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ANYWAY, here are some of the more recent updates to Jessvix's petpage.
Um... To-Do List. I've been pretty lazy with Vix and need to spice everything up a little :*
Well hello there. I see you've come across my home.
You turn around, startled. You had been frolicking in a field, picking flowers for a bouquet for the dinner table later this evening. There is a slender girl behind you, her skin a curious blue. Purple wings are folded neatly against her back and her hair is jet-black. Her bright green eyes appraise you from head to toe.
Your... home? you ask, confused. After all, you are standing in an open field, surrounded by prairie grasses and flowers. You don't see any sort of break in the landscape; not a house, hut, or even a tent.
Why, yes! You were just about to fall into it.
You look down, but see nothing except the grassy earth dotted with small wildflowers.
The girl, noticing your struggle, sighs and points. You follow the direction of her finger and can ever so slightly make out an irregular pattern in the grass, a circular sort of pattern.
I suppose I'd better be polite and invite you in, she says.
Uhm... sure, you say uncertainly. After all, it wouldn't be very polite to decline, now would it?
So... what's your name?
You can call me Vix.
You must have a full name, not just "Vix", you point out.
Vix just smiles mysteriously. Awkwardly, you attempt another question.
And... um... how old are you? you ask.
I've honestly lost count. Maybe a few thousand? It's a long story. She paused. A really, really, really long story.
Her answer shocks you into silence. How can a girl who looks to be around seventeen actually be thousands of years old?
Vix's hands stop moving around the circle, apparently finding what they were looking for. Here we go, she murmurs to no one in particular. She stands up and steps onto it -- or rather, into it. Her feet disappear into the ground knee-deep. She turns around. Are you coming?
You realize that this must be some sort of projection, a hologram. Yes, I am. As you step down the door, you begin to ponder what you have learned about her, constructing an idea of who this Vix girl is.
{Drag & Drop for a better view}
Name: Vix
True age: Unknown
Visual age: Late teens/early twenties
Skin color: A light blue
Eye color: Bright green
Wings: Feather with various colors in the purple/pink/blue spectrum
Hair: Black
Markings: Black, leafless vines that curl around her wrists and up her arms
Jewelery: Several earrings as well as a belly ring
When your head is completely submerged, you find yourself still following the girl down a narrow, short flight of stairs to a set of double doors gilded with silver. Vix pushes them open and passes through. You follow, gingerly pushing the doors aside.
You gasp in amazement. The foyer is stunning. A neatly tiled blue-silver floor spans the area of a sparkling dome at least twenty feet high. The dome itself is glimmering, its structure beams a pure white and the rest of it a dark indigo painting of the night sky. Around the perimeter of the room sat various pedestals containing a seemingly random assortment of items: a strange headdress, a delicate gold necklace, an ancient scroll...
You gaze around the room, spellbound, until your eyes fall upon a cougar. Startled, you jump back before realizing that the jaguar has purplish wings and blue-tinted fur as well as brilliantly green eyes.
Vix? you whisper. Is that you?
The big cat looks at you curiously. Of course it's me. Even though you can hear her voice, the lips of the cat don't move. And you should really stop your screaming. Don't say anything, just think it. My entire home is designed to pick up and enhance sympathetic neural signals used for communication purposes.
Your temples are beginning to hurt. What? You begin to wonder if you have had a few to many surprises today; you can feel a big headache coming on.
Vix sighed. You people can be so daft sometimes. THINK what you're going to say. Otherwise my ears begin to hurt.
Still dazed, you silently think Okay. Surprisingly, your voice rings throughout the room very clearly. So... why are you now a cat?
Again, it's a long story. In the meantime, let's go sit down. Vix lifts her tail and slinks into the next room. You follow her...
Go ahead and take a seat, Vix says. I'll be right back with some refreshments. Do you like tea?
You nod and she slinks away to a door on the other side of the room. Before she exits, however, she turns around. Please don't touch anything, all right?
Before you have time to make a sound or nod, she slips through the doorway.
You sit there for a few minutes and begin to find yourself extravagantly bored. As nifty as the room is, just looking is no fun. Your eyes fall on one of the books on your table that reads "Historie of the Sharrasi Ninja". Curiously, you pick it up. Vix won't mind if you just skim through, right? You crack the cover and begin to read.
It turns out that the book is absolutely engrossing; you find yourself reading emphatically instead of the light skimming you had planned.
It began during an ordinary night in late fall. No one knows the exact date, it happened so long ago. Calendars have changed, different rules of time apply now than then. Instead of measuring days from dawn until dusk, they're measured in hours, minutes, and seconds. But it is no matter; the fact remains that the colossal event occurred in late fall.
The "colossal event" was, in fact, a seemingly common occurrence. A mother gave birth to a child. The child she named Sharrasi -- a girl-child who would later become a legend.
Sharrasi... you think. Now where have I heard that name before? You know that it'll irritate you until you figure it out. In the meantime, you'll keep reading.
The mother herself wasn't particularly remarkable: she was pretty, but not beautiful; smart, but not genius. It would be a while before the true potential of the baby would show itself, but show itself it did.
The first few years of Sharrasi's life were very normal. Her mother (for her father had died shortly before Sharrasi's birth) cared for her religiously for the first few years, keeping her clean, fed, and happy. When Sharrasi was old enough, she began to learn to read and write, honing her skills for when she would be old enough to leave her small home and begin her life.
In Sharrasi's village, it was customary for all boys and girls to attend school at age five. Of course, it wasn't a school of today; the students there were studying to be the defenders of the peace, the Sara'ji. Their training began early and was very vigorous. Some weren't able to withstand the pressures and were simply sent back to their parents for homeschooling. Those who did survive the rigorous system, however, could claim the prestigious title of Sara'ji.
The school was a boarding school in order to maintain a strict discipline. Everyone was woken half an hour before dawn when a loud gong was hit. Some woke up even earlier. Classes were extremely varied: one period would be Language, and the next would be knife fighting. Training continued for twelve years before one could become a full-fledged Sara'ji. Students were only allowed home twice a year, during the Solstice Festivals.
All of the trainees were required to take at least three different types of weapon fighting, a non-weapons fighting class, reading, writing, two foreign language classes, mathematics, and history per year. Each year a student would choose an additional required course of study. These included Wilderness Survival, Etiquette, Magic, Music, Visual Arts, and even a homemaker's course. You never know when you might have to disguise yourself as a servant.
Despite the rigorous schedule, Sharrasi survived. In fact, she thrived, taking to her knife lessons with as much passion as history. Granted, there wasn't a whole lot of history at the time, but what little there was still intrigued her. However, she could never understand the fine arts. When she tried to play an instrument, it would shatter. When she painted, the paint smeared and the canvas tore. When she sculpted, she would often mis-hit the chisel and the stone would crumple into pebbles at her feet. However, she always managed to scrape by in the classes by mumbling something about how artistic her mistakes were.
Sharrasi, apart from her almost-perfect report card, was a fairly normal student until one day in late fall, when she was around twelve. It was on that day her life changed forever.
You hear a noise from somewhere, off in the direction Vix had gone. You quickly memorize your page number and set the book down where it had been. But after a few minutes of waiting, you realize that Vix must still be getting your refreshments. You gingerly pick up the book again and flip to the page at which you left off.
It started out as any normal day. The sun shone brightly over the school as Sharrasi went through her knife fighting routine. Later she would switch to the sword, and perhaps this afternoon would have a go at the archery range. She let her mind wander as her body smoothly executed the easier moves. Her concentration grew as the difficulty did, until she was performing complicated moves that required different acrobatics to pull off. She imagined she was fighting a dangerous enemy, dodging his double-edged sword while twisting into a position that would give her a direct angle at his heart. She stabbed. Feeling the rush of victory, she stood tall and hoisted her knives high. The next thing she knew, she was on the floor, writhing in pain.
Later, she awoke. How much later? She had no idea. Guessing from the angle of the sun, she approximated that classes had started a while ago. She jumped to her feet, ready to bolt of to class. But something wasn't right. She seemed a bit... shorter than usual. She looked down at her feet.
All four of them.
Sharrasi somehow knew what had happened: she had become a cat. A large cat. How, she had no idea. The best plan of action was to appear to the Elders who taught the classes; they knew the most of anyone in the village and had the most experience with odd happenings.
When she walked in the door to her favorite Elder's study, he was reading a book that was most likely heavier than he was. The wiry old man, named Ashra, taught the magic class. He was a bit eccentric, but Sharrasi had always enjoyed his lectures. In her current condition, it made sense that she should come to the Elder of Magic.
Elder Ashra looked up from his text. "My, my, there seems to be a giant, blue-colored cat with purple wings in my study." He spoke with a tone so mild he might have been commenting on the weather.
-I have WINGS?- she thought. -Now that's just strange.- She walked up to the Elder's desk and put her paws in his lap, her eyes begging him to help.
Ashra gave her a long, hard look. "There's only one person I know who has those color eyes; they're such a brilliant green. Hello, Sharrasi." He smiled. "It would appear that you have become a shape-shifter. Curious..." he pondered. "We haven't had a shape-shifter come through this academy for a hundred solstices. Is this your first time as a cat?"
Sharrasi nodded, and the Elder continued. "I bet you'd like to know how to shift back." Sharrasi nodded again. "Well," Ashra continued, "it's really very simple. Just imagine yourself in your human form."
In a few more moments, Sharrasi was in her human form again. She collapsed, exhausted. "Wow. So am I back to normal?"
The Elder was eying her a little strangely. "Somewhat. Look at your skin.
Gingerly, she brought her hand in front of her eyes. It was a pale blue. "Oh no," she murmured. "Is the rest of my skin like this?"
Elder Ashra sighed. "I'm afraid so. And the wings stayed, too. At least now that your initial transformation is done, switching between your forms should no longer be painful."
Sharrasi was still confused. "So... I'll be like this for my entire life?"
The Elder looked at her. "Well, yes! And you should be ecstatic!" he burst out, leaping to his feet. "You have a power no one here has possessed for many, many solstices. You need to wear it proudly! The other students may... ah... wonder about your transformation, but just remember that you, Sharrasi, have that special power. Now, we need to give you a name."
Sharrasi was confused. "But I already have a name...?"
Ashra was looking genuinely excited now. "You need a name for your animal shape; all the great shape-shifters of the past had one." He began ticking off names. "Xaisia, Sharome, Izahx, Mhiaj, Rhianja... What name would you like?"
Sharrasi rubbed her temples. Entirely too much had happened today. "I don't know. List some names, I'll choose from those."
Ashra spluttered. "But this is your chance to pick your name, your destined name!"
Sharrasi sighed. "If it's my destined name, it'll come about how it comes about. Please name some good names?"
Ashra gave in. "All right. Well... let's see. Yorana, Rosha, Fluviax, Aranji, Maevi, Oeran, Jessvix, Nhiani, Shorzi, Tailn, Mashin --"
Sharrasi held up her hand. "Stop. I really liked that one... it had a nice ring to it. Began with a J.... You talk to fast, I couldn't catch it," she teased.
Ashra laughed. "I thought you might like it. Jessvix suits you very well."
Sharrasi beamed. "I love it. But I think I'll still be Sharrasi. I don't want to lose my real name quite yet."
You hear footsteps, or, more accurately, pawsteps approaching. Hastily you close the book and set it on the table. Vix enters the room with a tray of tea and cookies expertly balanced on her head. Sorry for taking so long, she apologizes. She nudges the tray onto the table with her nose, then transforms into her winged humanesque form once more.
No, it's okay, you respond. You let out the mental breath you had been holding. I was just wondering how long it took you to collect all these books.
Oh, many, many years, Vix says. I do like reading them, but I often have other things to do... She heaves a sigh.
Your brain is reeling while you make small talk. With Jessvix! Everyone has heard of her; the legend who had halted the Battle of Rexin in its tracks and who had fought so valiantly in the War of the East. She popped up in history several times, usually in the presence of successful societies and civilizations. There had even been rumors of involvement with the Incas until their downfall.
Little children were sent to bed with visions of Jessvix in their minds, fighting off evil and darkness. Suddenly, the information comes quickly; the rest of her story: she had been cursed with eternal life by an evil shaman. She spent it defending those who could not be defended, aiding those in need. She did it fighting with skills learned early and practiced every day. Despite the introduction of firearms, she continued to use her knives and sword, sometimes fighting without a weapon. She had helped bring down the Roman and Egyptian empires when they became corrupt.
Jessvix Sharrasi. The legend. Sitting right in front of you, sharing a pot of tea.
Muabi! Where have you been? Vix says to the little creature. Come meet our guest. She gently picks the creature up. This is Muabi. I found her on one of my more distant travels. We just sort of... attached and have been inseparable since. Vix scratches Muabi behind the ears. She's an amazing little creature. She can sense intentions, good or bad, and has saved me many times from treachery.
Muabi looks up at Vix, adoration in her eyes as Vix begins to pet her from crown to tail.
I found her in the most unusual circumstances. I was on one of my travels and had gotten terribly lost in a jungle, which is not a very safe place to be at night. Naturally, I was trying to find my way back before the sun was lost beyond the horizon.
The sun was just sitting on top of the treeline when I heard a scuffling in the bushes, which is not my favorite sound in the world, especially at dusk in the rainforest. I can still see in the dark, but not as well as in day, so my senses were deadened as I looked at the bush. Then, a very strange apparition came towards me; it was Ashra, my favorite teacher! But no, it couldn't be... he had died years ago. But I hadn't been there. Maybe he had survived...
I tentatively approached the figure. "Ashra?" I asked tentatively.
Hello, there, Jessvix. It seems you've been busy while I've been gone."
I just stood there in shock. "But... how? You died! You're dead!" It was like seeing a ghost; a ghost I had longed to see again.
Ashra just smiled at my questions. "Come with me," he said, turning back into the brush. But as I took my first step to follow him, a small disturbance entered the clearing.
To call it a disturbance was a bit of an understatement. There was a shrill cry, not only heard by my ears, but inside my brain, too. A small red-and-gold streak came out of the nearest tree and threw itself at Ashra. Slowly, his struggling image faded into darkness, leaving the critter and I in the clearing alone -- or so we thought.
Slowly, a pair of red-slitted eyes appeared amongst the trees, fixed on me while a low growl emanated from an unidentifiable source. I decided I didn't want to hang around any longer, scooped up the little red-marked creature, spread my wings, and lifted into the air.
Of course, this was harder than it sounds. Vines wound around ancient tree branches, obstructing the room I had to move my wings and maneuver. Eventually, I utilized the method of jumping off branches, taking flight briefly, then jumping off a branch again. Eventually, the red eyes fell behind and I burst through the top layer of foliage.
I still don't know what that was. Who truly knows what lurks in the depths of the darkest forests? It could be a pure evil; I knew that not many people could penetrate that deeply into the forest, and it unnerved me. I looked at the small creature in my arms. It had poked her nose into the air, jabbing towards the northwest. What the heck, I thought. I followed its nose, and eventually found my makeshift home at the edge of the forest.
I landed gently and placed the creature on the ground, expecting it to skitter away back under the tree cover. Instead, it sat down and looked at me, the luminous yellow jewel shining in the starlight. I turned around to open the door of the hut and went inside, but not before the animal. It dashed in, and before I knew it had curled up on my bed.
So I named her Muabi, which means "Thankful" in my own tongue. I'm thankful every day that she saved me that time, and has saved me many more times since.
You sit there, shocked. What could I possibly do to help you? I'm just a simpleton that almost fell into your home!
Vix sighed. I see you've realized my true identity. Shame, conversation has a tendency to become much less interesting when my guests feel like they cannot measure up to my past. I can always use help. How else do you think I gained that past? It's really hard to do anything on your own, you know. Besides, a lot of those stories are exaggerated and --
All right, I'll help, you say, if only to stop her rant. What do you need help with?
Well, it's a simple matter, really, Vix says. I just need to find out what I should use for my photo sitting.
Do you mean a photo or a portrait sitting? you ask.
Photographical, Vix said. I'm taking a photo of me with Muabi, and I can't exactly pose for myself. And seeing as there's not much to do right now, I need something to keep me preoccupied. I do it every ten years because I like to give an accurate reflection of myself so that I, and others, can look back on my past visually.
So... what are we looking at? you ask.
I think we'll start with the backdrop, she says. Come with me to my studio. She stops petting Muabi, who gracefully leaps off her lap.
You follow her down several hallways with doors leading off to what you assume are more majestic rooms. Finally, Vix stops and faces a smaller door made from pure silver. There is no visible doorknob, and you wonder how you will enter. I like to keep my work private, she said after reading the confused look on your face. Take my hand.
You tentatively reach out to take Vix's -- Jessvix Sharrasi's! -- hand. She steps through the door as if it's simply an illusion, taking you with her. I'm the only one who can do that, she says to you when you stand safely inside her studio, shaken but otherwise okay. You glance around. This room is slightly smaller than the library and the foyer, but much more crowded. Each square foot is packed with various photograph equipment; a collection of cameras, including some of the earliest versions, tripods, digital cards, even a small, glowing laptop stashed among a pile of films. Vix leads a corner where at least six different backdrops are hanging. You peruse them for a while, noticing the delicate artistry.
There is one of a castle dungeon, one of a field dotted with flowers, one of whispy clouds high in the atmosphere, even one of a gigantic birthday cake towering past the top of the canvas. Finally, you point at the field. This one's my favorite, partially because it's very pretty, and partially because it's where I found you.
I like your thinking, Vix said. Now come over here. She leads you to what seems to be a random collection of items. I'd like to have something besides a background.
You rummage through the pile of items until a scroll on a stand catches your eye. How about this? you ask. It shows that you look accomplished, which you are. And you might need a little light cast on you too, to help you seem sort of... enlightened. You spot a miniature lamp that looks like a sun. That's perfect! Just hang it above the frame of the picture so that the light shines on you softly!
Wow, Vix said. I'm really glad I asked you for help! That sounds perfect! She sounds very excited. Take the picture for me?
Er... o-of course, you stutter as she hands you an old-fashioned camera and goes to pose in front of the background. Muabi curls herself at Vix's feet, and you take an adorable picture.
You watch her go through a hidden doorway, and a few minutes later she emerges once again in the form of a cat. Would you like to see my gallery? she asked. Pieces done by me and others, it's quite lovely.
Er.... Sure, you say. You've always liked art, and every minute you spend with Jessvix is one you're going to treasure. Why not?
Follow me, Vix said. She leads you outside of her studio and into the room across from it. In fact, it's more like a long hallway than a room, with pictures and paintings lining the walls. You begin to browse the collection...
Drag and drop for a better view.
Art by Cady
Art by Others
Each image is linked to the lookup or art page of the artist; right-click and select "view image" to see the images in their full glory :3
Want to do some fanart? Reference picture is under each respective design in the navigation.
Random Screenies
Fanmailz
Fonts
She blushes a little. Back when I was active in society, I would have fans come up to me dressed like I was. These are just a few documentations of those encounters.
Oh, you say simply, and begin browsing the pictures.
RULES FOR ADOPTABLES:
-No stealing.
-Leave credit!
-Custom adoptables = OPEN! Neomail penguinluver222 if you'd like one ;-)
Regular Adoptables || Custom Adoptables
Blue
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Red
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Yellow
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Green
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Orange
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Pink
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White
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Striped
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Shadow
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Skunk
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Custom Adoptables
Do NOT take these unless the belong to you!
Listed from newest to oldest.
Sherrath
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Tonnakhe
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You finish browsing the gallery and glance at Vix, who is still admiring a picture of Muabi. You realize that the little petpet has vanished off to another place in the vast underground palace.
Vix slowly detaches herself from the picture and turns toward you. She begins to say something but is suddenly cut off by Muabi racing into the room. The little thing looked frightened, and instantly Vix knelt down and touched her forefingers to the amber jewel on Muabi's head. As you watch her, her muscles tighten and she seems to ripple with energy. After a moment, Vix stands up. So sorry, but I have some business to take care of with Muabi. If you go out this door, you'll find yourself in the library again; you should be able to find your way back to the surface from there. You're welcome to stay and browse the archives, but as soon as you leave, my home will move. Don't come looking for it again; it won't be here. Thanks for coming in and giving me the opportunity to talk with you, though. But now duty calls, and I'm off. Farewell. She directs a short bow to you and takes off towards the other end of the gallery.
-Well,- you think, -I might as well try the library.- So you walk out of the gallery and find yourself again among the numerous shelves. You browse for a while until you come across a small shelf of books about Jessvix. One of them is labeled "The Tales of Jessvix". You remove it from the shelf and discover that it's a tome filled with the different adventures of Jessvix. You open it to the Table of Contents...
Name of Legend
An Eternity Begins
Marks of Evil
The Vow
I believe so, Headmaster, a wispy old woman said. The most promising have been chosen and will join the Sara'ji in one week. But according to the leaders, there is still some dispute as to who will join Sara'jin Lhiam.
The room was suddenly filled with muttering and whispers. Yes, Sara'jin Lhiam is taking one of the Five this year. the wispy woman said. He has decided to settle down here instead of adventuring afar, and he wishes to pass his vast knowledge to the youngsters. She waited for the mutters to die down. He has also suggested a trial for the Five; because he has been absent for so long, he does not have much knowledge of their abilities.
A younger man, his hair still slightly ginger, stood up defiantly. But there has never been a trial for the Five! It's an outrage! They shouldn't be required to prove themselves more than they already have!
The fact still remains, said the wispy woman, that Sara'jin Lhiam has been gone for quite some time and will need to choose his apprentice wisely. Her voice rose. Do you dare suggest that he choose blindly, and possibly by persuaded by appearance alone, or by tales of magical prowess? He needs to see these things for himself in order to choose the strongest of the Five!
There was a silence, broken only by the scratching of the scribe. Finally, the wizened, immobile man declared, The Council of Elders will now vote. All those opposed to a trial of the Five, please stand. There was a slight shifting of chairs, mainly by the still-ginger-haired man and those sitting near him. All those in favor of a trial, please stand. Eight bodies rose above the table. The motion is passed by eight in favor, none opposed, and three present. His eyes sought out the wispy woman. Utara, place the notifications in the corridors tonight so that the youngsters will see them in the morning. The woman nodded. This meeting is now adjourned. Sleep well.
The Five, of course!
Sharrasi bolted right out of bed, toppling over her best friend, Miah. Oh, sorry! she said hastily, picking Miah up off the floor.
Miah laughed. No, it's fine. Let's go check who the Five are! I bet you're one. They walked out of the dormitory together
Whatever, Sharrasi said. You're a much more likely candidate. You've been second in all of your classes except music, where you're first!
Only because you've beaten me in all of them! Miah joked.
Yeah, yeah, Sharrasi said as they descended the stairs to the main living area, joining their classmates that were clustering around the message board to look at one particular sheet of paper. They fought their way through the throng, dodging a few elbows and fists, Miah closely missing a dagger scratch from a particularly fervent youngster. Finally reaching the board, they squinted at the poster.
The Sara'jim Academy proudly presents the Five of this year's graduating class. The Five are the top five students chosen by the Council of Elders who will join the Sara'ji as apprentices in order to gain experience and wisdom that will serve them well in their years of service to come.
Well, that's all formal stuff, Miah used to say. What it's really about is the adventure; I mean, you get to actually put your skills to use! Sharrasi continued reading.
The Five are:
Tamnen
Miah
Ki'han
Rhiani
Sharrasi
Meet in Elder Ashra's office at sunset in three days.
Sharrasi squealed. Miah, we both made it! Won't this be exciting?
I know! Miah squealed back. C'mon, let's go spar; we need to be in top shape if we're to be Sara'ji apprentices! She put her arm around Sharrasi's shoulders, careful to avoid her delicate wings, and the pair strode off to the practice arena.
The "others" walked in the door just as the Five were beginning to take their seats. Instantly, the students jumped to their feet as the new arrivals strode in.
Welcome, Ashra said again. I think some introductions are in order. These are five Shara'jin from the current Shara'ji force who have volunteered to be your mentors. Sara'jin Mahei -- a small, wiry woman with wild black hair bowed -- Sara'jin Kenara -- the other woman, a tall blonde, inclined her head -- Sara'jin Hassan -- a thin, dark-skinned man winked -- Sara'jin Yumio -- a more hefty man with bright blue hair placed his hand on his heart -- and Sara'jin Lhiam.
A gasp emitted from the students. Sara'jin Lhiam had been away adventuring, and tales had reached his homeland. Rumor had it that his scarred hands had strangled a rogue unicorn, that his sword had slain a thousand men, that women had swooned and fallen as he walked past to only tell of his wonder when they awoke. His orange eyes studied the Five, inspecting everything and missing nothing. Sharrasi shuddered as his eyes lingered on her pointed ears, blue skin, and wings for a moment longer than necessary.
Sara'ji Lhiam spoke, his deep voice echoing in the tiny chamber. This year is different. Since I've been away, you will all be subjected to a short test so that I may see the abilities of each of you. Tamnen, you stay, and the rest go outside to await your test.
The speech was so quick and to the point that it took everyone in the room a moment to realize what had happened. The Five slowly shuffled out of the room, leaving Tamnen behind.
Out in the hallway, Sharrasi sat next to Miah. I wasn't expecting a test! she whispered. What do you think it'll be?
I have no idea, Miah whispered back. Probably fighting forms and such, asking questions, that sort of thing.
Miah, it's your turn, Ashra said softly as Tamnen came out of the room. Tamnen, don't tell anyone what happened in your test. Tamnen nodded.
Good luck! Sharrasi whispered to Miah as she stepped back into Ashra's office.
Sharrasi was called next. She slowly stood up, controlling her every movement. She decided not to look at Miah; the two were such good friends that they could often communicate with a glance, and Sharrasi wanted to pass or fail this test by her own ability. She turned the doorhandle and walked into the room.
The Sara'jin were standing where they were when Sharrasi had first seen them. They all studied her as she walked to the spot in front of them and bowed deeply. It is an honor, she said.
So it is, Hassan said solemnly. What is your name?
Sharrasi, she said. Brevity was probably best.
You have some unique characteristics, Sharrasi, Hassan said. How did you come across those?
Sharrasi was prepared for this question; after all, people asked her all the time. I'm a shape-shifter. Characteristics of my alternate form passed over to my human form.
Sara'jin Kenara leaned forward. I've heard of you, but they keep you well hidden in this school. The first shape-shifter in many, many seasons - many lives, in fact. May we see your other form?
Sharrasi quickly turned into the winged cat and back again; her spectators intrigued. I'm also called Jessvix, especially in that form, she mumbled; her head was beginning to hurt.
Well, Jessvix Sharrasi, thank you. You may return and send -- Hassan checked the list -- Rhiani in after you.
-That was it?-, Sharrasi thought. Somehow, she sensed that more had happened in that room than she was aware of.
Thank you for your patience, Mahei said. Now, I would like each of you to close your eyes. When you open them, you will be standing in front of your new mentor.
Sharrasi closed her eyes obediently. She must not peek; she knew somehow that if she did, it was possible she would not have a mentor at all. It was another test, and she was determined to pass.
Open your eyes, the soft voice of Ashra said.
Sharrasi had to close her eyes, then open them again. And then again. There was no way that Sara'jin Lhiam was standing in front of her.
No way.
But he was. Come, he said. Let us go to somewhere we may talk.
You... have? Sharrasi was stumped. But... I thought I was the only one.
You are, Lhiam said, as far as anyone within the country knows. But I have traveled farther, and discovered one or two hiding away here and there. They're rare, and often persecuted because of their unusual forms. I know more about your kind than anyone here, and can help you reach your full potential in both forms. I even believe you will become much greater than I am, for I will soon become a fading memory. But you can be an immortal legend because of your strength, because of your uniqueness, because of who you can become. And I want to help you get there.
Sharrasi was stunned. You really think so?
I know so, Lhiam said. But you need to come into touch with your cat form. I know you've been avoiding it; you're scared of it, scared that you might never be able to switch back. But Jessvix is a part of who you are, Sharrasi. You need to accept that. In fact, you should adopt the name "Jessvix" as your first and foremost name. You need to show shapeshifters everywhere that you can be more than the freak hiding in the streets. You, Jessvix, can be a hero.
Me? A hero? Jessvix gasped. But I don't have any ambition other than to be part of the Sara'ji. I'm fine here, I don't aspire to fame.
Stories about you are going to spread, Sharrasi, because you're a shapeshifter and already so accomplished. You made the Five! No matter what, people are going to hear about you, especially as you grow older and more experienced. You'll be famous, mark my words. But, if you want to be able to call yourself Sharrasi without giving yourself away, tell everyone but your close friends that you are Jessvix. The stories of Jessvix will spread far and wide, but Sharrasi will be able to stay at home, untroubled by the worries of fame.
Lhiam's words made sense. Sharrasi didn't want fame, she wanted to stay in her home and protect it from the dangerous outside world. And if the world knew that Jessvix would be waiting for them there, they would think twice about disrupting the peaceful life of the village.
All right. I swear to you, Sara'jin Lhiam, that I will make the name Jessvix famous as long as my human name remains my own.
Lhiam smiled. Then let's go for our first crimefighting run.
It was on a bet, Miah giggled. I mean, why else would Sara'jin Yumio dress up as a woman?
I'm still trying to imagine it, Sharrasi said.
Well, I'm trying my best not to, Miah replied.
Two years had passed since the Five had been chosen, but Sharrasi and Miah were still the closest of friends. Although Yumio and Lhiam worked them hard, they still found time to relax with each other, like they were doing now.
Sharrasi took a bite out of her starfruit and looked into the sparkling fountain. The two had decided to meet here for lunch as they had many times before in order to catch up and just have a few laughs. Laughs were hard to come by recently; some strange things were happening to the town. Livestock went missing, as well as various trinkets. Nothing too valuable, but enough to put the townspeople on edge -- until the unthinkable happened. Children started disappearing. They just vanished, no one knew how or why.
Sharrasi! The two girls turned to see Lhiam heading towards them. He moved with a graceful yet powerful stride, quickly making his way across the square. Sharrasi, we must go now. I think I might have a lead on the disappearing children, and the sooner we can solve this, the better.
Sharrasi bowed to him, then said, Then we must depart. I do apologize, Miah, but there is nothing above duty.
I understand, Sharrasi. Now go, silly!
Sharrasi and Lhiam took off across the square. Now, Jessvix, I was wandering around town earlier when I saw one of the little children disappear.
You actually saw one disappear? Sharrasi asked.
I did, he responded. I tried my best to stop it, but the magic was just so quick. However, I was quick enough to be able to trace it to a specific house.
So, we just go to the house and order whoever's taking the children to stop?
Lhiam smiled grimly. I doubt it'll be that easy, Jessvix.
Well, I was being optimistic, she joked. After you, Sara'jin.
The two turned into the street where the house was located; it was one of the working-class streets. Not overly fancy, but not run-down or dirty. Lhiam strode towards a brown mudbrick house, Jessvix on his tail. Now, I don't know what we'll find inside, but make sure you're prepared for anything; it's probably very dangerous. The magic I traced was very strong. Jessvix nodded, her eyes locked on the door. Lhiam raised his arm and knocked once, twice, three times.
Slowly, the door opened, swinging on its hinges to reveal an elderly woman, a shawl over her head and a sparkling dress covering her thin frame. Her bright blue eyes shone with youth, contrasting her brown, wrinkled face. Hello, she said with a warm smile. Why don't you come in? I haven't had visitors in such a long time. I'm Reiina. And you are...?
Jessvix fidgeted, but Lhiam replied smoothly, We're travelers, simply trying to make our way in the world. It's very kind of you to invite us inside.
But of course! Reinna replied. It's always nice to have company. Do come inside, and I shall serve you some tea. She bustled off to the kitchen as the two guests arranged themselves on the plush furniture.
Do you hear that? Lhiam whispered to Jessvix. There's some banging on the floors underneath us; it must be where the children are. It's insulated, so the sound is faint, but they're there.
Do you think that Reiina is the guilty one? Jessvix asked him. She didn't see how much harm Reiina could be; after all, she was a small, frail old woman.
I'm not sure, Lhiam said, but best that we're on our guard. Jessvix nodded as Reiina came back into the room. The old woman was eying Jessvix closely, and it couldn't have been due to her strange appearance; Lhiam had disguised them with magic as battered travelers.
Dearie, why don't you come with me? Reiina said, motioning to Jessvix. There are some lovely toys for you to play with downstairs. Wait here for a moment, sir, while I put her down in the nursery and get her adjusted so that we may exchange stories of past travels. Lhiam inclined his head towards her, giving Reiina permission to cart Jessvix away.
Jessvix opened her mouth to respond, then immediately closed it. Lhiam must have disguised her as a small child that might be kidnapped. All doubt that Reiina was innocent fled Jessvix's mind as the old woman led her through the hallways and down a long flight of stairs.
Oh, how nice it must be to be young! Reiina said. To be in a body free of pains and troubles, to have the energy to do whatever you wish... This old body is trapped forever by the sands of time, although I keep my hopes up. You are the last, the last I need. She was speaking gibberish as she reached the bottom of the stairs and opened a door to the left. Oh, children! It's playtime! Suddenly, about ten children burst out of the door, headed towards a door at the other end of the hallway.
Now, child, she said to Jessvix, Let us go have some fun. She smiled warmly as she led Jessvix into the room where the children had disappeared to.
Children, it is storytime, she said to them. Sit down and get comfortable.
Now, once upon a time, there was a girl who grew up. She grew up and got married and had some little children of her own. But she had always had the curiosity of a child, and could never hope to quench her thirst for knowledge, for gossip. So one day, she went to an evil woman's house. This evil woman was a witch, who only lived for killing and making people miserable. The girl had been looking for something new to talk about with her friends; she knocked on the door of the witch's house, and when she got no response, she slowly creaked open the door and stepped inside. Unfortunately, the witch was practicing an evil spell and did not like being interrupted, especially by the village's naive girl who knew nothing better than gossip. She gave the girl a terrible curse: to live forever in an old woman's body, plagued by aches and pains and terrible thoughts.
Jessvix noticed that Reiina was pacing a circle around the children, lighting candles as she went. The other children -- twelve of them -- were entranced by her voice, their eyes glazing over.
She still lives to this very day, an old lady, bound by her body, never to experience the freedom of youth or death. But there is one way that her curse can be broken. Thirteen children, sacrificed, will make youth pour into her, leaving her a young lady once again, free to entrance the men and dance her way through the rest of her eternal life. Free.
She finished circling for the third time, stopping directly in front of Jessvix. Something is not right here... You. She pointed at Jessvix, her eyes narrowing. You give me lies? How dare you taunt me! Your companion must be an impostor as well; and you presumed to trick me, to stop my dream? Very well. You will also know of the pain of an elderly eternal life! Reiina lifted up her arms, and the candle's flames rose with them. The children, their eyes still glazed over, turned to look at Jessvix. Reiina began muttering in an ancient language, and Jessvix found herself unable to move, unable to escape. The flames rose higher, higher, until they nearly reached the ceiling of the small room, the oranges and reds reflected in the children's glassy orbs that never ceased their stares. Reiina reached her hands towards Jessvix, who began to lift into the air. Three feet above the ground, Reinna shot a violet-colored spout of flame towards her. Jessvix, unable to move to block the magic, screamed in agony as it pierced her skin, the flames licking her lovingly, longing to burn her up.
After what seemed like an eternity, the purple flames flickered and died. Reiina took a deep breath, electricity crackling through her hair as she readied her power for the next blow. The flame, golden this time, began to shoot through her fingers...
Then a figure appeared behind her, a figure Jessvix could not quite make out. Reiina, whose attention was on her victim, was caught by surprise as the figure attacked her from behind. Her loss of concentration dropped Jessvix from the air into a group of very confused and frightened children. She tried to calm them, whispering quick words of assurance as she told them to run out the door and home to their mothers.
As soon as the children were safely out of the room, she stepped to join the fight just in time to see Lhiam fall. Reiina raised her hands...
Jessvix dealt a crushing kick between Reiina's shoulder blades. Quickly, she changed into her cat form and took Reiina's neck in her mouth. She knew that she must not kill; it was not the way of the Sara'ji. She bit down firmly, waiting for Lhiam to get up and finish the job by blocking her magic and taking her into custody. But he did not rise.
Reiina began to cackle, the sound bouncing of the walls. He took the worse half. I still had the spell residue inside of me, so I was able to perform half of the spell on him, half on you. I'm sure he's aged quite a bit now! But at least he can be free when he dies. You will never have that peace. This is my curse to those who dare play with my magic. You will never have peace. Suddenly, Jessvix's jaws were clamped on nothing but air; Reiina had vanished.
Lhiam still lay on the floor a few strides away; Jessvix covered the distance in a single bound, then changed back to her human form. Lhiam?
Slowly, she turned him over. Reiina was right: he had aged. Fine lines spidered their way across his forehead and cheeks, and his hair had become thin and white. His eyes, filled with cataracts, opened slowly. What... happened? he asked slowly.
Jessvix wiped some tears from her eyes. We have to get you to the healer. Now. Do you trust me?
With my life, Sharrasi. With my life. His eyes closed again.
Jessvix gently picked up his newly emaciated frame and climbed up the stairs, walking through the living room where Lhiam had been young moments ago. Once out the door, she took flight, speeding over rooftops towards the healer. Tears flowed freely from her eyes, dropping onto the cobblestones below. There was no escaping the truth now. Lhiam would never again lead her into a mission, never again fight for the freedom and safety of his village. He could only sit and watch as others did the job he could no longer do, the job he should have been doing for many more years.
Jessvix knew that she would now be on her own, forever. The witch had cursed her with eternal life. She would never be able to join her friends and family in death, but would only continue on, always enduring, always fighting.
Jessvix finally spotted the healer's home and sped down to it. As she alighted ever so gently, she tucked her wings behind her back. Still cradling Lhiam against her body, she knocked on the door.
It opened slowly, far too slowly, to reveal a woman slightly older than Jessvix. Her hair was up in a neat bun, and she was dressed in a simple frock. Sharrasi, my dear! What did you do to yourself this time?
Jessvix took a deep breath, barely able to see through her tears. This time... it's not... me... Not me, Alena. She motioned towards the body in her hands, only able to choke out his name. Lhiam.
Alena jumped back. That's Lhiam? But... no, he can't be!
Jessvix could only nod through her tears.
Alena stood there in surprise, her mouth slightly open, for a moment longer. After a few seconds, her expression changed from shock to determination. Come in then. And make sure you shut the door behind you. She turned her back to them, bustling around the house, grabbing jars of herbs, blankets, and other various supplies. Come put him here, Alena said, motioning to a small cot. Jessvix obliged, laying Lhiam down on it as gently as she could. Don't worry, Lhiam. You'll be fine, she whispered in his ear, wondering whom exactly she was trying to convince.
Alena came back with a mortar and pestle, grinding something bright green into mush. Sharrasi, you don't look very well at all. Why don't you go lie down in the other room?
Jessvix shook her head vehemently. I'm not leaving him. Not until he's better.
But somehow, Alena "convinced" her to go and rest. Jessvix protested as much as she could as Alena pushed her out the door, insisting that she didn't need sleep -- but as soon as she saw the bed in the room, she could barely keep her eyes open long enough to cross the room and collapse on it. She was asleep instantaneously, and her mind and body began their journey towards recovery.
You glance at your watch, suddenly remembering the time; your family will be expecting you home for dinner soon with a beautiful arrangement for the vase on the table. You're sure that they'll understand when you've told them about who you met!
You quickly find the exit of the library, sprint through the great domed room and up the dark stairs. Lifting the hidden trapdoor, you once again emerge into the grassy meadow filled with sunshine and flowers. As you close the door behind you, you begin to hastily pick some of the daisies growing near it as you head back to your home.
When you get there, your family looks at the flimsy bouquet and asks where you've been. Strangely, you have no idea. You can only recall picking flowers in the field and have no idea why time might have elapsed so quickly that your dinner has cooled to the point of being inedible.
You mumble something about losing track of time, which is what happened, right?
I, Cady, would like to thank you again for visiting Jessvix's petpage and congratulate you upon reading my extensive writing, and I hope you enjoyed it! Feel free to shoot me a neomail if you would; Jessvix loves her fans and may even take a picture with you. If you'd like to keep reading about cool characters and stuff, feel free to check out some of these other petpages!
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