Land of the Hidden

Down the manhole we go!

As quietly as they could the five pushed the cover to the side, despite their best efforts it made a horrible scraping sound. Taking out their torches they shone light into the dark abyss. "Nice!" Louise shuddered.
"I am not going down there, what are you insane?" Whispered Tammika.
"Honey, we are trying to save the whole damn land of the hidden on our own. Five teens! Of course we're insane. Let's go!" Ria carefully started the descent into darkness. The others heard her disembodied voice call up: "no devils snare, all good!" Raphael was next, "fricking nerd." They heard him mutter.

Once they were all standing in the dim light of the torches, Tammika checked her watch. "Ten minutes to midnight."
In the very back of the tunnel Jared spotted a silver glow, he alerted the others to it and slowly, they started to walk toward it.

They arrived at the shape, it was a glowing orb of silver which seemed to want to lead them somewhere. This of course, had to be discussed.
"We've climbed into the sewers, I can read an ancient language and Raphael's a freaking prophet. I think we can trust a silver ball of light." Was Ria's argument.
"It's a goddamn silver ball of light" Tammika retorted
"It may be, but it's the only clue we got." Jared stated, finalizing it.
"So we follow the light to the end of the tunnel. I really hate ancient mythicals." Raphael grumbled.

They had been following the bobbing ball of light for roughly five minutes when it came to a halt, just in front of a cleverly disguised door. Uncertainly, Ria lifted her small pale hand and knocked three times, quietly.
"It's not locked, feel free to enter." They spun around. "Clodagh! You gotta stop doing that." Ria exclaimed
"Doing what?" Confused, Clodagh looked at Ria
"Sneaking up behind us, it scares the crap out of me."
"I did not mean to scare you, my apologies."
Ria nodded "no it's okay just, next time show up in front of us not behind us before talking."
Ria reached for the doorknob, she twisted it and opened the door. It swung open to reveal a gilded room, it seemed to be some kind of incredibly fancy library.

"This where you will stay. There are bedrooms adjoining to this room."
Treading carefully as if the very ground was fragile they entered the room, followed by Clodagh.
"Well, this is... Very..." Tammika looked around the room "can I knock over something?" The others looked at her incredulously.
"What? This place is so, pristine I just feel like if I don't mess something up I'll be terrified to even move in here"
Ria shrugged "bags I the room upstairs" was all she said before tearing up the stairs and slamming the door behind her.

After they had all chosen rooms and settled in a little, Clodagh asked them to 'please assemble in the main room'.
Happy to ablige, within three minutes all five were sitting in armchairs and sofas, awaiting what Clodagh had to say. A puff of silver and a pale skinned, ebony haired woman appeared in front of them. "My name, is Esmeralda, I am the leader of the Elitian. The creator of your realms. Please, do be seated."
Without realising it the five had stood up, they now sat down sharing almost worried glances.

Esmeralda smiled, it was not a kind smile, or a happy one. For a smile to be happy or kind the eyes need to sparkle. Esmeralda's dark eyes did not sparkle. "Understand children, this quest is not an easy one. Clodagh will guide you as much as is necessary, ask for her help and she will come, understand children, Clodagh is not aloud to help you with certain things. Be patient with her, she is a mere messenger." Starting with 'understand children' had probably not been the best idea but there you go, ancient angel things always have a slight air of self entitlement, kind of like adults.
Finally conjuring up the courage to speak Louise tentatively asked what the quest was. "Oh my dear girl, I should have thought it was obvious! Do excuse me, perhaps I had pictured brighter young ones." Now annoyed the five looked at each other too intimidated to speak up.
"Anyhow, you will have to do. Your quest my dears, is to lead an army against the Grim. I hope at the least you know how to fight? Or duel? No?" My what do schools teach these days? I'll have Clodagh give you lessons she is an excellent warrior."
"Um, thanks I guess. Uh, what about our parents?" Ria asked. Esmeralda laughed "you're parents my dear, have forgotten you ever born. They have no idea that Ria Lirten even exists. Nor has anyone ever heard of Tammika Earl, Raphael Vake, Jared Soupton or Louise Greene. You my dears, are the forgotten children of the six realms." Stricken, they stared at Esmeralda "you erased our parents memories?" They said in unison. "I did indeed, not just them. Anyone who has ever said hello to you has absolutely no recollection of you." And with that Esmeralda disappeared the way she had come.

"I don't believe this." Raphael started pacing, running his hair through his fingers.
"Who gave her the right to do something like that?" Ria fumed "I mean, she practically took away all we had and laughed in our faces! What a righteous bitch!"
"Ria, she's practically our god. I wouldn't shit talk her." Louise had a point of course but this didn't stop Ria, the opinionated, headstrong teen rolled her eyes and continued, "she can't do that! Doesn't it change history or something?" Raphael raised his eyebrows "you read too much y/a fiction. Listen Ria we're all upset. Of course we are it's not fair but, like this they won't worry about us, how can they worry about kids who don't exist?"
Defeated, Ria nodded. "Your right, it's better this way."