The Celestial moon, a bright ball of pink radiance, hovered over castle Celeste, casting everything below in a soft rosey shadow. Even the separate islands below Ardentia Courtyard seemed to be fogged by the same vibrant color, the clouds that hugged each island shifted their tincture as well, drifting to a slumbering fuchsia.

Soft streams of starlight drifted into a darkened room as a little blue birb fluttered in and landed on the stone sill of an open arched window. The soft fabric of sakura-colored drapes clung the wondow’s frame as well as just about everywhere in Lady Ardent's Royal Chambers.

With deep blue eyes, the small birb peered in around the silent room. Lady Ardent was asleep in her canopy bed, her chest a faint rise and fall in a steady lull of sleep. Her hair pulled back in a messy bun at the base of her head, the scarlet satin duvet wrapped tightly around her. Being a creature of angel fire, she did love to stay warm, her fuzzy pink nightclothes were a testament to that.

The dark mahogany four poster canopy bed was placed near the floor-to-ceiling arching windows and glass door that opened to the veranda which was also fitted with the rosey fabric.

Many, many books slept soundlessly inside the polished wooden bookshelf under the small window That Rain spied from. This was something she would often do as her way of protecting the queen while she slept, being an elf had its perks, leaving Rain without having to sleep constantly. This was usually the same for the queen, but something was off.

Across the room where the study connected to the chamber from the veil of another set of pink curtains, a sleeping fox nestled on a desk whose wood matched the queen's bed.

Piles of paperwork were stacked on either side of him. Books were stacked on the floor in piles near the desk. More bookshelves lined the study side of the room. More floor-to-ceiling arched windows stood behind the desk, illuminating the soft red pelt of the fox.

His black ears pricked up as he felt the presence of his familiar master. Her scent of rain-dew and fur drifting his way. Hello Rain. He greeted her telepathically.

Ama. She greeted him back. The birb and the fox made their way to the sleeping angel.

Amaterasu perched himself on the floor next to the bed, while Rain flew up and nestled herself next to the queen. Just as her leader had taught her, she sank into a trance, searching for the tether to Ardent's heart and soul.

Once she felt that flare of magic that felt like fire and life, her heart began to sink.

How is she? Amaterasu asked through the mind speak.

It's worse than I thought. Rain replied, I don't know what happened. It's never been like this.

Milady, the last time you went to the realm of Gaia, you were there a couple days. This time you were there an entire week. Why do you do this to us my queen? Won't you let us help you in your search? Rain pleaded in her heart.

Meanwhile, Àskériàn stood in a long open corridor and examined the picture on the white wall. There were many pictures in this hall, each one of the Celestial citizens who left the realm and returned to Gaia. Banners hung down the stone pillars that lined either side of the hall. The pillars held up the library mezzanines above. Small tables with flora and gilded vases dotted both sides of the hall. A purple runner rug lined the floor beneath his black leather boots.

As he examined each picture, he was suddenly stopped as one caught his attention. In the picture, Lady Ardent stood next to a man. The man had a bigger and huskier build. He had black hair, blue eyes and a thick black beard that lined his face, but what caught Àskériàn's attention was the way he held the queen in an embrace. A big smile plastered her face and she looked happier than he had seen her before.

"King Alexander." Came a voice from beside Àskérian, causing him to jump. "Bah! Seraphina! You scared me!" The girl laughed, her hamster ears twitching in delight. "You were staring at the painting, the man is King Alexander." She finished.

"Oh, yee, however, she never told me about him." Àskériàn replied. "When can I meet him?" He asked looking to the human ham.

Seraphina's white ears flattened against her pale hair, her expression grew grim. "Lord Alexander stays in the realm of Gaia." She explained.

Àskériàn looked at her with a confused expression.

"Lady Ardent created this world for people to escape Gaia's troubles, the only issue is some only come here temporarily, when they leave, their pictures are placed in this hall, King Alexander was no exception. Our lady hasn't gotten over it yet. That is why she goes alone to that world. To find him and those who leave the Celestial Realm. For this reason she fears the rest of us will leave her as well. I honestly don't know how to help her."

As the knight ended her sentence, Àskériàn could hear the grief in her voice. The anger inside him threatened to show once more, but he bit it back.

So that's the reason she tried to commit death. He thought solemnly as understanding crept in.

"Didn't Rain say that world affects her?" He asked, wondering how much it was true.

"It does." She confirmed. " The air in Gaia is full of toxicity. Angels who are exposed to this suffer severe damage to their soul."

He was shocked, that wasn't in any history books. "Then why do you let her go?" He demanded.

"It's not that simple." Seraphina explained, glancing up at the painting, her lavender eye blurry with a distant look.

Soft footsteps were heard from further up the hall as Rain made her way down a stairwell that split into three sections. Amaterasu was curled up in her arms. "The queen, she kind of does what she wants. She is rather a handful at times." Rain explained, exposing she had overheard their conversation.

Seraphina nodded in agreement. "With time you will understand this and you will see what we mean." Seraphina said, turning to face him. But he already knew what she meant. "Rain, you did check on her right? How is she?" She asked the young girl.

Rain exchanged glances with Amaterasu. The fox's eyes peering up at her from a sunken expression. " She has suffered a lot of strain this time. I honestly don't know how she made it back here." She looked at Àskériàn. "You did bring her here, right?" Rain bowed in front of him, clutching Amaterasu to her chest as she did.

"Thank you! We don't know what we would do if she were to disappear. I believe we would feel the same as she feels about those who leave. If you hadn't...." The girl trailed off, her eyes began to well up with tears.

Seraphina placed a hand on the girls shoulder. "It's gonna be ok, birb. We just have to keep a better eye on her. I got Renfred to set up an alarm system. It will alert us if she goes near the portal." The girl rubbed the tears from her eyes. "Her soul is only operating at twenty five percent. Another venture and she won't make it back." As if to back up her claim, the flames in the sconces that lined the columns in the hall flickered, sending an eerie air through the hall.

Thinking back to her spell in the other world, when her feathers had failed her, Àskériàn made up his mind. He wouldn't allow her to go to that realm without him, she obviously couldn't be left alone and from what he knew, her survival was crucial if they were to have any chance of defeating the threat that waited in Gaia.

The night cycle had ended and the Sunstar had waned above the Kingdom, a bright teal sphere. The clouds were once again vibrant and the water that spilled from the rose gardens under the windows by the palace doors and ran down the courtyard to the stairwell sparkled with starlight from the sun.

People mingled in the square and beyond the palace stairwell, milling about the round platform where the Celestial fountain stood. Ten quartz bridges jutted out from the main platform in different directions, connecting to other islands that floated within the void and sat amongst the colorful array of clouds. Each Island represented a Gaian faction, each one led by an Ardent knight. The factions represented Gaian kingdoms, each with its own customs.

Lady Zoe was exchanging words with Den about space magic, while giving a seminar in the Arcana district, representing the Sorcery faction from the land of Circe. Many familiars, witches and sorcerers, warlocks and Angel, one of the mysteries of the Celestial realm, was seated around the theatrical setting of her shop, along with Den, a Seelie fae.

The auditory seating almost made it feel like her lessons were well coordinated plays and stories rather than history lessons. They were also always free and open to anyone who wanted to learn more about the magical-arts.

Her whimsical movements and enchanting voice pulled you in and her star-lit illusions added to the appeal. Her long hair that started as a soft pink at the top of her hair, faded into purple and blue, almost giving a tie-die look, flowed about her as she moved, only to add to the enchantment. The metalic jingle of the trinkets on her brown leather belt tinkling in time with the music that played from a magical box that sat behind her on a wooden dais.

Sir Sekke and Adam tended to the smith-shop, many citizens seeking to upgrade armor or get information on ancient artifacts. Doseishy, Sylas, and Maxxthebrave, being a few of many who frequented the smithery were in attendance.

The smith building was the only thing on the Island that marked the Forge district, aside from the loose materials that either lay in neat piles against the massive stone building or in barrels and boxes. The wards were the island's security, anyone who left with stolen items would face the wrath of the wards.

On the Island of Poitions, where Lady Storm's alchemy shop was erected, Bloodlord watched as Hiem argued with Golem, trying to barter her way into a golden apple. Lady Storm laughed from her post by the cauldron as water vapor steamed from its murky contents.

The island of potions may have been where the alchemy shop was posted, but it also was home to several markets. Lady Storm oversaw the exchanges and barter amongst citizens, much like she did for the King of Alexhand in her days on Gaia. Many people milled about, shopping or trying to argue their way into a good buy.

The currency of the Celestial realm had been established as embers, copper dollops made by Sekke and Adam that shone like the color of flames when starlight hit them. Prices weren't too expensive, but one couldn't help but get a good deal.

The embers were then given to Lady Seraphina, who was the Celestial treasurer. The kingdom of Ardentia didn't really have a need for a currency system, but the knights managed to convince Lady Ardent it was good idea.

This allowed for citizens to utilize their gifts and skills and thus create a prospering society. Even the lower-class commoners lived in luxury, something the queen was adamant about enforcing.

For this reason, the Treasure district, the one representing Lady Seraphina's kingdom, was also a market island, only rare and exotic items were sold here.

The Combat district represented the land of Tussla, the home of Sir Pai, and the kingdom of fighters. This island housed a training grounds that consisted of a dojo, gym and various obstacle courses that Pai changed on a daily basis. The next island over was the Shinobi district. Another training outpost, but mostly for the secret service members, also known as ninja.

The District of Safety was where most of the people lived. Various styles of homes from small cabins to large Inns and an even bigger community center dotted together on the Island that represented Sir Knight's Kingdom, Brigadier.

The island next to this one represented whatever kingdom Renfred was from, but Lady Seraphina never gave details, so it acted as another residential area, along with the Arcadian district which housed the Elven folk and familiars. The realm had a lot of familiars.

Two additional islands floated empty and out of reach, still in need of exploration. Neither were connected by bridges to the platform. Smaller islands floated in between the larger ones, fields of crops from wheat to the golden watermelons on the island near the smithery, speckled more of the void. They too were connected to the other islands by series of bridges.

"HELP, HELP!" The sound of Rain’s cries echoed throughout the courtyard as she barreled from the palace entrance, kicking the mahogany doors open with a slam. She carried an anxious Amaterasu in tow. The people in the yard stopped and looked to see what the commotion was.

"Knight!" Rain yelled as she reached the top of the stairwell, spotting him by the fountain below. "She’s gone!" She shouted through gasps of breath.

"Not again." Knight mumbled with a huff. He glanced over the crowd as people started to take interest. Then a loud wail of a siren pierced the air and people double over while covering their abused ears.

Rain dropped Amaterasu and flattened her palms against her own ears. "What the hey!" She cried. The fox flattened his ears to his head and buried them under his paws, growling in protest.

Seraphina came running through the open palace doors, a white sword in her hand, its red sheath covering the bladed end. Red and pearlescent gems gleamed against the starlight with each motion. "It worked!" She shouted, “We must get this to her!"

Rain nodded her head and shifted into her phoenix form.

Ardent made it halfway to the portal just in time to hear a blazing roar break through the realm.

What on Gaia?

Startled, she turned around to look over her city that sat in the distance.

That was new. Why was there an alarm?

A husky chuckle came from behind her and she turned back to the glowing portal to find Àskériàn. He was in a half-dragon-half human state. His arms were folded over his chest, legs apart, wings flared out and a malicious grin was plastered to his face.

"Move." She hissed.

"Did you really think, that after saving you, I'd let you go for another round?" He chided. "I’m not a citizen of yours yet so you cannot order me around, you’re highness." He emphasized the last words.

She growled and shifted to her left, he blocked her way. She shifted to the right. He blocked her again. "Darn it! I said move!" She screamed in frustration.

"No." He said firmly. "Or, do you want me to tell your knights about the little stunt you pulled the last time you were in the other world?"

Her heart was in her chest. Her eyes were wide. Darn him! He was going to blackmail her.

Seraphina spotted Ardent a few feet from the portal. Relief rushed through her as she also spotted Àskériàn blocking it. She placed one gloved hand over her patched eye and connected to Renfred through their link.

You can turn the alarm off now. It worked and she didn't get through the portal.

Understood. Came the reply. All at once the siren quieted. The people on the platform by the fountain found relief in the absence of the loud noise, though they were confused by the loud intrusion.

Àskériàn spotted Seraphina and Rain first. Ardent caught his gaze and turned to face whatever it was that was behind her.

"Milady,” Seraphina spoke, “if you are going to go off again, make sure to be armed this time." She said, tossing the sword she had been carrying.

Lady Ardent caught it, the pommel gleamed in the light from the portal and stars that surrounded them.

Àskériàn narrowed his brown eyes at Ardent. "What is that?" He asked as he shifted his gaze between Seraphina and the angel. Surely it wasn't what he was thinking. Surely he wouldn't detest the answer Seraphina was about to give him.

"Illuminara." Seraphina replied. " She doesn't take it with her. She needs to. It's her only weapon." Yep, it definitely was the answer he didn't want to hear.

Finally the anger that he had been fighting surged through the surface. "You go into a place that could bring you harm, WITHOUT A WEAPON?!" His roar could be heard all the way to the plaza, a very deep grumbled mixed with a growl that shook the outer islands.

Ardent's body went still, frozen in time, her mind in shock at the explosiveness of his voice.

HEY! Rain yelled into his head, No need to be soo noisy! You might hurt her! She scolded him.

A shadow took over Ardent's face and without warning, she turned and flew off in the opposite direction, towards the palace.

SEE! Rain squealed into his head again, You hurt her! She accused bitterly.

"Meh. Whatever." Àskérian mumbled. With a flap of his wings, he followed after the angel.

COME BACK HERE! Rain demanded through her telepath, no doubt her voice was loud as the siren was, in his head. I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU!

"Shh, its ok Birb. I think Àskériàn cares for her like we do. To be honest, I'm angry with her myself. " Seraphina said in a calm voice, Rain had accidentally projected her thoughts to the other Knight. She patted Rain on her phoenix head, ruffling the soft pale feathers. With a heavy sigh, she added, "Come Rain, let us follow."

A startled Amaterasu jumped up as Ardent burst through the veranda and slammed it shut behind her. "Your highness, you're back, did something happen?" He asked through the mind link, stretching his little legs.

There was a clicking sound as she locked the massive chamber door and proceeded towards the study door to lock it as well. Voices sounded from the other side of the door, followed by loud knocking. "Amaterasu, go away!" She demanded.

"Milady...." Rain's voice sounded inside Ardent’s head. Ardent turned to see Rain in her smaller birb form on her perch. She approached the window and scooped up the tiny blue bird. She nuzzled the bird against her cheek. "Sorry birb, but I'm not myself right now. It's best to go for now." She said giving Rain a boost into the air on the outside of the window.

The bird chirped in disappointment as she flapped her wings to steady herself. Then Àskériàn, giving large gusts of wind with his dragon wings, came into view behind her. "Birb, I suggest you move." He warned.

"Ummmm? What...." Her response was cut short as Askerian dived past her as he lunged through the small arched window. Rain stared after him in shock.

"ASKERIAAAAAAANNNN!"

Ardent's voice could be heard throughout the plaza. People once again stopped to witness the spectacle. The realm had never been this lively. Lady Zoe paused her magical lesson on the dais, her audience glancing over to the palace. Sylas and Sean, stopped mid-spar in the dojo in the Combat district, to exchange glances. Hiem and Bloodlord looked up at the tower from where they stood in the square outside the palace doors. Maxxthebrave halted from his trek across the bridge from the smithery. Sekke and Adam froze as they watched him leave.

A pounding sound came from Ardent's chamber doors. "You’re Highness! Are you ok?! What is going on in there?!" Knight's voice came from the other side. Seraphina and Sir Pai also started beating on the door, their grunts mingled with Knight's angry words.

The small birb plopped down on the windowsill, eyes wide. Amaterasu stared as well from the desk.

"YOU'VE GOT FIVE SECONDS TO GET OFF OF ME." Ardent hissed, her nostrils flared. During his crash landing, Àskériàn had landed in a rather awkward position with Ardent under him and against the floor, his arms braced on either side of her head. He looked into her angry eyes and chuckled. "And if I don't want to?"

A shadow casted itself over her features, followed by a bright flash of light, that sent Àskériàn backwards with force, careening him into the alcove, causing him to knock his head off a book shelf, books plummeted down on top of him.

The queen stumbled to her feet, and turned to the doors, the sound of books falling echoed through the room. Feeling satisfied, she and fidgeted with the handles. She opened the large mahogany barrier to find a disgruntled Knight, Ham, and Pai in the hallway, Knight's fists still poised to punish the wooden blockage.

Seraphina gave the queen a curious look. "Milady, why is your face red" Ardent gave a huff and shoved passed them, not bothering to glance back as she stomped up a small flight of stairs and down the hall.

"What did you do to the queen?!" Knight demanded as he barged into the royal chambers. Àskériàn rubbed his head, the books now in crumpled heaps at his sides. "I deserved that."

"Are you listening to me?" Knight continued to yell, "you better not have done anything stupid!"

"Meh, if it's required to make her happy then, I will do stupid things." Àskériàn replied as he got to his feet.

Turning forms, Rain jumped from the sill and approached the desk, scooping up the fox into her arms, a bewildered look on her face. Amaterasu knew what Rain was thinking and humor filled his belly.

They followed the rest of the group from the room as Àskériàn disappeared down the corridor.

"Miss Angel." Àskériàn called as he caught up to Ardent. They were now outside the west meeting room. "You can go to the realm of Gaia, however, you have to take me with you. Deal?" He bargained with the flustered girl.

"Fine." She said as she glared at him over her shoulder.

"Ummm, Rain..." Ham began as they made their way towards the meeting room, they could see Ardent and Àskériàn in a standoff at the of the hall.

"What happened in there?" She asked, a white eyebrow raised in a questioning look. Rain looked down at Amaterasu and back up at Seraphina.

"Ship!" She muttered. Ham gave her a confused look and glanced at Pai who shrugged his shoulders.

Ardent continued to storm down the hall and then disappeared around the corner as she descended another flight of stairs.

"Yo! Knighty." Àskériàn said as he turned to face the knights who froze in place with confused and curious glances.

He marched up to Knight and placed a gloved hand on his shoulder, “How does one become an Ardent Knight around here?”

"You earn it." Knight replied harshly while removing Àskériàn's hand from his shoulder.