Saturday, December 6, 2008

   December Post
Wow, it's already the month of December, huh... Where does the time go? But at least it'll be 2009 soon, and that means DaFeather-san will be back! So that's good.

On another note, this weekend will be a drag for me. I guess I caught a virus at school, so now I'm sick. I have a bad headache but I want to be on the computer because otherwise I'll be bored out of my mind; literally. So obviously I didn't go to school on Friday. I mostly just slept.

I did however try playing my guitar a little today, trying to reteach myself some chords. I got D, G, and Am7 down. I was pretty bored, though.

Um... I've been trying to make a manga for a story I've written called Tales of Three Worlds. If you're interested, I've been posting it on one of my worlds, My Writer's Cafe. So just please go check out my portfolio if you want. I'm not sure how to make a manga, so tips are appreciated. I may have to look on the Internet about it...

Hm. School's been keeping me busy, with projects and all. And the holidays, too. Like I got my sister this Twilight poster thinking she'd love it, and when I got it home my other sister said that it was of Jacob, and she does NOT like him. So now I have to return it and exchange it... Just when I think I can do something right, it blows up in my face. I even paid it with my own money! I hate buying posters... It's hard to tell what they are.

In school I'm learning a lot about Photoshop and such. Except for I'm having trouble with one thing. Is there a way to get rid of the background of a character in Photoshop? I'd make better wallpapers if I knew how to do that. I know a way on Illustrator, but I'd like to know how on Photoshop.

Oh! And I'm so excited because I'm finally a Senior Otaku! Yay! I've been here for a whole year, and what a great year has been. *smiles* Thanks for being great friends, everyone!

Well, see you all later! Take care, and have an awesome day!
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Monday, November 17, 2008

The Weekend...
Wow, I haven't posted since after Halloween? Huh.. Well, as many of you may know school is keeping me very busy. It takes up most of the day, so my drawing time's been getting cut short. I've been analyzing everything that happens during my day to try and find a way to make the things I don't like better. With some things I've been successful. Like not having to walk around the high school to get to the buss after I get there from Graphic Arts school. On the days the bus driver picks kids up, I simply hitch a ride. It's quite convenient, actually.

In other words, I really don't have much to talk about... Oh! Wait, I remembered something. On Sunday, my sister was helping my dad cut wood for my uncle and she got her hand cut in the log splitter! OMG... She came home almost crying, and her fingers were all bruised and bleeding! So mom and dad rushed her to the emergency room and she had to get 8 stitches and had to take morphine, which now she knows why I don't like it either. It burns, and she said that whenever they put a stitch in, it stung really bad.

I'm glad to say I haven't had to get stitches yet. *knocks on wood* Actually, I did, but that was because of a surgery on the inside of my throat but that's a long story. Anyway, my sister wouldn't hear of not going to school today, so she did. She even went to library club, as far as I know. So I hope she is feeling better. I was really really worried about her all day. I practically tried to stalk her in order to check on her, but I kind of failed to even see her... So I hope she is okay now and no one said anything bad to her. She's such a toughie, my sister. She refused to cry, and even at the hospital, she told the nurses that she didn't want to leave in a wheelchair. Lol. But the nurses insisted because the morphine might have made her woozy.

*chuckles* The poor thing... Also on Sunday I had to wake up at freaking 6:30 to work at a breakfast thing that helps get funds for needy kids and families. I was really tired, but I got to help make biscuits and gravy! Yum.

Friday and Saturday we had to clean the house because my mom's parents are coming on the 25th for Thanksgiving and she was already freaking out. So now we have to keep the house clean until then. It's totally not going to make it... And we'll have to clean... again. *groans*

So that's pretty much how my weekend went. How was yours? Better than mine, I hope. Well, I hope that you all have a great day and stay out of trouble and travel safe!

Razing Phoenix over and out. For now. ^^"


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Sunday, November 2, 2008

   Have A Happy Halloween?
Well, I guess I did. It was okay. With CYO (a church club) I helped in a haunted house. I have been for about three years, and this year my room wasn't all that scary. I think it was because I didn't have as much enthusiasm as I have in the past for Halloween. I guess I've just calmed down about it a lot now that I know what it stands for. The only thing about Halloween I don't like is that it's the one time I'm extremely paranoid... Like I keep turning around because I think someone might be there, only to find empty shadows... *sigh*

Well, everything is fine here now. My cousins are still and forever will be rude and disregarding... Hm. On Friday though we didn't have school because of Halloween! That was good. I got a day off, at least. And my mom and I went to town to look for a costume for me. We were somewhat successful. Then after that we ordered a pizza for lunch and went to Blockbuster. And guess what I got?! Final Fantasy VII Advent Children! I didn't know they had a DVD for it out there, but I should have guessed. So I rented it for the week. I've watched the first disc so far. Yeah, it comes with 2! And special features... *Is now obsessing over Cloud*

Saturday was the haunted house, dance, and costume party. I wasn't there for the dance, because I had to work in the haunted house. And my partner for decorating my room was one of my cousins... That was a mistake. For the whole week we worked on it, he was never there once! *sighs* I practically did it all by myself, so I'm making him clean it up by himself. Like I've said before, if he doesn't like my wrath, he shouldn't provoke it!

Today I just went to church and had lunch and am now here! So here's my post update for the weekend. How was all of your weekends? Good, I hope. Well, I think I should be off now... Talk to you all later, okay?

Razi-chan over and out. ^^"
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

   Heya!
Hey everyone! Well my weekend went by fast. It always does. But I don't think I posted last week so I will now. On Friday was another football game and I had to work in the concession stand for several hours. Let me tell you, I've never poured that much hot chocolate in my life. It was really cold, and everyone wanted it. So I poured like 100 cups of hot chocolate in one night for about 4 hours. And my shoulders hurt really bad from doing that and a number of other things. We won of course, like 50 something to 21. It was a good game, I guess. By 2nd quarter it was no contest.

Saturday I just went to church and came home and played Tales of Symphonia with my sisters. On Sunday I had a CYO meeting. Now we're decorating the old wine cellar for a haunted house. ^^ Hehe. It'll be great. It's the perfect setting for a haunted house. We always have to clean up though, and it's a little moldy-smelling, but we always scare the crap out of everyone! It's hilarious.

Well, yesterday was your normal Monday. Pretty slow, the start of the week. Nothing much happened, at least I can't remember it... Hm. But today some kid punched another kid's nose and probably broke it. I saw the evidence where the fight took place... a bit of blood was even left on the floor. And one of my friends saw him going to the office on her way to class this morning. *sigh* the kid had it coming to him, I'm sorry to say. I mean he's always picking fights with older kids and younger kids alike, and he's only in what, 7th grade I think? Well yeah... So that was the buzz around today.

Oh! I do remember yesterday... one of my sister"s friends hit her head really hard at CYO when we were decorating for the haunted house. They found these tall round cage things, and she thought it would be funny to put them over herself. And then she kind of ran a few times. The room they were in had a really low ceiling with a low arch way, and she hit it with the cage thing and bounced back. It was really funny, until my idiot cousin came. She ran towards him and held his hands out to stop her so she wouldn't run into him, and then she bounced off him backwards and hit the cold hard cement... really really hard. It looked painful. She almost passed out but held through when an adult came and helped her out of the cage thing. Oh, and mind you, my cousin was her ex-boyfriend. That stupid kid... Anyway It turns out she had a minor concussion and didn't go to school yesterday because she was in the hospital, but she's okay now. It was kind of scary because she couldn't remember how she got there or even if she got dressed that morning. O_O Well, she's okay now, so everything is good, and she came to school today.

Today was a teacher's meeting, too. So we had to wait extra long before the bell rang... Which was stupid because when those kids fought, there were no teachers around! I think someone went and got a teacher or someone from the office, thankfully. *sigh*

Another thing... I've had this one song stuck in my head all day. I haven't even heard it in a long time, though. It's the ending song from Spiral, Cocktail by Hysterical Blue.



Well, that's all I have to say for now. I hope everyone has had a good week so far. ^^"

Razi-chan over and out.


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Monday, October 20, 2008

   Rantings.... beware.
Well guys, today was just... I'll explain. First, since it was a Monday, I wasn't going to take it for granted that it would be a good day. Surprisingly enough, it started out good. But then it suddenly went downhill after Graphic Arts class.

For one, I missed the buss AGAIN! Ugh. This time it was because one of my friends had to go use the bathroom so we left late, and when we got back to school the buses were just pulling out of the driveway. I was so close yet so far! I even jogged through the front of the school to the back to get there on time, but no... I got left. So I went to the office and they told them I missed the bus. The office was kind enough to call the bus driver and see if he was out of town yet and if he could come back, and thankfully he was able to come back without wasting more time. *sigh* If this happens again I'll go nuts. I even had my adrenaline pumping from running because I thought I was going to have to chase the bus down but it was too late. So my body prepared me for nothing! Not to mention I was all out of breath.

*sigh* sorry about that rant. I don't mean it, I just had to get that out of my system. I might go depressed... speaking of depressed, you don't think my new layout is depressing, do you? I mean it's October and almost Halloween, so I decided to change it when I found that pretty wallpaper. ^^

Anyways other than missing the bus, my day went smooth, except for that. And I got most of my music back on iTunes, because it was all kicked off for some dumb reason. Only I can't find my music from the iTunes Store... or my Anime Pulse podcasts! That's the main reason why I'm mad about it...

Also Wednesday is my 17th birthday. Ugh... I feel old now. And it's worse because I have math with a bunch of dim-witted 8th graders because I didn't take Pre-algebra last year and the math credits changed and screwed over my class of 2010.

Oh and my cousins don't know not to take things that don't belong to them. Can anyone help me? I'm trying to think of a way to teach those neanderthals a lesson. One of them still has my Coldplay CD, because his brother asked me if he could borrow it, but then his little bro took it without permission! So he stole from not only one, but two people! WITHOUT ASKING! It pisses me off. (O_O I've never said that word on here; sorry). Any suggestions? There's four of those neanderthals, and they just take what they please. To make it worse they live next door! Ugh. Also my cousin who has my CD keeps on forgetting it in the band room at school. So tomorrow I'm going to go and get whether he likes it or not! If he doesn't like my wrath of anger then he shouldn't steal from me!

*screams into a pillow* I've been doing that lately on here, haven't I? I'm sorry... hopefully I'll be in a good mood on Wednesday... Because I'll have to see my family then... *shivers* At least I'll get money or presents. ^^ Hopefully.

Enough about me and my ranting-I'm tired of doing it now. I'm sorry for treating you all as my scapegoats:( How is everyone else? And how was your weekends? I can't seem to remember much of mine... Nothing really happened.

Well, that's enough posting for me. Razing Phoenix over and out! Ttyl, ttfn, and all those lovely temporary goodbyes.

~Razi-chan ^^"
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

   Busy Days
Hey everyone. *sigh* I've been really busy the past few days. Most of it was good busy, though. Like on I think Friday I resurrected our Game Cube back to life. As it turned out, it was actually our TV that kicked the bucket. It was about ten years old anyhow.

Therefore my sis and I have been playing Tales of Symphonia again! It's so fun. I rock at playing Kratos or Sheena. So we'll be beating the game for about the tenth time. Maybe that's why the TV died... Lol.

Also on Friday it was my high school's homecoming football game, and we won of course; like 54-14! The team did awesome and it was actually fun to watch! I was glad I went.

Next on Saturday I went to church and I had to work at a wedding dance from like 9-12:30 with CYO (catholic youth organization). So needless to say I was tired.

On Sunday mom took us shopping! It was fun too. I got some new clothes and so did everybody else. I even got a new purse. It's so gorgeous! Black and purple with leather-like straps. At least I think it's perfect for my personality. We also ate out for lunch and we got some more groceries, because we were out of almost everything! O_O

Monday was just like any other Monday, only it seemed to go by pretty quickly. I don't know why. Maybe it was just me. Today went by fast, too. Like right now it's really time for me to go to bed, but it doesn't really matter what time I go to sleep because I'll still be tired in the morning on the bus. *ugh*

I haven't even had time to watch any anime lately. Maybe I should read the FMA manga my sister has. You can take it with you, you know? *nods* But if anyone has any recommendations for anime I should watch, just PM me or something. Thanks. ^^"

Well I am also caught up on theOtaku stuff, right? I've given a few comments so if I missed you, just let me know! ^^

So...that's pretty much what I've been up to. Now I'm up to date. How was everyone else's weekend? Good I hope?

~Razi-chan ^^"
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Saturday, October 4, 2008

   Hello everyone!
Ugh... so... hungry... *shakes head*

Man I need to get something to eat... Oh! Sorry about that. The reason I wanted to post isn't really a reason. Mostly I am just bored. My mom and dad went to do something on the farm (I live on one, yes; a dairy farm, to be precise). Anyways, I am so excited too because Tales of the Abyss anime is being aired in Japan! Aw, I can't wait to see it when it gets dubbed or subbed or whatever.

I was reading the manga during the summer and tired to get my cousin to finally beat the game at his house, but he never did... T_T He said he was mad and didn't want to deal with Van or the Six God Generals because he said they kept on popping up everywhere after he killed them. *sigh* Silly cuz.

I was browsing Photobucket for a new wallpaper and found this pic instead.


I thought it was quite humorous and decided to share it with you guys. I love how Jade's on the top like that. *snickers* "Oh!" So funny. Poor Guy, though. Asch... ha ha. What do you all think?

Nothing much is going on now except for school and awful homework. Ah yes, since it is Saturday, my sisters and I had to help mom clean the house. We do almost every Saturday... Unless we go somewhere to like a friend's house or something. *sigh* And I don't even want to go down that lane.

I did get to watch some cartoons though! Sonic and Chaotic. I actually like watching that Chaotic show. At first I thought it was just incredibly stupid, but it's fun to watch. *nods*

I wonder what's in the fridge... hm. Whoa! It's already almost 7:30?! Oh where does the time go? *sigh* I hope I have some time to get a pic I drew scanned... It'll be a character from the story I have posted for Tales of Three Worlds. I hope you all will get to see him! Tee hee!

Well I'd better stop here before I get lightheaded.

~Ttyl! Razi-chan^^"
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Sunday, September 7, 2008

   Chapters One-Ten of Tales of Three Worlds by Razing Phoenix
PART ONE: An Overview,
Translucent Threads

“Only in the world called Memoria, those human enough to realize the great feat of power shall learn the ways of ever-sustaining life”.

This is one of the many edicts that the founder and Goddess of Synergy, Festina Incarnia had given the cathedrals of Memoria. However, some people cannot refrain themselves from destroying the delicate balance from the Synergy, which governs the very origin of Three Worlds; Memoria, Evangelion, and Armestris. The delicate balance between those worlds are connected together by the basic elements of the promise of ever-sustaining life; fire, earth, water, and air.
These basic elements also sustain the ‘translucent threads’ that connect every spirit and human being alike between the Three Worlds. Those elements are represented by the dominating Six Elemental Spirits, the ones who maintain the balance of life, death, and salvation. Should this delicate balance be destroyed by the ill-fated, the whole balance of life itself shall be destroyed as well. That would also allow chaos to erupt; chaos that would be as powerful as the energy which created the Three Worlds in the first place. The people of the Three Worlds were given life, as well as the power to do as they please, but they are expected to keep their promise, just as the Goddess had kept hers: Sustaining the natural balance of the Three Worlds…
Spirit Summoning, which is calling upon spirits with the power known as Synergy in the Three Worlds, was something that was destined to occur among the Three Continents of a world called Memoria. Manndette, Emorian, and Cyrus were the only continents on this world called Memoria. The people of Memoria have co-existed with the Spirit World and Underworld in harmony for centuries, until the Six Elemental Spirits (beings made up of the basic elements of life) began staying on the Memoria, refusing to leave.
That is where the problems began. As the Spirits stayed on longer terms, unnatural weather conditions began. The people thought that the Six Elemental Spirits and the unnatural weather conditions had a connection. The harsh weather left hundreds of people homeless, which caused immigration to happen, crowding places even more. It also caused some of the ships to stop coming in to give the other continents supplies.
On the continent of Manndette, the Government came up with a solution: a young girl whom was orphaned when her father, a governor, whom was assumed dead. The girl could, miraculously, contact the Spirit World and possibly other worlds beyond. Her name was Miranda Laverne. Miranda, being optimistic and according to her father’s viewpoint of such matters, believed that the government had good reasons to why she was becoming extremely valuable and reliant to them. The Government, also known as the Synprogue, told her to contact Spirit Sasuke, a powerful Leader of the Spirit World. She did reach him, and was able to ask him for help.
In return of her request, Sasuke gave Miranda was six cards. Each one showed a symbol of each Six Elemental Spirit. Sasuke said to capture all of the Six Elemental Spirits. She would do that by using her Synergy (which is the spiritual energy borrowed from the Six Elemental Spirits of Memoria) to form a pact of trust, and seal their spirit and their Synergy within the card, also allowing her to re-summon them if she wrote down their name on the card. This gave her the title of Memoria’s “Spirit Summoner”. And in that realm with Sasuke, Miranda had a conversation that she will never ever forget…
Miranda glanced up at Sasuke and asked, “Am I supposed to do this alone? I mean, some of them could be dangerous, right?” She was referring to the Six Elemental Spirits.
Spirit Sasuke looked down on her. He knew her father, and knew that she had inherited Lucas Laverne’s telepathic powers to enter the Spirit World when she was born.
“There are those who wish to keep the natural balance of the Three Worlds; however, there are also those who wish to destroy it.” He continued, “However, as you begin your journey, you will find faithful help. And I will always be watching you as you progress in your quest to capture all of the Six Elemental Spirits, and return them here to be sorted to where they will Cross-Over.” He explained softly. Just keep this up, he thought, she’ll do everything I tell her to.
Miranda looked at the six cards in her hand and smiled. “I will be successful, Spirit Sasuke. I promise… for the sake of ever-sustaining life.” Miranda told Saskae confidently.
Sasuke nodded. She must also promise something else… my people’s future. He thought to himself, she is honest and trustworthy; she will not fail.
“I know. Ah, one more thing. When you meet someone named Zachary Voda, please tell him that he is able to resume his apprenticeship after the Journey is completed.” He remarked. He is, after all, the only one that could possibly accomplish my goal…
Miranda gave him a confused look. “Um, okay, I guess I could tell him,” She said, “But I thought no other humans were allowed to enter the Spirit Shrines because they lead to the Spirit World?”
“He will be able to enter the shrine, trust me. Miranda, I do trust that the natural balance of the Three Continents may be restored when you capture the Six Elemental Spirits. The Three Continent’s fates are now in your hands.” Sasuke added- The Three Continents, and especially the Three World’s unbeknownst fate-he thought.
Miranda bowed her head. “Thank you. I won’t let you down Spirit Sasuke.” She whispered.
Spirit Sasuke closed his eyes and thought to himself… And what seemingly translucent threads there are indeed; the single connection of commitment is clearly unbeknownst to these disgraceful humans…
And with that, Miranda disappeared, leaving the seemingly wise Spirit. When she returned to the Mortal World, the Chancellor of the government congratulated her for finding a way to stop the madness…

Chapter One: The Blue Envelope
A young man named Zachary Voda sat on a veranda. Zach was dressed all in black clothes, save for the red ornaments that decorated the edges of the pants and sleeves; the sleeves had buttons on the ends. The pants were tucked into his brown boots, and the collar of his shirt went up on his chin. He also wore a black cape around his shoulders.
He watched the clouds slowly crawl across the sky. He closed his dark eyes as the breeze lifted up his brown hair. Zach sighed. What he couldn’t understand was why the League was panicking; it was a perfect day. The war had only started on the continent of Manndette. Yet they were all preparing traps in the woods and sharpening their blades; Zach wasn’t preparing now because he prepares his weapons on a daily basis. Yes, he had weapons. In fact, he was the most skilled swordsman in all of Memoria… the Master Swordsman of Memoria was his alter ego to the outside world.
He glanced back into the old screen door that led into the lower level of the lodge. Several of the men were shouting at each other to get them something. Living at the lodge was like living with your younger brothers and sisters without parents; they were always fighting. All they did was argue, but through and through, they were a great team. The team was called the League of Woodsmen because they helped soldiers of the war find safe routes to their destinations.
Zach wondered why they did that, when suddenly, the screen door swung open and closed with a short squeak. Zach jumped up onto his feet. His mind wasn’t on the lodge’s veranda; he was thinking about retiring the League… the others would never go for that.
A tall man with a large forehead and small mustache appeared. He was holding a blue envelope; his hands were shaking slightly. Zach stared at it. Blue envelopes usually meant that it was from one of the other two continents, and the only time he got one was the one that explained to him how his parents died.
“I- I know what you’re thinking, Zach. It’s not what it looks like… well, maybe it is. Here, just read it.” The man pleaded.
“Alright,” Zach said as he remembered the man’s name. It was Alston, one of the best archers; he wasn’t this nervous… usually. Something was going on.
“Alston, why is it that I’m always the one who has to read these stupid things?” Zach asked.
Alston shrugged. “I guess because you’re the most skilled of us. The Four Synagods appointed you for a reason.” He replied.
“The Four Synagods… how did they find out about us anyway?” Zach asked sarcastically, narrowing his dark eyes.
“Because, uh, Bartholomew used the mail system to send his mail…?” Alston answered.
Zach only wanted to give this guy a hard time, because he really did hate to read the letters that came in the blue envelopes.
“Yeah, I thought so. Anyway, I suggest that you pretend that we never accepted mail from Parliament. In fact, I don’t want to receive any more mail, period. We cannot endanger our secrecy any more; the Forsyn War is nearing our home continent. We must remain hidden until we are desperately needed.” Zach explained.
Alston stiffened. “Yeah, I’ll make sure we never get mail again to ensure our secrecy.” He said angrily, apparently ticked at the way Zach talked to him.
Alston turned and left Zach alone. Zach sighed. The shouting in the lodge continued. It didn’t bother him; he was used to it, sadly. He sat back down on the wooden swing. Zach nervously opened the blue envelope. As soon as he did, a piece of paper fell out.
Zach picked it up gingerly and unfolded the paper …

Zachary Voda,
Your assistance is requested by the Government of Manndette. I know about your mysterious group of outcasts. Furthermore, the Six Elemental Spirits are making the Three Continent’s economy more and more difficult to restore to its full potential. The previous war did more damage than we anticipated it would. However, we have come up with a solution to the Six Elemental Spirits dilemma.
A young girl named Miranda Laverne has obtained telepathic powers of the Six Elemental Spirits. She was given a device from Spirit Saskae that captures the Six Elemental Spirits. Although she is being watched by Spirit Saskae, we need someone to protect Miranda on her dangerous journey. If you are successful, you will be rewarded greatly.
Your help is requested by all high ranking officers of the Government (Synprogue) and Parliament… This may be unorthodox, but be sure to go alone. Sol Genova
Zach groaned and put the letter in his back pocket. Sol Genova? Where had he heard that name before? He didn’t know him and he expected Zach to protect the world’s assumed savior? Was it because he was Spirit Saskae’s apprentice once before? He knew he was the most skilled Leagues man, as modest as he might be, but this… was way over his head. Zach slumped into the swing.
Chapter Two: Leaving a Past Life Behind
After supper, Zach stood up and gestured to the members of the League. They all looked at him expectantly.
“I have just received a blue envelope from Parliament,” Zach announced.
Most of the men whispered nervously. Everyone there knew that blue envelopes typically bore bad news, like being drafted to war or someone’s relative passed away. But this one… this one was different.
Zach cleared his throat and said, “I have been summoned by Parliament to guard the girl who is the Spirit Summoner; she will embrace the Six Elemental Spirits. I am ordered to leave here and go to Manndette as soon as possible.”
Then the men became angry. “Why should you have to go? You’re the youngest one here!” Greg shouted.
“But that’s all the more reason why they should trust him, Greg!” Walter, one of the gray-haired men suggested.
“Hey! Why can’t Fredrick go? He’s just as good as you!” Kurt bellowed.
Zach’s left eye twitched in anger. He grabbed a knife that was next to a plate and fiercely stabbed it into the wood of the table. He stared at his own infuriated reflection in the blade of the knife. The room quieted, with several other anxious eyes staring at him.
“Okay! I get it!” Zach yelled furiously. It suddenly became eerily quiet. Now all of them stared at him expectantly.
“The letter was sent for me! No, I don’t even want to go. It’s a huge responsibility. But Sol Genova said to go alone! He didn’t want anyone else. I don’t know what’s so… special about me, but we have to trust the decisions made by our leaders in a time of war!” Zach explained.
The real truth behind that was Zach didn’t want anyone to come looking for him, and give away their hideout.
Most of the men nodded, but mostly the older men. If Zach couldn’t control them, they may not let him leave. Zach stared at them firmly, to show how serious he was. But it seemed as though they needed a more convincing explanation. His shoulders relaxed. He sighed.
“Everyone, the Synagods is very, very powerful group of people. Only those who are fortunate enough to look at them and live to tell the tale is loosely, yet somewhat equally compared to them… In order for us to help end this war, we must trust our leaders… including myself. We shall not show fear to them by deliberately disobeying them; that would totally give us away.” He explained slowly.
The other men nodded in approval, but some were still reluctant. Other than that, they were all digesting what he had said.
“I must leave tonight, then.” Zach said.
Vander, one of the oldest members, stood up. He had wavy, graying hair and green eyes. Zach clenched his fists. Now what? He thought.
“Only on one condition,” he said in a low voice, “You must try out this wondrous and whimsical wallet!” he finished cheerfully.
Zach dropped his tensed-up shoulders and released his clutched fists. His jaw dropped… he couldn’t believe this guy.
“Uh, okay…?” Zach agreed.
Vander tossed Zach the wallet.
“What exactly does it do, Vander?” Zach asked skeptically, holding it out with his forefinger and thumb as if it was poisonous. His left eyebrow went up in astonishment and frowned.
“Well, whenever you want food, open it by pressing the green clip. When you want a drink, press the blue clip. It is very convenient, Zach. Please use it on your long Journey.” Vander explained. Zach’s jaw dropped; again.
Of all things he could have given Zach, Vander gave him a worthless wallet. And he had wondered why they were so short on money…
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Drake said, standing up. “You’re actually taking this crap? He shouldn’t be going! He’s too young!” he shouted crossly.
Vander shook his head. “And you are too arrogant. Do you not care about the League’s future? If he doesn’t do as this fellow, err, Sol Genova says, he may as well take us all to the gallows and give away all our secrets.” Vander argued decisively. Drake agreed and finally settled down.
Zach shook his head in disbelief at Vander and left the room. Then, later, Zach put on his cloth-armor, which was harder than Mythrillian Steel; a special product of Parliament that was stolen long ago and worn by the founder of the League. He also packed his small bag he placed on his belt, which also held his precious swords: the Blades of Humana, swords blessed by the Goddess Festina Incarnia. They believed that she was the one whom discovered the use of Synergy…
He had no money to buy what he had to have to survive; so he only took what he needed. The last thing he did was put on a black cloak with a hood, to hide his identity as a Leagues man.
When he walked out of the lodge, he found himself being slapped on the back and being greeted with a ‘good luck’. Obviously Vander had talked them into seeing him off. But Zach appreciated it. He didn’t really want to leave without saying good-bye anyway.
“I am sorry for being so… arrogant earlier. We are proud that you are fulfilling your duty.” Drake said, with a hint of doubt.
Zach nodded. “Thanks, Drake. Just cool down a little bit… okay?” He said.
“Ah, I’ll try to.” Drake chuckled, scratching the back of his head.
Zach went over to Vander and Hugh. “Hey,” Zach said. Vander nodded to him. “Zach, one more thing: if you meet that Sol Genova, tell him that the League will never be removed; never. Even if we’re on the brink of collapsing, we will still be a team.” Vander declared.
“Yeah, and if he ever demands a duel, we’ll help you out. He’s one of those Synagods, you know. So be careful.” Hugh suggested.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Teamwork, right…?” Zach promised.
The sun was setting. Even though it would be dark, Zach still had a great sense of direction. His instincts were not too bad either. He was confident that he could find this girl.
As he walked away, he suddenly realized he was walking away from everything he ever knew. Ever since his parents abandoned him, he lived there in the lodge. Deep down inside, he couldn’t believe that he was going along with this.
Meanwhile, the others were watching him leave. Vander, Drake, and Hugh stood on the veranda
After Zach had crossed the Garret Ocean, he arrived on Manndette. His continent was closer to Manndette than Emorian was. He traveled until it was dawn and came across the edge of Woo Forest.

Chapter Three: Miranda’s Departure
The next day, Miranda prepared for her Journey; she had to leave and get the job done as soon as possible. Miranda tried to pack lightly. The Government provided her with gold coins to buy supplies if she ran out. After all, she was the one who was going to help restore their twisted world to the peaceful place it once was.
She also decided to pack a weapon, hoping it would not be necessary; it was a Syn Ring. A Syn Ring is a piece of rare materiel from the Spirit Czech. It’s the strongest metal that’s incredibly light, but does serious damage. A Syn Ring is a circular ring with wires that connect in the middle that can cause explosions when it’s charged with Synergy, which is the power that is drawn from the Spirit World or Underworld.
At least Miranda did not have to say good-bye to any family members; they all somehow died during the Great Syn War when she was a small child. Miranda could never forget how everyone, including her, was so very sad.
But when she was at the entrance, Miranda was surprised to see President Norman Heave himself, along with her mentor, Ms. Viva. She hugged Ms. Viva. “Thank you for everything, Ms. Viva.” Miranda said.
Ms. Viva pulled away from her. “My dear, it was a pleasure to watch you grow to be the responsible young lady you are now.”
Miranda smiled and wiped a small tear away.
She turned expectantly to the Chancellor, Norman Heave. “Well, I guess this is what it comes to, Miss Miranda.” He implored.
Miranda nodded. “Mr. Heave, I believe this is the way it was meant to be… And when I return, there will be no more suffering. The Spirits will leave, and everything will be back to normal… wherever it left off.” She declared.
Mr. Heave chuckled. “I knew you were the right one to count on, Miranda. You’re so much like your father…” he said, but faded out when he said ‘father.’
Miranda frowned. She never took her father’s death lightly. Miranda stepped back and quickly gave them a grin.
“Err; your father would be proud of you.” Mr. Heave said quickly.
Miranda glanced out to the horizon. The sun was slowly reaching the hills. The world was waiting.
“Well, I want to get going before the sun sets.” Miranda suggested softly.
Mr. Heave and Ms. Viva nodded and smiled. Miranda held her head up high, spun on her heels, and took a step down one of the stairs’ steps. She looked over her shoulder.
“Good-bye!” Miranda said. And with that, she left them, tall and proud.

Chapter Four: The First Shrine
Miranda was out of her home city; Firedrake City of Manndette. She was on her way to save the Three Continents. Miranda wondered how and why she was able to enter the Spirit World. If she was able to, couldn’t others as well? Was she really all alone?
As Miranda walked along a dirt road through a thick forest, she kept alert. Spirits could be anywhere. She wondered where she was. Probably not far from Firedrake City, but Miranda pulled out a map anyway. She never went far from the Synprogue Palace; she had no need to. But according to the map, she was a day and a half away from her city. The forest she was in was called Woo Forest. It was a dark, spooky forest with many shadows creeping everywhere, but Miranda knew she had nothing to be afraid of… until she heard a whooshing sound.
She spun around and did a three-sixty. Nothing was in sight except for tall trees and big bushes that had bright red berries on them. Miranda glanced up. Dim sunlight poured through the canopy of the tree tops, making small clouds of dust appear.
Something was coming.
“Who’s there? Show yourself!” Miranda shouted.
The next thing she knew, a gust of wind blew her off her feet.
“NO!” Miranda screamed as she slid on her feet and slammed into the trunk of a pine tree. Several leaves fell to the ground around her.
“Ow!” Miranda uttered.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a long, transparent figure appeared. It was glowing purple. The Spirit had taken the form of a dragon. It had the ten eyes of knowledge. They were red, and angry, and they were all watching Miranda. She knew this Spirit somehow… Of course! It was an Elemental Spirit named Czech. It was the Elemental Spirit of earth.
Miranda gasped and quickly took out her six cards. She leafed through them until she found the card with the symbol for Czech. Miranda was not so sure on how to use it, but she had a pretty good idea.
“Czech, please, I was sent by Saskae to find you!” Miranda shouted.
It reared its many-eyed head and lunged at Miranda. She ducked. Smack! Czech hit the tree’s trunk hard with a sickening thud!
When Miranda quickly held the brown card up to the Spirit, and its tail began to be sucked into the symbol on the card. Seconds later, the whole Spirit disappeared into the card. It howled and writhed in utter defeat. Miranda instantly placed the card back into the small card case around her neck.
Miranda sighed with relief. If she had not caught it, she didn’t want to think about it.
But she had five of more Spirits to go. It was going to get tougher as she traveled, but it was the only way to bring back peace to the Three Continents. However, she had no idea how she was going to catch other Spirits and survive that long.
By the time Miranda made it another mile or two, darkness began to envelope the forest. She decided to make camp.
What she saw made her hear leap. It was a shrine that was similar to Spirit Saskae’s shrine. It must have been Czech’s shrine. There were many engraved eyes on the arched entry way. Yes, definitely Czech’s shrine to the Spirit World. But why wouldn’t Czech go to the Spirit World where the Spirit truly belonged? Miranda assumed that that’s why she was on this journey in the first place, to find answers.
Miranda found a small clearing with bushes surrounding a patch of grass near the shrine. It looked like a good spot. Miranda easily built a fire using a type of matches discovered by Mr. Heave’s professor, Prof. Mane. They weren’t normal matches, though. All you had to do was hold a small, thick stick-like match over a pile of wood, or whatever you were burning, and clicked a small button on the handle. Instantly, flames would shoot out, making a nice, warm fire. They would never be used all the way, making it a very useful tool.
Miranda made a meal of bread and fruit. It was a simple meal, but it filled her up. She also had a container of fresh water. Miranda took a few gulps and sighed. She spread out a sleeping bag, lay down and stared at the canopy of tree branches. Small Nish Birds, birds with long, strange beaks and pink feathers, whistled a sweet lullaby. Soon, Miranda drifted off into a peaceful sleep…

Chapter Five: Alone No More

As she slept, someone watched her. It was a young man wearing a plain, black and deep red tunic and jacket with a white collar. On his back were two scabbards that held two long swords. He also wore a black cloak, making it hard to see him very much at all. He was standing on a tree branch, high in the air. The young man knew that this girl would have troubles on her journey, and that’s why the Synagod Sol Genova sent him to protect her. He couldn’t believe that her own Government had sent this girl all by herself, with no guard. Had they no common sense at all? Or were they really trying to get her killed?
Hours later, he saw a pair of eyes lurking in the shadows of the bushes… he knew those eyes. They were the eyes of Remiel, a man who wanted to corrupt the Three Continents, and bring down all form of governments. And this was the perfect time to start his dirty work.
The young man knew what he had to do; he was no stranger to battle. Besides, after years of experience, the he knew that when in a fight, you must never make the first move. If you do, it could be the last thing you do. If you make the first move, your opponent may make the second and third move, and finish you off. So, he waited.
Without warning, Remiel lunged out of the bushes. The girl suddenly shot up straight, her bright blue eyes wide and alarmed. She glanced around, startled. Remiel attacked her, grabbed her arm and threw her into a tree trunk.
“Ow… not the trees again,” Miranda thought, rubbing her head.
The young man on the tree branch jumped down and landed on the back of the attacker, pinning him to the ground. The attacker yelled in shock. Miranda stared with wide eyes. She took a step back away from the two mysterious men. The larger man managed to squirm away from the younger man. Then Remiel pulled out a huge, wide, silver and black sword. The sword was so big, he had to tightly grip onto it with both hands and part his legs for balance. The sword was even almost as big as one of the trees! How he could hold it and still stand, no one knew… But now it just got interesting. Who should she be routing for?
The young man swiftly stood up and swiped out his two long swords. So much power was released from the blades that transparent sparks of Synergy appeared and danced around the other man. He put one foot in front of him to have a sideways defense, to make the rest of his body a smaller target. He held his swords, ready to strike. His kind and dark eyes were focused, watching the other man.
Miranda put her hands up to her face. She didn’t want to watch. Suddenly, the campfire blew out. It was dawn, but still dark. The sun was just now getting ready to rise. She didn’t know who wanted to harm her, or help her. The young man sensed this and gave her a small smile and a reassuring wink. Miranda, whom was astonished, blinked. She was confused and a little embarrassed, but less tense.
The other man skillfully slashed his big sword at the young man. An explosion of powerful Synergy emerged from it, zapping the ground around him. The young man gasped and quickly dodged the Synergy and caught the blow by crossing his two blades. He had simply tossed it away. He then slashed back twice with each sword, with whitish blue Synergy waves escaping from the blades, knocking the Remiel’s sword out of his hand. It fell and landed out of his reach. Remiel dove for it, snatched it, and somersaulted towards the bushes.
“Stop this fighting… now!” the younger man warned.
“Why? So that you can save the day…?”
“Perhaps, if you look at it that way…”
“Shut up! Enough idle chit chat,” Remiel said, “Be a man and fight me!”
The younger man jumped at the other man in a sideways spiral and thrust one of his swords towards Remiel. A wave of icy water flooded Remiel, knocking him into a tree. But Remiel wasn’t giving up so easily. He took his stance; feet apart. A golden and orange light began to glow. Seconds flew by, and things seemed to be slowing down, as if time were in slow motion.
The younger man dived for Miranda and pushed her away just as the first wave of Synergy emerged. She screamed as Remiel released the rest of the Synergy. It first condensed into a small orange orb, but then blew up into a tiny million shards, striking everything in its path. The shards bit into the barks of the trees, and when Remiel’s Synergy built up again, more orbs appeared and destroyed many trees, causing a large clearing in the middle of the forest!
Remiel simply smirked and looked around for the younger man, who was hiding behind a tree, holding Miranda close. She looked up at him in confusion, but with a hint of pure curiosity in her innocent eyes. The young man looked back at her with a calm expression, but still with sincere trust. He made the sign to be quiet by holding his finger up to his lips. Miranda nodded.
“Where are you? Show yourself, coward!” Remiel shouted.
Behind the tree, the young man looked down at Miranda again.
“Everything will be all right, okay?” he told her.
She hesitated, but nodded. He smiled, and, miraculously, she smiled back.
“Good... Now, do you trust me?” he asked.
“Um, yes…?” Miranda muttered.
“Don’t worry; I’ll protect you, okay?” he assured.
Miranda nodded; that was just about all she could do in her current state. But the young man gently let go of her. He fearlessly jumped out from behind the tree and tackled Remiel. Then, determinedly, he slashed the sword out of Remiel’s hands with a courageous cry. The young man then summoned a blast of purple-colored Synergy and slashed the big sword into a tiny million pieces. Remiel stared in shock as the pieces of metal shattered. The pieces of metal slowly scattered in the air and fell to the ground. The two opponents seemed to be frozen, waiting for each other to make their next move.
Remiel grunted. “Humph; I see you’ve improved.” He seethed through gritted teeth, slowly backing away.
The young man shrugged. “I’ve just had a lot of practice lately, thanks to a certain someone.” He remarked.
“Yet you still haven’t learned respect.” Remiel countered.
He tackled the younger man and pinned him. He grunted in surprise as his own swords flew out of his hands, just out of his reach. Remiel was so close to his face, he could smell his stinky breath. He gasped for a breath of clean air, which didn’t really help. He closed his eyes shut tight and struggled to escape Remiel’s grip while reaching for a weapon.
“Oh, just out of your reach, eh?” Remiel remarked, “Well, too bad- pay back time!” He punched the young man in his narrow jaw. He let out a shout; a small trickle of blood streamed from the corner of his mouth. Miranda, out of fear for the young man, moved her hands from her face. Remiel looked at her.
“If you hand over the Elemental Cards, I will leave you alone. That is all I want.” He implored.
The young man’s shoulders tensed. If she gave the man that Spirit Summoning cards, then all hope would be lost. Remiel put his sword up to the young man’s throat and looked at Miranda. He gasped.
“Give it to me, or your rescuer shall die before he rescues you!” Remiel threatened.
Miranda shook her head. “Don’t hurt him! …Please, don’t,” she uttered.
The younger man gave her a confused look. What was she trying to do? And why was she trembling so much?
She couldn’t hand it over. She would be giving up the world if she did. Miranda had made a promise to Saskae, and the Government, and everyone. There was no way she was going to give up so soon in the adventure.
“Very well, you shall not be safe. I will chase you as long as you posses the Spirit Cards… Always,” Remiel announced.
He stared at the young man in the eye and said, “It was either you, or your home.”
Just before he was about to stab the young man, Miranda quickly pulled out her Chakrams. She spun them crossed her arms, creating charged electricity from their centers, and threw a large wave at Remiel. Remiel stood up, shocked at her sudden move.
“So, you can put up a fight,” he seethed. Then he looked at Zach. “And aren’t you the lady’s man…”
With that, he turned into a cloud of black smoke and flew up, through the tree canopy, and into the dark sky. Frustrated, the young man blasted another wave of Synergy up at Remiel. Remiel, however, simply laughed and disappeared into the darkness. Miranda and the young man watched him leave. When he was gone, Miranda glanced at the young man.
“Thank you,” Miranda said.
The young man looked at her and raised an eyebrow. “For what?” he asked.
“You… saved me. Thank you.” Miranda said again.
“Oh; it was nothing. I’m supposed to protect you anyway.” The young man said, sliding his swords back into their scabbards.
“You are? Where did you come from? Who sent you? What is your name?” Miranda questioned.
Zach chuckled. “Please, one question at a time. And my name is Zachery… Zach Voda.” The young man said.
“Well, I’m glad you came after me, Zach. My name is Miranda Laverne.” Miranda introduced.
Zach looked into Miranda’s big, shining blue eyes. She was beautiful. Now he wanted to protect her even more. She looked at him, but Zach quickly looked away.
“Uh, so, have you caught any Spirits yet?” Zach asked.
“Actually, yes, I have!” Miranda said, pulling out the Spirit Holder. Its bright glow illuminated the area. Zach had to shield his eyes.
“Yeah, that’s great. Put that thing away, okay?” he remarked.
“Oh, yeah,” Miranda said, and put the Spirit Holder back into her shoulder bag.
“Um, who was that guy? And how did you know where to find me?” Miranda questioned.
“Well, instincts, really,” Zach explained, “I saw Remiel leaving the town this morning, and followed him. He’s always up to something; the bloody assassin.”
Actually, the truth behind that was that Zach was basically a spy for the continent of Cyrus. Sol Genova had just hired him to find the Spirit Catcher, and protect her. If he didn’t do his job, they’d kill him. There was no way Zach wanted Miranda to know the truth. He tried to avoid answering her questions.
“Oh…” Miranda said. She kind of trusted this guy. He saved her life, after all. But there was something else about him as well. She just could not put her finger on it…
“Do you know how to catch more Spirits?” Miranda asked. Maybe he knew something about this. She didn’t know a whole lot about it, because catching that one Spirit was by pure luck. He raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, if you catch one element of each Spirit, like the Earth Elements, you can simply summon all of the other Spirits that range in the original Spirit. And you can catch them all like that.” Zach answered.
“Really… is it that easy, then?” Miranda remarked.
Zach shrugged. “I suppose so.”
“This might be unorthodox, but I’m the only person who can capture the Spirits. I can also enter the Spirit World. I promised that I would be successful, but there’s no way I can do it alone. So, will you please help me?” Miranda asked. She folded her hands together hopefully.
“Well, yeah. I mean, you’re obviously not armed for serious combat. So, someone’s got to make sure you catch all of the Spirits. Besides, you owe me... And I’m pretty used to things that are ‘unorthodox’.” Zach agreed.
Miranda smiled. Saskae was right. There were some who wished to help her in her journey. She would not go all the way alone.
“So, where do we go now?” Miranda wondered aloud.
Zach glanced around. “I’m not sure. But the nearest town from Woo Forest is Vedeal Village. We could probably find a map there to guide us a little.” He suggested.
“That sounds like a good idea.” Miranda agreed. She didn’t want to argue, and besides, he probably knew the land better than she did, because she never got out much.

Chapter Six: A Blinded Pathway

As the two odd couple wondered along the dirt path, they talked about what they thought about the war that had been going on for nearly sixteen years now. While they talked, Zach felt like he had a connection with Miranda. He knew he had just met her, but it was so instant that he already knew that he... He’d never felt something like that before.
Miranda told him about how she had left everything she knew. She also told him about when she entered the shrine of Saskae. If he was going to help her, he needed to know everything she did. That would certainly help in the long run.
Sooner than they had realized, the sun was high up in the sky. As they hiked up a large hill, they saw the tips of buildings in the distance. Miranda gasped.
“Look!” She called to Zach as she ran up to the top of the hill.
When they reached the top, they saw the Village of Vedeal. In the center of the small town was a little Church of Festina, and to the right were houses. On the left were small booths set up like a farmers’ market. Vegetables and fruits were lined up on long wooden tables, some people were selling hats and umbrellas, and others were selling ancient scrolls and books and potions. The sunlight shone brightly off of the higher rooftops and glistened brightly. The white sand made the reflection even brighter, and Zach and Miranda had to shield their eyes with their arms.
“Hmm,” Zach remarked, not impressed.
Miranda glanced at him.
“Uh, cool.” He added quickly.
Miranda kept on looking at him.
“Cool?” She repeated.
Zach raised an eyebrow and glanced at her.
“Yeah, cool.” he repeated.
Miranda shook her head.
“No, it’s really amazing to see something like this after coming from a dark forest.” She explained cheerfully.
“Whatever you say, Miranda,” Zach agreed.
The two companions trotted down the hill and into the village. When they went to the market, people greeted them as if they had not seen travelers in a long time. It was refreshing to see friendly people for once, Zach thought. However, there was one person who seemed not so friendly...
“Thief, thief- Stop him!” a livid voice shouted.
People were muttering nervously to each other. Some turned their heads to see someone else sprinting down the crowded aisles, knocking into people. He didn’t seen to notice them staring at him and giving him dirty looks, though.
Miranda and Zach also looked to where the shout was coming from. The boy was sprinting down an isle, holding a long scroll. The boy had brownish blond hair that was pulled back in a ponytail that bounced on his shoulders as he ran. His green eyes were pale and desperate. A green headband kept his long bangs out of his face. He wore a brown overcoat that went down to his knees and flapped in the dusty wind.
“What’s going on?” Miranda asked.
“Let’s find out,” Zach said, clearly not amused.
Before the boy passed them, Zach lazily stuck out his foot and tripped him. The boy yelped and fell onto his face. He tried to get up, but Zach merely put his foot on the boy’s back.
“Let me go!” the boy shouted.
The person whom the boy had stolen from finally caught up with him.
“Hey, give it back, kid!” the angry woman shouted, “That is a rare item!” she snatched the scroll away. The boy didn’t follow her movement, as if he couldn’t see her. She started tapping her foot angrily, with her arms folded.
“Look at me, you worthless worm!” the woman demanded.
The boy grunted. “I kind of can’t, lady.” he complained.
The woman stomped her foot in frustration. “What do you mean?” she demanded.
The boy gave a deep, almost frustrated sigh.
“I’m…” the boy began.
“Eyms!” a man’s ruff voice shouted.
Miranda and Zach looked to their left to see an old man strolling over to them, his arms swinging at his sides, indicating his anger even more. He was bald, with a scruffy grey mustache. His eyes were fiery with anger. He marched right up to the awkward scene. Zach suddenly wished he had not interfered. The old guy looked really angry.
“Eyms, what have I told you? You must not take things that don’t belong to you!” The man shouted angrily.
The boy looked to direction of the man, but not directly at him.
“I’m sorry, Uncle.” The boy called Eyms whispered.
“Don’t apologize to me, boy! Apologize to her!” the man said, pointing to the even angrier lady.
The woman looked at Eyms expectantly.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
The lady turned on her heels and was about to walk away with the scroll in her hand; dust lifted up and flew into Eyms’s face. He coughed.
“Wait,” Eyms called after her, his voice cracking. She spun around to him.
“What?” she asked irritated.
“Uncle, would you please buy it for me?” Eyms asked.
His Uncle sighed and took out five gold coins.
“Would three Glades be enough?” he asked, holding out three precious ruby-looking gems.
The woman scowled and exchanged the money for the scroll. “This should get me by for a few weeks.” She said, and stormed off.
Before she went away, she narrowed her eyes and glared at Miranda and Zach. Miranda gave a nervous, crooked smile. Zach shrugged his shoulders.
The woman walked away, sticking her nose up in the air. The man looked at Eyms. “What were you thinking? How many times have I told you?” Eyms shook his head.
“I know, I know. But this scroll…” Eyms said.
“Why do you want that scroll anyway?” Miranda asked curiously.
The old man and Eyms looked at her.
Eyms answered, “It marks the shrines of the Elemental Spirits. If I find them, then I could find the Spirit Summoner. Besides, if the Spirit Summoner is smart enough, they’d know to search for Elemental Spirits.”
Miranda nodded and glanced at Zach. She was sure glad that Zach had found her. It seemed that everyone but her knew about that.
“Well, you’ve found the Spirit Summoner, then.” Miranda announced.
Zach suddenly glanced at her. The fewer people that knew she was the Spirit Summoner, the better. The other continent’s Governments were looking for her, and he had to protect her. He didn’t want anyone to get in the way. If this new boy was a spy, then they were in trouble, and the other Governments knew that she had begun her journey. They would follow her, and wait until she was ready to release the Spirits, and take them for their own power.
“Miranda,” Zach began, but didn’t finish his thought.
Miranda looked at him curiously. Her light blue eyes sparkled. That look made him feel guilty for some reason. It was an innocent look of wonder. And he felt weak against that look.
“You mean you are- are the Spirit Summoner?” the man asked.
Eyms looked into the direction of the man’s voice.
“Yup, and proud to be,” Miranda remarked.
“You won’t be so proud soon.” Eyms whispered.
Zach looked at him. “Why?” he demanded.
Eyms took a deep breath and let it out. “The Cyrus Government is looking for you. So is Emmorian’s government.” He explained.
Zach blinked. “How do you know this?”
“Duh; everyone knows it. Even a blind guy knows the latest news.” Eyms replied.
“Blind?” Miranda repeated.
So that’s why the boy didn’t follow their movements, or look them in the eye. He was blind. That led to another question: How did he know which scroll to take?
“That explains some things. But how did you know which scroll to steal?” Zach asked, folding his arms, making Miranda feel like he had read her mind.
“Uhhh,” Eyms began. His other senses were kicking in. Miranda shuffled her feet, allowing Eyms to see her from noise effects. Eyms sighed.
“I have something else to tell you, Miranda.” Eyms said gravely as he stood up slowly.
“What is it?” Miranda asked inquisitively, giving him the look that Zach was weak against.
Zach was glad Eyms couldn’t see her, or he would have told her right there. It might have been a secret, one that other people can’t know.
“I’ll tell you, but this isn’t the best place to talk.” Eyms said. He looked towards the older man behind him. He had short gray hair and sparkling blue eyes.
“What is it, Eyms?” the man said softly.
“Can they come home with us? She is the Spirit Summoner, after all.” Eyms said.
“Yes. It’s already around seven o’ clock. You two should come with us for the night. Being the Spirit Summoner, other people may be looking for you. It could be dangerous to sleep outside again.” He said.
“Oh, thank you so much. That’d be great.” Miranda agreed, “Besides, the first night I slept out, I was attacked. But Zach found me. So, we’ll go. Right, Zach?”
“Sure, but we’ve got to leave in the morning. If the other Governments looking for you, then we’ve got to get to the other five shrines faster than we did before,” Zach remarked.
Miranda dropped her shoulders in disappointment. She hoped to stay longer and look around, but Zach wouldn’t allow that.
As they walked to Eyms’s house, Miranda told him about how she met Zach and caught her first Spirit. Zach and Eyms’s Uncle, Bruce Meyer, also talked. Uncle Meyer told Zach about how Eyms became blind.
He explained that he was looking for his father during the war. Eyms did find him, but when he did, an enemy released a poisonous gas that damaged his eyes. The last thing he saw was his father being carried off by the enemy. He managed to find his was back to his house, barely conscious. Zach couldn’t believe that the enemies were that cruel? They were ruthless people fighting for power.
Zach thought about what he would do when, no if, the Government’s soldiers found them. He tried to shake off that thought. Would they take Miranda away? Or would they kill him if they knew he was a spy? Either scenario would be dire to Miranda’s journey. It’d put an end to it right there. No matter what, Zach had to be prepared.
Finally, they reached Eyms’s house. Uncle Meyer opened the door and let them in. It was a pretty big house for just the two of them. It appeared that Bruce Meyer was very wealthy. The house itself was traditional, with sliding wooden doors everywhere. Apparently, the kitchen was the biggest room. It had a counter in the center, a square table in a corner, a hutch for dishes, and many cabinets that lined the walls.
The other rooms were just as spacey and nice. As they did the tour, Miranda mentioned how grateful they were that they could stay for the night. Uncle Meyer said that it was fine, because they haven’t had any visitors since Eyms’s cousins after the first war.
Uncle Meyer made them a dinner of chicken, bread, and a type of fruit that was blue, crunchy, and sweet. They called it Sevree. Eyms said that they harvested it; that’s how they got money. They had a large field of it behind their house. They also said that it was one if the only fruits that was getting sent to other continents. As they ate, they talked to each other some more. Soon, everyone was finished eating.
“That was really good,” Zach said. Miranda looked at him in surprise. Zach wasn’t much for complimenting people on things. That was just part of his personality. She raised an eyebrow at him.
“Oh, yes, that was delicious.” Miranda added quickly.
“Well, it’s the least I could do for the Spirit Catcher. You are going to help save the Three Continents, after all.” Uncle Meyer remarked.
Miranda glanced down at the table. She knew she could, but now that she knew the Governments were against her, she wasn’t so sure about the whole journey now. It all seemed like an illusion now. Besides, she had a feeling that they would be saving more than just the three continents.
“Miranda, are you okay? You just got really quiet all of the sudden.” Eyms said.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just… Now that I know about the Governments, I’m beginning to doubt my destiny.” Miranda explained.
Zach gave an angry look and stood up. He slammed his fists onto the table. “You can’t let them stop you, Miranda. Don’t lose sight of what is right.” He said, raising his voice.
Miranda looked at him with startled eyes. “Zach…?” she uttered somberly.
“Settle down, Zach. She knows what to do. She was chosen for a reason... Err, what are your names again?” Uncle Meyer said calmly.
Zach fell back into his chair. “I’m…sorry. I’m Zachary Voda.” He said.
“Why should you be sorry? You are right. I can’t let them stop me. I’m Miranda Laverne.” Miranda said.
Zach gave her a small smile. He knew he’d help her win this battle. That’s how it is supposed to be for them. He’s not sure why, but that’s what Saskae the Great Spirit had declared.
“Laverne?” Uncle Meyer said. He had a sad smile on his face. “You’re…” He didn’t finish.
“She’s what, Uncle?” Eyms asked with curiosity in his voice. He wondered what had made his Uncle sad.
“Oh, nothing…” he muttered. Maybe it was just a coincidence. He stared at Miranda. The resemblance was unmistakable.
Miranda suddenly remembered something. “Oh, Eyms, why did you try to steal that scroll before?” she asked quickly.
“Oh, um, like I said, that scroll marks the places where the Six Elemental Spirits were located. It’s a very rare map. I figured that if you had begun your journey, you would need some help.” Eyms explained.
Miranda nodded in understanding.
“Well, she doesn’t need any more help, thanks. I’m already helping her, anyway.” Zach countered quickly.
“Huh?” Eyms said.
“Miranda, we’re leaving in the morning. And when we do, we’re going to the next shrine.” Zach announced. “And thanks, we’ll take the map.”
Uncle Meyer stared, confused and bewildered.
After the conversation, they all got ready for bed. Zach got his own room, as did Miranda. She was glad she did, because she needed to think about what she was going to do next. She wanted to bring Eyms along; he had been so helpful, after all. But she didn’t think Zach would let her. Miranda suddenly got the feeling that Zach thought Eyms was simply a coincidence, or a blinded pathway to the near future.

Chapter Seven: The Nightmare

While Zach slept, he had a strange dream. Darkness enveloped him. What he saw made his heart skip a beat. It was his father and a handful of the League, his clan from the continent of Cyrus. They all wore simple clothes that were stronger than steal, but light as a feather and carried bows and arrows. They were notorious for leaving an arrow wherever they attacked.
In his dream, they were circling Eyms and Miranda. He was dangling from a rope that was tied to a tree branch. He yelled at them to let them go, but they ignored him. He felt totally helpless. What were they going to do to Miranda and Eyms? Were they going to harm them?
After struggling for a few more moments, he finally got loose and fell to the ground with a thud. As soon as he untied himself, he dove at the leader, knocking him over. The leader had fine, long blond hair and steely blue eyes. Miranda was suddenly swept off her feet by another Leagues man, and Eyms was knocked out. Miranda screamed for Zach, but he was tackled. When he got up, everyone was gone. He was alone in a dark forest. He shouted for the other Leagues men, calling them cowards.
He never got to save his friends, because someone was gently shaking him. “Zach, wake up.” Miranda’s voice whispered softly.
Zach shot straight up, not remembering where he was at first.
“What… what happened?” He asked. Miranda gave him a strange look.
“Nothing; its morning, though.” She replied, giving him a curious look.
“Oh…” Zach mumbled, getting up and out of bed. “We’d better get going.” He added.
He had no intentions of telling her his dream. He was afraid she’d get all worried. If she was worried about him, she’d lose focus on her real mission: catching the Six Elemental Spirits. So he shook off the fact that he had the dream, or nightmare, and pulled on his brown tunic and pants. He placed his scabbards on his belt and was all set.
Miranda shuffled her feet nervously. She wanted to bring Eyms along. For some reason, she felt she could really trust him.
“Um, Zach, I wanted to ask you something…” she began.
“Miranda, Eyms can come with us. But you’ll be the one to look after him.” Zach said before she even asked him.
“Oh really- that’s great!” Miranda exclaimed. He changed his mind… she thought. Suddenly a seemingly precious smile stretched across her face.
Zach also gave a small smile. If he didn’t let Eyms go, then she wouldn’t be this happy. And if she wasn’t happy, her confidence in herself would go down. He just wanted to be able to make the right decisions.
“But, wait, that’s not all I wanted to ask of you...” Miranda said quickly.
“Then, what is it?” Zach asked.
“Uh… This might be unorthodox, but have you had any business with Spirit Saskae by any odd chance?” she asked.
Zach shrugged his shoulders. “I told you before; I’m used to things that are unorthodox… But I don’t think so, to answer your question.” he looked at her. “Why?”
“He says he’s been watching you ever since I left his Shrine. When I went into Spirit Saskae’s realm, he told me to tell you that he was waiting.” Miranda explained.
“Oh,” Zach muttered. “All right, whatever.” I’ve got a bad feeling about that… He thought.
Miranda sighed. That was Zach for you. He never showed emotion-or weakness- at least, he tried not to.
When they went downstairs and into the kitchen, Miranda told Eyms that he could come. Eyms was as happy as Miranda was. He was uncertain, but happy all the same. Uncle Meyer walked over to Eyms, holding a leather bag.
“What’s this?” Eyms asked his Uncle when he had presented it to his nephew.
“I knew you’d travel with them. It was only a matter of time…” Uncle Meyer remarked. The truth was, Uncle Meyer had gone to Sorceress Katrina and had her read his family’s fortune. Besides, ever since Eyms had lived with him, several things had changed his life and himself. Katrina, however, had foretold that Eyms’s destiny would intertwine with the Spirit Summoner. He has prepared himself for this moment ever since.
Eyms hugged him. He was glad to be with new friends, but also sad to leave his uncle. His beloved uncle was understanding and kind, and Eyms knew that he didn’t have to take him in. He realized that when he left, his uncle would be alone.
“Uncle, you know I will return. There’s no way I’d totally abandon you.” Eyms assured. Uncle Meyer nodded; he knew he’d say that, but appreciated to hear the true words from his nephew.
“I figured you’d say that,” he said honestly. “I won’t disappoint you either; I’ll be waiting for you.”
Eyms smiled. Miranda thought it must have been hard to leave his uncle in pursuit of the Six Elemental Spirits, but she needed all the help she could get… even if Eyms was blind.
“Thank you for everything, sir.” Zach said with no emotion.
Uncle Meyer laughed. “Ah, Zach, loosen up. And you’re welcome. It’s good to know that there is someone who is looking out for Miranda… especially someone like you, who we can all trust- the Master Swordsman of Memoria.” He proposed.
“Yeah, right,” Zach said sarcastically, under his breath.
“Well, see you later, Mr. Meyer, and thank you.” Miranda remarked.
“It was my pleasure; it’s nice to have some company once in a while.” Uncle Meyer said. That was an understatement, but it wouldn’t have felt right if he didn’t say it at all.
“Good-bye, Uncle. I shall return.” Eyms said confidently. And with that, they walked out of Uncle Meyer’s house, taking a good memory along with them.



Chapter Eight: A Horrid Realization
Outside, in the early morning sunshine, the market was already setting up again. Zach wanted to visit that Sorceress he’d heard about. He wanted to find out if there was a war going on at his home continent, Cyrus. After a few minutes, they arrived at the decorative specimen. The tent was tall, long and narrow. The top had golden trims, and the sides had decorative patterns and strange symbols. There was a small clothes line with many wind chimes swaying in the breeze, making pretty jingles. When Miranda, Zach, and Eyms stepped into the tent, the lady was no where to be seen. They all looked around to see many shelves were crowded with scrolls and books and potions. There were even voodoo dolls hanging on the walls, with needles sticking out of some of them. Scary-looking masks with elaborate patterns hung on the silk-cloth walls.
Zach didn’t like the looks of the place. Miranda was fascinated, and Eyms was… oblivious, considering the fact that he was blind. Eyms glanced around nervously, trying to hear any noise that was familiar. Miranda instantly strolled over to a shelf of scrolls. She picked up one that had bizarre letters written in green ink. Miranda examined it for a few seconds, put it back, and picked up another one.
“Welcome, travelers!” a delightful voice greeted them.
Miranda jumped as they all looked to where the voice had come from; the end of the tent. Apparently there was a hidden back room behind a curtain. The lady had her hair put back in a bun, but the end was bushy and curly. She wore a lot of bangles and beads, and small glasses at the end of her nose. The lady also wore a dark green robe with gold trims on the collar and sleeve.
She smiled at the three companions. “Good morning, my name is Katrina the Sorceress! How may I help you young ones?” she asked cheerfully.
“Good morning,” Miranda greeted back.
Great, another morning person… Zach thought. Zach involuntarily took a step back. “I- uh, need to know something,” he explained.
Miranda glanced at him curiously. There’s that look again. Zack thought. Zach grunted. He didn’t know how much he wanted Eyms and Miranda to know about him. But he wanted to know what Cyrus was going through. He felt that the League was struggling.
“I need to know what is happening on the continent of Cyrus,” Zach began.
Katrina examined Zach. After a few moments she gave an exasperated gasp. “Aren’t you the infamous leader of the League?” she asked.
What? How could she know? Did she know someone from the League? Zack thought.
“Perhaps you could say that.” Zach answered with his eyes wide.
“Young man, I knew- loved someone from your League.” Katrina admitted.
“Who was it?” Miranda asked.
“His name was Jeremy Falcon,” Katrina said with a sigh.
“What do you mean by ‘was’? Jeremy Falcon is the Leader in Emorian. All of the current leaders are still working.” Zach acquired.
Katrina nodded. “But not him… He’s… gone; he… So much has changed! I don’t need to tell you anything by looking within the Abysmal Eye. My husband died; the League is being separated by belief from a Sky War that will begin… ” Katrina explained. It seemed as though she struggled telling them about her past relationship and a war that was connected with it.
Eyms dropped his jaws. Crap, another war? He thought. “How do you know for sure?” he asked.
Katrina waved a blue envelope. “This,” she sighed.
Zach gasped. “No,” he said. He glanced at Miranda and back at Katrina.
“Who sent you that?” he asked resolutely.
Katrina looked at the blue envelope. “A man named… Sol-err-Genova,” she read slowly.
“Let me see it, please.” Zach begged, with an outstretched hand. She gave it to him.
As he read it, the more he realized the whole crisis was a set up. He read it three times. It said that the League of Emorian was attacked, and Katrina’s husband fell at the hands of the Loyalists; the ones who attacked his people; the ones who worked for the three corrupting governments.
Zach dropped his head and shoulders in grief. What was Sol Genova up to? Why would he attack Zach’s people if he wanted him to cooperate with him? He felt betrayed by someone he didn’t even know. His fists shook in anger.
“Zach, what’s wrong?” Miranda asked innocently.
“It can’t be!” Zach shouted angrily. “He’s betrayed everyone; even the government he works for! He sent all of the people that know or have a connection with a member of the League! He sent everyone that damn blue envelope! It said something different, but now everyone knows! It’s a conspiracy- he’s trying to start another war!!”
Miranda gasped. “What? He can’t…”
“He’s going to; and he will! He’s been plotting this from the moment you were born!” Zach shouted furiously.
Katrina turned around. Eyms thought he heard her sobbing. Eyms sighed; he didn’t like it when a lady cried.
But then He suddenly remembered something. The lady before was different from Katrina; the one Uncle Meyer had given the money to. She knew that Miranda was the Spirit Summoner.
“Excuse me,” Eyms said. Everyone looked at him. He was a pretty quiet guy; he had not spoken since they left his Uncle.
“When did you get that letter?” Eyms asked skeptically.
“Two days ago,” Katrina replied as she turned back around to face them.
Eyms nodded. “Who originally received the letter?” he asked.
Katrina gave him a confused look. “Oh, my sister, Helen, got it from the mail system we use.” She explained quickly.
Eyms nodded. “And… doesn’t Helen work with you? Where is she now? Wasn’t she here the other day?” he questioned.
“I do not know where you are going with this, but she left to pay our travel insurance. She said she got enough money from a wealthy old man.” Katrina explained.
“Then we could have a problem.” Eyms concluded.
Zach’s eyes widened. “You… you’re not saying she knows that Miranda’s the Spirit Summoner and…” he stammered.
Eyms looked at Zach. “Exactly; she could have known who to contact after she read that letter. I’m just guessing, but I’ll bet she went to tell the government of Cyrus who the Spirit Summoner really is; the travel insurance was just a cover up. That’s why she has not yet returned.” Eyms explained.
Miranda gasped. “What if she also goes off to tell the… the… what were they called? The Loyalists...? Where I was? Or the League; what about them?” she questioned, looking at Zach.
“But what would they want with you? Sol Genova sent me to protect you. If he wants to protect you, then he should be on your side.” Zach remembered. Miranda nodded.
“So maybe Sol Genova is testing you instead, Zach?” Eyms suggested.
“No, there’s got to be more than that. He’s trying to start another war, remember?” Zach reminded him.
“But what do we do now? I know we have to go to the next shrine here, but what if that is all a set up as well?” Miranda asked.
“We have to keep moving… This is exactly what I was afraid of.” Zach recalled. I wonder if Spirit Saskae has anything to do with this… He thought to himself.
Katrina sighed. “I believe I have done enough damage here.” She whispered apologetically. She quietly folded her hands in an apathetic manner.
Miranda shook her head. “We can’t let Sol Genova get away with this. You said so yourself, Zach. It was your intention from the beginning, remember that? I can’t give up. We can still save Memoria!” she said confidently.
“But...” Zach sighed.
“No ‘buts’! We’re still alive! That means we can still make a difference.” Miranda announced.
Zach nodded and gave her a small smile. That was the Miranda he knew- warm and fuzzy- metaphorically, if course.
“All right, then we must hurry up and get to the next shrine.” He said.
“Katrina, thank you for you help.” Miranda said, holding out three gold coins.
Katrina stared at the money.
“No, keep it. I can’t take it from you.” She refused.
“Please? You’ve… been so helpful, after all.” Miranda insisted.
“Oh… all right. But I don’t understand how I’ve been so helpful…?” Katrina agreed.
“Katrina, you’ve helped us realize what was really going on. This situation may have gotten so much worse if it weren’t for you. We may have never truly realized the mistake we would have made.” Zach implored.
Katrina reluctantly accepted the money. “Thank you,” she said. “If you ever need anything again, I’d be glad to help you. If you’re ever near Granite Falls next week, our caravan market will be stopping there. So you’d be welcome to stock up on supplies if you need to.” Katrina suggested.
Zach gave a small smile. Miranda realized that he never really smiled, or grin for that matter. But who was she to judge him?
When the three companions left the tent, they stood in a circle to discuss their next destination.
“So where is the next shrine, anyway?” Eyms asked, “I can’t really read the map…”
Zach opened the scroll and examined the map it contained. “We should head east, then rest at the closest inn. After that, it should only be a few more miles to the second shrine here on Manndette.” He proposed.
“Shouldn’t we make camp before it gets dark? Or keep moving until we reach the next town?” Eyms asked.
“We will make camp halfway to the shrine. The sun should be setting by then.” Zach said. “Is that fine with you, Miranda?” he asked.
“Yeah, that sounds logical.” Miranda agreed.

Chapter Nine: Zach’s Confessions
Several hours later, the sun was beginning to set. Zach stopped. He looked over his shoulder at the other two. “We should rest here,” he said calmly.
Miranda sighed. “Yeah, I’m tired. It’s been a long day.”
Eyms nodded. “It certainly has…”
Once they got the fire started, the sun had sunk behind the horizon. They were all sitting down around a small fire. They ate the Sevree fruit that Eyms and his Uncle harvested. They had plenty of it; plus it tasted good and didn’t spoil easily.
Then Zach stood up. He was tired of keeping secrets, and he wanted them to know the truth about him. He trusted them, and he wanted Miranda and Eyms to trust him as well.
“Everyone… I have something to tell you.” He announced.
Miranda and Eyms glanced up at him.
“What is it?” Miranda asked curiously.
Zach took a small lungful of fresh air. “As you know, I am the ringleader of the League. What Katrina said was true.” He continued, “And I know about Sol Genova’s true motives. At least, I have an idea now.” Zach sighed, “Before I left the lodge- my home- I received a letter similar to Katrina’s. I had also gotten one before that said…”
“What?” Eyms asked softly.
Zach sighed, “That my parents had passed away during the Great Syn War and the Battle of Memoria. I didn’t want to believe it. But when I got the new letter, things changed. And when I told the other guys at the lodge I got that new letter, they thought that since Sol Genova himself sent me that letter, that I should accept his request to protect the Spirit Summoner.” Zach explained softly.
“I don’t get it…” Eyms said.
“What’s there to get?” Zach asked.
“What’s the Battle of Memoria? I thought there was only the Great Syn War, and there was going to be the Foresyn War that Katrina talked about. How come I don’t know about the Battle of Memoria?” Eyms questioned.
“Yes, good questions.” Miranda agreed.
Zach dropped his head, remembering the exact words of The Letter. What should I tell them? They both abandoned me, and told me they might not come back. They must have cared about somebody else…
“I lost both of my parents. My mom was a nurse, and my dad worked on machinery. When they left they told me they were also trying to find somebody. Later, I was taken in by some men; I helped them when they while they were being ambushed by soldiers who wanted them to fight in their battle. After that, we soon organized the League. What we did was help people who were being drafted, and find safe routes to their destinations, without running into other soldiers. The Parliament didn’t know about us; until we started to grow. We also took in casualties, and they served us to pay us back. Once we spread out and got larger, some of the men went to the other continents. There, they recruited the League. After that, the Parliament and I lost connections… until Sol Genova found me.” Zach explained angrily, realizing the mistakes of his past.
“Whoa,” Miranda whispered, “The League? Why didn’t you ever tell me?”
“I didn’t want you to lose focus on the real mission, catching the Six Elemental Spirits.” Zach said.
Miranda shook her head. “It seems like my real mission… is you.” She said.
“Me?” Zach repeated. No one had cared about him that way since his parents died. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“You lost both of your parents. I know how you feel.” Miranda explained.
“I can also relate to your plight, Zach. I don’t know what happened to my mother. And I failed to save my father.” Eyms said quietly.
Zach thought for a moment. Then, he took out his two swords. “I have another thing to tell you two. After my parents disappeared, before I became the leader of the League, I was the apprentice of a Spirit Guide.” He said.
“What! That’s impossible!” Eyms shouted.
“How did you get the swords? And who was the Spirit Guide?” Miranda asked.
“Actually, he was a human before.” Zach said, “Saskae was my teacher of swordsmanship. He taught me everything I know. When I graduated, he gave me these swords as a momentum of his teachings.”
Eyms gasped. “Wait… Are they the Blades of Humana?” he asked.
“Yes. They were forged by the past Six Elemental Spirits, and they were blessed by the Goddess Festina, all during when Saskae became in charge of the Spirit World. These swords… are like the homunculi of the past Six Elemental Spirits.” He explained.
“Amazing; and to think you were the Great Spirit Saskae’s apprentice. No wonder how you’re so strong.” Miranda admired.
Zach closed his eyes for a moment. If they now understood about his past, then they could truly make a bond of friendship, and perhaps they wouldn’t betray each other. He remembered something his father told him long ago, ‘Trusting one another is the first step to a powerful bond of friendship’. He smiled to himself.
“Zach’s…” Eyms began.
“Smiling,” Miranda finished for him.
“At a time like this…?” Eyms said to himself.
“If we can trust each other, this journey may be much less of a hassle.” Zach explained.
Eyms nodded. “You’re confessions of your past probably would’ve made you more intolerable when you thought about them, and got angry. They’re remarkable; if you ask me, that is.” Eyms said.
Miranda nodded. An idea just popped into her head. “You know, this journey needs to be called something.” She said, “That way, down the long run we can remember this like it was yesterday.”
“Yeah,” Zach and Eyms agreed.
“So, I am going to call it… the Journey of Spiritual Regeneration.” Miranda said.
“The Journey of Spiritual Regeneration, huh… Sounds good; long, but good.” Eyms remarked.
“Well, for short we can just call it the Journey.” Miranda snapped quickly.
“Yeah… Oh, I have something else, by the way.” Zach said, remembering the weird wallet Vander gave him before he left. He took it out of the folds of his tunic. It was a black leather wallet the size of his palm.
“Huh?” Miranda asked.
Zach shrugged. “It can somehow be used to withdraw food. I was told it has an unlimited supply.” Zack explained. But it’s not like I’ll use it… He thought.
“Fascinating,” Eyms admired.
Zach put it away. “Now we don’t have to stop at towns to restock on supplies. Speaking of which, the next shrine should only be a few miles away.” He said.
“We should get some rest, then.” Eyms inquired. He casually lay down on a light sheet he’d spread out earlier.
Once Eyms was asleep, Miranda walked over to Zach. He looked up at her.
“Thank you for trusting us. You are right; this Journey will be easier if we trust each other.” Miranda whispered.
Zach nodded. “Yeah, I just want you to trust me,” he said softly.
She nodded. “Good night, Zach.” Miranda said. She couldn’t believe about what he had said about Spirit Saskae. It was incredible. The Master Swordsman of Memoria… She thought.
“I’ll see you in the morning.” Zach remarked, and rolled over and closed his eyes.

Chapter Ten: A New Side of Eyms

When the three companions awoke, the sun was barely up in the sky. Miranda was the second one to wake up. She saw Eyms sitting up.
“Good morning, everybody,” Miranda said cheerfully. She then remembered everything from last night.
“Morning,” Eyms yawned.
Zach nodded. He was sharpening his precious blades. Zach was back to his normal self…emotionless. Miranda frowned. “Miranda, you’ve got to catch the next Spirit. The next one’s Kapori, according to that scroll, anyway.” Zach said.
Miranda sighed. He’ll never be more open to them for a while. Maybe he just didn’t want anyone else to know his true self? Miranda didn’t see why Zach had to hide who he really was all the time. She really liked Zach, but not just because he saved her life. She felt it was more than that. No, she believed more than that. The more she thought about it, the more affectionate she came to be about him…
When the group finally packed up, they started to walk north, along the coast. Miranda looked out at the Ocean of Oracles. The sun was raising high into the sky now. Sun rays bathed the water, making it shimmer. Polly Dragons flew out to the horizon. Polly Dragons were small dragons, and they were usually friendly towards people. Miranda couldn’t help but to let her mind wonder; the scene was magnificent. She wished that Eyms could see it.
Zach also noticed the ocean. He merely let out a short sigh and looked up ahead. Further along the coast, there was a tiny speck on a cliff. A bright light was shining from it. The light was erecting from the lighthouse, and blasted into the sky. It seemed to be radiating some kind of energy, because Zach could feel it even though they so far away.
“Look, up ahead.” Zach said, pointing to the lighthouse in the cliff.
Miranda looked at it. “What is that bright light?”
“I can feel a lot of energy,” Eyms declared.
“Me too,” Miranda said.
“We should check it out; it could be Kapori’s shrine.” Zach proposed.
“That light’s really bright!” Miranda said again.
The three companions all rushed to lighthouse. Miranda couldn’t believe how easy finding the shrines have been. She wondered why the shrines were on the Mortal World anyway. Miranda also wondered why Spirit Saskae couldn’t capture them himself if he was so powerful? The taboo probably had something to do with Saskae being in his human form before.
After about twenty minutes, they reached the shrine. A narrow pathway snaked all the way up to the rocky mountain and led to the entrance, which was shaped like an arch. On either side of the tall shrine, windmills stood, casting tall shadows.
Many symbols engraved the outside of the entry way and the walls. Miranda noted that the surrounding stone that made the entry way looked different than the shrine itself. Behind it was the Ocean of Oracles. The cliff was so high, that puffy white clouds skimmed the rocks.
It suddenly got eerily cold. A breeze blew in their direction, pulling them towards the shrine. Miranda shivered. She saw Eyms shiver, too. But the cold didn’t affect Zach at all.
“Why is it so cold?” Miranda wondered aloud.
Zach glanced around and up at the sky.
“This shrine must be located near a cold front that’s carried by the sea, and it passes through here.” Zach explained.
“You sure know a lot about the environment.” Eyms said.
Zach shrugged. “Not really. It’s mostly common sense.” He chuckled.
Miranda gave a little giggle. “Look!” She suddenly cried.
They glanced up at the blue light that was erecting from the lighthouse. Now that they were closer, they could see that something was inside the light.
“No way,” Miranda said.
“Huh, what is it?” Eyms said, “I’m not really a visual leaner, you know.”
“It looks like Kapori’s inside the light itself!” Miranda exclaimed.
“And it will stay that way.” A dark voice seethed.
The three companions a turned to where the voice came from. A tall, thin woman stood there. She wore a long, black jacket and a skirt with a belt that had many jewels on it. Around her neck she wore a light scarf. Her short white hair fell into her face. And in her hand, she held a short, sharp lance. The wind ruffled her skirt.
Zach immediately pulled out his two swords and made his stance. “What do you want?” He demanded.
“You must stop this now. If you complete this journey, you will sever the balance of nature between the Three Worlds.” Her voice was low, and she kept her eyes on Zach.
“Why should we believe you?” Zach asked.
“Because I’ve seen it… This world will be consumed with evil. Just like the Underworld. When you gather all of the Six Elemental Spirit’s power in one place, Sol Genova will have you right where he wants you.” She explained.
“Assassins… So that’s why Sol Genova chose me.” Zach said quietly so that the others wouldn’t hear.
“What is your name?” Eyms asked.
“Heh; if you wish to know the name of your killer, so be it. I am Rune Menardi the Second.” She replied.
“The Second… Do you have a connection with Remiel Fontell?” Zach asked.
“That is for me to know and you to not know.” Rune said, “Enough idle chit chat. You now know my name, and that is when a fight begins! Prepare to die!”
She dove at Zach, aiming her lance. But Zach jumped up behind her and slammed his feet into her back, knocking her down to the ground. As she struggled to get back up to her feet, rain poured down from the darkening sky. In seconds, they all got soaked. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and lightning struck the ground.
“No!” Rune screamed. She finally got up and started to crawl away.
It was all happening so fast. Zach gave a battle cry and effortlessly slashed his swords down in front of her, blocking her way. She stopped and stared at her reflection in the blades with a blank and surprised expression on her face; she had lost her guard... How could she be so careless? Rune gasped. She attacked the wrong person. She rolled away and used her lance to swipe Miranda off of her feet. Miranda gave a gasp as she fell on her back.
“Oh, no you don’t,” Zach said to himself.
Before he could make another move, he felt the ground shake.
“What the…?” he muttered.
As Rune stood up, she too felt the ground rumble before her. She glanced around nervously. Was it the thunder, or an earthquake, perhaps?
“Huh?” she said.
Miranda looked back at Eyms, who had remained silent up until now. He had his hands raised, fingertips pointed towards Rune. A shadow formed around her on the ground.
“Look up,” Eyms said cockily, with crookedly raised eyebrow.
Regretfully, she looked up, and saw a large boulder hovering above her! She screamed as Eyms threw the boulder at her. Just in time, Rune jumped up and climbed up it, and stood on top of it. She gave a clever smirk, but also saw that it was speeding towards the edge of the cliff! She screamed in shock. Just as she thought her life was over, the boulder jerked to a stop. She looked at Eyms with sparkling, horrified eyes.
“’Prepare to die’?” Eyms laughed, “That’s a totally clichéd line, just so you know.”
She gasped as Eyms moved his hands in a downward motion. The boulder gained back its gravity, and fell into a dark abyss. Rune screamed as she fell… there was a splash, and that was all. Zach and Miranda exchanged glances and stared at him. This was a new side of Eyms… a more dangerous side of Eyms.
“Eyms… what the hell was that?” Zach asked, frozen in astonishment.
Eyms shrugged. “Hey, a blind guy’s gotta have some defense too, right?” he replied innocently.
“Such a shrewd guy you are, Eyms…” Zach chuckled.
Miranda blinked. This new side of Eyms; he was usually a quiet guy who kept to himself… he never looked for trouble unless trouble found him. In this case, trouble had found all of them, and he got them out of it by stepping up out of the ashes. She was as amazed as Zach, maybe even more.
Eyms grinned as he put his hands into his pockets and shrugged his shoulders. “Hm,” Eyms said.
Zach shook his head in disbelief. “Anyway, we’ve got to get Kapori. But if what we’ve been told is true, about Sol Genova…” he began.
“If we were meant to get the Six Elemental Spirits, then we should keep on going.” Eyms said with determination.
Miranda nodded and started to walk into the shrine. “C’mon,” she said, waving for them to follow.
As Eyms and Miranda walked into the shrine, Zach suddenly became unsure of this mission. He was most unsure of Sol Genova’s plan, which apparently had something to do with him protecting the Spirit Catcher, Miranda.

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Monday, July 21, 2008

Chapters Thirty Seven-Fourty Three
PART THREE:
Chapter Thirty-Eight: Storm of Elements
They only had one last Spirit to find. Blaire steered the Apocalypse into the proper direction, north. The Continent of Emorian was six hours away. The ship was now on the water; the next Spirit was Prodigis, the Spirit of Light. According to the map, the Shrine was at the most northern part of Emorian. Blaire heard a loud noise outside. She looked out the window and saw that the sky had turned to the colors of black and grey. Lightning lit the sky, and strong winds blew. Snow started falling, too! As she looked further up ahead, a giant wave was forming.
Blaire told another crewman to take the helm as she ran outside. The others were there, too, staring at what the weather was bringing them: chaos. Blaire ran over to Zach and tied a rope around his waist and tied the other end to the rail.
“What are you doing?” Zach asked, shouting over the wind.
“It’s for your own good,” Blaire replied as she did the same to the others.
She went back into the cabin and took the helm back. Zach looked up ahead. The tidal wave was coming closer.
“Brace yourself!” Zach shouted at the others as he held Miranda close to him.
Crash! The wave collapsed onto the Apocalypse, soaking everyone and everything. Eyms and Lucario were having trouble keeping the rope tied. The end of Eyms’s rope was beginning to be cut by the sharp wind. Snap! The rope snapped and Eyms shouted as he was lifted into the air by the wind and fell over the rail.
“Eyms, where are you?” Lucario shouted out. He couldn’t see because of the wind and fierce rain.
He didn’t hear a reply. Lucario looked over the rail and saw Eyms’s hair above the aggressive waves and water. He remembered the deal about protecting each other. He cut his own rope and skillfully dived into the water below. Lucario’s body became one with the water, and he could breathe under it. He opened his eyes and looked around for Eyms.
Eyms, meanwhile, was fighting the underwater currents. He was drowning, and he knew it. He was not the best when it came to water. Air was escaping him, and he panicked. He was going to die drowning! He suddenly remembered his home, his Uncle. He promised he’d return to him, alive. And it all came to this? Eyms also remembered when he became… blind. It was horrible. He couldn’t see anything the others could; he could only see shapes; hear sounds. It was the poison… and the fire that killed his father. Eyms remembered the suffocating feeling the smoke and poison gave him.
It took away his sight, but he gained his Incarnian abilities in return. He couldn’t use them in water, though. He was doomed, done for. What’s been done is done…but what about the Journey? He thought. Eyms was seeing images in his mind, of his father, when he was little. It was before the war; before his father refused to fight, and they killed him for that. They called him a lazy traitor of their Continent, but Eyms knew why he wanted to stay. His father loved his family, and practically obsessed over them. Eyms had no brothers or sisters, but he still had fun with his parents and childhood friends. And when his father passed away, his mother became depressed, and solaced herself in her solitude.
As Eyms remembered his past, he suddenly felt himself rising out of the water! Slippery hands grabbed him around his waist and pulled him up to the surface. He lost his consciousness as Lucario treaded through the rough water and climbed back onto the Apocalypse. Lucario laid Eyms on the floor and felt his pulse. Eyms was still breathing, but he had blacked out before they had reached the surface. Everyone looked at Lucario and Eyms, unaware of what had happened just moments before.
“Come on, Eyms, wake up.” Lucario said, shaking Eyms. “Wake up, damn it!”
Eyms didn’t wake up; he just lay there… motionless, wet, and cold. Everyone looked, hoping he would wake up.
“I said wake up! I didn’t save you for nothing!” Lucario shouted, his blond hair dripping wet.
Lucario gave up. He turned away and held his head in his hands.
“Then why the hell did you save me?” Eyms asked, spluttering out water.
Lucario lifted his head. He was alive!
“Why didn’t you just swim? Remember what we agreed on? We need each other to win this battle!” Lucario yelled.
“Duh, I remember. Would you quit yelling at me? I can hear you, you know.” Eyms asked softly.
Lucario gave a frustrated sigh.
“Just don’t expect me to save you again.” Lucario said, helping Eyms sit up.
Blaire rushed over to them, forgetting the storm. She stood over them, holding out her hands to help them stand up. Lucario was about to take her hand when the rain stopped. Sunlight streamed out of the departing clouds, and a rainbow appeared. Lucario looked up at the clear sky.
“Hey, the storm…” Eyms said.
Blaire turned around and looked up at the sky. She smiled. Zach and Miranda untied themselves and walked over to Eyms, who was wringing out his clothes.
“You know, the thing I hate most about rain is that you get really wet.” He remarked.
“Heh, well, the rain is water, so go figure.” Lucario said sarcastically.
“Okay, one more smart remark from you, and you’ll wish you never saved me!” Eyms said, pointing an angry finger at Lucario.
Neil put his hands in his pockets. “Tch, here they go again.” he said, annoyed.
Melody was at Neil’s side. She stomped her foot and folded her arms.
“Don’t fight! Stand up and shake hands!” she shouted, pointing at them.
“Jeez, don’t get too excited.” Neil said sarcastically, looking at Melody.
“Okay, fine.” Eyms said, shrugging his shoulders.
“You two should get along! Seriously, grow up!” Melody exclaimed.
Eyms stood up and faced Lucario. He held out his hand, waiting for Lucario to do the same. Lucario reluctantly reached for Eyms’s hand and shook it.
“I’ll try not to regret saving you.” Lucario said through gritted teeth.
They were squeezing each others’ hands, seeing who will let go first. Eyms chuckled through gritted teeth.
“C’mon, guys!” Zach said, “All you two do is fight.”
“Him first,” Lucario said, looking at Eyms with a toothy smile.
“We’ll be here all day.” Blaire said, staring at them in disbelief.
“So, the sky is pretty now…” Miranda remarked, trying to change the subject.
“Sure, Miranda. Anyway, they can fight all week if they wanted to. Blaire, are we still on the right course?” Zach asked, looking at Blaire.
Blaire looked around the sky, and pulled out the map to examine it.
“I believe so. The Shrine should be at least six hours away from Emorian’s coast, so we should be there by the late evening.” Blaire supposed.
“That’s great; we’ll make up more time.” Zach told her.
“I thought you weren’t for sure if you had a set time?” Sol Genova asked him.
“Oh yeah, that. I don’t feel rushed anymore since the Synagods kind of… you know.” Zach explained.
Sol Genova nodded and asked, “Then what will happen when Miranda gets to the last Shrine?”
“She’ll release all the Spirits to Saskae, and he’ll do his part… At least, that’s what I think will happen.” Zach said. Or at least, I hope it will… He thought.
“Hey, I have a question, too. If the Spirits are released into the Spirit World, would the Incarnian lose their Synergy abilities?” Asch asked.
“Good question. But to tell you the truth, I don’t think that’ll affect them.” Zach said.
“How do you know this stuff?” Neil asked.
Zach was about to speak, but Eyms spoke for him.
“He was the apprentice of Spirit Saskae when he was little.” Eyms said quickly.
“…Really? How does that happen?” Neil asked.
“He found me, offered me a home, and trained me as a swordsman.” Zach explained.
“I see,” Neil said, “So, do you know how to use Incarnian abilities?”
Miranda and the others looked at him, curious.
“I know a little. Look, I’ve already explained this to Miranda and Eyms, so ask them; I’ve got a major headache.” Zach said.
Zach rubbed his head.
“I’m going to take a nap, okay?” Zach told them as he walked into his cabin.
Miranda watched him as he shut the door behind him. Zach didn’t usually snap at them like that. And, he never complained. Something was definitely wrong. She decided to talk to the others for their opinion, and to pass the time.
Meanwhile, in his small cabin, Zach laid there, staring up at the ceiling in the dark. His headache started right after the storm, but he didn’t tell anyone. What was going on? He had a suddenly had a strange feeling that the Synagods were alive. But no one could have survived that explosion, right? It was official. Zach considered himself crazy.
And that was when he felt a jolt of pain channel through his upper left shoulder. Under his shirt was a piece of white paper attached to a sharp, long needle.
“Damn it,” Zach whispered.
Zach reached for it. He held his hand over it. Maybe he could do what Sol Genova did? After all, he could use the Incarnian’s abilities too. As Zach concentrated, a soft light appeared from his hand. It was working! The tag was slowly being pulled out. The only thing Zach didn’t know how to do was restore his Synergy. After the tag was out, he felt weaker. But he held the tag in his hand, curious.
Instead of the strange symbols on it, there was a note.
Zach read it aloud to himself, “We are alive, and don’t you dare doubt that. Remember that we’ll be following you.”
Zach let himself fall backwards onto the bed.
“Great,” Zach said miserably, putting his arm over his face. “No more dreams, please…” He was getting weaker and weaker quickly. Zach slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Sixth Shrine
The Apocalypse was steered onto a sandy beach. Blaire walked out of her cabin and gathered up everyone. She noticed that Zach was missing. Earlier he said he had a headache. She wondered if Zach was okay and walked over to his cabin. Blaire quietly opened the door. A crack of light dimly lit the dark room. She saw a figure on the bed.
“Zach…?” Blaire called.
He didn’t answer for a few moments. Blaire looked at him, waiting for him to answer.
Finally, Zach said, “What?”
Blaire’s brow wrinkled; she was concerned, and confused.
“Are you all right, sir?” Blaire asked.
“If I knew, I’d tell you.” Zach told her.
Blaire walked over to him and felt his forehead with her hand.
“What happened? You’re burning up.” Blaire said.
“Don’t tell the others, okay?” Zach asked, curling himself up.
Reluctantly, Blaire nodded.
Zach sighed and said, “They’re alive, Blaire. And now they’re out to get me.”
“Alive? You don’t mean the Synagods? But how did they do this to you?” Blaire questioned.
Zach held up the Spirit Tag.
“Another one…? Zach, they’re really trying to kill you.” Blaire remarked.
“Go figure; I blew up their hideout, released all of King Divine’s prisoners, and if that weren’t reason enough, I refused to join them in their sick quest.” Zach explained.
“You can’t fight in your condition; you need more protection. You’ll have to stay behind.” Blaire told him firmly.
“But what about being in a team?” Zach snapped.
“No! You’ve lost too much strength. I’ll stay behind with you on the Apocalypse.” Blaire said with authority.
“Fine… I can’t get up anyway.” Zach grumbled.
Sol Genova walked in, overhearing them.
“Is Zach all right?” he asked, concerned.
Blaire shook her head. She walked to Sol Genova and pushed him out.
“He’s not fighting the Spirit.” Blaire remarked.
Sol Genova stared at her. It looked almost as if there were flames blazing in her eyes. Then Sol Genova looked at Zach over Blaire’s shoulder, worried. He didn’t know if he should be sorry for Blaire staying with Zach, or worried that he was injured more. But he had to let Zach know that they could make to the Shrine and have a reason to make it back in one piece… Then an idea struck upon him.
“I have an idea. The last Spirit is Prodigis, the Spirit of healing and light. When Miranda catches it, she can summon it, and use it to heal him.” Sol Genova said quickly, scratching the back of his head nervously. The moment froze in suspense. Blaire finally, yet reluctantly, nodded in agreement. Zach glared at Sol Genova as he left the room.
Unenthusiastically, Sol Genova left with Miranda and the others.
“But why isn’t Zach coming?” Miranda complained.
“Zach doesn’t feel well.” Sol Genova said, grinding his teeth.
“That doesn’t make any sense. How…?” Lucario asked.
“It was one of those forsaken Spirit Tags again.” He answered.
“But then, that must mean…” Eyms said.
“Yes. They… are still alive.” Sol Genova told them.
Miranda blinked in astonishment. Eyms froze. Lucario stared at Sol Genova with tensed eyes.
“But Zach blew them up! No one could have survived that, right?” she asked.
“I don’t think fire and explosions could stop them, Miranda.” Sol Genova told her.
Miranda sighed and looked back at the Apocalypse, thinking about Zach. He was probably going crazy, not being able to fight the Spirit with them. Miranda sighed and unwillingly looked ahead. They were walking on a sandy beach. Many sea shells lay about, scattered. A salty breeze blew, picking up sand as it went. The Shrine was not very far; she could see it clearly. Rays of sunlight shined down on it, illuminating the white stone it was made out of.
There were also strange pedestals that lined the path to the entrance. The tops of the pedestals were rounded, and had a strange orb inside of them. When they approached the first pair of pedestals, the orbs gave off a bright, radiant glow. Everyone except Asch stopped; he kept on walking. When he reached the pedestals… zap! Asch was shocked by a jolt of lightning! He fell down, and crawled in pain away from the pedestals, waves of electricity moving around him.
“Ow! Why do- I -always have- to be the -one to… get hurt? Oowwww…” Asch asked.
“Because you’re the only one who doesn’t pay any attention,” Sol Genova told him.
“Whatever,” Asch groaned, standing up.
“Are you okay, Asch?” Miranda asked.
“Yeah, actually, I feel pretty good considering I just got the hell shocked out of me.” Asch said.
“Oh,” Miranda said.
Sol Genova examined the pedestals. Melody also studied them, with her hands on her small hips.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Sol Genova asked her, resting his chin on his hand.
She smiled and looked up at him.
“We’ve got to reflect the lightning to reverse the effect, right?” Melody suggested.
“Exactly, and I know just how to do it.” Sol Genova said.
“What you have to do is use your Light Incarnian abilities to reflect the opposing light, sort of like a prism.” Sol Genova explained.
“Huh? A prism…?” Asch repeated.
“Don’t repeat me, Asch! She’ll use a prism to catch the light, and contain it until all of us reach the door. Simple as that,” Sol Genova told Asch.
“Oh,” Asch said. “Damn it; if Zach were here we would’ve busted our way through another way.”
“But Zach isn’t here right now!” Sol Genova told him. He gestured to Melody.
Melody nodded and stood near the pedestals. She spread her arms out, and closed her eyes. A soft light appeared in the palms of her hands. Miranda glanced at the pedestals. The orbs inside them were glowing fiercely. The light grew so bright; she had to shield her eyes. Eyms and Lucario stood behind Miranda, Lucario also shielding his eyes.
“Is it working?” Eyms asked impatiently.
“Yeah, I think so. All of the orbs are glowing.” Lucario told him.
Melody’s hands began to vibrate; golden Synergy particles were flying everywhere. Each bolt of light that zapped out of the pedestal bounced off and landed in her hands. Melody opened her eyes and focused on the center above the path. All of the light Synergy was transferred into a prism-like figure in the center, shining fiercely above them.
“Quickly, she won’t be able to hold it much longer.” Neil said quietly, covering his eyes.
Sol Genova, Asch, Miranda, Lucario, Eyms, and Neil all rushed across the path and reached the entrance. Neil looked at Melody and waved. His pale hand sparkled in the bright golden light.
“Okay, Melody, come on!” He shouted.
Melody clenched her little fists and skillfully threw the light back into the orbs. She ran to Neil.
“Did I do a good job, Neil? Tell me.” Melody said to him.
“You did great, Melody. Don’t you think so, Miranda?” Neil said.
“You did an incredible job, Melody!” Miranda told her.
“Thank you,” Melody said, smiling just as brightly as the prism of light.
“Alright, enough idle chitchat; we’ve got to get that Spirit for Zach, remember?” Sol Genova said.
“Yeah,” Miranda said.
Inside the Shrine was surprisingly calm and cool. The interior was made of pure white stone. In the center of the main room was a decorative symbol that represented the sun. Other symbols that represented light also surrounded it. A pedestal stood on the right side of another doorway; it was sealed shut. Sol Genova silently examined it. There was nothing there but a door and a small pedestal that looked like the ones from outside.
Finally after a long moment of silence, he said, “There’s an engraving of a handprint. Miranda, place your hand on this pedestal.”
Miranda did as she was told. She placed her right hand on the engraving. Light shined between her fingers, and the stone door began to rise up. Beyond the doorway… was an illuminated, bright room.
“It opened!” Miranda exclaimed.
Sol Genova nodded. “The Spirit is just up ahead; c’mon.” He said, walking ahead.
“Yeah, I can feel it.” Eyms agreed.
As they walked in, a white light appeared. Fine particles of dust stirred around the floor, forming into some kind of a creature. There was a flash of light. Then, there was a figure of a human; the skin was gold, and it had long, white, feathery wings like those of an angel. Each of its eyes was like a small, hollow abyss of white light. The Spirit wore a glimmering white robe. The light reflected off the white walls, making it almost impossible to see the Spirit clearly. It appeared almost as though it were an illusion. Despite the rousing of bright lights, the Spirit looked down on the group with interested, yet hollow eyes.
“So, it is as it was foretold…? Lord Kekerath was correct?” the Spirit said calmly.
“Lord Kekerath? What’s he talking about?” Asch asked Sol Genova.
Sol Genova narrowed his eyes. Lord Kekerath… He’d heard of him before.
“Prodigis, we are in the presence of the Spirit Summoner, and she has come from far away; Miranda was sent by Spirit Saskae himself.” Sol Genova told the Spirit, ignoring Asch.
“I see… Then we must battle, for the sake of your worthiness.” Prodigis said.
Instantly, Prodigis raised his hands. Rays of light rained down on them. Melody stepped forward and reflected them with her Incarnian abilities. The rays of light bounced back at Prodigis, striking him. He silently bent over in pain. Sol Genova held out his hand with the Palm Saiga right side up. An ominous grey light appeared around Prodigis. The grey light encircled Prodigis and exploded as it wrapped around him in a spiraling veil of darkness. Then Prodigis flew above them. Without warning, a circle of light appeared beneath their feet.
“Melody,” Neil called.
“I got it, Neil!” Melody cried.
She reflected it again, but this time Prodigis’s light gave off waves of stunning heat. Melody gasped as she held back and stopped. She screamed as Prodigis hovered over her.
“That’s it,” Neil said, apparently ticked off.
Neil took out his staff and tapped its end on the ground with it. A dark circle with symbols in it appeared under him. The room became dark, and Prodigis froze. It was actually slowing the Spirit down! The Spirit craned its neck over to look at Neil. Shadow Geysers emerged from the ground, erupting steaming pillars of darkness. Each geyser hit Prodigis, causing him to fall to the ground in agony.
Miranda quickly took out the Spirit’s card out and held it out towards Prodigis. Prodigis began to dissolve into golden particles of Synergy. Its Synergy disintegrated into the card’s symbol and Prodigis disappeared within the card. When the particles vanished, everything was quiet, and the light dimmed.
Everyone exchanged nervous looks. Miranda sighed. That was the last Spirit she had to catch. Now she could go and heal Zach.
“It’s over.” Asch remarked.
Sol Genova glanced at him.
“We have yet to release the Spirits to Saskae,” he snapped, “What exactly is over?”
“Well, the Journey is, isn’t it?” Asch asked.
“In a way… part of it is over.” Eyms said.
“But Sol Genova’s right, we still have to go back to Manndette.” Miranda said.
Sol Genova nodded, and then looked over to Neil and Melody. Neil knelt down next to her. She was sitting on the floor, looking at her hands, which had small red burns on them. Sol Genova walked over to them.
“Can you help?” Neil asked.
Sol Genova examined Melody’s hands. He didn’t want Miranda to summon Prodigis just yet; not if he could help.
“These are only minor burns; yes, indeed I can help.” He replied.
Lucario and Miranda watched as Sol Genova used his Palm Saiga to heal Melody’s hands. In a second, the burns were gone. Neil looked up at Sol Genova.
“Thank you,” he said.
Sol Genova nodded and stood up.
“We should get back to the Apocalypse…” he said as he began to walk out of the room.
Chapter Forty: Zach, Captured
When they got back to the Apocalypse, Miranda saw Blaire standing there, holding a rail. She looked down on them, her eyes steady and impatient. As soon as they walked onto the ship, Blaire walked up to them and saluted.
“It’s Zach,” Blaire said, “He’s not getting any better.”
“What?” Miranda gasped.
“He can’t move his arms.” Blaire said quickly.
Suddenly, they heard the shattering of glass. Miranda instantly ran into Zach’s cabin, followed by the others. When she stepped into the room, the window’s glass was gone. Zach wasn’t inside. She ran over to the window and looked out. Instead, he was being held over the water by a pair of cold hands.
“Shuda…?” Sol Genova exasperated.
“I don’t think you’ll mind me taking him off your hands, now do you?” Shuda asked.
Shuda was standing on a small flying machine. Its platform was only three feet long, and three feet wide. Tall rails supported a miniature steering wheel. On each side had thin wings that were flapping up and down faster than the speed of light; the engine was in the back.
Shuda held Zach out to them, as if he would throw him back. Zach looked like he was in pain, considering he could not move his arms, and was being dangled over water by them.
“Miranda,” Zach said, looking at Miranda.
“Zach!” Miranda exclaimed. She looked at the others and said, “Someone do something!”
“Shuda, let him go,” Sol Genova ordered.
Shuda looked at them angrily, and then smiled. Shuda loosened his grip, letting Zach slip.
“Uh-oh, what now..?” Shuda asked, leaning over to them.
Shuda laughed and shook Zach at them.
“Miranda, don’t follow me! Go to Saskae!” Zach shouted to her.
“But, they’ll…” Miranda began.
“Forget about me, okay? Focus on the real thing!” Zach said.
“No…” Miranda sobbed.
“Yes! Miranda, listen to me,” Zach whispered.
“Just don’t die, okay?” Miranda said.
“I’ll… try not to.” Zach said as he closed his eyes in defeat.
“Okay, Zachary; it’s high time you pay us back for what you’ve done.” Shuda remarked.
Shuda steered the machine away from Miranda, who was still reaching for him. When Zach opened his eyes, they were far away from them. They were flying over a vast ocean, and he could feel the wind was whipping in his face.
“Shuda, what do you want?” Zach asked, looking up at him.
“Well, it’s simple, really...” Shuda told him.
“Exactly what is?” Zach asked.
“Do you know why I need you and you alone?” Shuda asked Zach, looking down at him.
“No idea,” Zach remarked.
“It’s because we need enough Synergy to obtain and control the Six Elemental Spirit’s Synergy, but with only the three of us, it’s not enough. We need four. And since Sol Genova betrayed us, we have to improvise.” Shuda began.
“Then why don’t you make him do it?” Zach asked.
“He wouldn’t; he’s not strong enough anyway. So we need to use you instead. You see, with you we have a leverage. If you don’t cooperate, we’ll kill all of you little friends.” Shuda explained.
“But I still don’t understand what you need me to do.” Zach said.
“The Spirit and Underworld are merely connected by two other worlds. Actually, they block each other, disabling us to be aware of their existence.” Shuda said.
“Two other worlds…? But why would you care about them in the first place?” Zach asked.
“For more power,” Shuda answered.
“You’re crazy; Saskae will never let you do this.” Zach remarked.
“Never say never,” Shuda said, “Who do you think is behind all of this- the weather conditions; the Spirit’s powers; the Incarnian; the Old War?” Shuda asked.
“That doesn’t make any sense! Why would he…” Zach began.
“He wants his old life back! Do you think he chose to be the Spirit Guide? He’s recruited us ever since we learned our Synergy abilities. Doesn’t that explain why Sol Genova sent you that letter?” Shuda said, “And, what’s more interesting, do you know who else is involved in all of this?”
“Tell me,” Zach demanded.
“Lucas Laverne,” Shuda said.
“…Laverne?” Zach repeated.
“Yes,” Shuda said.
“You don’t mean General Laverne? Miranda’s…” Zach stopped short.
“Father,” Shuda finished for him.
Zach leaned against the rail to support himself. Why would Miranda’s father be involved in this? Unless he was the one who started it by entering the forbidden Shrine of Saskae… Everything seemed unrealistic; there had to be another explanation.
“But, how is he involved?” Zach asked, confused.
“Why don’t you speak about what you think? You’re correct; he is the one who stepped into the forbidden Shrine of The Great Spirit.” Shuda said.
Zach’s eyes widened. This was yet another painful realization. LucasLorenawas the one who started this. Lucas Laverne, a general who had disappeared before the war began. He was one of the reasons why Zach founded the Leauge; so that there would be no stray soldiers, lost without a way home.
“So it was all… for nothing?” Zach asked.
“Perhaps you could say that. However, on the contrary, the Journey itself, and what you have accomplished for us was very helpful.” Shuda told him.
“And what did we accomplish for you?” Zach asked.
“You’ve gathered all of the Spirits in one place for us. We also have bait for them to come for, and leverage. It’s perfect…” Shuda said.
Zach felt anger surge inside him. He wanted to attack Shuda, and tell him that they would not help them. He tried to move his arms, but it only made him writher and grunt in pain.
“I know what you’re thinking now; you want to rip me to shreds, don’t you? Well, I’m afraid that’ll have to wait.” Shuda said as he steered the small machine towards a tower.
The tower was black, with many narrow windows. It stood on a plateau. The land around it was barren. Shuda skillfully landed the machine on a large balcony. Already waiting for them was Halla, Test, and King Divine. Behind them was Remiel, whose hands were tied up.
“Remiel…? What are you doing here?” Zach asked him.
Remiel looked at him.
“I’m sorry I failed,” he said, “I told them you were Saskae’s apprentice once…”
“Shut up, assassin,” King Divine ordered.
Remiel backed away silently as King Divine examined Zach. He gave a satisfying smile. But then he saw Zach’s temporarily useless arms hanging at his sides, and frowned with utter displeasure.
“What happened?” he demanded.
“The Spirit Tag, Your Majesty.” Shuda explained.
“He was supposed to be in perfect condition. Without the use of his arms he might not be able to survive in the other world.” King Divine said angrily.
“Other world…?” Zach repeated. “Hold on, what the hell is going on here!”
King Divine looked at Zach.
“We’ll explain that once we get inside, I promise. Just cooperate and everything will be fine.” He said.
“Like I’m going to believe that,” Zach told him.
“You’d better if you want to live another day.” Shuda whispered to Zach.
“Whatever. As long as you don’t hurt Miranda and the others, I’ll cooperate.” Zach said, reluctantly.
“Very good,” King Divine said, “I knew you would see it my way.”
Zach followed King Divine and the others into a large, narrow room. On the other end, there were four Syn Machines positioned in a circle. They were tall enough to reach the ceiling, which was open. Rain fell through the whole, and evaporated before it reached them, like there was an invisible force field beneath it. In the circle, there were markings that represented every element. Part of the floor was cut out, allowing them to see far below the tower; all of the stairs were destroyed.
“What is this?” Zach asked, looking up at the whole in the ceiling.
“Oh, that. We needed to conceal this from other eyes; incase someone found us. But we also needed an opening for the portal.” King Divine explained.
Zach examined the four Syn Machines.
“But how will I be able to activate it if I don’t have a Palm Saiga like Sol Genova?” Zach asked.
He was trying to gather all of the information he could; maybe he could think of a way out of this, and reverse it.
“That’s why we needed you, Zachary. You have more than enough Synergy to activate it without a pitiful amplifier.” King Divine said.
“Okay, there’s just one other thing I don’t understand.” Zach said.
“Hmm…?” King Divine looked at him eagerly.
“You don’t use Synergy to fight. How do you know all of this? How do you know about the Three Worlds; the Spirits, and the Incarnian?” Zach questioned.
“You’re assuming I do?” King Divine said.
“You can’t just guess on all of this! You’d have to know I was Saskae’s apprentice, therefore I’m able to learn the Incarnian stuff because I’ve been in the Spirit World!” Zach said.
Then he regretted saying that.
“What?” King Divine muttered.
“Divine, we don’t have much time before those brat friends of his find us; we’ve got to hurry.” Shuda remarked.
“You’re absolutely right,” King Divine said.

Chapter Forty-One: Entering the Spirit World
Meanwhile, Miranda and the others where looking for Zach. They were following their instincts because those were the only leads they had for him.
“Why did we have to leave him behind before? If we didn’t leave him, he’d still be here!” Miranda exclaimed. A tear streaked down her cheek.
Sol Genova put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him.
“Miranda, it’s not your fault. I should have said something.” He told her.
“No,” Blaire said.
Sol Genova and Miranda looked at her.
“It’s my fault. I should have protected him.” Blaire admitted.
“What do you mean?” Miranda asked.
“If someone has to take the blame, it might as well be me; that’s what I mean.” She remarked.
“No, not you, Blaire…” Miranda said softly.
Sol Genova shook his head, ashamed at himself.
Asch walked over to them. “Would you all just shut up…? Instead of standing here pointing fingers, we should be looking for my brother!” he shouted.
Neil, Melody, Eyms, and Lucario looked over and walked over to them.
“For once, he’s got a point,” Lucario said mockingly, putting his hands in his pockets.
“Enough smart remarks; now’s not the time, Lucario!” Eyms told him.
Melody sighed and scanned the area around them. Then she gasped and went over to the rails to look at something. Then, she saw it; a tall black tower.
“Hey,” Melody said.
Everyone continued fighting, ignoring her.
“Hey!” Melody shouted, so severely that everyone stopped and flinched. “Stop fighting and look!”
Everyone stopped and looked. Melody pointed to the tower.
“A black tower,” Miranda remarked.
“Yeah,” Neil said, nodding.
Lucario examined the tower that was on an island. Then he saw a small machine on a balcony.
“There!” he said, pointing at it, “The machine Shuda used.”
“Are you sure?” Blaire asked.
“Positive,” Lucario answered, nodding his head.
“Then full speed ahead,” Blaire said darkly.
~~~
Back at the tower, Zach stood by one of the Syn Machines. While the Synagods stood next to there’s, King Divine placed Zach’s hands onto the mat of the Syn Machine. The orbs inside the Syn Machines started glowing, along with the sketched circle beneath them. Another circle appeared at the hole, also glowing. Zach tried to move his hands, but he couldn’t move them no matter how hard he tried. Zach shouted as he too began to glow. He looked at the other Synagods; they weren’t glowing.
As the Syn Machines were activated, one of the walls was blown out. Smoke and rocks rained down on them. Walking through the thick smoke was Miranda and the others. Zach looked at Miranda.
“Miranda!” he yelled.
“Zach, hold on!” Miranda shouted.
“I can’t!” Zach shouted at her.
Miranda looked at King Divine.
“What are you doing to him?” she asked as she ran over to him.
King Divine looked at her.
“Don’t touch him!” King Divine told her.
It was too late. Miranda grabbed Zach’s arm. She started glowing too. Zach looked at her, horrified.
“Zach, Miranda!” Blaire shouted.
Blaire was about to attack, but Sol Genova stepped in front of her.
“Whatever you’re doing King Divine, it won’t work. Now, let them go! Tell them to stop!” he demanded.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen, Sol Genova… Not after everything I’ve done to get here.” King Divine said.
As soon as the Synagods stepped away from the Syn Machines, Zach and Miranda… disappeared.
“No!!” Sol Genova yelled in anguish.
Zach opened his eyes. Everything seemed to have stopped. But where was he? He saw Miranda lying next to him. Could this all have been a dream?
“Zach?” Miranda said, sitting up, “Where are we?”
“I don’t know…” Zach began. But then he remembered. “It can’t be,”
“What?” Miranda asked, frightened.
“They sent us to the Spirit World!” Zach shouted, standing up. “When I get my hands on them, I’ll…”
“Zachary? Is that really you?” a familiar voice asked.
Zach spun around. It couldn’t be…
“Spirit Saskae,” Zach said.
Spirit Saskae stood there, wearing his golden robe and silver hair. He was as calm and elegant as ever.
“What happened, Saskae? Why did you let this happen?” Zach questioned.
“I was about to ask you the same thing, Zachary.” Saskae remarked.
“Huh?” Zach muttered.
Saskae sighed.
“It’s sad… Ever since I let you go, you’ve become so… naïve.” He said.
“What are you talking about?” Zach asked.
“Saskae… I thought you were on our side?” Miranda asked, clinging to Zach.
“There never were any ‘sides’, Miranda.” Saskae said, “All you had to do was gather the Six Elemental Spirits and give them to me.”
Zach clenched his fists. The whole Journey was a set up all along. It all added up, Zach thought. The Synagods wanted them to do the work for them, so they lied and said that the Journey would help Memoria. Instead they were going to forge the Spirits into their own source of power, and take over the other worlds.
“No,” Zach said, “It was all a lie, wasn’t it? I, being your apprentice, Miranda’s father, needing me to protect her, Sol Genova quitting you… all of it was a total lie.”
“Sol Genova? Oh, yes, that’s right… your father, who abandoned you for a better life. I admired him so much.” Saskae said.
“A better life… That’s what you want too, isn’t it? Well, news flash, killing people for power’s sake isn’t going to get you what you want.” Zach told him.
“Then… you were right.” Miranda said.
Saskae and Zach looked at her.
“Back in the beginning, you said that you feared the governments would become corrupted… Is that because you were the one pulling the strings? If that’s true, then you must know where my father is?” Miranda said.
“You mean Lucas? Oh, he’s in Evangelion, waiting for you.” Saskae explained.
“He’s on Evangelion? Where’s that?” Miranda asked.
“It’s another one of the Three Worlds.” Saskae told her.
“Miranda,” Zach said.
Miranda looked at him.
“Don’t listen to him. We have to get back to the others, and get rid of King Divine and the Three Synagods once and for all!” Zach told her.
While Zach wasn’t looking, Saskae quickly waved his hand towards Miranda. Miranda fell to her knees. Zach moved for her, but Saskae stopped him.
“What did you do?” Zach demanded.
“Nothing serious; I just slowed her down long enough to get this,” Saskae said, holding out the Spirit Catching device.
Zach stared at Saskae and frowned. He stood up, and realized something. He could use his arms!
“You know something? I had my doubts about the Journey. But Miranda, she was so damn committed to it… So full of hope and innocence, and you dragged her into this chaos. How do you feel now that you’ve hurt her? No; how do you feel about what you’ve done to everyone? I’m here to tell you that all of those people who have suffered from the Old War… are still suffering today. Pain doesn’t cover its tracks. It leaves them behind, never looking back, visible for every traveler to see.” Zach said.
As he finished those last few words, he pulled out his two swords. Miranda looked up at him; Zach was staring straight at Saskae, pointing his swords at him menacingly.
“Zachary, you know perfectly well that you can’t kill me.” Saskae told him.
“No, but I can still make you let us go.” Zach said.
Zach charged at Saskae.

Chapter Forty-Two Fight for Survival
Meanwhile, Blaire created a fiery vortex that engulfed Halla and Shuda. She gasped when they simply whipped it away with their hands. They were about to attack her, but Sol Genova stepped in. He thrust out the hand with his Palm Saiga. A golden dust circle formed around Halla and Shuda. They stared at it, and then, boom! The dust wrapped around them and exploded. Sol Genova stood there for a second, and Shuda came running out of the smoke that was left behind.
Sol Genova took out his six foot sword, and Shuda took out his. They began sword playing, fighting till the death.
“Prepare to die, you traitor!” Shuda shouted.
~~~
“Zach!” Miranda shouted as she finally stood up.
Zach was fighting Saskae while trying to take the Spirit Catching device away from him. Saskae snapped his fingers. Instantly, bolts of lightning surrounded Zach. The lightning was about to electrify him, but Zach used the Earth Incarnian abilities to form a fortress around him, protecting him. The lightning reflected off of it.
“I just don’t get it,” Zach said as the earthen fortress retracted back into the ground, “Why you caused that war in the first place? Did you know that the war has caused countless people pain? It’s even made some forget love, others courage, even happiness? It’s awful, the way you took away those emotions and lives from them like it meant nothing to you. And yet the only thing that still binds us all… is the commitment we make for a better place to live.”
“Wars that don’t have a clear reason to rise up usually have a larger meaning to it than common people think.” Saskae said as he summoned a long sword.
“Don’t pull that crap on me,” Zach said, crossing his blades, “I know it first hand now; I know the truth!”
“Damn right you do; which is why I have to kill you!” Saskae agreed.
“NO! You’ll send Miranda back,” Zach demanded, “Or else,”
Saskae smiled.
“Or else you’ll do what, Zachary?” Saskae asked.
Zach ran to Saskae and put his swords up to his throat.
“Or else you won’t live to see another day.” Zach threatened.
~~~
Lucario’s hands began to turn into liquid. He morphed them into ropes of water and thrashed them at Jade, who was charging at him. The water hit him at high speed, knocking Jade over on his back and slam into a wall.
“Where are they?” Lucario demanded as he put his foot up to Jade’s throat.
Jade looked up at him and started laughing.
“It’s too late now, silly water boy.” He seethed.
“Tell me!” Lucario shouted.
Chuckling, Jade said, “You’d have to open the portals; only one human can come through at a time.”
“What’ll happen if two humans come through at once?” Lucario asked.
“The portal would crumble and collapse, trapping them for eternity!” Jade said, laughing.
Lucario jumped off of Jade and ran to Sol Genova who was still fighting Shuda.
“Sol Genova!” Lucario called.
“Yes!” Sol Genova shouted back, blocking Shuda’s blow with his sword.
“We’ve go to open the portal!” Lucario said.
“But you need me, don’t you?” Sol Genova asked.
“Please!” Lucario shouted.
“Fine,” Sol Genova said as he ran away from Shuda.
“Come back, you coward!” Shuda shouted.
Sol Genova and Lucario ran over to a Syn Machine.
“I’ll have to use all of my Synergy to open it, you know.” He said miserably.
“Can’t you get it back?” Lucario asked.
“Slowly, over time,” Sol Genova said.
“Then do it, now!” Lucario told him, “We need Zach and Miranda back!”
“Gather the Synagods into that circle, hurry!” Sol Genova ordered.
Lucario told the others and surrounded the Synagods into the circle. Sol Genova placed his hands onto the mat. Instantly, the circle began to glow, and the Synagods froze.
~~~
Meanwhile, Zach was fighting Saskae. He looked over him and saw a circle that was on the ground, glowing.
“Miranda,” Zach called to her.
“Zach!” she replied.
“Go into that circle, now!” Zach said as he threw the Spirit Summoning card case to her.
Miranda caught it.
“Please, come back!” she said.
“I will,” Zach said, “I promise.”
Knowing that he would not, tears fell down her cheeks as the circle glowed and transported Miranda to Memoria. Zach wanted to go too, but he knew what would happen if he did. The portal would collapse, completely erasing the bridge between the worlds forever, only because two humans had broken the laws of the Spirits.
“What now, Zachary?” Saskae asked, amused.
Zach stood up.
“Tell me… What have you done to the other worlds, Saskae?” he asked, not looking at Saskae.
“Nothing yet,” Saskae replied. “But with the Master Swordsman at my side, I will do great things.”
“No you won’t- I won’t be your body guard.” Zach refused.
“But Zachary, why do you think I trained you? I could have chosen anyone, but it was you.” Saskae said.
“You’re not making any sense!” Zach shouted. “How do you know about the other worlds, anyway?”
“Where do you think I came from? And how else do we know all of this about the portals?” Saskae explained, “Thanks to all of you, the governments here have been weakened and infiltrated... I was born in Armestris, and now I’m going to conquer Evangelion, to avenge my people-the Fairr Folk who were tarnished with unjustly discrimination!”
“I never did take you one for revenge, Saskae.” Zach said.
“Never judge a book by its cover.” Saskae remarked.
Zach looked at him in disgust. He was mocking Lucario, the one who was writing a book about everything that had happened on the Journey.
“So is that where General Laverne- Evangelion?” Zach asked.
“Yes,” Saskae said while opening another portal. “Now, only one can leave at a time.”
As Saskae said this, Zach sprinted for the portal. He had to get in it before Saskae did. Saskae watched him, horrified.
“NOOOoooo!” he shouted.
Zach landed in the circle, and it began to glow fiercely. The ground began to shake violently. Saskae watched as Zach disappeared. Zach felt himself rise up. He knew he would be in Evangelion; he just didn’t know how. When the glowing stopped, Zach found himself free falling out of the sky! He screamed as he fell towards a forest of tall pine trees. Zach smacked into each branch of a particularly tall tree. He hit about twenty branches and thought he’d never reach the ground. He finally landed with a sickening thud.
He lay there for several minutes, wondering if he could even move. It turned out that he didn’t even have a scratch; his back just hurt really badly. Then an aching sensation sprouted through his spine. Zach slowly sat up, looked around, and rubbed his head.
“Why is it always the trees?” he asked himself, looking at the branches that broke.
Zach looked around him.
“What the hell?” Zach asked himself.
~~~

Chapter Forty-Three: Don’t Look Back
Back at the tower, Miranda had returned. She ran to Sol Genova.
“Miranda,” he said. “Where is Zach?”
Miranda shook her head. Tears fell from her eyes and streamed down her face.
“He won’t come back,” she sobbed.
“But…” Sol Genova began.
The others walked over to them.
“Where is Zach?” Eyms asked.
“Oh, Eyms,” Miranda said as she wrapped her arms around him.
Eyms gasped.
“Uh, Miranda, what the heck is going on?” he asked.
“I- I think he’s going to a place called… Evangelion,” She sobbed.
“You mean- he’s not coming back?” Melody asked.
Sol Genova bowed his head.
“Why! Why did he stay there? He could have escaped!” Sol Genova shouted, falling to his knees. He could barely keep himself standing.
Blaire also bowed her head.
Saluting, Blaire said, “We won’t give up,”
“Huh?” Miranda looked at her.
“We will find him. We will… We will not waste this opportunity. He wanted us to help people after the Journey. It’s what he would want, anyway. While we are restoring Memoria, we will find a way to bring him back.” Blaire announced.
“That’s right,” Asch agreed. “He’s my brother, and he should be my responsibility. I realize that now.”
“But what can we do without him?” Miranda asked.
“Everything we can,” Blaire told her, “Because if he won’t come back himself, we’ll find a way to get him back our way.”
“The Synagods are gone for good. At least, they disappeared.” Sol Genova said.
“Then it wasn’t wasted. The Journey was still good. It was just the outcome they wanted.” Blaire said.
“Yes, because I still have these,” Miranda said, holding out the Spirit Summoning cards.
“Alright, we will get him back no matter what. If it weren’t for Zach, none of us might still be here. He was the one who fought Saskae, after all.” Asch said.
“Excuse me, but we need to be rational about this. What if it’s exactly what Saskae wants? What if Saskae wants us to go get Zach and trap us in that other world, so that he doesn’t have to worry about us here?” Lucario suggested.
“What if, what if… that’s all you’re saying, right? And what if it’s vice versa?” Eyms asked him.
Sol Genova shook his head and stood up.
“Then we have to separate, if that’s the case.” he said.
“What?” Blaire asked, horrified.
“If we don’t want Saskae capturing all of us at once, we must separate.” Sol Genova explained.
“Right,” Miranda said. “Hold on; what if something happens on Memoria? Will it affect the other worlds too? So then, what if the portal opens there too, and it gets all messed up even more?”
“Argh; there are way too many ‘what ifs’! Just be quiet and listen! We have to separate. That way, not all of us will be pulled into that other world at once. Then most of us could stay on Memoria. We can communicate through your telepathic summoning.” Sol Genova said.
Miranda closed her eyes.
“But we’ve been… together this whole time. Where will we go? And how will we get there?” she asked.
“I’ll get you off of this island. You all can start off from the mainland from there.” Blaire said gloomily. For once, her shoulders slumped.
With that, everyone went back to the Apocalypse. Miranda sat down on the bench next to Eyms.
“Zach would hate this; that we’re splitting up. I thought we were supposed to be a team?” Miranda said.
“We are a team. Don’t ever forget that. Splitting up is for the best.” Eyms said.
Miranda gave a sad sigh.
“But I really hate this, too.” Eyms whispered.
Miranda gave him a small smile, even though he couldn’t see it.

Several hours later, they had made it to the continent of Emorian. When everyone got off the ship, they stood in a circle.
“If we need each other, we will find everyone.” Blaire said with authority.
“But right now, we need to make Memoria stronger, our own ways.” Eyms alleged.
“Yes,” Sol Genova agreed.
Miranda held her hand out. She looked at the others expectantly. They put a hand on top of hers.
“Together, when we find a way, the right way, we will find him, and make the Three Worlds stronger than ever.” Miranda said.
They slowly lifted their hands away and stepped back from each other. This was for the best, to make Memoria stronger, to replace the fallen governments, to help the people who were injured by the Synagods’s corruption. Miranda bowed her head silently and whispered, “This for Zach, and the better world to come; I know it must be the right thing to do.”
They turned, and began to walk in separate paths, all eight of them. Blaire went back to the Apocalypse, and the others walked away with heavy hearts, each trying not looking back.
~~~
Epilogue:
With the bonds between their hearts, the close friends separated. They knew it was the right thing to do until they discovered a way to bring back Zachary Voda… But in the meantime, they must maintain the balance of ever-sustaining life, and reshape the way of the governments. So, while Blaire Bellefire secured the oceans, fishing ports, and lighthouses, Melody Bellefire and Neil Blackwood headed for Cyrus to claim Melody’s place as the queen, with Neil as her body guard.
Sol Genova and Asch Voda dedicated their time to reconstructing the military and government on Manndette, while Lucario Hakashi committed his talents as a philosopher and professor in a museum at Emorian. Eyms went back to his Uncle just as he had promised, and helped with the farming and food trade.
Miranda Laverne, on the other hand, tried to figure out who her family was, and where her father disappeared to, knowing that he was alive out there somewhere. With the stakes of ever-sustaining life and balance at risk, they all pondered on the fact of time, and if they had enough of it to preserve the Three Worlds, and prevent the alleged Collision.


~The End~
The First Book of Devotion and Friendship



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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

   Hello everyone!
Well guys, I finally bought Final Fantasy III for DS. I think I forgot to tell everyone! I've had it for a few weeks now and I love it. But I'm not quite obsessed with it as I am the Tales series. Speaking of, I'm reading manga for Tales of the Abyss. It's pretty good so far!

Well... On a sad note, we went school supplies shopping on Sunday. How horrible... The only thing I am looking forward to is the English class, and Vo-tech, which is where I get to go to the neighbor school and have 3 hours of Graphic Arts class and/or archetecture. I hope they teach me Photoshop! Maybe my dad will finally look at getting it for me it they do...

My church is having their annual picnic soon. I have to be a waitress at the dinner for forever! Ugh. Fun fun. Not. My sister is going to have softball camp, band camp, and an accademic bowl thing. Me, well, I'll have no other life except for the Otaku. At least I still have you guys if school gives me hell! Right?

Besides, I'll have Pre Algebra and I am a junior... I suck at math. Numbers and I do NOT get along at all. Then I'll have a medival/European history class with a teacher that gives out tons of homework. I wanted to cry when I first saw my schedual...

Now I've been listening to Misono a lot. I love the song for ToS2. It's awesome. But I made my theme Tear from ToA (I liked the wallpaper) because I felt like it. Hope you all like it!

Getting that darn permit is killing me. I just have to study! I know I can get it because a bunch of morons in the world have gotten it before me. Argh! I'll get it even if it's the last thing I do!

Okays! That is all I wanted to tell everyone.

Hugs to all!

I hope you have a great day!
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