Chapter Text
The start of a new day, the start of a new life.
Days change, time passes, but this day never truly arrived for him;
At least not in the way he had dreamed of.
.—☀०☽—.
“Wake up! I can’t believe you're still sleeping on a day as important as this one, Phainon!” the girl exclaimed.
“Cyrene?” Phainon yawned. “Is- it really that late or are you just too excited to head out?” Phainon dragged himself out of bed to face Cyrene, stretching. “Wait- how did you get into my room?!?” Better yet, what was that dream? The words were really cryptic…Ugh, it probably means nothing. I’ll think about it more later, when I’m more awake…
Cyrene laughed at his confusion. “Don’t you remember?” She asked, tilting her head before lowering her voice to imitate Phainon, “‘Cyrene, meet me at my house in the morning. I can’t wait to learn super cool sword stuff!’ You weren’t up yet so Mrs. Audata let me in. And who wouldn’t be excited! We’re finally going to get the chance to learn all the things we wanted to!” She pauses. “Well, I’m a little nervous also.”
“First off, I sound nothing like that. Also you are totally making that second part up!” Phainon stood up, flicking Cyrene in the forehead. “While I can understand your nervousness, you never answered my other question. What time is it even?”
“Come on, I bet you were thinking that anyways! Besides, it’s only a little bit before Entry Hour!” Cyrene rocks on her heels, waiting for Phainon to get up fully. “I imagined you haven’t even started packing yet, so it's good to get started early.”
“Oh, come on Cyrene! It’s not like I have much to pack other than clothes, money and food!” Phainon says bashfully. “Besides, if I remember correctly, you were ever the procrastinator when we were younger.” He teases her, walking towards his closet. “And if you must know, I do have everything packed. I think.”
“At least I wasn't trying to make dramatic entrances when I was younger,” Cyrene points out, “And I’ve gotten better at procrastinating. You still like those dramatic hero entrances.” She smirks, shifting weight between her feet. “I was also hoping to say goodbye to everyone in the village after we do a reading of my oracle cards to see if today’s a good day to travel.”
“Speaking of…Do you remember where those cards are?” Phainon questions, scratching his head.
“I have a few ideas. They’re probably around our ‘secret base’ or the docks. We always did spend a lot of time there when we were younger. Hurry up and get changed, then we can go look, I’ll let your parents know what we’re doing.” Cyrene says, stepping out of his room, closing the door behind her.
I should probably get ready like Cyrene said. Phainon thinks to himself as he slips out of his clothes. Maybe it’s best if I don’t wear my purple and yellow robes; I wouldn’t want to ruin some of my favorites. He instead grabs his light blue and white robes and changes into them. It’s really hard to believe we’re leaving Aedes Elysiae at the end of today. I’ll finally get to go to Castrum Kremnos and Cyrene will be able to go to Janusopolis, just like we always wanted when we were kids. Hopefully I’ll learn enough from the soldiers there to protect everyone in Aedes Elysiae… Phainon walks out front his house, waving to Cyrene.
“Took you long enough!” She teases.
“Should we check our old ‘secret base’ first or the docks first?” Phainon asks, pointedly ignoring the playful jab.
“Hmm… I think that our old base has them. You should trust a girl’s intuition!” Cyrene responds , rocking slightly before heading down the worn path to their ‘base’ between golden fields of wheat. “You know, I’ve seen these fields everyday but now that we’re leaving it seems difficult to imagine a life without them.”
Phainon kicks a rock absent-mindedly as he walks beside Cyrene towards the courtyard they frequented as children. “I always thought I would look forward to the day we finally left for an adventure but…” He sighs.
“Life always seemed easier when we were younger. Back then, kids would pick and choose if they didn’t like the cards they drew, whether it be cards like ‘Drunkard’ or ‘Devil.’” Cyrene pauses. “But it won’t be all bad. Leaving means we’ll be able to learn the skills to help everyone here.”
“I know, I know, I’m just worried about everyone in the village.” Phainon stops walking as they have arrived in the courtyard. “Well, where should we check first since your intuition is so good?” He teases.
“Let’s search around the yard and then go check out the roof. Even if we find them in the yard, I still want to go see the view. It’s one of my favorite spots in all of Aedes Elysiae!” Cyrene smiles as the two split up, searching the ends of the courtyard.
“I bet I’ll find them first!” Phainon yells from his end of the courtyard. It’ll be nice to have a bet with Cyrene before we head our separate way. Sure, she’s not as competitive as I am but I won’t know when I’ll be able to compete with someone else in a friendly manner. Besides, I swore they were around here somewhere… “Aha! I found them! Or, well, the box we used to put them in. Now I just need to figure out how to open it…” Phainon starts to mutter to himself, crouching down to the box as Cyrene walks over. He manages to open it and smiles. “There we go! Now here are the cards- huh?”
“It looks like…a letter?” Cyrene mentions picking up a slip of paper left where the cards should’ve been. “‘One two three four five six seven; Do re mi fa sol la ti!’ Is all it says…” Phainon peers over her shoulder to look at the letter signed by a paw print. “Oh!” She exclaimed. “Those sneaky little ones… so that’s what they’ve been up to…”
“What are you talking- oh! The little ones from Membrance Maze, you mean?” Phainon questioned. “The entrance is in the back somewhere…You remember where it is Cyrene?”
“Yes, it should be just around…” She responds, walking out the door into the fields behind the courtyard. “Ah, over here! We just need to clear away these weeds. It’s been too long since we visited the fairies…” Together the two clean up the path to the maze with haste. “I wonder if we’ll still be able to get in…”
Phainon tilted his head. “Yeah, the space of the trunk is much smaller…Oh wait, you're referring to the invitation! I remember how important that was to us.” Cyrene smiles, rolling her eyes.
“Well then, head on in. I’ll be following you!” Cyrene rocked on her feet, gesturing towards the tree trunk with her head.
“Oh, yeah.” Phainon startled, ducking his head to fit in the opening. This is certainly more cramped than I remember but…it’ll be nice to see the fairies one more time before we head off. When did we visit them last? We must’ve been just kids the last time we saw them… Phainon squeezed through and eventually Cyrene joined him, facing significantly less difficulties. Together, they stepped into Membrance Maze, which looked just as it did when they were kids.
“It’s Snowy and Reney! We thought you would never come back!”
Cyrene and Phainon turn towards the voice. “Relimem! It’s so good to see you!” Cyrene exclaimed with a smile. Phainon waved to the little fairy, a smile lighting up his face. “While it is good to be back, do you know where my old oracle cards are? Phainon and I have been looking for them.”
Relimem titled their head before lighting up. “Oh! I remember now, the chief wanted us to get the cards!”
“Thank you, Relimem. Chief… you mean Dolimem? I wonder what they want the cards for?” Cyrene asked Phainon who shrugged in response. “They could’ve easily asked if they wanted a reading…”
“Chief should be this way, Reney! Snowy, you’ve got to come along too!” Relimem exclaimed, floating towards the little cottage of Dolimem.
“Sorry, sorry!” Phainon gave a guilty smile as he caught up. “Just spacing out. I have a lot on my mind right now.” The future is all so unsure…Why would Dolimem just take Cyrene’s cards…And with the weird dream I had last night too…The words and voices made no sense… How does a life change so unexpectedly? I should be focusing on this right now… Ugh, Cyrene’s talks about fate are finally getting to me…
“Daydreaming again?” Cyrene asks teasingly. “I could’ve sworn that someone promised me they had outgrown it!”
Phainon sighs. “No, no, I just had a bizarre dream last night. I’m still trying to figure it out.” He shakes his head. “It probably means nothing.”
“Here we are, Reney and Snowy!” Relimem smiled before turning towards another fairy. “Chief, it’s Reney and Snowy! They’ve finally come to visit!”
“‘...depths which we seek to find, the answers future left behind.’ Welcome back, my dear children.” Dolimem smiles as they turn to Cyrene and Phainon. “I’m sorry for resorting to such methods to bring you here. Your cards should be on that table over there.” Phainon jogs over to the table to pick them up. Thank Kephale they had the oracle cards. I wouldn’t know who could’ve taken them other than the fairies… When he returns, cards in hand, Cyrene and Dolimem are in deep conversation.
“Is there something wrong, Chief? You wouldn’t bring us here unless something was happening? Will me and Cyrene have to delay our journey?” Phainon asks, a frown appearing on his face as he hands the cards to Cyrene.
“The Veil of Evernight whispers of a new fairy joining us…It is possible that some danger is approaching soon. However, not so soon that you should delay your trip.” Dolimem pauses briefly, thinking. “The disaster seems far enough away that you should arrive back in Aedes Elysiae before it happens. But to make sure, let Cyrene do a reading beforehand.” Cyrene nods, and begins to shuffle the deck carefully while Phainon watches nervously. After shuffling completely, Cyrene pulls the top card and reveals it to be the “Gatekeeper.”
She sighs slightly and the reveal of the card. “The Gatekeeper…They often represent safe passage and finding one’s true purpose in life. The card likely is telling us to continue with our journey or possibly showing how we will be safe if disaster strikes.”
With the news, Phainon can’t help but sigh in relief. Good…I don’t know what I would’ve done if the cards foretold something bad was going to happen to Aedes Elysiae… Hopefully the training me and Cyrene will get will allow us to help prepare for any disaster that may come to Aedes Elysiae. “So, Dolimem, would you still say we should head out on our journey?”
Dolimem is quiet for a bit before responding. “Yes. Continuing your journey seems to be the best course of action. This way you may prepare for the worst should it strike.”
“But Chief, what if something happens and we’re not here? Who's going to protect everyone?” Cyrene nods as Phainon asks Dolimem questions.
“Hopefully it doesn’t come to that, my dear children. But should it, I will send a fairy to find you and tell you.” Dolimem responds solemnly as the two nod their heads at their words. “But before you leave, please go talk to the other fairies. We’ve missed you two deeply.”
Phainon and Cyrene smile at their words. “Of course Chief! We couldn’t leave without saying goodbye!” Cyrene exclaims as Phainon nods in agreement.
.—☀०☽—.
“Ugh, I forgot just how cramped that tunnel is…” Phainon mutters as him and Cyrene leave Membrance Maze for a long time. It was good to see all the fairies, even if it was with a goodbye. I need to remember to send letters to…ugh what’s their name again? Sigh, I’ll ask Cyrene later…
“Tell me about it!” Cyrene exclaims, stretching her arms up high as they walk side by side. “Now we just need to say our goodbyes to everyone…”
“Oh, yeah, we do.” Phainon sighs in response. “I’m still a little on edge with what Dolimem said earlier but… if they believe we should head on this trip, then we should.” Phainon kicks a rock as they walk, putting his hands on his hips. “Now, who should we say goodbye to first…?”
“Hmmm, good question…” Cyrene pauses in her steps briefly. “How about we give our farewells to the kids first, then adults and lastly our parents? That way we can pick up our stuff on the way out and not have to carry it throughout the village.” She returns to her previous pace, heading towards the wheat fields that children usually play in.
Phainon nods, following her. “And all the children will take the longest. I hope none of them cry! I’d feel too bad.” He jokes, smiling brightily. “I really will miss everyone.”
As the two of them walk the familiar path between wheat fields, the cries of children playing grow louder. From what Phainon can observe, the children seem to be playing a game of hide-and-seek tag. Phainon couldn’t help but smile at the children as they played without any worries. The life of children is truly one to be envied. No worries, no fears, no work. What I would give to feel the joy of being their age once again… Suddenly one of the children noticed them, running towards Phainon and Cyrene smiling.
“Hey, everyone, look! It’s Phainon and Cyrene! They’ve come to play!” The young girl named Livia declared. At her words, many of the other children popped out of their hiding spots to run towards Phainon and Cyrene. The youngest clung to their legs while the older kids stood towards the back, still interested. At their enthusiasm, Phainon couldn’t help but laugh while Cyrene smiled wide.
“Not quite, Livia.” Phainon said bashfully, ruffling her hair. “Remember what me and Cyrene told you guys? We’re leaving soon and we’ve come to say goodbye.” At his declaration, some of the kids couldn’t help but feel upset and whine.
“ Do you have to leave?” Little Piso quietly asked. “Can you not just learn what you need to here?”
Phainon smiled softly and bent down to his level. “I’m afraid not. But me and Cyrene won’t be gone forever. We’ll be back before you even know it.” Cyrene nodded in agreement, patting Piso on his head.
“You adults always say that kind of stuff.” Elias said, irritated. Phainon couldn’t help but frown slightly and walked over to him. He’s always trying to act older and stronger for his younger sister. I will do better to dispel his fears when I get back. That’s my job after all.
“You know it’s important for me and Cyrene to learn this stuff. We’ll be able to better protect Aedes Elysiae this way.” Elias shifted, clearly still upset. “Hey, how about this. When me and Cyrene come back, I’ll teach you how to fight.” At Phainon’s words, Elias lights up.
“Really? You mean it this time?!” Phainon nods at Elias’ question.
“What about us, Phainon? Will you teach the rest of us too?” Livia asks, a small chorus of other children agreeing with her question.
Cyrene laughs at the children's enthusiasm. “You’ve brought that upon yourself, Phai.”
He rolls his eyes in response to Cyrene’s teasing. “Well, if that is what you all truly wish for…” He brings a hand to his chest, raising the other in a fist. “Then I shall be the Deliverer of your dreams!” The children yell and laugh at his dramatics, pleased by the act he played.
“Now, now, me and Phainon should start saying our goodbyes. We need to say goodbye to everyone else too!” Cyrene smiled as the children grumbled while Phainon nodded along to her words.
Phainon and Cyrene talk to each child, saying their goodbyes and making promises to be fast with their return. “I’ll be sure to tell my mom of my adventures when I write her letters so you guys can go to her for any stories I may have! And if I hear about any of you doing well in school I’ll make sure to send back souvenirs!" Phainon tells the children before leaving.
“Bye bye!”
“Be safe!”
“Don’t spend all your money!”
“Don’t forget your promises!”
“See you guys soon!”
The children’s goodbyes warm Phainon and Cyrene's hearts as they walk away, waving and saying their goodbyes. They’re all good kids. I just hope they don’t cause too much mischief while we’re away… I hope I’ll be able to teach them what they wish for when me and Cyrene get back. As Phainon and Cyrene travel past the docks towards the houses, they run into one of the adults.
“Ah- it’s you two… Have you seen Piso? He’s trying to avoid his homework again and I just can not find him anywhere…”
“Oh, Mr. Galba, hello!” Cyrene smiles. “We just saw him. He’s off playing with the other kids in the wheat fields.”
“Oh, but before you leave, we wanted to say goodbye.” Phainon smiles. “And maybe let Piso off the hook for today. He promised me he’d start turning in his homework on time from now on.”
“Goodbye?” Galba pauses, before remembering. “Oh, that's right! You two will be leaving soon to learn won’t you? Just promise you won’t forget about us while you’re out seeing the whole world!” Galba chuckles.
Cyrene laughs softly. “Of course we won’t forget any of you guys! Our memory isn’t that poor!”
“Yeah!” Phainon exclaims. “Afterall, you did help teach me how to hunt. That’s an important skill I always use.”
Galba smiles. “You kids, always so excitable. I caught some rabbits the other day and they’ve just finished curing, so you two better pick some up from my wife before you leave. It’s quite tough out there, but it’ll be worth it. A lot of good stuff to learn.”
“Ah, you’re very kind, Mr. Galba. We’ll swing by before we head towards the ferry.” Phainon smiles and Cyrene nods in agreement.
“If I didn’t have more hunting to do, I’d walk you to the dock myself. Good luck out there, you two. Oh, and make sure to talk to Iris before you head out. She has been having difficulties lately and it would do her some good to see some familiar faces with good news.” Galba tells Cyrene and Phainon before turning down the path. “I better find Piso before Entry Hour ends or Augustine will be mad at me. You know how she is. Goodbye!” Galba waves, turning down the worn path Cyrene and Phainon just walked.
“Bye, Mr. Galba!” Cyrene waves.
“Good luck with Piso!” Phainon yells. Hopefully the kid keeps the promise he made to me. I know I told him I wouldn’t teach him if he skipped class but I can’t let his wish falter… Phainon and Cyrene walk down the dirt road in tandem, arriving soon at Galba’s place to pick up the rabbits mentioned earlier. Cyrene walks forward and knocks, when it is soon opened by Augustine.
“Phainon! Cyrene! Oh come on in, come in!” Augustine smiles. “What a coincidence! Iris just came over to visit.” The two walk in through the door and Phainon closes it softly behind him.
“Mrs. Augustine, Ms. Iris! It’s so good to see you both.” Cyrene smiles and gives a small wave to Iris who waves back. “Is your leg healing well, Ms. Iris?”
“Thanks to Augustine’s help it is. It’s just been so hard looking after the kids like this, maybe I’ll see if Calliope is willing to babysit again. Kids her age are always looking for money so…” Iris sighs, lifting her leg to prop it up on a low table.
“Here, let me help you.” Phainon walks over to Iris to help her adjust. “I’d offer to help with the kids but…”
“Oh! The rabbits! Let me go get those for you two real quickly.” Augustine exclaims suddenly before walking into another room.
Cyrene smiles and shakes her head softly. “Always so straightforward…”
Phainon chuckles softly. “It’s always good to see how some people never change. Oh, Ms. Iris, do you want some water? It’s important to stay hydrated when injured.”
“Always such a sweet boy, Phainon. What are all the lovely ladies you’re going to meet going to do when you come back to Aedes Elysiae? Or men! And yes, I would like some water.” Iris tells Phainon while Cyrene snickers quietly at the teasing.
“I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about, Ms. Iris.” Phainon says bashfully, heading out to grab some water from the outside well. When he returns with the water in a cup, Augustine is handing Cyrene a bag.
“Oh good, you’re back.” Augustine exclaims as Phainon walks over to Iris to hand over the cup of water. Iris mutters her thanks just as Augustine hands Phainon a bag as well. “The rabbits my husband promised you are in there along with some other stuff. I couldn’t bare the thought of either of you going hungry so there’s some snacks and a little bit of money. And don’t you even try to give it back.”
Cyrene and Phainon both smile at her words. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Augustine. Phainon and I truly appreciate it.” Cyrene says as Phainon nods along.
“Now you two better head along soon. I wouldn’t want to delay your big trip.” Augustine says, making vague gestures towards the door.
Phainon smiles sheepishly. “Alright, if that’s what you wish. Goodbye Ms. Iris! Bye Mrs. Augustine!” He waves as he heads towards the door.
Cyrene smiles at the two older women. “We’ll miss the both of you! Make sure to take it easy on the leg, Ms. Iris!” She follows Phainon to the door frame.
“Be safe you two! Don’t forget to eat!” Augustine yells to them before they walk out.
“Goodbye Phainon, goodbye Cyrene! Be careful!” Iris calls. Phainon and Cyrene walk out the house, carrying the bag given to them. It’s good to see Ms. Iris in a better mood. I know it’s hard for her to get to work with the broken leg. Hopefully it’ll be healed by the time we get back. Maybe I’ll learn a better way to heal broken bones while I’m in Castrum Kremnos…
“So, should we see Ms. Pythias next? I have some stuff I want to return to her.” Cyrene asks, sounding slightly guilty.
Phainon laughs. “And you said that you were better at procrastinating!” He teases her, ruffling her hair slightly. “But yeah, we can head over. I’m sure she has some good advice for us.” The two follow the path up to the school, arriving there shortly. Cyrene taps on the older teacher's shoulder, startling her.
“Oh, Cyrene! And you too, Phainon! How has packing been going?” Pythias asked, turning towards them.
“Good, good, Miss!” Cyrene smiles, shifting on her feet. “I’m sorry for holding on to these for so long, I just wanted to make sure I had the map down.” Cyrene pulls out a book from jacket before handing it to Pythias. The teacher takes it from her hands with a smile.
“It is not a problem at all, dear. I’m just glad to know that you two are making proper preparations for leaving. The best way to learn after all is through experience.” She turns, putting the book onto the shelf. “Just make sure you don’t lose yourselves out there. You two are good kids with proper manners and don’t let anyone change that.”
Phainon and Cyrene smile softly at her words. “We’ll do our best, Ms. Pythias.” Phainon tells her as Cyrene nods.
“Well, I’ve rambled enough, you two ought to go say your farewells to the others in the village. Make sure to stay safe but not too safe! You won’t learn any that way!”
Cyrene laughs while Phainon gives a wide smile to Pythias. “Now that's something I can promise, Ms. Pythias. You stay safe too. I know how the kids are.” Phainons says as he and Cyrene wave goodbye.
.—☀०☽—.
“Ugh, I think that’s everyone.” Phainon sighed. “Well, just our parents are left but…” Phainon shakes his head. “I can’t believe it’s already almost Lucid Hour. Maybe it’s a good thing you woke me up so early.”
Cyrene sighs heavily. “Same. I didn’t realize everyone was going to give us so much stuff too…” They pause in their walking. “Oh, here’s my house. I’ll meet you at the dock, okay?”
“Got it.” Phainon gives a thumbs up. “Oh, and tell your parents I say goodbye! I shouldn’t be too long but you know how my mom is.”
“Oh yeah, I will totally tell them. Make sure you tell yours the same! See you soon!” Cyrene waves, running towards her house. Phainon continues to walk down the path to get to his house. I don’t know how she has so much energy after all of that… I guess it’s all the excitement. Even if it takes 4 days to get Janusopolis from the docks she’s all fired up. As Phainon approaches his house, his parents head towards him, his father carrying his stuff. His mom gives him a hug as he walks up to her.
“Huh- Hi, Mom.” Phainon says, hugging her back.
“I- I know I told you I wouldn’t- cry but-” Audata says with a quiver in her voice. “I’m going to miss you, my sweet child.” She releases Phainon from the hug, wiping her eyes.
Phainon smiles softly. “Don’t worry Mom. Once I’m done learning I’ll be heading straight home. You and Dad will hardly notice I’m gone!”
“Take your stuff kid.” Hieronymus says, handing Phainon’s bags to him. “...I’ll miss you too.”
“Cyrene wanted to say goodbye, by the way. Will you and Mom be okay harvesting the wheat while I’m away?” Phainon asks. “...I probably won’t be able to help for a while.”
“Skipping out on chores, huh?” Hieronymus chuckles to himself. “Me and your mother will be okay. Just make sure to focus on learning that swordsmanship you’re so set on. Even if you never become that Deliverer they sing of, we still need you here in Aedes Elysiae.”
Phainon shuffles awkwardly. “I’m…not all that cut out to be some Deliverer…” He pauses. “You guys stay safe, okay?”
“Oh, sweetie, we should be telling you that.” Audata smiles softly. “You’ll be great, I just know it.” She looks up towards the sky. “It’s approaching the Lucid Hour. You should head towards the docks soon.” Hieronymus nods in agreement.
Phainon nods tensely, shifting his bags onto his back. “...I love you guys. I- I promise to try and stay safe. Bye.” He throws his hand up in an awkward wave goodbye.
“We love you too, sweetie.” Audata says, tearing up.
“Good luck with the sword.” Hieronymus responds, waving as Phainon turns towards the docks. He walks there, mindlessly kicking a rock down the dirt path. I never thought I’d leave these fields of wheat…The monotony of farm life…But here I am. As he approaches the dock he sees Cyrene waving for him to hurry up. When he finally arrives, she smiles.
“Are you ready for this?” She asks, bags swung over her shoulders and across her body.
“I doubt I’ll ever be.” Phainon sighs. “But we have to. It’s for the betterment of everyone living here.”
Cyrene smiles wide. “For all of Aedes Elysiae, Deliverer?”
“Yeah. For all of Aedes Elysiae.” He says, stepping up onto the ferry. He holds his hand out to Cyrene. “And for the future.”
She grabs his hand and pulls herself up onto the ferry. “The future. I like that.”
.—☀०☽—.