HIM520 Posts
(This is a Joint Post starring: TheLoneGentleman, Katsucha, General Mills Cereal, and BrownPaperBag.)
“Nice one,” said Razta running over to the collar and picking it up. Suddenly his body felt like it was on fire, and he was forced to let it go falling backwards. Looking at the collar he knew it to be the one the elder showed him. Whoever was making these had to know about his past. Reymond walked over, and covered his hand in magic protections. Picking the collar up he looked it over.
“I haven’t seen this before. It’s strange, but simple at the same time.” said Reymond. Two figures growled at Reymond and charged at him. Suddenly a figure leaped out and protected Reymond, grabbing the two attackers and crushing their throats with its bare hands. The figure turned around to the group revealing himself to be Nero.
”Dude, you alright? Masaki quickly ran to Razta to see his current condition after touching the collar. As he placed a hand on Razta shoulder he felt that he was burning up. It was actually hot enough to burn Masaki’s hand.
“I-I don’t know.” answered Razta as he breathed heavily trying to cool himself off.
”You shouldn’t just go and touch things with your bare hands, especially it’s related to the †˜other’ side. I know a cursed item when I see one. We’ll rest soon so hold up!” Masaki tried to encourage Razta while holding the intense heat that Razta was emitting.
“Roger that…” said Razta as he held a hand to his throat. Something like that was around my neck as a kid? thought Razta. Anastas looked over at Razta with a concerned expression. If that was type of thing Razta was supposed to become there, it may be dangerous for him to pursue his past.
”Good, now let me find a place to put you down. Your body is cooking my hand as we speak!” Masaki chuckled. Razta shook his head, and weakly stood on his own two feet. “I have to stay up. I can’t let them know something is wrong.” he said quietly to Masaki. “Understand?”
Masaki sighed, ”Fine, I’ll try to stay quiet. For now you should just cool yourself down with a wet towel or something.” Masaki ignored the pain as he walked with razta. ”And if you’re still like this, I’m telling the boss. I have my doubts but I think that you got cursed or something.
“Is this all of them?” asked Nero. As he looked around he saw that the remaining enemies had flee from the battle. Nero growled as the rest of his soldiers spread out to secure the area. Nero walked up to Reymond looking down at the collar. “What is that?”
“I’m not sure, but it seems to regulate the flow of spiritual energy. For what I’m not sure. We will need to experiment a bit with it.” answered Reymond.
“Agreed” answered Nero. Walking over to Owain he smiled. “You did good. I’m ashamed that we couldn’t arrive sooner. Your group works well together.”
“It’s no problem, and thanks, but you’re not exactly rusty yourself, eh Nero?” Owain smiled behind his helmet
“I’m glad you volunteered for the other team. I was worried that I would have to keep an eye on both bridges. We shall not let a single one of those bastards pass.” said Nero with a hearty laugh.
“That’s the spirit” Owain joined in laughing, “not even their chief could beat us” he said confidently.
“We’ll grind him into the dust.” said Nero. “All in the cursed lands shall know our names!”
Owain began laughing like a madman, intoxicated by confidence.
“Kinda hard to believe such a thing can do that when it looks like it can burn your skin off.” Ari said as approached Reymond to take a closer look at the collar.
“You might want to stay away from this thing Ari.” warned Reymond. “It definitely isn’t stable after that explosion.”
“Shouldn’t that mean you also shouldn’t be near it?”
“I can neutralize it.” he said scratching his head with his free. “For how long I don’t know. I’m still a novice after all, but its better to minimize risks” He looked to Razta who seemed a bit off. †˜We can’t take chances with this thing…’
“Wouldn’t it be better then if my golem holds it. If it blows up it should be fine plus better than it blowing up on one of us.”
“Good thinking,” answered Reymond as he held out the collar and Gai took it in his large hand. “We should get back to the main group soon.”
“Alright lets go. Gai be careful with that thing.” Ari said as she then started walking towards the main group with Reymond.
Seeing that the group was holding up the main force Nero looked to Owain. “Alright men! Time to rejoin the group. Move out!”
“You heard the man” Owain said to his troops, following after Nero.
“Nice one,” said Razta running over to the collar and picking it up. Suddenly his body felt like it was on fire, and he was forced to let it go falling backwards. Looking at the collar he knew it to be the one the elder showed him. Whoever was making these had to know about his past. Reymond walked over, and covered his hand in magic protections. Picking the collar up he looked it over.
“I haven’t seen this before. It’s strange, but simple at the same time.” said Reymond. Two figures growled at Reymond and charged at him. Suddenly a figure leaped out and protected Reymond, grabbing the two attackers and crushing their throats with its bare hands. The figure turned around to the group revealing himself to be Nero.
”Dude, you alright? Masaki quickly ran to Razta to see his current condition after touching the collar. As he placed a hand on Razta shoulder he felt that he was burning up. It was actually hot enough to burn Masaki’s hand.
“I-I don’t know.” answered Razta as he breathed heavily trying to cool himself off.
”You shouldn’t just go and touch things with your bare hands, especially it’s related to the †˜other’ side. I know a cursed item when I see one. We’ll rest soon so hold up!” Masaki tried to encourage Razta while holding the intense heat that Razta was emitting.
“Roger that…” said Razta as he held a hand to his throat. Something like that was around my neck as a kid? thought Razta. Anastas looked over at Razta with a concerned expression. If that was type of thing Razta was supposed to become there, it may be dangerous for him to pursue his past.
”Good, now let me find a place to put you down. Your body is cooking my hand as we speak!” Masaki chuckled. Razta shook his head, and weakly stood on his own two feet. “I have to stay up. I can’t let them know something is wrong.” he said quietly to Masaki. “Understand?”
Masaki sighed, ”Fine, I’ll try to stay quiet. For now you should just cool yourself down with a wet towel or something.” Masaki ignored the pain as he walked with razta. ”And if you’re still like this, I’m telling the boss. I have my doubts but I think that you got cursed or something.
“Is this all of them?” asked Nero. As he looked around he saw that the remaining enemies had flee from the battle. Nero growled as the rest of his soldiers spread out to secure the area. Nero walked up to Reymond looking down at the collar. “What is that?”
“I’m not sure, but it seems to regulate the flow of spiritual energy. For what I’m not sure. We will need to experiment a bit with it.” answered Reymond.
“Agreed” answered Nero. Walking over to Owain he smiled. “You did good. I’m ashamed that we couldn’t arrive sooner. Your group works well together.”
“It’s no problem, and thanks, but you’re not exactly rusty yourself, eh Nero?” Owain smiled behind his helmet
“I’m glad you volunteered for the other team. I was worried that I would have to keep an eye on both bridges. We shall not let a single one of those bastards pass.” said Nero with a hearty laugh.
“That’s the spirit” Owain joined in laughing, “not even their chief could beat us” he said confidently.
“We’ll grind him into the dust.” said Nero. “All in the cursed lands shall know our names!”
Owain began laughing like a madman, intoxicated by confidence.
“Kinda hard to believe such a thing can do that when it looks like it can burn your skin off.” Ari said as approached Reymond to take a closer look at the collar.
“You might want to stay away from this thing Ari.” warned Reymond. “It definitely isn’t stable after that explosion.”
“Shouldn’t that mean you also shouldn’t be near it?”
“I can neutralize it.” he said scratching his head with his free. “For how long I don’t know. I’m still a novice after all, but its better to minimize risks” He looked to Razta who seemed a bit off. †˜We can’t take chances with this thing…’
“Wouldn’t it be better then if my golem holds it. If it blows up it should be fine plus better than it blowing up on one of us.”
“Good thinking,” answered Reymond as he held out the collar and Gai took it in his large hand. “We should get back to the main group soon.”
“Alright lets go. Gai be careful with that thing.” Ari said as she then started walking towards the main group with Reymond.
Seeing that the group was holding up the main force Nero looked to Owain. “Alright men! Time to rejoin the group. Move out!”
“You heard the man” Owain said to his troops, following after Nero.
(This is a Joint post between: CreepyAssGent and Rice-chan)
“We’re having an emergency meeting. We’d appreciate it if you try to come faster, Amelia.”
“I was hurrying, but my speed of mobility has it’s limits.”
“Oh? You were hurrying? That’s rare,” a girl with long brown hair said, giving a smirk. She had black eyes, and wore the uniform of the academy, but she had piercings in her ears, lips, and even on her breasts… the extra small bulges over her well-endowed chest made that clear as day. A thin chain linked the ring pierced at her lips - attached to some inner-wears that was covered by her uniform. She was the Wind Alice user. A known fashionista, a bit unreasonable at times, but very cold and laid-back. She was nicknamed the Wind Sickle, Mira. Her surname was unknown, because she simply never revealed it.
“Now, now. Everyone has their own reasons,” Hyuuga Aoi calmly said, her eyes closed as she smiled.
“Oh, it’s Hyuuga-san. Welcome back!” Mira said, hugging Hyuuga Aoi.
“Thanks, it took quite some time for me to recuperate.”
“Well, let Amelia-san be, she has her own business, as Hyuuga-san said,” a man said, his face was almost completely wrapped in bandages. He was the known user of the Insect Pheromone Alice, Hajime.
“Not like we don’t know what we always end up doing anyways. Just point at the target, and release the hounds already,” said Sono with a smirk. The hospital was good practice, but a real mission was what Sono had been waiting for.
“Anyway, let’s move on with the more pressing matters, I’m dying to meet hot boys outside the academy today~!” a handsome, seemingly feminine person said, one would instantly know that he’s a man, and not a woman just from the voice, but not from the looks. He wore golden earrings, and there was an eerie feeling emanating from him. He had a ghastly aura, he was known as Rui, the user of the Curse Alice.
“Attention,” Persona said, his voice completely devoid of any emotions; perfectly calm and composed. “It’s time for your next, emergency assignment.”
“Hoshimiya Ichigo-san was kidnapped today. About an hour ago from now, the prime suspect is Mouri Reo, the singer from Hollywood who’d be performing for the Alice Festival soon.”
I knew that there was something else going on there. thought Sono.
“Kidnapping her? God, that takes balls. Gotta give credit to this guy for that,” Mira said, wondering if Reo could be used as a good sparring- no, death match opponent.
“That is one big feat, though,” Hajime commented.
“Hoshimiya-san was kidnapped when she was still recuperating in the hospital.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard about it after it happened, I was also spying on Reo, he undeniably vanished from the room was he supposed to stay in before leaving the hospital.”
“Oh, I take it back then, there is nothing admirable about what he did, then,” Hajime said, his voice gave away the feeling of distaste he felt currently.
“What a bastard, I’ll be sure crush him good,” Mira angrily said, her smile was suddenly gone as she grimaced with anger.
Rui shook his head left and right in a girlish manner. “B-But… Reo is a hottie! I’d love to have him for myself instead!!”
“Ugh,” Mira groaned. “Come on. Am I the only one who wants to break some bones here?”
“Anyway, the primary objective is to rescue Hoshimiya-san. You may use any means to bring her back to the academy grounds. If she - for some reason - refuses, kill her immediately.”
“Wha-” Mira frowned.
“A kill order?” said Sono quite surprised.
“Of course, I doubt she’d refuse, but the possibility of her being persuaded into joining the other side is also a possibility,” Persona smirked, which was rare. “Thus, permission to your Alice to the fullest is also granted.”
“Man, you just want us to spill some blood, huh?” the other shadow manipulator of the club spoke up, he wore an orange hat, and had black short, spiky hair. His eyes were black, and while his Alice isn’t as strong as Sono’s, it had it’s own quirks and advantages. Regardless, their Alices were similar, Sono’s still had more raw power. This person was known as the Shadow Trickster, Tsubasa.
Persona casually ignored Tsubasa and spoke on. “The mission shall now commence, dismissed.”
Sono stood up, smirking. “Lets get to it then. I’ll try to leave some scraps for the rest of you,” said Sono.
“Hah, we’ll see about that,” Mira said, smirking right back at Sono.
“We’re having an emergency meeting. We’d appreciate it if you try to come faster, Amelia.”
“I was hurrying, but my speed of mobility has it’s limits.”
“Oh? You were hurrying? That’s rare,” a girl with long brown hair said, giving a smirk. She had black eyes, and wore the uniform of the academy, but she had piercings in her ears, lips, and even on her breasts… the extra small bulges over her well-endowed chest made that clear as day. A thin chain linked the ring pierced at her lips - attached to some inner-wears that was covered by her uniform. She was the Wind Alice user. A known fashionista, a bit unreasonable at times, but very cold and laid-back. She was nicknamed the Wind Sickle, Mira. Her surname was unknown, because she simply never revealed it.
“Now, now. Everyone has their own reasons,” Hyuuga Aoi calmly said, her eyes closed as she smiled.
“Oh, it’s Hyuuga-san. Welcome back!” Mira said, hugging Hyuuga Aoi.
“Thanks, it took quite some time for me to recuperate.”
“Well, let Amelia-san be, she has her own business, as Hyuuga-san said,” a man said, his face was almost completely wrapped in bandages. He was the known user of the Insect Pheromone Alice, Hajime.
“Not like we don’t know what we always end up doing anyways. Just point at the target, and release the hounds already,” said Sono with a smirk. The hospital was good practice, but a real mission was what Sono had been waiting for.
“Anyway, let’s move on with the more pressing matters, I’m dying to meet hot boys outside the academy today~!” a handsome, seemingly feminine person said, one would instantly know that he’s a man, and not a woman just from the voice, but not from the looks. He wore golden earrings, and there was an eerie feeling emanating from him. He had a ghastly aura, he was known as Rui, the user of the Curse Alice.
“Attention,” Persona said, his voice completely devoid of any emotions; perfectly calm and composed. “It’s time for your next, emergency assignment.”
“Hoshimiya Ichigo-san was kidnapped today. About an hour ago from now, the prime suspect is Mouri Reo, the singer from Hollywood who’d be performing for the Alice Festival soon.”
I knew that there was something else going on there. thought Sono.
“Kidnapping her? God, that takes balls. Gotta give credit to this guy for that,” Mira said, wondering if Reo could be used as a good sparring- no, death match opponent.
“That is one big feat, though,” Hajime commented.
“Hoshimiya-san was kidnapped when she was still recuperating in the hospital.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard about it after it happened, I was also spying on Reo, he undeniably vanished from the room was he supposed to stay in before leaving the hospital.”
“Oh, I take it back then, there is nothing admirable about what he did, then,” Hajime said, his voice gave away the feeling of distaste he felt currently.
“What a bastard, I’ll be sure crush him good,” Mira angrily said, her smile was suddenly gone as she grimaced with anger.
Rui shook his head left and right in a girlish manner. “B-But… Reo is a hottie! I’d love to have him for myself instead!!”
“Ugh,” Mira groaned. “Come on. Am I the only one who wants to break some bones here?”
“Anyway, the primary objective is to rescue Hoshimiya-san. You may use any means to bring her back to the academy grounds. If she - for some reason - refuses, kill her immediately.”
“Wha-” Mira frowned.
“A kill order?” said Sono quite surprised.
“Of course, I doubt she’d refuse, but the possibility of her being persuaded into joining the other side is also a possibility,” Persona smirked, which was rare. “Thus, permission to your Alice to the fullest is also granted.”
“Man, you just want us to spill some blood, huh?” the other shadow manipulator of the club spoke up, he wore an orange hat, and had black short, spiky hair. His eyes were black, and while his Alice isn’t as strong as Sono’s, it had it’s own quirks and advantages. Regardless, their Alices were similar, Sono’s still had more raw power. This person was known as the Shadow Trickster, Tsubasa.
Persona casually ignored Tsubasa and spoke on. “The mission shall now commence, dismissed.”
Sono stood up, smirking. “Lets get to it then. I’ll try to leave some scraps for the rest of you,” said Sono.
“Hah, we’ll see about that,” Mira said, smirking right back at Sono.
(This is a Joint Post starring: TheLoneGentleman, Nooby2, and BlinkXPoke)
For the next few days there was still no sign of Soul. Many believed that he had left the city, but no guards reported seeing him leave. If he was however, still inside the city, he was hiding himself well. While Marian was leading search parties in search of the lost Chief the other representatives enjoyed some down time. However Charlotte had more important plans. Alma and Emma went to a bar on Selanus’ reference. He himself tagged along as well, and Sonya decided she would see what a bar was like. Her father never allowed her to go to one.
With their clothes being brought from Agreyus, Emma and Marian were dressed to impress. Alma wore a long slender dark blue dress that showed off her curves. She looked as though she were doing to a dinner party. Emma on the other hand wore a cute short light purple dress. She didn’t have any of her armor on so her slender legs were bare. She wore some some long thigh high black boots. Her hair was done up in purple bows. She had to do something with the hair she had left.
They didn’t have any trouble getting a table, and sat down around it. Alma sat down between Emma and Selanus while Sonya say across from her. As Emma sat down her legs barely touch the floor. Emma began recounting the attack on Masario, “So, once we’re at the castle, this big knight started trying to flirt with us. We were trying to avoid attention so we decided to get the oaf to show us around.” said Emma. “We had to miss our rendezvous with our inside man.”
“A big knight tried to flirt with you…? Pfft, I don’t see why not. The three of you are a sight to behold. Venom for you?” Selanus inquired, already mixing a bit for himself. “Fräulein Sonya, don’t look so lost. Relax, enjoy yourself!” He put a small cup of Venom in front of her, just enough for her first time. “Here, try it.”
“Ehhh? It’s okay… I don’t drink!” Sonya refused the drink. It bubbled in a manner that disturbed her.
Emma blushed and clammered up and stared down. †˜Are we that pretty’ Emma thought to herself slightly stirring in her seat. Alma laughed. “Ohoho, reaching a bit above your station are we?” Alma said in a flirtatious tone.
“I’m only stating the obvious.” He handed both the Reps a mug of his special brew, mild to prevent any problems and Sonya, a glass of juice, infusing it with spiritual power to make it a tad fizzy. “Maybe this then, Fräulein Sonya?”
“You don’t drink Sonya?” said Emma taking her drink sipping it she thought it was ok but she usually liked sweeter drinks. Alma took a sip from the drink, and deemed it passable. “Next time something that burns.” said Alma. “And I like my drinks sweet!” said Emma.
“I don’t… I’ve seen my older sister intoxicated too often to think I’d enjoy it… I’d hate for something embarrassing to happen to me.” She answered Emma, and accepted the juice Selanus made for her. “Thank you!” It was a more normal drink this time. She took a small sip of it, and it seemed delicious to her. “Wow, it’s good!”
“You will grow out of that phase, but if you don’t I suppose that is fine as well.” said Alma sipping more of her drink.
“Yup. You’re still young and don’t knock it till you’ve tried it Fräulein.” He prepared another round of drinks, dropping honey into Emma’s and infusing more spirit into Alma’s for more kick. “The next round should be better suited to your tastes, Representatives.” He took a swig from his own cup, feeling the slight sting as it went down his throat. “Whew! Venom really makes the day better, not like any of the alcohol the Scions drink.”
“Ehe, maybe another time. Thank you, though!” Sonya smiled and took some more small sips from her drink. She took note of Selanus as he quickly downed his drink, and was impressed. “Wow, I’m surprised you could hold that in! But, how do you know about the Scions?”
“So Selanus, what type of job are you on right now?” asked Emma drinking more of her alcohol.
“With my job scope, you end up running around a lot. Sometimes into the Holy Lands as well.” Handing their preferred drinks out to them, Selanus addressed the Reps. “Right now, I’m looking for this guy.” He pulled out the picture of Razta, showing it to them. “Auntie’s interested in him so he’d be pretty special if he has her personal attention.”
“I saw this guy.” said Emma. “He was at the training camp when we arrived. His spirit was very strange.”
“Strange, how so? The collar shouldn’t have tampered with his spirit unless servants of the Scion have somehow found a way to. Well at least you’ve seen him in person, has he changed much from this photo?”
“It’s hard to explain. I didn’t pay close attention to him I’m afraid. It looked restrained.” she answered. “Well he looked a bit stronger than this. Maybe he was working out? Besides that hes the same.”
“Alright but enough about work! There’s plenty of time for that but right now, let’s relax!” He chugged the rest of his drink down with gusto, letting out a content sigh once finished. “So, what do you ladies do during your down time? I don’t have much and most of its spent in Raskana with the other wardens. They’re nice but it gets boring as hell.”
“I sleep a lot!” Sonya seemed proud of this fact. “Marian hasn’t had much for me to do lately, so I’ve gotten to sleep a buuuuunch the past few days!” She emphasized it, as it was true. She spent at least 12 hours of each day sleeping. “I also play with the soldiers sometimes when I’m bored.” Many times, it is, in fact, pure fun, but there have been a few cases in recent times where her fun came from victimizing another person while he or she is tied up in her room.
“Down time?” said Emma. “Marian has us working most of the time, but when we aren’t working I like to dance.” She prefered doing out to clubs and dancing with the best of them. She even made a name for herself among the community for her unique style.
“I attend concerts if my schedule allows it. I fancy myself a singer as well...” answered Alma a bit nervously.
“Shes really good, but she’s super shy about it.” said Emma.
“Eeeeh? You sing, Alma? I’d like to hear!” Sonya responded excitedly.
“Maybe when another time, Sonya.” she said smiling. "I'm out of practice."
For the next few days there was still no sign of Soul. Many believed that he had left the city, but no guards reported seeing him leave. If he was however, still inside the city, he was hiding himself well. While Marian was leading search parties in search of the lost Chief the other representatives enjoyed some down time. However Charlotte had more important plans. Alma and Emma went to a bar on Selanus’ reference. He himself tagged along as well, and Sonya decided she would see what a bar was like. Her father never allowed her to go to one.
With their clothes being brought from Agreyus, Emma and Marian were dressed to impress. Alma wore a long slender dark blue dress that showed off her curves. She looked as though she were doing to a dinner party. Emma on the other hand wore a cute short light purple dress. She didn’t have any of her armor on so her slender legs were bare. She wore some some long thigh high black boots. Her hair was done up in purple bows. She had to do something with the hair she had left.
They didn’t have any trouble getting a table, and sat down around it. Alma sat down between Emma and Selanus while Sonya say across from her. As Emma sat down her legs barely touch the floor. Emma began recounting the attack on Masario, “So, once we’re at the castle, this big knight started trying to flirt with us. We were trying to avoid attention so we decided to get the oaf to show us around.” said Emma. “We had to miss our rendezvous with our inside man.”
“A big knight tried to flirt with you…? Pfft, I don’t see why not. The three of you are a sight to behold. Venom for you?” Selanus inquired, already mixing a bit for himself. “Fräulein Sonya, don’t look so lost. Relax, enjoy yourself!” He put a small cup of Venom in front of her, just enough for her first time. “Here, try it.”
“Ehhh? It’s okay… I don’t drink!” Sonya refused the drink. It bubbled in a manner that disturbed her.
Emma blushed and clammered up and stared down. †˜Are we that pretty’ Emma thought to herself slightly stirring in her seat. Alma laughed. “Ohoho, reaching a bit above your station are we?” Alma said in a flirtatious tone.
“I’m only stating the obvious.” He handed both the Reps a mug of his special brew, mild to prevent any problems and Sonya, a glass of juice, infusing it with spiritual power to make it a tad fizzy. “Maybe this then, Fräulein Sonya?”
“You don’t drink Sonya?” said Emma taking her drink sipping it she thought it was ok but she usually liked sweeter drinks. Alma took a sip from the drink, and deemed it passable. “Next time something that burns.” said Alma. “And I like my drinks sweet!” said Emma.
“I don’t… I’ve seen my older sister intoxicated too often to think I’d enjoy it… I’d hate for something embarrassing to happen to me.” She answered Emma, and accepted the juice Selanus made for her. “Thank you!” It was a more normal drink this time. She took a small sip of it, and it seemed delicious to her. “Wow, it’s good!”
“You will grow out of that phase, but if you don’t I suppose that is fine as well.” said Alma sipping more of her drink.
“Yup. You’re still young and don’t knock it till you’ve tried it Fräulein.” He prepared another round of drinks, dropping honey into Emma’s and infusing more spirit into Alma’s for more kick. “The next round should be better suited to your tastes, Representatives.” He took a swig from his own cup, feeling the slight sting as it went down his throat. “Whew! Venom really makes the day better, not like any of the alcohol the Scions drink.”
“Ehe, maybe another time. Thank you, though!” Sonya smiled and took some more small sips from her drink. She took note of Selanus as he quickly downed his drink, and was impressed. “Wow, I’m surprised you could hold that in! But, how do you know about the Scions?”
“So Selanus, what type of job are you on right now?” asked Emma drinking more of her alcohol.
“With my job scope, you end up running around a lot. Sometimes into the Holy Lands as well.” Handing their preferred drinks out to them, Selanus addressed the Reps. “Right now, I’m looking for this guy.” He pulled out the picture of Razta, showing it to them. “Auntie’s interested in him so he’d be pretty special if he has her personal attention.”
“I saw this guy.” said Emma. “He was at the training camp when we arrived. His spirit was very strange.”
“Strange, how so? The collar shouldn’t have tampered with his spirit unless servants of the Scion have somehow found a way to. Well at least you’ve seen him in person, has he changed much from this photo?”
“It’s hard to explain. I didn’t pay close attention to him I’m afraid. It looked restrained.” she answered. “Well he looked a bit stronger than this. Maybe he was working out? Besides that hes the same.”
“Alright but enough about work! There’s plenty of time for that but right now, let’s relax!” He chugged the rest of his drink down with gusto, letting out a content sigh once finished. “So, what do you ladies do during your down time? I don’t have much and most of its spent in Raskana with the other wardens. They’re nice but it gets boring as hell.”
“I sleep a lot!” Sonya seemed proud of this fact. “Marian hasn’t had much for me to do lately, so I’ve gotten to sleep a buuuuunch the past few days!” She emphasized it, as it was true. She spent at least 12 hours of each day sleeping. “I also play with the soldiers sometimes when I’m bored.” Many times, it is, in fact, pure fun, but there have been a few cases in recent times where her fun came from victimizing another person while he or she is tied up in her room.
“Down time?” said Emma. “Marian has us working most of the time, but when we aren’t working I like to dance.” She prefered doing out to clubs and dancing with the best of them. She even made a name for herself among the community for her unique style.
“I attend concerts if my schedule allows it. I fancy myself a singer as well...” answered Alma a bit nervously.
“Shes really good, but she’s super shy about it.” said Emma.
“Eeeeh? You sing, Alma? I’d like to hear!” Sonya responded excitedly.
“Maybe when another time, Sonya.” she said smiling. "I'm out of practice."
(This is a joint post starring: TheLoneGentleman,BlinkxPoke, and Nooby2)
Suddenly as Sonya left her room in search of food she felt something on her foot. It was a hand. Charlotte was laying on the floor out of energy, and her hair was a bit shorter than it was before. “Help me…” she gasped as she gripped Sonya’s foot.
“Oh my. Are you okay?” Sonya helped Charlotte to her feet and supported her. “What happened to you…?” Sonya ran her fingers through Charlotte’s hair, noticing that the length decreased by a few inches. Charlotte smiled as she stood up straight.
“Marian, that’s what.” she said noticing how long Sonya’s long hair. “Guess you haven’t messed up yet. Lucky.” Suddenly the other two, Alma and Emma, walked up from down the hallway. They looked wary of every corner, their hair cut shorter than before. The three still wore their leather suits from the attack as they weren’t given time to change.
“At least we got it over, and done with” said Alma.
“And we aren’t near bald like that one time.”
“I’ll never understand why she goes for our hair. Its heartless and cruel. And this is on top of the beatings...” said Emma.
“She probably gets off to it.” joked Charlotte.
“I really wouldn’t be surprised. So who are you anyways?” asked Charlotte looking to Sonya to introduce herself.
“Ah, I’m Sonya. Sonya Albertine de La Milan. I was recently recruited into the King’s army.” She spoke to all three girls.
“Marian did this to you? Why would she do that?” Sonya asked in curiosity. In the back of her mind, she wondered, Were these the girls I heard last night with Marian?
Sonya is it?” said Emma looking her over. ”I definitely see that your spirit has some potential, but you aren’t very strong. What are you doing here already?” asked Emma.
“They asked my family to send soldiers, and I wanted to come with them.” Sonya told them straight out. “It seemed fun!” She added with a grin on her face. “I participated in the battle to capture this city. Representative Marian and Chief Soul told me to lead a special squad of troops in to take this castle.”
“Ehhh?” said Charlotte raising a brow. “You were sent on an invasion mission? You must have had one of those collared brats with you then?”
Calling them †˜brats’ hurt Sonya. The boy she helped escort was, indeed, pretty cocky, but she had high respect for him due to his sacrifice for their victory. Regardless, Sonya answered, “Yes, with his help, the castle was taken easily.” She tried to sound detached, while still honoring the boy’s fulfillment of his duty.
“You are lucky to still be here. If you were any where near him you wouldn’t have made it either.” said Alma. “We lost one good man to that lack of information. But such is life.”
“...That’s very unfortunate…” Sonya spoke softly. She was reminded that she wasn’t the only who had to carry this burden of a comrade’s death. It was somewhat comforting, but still weighed heavy on her heart.
She realized now that she recognized these girls, somehow. She’s seen them before, but never learned their names. “May I ask who you three are?” Sonya asked politely.
”You don’t know who we are?” said Charlotte bending over so that she was in Sonya’s face. “No wonder you are so relaxed.”
The sound of footsteps drew their attention as Selanus walked in, the three reps and a woman, nobility by the looks of it, in conversation. "Good evening, Representatives." He tipped his hat as he drew closer, "my name is Selanus Dahlem, nephew of Kristina Dahlem. I couldn't help but hear one of you mention the collars that my Aunt had developed? May I have your account of its effectiveness?" The new hairdos the reps were sporting reminded Selanus that he had yet to tell Marian about Soul.
“Well, if it isnt the warden’s nephew.” said Alma impressed with the way Selanus carried himself. “I have to say they were effective, but in a big city like Masario we would need a lot of them. In a small kingdom such as this I believe they are better suited.”
“Ya, and the adults work WAY better than the kids do.” said Emma with a slight hop.
“Representatives? Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” Sonya bowed her head to the three girls and apologized. Why would Marian torture them, though, if she’s a Representative, too? Is she still higher status, having been Chief before?
"The tests results didn't show that." Auntie had buried him in logs and reports, he knew almost as much as her on the weapons. "I'll relay the information back to her." He looked over at Sonya, curious as to her background.
Sonya turned to face the young man named Selanus and introduced herself. “It’s nice to meet you. My name is Sonya Albertine de La Milan.”
"Pleasure to meet you, fräulein Sonya. I can't fathom how the Milan family would have let you come all the way out here." He gestured around him. "Might anyone of you kindly direct me to Representative Marian? I would like to speak with her regarding... certain matters." He ended the sentence uneasily, not looking forward to his first encounter with her.
Emma ran her fingers through her hair hoping that it wasn’t too short.
“She is down the hall last door on your left.” said Emma. “And make sure you knock.”
"My thanks, Representative Emma. I'll refrain from paying a visit right now though she seems to be in a foul mood." Emma's action not going unnoticed by Selanus.
“Shall I join you?” Sonya requested Selanus.
“I wanted to ask her about something, as well.”
"I would advise against it fräulein Sonya, I'd quite like to stay in one piece at the moment. The matters I have are not very pressing enough for me to risk anything." He chuckled, could the girl not read the atmosphere? Maybe her upbringing was too sheltered, typical of nobles.
“Hmmm? Why would it be risky?” Sonya asked confused. She’s seen Marian angry before, but she saves it for whom she’s truly angry at, as Sonya has observed in the past.
“Why don’t you both go? It’s not like she has a reason to be mad at either of you right?” asked Emma.
“Yeah, it should be fine for us.” Sonya agreed.
Selanus scratched the back of his head sheepishly, “Funny you should mention that… I- ah.. kinda got Chief Soul drunk just now.” He gave a weak laugh.
“Ehhhhh, reeeeeeaaaaally!?” Sonya now understood. However, she giggled and responded, “It should still be alright! It’s Soul’s fault for getting drunk. He gets beat up by Marian for everything. You should be fiiiiiine.” She extended that last syllable due to drowsiness. Staying up all night was starting to catch up to Sonya.
“I’ve never heard of the Chief getting drunk and fräulein if you’re tired, please head back to bed. Ladies need their beauty sleep after all. Will you be adjourning to bed as well, Representatives?”
“It’s okay… I’ll...” Sonya’s words were interrupted by a yawn. “I really wanted to talk to Marian about something.” She rubbed her eyes as she said this.
Charlotte stroked her chin in thought as she wandered off. †˜Drunk huh?’ she thought as she was soon out of view from the group. Alma looked curiously at Charlotte as she walked off, but said nothing.
“I suppose we should, and get out of these uniforms.” said Alma.
“They are very uncomfortable.” said Emma pulling on her clothes. “Well, if you do chose to see Marian be sure to knock.”
“Noted, Representative Emma. I’ll be careful around her and would you like to join me for breakfast tomorrow if you’re up for it?” Selanus offered to the representatives. “I would very much like to hear about your engagement with the Queen at Masario.” His eyes glinted with barely suppressed eagerness.
Emma smiled at the attention, and Alma herself was enjoying herself around Selanus. “Sure, we’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.” said Alma smiling. “For now we are going to rest.”
“Later you two!” said Emma skipping off. Alma followed behind her waving to Sonya and Selanus.
“Laaaateeeer!” Sonya waved back.
“Have a good rest.” Selanus returned Almas wave, glad that his first meeting with the representatives turned out favorably.
“Well then fräulein Sonya, shall we?” He looked at Marian’s room, the feeling of dread returning. “Down into the belly of the beast…”
“Yes, let’s!” Sonya smiled at Selanus. He seemed to have stopped in front of Marian’s door. She looked back at him, confused, and tried to reassure him again, “You’ll be okay! Just be honest with her. She won’t be mad at you!”
“It’s just my nerves talking…” He smiled back and knocked on the door twice before entering. “Representative Marian…?”
Three scissors flew at the door and stuck into the frame around Selanus’ head. “You are supposed to wait for response before opening the door.” she said. “What is it?”
Suddenly as Sonya left her room in search of food she felt something on her foot. It was a hand. Charlotte was laying on the floor out of energy, and her hair was a bit shorter than it was before. “Help me…” she gasped as she gripped Sonya’s foot.
“Oh my. Are you okay?” Sonya helped Charlotte to her feet and supported her. “What happened to you…?” Sonya ran her fingers through Charlotte’s hair, noticing that the length decreased by a few inches. Charlotte smiled as she stood up straight.
“Marian, that’s what.” she said noticing how long Sonya’s long hair. “Guess you haven’t messed up yet. Lucky.” Suddenly the other two, Alma and Emma, walked up from down the hallway. They looked wary of every corner, their hair cut shorter than before. The three still wore their leather suits from the attack as they weren’t given time to change.
“At least we got it over, and done with” said Alma.
“And we aren’t near bald like that one time.”
“I’ll never understand why she goes for our hair. Its heartless and cruel. And this is on top of the beatings...” said Emma.
“She probably gets off to it.” joked Charlotte.
“I really wouldn’t be surprised. So who are you anyways?” asked Charlotte looking to Sonya to introduce herself.
“Ah, I’m Sonya. Sonya Albertine de La Milan. I was recently recruited into the King’s army.” She spoke to all three girls.
“Marian did this to you? Why would she do that?” Sonya asked in curiosity. In the back of her mind, she wondered, Were these the girls I heard last night with Marian?
Sonya is it?” said Emma looking her over. ”I definitely see that your spirit has some potential, but you aren’t very strong. What are you doing here already?” asked Emma.
“They asked my family to send soldiers, and I wanted to come with them.” Sonya told them straight out. “It seemed fun!” She added with a grin on her face. “I participated in the battle to capture this city. Representative Marian and Chief Soul told me to lead a special squad of troops in to take this castle.”
“Ehhh?” said Charlotte raising a brow. “You were sent on an invasion mission? You must have had one of those collared brats with you then?”
Calling them †˜brats’ hurt Sonya. The boy she helped escort was, indeed, pretty cocky, but she had high respect for him due to his sacrifice for their victory. Regardless, Sonya answered, “Yes, with his help, the castle was taken easily.” She tried to sound detached, while still honoring the boy’s fulfillment of his duty.
“You are lucky to still be here. If you were any where near him you wouldn’t have made it either.” said Alma. “We lost one good man to that lack of information. But such is life.”
“...That’s very unfortunate…” Sonya spoke softly. She was reminded that she wasn’t the only who had to carry this burden of a comrade’s death. It was somewhat comforting, but still weighed heavy on her heart.
She realized now that she recognized these girls, somehow. She’s seen them before, but never learned their names. “May I ask who you three are?” Sonya asked politely.
”You don’t know who we are?” said Charlotte bending over so that she was in Sonya’s face. “No wonder you are so relaxed.”
The sound of footsteps drew their attention as Selanus walked in, the three reps and a woman, nobility by the looks of it, in conversation. "Good evening, Representatives." He tipped his hat as he drew closer, "my name is Selanus Dahlem, nephew of Kristina Dahlem. I couldn't help but hear one of you mention the collars that my Aunt had developed? May I have your account of its effectiveness?" The new hairdos the reps were sporting reminded Selanus that he had yet to tell Marian about Soul.
“Well, if it isnt the warden’s nephew.” said Alma impressed with the way Selanus carried himself. “I have to say they were effective, but in a big city like Masario we would need a lot of them. In a small kingdom such as this I believe they are better suited.”
“Ya, and the adults work WAY better than the kids do.” said Emma with a slight hop.
“Representatives? Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” Sonya bowed her head to the three girls and apologized. Why would Marian torture them, though, if she’s a Representative, too? Is she still higher status, having been Chief before?
"The tests results didn't show that." Auntie had buried him in logs and reports, he knew almost as much as her on the weapons. "I'll relay the information back to her." He looked over at Sonya, curious as to her background.
Sonya turned to face the young man named Selanus and introduced herself. “It’s nice to meet you. My name is Sonya Albertine de La Milan.”
"Pleasure to meet you, fräulein Sonya. I can't fathom how the Milan family would have let you come all the way out here." He gestured around him. "Might anyone of you kindly direct me to Representative Marian? I would like to speak with her regarding... certain matters." He ended the sentence uneasily, not looking forward to his first encounter with her.
Emma ran her fingers through her hair hoping that it wasn’t too short.
“She is down the hall last door on your left.” said Emma. “And make sure you knock.”
"My thanks, Representative Emma. I'll refrain from paying a visit right now though she seems to be in a foul mood." Emma's action not going unnoticed by Selanus.
“Shall I join you?” Sonya requested Selanus.
“I wanted to ask her about something, as well.”
"I would advise against it fräulein Sonya, I'd quite like to stay in one piece at the moment. The matters I have are not very pressing enough for me to risk anything." He chuckled, could the girl not read the atmosphere? Maybe her upbringing was too sheltered, typical of nobles.
“Hmmm? Why would it be risky?” Sonya asked confused. She’s seen Marian angry before, but she saves it for whom she’s truly angry at, as Sonya has observed in the past.
“Why don’t you both go? It’s not like she has a reason to be mad at either of you right?” asked Emma.
“Yeah, it should be fine for us.” Sonya agreed.
Selanus scratched the back of his head sheepishly, “Funny you should mention that… I- ah.. kinda got Chief Soul drunk just now.” He gave a weak laugh.
“Ehhhhh, reeeeeeaaaaally!?” Sonya now understood. However, she giggled and responded, “It should still be alright! It’s Soul’s fault for getting drunk. He gets beat up by Marian for everything. You should be fiiiiiine.” She extended that last syllable due to drowsiness. Staying up all night was starting to catch up to Sonya.
“I’ve never heard of the Chief getting drunk and fräulein if you’re tired, please head back to bed. Ladies need their beauty sleep after all. Will you be adjourning to bed as well, Representatives?”
“It’s okay… I’ll...” Sonya’s words were interrupted by a yawn. “I really wanted to talk to Marian about something.” She rubbed her eyes as she said this.
Charlotte stroked her chin in thought as she wandered off. †˜Drunk huh?’ she thought as she was soon out of view from the group. Alma looked curiously at Charlotte as she walked off, but said nothing.
“I suppose we should, and get out of these uniforms.” said Alma.
“They are very uncomfortable.” said Emma pulling on her clothes. “Well, if you do chose to see Marian be sure to knock.”
“Noted, Representative Emma. I’ll be careful around her and would you like to join me for breakfast tomorrow if you’re up for it?” Selanus offered to the representatives. “I would very much like to hear about your engagement with the Queen at Masario.” His eyes glinted with barely suppressed eagerness.
Emma smiled at the attention, and Alma herself was enjoying herself around Selanus. “Sure, we’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.” said Alma smiling. “For now we are going to rest.”
“Later you two!” said Emma skipping off. Alma followed behind her waving to Sonya and Selanus.
“Laaaateeeer!” Sonya waved back.
“Have a good rest.” Selanus returned Almas wave, glad that his first meeting with the representatives turned out favorably.
“Well then fräulein Sonya, shall we?” He looked at Marian’s room, the feeling of dread returning. “Down into the belly of the beast…”
“Yes, let’s!” Sonya smiled at Selanus. He seemed to have stopped in front of Marian’s door. She looked back at him, confused, and tried to reassure him again, “You’ll be okay! Just be honest with her. She won’t be mad at you!”
“It’s just my nerves talking…” He smiled back and knocked on the door twice before entering. “Representative Marian…?”
Three scissors flew at the door and stuck into the frame around Selanus’ head. “You are supposed to wait for response before opening the door.” she said. “What is it?”
(This is a Joint Post with: CreepyAssGent and Rice-Chan)
As Sono made his way for the door, he saw a guard out of the corner of his eye. He wouldn’t have much time before the guard would force him to leave, but he didn’t come this far to turn back now. Pushing the door open, he entered the hospital. Once inside, he needed to find a place to hide from the guard as he was sure he would be on his tail soon enough.
The guard could be heard coming, running as he called out “Hey, who goes there?!” Sono looked back as he tried to look for a place to hide in after turning and running into a corridor. Hoping that the room closest to him would do he opened the door and stepped inside. If the guard came inside he would be in for a painful surprise.
Inside the room, he saw empty beds that weren’t even covered in sheets yet. They were probably in the process of changing them. Moving to the back of the room near the window he prepared his shadows for if the guard or anyone else came in. He was starting to regret getting involved with this plan. He had no idea the security would be this great. Perhaps there is something else going on here. After all in the academy nothing was ever as it seemed.
The guard came in sliding the door open. “Who’s there?! Come out now!!” he shouted, demanding the intruder to come out.
Flaring up his fingers strands as his shadows made way for the door. As soon as the man stepped on them he would be at Sono’s mercy. However, he made an error and didn’t notice that his Alice had a restraint - right in his arm - and that his range was smaller than he thought. It may possibly because the room is bigger than he initially assumed, thus Sono found it hard to focus to have his shadowy territory stretch all the way to the door. His shadows only covered half the distance he needed. The guard walked in, and looked at Sono. Sono backed up putting on a scared expression. “D-Don’t come any closer.” he said in a frightened tone.
The guard smiled. “Now, come on, this place is off-limits,” he said, walking towards Sono. He didn’t notice the dark flat marks lurking about on the floor. Just as he took a certain step, his body completely froze.
Sono’s scared expression quickly turned to a sinister grin. How foolish he thought as he forced his shadows to constrict around the man knocking him out cold. As soon as he knew the man was out-cold he walked him to the back of the room, and released his hold on the man. Walking to the door he cracked it to see if the coast was clear.
Seeing no one in the corridor, Sono stepped out, and proceeded down the hallway. Ichigo would most likely be kept near the deeper parts of the hospital.
Suddenly Sono felt some commotion. Looks like they found him. I thought I had more time than this, thought Sono. Before he found himself surrounded Sono looked around for another viable place to hide. If anything he was having a bit of fun. The lack of missions was starting to get to him. Stepping into a room he prayed that it was empty.
Sadly however there were people laying in an array of beds; fast asleep. Careful to be extremely quiet, Sono eased the door shut, and listened as a group of guards rush past. He was making progress, but it would be a lot harder from here out.
“Hey, I heard that he might be on the other side of the corridor!”
“Rush it, we gotta catch that brat!”
The guards seemed to have sprinted off to a direction that may be favorable to Sono. After Sono heard the the guards were clear of his area he slowly opened the door. There were no guards in his way, but he had no doubts that they would leave Ichigo or whoever the guest was unprotected. When he reached the area he would merely create a distraction so that the others could get to their objective.
Walking out of the room, he headed down the hallway. Stopping at a corner he heard some guards saying that Reo was no longer at the hospital. Sighing, he saw that this was a waste of time to continue sneaking around. He now needed to find his way out of the hospital. At least he had some fun in the time he spent there. With the guards panicking over something he found it surprisingly easy to slip out than when it was to get in.
As Sono made his way for the door, he saw a guard out of the corner of his eye. He wouldn’t have much time before the guard would force him to leave, but he didn’t come this far to turn back now. Pushing the door open, he entered the hospital. Once inside, he needed to find a place to hide from the guard as he was sure he would be on his tail soon enough.
The guard could be heard coming, running as he called out “Hey, who goes there?!” Sono looked back as he tried to look for a place to hide in after turning and running into a corridor. Hoping that the room closest to him would do he opened the door and stepped inside. If the guard came inside he would be in for a painful surprise.
Inside the room, he saw empty beds that weren’t even covered in sheets yet. They were probably in the process of changing them. Moving to the back of the room near the window he prepared his shadows for if the guard or anyone else came in. He was starting to regret getting involved with this plan. He had no idea the security would be this great. Perhaps there is something else going on here. After all in the academy nothing was ever as it seemed.
The guard came in sliding the door open. “Who’s there?! Come out now!!” he shouted, demanding the intruder to come out.
Flaring up his fingers strands as his shadows made way for the door. As soon as the man stepped on them he would be at Sono’s mercy. However, he made an error and didn’t notice that his Alice had a restraint - right in his arm - and that his range was smaller than he thought. It may possibly because the room is bigger than he initially assumed, thus Sono found it hard to focus to have his shadowy territory stretch all the way to the door. His shadows only covered half the distance he needed. The guard walked in, and looked at Sono. Sono backed up putting on a scared expression. “D-Don’t come any closer.” he said in a frightened tone.
The guard smiled. “Now, come on, this place is off-limits,” he said, walking towards Sono. He didn’t notice the dark flat marks lurking about on the floor. Just as he took a certain step, his body completely froze.
Sono’s scared expression quickly turned to a sinister grin. How foolish he thought as he forced his shadows to constrict around the man knocking him out cold. As soon as he knew the man was out-cold he walked him to the back of the room, and released his hold on the man. Walking to the door he cracked it to see if the coast was clear.
Seeing no one in the corridor, Sono stepped out, and proceeded down the hallway. Ichigo would most likely be kept near the deeper parts of the hospital.
Suddenly Sono felt some commotion. Looks like they found him. I thought I had more time than this, thought Sono. Before he found himself surrounded Sono looked around for another viable place to hide. If anything he was having a bit of fun. The lack of missions was starting to get to him. Stepping into a room he prayed that it was empty.
Sadly however there were people laying in an array of beds; fast asleep. Careful to be extremely quiet, Sono eased the door shut, and listened as a group of guards rush past. He was making progress, but it would be a lot harder from here out.
“Hey, I heard that he might be on the other side of the corridor!”
“Rush it, we gotta catch that brat!”
The guards seemed to have sprinted off to a direction that may be favorable to Sono. After Sono heard the the guards were clear of his area he slowly opened the door. There were no guards in his way, but he had no doubts that they would leave Ichigo or whoever the guest was unprotected. When he reached the area he would merely create a distraction so that the others could get to their objective.
Walking out of the room, he headed down the hallway. Stopping at a corner he heard some guards saying that Reo was no longer at the hospital. Sighing, he saw that this was a waste of time to continue sneaking around. He now needed to find his way out of the hospital. At least he had some fun in the time he spent there. With the guards panicking over something he found it surprisingly easy to slip out than when it was to get in.
(This is a joint post starring: TheLoneGentleman and Cinia Pacifica.)
When Louise walked down the flight of stairs, along with Leona III, the two descended gracefully with each step. Louise noticed the pleasant faces; all graced by her glamorous and beautiful presence, or was it due to her charisma alone and not the beauty? At this point, she’d only think the former, as that was far more likely from the witnessed reactions she always found before her gaze. Hearing clapping noises subsequently, her doubts were blown away; as they were music to her ears. Louise smiled; showering the people with her charms. “Their eyes are far too easy to please, or is it just me?” Louise whispered to Leona III who stepped down alongside her.
“With that entrance who wouldn’t be impressed?” Replied Leona in a hushed tone. Suddenly the crowd parted, a figure in a red and black high-low cocktail dress. It showed off her leg and supple body perfectly. “It’s about time you two headed down. What kind of party would this be without our guest of honor?” said Margaret looking at Louise. “Come, I have a few people for you to meet, my dear Louise.”
“A boring party, obviously?” Louise replied; portraying her confidence with appropriate use of her facial features. There were no signs of restraint in her part, nor a spec of hesitation in showing her off her charm and attractiveness. Following Margaret - who appeared to be quite attractive herself unlike usual - Louise followed as she walked gracefully, with fingers of both her hands joint together.
Escorting Louise over to a group of people - who were all gathered in a circle - they were drinking wine, and joking amongst themselves. As Margaret, Louise, and Leona III arrived, they went somewhat silent. “Louise, these are the main financial backers behind the war, myself included, of course. We will make sure you are well taken care of,” said Margaret. In the group there were four men and two women. One of them stood out, however. A young man with red hair and dashing good looks. He wore an elegant outfit that showed his slim yet well-built physique. His eyes were a bright gold He seemed to be significantly different from the group, and for some reason, Louise couldn’t seem to take her eyes off of him.
Meeting her gaze, he smiled. “It is a pleasure to meet you, High Priestess Louise. I am Adair Bell,” he said reaching out and kissing Louise’s hand.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Adair,” Louise retracted her right hand that was kissed mere seconds ago, her smile unwavering. There is a strange air around this person… something in Louise’s guts informed her of that as she looked at Adair. Maintaining her eye-candy expression - she shifted her eyes to the others. “May I have the honor of knowing the names of you all, too?” Louise asked politely in an elegant ladylike manner - her tone of voice just right. Just because there was a black rose amongst white flowers; she wouldn’t ignore the white ones out of concern for why a black one was there.
“I am Rayner Fania, and this is my wife Gwyndolin,” said a tall man with thinning brown hair and a black suit. His wife was much younger than him, and wore a provocative purple dress. The both stepped up and shook Louise’s hand.
“Layla Shania ,” said the woman next to the couple who bowed politely. The others introduced themselves one by one.
“I see, it is a pleasure to meet you all. I thank you all for your support,” Louise replied with a curt bow as she closed her eyes for a short moment in order to have her politeness depicted clearly.
“It is nice to see you all again,” said Leona with a slight bow of her head. She had had the pleasure of meeting them all before, but Adair wasn’t as sociable the last time they met.
As they went around and introduced - the rest of the music began to play - people began to pair up to dance. The first song seemed like a faster-paced waltz. Adair walked up to Louise, reaching out his hand. “May I have a dance?” he asked politely.
As unfortunate as it was for this man - of all men in the ballroom - to ask for her hand. As the High Priestess. No, as a lady receiving support from this man via financial means; she couldn’t bring up a single qualm to refuse. Such principles helped her develop important ties to people of great positions throughout her life. Him having a strange impression and aura in him was a terrible reasoning to the general public. It’d be a shameful reasoning; disgraceful. Louise would never use such feeble excuses. “Of course,” Louise answered, bringing her hand forward as a sign of her acceptance while showing a graceful expression to please the eyes.
Leona was glad that Louise found a dance partner despite their earlier conversation, and she was glad that she had yet to be asked. She hadn’t danced in ages, and wouldn’t know where to start.
Taking her hand, Adair guided her out to the center of the room. Facing Louise, he took his right hand and placed it over her waist. With his left arm slightly bent, he took her hand lightly. Once he was sure Louise was ready - he stepped out with his left foot; leading her into a waltz as the music picked up.
“You are quite good at this,” Adair praised as they danced almost as if they both had danced before. There wasn’t a step out of place. “You must be nervous though. About heading off to war?”
“Heh, who wouldn’t be?” Louise sarcastically answered. She expected anyone - coming to a grand party - to know how to dance. She was - however - anxious if Leona III could dance properly due to how she is... but didn’t mull over it much; so as to not cloud her mind with unnecessary thoughts. “Mn, what leads you to such a conclusion, if I may ask?” Louise liked the music, the violins were being played out near-perfectly. Margaret did this one thing right, Louise praised her internally, she indeed hired the best musicians of Masario city. The melody of the music blended in harmoniously as the two danced flawlessly. Does he wish to be a knight, or something? To bring up a question regarding a war of all things. Perhaps it’s just men being men. They never change. Nor can I say anything different about us women, I suppose.
Adair laughed at her obvious sarcasm. “You aren’t nervous at all. I’ve seen your type before,” he said without coming out and saying what was on his mind fully. “You believe that you have all the answers, don’t you?”
“Oh? Then why ask if I was nervous - in the first place?” Louise replied with her expression still unchanging. “Do you yourself believe that you have all the answers?” She asked back directly, it was rather surprising that she maintained her politeness and grace against this man, even now.
“I was simply curious as to how you would respond,” he said smiling as he looked into her eyes. “With this ever changing world… Even if at one time you had an answer. It can change at a moments notice,” he said as he continued to lead the dance. To the spectators and the dancers around them it would appear that they were simply talking pleasantries. “What is it that you truly want, Louise?” he asked as his eyes began to shine slightly.
Louise closed her eyes to think for a slight moment. “Hmm. I will not deny this, there is no doubt that things are indeed - changing,” Louise begun, as she opened her eyes, they tersely shined, too. “As one affected by the passage of time, would you not want to take your sweet time to find out? Or, are you in such a haste despite being devoid of limitations?” Louise smirked. For the first time, her expression darkened.
“I could wait centuries to find out, but I do have a schedule to keep,” answered Adair. Seeing Louise’s expression darken, he smiled. “The one truth is known only to a few. Why don’t we just shatter this world?” he said knowing the the girl in front of him would know exactly who he was in that moment.
“Just as you shattered me, once?” Louise asked back, still with her smirk. “Are you that bored with this tiny world that you wish to break it apart that badly - for your amusement? Or is there another reason you seek to do so?”
“You will just have to wait for the end of the show like everyone else I’m afraid,” answered Adair. “You are already on the path aren’t you?”
“Then my answer to your previous question shall be the same - you have to wait and see for what I truly wish,” Louise finally answered, smiling normally like usual again. “The path, you say?” Louise slightly narrowed her eyes as she asked. This man’s expressions were rather tough to read, even for a person like her.
Adair looked into her eyes and smiled as if he could read her mind. At that time the song ended and the two came to a stop. “I will leave you with that for now, but the next time we dance. It may be the last,” he said into her ear.
“Perhaps the time we meet, I’ll grace you with a song of my own. They say I’m quite well with singing,” Louise replied just as he spoke into her ear after closing her eyes.
“It will be a duet to shake the world,” he said as he released her and stepped back. He bowed politely. “I thank you for an excellent dance, Louise.”
“Same to you, Adair,” Louise pronounced the name with much feeling of sarcasm. “I won’t pray to meet you again - as I feel it is simply destiny’s whim - but I do feel that the next meeting may not quite go as you expect.”
Adair smiled to himself, and said not another word. Turning, he walked off disappearing into the crowd. Leona walked up and nudged Louise gently. “Stole another heart, have you?” she said teasingly.
“You haven’t felt it?” Louise turned to ask, with a rather out-of-place serious expression.
Leona looked puzzled by her serious tone. “Felt what?” She asked.
“Nevermind. Perhaps I’ll tell you about it another time,” Louise dropped the grim face, and abruptly flipped her eye-pleasing smile in a flash. “We should totally dance as… buddies?” Louise asked, at the end of her sentence, she couldn’t pick an appropriate word, even †˜buddies’ would be a strange word among ladies, especially for ones of their rich status.
“Sure, perhaps you can refresh me on the basics,” she said laughing slightly. “Buddies. I have yet to be called that one.”
“I felt rather baffled myself about that. I’m picky for words sometimes, so this was an error on my part,” Louise answered, laughing.
The rest of the party went without incident, and Margaret was happy with the outcome. Almost everyone was in attendance, but somewhere along the lines one of her guests left early. Being the host she was embarrassed that she didn’t notice, but there was little she could do at the point. She would infer about it later. She was more happy that Louise had a good time at the party she set up. They wouldn’t have another chance to do it again for a long time.
When Louise walked down the flight of stairs, along with Leona III, the two descended gracefully with each step. Louise noticed the pleasant faces; all graced by her glamorous and beautiful presence, or was it due to her charisma alone and not the beauty? At this point, she’d only think the former, as that was far more likely from the witnessed reactions she always found before her gaze. Hearing clapping noises subsequently, her doubts were blown away; as they were music to her ears. Louise smiled; showering the people with her charms. “Their eyes are far too easy to please, or is it just me?” Louise whispered to Leona III who stepped down alongside her.
“With that entrance who wouldn’t be impressed?” Replied Leona in a hushed tone. Suddenly the crowd parted, a figure in a red and black high-low cocktail dress. It showed off her leg and supple body perfectly. “It’s about time you two headed down. What kind of party would this be without our guest of honor?” said Margaret looking at Louise. “Come, I have a few people for you to meet, my dear Louise.”
“A boring party, obviously?” Louise replied; portraying her confidence with appropriate use of her facial features. There were no signs of restraint in her part, nor a spec of hesitation in showing her off her charm and attractiveness. Following Margaret - who appeared to be quite attractive herself unlike usual - Louise followed as she walked gracefully, with fingers of both her hands joint together.
Escorting Louise over to a group of people - who were all gathered in a circle - they were drinking wine, and joking amongst themselves. As Margaret, Louise, and Leona III arrived, they went somewhat silent. “Louise, these are the main financial backers behind the war, myself included, of course. We will make sure you are well taken care of,” said Margaret. In the group there were four men and two women. One of them stood out, however. A young man with red hair and dashing good looks. He wore an elegant outfit that showed his slim yet well-built physique. His eyes were a bright gold He seemed to be significantly different from the group, and for some reason, Louise couldn’t seem to take her eyes off of him.
Meeting her gaze, he smiled. “It is a pleasure to meet you, High Priestess Louise. I am Adair Bell,” he said reaching out and kissing Louise’s hand.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Adair,” Louise retracted her right hand that was kissed mere seconds ago, her smile unwavering. There is a strange air around this person… something in Louise’s guts informed her of that as she looked at Adair. Maintaining her eye-candy expression - she shifted her eyes to the others. “May I have the honor of knowing the names of you all, too?” Louise asked politely in an elegant ladylike manner - her tone of voice just right. Just because there was a black rose amongst white flowers; she wouldn’t ignore the white ones out of concern for why a black one was there.
“I am Rayner Fania, and this is my wife Gwyndolin,” said a tall man with thinning brown hair and a black suit. His wife was much younger than him, and wore a provocative purple dress. The both stepped up and shook Louise’s hand.
“Layla Shania ,” said the woman next to the couple who bowed politely. The others introduced themselves one by one.
“I see, it is a pleasure to meet you all. I thank you all for your support,” Louise replied with a curt bow as she closed her eyes for a short moment in order to have her politeness depicted clearly.
“It is nice to see you all again,” said Leona with a slight bow of her head. She had had the pleasure of meeting them all before, but Adair wasn’t as sociable the last time they met.
As they went around and introduced - the rest of the music began to play - people began to pair up to dance. The first song seemed like a faster-paced waltz. Adair walked up to Louise, reaching out his hand. “May I have a dance?” he asked politely.
As unfortunate as it was for this man - of all men in the ballroom - to ask for her hand. As the High Priestess. No, as a lady receiving support from this man via financial means; she couldn’t bring up a single qualm to refuse. Such principles helped her develop important ties to people of great positions throughout her life. Him having a strange impression and aura in him was a terrible reasoning to the general public. It’d be a shameful reasoning; disgraceful. Louise would never use such feeble excuses. “Of course,” Louise answered, bringing her hand forward as a sign of her acceptance while showing a graceful expression to please the eyes.
Leona was glad that Louise found a dance partner despite their earlier conversation, and she was glad that she had yet to be asked. She hadn’t danced in ages, and wouldn’t know where to start.
Taking her hand, Adair guided her out to the center of the room. Facing Louise, he took his right hand and placed it over her waist. With his left arm slightly bent, he took her hand lightly. Once he was sure Louise was ready - he stepped out with his left foot; leading her into a waltz as the music picked up.
“You are quite good at this,” Adair praised as they danced almost as if they both had danced before. There wasn’t a step out of place. “You must be nervous though. About heading off to war?”
“Heh, who wouldn’t be?” Louise sarcastically answered. She expected anyone - coming to a grand party - to know how to dance. She was - however - anxious if Leona III could dance properly due to how she is... but didn’t mull over it much; so as to not cloud her mind with unnecessary thoughts. “Mn, what leads you to such a conclusion, if I may ask?” Louise liked the music, the violins were being played out near-perfectly. Margaret did this one thing right, Louise praised her internally, she indeed hired the best musicians of Masario city. The melody of the music blended in harmoniously as the two danced flawlessly. Does he wish to be a knight, or something? To bring up a question regarding a war of all things. Perhaps it’s just men being men. They never change. Nor can I say anything different about us women, I suppose.
Adair laughed at her obvious sarcasm. “You aren’t nervous at all. I’ve seen your type before,” he said without coming out and saying what was on his mind fully. “You believe that you have all the answers, don’t you?”
“Oh? Then why ask if I was nervous - in the first place?” Louise replied with her expression still unchanging. “Do you yourself believe that you have all the answers?” She asked back directly, it was rather surprising that she maintained her politeness and grace against this man, even now.
“I was simply curious as to how you would respond,” he said smiling as he looked into her eyes. “With this ever changing world… Even if at one time you had an answer. It can change at a moments notice,” he said as he continued to lead the dance. To the spectators and the dancers around them it would appear that they were simply talking pleasantries. “What is it that you truly want, Louise?” he asked as his eyes began to shine slightly.
Louise closed her eyes to think for a slight moment. “Hmm. I will not deny this, there is no doubt that things are indeed - changing,” Louise begun, as she opened her eyes, they tersely shined, too. “As one affected by the passage of time, would you not want to take your sweet time to find out? Or, are you in such a haste despite being devoid of limitations?” Louise smirked. For the first time, her expression darkened.
“I could wait centuries to find out, but I do have a schedule to keep,” answered Adair. Seeing Louise’s expression darken, he smiled. “The one truth is known only to a few. Why don’t we just shatter this world?” he said knowing the the girl in front of him would know exactly who he was in that moment.
“Just as you shattered me, once?” Louise asked back, still with her smirk. “Are you that bored with this tiny world that you wish to break it apart that badly - for your amusement? Or is there another reason you seek to do so?”
“You will just have to wait for the end of the show like everyone else I’m afraid,” answered Adair. “You are already on the path aren’t you?”
“Then my answer to your previous question shall be the same - you have to wait and see for what I truly wish,” Louise finally answered, smiling normally like usual again. “The path, you say?” Louise slightly narrowed her eyes as she asked. This man’s expressions were rather tough to read, even for a person like her.
Adair looked into her eyes and smiled as if he could read her mind. At that time the song ended and the two came to a stop. “I will leave you with that for now, but the next time we dance. It may be the last,” he said into her ear.
“Perhaps the time we meet, I’ll grace you with a song of my own. They say I’m quite well with singing,” Louise replied just as he spoke into her ear after closing her eyes.
“It will be a duet to shake the world,” he said as he released her and stepped back. He bowed politely. “I thank you for an excellent dance, Louise.”
“Same to you, Adair,” Louise pronounced the name with much feeling of sarcasm. “I won’t pray to meet you again - as I feel it is simply destiny’s whim - but I do feel that the next meeting may not quite go as you expect.”
Adair smiled to himself, and said not another word. Turning, he walked off disappearing into the crowd. Leona walked up and nudged Louise gently. “Stole another heart, have you?” she said teasingly.
“You haven’t felt it?” Louise turned to ask, with a rather out-of-place serious expression.
Leona looked puzzled by her serious tone. “Felt what?” She asked.
“Nevermind. Perhaps I’ll tell you about it another time,” Louise dropped the grim face, and abruptly flipped her eye-pleasing smile in a flash. “We should totally dance as… buddies?” Louise asked, at the end of her sentence, she couldn’t pick an appropriate word, even †˜buddies’ would be a strange word among ladies, especially for ones of their rich status.
“Sure, perhaps you can refresh me on the basics,” she said laughing slightly. “Buddies. I have yet to be called that one.”
“I felt rather baffled myself about that. I’m picky for words sometimes, so this was an error on my part,” Louise answered, laughing.
The rest of the party went without incident, and Margaret was happy with the outcome. Almost everyone was in attendance, but somewhere along the lines one of her guests left early. Being the host she was embarrassed that she didn’t notice, but there was little she could do at the point. She would infer about it later. She was more happy that Louise had a good time at the party she set up. They wouldn’t have another chance to do it again for a long time.
The next few days were busy to say the least. With the attack on Raltese pushing them to head out slightly ahead of schedule there was a cloud of stress hanging over much of the city. Many soldiers however were happy to finally be able to do something with all their training and hard work. Arkasia’s knights had their hands full checking on the status of their troops, and sorting out people based on specialty. Plans that were meant to take place over a few weeks now needed to be completed in days. With a city as rich in resources such as Raltese they needed to act fast to retrieve it. Arkasia called all her knights in for a meeting to plan what should be done.
“It should have had better defenses than that. I went there myself to make sure. They had to have an inside man of two there.” said Kreig. “Something is seriously wrong with how easy we are being fooled. Them taking that city in a day is ridiculous.”
“We have underestimated Cain before. If what they say is true he has knowledge that spans generations. Right now we may be playing into his hands as well.” said Nero.
“Ari do you have any opinions on this?” asked Nero looking to her. He said trying to get her involved.
”No sir as I’m not really familiar with Raltese so I cannot say much. But do we have an estimate of how many soldiers they have in the city? ”
“It is a relatively small force. About 300 - 400 soldiers. Which makes the time frame in which this happened even more bizarre.” answered Kreig.
“We’re missing something, I’m sure of it” Owain chimed in, “it’s absolutely illogical unless they have something we don’t”
“Owain, your report from the attack on the city,” Arkasia started. “you said the man was changing the citizens. You even said that the man hoped to †˜acquire’ you?”
Owain nodded, “indeed, seemed he had some way of controlling people, I’m unsure under what conditions though, most likely he could manipulate the dead”
“We don’t have enough information to make any speculations, but if they had more people like him? You could virtually turn the city on itself.” said Krieg.
“Frankly it’s disgusting, he was disgusting, although I’m upset I couldn’t get more information from him” Owain said, looking as though he had a bad taste in his mouth.
”So we are dealing with enemy soldiers and probably an unknown dead army of our own people as well is what you’re saying?”
“Something like that,” said Nero.
“Scaaary,” said a knight from the back of the room. “How do we even fight something like that?”
“With weapons.” said Arkasia. “You have a sword. Use it. They die like any other enemy.”
”Though how can well tell them apart from our own soldiers, won’t they be having the same equipment as us?”[
“Their movements are nothing like ours. Pay close attention to the way they act. You Ari, should be able to tell after the attack.” answered Arkasia. “For those of you that were not there. Look for jerkish movements. Their bodies don’t work the same way, but they are easier to defeat. So they shouldn't be much of a problem for us as long as we don’t let ourselves get overwhelmed.”
“Really, they were slow enough for even me to keep up” Owain jested.
”Then what is approach gonna be to take back the city sir?”
Kreig pulled out a map and spread it over the table. “We have the home ground advantage. In theory they shouldn’t be able to use their spirits for long. We just have to wear them down with overwhelming force. We have to account for the possibility of the representatives as well however.”
“I will lead the assault. Once we are in two groups will attack here and here.” said Arkasia pointing to two bridges on the map. The city was cut in half by a large man made river. “We cut off their access to the city, and clear it. We will need our strongest groups at these locations. It will be their job to receive any soldier coming from the castle. Since the leaders will also come from the castle they have to be ready for this as well.” order Arkasia.
”As we clear the city we will have Scion raise a large spiritual veil over the city. Once we push up far enough we will essentially choke them out of the city.” continued Krieg.
“Ugh, so we are depending on them to clean up the city as we do all the work.” said a knight with sigh.
Owain had his doubts, “I don’t like it, I still feel like we’re just playing into their hands”
“They took our most important resource, and now just sit on it waiting…” Arkasia said. “This is no doubt a trap. They probably even know we are coming, but we can’t abandon it.”
“Should we not at least gauge the situation before an attack…? Who knows what they have up their sleeve? I’m telling you I don’t like this one bit” Owain said biting his lip.
Arkasia looked at Owain. “Do you have some sort of plan of your own?”asked Arkasia. “Any scouts sent for a closer look don’t come back.”
“No…” Owain trailed off, not wanting to share what he had been thinking of.
“Plans may change, but for now this is all we have until we know more.” said Arkasia. “We also won’t have our full force since most of our new troops are still in training. Of course there are exceptions, but I don’t want to go in with amateurs.”
“How many men can we spare then?” Owain asked
“Around five hundred,” answered Krieg. “We need to leave enough here to defend the city.”
“Tch” Owain tutted “barely even a numbers advantage, and they know more about us than we do about them… I really don’t like this”
Arkasia stood up straight, and smiled.“Have more faith in us.” she said.
“I haven’t been sitting around doing nothing.” answered Krieg with a smirk.
“It’s not that I don’t have faith in you Sir, in a fair battle there’s no way we would lose… but the cursed don’t play fair and that’s what worries me” Owain said, ever cautious of going into battle without weighing up every option.
Krieg kept his smile. “They slipped up.” he said. “In my time away from Arkasia I learned about a system they have been using. This is their main way of communicating. Sadly my method wasn’t fine tuned in time to help us in Masario, but if we can find a way to interrupt this. They will be fighting us blind.”
Owain raised an eyebrow, “how exactly did you find this out?” he asked, somewhat suspicious of the lack of explanation.
Krieg looked to Owain and stroked his beard. “I’ll admit it was by luck.” said Krieg. “While near the Forests of Origin I was ambushed by a group of seemingly trained cultists. Luckily for me I made friends within the forest. We took out who we believed to be the one holding their veil, but they didn’t succumb to the curse. Meaning all of them were of power enough to support their own veil. After this however their formation was utter trash, and we dominated the remainders with only the two of us.”
“After what happened at Masario we learned they are able to use their veils for a lot more than just simple survival.” said Arkasia. “They have learned many different techniques using them. It wasn’t hard to put the pieces together after that. Its not to hard to surmise they can communicate with it some how.” said Arkasia. “Our main plan with be to cancel out their veils.”
“Huh…?” said Owain, surprised at this information. He wasn’t sure he was entirely happy with Kriegs explanation, it didn’t seem like him to discover things by chance, however, if he wasn’t told the full story now he doubted asking again would have any result.
“Pardon me Sir but shouldn’t we prepare our forces now? The more we stay put I believe it will become a disadvantage for us as they can proceed themselves to better defend themselves against our attacks.” said Ari.
“That’s why we move out tomorrow, preparations are about finished.” said Arkasia.
Owain still wasn’t satisfied about the blatant trap they were walking into with no numbers advantage. He stood up, “if we’re going with the original plan, then if you’ll excuse me, my armour needs maintenance”
“You are dismissed Owain.” answered Arkasia. “Are their any other questions?”
“Have you decided what groups will watch the bridge?” asked a female knight.
“Not yet I want to be sure before I assign those teams” answered Arkasia. “They will take the brunt of the assault.”
“I offer to lead one of the bridge teams.” said Nero. “My team is ready.”
“I’ll take the other” Owain said as he left the room. He didn’t trust that any of the other teams were ready, and he knew for sure his was.
“I will consider it, and get back to you two soon,” answered Arkasia. “You are all dismissed. Be ready to move out at dawn!”
“It should have had better defenses than that. I went there myself to make sure. They had to have an inside man of two there.” said Kreig. “Something is seriously wrong with how easy we are being fooled. Them taking that city in a day is ridiculous.”
“We have underestimated Cain before. If what they say is true he has knowledge that spans generations. Right now we may be playing into his hands as well.” said Nero.
“Ari do you have any opinions on this?” asked Nero looking to her. He said trying to get her involved.
”No sir as I’m not really familiar with Raltese so I cannot say much. But do we have an estimate of how many soldiers they have in the city? ”
“It is a relatively small force. About 300 - 400 soldiers. Which makes the time frame in which this happened even more bizarre.” answered Kreig.
“We’re missing something, I’m sure of it” Owain chimed in, “it’s absolutely illogical unless they have something we don’t”
“Owain, your report from the attack on the city,” Arkasia started. “you said the man was changing the citizens. You even said that the man hoped to †˜acquire’ you?”
Owain nodded, “indeed, seemed he had some way of controlling people, I’m unsure under what conditions though, most likely he could manipulate the dead”
“We don’t have enough information to make any speculations, but if they had more people like him? You could virtually turn the city on itself.” said Krieg.
“Frankly it’s disgusting, he was disgusting, although I’m upset I couldn’t get more information from him” Owain said, looking as though he had a bad taste in his mouth.
”So we are dealing with enemy soldiers and probably an unknown dead army of our own people as well is what you’re saying?”
“Something like that,” said Nero.
“Scaaary,” said a knight from the back of the room. “How do we even fight something like that?”
“With weapons.” said Arkasia. “You have a sword. Use it. They die like any other enemy.”
”Though how can well tell them apart from our own soldiers, won’t they be having the same equipment as us?”[
“Their movements are nothing like ours. Pay close attention to the way they act. You Ari, should be able to tell after the attack.” answered Arkasia. “For those of you that were not there. Look for jerkish movements. Their bodies don’t work the same way, but they are easier to defeat. So they shouldn't be much of a problem for us as long as we don’t let ourselves get overwhelmed.”
“Really, they were slow enough for even me to keep up” Owain jested.
”Then what is approach gonna be to take back the city sir?”
Kreig pulled out a map and spread it over the table. “We have the home ground advantage. In theory they shouldn’t be able to use their spirits for long. We just have to wear them down with overwhelming force. We have to account for the possibility of the representatives as well however.”
“I will lead the assault. Once we are in two groups will attack here and here.” said Arkasia pointing to two bridges on the map. The city was cut in half by a large man made river. “We cut off their access to the city, and clear it. We will need our strongest groups at these locations. It will be their job to receive any soldier coming from the castle. Since the leaders will also come from the castle they have to be ready for this as well.” order Arkasia.
”As we clear the city we will have Scion raise a large spiritual veil over the city. Once we push up far enough we will essentially choke them out of the city.” continued Krieg.
“Ugh, so we are depending on them to clean up the city as we do all the work.” said a knight with sigh.
Owain had his doubts, “I don’t like it, I still feel like we’re just playing into their hands”
“They took our most important resource, and now just sit on it waiting…” Arkasia said. “This is no doubt a trap. They probably even know we are coming, but we can’t abandon it.”
“Should we not at least gauge the situation before an attack…? Who knows what they have up their sleeve? I’m telling you I don’t like this one bit” Owain said biting his lip.
Arkasia looked at Owain. “Do you have some sort of plan of your own?”asked Arkasia. “Any scouts sent for a closer look don’t come back.”
“No…” Owain trailed off, not wanting to share what he had been thinking of.
“Plans may change, but for now this is all we have until we know more.” said Arkasia. “We also won’t have our full force since most of our new troops are still in training. Of course there are exceptions, but I don’t want to go in with amateurs.”
“How many men can we spare then?” Owain asked
“Around five hundred,” answered Krieg. “We need to leave enough here to defend the city.”
“Tch” Owain tutted “barely even a numbers advantage, and they know more about us than we do about them… I really don’t like this”
Arkasia stood up straight, and smiled.“Have more faith in us.” she said.
“I haven’t been sitting around doing nothing.” answered Krieg with a smirk.
“It’s not that I don’t have faith in you Sir, in a fair battle there’s no way we would lose… but the cursed don’t play fair and that’s what worries me” Owain said, ever cautious of going into battle without weighing up every option.
Krieg kept his smile. “They slipped up.” he said. “In my time away from Arkasia I learned about a system they have been using. This is their main way of communicating. Sadly my method wasn’t fine tuned in time to help us in Masario, but if we can find a way to interrupt this. They will be fighting us blind.”
Owain raised an eyebrow, “how exactly did you find this out?” he asked, somewhat suspicious of the lack of explanation.
Krieg looked to Owain and stroked his beard. “I’ll admit it was by luck.” said Krieg. “While near the Forests of Origin I was ambushed by a group of seemingly trained cultists. Luckily for me I made friends within the forest. We took out who we believed to be the one holding their veil, but they didn’t succumb to the curse. Meaning all of them were of power enough to support their own veil. After this however their formation was utter trash, and we dominated the remainders with only the two of us.”
“After what happened at Masario we learned they are able to use their veils for a lot more than just simple survival.” said Arkasia. “They have learned many different techniques using them. It wasn’t hard to put the pieces together after that. Its not to hard to surmise they can communicate with it some how.” said Arkasia. “Our main plan with be to cancel out their veils.”
“Huh…?” said Owain, surprised at this information. He wasn’t sure he was entirely happy with Kriegs explanation, it didn’t seem like him to discover things by chance, however, if he wasn’t told the full story now he doubted asking again would have any result.
“Pardon me Sir but shouldn’t we prepare our forces now? The more we stay put I believe it will become a disadvantage for us as they can proceed themselves to better defend themselves against our attacks.” said Ari.
“That’s why we move out tomorrow, preparations are about finished.” said Arkasia.
Owain still wasn’t satisfied about the blatant trap they were walking into with no numbers advantage. He stood up, “if we’re going with the original plan, then if you’ll excuse me, my armour needs maintenance”
“You are dismissed Owain.” answered Arkasia. “Are their any other questions?”
“Have you decided what groups will watch the bridge?” asked a female knight.
“Not yet I want to be sure before I assign those teams” answered Arkasia. “They will take the brunt of the assault.”
“I offer to lead one of the bridge teams.” said Nero. “My team is ready.”
“I’ll take the other” Owain said as he left the room. He didn’t trust that any of the other teams were ready, and he knew for sure his was.
“I will consider it, and get back to you two soon,” answered Arkasia. “You are all dismissed. Be ready to move out at dawn!”
(This is a Joint post starring: TheLoneGentleman, Cinia Pacifica.)
Leona III was busy setting up things for when her daughter would eventually leave for war. She needed to be updated on what her duties would be, and what she’d be allowed to do. To Leona, it was a bunch of nonsense that just made sure that she didn’t usurp the throne while her daughter was gone. She was both offended, and impressed that such a system was created.
“I think I have the gist of it, thank you,” she said as the advisor Edzel bowed and walked away. Sighing, she turned around making a break for her quarters before the man remembered something else to go over. As she walked into her room she saw a familiar face sitting upon one of her couches. “Louise?” said Leona III surprised to see her.
“Greetings. Or should I say good evening? Anyway, how are things going around here? Do you think you’ll be able to maintain stability of order in the city, as it is in this state?” asked Louise, comfortably laying back on her couch.
“I have no earthly idea.” said Leona walking over to the opposite couch and collapsing on it. “Should have took your advice, and did nothing.”
“You should relax more like the retired lady you are, and take vacations or something. Worrying about politics no longer fits you, Leona,” Louise said, then smirked. “Any requests you want to make, for this war?”
“I should, but I’ve never been the type to sit still long.” she answered. “I feel like I’m just biding my time for something bigger. As for requests? Make it long. War time is very profitable.” she said laughing.
“I think it’ll be long no matter how you look at it,” Louise answered. “Perhaps I should pay occasional visits to have a drink or two with you.”
“That would be nice. I hope that Margaret will come visit me at well. She has ways of getting hard to find things rather easily.” said Leona. “So what will you do after you settle things with Cain?”
“I have absolutely no clue. Rather, I am not certain whether I’ll make it back, either,” Louise answered seriously, not sure how it’d go.
“If you are unsure why go in the first place? I understand what happened, but you have been able to avoid him easily before.”
“As I have previously mentioned, I have business. Is that not sufficient enough for an answer?” Louise frowned, Leona III should have understood by now that she’d not be giving out the real reason, why was going around in circles, again?
“I guess I’m just being nosy.” said Leona III dropping the subject for now. Leona just hoped that it wasn’t what it sounded like. She decided she would have more trust in her friend. “So I take it that Margaret discussed the party with you?”
“She did informed me that it’d be set up soon. I look forward to it, the party at the shrine was rather… bland. They were better in my time, as I was used to be the organizer in those days.”
“Of course it was Rhea isn’t know for her outstanding personality or party planning.” joked Leona. “These are things that the common people leave to people like us. We will have to show them what a real party is like.”
“Indeed. A party is something that really gets your spirit pumped, not swamped,” Louise added. “Anyway, how is that progressing? I assume you’re still working on it?”
“Of course, and it is going well. I invited even my daughter, but I doubt she will show. Its easy to get the big wigs to these types of things, and we can have fun making jokes on their expense.” joked Leona.
“And here I was hoping that you’d finally drop such a worthless thing and sleep or drink. What a pity.”
“I will have plenty of time to do that. How many chances will I get to make jokes with you? This is an opportunity I won’t miss.” answered Leona.
“You sure you want to joke, though? You get one out of ten from me every time,” Louise mocked, showing a smirk.
“The diamond in the rough is always worth it.” answered Leona with a smile.
“Is that so? May I have you claim with confidence that you’ve often came across said diamonds, then?” Louise asked, with a smile too.
“Of course,” she answered. “You have to hope that all your jokes aren’t lost on me.” She laughed a bit as she sat up straight. She didn’t realize how stressed she was until Louise came to cheer her up. It was good to have a friend that knew you better than you knew yourself.
“Oh well,” Louise shrugged. “So, do you plan to just take care of the city - as she wants you to - or do you have other goals that you still aim for?”
“Dammit, I missed another one didn’t I?” she said laughing. “As for what I have planned. I still have †˜you know what’ to work on, but for now that project can be put on hold. I don’t think I will have the same liberties as before. Not with Saren here.”
Louise responded with a grin to her question. “So Saren no longer respects the former queen? How cold,” Louise shrugged. “People sure are fast to change masters in heart.”
“It’s not that. Saren was the one who was in charge of me when the accident happened, and I fell ill. Since then he hasn’t been the same, and has doubled his efforts. This is probably the reason he took up the job of watching over me.” she explained. “The man is a lot more complex than you might think.”
“And exactly how does feeling responsible for being a failure count for severe complexity, oh do explain.”
Leona began to blush slightly. “It’s nothing,” she answered. “Most people just think he is a muscle head is all.”
Louise raised her eyebrows; making a questioning face. “Oh, really? That’s far more being complex, then. Or was he your… ” Louise was about to ask. “Never mind,” Louise turned her face the other way.
Louise leaned forward on the couch. “You aren’t to tell a soul!” she said. “We didn’t do anything scandalous. Just... talked.”
“That’s great. I couldn’t even speak to him, in my case… ” Louise said, suddenly revealing her melancholic face. The thought brought back unwanted memories.
Reading the mood Leona tried to keep her mind busy. “I thought you would have been more disapproving to be honest.”
“As if,” Louise begun to elaborate. “I don’t know who made it up that the queens or priestesses have to remain pure. As I can assure you that it doesn’t mean anything at the end of the day. My spirit wouldn’t be considered pure if she were to be a human,” she chuckled.
Leona gave a sigh of relief. “Well that might be true, but still.” she said. “ It isn’t something that I can tell anyone else. Traditions are still important, and Saren’s job might be on the line.”
“Yeah, that’s the reason why I’m not a fan of society, yet understand it so much. I bet the people who made the traditions themselves are a bunch of hypocrites.”
“If only I fought harder to be rid of these silly traditions. We wouldn’t be where we are now.” complained Leona.
“What’s done is done. No worth in thinking how it’d be different if you had done something else. Maybe we’d see a worse day now - due to people rebelling from an abrupt change - who knows. I’d just leave for another adventure if I were caught having an affair, though~!”
“Sadly I don’t have that luxury.” said Leona chuckling. “But now that you mention it you did have quite a few adventures…” She brought a hand to her mouth in a gasp as if she figured it all out.
“W-What’s anything to do with my tales of travels?”
Leona giggled. “Oh you know what I’m talking about. How many hearts have you stolen, and gone on an adventure with?”
“Many I’m not quite aware of myself, actually. However, there were some that stole mine, instead. I suppose that in itself is equivalent exchange.”
“That is a victory in my book, Louise.” she said smiling.
“I have had many relationships in which I went all the way,” Louise smiled as she replied. “Have you, oh-so-proud former queen?”
“I can’t say that I have.” she answered. “Perhaps one these days” She smirked as she said the last part.
“No, please die pure. I must maintain my share of victories over you, after all,” Louise grinned. “Besides, it’s a type of an addictive poison that you want to have more, instead of stop.”
“You sure don’t make it any less appealing.” joked Leona.
“Can’t help it. It’s helps to alleviate your stress, at least. I think I wouldn’t have been sane if I hadn’t had come across: wine, this, and other good time-passing games in my life..”
“Perhaps that is why I am still so stressed despite having wine for several lifetime…” said Leona almost serious.
“Maybe it’s about time you start talking to Saren more about… various things,” Louise grinned.
Leona blushed deep red. “I-I think that will do for that topic.” she announced shyly.
“Haha! Sorry if I teased a little too far,” Louise replied, laughing earnestly. “Do you want to end the night with a drink like the last time?”
“Yes, let’s,” responded Leona as she looked in her wine chest for a suitable drink. Placing two glasses down she filled their cups, and placed the wine bottle on the table. As they drank the two talked about various things, past relationship, and other personal topics. Louise who was worried about her friend was a little less worried about when the time would come for her to leave. This took them deep into the afternoon.
Leona III was busy setting up things for when her daughter would eventually leave for war. She needed to be updated on what her duties would be, and what she’d be allowed to do. To Leona, it was a bunch of nonsense that just made sure that she didn’t usurp the throne while her daughter was gone. She was both offended, and impressed that such a system was created.
“I think I have the gist of it, thank you,” she said as the advisor Edzel bowed and walked away. Sighing, she turned around making a break for her quarters before the man remembered something else to go over. As she walked into her room she saw a familiar face sitting upon one of her couches. “Louise?” said Leona III surprised to see her.
“Greetings. Or should I say good evening? Anyway, how are things going around here? Do you think you’ll be able to maintain stability of order in the city, as it is in this state?” asked Louise, comfortably laying back on her couch.
“I have no earthly idea.” said Leona walking over to the opposite couch and collapsing on it. “Should have took your advice, and did nothing.”
“You should relax more like the retired lady you are, and take vacations or something. Worrying about politics no longer fits you, Leona,” Louise said, then smirked. “Any requests you want to make, for this war?”
“I should, but I’ve never been the type to sit still long.” she answered. “I feel like I’m just biding my time for something bigger. As for requests? Make it long. War time is very profitable.” she said laughing.
“I think it’ll be long no matter how you look at it,” Louise answered. “Perhaps I should pay occasional visits to have a drink or two with you.”
“That would be nice. I hope that Margaret will come visit me at well. She has ways of getting hard to find things rather easily.” said Leona. “So what will you do after you settle things with Cain?”
“I have absolutely no clue. Rather, I am not certain whether I’ll make it back, either,” Louise answered seriously, not sure how it’d go.
“If you are unsure why go in the first place? I understand what happened, but you have been able to avoid him easily before.”
“As I have previously mentioned, I have business. Is that not sufficient enough for an answer?” Louise frowned, Leona III should have understood by now that she’d not be giving out the real reason, why was going around in circles, again?
“I guess I’m just being nosy.” said Leona III dropping the subject for now. Leona just hoped that it wasn’t what it sounded like. She decided she would have more trust in her friend. “So I take it that Margaret discussed the party with you?”
“She did informed me that it’d be set up soon. I look forward to it, the party at the shrine was rather… bland. They were better in my time, as I was used to be the organizer in those days.”
“Of course it was Rhea isn’t know for her outstanding personality or party planning.” joked Leona. “These are things that the common people leave to people like us. We will have to show them what a real party is like.”
“Indeed. A party is something that really gets your spirit pumped, not swamped,” Louise added. “Anyway, how is that progressing? I assume you’re still working on it?”
“Of course, and it is going well. I invited even my daughter, but I doubt she will show. Its easy to get the big wigs to these types of things, and we can have fun making jokes on their expense.” joked Leona.
“And here I was hoping that you’d finally drop such a worthless thing and sleep or drink. What a pity.”
“I will have plenty of time to do that. How many chances will I get to make jokes with you? This is an opportunity I won’t miss.” answered Leona.
“You sure you want to joke, though? You get one out of ten from me every time,” Louise mocked, showing a smirk.
“The diamond in the rough is always worth it.” answered Leona with a smile.
“Is that so? May I have you claim with confidence that you’ve often came across said diamonds, then?” Louise asked, with a smile too.
“Of course,” she answered. “You have to hope that all your jokes aren’t lost on me.” She laughed a bit as she sat up straight. She didn’t realize how stressed she was until Louise came to cheer her up. It was good to have a friend that knew you better than you knew yourself.
“Oh well,” Louise shrugged. “So, do you plan to just take care of the city - as she wants you to - or do you have other goals that you still aim for?”
“Dammit, I missed another one didn’t I?” she said laughing. “As for what I have planned. I still have †˜you know what’ to work on, but for now that project can be put on hold. I don’t think I will have the same liberties as before. Not with Saren here.”
Louise responded with a grin to her question. “So Saren no longer respects the former queen? How cold,” Louise shrugged. “People sure are fast to change masters in heart.”
“It’s not that. Saren was the one who was in charge of me when the accident happened, and I fell ill. Since then he hasn’t been the same, and has doubled his efforts. This is probably the reason he took up the job of watching over me.” she explained. “The man is a lot more complex than you might think.”
“And exactly how does feeling responsible for being a failure count for severe complexity, oh do explain.”
Leona began to blush slightly. “It’s nothing,” she answered. “Most people just think he is a muscle head is all.”
Louise raised her eyebrows; making a questioning face. “Oh, really? That’s far more being complex, then. Or was he your… ” Louise was about to ask. “Never mind,” Louise turned her face the other way.
Louise leaned forward on the couch. “You aren’t to tell a soul!” she said. “We didn’t do anything scandalous. Just... talked.”
“That’s great. I couldn’t even speak to him, in my case… ” Louise said, suddenly revealing her melancholic face. The thought brought back unwanted memories.
Reading the mood Leona tried to keep her mind busy. “I thought you would have been more disapproving to be honest.”
“As if,” Louise begun to elaborate. “I don’t know who made it up that the queens or priestesses have to remain pure. As I can assure you that it doesn’t mean anything at the end of the day. My spirit wouldn’t be considered pure if she were to be a human,” she chuckled.
Leona gave a sigh of relief. “Well that might be true, but still.” she said. “ It isn’t something that I can tell anyone else. Traditions are still important, and Saren’s job might be on the line.”
“Yeah, that’s the reason why I’m not a fan of society, yet understand it so much. I bet the people who made the traditions themselves are a bunch of hypocrites.”
“If only I fought harder to be rid of these silly traditions. We wouldn’t be where we are now.” complained Leona.
“What’s done is done. No worth in thinking how it’d be different if you had done something else. Maybe we’d see a worse day now - due to people rebelling from an abrupt change - who knows. I’d just leave for another adventure if I were caught having an affair, though~!”
“Sadly I don’t have that luxury.” said Leona chuckling. “But now that you mention it you did have quite a few adventures…” She brought a hand to her mouth in a gasp as if she figured it all out.
“W-What’s anything to do with my tales of travels?”
Leona giggled. “Oh you know what I’m talking about. How many hearts have you stolen, and gone on an adventure with?”
“Many I’m not quite aware of myself, actually. However, there were some that stole mine, instead. I suppose that in itself is equivalent exchange.”
“That is a victory in my book, Louise.” she said smiling.
“I have had many relationships in which I went all the way,” Louise smiled as she replied. “Have you, oh-so-proud former queen?”
“I can’t say that I have.” she answered. “Perhaps one these days” She smirked as she said the last part.
“No, please die pure. I must maintain my share of victories over you, after all,” Louise grinned. “Besides, it’s a type of an addictive poison that you want to have more, instead of stop.”
“You sure don’t make it any less appealing.” joked Leona.
“Can’t help it. It’s helps to alleviate your stress, at least. I think I wouldn’t have been sane if I hadn’t had come across: wine, this, and other good time-passing games in my life..”
“Perhaps that is why I am still so stressed despite having wine for several lifetime…” said Leona almost serious.
“Maybe it’s about time you start talking to Saren more about… various things,” Louise grinned.
Leona blushed deep red. “I-I think that will do for that topic.” she announced shyly.
“Haha! Sorry if I teased a little too far,” Louise replied, laughing earnestly. “Do you want to end the night with a drink like the last time?”
“Yes, let’s,” responded Leona as she looked in her wine chest for a suitable drink. Placing two glasses down she filled their cups, and placed the wine bottle on the table. As they drank the two talked about various things, past relationship, and other personal topics. Louise who was worried about her friend was a little less worried about when the time would come for her to leave. This took them deep into the afternoon.
(This is a joint post starring: TheLoneGentleman and Katsucha)
The next morning was full of a more groups coming in. Most of them looked a lot worse off than Owain’s group, and some got lost for a few days before they were rounded up by the assist party. Having to get help wasn’t a good sign if you were planning to move up the ranks quickly. Some knights just didn’t have what it took to be leaders.
The training was going as expected, but Arkasia was surprised to hear that quite a few groups made it back earlier than expected. A name she was especially surprised to hear was Owain. With the way he was acting she expected him to lose his nerve and give up.
“So, Owain and his group made it back far ahead of their schedule?” said Arkasia. She had to admit that she was glad Owain wasn’t sitting sad in the gutter. She had hopes that he wouldn’t trash the faith she had in him. “You were right to place that group together. They worked well together.” said Krieg.
“I’m guessing you are suggesting I make it more of a permanent thing?” asked Arkasia. “I’ll have to talk to Owain about that. He makes the final decision. Ari can choose to stay with them if she wishes as well.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Krieg answered.
“Where is Owain now?” asked Arkasia.
“I believe he was training alone when I passed by the training ground earlier.” answered Krieg. Arkasia stood up grabbing her blades. “Guess I better get his opinion in person this time.”
Reymond was deeply studying his book. He was becoming more acquainted with his spiritual side, but he was still having trouble keeping it all under control. It was bad enough that he had to keep his book with him, and still had trouble with the most basic of his talents. He needed a teacher who at least knew the basics of maintaining a spell. Suddenly Ari walked past him, and he decided that perhaps she would know something on the matter.
“Dame Ari, do you have a moment?” asked Reymond snapping his book shut.
“Oh hello Reymond what is it?”
“When you create your golems. How do you keep them in form?” he asked. “I will try and apply this information to my own spells.”
”Oh that. Umm it’s kinda difficult to explain. But I guess I can try.” Ari said thinking the best way to explain it. ”Well first off I need to find a medium. Since my spirit is that of an earth spirit I need to use an earth medium to summon my golems. So as long as I’m near anything that comes from the earth I can create my golem. Though also have some kind of synchronization with my spirit since I need to be able to flow part of his energy to the medium. Though this becomes harder as I try to create another golem.”
“Hmmm then I shall start by mastering lower level versions of my spells, and go on from there. I thank you.” he said saluting. “So what are you up to today? I haven’t seen anyone else from our group today.”
”Well for now I was thinking of doing some training. I eventually want to be able to summon my second golem more easily. Maybe eventually I can summon three.” Ari said in a prideful tune.
“I should be doing the same. Everyone around here is so strong. It is almost overwhelming.” admitted Reymond. “For a amatuer knight you do not lack in confidence.”
”I wish to make my family proud I don’t want them thinking I’m feeling lonely just cause I’m the only one left.” Ari said in a sadder tone.
Reymond didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject. “I’m sure you are doing a fine job. Being selected by Arkasia is no small feat.” he replied.
”Thank you. Ari smiled happily. ”Oh by the way Reymond want me to help you practice? It might help you better understand your control for your spells.
“Nothing is better than first hand practice. Hopefully it goes better than the last time.” replied Reymond.
”Alright then lets go to the training grounds”
The next morning was full of a more groups coming in. Most of them looked a lot worse off than Owain’s group, and some got lost for a few days before they were rounded up by the assist party. Having to get help wasn’t a good sign if you were planning to move up the ranks quickly. Some knights just didn’t have what it took to be leaders.
The training was going as expected, but Arkasia was surprised to hear that quite a few groups made it back earlier than expected. A name she was especially surprised to hear was Owain. With the way he was acting she expected him to lose his nerve and give up.
“So, Owain and his group made it back far ahead of their schedule?” said Arkasia. She had to admit that she was glad Owain wasn’t sitting sad in the gutter. She had hopes that he wouldn’t trash the faith she had in him. “You were right to place that group together. They worked well together.” said Krieg.
“I’m guessing you are suggesting I make it more of a permanent thing?” asked Arkasia. “I’ll have to talk to Owain about that. He makes the final decision. Ari can choose to stay with them if she wishes as well.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Krieg answered.
“Where is Owain now?” asked Arkasia.
“I believe he was training alone when I passed by the training ground earlier.” answered Krieg. Arkasia stood up grabbing her blades. “Guess I better get his opinion in person this time.”
Reymond was deeply studying his book. He was becoming more acquainted with his spiritual side, but he was still having trouble keeping it all under control. It was bad enough that he had to keep his book with him, and still had trouble with the most basic of his talents. He needed a teacher who at least knew the basics of maintaining a spell. Suddenly Ari walked past him, and he decided that perhaps she would know something on the matter.
“Dame Ari, do you have a moment?” asked Reymond snapping his book shut.
“Oh hello Reymond what is it?”
“When you create your golems. How do you keep them in form?” he asked. “I will try and apply this information to my own spells.”
”Oh that. Umm it’s kinda difficult to explain. But I guess I can try.” Ari said thinking the best way to explain it. ”Well first off I need to find a medium. Since my spirit is that of an earth spirit I need to use an earth medium to summon my golems. So as long as I’m near anything that comes from the earth I can create my golem. Though also have some kind of synchronization with my spirit since I need to be able to flow part of his energy to the medium. Though this becomes harder as I try to create another golem.”
“Hmmm then I shall start by mastering lower level versions of my spells, and go on from there. I thank you.” he said saluting. “So what are you up to today? I haven’t seen anyone else from our group today.”
”Well for now I was thinking of doing some training. I eventually want to be able to summon my second golem more easily. Maybe eventually I can summon three.” Ari said in a prideful tune.
“I should be doing the same. Everyone around here is so strong. It is almost overwhelming.” admitted Reymond. “For a amatuer knight you do not lack in confidence.”
”I wish to make my family proud I don’t want them thinking I’m feeling lonely just cause I’m the only one left.” Ari said in a sadder tone.
Reymond didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject. “I’m sure you are doing a fine job. Being selected by Arkasia is no small feat.” he replied.
”Thank you. Ari smiled happily. ”Oh by the way Reymond want me to help you practice? It might help you better understand your control for your spells.
“Nothing is better than first hand practice. Hopefully it goes better than the last time.” replied Reymond.
”Alright then lets go to the training grounds”
[size=15]In the next month...[/h]
The training that Arkasia developed for the groups would prove too much for some, but for the ones that made it through, it was an exercise that helped bring them together as a team. Owain and his group were brought out to one of the harder locations to make it back from. However Owain was confident that they would have little trouble even with this handicap. This only meant that Kreig had confidence in their abilities, and with the will to prove Arkasia wrong fueling him, he was not about to disappoint. His knowledge of the mountain kept the group on a proper path. Razta and the others followed orders the best they could, but at the end of the first day they still hadn’t made their quota.
Anastas, Masaki, and Reymond made camp by clearing out a cave. Ari and Owain found firewood. While Razta and Adelina did some hunting. By the time night arrived Adelina and Razta had come back with a large haul of ice boar, and snow rabbits. Razta was even able to find some herbs they could use for cooking near a hot spring.
“You found a hot spring?!” shouted Ari.
“It was actually quite nice.” answered Adelina. “Razta talked me into trying it.”
“I did? As I remember you just ran, and jumped into it. I barely had time to look away when you undressed” replied Razta blushing slightly.
“You must be mistaken.” said Adelina clearing her throat.
Ari pouted with jealousy as she thought of how luxurious it must have been to relax in a hot spring. Though she didn’t know what to make of Razta being there as well. Her and Owain found lots of firewood, but they didn’t run into any treasures as nice at that. She wouldn’t trust Owain not to peek even if they did.
“Razta you dog you. I didn’t know you were such a smooth talker.” teased Owain. “I must be rubbing off on you.”
Adelina blushed. “Is it possible to enjoy a hot spring without being labeled a sleeze?” she responded. “Razta was a proper gentleman and waited his turn far away.”
“Are you so sure? Razta is a hunter after all. He could have been there right under your nose.” said Reymond laughing.
“I have no death wishes Reymond.” said Razta remembering how Adelina reactied during the simple training match.
“Good” said Adelina as she walked across the cave dropping the boars next to the fire. Razta walked over with his bag of rabbits and set it down. They had four large boars, and around fourteen rabbits. Owain wasn’t done asking about that hot spring visit however.
Anastas, to the surprise of many of the group, began to prepare the boars and rabbits for cooking. Razta was just glad that he had another hand in preparing the meal. Taking his knife he skined the animals while Anastas took to gutting them with his knife. The two worked as a team, and before long a small feast was made.
“This is amazing,” said Ari biting into some rabbit. “Where did you guys learn to cook?”
“Living on your own you have to learn to do a few things for yourself.” answered Anastas. He was finding himself becoming comfortable around most of the group, but Owain was still a wild card to him, but right now Owain was busy with something else.
Secretly to the side he ambushed Razta. “So were they big or what?”
“I don’t know I have seen bigger boars than this.” he answered.
“Don’t play dumb. She keeps them under that armor so I can’t tell. Give me somthing man!” said Owain a bit too loud as he bit into some nicely cooked boar. Suddenly he felt something hard hit the back of his head, and he blacked out falling asleep.
The next morning Razta and Anastas found themselves surrounded by people. As hosts of two fire spirits they were almost a viable heat source. They two shared a laugh as they woke up before everyone else, but soon after they began to move around the rest woke up. Owain, who had been knocked out by a surprise attack from Adelina, woke up with a massive headache. Adelina had no sympathy for him, and ignored him.
Groggy, Owain rose to his feet. “Alright gather what supplies we didn’t use, and lets head out.” ordered Owain. Masaki and Razta gathered the food, and put it in their packs. Adelina took what was left of the fire wood. “All set.” said Masaki. Owain smiled after his head stopped hurting. “We are getting there by the end of this week or I am turning in my sword!” announced Owain. There was little chance of them getting there in even two weeks, but Owain seemed to have a plan. For some reason Owain’s mood made the others feel like it was actually possible, and morale increased.
“Yes sIr!” shouted the group except for Anastas.
†˜What did I get myself into?’ thought Anastas as he quickened his pace to catch up with the others.
To the surprised of Kreig, and some of the smaller groups that were placed closer to the castle, the group made it back before many others. “I told you we would make it back in a week!” said Owain to his group as they entered the castle. Ari, Adelina, and Reymond were exhausted. The others however were surprised that it wasn’t harder than it was.
“Good work. I see that I should have given you more of a challenge.” said Kreig laughing. Ari shuddered at the thought. There were no showers apart from water they brought, and it wasn’t enough to truly feel clean. She hated Adelina and Razta for even having a day at that hot spring.
“Until the other groups make it back you are on standby.” said Kreig smiling. Owain caught a glimpse of Arkasia walking by and his mood darkened.
“Yes Sir,” Owain said deciding to head back to his quarters. The others decided to talk amongst themselves, but soon after decided a little rest was a good idea.
Louise was annoyed with all the rituals she had to go through when she had already done them time and time before. After a week of preparations and tests she was more than fed up. She knew that the shrine had their traditions, but they both knew that she was overqualified for the job. Though, she had to admit that it felt good to be back in her role as the high priestess. It was nostalgic. She reluctantly agreed to wear the white and gold ceremonial robes, but as soon as this was over she was going right back to her usual attire.
“You look very nice in that Louise,” said Leona III as she helped make sure that Louise looked perfect. She almost acted like a mother that was preparing her daughter to get married. Of course this wasn’t the case. Placing a white and gold mask on Louise she finished by pulling the ornate hood over her.
“This is still stupid. Why should we be forced to see with our spirit’s eyes when we have two of our own. I think its just an old tradition that should have died off ages ago.” said Louise adjusting her mask under her hood.
“It has been a symbol to show your mastery over your spirit for decades. I find it amusing when amateurs try it and stumble over things.” Leona said chuckling.
“Well lets just hurry and get this over with.” said Louise walking off with her usual pace. Nothing changed with her letting Ishtar guide her. She has been a master of her spiritual side for some time. Leona III followed behind her matching her pace.
As they walked into the statue room, they saw there were priestesses and monks lined up on both sides. They chanted in a low hymn setting the spiritual stage for Louise. Louise walked gracefully through the center aisle. With her level of spiritual attunement she was even to make out some of the chanter’s spirits. Most were weak, but others showed promise of being powerful spirits one day.
As she approached the statues the head priestess was holding a black and gold wand. There were runes engraved into it that Louise recognized immediately. Louise stood at the side of Rhea who was chanting rapidly gathering an extremely high amount of spiritual energy within herself. Bringing her wand to her chest she drew the power out and directed it towards Louise. Louise took the power, and condensed it before taking it into herself. It was a bit hard to control at first, but she soon overcame it and in a flash of light Istrar appeared in the mortal world. With a kind smile she took the pose of her statue, and blessed all those in the room with a song. After the song was complete she faded just as quickly as she came.
“We are blessed to have Ishtar with us again. I pray you will lead us to a new era of peace.” said Rhea bowing. The rest of the people in the shrine kneeled.
Louise thought for a moment with a sad expression. ’Yeah… she thought. “I will do all in my power to do so.” she answered with a forced happy tone.
“Then with this I declare you Louise Marguerite la Finé de Augusta our new high priestess. May this prove useful on your journey.” she said handing Louise the wand she was using. As Louise reached for it she could feel its power pulse through her.
“This is mine?” she asked.
“Yes it is a symbol of the high priestess. Along with that mask it commands respect from the other shrines and churches of the divine.” she answered. Taking the wand from her, Louise smiled. “Thank you.”
The ceremony went into a feast for Louise, and helped her to become acquainted with some of her more prominent shrine members. She would no doubt need to call on them from time to time. As Louise became busy with the others she noticed that her friend was no where to be found. Looking around she finally found her outside in the shrine’s garden.
“That boring?” asked Louise.
“Just not my type of party.” said Leona staring up at the moon. “Things are going to be boring without you here, but this is the best way. Let’s hope I don’t go insane in the meantime!” Leona laughed sipped some wine she took from the party.
“Yes lets hope…” answered Louise solemnly. She was worried about her friend, but she had her own things to take care of. She would have to hope her friend would hold up in the meantime.
The occupation of the City of Raltese was too quiet for Soul’s taste. Kristina’s weapons were so effective that most of the city was wiped out as well. Only a few citizens survived, and they were too shaken up to be of any use. It wasn’t until there was word of three figures approaching from the east that Soul began to get excited. Rushing off he wanted to be the first to welcome the poor unfortunate souls to Raltese. As he reached the the gate however he was surprised to see they were being allowed into the city. “Dammit just guests…” said Soul under his breath as he approached the group. As he closed in he recognized the figure. It was the nephew of Kristina, Selanus Dahlem.
“I wish you were an enemy, boy.” said Soul laughing.
“Sorry to disappoint. You that starved for blood Chief Soul?” answered Selanus.
Soul sighed loudly. “Starved does it no justice.” answered Soul.
“We’ll my aunt believes that the divine will come to attack this place soon. I have come to assist as well as run a few side errands for my aunt.” said Selanus.
“Of course she would never send you unless there was something else.” answered Soul. “Whatever she has planned is fine, but if she is hoping the divine come quickly she might be in for a wait.”
Suddenly another three figures walked through the gate. All wore hoods, but the soldiers they passed saluted in proper form, and stayed in stance until out of sight.
As one of them laid eyes on Soul she took off into a sprint. As she passed Selanus her hood flew off as blonde hair flew into the air. She threw herself at Soul, and held tightly onto his arm. The other two shook their heads in embarrassment.
“Nice to see you all made it back.” said Soul trying to shake the girl from his arm.
“You expected us to die?” said the black haired girl as she removed her hood.
“Ofcourse not Alma” answered the girl holding on to Soul’s arm. “Not with the plan from Marian.”
“I wasn’t asking you Charlotte.” responded Alma running her hand through her black hair..
The smaller girl with light blonde hair smiled. “I did a great job as well. The spirits acted just like they did in training!” she announced.
“I’m glad to hear that Emma.” responded Soul giving up on prying the girl from his arm.
Selanus looked on the scene in disbeleif. How these three girls got Rep. seats was beyond him. As he laughed to himself he looked down to see the shorter Rep. Emma in front of him pouting.
“Who you laughing at?!” she said. He took off his hat and bowed.
“No one m’am.” he answered.
“Good!” she answered walking off.
“Let’s get some rest. I’m tired from all that walking.” said Alma. “I’m sure Marian has a few choice words for us as well.”
“How about we just not go to Marian?” said Charlotte still gripping Soul’s arm.
“Do what you want.” said Alma. “I want to try and keep as much of my hair as I can.”Emma followed close behind as Alma walked off. The blonde holding on to Soul let go, and ran to keep up with the others.
“Fine! You guys are no fun you know that?” said Charlotte as the three headed for the castle, and their punishment. Soul moved his arm proud to be free. Soul was sure that those girls were in for hell once they got to the castle.
Sonya woke up to the sounds of maniacal laughter, and screaming. Getting out of bed she walked hesitantly to the door. Opening it she saw three women rush past. Scissors flew towards them, and one veered off course sticking in the door frame right next to Sonia’s face. Panicking she slammed the door, as she heard another set of feet rush past. “You all are completely useless!” yelled Marian. “I’m going to cut you all bald!”
Sonya protectively grabbed her hair as she heard this. †˜I will need to be very careful around Marian.’ she thought with a sigh.
The training that Arkasia developed for the groups would prove too much for some, but for the ones that made it through, it was an exercise that helped bring them together as a team. Owain and his group were brought out to one of the harder locations to make it back from. However Owain was confident that they would have little trouble even with this handicap. This only meant that Kreig had confidence in their abilities, and with the will to prove Arkasia wrong fueling him, he was not about to disappoint. His knowledge of the mountain kept the group on a proper path. Razta and the others followed orders the best they could, but at the end of the first day they still hadn’t made their quota.
Anastas, Masaki, and Reymond made camp by clearing out a cave. Ari and Owain found firewood. While Razta and Adelina did some hunting. By the time night arrived Adelina and Razta had come back with a large haul of ice boar, and snow rabbits. Razta was even able to find some herbs they could use for cooking near a hot spring.
“You found a hot spring?!” shouted Ari.
“It was actually quite nice.” answered Adelina. “Razta talked me into trying it.”
“I did? As I remember you just ran, and jumped into it. I barely had time to look away when you undressed” replied Razta blushing slightly.
“You must be mistaken.” said Adelina clearing her throat.
Ari pouted with jealousy as she thought of how luxurious it must have been to relax in a hot spring. Though she didn’t know what to make of Razta being there as well. Her and Owain found lots of firewood, but they didn’t run into any treasures as nice at that. She wouldn’t trust Owain not to peek even if they did.
“Razta you dog you. I didn’t know you were such a smooth talker.” teased Owain. “I must be rubbing off on you.”
Adelina blushed. “Is it possible to enjoy a hot spring without being labeled a sleeze?” she responded. “Razta was a proper gentleman and waited his turn far away.”
“Are you so sure? Razta is a hunter after all. He could have been there right under your nose.” said Reymond laughing.
“I have no death wishes Reymond.” said Razta remembering how Adelina reactied during the simple training match.
“Good” said Adelina as she walked across the cave dropping the boars next to the fire. Razta walked over with his bag of rabbits and set it down. They had four large boars, and around fourteen rabbits. Owain wasn’t done asking about that hot spring visit however.
Anastas, to the surprise of many of the group, began to prepare the boars and rabbits for cooking. Razta was just glad that he had another hand in preparing the meal. Taking his knife he skined the animals while Anastas took to gutting them with his knife. The two worked as a team, and before long a small feast was made.
“This is amazing,” said Ari biting into some rabbit. “Where did you guys learn to cook?”
“Living on your own you have to learn to do a few things for yourself.” answered Anastas. He was finding himself becoming comfortable around most of the group, but Owain was still a wild card to him, but right now Owain was busy with something else.
Secretly to the side he ambushed Razta. “So were they big or what?”
“I don’t know I have seen bigger boars than this.” he answered.
“Don’t play dumb. She keeps them under that armor so I can’t tell. Give me somthing man!” said Owain a bit too loud as he bit into some nicely cooked boar. Suddenly he felt something hard hit the back of his head, and he blacked out falling asleep.
The next morning Razta and Anastas found themselves surrounded by people. As hosts of two fire spirits they were almost a viable heat source. They two shared a laugh as they woke up before everyone else, but soon after they began to move around the rest woke up. Owain, who had been knocked out by a surprise attack from Adelina, woke up with a massive headache. Adelina had no sympathy for him, and ignored him.
Groggy, Owain rose to his feet. “Alright gather what supplies we didn’t use, and lets head out.” ordered Owain. Masaki and Razta gathered the food, and put it in their packs. Adelina took what was left of the fire wood. “All set.” said Masaki. Owain smiled after his head stopped hurting. “We are getting there by the end of this week or I am turning in my sword!” announced Owain. There was little chance of them getting there in even two weeks, but Owain seemed to have a plan. For some reason Owain’s mood made the others feel like it was actually possible, and morale increased.
“Yes sIr!” shouted the group except for Anastas.
†˜What did I get myself into?’ thought Anastas as he quickened his pace to catch up with the others.
To the surprised of Kreig, and some of the smaller groups that were placed closer to the castle, the group made it back before many others. “I told you we would make it back in a week!” said Owain to his group as they entered the castle. Ari, Adelina, and Reymond were exhausted. The others however were surprised that it wasn’t harder than it was.
“Good work. I see that I should have given you more of a challenge.” said Kreig laughing. Ari shuddered at the thought. There were no showers apart from water they brought, and it wasn’t enough to truly feel clean. She hated Adelina and Razta for even having a day at that hot spring.
“Until the other groups make it back you are on standby.” said Kreig smiling. Owain caught a glimpse of Arkasia walking by and his mood darkened.
“Yes Sir,” Owain said deciding to head back to his quarters. The others decided to talk amongst themselves, but soon after decided a little rest was a good idea.
Louise was annoyed with all the rituals she had to go through when she had already done them time and time before. After a week of preparations and tests she was more than fed up. She knew that the shrine had their traditions, but they both knew that she was overqualified for the job. Though, she had to admit that it felt good to be back in her role as the high priestess. It was nostalgic. She reluctantly agreed to wear the white and gold ceremonial robes, but as soon as this was over she was going right back to her usual attire.
“You look very nice in that Louise,” said Leona III as she helped make sure that Louise looked perfect. She almost acted like a mother that was preparing her daughter to get married. Of course this wasn’t the case. Placing a white and gold mask on Louise she finished by pulling the ornate hood over her.
“This is still stupid. Why should we be forced to see with our spirit’s eyes when we have two of our own. I think its just an old tradition that should have died off ages ago.” said Louise adjusting her mask under her hood.
“It has been a symbol to show your mastery over your spirit for decades. I find it amusing when amateurs try it and stumble over things.” Leona said chuckling.
“Well lets just hurry and get this over with.” said Louise walking off with her usual pace. Nothing changed with her letting Ishtar guide her. She has been a master of her spiritual side for some time. Leona III followed behind her matching her pace.
As they walked into the statue room, they saw there were priestesses and monks lined up on both sides. They chanted in a low hymn setting the spiritual stage for Louise. Louise walked gracefully through the center aisle. With her level of spiritual attunement she was even to make out some of the chanter’s spirits. Most were weak, but others showed promise of being powerful spirits one day.
As she approached the statues the head priestess was holding a black and gold wand. There were runes engraved into it that Louise recognized immediately. Louise stood at the side of Rhea who was chanting rapidly gathering an extremely high amount of spiritual energy within herself. Bringing her wand to her chest she drew the power out and directed it towards Louise. Louise took the power, and condensed it before taking it into herself. It was a bit hard to control at first, but she soon overcame it and in a flash of light Istrar appeared in the mortal world. With a kind smile she took the pose of her statue, and blessed all those in the room with a song. After the song was complete she faded just as quickly as she came.
“We are blessed to have Ishtar with us again. I pray you will lead us to a new era of peace.” said Rhea bowing. The rest of the people in the shrine kneeled.
Louise thought for a moment with a sad expression. ’Yeah… she thought. “I will do all in my power to do so.” she answered with a forced happy tone.
“Then with this I declare you Louise Marguerite la Finé de Augusta our new high priestess. May this prove useful on your journey.” she said handing Louise the wand she was using. As Louise reached for it she could feel its power pulse through her.
“This is mine?” she asked.
“Yes it is a symbol of the high priestess. Along with that mask it commands respect from the other shrines and churches of the divine.” she answered. Taking the wand from her, Louise smiled. “Thank you.”
The ceremony went into a feast for Louise, and helped her to become acquainted with some of her more prominent shrine members. She would no doubt need to call on them from time to time. As Louise became busy with the others she noticed that her friend was no where to be found. Looking around she finally found her outside in the shrine’s garden.
“That boring?” asked Louise.
“Just not my type of party.” said Leona staring up at the moon. “Things are going to be boring without you here, but this is the best way. Let’s hope I don’t go insane in the meantime!” Leona laughed sipped some wine she took from the party.
“Yes lets hope…” answered Louise solemnly. She was worried about her friend, but she had her own things to take care of. She would have to hope her friend would hold up in the meantime.
The occupation of the City of Raltese was too quiet for Soul’s taste. Kristina’s weapons were so effective that most of the city was wiped out as well. Only a few citizens survived, and they were too shaken up to be of any use. It wasn’t until there was word of three figures approaching from the east that Soul began to get excited. Rushing off he wanted to be the first to welcome the poor unfortunate souls to Raltese. As he reached the the gate however he was surprised to see they were being allowed into the city. “Dammit just guests…” said Soul under his breath as he approached the group. As he closed in he recognized the figure. It was the nephew of Kristina, Selanus Dahlem.
“I wish you were an enemy, boy.” said Soul laughing.
“Sorry to disappoint. You that starved for blood Chief Soul?” answered Selanus.
Soul sighed loudly. “Starved does it no justice.” answered Soul.
“We’ll my aunt believes that the divine will come to attack this place soon. I have come to assist as well as run a few side errands for my aunt.” said Selanus.
“Of course she would never send you unless there was something else.” answered Soul. “Whatever she has planned is fine, but if she is hoping the divine come quickly she might be in for a wait.”
Suddenly another three figures walked through the gate. All wore hoods, but the soldiers they passed saluted in proper form, and stayed in stance until out of sight.
As one of them laid eyes on Soul she took off into a sprint. As she passed Selanus her hood flew off as blonde hair flew into the air. She threw herself at Soul, and held tightly onto his arm. The other two shook their heads in embarrassment.
“Nice to see you all made it back.” said Soul trying to shake the girl from his arm.
“You expected us to die?” said the black haired girl as she removed her hood.
“Ofcourse not Alma” answered the girl holding on to Soul’s arm. “Not with the plan from Marian.”
“I wasn’t asking you Charlotte.” responded Alma running her hand through her black hair..
The smaller girl with light blonde hair smiled. “I did a great job as well. The spirits acted just like they did in training!” she announced.
“I’m glad to hear that Emma.” responded Soul giving up on prying the girl from his arm.
Selanus looked on the scene in disbeleif. How these three girls got Rep. seats was beyond him. As he laughed to himself he looked down to see the shorter Rep. Emma in front of him pouting.
“Who you laughing at?!” she said. He took off his hat and bowed.
“No one m’am.” he answered.
“Good!” she answered walking off.
“Let’s get some rest. I’m tired from all that walking.” said Alma. “I’m sure Marian has a few choice words for us as well.”
“How about we just not go to Marian?” said Charlotte still gripping Soul’s arm.
“Do what you want.” said Alma. “I want to try and keep as much of my hair as I can.”Emma followed close behind as Alma walked off. The blonde holding on to Soul let go, and ran to keep up with the others.
“Fine! You guys are no fun you know that?” said Charlotte as the three headed for the castle, and their punishment. Soul moved his arm proud to be free. Soul was sure that those girls were in for hell once they got to the castle.
Sonya woke up to the sounds of maniacal laughter, and screaming. Getting out of bed she walked hesitantly to the door. Opening it she saw three women rush past. Scissors flew towards them, and one veered off course sticking in the door frame right next to Sonia’s face. Panicking she slammed the door, as she heard another set of feet rush past. “You all are completely useless!” yelled Marian. “I’m going to cut you all bald!”
Sonya protectively grabbed her hair as she heard this. †˜I will need to be very careful around Marian.’ she thought with a sigh.
(This is a Joint Post starring: TheLoneGentleman and BinkXPoke)
Moments later Sonya regained her senses and stood up wiping foliage and dirt from her person. Suddenly she heard a large crash at the gate to the castle. The soldiers made it this far, and in front of them walked Soul. His right arm was in the shape of a large curved blade formed of bone. Fresh blood dripped from it, and she was sure that it wasn’t his own.
His presence was terrifying, even knowing that he was on the same side Sonya was fighting for. Regardless, she lifted herself from the ground, and approached the castle again, with Soul. She made sure to stay on the side opposite of the bladed arm. She didn’t say a word; she was still shocked by the boy’s actions, and surprised by Soul’s arrival. It pained her to think of what could have happened inside the main hall.
Turning he saw Sonya walking beside him, he was surprised she was even still alive. She had twigs and leaves in her hair. “What happened to you?” he asked with a chuckle. “I’m guessing the weapon was successful. I don’t see troops pouring out of their rat hole.” said Soul looking towards the castle. As the group entered the castle Soul looked at the light miasma that lingered around. The entire main hall was empty however. Not a sign of the boy or the soldiers. Suddenly from hallways and behind pillars the soldiers amassed in front of Soul. Sonya in reaction drew her whip. Suddenly the group kneeled before Soul and Sonya. The soldiers behind her cheered. The little boy walked from behind a pillar. A group of soldiers behind him carried a man who was kicking and screaming. They threw him at Soul’s feet.
Soul smirked and lifted his blade arm and slashed down silencing the man in a gush of blood. “The city is ours!” yelled Soul raising his blade arm into the air as the blood of the duke rained on him. The cursed soldiers cheered. The boy looked to Sonya with a weak smile as he collapsed into ash. The rest of the infected soon followed.
“Ah…” She had reached over to pat the boy over the head before he disappeared. Instead, she was overcome by sadness. Sonya couldn’t feel happy for their victory. She looked around the area. Lying among the crowds of the cheering soldiers were her comrades. They all died under my care… Was I that incompetent…? She was more disappointed than depressed, but regardless, she was unhappy with the cost of their victory.
Turning to Sonya, Soul smirked. They had originally brought her as a simple way to get into the castle easily. Neither him or Marian had expected her to survive the assault. It was a suicide run from the start. Knowing this Soul couldn’t help but be impressed. “You did well Sonya.” he said as he slowly reverted his arm back to normal. Moving his finger he had to make a few adjustments since some bones were out of place. “Tonight we feast upon their food stores in your honor.”
Moments later Sonya regained her senses and stood up wiping foliage and dirt from her person. Suddenly she heard a large crash at the gate to the castle. The soldiers made it this far, and in front of them walked Soul. His right arm was in the shape of a large curved blade formed of bone. Fresh blood dripped from it, and she was sure that it wasn’t his own.
His presence was terrifying, even knowing that he was on the same side Sonya was fighting for. Regardless, she lifted herself from the ground, and approached the castle again, with Soul. She made sure to stay on the side opposite of the bladed arm. She didn’t say a word; she was still shocked by the boy’s actions, and surprised by Soul’s arrival. It pained her to think of what could have happened inside the main hall.
Turning he saw Sonya walking beside him, he was surprised she was even still alive. She had twigs and leaves in her hair. “What happened to you?” he asked with a chuckle. “I’m guessing the weapon was successful. I don’t see troops pouring out of their rat hole.” said Soul looking towards the castle. As the group entered the castle Soul looked at the light miasma that lingered around. The entire main hall was empty however. Not a sign of the boy or the soldiers. Suddenly from hallways and behind pillars the soldiers amassed in front of Soul. Sonya in reaction drew her whip. Suddenly the group kneeled before Soul and Sonya. The soldiers behind her cheered. The little boy walked from behind a pillar. A group of soldiers behind him carried a man who was kicking and screaming. They threw him at Soul’s feet.
Soul smirked and lifted his blade arm and slashed down silencing the man in a gush of blood. “The city is ours!” yelled Soul raising his blade arm into the air as the blood of the duke rained on him. The cursed soldiers cheered. The boy looked to Sonya with a weak smile as he collapsed into ash. The rest of the infected soon followed.
“Ah…” She had reached over to pat the boy over the head before he disappeared. Instead, she was overcome by sadness. Sonya couldn’t feel happy for their victory. She looked around the area. Lying among the crowds of the cheering soldiers were her comrades. They all died under my care… Was I that incompetent…? She was more disappointed than depressed, but regardless, she was unhappy with the cost of their victory.
Turning to Sonya, Soul smirked. They had originally brought her as a simple way to get into the castle easily. Neither him or Marian had expected her to survive the assault. It was a suicide run from the start. Knowing this Soul couldn’t help but be impressed. “You did well Sonya.” he said as he slowly reverted his arm back to normal. Moving his finger he had to make a few adjustments since some bones were out of place. “Tonight we feast upon their food stores in your honor.”
(This is a Joint Post starring: TheLoneGentleman and BinkXPoke)
Traveling to the city of Raltese was less eventful than Soul would have hoped for. Over the course of five days they had only came across one trading caravan, and a few guards along the way. These annoyances were easily silenced by low ranking soldiers. Soul hadn’t had to raise a finger during the entire trip. Marian on the other had was overjoyed that they made up the time lost, and then some. If she was reading the map correctly they would arrive two days ahead of schedule. Grinning she let out a loud laugh as she closed her map.
“How can someone be that excited about getting somewhere a little earlier?” asked Soul. “Its not like its going to make a difference when we wipe out the city.” said Soul.
“Wrong!” answered Marian. “Attacking before the enemy builds up their defenses is crucial. Word will get out about the attack on Masario, and we will have to spend more resources to claim territories. This is why we attack Raltese first. We are stripping them of supply routes.”
“Ugh, I forget people like you can actually die. That must be so annoying having to be so careful.” said Soul leaning back in his seat on his horse. As he looked at the crimson sky he noticed the sun was setting. Suddenly there was a loud growl. Marian summoned a pair of scissors in response ready to silence a beast. Soul patted his stomach. “False alarm” he said laughing. “It was just my-” A pair of scissors sliced into Soul’s stomach and he shouted out in pain.
“Alright men we make camp for the night!” announced Marian.
The invasion force was large, but still found a reasonably hidden place to make camp that wouldn’t give their location away. In total they had about three hundred foot soldiers, one hundred spirit channelers, and the rest were the elites like Soul, Marian, and Sonya. Sonya had the pleasure of eating with Soul and Marian that night.
Soul surrounded by food ate his meals like a wild animal, sometimes eating bones along with the meat. His sharp teeth shredded everything without discretion. Marian on the other hand ate like the fine and refined lady that she was. “How is your food Sonya?” she asked. They had brought many types of meat, and produce from the kingdom’s storage. They were eating like kings even out on the field.
Sonya had still been cutting her meat into smaller portions to make them easier to consume, but once asked by Marian, she took a small piece to eat. Her eyes lit up. “Wow, it’s delicious! How was this prepared so well waaaay out here?” She started eating at a slightly faster pace, moaning in delight after chewing on a particularly scrumptious morsel.
“I cooked it.” answered Marian. “The chefs never get it right. Or they take to long to make it.” She said as she enjoyed her meal. “I didn’t bother cook for Soul however since I don’t even know if he tastes his food when he eats it.” Soul extended his jaw in a grotesque shape and funneled in an entire plate of food.
“Hey I’m just being efficient or whatever you’re always going on about.” he said biting a turkey leg in half bone and all. “I’ll be done before you even finish that plate.”.
“There is being efficient, and there is being a glutton. There is no way that you need all that food.” she answered.
“Ehehehehe…” Sonya giggled as she watched Soul devour his food like an animal. She was impressed, both by Soul’s appetite, and Mairan’s cooking ability. “This really is incredible, Marian. I didn’t know you were so good at cooking!” She continued to eat the food in front of her until there was none left. She was satisfied. Just after she finished, Sonya bowed her head to Marian and earnestly expressed her gratitude. “Thanks for the meal!”
Marian smiled. Seeing her cooking was so well received filled her with pride. “You are quite welcome, Sonya.” she responded. Placing her plate on the stack that Soul made she had a soldier take the plates to be cleaned. “Alright that should do it for the night.” said Marian.
“Yup that meal has me sleepy.” said Soul patting his full looking belly. “Get some rest kid the fun starts tomorrow.” ordered Soul. Sonya smiled at him and nodded. She couldn't wait for what tomorrow would bring, and all the poor souls that got in her way. She was going to make them all suffer. She had gotten a little combat training on the way there. As well as experience with Marian’s communication system ,but she didn’t feel prepared enough. Still she had her orders and she would act when told.
Traveling to the city of Raltese was less eventful than Soul would have hoped for. Over the course of five days they had only came across one trading caravan, and a few guards along the way. These annoyances were easily silenced by low ranking soldiers. Soul hadn’t had to raise a finger during the entire trip. Marian on the other had was overjoyed that they made up the time lost, and then some. If she was reading the map correctly they would arrive two days ahead of schedule. Grinning she let out a loud laugh as she closed her map.
“How can someone be that excited about getting somewhere a little earlier?” asked Soul. “Its not like its going to make a difference when we wipe out the city.” said Soul.
“Wrong!” answered Marian. “Attacking before the enemy builds up their defenses is crucial. Word will get out about the attack on Masario, and we will have to spend more resources to claim territories. This is why we attack Raltese first. We are stripping them of supply routes.”
“Ugh, I forget people like you can actually die. That must be so annoying having to be so careful.” said Soul leaning back in his seat on his horse. As he looked at the crimson sky he noticed the sun was setting. Suddenly there was a loud growl. Marian summoned a pair of scissors in response ready to silence a beast. Soul patted his stomach. “False alarm” he said laughing. “It was just my-” A pair of scissors sliced into Soul’s stomach and he shouted out in pain.
“Alright men we make camp for the night!” announced Marian.
The invasion force was large, but still found a reasonably hidden place to make camp that wouldn’t give their location away. In total they had about three hundred foot soldiers, one hundred spirit channelers, and the rest were the elites like Soul, Marian, and Sonya. Sonya had the pleasure of eating with Soul and Marian that night.
Soul surrounded by food ate his meals like a wild animal, sometimes eating bones along with the meat. His sharp teeth shredded everything without discretion. Marian on the other hand ate like the fine and refined lady that she was. “How is your food Sonya?” she asked. They had brought many types of meat, and produce from the kingdom’s storage. They were eating like kings even out on the field.
Sonya had still been cutting her meat into smaller portions to make them easier to consume, but once asked by Marian, she took a small piece to eat. Her eyes lit up. “Wow, it’s delicious! How was this prepared so well waaaay out here?” She started eating at a slightly faster pace, moaning in delight after chewing on a particularly scrumptious morsel.
“I cooked it.” answered Marian. “The chefs never get it right. Or they take to long to make it.” She said as she enjoyed her meal. “I didn’t bother cook for Soul however since I don’t even know if he tastes his food when he eats it.” Soul extended his jaw in a grotesque shape and funneled in an entire plate of food.
“Hey I’m just being efficient or whatever you’re always going on about.” he said biting a turkey leg in half bone and all. “I’ll be done before you even finish that plate.”.
“There is being efficient, and there is being a glutton. There is no way that you need all that food.” she answered.
“Ehehehehe…” Sonya giggled as she watched Soul devour his food like an animal. She was impressed, both by Soul’s appetite, and Mairan’s cooking ability. “This really is incredible, Marian. I didn’t know you were so good at cooking!” She continued to eat the food in front of her until there was none left. She was satisfied. Just after she finished, Sonya bowed her head to Marian and earnestly expressed her gratitude. “Thanks for the meal!”
Marian smiled. Seeing her cooking was so well received filled her with pride. “You are quite welcome, Sonya.” she responded. Placing her plate on the stack that Soul made she had a soldier take the plates to be cleaned. “Alright that should do it for the night.” said Marian.
“Yup that meal has me sleepy.” said Soul patting his full looking belly. “Get some rest kid the fun starts tomorrow.” ordered Soul. Sonya smiled at him and nodded. She couldn't wait for what tomorrow would bring, and all the poor souls that got in her way. She was going to make them all suffer. She had gotten a little combat training on the way there. As well as experience with Marian’s communication system ,but she didn’t feel prepared enough. Still she had her orders and she would act when told.
(This is a joint post between Cinia Pacifica, BlinkXPoke, TheLoneGentleman.)
“Well, that answered your question, Kiriya-san,” Amelia said, then turned to the other figure, “Ah, Hyuuga-san. It’s been some time, are you finally okay to attend classes?”
“Yes, I am, Amelia-san. I was discharged yesterday after school,” the girl replied to Amelia with a cheerful face, “You had been taking care of me. Thank you very much,” she gave a deep bow after closing her eyes, then looked at Aoi and Shouta with much curiosity, “It’s the first time I’m seeing your face, and his too… are you two the transfer students that I’ve heard of?” she asked.
“Ah, yes I am! My name is Kiriya Aoi.”
“Y-yeah… Shouta Fushiki.”
“Oh my, we share a name, it seems, Kiriya-san,” to this, Aoi seemed tilted her head not knowing how to respond as the girl added, “My name is Hyuuga Aoi, it’s a pleasure to meet the both of you,” Hyuuga Aoi spoke in a very respectable style, even her Japanese words were pronounced slowly so that the others could easily understand her and not miss a single word she spoke. It came off as very polite and ladylike; respectable. One would even call her a Japanese †˜nadeshiko’, which emphasises true Japanese manner and beauty.
“Ooh! It’s nice to make your acquaintance as well!” Aoi happily said, impressed by the other Aoi’s fresh and flowery aura, but her expression soon turned grim as she turned around to face Amelia, “A-Amelia-san… “
“Something the matter?”
“About Ichigo… ”
“Oh, about that.”
Whoa, something happened to Ichigo!? Shouta became much more attentive to the conversation. He noticed that she wasn’t in class, today, and was curious why.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry for keeping this from you, but Ichigo is definitely hospitalized. I can’t tell you why, though.”
“Why?! Why can’t you tell me?!” Aoi immediately burst out asking. The emotions almost overtook her, she could hardly cool herself from hearing something so important about her best friend.
“... Seriously? I wonder what happened to her… ” Shouta was almost at a loss for words, he couldn’t think what to say. Why’d an idol be hospitalized, overstrain or exhaustion? Or was it something else…
“I just… can’t,” Amelia said, turning her face from Aoi with a sour look. There was no way she could tell Aoi about Ichigo’s Starlight Alice, nor could she tell how she found out that Ichigo escaped the hospital yesterday to attend class, or the fact that her concert was cancelled, even.
Shouta wondered why, If she can’t tell, then the cause of her condition may not be something normal… ? he considered, but didn’t voice his thought regarding the case.
Hyuuga said as she looked down, “Ichigo-chan overused one of her Alice.”
“Hyuuga-san!” Amelia frowned; irritated, but she kept her voice low so as to not attract attention from the other students, “This isn’t something you’re allowed to tell,” being a member of the Dangerous Abilities class, one could learn a lot of different things - if they partake in various missions - reasons and intents are usually explained to the ones doing the dirty work for the academy. However, they’re not permitted to speak about them to the general public; they’re secret and classified information.
†˜This idiot just going around spouting information, thought Sono as he simply listened in.
“I am well aware. I see no harm in telling the truth to a person worried so much about her dear friend, however?”
“But still… “
“Well, that answered your question, Kiriya-san,” Amelia said, then turned to the other figure, “Ah, Hyuuga-san. It’s been some time, are you finally okay to attend classes?”
“Yes, I am, Amelia-san. I was discharged yesterday after school,” the girl replied to Amelia with a cheerful face, “You had been taking care of me. Thank you very much,” she gave a deep bow after closing her eyes, then looked at Aoi and Shouta with much curiosity, “It’s the first time I’m seeing your face, and his too… are you two the transfer students that I’ve heard of?” she asked.
“Ah, yes I am! My name is Kiriya Aoi.”
“Y-yeah… Shouta Fushiki.”
“Oh my, we share a name, it seems, Kiriya-san,” to this, Aoi seemed tilted her head not knowing how to respond as the girl added, “My name is Hyuuga Aoi, it’s a pleasure to meet the both of you,” Hyuuga Aoi spoke in a very respectable style, even her Japanese words were pronounced slowly so that the others could easily understand her and not miss a single word she spoke. It came off as very polite and ladylike; respectable. One would even call her a Japanese †˜nadeshiko’, which emphasises true Japanese manner and beauty.
“Ooh! It’s nice to make your acquaintance as well!” Aoi happily said, impressed by the other Aoi’s fresh and flowery aura, but her expression soon turned grim as she turned around to face Amelia, “A-Amelia-san… “
“Something the matter?”
“About Ichigo… ”
“Oh, about that.”
Whoa, something happened to Ichigo!? Shouta became much more attentive to the conversation. He noticed that she wasn’t in class, today, and was curious why.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry for keeping this from you, but Ichigo is definitely hospitalized. I can’t tell you why, though.”
“Why?! Why can’t you tell me?!” Aoi immediately burst out asking. The emotions almost overtook her, she could hardly cool herself from hearing something so important about her best friend.
“... Seriously? I wonder what happened to her… ” Shouta was almost at a loss for words, he couldn’t think what to say. Why’d an idol be hospitalized, overstrain or exhaustion? Or was it something else…
“I just… can’t,” Amelia said, turning her face from Aoi with a sour look. There was no way she could tell Aoi about Ichigo’s Starlight Alice, nor could she tell how she found out that Ichigo escaped the hospital yesterday to attend class, or the fact that her concert was cancelled, even.
Shouta wondered why, If she can’t tell, then the cause of her condition may not be something normal… ? he considered, but didn’t voice his thought regarding the case.
Hyuuga said as she looked down, “Ichigo-chan overused one of her Alice.”
“Hyuuga-san!” Amelia frowned; irritated, but she kept her voice low so as to not attract attention from the other students, “This isn’t something you’re allowed to tell,” being a member of the Dangerous Abilities class, one could learn a lot of different things - if they partake in various missions - reasons and intents are usually explained to the ones doing the dirty work for the academy. However, they’re not permitted to speak about them to the general public; they’re secret and classified information.
†˜This idiot just going around spouting information, thought Sono as he simply listened in.
“I am well aware. I see no harm in telling the truth to a person worried so much about her dear friend, however?”
“But still… “
Nero escorted Ari and Owain to the dungeon, and placed them in separate cells. They were close enough that they could talk without yelling. Their weapons were confiscated from them, and keep in the storage room far from their reach. There were a few other prisoners in there as well. Mostly guards who were on duty that day, and others who were there for the night guard. They were silent trying not to get in more trouble than they already were.
“Sorry for getting you into this Ari.” said Owain sitting against a wall in his cell. “Who knew that going to get drinks with some lovely ladies would land me here.” Owain tried to lighten up the mood, but he had his doubts if it would work in such a situation.
“Should you be really be calling them lovely ladies after all this?” Ari said wondering how long they would be here.
“Lovely in looks, perhaps not so much in personality” He smiled, “I wasn’t even there to see them. Were they really that powerful?” asked Owain.
“They were pretty powerful. I guess it should be like what they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.”
“Just wait †˜till Barry hears this one…” said Owain wondering if he would ever get to tell him.
“Well everything should be fine we got nothing to hide. As long as we don’t do anything stupid.”
Suddenly a guard walked up and tapped her sword on the bars. “Quiet you two.” she said. “This isn’t the time for you to get all chummy.” The guard was a strange looking woman. She wore the Arkasian armor, but her helmet was dented. That caused it to sit on her head in an awkward angle. As it slid to the side she held it with both hands to straighten it out. “Damn, Nero had to go and hit me didn’t he?” she complained. Pulling out a small sweet cake she slid up her helmet slightly to eat it all in one bite.
“Should you really be eating that while on duty?” Ari said as she couldn’t believe that the female guard just ate a cake in front of them.
“Yor..jus..jelus,” she said as she chewed up her cake. “Even if you’re a knight, in here you are just another prisoner. Remember that.”
Owain looked at the guard with a confused look. He had never known a guard in Arkasia like her, but her face was familiar. He knows that she had been a guard there for at least a few years or so. “Who are you?” asked Owain.
“Jelise Adler” she answered. “I’ve been a guard for a while you should recognize me right? Ladies man?”
Owain looked at her suspiciously. He only had that name at the bar, and he knew that he had never seen her there. “It was you wasn’t it?” accused Owain.
Jelise smirked and walked away from the two. “I’m done talking to traitors.” she said back to them.
“Hey, what was that about?” Ari asked not sure what just happen between the guard and Owain.
“That isn’t the same guard I know. She is different…”answered Owain. “Like someone wearing the same face, but that isn’t Jelise.”
“How do you know that?”
“Heh, I tried to buy her some sweets once. She hates them.” he answered. “Threw them right in the trash.”
“Wait a minute. Then who was that guard then. Was she the one who got us into this mess?!”
“More than likely, but we have no proof. We’ll need to try an-” suddenly an explosion sounded down the hallway. The door to the dungeons flew down the past the cells and sparked on the floor. Jelise came running by after before tripping over the door. Scrambling to her feet as a strong gust of wind enveloped the hallway pulling her back. While she was being pulled she grabbed the door flinging it and the source of the wind.
Arkasia wearing stone face stopped her blades spinning and swatted the door to the side with her weight. Jelise who was on the floor at the point began scrambling again to her feet. Arkasia walked towards her dragging her two swords.
“Come on Arkasia we can talk this out!” pleaded Jelise. “It wasn’t my fault. I was forced to do it. B-by those girls you see!” Jelise’s back hit the wall at the hall of cells as she walked away from Arkasia. Falling down to her knees she looked up at Arkasia who glared down at her with a slight glow to her eyes. Arkasia lifted her foot and kicked Jelise’s head into the stone wall. Blood splattered on the brick, and then dripped onto the floor. There was a snake like glow around her neck before the body decomposed rapidly, and turned to dust.
Arkasia slowly sheathed her two blades and looked at the heap of dust left behind. “Rest in peace Jelise.” she said simply as she turned around. Without turning to look at Owain or Ari Arkasia walked past them and left the dungeon.Owain was at a loss for words.
“Umm, what just happened?” Ari said feeling stunned as to what she just witnessed.
“That was no guard of mine. The real Jelise died five months ago, and a doppelganger took her place.” said Arkasia before walking out of the dungeon Anastas following behind her. ”Poor girl.” He remarked with an indifferent expression.
A guard rushed in with a ring of keys and unlocked Owain, and Ari’s cells. “You two are free to go.” he said. “This way and we will see your items returned to you.”
Glaring after Arkasia, Owain frowned before turning to the guard who let them free and thanking him.
After getting back their weapons and personal items Ari and Owain left the dungeon and walked out to the main hall of the castle. They were only imprisoned for a few hours time, but it still seemed to be getting to Owain. The fact that he was a suspect hurt his pride as Arkasia’s knight.
“At least that is over.”[/b] said Owain stretching frown still in place, fixed on his face.
[color=#C35817]“See told you everything would be fine.” Ari said as she stretched her arms. “Though do think those dirty cults would pull something like that.” Ari said in angrier tone.
“At Least we learned what their capabilities are.” answered Owain. “Arkasia is sure to implement some sort of new security measure. But in the mean time we need to watch for more people like Jelise.”
“Wonder what they’ll do. Though what do you think they’ll have us do now we weren’t exactly given any orders.”
“Until the lockdown is lifted we can relax, but I don’t think Arkasia will let that last long.”answered Owain.
“Well I guess I’ll go take care of something I need to do. I’ll see you later.”
“Yea…” answered Owain losing himself in thought before walking off.
“Sorry for getting you into this Ari.” said Owain sitting against a wall in his cell. “Who knew that going to get drinks with some lovely ladies would land me here.” Owain tried to lighten up the mood, but he had his doubts if it would work in such a situation.
“Should you be really be calling them lovely ladies after all this?” Ari said wondering how long they would be here.
“Lovely in looks, perhaps not so much in personality” He smiled, “I wasn’t even there to see them. Were they really that powerful?” asked Owain.
“They were pretty powerful. I guess it should be like what they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.”
“Just wait †˜till Barry hears this one…” said Owain wondering if he would ever get to tell him.
“Well everything should be fine we got nothing to hide. As long as we don’t do anything stupid.”
Suddenly a guard walked up and tapped her sword on the bars. “Quiet you two.” she said. “This isn’t the time for you to get all chummy.” The guard was a strange looking woman. She wore the Arkasian armor, but her helmet was dented. That caused it to sit on her head in an awkward angle. As it slid to the side she held it with both hands to straighten it out. “Damn, Nero had to go and hit me didn’t he?” she complained. Pulling out a small sweet cake she slid up her helmet slightly to eat it all in one bite.
“Should you really be eating that while on duty?” Ari said as she couldn’t believe that the female guard just ate a cake in front of them.
“Yor..jus..jelus,” she said as she chewed up her cake. “Even if you’re a knight, in here you are just another prisoner. Remember that.”
Owain looked at the guard with a confused look. He had never known a guard in Arkasia like her, but her face was familiar. He knows that she had been a guard there for at least a few years or so. “Who are you?” asked Owain.
“Jelise Adler” she answered. “I’ve been a guard for a while you should recognize me right? Ladies man?”
Owain looked at her suspiciously. He only had that name at the bar, and he knew that he had never seen her there. “It was you wasn’t it?” accused Owain.
Jelise smirked and walked away from the two. “I’m done talking to traitors.” she said back to them.
“Hey, what was that about?” Ari asked not sure what just happen between the guard and Owain.
“That isn’t the same guard I know. She is different…”answered Owain. “Like someone wearing the same face, but that isn’t Jelise.”
“How do you know that?”
“Heh, I tried to buy her some sweets once. She hates them.” he answered. “Threw them right in the trash.”
“Wait a minute. Then who was that guard then. Was she the one who got us into this mess?!”
“More than likely, but we have no proof. We’ll need to try an-” suddenly an explosion sounded down the hallway. The door to the dungeons flew down the past the cells and sparked on the floor. Jelise came running by after before tripping over the door. Scrambling to her feet as a strong gust of wind enveloped the hallway pulling her back. While she was being pulled she grabbed the door flinging it and the source of the wind.
Arkasia wearing stone face stopped her blades spinning and swatted the door to the side with her weight. Jelise who was on the floor at the point began scrambling again to her feet. Arkasia walked towards her dragging her two swords.
“Come on Arkasia we can talk this out!” pleaded Jelise. “It wasn’t my fault. I was forced to do it. B-by those girls you see!” Jelise’s back hit the wall at the hall of cells as she walked away from Arkasia. Falling down to her knees she looked up at Arkasia who glared down at her with a slight glow to her eyes. Arkasia lifted her foot and kicked Jelise’s head into the stone wall. Blood splattered on the brick, and then dripped onto the floor. There was a snake like glow around her neck before the body decomposed rapidly, and turned to dust.
Arkasia slowly sheathed her two blades and looked at the heap of dust left behind. “Rest in peace Jelise.” she said simply as she turned around. Without turning to look at Owain or Ari Arkasia walked past them and left the dungeon.Owain was at a loss for words.
“Umm, what just happened?” Ari said feeling stunned as to what she just witnessed.
“That was no guard of mine. The real Jelise died five months ago, and a doppelganger took her place.” said Arkasia before walking out of the dungeon Anastas following behind her. ”Poor girl.” He remarked with an indifferent expression.
A guard rushed in with a ring of keys and unlocked Owain, and Ari’s cells. “You two are free to go.” he said. “This way and we will see your items returned to you.”
Glaring after Arkasia, Owain frowned before turning to the guard who let them free and thanking him.
After getting back their weapons and personal items Ari and Owain left the dungeon and walked out to the main hall of the castle. They were only imprisoned for a few hours time, but it still seemed to be getting to Owain. The fact that he was a suspect hurt his pride as Arkasia’s knight.
“At least that is over.”[/b] said Owain stretching frown still in place, fixed on his face.
[color=#C35817]“See told you everything would be fine.” Ari said as she stretched her arms. “Though do think those dirty cults would pull something like that.” Ari said in angrier tone.
“At Least we learned what their capabilities are.” answered Owain. “Arkasia is sure to implement some sort of new security measure. But in the mean time we need to watch for more people like Jelise.”
“Wonder what they’ll do. Though what do you think they’ll have us do now we weren’t exactly given any orders.”
“Until the lockdown is lifted we can relax, but I don’t think Arkasia will let that last long.”answered Owain.
“Well I guess I’ll go take care of something I need to do. I’ll see you later.”
“Yea…” answered Owain losing himself in thought before walking off.
(This is a Joint Post starring: TheLoneGentleman. BagMan, Valentine_KiS5)
It was a quiet trip back to the castle. The group was much smaller than it was going in. The loss of a lot of good men, and most of them were close friends with each other. It was as if part of their family was missing. Arkasia knew to give her men the time to grieve, but they also had jobs to do. Crossing her arms she closed her eyes deep in thought. Forming a list of possible suspects was easier said than done, but she had already began calling upon things she knew already, her suspicions would be confirmed upon talking with the registry.
Upon reaching the castle Nero and Krieg were waiting outside the already opened gates. They both wore the same stern expression. As the group entered the castle, Krieg and Nero walked alongside Arkasia’s horse.
“Upon hearing the situation we stopped all others entering the castle.” said Nero. “No one has left or entered either. Those out on patrol have been alerted to the situation, and all soldiers were accounted for.”
“If the rat was one of ours they are still inside Arkasia.” said Krieg.
“I confirmed the dead myself as well.” said Arkasia. “Everyone that left with me, and is still in this world is here.” she said quietly as the three split from the group. Razta, and Misaki were confused as to what was going on. Ari and Owain however knew this as an Arkasian lockdown. Leaving the area was forbidden until Arkasia herself gave the order. Only her personal guard would be allowed in and out to protect the small town that rested below Arkasia.
Owain turned to the group. “This is a lockdown. So don’t go causing trouble, and don’t leave the castle. After the incident Arkasia is probably just running a search to find the leak.” said Owain. “It should be over in one or two days. Although really, who knows, this leak is pretty good to have avoided being noticed for long enough to orchestrate that.”
“It’s that serious?” asked Razta. “How does she know the leak started here?”
“Everything must get through her defenses before entering the city. If something gets through, it is on Arkasia’s hands.”
“Must be tough dealing with that much responsibility.” responded Razta.
Owain nodded. “That is just the way things are here. So I warn you again. Do not leave the castle.”
Razta nodded, and turned to Masaki making sure that he understood as well. After everyone was well informed the group split up going to their rooms or posts. Even though Castle Arkasia was usually in a tense mood, the feeling of a lockdown was entirely different.
Arkasia made her way to her office and sat down in her chair. She had already sent for the registry, and she would be escorted there shortly. When the woman from the registry finally arrived she had a mountain of paper work with her. The two knights escorting her were also carrying papers. Placing them on Arkasia’s desk it felt like the desk was going to tip.
“Glad I decided to get to you first.” said Arkasia with a sigh.
After everyone had dispersed, Anastas was left standing by himself, a sort of sour look on him. ”Great, guess I ain’t going home.” He gave a sigh before walking off to a random direction, muttering under his breath ”Thanks to her, I’m going to have to do something about it.”
“Mister Fenix!” A voice called from behind Anastas. Turning around, his displeasure became surprise as he found himself in front of a familiar and reassuring face.
”Ah, it’s you.” Anastas addressed to the man who was the bread stall owner. He smiled smiled and welcomed him with a small nod, asking ”How are things?”
“Oh, it’s been alright.” He replied, smiling back and stroking the back of his head. “But I was just walking by and noticed you with that sour look on your face.” His hand returned by his side as his face turned a worrying expression. “Are you alright?”
Anastas chuckled in embarrassment, ”Ah yeah. It seems the fortress will be in lockdown for some time so I’ll be stuck here until then.”
It was a quiet trip back to the castle. The group was much smaller than it was going in. The loss of a lot of good men, and most of them were close friends with each other. It was as if part of their family was missing. Arkasia knew to give her men the time to grieve, but they also had jobs to do. Crossing her arms she closed her eyes deep in thought. Forming a list of possible suspects was easier said than done, but she had already began calling upon things she knew already, her suspicions would be confirmed upon talking with the registry.
Upon reaching the castle Nero and Krieg were waiting outside the already opened gates. They both wore the same stern expression. As the group entered the castle, Krieg and Nero walked alongside Arkasia’s horse.
“Upon hearing the situation we stopped all others entering the castle.” said Nero. “No one has left or entered either. Those out on patrol have been alerted to the situation, and all soldiers were accounted for.”
“If the rat was one of ours they are still inside Arkasia.” said Krieg.
“I confirmed the dead myself as well.” said Arkasia. “Everyone that left with me, and is still in this world is here.” she said quietly as the three split from the group. Razta, and Misaki were confused as to what was going on. Ari and Owain however knew this as an Arkasian lockdown. Leaving the area was forbidden until Arkasia herself gave the order. Only her personal guard would be allowed in and out to protect the small town that rested below Arkasia.
Owain turned to the group. “This is a lockdown. So don’t go causing trouble, and don’t leave the castle. After the incident Arkasia is probably just running a search to find the leak.” said Owain. “It should be over in one or two days. Although really, who knows, this leak is pretty good to have avoided being noticed for long enough to orchestrate that.”
“It’s that serious?” asked Razta. “How does she know the leak started here?”
“Everything must get through her defenses before entering the city. If something gets through, it is on Arkasia’s hands.”
“Must be tough dealing with that much responsibility.” responded Razta.
Owain nodded. “That is just the way things are here. So I warn you again. Do not leave the castle.”
Razta nodded, and turned to Masaki making sure that he understood as well. After everyone was well informed the group split up going to their rooms or posts. Even though Castle Arkasia was usually in a tense mood, the feeling of a lockdown was entirely different.
Arkasia made her way to her office and sat down in her chair. She had already sent for the registry, and she would be escorted there shortly. When the woman from the registry finally arrived she had a mountain of paper work with her. The two knights escorting her were also carrying papers. Placing them on Arkasia’s desk it felt like the desk was going to tip.
“Glad I decided to get to you first.” said Arkasia with a sigh.
After everyone had dispersed, Anastas was left standing by himself, a sort of sour look on him. ”Great, guess I ain’t going home.” He gave a sigh before walking off to a random direction, muttering under his breath ”Thanks to her, I’m going to have to do something about it.”
“Mister Fenix!” A voice called from behind Anastas. Turning around, his displeasure became surprise as he found himself in front of a familiar and reassuring face.
”Ah, it’s you.” Anastas addressed to the man who was the bread stall owner. He smiled smiled and welcomed him with a small nod, asking ”How are things?”
“Oh, it’s been alright.” He replied, smiling back and stroking the back of his head. “But I was just walking by and noticed you with that sour look on your face.” His hand returned by his side as his face turned a worrying expression. “Are you alright?”
Anastas chuckled in embarrassment, ”Ah yeah. It seems the fortress will be in lockdown for some time so I’ll be stuck here until then.”
(This is a Joint post starring: TheLoneGentleman and Cinia Pacifica.)
Frustrated over the state of her relationship with her daughter, Leona III couldn’t help but blame herself. She knew that Louise would solve the problem, but she didn’t take into account how far it would push her daughter. It may have forced her to destroy what little childhood she had left. As she walked the long ornate hallways of the castle she made her way outside. Right next door to the castle was the Shrine of the Scion. She would try to have her friend meet with the priestess to work something out. It shouldn’t be too hard seeing how Louise showed her potential during the announcement.
As Leona III entered the shrine, she came across a familiar figure standing right in front of it. Gazing at the shrine as if looking at something far away - as if daydreaming - Louise seemed to be lost in thought. Taking notice of the sounds of footsteps, Louise abruptly turned behind to look, ”Oh, it’s just you. For once I felt startled by your sudden appearance.”
“You? Startled? That’s rare,” said the former queen walking up to stand next to Louise. “This place bringing back memories?” Looking forward she saw a long red carpet that lead up to three giant statues. One was a beautiful woman. Her face and the more provocative portions of her body were hidden by a celestial wrap. The second was a woman with snakes coiled around her body. The third was the great celestial giant that showered the earth with light. She and the other two spirits kept their identities hidden from mankind, and sealed their spirits within people they believed could change the world. The church desperately searches for the people that hold these divine beings.The monks moved back and worth between the pillars lighting incense and tending their other duties around the temple.
“These statues are beautiful every time I see them. It has been too long since I have stopped by,” said Leona III.
”It reminds me of my first love, that happened years ago,” Louise looked back at the shrine, sighing, ”It’s scary how those statues never seem to rust.”
“They keep them spotless. These statues are given more attention than you can imagine,” answered Leona III.
”Well, yeah. I just didn’t think those people would take me so seriously and work religiously. Ishtar just loves to stay perfectly clean… even her statues… “ Louise grimaced halfway past her sentence. That Goddess really only cares about her figure when it comes down to it, ”I should have had them make her naked,” she commented, snickering.
“As ladies we all seem to care about our figure, but I do see your point.” Leona III said with a deep laugh. “I think making the goddess naked would have been a step too far. It’d make cleaning it rather interesting though.”
After a short conversation the head priestess noticed Leona’s voice, and walked over. Her delicate footsteps didn’t even make a sound. Her face was hidden under a white hood, and her eyes were bandaged. A white and gold ornate silk gown covered her body.
“What brings you here, your majesty?” asked the woman. Her voice was soft and gentle, but still somehow easy to make out. As she approached, she noticed that the queen had a strong presence next to her.
“Such a strong spirit around you,” she said her focus shifting entirely to Louise.
”It’s your favorite statue, after all,” Louise said with a smug face, feeling very irritated due to her memories. Making a cranky expression, she looked down to up at the priestess’ figure - with her analytical eyes, To think there are still people here who can sense spirits so greatly… what a pain.
The priestess reached out her hands and placed them gently on the sides of Louise’s face. There was a warmth that built where her hands touched. “We have finally found you again… Ishtar,” she said, retracting her hands as they disappeared into her sleeves. She knelled before Louise.
“Together with him, play ye for me, ye weepers and lamenting women. That the dead may rise up and inhale the incense,” she said as she stood up. “It is an honor. May I have your name?”
”Louise Marguerite. If you’re really curious, ask the current head of the Augustus family about the †˜Golden Louise’,” Louise said, knowing how utterly ridiculous that nickname is, they made a name straight out of her hair, They like to refer to me that way.”
“There is no need. I have heard of you from my grandmother.” she answered. “It has been quite a long time since I heard that story. Why have you returned to us?”
”Is that… so?” Louise placed her hand over her head; thinking. ”In all honesty, I don’t remember you, first tell me who you are.”
“Please forgive me, I am the current Head Priestess Rhea Kahina.” she answered.
”Oh, then what you heard is probably mostly fabricated.”
“Please explain,” asked the priestess. “Are you not one of the guiding hands in our religion?”
Louise was bound by this - she fell silent for a few seconds before sighing - as this was indeed true, she turned to the left, ignoring her face, ”Well, yeah… “
“Are you well?” asked Rhea concerned.
”Don’t mind me, I’m just having a rather long reminiscence,” Louise said as she walked past the priestess before her, towards the shrine. The priestess followed the sound of her footsteps turning to Louise.
“Ahem, sorry to interrupt but we came here on business,” said Leona III. The priestess turned slightly to Leona.
“How may the shrine be of service?” asked Rhea.
“I want you to let Louise take the place of your high priestess. She is clearly over qualified for the position,” said Leona.
“Why now of all times? With the war coming this will only put Louise in danger,” answered Rhea. “I cannot allow this.”
“We have our reasons for this, Rhea. Or should I remind you of that favor you owe me?” said Leona with a smile.
“This is a different matter entirely,” answered Rhea. “We will not put Ishtar in danger.”
Leona sighed, “The current high priestess is new, correct? Sending her out there is suicide. Louise is and will be more suitable for such a role, and you know it,” said Leona. The head priestess went quiet for a moment. Scowling, she walked off towards where Louise walked off too.
Louise walked towards the statue, I’d rather be off from that shady conversation, she thought. Not quite feeling up to playing the role of a cunning fox, You mean that you came here for business, right Leona? Louise sighed, she only came because of her memories. However painful they are, it pulled her here like magnet. Looking up to the statue up-close, she was indeed reminded of some things. She’d usually be all alone here, until she learned of her one and only way to kill time in those days - partaking in balls. “Things sure have changed. It feels only like yesterday already, when he’d come seeking my advices,” Louise whispered to no one is particular, making a warm smile that was rare from her. A warm feeling, and a strong feeling welled up from her chest. She cupped the air around her chest, trying to calm her spirit, “Fine, we’ll have it your way, then.”
A beautiful voice resounded across the walls of the shrine. The singing begun abruptly as Louise’s figure shone itself brilliantly with a silvery white light. She faced the statue of Ishtar while she sang. As she spread her arms to their limits both left and right - as if to feel the air - the words sung out sounded intense, yet there was a feeling that Louise was holding off from sounding too harsh with her tone of voice. The words sung out seemed to be describing a certain battle that took place a long, long time ago.
Tears dampened the bandages around the priestess’ eyes. She had never heard such a strong voice in her life. The song that Louise sang was in a language that only the ancient priestess’ would know, but her feeling was still conveyed beautifully, “Bearer of Ishtar...do you really wish to head to battle?” she asked.
”Mn?” Louise turned to look at the priestess with her misleadingly innocent face, ”Ah, yes. I’m probably going, I have many unfinished business with the old cursed ones.”
“Then I will send word to the Augustas. I will not deny you the war you seek,” said Rhea.
”Mn… well, if you’re sure, then okay. I should pay another trip to the current head of the family,” Louise said, I am stealing her position for now, anyway, she gave an eerie laugh internally.
“I’m sure the family will be relieved that their daughter will be spared from this war. They will probably show you their appreciation,” said Rhea. “I will see that all the paperwork is done. Come see me tomorrow,” with that, Rhea bowed and walked away to see to her other duties. It was then that Leona looked around to see they had an audience. Louise’s voice had attracted quite the crowd. Leona made her way over to her friend.
“I don’t know if that was your plan, but it seemed to have worked,” said Leona.
“Plan? What may you be speaking of?” Louise asked, oblivious to the situation.
Louise’s expression brought a smile to the former queen’s face. “You never fail to impress me, at the most random times.” said Leona III. “It was that song that changed her mind. She was adamant about keeping you safe.” As she stood before the statue she admired it beauty up close.
“Is that so?” Louise replied with a disinterested face, “The song was Ishtar’s request,” she stated, giving a light smile, “I wouldn’t want her to curse me, so I fulfilled it,” Louise said, wanting to convey that she in no way feels any obligation to her spirit’s wishes and desires, “However, these Priestesses sure have weakened, huh? With just a song they turn emotional.”
“Who cares,” said Leona laughing. “I got the result we wanted, and that is all we needed.” Leona was about ready to leave the shrine. As beautiful as it was they no longer had a reason to be there. “Are you ready to leave?” asked Leona.
“It’s been too long since I’ve been in a ball. Do they still happen nowadays?”
“I’m sure I can get something arranged.” said Leona. “Consider it a going away present.” With their business settled in the shrine, the two took their leave. Leona began preparations for a party celebrating her friend’s new position. Leona would be sure to make sure it was up to Louise’s standards, but that was a job easier said than done.
Frustrated over the state of her relationship with her daughter, Leona III couldn’t help but blame herself. She knew that Louise would solve the problem, but she didn’t take into account how far it would push her daughter. It may have forced her to destroy what little childhood she had left. As she walked the long ornate hallways of the castle she made her way outside. Right next door to the castle was the Shrine of the Scion. She would try to have her friend meet with the priestess to work something out. It shouldn’t be too hard seeing how Louise showed her potential during the announcement.
As Leona III entered the shrine, she came across a familiar figure standing right in front of it. Gazing at the shrine as if looking at something far away - as if daydreaming - Louise seemed to be lost in thought. Taking notice of the sounds of footsteps, Louise abruptly turned behind to look, ”Oh, it’s just you. For once I felt startled by your sudden appearance.”
“You? Startled? That’s rare,” said the former queen walking up to stand next to Louise. “This place bringing back memories?” Looking forward she saw a long red carpet that lead up to three giant statues. One was a beautiful woman. Her face and the more provocative portions of her body were hidden by a celestial wrap. The second was a woman with snakes coiled around her body. The third was the great celestial giant that showered the earth with light. She and the other two spirits kept their identities hidden from mankind, and sealed their spirits within people they believed could change the world. The church desperately searches for the people that hold these divine beings.The monks moved back and worth between the pillars lighting incense and tending their other duties around the temple.
“These statues are beautiful every time I see them. It has been too long since I have stopped by,” said Leona III.
”It reminds me of my first love, that happened years ago,” Louise looked back at the shrine, sighing, ”It’s scary how those statues never seem to rust.”
“They keep them spotless. These statues are given more attention than you can imagine,” answered Leona III.
”Well, yeah. I just didn’t think those people would take me so seriously and work religiously. Ishtar just loves to stay perfectly clean… even her statues… “ Louise grimaced halfway past her sentence. That Goddess really only cares about her figure when it comes down to it, ”I should have had them make her naked,” she commented, snickering.
“As ladies we all seem to care about our figure, but I do see your point.” Leona III said with a deep laugh. “I think making the goddess naked would have been a step too far. It’d make cleaning it rather interesting though.”
After a short conversation the head priestess noticed Leona’s voice, and walked over. Her delicate footsteps didn’t even make a sound. Her face was hidden under a white hood, and her eyes were bandaged. A white and gold ornate silk gown covered her body.
“What brings you here, your majesty?” asked the woman. Her voice was soft and gentle, but still somehow easy to make out. As she approached, she noticed that the queen had a strong presence next to her.
“Such a strong spirit around you,” she said her focus shifting entirely to Louise.
”It’s your favorite statue, after all,” Louise said with a smug face, feeling very irritated due to her memories. Making a cranky expression, she looked down to up at the priestess’ figure - with her analytical eyes, To think there are still people here who can sense spirits so greatly… what a pain.
The priestess reached out her hands and placed them gently on the sides of Louise’s face. There was a warmth that built where her hands touched. “We have finally found you again… Ishtar,” she said, retracting her hands as they disappeared into her sleeves. She knelled before Louise.
“Together with him, play ye for me, ye weepers and lamenting women. That the dead may rise up and inhale the incense,” she said as she stood up. “It is an honor. May I have your name?”
”Louise Marguerite. If you’re really curious, ask the current head of the Augustus family about the †˜Golden Louise’,” Louise said, knowing how utterly ridiculous that nickname is, they made a name straight out of her hair, They like to refer to me that way.”
“There is no need. I have heard of you from my grandmother.” she answered. “It has been quite a long time since I heard that story. Why have you returned to us?”
”Is that… so?” Louise placed her hand over her head; thinking. ”In all honesty, I don’t remember you, first tell me who you are.”
“Please forgive me, I am the current Head Priestess Rhea Kahina.” she answered.
”Oh, then what you heard is probably mostly fabricated.”
“Please explain,” asked the priestess. “Are you not one of the guiding hands in our religion?”
Louise was bound by this - she fell silent for a few seconds before sighing - as this was indeed true, she turned to the left, ignoring her face, ”Well, yeah… “
“Are you well?” asked Rhea concerned.
”Don’t mind me, I’m just having a rather long reminiscence,” Louise said as she walked past the priestess before her, towards the shrine. The priestess followed the sound of her footsteps turning to Louise.
“Ahem, sorry to interrupt but we came here on business,” said Leona III. The priestess turned slightly to Leona.
“How may the shrine be of service?” asked Rhea.
“I want you to let Louise take the place of your high priestess. She is clearly over qualified for the position,” said Leona.
“Why now of all times? With the war coming this will only put Louise in danger,” answered Rhea. “I cannot allow this.”
“We have our reasons for this, Rhea. Or should I remind you of that favor you owe me?” said Leona with a smile.
“This is a different matter entirely,” answered Rhea. “We will not put Ishtar in danger.”
Leona sighed, “The current high priestess is new, correct? Sending her out there is suicide. Louise is and will be more suitable for such a role, and you know it,” said Leona. The head priestess went quiet for a moment. Scowling, she walked off towards where Louise walked off too.
Louise walked towards the statue, I’d rather be off from that shady conversation, she thought. Not quite feeling up to playing the role of a cunning fox, You mean that you came here for business, right Leona? Louise sighed, she only came because of her memories. However painful they are, it pulled her here like magnet. Looking up to the statue up-close, she was indeed reminded of some things. She’d usually be all alone here, until she learned of her one and only way to kill time in those days - partaking in balls. “Things sure have changed. It feels only like yesterday already, when he’d come seeking my advices,” Louise whispered to no one is particular, making a warm smile that was rare from her. A warm feeling, and a strong feeling welled up from her chest. She cupped the air around her chest, trying to calm her spirit, “Fine, we’ll have it your way, then.”
A beautiful voice resounded across the walls of the shrine. The singing begun abruptly as Louise’s figure shone itself brilliantly with a silvery white light. She faced the statue of Ishtar while she sang. As she spread her arms to their limits both left and right - as if to feel the air - the words sung out sounded intense, yet there was a feeling that Louise was holding off from sounding too harsh with her tone of voice. The words sung out seemed to be describing a certain battle that took place a long, long time ago.
Tears dampened the bandages around the priestess’ eyes. She had never heard such a strong voice in her life. The song that Louise sang was in a language that only the ancient priestess’ would know, but her feeling was still conveyed beautifully, “Bearer of Ishtar...do you really wish to head to battle?” she asked.
”Mn?” Louise turned to look at the priestess with her misleadingly innocent face, ”Ah, yes. I’m probably going, I have many unfinished business with the old cursed ones.”
“Then I will send word to the Augustas. I will not deny you the war you seek,” said Rhea.
”Mn… well, if you’re sure, then okay. I should pay another trip to the current head of the family,” Louise said, I am stealing her position for now, anyway, she gave an eerie laugh internally.
“I’m sure the family will be relieved that their daughter will be spared from this war. They will probably show you their appreciation,” said Rhea. “I will see that all the paperwork is done. Come see me tomorrow,” with that, Rhea bowed and walked away to see to her other duties. It was then that Leona looked around to see they had an audience. Louise’s voice had attracted quite the crowd. Leona made her way over to her friend.
“I don’t know if that was your plan, but it seemed to have worked,” said Leona.
“Plan? What may you be speaking of?” Louise asked, oblivious to the situation.
Louise’s expression brought a smile to the former queen’s face. “You never fail to impress me, at the most random times.” said Leona III. “It was that song that changed her mind. She was adamant about keeping you safe.” As she stood before the statue she admired it beauty up close.
“Is that so?” Louise replied with a disinterested face, “The song was Ishtar’s request,” she stated, giving a light smile, “I wouldn’t want her to curse me, so I fulfilled it,” Louise said, wanting to convey that she in no way feels any obligation to her spirit’s wishes and desires, “However, these Priestesses sure have weakened, huh? With just a song they turn emotional.”
“Who cares,” said Leona laughing. “I got the result we wanted, and that is all we needed.” Leona was about ready to leave the shrine. As beautiful as it was they no longer had a reason to be there. “Are you ready to leave?” asked Leona.
“It’s been too long since I’ve been in a ball. Do they still happen nowadays?”
“I’m sure I can get something arranged.” said Leona. “Consider it a going away present.” With their business settled in the shrine, the two took their leave. Leona began preparations for a party celebrating her friend’s new position. Leona would be sure to make sure it was up to Louise’s standards, but that was a job easier said than done.
(This is a Joint Post starring: TheLoneGentleman[/color] and BinkXPoke)
Downstairs preparations were nearing their final stages, and by the afternoon they were about ready to head out. Catapults and other things were being tied up, to large elephant-like beasts called Talan. They would be hauling these weapons to Raltese, a major city of the Scion. Attacking this place meant that a major supply line to the capital would be cut off. This city was known for its rich resources, and was regarded for its high production of weapons across the major cities. It would take a week to reach the city, but Marian was a woman who tried to do things as efficiently as quickly as possible.
“Leave this catapult here, and tie a second talan to the ballista.” ordered Marian. Soul made sure that all of the weapons were accounted for, and that all the soldiers knew their place in battle. This wasn’t exactly a job that suited his rank, but a job that Marian trusted him enough to do.
As Sonya stepped out of the castle, her eyes were met with the sight of many siege weapons. “Oooh…” Her awe was audible, she had never seen so many catapults in one place. However, it confused her. She looked for Marian, needing to ask a few soldiers where she was, and when she found her, asked “Are we going to battle? It seems so soon.” She had only just arrived, and expected to receive some sort of training with the military’s weapons or armor.
“Yes,” answered Marian. “And you will be incharge of the third infiltration unit.” Marian was sure the girl would be confused. After all she had just joined today. She had no idea how to be a leader or probably even how to fight. “There is a method we use to instruct our soldiers from long distances. Not a word need be spoken from soldier to soldier. And even commanders and generals can communicate with their soldiers with ease. This is something that we have refined from our extensive use of the veils.” Marian explained. “Mainly what we will need you for is that talent of yours. Get our men in, and they will take care of the rest. You will have to get as much training as you can in on the way. This is a rather rushed operation.” she admitted.
“You are with group B. Find them, and get ready to head out Sonya.” ordered Marian as she walked over to find her own group. A group of men and women walked up and greeted Sonya.
“You must be Madame Sonya,” said a small timid looking boy with short brown hair. He didn’t look over twelve years old. “We are group B, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” he said extending his small hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, too!” She happily shook the young boys hand. “Are you part of the unit I’m leading? You seem rather young…” Sonya said, wondering why there this child coming along with her. Is this alright? Or am I misunderstanding something?
The boy smirked. “Yep, but I’m nothing like you. I’ve been training my whole life for this.” he said jumping around excitedly. As he did this a small collar around his neck caught Sonya’s eye. She moved closer to the boy to examine it more easily. Carefully, she grabbed the collar in a way that wouldn’t cause discomfort to the boy, just to feel it. It was akin to the collar she owns when she punished servants at her house. Is this how they trained him…? A fragile boy like this..? Sonya didn’t quite disagree with having harsh training regimens, but she was hesitant to accept using such torturous methods on children.
“Hey what’s up with you? Havent you seen this before?” asked the boy. “It protects me from the curse.” he said yanking himself away from her. “Only children with potential get these!” The child straightened out his clothes. “They train our spirits with these on so that we can grow out of the reach of the curse. In return we serve the military til our last. It’s only fair.” he said.
“Is that so…?” Sonya tilted her head. She had never heard of anything like this. She never needed such an unsightly collar. “Well, if it works, I won’t
argue!” She smiled. This wasn't a good time to worry about it, bigger things were happening around them. The other members of the group introduced themselves one by one. They varied greatly in ages, and some were even much older than Sonya. All of them, however, wore the same strange collars.
Heading out off schedule Marian was already in a bad mood. It was her plan to move out at midnight the night before, and sadly she had to make due with leaving closer to the afternoon. She would have to push the invasion force to its limits to reach their target on time. As army moved through town the people cheered. War-time was always profitable for the city in the past, and it often meant they expanded the kingdom which meant people could explore the world more. For Cain it meant his evil reach was that much farther.
Downstairs preparations were nearing their final stages, and by the afternoon they were about ready to head out. Catapults and other things were being tied up, to large elephant-like beasts called Talan. They would be hauling these weapons to Raltese, a major city of the Scion. Attacking this place meant that a major supply line to the capital would be cut off. This city was known for its rich resources, and was regarded for its high production of weapons across the major cities. It would take a week to reach the city, but Marian was a woman who tried to do things as efficiently as quickly as possible.
“Leave this catapult here, and tie a second talan to the ballista.” ordered Marian. Soul made sure that all of the weapons were accounted for, and that all the soldiers knew their place in battle. This wasn’t exactly a job that suited his rank, but a job that Marian trusted him enough to do.
As Sonya stepped out of the castle, her eyes were met with the sight of many siege weapons. “Oooh…” Her awe was audible, she had never seen so many catapults in one place. However, it confused her. She looked for Marian, needing to ask a few soldiers where she was, and when she found her, asked “Are we going to battle? It seems so soon.” She had only just arrived, and expected to receive some sort of training with the military’s weapons or armor.
“Yes,” answered Marian. “And you will be incharge of the third infiltration unit.” Marian was sure the girl would be confused. After all she had just joined today. She had no idea how to be a leader or probably even how to fight. “There is a method we use to instruct our soldiers from long distances. Not a word need be spoken from soldier to soldier. And even commanders and generals can communicate with their soldiers with ease. This is something that we have refined from our extensive use of the veils.” Marian explained. “Mainly what we will need you for is that talent of yours. Get our men in, and they will take care of the rest. You will have to get as much training as you can in on the way. This is a rather rushed operation.” she admitted.
“You are with group B. Find them, and get ready to head out Sonya.” ordered Marian as she walked over to find her own group. A group of men and women walked up and greeted Sonya.
“You must be Madame Sonya,” said a small timid looking boy with short brown hair. He didn’t look over twelve years old. “We are group B, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” he said extending his small hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, too!” She happily shook the young boys hand. “Are you part of the unit I’m leading? You seem rather young…” Sonya said, wondering why there this child coming along with her. Is this alright? Or am I misunderstanding something?
The boy smirked. “Yep, but I’m nothing like you. I’ve been training my whole life for this.” he said jumping around excitedly. As he did this a small collar around his neck caught Sonya’s eye. She moved closer to the boy to examine it more easily. Carefully, she grabbed the collar in a way that wouldn’t cause discomfort to the boy, just to feel it. It was akin to the collar she owns when she punished servants at her house. Is this how they trained him…? A fragile boy like this..? Sonya didn’t quite disagree with having harsh training regimens, but she was hesitant to accept using such torturous methods on children.
“Hey what’s up with you? Havent you seen this before?” asked the boy. “It protects me from the curse.” he said yanking himself away from her. “Only children with potential get these!” The child straightened out his clothes. “They train our spirits with these on so that we can grow out of the reach of the curse. In return we serve the military til our last. It’s only fair.” he said.
“Is that so…?” Sonya tilted her head. She had never heard of anything like this. She never needed such an unsightly collar. “Well, if it works, I won’t
argue!” She smiled. This wasn't a good time to worry about it, bigger things were happening around them. The other members of the group introduced themselves one by one. They varied greatly in ages, and some were even much older than Sonya. All of them, however, wore the same strange collars.
Heading out off schedule Marian was already in a bad mood. It was her plan to move out at midnight the night before, and sadly she had to make due with leaving closer to the afternoon. She would have to push the invasion force to its limits to reach their target on time. As army moved through town the people cheered. War-time was always profitable for the city in the past, and it often meant they expanded the kingdom which meant people could explore the world more. For Cain it meant his evil reach was that much farther.
Soul woke up in his palace room. The night before was a haze to him, and thinking about it made his head hurt something awful. He remembered going to go see Cain, but after that it was black. Figuring that there was no way he would have,an answer without going to see him again he decided to forget about the whole thing. Sliding out from under his furs that his bed was comprised of he grabbed his pair of pants to cover his naked body. Walking to the bathroom he quickly prepared himself for the day. He never put too much care into his appearance, but he always made sure to bathe and clean his teeth. Even though if his teeth rotted out his skull he could just regenerate them. Things like that gave him a sense of slight humanity.
Getting fully dressed in his usual attire he walked out of his room. Marian however was waiting for him right outside his door.
“What is this, an ambush?” said Soul as he began walking down the hallways of the castle. Marion sighed,”It’s not like I want to be with you today, but I have to make sure you actually do your job.”
“Why is today important or something?” answered Soul with a yawn. Marion slapped him in the back of the head so hard. Soul thought his eyes would pop out. “How can even an idiot like you forget something like today?” scolded Marian. “Those three had their job, and we have ours. So get your ass in gear, and lets get to it.” she said.
“You are quite the woman,” answered Soul rubbing the back of his head. “How about we just go back to my room instead? Let the others handle our part?”
Marian smirked,” I’m not one of your whores. The only time I’m going into your room is to burn you along with it.”
“Ouch,” answered Soul. “Being burnt alive hurts a lot you know? Ive been through it a few times so I know.”
Marion quickened her steps hoping to shorten the time she was stuck with Soul. Soul smirked and matched her pace. †˜Tough one.’ he said under his breath.
Getting fully dressed in his usual attire he walked out of his room. Marian however was waiting for him right outside his door.
“What is this, an ambush?” said Soul as he began walking down the hallways of the castle. Marion sighed,”It’s not like I want to be with you today, but I have to make sure you actually do your job.”
“Why is today important or something?” answered Soul with a yawn. Marion slapped him in the back of the head so hard. Soul thought his eyes would pop out. “How can even an idiot like you forget something like today?” scolded Marian. “Those three had their job, and we have ours. So get your ass in gear, and lets get to it.” she said.
“You are quite the woman,” answered Soul rubbing the back of his head. “How about we just go back to my room instead? Let the others handle our part?”
Marian smirked,” I’m not one of your whores. The only time I’m going into your room is to burn you along with it.”
“Ouch,” answered Soul. “Being burnt alive hurts a lot you know? Ive been through it a few times so I know.”
Marion quickened her steps hoping to shorten the time she was stuck with Soul. Soul smirked and matched her pace. †˜Tough one.’ he said under his breath.
(This is a Joint post starring: BagMan and TheLoneGentleman)
“Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone. The ancestor is my great master Schweinorg. The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.”
The magic circle beneath the dark haired girl began to glow.
“Repeat every five times.
Simply, shatter once filled.
I announce.
Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword.
In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer. “
Her right forearm had begun to throb. She couldn’t tell if it was painful, but it was incredibly hot.
“Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead.”
The glow the the circle completely filled her vision, but she wouldn’t let that get in the way of her summoning.
“You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!”
As Yui finished the spell her servant rose from the center of the circle in the center of the living room. She had moved a few things around to make things simpler. The couches were easy enough to move, but the antique wooden table was almost destroyed do to frustration. In the end she was able to clear the space however.
Looking upon her servant she smiled jumping up on the table that she hated so much. “Welcome to my side, Lancer” she said proudly.
Rising completely from the circle and standing his full height, Lancer was clearly a japanese man with long black hair and armour that would fit some noble warrior. He carried, as his namesake might suggest, a long lance. The tip of the lance was so sharp that, just by it moving around the room, the air was visibly cut in two by its presence.
“You are my Master then?” Asked Lancer, becoming aware of Yui’s presence.
“That’s right!” she said stepping off the table. Walking towards her servant the first thing she noticed was he was taller than her. Yui stood at about 5’7 and her servant was probably near the 7 foot range. Walking around him she gave him a full evaluation. “Yes you should do nicely.” she said stopping in front of him and looking him in the eyes.
Bending his head downwards to reach his Master’s gaze, Lancer looked troubled. “But you are so young” He commented “and a girl, this war is dangerous you know?”
“Psh, life is dangerous.” Yui said moving over to sit on the couch. “What’s the trouble with me being a girl anyways? Boys aren’t anything you write home about nowadays either.”
“You’re telling me men have lost their way as warriors? Unforgivable!” Flames rose in Lancer’s eyes.
“They lost their way a long time ago. I could take any of the boys at my school in a fight. Easy Peezy.” she said laughing. “You aren’t like them though. Obviously. So I’ll allow you the pleasure of my company. We are going to flip this war on its head, you and I.”
Lancer nodded his head thoughtfully. “I like the sound of that Master, it is fortunate you have summoned me, who has never been bested in combat” He said in agreement “Who is it that we are flipping first?”
“Well those Matous jumped the gun, and claimed a servant already. We will wait for them to make a move, and strike without mercy.” she answered.
Lancer arched his back and let out a large, warm laugh, “I like you already girl” His laugh still hinted in his voice, “What is your name?”
“Yui Tohsaka” she answered simply.
“Ah” He sounded pleased “A fine Japanese name, Well Yui, I am in your care” he smiled.
“Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and the archduke of contracts to the cornerstone. The ancestor is my great master Schweinorg. The alighted wind becomes a wall. The gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate.”
The magic circle beneath the dark haired girl began to glow.
“Repeat every five times.
Simply, shatter once filled.
I announce.
Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword.
In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this feeling, this reason, then answer. “
Her right forearm had begun to throb. She couldn’t tell if it was painful, but it was incredibly hot.
“Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead.”
The glow the the circle completely filled her vision, but she wouldn’t let that get in the way of her summoning.
“You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!”
As Yui finished the spell her servant rose from the center of the circle in the center of the living room. She had moved a few things around to make things simpler. The couches were easy enough to move, but the antique wooden table was almost destroyed do to frustration. In the end she was able to clear the space however.
Looking upon her servant she smiled jumping up on the table that she hated so much. “Welcome to my side, Lancer” she said proudly.
Rising completely from the circle and standing his full height, Lancer was clearly a japanese man with long black hair and armour that would fit some noble warrior. He carried, as his namesake might suggest, a long lance. The tip of the lance was so sharp that, just by it moving around the room, the air was visibly cut in two by its presence.
“You are my Master then?” Asked Lancer, becoming aware of Yui’s presence.
“That’s right!” she said stepping off the table. Walking towards her servant the first thing she noticed was he was taller than her. Yui stood at about 5’7 and her servant was probably near the 7 foot range. Walking around him she gave him a full evaluation. “Yes you should do nicely.” she said stopping in front of him and looking him in the eyes.
Bending his head downwards to reach his Master’s gaze, Lancer looked troubled. “But you are so young” He commented “and a girl, this war is dangerous you know?”
“Psh, life is dangerous.” Yui said moving over to sit on the couch. “What’s the trouble with me being a girl anyways? Boys aren’t anything you write home about nowadays either.”
“You’re telling me men have lost their way as warriors? Unforgivable!” Flames rose in Lancer’s eyes.
“They lost their way a long time ago. I could take any of the boys at my school in a fight. Easy Peezy.” she said laughing. “You aren’t like them though. Obviously. So I’ll allow you the pleasure of my company. We are going to flip this war on its head, you and I.”
Lancer nodded his head thoughtfully. “I like the sound of that Master, it is fortunate you have summoned me, who has never been bested in combat” He said in agreement “Who is it that we are flipping first?”
“Well those Matous jumped the gun, and claimed a servant already. We will wait for them to make a move, and strike without mercy.” she answered.
Lancer arched his back and let out a large, warm laugh, “I like you already girl” His laugh still hinted in his voice, “What is your name?”
“Yui Tohsaka” she answered simply.
“Ah” He sounded pleased “A fine Japanese name, Well Yui, I am in your care” he smiled.
