6/25 - The Holy Lands - Moonlight castle - night(?)

The wind blows as we stand in the middle of a courtyard, a hedge maze behind the loli standing in front of me.

Selena stands proud as she faces, wearing a shit-eating grin as she traces her lips with her finger. "Is this truly what you wish for?"

"I'm sure. What, chicken?"

"Perish the thought. In fact, you can say this is my way of showing thanks."

I snicker at her menacing grin. “Why’s that?”

“Because I was growing oh so bored, so don’t disappoint.”

“One bratty ass kid! Don’t worry, I’ll entertain you alright!”

With the snap of her fingers, a sword and shield come out of thin air. The sword is short in length but seems light enough for me to carry. The shield is bigger than both my arms. Too bad, only going for the sword. Defense isn’t me, full offense baby. I swing the sword, showing off some fancy-ass moves I saw on tv. Feeling so freakin’ badass right now.

"Are you done playing swordsman?”

"Yeah, ready to pop this off whenever you are, you brat!"

I kick the shield at Selena. It spins like a frisbee at Selena’s forehead. However, the air around her suddenly goes violent, becoming a raging storm. The shield is unable to resist it and goes flying off to the side.

“Such a surprising opening.”

What the hell just happened, she didn’t even move but it still got deflected!? Is it because of that Source stuff? Whatever, I’ll beat her even if she is using it!

I go in with my sword. Since it’s a single-edged sword, I’ll smack her with the back. Better be careful to not cave in her skull, but enough to make this shitty brat cry. I swing it like a bat. The time she has to react is nonexistent, I’m faster than her. Twisting my torso to increase the swing’s power, I hit nothing but empty space.

“What the hell, where did she go!” Am I trippin’? She just disappeared in thin air!

"Are you only going to hit empty air?" My head jerks to the left-side end of the, she stands there, making fun of me with that cocky ass grin of hers! "You need to polish your skill with a blade.”

There’s no goddamn way she got there with speed alone. I refuse to believe that I’m slower than her. No, screw that, I know what she’s doing!

"You can teleport!?”

“Oh my, I’m quite impressed the brain cells in your head function.”

I knew it! That’s how I ended up in that library in the first place!

“That’s cheating, isn’t it!”

"I suppose it would be less interesting if I keep scurrying away." Raising her hands, the wind around her goes wild. Her hair and dress flutter furiously as her scarlet eyes focus on me. "Get ready child, I shall give you the fighting you desire!"

From the tips of her fingers, a light shoots outs of the tips of her fingers. It’s faster than my eyes can follow. Luckily, my sense told me to get out of the way, right when it came out. It hit the floor behind me, leaving a burn mark on the ground. Shit, that was close. I would’ve been barbequed if that hit. But what was that? It left a burn mark but it wasn’t fire, that much I’m certain of. Was it lightning?

"The fight has only just begun, do try to give it your all."

She unleashes more lightning. Dodging the attacks is like rolling a dice, I didn't know if I’m fast enough to even get out of the way in time before my ass gets tased. Even if that’s the case, letting her control how this battle plays out is a bad idea. I need to go for it before my ass gets cooked!

"Going back on the offensive?"

She extends her arm out with only two fingers up. Bring them down, the wind blows hard, swirling like a hurricane. It carries me forward, sweeping me off the ground. Selena uses her hand to stop me from crashing into her. All the built-up momentum is gone, as if I never moved at all. Her hand is on my chest, The cool sensation of her fingers is immediately replaced by a static feeling, building up in front of me. A static shock explodes against my chest, blasts me back. Hitting the ground, I’m numb to the pain in my back. The shock on my chest takes all my attention. This agonizing burning on my chest is something I can't walk off.

“I suggest you stay down. No need to get yourself killed for a petty fight.”

Petty!? This damn witch! Is she even taking this seriously, is she taking me seriously? No, of course she isn’t, she just thinks this is a game! Well, she can get bent, I’m gonna show her what’s what!

The burning in my chest isn’t stopping, but who gives a shit. These legs of mine are gonna move, pain or no pain!

"Do you still wish to fight? You were barely even able to stand up.”

"Shut up, that was nothing!"

Once again, I run, using all the strength in my legs to go faster, kicking against the ground with each step. Like last time, she uses the wind to quickly close the gap. Not this time, you witch! At 2 meters, I slide against the ground, going through the gap between her legs.

She’s quick to turn her head, her eyebrows raised as her mouth is slightly gapping. This time, she can’t react to my attack! The sword connects with her head, a crack rings out. Did I hit too hard!? Pulling my head up, an ice sculpture replicates her figure, capturing my sword. When the hell did she make that? She skates away from me on a trail of ice forming below her heelless, knee-high, black platform boots. Stopping, the ice turns into water, including the statue.

"Be quick.”

Huh? To catch me up to speed, another warning goes off. Something is coming through the water. Electricity runs through the water. An entire 30-40 meters between her and me is doused in water. Quick on my feet, I stab my sword into the ground. I jump on it, carefully crouching down on it. The tips on my feet barely have a place on the tail-end of the hilt. Electricity runs through the blade but doesn’t make it to the hilt. I jump off the blade, rolling off the ground and onto my feet.

"Quite the athlete are we," the witch compliments.

"It's just one of the many skills I'm blessed with."

I pick up the shield next to me, running with it in front of my face.

"You left your feet exposed."

From the very top of the shield, I can see what she was doing. She’s covering the floor in crystal-clean ice. Perfect!

"Thought you would do something like that!"

I throw the shield on the ice in front of me. I jump off the floor before it could reach my feet, landing on the shield with 10s’ all across the board. It slides on the ice like a skateboard.

"YAHOO!"

Now this is what I call ice skating!

“Interesting idea.” From the ice, obstacles are constructed. Please, this is nothing! "Having fun are we?"

“Having the time of my life.”

She puts up a wall in front of herself, 5 meters in height. I fly off the edge of an ice ramp, jumping forward by using the shield to go airborne. I barely made it over the wall. The other side is vacant of any ice, Selena stares at me, descending on top of her. Surprise…

"Impressed yet!?"

I put my hands together so I can bop her over the head. Like before, she raises her hand with elegance. The cool wind begins to blow violently, forming a typhoon. It’s blowing all the ice away, sweeping me up with it. All the strength in my legs doesn’t matter, I have nothing to hang onto, I’m getting caught up in it! I’m swirling around inside of the typhoon like a bug inside of a sink full of water going down the drain. The typhoon suddenly dispersed without warning.

This leaves me being 30 meters in the air. I’m dropping too damn quick! It’ll only take a few seconds for me to reach the ground. When that happens, I'll either get messed up or worse. Coming in hot, something stops me from dropping like a bag of bricks. A gust of wind is keeping me from hitting the ground. Holy shit, that was so close, thought I was about to bite the bullet. Suddenly, I drop to my ass.

"Shit, that hurts!"

Well, that sure of shit could’ve gone better. A warning goes off in my head. Something is darting toward me at break-neck speed. Shit, I can’t dodge it in time! My arms instinctually guard my head. Waiting for something to happen, something wet hits me.

Am I dead yet? I don’t feel dead, at least from what I know. Moving my arms, water is covering my clothes. Did she melt that icicle?

"Are you impressed yet?" she asks me.

I jump forward, getting to unleash another attack on her. "No, I'm not done yet!"

"Well, I am." Selena teleported over to Nunnalé and Richard, who are standing near the lounging area of the courtyard that. There’s a door that leads back into the castle.

"If I had to rate that, I would give you a B for your creativity with the shield, but a D- for your overall performance. A shoddy display on your part, I was not impressed.”

“What was that, you brat!?” She wasn’t saying any of this with snark, but instead with a cold and critical voice.

“And to be frank, the way you are now, you’d sooner die than you would win a fight in this world."

What…? “What does that mean!”

“It’s simple: you’re weak.”

Weak? My sight turns red, my hands tremble with rage as my mind repeats that damn word! But the way she said it pisses me off!

Launching off the ground, I chase after Selena, who went back inside the castle. Richard and Nunnalé stop me from going after her.

“Let me go!”

“Attacking her would only–”

“Who cares, just let me at her!”

“Calm down, we aren’t here to be antagonistic! We need to learn as much as we can about the book, just calm down!”

He’s right, goddamn it, he’s right! But, it’s just…I…gah… Goddamn it!

I shake off Richard and Nunnalé, who are keeping a close eye on me. Man, screw this bullshit!

“Whatever, I’m out of here.”

“Proxy, wait…”

I’m already sick of this damn castle, and screw talking to that brat, I’m gonna just go wait for those two by the entrance. Besides, I don’t really care about the book. I just came here because I thought it would be fun, but I was dead wrong.

As if God was telling me to go screw myself, the witch is standing at the other end of the hall. My arms tremble with rage.

“Don’t you want your wounds to be healed?” she asks me, without a trace of emotion.

“No thanks, I don’t want your help!”

“Do you hate me?”

I turn away from her gaze. “...Maybe.”

“What will you do about it?” What could I do about it, you beat me without breaking a sweat. That’s what pissed me off the most! She was practically playing around with me.

“What do you want me to do about it,” I ask her.

“I’m not interested in answering such a dull question. Besides, what benefit is it to me? So seek the answer for yourself.”

With that last condescending comment, she teleports out of the hall. What the hell, isn’t she supposed to be wise or something!? What the hell, son of a bitch, damnit, shit!

I punch the wall next to me, breaking the surface of the wall. Blood trickles down my fist. “God damnit!”

...

Back in the lounge, Ms. Selena takes the same seat she had before, Nunnalé sits next to me as we watch her drink her tea. She seems like the type that wants to drink in peace. Of course, I don’t want to rush her, nor do I want to make her angry, however, I am concerned for Proxy, so I want to get back to him as soon as possible.

She finishes her drink, placing it on the table, barely making a clinking sound. "Now, I will answer any questions about the book." Ms. Selena says.

"Can the book take us home?" I immediately ask.

"Most likely, yes. However, the way it is now, it's just a piece of junk. To add on that, the reason the pages are empty is that it lacks the necessary means to read and use it," she promptly answers.

I have to approach this carefully. "And what would the means be, if I may ask?”

"Hmm . . . I think it's best if I don't tell you for now. If I did, I would have no idea what you would do. It would be best to keep that to myself."

Seriously! We were so close too. I want her to tell me but pressing her wouldn’t help. But if I can’t get that answered right away, then I have another question for her.

"Then, may I ask another question then, Ms. Selena?"

"No need to be afraid, I shall answer any inquires, almost any.”

She is much nicer than she was with Proxy. Then again, he was out of line since he laughed at Ms. Selena’s height, so I can understand her hostility.

"Well, from what Nunnalé said I need to have Source to awaken her, right?”

“Exactly.”

“Does that mean I can use it?”

“Indeed, you can.”

I knew! If I’m able to use it, then that means I can be of further assistance to Proxy!

“Do you want to know what you can do?”

“I do! Oh, um, yes, please.”

I forgot myself there for a minute.

“Give me a moment then…”

She takes a deep look at me. Intense in nature, she observes my whole being, making it seem like I’m an organism under a microscope. Her observation lasts for 10 seconds at the most before she reels back into her seat.

“I have determined your attribute… You’re Guardian.”

“Really?”

“Is it disappointing?”

“No, I’m okay with it. Though, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping to be a conjurer. Guardian was also something I preferred.”

Still, having Conjurer or Elemental Prime would allow me to act offensive if the need arises. But I feel as if it would be a waste on me since I’m not good at combat… Actually, what is Selena? She was using ice, wind, and electricity, so that means she’s an Elemental Prime user, but she can teleport too. I bet asking her would be a waste, she’d only skirt the question. But, nothing ventured nothing gained.

“Selena, what attribute are you?”

“Afraid I can’t tell you, however, I am capable of using all four.”

She’s going to just come out with it!? Not to mention all four?

“Seriously? But aren’t you only stuck to one attribute?”

“Not at all. Providing you train, you can use the others adjacent to yours.”

“Adjacent?”

“It’s quite simple. Since there are four attributes, these attributes are connected. Think of this being connected in a diamond-shaped formation: Since you are a guardian, you are adjacent to Illusionist and Conjurer. And in my case, let's say I am an Elemental Prime user, I am adjacent to Conjurer and Illusionist. Elemental Prime is at the top corner, Conjurer on the left corner, Illusionist on the right, and Guardian being across from Elemental Prime.”

So that means I could learn Illusions and conjurer if I train? I see, then that means I have more options. If she’s able to use all four, then that means…

“Excuse me, with Conjurer, you’re able to create things, right?”

“Of course, however, that depends on what you mean.”

“Then, can I ask you to fix my glasses?”

I put them on the coffee table. Selena examines the damage. Hopefully, she can fix them, it’s becoming quite uncomfortable to see without them on.

“Hm, the damage isn’t too terrible. Very well, I'll fix them for you, give me a moment." Selena teleported away for a brief moment, returning a minute later.

"Here you are, I was able to remake them Although, I did make a few alterations.”

“How were you able to figure out my eyeglass prescription?”

“You didn’t take out all the glass, so I was able to recreate the same properties.”

She hands them back to me. Already, I can see some of the changes to the frame? It’s still black, but they have metal plating where the hinge and temple of the glasses met. The frame of the rim is colored white, meshing well with the black. Hm, oh, there’s something on the left temple. “Selena eyewear” in an elegant font.

Well, time to see how they fare. Wow, they’re good as new! Everything is clearer than it was before!

“How do they feel?”

“Wonderful, thank you, Ms. Selena.”

She got up from her seat while taking a sip of her tea. "I think I covered everything that you could ever ask, or is there more?"

"No, not really, but is there no way to go home besides this book?”

“I’m certain, as I said, it’s no more than just a book full of blank pages, however…”

The book teleported to her hand.

"You should take it for now. I have a feeling you should have it for now."

Wait, there’s something else I need to know! “Excuse me, I don’t mean to be a bother, but how do I use my Source.”

“I’m sure your doll can tell you.”

Nunnalé averts her gaze, bitter in expression. "I regret to inform that I am unable to help in teaching master Richard Source."

"Ah, yes, the fact that dolls wouldn't be able to escaped me. Then, I shall give you this." Selena teleports, leaving us in her lounge, only to come back with a book in her hands. She hands it to me. "It's nothing more than a history book on guardian attribute, but even that can help you. Speaking of which. Doll, I hope you'll do a better job at being a guide for your master in this world from now on."

"If it'll benefit Master Richard, I will do better."

Selena stands from her seat.

"Now, I shall see you children off back to your camp."

"Huh? How do you know about the camp?"

“Oh, slip of the tongue.” It sounds like she’s being tongue and cheek about it. But if she knows about the camp, who’s to say she doesn’t know about us coming to this world? Speaking of us.

“What about Proxy?” I ask her.

“I shall teleport him as well.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry for how he behaved, he’s really a good person.”

Ms. Selena giggles, sounding as if she’s not bothered. “It’s all right, I am capable of dealing with children such as him. Besides, he gave me the perfect opportunity to stretch my legs, so I’m more than thankful... Alas, I suggest you keep an eye on him. If he continues this way, he will die.”

Die? Is something going to happen to him!? Before I could ask, she snaps her fingers.

Titan's axe - evening

Out of the blue, my vision went from that castle to an open plain of grass, the sky is telling me that it’s evening. As soon as I notice all this, I fall for a short moment before landing hard on the ground.

That freakin’ witch, she could’ve killed me if I landed on my damn neck!

"Guys, you there…? Holler if you’re dead.”

"Holler," Richard, his barely audible, replies.

"Master Richard, you are not dead though.”

“I know.”

I’m upside down on the ground, curling into a ball. Nunnalé is sitting on the couch, and Richard barely landed on the couch with a book against his chest.

Richard lets out a quiet groan. "Nunnalé, are you okay.”

"I am okay."

"Proxy?”

"Never better, my neck is a bit stiff though..." Getting my ass off the ground, I crack my neck only to sense an attack coming up behind me. I dodge out of the way, but their second attack swept my legs off the ground. I land on my back. Who the hell is messing with me now!? Not exactly in the best mood to be screwed with!

“Who said you can leave without my permission!? Where did you go.”

Shit, worse than I thought. It’s Marie.

"Nice to see you too, Marie. We were just doing things, going out, seeing the sights. Ya know, something fun."

"You’re supposed to be on guard duty!"

"Yes, but we have an excuse this time."

God, this reminds me of my regular lectures from my teachers and Birch? Regardless, I took the time to explain where we were and about Selena.

"...So the white forest is owned by a little girl? I mean, there are stories stating that if you get lost in the forest, you’ll hear a little girl giggling.”

"Yep, sounds like her, and she's a four-foot-tall kid who acts like she's a princess and is into that gothic lolita style. Oh, she also knows how to piss someone off in just one sentence.”

"She's also adept at Source, this was proven in her fight with Proxy," Nunnalé adds, giving less of a shit if it’s pouring salt in the wound.

"You fought her?"

"Sure did."

Fight, yeah right, that’s was a one-sided show, and I was the clown.

“And to be frank, the way you are now, you’d sooner die than you would win a fight in this world."

I can’t get it out of my head! The scorn in her eyes, her tone that was used to make me seem insignificant… I asked her what I could do about my apparent weakness, that was a stupid thing to ask because I already have my answer: I’ll just show powerful I really am. I’ll fight tougher fighters to prove it, and I won’t lose!

"Well, guess I can’t bust your chops since you guys had an excuse,” Marie says. “However…” Marie wags her finger at me. “...I want you to put my couch back!"

"Why me!?"

"You took it without permission!"

"I needed to sit on something. I mean, why hog it?"

"Because it is mine!" She plops on the couch. "Come, hop to it." Is this chick for real? Nah, she must be out of her mind, thinking I’m gonna push that thing while she’s on it. "What's the matter, not strong enough? Didn’t know you had noodle arms."

I know she’s just getting me riled up but goddamn it, it’s working!

"So this is how we're doing this, huh? Fine, I'll take that back to your place even with you on it, no sweat!"

Thus, began my epic battle to put the couch back. No need to mention that there were many breaks during this event...

The Moonlight Castle - Night

I sip on the tea I had made. Not bad but not as good as the doll’s, but adequate. In the darkest corners of the library, a man, rather, thing, hides in the veil of darkness.

"You do know hiding in the shadows does not qualify as a knightly activity?" A white-clad suit of armor reveals itself with heavy steps that leave a clank to echo in the room. "And what do I owe the pleasure of this surprise visit?"

"You allowed the boy to have the Grimoire, why?" His voice is deep, stoic, and had might behind it. Yet, there is nothing heroic about him.

"How could you come up with such an idea?"

"Do not play games with me, witch. I have seen all that had happened in this castle."

"Oh my, hiding and stalking me within the shadows of my own home? Does your incivility know no bounds?”

"You are dodging the subject, witch."

I take another sip of my tea.

"From what I gather, the book fell into their hands, that would mean that it is the beginning of a play. So I thought it best to let them keep it, for now. I wish to observe the events that shall unfold. You shall be a spectator as well."

I am uncertain of why they hold the book, and that man was far too quick to try and collect it from them the moment they arrived. Yet it seems as if he’s not trying to come after them now. It is far too peculiar.

"You say this, yet..."

I yawn, interrupting him. " This conversation is growing dreary, so please get to the point."

"Considering the circumstance, I will act swiftly. I shall exterminate the book and those who stand in my way."

As Microscopic as it may be, he means it with all his heart.

"I'm afraid I cannot allow you to do such a thing."

He draws a ceremonial broadsword from thin air. "Are you attempting to halt me?"

"If you were to rebuff my proposition, then yes."

As crude as it may be, I imperceptibly hope he’ll end up acting rashly for his own good. That said, it would only make things less convenient if he did.

"Proposition?"

"I'm sorry, I try not to stutter when speaking. Ah, perhaps I used words bigger than you can comprehend?"

Ignoring my retort, he sheathes his sword. "Speak of this proposition you have in mind."

"Why it's quite simple. The deal is this: leave those boys and that book alone for the time being. As long as things are proceeding nicely, you will not interfere. However, the moment I feel as if it’s justified, you may step in."

It draws no breath, there’s no discernable way to even tell if this thing lives, especially with its statue-esc posture. Perhaps he enjoys being lifeless;

"Fine, I shall take you up on this deal." Walking past me, he heads for the library exit. "I will allow them to keep it for now, but if the need were to arise, I shall intervene, whether I have your consent or not."

"Worry not, when you do, I’ll be the one who tells you to."

"Time shall tell… However, I must inquire on your actions tonight. Why did you provoke the child like that? You knew he was no match for you, so why fight him?”

Quite sharp, for one who has a dull sense of emotions.

“I was weary of this peace, so I challenged him to a fight, he accepted, that’s all there is to it.”

Answering honestly is such a waste, in fact, my boredom increases as this conversation continues. Talking to this thing always puts me in an apathetic state.

“If you will keep the truth of the matter to yourself, then that is of no consequence to me. However, I shall keep an eye on you, the child, and the book.”

“I am terrified by the prospect of a watchful eye. Tell me, will you watch me as I bathe as well?”

The knight ignored my teasing and pushes open the door, leaving without even closing. How crass, does he not know proper manners as a knight? Well, no matter, I will have to put up with him for now.

I look up towards the sky view. The book will not be able to take them home in its condition. But how did it bring them here in the first place...? So vexing, I know how it was able, but I don’t understand how it was able to fulfill the means? Curious, but I suppose the mystery makes it all the more exciting.

I sip down more of my tea. The taste, while not good, was interesting, to say the least...

Titan's axe - night

It’s been a while since I have seen him. I wonder if he’s doing okay? Is he taking showers, is he eating right, is he even alive? With nothing to trade, I can’t get him out of there. Shit, what am I going to do? If I can’t give them anything, then what can I do… Do I even have an alternative? Of course I don’t, without whatever was in the Hell Mine, I’m shit out of luck. I should’ve gotten it myself, I knew I should’ve gone, but I was too damn cautious!

I’m such an idiot! What am I gonna do now?

"Damn...it!"

Proxy is still moving my couch. He’s been at this for half an hour now, it’s almost impressive if it wasn’t so sad. Then again, he is still a kid. No, he’s the same kid that got the Hell Mine destroyed, and screwed up any chance I had at saving him. I’m not gonna feel bad for him. Maybe that’s a bit too harsh. I don’t know what to think anymore. Screw it, I’m gonna mess with him to get my mind off things.

"What’s the matter, need a break? Kiddies like you should learn to take it easy."

"No thanks, and it isn't because this couch is heavy, it's because you are."

Wha-what did he just say!? “Wanna say that again!?” I poke him with the shaft of my spear, hitting his face.

"Ow, ow, ow! Stop that!"

"You called me heavy, you brat!"

"Guess I’m right since you’re hitting me!"

“That’s it, I’m gonna kill you!”

“Like to see you try!”

Scratch that, maybe being a little harsh is fine with this one. He reminds me nothing of you, brother… I really miss you...

...

I lie in a prison cell. It’s quite cramped, there’s a minuscule amount of light seeping into this room, though, I doubt this will last forever. The darkness makes it easy to fall asleep, but sleeping now would be a waste since the stars are up, even if I am unable to see most of them, I am grateful to see even one. It has been quite some time since I have been imprisoned here, and while I am worried for my own well-being, I do hope Marie is okay. The thought plagues me so, to the part where it becomes increasingly difficult to sleep. Of course, once morning comes, I do so anyway, haha!

Still, there is a pressing issue, an issue that must be resolved by morning. If I cannot mend it, then I shall suffer greatly.

“I need meat!”