Today was a day of safety, security was tripled just for this occasion. Today was the day the next generation of Crimson warriors were to get a special tour around the castle. Of course, Arin was forced to take part in this special occasion while everyone else lounged around.
“If you don’t act involved then the Crimsons may doubt your loyalty,” Mila lectured late last night. “It won’t be bad, just say hi to everyone that is beyond excited to meet you. Think of it as paparazzi.”
Arin frowned, continuing to trudge her way to the first courtyard. A large patrol turned down the hallway, silent as they marched. Arin moved out of their way, stopping to watch them pass. A few turned their heads to look at her, but none made a fuss.
Once the nine passed, she continued, quickening her pace. Arin turned to the left reaching the staircase. She hurried down the several flights of stairs, her footsteps echoing, heart racing. People were excited to see her. So many were actually excited to see her for once.
Arin pushed the door leading to the first-floor open, sprinting down the wide hallway. She could hear cheering. The festivities must have begun without her. How embarrassing.
Arin stopped by a window, peering outside. Two dragons were sparring, hundreds of Crimsons were watching. Arin continued to the throne room, she wanted a grand entrance.
The closer to the throne room she was, the more guards appeared. Everyone was dressed in full armor holding a spear or sword. They smiled as she passed by. All torches were lit.
Arin turned the last corner, Coyasko and Scor were waiting for her at the entrance to the throne room. Both appeared slightly irritated at her tardiness.
“What took you so long? You’re almost late!”
“Sorry . . .”
“Let’s focus on what you must do. Remember your task, Arin and Scor?” Coyasko asked opening the door for the two.
“Yeah, just merge and do some tricks. No speeches or anything,” Scor recited nuzzling Arin’s shoulder. “Just smile, fly around, and breathe fire.”
“Correct. During the lunch period stay in the second courtyard and talk to everyone.”
“Aw, little kids love us already.”
Coyasko stopped by the front doors, Scor and Arin standing by his side. He released a deep breath. “If there was to be an Abyssal attack, your duty is to save the Crimsons. I know we say your life is a priority, but not today.”
“And how do we defeat these Abyssals?”
“We still don’t know; our current guess is photokinetics like Mila can stop them.”
“Wonderful,” Scor grumbled. He scratched at his scales, Arin didn’t realize that her partner was dressed up. His saddle had Crimson banners draped from the side. Hanging in front of his chest was another silk banner of the Crimson insignia. It didn’t reach the floor, but it was still noticeable.
“Ready?” Coyasko inquired. Arin nodded forcing herself to relax. “Don’t stress, just be you.”
“Who though? Arin or the Fire of Truth?”
“Be both.”
That’s not helpful. I guess I’ll just go with the Fire of Truth then . . . She nodded, and Coyasko banged his fist on the golden door. The three were silent as they waited. Arin couldn’t tell what was going on outside.
“Remember, Arin. Smile and enjoy yourself. If you are relaxed and happy everyone else will be.”
The doors opened, harsh sunlight blinded Arin for a moment. When she adjusted to the light she faced the crowd. All of the guests were gawking at her. Coyasko made his way forward, Arin followed, keeping her gaze low.
“Chin up,” Coyasko whispered, “don’t be shy.”
Arin corrected her posture, Crimsons bowed as she walked by. Among the crowd were several children, much younger than her. Their parents signaled for them to bow. As everyone moved onto one knee, Arin averted her eyes from the crowd. Scor appeared to be just as uncomfortable as her.
“You may all stand,” Mila declared, “the Fire of Truth wishes for all of us to be seen as equals, not her being superior among you all.”
The Crimsons stood, everyone kept their attention fixed on her. Coyasko left her side leaving the two in the center of the crowd. Everyone was silent, waiting for her to say something. Arin gazed at Coyasko for guidance.
“Merge,” he mouthed.
Arin cleared her throat, “um . . . hello, everyone. My name is Arin and I am the Fire of Truth, which you probably already know.” Speak up, I bet Scor can’t even hear you. She cleared her throat again, wringing her hands. “I guess as a way for you all to get to know me is if I merge with my partner Scor.”
“You might, want to take a few steps back, we are a rather . . . big dragon.” Crimsons backed away, children almost jumping from excitement. Arin hoisted herself onto Scor’s saddle, harnessing herself to the metal hook protruding from the side. “Now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, are you ready to witness the merged form of the first Child of Destiny?”
Crimsons cheered and applauded, Arin patted her partner’s neck. He sprang into the sky, hollering in the wind. Arin seized her Rainbow Shard, awaiting the right time to raise it into the morning sky. The two rose higher and higher. When they reached the peak of the courtyard Arin lifted her shard as high as she could.
The duo was engulfed in the red light, merging into their illustrious sun dragon form. Arin released her shrill cry over the roaring applause. Her spirits were high, everyone loved her.
Arin inhaled firing a plume of orange into the sky. She directed her attention to the Crimsons, they were all so happy.
What else can I do? Twist and turn through the spires, maybe? Yeah, good idea. Arin lifted higher, flipping over. She charged to the pointed spires, the light wind pushed her forward. Arin turned around the first stone spire, twisting her body sideways. The training at Sky Peak paid off, just for this moment. Everything she went through was worth it, just for this moment.
Arin laughed as she twisted around another pillar. Crimsons continued to egg her on, begging to see more. Arin made a lap around the courtyard’s perimeter before diving to the center again. She flared her wings wide, allowing everyone to gaze upon the sun imprints on the membrane.
The ground trembled as she landed, neatly folding her wings to her sides. The Crimsons erupted in a grand cheer as she remained in her dragon form. When she unmerged the crowd drew silent. The duo gasped for air, trying to end their adrenaline rush.
Mila and Coyasko joined her side, someone placed their hands on her shoulders.
“Now that all morning introductions are done it is time that we split up and begin the tours! During the break, you may all talk to the Fire of Truth or any student for that matter. We are more than happy to welcome you here to the capital!” Mila thundered, Crimsons applauded, nowhere near as loud as they did for her few stunts. After a short moment the crowd parted ways, moving to their designated areas.
Arin faced Mila and Coyasko, “was that good?”
“Perfect. However, you may want to speak louder. Don’t be shy, treat them as if you were talking to Scor.” Mila rubbed her tight shoulder. “Sit down and take a break, you have a few busy hours ahead of you.”
***
Mila wasn’t joking when he said that the break would be chaotic for her. A few tours ended early and Crimsons rushed to meet her and Scor. Retired generals shook her hand, patted her back, praised her name. Very young children, perhaps only eight or nine, shyly approached her asking for a hug. Little kids also begged and pleaded for permission to pet Scor. Even current students approached her, asking for advice on how to find a partner and what it takes to merge.
To her surprise, a very small amount of the Crimsons asked for her to sign a piece of paper or burn a small section of it. They wanted to boast about her. Never before had she received so much positive attention.
The crowd died down as the break finally ended. Crimsons were escorted inside for some sort of briefing about the training program. Arin finished her brief discussions with the last Crimsons leaving her alone with Scor.
“Well, that was exciting. Oh, let’s also not forget tiring, I’m going to sleep like a rock tonight, my friend.” Scor stretched his limbs lying down. “Wake me if someone else wishes to speak to us.”
Arin smiled, sitting down as well. Her legs were so sore and weak. There was no way she could do any more pleasurable tricks today. Arin played with the grass in front of her, trying to clear her mind and relax.
Stolen story; please report.
“Um . . . excuse me?” someone with a gravelly voice began, “you are Arin, yes?”
Arin looked up, a man in a wheelchair approached her. His thin white hair was out of place. There were a few wrinkles across his pale face. He appeared to be at least sixty. The man approaching her was probably a retired soldier as well.
Arin forced herself to stand, masking her aching pain with a smile. She wiped the grass off her, reaching a hand out. “I am, yes. Who are you?”
“I am Isoa, I am not here for any silly autograph. I am here to apologize.”
“Apologize?” She drew her hand back concerned.
“For my son, Loid. I am so sorry that he handed over your secret identity to the Others. I know the apology coming from me isn’t good enough, but please don’t assume that our family is a bunch of traitorous cowards. He is nothing like us, he is much softer,” Isoa spat turning his head away from her.
They really hate him . . . She folded her arms. He was just scared, he was scared of the Others. His father is practically begging for my mercy. I have to convince him that Loid has done good but what . . .
“Loid may have screwed up but . . .” Isoa lifted his head to her, she noticed that one of his eyes were artificial. “He also saved me a few times from the Others.”
“Did he really?”
Arin nodded, “he even faced Croun to protect me.” Isoa’s face lit up in pride. “He stood up for me against Croun, Kin, Scolo, several Others, and even Mila. He may have been scared that one time but . . .” say you forgive him. You forgave Mila, this is a lot easier, “I forgave him. He just wanted to protect his identity.”
“Really? He faced Croun and survived?!”
Arin nodded, “and won, kind of. You should be proud of him, whether he fought Croun or not.”
Isoa straightened, grinning ear to ear. “Oh! I must go find him and congratulate him! Thank you so much for granting us mercy, Arin!”
“Don’t thank me, if it wasn’t for him or Scarlet I wouldn’t be here today.” Isoa reached out and shook her hand before backing away. “It was an honor to meet you, thank you for your service to the Crimsons.”
He stopped, craning his neck back to face her. “And thank you for your future service to the Crimsons. If you ever need anything from me or my wife and family, don’t be afraid to ask.”
She nodded, “yes, sir!”
He left the courtyard, leaving the two alone. Scor chuckled, “so you forgave him after all?”
“I got caught up in the moment. Plus, I mean he did save me from the Others a lot. Also, did you not see how his father was begging for my mercy?”
“True. I think what you did was very nice. You made an old man very happy and at peace.” Scor stood, stretching again. “I’m going to go take a nap.”
“I’m going to walk around, I’ll visit tonight.” Arin wrapped her arms around his meaty neck. He curled his long scaly arms around her back purring softly. “I’m glad we got to participate today.”
“Me too, bud . . . me too.”
Scor yawned pulling away, “let’s go get some rest. See you soon, partner.”
Arin nodded, “see ya’, buddy.”
They parted ways. Scor trudged to the Dragons’ Den while Arin made her way inside. Guards passed by as she approached the door. They did not share any small talk or glances. One of them held the door open as she passed by. She muttered a soft thank you, walking inside.
Echoing through the hallways she could hear light laughter. Arin smiled approaching the origin, some kids were probably having the time of their life. There was a loud bleat followed by children laughter. Was something wrong? Arin quickened her pace to the open double doors, whoever was inside better not be causing any sort of trouble.
Arin stopped at the doorway and gasped. Ten children were playing with transparent animals. The largest ram, which appeared to be fifteen feet tall, straightened. It released the silvery cry again before the water in the pool behind it undulated. The Crimsons were egging the massive ghost on.
Arin entered the room, wet grass squished under her. “Hey!”
Everyone stopped, facing her. Scarlet moved to the front of the crowd, “Arin! I thought you were busy with talking to all of your fans?”
“No, that finished. What is going on here? What is that?” Arin pointed to the ram, several other animals floated next to the great ghost.
“That is a spirit. Come on, I’ll introduce you to them.”
“Wait, I thought I wasn’t able to see them? All of the kids can also see them?” Arin backed away. “What is this place? How come there is grass inside?”
“Ugh, Arin.” Scarlet sighed gesturing to the wide room. There were several pedestals with bowls on them. “This is a spirit sanctuary. We offer spirits food and this great room for whatever purpose they want and in turn they protect us from bad omens. When spirits feel safe they allow themselves to be revealed so that all may marvel at their awesomeness!”
Scarlet gestured for Arin to come forward. She warily approached the spirits. The great ram watched her silently. The young Crimsons cleared the way as Arin and Scarlet stopped at the edge of the water.
“Orax, this is my friend—”
“The one whom the prophecy foretold would come. I am well aware of who this is, Scarlet. This is the Fire of Truth. I was starting to believe that you would never come to Fynne, little fire.”
“Sorry for being late . . .” Arin mumbled.
“Don’t be. You are here to restore balance in Fynne now, that is all that matters.” Orax lifted his head high, some peculiar gaps in his circular curved horns began to glow an ominous yellow. “I am Orax, one of the many spirits of this land. While I cannot grant any sort of powerful gift I can deliver a warning.”
“Do you think you should say this warning in front of all of these little Crimsons?” Scarlet asked gazing at the crowd of timid Crimsons around her.
“You are right, please, escort them out for this temporary meeting. Then we may continue to play.”
“You heard him, let’s all go wait outside.”
“Scarlet, you must stay and listen to me too. Since you are born with the gift to see you must stay and listen as well.”
She blushed, “o—oh okay.” She guided the Crimsons to the exit. Once they were all situated outside she closed the door. When she rejoined Arin the torches’ light were extinguished, only the glow of the spirits lit the room.
“You are aware of the spirits with the Others now?” The two nodded, “although we are free-willed many of us have agreed that this side in the war will disrupt the balance of life and energy.”
“What can Arin do to fix the balance?”
“The war must end. Once the Others and spirits part ways the balance may be restored through time and isolation. Until then many of us have agreed that, in order to balance the cycle of our energy, we must aid you in your war.”
We have the spirits on our side now! Arin smiled. “How does this involve me? I know I must defeat the Others but how does your new alliance involve me?”
“I have not gotten to that yet. Those who walk too fast often miss the journey.” Orax paused to let the two sink in their current knowledge. “Now, the spirits with the Others will hunt you down, Arin. They have orders to do so. They break the balance of nature by possessing mortals. We are going to begin mending this balance.”
“How?”
“When Others attack and spirits try to possess you, we will throw them out of the host. As long as we dwell here, they will be unable to possess any Crimson.”
“Really?!” Scarlet exclaimed, “thank you, Orax! Thank all of the spirits! Wait until we tell Mila—”
“No! Mila cannot know!” Orax thundered, Arin jumped, frightened by the power in his voice. “Mila may see us as some sort of weapon instead of a guardian. You must keep this to yourself until the time is right.”
“Um, Orax?” Arin piped up, “I have a question.”
“Speak, little fire. Do not hesitate around me.”
“How do we defeat an Abyssal? Light worked last time, is light their weakness?”
“Arin, imagine your fire, the light it emits. What else comes with your fire?”
“Um . . .”
“A shadow. Light cannot exist without darkness and such as darkness without light. There is no way for you to defeat a spirit in its natural form, for you are merely in the center of the light and darkness, the fuel which feeds both sides. Only one spirit can defeat another, we cannot die but rather fade as we regain our power. The light was a mere timing. Let Mila believe that light is the weakness, we will be safer that way.”
“We as in you or—”
“Scarlet, Mila already sees your sight as a gift. If Mila finds out that we are aiding him he may use you as a machine. You do not deserve that. So ‘we’ as in you and all spirits.”
“Orax, I have another question.”
“Speak.”
“Can I learn how to naturally see spirits or is it just being born with it?”
“There is no way to learn it, Arin. I’m sorry.”
“Now hold on. Yes, there is no way for mortals to learn it. However, if a spirit like myself finds the wisher worthy then we may grant them the ability to see us.”
“May I be able to see you? I am a Child of Destiny and—”
“Okay,” Orax nodded. A spherical light came from his chest, floating to Arin. “While I cannot give one the ability to see the future, knowledge, or strength, I can offer temporary spirit sight. This gift will expire when Fynne is at peace once more.”
The sphere entered Arin’s chest. Her vision blurred for a small second. Scarlet moved in to catch her friend. Arin swayed as her eyes adjusted, nothing seemed out of place.
“This is all I wanted to share with you. Now bring in the little ones so that we may continue to enjoy ourselves.”
“Thank you, Orax. While I have not been a Crimson for long I appreciate what you are doing for us.” Arin paused, “um . . .I think I’m going to go. I’m exhausted and hungry, I’ve had a hectic day and I need to rest.”
“Oh, okay. Want to sit together for dinner tonight?” Scarlet offered. Arin was silent, then nodded.
“I think I would like that.”
Scarlet pat Arin’s back. “Awesome, see you then.”
“Remember, none can learn about this until the time is right.”
They nodded. The torches ignited as Arin opened the door. The Crimsons rushed in squealing, hurrying back to Scarlet and Orax. None stopped to gape at Arin. She turned down the hallway, making her way to the mess hall for a quick bite.