Kewanee — Chapter 1: The Imhallat

July 2024

This story takes place in the Altered world.

Kewanee grew up in the steel maze that is Jusaka, across the street from a Stata Mater station. Through the porthole of her bedroom, she could see firefighters rushing out day and night to save Asgarthans from the flames. Her fathers were a constant reminder of how dull a job can get. Daddy Chayton worked at the Axiom Foundry but preferred joining a union than the Faction. Tadi found more interest in his work as a shoemaker, but would get very tired from commuting daily to Gwyntewyn. Naturally, Kewanee better pictured herself in the intervention brigade. Her parents gladly enrolled her in a sports club, so that when she reached the age of twelve, she easily joined the Stata Mater trainee program. 

For her courage and hard work, she eventually caught the attention of Tadao, a Stata Mater officer and Bravos veteran, who offered to take her as his new Bravos aspirant. The instruction, already tough, became harder than the metal surrounding them. Years passed, and Kewanee came to understand that although many firefighters were Bravos, their spirit was the opposite. When the brigade told you to “stay safe,” the Faction told you to “be bold.” 

In the spring of 392 AC, during the week prior to the Ryukkōsai, Tadao finally decided to subject Kewanee to the Imhallat ceremony. For the second time in her life, he led her up to Haven. She had never been so proud, nor so anxious. There, she stood in a carved hall, surrounded by Bravos heroes and Lyra bards. For days, she had wondered about the Eidolon she would call upon. Among the stories told by her family, the most Bravos-like she remembered was about the guide and interpreter Sacagawea. So, she called out for the Akaitikka, again and again, until the brave teenager finally appeared.

The Eidolon first questioned Kewanee about the Creed, her motives, her exploits. That was easy. But then she asked: “When summoned, will you join your sisters and brothers in their Leviathan hunt?” Before she had time to think about it, she suddenly felt overwhelmed by feelings. A thousand ones, all at once. Anger, fear, sadness. It was too much for her to bear. She kneeled. What was that? Could it be…The Skein? Yes, as she was about to become a real Bravos, the Skein touched her. When she finally managed to get back on her feet, she had her answer: no, she couldn’t harm sentient beings, not even Leviathans. But for Rune’s sake, what was she to do?