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Tolvia: Spirits Awaken
Chapter 5 - Assessment is In

Chapter 5 - Assessment is In

Gemini, Weis, Frey, Patrice and Barum all met within, Aingeil, Gemini's realm. Located next to Aingeil Wing, Aingeil is simply Gemini's home. An escape from the plethora of information Aingeil Wing provided and a safe haven to rejuvenate his senses. They were all stationed at a wide wooden table. Each of them sat on the ground with their legs folded and the room itself was nothing but white as far as the eye could see. Scrolls were laid out before them. Gemini was on one side of the table as the others were on the opposite end.

They all have been in this position before. When learning about the Tolvian Creed, they all sat at this same table during their first years as Integras. It was here where they studied Tolvia's history, and their own powers and rank. However, this meeting was more about the knowledge of the new realm; it entailed Gemini's first expedition of the other realm.

The four Integras read the scrolls in silence as Gemini waited for them to complete the task. It was important that they read what happened first before diving into conversation.

"Wow," Patrice said, tapping the table with her fingers. "So, this all happened within just an hour?"

Gemini nodded. "The first trip was brief but very informative."

"What about Trex? Does she know about this?" Weis asked.

"She'll know in due time. She has her own duties to attend to."

The four nodded in agreement. Trex was the fifth member of the Integras. She needed this information soon but given the rather peculiar locale she watched, Gemini needed her there consistently.

Barum then scoffed, scratching his head. "But, what's this about dreams? What are they?"

Gemini smiled. "I'm still figuring that out myself. I encountered several people from the other realm talking about having visions when they slept."

"That actually happens?" Frey asked.

"Maybe it's similar to when we wish about something. What they wish about just happens to come into their heads when they sleep." Patrice stated.

Gemini massaged his forehead. "Nevertheless, what interests me is that these dreams may be related to us here."

"How so?" Barum asked.

"I've seen the inhabitants of Veith when touching the inhabitants of that world."

All their eyes widened. Barum then spoke up. "So, how are you able to do that exactly? See people from here by touching people from there?"

Gemini shook his head. "I don't know exactly."

Patrice then picked up the scroll and pointed to a word listed. "And what about the people from this 'Earth'? Are they actually inhabitants of Veith?"

Gemini laughed a bit. "Probably not. It seems like some part of them are living in Veith. Earth is where they are, but I doubt they have dual citizenship. Well, not all of them anyway."

Barum raised an eyebrow. "There is someone from there that's been over here?"

"No, but there's a possibility. Just the last time we went, I noticed someone who noticed me. It was quite shocking considering no one else on Earth could see me. Not only could she see me...she could touch me. And also, unlike other people on Earth, I didn't get a vision from her."

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Weis skimmed the report and noted something. "You also stated that she also has one of the Tolvian keys in her. How would that be possible?"

Gemini winced. He knew this would come up. Best now to bring up the sour spot regarding all of this. "Must've happened when I dispersed them into another dimension. But what's more disturbing is that Drexel knew about the key before I did."

"Drexel!?" They yelled in unison. Gemini sighed. Not surprised in the least.

"How could that traitor, of all people, know?" Barum asked. "Do you have an idea as to how he knows?'"

Gemini nodded. "There's a possibility he possesses the same ability I have to see something related to Veith inside people on Earth. However, I can't say for sure if he's bluffing the whole scenario with this girl or not. There could be a plethora of reasons for her ability to see me."

Barum sighed. "Yeah, makes sense. Though, this doesn't make our job here any easier."

Weis sighed. "Nevertheless, Drexel now has a lead to where one of the keys may be. Where does that leave us?"

Patrice stood up and slammed her hands on the table. The others jumped at the response. "I have a proposal sir!"

Gemini blinked. "Go ahead, Patrice."

"Let's use the Tolvian books. With the three books we've gathered so far, we should be able to find her and confirm if she has a Tolvian Key!"

The others exchanged glances. Barum stood up next. "I agree. As the Tolvian Creed states, 'The keys and books will unite at any cost. The key seeks to save the other which is lost.' This is a better opportunity than any to search for her and find out for sure. Both will glow with warmth if they're near each other so using the book to find the key should still work."

Gemini grimaced a bit. Although this seemed like a good idea, the odds were stacked against them. They only had three out of nine books. What if none of the books they had were the right ones? He then shook his head. He shouldn't be worried. After all, these were the guardians of Veith. If their plan didn't work, they were resilient enough to form another one.

"So, when do you want to start this search of yours?" Gemini asked.

Patrice blinked and sat down. She then rubbed her forehead for what felt like an eternity. "Three of us could scout around on Earth with one book each as soon as possible! The sooner we can affirm her identity as key bearer, the better!"

"Agreed," Barum said, "And we need to have a team prepared to keep the portals open for longer hours as the other team investigates."

"Not to mention," Gemini said, "The crew that goes in will have to be careful not to be seen by the key bearer. If that child could see me then she can very well see you. We need not to startle her any further."

"Understood," Weis replied.

The Integras closed their scrolls and looked at one another with grins all around. They really felt accomplished now that they had a course of action. The 9 keys were integral parts to Tolvia and if they can find at least one key from Earth, then they'll be one step closer to bringing Tolvia back.

Gemini then raised an eyebrow. "By the way, have any of you been training lately?"

The Integras looked at each other. Barum raised his hand. "Um, yeah I've–"

"Patrice, Patrice! Are you there?" A voice said. The team jumped as they all turned towards Patrice. Patrice's communication core activated automatically as it appeared before them. That can only mean a distress call. A distress call from a land she protected.

Patrice stood up. "Elder, yes I'm here. What's going on?"

"Our land, Bulai! The people! The Nocturns! It's...come quickly!"

The other Integras stood up and looked at Gemini. He then nodded. "Let's go!"

~~~

The little girl cried and cried and cried. No one to turn to. No one to hug. The town was burning and people were running like mad. And all she could think about how horrible this dream was. Why wasn't she waking up?

She hid away from the noisy crowd and huddled in an alleyway. She pinched and bit herself as much as she could but nothing happened. Only the pain from her own self inflicting actions blanketed her.

As she held her legs close to her, she thought of her warm bed. Of her annoying sister that she just wished was here with her. Or least one of her friends to take her home.

But that wasn't going to happen. How could it? She knew it was a dream and yet it felt all too real.

A real nightmare that didn't seem to change. She then closed her eyes shut and concentrated as hard as she could.

What if I just wish to go home? I know! I'll wish really hard for Garble. He always know what to do!

Just then, she heard a deafening roar. The sound rattled her soul as she covered her ears.

Strange. Garble never did that. She stood and looked out from around the alley's corner.

Many monsters flew over head and others ran just past her as she stumbled backwards in fright. None of them were as cuddly as what she hoped for. Tears continued to flow down her cheek.

If only someone, anyone could save her. She didn't want to die.