Ballroom Blitz

Krystal stared at herself in the mirror, unsure of how she felt about her dressed up appearance. She wore a black dress that hugged her figure then parted at the legs. Perun put this unusual thing called "eyeliner" on her to compliment her purple eyes.

"Cosmetic alterations, love. It's usually reserved for royalty and those with prestigious titles, but in this instance we're posing as House Arceuus royalty. That will also give a simple answer for your eyes.

I'm not a huge fan of this, it doesn't allow a lot of room for flexibility. Plus... It's a little revealing.. She heard a knock on the door, and she turned to the doorway to see Perun walk in. Her heart actually skipped a beat when she saw her. Her hair was put up in a bun, and she had a beautiful blue corset dress on that was different shades of blue and white. She had blue stiletto heels on as well that clicked on the cobblestone ground as she approached her.

"You look absolutely marvelous!" Perun chimed, and Krystal blushed and smiled.

"Compared to you? I don't think so." She said, turning to face the mirror again.

"Surely you jest, love. Have more confidence in your appearance you look wonderful!" Perun beamed, before putting Krystal's hair up. She put it in a bun similar to hers, and Krystal turned around to face her. Perun's soft blue eyes always seemed to melt her heart, and she couldn't help but smile.

"Alright love, are you ready?" Perun asked.

"Of course." Krystal replied, and the two walked out of the door. They walked down the long castle corridors, and Krystal couldn't help but admire the beautiful tapestries and paintings that adorned the walls.

"This is all very impressive." Krystal said, and Perun nodded in response.

"I agree. King Roland certainly spares no expense when it comes to personal luxuries." They continued down the corridor until they reached an open archway, and they walked through an open courtyard filled with different types of impressive flora.

"Time to get serious love." Perun said, and she stopped for a moment and Krystal followed suite. Perun motioned her to sit down on the stone bench that overlooked a large tree that she was unfamiliar with. Krystal looked up and saw it was slowly getting darker outside. A gust of wind blew and petals flew from the tree in an artistic display. "I know I kept you in the dark for the most part about this, but please do understand the sensitivity of the mission required me to do so." Perun looked at her, and Krystal nodded. "Once a year, King Roland hosts a ball at the Varrock Palace. This is a very important event, not something that can just be called off. However, the Cult has plans to assassinate him in front of everyone." Krystal looked at her shocked.

"Such an event would surely throw the people of Misthalin into complete turmoil." She noted.

"Indeed, love. Despite our best efforts to convince him otherwise, the king insists the ball goes on. So we're here as 'undercover' to ensure nothing of the sort happens."

"So where do I fit into this?" Krystal asked her.

"They won't just send one of their lackeys to do this, no doubt they'll send one of the Elite's to do so, since they can leave quite a larger impression. You can easily recognise any of them should they arrive, and if you do you will notify me with this." Perun held her hand out and placed a small blue ring in her hand. Krystal admired the ring then put it on.

With this, Perun's voice in her mind said, I can read your thoughts so I will know immediately should you see one. Krystal removed the ring from her hand and looked back at Perun.

"The idea is to draw as little attention as possible. We don't want the people of Varrock to feel worried, hence why we're dressed as attenders of the ball rather than our armor. So unless you feel your direct intervention is absolutely necessary to keep King Roland alive, do not engage anyone unless I say otherwise." Krystal nodded after a moment, processing all the information. Perun suddenly closed her eyes and placed a hand on her head. Krystal placed her hand on Perun's shoulder, worried about the sudden expression.

"Is everything okay?" Krystal asked concerned. Perun looked up and smiled at her.

"Of course love. I was just receiving a communication from the Commodore. Jericho and the Proselytes mission was successful. That's two more Elite's down."

"Which ones?" Krystal asked again. She placed her hands on her lap and leaned closer, intrigued.

"Tormod and Job." Perun replied. Krystal didn't answer for a moment, as she was lost in Perun's eyes. She caught herself and then quickly looked away and blushed. Perun giggled. "Alright love, you know what you need to do. Let's go." They both got up and continued through the garden.

They eventually reached the main hall of the castle, where there was several people already gathered and many more arriving by the minute. Krystal could almost feel the prestigious aura that the guests emanated upon entering the ballroom. Krystal and Perun stood in the far western corner of the ballroom, admiring the impressive scene before them. A beautiful chandelier hung in the center of the room, and the floors were a beautiful clear tile that Krystal could see her reflection in. A soothing orchestra only added to the laid back atmosphere.

"Alright love, from here we separate. Keep your eyes open, and remember the ring if you see anything," a servant walked by carrying a plate full of wine glasses, and she grabbed two and handed one to Krystal. She smiled at her then turned and walked away, and Krystal turned and walked the other way. She stayed next to the wall, carefully examining everyone in the room.

Nothing out of the ordinary. I would be able to sense an Elite if they were here, or even see them. It's hard to focus with all these people though... She took a sip of the drink Perun handed her, then looked at the cup shocked. What is this? It's absolutely wonderful! She took another drink and out of the corner of her eye she saw a woman approach her. She turned and looked at her, smiling.

"Good evening! I just noticed your lovely eyes and had to ask, where are you from?" The woman asked her curiously.

"Zeah." Krystal answered. The woman had a shocked expression.

"Zeah you say? That's interesting, your accent sounds as if you're Kharidian."

"I get that a lot." Krystal replied, taking another sip of her drink.

"I apologize, where are my manners! My name is Juliet! And yours?"

"K... Sorry. Arcis," Krystal replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine!" Juliet replied, smiling. She had a typical ballroom gown on, her brunette hair parted to the side. "Are you accompanied by someone?"

"Um.." Krystal started, then started to look around the room for Perun. She couldn't spot her right away.

"Well why don't you join me and my colleagues? I'm sure they would absolutely love to hear about Great Kourend!"

Shit. I've only ever heard of Kourend. What do I say? She followed Juliet and slipped the ring on.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Arcis! She's a guest from Kourend!" The group turned and looked at her, smiling.

"Lovely to meet you, Arcis. My name is Dampierre." One man said.

"Viola."

"Good evening! They call me Romeo."

"Axel. Pleasure to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you all!" Krystal said, smiling. As more people filled the room, it made it harder for Krystal to sense Zarosian signatures.

"Tell me Krystal, what reason do I have to thank for blessing us with your lovely presence?" Axel asked in what Krystal assumed was a bad attempt at flirting with her. She forced herself not to roll her eyes.

"A break from research honestly," Krystal responded, "It can be rather tiring, looking through old totems. One can only absorb so much knowledge."

"House Arceuus, I take it then?" Viola asked. She had a somewhat mototone voice, and her expression told her that she'd rather not be here.

"Yes ma'am." Please don't ask anymore questions. Krystal looked around again, and saw Perun standing in a group of people in the corner, whom let out a hearty laugh. Evidently you're better at this than I am. The music stopped for a moment, and the room silenced as everyone turned to face the front of the room. King Roland stood before everyone on a pedestal of sorts.

"Esteemed guests!" He bellowed, so that all could hear. Krystal noticed guards appeared at the various entrances. "I want to personally thank you all for coming..." his voice drowned out as Krystal pondered to herself.

This is a nightmare, strategically. Too many entrances and exits. An assassin would easily move through here undetected and escape without much confrontation.

For a normal person, not so much love, she heard Perun's voice say in response, the Varrock guard are well trained and vast in numbers. No one would dare make an attempt like that. Of course, that doesn't apply for your former comrades. Hence why we're here. Krystal saw something move in the corner of her eye, and looked up at the chandelier. Her blood froze when she saw a small black bird resting on top.

Perun. They're here. Look on top of that ornate lamp hanging from the ceiling.

The chandelier love? Krystal saw Perun look up, then casually look down and sip her drink. A black bird?

That's Onyx's familiar. She's soul linked to it.

So she's taking a look around, getting a feel for the area then. Very clever. Krystal, dear... Krystal could feel her whole body burning. The scene where Onyx betrayed her repeated over and over in her head. She could feel tears forming around her eyes. Love, take a deep breath. Do not make a scene. I'm here with you, don't worry.

"I'm okay." She whispered out loud, carefully wiping a tear from her eye. Juliet turned and looked at her with a sad expression.

"I completely understand. He has such a beautiful way with words," she whispered to her, then looked back at Roland.

Focus love. If this was your mission, how would you conduct it? Keep in mind there are adversaries here that could defeat or capture you. Let us get a better understanding of the situation now that we know they're here. Krystal looked around the room again. I would have snuck in with the other guests. Wait for an opening. There's no other way to go about this. No windows.

Do you sense them? I don't.

No. Wait... If Onyx's familiar is here then she has to be close enough for me to sense her. They're dampening our magic senses. Krystal looked down and attempted to create an ice crystal in her hand, but to no effect. SHIT. Timur and Radegast are here somewhere. They're suppressing my magic. Perun put her head down and closed her eyes for a moment, then looked back up at Roland, who carried on about something.

It seems my magic is being suppressed as well, love. I can still cast spells with the catalyst necklace. Observe, look around. Spot something out of the ordinary.

Krystal looked around the room again, trying to focus on something out of the ordinary. She examined the party goers, trying to spot two that appeared to be focusing.

Radegast and Timur have to have complete focus to suppress magic, especially when they're doing it in a room full of people. They have to be in a position where there's no distractions, but where?

"...So continue to have a fantastic evening!" Roland concluded. The party goers all clapped in unison, and Roland bowed and sat in his throne next to his wife. The music resumed, as did the low hum of chatter.

"What a marvelous speech, don't you lot agree?" Axel asked the group, and they nodded in response. Krystal did as well, then looked back at Roland and spotted something suspicious.

Those two guards haven't budged since we got here.

They're not supposed to, love.

I'm going to get a closer look. "It was lovely to meet you all, but there's an associate here I'm supposed to meet. I bid you farewell."

"Have a great night! It was lovely to meet you!" Juliet said, and she smiled and walked away. Krystal made her way closer to the front of the room, where King Roland and his entourage sat and engaged with each other. She stood in the corner, and peeked around to get a closer look at the guards.

Purple eyes. It's them. They're in a trance like state because they have to be focused together to suppress magic.

What a fascinating ability. How do we go about stopping them? Keep in mind we must not cause a scene whatsoever, and they're right next to King Roland so direct engagement is a last resort. Krystal saw Perun walk to the opposing corner, and stand there examining the room.

A distraction, something to break their focus. That or an overwhelming surge of magic.

Seems easy enough. Krystal watched as Perun stuck her leg out as someone walked by, and the man tripped and sent the wine he was holding crashing along the ground. The room silenced for a moment, and Krystal saw Timur and Radegast shake their heads and look at the scene.

"Goodness love are you alright?" Perun asked, assisting the man to his feet. Krystal felt her magic ability return to her, and panicked at the sudden rush of the Zarosian energy.

Four. There's four here. Timur, Radegast, Onyx, and I don't know the fourth. She looked across the room and saw the massive stain glass window that oversaw the ballroom. I have a feeling they're going to assassinate him by firing an arrow through that window. Onyx is no doubt coordinating the strike and making sure Dolor has a clear opportunity to hit him.

Then let's deny that opportunity. Perun approached Krystal then motioned her to follow her up to King Roland's throne where he sat. They won't jeopardize the mission by hitting someone other than the target. As they approached, King Roland and the others stopped talking and looked at the approaching women. Krystal saw Radegast and Timur glaring at her with a stare that seemed to pierce her soul.

Well they definitely know who I am. No doubt Onyx has noticed by now too.

No doubt they've realized I'm shrouding us so we can't be magically suppressed anymore. Now make sure to keep your best manners love.

"Your Majesty," Perun said, bowing to him. Krystal did the same. "It's an honor to be invited to your lovely city and opulent palace."

"Ah, you must be the two from Zeah! I'm glad you both could make it. It has been many years since Great Kourend has sent an envoy to my ball."

"Forgive us, my grace. Great Kourend has been very busy the past few years with the approaching threat of the Wintertodt. We've had to divert all of our time and effort in repelling it."

"Understandable indeed! I take it you two are from House Arceuus then?"

"Yes, your grace. I am Lady Salem, and this is Lady Arcis. As you can see Lady Arcis has made much further progress in her research on the Dark Altar, evident by her purple eyes."

"I was just going to ask about that," Queen Ellamaria said, "they look absolutely lovely. Suely though you'll be mistaken with the evil Zarosians."

"Sadly your grace, we've already encountered such prejudice. We had no idea about the recent troubles here in Gielinor until we reached the mainland. I apologize if this has caused you any trouble."

"Not to worry at all. We've already made significant progress in taking down this threat. I can't share many details, but I am working with the White Knights and assisting anyway I can." Krystal noticed Timur and Radegast shifting uncomfortably.

They must know we've made them, and that we're interfering with their plan.

There will be a plan B shortly. It's time to act.

"I must ask you though, your majesty," Krystal said, pointing at the guards behind him, "I don't seem to recall any House Arceuus denizens leaving and joining the Varrock Guard. Why do they have purple eyes?"

"What...?" Roland asked, spinning around and looking at the guards. They froze in shock for a moment. "No! They're Zarosians! Seize them!" Timur and Radegast quickly drew their weapons but Perun held her hand up and they flew backwards and hit the wall. The crowd quickly broke out in pandemonium. Roland grabbed Queen Ellamaria and made their way towards the exit behind the throne.

"Krystal! The window!" Perun shouted, and Krystal quickly spun around. Just as she did, she saw a portion of it shatter and an arrow incoming towards Roland. She quickly motioned at the ground and made a sweeping motion upward, and a wall of ice shot up from the ground, stopping the incoming arrow. Krystal spun back around and saw Roland glaring at her.

"You're one of them!" He yelled.

"Your highness, now isn't the time. There's a lot to explain, we need to get you and the queen..." Perun started, but then the ice wall shattered. Krystal quickly focused to slow time, and saw a purple blur charging right at her. Krystal quickly ducked, then broke focus. She grabbed the assailant as they flew overhead, and threw them against the wall. Krystal saw it was Onyx, and felt her blood boiling again.

"Miss me, Krystal?" She asked in a condescending tone. Krystal looked at Perun, and saw her and the king and queen were gone. People were still clearing out of the room, yelling in distress. Krystal roared and fired a punch at her, but Onyx just laughed and vanished in a black wisp. The impact on the wall was so powerful it left a huge crater on the wall. She turned and saw the wisp spinning in the middle of the room, and Onyx reappeared.

"A fate far worse than death! Siding with the enemy of our people!" She yelled, pulling her sword out from inside her robe. Timur and Radegast leaped across the room and landed beside her.

"Why, Krystal! Why betray us!" Radegast yelled, pulling his sword from his sheath and pointing at her. Both he and Timur were still in the Varrock guard uniforms.

"Betrayed?" Krystal yelled back, her voice now echoing in the empty room, "It was Onyx that betrayed me!"

"Liar!" Dolor shouted, crashing through the window. He landed next to Timur. When he stood up, Krystal could see his glowing red focus sight underneath his hood.

"You attempted to deny me my one life goal, Onyx. A transgression I will never forgive. You die here, tonight." Krystal said in a low growl. Her purple eyes burned with conviction, and she held her palms out. A stream of red started to spiral around her arms.

"You might be the Desert Treasure, but you are no match for the four of us!" Onyx shouted back at her. Dolor knocked an arrow, and Timur pulled his sword as well.

Four Zarosians at once, true blooded ones as well. Not like Tormod or Victorum. I don't see this fight being very favorable.

"Actually, nothing of the sort will happen." A voice from behind Krystal said. Perun floated in the air beside her, her light blue eyes now dark blue. Perun motioned her hands, and four of Dolors arrows suddenly floated in the air and pointed at each of their heads. They all flinched in shock.

"A moonclan," Dolor growled.

"Not a movement from any of you, or you return to your superiors as corpses," Perun said again. Krystal was in shocked by the sudden display of power. She never expected that from her. Onyx sneered.

"You don't scare us," Onyx said, and suddenly the four moved at such a speed that Perun didn't have time to fire the arrows at them. Dolor fired his arrow at Perun, and she quickly dropped to the ground. Timur and Radegast charged at Perun, while Onyx turned into a black mist and charged at Krystal. Krystal braced for the impact, and Onyx reappeared and charged into her, sending her crashing backwards. Timur and Radegast swung at Perun, and quickly dodged them both by jumping back. Dolor fired another arrow, and she held out her palm and the arrow stopped in the air. Perun made a spinning hand gesture, and the arrow spun around and sailed back at Dolor, who quickly rolled to the side.

Onyx pinned Krystal on the ground, her black hair hanging down and shrouding their faces.

"I should have killed you when I had the chance, you little pest!" She hissed, and Krystal broke the lock and spun around so she was on top of Onyx. She went to punch, but Onyx flipped her backwards and she flew through the air before landing on her feet. Krystal formed an ice shard and threw it at her, and Onyx ducked to avoid it. She lunged forward at Krystal with her sword drawn, and she quickly spun to the side, grabbing Onyx by the palm and driving her into the ground.

Radegast again swung at Perun, but to his shock she simply held her palm out and grabbed the sword by the blade. Perun pushed with her palm and sent him flying across the room and he crashed against the wall. Timur thrusted, and Perun jumped backwards and grabbed him by his arm and held him in front of her, and just as she did an arrow from Dolor struck him in the chest. He let out a pained yell, and Perun shoved him forward so he flew at Dolor. Dolor dropped his bow and caught him upon impact. Perun jumped and grabbed the bow, and snapped it in half.

"You could never understand the evil history these bows have. It brings me much joy to be able to destroy another one." She said.

Krystal continued to parry Onyx's sword blows with an ice sword, and she felt her back get pinned against the wall. Onyx lunged, and Krystal side stepped so the sword crashed against the wall. Krystal swung her sword with such a force that it shattered on her back, and Onyx grunted and fell to the ground. Krystal kicked her so she spun over, and formed an ice shard and brought it to neck.

"One more move and you die." Krystal growled at her. Onyx chuckled. "Why, Onyx? Why did you do it?"

"Because I was done living in your shadow, child. The so called 'Desert Treasure.' Even Azzanadra favored you over me and everyone else. Why? What makes you so damn special?"

"This isn't a life I wanted. All I wanted was to kill the Inquisitors. I never asked to be put in the spotlight for anything else."

"You never accepted our ideas. You were always in this just for yourself. You never cared about your comrades, and even now two lay dead. No sympathy for them, huh?"

"Everything changed when you left me to die, Onyx. The Void Knights saved my life, and I owe them a debt I know I can never repay. So no. You and the others are no longer my comrades." Suddenly, she heard Perun yelp in pain. Krystal looked, and just as she did Onyx grabbed her and threw her away.

Dolor threw several more darts at Perun, and she snapped her fingers and they stopped mid air. She spun her hand and they turned around and homed in on Dolor. Dolor spun his cloak around and they struck the back of it and bounced off. She quickly turned and saw Radegast closing in on her. She made an asphyxiating motion and he stopped dead in his tracks, grabbing his throat. Perun threw her arm to the side, and he went flying into Dolor. He ducked then fired his crossbow at her. Perun snapped her fingers again, but to her surprise he quickly threw a dart and it struck her arm. She yelped in shock, then felt her body beginning to grow numb. She placed her palms together and felt the effect quickly lifting. Several more darts flew her way, and this time Perun held both her palm forward and a mighty gust of air blew the darts away, and Dolor covered his face and leaned his body forward to avoid being swept off his feet. Perun then motioned and all the items laying on the ground lifted in the air. Darts, arrows, broken class and various other items hovered for a moment, and Dolor looked around, taking a step back.

"Checkmate, love," She said, and snapped her fingers. The items flew in the air, and Dolor was bombarded.

Krystal parried another punch, and jabbed Onyx in the throat. Onyx took a step back stunned, and Krystal lifted her arms and two ice walls formed next to Onyx. She clapped her hands, and the ice walls surged and crushed Onyx before shattering. Krystal took a deep breath and focused, and Onyx dropped to her knees. Krystal surged forward and punched Onyx with such a force she crashed into the throne and actually broke it in half. Onyx rolled on the ground, and struggled to get up. Krystal walked to her and formed an ice sword, and it dragged against the ground.

"You were like a sister to me!" Krystal growled, a stream of tears rolling down her face. She held the sword up, and Onyx rolled over to look at her, and a pained expression came over her face as she tried to move but couldn't.

"DIE!" Krystal screamed, but as she brought the sword down she felt herself suddenly stop. She turned her head and saw Perun standing behind her, holding her palm out.

"No, love. It's not the way. She's defeated, there's no sense in killing her over a vendetta. You're better than that. Better than them." Krystal looked down at Onyx, who had a disappointed expression. Krystal sighed, and the ice sword shattered away.

"You're right," she said. Onyx suddenly turned to a black mist and quickly vanished. Soon, the other three Zarosians that laid defeated in the room disappeared in a blue mist.

"She must have had a lodestone planted somewhere so they could rally." Krystal said. Perun smiled at her.

"No matter love, mission is accomplished. We were here to protect King Roland, and he and the queen are safe now." Krystal turned around and hugged Perun, who welcomed the embrace.

"Thank you, Perun." She said, and tears filled her eyes again.

"It's quite alright love. That was impressive, I couldn't have done it without you. Now let's return to the island and report your success."