“Did you live... in the Time Before?”
Lucci didn’t know how many days had passed on their journey. It was impossible to measure time in day and night on the Mainland. Everything was dark and there was always a storm raging over their heads.
Where are we now?
The youth leaned over the map and scratched his head in curiosity. When he looked at the little marker that the First Voice made on the map, it seemed that they were covering ground a lot faster than steady walking could account for. The map spoke of the landmark called Hawk’s Perch. Looking up at the tall rock formation just a short distance away and noting the very winglike shape in the stone, there was no doubt that had to be one and the same.
Just how fast are we moving…?
-Fast enough,- the First Voice echoed in his mind.
Lucci turned his head in the direction of the Voice. A hazy, swirly form stood there, as if the mist was attempting to become a real person. Though no features could be seen within the shape, it was easy to tell from the outline that it was a man. A tall man – maybe even as tall as Zemi and Aur. Sometimes when it spoke to him, he could see the mists part and move where a mouth should have been – which fascinated Lucci enough to watch for hours. It was a good thing that the First Voice had lots to say.
“How?” Lucci asked, folding away the map neatly.
- It’s nothing for you to be concerned about.-
It had only been two sleeps ago – since it was hard to measure time without the passing of the sun, Lucci measured it in sleeps – when the First Voice had appeared to take a form. The youth remembered being afraid at first, and rightfully so. None of the other Voices had ever come to him in a form. They were nothing more than the feeling of eyes in the Mist.
Maybe it was because Lucci had spent far more time with the First Voice than any other that such a thing could result. That’s what he tried to tell himself. But the truth was, he also knew that the First Voice seemed to be a creature of great strength… possibly great power… even beyond death. To take on a form from the Mists of its own free will was no small thing. And as time passed, the First Voice seemed to be growing more stable and shaped.
“Is it safe to make a fire here?” Lucci asked.
There was a momentary pause. Then a mental nod. -Yes, a small one. I don’t sense anything dangerous within this area.-
Though he was afraid of the First Voice’s unexpected development, Lucci also found himself relying upon him more and more. A journey was not at all as easy as he had imagined it would be. There were so many complex things that he did not know how to do — like reading the map and plotting a course… finding a good place to make a camp for sleep… making meals for himself… and especially avoiding potential dangers.
I’m glad I’m not alone. First Voice knows a lot about all these difficult things. If he wasn’t here, I’m sure I would have gone the wrong way!
Then there was also the fact that it seemed like the First Voice also knew where to find the items that Lucci was looking for. Though the youth questioned time and time again exactly where their ultimate destination was, he never got an answer. When he asked why he was never answered, the First Voice patiently told him that he would understand these things in time and to wait.
So Lucci waited. And he held on to what little trust he could find – even if it was in one of Them.
The youth prodded the little fire into a crackling warmth and held his hands out over it. It was far colder down on the Mainland than it had been on the Island at this time of year. Sometimes a dismal grey rain would fall over the land, leaving the hunched over scenery slimy with a sickly dark film. Lucci was glad that he had brought along one of Zemi’s cloaks, at the First Voice’s suggestion. It was big enough to cover him fully and kept the rains away.
But there was no rain now. So there was a fire to sit next to. Lucci didn’t realize how nice fires were until now, with both hands cupped over it to find warmth.
The image of the First Voice sat not far away. It never came too close to the fire. Lucci didn’t know if it was because, being made of mist, if the Voice would put out the fire. Or if the fire would melt the mist away instead.
Taking out a roll from his pack, the youth began to eat. Though he wasn’t ravenous hungry at the moment, he knew that he had to eat consistently. Traveling took a lot of energy.
For a while there was no other sound than the occasional crackle of the flame. It was strange that They were so quiet now. Even the First Voice seemed to have nothing to say. Lucci could only wonder why… even though the silence was a rare and kind thing when he got it.
Maybe They’re all asleep?
A warm chuckle came from First Voice. -They don’t ever sleep, Lucci-boy.-
“Then… what do They do?” the silver eyes peered over the waver of flame at the mist form.
-They wait. And make plans. They are the restless ones that never found peace in the Mist.-
“Is… the Mist the place that everyone goes to when they… die?” Lucci frowned suddenly.
-I don’t know,- came the honest answer.
Lucci couldn’t help but find it strange that a creature that had passed through life and death didn’t know such a thing. His curiosity must have been apparent, because the First Voice spoke again.
-It may be different for those who were born after the Time Before.-
The youth’s head jerked up in surprise, “Did you live… in the Time Before?”
-Yes.-
Lucci wasn’t sure if he was more surprised at the answer. Or the fact that he actually got an answer. His breath came in an astonished gasp and he didn’t know exactly what to say. It had never occurred to him that creatures that existed in the Time Before might be in the Mists as well.
Maybe that’s how he knows where to find the items that were used by the Sygni in the Time Before?
-Ahhh… now you’re catching on, boy.-
The silver eyes flicked upwards and he gave an open mouthed nod. “So… these items are really here? On this world somewhere?”
-If my memory serves me correctly.-
“Why this world in particular?” Lucci didn’t know how he knew. But he felt, deep down, that there were other worlds out there. Alive. Somewhere.
-This world has always been a Living World, home to many types of people, ever since I’ve known. I don’t know that there is a reason why. Just that it was,- First Voice answered. Then his voice shifted, sounding somewhat sad and longing. -It was also the homeworld of the Dragonkin. Back in the Time Before… they were very powerful. In fact, they were so powerful that even the Mistake did not completely kill them.-
“Really?” the youth blinked. He hadn’t known that anything actually had lived through the Mistake. “Where are they now? Are they Zemi’s Dragons?”
-No. The Dragonkin grew weak after the Mistake and eventually died away. Zemi… imitates the Dragonkin through his creations for reasons I don’t think he completely understands himself. But that’s a whole nother story.-
As usual, First Voice had decided to stop right as the story was getting interesting. Hints and pieces of riddles. Fascinations that tugged at the back of Lucci’s mind. It was all so hard to be given these little mysteries without a means to answer them.
The youth broke a deep sigh and leaned back. “So if you come from the Time Before… that means you know about the items that were used by Sygni. You know about the Sygni that lived then. They were supposed to have been evil?”
-There’s a difference between that which is evil and that which is not understood.-
“Then… you don’t think that Sygni are all evil?”
-I think it’s hard to make a judgment call on something that is so unknown.-
“Is that why you’re helping me?” Lucci asked, looking puzzled.
-It is a part of the reason,- First Voice replied. -I saw the events that lead up to the Mistake. I don’t wish to see something like that play out again.-
“Do you think something like that is going to happen?” the youth blinked, shifting his weight where he sat.
-I hope it won’t. And I believe that you may have a part to play in keeping it from happening.-
“Me?” Lucci’s head jerked up. “But I’m the one that’s supposed to be the Bane? How am I supposed to be able to save people?”
-You’re trying to save people by what you’re doing right now, yes?-
“Yes.”
-Then keep right on doing it, kid. Keep following what you know is right. What we choose plays a big part in what we become.-
“Lord Zemi tells me that, too,” the youth gave a slight smile. Something about the fact that the First Voice would echo the words of Lord Zemi made him feel better somehow.
-He does? Now… that is interesting.-
Lucci didn’t understand what that meant. But he didn’t want to pry. Instead, he drank a mouthful of water – careful to conserve just like the First Voice taught him. As he wiped his mouth on the back of his sleeve, a passing thought tickled the back of his mind. Something that he should have thought to ask long ago. But didn’t until now.
“What’s your name?” the youth asked, tilting his head back at the strange misty form.
-My name?-
“Yes. You do have a name, right?” he asked. Then it occurred to him, “Or do people in the mist not?”
-Oh. Yes. I had a name once. Of course.-
“Will you tell me?”
-I don’t know. You might laugh. It was just a pet name, really. I didn’t ever have another.-
“Nooo. I won’t laugh. I promise!” Lucci held up a hand to show him that he was telling the truth. He didn’t know why people did that to show they meant what they said. But he did it, anyhow.
-Well…. okay. I was once called Kaz.-
Lucci smiled, “Kaz?”
-See? You’re laughing aren’t you?-
“No! I’m not laughing!” the youth grinned wider. “I think it’s a good name?”
-Uh-huh. I can see it. You’re laughing.-
This time, Lucci did laugh. It was the first time in a long time… maybe since Suzume left… that he had really laughed. Like a funny sort of laugh. And it felt good.
The feeling that Kaz gave was one of pleasure. As if despite what he had said, he really was glad to see the boy cheered. -See what you can do to get some sleep now, Lucci-boy. We’ve got a long road tomorrow.-
The youth nodded, pulling the cloak around him tightly before laying his head back to try and get some rest.
I like this Kaz guy! He really reminds me of Zemi, though I wonder why he is suddenly able to take shape. Could it be that he is leeching off the hidden powers Lucci has? Or will we find out later/it would be a spoiler to answer?
Those are some really top-notch observations! You’re really hitting around close to home with some of your ideas here. ^_~
Thanks for your feedback on Kaz! I’m glad people are taking note of him and thinking about him so deeply, despite the fact he’s more of a “supporting” character. He’s a lot of fun to write and has a lot of mystery to him.
I’ll take that as a mix of ‘yes’ and we’ll find out later/that would be a spoiler.
And as far as supporting characters go, wasn’t Tsu originally supposed to just be a moody person that interrupts SoYa? But look at him now, he’s made it to Shimmer & Wayrift!
Yep, you’re absolutely right about Tsu! He was just supposed to be a one time appearance… and now he’s a major figment.
The same can be said of Zento, too. Originally, Zento was just supposed to appear in the first Introduction of Dreigiau to provide backstory. He wasn’t supposed to be alive in Dreigiau… but the more I worked on designing his character for the sake of fleshing out the background of things, the more Zento grew on me. And he ended up playing a far bigger part than expected (and also appears in Wayrift!).
Kaz? Seems awfully close to certain other peoples’ pet names…
You don’t say?
I wondered how many people would catch that.
Ooh! Ooh! *thinks she got it*
1. fondly remembered dragonkin
2. Kaze
3. Calls Lucci “Lucci-boy”
4. Zemi did something similar to AsaHi
5. Zemi/Aur-height
6. Kaz suggested bringing one of Zemi’s cloaks
7. Kaz+fire+Lucci resembles Zemi+fire+young ZentoYa
8. Kaz echos the words of Zemi
9. Kaz is mysterious. So is Zemi.
10. Kaz was glad Lucci laughed.
11. Zemi chuckled warmly at AsaHi when she freed him, before he put her in a deep sleep.
My theories:
1. Zemi actually existed in the time before, but wasn’t killed because of his bond with Runne.
2. Kaz=Zemi’s manifestation from the time before.
3. I am reading WAY too far into this.
If I think of more, I will post them.
Wow! These are some really deep observations! In fact, I think you picked out more likenesses than I could have thought of between the two. Nice work!
I will say that yes there is a connection between Kaz and Zemi. But no, they are not the same person.
On another note: Technically, all Arweinydd came from the Time Before. A small group of them survived because they were hidden away and protected during the Mistake (by an as of yet an unknown power). But they were undeveloped and unaware (baby Arweinydd, if you will), so they don’t remember anything about the Time Before.
*keeps thinking*
I THINK I KNOW!
Well, of course YOU do? You’re the keeper of all spoilers?
Then you know what I’m thinking and you’re verifying it as correct?
Actually… no? I’m not exactly sure about what you’re thinking. But I thought I mentioned Kaz a while back. PM me with your thought?
I have an idea of who Kaz is, but I don’t want to post it here… Though I will go so far as to ask:
Was Kaz an Arweinydd from the time before?
Yes. Kaz was an Arweinydd from the Time Before.
Yes! Got it!
Uh oh?
You’re afraid that us pesky forumers are going to piece the puzzle together before the next chapter even gets put up?
Nah. If you figure it out, it’s fine? I don’t think that the answer is ever going to be told in Dreigiau.
That doesn’t mean it won’t be told in a future storyline somewhere over the Wayrift….
In some ways, it makes it all the more interesting if you DO figure it out. (You should PM me and I’ll tell you if you’re right!)
BTW… there are secrets for other characters in Dreigiau that have been hinted at that no one has guessed or picked up on yet. I think only about three people know that one, though. It’s not quite as easy to guess at as Kaz is.
I currently have a bunch of theories about Kaz, which I mostly formulated over the last few hours.
Quote:
Nah. If you figure it out, it’s fine? I don’t think that the answer is ever going to be told in Dreigiau.
Oh, goodie, that means I can safely post them here!
Theory #1: Kaz is Zemi’s father. Or something along those lines. I’m not sure how Arweinydd come into being, so that theory could be bunk.
Theory #2: Kaz was the one who hid away the “baby” Arweinydd.
Theory #3: Lucci is somehow affecting Kaz, kind of empowering him in the same way that earthian contact empowers not-dead Arweinydd.
That’s all I have for now, and it’s probably way off the mark, but I can try?
Wow… you did a really GOOD job! Let’s go through the list here.
PiKA wrote:
Theory #1: Kaz is Zemi’s father. Or something along those lines. I’m not sure how Arweinydd come into being, so that theory could be bunk.
Well, your normal Arweinydd isn’t really a person/creature — I’d describe them as more of a Potential Being. They exist in an energy form, usually of light, often resembling a star. Where they originally came from, I don’t even know.
But you’re right to think that Arweinydd don’t have parents. Because they don’t. Usually.
I thought the same of Zemi for a very long time… until a few brainstorming sessions about a year ago where I was proven quite wrong. I’ve come to find out that Zemi wasn’t your typical Arweinydd — something that he wasn’t aware of, either. He had no idea he actually had parents from the Time Before.
Yes, you are right. Kaz is Zemi’s father.
He’s a character developed by Syn (rather than by me, believe it or not). So in Dreigiau, I’m writing him in retrospect, based off of her designs from Wayrift. Good job!
PiKA wrote:
Theory #2: Kaz was the one who hid away the “baby” Arweinydd.
I don’t doubt that Kaz was part of the group that hid away the young Arweinydd. I don’t know the whole story behind this yet — sometimes my theory is that Kaz and Aur knew each other… and that Aur might have had a hand in some things as well. But I’m still not sure… and Aur isn’t talking.
PiKA wrote:
Theory #3: Lucci is somehow affecting Kaz, kind of empowering him in the same way that earthian contact empowers not-dead Arweinydd.
This is somewhat true, too. I don’t know that it’s in exactly the same way that Earthian/Arweinydd energies work. But I’m sure that Kaz can manifest and is growing in power/stability because of Lucci’s abilities.
So you’re saying I was (mostly, kinda) right on all three counts?
I feel ego-stoked now.
I was leaning towards that, the only thing really keeping me from posting that theory was the fact that most don’t have parents. So if Zemi does have parents, what is his mom’s name??
Also, does Aur’s kind have a different name? Ya’know, something shorter than Creature from the Time Before. And if Aur’s kind doesn’t normally breed *remembers reading that somewhere* then how is he alive (my guess is that it was one of those most don’t breed things)? And if Zemi does have parents, does that mean his self-proclaimed siblings really are his siblings?
And is the Mist that Lucci speaks of the same thing as the mist at Dragon’s Pass? And can Kaz ever take on a fully-functional form through Lucci? And when it was stated that Zemi couldn’t completely remove Zerom’s taint because their energy signatures were too similar, are you implying that they really are brothers?
Am I asking too many questions? And am I bothering you yet, or should I try harder?
Wolvenbane08 wrote:
I was leaning towards that, the only thing really keeping me from posting that theory was the fact that most don’t have parents. So if Zemi does have parents, what is his mom’s name??
Her name is Siri. Zemi’s mother was one of the Dragonkin — thus, she was a REAL Dragon. Hence, Zemi’s pull towards Dragonkind. Even though he doesn’t realize any of this yet. And won’t. For a long time.
Wolvenbane08 wrote:
Also, does Aur’s kind have a different name? Ya’know, something shorter than Creature from the Time Before. And if Aur’s kind doesn’t normally breed *remembers reading that somewhere* then how is he alive (my guess is that it was one of those most don’t breed things)?
Yes, Aur’s kind does have a name. But he won’t tell me what it is.
I know less about Aur’s kind than most anything from the Time Before. I just know that his kind were something between the forces of the Arweinydd, Dragonkin and Sygni.. who all played a part in the Mistake. Sorry! ^^;;
Wolvenbane08 wrote:
And if Zemi does have parents, does that mean his self-proclaimed siblings really are his siblings?
No. Zemi is an only child.
He simply “adopted” his siblings, copying the family structure he saw Earthians had because he thought it was cool.
Wolvenbane08 wrote:
And is the Mist that Lucci speaks of the same thing as the mist at Dragon’s Pass?
Good question! I hadn’t thought about it before, but now that I do, yes. I think there is a connection there. It seems that Mist is a representation of a between world in the afterlife. I don’t know a lot about what happens after death in my worlds, though.
I just know the Mists exists and that Lucci’s powers are connected to it — he was created by Zeromus to be empowered by the spirit world and by death itself. To make it short, he’s a poster boy for “I see dead people”. XD
Wolvenbane08 wrote:
And can Kaz ever take on a fully-functional form through Lucci?
Wait and see. ^_~
Wolvenbane08 wrote:
And when it was stated that Zemi couldn’t completely remove Zerom’s taint because their energy signatures were too similar, are you implying that they really are brothers?
Nope. See the answer given above about siblings.
Wolvenbane08 wrote:
Am I asking too many questions? And am I bothering you yet, or should I try harder?
Nope. No bother. I’m honored when other people think so deeply about elements of my writing. Thank you!
Hmm. Hints and riddles Wren. Hints and riddles… And your revelations here just reveal more.
Here’s something. If Kaz was an Arweinydd, and the mother was dragonkin, doesn’t that normally mean that Zemi would be a Sygnus himself? How did he end up Arweinydd instead? Is Zemi more a merging of essence and energy than the result of anything physical? It is all very interesting.
Furthermore, Kaz is still a mystery. My main concern? How dead is he really? If he is dead, why hasn’t he found peace yet? Or has he? If he isn’t (to quote The Princess Bride) quite dead, then how did he get stuck in the Mists? He was likely partially responsible for the ferreting away of the ‘baby’ Arweinydd (his kid did wind up there so)… did doing this cause him to be sent to the mists? Did he make some sort of sacrifice to do so? How dead is he really? How involved was he? Why is he still here? Questions, questions, questions…
>>Here’s something. If Kaz was an Arweinydd, and the mother was dragonkin, doesn’t that normally mean that Zemi would be a Sygnus himself?
Technically, yes. Though a very strange one since Arweinydd and Dragonkin are quite the opposite races from the Time Before. He prefers to skirt around the whole Sygnus situation in later life… as he’s already quite set in his belief that he’s Arweinydd.
>>How did he end up Arweinydd instead? Is Zemi more a merging of essence and energy than the result of anything physical? It is all very interesting.
I’m not quite sure how it all happened yet — I’m still exploring thoughts on the Time Before. I believe Zemi may have been born a physical being (he’s more than just an energy-thing… Kaz actually took on a physical form). I wonder if he was somewhat transformed by his parents to take on the Arweinydd energy form as a part of sending him to safety with the other Arweinydd.
As for the REST of your questions… they’re questions I have yet to figure out myself! Maybe one day Kaz and Siri will tell me their full story (along with Runne, this is another possible story I’d like to explore). Until then, I’m only guessing. ^^;
Thanks as always for your edits and thoughts! I had totally forgotten this was posted up here in the comments section!
I went all the way to the bottom and didn’t even read the comments (which I normaly do very painstakingly) because I think I know who Kaz is and I have some theories about Zemi…
Of course, I’m giong to smack myself if you already said this somewhere, but here you go…
Kaz is clearly Zemi’s father. I recognize the signs (even though I thought Ar. couldn’t have children (like, with each other). I always understood them as being energy beings, but whatever, I thought my Guardians couldn’t have kids, either, until -)
Wait, Ar. can’t have kids with each other, which means Zemi’s mother wasn’t an Ar. but she couldn’t have been Human or he’d be a Sygnus… And he’s not. So… Uh…
Wait. Wait. I’ve got it. This is another one of those “one born of a Dragon” moments. What if his mother was a Dragon? But how would that even work? Gah, I’m so confused. Zemi confuses me!
Hmmmmmm… your last paragraph has some merit there. ^_~
Actually, if you scroll up a bit and look at some of my comments, I talk about Zemi’s mother and even give her name.
Siri… I like that name. It’s very beautiful.