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Post by Neo on Apr 1, 2014 21:28:19 GMT -6
"You've really been gone for that long?" You ask Gray in disbelief, a few minutes later.
The two of you are seated next to each other at the long wooden table, Gray at the head and you at the seat of honor. Various piles of food and drink line the table, more kinds and types than you could ever name, even with your memory intact. The village of Elmsdale certainly is prosperous, for a town out in the middle of nowhere. Gray merely shrugs. "Honestly, it seems longer. But yes, it will be five months next week, since my companions and I walked out the gate, into the forest. We vowed not to come back until we killed every last one of those dammed Risen."
He takes a long sip of his wine, relaxing back in his chair. "Ah, it feels good to be home."
From the slight color in his cheeks, you don't doubt that. You smile a bit. He was so adamant the two of you be left alone, and now you see why. The poor man just wanted a chance to relax, a break from all the noise and commotion that's hounded your step since you arrived. Truthfully, you kinda enjoyed all the attention. And you learned quite a few interesting things about your young friend, too. Such as what a beloved Chief he is, and what a wonderful man, etc, etc. And apparently, the young man next to you has a few suitors as well... Nearly every girl in the village that is. And while a great deal of jealousy is directed at you from all parties, it's especially true from Gray's childhood friend, a young girl named Mia, who is obviously in love with him. Well, it's obvious to everyone but Gray. You would assure the girl you had no designs on Gray, but it wouldn't exactly be true. Well, you don't have any romantic designs...
The Ranger next to you takes another swig of wine, and this time, he downs the entire glass. "Gray," you warn gently. "At this rate, I'll have to carry you to your bed."
He gives you a boyish grin that looks oddly charming on him. "I could think of nothing more wonderful, milady."
You roll your eyes. "Oh come now Gray. You don't honestly think a cheap liner like that could work on me, do you?"
Your belly has long since been full, and while it's true you're exhausted and wouldn't mind company, somehow you don't think a one night stand with a man a mere fraction of your age, a man you'll be forced to leave very soon, is such a good idea. Still, you are flattered by the attempt, even if he is drunk. Gray pouts, and you sigh, rising to your feet. "Come on, let's get you to bed. And no, I'm not staying."
He visibly brightens, only to turn wounded once again. He actually does appear legitimately crestfallen this time, and you feel a pang of guilt. But it quickly passes. You're doing him a favor. You may not have all your memories back yet, but you've recovered enough to know you're a woman with a lot of enemies. Powerful enemies. The likes of which could probably kill a small town Chieftain without much effort. And after all he's done for you, you couldn't live with yourself if you caused his death. So you ignore the look of hurt in his eyes, and help him to his feet. You hardly make it an inch however, when the large oak doors of the Chief's dining hall swing open. A messenger bursts in, marked with a blue shirt and white bag slung over his shoulder, and you recognize the young man as Will, the apprentice to the Town Postman.
He stops short in front of you, and you swear you could see smoke rising from his shoes. He gives a shaky salute, a gesture you've learned is the equivalent of a bow in Elmsdale. A gesture reserved solely for the Chief. So naturally, you find it a little odd when he salutes you as well. "Chief, milady." He turns to you, addressing you directly, which is another oddity. Usually he would just tell the Chief, and Gray isn't so far gone yet to be completely incompetent or inebriated. You managed to rescue him before he drank that much.
"Milady, The Shaman has requested an audience with you."
By the way the boy emphasized the word 'requested', you have a sinking feeling it's actually more of a 'demand'. You heave a heavy sigh, which is matched by your partner's.
"I was afraid of this," Gray says suddenly, and you're a bit shocked by the clarity you see in his eyes. Was he just pretending to be drunk...? Surely not... That's not the kinda man he is... "Though I didn't expect the summons so soon," Gray continues, blissfully unaware of your rising temper. If he feigned that whole thing, just to make you carry him to bed, there's gonna be hell to pay.
Still, you let it slide for now. "So what's the big deal about this Shaman?" You ask, highly curious. Throughout the brief time you've spent around the people of Elmsdale, you've learned only one thing about this mysterious Shaman: that all the villagers speak of him in hushed and reverent tones, even Gray, to an extent.
Gray gives a small, helpless shrug. "I'm not sure how to explain. He showed up here one day, about a week or two before I left for the forest. He came bringing prophecies, much needed supplies, stories from the outside world, and more. He taught us how to fortify our town walls, how to create an aqueduct, even how to get water into our kitchens and bathrooms without having to fetch it. He healed the sick, cured the incurable, and said he could see the future. He left just as suddenly as he came. It wasn't until Han returned from a scouting mission near home, that I learned he not only returned, but decided to take up residence in my absence. Needless to say, I was not pleased. But still, with his unnatural abilities, I'm hesitant to try to throw him out...And then there's his appearance..."
"What do you mean?" You ask, now more than a little nervous. What could this shaman possibly look like, to cause such a note of disbelief, this hint of fear in Gray's voice?
He merely shakes his head. "You'll find out soon enough. Come. I don't think it would be wise to keep this particular man waiting."
You gulp at that. What in Origin's name have you gotten yourself into? You follow Gray and the young messenger, more nervous than you should be. You try to pry more information from Gray, but he proves as tight lipped as an undersea clam. Eventually, Will guides you to a modest building of white stone and worn oak. It isn't a very large dwelling. Certainly not what you'd expect to be the home of a powerful shaman. The young messenger knocks briefly, and the old oak door swings open by itself. Oookay... That's just a bit creepy...
Gray ushers you inside, though it's clear he doesn't wish to enter any more than you. The inside of the house is even smaller, just a single room with only the most basic of essentials. The room is dark, lit only by a couple flickering candles. It takes a few seconds for your eyes to adjust. And when they do, you wish they never had. You pale with fear, fear at what this could mean. Your heart begins to pound, and your palms begin to sweat. Because, sitting cross legged on a mat in the center of the room, is a ghost. A ghost straight from the pages of your nightmares. Sitting calmly in the middle of the room, is a giant crowned in ornate golden armor.
"It's a pleasure to see you again," Lahar booms in his metallic voice, and you have a feeling the ghost is smiling.
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Post by Neo on Apr 2, 2014 11:05:15 GMT -6
You sit across from your friendly ghost, stunned into silence. It feels odd, having someone else tell you your whole life story, and not being able to remember. Gray left a few minutes ago, albeit reluctantly, and you desperately wish you could call him back. You could really use a warm smile or comforting gesture right now. Instead, you're stuck with this cold and unfeeling giant. "How did you recover your memories?" You ask, finally.
Lahar remains silent for so long you begin to think he might not answer. "It wasn't easy," he says at last. "It requires something important from your past, a catalyst so important to you that it shocks you into remembering. And I won't lie. The experience is more painful than you can possibly imagine. Are you sure you still want to do this? You could live a happy life here, free from the sorrow and pain of your past. You could get married, start a family, live a normal life. No one will bother you or your family. You have my word. But if you remember... Then you'll be thrust right back into a war more terrible than your wildest nightmares. You will face constant sorrow, and I'll be frank: you will most likely not survive. All your old enemies will stop at nothing to insure your demise."
You find a sudden interest in the floor. The idea of living a normal life sounds wonderful... And the horrors Lahar describes absolutely terrify you. So it should be an easy choice, right? But... You have to know. You have to know your past, who you really are. Even... Even if it kills you. Which, according to Lahar, it just might. "I... I have to know, Lahar. Please."
He gives a solemn nod. "Yes, I thought as much. Very well. Then go and make your final goodbyes. We leave for the Floating Mountains in an hour."
You give a slight nod and rise to your feet, walking out of the house in a half daze. For some reason, you aren't surprised in the least to find Gray standing just outside, leaning against the side of the building. "How much did you hear?" You ask quietly, though you already know the answer.
"The door is thin Milady," he replies calmly, though you'd have to be blind to miss the effort it took for him to remain so. "And I have good ears."
You look down at your boots, not knowing what to say. What can you say? "Gray, I... I'm sorry. But I have to. Please understand."
"But why?!!" Gray snaps, so fiercely and so suddenly you actually jump. "Why do you have to do this?! You... You could stay here... With me. Is that such a terrible idea?"
You don't miss the hurt in his eyes or voice, you couldn't even if you wanted to. Something pricks your eye and your chest tightens. "It's not a terrible idea, Gray. Not at all. I would be happy living here. But please understand... I have to know who I am."
He takes a shaky breath, attempting to calm himself. "I know, Ratatosk. I know. I just... Damn. Why the hell is life so unfair?"
You give a small, humorless chuckle. "No one ever said life was fair, Gray."
He heaves a heavy sigh, and before you can react, he places a beautiful silver necklace with an amber pendant in your hand. You give him a questioning look, but he places a finger to your lips, effectively silencing you. "Shh, Rata. Something for you to remember me by. Just promise me you'll come back and visit after you get your memories back, alright?"
"I promise," you lie. Without another word, he closes your hand around the gift, his hand lingering on yours for just a few seconds before he turns and walks away. Watching him walk away is probably one of the hardest things you've ever had to do. "Are you ready?" Lahar asks, as he joins you outside.
His appearance remains mostly the same, save for the myriad of weapons he now carries. You notice a Silver Sword and Silver Axe strapped at his waist, and a long Spear strapped at his back. "Yes," you reply softly. The sooner you leave the better.
Lahar gives a subtle nod. "I wish I could say it gets easier, but it really doesn't. You'll have to learn to cope. Now, follow me. We have a great deal of distance to cover, and a very short time to do so."
You merely nod again and fall into step behind him, trying not to imagine the wonderful life you could have had here. Or what horrors might await. Your only solace is that soon you will remember. Soon you will remember everything.
*You received Memorial Pendant!*
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 2, 2014 11:07:25 GMT -6
I have a question.
Why is Ratatosk, a manakete, named after a squirrel?
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Post by Neo on Apr 2, 2014 11:16:54 GMT -6
I have a question. Why is Ratatosk, a manakete, named after a squirrel? She really isn't. I'm a huge fan of the Tales Of series, and Ratatosk is the name of the 'Lord of Monsters' in Tales of Symphonia 2. If you mean why her father named her that in story... He didn't.  Ratatosk isn't her real name. It's an alias she created. All will become clear... In Chapter 17. Though I suspect most of my longtime readers have already figured it out. |
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 2, 2014 11:19:20 GMT -6
Oh.
Other question, how come the site doesn't show when you are online along with your last visit?
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Post by Neo on Apr 2, 2014 11:25:08 GMT -6
Oh. Other question, how come the site doesn't show when you are online along with your last visit? It does show, but only if you're on the Staff. For everyone who isn't a Mod, I'm invisible. I made it that way. |
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 2, 2014 11:25:59 GMT -6
Oh, that makes sense.
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Post by Neo on Apr 2, 2014 11:43:15 GMT -6
Brief status update!
Drum roll please!
And... New temporary character!
Lahar Lv 20 Marshall
HP:80
Str:61
Mag:28
Skill:48
Spd:48(Capped)
Luck:46
Def:63
Res:56(Capped)
Avoid 101 ATK 80
Skills: Aegis, Pavise, Vengeance+, Rightful King, Aether, Limit Break
Special Skills: Infinity Chain(If this unit kills an enemy Lv 10 or up, this unit can move again. This skill can activate up to three times per turn.)
Mystic Arte: Grand Finale(A series of rapid blows to all enemies in range, followed by a devastating attack to the nearest enemy and a massive explosion damaging all enemies in range. Rng- 10)
Weapon Level: Sword S, Lance S, Axe S
Items: Great Spear(25/25), Silver Sword(30/30), Silver Axe(30/30), Elixir(3/3)
I know you all have been waiting since the very first topic to see this particular status update, huh? It's the first time Lahar is actually a playable character!
Also, the Memorial Pendant is now equipped to Ratatosk. It acts as Special Armor.
Memorial Pendant(All damage from ranged attacks is halved)
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Post by Neo on Apr 3, 2014 12:20:09 GMT -6
(Continued)
"So... Where exactly are we going?" You ask, your curiosity finally overcoming your hesitation. You don't really know what to make of your new companion. I mean, he's clearly a friend and all but... Without your full memories, you have no clue as to the true extent of your relationship with him. For all you know, he could be a former lover, or a prisoner of yours waiting to take advantage of your weakened state. Outlandish, you know, but that's the point. You have no memories to judge whether something is outlandish or actually true. And, though you're loathe to admit it, you're terrified of him. You're terrified of his quiet, ruthless power, and even more so, of his knowledge of your past. He could tell you practically anything and you would probably believe him. And the thought that you're likely marching to your death doesn't help improve the mood... Nor does his eery silence. He hasn't said so much as a word since leaving Elmsdale over an hour ago.
So naturally, you're hesitant to ask this man anything. The silence that ensues after your question is even more oppressive than the silence before. Finally, Lahar answers, and you release a breath you didn't even know you were holding. "A small cabin from your past," he replies simply, and the silence returns immediately afterwards.
You sigh. Fine, be that way. You miss your former companion dearly. At least Gray had some sense of humor. At least Gray actually talked. Well, at least it's a beautiful night... That's a small comfort. You've had nothing but serene moonlight and starry skies since your heartfelt goodbye with Gray, and it's almost enough to make you believe everything will be alright. Almost. Lahar led you back into the forest, but instead of taking the path Gray led you down before, the two of you skirt around the eastern edge of the forest, heading south. All the while, the incomparable Floating Mountains loom ever closer. The mountains are both majestic and imposing, like a wonder from the ancient world, a remnant of an era long since forgotten. It's strange though... When seeing those mountains, one would think you would be scared. After all, it's obvious the mountains are your final destination, and when you arrive, everything will become clear. But... You're not scared. Instead, it almost feels like you're going home.
"We'll camp here for the night," Lahar says abruptly, choosing the base of a particularly large tree as the campsite.
You don't argue, you're too exhausted to spare the energy. Instead, you flop down on the soft grass, too tired, too overwhelmed to move. Lahar decides it would be safe to start a small fire, and soon the aroma of roasting meat coaxes your tired limbs into movement. You scoot closer to the fire, until you're sitting just a few inches away from your large golden friend. He prepares the food in silence, and you're a bit surprised by how quickly his fingers move. My my, was he a gourmet chef in another life?
"You're used to cooking outdoors, aren't you?" You ask curiously, not really expecting him to answer.
Needless to say, you're surprised when he shrugs. "I've had a lot of practice. Though this may come as a surprise, you actually taught me most of my outdoor skills."
You blink. "Really?"
He nods, and you lean back on your hands, thinking about that. Just how long have the two of you known each other? It looks like he's been doing this for years... Emboldened by your success, you decide to press your luck. "Lahar? May I ask a question?"
You wait for his response, and when he nods, you hurry on, not wanting to give him an opportunity to change his mind. "How old am I?"
He stops what he's doing briefly, clearly thinking. He remains silent for so long you begin to think he won't answer. "You'll be turning 1,969 next month," Lahar replies finally, as if it's the most natural thing to say, like he's talking about the weather.
You blink. Again. Surely you misheard him... "I'm... I'm almost two thousand years old?" You ask in stunned disbelief. You look at your hands in a new light. Your skin certainly looks like the skin of a young woman... Looking in a mirror, you couldn't be more than twenty.
Lahar notices your expression and actually laughs. You merely stare at him, shocked. Did... Did he really just laugh? "You're a dragon, Milady. I assume you remember this much?"
Oh. You nod, feeling a little foolish. It would make sense that dragons age differently from normal folk. Lahar notices this too, and places a comforting hand on your shoulder. "Give it time. I know how all this must seem. After all, I've been in your shoes myself remember? Don't berate yourself for not being able to remember. It's Ehp-"
Lahar suddenly quiets, and your eyes dart up in surprise. Something tells you he was about to reveal something he shouldn't. You open your mouth to ask what he was going to say, but he cuts you off. "We should retire soon. We have an early day tomorrow, and the mountain isn't a forgiving place."
You close your mouth, resigned. You'll get no more answers from him tonight. As if to prove you right, Lahar is as silent as a stone for the rest of the night. You eat in silence, and soon after, you fall asleep in silence. The only break in the monotony is the occasional drone of cicadas.
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Post by Neo on Apr 3, 2014 14:14:36 GMT -6
You wake bright and early the next morning, far earlier than you wanted to. But, after looking at your companion, who is especially grim this morning, you decide complaining about it wouldn't be very wise. You quickly strike camp, and Lahar covers all trace of your presence in the area. The pair of you set out into the forest depths once more. After a solid hour of walking through increasingly difficult terrain, tripping over logs, and navigating a seemingly endless maze of trees, the mountains appear no closer than before. The morning sun is brutal, and combined with the oppressive humidity, you end up spending more time stopping for water than actually walking. By the time midday finally rolls around, the temperature has skyrocketed past a hundred degrees, your underclothes and armor are both soaked, your limbs feel like overcooked spaghetti, and your throat is as parched as a wildflower in a desert. "Can't... Can't I just fly us up the mountain?" You gasp finally, too tired and too miserable to give a damn about offending your surly partner.
Lahar stops dead in his tracks and gives you a stern glare. Well, at least you assume it's stern. You can't really tell his facial expressions with that blasted helmet of his. "Sure, if you want to alert everyone in the universe with a grudge you're trying to get your memories back. Besides, you're a dragon. Shouldn't you be immune to the heat?"
"Well I'm clearly not immune," you snap. You're tired and irritable, and you definitely don't appreciate his sarcasm.
"I can see that," Lahar replies, an odd mix of concern, curiosity, and surprise lining his voice. "I wonder why."
You're about to tell him exactly where he can shove his curiosity, when he places a hand on your shoulder and guides you to a nearby tree, large enough to provide ample shade. "Here, drink."
He gives you his canteen, and you greedily drink. You manage to stop yourself before completely emptying it. "Sorry," you apologize, feeling a bit guilty, as you wipe the excess liquid from your lips.
"It's no concern," Lahar assures, and his voice softens. "You need it more than I. We'll rest here until evening, when the air cools. No use reaching the cave quickly if you can't even stand when we get there."
Cave...? What cave? "What do you mean?"
Lahar cops a squat next to you, and you're absolutely shocked when he casually removes his helmet. A full head of wild golden hair spills out. He looks to be in his late thirties, though you'd guess his true age is much older. A thick golden beard covers his chin, extending all the way up the sides of his cheeks, merging into thick golden sideburns. His eyes are nearly an exact match for his hair, only darker. Lahar notices you gawking and smiles warmly. "This isn't the first time you've seen me without my helmet," he assures, his voice deep and surprisingly youthful. "You just don't remember."
You nod and lean back, still a bit dazed. Just how close were you two...? You might not like the answer, and you'll find out eventually when you regain your memories. But still... "Lahar? Were you and I... I mean, were we..."
He arches a single golden eyebrow at you. "You mean were we lovers?"
You nod, blushing a bit, and to your shock, he bursts out laughing. "No, oh heavens no. We're good friends and comrades is all."
Something in your gut tells you there's more to it than that, but you don't press the issue. Instead, you opt to change the subject. "You mentioned a cave before... What did you mean?"
He looks off into the distance, but not before you see his golden eyes darken. "The Cave of Souls. An ominous name, I know. But it is a necessary shortcut to our destination."
You sigh. "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Can't I just fly us up there? Somehow I doubt I'll incur the wrath of all my mysterious enemies just by taking a leisurely fly... And I've transformed before. No dark shadowy figures attacked me then."
Lahar's once warm gaze hardens considerably, and you suddenly remember why you're afraid of this man. "Oh, is that so? I apologize my lady, I had absolutely no idea you've already transformed once... It simply MUST be safe then. Go ahead. If you want to fly us up there, I won't stop you."
You detect a note of challenge hidden in his blatant sarcasm, and your blood cools a bit. What does he know that you don't? Oh wait... That's everything. Still... Surely he wouldn't let you go if it was THAT dangerous. Right...?
What should you do?
A: Trust Lahar and head to the Cave of Souls.
B: Ignore his warning, and try to fly up the mountain. (Not an auto Death Flag, don't worry. May unlock ???)
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Post by SwordMasterEX on Apr 3, 2014 14:24:55 GMT -6
A because of those golden locks.
Also you should get used to typing two ?? instead of three because three makes a weird smiley face.
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Post by Neo on Apr 3, 2014 14:49:02 GMT -6
A because of those golden locks. Also you should get used to typing two ?? instead of three because three makes a weird smiley face. Ah, okay. Thanks for the info. |
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 3, 2014 14:50:33 GMT -6
A
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Post by Neo on Apr 3, 2014 22:55:47 GMT -6
Last call for votes. Will lock A in and update come morning if nothing changes.
Edit: oh, and because I know SM will kick himself for missing out... I'm only gonna say this: Choosing B will let you meet a character sooner than you would as Trail. You don't get to recruit her yet, but you do get to meet a certain Divine Dragon...
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Post by Neo on Apr 4, 2014 6:36:35 GMT -6
Whelp, I've given it time. A is now officially locked. Will update soon.
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Post by Neo on Apr 4, 2014 8:30:00 GMT -6
Looking back, you can't really say you're proud of your petty quarrelling. In hindsight, those moments of uncertainty, those moments without your memory, they were the easiest of your life. There were no strategy briefings, no impossible journeys, no fierce goddesses of old trying to destroy the cosmos... Looking back through the years, you would give almost anything to return to those simple times. Had you known then what awaited you, how everything Lahar told you was an understatement, you would have gladly accepted Gray's offer to stay in Elmsdale. As the old adage goes, hindsight is twenty twenty. At the time, you had the easiest job in the world. All you had to do was trust Lahar, a man you already trusted with your life, you just didn't remember it. But now, back in the present, exhausted and miserable, trusting someone you didn't know seemed like far too much work.
You lean back against the large tree, as a blessedly cool gust of wind caresses you cheek. "I'm getting some sleep," you tell Lahar flatly. "And then I'm flying us up."
Lahar says nothing, he merely nods.
You fall asleep quickly, and your nightmares return even faster. You're much younger in your dream, running along a familiar path in the mountains. Your feet are bare and you wear only a white dress, which billows in the strong wind. You're not alone. Someone else is at your side, running the mountain trails alongside you. He is a boy, with long dark hair, and golden eyes. You feel you should know him, but you can't quite remember...
"Hey, slowpoke! Hurry and catch up!" Your dream self chides playfully, and the boy laughs. His laugh is familiar, and yet alien.
"Why the rush, sis? I've beaten you in every race ever! Remember who you're talking to! I'm ----! I own this mountain!"
Even in your dream, the name is blocked, hidden from your mind. Why, oh why can't you remember? The dream abruptly shifts, and you're burning. You feel the fire lick at your skin, your clothes, your armor. You smell the rancid aroma of your own flesh burning. Smoke blinds you. You scream, but no sound comes. You plead for mercy, but none comes. And then the fire burns stronger, and at last, everything goes black, and you are embraced by both the coldest and warmest of arms. The sweet arms of death.
You wake screaming in the night, drenched in sweat. The sun has long since dipped below the horizon, and the temperature has dropped considerably. You still lean against the tree, though now a blanket is draped around your shoulders. You look around, frantic and wild eyed, only for a gentle arm to slip around your waist. You remember now... Lahar. You don't object, allowing him to pull you into a comforting embrace. "Shh," he breathes quietly against your hair. "It was only a dream. Go back to sleep."
You have a vague notion you should be somewhere, but the thought lingers just out of reach. You're too tired and too weary. You lean back against the chest of your only companion in the world, and soon you fall back into a deep slumber. This time, your dreams are blessedly absent. While you don't know it yet, but in that moment before your second sleep, your subconscious decides to trust Lahar. Unfortunately for him, your waking mind won't realize the same thing until late the next day.
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Post by Neo on Apr 4, 2014 15:19:15 GMT -6
The next day turns out much better, which you're eternally grateful for. You don't know if you could survive another day of blistering heat. The morning starts out pretty much the polar opposite of the day before. The weather is cold, but not freezing, and lazy rain clouds dot the horizon as far as the eye can see. It drizzles off and on as you trudge through the dense foliage, but it never outright pours. In fact, you rather enjoy the light rain. The thick forest canopy prevents the majority of the water from reaching you, but enough still does to keep you cool and pleasantly damp. By the time an hour has passed, you're in an infinitely better mood, though you still grumble from time to time about wanting to simply fly up. You can tell your griping and grumbling annoys your partner greatly, and eventually you stop, solely because you don't want your only friend in the world mad at you. Although, when you think about it, not that long ago you would have shut up out of fear. Now, when you look at your golden friend, you don't feel any fear at all. Huh. Wonder when that happened? Eventually, maybe about an hour before midday, you finally decide to simply trust Lahar, and you fall into step behind him, content to let him lead you wherever he wants. The trip is largely uneventful, and after a brief lunch by a small stream, both your mood and the mood of your partner has significantly improved. Enough for you to feel comfortable teasing him.
"So golden boy," you begin playfully, your eyes sparkling with mischief. "Care to tell me anything more about this cave you're taking me to?"
He gives you an odd look, or at least you think he does. His stupid helmet is back on again. "Not much to tell, really. It's a small cave system with an overly grandiose name. But it does make a nice shortcut, so thither we journey."
Uh-huh. Something tells you he's hiding something... "Oh. And here I thought there was some grand secret you weren't telling me..." You bat your eyelashes at him, though if he noticed, he doesn't show it
"Milady!" He gasps, his voice the perfect portrait of a wounded man. "Have I ever given you reason to think me dishonest?! I vow to you, all I have said thus far is true."
You raise an eyebrow. "Thus far? Planning to lie to me in the near future?"
He seems to ponder this for a long minute. "Well... Maybe. If necessary, then I suppose I must."
Offended, you playfully punch his arm. "Jerk!"
Lahar laughs, and you can't help but giggle yourself.
You're so absorbed by the journey, your partner, and the overall nice day, that you don't even notice the flying mountain suddenly heading straight for you. Thankfully, Lahar does. "Ratatosk!!! Get down!!!"
Before you can even comprehend what's happening, Lahar tackles you to the ground, as a massive wave of black fire soars over your head, obliterating an entire swath of forest behind you. You land on the wet grass with an oomph, Lahar's body protectively shielding yours. He managed to break his fall with his elbows, preventing himself from crushing you with his weight, to which you're very grateful for. You turn your head slightly, and when you look up, you gasp. An enormous black dragon larger than a small mountain soars back into the sky, before starting to circle back around for another attack.
"That's... Grimclaw!" Lahar growls in anger, and you turn your attention to the golden giant laying on top of you.
"You know that... Thing?"
Lahar nods grimly. "Aye, though I wish I didn't. That's... Aw damn. I suppose there's no use hiding names from you anymore, now that they've found us." He abruptly curses, a curse so foul it would make a sailor blush. "Damn! This is my fault! This is all due to my carelessness!"
"You were about to say...?" You prompt, now more curious than ever.
He rockets to his feet and helps you up, fiercely shaking his head. "Later! Now we have to flee!"
"B-but," you stammer, surprised. "Can't you best this thing? I mean..."
Again, Lahar shakes his head firmly. "One on one, probably. But I have you to protect, and no offense, but in your current state, you wouldn't last five seconds against him. And besides, wherever Grimclaw is, his master isn't that far behind."
Oh, you so don't like the sound of that... "His master?" You ask, gulping.
"Yes, one of the Nine. Let's pray we don't meet her."
The Nine...? What the hell is he talking about? Lahar notices your expression, and hurries to explain. "Suffice to say, the Nine are your chief enemies. You and I battled with one of the Nine before, high in the clouds."
You suddenly remember your nightmare from a couple nights ago, and your eyes widen. "You remember," Lahar states, audibly relieved. "That's good. That's a start."
The giant dragon rockets downward once more, unleashing another devastating torrent of flame. You and Lahar both drop once more, and the flames pass so close above your head your hair almost catches fire. In that terrifying moment, you remember only one thing: what it feels like to burn alive. You loose a bloodcurdling scream as the memory assails you. You clutch your head, pull your ears, anything to get it to stop. Lahar, Origin bless him, immediately notices something is very wrong, and he scoops you up into his arms like a ragdoll. He takes off into the forest at breakneck speed, whispering gentle encouragement to you, but you'd be lying if you said you heard him. It all sounded a million miles away. More memories assault you, more than you could possibly name. In those terrible minutes, you remember so much, it feels like your head is exploding. You remember the war, the fire, some events before the war... You even recall some names.
Now, to all you folks who aren't amnesiac dragons, let me just say this: have you ever wondered what remembering 500 plus years of info in a couple minutes would feel like? Well, let me tell you, it ain't pretty. In fact, it hurts like hell.
You scream and scream until your voice is hoarse, thrashing in the arms of your savior like a shark caught in a net, wishing it to go away. Finally, after what feels like years, your screams fade into soft whimpers, and you pass out from the shock and the pain. Years later, you could never seem to remember what Lahar said to you in those awful moments.
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Post by Neo on Apr 4, 2014 20:11:58 GMT -6
When you next wake, everything is blurry. It takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust, and even then your vision is dim. Wait... It's not your vision that's dim, it's your actual surroundings. You seem to be in a cave...
"Good, you're up."
You turn at the familiar voice, to see Lahar sitting next to you, merely an arm's length away. Instantly, relief overwhelms you and you smile. "Hey... How long was I out...?"
Lahar returns your smile, and you're inexplicably happy to see him without his helmet. "About three hours, no more. How are you feeling?"
You yawn and stretch, only now noticing the blanket draped over your lap. Strangely, you feel wonderful. You still retain the memories you remembered, but while still horrible, they're only a dull ache now. Almost like they happened eons ago, instead of just yesterday. And if that weren't amazing enough, you feel... Strong. Powerful. An incredible surge of energy rolls through your veins, and you feel unstoppable. "I know how crazy this will sound but... I... I feel incredible. Absolutely incredible. Is that... Odd?"
To your surprise, Lahar laughs, a wild, delighted laugh. Oookay... Now that's definitely odd. "It's not odd, my dear. Not at all. You've just recovered a good portion of your memories, and with them, your power. It's perfectly natural."
Good, that's good to know... You remember so much now, though there are still an awful lot of holes in your memories. But... You remember the Nine, you remember the Great War, you remember your family, you remember your older brother... You even remember some more recent memories, like taking the name Ratatosk, fighting for Midgard, your adventures with Lahar... But most importantly, you remember your true name. And that's probably where all your newfound power is coming from. You remember who you truly are. "So let me guess," you say suddenly, looking around at the cavern. "This is the Cave of Souls?"
Lahar nods, all business now. "You guessed it. It shouldn't be that long now, until we reach our destination. Thankfully, it appears as if Legretta and her pet have left for now, but we can't count on them staying away forever. We should make haste."
"Oh alright," you agree, feigning reluctance, as you rise to your feet. You look around at the damp and dark cave. Glowing green moss hangs from the stalagmite encrusted ceiling, bathing the cavern in an otherworldly glow. The room you're in now is quite large, and you notice several branching tunnels heading in all directions. A small fresh water stream flows down the center of the cavern, separating your half from another section of the same room, complete with even more tunnels. "I hope you know which way to go," you say dubiously. "Because I am completely lost."
Lahar snorts, as if he's irked by your question, and he rises to his feet, snatching up his helmet as he does so. "Humph. Of course I know where to go. I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't."
You bite back an apology as he straps his helmet back on. Lahar briskly strides to the nearest tunnel, and not even hesitating, he waltzes inside. You hurry to catch up to him.
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Post by Neo on Apr 4, 2014 20:27:33 GMT -6
Status Update!
Ratatosk Lv 15 Divine Manakete
HP:58
Str:28+10
Mag:33+12
Skill:30+9
Spd:30+9
Luck:27
Def:29+14
Res:35+17
Avoid 77 ATK 60
Skills: Even Rhythm, Kaleidoscope, Judgement, Galeforce
Items: Divine Stone(-/-), Hoplon Guard, Wyrm Crest, Seraph Robe, Vulnerary(3/3)
Special Armor: Memorial Pendant
Yay, she's not so weak anymore!
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Post by Neo on Apr 5, 2014 14:36:05 GMT -6
Eh, sorry guys. I'm experiencing a rare bout of writer's block. I know exactly where the story is going, but I'm having trouble putting the next couple of scenes into words. Don't worry, I'll be over it soon.
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Ratatosk isn't her real name. It's an alias she created. All will become clear... In Chapter 17. Though I suspect most of my longtime readers have already figured it out.
