Like I promised! PART TWO!
Chapter Twenty Four
The Hijtam Front: Part Two
"The caravan job in Sarhara was fake, surely you knew that, the real goal was to take two certain passengers and an item to a man in Anondye, unfortunately the Dune Guard picked that day to attack…not only did I lose my partner Jyim'Son and the people I was escorting but the item was lost as well…I've firmly believed it was these Dune Guard but the more we fight them and the deeper this conspiracy goes…these assassins that came after us today are in service to my former union, The Altar."
Soren shook his head "It could've been someone else…you tear through Dune Guard like nothing…but if they didn't attack the caravan and steal the item then Meloi wouldn't have it…right?"
To'Eltz looked around to the rest of the group "I'd think not but if the men who came after us have it, then what happens to me doesn't matter…they could be tying up loose ends but they said they wanted me alive…if they could…"
The rest of the group absorbed this with Rhogam walking up to them "We have to go, we've already been set behind and those guys will likely come for us again, talk and move."
As they continued their walk, Soren asked the trickster some more questions, specifically about the item's location and The Altar.
"Jyim'Son had it on him…whoever killed him must've taken it. I'm certain that Earth Sages were in the mix that attacked me…I know that Meloi was there but if it wasn't Dune Guard…am I mistaken? As for the Altar…I never thought for a minute they would send their men in after me for deserting them."
Mia called Soren and To'Eltz over to Lune's cart, sitting down she began to speak "I think we can help you To'Eltz, we can help you remember the attack…I've been practicing with my Branded abilities and I think I can help you recall some things."
Soren raised an eyebrow "When have you done this?"
"Back at the dojo to help the kids relearn the basics, jog their memory a bit and some things come flying back."
Soren smiled "Not too sure about using the kids as guinea pigs but if it works."
As the group continued moving along Mia exhaled and placed a hand on To'Eltz head, the man then closed his eyes, before he could speak about not believing this can help, the trickster began to feel heat like the desert in Sarhara.
He saw Jyim'Son sitting in front of him, lower face covered by a cowl speaking to To'Eltz with the diplomat and scholar among the people on the cart.
Jyim'Son revealed the item and continued speaking before concealing it.
There was a flash and now To'Eltz saw the overturned carts and dead civilians as red robed figures attacked them. Taking a closer look the trickster noticed arrows and realized that the Dune Guard only has swordmasters, warriors, halberdiers and earth sages in their employ. Looking around he saw Jyim'Son fall he didn't want to look again but kept staring as three men surrounded him and stuck their blades in his back. One knelt down and took something, as the attack continued the three turned to run, however one of the three turned and struck another's head off and took something from him before rejoining the combat to blend in.
Eventually this man came face to face with To'Eltz until there was a violent flash and the trickster returned to Lune's cart.
He stared into Mia's eyes silent until she took her hand off of his head. "Did that help any, To'Eltz?"
The trickster nodded "I never thought I'd come to trust you all…but I also never thought the Altar would come after me in Regalshin…I appreciate the aid even if I was only using all of you in the first place."
Soren shrugged "We knew that, like I said, we were using you as well."
To'Eltz sighed and took off his hat "Meloi blended in with the false Dune Guard, they were members of The Altar…all the times I've fought my own co-workers ended with many casualties on both sides…we're deadly efficient that way…no wonder we were overwhelmed…why didn't I see it before!?"
Soren thought this over, The Altar moved to kill To'Eltz, Jyim'Son and steal something from them only for Meloi of the Dune Guard to steal it from them, what is this item? Who is the person that needs it the most?
To'Eltz chuckled "I see that brain working at an incredible pace…I'm pretty sure I can answer some things but…I think that is enough for now…until I have the item back no one else needs to know my true purpose."
At the front Rhogam laughed as Orgoth and Tyazaer spoke of history almost like a contest. Whereas Orgoth's knowledge came from his place of employ, Tyazaer's was from her quests, from the mouths of people as opposed to the pages of books.
Lyle walked next to Rhogam and eyed the massive and strangely designed axe on his back "Rhogam…did you forge that yourself?"
The Reaver turned to Lyle and glanced at his swords "The sword on your right…custom hilt, special to you?"
Lyle nodded "First blade, I constantly rework it, improving its performance even restructuring the blade itself."
Rhogam nodded "What is a man without a true man's weapon, this beast on my back is the Quetzal Cleaver, I forged it with the Bolt Axe in mind, of course I don't know magic incantations to make it cause lightning strikes but I can run power through it, giving enemies a shock as well as a mauling."
Lyle nodded "Interesting."
"Not as much as your three edged style, never had the privilege of seeing or the honor of fighting someone like that."
Lyle grinned "I get that a lot…it wasn't easy to learn that's for sure, you never realize how strongly you rely on both your feet until you start fighting in a style where you only stand on one."
As the conversation at the head was light, in the far back there was a distinct change in the atmosphere as Mikel and Leena marched along. The warrior noticed that his comrade and interest was in very deep thought.
Sighing he decided to go ahead "Leena! Why are you so down? Does your arm still hurt?"
He put a hand on her shield arm and rubbed it to which she gave a small grin before shaking her head and pulling away "I'm fine Mikel…but…"
"Are things going back to the way they were again? Why?" Mikel said seriously, to which Leena clenched her fists.
"Because you are a huge idiot! It doesn't matter how important someone is to you! You told me you're the most reliable on the battlefield! Then you go and get sliced up watching out for me!"
Mikel stared down at the scars from the fight with the assassin as Leena moved quicker to put space between the two of them "I can't be responsible for your stupid 'I'm manly and I must protect my woman' antics getting you killed!"
"I never called you my woman, Leena…good to hear you think so though!" She turned to face Mikel who smiled "This isn't a joke Mikel! I know I told you I prefer you like this as opposed to you being serious and caring…but be serious and care right now! About yourself!"
She stormed away, leaving Mikel to sigh and mutter "Honeymoon's over."
Meanwhile, Kay'Shera flying overhead looked down at the two in concern "Michalis…think I should offer some kind of advice?"
The roc made a few low sounds as Kay'Shera nodded before looking back at Mikel and Leena now several feet apart.
Sitting in Fistivus' cart, Wyre looked stared out into the snowy countryside in the distance. From the height of the Hijtam Shield the sight was unbelievably magnificent. On Hitenticul there were no massive areas covered in snow like this, or even Daein in Tellius as spoken of by Soren and Mia.
"Thinking or observing?" The thunder sage turned to Wayu and smiled "Just observing…these short intermissions between the battles make everything else seem so far away."
"Even though we are heading to our biggest challenge yet." Wayu stated with a smile. Wyre kept his eyes on her for a bit causing her to look away and mess with her hair, he inhaled deeply and breathed out a long cold breathe, "I'm too old for this mountain trailing stuff…"
Wyre turned to Fistivus "Not at all, you look spry enough to do just about anything."
As Wyre laughed, Fistivus joined with a few chuckles, even in the lightness of the moment, every member of the group kept themselves on high alert for when The Altar decided to strike again.
"Ejim'Wot…" Quo'Eltis turned to face his subordinate and shook his head "You had a perfect chance to capture To'Eltz, I don't need a long drawn out combat, killing the others is too much of a hassle."
Looking up to his master, Ejim'Wot was deathly afraid Quo'Eltis would do away with him right here. The man's face was wrinkled with deep set eyes. One arm had two weapon wrists with a jagged sword on his hip. Kneeling to be eye level with Ejim'Wot the leading assassin put a finger on the man's forehead.
"You get one more chance…I didn't come to this frozen wasteland to return to The Altar empty handed…it's either To'Eltz's head or yours."
Ejim'Wot nodded "Yes sir…for The Altar…"
"Mikel."
The warrior looked up as Kay'Shera dismounted Michalis and landed near him.
"Kay'Shera…what's up?
"I was…wondering if you…wouldn't mind some…advice…"
Mikel tilted his head "Advice?"
"I noticed you and Leena are having a few…issues."
Mikel turned and glanced around before keeping his eyes on the female Sarharan "You didn't tell anyone did you?"
She shook her head "No, but there are no rules against relationships…Soren and Mia and-"
"I know it's just…well…I won't turn down free help, so what do you have?"
Kay'Shera smiled "Leena is a lot like someone I knew…very proud and strong, doesn't care about others opinions about her."
Mikel nodded and sighed causing Kay'Shera to giggle "You really like her."
"You're surprised? I guess my brashness makes it seem a little less than genuine."
"However, if you get really close to her, you'll see she can deeply care for people…"
Mikel nodded "That is probably why she was so angry with me watching out for her and getting cut up in that last fight."
"It's alright that you want to protect her…but she can protect herself, instead of fighting for her, fight with her…because you are with her."
Mikel couldn't help but laugh "So obvious…thanks Kay'Shera. You know quite a bit."
"I am a woman."
The warrior laughed again "Right, sorry."
She opened her mouth to add to it but decided not too "Good luck, Mikel."
"No, the deepest mine in Pozem is in the Relquis Mountain…" Tyazaer smiled and shook her head at Orgoth "Close…the Relquis Mountain is home to the largest mine, the deepest mine is in the Ilkim Caves."
Orgoth turned away as he calculated this before chuckling "Right, no, you are right…how did I mess that up?"
Tyazaer laughed and waved him off as Rhogam ran past the two "Hey! Look over there! We can see Pyrnaz the capital city of Regalshin!" The group gathered near Rhogam and looked off into the distance, the Reaver then addressed the group, from here they began their descent, with the moon rising they decided to make camp when they got closer to the base level to avoid a very cold night.
Gathered around the campfires, the group settled down with a few tents up and food. Soren surveyed the group, noticing Rhogam, Lyle, Mia and Fistivus engaged in conversations about various fighting styles. All four of them were well traveled and there were a lot of unique styles in every land.
Next to Soren sat, To'Eltz, Kay'Shera, Wyre and Wayu just speaking of things relating to their homes, though To'Eltz shared very little.
Noticing that Lune joined Orgoth and Tyazaer in their talk of history, Soren noticed beyond them Leena sat by herself caring for her blade. The Archsage put his food down and glanced around, unable to locate Mikel, he stood and walked towards the mercenary. Knowing he was approaching her, she sighed "I don't know where the oaf is and I'd rather not talk…"
Soren sat next to her, earning a glare "Leena…"
As they stared at each other, Leena noticed that Soren had a particular look in his eyes, like he…
Realization hit as she turned away from him and muttered "You know."
"I'm in charge of this group…well, co-charge with Mia, but I try to manage everyone, not just as allies or comrades but as friends and people…I could tell there was a dynamic shift between you and Mikel…and now it seems to have change again."
"It's better this way…" Soren continued watching her as she ignored him and sheathed her blade "I'm going to get some food, anything else you want to say?"
Standing with her back to Soren she began to walk away. "Don't stop what you have…"
She came to a stop but refused to turn as Soren spoke "What you have makes you stronger not only as a fighter, but as a person. I would know, trust me."
She remained still as Soren returned to the rest of the group.
As Tyazaer stood first watch, she stared out into the black of night and inhaled deeply. Her horse was resting with the merchant horses and the rest of the group was sleeping, admittedly, she was a little worried in regards to The Altar. Despite her travels she would never have believed there was an underground league of assassins killing people in an age of peace, but they attacked and To'Eltz was a member.
Mia joined her with a smile "How you doing?"
Tyazaer turned to her and raised an eyebrow "Why are you here? We only need one person on watch."
Mia: Well, with those assassins out there…I was worried.
Tyazaer: Thank you, Mia.
Mia: No problem…you alright though? You seemed lost in thought.
Tyazaer: Oh, you know, fighting for one's life isn't a regular thing in this life…I surely hope more people begin to take this seriously…those massive incidents like the Euto Research Center, Treige, the Western Archive at Shuize and Myillheim…I can't imagine what is going on in the capital cities.
Mia: Despite this being an age of peace, I'm confident the leaders can keep everyone calm.
Tyazaer: …what do you know of Archduke Dalton?
Mia: The former archduke of Myillheim before Rey Oshwa? Not much beyond what Kanahana told us.
Tyazaer: A man like him in this day and age fought to preserve the peace through killing anyone who did something unsightly in his eyes…his actions were…supported by many other leaders around Numengate who believed it was an efficient way to keep the peace.
Mia: How exactly was he removed from power?
At this Tyazaer shrugged "I don't know…it isn't too well logged, some believe he was killed, others believe he was removed naturally and Oshwa ascended to his position with little problem…fair to say any wrongdoings were covered up to preserve the peace…it always comes back to that."
As they stood there Mia turned slowly, she swore she could feel her ear twitch. Before she could say anything, Tyazaer was also turning around and gripping the blade at her side.
The night remained silent, even more than it should be as the two stood there surveying the area, waiting for someone or something to emerge.
Mia loosened the grip on her blade and put her arm on Tyazaer who sheathed hers as well. After a few minutes the paladin headed over towards her horse and Mia moved back to the tents. Hearing a sudden burst she flipped around to face the mountain cliffs as a burning arrow bolt sailed across the night sky and landed in the campsite.
"It's The Altar!" Mia called out as Tyazaer mounted her horse and raised her lance as the horse reared on its hind legs.
Several more arrow bolts ignited the area, one striking a tent as Orgoth, To'Eltz and Fistivus emerged from it, the knight quickly extended his lance to destroy a bolt in midair as To'Eltz leapt up high and cut through another one.
As the rest of the group emerged Tyazaer turned to the mountain trail ahead as several assassins charged towards them, bows in hand.
She shot towards them as Kay'Shera, Wayu and Leena readied their weapons, Wyre and Soren shot their spells into the cliff walls, tossing snow, ice and rock all around as several assassins leapt for safety and rolled to their feet among the burning snow.
To'Eltz aimed his blade at them "We have been waiting for you!"
Launching himself at two of them, their blades began clashing as Orgoth and Mia backed him up by knocking away two others that attempted to ready their bows.
Rhogam emerged, swinging his massive axe he came towards an assassin as an arrow bolt caught him in the shoulder. Ignoring it he mauled the man with his axe, sending a shock through his body and killing him in one blow.
As the man fell dead, another assassin charged towards him, blade blocked by Lyle before being killed by the swordmasters second weapon.
Kay'Shera descended on four high on a cliff, three of the assassins responded by throwing themselves into the burning snow where Soren and Mia's troop fought the other members of The Altar, while the last one was impaled and killed.
As the three aimed their bows at Michalis they had difficulty in the dark sky. Wayu and Leena charged them, Leena's blade cleaved through a bow raised in self-defense allowing her to follow up with a slash across the chest as Wayu knocked aside another assassin's weapon with her shield before swinging around and embedding her lance in him.
The four that ran from further down the trail became distracted by Tyazaer, her horse easily weaving between them as the paladin spun her lance, the hook end caught in a man's neck ripping it open before she tossed it into another assassin's chest.
The last two attempted to gouge her horse but it leapt clear away from them. Turning upon landing as Tyazaer spun her blade, cutting through the last two, one fell dead while the other fell aside, injured. Retrieving her lance she doubled back and killed the last one before rejoining the main fight among the icy flames.
As Soren and Wyre continued to deflect the arrows in midair, Mikel leapt onto a merchant cart "Wyre! Light it up!"
Concentrating Wyre extended his hands before yelling as an electrical current surged around him before being shot at the mountain cliffs. Several assassins shielded themselves as the light exposed them. Mikel seized this chance to fire on them with his bow, killing two and getting several more in the arms or legs, knocking them off the cliff. As they fell, Lyle and Rhogam dashed towards them, killing the fallen men one by one.
As To'Eltz tore his blade out of one he kicked the other assassin to the floor, disarming him and holding his short sword within centimeters of the man's neck.
"Why commit Quo'Eltis to such a pointless mission? I don't know where the item is."
"Maybe so…but we need the identity of the man you were delivering the item to…and if you truly don't know where it is, it'd be best to kill you."
"You are doing a bang up job!" With a smile, To'Eltz sunk his blade into the man's neck, watching as the assassin chocked on the blood and struggle to breathe before twisting the blade and ripping it out.
"Where is Ejim'Wot…" the trickster asked no one as he stood, why send such a large force but no leader?
As a result of Orgoth's tackle, an assassin stumbled away into Mia's range; she quickly dispatched him before turning around to slice through another arrow.
Looking up to the assassin in the cliff, an arrow caught him in the left eye and he fell dead. She turned to see Rhogam spin his bow with a smile before looking to the dying flames and countless dead bodies.
"Did anyone see Ejim'Wot or this Quo'Eltis?" Soren asked, receiving negatives from the rest of the group until they heard Lune scream.
Ejim'Wot emerged from the merchant carts with Fistivus in his grip and a blade to the merchant's neck.
The troop aimed their weapons towards the assassin who smiled "No one needs to die tonight…turn over To'Eltz and we'll go."
Soren glanced over to the trickster who sheathed his blade "To'Eltz!"
"I appreciate your aid…but…I will not let one of you be killed for me…"
"Drop the blade and staff, don't try anything To'Eltz!"
As the trickster dropped his weapons, Ejim'Wot laughed. Soren kept thinking what he could do, no one was close enough to Ejim'Wot but he had eyes on everyone, any movement he didn't like would end the merchant's life.
As To'Eltz walked towards Ejim'Wot the assassin laughed "I appreciate you making this easy To'Eltz…once you are back in The Altar for your debriefing we can all move on with our lives…and with peace."
"Peace?" Mia asked, ignoring her the assassin pushed the blade closer to Fistivus as To'Eltz reached them.
Before he could speak black flashes covered the mountains, an armored solider like Midnight 11 and 10 appeared along with three Reavers and Sentinels in the black garb of The Midnight.
"Midnight 9. Active." The solider charged Ejim'Wot, who was in shock and unable to react as he was thrown away. A Reaver attacked To'Eltz, who evaded and grabbed Ejim'Wot's blade from where it fell. Retrieving Fistivus he leapt away as three javelins crashed into the ground around where he stood.
"Go!" Acting quickly, Soren and Mia's Troop charged The Midnight.
"Lyle! With us!" Soren called as he and Mia engaged Midnight 9.
Breaking away from the rest of the group, Lyle obliged as Leena, Mikel, Tyazaer and Kay'Shera engaged the Reavers.
The mercenary and paladin easily countered two of them while Mikel's axe crashed repeatedly with the other. Kay'Shera dove down, lance meeting with the hard armor covering the Reaver who turned and struck air as Michalis took off. Seizing this chance Mikel struck him in the back, the Reaver turned again, face and mouth masked by helmet, expression unreadable the Midnight soldier attacked Mikel.
Leena leapt aside as the Reaver continued his assault, noticing how powerful these foes were she began to feel much more excited "Big change from the Korgans, Dune Guard and even The Altar, you lot aren't messing around!"
Re-engaging the Reaver she continued to evade his slower and wider attacks nicking at his armor and exposed skin as the other tried to keep up with Tyazaer on her horse literally running circles around him with her blade out, deflecting the axe.
As Mikel's axe flew away he leapt in the opposite direction, the Reaver's axe crashing into the snow gave Mikel enough time to tackle the man to the ground. Rolling around and keeping him in a headlock as a javelin from Kay'Shera stuck in his side. A powerful fist struck Mikel's face as the Reaver rolled away, retrieving his axe and removing the javelin.
Wayu raised her shield quickly as the opposing Sentinel's lance crashed against it. With a powerful push the man was left open to a powerful strike from Wyre to the chest. Wayu followed up with the back of her lance to the man's face, throwing him further back. "Thanks for the cover Wyre!" she rammed her lance into the man but it was blocked by his shield.
"Cover the others!" she called, Wyre quickly turning as Rhogam rolled aside, a deep cut down one of his arms. "Arcthunder!" the beam fired from Wyre exploded in the snow as the Sentinel dove away coming to his feet behind Orgoth whose lance was locked with the last Sentinel. "Look out!" Wyre called as the Sentinels attacked Orgoth together. Acting quickly Rhogam fired several bolts from his bow at them, causing them to leap away from the injured Orgoth, focusing his magic, Wyre struck one of them intensely, causing him to scream and fall to one knee.
Hearing Wayu call out the sage turned again, noticing the sentinel she engaged broke away from her, as the lance sunk into Wyre's body and out his back he placed his left hand on the man's face and pushed a powerful current through The Midnight soldier's body. As the Sentinel screamed he pulled away grabbing his face then stopping as the end of a spear protruded his chest. Blood exploding form his mouth as the entire end forced its way through his armor before tearing out.
Midnight 9 leapt into the air, limbs flailing about, knocking away Mia and Soren's blades and then Lyle's when he approached before landing, igniting the ground around them, burning all the snow away to reveal the rocky base.
Arms across his chest, the shot out, catching the blades with his powerful armor before flipping into the air, left foot kicking into Lyle's chin, snapping his head back and tearing Soren and Mia's swords from their hands before landing upright and throwing the blades aside.
Noticing Ein'Tosen sliding to the cliff edge, Mia leapt after it, grabbing the hilt before it fell down the mountain. Midnight 9 leapt over to the exposed trueblade but was caught by a powerful current and thrown against a cliff wall before Lyle's third blade flew through the air.
Moving his head aside, the blade embedded into the cliff wall right next to Midnight 9's head. As Mia stood she stopped next to Soren, armed with Arcwind and Lyle with two blades in hand.
"The Midnight seem to grow more powerful each time we fight them, specifically these…things." Lyle commented.
"I am Midnight 9…the fourth Midnight created to serve the master…"
As Soren prepared his spell, winds whirling around him, Mia and Lyle he asked the creature "What is a Midnight? Are you a man under there…a human?"
The sage was confused as what sounded like a chuckle came from Midnight 9 "We are new beings…with one purpose, securing The Midnight's future…humans are inferior and insignificant compared to us…"
"Yet we've killed two of you." Mia added in.
"Logging errors!" Midnight 9 called out as two black, ethereal blades appeared in his hands and he dashed at the trio. Countered by Lyle and Mia, Soren shot a powerful rotary Arcwind into Midnight 9's chest, spinning him and hurling him into the cliff wall, a loud crash as rocks exploded out and the creature fell to the ground again.
Mikel and Leena stood back to back facing two Reavers as Tyazaer dashed across and cut the third, followed by a dive from Kay'Shera.
"Now a good time to talk?"
Leena rolled her eyes "Really?"
"I just want to tell you I'm sorry…can I do that?"
As the Reavers charged, Leena rolled aside, coming up on her foe's left side and cutting into it while Mikel swung powerfully, causing his foe to stumble to the side.
"…alright, I'll give you that much!"
Mikel booted the man in the back, causing him to fall to the floor while Leena leapt over her opponent and landed facing Mikel
"Good…I'm sorry."
Leena smiled at Mikel who continued "I'll always be the dependent battlefield partner."
Leena grabbed Mikel by the collar and, despite his smile, threw him to the ground, while spinning her blade to catch her Reaver's axe. "Good to know…partner…"
As the other Reaver stood, Mikel leapt to his feet and with a spin, brought his axe down onto the Reaver's back giving Leena the chance to spin and get behind him, sinking her blade into the back of the Reaver's neck.
With one down the other charged, Mikel booted Leena in the stomach, landing in the snow as the axe crashed into the ground where she stood "Sorry about that."
As Leena held her stomach she laughed slightly before standing and engaging the other Reaver.
Kay'Shera swirled in the sky as the axe from the Reaver below flew by "Damn, he is persistent."
As she flew close the Reaver leapt onto Michalis and grabbed her neck "Help!" With his other arm he held her lance away from him "Not gonna work!" The Reaver stated before shooting his knee into her chest, Michalis flipped over causing Kay'Shera and the Reaver to fall off.
"Now!" Tyazaer screamed, her horse jumping, her using the momentum to leap into the air and grab the two battling in the sky. Blade stuck in the back of the Reaver she kicked him away and landed in the snow with Kay'Shera.
As the Reaver stood, he noticed the blade was entirely sticking out of his gut, having landed on it and pushed it further through when he fell. Now on his knees, the Reaver fell to his side dead as Kay'Shera helped Tyazaer up "Are you alright?"
The paladin, despite the pain, grinned "I've been through worse."
Ejim'Wot shook his head and stormed off as the troop began turning the tables on The Midnight "I was so close!"
To'Eltz landed in front of him causing the assassin to reach for his blade, only to find that it was gone.
"You took my weapon!"
"You still have the bow and arrow my friend…" To'Eltz stated aiming his weapon at Ejim'Wot.
The Altar assassin noticed Quo'Eltis in the cliff ahead "Help me!" At that the commander turned and left, Ejim'Wot stared at the charging To'Eltz and took his bow and arrow out, letting one fly before he was impaled by his own blade.
Ejim'Wot looked down at the sword in his stomach, his own sword "To'Eltz…you…you won't escape…The Altar…"
To'Eltz twisted the blade and dragged it across the assassin's stomach, ripping his insides, causing the man to choke on the blood in his throat as more seeped out of his mouth and clenched teeth.
"I don't want to escape The Altar…" kicking Ejim'Wot's dead body away, with the blade still in it, To'Eltz breathed deeply "I want to kill The Altar…"
As Midnight 9 punched Soren in the gut before spinning and kicking the sage away he turned to see the other members of The Midnight fall dead. "Combat failure…seems it is in my best interest to retreat."
Manifesting a massive shield he stopped Mia and Lyle's blades before the shield exploded, throwing Mia and Lyle away.
Without another word, Midnight 9 charged towards the cliff edge and leapt off before vanishing in a black flash.
As Lyle helped Soren up the sage thanked him, Mia turned to the rest of the group, watching as To'Eltz tended to Wyre's injuries, despite the seriousness, the sage kept a smile on his face as he spoke with Wayu.
Lyle slowly glanced at Soren "Thanks for the faith you have in me…"
Soren turned with an odd expression "I've always believed you were efficient in battle, Lyle."
"I kind of figured that…but I think it's safe to say you didn't like me as a person…most of the group doesn't."
Soren scratched the back of his head "I don't think that's true Lyle…maybe one or two of them is giving you the wrong impression, it looks like you hit it off with Tyazaer and Rhogam."
The swordmaster nodded "I suppose…"
Following Mia the pair joined the rest of the group, Orgoth and Rhogam were checking in on the merchants, specifically Fistivus who seemed alright.
Soren smiled as he noticed Mikel and Leena, the latter tying a bandage around one of Mikel's arms with a smile as the warrior waved one of his arms around animatedly, screaming about something or other.
Leena noticed Soren watching them and glanced at Mikel before turning to the Troop "Hey everyone!"
The Troop turned to face her as she pointed at Mikel "He's mine!" Before Mikel could say something stupid Leena kissed him, several Troop members laughed while Orgoth shook his head and whispered "Finally…"
Smiling, Mia kneeled next to Wyre "You alright?"
"Heh, so busy watching out for everyone…I forgot about myself."
"We appreciate the hard work, but take care of yourself." Mia and Wayu stated at the same time.
Wyre laughed "I can't very well ignore an order from you two now can I?"
Kay'Shera couldn't help but smile as Leena helped Mikel up, the woman turned to Tyazaer and tapped the paladin's shoulder.
"Are you sure your back is alright?" Kay'Shera asked, following Tyazaer around as she moved some of the dead bodies
"Yes…trust me when I say I've been through worse…I've been through worse…"
Kay'Shera nodded "Alright…alright…thank you…you saved my life."
The paladin nodded before bending down to grab one of the assassin's legs Kay'Shera noticed a very small wince as Tyazaer turned to face the roc knight "Don't mention it, we're all in this together, right?"
The Sarharan came to Tyazaer's side and helped her move the rest of the bodies as the group returned to their tents, drained from the long fight they fell asleep quickly as the moon neared the horizon.
Norad Jyuugo sat on a throne in a vacant room, in an unknown location as Midnight 9 approached him and bowed.
"Seems everything went just as I imagined it…"
Midnight 9 took its place on Jyuugo's right side across from Midnight 8 as Jyuugo spoke to himself "The Altar…we can't let them have their way…can we?"
Snapping his fingers a pair of commanders walked into the room and kneeled.
"The Midnight has taken the helm…Soren and Mia continue to be problematic…we may not be able to stop them in Regalshin but we can halt their advance…you will all follow the back up plans and we'll come out smelling like roses…even if one or both of you should die."
Unmoved the two commanders stood and walked off as Norad Jyuugo smiled.
Added a few scenes to this chapter to flesh out some moments I forgot, I'll give you one. When Kay'Shera was talking with Michalis about offering Mikel and Leena advice, nothing came of it, so I added some dialogue between the two...and now everyone knows Mikel and Leena are together, well Soren and no doubt Mia already knew, hey it is their Troop, nothing gets by them.
Anyway a new picture I finished a few days back is now on my dA: Tag Team 3 includes Soren, Mia and Lyle! ENJOY!
BTW: +500 hours in Fire Emblem Awakening! 9th playthrough here I come!