#esper's tail

[wind-the-mama-cat]

Pieces

(Please note: This story takes place before “Wind Meets the Rom” and “Among the Rom”.)

Esper sat crossed leg underneath a pleasant smelling cherry-blossom tree. She closed her eyes took a deep breath, allowing the scent to penetrate her senses.

S'r'n smiled at the young girl as she sat across from her. She gestured to the tree above them. “This tree was planted by my mother's mother.” She explained as Esper opened her eyes. “I often come and sit underneath it whenever I need to clear my head.”

She giggled. “To clear the cobwebs.” She tapped the side of her head.

Esper giggled as well. “I can see why. Just breathing in the scent is... very pleasant.” She sighed. “I knew...” She looked at the jade bracelet on her wrist. “Someone who would of loved this tree...”

“Tell me about her.” S'r'n said kindly.

Esper's eyes locked with S'r'n's. “I just lost her...” She sniffled. “I don't think I can...”

S'r'n nodded. “I see.” She looked up at the tree. “Look at this tree, Dear.”

Esper looked up at the tree and watched as a breeze blew some petals off the branches.

“Even though it loses pieces of itself, through no fault of its own, it is still beatiful.” She looked at Esper. “And no less a tree.”

The younger “bunny” girl blinked rapidly. “Her name was Ico. She was a red panda girl, whom I loved deeply.” She teared up. “See was taken from me by a dark beast, along with all my friends and teachers.”

S'r'n remained silent, allowing Esper to simply talk.

“I miss them... so much.” She cried. “I miss Ico so much.” She reached into her belt pouch and pulled out a small black box. She opened it and looked at a gold band ring topped with a blue, round cut, sapphire. “I was going to ask her to be my wife...”

She looked at S'r'n. “How am I to move on?”

“With help.” S'r'n smiled sweetly. “Also with strength and determination. If I may ask, my Dear, would Ico have wanted you to give up?”

Epser shook her head as she put the ring away. “No. She would have wanted me to move on. To keep living.”

“Losing so much is never easy, Esper.” S'r'n said simply. “Just as I told Wind, when she first came to us. And much like I told her, it is better to open up and express your loss, then it is told hold onto it and let it damage your soul even more.”

Esper looked up at the tree. “I was told that you were a see'all. That you could see all the scars that someone has on thier soul. How many scars do I have?”

“Too many for one so young as you, Dear.” S'r'n answered. Each time someone experiences something traumatic, a scar forms. I see one old, partially healed, scar. I see the scar for Ico. I also see scars for your friends and teachers.” She shook her head. “The question I have for you, Esper, is do you wish for me to help you heal those scars?”

Esper sighed deeply. “Is it that easy? For me to say yes and you heal them?”

“No.” S'r'n shook her head no. “It will take time and work. What I can do is show you and guide you.” She smiled “But I can only do so if you want to.”

Esper thought for a moment. She thought of the Grand Sister. What she would have said in this situation. She wouldn't let her Baulk from a challenge. “I do. Please, S'r'n, help me heal.”

S'r'n nodded and placed a hand on her chest, over her heart. “I will do my best to help you, Dear. Each morning, you will join our family in our Tai Chi routine. After that, and our morning meal, you will spend an hour each day, with me, under this tree. I will guide you through your mediation. You will then spend some time with D’Tj’n. She will teach you how to wield a sword.”

Esper nodded. “Thank you, S'r'n, for helping me...” She thought for a second. “If I may ask a boon of you... would it be acceptable of me to think of you as a mother?”

S'r'n's breath hitched for a second. “You wish for me to be a mother figure to you?”

Esper shook her head. “Not just a figure. I wish to be able to call you... mother.”

A tear played at the elder rabbit's eye as she nodded. “I accept, Esper. You may call me mother.” She held out her arms in an offer for a hug.

Esper moved to her knees and 'walked' over to her. She wrapped her arms around her 'mother's' back while S'r'n hugged her around her shoulders.

“Do not worry, my Daughter. We will piece you back together.” She sighed happily. “You will be whole once again.”

[wind-the-mama-cat]

A Strange, New, World

Esper Whisper the cat walked through the portal from her world, leading to… wherever or whatever this place she had traveled to. She shook her head to clear it of the off-putting buzzing she was feeling after traveling through the portal. She looked around to get her bearings. The first thing that she noticed was that she definitely was not on her world anymore. The grass was green, instead of purple, and the sky was blue instead of orange.

“Where am I?” she asked aloud to herself. She spotted a large rock near her, with a walking cane leaning on it. She gasped and walked quickly over to it. She teared up a little as she realized that it was Ico’s former staff.

She sighed and looked at the bracelet she wore that also belonged to Ico. “I guess this is all I have left of her…” She said as she picked up the staff and held it in her right hand.

She spotted a cobble-stone road next to the rock and looked to the left and the right. “Well,” She thought as she went to scratch her… ears. Her longer than normal ears.

She gasped as she felt her ears and face with her left hand. “What the heck? I feel like I’m a b-bunny?”

As she was feeling her buck teeth, another bunny walked up the road towards her.

“Ho, Traveler.” He greeted kindly.

Esper stopped pulling her teeth and looked at him. “Uh, hello.” She smiled at the young male. She didn’t even know she could speak bunny.

“Something the matter, Ma’am? You look a little lost. And, begging my pardon, a little confused.” The young bunny said sweetly. “Oh, my name is F'r*n.

Esper blinked. A place where names didn’t have vowels? She smiled, somehow knowing how to alter her name. “Oh, um, My name is ‘Sp’r. And yes, F'r*n, I am lost. I’m new to this territory.”

“A pleasure to meet you ‘Sp’r.” He looked her up and down and nodded. “I have never seen clothing like yours before. Are you from the Northlands?”

Epser nodded. “Aye. I am.” She patted her cloak. “Have to keep warm.”

F'r*n nodded in understanding. “Strang way of talking, too. You said I twice.”

Esper giggled. “Actually, I said ‘aye’. A-Y-E. As in yes.”

“Oh. I see.” F'r*n chuckled. “My sister says that sometimes. Learned it from another.” He smiled. “Would you like to meet her and my other brothers and sisters? Maybe, join us for a meal? My parents love to meet knew travellers.”

Esper thought for a second. He seemed innocent and friendly enough. Certainly didn’t seem like a trap or ruse of some kind. “Certainly, F'r*n. I would love to meet your family.”

He pointed down the road. “We’re not too far from my home, actually. Just another half hour or so.”

The two… bunnies, walked down the road towards F'r*n’s home. As they did, the younger male kept asking her questions. Esper didn’t mind.

“What are the Northlands like?” He asked.

“Well, um, like I said, they’re cold. Winter lasts a little longer, hence why I’m wearing boots. And why I have a staff. Helps me navigate through the snow.” Esper answered.

“It is a nice staff.” He nodded his approval. “Why come here? Visiting family?”

Esper shook her head. “No. I… I don’t have family. N-not here. I, um, recently had, well… a bad experience, and I needed to travel. To help me heal.” She tried to smile, to ease his worried expression.

“Well, like I said, my family likes to help those who need help.” F'r*n said. “Even if they don’t realize that they need it.” He smiled at Esper. “Often, they think their wounds are only skin deep. They don’t know that wounds can scar their soul.”

Esper was taken aback by what the young bunny said. “Do you think that I carry unseen scars, F'r*n?”

“Nobody is perfect, ‘Sp’r.” He stated simply. “However, that is not for me to say. My Mother can tell for certain. She is a See’all.”

“A See’all?” Esper asked. “You mean a Seer?”

F'r*n shook his head no. “No. A Seer sees the future. Or, as much as the future as one can.” He made a circle with his thumb and index finger and brought it up to his eye. “They try to see the future through a pin-prick.” He dropped his hand. “A See’all sees, well, all the weight one carries.”

“Oh. I understand.” Esper nodded in understanding.

“One time, about 4 years ago, we had…” He let out a soft sigh. “My Other sister. She had much weight on her shoulders. Too much. My Mother and sister helped her.”

He perked up and pointed at a large house. “There. That is my home. And look! My Eldest sister is home from her travels.”

Esper looked to where he was pointing.

There, standing in front of the large house, was in fact a tall female rabbit. She was dressed like a warrior monk, yet she was carrying a large sword.

Esper blinked.

As the two young bunnies approached her, she turned around and faced them.

She smiled at her brother. “Hello, F'r*n.” She looked at Esper and titled her head. “Hello, ‘Sp’r.”

Esper gasped.

[wind-the-mama-cat]

Truth, Be Told

Esper looked at the tall Bunny girl in shock. Not only did she know her name, but she also had her sword, Heavensblade, sheathed on her back.

“How…?” Esper began to ask, but the older girl winked and looked pointedly at her brother.

“Go and let mother and father know that we have a guest.” She kindly said to him.

“Yes, Sister.” F'r*n said with a smile, and then ran off.

“Now we can talk in peace. I am D’Tj’n.” D’Tj’n said with a smile. “You are Esper Whisper. I was told to expect you.”

Esper’s head was filled with a million questions. It was like there were a thousand bees buzzing in it.

“I… you were expecting me?” Esper asked. “How? Why? By whom…?”

D’Tj’n held up both her hands to get Esper to slow down. “You have a thousand questions. I understand. I have answers for all of them. First, we must sit. Then, I shall tell you what I know. You may ask your questions after. Yes?”

Esper took a calming breath. “Aye.”

D’Tj’n lead the confused girl over to a zen garden with two oak benches that faced each other. Esper sat on one, D’Tj’n sat on the opposite one.

“There. Now that we are comfortable, I shall explain what I know.” The older girl began. “I, like my mother, have the gift of seeing all. I am not as skilled as she is, but it allows me to see enough. For example, I can see your real form, that of an otter and cat, if I concentrate enough.”

Esper gasped.

“As for knowing your name and your expected arrival, well, some weeks ago, a kindly old donkey approached me, and gave me a protection charm. He insisted that I take it and keep it on me for the time being.” D’Tj’n continued. “He also told me to expect a grey bunny girl to arrive. The owner of this sword I carry, to be precise.” She reached back and tapped the handle.

Esper’s eyes flicked to her sword.

D’Tj’n smiled. “That is all I know. Now that I am finished, you may ask any questions that you have.”

Esper let out a shallow breath. “I misplaced my sword, called Heavensblade, well… a few months ago. You said a kindly donkey gave it to you?” D’Tj’n nodded. “Oddly enough, an old donkey gave it to me 7 years ago.”

“Brown fur, with a white mane?” D’Tj’n asked.

Esper nodded. “Aye. That can’t be a coincidence. So, this… donkey told you to expect me. I wonder how he knew I would be a bunny…”

“I might be able to answer that.” Another, female, voice said from Esper’s left.

Esper looked and saw an Elderly bunny, dressed in soft looking robes standing between the two benches.

“Mother.” D’Tj’n smiled at her. “Where is Father?”

“Making tea.” She made a shooing motion with her hands at her daughter. “Move over, Dear. I wish to sit.”

D’Tj’n scooted over on her bench to make room for her mother. With a satisfied sigh, she sat down and smiled at Esper.

“Greetings. My name is S'r'n.” She seemed to be looking at Esper with more then just her eyes. “You, my Dear, carry much weight on your shoulders and your soul.”

“I…” Esper began to say, but stopped as she choked up as tears sprung to her eyes. “I’ve lost so much…” She broke down and hid her face in her hands as she wept.

S'r'n moved and sat next to Esper. She placed her right hand on her head. “I know you have, Dear. I know. You are much like the other one That came here 4 years ago. She too, carried the weight of her world.”

“Aye.” D’Tj’n nodded. “Wind. She was a cat and otter just as you were.”

Esper calmed down enough to uncover her face. Tears still streamed down her cheeks as she looked at D’Tj’n. “W-Wind? Her name was Wind?”

“It was, yes.” S’r’n answered. “Though, she never mentioned having a sister.”

Esper wiped her eyes with her cloak. “It’s complicated. I did have a sister named Wind, although not the same Wind that you’re talking about. From what I was told, and from my studies, I think your Wind and my Wind were mirror versions of one another.”

“I see.” S’r’n nodded in understanding. “Well, that certainly is interesting. Two Winds.”

“Has she been here recently?” Esper asked curiously. “I would love to meet her.”

“It’s been nigh on six months since we have had any contact from her.” D’Tj’n admitted. “She usually sends a letter, or comes in person.”

“Oh,” Esper said, looking down-trodden. “I was hoping…”

“Oh, I am certain you will. Eventually.” S’r’n said hugging Esper around her shoulders. “I do not believe in coincidences, nor do I believe in luck. You, Sweet Esper, were sent here for a reason.”

“I believe that as well.” D’Tj’n nodded.

Esper looked up and smiled. “I was by… the person who sent me here, that I was to travel and rest. To heal… after my, well, ordeal.”

“Which we shall provide.” S’r’n assured her. “Resting and healing.”

“Training as well.” D’Tj’n added.

Esper looked at her with a confused expression. “Training?”

D’Tj’n nodded. She stood up and drew Heavensblade from its sheath. She then took a casual pose. “This sword is yours. I can tell from your words, and from its aura. However, judging from your hands and muscles, you have never trained to use it. Correct?”

Esper looked at D’Tj’n and then at S’r’n.

S’r’n nodded. “She is the combat expert.”

“Stand up, Esper, and take you sword. Show me how you would defend yourself.” D’Tj’n said simply as she held the sword hilt towards her.

Esper handed her staff to S’r’n, and then stood up. She took the sword handle in both her hands, walked a few feet away from the garden to give herself some room, and then held it at a 45-degree angle towards D’Tj’n.

“Esper…” D’Tj’n shook her head. She picked up a branch off the ground, and walked over to the grey bunny. She then struck the edge of the sword, faster then Esper could see, which caused her to yelp and drop it.

“Ow…” Esper said as she shook her wrists.

“As I said…” D’Tj’n said as she picked up the sword and sheathed it on her back. “You need training.”

“All in good time.” S’r’n said as she joined them. “First things first. Tea, food, and then bed. You seem exhausted, and it has been quite the day for you.” She handed Esper’s staff back to her. “Yes?”

Esper nodded in agreement. “Oh, yes.”

S’r’n hooked her right arm around Esper’s left arm, and started to lead her back to the house. “Oh… um… do either of you know why I’m a… bunny?

S’r’n smiled. “You have great magic within you, Esper. The same magic that let you travel here, lets you, subconsciously, and with time, consciously, change your appearance. To let you… blend in.”

“So, I’m not actually a bunny?” Esper asked, as she used her free hand to rub her ears. “Just a very convincing illusion spell? Feels real to me.”

“In a sense.” D’Tj’n nodded. “Think of it as more of a magical mask.”

“Oh. Okay.” Epser said in understanding.

“As I said before,” S’r’n chuckled. “Healing, resting, and as my daughter mentioned, training.” She winked at Esper. “We will piece you back together again, Esper. I promise.”

“I look forward to it.” Esper giggled.

[wind-the-mama-cat]

FATE

Uro Loki, Spirit of Vengeance, had spent the last two months eradicating all the evil creatures on her world with her cleansing fire. Some of the Evil beings had pleaded with her, begged her, not to destroy them.

“Begging for mercy?” She asked in return, her voice full of malice, “Why should I show you mercy when you have shown none in return?”

With a snap of her fingers, she would set them ablaze.

The townsfolk and villagers that she had helped tried to ply her with gifts and money, but she turned them all down.

“I need no thanks.” She said as she walked away.

After two months of seeking revenge, she had finally made her way to the Vault of Souls. The vast, secured, chamber, that held all the Evil that the Sisters of Light had purged, not destroyed has she had, from the world.

However, as she approached the Chamber, she noticed a large, black, solitary cat sitting in front of the Vault door.

“Fate.” Uro Loki scoffed.

“Esper.” Fate greeted kindly. Its eyes glowed with a soft light. “I knew you would come.”

“I knew you would come as well, you insufferable Know-it-all.” Uro Loki scowled.

“Well, I would not be the Father of All Time and Existence if I could not keep track of my wayward Spirits.” Fate smiled kindly. “That, and when they use a vessel for their own plans.”

“Spare me, Fate.” Uro Loki said, as The Spirit used their own voice instead of Esper’s. “I am trying to save this world, while you sit idly by and let Evil, and her minions, run rampant.” She nodded over her shoulder back the way she came. “Was it fate that destroyed the Tower? Hm? Was it fate that killed all of Esper’s friends? Her Lover? That killed her family? Was it?!”

Fate shook its head. “It was not. Evil is responsible for those actions. I will deal with her accordingly.”

“Ha.” Vengeance laughed manically. “After I am done here, I shall deal with Evil myself.”

“I cannot allow that, Vengeance.” Fate said simply. “This Vault is not yours to destroy. Evil’s pet resides within it. Evil believes that her plans go unnoticed. As I said before, I shall deal with her. As will Judgement.”

Vengeance had a mixed look of anger and confusion on Esper’s face. “You will not deny me my revenge on this Vault. Nor will you deny me my revenge on Evil. She is mine!”

“No.” Fate said simply. “Evil cannot be destroyed. Without Evil, there will be no Good.” He shook his head. “Now, release Esper, Vengeance.”

“She is not doing anything that she does not wish to do.” Vengeance said. “I am simply helping her. Something that you refuse to do.”

Fate blinked his eyes. With a flash of light, The power surrounding Esper faded, and her eyes and physic returned to normal. The exhausted catter fell to her knees, disoriented, and confused.

“What?” Esper said as she looked around. “W-where am I?” She spotted Fate. “What’s going on? The last thing I remember… is touching the Orb of Light… I… who are you?”

“I am Fate.” Fate answered. “You, my Dear are Esper.”

“Fate?” Esper asked in concerned tone. “Why are you here before me?”

“It was time that we met.” Fate said simply. “The Spirit of Evil seems to have taken notice of you, and has set her eyes on you and your family. Long ago, your parents in this Universe, and in another mirror universe, came upon her prison and took a piece of it with them.” He sighed. “Evil has made it her primary goal to seek revenge. She is hurting you to get to me.”

Esper blinked. “My parents… here and… elsewhere?” She looked at her hands. She noticed Ico’s bracelet. “Did… did Evil kill my Ico? My friends?”

Fate nodded. “Not directly. Her pet did. So that it could access the Vault of Souls. I have trapped it within. For now.”

Esper shook her head as she sobbed. “My Ico…”

Fate’s eyes closed, and a vision of Ico appeared before Epser.

“Esper?” The Spirit form of Ico said.

Esper looked up at her lover. “Ico?”

“My Sweet Esper.” Ico smiled. “You are safe.”

“I am.” Esper nodded. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.”

Ico shook her head. “It was not your fault, Sweet Esper. If you had been there… you would have perished as well. Besides, the Heavens is very peaceful. That, and it is not like we will never see each other again.”

“We… will?” Esper asked.

Ico smiled. “Someday, yes. Goodbye, My Sweet Esper. Know that I have, and always will, Love you.”

“I will always love you, too, Ico.” Esper sniffled as the vision faded away. She looked at Fate.

“Do I have family elsewhere?” She asked it.

“You do. Another Wind needs your help. You will need her help.” Fate looked at the Vault Door. “This beast will not be held long. Go. Travel. Heal. When the time is right, return to this world.”

Esper nodded. “Travel? Where? How?”

“Use you new power, Esper.” Fate lifted his paw, controlling her right hand, and drew a circle. A complex alchemy circle appeared before her, creating a travel gate.

“Travel the dimensions.” Fate explained. “Go wherever you wish.”

Esper nodded. “I understand.” With a deep breath, she stepped through the gate. As she did, it closed behind her.

“What of Evil?” A Raven, atop the cliff behind Fate suddenly asked. “Do you have plans?”

“I do.” Fate said as he looked back at the Raven. “As do you, Judgement.”

The raven shuffled his wings. “Of course I do. It seems that Evil’s original imprisonment taught her nothing.” He paused for a second. “Love’s hammer, and Wind’s lover, Penny, shall teach her a more… permanent lesson.” He squawked. “Must be off.”

“Do not judge Wind too harshly.” Fate said as it faded away.

Judgement sighed as he fade away as well.

[wind-the-mama-cat]

Heaven has no Rage like Love to Hatred turned, Nor Hell a Fury like a Woman Scorned

It started off as a rumour among the towns and villages. A lone survivor of the Tragedy.

The night the famous Crystal Tower fell, and the Sisters of Light simply.. vanished, the folk witnessed a column of light erupt from the ruins. A figure, surrounded by energy, leaving the forest, heading north.

Soon after, storied began to circulate. Evil beings that had plagued the farms and the towns for years were being eliminated. One such farmer, Ol’ Smithy, witnessed a pack of evil jackals, that had been killing his cows, disappear in a wall of purple flame and a lone female, surrounded by lightning, leaving the area.

The town folk didn’t know her name. However, they called her “The Cleansing Fire”. The Children called her “The Sad Wanderer.”

“Eyes of glowing purple. Always full of tears.” They said. “Dressed in blood-red robes, wearing a cloak of blue.”

“Aye. A belt of green around her waist. With yellow and ivory cloth around her feet.” Others would say. “The colours of the robes that the Sisters of Light used to wear.

“Noticed a jade bracelet on her wrist. Always seems to be looking at it.”

“No one knows who she is...” A wise old man said. “Think she’s a Sister. Or she was. Last of her kind. Lost in sorrow. Can’t blame her.”

“Tragic as it is, can’t argue with the results.” Others mentioned. “Finally getting rid of all the evil things.”

UroLoki heard the rumours, and... in some small way, she was pleased. Vengeance, the Spirit that was with her, was satisfied with what they were doing.

“Evil is suffering.” Vengeance said. “And rightly so. Her pets are being destroyed, and her grip on this realm is slipping. After we destroy the Vault of Souls, all evil will gone from this world forever.”

“Then let us waist no more time.” UroLoki said as she examined her flaming hand.

With a surge of power, she walked off, heading into the North Woods.

[wind-the-mama-cat]

S/crying

(Background art compliments of Google)

Mama Dragon, also known as The Watcher, was beside herself with grief, anger, sadness, and all manner of emotions.

She had arrived home after her two month Journey to find not only that Wind was missing, but Penny was gone as well. Her cottage was a mess, and Penny’s sword, the one that the mare had forged, had been snapped in half.

When She first arrived home, she had found the letter that Penny had left, and had assumed that Wind had acted out and ran away. However, as the hours turned into days, and days into weeks, Mama Dragon was starting to become worried and concerned.

The Watcher had tried using the compass she had enchanted to know where Wind was on their world. When that didn’t work, she had tried scrying her location using her hidden magic.

Even using that, she couldn’t find her wayward daughter.

She then reached out to her Dear Friend De Writer.

“Where is she, De Writer.” The Dragon had demanded. Stated really. Angry flames flicking at her nostrils. “Where is my Daughter.”

De Writer, despite Mama’s anger, responded calmly. “Wind disappeared a week after you had left to stomp demons. She was lured away, it seems, by the Spirit of Evil. She was possessed, and then Evil took her somewhere. Where, I don’t know. Evil is blocking me.”

Her next visit was with Fate. Or rather, Fate visited her.

“I do not know where Evil is keeping her.” Fate answered. “Evil is tricky like that. All I know is that Evil was imprisoned, long ago, by the Watcher before you. Evil fooled Wind into freeing her.”

“Fate...” Mama had pleaded, “Why is Evil doing this?”

“A year before Wind was born, her Parents found a piece of Evil’s crystal prison. Both of Wind’s parents. They took the shard home, and, Evil targeted them with her Shadow Beast.”

“Both... Winds?” Mama had asked. “You mean...a parallel Wind?”

Fate nodded. “Yes. On the Same night, in fact.”

She had known about the attack on her Wind’s parents. She didn’t know that there was a Mirror Wind.

“How do I save her?” Mama asked. “Please.”

“Evil’s domain is difficult to locate.” Fate stated. “Wind as Fated to become Evil’s vessel. She will have to free herself. Well, Love will have to free her.”

With that, Fate was gone.

Mama now stood in the Forest next to her cottage. She was using the Magic of the deep woods, her magic, and even the World’s source power that all Watchers had. Instead of searching in anger, she was using her Mothers love.

“Natalia.” Two voices called out to her, suddenly.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, in their horse forms, stood in front of her.

“The Princesses from Equestria. Did De Writer send you?” Mama asked as she kept scrying.

“No. We came on our own.” Celestia answered. “You are trying to find Wind, to no avail.”

Mama nodded. “I’ve been trying. Just as De Writer mentioned, Evil is cunning. I can’t find any trace of Wind.”

“What of her sword?” Luna asked. “She took that with her.”

Mama’s eyes went wide. “I didn’t... It never occurred to me that Evil doesn’t know that Soulblade is aware.”

She adjusted her spell, and looked for Soulblade. After a few moments she nodded. “I found the plane of existence... where Fear is. I don’t know exactly where on the plane she is... however, it’s a start.”

Mama suddenly turned her attention towards her cottage. “Penelope is here...” she looked at Luna and Celestia. “Thank you for your help. I have to go and see what Penelope wants.”

“Good luck, Watcher.” Luna and Celestia said. With a gust of wind, they disappeared from sight.

[wind-the-mama-cat]

Power

Esper found what remained of the Sacred Chamber that contained the Orb of Light.

Fortunately, the Orb remained. However, instead of the Chamber being Ten stories above her, it was now at ground level, surrounded by broken walls.

The Catter also spotted what remained of the Grand Sister. Her empty cloak laid in a heap next to the Orb. It seemed that her Duty to Protecting the Orb outweighed her own life.

“Even the strongest of us...” Esper shook her head in sadness as fresh tears ran down her face. “If the Grandsister couldn’t stop this monster... how can I?”

“She didn’t have the connection to the Source that you do, Esper.” Uroloki answered. “Do you recall the first time you saw the Orb? And even now, how bright it is?”

Esper nodded.

“No other Sister before you saw it so brightly.” Uroloki said. “Sees it so brightly. Now, touch the Orb. Take its power into you. Become that which you were born to be. The Cleansing Fire.”

Esper picked up The Grand Sister’s robe, and tied it around her shoulders. She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly.

“I wish to Avenge my sisters. I wish to Avenge my Friends. I wish...” She paused. “To Avenge my Love, Ico.”

She placed her hands on the Orb.

“AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!” She screamed in pain and pleasure as the power of the Source was absorbed into her being, coursed through her. Her jacket nearly dissolved and ripped as her muscles nearly doubled in size. Her always messy hair stood on end.

She rose a foot off the ground as energy crackled around her and a beam of light surrounded her, shooting up to the Heavens.

After a few seconds, or a life time, she couldn’t tell, she fell to her knees.

“You are now more powerful then you could possibly imagine, Esper.” Uroloki said. “You have the power of all Alchemy flowing through you. As promised, I, Uroloki, the Spirit of Vengeance, have become part of you and have given you my power. Together... we shall erase all Evil from this world.”

Esper stood up and looked at her clenched hands. The crackled with energy. “We shall purge all evil. We shall Avenge my Ico.”

“Esper.” A cool female voice said from behind her, suddenly.”

Esper spun around. Her now glowing eyes fell upon the Cloaked Stranger that had once brought her to the school so many years ago.

“Esper?” Esper asked angrily. “No. I am not Esper. I am the Cleansing Fire. I Am Evils Bane.” Her power surged as energy crackled around her body. “I am UroLoki. The Spirit of Vengeance and Fire.”

“You cannot destroy that Beast.” The Stranger warned. “Is this what Ico would have wanted you to do? To become?”

“You do not get to speak her name!” UroLoki snapped. “She is gone! I will make that monster pay for ALL THAT IT HAS TAKEN FROM ME!”

The Stranger winced at her voice and the power that she now controlled.

“Please, Esper.” The Stranger pleaded. “Do not act so rashly. Do not tempt Fate.”

“Fate?!” UroLoki hissed. “Speak not His name to me! Fate is foolish and cruel. Fate cares not for me, so I care not for him.” She barred her sharp teeth. “Stop me yourself, if you can... Princesses.”

Princess Celestia gasped. Her blue cloak dissolved, revealing itself to be a human Princess Luna.

“Well?” UroLoki asked with an evil smile.

Celestia shook her head. “Alas, We cannot. Your power... is beyond even ours. However...”

“However, this course that you wish to travel down, the path that you seek,” Luna continued, “Will lead only to disaster. One that you love, you sister, needs your help. Your Wind... and another, needs your help. Both are prisoners of Evil.”

“Evil?” UroLoki spat. “I will deal with Evil soon enough.” She swished her cloak and walked off into the night.

Princess Celestia and Luna sighed deeply.

“She is beyond our help. She must deal with Him now.” Celestia said sadly.

“Then let us help the One that we can.” Luna said simply with a confident nod. “The Watcher is in desperate need Guidance. Let us go to her.”

With a gust of wind, both Princesses were gone.

[wind-the-mama-cat]

Shattered

After a week of travel to the North Forest and another 3 days looking for her sister Wind, and losing her, and then another weeks travel back to the Crystal tower, Esper, to say the least, was looking forward to sleeping in her own bed. However, she was most looking forward to seeing her friends, Juniper and K’keeli, and especially her girlfriend Ico.

However, as she crested the final hill overlooking the Crystal Tower, she was dismayed to see that the Tower wasn’t standing.

“W-what?” She said as she saw the broken shards of the once glorious tower. She ran down the hill and towards the broken tower.

Five minutes later, breathing heavily, she reached her destination. Desperate, she started calling for her sisters.

“Grandsister?” She called into the ruble of the shattered tower. “Spinnerette? Nayomi?”

No answer came.

“ICO? K’heeli?” She shouted, “JUNIPER?”

Still no answer.

She started walking through the ruble, stepping over cracked crystals. She couldn’t find anyone. All she could find was empty robes. Ivory, yellow, green and... purple.

“What happened here...” Esper said as she kept looking for her friends. “ICO. CAN YOU HEAR ME?”

She strained her ears, but still no answer came.

“Ico! Please!” She kept calling as tears sprung to her eyes. “ICO!”

She stopped walking as he eyes fell on a green glint.

“No!” She said as her sadness overtook her and she fell to her knees. There, in front of her...

Was a pink feather... and the jade bracelet that Ico never took off.

“Nononono...” Esper said as she shook in denial. “Please... not again... not my love... please...”

She couldn’t believe it. All her friends... all her Sisters... her teachers...

Gone.

Just their empty robes remained.

Tears streamed down her face as her body was racked with sobs.

“Esper~”

A voice called out to her through the darkness.

Esper looked around. She knew that voice.

“C-casandra?” She said as she swallowed hard. “W-what happened here?”

“The same Monster that killed your parents, wiped out the entire school. All of the students and teachers. Even your dear Ico.”

“W-why?” Esper asked. “Why does this monster... hate me so much?”

It is the pet of the Spirit of Evil.” Casandra answered. “Evil, for whatever reason, hates you and your sister.” She sighed. “However, I am not the voice of Casandra. I am the Spirit of Vengeance.”

“You’re not Casandra?” Esper gasped. “But... why did you tell me that it was?”

“It was simpler to tell you a trusted name, then to tell you that you are my Champion. The one that I chose to help me with my work.” The Spirit said. “I am Urulóki.”

“Spirit of Vengeance.” Esper repeated. “Why did you choose me?”

“You have great power, Esper.” Urulóki said. “Your mark on your back gives you a unique connection to the Source. As such, I chose you. In fact, I can make you even more powerful.”

“How?” Esper asked.

“Go to the Source, and touch it.” Urulóki answered. “Absorb it. Increase your power a hundred-fold. Do so, and I will also give you my power. Combined, we can destroy Vault of Souls. We can destroy the Vile Shadow Beast.”

Esper swallowed hard. “Do you swear?”

“I do, Esper.” Urulóki said confidently. “Come now.”

Esper nodded and stood up and tried to wipe the tears from her eyes. Slowly and cautiously, she walked through what remained of her school and home.