Summary: With the events in the previous chapter, the crew now has more on their thoughts than the assault, with what they've witnessed with the dark army, what are their holy allies truly like? and will they be able to carry on no matter what they see? find out now...

To Cross: Well stick around, you might just get your wish about your character...played against many players using the Zhanhu (And yes they were terrifying to fight against) So you may see Fu Hian there, we'll see...

To FeastsofValhala: Yeah, for the most part, it did...hence the title of the last chapter...As for figuring out what Vault's been doing...they just know not to completely trust him, more self-aware now than they were in the beginning which is good because many hated how ignorant of him they were...don't worry though, Volt is the king of BULLSHIT, he's got plenty of ways to weasel out of this, and no since he's the main antagonist, along with several others of this hentai, he won't die off that easily...cockroaches never do...


Chapter: 8

Exploring Ken


Dev Aveza, Dinning room 10:00pm


Music- The godfather- Love theme- Nino Rota

Five of the crew were now all at the dinner table, sitting around in silence... The captain had his hands clasped together in thought, sighing when he came out of thoughts. Yuriana was the last to show up holding a plate full of tankards.

"Hey guys, I brought some drinks," She said, handing off each one, "I made my special brew today, been a while since it's been just us," taking a seat in the last chair.

Traysek took his with a grin, "Thanks, and it's not everyone, we're still four members short for the council"

"Right, Agamor and your actual siblings..." Recorder nodded, "By the way, we need to call him back, we found Yuri and he'll want to know how things are going,"

"Wait on that for a second," The Captain waved off, "For now, we need to talk about everything that went down today, I went back to grab our things from there, Vault wasn't around either, must've still been out with grave somewhere, didn't bother to look."

Inigo rose an eyebrow, "I get that, but why are we still here in front of the pub then?"

"We can't park this vessel anywhere else without starting shit, and plus there's a chance he'll come back here, so camping out is going to have to do," The captain said, taking a sip, "Now then, first things first..." turning to the Redhead, "Welcome back Yuriana, I wasn't expecting them to toss you through like that, but regardless, I'm glad your here"

"Thank you, it's good to be actually back in here," She sighed, "So many memories in this ship...You won't believe the kind of shit I've been through for the past few days,"

"I'm sure you have quite the story to tell, being in that settlement for few days...I can't imagine how you felt finding it destroyed after..." Lucien added in.

"Let's not talk about that, I'm still in shock for how it ended for those people," She lamented, eyes going dark "All they wanted was their own freedom... that was it...to stop being under a boot and heel...it really is a shame...they will be missed," looking back up with a small smile, "Everything happens for a reason I suppose...besides, I've been meaning to see this city for myself since I've never been here,"

"Right, I'll introduce you to our contract holder, believe me when I tell you, her beauty is on par with Dibella's..." Traysek said, smiling.

The Redhead rose an eyebrow, "Oh? the one who hired us is a woman? makes me almost feel better about this...and where may I find her?"

"Remember that large tower? the biggest one?" Recorder said, "That's where we'll find our esteemed goddess and the other shields, and I'm saying WE because I'm going too, I want to talk to that blonde one, didn't like how she came at us, or more importantly at you, boss"

Traysek gave her a deadpanned look, along with the others, "Recorder don't do any crazy shit, please...that's the last thing we need, okay? we don't need to hear about a shield princess missing limbs, I'm serious"

"What? DB I'm appalled! to believe that me... I Recorder would waste my time, teaching a spoiled brat that obviously deserves it, a hard lesson...you wound me, sir! I think, *sniffle* *Sniffle* I'm gonna cry!" She said, faux tears.

Traysek blinked with the same expression, "You are SO full of shit, you know you are too... just don't kill her Record, alright?" taking a sip.

Recorder let out a cute but evil chuckle, "Oh captain...my captain~ if I kill her, the fun ends and we ALL know it...no I'm just going to humble that little bitch, that's all,"

"Right..." The Redguard said, "So, the other thing I want to discuss with all of you, was our experiences with the enemy army...we've met their General...Greil Thunderhoof...That was odd, but strangely not unwelcomed..."

Recorder rose an eyebrow, "Wait, he didn't try to kill you or anything? what happened?"

"We had a parley, and it surprisingly went well...even had his own reasons for why he's in the dark army," Traysek explained, "For whatever his reasons are for sticking with the dark queen, they seem to be pretty deep...he no doubt is going the toughest foe there...for this reason, we need to prepare..."

"Agreed, we don't even know for sure if our assault will even be enough, sure we got the ship back, but aside from small fortresses, we've never raided a big one with this vessel," Lucien pointed out, "How do we know for sure they won't shoot us down? that's what we'd do, honestly..."

Traysek nodded in agreement, "Right you are Lucien, which is why you're going to be armoring up the ship with the drones, I want to be sure that we make it through that bombardment, be it from the castle itself or a rival fleet...no telling how General Greil and the Kletzkrieg are going to be playing defense here...we also need to create and procure more munitions for the vessel... meaning more cannonballs, oil barrels, ballistas, and equipment to repair the ship from any damage we'll take...from our last repair we used up everything we had for it...not that I minded, but we're going to need way more,"

Lucien rubbed his chin, "During our tour, I noticed a few ship flags nearby, meaning there's a docking bay, I can ask the quartermaster there for help perhaps, I'm sure he'll have some Ideas on how to reinforce that ram of ours,"

"The dragon skeleton? That's more a decoration than a ram, it could be used for that, sure, but we haven't had to, it's an aircraft," The captain said, raising an eyebrow.

A smirk formed on Lucien, "Not yet it isn't...I was thinking on not only armoring our skull, but enable it to breath arcane fire,"

"Like an actual dragon...not bad and that way we don't have to run the risk of using actual oil for it..." Traysek said, hand on his chin, "I like it, if you can find a way to reinforce the skeleton and make it breathe fire, I'm all for it,"

Lucien grinned, "It will be done, sir...it may take a few hours, but it's just modifications, that's easy for me,"

"Alright then, now...the next thing, are those assassins we ran into in there while rescuing Yuri and those women..." The Redguard began with, clasping his hands together, "That female assassin damn near took out Inigo, and was good enough to mark me a couple of times...still, I was able to keep up, even outdo her in some of her game..."

"Until you took that kick to the head, right?" Recorder added in.

"Right, the other assassin that was there...now that has me thinking a bit, they knew Kaguya, a shield princess I've had yet to meet..." he said, pausing for a minute "The assassin, Masanari, told me they were assigned there on a job, much like we were, until we ruined it, supposedly..." The captain said, rolling his eyes.

Yuriana frowned upon hearing that, "I saw that woman there, but if that's true boss, why would he wait that long to do something? it's only when you guys come in and cause hell that he decides to interviene...with a kick to your head no less, I find that hard to believe, sir..."

"So do I, but for now, it's their business...We won't intervene unless they start getting in our way, now if that changes... then, by all means, we'll look into these rogue assassins too...for now, let's keep our focus on tomorrow's Raid..." Traysek said, getting nods of agreement from the others, "So, the only thing that leaves now...is what to do about our night here...we could just call it one now, and get rest, but..." he paused going into thought about something, "I've had this feeling in my gut since we've been back, feels like it's something we're just not quite getting...needless to say, if Vault doesn't show up soon...You and I, Inigo are going to hit up the lower districts...see what this town is really like,"

Inigo perked up at that, "Oooooo~ I like the sound of that, I'm wonder if it's like Riften in a way, maybe they've got a thieves guild or something there,"

"Maybe, but I wouldn't count on it...considering the sticks up these people's asses, I really doubt there's a thieves guild here, highly doubt it...otherwise, we'd hear about thievery being a thing here, there's a reason it isn't after all," Recorder pointed out.

"And the lack of a mages guild too, almost like these people here are against it in a way...I wonder why that is?" Lucien pondered.

"You would think, considering that their enemy uses magic, they would know a few things here too...unfortunately, from my tussel with Reynold, their only source of magic is the blessing in their armors," Traysek said, "And while that might be good for dark magic, it has no resistance for physical attacks...if that was the case, wouldn't pick him up and slam him around like I did, so it's nice to know, that still works,"

Erik nodded, "agreed, In case we may have to hurt a few of them, I'll definitely keep that in mind," getting agreeing nods from the others.

Traysek stood up, "So then, before I call Agamor, does anyone have any more questions?" looking around, getting head shakes in response.

"No, I think you covered most of everything for now..." Lucien said, "I'm just wishing I could've gone with you to that part of town, maybe once I'm done with this, I'll peek down there,"

"Hopefully my friend, we'll done doing what we need to down there," Inigo added in, "Besides, we're just going to see the sights down there, nothing we haven't done before...but if you do finish up, please join us down there,"

"Will do," Erik said, nodding at him, "And maybe we'll get some gossip from the sailors while we're at the docks, you never know,"

Traysek glanced around one final time, before pulling out his communicator, "Alright, if that's everything...time to call home base," clicking a button on it...


Meanwhile, at the church of Celestine...


Reynold was knelt down in front of both Claudia and Alicia, along with his brother. The younger princess had an inquisitive look down on the young knight as the older princess slowly nodded.

"So what have we learned about our friends, Reynold?" Claudia questioned, "You may rise."

Rey did just that, getting back up on his feet, "Well, we've a right to be worried about them, Ma'am...the captain has magic and strange powers...they were also hired by your father, lord Grave to fetch funds from Luco village, I ended up following them there and that's when I saw the magic he possesses..."

Alicia went wide-eyed upon hear this, "Wait a minute...that asshole knows magic? and you also said he had strange powers too, right?"

"Correct, though I can't really explain how THOSE work, I do know that they come from words, tonal if you will," Rey explained.

Claudia went into thought about that, hand on her chin, "That does not bode well...we outlawed magic here for a reason...and the fact that our "Help" has it, is very concerning for me...is it just him? or are there others?"

"There's two more...his man Lucien and a recent member of theirs I just met, the Redhead Yuriana,"

Troy rose an eyebrow, "But how did you meet them, brother, when your job wasn't to be seen by them?"

"OUR job, which you took no part in, Troy..." Rey growled, clearing his throat, "The reason they found me, is because I let them find me...they were going to strongarm that village for nothing," turning to Claudia, "And your father knew that, sending them there,"

Alicia scowled at him, "What the hell are you talking about? why would Lord Grave do business with them? surely, he wouldn't lower himself to those standards..."

"There are a lot of things you tend to miss..." Rey said growled under his breath, "But as I said before, only the three I mentioned can use magic, the other three are benefitting from it,"

Claudia narrowed her eyes, "Like the monsters do with their commanders...the same thing..." giving Rey a solemn nod, "Thank you for telling us this, we atleast know to keep arms length from them...but definitely explains the amulet he has...and I'm not a fan of that amulet...had it my way, it would burn..."

"We could do that now, from what he just told us, our captain and a few of his friends are already committing blasphemy!" Alicia said with gritted teeth.

The older commander sighed, "We could, but, then we lose our advantage against the monsters...think about it, the dark queen uses magic against us...why not fight magic with magic? and then when it's all settled and when we feel like it, then we can charge them for it... at least Traysek and Lucien,"

Rey rose an eyebrow, "And what of the woman? She's also a magic user and healer, wouldn't she be on your list of concerns?"

"She is, but that can be molded...That other woman with them too," Claudia pondered, "If we can turn them against the captain and the rest of the crew, Arresting them will be much easier for it,"

"Assuming you can, Milady..." Rey sighed, "Those two are fiercely loyal to their captain, from what I've seen of them, they're like a family...it's not going to be as simple as separating them,"

"So was Maia...and look how that turned out," Alicia added in, "For a while she was stubborn, but finally saw the light in what we were telling her...it won't be any different with these two,"

Reynold frowned upon hearing that, "Okay, but what if they DON'T go along with this...? they seem way too independent for that..."

"Yeah yeah, "Independent," they say," Alicia rolled her eyes, "We'll how independent they really are once we show what we have to offer,"

Rey would've said more, but after reading their faces, he decided to let it go with a sigh, knowing there was nothing else he could say without stepping out of line, "Very well, if I see them, I'll let them know to come here,"

"Very good," Claudia smiled, "Now, is that all, or do you have more to Report?"

Reynold nodded, "Yeah...we also found a storehouse with captured women inside..." putting shocked expressions on both the shields there.

"Go on, tell us about this storehouse..." Alicia said, narrowing her eyes at him.


In the Dark Fortress, Greil knelt in front of Olga.

"Sorry for my absence, but I needed to evaluate the enemy myself," Greil said with his head down.

Olga sighed before saying "It's fine, as long as you're alright." she then added "What have you learned?"

"Those outworlders are quite strong. And their leader is more dangerous than we thought." Greil answered "Which is why I would suggest to evacuate the fortress, leaving only the monsters that aren't trustworthy and myself."

"I won't run away from this place!" the Dark Queen said as she slammed her hand on her throne "I will meet this enemy head-on and defeat him.

"You won't be alone!" Chloe added.

"No." Greil interjected "You are to stay alive in case I lose mine. You are to be the one leading the Kletzkrieg if anything happens to me."

"But I..."

"I believe that you already began with the preparations." Olga stated.

Greil nodded then said "I placed five totems which would curse both humans and dragons."

"Why dragons?" Olga asked.

"According to one of the Kletzkrieg, their leader calls himself Dragonborn." Greil answered.

"Dragonborn..." Olga began to think, 'Where did I hear that name...'

"The soldiers began to fortify the walls, setting traps, and evacuating magical items and the books in the library," Greil added.

"They will be sent there, right?" Olga asked as she got a nod from the general.

"That's why you must join the others." Greil said before adding "As long as you guide us, this war will be leaning to our favor."

"I don't believe that running away will do much." Olga sighed "I will prove to others that I'm a coward."

"Sometimes, the survival of the head is all that is necessary to victory" Greil countered.

"Greil..." Olga looked at him with a more serious expression "I won't abandon this fortress. Besides, if this helps, it could buy more time for our hidden forces to prepare an assault on all the major cities."

"My queen..." Greil sighed before giving up.

"Now, is there something else?" Olga asked.

"One thing..." Greil looked weirdly toward a direction "May I ask what is this?"

Olga looked at it, a statue made of cheese, and said "We had the visit of a strange god... and he spared us under the condition that we make this..."

"I... I see." Greil cleared his throat before saying "This aside, the city already got some powerful figures in it. If we give them the chance to fight, there could be some chances that we could defeat the Shield Princesses without any troubles."

"I do have to admit that it's thanks to you that we could group all those creatures under our banner." Olga said before adding "Nevertheless, we must get ready to face that enemy tomorrow."

Greil only nodded before exiting the throne room.

'This is getting more and more difficult.' Olga thought before sighing "Celestine... do you want to see my people as slaves that much?" her stare hardened as she said "I will make sure that you feel what my people had to feel."


Back at the airship


"Interesting...so that's where you all ended up at," a nordic voice said from a device, "It's good to hear from you all again, most important of all, you, Zeymah..."

Traysek nodded, grinning at the communicator, "It's good to hear from you again, Agamor...didn't think I would until this war was over...how are things back home in Rendspire?"

'We're holding on pretty well in your abscence...most of the bandit gangs have moved on to other crimes, we still crack down on them from time to time, but it's still rather tame...how's Yuriana doing?'

"She's doing alright, left to the church as soon as I called you, probably still miffed at you for sending her through like that," Traysek said, his grin disappearing, "Hell, I was a bit miffed at first, but after meeting our enemies, You couldn't have done that any better" the smile returning.

"If this battle is supposed to be as big as you say, then you'll need all the help you can get...I wished I could've sent more, but you did mention this mercenary force, so maybe you aren't too outnumbered, but again..."

Traysek nodded, "Yeah, I know...hard to trust them now, especially with what I've seen today..." taking a puff from his pipe.

Inigo looked over the deck and spotted Volt approaching the ship, "My friend, we have a guest, it's our favorite merc,"

"Good, been waiting for him," Traysek said, "I have to cut this short Agamor, when I get the chance again, I'll call back,"

"Hey! hold on a sec-"

Traysek clicked off the communicator, as Volt boarded the ship with a scowl, "Well now, that's a face I thought I would never see from you, something wrong?" raising a knowing eyebrow.

"Some dumbass decided it was a good idea to frame me for something I didn't do!" Volt seemed furious "Not only were some people saying that I wasn't fighting in the frontlines, but also that I must be thrown in jail!"

Both Traysek and Inigo folded their arms, the former narrowing his eyes on him, "That's odd, and what would they be accusing you of...? Surely, they aren't talking about the storehouse that we uncovered today, are they Volt...?" his voice pleasant but full of venom.

"A storehouse, a dungeon, a cave... they got all kinds of things with some sort of proof that I abducted some girl!" Volt said with a lot of frustration "After fighting for their sake for one year without leaving the frontlines, they begin to throw random accusations! I was risking my life for them, damnit!"

Traysek and Inigo stared at him with unamused looks, the first mate glancing over.

"I don't know my friend, he seems a bit emotional...what if those guys were actually deserters...?" Inigo murmured in a whisper.

Traysek frowned at him, "Really, Inigo, I've seen better performances...this one sucks," he whispered back glancing back at the tantrum-throwing man "Well...then again, that one assassin said something about people wanting his spotlight...but honestly, from how the shields treat him, is that really a spotlight worth being under?"

"So what do we do then?"

"Just play along and keep your guard up, those were way too many flags for my comfort..." Traysek finished murmuring, clearing his throat, "Volt, hey Volt! listen to me friend, people say the MOST asinine shit about me everywhere I go, hell, I'm willing to bet after today, they'll know about my magic due to who we were hanging around with, guess what? I could care less...After all, rumors are rumors...if you did nothing, then this should be a chip on your shoulder, brush that shit off man,"

Inigo frowned at him, "For real my friend, you just being angry about this, is pretty suspect, I'd laugh at them honestly,"

"You have no idea how much blood and sweat I spelled for these people! And now, I heard that the emperor of Rad is sending someone to see if those rumors are true!" after taking a deep breath Volt said "I heard that he's so crafty that he can put even the saintest kid for breathing." he then took another furious expression "All of this fighting just to be thrown aside..."

Traysek rose an eyebrow, "Well, that's news to me...didn't know Rad would be taking part in this, as for whoever this inspector could be, please, I have my ways to deal with people like that, and I don't even have to draw a blade or a gun to emphasize that point...and besides, the raid's still happening, unless for some unknown reason Celestine decides to call this off, which would be kinda stupid to do at this point, then we're still going..."

"His field of expertise is investigation and crimes." Volt said as he crossed his arms "He doesn't have any say in the military field... but still... he can easily convince Grave to delay the attack with the right argument." he sighed before adding "Inspector Shiki of the Military inspection service... a cold and calculated man that enjoys seeing the pain and despair of the others..."

"Sounds like a scary guy, but as you said, he's gotta convince Grave, and I have his payment from Luco onboard..." Traysek said, rubbing his chin, "But that comes after me and Ini here hit up the lower districts..."

Inigo nodded in agreement, "Yes, we have some...black market stuff to take care of down there, but when we're back, we'll pay a visit to grave,"

"That... I see your point..." Volt said as he looked at a certain direction "If you go there, you'd better watch your back. Some deserters of the army reside there, and became thieves that attack people there. But, you can find pretty much anything you desire there. One more advice... keep your distance from a person calling herself Dihya there. She's a crazy mother who would come up with some crazy stories out of the blue. Apart from that... well I don't have any other advice to give."

Traysek and Inigo shared a quick glance, both nodding after...

"So keep an eye out for thieves and crazy mothers, got it, I think we can manage," Traysek smirked, finishing off his tankard, "I'll catch you later Volt, tell Maia I said "hi" for me," walking off the bridge, with the blue Khajiit following him down.

Inigo gave Volt a nod, "Just hang in there my friend, after tomorrow, this will be a faint memory, after all, gold has that effect," giving his pauldron a pat when he walked past him.

'They will go see her for sure.' Volt narrowed his eyes 'I need to send men to deal with her... before they discover the truth. Or rather that they get more reason to doubt me... I must have them as allies, not enemies.'


meanwhile, at the docks...


An older man in a sea jacket was reading a book in the clerk's window, glancing up at the two men approaching the shack.

"Well ahoy there! What can I do for you gentlemen?" The quartermaster greeted.

Lucien smiled, "Hello there sir, we're in the market for munitions and possibly seeking an upgrade on that ram of ours,"

"Ah, been too long since anyone has purchased anything related to ships, let alone upgrades," The old man smirked, "You privateers...? or pirates...? eh, who cares, we've got an overstock of this stuff and as long as you got the coin, we can make a deal,"

Erik rose an eyebrow, "How much are we talking here?"

"Well for you lads, because you're the first customers in over ten years...I'm willing to give a discount for any upgrade you want, and the munitions you won't pay for!"

Both men went wide-eyed at this, not believing what they'd heard.

"I'm sorry...I don't know if I heard you right, but you're willing to give us, free munitions...?" Lucien said, raising an eyebrow.

The quartermaster nodded, "Yes, with the purchase of a discounted upgrade..."

"Okay, but why? why us? surely, you've had other sailors that have come before us..." Erik rose an eyebrow as well, "It's not that we don't trust you, but that does seem kinda...skeptical? yeah, that's the word,"

The old man sighed, "Yeah...I figured as much," glancing up at them, "To be honest lads, my port is about get shutdown this year...privateers don't really come here anymore...with the laws against piracy...there goes my other source of income...it's not looking good for me, hasn't in awhile...until now that is," smiling after "which is why I don't mind parting ways with this stuff, maybe you'll have better use for it, than this old sea dog..."

"I...see...I'm sorry for even doubting you then...wow..." Erik said, rubbing the back of his head.

Lucien slowly nodded, "Guess that rules out this being a scam...apologies..." he slightly bowed, "So, how much is that ram again?"

"5000 gold, but if you have trinkets or treasure, I'll take that as payment too..."

Erik checked his pockets first, only coming up with a small bag of gold, "I don't think this is going to cover it, but it's something,"

"Hold on Erik, I think I've got a flawless diamond here..." Lucien said, pulling it out of a small pouch, "Will this do?" handing it to him.

The older man checked inspected the diamond, appraising it with scope, "A real raw, uncut diamond..." The quartermaster said with a shocked look, "Well...I think you lads have just earned more than a deal, this diamond checks out alright..." giving them a grin as they cheered, "Now where's this vessel? I don't think I've seen one come in, except that flying one..."

Both Erik and Lucien nervously chuckled at that statement...

"Well, uh...that's actually the ship that's all going to..." Erik stammered out, as the old man's jaw dropped to the floor.


Lower district...


Following the direction that Volt gave them, Traysek and Inigo made their way to the lower part of town... True to Volt's word, the place was lawless and not in good way...many buildings there were old and ragged, the locals were in torn worn clothing, as well as what could be seen as woman, being dragged by chains.

Both Captain and first mate, were both in shock and awe at how dirty and damaged things were down there...

"So...this is the lower part of town...? it looks terrible down here, what in oblivion happened?" Traysek asked, eyes still wide with shock.

Inigo blinked twice and rubbed his eyes, "Okay nope, I'm not having withdraw...how is it so bad down here, but so clean up there?"

"No idea, but that's why we came down here to find out..." The captain said, frowning when he looked around, "This part of town reminds me of Luco before they got the help they got...Proceed with caution, I'm getting a feeling this is where the knights come to do their dirt without having to pay the price..." continuing to walk after.

"Yeah...I'm getting that too," Inigo agreed, glancing around again, before following him.

"Fellas." a voice called them as they saw a man with short black hair wearing torn cloths "Are you interested in something special? Protection against shadows and fire?"

Both Inigo and Traysek frowned at him..."Depends...what you got for us?" The captain asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hopefully some arrows, I still need more after that contest..." Inigo added in.

The man chuckled before showing an armor made of red scales and black fur "This is made of the last Salamanders and Batfolks." He smirked before adding "You won't have any better offer around here."

Inigo whistled as Traysek nodded at them with approval...

"Nice set~ I'm liking the scales on this, complements that black fur pretty well too," The Redguard said, inspecting it.

Inigo nodded, "Agreed, it's even your favorite colors my friend," turning to the seller, "But I have to ask, what are Salamanders? dragons of some kind? if so where can they be hunted?"

"And what's a batfolk?" Traysek said, raising an eyebrow, "You'll have to forgive us, we don't know what those are..."

"You don't know? Batfolks and Salamanders are monsters that are now extinct." the man said "Had to wait five years to capture a female Salamander for her tail and limbs, and more to get a Batfolk. You should have seen how they pleaded for their lives." the man bursted in laughter.

Traysek blinked twice, glancing over to Inigo who was both confused and worried.

"Um...so these uh...beasts...they can talk?" The Redguard asked, "Okay, so that means they're intelligent then...good to know,"

Inigo cleared his throat, "But why would it beg for it's life...? how big were they? and did you say female?"

"Any creature that doesn't pray to Celestine was set as a Monster, of course, the church and the Shields set them as creatures for extermination." the man then sighed before adding "I do have to admit that the Salamander's body was something to drool over, but I have a business to run, so I had to cut the scaly parts." he then took out two pictures "Here's how a male Salamander looks like and Batfolks look like"

Now if they weren't in shock before, they were now...not only did they see what these "Monsters" looked like, but now...to hear that this man was laughing like a demon after admitting what he'd done, is what set their blood to a boil...Inigo being the first to start lowly growling.

Traysek on the other hand, his eyes were now hidden by his hair, "So these were people...and you're laughing like a damned daedra about it..." his fist clenching tight, feeling his own eyes slit.

"The hell you talking about? These were named monsters after refusing to bow to Celestine, so it's free game to hunt them. Besides, the scales and fur are enchanted with magic, so it's more of a benefit to sell them to the army where they love to buy from a guy like me." The man stated while laughing from time to time "These are beasts heretic, so there's no harm in hunting them."

At that point, Traysek delivered a punch to his nards, knocking him to the ground, he and Inigo surrounded him and began viciously kicking him, baring their fangs as they did.

"Ow ow ow ow! auuugh! wait! they're not human, they're not human!" through the kicks and pummeling he was recieving.

"Tamriel Justice!" was their response, as they kept going...

After a moment, the man was nearly unconscious as people acted like this was something normal, which pointed out a little at how things really are here.

Both angry pirates had stopped their assault, huffing, and puffing, watching him twitch with bruises all over his face, followed by a swollen eye.

"Let's go Inigo before I do actually kill him...!" The Redguard growled, giving the downed man a final kick to the gut, before walking over him.

Inigo had his claws drawn out, before sighing, retracting them, "You know what? you aren't even worth it...until the same thing happens to you, you will never understand it...and we won't be the ones to do it..." walking away from him, following the fuming captain.

When they got far enough away from him, Traysek was now trying to shake what he had heard out of his head.

"By the gods...he butchered those people for not following faith...I thought we were past this..." The redguard said in a facepalm.

Inigo sighed, "Well, I wouldn't worry yet my friend...that was just one guy, surely the rest of them can't be that rotten...I hope..."

"Me too, brother, me too... let's keep going, maybe we'll find this crazy mother we've been told to stay away from," Traysek sighed, continuing the investigation.

They then got to see some Dark Elves, women, and little girls chained next to a man groping one of them.

"You'd better be worth something. I hate to have wasted gold on a useless bitch that can't even satisfy a man" The man appears to have some quality clothes compared to the inhabitants of this section of the capital

Both Traysek and Inigo had their jaws on the ground, the former's ears laying back...

"My friend, we didn't even shake off what we saw back there, and now this...?"

The captain gave a loud frustrated groan, "Oh, you've gotta be kidding right now...yeah let's see what this guy's problem is,"

When the Noble had started to pull them away, he didn't notice the two approaching shadows looming behind him, two clicks freezing him in place.

"Going somewhere...?"Traysek said grinning, now next to him with his gun to his head "Well well... looks like we got ourselves a slaver, Inigo and it's a big one!"

Inigo walked to the other side of him with his pistol drawn on him," That I can see, today is not your lucky day, is it noble?" pressing the gun into the side of his head.

"Are you members of one of the local gangs?" the noble asked with a normal tone "It's rare to see a monster with gangs these days... oh well, what can I do for you today? Gold, women, ask."

Traysek frowned at him, "Local gangs?' no, we're not even from here pal, nevermind that," taking his pistol off "Why do you have slaves man...? this can't be legal, on so many levels"

"Seriously, don't these people have homes to go to? or nation, something?" Inigo asked, with a hard frown, "By the way, I abhor your monster comment, I should shoot you right now for it, actually..." in a low chilling tone.

"What are you talking about? Dark Elves are fine to be slaves." the noble said before smiling "They are the enemy of humanity after all. Besides, it's not like it's a human, am I right?"

'This shit is legal?!' Both Traysek and Inigo mentally swore.

Traysek glanced at the chained-up elves, noting their miserable and heartbroken expressions, one of them even giving him a pleading look, "So it's legal then...100% guaranteed...?" eyes once again going dark.

"Anything that doesn't follow the church's teaching is as good as an insect." the noble laughed "They wanted to fight for their freedom while challenging the Goddess Reborn, if that isn't madness, I don't know how to call it." he then yanked on the chains "If you excuse me, I need to get these things home."

Traysek and Inigo shared a glance, watching him pull them away. With a blank stare, the Redguard charged up a paralysis spell and shot it into his back.

"Oh no! this poor man has fallen over!" Traysek loudly announced, with a paralysis spell behind his back "We definitely should help him up Inigo!"

Inigo snickered, "Agreed my friend! we must do our civic duty!"

Both of them rushed over to him, but did not help him up...instead Inigo started rummaging through his pockets.

"What do you think you're doing you ruffians?!" the noble asked as he tried to move "I'll have you hanged for that!"

His eyes widen when Inigo took some keys out of his pocket.

"Got em boss," Inigo called out tossing them to Traysek.

"Thanks, Inigo," The captain thanked walking up to the slaves and began to unlock their shackles, "Lots of locks on you guys, even around the neck, yikes...what do they think you guys are gonna do? bite them and give them disease?" he joked, getting scowls in return, "It's a joke, only that," finishing up with the last lock, spinning the key in his finger after, "You owe me nothing, you're all free to leave," smirking down at him after.

"T-Thank you." said one of the elves "B-But, we don't have where to go... our village was destroyed and..."

Traysek blinked at that, "Right...okay then," rubbing his chin, "How about the nearby village north of here, Erdora? came from there, let's just say they're under new management now," giving them a knowing smirk, "You can either get there on your own or if you think you can't do it, I can teleport you there, Your call," he offered.

Inigo fished out a large bag of gold from the noble, "Ah, I think we just found our ale money sir, the guys are gonna love this!" he laughed, turning to him, "You go ahead and take them there, I'll put this piggy in storage while you're gone,"

"The moment you get near a guard you'll be arrested!" the noble yelled, "There's no way that you can... go unnoticed..." Traysek disappeared with the Dark Elves. 'Magic?! Grave must know that!' he then looked worried as he glanced at Inigo.

Inigo cracked his knuckles, smirking, "Now about that monster comment you made about me earlier?" his shadow looming over him.


In Erdora


Traysek and the elves arrived and noticed that there was no one around. However, it would seem that the villagers and the Dark Army forces were assembled around a huge fire with the body of a huge dire boar being cooked by a Dark Elf.

"Captain!" Ernest greeted as he had a mug of wine in his hand, "You arrived at the right moment! Tonight is a feast!"

Traysek had a surprised look on his face, looking around, "Um...this is a pleasant surprise, good to see that you're in high spirits tonight...I wish I could stay, but I left Inigo in the lowest part of ken to drop these people off,"

"Who're they?" Ernest asked before noticing the state of the elves that came with Traysek "I feel like I won't like the answer..."

"Oh no no no, they don't belong to me, I liberated them from some creepy noble back there," Traysek quickly waved off, "I can't leave them in the city and I don't know who else to trust with their care, thought I'd come to you,"

"Captain, I know what kind of man you are." Ernest said with a smile, "Even if the Goddess Reborn said that you did that, I'd dump mead over her head for accusing you of such a thing." he laughed before looking at the elves "I'll have Mayek deal with them, he is the current protector of this village after all." Ernest handed Traysek a bottle of wine "Take that as a gift. Since you won't stay, at least have something that we made by our own hands." Ernest finished with a grin.

The captain took the bottle, giving it a good look, until he nodded with a grin, "I-Thank you for this Ernest, this means a lot, I know some happy people that are going to enjoy this..." turning to the Elves marveling at the village, "I know what we did is probably going to have some legal consequences later...if it was an actual thing...hard to believe it though and it was in that part of town," he chuckled, "IF it is...Too bad for them, we're going back home after this, but...we'll be sure to stop by before we do, maybe throw a party," offering a handshake, "Until then my friend, take care of them well,"

"I hope that next time, you'd stay for a longer period," Ernest said as he caught Traysek's hand.

"So do I man, so do I..." stepping back, warping as he walked away.

When Traysek arrived he found Inigo sitting on top of the noble, who was currently struggling under him tied up, with an apple shoved in his mouth.

"Hey my friend, what took you?" the khajiit greeted, frowning at the bottle in hand, "And where'd you get that bottle?"

"I got it from Erdora from their mayor, they're having a feast there right now too," Traysek said, stuffing the bottle in his backpack, "I'll crack that open later, lets keep moving for now,"

As they said this, a group of seven armed men walked past them, muttering something the Inigo was able to pick up, which made him growl and left his ears twitching.

"Let's find that bitch and be done quickly." one of the men said with a low voice as he took a poisoned blade "The boss doesn't want to hear that either her, nor the brat is alive."

Traysek frowned at his growling comrade, "What'd you hear? something with those guys?" glancing at them.

"Yeah, something about killing some woman and child, their boss apparently doesn't want them alive for some reason,"

The Redguard captain rose an eyebrow, "What do you mean...? like a hit? by the dragon's teeth, yeah let's put the brakes on that, shall we?"

"Good idea..."

Both pirates followed the group of men carefully to where they were going, taking care not to draw attention on themselves as they did, by hiding around corners, blending in with groups or sticking to the rooftops there...Eventually, they reach a strange house with a group of men surrounding it with their weapons drawn, hiding nearby a couple of barrels.

The door opened and a tan-skinned woman exited the house. What struck Traysek, besides the fact that she was apparently blind due to the fact that she had a blindfold, was the fact that she was wearing clothes that he saw only when he was in Skyrim.

"Seven this time? It seems like he doesn't tire of this game..." her voice sounded tired and monotone.

She opened her hand and a blade-like ray of electricity pierced one of the men. The second one rushed her, only to meet a swirl of fire that exited the woman's mouth. Two others went to each of her sides and were about to pierce the woman, only to find nothing in their way, which led to them piercing each other's hearts.

"He should have told you that I'm not easy to take on..." the woman charged some sort of red ray that obliterated one of the three men that were left.

"What the fuck?!" one of the survivors yelled before noticing that some sort of mist began to appear around them.

both pirates only saw two dead bodies when the mist dissipated.

"Come out, I know that you and your friend aren't with them." the woman looked at Traysek's direction "Otherwise, you wouldn't have tried to stay out of their sight."

Both adventures stepped out from their hiding places, the captain whistling at the handiwork.

"Well, we were on our way to help but..." He turned to the corpses, "I see you already had it handled, that's impressive magic you used there...I even almost recognized a few..." Traysek paused, giving her an overall stare, "And that's not the only thing either...you're from Tamriel, aren't you...?" smiling after.

"I can only sense that you're no ordinary person." the woman said before looking at Inigo's direction, "And you... you're a Khajiit."

At that moment, a head belonging to a little girl peeked and began to stare at Traysek and Inigo.

Inigo chuckled, "Yes I am, although I'm more well spoken, I'm surprised you picked that up far away, is it my smell?" sniffing himself, "I swear I took a bath today,"

"Still got monster stench on you, Ini" Traysek teased looking down at the child, "Well hello there little one," watching her hide her head again, "Aww~ it's okay little bean, we're not those scary men that wanted hurt you and your mom, we only bite bad people,"

"Or punch them, that works too," Inigo added in, smirking.

Traysek chuckled, clearing his throat after, "Well, with the adventures we normally go on, Ordinary becomes a distant word in our work, seen too much back home," looking behind himself, "And here too..."

"It's... very complicated to explain." the woman said "By the way, the name's Diyha. Former leader of the companions and the last Dragonborn. That little one is Salma."

Traysek rose an eyebrow, "You're both Redguard and Dragonborn too...? Wow, that would make you the fourth I've met," taking a polite bow, "I'm Traysek, former thieves guild master, former listener, current Archmage and Pirate king, at your service," leaning in to whisper, "Although I go by Captain so I don't draw too much attention, already kinda showed off that know magic, I'm not trying to push it any further," chuckling after, turning Inigo, "And this is my Brojiit, Inigo,"

The proclaimed "brojiit" stepped forward, taking a heroic stance, "I am Inigo the brave, slayer of bandits, crusher of dragons, smasher of frostbite spiders! and harbinger of the ladies~"

Traysek rose an eyebrow, "Inigo, she's blind...she couldn't see any of that..."

"I know my friend, but she heard the proclamation in my voice..." the khajiit said with his face to his fist, glancing at her, "By the way, I'm single-"

"Stop man!" The Redguard laughed, jutting him with his elbow, "I'm sorry about that, he really means well," rubbing the back of his head.

"Don't worry about that, compared to some Imperial soldiers that I've met, your friend is nice." Dihya said with a smile before adding "I take that you either seek some answers... or wish to escape the influence of the Seven Princesses."

Traysek rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, more for the former, we did however come from one of the neighboring vilages and see how "Well" they take care of them...wasn't impressed by that, took another faction to step in...the one we're warring with, so maybe a bit on the latter too...although the shields haven't really given me issues yet, and Celestine took to me pretty well, so again, nothing there yet..."

"Or at least until the girls get back from their trip to the tower," Inigo added in, "And we have a nice imperial too, he's armoring up our ship at the moment,"

"I see what you meant to say..." she nodded before looking around "You'd better come in, there's no knowing who might listen to us."

Both men glanced at each other, until the captain nodded, "Sure, yeah we can head in, too many eyes too,"

"Agreed my friends, lets go," The khajiit agreed, "Thank you for the hospitality," being the last to follow them into her home.


Church of Celestine

(Recorder & Yuriana)


The duo of women was now at the steps of the tower, feeling a bit uneasy about going in for some reason.

"So, I remember fighting to get in here when the boss was here, but now..." Recorder started with.

"What, you're scared?" Yuriana frowned, before looking up herself, "Eh, it's big and impressive, but it misses that touch that the temple of dibella has, I don't really feel anything here, which may be bad or good depending,"

"That and, there are mostly women in this religion from what I hear, my question is, why?" The younger woman frowned.

"Well, that's why we're here, I find it pretty strange that I know more of the dark army's goddess than who we're supposed to be working for, and that's never supposed to be," Yuriana said, turning to her, "Don't worry, they're not gonna brainwash us, I have a true bond to Dibella and your loyalty to the crew matches that...besides, big sis is keeping an eye out,"

Recorder gave her a hard frown, but shrugged it off, "You know despite the fact I haven't even agreed to your claims of adoption of me...I really appreciate that," with a strained smile.

The Redhead blinked at her for a moment, "When you put it like that it's awful...but whatever, let's just get this over with," sighing in defeat, walking ahead.

"Yeah, sure, just watch out for this blonde one, she was crazy enough to get in the boss's face," Record warned, "Which I still need five minutes alone with,"

Yuriana scoffed, "Yeah ok, she can try, we'll see how that goes" she growled, making her way to the guards by the gate, "Hello there~, we're with the Red dragon crew, we're here to meet Celestine, my friend and I didn't get to last time and we want to make up for it," in a pleasant tone.

"And possibly the other shield princesses too if they're around at the moment," Recorder added in.

One of the guard was about to say something when he was beaten by someone else... someone that the two women didn't think they'd see in this place.

"Let them in." a regal male voice "Those women have a good reason to be here, and they are radiant with power."

It was a white haired man with a red shirt underneath a light yellowish plate and a long coat.

"The name's Swain, tactician and general of the Red Spears." the man said with a smile before turning to the guard, "You are disposed to leave."

"But..."

"Should I speak again?" the calm tone made both guards run for their life, "I happened to have a set meeting with Celestine and four of the Shields"

Both Recorder and Yuriana at that moment felt themselves sweat out of fear...

"By the gods, I'm getting a thalmor vibe from this guy..." Yuriana said mentally gasped.

Recorder gulped, regaining some of her composure "Well then, it would be rude not to take the offered door, and from such an established gentleman too, I see you even held the door open," nervously complementing, walking past him, 'This guy puts the I in intimidation...why did we decide to do this without the guys? why?!' Cursing at herself.

Yuriana was the second one in, giving him a pleasant smile, "Thank you, Sir...Swain, correct?"

"I'm no demon." Swain said with a smile before closing the door.

"Lord Swain." Celestine said with a welcoming smile "You're early."

"Of course," Alicia nodded before adding "A true noble wouldn't dare to let someone like the Goddess Reborn wait."

"Thank you for coming in such a short notice." Claudia said before adding "We're going to need you to rescue a village that was taken by Olga's forces."

Recorder and Yuriana hung around at the door, the former groaned over her now sore legs, while the latter frowned at her.

"What in Oblivion is wrong with you...? how are your legs already hurting?" Yuriana asked, shaking her head.

"Shut up...I hate fucking long stairs...this...this was abusive!" Record whined, rubbing her legs.

The Redhead rolled her eyes, "This is why I tell you to work out with me, you never listen to that advice...!"

"Oh hell no...the warm-ups to your exercises, are already intense...No way, I'll be broken in three days trying it!" The younger woman complained, quickly shaking her head now.

Unfortunately for them, they weren't exactly quiet in their small bickering, gaining the attention of the shields there...

Claudia cleared her throat as she glared lightly at the two women "So, lord Swain, we would like you to go suppress the forces there with the help of your Red Spears."

Swain looked at each one of the Shields and said "Does that mean that you're giving me that village?"

Alicia was about to say something, but Claudia took the head "Of course, having you govern these land would teach them to accept Dark Elven forces."

Still with a neutral face, Swain looked at Celestine before nodding "Very well, the Red Spears shall teach them a lesson"

As he was exiting the room two guard rushed to open the door.

Both Record and Yuri watched him leave, turning back around after the guards shut the door.

"Scary guy..." Recorder sweated, giving a faux bow, "Hello there, we're from the Red dragon crew, which I'm going to assume you already knew...we just didn't make ourselves known the last time, since you only wanted to speak to our boss," slightly glaring at Alicia, clearing her throat, "So, Introductions are in order!" putting her hands behind her back, standing up straight, "I'm Recorder, or Record for short, either one works, I record events as well as serve as the boss's hidden blade, nice to meet you"

Yuriana also bowed, "And I am Yuriana, the healer and bodyguard of the crew, only reason I'm here later was due to some circumstances...either way, we're here to meet this Celestine, whichever one of you it is," looking around.

The tone of the room changed as deadly glares were being shot at them.

"Talk to the Goddess Reborn with respect." Alicia muttered with anger, "You're way below her to mention her that way."

"Come now, it's alright." Celestine waved them off before looking at the two women with a gentle smile "I'm Celestine, it's nice to meet you."

Recorder smiled at her, "It's very nice to meet you, although I can't say that for a few here," turning her head to Alicia with a cold smile, "Excuse me? Miss Alicia...I've eaten bigger than you, don't try me..."

Yuriana sighed, after glaring at them back, "Agreed, it's also nice meeting you, lady Celestine...your beauty is almost on par with goddess Dibella's, nearly mirroring each other..."

"I'd love to meet her one day!" Celestine said with excitement, "After finishing this war, I'd try to talk with the Dragon God again to know more about your world. It seems like your world is nice."

While Celestine seemed happy with them, the others already had their hand on their weapons.

"You sure look nice too." Yuriana looked at Maia approaching her with a grin "The name's Maia, the blonde stuck-up one is Alicia, and the other one is Claudia"

The Redhead gave her an overall stare with an approving nod, "Now you...you, I think we can vibe with, it's nice to meet you too Maia,"

"Maia? yeah, she's one of the chill shields here," Recorder grinned, turning her head back to the others, "It's them I'm not too sure about," smirking at Alicia, "What's the matter? never dealt with anything...different before? do I scare you, perhaps?" as killing aura leaked out of her, her grin growing slightly wicked, "I can smell fear you know, you look ready to piss yourself,"

Yuriana sighed, "We also heard a bit of what you guys were meeting about...and between us girls, you're making a mistake..." narrowing her eyes, on Claudia.

Alicia looked like she was about to jump at them while Claudia simply glared at them before saying "Those are heretical beliefs that could be passed to those people that were surely charmed through a spell to believe that the Dark Army is there to help them."

The Redhead casually drew and slammed the head of the hammer down, causing a loud thundering sound, startling them "Lies and fallacies... all of it!" she roared, her right eye glowing a bright blue as she glared, "I was there a few days ago...that village was run down, the walls were crumbling, you're not going sit there and spit that horseshit at us!"

"We're Serious...we were there earlier today and that town was coming apart, if that's what it looks like to remain in your church's good graces, it's no wonder they chose another side..." Recorder said, glaring harder "Oh and you can go ahead and jump, Alicia," smirking after, "Here's a tip, unlike you, pretty princess, I don't need these blades to drop you..."

A couple of soldiers caught Alicia before jumping at Recorder, incoherently shouting, and were evacuated alongside a pink-haired girl who bowed to them before exiting the room.

"They didn't pay the taxes." Claudia said with a stern tone, "If they were paying us what they were supposed to pay us, whether it's in gold or land production, we could have dispatched some of our best builders."

"Sorry 'bout this." Maia sighed before saying, "She's a bit high and mighty. Took a defeat from the old man to put her in her place for a while."

"No reason to apologize, Maia," Recorder waved off, "I went to an academy with someone like her, I wasn't a fan then...I'm not a fan of it now..."

Yuriana chuckled, "Your taxes? are we not aware that your "taxes" left them like that? do you even care?" slightly raising her voice, shaking her head, "You know, it says something when the goddess you deemed heretical, has more a peaceful concept, than what we've seen here today...holy indeed" saying the last part with heavy disdain.

"What goddess?" Celestine asked with a confused expression.

"Nothing that should concern you, my lady." Claudia said with a disgusted tone as she glared even harder at the two women, "It's a fact that their goddess is a fake one, created by the Dark Queen to fight your legitimacy as the true goddess of this world."

"Again with that?" Maia sighed with annoyance, "Firstly, Alicia was bragging that her family killed all the monsters that began to worship some strange mother, whipping them out, and now a new goddess appears. You really need to let people do what they want."

"Maia!" Claudia jumped on her feet as she glared at the mercenary queen "You are a worshiper of Celestine! You must-"

"Lady Levantine, what's all of this about?" Celestine asked.

"Nothing that should concern you." with one motion of her hand guards surrounded the two women "Leave, and never come back... heretics."

Both Recorder and Yuriana noticed them slowly moving in on them, the latter sighing.

"How predictable..." The Redhead muttered, reaching into her pocket, and coming out with two large Walnuts in hand, freezing the guards, "Now, before you gentlemen get any ideas of roughing us up or bonking us in the back of the head, I want you to pay attention of what you're going to lose if try to go through with it," casually smashing her fist into them, crushing them in her fist, tightly clenching the other hand, "Think your healers can heal those if I reduce them to this...?" opening her hand, to release the dust.

As the guards were now sweating, Recorder gave a laugh, taking another one from Yuriana, "Whose up for a game of nutcracker?!" letting one fall to the ground, before crushing it to dust with her boot.

The guards started running for their lives out of the room in a panic, some already fainting from their threats.

"Aww~ I think we scared all the boys away," Yuriana chuckled, "Looks like they've got a pair they do care about,"

Recorder laughed at them, "Pussy-less knights!"

"Maia chuckled before saying "You sure love to make them your enemies, huh?" she then sighed before saying "Let's go have a drink."

"Sure, I think I've seen enough today..." Yuriana said, shooting Claudia one last look, "More than seen enough today..." giving Celestine a bow, "I apologize for our rudeness, we hadn't come here for just that ...in fact, our boss fetched those taxes for you, despite everything...you want them, see him," turning for the door, "Come Record, we shouldn't linger here..." making her way to the door with Maia.

Recorder gave Celestine a worried look and a bow, "Thank you for your time today, we hope that you would take the time to think about what has been said here...knowing your advisors, it won't be in your head long..." leaves for the door, "See you after the battle!"

Celestine waved at them, "I look forward to your victory, good luck you two!" before raising an eyebrow at Claudia, "Now, whose this other goddess?"

"Again...it's nothing to worry about my lady," Claudia reassured, trying to keep her frustration down, "Now Lady Celestine, there is a more important matter we must discuss,"


Lower district...


Back In the lower part of Ken, Traysek and Inigo were now at the house of Dihya...taking the sight of a near-broken house with one table, two chairs, and a broken bed, walking in with her.

"I wish I could prepare something, but there's nothing like a sweet roll, but I can give you something similar." she brought a plate of biscuits and two cups of tea, "Please take a seat."

They both took a seat and looked around, the captain furrowing his brow at all the mold on the walls, "No it's not a problem at all, thank you for your hospitality..." with a smile, accepting the plate.

"Yeah, it's got plenty of personality, thank you," Inigo agreed, taking a biscuit and tea "Kinda...reminds me of Riften in a refreshing way..." getting a hard frown from his boss, which he shrugged off.

"Trust me, Riften is a safe haven compared to this place... after all, there were guards that patrolled, and the Black-briars that used their connections to 'Deal' with those that threaten the life in Riften." she then sat on the bed before that her daughter jumped and hid behind Dihya "I know that you have some questions... ask them."

Both men sat in thought, the Redguard slowly nodding...

"I suppose, one of them now is, how'd it get this bad down here...? I figure I'd see the criminal underbelly, but it's just as depressing here as it was in Erdora, before...well..."

Inigo nodded, "Before the dark moved in and fixed everything...kinda makes us consider whose side we're on at the moment,"

After taking a deep breath, Dihya said, "Some of the nobles and officers in the army wanted to hide their dark secrets. To make it happen, they gave this place to criminals, to do as they want while they stop sending guards to patrol the area. The only thing that they did was get some cleaners that take the bodies and throw them in a huge grave outside the city wall using a secret door."

Both men frowned at that statement, the Captain's frown hardening.

"Okay...I think I follow so far," Traysek muttered, rubbing his chin, "So it is the criminal underbelly...but not in a good way, got it," slowly nodding, "Well had a feeling that might've been the case...From that Blackmarket earlier to the noble with all those dark elf slaves,"

Inigo chuckled, "And that guy tried to lie us to my friend, saying that it was legal...couldn't be any happier to stuff an apple in his mouth," taking a drink of his teeth.

"In a way, it is." Diyha replied, "Women elves are bought in every city as slaves. Well, the emperor of Rad had put a law to have anyone with a slave decapitated, and that does work on all the territories that he controls. The rest, however, legalize Dark Elves as slaves and the hunt of the monsters that refused to abandon their beliefs to have Celestine as their goddess... and unfortunately, I used to believe that the Shields were in the right, but after what happened..." her hand tightened, "They wanted me to lead a force to destroy a Centaur village that had nothing to do with this war... just because they refused to join their faith..." after taking a deep breath, she continued, "That was also when it happened... when that pig..."

Both Traysek and Inigo went wide-eyed at that, "By the Dragon's teeth, this shit IS legal...and you said "pig" who are we talking about here? Grave? or Volt?" the former asked, glancing at her blindfold, "Hold on...could this be the woman he warned us about? she doesn't seem 'crazy' to me...seems sane...and...' Staring at her trembling hands, a sad expression growing on his face, 'Afraid...?'

"It's just that... it's a sensitive topic for now..." the Redguard woman took a deep breath before saying, "All you need to know is that you need to watch who to trust your back to..."

"Mommy?" the girl called with a fearful voice.

"Thankfully, I found someone who could protect me when I was at my weakest," Dihya said as a small sense of hope appeared on her face.

Traysek rose an eyebrow, "Oh? someone in this city helped you? With what you've told us, I figured you had to pull yourself back together again...it's always nice, I almost want to meet the man," with a genuine smile.

"Agreed, I can't imagine what ordeal you went through," Inigo chimed in, "Does it have to do with your blindness? or was that through battle?"

"Blindness?" She seemed confused before she took off her blindfold, revealing gold draconic eyes "I'm not blind, but cursed by the Daedric Dragon Blood." she noticed the confused expression on their faces "It's a curse that runs in my family for so many generations that it became normal for us; during the Merethic Era, one of my ancestors was known as Ayyub ibn Shadi. He was a warrior king, and he was fierce in battles against the Dragons. One day, he wanted to defeat Alduin, and he knew that he needed more power to do it. He made a deal with Hircine to give him power, and in exchange, he had to hunt two dragons alone. He did it, and gained the body of one... but that didn't do anything. After his defeat, he regained his human form, but..." she recoiled one of her sleeves to show some scales, "It left some vestiges... thankfully, Samira won't have any of the symptoms until she reaches puberty." she sighed before looking at them with some sadness in her eyes, "I bet that you find it disgusting..."

They both frowned at her and then at each other, "No!" they said in unison, Inigo going into a chuckle.

"Why would we of all people think that?" Traysek said, raising an eyebrow, "If anything, I'm jealous that I don't have my own set of red scales by now," he laughed, "And as for the eyes," closing them and opening them to now being slit, "I can relate there~" with wink and smirk.

Inigo nodded, "Besides look me, I'm a blue khajiit, how would I have any room to call you a freak? From where I'm standing, those that judge others based on their looks are the true freaks to me," his ears slightly going back, clearing his throat, "I've always believed uniqueness is a gift, not a curse and it shouldn't be treated as such,"

Dihya looked surprised before saying "You're actually the second people that said this to me in this world. The first one was Lord Swain."

"Really now? and is he the one who protected you?" Traysek asked, "Gotta say that last noble, left an impression of most of them...didn't any would have the heart for it," taking a sip of the tea, "So, is this someone warry of, like giving us a problem just because? I've met Alicia and she seems petty enough, we were just too new...so I hope the girls didn't piss them off too much," nervously chuckling.

Inigo took a bite, downing it with tea after, "Me too my friend, rich idiots are easiest to ignore when they're JUST chirping,"

"Lord Swain is... unique." Dihya said before adding, "Once you get to know him, you'd find that he's better than any jarl of the nine holds. Of course, I can't stay here forever... he told me that he'd find me a better place..." she then looked at the door before putting back her blindfold, "Someone's here..."

There were knocks at the door, putting them on edge until...

"Boss? Inigo? it's me Erik! are you guys in there? I asked around and they told me you were here! Hello?" Erik's voice rang out, causing both men to sigh in relief taking their hands off their weapons.

"It's cool, it's just Erik, he's one of us, I got it," Traysek said, walking up to the door to open it, to find Erik there with a large bag in his hand, "Hey Erik, hows are the repairs going? figured you'd still be helping Lucien," closing the door, walking back in with him.

"They're going pretty well sir, I've already gotten the heavy work done, finished installing the puckle guns as well as the catapult. Our munitions are also refilled, Lucien is running a test right now on them, you know how that goes," Erik finished, noticing Dihya and Samira hiding behind her, "And whose this sir? and why does she look like she's from Skyrim?"

Traysek sighed with a grin, "Because she is, surprising I know," turning to Dihya, "This another crewmate and friend of mine,"

Erik eyed her up and down, before nodding with a flirtatious grin "I see~ Hello there, I'm Erik the slayer~" flexing a bicep to himself, getting annoyed frowns from the other two "Slayer of bandits, dragons, draugr, and certified lady killer~" finishing it in romantic tone, taking a bow, "At your service~"

-Erik's expression

Both Traysek and Inigo had unamused looks on their faces, "Erik, she's blind..." In cold unison.

"Eh? that true? You can't see me from under there?" Erik asked, feeling embarrassed now.

"Compared to some other Nords that I've met, your friend seems to have manners." Dihya said, "Unlike that Battle-born..." she looked in Eric's direction and said, "He does remind me of Hadvar, kinda miss home a bit."

Erik rose an eyebrow, "Wow, you really are from home...I knew that guy too, would sometimes come to Rorikstead from time to time...that said I need to write father a letter one of these days,"

"When we get the time for it, sure," Traysek said, stretching his arms, "and speaking of that, we have to get ready for tomorrow's assault, so we're going to check out of here," offering a handshake, "It was nice meeting you Dihya, perhaps when we end the war, we'll celebrate, who knows?"

Inigo gave a bow, "Same here, it was nice meeting you Dihya and you too Samira," giving the child a friendly smile.

Dihya caught Traysek's arm and shook it, "And you'd better watch your back. There's more than monsters that threaten this world."

"Yeah, I'm definitely getting that part, we'll try to be more careful here," The captain said, nodding, "Also if you know someone on where we can get some better gear, we'd appreciate that too,"

Erik nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I agree, this old thing is starting to wear," showing his worn war axe, "After the battle with those monsters, it really took most out of it,"

After a moment, Dihya took a crate from under the bed and opened it, "These are my old weapons... I don't think that I'm using them any time soon... but I can give them to you if you wish. I do know how to create them by a forge."

There was a scythe, a large bow and some big arrows, a pair of twin white short katanas, a katana with a red blade, and a big sword.

"These are all yours, although, I doubt that Lilim would like you as her owner... she's very picky when it comes to her masters, and there's the fact that I'm alive," Dihya said as she ran her hand on the scythe.

The trio looked over the weapons in Awe, Traysek glancing eyeing the scythe, nodding, "I get it, we all have that weapon we don't want to part from," giving her a smile, "Keep her, you may need her one day, even if you don't think you've got that fire in you anymore," giving her tap to the chest, "It's never truly gone...you'll have your fire back one day, Dovahkiin,"

Inigo inspected the bow, "I'm really liking this bow, I call dibs on it," taking it out, along with the arrows, "We appreciate this, thank you," giving her bow, "And thank you for the tea,"

Erik looked over the rest, squinting his eyes, until a crimson blade caught his attention, "Not sure if that would go with my fighting style or not, but I know some crew mates that would be happy to have these," taking the rest out of the crate, handing them to Traysek, who shoved them into his haven bag, "Thank you for the gear, we promise not to break them," with a laugh.

"It's alright. Except for Lilim, all those weapons were hand-made and enchanted when I was in Skyrim... it was with those that I united all of Tamriel against the Thalmor..." she sighed before adding, "I have the feeling that these weapons are best suited to you and your companions."

"I see, well then, it'll be nice to sharpen them up again for another battle," Traysek grinned, turning to the door, "Be seeing ya" waving behind him, opening the door, as Both Inigo and Erik gave her respective bows, before leaving and closing the door behind them.


Elsewhere...


In a tavern where there are only women, Maia, Recorder, and Yuri sat around for some drinks.

"I feel bad that you not only met some tight-assed 'princesses', but that you also met one of the creepiest men." Maia said as she put her mug on the table, "Gotta applaud the fact that you didn't piss yourself by being around him. No offense."

Recorder slightly sweated, "Right, that Lord Swain-guy," taking a sip, "Considering how he made those guards run away, I'm going to assume he's quite a big deal,"

"And about your friends, I wouldn't worry about it," Yuriana waved off, "Honestly, I was worried that ALL of you would be like that, it's nice to know it's only a couple..." Taking a gulp of her mead, "Including present company, but I do notice one thing...why's there a lack of men in here?" with a disappointed expression.

"Well, most men are resting for the big day tomorrow." Maia said before signaling to the waitress as she brought another set of mugs, "Besides if you go there at this time, some men can go berserk on ya." she then pointed to a boy coming out of the room sides, "But there's a fun way to pass time here, a bunch of cuties that you can choose from. No one will say anything"

Both women gave him an overall stare, Recorder rose an eyebrow while the Redhead frowned.

"Eh, he's cute I guess? but a bit young for me...and it seems like I'd break him, and that's unintentionally..." Yuriana said, taking a sip, "Might be your thing, but I prefer my men at least a bit aged up and pretty, it's just a more refined taste, to me that is"

Recorder nodded in agreement, "I mean, this guy is at least 17 or 18, I'm at my college-age right now and that's a bit young for me even...I'm sorry, not kink-shaming you or anything, it's just not our thing," she laughed off, another taking a gulp, cringing after, "oof... that just got stronger..."

"Well, most women come here for these kinds of cuties, the rest are just big, hairy, and fat. Not the most popular types around this side of the city." Maia replied before pointing to two middle-aged women surrounding a boy, "See." she then shrugged before saying "But personally, I have only one person in my mind... even if the old man is against me and him being together. Saying some things like 'He's not the right person,' or 'If you do it, you will regret it for the rest of your life.' kind of thing"

Recorder and Yuriana stared at the older women walking off with the teen, cringing, 'Eww...'

The former cleared her throat, "By the way, you keep mentioning this old man, who is it?"

"Calling himself the first hunter, he was really cool." Maia beamed, "Swinging his scythe and using something he calls a shotgun." she then sighed before saying, "But lately, his age caught up to him and he stays on a chair all the time. His name is Gehrman."

"Gehrman huh? why does that ring a bell?" Recorder said, going into thought, shaking it off, "I know what a shotgun is, I also have a mentor too, but I doubt she's as nice,"

Yuriana finished her tankard, moving on to her second, "Just one thing that concerns me...if most of the guys here are that gross? where does that place our guys?" raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, that's a good question...I hope we didn't mark them for death with our performance in there" Record added in, rubbing the back of her neck.

"They were about to be arrested anyways." Maia answered, "I mean, some of them are magic users... and both Claudia and Alicia hate magic users. That's why they would have waited until you've done helping and throw them in prison while recruiting you." Maia shook her head, "Talk about smart... sometimes, I feel like I should have stuck with volt and the Black Dogs."

Both women recoiled from that in hard frowns, not believing what they just heard.

"Wait wait wait wait...they're just arresting the guys, only them? what the hell?!" Recorder snapped, "They didn't go in there stupid, we did, no fucking way would we join, especially after that!"

Yuriana blinked twice, "Yeah no, I'm a magic user too... Boss and Lucien I'd get, but Inigo and Erik aren't magic users, so why would they..." going into thought, eyes going wide at a scary realization, standing up, "It's by default...isn't it...?" Eyes hiding behind shadow "...Recorder we need to go, I don't think we need to be here right now..." giving Maia a bow, and smile, "Thanks for the drinks, but it's getting late, it was nice to meet you Maia," eyes dark and tone cold, walking out of the tavern.

Recorder stood up and gave Maia a sympathetic look, "So that truth bomb's been dropped...well, then...I must be on my way too, it was nice hanging out with you again, I'll see you around," leaving behind Yuriana.

"Just like what the old man said..." Maia sighed before stretching her arms, "I guess that I'd head back to get a goodnight's sleep."


The Aveza


Lucien was holding a list, running one more set of diagnostics for the puckle guns, clicking a button, making them move around on their own, "okay so the first test of getting them to auto control is done, gotta say, adding dwermertech to these did the trick, now we just have to get somewhere for the catapult and then-" before he could finish his thoughts, he was cut off by knocking at ship's main door, starling him, "Ah, it must be them, finally back I see,"

When he opened, he was overshadowed by Grave, who had a serious look on his face "Where. is. my. gold?"

Lucien felt himself sweat, clearing his throat, "Oh it's you Sir Grave, almost didn't recognize you for a second there...yeah the boss has got your gold and the key to it. he and Inigo went to the lower district for something, but they'll be back soon, I just need to finish running these weapon tests for tomorrow's assault and we'll be good to go, now if you excuse me, I'm a very busy man," attempting to shut the door...

Grave stopped the door before saying, "Then you find no problem in having me waiting for them inside, right?"

Lucien rose an eyebrow, "Perhaps...although this is a private airship, we do have a bar, would you like anything to drink perhaps?"

"No..." Grave said with a near-threatening tone as he entered and sat on a chair, keeping an eye on Lucien.

"Alright then..." Frowning, closing the door behind him, and headed back to the engine room, "Fine you can wait there, I still have my work to do," grabbing his list, went over the guns onboard, "Okay...so the automatic movement was a success, can also be used manually...now would that require another Gyro or an articulator...? hoping for the later here, but it looks most of the artillery will be ready" muttering to himself, scratching things off the list, "just need to make some final touches with a couple," reaching into his tool bag.

Grave continued to watch until the door opened again.

"My god, I still smell like Orc, ugh...cacan't wait until I jump in the tub," Recorder's voice sounded, walking in, "Lucien! you home? we brought food back for you and the guys!"

Yuriana was the second one in, spotting Grave on a chair, "And apparently we have a guest...and in our ship's quarters at that," narrowing her eyes on him.

Recorder glanced over to him, eyes going wide "Oh you've gotta be kidding me...look we've got your damned money, the others will be here in a second,"

"Already told him that Ladies, he's committed to waiting there... it's better than fighting with him!" Lucien's voice called from the engine room.

"Wonderful..." Yuriana sighed, shaking her head.

Grave stares for some moments at Yuriana before returning to watch the door.

Yuriana frowned at that, but shook it off, going into the kitchen, "We went to a few markets before coming back and brought some meat, I'll get started on it,"

Recorder nodded, "Alright, and I guess I'll keep an eye on our "guests" for the moment then," taking a seat across the room.

"I'm telling you, Erik, it's a no-go, she's got a kid," Traysek's voice rang from the door, opening, "guys, we're home!" he joked.

Inigo sniffed around, "And why does it smell like something old in here?" frowning as he kept sniffing around.

"That's probably that old Mammoth steak I had in the ice box, I had forgotten to get rid of it," Erik chuckled, being the last in, closing the door behind him.

The trio walked in, finding the rest of the crew as well as Grave sitting there with a scowl.

Erik gave him a hard frown, "Who in oblivion let HIM in here?" he questioned, hand on his ax

"Sorry guys, he was committed to waiting in here!" Lucien once again called out, "Also I'm nearly finished with the diagnostics, just got a few more tweaks!"

"Ah, that, we still haven't paid him his funds yet..." Traysek groaned, giving Grave something between a grin and sneer, "Hello Grave, I see you let yourself in here, I have your pay, I would've come to you," narrowing his eyes.

Inigo had his ears back, glaring at the holy knight, "Let's just pay him and be done with it, I'm still miffed about that job," folding his arms.

"I. was. waiting." Grave said as he walked to Traysek "You were planning to keep it for yourself."

Traysek gave a dry chuckle and smirk, "Heh, that? that's chump change to me Grave...I make more than that in a day...you can have your gold, in fact that's why I came back here," reaching into garb, tossing the key to Inigo, "Go get it from the storage, the large sack..." not taking his eyes off Grave.

Inigo shot him another look, before nodding, "Sure boss, I'll fetch it for ya," walking off to get the sack, and going into storage.

It was like a staring contest between the two. Both men were unmoving with their glares, The Redguard had to admit one thing when it came to dealing with the Dark Elf from Earlier to who he's dealing with now, let's just say he'd rather deal with the brooding Mayek... When Inigo brought the bag, Grave took it and left.

Traysek watched him leave, "Pleasure doing business..." walking up to the door and closing it, locking it after with a sigh, "Everyone alright? he didn't do anything to any of you?"

"Nah, you guys got back at a good time, although he was staring at Yuri for a good minute until she bailed for the kitchen...creep," Recorder said, taking the hand off her dagger.

Erik stared at the door, "I just hope we don't get another visit tonight, I'm beat..." flopping on the chair, "What's for dinner?"

"Good question, I smell it too," Inigo added in, sniffing around again.

"Venison stew with new spices, you won't believe how expensive spice and slab goes around here!" Yuri called from the kitchen.

Traysek took a deep inhale, "Sounds good to me and maybe you could tell us about your trip to the tower while you're at it," with a smile.

"Uh...heheh, yeah...about that," Recorder rubbed the back of her neck, "Okay sir, you have to promise not to be mad at us..."

The Redguard frowned at her, before chuckling, "Recorder, I'm sure what you two did in there, couldn't possibly be that-"


From outside the ship


"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO!?" His voice boomed out, shaking everything outside for a moment...

Grave looked back at the ship before mumbling, "What the-"

"Grave!" the man looked at whoever called him to see Volt approaching him "We really need to get rid of that bitch."

"Have you forgotten that she's under Swain's protection?" Grave asked, "Even Claudia can't look at the man's eyes."

"If our 'friends' found out whose kid that is, they won't follow our plans." Volt said before looking around, "She's way too dangerous to be left alive."

"Then you should have waited!" Grave scolded, "Now, all we can do is create false rumors and hope that she dies by accident. Anyone who can fight a Deathbringer of the Dark Army and win isn't to be trifled with."

"Let's hope that they didn't speak to her." Volt sighed before adding, "And if they did, that they took her for a crazy bitch..."

"That's to be thought over tomorrow." Grave said, "We need to discuss how we're going to do things and begin to coordinate with the others."

"I'll try to head toward Geofu with an excuse to get more supplies," Volt said with a smirk.

"And I'll talk with our friend." Grave continued.

"All our insiders should be ready." Volt stated.

"What about our Orc friend, did he get where the capital city of the Unified Monster Kingdom is?" Grave asked.

"That beast is very careful with who he sends there," Volt replied.

"Well, I'm sure that you'll deal with him tomorrow and cripple that horde of monsters for good." Grave said with a sinister smile, "And the captain will be the one who would open the way to our dream."

Volt chuckled before nodding.


Later that night...Somewhere unknown


The serpent god Satakal floated around aimlessly, either out of boredom or thought, the events that took place today confused him, and now the feeling these mortals have with not just his champion but to his companions...made him frown deep even more...but as he was about to piece something together there, he was pulled into what seemed to be a very lush forest.

"This is..." Satakal said, looking around, "Did I end up in the mortal world by mistake...? surely I couldn't have..." looking around for something or someone.

Flying leaves grouped themselves as water began to form a humanoid form. sand and fire spun around until a form exited the water. A female elf with pale skin and white hair smiled at him.

"Welcome" her voice was like one of a caring mother.

The Serpent rose an eyebrow, "You summoned me here? who are you? you are not the goddess Reborn, and yet...you're no Daedra, but no Aedra I'm familiar with..." Narrowing his eyes.

"I'm the spirit of this world." she answered before adding, "I'm the Earthmother of Eostia."

Satakal gave her a good look, "I see, I am Satakal the Worldskin, the serpent god of change and destruction...I'm glad we've met, but what is the purpose of this summon, Celestine never mention you..."

"With how Celestine is surrounded, this is no surprise." the Earthmother said with an almost sad voice "But even so, she's still one of my children." after that, she turned toward a part of the forest that has dark clouds and green lightning bolts that strike out of it from time to time "I wish to know if this is your doing, or the doing of a deity that you know."

Satakal looked in that direction, eyes going wide with shock, "No...not my doing, but that energy feels Daedric, but it's too hard to tell, "Whose" that is, that could be any of the princes,"

The Earthmother looked worried as she said "I don't know how, nor why, but they followed you in my world... and it's a threat to my children..." she sounded in pain, "I never wanted this to happen... to see some sort of evil god threatening my children..."

"Wait...the threat's NOT the dark army...? I figured their queen made a deal with one and that's what you were seeing," Satakal said, going into thought, "I swore to Celestine I would eat the world if my champion failed to bring them down, but now that I've met this world's true goddess, now I'm having second thoughts..."

"The dark army isn't a threat, all they want is to fight the oppression that's against them." the Earthmother replied, "With the conflicts that are here, everyone is blind to the real threat... one that no one will see coming..." she then sent some sort of green dust to his eyes, "With this, you shall see what I did."

Satakal sneezed when the dust hit him, blinking around to find himself in a field of green mist hearing agonized voices and screams afterward, surrounded by a field of fire, "What is this...?"

Both Celestine and Olga were laying on the ground as holy knights approached them and put runed collars on their necks.

"With this, these two will behave like the bitches that they are." it was a feminine voice that came from the shadows, "Send them to the chambers... they need to be ready."

Footsteps were heard as the smoke hit an obese man, "With this, both the Seven Shields and the Unified Monsters Kingdom are beneath our boots." a cruel tone and voice before that a green humanoid shape appeared out of nowhere.

It had a red eye and green drawings of skeleton-like bones on the torso-like shape.

"This is boring now." it looked in Satakal's direction, "Looks like someone's cheating, what a bad student you are." a smile appeared on its face, "Let's hope that you can defend this place... overgrown lizard."

Satakal felt like he was thrown out of the vision as he caught the glimpse of a man in brown pants with plated boots.

"By my Scales...So those are the unseen forces Akatosh and I feared...they're nothing like the enemies my champion is currently facing...I really don't know what to make of it, they're mostly mortal but so cruel and disgustingly Vile...I couldn't make the last guy out, just a pair of brown pants and armored boots, but there's one evil deity in this, and he's either the one who's spurring this or just reveling in it..." Satakal deducted, "He seemed to know me too...not sure I know him, he's not on any pantheon I'm familiar with..."

"I do feel like there are others." the Earthmother stated, "But that evil deity... it has more power than I do... which means that I can't chase it out if I wish." she then presented Satakal with a golden orb, "If we wish to deal with this threat, we must fight this deity together."

The Serpent gave it an overall stare, nodding, "So enter a pact with you and we can deal with this together...okay, I'll do it..." Touching the golden orb with one of his six arms, seeing it glow brighter "Together we'll expel this other entity..." As a gold bracelet had found itself around that hand.

"Now, we must align our champions to find and fight the real threat." the Earthmother said as some vines opened to show the dark fortress, "I shall speak to my champion through one of the priestesses... hoping that none of them kills the other first."

Satakal sighed, nodding, "General Greil I assume...?" going into thought, "I'll admit, he's taken my interest...for a dark army general, he's got a lot of good in him...and yet...a lot of hate too within him...yet it feels justified in a way..." Smirking after, "I'm going to enjoy watching over this battle..."

"The more time we waste, the more our enemy grows strong." the Earthmother reminded before adding "However, this battle must take place. With it, a chain of events will lead our champions to their destiny."


The next morning...

Sundas, 5:30am, The Aveza


The sun had barely risen over the horizon, leaving the sky in a very much twilight, regardless...the crew was still asleep at the time. At their door, however, that would soon change when a shadow loomed over their door.

*Knock* *knock* "Hey Captain? You up? We uh...need to talk...Hello?" Rey called out, knocking again, "We're planning the assault now, we need you out here!" getting no response, turning to Alicia, "Ok my lady, I have to admit we've never planned assaults THIS early...I don't even think their up right now,"

Troy yawned, "You can say that again...couldn't you guys have hosted this later...?" wiping his eyes.

"Haven't you heard? We're going to have a guest from Rad. Therefore, we must press on things." Alicia replied before giving a look full of pity to Rey, "Also... Lord Swain called you to come to him for some reason."

Reynold put a hand to his chin, "I've never met him personally, Lady Alicia, but I've heard rumors about him and his red spears, fearsome warriors that accomplish any task without failure... they're up to 1300 in monster kills, that's an impressive feat, to say the least..." furrowing his brow, "You know him more than I do, should I be concerned, my lady?"

Troy heard footsteps approaching from inside the cabin, raising an eyebrow 'So someone's is up in there...I see we've got an early bird, hopefully, they'll notice..."

Alicia shivered a little before saying, "W-well, if he tells you to do something, you do it... or you can regret it dearly..." it was clear that Alicia was afraid, "If you refuse... nothing can save you from whatever fate awaits you."

Reynold gulped a bit, "I-i see, then I shall do whatever he requests, through and through,"

"Suck up..." Troy snickered, earning a glare from Rey.

"Brother, you're not the one going to see him, unless you want my place, don't talk," Reynold shot back, through his teeth.

Right as they were about to bicker, the door lock clicks and opens... A large shirtless figure stood before them, tattoos out for the word to see, black hair in a mess, hiding his eyes.

"Do you have any idea...*yawn* what time it is right now...?" Traysek tired remarked, rubbing his eyes.

"Hmph, seems like someone isn't reliable." Alicia pointed with an annoyed look before turning it to a disgusting one, "What a savage."

Traysek finished wiping his eyes, narrowed-eyed glaring "Look Bitch, I was literally asleep before you marched your asses here, so once again I ask...What. Do. you. WANT!?"Knocking her over with the boom of his voice, causing everything to shake.

Reynold sighed, shaking his head, "I could've told you not to do that one...I really could've" giving her a sympathetic look.

"Nice one, didn't even have to touch her..." Troy commented, laughing with an approving nod, "You gotta teach me that one sometime,"

"How dare you! I'll have you decapitated for attacking the crowned princess of Feoh and one of the Shield Princesses!" Alicia shouted before glaring at Troy, "And you... We'll have to talk..." her tone was threatening now before returning to normal, "If only Jenelica was here..." she got up and turned to leave, "What a bunch of savages."

Traysek laughed at that, "Funny you say that, I didn't move an inch..." turning to the guys, "I didn't actually touch her right?"

Reynold sighed and shook his head, "No, it just seemed you were frustrated and tired, honestly even she knew this was a bad time,"

"Not from what I could see, no," Troy said, watching her kick at a few things, "By the way, the name's Troy Von Musel," offering the captain a handshake, "I'm this dork's older brother, and disciple of Lady Claudia, good to meet the man I'll be working with," with a smirk, "And don't worry about that, our word is more trusted over...hers...our leader knows how she is and how she likes to exaggerate some stories!" saying that last part a bit loudly, forcing her to stop.

"Troy Von Musel! Do you wish to challenge m-" she stopped when she saw a six-eyed raven, whose eyes are crimson.

"Princess Alicia, calm down." the voice came out of the bird before it looked at Troy, "And you, brat, you must respect those that are higher than you. You're in the holy army, after all."

"L-L-L-Lord Swain!" Alicia recoiled before taking a straight position.

"I was right to send my Familiar to watch over you." the crow said as he turned to Troy "You do know what happens when you lack respect for one of the Seven Princesses, or not?" the voice was still cold and calm.

Troy bowed his head, "I apologize, my lord, I didn't mean to come off so crass...I was only pointing out to our Captain, that our shield princess has a tendency to blow things over, it won't again,"

Reynold sighed, "Idiot..." turning to the crow, "Greeting lord Swain, I was told that you required something of me,"

The Redguard stared at the crow, 'So this is lord Swain, or at least his familiar..." Glancing over at the shield princess who was frightened, 'And it looks like he's got her scared too...good...maybe this Swain and I can see eye to eye on something here...' folding his arms, watching this with amusement.

"I'll deal with you later." the raven then looked at Rey, "I would like your help to deal with a rebellious village."

Reynold's heart jumped at that, feeling himself sweat profusely "W-what?" clearing his throat, regaining his composure, "I mean which village are we talking about here? there are many, my lord,"

Traysek frowned upon that, 'Wait...he's not really about to rat them out is he? he cannot be this stupid..." Raising an eyebrow.

"According to Lady Levantine, a village in the north was taken by the Dark Army. And more, they used their magic to make them believe that they want to help them." the raven looked at Alicia, "You can go now."

"Y-Y-Yes!" the princess bolted out.

"Now... I await you for the departure." the raven spread her wings "You have four hours, don't be late... or something might happen to the Musel family lands... or their members." after that the bird flew away.

Rey went into shock, blinking on the spot, "What did he mean by that...?" he whined.

"I think you know bro, I think you know..." Troy sighed, shaking his head, turning to the captain, "So Captain, got anything to drink? coffee, tea? mead perhaps?"

Reynold frowned at his brother, "You would ask for that," turning around to Traysek, "I'm up for coffee if you have any, and please don't give him alcohol..."

"Mead's a pretty weak drink to be fair, but yeah, I agree too it's early to drink," The Redguard said, holding the door and letting both of them in, "Come on in Gentlemen, the threat has now passed," he chuckled with a real bow.

Rey walked in first, shaking his head, "You gonna get yourself killed one these days captain," chuckling.

"Holding the door for guests...no savage would do that," Troy remarked, with a grin.

Traysek chuckled and shut the door behind him...


In his office, Swain sat as a Dark Elf maid and served him tea while smiling.

"Just like we predicted." Swain said as he took the cup in his hand, "With the armor and weapons ready, the Dark army forces there will appear as my own men."

"It's not like you don't have Dark Elves in your forces already." an amused voice came from a communication crystal set on his desk, "With you taking the lead here, things might brighten a bit for these people."

"I'll just have to make sure that no one heads there to make another deal... and keep an eye for potential curses." Swain began to work on some papers, "With how things are going on my end, Ken is as good as ours."

"And the others?" Mayek asked.

"I don't know yet. However, Grave might try to take the village from me." Swain sighed before looking at a hanged body of a tortured Black Dog, "I couldn't get all the names that we're going to need, but I believe that I got enough."

"My lord," the maid called, "Someone is approaching the estate."

"Who?" Swain asked.

"Grave Levantine." the maid replied as one of her eyes turned pitch black, "Do you wish that I deal with him?"

"No need." Swain replied before hiding the crystal, "Make sure that you don't poison him now, Delrath, it's still too soon."

"Don't worry my lord, I will wait until you give me the go signal." the maid smiled widely.


The Aveza...


At the dining room table, the captain and the two knights sat with a steaming cup, the kettle in the middle, and there were also empty plates around as well. The blonde knight looked around in awe.

"Gotta say captain, your inner cabin is nice, well kept too," Troy commented, looking around, "and the dining room is better than a few estates I've been to,"

Traysek chuckled, "You flatter me, but I think an estate would've been better for this..." taking a sip, "That said, you two seemed worse for wear when you got here, going to assume you weren't woken up gently,"

The older knight gave a bitter laugh, "If by "gently" you mean a bucket being dumped on me, then sure,"

"She only woke YOU up like that, because you're known for sleeping heavily..." Reynold said, rolling his eyes, taking a sip, "And you do come off crass towards her Troy, she's going to have Jenelica skin you one of these days over it,"

Troy scoffed, "She can try... and besides, even if that psycho showed up, I doubt we'll have much to worry about with our friend here," with a grin.

"Oh? you're bringing me into this now...?" Traysek rose an eyebrow, smirking, "I'm kidding, but is this someone I should be concerned about though?"

Rey shrugged, "Depends on how you look at it, you'll be leaving in a couple of hours anyway, so I don't think you'll run into her," shivering in thought, "But if you do, shoot first captain, shoot first..."

"What?"

"Don't worry, whatever happens, we'll say it's self-defense, trust me," Troy agreed, nodding hurriedly "even if it wasn't...and that may include a job which I may or may not hire you for and/or pay for with a lump sum of gold should-it-be-done-discreetly" shifting his eyes around as he said this, "How much are your rates by the way?"

Both Traysek and Rey blinked at him, the latter sighing...

"I wasn't going that far with it, but yes Captain, definitely be on your guard with that one," Reynold said, taking another sip of coffee, "Strong brew...oof, now I do feel awake,"

Troy nodded, glancing at the mug, "I agree there, damn...also if you want a heads up, just think of a stupid-looking jester with a flute and knives,"

"Ah, I see...I know someone like that back home, at least I know what to look out for, thanks," Traysek chuckled, 'Note to self, put Recorder on that as soon as possible...'

Right as he did that, Yuriana walked in still in her nightgown, "I thought I heard a bunch of chatting in here," rubbing her eyes, "Morning guys, it's good to see you again Rey and..." narrowing her tired eyes on Troy, "I don't think we've ever met, " stretching her arms to Yawn.

The blonde knight was in a daze, unable to take his eyes off... especially towards her chest, a flirty smile forming, "I'm Troy von Musel, but you, my lady? you can call me whatever you like,"

The buxom woman giggled, "Charmed to meet you too Troy~ I'm Yuriana, it's a pleasure," she introduced herself, winking after.

At that point, the holy knight felt his heart melt, "Oh a pleasure indeed! I'm glad we're working together, anything you need, just say the word and it's yours, want the world, you can have it, want me? you can definitely have that too,"

"Are you done now Troy...?" Reynold said, unamused, before giving a bow to Yuri, "It's good to see you again too, Yuriana, this is my older brother, Troy, he came with Alicia and me this morning,"

"I see," Yuriana sighed, "I feel so bad for you guys, So what was the purpose of her being here then?"

"We're planning the assault this early, by Celestine's orders, we came to pick you guys up but as you can see, it's only two of us here," Troy said, "The other ran off as soon as she heard Lord Swain's voice," chuckling after.

Yuriana went into thought, "Yeah, I remember him, it during our trip to the tower yesterday when we met...interesting guy, and scary to boot..." shivering after, "I did notice one thing though, the pressure his magic is giving off is strong, sir...damn near your level, but despite that, he wasn't aggressive to Recorder and me, it was more towards his own men,"

"Yeah, he's always been like that, not sure why he's so hostile to us, it's not like we're the monsters," Troy shrugged off.

Traysek finished his cup and sat it down, "who knows? either way...we've wasted enough time, I'm hoping in a shower, and then we're heading out," turning to Yuri, "Can you wake the others up? I'll be a while," heading off to his quarters, "Help yourselves guys, there's plenty to drink in the bar,"

As he left, Reynold caught a glimpse of the Scarab tattoo on his back, frowning at it, 'Strange tattoo...wonder what it symbolizes?'

Yuriana nodded, "Sure, and while I'm at I might as well throw some breakfast on too,"

"Wait, you can cook too...? and you don't need maids?" Troy asked, completely surprised, "Where do you they make them like you? I'm serious, that's not an insult, good luck trying to get this from anyone else,"

The Redhead giggled once again, "Aren't we flattering~? trying to get yourself an extra portion? doesn't work like that," she laughed, "But you'll at least start out decent,"

"Whoo-hoo!" he cheered.

Reynold blinked at his brother frowning at him, turning to her, "You are going to regret encouraging him like this one day...I promise you,"

"Eh, he's not so bad," Yuriana shrugged, "Honestly, I dealt with worse, and he's nowhere near that level," walking towards the hall, "I'll be back guys, got get the other ones up...


Meanwhile...


Grave entered Swain's office and sat while glaring at the man.

"I doubt that you're here just to look at me." Swain stated as he was working on some papers, "Speak your mind."

"Why did you do that!" Grave roared "What did you do to get the village!"

"In case your pathetic mind can't understand what's going on, I'll try to explain it with the simplest words." Swain said without looking up, "The Goddess Reborn asked for my help, and I asked for a reward. I'm sure that your friends explained this to you."

"That village is mine for the taking!"

"I'm sure that you can turn it into a gold farm with your great genius that the mice that live in your home put in," Swain replied with a calm voice.

"Do you want to die that badly?!" Grave put his hand on his sword but didn't draw the weapon.

"Del, give him the accord," Swain ordered as the maid went to a desk by a window and brought a piece of paper to Swain.

The owner of the estate looked up and said, "Can you read?"

"What?" Grave asked with confusion.

"Can you. Read?" Swain asked again as Grave was tensing "This single piece of paper gives me the authority to do as I wish with the land. Which means that even your friends won't be able to do something there like before."

'I'm going to kill him!' Grave was fuming as he understood what he really meant.

"Del, read," Swain ordered.

The maid began to read, "By my power as Goddess Reborn, I allow Lord Jericho Swain to take Eldora Village and the lands around if he successfully suppresses the rebellion. Anyone else who would try to attack the village will be considered a traitor..."

"That's enough." Swain held his hand up, stopping Delrath, "It seems that my maid can read better than you." Swain then got up and began to slowly walk toward Grave, "I know of what you truly are, your projects to the woman you raised as your daughter... I never thought that you'd be like a horny pig." Grave's anger turned to fear as Swain was standing over him "You're only good to brutalize peasants. Leave."

Grave gulped before getting up and leaving the room.

"Now, let's wait for the young Musel to arrive." Swain sat down before ordering, "Prepare some tea and pastries."

"Right away, my lord." the maid bowed and left.


nearing the estate


Reynold had agreed to meet lord Swain at his manor, following an old map he had on him, he soon reached the grounds of it, marveling at how intimidating it was from the gate, "By Celestine, this is bigger than the levantines, I thought they had the largest estate, but I was wrong..." reaching his hand to touch the gate, only to automatically open before his hand could touch it, "Weird...didn't know I was that expected...gives me a bad feeling though," shaking it off, 'Focus, keep moving...it looks scary but it isn't, not like a demon or something is going to come running out,' Giving the estate another glance, taking a deep breath, "Right, it's just in my head..." proceeding on forrested grounds, taking the time to marvel at how Vast entire area was, despite the twisting his stomach was giving him...as he progressed further, a low deep growling could be heard, stopping him in his tracks, with hand on the hilt of the blade, looking around nervously.

'I can't help but feel like someone's watching me...and this unsettling growl, it seems to be closer,'

Rey jumped out of the way just in time to avoid a monster with a round belly, long arms, short legs, and a demonic face.

The monster was two times his height.

The holy knight drew his sword, taking a combat stance, 'What?! a monster here? how did it get this far in the city?'

The creature gave a bellowing screech, charging at him with its claws raised for the kill, bringing them down in a smash, which Rey side-rolled from. The holy knight stood up once more and gave powerful slashes to the creature's gut, and limbs, hoping to wound it, but...

Instead, his sword bounces off it, as if he just hit a hard rock instead...

"What the-?"

The creature backhanded him and threw him to a tree. Rey looked up to see a clawed hand raised and was about to bring it down on him.

Rey closed his eyes but felt nothing.

"Oh dear, I didn't know that we're having this many guests." Rey saw a Dark Elf in a maid uniform holding the monster's limb with one hand, "I guess that I should teach you some manners." the maid waved her free hand and the monster exploded in lava. The maid turned and greeted Rey with a bow and a smile, "Welcome to Lord Swain's estate. May I enquire your name?"

The holy knight was in a daze for a moment, unsure if it was from the blow to the head he took or the maid in front of him...he regained his composure, and sheathed his sword, giving her a polite bow "Thank you for that, Ma'am, I'm Reynold Von Musel, I was invited here by Lord Swain, is he in at the moment?"

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, young Lord Musel." The maid gave another bow before adding, "Lord Swain is waiting. Please, follow me."

After exiting the forest, Rey found the manor and Dark Elves workers alongside human workers. They all seemed to be happy and there was no hatred between them.

'huh, I expected them to be more hostile towards each other, how strange...' Rey noted, following the maid into the manor, frowning at her back, 'What's even stranger than that, is the fact that she able to take out that monster, way easier than me...what kind of estate is this?' glancing around before he walked in the manor, the door held open by the maid, "Uh, thank you, you didn't have to, really..." he said modestly, as she shut the door behind them.

Through the dimly lit walls, there were many paintings of a man, each lit up by the strange deep red torches, as they passed by... 'Getting a real bad feeling here, but it's too late to turn back now...keep going Rey,' He mentally pushed himself, following the maid further in.

The maid stopped in front of a door and knocked, "Lord Swain, the young Lord is here."

"Enter." A voice replied as the maid opened the door to let Rey enter.

Reynold gave the maid a quick bow, before walking in, to a silver-haired man giving him an inquisitive and yet, amused look...The holy knight felt more than intimidated, but shook it off and offered a bow, "Greetings, Lord Swain, I have come per your request,"

"Have a seat." Swain said as the maid entered with tea and pastries, "Now then, I believe that you know why you're here."

Rey once again felt himself sweat, but again, shook it off with a nod, "Yeah, you wanted the location of Luco village, correct? I believe I was a bit hesitant about it at first as well, but I do indeed have what you seek,"

"First of all, you're going to accompany us to the village; since they know you, you can go in and pick up any information that we're going to need." Swain said as the maid served Rey a cup of tea, "As for what I'm going to do... well, there's some heretical beliefs there, I don't think that I need to explain to you what's going to happen, do I."

The young knight gulped to himself, taking a sip of the tea, "Yes, I know full well what will happen...too well," taking another sip, "and today my lord? I don't know if Lady Claudia will need me at the briefing, but I know a quick way there..." fidgeting his hands, 'By Celestine, they sent him there?! why? how did they even know about- no no no...focus Rey, you can't show him that you're weak to this, steel yourself...!' as memories of the kids and the people he knew there, again shaking the fear out of himself, taking a calming breath.

"You don't have to worry about Lady Levantine, if she has a problem with this, I'll deal with her." his tone was clear that he wasn't someone to mess with, "Besides, you will do your duty as a Holy Knight by eliminating a heretical belief, besides..." Swain pointed to a tortured dead Dark Elf hanging in the wall, "I did get some intel on their advancement, but not all."

Now, the young knight was having a hard time breathing, broken into a cold sweat and also trying not to vomit at the sight of it, swallowing it down with tea, "By Celestine...why is he-?" stopping himself, when he realized what about to say, regaining some of his composure "I-I see..." the memories of that orphanage and everyone in it was hitting him like hot flashes, made worse when he kept looking at the "Dark elf" carcass, "When do we leave, sir?"

"In ten minutes." Swain said before adding, "Del will show you where you can sharpen your sword if you wish." the maid simply smiled at him.

'Okay, that does it...I may not be able to out-fight him, but I have to say something here...or else...' Rey mentally sweated, images of their happy faces being replaced with the same sadness...if any survived that is, "Wait...Lord Swain, before we do decide to go...I WAS there, yesterday...I saw how broken down and downtrodden this village was...and it was never that bad, until Grave..." clenching his fist tightly, "The reason I had gone, My lord...was to keep an eye on our...hired help, the princesses didn't trust them on their own and Grave had hired the Red dragon's to strongarm them...I couldn't let them do it...I had to show them who they were strongarming..." looking up at him, with conviction, "I know you have your job there, and I no doubt know that what they're doing is Heresy...but Heresy or not...I've never seen those people so...happy...happy that someone, ANYONE, gave them that...it...it actually felt good, seeing those smiles again...and I would not trade that for any position in the holy army...not now...not ever, my lord..." bowing his head...

"So... you would disobey an order and protect heretics?" Swain's tone was enough to turn most of the air dark, "More than that, you accuse a noble of a crime such as that?"

Swain got up and walked to Rey before putting a hand on his shoulder "Your heart is indeed in the right place."

The Dark Elf's body turned to become a Black Dog one.

Reynold was now in a daze blinking twice, not believing what he just heard, "I-I don't understand...by all rights, I figured I would be punished for this..." looking at the carcass now, to find the Kuroinu grunt there, frowning at it, 'That's not a dark elf...but it WAS for a minute, how is this happening?'

"Normally, I would have you executed." Swain stated before adding, "However, you do have some promise in your future." Swain sat and began to write on a paper, "You must wonder why there's a dead man here, right?" before that Rey could talk Swain responded first, "There a danger hidden with the help of the blinding light cast by the Goddess Reborn. And, they are using the blind effect to move as they see fit and plot whatever scheme they wish." After finishing the letter he gave it to Rey, "Hand this to Lady Levantine, then head to Feoh and coordinate with a commander named Niall to prepare for what's coming... it can even help you court the young Lady Prim."

Rey was about to comment on that until his face went red with embarrassment," H-how did you know about that...? nevermind, I'm just shocked...that someone other than me has been investigating them..." giving him a bow, "Thank you, Lord Swain...I'll make sure she gets this letter posthaste,"

The maid simply opened the door as Rey exited the office.

"It went well," she stated.

"You think?" Swain looked at the dead man and said, "The boy is weak... too weak. If he goes there, he would be infected by whatever General Greil prepared."

"And the others won't?"

Swain sighed before saying, "Most of them have a dark part in them. Of course, that doesn't mean that they're evil, just that they are accustomed to be in darkness. the boy isn't that accustomed, and he's so rash that if he attacks one of the Deathbringers... I don't need to continue."

"The Deathbringers," the maid looked at the dead man before saying, "Said to be death itself, they reap anyone and anything with their scythe. The elite of the elite of the Kletzkrieg... Ever since the creation of the Kletzkrieg, only five got to become Deathbringers, and they never lost."

"Hopefully, General Greil would have gotten them to the hidden city before the fight." Swain said as he got up, "I'll go to see with the village, keep an eye on the estate, Delrath."

"Of course, my lord." the maid bowed as she smiled.

...

To be continued...

So here ends yet another Segment, I've decided to do the lemons whenever the story presents itself...Also Lord Swain of Noxus, is from League of legends (For those that don't know) It wasn't my decision to add him in, my Co-writer did that on whim, (which we've talked about,) but he does play a huge role in the story too...and will be around later chapters.

the Dragonborn Diyha is also another character of my co-writer, I do not have pictures of her yet, but I will soon, her role is also going to be unique later, but she'll take no part in the fortress raid...

Lots of non-action and comedy in this chapter, but next will actually begin the battle of the black Citadel... until then, may the gods watch over your-ah you already know :)