Meiyal System
“Well then.” Schrodie snapped her fingers again and everything around them turned to darkness. All that was left was Frein’s chair where he eagerly sat. “Do go on with the questions while the ceremony proceeds.”
She began to circle around him, gesturing with her fingers as if writing something in the air. Illuminating light followed the way she wrote and formed a variety of layering runic patterns. She proceeded at an incredible pace considering the distance.
“Are you able to tell me how Brymeia and Earth are different from each other?” Frein asked.
“Language, time, and culture mainly, as it is with other worlds. We have humans like you, divided into their own borders. We have elves, dwarves, orcs, and a few more other species that are amazingly closely defined in your literature.
“For a while, it made me wonder if your planet is a host for Travelers. Given the lack of meiyal, it’s evidently not, although a few chose to hide in your planet which could very well explain the resemblances in literature. Once you’ve come through, Katherine can give you a full lecture.” She was a quarter of a circle finished now.
The prospect of meeting other species, especially those from within fantasy, was too much of a bizarre concept that Frein struggled to control his smile.
“But I can understand you,” he said, checking on the facts that mattered for the time being.
“As Gatekeeper, I am capable of conveying messages in whatever manner I desire. The ceremony will allow you to understand and speak the languages and terms of this world as I do, but keep in mind that their cultural aspects will not be conveyed to you through the same manner, for experience’s sake.”
“What about the meiyal you mentioned earlier?”
“Yes. Meiyal can be complicated, but to make matters simple, it is an abundant resource in Brymeia, an energy source utilized differently by each territory, sometimes even within different ethnic groups of the same species.
“For example, I will provide your body the same as Katherine’s ancestral development system so that she can easily help you learn their ways and avoid any conflicts. You will be able to harness meiyal and be able to Draw Meiyal Arts like she does. Do remember the difference.” She was now half a circle complete.
“These terms sound very scientific,” Frein commented, barely forming the complete idea from her explanation.
“It’s the best way to define mysteries, if you ask me. If you’re interested with Brymeia’s history, they have a lot of books for you to catch up on.”
“That’s good to know. Any risks on this ceremony?”
“Aside from your determined death? None. Although the previous Visitors indicated feeling an odd sensation during the procedure. Nothing harmful.”
“Are you also from Brymeia?” It was odd to ask the question, but Frein was curious.
The figure stopped for a brief moment. “That's the first time somebody actually asked something about me. Cute. And to answer that, yes and no. I’m not born from Brymeia, but I was made because of Brymeia, and was immediately rooted into this realm for this particular purpose.” It took her a while to resume her circle, giving Frein time for a follow-up.
“Aren’t you bored just being here on your own?”
Schrodie actually giggled. “Not entirely. I can do a lot of things within this space. That includes artificial entities with their own unpredictable behaviors…something to that effect. Besides, I’m free to see Brymeia whenever I wish. Free to interact with anyone if I choose to do so.”
With that, she finished the circle and connected the final pattern with the first one.
“Please extend the most favorable part of your body. That which you are most comfortable with. And, just in case our earlier conversations accidentally spurred any indecent thoughts, I would warn you that once this ceremony is complete, there will be no repeats. And I will not be held responsible on how the rest of Brymeia will see you.”
All indecent thoughts simultaneously combusted. Frein took a second to consider and finally landed on choosing his right arm. It was his dominant arm and what he used to win most of his fights. He lifted it up and presented it to her.
Intense lines of light from each rune traced around his arm in an instant, threatening to burn his skin. Then the runes contracted and clasped into his arm.
Hot…or so he thought. It was merely the hot sensation of something gripping tightly around the portion of his skin, like rubber. The pattern wrapped around his wrist, traveling all the way up to his elbow like a boa constrictor. It turned black as the light faded.
The sensation was exactly how Schrodie described it. Odd. Considering this extremely tight strangulation, his blood flow remained unaffected, and his arm remained his own. The gripping stopped, but the sensation of something wrapped around his arm was clearly present. Traces of smoke sizzled out from the dimming runes, giving Frein a sense of confusion and wonder. It didn’t burn enough to warrant smoke.
“How was it?” Schrodie asked.
“Irritating.” The fact that this rune pattern embedded onto his skin like a tattoo didn’t really appeal to him. “Is there some way I could hide this? Even just the big part around my arm at the very least?”
“Of course.” The distorted entity reached for his arm with both hands. She began from his elbow and traced down to his wrist, making the markings disappear as if giving them camouflage properties. “I’m afraid I need to leave this portion open.”
“Why is that?” Frein asked and looked at the markings visible around his wrist. The sensation around his arm was still present, but at least it didn’t look too bothersome. At the center of his wrist on the forearm side was a small dark red circle.
“This is your meiyal system. This circle is your meiyal core while the parts coming from it are your meiyal marks. Core, plus marks, equal the system. This allows you to gather meiyal,” Schrodie explained. “The more of your marks are exposed to meiyal, the better. The enchantment I placed just now covers the general body of the markings which limits how you Gather, Mill, and Draw Meiyal Arts.”
Frein made a mental note of the terms. “So, if I understand this correctly, I’ll be better off with the whole thing uncovered?”
“Yes and no,” Schrodie replied. She vanished for a second and reappeared on a chair that had always been there despite appearing just now. Frein thought he was never going to get used to it.
“Limiting your Meiyal Arts is for your own good. Your reception to meiyal will be far more sensitive compared to that of a native due to the fact that you’re not from Brymeia, or to be precise, you lived in a planet with barely any meiyal. Leaving you out in the open without any proper knowledge and training would be dangerous both to you and to those around you.”
“Fair enough.”
“For starters, why don’t you tell me if you feel anything?”
Frein paused. There wasn’t much to go on, so he kept observing his hand.
A subtle sensation crept up to his fingers. Solidified particles appeared, floating about above his palm. They moved slowly in an orbit, expressing to Frein a set of thoughts.
Calmness and patience.
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“So this is meiyal...”
“You learn fast.”
Frein came to an understanding. Even without proper training, the impression of power was heavily present in the meiyal surrounding his wrist. Katherine had lived in such abundance her entire life until she had to leave and survive for years without this power. Admiration was one thing, but what Frein felt was simply pure pride.
“So, how do I Draw this Meiyal Arts thing?” he asked, returning to reality.
“That is out of my jurisdiction, Mr. Frein.”
“Frein is fine.” It was a little too late, but whatever.
Schrodie nodded before teleporting out of her chair, her image distorting in and out of Frein’s field of vision.
“As I’ve said, Brymeia’s natives practice different ways to utilize meiyal. Some have evolved into specialized disciplines, while some were discarded to be forgotten. It would be best for you to learn under Katherine as I’ve structured your meiyal system the same way her ancestral line evolved hers.”
“What about the runes? Do I have to memorize them?”
“Runes?”
It took Frein a second what that implied. “The symbols you were writing during the ceremony,” he clarified.
“Oh. Those are not of Meiyal Arts. They are more of…” she pondered for a second, “…an involved application of meiyal, so to speak. None of Brymeia’s natives use it.”
“Katherine did,” Frein pointed out.
“To go out and then come back, yes. Only for those two occasions. No matter how much she tries now, that ability for her has been exhausted.” As Frein nodded in silence, Schrodie walked—more like hover—towards the door leading to the first room. “Before we go back, do you have any other questions?”
“Is it even worth learning this?” Frein asked himself as much as Schrodie.
“Yes, Frein,” Schrodie answered without hesitation or even consideration. For a moment, flesh flickered on Schrodie’s face, too brief to see any distinct features. “I do believe it is worth your remaining time.”
“With this, I’ve signed up for my inevitable death, haven’t I?”
“If you prefer to be blunt about it, yes.” Another flicker, hair this time, pink and long. “I thought you didn’t want to be reminded?”
“You said there’s a predetermined time for my death.” Frein kept staring at the swimming meiyal orbiting his fingers. “Does that mean if I commit suicide now, I won’t die?”
Schrodie’s head tilted slightly upwards. Eyes, too brief to see color, flashed for a mere split second, staring down at him at an awkward angle.
“Do you really want to know?” Even without proper facial details, Frein could tell she was smiling.
“I...” He gave her question considerable thought. “I think I’d rather not.”
He stood up from the chair and followed the Gatekeeper. “So, what do I need to do now?”
Schrodie paused for a while. “You know, that’s the first thing the others before you asked me—made it a bit difficult to lessen their hesitations. I’m sure you have your assumptions, but in truth, I can’t tell you just yet.
“Once you’re in Brymeia, I’m sure you will eventually piece together why I can’t give you this information. You might even end up with your own conclusions. For now, be an actual visitor. Enjoy the sights, the food, the experience, like you’re simply in a foreign country. You only have so much time, and as long as you strive to prepare for any possibility, your purpose can come later.”
She turned the doorknob.
Her whole entity turned towards him in the slowest of fashions. “But if you’re desperate for a hint—” she paused and Frein nodded, “—you need only know for now that Brymeia is not the only world involved here.”
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Katherine watched as Frein entered the other room and closed the door. About a fraction of a second later, before she could even blink, the door opened again and Schrodie appeared.
It had been years, she would admit, but watching someone else other than herself display their prowess over meiyal was all too much of a relief for Katherine to even consider how absurd of a subtle performance it was.
“How did it go?” she asked.
“Quite well, I should say.” Schrodie appeared on a chair and gestured for them to follow.
“Take a look.” Frein showed her his markings as they took their seats.
They seemed as normal to her senses as any other meiyal system from an Iristan heritage except for Schrodie’s meiyal seal covering all his marks, leaving only the core open. The seal was exceptionally crafted and subtle that it could pass as though it was organically grown from birth, and unless Meiyal Arts had undergone an exceptional breakthrough within her years of absence, she doubted anyone other than Selfiya would have any microscopic chance of telling any difference.
Well, it’s not like Mother Selfiya practices Meiyal Arts, Katherine thought. There were a few things she needed to clarify, but Schrodie beat her to the punch.
“It is a little unique, I would admit, given that it had to be somewhat compatible for Frein to use,” Schrodie began. “But not in the sort of way you would imagine. Frein won't be as powerful as you, or Frill, at least not right away.”
Now that was a name she hadn't heard in years.
The Gatekeeper then turned to Frein as if to advise him. “You will only be as strong as you train yourself to be.”
“How is he supposed to remove your seals, then?” Katherine pressed, even though she was sure she wouldn’t get an answer on this one.
“The same way Iristans remove theirs.”
“But we don’t even know how that—”
Schrodie raised his hand, without the motion. “I assure you; it works the same.”
Then that could take years! Katherine stopped herself before it was too late.
“With the ceremony completed, I am now able to let you passage to Brymeia. But would you prefer staying for a little while?”
“Stay?” Katherine asked. “What for?”
“Enlightening Frein about meiyal and Meiyal Arts. Irista Nation has been placed in an awkward spot and war is brewing—don’t worry, it has nothing to do with you leaving.
"Now I’m not one to take sides, but I would prefer not to have our Visitor arrive defenseless. He can safely learn and practice here, if you follow my meaning. I’ll also provide you with concrete and adequate space for your training.” He slumped back on his chair and relaxed, with the motion this time.
Katherine couldn’t agree more, but this was not part of the plan.
“May I ask,” she probed with a gentle voice. Only after the distorted figure gave her his attention did she continue.
“Why are you helping us?” When she realized how awkward her question was, she added, “I thought you only needed me to get a Visitor?”
“The Visitor, Katherine. There can be only one.” Schrodie paused for a while, pondering. “Having people around is like having a small change of pace, quite refreshing, I should say. You’ll be able to stay for six months—Brymeian months—at most, that will close your absence in Brymeia for exactly three years. I could influence the timing, but why bother?”
Katherine turned to Frein. Brymeia had the same number of months as with Earth, but with fifty days instead. Three-hundred days was a lot of time, and yet at the same time, it wasn’t. But any additional time she could spend with Frein was a treasure she would kill for every time. She wanted the offer, but Frein’s decision mattered more.
As expected, he quickly understood her glance. The feeling of having her thoughts read out in the open still sent chills down her spine, but the pleasure she always got from the irony of it was too addicting for her to even become self-conscious about it.
“I see no harm. Unless you’re in a hurry,” he said. "This doesn't take away from my time, right?"
"Not at all," the Gatekeeper replied. "It's the planet's meiyal that'll eventually destroy your body, and the meiyal system I gave you will help slow down that process."
It was pretty much decided, then. Katherine could barely hide her excitement. “Alright. Thank you so much, Schrodie. We’ll make full use of what you can offer us.”
“I’ll get right to it, then.”
The distorting images of snow mountains and desert dunes evaporated in an instant, and a clear pristine floor mimicking a still pond expanded from underneath them. Within a few paces, the floor abruptly stopped and ground and soil took its place, forming slopes and growing forests every few layers.
Frein’s elated expression was a treasure to behold as he gazed upon his changing surroundings while Schrodie continued to paint their training room. A gentle breeze passed them by as birds chirped and sang, soaring through the skies, while fish jumped over streams of rivers.
When Schrodie was done, they found themselves in a temple sitting atop a floating mountain surrounded by rainforests with waterfalls that connected to other floating land masses. Some islands were tilted, some were completely upside-down, with their own gravities to influence their behaviors. There didn’t seem to be a bottom, but Schrodie assured he’ll be there to catch them, should they fall.
Only then was Katherine able to pay enough attention to breathe again.
“All you need to do is tell me what you require and I’ll form it for you. Provisions shall be prepared on a regular basis. Remember: you are the teacher this time, Katherine. My pointers may be useful, but you are ultimately the one to guide our Visitor. Have fun!” Schrodie waved a hand before vanishing from view.
A small monkey peered from behind a layer of vines beside where the Gatekeeper had been. When Frein turned his curiosity to it, probably to determine the monkey’s planetary origins, the small creature chirped and jumped on a vine, swinging out of the temple and vanishing behind the surrounding trees.
Katherine shivered with excitement. She’d spent years in this place, or at the very least—with Schrodie on the reigns of its creation—something similar, and this was the perfect time and place for training and orienting Frein.
“We don’t have a moment to spare, Frein. Your first task is to catch that monkey.” She tried to pull him by the hand, but Frein had already dashed off, chasing the monkey.
“You take that back!” His scream left her confused only for a second before she was gone chasing after them.
"Katherine." Schrodie's voice stopped her midway into the forest. Katherine turned and found the Gatekeeper patiently waiting by a small patio surrounded by flowery bushes. "We should talk about Kristel."
"The Princess? What about her?" Katherine stopped and allowed Frein to disappear from her view. This place should be safe, probably the safest she'd ever known. There was no need to worry. Besides, she hadn't heard news about her best friend for ages, and Schrodie seldom chose to voluntarily divulge news about Brymeia as a whole. That last one did made her worry. "Something wrong?"
"No, not exactly," Schrodie said. "Where to begin..."
"You can start from when I left."
"Sure." Schrodie conjured some seats and gestured towards them. Katherine obliged while Frein's frustrated screaming and the chirping of monkeys filled the air. "The day you left, Kristel descended from the High Palace. She's in Minaveil now..."
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