Oath [BL; Book 2]

28

Ei entered the fortress hidden beneath the Tenshukaku, she was astounded by the many rooms hidden away through each long hall. The corridors seemed endless and the many chambers linked to them were stunningly large. She couldn't come to understand just how enormous the place was. Yae Miko approached from behind entering as she did, her steps were light as she crossed her arms and glanced around, then to Ei who she knew could feel the remnants. The faint traces of her own blood. This was a place her sister had once treaded, a place Makoto had once known, however she did not. This secret was kept from her.

Coming to this knowledge left Ei distraught, quite equally astounded. Walking slowly as she touched the ancient walls memories of her sister poured into her head as she shared the very deep connection Aether and his sibling shared. Closing her eyes she could just about hear her voice. Gentle and kind, she could hear the distant giggle, the soft laughter held within these memories. There was another voice, but she didn't know who's it was, however, without knowing she knew.

This voice belonged to the owner of the fortress, the traveling god many had come to follow. Filled with curiosity she looked at Yae Miko who smiled a mischievous smile. "This is the only chamber of the fortress that still stands. The rest of the rooms have been blocked by the collapse of the walls and ceiling. There's no access to them."

"And the Stellys?"

"We have yet to find it. Fortunately, we can have an excavation team able clear out some of the closer rooms."

"Hm.." she closed her eyes a moment and thought, "Makoto's notes stated the Stellys were always contained in large rooms with tiles and special markings on the walls."

"Then, does this room fit that description?" Yae Miko asked taking note of all the details.

Ei looked down and saw the symbols she had seen in the notes. Taking out the scroll she eyed them once more and began stepping on them letting her weight sink them. A loud clunk alerted them and as she pressed for some more she looked toward the center as light began to bleed from the walls down to the cracks between the tiles she had stepped on.

Within the center it gathered however nothing appeared but a small switch she was curious about. The two women gazed at each other confused. "Is this not the room then?" Miko asked.

Ei responded as puzzled as she, "It must be. Perhaps the switch will bring the Stellys." So she gave it a tap and the switch flipped over.

Looking back, Wanderer heard a loud whirring and saw the dead-end hallway he had come across now opened up to a large room. Much like the other chambers he knew which tiles to press, however this chamber seemed different. Hating that he was helping the Traveler he sighed going on and went on to press the tiles but stopped. There was something different. Some of the tiles were already glowing.

This piqued is interest and he went to them. "Nahida." He called through her and within his thoughts she responded.

"Yes? Has something happened?"

"There's something you should see." He said aloud,

"... Alright."

Ei and Yae Miko were baffled, they had followed the directions in the notes left by Ei's twin sibling. However, the Stellys did not appear. The chamber was lit by the light gathered in the center, and only a switch appeared soon to disappear when she touched it.

Left to look for more clues they tried to study the patterns or even the designs. This was a process that yielded no results. Looking over the notes, thoughtfully trying to find a solution left them tuckered. Yae sighed and watched the light swish around in the center like water. She was amazed by it and squatting down she reached to touch it.