*Camera turns on.*
*The camera sees that GotM Connor, Emperor Mitchell, Amaris, and Zeldane are commentating.*
GotM Connor: "Welcome back! The new chapter from GotM is finally ready to go."
Emperor Mitchell: "Which means we have something to say about it…"
Zeldane: "As for the content of the chapter, we currently have not seen or read anything from it."
GotM Connor: "So, our thoughts will be brought up after the chapter ends. But enough talk, the chapter is going to start."
*Chapter 13 starts.*
Chapter 13: It Has Begun
The Imperium of Avalon was currently starting to gather its forces: with the other threats a mere memory, the Imperium could now concentrate on eliminating the kingdom of Solsteir as a threat: the nation had attacked their ally Nocturne one time too many, so it was now time for payback.
The Imperium's forces were gathering on a nearby plain: Avalonean, Imperial Guard, Space Marine, Tau, and Ethereal forces all gathered, ready to strike against the Solsteirians, and pay them back for their attack on Nocturne.
Daniel met with the leaders of each of the armies, as well as the Imperium's 'nobles', and, while keeping the Imperium of Man leaders in check (as in, holding back their 'kill all Xenos' tendencies), discussed the battle plan. It was agreed that the Avalonean and Space Marine forces would strike the Solsteir capital, due to the latter's ability to Deepstrike and Drop into enemy territory, and the former's abundance of resources and capability to build new craft.
Meanwhile, the Imperial Guard, Venat, and the Tau would divide their forces and strike at military targets across the kingdom.
Before readying his forces to depart, Daniel escorted Amaris back to Nocturne's capital, which, with Avalonean help, the inner city of was safe to reinhabit. With Amaris back home, though, Daniel felt an empty feeling in his heart…
It was then he decided he would tell her how he felt once the world was safe…
Meanwhile, in Solsteir, Solsterian soldiers discovered a pair of individuals in their territory. After a short period of fighting, both were defeated and taken to the capital.
They didn't get much from them, only that their names were 'Xander' and 'Ryoma'...
Meanwhile, in the Ptolemaic Base…
The A.I. assistant was gathering reports, data, and other scraps of information. This went on as the Ptolemaic Leader gave orders to the soldiers, commanders, and scientists. All contributing to the the vast amount of work going around the facility.
Some of the other work going on was from the Ptolemaic Army reaching the last step in building their version of Blacklight's massive factory...And they continued to be stuck there.
It turns out that they needed more metallic resources then what was currently available at the moment, making the problem be acquiring said resources.
Yet in another part of the base, a large room that had been currently under construction since the arrival of the Ptolemaic Army wrapped up. With that project done, word spread among the base about it.
Connor and Zeldane were busy in their work when General Relly entered after knocking on the metal door, causing the two to stop in their work for the moment.
"Is there anything you need to report, Relly?" Connor asked.
"Yes, there is. The construction project has been recently completed." Relly answered back
"I already heard about that, Relly. Is there anything else besides that?" Connor retorted.
"Again, yes. The construction team requested that you need to see the finished work in person...Immediately. The room needs its 'critical' function to be reviewed over by you." Relly vaguely said.
A brief sigh escapes from Connor before he says, "...I'll be heading over there momentarily."
"Also, it was requested that I need to be in attendance, along with Zeldane. So, I must excuse myself, Lord Dresden." Relly also mentioned before respectfully bowing down and departing from the room.
With Relly gone, Connor and Zeldane wrapped up their current work and left the study to the arranged meeting in the newly constructed room.
Once the two found their way to the lowest floor in the base, the hallway they were in led to a metal door. It was slightly different in the fact that its color was more golden in color compared to the usual metallic color of the base's structure.
After the door opened, the first glance left Connor and Zeldane speechless...Causing them to look away before they looked inside the room again.
The room was large, large enough to contain a structure of technology that occupied most of the space inside. The technology in of itself was arranged in a way that a circular opening was made beyond a small ramp leading up to it.
It was also active, as the circular opening had energy flowing in the air...flowing inward towards a vortex of red. They made a portal...Almost like the the one in the Grand Fortune.
"One of our greatest accomplishments...Establishing the reconnection to Zira...Your 'Domain' of the elegant element of fire, Lord Dresden." A voice said from behind Connor and Zeldane, belonging to Relly.
Connor had to ask what Relly was referring to and was told in detail about 'Zira' and the portal.
The portal was constructed to make a reliable permanent bridge to 'Zira'. Zira was the second domain of under Connor's control...Or it was until something happened. The connection to Zira was severed at one point and the followers had been trying to bring it back.
Succeeding in that regard, they planned to go into Zira, but stopped due to the potentially unsafe conditions on the other side. That's where Connor and Zeldane came in.
Being that Connor was the one formerly in control of it, it was reasonable (to Relly) that he would be able to handle the conditions of Zira. As for Zeldane, Relly believed the Ptolemaic design and upgrades in Zeldane's armor was accustomed to traveling in Zira.
"And what about you, Relly? Not willing to tag along in the exploration?" Connor asked.
"I would...But I believe the honor of claiming Zira back should be done by you and Zeldane. That's why I won't be accompanying you into Zira." Relly answered in a modest tone.
"...I...guess I'm honored to hear that...Uh, thanks Relly." Connor awkwardly said as he tried to avoid saying what popped in his mind.
What Connor really wanted to say was, "...You're not tagging along with us because they don't have anything to protect you from whatever dangers Zira has." in a snarky way for response.
Connor and Zeldane eventually headed to the portal and emerged onto the other side. The first few seconds of what they saw intrigued them.
The domain of Zira had rough red stones making up the large chunk of the landscape. But intertwined in that was vast amounts of metallic ores and gems. Looking around, there was also a giant platform that was supported by various columns over a sea of magma further ahead.
Of course, it was seeable due to the light given off by the magma, which was reflected over several glass like pockets in the surrounding stones to somewhat illuminate the area.
Connor felt like saying something to Zeldane, before he stopped suddenly. The reason being that he just saw his hands being engulfed in fire...yet there was no pain. The fire spreaded around Connor until it covered every part of him.
Zeldane moved away as the flames became larger and oddly, more organized. It continued until the flames arranged themselves in the shape of Connor. Except that he was as a big as a house ...Like a really, really big three story house.
"Connor, are you alright!?" Zeldane yelled out to the massive bunch of flames.
A voice answered back, sounding like Connor said, "Yes, I'm fine...Or at least I think I am."
Zeldane was worried for a moment as her scanners looked for any trace of Connor left...before she caught on that the flames were Connor...somehow.
"Umh...Connor...Do you any idea what you are right now? I'm cross-referencing the data I have...and I'm not sure what you are currently." Zeldane awkwardly asked in confusion as she talked back to the flames.
The creature of fire responded back with, "I...think I know what I'm currently am. I'm a 'Fire Elemental' creature or whatever you commonly call it."
Zeldane double checked the data archive she had and found the information the Ptolemaic Army had on 'Elementals' she skipped over in her rushed search. The information and current visual description of 'Connor' matched, meaning he was a Fire Elemental.
Eventually, Connor had gotten use to his new form and was ready to continue exploring Zira, heading off slowly as Zeldane herself was holding on a tiny smidge of worry as she followed Connor.
The two Ptolemaic Explorers traversed the stone land, noting several areas of interest before reaching the massive platform over the sea of magma. Once there, they saw a section of the platform holding several items and equipment befitting a blacksmith…
Except they were all 'normal' human sized...Not made for gigantic fire people, that's for sure.
As they looked around, they saw another section that had modern day furniture, except this one was more spread out and had more amenities.
And yet again, it was small...small enough in size to be used by non-giant fire elementals.
The last section Connor and Zeldane looked at was filled with books organized into neat piles inside chests, boxes, and cases.
They were all in excellent condition, and even stayed that way as Connor's body of flames ended up touching them when he grabbed one and tried to read through it. Once Connor placed that particular book down, Zeldane made to sure to scan the material of the book.
Her findings surprised her in that the book was made of flammable material, but that the lining of the book itself had traces from the same red stones that made up this place. It was due to these stones that the book and its pages were unable to be damaged by heat or fire.
Zeldane stored that info for later as she turned to see Connor looking at a lone book on top of a metallic chest of gold. The book itself just looked like any other book in this section, save for the cover.
The cover was in the color of bronze, with no other book in the area having the same color on their covers.
Connor picked up the book, opened it and saw that several pages were missing due to being cut out. However, the first page he could read said something that got his attention.
Skimming through the remaining pages quickly, Connor was confused till his mind felt a sensation that felt like something finally just got free.
"Zeldane...Do you remember what Daniel said about that 'Grimoire' book of his?" Connor asked all of a sudden.
"Yes… ...Why do you ask, Connor?" Zeldane nervously replied.
Connor handed the book over to Zeldane, saying after she looks up back at him, "I think I just found my 'Grimoire'...Except it's missing several pages."
Within a few days of the forces gathering, the group had split up, moving to their targets. The Avaloneans and the Space Marines, as planned, advanced on the Solsteir Capital: with the Imperial Guard, Tau, and Venat's forces moving on the military outposts and Daniel's team moving on the Capital, Daniel hoped to have Solsteir as a footnote in the history books within a few days.
Soon, the group was camping just outside of sight (from the Solsteirians' perspective) of the city, ready to begin the attack when the forces were rested enough. Daniel sent a series of spies, scouts, and assassins into the city, to try to figure out the weaknesses in the defenses, eliminate enemy generals, and so forth.
As Daniel was meeting with his retinue, though, one of the spies returned. "Milord!"
"Hmm? You have something to report?" Daniel asked.
"Yes, milord: according to what I have uncovered, a pair of individuals were discovered by the Solsteirian Army just a few days ago and were locked up, to be interrogated...which they have been over the past few days…"
"Well, did you find out where they're from?" Daniel asked.
The spy shook his head. "No, all that was gotten from them at all was their names…"
"What would their names be?" Daniel asked.
The names in question got a reaction from three of those present. "Ryoma and Xander."
"RYOMA?!"
"XANDER!"
"NO!"
Daniel began to think. "If this is the same Ryoma and Xander you three are thinking of," Daniel said to Corrin, Camilla, and Elise, "Then we need to act fast...especially if they recognize the connection between Xander and Corrin, and thus believe that those two are with us… … …" He then turned to Chapter Master Sharriar. "Chapter Master...muster our men...we're moving up our time table...we need to strike SOON!"
"YES!" The Chapter Master departed.
Yngvek placed a hand on Corrin's shoulder. "Don't worry: we'll do EVERYTHING we can to get your brothers out of there."
Corrin nodded as she looked up at the Dovahkiin and smiled. "Thanks…" She then gave the man a quick hug before getting up.
Daniel chuckled at the sight, before turning to the Solsteir Capital with a hard look. "...This ends here…"
From beyond the confines of the universe, an entity watched the occurrences occurring. "...It's almost time…" the entity stated, "Once the Warlord has been defeated, I will reveal myself…"
She watched as Connor studied his grimoire, while Daniel's forces struck Solsteir's capital… … …
...And then, the entity stated, "...And soon, I will send them on their Chain and to their destiny…"
*Camera switches over.*
GotM Connor: "And that was the chapter."
Zeldane: "We learned that Connor found his Grimoire and 2nd Domain as an Arch Demon."
Emperor Mitchell: "Hmph...Why does HE get two Domains, while I just get the one?"
GotM Connor: *Remarks to Emperor Mitchell* "Are you jealous of the fact I got two?"
Amaris: *pats Emperor Mitchell's shoulder* "Just calm down...don't worry about it… … ...besides, what was that about telling me how yo-"
Emperor Mitchell: "AND MOVING ON… … ..."
Gotm Connor: "Like Zeldane pointed out, I got a Grimoire...Except it's missing a few pages...That can't be good."
Emperor Mitchell: "At least MY Grimoire isn't missing pages…"
GotM Connor: *In a dry tone* "And now I got a suggestion for Triple M...Have some of your Grimoire end up missing some pages as well...Except they go to the Ptolemaic Army."
Emperor Mitchell: *glares*
Zeldane: *In response to the glare* "Daniel, May I suggest you stop this glaring and mention your side of the events in this chapter?"
Emperor Mitchell: *sighs* "Anyways...the assault on Solsteir has begun and we discover that Solsteir is holding Ryoma and Xander captive…"
Zeldane: "Meaning that you'll have to find them and free them in the assault...Sounds like an unexpected complication."
Emperor Mitchell: "Also means two less of Corrin's family I have to search for: they've practically been dropped right in front of us…"
GotM Connor: *Pointing out something* "I think you meant 'We', because Zeldane helped you out with finding Camila."
Emperor Mitchell: "...True…"
GotM Connor: "And that should cover the chapter."
Amaris: "...Except for that being watching you guys…"
Zeldane: "Well...there is that, but we don't have much to say about it...Or at least for me and Connor."
Emperor Mitchell: "Still a bit...worrying...I wonder who it-"
*Suddenly… … ...a portal opens up...but while this one is just like the others, instead of being horizontal in the air, this one's vertical and sitting on the ground…*
Zeldane: *Scanning the portal* "Odd...The reading I'm getting is-"
*From the portal steps out...a young woman, wearing black clothing and a black cloak.*
?.?.?.: "...Finally…"
GotM Connor and Zeldane: *Eyes and Optics widen respectfully* "Uhh… … ..." *They can't come with anything to say.*
Emperor Mitchell and Amaris: *Equally shocked speechless*
?.?.?.: *looks around* "Interesting place...just like how I saw it earlier, but it still feels a bit more...personal...seeing it for myself…"
GotM Connor: *Finally came up with something* "Uh...Who are you...And why do you know this studio...Already?"
?.?.?.: "Hmmm? Oh, no reason...just been watching it for a while…"
Zeldane: *Catching up with Connor* "A while? How is a 'while' in your sense of the word?"
Emperor Mitchell: "And who are you anyways?"
?.?.?.: "Oh, my name's Lindsey. Lindsey Malora…"
GotM Connor: *Fails to avoid saying in a non-suspicious tone*"Uh...Lindsey, did you happen to stumble into a portal...or did you just consciously walk into it?"
Lindsey: *giggles* "I consciously stepped in...why wouldn't I step into my own portal?"
Zeldane: *Rather bluntly says* "You just said it was your own 'portal'...Not to mention your 'portal' looked like the various portals that appeared before now...Is that just a coincidence?"
Lindsey: *smirks and shrugs*
GotM Connor: "Well...Lindsey, I need to go get the owners of this studio to talk to you...Mind sticking around here for a bit?"
Lindsey: *shrugs and sits down in a chair she conjures up with a snap of her fingers*
GotM Connor: *Makes sure to bring Zeldane with him before she says something* "I'll be right back. C'mon Zeldane...Let's move."
*GotM Connor and Zeldane leave to get Triple M and Ice...Only to turn back as Triple M and Ice enter the room.*
M3: "Hey, your segment for commentary should-" *Notices Lindsey* "-What's going on here?"
Lindsey: "Hello, my name's Lindsey Malora…"
M3: "Uh...Nice to meet you, Lindsey." *Looks at Ice* "You mind introducing yourself?"
Lindsey: *before IceBite could say anything* "Oh, I already know who you two are!"
M3: *In a confused tone* "How do-" *Switches to a flat tone* "Never mind, can someone just make sure to turn off the camera? Your segment went over the usual time limit."
Lindsey: "I'll handle it!" *turns off the camera*