Ascension - (Alarian Warriors)

Sadly, not everything was going according to plan, but she was determined to fix the mishaps that had arisen, she just wasn’t sure how yet. Everyone had already returned to Earth except Vincent, which meant it was time to collect Erosvent for his ascension. The others had wanted to stay for him, but the fates had told them no, already Ashera could be wreaking havoc, they needed to get back and begin their tasks. Since Vincent was to trade places with Erosvent at the Sanctuary while he recovered after his ascension he was permitted to stay.

Turning down a now blissfully coloured hallway, she walked to the scrying room where her father once used to watch the humans. Looking into the pools of water she pushed aside old memories and looked to a brighter future that they together were to create. In the pool of water, an image rippled into view as she thought of the person she wished to see at this moment.

Erosvent was sitting in the main entrance of the Sanctuary waiting for her, beside him stood Elaina looking worried. Vincent must have informed them, Eros would never leave his family unprotected and that was why Zero was there with them, his back against the cold stone on watch.

The fates were waiting for her, ready to open the one-way fissure for Erosvent. She sat herself down before the large, rounded body of water, flexing her shoulders she placed her hands above the water and focused on his location using the water in this realm and the water in that room on earth as a medium. Images are easily reflected in water, so it wasn’t a hard task, but it was draining her energy. She immediately felt the essence of the realm come alive within her picking up the slack. She infused her essence with the water, connecting the two realms and making the water on earth come alive. The water droplets floated upward into the air forming a watery silhouette that looked like her, just on a much smaller scale.

She waved hello to Erosvent and smiled at the couple. Her gaze moved to Elaina, the woman was crying, tears spread down her face at the site of the small water doll of Aveyon appearing in the room.

“It is time.” Aveyon told the couple.

“But before I do, Aveyon there’s someone here that has something for you.” Eros stated.

Tilting her head, she looked down at the small elven boy holding on to Elaina’s dress, he was trying his best to hide himself only peering around the woman’s leg with one eye.

The boy had raven black hair and a light green tinge to his skin, she knew right away who he was. Her entire being filled with joy, only to be replaced with worry. Why was it only the child here?

She felt a hand on her shoulder as Atro whispered to her. “Go to the boy, we will help you project a solid form.”

She felt a rush of energy serve through her as she was forced from her body on Alarious, her astral form appearing in the room with the others. The fate kept her word, and her ghostly form slowly became corporal, though she was sure she could not interact with anything. Crouching down she smiled at the little boy. “Hi there, so you have something for me?” she asked sweetly with a smile on her face.

His eyes danced around her face, looking over her now silver scars that lined her face and body. The boy seemed to calm down once her ghostly form disappeared. He wasn’t a stranger to magic that much was confirmed. The boy handed her an envelope with a shaking hand.

Aveyon glanced towards Zero with a silent plea. Catching her meaning he gently took the letter and crouched down to unfold it for her to read. She recognized the handwriting too. She glanced at the boy. “She found you...” She whispered more to herself than anyone, but where was she?

Aveyon’s name was written on the envelope in Emerald’s handwriting.

“He wouldn’t let anyone else see the letter, only you,” Elaina explained her own expression sad as tears still fell. She wasn’t sure if it was for the child’s mother or Erosvent now.

The group remained silent as she read the letter aloud for them to hear, as she knew they suspected the same as she did.

“I have many things I wish to say, and to a lot of people. It is my wish that Aveyon be the one to tell them.

Dear Elaina,

I wish your child to have the most fun-filled joyful life, and thank Eros for me, for everything that they have done for me, for us. I have sent my son to you knowing that you will care for him in Aveyon’s stead until she is ready. I wish for our children to one day be friends, please continue to teach and nurture the children of the sanctuary. You are doing a wonderful thing, never forget that which drives you.

I never thought I would ever find a safe happy place to call my home, but that is what you created for me, and I will always hold that kindness close to my heart.

I wouldn’t have made it this far without any of you, so thank you.

My Son,

I know we did not have long together, I’m so sorry I could never be the mother you truly deserved, I hope with all my heart that you will now find a life of happiness and freedom.

Aveyon and I had been held captive by the man that is your father, held prisoner much like you were. I couldn’t stand to see you suffer as you were, the only thing that I could give you was my own life.

Please, my child, live a life of freedom, live the life that was meant for both of us.

I would never have survived to find you if it had not been for Aveyon, she is a wise and kindhearted person who will love you just as much as I could, I hope you will find the perfect home with her. I love you forever and always, you will always be my little boy, Karlos.

Dear Aveyon,

Before you stands my son, as I’m sure you’ve already become aware. I found him in that slave market, just like we suspected. I had hoped that he would find a good home with myself, however, I fear that this is not to be the case any longer.

My Friend, he is a special boy, and I would have no one else raise him besides you, I know I ask a lot of you. But believe me when I say you are the most cherished person in my life, past, present and future.

In order to have him set free I traded my own life, I had no money, and with the powers the boy possesses, no small price would have even been close enough.

Though I know you will want to, there is no point in looking for me, they wanted my blood and bones for spells and charms. I wish you luck in your quest, no matter how down you may feel, please don’t give into the darkness, your people need you just as I needed you for all those years. You are more than a friend to me, you are my sister, my blood, and I love you and miss you greatly.

May your life be forever filled with love.

Goodbye, my most cherished friend.

I hope we will meet again in the next life.

The letter is signed... Emerald.” Her voice was shaking by the end as she finished reading.

“Karlos?” the boy asked, tears forming in his eyes.

Aveyon’s own tears flowed and looked up from the letter. Emerald, her friend, her sister, was gone? “Yes, Karlos is the name given to you by your mother.”

He was clenching his shirt in his hands as he looked up at her with sorrow-filled eyes. “The elf... that set me free-” The tears flooded down his face rapidly as he realized who the woman had been.

“Yes, little one, her name was Emerald.” Aveyon felt for the child, this was not how she had envisioned meeting him, far from it.

Was she gone already? Had she died already? Or was she trapped again waiting to die? Was she too late, should she find her? She could search the fountain of souls... So many thoughts ran through her mind but the most important one was. The boy needs you.

Karlos only looked like an eight-year-old boy, but elves grew at a different rate than humans, he would easily be in his fifties - the time frame fit. Aveyon had been there when Emerald had given birth, and this was before the corruption of the rebirth cycle.

The boy stepped forward letting go of Elaina’s dress and moved to stand before Aveyon. He used his hands to wipe away the tears that wouldn’t stop flowing.

“Emerald? Like her skin?” He asked a sad smile spreading across his lips as he tried to hold on to the image of her. “Will you tell me about her? I want to know what she was like.”

Aveyon smiled sadly down at him, “Of course I will, you have my word.”

The boy can travel between the realms when we open fissures for others, if he likes, that way he could stay with us for a time and come back to earth if he so wishes as Damon could. The fates whispered to her.

“Karlos, dear child, would you like to come stay with me? There is much to tell.” The little nudge from the fates was all Aveyon needed, it’s what she wanted and what Emerald had asked of her. She’d raise this child.

Karlos glanced up at Elaina; Elaina smiled at him and nodded. “You’re always welcome to come visit any time at all Karlos, Kisa would like it very much.” She told him.

Karlos turned back to Aveyon and nodded. “I would like that.”

“Come along with Erosvent then, there is much to be done, we will need to create a room, and get you settled in.” She informed.

He blinked at her confused.

“I am not here child, I am in another realm, so you will need to come with another.”

“O...kay, I think I understand... but... I get my own room?” He asked stunned behind tear-stained cheeks.

She smiled at him, “Yes, it will be yours and yours alone, you can do whatever you like with it... in moderation.” She added, making the boy smile through his tears and nod his thanks before looking to Erosvent hesitantly, then up at Elaina again for direction.

“I’m scared.” He whispered to Elaina.

“That’s natural dear.” Elaina knelt to hug the boy. “You would be silly not to be afraid of new things, but by taking Erosvent’s hand you’re showing a great deal of courage, it’s the first step remember?”

“I will become strong like you say, I promise.” He added shyly then moved to stand with Aveyon.

Aveyon looked to Erosvent and the boy before pulling back and returning to her body.

Looking at the fates she spoke. “It is time to open the fissure, they are ready.”

Atro nodded and quickly, with the ease Aveyon could only ever dream of, tore open a fissure in that very room.

Looking through it she could clearly see the Sanctuary, and the two boys waiting. “A new life is ahead of us, all of us, and it is time to face it head-on.” She told them, holding out her hand to Erosvent from the other side of the fissure.

Elaina made a sound of protest as he took hold of it and stepped forward with the boy in hand.

“You prepared her?” Aveyon asked.

“As best as I could, but with the bond back it is best we do this as quickly as possible.” Erosvent was doing well to hide his concern. Aveyon wouldn’t dare wait any longer than she had to, she knew what it felt like to be ripped from the very person you share your soul with.

Elaina looked through the fissure, her hand clenching her heart as the pain showed clear as day on her face. “You take good care of him Aveyon, please.” She called out.

The fissure slammed shut leaving the Aveyon and the boys in silence as they looked around the newly decorated Alarious.

“This was a much-needed change.” Eros forced a smile through his sudden discomfort as he commented on the appearance of the once-white palace.

The fated sisters giggled and replied. “You’re welcome.” in unison.

The corner of Aveyon’s mouth crept into a smile, she had feared that her time here would be lonely, and yet somehow, she was content all thanks to the sisters. She tilted her head as she felt a strange shift in the air. “Someone else is here.”

The fates raised their brows. “She’s getting used to the realm quite quickly.” Atro praised.

“Indeed,” Clo responded surprised.

“That is good tidings,” Lahk concluded.

Aveyon rolled her eyes at the three. “Sisters if you could please look after Karlos for a time, Eros and I will finish up before joining you in welcoming him to his new home.”

Karlos couldn’t keep his eyes from wandering; Erosvent laughed and motioned to the three fates that were waiting for him. He grew slightly panicked looking to Aveyon with fearful eyes.

Aveyon knelt lightly taking hold of the boy’s hands. His eye lingered on her essence-filled glistening scars. “Those ladies...” She included her head to the fates. “Will help you find your room, I’m sure you can choose the one you want.”

His eyes widened and he tugged on Aveyon’s robes urging her to lean down so he could whisper in her ear. “They’re... floating.” He commented.

She laughed, the child had been secluded for too long. Locked away from the world, not knowing of essence and its magical capabilities. She nodded before whispering back. “They are magical and special just as you are.”

He gasped. “I am?”

“I cannot wait to tell you all about your mother and yourself, but right now I have to help Erosvent so he can return home to his wife.” She told him before looking over her shoulder at the fates. “No need to fret, I am sure the fates will treat you to a nice meal as well, maybe even sweets.” She added.

That was all it took, and he was off running excitedly towards the three sisters.

“Ready?” Aveyon asked Eros as she stood.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” Though his voice did not waver she could tell he held fear behind those eyes of his, they all knew the risks involved; not everyone was going to survive this trial as they had sadly already discovered.

Erosvent followed Aveyon as she moved past him, the mood growing tense.

“I now know what the issue was Eros, you are in no danger I assure you. But it does limit the people I can ascend for now.” She stated.

“I trust you.” He replied as they entered the great hall.

To her surprise, standing tall with his hands crossed over his chest with a proud smirk on his face was Vincent. Next to him, Zero’s ghostly astral form was quietly waiting for the two.

“Didn’t take that long for the others to learn to project,” Vincent stated smudgy.

Aveyon sighed. “Should you not be resting? You helped with all the other ascensions and only just returned to Earth.”

The former alarian responded with a shrug. “I figured I could help ease the suffering of boss man here.”

Aveyon’s eyes widened as she caught on to what he meant, was that even possible?

“The ascension has enabled us to weld spirit.” Zero explained.

“Though we are finding we can only link and speak with those that share our blood now, like a type of bond.” Samuel was next to form, joining them.

Aveyon’s mouth fell slightly open, it made sense that they would be connected on a different level, it wasn’t far from the bonding ritual she had completed with Vincent at the beginning of her journey.

“We will always do what we can, as long it is in our power.” Kirra floated over in her own ghostly form with a sad smile. “You have nothing to fear.”

“I appreciate that, thank you all.” Aveyon’s hand clenched at her robs, she wouldn’t fail them again. She wouldn’t.

As Erosvent and Aveyon took their positions and she pulled out her dagger, Vincent knelt beside the two and began to meditate. The others soon followed suit, closing themselves off from outside distractions and focusing on Erosvent.

Aveyon also erected a barrier around the hall blocking sound, and preventing the screams that were to come later from escaping the room. She did not wish for the young boy to hear those sounds on his first day here.

The sisters of fate felt the moment Aveyon began, their essence was directly linked to that of hers. In turn, they could feel the drain and the power pull on the realm. They hadn’t mentioned it to Aveyon as they had all agreed... but it wasn’t enough to complete what Aveyon had wanted to do.

After the last discussion with Aveyon before the sisters had been freed, they had made a choice. The realm held no power, it was barren, and it always had been. It was why it appeared dead and dried up, they had told a little white lie. For what the Princess wanted to do she would need more control than what the realm could offer. They felt it a necessary sacrifice for not melding sooner, they blamed themselves for the state of the realms and believed it only right.

“Atro... Are you alright?” Clo looked at her concerned. She had stopped walking and was standing very still.

“Sister do not worry about me, you two get the boy settled I will join you shortly.” She put on a kind smile for the boy, but it was forced, and they could tell.

The other two quickly hurried the boy away, leaving Atro completely alone in the hallway. She slumped against the wall and her face twisted with pain. Sliding to the floor she watched as her hand was eaten away by an invisible force. She gasped for air as she could feel her body being eaten alive. They knew the risks of what they were doing, and the price they would have to pay. With a sharp intact of breath, she hissed in anguish until the burning in her arm finally stopped. What they were doing was risky, but at the end of the day it was worth it, all three would happily exchange their lives for Aveyon and Lady Vexous.

She hid her missing limp under her robes before standing up and dusting herself off. No time to mourn over the loss of an arm, there was still so much that needed to be done, and she wasn’t sure how much longer her body would hold out.