Chapter 7

The Omen

“All I remember was the shadow.” The interviewed citizen shook on the screen as he spoke. Voices echoed in the hall around them, but they were so carefree, Meredith wondered if they were concerned at all about what had happened. “It was so fast, like a black mist. Then there was this…this…this creature, and it bellowed fire!”

“Some of us were lucky to make it out alive.”

“How can we rebuild?!”

“Isn’t this the same as the Metropolis? Where was the Guardian Corps?!” The last question pierced Meredith, causing a lump to form in her throat. She couldn’t tear herself from the screen and the carnage. Memories of the Metropolis rose, like a specter, dark as the night.

A hand placed itself on her shoulder, Matthew offering reassurances and calm that she couldn’t take.

Raymond was the opposite, his body shaking as the reporter came back on the screen. She was speaking words, but Meredith just saw her lips moving. Raymond became the most important thing, hand forming a fist. “It’s a message.”

“Yes, that was the assumption the Chief Commander came to,” Emily said. She yanked the screen away, turning it off as she concealed it under her robes. “That’s why he wants Tempest Squad on it. That this attack happened the day negotiations were finished is the Beastmaster’s way of sending a message that he’s not done.”

“I should have finished him off in the Metropolis,” Raymond spat. His hand flew upwards, messing his hair. “Now he’s causing problems again…Do we know why?”

“According to Guardians that first arrived on the scene, there was no discernable motive. Just chaos.”

Meredith’s head tilted. No motive…? But in the Metropolis, he…

There was a ringing now. Meredith squinted and recognized it. Her eyes trailed up to the Staff, innocuous yet heard. The teen’s lips twitched and she looked to her brother and subordinate. Her tongue considered conveying her belief that the Beastmaster was after more than just violence and chaos. Yet she knew how fruitless that would be; she was still a child to them, even her brother.

“And which town was this again?” Raymond was already on the move, Emily at his side as she informed him. Meredith walked forward, intent on listening to the conversation.

“Eltin, to the northwest.”

“Over the mountains…? He’s moving westward, then. That will give us a general trajectory. I take it our mission is to track him down.”

“With all speed, sir.” The two Guardians were at the exit, and Meredith dashed, eager to bid her brother a farewell. “Marcus plans to return to base after the full announcement tomorrow. I’m sure all of this has people on edge.”

Raymond didn’t respond, his more serious self taking precedence. Meredith closed the distance. “Ray! It’s…He’s…”

There was a pause in Raymond’s steps and he observed his sister, a soft smile adorning his face. His eyes conveyed his wishes, and Meredith stepped back. “Mera, focus on your trials. Head north, past the Metropolis, for the Trial of Self. Southwest of there is the Trial of Enlightenment, near that alchemic forge we were talking about.”

“Yeah, but-”

“This isn’t your battle, Mera. Don’t get involved.” Another step back. Raymond’s brotherly concern was replaced with the captain of the Corps. Respect and tension rose in equal measure. “You’ll join us soon enough. So, keep yourself on the safe path, okay?”

“Okay…”

“Em, tell Sal and Kenny to get the ship fired up. We’re shipping out for Eltin. I want to examine the scene myself. We’ll send Jay, Bruce and Trent ahead as a scout party. He may have recovered these last few weeks, but I still wounded him bad.”

“Already taken care of.”

“Ray!” Meredith’s shout didn’t make her brother stop, but he angled his ear to listen. “Kick his ass!” He offered a solitary wave as acknowledgement. It was enough.

Raymond was soon gone.

The ringing returned full force.

“Yeah, I hear ya!” Meredith spun, her hair whipping around as she walked back over to the Violent Staff. Matthew watched her, waiting. Only when she stood directly in front of it, the hall now empty of all other visitors, did he speak.

“You hear it? The soul of the Weapon?”

“Something like that.” Meredith’s hand reached up, endeavoring to touch the wooden surface of the staff, but just barely grazing it. “I think…it reacts sometimes. The same thing happened in the Metropolis. Maybe it’s like a security system or something.”

“Security system? You mean it reacts to things, gives off a warning of danger, but only Soul Magic users like yourself can hear it?” Matthew’s question earned only a nod from his student. “It’s possible. Then, the one who set that town ablaze, maybe he’s after them. They could be resonating, thinking they’re in danger, warning each other.”

“There’s no maybe about it. The Beastmaster is after the Weapons. The only question is why. What happened to make them? We need those answers. I need those answers.”

Meredith stretched and placed the pads of her fingers on the staff, holding them there. Matthew said nothing. Her Soul Vision switched on, giving sight to all the souls that lingered in the entrance hall. Biggest of all was the one that was right in front of her. Meredith’s face scrunched and twisted, desperate to see the true shape of the soul instead of the orb of light. Her teeth ground together.

Reach, dammit! Physically, Meredith pressed in, squeezing her eyes shut. A single, silent prayer for her soul to reach the special one echoed, and she opened her eyes.

A void of white appeared, rushing all around her. Meredith nearly fell over, but something light kept her suspended. She looked up, and saw a young woman’s face close to hers. It floated away seconds later, smiling. Meredith blinked and the form became clearer, more defined than any soul before.

It actually looked human.

“I’ve been waiting, Meredith.” Meredith couldn’t answer, couldn’t respond. Relief and pride intermingled. Her eyes scanned the young woman, from her dark-red hair, flowing like water, to her proud stature and ghostly eyes. “I am Violet.”

“Violet…you’re…you’re the soul…”

“Yes. I’ve been waiting to talk to you since you came here. I knew from the beginning that you could. No one else has heard me the way you have.” The soul floated forth and grasped Meredith’s hands. She felt warm, like a comforting fire, nestled in a balmy bath. “It’s been so long since I last spoke to someone.”

“I’m…” Confusion overtook all other emotion, rocking Meredith off balance, but Violet kept hold of her. “I’m so lost…I mean, I knew you were human but…How old are you?”

“Don’t remember.” The response was flighty, giving Meredith a double-take and a blink. It didn’t take long to see the tears on Violet’s eyelashes, and the teen was overcome with a wave of crippling sadness. “It’s been a long time, though…so, I’ll forgive you for asking a woman her age.”

“This is a bit much…Violet, what are you exactly?”

Violet didn’t answer right away. She stared, studying every inch of Meredith. The teen could feel herself being scrutinized tightly and she straightened herself to prevent any cracks from showing. More time passed, and Meredith felt she must have looked awkward, and her face became flushed. Soon, Violet began to speak, a pleased and toothy grin on her face. “I’m a Weapon.”

“Well, yeah, I sort of knew that when I was speaking to a staff.”

“Don’t be sarcastic; I had enough of that from mom and dad.” The woman’s soul grabbed the edge of Meredith’s cheek and began to pull.

“Okay, sorry! Sorry!” The second Violet let go, her words impacted Meredith. “So…you don’t know your age, but you do know your name and have memories?”

“Well, duh! I’m still a human soul, you know. I remember things. Just not…everything.”

“Then why were you made a Weapon? What are they for? Who’s the Earth-Splitter? Why do I have Soul Magic?” Meredith knew she was asking questions faster than she could breathe them out, but her interest and yearning was sparked. The step she’d taken was overwhelming.

Violet sighed.

“I can’t answer all that. I don’t know.” Meredith’s body, which she hadn’t realized was tensed, suddenly unfurled. Disappointment crept in. “I volunteered for the plan, along with my younger brother. Mom and dad were against it, I remember…but they understood. Mom’s own weapon of choice was even used. For me, I was put in the staff I used as headmistress of the Academy.”

“You were a headmistress?”

“So was my mother before me. After I agreed to the plan, our eldest brother took my place as headmaster to pass down the line. Seems it was somewhat successful.” Meredith didn’t question that, uninterested in Violet’s heritage.

“You keep mentioning a plan. What plan?” If Violet had seemed lost, elsewhere, then now she was downright distraught. Her lip trembled, worry entering her eyes.

“It’s been so long, I don’t remember every detail. I only remember the information I was told: that I chose to become a Weapon in order to stop a great calamity that slowly ate away at the world. Considering the world is still here, we must have been successful.”

“What calamity?”

“You have a lot of questions, Meredith.” Meredith snorted, giving a glare to the young woman that was dodging her questions. Violet absorbed it and raised an eyebrow as Meredith’s knees began to buckle. She was talking too long. “I’m sorry I can’t answer them, but what I can answer is this: it’s possible to re-forge the Earth-Splitter. He can answer all your questions. It was his plan, which is why he did everything he could to protect it, even breaking himself to ensure he could never be used by those seeking him for twisted purposes. A dangerous ploy, risking a fate even worse for him. I’m afraid that may have weakened the seal we tried to make, too.”

“You’re being vague on purpose…” Meredith’s breath came out in huffs as she spoke. Violet’s soul was starting to lose its form, her sharp blue eyes becoming piercing in the void of white. “Can’t I get a…straight answer?”

“All right.” There was a moment of silence, like a meditation, in which Meredith stared into Violet’s eyes, their shape oddly familiar. “If you wish to re-forge the Earth-Splitter and learn all you wish to know, you must temper it with the metal you know of in the flame you seek. The descendants of Rotarin may guide you.

“And the flame…There were two towers, one of calm, one of chaos. In time, they became one, a reflection of inner self. You’ll find it burning at the top. So, please, bring him back. Recall his soul. The Earth-Splitter, Ter-”

Meredith’s knees gave out. The white faded and all she felt was stone, and two arms holding her up. Her breathing was ragged, drool slipping from her mouth, the cut-off words echoing. With blurry vision, Meredith looked up to the staff, its soul receding with an encouraging smile only she could see. She was turned over then, her eyes meeting Matthew’s, but not hearing his words of concern.

All she could see were his eyes.

“Just like…hers…” Matthew stopped shaking her, a curious expression on his face that was replaced with worry. She could understand more of Violet’s vagueness. Meredith shot up, nearly banging her head into Matthew’s. “I know what to do.”

“Meredith? You were standing there awhile. What did you learn?”

“What do you know of Rotarin?” Matthew let go of his student, but Meredith supported herself and pushed herself off the stone. The older man ran a hand through his beard, shaking his head and looking deep in concentration. Silently and suddenly, Matthew sped off for his office. Meredith sprang to her feet, woozy for a moment, but following. Neither stopped until they were in the familiar room. While Matthew ignored everything to aim for a geography book, Meredith paused at the broken sword she’d left in the room. Her soul called for it, but received no answer. Still, she didn’t despair. She was closer than ever.

With her promise sent to the broken blade, Meredith bent down to clasp it and pull it up. Matthew slammed a book down on the table, open to a map.

“Rotarin, long before the desertification set in upon this world, was said to be a mechanical marvel. It was where the birth of skyships and all manner of impressive forgings was said to happen,” Matthew informed Meredith. He looked more excited than ever. “It’s where the alchemic forge and the Trial of Enlightenment are today.”

“So you were right!” Meredith’s smile stretched wide, and she pressed her luck once more. “And she said that the Flame of Identity could be found at the top of two towers, once separate.”

“Calm Tower and Chaos Tower…Now known as the Twisted Tower, site of the Trial of Self,” Matthew said, his hands on his hips, complete with a smug grin. Meredith felt her sword-hand shake. The trials and her personal quest were intertwined. She was truly moving forward. “Perhaps the Corps was founded as a way to protect those items. It would explain the trial sites.”

“Maybe…” Meredith couldn’t think of any more words to speak. Her whole body was trembling with adventure. Wanderlust fueled her, and the thought that had first touched her head upon seeing the news returned to her, now more confirmed than ever.

“What’s on your mind, Meredith?”

She twisted her lips, sucked in a breath, and once Meredith had hooked the blade back on her belt, she turned and answered. “I think it’s time for me to get moving, Mr. Matthew. I’m leaving Lacardia first thing tomorrow morning.”

Bravado gave way to action, and Meredith’s declaration had been met with understanding from Matthew, and a willingness to aid. That willingness took him off campus, but Meredith didn’t mind; they were in this together. Knowing the support she had behind her, Meredith paid no mind to the continuing storm in order to prepare for her journey ahead.

It was only when she was back in her dorm room, halfway through repacking all the stuff she’d left out, that she gave consideration to the element that was missing.

Smacking her lips, Meredith sat on her bed and stared out the window, to the main building. Eddie was there, enjoying his time with A-Class. This was, for all intents and purposes, his new home. He’d found a place where his abilities were used to their fullest. The dream he was looking for, no doubt. He’d found friends, moved past the bubble that was Lumarina and herself.

The thought brought equal parts happiness and sadness. Meredith sighed. For the first time, their paths were set to diverge. Her fingers dug into the covers of her bedspread. She didn’t want to admit it, how lost she’d be without him, how much she’d flounder. Yet in all this, her mind was set. She’d deferred her own dream long enough, and now had a way forward.

“I’m not going to hold Eddie back, or myself,” she said aloud. She grabbed her bag, swinging it around to slap it on her bed.

“Hold me back from what?”

Meredith craned her neck, realizing she’d left the door open, and Eddie was standing there, framed in it. He was sopping wet, but the steam rolling off his body indicated the use of his fire magic. “I thought you were in class.”

“We got let out. Professor Benjamin is a pretty free-form teacher, and it was just Magical Theory,” Eddie said. He stepped in the room with a curious expression on his face. It didn’t take long for his eyes to land on her bag. “Are you going out?”

Meredith’s hands tightened on her bag-strap. Her nose wiggled as she debated things, but she chose to turn around and face her best friend. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow morning?!” Eddie’s bag dropped to the ground, the sound dampened by the carpet. “Isn’t that a little soon? You never said anything. Why now?”

“I can’t grow any more here. I need to get moving again, Eddie,” she said. Her hands reached out to his shoulders. She held them and stared into his chocolate eyes. “The trials are waiting, and there are things I need to do along the way. If I sit here, that’s not going to happen.”

“But…Mera…” Eddie appeared to be in a daze. He broke from her hold and fell upon her bed, his clothes soaking the covers. “It’s only been a couple weeks, and in Magical Matter, you were still struggling, and…are you even sure this is for the best?”

“It is for me.” Meredith watched Eddie’s face go from protest to deflated. Blowing out, Meredith shoved her bag aside and sat next to him, propping her elbows on her knees. “Eddie, I need to move on. I’m not asking you to go with me. Your dream is here, so stay. I can’t.”

“My dream was never Lacardia, Mera.” His voice was distant as he said it, staring at an empty bookcase in the room. “What prompted this?”

“Mr. Matthew and I finished our research project, and it’s pointing me right towards the trials again. There was some news, too, and it’s just reminding me,” Meredith answered. She faced Eddie to convey all of her intentions. “The world is moving on even while I’m here. Vivian and Emil are still questing, the Guardian Corps is still acting. Lacardia has been fun, but it’s not my place. It’s yours.”

“You can’t just-!” Eddie stood, his fists balled as he stared down at Meredith. His anger was felt, but Meredith reached out. She didn’t need to touch his soul to bring him close and press her forehead against his.

“I’m happy for you, no matter what, but let me do this. I need to move on.”

It took a moment, a moment in which the volume of the dormitory increased, yet they remained in silence, before he nodded. His acceptance given, he walked wordlessly out of the room. Meredith stretched her lips into a smile, trying to hold it as she closed the door and settled upon her bed, listening to the rain while her coming plans lulled her to an uneasy sleep.

Sounds came and went that evening, from raucous partying to some sort of magical study session. During the times she woke up, Meredith could feel the souls that were interacting, even if she couldn’t identify any of them. Only Violet had been possible so far, though she could still tell Eddie’s, the sole conflicted orb of light in the distance. She worried over what she’d done to her best friend, but when halfway through the night it had quelled its conflict and presumably gone to sleep, Meredith knew he’d be fine.

She then slept with peace, as well.

Morning came a few hours later, waking her up with a burst of sun just over the horizon, cutting through the mist that had been left behind by the rain. Her “alarm” having sounded, Meredith trudged across the dormitory with her bag, washing up briefly and grabbing some food that had been placed out for the students. She debated checking the news but left without going near the television, stepping on to the dew-laden grass.

Meredith yawned as she walked, though her body became lighter with every breath of fresh air that she took in. The sun began to illuminate her path through the mist, to the entrance road, where a familiar figure was waiting. She raised a hand in greeting. “Hey, Mr. Matthew. Seeing me off?”

“You’re my sole student for now. Of course, I am,” Matthew said, winking at her. She laughed, tacking on a yawn at the end. “That and I think you need a guide to the port.”

“Might be helpful.” Whether Matthew said anything or not, Meredith didn’t know. She spared one more look for the dorms, imagining Eddie waking up in time for classes. Hesitation entered for a moment, thinking of the friend that had been with her all this way, and everything that departing from him could mean. Still, she remembered Felix, Conrad and the twins, and knew he’d be okay. Wishing them all a silent farewell and thank you, Meredith took off after Matthew through the already populated streets of Lacardia.

No one paid attention to them, and Meredith paid none in turn, her eyes focused on the impending port that rose from the mist, like a shadow, until the boat that was anchored became visible in the sunlight. Some people were boarding, from tradesmen to sellers and businessmen. Others looked like travelers, similar to her, but Meredith heard Matthew speaking and ceased her observations.

“The boat will head right past the Northern Range, and from there, the Trial of Self is a bit beyond that, through some ruins. It shouldn’t take you too long.” Meredith nodded, looking up to her instructor. They both held their gazes until Matthew offered his hand. “It’s been a good few weeks, Meredith.”

“I think you can call me Mera, Mr. Matthew.” She took the hand and the two grinned. Their hands separated and Matthew reached into the coat he was wearing, drawing out a glass bottle. “What’s that?”

“For the Flame of Identity. You’ll need a way to carry it, so I had the forge here whip up a container. Just don’t take a sledgehammer to it.”

“I’ll try not to.” She took the bottle, and as she looked up, Meredith found herself at a loss for what to say. Matthew patted her shoulder. “Thank you. For everything. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your help.”

“Nor would I, so don’t be a stranger, Mera. Let me know the results when you can and…good luck on your trials.” Forgoing ceremony, Matthew took Meredith into a hug, which she immediately returned. “I look forward to hearing of you as Guardian Meredith Childs before too long.”

“I plan on it.” They separated once more and Meredith turned to the boat. After a breath she raced down the pier and jumped on to the vessel, turning to face her instructor on the docks. A whistle sounded, indicating imminent departure as Meredith raised her hand to wave.

“Hey! Hold up a moment!” The voice gave pause to her wave and Meredith was certain that she had hallucinated the voice, particularly since she couldn’t see anything through the fog surrounding the port. “One more passenger!”

“Want me to carry you?”

“Or have a tree bring you over?”

“I can change the temperature to remove the mist.”

“Or you all can do none of those things, since it’s early, and I’m tired.”

The cavalcade of voices, combined with Matthew shaking his head, cemented in Meredith that this was no illusion at all. The five figures that ran out of the mist made that all too clear. Before she knew it, Meredith was smiling. The boat gave another whistle and Eddie ran down the docks, his bag slapping along his back. Behind him was the rest of A-Class.

“Eddie, what’re you doing here?!”

“If you think I’m letting you travel alone, you’re an idiot!” Eddie yelled back. He was nearly at the edge of the dock and Meredith felt the boat shudder, beginning to move. “I always wanted to see Lacardia, and I experienced more of it than I thought was possible, but don’t you think for a second that was my dream.”

“What is your dream then?” Eddie didn’t answer right away, taking all his concentration to jump for the boat. A blast of wind rocketed forward, propelling him the remaining distance. Meredith reached out. She clasped to his hand and pulled him on the deck, where he attempted to regain his breath.

“That…is a…secret…” he said. When he finally caught his breath, he stood and faced her. “But whatever it is, I made you a promise. I’m keeping it. Plus, you wouldn’t last two days without me.”

“Hey!” Meredith aimed to slap him upside the head, but he ducked and instead ran for the edge of the boat. She joined him.

“Thanks, guys! You’ve really helped a lot!”

“Come back to visit, Eddie. You’re a part of A-Class now,” Felix shouted out, raising a fist into the air. The twins copied him, both wearing grins.

“We’ll have lots more fun, kay?”

“So be safe, and all that.”

“You, too, Mera. Just so you don’t think you’re chopped liver, I’ll miss you,” Conrad stated, throwing another wink in her direction. The twins rolled their eyes while Felix grabbed the back of his friend’s coat.

“That’s enough out of you.”

Meredith and Eddie laughed, raising their hands in farewell one more time. Conrad looked back with a grin that Meredith met and nodded, offering a silent gratuity to him. Then she stared at Matthew again and put her own fist in the air. He folded his arms and nodded in turn.

It didn’t take long for Eddie to put an arm around her and grin. “Well, Mera, time for the next phase of our trial adventure. Let’s go!”

The boat pulled out of the harbor, and they were off.