Lady Achika’s Epiphany: A Tale of Resounding Valor.

Wind built up underneath her. A distressed Caitlin and Kirby stared, transfixed to a miraculous sight. A soft blue aura engulfed the Alborough’s body, drawing her inner fire out into the open. A second passed before her eyes flashed open, and then all fire broke loose. With a cry she released a wave that shattered all windows, and remaining statues. All members of the mob, standing over the scorched body of a curator, acknowledged the ex journalist with widened eyes. Her cry, accompanied by her violent wave of energy, scorched the air for a minute-and threatened to erase the mob from existence. Once the attack came to an end, an exhausted, stunned Alborough fell to her knees. Kirby and Caitlin rushed to her side, but the mob stole their opportunity to speak. A forty year old maiden spoke first, dressed in the garments of a medieval noble. All of her comrades were dressed in the same manner.

“Just what do you think you’re doing, young lady? We’re trying to wipe this vile place from the face of our city!”

Although exhausted, Konoka opened her mouth to speak. Kirby beat her to the finish line, face rigid with a surprising amount of wrath. “This place was a place of memories, a place for young ones to learn of their ancestors,” the curator roared, tears pouring. “All of you have killed those memories! They’re gone, every last one of them!”

“This place is disgusting,” a young, brown-eyed male growled, eyes capturing the museum’s flames. “Who cares about old memories, when they’ve all been tainted by demons?”

“They’re not demons,” Caitlin cried out, arms wrapped around Konoka. “Those people you killed weren’t demons! We don’t have any demons in this city! You’re all wrong!”

The members of the horde eyed one another, all reflecting on the Peirrus’ words. Konoka rose out of her friend’s arms, eyes glowing with fury. “Why are you all dressed like idiots?” she asked, her voice quaky, low and dark. A blonde maiden stepped forward, emerald green eyes snarling.

 “We’re the Knights of Kiva. We’re going to put an end to all monsters, including your pretty friend!”

Releasing another shriek, Caitlin stiffened. Her face adopted a ghastly sheen, instantly buried into Kirby’s chest by Kirby himself. Konoka placed herself in front of her two companions, determined to use herself as a shield.

“If you want her, you’ll have to kill me.”

From her hands sprang a sword. Her azure blue eyes glistened as every member of the mob lunged at her, determined to kill her. Konoka gripped the handle of her newborn sword, ready to fend off against all invaders. Ribbons of fire were thrust from the empyrean blade, moving in synch with the glittering weapon. The roaring Knights were quickly cut down, torn to ribbons by the Alborough’s blade. Panting, the black-haired maiden gave her sword hilt a final squeeze, sending it into an invincible sheath. Caitlin was unable to move, but Kirby rushed over to her in a flash.

The trio was silent amidst museum workers, walking towards their chosen destination. They were unnoticed in the pond of curators, nothing more than leaves in the rain-soaked winds. Seconds passed before Caitlin made a reach for Konoka’s hand, but quickly erased the decision to grab it. Her porcelain features became a portrait of sadness, filled with the pain of a heartbroken infant.

Five minutes elapsed before gentle footsteps fell into a small, humble office. Kirby closed a door behind them, waves of fear burning behind his auburn brown eyes. A cup of water with lemon sat on a desk, accompanied by only a lamp. Unkempt piles of paper scurried about on the floor, not knowing which way to turn. The Peirrus instantly directed her attention to his paintings, all of which were vibrant. The portraits of life captured history’s magic, glowing with the innocence of bygone ages. Every last portrait seemed to be alive, brimming with energy. “Nice to see you’ve stayed the same,” the Alborough said, removing her rain-soaked ivory cloak. Onto a chair she placed it, looking straight into the curator’s face. The simple décor of his office amused her, and her frail smile made that evident.

“You’re still stuck in the old ages.”

Removing his own cloak, the Oedobos eyed her with soft frustration. “Mock me all you want, dear flower, but those ages are nothing short of precious. Especially when you study this world in its current stage!”

With the frantic, inquiring eyes of a child, Caitlin took a seat. “We came to you once before. You were a great help to us in the past, and we’re wondering if you could help us now. Konoka’s-”

In a flash, Konoka glared at her with the iciness of a dragon. The Peirrus stiffened, horrified by the reaction she gave birth to. “Can you explain what’s going on?” she asked, clasping her hands together. Her white tresses, dampened by an ephemeral trek in rain, began to glow with the moon’s radiance. “All of this just came out of nowhere! So many people are dying, and their deaths are being done to honor the Trinity!”

Konoka’s face hardened. “The Trinity is a trio of charlatans. I’ll bet anything and everything they’re sitting pretty, laughing as idiots mow down innocents. We’re all just pawns in their little game! Luckily we were smart enough to avoid the stupidity epidemic.”

The curator removed a stream of teal blue hair from his eyes, none too happy with Konoka’s latest statements. “Now now, young petal,” he said, holding up his hands. “You’re being unfair. The Trinity-” “Yeah yeah yeah. The Trinity means well, and they love all of their children. Don’t turn into a Priest on me, Kirby. I’m not going to buy any of that because of everything that’s going on! So don’t paint pretty pictures of our so-called Parents!”

Caitlin stared. She stared at the one she loved more than life itself, studying the Alborough’s facial expression. Konoka’s face was as hard as steel, and just as cold as the moon. Sorrow crept behind the anger, hidden by curtains that had no desire to disappear. She was frightened of the pain she carried, and didn’t want to acknowledge a certain piece of reality’s puzzle. “Those shitbags can kiss my ass for all I care,” she snarled, taking the seat normally occupied by Kirby. She sat at the head of the desk, folding her arms. “If they really were ‘wonderful’, they wouldn’t allow any of this bullcrap to go on. It never would have started in the first place!”

A sigh drifted beyond Kirby’s lips. He gave an inquiring look to Caitlin, who replied with silent regret. Shaking his head, he unearthed a new discussion. “The Dark Lords have awakened,” he began, a sudden victim of weariness. “Someone disturbed their slumber, and now their spirits are running rampant. They’ve infected this city, and they don’t mean to stop here.”

Konoka eyed him as if he had abruptly dropped a destructive confession. “I saw this morning’s speech. Caitlin did too. I’m sure the entire city knows of the speech by this point, whether they caught it this morning or not. Dear ol’ Elin gave the speech, but is he the one that started the fire?”

“That all depends on your viewpoint. You must remember, the Bench answers to the Order. This city’s regime receives all of their commands from the Order. A member of the Order might have provoked him. Prodded him. Elin might have been shoved into action.”

“So this falls on a personal level?” the Peirrus asked, eyes shining with the sweet purity of a child. Her hands were still folded into a ball, and that ball was sitting on her lap. Kirby looked at her as a doting grandfather would acknowledge a shy granddaughter. “Someone might have crossed intimate borders, yes. A Priest or Priestess might have had trouble with a so-called bug, and decided to inform Elin about the predicament. Elin might have been involved with another male, and their relationship could have gone sour. I only know what reports were able to give me.”

“Yeah, and I’m surprised you even watched any of those,” the Alborough chuckled, exchanging a smile with Caitlin. “You’re a bit of an old fogey. New-fangled phones aren’t exactly your style.”

“I hardly know how to use that thing, but it wasn’t used this morning,” Kirby said, shaking his head. “I was out and about, having breakfast at Zoey’s Café. The reports said nothing about intimate connections with a bug, but that’s nothing out of the ordinary. No member of an Order would confess having a ‘sinful’ relationship. And neither would a member of an administration, let alone Kiva’s. All members would rather choose death by fire.”

“The Order has already chosen fire,” Caitlin said, pawing through her radiant hair. “The members aren’t using it to ax themselves off, though. They’re using it to ‘purge blasphemous souls’.” Konoka closed her eyes. “As for the general public, hand-torches are quite popular nowadays. The average Joes and Janes don’t have a grip on magic, so they cling to man-made things. I heard they’re really easy to use, too. All you have to do is install the torch on your palm, and use two fingers to press the button. Priests probably made ‘em.”

From Kirby’s cloak came his black phone-an elegant, oval-shaped object. “I use this to view the latest updates,” he explained, handing it to the Alborough. “Just a short while ago, Elin announced plans for The Final Exodus. He means to have every last bug annihilated, and in the eyes of the public. The Order’s going to put on the show. After their prey has been captured, of course.”

“So what’s going on now? Are they just tormenting everyone for fun?”

“I believe so, dear Konoka. If anyone’s laughing, it’s the Order. And the Bench is laughing right along with it. I do believe something’s amiss with Elin, though. He isn’t himself. It’s as if demons have inhabited his body, mind and soul. Someone somewhere is pulling his strings. And by the way, Caitlin, you’re as white as a sheet!”

The Alborough placed her elbows onto the desk, bearing the face of an annoyed feline. “Well, you’re freaking her out! The Final Exodus wasn’t exactly fun to learn about.” Kirby sent her a broad smile. “Are you telling me she’s…”

“That’s right.”

Happy to attain a bit of good news, the Oedobos breathed a sigh. “Well now,” the curator said, eyes twinkling with roguish mischief. He peered into Caitlin’s face, weary yet relieved by a small, bright discovery. Meanwhile, Caitlin’s body was busy rattling the seat. “Who’s the lucky lady?” Kirby asked with a grin. Shivering, the Peirrus lowered her head.

“W-w-well, it’s-”

Epiphany Character Profiles

Jaith Roxas Ashe, age 17

Hair Color/Hair Length: Silver/Short

Eyes: Sapphire blue

Position: Priest Situation: Pushed out of the Order by an uprising of bloodshed/demonic behavior. Feels detached from the Order, and can’t understand why the others feel differently about the Trinity. Misses his friends, including Saul. Wants to rescue them.

Likes: Learning about the outside world (that explains his incessant curiosity)

Dislikes: Filthy areas, bothersome insects (he’s very neat)

Loves: Making new friends, spreading the Trinity’s honor

Hates: Loneliness, separation from Order

Personality: Bears the curiosity of a kitten. Sensitive, quick to anger, and hates being dragged around the bush. Softhearted, loving and optimistic-which almost makes him naieve. Can’t stand being in a strange situation, but once he figures everything out, his gears start turning.

Bio: Born into the Order. Remembers nothing of his parents. Raised by Saul and a Priestess that vanished quite some time ago. Absorbed knowledge from the other members of his Order, until time of expulsion.

Theme Song: Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park

Favorite Color: Light shades of blue, white (colors of his Order)

Favorite Food: White chocolate (not really food, but he’s been deprived)

Representational Movie: Treasure Planet (he’s Jim Hawkins)

Destiny: Divine Messiah (descendant of First Liberator). People come to believe he’s the reincarnation of the Messiah.

Love Tale: Falls in love. Wants to start a family, but hates the family stereotype (one man, one woman, kids, yawn). Decides to adopt two abandoned animals with his lover.

Favorite Tudors Character?: Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas More

Konoka Alborough, age 22

Hair Color/Hair Length: Black/Long

Eyes: Azure blue

Position: Journalist

Situation: Fired for the refusal to follow bug killings. Escaped from the news station with friend Caitlin, and is in search of answers. Comes to hate the Trinity for allowing pain and suffering.

Likes: Animals, friendly people, fun places

Dislikes: Repeating herself, long meetings/speeches

Loves: Traveling, engaging movies/shows, beating the crap out of others in competitions

Hates: Blackhearted/slow (as in stupid) people, being stuck w/o an agenda for too long

Personality: Bouncy, fierce and determined. Intolerant of cruelty, collective behavior and discrimination. Is not friendly towards those she deems idiotic (which can happen in mere seconds), but takes a great shine to people of strength.

Bio: Remembers nothing of her mother, but remembers her father fondly. Father raised her all alone, without question/complaint-even though she was a handful.

Theme Music: System of a Down, Fergie (London Bridge especially)

Favorite Color: Blue (all shades)

Favorite Food: Sandwiches, s’mores (still a sandwich in its own way)

Representational Movie: The Shooter

Destiny: Destined to rise up and smack all stupidity in the face, alongside Jaith. Is eventually nominated for the Elite Director position.

Love Tale: Falls for Caitlin. Pushes marriage for ALL couples, homosexual and straight.

Favorite Tudors Character?: The Pope (wishes they could be friends)

Caitlin Peirrus, age 19

Hair Color/Hair Length: White/Medium

Eyes: Almond brown

Position: Journalist

Situation: Follows Konoka. Technically fired herself. Is taken into the city’s custody, for loving Konoka.

Likes: Flowers, fruit juices. parties (not uber bouncy, loud ones)

Dislikes: Confusing people, complex situations

Loves: Konoka

Hates: Small places, loneliness, frightening people

Personality: Timid/submissive at first, but grows a flower of valor during captivity. Frees herself, blossoming into a courageous and radiant princess.

Bio: Raised by a doting mother and grandmother.

Theme Music: Mirror’s Edge Menu Theme, Still Alive

Favorite Color: Almond brown

Favorite Food: Cupcakes

Representational Movie: Spider Man 3 (thanks to Mary Jane)

Destiny: Destined to become a bride.

Love Tale: Falls for/marries Konoka.

Favorite Tudors Character?: Mary Tudor, Catherine of Aragon

(Note: The Tudors is a Showtime drama series.)

His head popped out of the water. Shimmering flecks of starlight fled in different directions, landing in an unknown void. Sapphire blue eyes darted to and fro, helplessly searching for a source of familiarity. His arms kept him afloat, stroking the surface of crystal blue water. Shelves of books, bathing in a candle’s glow, received confusion from his radiant orbs. Books of all ages sat on weathered shelves, awaiting usage of a solitary owner. The gentle melody of streams met his ears, and rocky walls concealed intricate stories.

No different from a helpless fawn, Jaith removed himself from the body of water. He shook himself off instantly, looking at the pond he had emerged from. Statues of doves loomed over the pond, pouring blue luminescence. The water’s surface glistened as a hundred stars, exuding the regality of bygone kingdoms. The pond, although old, was cared for by a loving guardian. That was easy to tell, due to the pond’s aura. But where was it, exactly? Why did it carry him from a sanctuary? Who did it belong to?

Bewilderment gave birth to a frown. Damp and forlorn, Jaith surveyed his surroundings. Wide sapphires absorbed shelves and candles, struggling to make sense of anything. Fear prevented him from calling out, but the uncomfortable passage of five minutes compelled him to remove it.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

No answer. He cringed at the absence of a voice, wondering if he’d remain a pebble. Candles were his only sources of light, but the small luminaries were unable to provide comfort. Increasingly uncomfortable, he wrapped his arms around himself. A sneeze followed, earning the attention of an unseen entity. The entity’s voice was that of an elderly figure, warm and weathered from the ages.

“Well! Sounds like I’ve got a visitor. Been a while since I had one!”

The Ashe instinctively stiffened, hair bristling and hands raised to his chest. Fearful blue gems scanned the environment, only able to locate three things: books, books and more books. “I’m glad you could drop by, young one,” the voice added, approaching the perplexed Jaith. Carrying a lantern, his figure soon met the Ashe’s sapphires. He was of short stature, but due to his cloak of darkness, Jaith could determine nothing else.

“You took long enough to get here, young one. I’ve been rather lonely, you know.”

“Enough is enough! This will end, Ashe, here and now!”

Jaith had spent several seconds looking at Tobias, the fifteen year old beacon of curiosity. Just several days ago, he joined the Order and declared the Ashe his role model. Sadness was delivered to the blue-haired novice, coming straight from a set of sapphires. “They don’t want this,” he growled, placing the tip of his blade into the ground. “They’re not asking for all of this bloodshed. We’re supposed to be of one heart! What happened to the values of brother and sisterhood?”

“You broke all of those values,” a puppyish, brown-eyed priest shouted, pointing at the offender. Sadness returned to Jaith’s eyes, acknowledging the poison of betrayal. “They don’t apply to you anymore, Jaith! You want to protect beasts, and you killed the High Priest Korosa!”

“Well then,” the Ashe said, returning his eyes to Tobias. “I guess you lied to me. About everything, pretty much.”

A loud, strident cry crashed into Jaith’s eardrums. Eyes widened in horror, he whirled around to see the source of newborn grief. A blade had been buried through one of the insects, sent through the top of her head. The blade’s tip was able to touch the floor, unleashing a massive sea of broken dreams. The Ashe reeled back as he saw the other bug’s condition, which was far from stable. A great deal of blood had splattered all over her, and she was a frail soul.
Shivering and wailing, she looked to the Ashe for assistance. One of the priests stood over her dead companion, hanging his bloodied blade over the lifeless insect’s head. Azure blue eyes glittered with triumph as a fragile maiden shrieked, sobs rushing forth.

“Please don’t kill me! Please, my lord! Please let me go! Please!”

A heart stopped, and a blade dropped out of a novice’s hands. Jaith rushed forth in an attempt to reaching the blue-haired maiden, babyish features pale from horror. Time stopped once a blade found the maiden’s forehead, driven by an apathetic Saul. Whiter than paper, Jaith watched as the blade was driven into the maiden’s skull. Sobs melted into whimpers, and whimpers melted into silence. “That’s one less beast to worry about,” the burly priest said, giving his comrades a smile. “Only one left to go.”

Six faces turned to a paralyzed Jaith, threatening to erase all traces of his existence. The Ashe gave a pleading look to Tobias, but received only stone. Several steps were taken backwards, then the lone priest took flight. Fury returned to a shaken heart, reminding him of how things should have been.

Anger shot through his eyes as voices pursued him, echoing through the once-peaceful sanctuary. Sapphire blue eyes caught glimpses of the sanctuary’s décor, filled with scorn. The sight of bloodied, massacred bodies didn’t bring forth a smile. Seeing life forms with open, withering eyes didn’t make things better. Several pairs of those eyes followed him, forever engraving themselves into his heart.

With a grunt, he cast off his long white robe. His sapphire blue uniform allowed him greater freedom, which he desperately needed. Silver, moist locks smashed against his forehead as his fists pumped forward. Sapphire blue eyes glistened with fire and rain. Voices continued to pursue him, all hoping for one thing: the end of his life.