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Story Theme I: Sakuzyo — Heaven's War and Downfall


Natsuki felt nothing but an overwhelming chill. It coiled around her like a wanton lover; close but far as well. What is happening? She didn't know; the black stars littering her sight refusing to clear her confusion. Furthermore, the sting—agony—of her wounds vanquished any concise answer. All she had were incontestable questions. Where is she? What was she doing sitting upright against this rubble? Who is she? Why was her only memory of an explosion? …Is she dying?

Unaware of her surroundings in the desolate desert, she might have been spooked by encroaching fog. Alas… for the warrior only paid heed to the taste of iron. Blood? It dribbled down the corner of her lips, staining down her jaw. Why? Was that explosion moments ago? Had it harmed her? She hadn't the faintest clue…

Hair tied loose; strands rested against jagged and worn armour. Within the dull sunlight, rays reflected upon the metal alike a mirror. These were sollerets, spaulders and gauntlets. This protective metal was ignored; or mayhaps it was merely unnoticed?

Adrenaline within her body dispersed, smashing her into the harsh realisation. A spear was pinning her against the rubble she was propped against. It deeply impaled her stomach, making her suck in a breath. Yet, she breathed? H-how has this happened?! She touched along the gaping wound, only feeling colder. The spear she only noticed a moment later, clutching at it hazily. Sight blurred as she absorbed its detail. The blade had flawlessly ripped through her leather tunic. Blood gushed from the wound freely, making her further lightheaded.

Cold. She was even more so. It felt like her blood froze; breath becoming tighter. Spluttering, her ashen features twisted in pain. To not know oneself when dying; was this that sensation she experienced? Roughly swallowing, she tasted further iron and winced.

Upon doing so, she caught sight of a bloody broadsword. Its tip was cracked; a chasm following the column of the blade, making it useless. For whatever reason, she had the relentless urge to reach for it. But remain where she was, she did. Her sight wobbled as she stared at it. This weapon; did it belong to her? As if that was enough, her hesitation was broken. For a moment, Kuga Natsuki prepared herself, straining for it.

Flesh protested, screaming into her very nerve-endings. She gagged, wheezed and choked; fingertips barely brushing the hilt. Why did she want this blade? It was broken. Long ago having been cast aside. Yet even so, there she was, prising it between her fingers.

Grasping the spear—no, the naginata—she remained still. Gasping harshly, she cursed. What was she even doing?! I-it… it wasn't like she could swing the thing! Gritting her teeth, she hissed through them.

Really… to die like this…?


LĒOHT GAEST II: CYNE WÆLCYRGE
PART I
Firen Peuma
(Torment's Origin)

ACT I
Þá Ġedrēfnesse of Frwirædea
(The Confusion of Uncertain Minds)

CHAPTER I
Āwæc-nian (Revival)


Staring down at the woman, Shizuru Viola glided her black-booted foot away from the advancing blood. What did she have here? The gored and dirtied woman appeared like she had been thrown into a dungeon. Her armour was ripped; the metal dented. What had happened to her? This question wasn't important. After all, they were in the Black Valley besides the Sprites' Forest. This was the forgotten realm of souls.

Resting a palm against her rapier's hilt, she leaned closer towards the warrior. Her trained eye studied the dead woman. What battle had she belonged to? Crimsons fixed with curiosity, gaze latching to the strange polearm plunged inside the woman's gut. A sliver of the blade was visible. What was this weapon? It looked straight out of Zipang.

This woman had been outright gutted. Had she been standing? From her position, it seemed to be the case. Though the sand had been disturbed. Viola frowned faintly. Has this woman experienced the Black Valley? Standing straight, she avoided the pool of blood. Expertly done, she eased beside the warrior. No. It wasn't possible, surely? A human experiencing the Black Valley before death was rare indeed. Let alone… Her gaze scoped the broadsword held tightly. Two weapons were extraordinary. Could this be what she had been searching for?

"...Are you Einherjar?" She murmured, pressing an index and middle finger to the woman's throat. There was no response. Her confusion rose, lowering her digits to the warrior's chest. How strange. Surely this woman was Einherjar? She would have awakened otherwise. "Are you a lost soul from elsewhere?"

Perhaps she was a wandering HiME who had accidentally found Valhalla? No, those rifts had long since been sealed. Sliding her fingers against the woman's chestplate, she sighed.

Tugging at a chain necklace, Viola prised out a violet crystal from beneath her frilled shirt. It shone a dazzling emerald within this desolate place. If this soul wasn't responding, she would force it to communicate. From the essence of the throat, conversing shall be applied.

Gently wiping an index finger across the pale woman's lips, the skin was immediately stained with blood. Rubbing it against her thumb, Viola pitted her gaze once more upon the woman. Pricking the crystal into her thumb, a glittering glow illuminated the crystal, particles flowing towards the warrior.

Patiently Viola watched the scene; the green transforming into a crimson. A realisation crept within her eyes, her mouth opening a hint. This wasn't a wandering soul at all! It really is a HiME who had been slain! A HiME cursed with undeath, their only hope to be found by a Valkyrja!

"HiME Einherjar, are you valid?" She questioned the corpse, the red particles seemingly flickering. An excitement almost betrayed her, before she refocused. "Einh—"

"Ugh." The woman muttered, sagging forward. Her weight grounded against the spear, but Natsuki didn't seem to notice. She was unaware of her surroundings, let alone the woman beside her. Staring down at her grave wound, confusion gradually dug inside her. What? She was still alive? The dark stars lifted from her gaze, clearing her vision greatly. Upon this, her expression twisted, wondering why she felt nothing.

"Einherjar?"

Jumping, Natsuki's attention bolted to the brunette woman beside her. Who was this?! She stared, baffled, and then abruptly became angry. She couldn't explain why she felt so. Glaring outright at the woman, she seemed amused. "Y-you… who are you…?" Her throat was raw and protested from being used. Why was that? Why could she even speak, nevermind breathe?

"That is not important." The woman spoke, watching her carefully.

The red particles enveloped Natsuki. Before she could comprehend it, she fell unconscious. Into the brunette's arms she went, a strange warmth filling her.

What is existence? Did she belong anywhere?


Natsuki's eyes snapped open. The first thing which hit her was confusion. Flat on her back and in discomfort, she found herself surrounded by warmth. An array of thick blankets were covering her form. They protected her from the cold within this unfamiliar room. A spacious but sparse room, she might add.

In bafflement she looked around the chamber. Above her were wooden beams which supported the tall ceiling. In the bed she lay in, the curtains were thin and transparent. This was enough to focus through the curtains and further scope her environment.

"So you're awake."

A lightly accented voice spoke, catching her off guard. Relentlessly Natsuki attempted to find the person, eventually doing so. Behind the curtain in the far corner, a figure stood. By stature it was a woman who was beside an armchair. Natsuki's gaze fixated upon her, watching her every move. Opening her mouth, Natsuki found nothing to escape. She merely stared at the unknown woman, watching her sit upon the armrest and cross a leg. There was also a long piece of clothing slung against that chair. A jacket? Did that belong to the woman, she hazard a guess?

"It would appear you were somewhat lost." The woman spoke again, remaining on the opposite side of the room.

Lost? Natsuki sure felt it. She had absolutely no memories she could think of. Nevermind comprehend the current events. She could understand what the woman said, but for how long would this last? It was like she was driving on instinct. Not to mention, Natsuki was suspicious of this woman. Was she a threat? Who is she? What were her intentions? Where is she?!

For a long while they both remained quiet. Through the curtain the two stared at one another, almost sizing each other up. After a further moment, the woman stood, venturing towards Natsuki.

"I found you northwards in the Black Valley, a realm the living tend to avoid." The woman explained, pushing past the curtains. She eased closer to the cautious Natsuki, keeping a polite distance.

The Black Valley? What was this woman on about? Natsuki's expression twisted in confusion, but also curiosity.

The woman was slender, but had a sharp face. She was a brunette who carried a deadly, but oddly warm gaze within her… crimson eyes? Natsuki stared into them, unable to fathom them. Although she had no memories, she found the woman's eyes to be peculiar. Not that the woman's clothing was any more outlandish. She wore a ruffled shirt with the collar partially undone. Neither could she help but notice she also carried a rapier. The graceful blade was inside a sheath, hanging from the woman's belt. Though her eyes soon strayed upon another detail: Red stained the woman's white trousers.

"Your trousers have… blood on them?" She murmured roughly, the brunette seeming surprised, but only for a moment. Natsuki could barely make out the stain of blood. Was it blood? Surely not?

For whatever reason, the woman avoided answering, and again spoke. "I would suggest you not to move. You were heavily wounded, and lost a large amount of blood."

"I did?" Natsuki asked, confused. But she didn't feel anything? There was a faintly cool sensation against her stomach. What was it? Looking below the covers, she paused.

Bandages had been wrapped around her torso entirely. It was a little too much, but at least kept her modesty. Against her abdomen however, was a stain of crimson.

"W-what happened?" She stared down at the covered injury.

"You were impaled. You're lucky I found you when I did." Pressing a palm gently to Natsuki's forehead, the brunette paused. This warrior was surprisingly reserved, considering she had been dead a few hours ago. Though personally Viola had never dealt with a miracle such as this, so who knows?

"Who are you?" Natsuki questioned her, cautious green eyes studying her. Pushing the hand away, she continued. "I don't remember anything, I can't even remember getting injured?"

Viola retreated her hand, the floorboards underneath her creaking. "I am Shi—"

"—zuru, I have the things you wanted." A light tapping sounded at the door.

The woman—Shizuru—paused mid-sentence. She passed Natsuki an apologetic glance, twisting on her heel. "Yes, come in, Mai." She said, venturing towards the door to open it.

"Is she awake?" A redhead spoke under the doorway, handing the woman a basin full of water. She glanced towards the bedridden Natsuki, a grin plastering her face once seeing her. "Hey there."

"…Hi?" Natsuki arched her brow, watching the redhead oddly. She lifted a hand in regard, her focus soon reattaching to Shizuru.

The woman was heading back over towards her. She uttered her goodbyes to the newcomer, the redhead retreating from the room. "Now then…" Shizuru murmured, placing the basin against the nightstand. "Might I know your name?"

Her name? "Natsuki." She muttered suddenly, freezing once she realised what she had said. Was that her name? Up until this Shizuru had asked her, she hadn't thought of such a thing at all.

"Na-tsuki." The brunette rolled the syllables upon her tongue, testing them. Observing the warrior, Shizuru tilted her head slightly. "Do you know the meaning of your name?"

Throwing her a puzzled expression, Shizuru pondered, brushing her fingers to her lips. Odd. Perhaps in her previous life, her name hadn't been given meaning like hers? "My name means quiet stop."

Instead, maybe she could choose a meaning instead? Kneeling before the woman's bed, Shizuru took the cloth from the basin. "May I?" She gestured to the wet fabric.

Quiet stop? To think then reflect? With her train of thought broken, Natsuki stared at her for a moment. The cloth—oh. "Let me." She gruffly mumbled, trying to grab at the cloth.

Having the fabric taken from her, Shizuru silently watched her. Natsuki went about rubbing the cloth along her face, ridding herself of sweat.

"Where is this place?" Natsuki questioned her, sliding the fabric along her jaw. She registered Shizuru quietly, still attempting to read her. She was, alas, unable to. A frustration quickly started to grind within her mind. What was her motive? Natsuki really didn't know whether she could trust her.

"This is Guadeloupe Palace. It's a small province within the Kingdom of Windbloom. The year is 900, and our ruler is Queen Mashiro Blan de Windbloom."

Natsuki blanked at the flood of information, absorbing the details sluggishly. "Right, so… I know nothing. I feel like I just dropped onto the planet."

The brunette passed her a knowing smile, baffling the Einherjar even further. "You will be fine. All that remains important is you getting better. I will explain things when necessary."

But… Ugh. Staring at Shizuru, Natsuki covered the cloth over her eyes. It's not like she had any choice, was there? At this point, Natsuki was worried she was beginning to already feel restless. She shuffled her legs unconsciously, trying to get at least some movement going. "What happens now?" Natsuki muttered, taking the cloth from her face. She handed it back to the woman, sighing.

"Recovering. I shall be leaving for a time, so you should rest." Shizuru rose, folding the cloth as she did so. Placing it inside the basin, she then took hold of it. "Once I return you can eat."

With a click of the door, Natsuki was left in silence. She stared up at the ceiling of her bed, lost in thought. This Shizuru… had rescued her, she pondered? But why, and from the… Black Valley, yes?

Natsuki had the urge to find out for herself. But she couldn't exactly go waltzing around, could she? Besides, as this Shizuru had stated, she had been wounded. Even if she could stand, where would she go? This was a palace. A Queen lived here, so this meant heavy security. If she slipped up, it could be her throat on the line. Or… would it? Why was she assuming this was hostile territory?

A frustration welled up inside her, and a growl emitted from her chest. Pushing the blankets from herself, she gave herself a better lookover. The bandages were neatly lining her form, suggesting a steady but caring hand had wrapped them. Did Shizuru do this? Touching along the wound, it felt more alike to a harsh bruise. Curiosity caught her, and she added a tad weight into the touch. Regretting it, she flinched; pain spiking up her form jaggedly.

Hissing, she bolted her hand away, dropping it to the mattress. What was even going on?! Clueless! That's all she was! Giving up, she eventually decided to take the woman's word. Uncomfortable even so, she relaxed, closing her eyes.

For a long while she was unable to sleep. For the past hour or so, the room's temperature had dropped. Her hands were frozen, and she was confused as to why. She examined them absentmindedly, looking upon the blotches of her palms. The skin was much paler than usual, and the tips of her fingers were red. Why? Scrunching her hands into fists, she watched her knuckles whiten.

"Tomoe has returned from the expedition. Should I tell her about this person?" A familiar voice muffled from the other side of the door. Footsteps were heard above creaking floorboards, making Natsuki stiffen.

"No. It would be best that she meets her personally."

Shizuru and the redhead? That was Natsuki's only guess. She strained to hear more of their conversation, and jumped when the door opened.

"I will make arrangements later this evening. Thank you, Mai." Shizuru said, Mai on the other side of the doorway, probably.

"Of course. I'll see you later, Shizuru."

The door was shut firmly, and Natsuki regarded the brunette. The slender woman floated towards her with a tray in hand. Natsuki saw a bowl atop it, and wondered what it was. Food? It certainly smelled like it.

"Did you manage to sleep?" Shizuru asked, placing the tray onto the side table. She lowered closer to the injured woman, bracing her.

"N-not really." Being eased into a sitting position, Natsuki took a slow breath. The wound stung, but nowhere near enough to unsettle her. Again, why was that? She had been impaled, hadn't she?! With her pillow being adjusted by Shizuru, she watched her. She needed to understand who this woman was. This was her best bet.

"You have many questions, but so do I. Neither of us know what is happening. So shall we work together in order to piece this puzzle together?" Shizuru asked of her, guiding the tray down before Natsuki.

"Ah…" Natsuki was silenced. She looked down to the broth which was presented before her. "Thank you."

"Take your time." The woman smiled, the action not reaching her eyes.

· · ·

Amberian Dawn - Sunrise (Re-recording)

Wind is blowing through my wounded soul

Darkness shades me as I'm longing and yearning

Darkness surrounds me swallowing me into endless night

Watching the moonlight

Waiting for sunrise

To bring the light into night!

Like a white rider

Riding on sun-rays

To take me back into light

Into light

Warm my soul and melt the ice of my heart

Melt the snow which covers up my broken chest

Poor heart is frozen longing for sunrise to melt the ice

Watching the moonlight

Waiting for sunrise

To bring the light into night!

Like a white rider

Riding on sun-rays

To take me back into light

Into light


A/N: This is the rewrite of my first ever fanfic, Valkyrie Saga. Back in 2009 I decided to give writing a try. Somehow I still love the Mai-Series to bits, so I thought, why not rewrite this? Though the original story has long since been deleted (from this site), I decided to return to it. (2021): It's been six years since I started writing Lēoht Gaest and it ended up becoming my magnum opus. This story has become such a big part of me that it's rarely outside my head. It's such a complicated mess I've even created an offline wiki for it. If I didn't have that thing, Cyne Wælcyrge may as well be another language entirely. Well, it does have a light use of Anglo Saxon (Old Englisc). So I guess that's already true.

If this is the first time you're reading Cyne Wælcyrge, I recommend you read Paradoxe first. Lēoht Gaest is a series that takes place within a multiverse. As of 2021, there are four universes within it: Lēoht Gaest, Hibashira, Impasse and Mælstrom. Paradoxe helps to cushion you into this concept and takes place within Hibashira. Complicated? Just a tad, maybe? Anyways, because of interweaving stories and thanks to Cyne Wælcyrge exploring this multiverse, updates are slow. Expect updates every one-three months with 10,000 words.

Story Context
Lēoht Gaest takes heavy elements from the Norse and Anglo Saxons. These two Germanic peoples were essentially cousins, so their beliefs and cultures intermingled well. I've used many texts as inspiration for this story, a few include: Beowulf, Le Morte d'Arthur, The Canterbury Tales and The Prose Edda.

Chapter Edited: July 2022.