Gaia
“ | I, Bellonde Gaia, have come to resume my duties as Earth Master.
~ Gaia |
” |
Gaia
Description
The El Master of Nature. One of the six protectors of El who worked under the El Lady. He possesses the warmth and richness of the land and protects the continent of Elrios. A man with a strong will to protect everybody around him. He is the least experienced of the El Masters.
History
El Master Gaia
Born into the Gaia clan, Bellonde Gaia was the youngest child with at least 3 older sisters. When the time came for the Earth Master to be chosen, Gaia was the one to take the mantle of the Master of Earth. As the El Master, he learned under the guidance of Water Master Denif.
When Denif and the other El Masters of the time began to believe their sole reliance on the El Lady to support the Large El was flawed, they devised a plan to train a group of El Priestesses to lighten the burden of the El. Among the first generation of El Priestesses was Gaia's older sister, Verdel.
The El Explosion
When the El Explosion left the continent of Elrios in complete chaos, under the guidance of Denif, the remaining El Masters agreed that they must imbue their elemental powers into whatever large El fragments they could find in the hopes that the world could survive the disaster. Gaia traveled to the land that would become the Velder region, there he imbued the large El fragment which the power of nature and created the Earth El. In doing so, he fell into a deep slumber within the El itself.
The Girl in the Black Forest
After the restoration of the El, Bellonde Gaia was reawakened from his long slumber in the El. He found himself in the palace of Velder, in a new time. When he had awakened, he learned from the Velder high priests that Elrianode had suddenly appeared. He asks about the first Earth Priestess, his sister, Verdel. The priests told him that she had chosen to be buried in the Black Forest, Nisha Labyrinth, believing she didn't deserve to rest peacefully while her younger brother entered a deep slumber in order to save them all. He wished to pay respects to his older sister and ventured to find her grave.
When Bellonde found his sister's grave, that is when he met the mysterious girl of the Black Forest. Bellonde was surprised to find another person in the Black Forest, much less a child. He introduced himself and asked why the girl was in the forest, she explains that it is where she came from. Gaia is oddly suspicious of how she could've existed in the forest of demonic energy, but they both start hearing voices calling for help. The girl jumps to try and help but Gaia realizes it is likely a trap by a monster. Laby is lured in by the monster but Gaia manages to save her, Laby seeing its action as a rude prank. Gaia worries for the child, asks if she had any company, family, a place to go, or even a name. She can't recall a name, and tries to adopt Bellonde's, he then goes on to tell her about the forest she came from, how it is dense in demonic energy and how it used to go by a different name, Nisha Labyrinth, the Labyrinth of the Night. Using the name of the forest, he gives her the name, Laby, which she gleefully adopts. She then gives her mirror the name, Nisha, calling it her friend. Bellonde is confused when he looks at the mirror as he sees no reflection and begins to wonder if it's a kind of Nasod. He asks her again if she had any place she wished to go, Laby replying just outside the forest. With Bellonde planning to meet with his teacher Denif, he decides to take Laby with him, hoping that he might potentially know more about what the girl was.
The Sea, the Ship, and the Teacher
Leaving the Black Forest, they find themselves on the border of Velder, overlooking the East Lurensia Port town, a port recently constructed in the years following the restoration of Velder. They're greeted by a port worker who tells them about what had happened since the demon war, thanking the El Search Party for helping pave the way for them to reclaim the city. Laby notices metal contraption roaming around, and Bellonde is surprised to see Nasods. The worker tells them that the Ponggos from Altera had come and introduced Nasods to them to aid in the restoration process and also notes that the local kids have started saying "pong". Bellonde is shocked to see the people so ready to accept Nasods in the age. The worker telling him that thanks to the technology, they've managed to build ships that can take them all the way to Lanox. That the expedited travel even helping them take out the remaining demon remnants in Fluone.
Laby asks if they could board a ship but they learn that the ports have recently had a bit of a monster problem and the soldier are busy dealing with demons elsewhere. Seeing the monsters, Laby is vaguely reminded of her friend, Bellonde is curious as he thought Nisha was Laby's only friend. Laby hesitates but notices that the monsters are trying to eat parts of the ships. They clear the monsters, Bellonde is surprised to see how resilient Laby appears to be when taking harm and how cheerful she remain in spite of being attacked. While they wait for the ship workers to finish repairs on the ship, Gaia decides he could teach Laby how to fight.
After the repairs were complete, the two board The Lariness and set sail. The trip was very long, Gaia became seasick. Laby grew bored of the long trip and Gaia tells her advice one of his sisters once told him, that every moment they are spending on the ship is a part of their journey to their destination. Suddenly their ship is attacked by a band of mermen pirates. Gaia confronts the captain and learns that he had steered them through an unsafe route believing they could get by faster. He and Laby defended the ship but the intruders suddenly retreated. Looking forwards the captain exclaims that a storm is approaching. The captain tried to steer out of the way but they're caught in the current. Even worse, the ship is them attacked by the giant Leap Octopus. The remaining crew begins to panic but Gaia and Laby do their best to fight the monster. The octopus breaks a hole through the ship and it begins to sink, as a last resort, Gaia focuses and using his powers manages to lift the earth underneath the ship, grounding it. When they let their guard down, a tentacle swooped and knocked Laby off the ship. Gaia was too weak to help the girl, he was also unwilling to put the lives of the remaining crew at stake, regretfully leaves Laby behind and stays on the ship. He does manage to put a protective barrier around her so she wouldn't drown at sea. The crew of the ship manages to repair the ship and reach Fluone.
Reunion, Coming Face to Face
After the ship reached Fluone, Gaia didn't waste a single moment before he began his search for Laby. Regretful for having to abandon the girl, he hoped she'd find a town to take refuge in, in which he could find her. He's spend the following days combing the shores of Fluone desperately searching for her.
His searching proved to little success until he was already at Elrianode's door. As a last hope, he decided to wait in the Fallenode region to see if Laby may find her way here, and luckily she did. Gaia is relieved that the girl is okay after the two lost each other. He tells her that he was combing the coast of Fluone in search of her to no avail, Laby then tells Bellonde what had happened since they split ways and tells him they should visit her friends in the future. Gaia had been searching for her because they promised to go the Elrianode together, now that they are together they would try to get into the city. However, the city is now surrounded by a large Henir barrier, the two approach the city dealing with the nests of draugr. On the way, Bellonde expressed his regrets, both for leaving Laby on her own and in the distant past when he failed to protect the El. Expressing prior hesitation to return to Elrianode, but says that Laby who he had met at his sister's grave, inspired him to press onward. On the way they find an exceptionally large pool of Henir which housed a Giant Draugr, not wanting to leave such a beast free to roam, Gaia and Laby defeat it. Letting go of the past, Gaia is filled with his original drive to protect everybody. Faced with the Henir barrier, he first tells Laby about Henir, he then creates a barrier around them with his El energy that will last them long enough to get through and they both delve into the barrier.
Sage of Fluone
Gaia pushed through the barrier and was able to make his way to the other side with little complications, however the same could not be said for Laby. Bellonde rushes her immediately towards the El Tower for aid. Denif is surprised to see his pupil and fellow El Master return. Denif orders Darkmoon to take Laby and heal her wounds, the other priestesses follow to aid her. Denif thanks Gaia for coming back, and informs him of the El Priestesses, proof that his sister, Verdel, and the other priestesses succeeded in carrying their duty. Gaia reclaims his duty as an El Master.
Gaia and Denif were conversing in the El Tower when Laby arrived and was in awe of the Large El, calling it morning. Denif asked her what she meant, she told him of the Black Forest she came from. After discussion the current situation, Denif notes Elsword's involvement with the current El's restoration, Gaia is alarmed to learn of a boy with such power. Denif believing he either might be an Elrian of unprecedented power or a being similar to the El Lady. Laby gathers that the boy's actions freed her and wishes to meet him, Denif notes that Elsword doesn't himself even realize what he might be, so no real answers would come from that. Denif then asks Laby about Nisha, but Laby hesitates, simply calling it her friend.
Answer to Belief
Later that night, after Laby spoke with Ignia she confessed the truth about her and Nisha, Gaia was shocked to learn of the truth and finally understood why she didn't appear to feel fear or sadness in the past. Laby mentions the energy she felt inside the barrier felt somewhat familiar to something she felt in the distant past. Denif then brings up ancient theories of portals opening up in the core of the Black Forest as a potential explanation, siting the El Search Party's discoveries. Gaia, unsure what to make of the El Search Party, worries they have given them their burdens. Denif then goes on to explain the situation in regards to Henir's Order, the El Search Party, and their current objective.
Denif senses that Ventus was approaching from the other side of the seal. With the priestesses and Gaia's help, they open up the seal where Ventus comes through with Rosso. Ventus notes that the Henir passage has become more chaotic on the way back. The priestesses introduce themselves to newly arrived Fire Master. Rosso asks if the Fire Priestess is present, Ignia presents herself but Rosso is quick to criticize her for being weak and unfit for the harsh responsibilities of controlling the power of fire and tells her that she should leave now that he is back. The two fight among each other until Gaia drags Rosso away to get his injuries tended to. Ignia feels dejected by her encounter with the Fire Master but both Ventus and Denif find their encounter to have gone better than expected, knowing Rosso's personality.
Darkmoon tends to Rosso's wounds when Laby follows them to talk with Rosso. Rosso tries to dismiss the child, but Laby explains how Ignia had idolized and was looking forward to learning from him. Rosso expresses he has little interest in teaching, saying he doesn't wish to burden others with the responsibilities of fire. Rosso sensing the abnormal energy coming from Laby demand to know if Gaia knew what she was and wondered why Denif for allowing something like her this close to the El. Gaia tried to calm him down assuring Laby was no threat. Rosso remains suspicious but is willing to accept she isn't an immediate threat if Denif was fine with her. Laby is curious if Rosso knew what she was, he refuses to answer until Darkmoon pleas him to help them even just a little. He states that her aura was certainly of Demon Realm origins, being something he himself felt near where he slept. Rosso warns Gaia that he only spoke this information so he would be aware and be responsible for the child.
You and I Are One
Back in the city, Denif recalls to Gaia the events following the El Explosion, informing Gaia that while he fell asleep after he poured his energy into the El, Denif remained awake and used the last of his energy to seal off Elrianode. Gaia wondered why Denif decided to seal the city alone and not requested the aid of the other masters. Denif gave two reasons, the first being that making the Elemental El was the more important priority they could not afford to fail, and the other was he suspected the possibility of a traitor. Gaia is saddened that Denif did not trust him enough but understands his judgement and promises to earn his trust in the present. Denif applause Gaia's growth in the time they've been apart, noting that he and Ventus haven't been as affected due to their already inherent long lives, he thanks Gaia for returning. Gaia states his new resolves came from Laby, believing their meeting at his sister's grave was a sign.
When Laby returns from her venture into the Forgotten Elrian Sanctum, Gaia is glad to see she returned and she tells him her decision to accept Nisha. Laby's new goal is to find the voice that kept her in the forest and seek out answers from them and thanks Bellonde for everything he has taught her.
Meeting the El Search Party
Gaia and Laby confront Denif who they noticed had a worried expression. Denif reveals he's concerned about the Henir realm between here and the Demon Realm for the El Search Party. Gaia brings up the demons' use of portals, Denif then mentioning the Debrian portal below Elrianode, however they lacked the proper coordinates. Gaia wonders if it possible to seek the coordinates themselves. Hearing this, Laby tells Denif about Calonne's knowledge of portals. Denif entrusts Laby to seek Calonne's aid. Ventus arrives with news that the Spirit Stone was reacting and Denif gathers everybody to open the seal. They open the seal, Henir energy begins to spew out. Realizing the danger, Gaia suggests shutting, Rosso rejects the idea taking into the account the amount of energy they need to open it. Ventus looks in to see the El Search Party having difficulty progress due to the monsters. Gaia attempts to help but Denif tells him that he can't without causing the seal to close. Laby says she cold help and Denif decides to trust her. The situation in Henir's Realm causes everything to shift and the El Search Party and Laby fall into a fissure and disappear.
Chapter 40: Another Deal
Since the disappearance of the El Search Party and Laby, Gaia was filled with regrets for his inability to do anything. Seeking a solution, they decided to seek out Calonne, Ventus however confronts Gaia and suggests that he make the trek instead. Gaia however pleas that he cannot just stand idly by and he would be just as fast, Denif calms Gaia down and maintains that they should keep their priorities orderly. In that moment the masters all fest a pulse of Henir energy. Anduran is quick to alert them that the El Search Party had returned, Gaia was in disbelief. When he learned they were injured, he rush his way to their side.
Chapter 41: A Wounded Return
Gaia arrives to a recovering El Search Party in the care of the Priestesses. Rena notices the new face and Gaia introduces himself. Rena returns the greeting, mentioning how Laby had said a lot about him. Laby announces proudly that she kept her promise to take the El Search Party back, Gaia glad she returned safely. After discussing their inability to return to the Demon Realm, Gaia prepares to depart to North Fluone to seek out Calonne with Laby in tow. Ara confronts the Earth Master and asks if she too can go to see her homeland, Gaia agrees and they depart immediately.
Not too long after, Gaia realizes that the maps he had of the region from before the El Explosion were now inaccurate. Laby suggests they jump into the ocean to be washed up in the Bamboo Forest, however Gaia politely declines her suggestion. Fortunately, Ara notices a type of unbosomed flower typically planted near shrines. They follow the flowers and find themselves at the Shrine of the Two-Headed Serpent. Ara tells them they represent harmony between siblings, regaling the tale of the two brothers and how the deceased brother was reborn as part of the other brother through prayer. Gaia was uncertain how to feel of the tale, Ara commenting on how her family had told her and her siblings the story many times. Laby begins to wonder why Haivan decided to harm his family, Gaia couldn't muster up and tell her. Ara believed Haivan didn't intend to hurt anybody, and she believes Winster still held hope for his son. As they approach the shrine, Ara decides to go inside, insisting Gaia and Laby stay outside.
Gaia then consoles Laby who was in thought, the two briefly spar as Gaia asks Laby about the Demon Realm. Laby talks about how she fought well with the El Search Party and the things she saw, Gaia starts to feel he shouldn't hold her back though he still worries. Laby still wonders why everybody couldn't get along, Gaia tells her that people have different goals. this concern Laby who worries she may fight with the El Search Party, Gaia comforts her, saying that it doesn't always lead to a fight especially if their goals have intersections. Gaia tells her that it is alright to have different opinions, but that she should be open to it. Laby is a bit confused but Gaia decides to let her think about it as he goes to check on Ara. He sees Ara troubled and talks with her, he suggests they spar to help clear their minds. Ara wonders if he has something on his mind as well, Gaia did not deny it. Ara notices the similarities between his and Laby's attacks. Gaia remarks her as a quick learner and that he should believe in her more. Ara gathers his concerns regard her. Gaia confesses Laby's importance to him and how she is family to him now. Gaia admits his concerns over her going to the Demon Realm. Ara comforts Gaia in his worries about family. They soon prepare to leave the shrine.
With the maps they found at the shrine, they followed the path. Laby notices Ara talking to somebody, Gaia confused as he didn't see anybody, Laby mentioning family that is always with her, Gaia was still confused but curious of the El Search Party's powers. Gaia asks if Laby was still worried, but Laby seemed confident in her beliefs now and confident with traveling with the El Search Party. Gaia couldn't help but feel a bit sad that Laby would soon leave his side, but she thanks him for everything he had done for her and he shouldn't have to worry. Gaia was taken by Laby's words before she broke the moment, noticing Mao and Calonne's house in the distance. Gaia with joy told Laby to promise she'd stay healthy for him, Laby gleefully accepts.
Chapter 43: Preparation
At around the same time the El Search Party all reunited back in Elrianode, Gaia alongside Laby and Ara finished their expedition to North Fluone in search of the White-Ghost portal engineer. Just when Rose mentions that they were still absent, Add notices them just arriving back into town with Calonne.
Gallery
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Alternate portrait.
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Gaia in Elrianode.
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Gaia in Shrine of the Two-Headed Serpent.
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Gaia's Emblem.
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Gaia's Skill Cut-in.
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Gaia in Black Forest Cemetery.
Trivia
- Gaia is named after the Greek deity and personification of the Earth.
- In Europe, Gaia is named Gajar or Gajar to avoid confusions with the Greek deity.
- The name was adaptated for languages that pronounce the J as a Y, a trait shared by most languages spoken in Central Europe such as German, Polish, and Italian even though the letter J has almost disappeared in Italian. The J was changed to a Y to reflect the pronounciation in Spanish. However, this was not changed in French and in English, which changes the overall pronounciation and the original etymology becomes obscure.
- The final R is shared with Agaur, the name of Denif in Europe.
- During Laby's story quests, he mentions having 3 older sisters.
- Gaia's right arm is never seen exposed, only cloaked or armored. The reason why, if any, is never elaborated upon.
- Gaia specializes in hand-to-hand combat, as he is often referenced in Eternity Winner's skills. When confronting him in Shrine of the Two-Headed Serpent, many of his attacks bear resemblance to attacks Eternity Winner learns.
- While Gaia had already been established as Laby's mentor, he also spars with Ara during the Master Class update, wishing to see the martial arts style used by the Northern Empire.
- Gaia's emblem has 2 horns similar to a deer, which explains why the Artifact Serne resembles a deer.
- During the Master Road story quests, Gaia will not be present in Elrianode, replaced with the NPC Gaia's Absence.
Alternative Names
- Region 19~21
- Region 1~6
- Region 7~12
- Region 13~18
- Laby
- Noah
- Lithia
- Other
- Aurora
- Caluso Tribe
- COBO Service
- Crow Mercenaries
- Dark Elf Village
- Dark-Eyed Army
- Demon Army
- El Search Party
- Elrian Kingdom
- Feita Knights
- Henir's Order
- Landar Camp
- Lizardman Tribe
- Magmelia
- Nasod Army
- Nasod Ruler
- Night Savers
- Red Knights
- Red-Demon Army
- Senace Guardians
- Seven Tower
- Torta Gang
- Velder Commerce Association
- White-Ghost Army