Months later, Arnath and Sephfireka had finally arrived at the ports to the west. As Arnath looked around the dock, a man approached him. It was a messenger traveling from Forago. "Dancing sent me," he said.
"Whats this about?" Sephfireka asked.
"I dont know," Arnath said, eyes narrowed in wonder.
The man smiled as though he had brought good news. He thought to himself how to present himself. "Well," he began, "She told me to find a man with your description traveling to the western ports." Arnath nodded as Seph stood in curiosity, his arms crossed. "And she told me to announce that youre the father of two children."
Sephfireka immediately began laughing. "Arnath, truly?" he jested. "What are their names?"
The man couldnt help but smile at his amusement. "Ice and Sesshomaru" His expression went solid again as he lowered his eyes. "Yet there is unfavorable news as well. Dancing died shortly after giving birth."
Sephfireka ceased laughing, as Arnath stood almost emotionless for a moment. "Im sorry," Seph condoled.
"Its alright," Arnath insisted before turning to the man. "Thank you for informing me." The man nodded and walked away as Arnath returned his attention to Sephfireka. "Let us find Durango. Well continue on our way to find the Ravens."
Turning the corner Sephfireka announced, "There it is!" as he pointed to a large platform. A group of individuals had gathered next to the area, speaking to one another. "Wasnt far at all."
Arnath looked around before redirecting his attention to the group. "That little gathering of people?"
Sephfireka ran over to greet one of the men. "Durango, how ya been?"
The man smiled, extending his arm in salutation as Sephiroth took hold of his hand. "Ive been just fine. Youre on time to see her rise."
Arnath was puzzled as he walked next to Sephfireka. "See who rise?" As he ended the question, the ground shook seemingly uncontrollably. The platform began to spread apart, opening a large crevice as some huge contraption slowly rose from underground. Massive propellers lifted it upward, causing great winds, blowing every which direction. The metallic structure of this device seemed like it must have taken an eternity to built.
Sephiroth stood watching as it raised higher into the sky, his coat flailing in the winds. Arnath stood in awe as he too watched with great attention.
"The Vanguard," Durango screamed as to be heard over the noise. "Shes a beautiful airship, is she not?" The other men in the group began walking toward the dock. "Well be boarding her as soon as she lands over the water." The ship moved over the city toward the sea where it lowered again.
Once the group arrived, the ship was hovering over the water as a ladder dropped from the connected platform at the bottom of the ship. Splashing below, two men in uniform jumped from the ladder in order to help the passengers up.
Arnath and Sephfireka followed behind Durango as he climbed up. Stepping under a passageway at the top of the platform revealed a large control room, where men were busy keeping the ship steady.
"This ship is really quite spectacular," Durango mentioned. "You only see the bridge right now, but there is a meeting room behind me, quarters for each of you, a medical station and a dining hall."
"Where are we headed?" Arnath asked.
"Were crossing to the other continent," Durango said. "To the city of Remus."
Sephiroth stood tall, looking down at the ground as it became a steadily increasing distance away. "...To put forth a message to the world."
"Shouldn't take us long, maybe a few days." Durango assured. "Come on, let's get some rest."
View User's Journal
Arnath's Journal
 |
