[center][h1][b]The Return & Departure[/b][/h1][/center] [center][h3][i]Rituals & Potential Consequences[/i][/h3][/center] [hr] Skydancer alighted in the newly created stratified sculpted fields surrounding the southern sections within Keltra, wherein the few passengers of the soaring vessel swiftly disembarked before they were immediately greeted by their sisters that had emerged from the keep to welcome them. Laughter soon spread throughout the air as Courage and Courage II leapt forward and joyfully embraced each of their sisters that came closer, as thoughts and memories were passed back and forth amongst all of them. There was a melding of emotions while they shared their senses; a burst of affection and apprehension at the sight of Fear II standing awkwardly nearby as they all telepathically communicated in her presence. Quickly informed of the situation regarding the Reflection of their stray sister; Courage, Wanderer, and their Reflections, all changed their demeanor; switching from mind-speech to sign language and vocalizations. Courage set aside her brief confusion and playfully grinned when Fear II looked at her, while Courage II both mentally and verbally explained what transpired in their most recent encounters with their Mother: Homura had returned to Nalusa with Skydancer before hastily setting out once again while accompanied by Charis. They had been told to stabilize the region and assist both humanity and the remaining maramodas in recovering from the spreading spree of slaughter that plagued the land. They had been in the middle of their task when a portal opened and an avatar of Homura appeared, suddenly commanding them to return to Keltra with little reason given as to why. Desire was elected to stay behind since she seemed most capable of resolving the predicament in Nalusa while the rest of them came back. Courage II concluded her explanation with a short and simple description of their uneventful flight home. Afterwards, Courage spoke up with a small hint of skepticism in her voice, pointing at Fear II. “Shouldn’t she be included in our bond? It’s a hassle keeping her out of it, ya know.” Pride merely sighed in annoyance, as the most brash among them was always blind to how delicate the rest of them were at times. Kindness and Kindness II both bore the shadow of a scowl, barely perceptible. They were the two that had first sought to prevent Fear II from joining the Sacred Septet because they believed that they were being maliciously manipulated by the bond. What had irked the Keeper of Keltra was the origin of their belief; a misbegotten contempt for their Mother that had worsened after she had banished Fear and threatened to imprison them all long ago. Pride was aware of how these acts had left a lingering resentment in Kindness, this simmering bitterness which had been instilled in her Reflection as well. “We sacrifice our privacy and individualism when we invite others into our connection. Every additional synapse we create, the risk of converging our spirits increases. We have realized now that Fear required a separate internal space for her spirit to preserve itself, and our connection deprived her of one. She suffered as a result, and Fear II will suffer as well. It is a mistake coercing her in this situation.” Kindness and Kindness II retorted, speaking in unison. “She’s an introvert, ya. Makes sense when you put it like that… but like can’t we just create our own inner rooms where we can be alone for a little while? Even in our minds, it should be possible!” Courage countered with a chuckle when Kindness and Kindness II seemed perplexed by her words, considering the potential solution she suggested. “With our stronger sight, we can better avoid a convergence, except isn’t that what we’re trying to do anyway?” She continued, glancing around at the rest of her sisters that had yet to speak aloud their sentiments and concerns for the sake of Fear II. Courage proceeded to reinforce her point with this present inefficiency in their conversation, letting her aura of conviction wash over all of them, as she casually approached the subject of their discussion. Even when she conveyed her sincere and reassuring intentions through their connection to them as she stepped closer, Kindness and her Reflection still interposed themselves between her and Fear II. Courage wondered whether Kindness was even concerned if she was affronted by this distrust, but persevered by mentally reaffirming with fierce conviction that she would not hurt the Reflection of her lost sister. The anger in her mind melded with her words though, causing Kindness and her Reflection to continue to hinder her approach. “The choice belongs to Fear II…” They intoned simultaneously, while Wanderer and Wanderer II strode around them with surprising agility and reached out to Fear II when the others were distracted. Finding both of her hands held by her two sisters, Fear II recalled the time before so much sorrow had been born in Keltra. Though it had only been Fear and Wanderer then, and instead of warm soft skin like now, her other self had possessed a hand sculpted from ice. She had once been a part of the bond, and could so easily sense the thoughts and support shared by her beloved sister. She reminisced on these memories that belonged to both her and to the one that was banished from her home… “I’m weaker without the connection. Courage is right, I should be included… even if it means I’ll lose myself, because otherwise I’m only a liability. I… That is my choice.” She softly proclaimed, as anxiety showed clearly on her face despite her best efforts to hide it. Fear II saw how her decision seemed to evoke further tension between Courage and Kindness, but stayed resolute as her heart ached at the sight of her sisters and their frustration with each other. With reluctance, Kindness and her Reflection stepped aside, allowing Courage to stand before Fear II. “Listen, we’re not going to let you become lost. Kindness and I will make sure that never happens, even if she thinks I’m being reckless right now. Fear isn’t the only one that has to atone. All of us are working towards redemption because we’re walking this path together, ya. When you stumble, we stumble beside you. But, we just have to keep on moving on.” Courage said, as her cheeks turned a shade of pink akin to Pride’s unique streaks in her hair. The brash champion exuded a combination of embarrassment and earnestness that caused Fear II to instinctually chuckle with faint amusement. Courage simply shook her head, and accompanied her sister’s bit of levity with her own mirth, now laughing alongside her. Pride interjected with a ping in the minds of her sisters, redirecting their attention to the rather prominent changes in their surroundings; the two temples and the lustrous landscape that had been recently created. “Before you become overwhelmed with eagerness, there are two places of power we must visit.” She chimed, gesturing with a tilt of her head towards the slender azure structure known as the Temple of the Tapestry. “Our Mother has bestowed upon us some gifts.” She murmured absently, becoming the most withdrawn among her sisters as she led them onwards through the glittering gardens while the others nonchalantly conversed. During their walk, the Tome of Artistry was passed amongst all of them, granting each of them an innate knowledge and talent for weaving with the summoned fabric that was found in the temple’s interior. Pride was insistent they prepare themselves for the encounter with Zima, and provided those that would be departing with an abundance of materials and an exquisite loom to work with. “The silk here is enchanted with numerous spells, so each outfit can serve multiple functions, but protection and supplements should be your main focus.” She explained during the brief tour once they were inside, and actively looking at all of the elegant furnishings and tools at their disposal. Blessed by the book, the Sacred Septet immediately began conducting experiments with a myriad of designs and materials. They bantered back and forth both telepathically and aloud as their imagination was let loose like a wild animal lost in awe and excitement. “It’s occurred to me that it’s rather foolish of us to ask for gifts from the gods when we have really little to give in exchange, so why don’t we work on making them outfits as well, ya!” Courage called out, while she embroidered shimmering shifting blue and green patterns into the back of a red dress. Courage II quietly told Fear II that plans for the future helped all of them hone their minds which would assist in aligning themselves to the world around them. It did seem to help them. “It’s our connections that make us strong.” Courage remarked, gazing pointedly at Fear II, but announced loud enough for all to hear, though her sisters also mostly ignored her. Meanwhile… “Nice capelets!” Curiosity II cheerfully commented as she examined what Kindness and her Reflection had just created. Nearby, Pride let out a noise of exasperation when she saw what Wanderer’s attire consisted of. “You’re supposed to make something that will protect you, you numpty! Your legs and stomach are all so exposed! Are you asking to be stabbed again?” The Keeper of Keltra protested before she sighed and shook her head with resignation, letting her silent sister do as she wished. Soon Curiosity handed Rowan over to her Reflection and proceeded to weave for herself a new garb as well. Courage II and Fear II watched from closeby, and the first Reflection remarked that it was a shame that Desire could not be here. “I’ll have to bring her next time!” Courage II declared with a raised fist and fierce grin, as Fear II attempted to match her enthusiasm. Curiosity paused her work and playfully poked her anxious sister, merrily mentioning the modesty of Fear II’s clothing consisting of multiple pretty pieces that were sadly concealing her features. Curiosity then began calling her cute and bashful and sweet - until Fear II hid her face, flushed with embarrassment, causing Courage II and Curiosity to lightheartedly laugh at the demure display, while Kindness and her Reflection came up from behind and bonked the two of them on the back of their heads. Eventually each of them had fashioned for themselves a new outfit, adhering to the red theme of their home and mother, but incorporating their own special traits as well. Together they were a mixture of exuberant chaos and harmony, however one among them remained in her first attire and had become currently the center of attention. “Pipsqueak, you haven’t touched the loom yet… You need a change in threads too, ya.” Courage said with a grin, as she and her sisters encircled the smallest among them. Within the Temple of the Tapestry, they were relatively safe from the scarlet stone outside, so Pride potentially could not defeat them with her scepter. It was a risk they were willing to take. There was still some struggling as she tried to flee, but Courage and Fear II valiantly prevented such from happening while the rest of them came up with ideas for Pride’s new regalia. There was screaming, strangling, and strife as sisters bargained and battled for control of the situation with pretentiously fierce conviction and cunning. Pride attempted to use the division to free herself, but there were too many of them, and she remained trapped as they took her measurements and adorned her with frilly gowns and childish costumes against her will. Her complaints came mainly from her sisters pampering her, along with constant cuddling, and Pride wondered whether this behavior originated from their Mother, or if it was something they independently developed. She recalled how their Mother would always pat her head and brush her hair when she visited, and felt a fleeting feeling of despair sink in at the realization. Pride had been placed in an even more elaborate dress that was primarily white with crimson along the edges and beautiful celestial red and gold motif across it. Her hands held her scepter, the small appendages barely able to free themselves from the long sleeves that trailed behind her while she walked without too much difficulty in the dress. She surmised that she would have to empower the music that spread throughout the keep so that it reached the temples and outer wall as well. She had spent so much time within the keep that she had forgotten how the Silk Song needed euphonious sound in order to grant her prolonged grace and flight. It irked her how much effort she had to put into not tripping with each step now. Finally they had finished weaving all of their enchanted raiments, and stepped outside of the Temple of the Tapestry. The Keeper of Keltra continued to lead the way as they walked towards the Temple of Resurrection, choosing to turn a deaf ear to the comments about how heart-stoppingly adorable she was as she marched onwards. She remained silent as Courage and Kindness tripped upon a protrusion of crimson stone that had arisen suddenly before receding back into the earth as quickly as it had come. There was a remarkably noticeable lack of commentary regarding her appearance afterwards, though Courage complained that she was no fun at all. They entered the second immense ornate structure, and discovered it to be quite austere within, as there were no furnishings or embellishment anywhere to be found in the first great chamber, only a lone altar that occupied the center of the space. There was a passage at the back leading to a set of stairs that had steps both ascending and descending to other higher and lower levels of the temple. All of the Heralds of Honor, aside from Pride, recalled a time when the interior of the keep itself felt similarly hollow and ascetic until the twin-birth of the Eternal Fire and their smallest sister had begun a warm change in Keltra. “This is… the precipice of another transformation, isn’t it?” Courage asked after a lingering pause, now standing at the forefront of her collected sisters, except for Pride who slowly approached the altar and answered though she looked at Kindness as she spoke. “We are ever-changing as children of the cosmos; every shifting iota of our world is a change.” “This is different from just choosing something like new clothing! We don’t know what will happen to us afterwards!” Courage shouted, her voice echoing in the cavernous chamber before it faded too soon for the brash champion as she began pacing back and forth. They had all been aware of what lay ahead on the Sacred Path, and yet being confronted with the truth of it had much more of an impact upon them. The consequences of their current choices which would determine whether they strayed from fate and destiny weighed heavily upon them. Though the Temple of the Tapestry was also a sacred space, it did not tap into as much divine power as the temple they stood within now. An otherworldly presence could be felt, watching and waiting for them to make a choice. “You wonder whether annihilation awaits us?” “Yes! Except it’s not only that, what about our humanity, ya? Our honor? What if we lose all of what we love along the way? Where’s Mother, because she should be here to help us! Gah, it feels like we’re saying…” Courage replied, but found herself struggling to find the words that meant what she wanted to say. “Adios. Sayonara. Good-bye.” “But that’s why we’re walking the Sacred Path! It’s supposed to be that; God be with us, to divinity, to what it will be. But… Doesn’t it feel like this isn’t the Sacred Path? Doesn’t it feel like we’re making a mistake?” Courage and Courage II countered, speaking simultaneously. They reached out through telepathy, and the question was repeated again and again in their minds. “Are you afraid?” “No! I’m not afraid!” Courage and her Reflection cried out, and their minds were suddenly clashing with Pride’s, striking with surprising vehemence that shocked themselves. However, Pride had been prepared, and pushed back like a tidal wave of overwhelming thoughts and emotions that crashed against the internal workings of Courage and Courage II, forcing them to continue their retaliation lest they succumb and spiritually drown. “Please stop fighting!” The voices and sentiments of their sisters were spoken aloud and through their connection. Curiosity, Wanderer, Wanderer II and Fear II held onto Courage and her Reflection, while Kindness and Kindness II reached out to Pride. “You’re frightening him!” Curiosity II called out as she continued to cradle Rowan, murmuring to him when he had begun crying because of the loud voices. It was the sight of his tears that led to all of them externally attempting to calm themselves and soothe the baby, but the argument persisted through telepathy until a hesitant question was heard. “Um… could I get an explanation of what’s happening? I’m missing some details, but what about this change is the problem? What is this change?” Fear II asked with concern. “This temple acts as a space where souls and bodies overlap. It could be said that all of us are both alive and dead at the moment, depending upon which doorway we leave through.” Pride explained. “The ritual will fuse our souls and bodies into something like Charis and Zima. Something neither alive or dead.” Courage and Courage II both added with a shrug, as they calmed down and the pressure slowly abated in their minds. The two of them allowed their chagrin to spread throughout the connection, which caused Pride to let out a familiar groan with a mixture of relief and annoyance. “To overcome Zima and Fear, you need protection from their powers, and a way to actually aid them. Mother has provided us with the tools we need to save our sisters with this ritual, or did you think punching them would solve any and all problems posed ahead?” Pride inquired with her arms crossed as she stared at Courage and Courage II. “Accomplishing such a harrowing task will be beyond difficult.” Kindness said with a hint of sorrow as she and her Reflection returned to the rest of their sisters' side. Fear II stared at them and was startled when Courage and Courage II took the hands of Kindness and Kindness II. The two brash champions exuded an aura of levity that even she felt. Then without warning, all aside from Fear II and Pride were faintly chuckling as if a funny joke had been told. Fear II remained confused, but felt a surge of confidence swell within her as well. “Don’t be scared, Kindness. We’ve been through worse, and we’ve always survived. With all of you here, it’s even easier for me to see what I don’t have. To see what I could be. We’re stronger and closer when we’re connected through our bond. This ritual won’t change that.” Fear II gently declared, but her words seemed to have the effect she wanted in the end. The Sacred Septet seemed prepared for what would come next until Pride interjected. “Except you’re currently separated from our connection which means this ritual may be more or less dangerous for you. You’re acting as a variable in this ritual, to see if there are any different results from those that can share their minds with each other, and one who cannot.” “Well… that’s a bit of dampener.” Fear II said with false bravado - glad that her anxiety wasn’t shared as well. “Even so, I’m willing to do this to save my other self and Zima.” Another swelling of confidence came over her as Courage, Kindness, and their Reflections all gave reaffirming nods to her. Curiosity II placed Rowan within an improvised cradle Pride provided by folding her Silk Song multiple times. The Reflection then joined her sisters along with Curiosity, Wanderer, and Wanderer II. Pride distanced herself from their company, standing with the suspended baby as the rest approached the lonely altar, which caused Fear II to ask why she was separated. Kindness II answered with a whisper; “She is not participating in the ritual since she will not be accompanying us on our mission, and because of the risks involved.” “Pipsqueak has her own problems she has to deal with.” Courage II commented, and laughed while Pride pouted. Fear II wondered which was the more arduous quest; saving the dangerous Zima and Fear from the terrible curse upon them, or trying to help a horde of fanatical maramodas that hate you turn from their violent tendencies. “Just do what the rest of us do.” Courage said as she took charge and was the first to place her palm upon the altar. The rest of them followed her lead, and pressed their hands against the small shrine, sensing an otherworldly power that stirred upon the physical contact. Those among them that had yet to summon the shifting symbols of the Gnosis now called upon their knowledge and spirit to further awaken the sacred forces that slept within the temple. The Heralds of Honor stayed still as their souls and bodies began to split from each other, severing the ethereal synapses between them. Glowing glyphs manifested on the altar, though none of the sorceresses recognized the spell that was being cast. “We should let our souls do what they have to do while we try to move those runes onto our bodies, ya.” Courage suggested, closing her eyes as she concentrated upon internally performing the proper incantation. None of them had practice, but blessings by the divine granted them an innate understanding of what they must do - Aloud, all of them began humming a soft melody. Slowly, the shifting symbols on the altar crawled towards their hands and along their arms. The myriad of swirling markings melded together and there was the sound of glass shattering as reality was rewritten again, indicating the ritual was complete. Courage stepped back and smiled at her sisters before falling down onto the floor. Courage II, Kindness, Kindness II, Fear II, Curiosity, Curiosity II, Wanderer, and Wanderer II all fell down as well - all of them slumbering peacefully, it seemed. They awoke, still in the barren space within the Temple of Resurrection, with Pride walking amidst their prone forms. As those that participated in the ritual roused themselves from their drowsiness, they saw that their smallest sister had a collection of blue gems in her hands that gently glowed with a mystical radiance that reminded them of Rowan’s eyes which sometimes turned a beautiful blue without warning. The Gnosis gave the gems Pride held a name that all of the sorcerers innately grasped; Soul Gems. “Success, I suppose.” Pride proclaimed. “Those are duplicates of our souls, and we have similar gems that we keep with us, ya?” Courage asked as she brought a hand to the golden soul gem attached to her skin beneath her throat and collar. None of them could sense any alterations to their bodies, but some were bemused by the differing appearances of the gems they carried, and the collection of gems Pride possessed. “Why is mine not the same color as yours?” Curiosity inquired with confusion, having pulled her lavender soul gem free from her body to better examine it, and noticing the distinctions between her’s and the others. The soul gem of Kindness was red like her eyes, while Wanderer had an orange soul gem. Fear II gazed inquisitively at her bright pink soul gem, and felt relief looking at the cheerful color. The Reflections of Courage, Kindness, Curiosity, and Wanderer, all had identical soul gems as their other selves. “I cast a spell to change their colors. They were all blue, and difficult to distinguish from each other. I have more copies as well, but I am also keeping some like this to see if I can find another way to discern which one belongs to who.” Pride replied, as she tenderly placed the pile of blue gems before the altar. “You did not ask for permission.” Kindness remarked. “Would you rather I didn’t preserve your souls, and further pursue methods of protecting them from harm?” “Such sass, Pipsqueak!” Courage called out, as she stood and assisted her sisters in rising. “Coming from you…” Pride sighed, and gestured towards the exit. “Let’s leave this place and return to the keep for the final ritual before your departure.” Her words ushered a swift withdrawal from the temple without any protests, as the Heralds of Honor all walked back to the keep in ruminative silence afterwards. Curiosity had reclaimed Rowan from Pride, allowing the Keeper of Keltra to regain some better mobility with the unburdened Silk Song now assisting her. They entered the interior of the keep, and idly strolled around the Eternal Fire as its heavenly warmth washed over them. A few more words were spoken; quiet comments upon the changes that had come, and what further changes awaited them, but the presence of the closeby bright bonfire soothed their concerns. The music within the great hall was gentle, guiding them in their trance as they began to dance in a small circle beside the flames. At first, Fear II struggled to match the rhythm and movements, having to rely upon her memories of past performances her other self participated in, along with the assistance of her sisters slowing and adjusting the pace repeatedly for her sake. As they danced, Fear II felt herself reconnect with the rest of them; all of their emotions which were expressed in a evocative and vivid manner as they let such feelings manifest in transcendent motions. She could perceive their internal intentions and their wishes through their wondrous freedom of forms, as if they were communicating to her through every twirling twist, graceful gesture, and serene step. The sincerity conveyed in their elegant shifting exhibition left the anxious champion crying, the tears shed in a state of overwhelming euphoria and appreciation. Her mind was opened and carried by the music, before it became the music, and the song was her shape. The melody was a cauldron, within which she merged with her sisters as they all danced with an aura of innocence. Even when the ritual was complete, they continued to sway and swirl, singing and humming without constraint, because the beauty they tapped into and instilled into their hearts was like a story without an end. Tipsy with elated passion and inner revelation, the Heralds of Honor embraced themselves with euphonious compassion and cosmic power. They were connected, and they were truly intent upon walking with the rest of the world upon the Sacred Path. Courage proclaimed that it was time to seek out Zima and Fear, bringing their song and dance to a closure. Though the otherworldly music remained, the champions returned to their previous shapes, with the addition of Fear II in their spiritual bond now. A little reluctance came over them, but the thought of reuniting with Fear and confronting Zima compelled them into swift action. The Sacred Septet emerged from the keep; Courage and her Reflection retrieving Skydancer while Curiosity and Curiosity II continually bid Rowan a fond farewell, with plenty of promises that they would return. During this time, Wanderer pledged to protect them, while Wanderer II casually requested permission to pilot Skydancer which the rest of her sisters refused to allow - citing the hazards posed by her piloting. Kindness and her Reflection activated the Reuniting Crystal, and whispered to their lost sister, stating that they were coming to her. Fear II mostly wondered how her other self was reacting to the message compared to her own surge of bravery and comfort upon hearing those words. The flying boat alighted before all of them, and a noticeable detail caused the Sacred Septet to pause as their gaze alternated between the small vessel and amongst themselves. They numbered nine when Skydancer had been built with seats for six, and their number would increase when they brought Zima and Fear back with them. Courage chuckled as she looked at her Reflection, and shared what the two of them were thinking with the others. There was no immediate objection, so Courage and Courage II clasped hands and pressed their heads together as the Gnosis glimmered and swirled upon their skin. Both of them became transparent with only the contours of their bodies and the sacred glyphs remaining easily discernible, though their visible outlines were beginning to merge. There was a shimmering pulse accompanied by the faint sound of granulating glass, as the two became one and only a single being stood at the helm of Skydancer afterwards. The combined Courage and Courage II looked back at her sisters with a bold smile. “I think it’s time we get going, ya.” Bolstered by her words, the others performed a fusion with their Reflections as well, resulting in their number being reduced to five - a small enough group for all of them to be comfortably seated on Skydancer. They studied themselves and conducted a few tests, assessing their ability to unmerge their bodies and swap attires, as Curiosity and her Reflection complained that they couldn’t choose what outfit to wear now - leading to Pride teaching them how to intermix their clothing when they were fused. Wanderer silently reassured Fear II that she would also suffer their same conundrums when they rescued Fear. The mute champion then offered to fuse with her as well, eliciting some surprise from all of their sisters - Pride felt compelled to interject. “Further experimentation later! Let’s not take any more risks, please. Merging with your Reflections is fine, but we don't know what will happen when we merge our bodies in such a way. I’d rather we didn’t invite even stranger things than what we’ve seen so far.” Her words were muffled by her sisters gathering together to suddenly embrace her. The six of them hugged, and through their bond they felt the joy and affection of each other. They were a family forged by the sacred forces that surrounded them, bonded by a blessed harmony beyond kinship and honor. They had perceived the bonds between the living, undergoing an awareness of the anima all around them, and as a result from this sight and visions glimpsed through the Incantation of Seeing, they thought themselves closer to what they were all seeking. Their compassionate hold of each other may not have been a literal step forward, yet it seemed another step farther upon the Sacred Path. “Pipsqueak is right!” Courage added swiftly after they separated, as she threw both Wanderer and Fear II onto Skydancer - her two sisters agilely landing beside Kindness who had leapt and soared through the air next to them. Courage and Curiosity jumped aboard as well, and the five of them waved farewell to Pride and Rowan. Skydancer began to ascend as Courage took the helm once more, and guided them out of Keltra towards their destination. Towards their fateful confrontation with Zima and Fear. [hider=Summary]Courage, Wanderer, and their Reflections return to Keltra after being informed by Homura of the quest to stop Zima and Vale. The Majority of the Sacred Septet are reunited, and they prepare themselves for the challenges ahead: They make new clothes and get some fancy jewelry, then let Fear II join their bond. In the end, Pride is left behind, bidding goodbye to her sisters as they set out on Skydancer.[/hider] [hider=Spirit/Prestige]Courage, Kindness, Curiosity, Wanderer, Pride, Courage II, Kindness II, Curiosity II, Wanderer II, and Fear II gain 3 Spirit. The Sacred Septet gains 2 Prestige. -1 Prestige to bring Fear II into the holy order. The Order of the Phoenix gains 2 Prestige.[/hider]