Chapter 11: Minor Spirits

General Summary

As the airship began to take off to the Northwest, Rei elaborated on the vessel. The Emperor had it commissioned, but it has sat in the water ever since his untimely death. The purpose of the vehicle was never made clear, nor was it provided the armaments to match the purpose implied by its name.
Dragons have long been the enemies of those within the Empire, still told to children in tales of legend. Yet only the Guardian has seen things that come close to their description.
Not wishing to have this deception drag on any longer, the party set out to Teichi, to find the Fox Spirit. Jill had seen to arranging a wagon to take them to a destination of their choosing, making the walk-weary Samantha a little bit happier.
The city was a familiar ambience for both travelers, but sightseeing was not an option this time. The duty of the Guardian would come first, and so Luanshi suggested to seek out the daughter of the Fox Spirit's caretaker, an old friend, Shey Hana.
Hana, predictably, wasn't too happy to see Luanshi, as she does her best to remind him of his failings whenever able. Upon explaining that Luanshi forgot the route to Faerus, and that the present company was the newly appointed Guardian, Hana was willing to play ball. She ensured she'd have plenty of spare change for what lies ahead before closing up shop.
Hana would lead them to the shrine, but a stop in their path lead her to assess the Guardian's appearance. By Median standards, it is as if Samantha had already aged considerably. It wasn't until Samantha revealed where she's from that Hana considered her old.
The party left town, and entered the forest. Nine candles had to be placed in their receptacles in order to remove the illusion hiding the Fox Spirit's home. Hana inquired about the next step in their quest, which appeared to be finding the other spirits. Hana remarked that a trip to the Koi Spirit may be financially tough, though she also remarked that she had business with him herself.
Arriving at the Fox's home, the Guardian introduced herself, prompting Faerus to see the connection she shared with Lakmir, and learning of her fate. Faerus quickly turned the topic to that of the world's imminent end. Her plan is to phase the entire planet out of the material plane, so that it may be spared annihilation.
Yet this plan won't save the other worlds, nor the inhabitants of Major, who will surely collapse under the strain of the aetherial density of Medius. Without Lakmir around to treat others, and even if she were, too little time remains.
With the future grim as it is, a message came in on the Access Tablet, which has been overhauled to serve as a message box. The evacuation of Major is proceeding well, which must mean Jack's plans are bearing fruit.
Faerus decided now is not the time to sit around pondering fates. Leaving her home, she hurled it across the planet to the Seat of the Empire, to speak to the one who sent the Guardian to her.

Report Date

07 Nov 2021