PHENOMENAL: CHAPTER 4 ~CATALYST~

Lance was riding away from one final village towards the mage city a bit unnerved. He wasn't quite sure he liked having a woman capable of spontaneous combustion on his back... that little trick had nearly scared the life out of him during the last fight. Myra on the other hand beamed happily at the human fireball and asked for an encore.

When Myra had asked the veteran mage for some advice Rifel ignored her. Rifel believed that it should be another water mage to teach her from the ground up. At least that's what she told Myra, Rifel was really just afraid of her sister. The woman could be particular about the way to teach a student so Rifel felt it was in her best interest to leave Myra alone for now.

Lance had started to become a bit glum in the recent days and Myra had taken notice, "Did you slow down Lance?"

"Nonsense" the proud centaur replied while gaining some speed "A centaur can easily take this much."

Myra hugged the centaur's back, "Taking your time isn't a bad thing Lance, I'll miss you too."

Lance chuckled ruefully, "I must be really obvious huh?"

Rifel chimed in, "It isn't every day a centaur leaves his daughter with the mages, there's no shame in a little separation anxiety." Myra laughed as her expression turned bitter, Lance noticeably slowed down at a loss for words. "You're not her father?" she asked

"No... she saved my friend's lives at the Tal'lei mountains, she also lost her father there."

Rifel hugged Myra tightly, this time without speaking.

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It was even more grand than Myra had ever anticipated, as they approached the gates she happily inspected Tal'ma'thul. Six towering structures raised above a massive city. The stone towers were connected with bridges and stairs. She could tell that each was built with a different purpose in mind. Her favorite tower had water flowing from the roof to as far down as she could see from outside. Rifel let out a giggle as Myra began to squirm. "Excited Myra?"

Myra glanced back, "Yes!"

As they approached the gate Lance was greeted with bowing and kneeling, "I take it I have an important passenger?"

Rifel laughed it off and sighed apologetically, "At least you won't have any trouble getting in."

"How important?" Myra asked

"I'm the headmistress of the fire tower!" she claimed proudly as Myra gave her an applause, "I'll be personally teaching you fire magic Myra."

This time Myra was the one with an apologetic stance, "I don't have any fire affinity."

"A five point mage with no fire affinity!" she gaped

Myra chuckled, "I've only got water and light affinity."

Rifel nearly fainted, "What a waste..."

A bit offended she spoke up, "Father claimed that because my total affinity is almost a hundred I'll be just as good as any other mage."

"Really!?" Rifel's theatrics were drawing attention now so Lance awkwardly asked her to calm down a bit.

Myra went back to observing the city. In these dark times the city had continued to survive. She remembered her father stating the reason no more refugees were allowed in. There just wasn't enough supplies, Tal'ma'thul had to be self-sufficient and more people made more mouths to feed. Seeing the people of this city right after having been to the suffering villages that surround them reminded Myra just how terrible what she did to this world was. The sudden realization had soured her mood and renewed her conviction. "When do I being training?"

"Slow down a bit child, we need to decide all sorts of things first."

"Like?"

Rifel looked up towards her tower, "Where you'll live, how to train you and who will train you. Those sort of things... I'll go contact the headmaster of the light tower and my sister while you wait with Lance. They will want to meet you, anyone with more than 25% affinity gets taught by the head."

Myra looked up at Lance as she sat on a bench. Rifel had left them at the base of the water tower. Those falls had continued all the way to the base of the tower and poured into a surrounding moat of crystal clear water. As Lance admired the gardens Myra spoke up, "Thank the others for me Lance, you claimed that I saved your lives but it was never mentioned that I had also been saved by the group. Now you've even escorted me to the place my father wanted me to be..."

Lance gave her a perplexed stare, "I have a hard time believing you're a child sometimes Myra."

Myra chuckled ruefully, "Do you believe in reincarnation Lance?"

Lance's expression turned contemplative, "On some levels I suppose."

"How so?"

"Well I think that maybe our souls are immortal but our memories fade, at least that's what my father taught me. A centaur should always act with honor so as not to taint ones soul. He always said I'd end up a cow in my next life if I didn't do the right thing."

Myra laughed jovially, "He isn't very far off." Lance looked at her doubtfully, "As far as I can tell I'm an accident, I kept my memories Lance... I don't think one of my kind was meant to be reincarnated."

Lance decided to humor the child, he was still doubtful. "What kind were you?"

Myra pointed up, "A higher being, I never even told my father... not sure if I regret that though. I'm not part ophidian, both of my parents were human."

"What's a higher being?"

"The ones that handle status information, we watch over Nimri from another realm."

Lance's jaw dropped, "That explains a few things... which would mean you're a demigod, know anything about the towers?"

"I know everything about them."

Lance gave her a serious gaze and sat himself in front of Myra, "Please"

Is this the right thing to do? "Make a promise with me first Lance."

"What?"

"You won't charge headfirst into a tower with the others... you aren't nearly strong enough yet."

Lance took the hit to his pride well, "I promise"

"Basically the towers were created by a cult that worships demonic beings of the forsaken realm. Those towers were linked to the balance using catalysts, because of that the higher realm's beings cannot interfere. As time goes on the tower's creatures become stronger and more numerous, this means that the cult can siphon more energy from the towers and eventually allow demons to escape the forsaken realm... not even the gods and goddesses will be able to survive that. The lower realm, mortal realm lost the ability to commune with us a long time ago... one thing I plan to do is re-establish that communication. That is something you can help with."

Lance silently took in everything she was saying and the more Myra spoke the more he believed her. "I've a few questions but most of all how can I do that?"

"Unearth or reconstruct the shrines that were destroyed during the rising."

"The rising? The demonic war?"

"Yes, I know where to find the shrines but I think that's a lost cause... making new shrines may be more effective."

Lance gave her a flat look, "You want me to build?"

"I want you to gather information, this world's people, its surviving cities, civilizations. I imagine a lot has changed since I was a goddess... since the reckoning. We have to know where to build the shrines and who to trust them with."

He nodded in approval, "We travel a decent amount already, we could broaden our activities... why not just start to spread the word?"

"It would take time for people to believe us and you've seen the state of this world. The demonic cult would notice and come to slay me before we have a chance to change anything. I'd rather not see a behemoth rampaging through the streets of Tal'ma'thul."

Lance agreed with her, "I won't put you at risk, neither would the others. One more question, you made me promise not to charge into a tower so there must be a reason for us to go inside one?"

Myra's expression turned grim, "The catalysts."

"What are they, those things that linked the towers to the divine realm?"

Her expression became more sorrowful, "They were mostly animals, sometimes sentient beings like humans or centaurs but mostly animals." Lance's face twisted with horror "When the magic was used, innocent beings that were imprisoned atop those spell circles became twisted and transformed through the infusion of demonic mana. What they once were linked them to the divine, even now they survive within those towers. If one were to enter a tower and grant a catalyst peace... to slay a catalyst would weaken the link. I'm still a child but one day I will venture into those towers, I will gain the strength necessary and..." she looked up at Lance "... reliable companions to aid me. The catalysts will be monsters, demonic monsters unlike anything you can possibly imagine. Fighting one will be a struggle to the death no matter how strong I become."

Lance had given in, he chose to believe Myra because if he didn't and she was right... it would be an unforgivable mistake. "I'll go with the others and gather as much information as I can... I may even go alone."

Myra gave him a kind smile, "Please don't endanger yourself Lance... Also, if you could keep my condition a secret for now?"

He nodded in agreement, "Why did you tell me?"

"I felt like I could trust you after what happened on the way here. However, I was feeling a bit forsaken..." she looked into his eyes "... I wanted someone to know."

"It would go against my honor to betray your trust Myra." he put an arm across his chest and bowed deeply before rising from his sitting position to greet Rifel, "Welcome back."

"That's a rather serious atmosphere you've got going on." she pointed towards a woman who didn't look all that different from herself, "That's my sister she'll take you to greet the other headmaster, off you go Myra."

"I like her hair..." Myra gazed fondly at the woman’s silvery bluish hair that reminded the once goddess of her own white scales she'd been so fond of, "Good bye Lance, take care of yourself."

"Likewise Myra..." he gave her a serious look "... I know you have a lot on your mind but you are a child, try to enjoy it a little while you have the chance."

Myra absently waved herself off while marching towards Rifel's sister.

Lance spoke up as soon as the pair left, "Thank you for taking her in."

"Thank you for bringing her, she'll be an incredible healer."

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"I don't doubt that but you'll find out soon Myra is more willing to learn about combat... even if it doesn't suit the usual water and light mages." Lance ignored her inquisitive gaze, "Before I go there's a few things you should know, the girl is putting on a brave front. She's hurt from all the suffering she's seen, what she's been through. We found her after she'd spent nearly two years in a reaver nest, underground... rather she found us and saved our lives."

"Two years!?" Rifel reeled at the sudden revelation

"... the girl is battered but she's not broken, she has goals and I think that is what's keeping her going. Look after her for me... please."

"I.. of course." she stuttered as the centaur silently departed, Two years... no wonder she looked a bit pale.

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Adriel had flown across the higher realm with uncanny speed and was now beating on Drasil's door.

*BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG!!!*

"What!?" Drasil shouted swinging the door open as Adriel forced her way in and dragged him to the scrying portal.

Without explaining herself Adriel used it to find Myra, she looked at Drasil, "Did you do that father?"

Drasil calmly looked at what she had found, "I've never seen that child before, what's this about?"

"That child is Lyria!" Adriel had been spying on her again as she confessed to Lance. "She was reincarnated."

Drasil quickly pushed her aside and inspected the child. "You're right... how did this happen?" The elder god turned to face Adriel, "Tell me everything."

Adriel briefly went over everything she knew about Myra as Drasil calmly fiddled with the portal, "That's about it, father if you didn't do the soul transfer..."

"I know... it had to have been a powerful demon." Drasil gave Adriel a worried gaze, "Perhaps as a demigod she's retained some of her divinity, even if she can't control it they may intend to use her in supplementing the loss of power our actions caused."

"Her sacrifice will have been for nothing!" Adriel was in tears, "Father!"

"I know, calm yourself Adriel. Summon Taurus I want him to give her a profession." he looked back at the portal, "I'll make sure they can't tell the difference between Lyria and a normal human being, I'll make her immune to scrying. They shall never have her!"

As Adriel left he gazed at her figure once more, a kind heartbroken smile graced his features. Despite everything he was happy to know that she still lived. Drasil would use what little power he had left to protect her from the demonic beings and their followers.

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Myra had followed after the woman as she began to walk towards the tower of light. This one had the same stone foundations but all of its walls seemed to be made of a transparent material. Glass? she mused

"I'm Ophelia Evaans, my sister said you've a high affinity for my element?"

"67% water affinity, I'm Myra Vetalis." she answered

Ophelia smiled brightly, "You're my first student with a higher affinity than my own, I'm looking forward to this. Now I just have to fight Luger for you."

"Luger is the light headmaster?"

"He is, come along now we'll be there soon."

Ophelia briskly led Myra through multiple twisting corridors until they reached a large mess hall. "He'll be meeting us here, have a seat I'll get you some food."

Myra nodded thankfully and obediently took her seat. This place was a bit odd to her, so far not a single room had been entirely enclosed. There was light everywhere in the tower. Tower of light indeed... Before Ophelia returned with her food a younger man approached.

"New arrival?" he asked

"I just got here, I'm waiting for someone."

The youth cocked his head, "That's unusual, normally you'd be tested by one of the teachers. Oh well, I'm Nocturne a light mage. I always look forward to greeting new light mages." he smiled

Myra replied apologetically, "I'm sorry my light affinity is only 28%, I'm a water mage."

"Only!? That's a significant amount you know?"

Myra chuckled, Oops "I'm sorry I just assumed since my water affinity is so much higher that it wasn't so special... now that you mention it my father did say that 25% was the norm for a specialty."

Nocturne's face drained of color as he spotted two headmasters heading in this direction, "See you around, Myra. Good luck!"

Myra cocked her head sideways as Nocturne ran like the wind. "What was that about?" she remarked absently

"Myra..." Ophelia spoke, "...meet Luger, Luger meet Myra."

The older gentleman held out his hand, "A pleasure young lady."

She took his hand and replied on reflex, "The pleasure is all mine Luger."

Luger was at a bit of a loss to see a seven year old child show noble manners. "Do you hail from nobility?"

Oops, focus Myra! "My father always taught me to mind my manners, living as a homeless vagabond doesn't make us savages after all."

"Your father was a wise man." he spoke appreciatively before facing Ophelia, "I heard she's gifted in both our elements..."

"Mine more so than yours old man." she challenged

"Oh come on, you've got plenty of disciples already right?"

"I've got plenty enough time for another."

"Don't you think it'd be more beneficial to have another healer?"

"She can learn from you but I'm taking her on in my tower, water comes first."

"You won't budge?"

*cough cough* "Cansh I learn bowf at sha shame time?"

They stopped bickering and looked at the girl as she stuffed her face. Ophelia chuckled as Luger sighed, "There goes the manners..."

Ophelia explained, "It isn't easy to learn spells Myra, some are really difficult even at the lowest levels. It's generally more efficient to learn one vocation at a time. Whichever a mage learns first also determines what magic profession you'll be."

Myra stopped eating, "I seem to have a knack for learning spells and I don't plan on becoming a mage, I'll be a warrior of some sort."

Her response nearly floored them, "What!? With your gifts you'll be a warrior?" Luger retorted with confusion written across his face.

"I have some practical experience with fighting, being a mage won't cut it... I almost died a few times because I couldn't conjure water fast enough. Assuming that I run into creatures immune to all but my most powerful spells, well I just wouldn't be able to depend on them because of the time it'll take to conjure. Maybe if I could use more versatile magic and all the elements it might work out but I only have water and light, that won't cut it for all combat situations. There are creatures that don't take water or light damage out there that would easily kill me. My father planned to train me himself..." her voice quivered, "...I'll learn what you have to teach me but I won't become a mage, I won't stay in this gilded cage."

Luger and Ophelia were having a hard time accepting she was a child at this point and that last line had stung a bit, "Gilded cage?"

"The city is peaceful, you have a nice life here but most mages have sworn off the outside world. I refuse to do that, I'm thankful that you're willing to train me but I don't agree with your method of survival."

This child is smart.. Luger thought to himself before speaking again, "What would you do in our situation child?"

"The surrounding villages people could be gathered, the gates could be opened and the city expanded. You'll draw attention from monsters but it shouldn't be enough to trouble you at this point. I traveled with father, the monsters are getting stronger. This city has stagnated, Tal'ma'thul will fall. The people hate you, forsaking them, turning them away was the wrong move." she looked up at the gaping man, Grahhh I did it again! Going into lecture mode... but this is necessary. "Father used to say that people become stronger in numbers, I saw a fair amount of villagers that would've made fine warriors. Mages aren't the only ones capable of defending a city from monsters. Outside of this city, close to this city you're allowing people to suffer and die because you're afraid to open the gates and use older methods to survive. Hunting, gathering and farming. I know it isn't easy and I'm spouting philosophical terms in a one sided way but I'm not someone who can turn away from the suffering of others. This big and pretty city... I don't like it at all when I look beyond the walls. I saw everything on the way here, the happy atmosphere in this city almost sickens me."

"You can have her, I've some new agendas to take care of. Seriously, to think it would take a child scolding me to do this..." Luger mumbled while walking away.

"You're a unique one Myra." Ophelia roughly rubbed her scalp, "You're not completely right but you're not totally wrong either, was it good?"

Myra nodded while wiping off her mouth, "Tasty"

She smiled, "I'm glad you like it, come with me so I can get you settled into the dorm."

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