I got this chapter done before chapter 1's deadline! This is great! I'm one step ahead of the story like I hoped for! And it's a longer chapter than last chapter too!
So in this chapter, we get to meet several OCs sent in by you guys, see inside of Cryos and Tempora, see part of the rogues in Obscure, and (Brace yourselves), Koji and Koto
I don't own MFB. All OCs belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 2 Cold as Ice, Sharp as Steel
"Wow, the kingdom of Cryos is beautiful! It's hard to believe we never visited this place as a child, huh Frost?"
A young woman felt her nervousness grow as she walked down the streets of the ice filled kingdom, banners of white and pale blue shining under the snow. The female was about 16 in age, with pale skin, icy blue hair that was waist length, and red-violet eyes that scanned the streets of Cryos to navigate her way. Had it not been for the sky blue fans attached to her snowflake patterned coat she had recently bought, the teen probably would've been mistaken for a Cryos native as well.
Given the fact her mother was Cryos-born, that wasn't far off.
"Princess Yukina, you must not allow yourself to get distracted. It's not a good thing." The teen's familiar, a silver wolf with white paws said as he scolded the other, "Being the Paladin of Wind is a big responsibility."
"My apologize Frost. I just thought to point out the beauty of the kingdom." Yukina admitted, "I thought it would help me deal with the nervousness I'm feeling. I'm meeting a ruler of Trinity after all."
Frost nodded as he sniffed the air, smelling food around them. "You are young, Yukina. Many of this generation of Paladins are your age though, so allow yourself some peace of mind as you go about your business."
"Which is the Selection Ceremony of the Paladin of Ice."
"That is correct.
Yukina nodded as she walked down the streets and towards the kingdom's castle. The palace was rather tall, much like the many mountains that lie behind it in the background, with high spires made of a sliver-white stone and decorated with lines of silver that were supposed to be the winter winds. Sculptures of animals that were made of ice lined the way there, ranging from wolves to owls to bears.
As she reached the castle entrance, Yukina was relieved to see her Aunt, the Queen of Cryos awaiting to greet her. Queen Glacia was at least 30, with ghostly pale skin, icy blue eyes, and dark blue hair that contrasted the pale blue and white gown that she wore. "Welcome, my dear niece. You've grown so much since me and Mitsu visited you two in Stratos. I must congratulate on becoming the Paladin of Wind. Please come in, I'm sure the journey here was long and cold."
"Many thanks Aunt Glacia. Am I late for the ceremony?" Yukina asked as she stepped inside, boots clicking slightly on the floor made of blue goldstone.
"Much rather you are early. I must admit though, this selection might be harder than we thought."
"What's wrong? Aren't there enough choices?"
"Rather the opposite my dear niece. As you know, the charm connects with the Paladin through tugging on the Paladin's potential and powers. When it's selection is in process, the stone on the charm glows with a light. The stronger the tug, the brighter the charm glows. However, the charm seems to not be connecting with any of those selected for the ceremony."
Frost seemed concerned as he padded alongside the two women. "How odd. But not impossible Milady. There have been times where this has happened in the past. How strong is the glow right now?" the familiar asked.
"Not very strong. There's a faint glow, as if it's trying to connect with the chosen one. But we have no idea who it is." The queen of Cryos paused as she gave some thought into her story, "However, now that I think about it, there have been some areas in the past where we've sensed strong ice magic. The charm seems to resonate more with that magic."
Yukina stopped for a second as she gave the situation a thought. "Hmm... Maybe, if we allow the charm to guide us, we'll find the paladin chosen by the charm? It seems like a wild guess, but maybe the closer we get to the chosen one, the brighter the glow we'll be." The Paladin suggested.
Both The queen and Yukina's familiar felt their eyes widen. "What a brilliant idea, Princess Yukina. There is still some hope for your judgement yet," Frost joked, and Yukina grew embarrassed.
"F-Frost! That was rather mean!"
"That's how I am, Princess."
Glacia chuckled as she watched her niece argue with her familiar. "That sounds like a logical idea, Yukina. Shall we see how this strategy of yours brings us one step closer to finding our Kingdom's chosen."
"Hibernation!"
Blasts of icy wind spun around Lucas as he allowed his magic to flow freely. The 16 year old felt the magic escape him, allowing himself to close his eyes and drift within his emotions. He was a lot like his magic, cold, and as fierce as his temper was when someone upset him. It was times like these where he allowed himself to escape his emotions and just fall into peace, even if it was for a short time.
"So this is where the magic is coming from-Whoa!"
Lucas' eyes snapped open, and he felt his magic slightly go crazy before bringing it under control and turning around to see who startled him. Standing in front of him, much to his surprise, was the queen of Cryos, Gracia herself and a younger girl who looked to be his age, with pale skin and icy blue hair. At the younger woman's side was a black wolf with white paws.
"S-Sorry about that, we didn't mean to distract you!" The woman exclaimed, freaking out a bit, "I was just amazed by the display of magic! I had meant to wait quietly till you were done."
"There's a flaw in that plan." Lucas felt his eye twitch as he retorted sarcastically.
"I get the feeling that was sarcasm."
"Gee, what was you first clue? How did you manage to find this place? It's mostly secluded from the kingdom's eyes."
"I believe I can answer that young man," Queen Gracia cut in, and she tugged out something hidden in her sleeves. Lucas' eyes widened as he saw a silver charm, a hexagonal snowflake with a diamond in the middle of it gleaming in the sun that peaked in the clouds. "You have a powerful arsenal of ice magic within you, and such incredible control! To think someone outside of the recommend mages had even more power then they did. May I ask for your name, young man? I have seen your face before when I travel in my kingdom, but I don't have a clue who you are."
"Not surprising. I keep to myself mostly," Lucas pointed out, "Name's Lucas Mckandless."
"Queen Gracia Fubuki of Cryos. This is my niece, Yukina Fubuki, the paladin of wind?" The queen introduced herself and the teen next to her."
"A Paladin of the elements huh? Shouldn't you be with your others saving the world or something?"
Lucas watched a snort escape the familiar next to Yukina, and the clumsy appearing girl took a few steps forward. "Excuse you, But I was recently appointed this duty last night! I was asked to come to my Aunt's kingdom to help watch over the ceremony for selecting the next Paladin of Ice!" Yukina stated, raising her voice for once as she continued, "Paladins have tasks other than saving the world."
"Then why are you here watching me train!?" Lucas asked as he met the other girl's glare with one of his own.
"Cause that Paladin of ice just happens to be you!"
"Children, that is enough." Both teens looked over to see the Queen giving them a cold frown. "While I admit you bravery is starting to show Yukina, you are allowing your temper to flare up is a sign that you are letting someone get the better of you. Same to you young man." Gracia scolded.
"Hmph." Both teens gave a final glare at each other as Yukina walked back to her Aunt's side. "So you want me to be your kingdom's chosen. I've heard of the meeting that is taking place from the people in the city, and that the paladin's are required to attend as well. I think I'll pass."
"This is an opportunity of a life time. Your magic is one of the strongest I have seen. Why refuse and offer like this?"
"It's not really any of your business. But lets say it has to do with the king of Obscure. I don't want to be anywhere near the so-called charming king of Obscure."
"On the run from him?"
"You could say that." Lucas absently tugged at the gloves on his hand, the notion not going unnoticed by the two women.
"I see..." Queen Gracia stated, "No good deed goes unnoticed you know. Despite me not knowing your name, I have heard of your deeds at teaching kids self defense, helping them get stronger cause of it. I have a bit of respect for those who take care of the younger kids in the crowds. What if... repayed you for that notion if you became the paladin of ice for me?"
Lucas grew quiet. "How do I know it isn't a trick?"
"We are a lot alike, Lucas Mckandless. I have had distrust over how your father, rose to power, since when I was a child. The way you act, the colder side you show me... Something happened between you and your father, didn't it? I won't push for details, but I can tell whenever I said Obscure, you would tense up."
"..."
"I have a proposition for you, Lucas. In exchange for being our kingdom's chosen, I will allow you safety within our Palace walls. I will not allow the King of Obscure to step anywhere near you, on my authority as queen of Cryos. I will also have a few of my men and mages guard you at the meetings when you have to go. Do we have a deal?"
Lucas was about to speak when a voice called out. "I believe it's a wise deal Lucas. It would be foolish to not accept it," An arctic owl stated as she appeared out of nowhere, perching on the ice wielder's shoulder.
"You really think that Eirlys?"
Eirlys nodded her head before continuing. "There's no trick within the queen of Cryos' eyes Lucas. Look within them yourself if you do not believe me, and you will see that there is truth within her words."
Lucas looked the queen in the eye, looking for any sign of a trick only to find sincerity in the other's gaze. "Fine. Besides, if it keeps me from talking about my father and away from him, the better."
"Thank you. Please, allow me and my niece to guide you back to the Palace."
"Hold up Titania! You're going too fast!"
A silver haired teen cackled as she raced to the edge of Tempora's largest city that contained the palace, before looking back as her rose haired companion gasped to catch up with her. "Has the stress of being a Paladin gotten to you Rosalina?" Titania asked, watching as a pair of azure eyes glared at her, "I'm kidding. Sorry about that."
"You're a lot more..." Rosalina paused as she breathed in several breaths of air, "Agile than I am right now Titania. With that pulse of unknown magic last night, I'm still slightly under the weather."
"I understand that. That magic did not feel good." Titania stated in agreement as she and the pale skinned teen walked into the kingdom, admiring the structures that could be seen around the surroundings. The silver haired teen had to admit she admired the complex appearances of the buildings that spiraled into the sky, the sounds of metal hitting metal ringing in their ears. Within the distance on could see the mines that supplied the kingdom with metals and occasionally rare stones. The kingdom itself stretched to the sky with it's silver walls and platinum colored flags and lanturns that decorated all buildings and streets.
"So why exactly are we here in Tempora Titania? It seems like an odd place to finish up a hunting trip." Rosalina pointed out.
"To introduce you to a few people I know here. Besides, my scythe needs a good repair job," Titania explained, gesturing to the bag over her shoulder.
"That was your fault you know. You tried to take on a bear with it."
"But I did kill it for the hunt in the end."
"That you did. And got it stuck in a tree with the bear stuck on the scythe's blade and the hunting party had to break the scythe to get it off."
Rosalina smirked as Titania glared at her, an amused look on the red haired teen's face as they stopped in front of what looked like a blacksmith's forge. "Here we are Rosalina. Trust me, you and my friends are gonna get along just fine. They're the best repairing black smiths in Trinity." The silver haired teen stated as she opened the door, "Koji? Koto? You two in today?"
Both teens watched as a dark haired woman peeked out from another room, before her grin widened. "Titania! It's good to see ya again! How's the scythe handling since you visited about 3 months ago?" The messy teen asked as she looked at the bag over the silver haired teen's shoulder before chuckling, "Hang on, I'll get that fixed. Koji!"
"Coming sis!" The rustic woman chuckled as Titania handed her the bag containing her scythe, before a dark haired, teenage male covered in burn marks and smudges of dirt joined the group in the room, "Hey, Titania! It's been too long!"
"It has. I have someone I want to introduce you two to." Titania paused as she patted Rosalina on the shoulder, "Koto, Koji, this is my friend Rosalina, the crown Princess of Vivia and the Paladin of Life. Rosalina, these two fine blacksmiths are Koji and Koto Mikuri, the Fighters of the Forge."
"Nice to meet ya! It's good to meet a friend of Titania!" Koji exclaimed as he shook hands with the red haired teen, "Princess of Vivia huh? Hey, are the stories we hear of there being a tree of Yggdrasil in the kingdom's garden really true?"
Rosalina nodded. "It's the aftermath of one of my mom's spells from what she was telling me. Although some of the stories you've probably heard of it's powers are off. The fruits of the tree do give off magical properties, depending on how it's used. The dew is more for medicinal healing and blessing weapons. The leaves are often used for dye properties, and the fruit is just there to eat." The red haired teen explained.
"Wow! Really!? That is so cool!"
Koto chuckled at the other's excitement as she handed her brother Titania's scythe. "It's nothing major to fix, just a reattachment job. Koji, can you get this done while I'm out? I have a delivery to make to the castle. Ninel's Sais are all fixed and polished up."
"Sure thing sis! Hey Titania, Rosalina. Why don't you go with my sister on this? You guys will be able to meet the Paladin of Metal, who the sais belong to."
Both teens looked over at each other before turning to Koto. "Is that alright for us to just do that?" Rosalina asked.
"Of course! I'm always making deliveries to knights in the castle. I can vouch for you two. Just show them your charms at the gate and they'll allow passage." Koto explained.
"Well, Alright then.
"The kingdom's castle is even more impressive on the inside! Look at all those gears that click together!"
Rosalina and Koto chuckled as the trio walked within the palace corridors, listening to the sound of gears creating a soft song when they clicked against each other. "According to the stories I was told as a child, The first Paladin of Metal, after the war against Nocturne, created them as a way to show his loyalty and respect to his king and queen. That's why many of the buildings look so rustic outside. The floor was recreated recently though. There was a type of rainbow quartz an alchemist liked, and the current Queen of Tempora liked it's beauty." The blacksmith explained, before gesturing to a rectangular pendant on Titania's neck, "It's the same gem that is in Titania's necklaces and Eterna's charm, as well as the same gem fused in her scythe."
"It was a pretty metallic gem Koto, not to mention the boost it gives me when I combined my magic with the scythe." Titania retorted, before absently tugging on the cool-to-the-touch gem on the necklace.
"Well, you'll get to see the person who made your necklace Titania in a few minutes. Here's our destination." Koto paused as she and the other two teens stopped in front of a blue metallic door, before she knocked on the door, "Ninel, it's me Koto. I finished repairing and touching up on the sais of yours."
The door opened, and Rosalina watched as a young woman appeared in the doorway of the room. Ninel was 18 years old, the same age as herself, with amber eyes and near elbow length, reddish-brown colored hair that was in side waves on the right side, while the waves on the left side were pulled back. Her skin tone was very light but had a noticeable tan to it. As for her outfit, Ninel's consisted of black t-shirt top styled top on with a baggy navy blue colored jacket over it, a pair of burgundy colored pants on with a black colored belt around the pants' waistband, and a pair of knee length. leather black boots. A pair of jade earrings and a green, jade beaded necklace could also be seen on her persona.
"I'm glad that they're repaired. Few people have the ability to forge and repair weapons like you and you brother," Ninel stated as she noticed the other two teens, and a sparkle seemed to escape her eye as she noticed the necklace on Titania's neck, "I recognize that pendant. So you're the person Koto said she had a request for a necklace from. I'm Ninel Bychkov."
"Bychkov? As in Tamara Bychkov, the first female politician of Tempora?" Titania asked.
"My mother actually."
"I have a lot of respect for her! I'm Titania Triton, the Paladin of light, from Eterna. I'm the daughter of Carlino Triton, the King of Eterna, and Bianca Triton, Queen of Amour."
Rosalina chuckled as she shook hands with Ninel, a noticeable scar on her left hand. "You'll have to forgive Titania, she gets excited over a lot of historical events and figures. Miss Koto told us how you were the Paladin of Metal, and we wanted to meet our fellow comrade, even if it's before the meeting in Vivia. I'm Rosalina Tendo, The Paladin of Life and Queen Yuko's daughter."
"It's nice to meet you two." Ninel admitted, "I hope we can work together as part of the Paladins of the Elements."
"Likewise."
The four women continued in conversation, in aware of a pair of eyes watching them in the shadow.
"Not many birds appear in Obscure's skies during the day, do they? That's a bit of a disappointment."
A young teenage girl yawned as she looked outside, watching the empty sky from one of the windows in the room she was currently in as she waited for her comrades. The girl appeared to be 15, had short stature, and had short, choppy light grey hair with longer forelocks that framed her light blue eyes. A carefree look was currently on her face as she looked out at the sky, while in her hand looked to be some sort of candy that she absently snacked on as she waited.
A squeak was heard, and the teen looked over to see Shiro and Pluto walk in, followed by several members of their group who were currently pinching the bridge of their noses in annoyance at the two males who came before them. The white haired male was currently locked in an argument with the other, and sparks seemed to be shooting out between them.
"Those two are too noisy..." The girl stated as she sat down in her seat between two other members of their group.
"Tell me about it Sora," Noir stated, slipping a piece of licorice in her mouth. Noir was a woman about 18 in age, with ghostly pale skin, dark blue eyes that resembled an ocean, and cascading black hair that was currently loose behind her. The teenager wore a black corset with a matching skirt and boots, and her neck was adorned with lots of silver jewelry. At her side was a black cat with purple eyes. "Those two get so annoying sometimes..."
"Like your one to talk Noir Reaper!" Shiro called out, "Always appearing in my room and stealing some of my snacks."
"I'm a thief. I steal whatever I want." The teen retorted as she slipped a piece of chocolate in her mouth, before slipping a few pieces to Sora as well.
"Then go steal something from the vendors out there!"
"It's too easy though. Just like stealing food from your room."
Pluto snickered, before Shiro turned to him in rage. But before either of them could start their argument back up, Rago walked over and stood on between them. "That is enough. "Lady Chrona and The king of Obscure will be here soon, as will the others. The two of them are looking over something that is going to be shared at the meeting today."
Shiro's cheeks burned, and Noir smirked from her seat. "Is someone acting a bit jealous? Don't feel bad, he's just more charming than you are Shiro."
"Why you little-"
Sora gave an annoyed glance as the fighting started up again, the teen resting her head in her arms as she tried to block out the louder people in the room and sleep before the meeting.
"All of my team members are so loud..."
*Chuckles* I can't help but think of Shikamaru Nara when sleepy characters. Can't say we didn't get a lot of action in this chapter though.
Sora belongs to Niconiconyx, Lucas belong to my dear friend Queen, and Ninel belongs to EclipsaDarkness. Don't hesistate to tell me I'm writing your OC wrong, any bit of advice helps and I sometimes get worried whether or not I'm writing the character right...
Speaking of characters, here's a fact for ya. The necklace Titania wears is based on a wire-wrapped pendant I made using a piece of rainbow quartz. it gleams in multiple colors under light, and since Titania is the Paladin of Light, i thought it would compliment the element. Part of when I right my OCs, part of who I am is seen within them. Titania has my more serious side to me, Ranmaru's more of my overprotective side (Trust me, when you have about 20 or so close friends who sometimes get picked on at school, this happens a lot), and Platina's more of my good humor side.
Next chapter we get to Aquos and Tarot, before returning to Obscure for a meeting between the rogues of chaos. And if I can, maybe introduce the Paladin of Darkness.
That's it for this chapter. Until next update, this is Warrior Signing out! See ya on the other side of the Nexus (My new catchphrase! I figured we need one)
Question of the chapter: which is your favorite Character in Metal Fight Beyblade?