Mona and the others arrive with Eric to Alberdos, passing through the gates. Eric decides that instead of going to Evaline they go to Morosbo, the living quarters of Eric rarely used. Athon helps mona and the others slowly settle in, and Mona receives his first set of items.

The return trip back to Alberdos was much shorter. Without the bath maidens forcing the caravan to slacken, the Lion Creation was able to make it back to the gates of the Alberdos Empire in a mere two days. Mona had watched as the sun rose and fell with the moon, each day trying to discern something new from the Bubble.

Although he had managed to ultimately memorize one entire section of the Bubble's designs, there were 36 sections to it all. Also, Mona didn't know much beyond the basics to tell what the designs were. He couldn't find any traces of the elemental Designs in the ones he learned. As for his Aura training, he wasn't able to rise in Aura at this time.

For some strange reason, Mona wasn't able to reach level 9 as an Aura Mortal. It was as if there was an invisible barrier protecting the ninth Mortal Curse blockage in his right arm. No matter how many times he assaulted the wall, it didn't show signs of ending.

Perhaps the Faulkner Library will have an answer. Mona had been waiting for the day he could enter the library of the Faulkner family. Many noble families collected or had accumulated books, creating libraries of their own. Mona wasn't able to learn all from his father's stores, and any of those books are likely now ash. Only through the Faulkner Library could he fill the gaps in his knowledge.

Mona watched as the desert region slowly began to show signs of life, or rather the Lion Creation was quickly reaching back towards a fertile region. The once lifeless sand was slowly replaced by shrubbery and grassland, a color that reminded Mona of Rosalin. Did Rosalin still have its magnificent collection of plants? Mona wasn't sure at all.

The Lion glinted in the noon sun, shining as it finally reduced its pace near the wall of Alberdos. Mona, seated in the eyes of the Lion Creation, could see the guards atop the massive wall looking back at the Creation. It didn't seem as if they could tell he was there.

The wall showed no end or beginning, reaching high into the sky. From what Mona could tell, this wall was made of Formations and building material, and stood at least 50 feet high. Moreover, one could see elaborate figures drawn into the wall, depicting various Alberdan scenes and stories. Such an architectural creation was a sign of an Empire's strength. Leafwind was far from this level of design.

The Lion Creation bore the insignia of the Faulkner family on its arched back, earning the Faulkner caravan easy passage. Mona watched as the large dark iron gates were drawn back, the clink of the chains reverberating across the landscape. The Lion quickly entered before dashing in a different direction. Behind, the eastern gates of Alberdos were shut once again, guards patrolling the walls with sword in hand.

Mona felt a slight shift in his pocket, and knew this was the Transmitting Creation Eric had given him. To make matters of long distance conversation easier, Mona was given a Transmitting Creation to speak with Eric and Athon over duties. Injecting the small device with his Aura, Mona listened.

"Come to my quarters." The order Eric gave was brief and to the point. Mona slowly learned of Eric day by day, of his thriftiness in spending and words, and his own nuances. Such as now, where Mona was asked to come to Eric's quarters without being told where they were. Eric expected his subordinates to simply know, and Mona found no problem with this.

As Mona descended from the stairwell of his room, he noticed Mithal and the others strewn across the room, studying various books given to them by Athon. Mona had manage to gain them a set of books on the disciplines he wanted Reithar and the Varlier brothers to try. These books may have been the mere basics, but Mona did not disturb their concentration and left.

His footsteps ricocheting across the empty hall, Mona quickly asked a servant to guide him to Eric's quarters. Pass the commander mess hall and down two staircases, Mona made his way to Eric's chambers in the chest of the Lion.

Mona entered the room, his steps neither slow or fast. He stayed within a certain rhythm, and had made a motion to bow to Eric. The latter refused Mona, to which Mona sat beside Aethon as they waited for Eric to speak.

"We aren't going to Evaline, to my father. Instead, we will go to Morosbo. There, I will settle much more comfortably." Eric looked at his subordinates and spoke with indifference.

"Didn't Lord Faulkner ask of us to go to the manor?" Athon wasn't sure why Eric was taking this route instead. Eric's father had sent word for them to return to the Faulkner manor upon return to Alberdos, but instead Eric was having the caravan go to Morosbo, the lone estate Eric was willing to own.

Morosbo was a shorter distance from the eastern Alberdan gates than Evaline, but was also fairly smaller. Although the city had branches of many important powers, it was a rather insignificant town to stay in.

"Trust me Athon. I have my reasons." Eric moved to silence Athon. He didn't want to come in contact with his father, at least in person.

Eric had long suspected his father was watching him closely. This only gave Eric greater suspicions as to what Rigor was hiding. The bath maidens were the newest ploy of his to spy on me. Father has made it clear. He did something to Mother. He did.

"As for you Mona, I hope you have acquainted yourself with the majority of the main leaders of the caravan. They are below you in command, so if you need help, just ask them." Eric spoke calmly with Mona, a hint of a smile on his lips. He wanted to see just how helpful could this bet be. This bet of protecting Mona Aurum against the Merister royal family.

Mona nodded. He understood Eric was looking out for him and the others, and appreciated Eric's kindness. At the moment he may not be able to repay him, but Mona remembered that when the chance arose he had to help Eric, even if he died. After all, without Eric's intervention his days would have likely ended in Darkthorn Prison, then and there.

"When we reach there, Athon, guide Mona around. It's best he knows where everything is located, from my chambers to the mess hall." Eric smiled as he gave out his orders.

*****

"Alright, we're here." Eric rose up once the Lion halted its steps. After doing so, he returned back to the command center, retrieving the white Aura stone. Its size was slightly smaller, but its radiance was quite great as Eric placed it carefully into his pocket.

Mona joined Athon as they followed the crowds of soldiers and servants leaving the Creation. Their belongings would be brought by other servants and taken to their rooms. Such was the benefit of being a leader in Eric's caravan.

When Mona stood outside of the Lion, he took in a deep breath as he gazed upon the landscape. The vastness overwhelmed him.

Mona gazed at a massive rock face in front of him, a dark red color forming what seemed to be the top of a small plateau. The manor of Eric Faulkner was built partially into the side of this plateau, seemingly harnessing the energy of the earth to power something inside of the buildings. The estate was surrounded by carefully designed brick walls and steel gates. A path led from the Faulkner manor to the small city of Morosbo below. Down a gentle slope, a city grew among a few spaced homes, streets made of cobblestone. Mona could see as people went to and fro along the streets, occasionally protected from the sun by dark brown rooftops. Apparently the Morosbo city dwellers used portions of the plateau to build their homes.

"The land of Morosbo was once a massive lava plateau. A disciple of the legendary Madrag made this plain in the plateau, and trained here to his end. The land supports the training of Fire Arts, and shortens training time." Athon quickly referenced something he read in the Imperial Academy Library on the region, watching as Mona took another gaze of the entire scene.

Mona crouched to pick a small flower, holding it carefully in his hands. The land was spotted with these small crimson flowers, tips the color of honey and stems a rough brown red. Scorched Sunshine. Such a rare medicinal plant actually grew common here.

"Let's go, Mona. There will be enough time to study the land later." Athon gestured for Mona to follow, waiting for the youth to be beside him as they entered Eric's estate.

Mona and Athon walked along a wide pathway, made for two carriages to enter and leave side-by-side. Mona could see a small orchard in the distance, small green fruits growing ripe. Under Athon's guiding hand, Mona was shown the exterior of the manor.

"That is the Everbloom Orchard. That right there is the entrance to the Meditation Rooms of the plateau. Here is the Doctor's Den." Athon pointed in various directions, giving Mona time to learn the path. He didn't seem to mind Mona's occasional questions.

"Den? why is it called a den?" Mona was confused. Shouldn't it be called something else?

"We'd like to call it an office, but the doctor is also the veterinarian for our Beasts."

"He keeps his favorite Beasts with him in there. Thus, we call it a Den." Athon took Mona to the stables, slowly quickening his pace. Mona followed in suit before the two made their way into the manor.

Past two sets of doors, Mona took notice of the large courtyard that greeted him. In the center was a roofed seating arrangement, made for Eric to meet guests outside. From that area, five different paths led to different doorways of the estate.

"The first doorway leads to the servant quarters. The second leads to the mess hall. I suggest you stock on Pyre Buns when possible." Athon gestured to the two doorways, Mona making a mental note of each.

"The third doorway is where you will likely find your friends, as this is the guest quarters. Eric decided to have Jaspen stay with your group for the time being. The fourth doorway leads back to the front entrance of the manor."

And the fifth doorway leads to the administration building. Many of us call this place the Head. As we are the closest aides of Eric, we reside there along side him for the majority of the day. Occasionally, we will do assignments that last at most a day, but usually we are left to ourselves. Any questions?" Athon turned around, looking at Mona.

Mona looked at the manor with its elegant tranquility. "Where is the Faulkner Library?" Mona had hoped that maybe this place led to the library. If he could find his answers, it could guarantee his life later own.

"I think it's best you ask Eric about that. As you can tell, the Faulkner Library isn't here. Only Eric knows." Athon had never asked for entry into the Faulkner Library as he didn't have much of a reason. His education at the Alberdan Imperial Academy had taught him enough to reach an Aura Lord. What remained was his talent and dedication. As he was an alumni of the school, he could easily return to privy their libraries any day. There was no need for Athon to bother Faulkner for his family's library.

So be it. I'll ask him soon. Mona turned back to Athon. "Thank you, Athon."

"There's no need. Welcome to Morosbo." Athon returned pleasantries with Mona, and steadily made his way to the mess hall. Mona knew what he was likely after. Pyre buns? Are they really that good? He instantly thought of Aeron stuffing his face with Pyre Buns and his smile couldn't help but grow.

Entering the Head, Mona found a rather petite servant willing to guide him to his chambers. Past a set of windows and small sculptures, Mona was led by the maid to a room near a stairwell. He thanked the servant before making his way inside.

The room was neither extravagant nor plain. The color pattern was a dark green with a dark brown, with the furniture being a bed, a desk, among other things. To Mona's left there was a small bathroom, a small pile of towels set on the near the sink. To his front a door led outside to a backyard consisting of a patio and open space. A pair of stained glass windows let in colorful light. Mona liked the atmosphere of the room, serene and peaceful like a forest.

Mona stepped outside to the patio, sitting in the lotus position on the patio. He was beginning to enjoy this room.

"I can probably see the moon from here." Mona remembered the affect the moon had on his Lunar Tattoo. If he could use it to ascend levels once more, patio was perfect for training in moonlight. The open space meant if he wanted he could try his hand at growing medicinal plants. Perhaps Reithar could benefit from that.

Stimulating his Aura Core, Mona could feel the strands of red Aura hovering near it. He had made up to 80 strands of red Aura, yet the congested meridian in his right hand refused to be cleared.

Don't tell me that I need higher grade Aura? Mona understood that the Bubble treasure had both a refining and a storage capability. As to how strong the refining ability was, Mona wasn't sure. He didn't know how to store items into the Bubble either. Such a marvelous treasure, and he only knew possibly two of its uses.

Mona formed another red strand of Aura, the total strands now reaching eighty-one. The large string slammed against the ninth Mortal Curse blockage. The wall only repelled all the red Aura, unfazed. Just what is stopping me? As to what that something was, Mona didn't know.

Mona guided his consciousness back to the Bubble treasure. Before he had learned four Designs, or rather he memorized four Designs. There were 36 sections, and that meant a total of 144 Designs. He sat down mentally in another region of the Bubble, studying a portion of each new Design to commit it to memory. One day either he found someone that could decipher these drawings, or he would learn himself.

After all, if such a treasure as the Bubble can be created from these Designs, what would the value of knowing how to use each Design be? Creators were prized worldwide in Deifor. Mona understood that meant learning these Designs could be very beneficial.

When Mona returned to reality, he realized that the sun had already begun to set. It was midday since he arrived, yet he hadn't had a meal since the night before. Although Aura could satisfy his hunger on the short term, Mona wanted a chance to talk with Mithal, Aeron and Reithar. After all, they were all supposed to work together towards becoming free men and helping one another towards their goals.

Mona didn't mind being under Eric's wing, but he knew he couldn't stay there forever. The world was large, and his dreams were great. But before his dreams he had to avenge the dead, and his family as well. Mona hadn't receive any word of Oscar or Valence. Chances were they passed away while attempting to escape, leaving Mona to gain vengeance on their behalf.

The road to the pinnacle was filled with loss and grief, but Mona's mutual hatred of the Alberdos Empire was likely to hinder him as well. Unless he rid himself of this thorn, it would only grow larger and pierce deeper into his side. Who would know what would happen if Mona made his way to another country; the Alberdan Empire might even send assassins. Such a grudge had to be removed lest it ended his life early.

I can't rush things. First, I must become an Aura Warrior. Then I need to find a backer. Eric can't be the only one.

Mona understood that the more supporters he had, the more difficult it would be for Alberdos to send him to his grave. Only during this time could Mona grow formidable enough to topple an empire.

Knock, knock, knock.

Moan motioned towards the room entrance, locking the door to the patio behind him. Upon opening it

he found a servant standing in the hallway, a large box beside him.

"Greetings, sir. I have brought the items you have requested." The thin male servant spoke humbly in front of Mona as he carried the box in.

"Did the others receive their materials?" Mona had conversed with Athon on gaining a few supplies for Reithar, the Varlier brothers and himself. This servant should be knowledgeable about the other deliveries.

"Already compete, sir." The servant placed the box next to Mona's chests, before excusing himself away.

Mona turned to the large wooden crate in front of him. He opened the lid, placing the items atop his bed. Using the moonlight and candles to see, Mona connected the various parts together.

Looking at his creation, Mona sighed. I still remember.

White as pure Aura.

Red as Scorched Sunshine.

Orange as a Magnificent Sorrow.

Yellow as a Pining Bird.

Green as a Rosalin Vine.

Blue as a Dark Bliss Fish.

Indigo as a Nightshadow Leopard.

Violet as a Hissing Frog.

Black as a Cosmic Python.

And I, the Painter, to create a lifetime.

The words Mona's mother had taught him echoed in his mind. Tears fell from his eyes, leaving a stain on the floor. Even when he was 3, Mona made sure to remember these words. Who knew they would return to this day.

By painting, I'll be beside you. Every brush, every stroke, every dab. Don't forget, Mona. I'm always here.

Mother, I haven't forgotten. Mona wiped away his tears, putting down the 9 tins of paint. Each carried one of nine colors, and together made the beauty of imagination come true.

Mona lifted a clean canvas out of the crate, setting it on his easel. His movements were quick and fluid, for he had never dared to forget them.

Mona pulled out a single brush, looking at it as he held it in his left hand. I still got it.

Mona prepared to start painting, but decided to take easel and all to the patio. Setting the table from inside beside him on the patio, Mona pried open the nine lids and arranged the paints to his left.

Mona looked at the moon, a waning gibbous greeting his eyes. A few stars hung in the sky, splotches of dust hanging in outer space.

I have to capture that moon. Using the brush tip, Mona dipped his brush into the black paint, swiftly creating an oval the size of the moon on paper. He dipped in the yellow to add the beginning of each star.

Mona felt something calm his heart coming from his hand. This feeling reminded him of many things. Of not letting go. Of not losing his way. Of not forgetting his mother's words.

Depth. Color. Shade. The paintbrush arced across the canvas, flicks of paint glistening across its surface. Mona's speed only grew, his left hand dipping the paintbrush rapidly.

I am the brush, the brush of my lifetime. The canvas glistened with oil paint, growing ever closer to becoming the starry sky.

The feeling from before grew deeper, bring Mona into a state of silence. His breathing could not be heard as his hand skimmed back and forth across his painting. Under Mona's hands, the oil paints began to unveil the heavens.

The moon must be the moon, the stars must be the stars. Mona focused more on the moon, adding great detail of its surface. The stars were given careful strokes to emphasize their distance and brightness.

Mona looked at his painting, enjoying every moment. He wasn't sure what was the cause for the sensation of his hands, but he didn't check. He was too focused on painting to examine his hand.

Stroke followed stroke on the canvas, Mona standing near the easel. Occasionally he looked up in the sky, refreshing his view of the cosmos.

The sky grew darker, and Mona followed in suit. Incorporating black oil paint, his painting easily became that of the night sky.

A knock came at Mona's door, but he didn't answer. To him, the painting came first. He didn't want to lose this grand feeling of enlightenment.

After another set of knocks followed by a call of his name, the person left. Mona heard their footsteps but showed no signs of stopping. The night sky was nearing completion at his hands.

One young man stood on a patio, using his heart to create the beauty of nature. His hand did not slacken one bit as the canvas grew heavier with each stroke. Little dabs and strokes added up, the canvas covered with layers of paint.

Sweat fell from Mona's body, forming a small puddle before him. His eyes grew fanatical as he continued, his speed increasing once again. If one was watching, they would realize they couldn't tell when Mona switched the color he was using. It seemed his brush was in all nine tins at the same time.

Channeling his Aura, Mona urged his body to go on. Receiving the boost he needed may have hastened the speed he would tire, but he didn't care. Sweat ran down his temples and into the puddle as Mona's eyes grew ever focused on the intricacies of his painting.

Noticing a single dot was off color, Mona turned towards the small area for the right shade of red. His hands created a lifelike painting, every inch showcasing his talent.

A single moon hung in the sky. Surrounding it, several pairs of stars danced around it. The vastness of space and the astral objects it contained seemed eternal. And Mona managed to contain it all.

Mona's movements stopped, the brush set on the easel. He looked at the painting that carried the cosmos and sighed. I'll call it Lucid Night. The only problem is it's...not good enough.

To make a good painting was harder than simply painting. Mona looked at his painting with fresh eyes, finding a few hidden errors. Although minute, a true Painter of Saint rank could still see Mona's flaws. To them, Mona's painting was too amateur.

Also, Mona's items were too low quality. If he had a finer brush and a better set of paints, perhaps his canvas would be more awe inspiring. With his current setup, the only people he could amaze were mortals.

Mona knew there were many ways to assail the seas and heavens and beyond. A feeling told him to attempt painting his way to the peak. This feeling only grew the longer he thought of it. He finally came to a conclusion.

"My life shall be the ink, my actions the brush, the world my canvas. That is how I will ascend beyond the heavens!" Mona strengthened his resolve, paintbrush in hand. This was his way of reaching the pinnacle.

His way of treading the lands, skies and cosmos. One stroke, one brush of paint at a time. Closing the lids, Mona left the painting to dry as he went to the bathroom to wash his brush. The feeling of pleasure from his left hand disappeared without hinting at its source.

Mona returned to his painting, moving it inside after finding it dry. After folding up his easel, he carefully hanged up his painting to remind him to paint. If he didn't practice, he wouldn't become better. That he understood.