Sanctum Aristeia, Cracked Mountain Peaks
End of the Chaos Era, Year 990
The sky above Sanctum Aristeia defies the long-established laws of nature known to mankind.
Dark clouds swirl ominously, reflecting the light of the Black Sun off crystalline pillars, casting a faint blue hue that evokes an unsettling chill. The rumbling sounds of nature seem to lament the helplessness birthed between two worlds, seeking a path to seep through. A sharp breeze whispers warnings of destruction to anyone brave enough to approach.
Before the colossal gate stands beings that are not entirely human.
Their piercing gazes seem to measure every blink of the eye and every heartbeat, indicating that time is not merely a conceptual framework but a potent weapon in its own right, wielding influence over the fates of all present.
They wear grey cloaks, their faces concealed by cracked clock masks. In their hands, staffs tipped like time pointers.
They are the Severants of Threads — the cutters of fate. Every movement they make, every tap of their staffs against the ground, seems to tear the fabric of time, inviting the winds to dance to the rhythm of a new destiny. With a subtle gesture, they transform moments into webs, weaving opportunities and possibilities.
"They are ahead of us," whispered Cosmo. His voice was soft yet heavy with panic. Each word that slipped from his lips seemed to walk a tightrope of apprehension, as he felt the weight of responsibility bearing down on his shoulders. In the encroaching darkness, his hope flickered like a small light on the verge of extinguishing, but he knew that for every shadow that moved, he had to step further forward.
"Their numbers... dozens," added Erina, furrowing her brow as she felt a wave of tension enveloping the atmosphere.
Sofia looked toward Sheena, her eyes quivering with profound anxiety. "Get ready. If they reach Maria first, all threads of fate—including the timeline connecting you and your child—will be erased," she declared, her voice imbued with determination, as if clutching the last remnants of hope in her grasp. Her heartbeat resonated with the looming threat, watching the silhouettes of the Severants begin to move closer with sinister intent.
As Sheena stepped forward, the gate of Aristeia pulsed with blue light, emanating a magical aura that shook the soul. Simultaneously, the gentle glow indicated that the realm between reality and illusion was unstable, a foreboding reminder of the impending battle.
On its surface were inscribed ancient characters:
"Vel'thar Lumina Exsolis."
"Light is not the destination, but a bridge." The phrase echoed in their minds, resonating with the truth etched in history, breathing life into the hopes of creatures striving for immortality.
Aphrodhite gripped the hilt of her sword, her energy surging like a wave before the storm. "They must not cross the gate," she proclaimed, her voice roaring like thunder, igniting a spark of combat spirit among them. In her eyes lay a flash of determination that reaffirmed her vow to protect her comrades in this critical moment.
"Agreed," Crystal added, "We will defend this timeline with our lives," she asserted, and as her words flowed forth, it was as if the heavens listened to their commitment, unfurling gray clouds ready to shield them. She felt her blood tingle, as if her soul was connecting with the entirety of the universe, prepared to fight for the remaining hope.
Sheena took a moment to gather her thoughts, inhaling deeply as she steeled herself for the conflict ahead.
"Fitran... I will protect what we have begun," in her heart, she recalled every moment when she clutched hope, especially when her fate intertwined with her child's.
From their staffs, threads of silvery light spiraled through space and time, crafting the illusion of a collapsing future while harnessing the power around them. For a fleeting moment, the aura of time seemed to swell, enveloping them in doubt. Could they halt this impending wave of destruction with unwavering conviction and sheer determination?
Cosmo leaped forward, his spear piercing the illusion and shattering two Severants in one swift motion, hoping to alter the course of their fateful narrative.
"Judgment Light Spell!"
His spear emanated a violet beam that unraveled the intentions and plans of their foes, like a shower of stars igniting new hope in the darkness of night. Each attack was a prayer resonating to the heavens, calling upon a higher power to side with them.
Erina summoned the magic of wind, crafting a tempest that hurled enemies into the air, lifting hopes and peace as if leaves were swaying in the void. Boundless, the storm served as a shield, granting them precious space to breathe amidst the impending chaos of destruction, preserving their collective resolve.
Crystal controlled the earth, forming stone walls that protected Sheena. In the majestic tremor of the ground, they felt the surge of spirit flowing through the roots, strengthening their resolve like resilient trees standing tall despite facing the storm.
Sofia did not fight with physical strength.
She knelt, embedding a mantra into the ground:
"Threadweave Manifest."
The resulting web of fate fortified her companions' resolve, emanating a magical aura that hung heavily in the air, serving as a constant reminder of their interconnectedness in this battle. The energy created by the web made every warrior feel bound to one another, an unbreakable magical bond woven by the gods themselves.
Aphrodhite stood beside Sheena.
"Let's fight together."
Sheena nodded, her eyes sparkling with determination. She had never fought like this before, enveloped in the exhilarating silence of the night, while the celestial nebula of stars shimmered gently overhead. Yet, the magic of her time—the power of Willcraft and Essence—still coursed through her veins like an unyielding river of timeless strength.
"Unity Spiral."
Her hands glowed softly, illuminating the darkness around her. Threads of light intertwined with Sofia's web, enhancing their field as if receiving the blessing of the universe. As the light formed into a magnificent spiral, Sheena felt the vibrations of collective power flowing through the web, igniting their fighting spirit.
Severant attacked.
Their first wave attempted to sever the "threads of time" connected to each Saint. It was an exhilarating sight, accompanied by the roar of the wind and the whizzing sound of swiftly launched attacks, filling the air with an aura of trepidation. Some threads were successfully touched—and the bodies of the Saint warriors guarding the camp exploded into particles of time, leaving behind a shadowy trace that served as a somber reminder that battle was not just about strength but also about sacrifice.
"They do not kill with physical strength."
"They do not kill with physical strength, but with a more subtle force.
Sheena swung her arm with a renewed determination ignited within her heart.
"Dissonant Severance."
The barrier magic redirected the threads of Chronos, steering the Saints away from death with an ancient power that seemed to shatter dimensions. In an instant, the sky blossomed with vibrant colors, resembling a painter's palette attempting to depict hope amidst the surrounding darkness, instilling a fresh spirit within all who fought.
Cosmo charged forward, his spear glowing brightly.
"LUX FRACTURA!"
Waves of violet energy cleaved through the battlefield, obliterating five Severants simultaneously, creating an explosion of light that bounced off the earth's walls, as if responding to the call of pure energy. The scene was majestic, emanating an unexpected sense of justice and courage from within them.
However, behind the ordinary Severants, a taller and more terrifying figure emerged, towering over usual humans, its mysterious aura instilling both fear and awe. Its movements were agile and authoritative, seemingly unaffected by the terrible vibrations of battle, each step serving as a warning of profound power.
The creature cloaked in silver, adorned with a large clock on its chest, embodied the weight of every second as an unavoidable burden—a constant reminder that time is both a gift and a curse.
On its back, mechanical wings spun like the wheels of time, their clanging sound creating a rhythm as if carving out a part of a larger destiny.
Chrono Justiciar.
A high envoy of Chronos, tasked with duties that spanned the universe.
Its role was not merely to sever threads, but also to judge whether a timeline was worthy of continuation. With undeniable authority, it stood as both observer and controller, ensuring that the fragile balance remained intact.
"I am the evaluator of this thread," its voice echoed across the valley, bouncing off cliffs that seemed to listen.
"Sheena Fate... your thread is an anomaly. You and your children must be erased." Its words struck fear deep into the soul, as if time itself conspired to demand compliance.
No! Sheena cried out in her heart, her hopes defying fate.
"I have lost enough already. I will not allow you to take Jeanne and Joanna!" Her voice carried a bravery that challenged the injustice of the lurking horror before her.
Aphrodhite leaped, her sword igniting in white flame, casting a light that seemed to push back the darkness.
"Saint's Will, Exalted Flame!"
Her strike sliced through the air, confidently striking the Justiciar, like hope defying nihilism.
Yet the sword met an insurmountable barrier, unable to breach the defense forged by the power of time.
The Chrono Justiciar halted the assault with a single finger, revealing the opponent's helplessness through a chilling laughter that echoed in the air, as though he was the final force dictating their fate.
As hope began to wane, the ground beneath the Sanctum Aristeia trembled, sending vibrations rippling into the souls of all present.
The Glyphs of Proto-Speech illuminated, serving as a beacon for the brave.
"Saphrae-Tor Val Atrium."
"Open the door of will for those who possess comprehension." This ancient voice carried an aura steeped in wisdom, penetrating the darkness and offering guidance to those lost in the currents of time.
The gates of Aristeia began to slowly open, emitting a soft light that resembled newfound hope after a long night.
From within, a gentle glow emanated, pushing back the darkness that had guarded the gates for centuries.
A woman stepped out, her aura enveloping the air with a sense of both tranquility and assertiveness, establishing a calming presence amidst the turmoil.
Her white robe shimmered softly, hair of gold reflecting the light, and eyes like ancient crystals, holding unfathomable depths of history; it was clear that she was a figure who had traversed many ages.
"Saint Maria." She radiated a power that promised peace and justice in this tumultuous world.
Though she did not appear as a warrior, she moved with a courage that was both inspiring and fearsome.
However, the Chrono Justiciar ceased its assault, sensing the serenity that accompanied Maria's presence, as if time itself was waiting for judgment.
"Arbiter of the Written Time..." the Justiciar whispered, its voice trembling with apprehension. The words seemed to resonate in the stillness of the night, imbuing the surrounding space with a meaning deeper than mere spoken words.
"Maria... The Reader of Time." Embedded in her name was an immeasurable burden and responsibility, something only those who had confronted the same darkness could truly understand.
Maria raised her hands, as if inviting a stream of shimmering energy from the sky. The threads of fate clutched in Severant's hands snapped, releasing a sharp sound like shattering glass, while the flow binding their destinies was interrupted, freeing all those trapped in the web of time. Chrono Justiciar stepped back, but Maria advanced, her bravery burning like an unquenchable flame.
"Chronos has crossed his boundaries." Maria's words filled the room with an unavoidable tension, each syllable striking like a hammer against metal. "You and your creatures will return to the void." In her eyes shone a flash of determination, like the strongest star in the dark sky.
Maria turned to Sheena, her gaze reflecting a deep understanding and empathy, as if reminding them both that they were part of a greater destiny.
"And you... Sheena Fate, coming from a timeline that has been rewritten repeatedly, intertwining your fate with a richer and more mysterious history. You are not simply an anomaly, but an essential part of the correction needed to maintain the balance of time." Maria's voice echoed, peeling back the layers of secrets surrounding Sheena, making her more than just a spectator sitting on the sidelines of this battle.
Sheena held her breath. "What do you mean?" The question arose not only from curiosity but from a deep desperation, like a sailor surrounded by a storm without any direction.
"Chronos attempts to mend time by erasing futures he deems failures." Maria's voice trembled, creating ripples that traversed the boundaries of time and space.
"Yet each time, the timeline generates a counterbalance — humans bearing the name Fate." Within her words resonated the echoes of history, from past struggles to future hopes, reminding them of the endless cycle.
"Fitran Fate in the future... you... and your children Jeanne and Joanna. You are the corrective line against Chronos's will." Maria's explanation seeped in, illuminating new aspects of their identities within a grander scheme, as if they were the protagonists in an eternal cosmic drama.
"Thus, you were cast into this time. To break the cycle of destruction that Chronos has created." Those words echoed like a mantra, affirming a higher purpose offered by time itself.
Maria stepped forward, her conviction shining like a drawn sword.
In a soft voice, she spoke a mantra comprehensible only to those well-versed in Proto-Speech, intertwining with the greater elements of nature:
"Kha'ren Olith Vastrum."
"The heart that bears the burden of truth will shatter the effulgent lies of the world," this utterance marked a boundary of power, a defiant statement that summoned spirits from afar, filling the surrounding air with the unfathomable energy of ancients.
Blue light enveloped the Chrono Justiciar, and the threads of time woven into its form burned away, turning the creature to ashes of time. A voice of tranquility infiltrated the darkness, like a distant melody inviting all remaining souls to rest.
The battle's conclusion left a profound imprint on the souls of every warrior involved, reflecting the sacrifices and unyielding courage that had been on display.
The battle is over.
In the quiet courtyard of Aristeia, Maria spoke to Sheena. The wind seemed to listen, carrying everything to the ears attuned to the invisible messages. "Among these ancient stones, space and time intertwine, offering us the chance to choose the path we will take," she said while gazing at the gently vibrating sky.
"I cannot return you to your time now."
"But I can stabilize your existence and that of your children in this Era so that Chronos can no longer track you." Maria's voice was filled with firmness yet gentleness, as if she wanted to assure Sheena that no choice comes without a cost. "The only way to defeat Chronos is by harnessing the power around us, within the very currents of time," she added, reminding them of the grandeur that lay before them.
"However, the choice is yours: to endure in this era or to continue seeking a way back, embracing all the inherent risks that accompany it—reminding us that every decision carries heavy consequences." This question hung in the air, thick with uncertainty like a fog waiting to be traversed.
Sheena clutched her belly. Jeanne and Joanna moved as if they understood their mother's dilemma. "We have to be ready to face all possibilities, Mom," whispered Jeanne, her voice nearly swallowed by the wind yet carrying the courage of a star's light in the dark night. "We will not leave you alone."
"I will keep searching for a way home."
"Maria, I will continue searching for a way home, but before that, I will fight alongside you against Chronos with all my strength. I cannot allow his will to dictate who deserves to live," those words flowed with tension, inspired by the courage of her mother's sacrifices and fueled by the encroaching darkness grasping at their world, solidifying her resolve in this struggle.
Maria smiled softly, her expression radiating the warmth of hope. Behind her smile lay a conviction for a brighter future, as if she were spreading rays of light amid the encompassing darkness. "Then you have made your choice. You are no longer a wanderer of time, but a bearer of profound change." With each word, a renewed spirit ignited within her, burning with the promise of what was yet to come.
"You are the Bearer of Correction." A call that embodied hope and the essence of courage, deeply embedded in Sheena's soul, dispelling all doubt and replacing it with unwavering intention. In that moment, confidence surged within her, illuminating her path forward.
And in the distance, for the first time in months, a tremor ran through the Black Sun, a manifestation of shifting powers.
the Black Sun trembled.
A sign that Chronos's will was no longer unquestionable. Waves of energy pulsated across the sky, elevating the moment into a new beginning where the defenders of time rose to fight against the threats before them.