#####################################################

Silver Eyed Angel

Chapter 10

The Calm Before The Storm

####################################################

"Master, the weaker members of your forces have dispersed to their duties. Riful has sworn not to cause any troubles, although she also wishes that you be informed: "If he wishes to command me in the future, he had best come and force me to submit to him.'" Dietrich reported, her voice a cross between amused and excited at the prospect of her Master claiming another Abyssal and further cementing his place as the most powerful being alive, even if said abyssal was well known for her...psychotic tendencies.

"Tch. Riful just loves to play her little games, doesn't she. Well, that's fine, I'll deal with her later. She will learn her place after we finish with our true enemies." Raki smirked lopsidedly, sending another thrill through her, before he gestured for her to continue.

"All of the high-ranking warriors and Awakened have been divided up into combat teams as you commanded, and are ready to follow you, unto their deaths if they must." Dietrich's vocie now was filled with pride in her master and all that he had accomplished. The loyalty that he had engendered from beings who had lost their humanity, or worse, cast it aside willingly. Of course, she wasn't going to mention to her master that several lower-ranked warriors had been caught trying to sneak into the groups in order to follow him into battle. At least not right now, she might mention it later even if only to see how he punished them for their insubordination.

Licking her lips slightly at the thought, she listened as her Master acknowledged the update and followed him as he strode from the room out into the sun-filled outdoors where his elite force was waiting. Taking her customary place at his right as Octavia, dressed again in armor after all these years, flitted to stand at his left. The two Hands of the Angel, as many had taken to calling them, nodded curtly to each other, rivalry still in full force, before folding their hands behind their backs as their Master began to orate.

"Sisters, friends, comrades, hearken to me now!" his voice filled the large courtyard beneath the balcony on which he stood, and the dozens of elite warriors and Awakened ceased their idle chatter and planning to turn all of their attention to him. "Long have the people of this island suffered for the transgressions of the dastardly Organization! Long has this island suffered for the machinations of powers far from our home! Many of you here have suffered longer than some of us have been alive, hunted by those that should call you sister, cherished companionship stolen from you by greedy and power-hungry old men! Long have the innocents bled or been taken from their homes for the sake of these cruel machinations! No longer, I say! Today will mark the end of the Organization, the final liberation of Toulouse and all of its peoples. Today, our sisters will be free! Today, we will take back our futures and hold them tightly under guard so that they might never again be sullied by those who are unworthy!"

The gathered women (the few male Awakened that had shown up having been sent North to Isley) cheered together, fists pounding on breastplates in an endless pounding rhythm of crashing metal. Raki leapt from the balcony, cloak swirling around him as he fell and struck the ground, before dashing away, his warriors at his heels. Before them lay the freedom they had sought for so long...and the battle that would decide the fates of thousands.

#############################################################

Octavia felt a her blood sing for the first time in centuries as she and Dietrich flitted along after their Master, their sisters behind them. Long had she hoped for a place to belong, for companionship, for a family. It is why she had sought out Chronos, Lars, and Eruopa, but the two males had been quite and withdrawn after their long lives of solitude, and Europa was simply lazy and mind-numbingly narcissistic. Here though, with The Alpha, she had found not only true sisters, but a mate. True, she like all her fellow warriors had not felt the touch of intimacy from her Master, for he was still too loyal to his Clare to even kiss them or use them for His pleasure. And yet, it was that loyalty and restraint (frustrating though it was) that so endeared him to his followers. They all knew of how hard his Youma nature raged to claim the willing and submissive females that surrounded him, they could feel it growing within his aura with each passing day, and they in turn found themselves in a constant state of arousal and submission to him, often subconsciously doing what they could to entice him into claiming them.

She smirked lightly as she recalled how outraged Dietrich had been when she and the other Awakened began traipsing about the fortress whilst utterly naked, the musk of their arousal filling its stone halls, the scent and dampness of their fluids scattered where they fell during their travels. She shivered in delight as she remembered how her Master's aura had flared like the sun, and a voice distorted with pure power ordered every male within the restored citadel to a new camp some miles away. She, like her sisters, knew that Raki had done so in order to keep from slaughtering the lot of them in a fit of protective jealously, his bestial instincts enflamed at the thought of other males witnessing his mates in such a fashion. It hadn't taken long for their un-Awakened sisters to join them, though Dietrich had steadfastedly refused to do so (Octavia was sure she wanted her mate to see her naked for the first time only as he claimed her at long last) and Rachel, who was decidedly uninterested in being claimed.

That had actually been the first time their Master had put his foot down and punished any of his women, as some of the younger warriors, led by Renee, had attempted to beat her into submission to show her her 'proper place'. It...hadn't gone well, and the result had been a thoroughly thrashed pack of warriors spending a few days in the dungeons. Of course, Octavia knew that the punishment he had meted out hadn't gone...quite the way he hoped, as while they hadn't bother Rachel again and he had meant to chastise them, what he had done was assert his dominance over them. Which they had enjoyed. Immensely.

Tamping down a flush of arousal at the thought, she refocused on him as they left the Southern territories and entered the East. They would be entering enemy territory soon, at the rate they were traveling, and she once again marveled at His power. She didn't understand how, but no matter how far or fast they ran, as long as they were with him, they grew neither tired nor hungry, but instead felt a slowly, steadily building fire within their bellies the longer they traveled.

#######################################################

Renee felt her bruises ache slightly as she ran, a testament to the lingering results of her punishment from her Master for trying to put Rachel in her place. She felt a thrill run through her core as she recalled His writhing aura of power as he had dove into her groups midst, hands and feet lashing out in lightning-fast strikes, remembered the cries of mingled pleasure and pain from her fellows as he chained them to various objects in the dungeon, even flogging those of them who had actually injured Rachel.

She resisted the urge to frown, still less then pleased that the bitch had dared to refuse her Master (even if he hadn't made overtures to, well, any of them yet, it was the principle of the matter!) His rights to all lesser creatures, herself most assuredly included. As such, she had taken it upon herself to bring her to heel, and then deliver her to her Master. True, he would not claim the former number five, or any other, until Mistress Clare had returned to his side but again, it was the principle of the matter. When he had come to visit her after her punishment, eyes filled with sad, disappointed curiosity, she had been tempted to take her own life for failing him so deeply again. However, her life was no longer her own, but His, and only He could end it, or for His safety could it be sacrificed. He had asked her why she had done as she did, and she had tried to explain that Rachel's impertinence was a deep sin, an insult to HIm that she had tried to correct, but He had merely shaken his head and explained to her His thoughts on the matter.

He was the Alpha, yes, and all knelt before Him, but to serve Him body and soul was to be each of his servants' choices. Rachel, He explained, had given her loyalty to Him, but she could not bring herself to care for Him as a lover, and so He would not force her. Indeed, He elaborated, she was unable to feel such things at all, or so she thought, and He did not want anyone to give her body to Him out of duty, but affection. Renee, as always took His words as a Command, and His truth once more became her own. After all, His logic (naturally) made sense, and if Rachel could not care for Him in such a fashion she was not worthy of being taken by Him.

She shuddered and stumbled slightly, her sisters mimicking her, as Raki sent out another wave of His youki to keep their strength up. A technique he had discovered and mastered thanks to Nimue, he had found he could channel His youki into his servants without actually touching them, enhancing their strengths and keeping them from growing tired, thirsty, or hungry. The side-effect, frankly the main reason his servants appreciated this power transferral, is that their own bodies and youki reacted to that of their Alpha entering them, constantly keeping them in a state of arousal as they instinctually prepared themselves to be taken. It had made moving a damn pain when clothed, and soon enough they had begun to forgo undergarments of any kind, some of the younger, less stoic warriors cutting away the crotch of their uniforms completely, unable to control themselves to the same extent as their elders.

Delicious discomfort aside, this power would provide them with the ultimate edge against the Organization, an endless source of energy and power with which to destroy their previous jailers. Even if He had to engage the Legendary Eight, He would surely remain unchallenged in might, and so would they remain unchallenged before him.

#########################################

"Are you already to go?" Miria asked her fellow Ghosts, one hand posted on her hip as she looked around at them all. They had come far these last few weeks, driving themselves beyond exhaustion again and again with a single-minded focus that bordered on desperation. A desperation, she knew, that was not simply a desire to meet (or to see again, for those that had already done so) their Alpha and future mate. No, they all knew that there was conflict on the horizon. They could feel it, and those who had met Raki knew of his discontent or even outright hatred of The Organization, even before they made him into a warrior. He would not waste much time in eradicating their enemies, and they wanted to be there for it if they could.

The various warriors made sounds of agreement, some rather impatient, and Miria had to repress a smile as Clare practically bounced in place from excitement, much to the amusement of her sisters. The short-haired speed-demon had been almost insufferable, despite the frequent orgies that had followed their last. As much as she had enjoyed being with her sisters (who were now her lovers, as well) she wanted to be with Raki once more.

"Let's get going, then. We've spent more than enough time up here." Clare voiced her impatience aloud, dashing towards the South. Her sisters exchanged fond and amused looks at her haste before following, easily falling into a close, staggered formation with Clare and Miria at the front. All of them were glad to be leaving at last, but it was a bittersweet joy. Though the knowledge that they would be seeing their mate and destroying the Organization was a bright light to guide them, the North had been their home, their solace, these last few years. So many of their sisters had fallen in battle against Isley's army, so many sisters that would not be alive to see the freedom they would claim for themselves.

The journey was silent as they raced along the roads, passing through one destroyed settlement after another, testaments to how little the Organization had ever cared to intervene in the North, and how harsh the land was for those unprotected or unprepared for its fury. Yet, for all the silent stillness, there was a sense, one that began to grow stronger and stronger as they grew closer to the border. Soon enough, the group found themselves passing through a small canyon, and it was then that their watchers revealed themselves. Awakened and Youma appeared before and behind them, lining the lip of the canyon and watching them with unwavering attention.

"Warriors of The Organization, you will halt immediately and submit to captivity for your own protection." The obvious leader, a powerful looking male Awakened armed and armored as a warrior, instructed them, voice making it clear that disagreement was not a viable option.

"We need no protection from your kind, Awakened. We have business in the South, and you'll not stop us from reaching it." Clare retorted, in no mood whatsoever to be delayed, least of all by Isley's cronies, and their opponents' tensed for a fight as the Ghosts flung their capes clear of their arms, drawing their blades, but the leader raised his hand to his forces before either side could attack.

"Hold. I recognize the emblems on your blades. The Master commanded that any bearing those blades or marks be brought before him immediatly. Tell me, are there those amongst you that are known as Clare, Miria, Helen, or Deneve?"

"How do you know those names?" Miria hissed, now deeply concerned. Being 'captured' was one thing, they could probably find a way out of it when there were far fewer enemies around, but if the four of them being present drove the youma and halflings to attack, they would not be able to withstand so many. Even as powerful as they had become, the weight of numbers was certainly against them, and from what she sensed many of them were no lightweights.

"The Master of All, whom some might call the Silver Eyed Angel, commanded that you be protected and watched over by all beneath his banner." the leader responded, giving a courteus half-bow. "I am Chronos, number four of the male generation and one of Lord Isley's officers. Please, follow me to our main encampment."

A sweeping gesture from Chronos had the youma forces dispersing, vanishing from view as quickly as they had appeared, and the Ghosts exchanged glances. The male's story seemed to hang together with what limited information they knew. That Raki was the Silver Eyed Angel, Isley was allied with him, and that Raki wouldn't want any halflings to come to harm, especially not Clare. Still, it went against their instincts and beliefs to not fight youma and Awakened.

Taking a deep breath, Clare made her decision and stepped forward, Miria at her side a heartbeat later, and the Ghosts following with only the slightest of hesitations. Chronos tactfully decided not to mention their still-unsheathed swords, and instead began leading them further south at speed. As they traveled, they couldn't help but notice more and more youma and Awakened warriors entering their sensory range, especially before them. The reason soon became apparent as they broke through the edge of the forest to enter into a large plain, upon which was camped what could only be described as a great host. Youma, Awakened, even a few humans, all gathered together in preparation for battle.

"What are you doing with those warriors?" Clare asked sharply as they witnessed a large number of Awakened and several warriors guarding a large group of disarmed halflings, and Chronos glanced over at them before replying.

"The Organization discovered the Master's plans, and sought to purge the current generation of any possible followers by reenacting the War of the North. Those warriors that were sent North against us were subdued and captured unharmed on the Master's orders. He has no wish for any of our sisters to die, not when they will soon be free of the Organization. Those warriors that you see guarding them are those who are not powerful enough to assault the Organization at his side, and as such were dispersed to duties such as this." He explained, and the Ghosts scowled at the knowledge that The Organization had tried to recreate the slaughter that they had survived and lost so many siblings in.

Miria frowned in thought, confused. It made little sense for Raki to have any warriors stay back. Even as overwhelmingly powerful as he was, surely it would just be simpler to attack the Organization en masse, with only their human guards to defend them? Something to ask Isley once they reached him, she decided, she had no interest in asking to many questions in public, especially none that some enterprising young warrior might take as a slight against Raki. She didn't have the patience for dealing with such things.

Isley looked up as the group was admitted into his presence, and his eyebrows raised as he saw whom, and how many, stood before him. A glance at Chronos had his friend and subordinate reporting what had happened before being dismissed, along with Isley's guards. The Silver King folded his hands behind his back and gazed at the Ghosts for a long, silent moment, long enough for them to shift a little uncomfortably.

"I had not thought when we met those months ago that I was speaking with Clare and Miria, two of the very women that Raki spoke to me at such length. Had I known, I would have delivered you to him all the sooner, but instead we find ourselves at an impasse. You are eager to be at his side, I imagine, yet Raki has instructed that no one he has not directly specified is to be present at the battlefield." He said finally, and Clare's expression immediately darkened into a fierce scowl of angry confusion, and she opened her mouth to speak. Miria, sensing both an opportunity to learn what she wanted to know and keep a conflict from occurring, lay a firm hand on her shoulder, silencing her. Clare, knowing full well that Miria knew her place and would only do such a thing if it was important, remained silent and calm. Miria then returned her attention to Isley, formulating her question carefully.

"I questioned this when Chronos mentioned all warriors remaining away from the battlefield, and so I shall ask you what I wasn't going to ask him in the open. Why, if the warriors have abandoned the Organization or been captured, is Raki not simply attacking with the full muster of his forces and end them within the day? It makes little sense to have them remain behind, if all the Organization can summon to their defense is bands of human bandits." She asked calmly, eyes scrutinizing the Abyssal.

"Because, dear little sister, the Organization has taken their decision to play God further then ever before. Dei, and his pack of madmen, have managed to use Raki's blood and flesh not only to heal the stigma all of our kind suffer, not only to allow them to Awaken without losing themselves to their hunger, but indeed to allow him to return them from the grasp of Death itself. He has revived the Legendary Eight." Miria gasped in shock and no small hint of fear at the phrase, and Isley smiled grimly at her. "Yes, I see you know precisely of whom I am talking. That, my dear Miria, is why only former single digits of significant strength are permitted to join him in this battle."

"Miria, what is he talking about?" Clare asked her Captain and friend softly, wondering what could have shaken the strong woman so badly, and Miria shook her head as she stared at Isley for another full minute before responding.

"The Legendary Eight are the eight most powerful warriors ever to exist. Warriors that were never permitted to Awaken for fear of the destruction that would follow. You know one of them Clare, you carry her flesh within you."

"Theresa..." Clare breathed, and Isley nodded to her.

"Indeed, Theresa of the Faint Smile is one of the Legendary Eight. Raki hopes that once the Eight take to the field, he can engage Theresa alone and the single digits can wipe out the other Seven quickly." He explained, before clapping his hands slightly. "So, you will be joining the Organization warriors under our protection and moving to Rabona with my army whilst I move South to join him in battle. Riful has sworn to keep herself out of trouble in the interm, and the Youma know better to move against us."

"Do you honestly think we're going to sit back and let Raki take on those kinds of enemies without us! We survived the War in the North and your army, we can survive this!" Helen growled out angrily, the rest of the Ghosts nodding and murmuring in agreement. Isley turned a suddenly fierce look to her as his aura began to spread out over the room. Many of the Ghosts felt as if gravity had increased tenfold, their knees buckling underneath the pressure, though they struggled to remain upright and more or less succeeded.

"You survived through wits and what amounts to trickery. I know not how you did it, but given that you did not destroy my army, that remains the only option. Do not think that wits will be a deciding factor in a clash between titans. Even I am hesitant to challenge these warriors. I, who was the first amongst the original generation, the closest to raw, absolute power before Raki was created. You younger generations, your power is weaker than that of my own, but it is more refined. You have greater control over it, and that is why you are able to challenge us. But it will not be enough, not this time, and so you will remain in Rabona." His tone was iron-clad, gaze unwavering, and it was clear to the Ghosts that they would have to beat him if they wanted to reach Raki, no mean feat even now. For that matter, they would then have to best the army outside, something impossible for them to accomplish. At their depressed expressions of acceptance, Isley softened slightly and smiled at them. "I understand this is not an easy thing to accept, an easy command to obey, but your presence may put him in danger, as he would be worrying over you instead of focusing on the fighting. Clare, you will be taking command here, Chronos and Lars can help bring you up to speed. Get everyone to Rabona and wait there."

With those final instructions imparted, Isley turned and departed, turning into his Awakened form once he was clear of the camp and racing South with the incredible speed his horse-like lower body could muster.

##########################################

"This is it." Raki murmured to himself as he gazed down into the small canyon which the Organization's headquarters called home. He looked around at his loyal companions and friends, his sisters (Slaves! Mates! Servants to his pleasure!) and shook his head, banishing his Youma side to the back of his mind once more, before drawing his sword and hefting it. A chorus of steel sliding upon steel echoed as his forces mimiked him, and he leapt off of the bluff with a roar.

The Battle For Toulouse had begun.

#################################

So the next chapter will essentially just be fighting and shit. One, maybe two chapters left in this story guys, then I will start planning out the sequel!