In Ataraxia, the bright morning sun spread its rays over the Song Shrine. A white and a pink figure were standing there, the former concentrating as if trying to move the rocks with his mind.
"Keep going, Senn." Val encouraged. "You've almost got it."
A blue bubble began to enclose Senn, but just as it completed, it popped.
"Ha!" He exclaimed. "Did you see that?"
"It looked like some sort of energy shield." Val observed.
Senn let his shoulders slacken from the effort. "Do you have any other Songs besides your wings?" He asked curiously.
"I have an Aggressium Song but…" Val looked around, "Galleous doesn't want us using them during training."
"However, Galleous isn't watching." Senn took that as a coast clear. "Come here." Val beckoned. Together, they came to the edge of the altar.
"You can wield most Songs with your body alone, but with Aggressium songs you're able to channel their energy through a staff or other weapon." Val explained. "It amplifies their power and steadies their rhythm. I don't have one on me, so…"
Val turned in a circle, and out of her hand flew a little red comet. It wandered lazily in the air down the steps. Senn watched in awe as it hit a little fence next to the forge and exploded.
"Now…" Val said naughtily, "would be a good time to run. Come on!" Together, they raced down to the island below, giggling all the way and sat down on the last step.
"Umph!" Grunted Senn. He burst out laughing. "Well, that went well."
Val laughed. "Yeah, it could have gone a lot worse. Galleous hates Songs, especially Aggresium."
"He told me he no longer uses Songs, but…he hasn't exactly told me why." Senn looked below towards the forge. "He did warn me about how Songs take over our mind, but I think there's more to it."
Galleous had walked out onto the balcony. He surveyed the floating islands, bent over the fence. For the first time, Senn wondered how old he was, and whether he can go on much longer. It was not uncommon, he knew, for Ardoni to live over 250 years, but few have passed that age with a vigorous body. He read that only those who led a peaceful life, who exercised but never wielded the Songs of war, could do that.
"Much about Galleous remains a mystery." Val admitted. "All I know is that at one time, he used to train Ardoni to wield Songs. In fact, Around the time of the Great War, I believe many of his students, some his brothers, were killed." Val looked deeply at Senn. "I think he blames the Songs for their deaths, and he blames the Prime Songs for the war."
"I see."
"I was his last student. After training me, I was sent back to Mendoria to learn the Songs. I think he knew the war was coming." Then, realizing Senn was also apprenticed to Galleous, Val added, "At least in wielding Songs, that is."
"But now the Voltaris have already returned," said Senn, "and the war has begun, the time for training is over. My family was killed by the Voltaris, and, and I've done nothing to avenge them." Senn felt a pang of guilt. Ria…was also my family.
"That's not entirely true." Val consoled. "You've learned much that will help you in a fight."
"Thank you, Val, for everything." Senn looked towards the distant mountain range. Somewhere close, he knew, the Knights of Ardonia made their base. He stood up, a determination forming in his heart.
Senn touched up his sword that evening, found a sheath, and smuggled it into his bedroom. Midnight came around. It was the first week of the month and the moon was just growing up. The night was darker than usual, a perfect time for sneaking out. Senn packed his belongings in a small sack, reached into his pocket to feel his Song pulsating as usual, and slipped out onto the landing with his sword.
"Do I not at least get a 'farewell'?"
Senn almost jumped out of his skin. He turned around and saw Galleous leaning against a pillar with a mischievous smile on his face. His blue eyes pierced Senn's mind.
"Galleous!" Senn exclaimed. "I… I don't know how to explain... and I don't think you'll understand." He stammered.
"If you try to explain, I will try to understand." Galleous said patiently.
"I appreciate all your help Galleous." Senn said. "You and Val both have taught me so much and asked for so little in return." He pointed to the door. "But the Voltaris are out there. They're out there right now. They slaughtered my family and killed Thalleous." He let his hand fall to his side. "I can't just do nothing. It's useless to hide and wallow." Senn looked at the old Ardoni in the eyes. "So I'm going to fight. I'm going to join the Knights of Ardonia."
"I understand very well, Senn." Galleous sighed. "This is just what my brothers would have done. I would advise improving your skills first, but I will not stop you."
Galleous appeared lost in thought, or was it sad memories? Finally, he said, "The Knights of Ardonia have a hideout northwest of here. Follow the mountain range, you will find the inlet."
"Thank you, Galleous," Senn replied, adjusting his sack on his shoulder, "for everything you've done. Thalleous would've been proud."
Galleous snorted. "Ha! Thalleous would have chastised me for not joining you. However, I cannot let you go unarmed."
Senn showed him the sword he made, and Galleous raised his eyebrows.
"So you are prepared." He observed. Pulling it out of its sheath, he examined the sleek body, the strong frame, and the distinct lines. His deep blue image reflecting off its smooth, polished surface and newly sharpened edges, Galleous turned it over.
"You have the hand of a blacksmith Senn." He praised, letting the sword slide back into its sheath. "It is a beautiful sword, and it belongs with its maker." He handed the blade back to Senn.
"Now be gone, before I change my mind about you leaving." He winked, and at that moment, Senn realized again how strikingly similar he was to his brother, Thalleous.
Senn composed himself and headed to the stable. There, he guided Timber out of his stall. Together, they followed the alleys toward Ataraxia's west gate.