Original Work Glow

riki · Mar 26, 2018

I'm taking a little break from my other story to write this. Most likely, I'll switch between this story and The Revelation whenever I have a writer's block.

The setup is inspired by Odin Sphere so if you can check out my site to see the order in the timeline.

Synopsis: Three individuals set out on a journey. Each with different goals.

One hunts for her father before he causes something drastic.
The other desperately searches for her as he knows something that she doesn't.
On the other hand, his companion seeks to find her purpose in life after being abandoned.

These three unknowingly set off a series of events that will determine the fate of the world.

Prologue: A Blessing and a Curse

Sapphyra: "Duty"

Chapter 01: Awakening
Chapter 02: The Guardian of the Tower
Chapter 03: Her Father's Will
Chapter 04: In the Village, Jeshka
Chapter 05: Purpose
Chapter 06: Farewell
Chapter 07: The Strange Potion Maker
Chapter 08: The Village Chief's Request
Chapter 09: The Sentry's Desire
Chapter 10: The Sentry's Rest
Chapter 11: Rebirth
Chapter 12: A Hamlet's Dilemma
Chapter 13: The Ruler of the Forest
Chapter 14: Losing Control
Chapter 15: Terrorized No More
Chapter 16: Bliss
Chapter 17: Ignis Fatuus
Chapter 18: Troubled
Chapter 19: "Father"

Arden: "Family"

Chapter 01: Departure
Chapter 02: Searching for Clues
Chapter 03: Coming Home
Chapter 04: To the Tower
Chapter 05: Discovery
Chapter 06: Family
Chapter 07: Rumors
Chapter 08: Misdirections
Chapter 09: Escaping the Ghost Forest
Chapter 10: A Duchy in Turmoil
Chapter 11: A Proposition
Chapter 12: The Flames of Battle
Chapter 13: Scars
Chapter 14: Victory with a Cost
Chapter 15: A Promise Kept
Chapter 16: A Suspicious Utopia
Chapter 17: Regaining His Senses
Chapter 18: Gratitude
Chapter 19: A Sister in Trouble

Jia: "Humanity"

Chapter 01: Discarded
Chapter 02: Salvaged
Chapter 03: Adjustments
Chapter 04: Perplexity
Chapter 05: A Quick Battle
Chapter 06: Reflections
Chapter 07: Well-Being
Chapter 08: Exploring the Ghost Forest
Chapter 09: Reasons
Chapter 10: Sacrifice
Chapter 11: Good as New
Chapter 12: Thief
Chapter 13: Retrieval
Chapter 14: Something Strange
Chapter 15: The Mastermind
Chapter 16: Realization
Chapter 17: For His Sake

Interlude I: Reunion

Arden: "TBA"

Jia: "TBA"

Sapphyra: "TBA"

Interlude II: TBA

Epilogue: TBA

riki · Mar 30, 2018

Prologue: A Blessing and a Curse

In the land of Alberine, there exists a phenomenon called “glows.” These bluish-white orbs flitted like fireflies across the atmosphere. While the glows provide a warm light for nightly travels and romantic evenings, they also have another purpose – for some of the people of Alberine use them to create miracles. Known as “Magi,” these people absorb the glows inside their bodies and use them to perform magic. They could cure maladies, create things out of thin air, or do whatever their hearts’ desires. “A blessing,” the people of Alberine would declare, “to have such a gift.”

However, that thought didn’t last long. Soon, people began to notice a change in some of the Magi’s personalities. They became more volatile and unreasonable. While a few retained the power of speech, others grunted and growled like wild animals. In other words, they’ve become feral. Nevertheless, they all have one thing in common; they attack anyone – friends, family, innocent bystanders – indiscriminatingly. Likewise, they caused devastation wherever they go. Kingdoms that once flourished throughout the land disappeared without a trace.

Other Magi tried to stop their comrades, but they too fell swayed after awhile. Even the animals seemed to fall under that terrible spell. Docile beasts transformed into monstrous beings, which attack unsuspecting victims. At first, no one knew the cause of their predicament until they noticed a pattern. As soon as the Magi absorbed the glows, they began to act strangely. The more they consume, the more irrational they become. Could it be then that the glows themselves were the culprit? If so, then it would be terrible news. By now, everyone has become too dependent on the glows much to their consternation.

Soon, the world lived in terror. The once innocuously light orbs that were once revered were now viewed with dread. For how can one stop the glows that circulate the globe? It was like trying to prevent the wind from blowing! Despite the futility, many attempts were made to solve this dilemma, but in the end, they were only temporary. To this day, Magi continued to fall prey to the glows’ alluring temptation. All the while, the people of Alberine could merely shake their heads in disbelief. “How terrible it is,” they would sigh, “to be burdened with such a gift!”

For once was considered a blessing is now considered a curse. That is, until one day…

--- Double Post Merged, Mar 30, 2018, Original Post Date: Mar 26, 2018 ---

Sapphyra I: Awakening

She woke up in complete darkness. It took awhile for her eyes to adjust, but even after they did, she still lay there. Where was she and how did she get there? Now that she thought more about it, she couldn’t even recall her own name either. She scrunched her face as she thought hard about those missing information in her head. After a few more minutes of racking her head, she gave up. If she couldn’t remember it then, she won’t remember now. Maybe her current whereabouts would clue her in.

Gingerly, she pushed herself up and sat up on her bed. Each movement caused her to wince; her whole body ached from such a simple task. Even her arms and legs felt rubbery! Was she asleep for that long? Taking a break, she glanced at her surroundings. By now, the moon peeked through the dark clouds, allowing some light into the room. Based on what she saw, it has the minimal furnishings: a desk with a stack of papers on top, a bed, and some broken bookshelves. Dust covered everything, which meant wherever she is was long since abandoned. If so, no one would know she’s here.

Just as she debated on what to do next, she sensed something calling her. Glancing up, she noticed glowing orbs entering through the broken window. They fluttered toward her, beckoning her with their soft buzz. Their humming seemed to reach to the depth of her soul. Entranced, she reached out to touch them but hesitated. Go on, they seemed to sing. She breathed in sharply as her fingertips brushed one of the orbs. All of a sudden, it dispersed and entered her body.

She jerked back as she felt a jolt sweeping through her veins. What was that? Just as that thought went through her head, another thought occurred to her – she knew what those strange lights are. Looking up, she reached out to the glows with her outstretched hand and summoned them toward her. When she gathered enough, she merged together to form a ball as big as her head and then placed it on her chest, allowing them to enter her body. While the first time was just a jolt, this one was more intense; it was like her entire body was electrified. Closing her eyes, she whispered, “Heal.”

All of a sudden, a cold tingle ran down her spine as the glows inside her worked their magic. They rushed through her body and repaired the muscle atrophy before they expelled out of her body. She watched the glows fluttered back into the sky before she focused again on herself. Her body felt more energized and stronger now than it was a few minutes ago. Taking a deep breath, she placed her feet on the floor and slowly stood up. Imagine her relief when she didn’t fall over. With that issue taken care of, she could now investigate.

Adjusting her flowing, red dress, she began her task. Hmmm… maybe one of those piles of papers contained some information. As she walked over to the desk, the glows followed behind her; they lingered as if waiting for her command. She ignored them for now as she reached out and grabbed the top sheet. However, her heart sank when she saw what was written:

She stared at the piece of paper. What gibberish was this!? She tossed the document on the floor and picked up another sheet. A dismayed scowl appeared on her face when she realized it has the same writing. If those two have that mumbo-jumbo, then most likely the rest of the papers did too. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she decided to check out the stacks of books. Unfortunately, most of the pages were ripped off, which did her no good. She huffed. Whoever left her here didn’t leave her much help.

Just as she was about to give up, something caught her attention. Hidden in the corner was a lectern; a thick book lay on top of the slanted top. Something about that book seemed vaguely familiar. Intrigued, she strolled over there. When she got closer, she noticed that it didn’t have a title though it has an intricate design on the front cover. A long leather strap was attached to the front and back of the tome. When she touched it, an image of a shadowy figure appeared in her mind. “This is for you, Sapphyra,” the man said. “My gift to you.”

Shaken, she touched her forehead. Was that a forgotten memory? “Sapphyra,” she muttered to herself. “That’s right. That’s what he called me.”

But that brought another question: who was he? A vague recollection came to her; a man in his forties smiled at her younger self as he placed her on his lap and showed her the book. He opened it and pointed the strange symbol on each page, explaining what each means. Just thinking about him gave her content and warm feeling. That man… she knows him, but how?

Sapphyra shook her head. It was pointless to think about that now. Whoever that man was, she would figure out eventually. At the moment, she needed to focus on leaving this place. At least she remembered her name. Before she left the room, she grabbed the book. Something told her that she would need this. After she placed the book strap over her shoulder, she walked out of the door.

Going down the stairs proved to be more perilous than she has anticipated. Most of the stone stairs were either missing so she would have to leap to reach the platform. Others were crumbling; one touch and the step would fall apart. It also didn’t help that there were no railing, so she needed to make sure to keep her balance lest she plummets to her death. After arriving safely on a platform, Sapphyra stopped for a moment to catch her breath and to think. Based on how far down she went, the young woman estimated that she went down three flights of stairs and has four more to go until she reaches the bottom.

The whole time, the glows continued to keep her company. Not that she minds; she has used them to create temporary platforms or to stabilize some of the unstable steps. Not to mention, she hasn’t found any other living things in the tower so far. Along the way, she investigated the other floors and saw no one else around. Most likely, the man in her memory had brought her to this place and left her here. That was the only conclusion that made sense since the book was left there for her to find. That brought up another question: why was she abandoned?

Standing here and pondering won’t answer that question. The only way to find out was to seek out the man and demand answers. Now more determined, Sapphyra continued downward. As she hurried down the stairs, an uneasy feeling brewed inside her. Someone or something was waiting for her down there, but that didn’t make sense at all. By now, she has accepted that she was the only one here. Nevertheless, the pit in her stomach remained, and the heart thumped faster with each step.

At last, she arrived on the ground floor. Wiping her hands on her dress, Sapphyra let out a big breath. That was an exhausting trip down the stairs! Now to find the exit. She glanced around before she spotted a large wooden door, which was hanging on its hinge. Through the opening, she could see the field and the starry sky. That must be it. As she walked toward the exit, she observed several large boulders scattered around the door. Hmm… looks like she needs to get rid of them. A hassle, but what can she do?

Stretching out her hand, she summoned the glows. They flew toward her and were quickly absorbed into her body. With their help, she can blast her way out effortlessly. Just need to be a few steps closer… All of a sudden, the ground began to shake, causing her to stumble. Dust fell from the ceiling, and loud thumps were heard above her as books and furniture fell on the upper floors. What was that!? An earthquake!?

Just as she began to worry about whether the structure would stand, the shaking stopped. Sapphyra breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, the tower supports still stands! She was about to wipe the dust off herself when she heard a thundering roar.

Original Work Glow

riki

Storyteller

riki

Storyteller