Ch 25: Lonely Lotus

Challenged by the Professor, a showdown approaches. Alexander touches a nerve, and Mythra runs off. Trying to understand Mythra better, Amy does her best to forge a friendship.

            Taking the strange object from Scott, Alexander examined it for a moment as the others settled back into their seats, then placed it on the table and said, “It’s a message…” Staring at the object as he sat back in his chair, Scott muttered, “A message from Altera Veritas huh? What could they be up to?” Adjusting his shades, Alexander said, “We won’t know until we listen to it.” Alexander reached out and pushed a spot on the round metal object, and it quickly opened up to reveal a holo-projector. As the holo-projector came to life, it created a three-dimensional, miniature projection of an unfamiliar man. He looked about in his thirties, with short, very dark blue hair and wore glasses, behind which were blue eyes. The miniature image of the man smiled and said, “Greetings to you, heroes of the new Angelorum Lux. I am Professor Vincent Marcellus, a Revenant of Altera Veritas. Despite being your enemy, I must say I do look forward to finally meeting you all in person. Getting down to business, I’m sure you are aware of the fate that has befallen the good people of Lamis. My sources led me to believe you were in Lamis, however I can see now this was not the case for all of you. I’m sure you’re particularly interested in knowing the fate of your friend. Well fear not heroes! He and his family are quite unharmed. I cannot, however, guarantee they shall remain that way if you do not come to face me in the town square. You have until sunset tomorrow to accept this challenge, and do remember that if you were to decline, the anomaly that tracked you down and delivered this message will inform me of your location. I shall await you with anticipation! Farewell heroes!”

            Having reached the end of the message, the Professor’s image faded as the holo-projector shut down. Crossing his hands in his lap, Alexander muttered, “So, a descendant of the Marcellus family has become one of Alastor’s Revenants. This will be troublesome…” With a confused expression, Scott said, “A descendant of the Marcellus family? Revenant?” Mythra poured herself a cup of tea as she said, “Revenants are the title given to the most trusted and powerful members of the Dark Crusade. It seems Alastor is still using the title for his own little operation. As far as line of command, they are directly beneath Alastor. Each of them is gifted with part of the Nameless One’s essence. When accepted willingly, it allows the Nameless One to manipulate their subconscious mind, or if the Nameless One desires, turn them into a vessel for his own consciousness. Revenants gain great power from this fusion, as well as the ability to create and control anomalies and Corrupted EDE. That power in the hands of a descendant of Marcellus… It will make for a dangerous combination.” As she began drinking her tea, Grey said, “Ok… Just who the hell are these Marcellus people?” A grave look on his face, Alexander said, “The Marcellus family is the line of one of the Sages of Light.” Amy’s eyes went wide and she exclaimed, “A sage?! A sage like me is with Altera Veritas?!” Serius nodded at her and said, “It would appear so. The Marcellus line are the descendants of the Sage of Flames.” Setting down her cup, Mythra smirked and said, “One can only wonder at how these powerful lineages have born such disappointing sages. First one who can’t use their powers, and now there’s a traitor.” Grey’s anger flaring, he was about to defend Amy again, but then Alexander said in a stern tone, “Mythra, enough. I’m not in the mood for troublesome comments born from your jealousies.” Rising from her chair with a flustered look, Mythra stammered, “Wh-why you! I-I’m not jealous of her, not one bit! Why should I be jealous?!” With a sigh, Alexander replied, “Honestly Mythra, you haven’t changed one bit from back then. You honestly think I can’t tell-” Mythra, her eyes going wide in anger, shouted, “SHUT UP! YOU CAN’T POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND HOW I FEEL!” Mythra ran off down the steps and down the path towards the pond.

            Confused by the sudden turn of events, Scott said, “What was that all about?” With a sigh, Alexander leaned back in his chair and took off his shades to stare at the sky, where the stars were just starting to become visible. After a moment, he said, “Though I doubt you all hadn’t noticed by now, Mythra has developed an attachment to Grey. I had a feeling it would happen, and to be honest I still don’t fully understand why, but the fact that he is He of the Infinite links him in her mind to Amanus, whom she had an unrequited love for.” Surprised, Amy said, “She loved Amanus?” With a quiet laugh, Alexander looked at her and said, “Yes, a true case of love at first sight. It’s not really my place though to be telling you any more though. In fact I hope I haven’t already said too much.” Remembering what Mythra had said earlier, Grey said, “Alexander… was there some kind of tragic event in Mythra’s life? She said something about having a wounded heart before. I can guess that she’s lived a long time like you have. Did something like what happened to you happen to her as well?” Alexander returned his gaze to the stars and said, “It was not the same as it was for me. In some ways I think it might have been worse for her. Back before Alastor and I became the servants of the Nameless One, we at least had each other. And of course, after we’d sealed the Nameless One, I was beloved by the people as a hero… Mythra, however, has lived a rather lonely life. This is why I think she desperately desires to have someone to love, who will love her in return. But I’m really saying too much, I doubt she would want me of all people to be talking about her like this.” Watching a shooting star, Alexander thought to himself, “After all, it was my own brother who killed the man she loved…” For a while he looked at the stars as the others wondered about what Mythra’s life must have been like. Then, looking away from the stars, Alexander struggled to rise from his chair and said, “I think I’ll be going to bed early. This has not been the most relaxing of days for me…” Grey quickly rose to help him, and Alexander thanked him as they made their way into the house. Amy, thinking about what Alexander said, rose from her chair and said, “Scott, I’m going to go talk to Mythra.” With a surprised expression, Scott said, “I agree someone needs to go talk to her and get her to come back, but are you sure you really want to be the one to do it? Not that it’s all that surprising, but you two didn’t seem like you got along too well…” With a determined look, Amy replied, “That’s kind of why I want to do it. Unless we work things out, nothing will really change. Anyway, look after Lei for me. We had enough trouble as it was getting him out of the pond before, I better leave him here.” Placing Lei on the table in front of him, Amy said to Lei, “Mommy will be right back, so be a good frogpole for Scott!” Gazing back at her, Lei let out a hearty croak. Mustering her courage, Amy turned and made her way down the steps of the porch towards the path to the pond.

            Walking down the path towards the pond, Amy struggled to think of just what to say to Mythra, while at the same time thinking, “I still don’t see why she felt jealous me. She’s such an amazing person compared to me. If anything, I was the one who felt threatened by her. I mean she’s a half human just like Grey, plus she could actually fight by Grey’s side. She’s so beautiful too… What can I really offer Grey that she can’t?” She reached the clearing, and over by the edge of the pond, she could see Mythra, staring at the water crying. For a moment Amy stood there and listened as Mythra said to her reflection in the water, “Why does it always end up like this?! Is there really no one who’ll care for a freak like me?! Is there really no one who’ll make this loneliness go away?! I’ve waited so long…” As Mythra began sobbing, Amy thought to herself, “Mythra… Is that what this is about?” Amy recalled Grey’s words aboard the Audentia. “Amy… Are you…. alright with me being like this?” Amy slowly started to walk towards Mythra. As she approached, Mythra’s ears twitched and she spun around, shouting, “Who’s there?!” Seeing Amy standing there, she quickly wiped the tears from her face, and with a menacing stare said, “What the hell do you want?!” Having finally thought of what she would say to her, Amy said, “You’re not a freak Mythra.” Surprised, Mythra stared at her for a moment, then smirked slightly and said, “Oh, so you were listening to me then? For someone who acts so kind and thoughtful, you’re really quite rude aren’t you? Well whatever, I don’t really care! Also, I certainly don’t want any sympathy from you!” Turning back to look into the water, Mythra muttered, “Just leave me alone…” Standing her ground, Amy said, “No! I won’t leave you alone! You’ve been alone long enough!” Turning about to look at her again, Mythra said, “I just told you I don’t want your sympathy, and don’t you dare talk like you have any idea what I’ve been through, because you don’t!” As Amy walked over to her and sat down beside her, Mythra quickly shouted, “Hey! I never said you could sit over here!” Staring at the water, Amy said, “You’re right Mythra, I don’t know what you’ve been through…” Then turning to look at her with a smile, Amy said, “So, why don’t you tell me about it?” For a moment Mythra stared at Amy as though she were insane, then turning to look at the water she muttered, “Fine, you nosey little brat. If that’s what it’ll take to get you out of my hair…”

            Mythra, looking down into the reflection of her own eyes, said, “As you already know, I was born a half-breed. Not that someone like you would know what that means, a weak energist who was able to pass for being a normal human. I was not born the successor of a great hero like Grey was, someone who would be welcomed by the societies of Gaia with open arms. No, I was born an outcast. Shunned by humanity for my halman appearance, and shunned by halman kind for having the stench of a half human. If it had not been for my parents I would have been left to die, but eventually I wouldn’t even have them. One day in the small village that we lived our lives, barely getting by, a monster with great magical power slaughtered the townsfolk. As the last one alive, instead of destroying me, the creature placed a curse upon me. For a monster it was rather intelligent. I can still hear its voice as it said to me, ‘Live forever as an outcast half-breed… I grant you an eternity of loneliness…’ I was nineteen years old, and to this day I remain looking like a nineteen year old. Fueled by revenge, I developed my powers as an energist and a magic user on my own. I had no talent for it, but with enough hard work and determination anyone born with the ability to use EDE can become a powerful energist. However to defeat my enemy, I knew I needed even more power. Knowing the legends of the Devia Lotus, which at the cost of half your lifespan will grant the ability to cast spells merely by thought as well as amplify all forms of magical power, I sought it out and found it. Already cursed to eternal life, I used it without hesitation. With the powers I had spent over twenty years gaining, I set out to find the monster, but…” 

Pausing, Mythra picked up a smooth looking rock upon the ground and threw it into the pond so that it skipped three times upon the water’s surface before sinking. Amy looked over at her, and Mythra looked back as she continued, “I couldn’t find it anywhere. It had been more than twenty years since it had attacked my village after all, and after having searched for another five years, I finally came to the conclusion it had already been killed. Robbed of my revenge, I had truly nothing left. Wandering aimlessly from town to town, I finally made my home in a secluded mountain, getting by with my abilities and nature’s bounty. Over the centuries, I thought about simply ending my life myself, but I was afraid to die… One day though, three men came to my mountain and sought me out. They’d heard the tales of the Witch of the Rainbow, and had come to me for help. When I first laid eyes on that man, Amanus… It was love at first sight.” Amy saw a somewhat nostalgic look on Mythra’s face. Then Mythra sighed as she continued her story, saying, “They had come seeking my abilities as a healer. Alexander had just been freed from the grasp of the Nameless One. I helped them, and as they could sense my power they asked if I would fight alongside them against the force that threatened the world. Naturally I hardly wanted any part in the affairs of the outside world, but I simply could not bring myself to part ways with Amanus. Together with Amanus, Serius, and Alexander, I fought against the Dark Crusade. As you probably know, Amanus died in the final battle. He sustained such severe injuries trying to save Alexander’s accursed brother. I know it wasn’t Alexander’s fault. I know that, but… I blamed Alexander for Amanus’ death, and parted ways with him and Serius. Being a half-breed of course, none of the people of the world would hail me as a hero or a god. All the tales of the great battle against the Dark Crusade have no mention of Mythra the Spellweaver. I returned to my life alone, and when it was decided to banish humanity here to Teramis, I asked to be banished as well. Until the other day, that was the last time I saw Alexander and Serius.”

            Grabbing another stone, Mythra threw it into the pond, this one skipping four times. Then she looked at Amy and said, “There, that’s my story. Have I satisfied your curiosity brat?” Amy looked solemn as she stared back at her. Unnerved, Mythra said, “W-what? Why are you looking at me like that? I told you I don’t want your sympathy!” Amy looked into the water at her reflection and said, “I’m sorry, it’s just so sad.” Staring into the water as well, Mythra said, “Yes it is. Sadly it’s the fate of people like me.” Turning to look at Mythra again, Amy said, “Mythra, it doesn’t have to be like this! You don’t have to be alone! There may be those who are cruel enough to judge you by how you were born, but not all people are like that!” Smirking, Mythra looked back at her and said, “Honestly! Do you hear yourself?! At the moment this world discriminates against any PUREBLOOD human who is an energist! And you try to tell me there are people in the outside world that wouldn’t look down on a half-breed energist like me?! Why do you even care about my life so much?! You have Grey and all your friends, your battle with Altera Veritas, so why are you wasting time thinking about someone who’s been trying to take the one you love away from you?! You should just leave me alone and go be together with your lover, he’s yours already anyway! Anyone can see the way he looks at you, the way he speaks to you…” Mythra looked away from her as tears pooled in her eyes, and sobbing, she said, “Just leave me alone already! I don’t want anyone to see me like this…” Reaching over, Amy put a hand on Mythra’s shoulder. As Mythra looked at her in surprise, Amy said, “I already told you, I’m not leaving you alone. I can’t speak for the world Mythra, but Grey, me, all the others… We don’t look down on you for the way you were born.” Smiling warmly, Amy continued, “You’re not alone Mythra, all you have to do is reach out and we’ll be here for you. We’re all friends after all, right?” For a moment, Mythra stared at her in disbelief. Then, her eyes overflowing with tears, she leaned against Amy and began sobbing uncontrollably.

            Walking back, Mythra said to Amy, “I’m grateful for everything you said Amy, but even if we are friends now, I have to follow my heart. I’m not giving up on Grey just yet!” Looking over at Mythra, Amy said, “What? But you said-” Smirking, Mythra interrupted her, saying, “Relax! After all, if he truly loves you it won’t really change anything right? Think of it as a test of your love.” They had reached the house, and Mythra ran ahead before Amy could reply, shouting to Grey and the others up on the porch, “Hey everyone, I’m back!” Trailing behind her, looking slightly frustrated, Amy followed her up to the porch and took a seat. Having remained where she’d left him, Lei leaped up and attached himself to her shoulder. Mythra rubbed her hands together and said, “Well I’m hungry now, and I’m sure everyone else is too! I guess I’d better hurry and fix dinner! Be right back!” As Mythra went into the house, Grey turned to Amy saying, “Wow, she’s sure in a cheerful mood! I don’t really know what you did, but good job Amy!” Resting her arms on the table and laying her head on them, Amy sighed and said, “Thanks. So what have you guys been doing while I was gone?” Noticing Serius was gone, she added, “Where’d Serius go? Did he go to bed as well?” Scott looked out into the forest and said, “Nah, he said he was going to train for a while out in the forest. Now that he’s feeling somewhat recovered, he wants to work on his abilities as well. We’ve just been sitting here trying to think of how we’re gonna handle the challenge from the Professor tomorrow.” Grey looked out into the forest and said, “I wonder if we should do some training as well before the battle tomorrow…” Leaning back in his chair and resting his eyes, Scott said, “Well, I think we did enough training with Mythra today. We’ve got till sunset tomorrow, so we can start training early in the morning.” As Mythra came out with a couple trays of food, she asked, “Anyone seen Serius? I thought since he wasn’t here he’d be in the house somewhere.” Sitting up as Mythra placed the trays on the table, Amy said, “Apparently he’s off training.” Mythra looked less than thrilled as she stared out at the forest and said, “Oh, great. He’d better not blow up my whole forest…” Scott laughed, but quickly Mythra looked at him and said, “I wouldn’t be surprised. He’s not Serius the Unbound, the rightful Lord of Mautau for nothing. He may not be much of a jovial person, but he’s very strong. You’ve only seen him fight in his weakened state.” Hearing a whistling sound, she said, “Anyway, that sounds like the tea kettle whistling, be right back!” As she ran off into the house, the others started eating while wondering just how great Serius’ true power was.

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

I like this professor character so far. The one who challenged Grey and his friends. He seems cocky and over confident. These two traits make for a cool villain. I also like how more of Mythra's past was revealed in this chapter. It made me love her even more! If she dies, I swear...

What's that? You want some feedback on the actual chapter? Alrighty then. Allow me to serious up for a moment. *Ahem*

This chapter is very interesting. No spelling errors and no grammar errors that I caught. I also love how Mythra denies being jealous of Amy when it is obvious that she is. I think Mythra is jealous because she knows that Amy and Grey have chemistry, but Mythra wants Grey. So does Amy. I can sense some real friction between these two characters in the future. Can't wait!

Flawless dialogue. The dialogue in your book is very good and fits your characters very well. The detail in your book is very good, too. It gives sufficient detail to paint a picture in the readers' minds but not too much so as to overwhelm them. Very well done, keep writing!

[KeithKVH]

Thank you for the review! Honestly with the exception of the battle in the graveyard, the upcoming battle with the Professor is the first real taste of what the important battles in this story will be like. If I had to cut the book in two because of it's excessive length, it would definitely be the climax of the first book. Still somewhat of an early villain, but he has much in store for them.

As you say, Mythra knows Grey and Amy have chemistry. I'm sure you've noticed that her fixation on Grey because he's "He of the Infinite", and from that you could think she's being misguided, but all I can really say at this point is that she is not only pursuing him because of Amanus. She was indeed jealous that Grey and Amy are so close, and even now that she and Amy are becoming friends, you can still be rivals even as friends. It doesn't really become too obtrusive, but you will see them at it quite a bit.