[Chapter 24 part 3] Soul – Barsal’s Visit

-------------------------------

…

“It’s nice enough.” Dawn volunteered. “My problem is this entire fractured world.” Understandable.

They’d practice gliding this morning from a lower building. When not paralyzed by fears, Dawn managed quite well. In fact, he’d been surprised he could keep up. I guess this is another area I can match her.

“I feel the same.” Wise said. “I like the place, but it’s overwhelming.”

“The Isle is fantastic” Light stated. “But two experiences have soured my enjoyment.”

“As for me, I’m happy and angry.” Hope declared. “I’m overjoyed to have competent instructors. It’s world changing. What I like considerably less is the two contracts out on my life. No, really! Isn’t one enough?”

That’s true. With everything that’d happened, he’d almost forgotten the bounty.

“Overall,” Hope concluded, “It’s still better than floundering at Earth’s End.”

“Agreed.” Free said. ”My meeting with John Lavinda was very instructive. He——” Her eyes lit up. “Ah, that’s right!”

She ran up to Rose and started walking backwards in front of her. Playfully, She sung, “~~I know secret you don’t!~~”

“What’s this?” Rose demanded, irritated.

“Remember when you wouldn’t tell us what you’d uncovered about our identities?”

“Yes, I do.” Rose answered hesitantly.

“Well, I know a secret just as important. And ~ you ~ don’t!” Free turned away satisfied.

“You’re bluffing…” Rose said unsteadily.

“You think so?” Free smirked. She’s having too much fun. “Hey, Wise… Talras!”

They all turned to Wise who repeated ‘Talras’ while concentrating. Surprised flashed on his face. “Wow, I‘m amazed. This was buried deep.”

“See?” Free declared happily. “Also, you kept quiet for Rose, so do the same for me, ok?”

Rose watched bitterly as her brother nodded, “This is a petty act of revenge.”

“I know. You’ll find out later, I promise. By the way, what do you think of the Isle, Rose?”

Rose reluctantly answered, “It’s fascinating. Even the challenges add to the excitement.”

“I think it’s a great place too.” Silver chimed in looking at Kate. The cat-earned girl rolled her eyes and poked him. She no longer turns red at every complement.

“What about you Soul?” Kate asked.

Soul considered, “So far so good.” Despite setbacks, we’re all safe.

“Where do we go?” Dawn inquired as they passed the gatehouse.

“We’ll ask Fayla once we reach the central wing.” Kate responded. This morning, they’d noticed there were no braziers in the north wing. Apparently they were removed after Radin’s audit.

“They’re expecting us in the lounge where I rested.” Wise said.

“I always forget about you.” Kate peered wonderingly. “Does it ever get tiring knowing everything?” That’s an unfortunate question.

Silver bonked his girlfriend on the head.

“What was that for?” Kate rubbed her sore scalp.

“From the last few days, I’ve gathered it’s appropriate to inflict light corporal punishment when your significant other says something stupid.” Silver answered earnestly.

Soul struggled to contain himself. Kate has been jabbing Silver a lot. Behind him, Hope giggled.

“I… What?” Kate said in confusion.

“Remember when Wise collapsed after our trip to the city? Knowing everything is exhausting!”

True, but you can’t say it like that! Silver’s utter seriousness was comedic gold. They were in stitches.

An entertaining spat ensued between the two. Everyone had to catch their breath before the lounge.

Astra was waiting with Lily, “It’s a relief to see you when it’s not an emergency. Barsal will arrive shortly. Make yourselves at home.”

Their mother watched Silver and Kate install themselves, “So, you two are dating?”

“Yes,” Silver replied happily.

“That’s how it turned out somehow.” Kate said simultaneously.

“’Turned out somehow?’” Astra titled her head.

“I mean——yes, we’re dating. And you! Stop that.” Silver was giving a hurt look. It’s sometimes difficult to judge how it’s going.

“How’s work?” Rose asked.

“Exhausting. We’ve apprehended three, and I’ve been coordinated the sweep for the rest. It’s a huge distraction…”

“Enough about me.” Astra declared. “Free, how was your meeting with John?”

“Great.” Free beamed. “By the way, he let slip about Talras. Is that alright to share?”

Lily and Astra looked at each other. “I suppose it’s fine.” Their mother decided.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Wise asked.

Astra sighed, “Once you realize Talras exists, you know another Dark Age is inevitable. Considering you’re closely linked to the last one, I didn’t want you fretting over that.”

“I hate this.” Rose pouted, glaring at Free and Wise.

Astra turned to Hope, “Do you still plan on becoming a gunslinger?”

“Yes” Hope answered fiercely. “And the Blessing can go to hell.“

“Alright then.” Astra acknowledged. If she’s obsessed with firearms, she won’t have time for other thoughts.

“I’ve a question.” Soul asked. “What Emerit taught us ——about probability and who the ‘audience’ is favoring—— isn’t it troublesome?”

“You learn to live with it. It barely affects most battles.” Astra answered. “I’ll add my own advice: focus on the traction under your feet. It’s the most effective gauge of who fate is favoring. If you feel the ground turn to oil, consider retreating. It generally isn’t worth the frustration.”

“They’re here.” Wise said.

Six people entered, with the man in front appearing familiar. Barsal Farran. Compared to his giant frame, Light had some growing to do. Me too, come to think of it. Ethan had only been an inch shorter. The hero wore lavish leather dyed red and green. Besides the short sword at his waist, he carried an enormous wooden box on his back. It’s the size of a coffin.

“Long time no see, Astra.” Barsal said. “And Lily… you’re as small as ever.”

Lily groaned, “It’s been thousands of years. Stop treating me like a kid.” She’s not that upset, Soul understood. Might be the nostalgia of old patterns.

“It’s good to see you too,” Astra said. “Who are these immortals?”

“Since I’m meeting your children, I though I’d bring some of mine.” Barsal made a sweeping gesture. “These five are Anthem, Marissa, Tyler, Adele, and Jonas. You can trust them.”

“We can introduce ourselves, ‘father’.” Laughed a man in a white sleeveless tunic. He was the only one who matched Barsal in size and muscle. “I’m Anthem Farran, the ‘Rock Pillar’.”

“And I’m Marissa Farran, the ‘Mystic wind’.” Said the emerald-eyed lady next to him. Glowing green tattoos covered her body. She turned to the man besides her. “Tyler?”

“Must we always open with our titles?” The man protested softly. He was shorter and wore the simple black attire which Soul recognized. “I’m Tyler Farran, ‘Death’s Whisper’.”

“Lighten up, brother! Xarst really drained the life from you.” The woman who spoke wore red and white garbs over a shapely body. Her shoulder length hair was a vivid yellow which couldn’t be natural. She’s immortal, so it must be fixed that way for eternity… “I’m Adele, the ‘Morning Sun’. We’re not really Barsal’s children. We’re his descendant who’ve reached immortality. Calling him father is just something we do.”

“I’m Jonas Farran, the ‘Restless Gale’.” This last man also had bright verdant tattoos, but less could be seen under his beige robes. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“That’s not how you taught us.” Silver commented.

“Barsal’s grandiosity infects those around him.” Astra shrugged. “Don’t use this as a reference.”

When they introduced themselves, Light spoke last, and all eyes fell on him. Even with his lower face hidden, the resemblance was unmistakable.

“His skin is too light.” Jonas protested “It’s strange.”

Barsal was about to speak, but Light cut in, “Astra is my mother, so…”

Barsal seemed surprised but then laughed heartily, “Good, good, no need to live in my shadow.”

“I don’t like it.” Jonas continued. “A pale version feels off.”

“Jonas, I’ve approved it. It’s settled.” Barsal’s deep, friendly voice now had an edge.

“But…” Jonas protested weakly. I’ve heard Barsal is idolized. Is that the reason for this reaction?

Adele placed a hand on Jonas’s shoulder, “There’s a contract on doppelgangers. The fact that Light here is not easily recognizable is a good thing. Darkening his skin could put his life at risk.”

Jonas relented before this logic, “Sorry, I didn’t properly evaluate the circumstances.”

“Now,” Barsal looked in Soul’s direction. “I have something for you.” For me? A clang rang out as the wooden box hit the floor. “Go ahead, open it.”

What’s going on? Soul reached forward to reveal an over-sized crystal sword laying on white velvet. This is… How? He could tell what it was at a glance. Unearthly ice harder than the toughest steel… He gulped.

“Diamonds Edge.” Astra whispered. “My brother’s sword.”

Barsal nodded, “I recovered it when I ran the Spire centuries ago.” That must be a dungeon. “I’ve been conflicted ever since. I knew Ethan would’ve wanted you to have it, but I feared returning it would only cause you grief. I especially didn’t want to hand it over why you were in isolation. However, once I heard about Soul here, I knew I’d found my answer.”

Astra stared sadly, “This confirms his death.”

Soul touched the blade. A chilling power pulsated up his arm. Is this really for me?

“It’s a fabled sword which protected humanity.” Adele spoke warmly. “Treasure it as it’s invaluable.”

“Agreed.” Marissa said, glancing to Jonas. “Some were quietly complaining when they heard father’s plan.”

“Don’t besmirch me!” Jonas protested. “It’s just that father braved great dangers in the Spire, and it’s such a powerful weapon. It pains me to see it fall… outside…” Jonas had notice Barsal’s piercing gaze.

“This is Ethan’s weapon. So what if I took risks retrieving it? Ethan gave his life so we could live!” Barsal’s voice boomed. “Returning his weapon to his sister is the least I could do.”

“Sorry, father.” Jonas was shaken. “I won’t mention it again.”

Barsal faced Astra, “I apologize. He’s sometimes overzealous in defending me and the empire.”

“It’s fine.” Astra replied. “Thank you for recovering it.”

This settles the debate. If he was wielding Ethan’s sword, then he’d use his martial arts as well. No matter how long it takes.

A lively discussion began on the matter of Light’s training, with Barsal promising to send someone. The topic then drifted to the Spire, and Barsal was only too happy to relay his exploits. Anthem, Marissa, and Tyler had joined him on the expedition. They’d faced all kinds of traps, hazards, and monsters. Soul couldn’t quite picture the fantastical tale, but it was fascinating nonetheless. Concluding, Barsal stood.

“Time to depart.” He announced. “Lingering longer would draw unwanted attention to Astra’s children.” As he headed for the exit, Soul remembered the man was famous for never saying goodbye.

“Before you go, can we see your weapon?” Light cried out. He must’ve been dying to ask.

Barsal smiled. Not turning, he held out a arm, and the palace shook as a hammer slammed into view. Some artifacts could be unsummoned by their masters. They’d hover at the Ether’s edge, waiting to be called on. Astra’s are the same. The head glowed whitish lavender. Soul couldn’t tell what it was made of, only that it felt indestructible. The metal handle extended chest high, its leather-wrapper base held firmly in Barsal’s hand.

This was the weapon from their bedtime stories. StormHammer, which crushes heaven and earth. The short sword was just for parrying.

“No matter what happens, you can count on our support.” Barsal release his grip and StormHammer vanished. He strode out without looking back, his children following.

“Can we see yours too, mother?” Light asked expectantly.

Astra rolled her eyes and walked away. You were pushing your luck.