Grey Nirmala
Snow was all around the giant city of storms. I watched the snow fall from the roof of the Aetherim Academy. Fate Weaver in my hand I watched the fireworks bursting up light in the dark sky.
A new year.
When the last sparks of the fireworks vanished I went back to my room. It was silent there. As silent as a void. Even the sound of me closing the door was silent. Maybe it was because of me or maybe just a coincidence. I threw Fate Weaver into the bed and watched the aetheric weapon in silence.
Just moments earlier I was trapped in a mantel battleground, wandering alone. I reached my third awakening, unlocked the myth branch of Fate and finally got an awakened weapon of my own. But still while I was there, on the island I felt lonely. Maybe for the first time since I arrived to this realm I felt alone to this extent. I completed my third awakening by doing nothing but wandering around. I found the necessary aether to complete the trial and then I was sent back to that watery place again where I fought a version of myself. It was not easy nor hard, I defeated him and then woke up in my bed like it was all just a bad dream. Lilith told me that our minds were the reason that we can get stronger, our minds and souls. Our awakened minds on that battleground. The battleground was big but not giant. It had a crimson beach, a death forest, a river above the undead, a shadow prison, a concert of the departed and a giant volcano. In that moment I had realized that I had so much to gain, but much more to lose. My memories were eager to make me watch those moments once again, just to remind myself that I had killed her.
After I woke up in the water, before I was able to understand anything the water split open and swallowed me. It was a long drop and when I reached the ground an island welcomed me. I was stranded on a crimson beach with long dark palm trees covering the way to the forest. I marched through the trees, crushing any insect that was standing in my way. I had no known destination so I didn't know how I could complete my third awakening. But a part of me knew that I had to continue that way. The volcano was the biggest so my will wanted to cross it.
I walked across the forest and found a river. The river was silent at first but when I tried to cross it, it spoke. Whispers of the dead surfaced in an instant to make me one of them. To cross the river I had to dive in and find the source of the whispers. I used creation to make myself a swimsuit and with the help of it I dried the entire river. The whispers became screams with agony. Their pain was beautiful to watch. And so my march continued to reach the top of the volcano. After the river came prison. The prison was empty but of flesh. It was as dark as pitch darkness itself, no light to be found. So I made my own light. A golden lamp erupted in my right palm and with the help of the lamp I continued to walk through the prison. And that was when I realized that the light that I created made shadows. Shadows that looked like people. It was then I knew why there was no light source inside the prison. The shadows were hungry for flesh, for me. I had no way out, I needed light to find the exit and the shadows needed light for me. I could've ran towards the entrance but the entrance was gone. I had no way out but the exit and if that was not an option then I would destroy this prison and every shadow in it.
The shadows were all around me, surrounding me like a pack of hungry wolves. Well they were not wolves but they were indeed hungry. I needed a distraction and with Hachiko absent I had no choice but to use myself as bait. I created a small but sharp blade and cut off my left arm. Blood was pouring, pain was coming but I immediately used creation to create a new arm. I threw the severed arm to a dark area of the prison and at the same time I also threw the lamp next to the arm. Without wasting a single moment the hungry shadows ate the arm, reducing it to pure aether. I watched in awe but had no time wasting. I created another lamp in my hand and ran to find the exit. I knew that the shadows would come after me once they realized that there was another flesh in here. But before they could find me I found them. The exit was in front of me, the hollow gate showing me the daylight, but with the light more shadows arose from the darkness. The shadows were no longer human-like, but had the body of beasts. Beasts that resembled the awakened aether eating beasts like: Stormbirds, Bloodbears, Winterserpents, Earthturles... They may look different but they all had the same goal; to consume me until nothing remained. My mind was split into two sides; I could either use destruction, lose myself and win or I can use creation, make a simple plan to get myself out of here and save myself.
I chose the second option.
I created multiple lamps at once. The aether inside my body was almost in a shortage, almost. I threw the lamps in all directions. The amount of the shadows increased immediately. The new shadows also took forms of aether eating beasts. For a shadow to exist there must be a body, I am the body. The shadows were in the walls, roof and in the floor but they can never have me because only one can have me. The shadows will have to fight each other if they wanted a piece of me. The shadows lunged at me at once, they started to tear my flesh apart, I let them. I waited until enough blood was poured then I used creation to burst myself up to air by creating air pressure under my feet. I reached the light before the shadows could reach me. I was finally free from the walls of darkness and with a breath I continued the march to reach the top of the volcano.
I was before a concert of moving and singing skeletons. There was a stage and on the stage was a band of skeletons. There was also a group of skeletons that listened to the music and clapped their bare bone hands for the dead band. I didn't care much about the song until I realized that I was one of the clapping skeletons. I was bone. I looked around in panic as I tried to figure out what the fuck had happend. That's when I knew the song was the one to blame. I tried to move but there was just too many pieces of bastard bones for me to move. I was getting tired of the shenanigans that were happening to me since I had fallen to this unpredictable island. And the worst of all was that the song was kinda ripping. Any thought of me wanting to get my body back had vanished and I now just wanted to listen to the music. My mouth muttered the lyrics of the song.
"I love the blade that killed me!
I wondered the dread that kissed me!
We can see you Grey!
Your hearth under the free bird that left!
Then can you just... Fuck! Fuck! Fuck me up and duck my mouth!
All in the rain, that can be day is ours!
I can be dead out a blade!
One! One! And done!
Till Burn!"
I was almost going to lose myself if I hadn't realized that one of the skeletons in the band had blue hair that reminded me of her. The only reason I survived was nothing but sheer luck.
I snapped myself out of the song and realized that I was back in my own body. I looked back at the concert of the departed with dread but there was no song. There was no band. There was no stage. There were only skeletons that were all around the grass ground, lifeless. I quickly ran from there and just ran until I finally found the bottom of the monumental volcano. There was no stairs or a path for me to climb it so I had to make my own climbing path. I forged tools that would help me climb to the top of the volcano. I don't know how long it took for me to climb to the top because here the sun never goes out, it only changes its color. I had struggles climbing but not that bad like the earlier ones. I wish this was true. When I was in the middle of the volcano lava spheres began to gush out. I was tryşng to avoid them but they were bigger than I expected. My right hand was clinging dearly to the golden pickaxe while my left was finally ready to use destruction. The vortex rune glowed purple as I channeled aether to it. I could feel my mind filling with the thoughts of destruction. But before I could even use the rune, before I could realize what was happening I was falling. Falling from the volcano. I was hit by a lava sphere before I could deflect it. I tried to reach and hold somewhere anywhere on the hard body of the giant volcano. I took back every aether I channeled to the rune of destruction and then channeled all of my remaining aether to creation, there wasn't much left. The perception of my eyes widened and every damaged part of my body healed instantly. I used the star rune to create myself sharp golden chains to throw at the volcano. The chains lodged into the body of the volcano and I was safe for some minute at least. This was also the moment when I realized that there was a particular limit to the rune of creation. If my imagination was strong enough then I could easily create anything I wanted. I mean there was a limit of course, the bigger and more things I create the more aether the rune consumes. They may be other limits or consequences but right now I know none.
I threw chains one after another. I stopped when lava spheres gushed then continued throwing chains. I could've just made wings and fly to the top from the beach, but looking back I guess I was a complete idiot for not doing that. I could've even used Zero but my mind was already shattered when I arrived on the island. Still, looking into these memories sometimes makes me think that I am an idiot with stupidly overpowered abilities.
When I finally reached the top of the volcano I was already sore out of aether. I tried to absorb some from my surroundings but couldn't because of my body and mind being also sore.
After I reached the peak, I looked around in a daze. I let out a deep breath and then screamed with all of the remaining force in my body. There was no salvation here, there was only danger. I cursed and cursed and just cursed. I hated it. Doing so much just to accomplish nothing. And now I was trapped in the top of a bastard volcano. I was not happy. Not saved. Not smiling. But also not crying. I was going to find the way out and kill every single living creature on this island.
I was back in the crimson beach. I spent days, maybe weeks, looking around for an exit. I was still all alone. I made my own food and water source. I made a small shelter to survive in my sleep. And sometimes I even spoke with the insects. I even befriended one and named a little red poisonant. I named him Darrow. Darrow Of Ultimus. Ultimus was added to his name because for some reason I thought it was okay for me to start a clan of my own. The Bloods Of Destruction, the Ultimus Clan. It sounded nice back then, but now I knew it was all complete bullshit.
After many time had passed I finally figured the way out, I almost forgot the fact that I was trapped here. Just for it all to be so simple. Killing myself after consuming millions of aether. I made myself a blade and stabbed my throat with it. It hurt for a time but the pain vanished the moment my eyes closed. And then I finally left the island and was back in the watery place.
I looked around, finally freed from the sand of that island. But now I had an another problem. I didn't know how to get out of here. I walked around for a couple of minutes but nothing changed or happened. Until I started to play with aether. Because of getting bored I started to use aether in many different ways. I created models of my friends and family. I created a plushie of Bosque and Hachiko. And then the more aether I used the more the place changed. Until I used enough aether then he rose from the water. He had golden hair. His face was a frown. His body looked good. His posture was strong. And he had eyes that pierced my whole will.
He was me.
And with a fierce battle I ended him. Chopping his head clean off. And then I heard that voice again.
"Awakened Grey, you have completed your third awakening trial! You may now rest. See you on the future trials."
"What a memorable adventure it was."
Hachiko said with a laugh. I rolled my eyes and simply ignored him. I now had an awakened weapon. It was as sharp as a sword and as flexible as a whip, an imuru. Created by the ancestors of the people of Zelyana City. When swing it, it's like a whip but when strike it, it cuts like a sword. The name "Fate Weaver" was given to it the moment I held the weapon. My mind already had a name for it.
The Crimson Moon was upon the sky while snow fell. The weather was annoyingly cold but these beds in the dorms of the academy were actually crafted really well. I didn't want to sleep so I just talked with Hachiko. I talked about my journey in this realm.
"Do you know who Pronica is?" I asked.
"Yeah. He answered. "I saw her while looking into your memories. She is a goddess right? I mean she definitely looks like one."
I smiled.
"Yeah. But I still don't know much about her. Or these other "realms" everyone keeps talking about. I want information, Hachiko."
Hachiko snuggled in my mind and then pouted. He wanted something from me and I believe that I already knew what it was.
"Can you make me a body or something? I am really bored being just a voice. "
I wasn't quite sure at first. Giving Hachiko a body always seems dangerous to me. But right now nothing shitty would happen, I guess.
I made a body shape in my mind and using the help of creation and Hachiko I made a body for my companion. Hachiko swept out of me as he landed on the tip of the bed as a small cat. He again had two different eye colors, one was gold and the other purple. He had pure white fur that had golden patterns on the different parts of his body. Hachiko snuggled up to me lying down just inches away from me.
"We are called the People Of Destruction because we are the descendants of Pillar Destruction."
"And who is Destruction?"
"I don't know. I don't know much right now, but I can tell you who he is."
I waited eagerly for the answer. The name of "Destruction" was all around in my current life now.
"Do you remember the two different colored floating eyes that watched you and the others? Yea basically that mothersucker is Destruction. I mean you already know his name so wasn't that easy to figure out?"
The Eyes that watched us. The gaze of the abyss. I still don't know what he truly is. I have so many unanswered questions. About the realms, the Pillars, Pronica, the Pink Bunny and of course aether.
"Yeah, yeah your so—"
My words were cut as my door was knocked. Both I and Hachiko straightened up and looked directly at the door. Hachiko`s ears perked and I slowly got up to open the door. Who could have been here in the middle of the night? I slowly opened the door and looked at who it was. I couldn't see anyone until I looked down. There she was. Maya looked at me with a sad and also a scared smile. She also had a pillow in her arms, hugging it dearly.
"Hi, big brother." She said with a low voice.
I already knew what she wanted so I just moved out of the way so she could get inside. Maya slowly walked inside and I closed the door.
"Can I... Can I sleep here with you?" Her lips shook while asking.
A small smile spread across my face as I nodded my head. Maya jerked, all of the fear in her vanishing immediately. She quickly went to the bed to lay down but stopped when she saw the cat. Hachiko and Maya both looked at each other dumb.
"Uhh... Hi?" Hachiko said quietly.
"Ahh!"
Maya yelped with fear and quickly ran towards me. Hachiko frowned and rolled his eyes. I gently held Maya`s shoulder as I walked her towards Hachiko.
"Hey, so, Maya, this is Hachiko. My companion. Don't worry he doesn't bite. I mean he is a cute cat."
"What... What is a cat?" She asked, eyes with tears.
So she doesn't know what a cat is. Probably because of the realm differences so I don't blame her for being scared of Hachiko.
"Hey, don't be scared kiddo, I don't bite." Hachiko said with a giggle.
Maya slowly perked and peaked at Hachiko, moving her hand towards Hachiko. Hachiko let her stroke his soft fur. Hachiko purred softly, taking joy in the state he was.
We all lay down on the bed hugging one another. This may have been the last time I was going to be at peace, because tomorrow both the trip will start and my plan will take action.
The sun hadn't risen when I woke up. Maya and Hachiko were hugging each other while they slept. I smiled at the sight and slowly got up from the bed. I wanted to walk around a bit. To see the vehicles we were going to use on the trip. I watched silently from the roof of the academy as the workers were making the vehicles ready. The vehicles were not big nor small. Thirty students can fill one of them. They had small tires beneath them. The tires were like of a car but also different. The body also looked like a train. I had no problem knowing that these vehicles were built with aetheric systems. A transport vehicles named twisterways.
"They look stupidly practical." I said my eyes narrowing.
"So to those who you will make suffer." A female voice said from behind.
I quickly turned around to welcome my partner in crime. Lilith looked at me with a serious expression. Her long white hair waved in the air.
"So what is your true plan, Grey?" Her ruby eyes were set on me.
"I will kill Orinn, that is not a question. But I will also destroy those bastards."
"Just because he beat you in a school fight? You're better than this?"
"No, because to show Orinn that I am no joke. To show that I can do whatever I want, even in his presence."
"Those kids are my people too, don't forget that." She said, her voice getting sharper.
I nodded my head.
"I know, but they are not my people. Soon they will all attack the Green Realm, to my people."
I turned around to watch the workers do their jobs.
"Do you know why I hate high families like Astrid`s?" I asked Lilith expecting no reply. As I thought none came so I continued:
"In my realm there are these five big families we call 'Endless Greatness Of The Five'. Family of ash, Xander. Family of water, Aeson. Family of the sun, Orion. Family of lightning, Genesis. And the family of gold, Epaminondas. They rule the world but for themselves, while our own families work jobs that require immense pressure. Because of them I lost a friend. Because of me and them. So I will first kill them then reshape the entire world in my own image. I will save the world, from Orinn and from them. I'm no hero. But I am a guardian."
"So that's your true nature? Same as Orinn`s." She said with bitterness in her voice.
"I am not Orinn." I said as I turned around to look at her.
"I am Grey Nirmala. The Legacy of the Lineage City. Who crossed through an entire forest filled with spirits that almost made my mind broke. Who fought against Gien Husk and won. Who made the Pits shook. Who caught the attention of a Moon Goddess. Who survived against flesh consuming shadows. Who climb a deadly volcano. And who unlocked the myth branch of Fate, the Weaver`s Touch. So no! I am not the same as Orinn, I will never be like him. And when all of this is over you all will see the differences. This is only the beginning."
Lilith finally spoke.
"Your ambitions are quite large, but powerful I will give that to you. But I cannot let you hurt more than necessary. Do what you do and go back to your realm. I already lost a mother because of Orinn and I will not lose a city because of him too. Trust is a hard earned trophy, Grey. Especially from me. I have faith and trust for you. But don't ruin that trust."
I nodded my head then looked at the sky above. A big bastard smile spread across my face when I saw the stars. There were many stars and the Crimson Moon shined bright. The snow continued to fall as I remembered Maya. Maya had her own goals. She wanted to make a peaceful world. A world without hate and blood. So I made a vow to myself. To be a protector even in the worst. To be a guardian till the very end. To make both my and Maya`s goals come into life. I have so much to gain but much more to lose. I won't let the same thing happen to them like it happened to Maya. She died alone, scared and with unlove. I wasn't able to help her back then but I will help others now. With aether I could reshape the entire fabric of Fate. But until then I will get even stronger. I will destroy the unneeded and create the necessary. End the rule of the Great Five and...
I will kill them all.