Five weeks have passed since the Feathercrest incident, and Korin remains unpunished due to his status as one of the winged knights. I’ve learned that every kingdom has its own set of winged knights. During this time, I discovered one of the vessels of the celestial birds: Alden, the vessel of Nocturne Raven. In Feathercrest, I also encountered a normal striped owl named Ember. Despite her cocky and annoying demeanor, she claims to be the Divine Owl's archangel—and, unfortunately, she was right. Her healing abilities, including curing fire-inflicted wounds from Nockturnia, have proven to be quite useful.
Now, we’re searching for a place to rest and clean up after getting to know each other better.
Alden and I trudged through the forest, while Ember perched on my shoulder, her golden feathers ruffling in the breeze. “Alden, where is this Aurora Springs you mentioned? We’ve been walking for hours!” Ember complained, wiping imaginary sweat from her forehead.
“You haven’t walked a single step! You’ve been sitting on our shoulders for the last hour and a half, healing every dead thing you see in the forest!” Alden retorted, clearly frustrated with Ember's constant complaining.
Ember clicked her beak, staying quiet for a moment. “Well, why aren’t we flying? It’d be faster!” she huffed.
I glanced at Alden, who looked equally exasperated. “Let’s just all calm down. We’re tired, and there’s no point in arguing. Walking gives us a chance to talk and plan.”
“Or maybe because not everyone can do what others can, like flying,” Alden said, giving Ember a pointed look. “Ember.”
Ember squawked indignantly. “At least I’m gold!” She fluttered her wings in frustration, clearly wanting to peck Alden but unable to reach him.
I sighed as they continued bickering. Suddenly, my heightened owl senses picked up the sound of rushing water. “Guys! I think we’re close,” I announced, breaking into a run with Alden following suit. As we picked up the pace, Ember struggled to hold on. “Why do you have to be so fast?!” she squawked, clinging tightly.
After a few minutes of running, we made it to the breathtaking Aurora Springs. The area was a serene paradise, with crystal-clear waters that shimmered in various shades of blue and green, reflecting the magical essence of the springs. Lush vegetation surrounded the water, with vibrant flowers and towering trees that seemed to glow faintly in the soft light. The air was filled with the soothing sounds of a cascading waterfall that fed into the springs, creating a gentle mist that added to the mystical ambiance.
The water itself seemed to have an otherworldly quality, almost as if it was alive with magic. Small, luminous fish darted through the waters, leaving trails of light in their wake. The stones at the bottom of the springs glowed softly, casting an ethereal light upwards, making the entire area feel like a hidden sanctuary untouched by time.
A small, rocky outcrop served as a natural platform near the waterfall, and we could see ancient runes carved into the stone, hinting at the springs' long-forgotten history and their significance. It was clear that this place held secrets, waiting to be uncovered.
Ember, momentarily forgetting her frustration, looked around in awe. “Wow, this place is... incredible,” she murmured.
Alden nodded, his eyes reflecting the shimmering water. “Aurora Springs. I heard it was beautiful, but seeing it in person... it’s beyond words.”
I used my feather manipulation to undo the clothing I had crafted earlier, letting my feathers return to their natural places on my arms, legs, crotch, and hair. “What are you guys waiting for?!” I shouted, setting Ember down gently before leaping into the water. “Cannonball!” I yelled, creating a huge splash and sending waves rippling across the surface.
Alden followed suit, his own feather makeshift clothing dissolving as he dove into the pool. “Ahh, refreshing,” he sighed, floating contentedly in the water.
Ember, however, shuddered as she watched us. “Eww! I’m not getting in now!” she groaned, clearly put off by the sight of us naked in the water.
“You never wear clothes, what's the difference?!” I sighed, exasperated. Ember clicked her beak in irritation, ruffling her golden feathers in defiance.
“I’m not an avian person, I don’t have bodies like you two. I’m a regular bird!” she huffed.
“Then just bathe in the puddle!” Alden yelled, pointing to a muddy puddle nearby. Ember shook her head and stepped away from it. “And get mud on these beautiful feathers? No way!”
I shrugged and sighed. “Honestly, it’s probably for the best. Have you ever seen a wet owl? It’s horrifying.”
During our time at the Aurora Springs, the three of us let loose and had a blast. We splashed each other, engaged in playful banter, and took turns dunking each other into the refreshing water. Alden and I laughed as we tried to outdo each other with cannonballs and silly water games. Ember, meanwhile, kept her distance, preferring to remain dry. She watched us with a mix of exasperation and amusement, clearly relieved not to be part of our aquatic antics. Despite her protests, we couldn’t help but include her in the fun, even if it meant just lightly splashing her with water watching her squeal with mock indignation.
Eventually, Ember couldn’t help but join in the laughter. She dipped her toes into the water, testing its coolness with exaggerated care before letting herself enjoy the splashes we made. By the end of the day, we were all soaked and grinning, with Ember shaking out her feathers and grumbling good-naturedly about how her “beautiful plumage” had never seen such chaos.
Moments later, I floated lazily in the water with Ember nestled comfortably on my chest. As the gentle ripples rocked us, I began to sing softly, “The bird varieties, the simple bird varieties, it’s Mother Gaia’s recipes…” The melody drifted through the air, mingling with the sound of the flowing springs and creating a serene backdrop to our relaxed afternoon. Ember, half-amused and half-reluctant, let out a contented chirp, her feathers glistening in the sunlight.
I glanced up to see Alden standing still in the water, his gaze focused intently on something below. “Hey, what’s got you all serious, Darkness?” Ember squawked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Alden tapped his chin thoughtfully, then began moving around in the shallow water. “Guys, come over here,” he called, gesturing to us to join him. I stood up, water dripping from my body, and walked towards him with Ember scrambling onto my head, trying to stay as dry as possible.
“What’s up?” I asked, brushing a strand of wet hair from my face.
Alden knelt down and tapped the ground beneath the water. “It feels hollow here,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. “I think there might be something hidden beneath us.”
I knelt down next to him and tapped the ground, feeling the hollow echo beneath. Just as I was about to respond, the surface of the water began to shimmer. Without warning, a powerful force yanked us downwards, and we were all swiftly pulled into the depths. The world above blurred as we were swallowed by the swirling darkness below.
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We floated weightlessly underwater, holding our breaths as the only illumination came from Ember’s golden feathers, casting a soft, shimmering light. Ember began to swim ahead, and we followed her through the clear, cold water. She guided us to a submerged wall, and the faint glow of her feathers revealed an intricate painting. It depicted five majestic birds seated at a round table, reminiscent of the vision Sagea had shown me days earlier. Alden glanced at me and gave a nod of recognition. Ember swam closer to the painting, allowing us to clearly see the figures: Divine Owl Sagea, Raven of Secrets Nocturne, Falcon of Speed Zephyr, Seraphina, the Swan of Serenity, and Phoenix of Rebirth Pyra.
As we hovered in front of the mural, the details became clearer in the reflected light. The birds were rendered with striking precision, their feathers and expressions capturing an air of solemnity and grace. The table they sat around was adorned with symbols and runes that glowed faintly in the water, suggesting an ancient and powerful significance. The scene seemed to pulse with a quiet energy, hinting at the deep history and purpose behind these revered figures. We lingered in awe, absorbing the weight of the discovery, each of us caught in the reverence of the moment.
Ember’s golden light then illuminated a separate painting depicting seven dark figures—the Shadow Flock. This haunting artwork captured the final battle before the fall of the Celestial Five. The seven figures were arranged in a grim tableau, each one radiating an aura of malevolence. Beneath each figure were engraved names:
Neraxis, the Corrupt Crow
Morvyn, the Cursed Vulture
Noctara, the Sinister Nightjar
Drakara, the Malevolent Condor
Umbra, the Shadow Owl
Zephyr, the Dark Albatross
Abyssal, the Black Phoenix
The sight of these dark adversaries, so vividly captured in their final confrontation, cast a somber mood over us. The tragic end of the Celestial Five was palpable in the weight of the artwork, a stark reminder of the past’s sorrows and the ominous shadows that once threatened their light.
Suddenly, an unseen force yanked us downward, and we tumbled into a dark, dry chamber with only walls surrounding us. As we regained our bearings, we shook the remaining water from our feathers and took ragged breaths. Alden, visibly distressed, clutched his head in frustration. His voice trembled with a mix of anger and despair. “Just like that?! They were taken down so easily?! The Celestial Birds, who we’re supposed to honor and succeed—are we destined to meet the same fate?” His outburst echoed through the chamber, causing the rocks to tremble and adding to the heavy atmosphere of despair.
Ember approached Alden with a look of concern. “Alden, it’ll be okay,” she said gently. Alden, however, snapped back sharply. “Don’t give me that! You’re here to make sure Gaian doesn’t get killed, but what are you really contributing to this group?” His words were laced with frustration, causing Ember to recoil slightly.
I stepped in front of Ember, placing a calming hand on Alden’s shoulder. “Alden, you need to calm down,” I said firmly. He scoffed, shrugging off my hand with irritation. “Oh, so now the leader’s playing peacemaker? Gonna light up the room with your wisdom?” With a harsh shove, he pushed me aside and delivered a punch that sent me crashing into the wall.
I hit the wall hard but quickly rose, rubbing my sore jaw. “Alden, what is wrong with you?!” Ember’s voice was sharp with anger. Alden’s face fell as he realized the gravity of his actions. “Gaian, I’m sorry,” he mumbled, though his apology seemed too little, too late.
Due to a rush of adrenaline, I charged at him, jumping and delivering a solid kick that knocked him flying backward. “Enough!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the dark chamber. “We’re not going to be a team that falls apart every time someone loses their cool! We were just having fun, and now a few old paintings have you all twisted up?!” I watched as he struggled to get back on his feet, the weight of his actions visibly sinking in.
Alden rubbed his face, wincing from where I’d struck him. His knees buckled slightly, making it clear that my hit had taken a toll. He was about to lash out again when something caught his eye. Squinting, he peered into the darkness behind us. “What’s that?”
We all turned to follow his gaze. Thanks to the soft, golden glow of Ember’s feathers, we could make out the outline of an enormous, boat-like vessel—a grand ark that loomed in the shadows, its imposing structure both mysterious and awe-inspiring.
“This place is seriously triggering my thalassophobia and megalophobia,” Ember shivered, her feathers ruffling with unease. We approached the ark, its massive presence looming over us. Surrounding the vessel, large, shimmering crystals glowed softly, casting eerie reflections and adding to the unsettling atmosphere.
“Well, you should get out of your comfort zone,” I said, gently picking Ember up. We made our way into the ark, stepping into an interior that was both grand and surreal. The walls and floors were adorned with intricate feather patterns, their elegance contrasting with the dark, shadowy space. The soft, ambient light from the crystals created an otherworldly glow, highlighting the ornate designs and casting long, dramatic shadows. The air was filled with a faint, ancient scent, hinting at the ark’s long-forgotten past.
I moved to the front of the ark, examining its control area. To my surprise, there was no visible steering wheel or any controls—just a small, unassuming platform in the center. “How did they control this thing?” Ember muttered, peering curiously at the setup.
As Ember stepped onto the platform, the ark responded with a deep, resonant rumble that seemed to echo from its very core. The vibrations intensified, and ancient glyphs etched into the platform began to glow with an ethereal light. The entire vessel pulsed with a newfound energy, as if it were awakening from a long slumber in response to her presence.
I watched with narrowed eyes, my curiosity piqued. “Ember, step off the platform,” I instructed. She complied, and the glyphs dimmed, their glow fading as the ship’s energy receded, returning to a dormant state. “Whoa,” Alden murmured, his eyes wide with astonishment. He knelt beside Ember, his gaze fixed on the platform. “Try getting back on,” I said, and Ember cautiously stepped back onto the platform.
As Ember stepped back onto the platform, the ark came to life once more. The glyphs flared back to life, their ancient symbols casting a vibrant, shifting glow across the interior of the vessel. The rumbling deepened, and the vessel seemed to respond to Ember’s presence, its energy coalescing into a harmonious hum that filled the air.
Alden, still kneeling beside Ember, watched in awe as the entire ark seemed to breathe and pulse with life. The ship’s massive hull began to shift slightly, creaking as if waking from a long slumber. The soft light from the glyphs illuminated intricate designs that had previously been hidden in shadow, revealing patterns of celestial birds and ancient runes.
“Seems like it’s responding to her,” Alden said, his voice tinged with wonder. He looked up at me, excitement evident in his expression. “This is incredible!”
Ember, though still apprehensive, looked around with renewed interest. “What’s happening? Is it supposed to do this?” she asked, her feathers bristling with a mix of fear and fascination.
“Ember, hop off. Alden, hop on,” I ordered, curious to test if the platform’s reaction was exclusive to her.
Ember quickly stepped off the platform, and the glowing glyphs dimmed once again, the vessel’s energy receding into stillness. Alden, with a mix of apprehension and excitement, cautiously stepped onto the platform.
The moment his feet touched the surface, the ship began to shudder violently. The entire ark turned a deep, ominous red, casting an eerie glow that intensified with each passing second. The glyphs on the platform flared aggressively, and a low, rumbling growl emanated from the vessel, as if the ark itself was warning against his presence.
Alden stumbled, trying to keep his balance as the floor beneath him bucked and the walls seemed to warp and pulse with a menacing energy. “This doesn’t feel right!” he shouted over the roar, his face etched with concern.
The platform’s runes glowed an alarming shade of crimson, and the ark's once calm vibrations had transformed into chaotic, throbbing pulses. I could see the vessel reacting with increasing hostility, as if trying to reject Alden’s presence.
“Get off, Alden!” I shouted, watching in alarm as the ship continued to writhe.
Alden, struggling to stay on his feet, quickly leaped off the platform. As soon as he was clear, the ark’s turbulence began to subside. The intense red glow faded, and the ship slowly returned to its previous, dormant state. The glyphs dimmed back to their original hue, and the vessel’s energy seemed to settle, leaving an eerie calm in its wake.
“Why is it only responding to Ember?” I muttered, still puzzled. Just then, something in the corner of my eye caught my attention. I moved a few vines aside to reveal an inscription etched into the wall. The words were arranged in an intricate feather pattern:
"Emberlyn, the Striped Owled Archangel."
The revelation was both surprising and enlightening. It seemed Emberlyn’s connection to the ark was deeply rooted, suggesting a significant ancestral link. The words glowed faintly, adding a layer of mystique to the already enigmatic vessel.
“Ember, it seems this ark once belonged to the Divine Owl’s archangel, named Emberlyn. Given your unique connection, it looks like you’re descended from her. This ship…is rightfully yours!”