Diva of the Sun Chapter 4

Chapter 4
The Singer

"I know this may seem to be a bit of a shock to you, Aria, but it's true; you are the Outlander who will save all of us," said the White Singer.  The Black Singer, the Nymphs, the Innocent, and herself watched as Aria paced back and forth with sheer disbelief.  "I understand if you feel this responsibility is too great for you to handle alone."  Aria paused in mid-step and turned to face her.

"It's not that I think it's too great for me to handle alone - I mean - that's part of it," she replied nervously.  "It's just that I've never had the fate of two dimensions placed in my hands before in my entire life."  She resumed pacing.  "And to think this all started when I took a nap under a tree; my parents are probably worried sick."  She let out a tired sigh, and faced the group behind her.  "I'm sorry; I'm venting too much, and this isn't about me at all."

"It's perfectly all right, my dear," said the Black Singer.  "You have every right to be nervous, and upset, but we're glad you are taking this as well as you can."  Beside her, the Innocent nodded in agreement.  "You probably have many questions; we would be glad to answer them as best as we can."

"Thank you," replied Aria. "I guess the first question I would ask is who the Singer is."  The White Singer nodded, and she looked at the Innocent, who seemed eager to answer the question himself.  She silently gave him permission with a nod.

"They say the Singer is a mysterious woman whose beautiful voice can bring balance back to the world in times of chaos and destruction," he explained.  "Only an Outlander can release her voice."

"Well said, my friend," said the White Singer.  "You see, Aria, the Singer is the guardian of Aether; it is her divine voice that maintains the light and hope of this world.  She is the only one who can defeat the invading Tartarosions and mend the destruction they have brought, thereby restoring order amongst the three worlds."

"However, only an Outlander can release the Singer," added the Black Singer.  "Whenever Aether is in grave peril, an Outlander is chosen and brought to this world to release the Singer and her voice.  And in this case, you are the one who was chosen to perform the task."

"But why me?" asked Aria.  Both the White and Black singers' faces fell.

"That...we don't know, to be perfectly honest," replied the White Singer.  "All the legend says is that the chosen Outlander is someone who is brave, wise, and has a heart of light."  Aria blinked a few times.

"Not sure I fit those requirements, but okay..." she said with a nervous chuckle.  The two Nymphs giggled a bit.  "So...what do I have to do to release the Singer?"

"You must search throughout Aether for the Solaris Quartet, the four elemental guardians of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water," explained the White Singer.  "When united, they will unlock the way to the Singer's temple, where she will be released.  You must find and bring them all together, Aria, for you are the beacon of light that represents their calling."

"I...I understand," replied Aria.  "It - this won't be easy...and I know it won't be done immediately...but..." she gulped "...I'll do my best as quickly and efficiently as I can...to save the three worlds."  Both the White and Black Singers smiled.

"You may not believe you fit the standards of the Singer's chosen, Aria, but your courage says otherwise," said the Black Singer.  "We will do what we can to help as you begin your quest."  She turned to one of the Nymphs, and spoke quietly to her.  The feathered girl nodded, and darted off towards a nearby door, where she disappeared.  When she reappeared, she was carrying a magnificent gold staff; at the top was a pink crystal sphere, which glittered in the dim light of the temple.  Below the sphere were four triangle-shaped grooves two that pointed upwards, and two others that pointed downward; one triangle from each pair had a horizontal line in its middle.  "It is said that this magic staff will serve only the chosen of the Singer; as you find the four elemental guardians, a gem will appear in each respective groove, adding the guardians' power to the staff.  Should you encounter danger, this staff will protect you."

The Nymph presented the staff to Aria, who stared at it for a second before accepting it in her own hands.  As it touched her fingertips, the staff suddenly began to shine like a ray of pure light.  Everyone - including the Angels in the temple - stared in wonder as the light seeped into the crystal orb at the top as she set it upright.  If Aria had any other misgivings about herself, the quest, and the responsibility suddenly thrown upon her, she didn't have them anymore.  The light had washed away most of her fears, and replaced them with a newfound determination that she never knew she had.  She looked at both the White and Black Singers with confidence written all over her face.

"I promise I'll find the Solaris Quartet, release the Singer, and save the three worlds from the Tartarosions' destruction," she vowed.  "I will do my best."  The two women smiled happily and nodded in acceptance.  Then the Innocent stepped forward, first facing the White and Black Singers.

"If I may, my Ladies; I would like to ask your permission to accompany Aria on her journey."  Everyone stared at the little clown.  "She is new and unfamiliar to our world.  Even though we just met, I...I want to help her by being her guide."  The White and Black Singers smiled.

"We grant you permission with our blessing, old friend," said the White Singer.  "That is, if Aria is all right with your company."  The Innocent turned to Aria, and the two stared at each other for a moment.

"Well, let me think," said Aria, pretending to look serious.  She smiled after a few tense moments.  "Yes.  I'd be happy to travel with you; I really appreciate your help."  The Innocent smiled, and the two heartily shook hands.  "We set out first thing in the morning."