The Acadēm's Tale

I was sitting down at my desk, completely focused in my research. I had to find the cure, I just had to; else my ethereal soul would become corrupt and vanish from this world. However, I came to the realization that the records and scrolls that I required were not to be found in Tetzunia's library. So I gathered most of my belongings and left through the side passage, you know the one, behind the statue of Yven Brasijirn, the Archmage of Kita.

When I was not yet 3 weeks gone, I came upon the left-hand of the Lord Dark, Tara Panthaeri, in the western end of the Kage no Mori. She greeted me with her long blade pointed at my chest. "The Lord Dark has need of the other half of thy soul", she said in a voice filled with bloodlust.

"Other…..half?" I replied stupidly. She gave a harsh laugh, "Of course, the other half. He has been stealing away part of your soul with every use of that spell you like to use. What was it called again? Oh yes, Kurayami no Shinzō, the Heart of Darkness."

Antien stared in shock. How could she have known about that spell, I haven't used it in months?

I glared at her as I spoke. "Now what use could he have for my soul?"

Tara laughed again, louder and longer. "What other use would he have for it, other than to take your power, your blood's power, and the chance that he might become immortal." Apparently she didn't realize that I didn't have any blood.

I muttered angrily, using the most extravagant words I could think of. I lunged angrily at the woman, but she vanished before I felt the warmth of her blood upon my fist. For the next three months I kept a close watch for Tara's return, expecting her to silently appear in ev'ry dark corner. Time passed, and the threat of the Panthaeri faded from my memory. I focused my academic skills upon finding a way to retrieve my lost soul. This was the time that I forsook the use of my powers, for fear that I'd be found again. For four years I resided in a small unnamed town, continuing to research and experiment. Then, a week ago I received a summons from the Lord Dark. I have come here to retrieve my sword and cloak.

Thus I end my tale.