The Forgotten Zodiac

Cynyr snarled at once, curling his lips back to show his sharp white teeth. "Let him go, Obelisk," he spat, taking human form and shoving his way between the boy and the dark lord. "Don't make me regret pulling you up out of that crater and not shoving you back in." His tail flicked agitatedly as he felt magic start to race through his veins. "If you are nothing but a burden to us, then why should we bring you? You wouldn't bring one of your minions if all they did was laugh and snicker and watch as you fought enemies alone. I assure you that the minion would've been next to go if that happened. You wouldn't tolerate it and neither will we. I couldn't care less if you come or not, but if you come with us, you can't do nothing. Everyone pulls their weight or they can haul their weight back home."

Obelisk glared at Cynyr, though his hand was still tight around Werr's collar. Finally, he let go. "Fine," He spat at their feet. "Leave, then." He straightened up and turned away, but froze again when Werr spoke again.

"Obelisk, let us speak to Remor."

It took several minutes before Obelisk opened his mouth again. For the longest time, he just sat there. Finally, he did speak, although he sounded like he was in pain and wanted to do nothing but get out of it. "It's been a very long time since I've heard that name..." He said quietly, his movements slow and obviously painful now.

It had occurred to Werr after reading the Book of the Old Ones; Obelisk was what Remor's powers had named themselves. They were in control most of the time. Rash, chaotic, mean. But like two separate people, there was also Remor. Probably normally cooped up in the back of his own mind, probably locked away in his own mental paradise, where no one could bug him. It had never really occurred to Werr that the damaged Obelisk sustained in his ruined body was actually painful; Obelisk didn't seem capable of feeling pain. Remor obviously was.

Cynyr took a step back, letting Remor have his space now. He tilted his head slightly to the side, watching though his single yellow eye. He sighed softly, then said "Remor, eh? A nice name. Nice to finally meet you, I suppose." He found he didn't really have a lot to say to the suffering being. It wasn't like he cared about him or he was a dear friend. He blinked when he heard a soft, familar sound.

Welk made a sad-toned sound and Werr felt the bear shake a little bit. It sounded like he was scared, but of course, too weak to truly protest his fear.

"Yeah. Sure. I've been caught in my own mind for almost two thousand years, with broken memories and illusions of those who are long-since dead. Meeting actual people is great." Remor wrung his hands, his head tilted to the side a bit. "So...why did you call me out?"

"I just wanted to know why you don't take control of your own powers. They're controlling you, I see that as clear as day, but...why do you let them?" Werr asked bluntly.

"Oh...that...well. It's stronger than I am."

"You obviously have some power over them, if you're talking to me now."

"No. They dragged me out. I didn't want to talk to you, to be honest. But while I'm out here, I might as well go talk to Galai or something. She seems nice..." Remor sighed, clearly distracted.

"Well..." Werr sighed unhappily. "You do that. Sorry for bothering you, Remor."

"No problem," Remor waved his hand as he turned and shuffled off.

Cynyr watched him go, then turned and carefully stroked Welk's bear, hoping the touch conveyed all the way through. "It's okay, Welk," he murmured, running his fingers gently over the teddy's cheek and ears. "It's okay..." He moved back and went down to all fours, taking panther form and shaking himself before letting Werr back on. The encounter with Obelisk, and in turn, Remor, had shaken him up a bit, but he managed a smooth gait for Werr as they headed off.

"Well, at least he won't follow us now," Werr said quietly, taking Welk and hugging the teddy bear tightly again. He wasn't sure what to think about Remor. He seemed...terribly sad. But Werr was still angry with Obelisk, however awful things seemed for Remor. There was nothing anyone could do for him, either. It really would just be best if he were to die. Not that he could.

Now there was little more to do than to collect their friends.

"Obelisk. What are you doing here?" Needless to say, when Remor stepped into the joined throne room, he wasn't exactly given a warm welcome by Titus.

"I am not Obelisk. For the time being, I am Remor. Nice to meet you, I believe they say these days..."

"It's not all that nice to see you, but whatever."

Galai was slumped in her throne, dozing quietly. Her narrow face was slack with exhaustion, but she slowly opened her eyes as Remor came in. Touri came over and helped the queen sit up, offering her a blanket. Galai had changed out of her normal flamboyant dress and into a simpler one. This more casual one was soft and white, embroidered with gold around its edges. It has no sleeves and was so long that it dragged the ground behind her.

The queen pulled herself upright and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, watching Remor carefully. "Greetings, Remor," she said quietly, giving a slight smile. "It's nice to see you."

"You're the only one who would say such a thing to me, Galai. Your kindness is quite impressive." Remor said, his voice quiet and much more...timid than normal. It definitely wasn't Obelisk. "There isn't much I have to say, really. I just wanted to speak with more real people while I had the chance."

"Your anger over your loss gave your dark powers the capability to control you like this. But the choice to give in to anger was yours. I know not why they receded now, but you have no audience here for your sob stories." Titus said sternly, his exhaustion obviously giving way to his irritability.

"I see. Would you kill me, then?" Remor asked suddenly.

"You know as well as I do that I cannot. No being can."

"Cici says she can. As soon as Malice is taken care of. I'll finally be dead. Mm...Galai? I would like very much to be buried in Amnairus. When I am dead. Would you give me that honor? It's probably too much to ask...nevermind," He sighed, shifting uncomfortably. "I'm sorry to bother you both. You can return to your sleep now."

Galai smiled softly, saying "But Remor. Why retreat before hearing my answer? My answer to you is yes. I promise that the day your soul moves on, your body will be buried here, among the shinning trees, soft white grasses and pastel flowers. It is I who will be honored by this, Remor. That you requested to have your final resting place here is an honor in itself. Don't feel uncomfortable for asking, please. It doesn't suit you." She carefully stood up from her throne and walked forward, her blanket wrapped around her shoulders like a golden shawl. She carefully placed her hands on either side of Remor's head, gently bending forward to give him a soft kiss on his forehead. "I sorrow for you, Sir Remor," she murmured, then pulled back and returned to her place.

Remor stood there for a long time. Finally, he said, "Thank you. Thank you, very much. In the meantime...I think it's about time I returned to my 'paradise'. I don't like being out here, it...reality...it hurts quite a bit." He muttered something in a different, much older language. His words did not escape Titus, who knew all tongues; "I hate it," Remor had muttered as he turned away. He left, shuffling along, bandages trailing behind him, limp and unmoving. As he turned around, though, the bandages picked themelves up again. They slammed the throne room doors shut, clearly signaling Obelisk's unhappy return.

"I don't like him too much..." Titus sighed, though whether he was speaking of Obelisk or Remor was unknown. "Go back to sleep, Galai. You need it."

Galai nodded slowly, though she gave a weak protest of "But there's so much that needs done...that we have to do..." She looked at her throne for a moment, then turned away and moved over to Titus instead. She slid gently onto his lap, curling up against him and sighing in relief. She was slender and tiny, like something made of fine crystal, which would break if treated roughly. She tucked her head against Titus' shoulder, wrapping her blanket around him too. She looked up at him, her eyes glistening, then murmured "I love you, Titus. I love you so much." She moved a hand up to touch his cheek gently, then moved it back down and felt the scars on the side of her face. Suddenly, tears burst into her eyes and she was filled with revulsion. "I'm...ruined now...I'm no longer pretty..." she said quietly, tears starting to drip down her cheeks.

"Galai," Titus sighed, his voice firm but gentle. "Do not speak or think of yourself in such a manner. You are always pretty, and you will always be my beautiful, perfect Galai. Do you remember when we first met? You didn't think of yourself as perfect then, either..." He ran his fingers through her hair, kissing her lightly on the damaged cheek. "I don't care how perfect you think you are. I know you're perfect. Now sleep. I will care for the land while you rest. Your people will understand..."

She slowly halted her tears, reassured by her husband's words. "Oh Titus..." she murmured, pressing close. "You're just as tired as I am..." She pressed close, wrapping her arms around his neck before closing her eyes to sleep. "Once I've slept, it's your turn," she whispered, already starting to go limp. She fell asleep, under the gentle and watchful gaze of her mate.

"Right. Is this everyone?" Werr questioned, looking around. They were standing at the gate; he and Cynyr had gathered Seria, Ophile, Luen and Diana, Nate, Zephyr, and of course, themselves. "Is everyone ready? We're going to have a heck of a time..." He had already explained what they were doing. They were moving a bit more tactically than normal; Toro had informed them of where they could find a popular pub among the Silver Tornado members. They were going to kidnap one of the ones there, and interrogate them for the Artifact locations. It was a simple enough plan.

"Wait! Hold up, there! You can't leave without me!" a female voice behind them said, then Werr was tackled from behind. Cynyr's eye went wide at first, but then his ears flattened and he narrowed his eyes in annoyance.

Luna hugged Werr tightly, rubbing her chin against the top of his head and wrapping her tail all around his legs, then let go and twisted away from him, moving to stand next to the others. "I'm coming with you!" she said, smiling widely, her turquoise eyes bright. "You obviously need more help, so here I am." She flicked her tail, flaring her white-gold wings.

"Wha--...uh...yeah." Werr blinked at her. "It's been awhile since we saw you last. How is Vidia?" He asked as they climbed up onto Zephyr's back. The girl had been doing well; despite being in Amnairus, though, she remained secluded in her room for most of the time. She was fine with it; despite all of her attempts to learn, her powers just kept running rampant. Without warning, without cause. It didn't really matter to her; so long as no one got hurt, she was okay, for the most part.

Werr had to remind Zephyr of something; "Don't forget to pick up Jag in the Eternal Garden, alright?"

Zephyr nodded, then flared his wings and started forward, heading towards the combined gate that now led straight out to the garden. Nate was seated on the dragon's back with Seria and Ophile, while Luen trotted along next to them with Diana on his back. He would mount the dragon once they made it out to where Zephyr would fly.

Out in the Eternal Garden, Jag was curled up under a tree with Lily. Both of them looked happy and healthy as they laid together in the shade. Jag was in human form with one wing under Lily, like she had a soft pillow. He was murmuring things to her and gently rubbing her round belly, where their son was developing. He kissed the side of her face, then flinched when Zephyr approached. He glanced up irritably, wondering what they possibly wanted now.

((Also, Sylas and Leo should make a surprise appearance somewhere along the lines. xD))

Werr looked down at them, letting out a sigh. "I won't force you to come, Jag, but...we could use your sharp eyes and your bow. Lily should be fine in Amnairus; Tasia is there too. If Nate trusts her to be fine, then you can trust that Lily will be well taken care of. Again, I'm not forcing you. But we need you."

"Go on, dear..." Lily said, pressing his forehead into the side of his neck. "I'll be okay. It's time for you to save the world again." She beamed at him, bursting with joy just from looking at her dear husband.

((But of course.))

He sighed shortly, then purred a soft trill in his throat. "Only you," he murmured, holding her close. He shook his head, then kissed her and said "Only you could ever make me do anything I didn't want to do." He reluctantly let go of her and took gryphon form, then gently ran the tip of his beak through her hair a few times, grooming through her soft ginger hair in a loving gesture. "I love you," he murmured, flicking his tail lightly. Then he slowly turned and moved towards the dragon, already opening his wings.

Lily slowly climbed to her feet, brushing her fingers against Jag's tail as he passed. She smiled and moved towards the gate; of course, neither of them knew of the Divine's demise or the joining of worlds, so Lily was in for a bit of a shock when she passed through the gate.

"Another danger, another adventure. I really like this group; we're a bit of an odd set, but the things we do are much more exciting than staring at a castle all day." Ophile wagged his tail, which looked strange considering his new, larger form. "I suppose I can't pose as a pet anymore, though. Well, I guess I could, but...a very scary pet."

"I wouldn't want you as a pet," Diana giggled softly, much to the surprise of Ophile. He kept going thanks to that.

"Why, dear miss Diana, I would be the best pet ever! I can already talk, I'm not picky about what I eat, and I still enjoy a good petting every now and then. You can pet me all day long! It's just that other people aren't used to seeing wolf beasts with small young children like yourself. That's all."

"I don't care. You're my new pet, okay?" Diana kept one arm with Luen, but leaned forward and scratched Ophile behind the ears. She found him to be funny, and he was a Tartaran. Her young mind may or may not have been attempting to replace Forin in order to fish itself out of depression.

At least she wasn't trying to kill herself.