After reporting his findings, Zol found himself back within the realm of Hojuku, accompanied by his most trusted friend and valued companion. Merumasa, the Atlier Wolf. He released a deep sigh as he stood atop a whittled mountain. Not of apprehension but in relevance to what this realm was like before the slight claws of the Abundi marred it. He saw it, when Zol converted the realm to receive the seed of the world tree a most curious things happened to him. One that he did not share with Clara or Erigor in his debating with them.
” I saw it, Meru; when I forged the catalyst for the world tree coming, I saw with my own eyes the past of this land. This land was once ripe with energy, so primal and potent that the air invigorated the life here. In those ancient times, behemoths of gargantuan staus roamed these lands.”
Zol looked over to the Horizon.
“I…somehow saw into the past. Eons of time and civilization laid down before me. It was marvelous…but also frightening “
How quickly this land prominence had shifted. Gorgeous landscape on the minute and mangled turf the next.
“What freighted you?”
His friend asked inquisitively. It was off to catch Zol in such a state of Dee thought. Whatever happened must have really shaken something inside of him.
“I…I remembered more of my duty…to Carna and the Aymara. The origin of this Evil that orbit us…and the promise I made to Lilika’s father. The Mikado. “
Meru’s head turned to the side. Despite their bond, Meru wasn’t able to read Zol’s mind. He thought he knew the truth of his friend's origins already, yet it seemed that the well ran even deeper. This created a bit of unease in Meru.
“You’re worrying me. What was it you remembered?”
The herald of light turned his gaze out into the distance, locking onto the world tree. Even from here, he could feel the push and pull of its wavelength slowly ebbing through the land like a rhythmic breathing pattern, inspiring life once more.
“Meru, do you trust me?”
He motioned for Meru’s paw. He looked up at him. Zol’s entire aura was different than before. Like he was shouldering something heavier than he could handle alone. But without even a second thought, Meru placed his paw in his friend's hand.
”With my very life. And you bet not forget it!”
His furry friend exclaimed, bringing a wide grin to Zol’s face. Good, because what he knew needed to happen next wouldn’t be easy for either of them.
”Heh, let’s go say hi to Yggdrasil!
Both, with affirmative nods, were engulfed in a pillar of light that vanished just as swiftly as it came.
A Gilded Bond; Guardian of the World Tree
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Zolgarious Gilden
- Drifter
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- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
A Gilded Bond; Guardian of the World Tree
Last edited by Zolgarious Gilden on Wed Aug 07, 2024 1:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Zolgarious Gilden
- Drifter
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
Re: A Gilded Bond; Guardian of the World Tree
Within seconds, they manifested from a plume of soft, warm light. The dynamic duo shook the remnants of light particles from their person now standing before the World Tree. Being this close to his creation, Zolgarious and the tree patterns aligned, syncing his breaths with the wavelength pulses.
“Meru, do you know the origin of world trees?”
Meru rolled his eyes.
” And why would I know that? I’m a wolf. After all, we’ve only one use for trees “
Zol laughed heartily. His friend’s honesty always eased his troubled heart. He was going to miss that…
“Ha, I can imagine”
Zol placed his hand on the trunk of the tree. Its trunk humming with light.
“The Aymara is a species of nature fae that are like a type of antithesis of demons, dark fae of twisted corruptions—welding the power of aura, energy from the soul. If Demons are knots of twisted energy, then the Aymara are the ones who untie those knots. Nature fae are intimately tied to the natural world and often have strong elemental ties intertwined with the concepts they were born from.”
Meru pondered Zol's words as he sniffed around the tree curiously. Meru did not get to observe it much as they left in such a hurry after the battle.
“Like flames that burn evil or waters of purity?”
Zol turned to him with a smile.
“Wind that cures miasma, Earth that rejuvenates, yes brava my friend”
“But of course “
The hound said with a sporty tilt of his nose.
“But what about the tree? This design smell like average magic”
“Where Aymara vary amongst their respective nature each a master of their born element and domain. Among them, the pinnacle is the Mikado. Fae who are born from the concept…of life itself.”
When Zol spoke the last part of his explanation, Meru stopped in his tracks, but it didn’t make sense to the young wolf.
“How is that even possible, Zol? Life is a big concept for one kind of fairy to embody.”
Zol perched himself upon one of the many roots of the giant tree. His friend was more right than he knew. Life was an infinite expanding expression, especially here in the center of the universe. So how could The Mikado be far created from life itself…in Zol's eyes, it was pretty simple.
“Think about life like the color spectrum. There are so many types of colors that our eyes can’t even perceive, yet they still exist. There are many shades of blue, none more blue than another. A mixture of colors creates newer ones from those standing well into infinity. The Mikado are like this, they do not embody all of life just certain reflection of it.”
“And your friend? The Faerie King? What kind of expression was he?”
Zol stared into the distance, his eyes running over the chasms the forerunner butchery created. Thinking about Alawei and his incredibly magical power was enough to cause goosebumps on his skin. He had many spars with Wei, yet he could never beat him.
“The kind whose very blood was able to create life from nothing. So full of vitality and Naten, I once watched him bring an entire desolate forest back to life with but a single drop of his essence… It was the Mikado who created the first kind of world tree magic that I used but days ago…”
“Meru, do you know the origin of world trees?”
Meru rolled his eyes.
” And why would I know that? I’m a wolf. After all, we’ve only one use for trees “
Zol laughed heartily. His friend’s honesty always eased his troubled heart. He was going to miss that…
“Ha, I can imagine”
Zol placed his hand on the trunk of the tree. Its trunk humming with light.
“The Aymara is a species of nature fae that are like a type of antithesis of demons, dark fae of twisted corruptions—welding the power of aura, energy from the soul. If Demons are knots of twisted energy, then the Aymara are the ones who untie those knots. Nature fae are intimately tied to the natural world and often have strong elemental ties intertwined with the concepts they were born from.”
Meru pondered Zol's words as he sniffed around the tree curiously. Meru did not get to observe it much as they left in such a hurry after the battle.
“Like flames that burn evil or waters of purity?”
Zol turned to him with a smile.
“Wind that cures miasma, Earth that rejuvenates, yes brava my friend”
“But of course “
The hound said with a sporty tilt of his nose.
“But what about the tree? This design smell like average magic”
“Where Aymara vary amongst their respective nature each a master of their born element and domain. Among them, the pinnacle is the Mikado. Fae who are born from the concept…of life itself.”
When Zol spoke the last part of his explanation, Meru stopped in his tracks, but it didn’t make sense to the young wolf.
“How is that even possible, Zol? Life is a big concept for one kind of fairy to embody.”
Zol perched himself upon one of the many roots of the giant tree. His friend was more right than he knew. Life was an infinite expanding expression, especially here in the center of the universe. So how could The Mikado be far created from life itself…in Zol's eyes, it was pretty simple.
“Think about life like the color spectrum. There are so many types of colors that our eyes can’t even perceive, yet they still exist. There are many shades of blue, none more blue than another. A mixture of colors creates newer ones from those standing well into infinity. The Mikado are like this, they do not embody all of life just certain reflection of it.”
“And your friend? The Faerie King? What kind of expression was he?”
Zol stared into the distance, his eyes running over the chasms the forerunner butchery created. Thinking about Alawei and his incredibly magical power was enough to cause goosebumps on his skin. He had many spars with Wei, yet he could never beat him.
“The kind whose very blood was able to create life from nothing. So full of vitality and Naten, I once watched him bring an entire desolate forest back to life with but a single drop of his essence… It was the Mikado who created the first kind of world tree magic that I used but days ago…”
Last edited by Zolgarious Gilden on Thu Nov 21, 2024 2:49 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Zolgarious Gilden
- Drifter
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- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
Re: A Gilded Bond; Guardian of the World Tree
The Sun glossed over the healing terrain. Zol’s mind glossed over the fearsome mission. Surviving that ordeal and being able to save the women abducted by the Ferrymen pummeling the Novik with his bare hands felt like a form of restoration in and of itself. Remembering the mission, his party, a talented bunch of hunters. Boy, they didn’t truly understand how over their heads they were then. To think the Novik had a master? A being from an evil plane under the diction of a madman…or demon.
Removing the prince looks into the abyss in the Forerunner's eyes. The despair that seeped into his spirit that so casually radiated from the demonic incarnation. The many lives that had been lost, including his guild mates. Meru came and placed his nose under Zol’s hand, affirming his friend's presence.
“That was a scary time, huh, Meru? The day we gave our bodies to drive back the Novik. The day my memories returned. “
Meru rubbed his head under Zol’s palm. He remembered all too well how his friend gave his life to protect him despite the shadows stripping his flesh from him.
“ You gave everything to save the ones you loved. And that is why I would call my master but you. Zolgarious…why did you bring me here?”
Meru looked up at his master with a gaze that spoke fathoms about the hound's deeper notion. He and Zol had been tethered for so long that he could feel when he was beating around the bush. Zol seldom did anything without some kind of purpose or intention behind it. The way he was reminding…made it sound like he was getting ready to leave…and this time, Meru…
“Heh, never was good at hiding things from you, huh buddy?”
Zol ruffled his fur before staring into the brush of Yggdrasil’s leaves and branches. A wind brushed through them, causing one of their leaves to trickle down and fall into Zol’s palm. The solemn leaf was filled with life-giving essence, like holding his heart outside his body.
“ Zol…”
The warmth of the leaf was comforting, seemingly quelling the growing angst in Zol’s heart. He wasn’t sure how his friend was going to take this. But he had to have faith in not only their bond but also in Meru's faith in him to trust that his master and friend indeed moved with noble intentions.
“Mikado world tree magic is magic that involves the soul and body of its user. This particular type of world tree is born A combination of using Naten “natural energy” and mana “spiritual energy.” Not only does it physically heal, rejuvenate, and cultivate the lands it’s rooted in with Naten, but it also does the same spiritually, propagating whatever energy was used at its inception.”
His feet shifted through the dirt, which helped him ground himself further.
“The original world tree was formed using the first Mikado’s soul to form the seal that kept the bindings of the Nether in place, keeping containing the innumerable evils that yearned for freedom. However…there is a price to pay for such powerful magic….”
Meru listened to Zol's words…but could not hide his increasing anxiety, for Zol's heart became heavier with each word he spoke.
“One's world tree is bonded to its life force…should it perish, its creator will also perish along with all the world tree is connected to and vice versa. So the Mikado must stay and guard the world tree less all the life it has wrought be lost….”
He lightly tossed his hand, the leaf he was holding traveling on the passing gales.
“In most cases, this would be a cause for concern…for in time, all things fade. But the Mikado are, in fact, immortal beings. So long as their soul remains intake should their physical form perish, they will be reincarnated. This happens in one of two ways. Either their physical form is destroyed or…they…well, wilt.”
Removing the prince looks into the abyss in the Forerunner's eyes. The despair that seeped into his spirit that so casually radiated from the demonic incarnation. The many lives that had been lost, including his guild mates. Meru came and placed his nose under Zol’s hand, affirming his friend's presence.
“That was a scary time, huh, Meru? The day we gave our bodies to drive back the Novik. The day my memories returned. “
Meru rubbed his head under Zol’s palm. He remembered all too well how his friend gave his life to protect him despite the shadows stripping his flesh from him.
“ You gave everything to save the ones you loved. And that is why I would call my master but you. Zolgarious…why did you bring me here?”
Meru looked up at his master with a gaze that spoke fathoms about the hound's deeper notion. He and Zol had been tethered for so long that he could feel when he was beating around the bush. Zol seldom did anything without some kind of purpose or intention behind it. The way he was reminding…made it sound like he was getting ready to leave…and this time, Meru…
“Heh, never was good at hiding things from you, huh buddy?”
Zol ruffled his fur before staring into the brush of Yggdrasil’s leaves and branches. A wind brushed through them, causing one of their leaves to trickle down and fall into Zol’s palm. The solemn leaf was filled with life-giving essence, like holding his heart outside his body.
“ Zol…”
The warmth of the leaf was comforting, seemingly quelling the growing angst in Zol’s heart. He wasn’t sure how his friend was going to take this. But he had to have faith in not only their bond but also in Meru's faith in him to trust that his master and friend indeed moved with noble intentions.
“Mikado world tree magic is magic that involves the soul and body of its user. This particular type of world tree is born A combination of using Naten “natural energy” and mana “spiritual energy.” Not only does it physically heal, rejuvenate, and cultivate the lands it’s rooted in with Naten, but it also does the same spiritually, propagating whatever energy was used at its inception.”
His feet shifted through the dirt, which helped him ground himself further.
“The original world tree was formed using the first Mikado’s soul to form the seal that kept the bindings of the Nether in place, keeping containing the innumerable evils that yearned for freedom. However…there is a price to pay for such powerful magic….”
Meru listened to Zol's words…but could not hide his increasing anxiety, for Zol's heart became heavier with each word he spoke.
“One's world tree is bonded to its life force…should it perish, its creator will also perish along with all the world tree is connected to and vice versa. So the Mikado must stay and guard the world tree less all the life it has wrought be lost….”
He lightly tossed his hand, the leaf he was holding traveling on the passing gales.
“In most cases, this would be a cause for concern…for in time, all things fade. But the Mikado are, in fact, immortal beings. So long as their soul remains intake should their physical form perish, they will be reincarnated. This happens in one of two ways. Either their physical form is destroyed or…they…well, wilt.”
Last edited by Zolgarious Gilden on Thu Nov 21, 2024 2:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Zolgarious Gilden
- Drifter
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
Re: A Gilded Bond; Guardian of the World Tree
Meru would hop onto the root next to Zol whose gaze was locked on the tree golden bark.
“Wilt? I thought they were people; you make them sound like plants…”
Zol smiled; he supposed he had never thought about the Aymara that way. Though in truth, he supposed that was one way to describe them.
” Well, to use your example, you could think of them like a plant that regrows itself each time it dies and is constantly growing and evolving. Every 1,000 years, the Mikado and their world tree undergo a process known as “The Wilting,” they shed their physical form, and their soul evolves. Since the tree and its creator are intimately tied, the tree also suffered a growth spurt. What this evolution yields depends on the culmination of Mikado's experience over the last millennium. Whatever the case, their power has the potential to grow exponentially each time. However…the wilting also leaves the Mikado without a physical form and in a state of stasis that can last well over 100 years.”
Zol sighed, thinking about the next part of it all. He could tell Meru was beyond on edge, but he hoped that by the end of this tale, his friend would understand the significance of what he had brought him here for.
“During that time, both the mikado and their world tree are weakened, and this so is the seal upon the Nether…. Allowing lesser demons and cosmic horrors to wage war on Carna, hoping to slay the Fae ruler and tree, both releasing untold evil and claiming the Mikado powerful soul for them elves…none more than the evil known as The Red eye…”
Zol's hand began to tremble. Just recounting that harrowing fight sent a tremor of fear through his body. Meru placed his paw on Zol's hand and licked his face. Zol exhaled, trying to center himself again.
“What is that? Sound like a bad eye infection”
“Ha, Wei used to say the same. He used to say dealing with it was like having someone constantly poking you in the eye nonstop…. It is a force that has existed since the first touch of consciousness dawned in the universe. Through the ages, it has held many names. The Scarlet Moon, The Crimson Gateway, Sanguine Fury…The Primordial Red. A being of unfathomable power. Thought to be a concept of rage and fury incarnate. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly the entity, but if you ask me, it is a Fae of the highest order, the essence of the cosmos’s indignation. Though it is still largely a mystery, we know that it desires the destruction of all life save for itself. To be the sole inheritor of all things…with a particular disdain for the Aymara… the only ones able to stand up to the beast so far.”
“This is a lot to wrap my canine brain around Zol. But you still haven’t answered my question. What does it have to do with you now? “
Zol rubbed Meru’s head before rising from the root they were perched on. He stood towards the horizon, his palms igniting with his mana.
“Come, it will be much easier to show you…then Meru, you will understand the vital role you play in the very fate of the world’s salvation…”
“Wilt? I thought they were people; you make them sound like plants…”
Zol smiled; he supposed he had never thought about the Aymara that way. Though in truth, he supposed that was one way to describe them.
” Well, to use your example, you could think of them like a plant that regrows itself each time it dies and is constantly growing and evolving. Every 1,000 years, the Mikado and their world tree undergo a process known as “The Wilting,” they shed their physical form, and their soul evolves. Since the tree and its creator are intimately tied, the tree also suffered a growth spurt. What this evolution yields depends on the culmination of Mikado's experience over the last millennium. Whatever the case, their power has the potential to grow exponentially each time. However…the wilting also leaves the Mikado without a physical form and in a state of stasis that can last well over 100 years.”
Zol sighed, thinking about the next part of it all. He could tell Meru was beyond on edge, but he hoped that by the end of this tale, his friend would understand the significance of what he had brought him here for.
“During that time, both the mikado and their world tree are weakened, and this so is the seal upon the Nether…. Allowing lesser demons and cosmic horrors to wage war on Carna, hoping to slay the Fae ruler and tree, both releasing untold evil and claiming the Mikado powerful soul for them elves…none more than the evil known as The Red eye…”
Zol's hand began to tremble. Just recounting that harrowing fight sent a tremor of fear through his body. Meru placed his paw on Zol's hand and licked his face. Zol exhaled, trying to center himself again.
“What is that? Sound like a bad eye infection”
“Ha, Wei used to say the same. He used to say dealing with it was like having someone constantly poking you in the eye nonstop…. It is a force that has existed since the first touch of consciousness dawned in the universe. Through the ages, it has held many names. The Scarlet Moon, The Crimson Gateway, Sanguine Fury…The Primordial Red. A being of unfathomable power. Thought to be a concept of rage and fury incarnate. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly the entity, but if you ask me, it is a Fae of the highest order, the essence of the cosmos’s indignation. Though it is still largely a mystery, we know that it desires the destruction of all life save for itself. To be the sole inheritor of all things…with a particular disdain for the Aymara… the only ones able to stand up to the beast so far.”
“This is a lot to wrap my canine brain around Zol. But you still haven’t answered my question. What does it have to do with you now? “
Zol rubbed Meru’s head before rising from the root they were perched on. He stood towards the horizon, his palms igniting with his mana.
“Come, it will be much easier to show you…then Meru, you will understand the vital role you play in the very fate of the world’s salvation…”
Last edited by Zolgarious Gilden on Wed Aug 07, 2024 1:07 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Zolgarious Gilden
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- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
Re: A Gilded Bond; Guardian of the World Tree
The two would vanish in a flare of light and enter Zol's soul realm. A place quite familiar to Meru at this point. In the nexus of Gliden starlight, they saw meteors and comets shiting through the expanse.
"The Mikado are vulnerable during the wilting and dub themselves a trusted ally to guard them and their tree. For Alawei, I was that guardian...but I failed."
The stars shifted, shaping themselves into constellations that reflected the story he told.
"The Scarlet Moon did something none of us predicted: he sired a chosen Archdemon that would serve as his avatar to accomplish his goal in his stead. This demon was known as Grixas. A fearsome foe that unfortunately outwitted me and the other pillar of Carna. He and his forces slaughtered many of the Aymar as well as three of Wei's children. To save those of us who remain...Alwaei gave up his life, using a forbidden magic that forced his soul to reincarnate prematurely, as well as the souls of the survivors. The Seed Of Creation is a powerful amalgamation of the collective mana of all the Miakdo before him and the Aymara connected to them.
The radiant red of the Soul jewels is manifested in the realm, casting a vibrant veil of red.
"Using my soul as a beacon, guiding the others to Vescrutia. They would seek bloodlines with high spiritual affinities for the displaced souls to shelter. Mines returned to my body, but I did not awaken with the others; I was still in cryostasis. A thousand years passed in that time...Alawei hoped that his soul would be reborn into an heir capable of one day replanting the World tree and sealing the Demon once more...that heir Meru...has been born...and for a thousand years has walked this planet unknowing of the great destiny, the heavy-duty befallen them. All this time, I never felt a thing until they fully awakened."
Meru's eyes shimmered with the litany of lights cast from the star show. He walked close to Zol, his eyes clear with worry.
"Zol...are you leaving?"
Zol's eyes wavered, though as hard as it was, he needed to be honest with his most trusted ally.
"I made a promise to Alawei, as one who inherited his spark, to pass along that dew needed for the tree to bloom fully, for the restriction of his children and the world he loved so much, to be reborn....but..."
He said as his fist tightened.
"I'm not sure...that once I pass that spark along...that I will survive it."
Meru's eyes widened as they began to fill with tears.
"No! You've only just come back! Erigor, Clara, Amon, thier all waiting for you, you can't break thier hearts...the hearts of the guild like this again! It's not fair, Zol!"
Without another thought, he hugged his furry friend tighter than ever. He was right; his emotions were more than valid. Of course, he had thought about the pain his possible death may cause. But after their time in Hojuku, after everything that happened, Zol was indeed more than ever that the Eye had begun to make its move. And should the cultist succeed, well? He didn't want to think what the world would be like once Grixas got his hands on it.
"Meru, You are my most trusted ally and valued friend. We have lived and died together. So you know, more so than anyone else, why I must do this. This power...it was never mines to begin with, it is a legacy entrusted to by someone who saved my life. This life you value so strongly is not even mine to live."
Meru barked back
"That's A lie! Faeries, Demons, space gods, I don't CARE! I don't remember you asking for this! We never asked for this! Your life isn't yours to live?! Don't give me that crap! You defeated the Novik and saved those women, not because anyone else told you to, but because you CHOSE to risk YOUR life! Fate, destiny, I'll claw through anything that tries to take you from me! Zol..."
Meru began to cry.
"You're the only family...the only family that I have left."
The pain of Meru's words struck him deeply. Here, he could feel his partner's sadness as if it were his own. Meru's emotions were so powerful that they began to pull the crimson veil from the world and replace it with a deep blue. Zol cupped his friend's face in his hands as the azure stars cascaded behind them.
"Meru...know this, no matter what form I take. Whether in this life or the next. No matter how far I may seem, I will never truly leave you. But as long as people like the Forerunner are out there, the tree is in danger of destruction, and the only hope for our world is gone. And that is why..."
Zol stood up, and as he did, the golden etched along his skin ignited with a somber gilden aura. His eyes became down in their gleam.
"I want to entrust you with this fledgling world tree. Meru, I wish to leave its protection in your hands. The day will soon arrive when this tree's proper inheritor will come, and with his arrival, this Vestige will blossom fully. I yield do you, Merumasa, the spark, the soul magic my friend and king entrusted to me. Promise me, Meru, that you will protect Yggdrasil in my stead."
Meru's heart was laden with grief, which made it hard for him to accept Zol's request. He couldn't stand the possibility of losing his family again. But after seeing the destruction and terrible things the followers of the Red Eye were willing to enact to get a taste of the demons' power, he understood the gravity of what was being asked. Though he was reluctant, he could not turn Zol away.
"Fine...I will become the tree guardian. But, you have to tell Erigor the truth... you can't leave him again like that, Zol...you can't hurt the guild again."
Zol's resolve wavered in the face of Meru's statement. But he was right. He at least needed to warn his father of what was to come. He owed them all that much.
"Heh, you've taken a liking to them, unlike you, Meru. Ok, I promise."
Meru was pleased his request was heard.
"Ok...I'm ready..."
The world closed its eyes in preparation for Zol's bequeathing.
"Right... let us begin..."
"The Mikado are vulnerable during the wilting and dub themselves a trusted ally to guard them and their tree. For Alawei, I was that guardian...but I failed."
The stars shifted, shaping themselves into constellations that reflected the story he told.
"The Scarlet Moon did something none of us predicted: he sired a chosen Archdemon that would serve as his avatar to accomplish his goal in his stead. This demon was known as Grixas. A fearsome foe that unfortunately outwitted me and the other pillar of Carna. He and his forces slaughtered many of the Aymar as well as three of Wei's children. To save those of us who remain...Alwaei gave up his life, using a forbidden magic that forced his soul to reincarnate prematurely, as well as the souls of the survivors. The Seed Of Creation is a powerful amalgamation of the collective mana of all the Miakdo before him and the Aymara connected to them.
The radiant red of the Soul jewels is manifested in the realm, casting a vibrant veil of red.
"Using my soul as a beacon, guiding the others to Vescrutia. They would seek bloodlines with high spiritual affinities for the displaced souls to shelter. Mines returned to my body, but I did not awaken with the others; I was still in cryostasis. A thousand years passed in that time...Alawei hoped that his soul would be reborn into an heir capable of one day replanting the World tree and sealing the Demon once more...that heir Meru...has been born...and for a thousand years has walked this planet unknowing of the great destiny, the heavy-duty befallen them. All this time, I never felt a thing until they fully awakened."
Meru's eyes shimmered with the litany of lights cast from the star show. He walked close to Zol, his eyes clear with worry.
"Zol...are you leaving?"
Zol's eyes wavered, though as hard as it was, he needed to be honest with his most trusted ally.
"I made a promise to Alawei, as one who inherited his spark, to pass along that dew needed for the tree to bloom fully, for the restriction of his children and the world he loved so much, to be reborn....but..."
He said as his fist tightened.
"I'm not sure...that once I pass that spark along...that I will survive it."
Meru's eyes widened as they began to fill with tears.
"No! You've only just come back! Erigor, Clara, Amon, thier all waiting for you, you can't break thier hearts...the hearts of the guild like this again! It's not fair, Zol!"
Without another thought, he hugged his furry friend tighter than ever. He was right; his emotions were more than valid. Of course, he had thought about the pain his possible death may cause. But after their time in Hojuku, after everything that happened, Zol was indeed more than ever that the Eye had begun to make its move. And should the cultist succeed, well? He didn't want to think what the world would be like once Grixas got his hands on it.
"Meru, You are my most trusted ally and valued friend. We have lived and died together. So you know, more so than anyone else, why I must do this. This power...it was never mines to begin with, it is a legacy entrusted to by someone who saved my life. This life you value so strongly is not even mine to live."
Meru barked back
"That's A lie! Faeries, Demons, space gods, I don't CARE! I don't remember you asking for this! We never asked for this! Your life isn't yours to live?! Don't give me that crap! You defeated the Novik and saved those women, not because anyone else told you to, but because you CHOSE to risk YOUR life! Fate, destiny, I'll claw through anything that tries to take you from me! Zol..."
Meru began to cry.
"You're the only family...the only family that I have left."
The pain of Meru's words struck him deeply. Here, he could feel his partner's sadness as if it were his own. Meru's emotions were so powerful that they began to pull the crimson veil from the world and replace it with a deep blue. Zol cupped his friend's face in his hands as the azure stars cascaded behind them.
"Meru...know this, no matter what form I take. Whether in this life or the next. No matter how far I may seem, I will never truly leave you. But as long as people like the Forerunner are out there, the tree is in danger of destruction, and the only hope for our world is gone. And that is why..."
Zol stood up, and as he did, the golden etched along his skin ignited with a somber gilden aura. His eyes became down in their gleam.
"I want to entrust you with this fledgling world tree. Meru, I wish to leave its protection in your hands. The day will soon arrive when this tree's proper inheritor will come, and with his arrival, this Vestige will blossom fully. I yield do you, Merumasa, the spark, the soul magic my friend and king entrusted to me. Promise me, Meru, that you will protect Yggdrasil in my stead."
Meru's heart was laden with grief, which made it hard for him to accept Zol's request. He couldn't stand the possibility of losing his family again. But after seeing the destruction and terrible things the followers of the Red Eye were willing to enact to get a taste of the demons' power, he understood the gravity of what was being asked. Though he was reluctant, he could not turn Zol away.
"Fine...I will become the tree guardian. But, you have to tell Erigor the truth... you can't leave him again like that, Zol...you can't hurt the guild again."
Zol's resolve wavered in the face of Meru's statement. But he was right. He at least needed to warn his father of what was to come. He owed them all that much.
"Heh, you've taken a liking to them, unlike you, Meru. Ok, I promise."
Meru was pleased his request was heard.
"Ok...I'm ready..."
The world closed its eyes in preparation for Zol's bequeathing.
"Right... let us begin..."
Last edited by Zolgarious Gilden on Wed Dec 04, 2024 1:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Zolgarious Gilden
- Drifter
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:40 pm
Re: A Gilded Bond; Guardian of the World Tree
"Ok...Here go."
Zol began a set of ava, constantly without pause; as he did this, his naten began to swell. Mikado can choose a chosen being to act as the guardian of their trees. Usually, this task would be Zol's, but with the invasion on their doorsteps and his task beyond it, they would pull him away from the tree if they survived. His soul still needed to be in place to cultivate and facilitate the energy...so..he was going to tether Meru to the tree in his stead.
"I will use our bond to etch you into the tree's spirit and land. Doing so will betow you with great power, Meru, power enough to fend for this place in my stead."
"I accept..."
As Meru spoke these words, Zol completed his ava, and the expanse of his soul realm rippled like currents.
"Mikado Art..."
His words lingered in the ethereal atmosphere as the runic marking carved into his skin began to hum with a spiritual presence, his mana seeping from him like vines.
"Tether..."
These few tendrils of mana quickly erupted into a myriad of vines that latched themselves onto Meru, encapsulating him in a chrysalis of energy. The soul realm dissipated from there, and they were before the World Tree again. The soul energy catalyst hid Meru's form, invoking his transformation beneath him. Zol then willed a vine from the chrysalis to attach with the root of Yydraggsil.
"Oh, World Tree, In the name of the Aymara, those who dawned the magic that created you, I betow my right as guardian upon a most trusted ally...he...is family, and I know he will defend you well beyond even his final breath. Hold nothing from him, and please..."
Zol was finding it hard to finish his sentence. There was something finite about this that he could not shake. But the task—its completion was paramount.
" Trust that he is loyal and caring, and though his fangs are sharp, he'd never turn them on a friend."
A wave of intent from the earth washed over Zol, letting him know that the land and tree agreed. Solace to his heart that they trusted him enough to allow it.
"Come, Guardian! Speak your name!"
The influx of mana and naten saturated the concern housing Meru. Within its confines, the Mikado's anent magic invigorated his being, sewing together a form befitting his gift. As the light faded and the chrysalis dissipated, Meru was revealed. He had developed a bipedal form that stood as tall as the world tree. Claws that hummed with ancient magic.
"I am Merumasa Claw Of Yggdrasil!"
He unleashed a mighty howl, and the world tree grew bright with energy as if it resonated and contracted their union. Zol stared in awe, so this was the true form of a fully grown Atleir wolf. The giant wolf kneeled before Zol.
"It has a nice ring to it. Look at you. You've got the enthusiasm of a true guardian now."
"You're leaving now, aren't you?"
Merumasa's eyes weighed with the realization of all that had transpired, but he would carry out his task with pride.
"Helidor is in danger; if unchecked, that danger may very well spread even here. This land, the whole of Muu, has suffered enough already. I must go."
He touched Meru's massive nose before laying his head against it.
"Then you may go into battle with a clear heart and mind. Worry not about the world tree. I will give my life to keep it and this realm safe." We are forever boundZol. My soul lives within you, and yours within me. Should you need my might, call...you need only ever call.
"You're... the goodest boy Meru."
He hugged his companion's head tightly, apart from his wanting to stay here with him. But he knew it could not be so. They both had duties to fulfill, and it was high time Zol gave him all to see him through to the end, come whatever may. With a sad sigh, sniffles, and tears, he was consumed by a plume of light. Returning to Helidor once more a burning determination like the pride of a wolf
Zol began a set of ava, constantly without pause; as he did this, his naten began to swell. Mikado can choose a chosen being to act as the guardian of their trees. Usually, this task would be Zol's, but with the invasion on their doorsteps and his task beyond it, they would pull him away from the tree if they survived. His soul still needed to be in place to cultivate and facilitate the energy...so..he was going to tether Meru to the tree in his stead.
"I will use our bond to etch you into the tree's spirit and land. Doing so will betow you with great power, Meru, power enough to fend for this place in my stead."
"I accept..."
As Meru spoke these words, Zol completed his ava, and the expanse of his soul realm rippled like currents.
"Mikado Art..."
His words lingered in the ethereal atmosphere as the runic marking carved into his skin began to hum with a spiritual presence, his mana seeping from him like vines.
"Tether..."
These few tendrils of mana quickly erupted into a myriad of vines that latched themselves onto Meru, encapsulating him in a chrysalis of energy. The soul realm dissipated from there, and they were before the World Tree again. The soul energy catalyst hid Meru's form, invoking his transformation beneath him. Zol then willed a vine from the chrysalis to attach with the root of Yydraggsil.
"Oh, World Tree, In the name of the Aymara, those who dawned the magic that created you, I betow my right as guardian upon a most trusted ally...he...is family, and I know he will defend you well beyond even his final breath. Hold nothing from him, and please..."
Zol was finding it hard to finish his sentence. There was something finite about this that he could not shake. But the task—its completion was paramount.
" Trust that he is loyal and caring, and though his fangs are sharp, he'd never turn them on a friend."
A wave of intent from the earth washed over Zol, letting him know that the land and tree agreed. Solace to his heart that they trusted him enough to allow it.
"Come, Guardian! Speak your name!"
The influx of mana and naten saturated the concern housing Meru. Within its confines, the Mikado's anent magic invigorated his being, sewing together a form befitting his gift. As the light faded and the chrysalis dissipated, Meru was revealed. He had developed a bipedal form that stood as tall as the world tree. Claws that hummed with ancient magic.
"I am Merumasa Claw Of Yggdrasil!"
He unleashed a mighty howl, and the world tree grew bright with energy as if it resonated and contracted their union. Zol stared in awe, so this was the true form of a fully grown Atleir wolf. The giant wolf kneeled before Zol.
"It has a nice ring to it. Look at you. You've got the enthusiasm of a true guardian now."
"You're leaving now, aren't you?"
Merumasa's eyes weighed with the realization of all that had transpired, but he would carry out his task with pride.
"Helidor is in danger; if unchecked, that danger may very well spread even here. This land, the whole of Muu, has suffered enough already. I must go."
He touched Meru's massive nose before laying his head against it.
"Then you may go into battle with a clear heart and mind. Worry not about the world tree. I will give my life to keep it and this realm safe." We are forever boundZol. My soul lives within you, and yours within me. Should you need my might, call...you need only ever call.
"You're... the goodest boy Meru."
He hugged his companion's head tightly, apart from his wanting to stay here with him. But he knew it could not be so. They both had duties to fulfill, and it was high time Zol gave him all to see him through to the end, come whatever may. With a sad sigh, sniffles, and tears, he was consumed by a plume of light. Returning to Helidor once more a burning determination like the pride of a wolf
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