Chapter 20: The Five Celestials
The ground beneath their feet began to tremble, the runes on the walls igniting with strange, ancient magic. Lars felt the raw, terrifying power that had been contained within the core surge outward, like a dam breaking open. The chamber around them, once silent and still, was now alive with arcane energy.
From within the remnants of the shattered core, five distinct shapes began to emerge, their forms hazy and indistinct at first, but growing clearer with each passing moment. The room was filled with an oppressive presence, as if the very air had thickened. Lars could feel their power, their ancient, unyielding magic coursing through the air.
Then, they fully manifested.
The first to step forward was the Intellect Celestial, Iskra, her form sleek and elegant, her eyes glowing with intelligence beyond human comprehension. She moved with a grace that felt unnatural, like a dream that danced on the edge of reality.
Next came the Desire Celestial, Liora, whose presence was alluring, almost overwhelming. Her figure shimmered with colour, her very being painting the world around her in vibrant hues, eyes gleaming with a mischievous hunger.
The Instinct Celestial, Bashir, followed, his figure primal and raw, every movement filled with lethal precision. His aura crackled with barely contained energy, a force that seemed to vibrate with the pulse of life itself.
The Emotion Celestial, Zaira, emerged after, her body a kaleidoscope of light and reflection, shifting constantly like a fractured mirror, radiating every feeling known to man at once. There was a beauty to her that was both painful and mesmerising.
Finally, the Willpower Celestial, Valros, stepped forward, his form the most imposing, like a fortress given life. His presence was steady and unyielding, a wall of strength that could not be moved.
Lars' breath caught in his throat. He had read about the celestials in ancient texts, given to him by his mother—beings of immense power, thought to be myths or legends. But here they were, standing before him, freed from the very prison they had been bound to for aeons. The Primordial Core had not been a source of power. It had been their prison—a containment vessel for these five beings, each representing a facet of human nature, held in captivity for millennia.
The Intellect Celestial, Iskra, was the first to speak, her voice soft but commanding, like a thousand whispered thoughts woven together. "You have shattered our chains, mortal."
Lars felt the weight of her words hit him like a physical blow. He stumbled back, his mind reeling. "I—what have I done?" he whispered, his voice hoarse, barely above a breath.
The Desire Celestial tilted her head, her lips curling into a sly smile. "What you have done, little human, is set us free."
"Your world will never be the same," the Instinct Celestial rumbled, his voice deep and resonant, as if it came from the very earth beneath them.
"We have waited long for this," the Emotion Celestial said, her voice echoing with a thousand different feelings, all clashing and overlapping. "Too long."
Lars took a step back, his heart hammering in his chest. He hadn't meant to do this. He had been trying to stop Kivn, to protect his friends, not unleash beings of ancient, untamable power into the world. His hands trembled as he gripped his naginata tighter, unsure of what to do.
The Willpower Celestial fixed his gaze on Lars, his eyes like twin suns burning with intensity. "You possess strength, boy. But strength alone will not guide you through the storm that is coming."
Iskra stepped closer to Lars, her eyes piercing into his soul. "We are free now, and this world is ours once more. But we are bound to the one who broke our chains."
Lars froze. "Bound?"
The Mind Celestial's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Yes, mortal. You freed us. Now we shall see where your mind will lead me."
"You?" Lars asked, a curious yet terrified expression on his face.
"We have the same magic attribute," she said, a small smile appearing on what Lars thought was her lips. "You will find me again. You will find us again, in the near future. I can't do much for you before I am forced to go back to my resting place, but I can do this for you." She raised a barely recognisable hand, and in a swift instant, all of Lars's companions were teleported outside the dungeon. The celestials dissipated into vapour and headed in 5 different directions.
Sharya and Lyra, who had just been teleported, rushed to Lars and Kian's sides respectively. Lilian had bandaged up the stump of Kian's hand, and the bleeding had stopped, but his breathing was still shallow, still hollow, like he was clinging onto life. Lyra hugged his limp form, tears streaming down her face.
"How did this happen…" she murmured.
"Sharya!" Lars yelled, concerned for his blue haired companion.
"I'm fine," Sharya said. There was no more exchange between them.
Russell and Lilian knelt next to Soren, Lilian administering quick first aid to help Soren however she could. Russell's face was covered by his long hair, but even a blind man could see there were tears dropping down his face as well, each one landing with a plop on Soren's limp form.
Nebra was also next to Frida, helping her up, checking on her Vice-Captain, who still had her eyes closed, responding weakly, something that didn't sit right with Lars. He looked up at the evening sky, wondering something.
We won all our battles… So why does this feel like a loss?
…
They were outside the Royal Capital, a day later, after their mission. They were waiting on a lot of different things: news on the three Silver Eagles badly injured, the captains, and their resolve to head back home.
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold. As Lars and his companions gathered in the aftermath of their harrowing battle, a sombre weight settled over them. The exhilarating rush of their recent victory felt distant, overshadowed by the grim reality of their losses.
"Why do we feel so defeated?" Lars muttered, his voice breaking the silence.
"Because we lost too much," Sharya replied sharply, her gaze still fixed on Kian. "We should have been prepared. We should have…"
"Should have what?" Lars snapped, frustration boiling over. "Should have seen that we were unleashing celestial beings into the world? Should have foreseen the pain and suffering we'd cause?" His fists tightened at his sides. "We were fighting for our lives! For each other!"
"Is that what you think?" Lyra shot back, finally turning to face him. "You think we did everything right? You think we played our cards perfectly? Look around you, Lars! We lost Kian's hand! Soren is—"
"Enough!" Sharya's voice cut through the tension, her eyes fierce. "Arguing won't help anyone right now. We need to get our friends help. We need to think about what's next."
Lars nodded, swallowing back the lump in his throat. "Right. We need to report to the captains. They need to know what happened."
"Frida and Kirsch would typically do this, but…" Russell's voice trailed off, glancing in the direction of the Royal Hospital.
Lars felt a heavy weight settle on his chest. "I'll go."
With that, he strode out of the area, pushing past his emotions and leaving the grief behind him. The sun had set entirely now, leaving a cool darkness that settled over the world like a shroud. The Magic Knights headquarters loomed ahead, its familiar silhouette providing little comfort.
As he entered the hall, he could hear the murmurs of various members discussing their encounters and the aftermath of the battles they had fought. The atmosphere was thick with unease. Lars made his way through the throngs of people until he reached the chamber where the captains gathered.
Nozel Silva stood at the head of the table, flanked by Dorothy Unsworth. The two captains were in deep conversation, their expressions grave. Lars cleared his throat, feeling the tension in the air shift as he entered.
"Captain Nozel, Captain Dorothy," Lars greeted, trying to maintain a steady voice.
"Ah, the young hero returns," Nozel remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "How convenient."
Lars bristled at the remark. "We did what we had to do. Kivn was a significant threat."
"Yes, and look at the cost," Nozel countered, his gaze icy. "You think your actions were justified? You freed beings that were locked away for a reason. You have no idea the consequences of your recklessness!"
"Recklessness?" Lars's voice rose, his patience thinning. "We were fighting for our lives, Silva! For our friends! I had no choice but to act! You weren't there! You didn't see what we faced!"
Nozel stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "And now you think you understand everything? You think you can control what you've unleashed? You're just a child playing with fire!"
"Enough!" Dorothy interjected, raising her hand. Her voice was soft yet firm, a calming presence amidst the storm. "Both of you need to cool your heads. This isn't the time for bickering. We need to discuss the events that transpired and strategize for the future."
Lars shot Nozel a challenging glare before redirecting his focus to Dorothy. "We faced the celestials. The Primordial Core was their prison. We didn't mean to release them, but Kivn pushed us to our limits. I couldn't just stand by while my friends were in danger."
Nozel's expression softened slightly, but he remained unconvinced. "And what about the aftermath? Do you understand the implications of freeing those beings? They could pose a threat to the entire world."
"We'll deal with it," Lars insisted, determination flooding his veins. "We'll find a way to contain them or bring them back. We just need a plan."
"You're being naive," Nozel replied, crossing his arms. "Naive and reckless. You think you can handle forces that have been sealed away for centuries? This isn't a game, Lars."
The tension in the room thickened, and Lars felt his fists clench. "You don't know what we're capable of! We may have lost some battles, but we're still standing! You underestimate us!"
"Enough!" Nozel shouted, his voice echoing against the walls. "You think this is just about you? This is about the entire kingdom! You risked everything, and now you must face the consequences of your actions."
Before Lars could retort, a heavy silence fell over the room. The door swung open, revealing the figure of the Wizard King, his presence radiating authority and wisdom. "What is going on here?" he demanded, stepping into the room with an air of commanding presence.
Nozel straightened, his posture rigid. "Your Majesty, we were discussing the situation regarding the celestial beings released by Lars and his team."
The Wizard King's gaze shifted to Lars, who felt the weight of his scrutiny. "And you believe that unleashing ancient powers is a wise decision?"
"I didn't plan to release them, Your Majesty," Lars explained, forcing himself to maintain eye contact. "We were battling Kivn, and the core shattered in the process. We acted to protect ourselves and each other. I never wanted this."
The Wizard King regarded him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "I understand the chaos of battle can lead to decisions we regret. But the celestials you released are not mere legends. They are forces of nature that cannot be controlled easily."
Lars felt a surge of desperation. "But we have to try! We can't let them roam free without any oversight! We need to devise a plan to understand their intentions and, if necessary, contain them."
The Wizard King raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You believe you can reason with them?"
"I have to believe that," Lars replied, voice firm. "They are bound to me now, and I won't let them wreak havoc on the world. I'll do everything in my power to protect this kingdom and my friends."
A slow smile crept across the Wizard King's face, a hint of approval glimmering in his eyes. "Then it is decided. You will be tasked with finding the celestials. You will report directly to me with your findings. This will be no easy feat, and you will face challenges beyond your imagination."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lars breathed, relief washing over him. "I won't let you down."
"See that you don't," the Wizard King replied, his voice serious. "The balance of our world is fragile, and it is in your hands now. But know this, Lars: you are not alone. Your squad will stand by you, but you must lead them with wisdom and strength."
With that, the Wizard King turned and left the chamber, leaving Lars and the captains in silence. Lars exhaled a shaky breath, his mind racing with the implications of their new responsibility.
Nozel remained, his expression hard to read. "You're fortunate to have the Wizard King's support. But make no mistake, I'll be watching your every move. Don't let your ego cloud your judgement again."
Lars nodded, resolve solidifying within him. "I won't. We'll find a way to manage this. Together."
…
Lars, Sharya, Russell, and Lilian made their way back to the Coral Peacocks' base, the weight of their recent experiences lingering in the air. Each step felt heavier than the last, as they traversed the familiar path leading home. The sun had fully set, casting the landscape in shadows, a stark contrast to the vibrant memories they had shared in this place.
"Do you think the others are okay?" Sharya asked, breaking the heavy silence that surrounded them. Her voice carried a hint of worry, despite her usual bravado.
Lars glanced at her, trying to gauge her mood. "They'll be fine. We've been through worse. I just hope they're all safe."
Russell nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I can't shake this feeling, though. Something feels… off."
Lilian fell silent, her expression contemplative. She had been quiet ever since they left the headquarters. "I just wish we could have done more for Kian, Frida and Soren," she murmured, glancing back at the distant silhouette of their guild.
The group reached the base after what felt like an eternity. As they entered, Lars immediately sensed that something was amiss. The air felt thick with tension, and the usual sounds of their comrades engaged in training or laughter were eerily absent.
"Where is everyone?" Sharya asked, her brows furrowing with concern.
"Maybe they're all resting after the battle?" Russell suggested, though uncertainty laced his tone.
"Let's check the main hall," Lars urged, leading the way. The dimly lit corridor felt unusually quiet, amplifying their footsteps as they moved.
Upon entering the main hall, their hearts sank. The once vibrant room was in disarray—tables overturned, chairs scattered, and signs of struggle marred the space. A few members of the Coral Peacocks, namely Oda and Theresa, remained, visibly shaken and nursing wounds.
"Lars!" one of them called out, rushing over. It was Theresa, her face pale and eyes wide with fear. "Thank the stars you're back! You won't believe what happened!"
"What's going on?" Lars demanded, dread pooling in his stomach.
"Fana… she betrayed us," Theresa said, her voice trembling. "She was working for the Eye of the Midnight Sun this whole time. While you were gone, she attacked. We tried to stop her, but—"
"Where is Yul?" Lars interrupted, feeling a surge of panic.
Theresa shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "She took him. Fana and her group… they ambushed us. Oda and I tried to stop her, but they were outnumbered. They didn't stand a chance."
"No… not Yul," Sharya whispered, her voice barely audible. "Not after everything he's been through."
"Fana is one of the three most powerful mages under The Third Eye," Oda explained, his voice cracking. "She calls herself Fana the Hateful. She manipulated us, all of us. We thought she was one of us. We were… we were fooled."
Russell clenched his fists, anger bubbling to the surface. "We need to go after her. We can't let them take Yul. We can't let Fana get away with this!"
Lars felt a swell of determination within him. "Then let's gather our strength. We can't waste any time. We'll track them down and get him back."
"We're not ready," Lilian said, her voice a mixture of fear and resolve. "We just fought a major battle. We need to regroup and come up with a solid plan."
"No," Lars said firmly, shaking his head. "We're going now. If we wait, it could be too late. Yul needs us, and we can't let Fana escape with him."
The group exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation settling heavily on them. With a nod of agreement, they set to work. Lars took charge, rallying what few remaining members were able to fight. Together, they formed a small, determined group ready to take on whatever lay ahead.
"Gather any supplies you can find," Lars instructed. "We need to be prepared for anything."
As they moved quickly through the base, packing potions, weapons, and anything else they could find, a sense of urgency propelled them forward. Sharya was particularly agitated, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "I won't let them hurt Yul. Not after everything he's been through. Not again!"
Lars nodded, understanding the fire in her words. Yul had become a vital part of their team, and they would do everything in their power to save him.
Once they had gathered their supplies, they stepped outside into the cool night air, the stars twinkling above like watchful eyes. The world around them felt silent, as if holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come.
"We need to find where Fana and her group might have taken him," Russell said, scanning the horizon. "She could have gone anywhere."
Lilian placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll find them. We have to. Let's think this through."
"Right," Lars said, feeling the pressure mounting. "We can't afford to let her get away with this. We'll follow any clues we can find."
As Lars, Sharya, Russell, and Lilian steeled themselves for the journey ahead, a voice rang out from the shadows of the base. "And where do you think you're going?"
The group turned to find Captain Dorothy standing at the entrance, arms crossed and expression stern. Her presence was commanding, a reminder that she was not only a leader but a fierce protector of her squad.
"Captain!" Lars called out, his voice a mix of relief and frustration. "We need to go after Fana and rescue Yul. She's part of the Eye of the Midnight Sun, and we can't let her get away with this!"
Dorothy stepped forward, the flickering torch light casting shadows across her determined face. "I know, and I understand your urgency, Lars. I do. But rushing in without a plan is a surefire way to get yourselves killed. You of all people should know this, better than anyone here."
"What do you mean? We can't just sit here and do nothing!" Sharya protested, her fists clenched at her sides. "Yul is in danger!"
"And we need to assess the situation first," Dorothy replied, her tone steady. "Fana is a formidable opponent, and she didn't act alone. The Eye of the Midnight Sun is a well-organised group, and they will be expecting retaliation. If we go in blindly, we will walk straight into a trap."
Lars felt a mixture of anger and frustration bubbling within him. "So what do you suggest? We just wait? We let them take him without a fight?"
"No," Dorothy said, her voice firm. "We prepare. We gather information and allies. We analyse our strengths and weaknesses. The last thing we need is to lose more of our team in a reckless attempt to save one person. Yul would never forgive us for that."
Russell crossed his arms, glancing at the others for support. "But how long will that take? What if we lose track of them? What if it's too late?"
Dorothy held her ground. "I know it's difficult, but we have to think strategically. I won't allow you to endanger yourselves for a chance at rescuing Yul without a solid plan in place. We can't afford to act on impulse."
Lilian stepped forward, her expression softer. "Dorothy, I understand your concerns, but we can't just sit here. Every second counts. We need to act."
Dorothy's eyes softened slightly, but her resolve remained firm. "We will act. But not until we have a plan. We need to gather intelligence on the Eye of the Midnight Sun's movements. I'll send out scouts to see if they can pick up any leads. We'll coordinate with other squads, see if they've seen or heard anything unusual."
Lars opened his mouth to argue but quickly realised that Dorothy was right. They were strong, but they weren't invincible. The last thing they needed was to run headfirst into a situation they weren't prepared for.
"Fine," he said, his voice laced with frustration. "But we need to move quickly. We can't let Yul down."
"We won't," Dorothy assured him. "But we'll do it right. Gather everyone who's able and let's get to work. We'll regroup in one hour, and I'll share what I find out. You're not alone in this fight, Lars. We're all in this together."
Lars nodded, feeling a mix of relief and resignation. They would have to wait a little longer, but at least they were not completely powerless.
As they turned back toward the hall, Lars couldn't shake the feeling of urgency coursing through him. "We'll get him back," he vowed quietly, determination burning in his chest.
"We will," Sharya said, her eyes fierce. "We will bring Yul home."
A/N: Our second arc is over!
Time for some filler while I think of ideas :)