Out in the Open

Saul shot up. It was the twelfth day since Michael had gone into the cave. And from Saul's Soul Perception he was coming out today. His perception was a little muddled from the anticipation and anxiety of waiting…as well as the alcohol. So he still couldn't tell if Michael was a Kishin or not. He hoped not, but now was no time for hope. With Marburg still active a new threat looming in the distance it was possible that bigger troubles would be coming, hesitation of Saul's part now wouldn't be kindness it would be murder for May and anyone else who was around Michael at the time. Saul stepped forward and grabbed Rochelle, "hurry it up!" he shouted not wanting to waste a minute. If Michael had indeed become a Kishin than his first target would be May, who was in no shape to move. If he came out hungry and Saul wasn't around to protect May something would definitely go down, Saul had no time to waste. He had to get there soon!

A faint blip appeared on May's own Soul Perception, which was admittedly much weaker than a meister's. May rolled over and sat up, bringing her body up against one of the small bed posts as she leaned against it. "Mi-chael," her mouth was dried and chapped; even forcing that word out seemed to take all of her energy. She tried to bring herself up and onto her feet, but the sand beneath her made getting her balance hard…or was she just too tired to even stand? She collapsed back down onto her bed. She couldn't move…she'd just wait here for a little while longer. If that was Michael than Saul and Rochelle would be here soon. She couldn't wait to see them and Michael again…as well as eat and drink again…this was truly a tough test that the academy had laid out for them, she had to wonder why…why put them through this horror? She hoped they had a very good reason for doing this.

Saul mumbled something. They had set up camp too far away from the cave! They didn't want to interfere with the training, after all, if Michael accidentally picked them up or even May did then they might've gotten confused and Michael could've gotten lost! They had to stop faraway, but it wasn't a picnic for them out here either. It was tiring stuff, trying to remain vigilant. They had had to stay out of Michael's range, but keep him in theirs! In other words they had to stress their own range while keeping a careful eye on Michael's. It wasn't something an amateur could do…you needed to know both your opponent and yourself in order to achieve something even that simple. Saul rushed in, he knew he had to make it there in time. He had to push his legs a little harder. Saul still couldn't make it out, was he a Kishin or was he holding onto his sanity! Saul couldn't stop! He had to get there just in case!

Saul skidded to a halt as May's small camp came into his sights. He tried to tap into his Soul Perception and see where Michael was, however, the stress and the work-out from running out here was making it harder and harder to see. His mind was becoming clouded and he couldn't even think straight. He looked to the tent and decided it was no time to be hesitating even if he couldn't use his Soul Perception he could use his eyes. He fumbled forward and wasted no time in opening the tent up and barging in, ignoring the fact that this was a woman's room and she could be doing private things like all people do, like changing clothes. However, that possibility never even crossed Saul's mind as he barged in, kicking the flap wide open for sheer drama. Saul marched in, his worry showing on his sleeves. He marched in and looked around for his target. He immediately saw Michael's back, but he couldn't quite make it out. He looked human enough, but there were several cases where Kishins looked 'human' from the back and didn't from the front. And Saul couldn't jump to conclusions in a situation like this. Not when the life of two of his students were at stake. Saul crept forward, trying to keep up an even, unsuspecting pace as he approached Michael. He didn't want to draw his attention if need be Saul would rather take Michael's head off with one clean sweep. Rochelle stayed as quiet as she could, she could feel Saul's intensity traveling through his hands and into her as if trying to say, 'I can do this'…while at the same time saying 'I don't want to do this.' Rochelle felt her partner's high anxiety levels and nodded, agreeing with him.

Michael's soul suddenly seemed to turn over as if just moments before he was unconsciously or barely aware of what was going on around him. But it quickly became obvious now he was aware. He was aware of the person holding the weapon, creeping up behind him. Saul's body suddenly felt like it had been electrified. The uncertainty of not knowing was welling up. His hands had become covered in sweat as he stared at his old student. Michael's body seemed like turning around slower than usual…was he trying to catch Saul off guard? Was Michael just tired from being trapped in the cave for so long? Or was Saul just imagining things? Saul's knuckles turn pure white as he tightened his grip on his boomerang. "Michael, are you all right?" Saul asked his words, probably seemed to full of worry and unease, but he couldn't help himself. His hand seemed to be flexing uncontrollably, tightening and then loosening his grip. He couldn't quite control himself. Saul swallowed his own spit, trying to wet his drying throat.

"I'm fine," said Michael finally. His words seemed to cut through the tension and allow Saul to loosen up at last. For the first time since laying eyes on him Saul could tell that Michael was definitely tired, his shoulders were sagging and his breathing was a little ragged. He turned back around, making his back face Saul. "Who I'm really worried about is May." Saul smiled, a profound partnership had truly blossomed between these two. The fact that Michael was back safe and sound was proof of that bond. His first thought upon arriving was him worrying about May. The DWMA was basically founded on the bonds between Meister and Weapon, forget about passing the test of turning into a Kishin…it looked like Michael did one even better. Saul smiled and stood up. May was probably in bad shape, Michael didn't need food, but she did. This was also a test to see if May was willing to go through hell for her partner and she did it. It was always a good thing when two partners got along well together. Still Saul supposed congratulations and the party would have to wait until they took the two back home and let them rest up for the upcoming battle. After all, the date was soon approaching. An ominous dark cloud hung in the air and Saul couldn't help, but shiver at the prospect. Michael would need every advantage he could get in order to stay standing against him.

(-With the fourth brother-)

"Master, I've gather the army that you wanted," said a lowly Evil Human as he kneeled before the impressive brother of famine. He stood up and waved his hand, dismissing him immediately. His attention was needed for the final preparation. The Evil Human didn't seem very interested in moving though, he stayed his ground and looked at him with intrigue. He sighed and welcomed him to speak his mind. The Evil Human spoke up, "why do you need such a large army? I mean, they are only kids. Asking for a thousand Evil Humans and a hundred witches? I understand and respect that you are being extra cautious, but moving such a large army without attracting Lord Death's attention took manpower and money. It wasn't easy to do, so don't you think it is time you let me in on your plan?" The Evil Human was his right hand man for awhile about ever since Marburg had come to alert him to Vigrid's actions. And as result, he may have been a little bit too…er, open. After all, he made it sound like there was no plan to this, that all of his actions were pointless. It was insulting and little bit degrading even if they were in the confides of his room.

"You're right," he said, standing up and motioning for him to follow, "move everyone to the gathering hall, I want to make an announcement. I will explain my reasons for calling everyone here now." The Evil Human bowed several times and immediately sped out of there, he was a bit worried. Underneath Vigrid or Marbrug he would've gotten chewed out, but this one was a lot nicer. He knew the importance of a strong underling and master relationship. He did as he was told and gathered everyone up, moving them all forward and to the hall. He had them stand there and went through the formal introductions, allowing them to mingle, and even offered them something to drink. By the time the announcement was ready he, too, had calmed down in one of the front row seats, looking up and onto the stage to see his master shuffle onto the stage. A sinewy man stepped out, having discarded his cloak his entire body was on display and it was almost literally his entire body. It was as if somebody had stripped him completely of skin and bones leaving the red flesh of muscles beneath it, the only bones that were obvious on his body were his teeth each sharpened to a point ready to devour his target. The Evil Humans and witches in the audience were silent as they watched him come up to the stand and tap on the microphone about to give his speech and explain his plan.

"My brother Vigrid was on the right track utilizing an army," he said into the microphone, causing some of the Evil Humans' heads to perk up…they were a part of the failed army and were more than happy with a second chance. "I plan to use one as well…except I'll be using mine better. Vigrid had a fine grasp on powerful warfare, but he lacked a little bit of grace when it came to it. After all in chess you only need to capture the king." Those words explained his entire plan in an instant. "I'll be here waiting, I do intend to finish off those brats once and for all. They have shamed my family, but Marburg my brother will go straight away and take down Lord Death. He's busy with his own preparations elsewhere and couldn't be here tonight...that is my plan. I know Lord Death he'll send a large majority of his army to me, Vigrid is already out of the way, so as long as he avoids both me and Marburg he has a fighting chance and generally a good one. As a matter of fact, should they fight on equal grounds I assume Marburg has a 30% chance of winning usually. But like I said he's doing some special preparation.

"Anyways, that brings me to you and what I need you for," his words seemed to carry a sort of weight to them, it made them hypnotic to a point. None of the Evil Humans had budged an inch. "I need a banquet set up." Their faces dropped.

"You want us to cook for you!?" they shouted. Marburg was taking on the truly dangerous job, he was the one who needed help! And then this guy gets off on ordering them all here along with the witches just to cook for him! What was he insane?! They got up, twisting out of there seats and began to head for the door. They paused as they noticed each door had slammed shut, sealing them in.

"I think you misunderstood what I asked you all here for," he said lowering his voice to a grave tone, "you are not chefs. I would not trust you to handle making me chicken and noodle soup. Oh, no, you guys are the food."

I'm always worried I'm losing backlog for this...and then I realize I got like eight chapters of backlog which is a decent chunk...anyways, new post.