“And you’re SURE this will work?” Sirius asks me, as we sit here, while Demistar runs her scans.
Demi - “Well, not entirely. But I’m almost certain. I mean, if anyone could move over a Psychic Power, it would have to be Demistar!”
Demi and I were talking about this for HOURS the other day, trying to figure this thing out...
Demistar on the other hand, kind of just shifts awkwardly, as she continues her work… “No entirely… But as much as I hate to admit it, I do still have access to hundreds of documents about this exact science.” She says, as I feel a familiar mana line connect us.
“You two ready? Sadly, I wasn’t able to find your mind, Demitallis. But if you personally connect me, I think I might be able to find it. Unless you can send it to me somehow…” She says, as I do as she asks.
Demitallis - “Yeah, no… I barely know how the first ability works, you’ll have to figure it out yourself…”
Demitallis - “Wait- You’re not… Gonna’ look at anything private, are you? Because everything that ISN’T the one Psychic Ability is extremely personal.”
Demistar - “Don’t worry. I’m grabbing the Psychic Ability, I DO need the mental link to it, but it exists alongside your essence, as part of you. You should probably get Glantinazor when we’re done here.”
“Are you speaking to each other with telepathy?” Sirius asks, exasperated as Demistar begins the process-
She fell asleep again…
Yep. We’ll just have to wait until she wakes up again.
-√C-
I sharpen my fins, as Dart sits next to me… “She hasn’t come out in three days…” I say, as we sit here in front of Stallatia’s door… “Should we try knocking?” He asks as he lifts his arm, but I stop him. “No. I already tried that. I just want to be here, for when she’s ready…” I say, and he simply nods…
“And I’m here to keep you company, while you wait?” He asks, and I nod back. “Yeah, thanks Dart… I’ve just been really worried about her… Especially with what happened to her mother…” I say, as I shuffle in my spot a little, as guards pass by.
Someone approaches- It’s Valeria! “Hello. I’m looking for the Princess, what happened to the Queen has made its way through the kingdom quickly, and the Priest is looking to crown her highness. I was sent to come get her.” She says, but I shake my head.
“I’m not sure if she’s ready-” But as though on que, the door slams open, sending me into the wall- “I’m here!” Stallatia says, with a bright smile… “Are you okay, Stallatia?” I ask, as I pick myself up. “Yep! I’m feelin’ a lot better!” She says, as she smiles at me…
“But, your moth-” She places her finger against my lips, making me quiet down- “I said I’m fine!” She shouts, as she grabs my face- “Hello, Stallatia.” Dart says, surprising her. She walks over to him quickly, and hugs him- “Hi Dart!” She excitedly says, as he stands there and takes it…
“I can see your newfound trauma hasn’t affected your mood very much. Kass has been worried about you for days.” She turns around, and just stares at me… “Right, sorry Kass. I guess I should’ve talked to you sooner…” She says, as she hugs me too.
“It’s fine. I was mostly just worried about who you might’ve been, when you came out…” I say, as she lets go. “That’s good!” She says, her mood instantly making a complete one-eighty…
“Your Highness, you are to be crowned within the coming week. We need you to be prepared by the high priest, then he’ll crown you, under the guidance of the Low Council of Ryleth. Sadly, your mother wasn’t able to get them out of office before she disappeared…” Valeria says, as she holds her hand out to Stallatia, but I quickly take my friend's hand instead.
“May my Brother and I come with her?” I ask, surprising her a little. She shrugs, and looks at Stallatia. Stallatia nods, and she looks back at me. “If her highness agrees, then I see nothing wrong with it. Technically, she IS the highest authority in the kingdom at the moment.” Valeria says, as we begin to follow her.
“Right… What have you been up to anyways? I haven’t seen you since you attacked my sister.” I say, surprising her and Stallatia. “I-I’ve been away from Ryleth… Dold and I had been called back into duty, when her highness went missing…” She says, as Stallatia greets the staff.
“By the time we’d arrived, Ryleth was empty, funny enough. Evacuated because of a comet, I think? I thought it was a scene right out of hell.” Valeria continues, as we enter into the Throneroom- Stallatia walks over to it, and pats the seat of the chair…
“I’ve always wanted to do this…” She says, as she climbs onto it, and lies between the arms… “Your highness…” Valeria says, as we approach… “Get me some’n to drink, would’ja?” She asks, Valeria surprisingly enough bows and walks towards the kitchen-
“W-Wait!” She says, as she hops down from the throne. Valeria spins around in place, and walks back over- “Yes?...” She asks, a little expectantly. “Sorry, I was just having a little fun, I don’t need anything to drink.” She says, rubbing her head as she hops down.
I look at her and giggle a little, as Valeria approaches from the doorway. “What do you plan to do, your highness?” I say, as I bow mockingly. “I dunno’. I’m thinking of being a little more open with the people. I want to renew their trust in their governmental body, and when I’m old enough, I’ll tear down the Low Council. Don’t tell them I said that though.“ She says, as Valeria approaches, and bows. “Very good, your highness, let’s hurry now.” Valeria says, as we finally depart for the church. I was wondering who they pray to, down here...
-√F-
“Alright, finished.” Demistar says, as she disconnects from my head… “This had better be worth it…” I say, as I wait for the power to kick in-
I see a city, where many soldiers are fighting in a great war, throwing their lives away, to a cause I have no way of discerning…
“Are you okay?” Demistar says, as she helps me up… “I’m fine, it was just a vision. It hit me so suddenly…” I say, as I’m suddenly hit with another one-
I see another Soldier, but this one is covered in full Body Armor… She turns to look at me, then fires a bullet from her gun…
I return myself to my normal posture- “Another one- Is it trying to make up for fourteen years of not having it or something?!” I say, as I try to stop it from- Oh god dammit!
I see a Soldier enter the room… “Hey! Nex! Whatcha up to?” A surprisingly chipper soldier in similar armor asks, as they walk over, and guides him out of the room… “Just taking care of business…” He says, as they leave the room, his voice surprisingly deep.
I snap back to reality, finally… “I swear to god, fix it right now, it’s going to give me a headache!” I shout, and she quickly connects to my head again! “Right away- I’ll see if I can connect it to the mental nervous system…” She says, as I’m struck with a sudden surge of pain-
I feel my arm begin to jerk- “Sorry- It’s all part of the process, just stay still and~ Done!” She shouts, as I wait for another vision…
Five minutes, and… Nothing.
“It should just require a mental pulse, and you’ll see whatever it has to show you.” She says, and I decide to test it out right away-
I view the empty room from the floor, as another armored man enters the room… “Vance here. I Found him… Right, I’ll bring him back right away.” He says, as he begins to lift me up…
I snap back into reality once more, and look at Demistar. “Do you know someone named Nex, or Vance?” I ask, and she shifts onto her right foot. “I know a lot of people whose name starts with Nex… But as for Vance… He’s a war veteran turned mercenary. He’s been doing what he does for about three hundred years. Making him four hundred seventy” She says, surprising me.
“Thanks, actually…” I say, surprised by how open she’s being… “Yeah, of course.” She says, seemingly unaware... She turns, and looks away. “I should get going, you guys have fun. Oh, and be careful, Sirius. Your mother was just as murderous as you are, and I think even Demitallis should know what she’s done.” She says, before disappearing…
I approach Demitallis, as she rests in her nest… “What does she mean?” I ask, as I sit down in front of her, and stare into her abyss… “Listen, Sirius… Your grandmother… Queen Regelask… You’re tough, right? You can handle the truth… Right?” She asks me, and I simply nod.
“Your mother was betrayed and nearly murdered by a man named Vallinkamble… He’s a direct ancestor to Kassinkamble and Dartingkamble… So I guess it was like some sort of prophecy, if you would… Just like your ancestor, she had defeated and overpowered him with her innate power… But unlike you, she had been overwhelmed with fear and anger, and killed him. She killed everyone he brought with him. After that… She…”
She drones on, obviously not wanting to say it… “She killed them all… Didn’t she…” I say, as the atrocities of my heritage dawns on me…
“Yeah. She didn’t want to leave them with even a chance of survival… There WAS one boy, who could have beaten her, but no, he didn’t stand a chance…” She says, as I now realize what happened to the megas…
“It’s fine. I won’t be accepted for what my grandmother has done… My people… I have to-” I say, as I look in the general direction of Ryleth- “No. You and I both know you don’t. They should have never been your responsibility. And besides, you helped stop Solasara.” She says, surprising me… “I-”
“Her portals would have wreaked untold damage across Orion. As the planet is pelted from orbit… You may have helped save millions. Don’t sell yourself short, Sirius. But even more important than that, it wasn’t YOUR responsibility.” She says, as she approaches me, climbing out of her nest…
“This is YOUR time, Sirius. They were your father’s responsibility, he brought them into this. Now that you know this, it’s time for you to decide who you want to be. What world you want to make for yourself.” She says, as I back away and she shrinks down to my level…
“If you still wish for Ryleth, then go for it, but I won’t hold back. Even still, I think I already know why you wouldn’t.”
I stare at her, as some object begins to form inside of her…
“I could tell from the moment we met, Sirius. They told you to care, but of course, you never did. But now you have a chance to find what you DO care about.”
The material forms into a metal bowl...
“So save them, but let them know that YOU’RE making your decisions now, and find sanctuary in your newfound freedom. But don’t ever let it blind you, because you may find something worth more to you, than that freedom.”
She begins to shrink in size, further and further…
“And then, when you have seen it. When you have found your treasure, your glory, your honor, your desire. Let that guide you to your ultimate self, and ascend... So now that you know…”
She shrinks into the bowl… A helpless bowl of water…
“Will you tell me? What is it you desire?” She asks, as I pick her up, stare into the abyss, and she stares back…
“I… I…” But I can’t seem to find the words… “I want to stay here… In Genesis Haven… With Celest… And you...” I say, bearing my heart to her, the only other person who understands me…
“Haha! New brother! I knew you and Celest HAD to have some’n goin’ on!!!” She shouts through telepathy- “What-” I say, as she bounces from her container…
“You totally just admitted to having feelings for my sister! I’m so telling everyone!” “Don’t you fucking dare!!!” I shout, as I slam my fist into her! Her body morphs around my arm, and she sticks to it- “A-Ah-” I unconsciously say, as I look at her...
“Dude, I’m just screwing with you, I’m not sayin’ shit. But you ARE dating her, right?” She says, as she crawls off of my arm, and back into her bowl… “Alright, fine, yeah. Fuckin’ happy? Seriously, if you tell ANYONE, I’ll um- I don’t know, I’ll do SOMETHING.” I say, but she kind of just laughs at me…
“Yeah, alright, I hear ya’. My lips are sealed, big guy. So you’ll be staying with us… Then there’s something you should know… Arigold, he killed my mother, and yes, that includes everyone else.” She says, as my eyes widen in realization… Demistar told me that it was Arigold who killed Queen Rigelask… So just like how he killed my Grandmother, Demistar lost HER Mother to him…
“Demistar told me, I understand.” I say, surprising her in return. “Good. Then you should know how dangerous he is. If you want to be part of our family, Sirius... You need to know that you’re as precious to me as everyone in my family, and that it only works because it comes from you too.” I slowly nod, listening intently, so I’ll be accepted by my new family…
“Bring me to one of the pillars, I have something to show you.” She says, and thus I quickly do.
“This my boy... Everything the light touches... This is your family... Remember, you’re OUR responsibility, and we’re YOUR’S.”
She says, as I stare over a vast city of children and teenagers… “This is my home…” I say, as I lean against the pillar, her bowl cradled in my arms…
“This is nice, Sirius. But I think there’s somebody more important to you than anything, and I’m sure they would be delighted to know.” She says, reminding me of Celest! “O-Of course!” I say, before I toss her bowl towards her nest, and jump off the side of the tower!
-√A-
“I knew it!” Demistar says, as she catches me from the air…
Demi - “Yeah, I just had to coax it out of him a little…”
She just kind of giggles and shifts to her left foot again… “Yep, emotional manipulation… How much of it did you even mean?” She asks, as she stares down at me…
Demi - “All of it.”
She stares down at me in surprise- “O-Oh… Well, either way, I never knew you had something like that inside of you. You just keep finding ways to impress me, kid.” She says, as we stare at each other.
Demi - “Not off the top of my head! I’ve been planning that for days... Besides, I just said what I felt was personal. His story is just beginning, and I want to be a part of it.”
“Ha, that almost makes me wish I could be a part of it too. But no, I’ve got mine… One of which you pried into…” She says, as she stares blankly in realization…
Demi - “H-Hey… Come on… I didn’t have any control over it. Boo, you know I wouldn’t hurt chu!”
She just stares at me with a less than impressed expression… “Bitch you’re lucky you’re endearing.” She says, as she chucks me out of the bowl and into my nest-
I land softly, and she just stares at me, as I stare back up at her…
I’m the abyss, and I stare back, Demistar… Heh!
I climb up the side of it, and she watches me, until I make it to the top. She sits down in front of me, and continues to just stare…
“Fascinating…” She says, as I approach.
Demi - “I wanna’ fly. I’m not powerful enough to do it on my own, not like how you can. So I want you to take me, I want to know what it’s like to fly in the air freely.”
She holds out her hands for me, and I climb into them, allowing myself in her care… I want her to trust me, because she’s the strongest friend I have, and I want her to trust that I can hold my own. I guess I want her to be proud of me, in some weird way…
“Are you sure about this, kid? Everyone’s first time is pretty intense.” She says, as goggles and a headset appear on her head…
Demi - “Please, I swing around with my ropes all the time… How bad could it be-”
I’m quickly interrupted as she kicks back, and suddenly bolts into action! The goggles of course disappear and so does the headset, since she doesn’t really need them! “You okay, there?!” She asks, shouting over the rushing wind!
Demi - “Y-Yeah, I’m fine!”
“Haha! That’s great! How’s it feel?!” She asks, as we soar through the air and into the clouds!
Demi - “It’s amazing! It’s like a dream come true! I’ve never been so happy in my life!”
She suddenly drops me, then catches me as I fall- We’re suddenly ascending into the upper atmosphere! Flying around Genesis-Haven and miles above the endless ocean!
Demi - “Hey, Demistar. Just curious… Have you ever heard of someone named Ordin?”
She suddenly explodes- What- She catches me again, out of nowhere! “I’m sorry about that- I don’t know what happened…” She says, as we float here…
Demi - “Are you okay?!”
We suddenly appear in my nest- “I’m sorry, Demitallis… I’m just not… Ready? Ready… I’m not ready… I’m just not ready to… I don’t know… I need to… What do I…” She continues like this for a while, before she suddenly disappears again…
“Demistar?...”
-√F2-
We arrive at the third layer, just above the Ryleth Prison. “So it’s really kept right above the Prison?” Kass asks, as we walk toward the holy church building jutting out, three layers tall. “Yeah, it’s the third largest building, technically the fourth, if you count the jail.” I say, as a large vault-like door hisses and lowers before us…
An Acolyte steps forward, a woman with red glowing eyes, and adorned under the bright green dress… “They sent an Acolyte...” Valeria says, as I walk forward. “Yes, I am the Acolyte. We’re ready for you, your highness. Come, quickly.” She says, as she waits for us at the entrance.
We arrive, and she looks at Dart and Kass, then at Valeria, then finally back at me… “C-Can they?...” I ask, unsure of what to say… “Yes. Come quickly.” She says, as though she’s in some sort of trance, before rushing down the hallway, her dress sliding across the floor.
We quickly followed her, surprised by her speed, and the silence of said speed… We rush past more acolytes, all under the same influence- Then Priests, and other such members of the old one… I don’t actually know very much about our religion, aside from how important it is that we never forget…
Something to do with a savior, and a sacrifice? I doubt it’s time, though. And if it is… Well I’m sure my new friends could get me out… We finally enter the final room, and the others are told to wait here without me.
I hear a song begin to flare up, as I step into the next room, the song fading from earshot just as quickly as the door seals behind us… A man steps forth, ascending from the crypt. He’s dressed thickly under the robes of the High Priest, this must be him…
“Are you the high priest?” I ask, and he simply nods. His mouth is stitched shut, and his eyes glow a dark crimson… On further inspection, the robes have colors that alter slightly in hue and form, like some sort of incomprehensible miasma…
“Are you… Not able to speak at all?” I ask, and he nods once more. “Sorry, and thank you. Your disciples informed me on the way in.” I say, as I bow my head a little, followed by his own bow.
As he turns around, I notice long tentacle-like hair protruding from the back of his head… “Are you a Kraken?” I ask, causing him to suddenly turn around, and stare at me. “S-Sorry… I hope I didn’t offend you… I’m just curious… Are you a legendary creature?” I ask, I really want to know…
He nods, and shows me his hand- It’s like some sort of snake head- “Wait- Are you a Leviathan?!” I exclaim, as I fall on my backside- He smiles and nods again, and he offers his snake head to help me up…
As to hopefully not offend him anymore, I awkwardly accept his arm-snake-thing and he pulls me up. “What happened to you? Is it part of our religion that you silence yourself?” I ask, as I walk next to him, and he nods again…
“D-Did it hurt?” I ask, and he nods once more… “Thank you, what you’ve given to Ryleth will never be forgotten.” I say, but he simply smiles and nods again…
“I… Won’t have to get stitches- Will I?” I ask, and he shakes his head, allowing me to sigh in relief.
We finally make it to the bottom, and I view a large hallway, decorated immaculately, almost incomprehensible in its complexity of design. Many stone doors that lead to all kinds of rooms, with two more hallways in the middle, that I assume snake through the entirety of the second layer of Ryleth.
He guides me down the hallway, to the end, and his arms separate into multiple snake heads. They hiss in unison, a surprisingly melodic tone, as the markings on the door begin to glow and it slides open…
“Before I go in… Who made this place?” I ask, and he points at himself. “Ah- Figured. I just wasn’t sure. I love your work!” I say, and he smiles in appreciation again… “I’ll be heading in now, thank you again.” I bow one last time, before turning around and heading in.
The door finally closes behind me, and the room lights up with a deep green hue… There’s three coffins… One here in the middle, and two on my left and right. The one in the middle is slightly raised above the other two, to better emphasize its importance.
The room is pristinely kept, not a cobweb or speck of dust to be found… There’s many invaluable objects left around the room, things I recognize as important objects from the most ancient of our history… Well, everything but one.
Embedded in the middle of the throne, is a sharp toothed skull with an unhinged jaw… It’s definitely not human, and it’s definitely dead, but somehow… Somehow it feels as though it’s staring at me…
I stare into its empty eye sockets, and reach to touch it- The eye sockets suddenly glow a bright red, and it bites my hand! Blood floats from my hand and into the open jaw, causing the coffin to suddenly shake- Creases begin to form in the lid, and they float behind the coffin, to form what seems to be some sort of portal…
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
From the coffin, rises a large cut off tentacle, a remnant of an ancient creature… I stare at it, transfixed by the vestiges of an ancient mind, now seeking out the greater collective that is our god, who must have generously left this small part of themself, so that we may always be connected…
Our god is truly beyond kindness itself, there is no word that could begin to describe how lucky we are to have been chosen by something as perfect as the ancient one…
I hear his voice through the portal, an ancient indecipherable dialect that I am in no way worthy of bearing witness to… This is the importance of his holiness, we must never deviate from his path, for he doesn’t know what’s best…
He IS what’s best…
...
I awaken in the room, and find a robed man holding me… “Where am I?” I ask, as I survey the room… He sets me on my feet, and silently stares at me… “Who am I?” I ask, but I finally notice his mouth is stitched shut…
“Why won’t you speak?” I ask, but he shakes his head once more… “Can you help me, sir?” I ask, and he nods, offering me a hand in the form of a snake head…
“I-I think I’ll just follow beside you.” I say, as I stare at it… The snake thankfully recedes into his robes, and he moves quickly, taking me down the left hallway.
We walk by many rooms and the errant hallways until we finally enter into a room with a tall sword, not particularly thick, but the blade looks surprisingly long. The end of the handle is decorated with a glowing spirograph…
I approach the sword, and he stops me- I look at him, then at the sword again, and reach for it- He allows me, and I place my hand on it… I get it now, my memories are gone… No, that’s not right, I never had any… Or I did, but I never had any…
I remove my hand from the blade, and spot the altar… I walk over, and sit on it, as I come to realize what I am.
I’m an astral projection of her highness, an errant shade of her consciousness, a byproduct of her ascension, as she tries and will ultimately fail to find the truth…
I hear the sound of the sword sliding out of its stone, and the room lights up with a bright light, and I await my awakening…
…
The portal falls apart, and I bow to the great old one… His eldritch and holy light slowly dimming from the room, as I’m forced into acceptance of my place in Ryleth, a mimic of the shadow casted by his holy realm…
The door slides open behind me, and I turn around to see the High Priest right behind it… “I’m ready. I understand everything now. I’ve got lots of work to do, I’ll be heading out quickly now.” I say, and he quickly complies.
-√F-
“Sirius!” She shouts, as she runs up to me- “You told her?!” She says, as our accursed powers force us to share our secrets… “I’m sorry…” I say, as she just stares at me in disappointment…
She rolls her eyes, and grabs my arm. “Get in here, you idiot.” She says, as she guides me into her- Our house… She shoves me in and closes the door behind us- She hugs me as tightly as she can, tears sliding down her face… “I’m so happy you chose me…” She says, before I wrap my arms around her too…
“I knew I made the best choice, when I chose you Sirius… But what should we do about them? They were still once your family… Don’t they at least deserve a farewell?” She says, surprising me.. “Of course… Demitallis… She helped me understand… I’m thinking clearly now, and you’re right too. They may have not given me a choice, but they still gave me a home…” I say, as she finally lets me go…
“They’re probably locked up right now, but I bet I can help you, while you spring’em!” She says, surprising me further! “Really?!” I ask, and she nods excitedly. “Yeah! They’ll get a do-over, and you’ll be free to pursue your new life!...” We just stare at each other, as we realize how this’ll really be…
“They’ll be so disappointed in me…” I say, as I sit here and think about a way to avoid it… “Come on Sirius, you know there’s no way past it. We’ll just have to get it over with, and move on.” She says, as she offers me her hand…
Half an hour of sneaking later, we find ourselves at the edge of Genesis Haven- “Neo-Genesis-Haven.” Celest corrects me… “I’m just gonna’ think ‘Genesis-Haven’ I say, as I fold my arms.” She shrugs, and looks over the edge… “Still, that’s quite a drop… Seriously, your energy shield better keep me dry…” She says, as I pick her up, and form my shield around us...
We descend into the ocean, and make our way to Ryleth… “Mm… I’m not comfortable…” Kass says, as I swim with her in my arms… “Just stay calm, it’ll be alright- Suddenly, a huge seismic wave tears through the water around me, and I look towards the source…
“What’s wrong?” Celest asks- She must have not felt it… “A huge wave just hit us, as though a Volcano just erupted…” I say, as I spot a huge chunk of Ryleth fall from the side the prison layer, as it’s lifted out of Ordin’s Comet, by giant orange tentacles…
I quickly swim over, and spot Castor, he’s broken into the prison layer! “Hahaha! Get outta’ here ya’ bastards!” He shouts, as handfuls of inmates swim away… “Castor!” I shout, surprising him. “Sirius?!” He asks, as he looks around for me- He spots me, and swims over…
“Castor- What are you doing?!” I ask, as he looks back at Ryleth- Then back at me… “Well you see, I felt bad about my brother’s friends… So I might’ve, ya’ know…” He says, as I stare at Ryleth, the incredible kingdom lifted off its new home so easily…
As the last of the inmates escape and thank him, he finally lowers it back into place… “I mean, I was kind of on my way to break them out, then I…” I drone on, unsure of what to say… “He’s saying goodbye. I stole your nephew. He’s mine now.” Celest suddenly says, as my tentacles burst from the ground, and I use them as a platform to stand on at the surface of the ocean…
“Who the hell is this?” He asks, as I set her on her feet. “M-My girlfriend… I met her a long time ago, and we started dating recently… She’s a Fox Spirit.” I say, as she shows off her tails. “Yep.” She says, her grin altering for smugness, as she leans against me…
Realization finally hits him, as he realizes how I feel… “YEAH~ That’s right bitch! He’s mine!” She says, as she hugs me, embarrassing me… “Celest, please…” I say, but instead of listening to me, she just laughs at me… “Is this why you wanted to save them, so you could gloat?” I ask, as I look at her…
“No- Maybe- Yeah.” She says, as she finally gets off me… “Celest, seriously- I should probably go find my father’s people…” I say, and the other two quickly agree. “Right, good idea… I mean, if this is what you want, I don’t see anything wrong with it. But they definitely deserve to know…” He says, as a head pops up next to us-
It’s Morgulix- He suddenly climbs onto the platform I made, as more of my father’s people begin to pop up around us… “We knew this had to be your doing, bossman!” Morgulix says, as he hugs me- “Hey Morg.” Castor says, as I extend the size of the platform…
Everyone begins to climb onto the platform and surround us… “Morgulix, there’s something I need to tell you… And everyone…” I say, as I grab my arm and look away… It takes him a moment, but he begins to realize how I’m feeling…
“Wh-What’s wrong, bossman?” He asks, as everyone stares at me… “Wow, you weren’t kidding, Sirius… There really are a lot of them…” Celest says, as she looks around… “I’m not coming home, Morg… I don’t deserve Ryleth, or even a place in it… I’ve found a new home…” I say, as his expression makes it painfully evident to me how he feels…
“Sirius, what are you talking about?” He says, as he stares at me… “I recently learned that yeah, I’m absolutely a descendant of the original royal family… But… It was my Grandmother, what she did…” Celest looks away, unable to smile, while Castor suddenly comes to realization…
“N-No… They lied to you!” Castor shouts, surprising me- “That was MY mother! She was the kindest person I ever knew, Sirius! Don’t you dare-” “I wouldn’t lie about something like this!!!” Demitallis suddenly says, as she lands next to me…
Everyone stares at her, as she builds a pillar to stand at Castor’s level... “What are you-” He tries to say, but she interrupts him- “No! I saw it! I saw everything! I can SHOW you, in painstaking detail, what she’s done! Don’t you dare call me a liar!” She shouts through telepathy, beginning to hurt my head…
“Fine, let’s see it!” He says, as we stare at him… “Fine. It’s experimental, but it should work-” What is she… Suddenly, I witness visions of Queen Regelask, as she was, and as she slaughters the Megas…” I turn to look away, but Celest can’t take her eyes off him…
“Demitallis…” She says, and she suddenly stops. Everyone continues to stare at us, some confused, others beginning to realize what’s happening… “Demistar, I think knows them better than anyone. I don’t know what’s going on with her right now… But if you were to ask her, she would be able to confirm it… I know it’s hard, but please understand...” She says, as we stare at her…
Castor just walks away, nothing left to say… “Did you have to…” I say, as I turn to look at her… “Yeah, I did… I don’t want people spreading misinformation about me. Say what you will, but I would never lie about something like this…” She says, as I look at everyone I still have to say goodbye to…
“Everyone!!! Listen!!!” I shout, causing all of them to turn to look at me, as I raise Celest and I a little further up… “This is goodbye!!! I’m leaving!!! This is what I’ve decided!!!” I shout, as I try to hold back my tears…
“Sirius! Sir! What’s going on?!” Zeldrick asks… He’s my chef… “Didn’t you hear me?! I have to leave! I can’t stay here! The people of Ryleth will never accept me! They won’t accept any of us, not after they learn of my past!” I shout, as I slam my hand against my chest!
“What do you mean?! Nobody deserves to rule Ryleth, but you!” Prova, the house stylist shouts, as she approaches… “My grandmother! The Old Queen of Ryleth! She’s committed atrocities immeasurable weight and effect! We never had a place in the walls of Ryleth! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!…” I shout, as I begin to break down and cry...
Everyone begins to voice their displeasure, trying to beg me to stay, to try… But no… It won’t ever work…
I stand up, and I roar! “ENOUGH!!!” I shout, the power of my voice nearly blowing everyone away! “I’m so sorry… But this is goodbye… This is goodbye to everyone...” I say, the only thing to break the crushing silence, the only thing left that can…
“Sirius… I love you, but oh god my ears…” Celest says, as she finally move her hands from her ears, and looks at me…
Everyone stares at me, mixed expressions of anger, sadness, false hope, too many to count… “This is over! Don’t come looking for me, you’ll find nothing!… I know it hurts, but this is goodbye!” I say, as I grab Celest’s arm, and we look each other in the eyes…
My tentacles begin to disappear, as we’re teleported to Genesis Haven… I look around, as I compose myself… “That was so much worse than I thought it would be…” Celest says, as I help her up… Demitallis appears next to me- “Why did you leave me there with them?! Do you know how mad they were?!” She shout, as she fires a metal orb into my forehead-
“What the hell was that for?!” I shout, as I hold my forehead, while everyone stares at us… “What do you think?! You don’t just ditch me with your baggage! I’m not dealing with them!” She says, and I barely manage to keep myself from kicking her…
“They are NOT baggage!” I shout, as I slam my foot, shaking the island… “Whatever. I’m going to my room… I need to see if Demistar’s come back. Something happened to her…” She says, surprising me.
“What do you mean?” I ask, just before she leaves- “Also, now that I think about it… How did you know where Celest and I was?” I ask, making her nervously stop in realization… “O-Oh… I kind of got bored, and decided to see how you were doing, then I followed you… As for Demistar, I tried to ask her about Ordin’s Comet, but I guess it triggered something in her…” She says, as I fold my arms, listening intently…
“Well, I hope she’s okay… Celest and I should get going, we have some stuff to talk about…” I say, as Celest stares daggers at her… “Celest, I’m sorry, I had to know… I was so curious!” She says, before Celest takes my hand, and guides me back home…
-√C-
Stallatia… She finally enters the room, it’s been almost half an hour… “What was it li-” I almost say, but she interrupts me- “Ah- No- I can’t tell you, sorry.” She says, as I fold my arms, a little disappointed… “Oh well… What’s next?” I ask, as we’re guided out of the church.
“I need to speak with the low council, and then they’ll get the word out. After that will be my coronation and festival.” She says, as we finally exit the building- “After that, it’s ruling over my kingdom. I’ll need advisors of course, but I’ll have the final authority.” She continues, as we walk over to an elevator, as a floating current rushes through the kingdom.
We step onto the elevator, and I watch as we quickly rise past the aqueducts, and the waterfalls that rush off the ledges of the platforms. “It’s like knowing the destination. But you don’t know how to read the map. Which is what I have everyone else here for.” She continues on, as we ascend past the Royal Crypt, held in place by the great chains that symbolizes the security, containment, and protection of all that’s held safely within its walls.
I stare on, as we ascend evermore… I finally spotted the beginning of it, the floating parade canal used for Processions, Ceremonies, and most importantly: Parades. “So that’s what you learned?” Dart asks, as the elevator finally comes to a stop.
“Yes.” She says, as we step out, and make our way to the stairs… “It really is incredible, how you were able to learn so much and yet so little in all that time…” Valeria says, surprising everyone as we step into the massive open space that leads to the entrance.
“You have learned what no other is allowed to know, and possibly the youngest to have done so. I wish I could know… But I’m sure you already have the answer, and I would never be one to pry…” She says, as we pass through the second entrance, and into the grand hallway…
Stallatia gives her a simple nod, and motions with her hand, to leave. “Of course, your highness.” She says, as Stallatia approaches her throne… I follow her quickly- “So you’re really the highest authority, even though you’re only a princess…” I say, as I help her to her new throne…
She crosses her legs, and leans against the arm of the chair… “Yeah. Especially since I’ve been to visit the priest. Not only am I the one with the highest authority, but I’m also the most fit to rule, because of it.” She says, as Dart steps up next to me, followed by one of the castle’s attendants-
“Your highness, the Council is outside in the waiting room. They’re ready for you.” He says, surprising me, while Stallatia rolls her eyes… “Fine. Better to get it over with…” The attendant nods and quickly returns to the room he must have come in from.
Soon after, three men and two women enter the room, followed by the attendant. Multiple members of the staff quickly rush in with tables and chairs, placing them with surprising precision and choreography. “Last minute, huh?” Stallatia says, the most unimpressed I’ve ever seen her…
“Is something wrong?” I ask, as everyone gets themselves seated, while more of the staff hurry in with food… “The castle staff are trying to impress me…” She says, hitting me with realization. That definitely explains the theatrics… “That definitely explains why it wasn’t already set up before we got here.” Dart says, as incredible platters of food are set on the table before us.
Dart and I sit at the table, as more food is placed in front of Stallatia, on a metal tray that rests on the arms of her throne. “So… About Fallengrar…” She says, pulling no punches, as she tries her first dish.
I look at the council members, and yeah, they look pretty nervous. Some are trying to hide it, while the others are trying to figure out what to say… “I- We had no idea what that man was doing.” A tall man with a top hat and a lanky build says, as the other four stare at him.
“Funny, that… Mr. Provar. I could’ve sworn you, Zenzella, and Inctrus, knew him best.” She says, pointing at them one at a time. “Your highness, please, you need us, to be recognized by the world council.” Zenzella, an older yet shorter looking woman says, trying to reason with her.
“You three were ALSO initiated by the world council, alongside Fallengrar, if I recall.” She says, as I look at the other two, who have been nudging away from them, and closer to me… “Okay, listen. I’m just going to speak for myself, I knew nothing about him.” Inctrus, a larger, more rotund yet surprisingly muscular man says, one of his eyes covered with a cloth hanging from a headband...
“He came out of nowhere one day, in the academy, saying he was an exchange student. I didn’t think much of it, I was just a kid, but then I was paired up with him, and these two.” He says, as he gestures towards them… “‘Love you too, Inctrus…” Provar says, as he
“He never liked to talk about himself, and was quite reserved. It made everything easier, so I never questioned it.” He says, as he lightly gestures on…
“Then we were sent here, to Ryleth. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive… After what happened, even if it had only been a few hundred years ago…” He says, reminding me of my youngest sister… “You mean the Puddle Kids, right?” Dart asks, as he raises his hand, surprising them.
“Y-Yes, thank you, I’ll-” Stallatia raises her own hand, motioning him to be quiet. “No, this is Dartingkamble and Kassinkamble, my new advisors. They actually KNOW a puddle kid, if you’re interested.” She says, dropping that bomb on them.
“Um, ah- We have a sister, or well- She prefers to be considered our sister. She’s a Puddle Kid, and barely a couple months old.” I say, as I try and come up with a way to expand further, but not before dart can cut in-
“We were a part of the Genesis-Haven research and regeneration project. It was under heavy funding by the Golden Kingdom, and used that funding to hire scientists from around the world.” Dart says, bluntly and clearly, in his monotone voice…
“The project was to bring lost species back to the world, anything that could be at least. But it was also a trap, by Prince Arigold, your hero, and our enemy.” He says, surprising them… “I’d like to finish the topic at hand first, before I continue on this.” He says, causing them to nod.
“Before we continue- What about us, your highness?” One of the two remaining members of the council asks, as he points at himself. “Ah- I’ll hear you out too. I don’t want ANY threats to my crown, so you will be questioned. Once I’m satisfied, I’ll decide what to do with you.” She says, and he bows before sitting back down, thanking her.
“As I was, then…” Intrus trails on, as he continues. “Ryleth’s reputation, to say the least, needed help. But the Queen had shown me what it meant to be a member of the council, and just how important I was to Ryleth… After that, I’ve found out how important Ryleth is to me.” He says, surprising me…
He stands up, and bows before her. “I wish I could have been there to stop it, I would have done anything to save her… I could never repent enough for my sins, your highness… All I ask is that you allow me to honor the future she left in you…” He says, leaving her speechless...
She looks away, before masking her face with her arm fin. “Please leave for now, Inctrus, I’ll consider your place in Ryleth, once the investigation is over...” She says, almost slipping up a choke in her voice… He stands up, and quickly leaves the room, while the other four sit there and watch.
She moves her arm, revealing her hardened face… “We should continue, I’ll like to hear anything else you two have to say, then I’ll see what Mr. Halvar and Miss Auremai have to say.” Stallatia says, growing ever cold.
“Of course, your highness…” Provar says, before breaking into a speech about the importance of politics with Zenzella… “Listen…” Stallatia says, after motioning him to stop, and quickly interrupting him… “I’m still twelve… I understand the importance of politics, but that’s what I’m supposed to have you people for… So please, tell me why I should keep you around, instead of requesting replacements…” She says, slumped in her seat…
They just look at each other, then back at her… “Your highness, we had nothing to do with that man. There’s not much we can say that Inctrus already hasn’t…” Zenzella says, causing Stallatia to simply nod… “I’m sorry, then… But I can barely trust these two, let alone you… I would advise you to look into potential new positions. Your futures as is, are highly uncertain to me…” Stallatia says, as she rubs her forehead tiredly…
“Shall we step out, then?” Provar asks, as he looks down at the table in resignation… “That would be appreciated, yes. Thank you for your honesty.” Stallatia says before they thank her in return, and leave.
The last two members take another glance at me, then back at Stallatia. They’ve been taking glances at me this whole time… “Where do I start with you two? You’re personal members of the council, who speak with the other three, right? I find it hard to believe you would betray Ryleth, since you’ve lived almost your entirely lives here… But I just can’t be certain…” Stallatia says, as they look between each other for answers…
“I’m comfortable leaving my fate up to the investigation. Ryleth is my home, and I’ll put my trust in the civil protection that has kept me safe for all these years.” Halvar says, before placing his hand on his chest, and bowing before her… “I think I feel the same way, Princess Stallatia. Shall we proceed to your documentation and ascendance to the throne? After that, we’ll get started on your coronation.” Auremai says, trying to move on quickly, it seems.
Stallatia simply nods, and looks at the waiting room- “You may come back now! I have everything I need personally!” She shouts, as the doors begin to open, and the three make their way back to their spots on the table.
“First, I’d like to let you finish, Dart. Please, by all means:” She says as he nods and stands up. “Thank you, your highness. Now, as I was…” He says, as he walks to the back of the table. “Arigold’s trap was to let them create thousands of us, then he would capture and use his power to draft us into his military. He killed our caregiver, and forced us out of our home. And now we’re here, using our strength in hopes that we can help others before they too are hurt by bad men like Fallengrar…” He says, reporting the most important parts of our escape from that place…
He lowers his head, surprising me with a small glimpse of his emotions- “He’s still looking for us, and I don’t know how long we have before we’re found… Please, I beg that you help us stay hidden from him, and spread word of our plight… The longer he’s left to do as he pleases, the more people get hurt. I understand how hard it must be to believe this, but I speak from my heart… We seek to build our strength, and someday defeat him...” He says, bearing the family’s ambitions before them…
They mutter amongst themselves, but Stallatia silences them… She stares me in the eyes, then looks at dart… “Are you sure?... Even I, who have known you two for a while now, find this hard to believe… I know you’re working with Neotopia, but still… Can it all really be lies? Can history's greatest Hero really be this monster?” Stallatia asks, as they stare each other in the eyes…
“I can’t… There’s no way I can prove it… My brother Lexis, he has a scar he said was given to him directly by Arigold, but I doubt even that is concrete enough… All I ask is that you give my family a chance, and do what’s right. Just like we did for you.” Dart says, bowing before her…
Dart… Had you been thinking about this all along? Did anyone even think to ask for help? Did anyone want to? Dart, I think I get it… You, more than anyone, still understand that we’re just children, we could never do this on our own… We should never have to do this on our own… And here you are, looking out for everyone…
“Hey, kid…” Provar says, surprising us- “If what you’re saying really does turn out to be true… There’s not much I could do inside of the walls of Ryleth… If her highness would be willing to fun it, I might be able to help out...” He says, as Dart’s eyes widen with an almost blank looking expression… The emotions must be chaotic, he bet everything on this, and he might have succeeded…
Stallatia, after having finally finished her dinner, looks around, and sighs… “Well, that was something… Is that everything?” She asks, as Dart simply stands and nods. “Yes, your highness. Please, proceed.” He says, before backing away.
“Right… Now then.” Stallatia says, before clapping her hands loudly, causing many of the attendants to rush in and move all the tables and chairs… “I’ve already visited the High Priest, and I’m more than ready to ascend to the throne.” She says, as she points to the crown sitting on the throne…
“Kass, if you would...” She says, before I quickly nod, and jump up to grab the crown from its resting place. I quickly jump off the wall, and land in front of her, before bowing… Stallatia steps down from her throne, as I offer her the crown, and she takes it. “Thank you, Kass…” She says, before walking past me, and using one of the sharp edges on the crown to puncture her thumb…
“Your highness?” Inctrus asks, as she approaches it, and rubs the blood into it- The contract suddenly floats into the air, and is suddenly engulfed in flames- “What have you-” He asks, just as confused as everyone else… “I guess you wouldn’t know…” She says, as the document suddenly appears next to her, floating just above her hand.
“This is my contract. It was created for me personally by a pact master. Once my signature is written in my blood, I will ascend to the throne. I am now officially the queen of Ryleth.” She says, as she opens it in front of us, revealing the signatures of the five members, and her blood stain-
“Kass, I’m kinda’ bleeding here- Can you…” She says, surprising me- “Ah- Of course!” I shout, before grabbing her hand and apply first aid with mythical fire magic. “Sorry, Queen Stallatia… I can’t really do much more than this…” She however thanks me, and motions me away, as she walks back her throne, and places the crown on her lap…
“Just like that… Huh?” Parvor says, as she sits there, and stares at him. “Yeah, I guess it’s a little underwhelming, huh?... Mom taught me how it works. I’m surprised she never told you guys though…” She says, as they kind of just look at each other nervously… “I guess none of us ever thought to ask?” Parvor says, and they all shrug...
“Well, it’s been a LONG day~... And I should get to bed. But before I do, I have something important to ask of you, Kass…” She says, before she points to the circle in front of her throne… “Please, stand there… Would you be willing to become my personal knight?” She asks, after I step into the circle, surprising everyone…
“O-Oh… I…” I try to say, unsure… “I know you’re busy with your family, and I guess Arigold, if it turns out to be true… But I barely even know who to trust anymore, as is… You offered to take care of, and protect me while I was hurt… Your family saved my life… So won’t you become my Knight?...” She asks, bringing me a new perspective of her situation… Of course, Fallengrar must have been one of the most powerful people in Ryleth… His influence reached through the kingdom, so who knows who might have been working for him…
“Of course, your highness… My power is yours… Anything for you, Queen Stallatia, my friend…” I say, as I take a knee and bow before her… “Alright, stay like that- I need a sword!” She shouts, as I already begin to regret this posture- An attendant runs in with a ceremonial looking sword.
“Kassinkamble, descendent and new hope of the once lost Megalodon Race. I hereby knight you as dame to the Atia name, and assign you as my personal dame and guard, to stand by my side when I call upon you. You have my trust, and by decree of silence, I trust I have yours.” She finishes, and so I remain until she finishes the ancient and worldly treasured tradition knighting someone…
Everyone claps loudly, as she allows me to stand. “Thank you.” I say, as she suddenly grabs my hand- “Alright, bedtime, goodnight everyone!” She shouts, and quickly rushes away with me- “St- Queen Stallatia!” I shout, as we rush through the hallways-
Stallatia suddenly stops, and looks at one of the Attendants- “You, I want a new room, and I want it where my mom’s was. I’m Queen now, it’s my decision. Oh, and I want mom’s put somewhere safe, and only accessible by me alone. No questions are to be asked, or you’re fired!” She says, causing him to nod and run off, I assume abandoning whatever he was doing.
She takes me into her current room, and sits down, dragging me to the floor with her. “A-Are you alright, your highness?” I ask, causing her to chuckle, as her back hits the floor- “Kass, I’m fine! I didn’t think that would take so long though… I was putting on a face, to make sure they respect me, and my authority… ‘Probably gonna’ need a staff purge, just to really nail it in- Anyways, I’m fine. I just… Man that took it out of me… Thank you so much, for being there for me, Kass…” She says, before she hugs me, surprising me again…
I wrap my arms around her, and she squeezes her arms around me, her arms around the back of my neck- As a drop of water hits my shoulder, followed by another, as she hugs me as hard as she can… “You’re all I have left now, Kass…” She says, as she begins to choke up… “But…” I try to say- “No- You don’t get it… There’s no one left… Anyone could have been working with him… You’re really all I have left…” She quietly screams into my shoulder, as she continues to cry…
“I’m sorry, Stallatia… I wish I could have done more…” I say, as I sit here and hold her… “This is enough, for now…” She says, as she begins to calm down- “Stallatia…” I say, as we stare into each other's eyes… “You know we have to talk about it, and I’ll be here whenever you’re ready…” I say, as I help her up from the floor…
“I know, I will… Thank you Kass… Will you help me to bed?” She asks, before I nod and decide to prepare the bed for her. I open her closet, and find the softest looking pink blouse in her closet. I rush over, and place it on the table next to her room divider.
She quickly takes it, and after a minute, she steps out from behind the divider. “I haven’t worn this in a while… Thanks again, Kass… Goodnight…” She says as she climbs into bed, and I finally exit the room… “Goodnight, Stallatia.” I say, as I finally leave the room…
I walk out, and find Dart walking down the hallway… He must have been looking for me. “Hey!” I call out to him, grabbing his attention… “You ran off so quickly… What happened?” He asks, monotone as ever… “Yeah, Stallatia was just tired… Getting serious like that really took it out of her. Come on, let’s just go home, I’m tired too…” I say, as I lean against him…
“Of course. Come on, sis.” He says, as he teleports us home…
End of Chapter: 33√ACF2 “Wrapping up everything like a nice gift.”
Thank you for reading.
“The lord thanks you…”
“
“Ey, thank you!”
“‘Thanks.”
“What- Thank you?”
“I’m busy.”
“Thank you, on behalf of Ryleth and the dearly departed…”
“Thanks, it means a lot?”
“What even is- Whatever- Thanks.”