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Prelude of The Diamond Soul
Flames roared everywhere.
A relentless fire ravaged a helpless village, enveloping everything in its path. Numerous voices cried out in response to their great loss. It soon grew worse as screams of pain filled the skies because of ruthless slaughter. A small entourage of silhouettes quickly enveloped other petrified figures, and the air became even further fraught with the disturbing stench of smoke and blood
To be simply put, it was utter chaos.
Further away from the madness, two smaller silhouettes seemed to quiver in fear. One of the figures lunged slightly forward, with an open hand-shape stretched out, but the other figure pulled it back. The light of the flames shone upon the two, revealing one somber child embracing a horrified one. A distorted voice began to overwhelm the terrifying screams, and the two children merely sat there, witnesses of unspeakable carnage. In the center of the chaos, a small hand tried to reach out to the children, but then the flames suddenly rose forth and consumed everything...
"Elanie, wake up! My dear child, wake up!”
A young girl woke up, breathing hard. Her long, beautiful, raven-black hair went along with her ruby red eyes filled with sorrow. She looked up to see a woman of similar traits; however, her face expressed a gentle kindness with a warm, understanding smile. The young girl quickly threw herself upon her loving mother with quivering tears.
"You had that dream once again, didn't you?" the mother questioned calmly.
The young girl shook her head. "... It... Wasn’t just...a dream... it has to be... a vision... if not.... why does it always feel so real? .... Why are those flames always so hot?", she answered in an unexpectedly hushed voiced.
The nurturing Mother rested her hand upon her child's forehead. "Thank goodness", she sighed with relief, “you're not running a fever this time", she said to herself.
The young girl called Elanie momentarily glared at empty space. "...Who was that boy?", she thought, "I can never see his face so clearly... but whenever I lay my eyes on him, I'm always compelled to go to him. Who is he? Who are those two children? Why are they there to witness my vision of disaster in the first place?".
"You'll be fine", the mother answered in her usual gentle tone, "This vision of yours didn't seem to affect you as badly as it usually does... but this vision is becoming ever more constant. We can't allow this to go on. Perhaps it is time... to learn what you need to learn".
Young Elanie looked directly at her mother in surprise. "... Do you mean..."
"That we take you to that place soon?", the mother continued. "Elanie dear, you always suggested that perhaps furthering your understanding may help relieve the stress this vision has brought you. We've known of this place for quite some time, but it is you who must feel ready". She paused for a moment. "It is a shame... there may be some reasons as to why we may not be able to stay with you, but our hearts will always remain. My only wish is that I don't worry you this way..."
For one long moment, the young daughter looked upon her mother with intense worry. ".... It's a school, right? It's a place where I can harness my mind... Mother, at the rate this constant vision remains.... I.... would rather not worry you myself... you wouldn't be abandoning me... because those other people... they share a similar goal, don't they?"
The mother simply looked at her nervous young daughter understandingly and nodded. Both of their ruby eyes sparkled during their moment of silence.
"...Yes... I would like to go..." Elanie managed to speak out.
"Very well then. Elanie, my daughter, my one and only child, I shall honor thy decision... just please know that I will love you always, no matter what". The mother and child continue to hold onto each other.
"Mother, I'm sorry for worrying you so much", thought Elanie. “I.... know that I'm so weak right now, that these horrible visions scare me... and all you can do for me is being your kind self. Please don't worry about me so much anymore. It's hard enough that I’m leaving you by choice, and Father, too. Both of you have always cared for me. It just scares me how much you worry about me, and I'm afraid it's---“the girl paused out of sheer hesitation before she could continue. “I swear, I'll try... no, I will become stronger for your sake, and mine, too... I just have to do this... and maybe then, I'll understand my dream. Perhaps one day, I’ll be able to save those people, and end our suffering... but first, these feelings that I cherish so much…."
Tears began to pour down the young girl's cheeks. ".... Mother... I love you, too". The young child tightened her grasp of her loving mother.
"Mother... please be well".
~~~~
Only a few weeks passed, and the family had arrived at a beautiful place: a white, temple-like structure surrounded by numerous flowerbeds.
The halls were wide and well-kept with, with some leading to an inner garden. In one of the many rooms, Elanie sitting patiently in a waiting room of sorts, sipping some sort of drink in a proper manner. She was wearing a fine, proper red dress. A young woman entered in a beautiful silk robe. "Miss Elanie, is it? I believe he's almost ready to see you. I will escort you to the main quarters now". Elanie nodded. She slowly got out of her seat and calmly approached her escort. The two of them head out the door, and right, walking straight ahead and passing a few doors until they reached an open room with a few seats outside. The woman politely nodded her head and went her separate way. Out of curiosity, the young girl approached closer to the opening, but without being noticed.
"I'm afraid this place won't be right for her", a man's voice spoke out. "Although the air is the cleanest around, the constantly active psionics will eventually cause problems you wouldn't normally expect. It will eventually become hazardous to an alarming level for her. I'm...sorry she can't stay here like you wished".
"I see..." another man's voice responded, " Well... I'm thankful for your consideration. I'm sure we'll find the place to take care of this condition".
"We'll be fine!" a familiar voice cheerfully spoke, "As long as we keep moving on, there'll always be hope. What you informed us so far will not go to waste. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Sir Apollos".
Elanie felt a sudden shock, then stepped backwards and let out a sigh.
"Ah! It appears that company has arrived!” the man from earlier called out. "It's okay young lady, you can come out now!”
Elanie sighed again, and then slowly entered the room. Her calm father and her kindly mother were there to greet her, along with a handsome man by a desk. His extremely light blonde hair went down just below his neck. The expression on his face revealed a casual friendly grin, and his narrow eyes of lapis lazuli revealed a sense of ageless wisdom. In his stunning white robe, he had the appearance of a young saint.
"So, this must be the main reason you have approached me, right?", he in a very engaging tone.
Elanie silently approached the man closer.
"Your name is Miss Elanie Vereilia, I believe. Those who regard me in high respect call me Sir Apollos, but my friends and casual acquaintances know me as Ren Wynheart. I am the headmaster of our Aura Institution; however, you may address me in whatever manner makes you feel comfortable! It's a pleasure to meet you, milady!" The man's smile grew wider.
The quiet young girl hesitated for a moment, and then carefully stretched out her small hand. The two strangers shook hands. "... nice to meet you..."
"She isn't quite eager to meeting new people, you see. She's a very reserved young lady, but I think it's quite charming", her mother admitted.
"Not only that, but good manners seem like second nature to her. We do raise our daughter to have a good upbringing, but I'm not quite sure how we were lucky enough to have such a polite daughter. We feel very proud to be her parents", mentioned her father.
"I can clearly see you've raised such a good daughter. I'm in no need of convincing", Apollos responded. "So then, young lady. Did you come to our school with the intention of developing your mind and aura? Do you wish to improve them?", he asked Elanie.
"...... Y... Yes, Master Apollos. I... want to become strong!", she responded hesitantly.
" "Master", you say?", Apollos say as he gave out a hearty laugh. "Quite the honorable title to be given, wouldn't you say! Yes, I can definitely see how well-mannered you are!” Elanie became startled, but Apollos quelled his laughter. ““Strong", is it? Do you believe right now that you are weak?"
The young girl looked curiously at the cheerful man. “ “Strength"... is something we all possess. We've always had power... you see, we are only "weak" because we are ignorant of our strength, our potential. As one inexperienced, it is natural to assume one possess little strength. The truth is, those inexperienced are aware of very little of their potential. Only when one realizes their potential, and when they are able to use their true strength, can they then move on to become stronger".
Elanie nodded understandingly.
"You see?!" responded Apollos, "You have just received your first lesson in the school, without even being in a classroom environment! You've proven yourself to be a good student!" Apollos applauded in tame celebration. "Now then", Apollos momentarily observed the timid Elanie, "Yes, I see it. You definitely have an interesting aura. No doubt that you have quite the talent for observation, do you? I can easily see your skill develop nicely. I promise that we will do our best to cultivate your aura if you decide to join. No matter how you decide to go about it, I know you'll find the right path and you'll be able to use your power as you wish. I assure you that you have immense potential".
Elanie stared at Apollos for a moment. She then put her hand upon her chest and focused. She suddenly felt her aura swell. "Is this... am I feeling my own aura?" she thought to herself.
"A lot of it feels so faint to you right now, but I assure you... it'll be quite tangible later on!" Apollos told Elanie as he seemed to intercept her thoughts.
"So then... yes, I will become strong...", Elanie thought hopefully.
"Elanie dear, we’ve come out this far for you, and we're certain that you have made the right decision for yourself. I assure you that we'll support you all the way", said her father. “You... should be proud to find this level of maturity within yourself. We already are".
"But no matter what, you'll always be our daughter", said her mother. "You can always keep our love for you, and with that, we'll always be able to take care of you. Just move forward for your own happiness, and we'll never be disappointed in you. We love you".
Elanie looked relieved. The assurance of her parents always had the ability to comfort her.
".... I will do my best to learn! Mother, Father, Master Apollos... I will work so I won't let either of you down!” declared Elaine rather shakily.
"Now that sounds the words of a strong and dedicated student! She's ready" replied Apollos in good spirits.
Just then, another girl with short, pumpkin-colored hair and jade eyes clothed in an indigo robe rushed in. "Oh, Mr. Ren! I heard the new student arrived, and---", the mysterious girl gave an awkward glance at Elanie. "Oh, this must be her, huh?" the girl spoke enthusiastically.
"Why, yes, Fiora! We were just having an orientation of sorts. This charming young girl is Elanie Verelia. She has decided for certain that she will be attending our school", explained Apollos.
"Wow, that's excellent news!" cried the young girl in response. She then eagerly approached the new student. "Right, right. Hello new girl, my name is Fiora Nayonne, and I am pleased to finally meet you!"
Elanie froze up. Her excitable personality and a burning aura made her extremely nervously. She shook badly.
The girl named Fiora glared at Elanie with further confusion. "Eh.... Mr. Ren, what's going on here? Does she scare easily or something?"
Apollos chuckled. "Not quite. Dear Elanie here is just not quite used to strangers".
Fiora moved closer to Elanie as Elanie subtly inched backward. “I see, so she's shy, huh? Yeah, that’ll make things tough" Fiora noted.
The father looked concerned while the mother observed curiously. All the attention seemed focused on the unusual pair, as Fiora continued to observe a shaky Elanie with great interest. Apollos merely stood by as a witness.
"So... I believe I heard you earlier when you said that you wished to become strong, right?" Fiora asked in an unexpectedly quelled tone.
Still bewildered, Elanie slowly stepped backward toward her parents. She barely uttered some sort of cry.
"Hmm..." Fiora pondered as she moved ever closer to her nervous classmate, " I'm right, aren't I? You said that you wanted to find strength, and that’s your biggest reason for coming here, right?" Suddenly, she stopped approaching altogether and turned around. "She seems willing enough, but I don't think she knows yet... I'm not sure that she IS ready".
The constantly perturbed Elanie stared blankly at her suddenly calmed acquaintance. She seemed to have a bad feeling about what's to come.
"That's it!" Fiora suddenly shouted, “I know exactly what to do!". By pure speed of enthusiasm, Fiora quickly appeared at Apollos' side. "Mr. Ren, is it okay if I take the new girl to one of our facilities? I think I can make a better first impression with her this way!”
Apollos looked slightly uneasy. “Ahem... eh... well now... I'm not quite sure where you're going with this, but if you insist that it's a good idea, then by all means go ahead; however, don’t do anything too rough with her, or it'll cause some problems".
Fiora wasted no time in dragging Elanie out the door, which is just too paralyzed to resist. "Thank you, Mr. Ren!" Fiora cheerfully shouted.
Elanie's father looked incredibly shocked, but her Mother remained her calm, cheerful self as always.
Apollos sighed. "I felt skeptical at first, but Fiora has a point. Your daughter might as well know about the more "active" side of our training program if she's really ready to come forward with all her effort".
"That sudden burning light in her eyes really concerns me", Mr. Verelia commented skeptically.
"Yes, but that fire really shows her compassionate side. She's such a nice girl, isn't she?" Mrs. Verelia noted happily.
"Listen", Apollos said in a serious tone, "There is at least one more thing you must know about our school. In the teachings of the mind, we must focus on all aspects of our mental abilities, or else the students will remain hampered. One of our most intense classes is self-defense. Your daughter is clearly a tender youth, so I would think that such training should be avoided with her until she grew more accustomed to this place. Considering her emotions, I have doubts that she would desire to cause any sort of harm, even for the sake of self-preservation; but I believe Fiora means no harm in this, herself.”
"So, she intends to--", Mr. Verelia was interrupted by a simple nod of Apollos' head.
"Don't worry. Dear Elanie should be able to take care of herself. I agree that this is something she should deal with sooner", Mrs. Verelia said blissfully.
Meanwhile, out in the hallway, Fiora proceeded to drag the poor, helpless Elanie about.
"Mr. Ren is such a generous headmaster, treating the students like his friends and grandchildren. Not like the man LOOKS like an old man with that kind of face, huh? You'd be pretty surprised if you don't already know!" Fiora mentioned to the quiet girl".
"Eh..... W... where are you taking me?" timid Elanie asked.
"Hey! You spoke to me! It looks like there's hope for me after all!" Fiora cheered, "Well, if you're truly going to be ready for our monastery-like place, you'll HAVE to know how things work around here, so I'm taking you on a tour!”
Elanie let out a shaky yelp, but Fiora remained undaunted. She showed her a variety of places within the school, including some homely dorm rooms, a spiritual dining hall, a monolithic library, and the calming inner garden. They then stopped at a big dual-door with a foreign text upon it.
The raven-haired girl started thinking about what she had just seen. "All of these places seem nice enough, and I suppose I can spend time at the library. I... suppose I'll be able to stay here without trouble.”
"Now then, time for one of the most important rooms, at least in my opinion! Time to get acquainted!" Fiora opened the door, and Elanie suddenly felt an unusual aura field at work. As soon as she stepped in, her aura felt suppressed in some matter. The room itself revealed to be like a miniature stadium, and the floor looked specifically designed for some practice.
"One day, we may have to face the dangers outside world. For those of us who are needed to help those people, we’ll be facing danger." Fiora slowly walked toward one end of the designed floor space. "When that time comes, we have to be able to think on our feet, or we’ll be in deep trouble, too.", Fiora continued to explain, “In that case, we have to learn how to defend our selves. It’s here where we can practice our abilities and improve them. Our best bet at helping others is if we stay alive ourselves. If we die, then the one we tried to protect will certainly be next. In the end, we’ll be letting down those who cared about that person, and it’ll be them who will suffer…"
Elanie began to think back to that horrible vision that kept coming to her. "Can I... find the way... to be able to save anyone I see fated to suffer?" she thought to herself as she unconsciously aligned herself to the opposite end of where Fiora stood.
"With that said, Elanie, I would like to see what you can do!" Fiora casually cried.
She began focusing her mind, and mental energy began to swell around her. The energy then began to flow towards Elanie like an invisible spear. Without hesitation, Elanie instinctively created an aura barrier and blocked out the mental strike, remaining unaffected.
"What was that?" Elanie thought, suddenly aware of the psychic duel that is taking place.
"Heh... wow! That didn't look like it hurt her one bit, and it didn't even push her back! She's new at this, too! Really good! Just thinking about what she's really capable excites me! Okay, new girl, let's see what you got!"
"She really expects me to fight back!" Elanie witnessed with shock, as she observed her opponent focusing once more for another attack. Elanie then prepared focused on countering.
Fiora then released a wall of mental energy, but Elanie released an extended barrier. Fiora attempted to push Elanie back for as long as she could, but Elanie stood her ground, trying to push away the assault. Both poured forth their mental power in order to try and overpower eachother, but Elanie's barrier prevailed, canceling out the attack. Crackling physical traces of energy released from the brief struggle.
Fiora had an impressed grin on her face, while Elanie focused her attention on her opponent. Both duelists looked prepared to defeat each other.
Fiora then started clenching her fists, and her aura changed as she started focusing once more. She started to chuckle. "All right, I didn't think I’d have a practice bout like this for a long time! ". Her excitement seemed to reach its peak. "Trust me... you're VERY good... you'll be fine here", she mentioned as she continued to charge up.
"Her aura" Elanie thought to herself, "I saw this before, but... it's burning...". Elanie began to see a towering flame of aura envelope Fiora. "But how is that possible? I can see her aura of fire, but is it really possible for a psychic to actually---"
"Yes, when applied properly", Fiora interrupted, "the power of the mind can allow us to do many interesting things". She then raised her right hand. "I suggest you don't mistake this for magic!" Her fiery aura grew more intense, and her grin widened. The mental energy she channeled quickly materialized into flame.
Elanie breathed hard. It was real fire.
Fiora released towering flames upon the panicked Elanie, as she swiftly sidestepped the hot spots; however, the flames began to dance around her and gradually made dodging nearly impossible. The heat started to envelope Elanie. She started to sweat hard under the pressure of her situation.
"Hmmm", Fiora pondered as she witnessed her helpless adversary. “It looks like she doesn't release she can use her barrier in a way to block out flames. Luckily, this room prevents her from being burned to death, but... the fire... it looks like it's starting to meld with her aura". Fiora looked surprised.
Elanie once again remembered the terrible vision of many lives claimed in fire. The physical existence of the flame merely sent her into deeper shock, but then... she stretched out her hand toward the towering flame as she saw the two mysterious children once again. Her mind switched back to reality while feeling peculiar, yet comfortable warmth from the flame.
"I see", she realized. "So this is how she channeled the fire".
With determined focus, her aura quickly extinguished the searing blaze, and switched into a burning radiance itself. This aura seemed tamer. She then drew a deep breath, and unleashed a ferocious flaming pillar of her own.
Fiora was easily startled, but managed to step of the way. Despite her successful dodge, an incredible surge of mental energy crashed into her, and she let out a cry. She was sent speeding towards a wall, but then she suddenly stopped, just one inch away into another collision. The same surge of energy kept her from further harm. Fiora looked at her opponent in bewilderment.
"Please... no more... I can't stand it... I don't want to hurt you... any...further... please... let it end". The fearful young girl fell to her knees, shaken by the sudden demonstration of her power.
Fiora slowly recovered from the intense blast. "That.... was... just... so... GREAT!!!" Fiora began to laugh heartily. "That sudden comeback sent this HUGE spark down my spine!" Fiora began forcing her stiffened body forward. "You really grew a backbone out of nowhere and sent me away! I'm just too amazed to be disappointed by that defeat just now! Congratulations!"
Elanie just stared blankly in confusion at her injured foe. "...W...what?"
Fiora laughed once more in delight. "You're gonna go far, girl... very far. Just stick with me and you'll be seeing some real progress. I'm sorry for doing this sort of thing to you. I'll try to be a bit more considerate next time, okay? But Welcome!" With her spare energy, Fiora managed to give Elanie a one-armed hug. For awhile, Elanie stared blankly, baffled beyond comprehension.
It took her awhile, but she finally noticed the kind smile that Fiora wore all along.
After a long rest, Elanie's parents were ready to leave. The quiet young girl stood ready to say her goodbyes.
"I'm sorry that we have to leave you know, but we'll make great effort to visit you as much as possible", her father explained.
Elanie nodded silently it acknowledgment.
"Please take care of yourself. To be honest, I'm not sure when is the next time we'll be able to see you. I'll always be proud how good of a daughter we've always had, so please remain your kind self. Find a reason to smile once in awhile. Your smiles become a strong relief to those in suffering", her father advised.
Her mother nodded. "Indeed, you are our daughter, so there is no doubt that you carry that special smile. Your kindness will keep us linked forever, so we'll never truly be apart. Yes, I honestly believe that your compassion will save many lives. Always be true with that one strength you possess".
The young girl etched a strong memory of her Mother's peaceful expression in mind. Her smile always seemed found a way to comfort her despite her depression. "Will I grow up to be like my mother one day? ... Maybe one day I'll be able to heal others like she did with me. I'll... hold on to those dear to me as long as I can".
Her father hugged her for awhile, and then she rushed towards her mother for one last time. She held on hard, not really wanting to let go. And of course, she was greeted with her mother's loving expression, as always. While rivers flowed down Elanie's eyes, her mother's developed subtle tears, which dropped like equally subtle raindrops.
In the main quarters, the cheerful Fiora met back with Apollos. She appeared to look at nothing, reminiscing about a former time.
"It was only two years ago that I gave up my dream of being a great swordsman. My parents were always confused at that sort of thing, since it’s rare for my people to develop an interesting in something like that. To those around me, it was always strange, and I guess they became scared of my "violent" practice. I was always eager to learn about the ways of the sword, but then... I had that vision", she wistfully reflected.
"The vision that brought you here?" Apollos question.
"Yeah", Fiora continued, “It showed me that I had to come here, but it meant giving up the training that meant so much to me. It doesn't really matter much to me now. In my vision, I saw this peaceful place, training those who will be able to help others, but that wasn't what convinced me. I saw a future that meant a lot to me as well: another young girl who would later come here. She was always had a cool aura, but I felt that she was strong and kind. It meant a lot, because somehow, I knew that we would become friends. But despite her strength, she would need my help. That's when I decided on that day that I would stay here to help that girl".
"And so you believe that Elanie is that girl?" Apollos questioned.
Fiora nodded. "Without a doubt! I know it'll take some more time, but I think I'll be able to get close to her. I know for sure that we'll be friends. By the way, Mr. Ren, do you think the school has been thriving the way you wanted it to when you first started it all those years ago?"
Apollos slowly turned his head, and his expression turned somber. "Back then, I started this school because I wanted to help cultivate the minds of capable souls. I wanted this to be a place to learn, to study, and gain a sense of inner harmony. I even dubbed our hallways the "Halls of Philosophy", with the will that we are inspiring the wisest of intellectuals", he paused for a brief minute, " I believe we have accomplished much in gaining knowledge, but I believe that our institute is becoming far too organized, and gaining far too much power. Eventually, we may be forced to lend our hand to the dark conflicts of the outer world regularly, just as you have anticipated. Long ago, my dream was that we would create peace. Even now, I'm not sure what will result in this development".
"I guess I can't blame you for taking the occasional trip around the world to taste each town's finest wine these days, huh?” Fiora responded. “It’s only natural for a guy like you to learn about the world, to see how it changes every over time. Don't worry; I believe you'll find your answers, eventually".
Apollos rested eyes. "That young girl, Elanie Verelia... her very soul rests solely on compassion. In time, her trails will become excruciating on her, but I believe... she will help lead the world towards the right path".
Elanie's parents seemed so distant now. As long as they were still in sight, she would stay there just to see them leave. "Mother... I don't know if ever knew this of me, but I always knew that you were ill. Why did you always put everything else aside just to make sure I'm fine? I always worried... worried that you would die because of me. You could've gotten worse any day back then, but it mattered more that I be fine. I could never really think of a time that you didn't show me your love. I am thankful you were there for me. I'll take care of myself now, so you can be fine. So then, please be well. You have Father take care of you". For a moment, she felt the air caress her cheek, and she smiled ever so gently. "Mother... you are the strongest person I’ve ever known... I promise that I will become strong, too... like you".
For one last moment, she looked passed the flowerbeds to see the one who has given her strength for as long as she remembered. She then turned around to see the huge open doors, and then walked forth inside, toward her future.
 Chicken Yuki · Fri Aug 11, 2006 @ 11:15pm · 0 Comments |
