Coming to, Casee looks around her to find herself in a room which looked more like a conservatory. She stands, a bit shaky, and looks around a bit more trying to figure out what was going on. She sees Fazil standing at a window looking out, Yuki is sitting up against a wall in the far right corner of the room looking a bit dazed and confused, while Bara is sitting a the edge of a large hole in the middle of the floor. The whole room is a dismal gray with contraptions all over the place, on shelves, on the floors in various piles, on table tops, and anywhere else they could be stashed. The room had a high ceiling that seemed to come to peak like a cone shape the swirled upward like ice cream, but it wasn’t as nice and delicious looking and inviting like ice cream was. Fazil turns around to face Casee who had some questions but could put them in the correct order.

Fazil with his head cocked to one side:
What’s the matter Case?

Casee:
Well I want to know what’s going on.

Fazil speaking in almost a different voice apart from his own:
Well it seems we’ve entered into the castle’s topmost tower. This high window looks over the courtyard, the Haven Gardens to the far west, the Wares Moss House, to the East, as well as outside of the Holy Gates.

Casee making a face:
How do you know all of this? And why are you talking in that way? What’s going on?

Yuki finally looking up at Casee:
I’m not sure, but I believe someone has found us.

Casee with her hands on her hips:
What do you mean—“found us”?

Yuki:
I mean I wouldn’t go any closer to Fazil if I were you. Bara is teetering on the edge there because he didn’t heed the warning given to him. I’m sitting here so as not to get involved. (Whispering) I’m scared of him!

Casee:
Okay who are you and where’s Fazil?

Fazil still in the funny voice:
Why Casee it is I Fazil. Where else would I be?

Casee:
No. unh-uhn. You are not Fazil. What is this place and why were we knocked out?

Fazil:
We’ve received most our powers from our perspective holy relics of course. We belong here.

Casee:
Wait. I don’t like the way that sounds. What do you mean we belong here?

Fazil:
I mean this is our home now so get used to it. We can no longer leave as humans. If by chance we wanted to get out of Clover we’d have to become our animal symbols of our clan.

Casee feeling dizzy:
Are you telling me that we’re stuck here as in “forever”?

Yuki:
Exactly! Believe me while you were out, sorry but I couldn’t go near you, he told me all of this. Bara’s over there trying to keep from falling through that hole, so more than likely he doesn’t know anything about this.

Casee:
What about the stone. Don’t we still need to find it?

Fazil:
Yes of course you do. If you concentrate your whole being you can sense it in the yard below. Once you are able to do that then you may envision yourself there and instantly you will be. It’s that simple.

Casee:
But we just got our “powers”. We don’t know how to fully use them, and how do I know it’s not a trick?

Fazil with a sly smile unlike his own:
How do you know it is?

Yuki mouthing to Casee:
I wouldn’t do it if I were you.

Fazil turns his head slowly towards Yuki in a wicked motion. Yuki looks away quickly to the floor. Bara suddenly cries out throwing his hands in the air. He can’t move a muscle but he desperately wants to. He feels himself being drawn through the hole by some unseen force that seems to be pushing him downward.

Casee growing angry:
Whoever you are you better leave him alone! Now I’m going to ask you one more time: who are you?

Fazil with a snicker:
Ha! Wouldn’t you like to know?

Casee:
Uhm yes, I would like to know. Now tell me.

Before Fazil can combat her a gust of wind shoots up through the hole in the floor causing Bara to be knocked backwards. The wind begins moving towards Fazil who is walking backwards towards the window with his hands up as if to surrender.

Fazil screaming out:
NO! NO! I WILL NOT GO BACK!! HE RELEASED ME!! I HAVE BEEN FREED!!!!!

The gusts of wind swirl around Fazil still, now seeming to form into solid figures, or rather visible forms that Yuki, Bara, and Casee can see. It seems to be two males and one female ghosts circling around Fazil. The girl holds Fazil’s head back then pulls out an orange ball with long strings attached at both ends. One of the male looks into Fazil’s eyes and blows into them causing black soot like substance to exit. The black dust floats off into the air and disappears. The second man holds tight to Fazil’s hands causing them to change from Fazil’s skin color to a hot red then back again. This is all done so quickly that Casee had to keep watching just to keep from missing anything. She was stunned and amazed at what was happening and could speak. Yuki just looked on with wide eyes and horror. Bara was standing now and watching with no expression on his face. After the two men and the woman are done getting rid of whatever was inside Fazil, they pull him back away from the window and guide him towards the middle of the floor. Fazil stares with confusion in his eyes trying to figure out what was going on.

Fazil looking at Yuki, Casee, and Bara:
Okay what just happened? I remember being in the courtyard then something floated down towards my mouth while my hands were stuck in the holes of the fountain. Are those fountain’s evil?

Fazil doesn’t seem to notice the ghost until one of the men ghost speaks up to answer his questions

Male:
You were invaded by a bad spirit a very dark spirit banished from this place long ago.

Fazil doing a double take:
Uh who are you?

Male:
My name is Jhansi and this is Bastian, and Bakta. We’re the ghostly guardians of the Holy Castle. We protect it from evil, but the bad spirit whose name is Igor sealed himself inside of you causing him to go undetected. We sensed him when Bakta smelled him in the air. Bad spirits give off very strong odors that alert others. You four haven’t had fully come into your powers so you would be able to do so for awhile. By the way we are pleased to me the reincarnations of the Four Clans.

Casee:
Excuse me we’re the what?

Yuki:
Are you kidding? You’re joking with us right?

Bara finally speaking up:
They’re not joking Yuk. I felt that-that power when we were all forced to stick our hands in the holes of the fountains. Had we not then Fazil would have been taken over fully by Igor. He’s Baarda’s helper sent back to us. Once Baarda sensed our presence through our powers he released Igor back into the natural world. He’s not going to go away easily.

Fazil:
Wait how do you know all of this Bara?

Bara:
Bakta was holding me up as Igor and you threatened to push me down the hole. Bakta stands for second in command she’s a warrior goddess like Sala. Bastian is official of peace he keeps things in order. And Jhansi is the keeper of the castle here. They’ve been gone a long time, but they’re returned to help us and guide us through this.

Casee feeling at ease:
This is so cool. So Igor said something about us being bound to this island. Is that true?

Bakta:
I’m afraid so. The four clans could only leave in their animal form and once in their natural form every three hundred years.

Casee with a crest-fallen face:
So we’re confined to this place for good?

Bakta:
I’m sorry, but that’s the way Arcantha is designed. But, your animal forms is apart of you your natural state remains here while you leave them behind to visit among other islands and villages. You are also free to visit among the holy mountains and the waterfall to communicate with Sidia and Charma as you must consult with them before making any rash decisions in your quest to keep proper watch over Arcantha. We are here to guide you so don’t worry you’ll do fine and you’ll love it here.

Yuki:
Bakta where are Tog and his parents? Can they not enter Clover?

Bakta:
Unfortunately Tog’s parents aren’t of this plane. Shortly after you all entered Clover they disappeared. Tog is allowed to frequent Clover but only at night. He has training to complete; all of your animals of your clan are in training to become your animal forms. Casee, Fazil, and Yuki you guys will meet your in time. Because Bara is special Tog was created to find him. Once found, he was to help guide you four to Clover. He and Bara called on his parents for better guidance as this was a large job for such a small Sapi.

Bara with his wolf ears wagging slightly:
This is all so awesome! It’s like we’ve got a whole new life, new purpose, and a new home no more sleeping underground.

Fazil smiling slightly:
Well that is a good thing. It was tough sleeping down there.

Casee:
What about all of our stuff?

Bastian with a gruff voice:
It has all disappeared as if you never existed down there. Because you are all here where you belong; you no longer have a need for those things.

Yuki:
Do we still have a need for food?

Bastian:
It’s funny you should asks that. You have the ability to eat food but you truly don’t have a need for food. You’ll find that you’re content without eating for days; even months.

Yuki:
That is the coolest thing. Do we get explore our new home?

Bastian:
Feel free young master after all it’s all yours. But you must never touch the Serpent waters at the edge of the courtyard. It is forbidden to you all. If you go near it you will have invited Baarda in and he will be able to easily overtake you. Baarda is very powerful and can get through any unholy waterway. The Serpent Waters is a portal where we must banish spirits away to. Long ago the Four Clans were able to access these waters, but Baarda was able to come through and overtake Igor’s soul. He was a rare Traith just like you Bara.

Bara looking up in shock:
Are you kidding me?! Will I be a target?

Bastian:
You very well could be; you all could be, so I’d be careful to stay away! Now if you want the stone you may do as Igor suggested although it would’ve been a trick so that he could gain assess to it and use it to destroy Sala’s fountain. A broken fountain is a broken seal on the holy waters thus making it assessable to bad spirits. She is the protector of Arcantha.

Casee:
But I thought it was Bados.

Bastian:
They fought alongside each other. They were to represent Sidia and Charma. Bados fell off and had to be banished. Otherwise the fountain would look a bit differently than it does.
Bara laughing:
Oh so there would be two heads instead of one. I get it!

Jhansi speaking in turn again:
Okay now you four must pick your counsel together. You all must agree on a decision at all times. If you do not then the balance of power is shifted greatly affecting you all in your leading abilities.

Yuki holding his head:
Oh my goddess! My head is spinning with all of this technical stuff. When can we see the place?

Jhansi laughing:
Patience, young Yuki everything in its right time and space.

Fazil:
But, we’re so young, why do we need to know all of this stuff at once. Can’t we take this a day at a time?

Bakta putting a solid arm around Fazil:
You know you’re right. You guys may explore the lands and find the stone as well. You’re going to need it to unlock the rest of the spirits here that will help you through this as well. They will be your eyes and ears if you wish to forego the use of animal forms at any time. Once you find the Pomi stone then all the fountains will unlock. Once they unlock the Holy waters will once again flow from them sending you messages to Sidia and Charma as well as the other way around.

Fazil:
Wow Case you were right about the messages reaching them.

Casee:
Huh! So I was.

Bara:
Question: how long before we’re able to use our animal forms?

Bakta:
It will take exactly two full Clover moons to access the power of your animal forms. That would be five months. Don’t worry; you guys will be very well occupied.

Fazil noticing Bakta’s arm around him:
Hey! How are you able to do that? It’s like I can really feel your arm around me. It even looks alive.

Bakta:
The spirits here are special beings. We maintain Clover Island and are able to do things normal spirits wouldn’t be able to do. When we come into contact with live beings, we are then able to come “back to life” as well. It doesn’t last long, but it’s nice.

Casee:
That’s even cooler. Okay guys I’m ready to head out. I want to check this place out. Say what is this tower anyway?

Jhansi:
Oh it’s the watching tower. There is a telescope somewhere here that can see into the islands of Arcantha. It is a Telling Scope. You see the good and the bad that goes on.

Bara:
This place is awesome! Yuki I’ll race you outside.

Yuki:
Bet I beat you…uhm how do we get outside?

Jhansi:
That’s simple if you don’t Yuki you would use your mind. Casee your hands, and Bara you call out the words. These are your calling forms.

Yuki:
Cool. Now I know where my Wikgun is located.

Jhansi:
Yes and what powerful Wikguns you have. You four have the most powerful Wikguns in Arcantha. Be careful how you use them. If not done probably you could be seriously injured.

Yuki:
Duly noted. Now—

Yuki closes his eyes and concentrates on going outside. Bara sees this and isn’t happy about it.

Bara:
Hey no fair I didn’t say g—

Before he can finish his thought Yuki disappears from the Watching Tower and reappears in the courtyard. He waves upward which really makes Bara angry. Bara calls out the words “outside” and lands next to Yuki which he then punches him in the arm.

Yuki rubbing his shoulder:
Oww that hurt!

Bara:
It should. Cheaters get punched. Now help me find this darn stone.

Yuki:
Oh all right.

Jhansi:
As for you two Fazil you are head of the Four Clans. You are the eldest. And since there isn’t anyone from the Nameth Clans then it automatically makes you the leader of the Four Clans here on Arcantha. You four are the thinkers, the sympathetic, and the freers of Clover. Your powers are always connected to all that you do, so be sure to make wise decisions.

Casee:
Yeah like finding that stone. I’ve already located. I closed my eyes and felt it in my heart. It’s right under Sala’s fountain. It has blended in with its surroundings so as not to be touched by evil hands. It seems Baarda has been trying to get it for awhile. There are scorch marks on the ground.

Fazil:
What do you mean?

Casee:
Little by little he’s been testing himself to see how far he could come to getting the stone, but Sala has outsmarted him in every sense.

Fazil:
She’s clever. Okay so how do we retrieve it?

Casee:
Simple we need Bara to pick it up with his hands. He’s the only one who can. If we try it will just slip through our fingers.

Fazil:
So we can touch it since we’re not evil, but because we’re not apart of Bara’s clan then we can’t fully grasp it.

Casee:
That is correct.

Bakta:
Wow you guys catch on to this stuff quickly. Now you must know that you are in training as well. So there will be lessons. You will be in class each day promptly at clover 9—that is 10:00 am sharp. I am among the teachers who will be teaching you, and so will Bastian.

Casee:
What about the other teachers?

Fazil:
We have to free them first Case. When do classes begin?

Bakta:
Upon the first release of the first spirits from the first unlocked fountain.

Casee:
Exactly who are these spirits? They aren’t just ones who’ve helped out the clans are they? How long have they been around?

Jhansi making a face:
Well to tell you we are the ghosts of the Plague. Before the plague those who’d pass on from this inner world would come back as a spirit here to help aide the Clans. Because we are a great number it was just simple to bring us back instead of recent spirits whose natural bodies have passed on. You see once a person dies here in Clover a spirit is born and another spirit disappears to join the ranks among Sidia and Charma’s kingdom. But due to the special circumstance of our deaths we are bound here to you; maybe one day we may all be released, but in the meantime we’re here to help.

Casee:
Oh that’s quite a sad story. I’m sorry Jhansi, Bakta, Bastian, but I’m happy you guys are here with us to keep us company.

Fazil:
Yeah this is going to get pretty cool around here. Now let’s go get that stone so we can awaken Clover. How do we get food if we want to eat?

Bastian:
You think it and it will appear for you.

Fazil:
Well that’s simple enough every else is so complicated I thought that would be to. I need something to eat, but I’ll wait. What about you Case?

Fazil looks around to find that Casee was gone. She was in the courtyard chasing down Yuki who’d fallen into her after being chased around by Bara. Now they both were chasing him. Fazil shakes his head in a disappointed manner then he to leaves the tower and lands on the courtyard grounds. He holds up his hand as the three companions are head for him. They are thrust backwards landing on their bottoms. Fazil laughs and tells them to quit fooling around. They had work to do after all.

Yuki:
What was that you just did?

Fazil:
I don’t know I think it was a small shield of some kind. I felt Bakta telling me to hold up my hand and that’s what happened.

Yuki:
Well even though I hate you for it, it was still awesome.

Fazil:
Now Casee, tell them what we need to do.

Casee:
Okay Bara dear you must retrieve the stone. It’s right under Sala’s Fountain. Where’s the fountain?

Bara:
Well remember the order we found the path? That’s exactly how we find our Holy Fountains. It’s fairly simple. Sala lies to the South.

Casee:
Oh cool that does make sense. Okay now you have to use your powers to dig it up. We can’t touch it. After that you are to place it in the empty hand then place your hands in the holes again.

Bara:
May I ask why?

Casee:
Well my dear it’s quite simple you have to activate all the fountains here so that we can release the spirits.

Fazil:
Did you figure this out all on your own?

Casee:
Well some parts. I can feel Bastian telling me what to do. Hey you think they are each one is apart of one our clans? That could be why Bakta helped you out Fazil. That means Jhansi is supposed to help Bara.

Fazil:
Actually you’re wrong. Jhansi is just the keeper of the house he reports only to Sidia and Charma in the case of danger. But you are right about Bakta and Bastian.

Casee:
Oh sorry Bara.

Bara:
No worries the teacher of my clan is more than likely trapped in the spirit world. Once we free them we’ll know who mine is.

Casee:
Well that’s true. Okay now let’s go.

They begin walking towards the location of Sala’s Fountain. Once they get there they stop and give Bara some room. Bara kneels down closes his eyes tightly. He then reopens them and digs his hand beneath the dirt. He feels his spirit hand working to free the Pomi Stone of Sala; soon he has it in his hand and pulls it through the dirt again. He notices that he has not disturbed the dirt at all and is amazed at this.

Bara:
That’s pretty neat. Okay here’s the stone now I just put it in her open hand like this…

Bara places the stone in Sala’s open empty hand opposite the shield she is hold. Once he does this then he places both hands back into the hand holes of the fountain, clenches his eyes tightly closed and waits for something to happen. After a minute of nothing happening he opens his eyes again and looks out at his friends.

Bara:
Guys nothing is happening. Are you sure we did it right?

Casee:
Yeah I’m sure. You did it perfectly. (With wide eyes) Hold it Bara—something’s happening. Sala is moving her arms.

Bara looks up to see Sala’s statue bending down to embrace him in a shielding hug. She covers Bara so that only she is seen. Bara doesn’t cry out so it seems he’s okay, but Yuki is mortified.

Yuki:
What the bloody hell is going on?!! He better be all right! It’s just one crazy thing after another!

Fazil:
Cool it Yuk he’s fine. Sala’s unlocking the fountains through Bara.

Yuki speaking in Bakta’s voice:
Be calm Yuki dear. (Normally) Hey Bakta spoke through me to tell me to calm down. How does that even work?

Fazil:
She’s trying to calm you down now calm down.

Yuki:
I’m calm, man okay. I’m just saying he better be okay.