章 60: New Beginnings And Old Memories
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POV: Astaros
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Today, aside from myself, the soul scape was empty.
I sat under the branches of my incarnation, a symphony of raindrops dripping and pinging off my hollow horns, running down my helm, and filling the gaps and seams of my armor.
A light breeze blew the gentle rain into me as though it were a mist, while zephyrs carved out the drifting fog. The grass flowed in lazy melancholy as I rested upon the softened earth.
I had never truly thought about it before. How similar the old world was to this one. Tragedy marred the antiquities of this world with deep unchanging scars. Unfazed by the passing of time. I had seen hints, but the history of Rift and Christine's parents had truly brought it to light.
Nothing had changed besides my location. This place was the exact same. I had given it many chances but the plots and schemes of its inhabitants and overseers had become far too clear.
My excitement of finally being freed from the old chains and shackles that had planted me firmly in the hands of humanity had blinded me. If I was not careful it would be the same as before, whether the rook, pawn or king I would be a piece of someone else's game again.
I turned my eyes to the sky as my logic began to create doubts in my mind. Experience and understanding, whispering and sprouting fears of slavery, war and solus. None of it was unfounded. It could all come true.
The rain grew heavier as the clouds began to rumble. Echoing thunder and elusive flashes of lightning flickered in the distance. The sound of creaking wood reverberated overhead as the massive ancient tree swayed in the billowing winds.
For hours, my thoughts wandered as the storm whirled around me.
And in the end, I realized something.
I no longer have any other option but to fight towards a free future. A future where I can smile upon the board where I once was a pawn. The moment Fillia, Dryis, Christine, and Rift went and put their faith in me, my choices for the future were made.
Oadry, Nikky, Raven, even the distant Katia, all uprooted themselves to support us.
I have no questions as to what I must do.
Light split the deep grey clouds as the rain stopped, the mist almost glittered as it carved its way into the depths of the haze which enshrouded the grasses.
I now knew my goal, however I lack knowledge of it's full requirements. I must carefully and quietly, and when the time comes, viciously claw my to peak of power.
My emotions were no longer flaring in a raging storm, the clouds which had once covered the sky had peeled back, the echoes of thunder being the only tell of the raging tempest which had once swept the land.
Now satisfied with the conclusion I came to, I turned my attention to the soul scape. I focused as I opened it up, tearing away the veil which had shielded it from the wandering consciousnesses of the others. This malleable world responded to me perfectly. However…
I looked up at the sky raising my hands to my forehead as I stared at a newly born sun, high in the sky.
'That is certainly new' {Astaros}
It was certainly a new presence. It seems I tripped some kind of condition for its creation.
'I will investigate that later. For now…' {Astaros}
I turned to the grass which was now fog free, the haze having disappeared while I was paying attention to the sun. In its place was a newly arrived Fillia.
"Is it just me or did it take longer to get here tonight?" {Fillia}
Well she was certainly observant.
"You are far too concerned about minor things. Look up, we have a sun now." {Astaros}
She raised a had to her forehead as she looked up, peering at the blinding ball in the sky.
Her tails flitted about as she smiled and looked at me.
"Don't tell me you stopped us from coming here so you could make that thing?" {Fillia}
I smiled at her familiar snarkiness which relieved me of my stress for the moment.
"Yes, yes I did. Is there a problem?" {Astaros}
Val Systin appeared from behind the tree as he pushed himself beneath my hand, a low growl rumbling deep in his throat as he got comfortable. Fillia herself came and sat on my right as she twirled her hair, leaning in against my shoulder.
"I just felt a little weird not being able to see you." {Fillia}
Though her face was tinted red I decided not to bother her.
Moments later Dryis arrived, sitting up in the tall grasses and getting to her feet.
"Am I late, or am I just feeling a little out of tou- oh! Is that a sun? since when was that there?"
Fillia, seeming not to notice the turmoil that I had shelved within me, now beamed at Dryis as they began to converse, with rift arriving moments later.
It was a jarring peace compared to the raging storm of emotions I had been wielding earlier. But for them I must be in control. I must be a constant. I can rely on them, but I mustn't make them my strength. I must be theirs.
Tomorrow, I am going to begin my journey to grow in strength. I must also figure out what the catalysts for my growth in power are.
On top of all that…
I touched my chest as a weak red glow pulsated within. Something of mine is missing. I am unsure of what and where, but it must be retrieved.
'Hmmm, I have a lot to do.' {Astaros}
It's nearly time to get to work.
…
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POV: Astaros
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I awoke to the usual sensation of Fillia's tails wrapping around my midsection, while Dryis cut off circulation to my arm with her powerful grip. However something new was resting on my chest. It was sharp, but heavy. Using my free hand I lifted the sheets, revealing Half formed horns which were stabbing into my chest.
'Alright, let's try raising my upper body first.' {Astaros}
I slowly creaked upwards as the tension of Fillia's tails unconsciously weakened, slowly releasing me as Christine slipped off the side, falling onto Dryis in the wake of me achieving my goal. This in turn caused Dryis to let go as she sleepily turned to deal with Rift/Christine.
Before I could be entrapped again I quickly got out of the bed and prepared to head off to the baths, but before I could someone called out to me
"Astaros?" {???}
I looked back over my shoulder as a glowing violet iris stared me down.
"What is it Rift?" {Astaros}
She rose from the sheets, her face set like stone as she thought for a moment.
"We will be leaving with mother for a while, I thought you would like to know." {Rift}
I waited a little to see if she had more to say but kept quiet. Realizing she had nothing else to tell me I simply nodded.
"Alright, I'll tell Oadry and Nikky to help you three prepare." {Astaros}
I then turned and left, heading down to the baths.
…
A little later I would learn that these three were headed off to visit the grave of Christine and Rifts parents. Oadry and Nikky had quickly helped them prepare and by the time I had prepare myself for the day and stood in the entryway they were prepared to leave.
"Do you have everything you need?" {Astaros}
"Yes, yes we do, the maids made sure of that. Thank you so much for your hospitality, and for taking care of my child." {Raven}
I chuckled a little at the sight of Christine who was trying her best to seem angry at Raven for calling her a child. The façade of humor she was showing however did not deceive me. My connection to them through the soul link was far stronger than their connection to me, and while the link was a two way street they had yet to reach the level where they could hide such powerful, fluctuating emotions from me. I had to admit a number of things about this bothered me. I almost didn't want to let Christine leave my side right now given her state of mind. However with Raven travelling with her I should have nothing to worry about. While we both had a deep understanding of Christine, hers was based on experience, while mine was based on the understanding born of the soul linkage. It was clear to see who's understanding ran deeper. Raven had spent a great chunk of her lifetime caring for her and knew he inside and out.
It was for the best that those two took some time together to figure things out. I doubt Raven would let anything happen, and the aforementioned link will keep me in contact with the two of them anyway. Truly, all I can do is send her off with a smile, while preparing a home for her to return to.
I now turned to Christine
"I hope you find the reassurance you're looking for." {Astaros}
"I- No WE promise to come back once we are whole, and once we do, you had best be prepared." {Christine/Rift}
"HA! We shall see about that." {Astaros}
It was a simple send off but it was all I could muster in my turbulent state, and in a flash of violet light, they were gone.
Particles of mana glittered in the midday sun, floating off into the distance in the wake of their disappearance.
Watching the glowing particles I began to consider something.
Perhaps…
I should take some time alone for a journey of my own.
クリエイターの想い 
Blue_Robin
Blue_Robin Its been a while lads. I'm sorry for taking so long. I honestly thought about abandoning the series out of laziness but I just couldn't do it. It may take a while but I will return to my original writing level and attempt to surpass it. I would hope you would be kind enough to be patient as I get back in the rythym
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