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Aziel
A massively guarded fortress came to our view, as our group of questers and pirates looked over the ship railings. Including myself with twice as much intent.
I was terrified to even enter the Flivian's meeting place. I still remembered the reason I should stay alive. My promise.
In an area where the entire world is meant to gather, preparing for an attack against union, I couldn't help but think only dangerous things can happen. Not even sure if my family would be in danger here.
People are sort of confusing in that regard. They'll have nothing to blame for danger but each other, which causes more danger in the long run, and. . .
. . .I needed to calm down. I was an experienced quester. My family - or for fate's sake - anybody would expect me to stay calm out of everyone else.
The giant island, full of the steepest cliffs and mountains, had boats and others docking onto it. From all directions of the sea. And exiting from those transportations were passengers of all kinds of species.
Except for Drownei, of course. . . which I sort of second-guessed while looking at Black Knight, standing over the rails beside me. They're not all bad, are they?
As he looked back with curious inky eyes, I glanced away.
Standing with many guards to my other side, was Headmaster Chronisius. He had that constantly prideful smile on his aged human face. Everything was according to plan so far, after all.
"Ah, here we are, questers." He announced to the entire group while we watched. Including the pirates of course. "The Flivian Isle's Fortress. This is merely one of the fronts where we attack Kyronia's capital for freedom. Every important leader and member in the world revolution, along with their armies, will all meet here to discuss-"
"How are the ongoing battles faring?"
I asked the headmaster in the middle of his sentence. As everyone listening either gazed or glanced at my interruption. It was a rare moment for me to embarassingly speak before thinking.
But I was thinking about a lot at the moment.
"Apologies, Headmaster Chronisius." I hurriedly said in realization, giving a head bow. "I'm just. . .worried I guess, haha. . ."
He nodded off his serious expression and simply gave a short chuckle. "It's none a worry, Aziel Korr. The Humans, Dwellvens, and Marines are currently holding their positions in their respective areas. And stalemates are better than losses. Civilian survivors are currently being evacuted to this area."
Then Headmaster Chronisius completely turned around to face me, specifically.
"Your people and many others are in the safe hands of the Chronicle Order, Korr."
We shared a respectful smile. But mine was beginning to fade.
So far, all our order's ever instigated in this mission was to cause chaos. In fact, the entire plan was for us to start a whole war overthrowing the Dark Lord.
Remember, Aziel. It's all for the good of your people.
For Yuna. Ander. Even Calev. I wondered if he'd be proud of everything I helped to do, so far.
"We will do whatever means necessary." I noticed his sudden darkened expression, the spark in his old eyes dissipating in the morning light. "Stopping at nothing until the oppressors of Kyronia perish."
I chose to gaze off towards the destination and silently disagree, not wanting to instigate anything against the well-respected leader.
As the island got closer, I noticed some structures and village houses, built onto cliffsides and high ledges that only Flivians could reach naturally. Some of the terrain even reached above the clouds swirling around it. This was definitely familiar civilization meant for flying people, as I've most likely been here before. All the quests had become a blur after long years.
We at last docked along the busy shoreline, beside a narrow wooden pier filled with guards of different races.
The headmaster and Captain Aurel led the rest of us out of the fine ship. Damaged but still holding up somehow after the previous skirmish. I guess those folks really were some of the best pirates around.
"Another sea well sailed, Goldwave Pirates!"
I looked behind as we exited, to see the tentacled captain exclaiming proudly to her crewmates. Right next to her stood Meon, the angler-fish driver, hands behind a straight back acting like an assistant. The older buff Ryff walked along the opposite side, chuckling through his accent and silver teeth while speaking to his group. He gave me a two fingered salute as I gave him one right back.
The rest of the crew members passed by, and Jade walked with the mage Erl in a seemingly casual conversation. I swear I caught Lare waving her hand with a faint blush towards Vexx. And he gladly winked in return as they walked forwards.
Then my eyesight darted around the outer docks of many ships, for any signs that my family would be here. Surely they're safe and sound, right? The Chronicle Order might have their people who distrust them, but they hadn't failed me ever yet.
I stopped in my tracks while people rushed past. Staring at the banner from afar, hoisted onto the top of the stone brick fortress, orange like a spark with its logo of a burning book, surrounded by the golden circle with ancient lettering saying 'Fate For All".
No. I couldn't just leave my loved ones to go mingle with the quest people. For now at least, I would stay, and wait for their arrival. I knew exactly what was best.
Before I started trailing over to one of the benches overseeing the arrivals, I felt someone brush against my fingers lightly while I shifted my gaze.
Black Knight had turned around in front of me. Approached tall, pulling his scaled arm and palm back to himself, and calmly clearing his throat like nothing happened. I fixed a hair-strand covering my face to move behind my ear.
"You know the visibly giant assembly area happens to be straight ahead, right?" He questioned genuinely. If anyone else told the question, it'd be obvious they were trying to joke. But this Drownei was sort of amusing like that. . .
"I. . ." My palm scratched the back of my neck for a bit, as I glanced at both the meeting place and the seas. ". . .just want to wait here and see them again. You know?"
Black Knight was studying my facial manner like always, then showed a gentle small and nod. "I understand completely."
I nodded, opening my mouth once more then closing it. Instead I smiled in a farewell sort of fashion, and began to walk towards the seats in the distance, suppressing the thought about what I was going to say and not forcing anything.
He didn't need to follow along and wait for my family with me. He barely even knew them, and they barely even knew him. I mean, if only they knew what a Drownei could really be like, but still.
My eyes glanced behind while I walked, feeling the same presence amongst the crowds.
And sure enough, Black Knight was following me without saying a word. Everyone else with us appeared to have left for their own reasons. Mostly to accompany Headmaster Chronisius. Here I thought the knight would do that too, like always.
We sat in comforting silence on the low wooden bench. It barely fit two people, but I didn't care. It made us move closer a little in the moment. While we faced the seas of docking ships, armies, and civilians. Horse-driven carriers were carrying the passengers along another dirt trail, split off to lead beyond the fortress, where they can be safe.
Then after about thirty seconds or so, someone called out with a voice approaching from above.
"Black Knight."
A tall, pale lady with wide-feathered wings landed on the concrete walkway in front of him. The figure then performed a tiny head bow for me. "Miss Aziel Korr."
She had golden orange robes, the colors of the Chronicle Order, and wore a shoulder satchel.
The Drownei promptly raised an eyebrow at the obvious messenger.
"Allow me to guess." He remained sitting to my side, leaning forwards while looking up at her. "Headmaster Chronisius calls for me?"
"Indeed. After all," She explained. "The revolution leaders are quite intrigued to meet a Dark Lord's son, turned quester."
"Understandable, then."
He sighed and stood up taller than her. Like a captor to a prisoner, the Flivian locked a stare directly at him to surveil every little movement. Carrying the most unfazed expression.
"Now follow me, please." The messenger turned around and began walking, to the direction of the assembly fortress.
Black Knight followed almost at once. Then looked at me with that sharp gaze to say what's on his mind.
"I'll tell the headmaster you need more time. I hope that you find them safe and sound, Hazel."
His stare turned a bit calmer when that nickname was said. The edge of his mouth even curled upwards slightly.
I, meanwhile, didn't even notice my own grin, until it was a bit too big to ignore.
"I'll see you then, Kon'." I replied as they went away to leave me on my own.
I sat, and sat for a while, while I found myself staring at other people around, waiting like myself and meeting with their loved ones as they arrived from another ship. Nearby, a lowly and grimed civilian man hugged his two small kids. And close to that, a woman soldier ran to her wounded but intact partner, as they both kissed.
Eventually I stood on two frozen feet. There was a possibility that they'd already arrived, and I've just not seen them somehow. But I had closely inspected each and every vessel that had come to the docks.
I began fiddling with the thick auburn braids decorated around and from my head. Patting off the casual dress worn under my leather chestplate.
Here is that feeling again. I thought while glancing at the surroundings. They're okay. You joined all this danger for them. Think positive.
Yet I looked to be the only one still waiting for my people.
Or so I thought, until I saw Thorne and Jade about a few benches away from mine, as the crowds dispersed.
The Dwellven prince teenager had a hand rested on his flaming axe, as its head was pushed onto the ground, while he peered to analyze the arrivals. He stood casually with his bronze crownlet above his pointy ears. Tattered cape on the back of his worn armour.
Jade was sitting on the seat behind him. With her cone hat creased backwards, and short hair with a braid hanging off it as if to copy a certain idol, along with the purple dress, the smaller wizard-in-training looked the same as ever.
However, Jade's demeanor was the complete opposite of her usual energetic self. Slouched forwards. A blank stare into the solid sand. Fidgeting with her expensive-appearing shining scepter.
Part of me knew that a quester as young as hers shouldn't usually be so. . . depressed for whatever reason. After all, I've lived through that phase myself. Why would she be-?
Then I realized. Both siblings were waiting for their people too. Their parents, who were the leaders of most Drownei civilizations under the Chronicle Order. By the names Seifer and Ruby.
My legs moved by themselves as I walked towards the two. Their voices became clearer, as the brother and sister were actually talking instead of bickering.
". . .don't. . . say that Jade." I heard Thorne. "Father especially is very experienced in combat and quests. He wouldn't let anything happen. They are completely fine-"
"I know he's good, but all of this war looks like it's getting bad. . ." The young mage had a dangerously low voice now.
"Good or bad," Thorne stated while steadying his cracking voice, lowering himself to let her lock eye contact with the older sibling. "I won't allow anything to happen against us."
Once I was right beside them, enough to notice, they both stopped to turn their heads and look towards me.
"I suppose I have some company to wait with, after all." I said when noticed.
Jade smiled briefly when seeing her heroine, then stared back to the sand. Thorne raised an eyebrow in confusion. Until he lowered it in realization.
"Right. Your family too, Lady Korr."
I tilted my head slightly with a nod. "Right as well, Thorne. And feel free to call me Miss Aziel."
"Apologies, ma'am."
He then returned his focused towards a new arrival of ships. After narrowing his eyes, his mouth opened the littlest in his biggest show of shock yet.
"Hey, I think I have spotted them over in the corner there! I'll bring them to this area!"
"You said that and did that ten times already!" Jade exclaimed to the boy as he ran off the fastest he's ever moved.
It made me chuckle in my breath. And soon I heard the wizard girl do the same, as her smile was shown off, then slowly faded once more into nothingness. Maybe she was still her old self under all of the emotion. Not that she had to be, of course, but something was constantly on her mind it seemed.
I went over and sat next to her, on the empty space of the bench.
"You okay, Jade?" I questioned in a gentle attempt.
"How do you do it, Miss Aziel?"
I felt my eyelids honestly widen at Jade's mention. Did she just. . . call me in the completely appropriate way for once?
Something definitely changed, so I responded to her question.
"Waiting, you mean?" I asked while she continued staring down. "Long story. Patience takes a lot of years to develop."
"No. Not that. . ." The mage removed the hat from her head, placing it on her lap. ". . .I mean questing. Is it like this all the time? Worrying about people?"
Instead of looking straight at her, I gazed at the ground in a similiar fashion, then to the seas again. I thought about giving the girl an overly positive answer. But I knew she didn't need that right now.
"Everyone worries. Not just questers. But I can't say it was ever this bad. What we joined is an entire war, after all."
I spoke truthfully without a filter this time, redirecting my stare to look at the kid.
"You know, you were outright bold to join in the first place. You and your brother were a bit too brave for that."
My inner thoughts winced as I finished those sentences.
Oh, come on, Aziel. They repeated. You know what it's like to be her age. Tone down at least a little!
For some reason, as I glanced back at her, she lit up with wider eyes instead of tears.
"You think. . .I'm brave?"
"No, Jade." As her expression stayed the same, I reassured. "I know you are. You overcame everything in the mission with barely any fear, from what I've seen. I remember my first quest. . ."
A laugh came from under my breathing once more.
". . .I couldn't even slay a baby dragon. The last of its type, too."
"Oh." She finally looked up to make eye contact, surprised. "I've. . . never heard of that quest before."
"Exactly, there's a reason for that."
We both laughed softly for a moment or two.
When it died down with time, Jade still glanced to the sands beneath our feet.
"But you were- are -so good at everything else, right Miss Aziel?" Even if her tone was more light, it wavered at some points. "I mean, I can't even cast a proper spell by myself most of the time. What a wizard I am, hah. . ."
"Wizardry takes time, as well."
"Wizards are supposed to be wise. I was supposed to be wise. . . I promised everyone I would be the best at being that, and at everything else."
Then her eyes began to become glossy, as she continued on.
"And I can't even protect our family."
Protect.
No wonder I saw myself in the child. It sounded weird, but I couldn't let her immense spirit break. She had a lot of it, I could tell, and unlike my past self, the trainee had someone to talk to.
"Hey."
I put an palm on her shoulder. She didn't look back at first.
"You put too much pressure on yourself. Only the legends and ancient chronicles set those 'rules', believe me."
Her face steadily looked up to mine with a curious beam. Allowing me to speak, instead of talking over. She was listening.
"And don't believe everything you think about yourself is true."
Then I pointed to her heart with my finger. Letting another thought sink in. "Factually, Dwellvens are strong. You're strong. The next great wizard heroine, Jade Aberra, just needs to see it-"
My speech was interrupted at last when Jade put her arms around my torso, pulling me in a tight embrace. I returned the favor by putting my hands on the wizard's back.
". . .thank you." She said quietly, the twelve year old sounding like she's holding in floods of tears. "Not just because you're my favorite. . . but because you're like, really, really nice."
I let out another softened chuckle. "I really hope so."
She let go of the hug as I did, as the soon-to-be-wizard put her pointy hat back on, above her sharp ears.
"Man, Thorne's really taking a long time. . ." Like her brother before, she peered far into the docks with narrow eyelids.
Until they gaped open with her mouth with delight. ". . .wait, is that-?"
Suddenly, Jade jumped off the bench and ran off towards figures in the distance, with the newest of the passenger ships next to them. One of the individuals shaped like her sibling. And the other two, short and tall with elegant red robes, shaped exactly like how I remembered their parents.
I couldn't see the details as they were too far, but there was for sure a lot of hugging and catching up.
My light grin at the sight wavered too, as I stood up from the bench, to walk to the assembly fortress where many were probably waiting for me. I watched the horse carriers next to the walkway I was standing on, carrying safe passengers from the ships, to somewhere safer, on the path seperate to where the meeting place was.
Listen to your own advice, Korr. Be strong.
But really, it's easier said than done. I hope the Dwellven girl masters it with her magic someday.
So I turned around, facing opposite from the pier this time, contemplating to look for my family somewhere else and suppressing any negative thoughts.
"Well, well, well,"
My heart skipped a beat as I heard an all-too-familiar voice of a tavern owner.
"Forgetting some of your own, aren't you, Az?"
Then my eyes widened as I spun my sights back, to see Ander, with the same tavern apron worn from our inn. His messy hair the same color as mine. We both approached each other, arms stretched out for a mutual sibling's tight squeeze.
Before anything else could happen, my little daughter Yuna rushed forwards to jump into my embrace.
"Momma!" The lightly freckled girl's smile radiated warmth, like how Calev's would have, as I carried her up and she wrapped each arm firmly around me. I kissed her lightly on the forehead.
"I wish I wasn't heavy now. . ." My five-year-old said as she gently let herself down.". . .you'd carry me forever!"
"I would try even if you are, Yuna." I said honestly while holding in little tears. Looking at both of my family members equally, not believing what I saw for a long second.
"I- I missed you two. . ."
Still, within the seconds of Ander approaching, I couldn't help but notice how they looked from when I last saw them.
Their pale skin had grime and soot painting it, along with their clothes. Jade wore another bright dress, yellow and bright, despite the dark bags under her and Ander's eyes.
Did they even sleep? What happened that would potentially cause them not to do so? Are they completely okay? Do they have any wounds to attend to or-
The arms of my elder brother wrapped around me, washing away all my worries instantly. At least or now.
Then, to soften the moment, he pushed my shoulders away to give me a lightweight punch.
"Been a while, huh?" He smiled as our faces met. I noticed a long scar from the bottom of his cheek to under his eye. "C'mon. You must be more excited than what your anxious little face shows."
"She stopped the smile when seeing you, Uncle An'." Yuna grinned wide with her scratchy voice.
"Wow." Ander widened his eyelids to exaggerate, looking at me while pointing a thumb to my cheeky daughter. "She's getting good. Taught her well."
Another laugh rose from my chest as I punched him back.
"Oh, come on, guys. Did you expect me not to look forward to this?"
I couldn't help but noticed their messy looks, from their slightly unkept hair, to tiny teared holes in their sandals.
"It's just. . . what happened at the Human territories? Are you both alright?"
Yuna immediately looked up at Ander, as her expression changed from smiley to steadily more serious. They didn't look at me in that moment. Both exchanged a few glances while her uncle shook his head, gesturing it to my girl, while she returned with a downward gaze.
Until she tried to open her mouth, of course. But my brother unintentionally spoke first.
"Kyronia and the Unity attacked the Chronicle Order base we were in. Everybody had to flee and redirect to here, where we can regroup, gather resources and be safe." Ander's tone turned hardened and straight. "We've been told that war's been happening on all fronts. But so far. . ."
He simply couldn't carry eye-contact with me. Something was off again.
". . .we've been doing okay enough."
"Stop lying, uncle."
Yuna said harshly, lifting up the only side of her dress and the undergarment. And my heartbeat nearly dropped.
Beneath it was a deep scar, stitched from below her armpit to the bottom of her torso. Her head refused to peek at the closed wound. But my sights couldn't turn away.
I kneeled forwards at once to survey it, feeling my own blood pulse faster.
"W-what happened??"
"Just a little accident, Momma."
"Just a little?!" My voice raised in a hopeless desperation. "Yuna-"
"A Drownei attacked us, Az'."
Ander stared into my gaze, tracing his finger along the scar through his cheek. It had smaller stitches for faster healing, bounded by miniscule branches of wood, like Yuna's. Gemstone magic was clearly used. Which meant they were done by. . .
"In fact, lots of them tried to finish us off." He continued explaining. "But the Chronicle Order patched us back up. They said everything should heal in a few months."
Then he briefly scratched the back of his scruffy brown hair.
"Sorry I tried to hide anything."
"It's okay, I warned you. There, there." Yuna casually pulled her skirt back down to normal. Patting Ander on the back in a tease comforting way, as he jokingly rolled his eyes.
I stood up, pretty relieved to see that she, along with my brother, weren't in pain, and that the medical care from the order was most likely effective.
"I'm just happy Momma gets to come with us again."
My mental and physical self froze as she said that so confidently.
I understood what my girl meant. Anything to be with them more. Which is why I still couldn't sit back and join the civilians, while the entire world continues enacting destruction without me having a say in it.
I stood as a major role in this quest. Especially now, I had the same chance to defend.
Darn it. It sounded egotistical at the moment, but I needed to say something.
"I can't."
My words processed through Yuna's and Ander's heads, as they both stood silent. My daughter's grin began to transform into a blank state quietly. And my brother pursed his dry lips, as if to say he was trying to hold in so much.
"Let me guess."
Ander stated with a neutral tone this time. But that slowly turned into a more questioning one.
"To protect us again?"
His fingers pressed against his forehead for a moment, then he pulled them down.
"Does joining the war really change anything? It's all just causing harm."
"I still have that chance to make a difference, An'." I defended, not budging from how I thought."I'm one of the main questers entrusted to lead. Trust me and the Chronicle Order. It's the best way for us to have peace."
"But. . . some people were escaping the order." Yuna added, looking up at me with confusion.
Her words caught my attention instantly.
Escaping. . .?
As if she read my thoughts, my daughter innocently studied the shocked expression on my face and elaborated.
"A lot of groups running away wanted me and uncle to join them. They said being with those Chronicle Order puts us in more danger."
"That's. . ." I started, but didn't know what to say. I looked at Ander for confirmation, to which he worryingly nodded.
"She's right. We didn't believe them at first, but think about it for a second." He said in a near whisper. To not be heard, I assumed. "Being part of a side as big as the order's, and getting caught in the crossfire? No wonder the escapees saved themselves."
Suddenly, I noticed Yuna's eyes lit up like a spark, like whenever she thinks of doing something crazy but exciting.
"What if we do the same, Momma??" She was now pulling on my casual dress' sleeve, below my leather armor of battle, desperate for another outcome. "You hide your face, and- and we can get a boat out of here, and-"
"Miss Aziel Korr."
We all looked up to see the same Flivian lady from earlier, from when she picked up Black Knight. The pale and tall orange-robed messenger, satchel wrapped around her shoulder, landing right next to our conversation. Giving another head bow to me before stating.
"Headmaster Chronisius the 7th calls you to meet the world leaders, as well, and join a welcoming ceremony for the questers."
"Oh, I. . ." I blinked, trying to keep respectful of her speaking in front of me, but looking back at my family to gauge their reactions. ". . .I see, yes."
She then adjusted herself to face Ander, and then Yuna. Smiling very slightly to pay respects to the survivors. It was common practice, but at least hers seemed genuine.
"And I reckon you lot are her family members?"
"I'm her daughter, and that's her brother, miss." My girl stepped forward to match her formalities. Either remaining suspicious or just doing this kind of talk for fun. Ander and I gave my daughter a warning look, a fraction of a glare.
"Well," The messenger continued with the same formal demeanor."I would advise survivors to enter one of those remaining carriers near the docks."
We focused on the line of horse-drawn vehicles behind her, as she gestured a thin hand to point at one of them.
"There is a driver prepared in each one, to lead you to a guarded temporary camp, while your rescue divisions stock up on supplies and rest up. Then you will all leave in about two to three hours."
"Wait a minute." Ander scrunched his eyebrows in a skeptical manner. "We're leaving again?"
"Indeed. All survivors within the order are heading to an island far away from the battles, in an undisclosed location for now. We will reveal where once our attack on the capital succeeds."
She noticed our hesitation afterwards, reassuring in a calm manner.
"Out of anywhere else in the world of Midkyron, in this moment, it remains the safest."
The safest.
I gazed at Yuna, then at Ander, while they looked back. We all thought the same thing. I just wanted to continue seeing their faces, and theirs mine.
"Do you trust me?" I asked them.
My little girl huddled close to hug my arm again. My brother let out a sigh, but not one out of defensiveness, but of contemplation. He stepped closer to me and Yuna.
"Rumors could be just rumors. Let's give this a try, if you insist."
Ander placed a palm on my shoulder, with a side of his mouth curved upwards.
"I mean, you haven't steered the family wrong so far. Calev would be proud."
"I believe that too, Momma." Yuna nodded brightly, with her light blue eyes matching my husband's, and her tiny scattered freckles matching mine.
I instinctually grabbed both of their hands, clutching them tight, while saying to the Flivian lady.
"If you don't mind, I shall walk my folks to their vehicle and return here, miss."
She was smiling a little more watching us now, as the stoic messenger agreed.
And so we took our sweet time towards the carrier.
Walking side by side like always, while even at that moment, I could tell by myself that my decision was worth it. Nobody else was able to tell me otherwise.
Above all, I'd always promised to fight for those I loved, which was worth a lot of blood.