Episode 7: trials And Tribulations

It was quiet in the ER.

There was barely a sound but the soft breaths Allen took as he slept, seemingly peaceful. It was more like his body was accustomed to the same event happening in his head as the clouds passed by not minding its surroundings.

John sat at the corner waiting for the moment Allen wakes from his slumber, thinking to himself.

"He's been unconscious for a while," the person next to him spoke up.

"It won't take long for him," John replied. "I think."

"First day away from his sanctuary and he's already pushing himself."

"It's in his nature to. It's in our nature to exceed our own limit."

"To the point of almost rapturing his ribs?"

"El, you already know the kind of guy Al is."

Elaine had always been concerned for Allen's wellbeing. She knew him to well that he's the type of person that gets out of his way to do things beyond his own capabilities.

"To what end?" She spoke in a soft tone, barely mumbling but it carried a heavy emotion behind it.

John didn't want to meet her eyes so he gazed at the cotton candy clouds outside the window. The stars began to glisten around this time, when the lights did not pollute the sky and the rays of the sun barely touching the side of his face, warming him from the coldness of the room. The perfect time to take in the sights of the world around them.

The floor they were at was tall enough to spectate the people below who were rushing about on foot or in air as they prepare for tonight's festivities. The world seemingly continued to move on despite him staying in place both physically and mentally.

John didn't want to admit that he brought Allen into a world that he wasn't ready for but the situation had grown too dire to let stand. He needed Allen to jump into the flames whether he was ready for it or not, even if it meant hurting him in the process.

"Till he becomes who he can be."

Elaine didn't want to listen to John anymore. He was too parabolic to understand a thing he says so she walks out of the room. She stopped at the door, letting the noise of people conversing and walking about the hallway outside, and glanced at Allen, who was still sound asleep, then to John, who sat there just looking at the skies outside the window.

"I hope you know what you are doing."

"I hope so too."

Elaine finally left John and Allen alone. Her footsteps were light and almost instantly lost from the sounds of the outside.

The door closed behind her allowing the ER to be quiet once again, leaving John all alone with his thoughts.

John was the greatest hero to have lived since the start of the 4th Crusade. He had done so many things in the short span he had been a part of the IGG. He had seen worlds beyond his comprehension. He had met a diverse multitude of individuals. He had fought many battles and came out victorious.

However, there was only one thing he had desired the most, his family whole again.

John lifted his holowatch and scrolled through his contacts for a brief moment before pressing on one of them.

The holowatch rang for a bit before picking up. He pinched the bridge of his nose and wiped the expression off his face before saying anything.

"Hi mom," he said in a soft and gentle tone.

~

"There were a lot of good contestants this year," one of the judges spoke, scratching his beard in frustration.

Another nodded in agreement.

The room was softly lit by the rays of the setting sun. The table was scattered with the sheer number of applications and some were already placed promptly on the side.

"Can't we just accept them all?"

"It's not that simple," the large figure stood in the shadows, his lit cigar illuminating his dark brown beard with an orange light.

"There are too many variables to consider," another said in agreement.

"And with the looming threat of the Blighted armies near our doorstep, our options are somewhat limited."

"Even more so to increase our numbers."

"Like I said it's not that simple," the man entered the light of the orange sun, his cigar being put out as he leaned over the table to the

"The high chief is right." One of the judges agreed. "Merely throwing numbers will not solve the problem."

"Just wasting lives."

"I don't understand what kind of threat would prompt such caution, even from you high chief."

"Maybe if you haven't been sitting inside that cubicle of yours, you would understand the horrors that await beyond the skies." The chief stood from his chair, his body blocking out the ray of light that lit the room, covering in a slight darkness.

"The Blighted Armies grow as they pillage and infect settlements. They raid cities and take the bodies of those unfortunate to be a part of their grotesque genus, deforming into whatever they see fit. Their rifts opened across the universe, seemingly out of nowhere to no end in sight." His fist slams on the table, cracking the foundation below it.

"Day by day, my people are suffering and their cries, I can hear them. So much so that the ringing in my head never lets me sleep at night. So no, we shall not rely on the quantity but on the quality of the individuals. Do you now understand now why we have set up this system?"

"Yes, High Chief," the judge was not so reluctant anymore.

"Good, I have matters to attend to," the high chief takes his coat from his chair and began to walk towards the exit. "I hope to find capable individuals that will not help in our efforts but change the course of this battle we face."

"But Milord, if I may ask," this stops the high chief for a moment. "What do you expect from a group such as these? Surely, there are people out there in your ranks better suited with dealing with the threat."

"Yes, there are," he slung his coat over his shoulder and as the door opened to let in sun's rays setting from where the door was, his shadow overcasting the room as it illuminates it. "But I believe that in the most unlikely places, growth can be found."

Karl Krempt was a good man who puts his people first before anything. He was willing to spare any life he could for the sake of protecting their livelihood even if it meant to do what must be done... even if it meant his own life at stake. He was a strict but gentle father of Kasipeia.

The figures brought their heads into the light and began to diligently look through the papers.

"Guild masters," the person revealed herself from the corner of the room with a bounce in her step, "have you made your choices?"

"Sera," another revealed themselves, barring his fangs. "You've already had the first pick last year."

"I know but," she looked down at some of the papers, "please give me this chance.... with a banana on top?"

"Wukong is right," another spoke up, "we can't have you getting all the good ones out there."

"Alright then," she stopped. "How bout we bet on it," she said with a sinister grin.

The other figures looked to each other, some grinning to one another and others pinching the bridges of their nose.

~

The dream happened again. This time, Allen was expecting it so he didn't wake up in a start this time. It was also the lingering sensation of slamming into that platform that made his slowly rise from his cot.

He was a bit groggy at first but he examined the room he was in. The smell of different brews was pungent in the air with a hint of herbs to help relaxation. This wouldn't be so bad if he had a regular dream to go back to.

As he started to, he felt the soft inside of the sweater wrapping him in the warmth regulating from the

"How long was I out?" He looked toward the corner of the room in front of his bed.

"A few hours give or take," John replied from the shadows.

"How long have you been there?"

"A few hours give or take."

"You could have gone home or eaten something," Allen showed a slight concern for his brother's wellbeing.

"Could say the same for you."

"I'm fine," a sharp pain struck his ribs making him wince with a sharp breath.

"Careful, a cracked rib is not something to shake off."

"Been through worse," Allen chuckled it off, still feeling the sting.

"If ya can laugh it off, then ye can walk it off." John reached his hand out to help Allen up.

Allen hesitates at first but takes it, grasping it tightly.

"So, I guess I failed," Allen sighed.

"What makes you say that?" John wanted to help Allen by sling his arm around him but he was too tall to do so. He instead walked at Al's pace.

"Considering you haven't heard about my admission into the IGG."

"True, but the message should be given straight to you, not me."

A sudden flash lit up the room and glitter floated about from that spark. The light began to dim and the sparkles formed together with a wind that pulled the curtains towards the source.

A ringing of a bell can be heard while this was happening. At first it was fast then started to die down as the light did.

It wrapped itself into a ball then popped filling the room with sparkles and glitter making it seem like little stars were just born. At the source of it, a tiny pixie was seen holding an envelope in its hand.

This was the first time Allen was able to get a closer look at a pixie. It had short hair and a chubby but slim feature. Its clothes were tailored to match their surroundings and considering the white gown and silver linings, it seemed like it was born from the floating isles. Its hair was a light blond and its eyes were a deep grey. Her wings moved too quickly to catch what they look like but a sliver of gold can be seen at the beat of her flaps.

Allen couldn't help but stare at the little creature, making the pixie blush, hiding her face behind the envelope.

"Quite the bashful little one, isn't she?" John played.

"I'm sorry," Allen said darting his eyes away from the creature. "I didn't mean to be rude and stare. It's just the first time I've seen a pixie."

The pixie lifted her face from the envelope and saw Allen's genuine curiosity which also peaked hers. She smiled softly and stretched her hand out.

Allen's face lit up for a second as he stroked the little arm, only the size of his whole hand. It tickled the pixie and as she giggled the glitter around them shone brighter, sparkling with glee.

The pixie then lifted the envelope from her side and handed it over to Allen. Allen gratefully accepts with a bow.

The pixie returned the bow and began to flutter backwards. A bright light emanated from her body as she engulfed herself in wind as the sparkles of glitter surrounded her. Just like how she arrived, she left in a flash of bright white and gold light.

"I don't think I'll ever experience that again," Allen looked at his hand that had traces of glitter from when he caressed her arm.

"You're lucky," John slaps Allen in the back bringing back the wincing pain in his ribs. "Pixies are very reserved so to be able to touch one is a rare feat."

Allen knew what John was talking about but he didn't quite understand how he finds himself in those kinds of situations. It felt a little natural for him though as if their feelings were being reciprocated.

"Now for the good stuff," John took the envelope from Allen's hand.

"Oii," Allen protested.

"It'll be fine," he said as he began to open it to read its contents. "I'm sure you pa-" He paused.

This made Allen's heart drop as he thought about how much of a failure he had been. It was probably when he got himself caught by those guards for leaving his tent or when he used a floating drone to help his swing. Did he have to pay for it? How much would it cost?

The wait was unbearable so he rushed at John to grab the paper in his hand and read:

Allen Etruem,

Under deep consideration, we would gladly accept you for your individual skills and efforts that you have presented us during the Initiate Ceremony. We would hope to see great promise in your future as a fellow guild member.

Final ceremonies will be starting 2100 tonight. Please attend and get to know your fellow guildmembers as you will be initiated as an official IGG member. Coordinates will be sent to your holowatch.

Good Luck Rookie and may the stars be your guide through the Infinite.

"John," Allen said first in disbelief. "John!" His smile stretched from ear to ear and his eyes lit up brightly with a sliver of silver outlining.

John, for a moment, however knew that Allen's fate was set in stone. For a brief moment, he stood there still and emotionless contemplating about what Allen has to go through from here on out. The look in Allen's eyes changed that. He brushed off the thought and smiled gently at Allen, his little brother. "I told you that you could do it if you tried lil' brother."

Allen was speechless. He didn't understand the importance of this as of yet but he knew that his worldview was about to broaden to new levels. Now the vastness of space seemed reachable to him. Now, John, who had been away most of his life, was reachable.

He wanted to embrace his brother but it was too embarrassing to do so at the moment. He looked at the time on his holowatch:

1830

"JOHN!"

"Oh, will you look at that," John said unconcerned which irked Allen a little, making Allen relieve he didn't hug his muttonhead of a brother. "Hey, you slept so soundly," he excused. "I didn't want to bother you."

Allen didn't want to scold his brother so he rushed to the bathroom to get ready. He stopped at the doorstep realizing his duffle bag was at the ward.

A sudden soft thud turned Allen's head towards the bed. John had dropped a pair of clothes, grinning.

Allen didn't like where this was going.

~

Their aerotrans arrived just in time. Allen and John tipped the driver before rushing out of the door to the entrance of the Grand Hall.

"I think you got the wrong size," Allen muttered as he loosened the collar a bit.

"I think it suits you well." John examined Allen's attire.

He wore a black button up shirt inside the jacket John gave him. Allen was reluctant to wear a full tuxedo even for a big event like this. He wore black denim jeans to match and parley shoes. The outfit went well with Allen's look especially since he had a dark brunette hair with black eyes. His broad figure made the clothes a little tight but snuggled enough to fit even with his myrthrillian suit underneath.

"You could've done without the inner fabric though," John commented on it.

"I-" Allen sheepishly said. "I don't know how to take it off."

John was stunned for a second then laughed out loud, bringing the attention of the people outside.

"You didn't teach me how to take it off!"

"No," he wiped the tear in his eye, "I didn't. I'll show you after we get home."

"Jackass," Allen muttered as he made the final adjustments., letting the jacket's sleeve loose to cover his wrists.

As they were walking up the stone steps of the grand hall, Allen glanced around his surroundings. The railings to the entrance were made out of treated dark oak wood lined with silver with Lumen lights placed at both ends, seemingly powered by the power gems at the top of the steel metal.

The vegetation was rich around the building with bushes vines and the like surrounding its perimeter. Nymphs and wisps were seen roaming about, managing the plants even at this time of day. They had a soft glow like the moon which trailed their steps as they whispered into the plants, words of incitement for growth.

The windows were stained glass of various colors, like the rainbow itself touched the material when it was made. It had faces of the many High Chiefs of the past with the colors that corresponds with their deeds, numbering each of them. Some were left faceless for the future High Chiefs but one of the faceless figures was the only one that got a number above the metal frame of the wooden entrance, "1" in roman numerals.

The cement was just as spectacular, engraved with etching of Kasipeia's past from the apocalypse and thereafter. Asymmetrical in design, it also held the stories of many known heroes who were honored. Some were freshly carved into the stone walls like the newly made image of John etched close to the entrance.

Allen touched the figure of John which stood tall with his hand outstretched to the sky, his thumb, index and middle finger sticking out.

"Kinda made the nose straighter than the real thing," Allen joked.

"Hey, I can't help it that I ran into a few walls during my adventures," John replied rubbing his nose.

They were under the stone portico which had a delineation of mithral and oak, which also traced the boarders of the entire structure which was itself huge. The number of resources they put in to making and remaking the structure must have been tremendous.

"This must have taken a lot of time to make," Allen said in amazement.

"Considering our history would you be surprise what we can do in a short lifespan." John used the doorbell and stood there waiting.

Large thumping was heard at the other side of the door. As the steps grew louder, Allen could feel the ground shake from its approach. The top of the door which was taller than John. A latch opened with an eye almost the size of the frame looked down on them.

With a high pitch tone, Allen heard alien words, "Iida be jappa."

Allen held in his laugh.

"Di papi John," John replied to the figure behind the door.

They continued to converse in the alien language while Allen tried his hardest not to let out a single chuckle. John nudging his brother to ensure that doesn't happen.

They were finally let through the door.

Allen wanted to take a peek at the giant with the funny voice. Lo and behold, the figure was indeed huge with finely tuned muscles that didn't match the comedically tight attire. Allen averted his eyes quickly, glad that he didn't take the chance to laugh else he was going to be pulverized by the giant.

The thought of the giant roaring in anger with its high-pitched voice did seem hilarious to think about though.

"You thought it'd be funny to hear his scream in anger, didn't you." John glanced at his brother.

"No," Allen replied.

They grinned to each other for a second before they heard the thundering steps behind them walked away. This made them pick up their pace down the tiled hallway.

When they thought they were safely away, Allen took the time to look at the décor of the hallway. It was decorated with various artifacts and antiques: wands, staffs, swords, and pots from the old world. There were some boxes that contained oddities from the cosmos.

"It's weird that they put these out for display," Allen prodded one of the artifacts.

"Careful, they crack under exposure," John said towards the curious Allen, who swiftly moved his hand away from the object.

"I'm kidding, those are replicas."

In another swift move, Allen kicked John in the backside before moving on. John laughed it off as it nudged him a little.

"I wonder though," Allen wanted to say that he saw something sticking to one of the artifacts but he was interrupted by the sudden noise from the end of the hallway.

They immediately rushed to see what was going on.

As they enter into the large room, Allen couldn't help but marvel at the interior. Despite the outside, it looked a lot cozier. The tables were clothed with brightly colored fabric, so soft that it looked like woven metals under the light of the luminous lights that floated about. The seats were even padded for comfort.

A chandelier floated at the center of the room with a myriad of pixies and fairies playing tunes from above, amplified by the winds of magic that swirled about giving a nice breeze like spring.

Great stone pillars engraved with different creatures one even having an actual skull of a dragon with a carving of its body that it once had wrapping around the pillar. There was even a phoenix carving with its feathers still burning like lit wick. One had a lion that stepped on carved stone clouds, teeth still sharp and mane intact. Another had a griffin with its talons outstretched ready to grab as one of the members jokingly stood under it for a pose.

The main call for attention though was at the entrance of the room, where Allen and John stood.

One of the male adventurers was laying on the ground in pain. Some of his friends came around to help him up and drag him away from the source of impact yelling, "This is not the last you'll see of me, ya hear."

"They always say that," the main suspect said as she brushed her hands clean as if she had touched filth. She flipped her pink bangs away from her face, pampering the rest.

She wore a dark one-piece dress with a pink shawl. She had long gloves that were almost pit high and heels. Instead of a cap, she let her hair down showing the pink highlights on her blond hair. It irked Allen to see her again.

"Oh," Valorie said spotting Allen, "thought the judges were smart."

"If you're here, then I guess not," Allen witted.

"Know what," she was about ready to throw another punch.

Because Allen was considerate, he held his arms up to block the attack until she was stopped by another figure.

She let her hair down like always with a single bang that hung across her face from one side to the other, like a picture with a crack. Her face remained stoic and still. Her light skin matched the black of her hair which was stained with the red highlights.

She wore a black rotita with a red fade like matching her hair. Its sleeves were slit on the elbow letting it hang on her sides revealing the smoothness of her skin. Her heels made her taller than Allen.

Allen traced his gaze over from her clothes to her ruby red eyes that shone in the light of the luminous lights.

Allen didn't know what to say, what to comment best. He could only stare at the beauty that stood before him who didn't seem like she wanted to say anything either. They both just stared into each other as the music played above them seemingly fading away as John escorted the protesting Valorie away from the two, who was more than willing to follow knowing who John is.

"Uhm," they both said in unison.

"Sorry," Allen apologized. "Go ahead."

Elaine was still emotionless. She had this air of mystery around her that leads most wondering what her thoughts were, even Allen couldn't read what was on her mind at times but he learned to read what was in her eyes. They were relentless with an almost warm embrace as she spoke softly so that only the two of them would hear.

"Want to-" She was stopped by the sudden tapping of the mic.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," the host began. A satyr who was dressed in the formal bard attire. "Now that we have all of our attendants and before it gets any later than this, we would like to begin tonight's festivities."

The satyr walked with a rhythm as the music played softly above.

"We gather here today to welcome you individuals who had stood the test of your mettle. Food and drinks are gathered about so feel free for a fill as we introduce you to our guild's finest."

The walls moved about as if they were being folded into origami pieces creating a gallery that overlooked the room. The pillars that held the majestic beasts retreated to the back of the room melding itself to the walls. One of the attendants who was fooling around with the griffin got stuck for a frightful second before the talons released him.

"We present you to the Masters of their craft, skill and group. The pillars that hold onto the foundation of this organization. Guild masters please reveal yourselves."

The lights that swirled the room multiplied into brighter versions as they rose from the room swirling to the figures who stood in place. 20 of them stood there each with a heavy aura that almost envelopes the room. Their presence alone silenced the rowdy crows for their names were well known throughout the cosmos; 21 masters of their ships, 21 leaders of various members, 21 grand lords.

Only one of them was missing.

~

"What is it, love," the wife of the great chief gently touched her husband's back as he stared into the cityscape.

"I have been wondering," he began. "Is it okay?"

"To?" Shannon caressed Karl's face turning his eyes towards hers looking for the answer.

"Be happy with you," he smiled gently as he deflected the thought.

"Karl Krempt," she said sternly to correct him. "Bring your thoughts to light. I have known you long enough to understand that this does not concern us."

He sighed in defeat. "It is and isn't."

Shannon furrowed her brows in confusion.

"Is it okay to reach out to everyone within my reach? Is it okay to worry about those who had warranted their own demise? To allow them to die for the worries and tribulation that plagues my being?"

"Oh, my love," she softly pecked at his cheek. "You are not only the father to our children but the father to all who had come to our chiefdom that outstretched the cosmos. Your heart has always been with them," she grabbed his large hand and placed it on her chest, "and with us."

He softly grinned at the reply she gave. She always knew what to say to ease the burdens that weigh his soul, reaffirming his ideals to protect what he can.

"We must get ready," she gave a kiss before she goes to dress. "We are already late."

"Aye, my love." Before retreating to his quarters to dress, he took another glance at the cityscape. It seemed like there was something amiss that he had yet to see. Something out of place that made him worry.

Upon seeing his wife getting dressed, Karl dismissed the thought for a slight distraction.

"Karl," Shannon protested in shock. "Now's not the time."

"Ah but we have all the time in the world."

It took them a while to get to the party.

Edited and reviewed by

Aces Association and Friends