God Ah's Larghissimo: Act I-Industria
Everything was dark-the world felt far away, and the sounds within it even further. Just where was TJ, and what was he seeing? Peorth and Kooh had vanished, as did the guild room, and he had not the foggiest what was occurring, and as if in response to his soul-searching a bright flash of light brought him an answer. As it faded away he began to see a world-one of trees and mountains, of lakes and blue skies, and of a land devoid of any human life, but full of plants and animals. The sound of beatings wings and the shadow that flew across the land with mastery and grace was what puzzled him even more so. To top it off, from the eyes of that very figure he had seen the world that swept by as it continued on to an unknown destination. From the ground up to the massive tree in the distance, TJ immediately felt he knew where he was, and where he was headed. After a brief while the figure eventually reached the world tree, and from just above the tree tops it shot upwards with ease to the crown of the tree, before flying towards it. Though he felt unsure, there was a very powerful energy emitted from the crown of Yggdrasil, and it was not the tree's own, but that of something far beyond anything that he could imagine.
As the figure approached he could feel a sudden pressure as they pierced through what seemed like a rift in the reality, the air before him rippled like the waves of a pond and came to a still as he found himself in what seemed to be akin to an Instance Dungeon...but one that required no gate like many of the others. As his flight slowed down he caught a glimpse of a massive emerald crystal levitating in a field of grass as green as of that which covered the whole of Asgard. Next to it was an odd sight-a floating wisp of light, but a rather large one at that. He landed next to it and caught a glimpse of pearl white bare feet peeking out from beneath a sky blue dress. The slender legs and feet gave him the impression that whoever's body he was in was female, but he still had not the slightest clue as to who they were.
“I have returned, your majesty,” She had said to the wisp of light. A voice as gentle as a breeze and that almost seemed to sing on every word left him speechless.
Though he could not describe it, something in him said that the wisp of light had turned to him and nodded-he could feel a smile rising to his or her lips. Did he share in not only her memories, but sights and experiences? Was that wisp of light really what she had seen? “Excellent. It is good to see you again Amae.” The wisp answered before turning back to the crystal before it. At that moment the realization hit him-it was not the crystal that emitted that incredible aura-it was that wisp of light that levitated next to it. When it spoke, it sounded neither male nor female, nor with a tone that could beget any definitive conclusions to just what it was or what it stood for. All that he had to go on was the fact the two had an Instance Dungeon situated upon Asgard's World Tree. That, and that this was an existence that dwarfed his own by leaps and bounds-moreso than anything he has ever seen before, from Choen Palm to the Tyrant Vanir. The feelings he shared with her though, prevented him from being scared stiff.
...That, and the fact that the giant crystal floating next to them gave an eerily similar feeling to that which was embedded in his chest, and which Peorth had given him. Could it be that the two were once as one? It raised the question as to how he acquired it, and how it was placed in his chest. Perhaps here he would find out.
“May I ask what this is, your majesty?” The lady inquired.
The wisp looked up to the crystal and releases a lucent appendage to touch the crystal in a moment of thoughtfulness. “This crystal is a creation born from all aspects of the nine worlds, my mana and finally the memories of the World Tree itself. I have decided to name it the Heart of Yggdrasil. The lifeblood of the tree courses through it.” There was no doubt in his mind the two were the same. The creator of his crystal was an odd wisp of light and a rather freakishly tall lady.
“Incredible!” Amae had said with a look of surprise. “What do you have in mind for it?”
He could hear the wisp chuckle gently. “With this, I will pass on the knowledge of the Gods to Humanity. I had created them with the intention of them utilizing mana, but as of yet they have not discovered a way to utilize their latent abilities. Through this, perhaps they will come to realize their true potential? Alas, it is only a means to an end, but not a clear solution to the problem.”
She placed a hand to her cheek with a worried expression. “How do you mean?”
“Humans often have varying ways to come to an understanding on matters. They learn from their experiences and the feelings that get after them. If they are hurt, they will avoid that which hurts them. If they are hungry, they will hunt and gather. In this matter though, the challenge would be solving the matter of convincing them to come to understand and finding a reason and a use for their latent magical aptitude.”
“I do not think it will take long for them to accomplish this task your Majesty. They are your creation, after all.” She beamed at him, and the warmth of her expression radiated throughout his entire face. What she had said was a rather bold declaration. If it had created humanity...could that mean that what she called 'Your Majesty' was God Ah?! TJ thought he would have heart palpitations if he was in his own body. He began to look at Su's predicament in a new light. “They have come so far, from living in caves and make-shift shelters to building homes and civilizations. They have discovered new ways to protect themselves and for something that they call entertainment. Their growth occurs much quicker than that of the other creatures upon Midgard. I believe that obtaining a mastery over their latent abilities will not be a problem.”
“Their potential has proven to be infinite thus far...but very rarely have we ever interfered with their existence. The Derr Clan has done that on our behalf, and we have remained as figures existent within their minds, but not as physical beings in their realm. If they should turn to anyone should disaster strike, it must be within. We could quell a thunderstorm or calm the raging tides, but if we were to do so what of the future? I wish their growth to continue, and not be defined by a limit placed upon them by our known presence.”
Amae clasped her hands together. “So you wish for them to learn to do just that? It could be dangerous-to have power over the elements is to have the power to change the world to what one sees fit. I will not doubt your judgement in the slightest, but I wish to know that you are positive this is what you wish for the world.”
It looked away with a distant expression, perhaps gazing upon the world from far beyond with knowledge beyond that which just anyone could imagine. What was it that its eyes saw? “This is true. But that land is theirs. They are to do with it as they please, and they have done just that. Humans are that which will rise above all other species upon Midgard, and in doing so will create a hierarchy of their choosing. They will shape the world as they see fit, and those who they believe should be, will rise ever higher. I know what that will mean for their species, but that also is for them to choose. Perhaps I am not meant to interfere any further in their current affairs, but I feel that if anything this duty may be necessary in order to spur their growth on. To let them see a glimpse into the extent of their true potential...”
“I know that you have their best wishes in mind. If there is anything that I can contribute to this cause, regardless of how little it may be, I will gladly provide.”
The wisp offered her a weak smile, but shook its head and crossed its arms before turning to the lady before it. “I do not have a conclusive plan for this predicament currently, but I will persist nonetheless. Nevertheless, tell me Amae, what have your recent endeavours taught you about Humanity?”
A bit of excitement welled up within-to share her knowledge with God Ah, despite the creator's omnipotent being was something that had become somewhat of a habit to her. She had met many fascinating humans and learned much about their ways during her visits to Midgard, but there was one that specifically caught her eye. “I had returned to the land of sand and water recently. The young Human female I had told you about prior, I had met with her once more. She had taught me about a Human creation that they call 'an instrument'. It is rather incredible really. It makes what they call 'music' when they pluck the strings upon it. It makes the loveliest sound at the touch of a finger...I wish that I could show it to you, your Majesty.” He raised an eyebrow as if amused by her excitement, and TJ felt even more puzzled because the creator still lacked a face, let alone a body to speak of-perhaps going by Amae's thoughts, it was proof that he had one at the time, but through her memories he could not look upon it. Just like with the man who may have been Asmodeus...or God Ah. Amae clasped her hands together and closed her eyes before she gently hummed, her voice soft and loving, like a mother singing a lullaby to her child. TJ felt that same feeling he often felt before...nostalgia, but not accompanied by a memory attempting to resurface through the Frequency. The sound of her voice was one that he had heard recently...and the song that she hummed also; he searched through every memory that he could recall since his awakening, and it finally came to him.
His dream on Toad Island-the person he saw in the memory had looked like Su, but if her eyes and hair were any indication, it was not her. The voice matched the one he heard now as did what she hummed, but this time around it sounded a little unrefined. Was Amae manifesting as Su in his dreams because he could not recall her image? But that did not explain why she had that same image during the Attack on Hanamah. That was without a doubt Su's memory, and one that he shared with her, but what was her relationship with Amae, and what was his? For that matter, just who in the world was Amae?
God Ah looked on with surprise before a wide grin spread from ear to ear. “Wonderful, Amae. This is it. This is the key to teaching Humanity how to master their mana.”
Her humming came to an abrupt halt and she gave him a puzzled glance. “This? How so?”
“'Music' is something of Humanity's own creation. If they are to hear the sound of your voice in the form of music, they will be able to recognize the sound and tap into it through the Heart of Yggdrasil. This will be the final touch necessary in order to bring success to this endeavour. Let us begin right away Amae.”
“Yes, your Majesty!” She enthusiastically answered with a wide smile.
God Ah began to speak as he outstretched both hands, and Amae followed suit shortly after. As the two continued chanting, sky blue runic words began to manifest before them and circle around the crystal as a magic circle with a pentagram within took form beneath it, and five others of varying sizes appeared above it-the crystal began to emit a powerful glow before them.
“Now Amae, do what you had done prior! The Heart of Yggdrasil will recall the sound!” God Ah told her.
“As you wish,” She answered with an acknowledging nod.
She began to hum once more and the writing increased as God Ah continued his chant, the words rising ever higher. Once her song came to an end they turned into a series of spheres of light, and the circles merged together upon each other, taking the spheres with them and sealing themselves within the crystal. The glow remained, and the ritual came to an end.
“You have done well. I would like you to take this crystal to Xenadia. Inform the Messenger Seres of the song, and have her pass this knowledge on to the other worshippers of the holy grounds. Let them spread the word across Midgard.”
“It shall be done your Majesty. Would you like to give this a name also?”
God Ah rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “It would be for the best, would it not? Perhaps it would become easier for Humanity to call upon, and recall if so. Let us name it...Frequency. That should suffice.” TJ's spiritual jaw fell at the words that the creator had spoken. That was, without a doubt the very crystal that he used and which he tapped into for his power. Did that mean that humming that he had heard was what allowed him to do just that? The two had given his ability a shape, and though he had no body currently if he did, he would press his hands to the crystal-the thoughts of God Ah and Amae's union bringing about his existence, and the strength to become the world's Abellan.
“As you wish.” Amae clasped her hands together bashfully, the thoughts of the young musician she met swirling about within. “I know that it is a selfish request that is unbecoming of me, as your Left Hand but...I wish to do something for Humanity also. To be more honest, for that one young female that is struggling.”
God Ah gave her a curious glance. “What would that be?”
“I would like to have an instrument made. I know not what I wish it to be but...I wish to assist that human in creating...music. She had said that she was having difficulties-I wish to learn from her, and inspire her. May I?”
The creator was silent for a moment and she waited in bated breath for his response. “You need not ask me for permission. You are free to do as you wish-I shall not hinder you. But to do so, will you not create an instrument of your own? This is a power that both you and I share, but I feel that you excel with.”
She smiled at his praise. “Thank you, your Majesty.” She clasped her hands together and a glow was emitted from within. Once she let go and spread them out, the glow became a sphere which eventually dimmed and revealed a snow white harp-the top corners were shaped like tiny wings and there was a gold finish where the strings were attached. Taking the instrument in hand, she tightly held it to her chest and smiled gently. “This is...my instrument.” She whispered softly. She released her grip on it and it was engulfed by another sphere, to which it disappeared and entered her chest. “I shall fulfill your request right away your Majesty. Humanity will prosper exponentially from your assistance.”
At those words she stepped forward to the crystal and TJ got his first glimpse at Amae. The words 'goddess' could barely even begin to describe her. Her soft pale blue eyes and flushed cheeks-the loving smile she wore and the motherly and loving aura that she emitted-her long hair tied back by a single blue ribbon a much deeper green than the crystal itself. She had eight beautiful feathered wings that emerged from her back, and carried her here. He was at a loss for words to describe her, but she was without a doubt, someone or something that had transcended humanity, both in body and mind. Though TJ could not understand it, he felt certain that she was one of, if not the only being that could stand by God Ah. Perhaps it was due to his missing memories, but he felt that he knew of her, and that when he recalled her he would know who he truly was.
With a touch a gentle glow surrounded the crystal and it steadily moved closer to her before coming to a halt a safe distance away. God Ah gave her an approving nod. “I should be the one thanking you. You were the one that gave them shape.”
Her cheeks flushed a further red and she gave him her brightest smile. “If it is for you, there is nothing that I cannot do.” All of her wings raised, and with a powerful beat she shot up into the sky and broke through the Instance Dungeon's barrier. Now high above Asgard and looking upon the world before her, she looked to the sky and a rainbow beam of light rained down upon her-her body was engulfed in it and vanished as the beam followed shortly afterwards, leaving no traces of either having come or gone.
TJ's sight vanished in a flash of light and he once more found himself in the body of another person, and another place. It seemed that the power of Memorius Sanctum extended beyond glimpses into the memory of one certain person-or at least he believed it to be one such possibility. That which he knew of the book was extremely limited, but the fact that it contained the memories of God Ah and his Left Hand, one such feat would be miniscule in comparison to the many great things the two had accomplished.
The sound of the ragged breathing of a young lady brought his reverie to an end as through her eyes he could see a light descending from the sky, one a gentle blue and the other a bright green. Her focus turned back to where she was headed, and from all around he could see what seemed to be something akin to a giant temple or some such place-perhaps as big as if not bigger than the entire city of Elias. To make things even stranger, it was an island in the middle of nowhere, and she seemed to be frantically ascending it! Across grass-covered walkways and up a series of ladders, the young lady moved ever higher towards the pinnacle of the island, eventually reaching one last ladder with a sign and an arrow pointing upwards that read 'To Xenadia's Holy Place'. Swallowing hard and taking a deep breath, she carefully made her way up the ladder to the top.
After climbing up a few short landings the young lady found herself before a tall tree that gave off an olive green aura-spheres of light fell from it silently. The entire place gave off an aura that seemed to be similar to that of the Divine, and it was so far from everything else it was filled with a calming silence. Here it felt as if Humanity was closest to the gods. Here was just the place that the two would be able to communicate. She knelt down before the tree and clasped her hands together as the blue wisp submerged itself in the tree and the crystal remained above it-with a flash of light the tree changed from green to a snow white with a blue aura and spheres of the same colour falling from the branches and leaves.
“I am glad to see you in good health Seres.” The voice spoke-without a doubt it was Amae once more.
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence once again Lady Amae.” Seres answered before bowing her head.
“Please raise your head Messenger.” Seres did as the goddess requested. “I have come with a gift and a request of you from God Ah.”
Seres nodded her head once affirmatively, both to say that she understood but also to make herself understand. It was very rarely that the gods would visit Xenadia, and even more so that they would come bearing requests of the Derr Clan and the acolytes of Xenadia. It was their duty to pass on the teachings they had received and build the ties between the gods and Humanity. She could and would not fail in this duty. “Ask anything of me Lady Amae. I will do everything in my power to see it through successfully.”
Amae chuckled gently. “I have no doubts that you will succeed child. Do not be afraid. Alas, this crystal, the Heart of Yggdrasil is something God Ah would like to bestow on your kind. Through this, your clan, and their descendants will learn how to tap into the crystal, and use its energy in order to open the pathways within themselves, and master the use of mana and a power by the name of Frequency.”
Seres bowed down once more. “Our gratitude for your generosity knows no bounds!”
“We have you to thank as well for seeing these tasks through, and leading your clan in accomplishing them. Now then, I shall teach you that in which you need to know in order to call forth mana from the crystal. Are you prepared?”
The young lady rose to her feet and took a deep breath. For her kind, and for the sake of the gods who looked over them from far above, she would accomplish this. “Yes. I shall follow your lead.”
Through her voice, it sounded as if Amae smiled at the young lady's enthusiasm. “Then let us begin.”
The crystal descended to the ground level and stopped next to Seres, before gently levitating and turning before it began to release a sound-the sound of Amae's voice as she sung the song during the ritual. Seres solemnly listened to the song as she looked at her reflection in the Heart of Yggdrasil. The young lady had shoulder-length chestnut brown hair and large blue eyes, a small mouth and nose, with delicate expressions. She wore the dark green outfit many of the sisters of Xenadia wore.
She listened intently to the song, her eyes closed before she opened them once more at the end of it. “I think I have it remembered.”
“Would you like to sing it back?” Lady Amae asked through the tree.
“Yes. Please guide me, my Lady.” With a deep breath she repeated what she had heard, and though she may not have looked the part, her voice carried a tune that seemed impossible for anyone but the goddess, and the crystal reacted to her voice. It was no short song, so after a period her voice would falter, but she persisted nonetheless until she had mastered the song.
“You have done well, Seres.” The crystal rose above the tree and remained stationed there. “I shall leave this with you. Should you ever feel the need to practice, you may come here to do so. I leave Humanity in your care once more, Messenger.”
The young lady clasped her hands together as the wisp emerged from the tree and flew away. “I shall not fail you, Lady Amae!”
In a flash of light TJ had returned to Amae, and saw as the wisp of light that she had become drifted down near the outskirts of a Desert town. Unlike the current and massive bustling city of Elfa, it was a small village not too far from the ocean, with buildings still under construction and much smaller and less grandeur than those that filled the city in his time. There were no tall domes or massive arches, and the city was not as colourful as it was. The ground was stone and cracked, and the buildings were worn down from being buffeted by sand but the city still seemed to see some prosperity in the face of hardship.
Before entering the city Amae stood out of eyesight and clasped her hands together before spreading them out to both flanks. A gentle glow surrounded her and her outfit changed then and there. She held a hand out to the wall that was before her and a circle of light appeared before reflecting her in it. Her body became the size of a regular adult human, her eyes a dark brown and her hair a dark shade of brown-her entire appearance seemingly completely different from before. She now wore a desert cloak, sandals and a dress that covered the entirety of her body. She threw the hood over her head before giving herself an approving nod. As she turned away the light in the wall disappeared and it returned to normal.
While she approached one of the village's entrances TJ let his thoughts wander. The ability to change her clothes, to create things at will and to even perform the relic recovery technique. She was without a doubt God Ah's Left Hand, and her power was unmistakeable. She had the power to give things form...one that he had never seen before. Was that something masters of the Divine Arts could learn? Or was that unique to the creator and Lady Amae? Though on the other hand, Su seemingly inherited her ability to change her clothes, but in a much more restricted form. He wanted to understand her, but unlike with the other memories he could not speak to her-only to see things in a way different than he was familiar with. He would have to see and ask in hope that someone would be able to offer him some answers to his predicament.
The disguised Amae entered the village and TJ felt a bit nostalgic at catching passing glimpses of vendors in the street and others that set up a carpet or tarp and sold their wares there. The Desert village did not seem to have a market specifically, but did have a sort of bazaar, with many people, some travellers selling a variety of wares from the other cities and trading in all sorts of currencies while speaking in tongues that the Abellan had never heard of. The sight of shops with signs that hawked their wares thankfully, were universal. The goddess approached the armour shop and opened the door before greeting the armour smith in his native language. Though TJ did not understand a word of it since he did not speak it, Amae's memories seemed to answer what they meant before he could curse his lack of knowledge.
“Good day Ezra. I hope the day finds you well.” Amae said with a polite bow.
Hammering away at a piece of armour the armour smith turned to her. His skin was dark, hair cropped short and dark eyes cast an appraising gaze on her for a few moments. “Ah...you've returned nomad. I did not think I would see you again. There is not much in this village of ours, but visitors are always welcome. Have you come to purchase armour? You will not find anything like this in the whole of the Desert.” He said as he wiped his forehead with the sleeve of his copper shirt.
Amae smiled politely. “Thank you, but I have no need for such items. Is your daughter present?”
He seemed a tad disappointed in the response, but did not spend too long stressing over it. “Kera is in the back tinkering with her musical box as usual.” He sighed. “I know not who she expects to take up the shop when I have become too old, but she should really put more effort into her smithing and less into that box.”
The goddess chuckled gently as she walked past and thanked him. There were a couple of rooms in the back where the two slept and a kitchen also. The hallway was dim, but she knew the young lady's room was the second on her left. Before entering she held her hands out and the harp that she had recently created appeared in her hands. When she reached the door she held out her hand and rapped on it a couple of times.
“Yes? Who is it?” A young girl's voice answered.
“It is me once more,” Amae's voice answered.
“Nomad? Please, come in!” She sounded awfully excited to see the visitor. Perhaps they were rare in the village? Or she just found a friend to share her love of music with.
Amae opened the door and in a small room with little in it sat a single girl upon a rather sturdy but also tough looking bed. She shared her father's skin tone, had her hair tied in a fountain-style ponytail and her head lowered as she quietly strummed the strings on what looked like a really old guitar. Though unsure if it were true, TJ's memories said it was called a chordophone? Or a lute? Despite her small build, her body was well toned-she wore a simple light brown t-shirt and a pair of hide shorts. Perhaps armour smithing had made her somewhat muscular like her father. Amae had focused on her fingers, many of them calloused from either wielding a hammer or from plucking the strings of her instrument.
“I have been practicing quite a lot but I have not quite come up with something that would make for a good song. That is not important though. What brings you here today nomad?” Kera asked as she gently plucked the strings a few more times, repeating the process and changing the ending slightly. She pursed her lips with a hint of frustration whenever she had not reached the desired sound.
“I had considered the possibility that you and I could perhaps play together? Together we may be able to complete your song.” The goddess answered with a smile.
The girl looked at her with a twinkle in her eyes and a bright smile. TJ was at a loss for words, his thoughts raced, but not a single one was coherent in the slightest. “Really?! I would love to play with you nomad!” She scooted over and made space for Amae to sit down with her on the bed. “With your help I may yet become a Bard.”
Amae beamed. “You will. I have no doubts in my mind.”
As the two solemnly began to play TJ's mind calmed down and the chaos was quelled, but he was in absolute and total shock. That young girl-that aspiring Bard...that Human from another time, long before he even existed...
Was him. Every feature, from her eyes to the contours of her face was his. But she was not him. He had the sneaking suspicion that he was her.
The Asgardian Duet: The First Act-Diligence
TJ sat in the chair of a kitchen inside a quaint little home. A couple of pictures were scattered about the walls, a single mahogany plaque with some writing that he could not understand, and he at the kitchen table eating a bowl of soup, made with tender loving care, courtesy of his guardian who was preparing more for any other visitors. She hummed gently as she stirred the soup within the pot and lifted the silver ladle to get a taste of it.
She licked her lips and gave it an approving nod. “Mm...a pinch more salt should do just fine.” She washed off the ladle and rummaged through a cupboard of spices and other such goods before drawing the desired item and sprinkling some into the soup. She began to stir it again and the boy put a spoonful in his mouth-he could not recall the last time he had soup(his modern self) but it was without a doubt delicious and nutritious. “You know little one,” She began, and the spoon remained in his mouth as his eyes wandered back to his guardian. “It might be best if you were a bit more cautious of the royal guard.” Though she had her back turned to him, he had the sense that she was smiling nonetheless-she always did. She turned to him and just as he suspected she did just that-both her mouth and eyes, her soft gaze both embracing and embarrassing him. “I'll never understand why they are so against you and Princess Peorth being together but adults will be adults, I suppose.”
She placed the lid on the pot and set the ladle aside before turning away from the stove and sitting in the chair across from him. His guardian was a country girl by the name of Yuna who ran a soup kitchen on the outskirts of Asgard's capital city. She was an average sized, slender girl with curly violet hair just barely tamed by a white bandana. She wore a yellow apron over a thick orange turtleneck sweater, crimson pajama pants and white bunny slippers.
“They were the ones that brought you to Asgard and yet they seem to think of you as a bad influence on the Princess.” She huffed slightly. “It's rather a shame that you do not speak little one. I've not the foggiest where you came from or what your name is-but I always find you back here.” She beamed. “I'd never thought that I would find a child out here in the wilderness but there you were-face down in the dirt with a grumbling stomach.” She laughed gently. “You plan on visiting the princess again today don't you? Be sure to come back safely and not to be caught by the guards.” He finished his bowl of soup and gave her an approving nod as his eyes twinkled. “It was good huh? I'm glad to hear that.”
She picked up the bowl and he hopped down from his seat to pick up a strunal mandolin with a leaf as big as he was tied around it. He lifted up the mandolin and slipped under the leaf before adjusting it. Just as he remembered himself from then, he wore the child-sized white gown, had his hair messy and short, and wore no shoes nor socks. His eyes had a shine to them that seemed to have dimmed over the years.
“Before you go take this with you little one.” She offered him a small pouch that was closed with a drawstring. “In case you get hungry. Now, come and give me a hug.” She knelt down and he ran over into a warm embrace. “Have fun, and be safe okay?” She let him go and he scrambled for the door, before unlocking it and rushing out into the world. The sun shone down upon the house hidden behind a fortress of trees and he stole a glance back before waving with both hands to his guardian, who solemnly waved back.
In truth, he seemed to lack expressions. Rather than in his face or his words(since he lacked them) he often expressed himself more through unusual actions. TJ cringed at the thought of what he would be like around Peorth, but felt a genuine curiosity what the young princess was like. He had caught a glimpse of the two in another memory, but he felt certain that he could speak...that is, before he exited that unusual gate he was in. Was Avaritia really sure that the Cerebians had something to do with his memory loss? If so, what could it have been?
TJ sprinted through the forest with skill and speed,-he hopped over roots and dashed through bushes. As he ran through the forest he caught glimpses of all sorts of forest animals, but not any that were like those on Midgard, to a certain degree. There were rabbit-like creatures that soared like flying squirrels, bugs larger than a typical dog with more eyes than fingers he had, and other mystical four-legged creatures that galloped or grazed in the forest. Was that what Asgard was really like? His only memory of it was when it was at war-a blanket of destruction, death and fire razed the lands, and no such creatures would be found on it. He felt a pang in his heart-this was the world he had failed to save. Could things ever be the same after what had happened?
The child broke free from the forest and followed a dirt road that lead right to the heart of the capital. Despite running for such a long period he did not seem tired out, and continued down the road as other travellers made their way also. Some rode on caravans pulled by fur-coated four legged beats, sporting tusks that protruded from within. Others walked while carrying rucksacks bigger than they were and some sporting a myriad of magical weapons while some were familiar to those on Jienda. As he neared the outer walls of the city he turned to see the guards that stood sentry at the entrance he had his eyes on and took a detour away from the main path. Over the wall he could see the city rising ever higher, and at the heart of it the World Tree standing tall and proud amidst the homes and shops of the people of Asgard. He came to an eventual halt at the wall and looked around cautiously before sidling along it towards a small patch of grass and leaves against it. He crouched down and pulled them all away, revealing a hole big enough for a small child to fit into, and immediately scrambled into it. After crawling around for a good ten to fifteen seconds he emerged on the other side of the wall and shook the dirt out of his hair before dusting off his gown. He was certainly resourceful in his younger days-if he could he would give himself a pat on the back.
The boy continued on towards the nearest house, seemingly avoiding the main roads that had a multitude of people and guards meandering through it. Placing himself against the wall he moved across it slowly before glancing around the nearest corner and deeming it safe enough to proceed. He broke out into a sprint down the cobblestone street and dove into an alleyway at the sound of a couple walking and talking. He remained hidden in the darkness next to a wanted poster with his face plastered on it, and though he had not the foggiest clue as to how much or just what currency it was that was on it, it definitely seemed to be a rather hefty amount. When the two had passed he glanced out once more and continued on, moving from one side of the street to the next, hiding within alleyways to be seen and heard as infrequently as possible. The sounds of the bustling people making their way to the upper echelons of the city caused him to remain on guard, but his journey would only get more difficult as he moved further in. He heard the sound of someone exiting their home as he moved forward and dove into another alleyway-the sound of something weighty being moved, perhaps trash immediately had put him on his full guard and he knew if he was to stay he would be in a predicament. Stuck between the city's wall and running into that person, he could only go up. He clenched his fists and two tiny wings spread out from his back before he turned to the wall. He sprinted towards it and ran a couple steps up the wall before leaping away from it, and rapidly fluttering his wings to give him some extra height. He grabbed on to the eaves of the roof and pulled himself up just barely, then let out a gentle sigh.
“Did you hear something?” The man carrying the trash asked.
“It's just your imagination,” A lady answered.
He was safe, for now. He looked upon the world before him, and noticed that he was not far from the inner wall of the city. After that there would be only one left, and from there to ascend Yggdrasil. He took a deep breath and dashed across the roof before taking a leap. He was quick and light on his feet, and with the help of his wings he could make the jumps with ease-but even so he still had to move cautiously in case someone caught a glimpse of him. He made his way towards the wall and jumped with all his might, which lead to a direct collision with it, but not one that would stop him. He flapped his wings as he struggled to climb the wall and finally managed to pull himself up. The distance between the wall and the next set of houses was far too great for him to leap across again. He turned around and hung from the edge of the wall before convincing himself to release, then desperately flapped his wings before he landed against the ground. His body remained frozen in place as the vibrations of the landing surged through him, and he collapsed to his side.
After a couple of minutes his body finally recovered and he managed to rise again. He steadily made his way forward into the street, and glanced around from the safety of the darkness. Though they were only side streets, the inner city ring was smaller than its outer counterpart, and thus the people and locations were much more tightly packed together. Luckily for him some alleyways were much easier to traverse, only blocked off by fences of wood and iron-the former much easier to climb over, but much more painful when he underestimated them. The sounds of a caravan passing through the streets and a pair of women gossiping caused his ears to perk up.
“Flying Squirrelopes for sale! Get 'em while they're nice and hot right here!” The voice of the vendor called out.
TJ's current self felt a hint of disgust at the idea of eating those mysterious creatures. Perhaps they were the equivalent of eating a cow or a fish on Jienda, but he could not bring himself to find that appealing by any stretch of the imagination.
The boy tiptoed through the alleyway and put his fingers through the holes of a fence before he climbed it and hopped to the other side. He now at the back of a house and the vendor steadily moving towards the front, he saw an opportunity to make a move. Stuck between a wall and the fence he just climbed, he was reluctant to climb the roof-it would allow for him to be easily spotted by anyone below. He would just have to stay out of sight. The sound of the wheels turning sent his mind into overdrive and he decided to act quickly and decisively. He stormed towards a pair of garbage bags and used them to give him an extra boost-he leapt from the pile and grabbed on to the railings of a balcony before awkwardly swinging across them to align himself with the oncoming vendor. As he saw the vehicle come into view he leapt towards it, his wings fluttering rapidly and allowing him to land with grace and little noise-the pitter-patter of his bare feet barely sounded across it as he leapt from it to the other alleyway and grabbed hold of a ladder to climb up and jump to the other side of the wall.
TJ was a tad closer to one of the main streets, and this one was bustling with people. In the past he was able to slip through the crowds without drawing too much attention to himself, but that also was a rather risky thing to do. His short stature did not draw much attention to him, thankfully. He caught a glimpse of an old, tattered hoodie thrown out amidst other trash and pulled it from the bin to disguise himself with it. It was much bigger than he had expected, and covered his entire torso and up to his knees, but it would have to suffice. He made his way into the streets, his peripheral vision blocked by the hood but his eyes remaining set on moving ahead. He could only see the legs and bottom half of the torsos of many of the people he bumped into and scrambled to avoid, but he still managed to make his way through the street with relative ease.
“Watch where you're going kid!” Someone hissed at him after he ran into their legs and nearly knocked them over.
“Where are your parents? Are you lost?” Another asked with a worried expression.
He shook his head and immediately set back out on his journey. Though it was tough to see he eventually came across a line-up of people waiting to get past the next checkpoint. He broke away from the crowd and made his way to one of the far ends of the walls, and arrived at his destination but found nothing there. The tunnel he had created previously had been discovered and filled. He turned his focus back to the people clamouring in the streets and at the gate and saw his opportunity there. Amidst them there was a caravan, and with the back wide open he could stow away within and get past the gate. He would just have to avoid being seen in the act, and more so caught after hiding within. He stepped out and walked along the street in the flow of people as he glanced around for a way to draw their attention. He caught a glimpse of some colourful birds nestled upon the eaves of a house and grabbed a rock as he continued to walk. He broke away from those heading towards the outer gate and joined those going in the opposite direction, his target in sight. He threw the rock with all his might and burst out into a sprint, eyes turning to him before they moved to the beating of wings and birds taking flight. He vaulted into the caravan and lifted the nearest box he could reach before climbing inside and hiding himself amidst the straw within, holding a jar more valuable than his life. He shifted it around so that he could reach the bottom and held the jar above his head to hide his hair. Muttering filled the crowd for a couple moments to break the silence for the usual uproar followed after. Shortly after the caravan moved forward and the voices of the guards made him realize that his time was indeed nearing. If he was caught now, he would definitely be in hot water.
“Halt there traveller. We need to inspect your vehicle before you go any further,” One of the two guards said.
“O-oh yes, of course. I am sure that you will find everything in order,” The merchant responded.
The footsteps of the guard followed around the side of the caravan and the sound of his metal greaves against the wood of the caravan made TJ's heart race. One by one the guard inspected the various boxes, each creaking and showing their age, and after a brief while he came to the one the child was hidden in. The light that shone within sent chills down his spine and his hands nearly started to tremble, but he remained still as a statue, his breath held for so long without preparation he feared he would find a way to suffocate himself. With a low grunt the guard close the box and eventually made his way across the others before stepping down and returning to his post. TJ let out a sigh of relief as the caravan started to move again into the innermost areas of the city.
He slowly and carefully opened the box to peek out and see if it was safe to come out. This area was where much of the nobility resided, and those with enough power to rub elbows with the most famous of people in Asgard. His disguise would do him no good since rarely anyone would wear such shabby clothes in this portion of the city, so once he deemed it safe he climbed out of the caravan and tossed it away. He took cover in an alleyway and gave himself a few moments for his heart to calm down. The area had fewer civilians, but an even greater number of guards that patrolled the streets. If any of the nobles saw him, they would not hesitate to call the guard on him, and they would all be on their guard. Seeing Peorth would be absolutely out of the question at that juncture. There were fewer alleyways and much more privately-owned land, which added even greater dangers and higher fences to climb. He took a breath. He had done this before, and the path he had mentally mapped out had yet to fail him. Perhaps he could rely on it once more?
He meandered off towards another patch of land near the wall's limits and lifted up a hunk of dirt from the ground. He quietly climbed into the hole and pulled the dirt back over to seal it back before he began to crawl again through a tunnel. It was dark, rather muddy and though he had not the foggiest of where in the area he was exactly he knew where he would reach his destination by one very specific fact. He would run into a wall, and he did just that. He raised both hands skyward and pushed the plot of dirt aside to climb out of the hole and replaced it shortly after. He wiped the dirt from his face and glanced around the area before his eyes locked with a pair of nobles having tea in a gazebo in their garden. Both looked horrified at the sight-his eyes did not move in the slightest, but his mouth opened ever so slightly. Unease washed over him.
The noble rose to his feet and shouted, “Guards!”
His wife stormed away from the gazebo as she screamed about an intruder in their garden.
He had come so far, and yet he was caught. He would have to move quickly. He ran towards the nearest hedge and saw a series of beautiful flowers growing in it. His current self recognized them-blue roses, and quite a lot of them at that. He leapt through the hedge and fought past branches and vines, emerging on the other side with cuts all across his arms and legs, and his gown ripped slightly, but he still persisted. He broke out into a sprint and turned the corner of the nearest hedge before making his way towards the fence and scrambling to the top. Once he reached the other side he climbed down until he reached a safe distance and jumped, landing safely and tumbling before rising to his feet and continuing with a sprint. He scrambled up a deck and climbed to the roof of a house before jumping from there and landing on a rope that was tied to a series of poles that lined the streets, each with a series of decorations from a recent festival. He nearly lost his balance but managed to continue along it, remaining out of the reach of the guard that pursued him from below. As he continued on he glanced down upon them once more with trepidation, and his foot slipped.
“Everyone your priority is to get the child alive! Don't let him escape!” The leader shouted to his other members. The boy removed his guitar from his back and closed his eyes tightly as his mouth opened slightly, a long drawn out note escaped his lips as he opened his eyes, both flickered to a deep blue. With a strum of his guitar his barrier manifested and stopped him before he hit the ground while forcing the surrounding guards away.
“M-magic?” One of them asked as the child was lifted to an upright position.
The barrier sparkled and took the form of a transparent golden sphere that surrounded his entire body. With another strum of his guitar it seemed to melt away and gather at his back as the guards began to approach, his eyes set on the World Tree. The traces of the barrier like tiny stars surrounded the child and gathered to his wings before causing them to shine a bright gold and release a ring of light that dazed everyone nearby. At that same moment he shot off into the sky and soared towards the tree, his body steadily descending as he neared it. Though still far from it, he landed in one of the side streets and continued sprinting from there, eventually emerging from the final ring of the city and making his way up the rolling hill towards where the Princess waited.
Most of the guards stationed around the tree had made their way down to quell the commotion, but not many stood around the surrounding areas of the trunk. Typically, one would follow the path directly towards Yggdrasil, since the palace managed a portal that would take one directly to the top. Attempting such a feat as a wanted criminal would easily end with him being caught, since it was heavily guarded on all sides. He instead opted out for making his way up the hill in a rather roundabout way to avoid detection, and climbed the tree from the back. The bark was tough on his hands, and the nearest branch was quite the distance away from him but he persisted nonetheless. Little by little he progressed ever higher, before finally reaching the first branch. Giving himself a moment to catch his breath he grabbed hold of the tree and began to make his way up again.
When he had finally reached the top the sky was dyed red and the sun was setting over the horizon. He would make it before nightfall. If it was him, he could do it-he believed that with all his might. Upon reaching the crown of the tree he glanced up before him, obscured by the branches he could see a myriad of flat bridge-like branches that lined the crown of the tree, and at the heart of it all an ornate silver gate with blue crystals embedded in the top of it. The Instance Dungeon that housed the manor that the princess he sought out resided in. He eyed the walkways and caught a couple of guards nearby across some of the others, but deemed his safe to cross. There were a myriad of them, all branching out to different ones leading to different places, some going over and under others, which made traversing it both difficult and amusing-mainly the former for those who patrolled, and the latter for the child.
TJ beat his wings as rapidly as he could before he leapt up to the bridge and landed light before going prone and making his way across, remaining hidden behind some of the giant leaves of the World Tree. It was a tad painful to do the action, since the nails on both his fingers and toes were damaged when he climbed the tree, but a small matter like that would not hold him back. He had come this far after all-he would persist no matter what it took. He ascended the walkway until he came on to a level where he could see all those that patrolled the others, and they him. The two he had been watching had their backs turned so he rose to his feet and moved forward quickly, then leapt to another walkway a short distance away from him, and a tad closer to the Instance at the heart of all of them. His wings began to flutter and he jumped a short distance to land on another before leaping up to the one above him. If he took that path, he would only have to make two short jumps to reach the final landing where the Instance was. He managed to pull himself up and caught one of the guards turning around. He only had a couple of seconds before the guard would lay his eyes on him.
The boy closed his eyes and muttered a couple of words before a tiny sphere of light emerged from his finger and shot towards the guard before bursting in his face and blinding him temporarily. The boy rose to his feet and jumped down to the next one before laying his eyes on the Instance Dungeon, currently guarded by a tall man and a young girl, the former clad from head to toe in armour in the palace's colours, and his companion wearing light leather armour. He a sheathed sword and shield on his back, and she a small wooden buckler and her a silver ball mace.
The young girl turned to him and her eyes widened for a moment. The bright blue irises shifted from him to her parent and as she tugged at her father's arm her snow white hair shifted and brushed against her face. “Dad! Dad! Look! It's God's Governor Alvaro!” She shouted with urgency, pointing in the opposite direction of TJ.
“R-really? Where?” He glanced off into the distance as he asked that question, and in response she hopped onto his back and pushed the visor of his helmet down. She leapt from his back and waved TJ over, offering a hand to pull him up as he jumped to reach where they were. With a single solemn nod he turned away from her and entered the gate as she waved and smiled. “Honestly Velvet, you know you shouldn't be playing around when we're on duty.”
She chuckled as she rubbed the back of her neck. “Hehe sorry Dad.”
He knit his eyebrows. “No more of that okay? You can do it when we get home as much as you like.”
TJ found himself on the other side of the gate, and his mind was abuzz. To think that he could utilize the Frequency prior to meeting Su, and regaining his memories...he found it even stranger that though he did not, or potentially could not talk, he was still able to perform incantations. Though then unlike now, he did it through what seemed to be a song...did he tap into his powers the same way that Amae and God Ah had made for the use of Humanity in the previous memory? His past self was a greater enigma than he could have imagined, and the further the memory went on the more puzzled by himself he felt.
The light began to fade and the boy gazed upon a garden that challenged visitors to find their way through a maze of hedges in order to get to the castle. Even if there were intruders, the guards that patrolled here too would likely find them before they could step anywhere near the castle. TJ moved forward into the maze as he recalled the pathways he had followed before. He immediately came to a fork and took a left, stopping somewhere within the path and placing his hands in to the hedge. As he pulled them apart a way for him to pass opened and he stepped through. He ran right towards a dead end and did the same thing, then reached the other side. He walked cautiously, and stopped before turning at the next fork. He spotted a clear path and continued onwards he turned another corner and saw a river that had a small bridge that towered over it, and upon the other side was a guard who had his back turned as he scouted the other direction. TJ moved as quickly and quietly as he could before he slipped into the water and paddled his way around the path the guard watched over. Luckily for him the river flowed through a tiny tunnel that lead further into the maze. Once again he was submerged in darkness as he made his way across, but he could see the light on the other side.
Upon reaching it he climbed out and shook the water off of him before he moved forward once more. He climbed through another part of the edge and uneasily tiptoed away from a guard who had just turned a nearby corner. He opened another path and glanced up to see the castle just on the other side of the hedge. He walked a few minutes to the right and eventually came to the exit, designated by the plastic arch that invited guests. He glanced around the corner and spotted two guards chatting away. He made his way back and moved a fair distance away before searching the hedge for a place he could climb through. Most of it had too many branches that would get in his way, but time was ebbing away and he did not want to spend the rest of daylight searching for a way through. He awkwardly clambered past branches and leaves and came out on the other side, closer to one of the ends of the castle.
The sounds of battle caught his attention and he made his way around to see what was going on. There was a swordsman training warriors near the castle in a small arena of dirt. Most of them young boys and girls on the cusp of becoming teenagers, wielding wooden swords and shields and battling it out. TJ looked on in awe, and amidst them there was one that he recognized-both past and present versions of himself. Without a doubt it was Straw Hat, clad in leather armour just like the others and duking it out with one of the other boys. When he had disarmed his opponent he took off his helmet and grinned before helping the boy to his feet. As he went to reclaim it, he caught a glimpse of TJ watching the others and approached his teacher. The two spoke for a couple of moments and the teacher made an angry expression before scolding the boy and sending him off. He came around the corner and approached TJ.
“It's you again. I'm surprised you made it here without the guards catching you!” He grinned a toothy grin, one of the many missing. “The princess has been looking out the windows all day. She's probably waiting for you to show up.” He smiled. “She'll be happy to see you, but definitely mad that you're so late.” He wiped his forehead with his arm and sighed. “Anyway, I opened one of the windows so you could get in without having to get past the guards. I can give you a boost up there if you like, but you're gonna have to jump. You're not scared are ya'?” TJ rapidly shook his head. “Good. Better get a running start, and do it quickly!” Straw Hat stepped with his back to the wall and cupped his hands together while TJ took a few steps back. He sprinted towards the young man and placed a foot in his hands before the warrior hurled him up to the window, a look of surprise filled his eyes before he covered both. “And borrow some panties from the princess will you?!” He hissed under his breath.
As he scrambled up the window sill and into the castle, his modern self remained silent. He had no comments for what had occurred, but he prayed with all his might that he would forget it. He found himself in the castle's corridor, magnificent paintings were interspersed across the walls and the floor had busts, statues and suits of armour once worn in the past and now solemnly stood sentry protecting the current generations of the royal family. A crimson carpet with gold lining was spread out across the whole corridor and magnificent chandeliers hung from the roof-some gold, some silver and some with more unusual designs, such as a tree shape. He silently made his way down the path, glancing around at the faces that looked back at him-people he had never seen before, perhaps heroes of old and previous generations of Peorth's family. But he was not here for them-he had come to see the princess and that was all.
The sound of a door opening nearly caused him to jump out of his own skin but did cause him to take cover behind a bust and the pedestal it rested upon as one of the caretakers of the castle walked by muttering obscenities about the head chef. As the danger passed he re-emerged and pressed onward, eventually moving to another part of the corridor that looked much more familiar. At the other end of the hall he saw a pair of maids walking through and he immediately hid at the side of a suit of armour. As they approached he walked around from the side to the back to remain out of their view as they walked and talked.
“...has been studying very well.” One of the two said.
“The girls have been working very well together. Freya seems to have a better grasp of language than her sister though...” The other replied.
TJ ignored the conversation and went on, quickly and quietly. He passed by a myriad of doors, and though he had not the foggiest what awaited within he knew the princess' room was nearby and he was determined to get there. After a while of walking down the hallway he turned one last corner and saw the door to where she was. He swallowed hard and made his move. Upon reaching the door he opened it quickly and carefully before getting in and closing it after him.
The room was everything he could imagine it to be-a lovely canopy bed with transparent blue curtains, a wall with a picture of the previous queen upon it, a desk fit for a princess and a comfortable chair to accompany it-with said princess sitting upon it wearing a surprised look to boot. A bookshelf with a variety of books ranging from politics to royal etiquette, and even a love seat for her to spend some quality time with her parent.
Peorth herself wore a dark green gown with gold trimmings and the Asgardian herald emblazoned on the back. Upon her head was a golden coronet with a sapphire embedded in it, and upon her hand a ring that her mother had given to her-a family heirloom. The young girl's piercing sapphire eyes appraised him for a few moments, and his deep brown eyes stared back blankly.
“You've...you've come! I hadn't thought I would see you since the guards last took you away but you are still well! This is good news!” She excitedly said as she approached him and took his hands. “But you are hurt all over, covered in dirt and you even have leaves in your hair.” She reached out and picked the leaves before tossing them away. “I envy you a little bit...” She said before holding her hands out to him. A gentle glow surrounded them and was transferred to him, healing his wounds slightly. “I too, would like to leave the castle and see the city without an escort. To go on exciting adventures like you have...but my studies are important also. Thanks to them I can heal you like I did now...and I've learned what the roles of a princess are and how to act and speak with grace, among other things. I'm sure you have your share of difficulties also...but I do envy you.” She shook her head. “Let's not talk about something so negative, shall we? So, pray tell, have you been practicing? I would love to hear you speak for the first time!”
The boy nodded affirmatively and her eyes twinkled.
“Really? Have you had any success thus far? How many words have you learned?”
He stared at her blankly and her expression clouded over slightly.
“Is that so? Quite the shame but it is not your fault. Since you've come all this way I shall teach you! I feel that we were rather close to success upon your last visit, so shall we try again?” He nodded and she smiled. “Fantastic! Then let us begin.” She took his hand and sat him down next to her on the couch. “Let's start with my name then. Say it with me: Pay-orth. Simple, no?” His mouth opened slightly but nothing came out. “Once more. Pay-orth.”
He opened his mouth again and his lips formed the words, the first of the two sounded. “P-pay...”
The princess looked ecstatic. “I knew you could do it if you tried! You are so very, very close! Do not give up yet!”
For the first time his expression actually changed. His eyes sharpened, he looked focused and his eyebrows were tightly knit. The moment of truth was rapidly approaching. “Pay...Pay...”
“Yes, yes almost there! Just a little more!”
He clenched his eyes tightly and his fists also, the princess looked like she was going to fall out of her seat due to sheer expectation. “Pay...” He took a deep breath-she waited in bated breath. “Pe-pe.” He finally said and his expression defaulted.
“...Hmm?”
“Pe-pe.” He answered.
She was smiling. The current TJ wanted to karate chop his past self for that embarrassment. The look on Peorth's face was indeed a smile, but it was oddly devoid of joy. The aura she emitted was intense enough for him to feel the disappointment in the air.
Suddenly she let out a chuckle and the tension seemed to fade. “You are quite the character. Perhaps it might be a little too soon for you to learn to speak again, but we will do our best together. I know that you can do it...I've heard it myself after all, and I won't give up on you because you are a dear friend to me. That and...” She shook her head, her vigour renewed, she looked at him with a glint in her eye. “A princess is an important figure to the people! I will see this as practice for my duties also! Come, come sit here. I shall teach you everything from the ground up! Oh but this is a little advanced...” She sat him down in the chair at her desk and hurried over to her bookshelf before pulling a myriad of books from it. As he watched her excitedly prepare for their study session, his vision slowly blurred and faded away, returning TJ to his body in the current time.
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