Thunder and lightning boom outside, illuminating a darkened room. As the camera pans in, we get a view of the back of a head, wearing a headset in front of a computer, clicking intensively away.
"No, no, no, NO, NOOOOOOOOOOHOHOOOOOO!!!!!! All of that time wasted!" The guy said in a depressed tone to himself, hanging his head low, as the screen shows a respawn countdown. He lets out a big sigh, "I should really find a Kingdom to join under, it's not like my character is undesirable, I am top 3 in the server buuuuuut... talking? Not really my thing." He leans back in his chair, placing his hands on top of his head. *Growwwwwllllll* The guy checks the time. "Oh, that's the time? Time to hit the store for some grub and then back to the grind!" He quickly pops up, grabs his large, hooded coat and walks out to his favorite corner store; Oasis.
After three blocks, he arrives, as the automatic doors open. "JOSIAH!!! What's up papa, how've you been!? I no see you in two weeks, that's not you, where you been??" As we find out, the man who just finished dying in game, was named 'Josiah'. "Hahah, Javiii, hey man. I just got back into town from a business trip! You know I live here!" He laughed as he responded. "I almost went out of business without you man! I know you want a steak & cheese pa." Josiah nodded "You know it!" They talked and joked about, as Josiah grabbed a soda and some chips until his food was ready. He left the store with a wave and headed back home, lost in thought. "Hmm... I KNOW I can tackle this ruin solo, I just need to find out the mechanics for that da-" but he gets cut off by the honking of a horn, as he was blindly crossing the street. *BOOM! SCREEEEEEEEEECHHHHH!* Was the last thing he heard.
Josiah was drifting in what looked like an ocean of nothingness. His thoughts echo "Huh?... W-where am I? I remember I got food and went home as usual.. Oh... I got hit by a car didn't I? This must be death then... twenty-nine and gone from the world heh.. It's sad, I couldn't do everything I wanted but that's ok, I accept this." As he finished, an enigmatic female voice spoke. "Josiah Moreset. Are you truly content with your life ending here and now?" The mysterious voice questioned. "No... I guess not. I wanted to accomplish so much more, something great and never did."
"Do you want that opportunity for greatness?"
"I do!" Josiah answered without hesitation.
"Then reach for me Josiah! Reach and grab your new destiny!"
As a shining light beckoned for the drifting soul. He opened his eyes and stretched for the light that appeared and as he reached his destination, bubbles started to rise around him, his whole vision being blinded and suddenly-
*SPLASH!!!*
A young boy emerged from a lake, coughing and gasping for air. "LOGAN!! ARE YOU OK!?" Another young boy, with short white hair, in the midst a group of rugged looking kids called out. The boy named Logan shouted back in response "Yeah!-" Still coughing a bit. "I'm ok!" He slowly made his way out of the water, drenched, and laid down on the ground, enjoying the warm sun, taking deep breaths. The group of kids came to surround him, as a new voice started. "I told you to watch your step Logan! We aren't even supposed to be out this far into the forest, we all would've got in trouble just because you're clumsy!" A girl with short, blond haired exclaimed. Logan chuckled "Heheh, sorry Ginny. I'm not sure what happened there..." Logan looked into the sky, caught in a daze. "That same headache, that same dream.." He thought to himself, as he was quickly snapped out of it. "Don't you think?" As the boy who first shouted questioned, looking Logan in his face.
"Wait, huh?" Logan said with a puzzled face.
"I said, we should probably head back now, don't you think?" He stated again, with an extended hand. "Ugh, Siles, just leave him. He knows how to get back to the orphanage. I'm for one, am not going to lose dinner just because of this doofus." Ginnys words cut but Logans smile never left, grabbing Siles' hand and getting to his feet. Siles put both of his hands in front of Logan, palms pointed at his chest, and started to chant "Ignatia, Goddess of the flame, heed my call. Ignite my soul, SUMMERS BALL!" He finished, extending his arms to the side, creating a decent sized ball of warming aura, which quickly dried the soaked Logan. "If you walked in soaked, we'd all get in trouble anyway." Siles said with a big grin. "This is why you're the star of the orphanage!" Logan said, as they walked back together, still within his spell.
An inner monologue starts from Logan.
"My name is Logan Totska, at least, that's what Mr. Levings told me. I'm a seven-year-old orphan. I don't know anything about my parents, except that one must have been a swordsman. I was left with only a note saying, "Be safe and protect yourself." With it, a short blade that I practice with daily, but I hope to find them one day, just to see how they're like. Siles Harding, my best friend, is the prize of our home; Shadowbloom Orphanage. He was the first person to unlock his elemental powers, without an appraiser or any help! It almost makes me sad that we're all the same age and yet, I'm so outclassed but I'm glad I made friends with him. Unlike me though, he wasn't dropped off at the doorstep, he wandered here one day. I never asked him what happened. The two girls walking a good distance in front of us are the twins, Lillith and Lola Calistae. They're usually nice but only when they aren't attached to their overly aggressive leader Ginny Vextus. She only gets overshadowed by Siles in talent but usually, she's everybody's first glance when it comes to adoption, until she opens her mouth at least. I overheard some grownups talking once, saying she was a product of infidelity and she's in fact, royalty. I don't think it's true though. She acts snobby like one, but no noble would leave their child in a place like this. She was also the second person in the orphanage to unlock their elemental powers without an appraiser and those are the only two out of our small family to do so. An appraiser comes to every child when they turn eight, to find and unlock their element, you get whisked away to a school that judges your newly found abilities, which in turn, determines the Castle you'll end up growing into an adult at. We were all given the same birthday recommended by both of Mr. Levings helpers, Clause and Claudia. So, we're all the same age technically but I'm pretty sure the twins are the eldest."
As Logans monologue was happening, we see views of them traversing the dense forest, arriving at a somewhat large and slightly decrepit building, the kids running inside. They start doing chores; dusting, sweeping, mopping, as one of the young twins clumsily trip over the bucket of soapy water, spilling it everywhere, as Claudia is seen in the background with her hand covering her face. Next, we see Ginny and Siles, standing on tiny stools, in the kitchen, making dinner for everyone, under the watchful eye of Clause, then, dinner, as the household eats together.
As the sun starts to set, we're greeted to Logan being outside with his sword, swinging and practicing, sweating and grunting, with a big smile after each one. Walking out of the orphanage, we see Siles, who leans against a nearby tree, observing his friend's training regimen. "You must be excited about our birthday tomorrow huh? You'll finally have your element unlocked!" Logan lowered his sword, wiping the sweat from his face, with a big sigh responds "Yeah. I wonder what I'll have. Maybe Lightning? I'll be able to zip around in the clouds, unseeable to the naked eye! Or Water! Using only my feet to surf across the oceans to foreign countries." Siles chuckled "You sure do dream big Logan hahaha!" Walking up to his friend "Hey-" Siles said with a slightly saddened face "I'm kind of scared about tomorrow honestly. When I get appraised, what if they find out I'm special? What will happen to me? What will happen to us? I don't want to be split up from you and everybody else. Even Ginny, as mean as she is, I don't dislike her."
Logans eyebrows furrowed "Do you feel something else inside you like when you unlocked Fire?" he questioned, as Siles just nodded. "Woah... CONGRATULATIONS!" Logan exclaimed, hugging his friend, as if he just neglected all of his worries and without letting go, he continued. "Siles, no matter what happens, no matter which Castle any of us get sent to, we'll always be family right? We've spent our whole lives together and nothing in the world can change that." Logan grabbed Siles shoulders, gently pushing him back, and with a huge, heartwarming smile, went on to say "Be excited that you're more special than we knew! You should know though; I don't plan on living in your shadow forever!" He said, pumping his fist once between the two of them, with a determined look and a smirk. Siles eyes glossed up, ready to cry but he wiped them instead and with an equally big smile, he responded "Thanks Logan." As he lightly pushed him back "But you'll never reach me at the rate you're going!" He said, running away laughing.
The next day, Charles Levings exclaimed in a boisterous voice "RISE AND SHINE CHILDREN! THE TIME IS NIGH!" Within a few seconds, the young orphans darted from their room to the main lobby and lined up, surprising the elderly man. "Oh-ho, you lot seem very eager this morning." Charles said, stroking his short white beard. "We've all been awaiting this day for months now." Lola started "So we've been up for a few hours now!" As her sister Lillith finished with a giggle. Charles squinted "And where is our favorite knucklehead at? I would've figured he'd be the first one out to greet our guest." Charles shot his gaze at Siles, knowing how close the two of them are. "I think he went into the backyard to practice, as usual." Siles responded. "Hmm, go and fetch the lad-" but before Charles finished, in came Logan from the side door, whistling, drenched in sweat and his eyes closed. "AHEM!" Charles cleared his throat, snapping Logan out of his trance as he realized just what position he was in. Watching his family of orphans, being greeted by not only the director, but a strange man dressed in very fancy, black clothing, with a rolled up something on his back. His face going from easygoing, to a look of horror. "AhhhhhhHHHHHHHHH!!! I'm so sorry!! I didn't realize how long I was outside for! I didn't think you'd come this early Mr. Appraiser man! I'm truly sorry Mr. Levings!" He spurted out, bowing profusely. Siles with three fingers on his head, slightly bowed, shaking it, embarrassed for his friend, Ginny with an annoyed expression, shaking her head as well, the twins Lillith and Lola, snickering and lastly, the appraiser with a look of pure enjoyment, intrigued. Charles sighed "Just get in line young Logan." Logan fell in as Charles continued "As you all know, during your 8th birthday, it's customary to get your element or elements, appraised. After appraisal, you'll be going to an academy to hone your newfound abilities, in hopes of getting into a prestigious Castle. That won't be for six more years, so for now? I want you young, bright minds to focus on building yourselves to be better than you were the day before. I wanted you lot to have a home to represent before this day.. but I am more than happy to call you all my accomplished children! With that being said, let us start! This here, is Mr. Monroe from the Library-Church of Coroai. You will follow his instructions to the letter. Mr. Monroe, if you will?"
The lavish looking man took a step forward and removed the roll from his back, revealing a mat with an intricate design drawn on it. A huge circle, with 5 smaller circles within it and an X going from one corner of the mat to the next. The children stared in bewilderment at what he was setting up. "Excuse me!" Logan spoke up, slightly easing the tension of the unknown, as Mr. Monroe get to his feet, seemingly finished. "Yes, young one?"
"Exactly, what is that thing?" Logan asked, never taking his eyes away from the mat, like it was calling out to him. Mr. Monroe chuckled "Caught your curiosity, did it? This is a mat that shows what your elemental affinity is. It uses a sacred Glyph, not many know how to use in this day and age. Let me demonstrate how it works, I'm sure you all must feel nervous." He steps onto the center of the mat, in the middle of all the circles and the X. "You stand right here in this spot, close your eyes and relax, think of nothing but your soul. Feel yourself drifting, until you come to see a light. Run, swim, fly, dash, reach for that light and once you grab it?" Within an instant, Mr. Monroe was incased in ice, along with the mat itself. He opened his eyes, waved at the kids and knocked on the ice wall in front of him. "Don't worry, it's hollow on the inside! Your ability will take form like this, going no further than where this Glyph and mat end, while not harming you either." As he finished, the ice wall started to shatter, disappearing before the pieces ever touched the ground.
Mr. Levings started to speak. "Lola, we'll start with you and go down the line. Step inside." Lola looked at her sister, who gave her a reassuring smile and everyone else doing the same. She nodded and confidently walked into the Glyph, staring at Mr. Monroe. "Alright young miss, relax your mind and let the Glyph do the rest for you." Lola closed her eyes and did as the appraiser had instructed previously. A few moments later, her body was surrounded by a water bubble. She looked at her element in amazement and jumped for joy, as the bubble popped, creating a light mist, which didn't go past the mat. Lillith stepped forward "Why was your ice, larger than her water?" She asked.
"Well, this Glyph here, not only shows your element but also the intensity, how strong your magic is right now. It would've perfectly fine if she could only cover part of her body and not the whole thing. That's normal for people your age." He explained. "In due time-" He continued "Depending on how you and your element grow together, you can also make it into ice. I'm a water element as well.
Lillith starts walking to the mat, as Lola returns to her spot. "Does this mean I'll be water also?" She questioned, taking her position and closing her eyes. "Most twins do have similar starts, so why don't we find out." Mr. Monroe said, as a slightly larger water bubble formed around Lillith. "Ahhh, interesting. Seems you have a deeper affinity than your twin. Not uncommon to see." Lillith walks back to her spot, high fiving Lola and Ginny. Next in line was Ginny, who walked up with smirk, taking position and looking at Mr. Monroe with confidence. "Is there a chance to accidentally break this Glyph?" she questioned as Mr. Monroe let out a good laugh "Oh, I like this group of kids! No matter how strong your power is, this Glyph is made to withstand. From ancient times, this magic stems from, so go wild!" Ginny nodded her head and focused. Within an instant, subtle sparks started to crackle at her feet but disappeared just as fast. Mr. Monroe's eyes furrowed, closely observing, intrigued. Another crackle erupted from her feet, as Mr. Monroe's eyes widened this time, glancing at Mr. Levings, who shot him a quick look, closed his eyes and nodded his head. As they both continued to watch, the sparks coming from Ginny started getting more intense, quicker, the crackling sound speeding up like a multitude of branches being stepped on. Then, everything stops for a brief second, as a jolt of white lightning erupts from beneath her. The branches of lightning looking like claws, trying to break from the invisible wall the Glyph encased them in. The sound, drowning out every other noise, the heat, drying up the air around her. Ginny's eyes sparkled. "WELL!? I've never seen anything so pretty before!" She stood there, almost motionless, as her eyes darted back and forth, admiring her element. Charles expected as much from her, but Mr. Monroe was left with a dropped jaw. "I'm highly impressed. This is a very rare element you seem to have young lady and very potent! Hone this ability and you will be very strong!" He said, as Ginny's lightning subsided and she went back to her spot, hugging her two best friends. Next up was Siles. He looked at Logan with a smile, who greeted him back with the same, as they bumped fists. "Kind of nervous!" He said before walking up to the mat but before he stepped into the middle of it, he asked "What if I've already unlocked my element, will it show me what I already know?"
Mr. Monroe raised an eyebrow "Is that the case with you, young man?" Siles nodded. "Truly an interesting bunch of children. In that case, this should show and unlock, how strong your element truly is, what it can evolve into or if you have another elemental affinity." Siles looked down, hesitant, looked back at Logan, who gave him a thumbs up and stepped into the Glyph. "Don't worry young man, relax and everything will be fine." Mr. Monroe reassured. "And you're sure no one will get hurt?" Siles questioned, which met Mr. Monroe's warm smile "I give you my word. Show us your potential." Siles took a deep breath and focused. A couple of seconds passed, and he opened his eyes. "What if you grab that first light but you see another light, do I reach for that too?" Mr. Monroe blinked in amazement. "Uhh.. y-yes, YES! Grab any and every light that you can but it will be a challenge to do. Try your hardest though." Siles nodded and recentered himself. Within a few seconds, a violet-colored flame burst forth from the ground, surrounding Siles. Mr. Levings and Monroe were shocked at what they were looking at but a moment later, that intense violet flame, turned into a violent spinning, purple flamed tornado. The way it twisted and turned, looked like it'd force itself out of the mats area and consume the orphanage and the entirety of the forest itself. The burning sound of Siles' fire made all of the children back away, all but Logan, who watched his friend in awe. Just as quickly as he created his dual elements, he made it subside, letting out a big sigh. Mr. Monroe looked at Siles with wide eyes. Ginny watched with an enraged amazement. Scared but jealous.
Siles turned towards the orphans, holding a huge smile, locking eyes with Logan and seeing his expression. He walked back to his spot "You can do this! Show everyone how strong you are." He whispered, giving Logan a slap on the back and pushing him forward. He stumbled forward from being pushed, while holding his sword within its' sheath, using it to regain his balance and locked eyes with the appraiser, Mr. Monroe. A big smirk across his face. "This is the day I've been waiting for. I'll be right beside you Siles, just watch me!" He thought to himself, advancing towards the mat. As he reached it, he laid his blade down next to it and got into position, staring at Mr. Monroe with determined eyes. Mr. Monroe smiles at the young boy "I do love the look in your eyes my boy. Are you ready to impress?" Logan said nothing but nodded his head. "Then concentrate and show us your potential."
Logan closed his eyes, doing as everyone else did, focusing on what appeared in his mind. After a short moment, he opened his eyes, looking down and repositioning himself to be more centered. Mr. Monroe noticed "Sometimes it takes a bit for the light to appear. There have been individuals who have their talents locked deep within themselves and it's a challenge to have those lights appear in the first place, even more so for our dormant magicians, such as yourself." He reassured him "You're positioned perfectly, take your time. If you want some advice, try feeling the Glyphs energy from your feet, lifting up into your eyes. It should show you exactly what element resonates with you." Logan, staring at him in fascination and excitement, just gave an enthusiastic nod.
He took a deep breath "Focus on the Glyphs power. Yeah... yeah! I feel it! Now, let it lift up my body, into my eyes." As he focused, a large amount of energy resonated from the mat, but no element was present. Mr. Monroe had a curious face on. "Why... why don't I see a light though?" After a while of trying and nothing happening, Ginny starts snickering, which then erupted into laughter. "HAHAHAHA! I always knew you were the weakest of the bunch but no element at ALL!? This is gold!" Her entourage snickered along with her, but Mr. Levings sternly cut in, breaking the laughter "Ladies!" His voice loud, sharp, heavy, the three girls quickly stopped their snickering and laughing, holding their head low, not daring to make eye contact with the piercing gaze they knew he had. Siles just watched his friend, saying nothing, with an emotionless face.
Logans arms started to shake. Angry, embarrassed, straining to find whatever light his peers seen, but nothing appeared. Logan stopped struggling, opening his eyes that now glossed from sadness, ready to cry. He clenched his teeth and before anyone could say anything, he bent down to grab his blade and darted out of the door from which he had once entered from. Siles just stood there and watched his friend, sympathetic, but also knowing nothing he said could help at this moment.
Logan sprinted through the forest, tears streaming down his face, clutching the only thing which felt loyal to him until his palms bled. He ran and ran until he reached a cliff overlooking more forest and vegetation. "WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME!? AHHHHHHHHH!!!!" He yelled as hard as his voice would allow, unsheathing his sword and unleashing a devastating 180, diagonal slice. "Huh?" He lightly said, tears still on his face as he hears a light 'thud' and something sliding on the floor, next, he heard the creaking of wood, as a nearby tree slowly starts falling down, creating a thunderous 'BOOM!' being cut by the enraged Logan. Looking at his face, not only were there the same tears but he now had blood on it. He turned around to see a decapitated rabbit body near the cliffs edge. He scanned around, seeing nothing, then looked over edge. Hundreds of meters down, he saw only treetops. He wiped the tears and blood from his face "At least I have a snack I guess." He said in a low tone before grabbing his meal and looking around. "But... where even am I?" Without realizing it, he had run farther than he and everyone else had ever ventured to.
He started walking in a random direction, traversing the vegetation and new flora. Yet he was captivated by the vibrant colors of all the plant life around him. As he walked, he noticed a pond, with a unique purple and orange plant, coated in thorns, just as tall as he was. "Woah.. this plant is so beautiful." He said to himself, getting closer to take a sniff, but when he did, it let out a gentle mist right into his face, causing him to stumble backwards, falling onto his butt and coughing. "OH, BY THE GODS THAT REAKS!" He yelled, barely catching his breath. He used a nearby tree to get himself back onto his feet and splashed his face with the pond water. He resumed his journey, but within a few minutes, his vision started to become wavy. The colors around him started to morph into hues that shouldn't be. The brown trunks of the trees turned almost orange, the green vegetation, transformed into purple flowers, unknown to Logan. The sky, taking the color of the once green grass, clouds of yellow. Logan started to panic but, in the distance, he seen a large tower. He decided to run towards it, in search of help. Not only for his condition but also directions back to his home.
He climbed the large stairs, leading to the large gilded brown double doors of the crystal blue castle in the woods and as he was about to knock, the double doors slowly creaked open, letting out a gust of strong wind, which Logan had to brace himself for, shielding his face. As it subsided, he peaked through the gap in his arms, slowly lowering them and cautiously entered. "H-hello? Is anyone here? I really need some help please!" He yelled, as he was greeted by a large library and a spiral staircase in the middle of the gigantic room, leading to a balcony overlooking.
"Ah, the visitor finally arrives, just as he said." An almost mystical voice echoed throughout the room. It was soft and sounded like multiple people talking at once. Logan looked around the ground floor, since the voice seemed to be coming from everywhere. "Up here boy." the voice said, as Logan quickly locked onto the location of the mysterious being. But, as he did, he sees it was a ghostly figure, nothing human in the slightest, or at least, not human anymore. "Wahhhhhhhh!!!" He yelled, stumbling back but instead of falling, he bumped into something soft. He looked up, seeing the ghostly figure behind him, smiling, one eyebrow raised. Logan flinched and stepped away, grabbing the hilt of his blade, shaking, but ready to fight. The ghostly lady figure laughed. "Cute boy. You'd have no chance of defeating me, even if I was evil. I'm a friend of yours, I assure you. We also don't have much time, so you should listen and relax Logan." Her words reassured him, relaxing and slowly lowering his guard but he was taken by surprise. "H-how do you know my name?" He questioned. But the being answered as such "An element less being, not from this world, shall house the soul of Gilgamesh and an aptitude for Glyphs. He will arrive when his spirit is at its lowest, the sun at its peak. The day a great beast falls, and an ancient plant takes bloom, he shall greet you within the sacred library. And here you are. I know all about this world and its inhabitants, you're no exception vessel of Gilgamesh."
Logan stared, nothing making sense "Gilgamesh? Not from this world?" his face filled with confusion. The being just chuckled "Hmhmhm. Dear boy of unimaginable power, focus and study Glyphs. Your path shall become clear in due time, but as for now? That sword is your greatest ally, your ultimate power." And before he could even react, a gust of wind pushed him through the once solid being, out the door, back into the forest from where he entered, unconscious.