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Post by newb23 on Apr 22, 2014 14:33:08 GMT -5
Harlow hadn't spoken much during the journey. It was like he wasn't even there. Soon he found himself in front of the Fairy King. He still held his tongue as the King spoke. He held his chin in his hand as he thought of the riddle. When Arx spoke Harlow placed his other hand on his friends shoulder.
"If I may Arx. I do believe I know the answer," Harlow told Arx. Without waiting for the man to reply Harlow turned his attention to the Fairy King. "Honorable King I do believe I know the answer to your question. The answer is the letter m. It appears once in the word minute, twice in moment, but never in a thousand years."
Harlow was pretty sure he had discovered the answer and hoped he was right. He wasn't sure what the Fairy King would do if he was wrong.
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Post by Mise™ on Apr 22, 2014 14:47:22 GMT -5
”We hath no reason to make haste. Be patient.” Lian scolded Arx when he wanted to skip out the fairy king's riddle. Maybe there was some trick to this, but Lian thought that they shouldn't just ignore His Majesty. Harlow seemed to agree with Lian on this one as even he did tell Arx to wait.
”The passage of time hasth no meaning to me. A minute, a fleeting moment and a millennia art all the same for me. Only for mortals dost it hold weight.” Lian didn't really answer the question or even try to instead he spoke of himself. After a short pause he did continue. ”However that art not the answer thy wisheth to hear.”
Maybe Lian was just stalling for time to figure out the answer for the riddle or maybe he was just going through his usual act. However Lian never got a real chance to reply as Harlow gave the answer to the riddle. He had no objections to this believing it to be the right answer and Harlow's logic to be sound.
”We hath answered thy question. What isth to come now?”
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Post by CJ on Apr 23, 2014 11:58:29 GMT -5
"Yes, M is the answer."
Harlow got it right, but was it an answer worth answering? Upon hearing it, M went pale and held her head with her one hand. She became so depressed that she seemed as though she could collapse at any moment.
"M?" one of the beasts asked. "Like the great warrior?"
"Probably a coincidence," the other responded. "She died long ago, farther than most now remember."
M already cried before. She had no more tears to produce. Still, it seemed like just hearing this was devastating for her. The other Virtues might have noticed the face in the wall smile at this situation. He then quickly frowned and glared at the beasts.
"Away with you servants! I can deal with these humans on my own."
"Yes, Your Highness."
They bowed their heads and dashed away, shimmering disappearing into the trees like fireflies in a summer night.
With the beasts gone, the face continued to speak to the virtues. Lian would learn of what was to come.
"You have answered what I have known all along," the Fairy King addressed Arx. "So, this one here has lost her powers, has she? I know what wizard you speak of. It is someone only I know of in these lands. There was one other, so long ago, and now it appears she has returned to find him again. So be it, I will show you to your wizard."
The ground about them began to shake. Suddenly, the section of the ground they stood on began to rise, scaling up the side of the cliff. There was enough space for all of them to stand comfortably.
"I bet you noticed a lot of things have changed around here," the voice continued, as though it came from the very earth around them.
"You've taken over, yeah."
For once, M seemed angry. She breathed heavily and clenched her fists.
"Don't let that hurt your pride," the Fairy King continued with a slow, sympathetic voice. "Someone had to run the show after you left and I am doing a fine job at that. We will grant you wish and escort you and your friends out of this forest. You will never even know this exchange happened. You will be back to saving the pathetic humans, just like you wanted."
"Yeah," she sighed.
"What I really want to know is why you have only brought these three to this castle. Did you not think I would notice the other Virtue who resides in this forest?"
M turned quickly to look out at the forest. The trees were already below their feet.
"Virtue? There's another Virtue here?"
"Do not pretend like you are surprised. I am willing to give you what you want, but you first must be honest with me. Why is another Virtue here but not with you now?"
"Guys, what do you think?" she asked the others. "If there's really a Virtue around here... it might be better if we found them and did this later. Or do you think I'd be more useful with my old abilities?"
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Post by Hitotsumami on Apr 24, 2014 12:23:20 GMT -5
Arx took note that the beasts did, at the very least, know about M. But, M being a fairy, that was to be expected. If they knew who the Virtues were was still yet to be seen. Of course, in the long life of a fairy, the length of time of the Virtues had even existed was small.
He then turned his attention towards the Fairy King. Harlow had gotten the question right, and good that he did, for it appeared the Fairy King would take them straight to the wizard they needed to know. He stood upon the exposed Earth that the Fairy King had created for them, but when he heard that there was another Virtue in this forest, he stopped.
"Another?" asked Arx. He wondered just who it could have been. When M posed the question to everyone about what they should do, Arx gave his answer. "We can always come back to the wizard, but we might not get another chance for months to find another Virtue. I say we go find just who else is in this forest."
Being pushy and wanting to pursue his own needs was one of Arx's downfall. Being diligent wasn't always a virtue. He caught this himself and quickly added, "But it is your choice, M. You are the reason we've come here."
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Post by newb23 on Apr 24, 2014 16:48:53 GMT -5
Harlow blinked slightly at the announcement of another Virtue located in the forest. Glancing quickly out to the forest and then in the direction of the wizard Harlow placed his chin back into his hand.
"Well we could always split up if necessary. Two go look for the virtue while M and another go see the wizard," Harlow suggested as he stared out at the forest.
"Of course it is up to M herself. Like Arx said you are the reason we are here."
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Post by Mise™ on Apr 25, 2014 3:44:28 GMT -5
Lian noticed that when the fairy king spoke of M her condition was getting worse and worse. Why was she so afraid of her past and why did she really want to return here? Lian was going to get the bottom of all this soon and he could have just asked the king about M, but it was not yet the time for that. Then the matter of the fifth Virtue was brought up. Lian listened what others had to say and then spoke himself. ”Dividing us in two wouldth be the smartest decision... But thou shouldth wait a moment first.” Then Lian turned towards the Fairy King and asked. ”Who isth this fifth Virtue thou hath spoken of? They hath not come here along us. What isth their Virtue?” There were still three of the Virtues that were missing, but was one of them truly here? Or was there some trick behind this. There had been the man who was pretending to be Lian a while ago, it would not be impossible that there were other cases like that.
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Post by CJ on Apr 27, 2014 23:10:43 GMT -5
The group rose and rose until the trees seemed like small weeds from their prospective. As nervous as she was at that height, she was grateful for the others' input. She almost wished they would just tell her what to do so she could avoid being judged for her own decision. Trying to hide her shame, she simply nodded to them.
The Fairy King hummed in thought, shaking the rock elevator below their feet. His voice seemed to be emanating from the earth below them.
"The Virtue is a young woman with simple clothes. She has a cloth to tie her ebony hair and a banner with a strange symbol. She calls herself the Virtue of Charity."
"The Virtue of Charity?" M asked, nearly losing her breath. "But that's not what Tombrad looks like at all. If she's calling herself that though..."
She couldn't help but think of Lian, altering his identity to avoid being seen as a Virtue. Was Illustrissima doing the same thing?
"I will allow your companions to go and seek this other human out," the Fairy King continued, "but if you are going to see the wizard, I will need you to see him now. Already you are wasting a great amount of my time."
"Fine."
M turned to the group and clasped her hands. She shivered but smiled.
"We'll split up then. Harlow, Lian, I'd like you to go and investigate this matter. I would send Arx with you, but I think it's best I have someone to take me back after I lose my recent memories. Would this be OK with everyone?"
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Post by Hitotsumami on Apr 28, 2014 18:06:21 GMT -5
As Arx followed M, he listened to what the Fairy King had to say.
"Charity?" asked Arx. "I have not seen her in many years when we all served together under the Kingdom. We definitely need her to complete the seven." Saying things so firmly, Arx almost felt like he was taking the leader role since M was currently disabled, but he wasn't sure if the others really appreciated his bold words.
Upon M's suggestion that the group should split, Arx nodded. "I'll lead M back to you guys after you find Charity." Then he quickly added in: "And convince her to join us once more."
Afterwards, Arx would ask M personally, "What kind of guy is this wizard exactly? Is he Fairy like you?"
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Post by newb23 on Apr 29, 2014 16:36:28 GMT -5
"Alright then," Harlow said as he looked over at Lian. "We shall get this woman to explain herself and if she is strong enough to be a virtue then we shall get her to join us...hopefully. Though I wish it was Tombrad himself to save us the trouble," Harlow spoke as he adjusted his ring slightly. Looking at M he wondered why she was so weary around him. So cautious. This matter though took a backseat to the one at hand.
Glancing at Lian, Harlow cleared his throat. "Well we best get going Lian." Without looking back to see if Lian was following Harlow made his way towards the exit that would lead him to the forest and hopefully to Charity.
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Post by Mise™ on Apr 30, 2014 3:26:31 GMT -5
”I seeth...” Lian looked like he was deep in to thought when the fairy king talked about the fifth Virtue here in the forest, Illustrissima, the Virtue of Charity. Needless to say there was something odd about this. ”If that is thy wish.” Lian did not agree with how M split the groups as the two more level headed and competent people, Harlow and Lian himself, were sent to meet with Illustrissima, while the two of... lesser abilities, M and Arx, were sent to meet up with the wizard, which could end up in more problems. While he knew he should, Lian did not object to the decision and so followed Harlow.
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Post by CJ on May 4, 2014 19:05:49 GMT -5
Turning to the others, M gave a simple, grateful smile. For one moment, she seemed like her old self again. She went to say something, but was interrupted when she saw the earth crumble between two of the Virtues' feet.
"Lian! Harlow!"
The Virtues had been standing on a chunk of earth that was being raised up the side of the mountain wall. Now, Lian and Harlow were dropped from the rock and would fall a half mile down to the forest below to start their side of the mission. If neither of them did anything to slow their descent, perhaps they would meet a horrible end.
---
"Why would you do that!" M shouted, holding her head in worry.
"If those two are as good as their reputation holds, they will survive," the Fairy King said again, his voice booming magically from the rock beneath them.
"Humans aren't as durable as fairies! You should... I mean... maybe you should think about being more careful."
She was back to her new self again, timid and meek. When Arx asked about the wizard, she shook her head and frowned.
"I... I'm rather embarrassed to say that I don't know what he is. I've never seen his face."
The floating rock came to a stop and connected to a cliff face. They were finally at the top of the artificial mountain. Below their feet was a brick road that lead a few hundred yards to a enormous castle with old gray brick, half taken over by a dark, near black ivy. Its main building was seven stories tall. Several towers shot upward into the clouds, though only one actually breached them. It was enormous, free of the ivy. M's eyes were locked on it for a good long moment.
Everything seemed gray and lifeless. Even the grass and gardens were dull and plain. The flowers looked ready to wilt at any moment.
"Welcome home," M mumbled to herself as they walked up to the thick, bronze doors leading to the castle. She placed her hand on the right door but did not push it in.
She hesitated.
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Post by Hitotsumami on May 4, 2014 20:50:47 GMT -5
Arx watched with almost amusement as Lian and Harlow plummeted to the earth below. Of course, Arx could use his ability to protect the two, but he was quite certain they could survive on their own. They were the Seven Heavenly Virtues, after all, known not only for their strength but their durability as well.
Once they reached the top, Arx saw the enormous castle. He wondered why the wizard would live so isolated, but if he could help M, then it didn't really matter. "You've never seen his face, and you think he can help? Well, you still know more than I do, M. Let's hope."
When they walked up the pathway and Arx noticed that M hesitated before knocking, he took the honors and gave three heavy knocks upon the bronze door.
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Post by Mise™ on May 7, 2014 2:56:05 GMT -5
When the platform they were standing on did not support them anymore and Harlow and Lian fell towards the ground Lian knew he had to do something and quick. His body wasn't durable, he couldn't take much damage since every time he got hit he used his powers over time to make the wounds disappear. However that wouldn't work this time as even if Lian were to reverse time after hitting the ground he would just fall again and his fate would not change. However all he had to do was to think outside of the box, for the solution. Lian calmly fell towards the ground until he was about to hit the ground and then he clinched his fist hard and then skipped a few seconds in to the future. He would now find himself lying on the ground, but he was not hurt at all. Only his clothes were a little dirty. Skipping the time he had also skipped the impact of himself hitting the ground and thus had avoided getting hurt. Lian could have helped Harlow, by doing the same thing to him as he had done to himself, but would not do so unless he felt it to be necessary, expecting Harlow being able to handle the situation just fine on his own. ”We shall move on.”
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Post by CJ on Jun 4, 2014 15:52:19 GMT -5
M smiled sadly at Arx. They had been together through so much, but there was still so much she was scared to share with him. Hopefully she wouldn't have to worry about that much longer.
Upon Arx's third knock, the doors opened to a magnificent hall, leading to what looked like a large throne room beyond two more doors. It was old and worn, looking as though it had sat for untold years without any care. It looked Victorian in style, but any color found on its walls had faded with time. Art and furniture was aged and rotten. Only one piece in the center had been purposefully manipulated, whatever portrait was contained within the large frame was torn violently out.
M had no reaction to the sight. As soon as she stepped through, her eyes glazed over and she stood perfectly still. She appeared to be under some sort of spell.
Suddenly, a boy appeared before the two. He was unmistakably a fairy, with large insect-like wings that fluttered behind him as he flew forward toward Arx. Unlike the room around him, his cleanliness and clothing were perfectly fine. He wore a puffed collar and jester-like attire with bright, obnoxious colors. His purple hair clashed with nearly every part of his outfit.
"So," the Fairy King asked rather coldly, "when did she start remembering things? What was the event that triggered it? How much did she tell you, human?"
---
Lian moved on indeed. Proceeding through the forest, he would fine himself alone with Harlow nowhere to be seen. Instead, he would find someone else...
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Post by Shark a' Pult on Jun 5, 2014 12:15:11 GMT -5
It was a clearing amidst the forest, through which a stream and small waterfall ran. There was not a sound of birds or insects, only the course of clear water over the bed of stones. The banks were thick with soft moss, which carpeted much of the area, and the clearing was lined with great trees spanning the rest of the forest. Only an ancient willow stood amidst the clearing, it's slender branches brushing the water. Light trickled through the canopy of the much taller trees around and above the clearing, painting the area in a soft light and illuminating particles and seeds on the air.
"Welcome pilgrims, find solace in peaceful garden."
Sitting on a raised portion of the bank, was a woman in meditation. She was not currently facing the strangers but she had heard them arrive (or fall) on the scene. Wearing a hakama and sarashi bindings, it was somewhat clear to see the various symbolic tattoos adorning her skin, most notably a scene of a crane amidst a backdrop of blossoming trees which covered most of her back.
"Or come to join others."
Nearby to her was a small stone garden lantern which might be recognized as the sacred object of Charity, though to which she was referring was probably obvious; a sizable pile of weapons and armor of all different kinds, shapes and sizes. Given the nature in which they appeared to have just been tossed together near the edge of the clearing, and the fact that many of them (particularly towards the bottom) were rusting, it could be assumed that they had been gathered over a period of time.
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