Chapter VI: Attack Part II

Posted: January 1, 2016

Author's Note: I'm rushing through the hijacking portion of the Gurak warship because I want to get to the infiltration of the Gurak's base sooner. I'll focus on that section in more detail. There will also be some Therius x Kagome moments too. *hearts*

If you're interested in seeing that occur sooner, I can have the next chapter published by Tuesday at the latest. But for that to happen, I'm asking for at least two reviews. I hate to sound cruel in that manner because I hate it when other authors on this site do that, but if I manage to secure two or more reviews there will be a nice longer uploaded by then. :) Also don't worry, there is plenty of Kagome and Yurick squabbles in the chapter, along with some Therius and Asthar action at the bottom. ;)


Kagome, Yurick and Mirania managed to defeat the small Gurak hoard with relative ease. They hid the bodies behind various crates in an event that other Gurak should come searching for their comrades.

"That was disgusting beyond hell." Yurick bemoaned as he wiped his bloody gloves against his pants to remove some of the newly acquired bloodstains.

Kagome sighed. The fire mage—albeit his rude mouth—had expressed a valid point. The fact that they had stooped to such levels to hide their enemy's remains left a fowl taste in her mouth that she knew she would be unable to wash away anytime soon. Regardless of how much Yurick may attempt to wipe away the blood from his gloves, weapon or clothing, the bloodshed that occurred mere moments ago would be forever engraved into their memories.

Kagome swallowed, already sensing the bile slowly beginning to creep up her throat. She knew that now was not the time to let her emotions get the better of her. She had to push these thoughts away. Right now what mattered most was surviving. Later-on she could reflect on the severity of their actions aboard the Gurak ship. But at present, she, along with Mirania, Yurick and all the other captives had to return to Lazulis Island alive. There was no other alternative.

Mirania was the first to speak. "Yurick, Lady Kagome, I suggest we continue to move forward." Her voice lowered as she surveyed their current location. "From our previous movement, I would assume we're still below deck. Yurick, before you were reunited with me and Lady Kagome, neither of us had ventured to the upper decks."

Kagome nodded. "That's right."

Yurick appeared to be deep in thought. "… I suppose that means the other captives could either be somewhere else along this floor or above deck."

Kagome crossed her arms across her chest. "Based on my assumption, I believe the Gurak opted to house the three of us below deck due to the fact that they saw us as a threat."

"A threat?" repeated Mirania. "I suppose that would make sense. After all, we have yet to encounter any other civilians."

"Then possibly most of the other captives must be women and children," Yurick reflected with a sigh. "If that hypothesize turns out to be correct, then it stands that our chances of taking control of the ship are slim to none." The realization struck the fighters like a small wave colliding against a massive onset of rocks. Although the sheer force of the waves may have been able to cause some damage to the rocks surface, simply because of their numbers and sizes, the waves attack proved useless.

"In any event, this could prove to be wrong." Mirania proposed her tone calm and soothing. "Let's try to not let this falter our goal. We still have yet to reach the main floor of the ship. For all we know, there could be a different outcome awaiting us above these floors."

"I quite agree with you on that, Mirania." A male voice whispered.

In a matter of seconds, Kagome had her blade unsheathed and took several steps forward. "Who goes there?" She drawled out emotionlessly. "Are you friends of Lady Mirania?"

"Oh yes, I see that you've already forgotten me." Yurick scoffed, which caused Kagome to grimace.

"Yes…" She drawled while turning slightly to face the mage. With one simple step, she enclosed the distance between them, as well as the distance between his neck and her blade. "Do you happen to know a Cyclops wielding fire mage?" Yurick's reaction was instantaneous, much to Kagome's delight. She took great joy in seeing Yurick's face contort into a vexed sneer.

"You little wench," he mouthed.

Kagome smirked in response only adding further fuel to their already disintegrating meeting.

Mirania only sighed. "Yurick, do behave yourself." For some odd reason, this was common behaviour for Yurick. During past experiences whenever the mercenaries were required to work with others outside of their small company, Yurick never hesitated to voice his displeasure or disgust towards the issue. On several accounts, it had nearly cost the mercenaries their heads—or wallets—and Dagran never failed to voice his disregard towards Yurick's lack of cooperation. Yurick, however, paid Dagran's comments no heed and merely continued with his past actions. Due to this, for more reasons than not, Dagran opted to have Yurick work strictly with their own party members—especially Zael and Mirania because he could tolerate them more than Lowell and Syrenne. But here Yurick was blatantly arguing with Lady Kagome, a knight of Lazulis Castle, while the three of them were kidnapped by the Gurak.

Honestly, this was neither the time nor place for such to occur. Mirania was slightly embarrassed by Yurick's actions; yet, Lady Kagome wasn't doing much better. She appeared to be continuously annoyed by Yurick, and seemed to find it amusing to taunt the mage.

Mirania bit her bottom lip. The duo was acting far too childish for her liking right now. They were stuck in a serious dilemma, and now wasn't the time for such behaviour. She wished that she could reprimand Yurick (and Lady Kagome) for their actions, but she knew that if she were to open her mouth and voice her true opinions on the matter, it would—pardon the pun—only add further fuel to the fire. Mirania didn't want that, which is why she could only sigh and look away when they started arguing.

Kagome's eyes narrowed. Her raise voice caught Mirania's attention. "Come forward then." The sound of approaching boots caused her to look forward. Her eyes, along with Yurick's, widened when seeing a particular individual.

"Zael?" she gasped, rushing forward. "You're here?"

Yurick crossed his arms and walked behind Mirania at a slower pace. "Zael, it's good to see you."

"You guys, you're safe." Zael exhaled, and looked as though a heavy weight had suddenly been removed from his shoulders. "I'm glad to know you're both alive and well."

Mirania offered a small smile. "It's because of Lady Kagome that we've been as successful as we are."

Yurick scoffed but said nothing.

Kagome rolled her eyes as she walked forward. "… You're Zael?" She inquired while briefly surveying the new addition to their group. She recalled seeing Zael earlier that day at the engagement ball. He looked the same but slightly dirtier. His clothing was partially ripped in some areas, dirt marred his face and there looked to be some cuts lining his forehead and arms.

Zael nodded. "That's right. And you're Lady Kagome?" Zael was more than surprised to see a knight of Lazulis aboard the Gurak ship. He couldn't help but wonder how she managed to climb aboard. Earlier, when he, Dagran and Calista boarded the ship, he didn't recall seeing any knights or citizens. Most had either remained at the Castle in an attempt to keep the Count safe or fled for their own safety. Zael also knew for a fact that he would remember seeing Lady Kagome simply due to the fact that she was the only female knight he had encountered on the island thus far.

Meanwhile, Kagome noticed the way Zael was eyeing her. Immediately, she was assaulted with memories of her fellow knights providing her with such stares and grimaces. Albeit that Zael was a mercenary, he appeared decent enough—unlike one of his certain companions—to keep his thoughts to himself. For that, Kagome was grateful, but she still felt uncertain around the man.

For the sake of civility, she inclined her head to the side. "It's a pleasure to meet you… though, I suppose it would have been better to meet under different circumstances." With a brief roll of the eyes, Zael understood her reference and couldn't help but agree.

"Zael, who is your other companion? It's not Dagran, is it?" inquired Mirania.

"Oh." Zael stiffened partially. "That's right… it's Cal-Lisa!" He stammered and tugged at his shirt collar. "Lisa is with me right now. We managed to get ourselves separated from Dagran, though he shouldn't be too far from us." He turned his head to the side and called for Lisa to join them. "Lisa, it's alright. You can come out. It's only my friends."

As a young woman neared them, Kagome immediately rushed forward pushing past Zael. "Lady Calista?" She gasped. When seeing the noblewoman dressed in fighting garbs and clutching a small dagger—and sporting some rather nasty gashes—she pursed her lips together and eyed the woman in obvious disappointment. "What are you doing here?" She demanded as she circled her wanting to fully assess her injuries. From how it appeared, Calista's clothes were damp and soiled with dirt, woodchips and dust. Her luscious locks were tied back in a tight ponytail, but the edges were sopping wet. To top it off, akin to Zael, parts of her face were lined with blood.

"Are you hurt?" Before Calista could respond, Kagome had already raised her left hand towards Calista's bleeding cheek and set about healing it. A white circular light began to form around the shape of her hand while she leaned in closer to check for any other bruises.

Calista lightly pushed her hand away, blushing. "L-Lady Kagome, please not now."

Kagome rolled her eyes but did not lower her hand until the cut was fully healed. "Are you injured anywhere else?" She asked, though her tone sounded far more demanding then she would have liked.

"N-no…" Calista stammered and looked away.

Kagome's smiled. "That's good. I'm relieved to hear that. But," she nearly yelled, "what are you doing here?! Don't you know how dangerous it is?! What if something happens to you?" Kagome could already envision how frantic the Count must be over the disappearance of Lady Calista. The Count was highly protective of his niece, although his methods of displaying such were rather unorthodox. Yet at the very least, he did care for his niece's well-being and happiness… unlike Lord Jirall who saw her as nothing more than a possession. The man treated Lady Calista like a prize; as a trophy to be mounted on the wall or kept in a glass case. His means of "affection" around the poor woman were disgusting. Whenever Kagome witnessed the two of them together, she would always end up shivering with revulsion. She truly pitied Calista for being forced to marry such a monster, but such is the price of being born into nobility. None get to choose who they marry. Marriages don't occur for the simple reasons of love or passion, but merely for the sake of families to acquire further power.

Calista backed away. "I-I came on my own f-freewill. I-I know the dangers of being on this ship, but I'm not leaving Lady Kagome."

"There's nowhere to run anyway," Yurick advised. "If you don't remember, we're on board a moving ship which is venturing further into Gurak territory as we speak."

"Yurick's right." Zael nodded. "We have to take control of the ship at all costs. Once the Captain and the other Gurak have been taken care of then we can address the other issues at hand." When Zael spoke the second half of his instructions, he cast a specific glance towards Calista. Kagome right away noticed it, and looked towards Zael curiously.

He looks especially concerned for Lady Calista, she remarked to herself. Does this mean he's taken an interest in her?

If so, Kagome would need to keep an extra set of eyes on Zael. There was no telling what he—or his companions—were capable of. If Zael or the others had any intention of harming Lady Calista then they would have to answer to Kagome… with her blade pressed straight onto their neck, of course.

"L-Let's go find Dagran first," Mirania suggested. She could literally feel the tension brewing in the air. "Remember our primary objective: we need to take control of the ship."

"Right," everyone murmured, though their attention seemed to be diverted elsewhere.

Mirania merely sighed. At this rate, they weren't getting themselves anywhere.

"Everyone, let's head this way." Zael remarked, gesturing towards the southern corridor that he and Calista first emerged from. "It leads to the upper portion of the ship. It's also where Lis-Calista and I got separated from Dagran." Zael no longer saw the need to call Calista by her false name. Kagome already revealed her true stature so there was no need to hide it—or try to—any longer.

"That sounds promising." Yurick nodded lazily. "Zael, lead the way."


True to Zael's words, the southern corridor had led to a ladder that led to the upper portion of the ship. From there, the group slowly ventured further into the ship's hold. They had yet to find Dagran, which left Zael assuming that he had decided to explore on his own.

"I hope Dagran's alright," he murmured as they silently walked down yet another corridor.

"I'm sure he's fine." Yurick remarked. "This is Dagran we're talking about, after all. He can look after himself. He's proven that to us many times before."

"I quite agree." Mirania said. "He wouldn't be our leader if he wasn't capable of looking after himself in situations like this."

"I suppose you're right." Zael agreed, though he still worried for Dagran. Zael considered all his friends to be family, and cherished them all dearly; Dagran especially. The two of them had been together for years. They started their work together and found the others along the way. To Zael, Dagran was a brother regardless of their different blood ties. He would always watch out Dagran and hold his best interest at heart. But right now his brother was missing… aboard a Gurak ship, no less. There was no telling what could have happened to him—or if anything had. Mirania and Yurick fully believed that Dagran was fine. Zael wished he could share in their same amount of confidence, but a part of him simply couldn't. A part of him couldn't look past the thought that Dagran might be injured or taken prisoner like Mirania and Yurick were before.

If that is the case then we'll just have to free him. Zael was determined to reunite with Dagran and free the other trapped captives. We've come so far already.

"Zael, be on guard! It seems as though we have some company!" Snapped from his thoughts by Kagome's rising voice, Zael jumped to the side right as the wall before him broke apart sending pieces of wood flying through the air.

The group looked to the side to see a formidable amount of Gurak emerging through the newly formed door.

"Shit!" Yurick cursed. "Just how many are there?"

"Too many to count," Mirania remarked as she got into casting position. With this many enemies, the group would be relying on her healing circles more than ever.

"Zael!" exclaimed Kagome. "Take care of the Gurak swordsmen for now. I'll preoccupy the archers."

"Sounds good," was all he uttered. "Calista, be sure to stay close to me."

Calista clutched her dagger tightly in her palms. "Right… thank you, Zael."

Then with that, the battle ensued.


"Well, well, it looks like I missed a fun party."

"Dagran!"

"You're alive!"

The three mercenaries and Calista rushed forward to greet him. In contrast, Kagome stayed back to observe the battlefield and their newly reunited companion. From the looks of things, the group had managed to kill all the attacking Gurak. Not one was left alive. Sad enough, most Gurak died in the process of having their limbs chopped off or being burnt to a crisp by Yurick's fire magic.

Kagome felt her stomach churn at the scent of burning flesh and smoke. There were far too many Gurak corpses lining the ground for her liking. She wanted to vacate the vicinity as soon as possible.

She tried to maintain her composure while she walked closer towards the group. She managed to hear the last of their conversation, though it appeared as though Dagran, their leader, was dominating the topic.

"On the upper decks they have quite a few humans working as slaves. If we set them free, it'll create a huge mess for the Gurak."

"S-slavery?" choked Calista. She appeared distraught at the mere thought.

Yurick arched a brow. "It only makes sense for the Gurak to keep humans as slaves. Why else do you think they captured so many?"

"The Castle houses several Gurak slaves as well," Kagome noted, joining the conversation.

Right away, Calista whipped her head towards Kagome. "Lady Kagome, are you c-certain about that? I've lived in the Castle my entire life, and I've yet to see a single Gurak housed within the dwelling."

"I don't think the Count wishes for you to see something like that," Dagran said. "It's not something people of your stature are used to witnessing... or should see. It would be quite the shock, though undoubtedly many aristocrats would side by the decision."

Kagome took note of Calista's paling face. "That's not right though," she hissed. "The Gurak are people too. They're not monsters."

"But they are our enemy," Kagome rebutted. "Don't forget Lady Calista that we're at war against them. During such times, people don't see the opposing side as people… only a force they must eliminate." She shut her eyes. She could feel herself trembling. She despised the words she was uttering with all her might, but it was the truth… a horrifying one.

For once, Yurick sided with Kagome. "She's right you know. As disgusting as the idea of slavery might be, both sides are subjecting the other to such tragedy."

"And that's why we've got to put a stop to it." Zael announced. "Like Dagran said, we can start the process by freeing the slaves the Gurak have currently captured and have housed for some time."

"It won't put an end to slavery entirely, but it's the only thing we can do for now," Mirania agreed. She, like Calista, abhorred violence thrust upon the backs of the innocent.

"While this conversation is riveting, we have other priorities to concern ourselves with now," Dagran spoke as he tried to bring the group back on target. "Here. I managed to find this while exploring the ship." He withdrew a small key from his pocket. "Based on my surveillances, it seems as though the Gurak know that our current target is the ship's control room. It looks like they've locked it up pretty tight. But luckily for us, I managed to swipe the key from the guard."

Kagome arched a brow. "Good work." She was beginning to understand why this man was their leader. Besides Zael, he appeared to be the most competent member of their group.

Dagran then finally took a second to study Kagome. She watched the mercenary survey her from head to toe. He, like Zael originally, appeared to be taken back by the sight of a castle guard aboard the ship, though he opted to say nothing about it. Kagome silently thanked the heavens above.

"Your name is Kagome, no?" Dagran asked his voice betraying none of his concealed thoughts.

"That's right." She nodded. "And you are Dagran, the leader of this mercenary group?"

"That's right." He repeated her words and passing nod.

"… You have quite the skilled team." She complemented him. "Mirania, Zael… and Patchy—despite his mouth—are very skilled."

"Patchy, you say?" The tips of Dagran's lips were twisting upwards into a forming smirk. The obvious scoffing sound emanating from Yurick's general direction didn't help lessen his widening grin, if merely strengthened it. "I suppose that's a suitable response."

Kagome snorted while barely managing to hold back a grin. It would appear as though Dagran possessed a sense of humour.

"Hmm… let's get going." Yurick suddenly announced. He was the first to begin walking towards the set of doors. He made sure to offer Kagome a hefty glare as he walked past her. Kagome merely stared back in response, but placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. Yurick stopped directly in front of the door awaiting the others… though they couldn't help but notice how his hand appeared to be reaching for his dagger… or how his gaze briefly shot back towards Kagome.

Kagome only tightened her grip on the hilt of her blade.

To this, Dagran arched a brow and glanced in Zael's direction. Zael merely shrugged his shoulders, unsure of how to respond.

Mirania ran a hand through her hair, feeling dejected. "It's a long story," was all she said.

"I see." Dagran merely rolled his eyes before following after Yurick.


Meanwhile, back at Lazulis Castle, the knights were in the midst of finishing off the remaining Gurak. Not too many were left, seeing as though General Asthar and Sir Therius had managed to dispose of more than half. Some of the knights had fought alongside their leader and slain several of their own during the battle, but most of the knights had sought out shelter. They, like the nobles once present at the ball, were more concerned for their safety than the safety of others, and sought refuge in the depths of the Castle that had yet to be severely invaded or destroyed from the unexpected attack.

At present, the total death count was relatively low. Few people had died due to the quick thinking of the General and the superb combat skills of Sir Therius. The Count, their king, along with Lord Jirall was also safe, which was a great relief to all.

"General, there have been no reports of injured person amidst the infirmary clinic." A guard reported to the General. He appeared to be slightly winded, and his armour appeared to be partially covered in Gurak and human blood.

General Asthar nodded. "I see. That is good to know. Thank you." He took several steps towards Therius who was in the midst of surveying the destroyed ballroom.

Therius, mere moments ago, had sheathed his blade, and appeared far more silent than usual. The General had taken note of that immediately. "Therius, what ails you? The enemy has retreated and we have suffered few casualties. That is not something to appear so distraught over."

Therius glanced towards his mentor. "I quite agree, General. Albeit the unplanned attack, we survived and appeared to deliver some damage to the Gurak fleets. However…" his voice lowered as his gaze drifted off to the side.

General Asthar arched a brow. He knew what was bothering his student. Therius, never having been a man of words, largely spoke through actions and gestures to convey meaning. While most people were unable to discern Therius—and thus had difficulties interacting with him—only the General himself and Lady Kagome could manage to comprehend and identify Therius's silent form of communication.

General Asthar exhaled softly. "I am quite sure that she is safe." He directed his gaze to the side and watched as three knights struggled in vain to extinguish the small amount of flames that still doused the once vibrant hall. "Unlike her peers, she can handle herself quite well if found in a scuffle."

A flash of concern briefly illuminated Therius's eyes. Asthar also took note of how his shoulders and stance overall seemed to become less tense.

His smirk widened. It was so easy for him to read Therius. No matter how hard the swordsman may try to keep his emotions intact and to himself, the General would always be able to read him and Lady Kagome like an open book.

"… Um, excuse me …"

"Hmm?" At hearing a small voice, both the General and Therius looked to the side to see Shippou, a young fire mage, walking towards them.

Asthar, who always held a soft spot for children, walked towards the child and knelt down to reach his height. "Sir Shippou, what is the matter?" From what he could see, Shippou did not appear to be too badly injured. If anything, he might have suffered some minor cuts from the blasts of the Gurak mages breaking the windows to enter into the Castle.

Shippou, who couldn't look the General in the eye, started to fiddle with his sweaty palms. "W-well, see, it's about K-Kagome …" His voice started to waver as tears began to fill his eyes. "S-Something happened…"

"What did you say?" Within an instant, Shippou felt himself being lifted up from the ground only to lock eyes with the intimidating Therius.

His jaw dropped.

Therius's eyes narrowed. "Child, explain yourself this instant. What happened to Lady Kagome?"


Author's Note: Remember, two reviews (at least) and I will upload another chapter in less than three days. I cross my heart. Promise. :)

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it... I loved the last part of the chapter especially. x3