A.N: So… Laptop died… so much though for OTHER stories, and the fact that I've been wanted to write book three and I'm stuck on book one…

Meet you at the bottom.

The Birth of the Masters

By: Rejected Royal

Chapter 9: The Harmony Festival

"Eve, Elsword!" I heard Lento greet us as we entered the main camp. I watched as he put down some old looking papers and move up from his chair. The entire camp ground was barren of people, except for a few guards who were on the first patrol for the festival. Many of the brown tents were cleaned and closed, except for Lento's tent which was a few yards shy of the trail to Feita. Behind Lento's tent, a small beacon of light came from the city of Feita. Music and laughter could be heard from the town. Lento seemed to light up upon seeing us, which seemed awkward, highlighted ever more by the fact that he drew us both in for a hug. "I was worried about you, both of you, after I heard you entered the garden. Will you forgive my actions before, Eve?" He bowed slightly to Eve, bent at the waist and arms at his side.

She waved him off, "It means nothing. I wanted to ask you about the ceremony –"

"Calm down, Eve." Lento chucked, returning back to his normal pose. "The crystal is at the center of town and is facing the main tower, just as Ebalon's book describes." He motioned back to the town. "We need to get you in costume, Eve. You are playing Gaia, remember?"

I turn my sights to Eve, who is looking back behind the tent at the large glow. Her hands are clenched into fists and her face is straight, but I cannot help but notice that her eyes seemed expressive, full of "human" emotion. It didn't seem like normal Eve. "Eve, what happened down there." I watched as she stiffened and bring one of her hands up to her forehead, skimming the small circlet on her head. The circlet slightly flashed in response to her touch. Her hand lingered there for a moment before she turned back to Lento.

"Please make sure there are enough guards in Feita and that there is an escape system in place for the citizens."

I felt my eyes widened and Lento nervously chuckled, bringing his right hand up to rub the back of his neck, "I really don't think that's necessary. I mean –"

"Gaia's still alive."

The air around us grew unsettling. Lento's face was scrunched in humorous disbelieve. I knew mine had to look the same way. She seemed to be noticing this disbelieve on our face for her eyes narrowed and a crackle of wild energy. "She's trapped in the Garden, and she asked me to free here. Her power resides in the circlet. " The circlet seemed to flash in response to being called, for it slightly shimmered in the darkness.

I was stunned silent. A Salvatore? Still alive? That was impossible. No mortal could live that long. Even then, the El Lady had passed years ago. Only a priestess or the Lady could make a Salvatore and I wasn't seeing any crowing for Salvatorian Masters. A small voice inside reasoned that the Masters did have powers beyond our knowledge, but to hold back time? It wasn't logical, even for me. I turn to Lento who was looking at me in worry. "Eve, I'm not so sure what happened after we split up…" I speak up.

"You want proof?" Her eyes meet mine and I hesitantly nod. She looks around the small tent, trying to figure out something to use as proof. Suddenly, a small crunching noise softly echoes in the tent and I look down. Around her feet, the grass started morphing, moving closer to her feet and slightly drifting around it slightly, as if trying to console her. Lento looked down in confusion and slightly gasped.

Eve noticed the attention to her feet and looked down. Her eyes widened in disbelieve before she moved her right foot ever so slightly to the side. Out popped from underneath her dainty foot stood a small white daisy, it's body not even an inch tall, but standing proudly in the place where it's creator once stood. "Now do you believe…? Gaia never completed the ceremony and wants to finish it. She has entrusted me to finish the job that she could not."

Lento's mouth opened and closed in rapid succession, his eyes nearly bugging out. "I, uh, how… waa?"

"Listen," I interrupt Lento's loss of words, " This doesn't change the fact that the ritual-ceremony- whatever we're calling it it now - needs to finish the ritual tonight. Anyway you think you can manage that?"

Lento looked at me in shock, before rapidly nodding. "Yes, there is always a plan in case Feita is bombed. It will be easy to evacuate them to the camps. However, I want to know what your plans are."

"Gaia told me that the whole thing was a setup." Eve blurted out, "The El Lady didn't need the excess power, and that its main purpose was to be used as a bomb."

"A Bomb!?" Lento and I echo the same thought while Eve nodded. What in the -

"Yes, by the Dark El." Eve folded her hands in front of her body and looked to Lento. "Have you seen Aisha?" A tinge of worry sparked down my spine. She had been spending so much time with the book that I could mean anything…

"No, not since this morning." Lento spoke, "Eve, Elsword, go get ready for the ritual. I will alert the rest of the army of the new circumstances." Eve turns and is about to run out of the camp until I watch Lento quickly move forward and grab Eve by her hand. "Wait!" She turns around, her free hand ready to slap, before Lento quickly ducked. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so afraid." I look to see Eve's eyes narrow and her hand lower slowly, "Please forgive me."

She kept quiet for a minute, to the point where I thought she wouldn't be able to forgive him. She pulled her hand from his grasp, tucking her long sleeve back around her wrist. "Forgiveness is a human term. I will forgive on the understanding that we get through the festival."

Lento seemed to take this, "Alright."He straightened back up and fixed his uniform. "Best of luck to you."

I stand there and watch as Eve walks off. Normally, I could shake off this feeling of doubt with a scoff, but something seemed wrong. And Aisha – a pang in my chest as I thought of her in the hands of the Dark El – had spent much time with the Ebalon book that she had to know of the Dark in Ebalon. I look back to the town and can't help but think of the storm that's brewing.

Suddenly, I feel Conrad pulse on my hip and I can't help but smirk. But whatever is lurking, I'll face it head on. My spirit felt lighter, stronger than it had been before. I pull Conrad out of its sheath and twirl it around, ignoring the small voice of Lento behind me, and hold it over my shoulder before I take off after Eve, determined to help all my friends.

I won't be afraid, I will help my friends!

Crap! I'm going to be late! I quickly teleport down to the town in Ebalon's Salvatorian Dress. The outskirts of the city were very quiet, in contrast to where the major part of the festival would take place – the center of town. My friends opted to keep their garments down at the seamstress, but I felt that I needed to keep special care of mine. I was so worried that the Spirit might leave the garment if I left it alone for too long. However, the Spirit had remained quiet since coming back into my body, and it seemed weird. Usually, it was very talkative and always making sure I was fine. But now…

Did I do something wrong?

To add to the delay, my head started booming after my training session with the Spirit, and it only seemed to grow as I tried to reach the center of the square where everyone was waiting. It didn't seem natural…

Aisha…?

There was the spirit. I was beginning to worry. Feeling relief flood my system, I send happy thoughts throughout my system. Oh, there you are. I was beginning to worry.

Aisha, dear, you're burning up! Dear, I'll make another body and take your place at the ritual.

I can't ask that. I lean against the side of a building in a fairly clean alleyway, looking out toward the grand festival and seeing everyone enjoying themselves. In front of me, behind a few larger building, bright lights and music could be noticed. You need to have your time to rest; it must have taken a lot of your energy to make that body.

Well, yes… but….

I waited for the Spirit to respond but I heard nothing. Fearing the worst, I focus on her presence and attempt to bring her forward. Spirit, are you –

I crashed on me, this burning, piercing, ripping in my chest that made me double over in pain. My voice opened in a silent scream as my head suddenly felt ten times heavier. I couldn't help the shot that coursed through my body as it felt I was being split in two. I collapsed on the side of the side of the alleyway, feeling batter, bruised, and worn out. What happened…?

"My dear, I've spent centuries waiting."

I look up to see the spirit, dressed in a copy of the Ebalon garments that I had on. Her hair was neater, softer, but her eyes no long like mine. Instead, they looked down on me with discord and hatred, blazing red in contrast to my purple.. "Finally, after waiting for that long, I'm free."

"Wa- how?"

She looked down at me, her eyes changing back to look like mine, "Daww, does Aisha think I'm still the little tame Spirit who followed Ebalon around like a little pet?" At my silence, she barked out a harsh laugh, "As if! I only had to overtake Ebalon. That stupid woman was cleverer then I made out for and attempted to seal me in the crystal. ME! The essence of HER power!" She turned around and modeled the gown in front of me. "I must say, this form looks quite nice, not unlike that of my former host." She puts a hand on her hip and smirks, "Then again, looking at you, you don't seem that strong to begin with. Meh, I'll take what I can get."

I looked up to the spirit and realize I had been played. The spirit lured me in with the promise of false power and attempted to turn me against my own friends. My eyes widen and I feel tears start to run down my cheek. Am I that weak?...

"Now, to kill your precious friends and get my power back."

"Leav-Leave them alone." My voice sounds weak, my body feels numb. My body lacked the energy to move even a hair from the cobblestone.

The Spirit chuckles and walks to the entrance of the alleyway, a good three feet from my feet. , "Why should I? They are but pawns in my way, especially that Nasod. I will take great pride destroying them all and taking the power I so rightly deserve. And besides," She turns back to me, and winks, "I think I can make a better you." She walked off and left me stranded in the dark alleyway. I shuttered at the dark, cold feeling around me. My hands tried to shakily support my body, but it was no use. I hear more cheering from the festival and realize… I was alone…

No one was nearby to help me.

No one could save me

No one…

Someone…

…Please, someone find me…

"Oh wow!"

"You look so pretty!"

"Ventus! Can you play a game with me?"

How do I play a Salvatore? I giggle at the children who kept touching my outfit in shock. I had received so many questions – from young and old alike – hoping to learn a bit about the Salvatores. The elders understood that I was just an actor playing homage to the great Master of Wind, but the children couldn't help but think I was one of the masters. They fawned over my gown, my jewelry, and my hair, and asked me about how a Salvatore lived. A few of the older boys challenged me to an Archery competition.

The look on their faces was priceless. I guess Ventus does favor me.

I look around to see Raven and Chung playing the same part as I am – a long lost Salvatore brought back for the Harmony Festival. Chung hid a small water tube under his left arm and let a trigger spray some kids that wanted to watch him do tricks. Many kids came up and asked if they could be blessed with the power of swimming, to which Chung responded that they needed to practice. He really could play his part well. Raven played the same trick, letting some of his fire from his Nasod arm fly toward the sky, however, more than one boy would attempted to find the hidden secrets of his hand and end up with a bit of steam in his face. A few kids asked us where the others were, to which we responded that it would take some time. Elsword and Eve wouldn't be joining us, as we heard of their banishment out of Feita, but for Aisha…

… Was she still practicing?

I mouth the question to Chung, asking him where she is. He looks worriedly toward our cabin and shrugs, trying to ignore a small kid climbing his small frame, before looking back to me and shaking his head. I turn back to the children, and pick up a small little child, putting him on one of my hip and poking his nose. "What do you wish to play?"

"Truth or Dare!"

Many of the kids cheered and I smiled. They were so cute, these little children. "I will watch, little ones. I will need my energy for the ceremony."

The kids turned to me with wide eyes and cheered. The little child squirmed out of my arm and ran off to play "Truth or Dare". I cross my arms over my stomach and smile. They seem so innocent.

"Hey guys!"

My head whips back to look down the road. There was no mistaking that reckless voice…

Sure enough, there was Elsword, running down the road, dressed in his Solace garbs and carrying his red sword. His outfit wasn't nearly as grand as that of the original picture, but the badges of Solace littered the front of his garment like glitter, while leather guards protected his front chest. I heard Chung and Raven cheer beside me in happiness while other people around clapped. I couldn't help but think that he looked like a soldier coming home from war, happy and healthy. My mouth opens to congratulate him until I see a small figure walking behind him. I gasp and nearly start to cry. Eve walked forward, carrying the grace that a Queen would normally have. Her cream colored gown, though a little loose for her frame, still framed her like a goddess. White fabric flowed around her body and tied together with a small shimmery belt at the base of her chest. Her hair kept its normal long wing like shape, but instead of her normal blue crown, a green tiara took its place, shimmering like emeralds. My eyes were instantly drawn to it as it seemed to glimmer with an ethereal beauty.

Elsword got to us first, bending down and panting for more air when he got into walking distance of us. "Man, I need a break."

"Elsword!" Chung spoke up, "How did you – I mean – we thought you were banished!"

"We were?" Elsword looked up, his eyes bugged out in surprise, "Well, I was never told that!" He put his hands on his hips and laughed, "Anywho, I needed to make sure Eve was alright, I just couldn't let her go in there by herself! That garden was a pain! Especially with that Big old plant creature." People around us gasp in awe and Elsword just chuckles sheepishly. He turns around and we watch as Eve makes her way to the group. "By the way, " He leans over to me and whispers in my ear, "Something's not right with this ritual. Keep your eyes open."

My eyes open wide in shock. I knew it!.. I opened my mouth to ask before he walked off to see a few kids squealing at him.

Raven noticed my sudden change of look and was about to answer, before Eve got to the party, "Where is Aisha? Shouldn't we be doing the ceremony now?" I was nearly taken aback by Eve's light voice.

"You didn't pass her?" Raven asked in shock, "She was coming from the –"

"Here I am!" I look behind Eve and see her standing behind. "Sorry, I got sidetracked." Aisha rubs the back of her hair and chuckles. "Sorry about that. Just wanted to look perfect." Aisha smiled out to us and I felt my hair stand up on end. Something was wrong, very wrong. It looked like Aisha, it sounded like Aisha, but something told me it wasn't her…

… my instincts haven't been wrong yet.

The crowd around had been gradually getting bigger - amazed that, for once, all of the "Salvatores" were gathered together for the first time in years. Solace, Russo, Eblaon, Ventus, Denif, and Gaia – the masters, to them, were reborn in this moment to the many people of Feita.

I could only hope I could play one good enough to please the gods…

A loud trumpet rang throughout the town and the people cheered louder. I could vaguely hear the people calling for the start of the ritual and the crowd was moving slowly toward the center of the town. We were led by the people, mainly children and older people.

So this is it… I look around the area and see the people of Feita happy and joyous. I couldn't help but think was this what Gaia saw last – the cheering people, the pride of her race – before it all went crashing down? It seemed awful to remotely imagine such an outcome would happen. The power of Gaia's circlet coursed through my body, overflowing me with energy and flowing out into other areas, such as my drones and the ground below me. My body seemed to flow more with the nature around me since my meeting with the esteemed Salvatore.

The mob of people walked us through the roads of Feita. Children seemed to come from everywhere, coming up to us and touching our clothes, hoping to get some of our power. Many girls came up to us, seeking to touch our clothes and ran off squealing. I could see Rena's mouth curved up in a smirk. In no time, we had reached the ceremonial site. Six chairs cloaked in a small colored fabric and imbedded with one El Shard of the corresponding element surrounded the enormous crystal, which seemed to be sending off strong energy auras even though it was half broken. We took our positions beside the chairs. I noticed that we all seemed to be sitting according to our element. I took my seat next to Elsword and Chung and looked across to Rena who smiled calmly at me. It was then I noticed the soldiers that were surrounding the small clearing, preventing the people from getting within a foot of the ceremony.

Thank god. I turn to look at Elsword, who seemed anxious about the ceremony. His fingers were twitching as his side – though couldn't decide between anxious or nervous. I turn to Aisha and she seems calm, collected. Her mouth slightly turned up in a smirk and my eyes narrowed. She seemed cocky, overzealous. I see a spark in her eyes and my eyes widened.

That's not Aisha! That's the spirit! The pretender turns to me and looks me straight in the eye before smirking. She winks toward me and crosses her arms in front of her. My mouth opens to call the fake out, until Lento's voice rings out.

"My friends!" We all turn toward the voice and watch as Lento steps above the crowd on a small stepstool between Raven and Elsword. "For years, we have celebrated the harmony festival as a time to heal and rest. The powers of El surround us and cleanse the world during this time of darkness. We have been honored to have our esteemed friends perform the honored ceremony that the masters took part in three hundred years ago." The crowd cheered in happiness, its noise deafening in my ear. Lento's hands rose above the crowd, "Today, we will recreate the ceremony that the Salvatorian Masters preformed in this very town. And, in the words of my ancestor, this ceremony is from the decision, that a portion of the reigning Salvatorian Masters shall give a portion of their El Energy to help further the progress of the El Lady, so we may each have a shard in times of need." Lento looked over to Raven, "Rosso, if you would please start the chain." I barely paid attention to Lento's speech as I kept watch on Aisha.

Where is the real Aisha?!

Raven nodded to Lento and made his way to the crystal. "With this mortal hand, I give some of my power of Fire. Long live the El Lady." He extended his human hand and placed it gently on the crystal. The crystal reacted to someone's touch and slightly lit up, causing the people to gasp in surprise.

Rena stood up next, placing her bow next to the wooden throne and stretching her arms out, "With my mortal hand, I give some of my power of Wind. Long like the El Lady." Likewise, the crystal reacted to her touch and shimmered a bit more, lighting up the base of our feet.

Aisha stood up and moved her hair from her shoulder, "With this hand, I give some of my power of Darkness. Long live the El Lady!" She shouted triumply, causing the people to cheer in response, before her hand touched the crystal. The light took over the entire crystal, but it seemed to dim in response to her touch.

Chung stood up next, looking nervous. "With my mortal hand, I give some of the power of Water. Long live the El lady." He hesitantly touched the crystal, and the dark shard from the crystal disappeared. It started lighting up more, reaching the top of the crystal and pulsing like a heartbeat.

I took a deep breath and stood up next before stepping forward in front of the crystal. "With my hand, I give all of Gaia's power of Nature to the cause. Long live the El Lady!" The people yelled and cheered in happiness for my devotion, though only two knew the real reason of my madness. My eyes catch a look of the fake Aisha and her eyes are wide in fright. I let my finger touch the tip of the crystal. Instantly, the crystal turns from the bright yellow light to a light green. The pulsing of the crystal reaches a fast pace speed and I watch as the ground beneath us seemed to move in response to the pulsing.

Elsword quickly stands up. "With this hand, I give some of my power of Light. Long live the El Lady!" He touches the crystal and the light quickly dies. All of Feita looked around for some answer before the crystal starts to shimmer again. However, it is totally different.

This time, the crystal is pulsing, each pulse giving a different color with a different element. However, green isn't in the mix. Before I can guess I see Gaia's circlet light up on my head and it's power start to drift over me, through my hands into the crystal. The group is mystified, Lento is speechless, the entire town is in awe.

Until the roar of a creature sends all of our panics into overdrive.

The entire town goes into panic, looking around for the source of the noise, before seeing a large blue beam of light shoot out from the top of the tallest tower. I hear Lento gasp and whisper impossible.

Then again, when hasn't things been difficult for our team.

"Berthe's alive?!"

Wow, this is getting intense! Took me forever to determine where to end it but I figured I'd give you a decently long chapter. I had wanted to end this chapter before the actual ceremony for dramatic interlude, but this was a bit better and allowed me to flow a bit better into the actual fight scenes of this story.

4k words… I'm impressed with myself.

Let's make it 5k for the next chapter.

As always, read and review. It really does help me to write, as one reviewer has found out.

-Rejected Royal