Rain poured... two months traveling alone with but the sun and thin clouds, ended with a torrent.

  Delphine stewed off the path. Nestled within the uncut trees.

  She could go no further, her coat and estranged armor had taken enough. Dissuading the cold, letting the water run off. Leaving the gaps dry, for now.

  Marick did good. Begrudgingly she admitted, he pulled through. But why did it have to be so vulgar; with it's sharp cuts and strange curves, the tanned metal all but made it look corroded.

  He did it on purpose.

  She clicked her tongue. The weather, the memory of Marick; she did not know which was irking her more. They both got worse. Forcing her to camp deeper in the forest. Where the trees were thicker, older, yet the gusts shook them regardless. Lightning flickered, thunder roared against the darkened sky.

  Waiting until the rains took their course.

  She hoped, but the best she got was a faint mist. A rumble shuddering the sky.

  Good enough-- every second counted. Packing her things, she went.

  Fog rose from the muck, an hour into her travels, at the edge of sight, pillars of wood stood. A wall? A village?

  Delphine flicked off her [Map]; she had but two weeks left before the quarter of the continent went dark again... Her trove was too little to afford another, her Privilege level lacking.

  Why couldn't there be some kind of common map with all the niche roads? One without needing the aid of the World? The map took half of the quote-- it was ridiculous.

  But the journey along the main roads more so. A year was Marick's estimate, if she made good time, but by then, who knows what changes could happen with the Quest.

  The quicker path she chose; more expensive and, more dangerous. Here in the Gracion Forest, Beast roamed with power greater than her own.

  She was tired from the constant vigilance. Her walk squelched the mud. Wishing, wanting this to be all over.

  The sight of a guard perched above the wall made the slight annoyance settle-- for now, she wouldn't have to tolerate this much longer.

  "Halt state-- gahhh." She flared her mana. The guard just about tripped over the edge. The man was barely more than a peasant, yet he spoke as if she was lesser. No-- he would come down. He did come down and opened the gate. "Apologies miss, I spoke my words without care. I hope you can forgive me, but we've been on the lookout for bandit scouts."

  Her brow creased in confusion. "Bandits, here?" They must be Ascendants for them to live close by. "How does this village still stand?"

  "The Gracion is unkind, to be sure. But we coast the edge; and few Beasts would make their way out from their mana rich lands. Bandits however..." His gazed looked around as he took a step closer, guaging her reaction. Settling slightly as her poise didn't change. "Merchants have become lazy these past years, their brushing closer to the edge, and with them comes the rust."

  Ahh, she thought. "I see. Then I assume you have some spare rooms available."

  The man nodded, "You'll have to talk to the Village Head for accommodation. But their hasn't been a pass near a month already."

  "Then, I shall follow." She commanded, her senses strained. Her eyes focused; the sparse road of stone, empty of people, the state of the houses made of timber, the steps of the man before her. She dug deeper, searching for the inklings of mana.

  Noises came, brief whispers by the homes, but by the time she turned her head the doors and windows were shut.

  She frowned.

  The short walk had them come to a house; this one, however, it's base was made of stone. The wood less warped, and the size; it was twice as big as the other abodes.

  The guard knocked.

  A man with thick greys and weathered skin opened the door. His smile at once turned strained, as the guard and him exchanged glances.

  "You're relieved Walter." The man spoke.

  The guard; Walter, it would seem, nodded and went back the way he came.

  "Come in, please." He motioned, she hesitated. But... almost anything would be better than this muck.

  She tempted beyond the threshold. Nothing, there was nothing. Relief unclenched her fist.

  The man turned with a half smirk. Letting his power be known, she reeled. Hand flashing to her sword.

  Refinement Realm, Fourth Minor.

  "Aggressive young lady," he said. "Weariness is all in good, but there are better ways to handle unknown situations. A simple flare such as this is not a concern, especially when you're so lapse with yours."

  She leered. The man was full of himself.

  Continuing forward. Worst come to worse, she could get away, carve out a hole in the wall and make a break. She could make it... probably.

  Her hand relented the hilt, but found no rest as she made her way to the sounds of metal clattering. Yet all it was but a kettle, and the man stoking the fire.

  "It'll be a bit, don't have anything fancy as running hot water 'round here." He said, taking a seat at the end of the table housing eight. She took a seat at the other end, the man only shook his head. "It be Curtis by the way, Chief of Vialin Village."

  She nodded, "Delphine."

  He hummed. "So Delphine, what can I do you for? I assume that you are looking for shelter for the moment?"

  "You would be correct." Wasn't that obvious enough?

  "And how long do you intend on staying with us?" His voice lost a bit whimsy; aged in an instant.

  "A day, more if the weather returns to be unpleasant."

  Curtis nodded, "And your pay Gold or--" He was silenced by a Grey skipping across the table. Catching it with an appraising eye, biting it to Delphine's confusion. "Can't be too careful, wonders a little bit of dust and mana can make a rock shine."

  Her brow creased. Like anyone would be stupid enough to counterfeit Crystals. They would be marked as untrustworthy for any Merchant that took their news from the League.

  "But this is fine. It'll get you four days-- three with meals." He supplied quickly, pocketing the Grey.

  But she wanted something more, "I need information."

  "Well, I don't got a lot. But what ya want to know?" His eyes had a glint, a small smile creased.

  "The fastest way to Ostray City," she asked. Dissuading the danger.

  At the turn his eyes drifted towards the adjacent wall, "And here I was hoping for some tale..." He sighed, "Why?"

  She snorted, "That's none of your business."

  He shrugged, "Do you at least have a route?"

  "Fierier Road," she supplied.

  The man nodded, "Consistent. There ain't much better than the safe pass, with your power I would say... mmmm, three weeks? A little less if you push? But you should be alright."

  Delphine didn't like that, not at all. "I need a faster route."

  "I understand, but consider your--"

  "Are you going to do what you're paid for or not!" She stood with her voice. His expression turned flat.

  "Bitch," his lips quirked.

  What...?! Had she heard that wrong? "What did you just call me?!--"

  "There is a trail, not too far from here." Her refocus was swift. "An old merchant's way, sometimes the Kingdom sends Runners if they have critical information to inform the Duke of Ander. Down the road just out of sight of our walls, there's a crooked arrow, follow it and you'll get on the path to Ostray. Should shoot you right out, a "hop-skip away", as they say."

  The last was much too cheery for her not to question, "And your words mean something."

  Curtis gave a rueful smile, "Do you have any other choice?"

  The kettle whistled; as the water came to boil.

  "I think it's time for you to leave," he guided. From the stone home, near the lined houses along the pillars. Empty of life.

  Adequate, it will--

  The muck squelched, kicked up in sudden motion. Her hand reached for her sword. A forearm pulled her neck, and a sharp point dung in her underarm.

  Her eyes wide, she tried to break.

  "Ah-- Ah--" The dagger dug in, breaking her undergarments. Touching skin. "One more move, and I will render your heart young lady."

  "What is the meaning of this!" She bellowed, her heart pumping.

  "Those that cannot hold their temper here, will not be welcome. Especially one of your power, a day is too much." She tried to will her mana-- only the man raised a brow, his gripped twisting the pointed blade. raised a brow, at her strain. Scoffing. "You're a long ways away from trying anything surprising."

  "Let go." She gritted her teeth.

  "Leave this village and not return." He commanded.

  She blinked, sneering. "You're taking my Crystal and leaving me with nothing, over some petty farce."

  "I've lived long enough for people like you." He returned the sentiment. "You have your information, now leave on your word or you shall never." The dagger drew a trickle of blood.

  Seconds passed. A minute in silence.

  What was happening here?! She could not comprehend, only the blade still dug. The tingle of cold metal, and the familiar feeling of a cut. The fear. The chill down her spine. She felt powerless. She hated it, everything about it. The weakness. The infallible truth. She was lesser, and bid to listen for the loss of dignity.

  "Fine," she forced.

  Her arm released, the dagger cleared of death slide to a hidden scabbard. Giving space, without a care; waving a hand to another guard to open the other gate. Exaggerating his hand as they swung open, his smile infuriating.

  Delphine drew her sword. The guard flinched, but Curtis stayed. Watching her as she backed through the gate, never breaking his smile as the doors sealed with the pillars.

  There was no ruckus, no ambush. Just the mist and muck, and the long road ahead.

  A tinge of regret came to her; not knowing the comfort of a bed, or the warmth of a real roof. She felt it dawn. Frustration. Anger.

  Everything-- all his fault! Her mana leaked, parting the mist within her reach. The world lost balance; she faltered, dancing in the muck. Growling all the while, glaring at the pillars. But nothing came, like she was an afterthought. Forgotten, as a worthless thing.

  Her steps were slow, heavy. With her shaky sword returned, she turned.

  For the challenge was not to get away, but to find a haven not touched by the rain. A miracle it would be. She stewed in her heart. Prayed in her gut. Moving forward for a moment of rest, regardless of where it came. She kept on. With the one faith that came through, time and time again.

  Herself.

  # # #

  There was no hope, the rain came back. Drizzling-- better than the torrent, but still irritating against her coat.

  If it wasn't for the hour she caught sight of a discarded post. She might have resigned today. Damn the Village Headman, but at least his information proved real.

  An illegible sign lay destitute; worn away with rotten decay. A companion to the hidden wheel deep in a nearby bush, and still further on down, pieces of leather, hung from tree branches growing beyond the hem.

  She scraped the muck with the ruin. Sniffling a runny nose. It was harder to move, maybe this was enough, to set up camp, but... she couldn't help it. Just a little more...

  Pressing along the faint signs, the moon broke through the gaps in the clouds. Revealing the stone; her new guide, as the trees slowly began their retreat. She paused. The sudden jolt, something amiss.

  The land sloped unnaturally. Unearthed tree roots rose with the splintered land. Laying for who knows how long, the rot and mushrooms taking over long fell trees.

  A battle remained a memory of the land.

  She swallowed her heart. What caused such destruction?

  Her answer came with a glance of an old stump; rent in three pieces, a malefic cut, a Beast's mark.

  She stared, her heart couldn't bear to skip anymore. Too tired, too much to carry.

  No safe zones. No Keystones. Out in the open wilds, anything could spell her doom in the shadows. Danger was everywhere. More so than ever.

  She felt sick, a hand cradled her stomach. Was this worth it...

  After all she gave-- she stumbled, falling on a dull log. Not a sound, but the pitter-patter of rain.

  Off the beaten path she watched the still darkness, and the sparse rays of the moon. Expecting something to come out. But the rain went along, for how long? Her mind went blank, as nothing happened.

  She rose and went, knowing at least where to return. Deeper into the forest. Where the trees were the same kind, yet they grew to tower those on the edge.

  When she felt the change in the air, and not a drop falling through the branches. She took a plain cube from her [Inventory].

  A trickle of mana tested her will, the simple affair taxing. But pushed its way inside.

  She threw it, a ways away. Ten seconds passed, mana fluxed, and a tent took its place.

  Poles manifested from the cube, shooting out-- expanding, enveloped by a thin sheet of leather till it had three sides. A teepee, Marick called it.

  She flipped the heavy flap, buttoning it closed. A sleeping cot lay in the center. In the corner, on a small pedestal, where the cube turned into a triangle. Showing the enchantments were active.

  Three triangle cuts turned the leather transparent; one on each side, two for the split tent flap. Blocking any sight from outside; a one-way view. Noise was but a figment, muffling even the loudest scream. But most of all, a requirement she desperately vied for-- she let go.

  Mana trickled out, relaxing the knots within her pathways. Ridding the vile Headman from her thoughts.

  None would feel her presence. Flopping on the cot, not bothering with her armor or sword, her hand stuck to the hilt.

  This was not all she expected, this long day. Would it all turn out this way? Long empty days, dreams she would never fulfill. A purpose, and cause; a meaning not from her own family. Did she have a chance? Against her blood-relatives, against her father?

  It all felt so far away. Like tomorrow, it felt like weeks away.

  She was... tired. Trying to think of warmth. Maybe the sun would come--

  Bang.

  A shock wave hit. The cube blared in alarm.

  Her heart pumped, cold sweat beat down a flushed headache.

  Bang!

  A blinding green light overtook the forest. The window bloomed with the sudden burst, she jumped, her eyes seared, trying to guage the disturbance deeper into the territory.

  Limited her senses were, still in the tent; what shrouded her, blinded her.

  There was nothing, fear aching her heart. She took her pack, unsheathed her sword.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  The dark returned. This was no--

  "Howl!"

  A wail of anger turned her head.

  Her gaze locked, hoping for it to pass, to miss her-- there was a movement, a moment, a flash of faint green in shadow. Her breath stopped, she needed--

  The tent flap forced open.

  Her blade went high.

  A sharp-eyed man met the edge head on, be it luck or skill, he stumbled, diving to the other side of the cot. She readied another strike, her mana primed reinforcing her being.

  "Stop, you fool!" His arm outstretched his dirtied blued robs. A strange curved sword in his other, pointed at the ground, "The beast is near the peak of the Refinement Realm-- if the protections falter we shall both die!"

  She sneered. The cause. The prey.

  "Leave, if a Beast is onto you it won't be only tracking your mana." As it was, the tent wasn't equipped to hide scent.

  The man scowled, making no move. A tension in the air, a subtle glare at his blade.

  "Don't make me kill you woman," His eyes resolved. A hum, and a waft of mana came from his weapon.

  I guess that's it. It was going to happen sooner or later.

  Two combatants stood at the precipice. Their mana leashed enough to hide the other's probes. Be it fate or luck, neither wanted to die. Neither wanted to waste this chance for haven, while a creature mightier than both of them prowled outside. But blades were drawn, and neither would cede.

  She took a breath. The foreign man did much the same. A growl took their next...

  The combatants flinched-- the foreigner's eyes moved past her. His gaze to the window behind. Sweat beat down his brow, Delphine was no fool.

  She turned with the man, and her gut dropped.

  It was seconds, but it was enough. To sear the maw to memory, lurching forward. An irrepressible glee in its eyes. Seeing right through her tent.

  The Beast looked greater to the boss of the Exim Way; the Dark Hound. Larger; at least half a size bigger. Stronger; four realms stronger! It touched upon the very Foundation of it's being, life, and path, it was at the Peak.

  This was suicide.

  "I warned you," the foreign said. His blade less prone.

  She held off from swiping her sword. Turning to glare at the arrogant shit that brought this all upon her. If the worst comes... she would need a diversion. Her heart scrunched, she lapsed, mana turbulent feeling herself losing control.

  No... not now! She grit her teeth.

  The beast's head rose, and pounced in stride.

  "Damn old man!" The foreigner screamed as the tent tore open.

  She thought there would be more time, at least a moment of resistance. But was nothing before the Beast..

  "Move!" She pushed the bastard.

  She charged straight, not bothering to look back and the unwanted company ran right beside her.

  "Do you even have a plan?!" The foreigner's voice rang with a metallic hum.

  "Will you shut it!" She shouted, facing retaliation. "I swear on the World, one more word and I'll cut your leg so the beast has something to munch on."

  At that the man struck dumb, again their was a faint hum.

  They kept running.

  Delphine pulled out her [Map] to estimate where they were heading. A grimace plastered her face, "Not good. We're heading deeper in the forest."

  She stopped-- the man stopped with her.

  "What are you doing, it'll catch up in moments!" He faced her, waving his sword around.

  "And if we continue, we'll meet something even stronger than that hound." She pointed.

  The man had no counter, he only looked at his sword. A deep breath made the seconds seem minutes more, but his eyes gained a resolution. "We can kill it."

  "What?" She blurted. Kill it? They had to maim it?! Not try to kill themselves!

  "Together, the odds would be in our favor." He took a high stance.

  "You think I'm going to trust you after all that--" A muffled howl stopped her rage.

  A twisted smile appeared on the man. "Looks like you don't have a choice."

  "I can still kill you, and leave it scraps." She retorted.

  The man only shrugged, "You can. But that doesn't guarantee anything now does it?"

  I'm going to kill him... I'm going to kill him... Delphine took a breath, "If I see one note of betrayal I will throw everything I have to cut you down."

  "Perfect," his hand motioned for her to hurry. She scowled. "What? Is this not the traditional way you people set a plan... It worked the last few times--"

  The rush of grass put an end to their voices. Together they readied, as the sight of slit eyes became ever so clear. And the maw of serrated teeth lunged forward to the weakest prey.

  Her breath quickened.

  [Quick Feet]

  Her legs flooded with mana to answer. The graze of matted fur-- their eyes met-- the scent of wood and dung came with.

  The hound darted, its form dug the ground. Hunger in its eyes, failing one prey it sought another.

  Seven Petals Dancing-- Second Step

  There was a shallow glow, a light scent on the wind. Of Crisp Air? Morning rain? Flowers? It shifted, unknown, chaotic; not fully set. The man showed a grimace all the same as a faint echo trailed his steps. A single petal fading to the darkness.

  What?-- Her mind refocused, feeling an inkling of mana surge from the beast's claws.

  The pair of paws rose, a jagged cut of six blades followed the man. Out pacing him-- there was nowhere to run.

  The Beast pounced.

  A surge of mana came from the foreigner--

  Twin River Blossom

  And Delphine took her chance.

  One cut split into two, met across bestial blades. Whatever part left her to waver stared in awe... How much did he train to exude his mana like that? Such control, even if it wasn't fine-- even if then, it wasn't enough--

  Twin arcs broke against the greater power, waning their strength, faltering-- they shattered. And a path laid open within.

  The man took it. The Beast counted on it, opening, staring, waiting-- it was almost genius, but a stupid hound all the same.

  [Sever]

  The moonlight breached the trees, her sword cleaning with mana. True as she could possibly make it, but a Beast was nothing if not instinct-- the blade was too slow, cutting the shoulder, leaving a dull red line.

  The hound turned, growling as the two humans stood together.

  "Your False Arts aren't getting through-- an empowered sword would do better--" He caught his breath. Nearly catching her sword! But she held her rage. "What more do you have?"

  Nothing... nothing that she wanted to use. But certain death, was it really that much better than a painful one?

  She grit her teeth till her head started to shake, "Fuuuuck."

  "That better be something, or I'll curse you from the five hells!" The man retorted, readying his weapon.

  The hound charged.

  Seven Petals Dancing -- Second Step

  The man met the beast, catching its eye, his sword gained a soft blue hue.

  Twin River Blossom

  Arcs of mana shot out. The beast dodged, Delphine shadowed, trying to catch a leg, but the Beast huffed, and side stepped without a care.

  She cursed. Scuttling without mana, without an available "Skill," she was falling behind. Gods dammit! She watched the foreigner battle. Sword and claw danced a hair's breadth; the Beast furious, it's mana pool still brimming with the strain on the man increased.

  It was just about-- Now!

  [Quick Feet]

  Her sword went high-- sights set for the beasts spine.

  [Sever]

  Mana came to her sword, pressing it further. Answering the call to surge, a heavy weight took her mind, the funnel of her Skill, her control, would not budge.

  The Beast tried to play again, letting itself sway away. Did it think going easy on her was enough? To ignore her in some way-- in anyway?!

  Her rage flared. She was not worthless!

  Delphine gritted her teeth, her foot planted. Mana surged without guidance, boosting her a half-step-- her legs pulsed in burden, following the echo that lingered, her heart pumped, her mind strained.

  But she did not care.

  The hound took another charge, watching the man's grimace drifting to Delphine on its side.

  Her hands glided to grip the bladed edge, cross guard on high she surged with one thing she managed to get right.

  Dawspire Meteor

  Her mana swelled, a rocky course colored in dark grey. Before everything crashed down.

  Fur met the falling star.

  Crunch.

  The Beast cried. Its body couldn't shoulder the blow. It fell-- groaning-- trying to rise with shaking steps.

  Yes-- The taste of iron stopped her. The rolling pain tripped her. Her body seized; convulsing, the pain excruciation as she was no the master of her own body. Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes. Her sight fading, the fatigue washing over. The last of the world began to fade. It was over... wasn't it?

  A rolling blue-green lingered the moment, a gentle wake of picturesque water manifested, calming her turmoil. Her hazy eyes cleared for just a moment-- before a single leaf trailed the waves and descended upon the land.

  Eclipsing all that she could do, all that she ever saw.

  How can there be such a thing at her Realm...

  Verdant Equinox

  Her vision turned white, before there was nothing at all. Everything disappeared, but echo of pain and sense of empty dreams.

  # # #

  The crackle of wood sputtered. The residual pain she was expecting was replaced by numbing pulsations.

  Her mind was slow. Her eyes slower. Picking up the leather blanket, her depth, captivated by the fire, but across the way, slumped against his own tree, the foreigner dozed. Cradling his sword in sheath.

  She looked around, finding the place familiar.

  A broken pole, flayed with cut leather told her. Further on scraps littered the ground, she could see at the edge of darkness, a broken cot. Her place of refuge lost. The wilds more open than ever, susceptible to another prowling shadow to come. Or worse, a blundering idiot.

  Her brow creased. Some of the pain came with shallow breaths.

  "I wouldn't do that," the man's voice came lighter, higher even. Fumbling his head as he came to meet her gaze with distant eyes. "Stress will only make it worse."

  She wanted to yell. She wanted to curse him till his ears bleed and hearing lost. Her anger, her rage-- a vein nearly popped on her head, until a groan of pain escaped. Ceasing her like crinkled paper.

  "You can speak your worries tomorrow," The man yawned. "For now rest, dawn is a only a short while away." His voice petered out, his head slumped.

  Delphine looked to him, then to the fire. Pushing the will to rise to the back of her mind.

  Tomorrow. It would be a day of retribution. Her eyes closed, with a faint smile. Awaiting the morning.

  # # #

  The morning light broke through the trees. Delphine's eyes fluttered, whining as she brought herself up.

  A near outright berating escaped her lips. She hadn't seen the sight of the man... her head looked around, finding only the ashes of the campfire. Not a sight or sound.

  He was gone.

  She could hardly believe it. Her sense leaked out, trying to find any signs of disturbance. Nothing.

  "Bastard," she whispered. A cold rage seeped within.

  She stood, looking around to the scraps of her tent. Taking the hilt of her sword. Her face set in stone, a withdrawn mind set forth to trace her steps to the near forgotten road.

  It was short days, and long nights in passing.

  She wouldn't risk a moment after the sun set, nestled in the densest tree by the road. She dared not test her luck. Leaves almost seemed to whistle in the wind; an unassuming noise in the day, became booming at night. Her ears keened on the slightest crunch, as she kept her mana in check.

  After the first night she counted her blessings. The second night she thought of tomorrow, finding her approximate course taking her to the walls by mid day. But by the morning of the fifth day, when danger seemed to near its end.

  The World called, and informed her of the cause.

  She stopped. Looking upon the dull light of blue. Her anger. Frustration.

  The days have taken their toll, failing to receive a reward, but whatever lay in the City of Ostray would surely help her passage to her current objective. Like they all did...

  She ran with a burning desire. Today would be worth the effort. And tomorrow she'll try better...

  # # #

  Cameras shut. Doors entered into override. Pass codes were updated. Link was lucky enough to get an update, before Adam went into seclusion.

  They, hadn't even had enough time to talk about it. The mere hours dad was here, and the next, not.

  A week had passed without a word.

  Dad didn't even return to the High Peak Office; its glass gleaming with the stars, and the sparks of the city bellow. Where the main data streams of mana, light, and electricity would come together. Facilitated within one room, one area-- perhaps one of thee most sensitive of access points on the entire mountain. But, now, as he slumped in the main chair, the room free of dust, it seemed rather lonely.

  His mind hummed with low surges of muddled electricity. Not enough to get him off balance. His wrist watch had yet to give a warning, the electromagnetic pulses did not come less than the threshold. But the threat was enough to press his fear-- What would dad say? Frying another circuit board and conduits-- they were getting rather low in their reserves, and he had yet to gather the courage to ask him to make some more... still far from asking him how to show how it's made.

  Link didn't want to waste his father's time. But every time it had been brought up, there was something, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. The pause in his movements, the slow turning of another topic, it was, unsettling.

  He felt ashamed, he would rather break through the numerous firewalls and pass codes, to reach the information. The only reason why he hadn't was the blasted knowledge was safeguarded with the same security of the Orbital Cannon and the Mon-Pod.

  Why? He frowned, but kept his facial screen blank. Why couldn't dad just give me a chance..? The more he shared, the less his burden would be. Not just for him, but Halo.

  The world thought of their home was the workings of magic; practitioners of the mystic arts, and the sovereigns of formations of unnecessary complexity... keeping their knowledge of universal truths a mystery, as there was no foundation to draw upon a comparison.

  Many sought this illusion, coming into their public libraries to seek for their next step to ascension. They hid themselves well, but their curses and scorn gave them away in passing.

  If they knew the truth, would they be-befuddled?

  Link smiled. The thought of their jaws dropping, their time reeling in revelation. That the process which governs the unity of Halo; connecting and untangling the workings of mana, touched nothing of it. What was left were the principles of reality, a world that worked and grew without the aid of Intent.

  Spurred on by a man who dreamed of the stars. Speaking to himself when he thought no one was around.

  He never understood-- out there, beyond this world-- sure, he was a bit less traveled for his years. But there was just something that didn't sit right, something out there, beyond, that made him think...

  If dad really did reach the stars, would he return? Was he trying to run away, like so many others? Forced to keep coming back to patch up the ruin. Again, and again, to protect this place. Like he did, or tried, rather.

  He didn't know if dad felt it, the burden. Unlike him. Barely keeping a hold of their home and peace after the Red War. If the 'Final Will' Protocol wasn't active... the greed at the Gates wouldn't have faltered. By the Covenant or otherwise.

  He sighed.

  Alone he stared out onto the city. A premonition; his sensors alerted a minor disturbance. The mountain shook. A pulse of mana ran from deep beneath the mountain. The alarms didn't trigger. They have been deactivated!

  Dad! He rushed to the flight of stairs. Jumping over the railing, and falling down the central shaft.

  Cloud Step

  Link slowed. His feet landed without kicking up the air. The polished stone left pristine. Mana flooded with steps, as he passed through the open passage. Dark wood lined the walls, soft lights ingrained within false lamps along the passage. Paintings hung, trinkets; artistic pieces of stone and metal, stood on their own. Before breaching a hall with three paths, he shot straight.

  The passage shook, less, but the vibrations became clear. He knew for certain as he stopped by an old door. Undamaged, but... he opened to see.

  The study lay in waste.

  Bookshelves were toppled over the piles of marred paper. Scribbles of formulas and thought scored the white face. A pen was embedded into the wall by the door, while the display table was clear. The small model of the "Black Bird"; a covert plane that touched the end of the sky, lay shattered with it's glass casing.

  But what daunted Link was the painting, it's frame in ruins, corner's torn, the shattering of fine paints sprouting fissures. The eternal night of the universe of stars, a ship of silver. It long bow widened to to the stern. It's mouth opened to a colossal cannon. Engines brimming with life. Turrets opened from their holds, to alight. All the while the bridge, gleamed with the faint star light. It's glass open to all sides, gazing beyond.

  A treasured piece lay broken, with not a hope to care. Dad...

  Within the center of the chaos, the desk lay in ruins; millenniums old Great Vermilion Oaks. A gift by their fabled friend, Aisling lay splintered beyond recognition.

  Two centuries it stood. Try as he might, there was no hope of recovery. Nor another order, last he'd known Aisling was at war with the Union Lords of Stendalr; attempting to expand their cities to the Crimson Forest.

  Adam's head peered down, lost, absent, the sight of a desperate man in need of an answer.

  Link's processors surged, demanding more coolant, his heart pumping with recourse. Deriving calculative memories.All the way to the beacon, and a man toppled through the folds of reality.

  "Dad?" Link asked, but there was nothing.

  He waded through the mess. Careful not to stir anything. He stood by, shoulder to shoulder. His arm hesitated, but reached out, resting on his father's.

  There were no spasms, nor damaged artificial pathways. It was not devolving, thankfully, but it did little to lessen the worry.

  With the smallest of steps they came forward. Slowly the strain lessened.

  Hope that this would be nothing more than a lapse. Dad rarely uses his room, but if any place could calm him down, it would be the painting of his parents.

  Just as they passed the threshold, their shoulders broke-- Link's heart jumped, watching as his father trudged deeper into the halls.

  He couldn't leave, not this time-- he would never again.

  No mana carried their walk. Not an ounce of strength beyond a common man. They were getting close to the data center, was that it, surely?

  So when dad paused, he overstepped.

  Link watched as Adam pulled out his phone, tapping some commands, the wall revealing a biometric reader.

  His facial screen suppressed a surprise. The wall hissed open, a stream of lights illuminated the edges of the descending path.

  How... How didn't he know of such a passage?

  He followed the descending spiral, his readings told that there was no hollowed earth from where he walked. For leagues, they traveled. Link noting the rising temperature of the surrounding earth, but the passage remained untouched.

  A common man would have found it unbearable otherwise.

  But he couldn't shake it. Why...?

  Why had he not told him of this?

  The silence was damning-- he held his voice.

  What came, a vault door. Titanic in its form, tall as a barn, with mechanisms set to turn without the aid of motors.

  A bang appeared on his face.

  An array sealed the door, he could not sense it; absent of runes, countless shapes and discorded lines took to form an erratic shape, linking at junction points with the physical mechanisms of the door. He felt their weight; the Laws of Reality anchoring the mana in the world. Binding mana to its irrefutable nature.

  Dad's hand raised, reaching out with his own mana. Splitting, transforming its form, before becoming strings of the metaphysical Laws. They turned, piercing the nodes, fitting a puzzle, his processors whirled, mere steps behind.

  Click.

  A great bellow erupted, the array ceased its false light, causing the gear cascade. Revealing the unknown chamber.

  A raised platform reached out to the center. The edges overseeing the floor below; generators and giant crystals attuned to the Mountain's nodes cemented their ground. Above, great wires and pipes descended to the middle of the room.

  Where dad stood, activating the energy shield of hard light around the pedestal; a transparent veil of white. His hand rested on a lever. Hesitating, turning back to Link. His eyes filled with longing, but more so... sorrow.

  "It was not my first thought on this journey," dad spoke. The word came on slow and heavy. "The Heavens-- The Greater Realm-- Paradise-- The Endless Plains-- Desorir... I did not know them in my younger years... I only looked up, and saw the skies; and the stars above.

  "It had been my fondest wish for some time. Then, I got roped into the Immortal tales, different lands, same stories; all seeking eternal life beyond this world.

  "I admit, it was dumb of me to toil with two dreams. But, when we discovered The Veil, and then, at my Seventh Enlightenment... I knew, there was no Ascension."

  Dad pulled the lever, the great machine hummed to life.

  His instincts spiked. The essence of the mountain pressed down upon him. He reinforced his standing. As small light swirled within the middle of the room, condensing Laws, Mana, and lingering Intent to a pure, raw form.

  A colored diamond grew.

  "I had dreamed of this moment for a long time." Adam walked, lingering with longing. "It's just not what I hoped, but now there's little to keep secret," He continued to walk past Link. "I'm sorry, your gift will take a bit more time."

  "Dad--" A gust of wind blew, leaving him. His processor spiked. After all this... are you still unwell? Dad... why won't you listen-- Why won't you let me help?!

  What echoed was a memory, a memory of his father. Through the smiles and works; he was obsessive, but he still cared. What returned was a scar; a man who forgot.

  Useless... The feeling grew within his heart. His coolant grew colder.

  How could he bring dad back? The answer remained out of reach. It felt like the Red War again. But here was a problem he couldn't simply cut.

  He stared at the shining essence, taking a seat before all he knew. Feeling the residual energy flow through him, for he needed this time. Those damned rats could wait a day. His answer lied with him, and tomorrow, he would at least know, what it cannot be.

  "One step at a time..." so his dad spoke, a long time ago.