RevelriE - Prompts and Submissions

We had already set up search and investigation parties consisting of 4 RevelriE each. Since Ena was (presumably) captured, and most of the technology sector was destroyed, many assumed this person, or RevelriE, was extremely powerful. Of course, I can’t simply cancel the summer event right now, so I had the event keep going with the investigation parties operating in the back. The news was starting to spread, of course, and we are all powerless to stop those. The feather that was found on the ground was golden brown, though under a different light you could say it’s yellow. There weren’t many RevelriE that had golden brown or yellow feathers, so most of us were told to be on the lookout for one with such colours. Lian suggested Magpie, but we’re… pretty sure it wasn’t Magpie. But as the sun rises once more, the third day of the event starts.

For the third day, we had a large trip for those interested that was reminiscent of what had happened last year: a ruin expedition. Many former kAtlas members were placed as the leaders of small groups. I was even in charge of my own, leading some of the younger RevelriE into the ruins. Before we set off, however, I told Lian to keep an eye out for strange occurrences. The game and food stands are still open for those who did not want to participate in the expedition, though many were closed because of it. Since many RevelriE were going, it seemed like a bit of a waste if only a small amount of RevelriE were going to use them. 

“Does anyone remember the rules from last year?” Lian spoke over the crowd. There were a lot of confusing looks. “Ah, I guess I’ll have to explain them again. Remember, any and all relics are to be given to the city, but you may keep anything that is not a relic. Please follow your leader and stick together at all times, these ruins are incredibly vast, making it easy to get lost if you aren’t careful.” In the mass of RevelriE that gathered there, a few made some remarks of remembering the rules. Lian sometimes takes forever to finish his speeches, but before long we were on our way into the ruins, split up into separate entrances. I checked over the group I was given. It consisted mostly of young RevelriE, but I was surprised to find Claire was paired with me. I certainly didn’t expect the quiet RevelriE to be out on the ruin expeditions. As the noise started to clear up, I tried to grab the attention of the RevelriE.

“Alright, alright, hello! I am your group leader for today. That means that you are to follow me and all my instructions while inside the ruins. Got it?” Everyone said yes, except for Claire, who just nodded. I took the closest entrance, just a hundred meters away. As we all walked there, I tried to explain the nearby ruins. The power of the First King, or Lone King, the decimation of the gods, and the previous civilization that may have existed here. The expansive ruins may have just been a mark of what such civilization once was, and it is important to remember it. We all walked into the entrance: a lot of dust, though it was still safe, for the entrance hadn’t started crumbling yet. It’s dark, so I instructed everyone to take out their flashlights. The area lit up instantaneously, and we proceeded down the dark corridors of the unexplored ruins. 

—

… It’s been a while. We haven’t found much on our route. Claire had actually found an old, broken clock, but since I assumed it wasn’t a relic, I let her keep it. The other young RevelriE were very jittery, and I had to call them a few times. I knew the ruins were vast, but I didn’t know they were this vast. There were multiple rooms containing what were thought to be beds and tables. A more interesting find was an old, old book. This area must’ve been a residential one. We all kept looking around, searching through each and every room, each place that may hide a secret. While we did rely mostly on light from our flashlights, eventually, it did start to brighten up; the once forgotten torches of the ruins were now lit. Maybe someone already came by and lit them for their own convenience? It was spooky, but nobody really paid much mind to it since it let them conserve their flashlight battery.

We searched around a bit more, despite the fact that we were likely in the residential wing of the ruins. More old books were found, so we piled them up and had the strongest of the group carry them. I think I made the mistake of not bringing anything to help carry it. My shards are a bit too weak for that. Continuing the expedition into the ruins, we eventually took a break. A break from running around finding things, and for me, a break from the troubles. The destruction of the technology sector still bothered me, but knowing what, Lian should have it under wraps. I shouldn’t worry. Checking the time, it was 2, and I quickly opened my backpack. I forgot I had one. Inside, I had packed some lunches for everyone, since nobody really expected to be out for so long. It was simple sandwiches I had made at home. I distributed them to everyone, with many RevelriE finally remarking that they haven't eaten. After the break, we continued through the ruins, before finally spotting an exit above us. It was a bit tight, but it worked, and the first beams of sunlight flashed into my eyes. When was the sun ever this bright? I helped the RevelriE in my group get up there first. While the sands were stable, any misstep could lead to the collapse of the exit. One by one, the RevelriE in my group disappeared up top. Surprisingly, Claire didn’t need help, it seemed almost natural for her. Soon, I was the only one left down there. I threw up my backpack, to which Claire instinctively reached out for it. 

“Hold it tight, alright? Don’t lose anything and get out of the way. I don’t want to hurt you while I get up.” Suddenly, I hear a sound in the distance. It sounds like… someone is screaming. I look back up to try to get up, but I can’t. The sands are collapsing on me. I see a sandshark, one of the largest I’ve ever seen. There is someone riding on it…? It’s blurry and I can’t see well anymore. I hear shouts, people calling my name. But it’s too late, isn’t it? I close my eyes and let the sand drown everything around me.

—

Ah, when is it? I don’t remember. There isn’t much to remember. Swallowed by sand, a sandshark ravaging… Hopefully, everyone is safe. That is my only priority. Safety for the others. I try to get up before I see someone not too far away from me. The RevelriE… is that Ena? Ena (?) came closer. He helps me out of the sands. 

“South-west. Go south-west and you will find Lutz.” That was all he told me before leaving. He disappeared too fast, and now I can’t see him anymore. I need to thank him; I need to meet him. Heading south-west for a while, I finally see the silhouette of Lutz. We must’ve gone pretty deep into the ruins to be out so far. I see the gates of Lutz. I tread sluggishly in, tired from the expedition and the walking. What time is it? Has the festival concluded yet? Where’s Lian? Ah, of course, as I think that thought, he comes rushing out. 

“Prisma! Where were you?! Your entire team came back safely, but they reported that you went… missing. Are you alright?” I guess I was too tired by then, because after Lian came over, the world turned to black.

—

I have a problem with fainting. Today, I had already fainted twice. My vision is hazy as I wake up. Am I still in the desert, or have I wandered into safety? I can’t recall anything. As I try to get up, though, I was gently shoved downwards again. I don’t have the strength now to try getting up again, so I just stared upwards at the ceiling. Where am I? I wondered. I hear beeping sounds. Now, I know. I arrived at the hospital of Lutz. I tried to look around to see who’s there, but I don’t see many people around. That, or I couldn’t see some others beyond my sight. The whispering of others fills the air, but I can’t hear it. Who is it?
“Who is it?” I ask, “who is here?” The whispering stops immediately. They don’t know I’m conscious. A voice starts speaking. I recognize it. It’s his voice; it’s unforgettable. Sweet and relatively higher pitch than normal, with a hint of monotone and generally uninterested. 

“Ah. She’s awake now? Then I shall take my leave. I simply wanted to make sure she’s alright.”
“Alright, goodbye, Ena. Stay safe on your road to the library.” A door opened, then abruptly got slammed. I jump; I wasn’t expecting that. 

“Hello? Lian? Anyone?” I ask again. This time, I managed to get up, and I see Lian standing by the doors. He didn’t seem to notice me, lost in his thoughts. “Lian? I’m awake.” I got his attention this time, as his head snapped towards me in a frightening manner.

“Ah, sorry, Prisma. I was lost in my thoughts. It’s currently 4, and you haven’t had much water in the last couple of hours, so would you like some? Or would you rather eat something instead?” 

“I don’t need any of those options right now. Have you found out who caused the mess yet? Just because I’m hurt doesn’t mean that I can’t stop working and worrying. This festival must go as planned.” I quickly get up from the bed, ready to part from the hospital. 

“... No, we haven’t found who destroyed the technology sector. The investigation teams found nothing, and we only have a golden brown feather as our lead. We also don’t know if the golden feather actually belonged to the perpetrator, or was just a feather a RevelriE dropped.” I slumped in disappointment. Will we never find who destroyed it? Whoever did it must be someone experienced. The evening is to come soon. In the end, before leaving the hospital with Lian, I did drink water. “I told you, you needed some water,” he said. 

I can still feel the air of the festival in the air, despite what happened recently. With help from the gadget and Lian, we flew over to the stage where Roslynn, Sinthus, and Amie would be performing. The investigation isn’t over, but I wanted to take a break from everything that was happening. I want to forget what happened today. We walked over to the stand Kaoru and Hana were attending.

“Hello there, Kaoru! Hi, Hana!” I waved at them. “How’s it going? Hopefully it’s good for you two.”

“Don’t worry, everything is fine! The only issue is if you’re doing well. We heard the news about today’s ruin expeditions,” Hana told me. Lian interjected.

“Everything’s mostly fine now. We’re both just checking up on the stands now. Unfortunately, though, we haven’t found who destroyed the sector. But really, that’s the only problem so far. Thanks for the boba tea, it’s always a pleasure to drink your… drinks… beverages…” He trailed off, not knowing what to say. After a short discussion, we left to see the performance. It was a three-person dance, with Sinthus as the lead. The three really seemed to enjoy it, so I decided to watch for a bit before leaving so as to not disturb them. Next up after that were the food stalls. Time passes fast, so we bought some food (well… not bought, since Lian is like, the governor or something like that, and you get free food for being in that position, I guess…?), and shared it at a table. A coincidence to find that Lian had chosen the table right next to Magpie and Arathorn. On Magpie’s face seemed to be sadness, like there was something bothering them, even a hint of guilt, but I didn’t want to point it out since they probably would’ve liked to keep that private. We started talking with each other, since it was convenient and Lian would’ve done it anyway.

“Woah, good to see the two of you here! I haven’t seen both of you since… two days ago? One day ago?” Lian put his hand on his chin to signify the expression of thinking. “Also… Magpie, yesterday, when I tried to call you. Why were you not there to answer it? It was important too…” Magpie seemed hesitant at responding, before finally saying something.

“I… was with Arathorn. We were out where there were no signal, so I didn’t resp- I didn’t know.” Was Magpie trying to conceal something? Perhaps not, since Arathorn started explaining what happened yesterday.

“Yesterday, we went out into the desert to hang out. It’s nothing that special. We did end up visiting some of the festival stands, but it was a bit too loud for me. During the morning though, Magpie was gone for a bit, but they had to finish some stuff they forgot to do, right?”
“Yes, I had to finish some unfinished work. It’s nothing now, I completed it.” I really do feel like Magpie is hiding something, but I can’t accuse with no evidence. Talking over the good food almost made me forget everything, and it felt like it was just a normal day with my friends. Ha, I used the words friends. Sometimes, it makes me laugh when I refer to others as friends. Lian offered to get us some drinks, but I kindly refused, as that won’t solve anything. I said my goodbyes to them after the discussions we had, as I still have to check up on the other stands and watch out for Calliope since he was likely dumping his responsibilities on me.

And in the back of my mind, I ask myself. Were Magpie and Ena affiliated in any way? Then, a question even more important. Who is Ena, and why does he seem like he knows me so well? 

✦ Ena

Apparently, it seems Prisma… or rather, GEM-002 doesn’t even know who I am. That is good, she can’t. Not for now, it must be later in the story. The encounter today was just a test; I don’t remember her being so incapable of helping herself. Luckily, she is still safe, even if it’s in the hands of Lutz. They supposedly require GEM-002 later, and as a member, I must fulfill the duties.