Welcome To Evermere

The journey to Evermere was more peaceful than Itsuki would've anticipated. 

Not only were they safe, but Alarak was incredibly helpful. He assisted in Itsuki's physical training to help develop his spear usage. On top of that, he developed a regular workout plan that Itsuki could work on to slowly increase his physical abilities. 

With enough consistency, he would eventually be able to put to use all the knowledge he had in his mind. 

Yuna also made great strides. Not too long into their travels, she discovered that she could conjure her newfound abilities at-will. Between that and the combat skill the Velmorians possessed, there was no threat they weren't able to tackle on their journey. 

"There it is," Alarak commented, "the city of Evermere..."

Yuna and Itsuki both popped their heads out of the carriage to look. It was absolutely nothing like Itsuki expected. 

From the hill they sat atop, the valley below stretched for several miles. Not just any valley, either. 

It was alive. Grass, plants, and flowers covered the area rather than the wastes that pervaded the rest of The Fallen Lands

More noteworthy, and awe-inspiring, was the sky. It was clear. No clouds existed surrounding the area Evermere sat within. The direct sunlight gave the whole city a divine glow. 

"I can't believe a place like this exists..." Yuna spoke with awe. "The sky is...beautiful."

"And perilous," Alarak jested. "As promised, we have brought you as close as we can. From here, you should be able to reach the city within a few hours."

"Thanks, Alarak," Itsuki turned to him. "Your protection made this journey a breeze. Tell the Baron I expect him to give you a raise..."

Alarak chuckled at the notion. 

"Farewell, God-Marked. Stay safe, and don't slack on your training."

A few minutes later, it was done. Yuna and Itsuki stood with their essentials while the Velmorian caravan receded back towards the direction they had come. 

"Shall we go?" Yuna asked. 

"Yes," Itsuki confirmed. "Evermere awaits."

***

"It's so...bright."

Yuna held a hand above her eyes to provide some shade. If she had spent her whole life underneath clouds, it made sense that this level of sunlight would be brutal. 

Still, it felt surreal. Itsuki allowed the gentle breeze of the valley to wash over him. It was like returning to his own world, even for a minute. It was relaxing, welcoming...

And, for some reason, ominous.

In the distance, the sound of a horn bellowed out over the landscape. It was low, but it echoed through the valley with great ease. Itsuki and Yuna both turned towards the origin of this noise. 

A squadron of knights was approaching. Their armor, and their horses, were the purest of white. 

"Did they spot us approaching?" Yuna questioned.

Itsuki observed for a moment. They were not trying to be stealthy. Even without the horn, one of them held up a banner that was visible even from this distance. 

He recognized Evermere's banner from Damon's memories. 

"Whatever happened, they know we're here..."

"Why do you seem so uneasy?"

"I don't know," Itsuki admitted. "Whatever happens, though, we are not to split up."

A few minutes later, the knights had encircled them. They were not wielding weapons or wearing any hostility. If anything, they seemed quite friendly. 

"Greetings!" one of the knights called out. "You must be the one our Goddess sent us to retrieve."

"Your Goddess?"

"Yes!" he declared proudly. "Kaia, the Goddess of Light and Life!"

"Your Goddess walks among you all?"

"Of course! She rules Evermere from atop her great tower! As she has done since her arrival."

Itsuki listened intently. His necklace gave him no reason to doubt what this man was saying. He was not lying, and he wasn't masking any ill intent...

--So why does this whole thing feel off?

"Of course, we're honored to be recognized," Itsuki announced, remaining pleasant. "Before we head out, though, would you be willing to spare a moment?"

"Not a problem! Anything the Goddess' guests wish!"

-- Guests, huh?

"My first question," Itsuki started, pointing to the skies above. "We have traveled a great distance to reach Evermere. Where we hail from, the opening of the sky brings only destruction. That does not appear to be the case here..."

The guard laughed, "Of course it would seem unusual to an outsider. Fret not - the Cataclysm has no sway here in Evermere. We are spared from the divine judgment that rains across the rest of the Fallen Lands."

How was that possible? Could Itsuki be selective in his judgment? 

That wouldn't make sense, though. The previous judge was friendly with Baron Vaelric, so why would he damn Velmoria to the Cataclysm if he could pick and choose?

"A place free from the Cataclysm?" Itsuki repeated. "You must get a lot of travelers looking for shelter, then?"

"None from outside Evermere are permitted to enter the Great Blue Veil," he noted, gesturing to the blue sky above. "If they do, we quickly turn them around. If they refuse, then they are killed..."

"We're an exception, then?"

"The first in centuries! Evermere's greatest doctrine has always been isolation. If it were not our very own Goddess requesting your presence and safety, you would be no different."

Yuna and Itsuki both tensed up a bit. Itsuki still felt no malice, no desire to cause harm. It was just duty. This knight was acting upon what he had been taught was right - likely for his entire life. 

There was a lot Itsuki still didn't know, but one thing was for sure. 

"I wish to meet this Goddess, then," Itsuki announced. "Let us be on our way."

"Very well!"

Itsuki expected the knights to lead them to Evermere, but instead, they all began dismounting. 

"Are we walking?" Itsuki asked, monitoring the encircling squadron of knights. 

"Of course not!" the guard bellowed. "We are the Goddess' royal guard. Through her miracles, we can act with honor and achieve her wishes in whatever form they take!"

With his words, the entire ground shook and hummed with magical energy. Yuna clung onto Itsuki, and they both watched as a glowing white circle formed on the ground. The knights seemed to serve as the circle's perimeter. 

Within the circle, a large magical rune glowed beneath their feet. 

"Let the Goddess' benevolence shine upon you!"

A flash, a thunderous boom, and it was over. 

***

Itsuki was the first to open his eyes, and was shocked by what he saw. 

They were no longer standing in the fields surrounding Evermere. Instead, he and Yuna had been transported to Evermere itself. 

More specifically, the very top of the central tower that loomed over the city. On all sides, glass walls gave a clear view of the city, hundreds of feet below. It was a gigantic viewing chamber that could've competed with some of the most regal skyscrapers back in his home world. 

"Welcome,"

Itsuki and Yuna both swung around towards the voice. 

A beautiful girl, dressed in pure white, sat on a padded couch near one of the walls. Her long blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight - her entire form seemed to emanate radiance. 

More importantly, however, Itsuki could now observe her in true detail. Her face, her eyes, her figure. There was no mistake. 

"Amane...?"

She stood, her gaze met his, and she smiled warmly. 

"Yes," she confirmed. "Long time no see, Itsuki."