Greetings my friends! So, I have decided to make the Facebook page for the fic, and future fics as well, but I did it mostly because some character designs might be different and I found art of it, I also draw and have made art of some characters (also plan to make more), and if anyone want's to share anything as well.
As for all of the new people joining in, and those that have been here, thank you for your support and kind words, along with ideas, questions, all of it. It means a lot, truly.
Also, lastly, GrimaxNaga, you brought up a very valid point in that Iago and Jezebel both seem very strong while Ascalon and the Nohrian siblings, as well as the generals, came across a bit weak. The reason I have had Ascalon in particular come across a bit weaker at this point is due to the constant 'paranoid' missions him and the Wyvern Troops were being sent on, without much rest in between them and dealing with harsh and grueling weather/environments at times. Him and the others have all been ran into the ground and were exhausted. For the pair of Jezebel and Iago, I did beef up Iago some, as he was a bit too easy (for me personally) to defeat in the game. He also has access to stronger dark magics, stuff that the Fates world hasn't been exposed too. Sorry that that wasn't conveyed well, my bad. Jezebel, her strength surge is actually revealed in this chapter so I'll leave that for you to find. On the final note of the Generals being defeated, one was suffering from exhaustion (Phier) while both were struggling to handle the harsh and slightly toxic terrain that is the Demon's Falls area. I do truly appreciate you bringing this up though, as I should have better conveyed this to the readers. Thank you for your fantastic reviews and I look forward to the next.
Warning: Hints and nudges at unsavory things. I will, for my sake and yours, not go into detail on it as it's an uncomfortable thing. Also, there are dark matters handled and spoken about as well, so if you have issues with that, here's a heads up. The next two chapters are very, VERY dark and not much happiness is in them. Sorry, but the plot calls.
Song of the Chapter (incase you all wanna get in the mood): Ladder Song by Lorde from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Chapter Twelve: The Twisting Mourn
[Ascalon- Graveyard just outside Windmire]
He watched numbly, a hollow feeling collecting inside of him as he tried to breathe without wincing. Sun, for once, graced the dark land and shinned down on the graveyard, illuminating the small funeral service being held for the two Generals, the two proud parents who fought valiantly to save not just their child but their fellow soldiers as well. To their grave they took much, secrets, lessons never spoken, and part of the heart of the child left behind. Ascalon, in black attire, stood there, face lifeless and barren of emotion, watching as the man said a prayer over the couple. He stayed long after the service, after most had left, and watched the new grave markers as if they would vanish and he'd wake up from the nightmare he was in. This was not an illusion though and, as the sun set, he was able to accept that he, once again, was the blue-haired orphan with a dragon and a lance.
Camilla, still sore and on crutches, waited for him the whole time, offering her silent companionship to him as he quietly mourned, shedding tears only when no one else could see. He failed, terribly, and swore to himself he would never let something so painful happen to anyone else, so long as he was able to breathe and move. Exhaustion settled in as the sky turned color, reminding him of the many things that needed his attention. Turning around he gave his friend the best smile he could manage, limping over and hugging her, no words needed to show how much he appreciated her being here with him. Together, sore and emotionally done for the day, they shuffled back to the Barracks.
Once they returned the youngest wyvern knight found everyone waiting for him, all turning to greet him and give a respectful bow of the head. Nervously he gave Camilla one last smile, lips twitching as they did not want to show the false positivity and proceeded to step up onto the small makeshift stage. He gazed out at everyone who expectantly awaited his words, some hopeful and some worried. With the release of a deep breath he had been holding, Ascalon faced them and spoke.
"Hello everyone, I thank you all for coming, as I know things are hard for us all right now. What we faced at the Demon's Falls, the tragedy that took more than half of our friends, our family, it will serve as a reminder to us that the life we have here is precious and can be taken away in a flash. We are not mindless fighter drones sent out to do as we're told. We are, first and foremost, people, with lives and emotions, who know love and loss. Our hearts ache together today as we mourn the brave souls that left us, leaving a void we will not fill. Instead, all of us will learn and grown stronger, each person helping the other as we climb and rebuild. My mother, General Phier Eirwen Avenstar, told me not too long before she passed, that the hardest thing to do in times like this is to accept what happened, and understand that you did nothing wrong. Not a single one of us knew what would occur, and every single soldier out there, regardless of ethnicity, background, anything, fought valiantly and with more courage than any soul in Hoshido and Nohr. Now, we will honor their memory, but King Garon has requested that a new leader be appointed for both the Cavalry and the Wyvern Troop. I believe it unfair for us to have to make that choice so soon but, his word is law, so I took time to make a list of potential candidates that are alive. I'll read off the name and, if you wish to vote for them, raise your arm and I will take down your vote. Everyone understand?" He said, keeping his voice steady and emotions in place, knowing he had to make it through this without breaking. This was more important than his own struggles.
The crowd nodded, confirming they understood what he had asked, some of them crying as the teen's words moved them. Many faces looked up from the bunch, eighteen being the amount of Wyvern Troops left in the royal barracks. One of them, a man by the name Solomon, spoke up and asked, "Ascalon my boy, are you on the candidate list?"
Surprised by the question, and unsure why it was asked, Ascalon politely replied, "Uh, no, I am not. I am not exactly fit to lead you all, as far as I believe. I lack experience, training, and much more. Me being a leader would be a poor fit. My apologies Solomon."
"Poppycock. Out of all of us you were the first to pull yourself together, to try and organize what's left. Who else wants him on the list?"
At that question many voices soon rang, agreeing with the weathered wyvern lord, many saying to just skip the vote entirely and hand control to the kid. Blushing and beyond unprepared for this reaction Ascalon raised his hands to calm the group, waiting until all was quiet to lower them. He took a shaky breath and told himself to relax.
"Alright, peace please. It's a terrible decision but, if it's what you all want, I'll put my name. All I want is for us to agree on who will lead us and give everyone a fair chance. Now, let's begin." He told them, hoping that he didn't win.
As he read the names off, and watched as no hands were raised for any, he bitterly sighed and asked for votes on the last candidate, watching as unanimously the remaining men and women voted together, in unity. Hand after hand lifted up and soon there was no dispute as to who had won the vote. Ascalon watched, eyes widening in awe as all eighteen watched him, each face showing a hopefulness and determination as they were assured in their choice. Fear and despair were gone now, replaced by a relit flame that all thought would be gone, and the people waited, everyone hanging on through the silence. In the back of the crowd Camilla rose her hand as well, a smile gracing her as she joined them.
Solomon, the oldest and most experienced of the Wyvern Troop, turned to gaze at the crowd and then returned his attention to the shocked young man, grinning brilliantly. He kindly told him, "My boy, Ascalon, you have your answer and it's one I don't think could have been better. You may lack in some fields, but you make up for it in many ways other leaders forget. You know us better than anyone on this team, taking time over all of your years here getting to know us, understand the people under the armor. The way you view the world, preventing fights and handling things in a diplomatic manner, showing all of us that we should know the weight of a life no matter the heritage. Every life means something to you, every action, and you have dedicated yourself to not sewing the seeds of war, but those of peace. From my entire time here, all sixty years, I have watched many come and go, most seeking fame, glory, to be known for how many lives they took. Never once did any captain or general in the Wyvern Troop wish to be known for the lives they've saved…until an odd lost child came to us."
Stepping forward, finally lowering his arm, Solomon warmly smiled at the young man and finished his speech with, "Ascalon Rein Avenstar, you've brought with you a change the world is crying for, whether or not it will admit to it. Those of us left have made allies we never would have dreamt of, growing more as people than we have ever in our lives. I believe I speak for all of us when I say we will follow your lead, for Nohr or not, so long as you keep changing the world. Make us proud son."
Together, affirming the selection of their new leader, all of the remaining wyvern troops stood at attention and saluted, closed fist resting first over their heart and then rising back into the sky. It was not a salute practiced in Nohr, or Hoshido, but an ancient one from the original Wyvern Knights that protected the land before a king or queen ruled. A salute that was told to all new recruits was a sign of rebellion, and punishable with death. This was the first step taken on a long road not everyone would survive, but one they gladly took, eyes clear and finally able to see more than just their own home and the lies they were fed. It was a fire that would eventually run through the veins of many, hidden but held close.
Whistling, Solomon joined the others, all humming at first before signing in harmony,
"Flames: hot and burning brightly. Hearts: beating strong as one.
Voice, to sing for sons and daughters; tell- the stories that we hold.
This: the vow of all who join us, keeps the peace for all we know.
Lighting the path for those who seek us, leaders-, allies-, working 'til we fall.
Flames: hot and burning brightly. Hearts: beating strong as one.
Voice, to sing for sons and daughters; tell- the stories that we hold.
This: the vow of all who join us, keeps the peace for all we know.
Lighting the path for those who seek us, leaders-, allies-, working 'til we fall
And we all fight, and we all take flight together-! Together-!
Through the darkness, we will find- peace, together-! Together-!"
[2 Years Later- Ascalon (18)- Barracks- Training Day]
"Welcome new recruits to the Wyvern Troops. I am General Ascalon Rein Avenstar, the one in charge of the wonderful humans that work in this branch of the military. Now, all of you are probably curious as to why my selection process is so…picky, in a sense. It is because, unlike many other branches of the Nohrian military, I have very specific requirements that most do not meet. My soldiers are not picked simply because they have great skills with a weapon, or they have money. No, I choose those that have compassion, understanding, and most importantly, empathy. It is in no way our job to go out and start a war, have the highest kill count, or view the opponents on the field merely as evil monsters. I will state this now, every person under my command must study the Hoshidan people, know who they are aside from the butchered descriptions the public shows. If this does not sit with you, as you are only able to see them as monsters and scum, then leave and never return." Ascalon, almost an entirely different man from two years ago, instructed the new comers, gold eyes piercing through all of them and getting the point across.
He watched the ten before him, scrutinizing all of them and looking for where they might crack and break, waiting patiently to weed out those who might not belong here. After three tension filled minutes, he relaxed his posture and saw the rest of them release their pent-up breaths, each one grateful for the relief. With a small smile he continued with, "Excellent. You have all passed the last part of my test. Be warned though: if I catch you speaking racial slurs against either kingdom, you will be dishonorably discharged from my care. Understood?"
"Yes sir!" the ten shouted in unison, all wishing to avoid something so terrible.
"Good. Before roll call, are there any questions?"
A girl, long brown hair pulled back into a bun raised her hand and asked, once given the okay, "Sir, I have no problems with accepting your rules however, I would like to know why you encourage your troops to study the other kingdom?"
"I see. Tell me first, why were you sent here, to join the Wyvern Troops?"
"Uh…my parents believed I was going down the wrong path and losing sight of who I was. They caught me wearing clothes from Hoshido, even called me a traitor. They sent me here in hopes that it might 'fix me' Sir."
Giving the young girl a reassuring smile, he told her, "I'm afraid your parents are wrong then, and always will be lest they change their views. On my first mission, when I was eight, I had an encounter with opponents from Hoshido. The fight was tough, and my mount flew into a protective rage as I was hurt, decimating those men and women. I was able to calm him just before he could harm a pair of brothers, and, when I went up to them, I saw that they didn't want to fight. These children, who were my age, were so scared and believed they would not live another day. I looked into their eyes and saw that I was a monster who killed so many people they cared about, loved, knew were never coming back. On that day I learned that I didn't want to be that. I didn't want to fight and be feared, to hurt and destroy lives, to scar young children and take all they knew, just because my king told me to do so. We are here to protect the innocent people we encounter, and to try our best to keep what peace we have."
"What happened to those brothers, Sir?" another asked, a young man, white hair cut short and neat.
"I spared them and convinced the previous captain to spare the others that had survived. Then I went around and helped patch up the injured people, regardless of which side they came from, and apologized to each and every person, regardless of side. To this day, those brothers are my friends, grateful for the mercy I gave them. The Hoshidan border troops know me and my soldiers and, whenever we cross paths we do not fight. We discuss with one another what brought each group to that particular location, what we could do to fix the issues peacefully, and then have a meal together and share stories. Whether or not the rest of Nohr approves, here in the Wyvern Troop we handle ourselves as respectable people, with eyes unclouded by hate. And that is why you are being added; because all of you were sent here to be 'fixed', taught that Nohr is better and Hoshido sucks. But if I taught you that…well, I'd be a dirty liar. And that would make for a poor general." He ended, surprising and outing all of them, but showing it was alright as he grinned to the new recruits with approval.
[Later- Barracks- Ascalon and Camilla]
"Gosh Lon, do you think you could inspire and terrify those teens more? Two of them fainted during the wyvern process. Whether it be from fear or exhilaration, I don't know. But that one boy turned as white as his hair." Camilla told him, sitting on a large crate while cleaning her axe.
Chuckling as he put up away the last supply crate, Ascalon looked at his friend and watched as she did her work, violet eyes focused but at ease, hands precise, and a gentle smile still resting on her lips. They'd both grown a lot within the past two years, as Camilla's own mother had passed not too long after his own, freeing the princess from the strings her mother had attached and giving her the freedom she dreamed of. She had continued to train to become a wyvern knight, both of them spending their free time sparring or refining their skills, and she took up the practice of magic, so she had a versatility that made her useful. Together they rebuilt the Wyvern Troop, slowly but surely, carefully choosing who would be part of the new generation. With each other as support, the pair taught all of the new comers, as well as the other branches of the military, what the new threats were, their origins, how to combat them properly. Funding was low yet Ascalon took it upon himself to redesign the armor the flying soldiers wore, adding the breathing mask as an attachable but required piece as some terrains were toxic to go inside of, and earning the rank of General for his efforts and work. Leo joined their crusade, heading a group of mages dedicated to enchanting the special pieces with wind charms, so as to circulate clean air and keep out pollutants. Xander lent his help as he made similar changes to the Cavalry, including viewpoints on the opposing kingdom, while Elise worked hard to build a flying medic troop, understanding that horses could not reach every place in a fight. From the shadows Jezebel gave Ascalon more information on Iago and his powers, explaining the ancient roots they drew energy from.
The original eighteen that had survived the massacre at the Demon's Falls watched proudly as the teen grew swiftly into a brilliant young man, many surprised that he also continued to grow physically and reached the height of 6ft 4in without his boots on. Finally, he properly filled in his fathers black and gold armor, no longer needing to adjust it for a slender frame. Camilla had followed her companions lead, becoming a beauty that stunned most people she passed, learning to stand her ground but retain her kindness, even in the grimmest of times. In perfect sync the pair changed the way the Nohrian military worked, becoming the favorite of the of people of kingdom they loved, bringing forth a new view for all to see. Like many had predicted though, it was not an easy task and, in the beginning, there were many times others had tried to rid the royal military of them, hiring assassins, publicly humiliating the humble and young captain, petitioning for his removal and screaming he was a traitor to their home. Many were enraged as he rose to a higher rank, threatening his life as well as his troops. Ascalon followed his parent's example though and, through all of the hate and pain, kept a pleasant face and attitude, knowing he had many people who believed in him and relied on his leadership. Camilla proudly stood by his side, unabashed by the ridicule she was given, and soon was joined by the rest of the Nohrian siblings. Only one royal did not support this cause, sitting on the throne and bitterly asking himself as time went on why he spared the damned child. True, he was reliable and kept the soldiers alive, especially after failing so terribly before, but he was almost too much trouble to handle. Garon had tried all he could to make the young captain, and then young general, leave, only to be met with patience and loyal understanding. It infuriated the resentful ruler and led him to a dark path he now tread without question.
Pretending to contemplate her question, Ascalon sarcastically answered, "Well, if the princess orders me to, I could probably manage to accomplish such a task. I'll just have Georgie watch them as they practice their ground combat drills."
"Ugh, so sassy. No wonder the old generals have problems with you."
"Rude. Also, I address all of those old boots with respect. They treat me like a young idiot who should die, your father included."
Hopping down from her perch she walked up to him, booping his nose before putting her axe away and asking, "Oh, he's an old boot, is he?"
"It's the nicest thing I could come up with…without using foul language."
"Oh dear. That sounds like a traitor's excuse."
Dramatically, like it was from an opera, Ascalon held a hand to his head in woe and fell into a kneel before her, sorrowfully saying, "Oh dear lovely princess, I did not mean to slight you or our home! Please, have mercy!"
Giggling at the performance she rolled her eyes and pondered it for a second, slyly grinning before planting her boot on his chest and knocking him down answering, "Hmmm, nah. Not today good sir."
Ascalon fell on his back, keeping his grin hidden, and feigned death. He lay, staring at the Barrack's ceiling for close to a minute, until a soft hand ruffled his hair and helped him up, brushing the dirt off his head and clothes. Laughing he climbed back to his feet and left with her, the pair finishing their chores for the day before sneaking away to the room that served as their safe haven from the world. Camilla had snuck in some treats, as usual, and was halfway through making tea when the dark-haired wyvern knight turned up, face long and tired with a dash of annoyance dust on top.
"Oooo, that's not a good face. Come here and sit, tell me what's happening Lon." She told him, gently guiding him to the bed and helping him take off his armor.
Weary and frustrated he replied, "Well, for starters, almost all of my men and the healers in the Med Bay have caught that winter bug that's been going around; everyone's sick as a dog, feeling nauseous, light headed, weak. Even Georgie is under the weather. Your father, deciding to be an utter ass, not only sent me a letter rejecting my asking for help and medicine, but he also elected to have a one on one meeting to tell me the same thing to my face, claiming that I had to get everyone out of this mess. To add he brought up that he was going to gift the Wyvern Troop to one of his children: you or Jezebel."
"Wait, what? When was he going to tell me about this? Has Jezebel mentioned anything?"
"No, and when I ran into her on my way here, I told her. She had the same reaction as you, asking what you did. Milla, I'm really worried. He's trying to get rid of everything we worked so hard for."
"And I have to beat Jezebel in whatever test he's going to put us through. I feel…I feel like she planned this. She didn't want anything to do with the Wyvern Troop until you joined and, I don't trust her. She's made some improvements but she's still very secretive, only really telling you things, and I know she still hates me. I understand that you want to see the best in her but, please be careful. Jezebel is up to something…I just don't know what it is yet."
"…I know Milla. I don't trust her either. She's all sweet and innocent now yet, I have the same feeling. I could be relaxed around her for a bit but the voice in the back of my mind always catches the odd things she says, her actions. It's been two years and she's hardly made an effort to hangout with you guys, even when you tried. There's another thing off with her. She keeps covering herself more and more; that was never her style or way and she has given no reason why. She even has a veil she wears every so often, claiming it's to keep out the sun."
"Yeah. Oh, I have some more bad news, if you want it?" She asked, trying to rub the million knots out of his shoulders. He groaned and shut his eyes tight, waiting for it, tensing as Camilla answered angrily, "Iago, that trash, is now father's tactician. Leo had been aiming for that position since he was eleven and now, this jerk takes it."
"Are you shitting me?! That slime-ball that murdered our own soldiers is our tactician? Gods help us!" He shouted, throwing his arms in the air and losing what little faith he had left in the king. "Wait until Corrin hears this. He's going to be so upset. Although part of me is jealous that he doesn't have to live here with the rest of the crazy people."
"No, the poor thing has to be on his own with no friends and he can't leave that fortress."
"True. Fuck me. I'm so tired of all of this! Also, Milla, those knots are gonna come out, although your effort is valiant, endearing, and appreciated."
"I tried. My turn now." She sighed, stopping and switching spots with him. Relaxing as her friend went to work, she eventually asked, voice low and worried, "Do you think I'll beat her? I'm afraid of what will happen if I don't."
"…You both have skill but, she lacks poise and precision. Jez hasn't trained and put in nearly as much as you have. So long as things are weighed evenly you should do just fine. King Garon asked me to be there, whenever it happens." He told her softly, taking the edge off his tone completely as he knew both of them were scared.
That night the two spent it curled into each other, both trying to lose themselves to their books and happy stories, avoiding the dangers that lurked in the shaded future and what they slowly were learning was going to happen. Together they drifted to sleep and forgot their woes and concerns, each diving into their dreams where the world was a brighter and happier place, free of war and strife. Neither knew it would be their last night together for a while, or the storm that swept in as the sun rose and welcomed the new day.
[The Next Day- Throne Room- Ascalon, Camilla, Jezebel]
After the pair had returned to their rooms in the morning, they already knew the day was going to be foul, as they each received a request to join the king in the Throne Room. Both scrabbled to get dressed properly, preparing for as best they could for what was coming, neither one knowing it was all futile. Iago, who had convinced the king to do this, met early with Jezebel at her Villa, overjoyed that his pawn's time had come. She would bring him one step closer to becoming the true ruler of Nohr and, after she rid the Wyvern Knight of his memories, the sorcerer would destroy the witch. She had served her purpose, but her obsession was a risk to all he laid out, knowing that she would do anything for the idiot. He had bigger plans though, understanding that the key to controlling the dragon was its keeper, and soon after he ascended the throne, he would turn the troublesome blue-haired brat into the deadliest weapon any kingdom had seen. All that needed to happen was for Jezebel to win and then trick the boy one last time.
Greeting the young woman, he bowed and then smiled as she spun about happily, ecstatic that the day had finally come. Walking over with a spring in her step, as witches tended to be light weight, she smiled at her partner in crime, returning a bow to him out of respect. Her light weight armor glimmered in the dim light and giving her an eerie resemblance to the powerful Nuibaba, especially as they had both attained their powers for nearly identical reasons. Eyes faintly glowing purple she discussed the plan, already confirming that she had managed to slip a magic suppressant into Camilla's drink the previous night and explaining how little Ascalon's opinion mattered to King Garon. Grateful all was taken care of, Iago lent the princess a slightly weaker version of his tome, explaining that its powers would secure her victory. Lastly, he gave her a necklace to disguise her clearly witch like features, hiding her secret from everyone. Together, they left and made it to the Throne Room before the others. Not too much later Ascalon and Camilla arrived, both tired from having to run to make it.
The large doors opening to let the king in stopped Ascalon from asking the questions he had, forcing him to quickly bow down and gaze at the floor, glaring at the sorcerer once Garon had passed them. Creepily the pale and discomforting dark mage smiled at him pleasantly, giving him a salute before the king could see it. Upon his majesty's orders, Iago and Ascalon took their places at either side of their ruler's throne, the aggressive sparks flying between the two almost visible. King Garon, unamused by the dispute between the them, sighed heavily in annoyance and stood from his seat to look at his daughters, disappointed by both.
"You have all been gathered as I will be bestowing the gift of the Wyvern Troops to one of my daughters. Both shall be tested in certain subjects and whichever performs the best, shall earn the rights and rule of that branch of the military. Ascalon Rein Avenstar…the General of the Wyvern Troop, as well as Iago the tactician of the military, shall be the judges and discuss who did the best. The child that loses shall be banned from the group until they prove themselves worthy and can take down the winner in combat. Now, let's begin." He stated loudly, his words deeply worrying both the wyvern knight and the lavender-haired princess.
Ready and rearing for this chance, the unfriendly sisters performed for their father, showing their skills with hand-to-hand combat, weapon use, strategy, and eventually magic. It was in the last part of the dispute, where it mattered the most, that Camilla felt her body reject using the skills she knew were there. Ascalon watched in dread as his best friend, the most important person in his life, struggled to even make a small flame, keeping back her tears and fear as she did all she could. Next to her, looking as innocent as possible, Jezebel flaunted her prowess in the dark arts, executing spells that many could never hope to do in their wildest dreams. Still Camilla tried, screaming internally as she couldn't figure out what was wrong with her or why her magic had left. It was only when Garon raised his hand, telling her coldly to cease her pathetic attempts, and proceeded to have each judge make their case. Ascalon tried his best, explaining that Camilla was better suited overall for the position and that, while she lacked in one field, she excelled in everything else. He argued that many previous keepers of the Wyvern Troops also had trouble with magic and that she could improve given training and time. Yet, as the king shook his head in repulsion at the facts, he turned to Iago who spoke of the importance of magical talent and how it was easier to improve physical skills over others. That said, Ascalon bit his tongue as the choice was made, ignoring the smirk that the sorcerer gave him behind the king's back.
[Later that night- Barracks, Ascalon's Quarters]
Ascalon sat in his room, bitterly stewing over the awful news he had to deliver to his mostly bedridden troops, going over their health charts and trying to understand what exactly had made everyone so ill. It was when a knock came at his door that he raised his head, confused as he knew it wasn't Camilla, as she was now banned from the area. Setting aside his work he walked over, rolling his shoulders as he was sore from wearing armor all day, and opened the door. There, with a heart broken look on her face and two cups of tea in her hands, was Jezebel, trying to hide her make up that had run from her tears after the trial ended.
"I…I brought you tea…to apologize. I thought she would beat me, I didn't even realize something was wrong until it was too late. I'm so sorry." She told him, sniffling and doing all she could to hold new tears back.
Sighing he pushed the hair from his face, tucking it behind an ear, and let the girl in. "It is what it is. I just don't know what happened with her. She's good at magic and should have beat, like it or not. I think Iago did something to her. But I wasn't able to ask her if she felt odd or not; I haven't seen her since this morning."
"I know. You might be onto something though. He knows you care about her and, it would be just like him to do this. I'm grateful he hasn't gone after the others yet but…I'm worried."
"Me too. This day has been exhausting and I wish it didn't happen. To add, my soldiers are sick with gods know what and Georgie has a bad cold, our resources are low and Garon keeps refusing everything I ask of him. He wants me to fail, I know it."
Leaning against his desk after handing his cup to him, Jezebel told him gently, "I…I could give you money for whatever you need. My mother left behind a great sum and now that I'm of age I have access to it. It's the least I could do."
Resting against one of the ceiling support posts Ascalon watched her warily, feeling uncomfortable with the convenience of her having all of the answers. Keeping a calm façade, he nodded and looked at his tea, replying with, "That's awfully kind of you."
"Not really. You should drink your tea; it'll help with the stress."
Suspicions rising, he lifted the cup just high enough that he could smell it and, as he suspected, found the scent of chamomile and something else that didn't belong. Lowering the porcelain teacup, he gazed at the princess, eyes narrowing as he caught on, and watched as she met his frigid glare. For a moment longer the two peered at one another, an unease and static filled charge hanging between them. Brown stared at the gold and politely yet venomously the princess spoke again, with more force this time.
"Drink the tea, general. It's for your own good."
"What did you put in it? Also, where'd you get that necklace?" He demanded, voice rising slightly.
Huffing in frustration as he once again proved to be just smart enough, the princess threw her cup at him, catching him by surprise and stunning him, before tearing the jewelry off and revealing her true form. Her body lifted from the ground smoothly, rising only a few inches in the air, as her eyes angrily glowed a violent shade of purple. Jezebel, a true witch now, advanced on the wyvern knight and watched as he gazed at her in horror and rage, mouth twisted into a scowl and body tense as he was ready to fight her. She knew, without a doubt, he would lose, but let him try anyways, throwing him across the room easily and laughing as he lunged three more times, only managing to hit the swift enemy once. Teleporting behind him she cackled and kicked him into the ground, looming above him and smiling wickedly. The wicked princess watched gleefully as he spun onto his back, yowling as he threw the china shards at her, several striking her face.
Ascalon, panicking, raced over towards the dresser he kept his armor and lance in, almost making it before a wall of black flames cut him off, reaching from the ceiling to the floor. He made for the door only for the same thing to happen, alarmed to find this barrier enclosed the entire room. Giggling like she had all those years ago, when she had first revealed her true nature, the dark princess smiled in a sickeningly sweet manner, head tilting to one side as if to appear innocent and naïve. In one last effort to defend himself the wyvern knight threw his chair at her, stomach sinking as it was turned to ash in seconds.
"Well then, you just had to go and ruin things. All of this would have been so much easier if you, just once, were dumb. No matter though, I have you where I want and now that the cat's out of the bag, let's cut to the chase. I have a deal for you that's simply to die for." Jezebel stated, floating over and landing silently, only two feet between the two.
"Ha, no deal from an abomination from like you can be good." He spat out, seething in repressed anger.
"Oh, but you haven't even heard it yet. If you'll please listen, you my wonderful general, have no choice. You see, your troops and dragon aren't sick; they're cursed…strongly. No medicine will fix them as it's a blood curse connected to my will. All of their precious, fragile, sad lives, are in your skilled hands Ascalon." She told him, stepping forward and holding his hands in hers. Looking him dead in the eye she added, "And if you fail one more time, all of their blood will be there too. In a moment I could rip it all away from you; the Wyvern Troops, George, Camilla. None of them have even the slightest clue as to why they feel so terrible."
"You're sick, and deeply disturbed."
"And your only chance to keep all of those plebs alive…and you know it."
Shaking with anger, disappointment in himself, and unfiltered fear, he glared at her for a moment longer before begrudgingly asking through his teeth, "What do you want?"
Howling with laughter she threw her head back, bringing it back to face him and, resting a hand on his face answered, "Oh darling, I want you. Always have. I want you, the throne, and Nohr. You'll help me get everything, or you can say goodbye to all of Nohr's military and royal children, even sweet Elise. Yes, that many people lives are at risk; I have been planning this for two years."
"You have me, but you'll never get anything else. People will discover your plans and kill you, like they do to actual malevolent witches."
"Oh Ascalon, I don't have all of you…not yet. When you're undressed and the light's out though, then I will…or I'll have the lives of just about anyone you care about. …Now, hop to it; I've been kept waiting long enough."
And yeah, I'm going to go sit in a corner and scold myself, don't worry. Thanks for reading and I can guarantee things will get better. I'm not gonna leave the cinnamon rolls to suffer too long. Until next time!