[center][h1]Journeys III[/h1][/center] [hr] Their flight was both short and long. Long in the sense that only the sun dipping into the horizon and the great moon rising could only convey. Short in the sense that Viho did not wish it to end. He was built to wander, to explore and learn. That would often be a lonely task, one not suited for any who could not fly, or in the case, ride. He enjoyed the young woman’s companionship, even if they hardly knew each other and even if it was ultimately her decision on where she wanted to go. Viho felt as if she were a fledgling that needed protection. A small girl, modeled after a Goddess, who needed protecting? It was a funny thought. He had saved her, yes, and maybe she needed to get a better footing on her limits, but Viho had the feeling that she didn’t actually need any protection. She had untapped potential, stifled by only a name. Why had her maker named her Fear? Why? When she showed as much courage as the one she idealized. Was it fear that had compelled her to chase after her kin? Was it pressure? Was it Courage or courage? These questions had answers but none he could perceive. He had come to terms that such events happen for a reason. He was meant to happen upon her when he did and save her. Viho was struggling with the idea of a goodbye and it hadn’t even happened yet. As the two chatted and talked as he flew, a bond began to form. At least to him. Fear was a kind soul, after all. He hoped the trauma of the sea would not leave any lasting blights upon her soul. For she did not deserve it. Eventually, as they crested red forests and blushed mountains, it dawned upon him. A life met, needed not end in goodbyes when the time came to depart but with a promise to meet again. Therefore, a goodbye was not needed because it wasn’t truly a goodbye. Still, doubt crept in as they neared Keltra. Viho thought it odd to feel such things. Yet he knew it was just something else to learn. So they flew over lake and stream, red plain and white tree until at least the beacon that was Keltra came into his view. Red walls that reflected the sun rose with a splendor he had not yet seen in that world. It was magnificent, as it was haunting. Like a lone perch sat atop a mountain. Still, he could only find himself in awe at the sheer size of it. “You did not tell me your home was such a jewel, Fear.” He said to the small passenger upon his back. She seemed to consider his words for a while, but in truth it was only a brief moment. “All homes are such beautiful jewels for those that have a home to return to. I’m… glad you like it.” She climbed further up her companion’s back to gain a better view of the immense citadel, and saw something she found amiss. “There should be two more colossi.” She warned Viho, pointing to the massive metallic being standing in the red sea nearby. Though he could not see her pointing, Viho spotted what she was talking about. So caught up in the keep, he had failed to notice the titanic creature that stood within the sea. “There’s… There’s two more of those titans?” He said with awe in his voice. “I did not know anything could grow so big.” “The colossi have always been with us… since the day I was born… Were the other two left behind because Courage and I… weren’t there to direct them?” Fear hesitantly asked herself, feeling guilty upon realizing that Kindness would obviously have not been able to efficiently control all three colossi by herself. The lone colossus was an ill omen that elicited a painful lurch in her heart, and the anxious champion found herself dreading to face what she may find in the great fortress. It was a fiery jewel, shining brilliantly, and she was a failure that had wandered astray and would probably be unwanted in the end. The otherworldly light of Daybringer that poured forth from the keep itself indicated that the Goddess of Honor must be there, Fear observed as well, wondering what her Maker would say upon seeing her. “It should be safe to land anywhere within the walls.” She said, clinging desperately to the small hope that she was wrong, and the other colossi were simply elsewhere. She wanted to have faith that Courage had survived, and the ones that had been stolen were now recovered. It was a faint hope she held, but it was all she had. “Worry not Fear, I am sure there is an explanation. Come now, let us meet your maker.” Viho said on the final approach. There was a warmth here, one he was not all that fond of, but he kept his tongue in his beak for that one. Eventually he landed within an open courtyard, extending his wing down so that Fear could descend. Standing at one of the many entrances into the keep were three more beings identical in appearance to Fear, and as the anxious champion climbed down, upon the sight of those waiting for the duo, she suddenly stood still. With a burst of speed, two of the clones charged Viho and Fear, with joyous expressions on their faces. Neither had weapons, and the owl champion could see both had the blue amulets gifted by Chailiss that Fear also wore. They crashed into the frozen Fear, together toppling her, and the relief all three of them exuded as they embraced each other filled the air like liquid laughter. One of them spoke, with a voice similar to Fear’s, but more lively and wild. “You’re back! You’re alive, and you’re here. I didn’t mean for you to get lost!” She said, while hugging the overwhelmed girl. “Fear, are you alright? What happened to you?” The other one asked, her voice soft and quiet, but still clear among the louder one, and the fumbling for words that came from Fear. The owl champion could see the third doppelganger approach him, but she moved with an otherworldly grace that denoted her as one of the Divine. The Goddess of Honor. She stood before him, wielding a golden spear, and with a cryptic expression. “Welcome to Keltra. I am Homura. You have returned someone dear to me, and for this I am very grateful. What is your name, child of Chailiss?” She asked. Viho dipped his head low at the divine. “Lady Homura, it is a privilege. I am Viho, the wandering owl and I bring a message from my Lord.” He cleared his throat still bowing. “Chailiss has heard the whims of the Monarch and will aid you despite any past differences, if the Lady wishes.” “You may arise, Viho. It is a pleasure to speak with you, the savior of one of my heralds. I have heard the edict of our Lord, and I am glad my brother has paid heed to his call. You have done more than I could ever ask.” Homura replied, her voice becoming more gentle as she spoke. Fear had been brought back to her feet, answering her sister’s questions, and describing her journey from the small rock out at sea, to soaring through the sky with Viho. She gestured to the owl champion and introduced her sisters. “Viho, this is Courage and Kindness, the ones I told you about. Curiosity and Wanderer should be somewhere around as well.” Viho rose, giving a nod to Homura before peering down upon the three heralds. A wave of relief came over him at the sight of the one he thought truly lost; Courage. To know she had survived and three were united again did him well. Fear would be alright now. In time she would heal well. They all looked so alike, basically copies of their Maker, what he could only assume were different personalities. Perhaps of the Goddess herself? He gave a bow to Courage and Kindness. There was just the subtle difference of their expressions and the way they carried themselves that made it somewhat easier to identify which one was which. "Well met Courage, Kindness. It is good to see you all reunited." He looked to Courage. "It does my soul good to see you standing here. Had I known there was another in the sea… I would have tried..." He shook his head, "It matters not anymore. But pray tell, how did you come to be here before us? I am most curious." “Well, I was saved by another goddess, ya. She brought me here, and spoke with our Maker, then took some humans and left. I was going to come back for ya actually. I had a plan and everything.” Courage explained, flushed with embarrassment and joy. “You have my thanks, Viho!” She added before swiftly bowing respectfully. “I cannot think of a way for us to return the feelings of gratitude you have given us, please forgive me.” Kindness said, bowing beside her sister. Her voice was soothing, but too quiet, like an unheard whisper uttered within a storm. Yet it was heard nonetheless. When both had arisen, Fear had awkwardly patted them on their shoulders, and nervously laughed while looking at the owl champion. “This is my family. Um… I hope you don’t think we’re too strange.” She said with a smile, feeling stronger and braver beside her two sisters now. “Viho, Champion of Chailiss, how can I properly reward you for your acts of heroism? You may ask for whatever you desire, and if it is within my power, I shall make it happen.” The Goddess of Honor proclaimed, and the golden spear she held began radiating celestial light across the field, though the effect was quite subtle. It caused the stone all around to faintly shimmer and brighten, like the sea as it catches the light of the great sun. It took him by surprise, the offer of the Goddess. He did not know nor could he think of anything that he wanted or needed. But would it be inappropriate to deny the Goddess? He racked his thoughts for a time coming to his conclusion. He looked upon the small Goddess, with such fearsome strength and beauty and he spoke. "My Lady, I am honored by this. But I was not the only one who helped Fear in her time of need. I prayed to my Lord and he answered by ensuring the young maiden would survive. Besides, what I did, any could do in the given circumstances. It does not feel right to ask for anything in return for my act. Knowing well enough that both your heralds survived is a gift all on its own." He said, dipping his head once more. “Hmm… so be it. I will remember your words, Viho, and never forget what you have done here. Whether or not it was your intention, you have achieved symbolic immortality, as the first of heroes to rise among our creations. Would you like to rest, or are you ready to answer the call to service once more?” She spoke with the authority of the Divine, her speech imbued with sacred truth and great power. Visions of what she meant were woven into her words, the weight of being worshiped, the burden of defying both death and despair. Homura did not mention the terrible irony of a noble hero preserving the one called Fear, as such would be cruel. Viho blinked in surprise. What did the Goddess need of him? Well, there was only one way to find out. He stood a little straighter and fluffed his wings. "I am always at the service of Goddesses, Gods and maidens. What would the Lady ask of me?" “I must speak with my brother. Seek out your Lord, and carry these words to him: I have found a way to uncover the identity of the Green Murder, and shall share this gift with him. If he has already found the answer he seeks, then I will come and assist him with handling the situation. Secondly, I would ask that he come and visit Keltra, as there is something we must convene on, however I may not be present. Pride can properly explain on my behalf. Lastly, inform him that Iqelis is our enemy. He has slain a fellow deity, and seeks annihilation of all life. Be weary of the eye that weeps the tears of time, with sinful claws stained by god-blood. Carry these words, Viho, and may fortune favor the bold. If there is anything I can offer that will assist you with this task, then let me know.” Homura allowed herself to smile at the sight of the owl champion, towering tall with valor and virtue, an apt example of an honorable servant. Her champions had stepped back, and moved to stand behind her. It was strange and otherworldly, seeing four identical figures, standing before him. The three mortals behind the goddess looked at him with wonder and awe in their eyes. He felt a sense of pride as they all looked to him and then a weight upon his wings. He could easily accomplish this task but the news itself was unsettling. Still, it was also vital. He gave a nod and then said, "I shall do as you ask my Lady. Where once I prayed to my lord I can do so again." And so he shut his eyes and prayed to his lord, asking for an audience but Chailiss did not answer. Again he asked with urgency but nothing happened. There was no presence in his mind. Nothing. He opened an eye and squinted at them with an embarrassed chuckle. "Perhaps it will not be so easy as last time." He opened his other eye and relaxed. "I shall fly post haste to deliver this message, my Lady. If I am successful, you shall know." Fear ran forward and leapt onto his feathery chest. “I’m going to miss you. We’ll meet again, I hope... This isn’t goodbye forever.” She said, her voice muffled by his plumage, and the tears in her eye contrasted by the happy smile she wore. She did not want to let go, but could not prevent him from leaving either. Homura simply nodded, but remained still and silent, her presence akin to a steadfast statue standing vigilant over the world and its people. Her earlier words faintly echoed in the air, and ushered her heralds towards a respectful farewell for Viho. Courage and Kindness bowed once more, and offered silent prayers for the champion of Chailiss. His earlier thoughts came back to him. They had reached that moment he had come to dread. Suddenly Homura's offers seemed enticing. Why not ask for Fear to accompany him? But the thought was born of selfishness. She was happy here with her sisters and so she would remain so. He covered the small champion with a wing and looked down to her. "Do not say goodbye, Fear. Goodbyes are forever." He cooed. "We shall meet again and soar across the land." He looked to the other two champions. "Courage, Kindness. Take care of each other and no swimming." His eyes crinkled in a smile as he unfurled his wings from Fear and the girl returned to her sisters. Then Viho looked to Homura and dipped his head once more in a bow. "My Lady…" He said as a goodbye before looking up at the sky and taking off. The journey home had not been one he thought he would undertake so soon but it was necessary. So to the north he went. [hider=Summary]-Viho and Fear are flying across the land of Keltra when they finally reach the fortress. Fear has been brought home. -They enter, and are greeted by Homura and two of her champions. Viho introduces himself after being welcomed. -Homura provides Viho with a task to deliver a message to Chailiss, which the owl champion accepts. -Viho bids farewell to the goddess and her champions, telling Fear that they will meet again, before he sets out and flies towards the north.[/hider] [hider=Vigor & Spirit]Homura did not spend any Vigor. Viho gains 8 Spirit. (+1, +1 Collab, +1 Main character, +1 Post length, +4 for completing personal quest) Courage, Kindness, and Fear gain 3 Spirit. (+1, +1 Collab, +1 Post length)[/hider]