Chapter Text
As the Slumber Stream sun finally made its quest past the horizon, the moon crept up into the sky followed by an entourage of stars and fireflies. All the children who were playing around town or were listening to stories from Teddy began to return home. The adults, however, began to flock into the townhall.
You were early in your arrival. Filled with bated breath ready to spill the truth to all that needed to know. Your nerves of the prior day were eased by the presence of your close companions. But as night drew near, you knew the truth had to be revealed. The only other early arrivals were Lady Celia, Lady Florence, and the townguardsman, Wallace.
“Ah, Captain,” Lady Celia nodded, the first to acknowledge you.
“My lady, there is no need. My title was revoked the moment I betrayed Valdivia.”
“You may not be the Captain of Valdivia anymore but you are the champion of Slumber Stream. You will lead us in our endeavors of safety. For that, for now, you will be our Captain. Is that well?”
While you would have liked to retort that loose reasoning you decided against it, not wanting to turn down the mayor’s request. “I’ve been told you know of our guardsman, Wallace,” She gestures towards the imposing wall of a man.
Well, “know” is kind of an overstatement. Wallace and his family have been watchers of this town for what seemed like eons. No one really knows much about them or their culture as they are of few words.
“Wall,” He stared deep into you, almost daring you to respond.
…
What?
You were speechless. In all of your years, you have never heard this stonewall of a man speak and the first words you hear uttered from that immovable figure seemed incomprehensible. You had to make your response count. “Wall.”
Shock erupted from his and the two ladies' faces. Oh gods. What have you done?! “Wall… wall!”
Not knowing what else to do to cover up your blunder you decided to go all in. Saying “wall” with your entire chest held high! You looked over at the mayors and Wallace. Lady Celia gave you a knowing nod of approval while Lady Florence smiled and gave tiny claps. Abruptly, Wallace’s hand clasped your soldier, giving it a firm squeeze. A look of deep camaraderie and respect encompassed his features. The utter ridiculousness of this scenario gave forth to a tiny chuckle and the worry that wrapped around you became light once more.
As time passed, more denizens began to trickle through the doors of the entryway and populate the halls. There were some you had recognized in childhood that you were not as close to as Betty, Teddy, and Diana. Most were completely new. Then there was one familiar face that you were not expecting at all.
This familiar face belonged to a strong and sturdy man with a build that rivaled Wallace’s. For a while he stayed at the forefront of the building, helping others find their seats before finding one of his own. It appeared he would be there for a while so you weaved your way through the crowd and tapped his shoulder. He turned around and a kind smile made its way to his bearded face. “Well looky here,” His country twang strummed, “What’re ya doin’ back in yer hometown sunshine?”
“I could ask the same thing Abel. Didn’t think we’d run into each other like this.”
“Well, I was just helping Hero Hime o’er there with a quest up in them mountains. Hoowhee it was a doozy! Like a rodeo cover’d in red.”
“Yeesh!” You could only imagine the adventure with a description like that. After you let your imagination soar, the name caught your attention, “Hero Hime?”
“Oh yeah, she’s that lil’ lady in that seat o’er there. Nice girl. She’s a mean fighter that one.”
You turned your attention to where he was gesturing and in the seat was Hime Hikari. Or I guess Hero Hime now? Like you, she always wanted to be a part of the knighthood but when you got accepted and she didn’t, that was the last you’ve heard of her. Now she stood there in glimmering pink and platinum with a green, feline familiar. Your heart soared with the strength of Icarus’ wings on a sunny day. You were happy that she had found her purpose and that she was defending this town but you cannot help but be a little ashamed and embarrassed as well. While you were off being a grand adventurer, she was protecting those you and she held dear. So much respect, yet so much shame.
“Well, you should start heading over to your seat. It seems that most of the town has made its way in and believe me… it’s gonna be a long night,” Your eyes drifted at that last phrase as Abel placed a reassuring hand on your back.
As you two parted ways you made your way up to the front with Lady Celia, Lady Florence, and Dorian. “They’re a strong town this bunch, they can handle it,” Dorian said unwaveringly, staring out into the sea of faces. The worry on your face must’ve been evident. Deep breaths. Here we go.
Lady Celia did most of the announcements: greeting the town, bringing attention to what they have experienced with Valdivia, and explaining the current situation of nerves. She kept herself immensely composed as the town began to unravel themselves in worry from the knowledge of this false god. The reaction you were expecting from the people of Valdivia was displayed right before you. Anger. Tears. Crossed faces. This vindication did not make you feel any better. Once questions were done for Lady Celia she called upon you and Dorian to the stand.
Your body felt soldered to the seat. Your armor, an immense weight. But as Dorian stood you could only follow. “Everyone,” Dorian began, ”As you’ve heard from our Lady Celia. This town, and many others of Coolsvalium, will be under threat by Knights of Valdivia. To rally against these forces, I will lead the barricading measures with Wallace around the outskirts of these towns. Adding extra precautions alongside the magical barrier you have now. My companion, they will be instructing you all on how to combat against these soldiers if it comes to that.”
Dorian and the sea of eyes made their way upon you. You gripped your gauntlets, denting your fingertips against the metal. Deep breaths. “Due to the magical climate of Slumber Stream, Valdivia will most likely be sending their clerics and mages to storm the town. Those who aren’t proficient in magic will assist Dorian and Wallace with the barricade. Those of you who are will be training with me. I will be going over the training regimen we were taught in the Order and together we will look for weak points to fight this.”
“How do we know you ain’t setting us up for our downfall?” A piercing voice rang throughout the crowd.
You scanned the crowd in search of the voice and there she was. Tina Triangle. You never got along with her in your youth as she always used her sharp tongue against you and your friends. “The Four Squares”, she would call you.
Others tried to ease her down, but you couldn’t deny you saw citizens that believed truth in her words. And you can’t say you blame them. “Alright, alright, settle down now,” Dorian interjected, drawing the attention back to the two of you, “It doesn’t matter who they were before all this. They want to make a change. We need to change. Slumber Stream is one of the most pleasant places I’ve been to in my time across Coolsvalium but that’s what makes it a target. And we are not a target. Are we?”
“No!”
“I will be doing all that I can to keep all unsavory folk out of this village but that doesn’t mean you all can’t take extra precautions as well. Starting at sunrise we will band together and protect this town.”
Cheers rang throughout the halls. A breath escapes your lips, one that you did not realize you were holding. Once again, like with Hero Hime, you were impressed and embarrassed. The credibility and power in Dorian’s speech moved even the most immovable of this town. Yet, you wish you could’ve done the same.
Amongst the cheers and chatter, you stealthily exit the townhall, winded and sweating as if you have just come from battle. But the battle has yet to take place. Tomorrow was to be an early day prepping and training the town for the oncoming onslaught of Valdivian soldiers.
You made your trek back to The Cozy Cabin alone but you needed it. You took in all of the scents of lavender from the nearby brush. Your eyes scanned the mountainy horizons complimented by the stars. You hadn’t even realized how much you missed seeing the stars. The technology driven capital of Valdivia was consumed in light. It was reassuring against the dark but perhaps that same darkness is one you missed. You missed the dark. The eerie. The imperfection. Because what did “perfection” give you, a god that only could pretend to be so. Perfection but lacking humanity.
You were so lost in thought you didn’t even realize you had finished your journey back to the inn. It seems you are the first one back. You turn back towards the town, giving the path you have trodden one last scan. Your eyes drifted upon an oak tree. No, a willow tree. No, a pine tree. Æ țř33?
God, you must be tired. You turn in for the night not noticing a curious creature watching you in the night.
Much too exhausted from the meeting, you cozied yourself up on a plush couch by the fireplace. You didn’t want to go about, rifling through the night for your room and you knew Betty wouldn’t mind. Then as quick as a light, you were out.
You were back in the king’s hall. King David looked upon Sam, Tom, Wilhelmina, and the rest of them with utter disdain. He approached Wilhelmina. A resounding smack rang across the room. She stayed firm in her kneel, barring her fist to resist the pain. You tried to cry out to them. But your voice was taken from you.
King David now directed his attention to Tom and Sam. Mutterings and discussion. You couldn’t hear. Why couldn’t you hear?!
King David waved his powerful hand to the crowd of soldiers. They stood at attention. Then what felt like lightning coursed through you before the thunder. The thundering voice of Val’ Ai. SEARCH FOR THE TRAITOR. TERMINATE THE TRAITOR.
You turned toward the voice. There they were, with their gangly limbs and uncanny stance. At its orders, the knights began to leave the capital. A rumbling approach of marches. Sam. Gone. Tom. Gone. Willi. Gone.
You watch as they all disappear. Searching for you. Hunting for you. You turned back. King David approached his throne before uprooting from its position. He huffed and his voice finally came to your ears. It was like trying to hear someone underwater. Eventually you were able to grasp, “We cannot let that prototype god become real, if she does….”
DON’T WORRY DAVID. Val’ Ai approached King David but kept its armored helm pointed directly at you. THE CAPTAIN IS NOWHERE AS CLOSE TO AS POWERFUL AS I AM.
The “I am” in its sentence echoed and echoed inside your head. It was the only thing that you can comprehend anymore. You grasped your ears and screamed attempting to drown out the sound. Wetness. You brought your hands to your face. Blood. You looked up and Val’ Ai seemed closer. They approached. Closer. Closer. Close-
But before it could take one more step, darkness consumed your vision. It consumed the entire space. That’s enough now.
You pivoted your head amongst the darkness trying to search for the voice. Eventually you were able to find light. You approached. They approached. As you got closer, you noticed that what you thought was just light was eyes and teeth. You flinched. Don’t worry now, I’m not here to hurt you. The creature’s voice was feminine. Calming and alluring, like the deepest night. I meant to alert you of the dangers to come but it seemed that I was spotted. No matter. My job is done. Now it is time for you to do yours.
As your eyes adjust you are able to make out a lion’s mane, a serpent’s head, and in the center a mare. You are much more powerful than that wretched creature. Don’t disappoint me. Realize Skylar.
And with that it was day.