The Winds of Vol were a force to be reckoned with, something Zero hadn't fully appreciated until now. His initial plan to teleport to the island was quickly thwarted as he took to the air, the winds seizing him with a fierce and unyielding grip, guiding him inexorably towards the island's entrance.
Varin's grin bore a mischievous spark, her nose wrinkling playfully. "My great-grandmother's magic sure puts on a show, huh?" Her expression radiated warmth, but Zero could discern the deep layer of sadness beneath the surface.
"I was under the impression that Nymphs couldn’t use magic?" Zero pondered, a revelation washing over him. "Oh wait, Amara was an Elf... Why do I keep forgetting that?" He studied Varin from head to toe. "I suppose it's because you exude more of a Nymph's aura than an Elf's."
“I’m… sorry?” Varin stated. Varin's gaze lingered on Zero, thoughtful. "Just surrender to the winds; it’s our only path."
"I wouldn't say it's the only path. If Viktor and his crew could uncover the Princess of Vol's disguise as a Human on Sidra, they most certainly know another way onto the island."
"I was exactly trying to hide, if I was trying to do that I would have changed my name or you know just wouldn’t have left Hier, also… Are Viktor and his crew here now? Showing you this secret path onto Vol?" Varin's voice held a note of curiosity and sarcasm.
Zero's shoulders sagged, defeated. "No."
"So, we're at the mercy of the winds then?" Varin's tone was gently probing.
Zero exhaled a resigned sigh. "We're at the mercy of the winds."
The winds appeared to heed his words, their grip on the vessel tightening as they propelled it towards the southern tip of Vol. The island drew nearer, accompanied by the unsettling sight of the forest that had withered into desolation. Leaves had been reduced to shades of lifeless brown, scattered over the barren grass, mirroring the shadowed course of the river. With every passing moment, the shallowness of the lake turned treacherous, while abandoned ships stood as mute witnesses to the desolate panorama.
As they pressed on, the riverbanks rose in stature, a silent ascent accompanying their journey northward. Finally, the ship juddered to a stop on the earth, a mere five kilometers south of the once-thriving Eastern Grass Mountain, now transformed into a somber, ashen monolith stripped of life's vibrancy.
Compelled to forsake their beached vessel, Zero and Varin ventured into the embrace of the Xuesong Forest. It didn't take long for Zero's instincts to rouse again, an abrupt halt in his steps, his hand moving protectively over Varin's heart, shielding her from the unseen.
"Stand behind me," he commanded, his voice taut with urgency as he summoned his short sword.
Varin, initially oblivious to the danger, soon picked up on the faint but unmistakable sound of marching. Hundreds of feet moved in unison, an ominous rhythm echoing through the forest, approaching from the northeast.
An army of Dryads were advancing toward them, nearly three hundred strong. Each warrior was armed with a wooden spear, its tip a jagged bright red gemstone, expertly carved and bound with thin green vines. Their armor was a marvel of natural craftsmanship, fashioned from leaves skillfully cut and mended.
Dryads are the result of Nymphs severing their connection with nature, a transformation aided by Shroomer Monks. The process turns their skin a dark, grungy green, and their eyes a pale, lifeless red. This change is brought about by inhaling a very specific fungus, leaving most Dryads with a telltale yellow root protruding from their nostril.
"I don't suppose this is the Dryads' way of welcoming us, is it?" Zero's voice was laced with irony.
Varin's eyes narrowed as she glared at the advancing army. "No, Dryads usually never leave Marathra."
"And where is Marathra?"
"In the northeastern corner, beyond the capital and far from here," she replied, her voice tinged with concern.
Zero's focus was on his sword. He adjusted his grip, clasping the center of the blade with his left hand while his right slowly pulled back as if holding an invisible string. The sword began to radiate a faint glow, morphing into a large golden bow. As he continued to pull, a bowstring and arrow materialized, taking complete form as he cocked the bow against his shoulder.
"Last chance, sleep or kill?" Zero's voice was calm, but the question was urgent.
Varin's response was anything but composed, her voice filled with panic. "What, no, don't kill them, SLEEP! SLEEP! SLEEP!"
With a fluid motion, Zero released the string. The arrow shot forward, surging through the air, only to vanish as it neared the Dryads. In its wake, an enormous cloud of golden dust enveloped the army. One by one, the Dryads collapsed onto the forest floor, succumbing to a deep and peaceful slumber.
"That was quite the entrance, HEY!" Zero's exclamation was cut short as he turned toward Varin, only to find her missing. Panic surged through him as he frantically scanned the surroundings, but Varin was nowhere to be seen.
"Varin!" His call echoed, but there was no response. Just as he was about to shout her name again, movement behind him caught his attention.
A lone Dryad stood defiantly, emitting a low growl. Its voice, deep and slightly feminine, cut through the tension. "Xayddryrth… Son of Quetz… Son of Erza… How long has it been?"
Recognition dawned on Zero, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips as he lowered his bow. "It's been a while, Nix."
The Dryad burst into laughter, the sound transforming into an eerie cackle that appeared to warp the very world around them. The environment dissolved into a vast expanse of white, leaving only the duo in the desolate void. The Dryad's jaw dropped, unveiling a skeletal hand emerging from its gaping maw. Gradually, the skeleton extricated itself from the Dryad's throat, its form waning and crumpling to the ground like a discarded piece of fabric.
The skeletal form cracked its neck with an audible snap. "Ahhhhh." It stretched its arms overhead, momentarily cradling its skull. "Been awhile since I’ve used a living creature for travel." Fixing its gaze on Zero, it posed a question. "Tell me, darling, are you and my daughter still wedded?"
Zero reached into his vest and retrieved a pocket potato. Taking a large bite, he responded between chews. "We are… She's somewhere nearby… Actually..." He stuffed the remainder of the potato into his mouth. "...Could you… Please, uh… Put your skin on?"
With a theatrical clap of her hands, inky smoke erupted from Nix's back, enveloping her in its mystical cocoon. The smoky tendrils twisted and writhed, coalescing into a flowing cloak adorned with flame-like patterns along its edges. Slowly, flesh materialized, delicate and ashen. She sported four silver irises in each eye, devoid of pupils, and her hair flowed in a mesmerizing blend of blues and blacks. Only her head bore flesh, while the rest remained skeletal, concealed beneath the enigmatic cloak while azure wisps of smoke swirled within her chest cavity.
Nix raised her arms, which split into three each. As her fists clenched, her stature tripled, bringing her to just under four meters tall. The cloak tightened, obscuring her skeletal form. All six of her arms extended, causing her sleeves to slide down, revealing her seven-fingered claws. Her bones turned black, emitting an eerie aura.
Her mouth opened, and a snakelike tongue slithered out. The forked tip flickered, transforming her teeth into sharp points. Gradually, eyebrows and a nose formed, followed by the slow emergence of darker purple lips. A strip of gold adorned her forehead, tracing a path over her nose. An unsettling beauty radiated from her transformed appearance.
With a satisfying crack, Nix stretched her neck. "Better?"
"Oh, tremendously, thank you." Zero replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But I can't help but wonder, why do you disapprove of Maeve and I so much?"
"Connections make you weak," Nix's response was resolute. “I also find you annoying.”
“Rude.” He gestured an open palm toward her. "And Really? You have a child? Doesn't that mean you had a connection with someone?"
"I have several children!" Nix retorted, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"I feel like..." Zero let out a sigh, his words measured. "...I feel like that makes you an even bigger hypocrite?" He released a deep breath. "Anyway, what's your purpose with the Dryads? I assume you orchestrated that army?"
Nix nodded, a touch of pride coloring her voice. "Indeed, they've shown themselves to be rather efficient. And I..." Her words came to an abrupt halt as her attention latched onto a minuscule tear in the fabric of her pocket reality, offering a tantalizing peek into the external realm and Vol's forsaken forest. Curiosity seized her, propelling her toward the rift. "Wait right here," she declared, gesturing to Zero before gliding over to the rift.
As Nix leaned in closer to the rift, a sudden impact struck the side of her head from within the tear. She was sent reeling backward, tumbling through the boundless white void until she finally came to an abrupt halt.
A cloaked figure emerged from the tear, swiftly transforming into a wisp of black smoke that spiraled through the air. The smoke coalesced into a solid form as it reached Zero.
They wore a long black hooded cloak, a thin dark red seam tracing the edge. Their hands were hidden within the sleeves, but a faint hint of pale red skin peeked through.
"Sup?" Zero greeted casually.
Maeve pulled back her hood, the enchantment concealing her face dissipating. Her auburn hair framed long curled horns emitting a soft blue glow. Turning her head, she revealed silver eyes, black lips, and a row of scales adorning her forehead.
"I see you lost the Princess," Maeve remarked, her tone playful.
"It's good to see you too dear," Zero replied, his tone tinged with playful sarcasm. "And just to clarify, I didn't actually lose Varin; I just don’t know where she is."
Maeve's gaze shifted towards the closing tear. "Well, that sounds a lot like losing her… But are you done in here?"
"Yeah," Zero affirmed. "I think she was about to be mean."
Nix had regained her composure and was steadily approaching them, her six hands clapping together in a manner that exuded condescension. "Bravo, my darlings, bravo," she declared, her voice transformed, now carrying a slight accent and devoid of its previous raspiness. "I'm truly proud of you, Maeve. Though I must say, I still can't bear the fact that you inherited my undeniable beauty while also acquiring your father's rather unsightly horns."
Maeve responded with nonchalance, her tone unwavering. "Well, I am part Teufel; it's to be expected."
Nix lifted her arms, and intricate magic circles materialized in her palms, radiating a red glow that cast an eerie light on her face. "Indeed… Now, if you'll excuse me, daughter, your husband and I were having a nice little chat."
The magic circles expanded in tandem, growing from a meter in diameter to over five. In an instant, Maeve transformed into a swirling cloud of smoke, enveloping Zero. Nix observed the spectacle with a sinister smile as the smoky form slithered through the closing tear, her voice dripping with malice. "Be seeing you, Xayddryrth… Oh, and thank you… For bringing the Princess back home for me, couldn’t have done it without ya."
The Winds of Vol were a force to be reckoned with, something Zero hadn't fully appreciated until now. His initial plan to teleport to the island was quickly thwarted as he took to the air, the winds seizing him with a fierce and unyielding grip, guiding him inexorably towards the island's entrance.
Varin's grin bore a mischievous spark, her nose wrinkling playfully. "My great-grandmother's magic sure puts on a show, huh?" Her expression radiated warmth, but Zero could discern the deep layer of sadness beneath the surface.
"I was under the impression that Nymphs couldn’t use magic?" Zero pondered, a revelation washing over him. "Oh wait, Amara was an Elf... Why do I keep forgetting that?" He studied Varin from head to toe. "I suppose it's because you exude more of a Nymph's aura than an Elf's."
“I’m… sorry?” Varin stated. Varin's gaze lingered on Zero, thoughtful. "Just surrender to the winds; it’s our only path."
"I wouldn't say it's the only path. If Viktor and his crew could uncover the Princess of Vol's disguise as a Human on Sidra, they most certainly know another way onto the island."
"I was exactly trying to hide, if I was trying to do that I would have changed my name or you know just wouldn’t have left Hier, also… Are Viktor and his crew here now? Showing you this secret path onto Vol?" Varin's voice held a note of curiosity and sarcasm.
Zero's shoulders sagged, defeated. "No."
"So, we're at the mercy of the winds then?" Varin's tone was gently probing.
Zero exhaled a resigned sigh. "We're at the mercy of the winds."
The winds appeared to heed his words, their grip on the vessel tightening as they propelled it towards the southern tip of Vol. The island drew nearer, accompanied by the unsettling sight of the forest that had withered into desolation. Leaves had been reduced to shades of lifeless brown, scattered over the barren grass, mirroring the shadowed course of the river. With every passing moment, the shallowness of the lake turned treacherous, while abandoned ships stood as mute witnesses to the desolate panorama.
As they pressed on, the riverbanks rose in stature, a silent ascent accompanying their journey northward. Finally, the ship juddered to a stop on the earth, a mere five kilometers south of the once-thriving Eastern Grass Mountain, now transformed into a somber, ashen monolith stripped of life's vibrancy.
Compelled to forsake their beached vessel, Zero and Varin ventured into the embrace of the Xuesong Forest. It didn't take long for Zero's instincts to rouse again, an abrupt halt in his steps, his hand moving protectively over Varin's heart, shielding her from the unseen.
"Stand behind me," he commanded, his voice taut with urgency as he summoned his short sword.
Varin, initially oblivious to the danger, soon picked up on the faint but unmistakable sound of marching. Hundreds of feet moved in unison, an ominous rhythm echoing through the forest, approaching from the northeast.
An army of Dryads were advancing toward them, nearly three hundred strong. Each warrior was armed with a wooden spear, its tip a jagged bright red gemstone, expertly carved and bound with thin green vines. Their armor was a marvel of natural craftsmanship, fashioned from leaves skillfully cut and mended.
Dryads are the result of Nymphs severing their connection with nature, a transformation aided by Shroomer Monks. The process turns their skin a dark, grungy green, and their eyes a pale, lifeless red. This change is brought about by inhaling a very specific fungus, leaving most Dryads with a telltale yellow root protruding from their nostril.
"I don't suppose this is the Dryads' way of welcoming us, is it?" Zero's voice was laced with irony.
Varin's eyes narrowed as she glared at the advancing army. "No, Dryads usually never leave Marathra."
"And where is Marathra?"
"In the northeastern corner, beyond the capital and far from here," she replied, her voice tinged with concern.
Zero's focus was on his sword. He adjusted his grip, clasping the center of the blade with his left hand while his right slowly pulled back as if holding an invisible string. The sword began to radiate a faint glow, morphing into a large golden bow. As he continued to pull, a bowstring and arrow materialized, taking complete form as he cocked the bow against his shoulder.
"Last chance, sleep or kill?" Zero's voice was calm, but the question was urgent.
Varin's response was anything but composed, her voice filled with panic. "What, no, don't kill them, SLEEP! SLEEP! SLEEP!"
With a fluid motion, Zero released the string. The arrow shot forward, surging through the air, only to vanish as it neared the Dryads. In its wake, an enormous cloud of golden dust enveloped the army. One by one, the Dryads collapsed onto the forest floor, succumbing to a deep and peaceful slumber.
"That was quite the entrance, HEY!" Zero's exclamation was cut short as he turned toward Varin, only to find her missing. Panic surged through him as he frantically scanned the surroundings, but Varin was nowhere to be seen.
"Varin!" His call echoed, but there was no response. Just as he was about to shout her name again, movement behind him caught his attention.
A lone Dryad stood defiantly, emitting a low growl. Its voice, deep and slightly feminine, cut through the tension. "Xayddryrth… Son of Quetz… Son of Erza… How long has it been?"
Recognition dawned on Zero, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips as he lowered his bow. "It's been a while, Nix."
The Dryad burst into laughter, the sound transforming into an eerie cackle that appeared to warp the very world around them. The environment dissolved into a vast expanse of white, leaving only the duo in the desolate void. The Dryad's jaw dropped, unveiling a skeletal hand emerging from its gaping maw. Gradually, the skeleton extricated itself from the Dryad's throat, its form waning and crumpling to the ground like a discarded piece of fabric.
The skeletal form cracked its neck with an audible snap. "Ahhhhh." It stretched its arms overhead, momentarily cradling its skull. "Been awhile since I’ve used a living creature for travel." Fixing its gaze on Zero, it posed a question. "Tell me, darling, are you and my daughter still wedded?"
Zero reached into his vest and retrieved a pocket potato. Taking a large bite, he responded between chews. "We are… She's somewhere nearby… Actually..." He stuffed the remainder of the potato into his mouth. "...Could you… Please, uh… Put your skin on?"
With a theatrical clap of her hands, inky smoke erupted from Nix's back, enveloping her in its mystical cocoon. The smoky tendrils twisted and writhed, coalescing into a flowing cloak adorned with flame-like patterns along its edges. Slowly, flesh materialized, delicate and ashen. She sported four silver irises in each eye, devoid of pupils, and her hair flowed in a mesmerizing blend of blues and blacks. Only her head bore flesh, while the rest remained skeletal, concealed beneath the enigmatic cloak while azure wisps of smoke swirled within her chest cavity.
Nix raised her arms, which split into three each. As her fists clenched, her stature tripled, bringing her to just under four meters tall. The cloak tightened, obscuring her skeletal form. All six of her arms extended, causing her sleeves to slide down, revealing her seven-fingered claws. Her bones turned black, emitting an eerie aura.
Her mouth opened, and a snakelike tongue slithered out. The forked tip flickered, transforming her teeth into sharp points. Gradually, eyebrows and a nose formed, followed by the slow emergence of darker purple lips. A strip of gold adorned her forehead, tracing a path over her nose. An unsettling beauty radiated from her transformed appearance.
With a satisfying crack, Nix stretched her neck. "Better?"
"Oh, tremendously, thank you." Zero replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But I can't help but wonder, why do you disapprove of Maeve and I so much?"
"Connections make you weak," Nix's response was resolute. “I also find you annoying.”
“Rude.” He gestured an open palm toward her. "And Really? You have a child? Doesn't that mean you had a connection with someone?"
"I have several children!" Nix retorted, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"I feel like..." Zero let out a sigh, his words measured. "...I feel like that makes you an even bigger hypocrite?" He released a deep breath. "Anyway, what's your purpose with the Dryads? I assume you orchestrated that army?"
Nix nodded, a touch of pride coloring her voice. "Indeed, they've shown themselves to be rather efficient. And I..." Her words came to an abrupt halt as her attention latched onto a minuscule tear in the fabric of her pocket reality, offering a tantalizing peek into the external realm and Vol's forsaken forest. Curiosity seized her, propelling her toward the rift. "Wait right here," she declared, gesturing to Zero before gliding over to the rift.
As Nix leaned in closer to the rift, a sudden impact struck the side of her head from within the tear. She was sent reeling backward, tumbling through the boundless white void until she finally came to an abrupt halt.
A cloaked figure emerged from the tear, swiftly transforming into a wisp of black smoke that spiraled through the air. The smoke coalesced into a solid form as it reached Zero.
They wore a long black hooded cloak, a thin dark red seam tracing the edge. Their hands were hidden within the sleeves, but a faint hint of pale red skin peeked through.
"Sup?" Zero greeted casually.
Maeve pulled back her hood, the enchantment concealing her face dissipating. Her auburn hair framed long curled horns emitting a soft blue glow. Turning her head, she revealed silver eyes, black lips, and a row of scales adorning her forehead.
"I see you lost the Princess," Maeve remarked, her tone playful.
"It's good to see you too dear," Zero replied, his tone tinged with playful sarcasm. "And just to clarify, I didn't actually lose Varin; I just don’t know where she is."
Maeve's gaze shifted towards the closing tear. "Well, that sounds a lot like losing her… But are you done in here?"
"Yeah," Zero affirmed. "I think she was about to be mean."
Nix had regained her composure and was steadily approaching them, her six hands clapping together in a manner that exuded condescension. "Bravo, my darlings, bravo," she declared, her voice transformed, now carrying a slight accent and devoid of its previous raspiness. "I'm truly proud of you, Maeve. Though I must say, I still can't bear the fact that you inherited my undeniable beauty while also acquiring your father's rather unsightly horns."
Maeve responded with nonchalance, her tone unwavering. "Well, I am part Teufel; it's to be expected."
Nix lifted her arms, and intricate magic circles materialized in her palms, radiating a red glow that cast an eerie light on her face. "Indeed… Now, if you'll excuse me, daughter, your husband and I were having a nice little chat."
The magic circles expanded in tandem, growing from a meter in diameter to over five. In an instant, Maeve transformed into a swirling cloud of smoke, enveloping Zero. Nix observed the spectacle with a sinister smile as the smoky form slithered through the closing tear, her voice dripping with malice. "Be seeing you, Xayddryrth… Oh, and thank you… For bringing the Princess back home for me, couldn’t have done it without ya."
