Hope you enjoy the chapter, Readers! ^.^
Rannovag Village: Inn
Nawin appears in his room and immediately collapse on the bed. "Huh" he releases a long sigh and stare blankly at the white ceiling for a minute in total silence. 'FUCKING FINALLY! That stupid sorcerer and his barrier!' Tairex sudden loud comment startle the Makasha 'Tairex! What happened to you guys?' Nawin immediately question 'I'm not entirely sure, Nawin-kun' Sairex calm and collective voice joins in 'It may be because the barrier is restraining so much power from you that you lost connection with us. We were able to see the whole event transpired, but no matter how loud we shout, our voice didn't reach you… I deeply apologize for not answering you when you were in the moment of need' the white dragon said with a surprisingly sincere tone that it catches Nawin by surprise.
A small smile form on the Makasha's lip 'It's fine. Thanks for your concern, Sairex' 'Oh god, I'm feeling sick… this sweet moment makes me want to vomit!' Tairex comment and start creating a fake gagging noise 'Yeah, miss you too, Tairex' Nawin reply with sarcasm. 'Anyway…' Tairex suddenly speaks with teasing tone, a smug smirk grows on his lips from the mindscape he is usually sited 'Kissing that Pureblood. Oh, just how bad you are, Kid! Imagine what your girlfriend would think!' he said and proceeds to laugh.
Nawin slowly touch his lip with his index and middle finger, then a picture of him giving Sayomi his blood flashes in his mind 'You know what they say!' the evil dragon chuckle darkly 'First come kissing then come SEX! Ahahaha' he laughs more. Nawin sigh at the dragon's childish comment '… You should have shoved a demonic lightning through her heart! You damn weak hearted child!' Tairex abruptly turn serious and snarl in disgust, dropping the jest 'Silence! Brother!" Sairex roars out and forcibly cut the link to allow the Makasha space.
'Tairex is right… I should feel… disgusted that I did that, but… I don't feel that, it… felt like, it's almost… right' Nawin lower his arms to the bed and stare up the ceiling in complete silence. The silence is ruin when a swirl of black feathers explodes in front of the bed and Azazel emerge from it, holding a worry and angry expression.
"Where have you been?! I've been searching for you the whole day!" Azazel shouts and before he can continue ranting, Nawin stop him with one word "Ophis" he utters and sees Azazel freeze in a moment of shock before regaining his serious composure "Explain".
Nawin spend the next ten minutes telling Azazel about his short journey to the Island with Sayomi, but there are a few details he decided not to reveal. He keeps quiet of the information about one of his past memory being unlock and Sayomi's last words before they depart ways.
"I see…" Azazel utters, leaning against the wall and staring up the ceiling with calculative eyes "… Did she do anything to you?" he ask and move his head down to look at Nawin, who shakes his head "No… she… she saved me in two occasions, to be honest... if she wasn't there, then I would have died in that island" Nawin reply in stoic tone, staring at the white bed sheets with blank eyes.
Azazel find this surprising and it just adds more of a mystery toward the enigma Pureblood Vampire knowns as Sayomi Dracul. 'Just who are you? And what is Nawin to you, Sayomi Dracul' Azazel thinks, and grit his teeth tightly at not knowing the answer. One of the few things that can annoy the usually carefree Fallen Angel is to not be able to solve a mystery, especially a mystery that does harm to a person he holds dear.
'What was Ophis motive on doing this? She clearly needs him alive' Azazel tries to come up with an answer in his mind. Ever since the Makasha revealed to him about who gave him the mark, on their first day leaving for the training trip. Azazel has tried to come up with reasons on why Ophis would do it, and with the fairly amount of knowledge he knew about the deity. Azazel can only come up with one realistic reason on why Ophis gave Nawin the mark and he didn't like it one bit, it's something that's been haunting the back of his mind ever since he figured out the reason.
"That's all I have to say" Nawin comment and gets off the bed "That journey has taught me that I'm still weak. I want you to crank up the training even harder, Oldman, because I won't allow myself to feel that helpless… ever again" he said and whisper the last part softly, clenching his hands tightly that his knuckle turn white.
Azazel stare at his Godson with slight worry, but he agrees with a nod "Alright, if that is what you want, then I'll put you through hell and it will be up to you to see if you survive the next two weeks" he said with seriousness, showing he isn't overexaggerating. Nawin slowly nod and looks up at the older man with glowing red eyes "Give me everything you got, Godfather".
Unknown
Sayomi appears in her thrown room in a swarm of bats, which quickly disburse away when her feet touch the marble floor. The door opens and Raynare enters in with Noel and Freed. The three place their right hand above their chest and gives a respective bow "Welcome back, Mistress" Raynare greets in her ever-stoic tone in her soft voice "We were a bit worried when disappeared for a whole day, Mistress!" Freed comments loudly, not knowing the meaning indoor voice.
Sayomi slowly turn to face her group, holding a calm expression though stand in an authoritative stance. If a random person looks at those four in the room currently, they would immediately know who is the leader and most dangerous. The air Sayomi emits force you to bow down to her and show respect. "Thanks for the warm welcome, I've been out on a hunt… that's all I'll be saying" she said in authority tone, telling them to not question further and just nod along. "Who's this?" the Pureblood turns her sight to Noel.
Noel step forward and smile kindly "Noel Artisa, I've been scouted by Lady Raynare and decided to join your cause, Mistress Sayomi" he said, "Polite young man, you are" Sayomi state with amusement and slowly descend the steps to make her way toward the boy.
Noel feels small group of sweat drip from the back of his head, even though he keeps a polite smile on his lips, inside he feels an immense pressure and intimidation from the woman that is slowly and elegantly making her way toward him. Just by her eye-catching appearance, with her flowing silver-hair and blood red slit eyes, anyone can tell she's a dangerous individual and now he can really confirm of Raynare's word of warning wasn't an over-exaggeration. 'Don't do anything to upset, Mistress. Follow her order like it is law and think of it as taboo for you to disobey or displease her. I am warning you of this because lots of individual are ridded because they didn't follow these rules, and I'm honestly getting tired of disposing dismembered bodies'.
Freed's smirk widens when Sayomi stop in front of Noel while Raynare watch on with calm and tranquil expression on her face. Sayomi tower over the shorter boy and stare at his face "You still hold some good in you… but they are all direct in the right place" she utters softly, studying the boy's warn golden eyes "You are different from others who are just rotten to the core. Freed, train the boy… and stop staring me with those lustful eyes or I'll rip them off" Sayomi warns, moving her head to the grinning man "Apologize, Mistress, but in that attire… who can blame me" he said with excitement and jest.
'Where have she been? With that clothes… it looks like she's been to the beach… which is impossible to picture her doing' Raynare thinks and see Sayomi shake her head at the rouge exorcist behavior. Sayomi turn back to Noel and offer him a smile though not a kind one, but a dark one and clap his shoulder with her hand "I see bright things in you, Noel… don't disappoint me" she said, and ominously warn the last part, which she gets a nod from the boy "I surely do my best not to, Mistress" he replies politely.
Sayomi turn to Freed once again "Don't go easy on him, but also don't accidently kill him, Freed or I'll take you to another session in my torture chamber" she warn with a sadistic smirk. Noel is in disbelief when he sees fear shown on Freed's expression, something he never thought to see from the insane and immortal man. "R-right, Mistress" Freed stutter a bit and bow "I'll be less reckless with the newbie and promise to make him strong".
"Don't underestimate him" Raynare speak up, sending a side glance to Freed "He gave you some trouble, so don't make the same mistake twice" "Yeah, yeah, I got it" Freed grumble and turns to Noel "Come on, Newbie! Let's start with some sparring in the training room!" he shouts, regaining his sadistic grin and lead the boy out of the throne room.
Now with only the two lefts in the room, Raynare turn to her Mistress "May I ask where you have been, Mistress?" she ask in respective tone "Why are you so eager to know?" Sayomi sharply retort back, with some annoyance in her tone "Just to quench my curiousness… it is strange to see you suddenly disappear then return back… dress in that attire no less" Raynare comment, calmly.
Sayomi sigh and proceed to walk past Raynare, heading to the door "Someone just mark themselves as my enemy" she said and push the door open "Who might that be?" "That foolish dragon, Ophis" Sayomi reply, before leaving the room. Raynare stare at the close door, her eyes soften for a moment when she catches a familiar scent that surrounded the Pureblood, and now lingers in the room '… Nawin-kun'.
Sayomi's Room
Sayomi exits the bathroom, wearing a long-sleeve white button shirt that drops all the way down to her thighs. She leaves a few buttons open to allow her room to breathe easily. The room is a simple one, but large and spacious. A king-size white bed place right in the middle-end of the room, with a few beautiful wooden craft drawers and cabinet spread around the room. A few light stand and ones built on the wall keep the room from being dark, since there's no windows, just clean marble walls and a black carpet floor. No electronic occupy the room, such as computer, television, and others.
Sayomi makes her way toward the bed and drop down on it. She proceeds to stare blankly at the white ceiling '… I was too soft' an image of her protecting Nawin from the water serpents attack, then the image changes to another one, showing her, throwing Nawin away and got herself stabbed by the Chimera.
Sayomi brings her index finger up and gently trace it around her lip as an image of Nawin pressing his warm lip onto hers and proceeds to feed her his delicious blood. 'Your eyes…' Sayomi remember the moment Nawin looked down at her weak form, just before he gave her his blood 'They're so sad… my dear Nawin'.
Lucy's Mindscape
Lucy sit up and quickly look around to find herself sitting in an endless black void. "Am I… in my mindscape?" Lucy murmurs, standing up and look around, remembering her brother told her about this place. "That means… I'm going to meet my sacred gear" she states and spin around to see a blue light in the distance.
Lucy takes a step forward and slowly makes her way toward the only light in this dark place. "… Am I getting any closer?" she mumbles in annoyance and start running to the light, but even after a few minutes of nonstop running, the light isn't getting any nearer.
"Useless" a deep voice suddenly rings around the void, echoing a couple of times. Lucy halt and start looking at her surroundings "You, a girl who thinks she's already mature and strong enough to take on this world... Arrogance! You are nothing but a girl who is in over her head! You possess a destructive power that others would do anything to have, but you mindlessly use it and don't even bother to understand it! Like a child wielding her new toy around like an imbecile!" the voice berates the Makasha from all sides, while the light in the distance grow brighter and bigger.
"SHUT UP!" Lucy screams at the light, her right eye glows in golden "You don't know a damn thing about me!" "I DO KNOW! I've been here and witnessed everything that you went through your whole life! I know practically everything about you!" the voice roars back.
"And all I see is a pathetic and weak girl! Who is such trouble to her brother in the past that she chooses to hide her true self behind a goody two-shoes mask! Sickening! Instead of helping your brother through his pain, you only become more of a burden! Weak and always needing saving. It will always amaze me how your brother had never gotten tired of you" the voice shouts all the truth that hides inside Lucy's heart, and something she never wants to admit being true, even though it is.
"… I know that very well" Lucy utters softly, her head hang down with the front bangs covering her eyes "That's why right now I am doing whatever it takes to get stronger! To help him and not become a burden again!". Blue flames form into life and swirl around the blonde in a smooth waving motion. "I WILL NOT REPEAT MY PAST MISTAKES!" Lucy shouts, and flaming wings explode from her back.
Lucy bolt toward the light in sound speed with a fierce expression plaster on her face. The light grows and slowly, a dark figure walks can be seen in it. A large white wolf walks out from the light, part of its body is cover in blue flames and its eyes glow in bright golden with sharp slit pupil.
When seeing the Fox, Lucy slows down and stop right in front of the animal. "You're… my sacred gear?" the flaming wings disperse as Lucy question the Fox "Obviously," it replies in a deep male voice, its tone clearly hold annoyance in them "No one can enter this place beside you and I" he explains in bore tone, completely losing its harshness from earlier 'Did he say just to get me riled up?' Lucy thinks.
"Speaking of this place... you mind changing it to something more bearable? It's getting tiresome looking at this endless sea of darkness" the Fox comment, starring around the place with dislike in his eyes "This is my mindscape… so I just use my imagination?" Lucy question "Yes" the Fox gives a short response.
A moment past and the whole black void glow brightly. The light slowly dies down to reveal they are now standing on a beautiful and lush green grass land, with small hills stretch out in the distances and some trees spread the land evenly. The Fox let out a pleasant sigh and proceed moving forward "Walk with me, girl" he commands, and Lucy comply without complaint.
"Do you know why it took you this long to finally meet me?" the Fox question after a moment of silence "I wasn't strong enough?" Lucy reply the first thing pop in her mind and sees it is incorrect, by the creature shaking its head "Wrong. The reason why it took so long because as I previously mentioned… that mask of yours is blocking you. You've been behind it for so long that you unconsciously created a mental barrier in your mind that is blocking I from ever meeting you. Reason why you are so weak for a while and why your power was so unstable in the beginning" the Fox explain in a calm and intelligent tone.
Lucy pay close attention to the beast's words, but something is wondering in her mind 'Is this really the sacred gear that tried to take over me? Aside from the rough first conversation, he seems like a cool and collective Fox… something is missing here' she notes but decide to drop it for now and ask the important questions. "So, I am now able to talk to you because the metal barrier is broken?" Lucy assert and gets a nod from the Fox "Correct. That stupid mask is broken, which means the mental barrier is too… how do you feel?" he asks, throwing a glance at the blonde.
Lucy pause and bring her right hand up to the height of her face "… I feel more… alive" she softly replies "Good to hear. I'll give you an advice… Remember who you are, Lucy Makasha" "Who am I?" she ask the Fox's own opinion, with dull expression "A headstrong, unpredictable, stubborn, and strong-willed girl" he states with much confident that it surprise the Makasha.
The Fox's sharp eyes soften ever slightly and he turns to face Lucy "The problem is that you are just a normal girl who is dragged into this world in such a young age… fifteen-year-old… how cruel the world has become" he utters and release an unpleasant sigh. The Fox turns serious and look right into Lucy's eyes "You need to get rid of the thought of being like your brother, Lucy. You two have grown up in a completely different path. You have built this mindset in you, thinking that you can be like him because you are his sister… I understand you look up to him and hold the highest respect and love toward him, but you have only begun stepping into a world that he has live in from the beginning".
A large screen appears in front of them, white images flashes a couple of time, before showing a video. The video shows a fifteen-year-old Nawin fighting on a group of five bullies. "Look at that, he's your age and he has already been through countless of fights. He would have won some and lost some. He gets into these fights because it's either to save a victim or protecting you… he has sheltered you from that kind of world from the very beginning and quickly became accustomed to it".
Lucy flinch when seeing her brother get kneed to the stomach, but he quickly gets back up and counter with a right uppercut to the older boy. "Do you know why he was able to quickly adjust to the supernatural world?" the Fox question "It's because the supernatural is no different from the world he's already living in. Violence, conflict, and… deaths" Lucy answer, slowly "Exactly… it's a familiar view for him. Sure, he is facing beings that are ungodly more powerful than humans. But, he can counter that with the power he received, when he stepped foot into the supernatural world. It's just more battles to him, battles to protect those he loves dearly… in his mind, nothing has changed".
"Remember your first kill?" the Fox question, and the screen shows a video of Lucy sending a stream of fire to a Fallen Angel that was about to attack Sona from behind. Lucy look at screen and see herself frozen in shock as she stares at the wailing man on the ground, engulfed in fire. Lucy pays most attention in her past's expression, it holds horror and fear at what she just did. Lucy sees Sona walking toward her and gives a comforting hug, whispering that she did nothing wrong and thanks her.
"You cried in your sleep and woken up by nightmares for days after that kills. Nawin has already experience that in a younger age. Do you see where I'm coming from, Lucy?" the Fox ask and gets a stiff nod from the blonde. "Your story has only just begun while Nawin's story has already been written in countless of pages, and it will only continue to grow."
The Fox walk toward Lucy and gives her a small, but comforting smile "You are just an inexperience girl who doesn't fully understand how this world works yet. So, I can't fault you with the way you have become now. Hopefully this conversation will clear your mind" "… I understand" Lucy utters slowly, after a moment of silence.
The Fox sees a familiar light shining in Lucy's blue eyes "Those eyes… they now shine brightly, just like when you were young" he states with an exciting grin "Let them burn brighter! LIKE MY FLAMES!" the Fox roar and blue flames erupts around him. The flames speed toward Lucy and engulf her completely "Shout my name! Lucy Makasha! The name that has been block from you until now!".
"NOOTAU!" Lucy scream from inside the flames. The fire glows brighter and gain largely in size when the name is shouted. Nootau smirk, watching the flames shoot up to the skies. The whole land shake and creak from the rumble, produce by the dense and powerful aura being release by the Makasha. Slowly, Lucy step away from the flames, and her once blonde hair now glows in bright blue, matching the same color as the flames, though the tip of her ponytails is bright red instead of blue. Her right eyes glow bright golden while the left stay the same blue as normal.
Lucy cross her arms and hold a foxy smirk, matching with Nootua's "Well done, Pup. Those eyes are just what I wanted to see" he said with pride, staring at the fire in Lucy's eyes, before asking "How you feel?" "I feel… fantastic!" Lucy smile and clench her hands, feeling the comforting warmth of the flames surrounding her, protecting her.
"Glad to hear. Now release that form before you completely drain yourself" Nootua orders, making Lucy nod and start lowering her power. Lucy's hair and eyes returns to its normal color while the flame disappear from existence. "That form consumes a lot of mana and since you can't control it yet, you'll just burn right through it in no time" Nootua explain, staring at the out of breath girl.
"W-what is that form?" Lucy manage to blurt out through her heavy pants and tries hard to stay on her feet "I'll explain it in due time. You should get some rest now, Pup" Nootua said, stopping in front of the blonde. The Fox brings his right paw up and tap Lucy's forehead, sending her out of the mindscape.
"… You honestly believe you can keep her away from my grasp?" a dark and deep voice chuckle wickedly around the field. Nootua's sharp pupils narrow ever slightly when hearing the familiar voice and turns around to see a half of the lush green land is gone and replace with a dark entrance of a cave. The entrance is lock away by golden color cage bars with numbers of black chains wrap around the middle of the bars' and is chain lock tightly by a large black lock that dangles in the center of the cage.
Nootua glares at the shadow inside the cave, where the voice lays "As long as that cage and lock stays… you are not getting your hands on her" "Hehehe… we shall see about that" the voice chuckle ominously, before going silent.
Grago: Reaper's Main Barrack
"Ah… these hallways go on forever!" a fat and tall middle-age man with grey hair shouts in frustration while sweeping the wooden floor with a wet mop. "Keep on cleaning there, buddy!" a group of soldiers walk past him, dirtying the floor with their boots that they have no doubt purposely forget to take off.
The man grips the handle of the mop tightly and bite his tongue when hearing them mockingly laugh at him, but he refuses to retort, knowing it will resolve a beating on him. "Stupid soldiers… thinking that they are all high and mighty, just because they are in the Reaper Army" he quietly cusses and quickly wipe the footprints, then picks up the now dirty bucket of water and head down the hallway.
The cleaner continues walking silently, passing by numbers of doors that either lead to different rooms like a resting quarter, kitchen, living quarters, or training rooms. The man pauses at the large two wooden doors on the right, in the center of the hallway. "Hmm?" he cocks his head to the door when hearing sound of a light thud, like something drop to the ground.
"Isn't that the General's Quarter?" the man utters "She isn't here right now… is something sneaking in there?!". The Cleaner leans the mob on the wall and drop the bucket. He stands in front of the door, contemplating if he should enter 'By the way, do yourself a favor and never enter the General's Quarter unless she gave you permission to… she hates people snooping around' one of the warnings rewind in his mind when he took the job of cleaning the barracks and was told of a few sets of rules not to do in the Reaper's barracks.
Suddenly another thud is produce and the man nod to himself 'If there's someone, then I'll be able to warn the others… maybe then I'll get some respect around here. Maybe even' the man suddenly smiles lewdly 'I'll get a personal thank you and reward from the beautiful General!' with that thought in mind, the cleaner twist the door knob to the side and enter the room.
The Quarter is rather standard looking with a spacious main room, where a large table is place in the center and few drawers full of files and paper are on the right and left edge of the room. There's a few beautiful crafted swords and lances display on a glass case nailed to the light brown walls. A beautiful white chandelier hanging up in the center of the room, lighting up the place nicely. The room has two windows at the end, right behind the desk with a large bookcase stand in between it. The windows show the misty and dark view of the city of Grago.
"There's two doors here" the man said to himself, staring at the door on the right then the left "This room looks untouched… they must be in either of those rooms" he quietly whispers to himself. Soft foot step makes themselves notice on the right side, follow by a sound of light giggle. "What the?" the Cleaner quietly makes his way to the right door and slowly, he opens it though not full but just enough to peek in.
The man is completely taken aback when he sees a grey-haired young boy, who looks to be around seven or eight-year-old running around the room while swinging a blow-up sword. The child giggles and thrust the sword forward, though suddenly trip and fall face-first onto the soft carpet in the room. Instead of crying like the man expected, the boy just giggles and gets up to resume his play 'What is a child doing here?! Did he get lost?' the man thinks and decide for a minute on what to do.
The Cleaner nod and push the door wide open "Hey, Kid!" he calls out in a stern tone, wearing the same expression to go along with the tone. The boy pauses and turn to look at the man with his big and innocent lavender color eyes. "U-uhm" the boy utters, clearly nervous by the stranger presence and takes a few steps back while gripping the sword close to his chest.
"What are you doing here, Kid?" the man takes a step forward, which cause the boy to take another back "You aren't allow in here… come on let's leave before the General come back and punish you" he said and walk toward the boy. "S-stay away!" the boy shout in fright and throws the sword to the cleaner. The sword of course did nothing and just bounce away when hitting the man's chest. "Alright, brat! Stop monkeying around" the man shout in annoyance and harshly snatch the boy's slender wrist, before he could make a run.
The boy's whole body shake in anxious when he feel the man's rough hand hold his wrist hardly "L-let go!" he shouts and try to pull away, but to no avail with his smaller size and weak strength. "Stop being troublesome!" the man shouts and jerk the boy back, harshly which cause him to squeak in pain.
Water start forming on the boy's eyes, and he start exhaling air "… MOMMYYY!" he shouts those word as loud as his vocal cord allows. A loud wind roars into the room and before the cleaner can turn his head, he is clutch by the neck harshly and slam into the wall. "GAHH!" the man cough in pain, which is stop by a hard pressure squeezing around his neck, stopping him from breathing "Did I gave you permission to step foot in here?!" a livid and familiar voice shout.
The man's bulging eyes shoot down to see General Akari glaring up at him with her cold ice blue eyes that freeze his heart. The boy runs toward the woman and hide behind her, gripping the red coat tightly and bury his face in it.
Akari loosen her grip from the man's neck, then grab his face and smash it into the wall with much force that it creaks the back of his skull and put dent in the solid concrete wall. Akari drop the man's motionless body to the ground and turn to the boy "Mommy!" he cries and hug the woman tightly. Akari cold eyes soften and shush the boy, softly caressing his hair "It's ok now… I'm here" she whispers in comforting, smooth tone.
"General! Is everything alright?!" three soldiers enter the room and halt when seeing their General hugging her child. "Everything is fine, Men" Akari reply with her usual strict and cold tone, then gets up and turn to them while the child hide behind her. "Take that trash out of here" she points at the corpse.
Two of the soldiers immediately comply and carry the body out "I knew that cleaner would do something stupid one day… he just looks like a person who would" the middle one comment, sending the corpse a disgust look as it is carry out of the room. "Find a new cleaner and let it be a strict one" Akari orders. The solider place is right hand on his chest plate, creating a loud clink noise, and bows respectively "Understood, General! I shall take my leave" he said and turn around to exit the room.
The boy releases the cloak when hearing the door shut. "Huh" he releases a relief sigh and smile brightly up at his mother. Akari turn around and is immediately greet with a hug from the child "Welcome back! Mommy!" he shouts happily "Thanks for the warm welcome… sorry for suddenly leaving for a few days. I had some important assignment" Akari explain, scooping up the light boy with her right hand and set him above it.
"Where's Senri? She should be here taking care of you. It's fortunate that I was making my way here and heard your voice" Akari question, looking at her child "Senri is currently out getting me ice cream… I kind of request her to get it" he reply shyly, fiddling his thumps and pout sadly, knowing he went against his mother's rules.
Akari sigh in slight annoyance and send a glare, but softer one compare to her usual one that would strike fear in every soldier in Grago. "I told you not to send Senri in these kind task that requires her to be out of your sight… what just happened is the result of when she isn't with you. If you wanted ice cream, then ask one of the soldiers to fetch it for you" "S-sorry" the boy stutter back, hanging his head down to not meet his mother's eyes.
Akari remove her glare and gently carry the boy to the office room "Just don't let it happen again… I can't be here protecting you all the time, Kouki" she informs, calmly. The main door suddenly slams open and a green blur enter the office "I have returned! Kouki!" a cheerful and young voice state cheerfully and loudly.
The newcomer is a cute young girl, who looks to be around ten-year-old with short green hair that is style in two short pigtails on the right and left side of her head, using a red ribbon. The girl eyes shine brightly in orange which holds lots of positive and innocent emotions. Just like her brother, her skin is young and pure, smooth clean white though in her case, there's a faint scar show on her throat, just on the right edge. The girl's attire consists of a plain green shirt and a black fluffy skirt that each down to her knees.
Akari turn around and send a stern look at the girl "Senri, you're not wearing shoes again" she comments, staring at the child's dirty feet cover in dust. Senri looks down and giggle cutely "Oops! I kind of forgot to wear it again… sorry, Mom" she apologizes with a bow "Go to the toilet and wash your feet" Akari instruct, pointing at left door.
Senri head toward the bathroom in a blur and return in a matter less than a minute with her feet clean and a bit wet. "Ice cream?" Kouki ask, lifting both his hands up cutely, awaiting it "Yes, yes, I got it here" Senri giggle, walking toward the boy and summon a bucket of cookies and cream ice cream by twirling her index finger "There! Your favorite" "Yaaah! Thanks, Big Sis".
A faint and rare happy smile form on Akari's lips as she watches her children interact with each other, a bright and happy smile plaster on their face. Something she never could experience in her childhood. "Listen, you two" Akari speak up, turning serious, which catch the kid's attention and turn to her "I return here to tell you two that I'll be away for a while… probably for a month" she said and is immediately greet with a sound of whining from Kouki, with ice cream full in his mouth while Senri cross her arms and cutely glare at her mother.
Akari sigh and didn't break her usual serious and cold expression as she kneel in front of Kouki, taking out a white napkin from her coat and wipe the remaining ice cream around his mouth. "I'm sorry, you two, but this matter is important and is directly assigned to me, so it's crucial for me to be there" Akari informs, finishing cleaning the boy's mouth and gives the napkin to him for later use.
"But for a whole month!" Senri lift her hands up and flailing it around childishly "You only just returned and now you're leaving again! It's no fair, Mom!" "Yeah!" Kouki joins in with his sister, placing the bucket down and stand next to her for support. Akari mentally sigh and pinch her noise "I'm sorry you two, but you both know the position I'm in and how busy it makes me… I'm not the soldiers that guards you and is bestow with lots of free time" "We know you are a powerful General, b-but you must have some time to spend with us, right?" Senri ask with hope in her tone and eyes.
Akari looks at her kids, seeing them giving her the poppy eyes that would melt anyone's cold heart and won them over, but she is immune to it because she is trained to not ever be manipulatives or fall for deception. Akari let out a faint smile and place her hands on the two's head, gently ruffling their soft hair "I can't do anything about my departure, but I can promise you two this" she said and gain the two's attention "When I return… I'll stop working for a few days and we can go on a little vacation… sounds good?" she asks, and instead of getting an answer, the two slams into her stomach and proceeds to give a tight hug.
The General is able to keep her footing and allow the kids to hug her "You promise?!" they both ask, looking up at her with their big innocent eyes "… Yeah, I promise" she reply, holding her faint smile and gets a large gleeful smile from the two. They stay like this for a full minute, before Akari gently push them back "I need to get going now. I'll leave you two in a care of Taliesin" she informs.
The kids' eyes brighten when hearing the name of their butler "Wah! Talie is back?!" Kouki questions and gets a nod "Yes, he'll be here shortly. Now, I must leave now, kids" Akari said and see the two hug her legs tightly. "Goodbye, Mommy/Mom" they said sadly, though looks up and give her a smile.
Akari send one last smile, before heading to the door and exit, shutting it on the way out. The moment Akari shut the door, her expression turn into a cold one, same goes with her eyes. "You've return," she suddenly states out, glancing to right where a tall man is leaning on the wall.
The man's appearance is very handsome adult with short black hair that is slicked back with a single sharp bang hanging at the middle of his face, bright green eyes, sharp facial structure, and pale skin. The man possesses a thin though agile figure, and is dress in a typically butler's outfit. The outfit consists of a black trouser, numbers of button double-breasted tailcoat, and a grey vest that goes with a black tie. The man also wears a grey glove and a golden watch on his right wrist.
"Taliesin" Akari calls and the man place his right hand on his chest and gives a respective bow "I have… my lady" he said in an intoxicating deep, smooth tone that would send shivers down any woman's spine. Taliesin stand back straight and send a charming smile "The house you requested me to build is complete. The young master and young lady will be staying there for the next month." he informs "Good, I don't want them staying in my office for a whole month" "Yes, it wouldn't be ideal. They can cause damage and be in harm…" he said, silently telling the General that he saw the cleaner's corpse while making his way here.
Akari nod and turn around, ready to leave "I'll leave them in your care" she said, and the butler place a hand on his chest and nod "Understood. Shall I allow them to watch you compete in the tournament? It will ease their mind seeing you… even if it is through television" "... Allowed… it's not like they never seen violence before".
Taliesin nod once more and watch the General walk away "I bid you luck on the tournament, my lady" he asserts "Don't worry about me. Look after those two… that's your only and most important job, Taliesin" Akari reply, sharply. The butler bows down once more, his green eyes flash in blood red.
Varuna Village
"Why does our village have to be infested with Giants!" Lenna groans in annoyance, standing in front of the village's enormous gate while looking at the horde of Giants stomping toward them. The soldiers worn in full silver armor stand behind Lenna with their weapons ready while the others are busy pushing the gate shut, just in case the forces get overwhelm.
"They probably come here to hunt you down, Lady Lenna!" one of the soldiers shout back to the laidback woman "You did kill a lot of their kin" the other insert in a calmer tone. "It was self-defense! They attacked me so I attacked" "You did destroy one of their home" "It was near Varuna… do you want Giants growing near our doorsteps?" Lenna retort sharply, looking back to see all the soldiers shaking their head quickly.
Lenna release a loud sigh and start walking forward, hold right arm up for the soldiers "You all stay back for now and deal with the ones that get past me" she orders and start running toward the horde. Lenna cuss when feeling herself limping ever slightly, but continue to press on in full speed.
When she is near the horde, Lenna jumps up, does a in midair front flip, and stump her left leg to the ground while keeping the right still up. The earth, beneath the Horde, creak and swallows them whole, taking them into a deep crater, with the rest of the rubbles and rocks. Lenna hop with her left feet, to the edge of the crater and see the Giants getting on their feet and roar up at her, smashing their large hand and clubs to the ground and walls.
One of the smarter ones throw their club at Lenna, but an earth hand form on the ground, from her right and catches the large club, when it was just inches away from impacting the woman. "You guys honestly should give up and stop harassing us. Find other places to build your home" Lenna advise, staring down at the Giants while the earth hand crush the club and deform back to the ground.
Lenna slowly bring her right feet down and stop it just inches away from the ground "Get bury" she said in chilling cold tone and drop her right feet down to the ground. The crater's border gets mush and start flooding on to the Giant's, burying all of them in earth. The mush dirt flush around the creatures, it's thick liquid stop them from swimming and instead drown them completely.
Lenna watch the liquid dirt slowly raise up to the surface. Before it overfloods, Lenna taps her right feet down again to stop it. The dirt hardens quickly and return to solid earth, looking spotless like there was never a crater there to begin with.
"… Whoa" the soldiers mumbles and stare in awe at the woman's skills "That's our Earth Keeper!" they cheer proudly and happily while Lenna is walking back to them. The soldier's cheers are interrupt by a Giant bursting from the forest, at the right. and coming toward them with rage in its eyes while raising its club up.
The soldiers are about to scatter, to dodge the offence, but a large Earth Dragon's head form up from the ground and chomps on the Giant's lower part. They turn to see Lenna staring sternly at the Giant, with her right-hand raise "Should have escaped" she inserts and close her palm. The Dragon bites the Giant's body in half and quickly swallow the lower part before also taking the upper part, crunching it with a sickening noise of bones being crush into bits and blood can be seen sipping out from its mouth.
After finishing the Giant off, the Dragon crumbles away. "You ok, Men?" Lenna call out and the soldiers swarm her in gratitude "Yes! Thank you, Lady Lenna!" they cheer happily while the woman returns them with a relief smile "Good to hear. Let's continue on to our duties" "Yeah!".
Lenna walk past the soldiers and make way to the opening gates. A sigh release from her lips as she walks past the large gates, fully entering her home village. "Time to fully focus on training and get use to this leg brace… the limping is still too noticeable" she notes.
Lenna pause and look at her right hand, then clench it, her eyes sharpen in determination "I'm holding the reputation of Varuna on my shoulder… I won't bring shame to my village… I'll roll through every other contender" she swears and look up to the skies.
Next Chapter: Conference Day Arrive! New Rivals Build!