"Prim!"
Alicia's cries echoed as she was held back by her soldiers who tried to calm her but to no avail.
"Please do not rush out so recklessly," Beardsley advised. "We need to find out who they are and what their motive is."
Alicia knew there was truth in Beardsley's words, but she was overcome with grief and panic. She could think of nothing but saving Prim as she barked in anger and threw away all caution.
"What we need to do is send out a search party! Find the bastards before they can get away!"
"And we will," Beardsley reassured her. "But to rush out into the darkness blindly is suicidal."
Beardsley then turned to Vult with discontent. The old man was not pleased with him for obvious reasons.
"Perhaps Lord Vult would care to explain how he let this happen?"
Vult grew irritated at the old advisor for his berating.
"The camp is surrounded and heavily guarded by my guys," he explained. "It's impossible to get past our perimeter."
A voice then called out from the crowd of men. "Perhaps then, commander, this was an inside job."
Everyone turned their attention to Johan as he appeared, keeping a cool appearance as he stroked his kempt black hair.
"Someone in our ranks had conspired with those bandits," the former nobleman explained coolly. "It's the only logical conclusion."
"What do you mean?" Hicks asked.
"Sol," Johan pointed. "He's gotten rather close to the princess these past couple of days, hasn't he? You've seen it yourself, Hicks."
Hicks folded his arms, skeptical of Johan's assumptions, but there was some truth to it.
"And only he has known about the bandits that were on the road," Johan continued. "The same bandits that had attacked us moments ago. I don't think it is a coincidence."
The Kuroinu began to whisper amongst each other, many of them starting to believe Johan's explanation, though they were still skeptical.
"And he hasn't returned since last night's incident," Johan continued, "probably to coordinate with those bandits in order to abduct her. He ordered them to attack us, distracting us while he snuck through and abducted Lady Prim."
Alicia didn't want to believe the mercenary's words, but they made too much sense. She thought that perhaps she may have been right after all to not trust him.
"I don't believe it," Vult stated. "You expect me to believe that Sol would just betray us?"
"But if not him, then who?" asked Hicks.
Keane pondered, looking among their ranks. "Johan does make a good assumption, though. There is no way those bandits would've been able to slip through our ranks, abduct Lady Prim and vanish. So, if not Sol, then someone else among us is a traitor."
Vult casted glares at each of his mercenaries, sending shivers down their spines, Johan in particular.
"If I find out one of you has betrayed me, rest assured, there will be no mercy," he warned.
Johan tried to shift Vult's focus elsewhere. "Our only option now is to locate Sol. Find out if he is a traitor or not. But to do that, we must find Lady Prim."
Alicia nodded in agreement. "Then it's decided. Lord Vult, have your men look for traces of the bandits. But remember, Prim is our primary objective."
As everyone scattered to assemble the search party, Beardsley met with Vult, displeased with their situation.
"You aren't making this any easier," the old man scolded. "And now your best man has betrayed us. Fix this."
"Sol hasn't betrayed us," stated Vult.
"Are you so sure he is loyal?" Beardsley asked skeptically. "What if he found out what we are planning? That will give him reason to turn."
"Do not question my judgement," Vult said, casting glares. "He will stay, regardless if he knows of our plans or not. We will get to the bottom of this and find the true traitor."
Little did anyone realize that the true traitors Johan, Father Gaul, and Red had quietly slipped away from the group and disappeared, planning their next move.
The night seemed to grow darker as the search parties scattered to find both Prim and Sol. Alicia went with three of her best soldiers, confident enough that they would repel any foes that they encountered. Even still, there was no telling what danger lurked in the darkness.
"My lady, is it wise for you to be out here?" asked a worried soldier named Raysocki.
Like many soldiers, he had a family to protect and joined the Alliance in order to protect and provide for them. He had proven his loyalty and valor and was one of Alicia's trusted soldiers.
"Do not question her lady's order," scolded Vera, one of her lieutenants and the only other female in her party. "We must find Lady Prim and return her safely to Lady Alicia."
She was a seasoned veteran and a trusted knight of Alicia. She was beautiful in appearance, with her long brown hair and slim body, but she was also a fierce and prideful warrior who upheld the virtues standard to the Iris Order.
"But what about that Kuroinu?" Mayfield, another male soldier, asked. "Sol, was that his name? I don't like him. I knew something was off when we first met him back at Halem."
Mayfield was a young recruit, no older than Alicia herself. He was youthful in appearance, with frilly brown hair and light freckles on his face that complimented his green eyes. He was described as naive and optimistic, and while he looked easy to tease, he has had the most combat experience of all of the recruits, and Alicia saw much potential in him to be a leader.
"Enough," Alicia ordered them. "Focus on looking for any traces of those bandits."
Silence fell on all three soldiers as they proceeded forward with Alicia into the dark, torches in hands. Fear gripped Alicia, not because of the darkness that lay before her, but because of the fate of Prim should she lose her. She was afraid that something like this would happen, and she had to find her younger cousin before it was too late.
"My lady, look!"
Alicia's attention was brought to Raysocki kneeling on the ground and examining what appeared to be a boot print.
"The earth is softer here," he pointed. "Someone stepped through here with a heavy boot. Perhaps its the bandits?"
"No one else has gone this way," said Vera. "It has to be them."
"Shall we follow, my lady?" Mayfield asked.
Alicia nodded with affirmation. "It's our only lead. Let us hurry!"
They quickened their pace as they moved forward in the general direction of the print. Alicia did not know what direction they were in or how far they were from the others, but she had to press on if she wanted to find Prim. Her decision to rush was brash and careless, however, and it was a mistake that would cost her.
As she moved past the thick trees, it didn't register to her at first that something or someone had come out of the darkness. Instinct kicked in, and almost in a flash, she quickly drew her sword, not knowing if there actually was a threat. The sapphire in the hilt of her sword glowed bright blue, burning hot with magical powers as her blade pierced the air, finding its target as blood splattered through the air, cutting through an armed man and shocking dozens of other bandits who had appeared behind him.
"It's the bandits!" Vera cried.
Alicia's soldiers drew their weapons and readied themselves for combat as the ruffians surrounded the four.
A voice then called out from the crowd. "Lay down your arms! For Lady Prim's sake!"
Alicia turned to the direction of the voice and felt her heart drop and the blood freeze in her veins. A well groomed man appeared with a short, stout priest and a tall, grizzled soldier, and she instantly recognized them; Johan Piers Lorenth, Father Gaul and Red the Stoic, three members of Kuroinu, and she had realized who the true traitors were. Held captive in Red's arms was Prim, bound and tied, a knife to her throat.
"Let her go!" Alicia roared in anger as she held her sword towards the trio.
"You're in no situation to make demands," Johan stated. "I'll repeat myself only once: lay down your arms."
Prim's muffled cries for help were quickly silenced as Red pulled the blade closer to her neck. Alicia gritted her teeth, the anger and panic consumed her as she saw the desperate and terrified expression on Prim.
Alicia cursed as she threw her blade to the ground, with Mayfield, Vera and Raysocki reluctantly following suit. Johan smiled triumphantly and ordered the bandits to seize them. They bound their hands behind their back and blinded their sight with bags over their heads. Then Alicia was forced to walk what seemed like hours, not knowing where they were leading her or what they intended to do, but she desperately thought of ideas to try and save Prim, her soldiers, and herself.
She was at her last wits, feeling her strength fade from her body when she was forced down onto her knees, the bag removed from her head as she saw herself staring up at Johan's clean, yet ugly face. Her soldiers were not far from her, their sight still blinded by the bags and bonded by their captives, but Prim was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is Prim?!" Alicia snarled.
"Easy now, princess," Johan mocked. "Your younger cousin is safe. For now. But we've other matters to discuss between the two of us."
Alicia huffed. "And why would I want to exchange words with a craven like you?"
Johan laughed at Alicia's bravado. "Because you'll want to behave if you want to guarantee the safety of your cousin and the safety of your soldiers. Besides, that's not how you're going to treat your potential future husband."
"Husband?" Alicia spat in disgust. "What are you blabbering about?"
Johan laughed coolly as he explained. "As you are aware, I come from the prestigious Lorenth family, and I'm sure you have heard of the misfortunes that have fallen upon me. But I plan on restoring my family's name and fortune- with your help, of course. So, as both you and Lady Prim are Princess Knights of Lady Celestine and also noble heirs of Eostia, I will need only one of you to marry me so that I may complete my plan."
Anger ruptured inside Alicia as she glared up at the wretched man. "So, this was your plan? This is why you've betrayed us and your band?"
"I've betrayed no one," Johan said. "In fact, it was the Church and your goddess who betrayed me. They robbed me and my family of our fortunes to fund their war, leaving us to die like peasants. They deserve death for the treachery they've brought upon my family."
"Your family's fall was their own doing," Alicia argued. "They were the ones who rebelled against Her Holiness and the Church. They deserved the punishment they brought upon themselves."
"My family deserves justice!" Johan lashed out in anger. "No one was there to help them in their time of need! No one came to my aid when I was the only one left, orphaned and in poverty!"
Johan calmed himself as he leaned in towards Alicia, staring into her fierce purple eyes. "But enough. I've worked too hard for this and I care not for your sympathy. Do tell though, Lady Alicia- which of you two would marry me?"
Alicia spat in his face. "Neither! And if you touch Prim, I will kill you!"
Johan laughed in amusement as he wiped his face. "Ah, I had forgotten that the Princess of Feoh's fury is not to be taken lightly. I see you need to cool down a bit."
Johan turned to Father Gaul and gave a nod. The bandits then brought forth Raysocki to Father Gaul as the stout man pulled out from his tool bag a pair of rusty shears covered in dried blood, snipping the blades to test them. The father smiled deviously as he ordered the bandits to hold down Raysocki. He then took the rusty shears and brought them ever closer towards the soldier.
"Last chance," Johan told Alicia. "Or your soldier will experience a slow and agonizing torture."
"Do not give into their demands!" Raysocki yelled. "Don't listen to them, my lady! Their torture methods do not scare me!"
"Feint bravery in the face of divine punishment," Father Gaul uttered nonchalantly. "All men are born vile and wicked, but God shall remove the uncleanliness from our body and soul."
Alicia then watched in horror as the bandits suddenly removed Raysocki's trousers and exposed the parts between his legs. She wanted to shout, wanted to tell them to stop and spare her soldier, but could not utter a sound. Fear and anger gripped her, and she could only watch as the rusty blades held by the priest removed the soldier's parts, blood spewing from the crotch area. He writhed in pain and cried in agony, and there was nothing Alicia could do.
"A pleasing sacrifice to our God!" Father Gaul declared as he held the bloody shears in the air. "Repent so that you may be spared from God's wrath!"
"You heard him," Johan said to Alicia. "Answer me, princess, or else your female lieutenant will suffer a worse fate."
The bandits then tossed aside Raysocki, bleeding and unconscious, and brought forth Vera. The young female soldier struggled as she tried to free herself from her captors, screaming and begging for them to stop. They laughed deviously as they began to strip her, tore away at the garments that lay under her armor and exposed her bare body.
"You've already let one of your soldiers suffer," Johan taunted Alicia. "Will you allow the rest of your comrades to suffer because of your inability to speak? Will you allow Prim to suffer?"
Alicia gritted her teeth as she glared at Johan. "You sick bastard! Stop this!"
Johan smiled triumphantly as he seemingly broke Alicia's will. "So, will you answer?"
Vera cried as the bandits began to violate her, begging for them to stop. Alicia knew she had to put a stop to this as she closed her eyes and considered her decision.
She opened her mouth. "I-."
The bandits continued to hold Vera down as she struggled and pleaded, prepared to have their way with her. One bandit leaned in close to her, pressing his cold beaten plate armor against her bare body. His face was hidden by his armored visor, but she could see his dull crimson eyes through the eye slits. The gauntlet on his left arm was completely different from the rest of his beaten armor and appeared entirely mechanical. She hadn't realized at first that he had said something to her that would save her.
"I'm getting you out of here," he told her. "Hold your breath."
Vera noticed the bandit reach into his side pocket and pulled out a small glass cylinder containing white powder. In one swift motion, he threw the cylinder straight down, shattering it into tiny glass shards, and an explosion of white clouds filled the air. Not knowing what it was, Vera heeded her savior's warning and held her breath. The other bandits surrounding her started coughing, gasping for air as they fell to their knees and struggled to find their way out of the dense white cloud. She felt herself scooped up and rushed out of the suffocating cloud as the bandit carried her to safety, his helmet removed and revealing himself, though his distinct red scarf still covered the lower half of his face.
"Y-you're that Kuroinu," Vera pointed upon recognizing him. "Sol?"
He did not answer, only grabbing a nearby sword and handing it to her, as well as what remained of her torn garment that she had previously worn to cover her body.
"Get ready, there's more of them," Sol told her as the remaining bandits rallied themselves and prepared to attack.
"But, Lady Arcturus-" Vera started, but she was interrupted by Sol.
"She'll be fine. Your other comrade is with her."
Alicia watched as a white cloud filled the air and caused all the bandits surrounding her knight to collapse. Still trying to process what had just happened, she did not recognize that her captor was suddenly struck down from behind and she was freed from her imprisonment by Mayfield.
"My lady, are you hurt?" the young soldier asked.
Alicia was stunned that Mayfield was able to free himself from his captors. "I'm fine. But, how?"
"The Kuroinu," he explained as he handed Alicia her sword. "He disguised himself as one of the bandits and released my bonds in secret. He told me to wait for the perfect opportunity to free you."
Alicia hated to admit it, but she was relieved that Sol had not betrayed her and helped her soldiers escape. She thought that perhaps she had judged him too harshly and not all the Kuroinu were bad. After all, its the second time he's helped her now.
Johan cursed as everything had fallen apart. He still had Prim in his captivity, but he knew he had to act quickly if he wanted any chance of success.
"Take care of these accursed beings, Father," he ordered Gaul as he retreated.
The former priest readied a large black mace, it's metal slabs covered in runes of an ancient language of the older Church sect. He marched menacingly towards Alicia and Mayfield with killer intent.
"The evil continues to resist, but God will strike down all who oppose Him with righteous fury," Father Gaul proclaimed. "I will be the one to deliver His wrath."
The runes placed on his bludgeon suddenly glowed bright white, and with one swing of his weapon, he struck the ground that shot large chunks of dirt, rock and debris straight at Alicia and Mayfield. The young soldier could barely react as he threw himself to the ground to avoid the incoming projectiles, but Alicia stood her ground. With her blade glowing blue, she swung at the projectiles and shattered them into harmless debris.
Alicia saw that her opponent was far stronger than any armored man or aberrant. Father Gaul was not only a skilled fighter, but he possessed an enchanted weapon much like her own. It was not going to be an easy fight.
Alicia steadied herself as she gripped her sword tightly, slowly circling the priest and looking for an opening. Father Gaul slowly inched towards the Princess Knight, his black mace at the ready and the runes on his weapon burning white.
"My lady!"
Alicia was caught off guard with the sudden call for her name, and she watched in horror as Mayfield charged at Father Gaul, sword and shield in hand.
"No!" she cried out. "Don't attack him! He's far too strong!"
Her warning came too late as Father Gaul directed his attention to the young soldier, his movement blindingly quick despite his obese stature.
"None are powerful enough to overcome God!" he shouted as he swung his weapon.
Mayfield barely reacted in time, bringing up his shield and blocking the blow, but the sheer force of Father Gaul's strength dented his shield and sent Mayfield flying back.
Alicia feared the worst, but she had no time to aid her soldier. She used the opportunity to close in the gap, her sword glowing blue and her blade aimed at her opponent. Father Gaul used his momentum to swing back and strike away Alicia's sword before thrusting his broad shoulder into her, knocking her to the ground.
She was quickly back on her feet and barely avoided Father Gaul's counterattack as his mace struck the ground, but the impact sent a shockwave that knocked her several feet away. She stumbled to stand up as Father Gaul marched towards her, holding the black mace that glowed brightly, ready to strike her down.
"I am a servant of God, and therefore I cannot lose!" he boasted.
Alicia concluded that his weapon was most effective when it struck the ground, creating shockwaves and sending debris, but if it struck anything else, the runes would not activate it's powers and it would just be a regular mace, as she saw with Mayfield's shield, for any other enchanted weapon would have easily shattered it. He was too quick for her to parry, so she figured if she could overcome his strength and deflect his attack, she could create an opening and strike at him. But she did not know if it would entirely work, since Father Gaul possessed immense strength.
Alicia steadied herself, lifting her blade above her head and holding it for a mighty swing.
"Risking everything for one final attack?" asked Father Gaul as he noticed her stance and accepted her challenge with a gleeful smile. "A futile effort. His righteous fury cannot be overcome!"
He rushed the Princess Knight, swinging his black mace with all his force. Alicia brought her blade down, trusting everything into this final attack.
Their weapons collided, sparks of fire and magic blinded the two. Alicia lost her grip on her blade, sending it flying several feet away from her. She looked and saw Father Gaul, who was still standing and seemingly unaffected by her attack. She did not notice, however, the missing hand that once held his enchanted weapon laying on the ground in front of him. In the midst of the attack, her blade had pushed back his weapon and severed his hand.
Father Gaul cried in pain as blood gushed from where his hand used to be. The boastful preacher was now reduced to a bumbling coward as he turned tail and fled, trying to escape with his life and the rest of his body intact. Alicia tried to give chase, but she had lost much of her strength from the impact of her blade colliding with his mace and she collapsed to her knees.
"Stop!" she demanded, but it was in vain as the priest escaped the battle.
He did not get far, however, as a chain whip suddenly sprang past Alicia, it's hooked end piercing through Father Gaul's skin and locking him in place.
"Come here!" an angry voice shouted as Father Gaul was violently pulled back.
Alicia looked to where the priest was dragged and saw a rogue with a red scarf holding him in place with a chain whip that had sprung from his mechanical gauntlet. Beside him stood Vera, weakened but uninjured, holding Alicia's blade that she had retrieved.
"My lady!" Vera cried as she rushed to Alicia's side.
"Vera," Alicia sighed with relief. "I'm glad you're okay."
"Don't worry about me," her lieutenant reassured her. "I'm fine, thanks to the Kuroinu, Sol. With his help, we drove off the remaining bandits."
Alicia was glad to see her soldier safe, but there was no time for respite. Though they won the initial skirmish, she had two wounded soldiers, Johan and Red were still missing, and worst of all, Prim was still in their captivity.
"Quickly tend to Mayfield and Raysocki," Alicia ordered Vera. "I must speak to the traitor."
Vera handed Alicia her sword and quickly left to tend to her wounded comrades. Alicia made her way to Sol, who held Father Gaul in chains.
"Mighty Father who dwells in heaven," Father Gaul blubbered as he prayed. "Show me Your gracious mercy and spare me from this evil that has befallen upon Your servant."
"If there is a god, he certainly wouldn't spare you, wretched pig," Sol scoffed. "In fact, I would beg for mercy from the woman standing in front of you."
Alicia stood in front of the weeping priest, gripping her blade tightly and restraining herself from outright slaughtering the traitor.
"I will allow you to live," Alicia stated, "if you tell me where Prim is."
"The little girl?" asked Father Gaul. "You demand that I betray my oath to the Father and renounce my faith? Even unto my dying breath, I will-"
Sol yanked the chains, pushing the hooked end even deeper into the obese man, causing him to wail like an injured goat.
"Arcturus is offering you a salvation your god cannot provide," Sol pointed out. "Tell us where you've taken her or you'll suffer a fate worse than hell."
Father Gaul sobbed uncontrollably from the pain of the hooked blade that pierced into his flesh, the metal chains that constricted him like a snake, his severed right hand that continued to bleed and his breaking will to uphold his ideology.
"I-I will not break my oath to my God," he stuttered. "He has delivered me from sin, and so He demands my loyalty."
"Your god demands that you also abduct women and torture people?" Sol retorted. "Sure it's not a demon you worship instead?"
"You can still make this up," Alicia pleaded. "The Church may still be willing to forgive you of your wrong doings if you aid us."
"The Church has forgotten our God," Father Gaul pointed. "They abandoned the old ways long ago. It is why He demands us to give sacrifice to Him so that it may appease Him and absolve us of our sins!"
"So, the stories told about you?" Alica asked. "... about you torturing others…?"
Father Gaul laughed maniacally even as Sol pierced the hooked chain deeper into his flesh.
"Torture? Nay, it is a sacrifice-a pure and true commitment to our Father. But the Church does not see that. They see it as 'barbaric and primitive', and have shamed me for my obedience to God, for they are corrupted by greed and pervert our religion. They are the reason why this war has gone on for so long. So I defected from those immoral acolytes and followed God in the true way of righteousness. It is why I choose to help young Lorenth in succeeding Eostia so that he may revolutionize the Church and get rid of their corrupted teachings. God wills it, so I will not deviate from the path He has set me on."
Alicia was baffled by Father Gaul's twisted logic. There was no way the Church was as corrupted as he made them out to be, but his words made too much sense, and she started to question herself.
Sol scoffed at Gaul's exposition. "How noble. Your convictions are strong, father. Let's see how they uphold if I were to 'sacrifice' you, huh?"
He then threw the priest onto his back and pressed his foot against his throat. He retracted the chain into his gauntlet but held the hooked end into his hand, the serrated blades dripping red with blood. Sol stared down menacingly at Gaul, who gasped for air as he struggled to lift Sol's boot off with his remaining hand. Sol's dull crimson eyes were filled with murder as his voice grew cold and emotionless.
"Maybe I can earn your god's favor by doing the same thing you did to Arcturus's soldier."
Sol brought the blade towards Father Gaul's parts as he writhed under Sol's foot, begging and pleading for his life.
"Merciful God, save your servant please, I beg of you!" Father Gaul shouted, his voice shaky and uncontrollable from his fear.
"Arcturus's soldier begged for his life, but you did not spare him," Sol muttered. "Now stop squirming and become a sacrifice to your god."
Alicia did not want to witness the scene a second time, and so she turned away, only to face a tall, grizzled man with aging red hair who had appeared directly behind her without warning, wielding a longsword in his hand.
Red the Stoic had caught Alicia off guard. She could not raise her sword in time as he moved past her with incredible speed towards Sol and Father Gaul, raising his sword high in the air to strike.
Sol noticed the Kuroinu traitor and quickly stepped to the side as Red brought down his sword, severing Father's Gaul head and ending his misery.
"You missed," Sol pointed, barely unfazed by the attack.
Red shook his head.
"I didn't," he said in his soft, hoarse voice. "The Father was never going to tell you anything."
Sol shrugged in response. "That's one thing admirable about fanatics, I guess, how stubborn they are. But why kill him? Thought you two were on the same team."
"Because you are losing time if you wish to save Princess Fiorire," Red's answer shocked both Alicia and Sol.
"Where is she?!" Alicia demanded.
Red pointed in the direction of where Johan had retreated.
"That path leads to a lake not far from here," Red explained. "A boat is marooned there, where Lorenth is currently taking Her Highness. If they get across that lake, then you will never see your cousin."
Before Alicia could make haste and rush to where Red pointed, the tall mercenary quickly stepped in front of her, his sword pointed at her. Sol drew his blade and rushed to Alicia's side, the two of them glaring at Red.
"I only tell you this because Lorenth and I have conflicting motives," Red said. "However, I have an obligation to protect him as well."
Sol was confused by Red's explanation.
"If you despise him so much, why stop us?" he asked.
"Because there is something I wish to discuss with Lady Alicia," he answered.
Alicia was surprised to hear the mercenary mention her. She realized that she could not make it to Prim in time and so there was only one other person she could trust.
"Sol," Alicia said to him. "Please… save her."
The rogue's dull crimson eyes met her fierce purple eyes that were full of fear and anger, but they also pleaded for help. He thought how strange it was that he had indirectly caused her much suffering, yet she asked him for his help. He pushed his guilt aside, as there were much more pressing matters at hand.
Sol nodded in response, not saying a word before leaving her side and rushing into the dark forest, leaving the two warriors staring down at each other.
"I'm sure you're already aware of young Lorenth's plans," Red said to her.
Alicia glared at Red as she gripped her blade that pointed at the tall, grizzled mercenary.
"If you do not agree with him, why help him?" she asked.
"Because it's the only path that can lead me to redemption," Red explained.
Alicia was puzzled by his cryptic explanation. "Redemption? Kidnapping a Princess Knight, my younger cousin and family, is your definition of 'redemption'?"
"I had no choice," Red was unfazed as he continued to explain. "Lorenth's plan is quite twisted, true, but what he promises holds a better future for this country. One person in particular deserves such a future. And you should know who she is."
Alicia was even more confused, but grew quite curious to the stoic's exposition. "Who?"
Red was silent, almost hesitating even as he held his gaze on Alicia. "Maia."
Alicia was shocked to hear her name mentioned. "Maia of Ansur? She was a former member of your band, Kuroinu. What do you want with her?"
Alicia tried to study Red, to see what the old man's intention was with one of the Princess Knights, but as his name implied, his stoic nature was hard to read, showing no emotion as he readied his sword.
"You'll get your answer, if you can defeat me. As a knight of the Alliance, I'm sure you understand how important duels are."
Alicia knew what Red meant- duels were a tradition knights have held for a long time. They were a means to settle disputes or find a conclusion to whatever problem existed. They were rare, however, for duels were dangerous and only used in the most desperate of situations.
Alicia had confirmed one thing from Red's explanation- that he truly was a knight of the Alliance. Why he left their service, she wanted ask but had no time as
Red held his sword in both hands and took a defensive stance, signaling for Alicia to take up her blade.
The old mercenary's movement was blindingly quick, Alicia barely had time to bring up her sword and block his attack. Father Gaul was fast for his size, but Alicia saw that he was nowhere near the speed Red was, who moved past her defenses with lightning speed. If it wasn't for her armor, his sword would have pierced through her body and she would have fallen.
His attacks were shallow, but they hit her like a thousand hammers pounding at her armor, and bringing her sword up to protect her face was all she could do.
Red finally ceased his fury of attacks and left Alicia on her knees. She gasped for air as she stumbled to stand up while Red watched without emotion. Alicia saw that he truly was a veteran, hardly breaking a sweat. She did not know how she would overcome her opponent as she steadied herself again, gripping her sword as the blade glowed blue once more. Red took notice and brought up his sword in an attack stance.
"The blade of Eos," he commented. "Just like how I remembered it. You truly are your father's daughter."
Alicia grew curious upon her father's name being mentioned. "You knew him?"
Red slowly marched towards Alicia, holding his sword with both hands, ready to strike at Alicia.
"We fought as comrades long ago, under General Leventaine," he explained. "Your father was… too kind. That is why he is dead."
Alicia was overcome with emotions, shouting in anger as she rushed the old mercenary, swinging her sword wildly that burned blue, but Red casually stepped to the side to avoid the incoming attack.
"You don't know a thing about my father!" Alicia cried as she continued her attack. "You've no right to speak about him!"
Red remained emotionless as he blocked her attacks with little effort. Using the pummel on his handle, he struck Alicia in her side and forced her on her knees as she gasped for air and clenched her body in pain.
"On the contrary, I knew almost everything about him," Red continued to explain, looking down on Alicia. "He truly was the definition of a virtuous knight. There were none who were like him. But because he was so noble and righteous, he had made many enemies. He did not even die on the battlefield like a true knight, but murdered in his own sleep like a helpless infant."
Alicia gritted her teeth as she quickly rose, ignoring the pain in her body as she swung her blade upwards, the blue aurora piercing the air and grazing Red's cheek and adding another scar on his face. He quickly moved back, putting some distance between himself and Alicia, mildly surprised that she had been able to move so quickly.
"Silence," Alicia muttered as she struggled to stand, the blue aurora around her blade now enveloping her body and burning like fire. "I will not allow you to dishonor my father!"
Alicia's eyes burned with anger as she glared at her opponent, a sensation of power rose within her and the blue aurora surrounding her grew bigger.
Red rushed in to strike, making use of his quick mobility to strike at Alicia, but this time, she was able to track his speed and deflect every attack.
Though Red showed no emotion, he was shocked to see how Alicia was now able to fight on par with him, striking and dodging with newfound strength. He figured the sword she wielded was the key to her powers and that she had awakened her hidden abilities.
"You are exactly like your father," Red continued to taunt. "Honorable, virtuous, unyielding in the face of danger. But he was naive and foolish, and it was his downfall. It will be the same with you, Lady Alicia. Your virtues will be your downfall."
"Enough!" Alicia shouted in anger as she continued her attack.
The blue flames surrounding her suddenly exploded as she lifted her sword, striking down on Red with tremendous strength and causing the ground to give way to her magical powers.
Had Red not used his lighting speed to avoid Alicia's attack, it would have been the end for him. Though Red was a more experienced fighter and could move faster than she could track, Alicia now wielded incredible powers that could end him in one stroke.
He circled Alicia, gripping tightly onto his blade while Alicia steadied herself, waiting for his next move, the blue fire consuming her and filling her with power.
Then he rushed in. Alicia prepared herself, swinging her sword and striking her target with full force and causing an explosion of magic. She watched as Red was cut in half from her strike, his expression emotionless as ever as he slumped over.
However, his figure disappeared in a flash of light and Alicia realized that it was a dunce. The real Red had appeared behind her, thrusting his blade that went straight for Alicia's back.
Had she not turned around in time, it would have been the end of her. She quickly turned around to avoid the attack, Red missing the vital spot on her backside, but his blade still pierced through the side of her waist. She winced in pain as she felt his blade inside her flesh, but she now had an opening. In one quick motion, Alicia shouted and swung her blade, cutting through Red's armor and causing blood to gush from the large wound across his chest.
Red stumbled backwards as he dropped his sword, clutching onto his chest as blood continued to pour out. He fell on his back, his strength fading as he felt the life leaving from his body. Alicia stalked her fallen opponent as she held onto her bloodied side wound, her adrenaline keeping her from passing out. Her sword continued to burn with the blue aurora as she held it tightly, ready to end the battle.
"Seems you've won, my lady," Red muttered as he coughed blood. "My words must've had an effect on your powers."
Alicia held her blade at Red's throat, though he was unfazed, despite his fatal wounds.
"You've something to tell me, right?" Alicia asked. "What do you want with Maia?"
Red tried to answer but choked on his blood. He instead reached into his pocket and pulled out what appeared to be an amulet.
"Give it to her," he uttered quietly as he felt darkness taking over. "... you and Sol… take care of her…"
Alicia continued to hold her blade towards Red, waiting for an answer but realized that he had already passed away.
She saw the amulet he had taken out and grabbed it from his lifeless hand. Though it was covered in blood, it was beautifully decorated, with linings of gold and silver and a large ruby stamped in the center.
Many questions filled Alicia's mind, specifically what Red's relationship was with Maia. She knew almost nothing about Maia's history with the Kuroinu and so she would have to ask her once they met again. She was also curious as to how close Red was with her father, and if he had anything to do with his death. She began thinking over her father's words regarding the Kuroinu, about whether they should be trusted or not, but Alicia could no longer think as she dropped her sword, the blue aurora finally dying, and succumbed to her wounds.
"Alicia, dear, come here for a second," she saw the image of an old but strong man calling to her. Despite his age, he had a youthful appearance and he gave off a strong aura of nobility and honor.
She saw him sitting in a large and lavish living room inside a grand mansion, the mansion that was their home. A younger version of herself appeared from the next room, smiling as she approached her father.
"Yes, father?" she answered.
Eos returned a smile as he embraced her in his strong arms.
"How did your training go, by the way?" he asked her. "Surely, Lady Claudia was not too harsh on you."
Alicia shook her head. "Not at all. I still have much to learn, but I think I've gotten better."
Eos nodded. "I'm glad she is patient. I know sometimes you like to rush things."
Alicia brushed off her father's tease as he gave a slight chuckle.
"Still, I want you to continue doing your best," he continued. "One day, you will take my place and rule over Feoh and her people. And if the goddess sees it fit, perhaps you will even serve Her Holiness, Lady Celestine, herself."
Alicia beamed at her father's praises. "I won't let you down, father!"
Eos smiled back at his daughter, hopeful for her future.
"You will be the one to give people hope, to help them in this time of darkness. It is not just the Dark Queen you will fight, but the evils of man as well."
Alicia didn't quite understand her father's last sentence.
"Evils of man? What do you mean?"
Eos frowned as he explained to his daughter.
"Man does not always fight for the good of others. Sometimes, he fights for his own gain. Mercenaries, for example. They do not uphold the chivalric virtues like we do, and go against human morales."
"But that mercenary band," Alicia pointed. "Kuroinu? They are mercenaries, but they've helped the people, right?"
"For now, yes," Eos said. "But only because Lady Celestine and the Church have paid them. Money is the only thing driving them, but I fear one day, they will grow bold and start fighting for… other things. Be wary of the Kuroinu, my daughter."
Alicia scratched her head. "I don't understand, father."
Eos shook his head. "I'm sorry, Alicia. I'm making no sense. But no matter what happens, you must never forget the chivalric virtues. I love you, and I trust the future in your hands."
Dashing through the darkness of the forest, Johan rushed to the meeting point, cursing at his bad luck. Up ahead, he could see the trees thinning out and the night sky up above, the stars and moon hidden by the night clouds as they barely reflected on the waters of a large lake. Near the shores, a boat was parked with Prim, bound and gagged, her blue eyes now dark and hopeless as she was held captive by a lone bandit who waited for him.
"What took you so long?" he asked, aggravated at Johan who approached. "And where the hell are the others?"
"Don't worry about them," Johan told him. "Just get us across the lake."
"Hang on a minute," the bandit stopped him, pulling out a dagger covered in a green substance and holding it against Prim. "I wanna see that money now if you wanna make this happen."
Johan grew agitated at the bandit's demand. "I already told your peers that I'd pay them once the job is complete."
"Well, I ain't seen none of them," the bandit argued. "So you gotta pay me for compensation, otherwise I'll take this pretty lady of yours and you can go sod off in the lake-"
The bandit's words were interrupted as a stray arrow hit him square in the eye, the impact sending him flying back and into the waters, dropping both his dagger and Prim.
Johan turned to where the arrow came from and saw the crimson rogue himself, an arrow already on his bow and aimed at him.
"You can join him if you want," Sol retorted. "That lake does look rather refreshing, considering it's nearing summer."
Johan put his hands in the air, wanting to avoid the same fate. Prim saw the sight of Sol, and immediately her blue eyes were filled with life once again.
Sol approached them, his bow and arrow still aimed at Johan.
"You already know I can move faster than you," Sol warned Johan. "So try something, anything. And this arrow will go straight through your thick skull. Understand?"
Johan glared at Sol with silent defiance, his eyes filled with hate and murder. The crimson rogue responded with a kick to his knee, Johan collapsing to the ground and his clean face ruined by the mud.
Sol pressed his boot against the back of Johan's head, holding him down and suffocating him in the mud before grabbing his hair and pulling him back up.
"I'm not going to repeat myself," Sol stated.
Johan coughed bits of mud out of his mouth as he weakly uttered his answer. "I won't do anything. I promise."
Sol threw Johan's head back into the mud without a care. He rushed to Prim's side and cut her bonds loose.
Prim took a moment to collect herself, trying to take in all the trauma that has happened. She looked into Sol's crimson eyes, which remained dull as ever, as with his expression, but she could see the gentle smile behind his red scarf.
"Hello, my lady," Sol simply said.
Prim let out an emotion of fear and relief as she suddenly embraced Sol in a tight hug, catching him off guard. He didn't know how to respond, and so he continued to let her embrace him for a long while before finally letting him go.
"I-I'm sorry," Prim uttered, wiping away her tears. "I shouldn't have done that."
Sol shook his head. "Don't be. I should be sorry for not getting to you sooner."
Prim smiled as she hugged Sol once more. She had been fearful of him before, but seeing him once again had brought a wave of relief.
"I suppose your older sister is gonna kill us both, huh?" Sol laughed.
Prim laughed as well. "Maybe. But she will be grateful for you, I know it. You truly are a good person, Sir Varron."
Sol only grunted in response, but he could not deny that he felt a small sense of happiness in his heart.
Prim was finally safe, that was the important part. He still had one matter to tend to, however, as he faced Johan. But while he conversed with Prim, he did not realize that Johan had taken the green dagger that the dead bandit had dropped and hidden it under his jerkin.
Sol made sure to keep Prim behind him while he approached Johan, bow and arrow at the ready.
"So, your plans to marry the princess knights and reclaim your title are in shambles," Sol taunted. "Better luck next time. Except, there won't be a next time for traitors like you."
Johan grinned, unfazed by Sol's threat.
"You think you've won? You think you've rescued the princess and everyone lives happily ever after?"
Johan began to laugh maniacally as Prim shook back in fear. Sol was unfazed, keeping his hand on his bow and glaring at Johan as he continued his rant.
"No, Sol. I tell you, this is the beginning of the end. If you think my plans are terrible, you better think again. Our commander, Vult, has got plans. Plans that'll make you question your decision."
Johan paused to let his explanation sink into Sol's thought. He smiled deviously as Sol remained silent.
"Did our commander ever tell you about his dreams? About how he wishes to be more than just a mercenary? Did it never occur to you exactly what it is he wants? He talks about glory and friendship, but it's a facade! Behind that nice demeanor, he's a lunatic, a maniac, and the devil incarnate! When he gets what he wants, your princess will suffer a fate worse than death! Your Prim will have her innocence robbed and your Alicia will be defiled!"
Sol was a man who rarely showed emotion. It was especially hard to tell what his expression was behind his scarf. But to Prim and to Johan, they could clearly see the anger building inside him, his dull crimson eyes burning with hate. Sol tossed the bow and arrow aside and walked up towards Johan. A hidden blade sprung from his mechanical gauntlet and he gripped it tightly as he held Johan by the throat and looked him directly in the eyes.
"You think your lies will convince me to betray Kuroinu?" Sol uttered, gripping tightly onto Johan.
He was not intimidated, however, as he continued.
"They are not lies, I assure you. Every Kuroinu knows of Vult and his dreams. The only one who doesn't know is you. For all your knowledge and cunning, you remain ignorant to the fact that Vult is not who he appears to be. He is not kind and caring. He does not value you as a friend. He sees you only as a means to an end, a stepping stone that will lead him to his ultimate goal. And when you have served your purpose, you will be tossed aside like garbage. You will be helpless to save your princess and you will wish for death before Vult is finished with them!"
Sol had nearly lost control of his emotions as he drew the blade closer to Johan. He restrained himself, staring deep into Johan's maniacal eyes.
"Perhaps you're right," Sol said, his voice returning to it's usual monotone. "Perhaps not. Who knows what the commander has planned for Kurouinu. I can promise you one thing, though- you won't be there to see it. You'll be delivered to Vult, he'll hear about your rubbish, and then he'll execute you like the traitor you are."
With Sol so close and vulnerable, Johan saw this as his opportunity to attack.
"I may not be there to see it, but neither will you."
He quickly drew the green dagger and thrusted deep into Sol's underbelly. Without hesitation, Sol retaliated, thrusting his blade under Johan's jaw, the blade sticking through the other side of his head, instantly killing him.
The blade wound was shallow, with Sol's brigandine preventing it from going all the way in. However, he saw that the blade was coated in green and he instantly recognized it's poisonous property.
"Prim," he weakly called to her, immediately feeling the effects of the poison and dropping to his knees.
"Sol!"
Prim's cries became muffled as he began losing his hearing and his breathing became sporadic as he hyperventilated. He could barely make out an image of Prim crying over his body as his vision began to fade, and for a second, he imagined himself being nursed by Alicia, tending to him and speaking gently, despite the fact that he had brought her much suffering, before darkness overtook him.
AN: Red was especially difficult to write as an antagonist, so any feedback and criticism is welcome. Thank you for reading, and until next time, take care.