In the shadows of the night/When you face the darkness/Call the power of the light/Let your heart be fearless
Never give it up never give it up, if you're strong enough, get the power!
Huntik, keep the faith and you'll survive/Huntik, is the seeker you're inside
Shout it out and make it loud, Everybody huntik go!
There's a secret lost in time/There's an ancient story/One for all and all for one/Fighting for the glory
Never give it up never give it up, if you're strong enough, get the power!
Huntik, keep the faith and you'll survive/Huntik, is the seeker you're inside
Shout it out and make it loud, Everybody huntik go!
Ohh Yeahhhh... Everybody
Huntik!
In Iceland, Lok and Sophie's mission goes haywire as they are detected, though they manage to improvise their way through the ensuing firefight. Ultimately they escape on Phoenix, and keep Hoffman's involvement a secret, on their way back to Venice. Meanwhile, Den, Harrison, and Cherit observe Medusa, suspicious of Blood Spiral tampering even as Den works on their bond, and Zhalia continues conversing with her foster parent, supported by Dante and Klaus understanding of her change in loyalties.
"Ill Omen"
Episode 82
Destination: Venice, Italy
Huntik plane
"So anyway, this is the data my Cypherdex mentioned to record" Sophie said, the images of LeBlanche and Santiago hovering above said device. "You should definitely send a copy to Huntik HQ, and if the second artifact is a Casterwill artifact, it should also be mentioned to the Council of Elders."
It's a shame they couldn't bring back the first artifact, but with this valuable information, they might be able to get it on future attempts.
"Of course, Lady Sophie" LeBlanche agreed. "But I do hope Hoffman was able to get out without trouble."
"If our deception is any indication, Hoffman got the cue immediately; he certainly knows how to play a part" she outlined, before smirking a little. "The Guardians might be suspicious for awhile, but if Grier denies any knowledge, that should add authenticity to his story."
The two men shared a smile, clearly agreeing. "We'll make sure everything goes smoothly, Lady Sophie" Santiago promised, before his brow furrowed. "But you also look a little tired..."
Mmh- yeah, the slight exhaustion in her limbs testified to that effect.
"Well, I did summon Phoenix; some weariness is bound to follow" she said, a little faint - even now, she could still only imagine (and admire) the power it took to do so with two Legendary Titans, as Lok had. Her own power is nothing to scoff at, as was the power of all her friends, but Lok's determination and stamina seemed more than human sometimes.
Even still, she somberly wondered if doing that - plus everything else that happened prior - had drained his life-force in order to keep his body going...
"Then please, Lady Sophie" Santiago insisted, bringing her back. "Rest up on the trip back, the entire way."
"...I'll do my best, Santiago. Thank you both."
"Our pleasure" LeBlanche answered, saluting a little, which was mimicked by Santiago - then their images disappeared from her Cypherdex. Afterward, Sophie glanced down the plane's somewhat-darkened aisle and saw that Lok wasn't back yet, from whatever he's doing... granted, he said that he'd message Zhalia via Logosbook, but that shouldn't be taking this long.
"What is he doing back there?"
Sophie was about to get up and find out before Lok opened the door, stopping her- immediately, her eyes were drawn to what he held; a cup of steaming liquid. Lok closed the door behind him, still carefully holding his cup by the handle, where he soon joined her... he was slightly nervous but mostly his usual self, evidenced by his smile.
She glanced at the cup again, determining it to be tea. "When did you-?"
"I've been secretly practicing how to brew it, with LeBlanche's help" Lok admitted, slightly sheepish. "I'm not sure I'll like this stuff, and LeBlanche says I still have a long way to go... but I thought you'd appreciate the thought, Sophie. And right now, I thought you could use one to help you recover."
Sophie felt her cheeks heat up slightly, and couldn't resist a smile as she gently took the cup from his hands. To her nose it smelled like oolong, a basic recipe for tea, and she didn't waste a moment in drinking it afterword.
Hmm...
"Well, Sophie?" Lok asked after several seconds.
Her lip curved. "Perhaps not 'good' by the standard definition" Sophie answered, slightly teasing; he didn't appear one bit surprised, but she still softened her tone. "Yet as far as metaphorical sweetness, definitely an A+, Lok."
He blushed a little, rubbing at his head - she offered for him to sit beside her, which Lok easily did. "Sorry it isn't better" he apologized, "but I've only had a couple of lessons."
"I can tell that much, but it isn't terrible either" she assured, touching his shoulder - she took another sip without issue. "Besides, you're bound to learn from experience."
Her statement did register, but it was her 'still-drinking-his-mediocre-tea' that had the most impact in his expression.
"I hope so" Lok breathed, softer - it wasn't long before his fingers brushed against hers, which she enjoyed. "Still, Sophie, you did great out there."
"Go on" Sophie said, slightly airily.
"I mean seriously, you kind of did more than me out there" Lok admitted, but enjoying this. "Gathering data on both artifacts like that, summoning Phoenix who saved our butts- they were all pretty amazing."
She raised an eyebrow, moving her fingers against his. "Are you saying I impressed you, Lok? Because I think I'd have done that by now."
He shook her head. "No, more like you-" Lok started, faltering a bit before getting over it. "Well, Sophie, that it made me feel like everything would work out. That we- I, felt we were safe."
Sophie felt a little rush of warmth again, and it wasn't long before she leaned over to kiss him - Lok didn't mind, though he had a reaction to the taste of tea on her lips. The thought made her want to giggle, knowing he'd said that he wasn't for the taste, but sometimes these things happened.
"Well don't think you weren't the same, Lok" she said, staying close. "The way you commanded Lindorm, it makes me feel safe as well, knowing such a formidable Titan thinks you're a fine leader" Sophie continued, seeing him smile close-up. "And you even managed a message to me through him... another example of how close we are."
Lok's answer to that was quite physical, just the way she liked it.
...
He's glad Sophie still thought that way, that he made her feel safe in dangerous situations, even as she appreciated him saying the same. In fact, their kiss expressed all that and more... even now it's all too easy to get lost in the sensations, but Lok doubted either of them would mind that right now...
Somewhere during a break, Sophie leaned closer to him from her seat - the nighttime lighting seemed to make her look mysterious, or something similar.
"Speaking of Phoenix though, I think I was right to summon her" she breathed to him, still softer. "Not just because of Ymir, an icy Frost Giant, but because she helped make sure we had some protection in that snowstorm... something Pendragon or Quetzalcoatl couldn't have done."
"Or Kipperin" he admitted, a little breathless for a moment, but smiling. "In fact, that snowstorm would've forced us way off-course by the time it was done, if it was just him."
"Indeed" she whispered. "And also, Hoffman proved himself well; I'm sorry I doubted him."
"I'm sure he's fine, Sophie" Lok said, tracing a finger across her cheek, which got her attention. "Besides, it's sorta natural to be suspicious. I didn't exactly like the fact myself, but he simply obeys orders; it wasn't anything personal when he previously fought against us. That included today, where he took out Icarus."
Sophie slowly nodded, still having that apologetic flicker. "True enough."
"Still, some picnic this mission turned out to be."
She raised an eyebrow again, interested. "You planned one, Lok?"
"I wish I had" Lok admitted softly, chuckling. "I expected this mission to be easy, but of course it didn't turn out that way... if it had though, we would've gotten back to Venice sooner, probably well before Zhalia, Den, and Cherit got back. We could've been alone for awhile then, perhaps had a real picnic-"
"In the snow?" Sophie asked, clearly smirking; he was sheepish.
"No, indoors" he mentioned, giving her a little smirk of his own. "A little improvised, but still counts."
At least a few seconds passed, then she 'relented'. "I could get behind that, quite easily, Lok. It sounds very appealing" Sophie admitted, arms crossed teasingly.
"I should hope so" Lok said, rubbing his head. "I've been meaning to do that for awhile."
She smiled, probably remembering back to the Amazon forest search, just like he's doing. "Well, perhaps one day" Sophie assured, leaning against his shoulder. "You must love the idea though, if you've been keeping it alive all this time."
His answer came automatically, without thought: "Not just the idea, Sophie" Lok said. "It's being with you that I love."
Sophie gasped this time, cheeks turned redder, while it took him a half-sec to realize what he'd said - right away, his own cheeks heated, and he briefly worried that he'd overstepped himself. "I-" he started to say, before Sophie took his hand, stalling that... before he could even look at her again, her lips had found his, kissing him in a very loving way.
After a long time: "That means a lot to me, Lok" she whispered to him, really soft. "But you should say it properly."
Lok slowly let out a breath, the worry going away; Sophie was thrilled.
"I- I love you, Sophie."
"Mmh, me too."
He half-opened his eyes. "Hey" Lok breathed, trying to sound peeved-
-Sophie giggled profusely, clearly having planned that. "I love you too, Lok" she whispered, still very close. "Don't worry."
Despite Sophie's little tease there, he hadn't doubted it for a moment- after all, he'd pretty sure now that their affections had started awhile ago. In fact, going by their progression, they might've hit true love the moment they became official, just as they'd been relationship-level while they'd been non-committed in practice.
Weird how these things work sometimes.
"I never have, Sophie" Lok breathed, kissing her again. "In fact, as I'm sure you've guessed, I've known for awhile. Plus, I'm pretty sure I've said more embarrassing things before now... so it was a little easier for me."
Sophie cupped his cheeks. "You have" she said, entirely sincere yet gentle. "Still, despite being not 'entirely' good at these things, you were honest, Lok. That's enough for me."
"Hehe... thanks, Sophie."
"Good. Now come here."
Foundation Prison
New York, USA
"Is Hoffman alright?"
Grier nodded, arms crossed. "He says despite some unexpected bad luck, Lok and Sophie managed to play the situation like he'd been duped."
Dante made a small hum, thinking that's clever of both parties for playing along. He knew expecting a perfectly-executed mission was a little much to ask for, but he's glad that despite the interruption everyone had gotten out unharmed. "And the Guardians?" he asked.
The other man shrugged. "Suspicious, throwing accusations that the Organization co-opted this unauthorized venture, the works" Grier said, before smirking. "They're hard-pressed to give me any concrete evidence though, yet they'll still give me no end of grief about it. Still, those two kids played their part well under pressure, as did Hoffman... even if he claimed that 'I'm getting too old for this'."
Both of them shared a little smirk about that.
"All-in-all, I'd say it went as well as could be hoped" Dante admitted, glancing up. "They haven't recovered the artifacts themselves, but in context of at least one being Guardian-made, it's good that they didn't at this point. I'll have to have Guggenheim to praise Den for his foresight."
"You do that" Grier answered, subtly approving, before motioning sideways. "Now, shall we?"
"Let's."
One short walk later, they again found themselves in front of Klaus' jail cell - Zhalia caught his eye for a bit, and he slowly nodded, with her reactions becoming subtle-yet-complex. He understood; Grier's proposition, that Klaus re-join the Organization, would change things between her and her father figure. Of course they cared for each other, yet the differences regarding her transition to the Huntik Foundation still had many unspoken conversations for them to go through. Zhalia had probably answered a few of those in today's talk, but there were many aspects still to be talked about, under more private situations than this.
Klaus shifted against the bars. "So what's the decision?"
Dante crossed his arms a little. "After a quick talk with the Huntik Council, regarding my word and Zhalia's about your status, it's been agreed that the Organization has granted you asylum, Klaus" he said, with appropriate weight. "You're not completely off the hook yet, and Grier will make certain you understand your status. Any major trouble caused will turn you back over to the Huntik Foundation, with no further chance of asylum for awhile... and perhaps more than that, if you're unlucky."
Klaus' expression didn't change as he listen. "As best as I could've expected, and perhaps more" he accepted, glancing at Zhalia, who's expression flickered. "Thank you, Dante Vale."
"Just make sure you carefully listen to Grier; he's the one who'll decide everything about your status from now on" he answered, before producing a key, given to him by the guards. "Farslip" he added, the key itself glowing a little with the energy - the key itself would've fit, but without the Seeker spell, it wouldn't have done a thing for the lock.
In short order, the cell door rattled somewhat as it swung outward, Klaus slowly walking forward under their gazes- he looked at Zhalia.
"I hope we can talk again soon, Zhalia" he said, quite sincere.
She managed a small quirk of a smile, having her usual composure, but underneath that Dante could see the many different emotions she felt.
"Well, we'll see how the future goes" Zhalia answered.
Klaus merely nodded, as if he'd expected such an answer, and neither of them reached forward for a hug, a handshake, or anything. Instead, after a few moments, Klaus turned away to follow Grier - he gave a last look behind him, then began to move on. Dante watched this for a little, before he slowly looked at Zhalia, who was half-turned away... from Klaus and the prison's monitoring systems, but not from him.
"You did well, Zhalia" Dante breathed, gentle.
Her lip quirked again, but slowly, she came toward him without looking... Zhalia leaned against him without prompting, and he easily wrapped his arm around her back. Not a word or a sound did she make, but he respected her silence just gently rubbed at her back.
...
A little later; outside
Even now, her emotions tried to get out of her control... 'tried', anyway.
Zhalia let out a breath, knowing seeing Klaus again wouldn't be easy - even if she'd be prepared - but also thinking she should've handled herself a bit better. Yet she knew it wasn't that simple, no matter how much she might wish so... it would've been nice for her composure though.
"Are you okay?" Dante asked, eyebrow raised.
"I'm fine enough" Zhalia admitted, before slowly looking at him. "If anything, I'm more concerned about you, Dante."
He stopped entirely... as the moments passed, Dante merely shifted where he stood.
"I'm sorry Klaus brought that subject up" she breathed, fainter but sincere. "If I'd known, I would've stopped him."
"...I know, Zhalia."
"Do you want to talk?"
Dante was silent for a long time, his only motions being to get off the public sidewalk, so they wouldn't disturb people. "It's a fact of my life" he said wryly, extremely faint, eyes faraway. "Yet I'm not sure I can face it, Zhalia. Not since Metz's illness have I felt so helpless inside... at least, at times."
Zhalia slipped closer, touching her hand to his while the other went to his shoulder, rubbing against both.
Her touch comforted him, for his grip on her hand tightened. "Death is a domain well beyond our perceptions, Zhalia" he stated, half-turning toward her, eyes closed. "We aren't supposed to understand it, not while we're alive..."
"You fear that if you dwell upon it, you'll go mad? Lose sight of what's important? Or something along those lines?"
Dante didn't answer.
Feeling her heart start to ache, Zhalia slipped even closer and, despite some hesitation, touched her hand to his cheek. Dante moved slightly at the touch, eyes half-opening... he didn't react until she kissed him, upon which he slowly started to return the favor. Seconds stretched into minutes as she tried to comfort him, to remind Dante that she's here, no matter how inexperienced she might be at this - Zhalia moved slightly when his hands found her waist, pulling her against his chest without any warning, which didn't help her beating heart. Still, she fought to remember it's for Dante's sake... and for that, she could endure just about anything...
After awhile, they finally broke apart from the kiss, and Dante just leaned against her for awhile.
"Zhalia..."
Just her name again; slowly, hesitant, she kissed his neck in response.
"I- I don't know if you can tell, just how much I want to thank you right now."
Zhalia tried to quell her heated cheeks. "That's not necessary, Dante" she whispered to him. "I hate seeing you like this, probably as much as you do."
"Even still... right now, I might've gone farther to express that, if we weren't in public."
As he said that, his fingers traced lines over her neck...
Zhalia couldn't hold back the small rush of shy/embarrassed warmth if she tried, but thankfully, it wasn't enough to distract her overly much.
"Well... until I actually feel a certain sign, I won't take you at your word" Zhalia breathed for her own benefit, adjusting her grip. "But Dante, I know you well; you always find a way to manage, and this won't be any different. I'll help make sure of that."
Dante slowly moved against her, just listening.
"That said... i-if you did nibble my neck later, as a way to thank me... I could probably handle things."
He lifted his head a bit; she couldn't see his expression, but he had to be a little surprised.
Zhalia just fought (and partly failed) to keep the warmth from heating up any further, grip tightening. "For a time, maybe" she added, somewhat tighter for a moment. "Depending on several things."
Slowly, quite slowly, Dante pulled back just enough for them to look at each other - his expression was still somewhat down, but her words were dispersing the darker feelings quickly. "Zhalia..." he breathed, surprised.
"Dante."
Her turn, just saying his name and expressing it all... particularly the fact that despite some embarrassment, she's serious.
After a moment, his expression lightened a little. "That's a sorta-bold thing to say, Zhalia" Dante whispered, more like himself; he leaned their foreheads together. "Truly."
She said nothing.
"But perhaps next time" he whispered, before kissing her again- Zhalia managed to return it. After that, he pulled back from her entirely, taking in a deep breath... used to the routine by now, she did much the same thing, both of them regaining their composure. When Dante looked at her next, it was with a small smile, and she returned it in her own way - without another word, they went back to walking the streets, spending a little time together before they had to meet up with Den, and probably Harrison too.
A good portion of it was spent hand-in-hand though.
/
Harrison's place
"Okay, I'm definitely done... for the year."
"That exaggeration aside, you've made a lot of progress, Den."
Harrison agreed, watching Den rest in a chair (and Cherit encouraging him) - he glanced at Medusa's amulet, which looked innocent but sure as hell wasn't. Carefully, he picked it up by the chain, remembering back to the long hours of training; she actually did listen to his brother now, but still seemed half-feral like a wild animal, and Den didn't think she's safe just yet. What little he felt from the amulet definitely supported this... part of him was glad the Foundation had gotten her first, just barely, because those damn Spirals would've been 'perfect' for her. Their single-minded fixation on destruction, hurting people, and the works- it's well up there with crazy.
His grip tightened a little.
"Man, Medusa sure knows how to put up a fight" Den breathed, rubbing his temple. "I haven't been that drained since- since Hermos tested me."
Brought out of it, Harrison glanced at his brother; he's still curious about that tale, but given Den's drained state, probably best to hold off on that... for now.
"And yet for all that work, she's still stubborn" he added, if a little light. "Want something, Den? Water?"
"Please."
One quick detour later, Den was looking a little better, even as Cherit washed off some of his bro's sweat with a cloth. "I get Medusa's been like this for a long time" Den breathed, mouth twisting. "Some things won't change in a day, or weeks, even once you find the key."
"But if it comes down to sheer persistence, Den, you've got that" Harrison said, sitting in another chair. "She's no match for you."
"Heh, thanks for the encouragement, bro."
Den still sounded weary, not too optimistic, but Harrison let it go. "Any luck on your vision though?" he asked, more serious.
His brother closed his eyes, leaning his head back before shaking it. "No, it all went by so fast" he grunted, brow furrowed. "I didn't get specific details, though there was something big, almost like a Titan, that might have been causing havoc... but I'm not sure. Once I make sense of anything I'll let you know, Harrison."
"There was nothing truly bad though, right?" Cherit continued, wringing the cloth on the side. "I mean, you didn't feel influenced in any way?"
Den shook his head again, though his brow stayed furrowed, and Harrison shared that suspicion. It's possible the Blood Spirals hadn't managed to work whatever it was, but they weren't convinced yet... they'd ruled out influencing Medusa for the most part (as she's exactly the same), and they'd just now ruled out influencing his brother...
So what was it then? The visions?
Mmh... possibly, but he didn't know how that could work... aside from Arc, visions were an inexact art among bonded Titans; sometimes they happened, and sometimes they didn't. A few researchers theorized that that's Arc's doing, somehow, but without proof one way or the other there's no way to tell that... though if the reports are anything to go by, it wouldn't be something the Legendary Titan would pass up.
Or the Blood Spirals, if they could somehow.
"Either way, we have to be on the lookout" Den said, bringing Harrison back. "Me, you, Cherit, and Zhalia; I'll have to mention this to her when we meet up, and maybe Dante can help too."
"Right" he agreed, before he scooped up Medusa's amulet and tossed it over; Den caught it. His look at said amulet wasn't completely good, but there's some satisfaction - Medusa might be making things difficult, but progress is being made.
"Heh, yeah, all because you hate failure, bro" Harrison thought. "I don't know if you always hated that, but I can understand why you do."
Den tilted his head. "Meanwhile, Tenome really came in handy for training Medusa" he added, looking over. "Not just because he's fast, but because his eye-palms can't be affected by Medusa's ability. ...What are those about anyway?"
He smirked then. "Cherit, can you get my Holotome?" he asked, gesturing behind him. "It'd be quicker to show it."
"You got it!" the Titan cheered, flying over in a pinch - without too much effort, he dangled it before him; Harrison took it, starting to work the keys to set up what he wanted.
"Tenome" it spoke, showcasing the Titan's image while he did so. "Attack: 2; Defense: 2; Type: Hecto-Titan Scout; Size: Average; Special Abilities: Phase Shift, Energy Palms"
"How very interesting" Cherit answered, settling upon the arm of the chair next to him, excited.
Den chuckled. "That makes two of us, Cherit."
"Here we go then" Harrison said, whereupon the Holotome projected a three-dimensional image, involving them training. On the image, Holo!Den fired off a Raypulse, which Holo!Tenome intercepted with it's left eye-palm and flat-out absorbed into his body. He then raised the right hand, and Den's Raypulse fired out of the right eye-palm; Holo!Den dodged in true fashion, even looking back at the wall behind him in response.
"That's probably what I would've done" Den noted, smirking with interest. "Nice ability he's got, Harrison."
Harrison just smirked back. "It's not overpowered though; Tenome can only fire whatever he absorbs" he explained. "He absorbs one blast and returns one blast, and that's all. I haven't yet found a limit on how much he can absorb at once, or return, but it's only a matter of time."
"Even with a limit, it can be a formidable ability" Cherit acknowledged, cheerful. "Redirecting Seeker spells like that can be a major advantage. Almost a shame he can't do so with anything else though."
"Mmh, yeah; 'Energy Palms' is pretty specific" Den answered, before shrugging. "When you said it's legend was 'simple' though, Harrison, did it include anything about being able to do that?"
"Not at all; it's just a legend about a man, who's eyes are on his palms instead of his face. Nothing more."
Cherit then hummed. "Perhaps Tenome is one of the growing list who've undergone 'Modernization'" he stated, to which Den vaguely nodded his head-
-but Harrison was a little out of it. "What's that?" he asked, confused.
"Something Zhalia's noticed as-of-late" his brother answered, a bit amused. "Basically that while Titans have inspired legends as we've read them (Harrison nodded), some of them seem to have changed those designs since then, and perhaps added abilities that we see often in fiction. Not all, but definitely some."
"Like?"
"Like Zhalia's Lernaean Hydra" Cherit chimed in. "In the legend, said creature is a single-headed creature about the size of a man, and who couldn't regenerate period. The Titan himself is considerably larger, nine-headed, and can regenerate given time and energy. Or Den's Tyrannos, who definitely resembles the media depiction of a T. rex, instead of the accurate renderings seen in today's reconstructions... though some debate's still going on about him."
He gave Den a raised eyebrow; Den chuckled, a bit sheepish. "There's still a lot of questions to be answered about this process" his brother explained. "If Tyrannos was around on Earth a long time, buried in the middle of that skeleton's skull he was found in, why did he choose the media representation? Did he have a choice? Or is he a more-recently-migrated Titan? There's a bunch of such questions going on in the research division, from what I heard."
Harrison considered that. "And thus, wondering whether he fits the category for being 'modernized', like Lernaean Hydra might" he realized, before laughing. "Did Zhalia plan on it catching on?"
"Coining the theory of modernization itself, yes. The name itself catching on, no" Den answered, clearly feeling the same.
Cherit did a little mid-air motion, sharing a little grin himself. "I'll bet she's clearly amused about it, because it's a 'simple' name."
The three of them laughed over that.
...
Airport
On the way to the airport, he and Harrison continued to discuss things, as did Cherit inside the car (well under the view of the windows). Den was still curious about this team Harrison is part of, remembering their group photo back there, which had been part of their discussion.
Turns out their names were Carla (the blonde with the mild tan), Vanya (the African-American leader), and Raul (the big Mexican guy). All three seemed interesting cases, as they'd been born/raised outside the US, yet took up a post that stationed them here whenever they weren't globetrotting. Personality-wise they were somewhat different, yet they did share several things in comparison, one in particular being a feeling that they didn't belong in the past. Although there wasn't enough time for Harrison to go into too many specifics, Den knew it struck a chord with him, and he saw the same reaction in Harrison; they never quite felt like they'd belonged in that orphanage. And when they were finally free of it, they felt like they had found their place... although, Harrison took a little longer to get there than him.
But anyway, it was this common thread that made them accepting of Harrison, among other things. Den was glad for it, knowing that not everyone might've been okay with Harrison having willingly (if misguidedly) joined the Blood Spirals for a time.
"So, Carla joined the Canadian military, and even got into their Special Forces" Harrison outlined to him, before shaking his head with a smirk. "But I mean, while she was great as a soldier and wanted to help people, she soon realized that she hated the lack of individuality. So one day she kinda 'broke down', and got a... 'discharge', I think it's called? Something about honor in there as well."
"Probably an 'honorable discharge'" Cherit filled in, with Harrison briefly giving him a thumbs-up. "They're very particular with those."
Of course they are.
"And that patch I saw in her picture?" Den asked, though inwardly he wondered if Carla was older than she looked. Unless she got early promotions or something, it sounded like it'd taken some time before she got into Special Forces, or that's how it normally worked.
Harrison chuckled. "It says 'Viam Inveniam', which means 'I shall find a way'; even though she's not in the military anymore, she lives by those words, including her experiments with Seeker spells. But anyway bro, the short version is that one day she oversaw a Seeker, followed him, stuff happened, she got very interested by what she saw, joined the Foundation, and the rest is history."
Normally he would've wanted to know more, but since they weren't far from the airport - in fact, they could see it outside the car now - that'd have to wait.
"And the other two?"
His younger brother nodded. "Raul grew up in a bad neighborhood, forced to do drug runs by gangs to protect his family, though he never did anything too terrible" Harrison continued, more grim. "Then one day, that gang was ambushed by a pair of Seekers, who then called the police on the whole operation; you can guess how he felt about that. Vanya had the most normal childhood, but one day she, in her own words, "did something stupid" to prove herself to some friends... and stumbled upon an amulet by accident. When she unintentionally summoned the Titan inside, it terrified her village because they thought it was attacking them, and they kind of uh, mass-shunned her afterward. Then she was taken in by Seekers who came to investigate the strange reports that resulted."
Ouch; Den sympathized with them both, particularly Raul, given that gangs could be really nasty customers. Even their time at the orphanage, as unpleasant as it'd been, had only consisted of normal bullying antics who you could fight back against... the idea of being around gangs who could easily kill you, your family, or even just innocent people at any time, unless you do what they want?
He'd take the orphanage any day, and that's saying something!
Soon after, they arrived at the airport, Den making sure to help secure Cherit inside his bag; sadly, unlike their Foundation driver, normal people couldn't see him. Sill, they followed their directions until they eventually came upon one of the food arears, recognizing Dante and Zhalia by profile alone, who were sitting at a deserted table in a corner, well able to blend in even there.
As they got closer:
"You sure about that, Zhalia?"
"I already sent it."
Den wondered what they're talking about, but then Dante saw them, waving - Zhalia had her back to him currently, but her lip curved once they took seats opposite them, Cherit carefully diving underneath the table. "Glad you could join us" Dante said with ease, looking the part as well. "Zhalia and I were just enjoying a little time to ourselves."
"Cut the playact, Dante" Zhalia said without looking- he chuckled in response, even as her lip remained curved.
He shared a small look with Harrison; these two - better than Lok and Sophie about public displays, but still guilty of them.
"Anyway" Harrison started. "Why are we meeting inside this airport? Could've met at my place, if you wanted."
"I imagine that, but Den and Cherit are already intruding upon your hospitality; we wouldn't want to make it worse" Dante said, slightly airy. "Plus it was a simple precaution: if either of you wanted to go back tonight, I could manage to give you a Scramjet right now, give-or-take some favors."
Den rubbed his head, noting Zhalia wasn't one bit surprised. "Well you don't have to go that far, Dante" he said, shrugging. "I've made some progress with Medusa, but it's not an emergency to get back as soon as possible, at least for now."
They were visibly interested. "Really?" Dante approved, smiling. "How'd you do it?"
"Den said it was something about 'fixation'" Harrison started, smirking at him. "Then it was nothing but training all day."
For that, Den pushed his brother's shoulder, but they shared a chuckle. "It wasn't easy" he said, still remembering that exhaustion from today. "She's still dangerous, but I think I actually got her to obey me... for now; it's not like she actually respects me a whole lot."
Zhalia tilted her head. "Even for an entire day of training, that's noteworthy" she said, similarly approving as her fingers twiddled with a straw. "No one's bonded to Medusa at all in a long time."
From under the table, in a hushed voice: "I said much the same thing."
"That aside, we don't know that there have been many attempts" Dante teased - without looking, Zhalia smirked. "Still Den, that is impressive. And Cherit, I hope you at least kept yourself out of Medusa's reach."
"Sure did; she's fast, but I'm faster still."
"He was on guard the whole time we were training, just in case she got out of hand." Den breathed, before glancing down. "I know it'll probably take longer before I make more progress. Still I'm worried, as Medusa showed me a vision partway through training."
Dante and Zhalia remained interested, but it slowly changed as they saw that the two brothers were more intent - even Cherit made a sound under the table.
"What did you see?" Zhalia asked-
-he sighed. "Most of it was a jumble, but I did see myself somehow involved with a Titan" Den admitted, looking back up. "Harrison."
Nodding, Harrison dug through their stuff until he discreetly pulled out Den's Holotome- Zhalia glanced at Dante, who immediately scooped one of the menus and gave it to her. Zhalia held it upright on the side of the table with one arm, blocking the device from view, while they all watched as Harrison worked it... and eventually an image of said Titan came up.
Female, humanoid, long blue hair, crazy look-
-The Legendary Titan of Fate, Arc.
In that moment of recognition, Zhalia's grip tightened on her menu, threatening to permanently bend it- Dante looked down to such a degree that his eyes were hidden, saying nothing. Den knew right away that they'd had experience with this Titan just from their reactions, and quickly tried to remember the stories of the team before his time... did they mention this Legendary Titan?
Right now, he didn't think so... and now he had an idea why that might be: bad memories.
"What don't I know now?" Den asked, a bit weary. "Is it really that bad?"
Five full seconds passed, Harrison sharing a small look with him, starting to worry-
-"You have no idea, Den. Arc is a devil all her own."
Zhalia's voice had been as tight as he'd ever heard it, and more than that, the menu fell from her hand to the floor, entirely unnoticed. Harrison quickly hid the Holotome itself, but his look reflected a lot of what Den thought, thinking it must be bad... particularly since Dante was unnaturally quiet.
Zhalia noticed, but without looking, her hand seemed to move under the table. "Tell us everything, Den, Harrison" she said, seemingly in Dante's place. "Everything."
Den slowly glanced under the table. "Cherit?"
Clinging to the table's under-supports, he was sadder, but still determined. "If Zhalia and Dante don't tell you the details, I will later" he assured, if subdued. "But this could be important. Bad, but important."
"...Right."
Destination: Venice, Italy
Huntik plane
The previous day
Both of them lay sprawled in their seats, if still half-against each other, heavy in breathing... their clothes were a mess too, fairly ruffled and a select few at their feet...
"Oh wow" Lok whispered, lifting himself up a bit - the air felt a little cool on his chest. "Sophie... you always learn fast."
Beside him, Sophie was similarly flustered, but she managed to start readjusting her shirt; unlike him, she was still wearing it. "Well, t-thank you, Lok" she breathed, also sitting up after a bit. "But you're not so bad yourself. I'm just sorry that I... well-.
For a moment, their cheeks were redder.
"Don't be sorry, Sophie. I'm not in any hurry."
"I know that, yet still; it must be at least a little frustrating."
Having picked up his shirts, Lok touched her shoulder, which got her to glance at him. "So you weren't ready today, or just wanted to get more comfortable with the idea" he said, shrugging with a smile. "And that's fine. You don't have to be forward all the time."
At that, Sophie slowly started to smirk, giving him a little look. "And you weren't forward?" she teased, getting better.
"Nope."
"Were."
"Not at all."
Sophie pushed his shoulder, which sent him 'hard' against his seat, but they were both laughing- it lasted quite a while. Lok was still shaking a little as he pulled on his shirts, noticing how Sophie tried not to look at him in the process, but hey, it's not like he minded.
Turns out they were just in time: "We will be arriving in Venice shortly. Thank you for flying with the Foundation today."
"Yet again" Lok noted, pulling his shirt down completely. "We just barely avoided the announcement."
Sophie chuckled, starting to buckle herself back up in preparation for landing procedures. "Indeed" she said mildly; she didn't sound at all like a woman who'd been feeling him up (and vice-versa) just minutes ago. He hid a grin at that, noting Sophie always tried to be composed, and so it came easy to her... but it also made it pretty fun to see her be nervous, hehe.
The thought made Lok smile, but he also knew it's not gonna last forever; the more she settles into this, the more forward she'll be.
So, she'll probably only be super-nervous during... a-any bigger stuff in the future, until they start getting used to that, and so on.
/
Casterwill Townhouse
Venice, Italy
Present day
As it turned out, Zhalia, Den, and Cherit were still in New York, and might not be back for another day or two. Having learned this through Logosbook when they arrived, and it being nighttime by that time, she and Lok went straight to bed... at least their trip hadn't been long enough to throw off their rhythms again.
Just before breakfast though:
"Go ahead; don't let me keep you" Sophie said to Lok, who nodded. But before he went to clean himself up, he surprised her with a kiss, even chuckling as he left/closed the door behind him.
Part of her wanted to tell him to wipe that smirk off his face, but Sophie felt that'd be a bit childish (and pointless since he'd closed the door), so she suppressed the instinct with a little effort. Underneath, she was still a little pleased about the affection, and had some lingering sensations from yesterday... Lok's touch wasn't perfect (nor was hers), both of them still learning as they went, but the sensations he'd invoked were truly like nothing she'd ever experienced before.
Shaking her head quickly, cheeks heated, Sophie moved downstairs after a minute.
In the kitchen, she found LeBlanche and Santiago hard at work; preparing breakfast together. LeBlanche was preparing a batch of tea for her, while Santiago was making eggs and bacon - they didn't have to, but clearly they'd chosen to, which made her smile.
And honestly, considering the calories she'd burned on the mission, could probably afford to eat like this today.
"Lady Sophie" LeBlanche greeted, while Santiago also inclined his head to her; she returned both with her own head nod. "You're just in time."
Sophie smiled. "It smells wonderful, you two" she admitted, standing off to one side. "Yet I wondered if I might ask you something, LeBlanche."
"But of course."
"Exactly how are you teaching Lok to make tea?"
LeBlanche wasn't surprised, gaining more of a knowing look. "I take it his attempt wasn't quite up to your standards" he said, rhetorical. "I'm not surprised, but we both know Lok mostly learns by experience and example, not the words he hears."
"I know that" Sophie breathed, a little more teasing-exasperated. "But even still, I'd think with your teachings, he'd have gotten even a little better than he has."
"Lok is fairly skilled, but I don't believe making tea is one of his talents."
After a moment, they laughed a little - in fact Santiago seemed to be smirking as well, considering he also made better tea than Lok did. It went on a little, leaving her to lean against the counter, smirking, "Well I'll definitely go along with that, but then again we all have our weaknesses. Lok's is apparently wet tea leaves."
"I heard that, Sophie"-
-which came from a freshly-cleaned-up Lok (save for a shower, which he's probably gonna leave until after breakfast), sitting down at the table. "Although, I'm not surprised either" he admitted, rubbed his head before shrugging. "I thought you were holding back a little to spare my feelings."
Sophie made a sound, crossing her arms. "Well, I wasn't lying either Lok" she answered, shrugging back. "Plus if I'd known you were coming, I'd have refrained from saying that."
"Uh huh."
She sighed, seeing he didn't believe that. "Anyway, I hope you're making extras, Santiago" Sophie said, going for a lighter tone. "Lok has quite the appetite after that mission."
"Already planned for, My Lady."
"Oh, and by the way" LeBlanche spoke up. "You have a message waiting for you, Lady Sophie."
Curious now, Sophie nodded and went on her way, though not before messing up the back of Lok's head- his indignation made her laugh, and while he tried to fight it, he was grinning too. He got 'even' when he tapped her back, lower than was was strictly necessary, and she had to give him a look (that was ignored) before getting herself out of his sight.
She didn't exactly mind, but with LeBlanche and Santiago in the same room, that's another matter entirely.
Anyway, she summoned her Cypherdex again while sitting down, one leg over the other as she got to work, before an image popped up.
"Sophie" Lucas spoke, ever as direct.
Her lip curved, but only for a moment. "Lucas" Sophie greeted, head tilted. "What's new?"
He closed his eyes, slowly smirking; not exactly amused with her casual question, but he knew why it's important to her. Their relationship wasn't exactly an ideal brother-sister one even at the best of times, and while she held no illusions that Lucas would completely change, she at least wanted some semblance of family-level care that wasn't related to duty.
"I'm doing fine, as are Lane and Dellix" Lucas answered, working through it himself. "More than fine actually, in their case. I'm also revising my opinion of Viviane, as just like her grandmother she's easing into her role as an Elder... but she still needs confidence."
"That takes time to build up, as well as experience - Viviane's proven herself, but she's still young" Sophie admitted, glancing off. "Younger even than me; we must be patient."
His nodded slowly. "Anyway, the reason I'm calling is twofold, Sophie" Lucas stated-
Inwardly, Sophie sighed... well, that's as well as she could reasonably expect, but she resolved to get much more when they next see each other in person.
"First off, Viviane and the other Elders have received news from Dante" he continued. "The Organization has recovered the ring of Araknos. I imagine Dante would have informed you soon, but I figured I'd save you and Lok the trouble."
Her mood went grim for a time, vividly remembering having to fight that Legendary Titan, and it's dangerous mind-control threads- only certain Titans were immune to them, and even fewer could fight them off without such abilities. Having been bonded to Simon for so long meant he basically had the same mindset as well... a mind of control, one that could seek to do so even with a Seeker who can work with him. Sophie was just starting to rack her brain, to think if there was anyone who could attempt it, before Lucas' last statement sunk in; saving them the trouble? That definitely didn't sound like her brother, but then again, she realized it must also be his way of trying... they still didn't agree on some things, but they were trying.
She smiled a little. "I appreciate that, Lucas" Sophie admitted, a bit easier. "I'm sure Lok will as well.
A moment where he inclined his head.
"And the second thing?
Lucas truly did smirk this time. "Between the Foundation and ourselves, we've had some success in 'upgrading' Curselock, into Curseseal" he said, tone fitting to his words - her first inward reaction was 'Finally!', along with wanting to ask what took so long. "We've been testing it, and thus far it seems to be a success. Soon enough, the spell's specs should be publicly released - Zhalia, Den, and Harrison, they should appreciate it too."
"I think that's an understatement, but I'm glad to hear it anyway" Sophie admitted, having a small grin. "Once they're back, I'm gonna enjoy that."
Her brother seemed to dismiss that, in the sense that it's a quirk of hers, but wasn't otherwise scoffing. "Do as you will, Sophie" he said, before shifting and raising a hand. "And be safe."
Nodding, she raised her hand in return so he could see it on his Cypherdex's image. "Take care, Lucas."
Seconds latter, his image faded away, and her own Cypherdex wasn't long in following- leaning backward, Sophie rested her head with a sigh.
A little later: "Sophie?"
Opening her eyes, she glanced up and saw Lok standing in front of her, holding a plate full of some breakfast. "You okay?" he asked, concerned.
Sophie smiled, feeling a little better already. "Yes, I am."
He probably heard the undertones in her voice, but he returned the smile and stepped closer, sitting beside her. "Want some breakfast?" he offered, verbally and literally, holding the plate between them. "I can always get more for us."
"I'd like that Lok, but I can't believe you actually brought a plate this time."
"Heh, well, I know how much you hate crumbs on the couch."
They shared a little laugh- but even still, Sophie gratefully took the plate - a breakfast talk with Lok is just what she needs right now.
Unknown location
Even now things were moving apiece, but their enemies were working their own countermeasures... as was being gripped about right now.
Beside him, Shauna crushed a rock with her bare hands, venting her rage and practically hissing- not unlike Shakrit would do. "As expected, the 'heroes' have upgraded the spell that blocks our Spiral Marks" she spat. "Now we cannot easily track their whereabouts; it is as if the soldiers marked don't even exist, so the magic cannot find them."
Wind just gave a mangled grunt, arms crossed.
"Of course we will break through it again, but that requires time!" Shauna rounded on him, but in a reserved matter; no one other than the Betrayer got that treatment. "And until then, half our forces are still locked up, still waiting for the Betrayer's signal to use their newly-learned spell, while the other half are even now-"
A groan interrupted her, and they both looked over to see the Betrayer struggling a bit - he didn't look weak, but clearly focused upon something. They both stood up, just in case, but not coming closer until it's clear that he needed help...
"Relax; I am fine" the Betrayer spoke. "Just dealing with my vessel."
He felt some slight relief, but wasn't surprised; Kiel had always been a barely-controlled hothead. Wind had never particularly liked him, but he made a good elite tool.
From beside him: "Anything we can do?"
"Not particularly, Shauna. Kiel's body is still ill-equipped to deal with my energies, yet it is subsiding with time, and soon enough it should be completely adjusted to the change. Kiel's personality is also gradually being assimilated into mine."
He raised a fist, a gesture not unlike Kiel would do, revealing his vessel's Spiral Mark on the back of it. Wind glanced at Shauna, who returned it with her eyes only; they didn't know all the details, but they knew of the intended ploy - the 'heroes' would remember that the Betrayer's spirit is bound to a body, via such a mark. That particular one would be the obvious decoy, but it would leave them guessing where the real one was, since it obviously was no longer on Kiel's chest (if it was all)... a piece of information only the Betrayer knew.
"Shauna, Wind."
In an instant, they knelt before him, ready to serve - thus far it's only the three of them, with the other soldiers currently 'occupied'.
"The dimensional barrier is slowly weakening from the mass expeditions into Huntik, but it would be folly to expect it to come undone on it's own anytime soon. And even if it were to, eventually the 'heroes' would focus all their attention upon this issue, and knowing their luck, find a way to heal it even if they had to stop going all-together."
"We could 'help' it fall apart" Shauna replied, excited at the upcoming thoughts of violence. "Though that would require great power to do. Perhaps another Nullifier incursion-"
The Betrayer shook his head, walking in front of them - they did not meet his gaze, yet. "It takes much time, preparation, as well as power, and the gain is merely one breach that would likely be closed again via the same luck. And while this systematic progression goes on, the heroes would still have enough time and resources to continue their research... and eventually, they would prevent all such dimensional breaches, just as Casterwill did with the Spiral Mark for the Nullifier's prison. It's only a matter-of-time."
Wind shifted, 'voicing' his concerns...
"Yes, indeed, Wind; if we cannot do so in progression, we must do so in one fell swoop, now that the breach in Huntik and further 'research' have weakened the dimensional barrier."
Shauna laughed, many dark thoughts in her expression. "That will require even more power" she stated, with satisfying tones.
"As expected, Shauna. The power of chaos will fuel this effort, and we must do our part to harness it... for now however, I expect you two to harness a particular source" he finished, before turning directly toward him.
They immediately looked up, Shauna particularly eager about this (if also curious like him).
"What shall we be working with, Betrayer?" she asked without hesitation.
The Betrayer simply chuckled, before producing two items from his person; crystals, each distinct in shape yet with a darkened center inside. Wind immediately recognized them as Amulets, but at the same time, they weren't Titan ones... in fact, with the energy he sensed from them, he immediately knew them to be Nullifiers.
Just like Void; scouts who had been captured, contained and sealed in the past war, or so it had been explained to them.
"These two have become rather stir-crazy, as some say now" the Betrayer spoke with amusement. "Left unchecked, they will rampage against foe and ally alike; see that their energy is contained until it can be properly unleashed. In the meantime, I have other business to take care of in Huntik."
Even as he bowed his head, Wind knew this wouldn't be an easy task-
-but at the same time, it excited him; the power of a Nullifier scout was nothing to scoff at.
/
Siberia
Shivering slightly, adjusting his jacket, Peter hurried onward and made sure the line of cameras were still working properly. One had a slight balance issue, as the rocks underneath seemed to have shifted, but the video itself was still working... not that there's much to watch; the Spiral Mark itself had been inactive ever since the first battle.
"Okay" Peter breathed, lifting up the tripod, trying to relocate it. "There."
Just as he smiled though, the picture completely went on the fritz, startling him.
"Huh? What the-?"
Something seized him, and he quickly turned around- for a nanosecond, just a nanosecond, he could've sworn he saw light in his peripheral vision. Yet even as he looked, the picture came back, and the Spiral Mark looked as inactive as ever... but the bad feeling wouldn't go away...
Good enough, as far as the Blood Spiral's concerned.
Quickly, Peter dug out his earpiece; "This is Peter" he spoke. "Anyone else get picture interruption? Anyone see any red glows?"
If the answer was at all yes, or even suspicions throughout the team that they had, the Foundation would need to hear about this.
/
Outer space
Jupiter Orbit
On Earth, most people couldn't see the truth, that of the giant Red Comet circling Jupiter's Great Red Spot perfectly. Only Seekers could see it, due to some magic they didn't understand... and they knew despite things, it was merely waiting, waiting for something...
It's red glow brightened for a moment.
To be continued...
Not only is the Blood Spiral up to no good, of course, we have Arc back in the picture... fun.
Yet meanwhile, much like the previous Third Book, romance abounds between LokXSophie and ZhaliaXDante, even if the former may have a leg-up... and speaking of whom, their getting closer makes it increasingly difficult for a scene to imply what they're doing with minimal details XD But that's alright, as while the main fic can't cover that with a T-rating, there are other means.
Stay tuned.