✧ Chapter 21 ✧

Universes away from StarSpace, Styra and Omnikra found themselves in the middle of an overwhelmingly enormous rainforest biome filled with a gloomy wet atmosphere that was refreshing and designed with a variety of oddly shaped landforms. The misty cool woodlands provided a relaxing sweet lavender scent from its beautiful vivid flowers. Exotic wildlife of every kind could be seen for miles in every direction. So much of this paradise had calmed Styra's mind to the point where she felt at peace.

Even though there was tranquility in the air, Omnikra itself couldn't see this the same way. It questioned her reasoning behind the sacrifice she tried to make. Moreover, if she was considering suicidal thoughts after their encounter, it would have to plan as a means to prevent her from thinking that way. There was an underlying reason and its introduction was not the most pleasant first impression it could have given. Omnikra appeared before Styra on its own, stopping her from continuing to walk in awe of the scenic surroundings.

"Master, I am sorry for my recent interactions with you. As much as you may want to find The Eternal Lights, I have been wondering about your selfless actions becoming the result of what happened back there. So I decided to look into your memories. From what I can gather, especially back at Sonus, there is this friend of yours that was heavily injured. Hence why you did what you did. The thing is that I don't want this to happen again," said Omnikra.

Styra wasn't too sure why the weapon was so infatuated with delving into her thoughts. Yes, it did help in the fight against Citrinion. However, that alone wasn't persuasive enough for her to worry about whatever future suggestions Omnikra had in store.

"I accept your apology, but you need to explain to me what is going on. Amethion already told me about that New Guardian thing which I am not as certain about anymore. I already said I was not going to figure out who I am. Even though Citrinion had made her point, I feel divided now. Sometimes I start to wonder if I can even trust myself."

Styra started to walk towards a tree and sit down next to it with her head staring over her folded legs at the lifeless ground. This felt a lot like her days in Fantastele Forest.

Those days turned into years. Sitting in isolation. Into the darkness of her own guilt. At the time, she didn't understand what death really meant. The concept was as frustrating as it was debilitating. Even if it would help her recover those that she had lost, that wasn't going to be the same. Not like the first time she arrived. That was too many lifetimes gone away already. She looked at the opaque waterfall in the distance with a lake surrounded by many different animals enjoying all that nature had to offer them.

Omnikra, seeing her glare off into a depressive state, decided to admit the truth.

"I have not told you everything about myself apparently. I know nothing of what created me as well. Citrinion said I was a weapon made for Prism. Clearly, their master didn't care about my potential. Telling its guardians how I wasn't needed to keep The Omniverse stable. To them, I was worthless in the grand scheme of their responsibilities. Now I meet you and I see someone who was not as experienced as Prism but had a spark of possibility to open up to me in their heart. Those guardians heard about The New Guardian's destiny to wield me before I realized that I had been reborn with a new purpose. From that moment on, I searched for many years to find you. Traveling the expansive Omniverse, learning of the many customs that exist, and becoming stronger over time. Within that time, I could find none until… You called me."

Styra slowly turned over to see Omnikra who was floating alone near a river bank. She began to have a soft spot for the weapon's story. It wanted to find that place to belong, like her. Searching for a lost hope that had been erased before they could understand themselves. In a way, Omnikra was more than some sentient weapon. Even more than the Eternal Lights she had been collecting.

"Omnikra. You don't have to call me Master. I am no one's master. Just remember me by my name, Styra."

Suddenly, a little blue tripedal creature could be seen interrupting her peripheral vision. When Styra looked at it, she was startled by the sight of an actual tripedyra curling up beside her. How could this be possible? Was this just a dream? No. She had already talked to Omnikra who was waiting patiently for her to recollect herself. The experience was real. It made no sense. What was this whimsical place supposed to be exactly? Styra began to stand up attentively to her surroundings. It was then that while observing everything with careful eyes, she saw something peculiar. Two large glowing antennas popped out from amongst one of the hidden bushes. Its six thick hairy legs stuck out from underneath the pile of jaded leaves.

She waited in a still manner so it would not suspect any reason to move. In quick succession, Styra used the Eternal Light Of Time to freeze the mysterious organism. After brushing a few leaves off to the side, she was able to see what triggered her. This was that giant insect she saw in the Zuropa Museum. The dhuramis. It was definitely terrifying, even though she wasn't as scared with these powers. The mystery was what lived in this world and why. While thinking about this, a bellowing sound caught her attention. She looked up, witnessing a hairy brontosaurus walking towards the closest source of water. It was made absolute how weird the Whimsical Woods truly were. Seventeen wavering string-like legs that were almost as tall as the trees themselves could be seen passing by like swinging pendulums. Connecting to them were bodies that had the shape of cones facing upside down with one eye visible at the bottom. These creatures, known as Danglers, were one of the many lifeforms that lived here.

There was one thing all of these aliens had in common. They were peaceful, no matter which species she ended up finding around her. Whether it was a lion laying in its den, a chimpanzee hanging up in the trees, or a tiger with white and golden stripes sitting down. One of the most noticeable species around the place was a huge yellow worm-like blob that had strange eyes. These were called Terrarks. Styra started to increase her flying speed through the woods, as to make her way through plenty of different animals watching her pass by. Meanwhile, Omnikra was still standing over the water, looking at its own reflection. That was until a few distinct ripples made the river blur its image. The weapon sensed trouble brewing.

Up ahead in the distance, Styra saw three shimmering lights whilst flying through more of the serene presence in these woods. That is until she came to a stop when it was clear what this was. Why did it all have to be so familiar? She couldn't figure it out. A heavily buffed guardian sporting graphically green armor was standing in her way. Omnikra appeared beside Styra in time to find yet another obstacle to face off against again. Did this thing anticipate their arrival? Most likely. While she knew nothing about who this was supposed to be, Omnikra recognized him on the spot. The weapon told Styra's mind who it was.

"That is Emeraldion. He is the Guardian of Life and a part of the Heptarion Force who unite what is also known as The Seven Eternal Lights of Creation. Assuming you have a basic understanding of them from what you've told me, I am certain you must know that pitting one of those Eternal Light against another will do nothing against an armed guardian in terms of combat. As a distraction, maybe, but otherwise, attacks are erroneous."

Styra could see what it was saying. Mostly because this happened a few times before in previous battles. The only way she could probably defeat Emeraldion was by using the tactical advantage of diverting him into madness before striking some finishing moves to weaken his strength.

As she was prepared to use her illusive techniques, Emeraldion began to speak.

"Styra, unfreeze the dhuramis from your control. I know what you seek. Come in peacefully and I will show you what must be done."

Omnikra was interested in how open-minded he was unlike the other guardians. The last time he saw him, Emeraldion was ruthless and cold. To add further, he knew about Omnikra anyways. Why was he so gentle? Especially if it made its appearance pretty obvious.

"Emeraldion, how do you know my name? Also, I will do that if you tell me why you want to help me. I've seen enough of those guardians to know that some of them can actually be mixed bags. What makes you different from the rest of them?" said Styra with an inquisitive look.

Omnikra flexed its blades to act as a warning in case he was thinking of tricking them into a divisive stratagem. The environment paused as if an apparition had appeared to strike fear into anything it touched. Emeraldion proceeded to explain why he was trustworthy.

"I was aware of your existence ever since Amethion felt your presence breaking through layers of time. Not that you were created by me, but the elements used to design you are similar to mine. Only one is different, but it is far from being considered elemental or even celestial, which is why I must speak with you. I see all life that has existed and will become. However, it is to be noted that you are not like the rest. You are an ancient being who I can only describe as… Abnormally defective. If you want to find your origins, it may be at the birthplace of all life here on this planet called Prima."

Although Omnikra was offended by him describing Styra as a defect, the same could not be said for her. The truth was not meant to be easily understood nor widely accepted. The only point evident to what Emeraldion was saying, was that he knew her before she found him. Styra shook her head with acceptance of what this guardian had to offer. A certain transition of trust played into the hands of its dealer. There could be one chance to capture what went missing predating the beginning.

Just as there couldn't be a way to hide what was found superseding the end.