The Forgotten Zodiac

Werr nodded, remembering their trial with Resu. Welk had literally pushed himself to the point where he was a lot like Relic of today; persistent, undying, stubbornly desperate. He sighed and pushed himself upright. "We have to leave. We can't wait to get to Amnairus anymore. Malice could strike at any time..." He quickly changed the subject, sighing a bit.

Welk nodded a bit, sliding down Werr's face and curling against the boy's neck. He took regular form again, unable to hold the other for long, and pushed his face against Werr's neck, holding on tight. "Don't let me go," he murmured, sniffling a bit. "And I'll never let you go." He could feel Werr's heartbeat through his throat. The Spectral closed his eyes, feeling the rythymic pulse of the life-giving organ through the boy's skin. He sighed, giving a tiny purr.

Werr smiled and patted Welk on the back, then stood and moved out of the room.

The others were ready. They had been for awhile. Boko, ever impatient, had tried to wake Werr up twice; both plots foiled by Cynyr, of course. It was almost evening at this point, definitely getting into the later afternoon hours. Diana and Boko were chasing each other around Zephyr, who was loaded up and ready to go. Sylas had decided that he would return to Amnairus with them. He was eager to see Galai again, of course. Nate was ready to return to Tasia.

Cynyr looked up, his head tilted back at a regal angel as they approached. "There you are," he said, flicking his long tail. "We're ready to move out."

Seria was standing next to him in cat form. She tilted her head forward and smiled at Werr, the long fluffs of the fur on her ears fluttering as she flicker her ears. "Hello," she purred, flicking her long tail. She seemed to have been so happy ever since finding out about her pregnancy. She purred and nuzzled against Cynyr, who rubbed the side of his face against her muzzle.

Welk smiled and gave a small wave, blinking sleepily.

"Good," Werr nodded, smiling at Seria. They were all quick to get onto Zephyr's back (and Boko in Vaira's pouch), and ready to move out. "Wait," Werr said before Zephyr could take off. "Is everyone here?" He asked, looking around. Ophile was there, Seria, Forin and his group... "Naybrin?"

"Here," the dragon peeped, poking his head out of one of Luen's pockets. "I needed a nap, but I regret taking it here. Luen, you are absolutely freeing cold."

The kirin flicked his ears back in embarressment, saying "I-I'm sorry, that's just how I am. Ice mage and all that. Naturally cold..."

"But not coldhearted, I'm glad to say," the dragon said, heaving his form up out of the white pocket and fluttering through the air to Werr, wiggling down into his pocket before realizing that Welk was already there. His voice floated out. "Pardon me. Would you mind sharing?"

"No sir," Welk answered, shifting around to make room.

"I don't mind being cuddled, I should add," Naybrin said, and Werr knew he was smiling.

Welk chanced his oppertunity and both Spectral and dragon curled up together, with Naybrin laying across Welk's lap and the Spectral's arms around the dragon's neck, with the First King resting his head on Welk's shoulder.

Werr chortled at this, peeking into his pocket to see how they were fitting together. He had to grab ahold of Zephyr's spike before they took off, though. Powering into the air as usual, the huge dragon rose up towards the clouds and set off. The Eternal Garden awaited them with open arms, same as usual; but this time, their new friend would have to face her challenge before she could be admitted.

Zephyr flew onwards, his wing-beats matching Vaira's as his mate stayed close to his side. When they landed, Vaira had to go first and let Boko out, taking a size equal to his and ducking into the cave with him so Zephyr could land next. As everyone dismounted, Luna leaned in close to Forin's ear and said "From this point on, until we face our leaders, we can't be together again. It's too dangerous." She spoke with sadness in her voice; she wanted to be near him. They had grown close, and each had come to depend on the other's strengths. Luna was always by his side, showering him with caresses and love. Forin was her strength, always reminding her to be strong. She took a step back, then, helping people off of Zephyr's back.

Forin nodded solemnly. Diana was quick to give him a hug after she got off of Zephyr's back. In fact, she wouldn't let go. Eventually, Forin pulled her onto his back so that they could continue moving. "What happened?" He asked quietly. Diana just shook her head and hugged him tighter. She had fallen asleep on the trip here, and had gone through a nightmare. Luen had tried to wake her up, but Forin wouldn't have been able to reach her either way. She was trembling slightly now. No matter, though; Forin would carry her for as long as she wanted to be carried. No matter how long that might be.

They entered the Eternal Garden, where Lexi gasped and stared around at the brillant sights. Beautiful flowers, tall trees, and friendly animals abounded, and once they reached the ground level, a few deer crouded around to sniff at them. Rabbits bounded around, unfazed by the people in their midst, and a bird even flew so low that it nipped a piece of Luen's white hair from his head. He ducked at once and looked up in concern, watching the bird as she tucked the strand into her nest.

Werr smiled at this, moving forward. But just at the edge of the forest was a sight that made him stop short. Zela, Oridanante and Resu were seated neatly near the river. Well...Zela and Resu were seated there. Oridanante looked...dead. And he was. His body lay between Zela and Resu, who were murmuring things as a smoky substance wafted from Oridanante's corpse and poured into Zela. Resu opened her eyes and stood, walking towards the group.

"You lot are causing more trouble than you're worth." She growled at them. "Zela now sits, taking on Oridanante's responsibilities. He has fallen by the grace of the Goddess. Zela now must restrain the evils of the Titans, as well as keep the rest of the world in check. And while you lot celebrate a simple marriage, the magical imbalance worsens. My magic grows weak because of your doings. You would do well to note that your mages will start feeling weaker soon, as well."

Cynyr flicked his ears back, murmuring "I...already have. I didn't want to say anything, but...it's already started happening to me." He looked to the side, feeling Seria stroke his back gently. Luen also seemed to fidget and looked away, his ears turned down against his head. He heard a branch creak slightly and turned to look, only to freeze and stared at what was sitting on the said branch.

Death was crouched there, watching them through his melancholy red eyes, his long skeletal wings bared. His entire outfit had changed since the last time they had seen him; he looked fit for battle now, in dark lightweight armor that left his skeletal arms bared. His hood was sleek and pulled back, showing off much more of his white, skinless, fleshless face.

"Greetings, kirin," he said, his rattling voice sending fear shooting through Luen's body. The kirin stumbled and grabbed onto Forin's arm, barely keeping himself upright.

Forin held onto Luen tightly, frowning up at Death. "I hope you're not here for any of us."

"Don't be fools. He came to collect Oridanante's soul." Resu frowned at them.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Werr said quietly, shaking his head. "He...won't be back, then?"

"No. Pheonix he may have been, but his soul is forfeit. A soulless body cannot be reborn." Resu snapped at him, then turned her sharp, mismatching eyes to Lexi. "You...require a test. Fine. Give us a moment to complete the ceremony." She turned away again, gathering up misty vapors that had slid away from Zela and pushing them back towards the overburdened Guardian.

Death gave a slow nod, saying "The loss of a Guardian is a terrible one indeed." He fluttered from his branch and shuffled over to Oridanante's corpse, moving his thin hand out to touch the pheonix's chest. He then held his hand up in the air, where a glowing soul formed. He tucked it down into his soul bag, saying "As much as it is mine wish not to, I must harvest all thy souls I come across. Malice is not an easy master to disagree with. His will is forced to be made mine. I have no say. Luckily, there is yet time to save these souls from his maw. He has not called upon them yet." He turned and flew back to his branch, which they saw had since died from his touch.

"See to it that Oridanante is taken under the wing of the Goddess. If she wills it, we may see him again someday." Resu said sullenly, clearly unhappy with pretty much everything at the moment. She busied herself making sure that every bit of vapor was sent into Zela, allowing none of it to escape. When all was said and done, Zela opened her eyes, looking wearier than ever. Resu leaned her against a tree.

"She is unable to move. The imbalance of the magic within the world is making her sick...be well, sister," Resu murmured into Zela's ear before standing. "You, Lexi. Step forward." She ordered, frowning still.

((You have any ideas for the trial? oxo))

((Not really. xD Hmm...perhaps fighting something. She hates killing, after all. It would make her feel really sick afterwards and Werr could comfort her later and they would be cute~))

Lexi stepped forward, swallowing in fear. She shivered, rubbing her arms and slowly letting her bag fall to the ground next to her, her long slightly-curly hair bouncing around her shoulders. She glanced back at Werr, her eyes portraying her fear, then turned her gaze back to Resu, her lips trembling.

((xD I was thinking of something a little less violent, but perhaps...

This can be changed. Just so yah know. o3o))

Resu cleared her throat. "Let it be known that a scapegoat can take your place if they so choose. The rules are simple. You cannot leave until your trial is done, and any failure on your part forfeits your life. You have the choice now to turn back, but I can see that you intend to do no such thing. After all, nothing else remains behind, you have nothing but to press forward. Just like the rest of us. Do you accept the terms of the trial and will you preform to your highest ability regardless of the risk of death?" She didn't even let Lexi respond, clearly impatient and distressed, perhaps. "Good. Your trial is to kill your father."

"Wha--" Werr's mouth dropped open. "It's...it's a copy, right?"

"Werr Krow, you of all people should understand that in order to move on from the past, it must be eliminated. He would have been executed today either way. Proceed, Lexanna." Resu snapped her fingers, and Lexi's father appeared behind the Guardian, weighed down with chains and a blindfold. "Choose a weapon, and it will be given to you."

((.D.))

Lexi froze at once, staring in horror at her father. She was torn between running forward and throwing her arms around him or screaming and running backwards in fear. He had once been a source of joy for her; now, he had been a source of needless abuse and sorrow. "No..." she whimpered. "K-kill him? I...I can't! N-not my father..."

"What? Lexi? Is that you I hear?" His voice was quick to rise into a rage. "You drated excuse for a daughter! Shoulda killed you myself, I shoulda! I knew you would be trouble! Always trouble, always a pain. Not worth nothing to nobody, much less me. Kill me, go on! I ain't got nothing left here; not you, not anyone! Kill me!" He withered in his chains, laughing crazily. It was obvious that he was insane.

Lexi was sobbing into her hands, but she slowly made herself straighten and start towards her father. I know what I have to do, she thought. Out loud, she said "I need no weapon." Inside, she continued to speak to herself, even as tears flowed down her face and her heart thudded painfully with each beat. He's not my father. Not anymore. I can see my future ahead of me, clear as day, but that doesn't mean it's not painful to reach. I...I almost can't bear it... She paused for a moment, crying hard into her hands, then continued towards her father, her gait shuffling. I have to. She's right, after all. In order to move on from the past, it must be eliminated. Unless I truly break free, I'll always be in his grasp. Besides...as his daughter, I can't let him suffer like this anymore. This was brought on by my mother's death. I can't keep him here any longer, while he suffers so. I'll let him go to mother. To my brother. She moved close to her father, who had fallen backwards on the ground, breathing hard. Tears flowed down her face as she gently stroked his hair back. "I love you, father," she murmured, her voice catching sharply as she sobbed. "I c-can't keep you h-here when you d-don't want to b-be here. Your love d-died with my m-mother; it w-waits with her..." She slowly moved her hand up to his forehead, pausing to wail into her other hand for a moment before lifting her head. "I love you..." she whispered again, bending down to kiss his cheek gently before murmuring her next word.

"Kazeima."

A word no healer enjoyed using. One of the few words that gave death instead of life.

The man under her hand stopped struggling, and a moment later, they heard a faint, heavy sigh escape him.

He grew still and Lexi turned away sharply, digging her nails into her head and screaming out a wail that dripped with heartache.

The wail struck sorrow in Werr's own heart. He hurried forward, pulling Lexi away as Death swept down on the fallen man.

"It is done. Lexi has access to Amnairus." Resu turned away, looking harshly at Cynyr. "You, however, do not. While you hold the Artifact, you may not set foot through that gate. Everything will collapse if the Artifact leaves this world. Everything. This world will destroy itself from the inside out, and the only one left alive to see what it would be come will be Obelisk. And even then, he'll be just an eternally-bound soul wandering around, looking hopelessly for a shell." She frowned. "You may leave it with us. I'm placing lockdown spells on this area until Zela regains some of her energy. No one will get through the front cave without being instantly slain. Therefore, you can worry not about giving the Artifact over, but I'll understand if you want to stay here and protect it yourself."

Cynyr stared at her, his expression torn between a glare and a relieved look, then finally pulled the gauntlet from his bag and tossed it to her, saying casually "Don't lose it." He turned away next, taking panther form and nudging Werr towards his armored back. "Get on, both of you," he said, flicking his tail.