This chapter is… not my best work. I rushed it. Because of what just happened recently in the story, I am at a somewhat tough time to move on. Not to mention the fact that I have writers' block. I'm also really busy lately which made me hurry through this chapter. I've kept it mostly conversation and did not do my best. I didn't really describe things and just kept to the talking, which I figure what I should do at this point in time. Please don't be disappointed.
Chapter 6: The Decision
Dante hurried down the road, sweating profusely and panting rapidly. He was heading to the Dark Paladins HQ as quickly as possible. Neil would most likely be very pleased, but also furious at the casualties caused by Iris. Dante, however, was proud that he and the army he controlled had completely demolished the headquarters of the enemy.
Eventually Dante reached the malevolent, dark, looming castle that was home to the Dark Paladins. Not pausing at all, Dante quickly ran up to the entrance and thrust the doors opened. He headed directly towards Neil's office, and went inside hastily.
"Neil! What I have accomplished is truly a work of the Dark Paladins," Dante exclaimed.
Neil kept a blank expression. "Tell me this, Dante, what is so stunning?"
"Well gee, I don't know, I mean… I really don't know if I should tell you…" Dante replied, slightly smiling.
"Just tell me the information, you damn fool!" Neil viciously shouted as he whacked Dante on the head.
"Fine… I've demolished the Silver Sages headquarters."
"You WHAT?!"
"Yeah. We totally crushed them. Nothing is left of the HQ. We burned it to the ground, tore it apart, everything. Not to mention we have killed quite a few Sages."
"I'm very, very pleased with this work, Dante."
"Thank you, sir."
"But wait… where is that army that went with you?"
"…They… uhh… Auroch summoned Iris in the heat of the battle, and I saw what he was doing, so I escaped, and it was too late to warn the troops, and um…. They all died."
"So what you're saying is that no Sages died, because Iris just revived them?"
"Well, we DID kill them… but they came back to life."
"So the only thing you accomplished was destroying the headquarters?"
"Um… pretty much."
"Good enough. Without defense, those Sages will fall to our might. Tomorrow, give the words to your best stealth soldiers to search around and assassinate as many as possible."
"Alright, sir. I will do that. And we will conquer."
"Good."
"Neil, may I ask one question?"
"Depends on what it is, you dolt."
"It's about our main mission."
"Carry on."
"Do we have any information on the Blades, and do we have a plan?"
"I won't tell you our plan. But we did find something out about the 'Gaia' Blade."
"May you inform me?"
"It's not the Gaia Blade."
"Then what is it?"
"That's the false name. It's not the real name."
"Then the real name is…?"
"The Earthen Blade."
"How did we get the name 'Gaia Blade', then?"
"It was a misinterpretation in the scriptures by ancient scholars."
"Oh. That makes sense. Do the Silver Sages know about this?"
"No. They don't. Only you, me, and Piers know this."
"Awesome."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Auroch gathered up all the Silver Sages into one large group. When all was silent, he spoke.
"Everyone, the Silver Sages are in a state of emergency. The Dark Paladins have surmounted our current forces in a surprise attack, and have rid us of our headquarters. I know this is difficult, but we must pull through and conquer. Now that we have no place for shelter, we must be extremely careful. We will live a different life from here on out. We do not have the time and resources to build a new headquarters. What we need to do is live scattered. We cannot gather anymore. Find a friend, family member, or anyone else to live with. You don't even need a house. Just find shelter in a town. Do something. Somehow, stay alive."
The group stayed silent. No one knew what was going on.
"I will further explain this tomorrow."
Auroch gestured for Sephirus to come to him. Auroch said something to Sephirus.
"Assassinate Dante."