Chapter 12 Saxam's Reign

Cosmos woke up to the sound of arguing, which had become an annoyingly normal occurrence for her. Sadly it was not the usual arguing between her sisters but instead between her captors.

"What the hell is your problem Marco?! Two of our allies have been thrown in prison and you don't want us to go after them?!" A black haired kid that Cosmos didn't recognize yelled that.

He was arguing with Marco the purple haired one that she had fought earlier. "That's not what i'm saying at all! I just think that we shouldn't run in blindly!"

"So what we stay here and twiddle our thumbs?!"

"Seems better then going in blind! Or do you want a repeat of Serpens Fang?" Marco shot back.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Pete growled.

"I've been thinking about that whole situation." Marco said "We only made it out of there alive because of dumb luck! Do you think we can survive a real threat through luck alone?"

"I'm sorry but who's the leader here me or you?" Pete growled.

"I don't damn well care who you are! If somebodies acting stupid I'm going to call them out on it!"

Sakura smacked them both over the head "Arguing isn't going to get us anywhere! The first thing we should do is try and get some info out of sleeping beauty over there."

"Huh? When did she wake up?" Marco asked.

Cosmos cursed and tried to escape, but found herself trapped in her own magic restricting handcuffs.

"Sorry about that." Marco said sheepishly "But we kinda expected that you'd try to kill us the second you woke up."

"This was not how the plan was supposed to go." Cosmos sulked.

"Alright tell us where Ricco and Yoro are being held!" Pete roared.

"What's wrong with you?!" Marco yelled "You can't just yell at people and expect them to listen to you!"

"Oh then what do you suggest we do?" Pete asked sarcastically.

"Maybe you should try being civil for once." Marco muttered.

"And what would you know about that mister 'I lived in a cave all my life.'" Pete growled.

"Apparently more then you!"

"Sorry about those two." Sakura sighed "Marco just joined so he isn't used to Pete's way of thinking."

"Hmph you all shouldn't have even come here." Cosmos said "Officer Saxam doesn't like it when troublemakers meddle in the his affairs."

"What affairs?" Sakura asked "We weren't aware that this town was off limits to the public."

Cosmos laughed spitefully "That's what that damn reporter said too. Lucky for him Saxam said that killing him would draw too much attention."

"So that's why he was the only other person I met here." Pete muttered.

"Officer Saxam will probably have your colleges executed tomorrow, just like the others that defy him." Cosmos said "It's pointless to fight against him."

"Nothing is pointless." Sakura said sagely "Foolish sure, unwise most definitely, counterproductive yes, but nothing is pointless."

"Whoa such sage advice." Marco gasped "where'd you learn that?"

"On a fortune cookie." Sakura said sweetly.

"Stop joking around!" Cosmos growled "Just shut up and go home, that way at least some of you will survive."

"Sorry no can do lady." Marco said "No man gets left behind."

"Finally something we can agree on." Pete gridded.

"You fools..." Cosmos said "Foing up against Saxam is a death wish. You can't beat him... I learned that long ago."

Three years ago

Chirapa Town was a much bigger bustling city. A series of transparent specters lined the streets at all times. Inturupting the peaceful scene was two thugs running away with bags of stolen money, the first was large and muscular while the other was tall and lanky.

Chasing after them were Cosmos, Rose, and Poppy all of which were only about ten or eleven years old. Several other Rune knights followed close behind them.

"Bull!" The lanky one said "They're catching up!"

"Don't you worry slim. They're just Rune knights we've run away from far more dangerous people." Butch laughed.

"Halt!" A Rune Knight commanded. He stood in front of about ten other knights blocking the path of the thugs. "You are severely outnumbered defender now!"

"Buh-huh-huh" Butch laughed "That's what they think." Butch tackled the knights and sent them all flying out of the way. "See Slim, no trouble at all!"

"I suppose your correct." Slim mused "But just in case." Slim took a handful of spheres out of his pocket "Oricata" Slim threw a series of blue pellets that exploded behind him taking out all the Rune knights except for the three sisters.

"Buh-huh-huh" Bull chuckled "Looks like a few of em are still standin Slim."

"I can see that you big oaf." Slim growled "It's just a few rune knights we can outrun them easily. We need to hurry we don't need that pesky officer on our tails."

"Poppy, Rose" Cosmos commanded.

"Understood" Rose nodded. "Petal Drain"

"Finally all this waiting was starting to bore me." Poppy laughed. "Grappling Wither Storm"

Rose and Poppy extended their arms and a blizzard of petals burst out of the former's palms while thick roots came from the latter's. Both attacks hit their mark and Bull and Slim were captured covered in petals and tied up in roots. Both of which stealing their magic power. "Damn it" Slim growled "Bested by some no name brats."

"Surprisingly powerful no name brats."

"Who said that?" Bull asked tiredly, with his magic power being sucked away he was having trouble staying conscious.

"I did" Saxam walked out from behind the corner "I have to thank you girls, if you hadn't taken them out so swiftly then I might of been forced to do it myself. This moment deserves a poem." Saxam took out a notebook and pen "Sisters three, have impressed me, with their efficiency, in taking out this banditry."

"The captain sure is a weird guy." Poppy muttered.

Rose smacked her upside the head "Show some respect" she hissed "Everyone knows that the captain doesn't go out of his way to talk to people, if he wants to talk it's about something important."

"Did you really have to hit me for that?!" Poppy growled.

Rose hit her again "Yes actually I did." she stated matter of factly.

Cosmos ignored her sisters' bickering "So Officer Saxam, for what do we owe the-"

"Your interesting" Saxam interrupted "Very interesting, more durable then your standard soldier that's for sure. Meet me in my office at seven o-clock sharp absence will get you fired, understood?"

"Yes sir!" The girls saluted.

Saxam nodded and calmly strolled back to his office.

The three sisters decided to grab some desert from a small shop on their way back to their small apartment in the middle of town. "I'll take one of your most beautiful pies Miss Jacelin." Cosmos said.

The specter behind the counter nodded happily "Here you go Cosmos" she the took a cautionary look around "I heard you met with Officer Saxam you lucky girls."

Cosmos smiled "He said that he wants to meet with us tomorrow."

"Hopefully he'll be giving us a promotion I'm done being a Rune Knight!" Poppy declared "I'm ready to set out and ride the dusty trails of Armageddon!"

"Do you think about what your going to say beforehand?" Rose asked "Because nothing you say makes sense."

"Oh stop being such a buzzkill Rose. I know I'm not the only one hoping for a promotion." Poppy sighed.

Cosmos sighed "Don't be ridiculous Poppy, while a promotion would be beautiful we aren't nearly skilled enough to be lieutenants. Officer Saxam only got his rank due to his special duplication magic."

"The more logical answer would be that he wishes to test our skills." Rose said "Perhaps he'll transfer us to somewhere we can better ourselves more easily."

"Ohh! Maybe we'll be transferred to Crocus!" Poppy cheered "Wouldn't that be a dream!"

Jacelin chuckled "Well if that does happen don't forget to write I'm not getting any younger, or older for that matter!"

Cosmos smiled politely and handed the phantom some money "Thank you for the pie Miss Jacelin But we should really be heading home."

Rose nodded "Yes if Saxam is going to be testing us as I predicted then we should spend the rest of the day resting to prepare."

Poppy shook with excitement "A test of our skills! I'm so excited I'm shaking like a rattlesnake on formaldehyde!"

"What does that even mean?" Rose muttered.

"Don't think too hard about it." Cosmos advised "Just focus on tomorrow."

"Speaking of tomorrow what do you think of officer Saxam? I mean I'm sure you've heard the rumors." Rose said.

"What?" Poppy said incredulously "You mean the rumors about Rune knights going missing? Get real all those guys were weak and whiny they probably just all dropped out."

""But so many..." Rose shook her head "Never mind your right, sketchy people shouldn't get promoted to officer."

The next day

Rose, Poppy, and Cosmos stood at attention with Saxam looking over the three of them. "The three of you have managed to impress me. It is my personal belief that in a few years you three will be up to lieutenet level."

"We thank you for your kindness Officer Saxam." Rose said.

"That being said I also believe that you won't be able to improve in the slightest living as a simple Rune Knight. Which is why I have called you three here today." Saxam's body lost it's shape and became a shapeless pile of white goo on the ground.

"Whoa! What in the world is that?!" Poppy asked.

"Amazing so this is Officer Saxam's duplication magic?" Rose muttered.

The blob began to take shape again this time with Saxam looking almost exactly the same as Poppy. The only notable difference was the hair color instead of adopting Poppy's golden pigtails Saxam's were a pure white. "Impressive is it not?" This special duplication magic is exclusive to me and my special body. With it I become an near exact replica of anyone currently in my field of vision and I can maintain that form for three hours after I lose sight of them. When in another's form I adopt their appearance, voice, magic power, and magic."

"Wait magic power?" Rose asked "Does that mean..."

Saxam nodded "At the moment I am only as strong as your sister. I am willing to train you if you can defeat me in this form."

Poppy grinned and cracked her knuckles "Three against one and your only as strong as me? This will be as easy as finding ash in a war zone."

Saxam smirked "Oh is that so?" "Thunder Cloak of the Earth" Electrically charged roots burst out of the ground right underneath the sisters.

""Damn it Poppy!" Rose yelled as she rolled out of the way of the thunderous plant life "Why do your attacks have to be as bat shit insane as you are?!"

"Shut up Rose! I didn't expect them to be used against me!" Poppy shot back.

"Now is not the time you two!" Cosmos scolded "We need to focus!"

"Sorry sis..." The duo muttered.

Saxam smiled "Come on don't quit now the fun is just beginning."

Two hours later

Cosmos, Poppy, and Rose were battered and beaten while Saxam didn't have a single scratch on him. "Y-you lied to us." Poppy panted "There's no way that your at the same level I am, it's just not possible."

"Never underestimate what a little creativity, a sharp mind, and years of experence can do. You don't have to be the most powerful man in the world to be a competent fighter." Saxam molded back to his original shape "That being said you three did much better then I had originally expected."

"Wh-what are you talking about?" Rose panted "We couldn't even toich you."

"You told us that we had to beat you. But we didn't get anywhere close." Cosmos agreed "We didn't even get a beautiful defeat."

"I would be surprised if you could defeat me." Saxam said as he took out his jotebook and pen "Test of skill you have passed, now you've reached a higher class, To be trained by an elite, you must be proud of this great feat."

"Wait does that mean you'll..." Excitement shined in Poppy's eyes.

"Return here at the same time tommarow." Saxam smirked "Then Your Training will begin."

Jacelin chuckles as she handed Cosmos another pie "You really shouldn't make this a habit you know, too much pie isn't good for you."

"Who cares if it ain't good for us?!" Poppy cheered "Were being trained by the elite! The cream of the crop! The harbinger of calamity!"

"Your ability to spout nonsense truely is a talent Poppy." Rose sighed.

Jacelin shook her head "Well I hope you won't forget about me when you reach the top. I can hardly stand to lose my best customers."

"Oh don't you worry." Cosmos said "I think Rose would rather die then give up your pies."

"Eh if I die I'll just help you out at the shop." Rose shrugged.

"Ha! Wouldn't that be a sight!" Poppy laughed "The buzzkill Rose working in a pie shop!" Rose shacked her over the head "Hey!"

"Don't underestimate her love of pie Poppy." Cosmos advised.

"Damn psychopath" Poppy muttered.

"Pot meet kettle" Jacelin smirked causing both Rose and Poppy to glare at the ghost. "Oh don't even try. It's not like you can kill me I'm already dead!"

"You just wait, when I die the first thing I'll do is strangle you to second death." Poppy muttered.

Rose hit her agian "Watch what you say."

"Oh don't tell me you weren't thinking it!" Poppy argued

"Thinking and Saying are different things." Rose deadpanned.

Cosmos sighed "We really have a long way to go don't we?"

"Understatement of the year dearie." Jacelin snickedred.

One Year Later

Rose sighed as she entered her apartment "This is getting ridiculous this makes thirteen arrests this week."

"Fifteen" Poppy corrected "I had to arrest an older couple earleir today."

"At this rate the town will be abandoned by the end of the year." Rose sighed.

Cosmos smiled an obviously fake smile "Come in guys look on the bright side..."

"What brightside!" Poppy snapped "If you hadn't noticed Cosmos were the only Rune knights left! The others already decided to get out of this shit show! Now the three of us have to personally arrest our friends multiple times a day!"

"W-we could get a pie... from Jacelin's shop." Cosmos said "That always cheers us up!"

"You had to arrest her last week remember Cosmos." Rose said "Besides if you keep stress eating you'll get fat."

"I-I'm going to have a talk with Saxam." Cosmos decided "Maybe he can explain all this to me."

"What makes you think this time will be different from the others?" Poppy asked "He'll just brush us off again."

"Still... I have to try." Cosmos decided.

"Alright but..." Rose places her hand on her sister's shoulder "If things get dicey let us know."

"Yeah we're family we'll trust your judgement." Poppy agreed.

Cosmos smiled "It's just the captain you guys what the worst that can happen."

'A whole lot'

"So it appears that you found me out." Saxam said darkly he stood in front of a large machine at the top were hundreds of captured phantoms and at the bottom a giant cat filled with spectral essence.

"Wh-what is this?" Cosmos stuttered "Miss Jacelin... and everyone else we arrested... what are you doing to them?"

"I'm doing what's nessesary. That is what Councilwomen Jinah asked of me."

"But it's so... so..."

"Inhumane?" Saxam asked "I think so too. But then agian they won't die will they? People like them are too stubborn to die, to determined to not let their story end. Besides they'll be helping to create a better world."

"A better world?" Cosmos asked.

"A world that humanity can't ruin, a world where we won't hate each other due to our gender or color of our skin." Saxam grit his teeth "Or our heritage. A world filled with demons."

"Demons are you mad!" Cosmos shrieked.

Saxam ignored the girls cries "A world where everyone is deformed! A world where everyone's a monster! If we're all terrifying disgusting monsters then nobody can discriminate against the other! If everyone's the same there will be no hate!"

"Your insane!" Cosmos panicked and tried to escape.

Saxam grabbed her arm "Where do you think your going exactly? Not leaving I hope. Not going off to tell the council? Lord Ricardio needs this operation to go smoothly so here's what's going to happen." Sweat trilled down Cosmos' meal as she stared into Saxam's hard cold eyes "You are going to stay here collecting specters for me otherwise those sisters of yours will be joining them in the underworld understood?"

"Ye...yes sir." Cosmos gasped.

"Good" Saxam let out a savage grin "Now go and see you sisters I spent so much time training you it would truly be a shame to kill you here."

Present Day

"There's no point in fighting him Saxam will just kill you if you try." Cosmos said.

"Ricardio..." Marco mumbled.

"Hm? Does that name sound familiar to you?" Sakura asked.

"When I looked into Viper's memories he mentioned a man named Ricardio." Marco explained "The man turned his daughter into a snake as if it were the most simple thing in the world."

"Oh perfect and this guy answers to him?" Pete sighed.

"I think it's a safe assumption that this Councilwomen works with this Ricardio figure as well." Sakura noted.

"Ugh look one crisis at a time alright." Marco said "If we can sneak into Saxam's base, save Ricco and Yoro, then get the hell out of dodge we should be good right?"

"Ok but how do we get into the base?" Pete asked.

"I could let you in." Cosmos offered.

All eyes were on their captive and Marco smirked "And you thought bringing her here was a stupid idea."

"Shut up Marco" Pete deadpanned.