Goddess' Wish - Chapter 1

Dragon Nest

Xxxxxxxxxx

The Guardian and the Moon Lord

Xxxxxxxxxx

"Moon Lord's Honor"

"Shiro! You're awake! Thank the Goddess."

"Khayru!"

"No, I can't! I can't do it!"

"I'm sorry."

"9..10..."

Xxxxx

Aoshiro snapped his eyes open, grunting as he spotted the familiar azure hairs of the one jumping upon his chest.

"Uncle Shiro!" Ireth chirped as she came to a stop, giving the Guardian a wide grin.

Yep, definately Nabiha's kid, Aoshiro mentally grumbled as he sat up, causing the elven girl to topple onto his lap. Ireth giggled in response.

"Uncle Shiro! What's for breakfast!?"

Throwing his feet over the side of his head, Aoshiro combed his fingers through his hair, heaving out a tired sigh as he pondered how he had gotten into this situation.

Nabiha had to leave for a mission but couldn't find anyone to keep an eye on his daughter. Sure, he could have handed her over to the elves but everyone knows the instant the Moon Lord would turn his back, the elves would instantly declare Ireth now under their care, forever.

So that's where Aoshiro came in.

The Guardian was taking a moments rest when a knocking at his door disrupted him of his attempted sleep. So reluctantly, the cleric went and answered, only to find Ireth thrusted into his arms, Nabiha yelling, "Thanks Bro!" and dashing off before the Guardian could say anything.

People may say that the Moon Lord changed from his old self but in Aoshiro's eyes, he was still the same old annoying little brother he had known all those years ago.

"Don't know," the Guardian answered his niece as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, "what does your father usually feed you?"

"H'mmm, anything!" Ireth exclaimed, "as long as it's edible!"

"...even meat?"

Eyes going wide, Ireth quickly shook her head, "Anything but meat!"

Thank the Goddess, at least Nabiha remembers the elves vegetarian like style.

"Alright then, let's see if I can find anything," With this, The Guardian forced himself onto his feet, raising his arms above his head as he stretched.

With a giggle, Ireth leaped off the bed, mimicking the movements of her uncle as she did so.

Yep, definately Nabiha's child.

Xxxxx

The Moon Lord was reluctant to let his daughter out of his sight but what other choice does he have? Many expectations were placed upon him ever since he became one of the legendary 'Six Heroes' and as such, he can't refuse this mission, a mission specifically given to him by King Cassius the III.

"Keep your cool, Nabiha," the Moon Lord whispered, "Aoshiro is good with kids. After all, he helped around in the monastary back then."

Suddenly, the warrior collapsed onto his knees, placing his hands on his head before yelling, "But that was years ago! What about now damn it!? How will he be able to manage Ireth after so many years later without experience!?"

Failing to notice the soldiers placed under his command, Nabiha whispered, "...How is Aoshiro going to survive against Ireth?"

No one can blame him for worrying so much, ever since Ireth had been placed uner his care, all of Nabiha's missions were mainly around the underground haven of the survivors. As such, his daughter was always by his side under his watchful eye.

But now, this was his first mission away from his daughter and the Moon Lord can't help but feel pressured or concerned for the safety of not only his daughter but his brother as well. True, the Guardian is one of the Legendary Six Heroes as well but Nabiha is doubtful of his brother being capable of babysitting his daughter.

However, once again, what other choice does he have?

Handing her over to the elves is a risk since he knows fully well that they are against him raising Ireth (though they voted to place her under his care) and they are willing to find any chance to take her back.

"M-Moon Lord Nabiha Sir? Are you feeling alright?"

Slowly realizing the presence of the soldiers behind him, Nabiha jumped to his feet, further startling the men.

"I am fine," he turned to face the soldiers before releasing a sheepish smile, "just...nervous I guess."

The young soldier who asked blinked several times before the look of realization appeared onto his features, "Ah, we understand Sir Nabiha."

"That's good," the Moon Lord sighed before he released another sheepish smile, "otherwise I would be a horrible leader."

"Don't say such absurd things Moon Lord Nabiha," Another soldier piped up, straightening himself out like as though he was going to salute, "In the eyes of everyone, you are a hero, Sir."

"..Thank you, for the reminder," The Moon Lord spoke bitterly though if the soldiers noticed or not, they didn't show it as they all saluted in response.

With that, Nabiha turned and started to lead the soldiers once again.

In all honesty, though Nabiha and Aoshiro hold their titles as one of the "Legendary Six Heroes" with certain pride, they can't help but feel like as though they don't deserve it.

The reason of Aoshiro's feeling of underservance is still unknown to Nabiha but the Moon Lord's reason was the failure of protecting his fiance, the love of his life.

Khayru.

That's the reason why he felt undeserving of the title of 'Hero', cause though he can protect others, he can't even protect the one he loves.

Heaving out a sad sigh, Nabiha's expression turned determined as he continued to walk through the barren landscape, the area he almost immediately recognizes as Crystal Stream.

The land was completely barren, the lush grass and trees shriveling from the influence of Vestinel's nightmare. Even the tents and the Leaguesmen boards were all nothing but pile of dust. The only thing that was alive or even prove of the once beautiful area was the stream, its crystalline surface revealing the secret of the name of the once lively home of many.

But to Nabiha, this area was the path to Carderock Pass, the town where the four of them, his family, his brothers and sister, the place where they had first met. The place where it all began for the four of them.

Sadly, even the Pass was destroyed by Vestinel's army, nothing but rubble is what was left of the once beautiful town, much to the shock of the Swordsman when he heard of its demise.

However it was all in the past now and the Moon Lord made the decision to keep his head in the present, to destroy the threat that had caused so much destruction to their beloved towns and homes.

And Memories.

As such, Nabiha came to a sudden halt in front of what was use to be the entrance to Carderock Pass, the wooden spikes that once were the doors have all but rotted away.

"...Wh-What is that, S-Sir Nabiha?"

Instead of responding, Nabiha released a small grunt as he lifted his gaze upwards, "Contact my brother, I have a feeling that we're going to need his help."

Xxxxx

Stir Fry.

Who would have thought...?

Aoshiro just shrugged as he kept his blue hues onto his niece whom was amazingly devouring the cooked vegetables at an alarming pace (she was already on her third bowl.)

However, as she lifted a piece of lettuce to her mouth, the elven girl paused mid-way, her bright blue eyes staring at her uncle with curiousity.

"...Is something wrong? Did I not put enough spices and herbs?" the Guardian asked only to gain a shake of the head as a response, "then what is the matter?"

"...I'm sorry if I sound rude Uncle Shiro," Ireth apologized as she placed her fist with the fork and lettuce onto the table, "but...why aren't you eating?"

To bring up her point, she pointed at the bowl of stir fry in front of her before pointing at the empty space in front of the white haired cleric.

In all honesty, the question caught the Guardian off guard and as such, he slightly recoiled, staring at her with wide eyes. Then, just as suddenly he was caught off guard, Aoshiro released a small chuckle, quickly regaining his composure.

"I am fasting Ireth," The Guardian replied, giving his niece a soft smile, "it is that time of the week when clerics give up their time to eat and rest to pray to the Goddess."

Ireth tilted her head to once side, "So you don't eat Uncle Shiro but...why do you sleep if you have to give up rest?"

"It is because...food I can go without in a battle but sleep is altogether another story."

"Ah," Nodding her head in understanding, the elven girl then returned to her attention back to her 'breakfast' (though Aoshiro would have called it 'Bruncher', Breakfast, lunch, and dinner altogether).

The Guardian would have continued to stare and watch his niece devour her food, if it wasn't for the fact that a knocking on his door disrupted them. With a heavy sigh, Aoshiro heaved himself onto his feet, buttoning his white shirt close before approaching the door and opening it.

"What do you need?" The Guardian asked, the acknowledgement of the presence of the messenger clear in his eyes.

"Message from Moon Lord Nabiha, Guardian Aoshiro," The messenger saluted, "He wants you to meet him at Crystal Stream as soon as possible, sir."

Aoshiro frowned at the message.

He had heard rumors that something strange was occuring at 'Carderock Pass' (now called Dead Pass for more than one reason) and as such, King Cassius the III had sent Moon Lord Nabiha to investigate. Of course, being a follower of the goddess and having strong beliefs as a cleric, Aoshiro always brushed off rumors as rubbish, only wanting clear evidence of what was occuring. Then again, rumors can be a helpful hint...

"Tell him that I'll meet him there as soon as a I can," The Guardian ordered, "the longest between 30-45 minutes and deliver the message to him as quickly as possible, understand?"

"Yes sir!" The Messenger then saluted before he abruptly turned and dashed off, leaving the Guardian standing at his open doorway.

"Who was it Uncle Shiro?" Ireth asked, sliding off of her chair as she came to approach her uncle.

"I have to go somewhere," Aoshiro answered as he glided towards his room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Ireth blinked curiously, "Where?"

Almost instantly, the door swung open, revealing the cleric walking out in full body armor, his shield and mace sheathed on his side as he started pulling his helm over his face, "To your father."

At the mention of her father, Ireth's eyes lighten up, "Can I come?"

"No," Aoshiro twirled around to face Ireth, "and the puppy eyes don't work on me, your father used it one me too many times for his own good."

He then whistled, "Kimura, keep an eye on Ireth, alright?"

The poochum pup barked in response, immediately placing itself between the little elven girl and the door.

Ireth pouted, "But Uncle Shiro..."

"Don't worry, I won't be long," He paused as he took a step outside of his door, "...Kimura, if anything happens to Ireth, find anyone to help you but contact the elves as a last resort. Understand? 'Last' resort."

As if understanding its owner, the poochum pup released another bark, pushing itself against Ireth as he felt her attempt to dash towards the door.

"No fair," Ireth huffed as she crossed her arms.

"I'll be back soon," the Guardian then shut the door, "and don't cause any trouble."

Xxxxx

It was an interesting sight, Nabiha has to admit. A swirling violet and black vortex of...anything standing on top of the once beautiful Pass was really mind boggling.

"When they said strange they weren't kidding," Nabiha smirked, crossing his arms as he took several steps back.

"What...is that?"

"Hey, Shiro," Nabiha slowly turned, raising his arms slightly like as though he was giving a hug, "nice to know that the 'Walking Tank' is actually moving fast for once."

"Hahahahaha, not funny," Aoshiro spoke sarcastically, "Ireth's is fine if that's what you're wondering."

"That's a relief," Nabiha dropped his arms to the side, "I'm guessing that you left Kimura with her?"

The Guardian only smiled in response.

Kimura was a poochum pet that Aoshiro had received as a gift back then from one of the other Six Heroes, Majesty Prominous. When the pets first came out, she eagerly bought one before sending him one as a gift, placing a letter saying, 'Enjoy', when he recieved it. It's been with him since, though now Aoshiro makes sure it stays inside his home thanks to the fact that the pup will never grow to full size (the reason why though always eludes him.)

"Well, as long as she's safe I guess it's fine," Nabiha shrugged before nodding his head towards the vortex, "any idea what this thing is?"

Cautiouly approaching the unknown power, Aoshiro examined the details, absorbing in the information.

"...Not sure to be honest," he admitted, "however I have a reason to believe that some of Vestinel's nightmare might have gathered here and created this. The dark energies from this is quite powerful."

Nabiha raised an eyebrow, "How you can get all that information just from that, I am baffled."

"It's called being observant."

"...Hahahahaha, not funny," Nabiha retorted, receving a small smile from his brother as a response.

"Shall we call Prom and Sanju for this?"

"Naw, I think us boys can handle it."

That's when Aoshiro turned and raise an eyebrow at his brother.

"What?"

"...Everytime you say that, something bad always happens."

"It's not jinxed if that's what you're thinking?"

"I am not saying that it is jinxed Nabiha, it's just that...something bad always happens when you spreak that phrase."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Nabiha waved it off, "do you think you can purify this thing?"

Aoshiro's face turned hard, his expression fixed into a determined but yet pondering look.

Since the beginning of the war, Clerics were given the responsibility to 'purify' soldiers or areas infected by Vestinel's nightmares. No other race or class has the ability to purify thanks to the fact that the Clerics are closely connected to the goddess, the being that they are fully loyal to and worship. However, since Clerics are connected to the goddess, Vestinel's darkness also has a heavy influence on them as well, most of the time negatively.

Aoshiro couldn't help but mentally flinch as he recalls one of his fellow clerics came barging into the underground haven, heavily mutated and almost unrecognizable if it wasn't for the pendant hanging around his neck. The Guardian and the other Clerics had no other choice but to put their fellow brother down, much to the grieve of them all.

Mutation isn't the only negative effect upon the Clerics. Insanity is one of the most common ones as well as hallucinations and illness. It is quite rare for mutations to occur however and it occurs slowly, giving the other Clerics time to help their Brother if they can. But the one effect that the nightmare has upon the clerics that they fear the most is that they would be infused with the power of Vestinel's nightmare. True, it gives them a lot of power but it had happened to only one of them and he had defected to the side of the jealous goddess, claiming that the will of the Goddess is weaker than her sister's. Of course there was an out roar against the traitor but Aoshiro, being the current Leader amongst them, ordered them to calm down, claiming that he will try and coax their Brother back to their side. But if he fails, then he will have to strike him down.

"...Not sure to be honest," Aoshiro replied bitterly, "though I can clearly sense Vestinel's nightmare, who knows what would happen if I try and purify it. It is still an unknown entity and messing with it can cause trouble."

"H'mmm, true," Nabiha nodded his head in agreement, "but what else are we suppose to do? If we want to find out what this thing is we have to call the Tinkerers but they're all in another area half way across the world. It might take them weeks or even days to get here. Who knows what would happen by then?"

In response, the Guardian crossed his arms, "In all honesty, I believe that they should stay where they are."

Everyone surrounding Aoshiro paused, staring at the cleric whom stood where he was, unfazed.

"...Guess Clerics and Tinkerers still haven't come to an agreement yet huh?" Nabiha laughed nervously.

When the Clerics and the Tinkerers first met, immediately, there was a clash. The Tinkerers were people of science, claiming that there's an explanation to everything. In other words, the Goddess does not exist. This caused a rage to ignite within the Clerics, many of them clashing with the Tinkerers and the Tinkerers clashing with the Clerics. Since then, the two classes never got along.

Almost like the time when Sorceresses and Clerics couldn't even stand the sight of each other, the Moon Lord thought, only to freeze as his brother gave him a cold stare, how he knows what I'm thinking, I have no idea.

"So, you think you can purify this bro?" Nabiha changed the subject, pointing a thumb at the swirling vortex.

"I'll try," Aoshiro murmured as he held up a vial of Holy Water, earning him more stares from those around him.

How does he manage to carry that without us noticing? The Moon Lord thought as he watched his brother approach the vortex and dump the contents of the vial on top of it.

Then, slowly, the Guardian got down onto one knee, clasped his hands together, and closed his eyes, his lips moving in prayer.

"Goddess Althea, hear your loyal servant words and I pray to thee to purify this evil within my sight. To purify the nightmare in our eyes would help bring the people you have created one step closer to peace. I pray to thee Goddess, help us cleanse this evil."

Listening to his brother's words, Nabiha couldn't help but doubt the existence of the Goddess (though he would dare not say it allowed, especially around his brother.) And Nabiha could think of more than one reason why he doubts her existence.

If she was truly a Goddess, then why did she let all this happen?

He told this to Aoshiro once (whom gave him a cold stare) and the Guardian replied that the reason was that the Goddess was asleep. Nabiha then questioned the Clerics ability to purify those infected by the Nightmares only to gain another answer.

"The Goddess maybe asleep Nabiha," he recalls his brother reply, "but that doesn't mean that she can't hear us."

Sleep my-

"It is finished."

Aoshiro pushed himself to his feet, a frown upon his features as his blue eyes glared at the swirling abyss.

"H'm? Why is it still there?" Nabiha asked, a frown upon his features as well as he walked next to his brother, coming to a halt as he crossed his arms.

"...I am...not sure," the Guardian admitted, "but during one of my prayers, the Goddess' words faded into my vision."

Nabiha turned and raised an eyebrow at his brother, "Uh...what?"

"The Goddess sent me a message," Aoshiro reworded, "her presence was strong enough to knock my concentration out of my prayers."

"...Soooo...what did she say?"

"...Guardian Aoshiro...Moon Lord Nabiha...Tempest Khayru...Saint Hilal...destinies...meet once again..."

"...That's all- wait a minute! Tempest Khayru and Saint Hilal?"

"It shocked me as well," the Guardian crossed his arms, "But...how can that be? Khayru and Hilal died years ago."

"...Do you think..." Nabiha's voice faded, his blue eyes turning to glance at the dark vortex.

Aoshiro shook his head, "We can't jump to conclusions yet but if you're right, it may either cause a great relief..."

"Or a great uproar," Nabiha finished, gaining a nod from his brother.

"I think we're finished here," The Guardian turned to leave, "we should report to King Cassius."

Hesitant, Nabiha slowly nodded, "...Yeah."

The Moon Lord turned to leave alongside his brother.

"Hilal!"

"What the hell!?" The Moon Lord yelped as he twirled around, facing the vortex once again, his peripheral vision catching his brother doing the same.

"I'm alright! Let's go! Hurry!"

The voice, it sounded vaguely...familiar.

"What is going on here?" Nabiha whispered as his blue eyes widen.

"..H-Hilal..."

"What?" The Moon Lord turned his head towards the Guardian, "What are you saying Shiro?"

"That voice...the second one," Aoshiro's face paled, "it's...it's Hilal's."

"What?! That's insane!" Nabiha roared, "Hilal died years ago and you know that!"

Silent for several seconds, Aoshiro shook his head before placing a hand onto his face, groaning, "Y-You're right. I..I guess fasting for this long made me-"

"Khayru!"

The brothers jumped, both of their eyes locking onto each others, wide with shock and surprise.

"There's no way..." Nabiha whispered as he turned his gaze towards the swirling abyss, "there's no way that..."

"Thank you, Hilal."

That's when the world froze.

That voice...he knew that voice...

"Khayru," he whispered.

"Sir Nabiha! Sir Aoshiro! What's going on!?"

Suddenly remembering the poor soldiers behind them, Aoshiro turned and snapped his arm to the side, "Return to the Underground Base and report to the king. And quickly! Tell him to send Lady Prominous and Lady Sanju as well! ...don't just stand there! Move!"

Giving the two warriors a quick salute, the soldiers ran off, leaving the two males alone with the unknown entity in front of them.

"...Well...that will help them stay safe," Aoshiro turned around to face the swirling abyss, "for now anyways."

With a small nod, the Moon Lord inched his way closer to the vortex, "...so...want to take a closer look?"

Almost instantly, the Guardian gave him a look, "I know what you're thinking Nabiha and we can't risk it. Who knows, it might be a trick of Vestinel's to lead us into a trap."

The blonde warrior flinched, "I...I know...but..." he hesitated, "It wouldn't hurt to try at least...right?"

Aoshiro pondered for a minute.

As the leader of the clerics, the Guardian has to be a prime example of how the will of the Goddess works and one of them was to resist negative temptations. And right now, Aoshiro was severely tempted to 'take a closer look' at the swirling abyss. Then again, besides his brother, there are no witness'...

"We'll take a closer look," Aoshiro sighed, "But if there's even a single clue that something goes wrong, we're backing out, alright?"

"Worry wart," Nabiha teased, gaining a small smile as a response, "So what are we waiting for? Let's go."

"Wait, don't be so exci-"

Aoshiro's warning came too late as the Moon Lord's hand touched the surface of the swirling vortex, causing a blinding light to flash before eyes. Temporarily blinded, the two warriors brought their arms up to their face, their eyes squeezed shut from the painful rays.

"Aoshiro!"

Recognizing the voice of his friend, the Guardian twirled around, lifting up a hand as he yelled out her name, "Prominous!"

In that instant, another flash occured and the instant it had appeared, it was gone, along with the vortex...

and the two male heroes.


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Well...first chapter of the 'mini-series' (hopefully...I like to get carried away on stories real easily) that was based on 'The Future' one-shots in my 'Dragon Nest Family' chapters.

I've decided to keep Ireth out of the Alternate world (since I have another surprise there waiting for you guys and her presence can disrupt the story X3).

I'm also having a hard time keeping Nabiha and Aoshiro in character (well..what they are like in my mind anyways). I wanted Nabiha to be a little more serious than his younger self however, still has a slight carefree manner somewhere in there. Aoshiro, I wanted to be more calm but a little more open when it comes around to his family...Uh...not sure if it worked but...yeah

So yeah..enjoy

~123arcalas