19.

Damien started off towards Tenebra with Ember beside him every step of the way. He opted to hike the distance instead of sailing. He hiked over hills, trudged through rivers, and forests. He stopped and rested in almost every town along the way. He met many colorful personalities, maybe some that would help later on, on his new quest.Finally after a few weeks of trekking, Damien finally found himself outside the city of Tenebra. "Cool place, though it might need a little more light." Damien mumbled to himself. He made his way through the city, looking at all the demons that inhabitated it. He never really saw any demons in real life, only in books and scrolls. After about half-an-hour of walking, and possibly asking for directions once. . . or twice, he finally found the entrance to the school; or what would have been the entrance if the gates were closed. Inside, he saw seven figures. A short, pale-skinned elf, a human noble, The Jade Fist, a Nymph, and another human. . . that didn't seem like one? He also saw, some kind of black sludge monster, and another female figure standing in front of it. Damien slowly and cautiously made his way forward. He didn't know who these people were, and if they were the other sages, then I had a lot of power, but he wanted to be on the safe side. Ember mimicked Damien's attitude, but didn't growl towards anyone yet. "Hello everyone," Damien said as he got closer. Sorry for keeping you all waiting, I decided to hike this trip."

Once Summer had finished her conversation with the Jade Fist, I think I'll just call him Jade, she thought, she started towards Ostel, that is, until a new arrival spoke. She turned her head to the gate entrance and stopped in her tracks the moment she saw him. He looked like another human, but that couldn't be possible right? He didn't seem like a normal human in the sense that Ostel did. Infact he seemed... almost animalistic in some ways. "Um... hello," she said in a small voice, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

The small Elf, was the first to speak to him. By how she sounded, and the way she held herself, Damien could only guess that she was a former slave. "Hello, to you too. My name is Damien Ormansby. What's yours?"

"Um... Summer... just.... Summer...." she replied, shifting uneasily from foot to foot, she found it easier to talk to Jade because he was an elf, but the Damien was not and she wasn't even sure how to act while talk to him. What was polite to him? What was rude? She only thought of all these things out of habit and not wanting to make him angry.

"Hmm, Summer, huh? I'm sorry to hear that you don't know your full name. Oh, this here is my dog Ember." Ember, than barked happily with its tail wagging back and forth. "So is everybody finally here or are we still waiting on anyone?"

Summer looked around with a confused face before answering, "I think everyone is here," she murmured, "I can't really count so...." She trailed off as Merlin perched himself on her slender shoulder and gently preened her hair, "Oh... this is my hawk Merlin."

"Hello, Merlin. Alright then, it was nice to meet you Summer and Merlin. I suppose now that everyone is here though, the people in charge will start to get things rolling, no?"

"I... um... I... I guess so..."

Summer's train of thought was interupted as a familiar voice asked, "Getting used to everyone I hope Summer?" Ostel asked as his sturdy figure came beside her with a warm smile. And right beside the Sage of Light came the imposing white wolf with it's red eyes glaring at the newcomers, but not growling just yet.

The human then looked to the new arrivals and bowed his head, "Ostel von Grimward, and I suppose I am the Sage of Light. I assume you are Sages as well?" he asked with his eyebrow raising in curiosity.

"Grimward, you say? I know the name. Some nobles in Lucerna, correct? Either way, it's good to meet you, Ostel. My name is Damien Ormansby, and yes, I am a sage, of Fire to be exact." Damien then looked down at Ostel's pet wolf. "A nice wolf, you have, Ostel. My pet might be a distant cousin to your own." Ember still knelt down next to Damien, happily wagging its tail. "His name is Ember. What's your pet's name?"

Ostel looked to Damien first and then down to his companion, "Sometimes I wonder if I am Snow's pet. He does not get into as much trouble as I do it seems. Funny train of thought I guess." He chuckled to himself before shaking his head and extending his hand, "Good to meet you Damien."

After a firm handshake between the two, The Sage of Light turned to the nymph, "And earlier I believe you said your name was Calixta correct?" He said with formalality kicking in.

20

---

Calixta had been silent for the most part, observing with quiet eyes as each of the other Sages exchanged greetings. Even the fire-man had extended his hand earlier than she did, but that was mostly due to the fact that she kept her eyes on the strange man, trying to decipher the feeling he gave her...it was interrupted, however, by a tall man with eyes as clear as the blue sky. She maybe reached up to his chest in height, but she was used to being so small in comparison to everyone else, especially those outside of Nymphe. Her eyes flicked upward to meet his own, and she nodded her head in answer to his question. What was his name...? Something Grimward? Most everyone seemed to recognize him as someone important, but Calixta shrugged off the thought; nymphs rarely kept track of the outside world as the matters of men flew by in the blink of an eye when compared to the nymphs' eternity.

"Yes, the...Water Sage." She kept her mouth open, debating whether to tell the group about her predicament of not actually being the true Water Sage, but she believed fate had brought her here for a reason anyway. But for now, she would stay silent on the matter. "Your eyes...they're so clear! Like the sky at noon when the sun shines on a cloudless day..." Calixta smiled up at him and let out a tiny giggle. "I'm guessing you...well, you look like light, if I had to guess!" A small breeze flew through the courtyard which ruffled her long raven locks, whipping them around and blowing them upward into a girl's face.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Calixta squeaked out, gathering her hair and placing it over one shoulder. At first glance, she noticed the girl's elven features, and she was a beautiful elf at that! But there was something else in her eyes, a look that she couldn't place...no woman on Nymphe carried herself in such a manner that the elf-girl did, and it was confusing and foreign to Calixta's mind. She cocked her head to the side a bit, but gave her the same smile she gave the human man. "You're very pretty," she said, spilling out the the first thoughts that came to mind.

Summer felt a blush rush to her cheeks, but she managed to return the Nymph's smile with one of her own. "Um... thank you," she said, "You are very pretty as well."

In response to Calixta's comment about his eyes, Ostel chuckled and bowed his head in respect again, "Your words are kind Calixta. I regret I may not be as poetic as you are in compliments, but I hope that with you by our side we will conquer our foes." He said as he punched his sword hand into his shield hand at chest level and then bowed to the Sage of Water.

"Sire... you are... strange," Summer said to Ostel after he completed his motion, "Does everyone do that?"

Turning to his elven companion, Ostel smiled and answered, "It is an old variant of the knightly salute that I prefer. In one of our tales of old many mighty warriors, both friend and foe, would use that motion to show respect to one another." Then he shrugged and his voice became a bit light-hearted, "I just figured since we are all Sages that it seemed proper to revive that old custom. Seemed to fit anyways." he said rubbing his hand beneath his chin.

Summer nodded her head to show her understanding before she turned back to Calixta, "My name is Summer," she said, "I'm... um... I'm the Sage of Wind apparently."

Calixta found the bowing motion strange, and her eyebrows furrowed together in further confusion. Apparently, the land-walkers had strange customs of greeting...or rather respect. But, if he wanted to exchange such customs, then she was more than happy to oblige. She waited until he straightened up just enough for her to reach him, then she kissed him on the cheek, a dazzling smile upon her face. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Ostel!" Her beauty seemed to radiate around her, and the tiny nymph turned toward Summer, eyeing the elf-girl with a careful look. Did she call the man 'sire'? Why?

Somewhere in the recesses of her mind, she was able to recall that it was the men who held the power in politics, society and general everyday life on the lands obove the sea, and she almost chuckled at the ridiculousness of the idea. But she wasn't culturally insensitive; if anything, she was the exact opposite because of the amount of traveling Acheron exposed her to. Coming out of her momentary trance, Calixta bit her lip nervously and steadied herself against the wave of emotion that seemed to rock her whole being...but she wouldn't succumb to it. Not now. Instead, she smiled again and hid the sadness deep within herself. The only indication of anything was the thin film of wateriness that lined her seafoam-green eyes. She opened her mouth to say something else, but a bright SQUAWK! interrupted her and a whirl of white feathers disrupted the group's composition, ending in the form of a peacock perched upon the edge of the fountain.

SQUAWK! It nipped its beak lightly on Summer's sleeve, looking up at the elf with curious, beady eyes.

Calixta sighed. "And now I present to you, Queen Raina's spoiled peafowl, Garon. Please don't entertain him, he's really very annoying..." A few other incoherent grumbles left her mouth as she glared at the peacock, a frown situated upon her pretty face.

21.

It appears that everyone was at the Courtyard, does that mean that something is supposed to happen now? Summer wonders as she looks around the courtyard, trying to get her rapidly beating hear under control. There was something about the newcomer that made her flustered in a way that was unfamiliar to her. She didn't get the chance to elaborate more on her own thoughts as a Cloaked figure appeared in front of them, cutting off all conversation.

"Well then, hello everyone," the cloaked figure said, it's voice soft and feminine, "I'm glad that I have finally gotten the chance to see you all. It seems like so many years ago that I sent out those summons." The female grew quiet and faced Calixta, the silence between them seemed to hold disappointment, or surprise, it was hard to tell. "You are not the one I sent for," the woman said, "Though it seems you are much stronger... so why is it that I didn't see you?"

"I, well, um..." the nymph stammered as she thought about Geneve. Calixta's cheeks turned a bright pink which contrasted against her milky white skin, and she looked down to the floor out of embarrassment. "I know that I am not Geneve. But Raina- long live the Queen- gave me the task instead. The nymphs do not often meddle in the affairs of those who live above the waters, and I apologize...Maybe you did not see me because I... I lost someone I loved dearly... I was... essentially dead though I lived. I only came here because I was told to by the Queen, despite my wishes to stay away from this Continent with all of my heart."

The Female smiled beneath her cloak, though no one could see, and she waved her hand in a dismissive manner, "Long live the Queen indeed, I assume she failed to tell you that she no longer holds power of you, but you hold power over her? Judging by the surprise in your eyes, I assume she has not. You no longer answer to her, if you need something of her or your people, then she is bound by duty and honor to provide it."

It was curiosity that made Calixta snap her head up, eyes full of wonder and interest. She was no longer bound by the monarchy of Nymphe? The queen did fail to tell her that, but it was both a compliment and an insult. An insult to be with held from vital information, but the fact that Raina had chosen Calixta over Geneve was a compliment because that meant she trusted her to not overthrow her rule...and Calixta wouldn't. She would gain nothing by it.

"I am honored, then, to be on this journey. I'm sure that if I ever need help, Nymphe will be ready to come to my aid. But that day can wait, for I am here to learn as is everyone else." She gestured to those around her, and whatever indication of embarrassment that was there before was no longer present. Instead she donned another smile which seemed to brighten up her entire face.

"That is good of you, to say you will not overthrow Raina," the woman said, "That makes you better than most, Geneve would have tried to replace Raina, she was right to have chose differently."
"Well, now that we understand why Cali... Cali... Um... Calla looked as nervous as me... may I... may I ask who it is you are?" Summer asked, stepping forward.

The Cloaked figure turned her attention to the Elf female and placed one pale finger to the girl's lips, "All in time my little Wind Sage, all in time. For now I must show you all to your respective predecessors." Without waiting to see if anyone had anything else to say, the female motioned for the others to follow and it was obvious she expected them to do just that.

The woman first led the group to the Large Crystal that seemed to resonate light and turned to Ostel before speaking. "Look within this Crystal, and you will see the former female Sage Hikari." Doing as she instructed, Ostel looked within the Crystal and saw a child like human within it. Her golden-blonde hair framed her face in curls and her arms were set across her chest, her hands resting on her shoulders. She couldn't have been more than 14 years-old at the time of her preservation.

"It is a girl, barely past childhood. Why is she here?" Ostel asked, slightly appalled by what was set before him.

"Do not worry Ostel, those that are within these 'tombs' are there because they wish to be. We have not forced this upon them." the Female responded.

Ostel just nodded his head before taking his position in front of the Crystal with Snow as the Woman moved onto the Pillar of Water. "Calixta, take your place with Shuǐ," she instructed as she pointed to the Pillar that now showed a male nymph. His hair was an aqua green color and it appeared that his wings were a rainbow of colors now unheard of to the Nymphs. The smaller, female nymph lifted an arm as if to reach through the glassy-looking film of crystal clear water, but seemed to think better of it and instead put her arm back by her side. She admired the set of wings that shimmered even in the meager light, and she longed to have a set of the gossamer material herself. Shui was beautiful just like all nymphs, but even in death he carried an aura of power. She bowed her head in respect, and took her place with Garon without a word of protest as the woman continued onto the next representation of the Sages.

The four that remained with her were confused as to why they were now able to see people within the objects that were meant to represent their elements. Before anyone could ask what was going on, they stopped in front of an Oak, but to everyone's surprise it was not solid, in fact, it was hollowed out. A window of tree sap had formed over a large hole, revealing a rather tall elf with silvery hair, much like Summers. His hands were at his side and a bow was strapped across his back.

"This is Zemlja, Jade, and it is he who chose you to take his place," the woman said, "Please stand with him while I move on with the others." Jade Fist simply nodded to the cloaked woman, taking his place before the oak tree. He eyed the elf held within with some sense of... uneasiness. He wasn't entirely sure if he'd want to end up like his predecessor did.

The woman watched Jade with a small bit of curiosity, but let it fall as she continued on to the Onyx Structure. Inside it was dark, it seemed like all the light had been drained out of the area, giving an almost depressing aura about it. Suspended in the air between the floor and Ceiling was an Incubus. his hair was long and black and his body reminded those that remained of a shadow. A shadow that would swallow any light that came across its path.

"I don't... I don't like the way this one makes me feel..." Summer said, her tone strained from the fear she found gripping at her heart, "Something... doesn't feel right... it feels... tainted."
"And right you are Summer, this is Dunkelheit, he was the Sage of Darkness... and also the one who betrayed his friends in the beginning," came the response, " He only just came to his senses when Bonketsu nearly killed his love... and even then he did not come in time to save the Lost Continent."
"He... betrayed his friends? But... why?" Summer asked.

"Power... and I hope that none of you succumb to that basic want. Now, Aravan, stand here in front of the structure... and touch nothing."

After she was sure that Aravan understood and would neither touch nor leave his area, she moved onto the Volcano. The volcano itself was made out of lava rock that had been conditioned into a substance that could be seen through, yet could still hold lava. Inside was a Woman with fox ears and a fox tail, obviously a werefox. Her red hair fanned out around her and moved slightly as if the heat from the lava was causing small currents of air to move it.

"This is Ignis, one of the most faithful companions that were in the group... faithful and kind. She stood fiercely by what she believed and refused to budge no matter how many times the Dark Lord tried to sway her to his beliefs... in a way she was the best of us all. Damien, I require you to stay here with your dog Ember... I have one last person to place... Come young Elf... it is time to meet your Ancestor."

Ancestor? Doesn't that usually imply that we are related somehow? Summer wondered as she followed obediently to the cylinder of clouds. The woman said nothing to her, instead, she just motioned for Summer to step up to the Cylinder and wait. Summer did as she was told, but not before she studied the figure within.

The women held within the Cylinder seemed to be the only one with her eyes open, but this isn't what startled Summer, it was the color of the woman's eyes. Summer found she wanted to reach out the moment she looked at the deep violet eyes that matched her's so well, but she with-held the urge and just studied. The woman's hair was silver, almost blue, and her face seemed so kind. Who are you? she wondered, You who look so much like me... Summer was so lost in thought that she did not notice Merlin perched on her shoulder.

The Woman left Summer where she was, fully aware that she was confused, but she knew that everyone's answers were soon to be answered. The Woman stopped in front of the Nymph Fountain and let out a sigh before she spoke, "I want you to touch the tombs in front of you now... and when you finally come to terms with both who you are and who you want to be... I want you to hold your hand out... and hope for the best."

22.

Jade Fist simply stood there with the most inquisitive of looks directed towards the elf lodged within the tree. "Zemlja..." He muttered, his arms crossed and head lowered. He definitely fit the archetype of the stereotypical elf. His hair, his frame... natural-looking. Judging from all that'd happened today, he suspected his predecessor was going to... talk to him, he supposed. Through some form of... mental link. Not like he hadn't experienced that before.

"Well then..." Jade Fist said, placing his hand on the bark of the oak tree, "Why did you choose me?"

In an instant, everything... changed. The air became more fragrant. The colors around him became more lush. All the things around him and that tree began to blur and bleed into something different. It... it was a forest. He was in a forest now.

I know what happened at Shatterbrain.

Jade Fist's head perked up at the mention of that horrible, horrible name. "No..." He muttered, shaking his head, "No, you can't... but... how?"

I felt it happen. All the thoughts. All the screaming. All the atrocities. And I felt your strength push through it. You alone rose from that wretched place. And I knew then... you were the one.

Jade Fist lowered his head once more. He hadn't remembered Shatterbrain in... decades, at least. He was confident, nay, certain that he was the only one amidst all the continents of Divus who even knew of its existence. And just when he was getting comfortable with his own ignorance... the last Sage of Earth, stuck in a tree, brings it up.

He's not dead, you know.

"You mean..."

Yes. Him. I don't know how... but there is still evil within that place. And he is the cause of it. During, or perhaps after, your endeavor against Bonketsu... you must go there. Find him. Put him down. Then you... and all the rest, still trapped within their own minds... will know peace.

Jade Fist simply stood there, silent.

It must be done. Fate demands it. Elves will not know true freedom if he is allowed to live on beneath Shatterbrain, to fester, and rot. When he is gone, you shall become who you are meant to be, and I know... that is who you want to be.

Jade Fist paused for a moment... but then he nodded. "I... will try. But first, the duty of all the sages. And then the liberation of our people."

It shall be done when the appropriate time arrives. I bid you strength to face your coming trials, new Sapiens Terrae. And please... Summer... tell her I wish the best for her.

"Summer? Who is she to you?"

My descendant, for whom I care deeply, and regret all villainies that have been done upon her. I wish... I could have been there to prevent them from ever occurring. But my place... is here.

"So it is." Jade Fist replied, lowering his arms, his shoulders loosening. When his hand left the surface of the tree, the forest vanished.

He... guessed that was all of it. Some one-on-one time. Nothing too bad.

Still... Shatterbrain...

He shuddered at the thought, and turned away from Zemlja.

Ready for whatever was next.

23.

Having been left to her own devices in front of the cylinder of clouds, Summer decided to inspect the woman further before doing as she had been instructed. The woman was wearing a dress very similar to Summer's own teal one, though the sleeves on the woman's dress were caught in the bend of her elbows. The woman's hands were gripped together in front of her chest and upon closer inspection, she noticed a wedding ring on her finger, which confused her. She was under the impression that the Sages never got the opportunity for love, they were sealed up in these tombs shortly after their victory... or were they? Finally, Summer looked up and stared at the woman's violet eyes, so like her own, but also so different. As Summer stared at her eyes, she nearly jumped in surprise as they slowly closed, a small smile forming on the encased woman's face. This alone was enough for Summer to finally reach towards the cylinder, her hand coming into contact with... a cloud?

Summer found herself standing on a cloud, but... How is this possible? I was in the courtyard not too long ago, how am here... and there?[/b] Summer looked around and nearly froze when she came face to face with the very woman who had been in the cylinder.

[i]"Hello my dear, I am Havā... and your Great-Grandmother." the woman, Havā, said with a soft smile on her face.

"My... my what? But... but how? I mean... what is... how is this? I don't understand, how am I here?"

"I have allowed your mind to meld with mine for a time, there is much I wish I could both tell and show you, but our time together is short... and I am sure that Earth Elf will want to speak with you shortly. First, I want to apologize... I am sorry that I could not be there for you when you had no one, but this is where I was needed until it was time for you to come to me. Your experiences were also necessary, though cruel, in order to ensure you were... on the right path. Though you have been beaten and abused in more ways than anyone should ever have to be, you have remained kind and gentle. You stepped up to a Lord and requested to save a living animal, you have given Ostel the benefit of doubt when he came to save you from certain death. You chose to trust a Human male even though it was, in fact, a human that took your virtue and scared you, not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. You have a pure heart Summer, don't let anyone tell you different, or change you. I am proud of you Summer, so proud, and I am sure your parents would be as well. Stay strong young one, and please, be you, never settle for less than you deserve... and remember, your power is tied to your emotions. You will need to learn to control them, but that shouldn't mean that you are unfeeling. Never stop being compassionate, and never EVER hate, not even the Dark Lord. Hate will twist you and your powers, turn them dark and that is just not a way to win."

Summer looked down at her feet before looking up at Havā, "So... all those things that happened to me... were supposed to happen? I was... I was supposed to be... taken advantage of?"

Havā let out a soft sigh and put a gentle hand on Summer's shoulder, it was warm, "I do not have to pretend to like it Summer, and neither do you. No one should have to go through something like that, ever. But, you are all the stronger for it... you can empathize better than anyone here, and you... you are going to be a great friend to many people here. Don't be scared, and remember, always speak your mind."

Summer nodded her head and before she could say anything else, her eyes opened and she found herself in the courtyard. "But I... thank you..." she murmured softly as she looked at Havā within the Cylinder, her eyes now closed "I want to be strong, just like you... but I also want... to be my own person." Summer closed her eyes and let out a small sigh, trying to suppress the nerves and the fear as she held out her hand before her.

~~~~~Aravan~~~~~

Once the other's left him, Aravan found himself wishing he wasn't there at all, he didn't like the idea of having any relation to a man like Dunkelheit. He had no need of friends nor did he wish to be anywhere with these people, that was why he had tried to sneak away in the first place. If that Elf girl hadn't stopped him he knew he would have managed to get away, now? Now he had no idea what was to happen and he had no intention of touching anything that was near him. He hated the fact that he had been forced into this, and he felt that he just had to find a way out.

Why is it that you are not doing as you were instructed? a deep voice resonated in Aravan's mind, One of the six, refusing to listen? Has the world really become so desperate that it is calling on worthless demons now?

Aravan was startled, but said nothing in return to the voice, he saw no reason too. He thought that, maybe if he ignored it, he would be able to go about his own day. Maybe if he got rejected he could just... go home?

You want to go home? No... you will never go home, you who have decided to ignore a world in need... you who have decided to ignore his destiny... there will never be a home for you. There is never a home for those who refuse to accept their fate.

Aravan was confused by this statement, but he had no time to dwell on this confusion because soon, soon he found himself engulfed in black fire. He felt a scream try to work its way from his throat, but no sound came out as his skin melted from his body and his bones turned to ash as everyone watched. Let it be known to everyone, this is what happens to those who ignore their destiny. Dunkelheit's voice resonated through everyone's mind, his voice dark with anger, BRING ME THE REAL SAGE!

24

---

Calixta turned back to face Shui at the woman's words and nervously bit her lip. Was she just supposed to reach out and touch him? Upon a closer observation, her seafoam green eyes took in his aqua hair that was combed back in just the right style, his ethereal facial features and his skin that was slightly darker than Calixta's own pale complexion. If he was alive on Nymphe, many women would have fallen for him, especially with those wings. The wings! She had only heard of the wings in the old books she read but never imagined it to be true. They seemed to change color all on their own, but one thing confused her: in all the books she read, the wings were supposed to stay one color after the individual found their identity...so why hadn't Shui's changed into a single color? Why was his body preserved here? Why did the cloaked woman not get upset at finding that it wasn't Geneve who had come to Tenebra? This, along with many other questions, jumbled her thoughts and made her even more confused than ever. She needed answers, wanted answers, but knew not where to find them. In an act of desperate measure, she tentatively reached forward with her right hand and indeed hoped for the best.

Her hand was met with little resistance to the clear water, and she smiled at the scent: a mild, subtle rosy perfume that was so reminiscent of home. The moment she touched it, a cool sensation hit her fingers as well as her mind, like a breath of fresh air. And then...a voice in her head. Hello, Gene-- ah, Calixta, said the voice, whom she could only imagine was Shui. It was a soothing baritone, a voice that reminded her of a stream that smoothed pebbles at the bottom of its depths. You are a pleasant surprise, my dear, but not entirely unexpected. Now, what can I answer for you?

Calixta's eyes widened at his words, and she mentally blurted, Oh! You're...real? Or is this all in my head?

Of course this is in your head. Or rather, my head. But why should that mean that it's not real? Come now, this is about as real as the sky is blue and the grass is green. Anyway, have you found within yourself who you are and who you want to be?

I...I don't know yet. I've felt so lost ever since Acheron passed on into eternity...I don't know who I am anymore, only that he took a large piece of me with him... Tears welled up at her lower lids, threatening to spill out.

Calixta, what do nymphs value the most?

Beauty, both inside and out. And also sharing the beauty with others.

And how does that happen? How do people share beauty? Shui's voice got progressively firmer, like he was really pushing to make a point.

The girl thought for a minute, and then answered, Love is essential in sharing beauty. Love allows people to see others' beauty as well as share the gift with others.

And would you say that romantic love is the only kind of love in the world?

I suppose not...

Then that is the answer.

What? Calixta opened her eyes, confused at Shui's words. Then without having to ask, he answered: You are a broken person, Calixta...and nymphs like beauty and love because it makes them feel whole inside. Friends are very powerful in this world...

The girl's raven hair whipped lightly over one shoulder as she turned to look at the other mages at their respective Pillars, and her eyes finally rested on Aravan.
No, no. There was no way she could be friends with a monster. That's what they all were. Monsters! Even Dunkelheit had betrayed his friends. Disgust filled her mind once more, but it was quickly shot down by Shui.

...Even demons have good qualities, child. You could learn a thing or two from being in this group. Now, do you understand everything I have told you?

Yes...I think so. I'm an empty riverbed...but I want to be an ocean full of life! I want...I want to feel love again.

Good girl, Shui replied, a smile in his tone. And then, you wanted to know about these wings, did you not?

Yes, I did, but I didn't know if I was allowed to ask you or not.

Even when I was born, wings were becoming increasingly rare. Those who were born with them were seen as people who had a great destiny ahead of them. Of course, I assume you know the history of this gift...Wings are supposed to turn a solid color when the bearer has reached a certain mental and emotional maturity; a time when they have reached a 'self-actualization,' if you will. Obviously, I did not reach mine. I, too, lost a loved one and went wandering aimlessly until the day when the Sages decided to seal ourselves in this tomb. It was only then that I realized love can be found in other places than with a wife to have and to hold. I sincerely hope you do not make the same mistake, Calixta.

No sir! she responded, nodding her head. She felt herself being pulled out of Shui's mind, an odd sensation that felt like someone was tugging a string attached to the pit of her stomach, using it to pull her out. When she felt his presence gone, she found herself looking into the face of the sleeping male nymph. Was that a smile on his face or...? Calixta smiled back anyway, grateful for the direction and meaning he gave her. Just as she turned and held her hand out, a booming voice resonated throughout the courtyard, accompanied by a burning Aravan, and she gulped down nothingness as she watched the demon burn away into dust and ash. She cast her gaze downward, terrified and feeling very awkward all the same. Lamely she held out her arm, palm facing up, and looked forward again, willing herself not to look in the direction of the now empty Pillar of Darkness.

25

The red-skinned demon’s growl of pain was drowned out by the sound of splintering wood as he unceremoniously crashed into the pile of empty crates, causing the dry brittle wood to loudly collapse in on itself. Aegar remained silent while he slowly walked over to the collapsed mess of wood and kicked against the black-steel battle axe lying near the pile, sending it skittering into the other corner of the rooftop. “You coal-skinned bastard.” The voice of the demon growled from below. By the time Aegar was close enough to make eye-contact with his opponent once again, a fist was already coming his way, though not unexpectedly. He sidestepped, grabbed the man by his arm, then his collar and used the momentum of the punch to hoist him out of the pile of shattered wood. The man was as tall as him and broader in the shoulders, but physical strength alone hadn’t won him the battle.

He roughly pushed the demon up against one of the merlons surrounding the roof of the tower. “You know why I’m here and you’re wasting both our time. I need fucking answers. Tell me who and where your superior is and we can end this the peaceful way.” The demon simply stared back at him with his pitch-black eyes and showed off his crooked teeth in a smug grin. Aegar, still holding the man by his collar, pulled him to the side to one of the crenels between the merlons, where the wall was less than waist height. “I dare you to call a bluff on me.” The anger in his voice was growing more apparent.

The demon’s smile remained. “You’re wasting your time, pal. We do not fear death, for our death shall be in the name of the greater good. One more body among many makes no matter in the end.”

Aegar pushed him back further, dangerously leaning the demon backwards over the edge of the wall. “Talk some sense, you madman!” he roared out in frustration. After all these years, he had finally discovered the trail that could lead him back to the very men he’d been hunting for so long, the very tip of the iceberg known only as the Brotherhood of Nox. But despite finally being one step closer to getting his revenge, he felt as far from his goal as ever. This was the second of their zealots that he managed to track down, an extremely difficult and time-consuming thing to do, but he already knew that this one was going to give him just as little as the previous. He’d tried to beat information out of the previous zealot for what felt like an hour, to no avail; it seemed like he simply didn’t care. And this one had the same smug grin and infuriatingly strong nerves as the previous.

“I’ll give you three seconds.” Aegar said, not expecting anything helpful to sprout from this.

The red-skinned demon only laughed. “Bite me, demon boy.”

With a loud growl of frustration, Aegar pushed him over the edge, sending the man tumbling down the height of the tall granite tower. He didn’t wait around to watch the landing, though he did hear the loud crash of a man-sized object plummeting into something like a wooden cart or a stack of barrels down below. Instead, he immediately turned around and started making his way down the tower, before anyone would come up here to find out what happened.

That’s when, for the first time in months, Aegar was caught off-guard. Out of nowhere, the previously dark staircase was lit up by two strings of bright luminescent orbs lining the walls, that he was almost certain weren’t there yet when he went up the stairs mere minutes ago. He flinched when the lights first turned on and reflexively covered his hands with his eyes to prevent himself from being blinded. His night eyes weren’t adjusted to seeing in such bright light and frankly, neither were his day eyes. He franticly blinked and looked around trying to see anything besides multicolored smudges of light, but once his eyes had somewhat adjusted to the bright environment, it was already too late.

In front of him was a blurry humanoid figure, with a pale yellow and green color pallet. When Aegar spun around, a similar figure turned out to be behind him. He was already instinctively reaching for the swords at his belt, but something was stopping him. Some kind of green tendrils had sprouted from the walls and were wrapping themselves around his wrists, blocking his access to his sword belt. Earth magic, of course. He trashed violently trying to resist the grasp of the vines, desperately launching volatile bolts of dark magic in all directions, but most would dissolve due to the bright lighting before even hitting anything. It didn’t take long from that point until nothing was left of his vision but green.

---

The next thing he remembered was finding himself inside some kind of plant-like cocoon, with his entire body wrapped in vines except for his face. He didn’t know how long he’d been out, but the tower he was ambushed at was nowhere in sight anymore. He looked around, as far as he could turn his head, to find himself in front of a large decorated gate, surrounded by a mixed group of humans and elves, presumably the ones the ambushed him earlier. Before he could finish processing the scene, he felt the nearest elf tapping her finger against his forehead. “Wake up sleepy, we’ve arrived.” she said with the smile of a person who was enjoying this a little too much.

“Mind explaining?” Aegar growled in annoyance. He squirmed around a bit inside the vine cocoon, but the tough and pliant material had him firmly entangled.

A short human man in his late forties stepped forward. “You must excuse us for abducting you so rudely, but it was a necessary evil, for there is not much time to waste.” he said in the soft-spoken voice of a priest of light. “We’ve brought you to the entrance of the school of Sages.” The surprise was visible on Aegar’s face. “I’m sure you’ve heard the stories of the Dark Lord and the six Sages, no? It is believed we’ll have need of their successors soon and my superior believes you are the new Sage of Darkness. Or well, she believes you might be. Prophecies aren’t always as accurate as we’d like them to be.”

Aegar shook his head in confusion. “What do you mean, might be? And besides, I have my own business to sort out.”

“The interest of the world precedes that of the individual, my son. If fate decides you are the one, you must do your duty.”

“There’s no more time to explain.” the elf girl interrupted. “We’re running out of time. Will you comply or not?”

“Do I have a choice?” Aegar answered. “Yes, I’ll freaking comply.”

“Good.” The same smile as before returned to her face while she snapped her fingers, causing the vines to loosen up and release Aegar from his cocoon. He wiggled free from the leafy tendrils and instinctively brought his hands to the hilts of his swords just in case, only to find out that all his weapons had been removed from his belt. Before he could even bother to ask it, the elf answered his question. “Just a safety measure, you’ll get them back soon enough.” Meanwhile, one of the other elves had opened the large gate just enough to let a single person enter through the crack. “Now c’mon, go in there.” she said while she physically pushed him towards the door. She gave him a gentle slap against his rear and giggled while she gave him the final push through the opening and closed the door behind him.

Once inside, he was just in time to see a black flame devour the form of a man, and leave nothing but ash. As he watched this, more confused than ever, a figure in a black cloak came to him and motioned to be followed. Not seeing much of a choice, Aegar did as he was told and followed the figure to the same exact spot where the other man had been burned to ash.

“Just in time. I trust you’ve been told why you’re here.” a female voice said from inside the cloak. “You must speak to your ancestor, like the others. Only he can tell if you are truly the one we need. Please, do not run from your destiny, Dunkelheit has no patience for that, as you saw when you came in. It seems poor Aravan just... wasn't meant to be. Anyway... when you are ready, please touch the onyx to communicate with the Sage of Darkness. When you’re done, please hold out your hand like the others and wait."

Aegar warily looked around at the other mages, each in their own corner of the courtyard, before turning his attention to the demonic figure inside the onyx pillar. He may have gotten out of his cocoon, but the possibility of being burned to ash wasn’t much better. “You’re all crazy bastards.” he sighed, while he reached out and touched the palm of his hand to the smooth, cold stone, not expecting anything in particular to happen.

As he made contact with the pillar, the world around him seemed to fade and become engulfed in shadows approaching from all sides, until the courtyard was so dark that even Aegar with his darkvision could see nothing but blackness around him and the onyx pillar. Even the dim Tenebran sun seemed to have disappeared from the sky. There was no reaction from the cloaked woman or any of the other individuals though, as if the darkness that now cloaked the world was merely in his head.

For a moment, there was silence, like the silence of a man contemplating what to say next. But then a deep voice sounded, not in the form of a sound, but directly inside his head. “Yes, you are the one, the Sage of Darkness, the one we’ve been searching for. I can feel the threads of fate rippling around you as we speak. Aegar is your name, yes? You have a dark and troubling past I see, as would befit my successor.”

Aegar raised his eyebrows in surprise upon realizing it actually worked. “So you’re truly the Sage of Darkness, from the stories?” he thought, somehow knowing that the voice would be able to hear him. “How do I know this isn’t just a big prank? If you’re 5000 years old, how can you be talking to me?”

“Our bodies and with it our consciousnesses were preserved exactly for this purpose. How they did it is not important. What’s important is your destiny. You must accompany your fellow mages on their journey to stop the Dark Lord from rising once more.”

Aegar shook his head at the surrealism of this situation. “You must be kidding. With so many dark mages in the world, what difference would I make? And what would it earn me, anyways? Why would I comply? I have my own unfinished business to settle.”

Dunkelheit let out a short laugh. “Yes, I know about your quest. I know a lot about you now that I’m in your head. But if you don’t fulfil your destiny, there might not be a world left for you to pursue that quest in. Besides, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. You have a lot to gain from this endeavor.”

Aegar frowned. “Continue.”

“Martial prowess, for one. The school of Sages can teach you things no other school in all of Divus can. And as a little bonus, it makes you one of the most politically important individuals in the world. That kind of power can get you a long way in getting the revenge you want.”

“I’ll admit I’m tempted. But why me? Why out of all the demons in Tenebra would I be the chosen one?”

“Who knows? Destiny works in mysterious ways. But if you really look, you might find some similarities between you and the other Sages.”

Aegar remained quiet in thought for a while, before saying: “Fine, I’ll go along. I doubt you’d give me much of a choice anyways.”

“Good, that settles it. One more thing though. I will not tell you to cage your inner rage like the other Sages are probably being told right now. We demons know that anger is a mighty weapon and are not as afraid to use it as the others. Harness the power of your anger, wear it like armor and sword, but do not forget who your enemy is. That is the key to fulfilling your destiny, Shadowborn.”

With that, Dunkelheit fell silent and the once so vivid mental connection faded away. With the disappearance of Dunkelheit’s presence, light and color returned to the world, once again revealing the colorful courtyard, the five other mages and the cloaked woman. While he slowly took his hand off the crystal, still in the middle of processing what he’d just been told, she looked at him as if to remind him what to do next. Being way too far in to start having doubts now, Aegar did as he was told and held his hand out in front of him, awaiting whatever would happen next.

26.

"So you're my ancestor, huh?" Damien mumbled under his breath as he walked up to the volcano structure. Once he got within arms reach, he placed his hand on the window-like area. Unsurprisingly it was warm to the touch However, before long, he found that the lava inside the volcano had seeped out, and formed a small pond around where he stood. He then found himself standing INSIDE the volcano on a small island. Across from where he stood was his ancestor, Ignis, that seemed to be of flesh and blood.

"Hello Damien. It's nice to finally meet you in person. Or as close to that as we'll get." Ignis said with a soft sounding voice.

"Likewise, to be honest, though I figured my ancestor would have been a werewolf, not a werefox. Not that that's a bad thing. I actually kinda like it. 'Variety is the spice of life' they always say."

Ignis chuckled at Damien's last comment,"Yes, well. I hope you know why you were chosen, Damien. Bonketsu is getting ready to come back to the world and bring it under his rule once more. You and the other sages are to banish him once again. Remember, your allies are your greatest asset. Protect them with your life."

"I understand Ignis, is there anythiing you can tell me about Bonketsu that could help us beat him?"

"I'm afraid not, it's been thousands of years since he was last seen, and he could have radically changed since his last appearance. All I can say is go with a open eyes and a clear mind. If you need any help, you can contact me telepathically."

"Thanks in advance for all that you will do, Ignis. I promise that I will make you proud, and with the teamwork of all of the sages, we will banish Bonketsu back to his pit."

"Good, now go, Damien. It's time your adventure started its next chapter." Damien soon found himself, back in the courtyard, with all the rest of the Sages. Guess, I'm waiting on everyone else now. Damien then looked around the courtyard at the other sages and saw Aravan was the only person that hadn't touched his element yet. He was soon, however, engulfed in black flames. He literally melted in front of everyone, leaving behind a small pile of ash where he once stood.

Damn, that's no way for a man to go. Another man soon came into the courtyard and stood where Aravan once was. He, however, did not make the mistake Aravan did, and placed his hand upon the pillar of darkness. Well who's the new guy?

27.

The human could not recall how long he stood watching the crystal, but he did know that for some odd reason it felt right. It felt right that he was standing here, in this place at this time.

It was then that a young female's voice sounded in his mind, "Do not worry Ostel, I am okay." The gentle song-like voice said, it's sweet and innocent tone sending shivers up his spine. As if feeling his own shiver, a soothing warmth washed over his body and suddenly Ostel felt as if his form was lighter than an autmun breeze sailing across a golden colored wheat field.

For a brief moment he resisted the urge and asked aloud, "Who are you?"

A short, high-pitched giggle was his answer before the sweet voice answered, "Silly! You should know my name. It's Hikari."

Before he could process another question in his mind, Ostel's vision blurred, and soon he beheld himself actually flying across the fields. At first he felt afraid and feared that he was going mad. As if sensing his fear, the same warming presence of Hikari seemed to manifest itself through two small but strong hands underneath his arms. His uneasiness soon melted away, and Ostel let himself soared though the autmun colored skies.

A boyish smile soon became etched across his face as Ostel yelled, "I can't believe it! I'm Flying! This is amazing! I always wanted to fly!" For what seemed like the first time in his life, all the woes and burdens he carried with him fell away. He held his hands out and spun himself in the air, shouting a cry of joy as the very winds sped him across the beautiful countryside.

The angelic voice of Hikari spoke again as if jokingly teasing an old friend, "You need to have fun more often Ostel! You get way too worked up." Her tone to Ostel seemed almost too light-hearted for someone of reality, but soon his mind was distracted as the fields of golden wheat gave way to another landscape as they flew towards the setting sun. The open landscape narrowed and dropped off, with the fields giving way to a more rocky landsacpe with a few scattered trees.

They pair soon came to a cliffside overlooking the ocean, with the setting sun's rays permeating over a small cirlce of land. The circle was a small field of green that was coated with thick patches of wild yellow sunflowers. In the center sat a large hollowed out log, with oddly sturdy branches on the side that made it perfect for sitting.

As Ostel was set down a few footsteps away from the log, the spirit around him shifted and formed into the girl he saw in the crystal. She wore a one-piece emerald colored summer dress made of silk with sandals donning her petite feet. Thus before Ostel stood sat Hikari, the previous Sage of Light who patted a spot next to her on the log. Her small form belied her presence though, as Ostel felt as if her power was still here and strongest at this spot.

Knowing that he was safe, Ostel finally let his guard down and accepted her invitation. He sat down beside the small figure and stared out at the sun as it began to descend into the sea. The clouds were painted in a varied of colors, making it seem like more of a picture to Ostel rather than actually a scene playing before his eyes.

The bastard felt at peace here, so much so that he had to ask, "Is this place real?" It seemed as if the sun's rays were blessing the land with an untouched and untainted power

Hikari's spirit giggled back, "Of course it is! It's like, my favorite spot in all the world." She said swinging one of her legs back and forth out of what seemed to be an old habit.

The Grimward then looked around to see if he could see anything that could tell him where he was, but to no avail. For nothing he saw jarred his memory, "Where are we?" he wondered aloud.

Then Hikari scoffed a bit, prehaps getting annoyed with his questions, "Do you not know your own continent? We are on Lucerna! You should know your own homeland when you see it." She said looking him with a bit of pride.

In response to her pride all Ostel did was shrug his broad shoulders and say, "Sorry, I did not get out very much from the Grimward estate. You know, being a bastard and all." Being a former Sage he figured Hikari more than likely knew of his past.

As if to confirm his assumption, the curly blonde haired girl eased her glare and stared back out to the sun in silence for a few seconds as if lost in thought. She finally said in a serious tone that seemed very unbecoming of her, "You are going to have to protect them you know?"

Ostel turned his gaze from the sun and meet her unusual golden eyes, "What do you mean?"

The former Sage of Light extended both her hands outward and answered, "All of this! You know, Lucerna, humanity."

At that Ostel should of smiled and agreed, but truthfully he could not fathom himself doing so. Instead he sighed and folded his arms across his chest, closing his eyes and tilting his head downward. He then said something he never thought he would say aloud, "What if I do not want to. What if I think they do not deserve my protection?"

When he opened his sky blue eyes he found Hikira had somehow quietly gotten off the log, folded her hands behind her dress and leaned down to meet his gaze at eye level, "This is about the elves isn't it?"

With a solemn nod the bastard gave his answer, "Among other reasons, but yes." He expected her to taunt him, and that she would be too young to understand how he felt.

But to her credit, Hikira merely took a deep breath and stood up straight saying in a mild tone that defied her supposed age, "I guess that makes sense. You know the elves were our friends when I was alive. That seems like ages ago though, but yet it seems yesterday too..." She said looking down to the floor and kicking a small loose patch of dirt up with her sandals.

Ostel gave the former Sage a stare, and suddenly he began to wonder just how long she had been watching things develop in Lucerna. From the point of view of her age Ostel could not imagine how it must of saddened her to see the elves and the humans fighting one another, let alone the horrid aftermath.

Breaking his train of thought though, Hikari then turned spun on her heel and said cheerfully, "Well I guess you will just need to free the elves and protect your people! You can do it though!" She exclaimed while giving him a thumbs up.

The new Sage of Light's jaw dropped at the action, until he shoke his head for a second and then gave her a bewildered look, "You have any idea what you are asking of me? That cannot be done, not both." He said shaking his head.

Then Hikari's small figure semed to grow a bit as she stamped her foot down, "NO!" The sky seemed to darken around them and a chill air sent shivers up Ostel's back as she said in a dark tone that seemed alien to the cheerful girl he was just speaking to, "If you do not save your race from themselves, then they will fall into darkness!" For a brief moment, Ostel entertained the possibility of apologizing, and maybe even running from the angered spirit.

But then the wind died down and the light of the setting sun came back to its supposed state, and Hikira seemed to take a deep breath and return to her normal size. She then gave a concerned look and said, " You are their only hope now. They will listen to you, like they listened to me long ago." She said standing seemingly tall and proud.

In a way, the Grimward bastard envied her pride, "What if they do not listen?" he asked plainly with his self-doubt resurfacing.

The answer came as if Hikira was talking to a sibling, or possibly even a mentor to a student, "Bastard or not, you are the Sage of Light now. If they will not listen, then make them listen." She said as if she just passed judgment.

With all that she was asking of him Ostel could not help but feel slightly overwhelmed, "What if I don't care? What if I just go my own way with Snow?"

Hikira only sighed this time and shrugged, "Then the world dies. For with no Light, there is no dawn for anyone on Divus." Again a ominous sea breeze came through the sacred spot on the cliffside.

I response Ostel raised his hands up in defeated before standing himself, "I guess that means I have no choice." He then placed one hand on his hip and looked down to his predecessor with a raised eyebrow, "You know I never asked for this."

The light-hearted giggle returned, "Hey You think I did?" She said with a sarcastic grin.

Hikira's smile was too infectous that Ostel could not help but smile as well, but before he could say anything else the former Sage crossed her hands at her waist, "You had best get back to your friends Ostel. You have to help them."

It was then at that moment Ostel felt himself being gently picked up and being pulled backwards, when he tried to speak, he found that he could not. His vision began to blur again, but in his mind the bastard heard her song-like voice;

Take care of Summer, she will need you before the end, actually they all will. You must be the light that guides them and the world. There can be no Darkness without Light, I'll be watching you. And learn to smile and laugh every now then!

The gray curtain of the world went past him and suddenly Ostel found himself back in the courtyard staring into the bright crystal. Hikira form was still there though, asleep with her arms folded across her childish figure. A profound sadness swept over him as Ostel realized that throughout their entire conversation, he never once considered what it must of been like for her never to have grown older than she had.

Ostel did not know if she would see his gesture, but as he did with Calixta before he gave her the same custom. He brought his sword hand into a fist and slammed it into his shield hand's open embrace before bowing his uppper body forward. He then righted himself up and muttered the age old Grimward saying, "Anon Boo Ta, Hikira. And thank you." With that he felt a slight rustle at his feet.

Snow had been beside him this whole time, and now his white tail was waving happily at his companion's return. Ostel smiled and knelt down, rubbing the white wolf's head playfully, "Hungry?" A sharp bark was his answer, to which the Sage of Light grinned, "Alright boy, we'll eat soon. I promise." After making the promise to his faithful companion, Ostel let out a gruff sigh and held out his hand, feeling both confused, and foolish.

28.

Upon noticing that everyone had finished their interaction with their Ancestor/Predecessor, the cloaked female finally pulled her hood down to reveal the face of a young looking female. Her eyes were a piercing crimson color framed by dark lashes, eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Her hair fell around her shoulders in auburn colored curls that did nothing to hide the horns that were set just behind and above her ears, they went straight back with a slight curve to them. As she looked around, she rested her hand on the glass globe that held the 6 gems within. The moment her hand came in contact with the glass, it shattered and a blinding white light accompanied the shattering.

When the bright light subsided, Damien's bow was bestowed back upon him. However, it looked much more different than when he last saw it. The ends and curves of the bow were more elegantly pointed and the whole bow had a silver-brownish hue to it. The most eye-catching pieces, however, were the six gems embedded into the bow. Just above the handle was a ruby, followed by a topaz gem just above the handle, with the diamond halfway up and an oval Opal at the tip. An emerald gem lay just below the handle, with a black diamond half-way down, and an aquamarine at the bottom tip.

Aegar was the next to notice a difference when it came to his weapons. He looked down at his belt only to find that his swords had returned to their previously empty sheaths, though it seemed they had changed. He pulled both swords out, one in each hand, to examine them: both 2-foot long, slightly curved blades made of a dark grey non-reflective metal, with a black leather grip. Unlike before however, the cross guards were richly decorated with a variety of colored gems. The center of both cross guards held a large black diamond, in the shape of a half skull, the left and right sword holding the left and right half respectively. Around each black diamond were five much smaller gems - diamond, emerald, ruby, topaz and aquamarine - laid around the skull gem like a pentagon. On the blade, just above the hand guard, sat a large half Opal on each blade, reflecting every elemental color already present.

Once his eyes readjusted to the normal, faded light of Tenebra, he held up both of his hands, and gazed at the augmentations made to his gauntlets. The steel rim of the right gauntlet had been adorned with the Diamond, the Emerald, and the Blue Topaz. His left hand, respectively, now bore the Ruby, the Aquamarine, and the Black Diamond. When he turned his hands over to inspect the underside of each, Jade Fist noticed that there was an oval Opal embedded in the steel rim. "Hmph..." He muttered, with a sense of intrigue, "Alright. This'll work."

Calixta was confused when she saw she had nothing in her hand, I thought we were to be given something, she wondered as she went to rub her forehead, only to be met with the brief, cold bite of metal. Confused, she removed what was on her head only to find a circlet within her grasp. It was made of yellow gold and rose gold bands that spiraled and intertwined to make a tiara-like shape. It dipped down along the hairline, almost touching the forehead region with an intricate swirly flourish. The circlet itself was scattered with small, golden leaves and flowers that resemble the florae native to Nymph; there are five flowers on each side with each holding a small jewel representative of the other elements: Ruby, Emerald, Blue Topaz, Black Diamond and Diamond. In the center of the circlet, above the swirly flourish, lies a much larger Aquamarine stone that is also decorated with swirls of rose gold. Attached to the large Aquamarine at the bottom sat a half size smaller Opal, outlined in the same rose gold that decorated the Aquamarine.

When Ostel's eyes readjusted from the bright flash of light, he felt the weight of Dawnbringer in his hands. As he took the time to re-inspect the hammer, he noticed that the ruins seemed so much brighter. The white diamond that stood for his element hung from the curved point of the hammer on a chain made of gold. Spaced evenly on either side of the hammer, from flat head to curved point, the remaining gems lined up starting with the Black Diamond at the flat end of the hammer, followed by the Aquamarine, Ruby, Emerald and closest to the clear Diamond was the Blue Topaz that signified Summer's element. As he lowered his arm to his side, a glint of multiple colors caught his eye and he spotted an oval Opal, the same size as his diamond, on the very top of the hammer just before the curve.

Finally, Summer opened her eyes after the brilliant flash of light, she wasn't sure what to expect, but it sure wasn't what happened next. The wind around Summer began to swirl in front of her. As she looked on, a staff began to take form. The swirls in the wind solidified as it jumped from one point on the staff to the next, creating twisting spheres around different areas of the staff. Embedded into the center of every twisting sphere starting from the center of the staff up are the Emerald, Black Diamond, Aquamarine, the Clear Diamond and lastly, the Ruby. Each gem shifts into the shape of a perfect sphere as the cyclone of wind twists and turns until it meets at the top, creating a large Blue Topaz on the top that twists out and spreads tendrils along the Opal stone that now created the main body of the staff. Within the opening of the top was a never dying, visible, swirling, ball of air.

"Well then, now that you all have what was meant for you, I would like for you to follow me please," the woman said, "Oh, and my name is Amalia for those of you who wish to know... and I'm a Warlock." She offered a smile as she made a small motion for them to follow her.

When they all finally got over their initial shock, each Sage and their companion (for those that had one), proceeded to follow Amalia to a gate on the other side of the Courtyard, a gate that lead into Darkness. Without another word, she opened the gate with the wave of her hand and led them into a cave that was so dark that they could barely see their hand in front of their face. They walked like this for what felt like hours, but was only seconds, before the cave came to an end and they stood in front of a portal. Before stepping through, she smiled at everyone and motioned for them to follow her once more.

When everyone was through the portal, they found themselves in a vast field with rolling hills and not a tree in sight. No, no trees, but there was a large castle like structure about 300 yards away from them. The castle was built of a mix of Black Onyx and Gold laced Marble stone with three towers aligned behind the structure, nearly reaching the sky. The Towers themselves were black in color with the gold-laced marble acting as the roof. The Gothic structure looked out of place in the sunny fields, actually, the whole "Sunny fields" seemed out of place with Tenebra.

"Parallel dimension so to speak," Amalia said with a smile as everyone looked around, "If you like the outside, wait until you see the inside, it's literally whatever you want it to be."

She led them all to the University, once they reached the large front doors, they opened silently revealing a large Front Hall decorated in vibrant colors with the Dining hall branched off to the left. On the right side of the hall were 7 doors, 7 doors that seemed so out of place when it came to everything else. Each door was the color of an element, except for the seventh door, the seventh door was a mix of all the colors and seemed more… foreboding.

“Don’t mind those doors just yet,” Amalia said with a smile as they walked up to a young woman that was paler than Summer, “They will come into play when you are ready for them. Now, please follow Evelyn here to your respective towers… Summer, you will be rooming with Damien, Ostel with Jade Fist and you Aegar… you will be with Calixta. Calixta, don’t even think about arguing understand? You will try to get along like your life depends on it because… well… it does. Now on your way.”

Amalia made a shooing motion with her hands just before she turned on her heel and walked away.

29

---

Evelynn was seated in a velvet chaise lounge near a smaller set of doors that resembled the grand doors of the main entrance, and she looked on in cold greeting to the six mages that approched her. As she stood she observed each of them silently, making snide remarks in her head about each one of them. Oh look, there's one average, two that are slightly better, a nasty animal and two novelties... She thought of them in terms of the taste of blood-- she had tasted the blood of all the races save for that of a nymph...the immortal fey didn't travel around too much, but she imagined they tasted sickly sweet and that wouldn't do at all. Oh no, it would make her stomach upset! But she had spent 293 years knowing what she did and didn't like, and right now she didn't like the look of these chosen Sages...well, maybe she liked the looks of one. But there was no way she'd be expressing any real interest in him. After all, they were all like children to her.

"Hello," she started off, adding a curt nod to accompany her official greeting. Already one could tell her tone was much different from Amalia's, and that's the way Evelynn wanted it to be. She wasn't going to be their friend, no matter what Amalia said. "As you all know now, my name is Evelynn and I am the...well, your 'counselor,' if you will. I am here to show you around and help you with any of your needs while you are here at University. If there are no further questions-- and I hope there are none-- let's get started." Without waiting for any responses she turned on her heel, opened the smaller set of doors and walked through gracefully.

The door opened up to a large main hallway lit by lanterns that seemed to be supported by nothing but air, and they carried bright orbs of light from within. They were, of course, fueled by magic just as the rest of the castle was. The walls were a subdued off-white, decorated with paintings, the floors were lined with a luxurious rug, and the decor consisted of tables and pedestals that held vases depicting different events in the history of the world. As they reached the end of the hallway, it branched out to three different directions: left, right, and forward; this was where Evelynn paused. "These hallways branch out to different parts of the university. While they all lead to the same places, they do look different to everyone that passes through. For example, if I take a look to my left I see a pit of blackness, and to my right I see a dead wasteland..." She paused and glanced back at those following her, and sighed. "It was a joke. Because I'm a vampire?" She flashed a toothy grin that showed off her fangs, then rolled her eyes and continued speaking. "The appearance of the hallways look like the interiors of the old, old structures of Tellus, back when they were beautiful and glistening with life. Anyway, let us continue."

She took a left, walked up the steps and led them past various doors and other hallways. The few students that walked around seemed to shy away from her, not out of fear but out of a silent respect. Evelynn was not known to be a strict enforcer of the university rules, but when she got angry it was as if she brought chills wherever she walked. She nodded in greeting to a few of them, keeping a brisk pace as she walked, the long tendrils of her lavender chiffon dress shuffling mildly with the movement. She pointed out different general areas, noting that sets of corridors were often devoted to different areas of study, six of them being the different elements. After two rights and two lefts, she slowed down near the opening of a larged curved hallway on the right. It was almost as wide as the main hallway, but on the far back wall it had three doors that were quite spaced out. The entrance to the far-left tower had a symbol of darkness and water carved above the door, the center tower door had the symbols of Earth and Light, and the far-right tower had the symbols of Wind and Fire above the door.

"If you haven't guessed it already, we are at the back of the castle near the towers that you probably saw from quite a ways away. They are your rooms while you are here... we couldn't have you special students live near the ordinary students; that would be absurd!" She paused again then sighed, but waved her hand forward in gesture to the three towers. "As Amalia has told you, your rooming arrangements are as follows: Wind with Fire, Earth with Light, and Water with Darkness. All of your necessary belongings and immediate desires have been brought up for you. This includes decor, clothing, and bath items. If you need anything else-- and gods forbid you do not-- then contact me. I may or may not answer you depending on how I'm feeling. Or if I'm feeding."

As she said this, her eyes turned a dulled red, making a sharp contrast against the paleness of her skin and white-blonde hair. Evelynn laughed. "Oh, well, look at that, I must be off! I do hope the staff has brought in a tasty treat today...Or you could be my treat,” she said suggestively to the coal-skinned demon standing at the back of the group, grinning as she said the words. Demon blood was dark and strong much like a heavy ale; drinking from one was something that was seen as a taboo of sorts, and the flavor was an acquired taste. At the silence that followed, Evelynn let out another sharp laugh and turned away from the six Sages, traveling back the way she came. The eerie echo of her voice bounced back until it disappeared altogether, leaving the Sages to themselves.

30.

As their host left the six sages in the main hall Ostel glanced over to Jade Fist with perplexed look, wondering for a moment if he might survive the night with the most notorious elf on Lucerna. He then shoke his head and smiled as he remembered the oath him, Summer and the outlaw took. The Sage of Light looked down to his canine companion and saw Snow staring at the departing warlock.

Truthfully the human did not know what to make of all of this, the caste, the fact he was a sage, and to top it off he was now supposedly the only hope for his race. Thankfully a rumble in his stomach reminded him of other important things. As if hearing his tummy, Snow began wagging his tail in agreement.

Ostel then walked toward his bunkmate, and the armored Earth Sage turned to meet his advance. With a friendly nod Ostel said, "Not sure about you Jade Fist, but I'm hungry as a bear in fall. Want to see if we can find some food?" He said pointing his thumb behind him.

"You can eat if you want." Jade Fist replied, "I just want to look around the place. Get a feel for it." He walked past Ostel, towards the first hallway he saw, unsure of what he'd find. He turned his head and said, "Let's go." And the two proceeded further into the university side by side, with Ostel's canine companion following suit.

As the trio began exploring down one of the many corridors, the bastard and the outlaw strode side by side in silence for a while. Each of them however was looking with awe at the architecture of the university's many tapestries and pictures of a forgotten time. Sometimes the mosaics and pictures seemed otherworldly as well.

So entranced was Ostel that he could not help but whistle and say aloud in wonder, "Impressive. And here I thought that the City of Light had the best art and culture. I know many a person who would give their fortune to be here to see this." The Grimward said as he ran his hand across a richly decorated banner of twin red lions on a gold background.

"I'd say any noble could buy their way in here..." Jade Fist said, scanning the area around the trio. "But I'd be wrong. This place seems... sacred. Not really my kind of living arrangement."

Ostel then turned to the Earth Sage and asked without thinking, "Really? Where would you prefer then?"

"Somewhere I'd be sure were away from prying eyes." Jade Fist replied.

At that the Sage of Light sighed, "I can understand that, I think." He then crossed his arms and said bluntly, "But if you always think you're being watched, how will you ever find some measure of peace?"

"Peace?" The elf said to Ostel, "I won't know any real peace for some time, Ostel. Not until my kind is liberated... or even to a point after that. But I'm content with my current lifestyle, however overzealous it may seem to you."

In response the human put his hands up, "I take it back then. I do not understand, then again I guess I hope I never do. I cannot imagine the injustice you have seen, and no amount of apologies from me is going to make up for all that has happened." He said with his tone dropping a bit as a familiar feeling of remorse resurfaced.

"You don't have to apologize for anything." Jade Fist replied, "I can tell you're a good person. You haven't done anything to wrong me, or any elf, as far as I know. It's not humans in general who need to apologize for their actions. It's each and every individual who carried them out."

With a nod the bastard said simply, "I could not agree more. Let's just keep in mind that first we have to figure out what we can learn from this place, and then we can change the fates of both our peoples." he said continuing down the elaborately decorated hallways with Snow accompanying him, his tail waggling all the while.

Jade Fist paused for a moment. Better question is... what does this place already know about us? He shook the idea out of his head, catching up with Ostel.

As the armored figure caught up Ostel gave him a smile, "So, Jade Fist. If I may ask, is your family back on Tellus? What are they like?"

There was a brief moment of silence before the elf replied, "They're... not on Tellus."

The Sage of Light's smile faded briefly, and after a deep breath he grinned again, "Well, I'm sure they would be proud of you."

"They're not dead either."

Ostel could not help but chuckle, "Well then you'll find them. Of that I am sure as well. Besides, for better or worse, I think since meeting Summer and you has made my mind up on something." he said with his eyes rolling upward in though, a mischevous look in his sky blue eyes.

"Yes?"

With a shrug the bastard answered, "I am lending some serious thought to joining you in freeing the elves across Lucerna. Hell I'm a bastard anyways and they expect that of us. And it just feels ... I guess right." He said nodding his head as they continued to walk down the hall.

"If you'd join me, then I would appreciate your assistance greatly." Jade Fist replied, and without thinking about his next words too much, said, "But... it's not just Lucerna that must be freed..."

With a raised eyebrow Ostel pressed his companion further, "I was not aware that there were other places that kept elvish captives. Was there another war that did not involve Lucerna?"

Jade Fist paused, lowering his head. He didn't know if this was the right topic to bring up with a human, but... he just felt the compulsive need to inquire with him about... that horrible place. He looked back up at the Sage of Light and said, "Ostel, you're associated with one of the most well known families in Lucerna. So I'd have reason to believe you might know about..." He paused again, thinking of what to say. "Have..." He said in a hushed tone, "Have you ever heard of a company known as South Solitude Jewelers?"

Ostel brought his sword hand to his chin and rubbed the small patch of chin hair he had in thought, "I have heard of a few of my mentors in the City of Light mention them in passing, but I must admit I know very little about them. Are they some sort of buisness I assume?"

"They haven't been active for several decades." Jade Fist replied, a bit more focused in tone now, "Do you remember any of what they said about it?"

Ostel stopped for a moment and thought carefully, trying to recall the last time he heard the name. A brief image of the Temple of Light came to mind where Master Elwrick spoke to one of his many associates. He closed hi eyes in concentration as he tried to remember what was said, but in the end he gave up after a few moments and sighed, "I recall my old Master speaking to one of his many colleagues about them, something about dealings gone south if I recall." But then the human shrugged his shoulders, "But I may be mistaken, it's a wonder I remember that. That was about ten years ago, a long time for a human anyways."

Jade Fist paused once again, unable to help but think. He then said in a low voice, "I know slavery in Lucerna is terrible, but..." He shook his head and continued, "But that place... it's an atrocity unto itself." He sighed and simply turned his head away again, saying, "I can't stop thinking about it since Zemlja brought it up. It's... disturbing me greatly."

Sensing his comrade’s uneasiness Ostel then stopped in his tracks and looked with concern at the armored figure, in fact this was a bit serial. He never expected he would meet Jade Fist, let alone have a conversation with the outlaw. Strange times call for strange allies I guess . Unsure of what to say the bastard said, "Take your time Jade, it's alright. You can tell me now or whenever you think you can." he said resting his back against the wall opposite of the armored figure, waiting patiently with Snow sitting down beside his left leg.

Jade Fist shook his head again. "It's..." He said, "It's best not to dwell on it right now. I should keep a clear head for whatever the Headmaster has planned for us. I'm going to head back to our room, just... think. I'll be there for the remainder of the afternoon. You go on ahead and find something to eat."

With a simple nod Ostel straightened himself up and took a step forward towards the Sapiens Terrae, but not too close to invade his personal space, "If you ever need to talk my friend, you know where to find me. Take it easy, and rest well." He said gently balling his fist and planting it on the armored figure's shoulder, nudging the figure with with a big grin.

"Resting won't be the solution." Jade Fist said, turning away from Ostel and backtracking down the hallway. "Action will." He called out as he left the Sage of Light to his own devices.

As his new-found comrade walked away, Ostel breathed deeply and shoke his head in disbelief. As he put his hands on his broad hips he recognized that Snow was giving him a confused look, to which Ostel shrugged back, "I don't know Snow, but he knows we are here for him if he needs us." Snow then got up on all four and whined at his human companion.

"Heh, alright pal, lets go find the food. I'm hungry too." he said aloud as the pair made their way back towards the main hall.

31.

"I would have volunteered," Summer murmured to herself, "She looked hungry..."

With that said, Summer hesitantly stepped towards the door that had an intricate carving of a flame surrounded by swirls of air. Her hand stopped just above the carving as a feeling of uneasiness washed over her. She was about to room with a man, even if they were in separate rooms, they would still be in the same tower. Lost in thought, Summer didn't notice Damien as he came up behind her, that is, until his hand appeared on the door next to her's. This action caused her to jump a bit and let out a startled squeak as she retracted her hand from the door and just stared at Damien.

Damien let out a chuckle as he pushed open the door and offered her his hand. "Come on Summer," he said with a smile, "I promise, I don't bite... unless you're into that sort of thing."

Summer just stared at him for a good while, trying to figure out if he was joking or not. The moment she spotted his smile, she decided to put a little trust in him and set her hand in his. He pushed open the door and lead her through, stopping just long enough to allow her to wave briefly to Ostel and smile a bit, just before the door swung closed. Summer turned away from the door and allowed Damien to lead her up the stairs, mildly interested in the lights that led their way. Each light was a string of floating, spherical lights that continuously changed their color, gently fading from one color to the next. No matter how dull the color was, the spiraling staircase was always brightly lit.

"Damien, what do you think the school is going to be like?" Summer asked softly as they neared the end of their climb.

"Hard to say, really," Damien began, " The school is technically in Tenebra, but looking at it, you would never have figured that. What also comes to mind are those seven doors we passed." Damien could see they were just about to cross the threshold into the living space, "Going off of both of those facts, I couldn't really tell you. Hopefully it will be awesome and fun, but I guess only time . . . and ourselves will tell." He took in the scene that was before him. A room fit for nobles, just for two people. "Now this is what I call living," He said while hopping onto the couch and laying his head down on the arm rest. "So what do you think the school's gonna be like Summer?"

Summer sat on the other side of the couch as she studied the room, there was a large fireplace in the center of the far left wall with a love seat directly in front of it. On the adjacent wall was a bookshelf that spread the entire length and width of the wall. The large couch they were sitting on now was the main object in the room, large enough to sleep on if one wanted too, but cozy enough to be comfortable when close to someone else.

"I think... that it will be interesting," she finally answered, "I'm looking forward to learning and... making friends perhaps? I've never had any before... so, I think it would be a nice experience." She managed a small smile as she spoke, watching the fire dance in the pit, it's blue and red blaze dancing around in a hypnotic rhythm. "Would you be my friend Damien?"

"Hmm, I've never been asked directly to be someone's friend, but sure, I'll be your friend." Damien saw how Summer was mesmerized by the fire and got an idea, "Wanna see something cool?" Before getting an answer, he stood up and pointed his palms towards the fire. Small fist-sized balls of fire floated straight towards his hands. He then combined them, stretched the fire out into a string, and turned it into a miniature vortex. Damien then increased the temperature of the fire where the color changed from reddish-orange to different shades of blue. He let the fire sit in his hand for a while, to let both parties admire the beauty. The flame then dispersed into five smaller lights and slowly danced their way to his fingertips. He then shot the sparks back towards the fireplace to rejoin its maternal flame. "What do you think?"

Summer smiled as she watched his little show, "That's amazing," she murmured, "I can't do much.... actually, I can't do anything with my magic. I'm not even sure I have magic..." Summer let out a soft sigh and leaned back until she was up against the back cushion of the couch, a small frown set upon her face. She couldn't recall ever showing any signs of magic when she was at the Grimward Manor, if she had then maybe they would have left her alone. I have a lot to learn if I actually do have magic... everyone here has had the chance to progress with their Elements... I'm just sort of... here. Lost in her thoughts, Summer let out a sigh and stared at the ceiling, she couldn't help the feeling of uselessness that washed over her. Here she was to learn, but what if she wasn't what she wanted? What if they threw her out because she had no magical properties like they thought.

"Damien... what if I'm not really the Wind Sage? I mean... I've never used magic in my life, nor have I ever had the urge to do anything when it came to the element they are saying I represent..." Summer asked, feeling panic start to build up in her chest.

"Summer, calm down, I'm sure you wouldn't have gotten this far if your Ancestor didn't think you were the right one," Damien said with a hint of a smile, "Plus, haven't you ever noticed strange things happening when you get worked up?"

"Well... there was that time before Ostel and I left Lucerna that a gust of wind knocked his brother Fredrick onto his... butt..." Summer smiled at the memory as she absent-mindedly pet Merlin, pulling loose feathers off of him every now and then. After a moment of doing that, she looked over at Ember and smiled. "Come here," she said, her voice soft and soothing, "You have some Burs in your fur."

Ember wagged his tail and panted happily before looking at Damien, "Its alright boy, go ahead." Ember gingerly walked over to Summer and rubbed his head against her hands and legs, wanting to be petted. Summer smiled a bit and gently patted Ember's head and kissed the top of his forehead before she used gentle fingers to remove the burs. Her fingers were swift and gentle as she removed them, ensuring that she did not hurt them. When she finally finished getting the burs off of Ember, she scratched him behind his ears and smiled.

"There you go Ember," Summer said with a smile, "All the burs are gone... though you could use a bath... you smell of Sulfur."

"Really?" Damien asked when Summer said Ember could use a bath. Damien knelt down and sniffed Ember to gauge the accusation, "Eh, he smells fine to me." Ember looked at Damien and continued to pant and wag its tail. "But if you think he needs one, then we can give him one. Come on boy, off to the tub."

Summer giggled and gave a small wave to them both, "I'm going to turn in for the night, I look forward to getting to know you Damien. Good night." With that said, she gave one more smile and turned to go up the small set of stairs that led off to her room. Once there, she took a moment to look around, mostly gawking at what was occupying the space within. In the center of a room was a large, canopied, King sized bed with so many pillows in varying shades of light blue that she wasn't sure she would be able to sleep with all of them there.

She put out a tentative hand out to fell the sheets and was surprised to find that the heavy blanket was made of velvet. All her sheets were a teal color while the canopy was a slightly darker shade of blue. On the far right wall sat a cherry oak dresser with the drawers open showing an over-flow of clothing, which went for the same with the closet that was right next to the dresser. On the left wall was a vanity, also made of cherry oak with gold edging. The mirror was of adequate size that allowed Summer to view herself brushing her hair if she so wished.

Along the Vanity was a series of brushes and cosmetics that Summer wasn't even sure she would use most of. It was nice to have things so fine, but she liked the dress that Ostel had given her and wanted to wear it for as long as she could. Though I guess it couldn't hurt to wear one of the night gowns, she though as she pulled out a silver, floor length night gown, It's silk... so soft.. Summer quickly changed into the night gown before pushing most of the pillows off the bed and slipping between the covers, going to sleep almost instantly.

32

Aegar wasn't sure what to think of the enhancements made to his twin swords. He wasn't a big fan of using jeweled weaponry, as most jeweled weapons were made for beauty over practicality, but at least most of the blade was unaltered. He sheathed his weapons and groped around the back of his belt to find that his daggers had miraculously returned to their sheaths too, however those were unchanged. Once he’d made certain he was fully armed once more, he looked around at the other mages, who all appeared to have received a similar augmentation. One of the girls now even held an extraordinary staff that he was certain wasn't there before. Why would they all receive such a thing? Was there some kind of magic tied to the gems?

He shook the thought out of his head, figuring he’d get an answer sooner or later, and for the first time really inspected the five others. The first to catch his eye was the unmistakable stone-armor-clad figure. The stories about the mysterious Jade Fist reached far and wide, even all the way to Tenebra even though he had no business here. The stories were none the less diverse for it too. For all Aegar knew, he could be a slaver-fighting superhero, an anarchist intent on destroying the human nobility or an undead who kidnaps and sacrifices innocent children. Aegar had never truly believed the latter story, but then again he’d never even to Lucerna before, so who knows.

The second to catch his eye was the shortest of them all, so short he might’ve overlooked her if she wasn’t so blindingly beautiful. Black wavy hair and a flawless feminine face gave her an aura of beauty that even the succubi of Tenebra had trouble keeping up with. She might’ve been an exceptionally attractive elf, but more likely she was a Nymph. Aegar had never seen one in person, as they were said to rarely leave their homeland, but there are few men in all of Divus who hadn’t heard the stories. A sly smile crept across his face as he contemplated how his stay here might end up even better than anticipated.

Then his eyes landed on the human. He didn’t look too important at first sight. Pale, broad-shouldered and clad in chainmail and fur, could’ve been anyone. But that hammer looked far too valuable and royal, even without the newly added jewels, to belong to some lowborn hunter, and he didn’t seem like the thieving type. That marked him as some kind of noble. Aegar frowned upon the thought of having to work not only with a human, but with a noble one. Humans and demons, being of opposing elements after all, were notorious for clashing wherever they met.

The other two were less eye-catching, at least for now. The one near the volcano was probably a lycanthrope - considering the furry ears atop his head - and the other a shifter if her color pallet was any indicator. He had no beef with lycanthropes and shifters, having never been to the native continent of either, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t keep an eye on them just in case.

Once he’d quietly followed the group through the portal, he was surprised, to say the least, with the surroundings they ended up in. Sunny and green, an environment so unlike Tenebra that it almost made him feel out of place being there. Aegar quietly went along with the group, not having swapped words with any of the other mages yet, as they were transferred from one guide to another, one who was almost unmistakably a vampire. The vampire, Evelynn, was slender, pale and rather attractive, but also rude and seemingly uninterested. He furrowed his brow in surprise when she spoke directly to him, unsure of whether he should feel threatened or aroused. Before he could think of a suitable reply, she was already gone, leaving the six Sages to explore their towers by themselves. Aegar had been assigned to the same tower as the Nymph, Calixta. For the first time in a long time he felt nervous, for he was to get along with someone he knew nothing about; even her race was unknown territory to him. He looked around to see the other mages fortunately caught up with each other, allowing him to split off from the group unnoticed and follow the Nymph through the door and up the spiraling staircase, still unsure of what he would say to her once they were both inside.

33.

Jade Fist opened the door quietly once he'd found his way back to his and Ostel's room. A solid memory helped in big places like this. He entered the room, and admittedly, his mask hid his impressed expression as he gazed upon the contents of the quarters.

Grand. Spacious. Opulent. The room held ornate furniture, lavish beds, a fireplace, bathing rooms... everything expected of a luxury. Everything was separated well enough apart that Ostel and Jade Fist would both have their own space to claim as their own. That, he was thankful for. And he had to be honest... this definitely beat sleeping in a locked cellar while guardsmen searched for him. And yet, it felt so alien to him, these ideal arrangements... but he knew full well the Headmaster, or her vampiric assisstant Evelynn, wouldn't let him leave so easily if he so wished.

So. This was a decorated prison, in a sense. But he didn't mind.

Jade Fist made his way across the room to where he guessed he'd be intended to sleep. He wouldn't, though. He was an elf after all. But a comfy place for reverie was an appealing feature. Something caught his eye, though. On the nightstand next to his bed, there was a small black orb, sizeable enough to fit in one's hand. It didn't feel like it belonged in the room, it felt... ominous.

There was a folded note next to it. Jade Fist picked it up and opened it, curious.

To be delivered to the Earth and Light Sages' quarters.

- Sicini del Mortha III

"Sicini?" Jade Fist muttered, picking up the little black orb and holding it in his free hand. "What does she..."

Suddenly, the orb began to feel... colder. The black inside it began to twist and churn, like a bank of fog... and then a piercing yellow eye appeared within it.

Hello again, Sapiens Terrae.

Jade Fist simply eyed the orb inquisitively, not responding in any way whatsoever.

Oh? Not surprised? Not going to drop it on the floor in a minor sense of shock?

"I've used these sorts of tools before. It's nothing new to me." The elf replied.

Ah... you know, it's quite refreshing to see someone with a sense of professionalism and experience in the fray. Saves me quite a bit of trouble.

"I'd expected you to want to speak in person. Why aren't you in the University?"

I've never had the pleasantry. The University is open only to those who prove themselves capable at some form of known magic. While I am a loose associate of the Headmaster's, I haven't been granted entry due to the... nature, of my experiments. Necromancy is a messy process when it's purely physical. And I'm certain those walls around you would shutter were I to perform a dark art or two within them. Besides, the place seems far too... lively, for my tastes.

"So this is your alternative?"

Indeed. This orb allows vocal interaction to take place between the living and the dead.

Jade Fist paused for a moment. "Wait..." He said, "You're dead?"

Currently, yes. I drove a needle through my throat shortly after you and the rest of the Sages departed from the mortal coil. My body is being guarded by Mortis.

"I can't say I'm surprised. You are a necromancer after all."

A very experienced necromancer, Jade. I've a well developed map of the land of the dead. Walking between these two worlds is a specialty of mine. There may exist an assortment of alternate dimensions and universes in Divus, but they're all connected to the afterlife. All things dead end up here.

"Alright, then. Did you need something or was this just a quick chat?" Jade Fist said, discarding the note and taking a seat on the bed, keeping his eyes locked on the orb.

There is something of the matter, actually. And I'm going to be blunt about it. I wish to inquire about the nature of your conversation with Zemlja.

Jade Fist tensed up a little at the necromancer's words.

Particularly regarding Shatterbrain.

Jade Fist remained silent.

Oh, don't be so adamant. Besides, I already know more than you do. Dead elves are full of information. I only wished to ask... what do you intend to do, Jade?

"What do you mean?" Jade Fist replied in a hushed tone.

We both know full well it's etched into your fate. Zemlja did as well. You're going to return there one day. And you're not going to like what you find. Shatterbrain has become a festering, rotting pit of madness. It didn't die after you left. And now you have to administer some form of action against it. My question is what, exactly, will you do when the time comes?

"I don't know."

You don't know, as in you haven't decided between your options, or you have absolutely no idea how to act?

"I. Don't. Know."

Really, then? Hm... I suppose it's true. You can't rush fate. And I certainly can't rush one as stalwart as you. Very well, I will remain patient for an answer. Keep this orb somewhere I can easily reach you, if you would be so kind.

Jade Fist didn't respond.

I know what may happen, dear. But it's up to you to decide what will happen.

The glaring eye within the orb vanished into the bleak fog, and the surface bled into its previous state, solid black. The necromancer was gone. Jade Fist... didn't know how to react. He simply put the orb inside one of the pouches on his belt, sighing. He eased back on the bed, crossing his legs and placing his hands together. And he engaged in reverie.

He didn't know if he wanted to formulate an answer to Sicini's question.

But he certainly needed to.

34

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The nymph was absolutely stunned, in the worst way possible. Not with the circlet (which was very, very beautiful and currently placed on her head) but with the rooming arrangements. She had been excited as she saw everyone's expensive jewels, excited when she followed Amalia through the portal and to the lush green hills that looked so out of place on Tenebra, and she was excited when she saw the grandeur of the castle. But now...now the excitement faded. Her mouth dropped open at Amalia's words, and she stammered nothingness in response; she was too appalled to make a simple reply. Didn't they know about...about Acheron? This is was some type of sick joke, she guessed, making her sleep in the same room as a demon.

But the girl plastered a serene smile on her face and instead said, "Oh yes, Amalia. It is not a problem at all. If you don't mind, I let Garon roam around the gardens there near the side of the castle...it's the environment he's used to." The peacock was a spoiled brat if anything, and Calixta let him do as he pleased. After all, it wasn't hers to begin with, so the damn peacock could go wander around wherever. She didn't care, and he sure wasn't going to occupy space in her tower. Or maybe he could...he could have the demon's room.

Calixta walked forward with the other five Sages as they approached the woman named Evelynn. She had never seen a vampire before, and this one was...beautiful but very, very harsh. If she had to guess, Evelynn was an elf before her transformation. The lithe features, tall stature and pointed ears gave it away, and the vampirism just seemed to intensify those to no end. But nevertheless, Calixta seemed to think that being near Evelynn was better than standing by the extremely tall demon, so she took her spot at the front of the group as they walked along. The walk to the back of the castle was relatively boring; the only exciting things were the looks that some of the female students gave her, but she couldn't figure out why she was recieving such treatment. Sure, not many nymphs traveled outside Nymphe, but her appearance shouldn't have been that surprising, right?

As they approached the towers, it suddenly dawned on the nymph that this was real. The carving above the door to her tower depicted ominous siwrls of darkness that surrounded a water droplet, and she glanced nervously at the demon. She hadn't even gotten the chance to meet him, and now she was expected to suddenly get along with hiim? Yeah, right. Why couldn't she be paired with Summer? Or Ostel...dreamy-eyed Ostel. Wind and Water complimented each other, right? What about Light and Water? Just as she opened her mouth to ask about a room change, Evelynn laughed and turned away, obviously not wanting to be bothered. Well, this was a predicament. With another glance at the hooded demon, she stepped forward and to the side without acknowledging him, and opened the door to her-- their-- tower.

Grey, almost black stone made steps that spiraled up the tower, and the staircase was brightly lit with the same orbs from the main hallway, except there was no paper lantern around them; there was only the orb itself, switching colors every 20 seconds or so. Calixta's light footing made almost no sound, but she could hear the heavier footsteps of her roommate behind her. She had, of course, left the door to the tower open so that the demon could walk in. Although uncomfortable with the pairing, she still thought herself to be a kind person, and she would treat him with the formal kindness as she would with anyone else she didn't like. The top of the stair case opened up to a large, heavily decorated sittting room. A fireplace burned low on the far wall, and it was flanked on either side by large arched windows that were decorated with heavy velvet curtains and lace trimming near the top. In the center of the room were two plush couches and a small table, all of which was laid perpendicular to the fire place. A few side tables with more vases and glass lanterns (for show only) littered the back and side of the room, giving it more of a luxurious feel.

The room was probably decorated in such a way to meet Calixta's expectations, but she wouldn't have minded either way. Although she lived in the royal palace, people often forgot that she was, in fact, the daughter of a common folk family. To her relief, two rooms branched out on either side of the main sitting room. Thank goodness! At least she would have her own privacy! The door to her room was on the right side, painted an off-white that had a subtle undertone of blue. Astonished by the lavishness of it all, she just stood there, her small frame blocking the entryway.

Aegar made his way up the tall spiraling staircase, intrigued by the floating orbs of light that illuminated it - though they were rather unnecessary for him to find his way – only to find Calixta’s petite figure blocking the entrance to the living room. From behind she was nothing but long black hair and dark purple cloak, but even so her femininity was unmistakable. He hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat to get her attention.

Calixta swirled around in a fluid motion to face him, having to redirect her gaze upwards for her eyes to meet his. “Oh- Excuse me.” she stumbled while she shuffled backwards, making space for him to enter the room. “I… don’t think we’ve been introduced. My name is Calixta, from Nymphe.” she continued, attempting to be as kind as possible despite her mixed emotions.

Aegar’s pale eyes ran across the girl’s slender frame, trying to read some kind of body language. There was a smile on her face, but something was off, something big. “You’re right. I was late to the party, so to speak.” In contrast to Calixta’s feminine singsong voice, his own was a deep monotone, both calming and unnerving simultaneously. “I’m Aegar, of Tenebra.” When he extended his hand towards her, she flinched ever so slightly; most would never have noticed. There was some kind of reluctance in her, but he couldn’t put his finger on it just yet.

Regardless, she answered by politely shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you, Aegar.” Maybe. Not likely. But she continued smiling anyways.

A brief silence fell between the two of them, until Aegar broke it by finally stepping through the doorframe into the living room. The fireplace was burning on a low flame and the curtains were partially closed, leaving the room in a comfortable shadowy state, without hindering the sight of any non-demonic residents. “So how did you get here, on Tenebra?” he said, grabbing onto the first decent conversation starter that came to mind. “Did you come willingly or did they have to drag you in?”

"Um, no, I came willingly..." Her eyes glazed over a bit as she recalled her very first experience on Tenebra. No, she wasn't dragged to this place, but she sure wouldn't have gone if not for Queen Raina's orders. She stepped through as well, making sure to maintain a decent distance away from Aegar; the first encounter had already been much too close! Taking a seat on one of the couches, she crossed her legs daintily and let out a small giggle that really didn't have any heart in it. "I doubt they had to drag anyone in. After all, being chosen as one of the six Sages must be opportunity of a lifetime."

“Far longer than a lifetime in fact. I myself was practically dragged in, since they apparently deemed that easier than just explaining the situation.” Aegar sat down on the couch opposite from hers and continued looking around the room rather than making eye-contact. “Do you think it’s all real?” He was honestly wondering that even now. “Could six mages make the difference? I’ve seen some weird stuff in my life, but few as surreal as this.” His fingers idly found their way to the hilt of his sword and lightly stroked the newly-added gems, reminding him that the past ten minutes were indeed not a dream.

Nothing missed Calixta's attention, not even the brush of the demon's hand against the hilt of his sword. It pulled a strong gasp from her, sending every single sense into overdrive as she quickly analyzed the situation. But... the action didn't seem to pose any real threat, and she quickly relaxed against the couch again, embarrassed for the sudden outburst. "Where I come from, prophecy is almost set in stone. The nymphs like to believe most everything, so this is a very, very real thing for me. We all saw our predecessors in their tombs. Was that not real enough for you?"

“I suppose so.” Despite the conversation seeming little out of the ordinary, the tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife, or a jeweled sword for that matter. Were Nymphs simply xenophobic in nature or was something more going on? “Tenebra is full of cults and religious nuts speaking of prophecies. Some believe them, some don’t. After all these years I’m not sure what to believe anymore. I got dropped into this endeavor very unexpectedly, that’s all. Did he speak to you too then, your predecessor? Did he tell you anything special?” He’d considered the possibility of that being private information, but he was simply too curious not to ask.

"Why?" The nymph's eyes narrowed for a split second before she sighed, knowing that it was wrong to be suspicious of someone just because of his race. "You could say it was special... I think they all must have said something special, but it was uniquely special to ourselves, otherwise we wouldn't have listened and gotten our gifts, yes? And you're not alone there, Aegar. I wasn't supposed to be here at all but something... unexpected came up." A pause blanketed the air as she reached up to resituate the circlet on her head, pushing it up slightly, and she smiled at him, curious and confused about his situation. "Where did 'they' drag you here from?"

“Just… wrapping up some business elsewhere in the city. They apparently had no time to waste on getting me in here. I understand now in hindsight.” he said, thinking of the figure that had burst into flames shortly before he came in. He changed the subject, hoping to avoid having to explain to her what he was doing before they abducted him. “Have you ever been on Tenebra before? Nymphs are known for rarely leaving their birthplace.”

"Once, on my birthday 14 years ago. It was... alright." Calixta left it vague and devoid of any emotion, just so he wouldn't ask questions. She shrugged, raising her eyebrows. "Nymphs don't like leaving because most of them value their immortality too much. Besides, have you ever thought about what it feels like to suddenly feel gravity constantly pulling down on your body when you've spent about 90 percent of the time in the buoyancy and weightlessness of water? It feels very strange indeed."

Aegar cracked a brief smile at her comment about water, part sincerely and partially forced in an attempt to lighten the mood. “I imagine it is, yes.” While her vagueness on the subject was probably due to unwillingness to talk about it, something drove Aegar to want to push further on the Tenebra subject; a mix of curiosity and wanting to find out if she was trustworthy. “Did you come here all alone then? Tenebra is a dangerous place, especially for a w-, for a nymph.”

"I'd say it's a dangerous place for most anyone." The tone of her voice grew slightly colder, and she had to bite her tongue from saying something rude. What was Aegar going to say? That Tenebra was dangerous for a woman? Although he may have been right, she was visibly bothered by his question and how he had asked it, but she answered him anyway. "No, I didn't come here alone. I had a... friend with me." Her voice broke slightly on the word 'friend,' prompting her to look away and out the window in an attempt to control her rising emotions.

Aegar averted his eyes from her as well, instead idly turning them towards the fireplace. There was clearly some unpleasant memory tied to this place. In hindsight he felt a tad bad for pushing it, but he was glad to have the slightest glimpse at her background, seeing as he was going to have to spend every evening and night near her for the indefinite future. He now refrained from continuing the subject, for both their sakes, and attempted to simply tie an end to the conversation. “Well, you should be glad to have experienced so much of the world. Few nymphs can say the same.”

"It is both a blessing and a curse to have experienced what I have," Calixta said curtly, nodding her head once to ackowledge his words. "I- um, excuse me." Clearly almost distraught at this point, the girl hurriedly stood and rushed to exit the tower, not bothering with a formal goodbye. It wasn't two seconds later that the slam of the door could be heard echoing up the stairwell, leaving Aegar in silence.

35

---

Well, seeing the demon's reaction wasn't all that she hoped for. He was like a stick in the mud... a big bunch of boring. He was attractive though, she'd give him that. Evelynn walked back to the main hallway but did not take the route back to the main hall. Rather, she went forward and walked her way to Amalia's office because her own meal could wait. Amalia had, after all, wanted Evelynn to check in with her after she had led the Sages to their towers. She knocked once before opening the door, and she nodded at Amalia then took a seat on the side of the room, bunching up the lavender material of her dress so as to not ruin it.

"Alright, I have done as you asked, Amalia. They are safely at their towers-- or they should be-- and I even told them that if they needed anything, then to come ask me. I really don't see why I have to be at their beck and call anyway..." She shrugged and relaxed against the back of the chair, idly playing with one of the rings on her left hand.

Amalia shook her head and crossed her arms as she looked at Evelynn, it seemed that she still didn't understand that what was asked of her was done for a reason. "Evelynn, you are not at their beck and call, you need to be with them as much as possible for the simple fact that you play an important role in what must be done. I've told you that before, so why are you still fighting me on this?" The Warlock watched the young Vampire as she waited for her response, keying in on her body language, she may act tough, but the Headmaster was aware that it was just that, an act.

"I've been around for a little more than 300 years, Amalia. Sometimes, I like my boredom to be enterained by me, myself, and I. What was I supposed to say? 'Hi, my name is Evelynn, and I'm your new friend.' Please. Knowing the nymph, she won't want friends, the elf-girl just seemed quiet, the elf-man is hidden behind his armor...Besides, I've been a vampire for so long that I've lost any connection to Tellus or being an elf." Her red eyes suddenly seemed to acquire a longingness in them, and it broke her facade for a just a second before the harsh look returned. "But yes, I will do as you wish. I suppose then, that I don't have to take up their dinners for them as well? I mean, they all have legs, they can walk to the dining hall," she said, smirkng as she said the words.

"That Elf girl and you have something in common afterall Evelynn, neither one of you has friends," she said, "That is all I want for you, you know? I want you to be able to be happy with people who you may just have some things in common. Summer is... an odd case much like you are, Elves rarely become vampires just like Elf and Shifter children are so much more rarer. As far as dinner goes, I would like you to just escort them to the dinning hall, at least until they memorize the route themselves."

"Do I really have to?" Evelynn asked, almost pouting a bit. "I mean, I have to eat as well. Can I at least take my meal to go from the kitchens? Or perhaps just take a small snack? ...Like that demon," she muttered under her breath. A sly smile lit up her face once more as she recalled the exchange with the demon-man. Aegar, was his name? Something like that. "Anyway, I better go then. Is there anything else you wanted me to do?"

Amalia smiled slight, "Yeah, you can always ask Summer for a snack if you wanted to, as I recall from watching, she volunteered as you left." She smiled a bit before shooing Evelynn off.

"Elves don't get me intoxicated like demons do, but I'll let you know how she tastes as well! Ta-ta!" Evelynn called behind her as she swept herself out of Amalia's office and to the kitchens where a wine bottle full of fresh blood and a glass was given to her. It wasn't the same as sitting fown for a meal, but it would have to do under the given circumstances. She stopped for a moment and opened the bottle to pour some of the drink into the glass. It looked a healthy dark red and the aroma was simply to die for; it was probably one of the elf volunteers who supplied the blood this time. Walking leisurely to the tower area, she was met by Calixta, who was almost running past her. Rather than stopping her, Evelynn just raised her glass in the air and called out, "Nymph, dearie, I'm supposed to collect you for dinner. If you know the way, then gods, don't bother me with that. Just run along."

Calixta turned back, pausing slightly before nodding and heading off in the direction of the dining hall.

Evelynn continued on, first entering the far left tower. She assumed Aegar would be there alone, but she came in anyway, loudly banging away at the door. "AEGAR, SWEETIE!" she called out, making her voice an odd mix of sarcasm and sultriness, "If you want to eat something, you can follow me back to the dining hall or you can just go back by yourself. But that nymph friend of yours wandered back already!" She took a long sip of the blood in her glass and walked out, rudely leaving the door ajar.

The next stop was the tower of Earth and Light. She did the same as when she had called Aegar down, not really bothering to actually fetch each individual but just calling for them. They were bound to hear her. Leaving the door open as well, she exited and came to the far right tower, preparing the same speech to get the inhabitants to come down. Evelynn walked up slowly, taking her time now because she was really enjoying the blood that was given to her. What were the Sages' names again...? Oh yeah. "DAMIEN! SUMMER!" she called out a bit loudly, impatient for the last two to acknowledge that they heard her. "Food. Eat. Downstairs and stuff. Just come on!" She waited a bit before turning around and exiting their room as well, leaving the door wide open just as she had the others.

Evelynn contemplated waiting for them, and ultimately decided that she would... but only at Amalia's direction. She took a seat near the entrance of the curved hallway, lounging once more and relaxing, drink in hand.

36

Aegar sighed once the nymph had left the room. He already felt like a fish in the desert here, or like a demon in the sunlight. If he was to stay here, sooner or later he would have to integrate with the others, which frankly seemed like a recipe for disaster. It’d been a long time since he’d cooperated with anyone on anything; he simply never needed the help. Allies were nothing but a liability to him most of the time, but now he had no choice. The nymph already held something against him it seemed and he had little doubt the human would too; such was the nature of most humans. The Jade Fist might end up being a troublesome ally to cooperate with depending on which of the stories about him were actually true. The other two didn’t seem troublesome at first sight, but he recalled Dunkelheit mentioning similarities between all six sages, which served only to worry him further.

He frowned at the thought of it all while he got up and made his way to the entrance of his own bedroom, closed off by a door of gnarly black wood. The inside of his room was dimly lit, as he liked it, with walls of grey marble and furniture of the same dark wood, probably made of the native shadow birch. Near the large and luxurious bed was a wooden wardrobe, full of leather armor and cotton clothing in various shades of black, grey and brown. Most were plain and simple, but some of the armor was trimmed with a dark grey metal and studded with what appeared to be small chunks of onyx. It was as if they’d known his preferences up front and did their best to try to please him.

He sat down on the thick fluffy mattress and sank into thought for a bit. Being treated in this almost royal manner was… interesting. While becoming a Sage may have been many a man’s dream, it also felt strange and suspicious to him, as if it was all still some huge prank. He pulled his right hand sword out of its sheath and stared at the black diamond at the center of the cross guard. The half-skull was an ominous sight as it absorbed the dim lighting of the room like some kind of bottomless pit. “This better be worth it.” he said, as if speaking to Dunkelheit. “Every moment I spend here, the Brotherhood is slipping further away from me.” Though he was just thinking out loud, somehow he thought Dunkelheit might be able to hear him. The black gem remained quiet and motionless, simply staring back at him with its single empty eye socket.

The voice of the vampire calling from downstairs pulled him back into reality. Aegar took a deep breath and hoped he could manage to act at least somewhat sociable, before getting up and making his way down the stairs. Downstairs at the entrance to the towers, Evelynn was waiting for them, enjoying a glass of unambiguous red liquid. “Spoiling your appetite for demon blood already, I see. Or was that not the part of me you wanted to taste?” he commented with a sly smile, equaling the suggestive tone she gave him earlier.

37.

Evelynn, ever the bitch, busted open the door and told Damian and Summer that it was time for supper. "Damn, and I was just about to give you a bath, Ember. Guess you got lucky this time. Now I guess I gotta wake Summer up." Damien patted Ember on the head before walking over to Summer's bedroom door and lightly knocking, "Hey Summer, I think you went to bed a bit early. Apparently Supper is ready."

There was no response for a bit, so Damien knocked a little louder and was rewarded by a half asleep Summer answering the door in her nightgown. "Hmmm? I'm sorry... what were you saying?" she asked as she stretched a bit and yawned before rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Hmm, well." He started after seeing her in night clothes. "You might want to get some better clothes on, 'cause supper is ready." After that, Damien simply turned around and left her to her own devices. "Sorry buddy," he said to Ember, "you're gonna have to stay here. I'll sneak you up something good though. Ember walked over to Damien's room with his tail down and scratched on the door to be let in. Damien did as was asked, but didn't bother checking his own room and instead headed downstairs.

Summer quickly changed into a white sun dress and chased after Damien, "Hey! Wait up! Can I walk with you? And I'm sure Ember can come with us... our animal Companions are just as much a part of the group as we are. Isn't that right Merlin?" The hawk perched on Summer's shoulder let out a screech of agreement, "See?"

Damien came in close so as to keep Ember from hearing, "No, it's that Ember might try to eat all the food on first sight. Don't know about you, but the sight of a dog all over the tables eating everything and making a mess MIGHT not be the best of ideas." He then resumed his posture like nothing was said and gingerly walked down the stairs. Summer followed quickly behind, and the couple soon found themselves standing outside of the towers, waiting for everyone else with Aegar and Evelynn. "Hey Aegar, nice to finally meet ya, and Vampire Witch? You might want to work on your manners if you wanna be a better host."

38.

Jade's reverie ended once Evelynn's voice sounded throughout the tower, letting him know it was supper time. The silent contemplation of everything that had happened... ruined. So much for a polite host, he assumed. But still, remaining absent from the dinner table would probably make him seem just as rude to her. Thus, the elf eased himself off of the bed and headed towards the door, left the room, and descended the staircase to the dining hall.

Off to supper?

Jade could hear Sicini's voice emanating from the orb, tucked within one of his belt pockets. He didn't bother taking it out from where it was.

"I don't have an answer to your question yet, Sicini."

No, you don't. And I'm aware that it will take you some time. So I've decided to lend you some ease of trial. I won't bother you on the subject, I will wait patiently until you are ready. But, I will make an effort towards finding every possible outcome. Perhaps then I can share what I find with you and aid you in your decision.

"I thought you were a necromancer Sicini." Jade replied, keeping his pace down the stairs. "Not a fortune teller."

Death does not simply encompass the end of a mortal being, Jade. So too are their fates scattered. Like a vase falling, shattering into pieces. And I know how to put them back together. There are many who died within Shatterbrain that I've the fortune of meeting. Aiding them in their recovery. Discerning the vile truths. What may be, but not what will be.

Jade didn't respond.

Oh... my apologies. I said I wouldn't bother you for now, didn't I? Go on, enjoy your meal. I will be here when you are ready to speak.

And then she was gone once more.

Jade reached the bottom of the staircase. And there, seated at the entrance of the curved hallway leading further into the University, were Evelynn and three of the other Sages.

She stood then, draining the glass of the red liquid and shoving it-- and the entire bottle of blood-- into Aegar's hands. "Here, hold these." Turning to Jade, she glared for a split second before giving him a smirk. "You're late. I thought I was going to age another century before you came down." She took the bottle back and filled the glass with the same red liquid, and she sipped it quietly as she turned to lead the way to the Dining Hall.