Luné Alpenglow
Luné speaks as she walks down the stairs into the Dungeon Core Room, “Sebastia, Kaede, Radoc. We’re going to kill everyone from my former party. All five heroes will die. We have already killed one, now there are four left. Our targets are the Templar Proudmaul, a Dragonkin and the leader of the party; the Wayfarer Lethhonel, a Moon Elf; the Berserker Jazak Forgeson, a Mountain Dwarf; and the Mage Thedlen, a Rock Gnome. Our first target is Jazak.” She steps up to the three, and with a glare, she says, “We will not let those villains live, starting with Noalen, and now Jazak. So they can never do what they did to me, again.” Sebastia frowns a heavy look of pity, one that Luné ignores.
Luné then looks at Kaede, “Kaede, I want you to look for information on Jazak’s whereabouts. After finding him, figure out how to get him to a place we can take him from.” She looks at Radoc, and says, “Radoc, I need you to stalk him and report everything he does in a day, once we find him.” She finally looks at Sebastia, who stops her before she says anything, “I’m not doing anything, my Lady. This isn’t right.” Luné is shocked, Sebastia, the one who has been with her the longest, and is the one that she expected to be beside her the whole way, is the one who said no. Sebastia continues, “You’re not in your right mind. You’re still letting your gri-” Luné yells at Sebastia, cutting her off as well, “No! I’m perfectly fine! I’m going to return the favor, what’s wrong with that!?” Luné was now angry with Sebastia, after all, she was in her right mind. Sebastia is wrong, isn’t she?
Sebastia frowns heavier, and says, “That’s what’s wrong, Luné. That mindset. You need to let go of your past, and walk free. Live and let live.” Radoc speaks, his snarky and calm tone opposing Sebastia’s calm and pitying tone, “Are you sure? Those who do evil tend to do evil again. Even if their intentions are good. This is a clear case of evil for the sake of evil. Would it not be better to rid the world of these blights?” Sebastia sighs, then looks at Radoc, “You’re a problem. You seem to be trying to lead Luné down a dangerous path.” Radoc frowns, and shakes his head, raising his hands, “That’s the way this world works. It’s cruel to Humans. If she doesn’t, as a Hero, then Humanity will forever be trapped at the bottom of a world out to kill them. I’m an outlier, working for Humanity, despite being something much different. Nations fall, and world order is shaken. That is the nature of the world.” Sebastia turns and starts walking to the stairs, grabbing her sword as she does, “I will not remain here.” She stops on the stairs and looks back at the stunned Luné, “If you wish to bring me back, try to find me first. It should be simple and easy.”
She goes up the stairs, and out of sight. Luné remains still, baffled and confused. She had thought her Summons would be loyal and at her side at all times. Was she wrong? Will Kaede, Imai, or Zeuz abandon her too? What then? She looks at Kaede, who was watching Sebastia, but now turns to look at Radoc and Luné. She then shrugs, and says, “Well, I have no horse in that race. You two can fight to make her think in a specific way, I’m just here to study her magic.” Radoc raises an eyebrow and frowns at her, though he says nothing, as he lets the situation sink into Luné’s mind.
Chaos, of Probability
Still annoyed that his prediction, of the timing the Royal Knights would arrive, was wrong, he watched silently as this situation unfolded. He chuckled slightly, then watched Sebastia walk. Fondly remembering events similar to this, such as the First Knight of Deathly Fear, and how he walked away from his friend, who would soon become his nation’s ultimate enemy. Or even one that is far closer, but in a different light, the time Sebastia pushed Enna aside, and approached the Eastern Tower, freshly risen from the bottom of the sea. Only for the poor goddess of the sky to watch the tower descend once more, with her best friend sacrificing her life to save Grandia.
He smiles, Sebastia had never been one to sacrifice her morals, even for a second. She could have been a paladin, but she never chose that path. Only ever going forward in her straight path, a path that saved hundreds of thousands of lives. He watches Sebastia walk, and hears a voice behind him. Looking back and down, he sees her face, and asks, “What was that, Order?” She crosses her arms, and shakes her head, “You need to stop getting so absorbed into your creations' lives. What next, are you going to go down there and actively fight them, like you did in Concordia, in Zenigaras before then, even your second foray into the ‘Three Towers’?” He smiles at her, and speaks in a playful tone, “Oh you know me, I will definitely be doing that. Though perhaps in a different way this time. No Heart of Chaos this time, but perhaps an Ascendant of Order.”
Order, of Probability, tilts her head, not liking where he’s going with this, as she asks in a suspicion filled tone, “What are you planning?” He grins, and then does a small bow to her, “I need your assistance, once again my closest friend, and foil. Radoc is already a chaotic enough force. One who’s luck fluctuates rapidly already, so I must ask you to allow a break in your personal rules. To allow manipulation of the dice. But to only one, and that one I know you will like. Her heart is pure, and she holds her convictions well. I wish for you to Ascend one of my creations. To grant her the powers of an Avatar, as I did with mine, and her successors.” Order squints at him, then steps up beside him at the table, looking down at Sebastia as she walks. Sebastia was walking, heading to exit the dungeon. Heading for Grandia.
Order is silent, then says, “Give her a test. But remember, this is my last favor to you. I already gave you a free pass for the children.” Chaos grins, “You know we both wanted to create those two. Besides, you always use them as an excuse. Let’s not do that this time. I will properly return the favor.” Order frowns at him, “You had better.” Chaos grins happily, raising his hands in a non-threatening way, “I will say though, I do wish to have your assistance with another as well, fair warning before then.”
Sebastia Rin
Sebastia stepped up into the saddle, and began going. With a glance back, she could see Luné rushing out to try to stop her, but she did not, she faced forward, and continued onward. She would consult her Queen and Master. Then do what she thinks. As she rides, dodging trees and brush, she begins to feel an unease settling around herself. Suddenly without warning, a black rift opens before her. Unable to stop the horse in time, she passes through it with a panic over taking her. As she comes out on the other side suddenly, she finds herself somewhere completely different. Climbing off her horse, she looks around. She was inside a cathedral of some kind, the church pews sat quietly, people of all kinds, including monsters, sat quietly in prayer, light gray robes covering their bodies. At the front, in the middle of a raised platform, stands a massive statue, a woman holding a dodecahedron in one hand, and a scale in the other. She suddenly hears the congregation begin speaking in many languages at once, a few she recognizes, and can understand, realizing they are all saying one thing. “Oh, Mother of Chance. The first Order of the Pantheon. The goddess of certainty. Show us our path, for we are free of our shackles. Free of our hatred, and free of our hostility.” Several begin to burn, screaming out in pain, the rest continue, “Let those who lied rest well after this day, and guide the rest to eternal freedom. Against the Void we are naught but miniscule annoyance. Against the Material we are naught but a beloved creation, meant to suffer for eternity. But in our lives, Chaos and Order are the ultimate constants. Free us of our bonds, and show us our futures.”
A light appears in front of the statue, and a person appears. A young man, in light gray clothes, with white hair, and dark gray bovine horns atop his head. His bright and happy light blue eyes convey warmth and joy, he speaks out, “Congregation! I am Lanthial, Envoy of Order! Your prayer has been heard! And today you are free of those earthly bonds! You will feel warmth in the cold, and know kindness to all! Go forth, and see the world anew!” He waves a hand, and the congregation disappears. Lanthial was the only remaining individual, and he smiled at Sebastia, his warm and kind smile, bringing a soothing feeling to her, which she hardened against, unknowing if this young man is a threat. Lanthial speaks with a bow, “Sebastia Rin, we appreciate you not interrupting the congregation, and their prayer. Your first test is done, and your next will soon start.” Sebastia looked at her horse, but found it missing. Startled, she looked forward again, at Lanthial, who spoke before she could, “Your horse is fine. We did not harm it, and it will be returned to you whether you are successful or not. You will not die here, and any injuries you sustain will be left here. After all, this is not your body, it is simply a projection.” Sebastia looks down at herself, but finds nothing different.
Lanthial continues, “You face my Creator’s trials. Order, of Probability. She has deemed you worthy of her blessing, due to your steadfast beliefs, and kind heart. Do not hold back during these tests, but do not lose yourself. For if you do, you will automatically fail. Please, step forward, and stand before the altar I stand atop.” Sebastia begins approaching, causing him to grin warmly. She stops at the altar and speaks, “Why me? I know you said my beliefs and kind heart, but why me? Why not someone else?” Lanthial shakes his head, now frowning, “I am not omnipotent. I sometimes wish I were, though. I must leave you now, as I have more messages to deliver to secret sects. Please, at least enjoy your time while doing these tests.” He bows, smiling once again, and fades in a shimmer of sparkles.
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Sebastia was now alone. Looking around the room, she sees murals on the walls that she had not noticed before. Depictions of scenes she has never seen before. Some that confuse her, such as the one of a woman with bird-like wings protruding from her head, a billowing cloak, and a sword in her hands, with a red and green flag behind her, cut in half by the edge of the mural, but still showing most of a front facing black and gray wolf in the red; facing off against dark tendrils. There are a few others, such as one on the other side of the room, completely opposite of that one. This one showed a sky blotted out by dark beings, as dragons flew up towards the dark beings, a group of dark gray robed figures sat on their knees, praying. Both of these murals were less illuminated, despite there being the same amount of lights.
There was an empty space in front of both, and she thought she could just barely make out something appearing on one of the empty spaces. As she stares at the blank spot, she begins to make out a shape. A person was appearing on the wall, his draconic wings flapping wildly, and the sword in his hand began to glow, raising it above himself, he froze. Suddenly a calm and warm voice could be heard behind Sebastia. Turning on a dime, her hand already on her sword, she finds a woman with a golden headpiece, golden blonde hair, bright blue eyes, elven ears, simple yet elegant priestly clothes, a silver pauldron on her left shoulder, with armor going down to her hand, an elegant staff in her right hand, and angelic wings on her back. She smiles happily while speaking to Sebastia, undeterred by the threat of drawing her blade, “Welcome to the Cathedral of Order. The Souls of those who believe and fall asleep, needing guidance, are conveyed here, then returned to their home. You are not one of those however.” She begins to curtsey, as she continues, “You may call me Clover, Sebastia Rin.”
Sebastia calms down, realizing there is no threat, and stands straight again, asking, “Then why am I here? Why a test? What does Order want?” Clover flaps her wings, and stands on the scales of the statue, she then speaks, “I am Order’s soul made manifest. And I am here to oversee your tests. We shall begin. Your-” Sebastia stops her, “Wait, you are Order’s soul manifest? So then I am speaking with Order?” Clover nods her head, “But do not treat me as such. I am not as powerful as Order would be. Think of me as an Avatar that is called upon only when needed, and does not exist when not.” Sebastia nods slowly, trying to understand, but it was mostly going over her head, as Clover continues, “Your second test awaits you through the door beside the mural of Knight Commander General Alice Kheek, known for her courage in the face of the untold dangers within the galaxy of Deathly Fear. She stood proudly and defiantly, defending all she could, until her retirement and peaceful death in 103 After Colonization.” A door appears beside the mural of the Bird Woman, and Sebastia begins approaching it.
She opens the door and glances at Clover, getting a happy nod, she enters the darkness beyond, and finds herself feeling ill as she finds herself in a training room. However, with metal walls, a boxing ring, and a few other things, she can’t help but feel unnerved, as it is clearly not a training room she would ever recognize, yet she still did. Silence permeates the room, and she begins walking to the center, looking around. Suddenly, the dimly lit room ignites with light from above. She shields her eyes, recognizing such light fixtures from Grandia. Perhaps this building is just using an advanced version of steam power that requires metal walls? She begins to hear something, the sound of yelling. Though faint she can make it out, as she hears, “-p! I will not tolerate weakness in the Void Corps! You will face terrors you have never faced before! You will push back against monsters that will encroach on our home! We are the first bastion against the end! We will not fall! Am I understood, Andromedans!?”
The voice is drowned out by a following yell from many more voices, “Aye, Commander General!” Sebastia then sees a figure appearing before her. An apparition, who’s form is shifting and bright. Sebastia watches as the figure approaches the boxing ring, and simply hops up into it, clearing double its height in a single bound. Sebastia approaches the ring, following, but getting into the ring the more normal way. The apparition looks at Sebastia, then nods, and fades, reappearing on one of the white turnbuckles. Sebastia realizes she is in the red corner, and a figure begins appearing in the blue. She watches quietly, as this figure takes a solid form. She sees a Human, his fists up in a fighting stance, and his clothes were extremely strange, seemingly colored with many different colors, in patterns. She raises her fists in response, ready for what is about to happen.
With an echoing ding the Human rushed forward, throwing a punch at Sebastia’s head, she ducks under it, bringing a punch to the man’s stomach. He backs away, and lowers his hands, causing Sebastia to begin lowering hers, but in that moment of weakness, the man rushes forward. Sebastia can barely raise her fists to block the strike coming for her head, but she realizes too late that it was a feint, and she feels the punch connect with her stomach. Even in armor, it went through, ringing through her like a hammer. She blocks the second and third strikes, as they were followed through, and she is pushed to her corner. She keeps blocking, only to find strikes getting through. As they do, she decides to go all in, and quickly starts returning punches, instead of trying to block. The man was not expecting this, and is knocked down to the ground quickly, where he fades to nothing.
Sebastia, breathing heavily, sees the apparition hop off the turnbuckle, heading for a punching bag, which it starts repeatedly hitting. Sebastia starts approaching the apparition, which stops as she nears, and then points to a spot on the floor. Sebastia goes to that spot, and the apparition crosses its arms. Sebastia can now see the apparition is more solid, revealing it is female. Across from Sebastia, another figure appears. Hulking and bulky, it looks to be an earth golem of some kind, in that same outfit as the human. The golem laughs, but no noise comes out. Strange for a golem, but she’s seen weirder. It stomps down, and raises its hands getting into a position that reveals it is ready to stop her from getting past. Looking at the apparition, it walks past the golem, and points at its feet.
Sebastia nods, and gets ready to blitz past the golem. Staring it down for a few seconds, she remains still, watching it watch her. A few figures begin materializing nearby, wandering about. The golem starts to look around on occasion, distracted by the figures, each in the same kinds of clothes. During one of these moments, she rushes forward, and tries to juke around the golem, though it catches her, and tosses her back. She slides to a stop, back where she started, and decides the next time she’ll slide under it. Rushing forward as it gets distracted again, she feigns going right, then slides under the golem as it reaches right. Standing behind the Golem, the Apparition begins to grow more solid, allowing her to see the wings on her head, and the smirk on her face. The Golem fades, and the Apparition moves on, punching a wall, which opens up, revealing moving targets, and strange weapons.
The figures wander over, and take up one of the weird weapons, leaving one for Sebastia. Each aims towards the targets, and fires, a soft sound echoing around the room. Sebastia, however, can tell that the sound would have burst her eardrums if it had been real. She walks to the range, and picks up the strange weapon. She finds it similar to a hand crossbow, but longer and heavier. She aims down the range, and expertly lands her shots. With that, the figures fade, and the weapons float back to their spots. The Apparition begins to solidify completely, and Sebastia could now see her clothes. A long cloak. Sebastia begins to understand who this is, and walks back to her. The Apparition points to the door Sebastia entered from, and lets Sebastia leave.
Sebastia exits, and hears Clover call out, “Well done! You impressed her. The best trainee she has ever had the displeasure of teaching!” Clover is grinning playfully, and then says, “Now, would you like to rest or continue?” Sebastia looks at Clover, and answers with a smirk, “Is that a question? What’s next?”
Jazak Forgeson
Jazak was wandering, his beard itches like hell at the moment, and all he wants to do is work. He stomps away from the forge, annoyed with the Forgemaster for kicking him out for overworking himself. He stopped, and looked up at the roof of the cave the city was in. He frowns, missing the short year he had in the company of his party. He looked back down, and continued walking, wondering what to do. He walked aimlessly, until he found himself at the last place he had conversed with Proudmaul. Entering, he wanders to a seat, and takes it, quiet and lonely. Of course, plenty of other Dwarves would wander to him, and try currying favor. He frowns as another batch comes over, and he simply waves them off. He hated his golden eyes. If only he could change them out for a different color.
He feels a shiver down his spine, and he looks around, finding a tall figure in the opposite corner of the bar, cloaked and staring him down. He looked away, annoyed already, and not wanting to deal with another annoyance. The figure stands and wanders over, taking a seat across from him. Even more annoyed, he was about to spit fiery words at this bastard, but the placing of a specific item on the table stops him. Stamped on the top, the symbol of the Elven Queendom. The elf speaks, quietly, “You are requested.” He stands, leaving the small emblem, and walks away, out of the building. Jazak felt his fire reignite, and he took the emblem. Standing quickly, he exits, heading off already. Not wanting to waste a single second, as he now has a job to do. He would need a mage to help him teleport, so he began to search one out.