Ave began her tale to Hinabi about the history of the Naraka World after its genesis. The beautiful priestess listened intently to the Grand Aeon before her, her gaze fixed upon Ave's eyes, which seemed to hold the very depths of ages, reflecting eons of forgotten lore.
Ave recounted how Bahamut, the Dragon King, had fallen into a profound slumber akin to death, and how she herself had been trapped within a colossal ice crystal, a prison that both froze and contained a deadly, insidious poison.
She also explained the ancient laws that bound them, the Aeons, preventing them from directly harming their brethren of the Order of the Moon, a truth she conveyed with a subtle hint of lingering bitterness.
Hinabi, whose attention had remained unwavering throughout Ave's recounting, finally posed the question that had been weighing heavily upon her mind. A delicate furrow appeared on her brow, a reflection of her confusion and deep concern.
"Lady… why do you desire to share your Maha with Jade? Will you not slowly fade and perish as did your brother Demantra?" Hinabi's voice was soft, almost a whisper, filled with a palpable apprehension.
A gentle smile, like the blooming of a rare and luminous flower, graced Ave's lips, a stark contrast to the dark and troubled tale she had just shared.
"Nay, Hinabi," she replied calmly, her eyes holding a reassuring light that seemed to penetrate the priestess's very soul. "I never spoke of a physical union, a mere joining of flesh. It is his soul that I shall wed."
"Therefore, I shall not fade into oblivion and perish. Instead, he will become mine for all eternity, bound to me in spirit."
Upon hearing Ave's pronouncement, Hinabi's expression shifted instantly. Disapproval was evident in her slightly narrowed eyes and the subtle tightening of her lips, betraying a flicker of dismay.
Yet, Ave stood before her, her aura radiating an unshakeable conviction that brooked no argument.
"This is the only path by which humans such as yourselves may stand on equal footing with the corrupted might of Rivotra."
"Prepare three more individuals to be joined in this sacred bond by Mythria, Karasu Tengu, and Nyanja." Ave's command held an undeniable weight, a decree from a being of immense power.
"We shall summon them into this man's Nypocampus once he has sworn fealty to me, a willing participant in this sacred union."
Ave then elaborated, explaining that this soul marriage was akin to the deep soul resonance that binds Summoners to their loyal Mystical Beasts.
However, she emphasized a crucial difference. Should Jade's mortal life come to an end, Ave would not perish alongside him, nor would she take over his physical form.
Conversely, if Ave were to meet her end, an eventuality that seemed unlikely, Jade would live on, his spirit unbound.
This differed significantly from the soul resonance of Mystical Beasts, which demanded a lifelong, shared fate, inextricably linking their existences.
Furthermore, Ave revealed a more intimate detail: she would never be able to separate from Jade entirely. Her essence would be confined to and reside within the intricate landscape of Jade's Nypocampus, their souls forever intertwined.
Hinabi's face grew even paler as Ave's explanation unfolded, each word painting a clearer, yet more unsettling, picture. Deep concern shone in her eyes as she gazed at Ave with a growing apprehension.
"Lady, could I not take Jade's place as your… medium in this endeavor?" Hinabi asked with a hopeful tone, implying feelings that went beyond mere respect for Jade's position.
A soft laugh, like the gentle chiming of distant bells, escaped Ave's lips at Hinabi's earnest request.
She stepped closer and casually patted Hinabi's posterior, a playful gesture that caused the beautiful priestess to flinch in surprise, a blush rising to her cheeks.
"Hinabi, the primary reason I chose young Jade for this sacred bond is because I hold no fondness for women in that manner.
I am not like the whimsical Nyanja!" Ave declared with a teasing lilt in her voice, though a hint of underlying firmness remained in her knowing eyes.
"Lady!" Hinabi exclaimed, her blush deepening at Ave's unexpected and somewhat familiar action.
"One more matter before you depart. Come closer, Hinabi…" Ave whispered softly into Hinabi's ear, imparting a secret of such profound consequence that it caused Hinabi's eyes to widen in utter disbelief.
Fear and shock were starkly etched across her delicate features.
"T… truly? Lady… is there no other path, no other way?" Hinabi sank to her knees before Ave, tears beginning to well in her eyes, shimmering like unshed jewels.
Despair was palpable in her expression, a deep sorrow that wracked her very being.
"There is none, Hinabi… pray that we all succeed in this perilous undertaking.
Through this young man's hands, I shall spill the blood of Rivotra and the others who have succumbed to the Shadow." Ave's voice was cold, seemingly unaffected by Hinabi's evident distress, her resolve as hard as the Mythril from which legends were forged.
Hinabi sobbed, tears streaming down her face like rain upon a windowpane. Ave remained silent, folding her arms across her chest, her expression unreadable and distant, a mask of ancient power and unwavering determination.
"Later. Once you have relayed everything we have discussed to the Queen, you must meet your sister within the Nypocampus. Tell her the true power that lies dormant within The Astrologer." Ave's tone shifted, becoming more serious and commanding.
"Such is the intertwined fate of the twin priestesses, a burden and a privilege passed down through generations."
"And prepare yourselves, Hinabi and Hanabi, for the worst possible outcome, for the shadows ahead are long and fraught with peril," Ave stated, her gaze piercing, as if she possessed the power to foresee a future shrouded in darkness and uncertainty.
"Now go, child. Time in the outer world continues its relentless turn, and much remains to be done." Hinabi rose from her kneeling position, her limbs heavy with the weight of the revelations she had just received.
She was still weeping softly, but her nod to Ave was filled with a profound obedience, a testament to the Grand Aeon's undeniable authority.
"Be strong, Hinabi. Trust that we shall soon reunite in the promised place, when this arduous task is complete." Ave then embraced her mother's loyal follower tightly, attempting to impart a measure of solace and strength before the trials to come.
Soft lights, resembling a swarm of ethereal fireflies, swarmed gently around Hinabi, causing her form to shimmer and fade from Ave's embrace, leaving behind a faint, soothing floral scent that lingered in the air like a whispered promise.
Ave turned her attention back to Jade, her gaze now scrutinizing and analytical.
"Your name is Jade, is it not? We have not yet had the proper chance to exchange names in the traditional manner… tell me, why do you possess a fragment of my brother Bahamut's own Maha?" she asked with a curious inflection, her golden eyes gleaming with intrigue.
Ave approached the still-unconscious youth and gently tilted his head to the side, her gaze intent.
She clearly discerned the symbol of a Rem, an ancient character etched faintly upon his skin, signifying that Jade held power derived from a portion of Bahamut's vast Maha, specifically that aspect known as Rem.
"This is the very symbol of the Dragon Conqueror… It is even possible that Tiamat herself might heed your call… My brother was truly enigmatic in his ways," Ave murmured, her brow furrowed in thought as she pondered the implications of this discovery.
She tilted Jade's head again in the opposite direction, examining every inch of his face with an unnerving intensity.
"Looks rather delectable indeed…" Ave whispered, her eyes gleaming strangely with an unnatural hunger.
Her tongue flicked across her teeth, which were slowly but surely transforming, growing pointed and serrated, like the teeth of a saw, hinting at a predatory nature hidden beneath her beautiful facade.
Gradually, her cheeks stretched and contorted, tearing slightly at the corners of her lips, and her mouth widened grotesquely, nearly reaching below her ears, transforming her delicate features into something monstrous, a creature with an intimidatingly hungry gaze that spoke of ancient, primal urges.
In the blink of an eye, with a speed that belied her earlier grace, Ave lunged forward and bit deeply into Jade's neck!
"Aaarrhhh!!!" Jade's scream, raw and filled with mortal terror, echoed through the sacred chamber, shattering the stillness.
He jolted awake, his eyes wide with the horrifying realization of the monstrous creature devouring his neck and shoulder, fresh blood staining its downy, once-pure white feathers a gruesome crimson.
***** *****
Meanwhile, in the world beyond the Nypocampus…
Hinabi regained consciousness within the familiar confines of the sacred chamber where she had been before her journey into the realm of consciousness.
The sounds of insistent knocking and the anxious calls of knights echoed from beyond the chamber doors, their voices filled with growing urgency. "Lady Hinabi! Lady Hinabi! Are you within?"
Hinabi, her mind still reeling from the profound experience within the Nypocampus, looked around in confusion. She saw no sign of Ave, the Night Princess. Only Jade lay unconscious in the room with her, his breathing shallow and uneven.
"Lady Hinabi! Are you inside? General Lance has returned, gravely wounded!" A knight's voice grew more urgent, the pounding on the heavy wooden door intensifying as he called Hinabi's name with rising worry and a hint of desperation.
With a racing heart, Hinabi rushed to open the door, her hand trembling on the latch. The light from the corridor outside flooded into the dimly lit chamber, illuminating her pale face, where new lines of worry were etched deeply around her usually serene eyes.
Her usually calm and composed gaze now reflected a profound anxiety, as if she had just witnessed something truly horrific and unsettling. She glanced briefly at Jade, still lying unconscious in the center of the room, a gasp catching in her throat at the sight of the gruesome wound that had inexplicably appeared on the young man's neck, a raw and bleeding gash.
However, the panicked voices of the knights beyond the door urged her to act swiftly, reminding her of the immediate crisis.
With a heavy heart, she tore her gaze away from Jade, steeled her resolve, and stepped out of the chamber, placing her complete trust in Ave's enigmatic plan.
As Hinabi stepped out into the corridor, she was met by the tense and worried faces of the knights on guard.
Several of them appeared agitated, their swords drawn but wavering slightly in their grips, mirroring their shared confusion and growing apprehension about the events unfolding within the temple.
"Lady Hinabi!" a young knight exclaimed with a worried tone, his eyes fixed on Hinabi with hopeful expectation, seeking answers and reassurance. "What happened inside the chamber? We heard a terrible scream…"
Hinabi took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself despite the frantic beating of her heart and the lingering fear that still clung to her.
"There is no immediate danger," she replied, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to conceal the lingering fear and the strange events she had just witnessed. "General Lance… how fares he? What news of his return?"
"That is what troubles us deeply, Lady," interjected an older knight, his expression etched with profound concern and a weariness that spoke of sleepless nights.
"He has not regained consciousness since he was found. Queen Yukihiko is with him in the recovery chamber, and the healers are gravely concerned."
Hinabi hurried down the familiar temple corridors, which usually exuded an atmosphere of tranquility and sacredness, now permeated by a palpable aura of anxiety and hushed whispers.
The sound of her swift footsteps echoed between the ancient stone pillars, mingling with the soft, unceasing prayers she murmured under her breath, seeking guidance and strength from the Mother.
Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions: deep worry for Jade's precarious condition and the pressing responsibility to ascertain the state of General Lance, a pillar of their kingdom's defense.
"What do you know of the circumstances surrounding General Lance's discovery?" Hinabi asked the knights flanking her, seeking to gather as much information as possible about his sudden return.
"The search party dispatched by Her Majesty found him in a secluded meadow approximately ten kilometers from here, Lady," one of the knights replied, his voice somber.
"He had collapsed atop his Wyvern, Umbra. The magnificent creature itself appeared utterly exhausted, as if it had traversed a great distance with incredible haste."
"Were there any signs of Marquess Tommy in the vicinity of where General Lance was found?" Hinabi inquired further, her brow furrowed with concern for the missing noble.
She knew General Lance had been accompanied by Tom, a Marquess from the Lily Flower Isle, when they faced the Umbra Stryx.
The knights exchanged uneasy glances, a silent communication passing between them, before the older knight responded with a perplexed tone,
"None, Lady. There were no signs of any recent battle, no trace of another person. Only General Lance himself was found, unconscious and gravely wounded."
"Inform me immediately if there is any news regarding Marquess Tom," Hinabi instructed the young knight Alden, who accompanied her with unwavering loyalty. "And what of the Dragon Slayer forces who accompanied General Lance?" Hinabi continued, her thoughts turning to the brave warriors.
"A portion of them have returned and are currently resting, Lady. However, a contingent went with Marchioness Lyra, the skilled archer, to continue the search for Marquess Tommy."
"According to the latest reports, the main body of ground troops is likely to arrive the day after tomorrow, along with the remaining Xiangdu forces who have pledged their allegiance to our Queen, all heading towards the Jindara Palace to reinforce our defenses."
"Very well. Keep me updated on any new information regarding the movements of our troops and any sightings of Ramon's forces," Hinabi stated firmly, her voice regaining some of its usual composure.
They then arrived at a heavily guarded chamber, the air around it thick with an atmosphere of sorrow and palpable apprehension.
Through the slightly ajar door, Hinabi saw Queen Yukihiko seated beside a bed, clutching General Lance's hand tightly in her own.
The Queen's face was etched with profound grief, her eyes swollen and reddened as if she had been weeping for a long time, her silent tears a testament to her deep affection for the fallen hero.
Slowly, Hinabi pushed the door open and stepped inside the somber chamber. The knights on guard within bowed their heads in silent respect at her entrance.
Queen Yukihiko, noticing her presence, turned with a face that mirrored the same sorrow and worry that weighed heavily upon Hinabi's own heart.
Lying still and frail upon the bed was General Lance, the once valiant and formidable commander, a warrior whose strength and courage were legendary throughout the kingdom, now appearing so fragile and vulnerable.
His face was ashen, several bandages were wrapped around his body, stained with fresh blood, and his breathing was shallow, irregular, and barely audible, a faint whisper against the heavy silence of the room.
"Hinabi," Queen Yukihiko greeted her with a soft, trembling voice, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears as she met Hinabi's gaze, seeking solace and understanding in the priestess's presence.
"Thank heavens you have returned safely. General Lance…" The Queen paused, taking a shaky breath, her voice catching in her throat before she continued in a sorrowful tone, the weight of the news heavy upon her.
"He was found by the search party in a secluded meadow approximately ten kilometers from here. He had collapsed atop his magnificent Wyvern, Umbra, who also appeared to be in a grave state."
"His condition is gravely concerning, Hinabi. He has not regained consciousness since he was found. The physicians have done everything within their power, utilizing all their knowledge and skill, but…"
The Queen's voice broke, a sob escaping her lips, and tears finally spilled down her cheeks, tracing glistening paths through the remnants of her earlier sorrow.
She bowed her head again, gently kissing Lance's cold hand, which felt lifeless and fragile in her grasp, a stark reminder of his precarious hold on life.
Hinabi approached the bedside with quiet, reverent steps, her own heart aching at the sight of the Queen's profound grief and the General's truly unsettling state, his life hanging precariously in the balance.
She knelt on the other side of the bed, gazing at Lance's pale and drawn face with deep pity and a profound sense of loss. She knew the immense importance of General Lance to the entire kingdom, his leadership and unwavering courage a beacon of hope in these dark times.
Lance's face was slowly turning blue, his breath coming in ragged, shallow gasps, each one seeming to be his last.
She worried that he might have been struck by a direct blast of venom from an Umbra Stryx; she knew all too well that in this world, even the most advanced technology could not always cure the potent and insidious venom of a Mystical Beast.
After a moment of heavy, heart-wrenching silence, Hinabi truly felt the crushing weight of their dire circumstances, the enormity of the challenges they faced pressing down upon her. Her heart wavered under the burden of the trials that lay ahead.
Suddenly, in the midst of her despair, Hinabi remembered Ave, the enigmatic Night Princess. Perhaps, just perhaps, this powerful being could offer some form of aid to the gravely wounded General Lance.
Gathering her courage, Hinabi conveyed to the grieving Queen the extraordinary tale she had just heard from Ave within the Nypocampus.
In a soft yet clear and steady voice, she recounted everything she had experienced in that ethereal realm and the requests made by Ave, the princess of the night, a being of immense and ancient power.
She strove to relate everything truthfully and in meticulous detail, explaining every recollection, every strange and wondrous event, even though she herself still felt a profound sense of wonder and disbelief at the truth behind the unbelievable tale.
As she spoke, Hinabi occasionally glanced at the Queen, observing every subtle shift in her expression, searching for any sign of hope or understanding.
Queen Yukihiko appeared initially not to be listening intently to Hinabi's words, her grief seemingly consuming her.
Her brow was deeply furrowed, her lips slightly pressed together in a silent prayer, and her gaze was distant, lost in her own sorrowful thoughts. She seemed solely focused on Lance's precarious condition, her every breath held in anxious anticipation.
However, as Hinabi's extraordinary story unfolded, the Queen's expression gradually began to change.
The unbelievable tale of Ave and her formidable power seemed to offer a faint glimmer of hope in the overwhelming darkness that had enveloped them; she likely shared Hinabi's desperate thought that perhaps a miracle was possible.
"Is… is this truly the truth, Hinabi?" the Queen finally asked, her voice filled with a fragile hope that had begun to flicker in the darkness of her despair.
She lifted her tear-stained face, looking at Hinabi with reddened and weary eyes, searching for confirmation.
"This story sounds… so extraordinary, so beyond the realm of possibility. Could Ave truly possess the power to help Lance? The Plaster Elixir, which has healed countless wounds, has had no effect on him whatsoever."
Just at that moment, before Hinabi could respond or attempt to reassure the Queen with words of hope, a cold yet undeniably authoritative voice echoed from the doorway of the recovery chamber, shattering the heavy silence that had hung in the air like a shroud.
"What the priestess speaks is indeed the truth, Your Majesty."
Instantly, every eye in the room turned towards the source of the commanding voice. There, standing with an ethereal grace that seemed to illuminate the very air around her, was Ave, the Night Princess, her aura of immense power palpable even in her calm and composed demeanor.
Beside her stood Jade, now conscious but still appearing dazed and weak, his face pale and drawn.
His hand occasionally drifted to the bandage wrapped around his neck, the gruesome bite mark a silent and horrifying testament to the terrifying ordeal he had just endured within the Nypocampus.
A lingering trace of fear and confusion clouded Jade's usually bright eyes.
The simultaneous and unexpected appearance of Ave and Jade in the doorway of Lance's recovery chamber served as an undeniable and shocking confirmation of Hinabi's incredible account, silencing any lingering doubts that might have remained in the hearts of those present.
Queen Yukihiko stared at Ave with a mixture of shock, utter bewilderment, and a palpable fear that widened her already tear-filled eyes. She rose hastily from her seat beside Lance's bed, her steps slightly unsteady with surprise and a dawning sense of the extraordinary events that were unfolding before her.
"Lady Ave…" the Queen greeted her with a respectful tone, bowing her head slightly in deference to the powerful being. Hinabi moved closer to Ave, supporting Jade, who looked frail and unsteady beside the radiant Grand Aeon.
"Can you… can you truly help the man lying there?" the Queen pleaded, her voice filled with worry and a desperate, fragile hope that this powerful being held the key to saving her beloved general.
Ave turned her luminous gaze towards the still form of General Lance lying upon the bed. A flicker of surprise, almost recognition, crossed her beautiful features.
Lance was the very man who had shattered the ice crystal prison of Eira, her sister of the Order of the Moon, the Eternal Ice, freeing her from her frozen slumber.
"This man… this mortal man is the one who freed me from the icy embrace of my sister from the Order of the Moon."
"Eira, the Eternal Ice, who sought to keep me imprisoned for her own purposes." Ave glided silently towards Lance's bedside and then stated, her voice filled with a sudden understanding,"
"He has absorbed far too much venom from Ba'i Yang, the Basilisk, a creature of immense power and deadly poison. His life force is fading rapidly."