Fa'Diel - A Volcanic Trail
A fine layer of ash covers the trail here, smothering out most signs of life.
To the side of the trail is a steep ledge - down from it one can see greener
mountain trails. To the southeast a volcanic crater lies, hissing with
temperature.

Aura had been waiting on the blackened trail to Barrel Volcano for some time, and even as the two tiny palm-tree-shaped maidens floated around her shoulders in search of her quarry, she looked relaxed and impassive. The Goddess and her manifestations were strange in that way; no name, no description; merely a "soul in need of guidance". Though, to her credit, this was a common task that was given to her every so often.

Aura brushed off one sleeve of her dress, glancing at one tiny Dryad out of the corner of her eye. "You two never get tired, hm?" She smiled, even as the two ignored her (or seemed to, anyway), continually looking for... whoever it was.

Along the trail to the southwest, an Eevee wearing a yellow scarf could be seen paddling along at a brisk pace towards the volcano's base. His eyes were sore, as releasing enough tears could be taxing after a while. Nevertheless, the pain didn't cease the creature from pursuing its objective: the fiery home of the Great Salamando.

There was one obstacle, however: a woman standing on the road in the way. Despite his experiences, Kalin always had an initial weariness towards humans. He kept an eye on her while advancing forward, hoping to reach his destination without a conflict. (Eevee)

Aura's attention was brought toward the creature coming up the path, but only through the vigilant dryads that revolved around her head. She tilted her head without saying anything; the middle realm was plenty full of its share of beasts, but she couldn't remember any of them having a fondness for cloth neckwear. The three of them watched with a steady gaze on the Eevee, with the two dryads exchanging puzzled looks now and again.

In Aura's mind, it seemed worrisome that this scarf might not fare well in the sweltering depths of the volcano in which its owner was headed. At that time, a thought struck her; was he bringing it to someone else? Maybe its owner? Was he in trouble, in the Volcano? She looked behind herself briefly, then back at the Eevee, her features expressing concern, but wordlessly.

Feeling as if his safety net were violated, the Eevee picks up the pace and keeps his eyes forward. How he wished he could have used Sylphid's power to change and simply fly over them! He always enjoyed the reactions that such an action often spurred among other beings. Alas, he could not evoke the blessing so soon after recently using it.

The fact that this critter had suddenly hastened itself as they watched it worried her further, and though she had no ill intent, the combination of concern and curiosity as to the Eevee's purpose in the Volcano. As Aura turned on one foot and started to say something, she was halted by the abrupt twin flashes of green light that marked the dryads' disappearance. She blinked, once.

Aura noted that they didn't go far, however; the two spirits reappeared with a similar-colored flash a few feet in front of the Eevee, intending to momentarily block his path to sate their own curiosity. They looked upon him with large green eyes, full of curiosity and naught much else as they hovered a short distance off the ground, effortlessly.

Kalin gasped silently as the spirits appeared before him. After regaining his composure, he attempted to press on by moving around them to the right. As much as the beast felt cornered, the time he spent among the civilized beat out the desire to aggressively defend his territory. Something about the little trees felt familiar, but he couldn't quite figure out why. (Eevee)

Aura frowned softly as the Eevee more or less ignored the spirits. Something didn't seem right about how furtively it was walking this path to the Volcano. In spite of herself, and to the apparent surprise of the dryads who turned to look at her, she called out to the beast, not realizing until after the fact that there was a good chance it might not understand her tongue. "Hey, wait a sec! Do you need help with something?" Something about picking stray animals off the road in the wild seemed a

a little weird, but her concern was for its own safety, at this point. Aura only took a step forward as she spoke to it, not wanting to incite any fear or, Goddess forbid, aggression.

A puzzled look fell upon Kalin's face as the woman's words flowed through his ears. It was all to often that one would treat the Eevee like an infant because they thought he was 'cute'. He had yet to meet a human who could understand him the way other beasts could. Still, recent experiences taught him that it never hurt to try, as much as he wished the human would mind her own business.

"Vee. (U-um..no..I-I need hurry and get inside the volcano. Salamando..I-I mean..T-there's someone there I need to see..that only I can see. See you.)" said the Eevee, glancing at the woman with a hopeful look on his face. He didn't know why he got his hopes up, but it was always an exhilarating experience to test each human who tried to interact with him.

Aura blinked. This thing.. at least understood that she was communicating with it, she thought. The dryads, however, immediately turn back to the Eevee as it Vee's, eyes widening (is that even possible? They're so big already!). Without advancing on him (that didn't offer much success the first time, a pair of tiny female voices, exceptionally childlike, extend out from themselves despite their lack of mouths, wafting outward and audible only to those instilled with the gift of mana. (You... you are the one. You seek spirit of fire? Why need? We help, here, now. Creature of mana, what troubles?) Even their tone and speech patterns were decidedly young in factor. (Aura)

Aura blinks, hearing the Dryads (obviously) herself. Really? But it's... so little! And.. not at all what she was expecting. Ha, whoops.

Kalin turned his gaze towards the spirits, tilting his head. How did they know? "Veeee? (I'm..the what? Um..no offense, but..Salamando--I mean the Great Salamando--doesn't really like being disturbed. The path ahead is really dangerous, but I'll be alright. He and the other mana spirits are the only ones who can help me now.)" said the Eevee, remembering all too well how he put Finn and Riko's lives in danger.

Aura stood back while the dryads handled this one. It was apparent at this point that she'd forgotten that not everything was as harmonious here in the middle realm as it was in the Holyland; she wasn't used to things being afraid of her, but she could understand. The little spirits, themselves, floated over toward the Eevee before he got too much further away, not blinking as they communicated in their own way. (You are right. We -can- help you. Salamando, great spirit in volcano, only physica

physical presentation outside Holyland. There for mortals, redemption, promise. Blessed creature, what name? What grief, what troubles? Talk with us, talk with Oracle. We help.) (Aura)

The Eevee seemed confused at the response from the spirits, but then it finally clicked. Kalin smiled and closed his eyes, focusing on one of the blessings within. Gradually, his body began to slightly change shape as twigs and leaves began to extend out from all over his fur. Around his head, a series of leaves jutted out in what one might relate to as hair.

After releasing an inevitable yawn from hits mouth, Kalin began to speak the spirits once more. (Eevee)

"Dryyy? (I remember now..you're Dryad! But you're..*yawn*..much smaller and kind of..in two. I met all of you once with my..friend..Mogwai. She believed that your power could help her return to her home world, but..circumstances for her are..*yawn*..different. But what about me? I've hurt my friends here..and I have a duty to do back in my world. I'm the only one who can do it now. Can you help me?)" (Eevee)

The dryads look at each other momentarily, then at the newly-formed Dryadeon, and finally back at Aura, who has only been watching without words this whole time, a small smile on her face. (We find 'lost soul.') They turn again to the four-legged critter, nodding in perfectly-timed unison. (We help. But not here. Middle realm, weak power, not strong. Higher power, higher authority. Help with problem, give advice, guide to right path. Come with us?) The two spirits begin floating back toward Aura as they speak, rising in altitude as though planning to retake their places back over her shoulders.

Kalin yawned loudly once before nodding. "Drryyy! (I'm not quite sure what you mean, but *yawn* if you need me to go somewhere, then I'll do whatever it takes.)" Feeling as if his point were made, Kalin let out one last yawn as all of his twigs and leaves simply 'fall' off of him, revealing the Eevee once more.

Aura nods at the lot of them, waiting until the two dryads have taken their places above her shoulders before speaking. Though she, herself, couldn't understand what he was saying, the fact that he stood there willingly before her must've meant that her spirit companions had persuaded him. The Flammie was preoccupied elsewhere at the moment, so she would have to invoke another method of travel. Tapping her forehead lightly, she spoke aloud, but in a quiet tone. "Lady Lillian, please locate my signature and return us to the Holyland. We've found the one that we have been asked to locate and return for guidance." Aura lowers her hand then, and seems to wait, that small smile never really leaving her face.

A warm, gentle field of light suddenly descends upon them from the sky above, spreading out the encompass an area wide enough to include the lot of them and their standing locations. Just then, a feeling of sudden movement grips their physical bodies, and a mass interdimensional relocation magick is invoke, whisking them away in the blink of an eye!

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Mana Holyland - The Great Tree
At the core of this realm resides the Tree of Mana, physical
embodiment of the Mana Goddess herself, and mother of all things that have
any magical influence to them. The trunk of this enchanted magnificence
stretches up up into the sky, given room by outlying trees and appear to
have quite literally withdrawn their branches inward. This effect opens up
a circular view of the sky around the Tree's bough, shining radiantly over
the clearing to further emphasize the majesty that you now find yourself
present within. Mana spirits dance all around the Tree's roots, basking in
the magical flow that exudes and permeates throughout not only this place,
but the entire world. At the base of this Tree's considerable roots, a
shining sword has been plunged into the ground, resonating with an
unbelievable amount of contained power.

Surroundings change quickly and abruptly, and when reality becomes still once more, the sky is overshadowed by the massive bough of an equally-massive tree, looming large in front of Aura and Eevee as a gentle breeze rolls past, rustling some of the looser branches and twigs. A hushes calmness surrounds the area, majestic and enchanting all at once, despite this region looking predominantly like an uncontained forest.

Aura smiles, herself, as they make a landing, and glances sidelong at either Dryad. "Thanks, you two. Go find Ambience for now, make sure he is still faring well after handing over that final shard." With a nod each, they disappear, poofing into the air with a flash of green light.

The Eevee's balance was distorted as he transcended through realities, causing him to fall forward on his neck. The pain was momentary and casually ignored as Kalin stood up once more and looked around. Words couldn't explain the sensation he felt as he gazed over his surroundings. He had no idea where he was, but something about the forest felt different. If he could voice his opinion, it would certainly be one of awe.

Aura looked down at the Eevee for a moment, then gently beckoned him to follow; she approached the trunk of the Tree, giving a considerable berth to the gleaming broadsword that was significantly embedded in a large, outlifted root above the grassy floor, and approached another woman, dressed in light overalls and a rose blouse without shoes, who happened to be standing there at the Tree's based already. Aura stopped a few feet away, issuing a smirk. "You could have told me it wasn't a humanoid I was looking for; might have made the search a bit easier and less awkward." Another gentle breeze rolls by, not in the least bit cold; the region's temperature seemed to be at an even, comfortable temperature, just right for any and all things.

Kalin followed along as he was beckoned, but it didn't stop him from admiring the beauty around him. The forest was his element, but he had never seen one like this. The sword caught his eye, and for a second, he entered a trance upon staring at it. (Eevee)

The overall-wearing woman just smiles a quiet smile, hands casually held behind her back. "I don't pretend to understand her intent, either. Perhaps it is merely to keep our eyes wide and our toes spread, so that we may be ready for whatever comes our way. Regardless, it is good that you have brought him here." The woman looks past Aura and at the Eevee, her smile unfading. "So, you are the one who needed guidance? And by the very spirits themselves, no less. That fact that you already hold their blessings is no small task." She gestures, standing up straight. "We've been watching you for a short period of time, and have heard your requests, silent or otherwise, little one. We figured a helping hand was in order."

Aura stands off to one side, assuming an attentive stance near the Tree, but saying nothing at the other woman's behest.

Kalin finally managed to tear his eyes away from the sword long enough to gaze at the woman before him. "Vee. (I'm very grateful, and quite shocked that you heard my plea. I feel so..lowly here.)" The beast then closed his eyes and bowed his head towards her. Respect was just one of many things that his old friend had taught him.

Upon opening his eyes, they were once more drawn towards the sword in the tree. Without looking back, Kalin speaks out loud. "Eevee? (What is that? I can't stop being drawn to it. I've never felt such a thing before.)"

"That is the Sword of Mana." The gentle, wispy female voice fills the glade in its entirety, seemingly nowhere and everywhere all at once. The overalled woman and Aura both look upon the Tree at this new voice, reverence obvious in their expressions. Some of the lower-hanging boughs rustle, and the voice comes through once more. "It is a symbol of hope for the world at large, and is the figurative key to the Mana Holyland, where you now reside, little one. All of Mana's power resides within that blade, and it is only used under dire circumstances, when the Holyland comes under threat and the world would become undone without it." Aura glances down toward the sword in question, furrowing her brow somewhat, perhaps at some memory.

A smile formed on the Eevee's face. "Veeee. (Salamando once said that all beings are made from mana, and that we will someday return our mana from whence it came.)" The smile then turned into a grave expression. "Eevee. (But I'm not from here..and after I pass on, that which makes me will simply cease to exist. Which..is why I've sought your help.)"

Kalin then turned back towards the two women before him, bowing his head once more. "Vee! (It's a selfish thing to ask, but..I need to go back to my world. I've grown too comfortable here..and did things that I shouldn't have. My world is doomed to become frozen in time, and I'm the only one who can stop it. Can you help me to return?)"

Aura looks up from her lost thoughts, catching the overalled woman's gaze briefly before they both look upon the Tree, whom is silent at this time. "We did not expect that his grief would have to do with the outside dimensions. We're no strangers to those who are homesick, but the Cleft of Dimensions has its name for a given reason." The unnamed woman looks down at Eevee, though Aura still gazes upon the Tree, which, with another rustle of its majestic branches, fills the glade with Her voice.

"I sense a different intent. He desires to right that which has been wronged; do we not all strive for this? He has not gathered the blessings of My children out of foolish luck. There is something special about this creature before us, Lillian." Aura smiles faintly, looking down at the Eevee. "I think Sylvan and Layla knew, too. They were pretty fervent when they realized what he was. Do we make an exception to the case? Courage has long been in our bloodline, and we adhere to these values strongly. To see it outside the Tribe is also encouraging." Lillian, as she is named, also turns to look upon the Eevee, such that all three (if you could include Her presence, as well) have gently-laid eyes upon him.

Kalin wasn't entirely sure of everything that was said. But despite that, he couldn't resist the overwhelming feeling of humbleness that had crept up on him. "Veee.. (I didn't really want to leave..this world is so beautiful, as are its occupants.)" said the Eevee as he reached a paw up towards the ribbon on his neck, holding it tightly for a minute.

"Eevee. (But that's just inspired me to do what I have to do. Countless lives will never see the colors of the world and live in an eternity of oppression under the cruel Lord of Time. My partner and I were the only ones to take it into our hands to stop him, and now he's gone. Even if it means..never to be born..)" Kalin had started to trail off as a little tear began to form in his eye. He ignored it, and look upon on the women with a fierce resolve. "Vee. (I have to do it.)"

Aura and Lillian exchange puzzled looks, but don't seem inclined to ask. The creature obviously set in his vindiction, but it wasn't their judgment call to make. However, the Tree ascertained their own thoughts on the matter when she spoke, creating a gust of wind that breezed through the glade like a great sigh. "Few are those who would be willing to make a personal sacrifice for the sake of the greater good. If we can assist in the restoration of balance, even if it is something as simple as a bridge to be built, then it is our duty to see it so." Just at that moment, following Her words, a small sprout suddenly grows out of the ground in front of the Eevee, growing swiftly and maturing in an instant as it becomes a beautiful cyan flower, gleaming with an unnatural light!

The smile returned on Kalin's face as he watched the flower spring up suddenly before him. "Vee! (Thank you very much!)" said the beast, though unsure what the flower meant. Still, he had something else he wished to say before suddenly finding himself back home. "Eeeevee.. (If..um..it's not too much to ask..there's a moogle who met the spirits with me. I promised to protect her, but..I can't anymore..can you..)" started Kalin before trailing off.

He shook his head towards himself. "Vee. (No..never mind. I'm sure she'll be fine without me.)"

"If she requires aid, we will assist her." Aura spoke up rather abruptly, with a nod. "But people have to be able to take care of themselves under all but the greatest duress. Worldly threats are one thing, but we can't be expected to jump at every grievance of those of the middle realm."

Strangely, Lillian remained silent. The Tree's voice filled the glade again, however, in her stead. "A great event is soon to take place in the middle realm, my child. We know not what consequences are in store for its inhabitants, but it is not destined to be a promising situation. But as you yet have your own aspirations, take this flower that I have grown for you, as it has been blessed through My own roots with the power of Mana."

"Worry not for the world you will leave behind. Instead, hope that all will remain well, and perhaps it shall be. I wish I could entail more than this, but even My future sight is limited in scope. Take the flower, focus the blessings that my children have bestown upon you, and pray for your own direction. All this, and nothing more; it will guide you where you seek to journey, even if it be outside these clustered realms."

Kalin nodded sadly. Part of him wished to forget everything and to run back to Mogwai's side, but his resolve would not waiver. "Veee. (You have my eternal gratitude.)" The beast then placed his right paw around the flower, staring at it intently as tears began to fill his eyes. "Eeveee! (I'm sorry, everyone..and to all of you, too. I would like nothing more than to fight for this world. But I guess..Finn will just have to do it for me.)"

Kalin then moved his left paw on the flower's stem. "Vee! (Please thank Salamando for me..without him, I wouldn't be here now. I guess..this is it..farewell.)" said Kalin as tears began to poor down his face.

The beast took a deep breath as he gripped the flower tightly and concentrated on the lands frozen in unforgiving time. In his mind's eye, he could remember everything as if he were just there yesterday. The constant -silence-, the lack of vibrant life, and of course, the all consuming black and white.

Lillian looks up at that moment, just as what appears to be a split in the very fabric of reality appears directly behind the Eevee. Aura backpedaled a few steps herself, as a warm light began to emanate from the flower he was so earnestly grasping. It was sad to see such a little trooper depart from his friends, but his conviction was admirable; Lillian knew knights who could have taken a lesson from this critter.

As Eevee concentrated, the split grew wider, opening into an infinite blackness that appeared to lay on the other side; a veritable Cleft in the Holyland, it was. The light from Eevee's flower grow stronger, filtering up and into the 'portal' that had opened up, connecting the two in some strange way; was it really a gateway to the home that he had sought? There was only one way to find out...

"Don't be afraid, child. Believe in yourself, and in others. Follow the true path, and know in your heart that it is what you were meant to do." The Tree's words echo serenely, despite the dark emptiness carved into the very air behind the Eevee.

Kalin took another deep breath as he took a step towards the portal. He glanced back towards the ladies, the sword, and the tree once more before smiling to them one last time. He then turned his head towards the portal with a fierce look on his face, stepping forward and not looking back.