CHAPTER XX
Mona Gúðræs
(Moonlight Onslaught)
Chapter Theme: Noah — 戦禍へ征く者 (Those Who Conquer War)
It was early morning.
Natsuki still hadn't told Viola what had happened.
Standing beneath Arles' portcullis entrance, Natsuki warily eyed the two guards standing yonside herself. They weren't looking in their direction, but her paranoia was rising. What if they were listening in on this conversation? Or well… their argument? "Vio—" A searing stare stopped Natsuki in her tracks. Viola said nothing from atop the stallion, trained eyes narrowing faintly at Natsuki. The latter wasn't sure whether this was out of disgust. Potentially?
Behind them the mounted Arles Guard arrived. Each carried a sword, bow and a heavy quiver of arrows. They seemed petrified.
"We shall remove Yatagarasu from these lands." Viola declared, lowering her armet's visor. She, like the Guard, was fully armoured. Turning her horse, she signalled for the soldiers to follow suit. "The treeline past the Rosalie Dyke will suffice. It will be adequate cover." Her voice now muffled from her previous action, she commanded the Guard forward.
The way Viola was speaking… Natsuki winced at her taciturn authority. Her uneasiness was growing. A foreboding dread was forming within her mind; neither was it due to their argument nor Yatagarasu. Why? Natsuki should be chasing after Viola to warn her! How could she just stand here and allow the Archvalkyrja to leave?
She did not know… nor sense the dark presence looming behind her.
"I think you'll do nothing." Natsuki said vehemently in the brief flashback. "All you ever do is threaten me. You don't have the gall to hurt me."
"...Whyever would you assume I would hurt you?" Viola demanded, edging ever closer to Natsuki on the chair. "Just because you are being a childish brat, does not mean I shall physically harm you."
"But mentally that's totally fine, huh?" Natsuki stared defiantly at the Archvalkyrja whose demeanour altered. Before she was given another chance, Viola shook her head and left. Alone, her own stupidity was swiftly realised.
Breaking from the forced flashback, Natsuki could only helplessly observe as Viola departed. Ugh. She had an awful migraine setting in.
Guiding her horse down the steep hill past dry-stone walls, Viola's gaze turned skywards. The horizon was bare from clouds. This was fortunate indeed. "Where is the ballista?" She asked the Captain of the Guard beside her.
"They had to take the back entrance." Laura replied. "This hill's too steep for the horses."
The packed siege engine was potentially their only salvation against this KEY. Worse, they only had a rough estimate that Yatagarasu was in the area. Scouts questioning rural villagers had only aided them so far. If only technology was better. "Then we should await them inside the forest's edge." Although, this shall mean that the guards bringing the ballista would be sitting ducks. "What do you propose we do if Yatagarasu attacks before the ballista arrives?"
"It's hard to say." Laura pulled her horse's reins, stopping it from moving. Turning, she then lifted her visor, eyes squinting fruitlessly in attempts to spot the siege engine. She could vaguely see something within the distance. "I think they've just exited town. I see something by the wall."
The Guard moved without them as Viola also halted her stallion. He winnied and spluttered as he turned, hoofing the dirt beneath him. "I shall go back. Organise the others from here."
Going back up the hill, Viola realised this route would be impossible for the ballista. They would have to find another way down. Reaching the team, she instructed them towards the Rosalie Dyke. They would have to go through the palisade gatehouse. "The hillside is far too dangerous. We must take the corpse road."
This pathway would take them directly through the gatehouse towards Arles' cemetery. The aftermath of bubonic plague sweeping the region was evident here. Smoke from pyres loomed the corpse road, producing foul odours of charred and rotten flesh. It was enough to perturb Viola's stomach. Gods' the smell! Even through her armet, the scent was unbearable.
Painstakingly, the ballista eventually arrived at its destination.
Hidden discreetly within the treeline, the large group overlooked the skies. Not a hint of the KEY God was whispered, gaslighting them into believing all was fine. But… It 'twas not for very gradually, the birds silenced. The insects—even the breeze quietened, until seldom nought was heard. Nothing is happening…!
"Where is it?" Laura's voice rose from within her armet, evidently becoming nervous. Did they wrongly predict the route it was taking? "Archvalkyrja, what if it doesn't show?" She turned her sights on Viola expectantly who calmly observed the horizon. How was this woman so composed? Like the others, Laura had heard the rumours, but were they true?
"Can you not sense it?" Viola questioned her, peering through her helmet's ocularium slit. Something vile was within the air, and it wasn't the stench radiating the corpse road. It was something else—an entity far more corrupt. From the corner of her eye, Viola thought she saw a figure deeper within the trees. Focus turning to this location, an awful migraine started throbbing.
"...Archvalkyrja?"
Nothing is there. Viola's attention slowly dropped from a particular tree. "Our surroundings. They are false."
"What are you…" Laura did not finish her inquiry. Staring behind Viola's shoulder, she paled behind her helmet. T-that's the…—"Florence forces!" She bellowed, startling the Arles Guard behind them. The soldiers positioned their horses around the Captain and Archvalkyrja, readying themselves to dispatch their adversaries.
"Hold!" Viola raised her hand, signalling the group to calm. They could only glance at each other uneasily as their old nemesis approached. Is the Archvalkyrja mad?
"If they were to battle us, they would not draw this near." Viola pointed out, her gaze scoping out the Florence banners which flag-bearers flew. These soldiers weren't ordinary. They were the Cavaliers Royaux—Queen Rosalie XIX's personal knight-bodyguards. Has the Florentine monarch arrived? Viola's eyes drove towards a single cavalier fast approaching them. Cautiously she drew her horse forward, meeting him halfway.
"Le grand corbeau avance." He spoke, his accent so thick Viola nearly misheard him. He sat upon a great steed that wore a striped caparison of white and blue. Within the azure hue were golden fleur-de-lis. The horseman meanwhile, wore a full suit of argent armour with an armet helm similar to Viola's. It even had a lever inserted in the visor like hers. "Sa Majesté, la Reine Rosalie nous a envoyés—"
A squall reverberated the skies, exacerbating Viola's migraine further. It caused them to both peer zenith. Just in time, for Yatagarasu flew overhead, sending incredible turbulence after him. The Arles and Florentine horses became spooked, jolting and trotting fearfully on the spot.
Viola's migraine transformed into hemicrania, seemingly shifting sides after Yatagarasu who flew eastwards. What… In the world? The Archvalkyrja stared after the great crow within confusion before quickly realising her mistake. The advancing cavalier was already departing. She did the same, running her stallion towards the Arles Guard.
"Ready the ballista!" She cried over the panic swelling within the soldiers. There was no telling how disastrous this would be. They required keeping the KEY's attention solely upon themselves. However… there was the situation regarding Florence. Steadying the stallion, Viola struggled to set her sights upon the advancing knights. Her terrified soldiers didn't aid their plight either. Especially neither when some fled. It was pointless trying to hinder them.
Perhaps…—Her restricted gaze fell upon Arles within the distance—...She should have brought Natsuki with her? The thought burned short when Yatagarasu ploughed through the Florentine forces. Sheer carnage unfolded as more guards fled upon the ballista firing. The missile soured, harmlessly smashing into a distant dry-stone wall.
"You!" Laura yelled for a retreating guard, the sound of hooves blanketing any attempts for him to hear. The Captain nearly motioned to make chase when Viola reined her horse before her.
"There is no point in chasing those without willpower!" The stallion fidgeted on the spot, kicking dirt beneath his hoof anxiously. "We will end this without them." Behind her, another ballista missile was launched into the horizon. This time the projectile hit its mark, carving into flesh and sending gory bits aerial. Blood spurted from the corvus' side, a shriek ricochetting from his gullet. The soldiers who were extant, held their breath in anticipation as Yatagarasu fell from the heavens. His body shattered dry-stone upon plummeting, debris, feathers and blood sailing everyplace.
The knights were the closest, kicking their horses into action.
Everything was going so swiftly, that Viola could hardly keep up. An abrupt vision augmented this further. From nowhere, the Archvalkyrja's surroundings metamorphosed for the briefest of seconds.
Ahead twas the impossible, for once more, she was within the misty sands of Valhalla. Miles away a monumental structure of grim foreboding was witnessed. It was the Black Column—the migraine throbbed within Viola's skull. Inexplicable unease bombarded her as this vision shifted. In its place, Arles returned… in barran decay, two Moons with Administars yonside. Now, a shapeless figure stood feet away. "Drepan ðâs." It hissed at her in old tongue. 'Slay them.'
"Valkyrie!" A gauntlet landing upon Viola's armoured shoulder spooked her from her turmoil. Yatagarasu was now pulsating upon dry-stone; the Cavaliers Royaux and Arles Guard ceasely eviscerating him. Jolted from this gorey panorama, the startled Valkyrja's attention progressed to the knight beside her. The Florentine's silver coronet gracing her armet made Viola freeze. The previous events from the Palais de Florence came crashing down inside her head. She is Queen Rosalie XIX. So she truly is here? …But why had Natsuki…?
"What are you doing here?!" She vehemently demanded of her.
"I said that Yatagarasu would arrive, no? I have come to claim him." Rosalie paused suddenly, her attention pulling back to the KEY God. "Something is wrong." Disquieted anxiety poured through their conjoined forces as everyone sensed something ire. Their surroundings silenced afresh, only the gentle breeze gliding through wild grass. An impending doom was afoot; invisible to the material plane. Yatagarasu, who should have died, sprang back to life renewed.
"W-withdraw!" Laura commanded the Arles Guard, having been partaking in slaughtering the corvus. Before they could react, Yatagarasu hooked a nearby guard into his beak. He was launched far into the skies, a sickening crunch following as he smashed the ground. The bloodcurdling scream which died upon the landing, sent a shiver down everyone's spines.
Viola really didn't want to do this. Pulling out her Heart of Manipulation, she was going to summon the energy to materialise Kiyohime. This was, however, swiftly interrupted. "Unhand me." She stared at Rosalie. The Sovereign's hand wrapped around the Anchor, cancelling out the emerald ardour instantly.
"You will kill them all—drepan ðâs." Viola gazed astoundedly at the monarch, dread seeping through the cracks of her psyche. What… is… happening? What was once Queen Rosalie, became a disembodied shadow. The form was masculine and it was predatory. "Hê ôra mec offrung. Ðafian mīn, Wælcyrge." — 'They are my offerings. Submit to me, Valkyrja.' An indefinable feeling teemed inside Viola's mind. This thing, or it, her…—no—him—featured no identity. He was an immaterial entity much like the Dark Whisperer. Only far more dangerous. "Rihtheort efen hêo." — 'Just like her.' Who…? The shadow loomed closer until his face was before Viola's helm. The next sentence froze her blood: "Êower Wælcyrge sy mîn." — 'Your Valkyrja is mine.'
At this moment, the entity ceased and in its place was Yatagarasu. Within the carnage of everything, he crashed into her, sending Viola flying backwards off the stallion. "—ola!" Ears ringing and black stars swarming her vision, she stared skywards. Inexplicably, the KEY was unwounded and souring within the horizon. W-what on Earl? Heaving for breath, she couldn't do a thing. So heavy… she felt, so… "—Viola!"
It was not the Queen who called to her, nor the Captain. It was in fact, Natsuki.
Confused, Viola found Natsuki smashing knees-first beside her, appearing breathless and pale.
"N-Natsuki, what are y—"
"—S-stein—she's here."
Sanada.
Pain, confusion and dread disappearing, Viola heaved herself upwards. "Where?" Absolute butchery played out around them. But the mixed emotions transmuted into rage. That foul heathen dared to show her face now? "Tell me where she is."
"U-up the hillside." Natsuki pointed towards dry-stone walls leading to Arles. Alas for they saw nothing, only the distant figure of the retreating Yatagarasu.
Realising her mistake, Viola stared after him then soon transitioned her sights upon the Cavaliers Royaux. A heavy silence ploughed their forces, every soldier encircling their respected leader. The air was quickly falling stale, Viola had to act fast. "I will not order my soldiers to attack, but I advise that you leave." This was directed to the Queen who removed her coronet armet.
"There is more than one reason why I am here today." Rosalie remarked, her helm being taken by a knight as she removed her padded hood. Blonde tresses which had somehow remained encased within the headpiece sprawled down her shoulders. "Can I speak with you privately?"
Natsuki looked at Viola wearily, studying her body language. It was hard to determine what the Archvalkyrja was feeling. Nor could Natsuki really tell as the armour obscured Viola's body so well. Seriously. Is she considering listening to this enemy again? This unfortunately seemed the case because the soldiers parted for their masters.
Heading towards the treeline, Rosalie awaited Viola who removed her own armet. Now looping her arm around her helm, Viola stared at her expectantly. Well?
"Before leaving the Palace last night, my spies reported that there's disturbing movement along the border. Large groups have been seen in the eastern and northern regions of Windbloom. Do you know anything about this?"
Viola paused, evidently confused but starting to hazard guesses. Their only neighbours within that area are Florence and Altai. Is this possibly related to the bandits? Or, quite potentially, the SLAVES? Oh, Gods', she prayed this wasn't the case. "...There have been incidents these last few months." She carefully clarified to the monarch. "What did your agents see?" This was concerning. Why were the Florentines snooping around their rural lands? Unless—
"—Brigands have settled within old ruins east of Wind City."
The Garderobe Ruins. Those blasted bandits. Viola internally seethed. She would destroy them all. They have learned naught: This was clearer than daylight. "Why are you revealing this to me?" She enquired, curious as to why. After all, this woman was the Queen of Florence, their venerated enemy. Not warring with Florence would be their downfall for they stole Windbloom's land long ago. It was their right to retake what has been purloined. Or, that is what Guadeloupe officials stated, anyway. "You're sharing vital information with your adversary."
"It would be a shame to witness Windbloom crumble from within." The Queen studied her then transferred her gaze towards the Arles Guard. "Our rivalry is seemingly endless, and for what reason? Because our ancestors disagreed and overreacted? Due to Florence enslaving Windbloom? Or is it simply petty nonsense that we kill each other rather than spotting the obvious? We have had unending trouble with brigands lately. So much that I'm sure they're being led by someone. Just north of us is a large encampment of the wretches."
They had spread far and wide. Viola fell silent, her own gaze retreating to her soldiers as well. Natsuki was awkwardly huddled around them, appearing anxious—the Dark Whisperer had not yet appeared. No, it made sense she would remain hidden now. "Your Anchor." Viola broke the stillness. "Which one is it, and why is it halved?"
The abrupt question caught the Queen off guard. Slipping off her leather glove, Rosalie examined her sovereign ring. "I am surprised you even noticed. It's the Heart of Dreams. During the founding of Florence, it was shattered in half during La Campagne d'Or."
Wasn't that the Golden Campaign? Viola had heard of this event, though only briefly. The royals of Altai escaped during a civil war and rallied the people of Florence. They had been so successful that they later united Florence into a single Kingdom. Since then, they have led Florence as an absolute monarchy. Today Queen Rosalie is the sixty-fifth Florentine sovereign and the twentieth reigning monarch of House Claudel. "Of dreams? Thus it can astral project inanimate objects and beings to other locations?"
"Why would I reveal this to my adversary?" Rosalie countered, a small smirk edging her lips before their attention was snapped towards Arles. The Chapelle Sainte Fran d'Arles' bell was echoing across the land. Was it already noon? "I must depart as it's undesirable to travel within the darkness. Valkyrie, would you remain in contact with me? It is vital that we crush Yatagarasu before he does any more damage." She didn't await Viola to speak, summoning a knight with the flick of her fingers. "Où est Grosse? Je la veux ici." Soon, another soldier was beside Rosalie in argent armour. "This is the Grand Chevalier, Fiar Grosse." The Sovereign extended her arm out towards her. "I wish for her to be my emissary, if you shall allow it."
The Archvalkyrja stared at turquoise irises shrouded behind the armet's ocularium slit. She knew precisely who this was. Fiar Grosse was a notorious tactician who had won several battles during the recent Five Year War. It was thanks to this woman that Galleria had broken away from Windbloom last year. Viola wouldn't be able to forgive herself if she couldn't converse with her. The stories she had were likely astounding. "What will I receive in return?"
"A truce of apology and a treaty of potential alliance."
Could this perhaps be a trap? Viola positioned her helm to her front, thinking things through. As the Archvalkyrja, she was the highest ranking official within Arles. Truthfully, an alliance with Florence would be a great boon indeed. Together they could overcome so many hurdles and strengthen their defences against the Altai Empire. Would Queen Mashiro allow it? Her father had sworn he'd conquer Florence like 'all good Kings should'. "I have three conditions. One: She is to be under my surveillance at all times. Two: You must immediately pen a letter to Her Majesty, Queen Mashiro I. This will be sent to Windbloom tonight. Three: We are to continue the hunt for Yatagarasu."
"Hm." Rosalie smiled in amusement. "You're an interesting one, Shizuru Viola. You would have made an excellent Cavalier."
Soon, Viola and Natsuki made their way up the hillside alone. "Are you alright?" She asked Natsuki who had remained silent the entire time. The Archvalkyrja held the stallion's guiding rope, steadily walking him upwards. "You have been quiet the whole way."
Of course she would have. Natsuki bristled at the concern, feeling conflicted. That accursed woman had been staring at her from across the field but hadn't pounced. Why hadn't the Dark Whisperer leapt at the chance to strike when she had been vulnerable? In fact, why wasn't she here now? The others had gone ahead of them with the guard's corpse. Something was still wrong; Natsuki could still sense disembodied eyes on her. "...There's no point saying anything. It's more of the same thing. I saw her and she did nothing." Natsuki's gaze remained locked upon the dry-stone wall they strolled past. "I'd rather lie down and forget about it."
They were returning to the villa for a much needed break.
With the stallion stabled, Natsuki and Viola entered the villa with heavy exhaustion. Since the bell's tow, it had taken another two hours for them to come back. It felt deep into nightfall rather than the early afternoon. But this did not restrict Viola's vigilance. At any moment, the Dark Whisperer could charge from the shadows.
"I don't really understand what happened to Yatagarasu." Natsuki mumbled as they immediately entered their shared bedroom. Plopping down onto the mattress, she then gingerly angled her sheathed sabre from the bed.
"Neither do I." Seeing him rise like that reminded Viola of Natsuki's resurrection. But, a KEY God? This was unheard of. "I will have to write Shiro a letter." She sighed, placing down her armet and padded hood within the room's corner.
"You've never seen anything like that before? At all?" Natsuki frowned in thought, quickly averting her gaze when the Archvalkyrja removed her spaulder's rondels. Rattling and jingling commenced the chamber as Viola stripped. Much to Natsuki's exasperation, it made her heart race. Why? It's just armour! It's… it's the anticipation, isn't it? She knew fully well why she had these feelings. How silly is this? Even now, Natsuki's stuck having yearning thoughts about her Valkyrja. What is she thinking? Viola is not her Shizuru, yet she is. Was it an excuse to still feel this inner dispute? Yes. It absolutely was.
Scrambling up from the bed, Natsuki removed her belt, frog, sheathed sabre and boots. This is stu—
"—What caused you to hide what happened yesterday?" Viola's sudden question made Natsuki pause removing her equipment, hands stalling by the buckles. The Archvalkyrja looked towards Natsuki, unfastening her breastplate. She looked anxious. "Nats—
"—I don't know." Maybe it's that whole soul madness again? "I just want to sleep." Maybe a bath later would help ease her stress? Dropping her equipment to the floor, Natsuki pulled herself into bed and squeezed her eyes shut. Calmness was not an option though, as Viola was still removing her armour.
It drove her insane. The unceremonious clanging of armour against tiles made Natsuki's ears twitch. Not once, nor twice, and neither thrice did it end. Like a hammer woughting blazing iron, the sound reverberated within Natsuki's psyche. She wanted it to stop, but how could she when her mind hindered her? Natsuki, as much as she refused to admit it, wanted Viola. Molars clenching behind sealed lips, Natsuki instead glared at the far window to gentle seas. This incessant desire needed to disappear…! Alas, the touch of fingers upon her stiff shoulder spooked Natsuki, making her jump.
Startled crimson locked with viridian, Viola's free hand upon her own mahogany gambeson. She was in the process of untying the fabric apart. Pale flesh was visible, as well as the scarring marring her breast. Natsuki's weary eyes falling southwards caused her to do the same. "...Would it help if I do not sleep? Perhaps even use the other bed?" They did have another bed in here. Instead, the younger woman cautiously veered her focus from her. Viola sighed, straightening to her full height and allowing her arms to fall limp. "Natsuki, what is wrong? This is more than just Sanada, correct?"
"Um." Natsuki prised herself from the mattress to sit up, her left hand encircling her opposite wrist. She could not admit it—no, she wouldn't at all. "It's all so stupid." Natsuki muttered. "I could've been killed—you could've been. Yet here I am, just… Ugh."
"You are struggling because I am not the same person you fell in love with. Yet I am at the same time." Viola revealed, unclipping her sabre's scabbard from its harness. The look she received from Natsuki made her force a sad smile. "Even if you try to hide it, I know it is what you feel, Natsuki. When I chose you…" Dipping downwards, she gently seized Natsuki's wrists. "...you quickly hated me. You spite me for who I am: A killer—the pawn of a monarchy. I can remember fragments of my lives with you now. The Archmeisters from before followed you, and only you. Here… I am perhaps far more complicated."
Is it a red flag for Viola to think that way? Natsuki shook her head. How did this woman always know precisely what to say to her? Staring at Viola's boots, her shoulders sagged under the pressure. How on Earl is she supposed to respond to this? "I-I don't…" A pent up breath released. "Why now…?"
"Because why not?"
Natsuki hesitantly cast her gaze back to crimson.
"I will be frank. There is a high possibility that we will die. Indecisive actions will fill you with regret." It was obvious that Natsuki was unable to respond. She had gone nonverbal. With this, Viola unbuckled her belt, allowing the harness and frog to fall onto the floor. Sitting herself down beside Natsuki, she looked at her attentively. "Are you wishing that you still hate me?"
"I… yeah." Natsuki forced truthfully. It was why she refused to call Viola by her forename. She simply couldn't make herself utter those syllables. Did she regret it? Gnawing her inner-cheek, Natsuki continued fidgeting nervously. "You killed dozens of people, but it was in my name—" Natsuki stopped herself. Thus this was fine, but when it's for someone else—"I sound like a monster." Natsuki berated herself, thinking herself so foul.
"Human morality is a fickle thing. Sometimes it makes no sense at all." Viola murmured, playing with her gambeson's cuff. "You could be the most beloved leader, then a moment later, resented due to necessary evil. Tell me. If the plague spread uncontrollably throughout Arles, how would you proceed?"
"I—" Natsuki herself had dealt with difficult situations such as this. But for Viola to ask so suddenly caught her off guard. How could anyone respond to this without sounding heinous? "I would…" She fell silent for a moment, forcing herself to think logically. "I would isolate the infected into one side of Arles and restrict total movement. The unafflicted would have curfews—especially the children and elderly, since they're the most at risk. But…"
"But?" Viola studied her, a small smile creeping along her lips. This is the Natsuki she could remember.
"Those that die are cremated—along with their clothes. After their housing hasn't had anyone in for a while, they're then deep cleaned. Like that…?"
"Personally I would raze the entire city to the ground." Natsuki stared at her in disbelief, causing her to laugh softly. "Fire is a purifier. This would be our most feasible route as we cannot control disease. Hygiene is astronomically inadequate within these lands. By doing so, the plague will be purged and the survivors will rebuild. It has happened before and will continue to do so."
"But that's—"
"—Evil? Surrendering morality for a logical motive? This is the reality of leadership within these dangerous realms. As the Archvalkyrja of Windbloom, I have made disastrous mistakes. But, as well as that, I have prevailed in feats rarely seen within this Kingdom's lifetime. You, as my former Einherjar, will follow in my footsteps. Whether you wish it or not, I, and my forebears are within your shadow." Perhaps that was enough for tonight.
"You… I should hate you, yet I can't." Natsuki muttered, leaning her forearms against her thighs. She glared at the tiled floor. In fact, her body was seemingly reacting in the completely opposite manner. Chest tightening, the titillating sensation loomed downwards, until—"I'm going to sleep."
Several minutes later, the mattress groaned beneath Viola's weight as she too slipped beneath the covers.
This is bad. Natsuki stiffened under Viola's gaze which burned into her back. What's worse, is the fact that the Archvalkyrja read through her.
"Try and sleep. I will protect you from her. I promise you."
Ah. The tension from Natsuki's body was not fleeting. Those words alone affected her, pushing her to yearn for the Archvalkyrja's touch—Stop. Beneath the blanket, Natsuki's hands clenched into fists under the pressure. 'Natsuki…' A bygone flashback pierced her mind. '...I am sorry for this.' The old memory was of her Shizuru apprehending Natsuki at her office desk. It had been a long time indeed since she had recollected that event. Upon Shizuru seizing her cheeks and dipping close, Natsuki repealed the thought. This was for Viola's arms wrapping around her waist like a wanton lover. Tugged against the Archvalkyrja's front, Natsuki went rigid. "W-what are you doing?" In vain she struggled, but the palm encircling her jaw from behind made her freeze.
"Hush." The hot breath against Natsuki's ear made her shiver. "Relax. You were thinking of something awful."
How does she know? Jaw clenching, Natsuki's mind completely blanked at that moment. Engulfed within the Archvalkyrja's arms, she could do nary anything to escape. Did she… honestly want to? What? Natsuki did not know, and that terrified her.
"Unexplainable things have happened today. For a time, let us forget it. I will protect you from your fears; whether they're small, large or ludicrous."
"But… why?" Natsuki stared at the far wall, the body heat sending her mind crazed. Oh, how her body reacted so. It was infuriatingly distracting. The hand locked upon her jaw would not withtract either. Maybe she's in a nightmare? Or… does she like it? "Is this your way of 'protecting' me?" Subconsciously she reached behind herself, tightly grasping Viola's trouser leg. Perhaps this action was due to her nerves? Nevertheless, tension kindled, casting a fiery atmosphere between them.
"...Is it not to your satisfaction?"
Natsuki twisted partially, crimson and viridian staring. Thus, something neither of them had experienced in years sparked: Lust.
"You have an odd way of doing it." Natsuki breathed, eyes half-lidding within her own haze.
"Safeguarding is far more than simple dragonslaying." Viola countered, feeling as if she was on fire. Oh, how she was aware of that hand against her thigh. It was gripping her trousers so tightly. Natsuki wasn't pushing her away. In fact… Viola dipped forward until their lips were millimetres apart. An heavy excitement broiled within her chest, swiftly amassing and travelling southwards. "...Mental illness is our greatest hurdle. If you do not nip it within the bud, it shall destroy everything you ever loved."
I-is… is that a subtle jab aimed at her? Natsuki glared defiantly, but was left speechless when Viola's palm tracked down from her jaw. Electricity dragged along her skin as that hand clasped her shoulder, pushing her into the mattress. "D-do you think I didn't realise that?" Natsuki asked honestly, feeling insignificant as her Archvalkyrja loomed above her. The question was not harkened as a question sent Natsuki's mind spiralling.
"Can I kiss you?"
O-oh… no, she—Natsuki's eyes pulled downwards to the Archvalkyrja's lips. Heart beating tenfold, an incoherent mess of speech spluttered from Natsuki. "I-I wha—" Where in the Gods' names has this come from?! The simplistic inquiry deluded her already fragile senses. B-but…it's Viola. Lips quivering her body reacted without her permission. Ever so soft lips—so soft!—touched her. An exhilarating rush became Natsuki, bulldozing down her senses nonsensically. It was maddening.
It's all too much yet wanting this to stop was out of the question. Cast beneath Viola's spell, all logic jettisoned aside like an ocean riptide. Akin to a siren's call, their passion kept her bound where desperation seldom terminates. This kiss became plural; the smack of lips exciting Natsuki's senses towards oblivion. There was no respite. "A-ah—" Interrupted. "—S-stop." Yet to her surprise, her plea was obeyed. But Gods', that stare! Natsuki's chest clenched and her body ached for her Archvalkyrja. Wrists caught, they were pinned above her head. W-what? "Wait—"
"What is it?" Viola whispered, edging towards Natsuki's throat, her nose grazed along pale flesh. The shiver that bolted across Natsuki's body made her smile in anticipation.
"Y-you're too fast."
The statement was breathless and excessively attractive. "Your body does not seem to think so." Viola remarked, pausing as Natsuki pressed up against her. Something primal switched on at that moment. "A-ah—" Digging her teeth into her lower lip, the feeling swelled to then light her on fire. Her clothes—no, their clothes—she wanted them off. "N-Natsuki." She hissed out. Oh, sweet Earl.
They started a staring contest as Natsuki flopped down onto the mattress. Regrettably…?—Viola simply couldn't initiate it further. Even if they seemed into it—Hands remaining atop Natsuki's wrists, Viola heaved for air. This woman's too much. Soul madness had enshrouded the truth for so long of her crazed unrequited love. Distant memories and fear were rambling up her psyche, leaving a perplexing mess. Their disorientating feelings could mayhaps reach the heavens and back.
"—I." Natsuki's gaze veered away shyly, feeling far smaller beneath Viola. They almost had sex. Heart racing, she surveyed Viola moving from on top of her. Swallowing, Natsuki hesitantly sat up to swing her legs off the mattress. They sat quietly, the tension still rippling within the room.
"I am sorry." Viola sighed, guiding a palm towards her face she leaned downwards. "That was uncalled for."
"...No. I…I liked it, I think." Natsuki had admitted it just when she said she wouldn't… Looking anywhere but the Archvalkyrja, Natsuki's nerves were still on fire. She wanted—needed—more! Yet she's—"Why did you stop?"
Viola didn't answer immediately, her racing mind going through so many scenarios. Gliding fingers through brunette tresses, she brushed the strands from her line of sight.
"You never did befo–"
"—That was the past me." Viola snatched her wrist, silencing her. The former Einherjar was trembling and her chest heaved. They stared long and hard until Viola cast her sights away. "I am going to the privy." Standing, she swiftly departed the chamber, leaving an incredibly confused and frustrated Natsuki alone.
Closing the door after her, Viola leaned against the wall until sliding downwards. Squatting, she hid her face within her hands and released a breath of tension. That had been close. Alas this had opened the floodgates, for it's obvious they yearned for each other.
Natsuki's sabre went flying out of her grip as it was masterfully parried by Viola.
"Again." The Archvalkyrja demanded, standing her full height to await her.
It was now the next morning and they were sparring at the rear of the villa. Tensions were still agonisingly high. So much so that Natsuki could hardly look at Viola. Last night would not shift from her mind. The sounds, actions and feelings had melded together, forming a baffling tempest of cravings. Viola herself though… Natsuki stooped down to retrieve her blade, stealing a glance at the Archvalkyrja. It was clear she was struggling just as much, if not greater.
"Practice your swings."
Purposefully Viola was bossing her around. Gripping her sabre's hilt, Natsuki faced her once more and released a pent up breath. Initiating another round, she arced the blade overhead, hers bouncing from off Viola's. She managed this only for a few successions until Viola circled her. Confused, she followed her lead, but this was for null. An upwards slash to her blade made her stumble backwards and land heavily. Before she could even muster what happened, Viola aimed her blade at her face.
"Stop distrusting yourself, it will get you killed."
She was too aggressive. Natsuki swallowed nervously. How is she supposed to learn like this?
"Archvalkyrie?" Their focus was cast towards the pathway leading towards the road. There, the Grand Chevalier, Fiar Grosse stood. "The scout from Her Majesty, Queen Rosalie XIX's encampment has just arrived." Lifting her armet's visor, her voice was now clear. "He says our agents have spotted Yatagarasu in Galleria along the Florentine Alps."
"Notify the Arles Guard immediately, I will be there shortly."
"A-ah." Natsuki scrambled up, quickly following after Viola as Fiar departed. "I'm coming with you this time." Palm upon the backdoor's handle, Viola paused to regard her. "Please. What if Steinberg attacks again?"
"I am taking you with me, do not worry." Viola sighed, opening the door and heading for the bedroom. "You are to follow my every command. Understand?" Because if anyone harmed Natsuki, that person would experience a most brutal end.
"Y-yeah."
"Start equipping your armour. I will help you once I have finished myself."
Natsuki admitted it. She was terrified, nervous and excited all at once. Was Viola starting to see her as her equal? If so, Natsuki was actually unsure what to think. There were so many complex possibilities this would create and many potential scenarios that scared her. Would… Does Viola expect her to kill someone? It was obvious, wasn't it? She released a small sigh. Eventually she needed to get over that soldier's death. Sooner rather than later.
Back within the bedroom, Natsuki self-consciously turned her back on Viola and started unthreading her shirt. Though, a genuine question came to mind. "...Does this mean you will take me to more things like this? If that's the case, shouldn't I get more armour?" Afterall, only her chest and head was protected with what she currently had.
"Patience is virtue." The Archvalkyrja was already tugging on her gambeson and painstakingly tying it together. Once this was completed, she then lent downwards to pick up her chest and rear plates.
Natsuki stole a glance at her with mild awe: She's fast. Slipping out of her shirt, Natsuki reached for her own gambeson. Soon she was overcome with hindrance; there were so many ties that needed tightening. Right from the wrists, to the forearms, throat and even to the waist. At least she could armour herself alone, Natsuki supposed. But it definitely didn't help that Viola was already working on attaching her gorget.
"We shall be taking the horse. It is likely that this expedition will last several days: I will teach you how to ride."
"Huh, really? Do you think we'll have the time?"
"The Florentine Alps on Galleria's side is a few days' trek. We will very likely be travelling through many open fields." Lands like those in Galleria were perfect for a novice horse rider. This of course heavily depended on whether they got delayed or not. "It is easier to fasten the upper buckles of the chest and rear plates first." She instructed, observing as Natsuki stared baffled at both pieces on the floor. Fixing spaulders on next, she hummed as she approached Natsuki from behind. "Do you need help?"
"I—yeah." The younger woman could only sigh in defeat. Turns out she couldn't armour herself after all. How sad is that?
Soon, they were both outside the Arles barrack with most of the Arles Guard. They were currently awaiting the rest to show themselves in the training grounds. Though, Natsuki couldn't help but sense there was something amiss. Surveying the sandy expanse, the feeling of unease became greater as the seconds rolled by. Why? "...Something's wrong." She murmured to Viola by her side who was reading a letter. It almost felt like something—or someone—was watching them.
"Such as?" Viola's gaze tracked to her momentarily before returning to the Florentine report. This document detailed the sightings and damage of Yatagarasu. Gradually she completed the read, her eyes falling to the signature: Rosalie Regina XIX. The Queen's handwriting was immaculate.
"I don't know, I just sense something weird." Natsuki was holding her dark sallet, rotating it thoughtlessly. Before long, she started getting annoyed at this. Instead, she hung the helmet behind her head with its leather strap resting against her gorget. Huh, well. It felt odd, but she had seen soldiers do it before, so?
"Sometimes the mind plays ploys when we are anxious." Viola rolled the letter up and tied its string back around it. "Return this to the Grand Chevalier." She ordered a nearby guard. Her own armet helmet was located at the table beside her. Next to it, was a wooden pail covered by a linen sheet. The furniture had been dragged outside just before Natsuki and herself had arrived. It would seem the guards had expected her to sit at it to read. "Hm." She made an amused noise, turning to the rest of the soldiers who were finally here.
"The Cavaliers Royaux has sent word that Yatagarasu has been spotted along the Florentine Alps." She announced above the chatter which quickly waned. "Half of the Guard shall remain here in Arles' defence with the Captain of the Guard. The other half will travel alongside myself." Stepping forward, she ushered the soldiers into a line. "Within the pail on the table are sticks. These sticks correspond with the coloured banners either side of this table. Depending on the colour, wait beside its matching banner."
Word quickly flew through the Arles Guard; nerves and excitement thick within the atmosphere.
Viola positioned herself beneath the crimson banner, whilst Laura was underneath the azure one. Noticing Natsuki was alone on the side, she signalled her over with a wrist flick. "We will be taking two-hundred and fifty soldiers to the Alps."
Four Days Later
"Finally! My legs feel like they're made from lead." Natsuki complained as she dully landed within frosty grass beside their horse. At last they had travelled across Galleria to the base of the Florentine Alps. Worse maybe, it's cold. Ah, how Natsuki missed her office radiators… All around her, the halved Arles force were pitching an encampment by a lake and hillside. Groups of soldiers were moving to and fro, carrying equipment and necessary materials.
"Well…" Viola lifted her armet's visor, hands tightening on the reins as the horse pranced a little. "It is not snowing like it was at the KEY Shrines." She pointed out, swinging a leg over her saddle to then hop off. Latching hold of his bridle, Viola then guided him towards the free roaming horses. "You were miserable back then."
"Don't remind me." But, the closer they got to the Alps, the cooler it became. Natsuki winced at the fact, hugging herself in exchange of minuscule warmth. Within the grand clearing they were situated, an icy mist had overtaken the horizon. Peeping from the clouds, the distant Florentine Alps were witnessed. It was a gargantuan mountain range of snow which'd make anyone feel akin to a pin. Nature truly is magnificent. "I could eat a horse."
Preferably not theirs. Viola eyed her quietly, a small smile pulling her lips, her mind straying faintly. In the early hours a Florentine scout had caught up with them. He had declared that Yatagarasu had headed south—closer to their position–so they made chase. She has predicted that their forces will meet around this location in due course. The local hillside would make an excellent vantage point as they awaited the Cavaliers Royaux.
"I must check that the Guard and siege weapons are accounted for." Viola stated as she removed the horse's bridle so he too could join the others. He immediately trotted towards the group, soon transitioning into a gallop. They watched him for a moment, until Viola returned her focus to Natsuki. "Afterwards, we shall eat and then I shall teach you to ride, just as I promised."
Her eyes moved to the horizon… How odd. For the briefest of moments, she witnessed the Moon within the skylid horizon. It was neither morning nor afternoon: What a peculiar event.
Scene III. Parts I-III: Noah — Awaken the Mythology. Noah ft.大瀬良あい — Sasanqua & Starcluster
It was dead into the night when Natsuki was disturbed from her light slumber. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she wearily eyed Viola's back from the other bedroll. Prising herself upwards, she watched as fires blazed to life outside their tent. Dozens of braziers were being rekindled and shouts started reverberating across the land. Guiding her hand towards Viola's shoulder, she was about to awaken her, but was instead startled.
The Archvalkyrja shot up, momentarily just as confused as Natsuki. Were they under attack? "Natsuki, bring your sword and come with me." She quickly shoved on her boots and laced them together, swiftly exiting the tent moment's later. Outside might as well be Armageddon for a dozen bandits of unknown origin ransacked the encampment. "Remember what I have taught you." She was horrifically calm. The Archvalkyrja after all, was a master of neutralising them.
Then, a multitude of the Arles Guard surrounded them, their backs facing them protectively. The invading brigands were small in number, but their ambush had cost them greatly already. Viola spotted at least twenty—no—several others were within the darkness.
«Позовите лидера!» One of them cried, charging forth with a rusty old shashka sword. The heavily furred assailant was swiftly cut down by one of the larger guards. Sliced through the jugular and shoulder, a gut-wrenching gurgling followed suit, his body crashing into mud. His comrades hesitated before taking the offensive.
"Take those follies down!" Viola shouted over the chaos, checking on Natsuki beside her. The former Einherjar held her sabre unsheathed, having thrown the scabbard aside. She did the same, forcing a smile at her before jumping into action. Swerving past a guard, she clashed swords with a brigand. "Project her!" They stumbled, but quickly regained their footing, returning the favour of combating the Archvalkyrja.
This is too much. Natsuki spun around just in time to be flanked by two bandits. Her heart skipped a beat so harshly, that she felt pain. Or, twas she hurt? No matter, she hadn't the time to worry about that, veering away from the first man. Do not think about him. Do. Not. Do. It. She commanded herself internally. A bead of sweat rolled down her temple with stress. It was a miracle such an ability could be mustered within this frosty climate.
Thus, with the chilled air upon her skin, Natsuki realised her reality. Tonight she would either survive or be slain. Striking forth clumsily, her blade gratedly scraped across the first adversary's shashka. His swings were so wild and strong that it rapidly dismantled her confidence. Once, twice, thrice, quadrice—no, quince—she parried every hit until she no longer could. Then, as the snow started falling she saw it before experiencing the throbbing sting. Blood spurted from her left forearm, nearly making her drop the blade. Mercifully this was naught, as something fiery triggered within Natsuki's psyche. A hidden strength she did not know she possessed activated: It drove her to thrust forward, impaling her sabre straight through the assailent's torso. Gagging initiated before blood ruptured from the man's throat, his hand weakly grasping the blade.
She was not aware of the mysterious ardour she consumed, its energy materialised upon his death. What she did not realise was this is her Valkyrja nature taking hold. She had stolen the soul of that brigand. Bloodsplattered and heaving, Natsuki glared at her next enemy—the last man standing, it so happens. "Back off, you bastard!" She spat at him, the corpse before her stealing her sword as it fell. All around them, the Arles Guard—and an incredibly furious Viola—encircled him.
The soldiers seemed to sense Viola's anger and quickly manoeuvred backwards, giving her space. The last brigand turned his head, having detected her—too late. His end was a dagger thrust inside the gut. His intestines and other innards were minced upon the blade's twist. B-but… isn't that… his? Where had she—He collapsed feet from his partner, their blood oozing to form a puddle.
Momentarily, all was silent as Viola glared at the men. Seconds. Within a minute instant, Natsuki had almost died. She had been a fool to trust a city militia. The Archvalkyrja internally kicked herself, hurrying to her former Einherjar. "Natsuki!" Delicately grasping her bleeding forearm, she did not immediately notice the bleeding. That fury returned—though it was well disguised indeed. "...Are you alright?" Her voice strained faintly. "They did not harm you any further, did they?"
Natsuki could only stare after her Valkyrja, before blinking to refocus herself. "Huh, yeah." She pained a whisper, gaze wandering along her gory limb. The argent cloth had long since stained crimson by around three inches. In mild shock, she clung her arm against her torso. "A-actually, I feel sick."
"Patrol the area and slaughter anyone in sight." Viola declared to the relatively unwounded Arles Guard. They had failed to protect Natsuki—she had failed. They would be trained to hell and back for this upon their return… Or, if they did? Turning her attention fully to Natsuki, she ushered her towards a tent. This one was located on the opposite end of the encampment. "Lift your arm above your head and squeeze hard. It will hurt but it should prevent you from bleeding faster."
Oh, isn't that grand. Natsuki exhaled shakily, obeying the Archvalkyrja's command.
Once entering the tent, Natsuki sat down on a stool beside a narrow table. Here an assortment of primitive medical supplies were. There were linen sheets, needles, threads, herbal remedies, to leeches. Natsuki's face scrunched up in disgust at the leech jar, watching the slimy things slither across the glass.
"Pull up your sleeve."
Beneath the table was a bucket of water with a pile of fabrics. Viola knelt before her, reaching for a cloth then soaking it within water. "Unfortunately I doubt I can spirit mend well anymore." Ever since her psychic coma, something had gone dreadfully wrong. What that was, is unknown. "But, nevertheless—" She looked up at Natsuki who flinched as she pressed the cloth atop her wound. "—I am so proud of you, Natsuki. You defended yourself remarkably well."
Natsuki could only grunt in response, evidently in pain. She looked elsewhere, gaze instead locking upon the blood drenching Viola's front and cheek. Natsuki had only just noticed it thanks to the lantern within the tent. Heart skipping a beat, she grit her teeth as Viola's hand captured hers.
"I must stitch it back together."
Wait, she's doing it?! The former Einherjar would have panicked, that is, until that hand reaching for the supplies, halted. Alternatively, it moved to Natsuki's chest, landing upon the breastbone. "Relax. I will do this as quickly as I am able to." A small glass bottle was retrieved and uncorked. It contained some mysterious clear liquid within it—alcohol? Natsuki eyed the substance suspiciously—and she was right in doing so. The moment it greeted her forearm, an unimaginable burning consumed her.
The bottle was nearly thrown out of Viola's grip at that moment. Only just managing to catch it, she put it aside on the table. "It is alcohol, it shall help kill—" Natsuki hitting the table with her free fist momentarily silenced her.
"Y-you could've warned me it'd sting like a bitch!" Natsuki lamented, her entire body shaking.
"You know that would not have helped any." Viola emphasised, sinking the reddened cloth back into the bucket. There it was squeezed of excess water, soon returning to Natsuki's wound. "Natsuki, listen to me." Viridian eyes locked to hers. "I will need to stitch your wound, it is too large to be left alone."
"I-isn't there a doctor?" She huffed out painfully, eyes once again veering to squeeze shut. She propped her other elbow onto the table, hand tightly clenching by her brow. What she did not realise she was doing, is unconsciously tense her other arm. An awful pain rippled through the limb, causing her to freeze.
"I do not trust anyone else here to treat you." Viola whispered darkly, sliding a strip of wood towards her. "That wood will stop you from biting your own tongue."
Oh, sweet Gods', have mercy! This was far worse than the Windbloom Catacombs. Is it the 'medication', the lack of spells, or the anticipation? Mayhaps it's everything all at once? What were seconds felt like aeons to Natsuki as she frightfully witnessed Viola's next move: Reaching for the needle and thread.
"I will do what I must." The Archvalkyrja spoke, examining her carefully. There was a genuine risk that Natsuki would simply lash out from the pain and cause worse injury. She released a tense breath, nostrils picking up the intense scent of iron.
"Archvalkyrja." An Arles Guard ducked into the tent just as the needle hovered millimetres from Natsuki's skin. Both women sucked in a breath, Viola in response turning her head to glare at him. The man visibly shrank in fear, lips momentarily quivering. "I-I— I'm sorry. A bandit was just killed now. He was carrying a ciphered note." He quickly dismissed himself, leaving the two alone.
"...Blasted fool." Viola hissed, now feeling at a loss. No, this isn't the time. Crimson eyes pulled upwards to Natsuki who stared elsewhere. "I am sorry for this, Natsuki."
Later, when the pain had ebbed some, Natsuki rested her head against the table. That had been terrible. Sweating, she heaved herself up to smear her free hand down her burning face. Immediately another wave of nausea impacted. Sinking back down, she released an exhausted sigh. This week felt as though she was a sailor stuck within a waterspout. Honestly. Natsuki had trouble recollecting just how chaotic it had been. From arriving in Arles, they had…—what? Met the Queen of Florence, been attacked by Yatagarasu, and now ambushed by bandits? But… Natsuki's gaze crept back towards Viola, watching her from out of the corner of her eye. The Archvalkyrja was wrapping a roll of linen around her forearm. The action was so delicate she didn't notice at first, double-taking when she glanced her way. Staring, Natsuki's heart skipped a beat. She was caring for her so exquisitely, almost as if a lover. "Thanks." She blundered, exchanging a look with the Archvalkyrja now.
"Does it hurt any?" Receiving a hesitant shake of the head, Viola hummed, standing to her full height. "Are you able to stand?"
"...Not really." Came the fragile reply, Viola passing a quizzical look in response. "Feel sick." The former Einherjar bowed her head. Ah, that explained it.
After a moment, Natsuki examined Viola's work. She had done a marvellous job, miraculously. There was a small blemish of blood upon the bandage already. Morbidly curious suddenly, she gently prodded this area, wincing.
"You should not poke it." Viola rebuked, though smiled afterwards, head shaking. "Remain here while I replace this water." She stooped down to pick up the pail, slipping out of the tent after.
Silence greeting her, Natsuki tucked her wounded arm within her lap. The ambush flashed before her eyes, showing the lifeless corpse of her adversary. He transformed into the innocent knight, making her frown a little. It did not affect her like it used to. Actually—she thought back further to Saint Vlas. Neither did that hallucinatory horse terrify her anymore? Where was that KEY, anyway?
The minutes rolled by until Viola returned with fleshly changed water.
Natsuki got off the stool hesitantly, keeping her bandaged arm close to her torso. "I should be okay now." Natsuki forced a lopsided smile. Though, the rest of her energy reserves had been burned now. After a moment, she realised that Viola was staring at her. They remained in this staring contest for a time. That is until Natsuki's mind strayed back to their final night in the villa. An intense blush overwhelmed her face, making her all the more frustrated. With that, she hurriedly exited the tent.
"Ah, Natsuki? Wait—"
Wandering towards the haphazard corpses, Natsuki halted before the bandit she had slain earlier. Behind her, Viola was intercepted by the Arles Guard, one offering the note they had found. Natsuki meanwhile eyed the man strewn before her, the sabre still impaled within his chest. Conflict, desire and fear all morphed together at once, forming obscene nonsense. Why had she come to stare at a corpse being buried by snow? It made no sense.
Next, her eyes hardened upon backtracking to the ambush. This time she had killed a person without restraint nor mercy. Should she be worried she did not care? There was no excuse—she's exactly like Viola, correct? That vigour as well… Was that the life energy in which a Valkyrja steals upon slaughtering their foes? No. She experienced nothing from this. Gaze raising, she looked to the hillside.
Beyond the frosty mist, an armada of infantry scaled the highland. That… There were no signs of the Florentine banner. Worse, it was impossible to fathom how many there were. "Am—" Her throat caught. "—Ambush!"
The Arles Guard and Viola looked to her, clearly alarmed before setting sights on the hill. Some dropped their weapons, others attempting to run. Who could blame them? Afterall, in the grand scheme of things, they were a mere assortment of militia. They could handle a small band and defend battlements, but this? Viola rose her voice, stilling the Arles Guard. "Gather the horses and mount! The Cavaliers Royaux is still on their way. I doubt their scouts have left this army unnoticed!"
Several paused cautiously, others running straight for their horses.
W-what are they going to do? Panic welled within Natsuki, realising her wound made her practically useless. Dread set in before the confusion, the army descending the hill at a march. They weren't attacking? The others noticed this as well, looking to the Archvalkyrja for further instruction.
How in Gods' name is Viola supposed to tactician this? She was no general. Neither was she an oracle with psychic abilities. "Mount the horses and come to me!" Viola raised her voice, striding to Natsuki's side and grasping her uninjured limb. "We cannot fight them, neither can we run. We must face them peacefully." She hushed quietly, keeping the younger woman still. "Those banners belong to Altai." It was incredibly difficult to spot them—it's a miracle she could even see them at all.
Natsuki squinted towards the marching army, only now spotting the banners. A stylised side profile black bear was atop a white background. Tugged, her attention snapped from the descending infantry, and moved towards the horses. They were quickly being rounded up by the Arles Guard and mounted. Luckily—in spite of their situation—theirs was brought to them by a soldier.
"Help the others round up their horses." Viola nodded to the mounted guard who held their horse's reins as well. He saluted once the horse was taken, turning his own and kicking it.
"H-how… How are you so calm?" Natsuki stared after the soldier, warily changing her focus to the army. Their boots resounded across the field as they neared ever closer. Only now did she ascertain a single horseman—he?—led this military; black armour glowing within torchlight. By Earl, what manner of weapon was that? Is that a claymore? A touch to her shoulder startled her, making Natsuki look upwards to Viola. She had already mounted the horse.
"I am not calm." The Archvalkyrja smiled. "Head for the others and tell them to not follow."
"W-wait, you're going alone?!" Before Natsuki could reason with her, Viola ushered her horse into a trot. She's crazy!
"Are you alright?" The black horseman asked upon noticing the blood all over Viola. He motioned his army to halt and reined his horse forward.
"Yes." Viola said after a pause, having not expected the concern. Oh, right. She is covered in blood… "Were you chasing these brigands?"
"Unfortunately, yes. I apologise that we did not make it sooner, otherwise this—" He stretched an arm out towards the encampment and nervous Arles Guard. "—would not have happened. I—" Behind him the impossible happened. The snowy horizon materialised into something else entirely. Astronomical plains of stars, nebulae and astral bodies polluted the skies behind him. Solely him, too. Viola's brows lowered faintly in response; what in the Gods' names? "—am the master of this army which derives from the Golden Mountains of Altai. Tell me—" Consequently, the astral bodies were horrifically familiar, for they were one of the same. Earth and Earl's Moons. Beside both were the piercing Adminstars. "—where is the Rose Queen?
Words bidden but not totally digested, Viola speechlessly stared through him. This man who donned a great claymore upon his back was awfully familiar. Where had she… "I… have not seen the Queen of Florence." She half lied, staring directly into eye-shaped ocularums. What an oddly beautiful but terrifying helmet indeed! The black knight wore a cone helm that ended in bands of scale. A golden face visor cloaked any identity he may have already beheld. Alas… for the aggressive delusion returned tenfold.
A foreboding migraine overcame Viola's psyche, transforming the knight into a distorted mist—by Gods', she—now she recognised him. A multitude of memories came spiralling back, making her knees weak. T-this… this is…
"Ic wæs Dryhten Dofung noma." The dark entity hissed at her, full of rage.
"You are…" She whispered.
The man before her came from her existence. He is responsible for everything: The dismantling of Earth, everyone's death, Yukariko's rape—the creation of otherworldly dimensions. Yet still? Still! Is she going mad? Is this nary an illusion of a demon pretending to be someone else? Mayhaps she truly is insane… for hasn't this creature been stalking her since Arles now? Woefully, the Archvalkyrja did not know as her mental health plummeted…
"I am the Lord of Frenzy."
PART I COMPLETE
Firen Peuma
(Torment's Origin)
A/N: Thus, the prologue is done—yes, you read that correctly.
Honestly. This chapter's timeline has changed about three times now. In fact, I'm still a little unsure about it. There's been a lot of things I've been planning here alongside accidentally foreshadowing events. The latter has been getting ludicrous lately. So much so that I've noticed five events foreshadowed in only a few chapters. Anyhow, I've been attempting to improve my writing recently; particularly emotional descriptions and sensory events. I've always had issues with prioritising what characters see and forget the other senses exist. Hopefully it reads better here.
I'm hoping the next chapter will be ready for Christmas, but I can't promise anything.
Chapter Released: October 2022.
