NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! WE'LL MISS YOU. T^T  I'LL DO MY BEST WITH TOPPING THIS THREAD!!!! T^T T^T T^T T^T T^T

Sorry!! I kinda forgot about this. I don't have time to write out the part right now but I'll do it next time (Tuesday).

Here is what we wrote so far.

 

Prologue:  A Brief History of the Seventh Era of Crynyd, as told by Mr. Storm Locksliver 

Kilazya, the great city of elves, was beautiful once. It still was, as Queen Nicole Crynyd reminded her subjects every day, peaceful, prosperous, and grand. However, much to Her Majesty's dismay, the citizens could never consider their home as beautiful as it was many years ago, when the people were free and unrestrained.

Presently, Kilazya was also the residence of the Neon Yellow Guards, who watched over the commoners with eagle's eye and vulture's talon. The NYG, as they were often referred to, controlled everything- under Her Majesty's instruction, of course; it was of utmost importance that she was able to keep everything in its proper place. They were stationed everywhere, their namesake neon yellow uniforms standing out against rain or shine, in the same fashion a poisonous frog's bright colors warn predators, "I am dangerous." 

Nicole's kingdom, in the early days of her rule, was a happy one. The elves were free, free to do what they wished, free to be what they would. The only laws the Queen found necessary were the basic ones, ones that forbid murder and theft and protected her city from evil. As time went on, though, Nicole became worried her wonderful kingdom would fall to ruin. She told her subjects that, anyway, though her true fear was more of herself falling to ruin, her subjects becoming dissatisfied with her rule and robbing her of it, that her glorious era coming to an end.

Nicole often dreamed of an ancient relic, one that could freeze her people and her city in an endless loop- doing the same things every day, staying where she could keep watch on them, gently and easily conforming to her ideal of everyday life. She longed for this item, but in all the tales she found of it, it had been destroyed centuries ago.

Rumors and suspicions passed among the commoners. "She's too weak to even open the palace doors without a servant!” Some would hiss to their neighbors. "She's incapable of rule, to blind to know greatness when it's right in front of her!" Some would scoff to their friends. "You're a pretentious fool," some would shout up to the palace balcony. "Too indecisive, too hesitant! You don't deserve to be a part of the great Crynyd line of rulers!"

Furious, the Queen passed new laws and hired the NYG to enforce them. She controlled what you could buy, what you could sell, what you could say, and what you could do. Anything you made had to be checked over. She decided when you could leave your house. She decided what food you got, what freedom you got and what you had to do. She built a huge wall to keep people out and in of the city. She had absolute control.

 Needless to say, the elves weren't going to just fall in line so easily. In the times the commoners were allowed to roam the city, they built passageways and tunnels to underground markets and safe spaces and chests to keep their illegal items. They built ways to escape the city for those who felt it necessary. When people began to go missing, the Queen ordered a search of their houses and a sweep of the city, but the elves were clever and hid their tunnels well.

One elf, by the name of Illis Starchaser, claimed he had the power of prophecy. He told the people of Kilazya there would be born a group of young elves of great skill. Some would be gifted stealth and determination or a good sense of right and wrong. Others would be blessed with magic from the gods above. Some would even come from outside of Kilazya. This group, he claimed, would be the one to end the tyranny of Queen Nicole Crynyd. The aforementioned ruler threw Starchaser in prison for treason. He died there, still believing in his prophecy... but if it was true, no one knows...

CHAPTER 1

Semyon’s P.O.V 

Semyon Aarseth was being escorted home. He had been to the market and allowed to by enough to keep him well fed. He was still rich and would donate money to the secret bank in the tunnels. He often though about the prophecy. Illis Starchaser...what if the prophecy was true? Was he one of them? No one had magic in over a century, unless Illis had the power of Prophecy. He wanted to meet Illis, and ask him all sorts of questions. There had been a rumor; no one could confirm it, that Illis was still alive. It seemed impossible.

“Move it! You don’t have all day!” came the familiar threat of a NYG. Instead of saying, “I don’t have all day,” it was “You don’t have all day.”

Semyon turned and said, “Actually I do. As you may recall, we have as long as we wish in the day. Unless the order comes from the queen herself.”

“Don’t get smart with me!” threatened the guard.

“I don’t understand what’s got you so angry? All I did was point out a little mistake,” said Semyon. 

“Yeah. It is a little mistake,” growled the guard. “Another mistake and you’re getting the Fist.”

Semyon didn’t get why they thought the Fist was so threatening. All they did was punch you with “the Fist.” It was pathetic really, but Semyon did not want to get punched, so he didn’t point this out.

When he got home, his guard stood by the only exit to the City of Kilazya. He made lunch and sat down to eat.

“Where are your manners? Make me some food, boy,” came another thread from the guard.

“You didn’t ask, so I assumed you were not hungry. Please sit,” said Semyon. “I knew you aren’t too hungry though. You ate a whole chicken well I was shopping.”

“Never mind! Don’t make me any food. I’ll get it myself!” said the guard.

“You sure? You look rooted to the spot. Isn’t moving against-,” Semyon began.

“Be quiet boy! Get me some food!” said the guard.

Semyon got some sandwich supplies and make a sandwich for the guard. He gave it to the guard, who looked at it carefully before eating it.

“Wondering whether I poisoned it?” asked Semyon.

The guard turned red with rage, but did nothing. Semyon had the only guard in the city who anyone could do what Semyon does. All the other guards are extremely strict. You can’t mess with them. Semyon’s guard you can mess with as long as you want without being too bad. This is why Semyon is so cocky.

“Lunch is over! You are to work in the fields till dinner!” said the guard.

“I did that yesterday. And I check the schedule. I am supposed to open my shop,” said Semyon. Then, adding fake concern, he said, “Are you alright? You seem forgetful today! Perhaps you should see a doctor.”

“I don’t need to! I just left my schedule at home! It’s nothing to be concerned about!” shouted the guard.

“Alright. Also, I have been forgetting to ask. Please, tell me your name,” Semyon said, hoping to learn this guard’s name.

“Fine! It’s Cranley Xinhai!” said the guard sulkily.

“Xinhai? You mean you’re related to Yaron Xinhai. The great warrior?” asked Semyon, pretending to be impressed,

“He wasn’t a warrior! He was a wizard! Killed for attempted murder of her Majesty!” shouted the guard.

I wish he succeeded, thought Semyon. They went out to Semyon’s shop, which was a possibility shop. There were many requests, as Semyon was the only one running this business. Many shops had duplicates. Farmer shops, stables, restaurants, you name it. The only shop without duplicates was the Possibility shop. Inside, there was possibility. You can get a job, find almost anything that the queen allows, and some claim to find other worlds. Semyon ran the only Possibility shop in the tunnels as well. But there, he sold next to everything. They used different money as well. That way, it wouldn’t be recognizable.

When it was dinner, Semyon made dinner for Cranley and himself. After sunset, the trading would begin. At sunset, Cranley went home. Now Semyon raced to his shop in the tunnels. He just finished setting it up when people came in. He limited twenty customers a night, that way some people would have to go to other places. This place was certainly busy. He closed up at midnight and headed to his bed. He slept very well.

Part Two

"Lyric."

The elf in question flinched, dropping the apple she was about to buy.

"I don't recall ever giving you permission to buy that."

Lyric turned around to face the NYG standing behind her. "I thought the queen passed a law stating each commoner can buy seven gold coins worth of produce a week," she said, trying her hardest to keep sarcasm out of her voice. "Sir."

"Because of your- ah- circumstances, we must take more precautions around you."

She bit back a sigh. One time! I lifted an NYG up in the air one time, and now I have to ask to buy food?  

"Put back the apple," said the guard pleasantly. "You'll have to wait until tomorrow for food, now."

Lyric bent down to pick up the tantalizing red fruit as her stomach growled. The guard smirked. Blinking back tears, she gave it back to the salesperson who seemed just as frustrated as Lyric did at the would-be purchase.   

A few months ago, Lyric would have never let that slide. She wouldn't have cared if she was disobeying the greatest power in Kilazya. She wouldn’t have cared if they tried to punish her; she was fast and clever. But then... then she lost control. She caught a guard about to hit a skinny seven-year-old who had stolen food. This had gone too far. Up until that point, Lyric had done her best to hide her powers. But that day, she was furious. More furious than she ever had been before. Using her telekinesis, she threw that evil man into a brick wall. He was fine, just a broken leg, and a concussion.  

Every guard in the area saw it. Every guard feared she was one of the elves Starchaser had foretold. She tried to convince them it was a fluke, and he slipped, and she kind of succeeded- mostly because the guards didn't want to believe the prophecy was true- but from that point on, she was watched like a hawk. And if she stuck one toe out of line, Lyric knew it could mean death.

Part Three

~~~Diamonique~~~

Diamonique Leonard would escape tonight. She couldn’t stand being watched! It was horrifying! She couldn’t even take a nap without permission. Her guard, “Master Ransom” Woods, was extremely strict. He hated her. It was very obvious. His real name was Colton Woods. She called him Master Ransom in her mind. It was ironic, actually. He would never pay a ransom.

“Move it! You’re mining tonight! The queen needs more Diamonds! Course, it must be hard to sacrifice one of your own!” He said with a laugh.

“Will you ever remember my name? Or are you too forgetful?” she asked.

“One more comment from you and you’re working till sunset!” He growled.

Like I don’t do that every single day. She thought. I always work until sunset. It’s nothing new. Whether I’m mining, or farming, or anything. Plus, I just got a new prophecy!

“Move it! You are way too slow!” the guard growled.

“Maybe you’re too fast. Slow down a little. This world’s never goin’ anywhere,” she grumbled.

“That’s it! You’re working till sunset! And no dinner!” the guard said.

At this point, it didn’t even matter. It happened almost every day. Did the guard even get it?

----------

That night, she packed up. She got everything ready. Suddenly, she heard a siren. She looked through the window. Guards were being sent out! Oh no... She put away her stuff and jumped in bed. A guard burst through her door.

“Come with me!” shouted Master Ransom Woods.

“Why? I’m supposed to be in bed,” I said.

“The queen has found a relic! It will tell if you are in IS’s prophecy!” He said.

IS was what they called Illis Starchaser. She got up and they headed out. Woods was acting really weird. She really wanted to find that out.

“What’s really going on?” she asked. “I know that it’s just a cover-up to get people moving.”

“IS is found. He is still alive,” said Colton.

“What? I need to talk to him!” I said.

“We don’t know where he is! We’re figuring out who’s hiding him!” Colton said.

“Hmph. Anyway, why would you tell me? You hate me, don’t you?” she asked.

He stiffened but didn’t answer. She was infuriated now. Why wouldn’t they tell her anything? They told her about IS, so why not this?

They arrived at the palace. Everyone was lined up next to his or her guard. Diamon stood next to Master Ransom. Many people were already questioned. When it was her turn, the queen asked various questions.

“Are you keeping IS in your house?”

“No. I do wish to talk to him however.”

“Do you have any powers?”

“Not that I know of.” A lie.

After the questioning was over, she went home. She slept well, but only because she knew that Illis is alive.

Part 4

Semyon got up. What a crazy night! He sighed and got ready for the day. As he got up, he wondered if they had been talking about Illis’s body. He couldn’t be alive!

“If you’re ready, then get to work! Make me some breakfast!” said Cranley.

“Morning. I have no food fit for a king. However, you are a beggar, so any food will do,” said Semyon.

The guard growled, but stayed silent. Semyon made breakfast which was a small cake. He cut a fourth for Cranley.

“What is this, Semyon? You should have this piece!” Cranley said.

“A little kid, are we? And you will eat a lot when we are about, this is no sacrifice,” said Semyon.

“One more comment and your shop will not be opening today. Instead, you will work in the mines!” said Cranley.

Semyon laughed quietly. Cranley glanced over which silenced him. When they were walking, Semyon saw a girl. He knew her name was Lyric because of what happened to her and a guard a while back. He smiled and waved at her. She looked confused but waved back. Good thing they didn’t throw her in prison.

He noticed some of his friends, and waved. Cranley glared at them with all the hate he could summon, and they burst out laughing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the end of the day, Semyon got ready for bed. He decided not to open his shop tonight. He fell fast asleep...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Suddenly, he woke up with a start. It was morning. How? He was in bed. How did it happen? He had been running through the woods. HE had broken through and reached... somewhere. The name was just barely there.

“MOVE IT!” yelled Cranley.

“Be quiet. I need to make some breakfast. For ME.” Semyon said.

“I need some as well!” Cranley said.

Semyon glared at Cranley’s hands. Cranley was holding some baguettes. Semyon glared back up at Cranley and the guard got the message. Semyon made some toast. He put butter and jams on it. Cranley made a gesture signaling to give him some butter. Semyon completely ignored him. They did work and Semyon noticed something. A map. The city in his dreams was listed. But it had been destroyed... Semyon would find it. It would be his escape.

Part 5

__________

Amelia paused to tug her hair out of her ponytail. The street was cobbled and quiet, the few guards looking bored, but she still stepped warily. She’d sold her weaving at the market and was heading home, but she knew one could get detained at any moment.

 

The guards looked up when they saw her and studied her for a moment, then made her explain what she’d been doing. After several minutes, she was allowed to pass and continued towards her village.

Her house was small and decrepit, tucked in the woods. People thought her terribly strange, the way she was seen walking into the trees every day; frankly, she was surprised no-one had gone searching in the woods for her dwelling. She stepped into the ferns, making her way along the deer trail, and eventually came over the hill and looked down at her house.

She nearly choked on her teeth. Soldiers swarmed around her house, banging on her door and hollering through the windows.

Frightened, Amelia pulled away; leaving her bags, and ran into the forest in search of her bow. As usual, it was in the little hollow where she practiced archery. She seized it, strung an arrow, and crept back to the cliff.

What did they want?

One of them, apparently too stupid to see that there was nobody in her house, hollered, “WE ARE LOOKING FOR ILLIS STARCHASER! ARE YOU HARBORING HIM IN YOUR RESIDENCE?”

Amelia rolled her eyes. Illis Starchaser died years ago, helmet head. She pulled back her bow and shot the arrow.

It landed across the stream, as she’d intended, and though she couldn’t hear the squelch it made, the soldiers could, and they turned towards the sound. As they all faced the stream, Amelia seized the rope trailing through the grass and, holding it tightly, leaped off the cliff.

She arranged this days before she went on her market trips, for the only way to get out of her valley was to row down the stream, and one could not wade back up it—so she had to leap off the cliff with the assistance of a rope. It was a fast, efficient method, albeit somewhat bruising.

She landed on the ground behind a heap of boulders, wincing as she tumbled, then rolled to her feet and ducked behind the stones. Peeking over the top, she watched one of the soldiers pick up the arrow.

“This came from the cliff,” he grumbled, glancing up. Amelia quickly shot another arrow. This one landed in the forest, making a great rustling as it crashed through the trees. The guards all ran in that direction and vanished into the trees.

Amelia grunted in satisfaction. All brawn and no brains. Fast as a diving hawk, she launched herself forward and ran. (Being an elf, she could run like the wind.) Just as the grouching soldiers emerged from the woods, she plunged behind her cottage, unlocked the back door, and slipped in.

Dust cascaded from the beams supporting the ceiling as the guards resumed pounding on the door. She ignored them and, with a few words of magic, gathered her possessions into a small leather bag. Then she slung it over my shoulder and considered how to escape.

She slunk to the back door and slid it open, only to find herself face to face with a shocked-looking guard. She stared at him, and he stared at her. She smiled demurely.

“May I help you?” she inquired. The next minute, magic was glowing in her hands and hurtling in a spear of light at the guard. With one quick spell she knocked him out and erased his memory. That should take care of him for a while.

            Turning, she leaped up onto the bottom ledge of the cliff and began to climb. Up and up and up she went. Anytime any of the guards started to look up, she shot an arrow, distracting them. When she reached the top, she hauled herself over, hurried into the woods, and sat down against a tree.

What is going on? Why have they developed the disillusion that Illis Starchaser is alive? A thought struck her. Could it be true?

            Could he actually have survived? And escaped?

Part Six

Snake was always her favorite knife. It cut perfectly through anything- presently, it was a new arrow to replace the one she lost- and after years of constant use, it fit perfectly in her hand. She'd even carved in two tiny little snakes on the knife with her other, inferior one. She'd started talking to Snake in her head, and it'd quickly became something of an alter ego, or a journal. 

She grinned at the expertly whittled arrow shaft. Perfection.

"Softfoot!"

She looked up. Nestled between two branches of a tall oak tree was another elf.

"Are you going to be done anytime soon? We're leaving tomorrow and-"

"I know, I know," Softfoot answered, tucking the shaft into her quiver. "I'll come help."

After a short bit of walking, the pair came to a clearing dotted with tons of animal-skin houses. Elves were running this way and that, taking down the settlements and feeding the horses and prepping the wagon-carriages for the journey. An older elf with gentle eyes and curly black hair looked up, relaxing visibly at their arrival.

"Softfoot, Stardust," she said. "Thank goodness. I'm trying to groom Isil and he just- won't- cooperate-"

Next to them stood a snowy white horse with a silver mane, who was whinnying and stamping the ground, shaking off the boar's hair brush and nipping at the elf. "I know you're each other's favorites, Softfoot, so can you give me a hand here?"

"Oh, Isil," Softfoot laughed gently. "Hey, it's okay, big guy. Settle... here, have a carrot..." 

She produced the crunchy vegetable from her pocket, and Isil stepped tentatively toward her. When he was close enough, Softfoot ran her fingers through his smooth mane. "It's okay," she murmured. "It's okay... hand me the brush, will you, Eternal?"

"Thanks," Eternal handed it to her, and murmuring softly, Softfoot stroked the horse gently. Before long, Isil was free of tangles and relaxed.

"No problem," Softfoot said quietly. "Hey, do you know how far we're moving this time?"

"Until we see signs of abundant food, as per usual," Eternal said. "I know it won't be far, though, because there's a city nearby and you know Yarrow doesn't like to get too close."

"Thank goodness," Stardust sighed. "Last migration was brutal."

"You're just weak, Dusty." Softfoot grinned. "And short." Stardust was three years younger than she was.

"Like I've told you before, it's Stardust," he huffed. "If you must shorten it to anything, call me Star."

 "Whatever you say, Dusty," Softfoot said innocently.

Part Seven

~~~Diamonique~~~

Diamon was very annoyed. Master Ransom had been ignoring her as much as he could. She decided to try walking of while he was asleep. She made food and he fell asleep soon after. She walked outside. The air was not fresh, and not calming. She took a walk. There were no flower gardens, parks, fountains, any of that. The queen had decided to get rid of them as they served no purpose if the people never walked upon them.

“You there! Hello! You probably do not know of me, but I am the one and only-,” said a strange man who was cut off by the sentence of “MOVE IT” from his guard.

“One and only what?” I asked.

“Semyon is my name! How are you?” He asked.

“Fine. You?” I said.

“Perfect! Oh yes! Why do you have no guard?” Semyon asked.

“He fell asleep and I wished to see the city without need to hurry. Now that I look at it, it is a filthy place. There is no beauty except for what we wear,” I say.

“Exactly! No beauty, no love! People have said that we Kilazyaians will become extinct because there is no love!” He said.

“Sorry! I have to go before he wakes,” I said.

“Who? Your guard?” He asked.

“Yes, my guard. His name is Colton Woods. I call him Master Ransom,” I say proudly.

“Ransom! Such a funny name! Well, I too must be off! I hope to see you soon!” he said.

I walk back wondering about Semyon. He talked so strangely! When I opened the door, Master Ransom was pacing.

“What? You weren’t looking for me in this filthy city?” I ask bitterly.

“No! I figured you would come back,” He said.

“Well, so what? This city is worth nothing!” I proclaim.

“How dare you! Anything the queen rules are worth everything you could ever wish for!” He exclaimed.

“Even her death?” I ask.

“You will work all day! No tending your shop! You are farming from now till sunset!” He said with a angry look on his face.

“I don’t care. You guards are so clueless!” I said angrily.

I ran out the door. I didn’t care what happened. My prophecy included my life so I assumed I would survive. I ran into Semyon.

“Oh! Hello again! How might you be now? I am still as you left me! Oh yes! What is your name?” He asked.

“Diamonique. I am angry now!” I said.

“Why?” He asked.

“My guard is so clueless! HE can’t figure out the simplest things!” I exclaimed.

“My guard is quite clueless! He I also quite forgetful!” Semyon said.

“Both of you! Come on!” said Semyon’s guard

“Why me?” I ask.

“If you don’t have a guard, you are under my command for now!” The guard says.

We work together for the whole day. Then the guard takes me home.

“Here you go. Now leave us!” the guard says grumpily.

“I will not enter that house if my clueless guard is in there!” I said.

“Then stay with us! We have extra room!” Semyon said.

“Sure.”

I stay the night. We have a great time. I don’t give a thought to Master Ransom all night.

###############################################

The next morning, I wake up. Semyon is making breakfast. I eat and head home. Now I am not quite so angry, so I don’t care as much.

“So, you’re finally back?” asks Colton.

“Yeah. So? Not like you cared. You are a wonderful guard,” I say sarcastically.

“Well, time to get to work!” He says.

“No. I will not work today. I have had enough of this city!” I exclaim.

“You will do as the queen orders you!” He growls.

“Except that the queen isn’t ordering me! You are! When I work extra long, you gave that order! Not the queen!” I protest.

“Perhaps that is true, but it doesn't matter!” He says.

I work and plan my escape. I will get Semyon to come and anyone else who wishes to come. I do not want to live in this city!

Part 8

Diamonique’s P.O.V

When would I be allowed back at school? The school was still open, but my guard did not let me go. It was quite frustrating. I noticed Semyon walking by my house again, so I ran out to meet him.

“Oh! Hello! How might you have been and are being currently?” He asks.

“That is incorrect grammar, I think. I can’t remember now. Anyways, can we meet up later?” I ask.

“Uh-huh! You know just where to find me!” He says.

I run back inside my house. Colton has yet to arrive. I pack my school stuff and change into my school clothes. Then I head out.

#################

Long story short, I went to school for most of the day. When I came home, Colton was extremely mad at me and yelled at me for about an hour. Then I told him that I would be going to school whenever I wanted and he could do nothing. Then I went to my room and flopped on my bed. I set my alarm for the times I needed to get up at and fell fast asleep.

#################

When I woke up, I headed to the passage. I went to Semyon’s shop and we discussed my escape plan.

“The only problem is that I have no idea where to go,” I finish.

“I know where...” Semyon says.

“Where?”

“Adenadence...” Semyon said.

“Wasn’t it destroyed?” I ask.

“Yes. But we may be able to rebuild it if we bring enough people...” Semyon pondered.

We made a sign-up sheet and hung it in the tunnels. Now we had to wait. Then, at the worst possible moment –because we were all in the tunnels- a siren went off. Everyone hurried to get home. I barely made it. Colton demanded that I come with him. So I did.

##################

After we arrived at the palace, I noticed others were here. Semyon, some village people, someone who I think lived slightly outside of the city, Lyric, who was famous for her little “accident”, and some other people I didn’t recognize.

The first question was what shocked us all. “How are you getting items that aren’t allowed, escaping, and disappearing at night?”

i think it happened again.