Chapter 49:- To the Capital they go

Disclaimer:- all the characters form the game belong to moonton and this is not a commercial story but just the work of a diehard fan.

Claimer:- the other characters which are not in game of mentioned are mine

It took a while for them to free Saya from the tendrils that immobilized her. Its thorns cut deep in her skin as it tightened around Saya's body while Hanabi desperately tried to hack off the tendrils form her friend. Higanbana's ultimate technique was meant to grasp its target until the victim was dead so it took a lot of time and effort for Hanabi to cut all the vines down.

Saya's wounds healed instantly and she was glad that she was able to save Alice from a deadly fate; however her action had caused her human to act accordingly. As soon as the ancient Sai'ore was freed of her confines, Hanabi immediately latched on to her in a desperate embrace, sobbing and apologising over and over again over the pain that 'she' had caused to Saya.

Seeing her human in such distress really broke Saya's heart but she understands in her mind that she could not reveal the truth to Hanabi, least her unnatural relation with Alice would be exposed to the world. Thus with a heavy heart, Saya simply returned the hug and told Hanabi that it was just an accident and that she forgave her.

With her human being comforted in her arms, Saya looked up at the direction where Alice had flown off to. The Sai'ore had made a terrible decision. She knew what she did was probably the worst case scenario ever and now that Alice lives, the Abyss would know of their assault on the cargo and would send troops over to investigate at once. And for all they knew, the soldiers were probably already on their way!

Indeed she had made a terrible decision, but Saya couldn't help it. Her body moved on its own and no matter how much it hurt her, in her heart, Saya knows that she still cares for the Blood Demon Queen. Alas, Saya would have to ground herself to the reality back again. Even if Alice didn't spill the beans to the Abyss, they would know about their surprise rescue sooner or later. This meant that they would have to leave at once and go to a safe place.

-X-

The ambush had finished as soon as it had started and Miya just stood astonished as her captures fell dead on the ground after a barrage of arrows, knives and Nana's horrid toy attacks. Soon after a human girl came towards their cargo and started freeing her people while a familiar figure rushed in front of her cage, making Miya's eyes wide in shock.

"Nana? What are you doing here?" Miya asks with her voice filled with confusion.

"Saving you obviously!" grins Nana and unlocks the cages with a key that she had picked from a dead demon. She fumbled around a bit to unshackle the elf girl from her chains a bit but was finally able to free Miya.

The very first thing Miya did after being freed was to scoop Nana in her arms and hug her tightly, "I don't know how you did this but thank you for saving us all."

Nana blushed bashfully, partially because of the praise and partially because she was squished between Miya's bountiful assets. Red as a tomato, Nana stammered shyly, "I wasn't alone. I had my new friends to help me."

Her words caught Miya off guard. Not knowing who were these 'new friends' that Nana was talking about, she looked at Nana questioningly but she got her answer fairly soon.

The first thing Miya noticed was a human ninja girl helping everyone off the now open cages as the captured elves thanked her. However the other figure really caught Miya's eyes.

With skin so fair that it could literally be considered as white as snow and wavy locks of emerald hair. A gorgeous and serene face yet piercing green eyes which held power and wisdom plus the fact that she was so unbelievably tall, Saya was a figure that was hard to ignore. That was probably the reason why all the elves kept looking at her direction in awe and wonder as she carefully tended to some of the injured civilians of the cargo.

Nana grinned and dragged Miya towards them and introduced, "That ninja girl is Hanabi. She can be real mean at times but is mostly okay…" the child explains while Hanabi lets out an offended yell. Then Nana points towards Saya, "And that is Miss. Saya. Her cooking is really good!"

Her name suddenly caused Miya to gasp in surprise. "Saya? As in Saya Mahira the Slayer of the Lava lord?"

It was now Nana's turn to be shocked because she asked with confusion, "You know her?"

Well how could she not. Moniyan Empire kept to itself but that didn't mean that they didn't kept tabs on their neighbours. So understandably, they knew of the new hero that was getting popular and Saya had been the most noticeable figure. Described as an Elven Warrior with great strength, the elves of Moniya were really curious of this new hero.

"Looks like words do travel fast in these lands." Speaks the woman in question as Saya approached Nana and Miya who had come to investigate who were discussing about her.

Now Miya got a closer look upon their tall saviour, the first thing she was about to notice first and foremost was the fact that indeed Saya was not an Elf. The resemblance was there but Miya could recognise the difference. Saya's lean and athletic body structure was unlike an elf's small and slender build. Plus her snake like eyes and fangs made her stand out. Not to mention how her pointy ears so naturally moved and flicked occasionally time by time (something an Elf couldn't do). These differences were enough to prove Miya that the person before her was indeed a being who is of origins that was outside of their knowledge and frankly, it scared her.

Seeing Miya's look, Saya frowned. Gulping a bit, Saya offered a bow to Miya, "I believe that this is yours."

When Saya had had her small interaction with Alice, she had managed to snatch the crystal bow from the demoness' grasp. It was clear that the bow was not one of Alice's arsenals and since the demon queen had left without it, Saya had decided to hold on to it so that she could return it to its true owner.

Miya was bit unsure when Saya offered the crystal longbow back to her and it took her a while before she accepted it, although she was very careful about it and was on her guard, something that didn't go unnoticed by the tall Sai'ore. But Saya didn't mind it, she understands that Miya realized that she was not one of them and naturally Miya would fear the unknown.

Not heeding that for the time being, she spoke in a serious tone, "We cannot stay here. The Abyss would be sending recon team any moment so I suggest we move out."

Before Miya could voice her opinion, Nana quickly jumped on her toes and chirped, "I know a way! Not far from here is another one of those trees. We should head for the capital!"

It was then Hanabi who came towards them and added thoughtfully, "The brat is right. The Capital is probably the best bet for the safest place right now."

Considering their words, Saya nodded and looked back at Miya, "You're Miya right?"

The Moon priestess was surprised that Saya knew her name, but considering that they were with Nana, she no doubt must have talked their ears off about their adventures. They made eye contact for a while and she had no idea why but Saya's emerald eyes overwhelmed her. The power those emerald eyes held was indescribable. By just looking her eyes, Miya could feel that Saya was a person who had seen and done many things. Great things as well as bad things and it honestly intimidated her. Miya looked away and simply nodded.

Ignorant of effect she had on the priestess, Saya said softly, "We need to leave immediately, can you please tell your people tell to rally up for a journey. It's not safe here."

The hesitation and slight distrust was still clear in Miya's face even if no words left her mouth. She just stood still and looked away, unable to match Saya's piercing gaze.

Sighing softly, Saya knelt on her one knee and place her right hand over her heart, "I ,Saya Mahira, promise that no harm will befall upon you or your kin and I will defend them with my life. These words I give as a Hrontre'haare."

Her words held such passion that it moved Miya, but at the same time they were uttered with upmost sincerity. Saya's once piercing eyes now held warmth that Miya had failed to see before. She could see that Saya meant what she said and for some reasons, she couldn't help but feel safe after her reassurance.

Miya finally nodded and gave a small smile, causing Saya to return it as well. Now that they both were at the same page, the priestess was now willing to help fasten things up. Soon they were ready for the journey ahead.

-X-

Owendelle was once a peaceful settlement of the Moniyan Empire. Being situated fairly at the edge of the Magical forest, this town was amongst the first to be invaded and ravaged. Now it served as an active garrison for the forces of the abyss.

Selena herself along with many of the elder demons of the Abyss were currently in the town as well and they formulated further plans for their invasion.

"The recent raid on the town of knowledge was a success but we still have yet to discover the sacred knowledge." An abyssal demon General says gruffly, clearly annoyed by their lack of success.

They were in a fairly large war camp that was used for war planning. Complete with a huge table in the middle with a map of the Elven Kingdom on it.

Another elder scoffed at this and stated as a matter of fact, "Of course we will not find it in any of the smaller settlements. The Sacred Knowledge is one of the most prized and guarded assets of the Elves. They probably have it stashed within their Capital walls."

The Fire demon lord (Successor of Thamuz) grumbled in annoyance, "Why do we need that thing anyway? How can an elven library be of any help to the Abyss?"

"Because, my lovely Lord of the Fire…." Says Selena entering their meeting camp, making the entire room full of elder demons become stiff, "It is the will of the abyss!" the abyssal witch says cheerfully.

Backing her up, the other abyssal demon elder explains further, "The Sacred Knowledge of the Elves has the vital knowledge we need to further our cause. Therefore it is important for us to get our hands on them."

"But you yourself said that it is most likely being held in the capital." Argued The General once again, he continues, "We have been able to successfully take over many parts of the kingdom but attacking the Capital just now would not bode well."

"Why not?" grumbled the fire demon lord, "We have completely devastated their outer defences and obliterated any sources by which they can communicate or call for help. Why should we wait? Or are you just afraid?"

His insult really triggered the General and he spat venomously, "You maybe a lord but are still a whelp in the art of warfare, so be useful and let us true warriors worry about strategy." in a blink of an eye, the elders of the meetings were now ready to tear each other's throat. However, before anything serious could happen, a lone soldier suddenly entered the camp and bowed, "Pardon my intrusion, Lords, but I bring grave news."

This sudden turn of events distracted the elders enough to forget about their current feud and put their attention on the soldier. "Speak up, Soldier. What troubles you so?"

Take a deep breath, the soldier declares, "Milady Alice has just returned, she says that her caravan was ambushed and that she was the only survivor."

Selena giggled at this, "It seems that, Dear Alice is getting rusty over time."

However the others didn't treat this situation so lightly, "What? How can this happen? If the prisoners escape then much of our plans will be ruined?"

"Who dares to intrude in our plans yet again?"

The Soldier gulped nervously and uttered his grave news, "The Xeno my lord. The Slayer of Thamuz has been sighted amongst the ambushers."

He words caused severe reactions from the elders as they all roared loudly in anger and spat out curses upon the Xeno.

However Selena merely smiled, "Hmm looks like things are getting more interesting."

"More interesting?" roared an elder to Selena, "If the Xeno gets involved in this matter, she will ruin this campaign like she did with Mossenia!"

But Selena simply shrugged off his outburst, "No matter, because we still have the element of surprise." Selena walks towards the table at the centre of the camp and looked upon the map of Moniya hungrily. She pointed at the capital at the middle of the map and declared, "Gather the men, we march towards the Capital as once."

Her words stunning all the elders.

-X-

For days Saya, Hanabi and the rest of the people they had saved walked down the hidden road of the forest without rest. Paranoia had taken a hold of them and the elves refused to stay for any rest until they reached the capital. The People were injured and tired and even if Saya tried to help these poor souls the best she could, there were just too many of them and she lacked the resources.

The Food supply that she had was finished on the first day as Saya had to share the food that she had packed for herself and Hanabi with forty more souls and all each got was barely a handful. Something that was not enough and rather than providing some tiny ounce of satisfaction, it served as a reminder at just how hungry they were. Yet still people didn't complain and kept moving.

It was the children that worried them the most as those poor souls were having the worse of it. Most were carried by their parents but some were orphans as well, so Saya didn't shy away from carrying a lonely child who could no longer walk.

Nana, no matter how brave she was, was a child too, so naturally she too didn't had enough stamina to keep walking for long and so Saya had place her on Nhari's back. Bless the old mare's soul, the usually grumpy horse was gentle upon the poor child and let her ride on her back. But Saya was really happy that Nana's spirit had yet to diminish.

She was still talkative, abet she talked a bit less but talkative nonetheless. Karina, who was still transformed, served as a plushie for Nana who refused to let go of her. Saya found it really odd that Nana would do so, much less to an enemy but one could see that Nana really liked Karina (in her transformed form) and cared for her. She had still to reveal to Miya that Karina was actually a night-elf and both Saya and Hanabi didn't interfere, respecting Nana's decision. Plus Karina could do no harm in her current state so they didn't see anything wrong with it.

As for Karina herself, she was really embarrassed at her current situation. Being a plush toy for a child was not exactly the most glorious job and it was super embarrassing but at least she was still alive. Nana would talk to her all the time, tell her so much that Karina practically knew what had happened in her entire life because Nana had spilt out all her heart to her and frankly, Karina didn't knew how to feel.

A part of her despised Nana for what she was putting her through, finding her to be enduring. Yet another part of her could not bring herself to hate her. Nana was a child. An innocent child and she reminded Karina too much of her own long lost sister.

While they were busy with their own talk, Saya too was busy with her own thoughts. She was worried about their situation. She knew that now that they had unknowingly walked into yet another great conflict. As if it was her fate to butt into something greater once in a while. She especially thinks about Alice, she understands that now the Abyssal forces would already have been alerted of her presence and Saya sensed the upcoming storm. Yet still she couldn't help but hope and wish for the safety of the Demon Queen.

She wonders what exactly had caused them to share such a relation where they cannot come to hate each other but still cannot be with each other at the same time. It all seemed like a cruel joke.

"Saya-chan, are you alright?" Hanabi asks to her out of concern, yet Saya simply brushes her worries off, "I am fine, Neha. I am fine."

For the rest of the journey, they didn't talk and kept walking forward. About a few hours later, the hungry and thirsty rabble perked in joy as they heard the distinct sounds of waterfalls. This meant that the City of Moniya was near, thus the people moved faster.

They didn't reach far however, because they were all suddenly stopped by a group of elven archers. Guards of the city most probably. Their leader, a young elf woman riding a huge smilodon trained her crossbow at them and declared, "This is the land under the Elven Kingdom of Moniya. Take another step and you will regret it!"

The people panicked at this and uttered hushed whispers among themselves but Miya stepped in front of the group with her hands raised and declared, "I am Miya, Priestess of the Moon Goddess from the Temple of Moon. Our Town has been sacked by the forces of the Abyss and we are the last survivors. We seek refuge under the protection of our just King. Please, help us."

Upon her words, The Guards lowered their weapons and the Woman on the giant tiger uttered in sorrow, "You too?"….