IIKittyII

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I shake my head at Karnariel. “Not if the lords can be changed and in turn help you. Lord Shadow didn’t even realize what was going on. He’s powerful. One less powerful foe to fight means less lives lost. I understand you want blood for blood but if you go down that path it doesn’t end.”

I put my hands on the top of the children’s heads and heal them. Grant has back his sight. Sophie her tongue. They will always have the scars on their hearts though. On every planet where I’ve seen this type of treachery it’s made the victims…no survivors stronger.

“A better world can happen without the lords’ death. Your souls will be saved from the poison of guilt and revenge as well. I’ll help you but the lords live, unless they’re beyond salvation. What happened to you that made you so obsessed with their death? I’ve heard the stories of the others. Care to share yours?”

While talking with Karnariel, I send a message to the group heading to West Point telepathically.

“Hello dears. While you’re there, could you check in with the locals? Ensure the subjects are being treated fairly? Shadow says the other lords are doing splendid work. Karnariel insists they all should be slaughtered. There’s two sides to this feud story. I want to make sure I get the right one.”

Lexianna -Shadowhold-

I take the pipe from Shadow as to not be rude but I don’t smoke. I fiddle with it for a moment as he speaks and then hand it back.

“Taking Karnariel’s head isn’t going to make the thirst for blood stop. It’ll just strengthen the resistance, make him a martyr. Then it would take even more deaths to calm the resurgence. Don’t you see that? “I sigh deeply. “If I put you in a room with Karnariel. Would you try and kill him?”

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna -Rebel Camp-

These talks have taken a grim turn. It’s imperative to understand the relationship history that’s here. “I’d love to help. As soon as I’m certain this is about the people and not your personal vendetta. I’ve been here for several minutes with you and have only picked up on one thing: Vengeance. The second I felt Lord Shadow, I felt his desire to help people. So you’re going to have to give me more than this black poison fueling you. Tell me why you want each other dead.”

Lexianna - With Lord Shadow-

My eyes flash golden. The only indication that he’s effected my temper. The rest of me is tranquil calm. I would have admired him during my First existence, Lilianna would as well. Personally I pity him. The code of blood is a hard one to follow and harder still to break. I sit next to him on the floor, carefully avoiding the still pooling blood.

“ Karnariel as I understand has been the one trying to create a better life for everyone abused by this new system, those without a voice albeit perhaps doing it the wrong way. You’re going to have to explain why you want his head.”

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I nod in understanding. My soul mourning for these children. So young and already know the true cruelty of this world.

“You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.”

I take the hands of the children in my own. “You have been so brave. Thank you for sharing you stories with me. It may not be necessary but if I might be so bold as to ask your help. I’m telling Lord Shadow of the unspeakable evil happening in his sector. Would you be brave again, and share your stories with him if I cannot convince him myself? “ I hug both children to me. The girl with her height and age reminding me of Li-Li.

My eyes find Karnariel’s over their heads. “Through all this, they still managed to find the one guardian angel left.” From the way he identified me earlier it seems he has no affection for the heavenly hosts. Perhaps this will coax him into telling me why.

In the forest
I leave my log ignoring both men. Instead, I focus on the horse that Shadow’s attendant is having a difficult time calming. As I draw closer the horse starts to calm. I stop a foot away, hold out my hand. The horse comes to me immediately. As it touches its nose to my hand it visibly calms. Muscles relax, feet stop stamping, and its head lowers. “Animals have a high intuition for knowing people and their true selves.” I look over my shoulder to Shadow.

“You trust this man with your life. That means you must know a great deal about him. Such as when he’s lying per chance.”

I look back up to the man on the horse. “Lloyd, was it? Your lord seems like a genuinely good man. The kind of man who would want his villages ran fairly. Imperial guards hiding behind their ranks and pillaging the locals, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Raping women and girls to death, killing any who oppose them, conscripting children effectively sentencing them to death at the age of 12. These are things that are happening daily, normally in your lord’s villages are they not? Remember he will know if you’re lying…and so will I.”

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

Inwardly I wince. I can feel the shards of the moon fracturing and then splintering into nothingness. I walk over to Blaze and usher him out of the tent. "Thank you for the gripping display. I'm sure it will serve them well." I lean to whisper in his ear. "I'm going to try and smooth things over here. Please go on ahead and keep an eye on them. Make sure they don't cause any other detrimental environmental catastrophes." I lean up and plant a parting kiss on his cheek and enter back into the fray.

I face Karnariel and with a snap of my finger the moon is back in place. " Please don't take this the wrong way but your views are shallow if you think for a second everything is irreversible. I look your age but I've been around for eons young man. Nothing is ever quite so simple."

"I understand you're all frightened, you were before and are probably more so after that display. If you'd do me the courtesy of hearing me out I'd be very much obliged. However that might be difficult to do with any clarity after what you just witnessed." I take a deep breath and exhale releasing a calming energy. It lingers inches from those present.

"There's a calm in the room, all you have to do is reach out and touch it. I don't like to alter emotions without permission in non-dire circumstances. It's your right to refuse it I just ask that if you do, you listen with an open mind and open hearts." I look at each person in turn then focus my attention on Karnariel.

"I apologize. My friends and I can be quite intense. I'll do my best to ensure no further atmospheric disturbance occur but think of what you've accomplished on your own. You've done some good. Now think of what you could do if you accept us and work with us. We're here and we're fighting the same enemy anyways. It'd be wise to utilize the chance. As for killing the nobles." I retake my seat on a cloud.

"I sense the vengeance in you Karnariel. It can often be a poison and a poisoned mind can be a liability to those around. For you, that seems to be many children. Are you willing to risk them for a personal vendetta? If this can be settled peacefully I intend to ensure it. It's not for you to be judge, jury, and executioner. You should be the last person to believe one is beyond salvation as it seems you've found yours in these children. Would you like to tell me about it?" I've offered the olive branch. If he still orders me out I'm willing to go peacefully. I am completely and honestly wanting to work together though.

In the forest

My heart sighs deeply. My friends may very will snap their fingers and turn my talks to dust before they even start. I sit with my eyes closed on a downed log. Shadow's arrow trained on me and no longer trusting. What a mess. I allow myself to just feel him. His aura. He's frightened yes but beyond that there's a goodness to him. I open my eyes and search out his dark ones. His soul looks good too.

"Lord Shadow I assure you it was not I who destroyed your moon but it is I who has replaced it." The moon's soft glow falls over us and if he wasn't quite interested in listening to me before his curiosity I would bet wins out now. "I apologize. My friends seemed to have had a misunderstanding that resulted in that unnecessary show of force. I mean you no harm. "

The moon's light extends and illuminates the immediate area. " I'm here for many reasons which I'll be happy to explain. As for who I am." I motion to the forest. It is already flourishing from my brief time here. The trees taller, the foliage darker, the air crisper.

"My name is Lexianna. I'm a guardian of nature known as the Lotus to many. As a guardian I assure you again I mean you no harm so please call of your man and put away your weapon Lord Shadow. We have much to discuss."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

When the bird lands on my shoulder I’m hoping for good news. I read the scroll and a blossom of relief builds in my chest. He’s willing to meet. Maybe he’s willing to listen. I give the bird a grateful scratch on the head, before handing it another scroll.

It reads simply: Meet me in the forest where we first encountered one another. Anytime.

The bird flies off and I send a clone to the forest. “We might not have to worry about Lord Shadow after all. He’s agreed to meet to talk and perhaps I can convince him to see things our way. Don’t worry I’m sending a clone. As for rescuing our friends.” I take a deep breath and a seat on a cloud.

“ We have to remember we don’t even know if Razz and Nevermore are split up or together. We should probably inspect whichever location is closer and easier to access. We also need a plan. One that doesn’t involve any self-sacrifice. The less of our people captured the better. If we could get more information on the layout of the place maybe we can find a place to sneak in. Just in case they have a way to suppress our powers, I don’t want to be caught unawares.” I’ve been glad to have them back but we should keep in mind that we were caught off guard once. I’d like to prevent it a second time.

“Blaze dear, do you think you have something that could look into this for us? Karnariel how well defended are these two places? Do you happen to know how many people may be guarding either location?”

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

"There's one other pressing question we'd like to have answered if possible."

Karnariel has laid everything out. I look over the map he's hunched over. I see what he wants. I think we can do it. To be certain though, brings me to a big point for all of us.

" Do you know of any prisons or places they may keep people like us? Two of our group were captured and we'd stand a much better chance against everything with them."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I go to the worst planets all the time. The ones that really need my help. Ones where newborns are skin and bone, unable to care for themselves but left that way, orphaned too young. Where one breath is just as toxic as the last and the average life expectancy is young teen if you’re lucky. Where an always corrupt bureaucracy gets fat off child labor. I see it all the time but it doesn’t get any easier. The only way to fix those problems, is to heal those planets from the inside out. I start with the planet itself, then with the people on it.

The same can be said here. We can feed these people we can alleviate their pain but that’s a bandage on a long infected wound. We need to fix the problems with the ruling class. It may not have been what drew us here, our main goal; but it’s a goal nonetheless and we won’t leave until this place is healed.

I lower the shield and look beyond Karnariel to the young man who spoke a moment ago. He looks capable. If bandages is all I have for now, then bandages are what I’ll give until I can produce the cure for this place. I produce a box and set it down in front of him.

“Supplies. Blankets, clothes, food etcetera. Don’t worry it’s bigger on the inside.”

My attention is back on Karnariel. I take his hand in both of mine. “My name is Lexianna and my friends and I have come to help in your rebellion. So mind filling us in?”

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Li-Li

The First Lotus doesn't answer right away. Instead she stands back, surveys her healing work. Once satisfied, she takes a seat on a bubble of light crossing her legs. I'm sure it's unintentional but she paints quite the provocative picture. I shift my stance, aiming for regality.

She seems to be weighing something as she stares at Zaak. Assessing him? I see the calculation passing quickly in her eyes but I'm not sure I completely understand all it holds. "How are you here? Why aren't you dead?" Her voice flows like a waterfall but has the strength of a typhoon. So different from my mother’s soft harmonic cadence.

Aside from that, I see the point she's making. Though I believe I detected a tease in her tone, or was it a taunt? I can't completely tell as her subtlety isn't as familiar to me. Her voice fills the silence that follows, "We're wasting valuable time when we should be acting. Wouldn't you agree...Zaakielo?" She says his name softly like a kiss but there's a hardness in her eyes that belies her tone. She'll be difficult to read.

I open a portal and start turning the clock dials. If I'm to rule, I'll need a scepter which means...
I turn to Zaak. " We'll return to the Oasis shortly but first, I need my weapon. So, where did Omega hide the box? "

Lexianna

Well that was quick. I believe it's time we're on our way. I head outside and straight for the Elder. Without hesitation, I gently embrace him. " Thank you for your hospitality. My friends and I are going to do what we can to make life easier on you all. " I snap my fingers sending waking energy to the group. As I'm on my way back to them I pause outside the entrance to the hut. An idea forms.

I'd like to know this Shadow, I'd like to know all the rulers honestly. Perhaps they can be reasoned with? Perhaps not. Either way I believe it's worth a shot. I hold out my arm and within seconds a dove with cloud- white feathers alights on my arm. I blow gently on the bird and its feathers change to inky black. I whistle to it, asking a favor. It's more than happy to oblige. The dove takes a scroll from me in its beak and elegantly flutters off. The message is for Shadow. We'll see about him soon enough.

I walk back into the hut humming. " Alright dears rise and shine not a moment to waste. I believe we all agreed upon seeking out the rebellion?"

Found is more accurate. I can feel them now far to the Northwest. With that in mind I focus on our group, reaching farther out to include Oshite and Osore as well. I place us directly in the middle of the Rebellion encampment. They don't notice us, yet. I put up a light shield just in case they're startled enough to attack. Finally, I clear my throat loudly.

" Hello."

All heads in the immediate vicinity swivel in my direction.

I give a small wave," Would one of you be a dear and kindly fetch Karnariel for me? We'd very much like to speak with him."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I mean to offer words of encouragement to Sia about Razz but she catches me off guard.
Being a guardian over the natural universe,  I speak all languages so I immediately know what Sia says.  I don't understand it though. Not at first. I replay it again in my mind. And again.  Understanding brings the heat to my cheeks. I look down out of embarrassment from the forwardness of her question. That's a mistake... she's shirtless. A small "eep" akin to a squeak of a mouse escapes me and I immediately look up.  I answer honestly though I'd rather not answer at all.

" I..um... well yes. Yes I have. It was many years ago though." My Second existence to be exact. I was much more free spirited then and Lucy is an adventurous girl when not in weapon state. The rarity of that alone driving her adventurous nature.  I don't share any of that with Sia. Instead I do what I do best. Redirect.

Though others would hear unintelligible gurgles,I once again speak to Sia underwater," My it's gotten late. We should get dry!" I float us both up and onto the dock.  Next I stir a warm gust of wind to dry us. It takes seconds. I locate Sia's shirt, pull it over her head and push her towards the hut. "Off you go. Bed time." I push her in and close the door before she can object.

I turn to look at the dock. One platform left.  I raise fish from the river in vortices of water and drop them on the platform. The water collects and recedes to the river. Finally, I freeze them so they'll be fresh when the collectors come. With that, I slip into the hut silently.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Li-Li
His pretty words just serve to confuse me further. I’m still reeling from him murdering Galen so I’m not quite in the forgiving mood. Especially, sense he’s the object of all my angst. The reason I’m in this mess. It sounds to me like he wanted to do the right thing the wrong way. If he honestly thought it through he would understand that his ways were counter intuitive. Galen was teaching me. He was actively grooming me for my role. If it wasn't for Zaak murdering Galen I wouldn't have this problem to begin with. I wouldn't have to take over a throne I haven't fully had time to understand. Zaak says he didn't want me to take on this burden so young but he's the very reason why I must. He can't see the forest for the trees.

I have to focus on one thing at a time. So I ignore Zaak for now. It’s time for me to rise, to claim my cracked crown. First though, I need someone who can help me keep an eye on Zaak. He’s ruined enough as is.

I was told to only use this during emergencies. I’m pretty sure my dead dad coming back to kill the other and succeeding, is an emergency. The bastards. Focusing my mind, I hold out my hand palm up, close my eyes, and visualize what I want. As clear as glass, smooth as polished pearl. When I open my eyes two very different but very beautiful small wing symbols float in my open hand. I pick the first set without hesitation. She’s duty driven and will probably provide a calm, critical buffer between Zaak and I. She’s a replica, not the original. The original is impossible to isolate considering she’s woven through the fabric of and is the foundation of her existence. Just like memories of the past make us who we are. The parts make up the completed whole.

Radiant light slashes through the Oasis. I hear the clack of her high heels before I see her. I’m stunned the moment she appears by how much they do and don’t look alike. She has the same waist length white hair, dark skin, and golden eyes but she’s slightly taller and has a slightly slimmer figure. White leather thigh high boots cover her slender legs. Her sheer golden skirt, stitched from starlight barely reaches mid-thigh and has a train that trails a foot in length behind her. The same golden pattern edges her white leather corset that comes down to just above her navel. She also wears a white leather bolero jacket and golden lace fingerless gloves. All of her long thick winter white hair is pulled back away from her face by a lotus flower in full bloom.

Her golden eyes land on Zaak and pass over him without much enthusiasm then she turns her attention back to me. I clear my throat and glance over at my once-again half dying dad. “Not that she needs much introduction but let me present the Mistress of Light, the First Lotus. She’s going to mend you sense I can barely stand to look at you much less let you live. She’ll also be your jailer. You so much as flinch wrong I’ll have her take your head. She’s already done it before so with my help I’m sure you’ll stay deceased.” She stalks forward and starts healing him so he stops bleeding to death. I don’t know how he’s standing. It must be those unusual seals, which reminds me…” How did you do it? How’d you kill Galen?”

Lexianna
I can't help but giggle at Sia's energetic antics. She makes me eager to join her but first...

I take a deep breath. Exhale slowly. I take the rock out and copy Sia's words.
"I lay claim to your light and the power it gifts." Immediately I feel a swell of energy filling me. After feeling so weary, it's like a breath of fresh air. Being mortal takes its toll. It's a wake up call on how much we rely on our separate gifts.

With my power restored, I can already sense the waters around me. The wind whispering, the earth sighing. The hollowness of being cut off from the elements lifting. In answer to Sia's question, I slip into the waters. It’s refreshing to feel reconnected to the area around me. I lean back and float letting the water hold me. “Honestly I’d love to do this all night.” Pity we’re in the middle of a disaster. You could almost forget in this quiet space.

With the knowledge of Sia’s fishing expertise stored in my scythe, I can now gift it to the rest of the village. It would have been a lot more difficult and more tiring if I had to rely solely on my scythe to do so. With barely a thought, I expel her fishing knowledge from my scythe to disperse it through the village. Come sunrise all those able will be seasoned fishers. I propel myself upwards floating above the water to stare down at the starlight speckled river. “Shall we get to work?”