Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

The member 'Pigloo' has done the following action : FFMSL Dice

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'Challenge' :

Result :

Location: In the Castle

I made it up to the third floor. I noticed, immediately, that the mist was less up here than it was down stairs. But it was clearly making it way here and soon it'll probably engulf the entire castle. I ran through the corridors looking for the Knight. I yelled: "I'm here open the door!"

I did not know if there was a door or not. But I am sure there had to be one. I have been very lucky so far in my attempts to escape from the monsters that were after me. Perhaps it was because of the rush of adrenaline in my system. That was probably how I managed to run so quickly up those flight of stairs. Actually I did not feel tired at all, well probably a little bit, I was more afraid than anything. I did not even want to look behind me, for fear that a monster was right there waiting for me to turn around. I kept running and running, hoping that I would encounter the knight who saved me.

"Help!!"

The member 'Pigloo' has done the following action : FFMSL Dice

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'Challenge' :

Result :

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Trials of Fate
The Last Guardian

*CHALLENGE EVENT COMPLETE*
1000 XP awarded.

"In here!" a voice called out to Eishi. It came from the King's Chamber. The knight let Eishi in and immediately barred the doors. It seems that quite a handful of people survived, including the Queen herself who was in this room the entire time. However, there were a couple of people missing, the King was in the main hall when the event happened and he was with his the young prince.

"Please find them! I know they're still alive I can feel it. Please you must do something my husband, your King, and my son are both still out there!"

The Queen was being frantic she was worried for her husband and son. She was begging the men to go out and look for them, but the men have seen what did this. It was the evil fog, brought upon this land by the evil wizard Jejomahr. The Evil Wizard attended the event uninvited and suddenly, after exchanging some words with the king, placed this curse upon the entire Kingdom.

They were also aware that certain individuals were immune to the curse, though they were unsure as to why that is exactly. Which led the Queen to believe that perhaps the King and the Prince might also be immune to it and are still alive somewhere in the castle. It was possible, that the King might have retreated to Baylor's Keep which is underground. If under a threat it was mandatory to use Baylor's Keep as a barracks within the castle. The problem is none of the men could go there and check because they are all afraid of turning into monsters after being exposed to the mist.

"Forgive us your Grace. But we cannot leave you here unprotected. The King and the Prince are both safe in Baylor's Keep. They have our best knights with them. If we go out there we'll just turn into monsters ourselves." one of the Knights explained to their frantic queen.

Location: King's Chambers

I was thankful to have found refuge finally. I could feel my heart pounding heavily from my chest. It was such an immense relief to be able to find other people. I wanted to thank them but it seems that now was not the right time for that. Everyone was focused on the Queen. She was acting exceedingly worried for the King and the baby Prince. 

I overheard them talking about the Mist and how it changed people and who brought it here. I swear if I ever get my hands on that evil Wizard I'm going to smack his face until it turns numb. He's the one responsible for all of this chaos. Those monsters were once people. Oh those poor children. I could not save them. How I detest being so useless. If only there was something I could do. 

Then I heard them saying that the King and the Prince might be inside Baylor's Keep. It's not far from here actually I used to work there were many years ago before I got transferred here. I could make get there without having to go back down the main hall. I can use that window there and climb my way back down the Garden and there I'll make my way to the eastern side of the Keep.

I then realized that I was immune to the Mist and I knew how to get to Baylor's Keep. But once I get there, what exactly will I do? None the less, I decided to volunteer myself for the task. I raised my hand and called the attention of her grace the Queen.

"My Queen. I can go to Baylor's keep. I know a path out that window and through the garden. Also I believe I may be immune from the Mist. Please my Queen, allow me to make myself useful." I said to her. 

Of course I was scared to be chased by those black things, but I cannot cower in fear all my life. My mom taught me that. I know I was made immune to the Mist for a reason and this is it. I was brought here by Fate to help the royal family. At least I hope that is it. I also know what its like to be separated from your mother. The baby Prince must be terrified by now and he seeks his mother. I know this from personal experience.

Growing up, I never really had a father who was physically there for me. I only had my mom, mostly. And she has always been with me up until she got sick and passed away. I know what its like to have someone there in one moment and then suddenly have her be taken away from you. I have to do this. If I don't then who will? I have to reunite that baby with her mother. It is already too late for me to save my mother. But its not too late to this baby to be with his. I am ready, I have conquered my fear with love, and now I hope the Queen permits me to embark on this task.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Trials of Fate
The Last Guardian

The Queen was delighted to hear someone volunteer to find the King and the Prince. However, after she was who it was, she felt unsure if the boy was up for the task. One of the Knights, the one who saved Eishi, spoke up and said, "It's true. I saw him in the garden with two people who are turning while he remained unaffected by the mist."

The Queen asks Eishi if it was true, but regardless of his answer, she orders him to find the King and the Prince and to help them get to a safe place. Preferably away from the mist. The Queen knew in the back of her mind that she was doomed anyway, there was no way out of this place without getting touched by the Mist and her conditions wasn't boding well too. She will take comfort in knowing that her husband and son are both alive and safe.

She walks up to Eishi and holds his hand. "Find the King and the Prince and lead them to safety. The knights will escort you in any way they can. Please, if my son is alive, take him away form this place. Don't let to monsters take him!"

With that, Eishi has his orders. He is to find the King and the young prince and is to find a way to get the baby out of the Kingdom. First he had to find them, and Baylor's Keep was a very good place to start. It is highly probable that both the King and the Prince are there. The problem is, all around the castle, the Shades have scattered. Even in the garden, there were a lot of them walking around passively while looking for prey. The Knight will provide Eishi with support from a far. His job now is to make it to Baylor's Keep.

CHALLENGE EVENT

Get to the Keep!

Eishi must get to the keep before he is surrounded by Shades. You must get 3 Checks within 5 attempts to make it safely to the Keep. You can roll all 5 attempts in one turn, provided that your post is atleast 250 words long and it clearly states that you are headed for the Keep.

Failure will result to failure in this part of the Trials.

Location: King's Chambers

I accepted the Queen's task with great joy and pride, finally I was going to do something more than cleaning the kitchens or the stables. I knew this had to be my purpose here, the reason why I have been sent here in this timeline. I have faced many odd situations before and even though I died in every scenario, it has never stopped me from achieving my goal, which is to save someone's life.

I know now, based on the two other timelines that I have gone into, that my goal is save lives. I do not know why Carbuncle chose me, but I do know that I cannot sit here doing nothing, being afraid while a small child is out there being threatened by monsters. I am not going to let those monsters kill me before I accomplish my mission.

Taking nothing with me, I went out through the large frame window and made my way down the misty garden. I felt afraid, naturally, but I over came that fear with purpose, I must find the boy and protect him no matter what. As I made my way down from the castle, through the vines and the uneven bricks, I noticed that the entire garden was flooded with the Mist. It was very hard to see anything 2 feet in front of my eyes, so I relied on my memory instead.

Using what I remembered, I know that I am at the northeast side of the castle. I should be near a fountain, from there I can find my way through the thick mist and hopefully reach the Keep. There was a problem though... I can hear moans and groans coming from all directions. It was hard enough that I cannot see where I am going, but to have monsters lurking at every corner made the task so much worse.

I ventured deep into the mist, trying to located the fountain that I will use as a benchmark to find the Keep. Luckily I did manage to find it on the first attempt. I could still hear groans in the nearby sections. I did my best to stay low and avoid encountering any of these black monsters. It will be extremely difficult to run from them if I cannot see properly, what more if I have fight them without proper vision nor a weapon.

Using my knowledge of the garden maze, I followed what I think might be the way to Baylor's Keep. I just hope I do not run into one of those monsters on my way there.

The member 'Pigloo' has done the following action : FFMSL Dice

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'Challenge' :

Result :

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Trials of Fate
The Last Guardian

CHALLENGE EVENT COMPLETE!

1000 XP awarded to Eishi.

Eishi succeeds in finding Baylor's Keep, the only problem is the entrance to the keep is loitered with monsters. This spells trouble for Eishi, but at the same time could prove that there are people still alive who are trapped inside. There are no secret exits or tunnels that lead outside from within Baylor's Keep. The structure only has one entrance and one exit, and it's being surrounded by hundreds of Shades.

The windows of the Keep are all barred shut and most of them are too small for anyone to fit in. All that Eishi had inside his pocket were paper towels used for scrapping up Chocobo litter and some bits of coal.

To make matters worse, Shades from all around Eishi were converging towards the Keep. If Eishi doesn't move from his current position soon, he might just meet face to face with a Shade or more.

Suddenly, a strong breeze came in from the east, blowing away the mist just a little bit. Though it was only partially able to clear some of the mist, the strong wind was able to reveal Eishi and the monsters surrounding the Keep from the Knights in the Castle. They saw the immediate danger that Eishi was in and provided support from the castle by shooting arrows at the Shades. Their attacks seem to have little effect against the Shades but it was enough to lure them towards the castle and away from the Keep.

With most of the Shades gone, Eishi can now approach the Keep's doors. However, there was no way of telling whether or not the people inside will let him in.

Location: Outside Baylor's Keep

It took me a while to find my way through the maze, but I eventually found my way to the Keep. It was not easy, navigating through the thick Fog all the while avoiding any potential death scenario, brought about by either the Black Monsters or the deadly plants inside the garden. I could probably consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world right now... But I did not want to push my luck.

I was about to step out into the open, when suddenly I saw these multiple black things walking around the entrance of the Keep. They were everywhere and there was no way into the Keep except for the main entrance. I went like Oh sh..... This was not going to end well. I did not have a weapon, nor did have anything in my possession to protect myself with. I was starting to feel anxious and hopeless. But I knew I had to do something. I wanted to do something, but I just could not think of a way around this situation.

Thankfully, a steady gust of wind came from the east. It was like a miracle from heaven, it blew the mist away just enough for me to receive some backup from the Knights in the castle. I gave them a thumbs up, not sure if they knew what it meant, and then I moved silently towards the gates of the Keep.

I knocked three times, Knock! Knock! Knock! and said: "Open up! I'm human! I'm under orders from the Queen to find the King and the Young Prince!" I tried to be loud enough to be heard from behind the door, but not loud enough to attract unwanted attention from the Black Creatures. I knocked again three times and repeated what I said.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Trials of Fate
The Last Guardian

For a while, no one was answering Eishi's knocks. It took him his second try before the person inside slid a panel in the gate, which allowed him to view who was outside. Upon confirming that the person knocking was indeed human, and that the area was clear, the man manning the gate quickly opened it to let Eishi in. The gate was then immediately closed after Eishi went inside the Keep, to prevent the mist from coming in.

Inside, he was met by the Kingdom's Arch Mage, an Alfeir. From the looks of him, he was already stating to turn. But somehow, he's keep himself from completely transforming into a Shade. He does shake violently sometimes, kind of a like a more intense version of a shiver. He comes up to Eishi and tells him, "By the Gods. How is it that you and the prince remain unharmed? Well it doesn't matter, you must take the Prince away from here. I fear my spell is beginning to wear off. I can feel the mist taking hold of me."

The Arch Mage was alone with the Prince, a two year old boy with black hair, and facial features similar to the Queen's. According to him, everyone else is either dead or turned into one of those creatures. He managed to come here with the Prince and two other Knights, who are now both dead. He tells Eishi that the Prince is like him, he too is immune to the effects of the Mist. He can't say the same for the King, however, he last saw the King in the Main hall with his Knights.

"They can't be killed with ordinary weapons. You must use Magic!" the Arch Mage said. He was starting to struggle more and more, and his voice was slowly starting to change. He grabs the young Prince from behind him and forcefully hands the boy over towards Eishi. The Prince, who is fond of the Arch Mage, tries to return to his friend. But the Alfeir shouted at the boy and said, "NO! STAY AWAY! GET OUT OF HERE!! GO NOW!!!"

He was slowly turning hostile, trashing around and throwing things to the ground. Eishi needed to flee now or he'll be trapped inside the Keep with a very Violent Shade. "GAHHH!!!"

Location: Inside Baylor's Keep

I thought I was not going to be let inside. But thankfully, someone from the inside heard me and opened the gates. It was truly a relaxing feeling, being able to get away from those black creatures and the Mist. After risking my life out there, I finally felt safe again. Or was I...?

I was met by the Arch Mage of the Kingdom. He was an old Alfeir, powerful and wise. But something was wrong with him. I noticed that his skin was turning black and his eyes were almost non-human anymore. I shook in terror, fearing that he might be turning into one of them. But I felt relieved the moment he spoke to me.

My brief moment of relief did not last long, however, he tells me that he was truly turning into one of those black monsters, and that his magic was the only thing preventing it from happening. He also told me about using Magic to kill the monsters. I do not know any magic, but perhaps the Knights do. Then he tells me about the King, where he last saw him and who he was with. Lastly, he shoves the Prince towards me. I could sense the struggle in his voice as he continued to fight off the transformation.

The Prince wanted to return to the Arch Mage but he would not let him, so I grabbed the Prince and prevented the young toddler from taking another step. I watched as the Arch Mage slowly turned into one of those monsters. But before he could attack us, I took the Prince and left the Keep.

Outside I noticed that the castle was being stormed by Shades. I would only endanger the young Prince and myself if I went back there. So I carried him in my arms and I ran to the direction off to the edge of the castle, hoping that I won't encounter any of those monsters along the way.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Trials of Fate
The Last Guardian

Eishi was right not to return to the castle. The Shades have already reached the third floor and are breaching the King's Chambers. The Queen spots Eishi leaving the Keep with her son from the window. She's filled with joy and sadness, hope and longing. In her own mind, she thanks Eishi for rescuing her son, and she prays that both of them make it out safely.

The barricaded doors of the King's Chamber won't hold out for very long. The Mist has already started seeping into the cracks and seems of the door. Soon all the Knights, including the Queen would either be killed by the Shades or turned by the Mist. The only two survivors left are Eishi and the young Prince.

The two did encounter some monsters on their way to the Castle's outskirts, but Eishi was able to run away from them while carrying the prince. He did, however, take some damage but not serious enough to cause fatal effects. Finally the two were able to reach a cliff, this was the edge of the castle. Beneath the cliff was a lot of rocks and then the sea...

Hundreds of Shades were at their back and, Eishi and the Prince were both trapped between a thousand foot fall to the rocky cliff and a horde of Violent Shades.

*Time to Choose*

Eishi can either stand his ground and try to fight off the entire Shade horde, while trying to protect the Young Prince, who could still wander off towards the cliff because he's just 2 years old.

Or he can take the leap. With or without the Prince.

Location: At the Edge of a Cliff.

I ran as fast as my legs would take me, away from the mist, away from the castle, away from everything. The little prince was crying, maybe he missed his mother, I know how it feels to be apart from your mother. But as painful as if might be, we have to get away from all of that. We needed to survive. Its what our parents would have wanted. Instead of being with them in a deadly situation, I am sure out parents would wish we were far away and safe. I understood now why my mother did all that she did for me. She wanted me to be happy. She sacrificed her own health for my happiness. It is what all parents want for their child.

We did encounter some dark creatures on our way out of the castle, but luckily I was quick enough to dodge most of their attack. The Prince was safe too, I made sure none of those monsters were able to lay a finger on him. But I knew, no matter how many of their attacks I dodged, that I could never out run them. My legs were already starting to tire from all the running, and my hands are growing weary from carrying the Prince.

I kept running and running, until we nearly fell off a cliff. I was so worried about the monsters and protecting the prince that I completely lost track of where I was going. The Mist was also obscuring my vision, but thankfully I was able to spot the cliff before I ran over it.

I looked down and saw the sheer height of it. The mist was obscuring the bottom, but I knew there was a lot of sharp rocks at the bottom. We were trapped, I could hear the monsters coming for us, and behind us was a cliff. It seems all my hard work was for nothing. I have failed to protect the Prince. I was so sad and disappointed of myself that I bowed my head down in defeat.

Because we were immune to the Mist, we will never turn into one of them. Meaning, when they find us, they are going to tear us apart and eat us. I did not want the young Prince to suffer a painful death. I looked over to the horizon and realized how beautiful the sun was in this world. Sure I missed our sun back on Earth, but this one was just as beautiful, if not maybe even more...

I embraced the Prince tightly and I said to him: "Hey kiddo! Close your eyes, we're going to fly out of here..."

Of course I lied, I was going to take the Prince with me and we were going to jump off the cliff. It was the only way I could make sure we both died a swift and painless death. Also I wanted to feel the breeze. So I took the prince, held him tight and I jumped off the cliff.