Crystalline Pursuit

THE FIRST ISLAND

The first island lay relatively close to the Sky City I called home, yet this proximity didn't make the journey any less perilous. The sky is an entirely different beast compared to the sea. While the sea has its dangerous waves and creatures, what causes those treacherous waves? Terrible weather conditions, of course. And where do these weather conditions originate? The sky itself. I was going to sail through the root of most accidents all alone.

My crew left after hearing my plan, deeming it too ambitious and dangerous. My mother would only find out when it was too late, and my sister couldn't care less that I was all alone in the sky. But this will never stop me. I am determined to uncover the secrets behind the Guardians and the Aeon Stones while also finding my father.

Taking a look at the map, I started planning. First, I would go to the closest island and then head south, visiting every island I came across. The Aeon Stones could be anywhere. The only clue I had was that there are seven Aeon Stones, as my father had told me. I smiled, recalling the first time he had told me about the Aeon Stones...

I remember sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor of our modest home, the warmth of the fireplace casting flickering shadows on the walls. My father, a tall and gentle figure with a book in his hands, beckoned me closer, his voice soft yet commanding.

"Come closer, Kael," he said, patting the floor beside him. "Tonight, I'll tell you a story about the Aeon Stones."

I moved closer eagerly, my eyes wide with anticipation. My father's stories were always the most captivating, filled with adventure and mystery.

He opened the book, revealing intricate illustrations of the floating islands of Elarion. "Millennia ago, before the Shattering, Elarion was a unified and beautifully magical empire," he began, his voice soothing yet tinged with sadness. "Magic and intrigue intertwined in a mesmerising dance, creating a realm of unparalleled wonder and harmony."

I listened intently, hanging on his every word. "But what happened, Father? What caused the Shattering?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

My father's expression grew sombre as he turned the page, revealing drawings of ancient artefacts glowing with power. "The Shattering was caused by the Aeon Stones," he explained. "These ancient artefacts of immense power were scattered across the Shattered Dominion. They began to pulse with energy, destabilising the fragile balance of the floating islands."

I reached out to trace the illustrations, my fingers tingling with excitement. "What are the Aeon Stones, father?"

My father's hand rested gently on my shoulder, drawing my attention back to him. "The Aeon Stones were created by the ancient Guardians, beings of immense power who once protected our world. Legends say that each stone holds a fragment of their magic, representing different elements and aspects of Elarion's magic. There are 7 known Aeon stones in our world"

My father's voice resonated with wisdom as he resumed explaining the enigma of the Aeon Stones. "The number seven holds great significance in our world, Kael," he said, his eyes alight with knowledge. "Each Aeon Stone represents a fundamental aspect of Elarion's magic, imbued with the essence of the ancient Guardians."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "The Guardians, in their wisdom, crafted these stones to embody the balance of our world. Just as there are seven elements that make up the fabric of existence—earth, air, fire, water, light, darkness, and spirit—so too are there seven Aeon Stones, each attuned to one of these elements."

I nodded, absorbing his words with fascination. "But why only seven, Father? Why not more?"

My father's expression softened, his gaze distant as if peering into the depths of time. "The number seven is not arbitrary, Kael. It represents completeness, perfection, and harmony. The Guardians understood the delicate balance of our world and chose to encapsulate its essence in seven sacred stones."