Okay, Origin take 2!

Valkyrie_Esker · April 27, 2003, 9:52am

Since My origin story was deleted, I guess I should try again. This isn’t the posting of story yet, this is just to let people know I’ll be starting up where I left off. I’ll post more tomorrow.

Frameskip · April 27, 2003, 9:56am

Damn, makes me wish I read it more often. I had’t read it in a month or so.

Valkyrie_Esker · April 27, 2003, 10:05am

Originally posted by Frameskip
Damn, makes me wish I read it more often. I had’t read it in a month or so.

Well, if the FanFic section is salvagable, then you should be able to reead it in it’s entirety. That’s hoping it’s there, mind you.

Weiila · April 27, 2003, 12:19pm

I was proud. I was only twelve, yet Odin had chosen me to become his next warrior. He had taken note of my power, and my parents were thrilled. But my siblings, they weren’t as happy for me. Myst especially. He had always insisted that he was the better, but my parents would never let us see who was, for fear of dissension. But my ascension was the final straw for him.

I bid farewell to my parents, my mother intears. I tried to comfort her, but she realized the truth: That once I became the full Valkyrie, I would become immortal, and will live on beyond even my grandnephews and nieces. Rythe, though she still resented me, hugged me, and wished me the best of luck. But Myst… He always despised me, and wouldn’t even say goodbye.

I left, waiting for some sign as to what to do next. It appeared in the form of a woman. Not much older than me, probably twenty, and absolutely stunning. It wasn’t her face thatwas the source, nor her beautiful clothes, but her strength. She was a true warrior, if ever I saw one. Every inch of her body was pure muscle. I was in awe.

“Greetings, young warrior.” she hailed to me. “I am Lenneth, trainer of the Valkyries. Odin has asked me to take special care with your training. So, let’s get started.”

Myst watched as his sister walked off, armed with only a training spear and her wits. He felt no sadness or remorse, only pure hatred. ‘Why was she chosen,’ he wondered to himself. 'I am the true warrior, so why wasn’t I chosen by the gods!?"

He brooded for weeks, making his already worried parents even more concerned. But they never thought he was brooding out of hate, but worry for his sister.

“Do not worry, Myst,” they said to him one day. “Robyn is surely doing great in her training.”

Myst slammed his hand down on the table. “I don’t care about her! Why was she chosen, and not me!” He left for bed then, but actually used that time to prepare to finally leave to find his destiny.

He left that night, without saying a word to his parents. He wandered for days, looking for some sign of what he should do. It came to him, in the form of a bandit.

"Your money, ‘good sir’ “, he said with dripping sarcasm and a knife in his hand.

“Actually,” Myst said, " I think not”. With speed unknown to even the gods, he delivered a punch to his stomach that left a gaping hole in his body. They both stared at his fist.

“H-how could I do that? I was never that strong!”

“Then it is true.” The bandit wasn’t dead yet, he was even starting to recover rapidly. “You are to be the next Warrior of the Wyrm.”

“The- The Wyrm?” Myst asked.

“The Wyrm is the spirit of destruction. It was once the spirit of balance between the Wyld and the Weaver, but went mad. Now, it is bent on destroying all creation. Now, come with me.”

It wasn’t a question, but an order. He couldn’t refuse, and followed the bandit. Eventually, they came upon a grotesque statue, so disgusting, that no one sane could have carved it. (And that was actually the case.)

“Oh, Lord Steele,” the bandit cried to the statue, “I have brought the Warrior that you have spoken of.”

The statue came alive, and standing there was a human. How old was he, no one could say, but he was so filled with obvious hate and rage that people knew better than to cross him.

“So. You are Myst.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement. "I see you will definitely be a great warrior.

“I am Lord Steele, Warrior of hate. You could do well, if you swear loyalty to me. Do you?”

Myst had to think. If he was to swear loyalty to him, who knows what he’d have him do? But he had to ask something first.

“Would I be strong enought to defeat my sister?”

At this, Lord Steele laughed. “You worry about if you can defeat your SISTER!? With the power that the Wyrm can grant you, no one could defeat you.”

At that point, His fate was decided.

“My liege,” he saidas he kneeled.

“Okay,” Lenneth said, “first, let’s work with basic weapons. How are you with a sword?”

“I- I could never handle them that well,” I stammered. Now that I was officially a trainee of the Valkyries, I was really nervous. What if I messed up, and offended someone? “They just seem a bit too uneven in my hands.”

“Hmm. How about the axe?”

“Too heavy.”

“The Bow?”

“Well, I can handle a bow fairly well, but it isn’t my best weapon.”

“So, I am guessing that you are a spearsman.”

“Yep!” I cried. Then I saw her odd look at me, then I blushed. “Erm, I mean that… Yes, my best weapon is the spear. I always preferred having a wide space between me and my enemy.”

“I see. Well, you are not to touch a spear for the next few months.”

“WHAT!? But… but the spear’s the only weapon that could save my life!”

“Exactly. What if you were in a situation where you had to use a sword, or your bare hands?” I said nothing. Lenneth continued. “For the next two months, we are going to work with swords. Now, follow me. We must decide which sword you should train with.” She walked off towards the Armory, and I followed sullenly. No polearms for a few months? But the only time I ever feel complete is with the long, slender weapon in my hands.

I knew that these next few months would be my longest ever.

*****

“Mother?” Rythe asked. “Why are you so sad?”

“Oh, my dear Rytheling,” she said, calling Rythe her pet name, “I am sad because your sister is now immortal, and can never see us again, and Your brother is gone, possibly dead.”

“He isn’t dead, dear mother. But soon, he’ll wish he was.”

Her mother looked up sharply. “What did you say?”

“I said that I’m sure he isn’t dead.”

No, after that. You said something about him wishing he was dead."

“I didn’t say anything after that, dear mother. Are you alright?”

I- I don’t know. I guess the strain is too much for me. I must rest."

Rythe watched her mother walk off to sleep. She was worried about her. What did she mean, he would wish he was?

later that night…

“Myst! No!”

“Too late, dear sister. The Reign of Lord Myst starts now!”

Robyn charged Myst, and drove the broken shaft of Gungnir into his Heart.

Myst stared down at the wound. And laughed. “Oh, bravo, dear sister. I didn’t know you had it in you. But I’m not out yet! MORPH!”

Rythe awoke with a start, panting heavily. ‘What’s happening to me?’ she wondered to herself. ‘These dreams… they are not normal!’

She sat there crying for a long time, until footsteps are heard outside her door, followed by a knock.

Mom entered the room. “Rythe? Are you okay?”

Rythe sighed. “I’m okay. I just had a bad dream.”

“Oh, okay. good night, honey.” She started to leave.

“Wait, mom.” She turned around. “Mom, do you know anything about… visions?”

“Visions? Well, your grandmother used to be a prophetess, why do you-” She stopped at that moment, and realization dawned on her. “No, not you too, Rythe! Please say it isn’t true!”

“Mom, I-”

Rythe never got the chance to finish, because Mother suddenly broke down crying. “No! I won’t lose you too! I don’t want to lose you all!”

Rythe didn’t know what to do. Her mother was really worried that she will leave forever! She did the only thing she could think of.

“I won’t leave you, mother. I promise.”

“No, child! You are too defensive! How can you kill me if you can’t even hit me!”

I held her sword above her, deflecting the blow Catla tried to deliver. She barely held her ground.

“Why do you continue to call me child? I am almost fifteen!” I thrusted at Catla, who sidestepped it easily.

“Because, my dear, although you may be almost a Valkyrie, you are still too young. Why, you are half the age of Katryna, and she was supposedly selected far too EARLY!” She punctuated that last word by slashing hard, and thus knocking my sword out of my hand.

I rubbed my hand. “I may be young…” I stopped talking to deliver a punch to Catya’s face, did a roll to grab the sword, and held it to Catya’s neck. “…but I am a bitch to face in combat.”

“Well done, Robyn.” Lenneth walked out onto the training ground, a smile on her lips. “You even beat Catla. I am impressed.”

I bowed to Lenneth. “Thank you, Lenneth. Umm…” My next words would probably be met with a punch and extra training, but I had to ask. “Does this mean that I can soon start training with polearms soon?”

Lenneth frowned. “You really want to use a spear again, don’t you?”

“Forgive me, but I do not feel complete unless a spear is in my arms. Without it, I feel naked.”

“Well, go get dressed. We start training tomorrow.”

I actually jumped for joy. “Oh, Thank you, Lenneth!”

“And I was beginning to think that you were mature.” I flushed. Why had everyone choose this moment to start the group practice?

“Oh, hello, sisters. I was just… That is, I…”

They all laughed. I flushed even more.

Finally, daliah spoke amidst the laughter. “DO not feel embarassed, child. It is just so refreshing to see such spirit around here.”

“Yes, it is,” Lenneth agreed with a grin. “Now, come, Robyn. It’s time for you to feel… clothed again.”

Lenneth traveled to a different room of the training ground. Here, every weapon known to man and some that aren’t are hanging on walls, waiting to be used.

“Okay, Robyn, take a spear.”

Lenneth waited patiently while I looked over the many different types: Pikes, Halberds, Glaives. But she soon got impatient after I passed by all of them.

“Come now, Robyn. Surely it doesn’t take that long to decide.”

“You don’t understand, Lenneth. The Spear is my life. I have never found the one that suits me. I hope to find it here, but I shall settle for now.”

I picked up a normal glaive, and looked at Lenneth expectantly.

“Now what do you want me to do?”

“I want you to attack.”

I didn’t hesitate, knowing that she would attack first if I didn’t. But the many months without a spear in my hands severely hampered my abilities.

I charged her. My speed was lacking, and she sidestepped me. I decided to keep running, then jumped off the wall and did a dive towards Lenneth. I had discovered in my training that my enemy will become immobile during this attack, often stemming from amazement and wonder at the altitude. Lenneth wasn’t of that sort.

She immediately jumped towards me, an attack I actually expected. I did a flip, and Lenneth felt the heel of my boot slam right into her chest. That actually surprised her, but I didn’t give her the chance to counter. I did a wide swing, and had the glaive slam into her side, followed by a quick stab.

“Heh… Pretty good, Robyn.” She flew towards me, and grabbed the glaive. “But you leave room for improvement.”

“You haven’t seen the least of what I can do.” I surrendered the glaive. “But I’ll leaver you wondering.”

Lenneth looked at me in surprise, then threw her head back and laughed.

"Ah, Robyn. You still have much to learn.

“Come. We start your next level of training now. You are now going to learn clerical powers.”

“WHAT!?”

“But- but Lenneth, I’m a warrior, not some namby-pamby mage!”

Lenneth was actually leading me by hand to the Hall of Odin, a place of extreme power of the Gods.

“Being a cleric and being a mage are two different things. As a cleric, all your powers will depend on your faith. Now tell me, how sure are you that Odin exists?”

“Well, considering he passed me in the hall last night and said hi, I’d say pretty damn sure.” I know I was being an ass, but I couldn’t help it. Faith was never a point with me.

“But, how strong is your faith in Odin? That will decide it.” We entered the Hall, and there Lenneth stopped. She pulled out her sword, and stabbed herself in the stomach.

I gasped. “Are you MAD!? We may be immortal, but that’ll still hurt like hell!”

“I know. Now, heal me.”

“What?”

“Heal me. Channel your faith in Odin, and close this wound.”

I stared at her. She expected ME to ask ODIN for a favor? Well, what the Niflheim. Can’t hurt. Me, at least.

“Erm, Odin, cure this woman?” Nothing happened.

“No, Robyn, use your belief!”

Why couldn’t she understand, I HAD no belief!

“I can’t! I don’t believe in Odin!”

Lenneth was surprised. She didn’t believe? Not after the last six months she spent here, socializing with Gods, witnessing their power? Surely she didn’t mean it!

“What are you saying, Robyn! You know that Odin exists!”

“No, I don’t! I think I see Odin, but I don’t know if he is!”

Lenneth was appalled. Robyn doubted the All-Father?

“Robyn… Do you realize the severity of this? A warrior of Odin, who does not believe in Odin?”

“I… I’m sorry, but I can’t believe. Not now.”

Lenneth patted my back.

“I understand. Give it time. Now, I guess we should go practise some more.”

But neither of us were to understand how severe this would be. Not until I was called to see Odin himself.

Weiila · April 27, 2003, 12:19pm

“Arise, Valkyrie Robyn.”

I did as Odin commanded,and looked at him. Why had he called me to the Court?

“I have heard from… Reliable sources, that you doubt my existence.”

‘Reliable sources’. I know he’s talking about Thought and Memory, but I dare not speak. I was already damned.

“Now, this really intrigues me. Why do you serve someone who You don’t believe exists?”

“I know that you exist, my Liege. I just doubt your identity. I have sworn loyalty to you, and I will keep it, but I still doubt that you are the All-Father.”

“I see.” He said only two words, yet I could feel the power that backed up those words. Power that could crush me.

“So, even though you think I do not exist, you still serve me. This is true loyalty.”

“My liege?”

“Robyn, you are to stay here, and continue training with the other Valkyries for one month. Then you will return here on the last day of that, and I shall give you a test. Pass, and I’ll show you that I am truly Odin. Fail… well, just don’t fail. Understood?”

I nodded dumbly. I had basically admitted to blasphemy, and yet Master Odin still let me stay!

“Now, go. You have only a month to learn the ways.”

And that meeting was what finally made my life start moving.

I trained for the rest of the month, although I didn’t try clerical magic again. Instead, I focused mainly on my physical abilities, perfecting them until could defeat every Valkyrie in combat.

Then, the day came. Odin summoned me, but this time, the Court was totally filled with all the major gods and several minor ones.

Odin spoke. “Approach, Valkyrie Robyn.” I did as he bid me. “You have served me faithfully, despite the fact that I don’t exist.” He chuckled at this, and all the others followed his example.

“So, normally you would now be a full Valkyrie, but because of your doubt, I must give you a test. Do you accept this?”

I nodded, knowing that I probably just signed my death warrant.

“Then, by the power of Odin, I order you to retrieve the Weapons of Legend.”

Every single person there gasped, save for Odin and I. I could not believe my ears. The Weapons have been missing for centuries!

Odin spoke again. “Despite what most people believe, the Weapons do exist. The reason they have not been found is because they are not on ths plane.”

"Long ago, after the first Cataclysm, the Legendary Weapons were forged. They all held amazing powers.

"The Twin Swords, Murasame and Masamune, the katanas which decimate their weilder’s enemies.

"Excalibur, the Holy broadsword, whose legends have been told for centuries.

"The Dragon Claws, kaisers weilded by only the most skilled martial artists.

"The Kris Knife, the knife of eternal bleeding, whose wounds will never close.

"The Magus Staff, carved from a blessed Oak by Silvanus, which increases the wielder’s magical abilities severalfold.

"The Dawn Bow, the longbow of true aim, whose arrow never misses it’s mark.

"And Gungnir, the Holy Lance of Justice, and my weapon.

"These weapons, and more, were sent to different dimensions, so that evil forces could never hold them all. but I’m afraid that there is tell of a new enemy, one with powers unseen for centuries.

“Robyn, you are to retrieve those weapons.”

I was totally oblivious as to what was going on around me. Thoughts were racing through my head.

I was expected to get the nine major weapons? I!? Was Odin mad?

I was jilted out of my thoughts by the realization that ODin was talking to me.

“…and you will only recieve what you can carry, including your weapon. Lenneth will help you prepare for your journey.”

“My Lord,” I finally said, “I’m afraid I don’t understand. How will I traverse these dimensions?”

Odin smiled. “Why, through the X-Zone, of course!”

“The What?” I asked.

“The X-Zone, dear.” Lenneth was helping me pack for the journey. I didn’t really have much, just a spare set of clothes, provisions, and a spear. “It’s a spell, used to traverse the dimensions. I guess you will have to learn it.”

I did learn how to cast it, though I cannot say how, by Odin’s decree. I was standing at the entrance of Asgard, getting ready to leave, when Thought and Memory appeared. They dropped a scroll, and flew off.

I picked up the scroll. It had the seal of Odin on it! I opened it, and read it’s content.

"Robyn, this scroll is the only help you will get in finding out the dimensions. You will have to figure everything else out yourself. I suggest, though, you see your family one last time, seeing as how planeshifting can be iffy at best, and you might not survive.

"The locations will only appear once you have found a weapon, but here is your first clue.

" ‘Look for the world where magic is dead, and look for the Prince of the desert kingdom.’

“Good luck, Robyn, and may I smiledown upon you during your travels.”

I rolled up the scroll, and thought about what it said. I hadn’t seen my family in a year. It was time to pay them a visit. I hopped a ride with a winged horse, and dropped off about half a mile from home. Didn’t want to tell them I was home yet.

When I knocked on the door, a beautiful young woman appeared.

“Yes? May I- Oh, Odin. Robyn!?”

“R-Rythe?” I stuttered. She had changed in the year! Her normally short hair was reaching down to her legs, and her face was so beautiful.

“Oh, Robyn! You look so different! You’re so muscular!”

“I’ve been training non-stop. Umm, can I come in?”

“Oh, of course! Sorry!” She stepped aside, and I finally got to look inside. I wish I hadn’t.

The house was a mess. The walls had so many cracks, the roof was leaking, and there was almost no furniture left. There was the table, which had definitely seen better days, and three chairs. Other than that, nothing.

“I know,” Rythe said when she saw my reaction. “Times have been tough, since you left.”

“What happened, Rythe? Where is everyone?”

“Well, a few weeks after you left, Myst left for good. We haven’t heard a word from him, and I fear for him. Dad died a few months ago, after a bunch of bandits came. They stole everything of worth, and… Left.” She started rubbing her arm now, a habit of hers when she’s hiding something. I knew what it was, and swore revenge on those bastards.

“And what of mom? Where is she?”

Rythe looked down. “I think you should see for yourself.”

“Mom just broke down last month. She has lost almost all touch with reality, and is only an inch from death.”

Rythe showed me the way to Mom’s room. The room looked almost exactly the same, except for the woman trying to break down a wall with a fire poker.

Mom really had changed. Her normally cheerful face was totally devoid of emotion, and her frame was dangerously thin. Her hair was a mess of knots and tangles, and she was babbling.

Rythe quickly took the poker. “Mom, Robyn is here.”

“Robyn?” Mom looked around wildly. “Where is she? She’s late for dinner, you know.”

“I’m here, Mother.” She didn’t see me until I spoke, and then I saw her eyes. they no longer had that happy look in them, were totally unemotional. “I’m here.”

“Robyn? Oh, you naughty girl, you’ve been playing down at the creek again, haven’t you? Oh, your father was so worried!”

She really was insane now. I felt so… guilty. “Don’t worry, mother, I’m here. but I need to leave soon.”

Rythe looked up at this, but said nothing.

“Oh, do you, now? Well, goodbye, and I hope we can see you again, stranger. Be careful now, there are bandits out there, ready to jump anyone who looks like easy prey.”

“I will, mother.” I couldn’t stay any longer, for fear I might stay for good. I stepped outside, and Rythe followed.

“Take me with you.”

I turned to stare at my sister. “What?”

“Take me with you. I can’t stay here any longer.”

“Rythe, I-”

“LISTEN, Robyn! I can’t do this anymore! Mother has gotten worse, and will die tomorrrow anyway, so-” But she realized her slip, and shut up.

I wouldn’t let her. “What do you mean, she’ll die tomorrow?”

Rythe looked down at her shoes. "The rrof will collapse tomorrow, killing her. I would have been outside, trying to hunt for food.

“I’m a prophetess, Robyn. I can see the future.”

I couldn’t believe this. My sister, who never thought about the future at all, could predict our mother’s death? I knew it was wrong, but I had to say it.

“Come on,” I said grudgingly. “We’re going.”

“So, how does this work?”

“I don’t know, Rythe. I never actually cast X-Zone on myself.” I threw up my hand.

“WHAT!?”

“X-ZONE!”

The world distorted, then shifted to new surroundings. We appeared in what seemed to be an endless void, with millions of doorways.

“Rythe, do you have any idea about where we should go?”

“Erm, I think that one.” She pointed to one in a cluster of doors, with the letters “Gaian VI” hanging over the door.

“Okay, hope you’re right.” I grabbed her arm, and we both just floated towards the door. We entered it, and we immediately realized that we were in another world.

We were on a small island, that much was sure. There was a small mountain, almost a hill, north of us, and a small house about a mile south. The island looked like it was just recovering from disaster, what with the very sick looking plants.

I sighed. “Come on, Rythe. Let’s see if anyone’s home.”

Weiila · April 27, 2003, 12:23pm

I knocked on the door.

“I wonder if anyone is home,” Rythe thought aloud.

Her question was answered, as the door opened. An elderly man stood there, pushing about seventy, with obvious surprise on his face.

“Who are you?” He asked. “What are two lovely maidens doing here? I didn’t see anyship.”

“Excuse me, sir,” I asked him, “But could we come inside?”

“Oh, forgive my manners! Please, come in!”

His house was just one room. There was a bed, a stove, a desk, and… pigeons?"

“They’re my only means of communication,” the old man explained. "I chose to stay here, after the Final Battle, to continue my research.

“I am Cid Longheart, former Magitek Researcher. How csan I help you?”

“Well, Mr. Longheart,” I said, “You could start by telling us what is the name of this world.”

Cid looked surprised. “What do you mean? This is Gaea. Now, who are you?”

I sighed. “Rythe, could you handle this one? That X-Zone wore me out.”

“Sure, sis. Mr. Longheart, what do you know about alternate worlds?”

“Let me get this straight,” Cid said as Rythe finished our tale. “You two are from another dimension, where you,” he pointed to me, “are a warrior to your God, Odin, yet doubt he truly exists, while you,” he pointed to Rythe, “are a prophetess, and a seer, from what I can tell, and are here to hunt down some legendary weapons that were scattered to many different dimensions, one of which are the kaisers of Prince Sabin of Figaro?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“And can you prove this in any way?” He asked.

Rythe’s eyes glazed over, and was silent for a few moments. When she spoke again, it was with an etherial voice.

“You will soon be visited by a messenger of your granddaughter. She is anxious about your visit.” Her eyes became normal again, and Cid and I stared.

A few minutes later, a pigeon flew in, carrying a piece of paper. Cid took it, almost not believing, and read the message. When he finished, he looked at us.

“I think you two should meet the rest of the Returners.”

The Falcon was truly a beautiful machine. The body of the ship was a gleaming black, with the word, “Falcon” in blazing red letters. Rythe and I stared in awe at the giant airship.

“Well,” Cid asked. “What do you think?”

“I think,” I said, “that I may like this world.”

The Falcon landed, and a rope ladder was thrown down. Cid climbed up, so Rythe and I followed, albeit hesitantly.

“Grampa Cid!” A woman ran across and hugged the aged man. She seemed barely past twenty, with hair very similar to mine, and obviously skilled in battle.

She then noticed the two young women standing behind her grandfather. “And who are you?”

“I am Robyn,” I introduced myself. “Third-level Valkyrie under Odin’s command. This is my sister, Rythe.” Rythe nodded to the woman, who seemed rather confused.

“Odin? The esper we found? I don’t understand.”

“Odin, is the All-father, the creator of all. I am his warrior.”

“She’s from another world,” Cid explained. “We need to go to Figaro.”

“Another world?” A young man walked up, his sandy-colored hair blowing in the wind. “Well, this should be an interesting tale.”

“First, I must ask you something.” I stated. “Do you two know of the Dragon Claws?”

“Oh, those things!” Celes said. “Sabin, Setzer, Edgar and I found them in Daryl’s tomb. I think Sabin kept them, saying they were the best he’d ever found.”

“Yeah, that’s what he did,” a white-haired man said as he jumped down from the mast. He seemed past thirty years of age, yet he was so full of life. “But those Tiger fangs were more powerful. Guess he liked the Holy Power in them.”

“That’s true, Setzer,” Celes said. “I wonder what happened to them.”

“Well, I need those Dragon Claws.” I told them. “Will he give them to me willingly?”

Celes smiled. “Probably, but he’d want to fight you first. You seem fairly athletic, and he’s always looking for a challenge.”

“Why do I get the feeling,” I asked, “That that search for a challenge is gonna keep me from the Dragon Claws?”

A messenger ran into the throne room, and bowed to the King of Figaro.

“Your Majesty,” the messenger announced, “I am pleased to report that Mr. Gabbiana, Cole, Longheart, and Ms. Chere have arrived. I have also recieved word that they bring two women, travelers, to make a request.”

“Two women, eh?” The King asked, suddenly interested. “Well, tell them I’ll meet them soon!”

“Yes, your majesty.” The messenger ran off.

The King rubbed his hands. “Well, well. We have some new guests now.”

“Yeah, and I’m sure you have no ulterior motive for meeting the ‘fresh meat’.” A thickly muscled man said, leaning against a wall.

“Oh, shut up, Sabin! Now, come, we must go greet them.” He got up to go meet the ‘fresh meat’.

The man who walked out of the throne room wasd nothing like I expected. He wasn’t so mouch handsome as… beautiful. with his hair in a ponytail and those features on his face, I’d almost thought he was a she. His green cape and clothes almost hid his plate armor. He was soon followed by a bear of a man, someone who was obviously trained in combat. I just thought he was a bodygaurd.

“Welcome, guys!” The King called gleefully to his friends. “It’s great to see you guys again! And who are these two beauties?” He asked, turning to us.

“May I present,” Locke announced with an overly dramatic gesture, “the ladies Rythe and Robyn.”

Rythe curtsied to the king. “It is a true pleasure, your majesty.”

I, being a warrior before a woman, knelt to him, drawing amused glances from everyone. “Your majesty.”

“Oh, cut that out!” Edgar shouted. “Just call me Edgar!”

I returned to my feet. “Yes, your… Edgar.”

“Edgar,” I asked, knowing this would decide my fate, “I am on a quest to find the legendary weapons. I understand you hold the Dragon Claws. Is it possible to have them?”

Edgar sighed. “My dear, if only I could! But you see, the Claws have become an heirloom, and I hope to see my child weild them someday.”

I knew it was all just a bunch of crap, but I figured I could use this for a little fun.

“I see.” I sighed dramatically. “I have no choice, then. King Edgar, I offer my womb to you. I will carry your child.”

Edgar’s jaw dropped. Locke and Setzer had looks of wonder and shock on their faces, Celes’ had disgust at my decision, and Cid just looked… intrigued. But Rythe and the bodygaurd, they realized what I was planning, and were grinning.

“Wah, ah, well, are you sure?” Edgar finally sputtered out. “I mean, aren’t you a little… young to get married?”

“My lord,” I asked with a puzzled expression, barely able to keep a straight face, “I am fifteen now. All my friends are engaged, married, and with child. I am almost past my prime, and wish to hold my child in my arms.”

“Ah, well, erm…” Edgar truly was fazed. Time to finish this.

“Besides, my lord,” I said with a smirk, “I thought you were anxious to finally have some company in bed.”

There was utter silence, then a loud booming laugh broke the silence. The bear was laughing! The others soon joined in, and Edgar flushed so hard, I thought his head would pop!

“Oh, she got you there, big brother!”

“Shut up, Sabin!” The King shouted while he flushed even harder.

I suddenly looked at the bear. “Sabin? You’re prince Sabin?”

“Of course. And you want the Dragon Claws, right?”

“Correct, your highness.”

“Just Sabin. And why should I give them away, little one?”

That “little one” remark just flared me up. I just blurted it out.

“Possibly because I can kick your ass.”

The laughter stopped.

“Oh?” Sabin raised an eyebrow. “You can beat me? Well, let’s settle this. If you can beat me, you get the Dragon Claws. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

The battle was set. We were taken to a training ground, where a large circle was drawn in chalk.

“Okay,” Edgar announced, “Here are the rules.

“Each combatant is allowed one weapon of their choice. The first to step outside of the ring, to surrender, or fall unconscious loses. Understood?”

Sabin and I nodded.

“Okay. Sabin, what is your weapon of choice?”

“My fists will be more than enough.”

I see. And Robyn? I take it you’ll want a spear?”

“Actually,” I corrected him, “I will also fight barehanded.”

The small crowd of warriors, gaurds, and one scientist all murmered at this turn of events. Fight barehanded? Was she mad?

“Are you sure?” The King asked, hoping to dissuade me. “Sabin has trained extensively in bare knuckle fighting.”

“So have I. I figure we should be on equal grounds in this battle.”

Sabin raised an eyebrow at this, but didn’t say anything.

“Allright,” the king of Figaro shrugged. "Have it your way.

“Let the battle begin!”

We circled each other, looking for a weakness in the other. Sabin seemed built for pure strength, but I could tell he was quick as well.

Finally, he attacked first. he delivered a quick punch to my face, which sent me sprawling for a second. But I recovered quickly, and countered with a quick jab combo. Sabin was definitely surprised by my power, and had a bit of trouble trying to land a punch. But then i made a fatal mistake.

I tried to punch his stomach. He grabbed my arm, and threw me across the ring, landing only inches from the border. So, he wanted to really fight, did he?

I faked being unable to move until he came within range, then did a sweep kick. He fell, and I tried to finish it with a quick punch to the skull. But he rolled, and got back to his feet.

“Heh…” He panted as he wiped away some blood on his lip, “you’re pretty good. Very few could fight like that, and none your age. But now, the gloves come off. PUMMEL!” He ran, and threw three punches right at me. One landed on my face, two in my stomach. That was a strong technique, but I still wasn’t finished.

“I see you’re well-trained in hand-to-hand combat. But,” I asked as I charged, “How do you handle feet?” I stopped just two feet from his body, then performed a spinning kick to his face. He did a quick turn in mid-air, then fell like a stone. And still he got up, albeit somewhat slowly.

“This fight could go on for hours,” He said. He was panting, and seemed winded. “But I think I’ll finish it now.”

He stopped, just standing there calmly. I didn’t know what he was doing, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t be good. I ran, trying to reach him before he finished whatever he was doing. But I was too late. His eyes opened, and I could feel the pure power eminating from him.

“Time to feel the power of the BUM RUSH!” He was in front of me in the blink of an eye, and punched me with enough force to crush a wall. But he didn’t stop there. Too fast for the human eye, he circled around me, delivering blow after blow, until he finally stopped. I couldn’t hold it any longer. I fell to my knees, spent of all my energy. My eyes started to close, and I could feel sleep coming over me. The last thing I heard was Edgar’s voice.

“The winner… is Sabin.”

And then the whole world went black.

I woke with a groan. Damn, I thought, I didn’t know that it was possible to fight like that! 

“So, your awake.”

I put forth all ofmy power, and opened an eyelid. Sabin was there, watching over me from beside the bed.

“Wha- How long?”

“About two days. Frankly, I’m surprised; no one has ever stood up to my Bum Rush like that. Too bad you didn’t win.”

I groaned in acknowledgement. When I turned my head totry and face him, I saw my sister, sleeping in a chair facing the bed I was on.

“Yeah,” Sabin said when he noticed where I was looking, “she’s been watching over you since the match. She really loves you, you know?”

“Yeah…” It was a struggle to stay awake, and I was losing fast.

“Rest,” Sabin said. “You took quite a beating out there. And sorry.”

With that said, he left the room,and I fell into unconsciousness again.

*****

A few days later, after I almost went insane with tedium, I was finally allowed to get up out of bed. I quickly reequipped my armor (Odin, I hope Rythe was the person who undressed me), grabbed my spear, and went to breakfast.

The Dining hall of Figaro was immense, about half the size of the Court of Odin. All the residents of the castle were there, eating their morning meal. When I walked in, though, the entire hall went quiet as they stared at me. I could hear the murmurs that went through the crowd.

“Is that her?” “The one who fought Prince Sabin?” “She’s so young!” “What was she thinking, fighting the prince?”

I ignored these murmurs, though, and walked up to the king’s table, where The Figaro Brothers were waiting for me. I knelt to both of them.

“Your Majesties,” I said, “I apologize for my behavior, and beg for forgiveness.”

“Oh, come on, Robyn!” Sabin laughed. “Why should you apologize? You almost beat me in combat! I haven’t had that much fun since Kefka!”

“Indeed,” his brother added. “It’s refreshing to finally meet someone who isn’t afraid to put me in my place. Come, Robyn. Dine with us.”

I smiled to the brothers. “As you command, your majesty.”

I spent the next few days at Figaro. I was reluctant to leave, when the Dragon Claws were so close. But Sabin still refused, saying he won. So, I spent my time there training.

Edgar walked in on me one day, when I was practising with my glaive. I didn’t even notice, I was too busy with my practise.

“Hmm,” He said aloud, catching my attention, “I didn’t know you were that good.”

“Oh, Edgar!” I was so embarassed. “Sorry, I just-”

“Oh, shut up, woman, and let me train as well. I’m interested to see if you can beat me.”

I smiled. “Is there some sort of rule somewhere, where the Monarchs of Figaro need to challenge visitors?”

I won’t go into detail about the fight, for it lasted well over an hour. By the end, we had a bunch of people watching with interest.

“Is she mad?” One onlooker asked. “Doesn’t the woman know she can’t win? I mean, she tried to fight Sabin, and got beaten. Badly.”

“I suggest you shut up, good sir.” The man turned to see Prince Sabin watching the fight as well.

“Well, she can really fight,” He remarked. “If she had chosen to fight with a spear, I think I’d’ have lost.”

The fight was drawing to an end, with Edgar on the defensive. To finish it quickly, I performed my Wall-jump attack on him, catching him in the chest, and falling to his knees.

“huff, huff, good job, Robyn.” He slowly got up, and saluted me.

“Thank you, Milord.”

At that moment, a messenger burst in.

“King Edgar, the rest of the Returners are here. They are waiting for you in the throne room.”

“Very well,” Edgar sighed. “Come, brother. We have guests. Are you going to join us, Robyn?”

“Erm, okay.”

The Throne room was filled with people. People of all ages and species, laughing and catching up. It truly was a happy place.

“Hail, friends!” the twins said in chorus. “it is good to finally get to see you all again,” Edgar continued. “Yeah, things were just too boring around here!” Sabin finished with a laugh. We couldn’t help but laugh as well. Brothers so different, yet so close.

“Hey, who’s the woman?” A young girl asked. I had to stifle another laugh, she was only a few years younger than me! “She your next ‘true love’, Edgar?”

“Hardly,” Edgar scoffed. “She’s here to get the Dragon Claws, and fought Sabin to get them.”

“This is Robyn,” Sabin added, “Valkyrie of Odin. And these,” he gestured to the crowd, “are the Returners.”

A noble-bearing Knight stepped forward. He was garbed in a full set of armor, and his weapon, a katana, seemed out of place with his style.

“I am Sir Cyan Garamonde,” He stated, “Retainer of Doma, the fallen kingdom. and it is thy pleasure to meet thee, fair maiden.”

Hmm. An early english accent, if I could understand.

“Sir Knight,” I spoke in a thick accent, “The pleasure tis truly thine. A fellow warrior is always welcomed.”

Sir Cyan blinked. “Tis true? Thou speaks in the old tongue?”

“No, sorry,” I shook my head. “I just felt like talking in your form for awhile.”

He stared, then laughed heartily. “Aye, lass, tis truly a pleasure.”

I smiled at him, and he left to go talk with Locke.

A boy soon approached. He had unruly green hair, and a wild look in his eyes.

“Uwaooo!” he almost cried. “Me Gau! You pretty! Me like!”

I smiled at his candor, or lack thereof. “Be careful, Gau. I can defend myself from the likes of you.”

He smiled. “You fight Mr. Thou, and lose? Me can win if we fight.” He walked off, leaving me wondering what he said.

Next up was the young girl who spoke earlier.

“The name’s Relm,” she said as she held out her hand. “Relm Arrowny.”

Weiila · April 27, 2003, 12:23pm

I stared at her hand, not suring what she wanted me to do.

“Hmph. Not that educated, are you? Just how old are you, miss?”

At that, I smiled. “I am fifteen years of age now. Not that much elder than you, I’d imagine.”

She just stared at me. “you’re fifteen? You sure don’t act it!”

“Well,” I said, “maybe that’s because you don’t know how to act your age.”

She flushed at this. “Well, uh, that is…”

Edgar laughed. “Don’t worry, Relm. She is like that to new people. She actually offered her womb to me when we first met.”

Relm stared, not believing. “What? You’d do Edgar?”

“I only offered to ‘do’ Edgar, as you say, to get the Dragon Claws. I must acquire them.” I sent a meaningful glance at Sabin, who just turned away.

“Huh. I’m gonna have to hear the full story someday.” She moved off to talk with Sabin about something.

Next came an elder. He moved amazingly well for his age.

“Strago Magus, at your service madam,” He said with a bow.

“Ah,” I said to him, “You truly must be strong, to live this long, and wise with all your years of experience. I’d like to learn from them.”

Strago smiled. “Well, this is refreshing. A teenager who respects her elders.” He sent a withering glance at Relm, who squeaked and hid behind Cyan in a comical fashion.

A black-clad man walked up.

“Shadow. Freelance Assassin.” he said nothing more, and walked off.

“Don’t mind him,” Strago commented. “He has buried his emotions, but I think he’ll change soon.” He walked over to join relm.

The following Returners really surprised me. It was a little teddy bear with wings, flanked by a giant beast.

“Kupo, I’m Mog, Kupo!” the teddy bear spoke. “This is Umaro, the Yeti.”

Umaro just grunted in acknowledgement.

“Hmmm… You are a spirit of the earth given shape, aren’t you?” I asked Mog.

Mog started. “Well, kupo, that’s a new one. But it makes sense, because Moogles are really in touch with the earth, and nature.” He walked off, the Sasquatch close behind.

And the last one stepped forward. It was totally covered in robes, so that you couldn’t tell who- or what- it was.

“I am Gogo,” the thing said, “master of the simulacrum. It is a pleasure, Robyn.” And then the shrouded one walked off.

“Hey,” Edgar said, “where’s Terra?”

“I’m here.” a mature woman walked through the door, but stopped when she saw me.

“You… it can’t be…”

“Terra?” Edgar asked, concerned. “What’s wrong?”

Terra pointed at me. “She… She has magic.”

“Wha- What did you say?” Istuttered. Me? Magic?

“I am half-esper, or at least I used to be, so I can sense Magical auras,” the emerald haired female explained. “Now, who are you, and how is it that you have magic?”

“I- I-” the other Returners had surrounded me by then, all curious abot me as well.

I sighed. “I am Robyn, a Valkyrie of Odin. I do not come from this world.”

The others blinked. The brothers had never heard my story, and the rest were a bit startled. Terra, though, didn’t even raise an eyebrow.

"In my world, the God, Odin, the All-Father, has a goup of messenger-maidens called Valkyries. I am the newest, and youngest, recruit. The other Valkyries had trained me to fight, to be able to use all forms of weaponry, including my fists. Those six months were my happiest. But then came the Clerical magic.

"I am not sure if you’ve heard of it, but Clericalmagic is basically the power to ask the Gods to lend their power. Often, priests are the ones with clerical powers, but the Valkyries are trained to call upon Odin’s will as well. ButI couldn’t.

"Clerical power is based on your faith in the God’s or Goddess’es existance. But I doubted Odin. I worked for Lord Odin, but I couldn’t believe he was the God Odin. I still don’t believe.

“He soon learned of my lack of faith, so he sentme on a quest of redemption. I was to find the weapons of Legend. The Twin swords, Masamune and Murasame, Gungnir, the Kris Knife, Magus Staff, Dawn Bow, Dragon Claws, and Excalibur. These are the main weapons, though more may have been forged.”

“Excalibur?” Edgar questioned. “Why, I have the Excalibur!” He pulled out a blade, and handed it to me.

I examined it, but felt no power from it. “No,” I said with a shake of my head, “this is not Excalibur. It is possible that some worlds hold weapons with similarnames, but only one of those dimensions holds the true weapon.” I handed the sword back to Edgar.

“So,” Terra asked, “You’re here for the Dragon Claws?”

“Yes,” I confirmed. “Sabin wouldonly relinquish them if I bested him in combat. He is truly a powerful martial artist, and that Bum Rush technique was a work of art.”

“You survived the Bum Rush?” Relm asked, not believing my tale. “Come on, there is no way you could stand up to him!”

I smiled a little, then immediately delivered a spinning crescent kick to the pillar behind me. It crumbled to dust.

“But then again,” Relm amended, “Anything’s possible.”

Strago chuckled. “I’m liking you more and more now, Miss Robyn.” Relm just stuck her tongue at him.

“So anyway,” Terra said, interrupting our little scene, “You lost. Does this mean you have to leave without them them?”

“No!” I almost shouted. “I cannot face Lord Odin without the weapons! I will stay here, until I can beat Prince Sabin and rightfully take the Claws.”

“No, you won’t.”

Everyone looked for the owner of the voice, and Edgar was the one who found it. He groaned.

“For Goddess’ sake, Ultros, why can’t you just die?”

“A… a demon octopus?” I asked Edgar, totally confused about the large purple being standing at the entrance of the throne room.

“That’s no ordinary octopus,” Sabin said with a grimace. “That’s Ultros. We’vee fought him before, and he always comes back. Always. We can’t get rid of him!”

“Yeah!” the mentally-deficient sea monster shouted. “And I won’t leave, until I get what I came for!”

“What’s that?” I asked Ultros, with interest… I had a glimmer of an idea…

Ultros looked confused. “Hey, what did I come for? The guy said something about a dragon…” He started mumbling to himself.

“The Dragon Claws?” Locke asked unbelieving.

“Uh, yeah, that’s it!” The Octopus agreed. “Now, hand them over!”

I turned to Evereyone. “If I can get rid of this monster for good, can I get the Dragon Claws?”

“Honey,” Celes answered, “If you can get rid of Ultros, you can get Figaro!”

“Yes,” Sabin Agreed. “Peace is much more important than some silly kaisers.”

“Okay.” I walked towards Ultros, victory right in front of me.

I walked up to Ultros.

“Hey, what you want?” He asked me.

“Ultros, did you say you wanted the Dragon Claws?” I asked carefully.

“Duh, yeah! Some guy cloaked in black gave me 2,000,000 gold to get them! Real gold, not gil!”

“I see.” Well, time to see if my plan would work.

“Tell me, Ultros, what do you know of other worlds?”

“Other worlds? I don’t know, never seen one myself.”

“Well, you’re about to. X-ZONE!” The Portal to the X-Zone appeared right behind ultros.

Heturned around to see what just happened. “Hey, what the-”

Before he could finish it, I performed a crescent kick to his head, and he stumbled into the portal, to pop up in who knows where.

I walked back to the group. “Is that satisfactory?”

The others stared. Then, without a word, Sabin threw off the Dragon Claws, and tossed them to me.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” I replied smugly.

Meanwhile, in the nexus…

Ultros floated through the void, not knowing where he would end up. Finally,he saw light, and threw himself at the doorway.

Gilgamesh was running through the field, knowing how pissed he would be if he was late. Suddenly, he heard something odd, but wasn’t sure where it was coming from.

“-AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!”

Gilgamesh’s world sudenly got a whole lot smaller, as he felt the impact of a 150-lb. octopus land right on his back.

“Ooooowwww!” Gilgamesh cried. “That hurt!”

“ERg… Sorry.” Ultros slowly got untangled from Gilgamesh’s body.

“Yeah, I’m sure you- Hey, you’re Ultros!” Gilgamesh exclaimed when he saw who fell on him.

“Yeah?” the Octopus asked suspiciously. “What’s it too you?”

“Hey, how about great job oppurtunity?” He asked, hope blazing in his eyes. Finally, an escape from hell!

“Err, what kind of job?”

“Listen, does the name ‘Macc Maverick’ mean anything to you?”

A strange light shined out from the pack I wore. (It is a habit of mine to train with my full pack on, since I might not get the luxury of fighting without it someday. But I digress.)

“Umm, What is that?” Edgar asked tentatively. After seeing me banish Ultros, he became rather wary of my power.

“I don’t know. I’ll check.” I shrugged off my pack, and opened it. The Scroll of Odin was shining.

“Oh, I forgot!” I exclaimed. “This must mean it’s time to find the next Weapon is!”

“You’re leaving?” Sabin sadly. “Must you go?”

“Well, no, if I don’t mind living in fear of retribution the rest of my life.” It seemed harsh, but it was true.

“Well,” Terra asked," what does it say?"

“‘Well done, Robyn. The Dragon Claws were forged for the monks who’d fight during Ragnarok, and they may see them again.’ What does he mean, may?!” I asked indignantly and rhetorically, since the scroll couldn’t answer.

“Robyn, the scroll,” Edgar prompted.

“Oh, right! ‘Until we see them again, you may use them as you wish. But now, it is time to move again.’” Now the scroll started to float, and a message magically appeared on it.

The Kris Knife, the Knife of Eternal Bleeding,
 Look for a man on his dying bed,
 In a world where the powers of nature are open for everyone.

The scroll rolled itself up, and fell to the ground. The room was deathly silent, as all considered what was just told.

“A… Knife of Eternal Bleeding?” Edgar asked, seeming concerned. “Robyn, are you sure that-”

“Yes,” I cut him off. “Lord Odin has commanded, and I must obey. Rythe and I will leave as soon as we are ready.” I turned and left the room, heading straight for my sister’s room to tell her we leave.

Of course, by the time I had gotten there, she was already set. “Advantages to being a seer,” she shrugged.

“Oh?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “So can prepare for the future by Seeing what’s to come?”

“Of course,” she agreed impatiently, knowing full well that she’s explained this to me before.

“Well,” I said with an evil grin on my face, “why didn’t you prepare for THIS!” I reached for a pillow, and whacked Rythe in the head with it.

“Oh!” She cried, indignantly. “You’re gonna pay for that!” She grabbed for anotherpillow, and soon, we had an all out pillow war going on, the corpses of dead feathers littering the floor. Sometimes, people forget that I am still young, and want to play sometimes as well. Even I forgot that sometimes.

Bythe end of it, we were laughing so hard, we never heard the door open.

“Well, well,” came someone’s voice, “looks like we missed all the fun.”

Rythe and I turned in horror to see the Figaro brothers in the doorway, obvious grins on their faces.

“Man, Sabin,” Edgar said dramatically, “the warrior of Odin and her Seer sister in a pillow fight. And I thought they were mature.”

I blushed madly at this statement. After working so hard to get them to take me seriously, and appear mature, it all fell to pieces because of my adolescent tendencies. Damn my foolishness!

“Oh, quit it, Edgar,” Sabin growled with mock severity. “You would be joining them in a minute if you had the chance!”

“Why are you guys here?” I asked quickly, hoping to distract them from what just happened.

“Oh,” Sabin shrugged, “we just wanted to wish you good luck on your journey.”

“And to give you this,” Edgar finished, holding out a lance. “It’s an Aura Lance, and should be much stronger than the steel one you have now.”

“I thank you, Edgar,” I said as I took the Lance. It seemed unusually light, but could feel the strength the inconspicuous weapon hid.

“Well,” Sabin said, “we got to go now. So, good luck. Oh,” He said just as he was walking out the door, “and good luck with your new weapon of choice,” he indicated towards the half-beaten pillows. He and Edgar walked out the door, and Rythe and I just sat there, Blushing furiously.

Weiila · April 27, 2003, 12:25pm

“Okay,” I checked with my sister, “ready to go?”

“Of course,” she said.

“Okay, then, time to go. X-ZONE!” the dark blue portal appeared in frony of us, and we entered it without hesitation.

We came back to the endless void, with all the different worlds open to us. It was time to choose which one to go to.

“Rythe?” I prompted. “Which one?”

My sister looked at all the doorways, and focused on one. “That one,” she said, pointing at that doorway with absolute certainty.

“Okay, then. Looks like we head to ‘Animia’,” I read the name above the door. Grabbing my sister’s hand, we floated through the door,

And landed right in the middle of a battlefield.

We landed right in the middle of the battle, and noone noticed our conspicuous entry.

“Odin damn all,” I swore. “We need to get away, and fast!”

“But how do you propose that?” Rythe asked sarcastically. “I doubt either army will let two beautiful maidens just walk away unscathed.”

“Well then,” I said as I unslung the Aura Lance from my back, “we’ll just have to force our way out.”

I started running, fightiong anyone who tried to attack me. Rythe stayed close by, not sure what to do. ‘I’m going to have to train her someday,’ I thought to myself. But I didn’t have long to think about it, because someone new appeared in front of me.

Unlike the other soldiers I fended off, this one looked experienced. His uniform, consisting of a full-body suit of armor and a brown hood, was decorated with many medals. But what was curious, was that his armor was made of stone. Come to think of it, I didn’t see any metal at all among the warriors…

“What are you doing here, woman?” He asked bluntly. “This is no place for you.”

“Out of my way, good sir,” I responded politely. “I must leave now.”

“Oh? Well, I can lead you to a safe place…”

Something in his tone bothered me. “No, thank you. My sister and I can find our own way.”

At this, the man suddenly became angry. “You have no choice in the matter, woman!” He grabbed for my arm.

And I pulled it away fast, and delivered a punch to his face. “Get away from me,” I growled. “If you persist, I will kill you.”

And the officer just smiled at this. “Oh, yeah?”

At that moment, the entire Battle of Jade Plains stood still, watching our scene.

I readied my new spear, knowing what would ensue.

“Well, if it’s a fight you want,” the officer said angrily. He pulled out a wooden sword. I found it an odd choice of weapon, but I didn’t dare let my guard down.

He didn’t strike just yet. He just started chanting. A strange green light came from his free hand, and it dissapeared. But what manner of magic was it?

My answer came in the form of three giant pine needles, driving themselves into my body. The pain was unimaginable! Three burning hot needles, jammed through my shoulder and chest, bringing me to my knees!

It dissapated quickly, though. I got up swiftly, not willing to fall so easily. The officer, though, looked at me wide-eyed.

“How- that isn’t possible!” He shouted. “You should be dead!”

“Are you telling me that that was supposed to hurt?” I bluffed. To show weakness to the enemy is to show them an opening.

He growled. “It doesn’t matter,” he said with disturbing confidence. “You cannot win!” At that, he pulled out a red pendant he wore, and chanted again. I had to act quickly, for if he could do that again!

I ran towards him, Lance aimed for his heart, but I was too slow. the burning circle surrounded me, closing in on me.

“Not this time, magician!” I jumped over the circle, the heat bathing my feet. I landed in front of the man, and thrusted at his heart. The stone armor, however strong it may be against wood and such, was no match for steel.

His eyes bulged at the sight of the lance, driven right into his heart. His final words, before Death came to take him away, were odd indeed.

“St-Steel Warrior…”

His body fell, never to rise again.

And all those who watched the match became afraid of the Lady Lancer.

The calm lasted only a few moments. Then, a soldier took up his sword.

“She killed the commander!” He charged me, driven by rage. Imagine, a woman beating one of their best warriors!

I swung the Lance widely, making him jump back a step. But his warcry was enough to remind his comrades where they were. An entire army was after me now!

But fortune smiled upon me that day, for the other army took up the offensive as well. The battle went on in full force, and I wasn’t alone.

One of the soldiers was able to get a swing of his axe at me, but it glanced off my armor. He noticed this, and set up a cry!

“Watch out! She’s a Steel Soldier!”

I still didn’t understand. Was steel a rare alloy here?

But the battle slowly drew to an end. The opposite army fled, screaming in terror from “the Steel Lady.” I wanted to get out now, but my allies (for this was what we were now) picked me up and carried me off.

I was getting ready to escape, when I realized that, they weren’t taking me as spoils of war! They were carrying home their hero!

Sometimes, I wonder if I attract too much attention.

But while I was wondering about my ability to make heads turn and look at me, I forgot about someone important. Rythe quickly got seperated from me, not being able to keep up with the soldiers carrying me away. Realizing that this could be a problem, she turned for help.

“Excuse me,” she asked a nearby soldier, “but have you seen a young woman? Blonde hair, wields a spear?”

“You mean the Lancer?” The soldier asked incredulously. He was a young man, hardly more than two and twenty years of age. His sandy-colored hair and light green eyes almost gave him a celestial look, but his attitude soon put that thought to rest. “You know the hero of the Jade army?”

“Umm…” Rythe was ever the cautious one, not wanting to let anyone know too much. “Well, I was traveling with her.”

“Wow!” he cried, impressed. “If you know the Lady lancer, then I would be honored to help you!”

“Thank you,” she replied, suddenly shy from the admiration the youth was giving her. “I’m… Rythe.”

“Liutenant Licec, first knight of the archer’s division,” He declared with an exaggerated bow. Rythe responded with something she hadn’t done in many years: she giggled. “And now, milady, let’s find your companion.” And thus, they headed off to look for me.

As my sister and her new cough “friend” searched for me, the soldiers (who had eventually set me down) led me to the main encampment of their army. It looked no different from any other encampment I saw in my own world: lots of tents and hastily built lean-to’s scattered about, soldiers resting from the day of fighting. In a way, it made me wish to go home. But I had a job to do; I could think about home later.

One of the soldiers, by some unspoken understanding, led me to the base of the encampment. It was a large, two-story tent, in a soft green color. The tent entrance was guarded by two soldiers, both of them looking unfit for any combat. I never understood why the best fighters were sent to the front, while those who wouldn’t even know which end of a sword to grip were put in positions of guarding important places. But I digress.

The guards looked curiously at me, but stood aside. The soldier who was accompanying me (It is sad; I never learned his name) quickly entered, gesturing for me to follow. With a shrug, I obeyed.

The inside of the tent was no more detailed than the outside. There was a huge wooden table in the center of the tent, and several chairs (all of which were being used now), and that was about it. The men turned to look at our entrance, curious as to what was so important. One of them had stopped in mid-sentence. He was an elder, that was obvious; his hair was completely grey, and his body showed many signs that it had seen better days. Yet he moved and talked with such ease, like a man thirty years his junior.

The soldier stopped, and I quickly followed suit. These were obviously the generals and higher-rankng officers, planning their strategies.

“What in hell is the meaning of this?!” one of the officrs demanded. “Who is this woman?”

“General, sir,” the soldier saluted, “I have come to announce our victory over Nohl.”

Almost all of the officers jumped in surprise. “You mean to tell me,” the Genereal who spoke before asked incredulously, “that we won?”

“Yes, sir!” The soldier’s enthusiasm about the event was obvious. “And we owe our thanks to this lady here!”

All heads turned to me then. I just stood there, not letting them see any weakness in me.

“Well, now! This is certainly a pleasant surprise!”

The elder stood up from his chair. He walked over to me, and held out his hand in some strange gesture.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ventarbre, friend of the house of Jade, and military advisor of a sort. And you might be…?”

“Robyn, sir,” I answered when I kneeled to him.

“Oh, come now, girl, stand up! No need to show me any respect, I’m just a dirty old man,” he said with a chuckle. I smiled. This man was truly a wiseman.

“Now then,” he clapped his hands briskly, “care to explain what you are doing here, and where you come from?”

“I am… traveling with a friend,” I said evasively. I spoke the whole truth with Cid, for he was in a position to need to know my tale, but I did not trust the generals in this room. How do they deal with demons in this world, I wonder? “We got caught in the middle of a battle, and I tried to get us out. There was… a confrontation.”

I suddenly noticed Ventarbre looking at me strangely. Or more accurately, staring at my hair and spear. “I see,” he said absentmindedly. “And I suppose you dealt with it with your spear only? You must have very weak anima force to rely on steel alone.”

“Umm…” I stalled. Anima force? was that what that warrior used on me? “To tell you the truth, Ventarbre, I had to. I cannot cast such magic.”

“I thought as much,” Ventarbre said confidently. “Tell me, dear girl, how is Gustave? Is he still alive?”

“Gustave?” I blinked. I suddenly feared I made a grave error.

“Of course, dear girl. I don’t know why I didn’t see it earlier. The Blonde hair, lack of spell arts, such proficiency with a weapon. You are definitely the scion of Lord Gustave, the greatest of all kings, are you not?”

All of the officers and the one soldier gaped at the “realization”. They started murmuring to each other, discssing this turn of events.

“-His granddaughter maybe? The age difference-” “-Should have seen it. The blonde hair and the warrior attitude are so obvious!” “-We might win the war, if she will fight for us!”

I wasn’t thinking about what they were saying, really. I was trying to understand what had I just gotten myself into. They think I am royalty? The thought was so absurd!"

“Of course,” Master entarbre continued, “I hope the Lady Leslie is well, too. They were always such a beautiful couple, and I-”

“Master Ven,” I hastily interrrupted, may I speak to you privately?"

“Oh, of course, my dear girl! Come, we’ll go somewhere secluded.” He walked right out the door (well, flap), and I had no choice but to follow.

I had never before realized at what speed rumors could travel. But by the time I had caught up with the elder, almost everyone was whispering about “the scion of Gustave”. Oh, Ven and I were going to have a REALLY important talk.

“Now, my dear lady,” Master Ven finally said when he led me to a small, deserted part of the encampment. There were no soldiers about, and we were surrounded by trees on three sides. here would be almost no chance of anyone being able to spy on us. “What did you want to say to me?”

“This.” I’m not proud of what I did. But after he started such troubling rumors that could jeopardize my mission, and I really didn’t hit him that hard!

After he stopped screaming for a few seconds, I found a cloth and helped him try and stem the bloodflow from his nose. “I apologize for that,” I quickly tried to explain. “But you don’t know how much trouble that might have caused!”

“Wh- cough What was that for?”

“I am not related to this Gustave that you speak of. And you may have just ruined my only chance at redemption.”

“Hold on a minute!” He suddenly shouted with an air of command. “Look, could you please start at the beginning? Like who are you and where are you from?”

I sighed. This was going to take a while. “My name is Robyn, and I am not of this world…”

For the next hour, I explained my home, my training with the Valkyries, my quest, and how I got there. He occasionally asked a question or two, but mostly stayed silent.

“I see,” He said when I finished my tale. “So you need the Kris Knife. I believe we can help each other out.”

“You know where the Kris Knife is?” I asked suspiciously. The coincidence was too great!

“Well, not exactly. You see, one of my friends, a man known as Wil Knights, once had a knife he said was called Kris. But this knife didn’t seem to hold this power you speak of. For all I know, it could justbe a duplicate.”

“It’s all I have,” I answered with a lot of constraint. “Now, will you tell me where I can find this Knights person?” Odin help me, I had a lead!

“Yes,” Master Ventarbre siad. But before my hopes could even begin to climb, he added, “provided you help me, of course.”

“And what help would you require?” I inquired, using every ounce of my self-control to not shake the man. If he dares to make a move on me-

“I want you to fight,” He answered, momentarily stopping me. "We need “the scion of Gustave.”

“You want me to fight in the war?” I asked Ventarbre carefully.

“Well, yes and no. I want you to fight as the granddaughter of Gustave.”

Weiila · April 27, 2003, 12:25pm

There was a moment’s silence as I pondered what he meant.

“I don’t understand,” I said at length. “If you want me to fight in the war, then fine. But why must I do it as the ‘scion’? What difference would it make?”

Ventarbre sighed, a sigh that I recognized as the start of a rather lengthy explanation. "Robyn, you may be a great fighter- and I have no doubt that you are!- but you obviously don’t understand strategy.

“You see, if you were to join in our eforts to stop Nohl, and dissuaded the rumors that you are a descendant of Gustave, then it wouldn’t change our chances much. Many armies have had supposedly great warriors, and are rarely afraid of stories about such a warrior.

“But Gustave- Gustave was really one of the greatest warriors that history can remember. People literally fled in terror at the thought of facing him in battle. If our soldiers thought that we had a granddaughter of him fighting with us, then they would surely be more ready to fight, sure of their success. And if the opposition should hear about you, then that would make them nervous at worse, and dead scared at best. You see?”

I… think so,” I hesitantly affirmed. “So, you want me to lie about my heritage. I don’t think I could really do that, Ven.”

“Well, who said you had to lie?” he asked with a sly wink. “All I’m asking is that you not say you aren’t a relative, not say you are. And I swear, on the memory of Lord Gustave himself, that if you follow along with this, I will help you all I can to find this Kris Knife you want. Is it a deal?” he concluded as he held out his hand.

Now I was starting to consider. If I were to join with ventarbre, I certainly could learn a lot about this world. But what would happen if people found out?

“Sounds like a good deal to me, Robyn.”

The familiar voice pulled me out of my inner contemplating, and sith a smile, turned to see my sister standing there. With a soldier.

“And who is this?” I asked with a raised eyebrow. “Rythe, you haven’t been talking about-”

“No, Robyn,” she interrupted me. “This is Lieutenant Licec, and he’s been helping me find you.” She smiled slyly. “Sister, how come you never told me you were the granddaughter of a warlord? Just when you think you know a person-”

“Oh, stop, Rythe!” I laughed. “You know as well as I do that I’m no more a descendant of Gustave than you are!”

Master Ventarbre was standing silently during the whole exchange, but now he spoke up. “Pardon me, ladies, but I am awaiting an answer to my proposition.”

That one sentence was enough to sober us up. I was reminded of my task, and how daunting it was. And it would do well to learn about this world…

“I accept your proposal,” I answered Ven with a sigh. “Though I fear what may come of this lie, I will fight for you.”

“Wait a minute,” the Licec said, surprising me. How could I forget that he was here! “Are you saying that you really aren’t a relative of Gustave?”

Gods, this mission just keeps getting more and more complicated! “Erm, well Licec, you see… I’m not really from around here.”

After telling this story so many times, I don’t have to repeat it all now to you, do I?

“I see,” Licec stated once i had finished my story (yet again. sigh). “Well, although it does not seem honorable I will keep your secret. No one shall learn of your heritage fro me.”

I smiled at Licec. He was a good man. A little inexperienced, but he was kind and honorable. And then my eyes strayed to Rythe, sitting down in the grassy field, close to Licec. She caught the glance I sent her, and just turned away and blushed.

“Umm, Licec?” I asked the soldier. “I was wondering, could you train my sister here with a weapon?”

Both of them seemed to blink at this request. “Umm, train her?” Licec stammered. “Well, I wouldn’t want to risk hurting her, and-”

“And she has no defense if she is seperated from anyone,” I countered. “If we’re going to make this ruse work, there are a few things that will be required.” Using this segue, I addressed Master Ventarbre, leaning against a boulder in an attempt to keep awake during my tale. “Ventarbre, can you teach me about the history of this world?”

“Why, of course! It will take awhile, but if you study diligently, you can pull it off! Now, we’re going to have to make up a schedule for you. There are so many things that will need to be done, and I just hope…”

I just yawned at this point, and lied down in the field. This was going to take awhile, and I was never one for planning. As I slipped off into sleep, the thought of the days to come came to me.

Maybe this was a mistake, after all…

“Lenneth!”

I fell to my knees by the fallen Valkyrie’s side. Struggling to hold back tears, I saw my teacher, my friend, impaled on theAngel Slayer, her very own sword.

Oh, Odin…

“Robyn…” she said, smiling. Even near death, she would find reason for joy. “You came. I’m so happy.”

"Don’t speak,“I told her. “You’ll die if you do.”

Robyn-”

“Esker.”

“Robyn,” she emphasized. “I don’t have long to live as it is. I can only fend off death for so long.” She chuckled, turning into a cough midway. “I wonder, who comes to retrieve the valkyrie when she dies?”

“Lenneth… who did this to you? Who?!”

“It… it was…”

She never finished that sentence. Lenneth, the greatest warrior I have ever known, and my first true friend, was dead.

“…iss… Miss… Miss! You have to get up!”

I literally jumped out of bed at that moment, scaring the wits out of the poor soldier.

“Ugh…” I held my head, trying to stifle the raging headache I felt. “What happened?”

“Umm, well,” he hesitantly explained, “last night, some of the guys broke out some of the ale and…”

“Oh, gods.” the memories came flooding back. How can anyone stand that abominable stuff, liquor? I swear, I will never touch that stuff ever again!

But the hangover was a mere nuisance compared to the feeling of terror that remained. That dream, it was so real… could it be a preminition? I’ll have to ask Rythe later.

Which reminds me…

“What time is it?” I asked, still rubbing my forehead.

“Umm, it’s about mid-morning now. Master Ven sent me to retrieve you.”

Sighing in resignation, I finally opened my eyes to the world. The small tent I was in was luxurious when compared to the rest of the camp. It only had a bed, a table, two chairs, and my equipment, but it was more than what most had right now.

“Tell master Ven I shall be there in a moment.”

“Yes, Lady Steel,” he saluted before running off to do his appointed task. It was a good thing, because then he didn’t see me wince at that title.

Ever since we came to this world two weeks ago, I have had to put up with being called “Lady Lancer” or “Steel” or the Scion". And the almost godlike reverence they give me, all because of a lie.

I shrugged, realizing the futility of just moping about it, slipped on my boots, and walked out my tent.

Walkingacross the encampment, I drew many stares. Despite my time here, people still seemed to think of me as an unbeatable force of nature, who will single-handedly bring their army to victory.

If only they knew.

I soon came to ven’s tent, being of similar build to mine. The only real difference was that his had two guards stationed outside his flap, and it was a lighter shade of green. Proving the importance of him to this army, I guess.

“Ah, Lady Robyn, you’re here!” Ven welcomed me as I entered his tent. “Come, time for your lesson!” For the past two weeks, I have spent every morning with Ven, learning about the history and culture of this strange world. Today, he spent three hours telling me about the story of Gustave’s life.

Gustave. The man who was almost a god. The man who single-handedly brought peace to the Merchmin region for a long reign. The man whose name I was quickly becoming sick of hearing.

At Midday, we broke off to tend to our own affairs. He went to the other generals, discussing their strategies. I left, to find Rythe.

The day after our arrival, Lieutenant Licec was appointed as Rythe’s bodyguard, and trainer. Not being known as my sister (we look too different; me with my golden blonde hair and blue eyes, her with her hair the color of midnight, and eyes that seemed to hold information beyond her years), she was thought of as just my traveling companion, but she was still held in reverence as well.

Iapproached the training ground, where Licec and Rythe were drawing a crowd with their training session. Rythe had decided on using a staff for her weapon, and despite being only a beginner, she already wielded it very well. But my trained eye could see that Licec wasn’t trying as hard as he should, either afraid to hurt Rythe, or just didn’t want to defeat her.

The growing affection between those two was so obvious, but they didn’t see it. Their constantly being together, long talks under the stars, those many glances they kept sending the other when they weren’t looking; it was all too obvious. They were in love.

“Robyn!” she called as soon as she saw me. “Watch!” At that moment, she charged by Licec, and swung her staff with enough force to knock him off his legs. I stared at her in amazement. That move, though so simple, held such power! How did she?

“Something called ‘Bone Crush’,” she happily told me. “These people are amazing! They can tap into the power within their weapons, and draw out powers and techniques that can be extremely powerful! You should check with Licec sometime, he could teach you a thing or two!” She was like a child, so happy was she. When we first started this journey, she was so somber, willing to leave our mother to die. Mother…

But now, she was almost a whole new person. Her eyes, normally downcast and somewhat… well, creepy, were now nearly sparkling with life! Licec was obviously a profound impact on her life.

“Later,” I replied with a shake of my head to clear my thoughts. “Right now, I need to talk to you. it’s important.”

“Why, Robyn? What could be so important?”

“Odin,” I replied gravely. “I fear that Ragnarok is upon us.”

“Robyn, that dream probably didn’t mean anything! I mean, the chances that you had a prophetic dream-”

“Well, what about you? You’re my sister, so isn’t it possible that I could have a vision or two?”

“Robyn, it doesn’t work that way!”

I was getting really frustrated with my sister. She had been a lot easier to deal with lately, but this…

We were currently in my tent, discussing my recent “vision”. Rythe was skeptical of my belief, and thought I was just over

“Okay,” she sighed, “let’s go over this again. Exactly WHAT happened in this dream?”

“Well,” started hesitantly, “I remember we were in this… cavern, and There I saw Lenneth, trainer of the Valkyries and my first true friend. She was on the ground in pain, and I saw her sword stuck inside her chest.” I chuckled without humor. “To think, the greatest warrior ever, impaled by her own weapon.”

“Get on with it, sister.”

“Right. Anyway, I ran to her, and knelt by her body. She opened her eyes, looked at me, and… smiled…” I trailed off, feelings of inexplainable guilt washing over me.

Why would she be so happy, in her last moment of death, and I was what she saw? I, who forsook the ways of Odin, and brought shame upon her for not convincing me? I… I betrayed her…

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I’ll wallow in my own self-pity later. Now, I have to deal with Rythe.

“Anyway, she looked at me, said my name, and… for some reason, I told her to call me ‘Esker’. Wierd, huh?”

" ‘Esker’?" my prophetic sister asked. “Why would you want to be called that?”

“How should I know?” I snapped back. “This is the FUTURE, remember?”

“Okay, okay! Geez, sorry.”

“No,” I sighed. "I should apologize. Gods, this dream is getting to me!

“Anyway, I tried to help her, but… she seemed to accept, even welcome her death… And before she was able to tell me who did this, she… passed on…”

I turned silent at the end of my tale, trying to figure out what in Niflheim actually happened there. sigh Lenneth… you were always there for me. When Loki first found me, and attempted to… to… But you came, and you protected me. I will always thank you for that…

And I will, when we go to see you.

“Rythe,” I said suddenly, “we’re leaving. I have to see Lenneth, and Odin. This could be bad.” I glanced at my sister. “Rythe?”

Rythe stood there with a glazed look in her eyes.

Oh, no…

“Well, Robyn,” she intoned geravely, “you may have to wait awhile. The battle starts today.”
 
The two armies met that very same day. On one side, there was the Laubholz army, who broke the treaty of Hahn and started advancing on other territories. On the other, there was the Jade army, dedicated to keeping the peace and stopping Laubholz. And there was me.

I was wearing really obvious and somewhat bulky steel armor. It was supposed to show me as an obviously Steel warrior, and to let the enemy know that the rumors of the Steel Lady were true. But all I could think about was how heavy that armor was.

When the two armies were finally in sight of the other, they stopped. The tension was so thick, neither side wanting to make the first move. After about five minutes with noone moving, with no sound except the howling of the wind, someone made the first move.

And it was me.

I raised my Aura Lance in salute to both sides. “For the glory of Odin!” I cried as I raced down the hill to meet with the opposing force. The soldiers behind me, though confused by my cry and startled by my action, responded quickly and followed me to glorious battle.

Meanwhile, the Laubholz army was also charging to face us. Their archers started firing volleys of arrows at us, and giving their comrades cover. But they did not hurt me, for I was in my natural element. My lance swung in many quick arcs, deflecting any arrows that came near me. And not but ten seconds later, I met with the enemy in full combat.

The battle is now but a blur to me, of fleeting moments of defeating my enemies and aiding my allies. But there is one part that is all too clear in my memory, something that I will never forget.

At some point, I was cut off from most of the Jade army, and I was surrounded. My armor was dented in every sensitive area, my grip on the Lance slipping on the still wet coating of blood. I was tiring, and I new that my end would soon come.

But then, a familiar form appeared at my side, with twenty warriors right behind her. It was Rythe, and she had brought help.

“Tsk, tsk, dear sister!” She exclaimed with mock scolding as she delfected a few attacks with her staff. “You should know better than to try and take on a whole army!”

“I do,” I replied with a grin, despite the obvious threat all around us. “That’s why I’m just taking care of the Left flank of the army!”

“Allow me, Steel Lady,” another familiar voice cried. Licec emerged from the throngs, and joined the two of us. From then on, we were an unstoppable fighting force. Enemies and allies alike scrambled away to avoid the fury of our fighting style, and we soon made ou way to the backs of the army, and we faced the General of the entire Laub army.

He never said a word, he just glared at us with hate-filled eyes. Yet he kept his calm, and drew his sword. It was made of a different material than the others, apparently made from the bone of a very big (and I’d guess dangerous) animal. He charged at us, and started attacking furiously with his sword.

Even with the three of us against just him, we were hard pressed to hit him. His skill with his sword was astounding, able to delfect almost all of our hits, and performed manouvers I thought impossible by mortals. But in the end, he couldn’t hold out against our teamwork and skill. He fell to the ground, unmoving.

“we- we did it,” Licec said between gasps for breath. “We’ve won the war!” He threw his hands into the air, his lance pointing to the heavens, leaving his guard completely down. And that’s when he struck.

The General, who was not dead, focused on Licec. And before any of us knew what happened, three large, sharp projectiles slammed through Licec’s body, leaving gashes in his shoulders and chest. And his face, that look of total surprise etched with pain, when he looked down at his wounds. That look will never leave me, no matter what I try.

Nor the sound of his body hitting the ground mere moments later.

Weiila · April 27, 2003, 12:26pm

Rythe stood absolutely still for a moment, totally shocked at the scene which just occured. Then, she was over Licec’s fallen body in a second, weeping the tears of one in mourning.

“No! It can’t be!” She screamed at the world between sobs. “Licec, please! Tell me you’re allright!”

I don’t remember the few seconds I took to walk over there, but before I knew it, I was kneeling in front of the lieutenant’s unmoving body, searching for some sign of life. I had just given up hope, when I heard a faint breath from his outh.

“Rythe, he’s alive!” I shouted in surprise and overwhelming relief. “He’s still alive!”

Robyn, do something, then!" She screeched at me, still upset. “He needs aid, or it won’t matter! Can’t you help him?!”

“I… I can’t, Rythe,” I responded slowly. “He’s beyond my help.”

That’s when it hit me. after weeks of not thinking about my mission or what was the cause of it, I remembered the owers of clerical magic. And I couldn’t use it! Oh, Odin…

“- I’ll go get help, Rythe,” I stammered, trying to hold back tears because of my failure. “Maybe Ventarbre can help.” I got to my feet, and charged off to find the elder, before I could give Rythe any chance to respond.

I ran, ran like a force trying to beat death, which I was. I knew that Licec had a matter of maybe half an hour before he finally passed on, and it would take me a lot of that time just to find Ven. was in the middle of the main bulk of the battle, all of them unaware that the battle was over already.

“Hey, stop!” I called to one soldier who was nearby. “The war’s over, we won!”

“Nice try, spell-less whore!” The soldier- a Laubholz one, I could see now- spat at me. “But you won’t fool me!” And with that, he raced off to fight some more.

“You can stop now!” I tried again- this time, with a Jade soldier. “We’ve won! There’s no more need to fight!”

He answered with a glare. “Are you mad, Lady? THose Laub bastards are still a thousand strong! We need to wipe them out, and fast!” And like the first one, he ran off to face more combatants.

I was amazed. I had always had a passion for fighting, but THIS!.. Thise wasn’t glorious battle, it was senseless bloodshed when the cause was disposed of. It filled me with a feeling I had never really experienced before: Rage. I could feel the anger welling up inside me, the knowledge that they fought for no reason, and I just couldn’t take it.

I dropped my lance with a resolve unknown to these people, and slammed my fist down into the Earth. At that moment, a show of my true power, the fury that even I never knew I had, came into being, and I shook the countryside with the force of my punch. Every soldier on the battlefield stopped fighting, and did all they could just to keep standing upright and not fall down.

“IDIOTS! EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!” I screamed at them all, still in the position I was in when I slammed the Earth. “THIS WAR IS OVER, THE GENERAL DEFEATED, YET STILL YOU DESIRE TO FIGHT!” I could’t take the pressure anymore, and I wept. I, the one who had killed so many, had seen so much destruction, wept for those poor souls!

I felt a gentle hand touch my shoulder. I looked up, and saw the sad, knowing face of Master Ven looking down at me.

“War is never a rational thing,” he told me. “Even when the cause is won or lost, still it will continue, for the anger will not subside so easily. Never let the anger dominate you, Robyn.” e had seemed like a fool at times, not taking anything too seriously, but when I looked into his eyes- the eyes which had seen so much- I knew he was right.

“Ven-” I choked out. “Ven, Licec’s dying. He needs help, or-”

“I understand,” He sad with such a quiet tone. “Lead me to him, Robyn. War will not take his Anima today.” I nodded silently, and walked off to lead Ven to Licec. And it was at that moment, that I vowed I’d never let another soul die when it could be avoided.

It’s funny how easily it is to forget such promises.
 
“No.”

“But Robyn-”

“No, Rythe. You’re staying here.”

We were in Ven’s tent back in the encampment, the four of us. After Ven healed Licec, we brought him back here to rest, while I went out to quell the fighting still going on in some areas. After I finished that up, and both sides finally agreed that the war was over, the defeated Laubholz army met with the Jade representatives to work out a new treaty. But that’s a different story.

After it was all done Ven decided that it was time to bring me to the one known as William Knights. We were going to spend the night here, preparing for the journey, then leave in the morning. And I didn’t want Rythe to come.

“Listen to me, sister,” Rythe insisted, “you need me to come with you. My powers-”

“Have been dwindling since you’ve found happiness,” I cut her off. “Rythe, I would love to have your company on this trip, but can you honestly look me in the eye and say you could leave here,” glanced at the still unconscious Licec on Ven’s bed, “so suddenly?”

Rythe blushed. “I- I have to, Robyn. You need-”

“Sister,” I said gravely, “I may need your powers at some point. But he needs your love. I will return soon, but you must stay here by his side.”

She just looked at me for a minute, then looked away in a huff. I just had to smile at that. My sister, acting so… feminine.

“Well, now,” Ven clapped his hands as he arose from the chair he was occupying, “if that touching little family spat is over with, we have some preparations to make, Robyn.”

“I guess,” I sighed. “Now, where is my real armor? And for that matter, my pack?”

“Umm, your pack is in your tent. I placed it there so you could find it easily.” He said all this with a nervous edge to it. He was hiding something.

“And my Armor?”

“Well, you see, Robyn, you have to remember that there are sometimes mistakes in campaigns like this, and-”

“Ven, where’s my armor?” I asked again, suspicious about it’s state of being.

“Well, some of the soldiers got out some wine to celebrate their victory over Laubholz, and… they got a bit cold at some point.”

“Ven,” I stated in a slow, deep voice that suggested that Ven would face a very painful experience, possibly involving fire, if he didn’t give me a straight answer. “I will ask you one last time. Where is my armor?”

“…It was burned,” He said so quietly I almost missed it. But I didn’t, and I didn’t like it.

“WHAT?!” I screeched. “What do you mean, burned?!”

“Now, I told you, Robyn, they were drunk, and cold!”

“So they burned my armor?!” I was still screaming. “Now what the hell am I supposed to do for armor?!”

“We could get you some more,” the wizened master supplied, trying to alleviate my anger. “I’m sure that the shops in Wide will-”

“Ventarbre,” I said, using every fiber of my being to keep from killing that poor man, “I can’t use the armor here! It’s way too bulky!”

“Now, now,” he responded, "you should know that Wide is especially known for it’s smithies, and their armor will certainly be a better fit.

“Robyn,” he went on, “you know you don’t have much of a choice. That’s your best bet, so you should take it.”

He was right, I was stuck for it. I’d have to settle for what I could get, even if it is far inferior to what I need.

And of all the places I visited, of all the worlds, none made me so irritated as as the world of Animia.

The next morning, after all the goodbyes, Ven and I left on our journey. It was a good week’s trip to Wide, and there were plenty of perils along the way. Since I was without my armor (which I would constantly grumble about), I had to be extra careful around beasts and the like. And Ven- I never knew an elder could be so spry! HE was well into his 60’s, yet he fought like a man half his age! And he certainly taught me a few things about my spear techniques… but I digress.

When we reached Wide, I immediately searched out the armory. I found it fairly quickly, and I wasn’t dissapointed. They had so many diffeent types of armor! They didn’t have anything similar to my old set (I guess that leatherworking never caught on here), so I settled for a set of full steel body armor. It was a bit heavy, but I could manouver surprisingly well in it. These people knew their steel!

After paying for my new armor (Of course, there were a few complications, like I had none of their currency), found Ven patiently waiting outside, and after apologizing for making him wait, he led me to the House of Knights.

The house itself wasn’t very impressive; It was just a simple cottage, obviously needing repair in certain areas, and the door was weathered with age. But this didn’t concern me. What mattered was that I got the Kris, and soon.

Ven approached the door, and rapped on it. We waited a few moments, and a young woman opened the door for us. She was pretty, with her Long, dirty blonde hair tied into a ponytail, and there were some obvious muscle on her, strength aquired only through fighting. But this lady, who seemed no older than me, showed all the innocence of a newborn babe.

“Ven!” she cried when she saw who it was. “Oh, it’s so good to see you!” she hugged him with the affection one might show an uncle, or grandfather.

“It’s good to see you too, Ginny,” Ven responded, patting her back, “but could we talk inside? It’s a bit chilly.”

“Sure,” Ginny said. “And who’s this?” she asked Ven when she saw me. “A new apprentice? What happened to Meythia?”

“Ah, I’ll explain in due course, my dear. But we need to talk to your grandfather first. Is he in?”

Ginny’s smile dropped, and she put on a very grave face. “He’s here, but we don’t know for how long. He’s got this wierd disease, the doctors don’t know what to do. He’s dying, Ven.”

“Let me see him,” Ventarbre said softly, barely above a whisper.

Ginny nodded, and led us to a room in the rear of the house, sealwd by a heavy wooden door. She knocked gently on it, waited a moment, then opened the door into the Chambers of master Wil.

I have seen the huts of several shamans in my life, but this room held even more talismans than any of them combined! Items of every type lined the walls, from a carving of a small stone dragon, to a chalice seemingly formed of tree roots, to a pendant the color of the darkest midnight. And the weapons! Swords forged from animal bones long dead, a bow that seemed to be made from a harp, and a Lance made from an icicle! This man, whoever he was, had seen the world several times over!

I heard voices, so i tore my gaze from the walls to look at the bed in the center of the room. In it lay the oldest man I have ever seen. People who lived past their fiftieth year was rare in my world, and this man seemed to be almost twice that! His face was marked with the signs of weariness and age, his frame so thin, I believe I could have broke him in two, not that I ever considered it. This was a man who had seen it all, and oe I had the utmost respect for.

“Robyn,” I was pulled from my thoughts by Ven, “Please, come here.” I did. “Robyn, this is William Knights, World-reknowned Digger. And this, is the Valkyrie Robyn.”

“So,” the great Wil Knights whispered, “you are the one who seeks my aid. What can I do for you, my dear?”

“Sir”, I said with the respect due to him, “I am on a quest, and I seek a weapon known as the Kris Knife. Do you know of it?”

“The Kris Knife…” he responded, his eyes glazing over in some memory long forgotten, “It was the first quell I ever found. But why do you seek it?” he asked as he returned to normal, looking at me. “It has no strength in it at all. I have had a hard time cutting butter with it!”

“It doesn’t matter,” I responded calmly, hiding the doubts growing within. If this was a mislead, and it wasn’t the real Kris… “I would like to see it.”

It looked like he was going to say something, but a great coughing fit came over him. Ventarbre looked worried, and I heard Ginny, staying by the door, choke back a sob.

“Allright,” Wil finally managed to say. “I will let you have it, but I have a request first.”

“What is it?”

“For the better part of my life, I have been searching the megaliths for quells,” he said, not quite answering my question. “In fact, it was these excursions that lead to my downfall. Megaliths are highly attuned creations, and house many things unknown to man. I fear that I have found a disease like this. Or maybe it was the Egg’s final work,” he quietly mused, again thinking of memories I had no knowledge of. "But it’s a moot point, anyway.

“I have seen the world, and have witnessed many things. I have killed, and watched my friends be killed. Cordelia…” he trailed off, a single tear sliding down his face. I feared that his constant breaks would soon lead him totally away from my inquiry. “But, for the last year, I have been too sick to move. I can barely walk now, and I know that I will soon die.”

“Grampa!” Ginny cried, racing over to his side, tears flowing freely from her deep brown eyes. “Don’t talk like that!”

“Ginny, it is the truth,” he said gently, patting her hand with one of hs own. “I know that I will not see the end of this week, maybe not even this day. And I wish only to have one last adventure, before I pass. Robyn,” he turned to me again, “I ask of you, give me one last adventure, one final story before I go.”

I blinked. He wanted a story? But I had never told a story to anyone in my life! I couldn’t!

But then I remembered my own childhood, before all this happened. After night came, mother would tell us all so many stories, and with such detail. I always wanted to be able to tell a tale like her, and this was my chance to follow in her footsteps.

“I… I guess I can try,” I stumbled, still rather nervous about this request. “I just- just need a moment to think of one.”

A million ideas raced through my head, and a million rejected. I could not think of any I could tell that would be good enough! It had to be perfect, or the Kris Knife would be forever out of my grasp, and redemption a hopeless cause.

“Robyn,” Ven said as he clapped a hand on my shoulder again, “relax. It will come to you, just let it.”

I breathed out slowly. All at once, an idea appeared, and I knew the perfect story to tell.

“Once, many years ago, a Boy was born. This boy was of Noble birth, but was fated to be shunned by his own father, and forced to leave forever. His name was Gustave.”

There we are!

Frameskip · April 27, 2003, 12:40pm

Woah it took 7 posts to repost. Thats huge. I’ll read it when I can.

Weiila · April 27, 2003, 12:43pm

Blame the double spaced lines

GG_Crono · April 27, 2003, 1:38pm

Wow…I’m impressed. If I had more time, I’d read the whole thing again.

Valkyrie_Esker · April 27, 2003, 2:30pm

I coulda done that, Weiila! But thanks. Now, I’ll post a tiny bit more tomorrow!

OmegaflareX · April 27, 2003, 3:01pm

Looking good, Val. ^_~

PC_Glenton · April 27, 2003, 5:05pm

From what I have seen, maybe we should call these forums the Phoenix boards.

Valkyrie_Esker · April 27, 2003, 5:12pm

I should kill you for suggesting something so cliche and stupid, Glenton.

PC_Glenton · April 27, 2003, 5:13pm

Well, you try thinking of something creative when you spent all night working on your machine…

Anyway, good to see the story back.

Valkyrie_Esker · April 27, 2003, 5:14pm

Originally posted by PC Glenton
[b]Well, you try thinking of something creative when you spent all night working on your machine…

Anyway, good to see the story back. [/b]

Okay, i will!

And thanks.

Weiila · April 28, 2003, 12:40am

No problem, Val Good luck writing!

And how about calling them “the boards reborn”… wait, I hate the Wheel of Time series…