Frozen Memories

by Xeir Zith

"It used to be when people spoke about magic we laughed them off, or locked them up, sometimes both, but we never took them seriously. Maybe we should have. But I am getting ahead of myself, let me start at the beginning, with Elsa. The Templars have the upper hand. Who will protect the Heart of the Mountain, it all boils down to them, Elsa & Mark, they have brought us to the end"

29. Sequence 7 Memory 3

Jellicle's Creed

Frozen Memories

Sequence 7

Memory 3: Duradaeden

12 February 2052

Arendelle Fjord

Mid afternoon

"Nothing is true..."

Assassin motto

The interesting thing about iDuradaeden/i. was that it could be made into many things, at the right temperature, with the massive man-O-War now moving from its decades old slumber, with six people at the helm trying to keep it steady as the inlet door opened ever wider well below the castle far above, the mooring lines were carefully drawn in either by magic or command words, it wasn't easy to tell. never the less the Whitesparrow, as the inlet door was opened, slowly pulled away from the dock and the masts unfurled. catching unseen wind almost instantly.

When the ship lurched into high gear everyone grabbed the nearest item to hold stead, apparently only Diana was holding steady with the movement of the ship, as was Elsa, OK this was odd. well not entirely, Elsa was holding the rail, Mark was at the helm itself steering the ship, and Diana was holding a guy line attached to some rigging above as the ship moved, Anna lurched into Georgina who stumbled a bit but managed to stay upright as Mark skillfully steered the Whitesparrow through the ever widening wall.

The ship was light as a feather, it moved smoothly however. Almost as if eager to find a fight, it was all Mark could do to keep it steady on its present course, it was like it was bucking against Marks control, not wanting him to control it until Diana stepped up to the helm, Mark not wanting to fully relinquish control, relented when Elsa said to let her try, the ship seemed to welcome her aboard so readily. Even though she was not royal or a Wolfe -when in truth she was one of the two-, Elsa said to let her try, the ship seemed then to resist Marks control until he let Diana take over, the ship then moved smoothly through the inlet gate wall through the waterfall which seemed to part as the wall opened up. allowing the Whitesparrow to pass through unsoaked.

With Diana steering the ship, Mark was free to explore the ship further, it hummed with life apparently, the runes glowed upon the masts, gaining speed. Anna went with him while Elsa found a place to sit, her eyes on the book in her hands as she went through its pages. They went below decks to the next level down. the main deck held the deck guns, officers staterooms, and what looked like the prow deck and the brig towards the prow.

Mark lowered his head so that he could see the next deck faster, and he chuckled as he hopped down the next few steps to get an even better look. He admired each individual Cannon for a moment before looking around for another set of stairs. More cannons of course were below...as was the kitchen and mess-area. Not big enough for a full crew, but big enough for those who wanted to sit rather comfortably or to pass out from too much beer. The deck below that, the fourth if the main-top deck where everyone else was counted as the first, was where the bunks were stored for the majority of the crew. Some hammocks, but mostly bunks, double beds that still looked quite usable.

"No...they didn't..." Mark approached one, finding that even the mattresses and pillows had runes on them; comfort, if he had to guess. To prevent or heal seasickness, and remind each sailor of home in a way that wouldn't make them homesick. He laughed before going down another flight of stairs. This must have been the main Brig; as the walls were lined with cells. Or, the area where the farm animals for meat and milk and eggs were kept, based on the odd height and shape of the bars. Mark shrugged, and went down another flight.

The Powder room. Massive barrels lined the bulkheads five rows deep full of gun powder, while above their heads, the cannon balls were stored in a sort of advanced rail system; sort of how a bowling ball is returned to the rack after being thrown. Runes lined that too; acceleration and slowing runes for automatic movement for the easiest way for men to ferry the cannon balls up and down during battle. Mark paused as he turned his head and tilted it; noticing that Anna had followed him apparently. Deciding now would be a time for a joke, Mark chuckled to break the silence.

"How much ice do you think Kristoff would try and fit in this ship if he got the chance to use her for Transport ?" he asked.

"If the hold wasn't crammed with food and drink already, I'd say that much ice, maybe more on the upper deck." Anna replied, The two found a flight of stairs, made of steel that glittered like glass. Going up from the hold they found the main hold compartment, and also two rooms, what looked like gear stored within, swords, knives, bows, arrows, clothing, extra cloth, hell there was enough gear to repair clothing alone to outfit an entirely newly formed regiment! Everything had a rune on it, for the swords there were Sharpness Runes, for the knives, both Sharpness and Keen runes, the clothing had something akin to either Dry or Lightweight runes. The bows all had different types of runes, Fire, Ice, Air, Speed, and what looked like Bleeder Runes. which looked nasty. Possibly as a last resort.

Each deck had multiple guns; all of them connected by way of runes and glittery metal work that connected each to the powder room, completely Rune sealed and protected, but still requiring human interaction to make them work properly. It seemed the design of the guns were set up in the fact that once the first gun fired on a row, from Stem to Stern, the second would be ready to fire, then by time the third set on the deck was to fire in order the first guns were fully reloaded and ready to fire another round.

Protection and Sealing Runes were covering the Powder storage room and Cannonball racks. Keep them safe, when one put their hand close they could feel the resistance of the runes against their hand, like a shield of a sort.

Up at the helm Georgina took the place normally reserved for the First Mate or Quartermaster, it felt, oddly right to be there at that spot, looking out to the Fjord as the massive ship easily passed through the now open and cleared waterfall which as they passed through began to reform behind them. Soon the vault that housed the massive ship was once again sealed and unfound behind the waterfall.

Anna stepped into the Galley, that was when time seemed to rewind as Mark caught sight of a strange Rune; a Memory Rune, and also something else... something small, about the size of a house cat, and making a odd quiet slicing noise, like a knife cutting an apple...

Arendelle 1968 1154 PM

Wolfe District

Wolfe Manor {Mark Wolfe calender}

Marion's bedroom {Marion Wolfe calender}

It was too easy, far too easy. They'd patched into the security detail, but they couldnt find the boy. Their job was to eliminate the boy, and the girl, the two kids who could continue the Wolfe bloodline. So when they could not find the boy, their primary target, they went looking for his sister, their other primary target, and upon arriving at the door they found a servant just leaving, quickly knifing the woman the two men took their two kids though only eight and three knew how to fight dirty. Thank Chairty for that, and also the Queen.

They waited a good few minutes then when they were sure Mark had fallen asleep with his sister, sometimes he'd stay with her, protect her, make sure his sister was safe from harm, the two Templar soldiers entered. Moving quickly to the bed they had,as expected, found Mark dead to the world asleep, it was after all nearly midnight at the time.

The two men stepped forwards, knives ready to slit the childrens throats, but they were not expecting Marion to have set traps within her bedroom. Nor were they expecting Marion to be faking it and kick, hard, one of the Templars went down, holding his jewels as Marions tiny foot connected solid, like a cement block to the dick directly, it hard, Marion grabbed her pillow and swung her small arms as hard as she could as the first Templar was downed by a total system reset. Cold cocked by the pillow the man slammed head first onto the corner of the desk, hit the floor and lay still. Two minutes later hell broke loose across the grounds as their mother, Charity had arrived and got into a fast and furious fistfight with the second killer.

Charity called to her daughter in Norse "Wake up your brother! Now, Marion!" That meant one thing, a solid right hook to her brothers stomach. Solid, on point,and best of all, it woke him up like a shot

Mark cried out in pain and coughed a few times before curling up onto his knees and groaning. "You're...gonna break something...someday..." he spoke between coughing fits. He then got up and his eye twitched. "W-what is happening?" he asked, bleary eyed and tired still.

"We're being attacked dummy!" Marion replied quickly, slapping her brother's cheek hard this time to help wake him up faster. Mark whimpered again.

The Templar that Marion knocked clean out started to wake up as Charity fought fist to fist with the other armed man. their intent was clear why they were in the room as the fighting Templar tried throwing his knife; only to miss widely and land the thing in the corner post of Marion's four poster bed against the wall. Charity grunted as she was shoved backwards over the waking up man that her dfaughter had knocked out. Flicking her wrist her hidden blade's hook caught cleanl;y on the dresser and kept her from hitting the floor as she kicked the Templar back.

Charity pulled herself to her feet as the Templar on the floor got to his own feet and spat out two busted teeth, looking about briefly with a pained expression he saw their targets, the kids, on the bed, and awake, Fuck! Grabbing the dropped dagger he got to his feet and moved towards the bed, weary of any traps the children had laid. This wasnt going to be easy he had told himself, but his partner thought it was too easy.

Mark by now had woken up fully and dived at the man as he grabbed for his knife. He would distract him while Marion grabbed his knife from the man's hand while snapping his wrist. Mark slammed his forehead into the man's nose and it exploded in blood while Mark then hopped backwards and landed carefully. Marion leaped forward then immediately after Mark hopped back, and jammed the knife into the man's crotch as deep as she could, cutting through his pelvis and leaving him no longer a male. She hopped back onto the bed with a backflip and Mark joined her.

Mark then leaped towards the man his mother was fighting, leaping onto his back while his hands grabbed at his jaw and forehead; looking to try and snap the man's neck.

The man screamed; his voice going higher as the knife dug in. He reached for Marion, the kid did the damage, so the kid was going to pay for it with her life! he swung wide however, missing comepletely and nearly breaking his arm on the post of the bed, blood smeared on his face where his nose used to be as he looked madly for the kids. Only to get a solid whack at the jaw by the boys hands going for his neck. The mans attention on Mark however left the exact opening Marion sought. Of course all she really needed was either a bedsheet or her bathrobe beld to do the job right.

Or for that matter the enemy's own belt, Out of nowhere dispite the pain, the Templar attempted killer felt a draft in the nethers, which were gone at that point, somewhere in the woodwork under foot. As his pants fell to his ankles as his belt was suddenly around his neck and a child on his back. the man flailed madly trying to throw the child off him. Slamming into his fellow the same time the mother of the children kicked the other attacker dead in the jaw, sending him off the floor in a heap.

As they came tumbling to the ground, Mark jumped and then landed hard on their necks and heads with all of his body-weight, which while not much at his size, was enough to snap their necks easilly. Mark panted softly before standing up and stretching out his body; toned, muscular body shivering as he realized how cold it was in the room before jumping back onto the bed and snuggling under the covers for a moment before looking at his mother and blinking, his left eye twitching due to his fatigue from lack of sleep, and from the fact that...well, he did just help kill two men.

Marion panted softly as she hopped back onto the bed as well and sat, yawning before looking to her mother. "Now what, momma?"

Charity went to the dead men, her son was fast, her daughter to, one man was... sans pants, his belt about his neck. She went through the pockets, ignoring the blood from both bodies, as well as where one body bled from a rather recent nutering. She went through each pocket before finding it

Her heart stopped as she stared at it. A kill order. they werent safe. It was a partial names list, Both children were on it. For a long moment there was silence. Then a sudden thud from the hallway. Charity seemed to try and focus, her breathing, for the moment was hard and ragged as she had just been in a fight, in her daughters bedroom. Finally her breathing slowed and calmed. Looking to her son she said. "Find your father, Marion, go with him, do not leave his side." She took two dagers off her belt and held them out to her daughter, while to Mark she held out her slitteo. all three blades glittered green in the light of the room.

"As soon as you find your father, stay with him until he says otherwise. Whatever you do, ido not/i even think of fleeing into Arendelle outside the grounds, these men know what you look like, they have your namkes on their orders. We're their targets now." Charity said. She had some cleaning up to do. there was another crash as a window was broken. "Go!" Charity shrieked as she went to the hallway and threw a fourth blade, lodging deep in the face of a Templar.

It was actually kinda funny when Charity looked to the two dead men in her daughters bedroom, apparently even their underwaer had their alligence emblazoned on it. Templar underwear... who knew.

On the second floor a team of four templars waited at the bottom fo the stairs. "How long does it take to kill two kids ? They should be back by now!"

"Relax will ya ? This job aint over until everyone in this house is on fire or dead!" Said another in the four man patrol.

"What was that ?" Said another, turning fast the foursome looked down the hallway, it was their undoing as a leadpipe came from nowhere and nailed the patrol leader dead in the face, breaking his nose all over his face along with knocking out most of his teeth.

Seeing the two kids at the top of the stairs above them, the four men screamed "GET 'EM!" They scrambled madly, almost like a buncha drunks in a pubfight barelu getting anything done to the other as they scrambled on the stairs to get at the kids.

They'd be waiting for them, and when the Templars came charging up the stairs, Marion struck first, slicing each of their achilles tendons and ensuring that they wouldn't be able to get away before Mark jumped up and slit their throats with ease. Unlike he would learn to do as he grew older, Mark never looked at anyone he killed, figuring he didn't actually hurt anyone if he couldn't see them while he did it.

They did this with multiple floors and hallways of the Wolfe Manor; they'd bait the Templars, then ambush them brutally within a flash. Mark was able to slam one man's head through the the wall with the help of his momentum and a powerful nut kick from Marion to make the guy double over. Marion killed a few men or made them faint by cutting off more of their comrades genitals, leaving the survivors so horrified they passed out, leaving Mark to kill them.

What had been initally a strike team of fifty men, had been, in part to the kids alone, reduced to four, not including the two men killed in Marions bedroom. But thanks to their training by their parents, the Templars that went after the kids, be they in pairs or in patrol groups, almost all of them died; but not until they lost their ability to walk. One Templar tood his ground all of one minute before he tripped backwards over Marion, slamming into the wall, his neck broken by Mark with the boys added weight helping kill the man.

The kids were smart, they were deadly. But. they were ikids/i How could a pair of children, one of whicvh a toddler still most likely, kill so skillfully ? So good at improvision. the last four Templars never heard from their patrol teams. the mission was failing fast and something had to be done. But what they never saw was the new guy show up. It was actually a young woman, Marion standing on her brothers shoulders in a black trenchcoat from their parents closet. the perfect way to kill their enemy. Blend in.

None of the four men using the kitchen as their staging room for the operation to kill the Wolfe Clan off for good never suspected the new arrival until it was too late.

'There is no way this is gonna work.' Mark whispered quietly, Marion kicked him as she stood on his shoulders and he shut his mouth. Remarkably, they made it past the gun-toting Templar guard at the kitchen entrance without a hitch. Mark wanted to slam his face against a desk hard right now, but it wasn't the time. They'd wait until they were in the middle of the room, then pounce.

"Hey! We're the only four left, who the hell are you?"

Well... crap. No time than now! Mark grabbed Marion by the ankles and helped launch her at her target. She soared through the air and landed in his arms as she slashed his neck, using his body as a cushion while she rolled to attack another. Mark turned and threw his knife at the guard by the door. He then opened a drawer and drew out the cook's butcher knife, and chucked it as hard as he could at the man aiming to stab Marion with a broad sword. He slammed into the man's hand and he dropped the sword, cutting his foot in the process while screaming. Mark grabbed another knife, one used to filet fish, and then charged the man, scraping away at his neck until there was nothing left. but muscle and blood. Marion got up, leaving her daggers in her last target's chest while she panted, tired again.

"Is it too early to go back to bed?" Mark asked while he and his sister hugged.

Sadly it was, there was still the gun ready man at the door poking his gun about the corner at Marks back. The weapon was full with a twenty shot clip of 9mm antiarmor rounds. More then enough to do the job and finish what they were supposed to. the kids were hugging, two birds with one shot.

He never got off a shot because of a very well aimed frying pan broke the mans neck as their father stepped into view dusting off his hands. the mans body sagged to the floor and the gun was kicked away by Marion where it rested under the dishwasher.

"Papa?" Marion ran over to him, and he picked her up, nuzzling her gently as she hugged him happily. Mark smiled and ran up to hug his father's leg tightly, and Marcus in turn ruffled Mark's messy bed-head.

"You two... I'm so proud of you both. Defending not only yourselves, but the house and family as a whole. Your ancestors will be proud, I think." Marcus said as he looked at his children, his pride and joy. His smile turned into a frown as he crouched down and looked his children in the eyes, and they returned his gaze. "I need you two to pack your bags; it's not safe here in the manor anymore. Papa's going to see about getting us somewhere safe so that they will leave us alone and not ruin our home. Now go up to your rooms, pack your things. Hurry!" he said, patting their backs rather roughly as he stood, watching them dart up the stairs quickly.

He walked over to the stove and picked up the gun, droping the the mag and ejecting the round in the chamber, Marcus looked over the gun carefuly. This was American in design... He narrowed his eyes. When did ithey/i get such good tech? Last time he encountered them, they barely had machine pistols from the first world war. Now this... he shook his head. Not good.

A sudden CLACK was heard as Charity slammed the frying pan on the floor and stepped into the kitchen. Seeing her husband at the stove examining the gun she stared. The two men in Marions room had daggers, typical low tech, but. why the gun ? Wait, the Templars had guns ? "Marcus ? What is it ?" Charity had briefly met up with the kids in the stairway and cinfirmed their fathers mention to pack their bags, a deerdrawn carraige arrived, two women stepped out and entered into the kitchen, the twins where none other then fellow Assassin's Snowfeather and Blackmane.

"Templars are moblising across the district" Blackmane said, "I'd say about twenty minutes tiops before their forces arrive when they dont hear from their inital strike force."

"I agree, Marcus, see to the watch, I'll go to the kids and help them pack." Chairty gave her husband a kiss, even if they were in mortal danger, which they were, it didnt matter, their love was strong. And so was the kiss.

Marcus put the round back into the clip and then loaded it before putting the gun on semi-auto and chambering the first round. He nodded to Blackmane and nodded towards the stairs to tell her where the kids were. He cupped Charity's chin while they kissed holding the gun up in the other hand, finger off the trigger. "Go, love. There's only one way in, I'll keep it covered. Instruct all servants to lock any and all items of value inside the more easilly baricaded rooms, and lock themselves inside with them. The rest will go into the assorted vaults if we can get them open in time." he said.

With a nod he went towards the main door, which was wide open, and he slammed it shut, locking it with a barrier spell before summoning his gauntlet, the left handed clawed weapon glowing brightly as it came into view and he took post by a window to watch, the claws of his gauntlet tapping on the glass as his fingers rolled, impatient.

Mark was quick to pack, only a few changes of whatever he needed, shirts, pants, socks, underwear, and a few daggers. He put on his boots and then paused after zipping up his bag.

This was it...he was leaving. He now realized it. He was old enough to realize he wouldn't be coming back to this place for a long time, if ever. The place of his childhood, his family. It woudl be gone soon. He gripped his hands into tight fists, the knuckles cracking as he fell to his knees and started to quietly sob. Marion handled it a bit better, but was still sad as well. It wouldn't be until she saw the devastation of the house while they left that she'd break down crying as well.

Blackmane watched the door at the front, leaving Charity and Marcus alone for a few that brief moment they had Charity leaned her head against her husband, "We'll have tosplit them up. Snowfeather cant take one of them. To keep them safe we have to do it. It will spread us out yes, but. it will save their lives. getting them out of Arendelle is our only chance. But they must go in different directions. Mark and Marion were their targets, not us." Charity briefly detailed the fight in their daughters bedroom, and how well the two kids reacted.

Then Snowfeather arrived "carrigaes filling the street, if we go we go now. Do you have any safe rooms ?" As she spoke a crack of gunfire was heard from the front of the house. Blacmane stood there, a orange light glowed on the door, shimmering with martial energy as the defense runes flared bright orange with each crack of gunfire.

Their time of twenty minutes, had just been cut to ten.

Marcus nodded to Charity. "Have Snowfeather take Mark; he'll need her more...gentle hand; plus I heard she had daughters a while ago; he'll need siblings to rely on. You take Marion and head somewhere safe...London...last I heard the Assassins there were still strong...I love you...stay safe and may Light guide you. go!" he said.

Mark had begun all out crying now, and couldn't be consoled by his sister no matter how much she pleaded with, smacked, or even kicked him. He just didn't stop. He'd eventually quiet down when told to by Snowfeather as she picked him up, and he clung to her like a baby gorilla clings to its mother.

Marcus could be heard cursing as his barriers were hit with gunfire in the front of the house. Servants ran all over the house, grabbing whatever valuables they could and barricading them, along with themselves, in rooms to hopefully be found later by another Wolfe.

Blackmane had something of a weapon in her hands, a bow of a sort, firing arrows of etheral green through the shield rune barrier as it was one way, each shot found its target, And most of the shots were intended to start small fires to light up the courtyard outside. For one, she wanted tosee just how many of the enemy there was, and for two, she wanted to draw the enemy into the light.

Charity nodded, as did Snowfeather, moving quickly the two women moved up the stairs, gunfire rang out again. peppering the shield rune barriers around the house until a window broke in Marks bedroom, gunpire peppered the ceiling, renting holes in the ornate wood as Snowfeather arrived with Charity. It was only a matter of time before all the house was in ruin, but until then they had work to do. They had to get the children to safety. Servants rushed the halls.

Charity knew a path out, A safe path. it was their only choice. they had to go. Giving a nod to Snowfeather as she picked up Marion, Charity took for the master bedroom closet. Activated a door Marion had seen as a baby to the vaults below, Charity and Marion diaappeared from the Manor down into the ground as the sounds of fighting and screaming rattled the halls above as Snowfeather carried Mark, spelling away his suitcase to her own home safely with a transport array.

As Snowfeather reached the main floor, the Shield Rune barrier finally broke with an orange flare of light as Blackmane fired another arrow, this time lighting up the night sky like a massive flare. Seeing her sister Blackmane screamed out in Hebrew "iGO! We got this, I will see you at home!/i" Snowfeather nodded, with her twin sister providing distraction it was a clear shot to safety as Blackmane fought side by side with Marcus Wolfe to defend the Manor.

But like all Templars, they may be bad men and women, but they made decent tennats

Twenty minutes later

The Broken Arm tavern

Finally out of the Whitehall Distrct, Charity carried her daughter, the smoke and flames could be seen for many districts. And even though Charity wasnt looking in the direction of the fires of their home, Marion was able to see it all clearly. Charity hammered on the door, "Arm! Open up, its important, lousy sleeprock! WAKE UP AND OPEN THIS DOOR BROTHER!"

"Alright I'm coming I'm coming I... Charri ? What's going on ? What in the blazes ?" Seeing ther fire, and the fact his sister carried both her daughtert and two suitcases Arm put two and two together and somehow came up with three hundred different ways to kill a Templar, almost all of them Marion did that night already.

"No time to explain," Charity said, when Arm just stared at her, bloodstained clothing, Marion's hands had blood on them from killing and ambushing their enemies. Charity, in an odd bout of calm said simply "Can we come in ?" Arm nodded and let his sister inside.

Marion by now was sobbing quietly into her mother's shoulder, not letting her put her down and just hanging on for dear life. Luckilly she was light enough to just kind of hang there while Charity held onto the box she was going to give to her brother. "I...I don't wanna leave, Momma...I don't wanna leave!" she kept repeating through her sobbing.

Charity held her daughter tightly, fighting back tears Chairty agreed softly "I know sweetie, I know, I dont want to leave here either, but we're in danger if we stay in Arendelle, You and your brother, are in danger if we stay, if either of you two stay" she said sfotly holding her daughter close, Arm asked no questions, however he did hand his sister something.

"Came in the morning mail. Its addressed to you apparently" Inside was another letter saying another womans name. A woman the Queen trusted and was sending them to ? Apparently seeing and hearing what was going on through the guards, and briefly through her own children, the queen had deduced trouble was soon to occur and wrote a letter to a friend, the same friend that the Queen rusted enough to send Charity to in the first place.

Seeing how his niece was acting he then said "the less I know, the less I have to lie, in mean time, lets get you two to safety, come on. We can take my mueldeer carriage to the Telthay Docks, there's a ship leaving in an hour at two am. I want the two of you on it and to safety, if anyone comes here asking, you were never here." Arm said giving his sister a quick hug and a gentle pat on the back to Marion who held her mother tight.

"Thank you Arm, whatever happened between you and Mother I forgive now, when dawn comes, send some soldiers to retrieve the servants, have them scatter or work for the Queen directly. They hid valued items in the barricaded rooms." Charity said

"Anything for Family." Arm replied. with that he took his sister and niece to a nearby shed and hooked up his mueldeer to a carriage and they headed off for safety. Leaving behind for all Marion could see, her home wreathed in smoke from green and white fires. the last thing she saw clearly however, was her brother staring right at her. It was the last thing she saw as Arm took a gentle turn and the scene from hell was left in memory.

London England 1968

Aboard the Zealus Hiorde {Marion Wolfe Calender}

1157PM

Letter to Chalice Elisar from Queen Idun of Arendelle, decoded from the orginial

Dear Chalice,

Three years have passed since we last spoke, and though it has been so long and had it been under better timnes, this letter would be a form of long lost friendships renewed, but alas it is not. I am sending with this letter a dear friend of mine to you into your care in London. They are to be kept safe, for the Hold here is too great for either of them to even so much as hide within the castle here.

Again were this under better times it'd also inform of merriment, but alas I can only inform of death and destruction

It was these three years spent with her extraordinary children that made me begin teaching my own daughter as best I could. The time I spent with the children has galvanised me, and for this I am forever in their debt. Marion stirred within me a love for my own girls, Elsa, and Anna, three years apart, yet no less sisters.

I should explain; as Asassins we serve within the shadows to protect the freedom of those around us as much as we can. As assassins we're instilled with a certain philosiphy. Unlike the Templars who devide our numbers to conqure later. We see millions of bright spots, young intelligent bright people, each with their own potential and able to work within a greater whole.

But I often wonder, Do we put this pholiphy into practise ourselves ? When we train our young Assassins and give them swords when they barely learn to walk, we instill in them philosiphies that are not their own but handed down through generations before them, we train and teach, sculpting the children into what we essentially are; a killer.

What we are doing is right, please do not take this as a sign of my doubt, I am now more firm in my belief then ever that the Brotherhood is strong in its virtues and stands for everything that is right in this war ready wrongfilled world. My doubt, dear Chalice, is the application of that philosiphy. It is this doubt that keeps me awake at night, at the mere wonderings of our children able to take up the responsiblity of being an Assassin, a killer. I keep doubting, wondering if we may fail our children when molding them into our own omage. When we should in fact, be teaching them to follow their own path. I wonder often, are we merely paying lip service to the ideals we espouse so greatly ?

For my own children, Princess Elsa, and Princess Anna, I have taken a different approach, different from the one I tried to follow with Marion and her brother then indoctrnating them, I have instead given them the tools to learn on their own, to teach themselves at their own pace.

It pleases me that they continue to learn, but this latest setback, the attack and sending of Charity and her daughter to your care to complete her training. I will know that when they are ready, when I feel them mentally and physically ready to take a life, only then can they truly be called Assassins, Some of us may be able to follow one path, others may be able to follow another path, though we may all bear the title of Assassin, we need not be a lifeteaker to become one.

Marion will kill, yes she will kill, in a heartbeat if need be, maybe even less in self defense, or in defense of those she loves. When she will be ready to kill only she will know. She shows promise and I trust her mothers judgement; when Marion feels the time to take the life of her target, then she herself will know when she is ready.

But I wonder

Will she do so in the name of the ideals we strive for ? Will she do so in the name of the Creed ?

Will she do so in cold blood ?

Which brings me to the timing of this letter, Her home has been attacked and I send her and her mother to your care, Train Marion as if she were your own child. With her extended family destroyed, her brother Mark still lives, he is safely with a friend from the Mystical South. When Marion is ready, she will go on her first assassination mission. When this occurs only she will know. For me I will wait until Elsa and Anna are of both age, strength, and mental ability before sending them out to kill. Or even letting them think of taking lives.

I pray that you can teach Marion, just as I taught ever so briefly, to learn at her own pace. She shows skill and promise with two blades, Train her with these weapons. I am sending with them a Piece; Marion is attuned to it somehow, its designs she has already incorprated into her twin daggers. I hope to see her again in the future, please trust me as you trusted me in the past, Chalice, trust me now as I trust them into your care, Train her. But also teach her to think on her own. Marion is a free spirit, I sense from her a great powerof some form. One I cannot place.

If only this were in better times that I send her to you for training. Marion would make a wonderful friend and bodyguard for Anna. Just as Mark would make a nice friend and bodyguard for Elsa.

Yours, as ever

Queen Idun

Arendelle

The letter was folded and put away, the woman looked to Charity and the child in her arms, "Welcome to London." Was all Tiri said.

London England

Tower of London

Sixteen years later {Marion Wolfe Calender}

There were theives and then there were artists, and then there were roadloving crazies.

This person in question, was a thief. This thief, as will become apparent, was moving quickly through the Tower of London leaving no trace of itself in its wake. This thief was a special type of thief. Most thieves took everything not nailed down, this thief took the nails as well. This thief had scandalised London for the past six years, by taking a certain interest in stealing, with astonishing success, things that were not only nailed down, but carefully guarded by keen eyed guards in inaccessible strong rooms. There were artists that would paint an entire chaple ceiling, this thief would steal said ceiling when it was open house for said chaple!

Some thieves left calling cards, this thief left the whole damned phonebook!

This particular thief was credited with stealing the jewelled daggers that once belonged to the King of England, King George III during the Gala Tours Night at the Westminister Abby, back during the days of the revolution in America hundreds of years before. This thief also stole the fabled silver shoes off the Kentucky Derby winners horse, while the horse was in proccess of winning the race! When a known jewel thief had stashed his illgotten gains, the thief had jostled him in the street, and when he got home he found them missing. which was weird because he'd swallowed them.

This was the type of thief that could steal the initiative, the moment, and the words right out of your mouth while you were speaking!

However it was the first time this thief had stolen something because it was asked to do so, plus ontop of being asked to steal the item in question, it had been given explicit instructions on how to use it, by the item the thief took no less Easily slipping past several hover cruisers and patrol wagons, the shadowy thief easily scaled a wall to a window and climbed through.

Stealing into a pub to meet up with a friend, the thief spoke from under its hood after finding who the thief sought, a woman, a Courtesan. One of Chalices girls, with her a man. the man saw the dark robed being coming and took his leave. "Psst" the thief said to the Courtesan

"Not very" Came the reply, the womans name was Viv, "But I'm working on it" she was a courtesan and always drunk ? That didnt make sense! Then Viv knew who she was talking to "You got it then ?"

"Yes" came the reply. "It also told me how to get out of there too, ready ?" The voice said, it shifted tone ever so slightly.

Normally one would want to back out, at least Viv did, up until that voice spoke. It was the kind ofvoice that made "good morning' sound like an invitation to bed. For Viv, getting drunk and staying out of trouble was her path to survival, jouining up with Chalices girls was really a means to get loaded on men with PCP or Crack or something. Nothing like this, nothing with getting connected, or even touching, a Piece. The thief lowered its hood, a pair of slivery green eyes framed by light aburn hair and fair skin graced Viv's vision, For a long moment Viv stared, and tried to remember to breathe

Viv was staring at one of Chalices higher ranking girls!

In this case, Viv was staring eye to eye with her own teacher!

After catching her breath, Viv finally spoke after pulling Marion to the side of the bar counter, "What are you doing here ?" Viv hissed softly, "If Chalice finds out you came here, where I learn information, which isnt much, mind, she'll slit our throats both!"

"Will you relax ?" Diana replied calmly, the adopted daughter of the famed Chalice Elisar, Diana was a skilled theif and even better at hiding in plain sight! "Nobody but you know I'm here."

"Me and everyone else in this bar, Teach." Viv replied. She saw then twin heavily ornate jeweled daggers at Marion's left hip. "Say, arent those the jeweled daggers of King George the third back during the American Revolution ?"

"Not anymore,, they're mine now."

"But those were locked behind stained glass i the Tower of London!" hissed Viv.

Marion smirked again. "Like I said, they iwere/i, they're mine now." She set a pair of stolen keys on the counter. The Corvette symbol clearly visible. Viv covered the key

"You got the car too ?"

"Not yet, thats just the key for it. That was easy to get, the car is going to be slightly more problematic." Marion replied

"What do you mean ?"

"Come on, we got a drive to go on." With that Marion took Viv on foot from the bar Viv was in. the bar, called the Minorities, sat only a half block from their intended target, A few moments and they easily went past the guards on duty, the changing of keys was all show and no bite. Marion only had one key she needed, and that was to her desired prize.

Stepping swiftly into the car park just out of sight of a pack of guards, the two women stepped into their desired prize parking shed. "The queen spared no expense it seems." Marion mused. Well, it was time to take this sweet baby on a joyride for sure! The key unlocked the car and within a moment Marion had disabled the alarm and alarmtracking systems and then started the car up. Pulling up to the gate to leave the Tower of London Marion slid her parking card into its slot, then pulled out of the lot

That went easy enough.

Or not

Marion had already been in the car once, and had set a police scanner inside it. "I think it is time for a little fun." Marion mused. she needed to give their man on the inside a chance and activated the scanner. Using certain codes she then spoke into it "All units be advised, sports car reported stolen from Tower of London autoplaza five minutes ago, gray color. silver rims, last seen leaving Tower of London."

Marion put down the radio then hit the gas, it was time to play!

The chatter on the radio came through seconds later as the Vette sped past a pair of police cars. "In pursuit of suspected stolen sports car traveling eastbound towards St Katherine Docks at twice the legal limit." Marion drove as if she were a master behind the wheel, she was a master thief yes, but she was also a master when it came to driving and getting away.

A new voice rang out on the radio. "Attention all units be advised, the sports car stolen is the Queens personal Corvette sports car, Model year 1971, classic muscle car design from America. Be advised, DO NOT DAMAGE IT, you will answer to me for any damage to the car!" Marion growled as she recognised the voice. Shit, the Prince himself was tracking her and trying to find her

"Suspect car heading south towards Tower Bridge apprach... make that south on St Katherines Way!"

Shifting the Vette into fifth gear Marion took a hard left turn the wrong way down a one way street, The police right behind. Viv, while quite calm said while pointing out a sign that they passsed. "you know that sign said 'do not enter' ?"

Marion shifted into sixth gear, gaining speed she spoke, oddly calm. "You noticed too huh ?" She turned the car around to avoid getting slammed into from the side and drove backwards for a few hundred meters. Viv hung on for dear life as the Thief who scandalised London so skillfully the last six years had just evaded a police dragnet perfectly with Queen Kate's new car!

At least she left the Phonebook in her space!

"Suspect now heading the wrong way into St Katherine Dockyard..." Said the police scaner as Marion took a hard left then a hard right, Viv trying to keep her lunch. as the radio chirped "make that eastbound on Mews street towards Tobacco Docks airdocks" Marion drove like a crazy woman therough the shopping center crowded with people many dove off the street into the river and dock area meters away with scant centimeters to spare as she drove through the area madly.

Mews street turned north, thewn just as fast at the speed they were going turned east yet again, Marion slammed on the brakes and tunewd hard to the right before slamming the gas hard and flooring the Vette forwards like as shot onto Thomas Moore street, after about a hundred meters she cut the wheel to the left into an alley with a straight shot at the Vaughan Way Riverpass before turning left and heading towards Asher Way

When the desired path was blocked off Marion pulled a U-Turn tighter then thought possible and floored the gas southwards on Vaughan Way towards Wapping High Street.. Shifting into seventh gear Marion kept steady on the gas, thanks to modern technology the Vette was powere by magnetical energy, the more speed produced the more power the rig had.

With a hard right onto Sampson street Marion slowed slightly and drifted onto Wapping Way to the eastern direction. "If we can get to Wapping Lane to get to Tobacco Dock we're in the clear." Marion said, as she spoke holographic maps appeared as an overlay on the front windshield.

"Whats at Tobacco Dock ?" Viv asked

"Your ride back to Interpol, We need an eye on the Prince; plus someones gotta plant the Datascav in their network room. Get ready Wapping Lane just ahead!" Marion said. Viv nodded and got ready, unbuckling and lowering the window as Marion sped up. the target truck was ahead for Viv to hop onto to get off the Vettes hood.

Marion shifted gears and cut hard to right as Viv easily rolled off the hood and into the bed of the nearby pickup truck. the police never noticed the movement Marion did because they were focused on her shot up Wapping Lane towards The Highway and took a hard left onto The Highway. It was a straight shot back to the Tower of London from there.

"Suspect heading Westbound on The Highway." Rattled the radio, Marion turned it off, she had to focus on these next few turns, otherwise it'd end in disaster! As she neared the Tower of London spikes were deployed, She easily evaded the strips and shot towards the Tower Bridge approach, but since they were expecting her to do that she pulled a hard U-Turn again and hit the gas, heading northwards she cut another left towards Upper Thames road.

A swarm of police cars chased after her, but one by one they lost power, or reached their limits of patrol zones. Marion shifted into a higher gear and shot up onto the Southwark Bridge lanes and shot southwards onto the Southwark Bridge itself. Moving fast the Vette skillfully dodged traffic on the bridge as well as on the other side.

Marion left pure chaos in her wake as police and secret agents alike tried to figure out how she had managed to steal the prized Corvette that belonged to the Queen of England. Marion shot down Southwark bridge lane and turned east on Southwark street before getting onto St Thomas Way near a trainstation. there were less people and more room to drive in the area there.

Once onto Crusifix lane Marion had a swarm of police officers waiting for her. She skillfully wove the car through the traffic barricade and shot eastwards towards freedom of the roasd known as A200. or Jamacia Road. Marion shot along the street like a bullet, skillfully dodging oncoming traffic.

Merging in with traffic for the desired target of Rotherhithe Tunnel Marion quickly evaded the police dragnet by using a secret key access to unlock a second tunnel route and getting to freedom. About an hour later and she pulled safely into the place she and her mother called home.

Another theft of a prize was a success. Marion thought stepping from the car once turning it off. Finally she could relax in bed for once

Arendelle 1968

Twenty-one years ago {Mark Wolfe Calender}

Aboard the Crocus

1157PM

It had been a harrowing day. One moment they were visiting with friends, next thing the boy knew, he was taken by the hand of a friend to a ship. his home in flames as unknown men swarmed the grounds. The woman he was with took him to a ship which they quickly boarded, it was headed for Egypt. And points beyond. The woman, known only as Snowfeather Elisar, a friend from the Exotic southern lands was visiting when the storm had struck.

He could hear the screaming from the ship; the screaming of men and women as they fought and died. He could still faintly see his father, Marcus Wolfe, fighting a group of men at once, his gauntlet; the gauntlet that would become Mark's once he was old enough, gleamed in the fire-light of the Wolfe District. And then, he couldn't see him. He was gone. Mark knew his father could vanish, but...from plain sight? All he saw was a simple bronze flash.

The other men shrugged and turned to loot the homes of the surrounding district. Looting, murdering, maiming, even raping everyone in the district. Mark looked away and latched onto the closest person he could find; which happened to be Snowfeather; well, her leg, specifically.

At eight years of age the boy was light, yet strong. For a long moment, Snowfeather stood at the stern of the ship, the boy hugging her leg, from that far away as they fled she too could still see the smoke, hear the fighting, hell she could smell the fighting and the bloodshed. Finally the Corcus had passed through the harbor to leave the Arendelle Port and were at open seas within moments. It was then that Snowfeather reached down and picked up Mark in her mar,s letting him hug her tightly.

They had a room on board; once shown to it she went to the low sofa and sat down, still holding Mark in her arms. Earlier that day Mark was a smiling young boy, proud as hell of his younger equal active younger sister Marion. It was the mere thought of Marion that made Snowfeather start purring, hopefully to lull a better happier moment into Marks young mind.

Thankfully it worked. the memory that came up was the day of the painting. Snowfeather asked Mark softly as she gently dried his tears with her pale silvery green sleeve, "Tell me, son. About that day. the family painting. your mother said you were proud and eager, yet also sleepy ?" The happier moment was a good one because right afterwards Mark and Marion had found the hidden vault under Marions bedroom by pure accident. A panic room of sorts.

There was but one question; why did she call him Son ?

Mark's quiet sobs didn't stop immediately after she asked the question; it would take a few repeats in order to coax him to move his face from her neck in order to be heard better while he spoke, the tears having stained a part of Snowfeather's coat. "I..." he sniffled and rubbed at his eyes with one hand while the other kept a firm grip on Snowfeather's coat around her back. "I...um..yea...I was sleepy." he said. "I..I don't think I look sleepy in the painting though...I look at it sometimes." he said, his voice still shaky.

His head rested on Snowfeather's upper chest and shoulder as his body shook a bit; not from the cold; he was used to that, but from the sheer amount of fear in his body for what was happening. Fresh tears welled up in his eyes and he started to quietly sob again, wrapping his other arm around Snowfeather once more and hugging her tighter than before.

Snowfeather purred, to Mark, who at the time, a young boy, it must have been otherworldly. Something a human was not capable of doing. and Snowfeather could do it, infact her purring was strong, loud too, like a mother cat protecting her young as she held Mark close. She knew he was scared. There was not much she could do to quell that fear, so she simply sat on that sofa, for about two hours she held Mark, She klnew that fear would be ever close, yet it would never harm him. Or get close enough to.

So she told him a story. A story of a man from ages before. And how he used the Birds to aid him in his journey. She told Mark the story of a man named Connor, and another man named Ezio, who as luck had it, were told so vividly in great detail as if Snowfeather herself had met both men. She told Mark of Ezios fight against first the Borgia in his home of Florence and in Rome, and then Borgia's son when in Rome. And finally telling of Connor and his fight to help free America from British rule..

Before she knew it her stories, her memories, had lulled Mark into a fitful yet sound sleep. She gently stood and carried him to the bed and laid him in it and covered him with the blanket, making sure he was warm, and safe. Stepping from the room Snowfeather halted at the footsteps. "He fears for his life," She said softly, in Norse, the man who stepped into view had something in his hands, a leather wrapped parcel. "When the time is right he may return, but when that will be I do not know." Snowfeather looked at Marcus directly, "Your son will be safe with me, I promised Charity, and I tend to keep my promises."

Marcus looked to his son; his only son, strong and study, yet scared beyond his wits. He wiped some sweat from his brow and then put his other hand, wearing the gauntlet, on Snowfeather's shoulder, the claws lightly bouncing on her coat. "See that he grows to be at least five times the man I am or will be. The clan will need a strong leader...for right now, he's our only hope." he said as he sighed, gulping down the urge to break down.

The Wolfe Clan had protected the Royal Family of Arendelle for years...recently though their assistance wasn't requested; ever since the first daughter was born. They kept in contact, however; and the two first borns of the family were well acquainted with eachother already; friends too- to a degree.

Marcus sighed and turned. "See that he reads this when he's old enough to understand." he nodded to the parcel. "When he's..." he took a deep, shaky breath. "When he's Strong enough to understand."

Idly he went over to his sleeping son and ran his fingers through the boy's hair before stooping down and kissing the boy's forehead. "Grow strong, Mark...The Clan needs you...Arendelle, will need you to be strong." he whispered before standing and turning. He gave Snowfeather a quick hug before vanishing into the shadows with another bronze flash.

Snowfeather nodded and took the parcel in hand. When Mark was strong enough; in his heart, when he felt he could not learn anymore, anything left within Egypt that would send them to Arendelle, when he wanted to know why his family was attacked, why he was the only one left Snowfeather was quiet until the hug, "Be safe, Master Wolfe. Find those who attacked your family" When he disappeared she watched the bronze flash fade away; Once again saying softly "stay safe"

For long moments she stood in the room, she went then to the baggage area and found her luggage and placed the parcel in it. She then went back to her room where Mark slept and slept on the sofa all night long.

One week later

Egypt

Alexandrian Docks and customs

"Name ?" A man asked, behind the customs agent desk sat a older man, who was apparently bored.

"Snowfeather Elisar, and Son" She said, the man looked between them, Mark had freshened up over the weeklong trip. the stories Snowfeather told him daily and nightly, kept him away from evil thoughts the entire trip

"Anything to declear ?" the customs agent asked,

Snowfeather shook her head, saying. "Nothing of too much importance other then my sons traveling papers, we had yet to get him his passport before our sudden travel" The agent looked to Mark, a strong young lad, possibly about eight or nine, too young for a passport or Egypt issued ID. The man nodded, stamped Snowfeathers passport and let them through to Egypt

Once outside the terminal they waited at the street "There are two people I want you to meet son" Snowfeather said, she meant her twin daughters. She had mentioned them briefly on the ship.

Mark still clung to at least Snowfeather's coat with one hand while they walked; his eyes were tired yet alert as they docked and went through was wearing a long sleeved shirt and some simple hide pants to hide his skin from the elements. Fortunately unlike most Arendellians, he wasn't very pale. His fair face was innocent yet strong; the signs of a warrior, even this early in age.

He looked up to his 'Mother' and blinked. "My new sisters?" he asked. He was still getting used to the fact that Snowfeather was to be his new mother for now, but he was adapting quickly enough it seemed.

Snowfeather smiled, "yes, they can also help us get you some new clothing" she said. Gently taking him by the hand she lead him to a waiting doubledecker hoverbus, sometimes technology helped in this part of the world. Egypt was on the cusp of advancing its technology beyond anything else in the world. Once seated and their luggage aboard she told the driver where to head. technology advanced quickly, possibly too quickly, infact, the year Mark was used to was 1968, when in fact in Egypt it was actually closer to 2032 or thereabouts, technology was rampant.

A moment or two later and the bus headed into the countryside, towards the Zagazig district before coming to a gentle halt. "We're here." steping off the bus they were outside a gated fence; from the road Mark could see a long stately driveway with what looked like many gardens. A pond; and several gazeebo like domes in several areas. One of which sat on an island within the pond accessed by a bridge.

"Welcome home Mark." Snowfeather said activating the gate. the gate slid open on a track allowing them to step through, a moment or so later and a yong woman clothed similar to Snowfeather, though more robelike rather then a hooded coat, soon arrived with a golfcart for their baggage and to get them to the massive house. which, like the Wolfe Manor, was going to be Marks new home

Mark's eyes soon widened when he saw how rampant the technology was here. It was so different compared to Arendelle's technology. His face was practically glued to the window of the bus as he sat in Snowfeather's lap on the way to his new home. He took her hand when the bus stopped and he followed her out of the vehicle. He marveled at the size of the house; but then lowered his head and clung to her leg again; reminded of his now lost home.

"I miss home...my real home..." he said softly tears beginning to well up in his eyes again.

"As do I, but you cannot go back there. Because if you do, who will care for you, teach you ?" Snowfeatrher said as she helped him onto the golfcart and sat next to him, Natila; a young Assassin woman drove them up to the house. "What you were learning in Arendelle you will continue here. Your father trusts you will be safer here then in Arendelle, I fear the attack was aimed not at your parents, but you and your sister. Your mother agreed. With the Queens help we got you to safety here with me."

The door of the massive house opened, unlike the Wolfe Manor, which was four floors, the Elisar manor was two floored and very sprawling, several wings, from above it was seen as the middle spine of a snowflake with two brances spreading to east and west. with wings in all directions from there. Snowfeather smiled, seeing who was running out, twin girls, both dark haired girls scampered around the tall thin as a twig bulter Jeeves who stood at the door, waiting.

The twins wasted no time running to their mother and pretty much tackling her out of the golfcart in a massive hug while screaming out one word "Momma!'. For a very brief moment Mark heard the joyful cries of kittens with their mothers arms prtecting them. He had much to learn of this new world he found himself in.

Mark hid behind Snowfeather as the sounds of the twins crying out for their mother. After a while of the purring of the girls, he looked out from behind Snowfeather for a second before hiding behind her again. He was a bit shy; though he looked at the ground again; the memories of his home and extended family doing much the same thing numerous times. He sighed and turned back to them a bit, nervous.

It was Serenity who noticed Mark peeking over her mothers shoulder next to Natila; whom the girls refered to as their Nanny. Of course the timing of Mark poking out to look at the twins the same exact moment Serenity noticed him looking directly at her, because she did the same movement as he did, clearly curious. "Momma ? Whose this ?" they had no idea they had a new brother. "Is he the boy you kept speaking about everytime you came back from vacation ? the one from the painting ?" Great did she have to mention that ?

Of course she had to bring it up because when their mother, Snowfeather, or their Aunt Blackie went to Arendelle they always spoke about the beauty of the Crown Princess, and the young boy named Mark who had the look of a protective predator. Serena poked her head up as Snowfeather laughed a sharp ring of laughter, possibly the first time Mark had ever heard her laugh. "Is this Mark, Momma ?" Serena asked

"He looks better then what Aunt Blackie said!" Serenity said a happy tone to her voice, she seemed to be gearing up to pounce mark in a hug.

Mark blushed dark as Serenity noticed him. Slowly he moved away from Snowfeather to offer a small nod of the head in greeting. "I...I'm Mark." he said as calmly as he could before noticing the position of Serenity, ready to pounce him. He shifted one of his feet slightly, now easilly able to sidestep her pounce should she decide to follow through with it.

And ready to pounce she was. But before she could do so Snowfeather spoke up, "Girls, Meet your brother, Mark, Mark, your sisters, Serenity,' Her gaze briefly shifted to the younger twin about to pounce Mark, "Serena" the older twin, older by about a minute or so, simply waved a hi as with Marks attention split Serenity pounced him into a hug, only she missed him completely and slammed into the pole holding the roof of the golfcart dead on. the cart rattled, The girls, though feline in nature had all the strength of bengal or siberian tigers in their viens. though when she slammed into the pole she made a cute sounding "Ouchie!' type sound before pawing about for Mark, after all, new brother, new brother got a hug! it was natural!

Blinking as his new sister as she pawed at him from the roof of the cart he bit his bottom lip. "I...um...hi?" he was confused at the energy of these girls...though he supposed he could get along. They hadn't fully mastered the art of hiding their feline appearances from the outside world, and he could see them through the windows of the home earlier. He narrowed his eyes a bit before yawning; tired from the trip it seemed.

Or more from waking up so danged early! "Momma, he looks sleepy!" Serena said, but she gave Mark a gentle hug, her body mark saw, and felt, was infact covered in a thick yet also thin layer of beautiful bengal marked fur. "I'll help him to bed ?"

Snowfeather smiled and shok her head "No, Natila can do that, for now I want you two to focus on your training. Jeeves! Slashes ?" The Slashes were remote controlled four wheel drive rigs about the size of a full grown housecat. They were used for training sessions for the girls to train with and chase. After all, even humanlike tigers needed their chasing excersises!

"Ready Madam." Came the reply from the man at the door. he held a pair of radio controls in his hand as he stepped into view. as Natila guided Mark into the home to get some more rest after being so rudely woken on the ship, the sun was coming up for petes sake! A pair of little trucks sped past their feet, one of them a sickly ghostly green color, the other a pearl white. Both of them the same size, On their backpanels where the trunk of a car normally went was the girls initals, SA, for Serena, was the ghostly sickly green little truck, and SY, for Serenity, was the pearlwhite one. As Mark passed into the foyer of the massive house he heard Serenity shriek with joy and briefly saw her chasing a pearlwhite dot around the yard like a Bengal Tiger after a laserdot on the wall.

Six hours later

That same day

Marks new bedroom

Mark had no idea what time it was, nor did he care really. He felt a lot better now, and sat up in his bed, yawning and stretching out his young, strong body, the toned muscle flexing as he stretched. He rubbed at his eyes and yawned again before shaking himself awake. He'd taken off his shirt before hopping into the bed, and he sighed as he flopped back down on to his back; his room was rather cold.

Bonk rang at his door, not a human or feline knock either, like something bonked against the door. Each door had a cat door in it, normally Snowfeather used it with the RC trucks to find her girls. Each room had one, and when one was sleeping inside it, the smaller door was locked with a magic. Normally set when the door was closed. Bonk What sounded like springs reacting when something hit the ground after flying off a wall were heard with a gentle slicing sound. A quiet sound.

Almost like a cat ? A light went from red to green next to the doornob as the lock was disengaged, Apparently either Natila or Snowfeather unlocked it, most likely the former. Suddenly the flap opened and a pearlwhite Slash was in the room darting like a crazy cat in the room on the floor, its front tires like eyes, there was a camera mounted on the front of it.

The room started to warm up a bit as the little car bonked into a few things, one of them an empty dresser before making its way to a prebuilt ramp and shooting up it to the ceiling track and darting off, the thing was designed to take a beating in the first place, called Bashing. This rigs durasteel body and frame was sealed and waterproof, even breakproof, and given the time the two girls had these things, exactly nine years, they worked as if they were brand new!

With a sudden purring noise the little Slash4x4 bounced off its track onto a down ramp and hit the floor on all four tires with a slight slice noise as the springs and shocks did their job well.

It was then of couse the little car was looking directly at Mark, It seemed to jump on its shocks, as if in joy that he was awake. The blistering heat outside had forced the girls inside to train more, and apparently this little rig wanted Mark to join them! It bounced forwards, then turned and shot for the door, then backked up and looked towards Mark before bonking into the door, which again was sealed shut as the red light was on again once the truck was inside his room.

Mark watched the incessant movements of the small contraption as it raced around his room with a mix of emotions; partly annoyance, partly amusement. As he felt the room heat up he slowly got out of his bed and put his shirt back on, keeping his brown eyes on the RC car thing while he did so. He was barefoot, and he stared into the camera on its front while slowly walking towards it, curious as to what it was, and how it worked.

Naturally, he therefore wanted to take it apart and then attempt to put it back together. Catching it was going to be a different challenge entirely, however. He narrowed his eyes. He wasn't anywhere near as agile as the girls he would come to know as his sisters, but he was agile, particularly agile for a young boy. He lacked patience still, however, which prevented him from doing the smart thing and waiting for the thing to come to him so he could catch it easier.

As soon as the light on the door turned green he darted for the thing, knowing the Slash would dart through it he ignored trying to grab it as he swung open the door and took off down the hall after the thing, narrowly avoiding servants and obsticals such as pedastals with vases or other things that might be in his way with subtle movements that allowed him to slip past them no closer than an inch away. He handled corners remarkably well, and his eyes were peeled on that Slash. As it came upon one corner however he wasnt ready for the servant to be there so he had no choice but to turn wide, and run up and across the wall for a good ten feet while he turned himself to keep chasing the Slash.

Eventually he'd leap and catch it, or miss it. Either way, he'd sit there on his stomach, panting.

Even the Slash wasnt expecting the servant, a maid, whose name not even Jeeves remembered well enough, most called her Min, which might have been her name. the Slash slammed on the brakes as Mark went wide, waited all but two heartbeats and somehow ended up chasing him ? After blasting through the now opened door, the Slash had taken off down the hall, up a flight of stairs, down another fli... well more like off a railing less walkway for balance practise to the floor below; once again on all four tires with Mark right behind.

It was as if the little truck seemed to know what Mark wanted to do, after all Mark had never seen such technology and the Girls trained daily with the little things. By the time Mark had stopped the truck had either completely gotten away, or not... plonk the Slash somwhow sliced onto him and just sat there, of course it was four pounds or so of raw energy ready to fire off like a shot. its tires, though could look hot from the wood and title it had driven on like crazy leaving little tracks in the flooring. But it actually was quite cold to the touch due to being filled with liquid nitrogen.

"Oh good! I thought you were up! I see Slash found ya too!" Came a young girls voice. It was Serenity, she was on her own bed looking down at Mark, her face in thick bengal tiger patterned fur her eyes had a soft yet almost laughing look yet she was excited! "Did you have a good run ?" As she spoke she reached down and picked up the Slash off Mark before setting it on her low desk which had everything needed to care for it, charging port for the battery system, tools for cleaning, everything was there. Even paints and some brushes to touch up the body "You like it ?" She had no idea that Mark wanted to take it apart. But the good news was, they were getting more later that day, and some he could even paint, which prompted a question "Do you like making things by chance ?" There was an array of paints also set up on the low desk, along with more plastic bodies to go on the frame of the Slash.

Mark grunted as Serenity took the thing off of his back. He thought about swiping it from her hands but decided against it. He had to supress a laugh however as one of the maids screeched about finding footprints on the bloody walls. He failed however, and let out a laugh anyway, rolling onto his back before sitting up and turning towards Serenity. "I...prefer putting things together? I guess that's making stuff?" he shrugged. A thin layer of sweat had permeated on his skin, but he was already back to normal breathing.

"I...don't remember your name..." he said, looking to Serenity with a faint blush on his cheeks.

Serenity smiled, her razor sharp teeth briefly glittered as she instead of holding out a hand... or in her case a paw... to shake, she instead pulled Mark into a hug, "I'm Serenity, Serena's with Momma I think ? But Natila said to see if you are up because we're gonna go to Stuidio in about an hour, after lunch; to get some more Slashes. these. We use them to train and in my case scope out where I'm going to go into before going in myself. So to speak." Serenity said.

"When Aunt Blackie spoke about you in her stories of her adventures up north and to the West and East, she always mentioned a boy, and let me tell you, her stories dont do you justice, you're better then what I always tried to imagine!" Serenity seemed truly happy to have a brother her age! Sure she had her twin sister, but that was sometimes like talking to a mirror and answering your own questions, it was weird at times!

The Stuidio that Serenity had mentioned was one of many warehouses and hobbyshops for those who were into the hobby, the Assassins used typical smalltown and big name hobby stores for supplies and equeipment, such as the Traxxas Slash RC rigs the twins used, they went once a week for parts, extra bodies, paint, heck even more batteries. That was why Serenity wanted Mark to go with them, to pick out his own. It was gonna be a fun family, that was for sure.

19 June 2044

Zakazik Egypt

Sixteen years later

Internal correspondence to Snowfeather from Mena Garden City Distrct, Egypt, decoded from original

Relay to Snowfeather, Natila Mir in the Darkness.

They had been training for this. As far as Serenity was concerned it was what her Slash was for. Servailance, scouting ahead, you name it. But as a child growing up, it was a toy that grew with her, literally, every few hours or so she'd upgrade it, change up the battery type for different areas of the house. The cameras had been upgraded or changed over time as well. After all their target had changed too, grown with the city. it was one of the newer, more recently 'updated' District of the massive city of Cario, connected by all sorts of roads and hoverlanes. They were in their family van, it, just like their Slashes had been upgraded with time. "You three up for this ?" Snowfeather asked.

It was a rescue mission. their first stealth mission at that. their target was two people, Natila lived there for a few years, and she wanted out, the secrets she had found when living there, as part of her orders, made her want out fast as possible, the girls nodded, almost nochalantly Serenity reached through the open door of the van and set her Slash, Slicer, on the pavement, the range had been greatly upgraded to three miles, and the camera had full intigration with the vans holovido systems. "I need not tell you what Natila found out, or why she wants us to get her out unseen. Serenity, you're on scout duty. Serena, fishing lure. Mark, infiltration. Do not get seen, if you're spotted, or found in any manner, get out fast do not look back or come back directly to the house, Got it ?" Snowfeather sat in the front seat of the van as Serena stepped out.

The holovid showed everything Slicer saw, "Road's clear, go for it. Back window it looks like, might be second floor though" Serenity said to her brother. She'd taken to mark faster then Serena had, yet they all got along well. They had even taught Mark the art of "Quiet as Cats" walking skills too! Serenity smiled, "Ready ?"

Mark said nothing; only lounged about in the back of the van for a while. He clicked his tongue twice in response to Snowfeather's question as to if he was ready. His mimicry of birds had already begun to take its more advanced stages. Not to the stage where he could summon Ulnaus yet, but to the point where he knew which birds were common in which areas during certain times of day, week, month, and year. He'd know which calls to use and when to use them.

"Second floor back window...got it." he said before leaving the van without a noise, raising his hood as he stepped into the dark street and immediately began to move through the grounds of the manor they were infiltrating. Ignoring the front gate he hopped a wall and landed in a bush, hidden from view. He put a finger to the earphone in his left ear, the mic on his wrist activating as well while he whistled low; the signal that he was both inside of the manor, and that they could pull away if they need to.

He moved his wrist out in front of him and activated the wristphone's holomap, seeing the layout quickly before dousing the light. He focused, and opened his eyes, the flash of bronze allowing him to see the basics of what Eaglevision offered him. He could see the outlines of everyone moving around; and their intent if they caught him. He could see the landscape and nodded slowly before edging slowly out of the bush on his stomach, his dark green coat helping him blend in with the underbrush and grass in the low light of the night.

He looked up and slowly got up onto his feet, staying crouched as he moved, slow and deliberate.

Directly ahead of Mark was the open window, there was only one guard there, but with the guy distracted by something on his radio, the path was quickly cleared, Like a silver cat, Slicer shot through the window and disappeared. On Marks holomap a silver dot appeared, indicating his sisters Slash4x4. No larger then a common housecat, which were infact quite common in Egypt, hell the country pretty much still worshipped the things at this point in life. Taht and the holographic disguise system worked as expected, and hoped. Which meant that Slicer didnt appear to be a truck, no, just a fat cat of pearlwhite.

Serena's voice rang out on the radio "Six guards in front, another five on the rooftops over the frontside of the building. I see a window I'm going in, looks like an office." The dark haired twin looked ther part of a resident and easily passed two sets of guards in groups of people moving in the street before ducking into the winodw into a storeroom of sorts. "I'm in. Whose our other target ?"

"Natila is the primary objective, getting her out safely is the goal, the secondary target is most likely with her" Snowfeather replied, she moved the van with traffic as Serenity continued moving Slicer around the massive building. "Mark, once inside take the firast set of stairs you see upwards to the third floor and then take the first door on the left, yes its a broom closet, but there's guards on that floor heading that way. If you hurry you can make it before they round the corner for the stairs." Snowfeather said. "Or if you want you can scale the wall to any third floor window you find open and forget the broom closet" Snowfeather then relased as she corrected herself just how good her son was at improvising

Slicer purred past two patrols of four men each on the second floor until finding the dumbwaiter, using the hacking software Serenity locked into it. "We're in their grid. I got control of third and second floor cameras. one unlocked broom closet coming up!" So far so good. Snowfeather parked the van a good half mile away in a mostly filled parking lot before getting into the backseat with her daughter, putting on her own headset she took over the camera controls while Sernity continued looking for Natila with Slicer.

However it was short lived as merrily as the mission was going Slicer halted as Serenity spotted their target. "uh oh." She said over the radio, "We might have a small problem"

"Define small" Came Serena's calm voice, from a bathroom where she just gutted a guard who tried to get the drop on her.

"Found Natila's room, four guards in the hall, not moving. Slicer's not set for gunnery duty. Just scout duty. One shot from anything and we're done for scoutwise" It was clear that Serenity didnt want to risk losing Slicer, after all she grew up with the Slash4x4 all her life!

"What floor ?" Serena asked

"Third" came the reply

"Wonderful, I'll pickup Slicer on my way by, there's a guard shift, I'm on duty in five." Serenas said, a smirk clearly evident in her tone

"You didnt" Snowfeather said, her voice one more of slight confusion

"Yes Momma, I did." Serena explained the pounce of the guard, and now wearing her uniform, "Shift is in five minutes, guarding one door on the third floor, I'm the lure remember, besides, if there's four guards watching Natila's room, is she inside ?"

"No, the room is empty, Though what she found out may be in there" Serenity replied, the infared sesnors never picked up life inside the room, only the four guards. Slicer took off down the hall away from the guards. Those four men were armored with older AK weapons, old stuff too, outdated as hell.

"Alrighty I got work to do, see you guys at home." Serena said

"I want Slicer home tonight; you know that!"

"Relax Mark's got this. I'll get the duty within the room, you guys worry about everything else." Serena said, just like they had practised. Mark not only had to get Natila out, but her second package, plus Slicer. Then again all Mark really needed to do was change a battery and let Slicer bolt for freedom

Mark rolled his eyes a bit, leave it to him. But then again, it was his job to get in and then out. "So... third floor." he said, grabbing a guard by the foot and dragging him into the bush before letting his hidden blade slip into the man's skull from the base of the neck, killing him silently. He retracted his blade and slowly exited the bush before moving towards the manor. He intentionally left the man's hand out of the bush to cause a distraction so that he could get out of the complex without too much of a fuss while the guards were panicked.

He easilly scaled the wall and got to the third floor window. Slowly opening it and silently getting inside he immediately got on his belly and slowly crawled down the hallway without a sound or even an air disturbance. He narrowed his eyes. "At a hallway... left or right to the target room ?" he asked over the radio.

"First door on the left" Came Serenity's voice. "I got full control of the security systems. From look of things your handiwork has yet to be found, we got five minutes at this rate." Serenity was typing on a holographic keypad and viewing a full 3d model of the building.. Once through the door was another hall that split into two directions. Serenity hit a map view key and focused on the floorplan, "On your left should be a vent system entry, its the fastest shot to Natila, and apparently sealed with antisound foam too. A bomb could go off in their air systems and they'd never hear it" Serenity said, stifling, and also failing, at keeping her laughter unheard.

"Don't give me any ideas, mother would kill me." he grumbled as he entered the vent and crawled through it, using his eagle vision to keep sight of where he needed to go. Upon finding it, he surveyed the room after taking the vent cover off. Only one guard, female, good height, possibly the strongest person on the grounds. Too easy. Mark only smiled as his fingers silenly curled around the edges of the vent like something out of a horror film, and he slid his way into the room like a parasite, falling into a flip where he landed silently behind the guard. A wicked grin began to spread across his face as he came up behind her. There was a table not two feet away from her side... perfect.

He then moved quickly. Within a flash he kicked out her leg at the knee, and then grabbed her head before forcing her mouth open and then making her try to eat the corner of the desk, knocking a few teeth loose. Without hesitation, he silenced her muffled scream with a slam of his foot on the back of her head, the end of the table's corner meeting his boot on the other side of her throat.

"Target accquired; anything else you'd like me to do for you this fine evening?"

By now the missing guard had been noticed, and the entirety of the guard force had shifted towards the back of the house to search for the perpetrator. Predictable and dumb these ones. Mark hoisted his targets over his shoulders and slowly exited the room.

"Battery change, Slicer's waiting right outside the room, careful, there's sensors. One sec." the sound of muffled thuds were heard as Serenity used her Slash and went into the fent and upwards to the ceiling, dropping out in nearly perfect domino effect, nailed four of the five guards, one of them was shot by his fellow with a silenced sleep dart. "Ok, coast is clear!" A thud sounded at the door as Slicer bonked into it.

Natila was asleep thanks to a sleeping pill in her coffee; absolutely dead to the world, her information stored on a holodisc on the table the now out cold guard laid next to. "Nice shot" Came Serenity's voice seeing the results when Mark opened the door and Slicer darted in. "I think you got her. Man that is gonna be a headache I dont plan to envy. Front door's open. We're on our way. I still have control of the security grid." All that was left was a battery swap for Slicer and they were home free

Mark knelt down to Slicer and quickly changed out the battery. He shifted Natila so she wouldnt fall off his shoulder, and then secured the battery in its place in the Slash before pocketing the old one. "Lead the way." he said calmly, patting Slicer gently before standing.

Slicer bounced twice and Serenity's voice was heard "Lets do this!" Like a shot the pearlwhite Slash bolted from the room leaving no indication it was even in there, unless one looked for burnt rubber under a dead to the world guard. With Mark on its tail Slicer lead him through the complex to the exit as the family van pulled into view, the dakr blue Transit hovered off the ground a half meter. the door slid open and Snowfeather jumped out to help get natila safely inside.

Serenity leaned out the opened door and reached down to pick up Slicer setting it in a basket of sorts "got it ?" She asked,

But before Mark could answer her mother said, "Get us out of here Serenity, Serena said she'd meet up with us later." Serenity nodded and climbed into the driver seat, setting Slicer, basket and all, on the passenger seat and pulling the van from the sidewalk as Mark closed the door safely inside.

"That was easy!" Serenity said

"Not entirely" her mother corrected, "Until Natila is awake we cant go through what she found on the holodisc."

Well, that sucked

Mark looked to the sleeping woman. "Well I'm not waking her up. I have a hard enough time waking you and Serena up in the mornings." he grumbled as he went to the back seat and kept watch to make sure they weren't being followed.

Serenity smirked, true, waking up a sleeping cat never was a good idea. Even if its your sister.

Four hours later

Zakazik Egypt Assassin Den

Natila had woken up, and when she did, the entire compound knew. What she had found concerned a kingdom in the far north. Something about the place triggered similar events in America to happen apparently. Which soon found Serena home quicker then expected. Taking the long way home Serena arrived about the same time her sister and brother were in the Freezer, the computer room was the coldest room in the house, colder, it was said, then a Arendellian winditer without heat. The computer serverracks lined the walls and floor, along with several racks were on wheels in the room or on tracks in the floor and ceiling. the two floor room was the center of the technology for that area

"Found more info, the encryption key is unique, one of the older codes too" Serenity said typing at a holographic keypad, the wall alight with information."Looks like a old MD5 encription hash." her fingers flew across the holographic keys, tics sounding as her fingers tapped against hard light.

"Didnt MD5 hash codes get outdated before we were born ?" Serena asked upon entering, overhearing the mere mention of MD5 made her speak up as she brought her siblings something to drink.

"You mean before mother got married nearly fifty years ago ?" Serenity asked; she used MD5 encription for her slash, hell all their slash4x4s were MD5 encription to keep them under their own control at all times! Just to turn on Slicer alone Serenity had to enter her code.

"Whatever." Came the reply "Any luck ?" the answer was a unhappy clearly not ladylike grunt from her sister. who at that moment chose to let her feline side out for a bit showing the bengal tiger woman typing at computer before taking a brief break. information scrolled across the screen on the wall..

Grumbling could be heard down the hall as Mark entered the room, his coat not on for a the moment. He paused as the cold air hit his skin, shook his head with an annoyed grumble before leaving the room. He came back a minute later putting on his coat, the thick material keeping him mostly warm in the cold room. He'd lined the inside of this particular hood with some warm fur to keep his ears warm. He lifted said hood and sat in a chair before yawning and crossing one leg over the other at the ankle.

"Serena... you got anything with caffeine? I'm dyin' over here." he shook his head before looking to his sister; if there was a stash of anything with caffeine, she'd know where it was. She was in charge of stocking everything this month, and none of them ever stocked anything in the same place twice to keep each other on their toes.

Serena nodded and held out a two liter of pepsi to her brother, knowing Mark he'd drink down half of it before even taking a breath! She turned her gaze briefly to her twin sister, Serenity was in nothing more then a simple bikini top and brown pants, her body covered in thick fur; her long feline tail rapped about her waist like a furry belt. "Try to breathe a bit when drinking, Mother said only one, make it last a bit longer" Serena had a teasing tone in her voice as she handed the pepsi to her brother, and also a Pepsi clear to her sister. Serena always chose a different place in the house to hide the stock. But sometimes Mark found it, other times, none of them found it, other times their mother found it, and then moved it so the three would have to find it.

To which she said "Sorry I took so long; Mother hid it again" She sounded almost ashamed at that, it was the fourth time that week that their mother found the stock, and hid it for all of them to go berzerk to find!

"Mother is getting good at finding it, then hiding it." Serenity mumbled as she went through the already decrypted information. She snickered at what she saw "Sometimes I wondered if the CIA knew who they hired when they took you on, sending them your resume was smart. Mom was right." The information on Marks resume, along with where he'd be stationed, dead smack in Langley West Virgina alone. "Its no desk job either by look of this, got your own car, access to one hell of a weapons locker. Let me see if I can access the locker security..." Serenity, in addition to caring for, and constantly upgrading her Slash4x4, was a nut when it came to computers.

Mark chuckled and only took a few swigs of the pepsi before leaning forward to look over his sister's shoulder at what he was going to be given in the CIA. He managed a smile at what he saw. "I wonder what kind of favors I'll be able to weasle my way into getting..." he said calmly before leaning back and taking a few more swigs of pepsi.

A moment of snickering was heard from both girls before Serenity gave a cry of triump that sounded like a newborn tiger cub yelling for its mother. "I'm in! Oh my. This is nothing like what we got." She went through the list, the weapons locker for the CIA was scant info sure for the outside naked eye, but from what Serenity could easily access with her skills, and technology. she accessed Marks level "Mother must have set this up. According to this your CIA Authorisation code is one step below the CIA directors own code. Either mother or Aunt Blackie set this up." Serenity said

Serena stared at the wall as the info scroll on it "Wait, didnt Aunt Blackie say there was one of us already working in America with the CIA ?"

"Yeah guy named Mike, cant find anything on him, just a name, Mike" Serenity replied, Marks car, a souped up Toyota Supra was normally something one would find in a illegal street race. Serenity hissed seeing the color "Hope you can tweak the paintjob. Lime green is not my color" Serena snickered, her own Slash4x4 was a ghostly smokey glow in the dark green color.

Mark shivered. "Lime Green? First thing I'm doing is making it Dark Forest." he growled before twisting the cap back onto his pepsi bottle and wheeling himself over to the side of his sister, scanning over everything. "Very nice... I'm not being given run of the mill weapons either; .45 calibur minimum... enough power to put me on my ass easy." he said smoothly. He scrolled a bit before stopping and laughing like a mad man, highlighting one of his weapons. Abbriviated only as B.50.C. He eventually calmed down. "The fools gave me access to an anti material sniper rifle. I can take out trucks with a few inches of armor on with that thing." he scooted away and spun happily, giggling like a fool.

"I'm going to have too much fun."

"Hehe" Came a giggle from Serena, "Look at this" she hilighted some of the mobility units. She activated a image link, and something akin to the demon love child between a steel ram trailer and a F1 racecar was seen. "Dont we have a few of these ramp cars already ? This one exactly is on your keyring."

"He's got access to a flip car too ?" Serenity grumbled, she shivered remembering that wreck. "Remind me not to piss you off when you're driving it" the last time they'd faced such a rig they ended up in the Nile and barely managed to save their van and all its electrionics within it

Serena continued down the list. "And you have access to an armored personel carrier, looks like a Crowd mover too, one of those tracked jobs"

"A tank ? You get a tank too ?" This was just getting better and better! "Alright, gimmie the steak, nice and raw"

Serena just started laughing at the last car, a really crappy thing too, an old honda civic, from the early ninties. "A sixty year old piece of junk" Serenity started choking on her Pepsi Clear

"Wonder if they'll let me keep any of it after I leave. The Brotherhood could use a Tank." he said calmly. "I'll likely be driving that civic most of the time unless I know I'm going offroad, in which case...the flip car. That Toyota...maybe I'll use it to pick up chicks." he smirked at the sock to his arm that that earned him, but he didn't care. He knew his mission wasn' to get girls; but hey, if he could do so in the process that'd be cool. He rubbed his chin gently, some stubble growing at the moment.

He looked to his sisters before jutting his chin out for easier inspection. "You guys think I should grow my beard out? It's itching like crazy and I think it'd be easier to hide if I had one...chin warmer, since y'know I don't have fur like you guys."

"If you got it flaunt it!" Came Serenity's laughter filled quip before a sudden WHACK was briefly heard as Serena socked her sister. "Ow hey!" of course it was more like a love tap compared to what Serena and her twin could really give out. the last guy that they faced had a good chunk of his body missing when they were done with that fight.

Serena spoke up after quieting her sister "I think it could work, according to the information, you're a transfer from Cairo branch of the CIA for a one year international agreement. Same access, same office, so to speak. We got a Den five miles from Langley headquaters there, that'll be where you'd stay I think, unless mother says other wise." It all depended on what their mother said on this misson. "But dont hurry to pack, we still gotta decrypt the holodisc" Serena said.

"Speaking of which, we're at ten percent, man, this system of encryption is outdated, and older then shitfuck." Serenity grumbled, typing on the holokeys she brought up what was decrypted thus far. "Whoa... A... map ?" It was a map, but written in weird writing Serenity couldnt understand, It turned out to be Kudzul. really really really old Kudzul. But it was what the map was that told an entirely different story

It was an underground map. Of London

Mark's eye went to the the Kudzul, and he blinked. "This... I this is familiar..." he said calmly. He leaned in a bit before trying to pronounce some of the runes; translating them while he could. He could get one out of every thirty words in the coding, not bad considering that the last time he saw the language was before he left Arendelle. He sighed and then shook his head. "No clue what the rest says." he said with a sigh, opening his pepsi and then taking a swig. He put his feet up on the side of the desk and sighed.

"Wait, there's more" Serenity hit a key and the map zoomed out, it was interlinked with others, several levels of each map apparently were all connected, like a messy web. It didnt make sense

Serena pointed out a link, since their system was both holographic keys and touchscreen she reached to the wall and touched what looked like a link another map opened up, this one detailing rooms, "This looks like a vault, or a underground city." She said

"Yeah, but Under London ?" Why there ? The notice went off of decryption complete by then "So let me get this right, the Templars are collecting maps ?" Serenity asked aloud This mission just got a whole lot harder as Serena spotted another link in one of the maps, this one under Washington DC in america, upon clicking it she found more interlinked rooms and tunnels. "Underground railways, ages old too by look of it"

"Oh my" Serena said, "If Mark cant translate it, then this is a dead langauge for sure; can you save a copy to mothers discblades ?" Serenity nodded, "Are you doing it ?" Serena asked

"Should I be ?" Serenity Asked

"You should" Serena replied

"So I am" Serenity said typing in a few commands. A second later and their mother appeared on the wall in a small part of the massive screen.

"OK kids, whats going on ? My discblades were just activated/i" Snowfeather looked more confused then unhappy. Though she smiled then seeing the info, "iGood, Marks application went through..." Snowfeathers gaze turned towards Mark, "Son. this mission to the CIA is a yearlong venture, Screw this up in any manner, any of your missions, you get recalled here without warning, however, until a year is reached and you are not summoned, you are to return home as per agreement. Understood ?" Snowfeather wasn't happy of seeing the underground maps, to her it looked like the Templars were planning an attack. Finally her gaze softened and she asked. "Are you ready... Son ?"

Mark said nothing, even as Snowfeather appeared on the wall screen. He turned to look at her, however, his face as stern as her tone. He nodded at the softening of her gaze. "Of course, mother. But you didn't raise me to fail, so you've nothing to worry of." he smiled softly, the same smile that frequently softened even Blackmane's gaze and got Mark generally what he wanted. In this case; he used it as a sign of trust, or as a request for trust.

Snowfeather nodded, "even in this day and age, the CIA use older technology to keep from being hacked, or worse, old technology is reliable, yet also useful even if outdated. MD5 encryption covers everything at the CIA, and you have full access, Thanks to your aunt." Snowfeather said, glancing briefly off screen. "As of now, you're head of the CIA, in rank, but not name. you have full access to everything, however, it is only a year long... internship. According to the files you're the second in command of the Cario CIA section here. Full control over everything. Serenity, you are the connection for Mark, if he needs anything and cannot access it with his key, he calls you, and you get him cleared for it." Serenity nodded as her mother gave the orders, "Serena, you are the information getter, when Mark contacts you for information on your targets over this period, you get it to him fast as you can. We live in a digital age, using said technology will not only aid us, but also give Mark a clean completion record."

Serenity smiled, now came the fun part. She said nothing as her mother continued. "Mark has less then a week to get aquainted with the CIA here, I've patched him into the main offices, they're expecting him, Serenity, you know what to do. Hook us up." Serenity nodded and got busy. Securing first a taxi, driven by the Brotherhood, so it was free for Mark to use; then she patched in, effortlessly to the camera network within the building. never hurt to be prepared.

Approximately 1.2 million years ago

Unknown location

Dawn

These beings were old; older then all things. They oversaw many things, time among them. They didnt speak, yet they altered reality to think they'd spoken...

One said; Is it wise ?

Another replied; Yes

Another said; But one so untrained, so young should not face the horrors the Wolf Queen created.

Another said; And so it seems one so young, so untrained cannot face the Necromancer ?

The first to 'speak' spoke up; What does iShe/i say about this matter ?

Another who had yet to say anything said; Send Diamond, send Xeir Zith to Him to train and learn, those are Her words

The first to speak spoke anew; Send both ? What is she ? Out of her Light ?

The rest 'looked' to the first, One said; It is not our place to question Her commands

The first to speak seemed to nod at this; Very well, we will send both of them to Voi to begin their training. They must be made ready to face the horrors

Reality shifted as one by one the strange beings faded away as if they had never been, which they werent there to begin with

Voi, Africa

One week later

1.2 million years ago

The gemstone glittered in the slender palm as a stronger more aged hand took it. It was their orders. The slender hand belonged to that of a young woman, beside her was another; both women had white hair, but one of them had silver eyes, whereas the other had a odd ice blue hazel. Holding the germ the man regarded them carefully, "I see, so you carry a glowing gemstone, what, you think it gives you power over others ? To what gain, why are you here ?" To say the man was unhappy made sense.

"We are here because we were told that you could teach us to fight." Said the silver eyed woman. both women wore white offset with sliver, yet the younger of the two had hints of green and some blue to her clothing and hair., at the base of the younger womans neck, where a pendant normally hung on any other womans neck, was a beautiful diamond scale.

"Oh ? Me teach you to fight ? The same two women like you that already handled the Voi riffraff as it is! Yes, rumors float because of you two causing trouble in many an inn." The man replied, "And then coming here! Of all places! My own men you bested! And you want me to train you to fight ?" the man looked at them both "Give me a good reason why I am to do as you ask!"

The two traded looks. "Mother said so" Said the silver eyed one

"Your mother ?" The man repeated, he looked thoughtful, he turned around, his back to them as he went to the nearby desk, he held a hand over the stone, words floated in runes off it briefly, the man sighed, deactivating the stone he spoke. "I am not on her popularity list, infact, I am rather... unwanted by her for anything after the... incident." the man said, one of his Brass Kobolds had set off a stink bomb in Light's palace, even admitted to it too. which earned him a ousting from his mothers court.

"It was because of me" the silver eyed woman replied, both girls looked forlorn at the mere thought of the stinkbomb they had set off as children a hundred years ago and their mother being unhappy with their uncle Jarius because of it.

"Xeir, we agreed, we both did the deed. But Tu Wing knew the level of trouble we'd get into if Mom found out the truth, so he took the blame." The other said giving her apparent twin a sharp look.

"And look what happened Dia" Xeir Zith replied; turning to her sister and friend. "Uncle Jarius was ousted from Mothers Court, We saw it happen, now mother sends us to him to learn to fight ? Why ?"

"I would ask the same thing" Jarius replied, he set the stone on the desk and turned to face them both. "But it is not my place, nor is it yours, to question your Mother's orders, or requests. Understanding them would take years, even when doing them right away. How long has it been since we last saw each other ?"

"A hundred years," came the soft, forlorn reply, Xeir Sith had her head bowed, she couldnt look at her uncle, Diamond however kept her head up, but her eyes averted. Jarius for a moment had fire in his eyes,. but seeing how the two were acting about an incident that was a hundred years old made the fire go out.

He sighed then "Very well. If Mother wants me to train you both, then so be it, I wont question her orders." He said, both girls looked at him as he held up a hand. "Under one condition; we forget about the past. Mother also sent a summons with her orders to teach you. I will let Tu Wing show you the grounds, and help you get situated, while I go see Mother. You may apologise to him if you so wish, he seems to have moved on from the ordeal. He is not exactly quick to anger, yet he is a hard teacher and good sparring partner." Jarius said; a soft smile on his face as the girls faces brightened considerably.

Voi, Africa

400 years later

1.2 million years ago

Tsang District

Dawn

It had been four hundred years since they started learning, and finally after one heavy workout of a hard week, just into the new year, it found Xeir Zith on her own, in a tavern. the outdoor eating area mostly empty, a few patrons. A waiter brought food to tables when requested, and served wine to those who called for it. As she had just sat down the waiter came over to her, after taking her order, the Silver Dragon looked around the place that she could see down both directions of the street.

A group of young men came in and sat at a nearby table, all of them talking loudly, "Are you crazy ? That thing musta been easily a hundred meters, maybe even a few dozen more then that! What class would you call it ?"

"Wake class possibly" Said another of the merry group, they called for wine

"Nah, Wake class is much too small, maybe Cloud or Wind class, the sheer size of the vessel alone proves it!" Said a third

"What does it matter ?" said the first man to speak, Xeir Zith heard every word. "Word is, the captain of the vessel is on his first visit here, and some say its an important visit for such a vessel to show up too!"

"Whats his name ?" the others asked their fellow

"Kalda, Captain Kalda some report." Came the reply. The woman in white and silver ate and drank as she lisited to the men speaking, but the name rang in her ears loudly, and it seemed to echo in her heart. Didnt her teacher and uncle say to be careful, the Silver Dragon, known as Kalda, was known to steal a certain item of whoever manages to catch his heart ?

She finished her food, left the payment and a bit of a tip, and left, heading for the docks; perhaps paying this captain a visit was in order ?

She neared an alley and halted, she felt the need to return to Jarius, her uncle, surely he'd wonder by then why she was gone so long when she said she was only going to get a bite to eat! By now she mused, he'd sent Diamond, or one of his men to fetch her. She turned back towards home, what she called home for the last four hundred years. And was conflicted, it was until the brief flash of something caught her attention, she turned. Drawn to it like a moth to porchlight into an alley path.

She soon found herself standing near a grave stone, crouching down, balancing on the balls of her feet, Xeir noticed vinery and other items covering the stone market. She used her sword to white it away, and read the date and otherwise. It was strange. She saw it more a puzzle, and felt drawn to that place, like there was a powerful item there.

Because there was.

She reached a hand to the stone, and pulled back in shock as it gave way where she touched it, folding in on itself with a hiss it revealed an item, a key. She picked it up from the pad it rested upon, the glasslike key looked like the glass steel the workers used in the forges, Whitemetal most called it, but Xeir, through her mother, knew its true name, iDuradaeden/i, an unbreakable steel used mostly in the creation of airships the Silver Dragons used.

But what did this key open ?

She stood up. staring at the key confused for a moment. then she heard the footsteps, and laughter, shadowspit! Quucking hiding the key within the folds of her dress she turned towards the owner of the voice, a hand to her hip where a hilt was seen without a blade ass she spotted a group of drunk men wandering down the alleyway. She relaxed seeing it was just a bunch of drunk men walking past.

It proved to be her undoing

As she passed, one reached out to pinch her rear end, while the others cat-called and whistled approvingly at the act. "Hey pretty woman! Come on don't walk away! You don't know what you're missin'!" one of them called.

"I'll say!" another chimed in before the group began laughing.

Xeri Zith wasnt expecting the touch, heck she wasnt even expecting the drunks to be that close to her. The leering looks a few of the men gave her made her slightly nervous yet the touch made her react. With a fast motion she smacked out and span about, pushing away the offending hand while her other hand went to the bladeless hilts at her left hip. The pale pink and white glittered in the midday light. Had these men followed her from the eating place ?

The group sniggered and laughed as one spoke up "Ooooh the babe has a bite it sheemsh!" The men were all well past drunk at this point and it was clear trouble was to be had and soon. She took a step back, one of the two hilts were removed from her hip, the blade sprang with a spark of strange magic into a simple silver blade. Like what the Guard used

As drunk as they were, none of the men were fazed at the least by the appearance of a blade. One of them grabbed a chair and while drunkenly giggling, wielding it as if he were taming a lion in a circus. "Now now, baby, let's not make this harder than it needs to be!" he said as his compatriots grabbed chairs as well, one of them breaking off chair legs to use as wooden poles to block her sword with.

Off in the distance, a male figure watched with some intrigue. It wasn't often he'd get lunch iand/i a show at the same time anymore. He was curious to see how this played out.

With a flick of her wrist she sent the first drunk to touch her sprawling against a pillar while the one with the broken chair legs advanced on her, well this didnt look too good yet Xeir Zith was a skilled swordswoman, and dealing with drunks had becomne something of a recently aquired habit she was trying to break, but still, at the Tanish Inn she was staying at as part of her training with their uncle, she had to deal with Drunks trying to come onto her, which for the most part never really worked out well for the drunks.

Another drunk threw his chair before grabbing at a metal rod and running towards her with it, she smacked him aside before dodging another thrown chair, she kicked up some dirt at another drunk before the first drunk came at her, fist swinging crazily she barely dodged but he was within her reach, out of harms way of her sword.

In short it wasnt good, in long, it sucked greatly. the drunk managed to touch her once, yet now again he was within her reach, where she didnt want him. With a chirp of either startlement or anger she smacked the man hard in the face as he reached for her left breast. Man these drunks were rather addicted to certain things when well past soused out of their minds.

That'd do it. The man stood up and within a flash had appeared behind the man who copped a feel on the poor girl. He grabbed the man by the collar and pulled hard, the shock making the man's han open, leaving her dress intact as he was thrown head over ass straight into the ground. The force of his landing killed the man. The mysterious helper straightened and drew what appeared to be an officer's sabre, which he used to quickly dispatch the other drunks in a flurry of swipes, two of them running away claiming that "Kalda had killed our friends!"

The man flicked his sword out, the pristine metal shimmering brightly in the light as the blood was flung off and he sheathed it. He turned to face Xeir Zith, and offered her his hand to shake. "I do hope you are alright? Even when drunk, I say one shouldn't grope a lady unless they have express permission." he said. Perhaps not the best greeting, but he was a sailor, based off of his attire of a black and silver uniform, the rank of Captain embroidered along the sleeves with the proper number of bars.

"Kaldakava, Captain of the Silver Eagle. A pleasure to meet you." he said, after having taken her hand and kissing the back of it gently.

She took his hand, the foce of the drunks ganging up on her, and her startlement at the first one to touch her copping a feel had broken her stance and sent to her to the ground when the drunk was pulled off her by the new comer. with the weight of the dfrunk off her her own weight kicked in and flung her to the ground as she watched the new arrival fight off the band of drunks. Was this the man the others spoke of in the tavern ?

When he held out his hand to shake, rather then shake it Xeir Zith gripped it and pulled herself to her feet. Saying simply with a soft yet shy smile "Thanks" She kicked up her sword, the blade fading away as she set the hilt to her belt next to its twin. She stared, yep, this was him alright, he had come to her rescue ?! Of all the people to meet! iDiamond is gonna want to know this guy too!/i Xeir thought before saying "Xeir Zith, student of Jarisai here in Voi" meaning her Uncle Jarius' massive school for training she and Diamond were in the last four hundred years, she smiled however, her shyness fading as he kissed the back of her hand.

The Silver Eagle... that was a Wind class vessel wasnt it ? an airship like most Dragons used in their navies ? Wait didnt her uncle have a few airships in the Wind class line ? Did Kaldakava work for her uncle Jarius ?

Kalda paused at the name of the school before nodding. "Yes...I know that place; where I leanred everything I could before leaving." he said calmly before he smoothed out a wrinkle in his uniform. "How is old man Jarius? Haven't seen him in...oh I dunno quite a while. Couple centuries." he shrugged. There was no marker for a navy on his uniform; at least, not an obvious one. Kalda was sort of a one-man show, minus his crew of course.

"Anyway; did you just eat? If not, would you care to join me for lunch? I'd love sharing my table with one as fair as you." he said, offering his arm while turning towards the transport array seal on the ground in front of him.

Xeir Zith nodded at mention of her uncle, looking quite confused however she said. "Odd, Uncle never mentioned you were one of his students" Jarious was her uncle, with Light as her mother directly, she couldnt see what navy Kalda belonged to so it made her wonder briefly who he wiorked with and for, she hoped her mother. he had a bearing like her mother had, a strong sense of honor, the fact he defended her against a dozen drunks told her that much.

It also told her she could trust him with her life as well, so when he offered to share his table with her she smiled and took his hand, with a nod she accepted his offer, two seconds later they were back at his table in a rather nice eating place she had never been to before.

He smiled and sat after pulling out her chair for her. A gentleman! He handed her a menu, having ordered before he assisted her, and then flagged down a waiter. "Your finest Draconian Wine if you have any." he said, holding up two fingers for two glasses. He smiled and looked back to Xeir Zith. "So; you're training under the old man, eh? What's he like? I'll bet he hasn't changed in the last few centuries. I should pay him a visit soon!" he smiled, a chipped canine coming into view, a scar from a previous battle.

"I have only been with Uncle for four hundred years now. At first he didnt want us there. But, after he left when we arrived he came back insisting on teaching us personally." Xeir Zith said going over a menu, written in a mix of arabic and afrikans Xeir Zith ordered for herself some spitroast with some lamb. "I think it had to do with what Mother told him. he seemed gloomy, unsmiling when we arrived, but a week passed and he was all smiles since then." The only people that knew of the truth of the stinkbomb in their home so long ago was Jarius, light, Diamond, Xeir Zith and Tu Wing, who had taken the blame for it all.

"So like I said" Xeir continued as their glasses were brought out and the wine poured. "We've been learning from Uncle directly for the past four centuries. When we hadnt seen him in a hundred years, Mother sent us to him. With a crystal for him too. Since then we've stayed in Voi to learn all we can." She said "we' who was the other she spoke of ? Someone as pretty as her ?

'Dask? Wer Mitne?' he thought; knowing that she could be the only that Xeir Zith was referring to by saying Mother with such...emphasis. His expression however remained unchanged an he smiled and nodded along with her words. After a few minutes, their food and wine was brought to them and served.

"Now..." he started, between bites. "When you say "we", who else are you talking about? Also...who is your Mother? If you don't mind my asking that is." he said, his tone polite and curious, but also with an edge to it that was extremely hard to decipher. If his hunch was correct and she was the Light's Daughter, he'd need to be careful...oh but she was so beautiful! He blinked that thought away for now. He hardly knew the girl.

"My sister, Diamond." Xeir Zith replied to the question of We, who she meant and who she had come there to Voi with four hundred years ago. Then again the bloodline wasnt exactly esablished, for all Xeir Zith knew they called each other sisters and grew up together, might as well be nestmates or sisters in the same hatching. Maybe ? She thought it made sense. As her meal arrived she was thoughtful before replying to his next question.

He had asked her her who mother was. which meant she had to be careful, she could tell Kalda was a Silver, the way he handled himself and how he acted around her showed strong honor and a good heart. "You mean you do not know Mother ? I thought all knew her ? Or of her ?" Yep that did it, just her question of him not knowing her mother, Light, was enough to prove she was indeed Lights daughter by blood. In truth she was Lights daughter, and for good reason, since Light herself couldnt do certain things, Xeir Zith and Diamond could act in her stead.

"Mother sent Diamond and I to Uncle in order to learn to survive, its been four hundred years and I feel as if I have learned only so much if that." Xeir mused as she ate her meal, the lamb was perfectly cooked, just how she liked it. "I want to thank you again for the help you gave me moments ago. Had you not shown up when you did..." She trailed off, and her eating slowed a bit, but she refocused pretty quickly and tried to think of another subject so she asked "Isnt the Silver Eagle a Wind Class vessel ?"

"Zyak si jahus harkt..." he spoke in Draconian, meaning "So I was right..." He leaned back in his chair a bit while chewing a piece of meat and then sighed before swallowing. "I just so happen to be employed directly under Her. She herself gave me my ship and crew, and my orders; to simply patrol the planet and rid it of darkness by any means necessary." he said calmly.

"I am sorry, I needed to make sure you were certain of your own origins before I gave you mine. Never can be too careful in my line of work." he said. It was after that that the two finished their lunch, continued talking, and then got up to leave, Kalda having the manager put the bill on his tab which he'd pay later. He hooked his arm around hers, or let her do the same, whichever came first and he then offered her the lead. "Come, let's go see the old man, shall we? You'd know where he is during this time of day if he's training you personally." he smiled.

"You are Mothers Champion ?" Xeir asked out of the blue after they had eaten and began to walk to where Jarius had his massive compound; she had been quiet for the most part, not expecting Kalda to be employed directly by her Mother. She hadnt seen her mother in four hundred years as it was.

As they neared the Jarisai School grounds Xeir Zith started walking a bit slower, unsure of how her uncle or even her sister would react to Kalda being so close to her when she only just met the guy. it felt weird like they had a connection, was it Mothers doing ? She didnt have to worry. As they neared the main gate a zervant, a young brass armored male, directed them to the office where Jarius kept his private study overlooking a large lake.

As they arrived jarius noticed them and stepped out into the porch, the open air gazebo like structure allowed the many dragons that roosted there to do their duties as needed without troublesome walls. Jarius however had a neat little office with a single wall and five pillars. Stepping into view he smiled, seeing Xeir Zith after hearing what happened due to rumors floating in Voi after what Kalda had done. "I was starting to wonder if you were safe dear child. Mother wuold have hated me again if I had brought her news of your untimely passing." Jarius said

"It is alright Uncle, Kalda saved me. He's a gentleman, employed by Mother too. have you see Diamond ?" Jarius nodded at Xeir Ziths question and directed her to the main house. His attention then turned on Kalda as Xeir Zith left the two.

"So the Student finally becomes a Captain in Mothers employ ?" Jarius said, a smile upon his face as he stepped up to Kalda and gave him a hug. "It is good to see you again after so long, Kalda, Oh whats is this; new scarring ?" The last time he'd seen Kalda, that scar wasnt there. Jarius hadnt seen Kalda in almost a milenniena, and in that time, his school had grown, and Kalda had become a Captain of a Wind class airship in Lights employ.

Kalda shrugged. "I wouldn't use the term Champion...but...yes. I am." he said calmly. Kalda nodded to some of the guards, old friends apparently from when he used to attend the school. Upon seeing Jarius, he first saluted him the way he saluted the Light; with a closed fist over the heart before returning the hug with a chuckle.

"Indeed I do. She's granted me a Wind Class ship; though with all the modifications I've thrown into it, it should be a Typhoon Class...might want to ask Mother if I can call it that." He joked. He'd added another turret to his ship, and made the appropriate measurement adjustments as well as engine mods to help carry the added weight, which allowed for more armor to be added as well.

He gestured to the scarring on his face and to his chipped Canine tooth. "Courtesy of our dearest undead friend. One Wolf Queen if I recall from my sealing of her body and soul about...hmm, half a century ago?" he smiled and chuckled. "Come now, let's catch up! It's been too long." his attention snatched by his old friend and mentor it seemed.

Jarius smiled and called for some wine, taking Kalda by the shoulder he lead his old friend and student back into the open air study to a gazebo on the edge of the lake. Once seated at the table Jarius spoke. "When nine hundred years you reach in wondering of when you will see a friend you miss the most, let me know how it feels so I can compare it." What was a nine hundred year wait to see an old friend ? He'd been banished from his Mothers place for a hundred years, direct from Lights court, then his nieces show up a hundred years later for them to learn under him, and then also a summons to the Court, full reinstatement, appasrently Light had been told by Xeir Zith and Diamond of who really set off the stinkbomb at the time.

Jarius waved a hand though at the mere thought of memories "that does not matter now, the Necromancer may be dead, but she is still very much alive, now thanks to your work, sealed away. Mother mentioned a Kingdom to the North, but also mentioned another enemy. Someone her daughters are training to face. I can only teach so much. but they show promise." Jarius got serious then.

"What happened in town today ? Voi is abuz with word of your arrival and the death of seven drunks." Apparently the surviving drunks were only coherent to tell the words that a guy named Kalda had killed seven of their fellows when they were at a drinking party that evolved into a brief fight. None of the men mentioned Xeir Zith or the reason behind the fight, they were too scared to do so. the wine arrived on a tray with two glasses, Jarius poured two glasses and held the first to Kalda to take before picking up the second one for himself.

Xeir Zith never heard their words as she left them she went right to the main house of the massive complex owned by her uncle, the Estate was huge. "Diamond! I'm back where are you ?!" Xeir called out as she neared their wing of the massive two floor house. Jarius added onto the house almost weekly, construction rarely stopped, as it was the sounds of hammers using energy of some form were working away on a nearby wing being built, alreadt the house was basically the shape and style of a snowflake with nine points, four main points aiming the four corners of a compass, the other points either off those fouror the core of the house, theonly part of it three stories tall.

"In here" Came the call from Diamond, who stepped from their bedroom with her twin swords in hand, she was trying to figure out something concerning the blades with their Piece of Eden from their mother but couldnt get it to work "What is it Sis ? You look lovestruck"

"Me ? Lovestruck, I dont know what you mean!" Xeir lied, it was sadly true, she felt something for Kaldakava, she barely met the guy and she fell head over heels for him. Literally thanks to those drunks

"Dont lie sis, it isnt your best skill" Diamond smirked putting her twin hilts on her hips as the blades faded into golden lines of light before fading into their hilts. "I heard a certain Silver is in town, did you mneet him yet ?"

"You mean Captain Kaldakava ?" Xeir asked, Diamond nodded, Xeir just nodded to her sisters mention of not lying, "Yeah I met him; he actually saved me from a bunch of drunks in town"

"So the rumors are true then ? Kalda killed a few drunks and the others went off gibbering nonsense about it ?" Diamond asked, Xeir nodded and took her hand "Come on sis I want to introduce you to him! He's Mother's Champion too!" It was those words and the taking of her hands by her sister that Diamond wassuddenly qwuite interested in this Champion of their Mother!

"He's mothers Champion ?" Diamond stared at her sister, at Xeir's nod Diamond smiled "then what are we waiting for, lets go!" the two of them took off to where Jarius and Kalda were speaking of memories.

As their arrived their attention was taken by the holographic model Jarius had created on the stone table, it showed Voi and various areas of strange activity, it even showed apparently, Diamond and Xeir Ziths first inital arrival as well, which oddly was one week iafter/i Kaldakava had left for his summons at Light's court concerning his comission as Her Champion

Kalda's attention howerver was drawn to Diamond as the two women arrived, both Silver Dragons wereslightly breathless, but xeir was fast and said the introductions. "Captain Kalda, I'd like you to meet my sister, Diamond." As Diamond smiled andreached her hand for Kalda to gently kiss in greeting Time seemed to slow as silver and white light overtook them all.

1.1 million years ago

100 Days before a massive fight that lasts one thousand years

Kingdom of Arendelle

Port District

Dawn

Before records of Arendelle was kept, every seventh day was a day of rest, regardless of where in the rest of the world it fell upon, most of the time people would answer when asked "Its tuesday" when what day it was, or "Rest Day" if nobody was working, Sometimes it fell upon a thursday, or monday. But mostly it fell on a Tuesday. This particular tuesday however had a few things of note happening, for one, two interesting ladies had paid the country a visit, For another, their Queen at the time, Queen Arenel the Third, otherwise known as Queen Arenel the Wise, had just named a new district, making the Arko District offical. Bringing the current at the time, total of Districts to thirty one with the split also of the Port and Docks districts.

It was at the port when the two ladies arrived. There were thankfully no surprises on the way, unlike in Voi the last thousand years. They had just finished their training under their uncle and were told to take their time in heading North to a kingdom called Arendelle upon leaving Jarius' Voi estate. Sure it took six hundred years, the last two hundred of which with Xeir lovestruck as Diamond called it, it was sadly true yet Xeir Zith never denied the words of her sister.

However it was as they got off the airship when Xeir noticed what her sister carried in her hand, an orante golden staff overcarved with draconical writing and designs along with ancient Kudzul writing. Seeing the Staff of Eden her sister carried Xeir held up a hand and the two stopped in the street, the massive port around them bustled crazily with activity, pointing to the staff Xeir said softly, yet tersely "Why did you bring that here ?! Uncle said the horrors lurking under and around this kingdom are after Pieces!"

"Will you relax, Sis ?" Diamond replied just as tersely and quiet. "Mother shipped it to us in Voi and said me to hide it somewhere on our trip north, No place on the route felt right to hide it"

"So why bring it here ?" Replied Xeir as the two went over to a side street still bustling with activity. "This is the least safest place to hide such an artefact as it is!"

"So ? The closer it is to danger, the further it is from harm!" Diamond replied.

"Where did you learn that ?" Xeira asked in an awed voice

"On a gate back in Voi. You wouldnt believe the stuff so easy to steal there though, but with so many people around, stealing anything in Voi wont really work out" Diamond explained.

"Ah... so why didnt you leave it there ?" Xeir asked as the two started walking again downthe lane filled with people moving about, selling wares, buying things, making things, hell the ports were full of activity and jammed with people, but it had the feeling of a proper kingdom, and amazingly, unlike Voi, it felt cooler, more temperate.

"If I left it there it might have gotten tossed out or destroyed, I couldnt let that happen." Diamond replied, "Besides, I can encode it to work with a certain family line or the like in the place I hide it, for others it wont appear or even work or just be a normal staff without any markings, but for those I encode it to before hiding it..."

"It would look as it does... makes sense. Maybe" Xeir replied, she was looking about every few steps or so as they walked

"So why here ?" Diamond finally asked after a moment.

"Kalda said he'd meet us here, didnt say why, just said 'kingdom to the north known as Arendelle' dunno why like I said." Xeir said, there was something of worry in her voice as she spoke.

"Yep, thought so," Diamond snickered as the two moved through athrong of people

"Thought so ?" Xeir asked

"You're in love silly" Diamond replied, Xeir just smiled. After about twenty minutes the two found a tavern called the Mended Trumpet and sat down at table to eat. Out of the blue afew minutes later, Diamond said. "I know its been two hundred years, but... How did you meet Kalda again ?"

"He rescued me from a buncha drunks... wh... wait a minute sis, dont think I'm gonna go as bait this time!" Xeir said giving Diamond a look

"I wasnt gonna say a thing other then two dozen drunks are looking at us both..." Diamond said calmly as she drank some wine. Her silver scales glittered on her neck and upper arms through her sleeves, the diamond that gave her her name seemed to glitter bright in the midmorning light. Xeir grumbled, wonderful, barely in the kingdom half an hour and already some drunk was gonna try to cop a feel. "Kinda reminds me of our arrival at Voi..." Xeir snickered at the memory, yeah, they did kinda ruin a tavern at the time...

Suddenly a voice piped up from behind the bar; the bartender, a stout, albiet tall man with a badly worn beard and face spoke loudly to the drunks eyeing the girls. "Oi! The only flirting that happens in my bar is done by me, understand!?" he growled out. There was an innate darkness about him, a sort of aura that screamed Death and Suffering, but he was just a drunken bartender...strange.

Soon after that, the door opened and there were cheers of greeting as Kalda walked in and socked a man square in the jaw as he ran towards him to embrace him in a hug. "Get offa me you turds. Got me some ladies to see..." the Silver grumbled before his glowing eyes landed on Xeir and Diamond, and his expression softened a bit as he walked over to them. He looked a bit different this time; in stead of a captains uniform he wore something more robe-like, regal and elegant, but in his rush to get ready to meet the girls here, he'd forgotten his captains hat, which was the only reason anyone in the bar recognized him.

"Shit...overdressed again." he said calmly as his robes faded away and became something more cloak like with a lowered hood; his cap still upon his head befor he out of habit took it off and hung it on the back of his chair as he pulled it out to sit with Diamond and Xeir. "Ladies." he bowed his head in greeting. The bartender came over, his aura sickeningly dark, but all he did was pat Kalda on the shoulder with a hearty smile and set a mug of ale down on the table, taking a swig from it first.

"Long time no see, Kalda. How long's it been? Couple centuries I think?"

"Two, Brutus. What are you up to?"

"Oh, the usual thing, the usual thing. Being a disappointment to dear old dad."

"Quite...now if you'll excuse me." Kalda's head nodded to the ladies, and Brutus dragged his coal-like red eyes to Xeir and Diamond. They flashed red for a bit before he averted his eyes and blinked, covering his face a bit with his hand, as if in pain.

"Go ahead." he said, returning to the bar.

"Now then, where were we?" Kalda turned his head back to the girls after Brutus skulked away, mumbling to himself in Draconian, which explained the dark aura's strength and the glow of his eyes.

"About to be attacked by two dozen drunks until you showed up" said Diamond in greeting to Kalda however when the drunken barkeeper brought the beer for Kalda Diamond's hand went to her nose to cover it, ioth shit he reeked of beer! However as the barkeep, now introduced, well not formally, as Brutus, Diamond continued "Hello Captain. I see you made it in time this time, Ow hey!" Diamond chirped as Xeir kicked her under the table; her eyes locked on Kalda.

"I was hoping we'd see you at the Port, but you werent there, not even your ship ?" Where was his ship anyhow ? The only word from Home was that Kalda had been sent on a mission and not to take his ship, was this part of that mission ? "When did you get here ?"

Diamond spoke up around a leg of lamb, "We just arrived ourselves. about thirty minutes ago too, was thinking it might be a repeat performance of our arrival at Voi." Xeir again snickered at the memory of that massive fight. they had no money and their uncles men were about to teach them a lesson when the pair had fought them off, asa result the tavern gave them free food and drink whenever they arrived.

The door opened as Brutus went back to the bar. Seeing who entered, a young girl, and a young boy who looked exactly like the girl aside from eye color were all but tossed inside the tavern before two people stepped in, a man and woman. Brutus, though hammered clear out of his mind whatsoever. took a very long drink of his next beer before waving a 'hi' to his sister and brother. And then sobered up instantly at sight of dear old Dad and Momma coming through the door. Of course he sobered up and instantly started choking madly which prompted his sister to do the Hiemlich on him, he spat part of the glass he'd been drinking from, he bit it off when his parents entered. The piece went sailing and bounced off the Staff of Eden that Diamond carried and was currently next to her at table with a loud DING

Kalda glanced to the staff as soon as he heard the back door open, and he growled quietly. "Houpe coi" he whispered quickly in Draconian. "Hide It." He didn't care where Diamond hid it, he wanted it out of sight. He reached for his mug and took a drink. "Why was it not hidden earlier? You bknow/b people are looking for it!" he hissed in a whisper before clearing his throat. Time to think of something casual to talk about as to not appear suspicious.

Diamond nodded, before her sister could say one word she had grabbed up her last lamb leg, as well as the staff and fell off her seat backwards into a silver and white transport pattern on the floor, swiftly disappearing to places unknown.

The rest of the bar was unawares of what was going on, and Kalda would have to answer Diamond's questions later. He changed his outfit again back to his captain's uniform to blend in as an officer in the bar for R&R, not as someone suspicious in a cloak.

"Brutus, sia joork di bekir... chevips, Si tepohada charis ihk wux. Svaklar ui coi?" Brutus' father spoke. "Brutus, my waste of energy... pity, I had hope for you. Where is it?"

"I-I...I don't know what you speak of, Father." Brutus gulped down his fear and stood to face his father like the young Dragon he was, and not like a coward.

Draco stepped forward and Tendrils of Shadow grabbed Brutus's arms and legs before Draco's clawed hand slipped around his son's throat. "Do not toy with me, child. I know it is here, I sense it's power. Where. Is. It?"

"I don't even know what it is..." Brutus squelched out softly. "What makes you think you know any better, or how to use it?"

Draco tossed his son to the side into a wall with a snarl. This caused a hush to fall upon the bar as they heard the crash and breaking of liquer barrels. Angry protest spouted forth. Draco crouched before his son and stared him in the eye hard. "Watch your tone, bidrot/i/b. Speak to me like that again and I'll end your disappointing existance here and now. Speak to your mother like that, and you'll face a worse fate. kampiun?" he growled. "Understand?"

Brutus' lip twitched as blood dripped from it. He showed no pain, however; either due to the lesson he'd been taught by his father, Draco, long before, or due to the alcohol inherent in his system. He didn't keep his father waiting for an answer, though, and nodded before lowing his head and eyes; submitting, basically, to his father's authority. He lifted a weak hand, and pointed towards the bar, telling Draco all he needed to know.

Draco stood and let out a growling huff. Brutus' brother and sister nodded and stepped back before tending to Brutus as Draco walked into the bar, and then ithrough/i the countertop before stopping. "Someone brought a staff into this establishment. It does not belong to them; and I have come to claim it."

Quickly Kalda spoke up. "Yer the one who broke the fekkin' beer barrels!"

Outrage personified quickly formed in the bar as the angered drunks went to work yelling and distracting the Lord of Shadows.

"Quick let's get the hell out of here." Kalda as they all rushed the Dragon of Shadows and his queen, who stood a few steps behind him. Kalda got up and went with the crowd before slipping out the front door and whistling sharply. A rope ladder fell down from the sky and Kalda turned, gesturing up the ladder to Xeir and Diamond. "Get up get up getupgetup if you want to live!" he growled quickly, stammering over his words before grabbing the rope and putting one foot on a rung and whistling again. The rope would then be raised up above the clouds in a matter of seconds, something only Dragons and a scant few other creatures could survive, and there she was: The Silver Eagle, well, she was above them, but she was quiet as a butterfly.

Kalda laughed. "Home sweet home!"

By the time Draco stepped from behind the bar Diamond had returned as if she had never left. She held up a hand and softly said to her sister "Not one word" a moment further and all hell broke loose in the tavern when Kalda instigated a fight. the woman she stared at, where had she seen her before ? Why did she look so familar ? It didnt matter, they had to bug out and fast. And there was noway they could transport out either as they'd never been there before and Diamond only transported out to the safest place she could think of. They had to hoof it.

As the fracas began Xeir stayed with Kalda as Diamond grabbed up their remaining meals portions, three legs of lamb, no use letting it go to waste! After all Lamb was Diamonds favorite food! Dashing outside a leg of lamb in both hands, and one in her mouth and more then a few in her beautiful white belt, Diamond dashed after Kalda as a ropeladder out of nowhere nearly nailed her in the face. Xeir scampered up it like a shot, never using her feet while Kalda grabbed the bottom rung Diamond jumped lightly and grabbed just above Kalda; thankfully the Silver was a gentledragon and knew his manners and never dared or tried to look up either girls dress robes.

Once aboard the Silver Eagle Diamond went to find the galley to set the food down she had still and amazingly never dropped whereas Xeir Zith was struck at the beauty of the world off the side of the vessel, and towards the prow of it too. Above the clouds, away from the bustle of the cities. For long moments Xeir just stared out at the sun above and the clouds stretching towards the mountains, there was something of the mountain not far to their north that perked her interest, it was gorgeous. "Its beautiful"

"It sure is" Diamond said once more munching on a leg of lamb as she returned to the main deck. She turned to Kalda, confused she asked him "I thought Mother's mission for you said no ship ?" It actually was the fact that his target was already in the open, the guy that destroyed the beer in the tavern down below. it didnt matter then though as Diamond waved off an answer concerning the mission and said to the unasked question. "The staff is safe. I encoded it to a nice family too; they set it up to look like something a traveler across the world uses. Infact I forgot where they live too." Needless to say the family that had it, their home was to become an Assassin's Den soon. Which then let the Staff of Eden just stay in storage safely

She took another bite of the leg of lamb and then said "Oh and aparently Mother wants to talk to you" It was sadly directed to Xeir.

"What for ?" Xeir asked

"That's between you and Momma" Diamond replied as she went to take a seat and finish eating. Her scales glittered as the light wind moved through her hair, the diamond scale seemed to glow with an inner power of pure beauty. Xeir shrugged and went to find where Light was hiding aboard the ship.

Kalda made his way to the bridge, which was on the same route as the mess-hall. "She says many things; as her champion, I still have a little bit of wiggle room as to what that means." he said simply, but respectfully, in regards to the "No Ship" rule. "Besides; I'd never go into a place this dangerous without her, the Silver Eagle's guns can put a hole clean through the body of an earth Dragon whose scales are pure crystal. No one who fights with my ship leaves in one piece." he boasted before heading over to the bridge. It was there he recieved the message from Light; he then relayed that to Diamond, who relayed it to Xeir.

He stood with his hands behind his back as he called for a status report on the ship. All systems green. "Good... and you confirm that the target is still in the pub?"

"Aye, sir."

"Tilt the ship... get me a firing solution with all twelve guns."

"All twelve, Sir ?" Twelve guns meant devesation down below.

"Our target is much older, much more powerful, than any of us could ever dream to be... give me all twelve. High Explosive Armor Piercing rounds. Now."

"Aye Sir... bringing her around."

The Silver Eagle then began to list to the left as her turrets turned slowly, the modified 500mm guns larger than any other ship in the world at the moment, or ever in history. Artificial gravity kicked in to keep everyone on their feet and to keep food from flying everywhere. "Targeting Solution accquired Sir, on your mark."

Kalda narrowed his eyes and bit his bottom lip. This was too easy; especially for his target... Kethend, the Queen of Shadows. He could hit Draco, and take out both... talk about earning Light's favor. He leaned forward and grabbed along the railing of his command podium, everyone else on the ship seemed to know what was going on, and braced themselves against something.

"Full Broadside... Fire."

The twelve 500mm guns roared as flames pushed the Silver Eagle into the sky another thousand feet and she leveled out. The rounds thundered across the sky at super sonic speeds towards Kethend and Draco's position; the Arendellian's would believe that they were meteorites of iDuradaeden/i and a gift from their God, albiet at the price of anyone within fifty meters of each shell would die.

"Get us out of here now, I want no traces that we were there, open a line to Mother once we're out of detection range of Arendelle, and someone give the gun loaders each an ale."

"Aye Sir!" with that the Silver Eagle quietly arced across the sky, heading even further North to the North pole; they'd be safe there at the skydock that Kalda had built specifically for his ship. "Docking in five hours, Sir."

"Good... once we do, establish contact with Mother... also prepare me a full report on the results of our broadside. I need to know if we did our job before I contact Mother."

"Aye Sir..."

Someone outside the bridge stopped Xeir and asked her business on the ship; upon being told that Mother was calling her, he narrowed his eyes and gestured for her to follow him to a briefing room where a slab of iDuradaeden/i sat in the middle. Light's face soon flickered upon it and she saw her daughter.

"Xeir Zith, my dear...are you alright? Did you meet up with Kalda?"

"Mother, yes. Diamond hid the staff as instructed, barely in time too." Xeir crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders a bit before speaking anew "We're aboard his ship now. I've never been on one like this before." Xeir nodded however at mentioned Kalda. "Yes, he arrived, barely in time too. It was almost going to be a repeat of Voi" Xeir saw the edges of her mothers mouth twitch into a soft smile at mere mention of their inital arrival at Voi six hundred years before.

"This place, Arendelle, its pretty here, I like it. It... it feels like home. Oddly." there was something tugging at her though, "Mother, about Kalda... I..." She couldnt finish, how on the green earth could she tell her mtoher she was in love with her Champion ? Or had Diamond already told her ?

Light's expression turned curious before turning knowing. "You hold feelings for the boy...don't you?" she smiled softly. A pulse of warmth emanated from the slate of Duradaeden before she let out a warm laugh and smiled. "Have you not heard the rumors of those who win Kalda's heart? He always takes something away from them!" she smiled, but there was a look of happiness in her eyes, her daughter had found love! How adorable.

But there was a pressing problem... "I must stress however that these are trying times...you..." she sighed "You can't really go around doing anything, not with so little time to prepare for what needs to be done."

"Mm" Xeir replied with a nod, she knew of the rumors, Kaldakava always took something important from any that won his heart, in this case he took hers! Diamond was right, she was in love. "Yes, I do hold feelings for Kaldakava, feelings I cant ignore no matter how I try." She said softly, it was clear even to her mother that even with so little time.

Finally Xeir felt what her Mother was trying to say and asked "Mother what is it ? Why is time so pressing for me ? Why Arendelle ? What importance is this place ? What do I have to prepare for ?" Little did Xeir Zith know, but her mother had birthed and raised her for a reason.

At the Tavern

At that same moment

People ran screaming, some prasing their draconic gods, others swearing or coursing the skies above as hell rained down in the form of twelve huge metors raining down upon them. However it was apparently expected as they finished dealing with the crowd within the tavern the place was pretty much wrecked anyhow. kethend looked about and did not see the man who initally started the fight, her husband had his fun but she kepot him in check, most of the place was in shambles anyhow, she nolonger felt the power of the item they sought. it had vanished completly

Seeing three people missing she spoke as the fracas died down "Where is the one that began this fight ?" Her soft voice held a tinge of cold hearted strength to it as she moved among the many injured to a undamaged table. She caught the scent of three other dragons who had sat there. Weird. other dragons, in Arendelle ? Npot possi... what the fuck was that noise ? Kethend looked outside seeing people running in all directions and pointing at the sky. Seeing what was coming she called out rapidly in Draconic "Junior, Taris, fethos! Brutus... wkae svern! Draco danthe, vi moxt letoclo..." Which was translated to "Junior, Taris, shield! Brutus... wkae up! Draco dear, a little help..." while jerking her thumb upwards, meaning Shadowshield, no questions asked!

Draco turned as the last body was dragged into the abyss by its own shadow. Brutus woke up only to flee via the shadows; having had enough family time for a few millenia. Draco, Taris, and Junior all raised their hands, Draco only raising one, and around them a sort of bubble of shadow appeared. The force of the blast made Draco grunt and raise his second hand as the shadow bubble cracked before being repaired as he raised his hand.

Everything in a 150 meter radius was gone, charred to ash, and left in a big crator. "Let's go. we're leaving before they look for survivors." he said, using the shadow bubble to transport them, and one of the shards of the iDuradaeden/i shells to their home; where after dropping the bubble, the shard that followed them fell right onto Kethend's head before falling into her hand, and immediately burning her from both the sheer heat of the round, and from the properties of the metal.

Kethend shrieked as the iDuradaeden/i made contact with first her head, then her hand as she wreched the ice cold yet hotter then hell metal from her head, taking clumps of hair with it, her hand and skin burned across her body as the metal seemed to latch onto her and trie to spread, Taris in sheer panic tried to use her shadows to keep her mother dressed and thus stop the burning but it didnt work we well as hoped, it wasnt until her brother and father rushed to help did they manage to stop the fire on their mother.

But the result was still the same, even though dressed, Kethend was horridly scarred, the properties of the metal used to burn her had once burned her before she and Draco were 'married' in the sense of living together and loving each other the way most Shadowdragons do. the last time she got burnt by the metal it took nearly a hundred years to heal from the burns to her face. But these burns were ten times that, and even more across her body as a whole. In short, it was gonna take longer to heal from the burns, in long, her life at that moment absolutely sucked.

All but crying she fell into Dracos arms, barely able to stay on her feet. her strength sapped from her from the strange mystical ice cold yet burning metal.

Draco's arms came up to caress his beloved gently as his eyes went around her body before looking upwards to the sky. Those were no meteors. Draco looked down to Kethend and picked her up in his arms. He turned to his children and let out an authoritative snarl as he began to sink into the ground through the shadows. Last time this happened to Kethend, he didn't know how to heal. He'd put her in a healing chamber to rest for a while, but ultimately wouldn't be able to do much to keep her there if she didn't want to stay.

And knowing his wife, she wouldn't stay long.

She, like he would, want revenge, and soon.

At the crater edge

At that same moment

The ruins of the old Zer district smoked with heat and motel rock. the iDuradaeden/i. rounds hasd exploded as expected, burning and blasting apart everything within a hundred and fifty meters of the center of each shell. Nothing was still standing that wasnt burning, or burnt. the crater itself went at least the same depth of a hundred and fifty meters. Steam rose from the very bottom of each shell impact spot as water struggled to froth from under the burning and melted rock. the young Silver Kobold, a young thing named Asaca with bright green eyes raised her hand. the heat of the metal cooled rapidly as water and salt mixed, steam rose and the water frothed madly as the crators became small ponds as if nothing was amiss.

Using her magic Asaca also rebuilt the damaged homes and businesses along the edge of the ponds and even built fences and benches around each pond. even small beaches, the water was going to remain odfdly warm for a few centeries for certain. Satisfied that nothing was amiss Asaca began writing on a crystal the report as requested, quickly disappearing into a crowd of people who had witnessed the fire from the sky she quickly disappeared and soon flew away from the kingdom of Arendelle, taking swiftly to the sky

About four hours later she landed and shifted to her human form aboard the Silver Eagle. She had with her a full report, the damage was done and yet the result was beauty in its place. "As expected Captain, nothing survived the Eagle's wrath." Asaca said softly with a bow she presented her captain with the crystal, "The report as requested, I could find no trace of our target before using my magic to make the ruins and burnt crators appear as simple ponds and fountains."

Diamond however arrived in the bridge, not far from where her sister spoke with their Mother in a sealed room, clearly confused Diamond asked out of the blue "Did the ship just fart ?" the question made Asaca smile slightly that was one way of putting it.

Kalda was in his office just next to the bridge. He was writing away in a journal before he looked up as Asaca came in. He stood and saluted her a bit before taking the crystal, smiling. "Thank you, Asaca, you've done well...You deserve a juicy steak for dinner tonight...all of the crew do. Give this to the chefs in the mess." He said, writing down the orders that everyone aboard was to be given a large steak for dinner that night cooked to perfection. He handed her the order and smiled, nodding to quell her happy, astonished look. Kalda treated his crew very well, and as a result, they performed better than he was told they would by Light. He also drilled them constantly, which helped immensely under tense circumstances.

He entered the bridge shortly before Diamond did and chuckled at her comment. "No, Diamond. We fired a full broadside with our guns at my target. Sure sounds that way now that you mention it though. I hope you and your sister are haveing a good time on the ship so far?" He asked as he pocketed the crystal with the report. He'd read it in a bit when he had more time.

"So far so good" Diamond replied as she grabbed a chair, her face wrinkled however when she took a bite of the lamb leg she had, "too much salt, I thought I told the guy at the tavern no salt!" Diamond loved lamb, it was basically the only thing she really hunted and flew off with when she flew about as a Dragon. She went quiet however as Xeir stepped from the more secured room after speaking with their mother. "So, how'd it go ?"

"Not as good as hoped" Came the soft reply.

"So Mom said no love ?" Diamond asked, Xeir gave her a look, Diamond quickly rephrased her question. "What exactly did Mother say in regards to the good Captain over here ?"

"Time is short. We might not be able to.. well. have a wedding." Xeir replied

"I told ya, but noo you didnt listen to your sister. 'no we'll wait until training under uncle is finished then get married' Now Mother says there's not enough time ? Told ya!" Diamond had no smugness whatsoever in her tone or expression, but it was clear she was right as Xeir took a seat at the edge of the table, how to do this right. how to join with Kalda before time ran out. It was a intense mission her mother had for her, and being one with Kalda meant she had to rush one thing or the other, or make one thing that was important to her have to wait however long. Xeir raked a hand through her hair and took a bite of the offered leg of goat offered to her by her sister. "not enough sauce" She mumbled, it made Diamond snicker that mention, at least there wasnt any salt on the goat legs...

Kalda for most of their conversation was distracted by another report from a bridge officer. As he was finished, heard something about time, and blinked, turning to the pair before speaking. "What's this about time?" he asked, adjusting his hat on his head a bit before looking to Xeir. He had to admit she was beautiful; while he himself couldn't see his entire life with her just yet; he certainly wouldn't mind it. He loved her, yes, but wasn't head over heels in love; his mission was too far forward in his mind in terms of priorities.

He narrowed his eyes however, taking in her beauty admirably. He did feel something for her, he couldn't deny that. But not enough to conflict his need to do his mission first. Dragons lived for a long time; they'd have time later for anything.

It was true, Dragons lived a very long time, Xeir and kalda were proof of that, Heck kethend and Draco were proof of it, even Light was proof if not difinitive proof of that fact. Dragons lived a long time yes, but not forever. And there was not telling how long they had before something happened to drive them apart. When kalda asked xeir said simply "Mother fears time may be too pressing for me to focus on other matters. As in, us." Diamond just took a bite of her leg of lamb and grumbled about too much salt again.

Xeir sighed. "Mother mentioned a mission, but she wouldnt explain, she said I'd find out that information on my own. But. She did say that if your mission were a success you could claim the proper reward." Xeir meant herself, she had told her mother she was in love, and Light knew it, it was not easy to deny love its proper path. So Light made a easy simple deal with her daughter, where Kaldas mission to eliminate kethend the Shadow Queen a success, they could get married.

So that meant they had to send the report to Light right away! Xeir was oddly excited. Hopeful even at the mere thought of a wedding to Kalda. her Mothers Champion.

Kalda raised an eyebrow. "Us? So...you feel that way..." he pondered for a second. "I...will need to mull that over, Xeir...I hope you don't mind too much." he said calmly as he looked off to the side, his hand went into his pocket and he revealed the crystal that was the report. He'd need to deliver it to the Light personally. That'd take a few days to head to her Temple in Africa's Lake Victoria.

"Helmsman, once we're in the clear, head for Lake Victoria. Mother needs her report." he said, and then he added before turning away, tightening his grasp. "And push the engines to full. I want to be there quickly."

"Aye Captain. ETA till departure, two hours."

Kalda nodded and turned, putting a gentle hand on Xeir's shoulder before moving it to her cheek and rubbing his thumb against it briefly before he turned away and returned to his quarters for a much needed sleep.

Two hours meant enough time to rest, Xeir felt her heart hammer at Kalda's gentle touch as she watched him go to his cabin to get some rest while the ship was going to move very fast. their mission was to return home, she missed it greatly. And yet somehow she felt as if she had to remain in Arendelle as well. the place was beautiful, possibly more beautiful then her massive temple home at Lake Victoria.

Diamond said nothing however seeing her sisters reaction she stood up though at the knock at the bridge door. Upon opening it a kobold stood there and handed her a crystal. OK... what was she supposed to do with that ? She looked to her sister. 'what do I do' written all over her face, Xeir didnt know and simply just shrugged her shoulders. Crystals were common forms of information keeping.

Two hours later and they were on their way to see their mother. But it was a good four day flight at this stage, From the North Dock, known as The Dock of Light, to the Temple of Light where Xeir and Diamond grew up, made about as much sense as most other things did. Diamond however activated the crystals holographic connection and saw what was inside, blueprints, for an airship ? Wait no, a landgoing ship, or seagoing, whatever, it confused the Dragon, landgoing, seagouing, there was a difference ? It didnt matter.

It was the name that stood out to Diamond, hopefully Kalda knew the person, a woman named Yaeko Wolfe.

1.1 million years ago

90 days after Metor strike on Arendelle

10 days before Xeir Zith vs Draco

Reykjavik, Iceland

Ancient Precoursor Fortress

Dusk

plink...plop...plink...plop...

Melted water and ice dripped to the floor of the ancient fortress, the place was a six leveled complex of many rooms, hallways, it was a maze. It was here the shadows lured him and his crew. With the ship far above, Kalda ventured, alone, into the vast fortress, not knowing what to expect he kept himself ready. Water in many areas had flooded rooms with ice cold deadly water. Overhead shadows danced as a single creature watched his every move. Waiting until the right moment as Kalda ventured deeper and deeper into the vast fortress.

The burns of the strange metal had finally stopped, leaving her scarred, third andf fourth dfegree burns covered her from head to foot, and burnt most of her hair off to the point she was partly bald. But the Silver that tried to kill her, the silver that burnt her, was finally walking into her carefully laid trap

Now to spring it.

When Kalda entered what had once been a massive court or throne room the doors behind slammed shut and a sultry voice rang out "Miss me ?" Where did the voice come from ?

As soon as he heard the voice Kalda spun into a battle stance and in a flash his armor and swords apeared on his body and in his hands. Made of pure Duradaeden his body was encased in armor identical to the armor of his reincarnation, Mark Wolfe, minus the claws, which were his own physical claws. The swords were part of a set, and could be wielded in one hand, one of them would be passed down to wind up in Mark's possession. The only thing different than Mark's armor was the addition of a full helmet to resemble a greek Spartan helmet, but more Draconian in design as well with scales and spikes running down the crest of the helmet.

He narrowed his eyes and lowered his stance, both swords pointing at Kethend. "Would seem like I did, didn't it ?" he replied in a mocking tone. "Looking lovely as always, by the way." he added with a confident smirk. Despite the age and power gap between them; he was confident he could easilly beat her in one on one combat in her current condition.

An addition to his wardrobe was now made clear as it glowed; a Duradaeden ring on his left ring finger. He'd agreed to marry Xeir, and before he left, was able to see their egg; a singular, pure egg. It was beautiful; and so would the child born from it. He pushed that thought from his mind and gritted his teeth.

How in Light's glory was Kethend still alive? He fired a full broadside!

Kethend stepped into view, dispite being dressed in black lace and black cloth that danced with shadows, her body, normally a beautiful light tan with dark hair, was quite beutiful, but now, burns covered it. Her head was almost completely blad save for a few clumbs of thick black hair. raw burned skin glittered red in the dusty sunlight filtering through the windows and walls. "Yes... it would seem like it." Her pure hatred for this Silver before her made her want to rip him apart.

She smirked as she watched his armor appear. typical, go full defenses. But then most of her prey did just that, they all fell. She removed from her shadows a pair of gilden hilts. Black edged blades sprang from them, golden energy danced upon the blades black edges. the two swords were corupted Pieces of Eden Kethend and Draco had found, their power suited Kethend perfectly.

She held one sword in a salute towards her most hated enemy, her attempted killer. "It is time to finish what you attempted... Silver..." She said, flicking down the sword into a ready stance she darted at Kalda, swords ready.

Kalda returned the salute before resuming his stance. As she darted forward, as did he, his pure Duradaeden more than enough to stop a corrupted Sword of Eden safely without breaking. The sounds of metal clashing filled the great hall, and as Kalda's swords locked with Kethend's, he brought up a foot to kick at her knees, spikes on the ends of his boot toes aiming to maim her further and cripple her ability to walk for a while.

Shadows danced around them in the dust filled hall, the kick came, and went and yet Kethends energy, her raw hatered for the Silver she was fighting, kept her going even though there was a loud and clearly painful CRUNCH as Kaldas armored boot made contact with her right leg and knee. But her raw anger kept her going. Kept her moving. Fueling her movments. each strike came down hearder, and faster then the last.

Kalda was not expecting her to be able to take more than that, and was back peddling away from her as fast as he could, blocking and deflecting what he could, most of the strikes now landing on his armor, the screeching metal grinding against his ears. Fear began to build up inside him as he then hopped back out of range, using his silverfire breath weapon to burn her further before he landed. And he landed hard, falling to one knee before flinching and standing back up, flipping his swords into a reverse grip so he could more easily block Kethend's strikes. His eyes blazed silver as he charged forward again with a roar.

Bringing up her twin swords into a cross before her as the silverfire rained down on her, Kethend shriekd, glass broke at the sound of her voice and light filled the room from all directions, dancing on her black corrupted blades as she slashed madly, her anger and hatred fueling her movements. Each miss raked against a pillar, cutting clean through it and sending parts of the rooftop above crashing down around them. her hands dripped blood from the burns, and her hair was singed, her eyes were of blood red ringed in yellow, pure hate fueled her movements.

With a shriek of nails on a blackboard Kethend launched herself at Kalda, both swords a blur of motion as black energy coalaced at the edges and when they connected tip to tip an explosion of white hot energy shot into the sky and around them both berfore another explison of energy slamed into them, toppling pillars and windows alike.

Finally it was over. Intense fighting had ended. Kethend stood against a pillar, a sword of eden broken on the ground, crushed by a falling pillar. She looked down at her left side, A blade of Duradaeden stabbed next to her, while her eyes trailed to her own weapon. It stuck through Kalda, pointing out the Silver's back. Kethend breathed hard and let go of her sword as the energy from it was spent and it exploded in corrupted energies sending Kethend blasting through the pillar. She pulled herself to her feet, both her weapons gone... she watched to see what her mortal enemy was going to try next.

This fight was over.

Kalda's hands let go of his swords as the sword of Eden pierced through his weakened Duradaeden Armor, and came out of his back. His hands grasped at the blade as blood was coughed out of his mouth and onto the gasped hard for breath. The explosion from the sword sent him flying into another pillar, his own swords coming with him, sliding along the ground and landing next to him. They were cracked, both of them, and would need repair if they were to be used.

Kalda hurled up a mouthfull of blood and stared at Kethend, gasping for breath still as she stood. 'I should have went down there... fired another salvo... anything...' his armor disipated as the thought ran through his head and he leaned back against the column and a tear streamed down his cheek.

"Mother... I've failed you... Xeir... I'm sorry... Lizzy... I'm..." the light began to fade from his vision as tears streamed down his face and he stood, one last thing before he died. Light had already placed a spell on him to be reincarnated close to the time when Xeir would; she did that at the wedding as her wedding gift to them both. He gathered the last of her energy into his left arm, his gauntlet appearing, and forming claws of its own before returning to nothing but a ball of pure Duradaeden, molten and bubbling in his hand as he then let out a sort of pained bark, and launched the pure Duradaeden towards Kethend's body. After that, whether it hit or not, he fell to his knee and kept his arm up; bringing it to his mouth, and biting his thumb at Kethend. Even Dragons knew that insult, and as a sailor, he had better know it.

With that he fell onto his chest and let the last of his life escape his body, his eyes falling closed and his breath finally leaving his body.

It was to be expected, all Dragons had a secret at their very last breath, an attempt to take their enemy with them. the pure Duradaeden sailed at her, reforming as it did into claws without a hand. using her shadows she formed a glove of a sword, bating the strange metal away like a homerun shot out of a baseball park. She turned just in time to see the insult. Her eyes blazed yellow in hate, but she could do nothing, She moved to kick him, but shrieked as the pain finally set in and her right knee shattered into a dozen pieces. using her shadows she formed a crutch and limped away. The battle was over, she had won. She had her revenge. And no petty insult was going to rob her of it either!

Bit it was as she left someone else arrived. Someone Kethend never saw or noticed.

A gentle hand lifted Kaldakava onto his back, gently resting upon his chest where the sword of eden had struck. another hand picked up the lesser damaged sword before fading. A soft whisper on the wind. "Be at rest, recover your strength child."

A day later and Diamond finally found where she was to go. She'd followed her sisters advice, the Silver Eagle had disappeared, she couldnt dinf it so Diamond had to fly, following her nose as any Dragon did. Landing in the ruins of the old fortress she stared and swiftly transformed, scrambling to her brother in laws fallen body she checked him over, the body was freezing cold! "no, its impossible!' Diamond whimpered softly, tears stinging her eyes as she spied one of Kaldas swords nearby, she grabbed it, it felt weird in her hands. heavy almost. She set a hand on her fallen brother in laws bloddy shoulder and swiftly flew away. She had to tell Xeir what happened, what she found.

She dreaded doing it.

Arendelle

Two days later, eight days before Xeir Zith battles Draco

Wolfe District

Wolfe Manor Courtyard

Midmorning

There was about two dozen men and women training in formation, the women had two swords, the men one, they trained and moved in time with each other, one woman oversaw them all, her black hair and crest signified her rank as Matriarch of the Clan. A woman came running up to her "Matriarch!" the younger girl dropped to one knee with a fist covering the other and a brief bow, "A vistor wishes to see you, she says it is of utmost importance that you speak to her directly, she refused to speak to me of why she wishes to see you"

"A visitor ?" Yaeko replied, She thought a momnent then nodded "Very well, I will meet with her, get some rest, you look tired." The girl nodded as Yaeko left the training session and went to the gazebo at the center of the district. Light was waiting for her, but in the cloak the ancient Creator wore Yaeko didnt recognise her. "May I help you in any way ?"

Light nodded and held out a package. carefully wrapped in wax cloth. "Yes" came the quiet reply "I want you to take this sword, care for it as an heirloom of your family. Repair it if you must. You have the means to do so within your forges."

Yaeko nodded, they did have the means to make weapons of the best possible quality in all of Arendelle, but this sword. She carefully unwrapped it and saw what Light meant, the sword had cracks covering it in all directions. There was no place on it that didnt have a crack. the sword was going to have to be reforged if it was ever going to get used, but Yaeko saw clearly the kind of metal it was. "iDuradaeden/i ?" she whispered,

Light nodded "Repair this sword if you are able to do so. Keep it as an heirloom of your family, the oldest or one most skilled may use it only." Light said softly, "It belongs to a dear friend of us both. treat the blade with respect, and it will protect you and yours."

Yaeko nodded, Light took her leave.

At that same moment

Unknown location near Docks of Light

"Seal it away, preserve it. keep it with you, I dont care!" Thundered Xeir Zith's normally calm voice. Her heart was torn from her, she felt her beloved husband Kaldakava die. she'd collapsed in a crying fit for no reason two days before and her sister had gone to find out why, they never were able to find the Silver Eagle. Diamond had brought back what Xeir feared, her husbands sword. But only one of them ? Nothing of his armor ? Finally she asked simply while fighting back tears. "How did he look ?"

Diamond almost didnt want to describe it, but her sister asked, so she did. Xeir noddeed, "I could only find one sword, not both. I know he used two as Uncle spoke about his skill with two blades matched our own skill" She said.

"Like I said, I want you to keep it with you, seal it away, hide it, anything, just keep it with you. I will protect our egg, raise our daughter if I can. I may have to move it to keep it safe." Xeir said looking thoughtfully at her untarinshed silver and white egg and their unhatched infant girl within it. Both were in their dragon form. which was going to make moving the egg easier. "It cannot stay here, I'm going to move it. to keep it safe from my husbands killer." She turned to her sister "take the blade, I dont care what you do with it Diamond, I do not want it." On her left foreclaw was a Duradaeden ring. "I will keep this ring. I will never remove it." She said

Diamond nodded and gave her sister a hug before flying off, Xeir Zith watched her sister leave. then using her massive toeclaws she gently picked up her unhatched daughter and flew off to parts unkown before settling it the ancient area of the Southern Isles.