Valkyrie's Page of Wonder

February 26, 2009

Sneak Preview - Fallen Angel - Alternate

Xannon enters the temple and kneels before the statue of Bast. Having only recently been reopened, the marble floors and alabaster lamps still reflected the evening light from the nearby windows. The newly rebuilt statue welcomed everyone with open arms, including Xannon. He feels a presence behind him.
"Rise, Xannon. What is it you wish?"
Xannon stands and turns to see the beautiful figure of Bast. He catlike eyes glowing slightly in the night. He is momentarily entranced by her beauty but quickly regains himself.
"Why did it have to be this way? Why the years of war, death, pain, and suffering? I was ready to fight for you, to end the war. I could have done it. I feel it in my bones, my heart, my soul. I know I've asked you many times since my return but you have never given me a straight answer. Either I'm not ready, or I wouldn't understand, but you never give me a chance to understand. You never tell me when I'll be ready. What would have happened if Sarah hadn't died? If I would have stayed with you?"
Bast ponders this while strolling over the the statue of herself. It stood over twice as tall as a normal person, nearly 15 feet.
"You were always my favorite student. Have I told you that? Celeste thought the same way. She knew things about you. Things she shouldn't have known, couldn't have known, but still knew. She knew deep down you would return. That's why she did what she did that night you came to visit. She sacrificed herself for you."
Bast stops for a moment and stares off into the night.
"So many sacrifices. So many lost for the greater good."
"What greater good? 400 years of war? The loss of hundreds of your followers? Most of them as a result of my actions? Even Gatomon fell to my blade."
"Life," Bast states simply. "The continuation of life."
"Would it not have been better to extinguish the forces of Kardis when we had the chance? What was gained by extending the war? Tell me, Bast. Explain it to me so that I may understand."
She stops and looks into his eyes.
"Yes. You are ready. But you may not like what you hear. If Sarah had not died, if you had stayed with me, there would have been wonderful glory and heroic death for you."
"Doesn't sound too bad so far."
Bast turns back toward the open window.
"You would have left the temple as a full Mage Knight of Bast. The best we have ever seen. You would have led my armies in a valiant and heroic assault on the forces of Kardis. You would have won the war in only a few short months. But you would not have killed the High Priest of Kardis nor his apprentice. They would have escaped back to their temple in the southern mountains where they would wait and rebuild. They would have still found the book of ancient magics, broken the seal and brought about the apocalypse."
"Which is exactly what I did."
She turns toward him. "Yes, but he would not have stopped. He would have confronted you one on one in the battlefield. You would have fought valiantly and you would have lost. Killed by the High Priest of Kardis. Once you were defeated, the best of the best, the army would have crumbled faster than their morale. The forces of Kardis led by an unstoppable menace would have swept across the lands killing anything and everything. Gatomon would have made a last ditch effort to stop him, but even with the combined powers of the archangels of Gaia, she would have failed. Her and the archangels would have all perished. The forces of Bast and Yehova would have fallen leaving the world to slowly wither away into nothing, eventually every living creature on the planet would have died. Kardis and Rinous would have achieved their ultimate goal."
Xannon lowers his eyes to the floor and thinks about her words.
"Was there no other way?" he finally asks.
"There were, but you must understand that you are special. By yourself, you are the most powerful sorcerer on the planet. Any other path we would have taken would have resulted in your death. By giving you over to Kardis, you would live. As long as you were alive I had a chance to get you back. As the years passed, your anger grew and it became harder and harder to feel you.
"You felt me the day you died. Yet you felt cursed. You felt me every time Sarah's spirit touched your heart. Yet you felt angry. It was then I knew the only way to get you back was to create for you a way to relieve your anger, your hate, your sorrow. That was the reason for the final conflict. That was why so many of my followers were put to the sword. We needed you. I needed you, Xannon.
"From the very moment of your birth I knew you were special. I touched you, nurtured you, loved you. It tore my soul apart to send you away. Just as it tore apart Celeste's. You could see it in her eyes, couldn't you? The day of your trial?"
Xannon turns away from Bast and looks out the front doors of the temple. He wipes away the tears forming in his eyes.
"Enough. I understand everything now. I know why you did what you did. But I do have one more question."
Bast walks up behind him and wraps her loving arms around him in a mothers embrace.
"Where do I go from here? Do I return to Sarah and try to live a normal life. Or do you have bigger plans for me?"
She squeezes him slightly.
"Always bigger plans for you, Xannon. Always."

March 06, 2008

Sneak Preview! - Fallen Angel - Raid

The sound of light footsteps what the only audible noise as the group slowly worked their way toward the courtyard of the temple. With the front lines so far to the south the temple barriers, wards, and guards had been relaxed and in some cases entirely absent.
They reach the north west wall and Valkyrie helps Verana jump over the wall. The elf lands silently on the other side. Skye and Grey fly over the wall next leaving Valkyrie alone. Knowing magic would still set off the alarm he proceeds to carefully and quietly scale the wall. Within moments he is over the top and lands softly on the grassy courtyard.
While Verana, Skye and Grey didn't know the exact reason they were here, Valkyrie did. Perhaps it was dangerous, foolish and a waste of time, but he had to find it. That book was his, given to him by the High Priestess herself. Then, on that fateful day, taken away. His name was already in it, he had marked passages, poured over its contents for years. Perhaps it was mere nostalgia, but the knowledge in that book would help him one day. He knew that much.
The entirety of the temple slept save for a few guards and companions at the front door. No one expected an attack from the back. Approaching the door that led into the main hallway, Valkyrie calls Skye up to pick the lock. Magic could have unlocked it a lot quicker, but it would set off the alarm and it was not time for that yet. The book was still not found.
With a barely audible click, the door unlocks. They quickly but silently open the door and make their way inside. Once everyone is inside, Valkyrie leads the them through the twisting halls straight to their destination, a small storage room where old items are kept. Finding it unlocked, they all head inside, closing the door behind them.
The room was slightly cramped with the four of them, but still enough room for one person to move around. Valkyrie instructs the other three to watch the door while he lights a nearby lamp. Shelves from floor to ceiling were crammed full of odds and ends. Rows and rows of books filled one side of the room and he proceeds to search for the book. One shelf had several used magic books on them. He checks out each one, looking through certain pages until he finds the one he came for. An inscription on the inside front cover reads: "To the best student this school has ever seen. May you life be full of excitement. - Celeste"
He jams the book into his inside coat pocket then turns to the others motioning them to leave. He extinguishes the lamp and they proceed back into the hall. Verana shoots him a questioning look, asking without words if that was why they came here.
Valkyrie shakes his head and points back the way they came. He leads them back through the halls stopping at a large door at the end of the sanctuary. The words "High Priestess" were etched onto a plaque on the door. He opens the door and they all silently make their way inside.
They now stand in the office of the High Priestess of Bast. A book shelf to the left holds years of research on magic and the special link between Priestesses of Bast and their animal companions. The temple of Bast had only recently begun letting Priestesses have animal companions, but the results were amazing. He grabs all the books on the subject he can and hands them to Verana who puts them in her bag. Valkyrie then checks the desk for any communications they could use against the temple of Bast. He finds several and hands them to Skye. Having gathered enough information they begin to file out of the office, but Valkyrie stops feeling someone behind him. The others leave the office and head for the designated meeting place.
Valkyrie turns to see the High Priestess looking at him from the doorway that connected her sleeping quarters to the office. She watches him for a moment, knowing who he was from the start. Memories rush back to Valkyrie, reminding him of the last time he saw her. He draws his sword.
"Is this how it ends for me, Xannon? Slain in the night by the one man who haunts my dreams?"
"Xannon is dead. Only I, Valkyrie, remain."
"I have dreamed about this moment for years, ever since you left. I always wondered if I would sound the alarm and fight back. But I feel calm, relaxed. I feel like it is supposed to happen like this. Like fate."
"I swore I would make her pay for what she did. And now my payback begins."
"You know if you slay me, that another will rise. One without the sympathetic attachment we have. She will not waver in her devotion to the goddess. She will be a thorn in your side for centuries. She will see you, and treat you like a servant of Kardis, not like the fallen angel I know you to be. One with the potential to rise again like the phoenix, Zyst."
Valkyrie stares at her for a moment, his devotion to the causes teetering on the edge. On one hand, Celeste had helped him through rough times, and he had helped her when reports of Naveen's death came in. On the other, she represented that which he hated most, the Goddess Bast, whose actions drove him to leave the temple. He remembers Sarah's last moments and how alone she felt.
With a sudden burst of energy Valkyrie drives his sword through Celeste's stomach. She doesn't scream, doesn't sound the alarm, she just smiles. Valkyrie withdraws his sword and Celeste wavers for a moment before slowly sliding to the floor.
"I have much faith in you, Xannon. Your destiny was determined before your mother even knew you existed."
Blood begins to tickle from the side of her mouth.
"You are fated for great things. Things I can't even comprehend. But I must give you a warning."
She motions for him to come closer. Valkyrie kneels next to her and she leans in close to his ear.
"Beware the elf girl. The actions of this night will cause great strife for you if you are not careful. I assume you came for your book."
Valkyrie leans back, shocked that she knew why he was here.
"I kept it for you. In my dreams I saw you take it. So many times did I see you take it. So many times did I wish for your return. And so many times did I know it was not meant to be."
She coughs up blood which splashes on to her white night gown.
"You must hurry. When I die the wards I have placed around this room will fail and everyone will know I am dead."
Valkyrie stands back up, again shocked that she has protected him from detection.
"Why have you done this for me? I cursed your goddess, revoked my priesthood, killed one of your priestesses. After all I have done against you, why save me?"
She was already getting weak, the strain of keeping the wards up was beginning to take their toll.
"You will... understand in time.... Now Go!"
She waves for him to go.
Valkyrie turns to leave. He slowly pushes the door open to check the area outside.
From behind him he hears Celeste's final words, "You are still my favorite student...."
Moments later ward fails and the entire temple seems to cry out in agony. Everyone is alerted to her death and the guards at the front door burst in and begin heading for his position.
"Goodbye Celeste," he says before leaving the office.

August 06, 2007

Sneak Preview! - Fallen Angel - End of the War

The forces of Bast did their best to destroy him, but Valkyrie’s dark shield protected him from everything. With the last of his army already defeated there was no chance to win this battle, let alone the war.
The elves of the forest cease their attack and begin to surround Valkyrie, careful of any sudden moves or increase in power. Knowing he is defeated, Valkyrie lowers his shield and waits, eyes closed, till a familiar voice speaks to him.
“You are a foolish man, Valkyrie,” the voice states. “Why do you expose yourself like this instead of flee?”
Valkyrie opens his eyes and looks straight into the face of Gatomon, High Priestess of Bast. Even though she had transformed into a hybrid cat for the battle, Valkyrie could still make out her features. He watches her carefully for a moment, thinking back to all his previous encounters with her.
“Why I choose to stay is none of your concern.”
“I could kill you where you stand you realize.”
“Then why don’t you? Are you afraid? My army’s destroyed! I stand here alone on the field of battle and still you fear me? Perhaps I underestimated you.”
“You have tricked us too many times before with your calls for peace. I will not make the same mistake again.”
Valkyrie takes a step toward Gatomon causing her to straighten up and several elves to ready their bows.
“So are you going to strike me down? Will you take this life that is being offered to you? Kill one defenseless human to save the lives of hundreds of thousands?”
“You’re no human! You’re a monster!”
“Monster?! I’m not the one who looks like a mutated panther!”
Gatomon takes a step back and thinks about that for a moment. She nods slightly and begins to transform back to her human form. Her shiny black fur falls off revealing her bare skin. After a few more second she stands in front of Valkyrie as a full human woman.
“I am not a monster on the inside, Valkyrie. Unlike me, you can’t take off what makes you a monster. You are a monster all the way to the core.”
Valkyrie slowly draws his sword from its sheath and hands it to Gatomon.
“If I truly am only a monster, you should have no trouble with what you must do.”
As Gatomon takes the sword, Valkyrie closes his eyes and raises his hands, waiting for the final blow. She watches him stand there waiting for her to strike, knowing she’s not supposed to kill a defenseless person. Moments pass, and the air stops. The only audible sound Gatomon can hear is her own slow breathing. She raises the sword and points it at his heart.
“Forgive me,” Gatomon whispers.
With one swift motion she plunges the sword into his chest causing him to stumble then fall. Valkyrie looks up at Gatomon as blood begins to trickle out of the side of his mouth.
“Perhaps now we can all have peace…”
Valkyrie winces in pain and collapses, lying motionless on the ground. Gatomon drops the sword on the ground next to Valkyrie while an elf runs up behind her to wrap her in a cloak.
“Is he really dead?”
“Yes, Valkyrie is dead. The war is over.”
“It’s over? Then why aren’t you more pleased?”
“He was right. I was afraid. Am afraid… Not of him or what he might do, but of what I might have to do. And now I’ve done it. I’ve killed a defenseless person.”
“But you said he was a monster.”
“Despite all his faults and everything he’s done or would have done, he was still human. He offered me his life, and I crushed it. Celebrate if you want, but I need to be alone for a while.”
Gatomon ties the cloak around her naked body and heads off into the Forest of Enlightenment. The elves cheer and race back into the forest to tell stories of Valkyrie’s last moments. Stories that will be at the most, half true.
Valkyrie’s spirit stands up from his fallen body and looks around. He then turns to the Forest of Enlightenment and watches Gatomon disappear behind the trees.
“Is this what you wanted, Bast? The forces of Kardis destroyed? Your precious land saved? For over four hundred years I’ve begged, I’ve pleaded for you to hear me so this is my final request of you. Welcome me back into your arms. Let me embrace my love once again.”
He waits for a response but hears nothing.
“Am I already too lost? Have I taken too many lives? Do you even remember me? Or have you forgotten me entirely?”
Still nothing.
“I’m dying, Bast! I only want redemption for my soul. Can’t I at least have that?!”
Silence.
“Will you deny me even unto death? How can you remain silent?”
Valkyrie starts to feel the warm touch of Bast’s power.
“Is it? Have you finally come to take me home?”

June 29, 2007

Fallen Angel - Final Visit

For years after Gatomon’s appearance Xannon’s life was simple. This truly was a free town. No one here ever even mentioned Bast or any other of the gods or goddesses. Life was finally starting to get back to normal for Xannon. Despite the fact that everyone in town loved him for the protection he provided them, he still felt alone inside; still felt the empty hole in his heart from Sarah.
“Lucky, when are you going to start dating some of the girls around here? You know they are all dying to be with you. Knowing you are available makes it very hard for the rest of us to get their attention.”
“It’s not like I asked for their attention,” Xannon replies.
“Doesn’t matter, ‘cause you got it.”
“So I’ve noticed.”
“What about Angie? She’s cute, and her father is on the town council. You could get a lot of favors that way you know.”
“Not interested.”
“Maybe you don’t like blondes? What about Ann? Brunette, tight body, and like the rest, would love you date you.”
“Not interested.”
“Susie then? Red heads are nice too.”
“I told you, I’m not interested.”
“Maybe you just don’t like girls.”
“Don’t make me hurt you.”
“Alright, just checking. Five years of not dating anyone kinda makes me wonder, though.”
Xannon stares out the window next to his desk.
“Let’s just say I still have my heart set on someone from back home.”
“Works for me I guess. If I tell the girls that maybe I get them interested in me instead.”
“Go for it. I’m going outside for a moment. I need some fresh air.”
“Sure thing.”
Xannon gets up and heads for the door. As he heads outside a cool fall breeze blows through his hair.
“Xannon…” a voice whispers.
He quickly looks around, seeing no one, he continues on to the town gates. The guard gives him a nod as he strolls past into the rolling hills outside the walls. He walks over to a large boulder, which has become his favorite spot to rest at times like this. It reminded him of the large rock behind the Temple of Bast where he and Sarah used to sit. Back when things were simpler and his life wasn’t screwed up. He sits down and looks out toward the nearby valley. He suddenly gets the feeling that someone is watching him and turns to look, but sees nobody.
“Xannon…” the voice again whispers. “Please…come back…”
He continues to look around but still no one is visible.
“Leave me alone…” Xannon whispers. “That man is dead, only I remain.”
A vision of Bast appears in front of him, her feline features catch his attention. Never had Bast appeared before him, but despite the awe-inspiring appearance, Xannon had no desire to bow or show reverence.
“What do you want?” Xannon asks rudely.
“There are things at work that you can’t possibly understand; reasons behind every action. You must know that I had no idea those actions would cause you to react like this.”
“Reasons for everything? So there was a reason that Sarah had to die? No…that you let her die?”
“Yes, there are reasons for her death, but you cannot yet understand those reasons.”
“What I understand, is that you took the only person I have ever loved away from me. If that is how you treat those that serve you, then I want no part of you.”
“Perhaps one day, when you are older, you will understand the reasons of the world. Know that when that day comes I will be there waiting for you with open arms.”
“Then know this, when that day comes, I will run you through with my sword, even if it means my death. For death would be a welcome release from this living hell you’ve given me.”
Bast lowers her head and sheds a single tear.
“I can see now the pain you feel, the hurt that lives inside.”
“You see nothing!” Xannon yells. “You have NO idea what it’s like! The unbearable PAIN that comes from having to keep my very name a secret! The untold AGONY burning inside from having lost my one true love! Forget about me, Bast! Forget everything you were hoping to make me into! Just leave me ALONE!”
Xannon turns his back on Bast and stands facing the city.
“Farewell, my child. May the next time we meet have a happier ending.”
Xannon feels her presence leave him and he turns. The once happy valley now seems drab and mundane. He turns back to the city and goes back to work.

May 26, 2007

Fallen Angel - Familiar Faces

The warm summer sun pours through the open window of Xannon’s room and splays across his face. Today was one of the few days he’s had off since he started work at the town watch six months ago. He still stayed at the inn, not having made enough money to get his own place. Plus he liked working at the bar at nights. It let him get to know the people of the town.
So far there had been no direct attacks on the city, a feeling that he never had in Hirogei. Peace was something that came naturally here. If only he could forget the life he lost and the love that was taken from him.
Xannon rolls out of bed and starts getting dressed. Since this was his day off from the town watch, Skuld makes him work downstairs in the morning instead of at night. Xannon didn’t mind too much, it allowed him time at night by himself to ponder his roll in his new world.
“How did things end up like this?” Xannon asks his reflection in the bathroom mirror. “Does someone hate me or am I just that unlucky?”
He finishes getting ready and heads down to the bar to begin work. As he straps on his apron and sets up behind the bar, a familiar face enters the bar.
“Gatomon?” he asks himself, “What is she doing this far south?”
Gatomon walks up to the bar and notices Xannon she studies him for a moment then asks, “Do I know you? You look kinda familiar.”
“I don’t believe we’ve met before. But, I do have one of those faces that look like everyone. What can I get for you?”
“Indeed… I’ll take a glass of water to start. The trip here from Hirogei is not an easy one and my mouth is parched.”
“So I’ve heard. Are you here for a reason or are you just passing through?”
“I’m trying to find someone. We heard some reports about a swordsman with magical skills showing up here a couple of months ago and we’re hoping to recruit him into our ranks.”
Xannon stifles a laugh before asking, “Which ranks would those be?”
Gatomon holds up the amulet around her neck, “The forces of Bast. This amulet is given to those who have shown great dedication to the goddess.”
“Ah, I see. So how goes the war? I thought the front lines were little further north than this.”
“They are, and yes, I’m in enemy territory, but there are some things worth risking your life for, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I agree there are things worth that, such as family and friends. But I wouldn’t risk my life just because someone told me to do something dangerous for no reason.”
“There are reasons for everything. Just because we are not told those reasons doesn’t give us the right to disobey orders.”
“If your commanders cannot trust you with the reasons for sending you into danger, how can you trust that they aren’t sending you for the wrong reasons?”
“Faith. You have to have faith in your superiors. Faith, in case you didn’t know, is believing in something when there is no evidence.”
“I know what faith is, but I have no faith in your Bast. Her actions toward me have destroyed what little faith there was.”
“Whatever she did, she did for a reason. The gods test our faith, and it seems that you failed.”
“Well, I don’t think your magical swordsman will want to join your goddess either.”
“Why’s that? Does he have something against her too?” Gatomon asks, confused.
“Something like that.”
“Perhaps if I could talk to him I could convince him to join. Do you know where I could find this swordsman?”
“That would be me,” Xannon states. “And like I said, I don’t want to join you or your goddess. This town is free of divine influence and we would like to keep it that way. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“Under what authority?” Gatomon asks, visibly disturbed.
Xannon pulls aside his shirt revealing the symbol of the town watch, “Under authority of the town watch. You can leave peacefully, or I have you escorted out of the city. It’s your choice.”
“I will take my leave now,” Gatomon says, getting up and heading toward the door. “What name should I include in my report to Bast?”
“Lucky,” Xannon says. “Yeah, lucky she didn’t recognize me.”
“Lucky? Hmph. Very well. We will be watching you, Lucky. Perhaps one day you will change your mind.”
“I kind of doubt that, Gatomon.”
Gatomon stops and turns, “How do you know my name? I never told you.”
“Guess, I’m just lucky.”
“Yeesh, that was close.”
“Uh huh,” Gatomon replies, turning back around. “Bast is always watching over us. Always watching.”
Gatomon leaves and Xannon begins clearing off the bar.
“She wasn’t watching over her…” Xannon mumbles to himself.
“Something wrong?” Skuld asks from behind him.
“No, just having a little conversation with a priestess of Bast.”
“Did you tell her to leave? I don’t like having any priests or priestesses in my town.”
“Yes, I told her to leave.”
Despite the fact that Gatomon had gone, Xannon still felt her presence. Still felt Bast’s presence. Was she trying to apologize for what was done? Did he really care?
“Leave me alone, Bast. You took everything from me. There is nothing you can do to make me forgive you for that. I swear that one day; I will make you pay for your crimes. One way or another, you will pay.”

May 01, 2007

Fallen Angel - Visitation

Sarah dances across an open field followed closely by Xannon. She giggles and twirls happily. Xannon stops and watches her, smiling at how beautiful and carefree she is.
The sky starts to grow dark and Xannon tries to run to her side. No matter how fast he runs he can’t seem to catch up to her. Sarah continues to dance unaware of the darkness. A tiger appears from a dark corner and begins to prance around Sarah, then without warning it lunges at Sarah and slashes her across the chest. Xannon calls out but no words escape his mouth. He watches in horror as the tiger literally tears Sarah to shreds.
Stepping over the fallen remains of Sarah, the tiger spots Xannon and charges.
“Sarah!” Xannon yells out, sitting straight up in bed, covered in sweat.
He breathes heavily for a few moments, as the images play through his mind. Resting his head in his hand he reaches over and checks the time.
“Three in the morning…”
He swings his legs over the edge of the bed and rests there a moment.
“Not much point in trying to get back to sleep now.”
He gets up and heads for the shower to clean up. Sarah being attacked by the tiger had been haunting his dreams since he arrived. Usually it just woke him up and he went back to sleep, but lately it’s seemed more real, as if he could smell the blood. Those nights he would be scared awake and usually stayed awake the rest of the night, scared that whatever that tiger represented was waiting for him in the dream world.
Xannon exits the shower and gets dressed for work. His day normally started with the morning watch at sunrise, but on the days he couldn’t sleep he would head out of the city to a rocky outcropping that overlooked the valley to the west. He quietly makes his way down the hall and down the stairs to the outside. As he pushes the door open the cool night air chills his face and arms. He pushes through and starts toward the town gate.
“The tiger again?” the guard at the gate asks as Xannon approaches.
Xannon nods and the guard opens the small door beside the gate. As he makes his way to the boulder where he normally sat, a familiar presence enters his mind. He can tell at once that it’s Bast.
“Why do you torture me?” Xannon asks.
“I am only here to help you,” Bast answers.
“Like you helped Sarah?”
“I helped her as much as I could. Her wounds were fatal.”
“The body is just a shell, Bast. They taught us that at school. A shell can be healed, fixed, repaired, and even brought back.”
“I never said the wounds were bodily. There are forces at work here far beyond your comprehension.”
“Then help me to understand. Tell me why she had to die.”
“She had to die for reasons you cannot understand, no matter how many times I would try to explain. But you must understand that she, just like you, is destined for great things. All I can tell you is that one day, you will be reunited.”
“In life, or in death?”
“That decision will be yours to make.”
Xannon feels her presence leave and he left alone on the mountain side over looking the valley below. The sun had not yet risen but cast enough ambient light to make the valley visible. Far below the animals had begun to stir from their slumber. Xannon watches the animals and thinks about what Bast had told him: “One day, you will be reunited.”
“How long must I wait for that day, Bast? How many days, weeks, months, or years must I suffer with this pain?”
Another presence descends on the area and Xannon looks around but sees nothing. The presence seems sinister, full of anger and spite. The presence felt nearly like Xannon felt; full of hatred and anger. As the presence continued to permeate the area, Xannon began to feel a connection to it.
“She lies…” A voice whispers.
“Who’s there?” Xannon asks, turning to look for the source of the voice.
“She let her die…”
“What do you mean?”
“She had a choice and she chose to kill her…”
“What choice did she have?”
“She could have chosen to end the war, but instead she chose to kill her and drive you away.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. Why would she do that?”
“Because she would have lost. She chose to kill her to have a second chance of winning the war. I can tell she was here. Trying to win you back no doubt, but you made quite an exit, there is no chance for you to go back. What are you going to do now?”
New thoughts rushed through Xannon’s mind. Was this new voice telling the truth? If it was it changed his entire view of Bast.
“How do I know you’re telling the truth?”
“I don’t gain anything by lying. The truth will set you free to make your own choices. You know now that Bast will sacrifice others for her own ends. Yehova is no different.”
“What about you? Do you sacrifice people for your own ends?”
“Of course, but I find ways to sacrifice their people and not mine. I must leave you now, but one day I will send my servant to your village, you can choose to join me then.”
“Who are you?”
The presence fades and Xannon question is left unanswered. The sun begins its rise over the mountains shining light into the houses of the town. Confused by the double visitation, he heads back into town.

April 30, 2007

Letter from the departed

Lyrics from My Last Breath by Evanescence(edited for the story)
Sarah Redding to Xannon Okunen on the day before the Last Battle

(It will make more sense if you'd read the Animenation RPG to the end)

Hold on to me love. You know I can't stay long. All I wanted to say was "I love you and I'm not afraid." Can you hear me? Can you feel me in your arms?

I'm holding my last breath. Safe inside myself are all my thoughts of you. Sweet raptured life, it ends here tonight.

I'll miss the winter, a world of fragile things. Look for me in the white forest, hiding in a hollow tree, come find me. I know you hear me. I can taste it in your tears.

I'm holding my last breath. Safe inside myself are all my thoughts of you. Sweet raptured life, it ends here tonight.

Closing your eyes to disappear, you pray your dreams will leave you here. But, still you wake and know the truth: No one's there!

Say goodnight. Don't be afraid, calling me, calling me, As you fade to black.

Say goodnight, holding my last breath. Don't be afraid. Safe inside myself, are all my thoughts of you. Sweet raptured life, it ends here tonight.

April 15, 2007

Fallen Angel - Starting Over

Having been kicked out of Hirogei, Xannon heads for his hometown to see his parents. He arrives in the city and is greeted by cold shoulders and resentment. He knocks on the door to his parents’ house and after a moment, his father opens the door.
“Hello,” he answers. “How can we help you?”
Immediately, Xannon knows his father will no longer recognize him as his son or even pretend to know him.
“Who is it, dear?” Xannon’s mother calls from inside the house.
She comes to the door and looks at her son with eyes that beg to defy the High Priestess.
“Oh!” she exclaims. “You look terrible. Would you like to come in for a bite to eat? I’m not one for helping strangers, but you look like you lost everything.”
She brushes past Mr. Okunen and pulls Xannon inside. She directs him to the table and tells him to wait there while she prepares some hot food for him.
“We have some extra clothes if you would like them as well.”
Xannon smiles at her attempts to help him despite what the High Priestess had obviously said to them.
“Yes,” he replies. “That would be nice.”

After a warm meal and several sets of clothes packed into a bag, Mrs. Okunen walks Xannon to the door.
“Be careful,” she says, resisting the urge to hug the son she most likely will never see again.
Xannon looks at her for a moment then turns to look down the street.
“Don’t worry about me. I can handle myself. I don’t need anyone looking out for me anymore.”
He begins walking down the street that leads out of the city without turning to look back. Mr. Okunen comes to the door and watches him go.
“You realize you have jeopardized our lives by helping him, don’t you?” he asks.
“I don’t care. No matter what the High Priestess says, he is still my son. The Goddess knows how I feel and understands completely,” she replies.
They head back inside as Xannon continues out of the city.

~<3~

Xannon wanders through the great Klemayn plains in search of something, anything to continue living for. It’s been over a month since he left his hometown and the parents he’ll never see again. Finding food is difficult and he hasn’t had a decent meal for two weeks. As he stumbles further south, he enters the foothills that mark the southern boundary of Risah. He didn’t know where he was going but hopefully he would find something beyond these hills.
As he crests the hill he sees a road going west, deeper into the mountains. Not knowing were to go, he heads west down the road, hoping to find something, anything to keep him going for a little while longer.
After walking for days through rough terrain and feeding off what little edible vegetation there was he sees in the distance a small but active town. With renewed vigor he sets off for the town.
When he reaches the town the sign posted out front reads: “Filgara.” Filgara was a bustling new town without any ties to any temple. The leaders of the town planned on keeping it that way too. A free town where anyone could come and stay without fear of temple authorities, a place that was exactly what Xannon needed.
“Halt, who goes there?” the guard asks as Xannon approaches.
“Just a young man down on his luck and needing a place to rest his weary legs,” Xannon replies.
“Do you have a name or should I just call you, Lucky?”
“My name is…”
Xannon pauses. He had no name. It hadn’t really affected him until now. How would anyone address him with no name?
“Lucky sounds like a good name to me. I need all the luck I can get at this point.”
The guard laughs and lets him pass.
“Go check out the Gilded Rose Inn, the innkeeper there has a tendency to help out those who need it. Perhaps she can even help you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Xannon heads into town and locates the Gilded Rose. He stumbles inside and finds a quite spot in the corner to rest. After a moment, a waitress walks over.
“What can I get for ya?”
“Just water will be fine,” Xannon replies.
The waitress leaves and returns with a glass of water. Xannon looks at the glass wondering if there was any reason to keep going. Before the waitress leaves he turns to her.
“Is there anything to do in this town? What I mean is I’m new here and I need a job and a place to stay.”
The waitress thinks for a moment, “What are you good at?”
“I am… or at least I was good with the sword. I haven’t had a chance to practice on anything more than a wild dog.”
“Well we have plenty of guards, but if you want, you can check with Captain Powell he might be able to find a use for that arm. As for a place to stay, I’ll check with Ms. Skuld and see if she has a room available.”
“I don’t have any money. In fact, I don’t have much of anything to my name.”
“Well in that case, you better talk to Ms. Skuld. I’ll tell her to come over. You just drink your water and rest up.”
The waitress heads back to the bar to talk to Ms. Skuld. Xannon takes a drink of his water, letting it cool his mouth before swallowing. He continues to drink and manages to empty his glass before Skuld comes over.
“Hello, sir. My name is Ms. Skuld and I own this inn. I heard you needed some help.”
“That is correct. I need a job, a place to stay, and some food.”
“Starting over I see. Well if there was ever a good place to try and start over, Filgara would be it. People have come from all over Gi’erth to settle here. Amy mentioned you have no money, so the first thing we need to do is get you a job. I’ll let you stay here until you get back on your feet, but don’t expect to stay for free. When you are done with whatever job you have, I expect you to work here during the late shift. She also mentioned you’re decent with a sword so I’m going to send you to my friend, Jack Powell. He’s the captain of the town watch and is always looking for strong young men such as yourself. You can find him in the town watch building near the center of town. It’s the building with the crossed swords and shield above the door. Hard to miss. Head over there now and when you get back I’ll have a decent meal waiting for you.”
“Thank you ma’am. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“I have an idea, and don’t call me ma’am. Call me Skuld.”
“Thank you Skuld.”

Xannon stands and heads back out into the city. Feeling a little better about life he heads for the town watch building and asks for Captain Powell.
“I would like to see the Captain. Skuld at the Gilded Rose sent me over.”
The officer at the desk turns to look out the window into the training yard and points to the Captain.
“See the man with the leather jerkin beating the crap out of the poor shmuck in the full plate? That’s the captain. Go talk to him but be ready to defend yourself. He likes to give what he calls ‘pop quizzes’”
The officer hands Xannon a basic short sword and leads him outside.
“Excuse me, Captain Powell? Skuld said you might be able to provide me with a job?”
Powell breaks free of the other guy and kicks him square in the chest, sending him falling backwards, where he stays for a moment, recovering his senses.
“A job? You expect me to give you a job? You think the town watch needs another drifter in its ranks? Almost everyone who comes into this town wants to join the town watch. Everyone thinks they are good with the sword and almost everyone of them gets beat to the ground in seconds, like that poor slob.”
Powell gestures to the guy in full plate still struggling to get up.
“So do you think you are good?” he asks.
“I used to be. Not too sure anymore. I haven’t had to fight a person in months, only wild animals.”
“Well let’s find out. Attack me. And don’t hold back either. If you do manage to cut me you’ll be the first person in three years. En garde!”
Powell immediately attacks, giving Xannon barely enough time to block. The clanging of steel on steel brings flashes of memory to his mind. Memories of a life forgotten, of love lost. His mind wanders yet his blade never falters. As his mind returns to the present he knocks aside Powell’s sword and goes to strike, but Powell is faster and brings his sword back in to block. Realizing that Xannon might be more of a challenge, Powell steps it up, swinging faster and stronger, and forcing Xannon to concentrate more on the moment. Powell swings at Xannon’s head, forcing him to duck. He uses this opportunity to try and knee Xannon in the face, but he dodges to the right catching Powell’s left leg in the process, tripping him up and making him stumble a little. As Xannon rolls to get up, he is forced to dodge another strike from Powell’s blade. Xannon counters with a swing at Powell’s free arm. He pulls it in just enough to avoid getting hit, and then punches Xannon square in the chest, knocking the wind out of him and forcing him to stumble backwards. He regains his breath and balance without falling and prepares to attack.
As the match continues, the other officers gather around to watch the fight. More than once Xannon has a close call with the blade nearly slicing off an arm. Soon they are both bruised but uncut. As the fight gets more intense, Xannon starts to regain his skill with the sword and the tables begin to turn in his favor. With Powell now on the defensive, Xannon is able to focus more on his attacks and finding a weakness in Powell’s defense. With a swift deflection of Powell’s sword Xannon points his free hand at Powell and a gust of wind blows him backward into the gathered crowd. Xannon charges but stops when he sees Powell drop his sword and throw his hands up.
“Hold! I may have bested you had you been a mere swordsman. But against a mageknight, I will surely lose. You have proven yourself worthy tenfold. You have a job here if you wish to take it. We could use strong, powerful men like you here.”
Xannon helps Powell back to his feet.
“I think I’ll take you up on that offer. Maybe you can teach me a couple of things about the sword.”
“I was hoping you’d do the same for me,” Powell says dusting himself off. “And perhaps a little magic if you’re willing.”
“I may just do that. But right now, I’m going to get some food. I haven’t eaten anything good for weeks.”
Xannon turns to leave.
“Wait a minute. You mean you fight that good when you starving? I’d hate to face you on your good days. Where do you come from?” Powell asks.
“I come from a place where no one knows my name. Where everyone I used to know has forgotten me, and the only person I had every truly loved has died. I am a lost soul searching for a new place to call home.”
“You sound like you’ve had it rough. What’s your name?”
“I, like those where I come from, have forgotten my name. You can call me Lucky. It was luck that brought me here to this town and luck that kept me from harm in our fight. And if everything goes well it will be luck that gives me a good meal and a decent night’s sleep in a warm soft bed.”
“Well, Lucky, we’re glad to have you in our ranks. You go on back to Skuld and get that warm meal. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning.”

April 10, 2007

Fallen Angel - Falling

It has been nearly a month since Xannon headed for Gaia City. Life was indeed full of technological wonders, but living with the Priests of Yehova was nearly unbearable. The constant state of alert was wearing him down and lately it’s been nearly impossible to get a decent nights sleep.
“Get up Xannon!” the priest orders.
Xannon rolls over in his bed to look at the priest. He sits up and stretches then starts getting dressed. The priest walks back to the main room where a letter had been hand delivered by a temple associate. It was addressed to Xannon, but the priest had taken the liberty of opening it. The letter came from Hirogei and contained disturbing news.
Xannon enters the main room and the priest approaches him, holding the letter out for him to see.
“Good morning to you too, Alex,” Xannon says.
He takes the letter and notices it was opened.
“No privacy with you around is there?”
Alex remains quiet and Xannon opens the letter. He takes a seat in one of the chairs as he begins to read it.

To Priest Xannon Okunen,

Priestess Amanda Moore

Xannon puts the letter down then turns to Alex. He hoped that he would let him go to Hirogei to see her despite the hatred that was growing inside him for the katta priestess. Alex answers the unspoken question.
“If you want to go, I won’t stop you. Just don’t do anything stupid or rash. Kimberly is already being investigated for this attack and will suffer the ruling of the High Priestess. You have to let justice take care of things, do you understand?”
“I understand what you are saying.”
Xannon stands up and heads for the door.
“I’m leaving now.”
He opens the door and leaves, closing it behind him.

~<3~

When Xannon arrives in Hirogei he heads for the Mayor’s mansion, where the temple activities are run. He introduces himself as a Priest of Bast to the guards, who promptly let him inside.
Once inside a fellow priestess leads him through the mansion to the room where Sarah was being treated. He slowly pushes the door open and sees her lying on the bed with a blanket pulled up to her neck. A priestess kneels on either side of the bed, praying for her health and trying to heal her, an attempt that Xannon could immediately tell was futile.
He kneels next to her and brushes his hand across her cheek. The warmth was already gone from her face despite the blanket. It was clear she was in shock. She turns her head in Xannon’s direction and opens her eyes. A smile tugs at the edges of her lips.
“I knew you’d come. I never stopped believing in you.”
She reaches over and hands Xannon a little brown box tied with a brown string.
“I never needed to open it. I could always feel your presence even though you were miles away.”
Xannon kisses her forehead, “Do you want to see what’s in the box?” he asks.
“Too cold,” Sarah replies, in a slow, raspy voice. “I don’t feel her presence any more.”
“Save your strength,” Xannon comforts. “The priestesses are praying for you as we speak.”
“I’m not going to make it, am I?”
“Of course you will,” he consoles.
Xannon cups her cheek in his hand.
“Never forget me, Xannon. No matter what happens in the future, you must always remember us and what we had.”
“Stop talking like you’re going to die. The goddess is always watching out for us, remember.”
“It feels like someone is blocking her eyes, Xannon. I’m so cold and alone.”
“I’m here for you. You can’t leave me now,” Xannon pleads. “We still have our entire lives to live together.
“I see her!” Sarah says, staring wide-eyed at the ceiling. “She is calling me to her. I feel so warm now.”
Sarah closes her eyes and a smile spreads across her face as her final breath escapes past her lips.
Xannon sits there, himself in shock, staring at the face of a fellow believer in Bast, his lover, and his friend. Had she been let down by her Goddess when she needed her most? There was no telling what was going on in Bast’s mind. The mind of a God or Goddess is not something mere mortals can comprehend.
What Xannon did know, however, was that the katta now in Town Watch custody was responsible for her death. She had caused the fatal wounds that took Sarah’s life. If not for that katta, Sarah would still be alive.
Xannon stands up and turns to the door while one of the priestesses draw the blanket up over Sarah’s head. The other looks at Xannon and places a comforting hand on his shoulder. He pauses a moment, feeling her hand touch his shoulder, then pulls away and leaves the room, the brown box falling to the ground.
As he leaves, the priestess that tried to comfort him picks up the box. As she does so, the small string finally breaks spilling the contents onto the floor. She reaches down and picks up a small diamond ring. An inscription on the inside of the band reads: “Yours forever and always.”

~<3~

A week after Sarah’s death, Xannon stands in the Court of Hirogei. The High Priestess of Bast sits with the Judge behind the bench.
“Priest Xannon,” the judge begins, “you have been charged with first degree murder, destruction of public property, disgracing the name of Bast, and killing a fellow servant of Bast. These crimes carry a heavy price, but at the High Priestesses request, I will yield to her decision on punishment. Any opening remarks before the prosecution calls its first witness?”
“No, your honor,” Xannon flatly states.
“Then you may be seated.”
Xannon sits down and stares forward as the first witness is called and sworn in.
“Captain Reese,” the attorney opens, “would you please tell the court what happened?”
“Certainly,” Reese says, “I was positioned at the front door of the holding center where Kimberly Stripe was being detained. I had been instructed to keep Priest Xannon Okunen from entering to see the witness and to direct him to see the High Priestess.
“When Priest Okunen approached, I stopped him and informed him he was not to see the witness and to visit the High Priestess, as per my orders. He started to head inside the building and I stopped him, drawing my sword. I restated what I had said before and told him to turn back, if he didn’t I would arrest him and use force if necessary.”
The attorney, who had been slowly pacing in front of the bench, now turns to face Reese.
“But he didn’t turn back, did he, Captain?”
“No, sir, he did not. I brought my sword up to stop him, but he turned and used magic to send me flying backwards. The other guard tried to take him down, but was also sent flying backwards.”
“For the record,” the prosecutor interrupts, “Can you tell the court which spells he was using?”
“I’m not a mage but I believe he was using Wind Blast at that point.”
The attorney nods, letting Reese continue with his story.
“After that, he entered the building where he found Priestess Stripe. My partner and I got up and followed him inside, but kept our distance. When we saw him he was having what looked like a civil conversation with Priestess Stripe. As we got closer it appeared she was telling him what had happened between her and Priestess Redding. We were too far away to hear the entire conversation but it soon escalated into a yelling match that erupted into a magic battle when Priest Okunen blew her back against the other side of her cell, with another Wind Blast, I assume.”
The attorney stops Reese again, “It was at this point that the magical restraints on the cell failed correct?”
“The restraints failed when Priest Okunen ripped the doors from their hinges, yes.”
“How did he do that exactly?”
“A Kamaitachi spell can break though most metals, or so I’ve been told. The spell he used resembled it in many ways so I can only assume that was what he used. After the magic restraints failed Priestess Stripe was able to retaliate.”
“And the resulting battle destroyed the entire wing of the building and damaged several surrounding structures, correct?”
“That is correct.”
“As many witnesses have reported the battle finally ended when Priest Okunen killed Priestess Stripe, is that your report as well, Captain?”
“Yes, the blood on his sword was Priestess Stripe’s”
“That is all. Thank you, Captain.”

Xannon sat quietly and didn’t move throughout Captain Reese’s testimony. Now he glances momentarily at the Captain as he walks back to his seat. Through the testimonies of several other witnesses Xannon sits, unmoving.
Finally after the judge and high priestess had heard all the witnesses of both sides, the Judge turns to face Xannon.
“Do you have anything to add or say on your own behalf before we pass sentence on you?”
Xannon is silent for a moment as he considers what to say. He stands and looks straight at the High Priestess.
“When I received the letter about Sarah my heart sank and my emotions took control. I arrived in Hirogei just in time to watch the person I have loved for the past seven years, die right before my eyes.
“She said something to me that made me wonder about several fundamental teachings of the temple. She told me she couldn’t feel her presence anymore, Bast’s presence. The healing of the priestesses at her side weren’t having any effect. Bast was not watching over her. She felt Bast calling her in the moments before she died. It felt like Bast wanted her to die. This was simply something I could not comprehend. How could the Goddess of Creation allow one of her priestesses to die, and at the hands of another priestess?
“If that is the kind of Goddess that I am serving then I revoke my priesthood in this temple.”
The High Priestess looked visible disturbed by that statement. She stands and briefly glows with the power of Bast.
“You have decided your own sentence, Priest. You will be stripped of your rank in the Temple of Bast. Your name will be stricken from the records. Because of the blasphemy you have shown against the Goddess Bast, the creator, you will be stripped of your name. Xannon Okunen has died this day. You are now merely a nameless, shell of a man. You will be sent out of the city with only the clothes on your back. That is the decision of Temple of Bast.”
The High Priestess remains standing while the Judge bows his head for a moment. After a brief mediation he picks up his head and looks at Xannon.
“As I stated before, this court stands by the decision of the High Priestess. At six o’clock this evening, you will be sent out of the city, having been stripped of your rank, priestly robes, and, most grievously, your very name.”

April 07, 2007

Fallen Angel - Sacrifice

Seven years have passed since their first battle in Hirogei. In that time, Xannon and Sarah grew even closer. Unknown to Sarah, Xannon was struggling over whether or not to ask Sarah to marry him. With the war still raging, Xannon didn’t feel it was the right time to ask. On the other hand, with life being such a fragile thing now would the perfect time to ask and declare his love for her. It seemed that every time he thought about asking her, another battle would call them away from the city.
Xannon sits on the steps outside his house in Hirogei trying to recover and rest from the last battle. He looks down at his hands and notices how rough and battle hardened they had become over the years. His skills with magic and the sword had surpassed everyone’s expectations, even his own. The attacks against the city had lessened after the forces of Kardis had learned of his skill.
Sarah walks outside and sits down next to him, resting her head on his shoulder.
“I hear the forces of Kardis are starting to pull back and regroup. If we press the attack we might even be able to retake Gaia City, especially since we have the help of the Zystral Mages. After that it will be all down hill and we can finally start our life together in peace.”
“Peace… Will this world ever know peace?”
Xannon looks up as a Priestess of Gaia turns the corner and heads for the Mayor’s house. He watches her disappear into the building.
“What do you suppose a Priestess of Gaia is doing in Hirogei?” he asks.

~<3~

“Are you sure?” the High Priestess of Bast asks. “Is there nothing we can do to change it?”
The Priestess of Bast pauses a moment as if listening to someone.
“There is one thing we can try, but we hesitate to ask because of the extreme sacrifice it will require.”
“Anything is better than the end of the world. What kind of sacrifice are you talking about, Sayla?”
“400 years of war, and the defection of one of your best to the forces of Kardis.”
“What!? That’s not a sacrifice, that’s suicide! Bast will never agree to that!”
“She already has, High Priestess Celeste”
Celeste drops back and sits down in her chair.
“She has?”
“Yes, Bast, Yehova, Gaia, and even Kardis and Rinous have been discussing this for some time, ever since Gaia foresaw it happening. Kardis and Rinous were, of course, against changing anything, but after realizing they were losing ground and in its current state would lose the war within four years they proposed these terms.”
“But 400 years?”
Celeste stops to think about the terms.
“Do we get to choose who goes?”
“They have already chosen.”
Sayla hands Celeste a folder containing a name and photo. She opens it up and reads over the information.
“Him? But he has everything he’s ever dreamed of. To make him lose that now would destroy him, not turn him.”
“Leave that to Kardis. He can be very convincing.”
“Very well… I’ll get on this as soon as I can.”
“By your leave,” Sayla bows and leaves the office.
Celeste watches her go and says a prayer.
“Bast, I hope and pray that one day, when all this is over, this poor soul will be rewarded for the great sacrifice he is about to make. Keep him and his love safe until this threat has passed.
Yehova, I pray that when the time comes to reward this man you give him your blessing and forgive him for any wrongs he may do and lives he may take while in the service of Kardis.
Gaia, you are wise beyond time and I weep, knowing I will never live to see the end to this war. If you say this is the only way to stop a greater tragedy, then I trust you and will follow your will. Watch over this man who’s soul I am about to condemn to the wolves. May I one day be allowed to redeem myself for what I am about to do.”

~<3~

Xannon and Sarah sit out side on the steps watching the people of Hirogei go about their daily lives. Xannon wonders what life will be like once the war ends and he can finally spend peaceful days with Sarah without worrying about war.
“Where would you want to live?” Xannon asks.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t been very many places but this is my favorite place so far, at least when there isn’t any fighting. The sea breeze is nice and everyone is so friendly. I would like to be a little closer to the ocean than this place. Being so close to the Mayor’s Mansion kind of wrecks the atmosphere.”
“Yeah, it’s like a constant reminder of our duties here.”
“I think that’s the point.”
One of the other priests bursts out of the house in excitement.
“They did it! They took back Gaia City! The end of the war is near!”
The excited priest runs off down the street singing praises to Bast and Yehova.
“We better go see what’s going on,” Xannon says.
He gets up, then helps Sarah up, and they both head into the house. Once inside they grab the attention of one of their friends.
“Roger, what’s this about Gaia City?” Sarah asks.
“A combined attack with the forces of Bast, Yehova and the Priests of Gaia from Zystral managed to retake the city. They forced the forces of Kardis out of the city and back to Guer in Risah. If they keep going like this the war will be over in just a few months.”
“That’s great news!” Xannon bursts out, hugging Sarah. “This calls for a celebration! Stay here I’ll be right back.”
Xannon heads off to his room to retrieve a small box he’d been keeping under the bed. As he leaves the room a messenger from Bast arrives with a letter from High Priestess Celeste for Xannon and a few others, including Roger. Roger takes the letter and opens it. After reading it he passes it to one of the others on the list.
“You’re not going to like this, Sarah.”
“What? Are we moving to Gaia City?”
“Sort of,” Roger replies.
Xannon bursts into the room carrying a small box and a bottle of wine.
“Hold off on the celebration, Xannon. You might want to read this first.”
Roger hands him the letter from the High Priestess. He silently curses and stuffs the box into his jacket pocket.
“What?” Sarah asks. “What’s going on?”
“We’ve been reassigned,” Roger states when Xannon doesn’t respond.
“Well, where are we going?” Sarah asks.
“You’re not going,” Roger states. “Xannon, Grey, Aaron, Kris, and myself, have been reassigned to help hold Gaia City. Everyone else is to stay here and watch the city.”
“You mean they’re splitting us up?” Sarah asks on the verge of tears. “How can they… It’s just not fair!”
She bursts into tears and runs outside. Xannon hands the bottle of wine to Roger and runs out after her. He finally catches up to her when she stops to rest on the corner of one of the shops downtown.
“How can they do this to us, Xannon? How can they split us up after all we’ve been through together? They must see, they must know how much we mean to each other.”
“As much as it pains me to be apart, if Roger is right, then we’ll only be apart for a few more months. If I have to be apart from you for a few months to be able to spend the rest of life with you then it’s worth it.”
Xannon reaches into his pocket and pulls out the box. He places it in her hand.
“If you ever feel lost here without me or find yourself missing me so much your heart feels like breaking, open this box and know that I will come back for you. No matter what it takes or who gets in my way, I will come back.”
Sarah wipes away her tears and looks at the brown, non-descript box. A small, fraying, brown piece of rope has been tied around it to keep it from opening.
“I know you’ll come back,” Sarah says, turning to hug Xannon and resting her head on his shoulder. “Kardis himself couldn’t keep you from me, no matter how hard he tried.”
They continue to hold each other for a few minutes before Sarah asks, “When do they want you to leave?”
“As soon as they secure the Magic Room at the Temple of Yehova they will send someone to get us, so, no later than tomorrow.”
“Then we better get you packed.”
Xannon and Sarah turn and head back to the house, walking slower than normal to delay the inevitable.

November 05, 2006

Fallen Angel - Fight!

The time had come for graduation from the Temple of Bast. The war still raged, and it was known by all graduating that they would be sent off to the front lines. The past year had been rough for Xannon and Sarah, but for very different reasons. Sarah was a decent student of magic, but her powers were not exemplary. She did, however, excel in the teachings of the temple. She took to heart everything the teachers had taught her as if it made her feel alive.
Xannon, on the other hand, was quite the opposite. He was the best magic student the temple had ever seen. He was able to master the hardest spells with ease and put enormous amounts of power behind them. He took very differently to the teachings of the temple, however. Everything they wanted to teach him seemed wrong in some way and he let them know it. On several occasions he had even been kicked out of the classroom for it.
The graduation ceremony starts with the High Priestess of Bast giving a lengthy welcome to everyone attending and a long explanation of what the students have been doing over the past four years.
After she finishes, Sarah, who was graduating with full honors as Valedictorian, gives a stirring speech about helping those in need out in the world. When finished, she releases the floor to the magical displays of Xannon and several other top magic students.
The ceremony ends with the naming of each graduating student and any honors they had received. Sarah receives top honors while Xannon merely gets Best Mage.
After the ceremony, Sarah and Xannon find each other in the jumble of students, parents and teachers.
“That was a wonderful display of magic,” Sarah congratulates.
“Thanks, but I think your speech will be remembered longer,” Xannon replies.
“I don’t know. I don’t think anyone will be able to forget that silver dragon you conjured up.”
“Perhaps. We better get to the main hall so we can see what we’re going to be doing now.”
Sarah agrees and they both head back to the main hall of the temple. When they arrive one of the teachers greets them and shows them to a table filled with folders with names on them. Sarah gives the staff member standing behind the table her name and he picks through one set of folders and finally pulls out the folder with her name on it. Xannon follows suit and the man pulls his out of another set of folders. They take their assignment folders and head to one of the nearby tables to look them over.
“So where are you going, Sarah?” Xannon asks, before opening his own.
Sarah opens her folder and skims over the introductory paragraph.
“It says I’m to go to Hirogei and help the leaders there defend the city. Maybe we will get lucky and you will be assigned to Hirogei as well,” Sarah says enthusiastically.
Xannon opens his folder and reads the first paragraph.
“Hirogei it is. Must be a dangerous spot to send us both there.”
“Must be. Do you think we are ready to take on the forces of Kardis, especially with the technological might of Gaia City behind them?”
“I think so. They’ve taught us all they could. The only thing we need now is experience. And it looks like we’re about to get all we can handle.”
Sarah looks over the rest of her assignment, “It says we’re to report to the magic room for transport to Hirogei in the morning. They must be desperate to ask for us so quickly.”
“Well then, we better get packing.”
“Indeed.”



An explosion goes off outside of the house where Xannon, Sarah and several other Priests and Priestesses of Bast were staying. They jump from their beds and head for the door, grabbing their swords and staves as they go. The door is flung open and the cold night air chills them, but as they head out to face their attackers, their blood runs cold.
For two months since their arrival the town had been relatively quiet with no open attacks. The nightly patrols had reported no enemy sightings. But standing before them now were two squads of Kardis Priests that had somehow managed to make it past the night watch without alerting their leaders.
The blood red swords of the Priests of Kardis give off a slight glow. One of them steps forward.
“Your friends lie slain at the edge of town. If you surrender now, I will let you go free.”
“And if we don’t?” Xannon says.
“Then I will be forced to kill every last one of you.”
Xannon draws his sword, and channels his energy into the blade causing it to glow.
“I’d like to see you try.”
The rest of the priests and priestesses ready their weapons and square off with the opposing side. They were outnumbered 3 to 2 but Xannon still felt confident. He waits only a moment before charging the priest that had spoken. He swings with all his might but only hits air as the priest sidesteps his attack. A swift kick to his side sends Xannon stumbling to the side. He recovers in time to block the priest’s sword and finds the power behind it unbelievable. He takes a step back to recover.
The rest of the priests and priestesses has joined the fight as well and were holding out as best they could. Sarah faces off against two of the priests of Kardis. With her enchanted staff she was able to block their attacks but hadn’t found a chance to retaliate yet. She knew she had to take out one of them soon. She watches her attackers carefully and blocks the first attack and manages to sneak in a blow to his leg. He stumbles a little but doesn’t fall. A sharp pain laces through her back as her second attacker connects with a slice across her back. She screams in pain but manages to block the second attacker before he can finish her.
Xannon hears Sarah’s cry and moves to help but it stopped by the priest of Kardis.
“Your fight is with me, boy,” the priest taunts.
Xannon curses and parries another attack. He deflects the next attack and points his free hand at the priests face.
“Light!”
A ball of light appears right in front of the priest causing momentary blindness. Xannon stabs the priest in the chest then kicks him to the ground. In the last few moments before the light spell fades he turns and finds Sarah fighting off her two attackers. Blood covers her back. Enraged, Xannon runs toward the fight and surprises the first of the priests with a jump kick to his head, causing the priest to stumble back.
“Flame Spout!”
A pillar of fire erupts from the ground where the priest stands and when it dies down the priest is nothing but ash. Sarah’s second attacker seems shocked that Xannon was able to wield that much power. Sarah cracks her staff on the side of the priest’s head causing him to lose consciousness and fall to the ground like a rag doll. Xannon goes to stab him but is stopped by Sarah.
“Don’t! We need to question him first.”
Xannon hesitates a moment then nods. They turn to the rest of the fight and find it just about over. Only two priests of Kardis still stand, surrounded by a half dozen priests of Bast.
“Surrender now or your lives are forfeit.” Xannon tells the priests.
The priests drop their weapons and surrender. By the time the town watch arrives, they are bound and gagged. After cleaning and sheathing his sword, Xannon checks on Sarah who sits on the steps of the house weak from the fighting and loss of blood. Xannon sits next to her and begins a healing spell. She leans against him and begins to cry. With his free hand, Xannon holds her tight.
“It’s ok now. The watch is here now.”
When she is healed he leads her back inside and into their room. He lays her down on the bed and softly runs his fingers through her hair to calm her down. Within minutes she is asleep. Xannon lies next to her and soon finds himself drifting to sleep.

October 25, 2006

Fallen Angel - Reports

The temple was on constant alert because of all the attacks on the nearby cities and villages. There was no telling when the human forces would try and attack the temple. Xannon had guard duty tonight and so was standing watch in the guard tower, high above the front gates of the temple. It was nearly impossible to see anything through the thick forest that spread out from the temple but with the help of the Goddess, he was able to detect if someone was coming. Far off on the horizon a bright glow appears.
“Another village razed,” Xannon said aloud to himself.
Something catches his attention and he turns toward the road leading through the forest and to the front gates of the temple.
“Someone’s coming…”
He drops the signal flag, which was no more than a red flag tied to a rock. Despite its crude nature, it served its purpose. The guards below silently call for backup and another dozen priests and priestesses appear at the steps of the temple.
A man on a white horse appears from the edge of the forest and stops while dozens of robed figures pass by and proceed toward the temple. The man scans the area for a moment then looks straight up at Xannon.
He steps back, shocked that anyone could see him up here, then peers forward to get another look. Still the man stares straight at him. Xannon stares back, trying to pick out details on the man’s robe, when a voice echoes in his head.
“Do not be alarmed, we are priests of Yehova and we come seeking food and shelter for the night.”
“Prove yourself and I will let you in,” Xannon replies.
The man reaches in his robe and pulls out a gold seal that shines with a holy light. The man then returns it to his pocket so as not to draw any unwanted attention. Xannon picks up a small rock with a green flag tied to it and drops it for the guards below. He then begins climbing down to greet them.
When he reaches the bottom, the majority of the priests were already inside the temple. The man Xannon talked to before notices him coming down the ladder and walks over to meet him.
“You were wise to ask for proof, young student. The forces of Kardis are known for their deceiving ways. Two other temples failed to demand proof and ended up with a fight inside the temple walls. One of those failed to repel the invaders and lost their temple.”
“You seem like a very knowledgeable man. May I have your name?” Xannon asks.
“My name is High Priest Alexander Chavous. You can call me Alex. Come, let’s go inside. The night is cool and your temple warm.”
Xannon nods and leads Alex into the main hall of the temple.

“What news do you have from the front?” Xannon asks once they are seated at one of the large oak tables in the main hall.
“Not too much, Kardis and Rinous seem to be keeping the fighting light for the time being. They don’t want another repeat of the Klemayn plains. I’m beginning to think this war will never really end.”
A servant arrives with a mug of warm cider and Alex takes a long sip. He sets it down and silently enjoys the warmth while surveying the interior of the temple.
“What year are you?
“This is my final year at the temple, at least as a student. But I get the feeling that after we graduate, we will be sent to the front.”
“If things keep going like they are, you might be right. Perhaps we will meet on the battlefield someday.”
Alex takes another sip of his cider.
“When is graduation?” he asks after a long moment.
“It’s supposed to be in a few weeks.”
“That soon? I thought you still had several months.”
“So did we, but because of how close the war is they decided to speed up our training. I can only hope I’m ready for it.”
“I see. If that’s the case then they will be most interested in your magic abilities. What rank are you?”
“Top of my class. Strongest priest the teachers have seen in years.”
“Have they taught you the Holy attack spells yet?”
“Not yet, but I’ve been reading up on them and I think we’ll begin going over them next week.”
“Good luck to you then. We’ll be heading out in the morning. Kardis has his priests camped just this side of the river. Our hope is to take them by surprise before the sun rises. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to try and get some rest.”
They both stand and shake hands.
“Good luck to you, Alex.”
“And to you.”

July 02, 2006

Fallen Angel - Healing

Months have passed since the massive battle on the Klemayn plains. The war has since slowed to a crawl. With neither side having the will or the man power for another massive assault, the only reported skirmishes are small attacks on Katta and Elven cities. The locals usually manage to push them back but occasionally they fail and their city is burned to the ground. With no where else to go, these refugees head for the temples for food and a place to rest.
Sarah and Xannon along with several other students tend to the wounded that are laid out on cots in the main hall which has been converted to a medical center.
“How long do you think the humans will keep up these raids?” Sarah asks Xannon as they heal those wounded in the last attack. “When will they have enough land? All this pain, and suffering, and dying…Is all this worth what they hope to gain?”
“It’s hard to say. They’ve already taken over the eastern seaboard north to south. Pretty soon we’ll be the front line. The village not 20 miles from here was attacked just yesterday. With help from Priestesses of Bast they were able to hold them off, but for how long?”
The man that Xannon was healing reaches up and touches Xannon’s arm.
“I saw one of them up close. Their eyes were covered by some kind visor and they carried weapons that shot fire and stone. My friend and I were trying to escape when one of those stones hit him in the shoulder. It sent him sprawling to the ground. When I stopped to help, the soldier caught up and slammed me against the wall. I blacked out and when I came to, my friend was dead and the soldier gone.
“There was nothing we could do to stop them. If not for the followers of Bast our town would have been lost. I thank you for your efforts on behalf of my friend.”
The man drops his hand and drifts off to sleep. Xannon stands up and looks out across the main hall where hundreds of wounded and dying cry for help.
“I swear, Sarah, if this war is still going on when I become a High Priest, I will end it myself, one way or another.”
Sarah smiles, “What makes you think you are High Priest material? None of the teachers like you. You defy almost every order they give you. Even your thoughts are in opposition to the beliefs of the Temple.”
He sighs, “Perhaps your right, maybe I’m not High Priest material. But perhaps I can become an Archangel. I’ve been reading about them in my Divinity textbook. I’m beginning to think that our very own High Priestess is an Archangel.”
She thinks about this for a moment, “That would explain a few things, but don’t you kind of have to earn that too? The High Priestess would have earned that status after all her hard work for the Goddess. What have you done to earn Archangel status?”
“Well, nothing yet, I suppose. But once we graduate, I’ll be sure to make an impression. I’ll be the best soldier the forces of Bast have ever seen.”
Xannon holds up his fist and it glows a moment before becoming a holy flame. Sarah grabs his hand, dousing the fire.
“One step at a time, my love. Let’s get past our first year before we go talking about graduation. Now hurry up and get healing, there are people that need you here and now.”
She smiles then turns to help the next wounded villager. Xannon nods and continues healing.

June 30, 2006

Fallen Angel - Battle of the Klemayn Plains

As the weeks pass by, Xannon and Sarah become even closer. They went out every day after class, sometimes sneaking away to the nearby village for a change of scenery. They sit outside of the tavern in the village nursing some kind of alcoholic beverage that burned its way down their throat with every sip.
“What is the punishment for leaving school grounds without permission again?” Xannon asks.
“Suspension, house arrest, and a possibility of other more drastic penalties,” Sarah replies.
“Ah yes, I think I can live with those,” he states while taking another sip of his drink. He immediately regrets it as it burns his entire mouth.
“What is this stuff?”
“Dwarven Dragon’s Ale, according to the bartender. Supposedly, even the dwarves have trouble drinking an entire glass.”
“Well I can’t let the dwarves show me up now can I?”
Xannon sits up and looks into the mostly full glass of ale. He pauses only a moment before bringing the glass to his lips and chugging the drink as quick as he can, trying to ignore the burning sensation spreading its way through his body. As the glass finally empties he slams it back on the table and shakes his head trying to endure the pain.
“Wow! I won’t be doing that again for a while,” Xannon states.
“Xannon Okunen and Sarah Redding!” an all too familiar voice yells out from across the street.
They both stand up at attention, knowing without looking that the voice comes from Priestess Gatomon, one of the higher ranked students and part of the disciplinary committee. Gatomon walks over and looks straight at Xannon.
“I expect this kind of behavior from a wildcard such as yourself, but to bring Sarah along is simply inexcusable. You are both to report back to the temple immediately. News has reached the Temple of Bast that the humans have the backing of Kardis and Rinous. Worse than that, they are gathering a massive army at the edge of the Klemayn Plains. Bast has already sent out all her available priest and priestesses but needs all students to be available for immediate dispatch. We will deal with your punishment later. Now move!”
Xannon and Sarah turn and start running back toward the temple followed by Gatomon.

The air in the main hall of the temple was heavy with worry from all the students gathered, waiting for any word on the battle. Finally, the High Priestess exits her office and proceeds to the podium.
“The battle is over. After hours of intense fighting the Katta and Elves manage to hold their ground against the humans and drive them back. It grieves me to report, however, that both sides suffered greatly. Out of the tens of thousands of soldiers that were sent out only a few hundred manage to make it back alive.”
Several shocked gasps can be heard around the hall. Before now the students were under the impression that while the humans were creating these dangerous machines, they were no match for the forces of Bast and Yehova. This news proved that wrong, dead wrong.
“Because of this we are going to accelerate your training. The new classes will start tomorrow. Take the rest of the day for yourselves. May Bast protect you always.”
The High Priestess turns and heads back to her office, obviously disturbed by all that transpired. Xannon notices this and starts to follow. She disappears into her office and Xannon knocks on the door but gets no response. He knocks again and again hears nothing in reply. He slowly opens the door and peaks in and finds the High Priestess sitting behind her desk, in tears. Checking to see if anyone is looking, Xannon slips in and closes the door behind him. It shuts a little louder than he hoped and startles the High Priestess.
“Oh! I’m sorry, can you come back later?” she asks while wiping the tears from her face. “I have several things I need to go over before tomorrow’s classes.”
“I noticed you looked a little more distraught than the others when you giving the news. Is something else wrong? Anything I can do to help?”
She smiles but shakes her head. “No, there isn’t anything you can do. But it’s nice of you to offer.”
She looks at Xannon for a moment before speaking again.
“I know you. You’re the student that was caught off campus drinking Dwarven Ale. Xannon Okunen, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Was it worth it?”
“Was what worth it?” Xannon asks, quizzically.
“Being outside these walls, doing your own thing. Was it worth the price? Was it worth the house arrest and the seemingly never ending fire that comes from Dwarven Ale?”
“Any moment spent with Sarah is worth any price.”
She smiles, “You love her a lot don’t you?”
“With every fiber of my being. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.”
“Tell me, what would you do if she died?”
“I wouldn’t let that happen, she means too much to me.”
“But what if there was nothing you could do to save her. What if she was sent off to war while you were left behind? What if you didn’t learn about her death until hours later? What would you do then?”
Xannon is about to respond when it suddenly hits him.
“Well… I suppose the first thing I would do is cry.”
Again, the High Priestess smiles, “What would you do after that?”
“I’m not sure, but I don’t think I would hide myself from those that needed me, those that relied on me for guidance. There are hundreds of students outside these doors that look to you for support. If you can’t offer them that in this time of need, then it might as well have been you out on the field of battle. We need your guidance, I need your guidance. You can’t leave us alone to handle this grave of news. We aren’t prepared. We need to know that there is hope for the future, that the war will end someday and there will be nothing but peaceful days forever.”
Xannon turns away, “I’m sorry. I said too much. I should go.”
He stands and turns to leave but she speaks, much more gently than before. “Priest Naveen was more than a friend, more than a love, more than anything to me. When he told me that he had been assigned to the front, I cried, but resolved to be strong. I swore to myself that he would return alive. When the report came that he had been killed, I nearly lost it. I can only hope and pray that what happened to me doesn’t happen to you. You’re right. There are others that need me. I didn’t die in that battle. I was chosen to stay behind because people like you need me. I’m sorry if seeing me like this has made you lose faith in me.”
Xannon turns and smiles. “On the contrary, seeing you like this makes me realize you are normal just like the rest of us. That gives me more faith in you as a person and as a leader. Don’t hide your feelings from those that need you. Let us know that you are feeling exactly what we are. That you hurt just like we do. We all care for you and about you. Let us help you just as you’ve helped us.”
Xannon opens the door and steps out, closing it behind him.
“What would I do if Sarah died?” Xannon thinks to himself.
He shakes his head to clear it and proceeds back to where he left Sarah in the main hall.
“What was that about?” Sarah asks as Xannon kisses her cheek.
“She lost someone special in that last battle. She just needs a little time for herself.”
Xannon looks around the main hall and sees that almost everyone else had left.
“You want to get out of here?”
“Sure, but where are we going to go? Don’t forget we’re both still under house arrest.”
“Hmm… Good point. How about my room? If I remember correctly I have a test in Spell Economics coming up soon and I could really use your help studying.”
“Sure, I think I can help with that.”
Xannon takes Sarah’s hand and they both walk down hall toward Xannon’s room.

June 29, 2006

Fallen Angel - Planes of Existance

The sun rising in the east shines through Xannon’s window and onto an empty bed. Xannon couldn’t sleep after he got back to his room the night before and had stayed up all night thinking about Sarah while attempting to study. As the time nears to start his first class, he grabs his books and heads for the main hall, hoping to catch Sarah on her way to class.
His attempt is successful and Sarah stops before heading down the hallway to their class. Xannon gives her a hug and pulls her aside, away from the crowd of students heading toward their classrooms.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about you last night, Sarah.”
“I couldn’t stop thinking about you either. Last night was the best night I’ve had since I came here. But you better be able to clear your head for the test in Mrs. White’s class today. It covers the five planes of existence.”
“A test?!” Xannon asks, stunned. “I completely forgot about it! Hopefully I’ll remember enough to scrape by.”
The first bell rings signaling the start of class.
“We better go now or we’ll miss the test.”
Sarah and Xannon head down the hallway and manage to make it to class before the tardy bell rings. Mrs. White passes out the tests and Xannon quickly looks over all the questions.
“Name the five planes of existence.” Xannon reads to himself. “This one is easy enough.”
The first plane of existence is the Material Plane. The material plane is where humans, katta, elves, monsters and the like, live. It consists of what can be seen, touched, smelled, tasted and heard.
The second plane is the Ethereal Plane also known as the Astral Plane. This is where the souls of all living things reside. Astral or Light magic attacks by damaging the soul via the Ethereal Plane.
The third plane is the Plane of Arcadia. Angels, Archons, and other high level servants of Bast and Yehova make their home on this plane. Travel though Arcadia by normal beings is nearly impossible and they will get lost if not being guided by a native of that plane. Getting lost in Arcadia is more frustrating than dangerous as the creatures are naturally friendly.
The forth plane is quite different however. The Plane of the Abyss is where the Demons, Devils and other high level servants of Kardis and Rinous take up residence. If anyone from the material plane attempts travel through the Abyss the will be almost constantly assaulted by the guardian demons who find their flesh most tasty. If they can survive the demon attacks they must then learn how to navigate the twisted corridors and traps that are scattered about the realm. If someone was to get lost in Arcadia, chances of them coming back alive are nearly zero.
The fifth plane of existence is where the Gods reside and is called the Divine plane. This plane is actually very barren. There exist six main bodies of land. The rest is a sea of nothingness which will devour unsuspecting travelers, if they are unfortunate enough to fall in. In the middle of the plane a massive island with six huge doors resides. Five of the doors are gateways two the other five islands. The sixth is guarded by a pair of dragons. Entrance is forbidden and no one knows where it leads. The other five islands in this plane are the homes of the five main gods, Bast, Yehova, Kardis, Rinous, and Gaia.
It has been theorized by scientists at Section-N that there are more planes of existence that have yet to be discovered, but the technology to prove those theories is non-existent.
Xannon finishes the last question just in time.
“Time is up. Please pass your tests forward. Hopefully you all did well on this test. If not, there is always the Priesthood of Yehova. Class dismissed.”
Sarah picks up her things and heads over to Xannon’s desk.
“How do you think you did?”
“Good I guess. Didn’t quite know what she was looking for when she asked about the connection between the Abyss and Arcadia, but hopefully she will find my answer acceptable.”
“Knowing you, she probably won’t. Since she let class out early, do you want to help me practice for Mr. Steele’s class? I haven’t had much time to practice my healing magic.”
“Sure, my pleasure,” Xannon gathers his things and they leave Mrs. White grading the tests.

Xannon and Sarah to the far end of the field close the forest and sit on one of the large rocks. Xannon finds a sharp edge on the rock and purposely cuts the palm of his hand. He then holds it out for Sarah.
“Now remember, you’re supposed to focus your magic energy on the wound. Feel the damage, will it to mend.”
“I’ll try,” she replies holding her hand over Xannon’s
She closes her eyes and pictures the wound her mind. As she does, her hands begin to glow a soft white. Slowly the bleeding begins to subside and then start to pull back into the cut. Her hands glow brighter and the cut starts to close up. Soon it is all healed so not even a scar can be seen.
“Not bad, I see you remembered to numb the area first.”
“Yeah, after that last time where you described it as your flesh peeling, I decided to take other measures.”
Xannon smiles at her then looks across the field to the temple.
“Do you think they have any rules about love between students?”
“Perhaps, but at the moment, I don’t really care.”
Xannon looks back at Sarah and is greeted by a mischievous smile. Xannon gets an evil grin, then tackles Sarah off the rock.

June 02, 2006

Fallen Angel - Love Grows

Several weeks had past and Xannon and Sarah spent most of their free time together, either practicing magic or just talking about life. When they were apart, Xannon could still feel her touch, could still sense her presence. Sometimes he had to turn and make sure she wasn’t standing behind him. He felt as if they were soul mates, drawn together by fate, never to be separated.
They had their differences of course, while Sarah excelled in the teachings of the temple and was always ready to help others, not only in their studies but also other everyday tasks, Xannon found his strength in the magical arts and quickly began mastering the low and mid level spells.
“Why do you give the teachers such a hard time?” Sarah asks, lying on the roof of the temple.
All their classes were done for the day and the sun was just starting to make its way behind the western mountains. Xannon, who was lying next to her absorbing the last few rays of the sun, smiles at the thought.
“It keeps them on their toes. Most of the teachers here are too strict to give good lessons anyway.”
“You know they are strict for a reason. The Goddess has certain rules that must be followed if you are to be granted her power. Surely you’ve learned that by now. Also, I’ve heard talk that they want you kicked out of the temple.”
“Won’t happen,” he replies rolling on to his side and looking at her. “I’m exactly what this temple needs and the High Priestess knows that.”
“The temple needs an arrogant student who is always pestering the teachers?”
“The temple needs a powerful Priest on their side. You know they need people like me for the war. They need someone strong enough to combat the war machines being created in those factories by Section-N.”
The war was a seemingly never ending struggle between humans and the rest of the world. Backed by the technical knowledge and power of the mega conglomerate Section-N, the humans were beginning to push the Katta and Elves off the mainland. There were some humans however, mostly those in the temples of Bast and Yehova, who wished to see and end to the fighting and sided with the forces of the Katta and Elves. However, even with the backing of the twin gods of Life and Creation the war didn’t seem to be slowing down. It was almost as if the humans had more backing them than technology.
“I don’t understand the war at all. They fight to claim land they have no rights to, land that has been the property of the Katta and Elves for centuries upon centuries before we were even created.”
“When humans were created we had no land. Everything was owned by the Katta or the Elves. They had no intention of giving it up either. The history books will tell you that. Only by fighting could the human race have hoped to survive the first hundred years.”
“So why do they continue? When will enough be enough? When the Katta are driven off the mainland? When the elves are driven back through their forests and into the ocean? Does everything have to belong to the humans for our leaders to be satisfied?”
“That, I cannot say. But that is also the reason I know they will not kick me out of this temple.”
Sarah looks out across the yard and seems lost in thought for a moment.
“Xannon? Remember when we first met and I told you I was looking for someone?”
“Yeah, I remember that. Do you think you’ve found them?”
“I think it’s you. Every day when I wake up, my first thought is of you. Every night before I drift off to sleep, I think of you. I was called here to find you, to help you.”
“Help me? Help me do what?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe help you be a better priest, not a better magician obviously.”
Xannon rolls back onto his back and stares up at the blue sky. He remains silent for a moment.
“I guess you’re doing a good job then, because when I’m with you, I want to be a better person.”
He sits up and turns to look at Sarah. She looks back at him with loving eyes and leans closer to him. Xannon puts his arm around her and pulls her close.
“From the day I met you, I knew there was something about you. Now I can see that we were meant to be together.”
“Can we stay like this forever?” Sarah asks as she lays her head on his chest.
“Of course we can.”
Xannon watches Sarah as she closes her eyes and begins to drift off to a peaceful sleep. While they had been close before, this was the first time she had laid her head on him. He watches her for a few moments longer, enjoying the moment, then carefully lays back, making sure Sarah stays comfortably asleep.
Xannon watches the clouds sail by, and finds himself very relaxed having the woman of his dreams sleeping next to him. He closes his eyes and dreams of peaceful days, just him and Sarah with no wars and no fighting.

When he opens his eyes, the sky is dark but the moon shines bright. He turns and finds Sarah still sleeping peacefully. He gently runs his fingers through her hair and she stirs.
“Mmm…that feels so nice.”
“Sarah?” Xannon asks as he continues to play with her hair. “I…I think I love you.”
This causes Sarah to look up at him with an expression of shock and happiness.
“I think I love you too,” Sarah replies.
Xannon gently pulls her closer so their faces are inches apart. Sarah closes her eyes and Xannon leans in and kisses her. After what seemed like ages, Xannon pulls back and looks into her eyes.
“It’s late.” Xannon says.
“Yeah…” Sarah says dreamily.
“I should get you back to your room, we have class tomorrow.”
Sarah sighs, “I suppose you’re right.”
Xannon leads Sarah back to her room and kisses her again before heading back to his own room, but that kiss paled in comparison to their first kiss.

May 24, 2006

Fallen Angel - Fated Meetings

Alone in a crowded room, a student sits at his desk in one of the classrooms of the Temple to the Goddess Bast. Despite the fact that this was only his first week at this school, he felt as if no one knew him, nor cared to know him. Dressed in the uniform of a student, which consisted of dark slacks and a white collared shirt, he listens to the teacher’s instruction. Most of what he was hearing he had heard before today, either from his parents, who were a priest and priestess at another Temple of Bast or from the teacher earlier this week. It was almost as if she taught the same thing all week long.
“Repetition must be her way of teaching,” the student thinks to himself.
He looks around the room from his vantage point near the back of the room and notices several other students are also bored of the same old lessons. His mind wanders back to his childhood and the tricks he played on his friends when he learned to use magic for the first time. When his parents caught him they immediately entered him into a school for the magically gifted. School then was easy. It was simply learning when and when not to use magic. There were many more times to not use it than there were to use it.
After the teacher finishes and class is dismissed, he stands to go back to his dorm to study until his next class starts. As he gathers his things from his desk, however, a young woman walks over and extends her hand.
“Hello, my name is Sarah,” she says, smiling. “I noticed you earlier this week, but I was too shy to say anything.”
“That’s ok, I wasn’t expecting anyone to talk to me anyway,” the man replies. “My name is Xannon.”
“That’s a very cool name, Xannon. It’s one I don’t think I’ve heard before.”
“Me either,” Xannon replies, “but honestly, I’d rather have a normal name. It draws less attention.”
“Like my name?” Sarah asks, looking ruffled.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I like your name. It’s still different. But there are times when I’d rather be called Jason, Chris, or even Matthew.”
By this time, the rest of the students had filed out of the classroom leaving Sarah and Xannon the only students left. The teacher had erased the chalkboard and was gathering her things. She looks up and notices the two still there.
“Another class will be starting here shortly. Don’t stay too long,” the teacher says.
“We know, Mrs. White,” Sarah replies. “We’ll be out of here soon.”
Sarah turns back to Xannon and watches him for a second, deciding whether to ask him something or not. Xannon notices this and points to the door.
“Would you like to go outside? It’s a nice day and we could talk about school or something.”
“Or something sounds nice,” Sarah replies.

The late morning sun shines brightly as Xannon and Sarah walk across the field behind the temple. The field is where the students practice their physical skills by training with weapons or by playing sports. The field is mostly vacant save for a few sparring students who attack each other with wooden practice swords. The banging sound caused by the wood colliding is lost on Xannon and Sarah. They simply stroll past them toward the far edge of the field where the thick forest begins.
The Goddess Bast, being the Goddess of Creation, likes her temples to be full of living things from nature. Especially cats, several felines can be seen waltzing around the temple grounds wherever students go.
“What made you decide to join the temple of Bast?” Xannon asks after several moments of silence.
Sarah pauses in her walk and looks toward the sky. Xannon stops as well and turns to look at her. There was something about her that he liked. He couldn’t place it now, nor did he ever think he could, but he was willing to stay with her until he found out what it was. As she slowly brings her head back down to look at him he feels lost in her eyes.
“I felt a calling to come here,” she finally answers. “And, when I arrived, I felt a need to find someone.”
“How will you know when you’ve found him?” Xannon asks. “And, what will you do after that?”
“I suppose I’d just know. After that, I don’t know.”
“Perhaps I can help you with that.”
“How do you propose to do that?”
Xannon shrugs. He didn’t know how he was going to do that. The only reason he had come to this temple was because of his parents. Even though he enjoyed everything they had taught him when he was younger, there was something about the Temple of Bast that never sat quite right with him. After he arrived at the school, the feeling faded. Despite the wealth of knowledge he could learn here at the school, he had once considered leaving and trying to learn on his own, but he didn’t know enough yet to try and teach himself and he didn’t know of any other priests or priestesses that would teach someone who wasn’t a student of a temple.
“I think I’ll start by being a friend,” Xannon finally replies.
He takes a step back and bows.
“Good morning, young lady,” Xannon says, acting as if meeting her for the first time. “I am Xannon Okunen, I am a student here at this temple. Would you care to join me for lunch in the cafeteria?”
Sarah smiles and joins the charade.
“And good morning to you, Xannon. I am Sarah Redding. I too am a student here and would love to join you for lunch.”
She offers her hand and Xannon carefully takes it. Turning back to the temple, they head for the cafeteria.