Year 55

*Fall has reached the capital once again as Emma stands next to Giovanni in front of Emma’s potential recruits in one of the courtyards.*

Giovanni: Emma has accepted your challenge with some minor modifications. First The Koba wolves have been doubled. And for second. You only pass if you can bring down two yourself. Meaning five of you won’t make it. The challenge will take place tomorrow starting as the sun reaches its peak.

*Some of the recruits raise their hands.*

Giovanni: Eugene!

*An elf with purple eyes moves forward.*

Eugene: You mentioned there were no issues before. Does this mean she accepts the Leawk?

*Everyone turns to Emma.*

Emma: I like a good challenge why not?*Smiles*

*Lily runs over in her smaller form, being chased playfully by Celestra. Lily hops on Emma and scurries up to her shoulders to get away.*

Ariella: Sorry Emma!

*Ariella runs over, out of breath.*

Ariella: They’ve been running since you left.

*Emma looks at Lilly as she smiles. Emma shakes her head, smiling in return.*

Emma: It’s fine. *Turns to recruits* Any other questions?

*An elf with green eyes walks in front of the other, Emma nods.*

Emma: Go ahead Orlando.

Orlando: What happens to those of us who fail?

Giovanni: You’ll be offered jobs elsewhere. Like Captain Goren said, the information you know needs to stay quiet for a little while longer to avoid panic. And if anything were to happen on the field to the winners today, the runner-ups will be contacted later for a second chance.

*The next day. Emma sits atop Lily, both in their armor, while the recruits ride a mix of spirits and Fluffmane. Giovanni and Queen Seraphina stand in between Emma and the recruits.*

Seraphina: You have until sunset to return to the capital with your trophies! Emma, we’ll begin on your command.

*Emma nods.*

Emma(TL): Ready?

*Lily roars and everyone heads out. After reaching an Elven nest Emma pokes her head out through the canopy.*

Emma(TL): Anything?

*Lily sniffs a large footprint.*

Lily: I found some tracks but they smell old.

*Emma uses sightshare to look at the prints.*

Emma(TL): Which direction?

Lily: North East. Closer to the city than we wanted.

Emma(TL): Follow them. I’ll aim to cut it off. How long do you think it passed through?

Lily: At least a week ago.

Emma(TL): So it’s either in the best spot or the worst spot. *Sigh* Okay. Let's get going.

*As Emma runs through the forest, communicating with Lily, the forest goes silent and Emma stops moving. She starts to look around, seeing nothing around her.*

Emma(TL): It’s nearby. Get over here.

*As Emma unsheathes her Twilight fangs, she applies ice magic to Veilshroud and wind to Tempest Fang. A Leawk lunges at Emma and she swings Tempest fang, the gust of wind allows her to dodge the Lawk, just barely. She locks eyes with the Leawk and both stand on guard.*

Lily: I’m Going as fast as I can. Are you okay?!

Emma: *Smiles* Yeah.

*The Lawk vanishes and appears behind Emma, She swings Veilshroud and the Ice stops its claws, but still sends Emma flying. Before she can stand up, the Leawk jumps at Emma, She looks up and Lily headbutts the Leawk. As the Leawk stumbles, Lily runs over to Emma.*

Lily: I made it.

Emma(TL): We need to run, Lily. We need it to take to use its wings.

*Emma applies wind magic to Lily’s saddle, and they sprint away. The Leawk slowly begins to catch up to them. Emma turns around and swings Veilshroud, sending multiple Icicles toward the Leawk. The Leawk continues to run without stopping. Emma looks up as the Veiled Glade comes into view above them. As the Leawk closes in, Emma casts a gust of wind, separating the Leawk from them. As Emma and Lily slide into the field Seraphina and Giovanni see her from the City walls and bring more guards over. Goren and Isabelle walk over.*

Isabelle: Sorry, we’re late. How's she doing?

*Giovanni points as the Leawk leaps out of the forest, Emma grabs Lily and creates a Large Hammer. As she strikes the ground a pillar comes up from beneath her and the Leawk.*

Isabelle: Does she not realize where she is?!

*Seraphina sighs*

Giovanni: I doubt it. I was informed she would be far from the city during the fight.

*In the branches of the Veiled Glade, Emma grabs hold of a branch, and Lily changes to a bow. Emma listens to the wind, a whistling circles around her. She leaps and fires an Arrow as the Leawk smashes through the branches.*

*As smaller branches rain down toward the city, Ariella and her team are sent to defend the city and break them apart before they can cause any more damage.*

Giovanni: Think she’ll make it?

Goren: *Smiles* She told me she didn’t want to win.

Giovanni: Then why didn’t she cancel the challenge?

Goren: Because she wants to prove she can do it. I don't think she's going for the time limit.

*As Emma continues to dodge the Leawk it tears through the tree, diving up and down. Until the branch She is on begins to crack. The massive branch goes silent for a moment before giving way, Emma suspends the branch in the air. The Leawk lands on the branch and slowly walks toward the two. Lily starts to grow when the branch shakes.*

Emma(TL): I can’t hold any more weight than this. Its wings are looking damaged from diving at us, it shouldn’t be able to fly away now.

*Elves look up at Lily and the Leawk fight on the branch, Emma continues to hold the branch. The Moons illuminate their fight as Ariella arrives, riding Celestra.*

Ariella: Do you need help?

Emma: *Straining* No! Just get your team to create a wind barrier going west.

*Ariella looks confused as she commands her team. Emma releases the branch, and they ride the current, crashing into the ground just outside of town. As the branch settles, falling toward the City, Isabelle slams her hammer into the branch, shattering half of it. Lily jumps on the Leawk and sinks its teeth into its side before being flung off. As the Leawk looks at everyone its back legs begin to give out as both, Exhaustion and Lily’s venom bring down the Leawk. Emma slowly approaches the Spirit beast. Its breathing slows down as Emma places her hand over its head. Emma uses her metal dust to create a long metal blade that she uses to quickly, and respectfully end the Leawk's life.*

Emma: *Quietly* Thank you for this experience, may Luna guide you to your next life.

*A crowd of elves claps and Emma turns to Giovanni and Queen Seraphina walking towards Emma and Lily.*

Seraphina: While it is an amazing feat, I’m sorry to inform you, Emma, that you did not, bring back your trophy in time.

*Out of breath Emma lays back on the ground.*

Emma: I don’t care. I still feel like I won.

*Emma Looks to Lily, who limps over to Emma. Both their bodies covered in cuts and bruises have already started to form.*

Emma(TL): We did it.*Smiles*

Lily: Mama. I’m very sore. Can we go to bed now?

Giovanni: Let’s get some healers over here.

*Some of the nearby guards begin urging onlookers to move along. Emma and Lily are brought to the Capitol and healed. Waking up the next day, Emma walks out, wearing a sling over her left arm, into one of the courtyards where Ariella is instructing both her and Emma’s team. Ariella smiles and jumps over, hugging Emma.*

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Emma: Ow!

Ariella: Sorry. I was just kind of worried when I found out you were on that branch yesterday. The way Mom yelled, I assumed we were under attack.

Emma: Nope. “Leawk wings heal quickly so they tend to get reckless in fights. Destroying their ability to glide.” I needed it into the canopy, I thought I was by the old Oak tree to the north. As I flew past the city I realized the situation was worse than planned.

Ariella: Yeah, Giovanni and Mom are both still mad about that. Luckily no one got hurt.

Emma: What did the public get told?

Seraphina: That’s for you and Giovanni to discuss later.

*Everyone kneels. Emma turns to Seraphina, her piercing gaze makes Emma shiver.*

Emma: I genuinely thought the branches would’ve been stronger.

Seraphina: So did we. *Grin* Please be more careful going further. Okay, Emma?

Emma: What, I don’t get a fancy title? Arie at least got Captain.

Seraphina: I don’t want to ruin your punishment. Surprise? Either way. Giovanni is waiting for you if you could go see him.

*Emma bows before running off to Giovanni’s office. As she Enters, he glares at her for a second, while he finishes writing.*

Giovanni: *Irritated* Glad to see you alive and well. Come in and sit

Emma: *Sits in chair* I just told Queen Seraphina that I genuinely thought the branches could’ve withstood a Leawk.

Giovanni: *Raises voice* That’s not the issue. We’ve got reports of an elf completing nearly impossible feats, followed by you taking down a legendary Leawk.

Emma: I’m sorry. I’m confused if I’m in trouble or not.

Giovanni: *Sigh* The reports also include a green-eyed elf casting high-level elemental spells. We’ve convinced them it was your combined effort and your team's effort. But now we need you to make a public appearance. So stay in the Glade and tomorrow you’ll give a speech. Just come up with a story. Maybe pick out a few of your recruits to take some credit.

Emma: Okay. Who did we keep?

*As Giovanni reads off the list, he hands the corresponding files to Emma.*

Giovanni: Gareth, blue eyes. Previously part of the “Rebels”

Emma: Surprised he decided to stay.

Giovanni: Orlando, green eyes. Says he’s capable of holding stealth for weeks at a time.

Emma: That’s better than some of the scouts the seers use.

Giovanni: Eugene, purple eyes. Can cast high-level Fire and wind spells.

Emma: Do we have someone good at Earth?

Giovanni: There is Monica, with orange eyes. She can cast Fissure at the cost of only two magic gems.

Emma: Without a scroll? I can’t even do that.

Giovanni: You could use the twins Oliver and Olivia for the telekinesis. They both have blue eyes. They wouldn’t be able to hold that branch by themselves but it could make your speech more believable.

Emma: And the others?

Giovanni: All of them have different achievements, but all excel in what they do. The blues include Priscilla, Ross, Corey, and Liam. Greens we also have Stella. Orange we have Anthony, Rodrik, Thoris, Moris, Benjamin, and Wendy. And finally, We have Keith, Maddison, and Ginger with purple eyes.

Emma: Okay. I’ll go meet with them and get things figured out.

Giovanni: Good.

*Emma gathers the files and walks towards the door.*

Giovanni: Glad to have you on our side Emma.

Emma: We both know Arie wasn’t giving me a choice.*Smiles*

*Emma stands in front of her team*

Emma: So what did they tell you all?

*Everyone raises their hands*

Emma: Let's go… Ross!

Ross: Yes, Captain Silvashade! *Steps forward*

Emma: Just call me Captain Emma. Otherwise, it sounds like you’re calling my Dad. *Mumbles* I guess he did just get promoted to Marshel.

Ross: Yes Captain Emma. As for what they told us. Councilmen Giovanni informed us that we’re preparing for a group of super-powerful Elves called Seers. We’ve been told you used to be one as well.

Emma: Okay, Good. That saves us time. Did he tell you what Seers are capable of?

Ross: We were informed Seers are elves born under two moons with the power of a small army behind them.

Emma: And as your captain. Does that bother any of you?

Everyone: No Captain!

Emma: Good. Now! Everyone but the twins, Gareth and Monica. Let's start by running laps until lunch. Feel free to use any magic to help you run. I’ll reward whoever gets to one hundred by lunch.

*Maddison and Corey both frown as they follow the others. Emma looks at the four elves in front of her and looks at the files once more. The twins both wear matching outfits.*

Emma: Okay, *Turns to Oliva.* Oliva I need you and your brother to demonstrate your telekinesis for me.

*Both twins look at Emma in shock*

Emma: Giovanni said you can both cast it at a high level... What's wrong?

Oliva: Most people get us confused because Oliver’s eyelashes look more “Feminine”

Emma: Yeah, but you’re nicer. So I could tell which one you were. *Turns to Monica* I need you to compress a stone for them to lift.

Gareth: And me Captain?

Emma: I want to talk to you after.

*Emma creates a large boulder, taking up half the courtyard.*

Emma: Get it to half that.

*Emma stands back and Monica walks forward.*

Monica: *Grins* Not a problem.

*Monica walks forward, pulling up her sleeves. She then places her hands on the boulder and it slowly begins shrinking into a cube almost a quarter its size. Emma then writes something down.*

Emma: Okay, You two. Get to lifting. As you all understand. Revealing the seers right now would cause a lot of panic. So, because of the Leawk situation. Some of you are getting credit for helping me take it down*Laughs*. *in a serious tone* Except you Gareth.

*After lifting the block Emma hops on top.*

Emma: Okay, now hold it until your arms give out.

Oliva & Oliver: Yes, Captain.

Emma: *Turns to Gareth* Now. Why you?

Gareth: I explained it to your Dad when he recruited me. But he was adamant about it.

Emma: Yes, but Giovanni had to also approve. So what’re you here for? What’s your specialty?

Gareth: Well, My magic level is twelve hundred. And I specialize in Water whip.

Emma: That’s surprising, given how you handled yourself last. But your file also said you finished first place. Even though I don’t like you… I agreed to let whoever wins help lead in the event I’m unavailable.

Gareth: You mean if they take control of you that is.

Emma: Exactly. We need to be prepared in case I’m also fighting against you all. That being said. I’m expecting you to do double the training as everyone else. Get running.

Gareth: Yes Captain!

*Gareth runs off.*

Emma: Monica, I want you to take me on using only your magic. I’ll also use Earth only. I want to see how strong you are.

Monica: But Captain. Is that really wise with your arm like that?

Emma: You’ll fight my clone.

*A clone of Emma appears in front of Monica.*

Emma: It won’t be as strong as me, but that doesn’t mean you can hold back. From what I hear, you might be stronger than me, physically.

Monica: My magic level is currently two thousand, My strength didn’t stop growing quickly until I reached around seven hundred or so.

Emma: That’s impressive. Even I’ve been struggling since reaching five hundred.

*Emma’s Clone and Monica stand on opposite ends of *

Emma: The fight ends when you hit her!

*Monica nods.*

Emma: Begin whenever you’re ready!

*Monica watches the clone for a moment, then starts running towards it with her great hammer. The clone dodges Monica’s attack and then kicks her, but Monica catches the clone's foot with her hammer's handle. Monica spins the clone around and with a single punch, she punches through its chest. Emma rubs her scar on her chests, before summoning two more clones. Monica slams her hammer down, covering the field in pillars, as the clones run in, Monica slams her hammer into one of the pillars. All the pillars grow jagged thorns, skewering both.*

Emma: Good, So you’re not all talk. Go ahead and fix the field and join the others until lunch.

Emma thinking: *Panic* I'm so glad I wasn't fighting you!

—-----------------------------------------------

*Emma and Ariella are talking when they hear a voice calling out to them. They turn to see Therion.*

Therion: Hello, Ladies. Emma, it's been forever. How’ve you been?

Emma: I’m good.*Smiles* Arie and I were just talking about work. How about you? I didn’t know you still worked at the Capitol.

Gareth: Father.

*Gareth runs over out of breath.*

Gareth: What brings you here?

Emma: Wait, what?!

Ariella: What’s confusing? We knew Therion had kids.

Emma: I didn’t think about their age at the time!

Therion: You didn’t find it interesting we shared the same last name?

Emma: I’ve!.. *Quietly* Never read them.

Therion: And how many times did I tell you, you needed to?

Emma:*Embarrassed* probably once a week. I always made sure to have Ruddy or Ariella speak when we had to be careful of our words!

Therion: And what about when you traveled solo?

Emma: *Shrugs* Most of the dwarves I met, I either got into a fight or they respected me for helping their people.

Therion: And that would be the giant red crustacean. *Sigh* Regardless. It’s good to see you, Emma.

Emma: It’s good to see you too. Ariella and I were just heading into town to get our weapons looked at.

Therion: Won’t the blacksmiths downstairs do that for you?

Ariella: Well, yes. But Frost does a better job. He said he wouldn’t work for the capitol because he wouldn’t be able to help the people who can’t afford quality work for cheap.

Therion: Well I would like to talk about some things, but they need to be in private.

Emma: We can stop by the guild and borrow one of their private booths.

Ariella: It’s just down the road from where we’re going anyway.

*Reaching the privacy of the adventure guild, Ariella, and Emma, sit down across from Therion in the enclosed room. Emma activates the privacy barrier around them*

Therion: Are you sure they can’t hear us?

Emma: Oh! It’s about them? One second.

*Emma walks across the room where she reaches out and grabs an elf with green eyes. Both Ariella and Therion Gasp.*

Ariella: How did you know they were there?!

Emma: Robin always complained about having to sneak into the rooms because they couldn’t break the privacy seal. So they started putting them in all the rooms.

Elf: Please don’t report me. I’ll say I had stepped out to use the restroom, just let me leave.

Therion: Well we can’t just let them…

Emma: Okay. Just tell them you heard us discuss plans for a surprise party for Faelor.

Ariella: Faelor?

Emma: Just stay outside the room, you can enter when we leave.

*The elf nods before sneaking out of the room. Emma sits back down and exhales a breath of relief.*

Therion: Should we report this?

Emma: They already know. The only truly safe room is Queen Seraphina’s private office.

Ariella: Are they in all of them?

*Ariella’s voice breaks as she tries not to panic.*

Emma: No. Just the capital.

Ariella:*Exhale.* Oh thank Luna.

Emma: What would you be worried about?

Ariella: Remember when I told you I wasn’t sure how I felt? Well… Sometimes I would go to one to just talk to myself in private.

Emma: talked about? Oh. You mean…

Therion: * Clears throat.* Anyway. Can we talk now?

*Ariella’s face turns bright red and Emma turns back to Therion.*

Emma: Yes, sorry.

Therion: Okay, So Emma. I just got done talking to Queen Seraphina and Lord Giovanni. I can’t tell you everything yet, but you and your troops are going to be investing in some new ruins. We believe these might even connect to the caverns below.

Emma: I mean it’s just roots down there anyway. The glowing jungle was nice too I guess.

Ariella: What’re you talking about? It was all just rocks for us. Did you not file a full report?!

Therion: Roots? Are you talking about the Veiled Glades Roots?!

Emma: I knew I had forgotten to talk about something…

Ariella: Is there where you snuck off too?!

Emma: I told Celestra to tell you.

Ariella: I told her I didn’t want to know… But if I had known you were just sightseeing! You made me think you might die!

Emma: I’ll go over it more later. I’ll be sure to report it to your mom when I see her next.

Therion: Anyway. Other ruins have claimed these might be the location of a calendar. This calendar is supposed to be the true age of this world, with that knowledge. We might be able to figure out when they will strike.

Emma: So what’s the threat?

Therion: We hope we’re wrong. But they might be the veil seer headquarters.

Emma and Ariella: What?!

Emma: Wait. Why do we think that?

Therion: It’s too quiet. They’re large enough to be labeled as a dungeon, but nothing has appeared. You and your troops are going to be going that way soon from the sounds of things.

Ariella: No fair! I want to go explore the new dungeon. Therion. Can you watch over them while I’m gone?

Therion: Sorry Ariella, But I’ll be going as well.

Ariella: What?!