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"

38. Seqeunce 9 Memory 4

Jellicle's Creed

Frozen Memories

Seqeunce 9

Memory 4: Crystalise part 1

17 Feburary 20512

Wolfe District

Midday

"There is no Passion, there is Serenity"

- The Jedi Code

Blackmane paced in the foyer of the desired den defense drill. It wasnt every day that she could lead such a drill, mostly she lead from within a den to be defended. In this case however, she managed to secrew for the drill, another building that was to be renovated into a Courtesan outparcel. She paced within the foyer, Mark was to be there soon, and he was late, again, at least he went to bed at a reasonalbe time. When she saw him across the way down the street that the building she had picked out stood at the end of, she smiled. With a flick of her wrist, a red defense rune formed and spreading from its location formed a defense barrier across the doorway. The den defense was on!

Of course with the defense barrier active, the only way for Mark to get inside to get to Blackmane to observe the den defense drill was to find a open window from behind. Most of the time the templars were stupid and aimed for the front. This in itself was a good thing. But it left a lot of windows open only a few templars figured out how to sneak in from behind. But only a scant few learned that. Blackmane held out a hand as a grip of a recurve crossbow formed above it, the staves of the bow grew from the grip in a ghostly eatheral blue shimmering light before settling in her hand without a sound

She heard footsteps behind her, smile graced her face, she spoke aloud, her back to Mark as he snuck up to her "You are getting good at sneaking around nephew" She said simply, "But sneaking around someone like me wont be as easy as you think" She never turned his way as she spoke, simply watching through the barrier she had created for the den defense training session

Mark was silent as he took a seat and crossed his arms while leaning back. He was confused as to why he was being called to observe this. His job was to protect Elsa and liberate districts, not defend them. If one looked at his track record, they'd see numerous VIP's protected successfully, countless Districts Liberated, but few, if any, den defenses at all; all of them practices, all of them failures due to one thing: Breakdown. What that meant could be any number of things. Either his defenses fell apart, or he did.

"You know I hate these." He growled to his aunt, a modicum of respect still in his tone to avoid being smacked, even if she was twenty feet away and in front of twenty other recruits here for the lesson and drill as well.

"Which is why you should learn to do it correctly" She knew his record. Something always happened for it to fail, always in practise yet. In action, live and not in practise, things could infact go bad quickly, so he had to train to expect the unexpected, which included outside sources. Which were normally people.

Looking along both rows of rootops into an alley was the perfect crossfire zone. "Places on rooftops lets move" She barked out, the recruits scattered to their assigned places, leaving her and Mark alone. There was something about the design of the defense practise, the barrier. All of it was reminding him of why he didnt want to be there in the first place.

Barely turning from her spot to protect the door she stood in for the practise drill Blackmane spoke as she lifted her bow. "Why do your defenses fail ? Is it numbers of the enemy, timing, or logistics ?" She asked to Mark. Her smoke gray and black robes made her look almost invisible in the fogging room

"I think you know." He said, his eyes twitching as his feet became restless, seemingly unable to find a comfortabe spot to just sit, constantly either tapping or crossing over each other or doing God knows what. His hands balled into fists as memories of her in that exact position during the raid on the Wolfe Manor flooded his mind and he grit his teeth. "Think back twenty or so years. What were you up to?" he asked, annoyed now.

"A failed den defense" Came the soft reply. Since this was a practise they used holographic projection systems, based off Snowfeathers digital gear that allowed realtime projections, even hardlight holograms of people dressed as templars to fight with. "One that failed, when you were a boy... when you came to us" Blackmane waited a moment as four recruits manned a barricade in the street.

A dozen templars, holograms of course, swarmed around the corner at the end of the street. Blackmane raised her bow, and fired. the shot lit up the shadowy alley like a flare. Allowing the recruits to see their targets. Gunners opened fire from above using predesigned digital weapons to not waste ammo when desired for practise runs. Blackmane fired a second shot before speaking anew "The past haunts you doesnt it ?" When no answer was directly forthcoming she continued speaking. "For you to ensure the job is done. You must let go of what hurts the most. otherwise, you will fail when you should win"

He was tempted to snap at her, yell that she'd not encountered the same sitation from his perspective, that it wasn't as easy as "letting it go", but he held his tongue, instead growing slightly more agitated. His throat began to ache as emotion balled up inside begging to be released. He instead managed to choke out a simple i"Easier said than Done"/i in Arabic before standing and turning away from her, his arms shaking from his fists being clenched so tightly.

He wanted to leave. He wanted to leave, and sleep this all off like a bad hangover. But with Blackmane, it was never that simple. Nothing ever was.

Very briefly snippets of the past flooded around them, what was a plain drywalled room for the practise was his front foyer with the stairs headed upwards. Briefly it was dark, Blackmane shooting out the front door and the servants scattering as Templars swarmed the front yard setting piles of trash alight to see by as Blackmanes bow lit up the night with each shot. Blackmane couldnt see what Mark saw, because she wasnt him. But she could feel the anger he felt.

Her calm words broke into his memories. "The past haunts you Mark. It angers you that you were so powerless then to stop what was not stoppable. Your anger fuels your movements, control it." She said. Out of nowhere she threw a bolt, she never turned his way, like a explosion of light it exploded between him and the only door out of that entry hall. "Face your past, control the anger flowing in you. Do not let it control you. Do not fall into its dark embrace."

Mark's eyes became clouded and glazed over as the memory washed over him. Suddenly he wasn't the strong man in his twenties any more, but a young boy in his pajamas again. He watched the servants scatter, the ones who were outside being slaughtered like cattle while Blackmane and his father guarded the door and shot at the templars. Blackmane's voice broke though, and he heard, but the real question was whether or not he was listening through the pain and anger.

By now his forehead beaded with sweat, his heartrate had skyrocketed, and his breathing slowly began to quicken. Despite his Aunt's efforts he was too far gone, and he collapsed onto the ground muttering every phrase of denial in every language he knew while sweat and tears poured off his face onto the hardwood floors.

"You are lost, boy..." Kalda's voice broke through. "Your aunt is smarter than you are letting yourself believe... listen to her advice!" The flash of light from the bolt flooded his vision and the memory began to crumble. His eyes dilated and his breathing stopped for a moment, before he blinked a few times, eyes red from the tears. He let out one large shaky breath and stood again, swallowing hard.

"I want to leave..." His voice was barely a whisper, this time in Hebrew, to his aunt.

"You cannot, flee and the past hits harder, face it head on, and you can become stronger. Do not let fear control you, do not let anger over what you could not do as a boy control you. Do instead what you know you can now do, use your anger and you fear, let it use you and you will fall. Unite your senses against anger and fear, use anger as fuel." Blackmane replied in Hebrew

"You stand upon the brink of dispair. Do not fall into it and lose yourself forever. only by facing the past and using your anger as fuel can you free yourself from the past and its haunts. You are a man now Mark, you are my nephew by the words of your parents. Do not let the Templars win by pushing you into total dispair" Blackmane told him. Moments later however he fainted as the memory was triggered again, however much further into the past. When Mark fainted Blackmane moved to catch her nephew. Trying to call him back to the land of the living but it didnt work

Screw it was the mere thought. He didnt want to come back. Instead he went back... Possibly too far back.

Mythic Realm

Courts of Light

133 thousand years after Birth of Xeir Zith

2 May

Dawn

This was it. Judgement day so to speak. the Day Asaca stepped down from being The All Mother's champion. Moving through the vast corridors of the Courts of Light, Asaca was greeted by many other dragons and nobles native to the Mythic Realm itself. As she walked she thought carefully on her new assignment. She had wanted to remain on a ship, any ship really, as Lights Champion she was away from the Courts for extended periods.

But this was different. Summoned to the Courts for something important, concerning her status. After all it wasnt every day a Guardian of Light came calling onboard ones personal airship. The Cloud Class battelship Asaca commanded was soon to be decomissioned anyway, Normally she went on patrols. Also searches for someone Light had lost long ago. Hoping to bring back the Original Champion. The First Son so to speak.

But she never succeeded in that task. The closer Asaca got to the Main Crystaline Court of Light the slower time seemed to flow around her as she realised she had failed in her mission. The mission she was given was to patrol, to seek and return, to recover, to find any trace of the First Son. But try as she might, Asaca had failed; The worse that could happen was het getting demoted to kobold or worse, Servantae.

Finally Asaca stood before the door leading to Lights beautiful throneroom. She took a deep breath, it was no or never. With a nod to the two Guardians standing on either side of the door, they pulled open the glass and silver doors and stood to let her pass through them. Once within the vast room she went before Light and dropped to one knee, her seal in her hands, her head bowed.

The room was filled with spectators, though truthfully, that didn't mean many. Kanwar, Jarius, and a few other high-ranking nobles of each Kingdom were there. Kalda stood, his armor gleaming, it being a gift from Kanwar earlier that day for completing his training. He stood in rapt Attention, though at the same time, a sense of relaxed nonchalance was still about him. How he managed that despite all the drills Kanwar forced him to do over the years of his training was a mystery even to himself, but he was able to do it.

Light stood as well, her own armor, mostly for ceremonial purposes, gleaming in the light of the room as it hugged her form regally and beautifully. "Asaca." She began. "For generations you have served me well. For generations, you have kept the peace among the realms, by any means necessary. I and many others around the realms owe you many thanks."

Kalda twitched his impatience and inability to sit still for very long still there, though with a glare from Kanwar, he froze again.

"However, the original purpose of your becoming my chosen Champion, was to find my son, Irral Mitne, whom I birthed shortly after Kanwar. You have regretably failed, but worry not, for no one is disappointed nor angry with you. If my Champion of all people cannot find him, then he must not be ready to be found." she spoke with grace and good intentions, nary a hint of negative emotion evident in her voice.

"But still, your inability to find my Son has led to this heavy hearted decision. As of today, you are no longer my Champion. The Title will instead be given to Kaldakava, who has recently completed his training under Kanwar. Have you anything to say?"

Asaca never spoke or moved as Light spoke, Asaca knew in her heart this day was to come. But never expected it to be this soon. In truth she felt relieved to be relieved of the title of Champion. She felt it far beyond her worth in truth. She knew Light was happy with her results in keeping them safe. she knew light wasnt angery with her in any manner either.

Her breathing, breifly caught in her throat at the mention of Irral. The First Son, the First Champion. She never could find him. Told stories about him as a hatchling, trained by Light while Kanwar trained with him. Everything she had grown up doing was, in essensce, mirroing who, to her, was a hero.

Finally when she was asked if she had anything to say she never looked up. "I may have kept peace by any means I had required at times leading to this. But I fear I have failed you. I fear that, by not finding news of The First Son, Irral, I failed in my duty. I dare not call myself your Champion unless you will it anew" She said simply. Her voice, though, just like it sounded when she first met Kalda when Xeir was born all those years ago, seemed to have lost some of its melodic tone. It felt deeper, more experienced, yet there was a ring to it, a strong ring of failure. Asaca had failed in finding Irral. her top task.

"I only ask but one thing" She then asked

Light looked down to Asaca, her once proud Champion, and slowly blinked. "What is your request?"

"That I be made your new Champion's second. With my knowledge and skills, I can still be of aid to him." She said softly so only Light could hear. At this point it was hard for her to speak, she was relieved of active duty so to speak, but she was scared. What was going to happen to her ? Was she going to be demoted ? What was she going to become now ?

Light looked to Kalda, who gave a subtle nod. "I have no quarrel with that suggestion, All-Mother. In fact, I would have requested it myself." He said with a bow of the head. There was a deafening silence for a moment before Light smiled and turned her eyes back to Asaca.

"I will think it over, Asaca. Return in seven days exactly, and you will have your answer." she said calmly. "Kaldakava!" The young Dragon, barely sixteen in human years, snapped to attention with a salute, his rigth fist over his heart and a bow of the head. "Your requested ship will likewise be completed in seven days time. Return here at that time." he bowed his head further in the affirmative.

"Dismissed."

As the people began to leave, Light raised a hand. "Kaldakava, Asaca, stay a moment." she requested. She waited until the rest of the nobles were gone before speaking again. "Stand, Asaca, and show me your seal." she said, walking towards the young Dragonness slowly.

Asaca did as told, still holding out her seal she slowly stood, her eyes averted but somehow she had to look, so she did. And when Light saw in the clear bright pink ringed silver eyes there were two items. One was a strong sense of failure. The other, was clearly fear. She held out her hands, in them was her never looked at any of the Nobles that were present but she could feel their judging looks even as they left the crystaline throneroom of the All-Mother. "Here, All-Mother, is my seal" She said once more bowing her head. Holding her hands to Light. The nine pointed star of silver, gold, and purple with the words in Draconica "For the All-Mother" along its edge and what looked like a shard of glowing light in the center.

Light smiled, and then let her slender hands gently fold Asaca's over her seal. "Keep it. You made it yourself, after all. Teach Kalda to make his own, or make one for him." she said. She reached out to Asaca's chin and made her look up at her, into her eyes. "Do not worry, my child. You will not be left to rot. Now go. Rest, and enjoy yourself for seven days, then return when I have my answer for you. Kalda..." the boy snapped to attention again. "Don't get drunk." His shoulders slumped, but he nodded.

"Now then. Both of you go. I've some thinking to do."

Asacas breath caught in her throat as Light gently closed her hands on the seal. Light didnt want to take it ? Well, she was right, she had made it herself. As much as she tried not to show fear she simply nodded. "Thank you, All-Mother" She said softly with a nod, she turned to leave, going about four paces when she heard Kalda get spoken to, though he couldnt see her, Light sure could, Asaca tried not to smile but it broke through. That was possibly the best thing she had heard that day.

She could teach Kalda how to make his own seal, or if he designewd one she could make one for him herself. It was, ultimately, up to him if he even wanted one to begin with. There was hope, she mused for her after all. Sure she wasnt the Champion anymore. but she still held sway over other nobles and soldiers alike.

But at that moment, which was also possibly on Kaldas own mind, She was famished. Though she was also slightly worried of what was to happen to her own vessel. She chose instead not to worry about it. The last thing she had to worry about was her old vessel, she wasnt the Champion anymore, what did she have to worry about ?

Seven Days Later

Courts of Light

Asacas bedchamber

Dawn broke clear through the windows. Rousing Asaca from her dreamless sleep. She barely remembered the day, after the third day of waiting she'd lost track of time, went on longer walks, and also sparred with Kanwar, had lunches with Kalda. Then last night she didnt even find him, it was like he had disappeared. All but falling out of bed Asaca went to the mirror as her purple and pink dress formed on her purple scaled body. her hair was a mess, she igniored it for the moment, splashing crystal clear water on her face to wake up she looked in the mirror. And stared briefly seeing the refelction of Light staring back at her

"All-Mother ?" Asaca twirled around, now wishing she had done her hair, but then Light had seen her in much worse shape. At least she was dressed.

Light smiled softly, seeing Asacas current state, just woken up, gotten dressed but yet to do her hair or even eat, she spoke. "Sorry for the intrusion child, but I've come to a decision concerning your request" Asaca simply stared, she was now quite worried sick to her stomach, yet Light took her by the hand and they both disappeared in a sparkle of golden light.

Appearing seconds later within the captains cabin, the briefing room of a sort, where Kalda waited, he was startled when the two arrived, as he too had forgotten what the day was. But seeing Light in his conference room aboard his newly made ship made him briefly wonder why Light and Asaca were there. Then he remembered "All-Mother. I had forgotten today was was the seventh day" Kalda said simply with a small bow

Light gave Kalda a small dismissive wave, and he stood ready off to the side. "Asaca, you asked me to become Kalda's second in command, in order to guide him and teach him what he needs to know in order to become a worthy Champion of Light. I have thought long and hard over this decision, and you will be pleased to hear that I am approving it. You are to teach Kalda everything you know from strategy and tracking, to Command and Combat. He has been trained by Kanwar in Combat, but he surprisingly is rather ridgid with his techniques; and needs to learn how to adapt. Teach him; that is your mission." she said. "Kalda."

He snapped to attention. "Your job during your first two hundred years as Champion is to learn everything Asaca has to teach you while we make the... additions, to the Silver Eagle at your behest. You realize the entire ship will practically need to be rebuilt?"

"Yes, All-Mother. But a Wind Class Scout Ship will hardly do for me, I feel. I have a feeling I'll need to pack a bigger punch while still being able to get away."

"Very well. If either of you have questions, now is the chance to ask them."

When Light turned to her and spoke of her new duties, Asaca's heart hamemred. She wasnt exactly a teacher type, but if Light trusted her with this task, then she'd become one, not only would she teach Kalda, Asaca told herself, but she'd also teach herself on how to be a proper teacher for her friend. Even with him as Champion, she was still the Third Daughter, that left her with a lot of pull when it came to pulling rank. She smiled softly then, a smirk on her voice as she said simply "I can teach him, As you wish, All-Mother" Asaca said raising her hands in salute, one fist enclosed in the other as she bowed slightly

Now she really wanted to have done her hair; and put on some shoes... her purple scaled feet glittered upon the hardwood of the briefing room floor. Kalda had been trained by Kanwar, just as she had, but unlike Kalda, Asaca had learned to adapt to her fighting location, and also to her enemies. One fight her enemies may get the drop on her, the next fight, she gets the drop on them. She learns from her experiences. But Kalda, newly minted as Champion, had pretty much no livefire combat experience outside of whatever missions Kanwar sent him on

But Asaca wasnt exactly a teacher per sei, yet, she knew she could teach her friend what he needed to know. Maybe even learn from him as well. After all, that was all part of adapting. Two hundred years to teach him; And the first thing she'd teach, Asaca surmised, was how exactly to relax yet still retain command. For the most part, those on her own airship when on missions were a relaxed yet very alert for danger crew; And it was all owed to a very simple rule

A well fed crew was a happy alert battle ready crew. her men and women who worked with her as her own crew when she was Champion were well fed; each knew how to cook, even herself. So they all took turns cooking meals for the rest of the crew. For all Asaca knew, Kalda didnt work that way. But she did have one new question and it was sure to make Light smile. "Is it too latefor me to take a shower ?" She had a hell of a bedhead

Light let out a small chuckle. "Kalda, leave us." Kalda nodded and saluted, his closed fist over his heart before leaving. "No, it is not too late to shower; your two hundred years begins when you leave this room to begin your training of my new Champion. Preferably with clothing on." She said before turning, herself, and beginning to leave, pausing just outside the room to cast a side long glance to Kalda, a sort of knowing glance that put out whatever he had going on in his head, whatever it was. Truth be told he could have been thinking about what he had to eat the other day, about maitenance to his armor and sword, or finding a way to spy on the local bath-house, though the last one he put out of his mind due to his status as Champion. He couldn't tarnish that name.

Sighing, he slouched into a chair and brought out a book, beginning to read while Asaca showered and dressed herself.

About three minutes later as Asaca let the words of Light float through her mind she emerged, mostly dry but her hair, now clean and sloly braiding it to keep it out of her face in a few dreadlocks of strangely thin braids She spoke seeing Kalda. There was no hint of humor only... something akin to worry on her tone. "Are you ready ?" She asked him. She didnt see Light anywhere. They had two hundred years and the clock was already running the exact second she set foot outside the stateroom.

First thing on the agenda, she somehow could feel it. "Do you know how to cook ? Because that's your first lesson. Where's the galley ?" Asaca was a good cook, she had the many chefs and hunters at the Courts growing up to thank for teaching her. The more the crew cooked and fed each other, the better they all were. A well fed crew was a happy crew. Better to have a full ship of cooks instead of one guy who knew how to cook. She took a few steps away, turning to look towards Kalda she said simply "Training starts now, Champion."

Arendelle 23rd day of Spring Thaw

681 years prior to fight to last a thousand years

Wolfe District

Wolfe Manor Grounds

The coming of age was easy. At least to most people. Yaeko was the oldest of five children to her mother and father. Because she was the oldest it was soon time for her father ,the current head of the Wolfe Clan to name a successor. Most of her siblings didnt want to be in charge of the vast family as it was and left her, and her youngest brother to contend for it, but by right alone the title went to Yaeko, who was born first.

So, rather than fret over her fathers successor naming ceremony, which, to her made zero sense, why have such a big deal over something so trivial ? it always went to the oldest, the first born, so it didnt matter. Yaeko swung the hammer. Of all the members of the family they had all insisted that the colored metal was useless. But she liked the purple. And By Lights Grace she'd make her swords out of it!

The forge was hot, hotter than hell it self most likely. Gradually as time went on through the day, her fathers successor naming ceremony that night, Yaeko kept at work on her twin swords. This was her task her father set before her and her younger brother; by birthright the title of Clan Matriarch was hers. But the gauntlet had infact chosen her father, who was the third born of her five uncles.

Whack... whack... whack With each swing of the hammer each second drew her closer to failure, or success.

The blades took shape, the purple duradaeden glittered in the sunlight and heat of the stoneforge. Yaeko stabbed the swords together into the forge after sticking them into a vat of ice for a span of two seconds. A hissing noise was heard as the blades hardened and she stabbed them into the ice once more. When she pulled the swords from the ice the outter shell, the grit and hammering dents and otherwise was gone... The sunlight glittered on the razor sharp edges of the blades.

Yaeko smiled

She saw her reflection.

But she also saw the reflection of a young man with dark blonde hair and silver eyes watching her every move. And it wasnt her brother, sisters, or parents, She had been completely alone in this task. Before she knew it she had the stranger at swordpoint her left sword pointed at the man. "Who are you ? How did you get in here when the door was locked ?"

The man, Kalda, made no movements as the sword point was lowered at him. "It would be unwise to use freshly forged Duradaeden so quickly; it is likely to snap." he said, his eyes not moving to the blade, but to Yaeko's eyes. He reached into a pouch on the back of his belt and witdrew a small bag of Gold that weighed a few pounds. He placed it on the end of the blade, half as an offer, half as a test to see the rigidity of the blade.

"I need twin Black Duradaeden Swords for my... line of Work." He said simply. His pupils were not those of a human, the Silver gave way to slits of darkness, taking in the light of the forge with ease. Kalda was indeed a Dragon in hiding.

Yaeko looked at him, "That doesnt explain how you got in here with the doors locked. Papa is the only one bringing me food and water, not much else. Wont let me leave this place either its watched." She titled the sword briefly on its edge and viewed down it to make sure it was straight, miraculously it was, both blades were. The purple melted with silver streaks along the blade in a vinelike design, a tracery of sorts.

She titled the sword back to its flat edge stilled pointed at him. Yaeko blinked, What ? "What, sorry what ?" She asked. The gold didnt even bend the metal nor chip at the edge. Heck it wasnt even appearing to be felt by the young woman with the newly added weight. After all all that last five days going into making both swords completely by hand. Sure they had power hammers, steam and magic powered forges too, but no, Yaeko wanted to do it the traditional way, a stone and wood forge.

Flicking the sword the gold bounced into the air as the blade was set carefully on its flat side on a nearby cloth, next to its twin, Both swords were purple with silver vinelike tracing and streaking. Items of death, and beauty. her back briefly to Kalda she removed the gloves, and briefly the apron she wore to protect her clothing. the Wolfe crest clearly seen on her necklace. She set the apron aside with the gloves. "Father let you in didnt he ?" She asked

He shook his head. "No. I let myself in. Allow me to introduce myself, now that you're not threatening me with a still brittle blade." He said. He offered a soft bow. "I am Kaldakava, Newly appointed Champion of Light." he said. "And as I requested before, I wish for twin Black Duradaeden Swords." he repeated, straightening his back.

His Draconian eyes narrowed softly at the Wolfe before him; how had Kanwar heard of her? She was an average Wolfe Clan member with a talent for smithing. Though... her talent in Duradaeden smithing was to be commended highly. Perhaps that was why. "Can you do it?" he asked.

One of the good things about Duradaeden was that it hardened very quickly, brittle for heartbeats until fully cooled. Once in the desired form, it was unbreakable. Yaeko thought carefully on her ansewer. "How soon do you want them ?" She asked after a few moments. Black Duradaeden was easy to come by, it was the more common colors in recent years it was more white or silver duradaeden that people requested her to make for a good price.

Then she heard exactly what he said, She held up a hand and turned towards him "First you let yourself in, unseen, You ask me for a pair of swords... And you're Her Champion ?" Oh holy Light and shining stars this was rich. She stepped over to the forge, it was still white hot, if she worked fast she could have the two swords at least getting warmed up for forging...

She held up her hand again, Yaeko was thoughtful when he caught the gold so nochanlantly from the air before any of it hit the ground. "Father names his successor tonight, by birthright it should be me, he will inspect our swords himself, if anyone is seen leaving this forge aside from me,..." She faltered and took a deep breath. "I'll do it..."

In truth she was nervous. Nervous of how this man got... wait... She caught sight of how his eyes reacted to the dim light of the forge. She leaned on the anvil, her arms crossed, scars marrde her pale flesh due to the parks of the forge growing up. "You're not Human are you ?" She finally asked

At her question of how soon, he shrugged. "End of the week at most; should give you plenty of time to make them ias strong as possible/i." he said, accentuating the last few words to make his point clear. At the question of him being Light's Champion, he nodded, and chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. "I haven't figured out my own symbol like my predecesor yet, but I'll get there." he answered.

Her hand going up caught his attention; he was about to leave before hand, and he turned to face her again. He chuckled, and set the gold down on a table as payment. "Thank you, Lady Wolfe, your services are much appreciated." He praised. "I wouldn't worry about tonight, though, to get the swords soft enough for what I want will take at least two days of an ice bath. Good thing it's winter, in'nit?" He chuckled.

He tilted his head slightly at her question of whether or not he was human, and he smiled, scales appearing on his skin like a wave, going across in a small pattern, from skin to scale, and back to skin again. That would answer her question. With that, he took a step backwards, a flash of Silver Draconian light was seen and he was gone, leaving the soon-to-be Matriarch of the Wolfe Clan to herself. The only question was as such: If he knew how long it would take to get the desired results from the blades, why wouldn't he make it himself? The answer was simple, and made even Light sigh with both amusement and annoyance:

He didn't want to.

Yaeko's eyes settled on the gold on the anvil nearer to the metals. A dozen questions ran every direction in her head. Why her, Why black, was he really Lights Champion ? but the most important question however rang loudest in her head /iWhat did he mean by not worrying about tonight ?/i Did he know something she did not ?

She turned towards her own swords, her new blades glittered brightly for use. She picked the two swords up and flicked them around, of all the skill that went into kmaking the twin swords when she held them to her hips the blades disappeared, leaving only the hilts in her hand until she wanted them to extend for use.

What ? She never planned such a thing into either sword, but then recently the magic that went into the steel before forging meant different effects, For one thing Yaeko abhord sheaths. Preferring tolet her sword be seen by all and not be hidden away. She held the hilts in her hands, inspecting them carefully. She needed to finish these things.

Yaeko went over to the workbench and began getting the hilts ready, white maple she'd chosen for the hilts grip, layered in light pale red leather and traced over with a liliac colored metal to hold it all together

"That boy can be a pain, can't he? A week. Hah!" the voice of a woman rang out as she sat in the corner, legs crossed at the knees as her regal robes flowed down her body. This was Light. Mother of all Dragons. Her beauty matched only by her power, unrivaled and uncomprehendable to mere mortal minds.

"He gives you too little credit I think... so here's a challenge, from me, personally. His birthday is coming up, tomorrow, actually. I want to give him those swords of his... you have until Dinner tonight." Light stood and walked over to Yaeko, placing a finger on the girl's forehead, giving her the foresight to see what she needed to do downt the very millisecond. She only had thirty minutes to make the twin swords for Kalda before Dinner now.

"Do it, and I'll give you a gift beyond your wildest imaginations. Ta-ta! See you in half an hour." Light said, before vanishing in a plume of Golden light.

Something had her in a good mood, perhaps the still bratty attitude of her newest Champion. Kalda could still be a Brat, even after a million years of beatings over the head from Kanwar about that very personality trait.

Never stopping her work to finish her own swords she looked up at the voice, her hands moving with skill as they finished triwling the liliac colored metal around the pale red leather of the hilts as she regarded the woman to speak. But it wasnt until Light stood and walked towards her when Yaeko realised exactly who was talking to her.

A dozen different needings to run and hide ran through her head, but as Light spoke, and touched her, she knew exactly what she had to do. He wanted a week, but Light herself wanted thirty minutes ? Could she do it ? The best possible work ? All before dinner that evening when her father named his successor ?

When Light left her with the thoughts of a gift made her heart hammer, just getting touched by Light herself was a rare gift in and of itself! She had thirty minutes. Grabbing both Duradaeden ingots she stuck them first in the ice for a good two seconds, then straight into the blue burning forge. Tossing a few ceder logs then buring them in coal she got her tools ready. Thirty minutes, and the clock was ticking. her own swords were done. She knew exactly what to do. Every six seconds she tossed more coal onto the forge, layered with ceder and birchwood and buried in more coal.

Soon the forge itself smelled of smoke and felt to be on fire as she hammered and heated, and hammered, and cooled, and hammered. Kalda wanted the swords to be hard and sharp as possible, strong as possible, unbreakable. He had come to her. And so had Light. After twenty three minutes the blades were forged, straight and smooth, she stuck them in the ice, then back in the forge, then back in the ice. Withdrawing them from the ice the last time she saw the desired shine. her face reflected in the blades so clearly it was as if she was looking in a crystal clear mirror

Now for the sheath, with seven minutes she didnt want a rush job. She looked carefully for all of two seconds before sighing and closing her eyes, letting her minds eye find the right lumber for the sheaths. With the swords undergoing heat tempering at that moment she selected two pieces of beautiful red oak, cut them to length, and didnt even both to debark them right off the bat before withdrawing one of the two desired swords and stabbing the thing smoothly into its sheeath. the sheer power in the metal burnt the blade into the wood forming the sheath and making the core of the wood black liek the blades

Perfect. Now all she had to do was use her magic to carve down to the black and then seal it!

Finally both swords were done, sheaths were just drying on the sealant whe nshe looked to the clock, she had less than a minute to dinner. She set both swords on the cloth next ot her hilts. She sat back against the anvil. exausted. Her younger sister came in looking for her. Yaeko was drinking the last of her water by then where she sat with her back to the anvil, the black sheathed swords set upon it, her own swords leaning against her side.

Moments later and dinner was ready, Yaeko and her brother were both given a few moments to get cleaned up and presentable, after five days in the forge to make their swords as their father had tasked, Yaeko looked an absolute mess. yet she prettied up pretty dang fast. Finally stepping from her bedroom she was surprised to see a certain woman waiting for her. Without thinking it Yaeko held out the twin black sheathed swords to Light. "As requested"

The All-Mother was pleasantly surprised that the girl was both able to do as requested on time, and also sense her presence. Light smiled, and inspected one of the blades for a moment before smiling and nodding. "A very well done job... Your reward will be thus:" within a blink Light reached out and had her hand on Yaeko's forehead. A warmth spread out from her hand, and filled the girl's body, a feeling of sudden childish energy as though she were but five years old again filled her.

"I have granted you a long life. Only when you feel it is necessary for you to pass on shall you do so. Go now. You've a long life ahead of you."

It was one thing to be spoken to by Light, but to get itouched/i by Light was an entirely different experience. She felt something change within her. Something about worrying for the future, what happens will happen. But something also said she had a lot to look forwards to in the future too. Yaeko took a deep breath and finally nodded. "I am honored to make these blades for one so important.. But the boy mentioned that he did not yet have a Seal made ? Does that make him someone... important ?" Well that was a dumb question to ask

Finally Yaeko smiled, "Would you care to stay for the dinner ?"

Light paused, half way through leaving, and slowly phased herself back into the realm of mortals. "I've not had human food for a long time...I'd be delighted." She said, smiling softly. Truth be told the last time Light had Human Food, Second Wolfe was still but a boy, and she enjoyed it enough, though with her own duties to attend to, she didn't get a lot of chances to try it. She gestured to the door. "Lead the way."

Yaeko smiled, She raised a hand indicvating the way as a servant stepped into view. but before Yaeko could speak the servant spoke. "Young Master, M'Lady. Dinner is now ready, Young master, your father requests your presence in the dining hall."

"Thank you, Let father know we are on our way now. Hurry." Yaeko said, the servant nodded and scampered off, leaving Light and Yaeko to walk at their own pace to the dining hall two floors down int he massive house.

"I see the clan has expanded nicely... the Manor was but a hut when last I saw it." She said, looking around at the various paintings and other decorations of the large Manor. "Good to see the Family that helped rebelled against the Precursers is thriving so much...'twould be a pity for such a strong line to fizzle out." she said.

They passed a painting of Yaekos ancestor Second Wolfe and his wife, the original Wolfe looked quite young in the meticulous painting; made, as luck had it, or otherwise, Jarius symbol down in the left bottom corner just barely seeable. Yaeko simply nodded. "My ancestor served the First Queen so long ago. All the stories I read, and learn from. Many of them written by his own hand are in my room"

They passed through the main floor foyer towards the dining hall as she listend to Light speaking of the last time she was there. "Father always said our home was founded in black stone. Blackrock Temple. When Arendelle was founded" She said. They came up[on a opened archway door and Yaeko motioned inside, a simple "this way" was spoke and she spotted the servant summoned to seek her and get her there in time leaving her fathers side at the head of the massive white oak table

"You didn't say we had a guest, Yaeko." her father called out from his seat as the soon-to-be matriarch and Light entered the room. The man stood, and made his way over to the two, albeit with some difficulty, holding onto the backs of the chairs to keep his balance. Even in his old and weakened state, he was able to get up and move around, though fighting was out of the question. If anything, the only thing keeping him alive at this point was sheer will power, and the magic of the Gauntlet on his left arm, what would soon be Yaeko's, and in time, Mark's.

"A pleasure to meet you, stranger, I am James Wolfe, current Leader, and Master of the Clan." He stood on his own and held out a hand to shake, albeit, a slender, and shaky one.

Light smiled, and bowed her head. "Master Wolfe, I am Light, Mother of Dragons." She reached to shake his hand, the motion stopping him from kneeling. "Do not kneel, you need your strength in the next few days I think?" She could see his time was almost up, the life force was slowly leaving his body. He was old, he was tired, but he wasn't done just yet.

"Ah... yes, time is of the essance... come, we will eat." He said, gesturing for her to take any seat she wished at the table. James' wife entered and sat opposite him at the other end of the table, Yaeko and her siblings took up spots around the table, and Light settled next to Yaeko, closer to James.

Dinner began at first rather quiet. Most of the time was silence, the meat and cheeses piled upon the table showed for one important thing. They knew how to feast, and feed those with lesser ability to feed themselves. All the servants, heck the whole district alone were well kept by the massive clan. Everyone well fed and happy.

When Light took her desired seat next to her and her brother directly across from her Yaeko felt a bit nervous, her father to her left, Light toher right, and her brother who, try as the young man might, kept glaring daggers at her. Almost smug the young man was that he was to become the next leader. Therir sisters didnt want it. And their father could just up and pick between them. So he presented them with the five day swords making test.

Which in turn gave Yaeko the perfect chance to prove herself not only to her father and brother, but to herself. By promising herself she'd use the useless colored Duradaeden and then actually finishing her swords with the metal, and ontop of thatm aking another pair of swords for Light's Champion.

Yaeko was surprised her father could walk on his own without even his cane he'd taken to using the last ten years of her life. She rarely remembered a day when her father wasnt using his cane, or a servant helping him to walk up a short flight of stairs! But for her father to get up from his chair and step over to Light to greet her. That in itself, amazed her.

It was a few moments before the sixth watch sounded across the kingdom when Yaeko's attention was snared by her father speaking to her brother, Orpheus, concerning their swords, Her father turned to her, she had made two, well... four. but her inital two she had finished before making the other two swords in half an hour, Duradaeden, be it black or plain silver or even glassclear hardened quickly, and by time she had made the sheaths for Kaldas swords the blades were actually waiting to be put in them so the hilts could be made.

Her own swords, at that moment, her on her hips. Well their hilts were, a deep purple fading to gold and fading from gold to pink and even possibly bits of white, but the blades themselves were a royal purple polished beyond refelctive to a brilliant beautiflu shade of almost hot thinking it, as her father reached out his hand she removed her twin swords from her belt and gently laid the hilts upon her fathers outstretched hands, right before they landed gently in his hands the blades sprang from the hilts without a sound for him to inspect.

Her brothers own swords, a mix of glass and silver, were sheathed upon the table before him. Awaiting their fathers inspection. Everyone in the family knew that Yaeko hated sheaths, they got in the way of her fighting abiltieis and movements. Made of colored seemingly useless Duradaeden Yaeko had made the impossible possible. She had made weapons of pure beauty

After a few more agonizing minutes of silence, James finished eating, and a servant took his plate away, leaving the goblet of wine. "Your swords, children." he spoke, and immediately the swords began to float towards him with the magic of the Wolfe Children, a magic lost to time after Yaeko's passing, hense why Mark never knew it. The old man inspected each blade with meticulous scrutiny- The shine, texture, feeling, weight, balance, density, flexibility, sharpness, even the taste was tested by the old man, his face stone cold and silent as he did so, no one knew what he was thinking.

Light took a better look at him while he did this, seeing what ailed him. Black blotches covered his body, from his bones to his lungs, it had spread far and wide. Perhaps if caught by the healers when it was merely only in spot, it could have been stopped, and his life could have been prolonged, but alas it was too late. The tumors were too far wide-spread. She gave him a week at best. The end of the night at worst.

Upon coming across Yaeko's swords, an eyebrow was raised, "Colored Duradaeden? Didn't I tell you to not bother?" He barked, nevertheless keeping his composure and examining it the same way he did the others, fairly and meticulously. When he was done, he let the swords fly back to his children, and folded his hands together, thinking. He took a sip of wine before speaking.

"You have all crafted blades worthy of the title Master Wolfe, that is of little doubt to me. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the Colored Duradaeden of Yaeko, the metal previously thought nigh un-useable by all except the ancients. Once you have all finished eating, we shall let the Gauntlet decide who is to wield it and its mantle of responsibility next. Do not rush; I'm not going anywhere yet." he said.

Yaeko simply nodded as her twin swords floated back to her waiting hands. a magic timelost yet, in her time, used primarily by all of the clan as a means to defend and keep their weapons close at hand. Of the remaining meat on her plate was a few slices of fox and wolf meats, also some cheeses and even then she'd eating at least a good chunk of the food on the table and the servants kept bringing out more for them all to eat. Her father was right, he idid/i tell her not to bother with even attempting to use the colored Duradaeden as it was indeed quite difficult to work. But somehow through sheer will, she did it. As her swords returned to her hands the blades faded into their hilts without a sound. What had been a solid very strong pair of swords, was now a pair of hilts in the same color.

Yaeko knew the time was coming, but she didnt know what to be in for and it made her nervous. She saw Light watching her father intently, for his age of north of ninety, he actually looked great, but he was frail and dying slowly. Yaeko never saw her father without his cane or a servant to help him so much as go to the bathroom! She was unsure what to ask to Light concerning her father, but seeing the somewhat perplexed and almost sad look on the All-Mothers face Yaeko knew it was bad news.

Yaeko had to smile as her father spoke, not to rush, "No Papa" She said after a moment of chuckles spread through the room, "Should one of us be chosen; you still are our head, and our Father." It was true, James Wolfe was their father, a father of five wonderful children, children who were skilled in pretty much everything he at one point was also skilled in. Yaeko often used her fathers influence to get out of trouble. Little did she know she'd use her own influence to get out of trouble

James slowly lifted his arm on high, the gauntlet gleaming in the light of the room as he did so. Blue light came from it, and slowly it broke apart, small blue cubes of magic energy breaking off into the air, swirling around the room as everyone, including Light, watched with awe. The whole room was alight with the blue particles as they swirled around the table five times, then around the heads of each child of the Clan ten times, the gauntlet probing them to see if they were worthy to weild it and the responsibility. After this five-minute long process of awe and wonder, the gauntlet formed itself slowly over the table, then broke apart once more, all the pieces darting for the chosen one: Yaeko.

The pieces resized and reformed around her slender left arm, starting at her shoulder with a simple flexible pauldron, then moving down her arm to the elbow, a simple joint there, to the wrist, another joint, following the flexibility of the wearer, and then down to the finger tips, clawed like hooks. Appropriate joints where they needed to be for optimum flexibility.

With that, James collapsed backwards into his chair with a small groan of pain, and servants quickly came to rush him off to the healers.

Yaeko stared as the gauntlet broke apart, her brother stared, she felt his stare, he was honestly a very sure footed man, but sometimes he was too dang stubborn to get stuff done right. Whereas, being the oldest, Yaeko got in the most trouble growing up and had used her father's influence to get out of that trouble. But when the Gauntlet even took Lights own attention to watch as it danced in pieces, uncountable pieces, across the dining hall as the Servants stood perfectly still waiting for their next orders as if in a trance, they were simply, like everyone else, in awe of the spectacle before them.

But this was different, when the gauntlet reformed over the table and floated there she was rather curious, were none of them to lead ? it was with that thought the gauntlet exploded, its shards and pieces floating briefly randomly before she felt the slight prick on her arm. She stared at her left arm as the gauntlet formed, piece by piece, shard by shard on her arm, finishing with the claws on her left hand fingers, They sparkled brightly before retracting

Her attention was, briefly locked on it before briefly gazing to her brother, who had a cool look on his face, a soft smile too, he was nodding. Seemingly thankful it wasnt him to get chosen. But it was her father's groan of pain that jerked her attention to him. Before Yaeko could speak however her mother went to his side. Her father looked ready to collapse and the healers were sent for. But Yaeko saw something in her fathers eyes, but she couldnt tell if he approved of the choice of the gauntlet, or if he was simply proud of her swords.

But his eyes had life and vigur within them unlike any other time she had seen it. But he wasnt looking towards her directly, but to the All-mother next to her. Yaeko looked to Light, at a loss for words as her father was carefully helped to his bedroom. It was then that the full brunt of what just happened hit her. She couldnt get into trouble anymore and use her fathers influnce to get out of it, it was her influence now.

But what was wrong with her father ?

Light was gone when Yaeko looked to her place at the table , having stood to speak to Lady Wolfe, James' wife and Yaekos mother, as to what was wrong with him. The First Dragon sighed softly as she placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. "I'm afraid what he has cannot be cured. There are tumors all over his body. It's likely stage four stomach cancer..." she said. She was no doctor, of course, but even Dragons got Cancer, and she'd seen many of her children die of it, in very similar circumstances as James Wolfe, now-previous Master of the Clan.

"Like I said, nothing can be done about it...but keep him comfortable and happy, he doesn't have longer than a week, I suspect. Keep him close." With that, Light turned to Yaeko, who by now was looking at her, and smiled, nodding before vanishing in a flash of light.

Yaeko's mother, Lady Wolfe to most, beloved wife ti james and Mother to her five children listened carefully as Light spoke to her, she simply nodded. the Healers could make him comfortable, sheer willpower kept her husband alive even when he complained of stomach pains years ago. "Thank you" She said softly. She turned to instruct the servants to keep careful watch over james as Yaeko stood from her seat. The new matriarch of the clan moved to speak to Light, but the All-Mother simply smilled with a nod before disappearing in a flash of beautiful light. When Yaeko looked to where Light had stood, and also sat she saw a brief outline of the All-Mother, like a ghost before it faded. So it wasnt a dream.

With her father safely in his room and her mother tending to him that left Yaeko to deal with the very first thing of becoming the new Head of the clan and family. First thing was first, Her fathers old study, now hers. Surely her father did have instructions for the next Matriarch or Patriarch of the clan depending on who the Gauntlet chose there were always instructions handed down at least a day or so before the succession occured. So that meant herself.

She took her leave from the dining room, her brothers eyes lockedo n her every movement, possibly brooding she didnt care, she was the new matriach, both Light and Kalda, had said not to worry, heck Light even nejoyed the food the servants had prepared! Stepping into her new study she took note of everything within it. From the crystal lighted lamp to the white oak desk it sdat upon to the walls lined with shelves of books, most of them clan records for each family, Clan dealings, and keeping protection over Arendelle as a whole.

Upon the desk was her fathers instructions, each successor had updated the instructions with personal musing and advice, some fo the book was ancient, even by her standards. Hell her great grandfather's great grandfather had written his advice and musings in it too. All the way to Second. She recognised even his writing. So old and ancient yet flowing and almost with a life of its own. After reading from the first few pages Yaeko knew what needed to be done. She had to go to the castle and speak directly to the Queen.

And with her perchant for making trouble for the Arendelle guard there at the castle, that was easier said than done. She went through the first few pages, her ancestors handwriting was blocky yet flowing, using something of a egimatic script yet it told his tone clearly. He wrote that when the Clan leader was chosen they were to speak directly to the Queen as soon as possible, normally upon taking the leadership or the very next day. Yaeko closed the journal. Looking to her hand, the gauntlet glittered its dark tarnish, for something so ancient it was so well kept as if dust and time had no meaning to it.

She thought of those last few weeks, her father getting more and more ill, her mother seen less and less, yet her father issued his challenge, make the swords, she had done so. But she felt in her heart she had to confront her trouble making past sooner than later. She finally nodded. She had two choices, sneak into the castle by the way of the inlet she'd found under it, completely unseen by the guards, or face the guards directly, surely those men thel ast week had been on the lookout for her in the streets and wondered where she was. Her hand went to the swords at her belt. She nodded. She knew hwat to do

Yaeko stood from the desk and then stepped from the study, a servant waited beyond the hidden door. "Master Wolfe, The Old Master is now in bed, what shall we do ?" the Servant girl asked with as slight bow.

"Care for Papa, Follow Mother's orders as she issues them. Do not hinder her in any manner if she wishes to tend to Papa herself, aid her with every thing she needs, I have to see the Queen. If anyone needs me I am not to be sent for until I return to this room. I do not know how long that will be" Yaeko said the servant nodded and left. Yaeko watched the servant lead before she too turned and left the manor heading out the front gates to the street, getting onto a Muledeer Carriage she directed the driver to the castle.

The ride to the castle was slow, and long, even in the dead of night when no one was on the roads. The roads were still smooth, the unending movement made Yaeko sick to her stomach. The realization of what she had to do, face her past and overcome it, hit her hard the more she stared at that gauntlet. As the Carriage came to a stop outside the gates of the castle, there was a shuffling before the guards barked at her to leave the carriage, or better yet, leave the castle. The claws of the gauntlet extended slowly, curling just the ends, ready to destroy all in her path as if by nature.

"Oi! Didn't you hear me? The Queen's not taking visiters now, now get!" the guard wrenched open the carriage door while yelling, only for his eyes to widen upon seeing Yaeko with that Guanlet.

Yaeko heard the Guard calling to her, the last few moments of the ride to the Castle Gates she had closed her eyes to focus, To not do something stupid. When the carriage door was opened and the guard went slack jawed she opened her eyes and turned to him. Upon seeing the man he recognised her, clearly as Yaeko Wolfe, the eldest daughter of James Wolfe. Yaekos green eyes glittered in the light of the nearby castle walls as the darkness set in. "I am expected" Yaeko said standing and stepping towards the guard, the man dutifully stepped back to allow her to exit the carriage. "Now, you can do your job and inform the queen that the Successor of the title of Master Wolfe has arrived as per your orders, or I can go myself. Which will it be ?"

Of course that was bound to get any guards hackles up, for all they knew she'd killed her father and took the title and gauntlet, but that wasnt the case, either way these dozen or so men didnt recognise her authority as Matriarch Wolfe. Mostly because she'd handed them their asses the week before

The Guards narrowed their eyes collectively, and stared at her, saying nothing at first. "How on Earth did iyou/i of all people get that gauntlet? Is this some sort of sick joke?" one of them growled.

Yaeko didnt even smile at the mention of sick joke "No, but if you want I can tell the queen myself after I hand you your asses again, its up to you." She was already thinknig on how she could make the Guard better. Her brother would make a nice Captain of the Royal Guard now that she really thought about it

"Sure, we'll tell the queen, after we're done beating you for what you did over the last few years." said another, cracking his knuckles. "Get her."

With that, it was on, five guards rushed her at once, all aiming to do something different, three different punches, two low kicks. Simple enough to start. Stepping into the group, Yaeko slammed two of them backwards, the two practically flipping and landing on their heads right where they were. The other three turned to follow her, but she was ahead of them, turning for a hook kick, she nailed all three in the face with her heel, the jaw of the first one hit shattering. By then the first two were back up, and Yaeko followed up her hook kick with a roundhouse to one of their faces, knocking him out, before super-man (or woman, in this case) punching the other one right in the cheek, knocking him out as well as knocking a few teeth loose. Two more stood and the went for their swords. Yaeko stepped in, grabbing their wrists to stop them for a second before moving her hands up to their heads, slapping them both hard enough to knock their helmets loose before grabbing them each by their hair, and then slamming their faces into one another not once, but five times in rapid succession.

None of them would see straight for at least a month.

Yaeko then dusted off her hands, with a unhappy grunt she muttered simply "Looks like I have to trell the Queen myself, I tried to say it simply, but you guys are thick headed idijits!" She stepped over the last two she had knocked senseless and stepped through the gates. Apparently the guards on the otherside had been informed by somebody to be sure not to piss off the woman with the strange metal left arm

Then again that memo seemed to have been lost by at least a few Guards that were inside the castle itself once she passed through the courtyard. Putting both hands to the door she opened the dual oak doors and stepped into the entry hall of the massive castle. Another dozen guards waited for her, most of them simply standing guard as directed, the rest unhappy and looking for a fight.

Yaeko smirked "There's about a dozen of you laying around outside after they didnt do as I asked them, how'd you get here so quick ?" She said jerking a metal clad thumb behind her. It was on again

The ones standing guard grit their teeth, their pole-arms gleaming in the moonlight as they never moved, knowing full well what the gauntlet on the girls arm meant. The others charged her once more, all at once. Yaeko caught the first guard in a sort of bear hug, keeping him from moving while she spun, lifting the much heavier man to toss him into his friends. She kept the circular momentum going into a flurry of wide punches and kicks, slapping, scratching, slamming, and knocking out half of the guards before she stopped, and began to spin the other way to counter act the dizziness, stopping after a few rotations in a low stance that would be painted later, and then even later found by Mark in the depths of the Wolfe Manor.

Her left leg was straight as she put all her weight down on her right, bending the knee into her chest with her arms splayed out like a great bird, gauntlet-bearing hand open with the claws out, and her right hand closed around the face of one of the guards, who was grabbing at it violently as she squeezed his head like a pimple. Eventually he'd pass out and she'd drop him, before dive-rolling into the center of the remaining guards, and with a flurry of straight punches, knocked three of them to the floor, she kicked one's leg out to the point of his knee breaking, and was about to slam her elbow into the nose of the last one before a voice cried out.

"Stop this at once!"

Yaeko's elbow froze a mere centimeter away from the man's nose, his eyes already closed and face flinching in preparation for the rearrangement of facial features. The newly annoited Matriarch narrowed her eyes and flicked his eye instead, knocking him to the ground with the pain and agony accompanied with being flicked in the eye.

"Your highness." the Matriarch nodded her head. The Princess stood before her - Princess Paz, the current only daughter of the current Queen, Arenya, was not happy at this sight, the furrowed eyebrows and tightly clenched fists at her side being the indication.

"I was on my way to go and eat supper when I hear this commotion, and here I see... what, our old Troublemaker Wolfe beating the life out of my Guards?" Paz growled, gesturing to the bodies squirming and groaning on the ground in agony.

"To be fair, they wouldn't let me see your Mother, as I am directed to so." Yaeko held up the Gauntlet, and the Princess's eyes narrowed for a moment before huffing and crossing her arms over her chest.

"Very well, follow me, Mistress Wolfe." she said. No matter how much Yaeko insisted to call her by her name, or at least Master Wolfe, Paz never would, it was always Mistress Wolfe, even when she lay in her death bed. "Honestly if you wanted to see my mother you only had to send a pidgeon. This isn't the stone age where you have to make un-anounced visits."

"Again, to be fair, I just got the job..." Yaeko said calmly.

An unimpressed "Hmph" was heard, and Yaeko rolled her eyes and took in a deep breath to calm herself.

"Yeah I tried to tell them, take me to the Queen and I wont hand them their asses, they chose for me to hand them their asses and even accused me of killing my father, which is not the case here however." Everyone in Arendelle knew the legendary James Wolfe, A maser of both arcane and painting arts. the leader of the Wolfe Clan, well used to be leader, Queen Arenya was going to make an announcement about it the next day for sure

Paz just gave off another unimpressed huff, which caused Yaeko to smirk beind the Princesses' back, for being a 18 year old spoiled brat, Paz did the part rather well. They came to the great doors leading to the massive dining hall of the castle and two guards standing there bowed and pulled the doors open, allowing the two women to enter, giving the new Matriarch a respectful nod, which made Yaeko smile slightly, these were the type of guards needed in the castle. not a spoiled brats own men who acted more like ruffians than soldiers

"Yaeko?" the Queen called over, squinting to see her from behind her daughter, who was blocking the view of the gauntlet as well. "Pray tell me what you are doing here, child. Don't tell me something happened to James..." Arenya stood and moved towards her, and gasped as she saw the gauntlet, biting her bottom lip. "So... he's handed off the Title... is he,... still alive?"

Yaeko nodded, "Master Wolfe still lives, but for how long I do not know" She then detailed how her father had fallen ill and that the illness had become steadily worse the last nine years. "Today was the succession, the Gauntlet chose me. When it was done Papa collapsed, the Servants rushed him safely to bed. I do not know what ails him, If you wish to see him, I do not know how much longer he has." Little did either of them know that the next morning he'd not want to see the queen but his daughter all day.

Yaeko bit her bottom lip then, "I was instructed to come here, to see you, but... some of your guards may need a Healer or six. Maybe a month of bedrest or training in manners and following orders." She said, detailing , in brief, the scuffles outside and witjhin the Castle with certain guards. She could tell Queen Arenya was either tentative or slightly unnerved at her actions before she became Matriarch.

Arenya cast a glance to her eldest daughter, Paz clearly was unhappy, but then again when was she not unhappy ? Spoiled kid for sure, but Arenya had a smile on her face as she nodded, she knew of Yaeko's perchant for causing troublew with the guards. "I tried to tell her mother, that all this could have been avoided had she sent a pigeon but no, she had to come herself!" Paz huffed as she took her seat at the table

Arenya smirked, turning to Yaeko from her daughter. "You did right in coming yourself. It was and is your duty to do so. In coming yourself you faced many unhappy soldiers who had more than a bone to pick with you. You did not end their lives for this we are greatful" Arenya looked to her daughter who simply nodded but said nothing preferring instead to eat. "I amn glad you came, I was hoping to tell your father the good news, but knowing you are now Matriarch then it is even better."

Yaeko was confused "Good news your Majesty ?" She asked tilting her head slightly in confusion

"Yes, I spoke with the Healers, I am oddly hungrier than normal recently, they said I am with child" Yaeko smiled, soon she too wanted to be a mother, and ewith Light's Blessing how would she be for a mother ? At the words of her mother being with child Paz did a spit take, all but drenching the servant that poured the water. Arenya and Yaeko looked her way as Arenya continued "According to the healer, its twins." There came a thud as Paz passed out on the table.

Her perfect world had just gone to crap

Arendelle

Wolfe Manor

The next morning

It had been a full night since she had been chosen as the next Matriach, everyone in the family knew their father was dying, the cuerrent leader of the Wolfe Clan, Master Wolfe everyone called him, even his wife. But what should be a happy occasion was marred by the information Yaeko was given the night before by her mother There was nothing left the Doctors could do for her father. Not even the Royal Healers could stop or even remove the ravnous cancer that plauged her father. Radiation posioning, many called it, but no, Yaeko knew the truth, her father wasnt posioned, it was simply his body wanting to simply stop working. It was the sheer willpower of her father that kept him going.

Yaeko entered her fathers bedroom, her mother had sent for her and was waiting, her mother gave a soft bow and took herl eave, leaving father and daughter together. "You wanted to see me Papa ?"

The old Master of the Wolfe family nodded, his bright green eyes glittered in the sunlight of the morning "Yes my child, come, close the door and sit down. I have much I need to tell you" As she closed the door to the bedroom her father began speaking. giving her a history and instructions on how to lead the Clan, the same instructions he was given by his own father before he died.

For hours the two spoke, taking breaks only long enough to eat, finally as daylight waned, Yaeko remembered the request of Light the night before, before dinner. so she told her father about it. Her father smiled. "it is by Her grace you were born to us my dear girl"Her father told her. He took a deep breath "Come help Papa to bed, I need my rest. Remember what I told you, the Gauntlet will chose the next Master of the Clan, when that time comes it will let you know. No matter how long it takes."

Yaeko helped her father to his bed and helped him lay down. A tear streaked from the young womans face. She was the new Matriarch of the clan now. And she knew it. Her father soon passed into sleep, and while she watched him, she saw his chest rise and fall in peaceful slumber until he briefly woke up Yaeko had tears in her eyes, her father opened his eyes briefly, looking towards her, a peaceful smile on his face. iDo not weep for me my child" He said to her softly, "I am with Light, and Light is with me, become the leader you were born to be." With those wordshe breathed his last. Yaeko dropped to her knees before her fathers bed, her head to his uncovered hand, she cried.

At 19 years of age, she was the youngest of the Wolfe Clan to ever take the role of the Leader.

18 February

Gilja Norway

CIA Complex

Present day

"When I ask you a question I expect you to answer it. Answer it wrong, problems arise." A voice said, the CIA agent in charge of the op set some files on the desk before him, two other men were with him. "Has our... guest... spoken ?"

"No sir"

"You are sure ?"

"The only information was the stuff you managed to get out of her in the dreamshare. We werent able to get anything new off that."

"Well, then it is time for more drastic measures, Get the boards ready. I tried to avoid going this far, but... seems that is the only direction to go at this stage."

As much as the two lackies didnt want to do it, the three left the office and headed to the room where their guest, a certain young woman, a queen, laid tied down to a bed.

The building measured a good two kilometers long, three floors above ground in a hilly region of Norway. Gilja wasnt known for its technology,. but when the CIA bought the site and began investing heavily on simply weather research as a cover the building was a technology marvel. When first built in the late 1970s it only had one hall leading to the right, the old halls it was then called, since then the building had been greatly expanded to its present size, a good three floors above ground, with three floors below ground, split down the middle with a centeral parkland.

The lobby itself was large and had a row of computer stations along one wall while another wall had more cordoned off waiting areas and cubicles set up like a massive maze. there was also two security posts by both the cubicles and the row of information desks upon entry to the building. None of those present and working were expecting the group of a dozen people, men and women alike, dressed in strange colored garb

Of the dozen men and women one stood out from the rest with her brilliant white hair and black eyes ringed in blue. Her hair had what looked like ice in it as some pearls also formed a headband of a sort with a glasslike teal snowflake or star on her forehead. the guards on duty however recognised the strange woman as one they already had in custody

The security guards looked at each other as Kanwar walked towards the information desk to ask for certain directions. her blue ringed black eyed gaze caught sight of one of the security officers going for his raido, the other simply watched her movemtns as the men and women with her went towards the cubicles. two of the Guardians saw the guards heading for Kanwar but she waved them off when they moved her way. They were hers.

Twenty minutes was all it took for pretty much every possible CIA officer on security work to land on his ass and writhe in pain on the floor as Kanwar made her way to a bank of computers, going through them she found exactly what she sought. Seeing who they sought on the screen she smiled. She then left the security control room and went back to the front offices. Calling to the other Guardians "We're done here, we have what we need, lets go" The dozen people that raided out of nowhere the CIA, then left as if they had never been there. Word swiftly sent by way of the Sparrows

18 February 2052

Arendelle

Marketplace Assassin Den

Bedroom

Moments later

He felt a hand shake him. Heard faintly a voice calling to him to wake up. Ever since the morning before when he witnessed his aunt teaching a den defense structure he'd blacked out. "The bond between us is growing stronger" He heard a voice say. Mark sat up, he saw Serenity trying to wake him up. He turned to the voice and saw Kalda standing there ghostlike "You are seeing into my own memories" Kalda said

"Yaeko, she made your swords, she made... .those swords... swords that woman took from her tomb." Mark said, Kalda nodded "That woman in white, with the long white hair, that wasnt Yaeko Yaeko had black hair, and even now it's as dark as ever. Who was that other woman ? The woman... fighting... officers ?"

"That I do not know" Kalda replied, he knew it was indeed Kanwar, but why she was fighting policemen and women in the Mortal realm he couldnt explain "She is familar to me yes, but, who she is and why I find myself unable to say" He was lying, he had his secrets, he knew it was Kanwar, but he couldnt explain why she was in the Mortal Realm muchless fighting modern soldiers. thankfully Mark didnt press him for answers.

Mark smirked, Kalda simply smiled in return "You gonna let me wake up ?" Kalda nodded

"Sorry about the memory trip I... didnt mean for that" He said somewhat sheepishly as Mark simply nodded and fell back asleep, groaning in the waking world at his sisters shaking him nonstop. "Mind your eyes, by the way."

Mark groaned as his eyes fluttered open, looking up at the ceiling of what was obviously his home in Arendelle, this wasn't his bed though. Not this lumpy. He grunted again as he rolled onto his side first, and then onto his hands and knees as his vision began to clear.

Three words rang in his ear "Get. Off. Me" Apparently the bed he was put on, which since the room at the time was pitch dark, was that of his sister, Serenity. He could see it was her thanks to the fur... wait, wasnt she burnt and unable to shift form ? When mark didnt move Serenity put her hands and feet under her, like any cat would, and stood on all fours, sending Mark off her bed

Mark grunted as he flopped onto the ground with a harsh landing, groaning in pain his hand going to his head softly as he grunted, his eyes shifting to Eagle Vision as they adjusted to the low light. "Where the hell...? I'm...what?" He stood slowly, and paused upon seeing his sister's form, albeit under the covers, she still slept in the nude. Blinking slowly, Mark let out a sigh of discontent.

"We say nothing about this...agreed?" he asked, averting his eyes.

"Aunt Blackie dropped you in here this morning; I was asleep and... just now I felt weight on me... you... the hell happened ?" Serenity asked; one second she saw her brother heading out the door in her sleep, next thing she knew, he was ontop of her, also asleep. "Did Aunt Blackie knock you out again for mouthing off ?"

She shook her head, her tail curling around her legs as she shifted form effortlessly and also painlessly to her more preferred Tiger form. "The hell did you eat dear brother ?"

"I...don't want to talk about it." He said, his mind processing where he was. They were siblings, nudity didn't mean much to them at this point, though still, it caught him off guard, having thought he would wake in his own room. He sat on the edge of her bed and sighed. He took a moment to smell his own breath, shrugging. "As for what I ate...hell if I know. Maybe being passed out makes your breath smell?" he looked to his sister, leaning against the bed frame.

"Ah!" The tiger on the bed pointed a claw at her brother "I know that look! And I know thqat tone! you were doing a Den Defense training with Aunt Blackie, but now you're here ?! Mark, dont tell me you passed out again! Mother's getting worried!" Serenity sighed, the second largest room in the house had a piloe of pillows, and two nice beds designed for ,...well.. humans not four hundred and fifty pound tigers. Serenity set a gentle paw on her brothers leg. "Mark... tell me, please, what happened ? What did you see ?"

Well, that was a story in and of itself

Mark was silent for a moment before putting his hand on her paw gently, his head thumping against the wall as he sighed. "I dunno, really...memories. I saw memories...not my own, though." he said. "You remember that experiment the Templars did? The Animus? It was like that...but more. I wasn't just watching the memory but, I felt more...I felt the emotions of everyone there. Yaeko...my Ancestor, Yaeko Wolfe...I saw her become Matriarch...her father dying..." He shook his head. He licked his lips to wetten them and then sighed again.

"I dunno..."

"Yaeko... " Serenity repeated softly, wondering, briefly who he meant, then she nodded "The woman in the tomb!" At her brothers confused look she explained "A few weeks ago I went looking for you, found you in the tomb, that woman, Yaeko, her name was on the doors, you were in there on the floor asleep!"

Then she went thoughtful, well, as thoughtful as any tiger could look, "This wouldnt have anything to do with that crystal you've been reading those weird runes off of would it ?" How did she know that ? oh right they shared the massive bedroom. Plus that weird woman in white with branches in her hair had given him the thing, he even zoned out when he got it

His eyes darted to his sister when she mentioned the cyrstal, Kalda's journal. He knew she couldn't read the Draconian Runes, hell, he couldn't really read most of them, but he was learning with the help of Kalda. "It might, but again...I'd rather not talk about." He said calmly, looking his sister in the eyes, his eyes, glowing bronze, and ringed in silver, twitched, the pupils verticle, reptilian rather than circular and human-like. He smiled though, and started to stand up to leave.

Her paw stayed on his leg, holding him down, She put a bit of weight on it. "You heard what Aunt Blackie said ther last time you passed out like this ?" She said, "If you're seeing the past, you have to face it because the more you try to leave it behind, the harder it will strike when it refuses to stay in the past." She gave her brother a look. A look he knew all too well, sure she might not understand Draconian Runes, but she was worried for her brother. Then his eyes lit up silver. "What is it ?"

He stood, her paw slipping off. iThat's/i why Yaeko fought the guards. Facing her past. He bit his bottom lip, and looked to his sister with a smile, patting her shoulder for a moment before walking out, needing time to think as well as something to eat.

The tiger smiled as her brother patted her shoulder, nodding, hopefully her meaning got across, but he was... oddly in a brighter mood. Did he learn something ? She made to follow him but her fuzzy butt wouldnt get into first gear and she ended up flopping back into bed, her face on her pillow, within a few seconds she was snoring again