Some of you may already know this story from ff.net, the rest who don't, enjoy
The idea for this fic came out of nowhere, right after I saw a wallpaper of Ly. I've already completed Rayman back then, and finished both Hoodlum Havoc and Revolution not long ago.
As per usual I am dedicating this to my friends at the BGE Revolution Forums, in addition to David Csúri who gave me a new writing book after the old one has been stolen, and Milan Barkóczi for reading it in advance
Disclaimer: I don't own anything concerning Rayman, except Shya, Ranika and Salian since they're mine. But I warn you Ubisoft, if you won't make a Beyond Good and Evil 2 very soon, I'm going to unleash horrors you can't even comprehend...
Path To Divinity
Chapter 1: The Newcomer
Stardust sparkled in the bright moonlight, gathering on the green leaves, giving them a dim, silvery shade. The age-old branches seemed so alive and fresh like they were in their youth again. Beyond their sheltering limbs however, lurked the real surprise. The forest was overflowing with life that night, even the normally grumpy trees silently joining in the celebration. The usually quiet woods were loud with singing and laughter. All creatures, big or small, celebrated the anniversary of their world's creation, a night of joy and happiness dedicated to their god who dreamt them into existence, the Eve of Polokus. As the Lums, Teensies, Glutes and all other inhabitants frolicked around the forest, so did Polokus' emissaries, the fairies too. Their laughter, like tiny bells ringing, reached into every corner of the forest, planting joy into the hearts of everyone who heard them. They played along with everyone, while singing their ancient and beautiful songs, encouraging the trees and flowers to grow.
One person in particular was captivated by this midnight symphony, a young fairy sitting on a treetop, holding her head in her arms. Shya was enchanted by the singing and Moon's compelling light. Although she was old enough to join in the song, she rather stayed up here, gazing at the brightly shining stars. The fairy shook her sapphire-blue hair, letting it fall over her violet eyes and pointy ears. She laid back on the branch, putting her right leg above the left, her long, light-blue tail encircling both. She closed her eyes, letting the sweet moonshine emit goosebumps all over her; she loved the feeling. Giggling, she turned to her side and yawned. Suddenly the tree shook, almost causing her to fall off.
She looked around angrily to find her assailant when a derisive voice hit her ears. “Got you!” said the fairy behind her. Shya threw a small branch at the unexpected visitor. “Rani, how many times have I asked you not to sneak up on me like that!” she shouted, more glee in her voice than anger. The aforementioned, a blonde fairy by the name Ranika, grinned at her: “I still got you.” she remarked winking at Shya, her blue eyes sparkling with humour. Although she was older than Shya by two eves, she was much more playful than any other fairy Polokus had created.
“That wasn't fair, you attacked without notice!” she replied, pouting. She crossed her arms, putting on a strict face.
“I swear, next time you'll know exactly when I'm near.” Rani said with a devilish grin. “Sorry, I lied!” she shouted, jumping on the other fairy and started to tickle her.
“No, stop!” she laughed between two waves. Despite her pleads, Ranika continued, which she tried to counter by wiggling around madly. As she was throwing herself around, suddenly the branch disappeared under her and she fell from above. “SHY!!” Rani screamed as she saw Shya fall.
Luckily, the forest, fresh and vigorous from the fairy magic, was on guard and just before she would hit ground, a huge flower grew there, catching her. Shya praised the forest for being so aware but also scolded herself for not using her magic. “Ouch...” she hissed as she got up, her back hurting lightly from the fall. Even though the flower had caught most of her velocity, she still had enough to bruise herself a bit. She glanced up, and saw Rani above with a concerned look.
“When I get up there, you're going to pay for this!” she shouted to her friend. Ranika laughed at her threat, relieved that she was okay. Shya rubbed the back of her waist, laughing along when an unusual sound hit her pointy ears. It sounded a bit like someone crying, but slightly different. What could it be? she thought. Acting purely on instinct, the fairy began to run towards the sound. She briefly heard Rani asking where she was going, but ignored it for the moment. Soon, she was flowing with the wind, her eyes and ears relying completely on its currents. This way, she quickly arrived at the source of the noise. When she reached the outskirts of the forest, she materialized again and started to look for the noisemaker. Soon, she noticed that the sound was coming from some bushes in front of her. As she got closer however, it began to die away and by the time she had gotten to it, the forest was in complete silence again. Shya brushed aside a few leaves and branches, and was surprised to find a small open basket inside, with something breathing in it, under a blanket. Carefully, she leaned closer and brushed the blanket aside a little. She fell back with a surprised look on her face, just as Rani arrived. “Shy, what happened?” she asked dumbfounded. The blue-haired fairy pointed at the bushes. The other fairy looked into it, reacting almost exactly the same way as she did.
“What is it?” she asked wonderingly.
Shya shrugged her shoulder as she got up. Despite the shock, curiosity got the better of her and she took the basket out of the bushes, holding it in her arms. She lifted the blanket to look at the being inside once more. All remnants of her fear disappeared however, as she looked into the small, green orbs. The child inside fell back into sleep again, shivering a bit. It was already close to midnight and even though it was warm season, the night was a bit chilly. To Rani's amazement, she took the infant out of the basket and held it in her arms, supporting him with her own body heat along with the blanket. As her friend sat down, she took the opportunity to examine the little one. “It looks a lot like...” she spoke up.
“He.” Shya cut in.
“Okay, HE looks a lot like us.” she corrected herself, grinning. “But he's definitely not a fairy.” she continued “Maybe someone lost their baby?”
“I don't think so.” she whispered, not wanting to wake the child. “I've never seen any creatures that resemble us this much.”
“You're right on that one...” Rani admitted. “Maybe his whole species is like this? Nah, I don't think so either.” she corrected after seeing the fairy's expression.
“Whatever kind he is of, I'm downright sure that he can't possibly take care of himself.” Shya added.
“You're probably right.” sighed the other fairy. ”What are you suggesting we should do with him then?” her voice seemed concerned. This question had been bothering Shya for a while now and even though the answer was already in her head, she wasn't exactly sure about it yet.
“We can't just leave him here; he couldn't even survive the night like this! But we can't give him to anyone since there's no one of his kind around...” she said nervously, finally saying what buzzed in her mind. “No one who resembles him...except us...”
Ranika couldn't believe her ears. “You can't be serious! Neither you nor I know ANYTHING about his specie-
“But he's just like us!” Shya cried.
“But not exactly us!” shouted the older fairy. “Shy, he's not a fairy and we have no idea how to raise an infant anyway.” she lowered her voice to a kind whisper, seeing how upset her friend got.
Shya looked at the boy in her crossed arms so alike, yet so different from them. She watched as he turned around suddenly, his tiny mouth opening for a second as he yawned. The child was searching for something solid to grab onto with his small hand, finally gripping one of her fingers. A teardrop sparkled down her face as she saw him falling sound asleep again. Deep inside, she could only feel a determination that she had to protect this young life, so that he could one day see the beauties of the world. “I'll raise him.” she spoke up suddenly. Rani, although she could barely believe what she had just said, didn't want to upset her any further, so she just crouched down beside her.
“Are you sure?” she asked putting one arm around her.
Shya took a moment to look at him once more and whispered, “As sure as I'll ever be.”
“Then it seems the Eve brought many things once more, especially for you.” she said, hugging her friend. She glanced down at the sleeping child. “A newborn is given a future by a fairy...How will you call him?”
She paused for a second, and then said, “Salian.”
“Newcomer?” asked back Rani, smiling. “Fitting name. Come on, we should go back to the other's now. Both you and Salian could use a good night's sleep.”
“Go ahead, I'll be with you in a second.” she answered,
Rani was uncertain whether she should leave her like this, but in the end nod and left, leaving her alone with the child. She pulled the blanket closer around Salian, since the air was becoming positively chilly. Despite her clothing being rather fitting, it was less than enough to keep her warm. She curled into a foetal ball, encircling both of them with her tail. Though she was determined about her decision, Shya couldn't help being scared since she really had no idea how she was going to take care of him. As she was thinking about the future, the little one wiggled in his sleep, his eyes slowly opening. She gazed into the tiny lambent-green eyes, when all of a sudden he started to cry. Shya looked around scared, not knowing what to do exactly. There was absolutely no one near, leaving her without help. What should I do? Having no other idea, she dug into her memory for something that could help her. Remembering an old lullaby she heard once, she sang it to Salian as best as she could. It was no use however, since he would not stop crying no matter how she tried. Shya felt tears gathering in her eyes too. I can't...Rani was right, w-what was I thinking?! I'm not even able to calm him! she burst out in tears, her face almost reaching his. Suddenly she felt a small hand fondling her face. Sobbing, she looked at the infant, who was stroking her face, red from crying. He had already stopped weeping and was now smiling at her, acknowledging Shya as his mother. She lapsed into a smile, staring into the beautiful face of Salian...her child.
Ranika was seriously nervous now. She had been walking around in circles for a while, the other fairies watching her curiously. Almost an hour had passed since she left Shya alone with the boy and she was getting really worried now. I never should have left her alone like that! she cursed herself. If anything was to happen to her, she could never forgive herself for it. Suddenly the bushes shook, the mentioned fairy appearing from them. “Shy!” shouted Rani in surprise running to her. She hugged her best friend as hard as she could without crushing Salian, who she was holding. “Where were you? I've be-What's wrong?” she asked noticing that her face was blood red and swollen. Shya shook her head. “Nothing, I'm just happy.” she said sobbing, but smiling. The other fairies gathered around them, eagerly watching the little infant and his new mother. Enthralled by the newcomer, they admired the two, wishing good luck and a bright future for the both of them, especially for Salian. Some of the fairies even started to sing, informing everyone through their sweet melody. Shya, overjoyed by their reaction, giggled and kissed her son's forehead: “Welcome home.”
"On this night the fairies kept singing,
Unaware of what else was happening.
For far beyond their knowing,
A threat was already growing.
But a hero too has risen this night,
To one day battle this lurking blight.
And from high above, a god gazed down,
Waiting for the day to give over his crown..."
(Ly: Salian's Birth)
Chapter 2: A Human In The Glade
The Fairy Glade was as peaceful as ever, the sounds of dozens of birds were the only sound that broke the silence once in a while. The thick leafage of the trees held a home for many small creatures while the larger inhabitants preferred to live on the ground.
A perfect harmony existed between the forest and the people living in them, neither causing intentional harm to the other. Salian found the Glade a beautiful place, especially since he had lived here for as long as he could remember.
Over the past seventeen years, he has grown from tiny child, into a playful young boy. He brushed his short, brown hair aside, revealing the pair of jade-green eyes. Her mother often said that he kept those enchanting eyes since he was a baby.
The inhabitants of the forest often gave sound to their astonishment as how Salian resembled the fairies, even though it was common knowledge that he wasn't one of them. He was unique, but never treated as an individual. He was one of the Glade's residents, no more, no less.
Her mother taught him of the forest when he was just a little one: the name of the trees, the creatures that lived there, the methods of finding his way around, while also teaching him of their mythology; how the one known as Polokus, dreamt their world into existence, forming them all through his emotions and thoughts.
When she could teach no more, she asked the Teensies to continue her work. He loved the little blue creatures. As ancient as they were, they were also one of the most entertaining and versatile people he had ever met, teaching him always of the first thing that came to their mind, from the history of the Glade, to the hundred different uses of a plum. Usually the King himself taught him, but Salian noticed after a while that the King seemed to have been a different Teensie nearly every time he saw him.
He had also made a few close friends during that time including Ly, the young fairy who studied together with him. She was a cheerful and intelligent girl, though she could be quite strict a few times. In contrast to her was Murfy, the loud-mouth, wisecracking greenbottle. Salian often debated on the fact whether he's a friend of Murfy or his personal joke-target.
He frequently pulled his leg, often making comments on how Sal seemed to like Ly. The result of this was usually Salian chasing the annoying greenbottle with something heavy, while Ly laughed at them, along with Globox and Rayman.
Ray and Globox...he couldn't forget about them. Globox had been indeed a good friend and sometimes unwittingly a laughing stock for them too, whenever he reacted to something he deemed scary. Rayman...now he was another thing.
They've first met right after he defeated Mr. Dark on top of Candy Château. The whole Fairy Glade celebrated him as a hero, and Sal could still remember the overall joy everyone shared, finally free from the threat that was Dark.
He was wandering around the forest when they met. Salian was surprised to find him deep in the forest, since everyone was celebrating his victory. Rayman however, explained to him that though it felt nice, he didn't want to have this much fuss about it. The two started chatting and became friends soon after.
Ever since then, they've spent nearly every single day together, and most of the time the others tagged along too. Salian couldn't help smiling as he thought of all those things they have done in the past few years...they even snatched the Teensie King's crown once! Ly didn't find it funny, but right when she started scolding the boys, the King appeared behind her.
He just laughed at them and explained that that was not the only crown they had. The stunted expression on their faces has been a frequent joking topic ever since. They had become a bit more mature since then, though they still liked to play jokes on each other.
Suddenly, he reached for his elbow as a painful sting emanated from it. He touched the scar through the fabric of his shirt, feeing it pulse with heat. The pirates...they have caused much more sorrow than Dark, during his reign. Salian and Shya were imprisoned quite early, and were firmly separated from each other.
To this day, he has never been as afraid as then. When the Heart was blown to Lums, the fairies became significantly weak, and Salian could feel his mother slowly dying. Razorbeard ordered his minions to bring Sal to him each day, which meant being dragged through the whole Buccaneer, with all the cruelty they could.
He still didn't know why the old pirate did this to him continuously, but if it weren't for his friends, both of them would be long dead by now. His mother recovered quickly after the Heart was restored with Rayman's help, but the victory was clouded with grief this time. Ranika, Shya's childhood-friend died while trying to protect the Teensies. He remembered how sad she was and the time it took until she could honestly laugh again.
Stop daydreaming already; you're going to be late! Salian shook his head and jumped from the branch he was standing on, onto another one. He quickly found the rhythm, and steadily made his way towards the Falls.
- - -
“Where in the name of Polokus could that boy be?” Shya peeked out the window. Of course, she knew exactly where her adopted son was, this was more like an instinctive question.
Salian...he practically became her whole life after that fateful night. Her choice was a respected one throughout the whole Glade, and nearly every single mother tried to help her in some way.
During the first year, she was continuously bombarded with tips, though she always thought over carefully which to apply. Uglette's idea of throwing Salian in the water so he could learn how to swim just like her children, for instance, didn't seem that appealing to her. Betilla the Elder fairy on the other hand though, gave her many useful tips and had been helping her ever since. In time she got into it and turned out to be a quite decent mother.
Everyone was delighted to see how he grew, becoming into the Sal he was now. She considered those years the most beautiful when they used to spend days wandering around in the forest as she taught him of all she knew. Though she had her doubts about their methods, she never regretted her decision of letting the Teensies teach him afterwards
She was utmost happy when Salian started making friends, since she was afraid they would not accept him. Her fear was luckily without reason as he made a few good friends since then, though she didn't like all of them, particularly Murfy. No matter how he tried, Shya never forgave him for that one time when he let Salian drink a little plum juice. Nothing serious happened since he only drank so much to be dizzy, but Shya couldn't believe the greenbottle could have been this careless.
For one or two years however, Shya noticed that Salian became less obedient, sometimes doing exactly the opposite of what she asked. At first she thought she did something wrong. Back then, Ranika reassured her that probably his whole species is like this at this age.
Oh, Rani... She really missed her friend. She had been invaluable to her, being her best friend since they were kids. The playful fairy the one who helped her all the time. Without her help, maybe she wouldn't have been able to raise Salian at all. She would probably scold me for being sad about her...
With this she sighed, leaned back and started making something to eat for Salian when he arrives home...whenever that might be.
- - -
“I'm here!” called Salian as he stepped out from the bushes. Strangely, no one seemed to have been around.
The river that provided the forest was more than a hundred meters wide here, and the chute itself almost as long. The clear water was sparkling in the bright sunlight, making it look like a diamond’s surface. Trees have grown over the water, forming a series of stable bridges for anyone wanting to pass through, their dewy leaves hanging over the water like a curtain.
Down below, a large ground and the coast itself was one enormous clearing, making it an ideal place to anyone wanting to rest or frolic around. Salian looked joyously over the landscape: this had been his favourite place in the entire Fairy Glade. No wonder he and his friends usually met here of all places...
Suddenly, a push sent him screaming into the river. As he fell, he could briefly hear Rayman laughing above him.
The next second, he splashed into the cold water. Angrily, he swam to the surface, realizing that he was only a few meters away from the waterfall. An elemental scream burst out of him as he fell over, diving into the air.
Out of instinct, he threw his hands into the air, when he felt someone grabbing them.
“I'm not that cruel.” Rayman grinned. Salian couldn't decide whether he should thank him or punch him in the face, but for his own sake he discarded the latter. They slowly descended in the air, next to the fall. Suddenly, he felt him jolting.
“What's wrong?” he whimpered nervously.
“Too much water, I guess.” his limbless friend swallowed. His helicopter-hair made a last desperate try to regain its altitude, but with no luck. A second later both of them dropped like a stone.
About ten minutes later, a very soggy and irritated Salian crawled out of the water, coughing. He was accompanied by a rather cheerful, but equally soaked Rayman. They sat down on a hollow log to dry off.
“Mother will kill me for this...” Salian looked over himself. His ruby-red shirt and light-brown pants were totally soggy. Even his shoes left a patch of water after his each step. The Teensies made them for him; they seemed to known how to all kind of clothes and taught it to Shya too.
“No sweat, they'll dry off in no time.” laughed Rayman, squeezing the water out of his fists. “And besides, I'm sure Shya will understand.”
Salian seriously debated on whether he should slap him when Globox and Murfy arrived.
“Sorry we're late.” the greenbottle greeted them. “I had to chase this faint-hearted of a Glute through the whole forest.”
“Well, maybe if you hadn't acted like a monster, I wouldn't have run off.” the mentioned crossed his arms.
“At least you're here now.” Salian grinned. “Where's Ly?”
Murfy flew forward to answer his question, a smirk on his face. “Last time I saw her, she was on a tree with a handsome guy-” The boy's face started to turn bright red.
“Whom you've just made up to bug Sal.” Rayman took over, shaking his head.
“Yeah, but he almost fell for i-HEY!” he shouted, a pebble narrowly missing him.
“She's actually in the Council with the Teensies.” Globox corrected. Salian didn't say anything, but the sign of him missing her was clearly written on his face. “What have you two been doing?” asked the glute finally to break the silence.
“Taking a dive from as far as I can guess.” the greenbottle snickered. “How was the water?”
“A few more wisecracks Murfy and you'll get to know first hand...” Salian glared at him.
A sudden chill roamed through the clearing, making them shiver, even Globox, which was strange, since his chubby state usually protected him from the cold. Combined with his soggy clothes however, Salian felt as though he would turn into ice that instant.
“I guess we should go home earlier today.” he shuddered.
“Guess you're right, I'd better go before my wings freeze.” Murfy flew towards the trees, stopping for a second. “I'll tell Ly and her boyfriend that you were looking for her.” he grinned and quickly left before Salian could react.
“I'll go with Globox; you're okay to go home?” Rayman asked his shivering friend.
“Sure, I'm okay, see you both tomorrow.” he put on a light smile and watched as they left.
Now alone, he too went back into the forest and took his way towards home. The chill he felt was just a little breeze now, but he wanted to hurry nonetheless since he was already late. He reached his home quickly, the way incised into his brain by now. It wasn't anything magnificent, just a small brown cottage beside a huge oak. The lights inside indicated that Shya was waiting for him.
As he was about to open the door, he felt as though somebody was watching him. He turned around but there was no one near. Confused, he shrugged his shoulder and opened the door, his mother already waiting for him.
“...What in Polokus' name have you done to yourself?!”
- - -
The shadowy night hid the curious eyes well. He was grateful for it, since it made it an easy job for him to observe the boy. He watched through his binoculars as the fairy scolded him than sent him away. That's enough for now...The figure slid the binoculars back into the wrinkles of the long blue cloak covering him.
Tonight brought mixed results, as he was reluctant to find that Rayman was still alive and well. The limbless troublemaker had already crossed him a few times, but always managed to escape his fate. Not much longer though... His plan was going well, he already had most of the cogs in place, he just had to activate the machine now and set things in motion.
He grinned under the coverage of his hat. The power he desired would soon be his, and with it...he will be unstoppable.
- - -
Ly stopped for a second to regain her breath. She supported herself by placing her hand on the wall while she respired. The red Lum in front of her glinted playfully, as though it was winking at her. She had been chasing the Lum for half an hour through the corridors of the Council, but no matter how she tried, it would always elude her grasp.
She arrived at the Falls to find that none of her friends were around. The fairy wasn't angry over them since it was her who was late. She returned to the Council, but quickly got bored and when a lone Lum appeared before her, an idea came to her mind.
It wasn't as though the Lum wanted to escape, quite the contrary. It too seemed to enjoy the game, as it sometimes flew right before her nose, but when she tried to catch it, it always outsmarted her. Ly raised her head, and the Lum noticed the playful sparkle in her green eyes once more...
As they passed Betilla's chamber, the sound of a stifled conversation hit her pointy ears. She abandoned the game and walked to the door. The Elder fairy had left the door slightly ajar. She didn't want to eavesdrop but curiosity got the better of her.
Peeking inside, she noticed that Betilla was talking to someone through a magical mirror...and it seemed to be Polokus himself! Ly's eyes widened and listened carefully.
“...close. I could have sworn I've felt him.” the fairy seemed to be very upset about something.
“If he's near, then that's grim news indeed...how is he?”
“He's a very intelligent and also loving person.” She seemed to know who Polokus was referring to. “He still doesn't know about it though...” she seemed to have toned the word "it".
The red Lum, curious as to why the game stopped, floated over to the fairy. She gestured to the Lum to hush and listened closely.
“He mustn't know...not yet, neither can she, you know that Betilla.” Polokus seemed to be serious about this.
“I know, but if he's really near, he's in grave danger. He knows all about him.” her voice seemed worried.
“He has a protector who would never let harm come to him. Have faith in him, but keep your eyes open! You have been doing a superb work so far.” his voice softened. “I'll return later, have some rest.”
“I will, thank you...” she muttered as the god's image faded away. She sighed and turned to the door. Ly tried to sneak away, but the fairy heard as she tried to leave.
“Who's there?” she called and opened the door. A red Lum floated in front of her, and upon noticing her, flew around her head. Betilla's let out a relieved sigh and closed the door fully this time.
Ly sneaked out from behind the statue she was using as a hiding place.
“Thanks.” she whispered over to the Lum, which started glinting as if it was smiling.
She tiptoed back into her room, as normally she wasn't allowed to roam along the Council corridors this late. Since the Black Lum André broke into the Council fairly easily, they kept a closer guard on the Heart.
They also insisted that Ly shouldn't wander around in the Council all alone during the depth of night. This was not entirely true however: only the fairies insisted that she'd go sleeping, while as though the Teensies welcomed her always, regardless of the time.
Unknown to her, many other fairies often commented on her apparent strength, between each other. During the Robo-Pirate's reign, she was able to create silver Lums which even much elder fairies couldn't, especially not after the Heart was blown to pieces. Betilla kept a close eye at her studies and how she developed. She was quick to befriend the human boy, for which the fairy was happy to see, although she had doubts about it.
The young fairy settled herself in her chamber. It wasn't a big room, but she liked living here, even though the Teensies have made a whole palace for her after the Pirates were defeated. Her bed was in one corner of the rectangle-shape room, while a large shelf with a few books and various objects on it, a small table and a mirror were in the other three corners. She sat down on her bed, letting her feet rest on the white and yellow circled, green carpet, which covered almost her entire room.
She thought of the conversation she had just heard between their creator and the Elder fairy. Who were they talking about? As far as she could make out, they were talking about two persons, with radically different feeling towards them. One of them was unpleasant for both to talk about, while the other seemed to be liked by both of them, although he might be in danger. She decided not to meddle deeper into it. If they wanted me to know, they would have told it already. It's hopefully nothing too serious anyway.
Pleased with the thought for now, she dropped on the bed, her tail resting on her side. Ly put her hands above her head and stretched her sleeping muscles. She rest her head on the pillow, briefly glancing over a piece of paper on the table in front of her. The fairy knew what was on the paper by heart: it was a small poem Salian once gave her a few years ago for her birthday. Soon, she closed her eyes and fell asleep, already dreaming about the next day with her friends...
A spy, hiding in the nightly Glade,
A secret, kept hidden in the shade,
A boy who's not from this plane,
All of these are part of the game.
The saviour plays around in the forest,
While Evil slowly begins its conquest.
And though he doesn't know it yet,
He had already seen the face of this threat...
(Ly: A Human in the Glade)
Let me know what you think about it, I've began to like writing and I would like to improve.
The next part is ready, and there will be even more parts of this chapter later on. Thanks to everyone who keeps track of it, and of course, Luckster_Gal, for beta-reading.
