Chapter Eight: Truth Hallucinations
Salena fell towards the floor, and just as she was about to hit the ground, she felt the ground beneath her feet once more. She was cold, but her magic would keep her warm. She then saw a figure step out of hiding.
"Salena," The figure called out. "You are here now. This is your mind's deepest thoughts. By finding the crown, you have allowed me to enter the minds of you and your companions. Over time, I will help you to make the right choices to fulfill your destiny."
The figure stepped out to reveal a beautiful woman wearing white robes, much like Salena's, with golden runes along the lining. She had long golden hair falling down her body, but unlike Salena, she was tall and had darker skin, like a full human.
"I have no name, so don't bother asking me what you should call me," the woman explained. "But your destiny must be shown to you, or you can never fulfill it properly. You now hold in your hands, the fate of the civilized peoples, as well as that of the beats and animals of the world's forests, plains, deserts and oceans, for you are the legendary 'Silver Phoenix Woman', whom, as the prophecies tell me, will protect the world in a time of need. Soon, in the west, a legend of destruction and death will take shape, and you must protect all living creatures from harm by it, just as the phoenix does."
The woman then recited a strange verse, which went as such:
Past the point of when civility had it's cruelties
When wrongdoings are righted
And harmony is the civil shell
A lord should awaken
To bring about hatred and war once again
"Please Salena," the spirit wept. "Don't forget this verse, as you must stop his wrongdoing. Though he may seem weak at first, he has one of the two Silver Phoenix artifacts you are missing. And one last thing: Please have faith in Galaan."
Salena took a deep breath and was released from the dream state she was in.
Galaan's knees gave out and he saw everyone collapse. He blinked a couple of times and found himself on the St. Belcourt Bluffs. He turned around towards the field and saw a short stalky man with a beard draped in green and gold cloth.
"Galaan," the man called out, in a very deep, yet noble sounding voice. "I am here to show you what you must do according to the things you have already accomplished. I bet you're wondering where you are and just who I am. I have no name, but we are at the focus of your thoughts, the core of every bit of knowledge you have. It has a span as vast as you can grasp, and no larger or smaller."
The man put his hand on Galaan's shoulder and walked him closer to the bluffs.
"Turn around, Galaan," the man ordered. "Turn around and look at the ocean. Always moving, and never idle. It is a reflection of the way your mind works, the epitome of your current state of mind. When your mind is at ease, it idles, and when you have a lot to think about, it moves about as it pleases. When you wake up, and when your friends wake up, you will know what your purpose is."
Galaan closed his eyes and felt reality pull him back. He looked over at Salena, though only for a second, and felt an obligation. That was his purpose and he would acknowledge it.
Kiresk felt drowsy, feeling his legs hit the ground hard through his combat boots.
"Kiresk..." a voice called to him. "Listen to me. I must tell you things you may not accept, but in time, you will have no choice to accept them, so please listen to me. I must tell you... the future. You must follow Salena, and you have to keep Zihera safe from harm. In time, you will also have to accept this truth, before she is harmed."
Kiresk felt the harsh pain in his shins from falling on the floor, but he was still standing in the shadows.
"You must believe these truths that I have shown you, or there will be more bloodshed than already necessary," the voice stated.
Kiresk felt light fill his eyes, and saw the others get up slowly.
Zihera's neck tilted up and she saw the ceiling fade to nothing. Not pure black, not pure white. Like looking through glass, but not seeing what's past it, the nothing no one can ever truly explain.
"Zihera," a figure called out, gesturing oddly. "I will now show you the future you cannot change. You must follow Salena, and become an apprentice under her. Only magic can show you the true meaning of your power. Kiresk will protect you, and Galaan will do the same for Salena. Nairou can protect them, and in turn, you and Salena can protect him."
Zihera's eyes opened slowly and awoke with the others.
"Is everyone okay?" Salena questioned. "No one's hurt or anything like that, right?"
"Everyone seems okay," Galaan echoed. "Thank you for your concern, though, Salena. Say, were you wearing the crown all along?"
"I remember holding it, but I don't remember putting it on," Salena replied. "I'm guessing you all had strange dreams, too?"
"Yes, I did," the other four answered concurrently.
"Well, then let's go back to Belcourt," Salena stated. "We can ask about them at the grand church."