Chapter 3

The Departure

No matter the bravado with which Meredith had made her declarations, or the swiftness with which she’d made her decision, departure wasn’t as simple as just leaving the next day. Eddie saw to that.

“One week,” he declared to her, holding up a finger the following morning. She blinked at the time, unsure what he was saying until he held out a package of food from his diner. “There’s no way we can be prepared for everything out there so quickly. I know you want to get moving, but honestly, Mera, we need some prep time, just like a good meal.”

She dismissed it at the time, too focused on eating, but halfway through working on a crane lift in the garage, pulling out some dead wires, she realized he was absolutely right. She had knowledge of the trials, but with Eddie at her side, it was more than her, and required a plan.

Her parents (and Eddie’s, she soon came to understand) were well ahead of her that night at dinner, with her father slamming down the map he’d been looking at just the previous night. Eddie, who’d joined them for dinner this night to announce his own intentions, lunged across to grab it and pull it close to them.

“I figured you’d need something to help you navigate the wilds before you,” Richard said, winking to his daughter. Tipping the peas from her plate to her mouth, Meredith grinned at her father’s complete and silent understanding of her decision. Both her parents knew she was going to be leaving and dragging Eddie along for the ride.

“You’re the best, dad,” Meredith said. He laughed, but she ignored it in favor of leaning close to Eddie and poring over the map.

The first thing to notice were the markings, made as red circles and blue circles, combined with dots and dashes. She didn’t need the legend her father had scrawled on the older map to know what all it meant.

“So, this is the Metropolis,” Eddie pointed out, as if it wasn’t obvious. His finger was placed on the northernmost (and largest) blue circle. “We should probably consider that a general restocking point. Center of the world type of deal.”

“Sure,” Meredith agreed, leaving the planning for supplies to someone who’d lived his whole life doing so. She wasn’t as interested in that. Instead, she connected the dots of the red circles, six in all, scattered around the map.

Taking in the bigger picture, Meredith could see the various landmasses. North of Lumarina was the Frostland, site of the nearest trial, while just to the northwest of that, looping around an expanse of what was probably a lake or crater, was the aptly named Desert Loop. That eventually deposited travelers near the Metropolis (and the Trial of Power) which rested before the mountain range, cutting them off from everything beyond, to the north.

Less connected were the two larger landmasses that had blue circles on them, representing the Magic State of Lacardia and, even further east, the well-fortified base of the Guardian Corps (with another red circle near it). There were also the smaller archipelagos of islands south of Lacardia, but Meredith soon focused on the ocean route between the Magic State and the north of the Metropolis: a likely snowier path that eventually dipped southwest to where more settlements and two trial sites lay.

With all that information in her head, Meredith made a quick decision, pointing to a different spot on the map: Frostfall Cavern, straight to the north.

“That’s where we’re heading first for the trial. It’s the closest, and we’ll be able to stock up sooner than later. The more rested we are, the more likely we are to earn an S-Rank on the trial!” Meredith said with triumph. Eddie backed off from the map to eat more of his own meal, looking at her with his head tilted and his eyebrow quirked.

“Rank?”

“Every trial-goer is ranked,” Meredith’s mother said. “There are five ranks: S, A, B, C and D, with S as the highest. Think of it as a way for the Corps to see who is most fit to become a Guardian of note. Even back in my day, they held this practice, though your father and I were quite middling. Never got above an A-Rank on any of the trials…well, and we never completed them.”

“I’m not too worried about that,” Meredith said in response. She leaned back, propping her feet on the table as she put an arm around Eddie. “With this guy by my side, we’ll S-Rank all of ‘em!”

“That’s gotta be hard, though, right? Can’t take it lightly,” Eddie said. She grinned at him.

“I’m not. But I’m not gonna let Ray outrank me. From his letters, he scored nothing but A and S-Rank on all his trials.”

“Well, he is my son, and I trained him just like you. Combined with his own magic, he had enough of a head start. I’m sure you’ll be just fine, too,” Evelyn said. Meredith’s mother leaned over and swept her daughter’s feet from the table, all while Eddie was plotting a route from Lumarina to Frostfall with a pencil. “Just have to look after each other, and not set your expectations too high. The only Guardians known to have ever made S-Rank on every trial were the Big Three and the Corps’ Chief Commander, Marcus.”

“That man’s a capable one,” Richard agreed. “Raymond sings his praises in letters, when he sends them.”

“Of course, he does!” Meredith said, slamming her feet to the floor and standing. Eddie rolled up the map in silence. “Next to Commander Masters, Marcus is the coolest there is. With his trusty blade at his side and his Light-Speed Magic that makes him stronger than even the greatest beasts out there, he’s the pinnacle of the Corps. Maybe we’ll even get to meet him!”

“Get your head out of the clouds, Mera. Let’s focus on making it to the first trial before even thinking of meeting the leader of the Corps. You kind of have to get in first.”

Eddie’s words were an unwanted, but needed, slap to reality. From that moment, with the trials now more than just a far-off light in the distance, Meredith poured her mind into preparing for that journey. Whether it was packing clothes that would help for the journey ahead (in a town where finding winter clothes was a struggle), or the preparation of food, or even just running maintenance on her sword to make sure it wouldn’t break down, she tried to plan for everything.

The latter activity was something her mother took note of during the final sparring session they held in the late afternoon before departure.

“I see you’ve made the blade resistant to the elements,” she said, kicking at her daughter. Meredith ducked, swinging her blade around and expanding it in an instant. Her mother jumped backed to avoid it before solidly landing on her foot and kicking for the hand holding it. Meredith answered that with a leg lifting high, causing the two to clash.

“Well, can’t have it rust or grow dull on me. Plus, if the mechanism doesn’t work right, I’m without a weapon. I can’t rely on Eddie’s magic for everything,” Meredith told her mother with a grunt. Evelyn looked impressed enough, and pulled back, putting an end to their training.

“Well said, Mera.” Meredith retracted her blade just in time for her mother to ruffle her hair, causing it to spill out of its bun. “You’ll make a fine Guardian yet. Now come on, nothing will say departure like a good meal.”

“Yes!” Her mother’s words invigorated her and Meredith rushed off, showering from her training and making her way back for the kitchen soon after. For a brief moment, she paused at the door to the garage, looking inside it. One skyship was sitting there; a lesser civilian craft that had come in late that afternoon. Other than that, it seemed lonely and quiet. She placed her hand against the door. “I’m going to miss all of you, but…I know this is right.”

With a tap to the door, she left once more for the kitchen, feeling like she was receiving a kindly whisper that said the garage would miss her, too.

That feeling increased tenfold upon arriving in the kitchen to find it full of not only her parents and Eddie, but quite a few others as well. From Eddie’s parents in the background with their son, to the apprentice mechanics at the family garage, each grappling over a piece of the roast before them. The biggest surprise was Captain Clive, standing underneath a bright red banner with the words “Best Wishes” splashed across it. In fact, he was the first to step forward after the cry of greeting.

“So, Little Meredith is leaving for the trials, after all,” he said, a smirk across his face. Some of the room quieted while Meredith came to stand even with him. Neither said anything. Then, the captain held his hand out. “Well, we’ll see how far you make it. You’re always still welcome in Lumarina.”

“Yeah, well, I won’t be coming back. Next you’ll hear of me and Eddie, we’ll be front news for joining the Corps!” Meredith retorted.

“Yeah, sure, Mera. Now eat up; can’t have us taking our first step on an empty stomach,” Eddie said. Meredith laughed loudly and turned with the captain to the table, ready to eat. Their own actions didn’t preclude Eddie’s own parents from taking him and hugging him tight.

“Oh, look at our boy! Finally leaving the nest!”

“Just make sure you find what it is you’re looking for! We’ll hold down the restaurant in the meantime, when you return a hero.”

“Mom, dad, I already deal with Mera’s head in the clouds; I don’t need it happening to you, too.”

“You take that back, Eddie!” Everyone laughed at that, digging into the food that Eddie’s own parents had prepared for the going-away party. The warm meal settled into all of them, and as the night wound on, no one dared to deny Meredith when she placed a foot on the table and declared loudly, “I’m going to clear all the trials and become a Guardian. Everyone in Lumarina, watch me! When I return, you’ll all remember me!”

Those had to have been the words everyone remembered when they left the party or passed out at the kitchen table. Meredith returned to her own bed, dreaming of all the paths before her, and the whispers that told her she’d be fine every step of the way. All in all, it was restful, and when she woke in the morning, there wasn’t an ounce of lethargy in her body.

Dressing herself in a pair of loose-fitting jeans, a pale colored t-shirt and vest, while throwing her usual mechanic’s overalls into her bag, Meredith looked herself over. She felt ready. It was time for her journey. Knowing that, she swiped her blade, attaching it to her belt. The pager left on her desk was of no use, but she swiped at least the picture, knowing it would remind her of home. Looking it over, she mimicked the look of euphoria that was on her brother’s face.

“I’m on my way, Ray. Just six trials to go,” she whispered to it before also placing the photo in her bag, containing the rest of her clothes, her lighter tools and the rations of water and food that Eddie had delivered the previous night. “Right! Let’s go! Room, garage, I’ll see you later!”

Not wanting to deliberate or delay any longer, Meredith spun on her heel and left her room, dashing back through the halls. In no time, she was in the garage, already active for the day save for her father’s absence. The sound of her entrance drew the attention of the workers who waved back at her.

“Take care of the garage, guys! Don’t want to find it in pieces because some aerilator blew up!” Meredith yelled as she ran through, waving to each of them.

“Like we would! You be safe out there! We want to be cheering you on, Mera!” Meredith grinned, offered one more wave and pelted out of the garage.

As expected, the border of town that lead north was barely a few paces outside her home, and Meredith could already see the small gathering there. Well, at least her and Eddie’s parents were there, along with her partner, himself. Captain Clive was absent, but Meredith didn’t fault him for that; he still held his doubts. That, and he had a job to do. She hardly expected half of Lumarina to show up. Or any of it.

“All ready, Mera?” The question was expected, but Meredith chose not to answer. She stepped to her parents and threw her arms around them both. They returned the hug, as Eddie and his parents did the same. Given the early hour, there was no one to interrupt them, so they only separated when they felt ready. Her father quickly clapped her on the shoulders. “We’ve been waiting for this day. So, make us proud, yeah?”

“Of course! Frostfall Cavern is three days from here, right? So that means in three days you’ll have at least something to be proud of.” Meredith’s statement was quickly agreed with by her mother’s laugh.

“We’ve no doubt. Just don’t be like your brother. Write us, or give us a call when you’re in town,” she said. The insistent look made Meredith nod. “And both of you, look after each other.”

“Don’t lead Eddie into too many dangerous situations, Meredith,” the boy’s mother said. His father had already pulled them both away, granting Meredith the space to step forward and join her best friend with a matching pack. They gave each other a high five. “And Eddie, you take care of her on the road. You should have enough rations.”

“Naturally,” Eddie agreed with brevity.

More silence, broken only by the waves. None of the parents were crying, and nor were their children. Each just waited, and finally, Meredith hooked her arm with Eddie’s. There was nothing left to say.

Just a step to take.

Eddie knew it, because, shaky as it was, he stepped forward first. “Well, everyone… we’re on our way. Take care. Love you.

“And Mera, to Frostfall Cavern!”

“Yep! Time to start our adventure!” The two best friends then took their first step out of Lumarina and into the wider world.

“The road should last us until we at least reach the Frostland,” Eddie said, some hours after they’d left the borders of Lumarina. Despite the light soreness in the pair’s feet, Meredith’s spirits were high. Looking back at Eddie’s statement, she could already see that the coast and cliffs had vanished into the horizon. They were truly on their journey now. “After that, seems like it’s about a half-day’s journey through the Frostland to Frostfall Cavern.”

“We’ll want to bundle up,” Meredith said. Eddie nodded, reaching into his pack for some water and drinking from it. Meredith watched him a moment, absentmindedly tying her hair into a ponytail as she walked. He was holding up better than she’d have expected. Despite the years they’d known each other, they could still surprise one another. “Surprised we haven’t met anyone, though. This road goes to the Metropolis, right?”

“Sure, but most people use public skyships. Lumarina is the farthest southern town, too, with little between us and the Frostland, so it’s not all that surprising.” Meredith nodded, admitting that he had a point. Despite the long stretch of road there were no towns this far south, unless one traveled far from the actual paved path, and they were probably small enough that she hardly expected travelers from them. “The desertification might have something to do with it, too.”

“Desertification?” Meredith asked. As Eddie stowed away his water, she quickly emulated him in grabbing her own, eyes back to scanning the distance ahead. Some patches of forest dotted the grassy landscape, along with rocks. Far off, and what looked to be uphill, the grass appeared to turn white, but Meredith could see that was a much longer journey. In lieu of that destination, Meredith looked for a place to rest before Eddie could answer.

“You know, for your encyclopedic knowledge on the Corps, you really don’t watch the news enough.”

“Nah, you’re just a bookworm. So, what’s this about desertification?”

Eddie sighed, sparing a quick, unamused frown, before saying, “Desertification is the latest theory that the scientists at Lacardia have put forth to explain the strange climates of the world.”

“Lacardia…magic…why am I not surprised?”

“Well, they’re the experts most trained in it! And magic has played a consistent role in the world’s evolution, even for the most mundane things like cooking. From myths to-”

“-to modern conveniences, magic is the cornerstone of progress!” Meredith finished for him. He blushed a bit at the implication her words made, sticking his nose up in the air to avoid their eyes meeting. Hoping to save him the mortification, Meredith finally spied a circle of rocks up ahead, in the shape of a building that had crumbled over time; a perfect spot to take a rest. “You’ve always been obsessed with magic ever since you first discovered it.”

“I guess. Not that I remember! Mom says I was only two when fire and wind suddenly sprouted from my hands,” Eddie said, still looking away from her. Meredith grabbed his arm, dragging him in the direction of the rocks at a brisk pace. The movement inspired the remainder of the conversation. “But anyway, desertification, as claimed by Lacardia, is the process of individual climates breaking down, which includes hampering communication devices. The term sprouted from the once-named Western Loop being the first to change hundreds of years ago, becoming more desert-like.”

“Do they even know why it’s happening?” Meredith finished pulling Eddie along and they both threw their packs down. Eddie’s minute shrug answered that. Moments later, he’d tossed a sandwich to her. “Oh well! Looks like we’re making good time. We could probably get far before we need to pitch a tent or something.”

“Mm.” Not getting another word out of her best friend, Meredith tore into her own sandwich, staring off into the distance. It was nice to find a spot to just sit and relax, and she wondered if, perhaps, Raymond had stopped here on his journey years ago, or if he had bypassed it. The space itself certainly felt lonely enough; sad and melancholy, as if it had experienced great loss. Something silly to think, surely, but Meredith felt it all the same.

A slight popping of fire from next to her showed Eddie sending little sparks into the air before dousing them with water. He followed it up with lifting some pebbles and causing them to explode with the sparks, making fireworks. Meredith sat back on her hands, smiling. More refined than her family’s, and more elegant than even his own parents’, Eddie’s use of magic was always dazzling to her. She never wanted to voice it, but having never used magic of her own, she always felt a bit jealous.

“How do you do it? Your magic, I mean?” she asked to the quiet. The breeze interrupted them while Eddie turned, the pebbles falling. “Your dad uses ice; your mom fire. So, how did you learn to control wind and water and all that other stuff? Never really mattered, so I didn’t ask before.”

“I never asked how you learned to use your sword, either, so…” Eddie said. Meredith nodded, moving her arms so her elbows rested on her knees. “I guess…just studying, reading, meditating. You know, all that stuff they mention in the advertisements for the Lacardia Academy.”

“Sounds boring.”

Yet, Meredith couldn’t help but lean back and close her eyes.

Meditation, huh? Breathing in, the black-haired teenager attempted to steady her breaths. In and out. Up and down. There was a sense of peace inside her as she felt her surroundings, though not in a physical sense. Grass rippled outwards, whispering of its tranquility. The stones rattled just a little, speaking of their loneliness.

Another breath, and now she felt like she could hear the ocean, no matter how far off. Soon, it was as if little lights were appearing all around, and if she could touch one, she could communicate with it; that just maybe, there was a connection. There were a number of them, and Meredith felt her brow furrowing. Perhaps it was all just in her head, but Meredith knew she could contact every single one, as if each one was speaking to her. Every blade of grass. Every stone. Every wave or lick of breeze. It was caressing her, talking with her, trying to fill up an otherwise empty container inside, sealed behind a lock.

Maybe this meditation thing has something to it after all, she mused. She wasn’t sure if it was magic or not, but it was calming, at the very least. Peace settled inside her as she sat there, eyes closed, reaching out further.

Then there was pain, white-hot.

A dark menace rose up, its overwhelming presence swallowing the other lights like a wave. Within it were smaller shadows, though they were dwarfed by such an entity. Within the lids of her eyes, she could see a claw reaching out for her, towards her chest, as though it wanted to rip something out.

It hesitated, and Meredith’s breathing broke. Unevenness came to her, shallow then deep, and her limbs began to tremble. The being backed off, and as soon as the invading wave of darkness had come, it was gone, vanishing back in so many directions, she didn’t know where it had come from. The lights and peace returned, but Meredith couldn’t stop shaking.

“…ra! Mera!”

“Aah!” Meredith screamed out. Her hand snapped out to push the now departed presence away from her, instead hitting Eddie’s chest. Her best friend fell back, and she slipped in the opposite direction, landing on her back against the rock. Her breathing continued to come in shallow gasps.

“What’s wrong? Mera?” Eddie’s voice was close, but she didn’t move, even when her eyes opened and she saw him standing above her. His own hand touched to her forehead and she flinched. “You were sitting there, and there was a big gust of wind before you started shaking.”

“It…” Eddie removed his hand, finding nothing wrong. Meredith turned over, wondering if she was about vomit, but did nothing except clutch at her chest. Her fingers still trembled, but warmth was returning to her limbs. “Nothing. It was nothing. Just a nightmare; must have fallen asleep without realizing.”

“Mera…” She shook her head, and then pushed herself to sit upright and stand. Meredith gripped for her blade and extended it swiftly, slicing into the air. Eddie stared at her.

“I was meditating and there was this…presence. It was scary,” she said, knowing he’d worry if she continued to lie. He always knew when she did. “It must’ve been my imagination. Like, some weird manifestation of fear that I won’t become a Guardian or something.”

“I guess…”

“Don’t give me that look, Eddie. I don’t know what it was,” Meredith said, swiping her blade through the air again. “Could’ve been a nightmare, or just fear. Nothing a good bout of training won’t cure. What do you say?”

“I told you: I hate training with you…you kick my butt every time!” came the whining response.

“Then get better at magic in ‘high-pressure situations’, Eddie!” she taunted, pointing her sword towards him. Her mind was finally erasing the fear she’d felt, turning them towards the trial ahead. “How about this? You spar with me every day, and we’ll visit Lacardia on this journey.”

Eddie quirked an eyebrow, held a hand out, and then fired a gust of wind at her. She sidestepped it and, when she turned back, saw the smile on his face. Meredith then ran at him with her blade as he lifted stones from the ground to fly at her. That was his answer and promise.

It was a promise he clearly intended to keep, too, as they soon resumed their journey forward, getting another spar in that evening, before they fell asleep at their campgrounds. Granting, the sparring had nearly set the tent alight from Eddie’s poor aiming, but neither of the friends concerned themselves with that.

By the time they’d gone to sleep, at least, Meredith was looking towards the trial and passing it with an S-Rank. All thoughts of what had invaded her mind earlier were washed away, vanished into places unknown. That offered her comfort, and she received a full night’s sleep, with nary a thought towards it the next morning as they resumed their journey to the Frostland.