I decided to go with Schoukannaderou and Verto dressed up in classic 1920's outfits to start the year off for fun. I've been really liking this as a theme so I'll be keeping it for some of the holidays!
Hopefully this year is going to be a good one! Fingers crossed!
I don’t know if I’ll ever finish this but here’s the flat colour of the promo I did a while ago. I rather enjoy showing off everyone’s colours, it’s nice to see how they mesh together.
Chapter 3 is down below for those who are interested.
I really had to think about how I wanted to incorporate some of the other primary characters that you're going to be meeting along the way and the first scene with Itoku. It was something that I was going to include in the original write of the first arc, but I wasn't sure how I was going to add it in without it feeling like filler. The purpose was filling in some of the gaps and questions of how does he and Isontaro know each other? So that was the main point of the first part of this chapter - it's also continuing to work upon the world building as you get introduced to more than just the small area that the Amphrai occupies.
I also wanted to showcase some of the visions Schoukannaderou gets throughout the arc, but I was hung up on where to begin with them - what would she see first? One thing I wanted to do is not have her completely left in the dark when she does inevitably meet the rest of the cast, I wanted her to have some inkling of who they were and not just magically know.
The second half of the chapter continues to build upon Schoukannaderou and Zerahno's relationship, I really enjoyed writing the more soft side of the two before the plot really takes off. I also wanted the characters to feel real, not just a certain set of stereotypes copied and pasted into a box. Each and everyone you meet along the journey is going to have their flaws, and depending on what they are is really going to determine the direction the story goes. I figured it would add a more human element considering people too are inherently flawed, we can be our own biggest detriment. There's a lot of themes I play around with, I'm sure people will notice them as they continue.
Chapter 3: Recall
The young lime haired boy peering out across the river was patiently waiting for a nibble on the end of his line, having already caught a few fish for lunch he eagerly awaited for another. The lazy current of the wide river provided the right conditions to nab something big, his hard crimson stare not breaking from watching the small gold tackle bob up and down as it drifted further towards the mouth of the lake.
Something else was dragging his attention away as a violet coloured man staggered on the shore on the other side. The figure in tattered robes was holding his ribs breathing harshly, the boy temporarily forgetting about his line closely watched the stranger, red stained his hands. The line went tight and the rod nearly went flying out of his grasp.
“Itoku, have- woah!” An older man rushed over as whatever was on the end of his line was massive. Helping the boy reel in the beast, the fish leap from the water as it flopped about.
“Take the line!” Itoku insisted letting the man entirely battle the fish himself.
“Itoku! Wh... Where do you think you're going?!”
Ignoring the cries from the man that faintly resembled himself he sprouted wings and flew over the river. The violet man passing out on the shoreline. Understanding what the boy was doing the man had to save his intrigue for later, the fish putting up one hell of a fight as it threatened to break the line.
Squatting down Itoku checked the man for a pulse with his two fingers placed just underneath his jaw. Still alive. His acute senses picking up the man's power signature, he frowned to himself. The dark oriented figure would need something other than traditional medicine. Hauling out a small elixir from his satchel he propped the man up praying that this would hold him until he got him to safety and out of the forest.
Tipping a couple of spoonfuls down his throat he coughed, Itoku squatting in front of the stranger expected him to lurch forward. The man didn't open his eyes, his lengthy orange hair half matted in blood as he gripped the young man's sleeves.
“Rij pira'a tonira feij'ji.” Itoku tried to soothe him, he just shook his head feeling weak.
“Alsan'jae dov'lira ja.” The man barely got out.
Coming to the realization that the well built man didn't understand him he swallowed his doubts and hauled him over his shoulders. His weight not nearly as bad as he imagined it would be. Turning back to the other man he saw the hefty fish wiggling about in his hand.
“Hey, we've got to get this man back to the house. He's in rough shape.” Itoku called out to him.
The older man with his similar lime hair frowned. “Who is he? Where did he come from?”
Sprouting wings once again he flew back over to the other shoreline lightly shaking his head. “No idea, but I'm not about to leave him to die.”
“Alright, I'll grab the fish.”
Once back to the house a crowd of maids curiously watched Itoku and the other man escort the stranger into one of the larger rooms towards the back end of the house. Propping him up on one of the low rise beds, the man coming in and out of consciousness the two helped strip him of his tattered clothes. One of the handful of women entered with an assortment of healing herbs and bandages.
“He's going to need some eliji herbs too.” Itoku told the woman who wasn't much older than him.
She stared puzzled. “Are you sure?”
“Do I look unsure?”
Without questioning him further she left. Cleaning up his wounds the two men tended to him. The pale woman from before came back with the herbs, taking them from her hands he added them to a pot of boiling water that one of the maids had brought. By the time they had him properly patched up there was about a dozen curious faces wondering all about this fascinating stranger that had wandered into their humble village. Even the bright face of a young girl with fuchsia hair had poked her head around the doorway to see what the commotion was. Her bright lime coloured eyes focusing on the sleeping form of the violet man, how peaceful he appeared.
It was another three days before the stranger awoke. Itoku was in the middle of changing his bandages with another dose of the eliji herb brew to soak the innermost layer of fabric in. Not even a scar remained from the deep marks that had been inflicted.
“Mmm, how long have I been asleep for?” The man spoke, his throat dry.
“I'm sorry what?” Itoku said half in frustration. The sleepy orange eyes of the man stared at him, his diamond pupils focused on a navy haired woman that had poked her head in to witness himself the stranger that had come into their mitts. She came in with more herbs but knew at the sight of their patient that they were probably not needed.
“How long have I been asleep for?” He asked again, his Izairan lost on the boy.
Itoku gazed at the woman flustered. “I can't understand a word he's saying.”
“I'll do the translating for you.” She replied to him brightly before squatting down to the stranger. “You've been out for almost three days.” She answered him.
“Vit'tra. I'm sorry to have inconvenienced the two of you.” He huffed, more mad at himself than anything else. Averting his eyes he felt somewhat ashamed to have placed a burden on them.
“Don't worry about it, it's the least we could do for you considering your condition.” She softly spoke, the thin face of the woman warm, her deep crimson eyes just like the boy next to her. Paraphrasing what was said for Itoku he stared at the man with a certain tight lipped apprehension.
“Thank you.”
“You're welcome ah...”
“-Isontaro.”
“Isontaro. You're a long way from home.”
“I am, I was looking for someone but I got into a bit of a scrap.” Isontaro told the woman, a strike of longing in his rectangular face.
“Whoever it is that you're searching for, I hope you find them.” She replied. Itoku frowned, the boy at a loss of what had been said between them until the woman once again filled him in. He solemnly gazed upon the man.
“Is there any way we can help?” He asked, the woman repeating the question for the violet man in Izairan. He shook his head.
“This is something I have to do by myself, I don't want any danger to befall either of you or anyone else here. I've overstayed my welcome as is. I must keep moving.”
“Understood.”
“Either way, I'll be leaving as soon as I can.”
“Well... Let me know if there's anything I can do for you before you go.”
“Don't worry about it, you've done more than enough.” He grunted getting up from the bed, his body stiff. Both Itoku and the woman gave him space.
With a wave of his hand he replaced his clothes and gave both the boy and the older woman an approving nod. The last face he saw before leaving the room was that of a very small girl. It was the same one that had been curious of him the day he arrived as she meekly watched him depart. Giving the small child a warm smile and a wink he was off.
◆
Schoukannaderou came to as the ray of sun peaked over the distance through the frosted window. She yawned, thinking it was peculiar that she had a repeat of the same dream again she stared at the ceiling. Lazily pulling herself from the sheets she hauled on yesterday's robes without a single care. Her eyes landing on the jars of healing herbs on the desk she primly grabbed her satchel hoping to snag more. Without a second guess she departed the room and fled out onto the grounds, the morning cold as she tucked her hands into the deep pockets of her overcoat.
Searching for Zerahno she was puzzled to see the young man absent from their usual meeting place, he typically was there waiting for her but this morning was a different story. Sifting through the trees she searched for the autumn herbs that would sprout during the cold snap.
In the early hours of the morning light she quaintly went about her foraging, one of the handful of the mirla that called the forest their home meekly approached her. Schoukannaderou almost second guessing herself thought it was the one that was used in their exams, the slim build of the creature with it's lack of a full rack of antler telling much of it's age. It sniffed around her basket, she gingerly fed it one of the apples, the animal not afraid of her somehow.
“So this is what you do.”
Startled Schoukannaderou snapped her head back to see Vira stride down the lightly trodden path, the mirla bolting back into the trees. Quietly she turned back to the older girl.
“You scared away the mirla...” Schoukannaderou bluntly stated, a tinge of disappointment in her voice.
“I didn't realize you had such an affection for the wildlife, is that why you don't talk to people normally?” She joked with a small chuckle. A grin forming on the young girls face.
“I'm sure you'd befriend the animals too if people weren't so dumb. At least they have an excuse.” She threw back with a snort.
“Oh Schou, not everyone can be as smart as you ya know.” Vira mocked.
“I'm glad you acknowledge that.” She laughed.
“Someone has to feed your ego, you don't have any friends to do it – not even Zerahno showed up this morning. Did you scare him away already?” Schoukannaderou just raised her brow at her sister. “I'm joking, you know I don't mean it.”
“I'm well aware of that, you wouldn't dare think about saying something that nasty and mean it.”
“Don't tempt me.”
The two had a bit of a laugh with one another, both girls slowly making their way back out of the thicket and out into the clearing. Zerahno was stumbling down the hill, he was ceremoniously late, this morning more so than his usual.
“Ah, there's Zerahno. Looks like I don't have to be the only person to support you.” Vira joked. “I'll let the two of you have your usual morning meeting, I really should get back to the dorms and get prepared for class.” Schoukannaderou gave her a nod before she ran off back towards the Amphrai and past the sky coloured boy.
Zerahno did a double take on Vira as she passed, he calmly came and joined Schoukannaderou on the log in the middle of the glade. “What was that all about?” He lightheartedly asked.
“Vira was just checking in on me, sometimes she tells me I'm a little too introverted for my own good so she likes to keep me company.” She answered.
“That's actually really sweet of her.”
“It is, she's always got some idea churning in her head, life wouldn't be an adventure without her.” Schoukannaderou reminisced, beneath her hard surface she didn't want to admit it but she appreciated Vira and her spontaneity more than she let on. Turning to Zerahno, her two different coloured eyes focused on him. He studied her subtle expression for a moment.
“I think you're both lucky to have each other, I wish I had a sibling I could share my time with.” He faintly smiled, a strike of loneliness hidden in his face.
“I don't know about that, she does annoy me sometimes. Vira can be very needy for attention, I just kinda want to be left alone...” She trailed off.
“Oh sure, but I don't think you want to be left alone all the time. I'm sure there's moments where even you crave someone's company.”
“Sometimes.” Schoukannaderou admitted with a shrug.
“Aha! I knew it!” Zerahno beamed, the girl turning beet red in the face. She just blinked at him with a meek expression. “Even you need someone. It's nothing to be embarrassed about, I think you're good company Schou.” He laughed, she just became a brighter shade.
Some what flustered she stiffened. “I mean that's just logic, we are social creatures – of course I need company on occasion. Everyone needs social stimulation.”
“I know that silly, but hey, there's something I wanted to show you.” Zerahno said excitedly getting up from his place, the sun warm on the two.
“Show me? Like what?” Schoukannaderou asked most interested.
“I found the local watering hole for the animals the other morning that you slept in. I think you might appreciate it seeing how much you love the wildlife.” He sheepishly smiled, she got up ready to go.
Grabbing the basket she cracked a smile, a rarity for the serious woman. “Alright. I'm down.”
Leading the way Zerahno walked ahead of Schoukannaderou, she watched him recall the path as he took a deviation through some of the brush. Not too fussy on treading through the bramble she hoped it wouldn't be too far. It took a good fifteen minutes for them to arrive through the tall trees and to a tranquil lake that snaked through the land, almost entirely hidden by the plateau it sat on and the surrounding forest. Coming out on the half sandy shores as the morning dew still hung about she watched a pack of wild dogs take their daily drink, they played in the shallow waters yapping away at one another. Schoukannaderou sat on one of the large stones just admiring the dogs in their own environment, she was more than happy to see them from afar.
Zerahno planted himself on the boulder next to her, almost giddy to see her in her quiet glee. “I thought you'd like this, it's almost like a dream huh?”
“Speaking of dreams, you ever get ones that repeat? Maybe one that might have some sort of reason or meaning behind it?” She asked him, her eyes still transfixed on the animals. The morning fog hanging over the water highlighted by the rays of dawn.
“I never really put much thought into them to be honest but every now and then I get the same dream. There's one I've been having since I was young of Talimyn but I always just chalked it up to my imagination.” He plainly told her, his sights also on the lake and its wildlife.
Solemnly she lowered her gaze. “You don't think they could be premonitions do you Zerahno? Memories of a past life? Maybe the Myrr trying to contact you?” Schoukannaderou pressed.
“They could I guess, why? Do you have a dream that you think is more than just a dream Schou?” He asked, his expression like the calm in the storm. Their eyes meeting, she soaked in the sight of the boy that was a few years older than herself and his warmth.
“Mmm. There's one I've been having of a while of a young man who rescues another man by the name of Isontaro... wasn't that the name of Talimyn's guardian?”
He gave her a nod, the young man most perplexed with what she was telling him. “Yes. I do believe so, he protected her against Tourahn's wrath or so the legend goes.”
“Why would I dream about him? You don't think what I see is something that actually happened do you?” She inquired with all seriousness. Zerahno pursed his lips together before letting out a long breath, his exhale highlighted in the cold nip of the autumn air.
“Do you mind if I take a look?” He held up one hand gingerly.
“S-Sure.” Nervously she stammered unsure of what to expect.
Gently he placed the tips of his thin fingers against her forehead on top of the black diamond in the middle of her pale skin. Closing his eyes he concentrated, she too did the same just breathing steadily as he sifted through the recesses of her mind. With their connection he saw in vivid colour the very dream she had talked about, the sight of Itoku coming to Isontaro's aid in his hour of need. The two of them sat there for a few minutes until she felt him remove his fingers.
“That's quite peculiar... I wonder if there's anything on it at the Taihnmjanea?”
“I don't know. Maybe.”
“Perhaps we should head over on the weekend and see what we can find. You've got me curious now.”
“Alright. In a few days we'll go.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Yeah, we should head back before we're late, I don't want to give Emphria another reason to bark at me.” Schoukannaderou laughed nervously.
Without another moments hesitation she snapped up the basket and the two were off back through the forest. The sun was well over the hill by this time.
I'm happy to finally share the prequel arc in all of its glory. I've decided to move the start of the story to the introduction of Schoukannaderou (pronounced as SHOW-CAN-NAH-DARE-ROW) who becomes the main antagonist throughout the events of DIVE. I had a lot of fun coming up with the plotlines for how exactly she spirals out of control and becomes the villain the other characters know her as.
I think the prequel arc is also a gentler intro into the world of DIVE as well compared with the first arc. Subsequently I will be doing a rewrite of the other five arcs of the story, I've swapped around some of the characters and designs, tweaked some of the events and closed off some loop holes from the original. I've put a lot planning into everything, there's a lot of world building so there's a lot to take in but I think I've got the story paced fairly as to not bog down the reader too much. I've also cut a lot of the filler from the original, so I'm excited to share Schoukannaderou's mission along with Robina's journey in the next arc.
Lost in her world with her nose into another book the young girl was startled by a loud knock at her door. Her two different coloured eyes – one a calm friendly blue and the other a yellow cats eye – landed onto the wooden structure on the other side of the room. Hearing a muffled voice beyond calling out to her, she removed herself from her cross legged position on her bed. Stumbling over the stacks of books, notes and other assorted papers she made her way to the person.
“Schou, are you in there?” Someone laughed from the other side of the door.
“I am, just give me a sec.” She answered, her robes almost too big for her.
With the book in hand she unlocked the door and swung it open for the person. The serene face of the woman greeted her with a bright smile, an envelope in her hands.
“Look what arrived for you.” She handed the round faced girl the envelope with a bright violet wax seal on the back of it. Schoukannaderou slapped down the book onto the square table just inside the door in exchange of what the woman held.
“Vrija, are you sure this is for me?” She hesitantly asked turning about the object, her eyes on the wax seal.
She gave her a nod, the woman very much resembling the girl. Her round face holding much warmth as her eyes watched her fumble with opening the paper. Schoukannaderou's bangs pinned back out of her face with two bobby pins allowing a full view of her subtle expressions as the serious child hauled out the thick letter. Her eyes scanning the pages as she absentmindedly placed the envelope on top of the book she had indulged herself in earlier.
“So, are you excited?” The older woman with her wavy beet coloured hair beamed.
Quaintly a smile was returned from Schoukannaderou, she gave her a firm nod flashing a half toothy grin. “Very.”
“I figured you would be. Me and your father can help you get your bags packed up if you want.”
She shook her head. “I can do it, you don't need to help.”
“Are you sure?” She laughed. “You're not going to forget anything are you?”
“Bah, no. Do I look like I'd forget something?” She snorted.
“Ahahah, okay. I'll let you get to it then.” The tall figure wisely nod. “Just when you're done come downstairs for dinner, I don't want your food going cold again.” She prompted, her yellow eyes comforting.
“Alright.” Schoukannaderou answered, being left by herself she retreated back to her room. The wooden house alive with the sounds of two other people downstairs, ignoring the chatter she could hear through the floor she was deeply involved in her task. Meticulously she went down her mental checklist.
Her pack filled with the essentials and anything else she could think of, taking a breather she gazed out the window at the bustling valley town that snaked along side the river that ran straight through the mountain pass. The thought of the future in her hands lead to a flurry of speculation that was to come, Schoukannaderou was more than delighted to start working towards a series of plans that she had formulated in her mind unbeknownst to anyone else.
The letter remained next to her pack on her bed as she made a firm attempt to clean the room. The smell of a good home cooked meal filling the house made her mouth water, having completely forgotten about her hunger she was snapped back into reality as her stomach grumbled loudly. Deciding she return to straightening up her space once she was fed she left the sanctuary of her room for now.
Down the stairs and rounding to corner to the dinning room her family sat ready to chomp into their nightly meal as they all sat around the low table. There was one firm cushion stool left open for her next to the giddy face of her older sister. Silently she planted herself next to the other girl without saying a thing, the feast of Mirla ribs and sauteed veggies more tempting than conversation.
“Schou did you get your letter too?” The two eyes – one a deep ocean blue and the other a dark violet of her sister gazed at her. Her thin face barely able to contain her joy as her black stripes curled around her cheeks.
“I did. Why? Did you?” She asked between grasping up the food and plopping it down onto her plate with the utensils provided in each of the bowls in the middle of the table. Her parents devouring their meals just listening to the two girls converse without interruption.
“Yep, you know what that means. You're going to have to beat me in order to become the Kiaijtreah!” She playfully sneered giving her sister a love tap. Schoukannaderou just raised her brow at that action.
“That's if you can harness your mainra without destroying anything Viranjirxe.” Schoukannaderou snorted chomping into her ribs. Her sister just rolled her eyes in response.
“You know you'll have to socialize if you become the Kiaijtreah, you can't lock yourself in your chambers and be a hermit forever.” Vira threw back. Narrowing her eyes on the other girl she took another bite of her food, her sister and her crimson straight hair tied back slurping up her veggies loudly in protest of Schoukannaderou and her disapproval.
“I'm well aware of that. Talimyn is going to need someone reliable.”
“Yup.”
“And that means she's also going to need someone who isn't going to cower when the going gets tough.” She jabbed with a cocky half smirk on her face taking another bite of her food.
“Are you saying I'm a coward Schoukannaderou?!” Vira locked eyes with her sister, the spark of anger between the two clearly felt.
“-Girls.” The husky man at the table tried to quiet the two.
“You wouldn't think that if it wasn't true.” The younger girl dropped.
“I am not a coward!” She barked back in protest.
“-Girls!”
“Who was it that had to come bail you out of that fight the other day?” Schoukannaderou reminded.
“I totally could've handled that myself!”
“Sure you-”
“-Hey! That's enough!” The white haired man's fist came down onto the table startling the other occupants. All eyes on him and his scowl. “finish your dinner, I don't want to hear any arguing from either of you.” He demanded.
Neither of the three women seated dared to say anything. Schoukannaderou and Vira just exchanged glares returning to their meals. It didn't take long for them to clue up and depart. Slinking back to her room Schoukannaderou was the first to leave, stopping into the bathroom to wash her face and hands she let out a sigh feeling somewhat relieved that she could continue with what she had been involved with earlier.
Back into the silence of her personal space she unwound. Rereading the contents of the letter again she couldn't help but feel a sense of giddiness. Being sent off to the Amphrai to train to be Teteoria's next Kiaijtreah was a dream of hers that she could only let play out in the deep recesses of her mind until now. Naturally she had heard of the legends of all the miracles that the Kiaijtreah was able make happen, the mere thought of her being the one to change the world into something better was tickling her.
Schoukannaderou ended up passing out late that night having herself lost into the book she was reading earlier. Hoping to finish it before she left on her trip she did just that. Two days later on the morning of her departure she had heavy set bags under her eyes as she emerged fully dressed and packed from her room. Moseying downstairs Vira was already cluing up with breakfast, the perky girl was bouncing ready to go.
“Morning Schou.” Her father greeted handing her the fried meat strips, eggs and a piece of fruit on a plate. Dropping her bag in the doorway she yawned taking the food from him, his demeanour much more pleasant than the other evening now that no one had caused a ruckus.
“Thanks.”
Sitting down at the table she slowly ate trying to come to life. Groggily she munched on the food ignoring everyone else. Her mother handed her a cup of water, without question she took it from her almost forgetting about how thirsty she was. Downing the cup in record time she returned to her food. Vira buzzing about pulling on her travelling coat and her boots in the background.
“Schou are you coming?” The slightly taller girl prompted her as she put the last morsel of food in her mouth.
“Yes, just give me a minute. I still need to go wash up.” Schoukannaderou let out another yawn. Reminiscing about the strange dream she had during her small amount of sleep she departed from the table. Back into the bathroom hovering over the wash basin she gazed at herself in the mirror, her eyes tracing her black stripes against her smoky complexion on her cheeks she washed the sleep from her face.
Hearing her sister calling out once again to hurry up she just sighed not particularly wanting to be prompted so soon. Not even awake she grumbled something to herself as before leaving the small cramped room and back out into the main hallway. Her mother offering her the coat in her hands, Schoukannaderou calmly took it from her slipping it over her shoulders. Vira saying something taunting that she completely ignored, doing a complete brain dump of her words she effectively tuned her out.
Out in the yard her parents followed the two with their heavy sacs beyond the house. The daylight just cropping over the horizon illuminating the handful of trees at the edge of their property by the log fence. Exchanging goodbyes, everything was a blur, the biggest thing taking up Schoukannaderou's attention was the portal her mother opened with a flick of her hand. The green pastures and the building that she could only have guessed was the Amphrai was the only thing to be seen through the distortion.
Giving each of her parents a hug after Vira did, the two set off through the swirling mass. Waving back at the two figures on the other side the portal snapped shut. Transfixed on the massive building over a mile out in the distance the two girls jittery at the welcomed change.
“You think we'll meet Talimyn?” Vira bounced.
Schoukannaderou glanced at her seriously. “Talimyn? Why would we? It doesn't make sense for her to be here not when she's so busy taking care of the realms.” She answered. The two walking side by side across the tall grass.
“But Schou! Think about it, legends say the Kiaijtreah has her power – she probably hand chooses the next one right? And I mean Teteoria does need a new one since the last one we had died!”
“It's possible but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.” She solemnly told her.
“What else do you think they have at the Amphrai? You think we'll make some nice friends? Maybe even meet a cute boy or two?” Vira beamed, she was absolutely enthralled with the idea of what they'd find.
Blinking slowly at her sister with a half furrowed brow Schoukannaderou held a tense expression. “Boys? Why would I care about that?” She bluntly inquired.
“Aww c'mon Schou – surely you've thought about it! I mean you're eleven, haven't you started dating anyone?” The other girl pried, she gently shook her head.
“No. And I don't care to. Boys are gross.”
“Vrija said she started dating when she was my age.”
“Yes, your age – not mine.” Schoukannaderou corrected.
“Oh please, it's a matter of what? Nineteen months between us?”
“And that's like two years, more than enough difference.”
“Hranjae even gave me an early birthday gift since I'll be thirteen in twelve days and I won't be home to celebrate.” Vira beamed a toothy grin as they walked. The Amphrai getting closer.
Schoukannaderou adjusted her pack. “I suspected he would. He doesn't typically forget about our birthdays.” She plainly said.
Vira laughed. “No, not like you.”
“I didn't mean to.” She said defensively, her sister absolutely not letting her live it down.
“I think you need to be more mindful of the time and date Schoukannaderou, maybe of other people outside of yourself.” She teased purposely not using the nickname her family gave her just to send the point home a little further. An eye roll and a huff was the only reaction Schoukannaderou had for her as she picked up her pace.
Hopping onto the dirt road from out of the grassy field the two walked along, before them was a woman waiting at the entrance of the Amphrai. Knowing that she held some importance with her wistful expression in her ordinate set of robes the highly decorated figure approached. Schoukannaderou studying the woman with her aqua gaze in her slender face, her deep navy coloured dreadlocks held tight by a band out of her face save for a couple of strands that held an assortment of beads that brushed against her cheeks.
“Head mistress, it's a pleasure to finally meet you.” Vira bowed at the bottom of the steps, smoothly she smiled.
“You must be Viranjirxe Van'ra.” She gracefully walked down, her attention turning to the foggy figure of Schoukannaderou as she approached. “And you are Schoukannaderou, her younger sister are you not?”
“I am.” She replied locking eyes with the woman. The strange figure much paler than most of the other people of the realm, having decent knowledge of what lay beyond the realm she made the assumption of the woman being of Fantaesian descent with her white complexion.
“It's a gift to meet the two of you. Welcome to the Amphrai, I'm Emphria.” She bowed back at the two girls. Vira could hardly contain herself while Schoukannaderou kept an intense appearance, there was something about the woman that tickled the back of her thoughts but she couldn't place it.
“Thank you so much mistress.” The older girl bowed again but this time a little deeper than the last.
“You're welcome, but please – this way.” Emphria gestured for the two girls to follow up the steps.
In absolute awe Vira did just that, how heavy her pack was not even on her mind as her eyes took in the sight of the grand archway above. The ordinate red wood of the building easily picked out of the lush landscape. Without any further prompting they straggled behind the woman up the steps and through the massive double doors depicting the dawn, the gold inlay in the dark stone bright. Even Schoukannaderou couldn't help but admire the fine architecture.
Inside was just as highly decorated as the outside, the lobby filled with incense perched on long gold stands. The sticks burning filled the air with a herbal scent as the three trekked through another set of doors, this time depicting the crescent moon.
“The two of you are the last of our pupils to arrive. Nonetheless I was expecting as such considering you both live in one of the farthest reaches of the realm.” Emphria began. “Schoukannaderou, you in particular are the youngest here, however just like your sister, I do believe you have quite the set of talents that I think we could hone given enough time.” The woman smiled from over her shoulder as they walked at a healthy pace down the long hallway, the black and white marble tiles beneath their feet adding quite the contrast to the smoky warmth by the light of the space.
“I'm glad you think that.” She quaintly replied as her sister gave her a cheesy smirk.
“Your parents also agreed on our decision on having you enrol this year instead of next year.”
Glancing beyond Emphria down towards the end of the hallway was another woman just as well dressed. Not saying anything about her the older woman stopped in front of a door half way down the long space.
“Are you going to give us a tour of the Amphrai?” Vira piped up.
“I'm going to show you to your quarters first.” She paused in partial thought. “However Schoukannaderou, I'm going to let Sharasha show you to yours.” Emphria made eye contact with the other figure at the end of the hall. Schoukannaderou too gazed upon her.
“Any reason behind that?” She questioned returning her sights to the older woman.
“Nothing dire I can assure you, but she's in charge of those that reside in the southern half of the building where your chambers are located so it's best she shows you herself.” Emphria assured the girl.
“Okay.”
Without further comment Schoukannaderou tore off from the two. Without a second thought she was savouring getting rid of her heavy pack and was eager to see exactly where she'd be able to drop it off to. Wanting to do nothing more than to relax in that very moment the bag on her shoulders was a nipping reminder of that very desire as she finished the walk down the hallway to the other woman.
“Miss Schoukannaderou Van'ra, looks like it's just you and me.” Sharasha greeted. “Here, let me take that for you.” She offered taking note of the young girls discomfort spite her silence.
“Thank the Myrr, that thing weighs a ton.” She sighed relieved handing over the bag which elicited a laugh out of the older, well built woman. Her dark overcoat cupping her smoky face with the high collar flaring out from her chest. The girl took note of her black hands, her skin tainted from underneath the several layers of heavy clothing. Shifting her eyesight back onto her face she noticed the black that marred her hands creeping up slightly from her throat, giving the friendly woman an almost damning appearance.
“No problem, I don't want you to be tuckered out before the entrance exam.” She beamed, her bright orange-red gaze peering down on her.
“Mmm. The letter mentioned briefly about that, however what exactly does this exam entail?” Schoukannaderou inquired.
“I'm not really supposed to tell you, but I will tell you that there's no written part.” The older woman revealed. The girl focused on the straight cut bangs of the older woman with her blinding white hair, it was almost like it's own light in the half lit space. Her dark tail curling behind her gently.
“It must be a test of skill then.”
“Something like that, but you'll have to wait and see. For now I'm going to show you to your quarters.” Sharasha smiled widely, the vibrant blue stripes on her cheeks curling up.
With a nod Schoukannaderou followed the slightly taller woman, the hypnotic sway of her long straight hair held tight into a high set pony tail highlighted by the sunlight pouring in through the long windows that lined the hall that lead down to the southern wing. The Teteorian woman not saying much on their journey to the far end of the building.
Down another long hall Sharasha opened up a single door at the end with a key, within was two beds on opposite walls. Schoukannaderou glanced about at the long window in across from her and the older woman, the far off mountains with their lush forest more than serene. Below the long window was a hardwood desk that could've easily sat four people if needed although there was only two chairs.
“You'll be here by yourself for at least the first couple of semesters, I hope you don't mind.” She said placing her bag upon the desk leaning it up against the glass.
“Not at all. I enjoy the solitude.”
“Perfect, well the dresser at the foot of the bed is all yours to use along with the cabinet here against the wall for any of your personal belongings.” Sharasha gestured to the furniture that the young woman took great interest in. The cabinet next to the entrance of the room with it's tall doors held plenty of space for anything large that she might acquire.
“Thanks, I'm sure I'll make good use out of it.”
“Excellent, you can unpack later but for now I'm going to show you around. You've got a big day tomorrow bright and early, I can't have you getting lost.”
“Fair.”
Sharasha handed her the key to the room, giving her a firm nod the two left after locking the room back up. Getting to witness the Amphrai in all of it's glory Schoukannaderou felt a fleeting sense of apprehension, everything the other woman was telling her proved to be quite the chunk of information to take in. Thankfully there was signs posted down every hall and main branch of the complex to help guide anyone who needed it.
Showing her around to the living quarters, the cafeteria, the lecture halls, the arena, and even the headmaster's office where she could always turn to if she needed help from either Sharasha or Emphria, Schoukannaderou was partially put at ease. The last thing for her to be shown was the grounds, as dusk was rolling in she gazed about at the tree line, spying the Mirla in the thicket she felt her heart skip. How graceful they appeared frolicking about in the last rays of light, seldom did she see them back home with her house nestled far from their breeding grounds.
“Aren't they lovely?” Sharasha asked her.
“Yes, I've never seen them out in the wild like this.” The girl reminisced.
“We get visited by a lot of different animals here being the only inhabited place for miles.”
“Why build this place in the middle of nowhere?”
“It's so we can practice our crafts in peace, none of us would want our mainra getting out of hand and hurting anyone else.”
Schoukannaderou glanced up at Sharasha with a puzzled expression, her curiosity more than piqued. “That's a funny thing to say, what would we be casting that other Demyra would be cautionary of?”
“I'm sure you're well aware that not every person that becomes the Kiaijtreah has holy mainra, just like Talimyn herself and even you, there's Demyra that take upon that roll that have dark oriented mainra that could potentially be dangerous. Both myself and Emphria are just here to help awaken the full extent of ones abilities so they can harness the Tayrhn's gift.” She explained folding her arms lightly against her small chest.
“Talimyn's gift? What is her gift?”
The older woman cracked a soft expression. “Only the Kiaijtreah is allowed to know that. I'm forbidden to tell you, Talimyn's orders I'm afraid.”
“That seems stupid, how would someone know if they can harness it if they're not allowed to know what it is?” The crimson haired girl scoffed.
“Ah Schoukannaderou, you'll just have to find out for yourself. I'm sure if you're as bold as your thoughts you'll have no trouble.” Sharasha laughed off finding much amusement in the girl. Schoukannaderou falling silent just went back to watching the mirla, she didn't particularly like being barred off from the information.
Without saying a word she knew she'd dig around to see what she could find. The role of legend, being hand chosen to be Teteoria's sole protector was something that she desired more than any other and the young girl would be damned if anyone or anything was going to stop her. It wasn't long before before both of them retreated inside for the night, her thoughts still aflutter with whatever could the two headmistresses be hiding that was only for the Kiaijtreah themselves.
Returning to the cafeteria in the sea of tables Schoukannaderou lined up to grab her dinner with a slew of older kids. Keeping to herself quietly she ignored the two boys having rowdy conversation behind her as the kitchen chefs handed out the food. The delicious roast and mashed spuds making her stomach rumble. After being handed a canteen of water with her meal she shuffled off out into the open trying to find the quietest corner of the room until Vira waved at her.
“Hey Schou! Come sit!” She bawled out, meekly she came and joined, not entirely sure why but she did. Planting herself next to her sibling she sat across from two other girls, one smaller than her albeit a good bit older and the other a plump round faced child. “This is Anjri and Xaescho, they're my roommates.” Vira bounced introducing the two, they took kindly to being acquainted with her giving a friendly wave. “Are you sharing your quarters with anyone Schou?” She poked stuffing a chunk of meat into her mouth.
“No and I'm okay with that.” She said relieved taking in the sight of the room, about three hundred children sat at their tables around her.
Focusing on her food and the nipping edge of hunger Schoukannaderou tuned out her sister and her small talk, the ramblings of her excitement just another layer of noise. Vira and her two new friends making boisterous claims that they could all become the Kiaijtreah. Closing her eyes for a moment as she chewed the last bit of her roast Schoukannaderou's two pointed ears perked, concentrating on the power signatures of the other children there was only a handful that she could genuinely say she was concerned with.
“Schou do you think you'll become the Kiaijtreah? Or do you think I will?” Her older sister bummed breaking her concentration. The younger girl's eyes snapping onto her.
“Do you want me to be honest with you or do you want me lie?” She plainly asked.
“I want the truth.” Vira smugly returned.
“I will. I doubt anyone else in this room can do what I can.” Schoukannaderou bluntly answered.
“Pfft! Bah! As if you're the only one with fancy tricks!”
Holding up her usual stone expression a half cocky grin began to crawl up one side of her face. Schoukannaderou pushed her tray forward and hopped off the bench keeping eye contact with her sister. “Oh absolutely, but I'd bet that most don't have half the intelligence I do. You can have all the flashy mainra you want but if there's nothing in here-” She tapped her temple. “-then none of that matters.”
“Okay then you'll just have to prove that tomorrow morning at your entrance exam vrin'jee.”
“I will, goodnight Vira. I'm going to get my beauty rest early.” Schoukannaderou arrogantly winked at her snagging the canteen off the tray and fleeing the room.
Both of Vira's friends sat dumbfounded on what they just witnessed. Shaking her head watching the figure of Schoukannaderou disappear down the southern hall she sighed, that wasn't the first time she was borderline rude and she was positive it wouldn't be the last either. Vira only laughed at her sister and her antics having been far too used to her and her attitude.
◆
Having been awoken by the rising sun blasting in through the window Schoukannaderou jolted awake in the sea of books and scrolls that were spread out across the top of the desk. Having drooled over what she was reading she swiped her hand over the paper cleaning up the small mess. Forgetting about how askew her bobby pins were in her hair she grumbled getting up from her place. Yawning she moseyed over to the bed where she had tossed her bag the night before and hauled out a fresh set of robes.
Half dressed, a firm knock resounded from the door, she scrambled to answer it. Upon opening the door she came face to face with Sharasha.
“Ah you're awake, good morning.” She pleasantly beamed at the girl.
“I'm not late am I?”
“Goodness no, I just wanted to ensure you were up and had something to eat before heading off to the grounds for the first part of your exam.”
“When does the exam start?”
Sharasha hauled out a small golden pocket watch from her robes, she focused on watching the seconds hand tick for a moment. “You've got another hour before your time slot. If you're slightly late don't worry about it, we've got another dozen first years like yourself that have to do their exams this morning too.” She assured.
“Okay, I'll get dressed and I'll be out.”
“Very good, I'll see you outside when you're ready. It's a bit chilly this morning so I suggest wearing something warm.”
“'Kay.”
With that Schoukannaderou was left by herself. Shutting the door Sharasha left her alone, hearing the footsteps of the older woman fade and the remaining silence of the dorms she breathed a sigh of relief. Wondering what exactly this exam held she anxiously hauled on her robes. Inside of the cabinet was a mirror, taking notice of how overslept she appeared she gave her hair a quick fix. Swinging her overcoat onto her shoulders she yawned unsure if she even wanted food at that hour, she wasn't particularly hungry but figured a small something wouldn't hurt.
It wasn't long before she was hobbling along outside chewing the remainder of her eggs in her mouth. Seeing the gathering of thirty other kids and the two headmistresses she joined. Vira took notice of her as they watched a young Izairan boy – the only one out of the crowd of Teteorians – perform holy mainra with ease. He was in the middle of reviving one of the mirla when Schoukannaderou's sister whispered loudly to her.
“Are you nervous Schou?”
She shook her head, the beast springing back to life. Her eyes watching the sky coloured boy pet the long face of the creature. “No, we're just demonstrating our powers right?” She observed.
“Yes. I already showed them what I can do... I think you're one of the last people to go.”
Schoukannaderou didn't say anything only seeing the boy be replaced by another. Emphria giving him instructions on what to do, with a nod he understood the task at hand. Raising a hand up before slamming it into the ground the scrawny boy sent of wave cascading across the earth as the ground itself came to life. The dirt uprooting everything in its path causing havoc across the land as the destruction ripped across the surface.
The Mirla that the Izairan boy had revived bolted back towards the Amphrai, before it had the chance to really make any distance it went limp. Once again its life had been siphoned from it, Schoukannaderou almost felt sickly to her stomach watching the creature be used as a pawn in their game.
“Schoukannaderou, you're next.” Emphria announced ready to reverse the destruction.
“Alright. But wait – let me fix this.” She insisted. Hesitantly Emphria lowered her hand, she frowned curious of what the girl was going to do. Even Sharasha was keen to see what she was up to.
With a quick flick of her left Schoukannaderou reversed the spell the other boy had done to the mirla, the animal returning to a previous state before it's life was rudely ripped from it. Coming over to her the creature with it's large antlers gave a snort and then licked her across one of her cheeks affectionately. Giving it a pat on it's long snout she smiled, calmly it then strolled off across the glade.
With the attention of the other students on her now she turned back to torn earth, miles had been disturbed as the spell had fanned out from their position in the early hours of the morning. With a quick counterclockwise motion with her left hand everything begun to retract and restore itself. Without even breaking a sweat Schoukannaderou turned back to the crowd with her arms folded in her sleeves.
Emphria stood with her mouth slightly agape in utter bafflement. Sharasha cracked a grin. “It appears we have a time mainra user in our presence. As most of you know, time mainra is extremely rare – it is said only a handful are born every several millennia. There's been very few notable figures who've been able to conduct it, one such is the Tayhrn of legend herself.” She announced to them.
“Is there any other abilities you'd like to show us Schoukannaderou?” Emphria asked her.
The girl gave her a nod. “Yes, but I need another person to demonstrate it for you.” She quaintly replied.
“I'll volunteer so you can show us.” The pale woman confidently told her not particularly expecting anything else exciting. What else could she possibly be able to do that would be more jaw dropping than her time spell?
“Thanks.”
Emphria strode forward, the crimson haired girl giving her a nod. Slamming a palm into her gut an electrifying jolt ascended down her being. Sharasha tensed as her colleague's face went blank.
“I found out I could do this by accident.” Schoukannaderou told her as she stepped away from the other woman, her vacant eyes spoke volumes. Emphria turned back to the forest, with a flick of both of her hands a torrent of water erupted from the earth soaring into the sky as it gained mass. Sending the wave out across the grass and into the forest it drowned everything its path. “Without using too much of my mainra I'm able to take control of someone else and use their mainra at my will.”
Ending the spell manually with a snap of her fingers Emphria was released from her grip. The woman almost collapsing forward she grabbed her knees finding herself weak all of a sudden. Breathing harshly her eyes focusing on the drowned forest, she went pale at the thought of could've possibly caused the mess. Like before Schoukannaderou made another counterclockwise motion with her hand bringing everything back to an equilibrium as if nothing happened at all.
“That's... impressive.” Sharasha said unsure of what to think about the young woman's talents. “I don't think we need you to show us anything else. You're good.” She calmly dismissed her, Schoukannaderou ran back into the crowd glad to be out of the spotlight.
Standing next to her sister she folded her hands back into her sleeves breathing a sigh of relief. She was certain that she passed. Vira grinned at her, her sister excited for her as some of the other children could be heard chatting about her skills.
“She didn't even let you cast any malice, that's a shame. That's like your strongest mainra.” Vira chuckled.
“I'm sure they'll get to see it at some point.”
“They better!”
Schoukannaderou just laughed at her sister's enthusiasm. For now they were ushered back inside for the other portion of their exam. Emphria and Sharasha left them to some of the professors that stood inside the hallway waiting for them. Taking great concern Sharasha departed with the white woman, her dishevelled appearance concerning.
◆
Emphria slumped into her chair, her head throbbing as she closed her eyes in her office. The cluttered dusty room packed with books and scrolls of different sizes. Sharasha leaned against the desk sipping a cup of water.
“Are you going to be alright Emphria?” The slightly older woman asked her more than concerned watching.
“Yes I'll be fine.”
“Are you sure, I have seen you this worn out in a while.”
“Positive, I just need rest.”
Sharasha swallowed down another sip of water, her eyes focusing on the tapestry hanging on the wall next to the door of Talimyn. The woven mural depicting the goddess sealing the Ifalyn, the moment fuzzy in her mind, barely remembering the event that terrorized the realm several thousand years ago. Dropping into her thoughts she soaked in the image as a series of questions arose.
“Emphria... I don't suppose you think that girl is the one that's rumoured to have been forged by Talimyn herself do you?” She pondered, her eyes still on the tapestry.
“Who? Schoukannaderou Van'ra?”
“Yes.”
Sitting up straight in the wooden chair Emphria folded her fingers together under her chin. Her inquisitive gaze landing on the same mural of Talimyn that Sharasha was intrigued by. “Hmm, it's possible but that remains to be seen. The Tayrhn has tasked us in finding the Kiaijtreah – she said it would be an unlikely individual that would take upon the roll.” She quietly told her.
“She did. I remember that conversation, the premonitions she described almost scare me though.” Sharasha worried.
The younger woman chuckled nervously. “What part of them? Tourahn and his wrath or the very fact she has to depart us soon?”
“Probably the reason why she mentioned needing to seal herself away, you really think there'll be a calamity in the future that she'll have to pull out all the stops for?” She swallowed, her smoky face paler than normal.
“It's hard to say but Talimyn knows she cannot leave things to chance – she has this planned for a reason. I'm sure even Tourahn would help her in our hour of need if push comes to shove, however we cannot put our faith in her guardians at this moment either. Isontaro isn't present in this timeline and I'm not even sure the identity of her other guardian.” Emphria tried to put her mind at rest but the swirling torrent of worries was only highlighted by her words. Rubbing her temples she could feel her head throb.
“Neither am I, but I'm sure she knows what she's doing. She has to.” The foggy coloured woman removed herself from the desk and turned to her fully. The morning light lessening the worry on her cheeks.
“Either way for now, we cannot worry too much about it or we'll drive ourselves mad. Talimyn told us our number one priority is finding the Kiaijtreah, she trusts our judgment. Let's just stick with that.”
“Okay, but Emphria at least do me one favour, get some rest. You look terrible.” Sharasha insisted.
Emphria got up from her chair and gazed at the slightly taller woman. “I will.”
“I mean it, take care of your self. Don't go doing anything brash until you're back to a hundred percent.”
“Alright.”
“I'll see you in the morning.”
With that, Emphria was left by herself. Feeling cold she didn't know what to think.
Some minor spoilers for the prequel arc. I had a lot of fun brainstorming about the events and what exactly happens to Schoukannaderou before she’s sealed.
I think her and Zerahno (Cornelious) is quite cute although it ends tragically (I won’t spoil how of course). I might draw her up the other person she has a romantic connection with during that arc, Chiiao.
So after some contemplation I've decided to do a prequel arc to the main story of DIVE. This is the icon for the fun attached playlist that I'll be posting at a later date once it nears completion (which I'm sure won't take me that long considering how fast I chomped through the fifth arc).
Schoukannaderou is who this arc follows, I really wanted to showcase the events that went down the first time around that she was sealed. She didn't start off as evil as what she presents herself during the first or even the third arc. Guess you can say this arc is going to be more of a tragedy since how it ends is already written in stone.
And thinking of the other arcs, there'll be heavy spoilers throughout this one for the others. I might post more of the first arc since I've had it written up for a while (There's already been some changes I've made especially with dialogue with regards to the comic version).
I've also got a great idea of doing up a 'what if' scenario of what if Schoukannaderou and Robina flipped roles that I might write up in the future. I'd enjoy to see what would happen if Talimyn is the antagonist of the story but we'll see.
Either way I'm excited to be continuing this project, it's absolutely something I look forward to.
It was really fun to draw up a little bit of romance between Schoukannaderou and Verto (which yes is canon during the main story of DIVE). You don't really get to see much with our main antagonist but I thought it was a cute touch.
Edit 12/13/23: I've decided to go with a slight design change to Schoukannaderou and keep her black stripes that she has from the 3rd arc from the get go. I think it makes more sense for the continuity of the world of DIVE in general.
Since the main story for DIVE is almost finished I did up some flat coloured pictures of what if Schoukannaderou won through what I've dubbed the 'seduction ending'. I won't spoil how this stacks up to the actual ending since I don't want to ruin the fun for anybody who's in for the ride but it's rather funny and terribly NSFW compared to what canonically happens.
I might do up a written version of some of the more fun potential scenarios along with some side stories featuring some of the characters that weren't entirely focused on during the main story. Schoukannaderou and Cornelious I think are two that I'll be doing, I may even do Hiru or Corento as a more 'slice of life' kind of scenario for their side stories just for fun. Depending on the character and the storyline I focus on will absolutely affect the length but I can't see anything taking up more than a handful of chapters worth.
It's been great getting draw the main characters in their updated outfits for these pieces. Although Robina is without her armour pieces unlike Isontaro.
Either way, I'm looking forward to hopefully finishing the written version of the story before the end of the year or perhaps early 2024. I'll also be cracking back at the main story comic, I've had the story boards done up for the prologue since the beginning of the year.
