This might be slightly shorter, but we get an old character back so it's a decent trade-off. Siesta was supposed to show up as well but I couldn't find a way to insert her properly so we'll leave her for later.
Anyway, Henrietta's slowly but surely becoming the deuteragonist (secondary protagonist) after Raziel. so we're going to be seeing more of her POVs in the coming chapter. Originally it was supposed to be Julio and then Ciaran, but them's the breaks. Hopefully she's not found lacking, though I have to assume she's an improvement over Raziel all things considered.
Funny thing is I had actually considered making her the pairing once I got things properly rolling, but now that both she and Raziel interact much more frequently that's becoming far less likely. Ah well, things are probably better this way :)
Another day in 'paradise'.
Louise rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she sat up on the bed. The light of the twin moons illuminated the lavish room, emphasizing the numerous luxuries inside: A four poster bed, a terrace with a wide view of the gardens and surrounding area and more dresses than one could shake a wand at. At first glance one would say she'd been treated as a princess, doted on by the master of the castle as if she was his own daughter.
It couldn't have been further from the truth.
She shivered as her bare feet made contact with the cold floor. This place was a gilded cage; pretty enough to look at but little else. She'd been cooped up in this room for days now, leaving only sparingly to try and find a crack in the castle's defenses or when her 'host' invited her to dinner with his daughter, a foul tempered bitch by the name of Isabella. Despite Louise's circumstances the blue haired harlot seemed to consider her stay here as her father spoiling her rotten, making not-so-subtle threats on her person and commenting that she should watch her tea in case of poison.
She didn't like her. Not at all.
Opening the terrace doors, she rubbed her arms across the sleeves of the oversized nightgown at the chilly wind that greeted her. She'd been placed on the third floor of the palace with her wand taken from her, no doubt to keep her from levitating down or trying to climb the smooth walls. She looked down over the edge and winced, "Nope, gonna break my legs if I do that..." She muttered glumly. She did this every night and always she felt a crushing sense of fatigue.
She couldn't stay here any longer; she couldn't take any more of that bitch's threats; she couldn't bear to hear more of the servant's whispering about losing friends and loved ones to whatever experiments that mad Familiar concocted.
Speaking of loved ones, she wondered how the others were doing. Three weeks she'd spent here with no communication and for all they knew she could have been long since rotting in the ground. Princess Henrietta and the others must have been worried, though she hoped that they were okay. If it came down to it she didn't want them to die for her or put themselves at such risk.
Of course she knew they would, but one couldn't help but wish.
Well, it was time for her daily ritual. Trudging to the double doors she placed a hand on the surface and waited. As far as most of the guards were concerned she was a political prisoner of some sort and they were to treat her kindly so long as she stayed within the confines of the castle. Every few nights she peeked her head out to see if they were still watching over her and whether she could try and find a way out.
The door opened with an abominably loud creak. Louise winced and peeked her head out, already expecting the guard of duty to admonish her and order her back to 'her' room.
Nothing. Eyebrows knotting in worry she peeked farther and found no one on either side of the entrace, "What in the...?" She licked her lips nervously and closed the door once more. Had they gone to take a break? Had she finally gotten lucky? Whatever it was she couldn't afford to waste this chance. Grabbing the pillows she stuffed them under the blankets and stretched the cloth till it reached the top of the bed. If anyone came to check in on her then they would assume she was simply sleeping.
She left the room as silently as she could, keeping a wary eye out for any passing sentries. The hallways were eerily abandoned, though she doubted that would last long. She'd already explored parts of the castle in the daytime but under the cover of night she could perhaps find a way out that they kept concealed from her.
One thing was certain: She wasn't going to stay another second in this damned castle.
Where could she go, though? All the entrances were manned by sentries and she wasn't willing to test if her sudden burst of luck would reach that far. That bastard made it clear that she would be shot on sight if they found her outside so she needed to find another route. If she managed to procure a wand she could cast levitation or, more temptingly, blow the castle and bury that monster under the rubble-
Footsteps echoed from down the hall. Looking around frantically she ducked into a pair of curtains concealing a painting and tucked herself as far into the corner as she could. Whether they were guards or employees didn't matter; everyone seemed to consider even conversing with her to be akin to having a death wish. Two voices, both of them male, reached her ears.
"I hate going down there." The first spoke, his voice rough and tired, "It never gets any easier seeing that madwoman's experiments-"
"Shh, you want her to hear you!?" The second interrupted, his pitch high and nervous despite his attempt at a whisper. The footsteps stopped and she heard the sound of a hand smacking leather, "You wanna be next!? Keep your mouth shut before we piss her off."
"Are you really okay with this? That damn dungeon's filled with innocent people and you know it. Hel, every time they die they don't even get a proper burial; we just dump them out of that hole and let the animals feed on em-"
"Yeah, and if we keep talking we'll be next, so shut it!" The footsteps grew more frantic, two pairs of boots passing by her hiding place without a second thought.
Louise waited for a few more minutes before peeking her head out. Whoever they were they were gone now. She wondered on what they were talking about: She'd heard of Sheffield's experiments before, but only in hushed whispers. Apparently those who had earned the ire or attention of the mad king and his equally sadistic spawn were sent there and were never seen again. It would have been naive to assume they were simply kept prisoner, especially not with Isabella's threats of sending her down there for a 'quick stay'. Whatever it was she did to them it couldn't have been good.
But what did they mean by 'dump them out of the hole'? The way they talked about it heavily implied that the bodies were taken somewhere away from the castle. He mentioned animals eating the corpses...wild creautures in the forest or domesticated pets?
Either way it was a longshot. For all she knew the hole could have been at another point of the castle or it was a pit filled with man-eating scorpions...still, a small chance was still a chance and if she was going to die it would be through attempting an escape rather than being smothered in her sleep.
A few more guards stood in their posts, but they were easy to slip past. Most of them seemed distracted, a few mumbling something about Sheffield being angry about something and taking it out on anyone unlucky enough to incur her wrath. Thankfully it was almost pathetically simple to distract them - Throw something in another direction, wait for a friend to initiate conversation or even simply sneaking by them when they inevitably fell asleep on their post. She would have found it distressing if she wasn't taking advantage of their incompetence.
That and this was much preferable to walking through a cavern that stank of blood.
The door to the dungeons was unguarded, though that was no surprise. Even at the distance where she sat she could hear cries and pleas coming from the inside, many of which sounded nothing like the ones of hardened criminals.
She raised a hand to push open the entrance before something grabbed her wrist. Resisting the urge to scream she turned around and kicked at the sudden intruder, slippers hitting against someone's knees painfully, before she started smacking her fist against the figure's chest. Whoever they were she wasn't going to let herself be captured without a struggle.
"Stop that, I'm not here to hurt you!" The voice was one she recognized. Reluctantly ceasing her struggles she waited for him to catch his breath before he stepped back, rubbing his legs with a hiss, "Ah...you have quite the kick, miss."
As he stood up to his full height a hint of recognition finally reached her, "...You're the chef." She mumbled.
"Aye, miss. The same one who was privy to the...misunderstanding between you and King Joseph a few weeks prior." He rubbed the back of his bald head and coughed awkwardly as Louise winced. Right, the same 'misunderstanding' where she nearly got a man killed in an attempt to spite the Mad King.
"I-I'm really sorry about that! If I'd known that anyone else would have gotten hurt I-"
"It's fine, miss." He shook his head, "I...don't hold it against you. In here we try to keep our heads down as best we can so we know of the risks. I'm just glad you decided to, ahem, 'retract your statement'." She grimaced at the reminder but said nothing, "No one else in this castle would have done the same in your place, especially not another noble."
"You wouldn't have been in that situation if it wasn't for me," She muttered, "...Why don't any of you leave? If you all know how much of an insane bastard that man- monster is then why not quit? Surely whatever he pays you can't be worth this."
"A few of us tried...we haven't heard from them again." They shared a frown. Obviously nothing good had happened, "But to get back on track, Miss, what is it that you're doing here? We were told that you weren't allowed out of your room after suppertime."
"I was..." She bit her lip. Could she trust him? He didn't seem to be malevolent but she couldn't put herself in jeapordy trusting the wrong person...then again she'd already been caught with her hand in the pot, so to speak, so she had little left to lose, "I was hoping to go to the dungeons..."
"I...could see that, Miss, but..." He paused for a moment before shaking his head again, "It..It doesn't matter your reasons. Just...please return to your room and I shall pretend we never had this conversation. Neither of us wish to make Lord Joseph...upset."
"W-Wait!" She grabbed his hand and tugged, "Y-You're down here for a reason, right? The dungeon isn't a place where you can end up by accident, so..." She took a nervous breath, "You're going to the dungeon too?"
"Only to feed the prisoners, Miss." He gestured to a pot behind him, small enough to lift without much effort, "As...punishment for wasting Lord Joseph's time I was assigned to feed the prisoners after the last one...'retired'." He took a shaky breath and coughed, "Again, Miss, I must insist that you leave now before both of us get into trouble. I don't wish to test his generosity again."
"L-Look, just...can I come with you?" The old man's eyes widened, his mouth parting in shock. She continued before he could refuse her, "Please, I'm begging you!" She got on her knees and clasped her hands together, "I promise none of this will go back to you, I swear on my life! If they catch me then I'll tell them I snuck into the dungeon myself and you won't be found responsible!"
"Miss-"
"This is my one chance!" She pleaded, "I could be wrong and there's nothing there but I can't just leave without trying! Please!"
Silence descended upon the odd pair. Louise looked down and sighed, ready to hear him call for the guards and wash away all responsibility of her. It wouldn't have surprised her; why would he go out of his way to help her when her damned pride nearly killed him a few weeks prior?
His answer wasn't one she expected, "...Alright, but please make sure to be careful." She looked up at him with wide eyes, a rapid barrage of 'thank yous' at the tip of her tongue before he continued, "But remember, if they find you then I'm not going to be able to defend you. I'd like to help you, Miss, but I'm not going to risk my life since Lord Joseph obviously has something in mind for you."
"O-Of course, I understand!" She stood up in a rush and let him pass first, following only once she was sure no one was watching them. She took a deep breath and steeled herself as she descended the steps. She'd seen a fair amount of things that would have broken her less than a year ago but she wasn't enough of a fool to believe that she would be as unaffected as Raziel had been.
Her musings were proven right when he opened the second door. The full force of their screams hit her all at once, desperate cries for mercy and pleas for help melding together with pained shouts and yelled curses. She saw him hesitate, however briefly, before he took a deep breath and trudged inside with his head hanging low. It was clear that he took no joy in the job he was given but refusing the mad bastard wasn't a choice one made unless they needed aid passing to the other side of the void.
She stepped inside after him,her gaze shifting through the various captives. She wanted to help them, to blow open the walls and watch them escape to freedom, but without a wand she was as helpless as an infant.
"Please, help..." A young girl pleaded, appearing barely younger than she was. She appeared almost emaciated, the sickly skin clinging to her bones and her eyes hollow and sunken. She reached a thin hand through the narrow bars and Louise found herself holding it; her grip was weak and it didn't take long before the limb fell to the ground with a dull thud.
Louise knelt and gripped the bars tightly. She was supposed to be here to find a way to escape not...whatever it was she was thinking of doing. Despite every rational thought yelling at her to not be distracted she found herself ripping the hem of her nightgown and pressing it against the girl's bleeding forehead, the cries of the other prisoners surrounding her. Her arrival was unexpected and it presented a hope that they could find someone who could help them.
She had barely grazed her wound before she was knocked away by a few more prisoners, their hands grabbing and pulling at her arms desperately as they begged for aid. It was difficult to understand all their words but it was clear they were desperate, so much so that they were willing to push each other away for any chance of salvation. She would have been enraged by their actions if not for their desperate circumstances.
"I can't...I'm sorry." She reluctantly pulled herself away and took a deep breath. She couldn't rescue herself let alone anyone else.
"Miss, you must hurry-"
"Why are these people here?" She turned to him, her eyes narrowed. It wasn't his fault, she knew that, but there was no one else she could ask, "What is...why in the hel are these people being tortured like this!?" She screamed, cutting through the prisoner's cacophony of noise, "This is...I knew it would have been bad, but-"
"Miss, please!" He grabbed her shoulders and shook her roughly, stopping her rant, "I don't know anything any more than you do so there's no use asking." He took a deep breath, "Look, I promised you that I would look the other way but I can't do that if you stay here. Find whatever it is you're looking for as fast as you can because my ignorance can't last forever."
She wanted to protest, to ask more questions, but she knew that he was right. With a grim nod she ran down the hallways, prisoners begging for her help as she passed by. If she failed here then she needed to find a way back to her room so she couldn't afford to waste time.
There was no 'hole' as far as she could see, though there was definitely something else that grabbed her attention: A thick trail of blood leading towards a hatch bolted onto the floor, "Oh God..." She covered her nose, tears leaking from her eyes. The closer she drew towards it the more obvious the smell of decay became. It was a stench she had gotten all too familiar with - The fetor of decay that came from dead bodies.
Holding her breath, she grabbed on the edge of the wooden door and pulled, "Locked, of course." She scowled. Of course, why would she expect anything different? She didn't even know if it was a way out but Brimir damn it all she was going to get out of here if it was the last thing she did!
She needed a key. Looking around the area frantically she caught sight of a door hidden in a corner, almost unnoticeable at first glance, "Another room...?" She stood up and walked towards it, a hand holding onto the handle She pushed it down experimentally and was surprised to find it open. Huh, she would have thought something like this would need a key. Well, she wasn't going to look a gift griffon in the mouth.
The room inside was dark, far darker than the hall she'd previously been in. Apart from a high window lined with metal bars there was nothing else that brought light to the dark interior. Again she wished she had a wand again.
"...You are not Quelara."
The voice was one she didn't recognize. Eyes narrowed, she barely made out the figure of the pale young woman sitting in the cage, "Who...Who are you...?" She stepped closer laid a hand on the the thick metal, "Why are you here alone?"
"I could...ask you the same...child." She gave her a fatigued smile. Even through the ragged clothes and dirt caking her face she could see that the woman held a certain beauty to her, "Quelara has ensured that no one else but herself knew of my existence."
"I...I'm trying to find a way out of here-"
The laughter that came was sudden, the sound soft and weak even as it echoed throughout the small confines, "You would...not be the first to attempt such a task." She moved her legs, the chains binding her to the walk clinking in response, "If my sister wishes for no one to leave then you will never escape."
"Sister? You mean..." Her eyes widened and she grabbed at her side, pawing for a foci that wasn't there, "You're sisters with that...that-"
"Monster?" The prisoner supplied, a hint of mirth in her tone, "Worry not, child...I no longer feel affection for her. She is no longer my sister...as I am no more hers."
"Right...well, that's a relief." She released a held breath and looked back at the slightly ajar door, "Do you...know where that hole goes to? I could maybe use it to escape."
"It is where she throws away her victims..." She shook her head despondently, "Apologies, child...I know not where it leads." She looked up at her, "A word of warning: Whatever risk you took to come down here...do not repeat it. You were lucky to have gotten here once...you will not have such luck once again. Whether you heed my words is your choice..." Her lips pressed into a thin line, "If Quelara comes here I will distract her. Worry not, your presence here shall be left unsaid."
She nodded and stepped back, already planning on how to return to 'her' quarters, before she stopped. Looking back at the woman, she couldn't help the swell of pity that rose in her chest. Even through her circumstances she felt the need to warn her rather than worry for herself, "I'm Louise...what's your name?"
Her head snapped up to meet hers, her expression surprised, before it melted into a genuine smile.
"Quelaan...a proud daughter of Chaos. It is...nice to meet you, Louise."
Henrietta looked around the open fields, doing her best not to draw attention to herself. She saw a few knights talking to the staff and a few scattered students milling about, alternating between discussing the events of last night and sneaking fleeing looks at her. Officially she was here to inspect the damage that had been incurred the previous night and to question the staff on the exact nature of the events.
Except of course she already knew everything. She ignored the headmaster's questions and diverted him to Agnes, who looked none too pleased with being forced to explain a chain of events she herself hadn't been privy to. She would apologize to the musketeer later, but she didn't wish to waste time trying to explain and justify herself to the headmaster for willingly putting everyone in the academy at risk for one person.
"You realized our plans from the start and yet you let the ball continue. I'm curious, did you not feel guilt for all those that might have gotten hurt? Not just your pawns, but the students and teachers attending the celebrations. Why didn't you stop the festivities if you knew where we were going to be?"
"Shut up..." She muttered to no one. By some miracle no one had died, everyone having converged in the great hall and safe from the dragon and that woman's other machinations. Still, it did little to assuage her guilt. They had only scraped together a victory out of pure luck: If the building hadn't been abandoned when that dragon crashed into it, if Alsanna hadn't been there to save them and keep Raziel from losing control...she didn't even want to imagine the consequences.
This school was growing closer and closer to being shut down. She couldn't even imagine how many students would be pulled out once the parents were informed.
Walking through the field, she ignored the stares and made her way to the female dormitories. She'd spoken to Eleanor earlier and right now the older woman was trying to calm Daphne. She had little knowledge on what exactly happened with the twins the previous night but it was evident that the Vampires had been shaken because of it, meaning she couldn't count on their help for her next task. If only she-
"Your Majesty, everything is calm, please do not worry!"
She suppressed a scowl at the sudden interruption. Turning to the source, she put on a practiced smile as Guiche de Gramont gave a far too eager bow. Ah yes, she'd almost forgotten about the Ondine Knights. Truth be told she'd only allowed the formation of such a group because she wanted to keep up morale and instill confidence in the students once more. Whether they helped last night she had no idea, though given what she'd heard of their behavior - which consisted mostly of drinking excessive wine under the guise of 'knightly business' and charming a few of the female students - she rather doubted it.
"Your Majesty, is something the matter?"
Hm? Oh, yes, he was informing her that everything was alright now, "Perfectly fine, Sir. Gramont. Keep up the good work." She gave a slight bow and ignored the red that went up the young man's cheeks. He was infatuated, something she would have found flattering a few months ago. Now she almost expected it and at some point she began to despise the looks of admiration and, dare she say it, lust with which they looked at her.
The trek up the stairs was painfully silent. Those few students that chose to remain in their dorms had all but locked themselves inside which gave her the privacy she so craved. Humming softly to herself, she found herself standing in front of the slightly ajar door leading to her best friends dorm room. It had been untouched ever since the...incident, but right now it held a lone occupant after last night's disasters.
"Look at me."
...Or so she thought.
Brows furrowing together nervously, she peeked through the small crack as quietly as she could. It was difficult to see given the small space the gap allowed but she could definitely make out Cattleya sitting on the bed together with Raziel, though the latter was almost completely obscured by the door's surface. He had gone here after Alsanna promised to come back later and explain things, but what was Cattleya doing with him?
"You should not be here..." His voice was weak, tired almost. He gave Cattleya a look she couldn't make out and she held his hand in response, giving him a comforting smile, "Without Derflinger or...or her..I cannot be sure I will be able to maintain control of myself-"
"I trust you." She cupped his cheeks gently and pressed his head against her chest. A calming gesture; she saw his eyes close for a moment upon contact before he embraced her, arms wrapping around the small of her back.
Henrietta's eyes narrowed and she peeked closer; what were they talking about? If he lost control then-
Oh.
She looked away as she tilted his head up and pulled him into a gentle kiss. She suddenly felt ashamed, like an intruder that had seen something she shouldn't have. Taking a deep breath, she stepped back slightly before rapping her hands against the wood. Better they thought she wasn't here to see their...display.
A scuffle of footsteps emerged briefly before Cattleya opened the door, her face slightly flushed. Looking past her she saw Raziel looking down at the floor, his expression difficult to read, "O-Oh, Queen Henrietta...I assume you're here to talk to Raziel?" The Queen nodded silently, not trusting herself to not say something untoward, "O-Oh, well...I'll leave you two alone then. I have to see Daphne anyway."
The pair shared a look before she departed, leaving the two of them alone. Henrietta suddenly felt uncomfortable. Taking a deep breath she looked around the room and grimaced: She understood that he would have been angry after last night's events and his near loss of control but the sight of the broken room was a cruel reminder - A shattered mirror, broken tables and chairs, a cabinet with all its contents strewn about the floor. How Cattleya managed to ignore this in favor of attempting to comfort him she didn't know, but she admired the woman's kindness regardless.
"...What are you doing here?" He muttered.
Looking closer at him felt odd; he still appeared similar to the illusion he'd been given last night...mostly. Flecks of white-blonde hair appeared through the brown locks and his left eye had turned black, contrasting heavily with the gray of his right iris. When he opened his mouth she saw what appeared to be fangs, though it was more subtle compared to that of a Vampire. The sword had called it an imperfection adaptation, the result of trying to keep his body stable after he had lost himself to madness.
"You and Cattleya..." She stopped; the question lay at the tip of her tongue but she refused to vocalize it. What right she did she have to ask about such things? What they did with one another was their business, not hers. While she had no inkling as to what reason Cattleya had for partaking in such acts with him she trusted her to be knowledgeable enough to make her own decisions on the matter.
"Me and Catt...?" He asked back, an eyebrow raised.
"Nothing...forget I said anything." She coughed trying to banish the awkward atmosphere, "To get back to the task at hand, I need your aid in talking to that girl Tabitha-"
"If it is is all the same to you, I would rather not speak to Tabitha right now," He interrupted, looking away with an annoyed grunt.
"I understand that you two might have had...history," She started delicately, doing her best to be tactful, "But she's the only lead we have right now, the only chance we have of finding out where Louise might be."
"And what makes you think my presence will help with that?" He snapped, giving her a tired glare, "She obviously does not care of what I think given how easily she betrayed me. You would be better off with the Vampires or Julio; their magic should be able to worm its way into her mind and make her into their puppet."
"Unfortunately Sir. Julio and the two are occupied at the moment. He had overextended his limits and needs to rest in the infirmary while Lady Daphne...well, Lady Amethyst made it clear she was in no position to help me right now so that leaves you."
"Perfect..." He rolled his eyes and stood up, "Fine then, let us finish this futile interrogation before I change my mind. I can only hope that Kirche does not realize what is going on or that her Familiar does not return; I would rather not fight a dragon for her sake again."
Seeing the younger girl once more elicited a rise of pity within her. She should have known better; this girl attacked them last night and was complicit in a plan to kill them and had she succeeded then Louise would have no doubt paid the price as well...and yet, seeing her sitting morosely with the ropes digging painfully at her hands and feet to keep her immobile she couldn't help but wish that things had gone differently.
She looked up at the sudden intrusion and Henrietta winced. She'd done her best to heal her last night, but given her own condition and lack of willpower she couldn't do much more than prevent her from going through death's door. The bruises on her face were a nasty purple, a few dried traces of blood covering the injuries. Her lips were equally damaged, showing more than a few badly healed sores, and she knew that some of her teeth had been knocked away after Raziel had been finished with his assault.
All in all a pitiable sight for the monarch.
They would have healed her more but she refused further treatment as soon as she awoke. They were forced to leave her in one of the academy's more obscure chambers under guard from some of the musketeers. They had little else they could do with her.
Good morning...Miss Tabitha, was it?" She asked. The girl gave no response, looking back down at the bare table in front of her. From behind she heard Raziel scoff and muttering something unintelligible under his breath, "I...understand that this situation isn't ideal, but we only require your cooperation and...we can forget everything the night prior..." She offered. It was the best she could do - While some of the others might have been displeased by such an action she would use whatever card from the deck she'd been given.
Amethyst wouldn't be happy, especially not after she identified her as Fouquet's partner when she had stolen the music box.
As expected she said nothing, continuing to look away from her, "She is not gonna say anything." Raziel murmured, "We are wasting our time here."
"She must." He didn't know whether she was talking to him or her but she continued regardless, "Miss Tabitha, I know you're friends with Louise. You were there when she tried to stop me from making a fatal mistake and she told me of the aid you gave her with regards to capturing Fouquet. Regardless of your reasons for allying with her later I believe that you aren't a heartless person. Please, tell us what you know; Louise's life depends on it."
Again she said nothing. Henrietta pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. If one couldn't use the carrot then the stick would have to suffice.
"You understand what's going on, don't you?" Her voice hardened, expression morphing into a glare at the blunette, "You might be a Gallian but you attacked a Tristanian event and endangered many lives. Had you been anyone else you would have been hanged in front of a crowd." She placed both hands on the table and leaned towards her, "Tell us something and I can make sure the noose doesn't get tied around your neck."
Finally she looked at her. Despite her wounds the young girl's eyes were strong, her expression unreadable, and she spoke.
"Go to hel..."
She should have expected that, she knew that, but she still felt anger flare at the defiant reply. Hands clenching she took a deep breath and turned to her companion, "Maybe you shall have better luck." She walked past him briskly to try and calm herself. She was trying to goad her, that much was clear, and it frustrated her to no end that she was falling prey to her obvious bait.
Raziel watched the door slam shut. She would be back soon enough, and again she would achieve nothing. He looked to Tabitha silently, lips curling into a frown. He would have apologized for the extent of her wounds but then he would have been lying. While he didn't take sadistic glee in attacking her he certainly didn't feel guilty considering she had been the first to incite conflict.
"I am surprised you would work for the witch..." He whispered bitterly.
Tabitha looked at him through narrowed eyes before speaking, "You've already made that clear." She raised her bound wrists and gestured to the ugly bruise on the right side of her face.
"Do not play the victim. You did not hold back when you attacked me." He snarled. The seals hadn't been fully repaired and he found that it was much easier to lose himself in anger. Taking a deep breath, he sat against the wall and crossed his arms, "...What did she offer you?"
"...Why do you wish to know?"
"Curiosity, I suppose." He brought a hand through his face, his fingers stopping at his lips for a moment...no, now wasn't the time to think of that, "Were you always working for her or did you hire yourself out once I told you of our plans."
"Would it matter...?" She asked, sitting up straighter in her seat.
"...I suppose not." He sighed. Whether she was an opportunist who saw a chance or someone who had always worked for the witch her actions didn't change. Finding out Kirk had been stealing Humanity not for himself but for the Fair Lady didn't change that he stole from others who needed it just as much as she did, "I am still curious as to what she offered you. Material possessions hold no interest to you nor does power, so it cannot be that."
"You do not know me." Her voice had hardened and he could see the edges of her mouth dipping into a frown.
"Perhaps not fully, but when we received the reward for slaying the dragon and her brood you did not even wait for the gold that had been offered to us." It was something they both shared, he thought, "Your views on power are not known to me, so it may have been that. What did she offer you? The power to control those Golems? The power to bend others to your will? Or perhaps..."
She could see the gears in his mind turning, his gaze becoming unfocused as he retreated to his thoughts, "...You will not know." She muttered. He couldn't know. So long as she kept her mouth shut she could still hold onto the hope that Sheffield still considered her loyal and her mother wouldn't be forced to pay the price. So long as she was okay she would die happy.
But what then, her traitorous mind asked. When she died and Percival eventually passed on what would happen to her? She rather doubted her 'esteemed uncle' would take care of her. Two impossible choices, and she couldn't tell what was the lesser evil.
"You're wasting your time-"
"Your mother." Tabitha froze at the sudden announcement. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but she couldn't stop her eyes from widening for the briefest of moments. Most would have missed it entirely, but for him it was enough, "Money held no interest to you and whenever you did something it was to help Kirche or Louise. To work for the witch you would have needed incentive-"
"Shut up-"
"What did she offer you?" He pressed, ignoring her rebuttal, "Did she tell you she had the cure? That if you helped her she would be cured of her insanity? If she did then it is all lies." He scoffed, "She was unable to cure her mother and her sisters, what makes you think she would be able to cure your mother? Hah...I did not take you to be such a fool."
"She didn't offer me a cure." She hissed back. Keeping quiet was the smart thing to do but she felt a sense of irritation at his biting words.
"What then? What other leverage could she have used?"
She wanted to tell him - tell anyone really - of that monster's intentions. That her mother's life hung in the balance. But again she kept her mouth shut, unwilling to take such a risk and trust someone she had already betrayed. He hated her, she knew that.
"...I did my best to help you." He closed his eyes and released a soft breath, "I told you I would have found another Divine Blessing...I would have helped you again..."
"She didn't offer me a cure..." She repeated, softer this time.
"You say that, but I cannot perceive what else she could have used." He answered, "If you deny it so fervently then tell me what she did...tell me you didn't put Louise to death for something as petty as gold."
The accusation stung, but she knew it held merit. Deny, deny, deny...all she did was refuse to answer their questions. If she told them, her mother was doomed once Sheffield found out. If she stayed quiet she herself would be doomed to the gallows. On the off-chance she used Sylphid to escape it would only be a matter of time before they found her and the both of them would be fugitives.
Perhaps it was time to take a leap of faith.
"...Can I trust you?" Her voice was weak, but the question seemed to echo in the room's dark confines.
"You tell me." He asked back, "I trusted you, Tabitha. It would have been one thing if you simply refused to help, but..." He clenched his left hand, wisps of corruption rising from the flesh, "But you took full advantage. You agreed to my request for aid, you asked for details which she used to hurt us. That dragon, those assassins...everything would have gone better if I never involved you. So ask yourself again if you trust me."
If she was being truly honest then she wasn't certain...but if she had to choose between the lesser of two evils then...
"I don't know." It was the truth. It was her choice to betray them, but the wounds he inflicted on her had left their mark, "I know you don't trust me. But I must ask for your help."
"And why should I? You could simply be lying to me again..." He scoffed, "For all I know this could be another trap. What next? You tell us where Louise is supposedly being contained and we fall into another trap laid by that witch? Louise could be dead because of your actions. You cannot sit there and tell me that you were justified in trying to take Tiffania as well. What reason could you give me to believe another word you say?"
"Because I had no other choice." She answered grimly, "Sheffield always knew of yours plans. You can never hide from her." She learned that the hard way years ago, "My information changed nothing."
"You say that, but how could I be sure? If you never told her of our plans maybe it would not have been so dire and Louise-"
"I'm sorry."
At that moment he saw all the fatigue she had tried to keep hidden, the weakness she refused to show. The wounded Mage closed her eyes tightly and sucked in a deep breath, ignoring the pain that resulted from such an action, "If I tell you this...tell you all I know...then I want you to promise me something." She pressed her lips into a thin line, "Save my mother and make sure she lives. Kill me if you wish, but spare her."
"...I would not have hurt her. Your actions are not hers-"
"No, but she would have."
"She? You mean..." His eyes widened ever so slightly as the implications set in, "She threatened your mother...that was how she got you to cooperate." It made sense now. Even in the short time he'd known her it was evident that she cherished the her maternal parent, mad as she was. Her search for Humanity and her reasons for being willing to risk her life fighting a Fire Dragon and her brood were because of her.
"Yes." It felt odd admitting it, like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, "She threatened my mothers life. If I did not betray you...she would have paid the price in my stead." Her hands clenched tightly from under the table, "...I am sorry."
"...If you tell us everything you know on where Louise might be then I will ask Queen Henrietta with regards to your request." He countered. He didn't want to make a definite promise, but he was confident that the monarch was going to agree to her terms. She always seemed far more sympathetic to the plight of others than he was, this included, "We will wait here for her to return and then we...we can save your mother."
Despite everything he saw her smile, the gesture nearly unnoticeable in the dark room.
"Thank you."
"Do not thank me. This does not mean I wholly trust you." He dismissed, looking away from her, "We will save your mother and you can keep your life...but after this I do not wish to see you again. Your actions nearly killed Louise and the others...I cannot forgive that. I will not."
"I understand." The smile faded, but her nod was resolute. So long as it all worked out in the end she would live with the consequences without regret.
The Queen was still stunned silent as they sat in Louise's room. Going back here considering its rather poor state seemed odd, but there was little else they could go. Going outside would attract the attention of others and this room had been avoided by just about everyone ever since the incident three weeks prior. They needed to be alone and it was the best place they could manage.
Raziel watched her pace from his place on the bed. Tabitha had told them everything she'd known - Sheffield's position in the Gallian court, her master's identity as King Joseph, how they had poisoned her mother when she was young and had been responsible for the death of her father in a 'hunting accident'. Everything they asked she answered to the best of her abilities. He couldn't discount the idea that she might have been lying to escape her situation, but that line of thought led to darker places he cared not to consider.
"...Are you sure we can trust her?" She finally spoke, looking him right in the eye, "This is...she's accusing the king of Gallia as that woman's master. Even if its true that means..." She bit her quivering lips, "This could mean war, you understand. No matter how much of a bastard he is he's a bastard with a kingdom at his back. If we attack him then...we can't afford another conflict in such a scale. Not after Albion..."
"Are you suggesting we leave Louise to die?" He asked, teeth baring in a scowl.
"I never said that!" She denied quickly, giving him a glare of her own, "I understand that this man and his servant must die, but we cannot simply march through the gates and stab him as he eats dinner. His successor would use it to declare war on us and in our weakened state we would lose."
"Then what do you propose we do-"
Before he could finish he felt an uncomfortable buzz running along the length of his left arm. Eyeing the window, he did his best to appear unsurprised as Alsanna seeminly manifested from thin air, holding Derflinger in her pale arms.
"...Good of you to join us, Alsanna." The monarch gave her an irritated smile, but she seemed relieved at her presence, "I...trust your talk with Sir. Derflinger was successful?" She asked. The child of Dark didn't give them much chance to ask her what had happened before she left, taking Derflinger with her, with a mumbled 'I must tell him how to keep the madness contained'.
"What's up, partner?" Derflinger greeted, rising from his sheath, "Let me tell you, this 'sister' of yours knows her stuff! When we get a chance I'll put you back good as new!"
Hopefully with a better body this time, he mused. This form was somewhat misshapen but it was a definite improvement over before, "Right...now that you have returned it is only proper that you explain yourself." He found it odd staring at her. Not unpleasant, but there was a definite tension in the air, "You...You called me brother before you disappeared and your name..."
"Does it hold any meaning to you?" She asked back softly, setting Derflinger down on the well, "I do not understand the name's origin myself. When my king had asked for my identity I replied with that word."
"It holds no meaning to me...the shards are another thing entirely." He placed a hand atop where his heart would have lain. There was an almost rhythmic noise that came from the shards, "...They recognize you. They want to be rejoined." He clicked his tongue and frowned, "Why are you here? Were you drawn to the shards as well? Hoping to take back the pieces you left behind?"
"She came here because she cares about you." Henrietta cut in, giving him a nasty glare, "Honestly, why must you assume everyone has ulterior motives?"
"Because more often than not it is the truth." He answered easily, turning back to his 'sister', "...Why did you involve yourself in last night's events?"
She hummed and sat on the window, legs dangling over the edge, "Henrietta was in danger...and she is a friend." She looked down at the people below, watching the sea of Humanity as it writhed, "I heard your screams as well...and so I came."
"You came here to be...what? Our savior?" He asked incredulously, staring at the dark haired woman in disbelief, "Assuming it is true...why would you care so much about both of us? Henrietta I can understand since you seem to have created a bond with her, but we have never met before. Last night was the time I have ever seen you and yet you put yourself at such risk to restore my sanity. Why?"
"Why?...Is it not normal for family to care for one another."
He laughed, though the gesture held no mirth. Alsanna looked back at him, her expression unreadable, though he could see the pity in her eyes.
And he despised it.
"Stop looking at me like that..." He looked away pointedly, "You left me...the shards back in the asylum. These memories may not be mine but I still remember them. The pieces you all abandoned...they begged you not to leave, and yet you left them all to rot." He ran a hand through his hair in frustration, "And now you come back...to what? To pretend nothing happened so we can all be family once again? It is a little too late to play the part of the doting sister."
"Raziel-"
"He is right, Henrietta," Alsanna interrupted. She appeared pained by the accusations, though she did her best to smile regardless "My sisters and I cared only for our own survival. That he would hold a grudge against me is understandable..."
"...I do not hate you." He denied faintly. Both of them could tell it wasn't true, "The shards have their own feelings on the matter, but it is of no concern to me. I am not Manus..." The last words were left unsaid.
"You may hate me if you wish, brother. I do not fault you for it."
"...Why would you even consider me a brother? I may have the shards but I am noting more than a mask that refuses to let go. Why...Why would you put your remnants back to sleep in order to put me back?"
"They hold no identity of their own. They are like a child, needy and easily filled with rage when they cannot take what they want." She appeared in front of him and placed a hand on his chest, lightly grazing the cold flesh, "You were not supposed to become a who you are now, and yet you have done so. Their mind is forever broken, unable to gain even a semblance of true identity. But you...you have done what they could not. You are worthy of a soul as much as they are..."
"Touching words, but we both know who owns the soul in the end." He pried her hand away, his grip surprisingly gentle. Despite himself he found her words comforting and he felt his negative feelings abate, however slightly "...I appreciate your assistance last night...and when the Darkwraith had nearly attacked me. Whatever your view is it would be poor of me not to give my appreciation for such actions. Thank you..."
He smiled. Alsanna liked it when he did that.
"There's something else I don't understand..." He let go of her wrist and stood up to put some distance between them. As much as she claimed to care for him he found her lack of hesitation at close contact disconcerting, "How did you get here? I was summoned by Louise but apart from Julio and I everyone else seems to have appeared for no reason whatsoever. I suppose you fall under similar circumstances."
"Correct...I first awoke in this land many years ago. I have no recollection of how it came to be, but..." She paused, considering her words, "An Undead, one who bore the curse of being the cycle's 'Chosen', she must have linked the fires as her predecessor did. It is why the wheel forever turns."
"I know. I recall the years I spent burning in that pit."
"You...You linked the fires...?" Her mouth parted but no words came. Raziel gave Henrietta a questioning glance but the monarch could only shrug her shoulders in confusion. He saw Alsanna pace...er, reappear from all across the room, continually whispering to herself. Her expression was difficult to discern, her face covered by her hair and faced away from him.
Her next action nearly caused him to shove her off on instinct.
"I'm sorry..." Her arms circled around him and pulled him into a tight embrace. Henrietta's eyes widened at the odd gesture while a dark pulse of energy consumed his left hand. Being this close to her...it was it perturbing.
"...Please release me." He pushed her away, careful not to be too aggressive. Despite her intentions he only felt all the more irritated; his time in the kiln was an unending torment but he hated the idea of being pitied for it. He wasn't a child that cried for attention, wishing for someone to whisper comforting words in his ear as he cried. He would live with the consequences of his actions.
"My apologies." She reached a hand towards him before thinking better and relenting, "I simply...did not expect that you would be the one to link the Fires. I had heard the legends of a knight, but the possibility that it would be you-"
"If it is all the same to you, I would rather not talk of it." He muttered, giving her a flat stare, "I lit the fires and kept Gwyndolin in power," He spat the name like a curse. Henrietta winced uncomfortably, "But it has come and gone. If you wish to talk of the 'irony' of such an action then talk to Julio. I am sure Gwyn's reincarnation would be thrilled to make the acquaintance of another shard of Manus." No doubt he would attempt intercourse with her. His appetites were insatiable.
"Henrietta told me of how you fought father..." She mumbled, "It...is still difficult to understand. Time in our home flowed in all directions, but-"
"Back to the topic at hand." He interrupted, pinching the bridge of her nose. Discussing how conceivable it was that he was responsible for his own 'birth' was not a discussion that he desired to go into, "I still wish to know why you are here. I was summoned, others were not, and yet you are the odd one out." He sighed, "Others came from the same...cycle, but you came after. Why is that?"
"I...I do not know." She admitted, shaking her head, "When I awoke I was alone and with no memory of how I came to be here. I did my best to avoid affecting this world. It...would have been better if a Child of Dark no longer corrupted it."
"Alsanna..." Henrietta wanted to say something to comfort her friend, but the words never came to her.
"As the years passed I noticed...similarities to my home..." She continued grimly, "Everything was happening again. Kingdoms rise and fall, chaos engulfs the world slowly but surely. Even if I tried my best not to interfere...the descent was destined to happen." She appeared in the windowsill again, looking down at the oblivious crowds, "If the cycle comes to pass, all will perish once more."
"This talk of cycles is beginning to annoy me," He scoffed, "Everyone reiterates about this eternal recurrence and yet I never hear a solution. What is our plan? Fight a few Darkwraiths? Kill that witch and her master? As much as I would like to believe that killing our way to a resolution would solve our problems I doubt it is that simple."
"Speaking of which..." Henrietta interjected, "You told me a few weeks prior that you were to search for...what was her name again?"
"Nashandra." She didn't miss the way her brother snarled, fanged teeth exposing themselves as the flesh cracked. A quick call from his sword companion was enough to calm him, however, "I searched for signs of her presence..."
"I take it by your hesitation that it is not good news?" Raziel asked, a frown already in place. He knew Nashandra: Ambition and a lust for power that dwarfed all the rest. Perhaps it is why he felt no desire of it himself; she had taken it all when she abandoned him...the shards.
"She is here...I am certain." She saw his left hand clench, fingers twitching at her words, "Traces and remnants, signs of her arrival are unmistakable. Perhaps my other sisters are here as well...if so then we must prepare." She looked at each of them in turn, "I have little doubt that they shall attempt to corrupt this land as they had Drangleic. I know not how they yet live but we must stop them."
"Perfect, as if we did not have enough to deal with." Raziel snarled, "We need to rescue Louise first, then we can worry about my 'older sisters'." It still felt odd saying such aloud. He didn't feel like their sibling, not truly, "I assume you have a plan?" He turned to Henrietta.
"Yes...it's not ideal, but I fear we have little choice." She grimaced, "Alsanna...will you help us?"
"I cannot stay..." She replied, a hint of regret in her voice, "Even now her soldiers look for sacrifices, trying to make themselves whole. Brother has seen the results of such act himself. I cannot step them on my own, but I shall do my best to save as many as I can." She held Henrietta's hand gently and made her best attempt at a comforting smile.
"But-"
"It is probably better this way," Raziel supplied, cutting her off, "If I am correct in my assumption in what your plan is then Ciaran will be the greatest aid and I doubt she will willingly work together with you if she knew of your...relationship." He looked at their intertwined hands, idly wondering why they weren't repulsed by contact with one another, "And I have seen what those Darkwraiths are capable of...we will save Louise ourselves or die trying."
Henrietta took a deep breath and separated their hands, "I...would prefer her presence there, but I understand." She nodded, "Very well then, Alsanna. Do what you must and return when you can. If-When we save Louise then we will deal with this corrupter."
"Best of luck to the both of you. I must-"
"Before you go, I had another question." Raziel called, "You called the others sisters...is there a specific reason that all of Manus' shards took the form of females? Even I had nearly done so if not for Derflinger's intervention," He pointedly ignored the sword's smarmy 'You're welcome', "Manus was known as the 'Father of the Abyss' and what memories I have of before his corruption showed him to be a male and yet we were all to turn into the opposite? Why is that?"
Alsanna's head tilted to the side, as if the words he spoke were incomprehensible, "Why is one born a male or a female?" She asked back, "I did not choose this form. All I remember of my birth is fear and the desire to find someone powerful and use them for my own gain." She looked down, seemingly ashamed, "I did not choose this. It is simply how I am...Nashandra always held a resemblance to Father's beloved, perhaps that is the reason."
"And I am to believe that it was mere coincidence that you all ended up like this? Or that it was because Manus was obsessed with someone he could never have?" He shook his head, "...Nevermind, perhaps I do not want to know the true reason. Just...come back safe, and be certain not to show yourself in front of Ciaran. She barely tolerates my presence as it is; knowledge of your existence will send her into a frenzy."
"The masked assassin...yes, I understand." She nodded. She couldn't hear her; everything was kept hidden behind layers of false fronts, every regret pushed under the surface, but her rage was clear for all to see.
"We will talk again when you return. I...want to know more about you and the rest of my 'family'."
"Goodbye, brother."
And just like that she was gone, disappearing from their sight with a single blink. Raziel rolled his eyes and leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed. Whether she was his sister or not there was no doubt such an ability was useful. Things would have been a lot more convenient if he could simply disappear at will.
"I...suppose we must get on with it then." Henrietta coughed, suddenly wishing they weren't alone together. It was clear the discussion with his 'sibling' hadn't calmed his disposition, "You understand what we must do?"
"I have a guess." He shrugged, "Whatever it is I will not hesitate to hesitate."
"Right." She released a nervous breath. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and this was no exception,"We have to assassinate the King of Gallia."
Like I said my friend was going to do an example fight scene, so you'll see it below. Before you do I have another question however: Due to the way the story is going a lot of the lighter stuff I planned is difficult to put in due to it wrecking the pacing, so I have a possible solution: Like say 'Storms Overhead' should I just make another side-story bit with some of the lighter things I can't fit in on it?
I'm not saying there won't be lighter stuff in the main story - Raziel, Cattleya and Louise's reunion should be good for a laugh - but a lot of the other things I had initially planned to put in like characters getting drunk (not in the depressing way Henrietta does) or other things they get off to during their 'free time' can't happen here now so it should be a good alternative. It's not a guarantee or anything, but it should be better than writing constantly depressing stuff with no end.
Anyway, I rambled on long enough. Write in the reviews what you think of that and the fight scene below.
The dragon's roar was almost deafening in the still forest, "Fenris, go!" She whispered quickly, gesturing to the closest cluster of foliage as she climbed a nearby tree. Dragons held the advantage when fought in open spaces. While the trees wouldn't be anything more than a minor obstacle it would at the very least limits its movements, even if only temporarily. When fighting such creatures she had to press whatever advantage she could.
Finding the beast among the clouds was an easy task, given the clear sky and the piercing light of the twin moons. A roar marked its crescendo through the treeline, logs breaking like twigs with birds escaping to the sky only to fall down as burning heaps. There was a reason why they sought battle with the dragons on open wastelands; dead earth isn´t known to burn twice so a forest filled to the brim with life would be troublesome ground.
A flash of sliver caught her eyes, rushing quickly through the branches towards the beast. Fenris must have been eager to prove his worth, she figured, an effort she would meet in kind. With quick steps Ciaran rushed to meet her companion, however, she instead turned to face the hills near the rim of the woods. Slaying a dragon of that size would either require an army of knights or a few creative solutions.
As she remembered from the many tales the generals told in the training grounds, grounding a dragon was more or less the hardest part. At least when one didn´t have an army of knights at their exposal, which she didn´t have, or a way to get ones hands on the dragon itself. Now, Ciaran wasn´t crazy by any means but she knew that sometimes extraordinary demands were met by extraordinary deeds; sometimes good and sometimes bad. She would let Fenris decide whether it was the former or the latter.
Stopping short in front an oak tree the size of a giant, Ciaran prepared her had to set a trap that would stop the beast dead in its tracks while not wasting so much time that the entire forest burned down. Physical training had to be intense for her to keep up her level of performance, something she didn´t practice during the time spent hidden among the villages,but this was a bit more than she was used to.
Fenris knew that the moment his blade touched the massive scales on its abdomen that this monster horribly outclassed him. Then again, he didn´t think that his master sent him here to slay the beast, instead, he assumed that his actions were more or less a distraction. He hoped, at least, fighting was scary but the training did well to calm his nerves in the middle of things.
Dodging streams of fire shot aimlessly through the underbrush was getting harder now that the flames started to spread upwards to the branches and leafs; closing the gap between them was almost impossible now. It was good that the only strategy it followed was to just burn everything rather than try to sniff them out among the shrubbery. Or maybe their noses weren´t that good compared to his own.
A sharp whistle brought him out of his reverie, drawing his attention away from the singed hairs on his flanks to the outskirts of the forest. Well, given that he couldn´t do much more here it was more than welcome to return to his masters side. On his way back he took to the upper branches where the moonlight touched both his fur and blade, making him blitz up through the smoke.
With a thunderous roar the dragon gave chase, taking to the skies as its wings created a gust so strong that it put out most of the flames and fanned the ones in the dry bushes near the fallen down trees. It covered the ground quickly, splitting the smoke with its fiery maw first until it broke through entirely.
Ciaran, standing on top of a rock outside the treeline, locked eyes with the monster bearing down on them; Fenris starting to back away from her position. She had cut down a tree to use it as a spear, wearing down the edge of her tracers in the process but if that beast didn´t even bother to lower itself when attacking she would have to improvise once again. Things could only get worse from there.
As it gained more momentum, intending to smash the offending knight into the ground, a white dragon shot from the clouds above it. The collision carried both into the vegetation beneath, displacing earth and stone alike as the chest of an ancient being was shattered by brute force alone, blood seeping into ground. Shocked Ciaran turned around.
The bearer of her Lord´s soul slowly walked up to her, hands clapping and the ever present smirk on his lips.
"My, my Ciaran! I never took you for the crafty type but maybe I will have to reevaluate my opinion of you" He chuckled into the cold night air.
"No need to bother; can you be of assistance? You have the memories of the old wars so you should know what needs to be done." Her arms were feeling pretty heavy at this point; if things went her way she wouldn´t have to fight anymore but it was best to keep her tracers out still.
"Don´t worry, I know exactly what I my part entails." His arms cracked with the growing current of electricity; the blades of grass beside his feetsoon turning black due to the heat. "I didn´t exactly plan for such a tiring exercise but, alas,things must be done."
His arm reached into the sky and his hand pulled a lightning bolt from thin air, sending it flying with a crack that alarmed Azuro who quickly took to the clouds again. With grey clouds of dust the ancient dragon exploded into nothing more than rubble with the consecutive bolts. He was of use, Ciaran thought, but she doubted that things went as smoothly in the academy. This would be a long night.
Done. Some changes were done for Tabitha's segment; originally it ended on a more lighter note with the 'thank you' and less accusations of her being a filthy traitor but a friend suggested Raziel was too passive and accepting so I upped the hostility. He was probably right, but hey them's the works.
Not a lot for this chapter. Derflinger's really gotten the shaft in dialogue, but I always find it difficult to insert him without breaking the flow. He was going to have a larger role as Raziel's mouthpiece/conscience but since people picked the lighter option he became redundant. Anyway we'll focus more on Quelaan when I get the chance, maybe even other 'forgotten' characters if I can fit them in ;)
Review time. Note, recent reviews aren't showing up on the site so if I missed someone my bad.
Cloudstrel - No PS4 and it's not on PC so no-go for me. There are rumors of a PC port but I'm not holding my breath. I considered Artorias or Solaire but since he didn't know what Artorias looked like and he kept the appearance (mostly) in this chapter it would have been weird for him to face-snatch another character.
CrimsonGrEEd - You're not the only one who thinks that, but as Henrietta said a desire for something can surpass admiration. Raziel wanted a body of his own more than he admired Solaire at that point so the mirror gave him that.
Remvis - Sorry to disappoint but he's still Raziel, though he does seem to have a harder time separating himself as far as Alsanna is concerned. As for the sex: I meant more the idea that he could get a boner and, apparently, ejaculate semen rather than that he lacks the necessary parts. That he could get an erection implies flowing blood and ejaculation implies he has other fluids like semen in his body. Unless he ejected blood like Vampire: The Masquerade, but considering Cattleya was sleeping peacefully afterwards I somehow doubt he jizzed blood.
Roku - Nah, not all of us have the chops George R.R Martin has to kill off all the characters. Characters in Twisted Reflections have rather absurd plot armor, Henrietta in particular in the last chapter considering Alsanna ex Machine came in at the last minute to save her.
Mingyu - Thanks for the constant reviews :) My fight scenes aren't the best, but if others are okay with it then I'm not gonna complain. Oddly enough I can write gunfights alright, it's only melee and magic that I falter. Anyway, the Tabitha shipping is slowly sinking and the Cattleya one is gaining more traction (no thanks to my friend a few others liking the pairing). As for Louise, Raziel and Cattleya I do have definite plans for that.
Ubermaster - The game itself is a rehash, that's why. I'm just not interested in Nintendo Hard RPG's at the moment. As for Lore, I'll usually use wiki's, essay analysis and Tvtropes.
ArkT - The Dark Hand he used when threatening the Darkwraith: Remember when his hand turned into a claw and he gouged someone's face when he got stabbed? It's more than just for sucking Humanity. He doesn't use it for that because he's reluctant to 'feed' and possibly make the shards stronger. As for the Chaos Fire it got replaced by Abyssal Fire: While the former is stronger and undying the latter has physical force and can induce corruption on targets that survive. A fair-trade off considering he can control it unlike the former.