ML fanfic officially stuck in a rut. Guess I don't do fluff all that well.
Anyway, somewhat important question: I'm debating on whether to make a thread on Spacebattles or Sufficient Velocity or wherever. I'm not under the delusion that this story is uber popular like 'Hill of Swords' or 'On the Wings of an Eagle', but I do have consistent reviewers and PMers who ask questions and I do back and forth with. The thread should make it easier to communicate with any readers and allow more steady conversations rather than writing a review then waiting till the next update for a response.
I might also be able to write drafts and the like and post there; I have a few I've already written down but don't post since they don't count as full chapters. Maybe just something for light reading. With better communication it'll also leave the fanfiction site version's authors notes to be far less cluttered along with allowing me to know what you guys would prefer to see in the chapters and what we can do without.
What do you guys think? If you guys prefer not to then we can keep going as things are, but if yes then I can make one (leaning on spacebattles) then post the instructions of how to access it as an update for the story. Thanks for reading as always and for being patient with me. I'll still be updating the fic on this site, so think of it as more an addition than a replacement.
"No!"
Maria sat up on her bed, looking around her dark room frantically. Wiping the sweat off her brow, the middle-aged woman her feet on the ground and tried to catch her breath, "It's okay...just a nightmare." She closed her eyes and shook her head. It was...difficult to breath. Normally she would have chalked that up to age but this was something different. This wasn't the same difficulties that came with years of life.
She tucked her blanket closer to herself and shivered. Despite the bundles she wore she felt as if she had been dipped in icy waters. Night, day...the chill never left her or anyone else in the town.
It was odd at first, but they had thought nothing of it...at least until their children started disappearing. It was David's and Edith's baby girl at first, but soon it became evident that all their children were at risk. Some left, others locked their doors and kept their children in their rooms. She was of the latter group; perhaps it was pride, or maybe fear after the former seemingly disappeared without a trace as well. Whatever her reasons were she stayed, hoping that it would be alright in the end.
She had attempted it as well, but her son convinced her otherwise into allowing his younger siblings to stay at his room instead of hers. They'd argued about it all throughout the day, but eventually she relented when he convinced her that he could protect her better than she could. Much as she hated to admit it she had a point: He was a young man in the prime of his life and she was an old woman.
Still, it wouldn't hurt to check up on them. Putting on her slippers, she grabbed the lantern lying atop the table and lit it, sighing in relief as the fire bathed the room in warm light. Feeling more courageous, she opened the door to her room and made her way to her son's quarters. It would be a tight fit with three people in this one house but they had lived through worse.
"Evrard?" She knocked on the door gently. No response, "...Son, is everything alright?" Still no reply. She was beginning to worry, "Honestly, it wouldn't kill to answer-"
Her children were gone. Almost dropping the lantern in her panic, she raised the source of light and looked around the room frantically, "No...no,no,no!" She rushed to the bed and threw away the blankets. Nothing, no sign that her son had even been sleeping here. The mattresses on the floor were likewise abandoned, the pillows immaculately sitting on the head seemingly mocking her.
Legs giving way, she felt her knees buckling and she collapsed on top of the bed. Tears spilled from her eyes and she let out choked sobs. Her children were gone and she remained...she should have left when she had the chance. There was a chance they would be taken by whatever malevolent force but at least then they would have gone together and had a chance of escape.
She didn't know how long she stayed there weeping, but eventually she heard it humming: Humming, soft and hypnotic. Raising her head, she wiped her tear-stained face and tried to pinpoint the source.
"...Mother."
Her head snapped to her son's voice. Standing at the doorway was her eldest, an easy smile on his face. Maria felt her heart pound and she rushed to stand, "Evrard! Oh, thank Brimir!" She pulled her son into a desperate hug and let out a relieved breath, "Y-You're alright! I-I thought that..."
"I'm fine, mother..." He pushed her way gently, "It's just...I need you to come with me. Please?"
"Evrard, what's wrong?" Her brows knotted together in worry. Where were her youngest? "Wh-Where are Gwen and Gerard? Aren't they with you?"
"They're fine, mother. Everything's fine." He glanced at the door leading outside, "They're safe...I'll take you to them."
"Wh-What, y-you mean you left them!?"
"In a safe place!" He reassured quickly, "Please, mother, I want you to trust me. We weren't safe here so I found a way to keep us from being taken by them-"
"Them? Who is them?"
"It doesn't matter." He shook his head, "Just...we have to go. If we stay here we're gonna end up regretting it. I know way for us to be safe but I want you to trust me." He held onto her hand, his expression pleading, "You know I would never hurt your or Gwen or Gerard."
"I...I don't know...maybe we should-"
Her words died in her mouth as the humming returned, stronger than before. Slowly she found herself nodding and she followed, her body heavy. The night wind only worsened the chill she felt but she kept going, following her son's retreating figure. He would...He would keep them safe, right? Everything would be alright. She would see her children and they would leave this wretched place.
They arrived in the forest. It was difficult to see through the darkness, but the sounds were more than enough to know she wasn't alone. Looking side-to-side she caught glimpses of shadowy figures, all walking towards the same destination, "E-Evr...ard...who are...they?" It was difficult to speak. Her tongue felt heavy and every word seemed to freeze in her throat.
"The others from the village." He didn't look back, "Don't worry, we won't be alone."
Every instinct was telling her to leave, to run back to the village and lock her doors, but she continued to follow. As the path grew more narrow the figures drew closer and she finally saw them. The rest of the villagers, as Evrard had said, but there was something wrong with them. They muttered to themselves, their eyes empty and their expressions blank. A rare few had empty smiles on their faces, which served to only unnerve her more.
The humming was growing worse. Soon she could hear nothing, not even the sounds of her own heart beating against her chest. It was becoming harder to keep her eyes open. Someone bumped her shoulder, but she hardly noticed. It was as if she was drifting off to a peaceful sleep...
"We're here."
She blinked, finding it difficult to see through the darkness. Evrard stopped in front of a cave and gestured for her to stop. This was his 'safe haven'? She couldn't fathom what part of this could be considered a sanctuary.
And then she saw it. As the clouds parted the area was illuminated in light and she saw Evrard's ravaged corpse lying on the ground.
Her heart beat loudly against her chest, but she remained rooted to the spot. Her legs shook, trying to move and escape, but it was all for naught, "Y-You're...not...Evrard...!"
"I suppose not." The figured laughed. Stepping closer to her, the...monster cupped her cheeks and twisted her son's face into a demented smile, "I didn't lie, however. You'll be safe here...so long as you give yourself and follow faithfully."
Its features melted away. Maria's mouth opened in the silent scream as the skin disappeared, replaced by the nightmarish visage of a skull covered with a hood. All around her the other villagers seemed to take no notice, some even conversing with the open air as if nothing was wrong. She tried once more to force her body to move, but there was not even a twitch despite her best efforts.
"We shall join together."
"I didn't know you and Princess Henrietta were friends now."
Raziel looked up from his seat across the table. Louise was looking straight at him, one hand holding a teacup paused awkwardly in the air, "...How long have you been waiting to ask that?" He raised an eyebrow. It was clear by her expression that she'd been waiting for some time to say this; her behavior was rather stiff throughout the entire hour they spent together.
It was her suggestion that they do this. Not long after he'd arrived and run into her she'd suddenly invited him to tea in her room, ostensibly for the purposes of 'hanging out'. He only had a small moment of hesitation before quickly agreeing: It had been days since they'd properly spent time with one another and Tabitha's accusation still rung inside his head. Perhaps spending time with her would do him some good.
Well apparently it was simply a way to make her inquiry. He would've been lying if he said he wasn't disappointed.
"Ever since Princess Henrietta left yesterday." Her hand finally moved, bringing her teacup pressing it against her parted lips. She took a small sip before quickly lowering it, "Last I checked you were at each other's throats...in your case somewhat literally." She grimaced at the memory, "Now I hear you're discussing things that are apparently off-limits to me and that she needs your help."
"Hmm, I suppose I should be relieved that she finally found some information." He smiled faintly. His wounds still burned, but given his 'condition' he found his injuries to be healing faster than they ever did. Still, what mattered here was that the Queen had actually found something to warrant searching for him. Granted it could have been chasing crystal lizards but it was better than doing nothing.
"So it was true..." She pressed her lips into a thin line, "Princess Henrietta refused to tell me when I asked her about it. It must be something rather important if she's being so mum about it...and won't tell me no matter how much I press."
"So you wish for me to tell you, I take it?" Asking was redundant. He knew her well enough when she was grasping for information, "Have you perhaps considered that there is a reason she is so reluctant to reveal this information to you? I will be the last to defend her for her actions but you would have insisted in involving yourself if she divulged any details. Given past experiences..."
"I'm not a fragile maiden, Raziel," She scoffed, "I didn't enjoy what we did in Albion but I don't regret a single thing. I was given this power for a reason and I'm certain it wasn't so I could sit on my hands and waste it."
"You say that yet I remember something different of our time in Albion..." He looked down at the table and sighed, "Have you forgotten the reason Cattleya and that other sister of yours came here? As I understand it they came here for the sole reason of watching over you and to keep you from involving yourself once more. I rather doubt you can leave the academy before Cattleya asks you of your intentions."
"I know that, but..." She released a frustrated breath, "Look, I still think I deserve to know what happened. I'm not so arrogant as to think that I was wholly responsible for the victory in Albion, Pyrrhic as it may have been, but I certainly did more than my fair share. To be suddenly left out like this...well, you can understand why I'm put-off to say the least."
"More often than not rewards and respect are never given despite one's struggles. You get used to it." He laughed sardonically, "Still, are you certain you wish to know? I have no issue with telling you, of course, but if anyone asks then you shall take the blame for it. I do not wish to shoulder their accusations that I had somehow goaded you into involving yourself in her machinations once more."
"I'm not a child, Raziel." She rolled her eyes with a snort, "I know my place. Big sis Catt and honored sister Eleanor watch over my every action like hawks and Julio will return from Romalia by tomorrow in order to do the same. I know better than to cast a spell while my hands are tied."
"Well...it is a long story." He sighed, "To get to the point, we are trying to find who pulls the Daughter of Chaos' strings. We have been attacked by her more than once now and each time we barely survived. We cannot simply wait and let her attack us once more."
"You mean that woman with the runes on her forehead?" He nodded, "Right, well...I still don't see why she didn't tell me that. It's not like her existence is some well-kept secret. The arrogant chienne showed herself to us openly."
"It is not her only intention, of course." Right, how to explain this properly... "...I have some doubts to its legitimacy myself, but it seems as if elements of Lordran are...'bleeding' into this world. This 'Sheffield' woman is similar to me: She came from Lordran, from the same time even." He clicked his tongue, "I remember fighting her on my way to kill the Bed of Chaos."
"You've fought this woman before? By yourself?" Her mouth parted slightly, "What the hel happened? Did you decide to let her live?" Listening to herself, it was difficult to believe she'd started gaping at common mercy.
"I'm not one to show mercy even in the most ideal of circumstances. You should know that, Louise." He smiled wryly. He wasn't a good person, and she had long since accepted that, "To answer your question: No, I did not intentionally spare her. When I had run into her she had gone insane and attacked me in order to defend the withered tree she called her mother. Before I could finish her I was blinded by a green light and by the time I had regained my bearings she had already disappeared. I did not think on it much at the time, but looking back she must have been summoned at that exact moment."
"So Princess Henrietta wants to...what? Keep you on guard duty."
"More of a preventative measure, really." He replied, "I told you of Lordran's fate, of its inevitable spiral into madness. This war with Albion and perhaps other events...she and a few others believe that it is pre-destined, that it was fated to happen." The fingers of his left hand twitched, "I am not sure I believe this to be the case, but I shall do my best to prevent it regardless. The presence of Ciaran and others here is certainly cause for alarm."
"Oh yeah...you know you you never did explain what was going on with her. Last I saw you tried to kill each other and you're not one to take that lying down."
"What could I tell you? She is from the same land as I, summoned under equally mysterious circumstances. She has attached herself to Tiffania, which I suspect is due to desperation to find a reason to keep living. I have done the same thing in the past." He shrugged, "As of right now she has put her intentions to kill me on-hold until I lose control. Perhaps it shall come sooner rather than later, we shall see."
"So that's it, you're doing this because you want to prevent some kind of catastrophe from being repeated." She bit her lower lip, "I suppose I can't fault you for your intentions at the very least, but I admit I thought you wouldn't be willing to leave Tiffania alone."
"She has more or less acclimated to the school well enough. She does not need my help." He laughed softly, "Besides, you seem to do a good enough job of watching over her. Despite your initial dislike of her you seem to have befriended one another."
"She's certainly more tolerable than Zerbst, I'll say that much." She agreed half-heartedly, "Listen...I want you to be careful, okay? I know better than anyone that you're a force to be reckoned with but after Saxe-Gotha..." She licked her lips nervously, "Look, I just don't want to repeat going another month without knowing whether you're even alive or not."
"I shall do my best. Derflinger will not appreciate any injuries on my part certainly."
They broke into a comfortable bout of silence. It was still early in the morning so if he left now he could make it to town in a few hours time, assuming he didn't run into a pack of roving bandits or anything else of that like. Despite her initial intentions for inviting him here he found their silent companionship comforting and he found himself reluctant to leave her.
Eventually she stood, walking towards the window and looking down at the grounds. He carefully followed after her, standing a small distance behind.
"Is something the matter...?"
"No, it's just..." She pressed her arm against the glass and sighed, "It still feels...odd being back here, to be the 'Zero' again. After everything that's happened Princess Henrietta and my family just want me to forget it all and pretend it never happened." Her hand clenched, "I suppose I'm just frustrated. Maybe in a month it'll be back to normal, but right now I just...I don't know, scream maybe?"
"There's nothing stopping you."
"Hah...no, I'd rather not get called to the Headmaster's office for disruption." Her lips quirked into a small, amused smile, "Hey...come back safe, alright?"
"I already told you I would-"
"I want you to promise me." She interrupted, "Promise that you'll come back from this...come back to me." Her cheeks dusted a slight red at that, "You may not be my Familiar anymore, but I like to think we're friends so-"
"I promise."
He hesitated for a moment before he leaned in and pressed his lips against her cheek in a soft kiss. The contact was brief, but when he pulled back she gave him a sideways glance; not annoyed, but certainly surprised. He resisted the urge to wince; that was...how friends interacted, yes? He only hoped that it wasn't improper given the relationship they shared.
Her free hand touched the skin that he had kissed before she let out another soft laugh, "Well, that was...unexpected." She turned fully and smiled at him, "So, I suppose you're gonna leave now, right?"
"Best not to keep the Queen waiting." He returned her smile, "I will be back as soon as I can."
"Yeah, sure." She waved him off, looking back to the window to hide her smile, "Hey, Raziel...we're gonna do this again, right?"
"I would not miss it for anything, Louise."
He found it refreshing that no one stared at him anymore. Even after the students had gotten used to his presence a rare few students still pointed and stared, no doubt either a lingering remembrance of his 'entrance' or the rumors that he was Louise's sexual partner.
Now he was anonymous, thought of as nothing more than another servant to be ignored. It was of his own choosing, but remembering Guiche looking past as if he wasn't even there still stung somewhat. Still, it was better this way; the playboy was busy leading a new troop of knights compromised of male students in the school, something with 'Ondine' in the name. Louise had informed him it was an attempt of the Queen to bolster morale in the school.
So far it seemed to be nothing more than an excuse for the lot of them to drink and flirt with some of the female students...though given what he'd seen walking around town perhaps it wasn't that different from the 'real' knights.
He arrived at his destination before he realized it. Looking at the large door, he sighed and pushed it open. He didn't want to do this, but it wouldn't hurt to inform her of what was currently happening.
Finding Ciaran hunched over a desk with stacks of papers next to her wasn't a sight one could call common. Her head raised briefly to acknowledge his arrival before turning back to her work. For a knight and assassin he didn't expect she would take so well to working for the lecherous old man so quickly...though he supposed it was something to occupy her time at the very least.
"You seem to be taking to the work rather well."
"I am no stranger to earning my keep." She picked up the paper and put it on top of the stack, "The old man is a pathetic degenerate, but so long as I do my work I can stay here in order to watch over Princess Tiffania."
"Funny...you are far older than he is by a wide margin." She rolled her eyes discreetly at the barb, "Regardless, I did not come here to comment on your work ethic. I have something for you."
The dull thud of the amulet hitting against the desk was uncomfortably loud in the quiet room. The dark material of Manus' pendant contrasted heavily with the bright wood of the table. Raziel's mouth twitched and he tried to stop his hands from shaking; merely dropping it felt disconcerting and even now he had to resist the urge to take take it with him and run like an obsessed lover.
Hand pausing, Ciaran glared at him through narrow eyes, "...Is this your idea of a jest?" She hissed, pen clattering from her grip. She knew all too well what this damned pendant was; a treasures possession of the monster and a living reminder of what happened to Oolacile, "How is it that you came to the possession of this relic? It was lost after your progenitor's death in the abyss."
"Chester stole it. He always did crave what was never his," He scoffed, "It was kept in the vault of the academy. The headmaster always said I was free to take it if I wished...I simply obliged him on his offer." He brought a hand through his hair, "Even now I can sense the magics it contains within. It holds more than sentimental value to my predecessor."
"And what do you wish for me to do with it?" She crossed her arms. She found no amusement in his antics.
"Get rid of it." He pushed it towards her with slight hesitation, "Destroy it, bury it in a shallow grave...it does not matter. So long as you do so without my knowledge."
"...There must be a reason for this." She took the amulet in her hands. Even now it felt warm, almost burning to the touch, "What exactly possessed you to entrust this to me? I have made no secret of my feelings for you."
"We are not friends...but as I said we have a modicum of trust between us given we know exactly where we stand." He spread his arms in a narrow shrug, "I hesitated to even give the pendant to you so I rather doubt I will be capable of disposing of it myself. I would ask someone else but I think we can both agree that you are more aware of its dangers than anyone else is."
"Of that we can be in agreement, certainly." She twisted the dark stone in her hands. Most were unable to sense the magics contained within, but to her it was all to glaring. She could see the wisps of darkness seeping from the stone and burning her skin, "Well then...thank you for your prudence in this matter. I shall dispose of this as soon as I am able." She sighed, "As of right now I still have responsibilities."
"Ah, yes...your duties as the headmaster's secretary." He gave her a quick glance over. Without her Lordsblade armor she was nearly unrecognizable; the attire she currently donned bore a noticeable resemblance to the one worn by the previous secretary before she was...disposed of, "I am surprised you have have kept the facade going for so long. Does your honor not dictate you take offense to this?"
"Certainly, but I am both a knight and an assassin. One must learn to compromise in order to survive in this trade." She placed the necklace inside the drawer and focused back on the pile, "Was there anything else you needed or was this your only purpose for coming here?"
"I am leaving for a...task." He said, "I trust you can watch over Tiffania while I am away?"
"Always." She nodded, "Another task for the silent girl and her dragon?"
Huh...was he imagining things or were they actually having a friendly conversation? ...No, that would have been too insane, "For the Queen actually. She believes in this supposed 'cycle' and intends to stop it. Whether she will succeed or not I do not know, but I cannot stand idly by and do nothing. Whether it bears fruit or it is all for naught remains to be seen."
"Better than her have tried and failed," She noted grimly.
"Perhaps she will have better luck..." He considered telling her of the soul she wielded before deciding against it. It wasn't his secret to expose and given her rather dour reaction to Julio's identity he doubted Ciaran would care even if she did know. She would simply look at her as another filthy human, "Perhaps we will see each other again in a few days. If I die then that is one burden taken from you."
"Were it that easy to end your life we would no longer be having this conversation." Ah, there was the hostility. And here he thought they might have been making progression, "Fair travels. The pendant shall be disposed of by your return."
"Yes, goodbye to you as well..." He rolled his eyes. It was better than he expected, all things considered.
"Thank you all for coming."
Skulking in a dark room with individuals of ill-repute was considered below her station, but it was the only way she could do things without anyone peering in. Looking around the small table, she took note of each individual in turn: Agnes, her trusted Musketeer; Lady Daphne and Lady Amethyst, two Vampires with the odd limitation of being unable to end a human life; and finally Sir. Raziel, an Undead who carried the shards of Manus.
An eclectic set of individuals, but for something like this 'normal' wouldn't suffice.
"Of course, Your Majesty." Agnes bowed politely, "Your orders?"
"I have received information from a trusted source that I believe should be investigated." She tapped the map covering the table and placed her finger at a circled spot, "The village of Choiseau is a small village that deals with the exports of exotic wines. It's not very large, but its reputation is well-known amongst traders and its population is larger than other towns of its like."
"What's the problem then?" Daphne asked, giving her a confused glance.
"According to the information I received there's been no contact with the village for the past few days." Henrietta's expression turned grim, "I'm tempted to assume that it was raided by bandits or Orcs, but a village of such size would no doubt leave survivors petitioning for the knights to defend them. That there has been no information at all is distressing to say the least. I want you to investigate the problem and deal with it if possible."
"Not meaning to offend, Your Majesty, but would something like this not be more appropriate to a platoon of knights? I could gather the Musketeers if you desire, but sending Daphne and Amethyst with us seems...redundant."
"Were it something so simple as an Orc raid I wouldn't be so alarmed." Henrietta did her best to keep her tone even. Withholding information wasn't ideal, but it was the lesser of two evils, "Note that I did say to intervene only if you are capable of stopping whatever has caused this disappearance. The primary purpose of this excursion is to gather information and the capabilities of Lady Daphne and Lady Amethyst are second to none in that regard."
"Speaking of which..." Amethyst looked to the hooded Undead, "I can understand sending Agnes over, a taskmaster and all that, but why do you ask us to bring a child? Would he not be in danger?"
"I can take care of myself." Raziel gave her a sideways glance, though it was difficult to see from under the jacket's hood, "My presence is a precaution, nothing more. This is not the first time I have entered combat."
"Right, knew I forgot something." Agnes cut in, "Daphne, Amethyst, that's Lady Valliere's Familiar. Don't trust the change of face, he still has a hell of a punch and we'll want him on our side when we get into a fight."
"I knew there was something familiar about him..." Daphne muttered. She'd heard Louise had come back but her Familiar's status had been surprisingly mum.
"Yes, well...I suppose that clears that up." He looked at the spot on the map, "A village like this would not disappear for no reason. Did this 'Sheffield' attack it?"
"That's what we aim to find out." Henrietta replied, "Remember, the primary goal is to gather information. If it becomes dangerous then don't hesitate to retreat even if you don't accomplish your objectives. Your lives matter more than any information." She focused her attention on Agnes, "Agnes, I trust you to lead them in this excursion. I need someone I can trust fully with this task."
Meaning she needed someone to keep an eye on them. Raziel supposed he shouldn't have been surprised; in her position he would have been rather wary of entrusting such a task without someone acting as overseer. He'd been here less than a year and already he'd seen that this country had a penchant for traitors.
Speaking of traitors...
"This is unrelated, but I thought you should know." He spoke up. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten about it all this time, though in his defense a lot had happened, "The one who assassinated Wales, the one called Wardes, he is still alive."
"What!?" The sudden ferocity in the dour Queen was unexpected, though looking back on it he shouldn't have been surprised. He was the one who killed her beloved...though he hadn't been the one to land the finishing blow, "How do you know this?"
"I met him briefly when I was recovering from the events of Saxe-Gotha." He sighed, "I was certain I'd killed him in Tarbes."
"As was Louise given her account of the events at the village." Henrietta grimaced, "This is...disconcerting. Pardon me for asking but why didn't you kill him when you met again?"
He raised an eyebrow at the inquiry. The question itself was nothing surprising, though the way she still attempted politeness despite the nature of her query nearly caused him to roll his eyes, "I had lost my memory, if you recall," He scoffed, "Even if I did attempt it I wonder if the man can be killed at this point. I threw him out of Newcastle in Albion and shoved a loaded gun into his mouth in Tarbes. Either he is more durable than Artorias or he has cut a deal with death. He would not be the first human to do so."
"We can search for him after we finish this mission." Amethyst suggested.
"I appreciate the suggestion, but I need you both on-hand in case we face more troubles." She pinched the bridge of her nose, "Just...I will instruct others to put up wanted posters. I doubt it will be enough but it's all we can do," She gave Raziel a hard look, "You are certain it was him? There isn't a chance were mistaken?"
"I know what I saw. If you do not believe me then that is your prerogative, but I thought it prudent to inform you. What you do with said information is your choice."
"Right..." She let out a frustrated, "Well, I suppose that finishes everything. You all know your tasks and I expect a proper report detailing everything when you return. Brimir bless you all and keep you safe on your path."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"Rather doubt Brimir will bless a pair of Vampires..."
"Amethyst, please!"
"...Hopefully he keeps us from killing one another before we get there."
She watched them leave one by one, Agnes first and the Vampires not long after. Raziel was the last to leave, hand on the knob of the door before he suddenly paused. Henrietta's brow furrowed in worry; she no longer feared his presence, but she wasn't wholly sure she could completely trust him. No doubt he knew and would have chalked it up to their opposing 'natures'.
"Is something the matter, Sir Raziel?" She made sure to keep her posture straight, hand placed in front of her lap as practiced. It helped keep her mind off any attempts at Gwynevere's soul influencing her.
"This village you wish for us to investigate...you are certain that it is involved?" She nodded. Whether he saw the gesture or not he decided to continue, "Might I ask you why you are so sure? In my experience dangers in this land are not exactly rare."
"The information came from a trusted source-"
"Who or what is this source?"
"A friend of mine." She licked her lips nervously. She had promised Alsanna that she wouldn't reveal her existence if she didn't wish it. Until she was ready she would say nothing of her ghostly ally, "What does it matter? So long as the source is trustworthy then-
"That is not good enough." He interrupted, finally turning back to look at her, "You asked me to place my trust in you and I have done so, but you hide where you take your knowledge and ask us to leap into the abyss blind."
"If you don't wish to go with them then don't, I'm not forcing you." Her gaze hardened, "I'm sorry if you feel that way but we all have secrets we must keep, and that includes both yourself and I. I don't ask you for your secrets so I ask that you not pry into mine."
"My secrets do not affect you, the same cannot be said for yourself." He frowned, "Fine, I will blind myself for now...hopefully you do not lead us off a cliff."
She watched him leave, waiting for the footsteps to fade before she all but collapsed into the chair and closed her eyes with an exhausted breath. It wasn't fear per-se that she felt, more akin to caution. No doubt he felt the same way: She had far less knowledge on the matter, but Dark and Light were never meant to coexist. She believed it was possible, but she knew better than to assume that it would be so easy to accomplish. Lifetimes of conflict couldn't be erased with a simple handshake.
Soft, pattering footsteps at her side caused her to crack one eye open, "I was wondering when you'd appear, Alsanna." She sighed and laughed softly, "It would be much simpler if you showed yourself to the others. I wouldn't have to place them in possible danger with nothing but reassurances to trust me."
"Apologies, Henrietta." Her gaze never left the door, "I understand the struggles you face, but my own nature compels me to act in such a way."
"Yes, I experienced it myself more than a month ago if you recall." She stood up and took the map in her hands, "I hate sending them into possible danger blind, but...we have little choice. Hopefully they can handle whatever it is that took the villagers."
"I could have attempted it myself, but I am not strong enough." Aslanna lamented. She was always the weakest of her siblings. It was no excuse; she knew she was a coward, "...My brother did not sense my presence."
"Hmm? Oh, yes...I suppose he was right about the fragments being sealed." Henrietta affirmed, "He is capable without them so it shouldn't prove to be a problem in that regard." She looked to her friend in concern, "...You're worried about him, aren't you?" She nodded mutely, "Don't worry. I don't know his exact capabilities but I've seen him fight. He's more than capable of defending himself."
"As you have told me before..." Her face knotted, concern clearly not abating. She had been alone for years, to be so close to a new member of her family and unable to reveal herself out of the fear that made up her very nature was painful.
"...If you wish to go with him then I shan't stop you. He's proven incapable of sensing your presence and it will allow you to watch over him in order to alleviate any of your worries."
"I...perhaps. Thank you, Henrietta."
"A question, if I may?" Alsanna nodded, her expression softening, "Why do you worry for him to such a degree? You've just found out about his existence and yet you fuss over him like an overprotective mother. Is there a reason for such care?"
"...Is it it not normal for an older sister to worry over her younger brother?"
"I...well, I suppose you're right." For the first time in days Henrietta laughed, the sound echoing the small, dark room. It was silly, but she found the simplicity of it all quite endearing despite herself.
Still...from what she'd seen he was a younger sibling that could definitely take care of himself. Of that there was no doubt.
"Where has he gone?"
Ciaran looked around the open field in frustration. Fenris was young and more than a little prone to bouts of rebellion, but he had never ignored her summons before. Perhaps it was overtly cautious of her but she worried for him all the same. Despite his natural skill with the blade he was far less adept than his mother and without training he would have fallen prey to other predators.
Which was why she insisted on training. Training that he had so far failed to show up for ever since they arrived here; the first time she had let it slide, assumed that he was still acclimating to his new surroundings, but it had been over a week and he still hadn't appeared. Normally it wouldn't be a cause for worry - wolves by their very nature preferred the wild over clustered buildings - but even ignoring her summons was a touch too far.
A streak of gray caught her attention. It blurred the door of a tower and she followed, taking quick note of the location, "The teacher's dormitories?" What could he be doing here? The room she'd been given was separate from the other faculty - a mere secretary wasn't the same as a full-fledged Mage teacher, after all - so she had never found reason to visit this place.
Looking closer it truly was Fenris she was following, though there was something odd in his demeanor. Given their circumstances the pup always disliked the attention of crowds, keeping away from even lone individuals. Now he was happily trotting down the hallway, tongue hanging loose and tail wagging incessantly. She found it to be simultaneously relieving and worrying.
He stopped in front of a wooden door, paws scratching at its surface. He let out a soft whine as she stepped closer. Enough was enough; whatever he was doing here it couldn't have been so important that-
"Oh, you're back!"
A pink haired woman opened the door and ushered the wolf in with a happy smile before closing it. Ciaran recognized her; one of the teachers of the academy, Cattleya Yvette la Baume le Blanc de la Fontaine. She didn't know much about the woman save for her incessant cheerfulness, but what little interaction they had was enough. The woman was famous - though she would have used notorious - for being incessantly insistent on befriending others whether they were teachers or, somewhat oddly, students.
She seemed to have moderate success given the way she'd heard others speak of her, but ultimately it was of no concern to her. What she did in her own time was of her own choosing, but involving Fenris was not something she could accept so easily.
Standing in front of the wooden door, she straightened her posture and rapped her knuckles against the thick surface. She would go in there, take Fenris with her then leave without any fuss. What he was even doing in there with that woman she had little inkling but it ended now.
Ciaran kept her expression neutral as the young teacher opened the door. She blinked in confusion at the new arrival but it wasn't long before her face once again split into her usual cheer, "Oh, Miss. Ciaran! A pleasure to see you." She opened the door wider and stepped out to properly greet her, "I must admit you have me at a disadvantage here. You didn't tell me you were going to visit."
"I do not plan to bother you for long." She looked past her, "I am here to retrieve someone. May I please do so?"
"Well...I guess?" She opened the door to her quarters and gestured for her to follow.
The first thing that caught her attention were the animals. In her long years of life there was little that could surprise her and this was no different. Still, she had to concede that seeing the variety of beasts loitering all around the room caused her momentary pause. She was no stranger to creatures both magical and mundane, but in her experiences most of them took to conflict when placed with others not of their kind. Seeing them all calm was certainly a sight, though she quickly disregarded it. It was none of her concern.
What was her concern, however was finding Fenris rolling on the ground with some kind of toy in his mouth. The wolf seemed to take no note of her presence, continuing to lie on his back with his legs pawing at the air aimlessly.
This was...disturbing.
"Fenris!" At her call the wolf stood to attention, dropping the toy and standing up straight. Well, at least his reflexes hadn't wasted away, "Come, we have training to undergo." He whined pitifully and she sighed. Despite everything he still disliked going on their practice drills, but laziness served to only worsen their deterioration. She wouldn't be able to watch over him forever and once he had to stand on his own only his own abilities could keep him alive.
"Do you have to leave already?" Cattleya called behind her, "He...um, Fenris was his name, yes? Fenris has been coming here for a few days to play and it's been no bother so why not let him stay? The others adore him."
"He needs to train." She turned around to face her, "I appreciate your intent but I cannot..."
She trailed off as she finally noticed the burning sword in the corner of the room. Wordlessly she strode past her and touched the hilt, "Warm..." She could feel the heat in her bare palms. Hot, but not unbearably so, "...Why do you have this?" She gripped the hilt fully and tried to pull the blade.
It didn't budge.
"Um, I'd appreciate if you didn't touch that." Cattleya pulled her away gently and checked over the fiery blade, "It's a bit hard to explain but I kind of need it-"
"You are a Firekeeper."
There was a moment of pregnant silence between the pair before the pink haired woman let out an uneasy smile, "Ah...you know about that, huh?" She gave an equally uneasy chuckle and sat down on the bed, "Yes, I'm a Firekeeper. Might I ask how you know that? I...didn't exactly scream it to the heavens every chance I got."
"I have met others of your kind before." She replied neutrally. She should have dropped the matter entirely - She was here to take her companion back, nothing more. There was no purpose to continuing the conversation, "In this land I thought there would be no others. Lady Elizabeth's presence along with that of Lord Gwyn's reincarnation was an abnormality but I...did not imagine that there would be other elements such as this."
"This land?" Her mouth parted in sudden realization, "Oh, I get it! You're Raziel's friend, aren't you? Are you an Undead like he is?"
The Demigod's face contorted in barely veiled disgust, "We originate from the same land, but we share no similarities. Manus is a monster, a beast trying to chew away its leash. He and I are nothing alike."
"Could've fooled me." Cattleya muttered under her breath, her smile never fading, "Oh, but to get back on topic. Are you sure Fenris can't stay? Beauregard absolutely adores him and I think he feels the same."
"He needs to train." She heard him whimper once more. She ignored it, "Life is not fun and games, much as some wish it might be. He has already gone far too many days without his required practice."
"With a friend like you I'm not surprised he snuck away to play."
A chill descended on the room. Ciaran gave the other younger woman an unamused glare, one which she returned with one of her own. Fenris looked between his master and new friend and let out a soft whine, nudging his snout against Ciaran's hand. That always got her attention back from whatever was bothering and there was never a time that it failed to work.
She ignored him.
"...Pardon me?" The Lordsblade did her best to keep her voice level. From a purely logical standpoint the Firekeeper's words weren't all that offensive in and of themselves, but she heard the intent behind it clearly enough.
"You're not a good friend." She shrugged, "I found him wandering around the school alone and jumping on a tree repeatedly. I helped him when he fell and scraped his paw on a branch. Was that one of your 'training exercises' to or another thing entirely?"
"It is no business of yours, but yes. It helps to hone his reflexes." She eyed Fenris briefly. It was difficult to see but there was a small, almost unnoticeable bandage covering his left paw. How had she missed that?
"Friends don't make each other do weird training like that." She petted one of the animals by her side - a snake, oddly enough - and smiled at it gently, "Can't you see he wants to stay here? If he's been doing this training for a while now then doesn't he deserve at least a week or two of respite?"
"Pardon me, but it is none of your concern," She scoffed. Getting a lecture from some pampered noble; it was almost amusing, "Fenris is my companion, not yours. I would appreciate it if you did not involve yourself in our affairs."
"If I see him get hurt again I won't hesitate to help him."
Ciaran clicked her tongue in frustration. She was persistent, "You call into question my character, but what of yourself?"
"What do mean? I have nothing to hide."
"Do you not? I have observed humans for hundreds of years now and your cravings remain the same." She took a sweeping glance off the room, "You hoard these animals like trophies, claiming to 'care' for them in order to stroke your own ego."
"I helped them. Many of them were injured and I only did my best to help them. They could leave if they want, I'm not forcing them to stay..." Her smile remained, but she didn't miss the way her hands clenched and shook. She was beginning to anger.
"Humans crave affection, that has always been consistent. When they cannot get it from others of their kind they reduce themselves to accepting it from animals. They wish to have someone to share their base desires with and if they cannot receive it from another person they shower affection to mindless animals and they slobber back, too foolish to know any better but show 'love' for the hand that feeds them...pathetic."
"...You're a bitch."
Ciaran waited, but no other words came. The Demigod scoffed, her mouth quirking in a sardonic smile, "If that is supposed to offend me then you will be disappointed. I have been called far worse both in Lordran and this land."
"You're a hypocrite as well," She continued, standing to meet her, "You call me pathetic for caring about my friends but what about you? You came here to get Fenris back whether he wants to come with you or not."
"I train him for his benefit. I do not keep him locked in my room like a toy," She answered coolly, "Do you even consider what will happen to your pets once you pass from this life? My lifespan is far longer than yours and yet I consider Fenris' future when I eventually leave this world. I will not leave him defenseless in a world like this."
"Life isn't all about fighting."
"Says the noble that has never fought a day in her life," A bitter laugh escaped, "This world will trample you despite whatever effort you put in. I know this from experience. You are naive if you believe that you do not have to fight tooth and nail for every inch of life."
"...You're a sad person."
Of all things this was what caused her to react. Cattleya watched the blonde secretary's eyes narrow as she grabbed the poor pup by the back of his neck, "And you are a naive fool." She pushed him to the door and left without another word.
Cattleya stared at the closed door for a moment she all but collapsed on her bed. Staring up at the ceiling, she had the distinct feeling that this wouldn't be the last time the two of them would meet.
It took them two days to finally arrive at the village.
Raziel pulled his hood over himself tighter. Ever since they caught sight of the small town he felt a sudden chill in the air, though it wasn't like the biting winds of Albion. Here it felt overpowering, almost chilling him to the bone. He grit his teeth and stopped himself from breathing. Perhaps if he moved enough without circulating air it would stop him from freezing his Humanity off.
"Hey, kid, you alright?" Agnes asked. It was the first time he'd heard her talk in the time they spent travelling; evidently she wasn't very chatty while she'd been using a horse, "You've been rubbing your arms since we got here. Didn't think people like you could get cold."
"You would be surprised what Undead are capable of." He looked ahead. Since the sun had finally set Daphne and Amethyst were taking the lead; at one glance it was clear they shared his sentiments. Amethyst looked distinctly uncomfortable, hands twitching and her expression fierce while Daphne sniffed the air and tried to hide her deep breaths.
There was something wrong here.
His unease only worsened when they finally got to the town proper.
There was no one here. No people, even the birds had gone silent, "Hey, anybody here?" Agnes called. Her only response was the overpowering silence of the dark sanctuary. The musketeer dropped from her horse and took out her blade, "This is too weird. Everyone keep your eyes open. You can see in the dark better than I can."
Raziel's shivering only worsened and he heard Derflinger nudge out of his sheath, "You feel that, partner? This place...well, I don't have to say it, do I?"
"It is mired in Humanity." He muttered. It was just like New Londo or Oolacille; no one would notice anything odd at first glance, but it didn't take long for the corruption and monsters to spread. That this place shared qualities with those two accursed places wasn't a good sign.
"I know it's nighttime, but there should be people here." Amethyst looked around the seemingly abandoned village and frowned, "Bandits don't take everyone and even orcs and the like leave a few survivors," She traced a hand through the wall of one of the houses, "No signs of struggle either. No damage to the buildings and the interiors are almost immaculate. Unless we're dealing with Elves or other Vampires this isn't possible."
"The entire place smells like blood..." Daphne supplied. The stench was almost overpowering, "There aren't any signs of conflict but there's far too much blood in the air for that to be true. People died here."
"There's no blood here as far as I can see." Agnes said, "This is bizarre. No bodies...nothing. You'd almost think people just decided to leave without telling anyone."
"Unlikely, their things are still here." Amethyst jerked her thumb to the clear window, "I even see food on plates. Wherever they were taken it didn't seem like they had much time to do much of anything."
"Well this is frustrating..." Agnes grimaced and brought an armored hand through hair, "We're not exactly flowing with information here. What are we supposed to do now...do you guys hear that?"
"Hear what?" Daphne looked at her worriedly, "I...I don't hear anything."
"Nor I as well." Amethyst said.
"That...well, it kinda sounds like a humming of some sort." Her face scrunched and she shook her head forcefully, "Nevermind...I must be hearing things-"
Before she could say finish Raziel made his way to her and kicked her shin. Hard.
"Ow, fuck!" She hopped on one leg and glared at the young Undead, "The hel was that for!? You looking for a fight you little prick!?"
"It is a siren call...pain helps keep your focus away from it." He took out a dagger and cut his left hand. Daphne winced and looked away as blood leaked to the ground, "Those with Humanity are affected by its call. Daphne and Amethyst should be safe due to their Vampirism but we need to keep our wits about us. Our Humanity is being drawn to whatever is making the cries."
"You could've given me a warning." She gritted out. Even through the armor she wore she could already feel a bruise forming.
"In my experience almost no one ever agrees when told beforehand." He wiped his bloodied hand on the grass, "Regardless I think I found a way to track where the villagers have gone."
"I'd suggest against following the siren call blindly." Amethyst muttered.
"Your concern is appreciated, but that is not what I meant." He placed a hand atop the smear of blood, "It is clear despite the lack of people that something has happened to this place. Given the Humanity that seems to cover this place like a blanket I can only assume that at least some have perished."
"We knew that coming in. That doesn't really help us," Agnes pointed out.
"Perhaps not you, but I might be able to do something." Eyes narrowing, he scanned the area quickly, "When people die they often leave an imprint, a reminder of what happened to them. Whoever it was that came through this village has clearly made an effort to erase any proof of their existence but that reminder can never be erased. We can follow it to wherever these people have been taken."
"What, you're saying you can see dead people?" Agnes asked, "Look, I can take a lot of crap - I'm standing around with an Undead and a pair of Vampires for helheim's sake - but you can't seriously be telling me that you can see the dead."
"Why not? I have passed the threshold myself already, it is not outside the realm of possibility." He stood up and nodded, "Normally the imprint is recent, lasting only moments after someone's death, but blood acts as a catalyst. With luck it should be enough to restore the remnant."
Restore it did. A ghostly figure materialized, the figure running past him only to fall on his front after a torrent off arrows hit his back. He walked to where the apparition fell and traced a hand through the ground. Someone had died here, and yet there was no corpse and no blood. Then again it had been days since they were supposed to be here so it wasn't above the realm of possibility that nature simply disposed of the remains.
"See anything?" Amethyst called.
"Someone died here..." The events repeated, the apparition falling once more as the arrows pierced through his back. He looked at the direction he ran from, "We have to go in reverse, follow his trail..." He walked past them. The remnant continued to run past him, disappearing briefly before re-orienting to become closer as he passed it, "...Follow me. The catalyst will not last forever."
Agnes and Amethyst looked at one another uncertainly, "Do you buy this?" Agnes asked. She knew they were different types of non-humans but at this point she was just hoping that she could get some actual answers.
"Vampires have extraordinary senses as well, so perhaps." She shrugged, "I say we follow him. We don't have any leads of our own and it's better than leaving empty-handed. Even if we go around in circles we can at least say we tried."
"If you say so."
Agnes sighed and followed the upright corpse. Amethyst looked back at her sister and frowned; she looked distinctly uncomfortable, wringing her hands together and swallowing audibly, "Is something the matter, sister? You have been quiet since we arrived."
"H-Huh?" She snapped up to meet her gaze, "Oh, yes..." She swallowed again, "It's just...this place reeks of blood. You know it as well, yes?"
"I do, but I'm used to it." She smiled softly, "Come on, lets follow him and be done with it. The sooner we finish the sooner we can leave."
Raziel followed the imprint silently, their footsteps being the only noise echoing through the forest. He occasionally stopped, taking note of the signs of struggle. It was subtle but definitely noticeably upon closer inspection: Broken branches, minuscule flecks of blood and the like. The chill he felt only grew worse as they kept following, and judging by the way Agnes began to shiver she was beginning to feel it as well.
The imprint finally passed as they arrived in front of a cave. He saw the figure struggling against something before running, his captors no doubt giving chase soon afterwards, "...The trail ends here." He unsheathed Derflinger and turned to Agnes,"I doubt we can leave without fighting if we go in there. Do we continue or shall we leave and report to the Queen?"
"Report what? That the place disappeared and we have nothing to show for it?" She took out her own weapons, "We're going in there. With any luck we can find the villagers and save them before whatever in helheim took them finishes up."
"W-We can't hurt humans, remember?" Daphne reminded nervously.
"There are loopholes, of course." Amethyst muttered. They couldn't kill humans, but there was nothing wrong with holding them down or tossing them away. If they so happened to get killed by an outside party while this was happening then it was none of her concern.
Magic could be rather finicky, after all.
Raziel went in first, quickly followed by Agnes. It didn't take them long to see that it was no ordinary cave - Ordinary stone made way for dusty, constructed walls. A dusty, bricked hallway lined with unlit torches with a door at the end, "Well...this place appears almost inhabitable." Amethyst commented aloud, "The smell of blood's getting worse as well. We're definitely getting closer."
The musketeer reached a hand out for the unlit torches. Raziel slapped her hand away without looking back, "...Alright, are you seriously trying to pick a fight or something? That's the second time you did that."
"Whoever calls this place home, I doubt you want to attract attention by lighting a fire," He murmured, "It defeats the point of sneaking if we light a signal."
"I can barely see." She hissed back, "If we get into a fight we're fucked."
"Your eyes will adjust." He looked back just barely nudged his head. Was it just her imagination or were his eyes black? "Stay closer if you need to do so. I can see in the darkness and can aid you."
"...This is what I get for sticking with Vampires and Undead." She groaned.
Raziel pushed open the door silently and crouched. He could see a faint light up ahead which meant there was a good chance of people. Looking back at Agnes, he pressed a finger against his lips and gestured forward.
"We shall go ahead." Amethyst whispered, "Wait a few minutes and then come after us. If we're spotted you'll know."
Raziel watched with slight curiosity as the pair made an oblique gesture and disappeared from sight. Invisibility...it'd been a while since he'd seen something like that. Then again the 'Spirit Magic' of this land was powerful to an almost absurd degree. At this point it didn't surprise him.
Minutes passed in uncomfortable silence. He looked back at Agnes: She was clearly annoyed at being forced to squat in the darkness, but he supposed it was only to be expected. Still, it wasn't as if he was forcing her to come with him. She could wait outside if she wanted but he wasn't going to let her announce their presence for all to see. There were less foolish ways to die.
"...Enough time has passed." He gestured for her to follow, "Can you see?"
"A bit. You're gonna have to be my eyes here."
They trudged up the stairs, taking careful note of their surroundings. Faint voices could be heard in the distance, but given the lack of screaming he could only assume that the twins hadn't been spotted just yet. He winced as another cold chill ran through him, a sentiment Agnes seemed to share if the muffled curse from behind was any indication. They were getting closer.
They reached the top of the stairway. Raziel blinked at the faint light emanating from the slightly open door, "Careful..." Opening it wider, he slipped inside and took a quick look. They were in an overview of some kind, with two stairs leading down on both sides. Was this here before or did someone build it? He couldn't imagine caves usually had something like this.
At the bottom he could make out a cluster of figures, their armor blending into the darkness. Skull-like faces adorned their heads and in their hands they held swords seeming to emanate darkness.
"Darkwraiths..." His left hand flared and a feral growl escaped his throat. He could feel the seal loosening, but he couldn't find it in him to care. Desire told him to join them but his own anger kept it at bay. He counted at least a dozen figures in the crowd, but knowing the the corrupted knights there would be far more waiting in the darkness. This would be slightly difficult.
"Holy shit..." Agnes sidled up next to him and grimaced. What did it look like to her? Could she even see them through the murky blackness? "The hel are those things?"
"Darkwraiths...they should not be here. " He took a quick glance at the side stairways. If they were spotted it would make things far more difficult.
"Yeah, I figured that." Her grip on her sword tightened, "Where the fuck are Daphne and Amethyst? They should be here-"
"Quiet."
One of them was speaking. Eyes narrowed, he leaned over the edge of the overview and observed the proceedings, "Brothers and sisters, we give this sacrifice to our beloved savior!" They tossed a young man into a makeshift altar, causing him to whimper in pain. Again his left hand flared, "With his sacrifice our Blessed Mother shall be honored and we grow one step closer to salvation."
He unsheathed his sword and raised it above his head, "Shit!" Agnes raised her flintlock and took aim-
"Arrrghhh!" The 'priest' screamed as tendrils of earth grabbed his arm and pulled, throwing him against the wall. The rest of the spectators were instantly alert, gripping their weapons and looking around frantically. Another tendril grabbed the closest one's leg and dragged roughly across the ground, his screams echoing throughout the large chamber before he, too, was flung against the wall with an audible crack.
This was their chance. With a quickly given nod to the musketeer he jumped off the edge into the middle of the crowd.
He stabbed Derflinger through the first Darkwraith's chest, using him to cushion his fall. Just barely he heard the clap of a gunshot and another corrupted knight fell. Two down, just a little more to go.
"Intruders!" One cried. He picked up the rapidly cooling corpse and flung him at the closest cluster. A couple charged, but again the tendrils grabbed their legs and caused them to trip. A quick stab through their skulls was enough to end their lives.
His body moved on instinct. Duck, weave, stab at the side. He grabbed at one's throat and snapped its neck, flinging away the limp corpse with a snarl. He had fought Darkwraiths before and even now nothing had changed. Agnes passed him, slashing through an unlucky one that had been forced to hang in the air by his leg. Wherever these Vampires were he had to thank them later.
The rest were easy enough to end. Kicking away the last combatant, swallowed and tried to resist the temptation to feed on their corpses, "One more..." He watched the remaining Darkwraith crawling away, their stomach bleeding profusely. Agnes raised her flintlock to finish it, "Wait." He forced her hand down, "We need to get information. They should not be here."
They slashed their sword feebly and he knocked the weapon away. Kneeling down, he pressed his left hand against her neck. Normal weapons didn't wouldn't suffice; the weapon they used was one of the few they feared, "What are you doing here...? How did you come to this place?"
"Flames...take...you...!" The voice was female, though it was difficult to tell due to the distortions. For all their claims of fighting for Humanity the corrupted knights were barely human themselves by the end.
Teeth baring in a snarl, he tightened his grip until he heard her choke, "Answer me!"
"You...traitor!" She spat, "You...betray...your own...kind! The Dark Mother...shall see to your demise...!"
A flash of steel was his only warning before a dagger pierced through his right eye. His body moved on its own, fingers turning to grotesque claws as they cleaved through her skull.
"Fuck! Hey, kid, you alright!?"
Agnes rushed to him, hands turning him around to get a closer look at the wound, "I...I am fine..." He extracted himself from her hold and pulled the small blade from his face, letting it drop with a dull clatter,"It does not hurt...it was more surprising than anything" He laughed in dark amusement, ". ...I should have taken a closer look. It was my fault."
"You...should probably get that looked at." She winced as the wounded eye opened. The blood leaking from the wide slit was disconcerting despite her higher tolerance, "Surprised you're still standing."
"This is rather light all things considered." He shrugged, "Besides, we have more matters to-"
The entire right side of his face was suddenly shrouded in darkness. Agnes' eyes widened, watching silently as the shadows faded faded, leaving no trace of the recent wound.
"Huh..." He touched his right eye. Apart from the dried blood there was no trace of the wound, "...Must be a benefit from the seals loosening." Best he not abuse that, though. Give the shards an inch and they would take a mile, "...Well, it appears we are finished here." He let out a faint breath, "I am afraid I have to be present when you give your report. I know more of the Darkwraiths than anyone else here."
"No kidding..." Agnes gave a forced laugh, "Where the hel are Daphne and Amethyst, anyway? They helped us out there earlier so they must be here."
As if on cue the Vampires materialized next to them. Agnes jumped in surprise, hand holding onto her chest as she took a few panicked breaths. Daphne at least had the decency to appear apologetic in-between staring at his bloodied face. Amethyst was smiling faintly.
"...Were you waiting to do that?" A brow raised.
"We didn't want to interrupt your conversation." She shrugged, "I see you have gained a tendency for faster healing. That should prove useful."
"It is temporary. My...condition should stabilize when we leave this area." He sighed. It was tempting to keep using it, but that was the mindset of every thrall of the abyss. Take a sip and soon you were giving up everything for the full glass, "Thank you for your aid prior. It would have been far more difficult without your assistance."
"Yeah, thanks." Agnes' breathing finally calmed, "Still, you two have really odd definitions of 'thou shalt not kill'."
"Technically we didn't kill anyone." Amethyst replied, "You two were the only ones who actually did the finishing blows. Besides," She smirked, "You'd be surprised what people can live through...and in all seriousness I'm not even sure if these things still count as human," She eyed a nearby corpse, "They're far bigger than any human I've ever seen and their blood is black."
"The abyss holds a price. It turns them, both in body and soul." He knew that from experience...though he seemed to have gone on the opposite of the size spectrum, "We need to find out why they were here."
"Speaking of which, we found more 'sacrifices' in the larger room." Daphne jerked her thumb to the bound and gagged male lying on the altar, "We...should probably help him up first. He's been there for a while now."
"Right..."Agnes scanned the area, "I'll untie and question him, maybe we can get some information if we're lucky. Daphne, Amethyst, you two free the hostages. You can do it faster than either of us can. Raziel-"
"I will scan the remaining room."
They separated for their tasks. Opening the door to the smaller room, his attention was drawn to the mural dominating the majority the interior. Like a moth to flame he drew closer to the painting, eyes drinking in every detail. The picture itself was nothing unique, being a painting of a standing woman in noble regalia, but it was who the picture depicted that caused him pause.
"Dusk...?" He could have been mistaken, but the details were far too similar to be coincidence. The woman depicted was graceful, her smile serene and her dress simple yet opulent. She stood in front of a throne of some sort, its make unrecognizable to him. There was no other way to describe it - The only one he could think of as he stared the mural was the princess of Oolacile.
A cold chill came from behind, different from the one's he'd experienced prior. Turning around, his mouth parted in surprise at the sight in front of him: A darkwraith with his sword raised, no doubt intent to stab him.
Except he had been completely frozen.
"What the...?" How had he not noticed him before? Reaching one hand out hesitantly, he placed hand against the frozen armor.
At his touch the corrupted knight shattered. Raziel winced and stepped back; that...was not what he was expecting. The abyssal warrior was about to attack him, that much was clear, and yet something or someone had stopped him.
"...Is anybody there?" He called out.
No response.
"...If you are present then I implore that you show yourself. I would like to thank you for your assistance."
Again, nothing. Raziel sighed and kicked at the shards of ice. Perfect, just what he needed: Another mystery. Taking one last glance at the mural he trudged out of the room to rendezvous with the others. They were done here.
Alsanna watched her brother leave with a heavy heart. She was tempted to expose her existence, but again fear kept her at bay. Soon...but not yet.
Her gaze shifted to the mural. He didn't seem to grasp the implications but she knew all too well. She had to tell Henrietta at once.
I was tempted to split this chapter in two since the Darkwraith segment went on FAR longer than I planned it, but what the hell.
Anyway, don't forget to leave a note on the review whether you want to make a thread or just continue as-is. If yes I'll give instructions on where exactly it is once I make it :)
And yes, I know the Darkwraiths were rather anticlimactic, but Raziel is much better in combat now compared to before so it's to be expected. That and Vampires are gamebreakers in ZNT canon, even with that pesky 'thou shalt not kill' clause the twins have. Their menacing appearance in the first segment (which I didn't plan to make, actually, it just happened) is because, well...the POV was from a middle-aged housewife.
Review answer time:
Kishinokurobi - While it would no doubt be interesting I simply find it difficult for an in-character perspective. Ciaran and Raziel have certain rapport given the relationship they share but it's nowhere near romantic. As her interactions with Cattleya show she can be, quite frankly, a bitch - The original game makes it rather evident that she has racist views on humans, not to mention Undead. Note her first dialogue is 'Are you human? ...I forgive you'. Yeah, sure, she might have good reason given that crap Manus pulled, but it's still a rather cock move all things considered.
As for the others: Teenage Karin's a no-go since she's FAR too similar to Louise that it'd be bizarre along with the fact that the past and present version might as well be two different people; Tabitha was just a suggestion, not a certainty; Siesta likely moves on eventually since she can't pine forever; and Tiffania's connection to Dusk along with the 'Robin' relationship makes things unfeasible.
Now to Manus (I've been looking forward to this). You argue that Raziel did more, but point still stands that he's the backup personality. I could argue that the shards would have done equally well if they were in control. Likewise in terms of effects Manus wasn't exactly lazy, since we saw in the (cut short) flashback arcs that he was running around having his own adventure.
Ultimately I liken them to 'Book Simon' and 'Sick Simon' from the game Cry of Fear - The player controls Book Simon throughout the game, struggling through the various trials and monsters spawned by Sick Simon's warped psyche. Despite the fact that Book Simon accomplishes more than Sick Simon does the 'Good Ending' shows Sick Simon ultimately fighting and killing him since he's the real, dominant personality. It's rather notable that the only time Book Simon 'wins' is when Sick Simon commits suicide in the real world and the final boss fight is a representation of the suicide succeeding and ending his life.
Raziel did achieve a lot, but achievements don't make the personality. Another example is York and Zach from Deadly Premonition - York is the dominant personality through the game, but Zach takes control and remains in control at the final boss and ending. Being the original does have its benefits, after all.
As for the tail - Honestly I just legit forgot. No excuse there.
UseFistNotMouth - You mean with Louise? I don't disagree there, their relationship is built on an unhealthy foundation.
Roku - Isabella really is that despicable in canon, so it's less my skill as an author and more the material I'm working with. For pairings...I'm curious, why is Henrietta more viable in that list of yours?
UnholyDriver - No romance is always a viable option, and don't worry - I dislike harem rather vehemently...unless its the political kind with lots of backstabbing and power grabs. Then it's fascinating. Anyway, not so sure about Ciaran and Agnes given their personalities but she does have a bit of a tiff (no punt intended) with Cattleya on this chapter.
Sperance - Thanks :) I'm not sure about the pairing, but it's a definite possibility. Helps that I didn't plan it out in advance and I like impromptu plot points.
Vostok1242 - Uh...is that because the chapter had something bad happen to Tabitha or I'm a bad author?
Suicide259 - Out of curiosity what pairing do you consider 'not boring'?
Mernom - Thanks for the constant reviews :P Had to to adjust since I just saw your review before posting. Anyway: Raziel's appearance is on the cover. It's relatively accurate. As for spells; him not using them is more of a character thing. He prefers head-on attacks and pyromancy so he tends not to use it. Miracles he can't use anymore since, well, it's Light magic.