Chapter One, The Great Crossing
The World of Parele is a strange one indeed.
Shrouded in mystery and covered in dangerous ancient ruins, floating islands, and ruthless creatures, it is no wonder that humanity has found a way to survive and prospered. There is much to be discovered in this world, many secrets to be unearthed... some wondrous and beautiful,
Others.... are probably better left buried, never to be unearthed to unleash the fury held beneath.
These legends, these secrets, all waiting in the shadows of a long forgotten time that had forever changed the surface of the world. Sought after by both Empires and explores alike. But every great adventure needs a beginning, and the problems that will be faced will seem small in comparison, but very real.
In the low hanging clouds of the West Ocean, a massive shadow is caste over the seas. A huge, floating island of rock lazily drifts through he sky, propelled by massive blades and powerful engines. It is known as the Kingdom of Avalia, a nation state that is situated on this large island. An old kingdom with a long reigning dynasty of royals and nobles. The society is strictly separated into noble class, with very little to no chance of mobility. It has been this way for centuries, yet as the times move on and an era of industry and technology begin to elevate to the next level, so to does winds of history.
Murmurs in the dark corners of the Beggars Quarters of the two cities on this island, whispers in the quiet bars of the Factory District, grumbles in the Mines. All of these talk of a rebellion on the rise, waiting, biding its time for the perfect moment to strike. Air, even among the upper class is tense, though, perhaps not because of these silly commoner rumors. No, they are worried about something seemingly far more threatening, something that everyone knew.
For you see, each year, many of these islands suddenly and naturally drift across the West Ocean. Nobody has been able to explain why, but what is known is that the journey is always hard. Communication and trade with the outside world becomes difficult and these islands become threatened by rival islands, mercenaries, pirates, and rarely... flying monsters and ancient abominations. These threats being ever present, meant that Avalia's military was always of the utmost importance.
The Royal Airborne Fleet is Avalia's true bulwark against the threats of the outside world during this journey. A powerful, modern fleet of airships that have always protected the skies of the kingdom... or so they thought. Roughly twelve years ago, during the 88th Crossing of the West Ocean, they came under attack by a group known as the "Sky Clan". Initially the military command dismissed them as nothing but fanatical, religious barbarians that would pose little threat to the mighty Airborne Fleet. They were horribly mistaken and the resulting war severely damaged the nation and the spirit of the nation as the Sky Clan proved to outclass Avalia in both technology and doctrine.
Dawn breaking on the RAS Arkillia and RAS Falcon after seventy two hours of constant fighting during the final Grand Battle of the Royal Estate, in which eighty percent of the fleet was destroyed.
It was a severe wake up call, and would have lead to the destruction of the nation if it weren't for the heroes of the war such as Captain, now Admiral Alex Falke, Admiral Roger Endoven, Ace Hannah Alborne, or Lieutenant Lawrence Canon as well as the valiant men of the fleet. This resulted in a serious shake down of the military command after the war, allowing gaps for potential conspirators to fill.
Now as the 100th Crossing of the West Ocean begins, everyone is on edge. The Sky Clan has made vows and promises to strike Avalia and there are rumors of a new airborne beast attacking shipping and fleets over the West Ocean. So as the festivities are cleaned up and everyone prepares for the long journey ahead, cracks are beginning to form.
With all this, for some, it is just the beginning of a new school year. The Avalian National Air Academy, an incredibly prestigious school where some of the most famous aces and admirals of the world have come from. This school is unique in Avalian society, as it doesn't strictly separate people by social class while teaching or in class. This stop both parties from ignoring these equality rules or abusing them, but it has allowed at least some intermingling between the groups. As the bell tolls and the students begin to arrive at the school, many are simply looking forward to ignoring the growing sense of dread and tension and focusing on their studies, or girls, or boys, or partying till ya drop dead.
For two particular individuals, this will definitely be a stimulating year... to say the least.