Island Adventure: The forgotten images

Here are some pictures of Shagrath and I that I forgot to include from our little island adventure. ^_^
We were relaxing in the surf when this mean Vicious Clot decided to attack us!
Defend us Lobo! =p

As you can see...  He isn't afraid to use a Charm Wand!  He used it on me a few times so part of my time there is just a little bit fuzzy...


One thing I won't forget is that amazing sunset...

Oh and of course Sha-chan kissing me!! *^_^* /blush

 

 

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Allied Beasts?

There were a few places I had yet to go in the Shadowreign Era, so I decided to try and visit a few of them.
From Windurst Waters [S], I got teleported to Jugner Forest [S] and  from there made my way to East Ronfaure [S].  When I arrived, I found that there was a battle going on, so I ran to assist.
A Bard began singing and giving us enchantments.  I had never had that happen before.  How nice of that Bard! ^_^
Then there was a man fighting one of the Orc’s.  Ordinarily this would be nothing special, but he looked to be a ninja… The strange thing was, it looked as though he had literally cloned himself!  Were my eyes deceiving me?
There seemed to be several “clones” fighting one enemy!
Could this be the true power of the spell Utsusemi?
 

Then a giant dragon lumbered up to the fortification!
It was a steely brown/black color.  The undersides of its wings were crimson.  It looked just like the Fafnir statue that was in my mog house!
Had Sarima somehow magicked it to life?!

I was trying  to figure out if the dragon would attack me or the foes when I spied another great beast!
This one looked like a manticore, but with different coloring.  It was gold and red in what appeared, at first glance, to be some swirl pattern on its fur.  Complementing that were red wings and claws.  Quite unique and beautiful… and menacing!
A Dhalmel and a giant bull-looking creature accompanied the dragon and manticore.

It was a sight I had never before seen.  (Since I forgot to take a picture of it, you won't get to see it either :( sorry!)
Usually we adventurers would be fighting such beasts, but these giant creatures were actually lending their aid to the San d’Orian army!
What manner of charm was this?

In the end, the allies prevailed.  For my efforts, while I wasn’t gawking at dragons and such, I won an Ordelle Bronzepiece. (^_^)b

(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Fancy Paladin

With my new shield to protect me, I decided to visit Aht Urhgan.
Well not only that, but Edwyth's friend Iphi was there to give me a pearl to their linkshell. ^_^
Shortly after I arrived, Besieged!

I was racing around trying to keep the generals in good health when out of no where something knocked me to the ground!
I couldn’t even see what through the throngs of adventurers and beastmen.
Needing to rest, I found a quiet corner where a Paladin was also tending to his wounds.
His gear looked so fancy!
After using some of the items that the army supplied me with, I was able to buff the paladin, as well as cast a haste enchantment on him.
He thanked me for my efforts and we helped to drive out the trolls.
Afterward he befriended me. ^_^
He struck up conversation with me about what skills we needed to work on, and soon agreed that we ought to go to The Boyahda Tree for some training.
We started on the steelshells, but then the Paladin suggested we fight the "evil mandies".
I presumed he meant the Korigan.

Don't those link?!

Yes, but I know a good camp.  Besides, I can tank 2 or 3 of them at once!

Okay... but I don't want to be KO'd.  I'm going to trust you...

We snuck down a waterfall into an area I didn't recall ever seeing before.  Sure enough we were able to fight one Korrgan at a time.
We alternated Korrgan and Steelshell and in the end:
Enfeebling, Elemental and Dark Magic all capped! =^_^=
Thank you so much Paladin Ruathall!













(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Shankha

After going through my things, I realized I was without a shield.
I knew I had had one before, but had sent it back to Ghrenn.
Perhaps I could obtain one without having to visit the Auction House.
I cracked open my big book of all things Vana’diel and leafed through the section titled "Shields".
One caught my eye.  Adoubeur's Pavise.
I read on to find that a creature called Shankha possessed it.
Hmm that reminded me of an ancient language that Sha-chan had been trying to teach me...  sanskri---

A light knock at my door stopped my thought.

Kiki it's Sha-CHAN!!!  I will let him in!!

I didn't even bother to hide my grin as I looked up over the big book at him.

Hi Kiamo.^^

I was just thinking about you! (When wasn't I...)

He smiled and seated himself beside me.  I hefted the book so it sat on both our laps and pointed to the image of Shankha.

I read the name and it uhm...

It sounds like sanskrit, let me have a look at that.

He bent in closer to the paragraph under the image.  His thick brown hair made a curtain that I had to push back with my fingers in order to peer at the text as well.

Yes... I thought so too.  It's so funny that I would find this just now and you stop by at the exact same moment.

So you want to hunt this?

I.. maybe?  It's in Purgonorgo Isle.

I think we can take it.  Would you like to go there now?

I happily nodded.  If it pleases you.

Okay, then lets go.

Shagrath took the book from our laps, closed it and set it on the table.  I followed him out to Port Windurst.
What luck!  One of the Super Kupower's was "Thrifty Transit", so we were able to get to Buburimu Peninsula for free!
Before we accepted the teleport, I couldn't resist hugging him.
He didn't even mind.  Usually he would tell me to stop, or blush.  But this time, he hugged me back with the same endearment.

Kiamo, you’re a vision in your red mage clothes.

I blushed…  He’d never spoken to me quite like that.

Thanks! Hehe

As we made our way across the beaches, toward the dock, Shagrath reminded me of our first time in this place.
The goblin that attacked me…  That helpful white mage.

Once at the dock, we spoke of swimsuits.  Neither of us had one, we hadn’t done the summerfest event to get it. 

As we rode the ship, we reminisced of our first voyage.  Going to the Isle purely on a whim.
This time, we went with purpose.

Kiamo, you know I really did adventure for you.  I’m sorry I had to leave…

It’s okay Sha-chan.  Don’t be sorry for seeking something bigger then adventuring can yield.  I just hope that in time, I can learn even just half as much as you have come to understand…

Do you know what Shankha means in Sanskrit?

I shook my head no, knowing Sha-chan had an answer for me.

Vishnu is said to be the all-pervading essence of all beings.  In one of his hands he holds a Shankha, or conch shell.  This shell can be the giver of fame, longevity, the cleanser of sin…

As he said that last part, I saw a glimmer of sadness in his eyes.
I thought of what had happened earlier, when I dabbled in the ways of Dark Knight.

Shagrath, I’ll never let anything cause me such hate again.  I swear this to you.

He smiled and placed his hand on mine, where it rested on the deck.  We sat in comfortable silence the rest of the way, watching waves play tag against the ships bough.

We spent four nights together on that island.  Finally, on the fifth day…   Shankha gave up the shield we were after! :D

Kiamo, this shield will protect you while I am away.

You…  You’re leaving again?

Yes.  Kia…  I must.  The bad karma you accumulated by slaying all those creatures in hatred and rage...  Without a purpose, but to drink their blood…
This karma will surely bring you worlds of suffering and I don’t wish to see you suffer that fate.
We surely can not be happily together until this karma is expelled.  So I took it upon myself.

I don’t understand…  How can you do that?

In the time I have trained in meditation I have gained understanding of the subtle workings of the universal law.  And my love is great enough for you, that I would manipulate that law so that your karma will befall me.  It is not by my own force that I am able to do this act.  It is that the universe understands the infinite caring that one being can have for another and allows them this opportunity through its benevolence.

I nodded, fighting tears and whispered that I understood as he enveloped me in his arms.
The beautiful sunset painted the sky lilac, dusted with dark blue.  We stood there like that as violet hues gave way to sparkling stars peeking down upon us.  Not speaking.  Just recalling fond memories as the gentle breeze off the ocean tussled our hair.

I stepped back from the embrace.  There was nothing more to say.
So I started to take out  my scroll of instant warp.
But before I could unroll it…

Shagrath pressed his lips to mine.











(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Cosmic Wind

Somwhere within my dream…

Om bhur bhuva svah

Came that song…

Tat savitur varenyum

That he once sang to me…

Bhargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyoyo nah prachodayat

What had I done..?

S…  Sarrrima!!

I cried for my Moogle as I jolted awake.  Where was the villainous sword..?

Kiki!! 

Sarrrima!!  The Chaosbringer…  Where-?
Kiamo, please don’t take it up again!!

Did I hurt you Sarrrima?

No, Kiamo but you struck out against your friends…  Kiki please read this.  Please, before you consider handling that kup-orrible sword.  Read this!

She pressed a sealed envelope into my hands with a look of such worry.  Her big black eyes shone like polished stone, ready to burst with tears should I deny her request.

Who is this from?

Wolfknight should have given it to you…  When he told you about--

Wolfknight wrote this?

No.  Shagrath did.

I turned the envelope over and cracked open the wax seal.  Instantly a scent I knew wafted up from within the folded paper.  I drew in a long breath in anticipation.
Carefully, I unfolded the parchment and began to read…

Dearest Kiamo,
                The cosmic winds of fate which brought us together have begun blowing once again. When you read this letter I will have already left. The life of someone seeking after final Moksha, Liberation, cannot be gained here in the world of an adventurer.  Here in this life we struggle against evil in bloody battles which only serve to dim the light of our souls. I cannot go on this way.  I must seek the inner light residing within that connects everything in the universe. I must find my way to liberation so that I may carry others too it. So that they may be free also from this world of gain and loss, happiness and sadness, pleasure and pain, and reside in a state untouched by dualities. But… before I begin this selfless quest of austerity, I.. I must perform one last selfish act for which I apologize deeply. Through our adventurers together I tried to remain detached as I went about the task fate had given to me of accompanying you. However I was not entirely successful to say the least and I know our parting may indeed be painful, and of all the people in the world I cannot bear to see you suffer… So please let me get away with this one last selfish act of writing a letter rather than seeing you face to face because I think my heart might otherwise break. Please don’t think that I am abandoning you Kiamo, I promise to you and every incarnated soul that I will not leave anyone behind in this world. No matter what, know that we are connected and that one day I will come back to show you the path to liberation.
~ Shagrath

Instantly my eyes were flooded.  My cheeks were wet.  I reached for a cloth to dab at my face and nose.  He was not dead after all.  That feeling was truth.
I cradled the letter and sunk to my knees.  I didn’t know if I was crying with joy, knowing he lived, or sorrow for selfishly missing him all over again.  But this…  This time it was different. 
I cupped the cloth to my face and closed my eyes as I rested an elbow on the table.

KuUUU-po Kiamo you have a visitor

I don't want any visitors right now, Sarrrima.

Oh, all right then Kiamo. Perhaps I can come back later then?^^

I drew in a sharp breath and dropped the cloth.  Did my hunter ears deceive me? No.   I could even SMELL him.  Anew, not from the letter…

I whirled round, knocking all my papers and the Fafnir stature to the floor. 

Sh...Sh..a…

I couldn't even speak his name, but there he was before me. Shagrath. No worse for the ware. In fact, it seemed he somehow looked even better than before. Is this a gift of enlightenment?
He closed the space between us in seconds and was in front of me on his knees before I even thought to rise.

I'll leave you two to ku-atch up!  Ku-WARP!!

There we were. Alone in the space I had only recently returned to. 
I gulped.  I wanted... wanted to say how much I had missed him. How I had been taken captive by undead... The unspeakable horrors...
But the only sound that issued forth from my mouth was a squeak.
Tears filled my eyes, blurring my vision so much so that Sha-chan became a haze of brown, cream and brick.

Oh…  Please don't cry Kiamo. Aren't you happy to see me?

I began to nod my head 'Yes!' and choked on my own tears.
He placed his hands on my shoulders, trying to quell my shaking. 
I blinked, trying to focus on his eyes.  They shone like polished sapphire.
He leaned closer.
His familiar scent…  I drank it in with half-closed eyes.
He drew me nearer still.  His cheek next to mine.
His breath on my cheek.

{/Lick}

I blinked.  Confused.  Then couldn’t help but crack a queer smile.

You’re getting me all wet! 
I wiped my cheek with the sleeve of my tunic.
I can’t believe you just licked me Sha-chan!

Shagrath’s grin broadened.
That I did, Kiamo!  There’s that smile of yours.

It was true, I was nearly giggling with the sheer randomness of being licked.

So… what are you doing here?  I just read this…

I held out the letter he had written me, how long ago?
Shagrath took it, placed it on the table and beckoned me to sit beside him on the rug.
He took up my hands in his and began…

Kiamo, I was deep in meditation when, in the depths of my consciousness, I heard you.
I knew I had to come.  It was already tearing at my soul that I left you behind…

I… didn’t believe Wolf.

Wolf attempted, in vein, to do me a favor I did not want.  You see, Wolf didn’t read the letter.  He assumed you would have been angry with me for not saying good bye to you.  So he sought to place that anger on himself.

At least I would have known.  I wouldn’t have gone looking and…

I know Kiamo.  I’m sorry.  Don’t be cross with him, please.

I shook my head and bit my lip and squeaked out…

I’m not angry with either of you… Not anymore…  Somehow, with you here…  Those feelings have absolved.

Shagrath asked me to tell him of my plight.  I told him all I could remember of the kidnapping, and then my temptation after returning.

Kiamo, you did not recognize me then?  I tried so hard to get through to you in that maddened state.  Ghrenn and Wolf came to aid…  You didn’t see or hear any of us?

I…  Thought the sword was my truth.  I couldn’t see...  I didn’t believe… I’m so sorry Shagrath!!
Please forgive me!

Kiamo, you don’t have to ask me for that.  I would do anything to help save you from suffering.  Even…  separate myself from you.

He held my hands even tighter as he quietly suggested that we return the Chaosbringer to Zeid.
I nodded in agreement. 
Revenge is never the answer.

I’m afraid to touch it, Sha-chan.

Don’t be.  For I have taken a vow of non-violence.  That is what I have been perfecting while I was away…  It was simply my touch that day that finally subdued you.

What breed of magic have you mastered Sha-chan?

It was true, for even as he sat here, holding my hands...  Such an immaculate calm enveloped me that I had never known before.

It is not magic, Kiamo.  Shall we?

We went to see Zeid together.  When I handed over the sword he said…

It is up to you to choose whether or not you will walk down the bloody path of the dark knight.  But it might be wise to confront your past, first, before you make your decision...
Your training to become a dark knight is already complete...
As long as your blade craves for the souls of your enemies, our paths may cross again.  Until then, farewell.













(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Bloodlust

I did just as instructed.  The Chaosbringer was heavy, but somehow with each killing blow it became easier to wield.  It seemed to draw itself of its own accord.  Find things for me to slay.  Body after body littered the fields and paths.  It was not enough!  There must be more death to quench me!!

After a time, I saw nothing.  Felt only hatred.  Blind with the all consuming power of darkness.
Then a voice…  Oddly familiar but so distant I could not quite make it out…

Kiamo..?  What are you doing?  Don’t you see me?

No I see only what the blade touches!

No one dare come near me!

Hmm does it ever touch gently?

The sword?  Never!!

It cuts deep and true!!

Who do I hear in this darkness??  Who??

I know I can get through…  You know me.

No it can’t be… Only the cry of the Chaosbringer rings true in my mind!

KILL THEM ALL!!!

No its not working ;_;

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Turn away from this evil venture!

It does not befit you Kiamo!

This is my fault…

I must enact a special rite

To take the fruit of your bad karma for myself.

You leave me no choice Kiamo!

Not out here! 

Take my fruit… what was this creature proposing?  I drew my knees together and crossed them after blindly backing up into something solid.  Perhaps a  tree?  I… just could not see straight.  The voice sounded like…

The sword’s evil knows no limits.

Away!  Away!!  You must be an undead…  Impersonating Sha-chan!

Trying to pick my un-spoilt Fruits!!  Chaosbringer shall tear you asunder!

I hefted the sword as tears threatened to gather, but I had to trust…  Trust the sword to deliver me from whatever wretched foe this was.

Don’t be foolish…  You know the sword is fooling you.  It grants no real strength.

It will!  It will!!  I must…  Get…  Revenge!!

No!  This world is but a nightmarish dream!  This will only serve to sink you deep into its clutches.

Kiamo, I have returned to offer you the chance at liberation!  But now I find you sunk to lower states, destined for suffering.  If you walk down this path, we will be forever separate…

The power to kill is worthless.

How many beings in the world posses that power, yet never gain what they want.

All… All I wanted was-  Was to find Shagrath!!

My mithra sense told me he was alive… but then…  kidnapped… unspeakable horrors… for how long?  How long??

I’m sorry Kiamo…

My sorrow.

My anger.

Is POWER.

Suddenly I felt a force like none other surge through me, but it didn’t come from the sword.
The whole world went from abysmal darkness to blinding white.
For a moment, I thought I saw my former allies.  Sha-chan, Ghrenn, Wolfknight…  It just couldn’t be…
I felt cold steel meet my chest and then I could hardly breathe.  I had to use the sword to prop myself up.  I tried to catch my breath…  Then there was shouting.

She’s stunned!!


Grab her!! 


No..  No!!   Now what harm was descending upon me?

Wait!  Don’t hurt her.  It’s the sword…


We need to get it away from her-


Grab the sword!!


Wait!  Let me.  In the presence of someone perfected in non-violence, all enmity drops away.


I felt someone grasp me.  Strong, yet gentle.

Kiamo…  The terrible karma you incur from such an act, could torment you for a lifetime…  And so I must…

Everything I knew fell away.  It was as if my life force was draining from me…  My grasp on the Chaosbringer slackened.  It fell away…  Taking what trace amount of energy I had along with it.













(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Lost soul

I woke up with the scent of familiarity invading my nostrils.  Sweet like a bonbori, light like bamboo…
I wasn’t cold either, but wrapped in something warm and soft.  Was this the afterlife?

I cracked my eyelids, unsure of what to expect.

Kup--KIAMO!! KIKI!!!!!!

To find myself face to face with my loving house Moogle!  How did I come to be back here?
She flitted up next to me on her tiny wings and hugged me as best she could with her chubby little moogle arms and paws.
Her fluffy pop-pom knocking me in the face as she kissed my cheek.

Sarima... I---
Something caught in my throat and I had to choke out "missed you."

Oh Kiki I am so kupofied with joy to see you!  In one piece.  Safe!!  Safe at last back here.

I nodded and smiled.  Glad the nightmare was over.

Sarrima.  How did I get herrre?

Ghrenn and Wolfknight delivered you in the middle of the night.

But…  How?

I did not kup-ask.  They looked so tired.  I needed to tend to you, so they took their leave.  You were missing for months.  You have been sleeping for over a day and a half.

I see.  Any...  word on Sha-chan?

Kiki... kup-no.

I let my eyes fall from her face.
So here I was, back where I started with no idea what had really happened to my best friend.

However, Kup-Kiki.  Wolfknignt has left a message for you.  He would like for you to meet him in Bastok.

I wasn't sure I was ready to be out and about.  Let alone go and speak with Wolfknight.
Begrudgingly I sulked out to the airship dock.
I sat with my feet dangling over the water.
At least nothing attacked the airships.

I rode in silence to Jeuno, then boarded the ship for Bastok.
After we took off, one of the passengers approached me asking why I was so downtrodden .
Not knowing them, I simply shook my head.

I can tell...  something grave is the matter.  Has someone deeply wronged you?  Want to get revenge, don't you?

Again, I shook my head no.  But they pressed on.

There is a trade that could give you great power.  You just have to tap into those feelings of yours.  Let them out.  Let them guide you.
In Bastok there is a Galka...
There wouldn't be any harm in at least speaking to them.  Would there?

With that, the passenger shoved a piece of parchment into my hand.
"Metalworks.  House of Werei."

The ship docked and the man was no where to be found after I disembarked.  Weird.
Then it dawned on me.  Did this man know something of Shagrath?  Could he not directly speak of what he knew?

Curious, and forgetting all about Wolfknight, I went to Werei’s house.
Inside I found a young galka named Gumbah and showed him the note.

Werei...set out on his journey of rebirth.
I'm not upset.  I knew it had to happen sooner or later.
He wasn't feeling that good, but he would always hide it whenever someone would visit.
I guess he was just worried about the people he would leave behind.
He was always like that.

That made me think of Sha-chan.  Hurt flamed anew within my breast.

Gumbah continued on with a recollection of the last guest that had come to see Werei, a hume named Volker.
The hume and Werei spoke about Zeid, who had apparently been a very powerful Dark knight. 
He was last sighted in Palborough Mines.  He had created his own version of the art, passed down since the glory days of Altepa. 
It is said that only the few who can tame the dark flames that burn within their soul, feeding on their sorrow and hatred...are chosen.

Is that the power I needed?  I certainly had plenty of sorrow flowing within me.

I made my way to the mines and found Zeid.

He warned me that the way of the dark knight is not one to be taken lightly.  It is a hopeless road, where anger and sorrow are your only companions.
Then he gave me a sword.  Chaosbringer. 
It was very big. As long as I was tall if not more so.  And very black.  As dark as a starless night sky.  Matte.  Nothing could be reflected in the blade.  It seemed to even absorb the dim light of the corridor we stood in.
Zeid told me to let the sword feed on my bloodlust and the blood of my enemies.
State the sword's hunger.  Indeed.
This was the power I needed for vengeance.












(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Testing Grounds

Where was I…   The last thing I remember was describing Shagrath to one of the serpent generals.  Then the Lamia with their army of undead attacked the city.
I stayed.   Would Shagrath be among them?

Perhaps not… but I swore I saw Lobo as the Medusa was trying to charm me to her will.  When that failed…

Ungh… my head was ringing still…  I reached up to feel the lump and realized I was in shackles.  They weighed heavy on my wrists and ankles.
The damp air only served to worsen the perpetual ache that tore through my entire body.
Somewhere…  Voices…  I pricked up my ears and strained to listen…

Only a vestal female can resist the charm of a Lamia. 

Interesting…  We need to do more tests on her then.

Foot steps approaching… No… No, what would they do to me?













(c) 2002-2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA'DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE and the PlayOnline logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Tapasya

How long had I been laying on the floor?
How could I lay here and do nothing.  After all, Wolf had said he was charmed.  Could he be sure?
I had to do something. 
But what...  What could I do... I couldn't even face Maat let alone scour the realm as a solo search party.

Each evening, I wondered on what beast supposedly caused the demise of Shagrath.
I refused to speak to Wolfknight.  How could he show no remorse what so ever for his very blood and flesh.
I had shooed away my friends as they came by, one by one.  Each sad in his or her own way.  They had been able to pick up and band together.  Go on with out him.
I just could not. 

Ironic that not so long ago, I had wanted to just leave him to his own devices and not interfere with any of his other friendships.

Sha-chan had invited me to do assaults with he and Wolf that day.  I declined.
I should have gone.
 
The more I thought on it, the more anguish gave way to retribution.
Should I travel to Al Zhabi and attempt to slay any and every undead that dared to approach the city?  Perhaps the better route would be to ask around.  Some one else must have seen.  Possibly one of the generals.

It had started out as a whisper in the back of my mind.  Now it was becoming a force I needed to follow.  Find Shagrath or get revenge.

Was this my ultimate test from Altana?

I dressed in my Warlock’s Attire.

Sarima.


With a crack my house moogle appeared.

Yes Kiki?  Oh are you finally going to go out and adventure?

Something like that Sarima...
I scribbled a note down on a piece of parchment and handed it to her.

Would you please give this to Wolf?

Sure... Kiki but you could always go see him yourself?

I shook my head no. 
Just... see that he gets it.  I've got to go now...

Kiki... where are you going?

To find Sha--

Kup-NO Kiki you can't!

I'll come back when I find him...

That is im-kupossible Kiamo.  Did you fall and bump you noggin?!?!?!?

Give Wolf the note.  Good bye, Sarima.

With that I closed the door to my home.  So many memories... I had to close my mind to them all.  If I perished trying to bring him back, so be it.
But I knew he wasn't dead.  I could feel him.  Like my own heart beat in my breast... I knew somewhere his heart was still beating, too.

Wolfknight,

I have gone to find Shagrath.  Wish me luck, I will need it.
I simply can not believe your brother died that day, like you said.  If you were charmed when you saw him perish, how can you know for sure?

Goddess Bless.
-Kiamo

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