Mia blinked awake on a hard, dark surface. Her body felt like lead as she sat up and groaned. The ground was rough, as the familiar smell of burning ember invaded her nostrils. A fire burned next to her, the warmth calming her as she wiped the sweat dripping from her forehead.
“It was just a dream.” She breathed as she threw her hands over her face.
“Unfortunately, not.”
Mia turned to see Lily on the other side of the fire, staring into it as if lost in a dream herself. Kate lay next to her, her body still motionless. Mia huffed, trying to process what she knew. Isabella and Driscilla somehow had magic. How?
“I know what you’re thinking and to answer some of those questions, I need to tell you a story.”
The glow emitting from the fire was dim but illuminated the area enough for her to see the walls of a cave. She stared at Lily through the flames, picking her next words carefully.
“Lily, my palace was invaded and many of my friends are dead. My prince was kidnapped by my stepsisters who somehow have magical powers. Why doesn’t any of that seem surprising to you and I need something better than just a story.”
Lily sighed then looked at her, the flames reflecting her golden iris’.
“How do you know Isabella and Driscilla?” Mia glared at Lily, a presumed godmother she had only just met. She didn’t know how long she’d been out after the fight with her stepsisters and the invaders. The last thing she remembered was Alex vanishing.
“That’s complicated.” Lily said, avoiding her eyes as she stared back into the fire.
“No.” Mia said, shaking her head. “Not good enough.”
Lily sighed again, coming over and sitting next to her. Lily looked directly into her eyes, as if trying to talk to her soul.
“Do you want the short version or the long version?”
“I want whatever version helps me understand this nonsense.”
Lily sucked in her breath, then closed her eyes briefly, as if trying to remember an old story.
“Ok…here’s the best version I can come up with. There is a war brewing between the magical guilds and the kingdoms of this world. My guild and three others are trying to stop the others, but we don’t have the power to do so. If they succeed in their plans, it will be the end of the world as we know it. They plan to wipe out all humans. They do not believe that humans should co-exist with Akasha.” Lily sighed. “You have power locked inside of you that I believe could change the tide of this war.”
Mia stared at Lily unsure if she were still sleeping.
“I’m sorry, what?”
Lily closed her eyes, then took a deep breath. Her voice was soft as she carefully spoke her next words.
“Your mother was my twin sister. Her, and I were both born Akasha…and so were you. For whatever her reasons, your mother sealed away your magic, I know because I was there.”
“And why hasn’t any of this mysteriously powerful magic unlocked itself by now?”
“Your mother was also very powerful.”
Mia huffed. “I’m dreaming, I must be dreaming…ouch Kate…Kate!”
Mia watched Kate rub her eyes as she sat next to her by the fire. Kate’s brown eyes were hollow as the weight of what happened to their kingdom hit them all over again. They pounded their chest twice in salute, then sat in silence.
“I know this is a lot to take in--” Lily said looking between the two of them.
“I need to think.” Mia stood up and started pacing, failing miserably at calming herself down.
“What’s a lot to take in?” Kate asked before standing, then letting out a sharp groan.
Mia sighed. “What would you do if you knew you had magical power?”
“Like honest to gods magical power?”
“Yep.”
“Probably use it to take over the world. Why do you ask.”
Mia smirked, then looked down at the floor fiddling with grime on her fingers.
“Because I’m not sure what to do with it.”
Kate blinked “Are you mad? Do you know what I would do if I suddenly had vast cosmic power.”
“Try to take over the world?”
“Probably.” Kate grinned.
Mia’s smile faded as a flood of memories washed over her. She never heard her father say anything about his mother having a sister, let alone a twin.
“What happened to you after my father died?”
Lily stared at the ground for a long moment before she spoke. “I was separated from you and your mother, shortly after she had you. I had my mission, and she had hers. After she died, your father took off and I couldn’t find you again, until now.”
“How?”
“An old letter I found from your father. He spoke about your farm and how well you were doing. I decided to go looking for you before your twenty-fifth birthday. I didn’t realize he had remarried or passed away. I’m so sorry.”
Mia sighed before flopping back on the ground and staring into the fire, wanting to get lost in its warmth again.
“I came here on a selfish request. I wish to unlock your magic and ask you to help our cause to prevent this war.”
“How do you even know what I’m capable of?”
“It’s your eyes”
“My eyes?”
“Each Akasha’s eyes reflect the color of their natural element. Light, dark, air, water, earth, and fire. There are variances in the eye color but generally, light users will have golden eyes, dark users will have black eyes and I’m sure you can guess the rest.”
“But my eyes are purple, that doesn’t fall in line with anything you just said.”
“I know, which is why I believe you hold a special power.” Lily walked close to her, sitting down and staring deeply into her eyes. “I’ve only heard legends of Akasha with purple eyes, and they were some of the most powerful. I’m not saying that has to be you, but I want to give you all the options you have available.”
“I—Ouch Kate.”
“You’re still not dreaming.” Kate said before leaning back on her elbows.
“You’re supposed to be on my side.” Mia frowned.
“I am on your side…I just have a lot of questions.”
Mia picked at the dirt on the ground, her mind racing as she thought about what Lily was telling her. Her Kingdom and her people were in trouble by some unknown magical force…and she had the power to stop it. Mia sighed.
“You still haven’t told me about Isabella and Driscilla. Or even how they have magic. And now that I know it’s genetic, probably my stepmother as well.”
Lily sighed. “I didn’t know they were your stepsisters, but I do know they belong to the Guild of Oya. One of the magical guilds we are fighting against. Those two are trouble.”
Mia shook her head, not wanting to believe a word of it. Lily exhaled. “There is something else you need to know. Talis is the only place in this world that has a permanent dungeon ruled by a human. The King is a Dungeon Master, a title passed down through lineage. Many of the guilds believe that a human should not have the power of a dungeon master, but that dungeon key has been passed down for generations. I believe the Guild of Oya wants to take that dungeon for themselves by killing the king and taking the dungeon key. But a dungeon master is invincible unless you kill them in their dungeon.”
“That sounds terrifying, but what can I do to stop that?”
“Everything. Dungeon farming is how we survive as Akasha. The problem is many kingdoms have trained warriors to farm in the unclaimed dungeons as well. Instead of receiving magical items, they get that in gold. This has led to many kingdoms going to war. My belief is that you can stop the war entirely and save the human race.”
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“That sounds pretty heavy.”
“Do you think that’s why Alex was taken, to lure the king into the dungeon?” Kate asked looking firmly at Lily.
Lily sighed. “If the King is lured into the dungeon and killed, the victor gets the key to the dungeon. The Dungeon Master is able to create any type of monsters and let them loose on the human world.”
Mia looked sharply at Kate, who shrugged, her eyes just as wide. They both started pacing, each murmuring to themselves.
Mia shook the thoughts out of her head. “Why aren’t there loose monsters from the temporary dungeons then?” She asked, trying to grasp what Lily was saying.
“The monsters lasts only as long as the temporary dungeon exists. Once the magic goes back into the ether, so does everything else that wasn’t looted. That’s why we try to kill whatever is in there and loot them fast.” Lily shrugged as she stood next to Mia and Kate. Mia began to pace again, looking over at Kate who looked just as exasperated.
“So, you’re saying, if I actually want to save Alex, I need to go to this dungeon?”
“I’m saying, I think you should embrace your full power.”
“It seems our goals are aligned." Kate shrugged. “We want to save our Kingdom and Mia might be our best chance at doing that. I say, it doesn’t hurt to try.”
Mia didn’t say anything for a moment. Kate’s words sending her down another rabbit hole of memories that flashed back to Alex.
Lily shook her head. “I went looking for you because I know it’s almost your twenty-fifth birthday, where your powers will be forever sealed. I wanted you to have the choice of removing the seal and seeing who you could possibly become. I, also, want you to be able to protect yourself from what I think is to come.”
Mia sighed, then her face grew hard as she looked at Lily. “How do we do this?”
***
“Normally, there is a whole ritual on your eighteenth birthday, but unfortunately, we don’t have time for that. It’s almost daybreak and I want to start heading towards my guild as soon as possible. The guild should help us so we can figure out where Isabella and Driscilla took Alex. It’s in Sagev, which is a few weeks journey from here. I say we head towards Ogden to get supplies before we trek the rest of the way.”
“You think they would help?”
“Yes, my guild is determined to stop this war.”
“And which guild is that again?”
“The Guild of Krat.” Lily said as her body started to emit a faint white glow.
Lily had a milky white glowing stone in her hand as she started to draw a large circle on the floor. The circle started to glow as she drew elaborate sigils into it, each symbol looking more alien than the last. Mia didn’t recognize any of the symbols but couldn’t help staring in awe as Lily finished by drawing another circle at the center of the design. A bright white light flashed from the circle, making Mia wince from the sheer intensity.
“Are you ready to do this? How do we even know she’s telling the truth?” Kate whispered to her as Lily plucked three more white crystals from seemed like thin air.
“I don’t know.” Mia shrugged as Lily placed the crystals inside of the inner circle. “What if it’s a big mistake?”
“Oh good, we’re on the same page.” Kate said as Lily stood up and brushed herself off.
“Ok it’s ready, you have to step into it before I release the magic.”
Mia took a long look at Kate who shrugged and nodded towards the glowing circle. Taking a deep breath, she slowly walked and stood in the middle of it.
“Ready?”
“No, not really.”
Lily smiled, then her eyes flashed a bright white.
“Samat.”
Mia’s body felt like lava was being poured over her skin as the circle around her lit up. She screamed in pain, but no sound came out of her. Her body started to glow a vibrant purple as her senses started to dim rapidly. The lack of feeling in her body left her mind running ramped. Memories of her past flooded into her as the pain became worse. She thought she heard Kate shout to her, but she couldn’t hear or see anything past the harsh memories of her past, each more painful than the last. Mia finally collapsed to the floor and the darkness took over.
Hello, Mia Bridgewater. I am your Akasha Vision. Your Akasha status page has been created based on inherent and potential ability. Would you like to view your status page? Yes/no?
A deep male voice, akin to something like a posh butler, spoke directly into her mind.
Her breath was coming in heaves as she tried to regain her vision. The white screen in front of her was blocked, as she blinked. The words remained clear, as if she were reading a book.
“Uh…”
“You don’t have to say anything out loud, Mia, all you have to do is give a mental command.”
Mia blinked again and the page darted into the corner of her vision, as Lily’s beaming smile came into focus. Kate was right behind Lily, her arms crossed tightly across her chest.
Mia looked between the two of them before mentally selecting yes. The white screen flourished into her view as her status page completely blocked her ability to see anything else.
Akasha Vision: Akasha Status Page.
Name: Mia Bridgewater
Race: Akasha
Element: Spirit
Core Level: 1 – 0/500 exp to next level.
Health: 100/100
HPR: 5 hp/s
Jin: 100/100
JRR: 5 jn/s
Power Level: Legendary
Spells unlocked: 1/7
Attributes:
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 12
Intelligence:15
Wisdom: 10
Constitution: 10
Charisma: 15
Luck: 10
Spells:
Fireball – Novice -Level 1
Skills:
Combat Specialist – Novice – Level 3
Sleight of Hand – Novice – Level 1
Songbird – Novice – Level 1
Abilities:
Linguist – Language Translator
Examine – Examine magical sentient or non-sentient objects or creatures
Skill Master – Learn an unlimited number of skills
The white screen disappeared as the dim light of the cave came back into focus.
“Can I ask you something? Is your element spirit?” Lily asked hesitantly as she twittered her fingers.
“I think so.” Mia replied, unsure of what she just read.
“I knew it!” Lily jumped, then grabbed both of Mia’s hands into hers. The touch made Mia flinch out of instinct.
“What’s so special about a spirit element” Kate asked, looking between the two of them.
“There aren’t any. At least not that I know of. The spirit element hasn’t been seen in a long time.”
“What? Why not?”
Lily shrugged her shoulders. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Mia looked at Kate who still looked bewildered.
“Your Akasha Vision will guide you from here on out. Think of it as a subconscious of sorts.”
“There is so much I don’t understand. How do I even cast? And what are skills and abilities?”
“Wait…you already have skills and abilities?”
“How does it feel?” Kate asked looking at her in bemusement.
“How does what feel?”
“Magic?” Kate asked a mischievous look on her face.
“It feels like someone boiled me alive then turned me into a magical popsicle. Why do you ask?”
“See what I mean…broody.”
Mia huffed as Lily coughed into a fist.
“I hope this doesn’t come off as rude, but what’s your power level? ”
“Legendary.”
Lily went wide-eyed and stared at her.
“What?” Mia looked at Kate who gave her a puzzled look?
Lily shook her head and mumbled to herself. Mia looked at Kate who shrugged.
“Akasha are usually born with a rare power level, some ultra rare, and a rare few, epic, but I don’t think I have heard of a legendary power level.”
“What is a power level anyway?”
“For starters, it amplifies your spell damage. So, the damage you deal is increased based on your power level. It allows you access to legendary spells too, or so I’ve heard.”
Lily shook her head. “It’s almost daybreak, we should get some rest before we head out.”
“How can you even tell the time? We’re in the middle of a dark cave with only a small fire to see my extraordinarily beautiful face.” Kate huffed.
Mia laughed.
Kate rolled her eyes and grumbled.
“There is so much to talk about, but I’m afraid now is not the time.” Lily said as she looked from Kate to Mia. “This area isn’t safe anymore after what happened at the palace. Our best chance is to get to Sagev where the closest guild house is located. I think it’s the best way we have at finding Alex and answers.”
Akasha Vision Alert: New Quest – Save the Kingdom I.
Quest level: Legendary
Your instinctive nature wants to save your kingdom from harm, this includes the crowned prince of Talis.
Reward: Unknown
Exp: Unknown
Accept: Yes/no?
“What’s a quest?”
“You have a quest already?”
“I just got a notification for one.” Lily stared at her before shaking her head.
“What’s your quest?”
“Save the Kingdom I.”
“A chain quest? How is that even possible?”
“How should I know?”
Lily sighed. “To answer your first question, Mia…casting takes a word or words of power depending on the spell level. It should be instinctive like a mental thought.”
Mia thought about it for a moment before she outstretched her hand.
Es Ruah
A fireball shot across the cavern, a loud boom echoing as it hit the rocky wall. Only a large scorch mark remained as the flames sizzled to ash.
“That could have hit me!” Kate yelled, slowly getting up after quickly dropping to the floor.
“I didn’t even cast it your direction!”
“I still felt it! Do your magic thing somewhere else.”
“Actually, please don’t cast that anywhere close to here. Not at least until you’re able to control it a little better.” Lily said as she stared at Mia wide-eyed.
Mia grinned.
Lily looked at her quizzically.
“After we get to the guild, I want to train you properly.” Lily took a deep breath. “I will teach you what I can, but there is an Akasha training school can hone your skills. You have no idea of the power that you hold.”
“There’s a school for this?”
Lily laughed. “There are several schools for Akasha. At least one in each Kingdom. Most attend after their eighteenth birthday.” Lily stepped towards her, “I want you to go at some point, but I know the timing right now isn’t the best.” Lily paused before adding, “I also have a friend I want you to meet.”
Mia smiled. “Maybe, some day.”
“Oh, so you’re nice to her and broody with me…got it.”
Mia stuck her tongue out at Kate who chased her around the fire.
“We need to settle in for a bit and get some rest. We’re in for a long journey.”
“Kate, are you sure you want to come with us?” Mia turned to her friend who was good at putting on a brave front.
“Of course, I am. Til Kingdom Come right?”
Mia beamed and saluted.
“What does that even mean?” Lily asked as she found a comfortable position next to the fire.
“It means while we’re out on the battlefield, we’re with each other until we see our Kingdom again.” Kate said, as she curled up in a ball close to Lily.
Lily smiled and closed her eyes.
Mia put the fire out and watched them as they fell into deep sleeps. Obviously by their loud snores. Mia smiled and ventured to the front of the cave.
Clouds blocked the stars and moon as an eerie darkness expounded around her, one that comes just before daybreak. The forest surrounding the cave was thick with trees making it almost impossible to see far ahead.
She checked to make sure no one was around before words of power flowed out of her like a second language. A fireball erupted from her outstretched hand, igniting a small collection of fallen leaves. She quickly ran to stomp them out before they could catch anything else on fire.
“That was close.” She thought, silently reminding herself that fire around things that catch on fire quickly is bad. Then she grinned from ear to ear.
“This magic thing may work out after all,”