Atolic Bealu
(Terrible Ruin)
Observing Viola toss and turn within bed inattentively, Helene boredly scribbled down a note upon parchment. For several hours now the Archvalkyrja had been like this. Was Helene perhaps too wary to wake her? Or maybe she was simply too lazy? Either way this constant disruption was getting annoying. Sighing, the palace doctor rose from her chair within the underground infirmary. Approaching the bed, her eyebrows quirked when the woman suddenly threw herself upwards. "...Hello?" Standing beside her, Helene took a cautionary step backwards.
The Valkyrja was evidently distraught as she heaved for breath. Idly, Helene reached for the bedside's fluorescent light: Twisting its dial, Viola was immediately blinded by the provocative brightness. "Archvalkyrja, I must inspect your wound." She casually reported. "...You're at Guadeloupe. Both your Einherjar brought you back safely last night. It is the early morning." Watching the Valkyrja cover her eyes, Helene mused: Interesting, so Viola did have some semblance of emotion after all. For the longest time she had figured she had none at all.
"How…" Viola struggled to speak, covering her side with an arm in moderate pain. "How long will it be before I am permitted to leave?"
Seriously? Helene eyed her; Viola never stayed still, did she? "A week at minimum." Was there ever a time she did relax? Easing forward, Helene pulled back the blanket and gently eased Viola's arm from the bandaged wound. "Are you feeling any discomfort?" Removing the bandages, she examined the cauterised incision along Viola's side. It was healing slowly. She hadn't consumed enough spiritual energy again, had she? Though this made very little sense. The Archvalkyrja had slaughtered an entire army of bandits. Had she discarded their souls?
"It is painful when I move." Viola looked anxious. Helene gave her a questioning look when she closed her eyes. "If I recover quicker than expected—" Her eyes opened. "—May I leave sooner?"
"...Archvalkyrja." Helene sighed, but headed towards the table she had sat at moment's prior. "Due to your responsibilities, I'll allow this—just the once." Fetching a parchment document, an inkwell, quill and fresh bandages, she stated: "Because of your hospitalisation, there are a few things we must discuss."
"Such as?" Viola soothed her temples and suddenly glared through the doctor.
"Glare any harder in pain and I will assume you wish to murder me, Archvalkyrja." It wasn't a joke, but neither was it a statement. Placing the items down upon the nightstand, Helene dragged over a stool and a one-person table. Sitting herself down beside Viola, she restarted her observation. There was something wrong. She had never seen Viola visibly wary before. Rather than ask her what the matter was, Helene felt conflicted. Viola's rage was unparalleled and potentially destructive. Multiple onlookers had already reported their findings to her. Ever since Anh Lu had been killed, Viola had undergone a total shift in personality. It was like she was another person entirely. "Do you have nightmares?" She decided to risk it either way. "I would like you to tell me about them."
The Einherjar had mentioned that Viola was struggling with something. Helene hoped that she could discover whatever this is. "How many days has it been since you first noticed something was wrong?" She transferred her items from the nightstand to the table. "We may be able to pinpoint a diagnosis with your symptoms." Unfortunately, the Archvalkyrja didn't seem to be having it. She was staring down into her lap almost as though she was deep in thought. Studying her, Helene dipped her quill into the inkwell and started to write. 'Lack of response. A terrible secret?'
"I do not wish to discuss it..."
"Why?"
...Why indeed.
Today was freezing. Rubbing her hands, Natsuki stood outside by the servant's wing beside the battlements. Here was a passageway with an assortment of barrels and crates. Off to the side there was even a well. Approaching it, Natsuki peered inside. A couple of feet downwards rested murky water. The pit was so dark she could hardly see the light's reflection upon its surface. Upon a distant rumble of thunder, Natsuki picked her head up to study the heavens.
A storm too? Ugh. As rainfall crashed down, Natsuki hurried to the servant's wing entrance. Standing beneath the archway, Natsuki brooded over her situation. Though she hadn't dreamt, she hadn't slept well. Wasn't that typical? Just… everything kept her awake. Viola, the Slaves, her identity crisis… the sheer unknown. How long could Natsuki continue on like this before she snapped? Though, she had overstepped her boundaries with Viola on multiple occasions now. When doing so, more information had been revealed, creating furthermore confusion. The same questions remained bolted within her psyche such as: 'Who am I?', or 'What is this world?'. 'Why do I have nightmares, are these memories?' and lastly 'What do I do?'. A sudden tension pricked her temples as she continued to muse. The downfall of rain was intensifying; quickly forming deepening puddles between cobblestones. Then, as soon as that stress rose, it vanished as the oak door behind her opened.
"Oh. It's raining." A newcomer said as they shut the door after them. Stood beside Natsuki, the boyish woman introduced herself. "You must be Viola's new Enherjar." She smiled broadly, tapping her fingertips along her plate cuirass. "My name is Chie Hallard."
Who is—oh. "Aren't you the one who is looking after that girl?" Natsuki quipped. The teenager who Viola had "rescued" from the bandit had been taken in by the guards. Nothing had been revealed by her so far. They had no knowledge where she had even come from. It was becoming evident that the girl thought positively of her captors.
"Yes. I'm afraid Nina isn't doing well." She sighed. "But that's the way of bandit victims, I suppose."
From what little Natsuki knew about this woman, she was the Knight Commander. She was dressed rather similarly to Viola actually. Apart from the armour, that is: She wore black knee-high boots with attached toe-caps. Beneath were poleyns which partially covered white trousers. Top side the steel cuirass and spaulders also covered a thick black under-tunic. Lastly, long cuffed gloves enveloped the tunic's sleeves, hiding all skin protectively. Was that armour heavy? It must feel unbearably hot during the summer?
Depending on someone's rank, they wore differing uniforms. Natsuki's clothing was the bare minimum to Viola's, for instance. Thinking about it, surely Viola wouldn't have been injured if she had worn armour…? Should she mention something later?
"You seem lost in thought." Hallard mentioned suddenly, knocking Natsuki from her daze. She held her helm beneath her arm, fiddling with its visor idly.
"Sorry." She gruffly spoke. Natsuki really needed to stay out of her head. If only. "You work for the Captain, right?"
"Correct." Hallard smiled, though her attention moved down the passageway. Even through the heavy downfall, they both heard footfalls rushing towards them. Tomoe appeared around the corner, almost bumping into them. "Are you two heading somewhere?" The Commander made space for the eldest Einherjar.
"Oh, Chie. We're to see the Spymaster." Tomoe reported matter-of-factly. Afterwards she grumbled under her breath softly, brushing her fingers through her now damp hair. Of course it had to rain just as she left the quarters! "Have you seen her?"
"I just came from her office, actually." Motioning a hand towards the door, she pulled it open for the two women. "She should be there still. Try to keep it quiet though; the trainees have given her another headache." Her lips pulled into a smile.
Slipping beneath the Knight Commander's arm, Natsuki went first into the servants' corridor. Now within familiar territory, she caught wind of maids by the far staircase. Watching them, a frown crossed Natsuki's face as she heard them speak.
"Where is she? I can't find her anywhere!" — "Dunno. Senoh said she saw something last night near the Sprites Forest. You don't think…?" — "Ugh! She's gone and done it, hasn't she?!" — "Done what?"
Has someone gone missing in the Spirites Forest? Feeling a hand press to her shoulder, Natsuki's train of thought was derailed. Looking over her shoulder, Tomoe waited for her expectantly.
"The Spymaster wouldn't like to be kept waiting." Gesturing Natsuki to follow her, the elder Einherjar headed away from the quickly gathering maids.
"What's happening with that lot?" Natsuki shrugged a shoulder towards the congregation as they turned the corner.
"One of the suicidal maids keeps running off." Tomoe explained, brushing past an assortment of crates. "For a while she was our personal cleaner, but that didn't seem to help."
Oh, the redhead? What was her name again? Natsuki honestly couldn't remember. They exited the servants' wing upon the next door. They were close to the grand hall now. "Did she ever say what was wrong?"
"I don't belong here." Tomoe recalled the maid's words, halting beside Blythe's plaqed door. "The forest brought me here. But, she never bothered to tell us where she was from." Tomoe shrugged. "For a while we thought she was from Zipang, but that country was wiped out centuries ago."
Wiped out? "By what?"
"War." Tomoe knocked on the door. "Everything ends with war." Demeanor dreary, the Einherjar suddenly shifted her attitude on the spot. "Good morning, Spymaster." Tomoe greeted the blonde oddly cheerfully who had just opened the door.
Brows arching, Natsuki could only follow Tomoe as Mayha exhaustedly gestured them inside. That greeting had seemed rather… fake? Once both inside, the door was shut behind them.
"I heard the salvage mission went south." Mahya said as she sat herself down behind her poplar desk.
She wore an amaranth-pink frock coat, including white trousers and a matching shayla scarf. Evidently appearance wise, this Spymaster's heritage wasn't Wind. Where is she from? This office was also far grander than any room Natsuki had seen so far. Large crowned glass windows soaked light into the room behind the Spymaster. Glass was incredibly expensive, wasn't it? These windows alone must have cost a fortune! Poplar bookcases blanketed the walls, engulfed by books of all types. The Spymaster was definitely a bookworm.
"Unfortunately, yes." Tomoe murmured, sitting herself down in one of the wooden chairs before the desk. "Slaves were habinating there. I suspect they're from the plagued dock."
"Habinating, you say?" Leaning against her desk, Mahya brushed her fingers to her lips before raising her gaze to Natsuki. "Well, sit down then? I'm not going to crucify you." Wafting a hand towards the empty seat beside Tomoe, the Spymaster's amusement mildly lifted. "You must be Natsuki. I have heard a great deal about you."
"You have?" Natsuki cocked a brow before looking at her in confusion.
"Viola has been reporting your progress to me. Very few accompany the Archvalkyrja to the Garderobe Ruins so early. She must see great potential in you: You should be proud of that."
Natsuki didn't think so. Warily eyeing the Spymaster, she couldn't help but wonder how much this woman knew about her. This was the first time she was even meeting Mayha! Let alone know anything about her in return. "Thanks, I gu—" Getting thumped in the side by Tomoe's elbow, Natsuki grunted and stared her way. "Wh—" Receiving a glare instead, she could only look at her in bewilderment. Now what?
"Oh, stop it." Mahya laughed softly, now confusing Tomoe. "I don't have the energy today. My trainees have already drained it. Speak with me naturally. I'm sick of people being terrified of me. Now, for the reason you're both here." Unpocketing a casket-styled key from her pocket, Mahya unlocked her desk cupboard. Leafing through piles of confidential documentation, she brought out a scroll. Unrolling it, she placed it onto the desk and secured it with four colourful paperweights. "Before the salvage mission, Viola requested that I organise your official training for the Key Shrine Ceremony."
"Key Shrine Ceremony?" Natsuki babbled. What the hel is that?
"A Key gives an Einherjar their essence, you could say." The Spymaster explained, pointing to a particular paragraph on the scroll. "You're both loaned spiritual power through the Archvalkyrja and by other means. A Key is essential for unlocking your potential and allowing you to consume energy yourselves." Drifting her fingertip lower, she now directed them to an image. It showcased twelve monoliths encircling a greater one deep within a forest. "It was decided that whenever the Archvalkyrja is unwell, I will be managing your progress."
A few days ago when Natsuki had her nightmare, she had walked into Viola writing a report. Was that related to this? It seemed a little odd that the Spymaster would be explaining this, rather than her. Glancing at Tomoe, the fellow Einherjar didn't seem bothered at all. Maybe she already knew a few of these details?
"Tomoe, what did you Anchor from the Ruins?"
"A few bits and pieces—mostly junk—but I did find a book. I think it relates to the Guardian." What was that book titled again? "Our Lady's… something." Shaking her head, Tomoe straightened in her chair. "Shall I have it delivered later?"
"Please. It sounds incredibly important if it relates to the statue." Clasping a hand atop her other, Mahya's attention transferred to Natsuki. Something within this Einherjar's demeanor had changed abruptly. Ah, now she understood. "I heard that you stumbled across the Ruins when you had got lost within the Sprites Forest."
A spike of anxiety hit Natsuki's heart. Even the Spymaster knew—of course she'd know?—"I…" Tongue catching, Natsuki had no idea how to respond as the two women stared at her expectantly. "The wolves… chased me. I got lost and found the Ruins. It was raining so I ended up getting lost there."
"And finding the Guardian." Mahya nodded in conclusion. Deciding to drop the subject, the Spymaster discussed the next topic. "How was the visit with the witch? Once the Archvalkyrja has recovered I would appreciate the report on her decision."
"She's thinking about it." Tomoe explained, leaving Natsuki to mull over what this decision was even about. "Though she's busy currently. She's studying my Anchor as something strange is happening with it."
"Strange?" Mahya tilted her head with interest.
"Alongside the voices, it seems to have physical healing properties." Musing, Tomoe stared down at the scroll. "I feel better without it." She lifted her head to regard the Spymaster once more. "Do I seriously need to keep using it?"
"Thanks to your incompatibility, I'm afraid not." Mahya smiled sadly. "The Key Shrine Ceremony will deal with this problem. For the time being, you must rely on Viola and Natsuki."
Incompatibility? This was the first time Natsuki was hearing about this. 'Because I'm not ready?' What made this different suddenly? Unless the Spymaster didn't know Viola's arrangement? "Should I even be hearing this?" Tomoe looked at her warily. "I can g—" Making a move to stand, her forearm was tugged by Tomoe. "—No?" Forced back down, Natsuki awkwardly fell silent as the meeting continued.
"As such with the ceremony, the trials ahead must be prepared for. I will organise the documentation for you as Viola can explain better than I." Removing the paperweights, Mahya rolled the scroll back up. "The details for the report are included within this bundle." Receiving more scrolls and a ribbon from the cupboard, Mahya tied the documentation together. "If anything arises, my trainee Akane will fetch for you."
Once dismissed, Natsuki who held the bundle, closed the door and momentarily glanced at Tomoe. Incompatibility, huh? What did that even mean? The elder Einherjar seemed lost within her own mind as well. There was far more than meets the eye with Tomoe—everyone, honestly. Nevertheless though, she had learned quite a lot today. "Where to next?"
"Shizuru. We should pass her the details."
Oh, right. Of course. Natsuki winced, but followed Tomoe back down into the servants' wing towards the infirmary. For the past hour she had managed to keep Viola mostly at the back of her mind. But now she remembered last night. Did she really like…? Ugh. She was being ridiculous; if anything she was more alike to that bandit victim, Nina. Viola terrified her half the time. Who in their right mind would think positively of somebody who caused that? 'Shut up, you idiotic brain.' Talking about victims, Natsuki spotted that teenager with Hallard down the corridor.
"This is the entrance to the underground facility. As I am patrolling the city with the other knights, I will be leaving you in Helene's care."
"How long will you be gone for?"
The two noticed the Einherjar approaching, and turned around. "Ah." The Knight Commander smiled as she thread her fingers around Nina's shoulder. "These are the Archvalkyrja's Einherjar." The bandit victim visibly flinched at the name, and Hallard was fully aware of it. "Nina… she rescued you." Pulling away from her, the teenager ran away down the corridor's opposite end. "Nina, wai—" Sighing, she signalled a hand towards Natsuki and Tomoe apologetically and made chase. "Nina!"
Blinking after the knight whose armour rattled, Natsuki turned to Tomoe. "Where are the knights going?"
"They're checking the dock and skirting the city. The Slaves at the Ruins are concerning." What if the plague had ripped through that region entirely? The Slaves' presence was worrisome as in reality, those docks were rather close by. "They will return in a few nights." Opening the infirmary door, Tomoe headed for the metallic stairs. "I hope Shizuru's alright." She mumbled.
"...It's Viola. I doubt a little slice would stop her." It's true. Natsuki let the door swing shut, still wondering how precisely its mechanism worked. "Does she really have an agreement with the Spymaster to train us?"
"Yes. Shizuru has too many duties to always be here to help us."
Huh, well. It surprised Natsuki, honestly. She hadn't expected Viola to hand them over to someone else so easily. Did she truly trust Mahya that much? Arriving at the infirmary's main entrance, she warily watched as its lights switched on. She no longer overreacted to technology, but that didn't mean she had to like it.
"Tomoe and Natsuki, I'm guessing?" The palace doctor's voice came over the intercom.
"Yes." Tomoe spoke into the device's microphone.
A loud click emitted from the door before it creaked open steadily. Natsuki was the first to enter apprehensively. Ugh. She would never get used to this place's strange machinery. Like before, the laboratory was a complete mess. Contraptions littered the platform. Even the water reservoir's prototype was still here—albeit now complete.
Inside the ward they could see Helene who was by her desk. "Einherjar, over here." She wafted a hand before her parchment, seemingly trying to dry the ink faster. "Archvalkyrja, you have visitors." Picking up her documentation, she kept the parchment horizontal as she headed over. "Try to give her some space, she isn't feeling well. I'll be in here if you need me."
Heading into the ward that was separated by the towering metal doorway, Natsuki hesitantly approached Viola. Standing before the foot of her bed, they stared at one another. Suddenly, like an onslaught, Natsuki remembered the previous nights. The travelling to the witch, the Ruins, Slaves—their argument. Or well, had it truly been one? Natsuki hadn't a clue anymore, honestly. "Hello." She forced the strained tone to release from her lips, standing there lamely. Viola was staring through her so attentively she swore something was the matter with herself. Was something about her inappropriate? Natsuki unconsciously checked herself but found nothing amiss.
"Shizuru." Tomoe meanwhile had no trouble heading to her bedside. "How are you feeling? I've been so worried."
Feeling like a third wheel, Natsuki awkwardly watched as Tomoe wrapped her arms around the Archvalkyrja. Yeah, um. Scratching her cheek, she took to looking elsewhere instead. This wall's alloy panelling sure was interesting suddenly…! A selection of rivets kept the metal securely fastened to the wall. Thinking about it, what was this thing even supposed to do? Surely it wasn't decoration? Though, no matter how hard Natsuki attempted to ignore her situation, that stare was unavoidable. Returning her gaze to the bed, a chill ran down Natsuki's spine. Tomoe was mumbling incoherently into Viola's ear, but rather than listen, the Archvalkyrja stared at her. For the life of her she couldn't decipher what this expression was either. The hairs along Natsuki's neck stood on end as she quickly broke their stare.
"Shizuru? Are you even listening?"
"I am sorry. I was thinking..." The Archvalkyrja's voice was so soft that even Tomoe had difficulty hearing her. "...and in pain." Easing Tomoe away from herself, Viola slowly prised herself up into a seated position. "I take it you both saw the Spymaster?"
How did she know? Unless this had been planned beforehand? No. Natsuki was thinking between the lines too much again. Of course it had been organised.
"We did." Tomoe watched the Valkyrja with concern. She was holding her arm to her side with minor discomfort. Rather than ask and be brushed aside, Tomoe continued: "She told us about the Key Shrine Ceremony. We also brought the reports, but Shizuru..." Crimson eyes raked across her. "Rest. The reports will wait."
Heading for the bed at last, Natsuki dragged a chair over. "She's right." She mumbled, having difficulty choosing the correct words. "You… you shouldn't push yourself." There wasn't really much else she could say, was there? Especially when a tension rose from the Archvalkyrja. It's happening again… Breaking their gaze, Natsuki was unable to continue.
"...Either way." Tomoe spoke up: "Are you fine with the Spymaster's part in the Key Shrine Ceremony?" Shizuru didn't reply at first, her stare hardening upon Natsuki who didn't dare to return it. "Shizuru."
"Yes, yes. I am fine with it." She sighed with exhaustion. Expression straining, the Archvalkyrja regarded her Einherjar dismissively. "I am tired."
"Yes, but…" Tomoe frowned, unable to understand just what precisely was wrong with her—apart from the pain, of course. Evidently there is something else wrong, but what is it? "Shizuru, I—" The Einherjar glanced at Natsuki. "—We are worried about you. Please, what's wrong?" For once the Archvalkyrja genuinely looked as though she wanted to say something. But as quickly as that appeared, it vanished.
"I do not want to discuss it."
"I—" Tomoe sighed, but dropped the subject. "How long will you remain in the infirmary?"
"A week at most, if Helene allows it."
Fiddling with the documentation within her lap, Natsuki was at a loss. She felt like a spare part in this discussion. But that was pretty typical, wasn't it? Every so often she could inject a few snippets into conversations, but this was once in a bluemoon. Honestly she didn't have anything useful to say, and Tomoe was a better communicator than her. Natsuki was still learning, after all. Or well, she supposed.
"Just the week? You persuaded her, didn't you?" Tomoe's lips pulled into an amused smile.
"There are however, a few things I must discuss." Viola said. "It is about hallucinations and Anchoring."
Wait, Viola's coming clean? Natsuki's interest immediately piqued and she swept her gaze upon the Archvalkyrja. She was still pressing a palm over her wound in discomfort, but her expression seemed determined. Was Natsuki going to be revealed even more information today?
"Don't push yourself…" Tomoe murmured, but was just as interested nonetheless.
"There is…" Viola sighed, unable to find the words well. She struggled, shaking her head almost as though to rid something from her mind. "My Valkyrja, Anh; she theorised that the reason Einherjar hallucinate is due to borrowing the lifeforce of others. She went mad—a horse stalked her till her end."
A horse.
Natsuki froze up at the statement as Tomoe looked at her in realisation. She was screwed, wasn't she? W-what… what should she do? "V-Viola, I…" Crimson raked upon her, causing that twang of anxiety to spark harder. "I see a horse…" The Valkyrja stared through her so harshly that Natsuki feared she'd break. Her confession had slipped from her lips much easier than what she had expected. B-ut that stare! Viola scared her.
"You… do?" Viola's voice strained as something shifted across her face. It was impossible to decipher what that was. "I… ugh." Clasping a hand to her stitched forehead, Viola leaned forward. "Shizu—" She lifted a hand to interrupt Tomoe, before sliding it down her jaw. "Not again…" She mumbled into her palm. "Tomoe, please wait with Helene."
Somewhat distaughtly, Tomoe left them.
After a strained lapse, Viola spoke quietly: "A silver horse haunts your dreams, yes?" She removed her hands from herself, straightening to regard Natsuki.
"Y-yes…" Natsuki distractedly responded. It was obvious that Viola wasn't lying. As short as this question was, it's a word-for-word description of what she experienced. "Honestly, I… I was scared to mention anything. The wolf at least made some sense, but the horse? It…" Natsuki paused, her face twisting into unsettled musing. "...What do I do?" She returned her gaze to the injured Valkyrja. "Viola, what do I do?" She repeated, adding emphasis to her question desperately. "I-it hounds my dreams and when I'm alone I feel I'm being watched!" Clutching the woman's bedsheet, Natsuki leant closer on her chair.
Viola simply continued to observe her apprehensive Einherjar. Her crimson stare dropped to Natsuki's hands which tugged faintly at the blankets. "How long?" She asked quietly.
Natsuki realised the tension wasn't waning. W-what's happening? She had confessed to Viola, so surely? What…? Lips gaping open faintly, Natsuki quickly closed them as she mulled upon Viola's next question: How long? Suddenly, she wasn't entirely sure. Interrupted however, she jumped when the parchment on her lap fell to the floor. Making a move to gather them up, she stiffened when her forearm was grasped. Staring at a scroll, her attention slowly fixated upon Viola.
"Natsuki, tell me. I must know."
W-was Viola fearful? They stared at one another breathlessly.
"I-I… a week?" Natsuki hazard a guess, but Viola's stare did not relent. If anything she stared harder with concerned revelation. "Viola?" Hold released, Natsuki could only continue to silently observe the Archvalkyrja. What should she do? Viola seemed as confused as her.
"What does the horse appear?"
Natsuki wondered about this herself. It was only predictable within her nightmares, but in reality? "It's… within my dreams. It twists them into complete nightmares. When awake it's unpredictable. But I think it follows me. Especially when I'm paranoid." Which sadly was a lot these days. Natsuki's brow furrowed with discomfort. What else was she supposed to say?
"Has it physically attacked you?"
It does that? Natsuki's gaze picked up to meet crimson eyes worriedly. "N-no. Will it?" She was almost too afraid to ask, and this anxiety spiked harder upon Viola's expression. Oh, Gods' it would get worse, wouldn't it? "V-Viola, it doesn't, does it?" Grasping the woman's arm, she stuttered: "P-please, Vi-Viola! I can't keep doing this!"
"U-unhand me." Viola mumbled as she began to sink away from the Einherjar. Oh, her head… Pressing a palm to her temple, she closed her eyes. However, her fretting Einherjar did not relent.
"What is this horse? Why me? Why Anh? W-what's happening?"
"This…" The Valkyrja sighed a pained breath, her brows knitting together. "This is precisely why I did not want you knowing m—." "—Vio—" "—Silence, Einherjar!" Her voice broke under the strain; her tone heightening. "There are methods for safeguarding against the horse, but it requires strenuous tra—" Viola paused upon Natsuki's changed demeanor. Scrolls lying forgotten, they stared as the Einherjar partially leaned over the bed. Teeth clenching behind sealed lips, the migraine-stricken Valkyrja removed their gaze. This reminded her far too much of...
"What is… what do I do?" Natsuki voiced almost incoherently, the words sloshing uselessly around her tongue. "Viola, please! I must k—"
"—You must take a life and absorb that soul. But you shall become a Valkyrja in the process."
The statement hit Natsuki like a collapsing wall. Slowly prising herself away from Viola, she took a step backwards. Tripping past the chair, she fell onto the floor. Stunned, she stared up at Viola. "N-no… you're lying." She whispered. "W-why would… why would that 'safeguard' me from anything?!" She cried out. "Why must you lie to me?!"
Watching the distraught Einherjar, Viola couldn't do a thing to settle her. At that moment, Tomoe returned to investigate the drama. "T-Tomoe." She ushered her over fraily. "I cannot do this anymore."
"Do what?" Tomoe glanced down at Natsuki, her stare fire. "What have you done?"
"Me?! S-she told me I need to kill someone—" What madness is this?! "—and all because of some stupid horse?!" Grounding her hands against the floor, Natsuki slid backwards from the two women. "Y-ou!" She pointed accusingly at Tomoe. "You're part of this, aren't you!"
"...Shizuru?" The elder Einherjar could only note Viola's incredibly fragile state. She had slouched downwards and was cupping her head. "Shiz—"
"—I hear… voices." The confession floored the ward into deathly silence. "...Never stops. It did not speak when I was an Einherjar. B-but when I… w-hen I..." Fingers slipping between tresses, Viola's fingers whitened as they pressed to her scalp. "...When I… consumed her spirit, I..."
"Shizuru?" Tomoe knelt down closer to her. Grasping the Valkyrja's wrists, she prised her hands from her head. "Shizuru, when you what?"
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Natsuki questioned venomously. "We've all been going insane this entire time, and you never bothered to think that was important?" She spat from the floor.
Hands laxing against Viola's wrists, Tomoe gently placed them within the elder's lap. Turning around, she stalked the fellow Einharjar whose demeanor immediately shifted. Unhooking her handaxe, Natsuki hysterically yelled at her: "If you kill me, you k—" Interrupting her flawlessly, Tomoe snatched her collar. "—For once in your pathetic life, shut the fuck up." Lifting her axe's blade to Natsuki's throat, she glared death at her. "Neither do I understand. Just. Listen." Slamming the Einherjar down, Tomoe hurried back to the Archvalkyrja's side. "Shizuru."
One Week Later.
In the end, Natsuki hadn't learned a thing, nor would she visit Viola. She absolutely refused having anything to do with Viola or Tomoe. Those two were complete psychopaths. Remind her again, but why had she gotten closer to them? Because of the witch? Waiting outside the Spymaster's office, Natsuki's gaze swept across the corridor. She was on constant vigil: If those two showed up, she'd know. Neither had shown up for a week. Leading her to assume that Viola was still stuck inside the infirmary. Good enough for her.
"Natsuki? I'm ready for you." Mahya opened the door wider to allow the Einherjar inside. "What's your decision?"
Ever since the awful revelation, Natsuki had fled to the Spymaster. The woman was remarkably fine with all of this. Not to mention, she knew what she was talking about. It was refreshing discussing topics without fear of stepping over boundaries. As for her decision, she was deciding her future. Infuriatingly, she was chained to Viola through Soul Pact, so there wasn't much she could do. Neither could she endanger herself because of Viola's pathetic state. Hearing voices… don't make her laugh. "I want to learn more about myself, this world and be trained properly." Sitting herself down before Mahya's desk, she wondered where her dread had gone. In fact, she had undergone a total personality shift, hadn't she? Was this normal after experiencing traumatic events? Had last week been that awful though, truly? Natsuki was conflicted. Would killing somebody truly aid her case? Surely ending someone's life would bring about more complications? Howbeit… "Specifically I want to learn about Einherjar and how they become Valkyrja."
"Hm." Mahya seated herself and leaned into her fingers. Studying the Einherjar, she mused internally. It was like this woman had aged a decade overnight. She had received the details from Helene over what had happened. Natsuki's disownment had sent shockwaves through Guadeloupe. The entire Palace was gossiping about it nonstop. "I can plan your training now. However, what precisely do you want?" Training was a loose word, after all. "Far more's needed in Guadeloupe Palace than just Anchored technology."
"I… don't quite know." Natsuki confessed. "I do not want to become a maid." Her face scrunched up at the idea. "Neither do I think I'd be suited as a crafter or scholar." It was overwhelming just how many jobs were required, and this excluded the surrounding city. Underneath Viola she had learned so little about her environment. Never would she have learned from Viola that Windbloom deplored Queen Mashiro. Nor would she know the Five Year War with Florence bankrupted Windbloom. Why had Viola kept so much from her? Don't tell her that the voice told her to do this?
"Guard training?"
Natsuki nodded. "But…" She frowned. "I don't want to kill anyone. I don't care what Viola says."
"Natsuki…" The Spymaster sighed into her palms as she propped her elbows against her poplar desk. "An Einherjar's very existence is sustained by loaned souls eventually depart from the material plane leaving you weakened. Viola rejuvenated your body when you were recovering from your previous death, correct?"
"...Yes, but—"
"—This was weeks ago. Do you not realise how exhausted you look? With the added Phase Shift and the Archvalkyrja's current condition, you should be dead."
"I...what?" Thinking about it, when was the last time she had taken notice of her appearance? Natsuki surveyed her pale hands, looking upon the incredibly visible teal veins. Her palms were also astonishingly cold. It was as though no heat resided within them at all. Natsuki couldn't remove her stare from the sight.
"There is a way you can absorb souls, but it is morally controversial."
But isn't this dubious in the first place? Natsuki's gaze finally broke from her hands after a time. "That means I'll become a Valkyrja though? Viola has to kill frequently just to survive. That, and well… she's deranged." Without souls she would go mad. With them? Fiddling distractedly with her shirt's cuff, Natsuki rambled: "What am I supposed to do? Go insane? Tomoe's Anchor was doing something to her as well. That's a crystal full of souls."
The picture was incredibly grim, but… Mahya stood up which caught the Einherjar's immediate attention. Heading for her bookcases, she skimmed a finger down a multitude of tome spines. "There is something I will show you." Finding the correct book, she brought the hefty volume to Natsuki. "This is called the Valkyrja Saga. What I am about to show you are your predecessors."
Predecessors? Natsuki eyed the Spymaster oddly before the book was opened. It was old indeed; even the leather binding was flaking apart. Every page had yellowed with age and the ink had stained. But as the correct location was discovered, Natsuki's eyes widened. Crawling the entirety of this chapter was the Valkyrja 'family line'. There were even pages blank, presumably for her to continue. "H-how far does this go?"
"Several hundred years." Cupping her hands behind herself, the Spymaster quietly observed Natsuki. It was evident that Natsuki had needed to see this. "Look upon the boxed legend on the page's left side. That details how your predecessors' died."
Natsuki noticed beneath a Valkyrja's date of "birth" and death were coloured letters. Looking to the legend, each letter originated from a coloured key. Deceased naturally: a green D. Soul maddened: a white S. Lost in action: a red L, and Vanished: a purple V. With this information, she immediately jumped to Viola who was yet to receive a letter. Quickly she noticed something fascinating.
Shizuru Viola
890—
_
Anh Lu
878—897
L & S
Rena Sayers & Sakura Hazakura
850—879 & 845—879
V & V
Una Shamrock
836—852
S
Maria Graceburt
799—879
D
If she was reading this correctly, it suggested the Valkyrja line fell apart thanks to Una Shamrock. She went soul maddened. Furthermore, Maria Graceburt died the same year Rena Sayers and Sakura Hazakura went missing. Anh Lu had only existed a year by time all three women were gone, too… "What happened to these two?" She pointed to Sayers and Hazakura.
"Shamrock was mad. Graceburt reportedly looked after them."
Wait, so, there can be multiple Valkyrja? Even though Viola had recommended her to become a Valkyrja, she had assumed… what? A Valkyrja could have several Einherjar, so why did it make any difference? "Did Graceburt really support them? I would've assumed that because Shamrock chose them…?"
"I see where you're coming from, but yes, it's possible."
Er, huh. Delicately turning the pages, Natsuki already found it difficult to read the handwriting. Not three centuries ago the language was already incomprehensible. She could still note the letters though. Judging that the terminology hadn't changed, very few actually went soul maddened. In fact, many either died naturally or in action. It was also rare that a Valkyrja chose multiple Einherjar. Four centuries before Hazakura and Sayers there were five Valkyrja. It's bad enough with just one…
It's no wonder Anh Lu knew so little, Natsuki realised. She had a single year beneath three Valkyrja before her world was tipped upside down. Suddenly, she felt guilty for her outburst against Viola. N-no, she shouldn't feel like this at all. Viola deserved it! ...Right? Besides, Viola had seven years with Lu!
Yet, the harder she tried to justify it, the more pointless it felt.
"I think you're beginning to understand now." Mahya remarked as she circled her desk. Seating herself, she continued the discussion. "But let's change the topic now. I will have the scholars search the Kingdom's archives for you. Which subjects would you prefer? Geography, history, the arts?"
"I think history would be fine for now." Let's try not to overcomplicate an already convoluted matter.
"And your training?"
"I think I need to…" What? "I need to think about it more."
Free from the Spymaster, Natsuki exited the servants' wing and entered the passageway's battlement. Like the week previously it was freezing. It was the late afternoon, and her sleeping situation was on mind. Fortunately she had avoided Tomoe entirely and had managed to sleep within her room undisturbed. Curiously, she hadn't had any nightmares either. Maybe Viola's insanity was like a contagious cloud? For now she'd rather not risk heading to the quarters.
Wandering aimlessly, Natsuki followed the inner wall of the servants' wing. Other than muse over her potential future duties, she hadn't a clue what to do. Spending the next ten minutes mindlessly walking, she was broken from her trance. Having shut off her brain, she realised she was within the Palace gardens. It surrounded the large courtyard. Personally she had never quite liked this place. It was too orderly here. None of the plants had any freedom to grow from their flowerbeds. Totally alone however, she wasn't complaining.
Sitting herself down upon a nearby stone bench, Natsuki shivered within the cold. When were those floods Viola mentioned? If anything it felt like winter was fast approaching. She sighed, her breath condensation within the chill. She was mildly surprised there hadn't been a frost yet. Perhaps later tonight? Sliding the heel of her boot against the tiled floor, she thoughtfully observed the gardens.
Would she truly have to kill somebody just to keep her mind sane? It felt contradictory nor did it make a shred of sense. Murder to rout your psyche of torment, all the while engulfing it within guilt and shame… But as a Valkyrja, choose a soul to walk in your footsteps? Why? For what reason other than to bring trauma to the innocent? Una Shamrock had gone mad. Was she destined to as well? For half a decade Valkyrja had been failing. Also, Natsuki just realised something: Those women within the Valkyrja Saga, those were only successful Einherjar, weren't they? An Einherjar only underwent recognition if she became a Valkyrja… Or so says Viola.
Thinking back to her potential duties, Natsuki was confused. For some reason guardwork just spoke to her. Was something from her past life driving her towards this choice? All she knew was a mysterious figure cutting her down and an arachnid tormenting her. Trusting of course that these were memories rather than distorted dreams. In reality she shouldn't rely on this past self at all. Especially considering the chrome horse rampages within them.
Typical. Natsuki would sleep on it, she supposed. Or well, attempt to.
"Natsuki?"
The hairs on the back of her neck rose. Eyes darting to the side, she spotted Viola by the hedge entrance who hesitantly approached. "...What do you want?" She asked coldly, turning her head away from the Valkyrja. What is she doing here? Why couldn't she ever escape this woman? Out the corner of her eye, she watched as Viola sat down beside her. Ugh.
"I am sorry for last week."
The Einherjar wondered whether to even bother listening to her. But no matter how much she wanted to, something denied her of that. Viola sounded terrible. Cautiously she looked to her and noticed Viola looked as she felt. "What happened?"
"What happened indeed." Viola released a depressed chuckle before releasing an exhausted sigh. Though the Archvalkyrja had been hospitalised, she looked as though she'd collapse from overexertion. "Helene has done all she can. I must consume souls if I am to fully recover."
"Is this your way of being honest?" Natsuki observed the Valkyrja carefully who was taken off guard. Tired crimsons glanced her way before sweeping downwards. Receiving a quiet nod, Natsuki's expression tightened. Viola felt much younger suddenly.
"You seem different, Natsuki."
They both did.
Silence befell them as the afternoon horizon painted azure. Emotions suppressed, Natsuki looked upon the crescent Moon and its Star. Her relationship with the Archvalkyrja was terrible: Anybody could recognise this clearer than daylight. Yet? Her bottled despair was too much, but removing the stopper was far dangerous. "I've seen the Valkyrja Saga." She felt eyes upon her, and she exchanged the look. Viola's aggression was null—Natsuki had wrongly predicted she'd be furious. Instead, the Valkyrja who appeared half-awake spoke.
"I am scared." She confessed, tugging at a chain necklace, Viola revealed an Anchor. "Without this, I may as well die." Hanging the kaleidoscopic crystal before herself, it languidly pivoted. "Have you ever noticed what waning spiritual energy does? It transforms us into shells of our former selves." A tension from the crystal cut the atmosphere. "But by consuming souls, it has changed me. The voice is blocked from this Anchor, but it is only a temporary respite, I..." Viola muted, allowing the crystal to lax from her fingers to rest by her bosom.
"Viola?" Why is she telling her all of this? Natsuki warily eyed the Anchor, before noticing it's smaller than the one given to the witch. Did these crystals each hold different properties? The other caused Tomoe to hear voices. "Viola." She repeated, catching the Valkyrja's attention. "What do you mean it changed you?"
The elder strained a smile. "I used to be like you: innocent, fighting for others. Quickly I discovered my irrelogical existence. My Valkyrja, suffering madness, died by the Guardian's hand. Those seven years we spent together were shattered at a moment's notice. In spite of this, she was not able to demonstrate survival to me. Her soul was the first I ever consumed—an unsupervised reprobate left to insanity."
All Natsuki could do was remain quiet as the Archvalkyrja gushed her heart out.
"Ever since Valkyrja Shamrock, we have been tormented by hysteria. I...do not understand why." Viola planted her hand to her side. "She went mad and Anh's Valkyrja, Hazakura fended for herself similarly to myself."
"Until her and that other one vanished?" Natsuki supplied, causing them to lock eyes again. "That book… were they ever found?"
"No." Viola looked to the HiME Star. "They were searching for something. The records do not state what that was nor why they took their Anchors: Including Graceburt's, an Anchor of unimaginable power. Without her Anchor and her failing health, she crumbled as they disappeared, leaving Anh completely alone."
This was difficult to listen to. The Valkyrja had gone through all of this in the space of a few decades? Yet, as Viola described their history, her voice was neutral as though it did not affect her. These women were all but ghosts to her. Natsuki's face twisted in response to the thought. Then, something alarming struck her: "Wait, so is this you right now?" Natsuki asked the Valkyrja who continued to observe the horizon. "Do consumed souls fight for domin—"
"—Do not misunderstand. It is not the dead who control me."
Then… what does? Natsuki stared as the Archvalkyrja eased up onto her feet. The voice? "How long has it been since you…"
"Were not a raving lunatic?" Natsuki blinked in mild surprise at her. Turning around, she caught the Einherjar's look and smiled sadly. "You have only seen glimpses of my true self. I fear I may not have long, so I must reveal to you what I can." Noting Natsuki's clear confusion, her crimson gaze trained upon her carefully. "I must explain this to you before I am again unable." Taking a breath, the Valkyrja leaned down before the Einherjar. "The silver horse is a bastardised Key. I understand that the Spymaster briefly discussed the Key Shrine Ceremony?" Receiving a bewildered stare, she continued: "A Key is the embodiment of a Valkyrja and also a God. Vlas, the Bastion of Light—the horse—has been hunting Valkyrja for centuries. We do not know why. The reason I told you to become a Valkyrja is so your Key will protect you."
Keys are Gods? Natsuki had assumed these had been literal keys to unlock doors. Flinching as the Archvalkyrja's hands planted to her knees, she broke their gaze.
"The wolf you saw was impossible."
"What, why?"
"Durandal ceases to be."
Hang on, that wolf is a God? Natsuki stared, but soon after cupped her head. "My head hurts…" She mumbled. This was a sensory overload.
"Natsuki, the moment Saint Vlas returns, you must tell me. It cannot touch you. Because if it does… your soul will be lost to oblivion and beyond."
Natsuki didn't understand.
Upon the horizon the unsettling drone of a horn sounded within the distance. Hearing it, Viola stood to her full height. Above the treeline within the mountains the warning outpost's pyre was lit. "Florence has arrived." A bell from the Palace rang out, quickly alerting the inhabitants. "Natsuki, come. We must journey to the Captain's office. She shall plan our next move."
Now they're under attack? Did this ever end? Stumbling to her feet, the Einherjar accompanied Viola in tow. She could hardly keep track over what was happening. Viola was totally different and poured her a lifetime of information she could barely comprehend. Now they were presumably under attack? "How far are they?"
"At minimum an hour away. Our pyres stretch on for miles, but we cannot be certain how they are travelling." Inbound by horses they would be slowed by the Sprites Forest. On foot? Viola was unsure. Entering the central courtyard facing the Palace, an onslaught of knights bypassed them.
"Archvalkyrja!" The Knight-Commander called as she rushed over. Lifting her helmet's visor, Hallard asked: "Will you be joining the battle?"
"Perhaps."
Everyone sure was casual about this, even though an attack was imminent. How used to conflict were they? Natsuki could only continue to tail Viola as their sizable group poured into the Palace entrance. Plate armour rattled, chainmail jangled and boots clicked along the hallway. Dodging a fleet of maids, they soon gathered outside Armitage's office.
The stressed atmosphere steadily climbed as the group awaited the Captain of the Guard. Just as Natsuki had given up hope, the door swung open and revealed the blonde. "Hallard, send your fastest rider to the Kazahana Outpost. They must signal the retreat." Equipping her helm, the fully armoured Captain rallied the group with her. "All of you, with me." She led the way, her green and yellow tabard billowing.
Natsuki was unsure why she was being dragged into this. She couldn't possibly be of any help, right? Looking to the servants however, something triggered inside of her. Some were huddled inside the hallway, whilst others anxiously spoke to one another.
"They're going to kill us this time, aren't they?" — "Don't say that!" — "But it's true!"
"Why are they coming?" — "Didn't they do enough after the Five Year War?"
"I don't want to die!"
"Viola, I want to help." She kept in line with the Valkyrja as they hurriedly strode towards the battlements. Stopping by the steps leading up into the fortifications, Viola regarded her silently before saying:
"Alright. But promise me that you will not put yourself in harm's way? Listen to me at all times."
Natsuki nodded. "I get it." Climbing the steps with the knights and amassing guards, the nightwatch apprehended them. Oh, right… she hadn't seen Tomoe since the drama last week. Natsuki grimaced as the fellow Einherjar immediately caught sight of her.
Tomoe held a torch aloft, illuminating the battlements partially. "Captain." She pulled her gaze from Natsuki slowly onto Armitage. "The perimeter is secure but the rear portcullis needs looking at. Some fool's jammed the winch."
"What?" Of all times?! The armoured Captain pointed to two guards at random. "You two! Fix it else I'll have your heads!" As they stumbled down the battlements where the nightwatch had come, Armitage turned to everyone. "Where are the archers?" The group haphazardly looked at each other before quickly realising none of them had arrived. "Oh, for…" Turning to a particular knight, she commanded: "Gallagher, bring them here. I don't care how you do it; you have my full permission to use force."
The Captain of the Guard was certainly something. Natsuki watched in awe as the woman quickly organised everyone together. Finally, once it was her turn, everyone set eyes upon her. Feeling self-conscious, Natsuki cautiously glanced towards Viola. What was she supposed to…?
"Finally!" The Captain shouted, breaking the Einherjar's train of thought before it began. The archers had arrived including an odd one out.
Squinting, Natsuki quickly recognised who this was: Woods?! The doctor's assistant came bounding up the steps gleefully. "Captain! Reporting for duty!" She saluted, a heavy leather bag swung over her shoulder.
"Woods?" The Captain was as confused as everybody else.
"I'm sorry…" The armoured Gallagher sighed as she heaved up the steps. "I couldn't stop her."
"Oh, don't worry. I won't be a liability. I brought grenades!"
...Huh? Natsuki eyed the short woman warily who stood beside her. She took a cautionary step away from her; as did the others.
"Just don't blow yourself up."
"Aye, aye!"
This entire Palace is mad.
Once everyone else was set, Armitage approached Natsuki and the Archvalkyrja. "Viola, what use is your Einherjar?" The Captain eyed Natsuki through the slits of her visor. "If she can't fight, have her stocktake the battlements."
The two women turned their attention to Natsuki. Oh, she had a choice? This decision was already made: "I'll do it. What do I need to do?" Gestured closer by the Captain, Natsuki momentarily glanced at Viola before being led away.
"We will need plenty of arrows, bolts, brimstone, saltpetre, charcoal, pitch, moss, water and rags. Circle the battlements and ask every group what they need. You'll have everything needed at the drop sites. These are located at the steps. We're at the eastern side, down there—" She pointed. "—is the north drop site, while there—" An index aimed to their south. "—is the final." Drawing close to the eastern stockpile, Armitage opened one of the barrels and peered inside. "Don't expect the stockpiles to be organised. Sometimes the idiots go and get stuff mixed up. Double check everything before you take it to a group."
"Does that happen a lot?" Natsuki quirked a brow as Armitage resecured the barrel's lid.
"More than I'd like to admit." The Captain grumbled before propping her hands to her tassets. "Oh right, I suppose I better warn you of the dangers first."
Natsuki's another brow rose in response. Okay?
The Captain started listing down the regulations off her digits. "Don't breathe in the brimstone: I'm sick of firing stockpilers who insist they see their maker. It's an explosive, so don't light a flame near it. The stuff is yellow pellets—looks like sweetcorn in a way. Don't eat the saltpetre! It's not for food. Charcoal is used to set off black powder—made from the saltpetre and brimstone. Pitch is very flammable; we dump it onto attackers and set them on fire." Narrowing her eyes, Armitage paused before continuing. "Bolts are for crossbows not bows whilst moss and water are for fighting fires. Anything else?"
Natsuki stared, taken aback. "I—no. That's fine, I think." Should she be regretting this decision?
"Good!" Natsuki could've sworn the Captain smiled past her visor. Slapping the Einherjar against the back, Armitage nearly floored her. "Now make me proud!"
"Gagh! Mind it!" Natsuki growled as she pressed a hand to her back. That gauntlet could've ripped into her! But Armitage completely ignored her and headed further down the battlements.
"You'll be fine!" The Captain called over. "Just do your best!"
Left alone, Natsuki aimlessly swept her gaze along the soldiers. A small gathering of archers were beside her preparing their bows. It was unprecedented how long they had, but she supposed she better get started. "Hey." She casually introduced herself to the group. "What do you need?"
"Pitch, rags and arrows."
Further down the battlements, Viola watched on as Natsuki heaved a barrel towards the group. She had grown indeed… She was immensely proud of her Einherjar. But… she sighed, cupping her temple as she viewed the horizon. Viola was in no fit state for the upcoming battle. Worse, if she consumed souls, then…
"Shizuru, will you be sitting this one out?" Tomoe asked as she held a cuirass within her arms. "...I could do with some help."
"Of course not." Turning to the Einherjar, she took the cuirass' backpiece and fitted it to Tomoe's back. "I will be gracing the battlefield." Piercing the halves together, Viola buckled the cuirass together securely. "Does it fit correctly?"
"Yes, but you should wear armour too." Tomoe took a spaulder from her table's pile. Luckily her armour had been found easily. Perhaps their stockpilers would be an improvement from previously? Her gaze wandered over towards Natsuki in the distance. She was still sorting the first group. Last week still pissed her off. Why couldn't she just listen? "I think your armour was brought with mine."
Considering she had been injured by the Slave, probably. Eyes wandering to the sky, Viola watched the distant pyre flames. "Tomoe." She spotted her armour—naturally beside Tomoe's—and removed her knee-length jacket and shirt. "If they breach the walls, protect Natsuki." Folding the clothing, she placed it onto the table and reached for her mahogany-red under-tunic. If their adversaries were indeed Florentine, they would require her full attention. Tying the tunic up, her fingertips slipped upon her Einherjar's statement.
"If we're overwhelmed, will you use Kiyohime?"
Pausing, Viola looked up to the woman who was deadly serious. Spaulders fixed, Tomoe was now slipping on her vambraces. Only a few had witnessed her Key and due to her devastating power, Viola feared her. What if Kiyohime went out of control and slaughtered the entire Palace? It wasn't impossible.
A piercing screech silenced the battlements. There, upon the skies they saw it. A great chained phoenix rode the azure horizon. Wings aflame, they propelled soot and ash aside. Smoke billowing from its monstrous maw, savage teeth revealed as its mouth opened. A blazing orb engulfed its gullet before breathing down into the Sprites Forest. Next: Carnage.
"Shiz—"
Sinking into the battlement merlon, the wail resounded within Viola's mind tenfold. Screams of panic reverberated her migraine-stricken mind, until nothing at all. Vision blackening, a colossal ash tree slammed into the Archvalkyrja's view. Its canopy was whipped by a brutal snowstorm. Encompassing the monumental tree, a mælstrom threatened to collapse it.
"Shizuru!"
Yggdrasil: The Terror Horse of the Golden Millennium.
Upon this vision, the shrieks scaled higher and harder. Ripping into the Archvalkyrja's very sanity, an additional illusion assailed. The Key Shrines. Twelve short pillars skirted a towering thirteenth. Then, two severely eroded ones grinded skywards.
KA-SUC-I: L-d o- Inf-rn-, R-b-th an-Fi-e.
K-Y-H-E: G-de-s of W-r-s, -rses a-d Deceit.
"Leofa Wælcyrge, faru oþ þæs betlic Yggdrasil. Fundon ðā on stefn þā bōt cearwylmas. Siþþan morgen-lēoht geondscínþ, swice!"
A/N: This chapter actually underwent three versions: Its original draft, a version in Viola's perspective, and one revealing none of Viola's secrets. The old timeline was a mess so I ended up completely redoing it. As for the POV, well... it wasn't sitting right as it completely ruined Viola's mystique. But on the other hand, if I didn't reveal something, the story would start falling flat. The next chapter is going to be insane and I have no idea how long it'll take. On another note, I'm taking a break from all stories except for Cyne Wælcyrge, Entwined Empyrean and Renascence. I want to concentrate on this fully because it's honestly become my favourite. As always, I'll frequently be updating my profile. I've also got a poll which should be visible, so if it isn't, please PM me. Never had much luck with FF's polls.
Since I know I'll be questioned about it, that final sentence is Anglo Saxon (Old Englisc). Lēoht Geast means Light Ghost, whilst Cyne Wælcyrge means Royal Valkyrja/Demoness. I always did find Anglo Saxon fascinating. What's better is its culture has heavy ties with Norse mythology. This is why I chose Anglo Saxon over Norse. If you're interested in this kind of thing, I recommend looking up the Danelaw.
Reviews
Elizabeth Charlotte: In canon, a Key is a HiME's (manga) most precious person who unlocks their power. So Mai and Natsuki's Key is Yuuichi etc. Keys are a little different here though. Also, Natsuki's confusing attraction will be explained at a later date. I'm developing on this at the moment. There's a lot more than meets the eye.
Darwater: Thanks for your kind words. I'm never quite sure with how I feel about my stories because I'm constantly improving. Because I work on the small details so much, I'm always at risk of making huge errors (the overall plot might make no sense). For instance in this chapter, I'm constantly asking myself whether I wrote the right thing. I'm never satisfied with the results because I know I could've written it differently.
Happy Christmas!