A Prophecy’s Path

by Brian Le

Prologue: The Destined

            The world of Titax; a world full of magic, technology, and joy. It was the year 1244 AW, 1244 years after the second Global War’s end. Long before that, the six continents of the world had fought off an ancient race in a great war. No one quite knew what had occured. A strange seal had been placed on the Exiles, trapping them in time. Rumor came about that it was the doing of eight mighty artifacts, forged by the most powerful beings. A prophecy came to existence: if the Exiles escaped, mighty warriors, the Destined, would appear to fight them off. This was crafted into a story for children. The Destined would appear to stop the Exiles once more, if they ever escaped their seal.

            It had been 1244 years since then. An evil proclaiming himself as Emperor Konaia, or Adori Konaia, appeared to threaten the many races of Titax. He conquered the continent of Epocya, and proclaimed himself king of the Dark Continent. He made it clear that he wanted to free the Exiles from their dark slumber. Many believed The Destined would appear. They never did. A first resistance in Anti’ila led by Tomi Agretio ended in disaster, having been undone by the traitor Erynne Lena. Armies and nations fell against Adori Konaia’s superior forces, wielding magical and technological prowess, including Pronyas, the nation where the Grand Council was held. Two hundred and eleven years passed, and all the nations focused on their own self-defense. The Destined had still not appeared.

Part I: Chapter 1: A Warrior’s Rage: 1455 AB

            Another warrior fell to the floor, slashed in half. The battle continued. The armies waged an epic battle. The army of Reusin struggled valiantly against the army of Epocya. Ryo Jiahid battled with great prowess. A Human of stature, he was one of the few remaining paladins of Reusin, able to invoke a few different energies of magic.

            A knight to Ryo’s left fell. Ryo backed up against another warrior. Dark knights quickly surrounded the two. Ryo grimaced. “We’re in trouble.” The other agreed. “Out of the fire and into the frying pan, right?” Ryo nodded, and struck at an opposing figure. It deflected his attack. Ryo heard a thump behind him, his comrade slain.

            Ryo looked around him, hesitant to make a motion. He saw the many bodies on the floor, and let the fury flow through him. “Come on, attack me, you heartless fiends!” Ryo called upon the angry fire magic within him, and summoned forth a blazing fire, incinerating those around him. Other aggressors attacked him. Ryo let his rage guide him, deflecting the many motions, and striking back with fiery fireballs.

            He quickly struck down those around him. He turned around, only to see the countryside burning. The dark knights had set the fields on fire, and the cities ablaze. Ryo’s eyes filled with the fire of rage. “You dirty cowards! I’ll kill you for murdering those innocent victims!” Ryo charged into the city.

            The last of Konaia’s army retreated, leaving the rural city to weather away into ashes. The Reusin army had been decimated. The few survivors of the battle gathered together at the town center.

            Ryo glanced quickly at the survivors. There were not many. He searched among them for his sister, Kia Jiahid. He began to ask around. “Have you seen Kia?” “Do you know where Kia is?” “Have you seen the girl in this picture?” Everyone responded with the same resounding answer: No. Ryo’s emotional wall began to crumble, as more and more hope was lost. He went to his destroyed home, searching there. No bodies, no corpses, not even the faintest trace of his sister. He wandered to the library of town, his sister’s favorite place. No hope there, either.

            He walked back to the town center, and saw a man embracing a woman. A thought of inspiration came to mind, and he raced to Kia’s boyfriend’s house. He found her there, tending to Masaku Quani. “Kia! Masaku! You guys are OK!” Kia shook her head. “You’re wrong. We’re not OK. Masaku’s dying. Our houses are gone. The town’s destroyed. How can you say we’re OK!?” Ryo slapped her. “Because we’re alive, Kia! There has to be a reason for that.”

            Kia looked down. “We might as well be dead. Everyone else is.” Ryo placed his hand upon her shoulder. “We survived. There’s a reason for that. We just have to find it, and work towards it. Do you understand me?” Kia nodded, turning back to Masaku. “Yeah...I guess...” Ryo looked away.

            Kia screamed. “Masaku!” Ryo snapped back, and Masaku’s face was quickly losing color. Ryo checked his pulse; it was fading fast. “Hang on Masaku! We’ll find a healer!” Ryo stood up to go, but Masaku grabbed his leg. “No, they are...tending others...you won’t make...it...back...on time any...way...” Tears rolled down Kia’s soft cheeks. “No, Masaku!” Masaku’s eyes closed. “Goodbye, Ryo and Kia...” His body became limp, his face devoid of color, his body empty of heat. Kia embraced Ryo, crying into his shoulder. “Masaku...”

            Ryo patted her back, and looked to the sky. Black smoke filled it; other towns were being razed to the ground. Anger filled Ryo’s heart. “One day, you’ll pay Konaia...”

Part I: Chapter 2: An Alchemist’s Retreat

            “This is the one!” A Zeyan alchemist and his Human assistant watched as the potion bubbled to a fiery red. The alchemist picked it up and tossed it at the wall. The potion combusted, destroying itself and the wall. A neighbor sat at a desk, shocked, staring through the new doorway.

            “It worked!” Pieter Rynalsu and his assistant, Kiera Wing, celebrated the success of their potion. Pieter raised a glass of wine to the air. “This breakthrough will make us enough money to return to Paska successful!” Kiera sweetly smiled. “All we need now is to bring it to the council.” Pieter grinned. “Yeah. Let’s go!”

            Kiera and Pieter packed the potion ingredients, preparing a sample along the way. They left their apartment building, and walked to the council building, where all the politicians met.

            “May I present to you, the great Council of Onycia, a weapon so powerful, it will help us fend off Konaia. Allow my assistant Kiera to demonstrate.” Kiera quietly prepared the potion. Gunpowder and asphault made the base the potion. Water moistened the mixture, and a fiery herb, Pias, was added to the already unstable compound.

            Kiera held up the vial. “This potion is unstable, however, it will not explode very easily. We have prepared glass cylinders, which, on impact, will shatter. The glass shards are precharged with fire magic, which will cause the compound to combust, creating an explosion. Are there any questions so far?”

            A councilwoman broke out. “Yes. I have a question. How is your Zeyan weapon any different from the standard grenade?” Several councilpersons spoke amongst themselves. Pieter elaborated. “Our weapon...er...it can be more easily improvised, and it can not be thrown back, like a grenade.” A councilman shook his head. “That’s nonsense. What if it doesn’t shatter on impact? Or worse, what if it shatters while the person throwing it grips it? Your invention is preposterous, and should be tossed away as a dangerous weapon.” The council nodded in agreement.

            One of the three council elders slammed his mallet. “Let us resolve this now. All those for this argument, raise your hands.” Pieter looked around, hopeful. No hands went up. “All against?” The entire room went up. “Mr Rynalsu, your invention has been deemed worthless. Please leave the building immediately.” The first councilwoman broke out. “Go back to the ocean, you Zeyan scum!” The council elder reprimanded her. “Be silent Councilwoman Ira!” Pieter and Kiera walked away in silence.

            Outside, Kiera looked to Pieter. “Don’t worry, our next invention will do it!” Pieter shook his head. “No, that’s it. I’ve created a million things, and how many have actually been useful? None.” Kiera tried to console him. “Come on Pieter, we have to keep hope!” Pieter shook his head. “What hope? I’d rather the Dark Army swarm through here and kill me.” Silence filled the air.

            A huge explosion pierced the silence. The council building has just exploded into flames. Kiera pointed to the top. “A winged beast...bloodred stripes...The Dark Army! They’re here!” The sky suddenly swarmed with thousands of these winged beasts, destroying everything and slaughtering everyone in sight. Dark warriors stormed the city. Pieter grabbed Kiera’s arm. “We need to get back to the apartment! That’s where all our weapons are!” Kiera nodded.

            They ran back to find a warrior in front of the building. Pieter locked eyes with him. “Get out of our way.” The warrior drew his sword, and charged Pieter. Kiera threw the explosive vial, incinerating the warrior into dust. “Hurry, let’s go!”

            Pieter quickly gathered together his best potions. Kiera gathered supplies into two backpacks for them to carry. “We need to get out of this city! Here!” Kiera tossed a pack to Pieter, who quickly garnered it. “Kiera, grab some potions, and take this pistol.” Kiera nodded. “Let’s go, Pieter!”

            The two ran down the stairs. Warriors were storming the streets, killing everyone in sight. Their neighbors lie on the street, blood sprawling over the pavement. Pieter grabbed Kiera’s arm once more. “Don’t look; run.” They ran along the street, avoiding as many warriors as possible. They reached the edge of the city, and were stopped by a man on a winged beast.

            “Heh, trying to run? Oh, a Zeyan! Why are you not with the forces of Adori Konaia?” Pieter spat at him. “Because he razed my city and destroyed my country.” The black warrior laughed. “You must be from that useless Zeyan country Erela.” Pieter’s face lit up with anger. “How dare you call Erela. uesless? I’ll kill you. This is for my hometown Paska!” The warrior laughed. “Fools! You think you can kill me?” Kiera smiled. “You bet.” Pieter threw a vial of expanding water at him, flooding his armor. Kiera shot at the winged beast. It howled in pain, falling to the floor. Pieter grabbed three of the new explosive vials, and threw them, scattering them along the warrior’s body. They exploded. Crimson red blood flowed to the floor, creeping out slowly yet menacingly. Kiera threw up, but Pieter merely looked away. “Come on Kiera, let’s go.” Kiera’s face grew bitter. “Pronyas, Erela, now Onycia. When will this monster stop?” Pieter looked up at the sky. “He won’t stop until someone makes him stop. Come on, let’s go.”

            Pieter and Kiera fled the city of Irinia, capital of Onycia. Yet another nation had fallen to Adori Konaia’s grasp.

Part I: Chapter 3: The Angian Savior: 1457 AB

            Rumors of a mysterious Angian spread throughout Zeran. A strange yet wonderful Angian wandered the land, searching for a task, a quest, anything. An Angian bard flew throughout the land, soothing peoples’ souls. An Angian travelled throughout the land, battling off evil with his magical flute. An Angian had appeared to destroy the corrupt king Scio VI. An Angian bard came to sooth Scio VI’s soul, and end the tormenting of the nation. These rumors had no effect on Yujia Nizl.

            A melodic tune ran through the port city of Rukar, on the north western edge of Zeran. At the center: Yujia Nizl. He wandered the city, spreading his joyous melodies, speaking of freedom. “Come, my brothers and sisters. Listen to my tune, and feel the joy of freedom!” He placed his magical emerald inlaid flute to his mouth, and soothed the souls of those around him. A little Pratzian girl walked up to him.

            “Mister, what is freedom?” Yujia smiled. “Freedom is the ability to do what you want. To not be controlled, to soar wherever you want. That, is freedom.” The little girl looked up at his turquoise eyes. “Mister, how come we don’t have freedom?” Yujia’s face darkened. The girl sensed tension. “Young lady, it takes time to attain freedom and liberty in any place, Zeran not withstanding. The only way to gain freedom is to take action, usually rebellion.” Those around him gasped. An old Pratzian woman stepped forward, gesticulating with her walking cane.

            “You speak blasphemy! Leave our city before you us into trouble!” Another man spoke up. “This isn’t blasphemy! They’re words of truth!” The lady smacked him. “You’re blasphemous. When the military police show up, I’m sure they’ll take you away!” Yujia frowned. “Be calm. Be silent.” His words had an almost magical effect. “I will leave.” He stood up.

            Short Pratzian soldiers donning military garb appeared. “Stop! By the order of his majesty Scio VI, we place you under arrest!” Yujia spread his wings. “You will have to catch me first, you fools.” He flew up, above the crowd. “Fight for freedom! That’s the only way!” The soldiers brought up their rifles, and fired. Yujia began to play his melodic flute once more, creating a tranquil shield around him. The bullets bounced off, harmlessly falling to the ground. The man shouted at him. “We will heed your words, savior from afar!”

            He soared to the castle city of Zeranos, capital of Zeran. He entered a tavern, and ordered himself a drink. “Freedom. This country lacks freedom. Someone must do something...” At that moment, one Pratzian of each sex entered the room. One had red hair. All the Pratzians in the room gasped. The Pratzians with red hair could use an ancient form of powerful magic, and for that reason, were shunned.

            They began to speak with two Humans, one male, and one female. Their words began to become louder. The Human lady approached him.

            “Hey. You. What do you think about the king?” Yujia stared at her. “Why wuld you like to know?” The Human grinned. “I just wanna know the public opinion, that’s all.” He smiled. He noticed the other patrons turn to watch. "I believe he's an arrogant, corrupt man. But is my opinion valid? I am just a wanderer.”

            The girl took a seat. “Listen, you can make a difference. I'm part of a resistance force, the um, United Rebellion. How would you like to join us?” Yujia shut his eyes. “Maybe. This country needs freedom, so I accept.” The other Pratzians jumped up. “We wanna join too! Scio can’t rule us like this! We’ll fight!”

            The woman’s face lit up with a malicious tint. "Perfect! Our leader's in the corner! Proul Settia, standing next to Linna Torro!" The Pratzians turned and gasped. "He...has...red hair..." The man named Proul bowed his head and turned. "Come on, let's go. They can't see past appearances." A Pratzian ran up to him. "Wait! Sorry. I was just surprised! Of course I'll join the resistance, just like the rest of us!" He turned and motioned to the others. "Right!" "Yeah!" "He's going down!" "Let's do this!"

            Yujia grinned. This country would attain freedom at last.

Part I: Chapter 4: Wakana’s Tears

                        “Wakana Anjeluta! Wake up and pay attention!” Wakana snapped awake. “Huh?” She rubbed her eyes. “Where am I?” The girls around her chuckled. “Young lady! You are in class. I won’t accept any more sleeping in my World History class!” Wakana shook her head, and looked up to find her teacher, Mrs. Nedloh, in front of her desk. “Um...yes ma’am.” She looked at her notebook. It was sprawled with the name Mierda, her boyfriend.

            “Wakana! Pay attention!” Wakana snapped up once more. “Yes ma’am.” The teacher turned back to the board. “Now, just about 200 years ago, Adori Konaia rose up to...” Wakana slipped out of reality once more, falling into the dream world of a fifteen year old adolescent. She smiled as she browsed the name Mierda. He was meeting her tonight to tell her something. “Wakana! This is the last time! Pay attention!”

            Wakana sat down on a bench at Crystal Lake, the principal beauty of Riev, a major city in Palotas. She glanced around. At night, Crystal Lake was the greatest place for a romantic evening. Many couples were strolling around, having a picnic, sharing glasses of wine. “Mierda, I can’t wait to see what you have planned for me!”

            Mierda approached her, holding a bouquet of blue flowers and a picnic basket. Wakana sprang up. “Mierda! Let’s go!” Mierda smiled. “OK.” Wakana grinned. She hooked her arm with his, and they strolled down Crystal Lake.

            They sat down for dinner on a patch of grass overlooking a cliff of Crystal Lake’s elegant fountains. Mierda pulled out sandwiches, and a bottle of white wine. He poured them each a glass of wine. “Wakana, you are one of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Let’s toast, to us!” Wakana raised her glass. “To us!”

            After finishing dinner, Mierda pulled dessert, a red cake, out of the basket. “There’s something I have to tell you.” Wakana tilted her head. “What is it?” Mierda’s face became solemn. “Wakana...You’ve been the best, and that’s what I like about you...but...” Wakana’s face filled with tension and anticipation. “Mierda...what are you saying?” Mierda looked into her crimson eyes and pulled out an envelope. “It’s all in this letter. I...Wakana...look out!” Wakana raised an eyebrow. “Huh?” Mierda dived and pushed Wakana into the lake.

            She swam up to find dozens of black winged beasts with riders beaing black armor darkened the sky. Mierda laid on the floor, unmoving. “Mierda!” One of the winged beasts dived towards her. She dived into the water and screamed. “AH!!!” Underwater, noise and destruction reached her ears. The water amplified the terrible explosions, filling her mind with a single instinct: run.

            She quickly realized something very important: she was in the water. Running was not an option. Throughout the night, Wakana stayed underwater, coming up every minute to breathe. When the explosions ceased to exist, she swam back up to shore. “Mierda? Mierda? Where are you!?” She spotted his picnic basket, and ran to it. “Mierda!” She found his body under a tree. She pulled it from under the tree. His body had been flattened, his eyes stared up in shock. She became noxious. She bowed her head for a moment, and remembered the envelope. She closed his eyes, then pried it away from his blackened hands, and opened it. She read:

            Dear Wakana,

            If you’re reading this right now, then I’ve done what I’ve been dreading for the past week. There’s something I have to tell you, and I couldn’t bear tell it to your face. By now, I have broken up with you.

            Wakana stopped reading. Her face filled with anger. “Mierda...how could you!?” She kicked his corpse, and it dropped into Crystal Lake. She broke down into tears. “Mierda...why!?” She wiped her eyes, and read on:

            Our relationship just isn’t going the way I want it to. I can’t stay with you any longer. It took me a long time to make this decision. I’ve realized that marriage isn’t where I want to go. If I don’t want marriage, I figure our relationship will go nowhere, and it’s unfair to leave you here. I have decided to enlist in the army. Perhaps the army of Palotas can make use of my mechanical skills. Goodbye Wakana. If I never see you again, remember this: whoever marries you will be the luckiest man on Titania.

            Wakana felt tears come to her eyes once more. “Mierda...” She dived into the lake to retrieve his body. She tried her best, but it would not budge from the ocean floor. She swam to the shore, and found some wooden debris. She stuck three pieces into the floor, creating a triangle point. She took another piece of wood and carved: R.I.P. Mierda Torroh.

            She walked back into the destroyed city, headed for her house. “Miorai! Pereille! Loyona! Itin! Royt! Puin!” She shouted the names of her friends and relatives as she wandered the city, in the hopes of finding someone to console her. She arrived at home, scorched and razed. She had found no survivors in her path. “I’ll search the rest of the city later...” She sat down to reflect. “Adori Konaia...you’ll pay...”

Part I: Chapter 5: An Angel’s Guardian: 1458 AB

            Ryo bowed his head. “I am here to answer the Council of Palidina’s summons.” Seated around Ryo in a spherical room were nine elders. The chief elder stood up. “My fellow Paladin Ryo Jiahid, the council has summoned you here to offer you a special task.” The elder sat back down, as another Angian elder rose. “Paladin Jiahid, you are to travel to Opania. You will lead a small faction of the Palidina army. Your objective: stall Adori Konaia’s army until reinforcements can relieve you.” Ryo nodded. “I accept the council’s mission. When do I leave?” The chief elder folded his arms. “Immediately.”

            “Hey! Wait for me!” Iyina tried to catch the evacuation van, failing miserably. The transport drove off, leaving Iyina behind in the doomed city. “But...but...” Iyina turned around, walking back into the abandoned town of Mistaus. Rain began to fall. Days before, the Opanian army battled with the Dark Army. The Opanian army, miniscule in comparison, failed, leaving the Dark Army to march to the capital of Opania, Rilo. Mistaus was in their path.

            Iyina walked back to her house, through the ghastly ghost town. “Why’d they leave me? I’m confused. I didn’t do anything wrong. It was the Dark Army, right? Blah...” She stared into a puddle, and saw her reflection. An eighteen Human with sky blue eyes amd blonde hair stared back. Why did they leave her? Just because she was late to the evacuation time... She quickly realized that was the reason. She hugged her stuffed bear close to her. “Choco...we’re all alone...” The rainfall became louder. More water dropped every second. Iyina could not tell if it was natural, or her tears, joining the parade of water.

            “This can’t be happening... It’s unfair...” The rain suddenly became sporadic. Iyina stared up into the cloudy sky and saw the distinct silhouettes of black beasts. Warriors ran through the city, looting, plunging, razing, murdering. One saw her, and approached her softly. He whistled. “Come here.” Iyina shook her head. He grinned. He walked towards her, and grabbed her in his arms “Hehehe...” She screamed. “AH! Hey! AH!”

            The warrior suddenly dropped her, and she hit the hard cement. “Ow... That hurt...” She looked behind her and saw a paladin in bright white armor. He walked closer. “Let her go.” The dark warrior shook his head. “You clearly don’t know who I’m with. You don’t wanna mess with me.” The paladin nodded. “I know who you’re with. You’re with the Dark Army. The Dark Army destroyed my hometown, and you’re going to be the first one to pay for that crime. Time to die.” The paladin charged the warrior, and chopped him in half.

            The paladin held out his hand to Iyina . “Are you OK?” Iyina smiled and grabbed his hand. “Yeah, thanks to you! I’m Iyina Sou. Pleased to meet you!” The paladin pulled Iyina up, then removed his helmet. “I am Ryo Jiahid, paladin of Palidina.”

            Ryo took the girl to the camp of his faction. Who was this girl? Why was her smile reminiscent of an angel’s? Why was she still in an abandoned city? Iyina’s rambling conversations led to Ryo’s past as they traveled to the camp. “So where are you from?”

            “I’m from Palidina.” Iyina frowned. “No, where are you from from? Your destroyed hometown?” “I’m from a small rural area in Reusin.” Iyina frowned more. “Isn’t Reusin that country that Adori Konaia took?” Ryo nodded. “Yes...I lost many of my friends in that battle...The Dark Army burned it to the ground...” Iyina ’s face became sad. “Oh yeah, you said that earlier... Sorry I brought it up...Blah...” Ryo shook his head. “It’s OK. Any more questions?” “How’d you get to Palidina from Reusin?” Ryo smiled. “That’s an easy one. My sister Kia and I walked with a lot of survivors to Palidina. It’s been two years since then. I was a paladin of Reusin, and now I’m a paladin of Palidina.” Iyina smiled. “Aren’t paladins supposed to be guardians?” Ryo nodded, and Iyina pushed on. “Will you be my guardian, Ryo?” Ryo’s face filled with bliss, but he suppressed it. “That’s why I’m here.”

Part I: Chapter 6: The Angian’s Trail: 1459 AB

            “Farewell, my friends! I shall miss you all, and return one day!” Yujia stood at the highest cliff outside Zeranos. His friends of the past two years were with him. The rebellion had succeededm and Proul Riada triumphed as the rightful king. “Goodbye my friends! Natyla, Vincynt, Proul, Linata, little Dezyth, I hope to see you soon!” Dezyth ran up to Yujia. “Come back soon, uncle Yujia! I’m turning five years old next month!” Yujia patted her head, and took off.

            He flew back to Rukar, port city of Zeran, spreading joyous melodies throughout the area. “Freedom at last!” Yujia soared through the sky, riding the winds to the end of the land. He flew across the ocean, landing on occasional sea vessels to catch his breath. He journeyed where the wind blew him; it blew north, to the continent of Sicra. Yujia landed at the southern end, a large port city, as of yet unattacked by Adori Konaia’s forces.

            He questioned a passerby for information. “Excuse me, where am I?” The Pratzian lady looked at him quizzically. “Raynas.” “What country?” “Quintobel.” “Which continent is Quintobel on?” The lady stared at him, puzzled at his seemingly ignorant questions. “You are on the continent of Sicra. I suggest you visit a hospital... You don’t seem to be... er... well...” Yujia smiled. “Thank you for the information.”

            Yujia searched for a tavern. He yearned to spread his minstrel songs. He strolled past a jewelry store, and stopped to notice the people inside. Many couples were shopping together, pointing at everything. One couple caught his eye: a teenage girl and a teenage boy, both Human. They seemed very happy. The girl was in the boy’s arms, beaming happily. Yujia simply smiled, and walked onward.

            “I want that, Keifu!” Keifu smiled. “Excuse me, sir?” The counter clerk turned towards him. “Yes?” Keifu put his arm around Wakana. “I’d like to buy that ruby ring for my lovely Wakana.” She blushed. The clerk reached for the ring, and placed it on the counter. “This isn’t just any ring, child. This is a ruby ring of fire. It’s brilliance isn’t its only great qualities.” Keifu nodded. “How much?” “1,600 Quints.”

            Keifu’s face dampened. “That’s expensive.” The clerk reached for the ring. “It is a magical ring. I assume you are not purchasing it, then?” Keifu shook his head. “No, whatever my angel wants, she gets. Hang on.” Keifu reached for his wallet, and pulled out many paper Quints, in varying forms of quantity adding up to 1,600. “Here you go.” The clerk handed over the ring. “Enjoy.” He walked over to another customer.

            Keifu turned around to Wakana, and grinned. “Here Wakana, the ring you wanted.” Wakana smiled happily. “Thanks, Keifu!” Keifu grinned, and placed the ruby ring on her left hand’s ring finger. He grasped her hand between his arms. She gasped. “Keifu...are you...proposing to me?” Keifu nodded. “Will you, Wakana Anjeluta, take my hand in marriage?” Wakana started to jump up and down. “Of course I will, Keifu Zein!” Keifu kissed her. “This is gonna be great, Wakana!” Wakana nodded. “Yeah! But... We’re going to have to put off the wedding until after I turn 18. And we need to plan the wedding. And hire people. Why are we still here? We have work to do!”

            Keifu grabbed her in his arms. “Don’t worry; everything will be fine.” Wakana looked up at his face. “Promise?” Keifu smirked. “Yeah.” Wakana caught an Angian looking in the window at them. She caught his eye, but he moved on.

            They trotted happily away from the store. Wakana jumped on his back. “This is gonna be awesome!” Keifu suddenly dropped Wakana. “Did you hear that?” She rubbed her bottom, and got up. “Hear what?” They listened intently. A sudden large explosion reached their ears. Keifu grabbed Wakana’s arm. “We need to get to a shelter! Those are explosions!” Wakana’s eyes widened. “No...not again...”

            Keifu pulled at Wakana. “Come on, let’s go! Wakana! Snap out of it! Argh...fine!” Keifu grabbed Wakana, jolting her from a state of shock. “Keifu...we’ll be fine...right?” Keifu gritted his teeth. “We can only hope.” He ran with Wakana in his arms towards the port. They ran to the entrance to the underground bunker. Keifu set Wakana down and knocked. “Let us in! Come on, open up!” A voice came through the door. “Sorry kids! We’re filled to capacity, and the bunker’s on total lockdown. Find another shelter before the Army of Epocya gets here!”

            Wakana’s eyes widened again. “No...not the Dark Army...Adori Konaia...Mierda...” Tears began to roll down her face, in memory of Mierda. Keifu slammed the door. “Damn you!” Wakana collapsed. “The Dark Army... Riev... Crystal Lake... Mierda...” Keifu picked Wakana up again. “This is no time for recurring memories! Come on!” He ran with her in search of another shelter.

            They ran down an empty street, and found Adori Konaia’s black warriors storming down the streets. Keifu quickly ran into an alleyway. They hid behind a dumpster. Wakana grabbed Keifu’s face and delivered a long kiss. Keifu grinned. “What was that for?” Wakana shook her head. “Nothing. Just, promise me you won’t do anything heroic, like sacrifice yourself to save me, kay?” Keifu shook his head. “Sorry angel, I can’t make that promise.” Wakana shook his shoulders. “Please, Keifu!” Keifu shut his eyes, then nodded. “OK, Wakana. I promise.”

Part I: Chapter 7: A Survivor’s Defiance

            Yujia protected the children from bombardment, shielding them with a magical serenade. He motioned for them to get into the shelter. Black beasts continued to shower the city with blasts of destruction The woman inside yelled to him. “You need to get in the shelter, too!” Yujia shook his head, continuing his protective melody. The woman nodded. “Thank you for protecing us, mysterious angel.” The children all yelled together. “Thank you!”

            Yujia’s heart filled with joy as the shelter locked itself down. He ended his melody, and flew into the sky, still filled with the mysterious winged monsters belonging to Adori Konaia. “You monsters. Perish, now!” He began a vivid, frantic tune, one befitting of a race for death. The winged beasts turned for him, commanded by their riders. Yujia’s eyes sharpened, and he ended the tune, launching a fireball across the sky. A winged beast fell to the city, burnt to a crisp.

            The other beasts raced towards Yujia. “Great.” He gulped, and flew out of sight. He dropped down to an empty pavilion. He looked around. “No one’s here...” Sporadically, dozens of black warriors began to storm down the street. “Not good...”

            Yujia gulped. He knew he could not fight off all of them. He looked up. He couldn’t run, either; those beasts and their riders would scorch him. He grasped his flute, feeling an imminent death. He prepared to fight off as many of these warriors as he could, knowing he would not last to defeat one. Their rifles and fireballs would get to him first.

            He glanced around, looking at each and every opponent, engraving their images in his mind. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted an alleyway. He sprinted for the alleyway. The soldiers opened fire. He narrowly avoided the killer bullets. He ran past a dumpster, finding, to his surprise, the couple from the jewelry store.

            Keifu stared at the Angian, wondering who he was. Wakana pointed her finger. “You’re the Angian who stared at us in the jewelry store!” The Angian nodded. “Now is not the time for this. We must run; the Dark Army’s soldiers will chase me through here soon.” Keifu jumped up alarmed. “Then why are we still here!? Come on, Wakana!”

            The three of them ran through the alleyway into another street, only to find black soldiers on either side. Wakana pointed out another alleyway, and they sprinted through it. They ran into another empty street, only to find more aggressors on either side. There was only one alleyway, a small one. Keifu directed them into it. “Coem on, let’s go!”

            It was a dead end. Wakana turned around, and screamed. “They’re chasing us!”

            Keifu bit his lip. Thoughts raced through his head. Was this how his life was going to end? Would he live to see his wedding with Wakana? Would Wakana even survive?

            The apparent leader smirked. “Which of you wanna die first? The girl, perhaps?” Keifu pushed Wakana back with his arm. “Don’t touch her!” The warrior’s face filled with glee. “What is this? A romance? A couple, perhaps. Get out of the way. The girl dies first!” The warriors armed their weapons, and aimed for Wakana. Her eyes widened in terror. They fired, and Keifu pushed her out of the way. Wakana screamed

            He heard the bullets pierce through his body. He heard more bullets cut through the air. He heard Wakana’s ghastly screams. He saw the bullets coming. He saw a bright light. He saw his life flash before his eyes. Was this how people felt when they died? Was he dead? A soft serenade reached his ears. Was this the music of death? But if he were dead, why could he still feel the floor under his body? Why could he still hear Wakana’s screams alongside the serenade?

            Keifu realized his eyes had instinctively closed. He opened them. A strange glowing light was protecting the three from the assault. “So I’m not dead.”

            Wakana stared at the dark warriors. It was amazing. Such a simple song could protect them from the onslaught of the Dark Army. The stranger had saved Keifu from death, who had almost sacrificed himself to save her, just as Mierda had done. She looked down at Keifu. His body was limp. “No...” Then his eyes opened. “So I’m not dead.” Wakana slapped him. “You promised me you wouldn’t do anything like that!” Keifu rubbed his cheek. “Ouch...”

            The Angian continued to play his song. Wakana looked at his face; sweat began to drip. It would only be a matter of time until he could no longer hold up the force field. “Keifu, what are we gonna do?” Keifu shook his head. “I dunno. What can we do?” Wakana looked down at the floor. “Not much...”

            A glimmer of light caught her eye; it was coming from her ring finger on her left hand. The ruby ring was shining a deep red. She suddenly remembered the words of the merchant: a ruby ring of fire. She jumped up. “Keifu! The ring you gave me; its a ring of fire!” Keifu’s face lit up. “Yeah!” Wakana nodded her head. “Maybe it can help us...but how do we use it?” Keifu’s face became gloomy.

            Wakana thought abouit it for a second. The Angian suddenly got down on one knee; he was weakening. “No...” Wakana’s thoughts began to cloud her mind. They couldn’t die now. “Keifu...” The ring began to glow brighter. The thought of Keifu brought her feelings to mind. Wakana brought up her arms, and tried to focus the energy of the magic, as she had seen others do. A twinkle here, a glimmer there, but nothing solid.

            The shield broke, and the strange Angian collapsed onto the floor. “I am...sorry...” The soldiers began to rush through. Keifu pushed her back. “Wakana, stay behind me!” She shoved Keifu to the ground. “No! I won’t sit here and do nothing!”

            A great fire erupted from her hands. The dark warriors backed away, and pulled out their guns. Wakana grinned. “You’re not killing us that easily!” Her emotions sparked the fire, burning up the warriors. She began to pant heavily, then collapsed onto the floor with Keifu and the Angian.

Part I: Chapter 8: A Mythin’s Journey

            Niko Li'anak'paq un Akal leaped among the trees, toning his abilities for battle. “One day.” He climbed up an enormous tree. “I will.” He grasped a ledge on the tree. “Become.” He pulled himself up. “A great.” He climbed further. “Sustainer.” He leaped onto a giant branch. “Of En’Orta.” He jumped to a higher branch. “Just as.” He soared to an even higher branch. “My father.” He leaped to the top of the tree. “Once was.”

            The silver eyed, golden haired adolescent Mythin crouched atop the giant tree, watching the surrounding forest. “I’m finally seventeen!” Even now, seventeen years into his life, Niko was still amazed by the forests. Niko leaped onto the branches, and slid down, leaping to and fro from different branches, gliding with the wind as he went. “Yeah!” He landed on the forest floor, exhilarated.

            Niko of the Mythin zodiac Li, son of Anak, his mother, and son of Paq, his father, of the tribe Akal was poised as he walked back to his village. “Today, I leave Orta’ai, to become the best fighter in the world!”

            He arrived at Orta’Ai, his village, at the break of dawn. The yellow sun rose above the horizon, blessing his arrival. The village seemed tranquil. No one was awake yet, besides Niko. Niko carefully snuck back to his family’s large hut. He entered the room to hear, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKO!”

            Niko was shocked. The whole village had crammed into his home. His sister Anria ran up and hugged him. “Happy birthday, Niko!” Niko vigorously lifted her up onto his shoulders. “Thanks!” Niko joined in the festivities.

            The next day, Niko prepared to begin his nyiojil, the long quest to become a Sustainer, to acquire the magic of the Mythin deities: Li So’rota of the spring, Ta Ki’naye of the winter, Re Pan’at of the summer, and Su Ria’kha of the winter. Niko was of the Li zodiac, born in the spring, and thus his nyiojil would bring him the abilites of Li So’rota’s control of the wind. At the crack of dawn, Niko and Anria paid their daily respects to the deity of the sun, No Wri’ma, at the village altar. They also paid their respects to the deity of the moon, Ky Wri’ma.

            Niko and Anria stepped outside of the temple. Niko looked to the sky. “Anria, I’m leaving soon, as soon as the sun fully rises. I’ll miss you Anria.” Anria hugged him. “Niko...good luck. I made you something...” Niko became puzzled. “What?” Anria pulled a piece of jewelry from her pocket; it was her favorite gold chain. Attached was her favorite miniature statue depicting No Wri’ma. Anria handed it to him. “I want you to have this; it’s a good luck charm!” Niko grinned. “Thanks Anria.”

            He gathered the few belongings he would bring on his journey. Among them were a few changes of clothing, his money, his zodiac amulet given to him at birth, the lance bestowed to him by his father before his death, and a map of the surrounding region. He set off as the sun begin to pass the horizon, waving farewell to his friends and family. Niko’s journey had begun, and his first destination on his nyiojil, the temple of Li So’rota.

Part I: Chapter 9: Recollection and Discovery

            Yujia awoke to find two humans next to him. The male was sitting up, tending to a small fire. The female was lying on the ground, covered by the male’s jacket. The human smiled at him. “You’re awake, stranger.” Yujia nodded slightly. “Yes, I am. How is it that we are still alive?” The man shook his head. “I don’t know how, but Wakana did something with that ring.” Yujia stared blankly.

            The man shook his head once more, and extended his hand. “But thanks to you, we’re still alive. I’m Keifu Zein. She’s Wakana Anjeluta.” Yujia shook his hand. “I am Yujia Drizl. I come from the kingdom of Zeran, searching for my next journey.”  Keifu smirked. “I guess you could say you found it.” Yujia nodded. “I do not understand.”

            Keifu shook his head. “Nevermind. Just trying to find some humor in the situation.” Yujia noticed Wakana begin to budge. “Wakana wakes.” Keifu turned to look. “Hey angel, did you have a nice nap?” Wakana slapped him lightly. “Not nice enough.” Keifu rubbed his red cheek. “Hey, that hurt.” Yujia watched in amusement.

            Wakana turned to Yujia. “Hey, you’re still here. Who are you?” “I am Yujia Drizl, a mere wanderer.” Wakana cocked an eyebrow. “Right...so what happened?” Keifu jabbed her shoulder. “You saved us, Wakana. Some huge fire. Maybe you should be the angel of fire, eh?” Yujia nodded. “Keifu was the only one of us still concious at the time. A fireball must have emanated from your magical ruby ring.”

            Wakana looked down at it. “This ring? But it’s tiny...we learned in science that the bigger the gems, the more powerful the unleashed magic. This thing could probably barely do anything.” Yujia nodded his head. “You are correct, but certain gems are catalysts for those born with seemingly inept abilities. The ruby in your ring must have the correct structure to be a catalyst, unlocking the depths of your powers, just as the emerald in my flute does for me.”

            She simply nodded in amazement. Keifu’s face filled with bewilderment. “Catalysts? Gem structures? Too much to take in...science was never my strong point.” Wakana laughed at this. “Haha Keifu. It’s what you get for dozing off.” Keifu nodded. “Yeah...the school’s probably burned down now. Konaia’s forces came from that direction.” Wakana nodded glumly. “Yeah...”

            Wakana shook her head. Catalysts? Structures? Science? An inept ability within herself? How could such powerful magic come from her? She had never done anything amazing in her life. She raised her head to stare at Yujia. “So I have an untapped potential for some huge fire magic?” Yujia nodded. “It seems so. The fireball could not have come from anywhere else, save a mythical guardian angel.” Wakana slowly smiled. “I guess so...”

            She turned to look at Keifu, and grabbed his hand. “What do we do now?” Keifu shook his head. “We should look for survivors. Let’s gather up all the survivors, and form some kind of camp. We can search for supplies, contact other cities.” Yujia nodded. “This shall be a good start. Let us go.”

            The three stood up. Keifu stamped out the small fire with his shoe. They walked out of the alleyway, finding bodies everywhere. Blood streamed down the road, emptying into the sewer system, draining into the ocean. Wakana felt her stomach tighten. Such pain, caused by such a dark army. She closed her eyes as they walked, then gasped. She heard a distant “Wakana!” as she faded into darkness.

            She saw herself emerging from the black shadows. She was back at Crystal Lake. Mierda stood there, as the monsters rained down destruction upon the city. She saw her own body, underwater, biding her time before rising. She saw Riev, and many of her friends, literally ripped to shreds by the destructive bursts. She saw the black monsters fly away, finished with ravaging the once great city.

            She found herself once more at Raynas, the many scenes replaying themselvse in her mind. She came upon the moment where she unleashed the spectacular burst. She saw herself perform the deed, out of love and devotion. She pushed Keifu out of the way. She would not let them be slain. The ring sparkled brilliantly, acting just as Yujia said it had; as a catalyst. The ring channeled a great energy from her body, erupting as a great flare, incinerating her foes.

            She was once again in her own body, and she felt herself fall to the floor as the flare drained her energy. She awoke to find Keifu and Yujia by her side once more, along with many other survivors of the onslaught. Keifu brushed the hair in her face aside. “Hey angel. Nice to see you’re awake.” Wakana smiled.

Part I: Chapter 10: A Paladin’s Farewell

Part I: Chapter 11: A Prophecy’s Revealing

            Niko arrived at the temple of Li So’rota, his first destination on his nyiojil. He looked up to the awe inspiring statue of Li So’rota, the deity of spring. Niko recalled the many legends his father had told him about the Mythin gods.

            “Okay Niko, now listen close. This is the story of Li So’rota.” A five year old Niko huddled close to his father. His father patted Niko’s head. “Li So’rota was one of six mighty Mythin warriors, each holding unique abilities that made them a great force. Li So’rota had the ability to control the winds. This is his story. Li So’rota made a journey at the age of seventeen, just like the other five warriors. He searched for the reason to live. One day, he was at a small town, and saw a thief attack a child. Li So’rota pulled out a sword, and attacked the thief. The thief easily defeated him.

            “Li So’rota vowed to become a symbol of justice, and searched for power. He found it in the winds. His peace at mind and thirst for justice gave him the special power to control the gales. He used his talent with the other five warriors to create a peaceful world, and battle off other harmful races. The Mythins erected statues and temples in their honor. Li So’rota and the other five warriors all grew old, and they decided to pass on their talents to those worthy of their causes. They sealed away their magic into the hearts and souls of the future, and went to rest, knowing that others would make their journeys at the age of seventeen. The six named it: nyiojil.”

            Niko walked into the temple, ready to embrace the powers of Li So’rota’s wind.