Rhox was surrounded by dense fog as she followed the woman, unable to see her and guided only by her ethereal humming. The melody was haunting, a mix of sorrow and allure, drawing Rhox deeper into the unknown. She followed for what felt like an eternity until she came across a ruin thickly covered in foliage, with ancient tree roots intertwined with the stone remnants. The ruins were majestic and eerie, with towering stone tablets erected along the sides, their inscriptions indecipherable to her. Each stone tablet bore strange symbols at their apex, each unique and enigmatic.
"Welcome, child…to one of the ruins of the old civilization of Ontari," the woman said, her voice barely more than a whisper, lightly shrouded by the mists.
Rhox's eyes scanned her surroundings, taking in the fallen chandeliers, the fractured walls, and the gleam of gold embedded in various parts of the ruins. Everything was ancient and beautiful, a testament to a forgotten time. She glanced upward, noticing an intricate artwork running the length of the ceiling. The mural depicted ten individuals with varied appearances, locked in fierce combat with a beast shrouded in black mists. In the backdrop, various planets were engulfed in flames, suggesting that the conflict spanned across the void.
"Ten gods…one beast…to save everything…from darkness," the woman intoned, her voice echoing through the ruins like a spectral chant.
Rhox felt a chill run down her spine at the woman's words. "What happened to them?" she asked, her voice barely audible as she tried to process the scene depicted on the ceiling.
The woman approached Rhox, her movements graceful and otherworldly. "I am Vekx, a servant of Andressto…one of those gods. And I can feel…Andressto…on your soul…gripping tightly."
Rhox felt a shiver run down her spine as she processed Vekx's words. The mention of Andressto resonated deeply within her, stirring memories and emotions she couldn't quite place. She met Vekx's gaze, seeing a depth of wisdom and sadness in her eyes. "Why me?" Rhox asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Why do I feel this connection?"
Vekx reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against Rhox's arm. "You have been chosen, child. There is a strength within you, a fire that Andressto recognizes. You are destined for something greater than you can imagine."
"But what if I'm not ready?" Rhox whispered, fear creeping into her heart.
Vekx's gaze softened, and she offered a reassuring smile. "None of us are ever truly ready for the roles we are given. But you are stronger than you know, Rhox. And you will not be alone in this journey."
Rhox took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "What do I need to do?"
"For now, you must listen," Vekx replied, her voice gentle yet firm. "Listen to the call of Andressto, and let his guidance lead you. There will be trials, but with each one, you will grow stronger."
Vekx continued, her voice a soft murmur, each word spaced out like a forgotten incantation. "Andressto…was one of the cruel…battle gods…who waged war…across galaxies…with the help…of his heralds of war. He was a protector…of the innocent…and weak…unmerciful…to evil…and had a keen eye…for exceptionally talented combatants. But Andressto…was also one of the traitor gods…who sided with the dark beast…for reasons…unknown. As a result…he and his heralds…were hunted…until his presence…faded across the void…and none of his heralds…survived."
Rhox felt a deep resonance with Vekx's words, each detail adding layers to the enigmatic figure of Andressto. "He sounds...complicated," Rhox said, her voice tinged with awe and confusion. "A god of war and protection, yet also a betrayer. Why would he side with the dark beast?"
Vekx's eyes reflected a depth of ancient knowledge. "The reasons…remain shrouded…in mystery…even to those…who served him. Some say…it was a strategic move…others believe…it was out of love…or desperation. But the truth…remains elusive."
Rhox nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of Vekx's revelation. "And what happened to his heralds? Why didn't any survive?"
"Each one…was hunted…relentlessly pursued…by forces of both light…and darkness. Their fate…was sealed…the moment Andressto…was deemed a traitor," Vekx replied, her voice heavy with sorrow. "Their sacrifices…their battles…all forgotten…in the sands of time."
Vekx then, with a solemn look, pointed to Rhox and said, "For hundreds…and thousands of years…none were deemed worthy…to be Andressto's herald…until now. But you…were not chosen…by Andressto himself…but by the dark beast. One is interested…in your battle potential…while the other…is interested in your potential…as a whole…both gripping…your soul…and influencing you."
Rhox felt a shiver run down her spine, her mind racing to comprehend the gravity of Vekx's revelation. "So, I'm caught between two powerful entities, both wanting something from me," she muttered, more to herself than to Vekx.
"Indeed," Vekx affirmed, her voice steady and reassuring. "This duality…within you…is both a blessing…and a curse. It gives you strength…but also places you…in constant peril."
"Back in Dark Thorn," Rhox began, her voice steady but filled with curiosity, "I encountered an apparition of a beast-like entity. It showed me various experiences and visions that seemed to foreshadow the future. It muttered words about my revenge and the fate of the universe."
Vekx nodded, her expression grave, her eyes narrowing as she listened intently. "I see…the dark beast…has started to make contact…with you. Take its warning…to heart…for the dark beast…is a wise being…that even the righteous Andressto…trusted. Now that you…are aware of its presence…it will try to make contact…with you…however it can…especially during your sleep…and rests."
Rhox's brow furrowed as she tried to piece everything together. "Why does it show me these things? What does it want from me?"
"The dark beast…sees potential…in you, Rhox. It seeks…to guide…and test you…to prepare you…for what lies ahead. Its motives…may be unclear…but its interest…in you…is undeniable," Vekx explained, her tone filled with a mix of warning and encouragement.
"And Andressto? Will he ever...appear to me?" Rhox asked, her voice tinged with a blend of hope and apprehension.
Vekx's gaze softened. "Andressto's influence…has dimmed…over the centuries…weakened by time…and forgotten worship. But through you…there is a chance…for his resurgence. Your actions…your choices…will determine his strength…and presence…in the void."
Rhox took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her newfound destiny pressing upon her. "So, I'm to revive a fallen god and heed the counsel of a dark beast. No pressure," she said with a wry smile, trying to mask her growing anxiety.
Vekx offered a gentle smile in return. "You are stronger…than you realize, Rhox. Embrace your path…and you will find…the strength…to face whatever comes your way."
Vekx continued to explain, her voice imbued with an ancient wisdom. "Andressto's current state…is one of extreme weakness. He cannot…communicate directly…with you. To regain his power…you must feed him essence…collected from ancient ruins…where his name…was once worshipped. This will involve…calling out to him…and finding worthy individuals…to accompany the herald of war."
Rhox sighed, a mix of frustration and determination crossing her features. "Great, more traveling…any tips where I can find these temples?" Her tone held a blend of sarcasm and genuine curiosity, masking her apprehension about the monumental task ahead.
Vekx chuckled softly, the sound reminiscent of wind rustling through ancient trees. "You're standing on one yourself, child," she replied, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement.
Vekx led Rhox to a tall tablet, the stone worn with age but still imposing. At its apex was an etched symbol, a golden scale with two burning swords crossed. Vekx's voice took on a reverent tone as she explained, "This symbol…depicts Andressto's character…a powerful battle god…who wielded his power…for righteousness…defending the weak…and the good."
Rhox studied the symbol, feeling a strange connection to the image. "So this is where it starts," she murmured, more to herself than to Vekx.
"Indeed," Vekx affirmed, her gaze steady. "Lay your hands upon it, my child…then close your eyes…and call out to his name…Andressto."
Rhox hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts of what might happen next. "And this will really work? He'll hear me?" she asked, a flicker of doubt in her eyes.
Vekx nodded, her expression serene. "Yes, child…he will hear you. His essence…is bound to this place. Your call…will awaken…what little remains…of his power."
Taking a deep breath, Rhox stepped forward and laid her hands on the cold stone of the tablet. She closed her eyes, feeling the ancient energy thrumming beneath her fingertips. "Andressto…heed my call," she whispered, her voice steady.
She repeated the invocation, each word resonating with more conviction. "Andressto…heed my call." A warmth began to spread through her hands, traveling up her arms and enveloping her body in a comforting embrace. Rhox opened her eyes, the golden glow from the symbol reflecting in her gaze. She felt a connection, a bond forming between her and the ancient god.
Vekx watched, a faint smile on her lips. "You are doing well, Rhox…continue to call out…let him feel your presence."
Rhox repeated the words, her voice growing stronger with each utterance. "Andressto…heed my call." The warmth intensified, filling her with a sense of purpose and power. She felt a stirring within her soul, a response to her plea.
Rhox followed Vekx's instructions, placing her hands on the tablet and closing her eyes. She muttered, "Andressto…heed my call." The words felt strange on her tongue, ancient and powerful. She repeated them several times, each repetition imbuing her with a sense of purpose. Slowly, a warmth enveloped her body, spreading from her fingertips to her core, filling her with an inexplicable energy. Opening her eyes, she found herself in a desolate landscape, starkly different from the vibrant forest she had left behind. Wrecked ships and burning ruins littered the area, everything grey and lifeless.
In the distance, she noticed a small old man sitting on one of the shipwrecks, staring at the sky as flames consumed everything around him. The sight was both eerie and heartbreaking. Rhox approached cautiously, her steps tentative, and asked, "Andressto?"
The old man glanced at her, his eyes weary but sharp. He signaled for her to sit beside him on the wreckage. Rhox complied, curiosity and caution warring within her. She could feel the weight of centuries in his gaze, the burden of countless battles and betrayals.
"Tell me, what do you see?" the old man asked, his voice tinged with sadness and resignation. There was a heaviness to his words, as if he carried the sorrow of the entire desolate landscape.
"Ships, broken as far as my eye can see and flames engulfing everything…A feeling of both sorrow and defeat," Rhox replied, her voice filled with empathy. She felt a connection to this place, a deep sense of loss and despair.
The old man nodded slowly, his movements deliberate. "Ah yes…Defeat…oh how far I have fallen…" He stood up with effort, his legs trembling under his weight. Raising his hands to the sky, he seemed to grasp at the air, his fingers curling as if trying to hold onto something intangible before clasping his hands together. He looked at Rhox again, his eyes filled with urgency and a glimmer of hope. "I need your help, child…for yourself, for your revenge, for your fate, and the fate of everything you love…For the fate of everything that exists…"
Rhox sensed the desperation in his voice but remained cautious. "Who are you?" she asked, needing confirmation. There was something familiar about his presence, something that stirred a recognition deep within her.
The old man's gaze softened. "You may call me a soldier, admiral, friend, or father...Andressto, yes...but not a god...merely a soldier trying to save the place he loved...the place he called home," he replied, his voice a blend of determination and sorrow.
Rhox felt a surge of respect and empathy for the old man, but hesitation lingered. "Why me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why was I chosen?"
Andressto's eyes bore into hers, filled with a mixture of hope and desperation. "Because, child, within you lies the strength and the will to change the fate of the universe. Your spirit is unyielding, and your heart knows the true meaning of justice and vengeance. But you must understand, there is a far greater evil in the void than you can fathom. Some can end worlds…something far worse than the Dark Beast."
Rhox took a step back, her mind racing. "I don't know if I can take this on. There are too many unknowns. What if I'm not strong enough?" Her voice wavered with uncertainty.
Andressto took a deep breath, his expression softening. "You were also chosen by me, not just the dark beast. You have the blood and inheritance of a very powerful being, one whose strength and legacy run through your veins. I shall reveal more in due time."
Rhox's eyes widened in bewilderment. "But my parents…they died when I was young. How could I have such a legacy?"
Andressto reached out and gently tapped her shoulder. "Rhox, you are far stronger and more important than you think. Your existence is tied to the strings of fate of countless lives in the void. The destiny you carry is vast and intertwined with the future of many."
Rhox felt the weight of his words, a mix of fear and determination settling in her heart. She looked into his eyes, searching for answers and finding a glimmer of truth. "What do I need to do?" she asked, her voice steadier but still filled with questions.
Andressto's expression turned serious. "You need to find the old ruins that worshipped me. Call out my name and seek those worthy to join you. Together, you will rebuild the strength needed to confront the darkness."
Rhox nodded slowly, still processing everything. "Alright…I'll try. But I need more answers. I need to know who I am and what I'm truly fighting for."
Andressto smiled gently, his eyes reflecting a father's pride. "In due time, Rhox. In due time. Remember, you are not alone in this. We will face the darkness together."
As the flames around them flickered and danced, Rhox felt a bond form between them, a shared determination to fight against the darkness that threatened the universe
Suddenly, Andressto's body erupted in flames, his form slowly fading into the inferno. "I'm running out of time, my child...find the next ruin, and there you shall find a worthy companion...From there, speak to me once again," he said, his voice echoing with a mix of urgency and reassurance.
He reached out and touched Rhox's forehead. The moment his fingers made contact, a surge of warmth and energy coursed through her, filling her with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. As Andressto vanished in a blaze of light, the flames spread outward, consuming everything in their path. The inferno grew until darkness enveloped her once more.
Cold winds rushed through Rhox as she found herself engulfed by the void, the chill biting into her skin. The familiar presence of the dark beast loomed over her, its presence oppressive and foreboding.
"The Dark beast…" Rhox muttered, recognizing the entity from her previous visions.
In the impenetrable darkness, she couldn't see anything—only hear the haunting voice of the beast, speaking in strange languages that resonated within her mind, a language she mysteriously understood.
"Rhox…Aggro…The wheels…have started to turn…the hourglass…has been turned upside down…your destiny…your fate…your revenge…finish them…before the end of everything comes…I shall be…by your side…watching…then if you're ready…I will grant you…the power…the power of the void," the voice intoned, each word carrying a weight that pressed upon her soul.
Rhox's mind swirled with the implications of the beast's words, the enormity of her task bearing down on her. She felt a mixture of fear and determination, knowing that her journey was far from over.
The darkness began to lift, and Rhox woke up back in the forest, the dense foliage and towering trees surrounding her once more. Vekx stood nearby, waiting patiently, her ethereal form a steady presence amidst the chaos.
As Rhox regained her bearings, she could feel the residual warmth of Andressto's touch lingering on her forehead. She turned to Vekx, her eyes wide with the weight of her experience. "I spoke with Andressto," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "He told me to find the next ruin to locate a worthy companion. But there's more... the dark beast, it's watching me, waiting. It spoke of my destiny, my fate... my revenge. It said it would grant me the power of the void when I'm ready."
Vekx's expression grew more serious, her voice carrying an ancient wisdom. "The dark beast…its interest in you is profound. You must tread carefully, Rhox. The path ahead is fraught with danger and temptation."
Rhox stood, looking around at the still-unconscious crew. "I understand. But I need to find the next ruin. Andressto said I would find a worthy companion there."
Vekx nodded, her eyes never leaving Rhox's. "We shall assist you, Herald of War. Together, we will face the challenges that lie ahead."
Rhox looked down at her hands, feeling the weight of her new role settle upon her shoulders. "I hope I'm ready for this," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Vekx placed a comforting hand on Rhox's arm. "You are stronger than you know, Rhox. Andressto chose you for a reason. Trust in yourself and the path will become clear."
Rhox took a deep breath, nodding resolutely. "Then let's wake the others and move forward. We have a destiny to fulfill."
The group began to stir, slowly waking from their slumber.
"Herald of War...I shall serve you as I serve Andressto...you shall have a portion of my power...albeit small...I hope it will help you in your travels..." Vekx said, her voice echoing through the mists before her form dissolved and entered Rhox's body. She continued, "I shall live within your soul...gripping...til the day of the end comes...and the great fleet flies once more...You only need to heed my name…and I shall manifest."
As the mists surrounding Rhox and the group dissipated, a colossal monstrosity with piercing eyes emerged, towering over them. The group awoke, startled and disoriented by the beast's sudden presence.
"T-That's one way to greet someone," Joize stammered, rising to her feet and staring at the colossal creature in shock.
The beast's head was adorned with four massive horns, and its powerful arms and legs rippled with muscle. A thick, massive tail swayed behind it, and its back was almost completely covered in black hair. The creature's glowing green eyes seemed to pierce through the group.
For a few moments, the beast stared at them, then its gaze shifted to Rhox.
"Rhox Aggro…Herald of Andressto…Mother's essence is within you…I shall take you to the Twin Mountains…as ordered," the beast's voice echoed in their minds, resonating with a strange familiarity.
Rhox, clearly startled by what appeared to be the beast's voice, took a hesitant step forward. Joize grabbed her arm and exclaimed, "Are you insane!? You can't just walk up to that thing!" Her voice was filled with a mix of fear and protectiveness.
Vincent, equally concerned, added, "I don't think this is a good idea, Rhox. This thing could crush us in an instant."
Rhox looked at them, her eyes steady and determined. "It's fine...trust me on this one," she reassured them, her voice calm despite the tension in the air.
As Rhox approached the beast, murmurs of concern rippled through the group. Morn, gripping his blaster tightly, muttered, "This is crazy…"
Nira, ever the pragmatist, added, "If she thinks it's safe, we have to trust her judgment. She's led us this far."
Lox, trying to lighten the mood, quipped, "Well, it's either this or another night with those beasts. I vote for the giant friendly monster."
The beast lowered its massive tail, creating a path for Rhox to climb onto its back. The group's astonishment was palpable as they watched Rhox mount the creature, her form dwarfed by its immense size.
"What? It looks cute," Rhox said, her tone light-hearted and playful. "What are you all waiting for? Come on, people!" she urged, gesturing for the rest of the group to join her.
Joize laughed heartily, her mirth echoing through the forest and breaking some of the tension. "I don't know what you did or what power you have…I'll welcome it regardless!!" She began climbing the beast's tail with a mix of amusement and determination.
Vincent, shaking his head in disbelief, muttered, "She truly is a woman of many mysteries…" as he followed Rhox's lead.
One by one, the whole group mounted the beast's back. Morn grumbled, "Just when you think you've seen everything," as he settled onto the creature's fur.
Nira, securing her position, added, "This is certainly a new experience. Let's hope it's a good one."
Lox, always ready with a comment, joked, "If nothing else, it's a story to tell back home."
The beast, now carrying the entire group, started its journey towards the twin mountains. It easily traversed rough terrains and warded off potential predators with its sheer presence.
"We have a sick ride, eh?" Joize said, relaxing on the beast's black fur while she munched on a piece of fruit. The relief in her voice was clear, but so was her curiosity about their new companion.
"You're damn right," Rhox replied, chuckling slightly. She felt a strange sense of camaraderie with the beast, as if it understood them on a deeper level.
After a while, Rhox gently touched the beast's fur, as if petting it, and asked quietly, "What is your name?"
"I am Rokan...One of the war beasts of a slain herald of war," the beast replied, its voice resonating deeply within Rhox, a mix of pride and sorrow.
"Thank you, Rokan...your herald would be proud of you," Rhox responded, a soft smile gracing her lips. She felt a kinship with the creature, recognizing the shared burden of their roles.
"I'm sure she is," Rokan replied solemnly, his words a comforting presence as they continued their journey.
As the group rode on, the conversation flowed more freely, a sense of hope and determination uniting them. They knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with Rokan's strength and Rhox's leadership, they felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.