Good afternoon, everyone! I hope you are enjoying your weekend, and are in the mood for some reading! Things are going to start getting a bit more intense for a while, and the stakes will definitely be increasing as time goes on. Are you ready? Please enjoy this latest update!
Chase grunted as he kicked at the cell bars for the umpteenth time, growling before he slammed his body weight against it. "Let me out of here!" He screamed. "I didn't do anything to anybody! Kapra needs me out there!"
"You never know when to shut up, do you?"
Chase stopped then, quickly moving to the other side of his cell. "Wait a second... Wind? Wind, is that you?"
"No. Never heard of 'em." Wind lied, rolling his eyes.
"It IS you! I'd recognize that voice anywhere!" Chase beamed for a moment, but it quickly faded. "But... why are you in here too?"
"Probably the same reason you are. I knew being associated with you would get me in trouble down the line."
"Does it have to do with that Lylith girl?" Chase asked.
"Yep. Really pulling this out of their rear ends, aren't they?" Wind shook his head. He was seated, his back resting against the stone wall of his cell. "There's something more to this than they're letting on."
"What do you mean?" Chase asked.
Before Wind could answer, they squinted as the door to the prison cells opened, Onyx entering with several Vi soldiers.
"Wind of the Imugi clan and Chase of the Trold clan; you will now be escorted for preliminary questioning." Onyx said, the Vi soldiers opening their cells to restrain them for escort.
"Here we go again..." Chase groaned, shooting one of the soldiers a glare as they shoved him forward.
Inside the interrogation room, Alexandrite wore a slight expression of satisfaction as he looked upon the pair silently. He stood next to Barium, who sat across from them with his hands folded.
"You two can't seem to escape the grip of trouble." Barium started as he looked between the two. "A very serious accusation has been made against you both. There are still some questions I need answers from the other side, but at this point... unless you can prove without a doubt that you did not do it... unless someone steps forward to make a claim that would clear your names... it doesn't look good."
"We didn't do anything to her... I swear." Chase said, frowning.
"I want to believe you, Chase. I hold Kapra in very high character, and she holds you both in high character. There are many who believe in you enough to come to your aid. But Lylith was harmed, very badly. Someone needs to atone and take responsibility for the crime committed against her."
"So I guess that makes us the perfect candidates for everything that goes awry here, huh?" Wind spat.
"You will speak when you are spoken to, Imugi, or I will-"
"Alexandrite." Barium shot a look at his brother. "I will handle this or I'll give you something else to do." Alexandrite hardened his expression as he gave him a single nod, falling silent. Barium then turned his attention back to the pair. "That's not what I want you both to think. This is why I want to get both sides of the story personally before we proceed with a trial."
"We have to do another one of those things?" Chase asked.
"Yes. It's the only way we can make a sound decision, Chase."
"But... how can we prove something wasn't done by us when we haven't even been around her?" Chase asked.
"That is something I will be determining as we go on. For now... I will ask you some questions that may help this case."
Alexandrite was seething. Why couldn't his brother just wait for the trial to go through all of this? The pair had made an impression on him, he could tell. It was that human girl... she was the catalyst for all this. She was responsible for all the recent changes that he found displeasing.
"Alright then. Get on with it." Wind said.
"So if you were not where Lylith was on any of the days I have written here... where were you? Who were you with?" Barium asked.
"Well... I think it was... this day right here... I was with Wind and Ambrosia. She wanted to see the Hulder because she had a nightmare or something, so we went with her." Chase said.
"It was the day you passed out the decree that you were going to free the Imugi from servitude." Wind added.
"Yes... so you were both present in the Hulder territory? Was Arsenik aware of this?"
"Yeah, he was sitting with us." Chase said flatly.
"This was before Lylith was found, but after she disappeared... so he had no idea about Lylith's condition or testimony at the time. What were you doing on this day, here? This is when Arsenik told me she had gone missing." Barium asked.
"Wait a second... Wind, weren't we-"
"- both staying with Ambrosia..." Wind finished his sentence.
"You and Chase both were taking shelter in the Phoenix village on this day?" Barium asked.
"Well, we stayed the night..." Chase scratched his head.
"That still leaves the entire day, brother. If Lylith took leave of the Hulder keep in the afternoon, that leaves many hours for them to assault her. They probably took up shelter in the Phoenix village in the night to avoid being caught." Alexandrite said.
Barium sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. "What were you both doing the day she was found? This day, here."
"I went with Kapra and Ambrosia to my territory." Wind said.
"And another thing, I would like to add..." Alexandrite said as Barium shot him a look. "Did you happen to notice that she was attacked the night you freed the human girl? Perhaps they planned this beforehand, and struck once the girl was released from us."
"That's not true!" Chase exclaimed, Wind hissing as he shot him a look.
"Kid, shut up." He said lowly.
"That is a good point. I shall find out from Lylith what time of the day- or night... she was attacked. I will also have to ask Ambrosia some questions." Barium said. "I'm sorry to say this, but until we can prove you not guilty of this crime, we will have to keep you in the prison cells."
Chase frowned deeply. "Look, your majesty... Kapra's trying to get the clans together. She's been doing a pretty good job, but... Grant isn't going to be very easy to win over. She needs my help."
"I know this is what she is doing, Chase. I appreciate that you want to help her. But I cannot just neglect this claim. It wouldn't be fair to Lylith or the Hulder, and I have to be fair. It's my job as a King. Someone must be held accountable for what was done." Barium glanced back at his brother. "Call Onyx."
As Chase bit his lip, Wind looked over at him. "Just face it, kid. Those Hulder are going to keep pushing until we're six feet under."
As the guards came in to escort the pair as led by Onyx, Chase looked at Barium as they were being taken out of the room. "If we don't kill the phantom soon, Kapra's going to die. She has a cursed mark on her arm now." He wasn't able to say anymore as he was taken through the door, but his last words left Barium doing a double take.
"What did you say?" Barium asked, about to pursue him before Alexandrite stopped him.
"Barium, he's going to say anything to make you sympathize them. Don't let his words sway you." Alexandrite said.
"Alexandrite... that girl is doing what neither of us could ever do. She is uniting the clans against a common enemy." Barium said.
"A common enemy that she brought upon us." Alexandrite hissed. "They are all conspiring against you, and-"
"You think that the answer to everything is some kind of conspiracy, Alexandrite!" Barium exclaimed. "Barely anyone on this island knows your face and yet they all seem to know that you look for any excuse to brutalize them!" He tore away from his brother. "Everything is going awry while I've been sitting here in this palace. Not anymore." He said, heading to his chambers to place in his cloak.
"Where are you going? Barium, if something happens to you-"
"Then at least I will be known as a King who took to action, not just sit in his high tower and twiddle my thumbs. Maybe if the clans see that I am out there actually doing something, they will do something." Barium said before striding briskly down the hall.
As he did, Alexandrite narrowed his eyes, tightening his lips. He slowly paced back up to his own bedchambers, shutting the door. "You placed your trust in me once, brother." He said to himself. "I've given no reason for you to lose it. But if you no longer trust me... then there should be no reason for me to earn it. The Islanders do not know my face? Perhaps it's time they learned it, then."
Viktor paced outside of Kapra's room, biting his lip as he twiddled his fingers. He jumped a bit when the door opened, Kapra hesitating for a moment.
"Hey." She blinked, shutting the door behind her. "Is everything okay?"
Viktor's eyes wandered to her wrist for a moment before clearing his throat. "Yes, um... I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"As okay as I can, I guess..." Kapra replied. "Are you sure everything is okay?"
"I'm just worried for you." This was no lie.
"Worrying every second isn't going to help. Take a deep breath. We still have work to do. I want to go see the Cucuy today. There aren't many of them, but they should at least know they're being considered and acknowledged. We need all the help we can get." Kapra said.
"I shall accompany you." Viktor said.
"Cool. After that, I want to see the King. I have to talk to him about what's going on with the clans, and with Chase and Wind." Kapra said.
Viktor frowned then. "Perhaps... we should complete the task of uniting the clans first."
"You know that we have to move fast with the other problem, Viktor. If Alexandrite is behind this, he's not going to rest until Wind and Chase are executed." Kapra replied.
Before Viktor could reply, Arsenik approached the pair, glancing at Viktor for a moment before turning his attention to Kapra. "Good morning, my dear. How are you faring?"
"Okay, thanks." Kapra replied, to which Arsenik smiled.
"I hate to interrupt... but it seems that his majesty has stopped to visit." His smile faded a bit then. "He wishes to speak with you, Kapra."
"Oh. Perfect." She rose her brows with surprise. "I'll be right down."
"He is waiting in the drawing room." Arsenik said before Kapra started to head down the hall. Arsenik watched her go off before turning to look at Viktor. "Did you know of this?"
"I- I had no idea, uncle." Viktor said. Arsenik approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Viktor. Let's think for a moment, shall we? You are to become our chief someday. I will not be around forever, and you are my heir. You will inherit all my responsibilities. Do you think you will be received well if your efforts led to one of our own, a young, innocent woman who was viciously attacked by a pair of monsters, not seeing the justice she deserves?"
"Arsenik... I told you what she said to Kapra, she-"
"She is under an incredible amount of distress, Viktor! Of course Lylith is going to be harsh and bitter. She is not in her right mind. I have told you time and time again, do not take matters into your own hands without consulting me first."
"Will I need to consult you about these matters when I am chief, then?" Viktor asked to Arsenik's surprise.
"You are not a chief yet. And for good reason. You still have much to learn. You have to trust me, Viktor. I've given you no reason to distrust me, have I? Have I?" Arsenik repeated the question, maintaining a calm tone.
A sigh. "No..." Viktor bowed his head.
"Lylith has been your dearest friend since you were children. She needs you, Viktor." Arsenik said.
"And Kapra needs me. The things that Lylith said to her... if a man had said those things..." Viktor hardened his expression. "Kapra means everything to me. And despite what they are, the Tr-... Chase, and Wind, mean very much to her. I may not like them, but I understand this fact and I will respect it because I love her. Kapra does not particularly like Lylith, either. But she still gave me unwavering support when she was brought back in the condition she was in. She was even willing to help her."
"I know this, Viktor. Kapra and Ambrosia are very similar in the way they are righteous. But sometimes, being righteous isn't enough. Sometimes, the circumstance demands more than that." Arsenik replied.
"And what exactly are you expecting me to do, Arsenik?" Viktor asked.
"I am asking you to allow whatever is to come, to come. If the Trold and the Imugi are found guilty, they are found guilty. If not, then not. We cannot allow our personal feelings to get in the way of what needs to be done. Believe me when I say this, Viktor... it leads you down a path you cannot come back from. I am asking you not to interfere with any affairs concerning Lylith and her accused attackers. Leave it to me, and the King."
Viktor sighed. "Very well. I will do as you ask." At this, Arsenik hugged him.
"I know this is difficult, Viktor. We must do what is best for Kapra. She and Lylith both need you. Lylith needs for you to allow the King to do his findings without interference, and Kapra needs you by her side as she fulfills her own tasks. Part of being a chief is knowing where you must be at what time, and what you must do. I assure you... together, we will save them both." Arsenik said.
In the drawing room, Barium looked up when the door opened. Kapra entered, approaching him before bowing.
"Kapra... no. You don't need to do that." Barium said, motioning for her to sit in the spare seat. Once she did, he folded his hands. "You're probably wondering why I'm here."
"I have a few ideas..." Kapra said. "Either way... I'm actually glad you came. I've been wanting to speak to you." She replied, to which he smiled lightly.
"I've received some reports... it seems you've been the diplomat this island has needed. I only wish it was under better circumstances." Barium commented.
"Same here... but your majesty, I need to-"
"Barium. Really, it's okay. I know my brother and cousin have probably corrected you in the past, but... I assure you, you don't have to use the fancy titles with me. You have earned that." He cut her off to say.
"Okay... yes, Barium... so I needed to... ask you a few questions." Kapra said. "It's... a bit urgent."
"I see. I have a few to ask you myself... it seems we have a bit of catching up to do with one another. If you don't mind... I'd like for you to tell me how you're progressing with the other clans." He said.
"I'm being as persistent as I can, but... I wouldn't be honest if I said it was easy." Kapra replied. "The Hulder clan was supportive right from the start... the Imugi too."
"Of course. It was you, after all, who helped me to see that keeping them as servants wasn't benefiting anyone. Regardless of their part in the past wars, against my ascension to the throne... if I keep punishing them, then what kind of King will they see me as?" He sighed. "I've learned a lot in a short time because of you, Kapra. But the choices I have to make aren't getting any easier... and I can see you feel the same." He looked up at her. "I know you want to ask me about your friends." He frowned a bit when Kapra's expression confirmed his statement. "I know this is a difficult situation for you. You are very close with the Hulder, but you are close with the others also. But what is not debatable is that a crime transpired. Someone has to answer for it."
"Barium... you said something to me a while back when I was staying in the palace. Something... that may apply to this situation even though I wish it didn't." Kapra said.
"And what's that?" Barium asked.
"You told me that the Hulder can be kind and generous... but if there is something they are after... something they want more than anything... that they don't care who is hurt, or who has to die, for them to get it." Kapra said.
"What are you implying?" Barium asked.
"I think there is more to this than what is being said." Kapra replied. "I think Lylith is lying about who her true attackers are."
Barium sighed. "I wish I could take your word, Kapra... but I can't do that. It wouldn't be the right thing to do. I need proof, I need evidence that it was in fact someone else who facilitated this attack."
Kapra leaned forward a bit. "Then let me find the proof you need. Barium, you want me to unite the clans. But if we don't get to the bottom of this, it's going to make it harder for me to do that."
He nodded. "I will absolutely consider any evidence you bring to me. I trust you above all others. The trial will begin soon. If you are able to bring me something solid, I will clear their names."
"Thank you." She said, leaning back in her seat.
"So... have you been able to gain all the clans' support in the meantime?" He asked.
"All but the Cucuy, who I haven't spoken with yet, and... the Trold."
He sighed slowly, nodding. "Don't worry about the Cucuy. I will speak to them myself. As for the Trold... I do not expect you will even gain at least an audience without some struggle, I'm afraid. But I'm curious... you have already spoken to Wildfire?"
"Yes. She's given me her word that I have her support." Kapra responded.
Barium's brows rose. "How did you manage that?"
Kapra pursed her lips. "Maybe I shouldn't say."
"I'd fall over if you told me the interaction was pleasant. Even when she wasn't chief of her clan, she was fierce." Barium said. "She fought hard to take the crown for herself during the dethroning wars... that is what the most recent wars are known as. It was the first time in many ages that the Hulder was no longer the ruling clan."
Kapra tilted her head. "I had no idea they ruled for so long."
"Oh, yes. Countless generations. They have a very extensive royal history dating back to the first age. Of course, none of the Islanders really know anything about the first age. The first age is known as the age of mystery because there is almost no information about it, how we came to be.
Kapra cleared her throat. She could not tell him what Melissa had revealed to her, not yet. "So... how did you become the King if the Hulder had been ruling the whole time... if I may ask?"
"The second to last Hulder king, Arsenik's uncle... he helped fuel the outbreak of the dethroning war which lasted almost two decades. The Phoenix were being slaughtered by the Trold because of their disagreements, and he refused to help the Phoenix when they sought out his help. He saw them as nothing but a constant bother at that point... he was ready to sit back and watch them kill each other. He only sought power, and to him, this was a game to see who would come out the victor. So, the Phoenix came to us for aid, and we answered their call. Then, he died suddenly. At that point, his younger brother, Arsenik's father, took the crown. He declared war on the Vi, accusing us of treason and murder because we were blamed for his brother's death."
"How did he die?" Kapra asked.
"He was poisoned." Barium responded. "So, my brother and I fought alongside our cousins and father for our lives. When my father was killed in battle... my brother and I knew we had to eliminate our enemy. We persevered and eventually overthrew the crown, and I took the throne with the Phoenix's support. The Hulder were forced to leave the palace."
"Wow..." Kapra blinked. "Overthrowing the clan that had ruled for all that time... sounds close to impossible. You're stronger than you come off to be."
He chuckled lightly at this. "Thank you. But Kapra... it was either that, or face death. We didn't rebel to take the throne- that was just a part of the end result. We had fought for our lives. Even when I did take the throne, though... the wars continued. All the other clans saw that I had usurped the clan which had ruled for thousands of years. Everyone began fighting one another, and us, wanting a piece for themselves. Not to mention the Hulder fought at the same time in an attempt to regain the throne while trying to suppress the other clans. It was chaos. Getting control of all of them was no easy feat. Many days I thought it would be the end of my brother and I, but... we survived. It took years before we were able to establish some form of peace, as uneasy as it was. We had to place harsh punishments on the clans. Many had to be publically executed. But my brother told me at the time that to prevent another rebellion against us, we would have to put them in their place." He sighed. "It wasn't something I wanted. But... what is done, is done."
"It's not easy being a King... is it?" Kapra asked.
"No. So I can imagine that your position is not easy, either." Barium replied.
"Barium... did you happen to know Willyam? Arsenik's brother?" She asked.
"Yes... he became the first chief of the Hulder. Once his father was killed, he was very cooperative. I would even go as far as calling him a friend. He tried to just accept the way things were, he wanted to live a life of peace. He did not wish to be the cause of more death. Arsenik, however... did not believe there could ever be peace among the clans. He was willing to fight when his brother was not." Barium said.
"Well, that's what I need to do now... I need to fight for the people I care about." She replied.
"Kapra... I understand what a lie can do. Even one can cost many lives. If you can find the truth for Wind and Chase's names to be cleared, I will honor it. If it could help avoid another war... I will support whatever you can uncover." He then glanced down. "Speaking of uncovering..." He reached over, taking Kapra off guard when he took a gentle hold of her hand. He then turned it over, able to see a bit of the cursed mark plaguing her wrist.
"Who told you?" Kapra asked when he did this.
"Chase... mentioned this when I was questioning him." He glanced up at her. "What does this mean?"
Kapra sighed lightly. "It means I don't have much time. The phantom... she connected with me somehow. I can summon the dark ones. Sometimes when I close my eyes, I feel like I am opening someone else's. I feel like my mind is slowly merging with something far darker, like an eclipse. If we don't come together to defeat her... she's going to take me completely."
Barium appeared a bit disturbed at this, wincing a bit when he rolled up her sleeve. "I see... have you consulted the Phoenix about this-"
"There's only one way this goes away." Kapra cut him off. "You can probably guess what that is."
He furrowed his brows as he nodded, rolling her sleeve back down. "I know what this all means to you. As I fought for my life before... you are doing the same now. I know how much you need Chase right now... but if I-"
"I understand. I understand that you have a job to do." Kapra said. "I will try to figure out how to do mine. If there's a way to get the Trold on board, I'll do my best to find it."
Barium gave her a nod. "Please... do not hesitate to speak with me if you need anything. Kapra... you have no idea how grateful I am to you. I will hold off the trial for a week to give you some time."
"Thank you." Kapra said with a bit of relief, standing when Barium did.
"Please take care of yourself." He said, patting her shoulder lightly. He went over to the door, seeing himself out. Kapra watched as he briefly spoke with Arsenik before leaving the keep.
Kapra sighed lightly to herself as she gazed out, closing her eyes for a moment. When she reopened them, she got to her feet, about to head out of the grounds. As she did however, a voice stopped her.
"Kapra?" Arsenik called, approaching her. "Are you... going somewhere?"
"Yes. There's something I have to do. Hopefully I'll be back tonight." She replied.
"Here... why don't you let me fetch Viktor, perhaps he can assist you with your affairs." Arsenik said.
"I can't bring him with me this time, Arsenik. This is something I'm going to have to do on my own."
"Whatever the King may have said to you... there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Is there... a particular reason you don't want Viktor to join you?"
She sighed lightly. "Because I'm going to see the Trold, Arsenik. They will definitely reject anything I say if I come strolling in with a Hulder."
"Kapra... you cannot just wander into the Trold territory without protection. They will attack you." Arsenik said with concern.
"They can't do anything to me. I can't die yet, remember?" Kapra reminded him. Arsenik was about to reply when Viktor entered the gardens, glancing between them.
"Is everything alright?" He asked, reaching out to take Kapra's hand.
"Yes. I was just about to head out, actually." Kapra said, glancing at him for a moment.
Viktor cleared his throat. "Might I have a word with you for a moment? Alone?"
"Perhaps that should wait, Viktor. Kapra seemed in a hurry to fulfill her task. Go with her and ensure she returns safely." Arsenik said.
Viktor hesitated a moment, Kapra sighing lightly. "Viktor, come on." She motioned for him to go with her, Arsenik watching them warily as they bid him goodbye and headed off. Once they were far enough from his earshot, Kapra exhaled sharply.
"Viktor... I told you that you needed to stay around the keep and see if you could catch wind of anything suspicious with Lylith." Kapra said with a hint of annoyance.
"I can't do that, Kapra. There's no time for dealing with that issue. We must work together to defeat the phantom and save you. That is my priority."
Kapra closed her eyes for a moment. "We discussed why figuring out what happened with Lylith is just as important-"
"I told him, Kapra." Viktor sighed lightly. "I told Arsenik about what you discovered. I'm sorry, but-"
"Why did you do that?" Kapra snapped. "I told you that we can't have anything getting out until we have a plan!"
"Consulting my uncle is not considered information 'getting out.' With his help, we could even figure this out faster."
"But if Lylith knows about this, if any shady people involved find out that we're on to them, they could put more obstacles in our way! You don't think I wanted to tell him too? He's in a very sensitive position right now, one that puts him in the middle of everything. If he says the wrong thing to the wrong person unintentionally, it could cost us lives." She shook her head. "I need to go. I need to do this." She said, beginning to walk away from him.
"Kapra... Kapra, please..." He strode over to take her hand. "I'm sorry, truly... but I'm... I'm scared." His voice shook. "I can't- I won't lose you." He held her wrist. "This... frightens me. Every day, it... gets worse. Every day, a small piece of you fades. All I want is to keep you safe, but... how can I keep you safe from something like this? This is no enemy I can fight with a sword, it's... inside you. No remedy can cure it, no chanting-"
Kapra stopped him, taking his hands. "There is one thing you can do, Viktor. I need you to believe in me. Do I have all the answers? No. Do I know if everything I'm doing is going to work? No. But I need you to believe that I will find the answer, that I will find what works. I feel the same as you do. I look at you and I can't bear the thought of one of those things sucking the life out of you. We both have something to lose... but that's what keeps us going. That's what love is. I need to go to the Trold. I have to try.
Viktor nodded, gently drawing Kapra into a hug. "I will do as you ask." He said before kissing the top of her head. When they parted, he watched her go for a short while before heading back to the keep. He only hoped that what he said to Arsenik had not complicated things.
Alexandrite slammed his fist down when Arsenik came to consult with him. "How in the bloody hell did this happen?! I told you to make sure that human wretch stays away from her! Now she is going to be sticking her upturned nose into our business!"
"Your grace." Arsenik said firmly, not appreciating him speaking ill against Kapra. "This is a delicate situation for both of us-"
"No, it's a delicate situation for you, it's an inconvenient one for me. Your personal feelings for the human girl are insignificant to me. We have a bargain between us, and if you want to make that pathetic creature yours, you will do as I ask you and make sure she doesn't get in the way. Otherwise, we both lose our key to our satisfactions, do you understand?" Alexandrite said tensely as Arsenik set his jaw, keeping his temper in check.
"Understood, your grace." Arsenik said, barely bowing his head as he got up to leave.
"And, Arsenik?" Alexandrite called, making him stop. "Keep that nephew of yours on a leash, before I put him on one myself." He smirked as he noticed Arsenik's fists clench for a second, releasing them as he sighed.
"As you wish, your grace." Arsenik said without even turning around before continuing out of the room. As he did, Night narrowed his eyes, remaining silent as he watched him make his way down the corridor and out of the palace.
He entered the room where Alexandrite was, clearing his throat. "Did you need me to do anything?"
Alexandrite glanced up at him, hesitating a moment before placing his glass down. "I know how badly you want this, Cyanide. You know... I don't blame you. That Phoenix girl is very fair. I myself... have considered pursuing her from time to time." He smirked a bit as Night straightened up a little. "There it is. You do feel deeply for her. You have been a great help to me, Night. I promise you, when the Imugi and the Trold are executed, she will be yours." He rose, patting his shoulder. "Now, cousin. There's something I need you to do for me. It shouldn't be too difficult for you."
Well, what will we have in store? Will Kapra be successful with getting the Trold on board? Who will Viktor place his trust in? What does Alexandrite have in mind? Find out these and more in upcoming chapters! Thank you again for reading, and see you next time!