Year 2000 AGS Underhaven Calendar
"So, how's your adventure today?" Mom asked. "It's fun, but still, it's different when Malakel is around. Feel like the group lost its annoying energy." I replied.
"Well, you should not rely on others too much on how you enjoy adventures, or else you will live a sad life." "What do you mean? Being with others is the adventure, Mom." "What I mean is, in your mind, you must find ways to enjoy. Yes, it's fun when you're with others, but there are times when you guys also do your own things while adventuring, right? That is when you should find ways to entertain yourself solitarily. You don't rely too much on others all the time." "Mom, you're a legion commander. You rely on others all the time. Don't make me remind you of how much you order Magna around."
"Yes, what I meant is that you should learn to do both. Relying on others when you need to and relying on yourself when you're alone. Especially with happiness." "Okay, okay. I'll listen to you mom." I sarcastically replied. "You know your mother is right, Equirel. A man should learn to stand on his own if there are none to stand beside him." Dad interrupted. "Must be from your side of the family." Mom playfully teased my dad.
"You mean how a 7-year-old defeated you linguistically? Haha." "What do you mean by 'defeated'? I am right. You even supported me. The kid just knows how to dodge when lectured. It was not a victory." "Sometimes, dear. I wonder why our son is so hard-headed. Maybe that's because of your side of the family, hahaha." "Ho. Turning the tables again, aren't you? That is why I sometimes hate intellectuals. Let's just agree that he got it from both of us." "Haha. Fine. Fine." Dad laughed when he messed with my mom's reasoning, as he usually does.
"And that's why the strongest legion commander married an intellectual." I playfully interjected. "Haha. Maybe you do not know, Equirel. Your father is one of the best warriors of Underhaven. What do you mean by intellectual? In my defense, he isn't just some intellectual." My mom shyfully replied. "Your dad is a freak of nature. Handsome, fit, and intelligent as well. Even the princess of the white flames chased after him." Dad again teased mom. "Why you!!!---" The clock alarmed. My mom turned surprisingly serious in an instant. "It's 10:00 Fire. It is time." Dad seriously told my mother.
"Now, now, Equirel. It's bedtime for you. If you want to grow into a big, strong man, you must learn to rest. Especially sleep." "Mom, do I need to? It is the week of the Grand Festival." "Equirel, you are a Templar. Our culture is based on discipline. Besides, you would regret it when you don't listen and end up a short man." "What do you mean by short? You guys homeschooled me on the basics about Bastion. You said that all Templars grow up at least 6 feet, while the Domcreans are 5'10 on average." "Well, you aren't living on Domcrea, are you? You live in Underhaven, and here, 6 feet is short." "Hahahaha!" Dad suddenly laughed at me.
"Now, Equirel. Go to your room. You're dad, and I are going to prepare for tomorrow's duty." "You mean Dad will also be stationed at the Mantle tomorrow?" "Yes." "Well, you can't be sure of trouble. It is better to give them all the help they need. You don't know when such things start." Dad seriously told me. "Can I at least watch you guys prepare your armor? I always found Templar Knight armor cool."
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"Sister, why is there so much movement within Underhaven lately?" "Gala, I am not allowed to disclose such things to a civilian. Elder Gabriel's orders." "Fine, I understand." "Just look at Tamael, as inquisitive and curious as he is, he unusually doesn't ask any questions. Unlike you." "Hey, I am focusing on the play. And mind you, I am curious as well. I just don't ask since I know you won't answer anything confidential." Tamael replied, surprised.
"Equirel went home early. I bet he would have liked this." Tamael stated. "Yeah, I bet he would have," Gala added. "'The prophecy of the chosen one', this play is popular among the Templars and Domcreans as well." Cara informed everyone. "Oh really?! Why is that?" Gala asked. "You don't like reading books, Gala, but the prophecy of the chosen one is a belief based on the prophecy of the Cosmic Weaver, the Fate." Tamael added. "Yes, Tamael is right, although shamans are frowned upon. Many of us Templars believe in Fate. Even the Makers approved of such beliefs, as long as Before The God's Slumber." Cara mysteriously stated. "Oooh." Gala replied excitedly.
"The Makers believed such an entity exists. There was a time long ago, as stated in the archives, when the Makers asked, 'From where did we come?' And the answer they concluded was that a being higher than them, known as the cosmic weaver, whom they called the Fate because it had no name, is responsible for their creation." Cara stated as she added more mystery to the story. "If it is that important, why was it not taught to us at homeschool?" Gala cried skeptically. "It is because you can't teach it properly in homeschool. You need courses where you can properly teach them, as in the Academy. Teach it hastily, and a whole generation of Templars would question the Makers themselves." Ohhh. I see. That's the point, huh." Gala agreed. "Shhh. It is getting interesting already. Mind you, it's my first time seeing a play like this. So please. Keep it down."
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A shaman on his deathbed prophesied: 'One day, Bastion shall face grave peril. From the shadows, a hero will emerge—like none before. Greater than any commander, surpassing even the mighty Elder Templars. Though the world may turn its back, a man or woman of unyielding will, faith, and purpose—one who fears no evil—will herald an era of peace for Bastion lasting ten thousand years.'
'And who is this such being that even the great Elders are no match for?' One of the Kings asked.
'It is all as Fate wishes. I see and feel only what is given to me.' The shaman replied.
'Is this being Domcrean or Templar?' Another King asked, overwhelmed with all those conflicting feelings.
'I do not know. But he or she will change the world forever.' In his dying breath, the shaman made his last answer.
The 7 Pioneers of Bastion stood still in the bedchamber of the greatest shaman in Bastion, Shaman Nostra, visibly confused.
'May this being arrive in this era.' One of the Kings, the great Human King Charlemagne of Dalia, broke the silence.
'Such peace cannot be achieved by a single person, particularly alone.' One of the Vampire Prime Ministers of the great House Cobal, Matriarch Arlene Cobal, with her blue eyes, with their lotus flowered stained glass eye mark, stared down at the ground.'
'Then if it's by Fate's will it shall be done.' One of the Templar Elders, Elder Abaddel, answered.
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"Wow, I never knew Elder Abaddel was part of that story!" Tamael, visibly surprised, shouted!
"Hey kid, keep your voice down and just watch!" One civilian templar warned Tamael. "I'm sorry, sir." Tamael, just realizing the volume of his voice, said sorry.
"You contradict yourself, Tamael." Gala immediately told Tamael. "I was genuinely surprised that's why. It was not my intention to shout, mind you." Tamael clarified to Gala.
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"This son is what high-ranking templar knights wear in battle." Daniel showed his armor. "Those with high ranks have armors made of penumbra steel. Indestructible alloys forged naturally by the extreme pressure of the Convergence Rim." Natasha added. "They are the most valuable metal armor you could possibly have in all of Bastion." Daniel further explained. "Do Domcreans also have them?" Equirel asked. "No, these are usually known only in Underhaven and only among high-ranked Templar Knights." Daniel replied. "Then why are you telling me this dad?" Equirel was surprised by the sudden information. "Because I want you to have this armor by the time I am already not among the living." Daniel grimly stated. "…" Equirel stood in silence. "You know, Equirel, your father is right. As warriors, we do not know when it will be our last. So he is just telling you to take care of his armor on his stead when the time comes... Well, maybe both of our armors. You don't know." Natasha supported Daniel's earlier grim statement. "Why would you guys speak of such dark things amidst the joy of the Grand Festival. And what would I do with your armor, Mom? I have no sister." Equirel replied. "Or have you really none?? Hmmm." Natasha replied. "What??!!" Equirel was surprised. "I'm joking. These armors are highly valuable. When you have a wife someday. You can give it to her." Natasha informed Equirel. "You give it yourself. It's not like both of you would die early." Equirel worriedly replied. "We are just stating facts, son. The lives of warriors are entirely different from those of civilians. Dangerous missions may suddenly come up. We just want you to be aware of these." Daniel straightforwardly told Equirel.
"Mom, why are you called the princess of weapons. Did you really master all kinds of weapons?" "Yes, Equirel." "How do you do that? You were just from the previous generation, right? How can you do such things in just a little more than 200 years?" "I don't know. I just did it, and I found it easy." "Can I do it as well?" "You are my son, so it is possible." "Were grandpa and grandma able to do that as well?" "They were great warriors without your grandparents and some teachers and friends teaching me, I would not have been able to do it." "So, it means I might not be able to. Maybe you're just special, Mom." "Well, that's what they say." "Equirel, you don't know until you try. You barely touched any weapon. Why are you so afraid?" Daniel interrupted.
"I'm just saying that you guys might be so exceptional that I would just be a shadow of your accomplishments." "You can be a shadow. But think of this, you can also be a light that inherits it all. Do you agree?" "You have a point." "Now go to your bedroom. It is past bedtime already."
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"Elder Abaddel, wouldn't it be the right time to reveal yourself to the men already?" Laiossel asked the Elder. "Be calm. When battle arrives, I will help you all. Do not worry." "I don't see the use of you hiding yourself." "Hahaha. Laiossel, kid. War is about surprises. If they surprise us, we should also surprise them." "What do you mean, Elder?" "Do you really think that some of our messages have not been leaked? Why then would those Domcrean attack us at this moment in time? Think." "Though it is possible, it seems unlikely. We have the most secure lines of transmission in all of Bastion." "One rule in the art of war, kiddo. Never underestimate your opponents."
"Have Natasha be present early; we want the morale of the men to be high because of her presence." Elder Abaddel ordered Laiossel. "Yes, Elder." Laiossel replied. "I meant to go to her place early and tell her that starting tomorrow, she should station in the Mantle earlier. I heard Daniel will also be here starting tomorrow. That would help." "Yes, Elder. As you order." "By the way, if you and Natasha are not at the Mantle, who's the one in command there?" "Ah, it is Magna, Elder. Natasha's apprentice and legion captain of the white flames legion, currently stationed in the Mantle." "I see. Is she reliable? Or else I won't agree that both legion commanders would go out and leave the Mantle vulnerable to attacks." "She is reliable. She's one of the white flames legion captains, who are second only to Natasha." "I see. Since you are a blue lightning user, you can just fly yourself back here immediately in case the battle starts. Now go back. I prefer that legion commanders should always be present there."
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"Son, wake up. Your mother and I would be leaving for the Mantle already." Daniel spoke to Equirel. "Dad it is 2:00 Earth in the morning. Why would you leave so early?" "Enemies don't wait for us to be prepared. Now get up, your mother have some things to say to you."
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"As I said, Elder Abaddel is really different from Elder Michael. The pargon said he is hiding so that he would surprise the enemies as they would surprise us." Laios told Natasha. "Laios, we all know Elder Abaddel is the best in unconventional warfare. He knows what he is doing." "I know, I'm just not used to it. You understand we serve Elder Michael and rarely go under the command of other Elders, right?" "Yes, I perfectly understand you." "Natasha, Equirel is here." Daniel went out with Equirel.
"Good to have you there stationed in the Mantle, Daniel." Laios told Daniel. "We need to help each other, Laios. It's good to work with you, too. I'm sure battles will be easier because two legion commanders are stationed there." "Haha. You're right. We need all the help we can get."
"Equirel, come here." Natasha called on Equirel. "This is Laios, one of my most trusted friends, if not the most trusted one. He is the legion commander of the Clan of Blue Lightning." Natasha spoke. "Hi, legion commander. Mom, I already know Laios. Why are you introducing him again?" Equirel asked. "I know, but I told Laios that if something happened to us, he would be the one to help you." Natasha spoke. "There you go again, mom." Equirel replied.
"Listen to me Equirel. Look at my face. Are you still sleepy?" Natasha kneeled and spoke with Equirel. "Yes, a bit." ---Natasha suddenly imbued white flames to Equirel and spoke, "Are you widely awake now?" "Yes, of course. Who wouldn't because of what you did." "Now, good, there is not much time." Natasha began to speak, teary-eyed. "Equirel, always take care of yourself. When things get difficult, always side with the Makers. Pray to the Fate for protection. Never leave their side. Ask your uncle Laios for help, and he will help you. You can do it, Equirel. I believe in you." "Okay, Mom, what are you saying. We'll still see each other later." "You remember what I told you, alright?" Natasha started crying. "It is time, let's go." Daniel held Natasha up so she could stand more easily.
"Don't worry, your mother is only overreacting, Equirel." Laios told Equirel. "Let's go. I have prepared horses." Laios further added.