with the idea of you. So naturally they just stopped talking. I don't think they were even at your mothers burial."

"I think…I think I need to be alone for a while." Flare says getting up out of her seat.

"Please use my private study Flare, it's right up the stairs by the door." Lena suggests.

Flare quickly turns and makes her way up the stairs, not acknowledging anyone. You have never seen her so confused and hurt. After a few moments of awkward silence you go to follow her but Polka gets up from the couch and stops you.

"Let me go Anon. I'll look after her." was all Polka said before heading up the stairs herself slowly.

"Poor Flare." Watame says, that fluffy smile she seems to always have was completely upside down now.

"Anon, was it?" Lena's voice comes, breaking you out of the bad funk your brain was in. "Did Flare have a good childhood at least? Did she have a good home?"

Unsure how you should respond to this woman, you decide to plainly state the facts as you knew them.

"She has a father that loves her more than anything, and one of the best friends a girl could ask for. But I know it wasn't always easy for her."

"I suppose the declining relations between our two kingdoms since that incident did not help that much. I'm glad she had a safe home though."

"Did you ever go looking for her though? Surely you're free to leave whenever you want?" you ask.

"With Naname dead and no close family to speak of, all eyes were on me for leads on where this missing half-elf baby was. For years I could not even leave my home without being watched. So I focused on my studies. I just had to believe Flare was in good hands now. And luckily I never heard of her again."

"But wait!" Watame says. "Her father, her uhh Tou! he might have a human family back in the human kingdom!"

"Hey that's right Watame! Now that we know his name we could ask if he has any family. She could meet them!" you say, maybe there was some silver lining to this after all, it may not be an elven family, but it was at least the other half.

"And what good would that do?" Lena asks coldly.

"What do you mean what good would it do? She wants to find her family. That's the whole reason we're here. She wants to find out where she came from." you answer, your temper slowly growing from how tactless this woman is treating the whole situation.

"Do you think they would just accept her? She is just the living reminder that their family member was taken from them before his time."

"Maybe that's how you feel about her but we don't know if that's how they would feel." you almost shout, the idea that someone would just shut down the chance of finding family made your blood boil.

Those words seemed to stop Lena dead in her tracks as tears started to stream down her face.

"Look." you start, calming yourself since you remember there's a very hurt and scared girl just on the floor above you, and your yelling would definitely not help her mood. "Maybe I don't know a lot about families since all I've had is my dad who found me, but I like to think that you would want to learn about and form a connection with lost family members. Wouldn't it be nice? getting to meet someone you thought was gone? Meeting someone who meant a lot to someone who meant a lot to you? Shouldn't you want to honor her parent's legacy?"

"I just…it just hurt so bad what had happened." Lena started to cry, with her face in her hands. "The realization it wasn't all just a freak accident, that it was all orchestrated just to get their hands on Naname's child. I worked for months to try and uncover the reasons why it had to happen. Every path I went down led to nothing. It was as if the entire incident disappeared. There was nothing I could do, so I blocked it all out, pushed everything as deep as I could as I focused on my research. I even forgot that Flare might someday come to my doorstep."

"But there is something you can do." Watame says. "Do you want to be there for her?"

"She's Naname's daughter! Of course I do! But I'm not her family."

"Hmm. Why not?" Watame says, as Lena stares at her question dumbfounded.

Just when you think this sheep can't surprise you any more, here she comes with simple solutions to complicated problems. There is something to be said for how someone with a pure fluffy heart can think about things.

"I think what Watame is getting at, is just because you aren't blood related doesn't mean you can't be family. If things worked out differently, would Flare have been calling you her Aunt?"

"But she wanted to find her blood relatives."

"And you're the closest thing she's got to that here. Now are you gonna let her know that or not?"

Your words finally seem to reach Lena as she gets up from her seat and wipes her face. She says nothing until she begins to set foot on the staircase.

"At least I can be sure of my decision back then now thanks to you. She has found good friends this way."

—-

Polka finds Flare upstairs in a large red armchair, her legs hugged close to her chest. The study Lena had mentioned was very elaborate. Shelves and books covered the walls, two desks rested against opposite walls that were covered in scattered papers, writing utensils and books.

"Flare? Are you okay?" Polka says as she bends down ever so slightly so her head is level with Flare's.

"I don't know Polka." She answers after a long pause. "How are you supposed to be after you're told you were meant to be a research subject, but then your mom changes her mind which causes both your parents to be murdered just because of what you were born as?"

Polka was not sure how to respond, but she also knew Flare needed to get all this out of her system so she stayed close and listened.

"And on top of all that it turns out I have no real family here after all. You saw the way Lena looked at me, Polka. I might as well just be a bad memory to her."

"Your parents both sounded pretty cool at least?" Polka says, giving a comforting smile. "It's like something out of a romance story. Your dad's different perspectives changed your mom's calculated nature! She ends up going against everything she believed in for him! If that didn't make someone believe in love I don't think anything would."

This at least earned a look from Flare, which urged Polka to continue.

"And the way your mom fought against some mages. If she really took one of their arms off thats hardcore! You wanted to find out more about your heritage right? It sounds to me like your heritage is made up of world shakers made up of two big hearts."

Flare couldn't help but smile as she wiped her tears with her sleeve before leaning in to wrap Polka in a big hug. "Thank you Polka...how are you so good at this?"

"That's how the legend of Polka is told! She is able to bring smiles to the whole world. But my friends will always get the best seats in the house." Polka answers as she returns the hug and holds her friend close to her. "And you don't need to have it all figured out all at once ya know? Take it at your own pace. You got all of us here to help you too. Don't forget that."

"I don't think you would let me even if I tried to."

"Darn right!"

"Flare?" Lena's voice comes from the study doorway. "Would it be alright if we talked?"

Flare looks at Polka and nods to assure her she is alright now. Polka takes her leave and heads back downstairs.

—-

Polka comes down to find you seated at the table while Watame is looking around the house curiously. She smiles at you before taking her own seat across from you. None of you had to talk about what happened, her smile was enough to tell you that Flare was doing just a bit better now, the rest would just come with time.

After a little while you hear Flare and Lena come down the stairs together. Flare looks considerably worn, but definitely a lot better than earlier.

"Sorry I worried you three." Flare starts. "Lena and I talked a bit. I told her more about me, my life, and all you. She told me a lot more about my parents, WHO they were and what they were like. I know we said we would move on after this, but there's one more thing I want to do here if you'll all hear me out."

"Anything Flare." you answer for everyone. "What do you wanna do?"

"If it's okay, I'd like to visit where my parents are buried. Give my respects."

"That's more than fine with me, anyone feel otherwise?" you ask, to which Polka and Watame shake their heads with a smile.

"Thank you everyone. Now Lena, you mentioned you might have an idea where Watame might be from?"

"Oh yes." Lena says while heading over to a nearby bookshelf and pulling out a large tome and starts flipping through the pages. "The existence of demi-humans always intrigued me. It's been debated if demi-humans are a singular collective race instead of various races of their own. The main argument for them being one race stems from the theory that they all hail from the same place, but researchers have never been able to confirm that for sure in person before. Here it is."

Lena lays the open tome out on the table in front of you where a depiction of a large city is shown. "The fabled land of Grandora, where monsters hail from. Some scholars have theorized it's through magical portals that residents from this land cross into our own. Where and when this happens has been unconfirmed."

Watame's attention is now fully in Lena's hands as she hovers over her shoulder looking at the open pages. "I could be from there?" she asks.

Lena nods. "There is also mention of a permanent entryway somewhere in our world, inferred by demi-humans who once resided in well known cities in various kingdoms that just up and leave one day without a trace. It's been suggested they return to their birthplace at some point in their lives, perhaps when their business here is done or they just want to go home. There have also been instances of entire groups of demi-humans settling in kingdoms all over the world, but those sightings have been cut down significantly since each kingdom has started to more tightly control their borders."

"This great Watame!" you say. "We might just have a name for the place you come from."

"If only finding the name was the hard part." Lena interjects. "Finding your way to it will be much more difficult, maybe even impossible."

"That's just fine!" Watame beams. "That just means we'll get to travel the whole world together!"

"That's the spirit Watame!" Polka cheers.

"Anon." Lena says, looking at you. "Flare told me about your situation too. May I see the book you believe to be tied to your origins?"

Unstrapping your spell book, you oblige her and watch as she inspects it. She spends a few good minutes carefully looking at its covers, its bindings, and finally the pages themselves. Her mind looks like it could be going a mile a minute, taking in each and every detail and trying to make sense of it. After a few more minutes she closes it with a sigh.

"I'm sorry Anon. I can't discern a single recognizable thing about this book. Whatever language this was written in is indeed a well kept secret from the rest of the world. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."

"That's alright Lena, do you happen to know anything about the water spirit Undine? Anything you might have would be useful."

"Oh that's an easy one." Lena says as she gets up and goes back to the nearby bookshelf. She thumbs through books before pulling one that you can only guess is the right one. "I'll give you a more easily digestible version. As one of the primal elemental spirits Undine was once worshiped in various parts of the world, believed to be the provider for all our world's water and also its caretaker."

You did hear from Undine herself that she had created the world's waters and also watched over them, the part about worship was new to you though.

"If she was worshiped, how come it's like most people just forgot about her?" you ask.

"Over time knowledge of spirits like Undine dwindled and eventually were just forgotten to history." Lena answers flatly. "No one is really sure why."

Trying to get as much coverage as you can from this probably rare source of information, you ask if she knew anything about summoners next. She begins to explain that there are myths of those who could establish pacts with the spirits, creating a mutual bond between the two, allowing the summoner to bring the spirit themselves into physical form. However she did not know the magical theory involved with this process.

"If you truly have a magical pact with Undine, I would suggest visiting the falls that overlook the city. Records show that it was once home to a shrine for Undine. I can't say for sure but maybe that would spark something for you. I'm afraid that's the best I can do."

"That's a lot more than I had before Lena, so thank you. And hey, I apparently know someone who had shrines built for her, so that's pretty cool."

"Lena, can I ask you for one more favor?" Flare says. "Would it be alright if we stayed with you for the night?"

The question caused you to realize just how late it had gotten, the lights of the city make it easy to not notice the flow of the moon and stars outside. After a particularly intense running session thanks to Watame earlier, and the emotional stress of this entire situation, you were definitely ready to crash.

"Oh! Of course Flare, I didn't even realize the time. My home may not be much but you're all more than welcome. I can get you all settled up in my study. Let me just get some spare blankets and pillows."

The four of you helped put together some makeshift sleeping arrangements in Lena's study. The rug that covered most of the floor was certainly plush enough to make things slightly above comfortable. Lena had left you all to sleep as the lights dimmed and turned off completely.

"My legs still burn." Polka says into the silence of the night.

"Mine too." Flare responds.

"Mine three." you add.

"Good night everyone!" Watame says to end the night.

The next morning is spent eating a hearty breakfast cooked by Lena. She still seems a little surprised that this is all really happening and Flare is here and exists, but you can tell she is trying to be welcoming and kind. As you talk about your route for the day you manage to catch her staring at Flare as if she is looking for someone else. Lena manages to ask if it would be alright if she accompanied you all today, which of course no one had any objections to. The captain's words ring again in your head, you really hope this does not become a habit.

"Are you sure it's alright Lena?" you ask. "You did mention you were being watched for a while, I don't want you to get in any danger because of us."

Lena shakes her head. "It has been a long time since I was a person of interest to the mage guilds. I think around the fifteen year mark they finally gave up. If it would ease your mind I could lend you all some robes? Couldn't hurt to blend in more could it?"

After breakfast and donning full robes and hoods, you all set out into the city. It was considerably more lively than it was last night. Elves in robes exactly like your own were going in and out of shops, conversing, and even practicing small magical spells. Now this is more what you were hoping to see.

As you all walk through the city Lena explains the history of the buildings and architecture you pass in great detail. It was rather nice having a tour guide of sorts, especially since you walked with someone who clearly knew where they were going, people had less reason to suspect you.

The variety of shops scattered throughout the city was interesting to say the least. There were shops to buy magical ingredients, magical enchantments, magical clothes even. Every other building appears to be a book store of some sort. Lena makes sure to point out her favorite place to look for books, and seems to fight the urge to go inside. You peer through the display window to see some magical books up close while she goes off on another historical tangent. Titles that read, "Magical Heat Under Winter's Light", "The Love of Autumn", and "Love Spell", were lined up proudly in the front. Wait a second, are these all romance novels? You quickly pull yourself away from the glass window before anyone could catch you inspecting so closely.

Eventually you all reach the upper side of the city, where you see a large forest that seems to start out of nowhere. Lena explains how elven society cares very deeply for the life of the forests, so it was only natural that the city of our brightest cultivated a thriving living forest right here. A true testament to elven magic. The sight was certainly awe inspiring as Lena led you through the forest within the city. Everything here was very much alive and almost just like the forests you have been through so far.

A small clearing comes into view where a pair of gravestones sit in front of a large tree. Flowers and plant life wrap around the stones, almost covering them completely. Flare approaches the grave slowly, deep in thought. She kneels down before the graves, the realization that this is actual proof her parents were truly gone starts to hit her. Lena joins her and brushes some of the plants out of the way.

Simple engravings can be seen on each stone. One saying "Naname" and the other "Tou".

With another wave of Lena's hand a small magical light glows on each stone as more engravings begin to appear.

"Naname, loving friend and sorcerous supreme. Mother and lifelong partner. She gave everything she had for her daughter."

"Tou, loving friend and stout protector, Father and lifelong partner, Risked everything for a safe future for his daughter."

"I had put these engravings in myself." Lena says. "One aspect of magic I accel at is the hiding and revealing written information. I want history to never forget what they sacrificed so that you may have life."

Unable to find any words, Flare cries. It makes you want to cry too, so you hide your face in the hood of your robes. Polka and Watame stand close to both of your sides, unable to stop themselves from crying. Although it makes the urge to cry stronger, you offer each of them one your shoulders to tug and lean on. You looked on through blurry eyes and thought about what Flare might be feeling. Crying for the parents she would never know, for the love they had for her, and for the injustice of it all.

When there were no more tears to give, Flare picks herself up and wipes her face. "Sorry everyone." she says. "And thank you, I think I'm good now. Can we head to the falls?"

With a heavy silence in the air, Lena leads you all through the forest and out the other end, where the cobblestone of the city begins once again. Polka and Watame make sure to be extra close to Flare who walks behind you. Death is a very real thing to you, but you haven't really experienced losing anyone close to you, or not close to you for that matter. Are there some magic words you could say that would somehow make it all better? You ponder on this for a bit as you all follow the river that flowed through the city upward.

Soon the stonework of the city ends and the soft dirt of the earth begins. Walking to the outskirts overlooking the city you are met with a wondrous waterfall. A real life waterfall, it was amazing how the rush was the water could be so powerful and drop from such great heights, only to join and meld into the calm water at its base.

"So now what?" Polka asks. "Do we just throw Anon in the water or something? I don't see anything that resembles a shrine."

While a nice swim might actually make you feel better right now, you have to agree that nothing here is exactly shouting "Undine" at you.

"The shrine's actual architecture has long since been taken down due to not being cared for but this was the shrine's physical location. Your guess is as good as mine as to what to do from here." Lena answers.

"Could there still be some pieces of the shrine left over?" Watame asks.

"It's possible." Lena ponders, "Perhaps at the top of the falls there might be a few remnants."

"Worth a shot I guess." you say as you begin to walk toward the path leading up the side of the falls. You already came this far, you owed it to Undine to explore all the possibilities. Plus getting to see these falls from the top should be awesome.

The walk up alongside the falls was truly remarkable. The cascading water over the cliffs mere feet away from touch alone was worth the trip. You were glad to see everyone else's spirits brighten at their sight as well. Maybe you were becoming more of a summoner befitting the ruler of the waters with each passing day since it brought you such comfort to see others appreciating the scene.

When you all finally reach the top you take in the view. The sound of the rushing water serenading your ears as you look at the city of Lu'shaldor miles below you. The sight gives you hope, even if you don't find anything here, you know in your heart you will reunite with Undine. It was what you promised her, you will definitely see it through.

You all walk further upstream to find a small lake which looks to be the source of the water for the falls.

"Wait." you say confused. "How is there non-stop flowing water if this is a lake? Wouldn't it run out?"

"Magic lake." Lene corrects. "That is why the shrine was made here in the first place, as it was believed through Undines will that an endless water supply be provided to this region."

"Cool!" Polka says as she and Flare kneel on the ground in front of where the lake and stream connect.

"The lake water is completely still too!" Watame chirps as she tests the lake water for herself using her hand.

"This is amazing." Flare remarks as she touches both the still lake water and the moving stream water at the same time.

"This has GOT to be a good sign Anon!" Polka encourages you. "Let's look around for any shrine parts!"

After spreading out and looking along the land surrounding the lake for anything out of the ordinary, Polka calls for everyone to come to her. She tells you all she is able to see something at the bottom of the lake toward the middle.

"How the heck can you tell from here?" you ask.

"Kitsune eyes. Duh." she answers with a smirk.

"Well lucky for you, I was looking for an excuse to take a swim anyway. I'll go check it out." you say as you undo your spell book straps and sword sheath and begin to take off your shirt.

"What do you think you're doing!?" Lena scolds you, stopping you cold.

"I'm taking off some of my clothes so they don't get wet?"

"In front of three young ladies? I don't think so! Here!" Lena waves her hands and the light from a spell envelops your clothes. "There. Now your clothes won't be soaked once you come out. No need to take anything else off."

All three of your friends seem to find the fact you were just scolded like a child particularly funny as they giggle to each other.

"I didn't exactly see any of you complaining or trying to stop me, you know." you huff. "Whatever, I'm going in."

With that, you dive into the water and begin to swim towards the middle. Lena was true to her word and your clothes don't feel any heavier after being submerged in water. Magic can do some pretty handy stuff. Once you feel like you are close enough to the middle, you dive under to try and find what Polka was talking about. The lake was actually a lot less deep than you expected, as you soon came across a large stone object sticking out from the soft lakebed. You grab hold of it and pull, but it doesn't budge. Running out of breath you swim back to the surface.

"There is definitely something down there but I can't pull it out! Can one of you cast the Stellaruke spell for me? I should be able to pull it out that way." you yell to your companions.

"Sure thing Anon!" Watame calls back as she picks up your spell book and opens it. Lena watches intently as the Stellaruke spell is cast on you, clearly interested to see how it actually works.

"Thanks Watame!" you shout back before diving back underwater.

The swim to the bottom is even shorter now thanks to the enhancement from the spell. You grab the stone object again and with some effort are able to break it free from its muddy prison. A much harder swim later, you place the stone object onto land and let Watame help pull you out of the water.

You're amazed to find that only your exposed skin and hair stay wet, your clothes were all as dry as a bone. Lena was already closely inspecting the piece of history you just unearthed with great excitement. You take a closer look yourself and notice what you brought back was actually a broken piece of what might have been a larger pillar. The carving of a woman is present along with some strange symbols carved into its circular edges.

"Your spellbook! May I see it?" Lena almost nod and Watame hands Lena your spell book, who immediately starts to cross reference it with the pillar. "Darn." she soon says. "I was hoping they would be a match, but this is just ancient elvish."

"Do you know what it says then?" you ask, curious to know what messages the forgotten carvings could hold.

"I'm a little rusty, but I'll try to paraphrase."

"May she who rules the waters be revered both in times of calm and in times of storm."

"She will guide all who find themselves within the tide."

"Undine."

"That's pretty cryptic." Flare comments.

The lines repeat themselves in your head as you try to decipher some deeper meaning. It didn't really tell you anything about Undine herself. You kneel down and run your hands along the carved words. Could calm and storm be meaningful? You remember back to when Polka told you to think about what water is. In your heart you know that it is something to be admired but also respected. This carving was kinda saying the same thing.

"I think…I think I get it." you say aloud. "The message let me know a bit more about Undine guys. It's like the ocean ya know. It can be calm and beautiful one second and the next it can be an intimidating storm. But you can't just only like her when she's calm. She demands respect all the time."

"That's a rather impressive interpretation, Anon." Lena says. "I'll have to get a team of people up here to examine this further! There might even be more pieces in the lake."

"Does this mean there's possibly shrines that are still together somewhere else in the world?" Watame asks.

"That's a strong possibility." Lena answers. "Although worship of the spirits has declined in kingdoms of closer proximity that doesn't mean it has in other parts of the world. You might be able to get clearer answers that way."

"Well there's a lot of world out there to cover. I say we plot out our next course!" Polka says excitedly.

"Indeed there is. A shame you won't get to see it all." an unfamiliar voice echoes to you.

Near the edge of the falls floats five hooded figures standing upon a floating circle of magic. You hear the air leave Lena's throat as you look to see her face completely consumed by fear. The circle carries the five strangers closer to you as the one who wore robes of a deep crimson sets his gaze upon you and from the sleeve of his left arm a giant arm of crimson mana appears. Without your sword or your spell book at your side you are unable to do anything before the arm stretches and expands toward you and takes you in its grip.

Before anyone else can react, the figure in robes of gold and white waves a finger. "Not one move. Or the human dies."

This is no bluff, you think to yourself. The force around you is so tight that one wrong move will cause something to break. You can only watch as the hand moves to position you over the rushing water.

"After 19 short years, here we are again." The figure in white and gold robes says, walking forward off the magical circle. "I can't help but feel a sense of deja vu. Would you all say the same?" He looks back to his fellow mages. "Those same fiery eyes with the desire to kill. I think you already pieced together what this is haven't you? Half-elf."

Flare started to shake, she knew, she somehow knew these were the people who killed her mother, and probably put things in place for her father to die as well. She couldn't do anything while Anon was still in danger. She had to think of a way to free him. But even if she did, the falls would take him and he would go off the edge in seconds.

"What the hell do you want?" Flare growled.

"What? No 'How did you find us?' no "Who are you?"' you certainly inherited the humans tendency towards rudeness it seems. It was so ingenious too, why keep watch on the friend of the traitor when the grave of the traitor is much more reliable. It was only a matter of time until you found it, a few small perperrations years ago would tell us exactly when you arrived."

"How?!" Lena yelled. "There were no wards anywhere near that grave. It was clean for years!"

"Wards, while convenient, are not the only way to let you know when someone has been somewhere." The one in Green and black robes says, stepping forward as he holds out a small circular device in his hand. "This little invention blinks with a little red light whenever the sensor it's connected to detects movement. I had a few set up around the grave itself. And from then it was simply a matter of sending a dispatch to follow you here and report back."

"The worlds changing." he continues. "While you may be content to keep your nose looking at relics of the past, some of us are looking at the future and how we will secure our rightful place at the top."

"That's where you can be a big help to us." The one in white and gold speaks up again. "Come with us like your mother wanted for you originally. Gain power like you never dreamed, secure a place in history for your true people. Do that, and all your friends go free, unharmed. Come, take your birthright."

That was out of the question to her. She would rather die than do what they wanted. But Anon is in immediate danger, they will kill him if we try to resist. She looked at Anon struggling to free himself from the grip of mana. There is no way they can fight like this. The only way out of this might be to ensure her friends' safety. Yes, she's going to bet everything on them.

"You'll really let my friends go?" Flare asks.

"Flare!?" Watame and Polka exclaim.

"D-Don't do it!" you manage to force enough air for your voice to come.

"We are a reasonable people Flare. I can assure you this will be a beneficial partnership for all sides. We will let your friends go should you come with us quietly."

Flare nods and turns to Polka and Watame. What she could have said in words or with her face, you couldn't be sure. She began to walk toward the group of mages, and no matter how hard you struggled, you couldn't budge the mana that constricted you.

"Splendid splendid! You are already proving to be much smarter than your mother Flare."

She bit her cheek at the remark, she would make him sorry, she swore it.

"This handy spell will take us right to where we need to go. All you need to do is step on, and we can be off."

"I'm not stepping one foot on that until you put my friend down."

"Fine, I'll put him down." The one in crimson robes grunts.

The magical hand drops you onto the grass beside the water, you look toward Flare as you struggle to fill your lungs back up with air. You hoped this was part of some plan she had, that any second she would spring some trap or do something to better your chances in a fight. She only looked back at you and smiled.

From your lips you could make out "Remember Anon, I trust you." she smiles before stepping onto the circle.

As the circle begins to rise off the ground, the crimson mage commands his hand to slap you back into the rushing water.

"Anon!" Flare yells. "What the hell!? That wasn't part of the deal!"

The mage in white and gold sighs while the one in crimson snorts. "That was for my arm."

"Well nothing we can do now I suppose." The white and gold mage says. "At least now this should nip any supposed rescue attempts you were hoping for in the bud."

Torn between two problems, Watame and Polka panicked. They ran forward to try and save either flare or you, but the mage who had not acted so far clad in purple robes outstretched a hand and the ground beneath them shook, tripping them both over.

Meanwhile you were being pulled relentlessly by the water. You fight desperately to gain control but before you know it, your direction changes. You are falling down the water of the falls now, unable to do anything about it, unable to save your friends, or yourself.

Your mind suddenly flashes with the saying from earlier.

"She will guide all who find themselves within the tide."

It was now or never, You give in to the flowing water and let it move you.

"Undine" you say in your mind. "Guide me, please help me to save my friends!"

You feel yourself floating again, but there was no impact from the fall.

"I would really prefer if mortal danger was not the only way to form our connection." Undine's voice comes.

You open your eyes and see the shine of the water's surface above you, and in front of you floated Undine. You can't help but smile at the sight but quickly remember there would be time for happy reunions later, as you motion to Undine you are going to swim to the surface.

Emerging from the water along with Undine you look at her again to make sure this is really happening.

"Undine! It's really you! You're here! Again!"

"You were able to bring me back Anon. Now shall we save the pleasantries for later?" she answers in that familiar calming but commanding voice.

"Crap that's right! We have to save Flare! Uhh…what do we do? How do we do?!"

"Now that I'm in physical form, we can work together as a team. I'll follow your lead, summoner."

"Okay, summoner, I guess that's me now, I can do that. Undine, get us back to the top of those falls! Um please."

Undine nods and with a mere direction of her will, the water erupts from below them and brings you both to the top of the was like when Undine first took over your body and launched you to Hector's castle, but this time you actually felt the thrill of flight! Polka and Watame look on in astonishment.

"Anons alive!" Polka cheers. "And he's got a pretty water girl with him!"

Flare looks back in disbelief and smiles. "Anon!" She calls "You better come save me got it! I'm trusting you!"

So this was her plan, you thought. She went with them so you all could get a chance to set her free. You watch the magic circle that carried Flare and the five mages fly down towards the city. It was too risky to give chase right now, you walk back over to Polka and Watame who both wrap you in a tight hug.

"I was so afraid we lost you Anon!" Watame says between sniffles. "B-But Flare is…"

"I know Watame, but I'm okay." you say stroking the back of the fluffy sheep's head. "We're gonna get Flare back too, especially now that we have someone with a little experience in this kind of thing to help us."

"Undine!" Watame seems to suddenly remember as she almost pushes you aside and hugs the water spirit. "It's so good to see you again!"

"It is nice to see you too, little sheep. And who are your other companions Anon?"

"Oh sorry Undine, this is Polka, she's traveling with us too, and over there is Lena, she knew Flare's parents, and Flare, Flare is the friend we need to rescue."

Undine nods. "I can feel your desire to rescue your friend, it is very similar to when we first met."

"You'll help me again right Undine? You'll fight alongside me?"

"Of course I will, not only do we have a pact, but you possessed the determination to summon me back. I have a feeling you will make a grand summoner for me."

"Anon, I know this is a pretty important reunion and we got a friend to save, but we got a slight problem to deal with first." Polka whispers pointing over to Lena, who is in the middle of a breakdown.

You rush over to Lena and try to shake her back to her senses. "Lena! Come on, get a hold of yourself."

"I'm sorry Naname! I let your daughter get taken!" she rambles to herself multiple times.

"Anon if I may?" Undine asks as she comes from behind you and kneels down beside Lena to take her in her calming embrace.

You look on in awe as Lena's expression begins to smoothen and relax.

"Watame wishes that was her." a slightly jealous sheep mentions to Polka.

"A-Anon!?" Lena says, as she comes back to her senses. "What happened? Where's flare!?"

"Hush child." Undine coos.

"That's a water spirit." Lena says. "That's the spirit Undine, and I'm in her arms"

"While you are welcome to stay as long as you like, I'm afraid we might have more pressing matters to get to." Undine says back with a smile.

Lena, red faced and flustered, lets herself out of Undine's arms and apologizes.

"Glad you're back with us Lena." you start. "You know who those guys are don't you? The ones that took Flare."

"Yes. Those were the leaders of five of the magic guilds based here in the city. They're the ones who killed Flare's mother. And now they have her daughter."

"Not for that much longer, we're gonna go save her." you say with confidence.

"Anon you have no idea what you're up against! Even with the water spirit on your side, there's no way you can take those five down on your own. They're the guild leaders for a reason."

"Those bullies just got the jump on us." Polka stated. "In a fair fight we're gonna show 'em what's what."

"They have no idea what this sheep can do! We're gonna save Flare!"

"Okay, let's theorize for now that you do manage to overpower them in a fair fight and rescue Flare. What then? Those guilds have the backing of the Elven royalty. They would use the full extent of their power and influence to destroy you!"

"It doesn't matter how many people you say are gonna come after me. I'm not backing down on this. I promised Flare I would always watch her back. Even when faced with her biggest fears she put her trust in us. I'm not going to let her suffer any more than she has to. We've got to show the same courage Flare has. I'm going to get as strong as I have to be to get her back with us. I'm not going to let her dreams die here, and I'm never going to give up and that's a promise!"

The sound of your convictions echo across the lake, and as if to respond, your spell book shines brightly on the ground. Watame picks it up and flips through its pages.

"Anon! It's a new spell! Urou Stellaru-"

"Watame! Watame! No! Stop!" you plead frantically.

Watame catches herself just in time and slaps her hand over her mouth. You both let out a sigh of relief.

"That was close." you exhale. "The spell almost happened right there."

With your sword and spell book back at your sides you slap your hand to your opposite fist.

"Alright everyone. Polka, Watame, time to make a rescue plan!"